News

The risk of an expanded Iran war grew as Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis on Saturday launched their first attacks on Israel since the start of the conflict, even as additional U.S. forces reached the Middle East.

Washington has dispatched thousands of Marines to the Middle East. The first of two contingents arrived on Friday on an amphibious assault ship, the U.S. military said on Saturday.

On Saturday, the Washington Post reported U.S. officials said the Pentagon is preparing for weeks of ground operations in Iran. Whether President Donald Trump would approve plans for deploying ground troops remained uncertain, the Post reported.

The war, launched on February 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, has spread across the Middle East, killing thousands and hitting the world economy with the biggest-ever disruption to global energy supplies.

On Friday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. could achieve its aims without ground troops. But he acknowledged it was deploying some to the region so Trump would have “maximum” flexibility to adjust strategy.

The Pentagon was also expected to deploy thousands of soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose government hosts a meeting with the Turkish and Saudi foreign ministers on Sunday to seek ⁠to ease regional tensions.

LEBANESE JOURNALISTS, RESCUE WORKERS HIT

On Saturday, Israel said it had carried out a wave of attacks on Tehran, targeting what the military said were infrastructure sites belonging to Iran’s government.

It also hit targets in Lebanon, where it has resumed its war against Iran-backed Hezbollah, killing three Lebanese journalists in a strike on a media vehicle, Lebanon’s Al Manar TV reported, as well as a Lebanese soldier. A follow‑up strike on the rescue workers sent to assist them also caused fatalities.

Israel’s military said it had targeted one of the journalists, accusing him of being part of a Hezbollah intelligence unit, and saying he had reported on locations of Israeli soldiers.

Iran kept up attacks on Israel and several Gulf states after hitting an air base in Saudi Arabia on Friday and wounding 12 U.S. military personnel, two of them 
seriously, in one of the most serious breaches of U.S. air defences so far.

Air defences shot down a drone near the residence of the leader of the Iraqi Kurdish ruling party, Masoud Barzani, in Erbil, security sources told Reuters early Sunday.

Security sources said on Saturday that a separate drone attack targeted the home of the president of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region.

Israel, which regularly faced missile attacks from the Houthis before the war, confirmed a missile had been fired at it from Yemen. There were no reports of casualties or damage.

The attack pointed to a potential new threat to global shipping, already ⁠hit by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the conduit for about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree later said the group carried out a second attack on Israel in less than 24 hours and vowed more strikes to come.

The Houthis have shown an ability to strike targets far beyond Yemen and disrupt shipping lanes around the Arabian Peninsula and the Red Sea, as they did in support of Hamas in the Gaza war.

MARKETS ALARMED BY PROSPECT OF ONGOING WAR

With U.S. midterm elections due in November, the increasingly unpopular war has weighed on President Donald Trump’s Republican Party and he has appeared eager to end it soon, while also threatening escalation.

Demonstrators took to city streets across the U.S. on Saturday in anti-Trump rallies described by organizers as a call to ⁠action against the war on Iran.

Trump has threatened to hit Iranian power stations and other energy infrastructure if Iran does not open the Strait of Hormuz. But he has extended a deadline he had imposed for this week, giving Iran another 10 days to respond.

Iranian threats to attack ships in the strait have kept most oil tankers from attempting the waterway. A few vessels have traversed the strait without issue, including ships under the flags of Pakistan and India, after Iranian assurances of safe passage. 

Iran has agreed to allow an additional ⁠20 Pakistani-flagged vessels to pass through the strait, with two ships permitted to transit daily, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said.

Israel has targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, and the head of Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom, which has evacuated staff from the Bushehr nuclear power plant on the Gulf coast, said the attacks threatened nuclear safety.

Pezeshkian said Iran would “retaliate strongly if our infrastructure or economic centers are targeted”.

Iranian attacks were reported in multiple areas across the Gulf, including Kuwait, the United Arab ⁠Emirates and Oman.

