West Asia - Islamic World News

We continue to witness a struggle between projects for the future of the Middle East. Currently, Zionism, as it believes, has entered the second phase of its struggle against the Silk Road. While “Israel” failed to break the Axis of Resistance in the first phase, limiting itself to genocide in the Gaza Strip, the assassination of Hezbollah leaders, aerial aggression against Iran and northern Yemen, and the overthrow of the Assad government, now the criminal Netanyahu and his gang, with the help of their allies under the IMEC project, are planning to begin the process of “reorganizing” the entire region.

This report examines the aggressive and expansionist policies of the United Arab Emirates in recent decades, particularly under the leadership of Mohammed bin Zayed. Leveraging economic strength, vast financial resources, and U.S. support, the UAE has extended its influence from the Persian Gulf to the Horn of Africa. Hostility toward political Islam and strategic alignment with Washington form the pillars of Abu Dhabi’s foreign policy. The country’s unique demographic structure—dominated by migrant labor—has shaped a distinctive approach to regional power‑building. The report highlights how the UAE has exploited political instability in African states and Yemen to become a decisive player in regional geopolitics.

Following Canada’s decision to designate Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—an official branch of Iran’s armed forces—as a terrorist group in violation of international law, Iran announced a reciprocal measure and announced the Canadian Navy as a terrorist organization.

The al‑Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing, issued a statement four months after the attack, confirming the death of its spokesman “Abu Ubaida” along with several other commanders.

Rashad al‑Alimi, head of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, declared a 90‑day state of emergency, canceled the joint agreement with the UAE, and ordered Emirati forces to leave all Yemeni territory within 24 hours.

Saudi Arabian fighter jets carried out airstrikes early this morning on targets in the port city of Mukalla, the capital of Hadhramaut province.

Fighting persists in the Khurd Valley area of southern Hadhramaut, where tribal coalition fighters aligned with Saudi Arabia are surrounded by southern forces loyal to the UAE.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Sheikh Mohammad Ali Halhal, head of Syria’s Supreme Islamic Alawite Council in Tartus province, has been abducted by al‑Joulani’s forces.

Lebanon’s al‑Akhbar newspaper claims that Saudi Arabia and Qatar believe the UAE is backing separatist groups, including forces in Syria’s coastal region, Sweida province, and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Continuing consultations between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Abu Muhammad al‑Joulani’s administration, a meeting will take place under direct U.S. supervision in Palmyra, Homs province.

Sayyid Abdul‑Malik Badr al‑Din al‑Houthi, leader of Yemen’s Ansar Allah movement, issued a statement on recent developments in Somalia and Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing the move as an attempt to divide Somalia and destabilize African states and the Red Sea region.

At least 3 people were killed and 59 injured after al‑Joulani‑affiliated forces attacked Alawite demonstrators in Latakia on December 28, according to media reports.