[15 Jan 2014] Statue of Christ stolen crosses burned in Syria Christian...
The al-Qaeda-affiliated militants have vandalized churches in the Damascus countryside of Ma\'lula.
That\'s according to the secretariat of the...
The al-Qaeda-affiliated militants have vandalized churches in the Damascus countryside of Ma\'lula.
That\'s according to the secretariat of the Patriarch of Antioch and All the East for the Melkite Greek Catholic Church. The militants have reportedly removed the bells of all the churches, burned the crosses, and stolen the bronze statue of Christ. The ancient Christian town of Ma\'lula has been the site of fierce fighting for months now, and thousands of its residents have fled to safer parts of the country including Damascus. Al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front insurgents stormed the Orthodox Mar Takla convent in the town in December and abducted several nuns. Christians make up about 10 percent of Syria\'s population. The religious minority and its holy sites have been subjected to numerous attacks by militants since the outbreak of violence Syria in 2011.
0m:57s
6305
[15 Jan 2014] UN: Executions in northern Syria could amount to war...
The UN human rights office says a soaring number of executions in northern Syria could amount to war crimes.
In a statement released on...
The UN human rights office says a soaring number of executions in northern Syria could amount to war crimes.
In a statement released on Thursday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has warned militants and armed opposition groups that such executions violate international humanitarian law. Pillay said her office has received reports of a series of mass executions of civilians and soldiers in Aleppo, Idlib and Raqqah by militants, especially by al-Qaeda affiliates, fighting the Syrian government. Pillay says exact numbers are hard to verify, but many civilians and soldiers in the custody of militants have been executed since the beginning of this year.
0m:46s
6814
[16 Jan 2014] UN: Executions by foreign-backed insurgents on the rise in...
The UN human rights office says a soaring number of executions in northern Syria could amount to war crimes.
In a statement released on...
The UN human rights office says a soaring number of executions in northern Syria could amount to war crimes.
In a statement released on Thursday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has warned militants and armed opposition groups that such executions violate international humanitarian law. Pillay said her office has received reports of a series of mass executions of civilians and soldiers in Aleppo, Idlib and Raqqah by militants, especially by al-Qaeda affiliates, fighting the Syrian government. Pillay says exact numbers are hard to verify, but many civilians and soldiers in the custody of militants have been executed since the beginning of this year.
4m:28s
5786
[16 Jan 2014] One student killed; several hurt in Cairo University...
In egypt, one student protester is killed and several others are injured in clashes with army supporters at the Cairo University\'s main campus....
In egypt, one student protester is killed and several others are injured in clashes with army supporters at the Cairo University\'s main campus.
In another incidence of violence in the capital, a group of students attacked the administrative office\'s gates of the Ain el-Shams University. All this after a two-day constitutional referendum that was hoped to end the deadly clashes across the country. The vote was boycotted by supporters of Egypt\'s former president Mohamed Morsi and opponents of the government. Although vote-counting is still underway, some Egyptian officials have claimed the turnout has exceeded fifty percent of eligible voters.
4m:14s
7384
[16 Jan 2014] Russia calls for Iran participation in upcoming Geneva II...
Russian once again calls for Iran\\\'s participation in the upcoming Geneva two conference on Syria.
In a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister...
Russian once again calls for Iran\\\'s participation in the upcoming Geneva two conference on Syria.
In a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, Russian President Vladimir Putin voiced support for Tehran\\\'s participation. Putin says Iran is an important country that can play an irreplaceable role. Putin also says the recent Geneva deal between Iran and the P5+1 on Tehran\\\'s nuclear energy program was achieved largely because of the stance of Iranian authorities. The Iranian foreign minister for his part said Russia has made diplomatic progress in settling the Syrian problem. Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also said Iran\\\'s role is essential in ending the conflict in Syria.
1m:50s
6374
[16 Jan 2014] At least 9 killed in Peshawar explosion: scores of others...
A bomb explosion has left at least nine people dead in northwest Pakistan. Scores of others have been injured.
The blast took place on the...
A bomb explosion has left at least nine people dead in northwest Pakistan. Scores of others have been injured.
The blast took place on the rooftop of a religious center in Peshawar. That\\\'s the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on the border with Afghanistan. It came as more than 8-hundred people had gathered for evening prayers. According to a bomb disposal squad, around five kilograms of explosives were used in the attack. Elsewhere in Nowshera city in the same province, police defused another bomb also near a religious center. No person or group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, but pro-Taliban militants have led a bloody campaign against the Pakistani state in recent years.
