Iran warns of ‘vast destruction’ as Israel vows retaliation for missile attack
Tehran: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a stern warning to Israel on Wednesday, cautioning against any retaliation for Tehran’s recent missile strikes, which targeted Israeli military bases. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised swift retribution, escalating tensions in the region.
The missile barrage, which Iran claims struck three Israeli military bases near Tel Aviv, was described by Tehran as a “decisive response” to Israel’s actions in the region. The Revolutionary Guards reported that “90 percent” of the missiles hit their intended targets. No injuries have been confirmed by Israeli authorities, but a Palestinian was reported killed in the occupied West Bank amid the escalation.
Netanyahu warned that Iran “made a big mistake tonight and will pay for it,” and emphasised that Israel would respond accordingly. Meanwhile, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that “Iran is not a warmonger, but it firmly opposes any threats,” cautioning against further provocation.
The United States, which had earlier warned of an imminent Iranian ballistic missile attack, described the assault as “defeated and ineffective.” White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan also issued a statement, warning Tehran of severe consequences if the situation worsens.
The attack follows Israel’s recent strikes that killed the top leadership of Hezbollah in Lebanon, including the group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, leading Iran to vow retaliation. As tensions continue to rise, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have ordered more evacuations in parts of Lebanon, including Beirut, and are reportedly targeting Hezbollah positions.
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South African police arrest suspect in mass shooting that killed 12, including 3 children
Johannesburg (AP): A 32-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with a mass shooting which claimed the lives of 12 people including three children at an unlicensed pub earlier this month, South African police said on Monday.
The man is suspected of being one of the three people who opened fire on patrons in a pub at Saulsville township, west of South Africa's capital Pretoria, killing 12 people including three children aged 3, 12 and 16.
At least 13 people were also injured during the attack, whose motive remains unknown.
According to the police, the suspect was arrested on Sunday while traveling to Botlokwa in Limpopo province, more than 340 km from where the mass shooting took place on Dec 6.
An unlicensed firearm believed to have been used during the attack was recovered from the suspect's vehicle.
“The 32-year-old suspect was intercepted by Limpopo Tracking Team on the R101 Road in Westenburg precinct. During the arrest, the team recovered an unlicensed firearm, a hand gun, believed to have been used in the commission of the multiple murders. The firearm will be taken to the Forensic Science Laboratory for ballistic analysis,” police said in statement.
The suspect was arrested on the same day that another mass shooting at a pub took place in the Bekkersdal township, west of Johannesburg, in which nine people were killed and 10 wounded when unknown gunmen opened fire on patrons.
Police have since launched a search for the suspects.
South Africa has one of the highest homicide rates in the world and recorded more than 26,000 homicides in 2024 — an average of more than 70 a day. Firearms are by far the leading cause of death in homicides.
The country of 62 million people has relatively strict gun ownership laws, but many killings are committed with illegal guns, according to authorities.
According to police, mass shootings at unlicensed bars are becoming a serious problem. Police shut down more than 11,000 illegal taverns between April and September this year and arrested more than 18,000 people for involvement in illegal liquor sales.
