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Jordan Joins U.S.-Led Airstrikes Against ISIS in Syria

This photo provided by the U.S. Air Force shows a U.S. Airman preparing an A-10 Thunderbolt II for flight from a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, in support of Operation Hawkeye Strike. Jordan announced that its air force has taken part in U.S.-led strikes targeting Islamic State positions in Syria, signaling a renewed show of regional cooperation against the extremist group. The operation comes as the United States carries out a series of retaliatory strikes following the recent killing of three American service members. In a statement, the Jordanian military said its aircraft conducted “precise airstrikes” on ISIS sites in southern Syria alongside U.S. forces. Officials emphasized that the mission aimed to prevent militant groups from using Syrian territory as a base to threaten neighboring countries. The U.S. strikes reportedly hit multiple ISIS-linked facilities, including infrastructure and weapons storage locations, as part of a b...

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Tragedy Strikes During Hajj Pilgrimage: Over 300 Egyptians Succumb to Heat

 

At least 323 Egyptian pilgrims tragically lost their lives during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in western Saudi Arabia. The majority of these deaths were attributed to heat-related illnesses, according to two Arab diplomats coordinating their countries’ responses.

The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, draws millions of pilgrims from around the world to Mecca. However, this year’s pilgrimage faced extreme temperatures, with the area where rituals are performed experiencing a rise of 0.4 degrees Celsius (0.72 degrees Fahrenheit) per decade due to climate change.

Among the deceased, 60 Jordanian pilgrims also succumbed to the heat. Tragically, many of the Egyptian casualties were unregistered pilgrims attempting to save money by avoiding official visas. These off-the-books pilgrims lacked access to air-conditioned facilities provided by Saudi authorities along the Hajj route.

The total death toll reported by various countries has reached 577, highlighting the severity of this heartbreaking event. Other nations, including Indonesia, Iran, and Senegal, have also reported fatalities during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

As we mourn the loss of these lives, it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by climate change and the need for better safety measures during religious pilgrimages.


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