An Iranian airstrike hit the Israeli village of Eshtaol, near Jerusalem. Seven people were hospitalized, Israel’s ambulance service said. Aluminium Bahrain, also known as Alba, confirmed that its facilities were targeted in an Iranian attack on Saturday, Bahrain’s state news agency reported.

In Iran, media said at least five people were killed in a U.S.-Israeli attack on a residential unit in the northwestern city of Zanjan, and in Tehran, the Iran University of Science and Technology was struck.

Source:adaderana.lk

Sri Lanka’s Meteorology Department has issued a warm weather advisory under an Amber alert, warning of a rising heat index across several provinces. However, the announcement has triggered debate, with critics questioning whether the warning is coming too late as extreme temperatures begin to affect daily life.

According to the advisory issued yesterday (27) by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre, the heat index the temperature felt by the human body is expected to reach “caution level” in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Eastern, North-Western, Northern, and North-Central provinces, as well as the Monaragala District.

While authorities urge the public to take precautions, including staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, concerns are growing over whether adequate preventive measures are being implemented in advance.

Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to high heat levels can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other serious conditions, particularly among outdoor workers, schoolchildren, and vulnerable populations.

Meanwhile, social media users and civil society groups have raised concerns over what they describe as inconsistent communication and delayed warnings, arguing that better preparedness could reduce risks during such extreme weather events.

The Meteorology Department has maintained that the advisory is issued in line with standard procedures, emphasizing that the public should strictly follow safety guidelines as temperatures are expected to remain high in the coming days.

(Dailymirror)

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRCG) has threatened to target Israeli and American universities in the Middle East, following the attack on the University of Science and Technology in Tehran.

The IRCG says all universities in the region are considered legitimate targets ‘‘until two of their universities are struck in retaliation for the Iranian universities that were attacked’‘.

‘‘We advise all staff, faculty, and students of American universities in the region, as well as residents in their vicinity, to maintain a distance of 1km from these universities to ensure their safety’‘.

The statement adds that the US must condemn the bombing of Iranian universities to avoid retaliation at US institutions in the region, giving a deadline of 12:00 local time on Tuesday, 30 March to do so.

Source:adaderana.lk

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on Friday slammed the United States and Israel for the attacks on civilian infrastructure in Iran, most notably the Minab Elementary Girls’ school which killed over 160 people. 

Calling the actions a war crime, he urged the world to come together against the injustice towards Iran and underlined that the country would continue to defend itself as long as needed.

He made the remarks while virtually addressing the UN debate over the fatal school strike in Iran.

‘‘Indifference and silence in the face of injustices would bring no security and peace. It would invite more insecurity and right violations. 

The United Nations and the core values it embodies as well as the overall human rights framework are at serious stake. You all need to call out the aggressors and let them know that the community of states, the human collective conscience hold them accountable for the abhorrent crimes they are committing against Iranians’‘, Araghchi said.

He underlined that while Iran has never sought a war, it would, however, continue to defend itself as long as needed.

‘‘Iran has never sought war. Iranians are a peaceful noble nation inheriting one of the richest civilizations on Earth. Yet they have demonstrated absolute resolve and determination to defend themselves against the brutal perpetrators who know no boundary in perpetrating all sorts of crimes. The defence shall persist as long as it is needed."

He slammed the strike at the school as ‘‘deliberate and intentional’‘, saying that it took place despite the US and Israel possessing cutting-edge technology and military data systems.

‘‘This atrocity cannot be justified, concealed and must not be met with silence and indifference’‘, he added.

He highlighted that several other civilian infrastructure has been targeted in the US-Israeli strikes and said that in the last 27 days, which includes Red Crescent rescuers, refineries, ambulances, hospitals, health workers, water sources and residential areas. ‘‘More than 600 schools have been demolished or damaged across Iran and more than 1000 students and teachers have been martyred or wounded as a result."

The Iranian Foreign Minsiter said that war-crimes does not describe the depth of atrocities being committed against Iran.

