Explosions reported in Iran’s Bandar Abbas as Tehran launches new missiles toward Israel
Tehran: Massive explosions were reported in Iran’s southern port city of Bandar Abbas on Thursday. The blasts occurred near Bandar-e Bahonar in the First Naval Zone of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, close to the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Iran also reported a fresh wave of strikes beginning around midnight with loud explosions in eastern Tehran. Shockwaves were felt across parts of the capital, though the exact targets were not immediately clear, according to a report published by The Sunday Guardian.
Overnight strikes were also reported in the Kurdish cities of Sanandaj, Saqqez and Bukan. Iranian authorities have confirmed more than 150 cities across the country have been attacked since Saturday.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had launched a 19th wave of retaliatory attacks targeting Israel and US bases in the region, according to a report by Al Jazeera.
Iran launched a new round of missiles toward Israel on Thursday, according to the Israeli military and Iranian state media. Air raid alerts were issued in several areas including Tel Aviv. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
“The Israeli Air Force has identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel,” the military said, adding that air defence systems were operating to intercept the threat.
Iran’s state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting also confirmed the missile launches.
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PM leads mega roadshow in Sikkim, to attend celebrations marking 50 years of statehood on Tuesday
Gangtok (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a mega roadshow in Gangtok on Monday evening after arriving in Sikkim to attend the closing ceremony of 50 years of statehood celebrations.
Modi, who wore a traditional Bhutia cap and a Lepcha coat, was received at the Libing helipad by Governor Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.
From the helipad, the PM began the roadshow, which concluded at Lok Bhavan, where he will stay overnight.
On the open vehicle, Modi was flanked by CM Tamang on his left and state BJP president D R Thapa on his right.
Large crowds lined the roads for hours, waving national flags and waiting to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister.
As his convoy moved slowly through the city, people broke into celebrations. Some enthusiastic supporters chanted "Modi, Modi, Modi", while a few women were seen showering flower petals in his direction.
Modi acknowledged the cheering crowds by waving continuously.
Tamang was also seen urging the gathered people to cheer for the PM during the roadshow.
The route of the roadshow was decorated, with arch gates erected at several points and large cut-outs of Modi placed along the roads.
On Tuesday, Modi will visit the Orchidarium in Gangtok. To commemorate the golden jubilee of Sikkim's statehood and showcase the state's ecological and floral heritage, the 'Swarnajayanti Maitri Manjari' Park has been developed as a world-class Orchid Experience Centre.
The PM will also participate in the closing ceremony of Sikkim's 50th statehood celebrations at Paljor Stadium, where he will unveil development projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore.
The projects cover several sectors, including infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, education, power, urban development, environment, tourism and agriculture.
Modi is also scheduled to address the gathering on the occasion.
He was expected to attend the opening ceremony of the year-long celebrations last year, but could not reach the venue due to inclement weather. However, he addressed the event virtually from Siliguri in neighbouring West Bengal.
Tamang later thanked the people for giving the grand reception to the PM during the hour-long roadshow in the state capital.
"With immense fervour and heartfelt enthusiasm, the people of Sikkim accorded a grand and resounding welcome to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji on his arrival in Gangtok," he said in a social media post.
Tamang said people from all walks of life gathered in large numbers to greet him, reflecting the deep respect and warm affection the people of Sikkim hold for his leadership.
"It was indeed an honour to join him during the roadshow and witness the overwhelming love and support of the people firsthand," he said.
