Iraq PM attends mourning for commanders killed in US strike

17 Sept 21:41 Key points summarised by AI

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi attended a large mourning procession in Baghdad for Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi paramilitary chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.
Soleimani, head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards' foreign operations, and Muhandis, deputy head of Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi network, were killed along with eight others in a US drone strike.
Thousands of mourners chanted 'Death to America' during the procession, which moved from a revered Shiite shrine to near Baghdad's Green Zone, highlighting widespread anger.
The deaths intensified fears of a looming proxy war between Iran and the United States on Iraqi soil, further fueled by a subsequent strike on pro-Iran factions.

Sihasak urges Thais in Europe to stay alert as protests spread

Yesterday 12:06 Key points summarised by AI

Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow advises Thai nationals in Europe to avoid protest areas and reconsider non-essential travel, citing widespread unrest in countries like France, Italy, and Spain.
The warning comes as demonstrations escalate, with some turning violent, prompting concerns for safety and leading to an emergency Cabinet meeting in Italy and a proposed postponement of diplomatic talks.
Thai embassies and the Department of Consular Affairs issue advisories, urging citizens to monitor local developments, follow official announcements, and register their travel details for assistance, while emphasizing that no Thais have been directly affected yet.