‘‘The aggressors’ targeting pattern accompanied by their rhetoric leaves little doubt as to their clear intent to commit genocide’‘, he added.

Calling it an ‘‘unjust war of whims’‘ against Iran, Araghchi urged the world to act saying that the values of United Nations are at stake.

The remarks come as US-Israeli strikes continue to target key infrastructure in Iran. Earlier, US President Trump signalled a thaw in operations against Iran, saying that Iran had sought a seven-day pause on American strikes targeting its energy infrastructure, but he decided to extend the window to 10 days to April 6, however the strikes by the combined US-Israel forces continue. 

Source: ANI 

The Pentagon is preparing for weeks of ground operations in Iran, the Washington Post reported Saturday, citing U.S. officials.

The plans could ⁠involve raids by Special Operations and conventional infantry troops, the Post reported. Whether President Donald Trump would approve any of those plans remains uncertain, according to the Post.

The Trump ⁠administration has deployed U.S. Marines to the Middle East as the war in Iran stretches ⁠into its fifth week, and also has been planning to send thousands ⁠of soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne to ⁠the region.

Source: adaderana.lk

Australians in two states will be able to travel on public transport for free to take pressure off household budgets as fuel costs surge.

Tasmanians and Victorians will be given a temporary fare reprieve in response to ongoing price pain at the petrol pump.

Uncertainty and crimped oil supplies due to the Iran war have driven up costs and led to fuel shortages at some service stations.

In Victoria, the state government will make public transport free for a month to help people feeling the pinch when filling up their cars.

Passengers won’t have to touch on their Myki travel cards and all public transport gates will be open from Tuesday.

Trains, trams and buses are expected to get busier but the government said thousands of extra services had been added to the network to meet demand.

‘‘This is a temporary measure to help with the cost of living; it will take pressure off the pump and help you save,’‘ Premier Jacinta Allan said.
The move was welcomed by Victorian Farmers Federation president Brett Hosking.

‘‘Every commuter who leaves their car at home frees up fuel for the essential, time-critical work that keeps Victorians fed, whether that’s ensuring livestock are fed and cared for, or getting crops in the ground,’‘ he said.

In Tasmania, travel on buses and ferries will be free from Monday until July 1.

‘‘For an adult catching the bus from Dodges Ferry into Hobart for work each day, they’ll be spending $88 less a week than if they were paying the full fare,’‘ Transport Minister Kerry Vincent said.

The federal government will also introduce emergency laws to parliament on Monday allowing it to underwrite fuel suppliers purchasing and transporting international stocks to Australia.

The government won’t pay for the fuel but will use public funds as insurance for companies facing sky-rocketing prices.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia’s fuel supplies were stable and would remain so for the coming weeks.

‘‘This isn’t about dealing with something that will happen next week, this is prudent planning, this is about being over prepared,’‘ he said.

‘‘It’s a really practical measure so that if there’s a cargo ship out there available from a nation like Korea that is being bid upon, then the private sector can do that with the confidence that comes from government support in order to secure that additional supply.’‘

Australia has 39 days of petrol, 30 days of diesel and 30 days of jet fuel on hand.

But people shouldn’t stockpile fuel, with Albanese calling on individuals and businesses to use common sense.

‘‘People need to take what they need and no more,’‘ he said.

‘‘I don’t want things to be mandated but common sense should apply as well.

‘‘There are more people working from home who are able to do so, that makes sense. There are more people catching public transport than before (and) that also makes sense."

Source: adaderana.lk

The Attorney General has not represented the Speaker, who is named as a respondent in the petition filed challenging the suspension of former Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Chaminda Kularatne, while President’s Counsel K. Kanag-Isvaran today (27) appeared before the Court of Appeal on behalf of the Speaker.

The petition alleges that the Parliamentary Advisory Committee acted unlawfully by submitting a charge sheet and suspending former Deputy Secretary Chaminda Kularatne.

