In a dramatic quarter-final match between Tottenham and Manchester United, Turkey international Altay Bayindir started in goal for the Red Devils, with usual first-choice goalkeeper Andre Onana on the bench. Unfortunately for United fans, Bayindir's mistakes and shaky performance led to two goals for Spurs, leaving fans stunned. Although United did make a comeback with two goals of their own, it wasn't enough to secure a win. Football fans were buzzing about the match and the unexpected result.
In a statement that was the first of its kind from a U.S. official, Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed on Saturday that the Biden administration has been in direct contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a rebel group that previously led the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar Assad. While Blinken did not disclose the details of the contacts, he stressed the importance of conveying messages to the group about its conduct and intentions during Syria's transition to a peaceful and inclusive country. This confirmation comes as part of a larger effort by the U.S., 8 Arab nations, Turkey, and officials from the EU and UN to sign off on principles for Syria's transition.
A major offensive by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and thousands of insurgents has breached Aleppo's western edge, marking the most intense violence in northwestern Syria since 2020. The attack has caused widespread displacement and disrupted services, with experts warning of potential destabilization in the region. Iran's involvement in Syria has been challenged by intensified Israeli strikes, while Turkey has reportedly supported the insurgents with strategic aid. This latest development has raised fears of prolonged instability and a potential impact on neighboring countries and ongoing humanitarian efforts in the conflict-torn region.
Indian-American NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, currently aboard the International Space Station, will celebrate Thanksgiving in space with traditional holiday dishes such as smoked turkey and mashed potatoes provided by NASA. With her stay extended to eight months due to a faulty spacecraft, Williams and her crewmates Butch Wilmore, Nick Hague, and Aleksandr Gorbunov plan to enjoy a feast while watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Despite concerns about their prolonged stay in space, NASA has reassured that the astronauts are safe and Williams is keeping healthy through diet and exercise.
Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and her crewmates aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are celebrating Thanksgiving with traditional food items like smoked turkey and mashed potatoes. Williams and her crew have extended their space journey due to technical issues with the Starliner spacecraft. However, Williams is expected to return to Earth in February 2025 on a SpaceX Dragon capsule.
After weeks of efforts, the United States has successfully convinced Qatar to expel the leadership of Hamas from its capital, Doha. This comes after the militant group rejected a proposal for a ceasefire and hostage deal, as well as ongoing pressure from the US to distance itself from the group. The move raises questions about where the expelled Hamas members will go, with Turkey being a potential destination. The US also plans to continue pressuring Qatar to effectively use its influence in negotiations for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has officially submitted a 'Letter of Intent' to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, putting them in the race alongside over ten other competing countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and Indonesia. With advanced sports facilities and recent experience in hosting major international events, these countries pose a strong challenge to India's bid. IOC President Thomas Bach notes that India has now moved from the 'Informal Dialogue' to the 'Continuous Dialogue' stage of the host selection process, where a feasibility study will be conducted to evaluate India's preparations and potential for hosting the Games.
Following a terror incident in Ankara, Turkey has launched two days of strikes in northern Iraq and northern Syria. The attack, which killed five people and injured 22, prompted the Turkish defense ministry to conduct airstrikes against Kurdish militant targets. While no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, the Turkish interior minister stated that the two perpetrators were killed during the strike.
In response to an attack by suspected Kurdish militants on its key state-run defence company, Turkey launched an aerial offensive against Kurdish militant targets in Iraq and Syria. The strike resulted in the destruction of over 30 targets, according to the Turkish defence ministry. The attack at the aerospace and defense company TUSAS also resulted in the deaths of two attackers, who were believed to be members of the militant Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is currently in Russia, condemned the attack, while the Iraqi embassy in Ankara also expressed solidarity with Turkey and condemned terrorism. The PKK, which has been fighting for Kurdish autonomy since the 1980s, has recently faced increased pressure from the Turkish government, particularly after a collapsed ceasefire in 2015.
An explosion and gun attack at the headquarters of a defense and aerospace company in Turkey has left five people dead and 22 injured. Turkey has identified the Kurdish militant group PKK as responsible for the attack and has launched strikes on their sites in Syria and Iraq. Two attackers, one male and one female, were reportedly "neutralized" by police, and the identities of the victims have been confirmed by Turkey's state-run news agency.