0m:42s
5852
[16 Jan 2014] Israel land grab continues in Hebron Hills - English
Israeli forces have handed 12 demolition orders to Palestinian residents in Hebron Al Khalil, which includes 6 houses and 6 water wells.
The...
Israeli forces have handed 12 demolition orders to Palestinian residents in Hebron Al Khalil, which includes 6 houses and 6 water wells.
The orders were handed to residents of the village of Sa\\\'ir in the South Hebron Hills. The orders will further confiscate millions of square meters of land from the Palestinians, in order for the Israelis to expand illegal settlements in the area. The village has been closed under military orders and they have given the residents one month to file a complaint before carrying out the demolitions. Human rights groups say that the demolition orders is part of a strategy by Tel Aviv to annex the South Hebron hills to Israel and a greater strategy to maintain military control over the Jordan Valley, the Negev and the South Hebron Hills. A new injunction signed on the 25th December by the head of the Israeli military\\\'s Central Command, which bans all Palestinians from appealing demolition orders to the Israeli military courts. Instead they can only take them to the Israeli high court, which is more costly and time consuming for the residents. They are further banned from using Palestinian lawyers in the Israeli high court. The residents of So\\\'ir already live in cramped conditions in their village as they have been prohibited by the Israeli authorities to build new houses. They explained that if the demolition orders are carried out, they will be left homeless with nowhere to go. They will now take the case to the high court.
2m:10s
7202
[17 Jan 2014] Anti regime demonstrators hold massive pro democracy rally...
In Bahrain, pro-democracy protesters take to the streets in the capital Manama calling for a political solution to the crisis-hit country....
In Bahrain, pro-democracy protesters take to the streets in the capital Manama calling for a political solution to the crisis-hit country.
Protesters took part in a huge rally dubbed, NO TO DICTATORSHIP, YES TO DEMOCRACY. Their demand is Bahrain be governed based on the will and rights of the people. The protesters say their rights cited in the Constitution have been violated by the regime. The demonstrators have pledged to continue their protests until their constitutional rights are restored and justice prevails. Bahrain has been hit with almost daily pro-democracy rallies since February 2011. The regime has responded with a heavy-handed crackdown.
0m:42s
6732
[17 Jan 2014] At least 19 people, mostly foreigners killed in Kabul -...
At least 19 people, mostly foreigners, are killed after a huge explosion and ensuing gunfire in a popular restaurant in the Afghan capital Kabul....
At least 19 people, mostly foreigners, are killed after a huge explosion and ensuing gunfire in a popular restaurant in the Afghan capital Kabul.
Several other people were also wounded in the attack. The dead include an I-M-F representative who was a Lebanese national and a Briton. The U-N says three of its staff is also among the dead. A bomber first blew up his explosives outside the restaurant filled with affluent Afghans and foreigners. Then two militants attacked the establishment through the back door and opened fire on people. The three attackers died in the incident. Taliban forces have claimed responsibility for the attack.
1m:29s
6574
[18 Jan 2014] Tens of thousands of Afghan, Iraq war veterans homeless in...
American soldiers who have returned home from the US-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are facing tough challenges.
The Department of Veterans...
American soldiers who have returned home from the US-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are facing tough challenges.
The Department of Veterans Affairs says, last year nearly 50,000 of the veterans were either homeless or in a federal program aimed at keeping them off the streets. High rate of unemployment and post traumatic stress disorder among the veterans have raised the rate of suicide among them. A large number of US troopers who were deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan come from the lower class. They were promised a better future by the department of defense. Long costly wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have failed to end militancy in the two countries.
2m:31s
7301
[19 Jan 2014] Iran to hand international bodies evidence on Takfiri...
Iran says it will hand international bodies clear and convincing evidence on the role of the supporters of Takfiri groups in the crimes committed...
Iran says it will hand international bodies clear and convincing evidence on the role of the supporters of Takfiri groups in the crimes committed in Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria and elsewhere.
Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif posted the comment on his Facebook page, in reaction to the assassination of Iranian diplomat Abolqasem Assadi in the Yemeni capital of Sana\'a. Zarif said that a small group is backing such dangerous moves and fueling clashes in the region and beyond. The top diplomat added that Iran is ready for an international campaign against extremism and sectarianism. Zarif said he delivered that message to top officials in Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, Syria and Russia during his recent tour of the region.
0m:44s
6311
[19 Jan 2014] Iraq PM blames treacherous Arab states for surge in...