During the previous hearing, Deputy Solicitor General Chaya Sri Nammuni, appearing on behalf of the Speaker, informed the court that they were ready to consider facilitating a settlement of the case.  

The petition was called today before the bench of Court of Appeal judges, headed by President Justice Rohantha Abeysooriya and Justice Priyantha Fernando, to explore the possibility of a settlement, Ada Derana reporter said. 

The State Counsel appearing on behalf of the Attorney General informed the court that the AG’s Department would not be representing the Speaker in this case. However, President’s Counsel K. Kanag-Isvaran confirmed that he would be representing the Speaker.   

Meanwhile, President’s Counsel Sanjeewa Jayawardena, appearing on behalf of the petitioner, requested the court to schedule a date to verify the details of the petition.

The court has directed the respondents to submit any limited objections to the petition by April 20, 2026. 

The Speaker of Parliament, Jagath Wickramaratne, the Parliamentary Secretary General, and members of the Parliamentary Advisory Committee have been named as respondents in the petition.

(Adaderana.lk)

Iran-linked hackers have publicly claimed the breach of FBI Director Kash Patel’s personal inbox, publishing photographs of the director and his purported resume to the internet.

On their website, ⁠the hacker group Handala Hack Team said Patel ‘‘will now find his name among the list of successfully hacked victims.’‘

Reuters was not able to immediately authenticate the emails published by Hanadala, but a sample of the material uploaded by ⁠the hackers and reviewed by Reuters appears to show a mix of personal and work correspondence dating between 2010 ⁠and 2019.

A Justice Department official confirmed to Reuters that Patel’s emails were compromised but did ⁠not go into detail. The FBI did not immediately respond to ⁠a request for comment. The hackers did not immediately respond to messages.

Source: Reuters

The Israeli military says it has “completed a wave of strikes in the heart of Tehran”. 

In a statement, the IDF said it had targeted Iranian infrastructure in what it called “wide-scale” strikes. 

The IDF had earlier said it had identified Iranian missiles launched towards Israel and was working to “intercept the threat”.

Source:adaderana.lk

A suspect has been arrested in the Sapugaskanda area for the possession of a large consignment of narcotics valued at over Rs. 50 million. 

Officials from the Kalutara District Criminal Investigation Department (CID) stated that the suspect was found in possession of heroin, Crystal Methamphetamine (commonly known as ‘Ice’), cocaine, and other narcotics.

Further investigations revealed that the seizure included over a kilogram of heroin, 515 grams of ‘Ice,’ and 565 grams of cocaine.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the drugs were supplied to the suspect by two drug traffickers based in Dubai.

The incident is being further investigated under the supervision of the Kalutara District CID.

(Adaderana.lk)

Netflix has increased prices on all its plans in the U.S., as the streaming giant pushes into new programming formats such as video podcasts and live sporting events.

The company’s ad-supported tier will now cost $8.99 a month, compared with $7.99 earlier, while prices for its standard plan rose $2 per month to $19.99, according to its website.

The premium ⁠plan now costs $26.99 a month, up from $24.99 earlier. Netflix has also increased the price of adding an extra member to $7.99 for ad-supported plans and to $9.99 for ad-free plans.

Netflix, which has more than 325 million subscribers, had scrapped its cheapest ad-free plan, called basic, in 2023, leaving users with its more expensive premium and standard ⁠plans, as well as the standard plan with ads.

With the new prices, the company’s average revenue per subscriber in the U.S.-Canada region will rise 6% year-over-year in 2026, ⁠according to estimates from TD Cowen analysts.

It last raised prices early last year.

Netflix reported revenue of $12.1 billion for the October-December period, ⁠modestly exceeding analysts’ estimate.

In February, it walked away from bidding for Warner Bros’ streaming and studio assets, paving ⁠the way for Paramount Skydance to buy the storied Hollywood studio in a $110 billion deal.

Source:adaderana.lk