Explosions heard in Iran hours after ceasefire with Israel: Reports
Tehran: Hours after a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was announced by the U.S. President Donald Trump, loud explosions were reported in the Iranian capital, Tehran, shortly after both nations had agreed to halt hostilities and that Tel Aviv would not launch an attack on Iran, reported India Today.
Citing the Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA), Aljazeera stated that witnesses heard explosions near the northern city of Babolsar, where air defences were reportedly activated.
Israel claimed it carried out a retaliatory strike on an Iranian radar installation in response to Tehran allegedly launching two ballistic missiles.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly told President Trump that he could not cancel a planned military response, citing Iran’s breach of the ceasefire, according to a report by Axios.
Air raid sirens blared across northern Israel, with Tel Aviv alleging that Iran fired a new wave of missiles in the wake of the ceasefire agreement. In response, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the military had been ordered to "respond forcefully" to what he described as a “clear violation” of the truce.
However, Iran denied the accusation. State media reported that no missiles were fired towards Israel after the ceasefire took effect, dismissing Tel Aviv’s claims as misinformation.
Meanwhile, President Trump expressed frustration over the escalation. In comments reported by Al Jazeera, he criticized both nations for violating the agreement, but stated that he was "really unhappy" with Israel’s actions. He urged the Israeli leadership to halt airstrikes and “bring your pilots home, now.”
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Nagaland bypoll: Nearly 20 pc voter turnout recorded in Koridang seat in first two hours
Kohima (PTI): Nearly 20 per cent of 22,382 electors exercised their franchise in Nagaland's Koridang Assembly bypoll in the first two hours of polling on Thursday, officials said.
The voting that commenced at 7 am across all 30 polling stations has so far been peaceful, they said.
The polling will continue till 4 pm.
Security has been significantly tightened across the constituency following violence on April 5 and 6, in which one person died, and several vehicles were damaged.
The byelection was necessitated by the demise of sitting BJP MLA Imkong L. Imchen in November last year.
A total of 22,382 electors, including 11,071 women, are eligible to decide the fate of six candidates in the fray.
The ruling People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) has fielded BJP nominee Daochier I. Imchen, while the Congress candidate is T. Chalukumba Ao. The National People’s Party (NPP) has nominated I. Abenjang, while the Independent candidates are Imchatoba Imchen, Imtiwapang, and Toshikaba.
Of the 30 polling stations, 13 have been categorised as vulnerable and 17 as critical, prompting deployment of additional security personnel and intensified surveillance measures. Two polling stations have been designated as all-women booths.
Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.