Iraqi prime minister, Nuri al-Maliki has blamed QUOTE \"diabolical and treacherous\" Arab states for the recent surge of violence in...
Iraqi prime minister, Nuri al-Maliki has blamed QUOTE \"diabolical and treacherous\" Arab states for the recent surge of violence in Iraq.
Maliki says Iraq is a target for certain countries that support evil and terrorism. He warned that violence has started to expand and will ultimately reach the countries which are backing it. Maliki did not specify which countries support violence in Iraq. In the past, Iraqi authorities blamed Saudi Arabia and Qatar for fueling unrest in their country. Iraq has seen a surge in terrorist attacks over the past year. The army, in recent weeks, has been fighting militants from al-Qaeda-affiliated Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in the western province of Anbar. On Sunday, it launched a major offensive against the militants in the provincial capital, Ramadi.
5m:14s
7173
[19 Jan 2014] Army launches major operation against ISIL militants in...
The Iraqi army has launched a major offensive against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant militants in the western province of Anbar.
The...
The Iraqi army has launched a major offensive against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant militants in the western province of Anbar.
The military says its troops-- backed by helicopters, began the operation in Ramadi, banning all movement within the city. A police source says policemen and tribal fighters took part in the operation. In recent weeks, Ramadi has witnessed fierce clashes between the Iraqi government troops and the I-S-I-L militants. The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant is an al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group active in both Iraq and Syria.
0m:35s
6284
[26 Jan 2014] Exclusive: Syrian army repels attack by insurgents in...
Fighting has intensified inside al-Qadam district in south of the Syrian capital, Damascus. Hundreds of foreign-backed militants have carried out...
Fighting has intensified inside al-Qadam district in south of the Syrian capital, Damascus. Hundreds of foreign-backed militants have carried out an attack in the area, turning it into a perilous field where only running can save you.
Here on one of the frontlines in al-Qadam area in Damascus, Syrian army personnel are repelling foreign backed militants who are trying to advance further in order to reach the main highway that links Damascus with Dara\'a. Over one hundred extremists were killed in the confrontations. Many of the bodies have remained scattered on the ground as militants were not able to reach them and pull them back. The army has confiscated some weapons used by the militants, which included snipers, RPG\'s and mortars.
1m:56s
6119
[27 Jan 2014] Former global leaders meet Iranian FM in Tehran - English
Members of the group of former global leaders, known as the Elders, have met with Iran\'s foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.
During the...
Members of the group of former global leaders, known as the Elders, have met with Iran\'s foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.
During the meeting, Zarif detailed Iran\'s regional policies and said Tehran is ready to take part in promoting peace and stability in the region. The two sides expressed concerns over the current turmoil in the region and emphasized Iran\'s pivotal role in resolving tensions. The Elders also voiced their concerns over the spread of extremism and sectarian violence in the region and urged collective cooperation to counter them. Finding a diplomatic solution to the war in Syria was also another major topic discussed during the meeting. The delegation, headed by Kofi Annan is on a three-day visit to Tehran to meet senior Iranian leaders.
0m:46s
5895
[27 Jan 2014] Iraqi forces capture ISIL ring leader in Mosul - English
The rise in terrorist attacks across Iraq along with the al-Qaeda linked group of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant\'s attempts to take over...
The rise in terrorist attacks across Iraq along with the al-Qaeda linked group of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant\'s attempts to take over the cities of Fallujah and Ramadi in Iraq\'s Anbar province have prompted Iraqi security forces to clamp down on al- Qaeda and its affiliates.
In the latest wave of arrests in Iraq, the security forces have managed to capture one of the main leaders of the group in the city of Mosul. According to Iraq forces, the detainee known as \"the king of Northern babel\" is ISIL ring leader and 16 warrants were issued for his arrest prior to his capture. The al-Qaeda linked ISIL has become very active in Iraq in recent weeks as they have been crossing over from Syria.
2m:7s
5982
[30 Jan 2014] Norway wealth fund bans investing in 2 Israeli settlement...
Norway\'s huge sovereign wealth fund has blacklisted two Israeli firms involved in the construction of settlements in East Jerusalem al-Quds....
Norway\'s huge sovereign wealth fund has blacklisted two Israeli firms involved in the construction of settlements in East Jerusalem al-Quds.
