SNG Daily: Russia’s Foreign Minister In China To Discuss Ukraine, Asia-Pacific; Israel Withdraws More Soldiers From Gaza

Your one-stop destination for all the top international stories of the day.

Iran’s Foreign Minister In Syria, Israel Says Ready For Any Iran Scenario

A week after the deadly attack on its embassy compound in Syria that killed seven advisors, including a senior commander of the Revolutionary Guards, Iran’s Foreign Minister is visiting Damascus. Hossein Amirabdollahian said, “The attack on Iran’s embassy building in Damascus is a new step in Israel’s warmongering and its attempt to expand war regionally.” Iran has vowed to avenge the attack in Syria. Israel, which is suspected to have targeted the embassy compound, has said it is ready for any Iran scenario.

Plane Loses Engine Cowling, Forced To Make Emergency Landing In Denver

The US Federal Aviation Administration has opened an investigation after a Southwest Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Denver after the engine cowling came off during takeoff. Flight 3695, a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, was headed for Houston Hobby with 135 passengers and six crew members on board. It climbed to 10,000 ft before it was forced to make an emergency landing in Denver. Fortunately nobody on board was injured. Boeing has come under intense scrutiny since a door panel came off midair on January 5 when an Alaska Airlines flight was at 16,000 ft.

Israel Withdraws More Soldiers From Gaza; Truce Talks In Egypt

Six months after mounting a major offensive against Hamas with air and ground strikes in Gaza, Israel says it has withdrawn more soldiers from southern Gaza. The Health Ministry controlled by Hamas, has said that more than 33,000 Palestinians have died in Israel’s strikes. Israel has not given any reasons for the withdrawal but has said troops will be preparing for future operations in Gaza. Meanwhile truce talks were held in Egypt with representatives of Hamas and Israel. CIA director William Burns was also a part of these talks. No ceasefire deal could be reached before the start of Ramzan and with this latest round of negotiations – the question is – can all sides arrive at a breakthrough before Eid?

Russia’s Foreign Minister In China To Discuss Ukraine, Asia-Pacific

Foreign Minister of Russia Sergei Lavrov is in China and will discuss Ukraine, and other ‘hot topics’ during his visit. The meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi will also cover bilateral ties and the situation in the Asia Pacific region. Reuters has reported that President Putin is expected to visit China in May and it will likely be his first international trip after the recent elections. Putin visited China in 2022, just days before he invaded Ukraine when Beijing and Moscow declared a ‘no limits’ partnership. Russia has since become China’s fastest growing trade partner.

Russia Floods: Thousands Evacuated

Thousands of homes in Russia’s Ural region were flooded after Europe’s third largest river burst through a dam. Flood waters were rising in two cities in the Urals mountains and thousands had to flee their homes. More than 61,000 people have been evacuated, 15 of 40 schools have been flooded. Russian President Vladimir Putin has dispatched his Emergencies Minister to the region to oversee rescue work. The Orenburg region’s Governor said this is the worst flooding recorded in the region since record-keeping began. Flood warnings have been issued in other regions too.