The sanctioned companies are Africa Israel Investments, which is an Israeli real-estate developer, and its construction subsidiary, Danya Cebus. The world\'s biggest wealth fund has slammed their construction activities as a contribution to serious violation of individual rights in the occupied territories. The move is the renewal of a three-year ban on investment in these firms. It was repealed by the Government Pension Fund of Norway in August last year. Israeli settlements are illegal under international law. Recently, the European Union asked Tel Aviv not to announce new settlement constructions. It said such an act would be an acute threat to the progress of the so-called peace talks between the Palestinian Authority and Israelis.
0m:53s
6111
[30 Jan 2014] Exclusive: Thousands in Syria-s Yarmouk camp face...
The catastrophe of al-Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus is growing with each hour. Militants occupying the camp since months blocked the delivery of...
The catastrophe of al-Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus is growing with each hour. Militants occupying the camp since months blocked the delivery of food and medical aid causing the death of many civilians because of starvation. She is a mother picking up grass as food for her children. And this is where people hunted, killed and ate a dog to survive.
Civilians have dozens of horrific stories to tell. This woman cries for her old and sick husband. People here told Press TV that militants have all the food they need but have refused to give them. After several failing initiatives, Syria based Palestinian factions were able to coordinate with some of the militants to bring in some UN aid into the camp. Several hundreds of food boxes were distributed.The urgent need of food assistance is clearly visible here is al-Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus, as hundreds of people have marched hoping to get a parcel of food aid. People say the distributed aid is not enough in comparison with the number of the needy inside as there are thousands trapped. Though the aid delivered isn\'t sufficient, but the fact that food started flowing in is optimistic. According to Palestinian factions, the Syrian government provided all facilitations for the success of the process. Al-Yarmouk is the largest Palestinian camp in Syria. The factions continue their efforts to clear the camp of foreign fighters and end the violence there.
2m:13s
6141
[30 Jan 2014] Syrian troops launch major attacks against insurgents in...
Syrian army units in a major push against insurgents across the country. Troops have carried out large-scale operations in several towns and...
Syrian army units in a major push against insurgents across the country. Troops have carried out large-scale operations in several towns and cities.
The mop-up operations covered vast areas in the Idlib and Aleppo countryside and the cities of Dara\'a, Homs and Dayr al-zawr. The Syrian army says scores of foreign-backed militants including Saudi and Tunisian nationals were killed during the offensives. It also adds that a large number of heavy weapons were seized from militant hideouts. Meanwhile, mortar attacks have left over a dozen civilians injured in residential areas in Damascus. The government has blamed the insurgents for the mortar shells.
0m:37s
6565
[31 Jan 2014] At least 10Palestinians are injured in the Israeli air...
The Israeli military has launched three airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, targeting the northern, southern, and eastern parts of the besieged...
The Israeli military has launched three airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, targeting the northern, southern, and eastern parts of the besieged Palestinian territory.
Palestinian officials say three explosions were heard in the territory. Rescue teams and ambulances have rushed to the areas. At least 8 Palestinians have been injured in southern Gaza town of Rafah. Two Palestinians have also been injured in the north. Tel Aviv claims the air strikes were carried out in response to a rocket fired from Gaza. The Israeli military often targets Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, which remains cut off from the outside world by a crippling blockade.
3m:21s
5958
[31 Jan 2014] 60 killed in clashes between Houthi fighters, Salafi...
At least 60 people have been killed in clashes between Houthi fighters and pro-Salafist tribal gunmen in northwestern Yemen.
The fighting...
At least 60 people have been killed in clashes between Houthi fighters and pro-Salafist tribal gunmen in northwestern Yemen.
The fighting occurred in Amran province, near the border with Saudi Arabia. There have been battles between Houthi fighters and gunmen from the Hashid tribe in the area since early January. Hundreds of people have been killed in the clashes between Houthi fighters and Salafi militants since October.
2m:58s
6276
[31 Jan 2014] Bahraini forces attack demonstrators in Abu Saiba - English
Anti-regime demonstrations rage on in Bahrain, despite the heavy-handed crackdown on protesters.
In the latest round of protests, regime forces...
Anti-regime demonstrations rage on in Bahrain, despite the heavy-handed crackdown on protesters.
In the latest round of protests, regime forces used tear gas to disperse protesters in Abu Saiba, west of the capital Manama. Earlier on Friday, a mass rally was held to condemn a controversial ruling by a Bahraini court which disbanded a Shia Muslim clerical body. The verdict against the Islamic Scholars Council came in a lawsuit filed by Bahrain\'s Justice Ministry accusing the organization of promoting sectarianism. The move has been criticized by the opposition and human rights groups, who say it is part of the regime\'s efforts to silence the voice of dissent. Since 2011, anti-regime demonstrations have been held almost every day in Bahrain, in defiance of the deadly crackdown.
0m:51s
5598
[31 Jan 2014] More Europeans join terrorist groups in Syria - English
The number of Western extremists fighting alongside militants in Syria has gone up three times in the past two years. This comes as Western...
The number of Western extremists fighting alongside militants in Syria has gone up three times in the past two years. This comes as Western intelligence services are seeking cooperation from their Syrian counterparts to find out who these insurgents are. Most of them are said to be from poor neighborhoods in Western cities.
2m:13s
4726
[02 Feb 2014] Iraqi security forces kill dozens of ISIL insurgents in...
Iraqi security forces continue operations against al-Qaeda-linked insurgents in the restive west of the country.
Reports say some 50 militants of...
Iraqi security forces continue operations against al-Qaeda-linked insurgents in the restive west of the country.
Reports say some 50 militants of the terrorist group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, ISIL, have been killed in Anbar province. Anbar has been the scene of fighting between the Iraqi government forces and the I-S-I-L over the past weeks. The clashes have claimed many lives on both sides. A large number of Iraqi civilians have also been killed in bomb blasts and other terrorist attacks in recent months. The Iraqi government has blamed the attacks on the al-Qaeda-linked group and its regional supporters including Saudi Arabia.
4m:40s
5798
[02 Feb 2014] Heavy fighting erupts between Houthis pro Salafi tribal...
In northern Yemen, heavy clashes have erupted between Shia Houthi fighters and pro-Salafi tribal militants.
Militants have launched missiles at...
In northern Yemen, heavy clashes have erupted between Shia Houthi fighters and pro-Salafi tribal militants.
Militants have launched missiles at civilian homes in the town on Houth. This comes after Houthis took control of the town as well as the village of Khamri from tribal gunmen. The advances are considered huge victories for the Shia fighters following weeks of battles with pro-Salafi militants. Houthi fighters and gunmen from the Hashid tribe have been engaged in heavy fighting since early January. Hundreds of people have lost their lives in the clashes since October.
0m:35s
5876
[08 Feb 2014] Fresh Rallies held in protest against regime\'s killing of...
In Bahrain, demonstrations have been held against the regime\'s violent crackdown and the killing of pro-democracy protesters.
In the...
In Bahrain, demonstrations have been held against the regime\'s violent crackdown and the killing of pro-democracy protesters.
In the predominantly Shia village of Bani Jamrah in the northwest, people protested peacefully over the murder of two protesters by the regime forces. Carrying pictures of the slain protesters, they formed a human pyramid at the end of the rally and waved the Bahraini flags. The village has been the scene of a brutal crackdown, with regime forces opening fire on unarmed protesters on many occasions. Earlier on Friday, the police fired tear gas and stun grenades at anti-regime protesters on the island of Sitra, south of the capital Manama. Since 2011, demonstrations against the al Khalifa regime have been held almost every day in Bahrain. Troops from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were called in to assist the Bahraini regime in its crackdown on protesters.
0m:49s
7655
[10 Feb 2014] Palestinian factions in Syria make gains against militants...
Syrian-based Palestinians have gained strategic ground in their fight against foreign-backed militants in the Yarmouk refugee camp near the capital...
Syrian-based Palestinians have gained strategic ground in their fight against foreign-backed militants in the Yarmouk refugee camp near the capital Damascus. Their recent victory has forced the insurgents to accept a ceasefire.
2m:15s
4412
[11 Feb 2014] Anti-drone campaigner gone missing in Pakistan - English
Karim Khan, one of the strong opponents of US assassination drone attacks, went missing since Feb 5 from his residence in the outskirts of...
Karim Khan, one of the strong opponents of US assassination drone attacks, went missing since Feb 5 from his residence in the outskirts of Pakistani capital Islamabad.
His family says Khan was kidnapped by armed men from Rawalpindi city.Shazad Akbar, senior lawyer who is spearheading the legal battle against the drone strikes, has confirmed the incident. Despite efforts by his family and lawyers, Police and other authorities are not willing to share Khan\'s whereabouts.Karim Khan, originally a resident of North Waziristan, had been an active member of the anti-drone campaign and had organized several protests in Islamabad and Peshawar. He launched his campaign against the US assassination drone strikes after his son and a brother were killed in one of such attacks in 2009.In an exclusive interview for Press TV\'s Infocus program in 2011, Khan criticized Pakistani authorities for their failure to stop US unilateral attacks.
2m:10s
6552