Multiple bomb blasts kill 12 in, around Baghdad

Here is a round-up of global news developments:

• The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council says last year’s deadly Mina stampede is a black stain for the Al Saud regime that will never be erased. Ali Shamkhani says the Mina disaster took a larger toll because of Saudi Arabia’s incompetence and negligence in providing relief and medical services to the wounded.
   
• At least 12 people have been killed in multiple bomb blasts in and around the Iraqi capital Baghdad. The Daesh terrorist group has claimed responsibility for one of the assaults. Earlier on Friday twin car bomb explosions claimed by Daesh killed at least 12 people and injured dozens others in Baghdad.
   
• Saudi Arabia has intensified its aerial campaign against Yemen. The airstrikes left 2 dozen people dead in 2 provinces. At least 18 people were killed when Saudi fighter jets targeted a water digger in Beit Sa’edan in Sana’a province. Saudi war planes also hit a house in Hajjah province, killing 6 people.
   
• Israeli warplanes have once again carried out airstrikes on positions of the Syrian army in the Golan Heights. Israel's military says it launched the raids after a projectile hit part of the Golan Heights occupied by Tel Aviv. Israel has repeatedly violated Syria’s airspace over the past few months.
   
• Syria has approved a ceasefire deal brokered by Russia and the US. The Syrian media says Damascus has welcomed a cessation of hostilities that comes into force as of Monday. The sources say the entire agreement was reached with the knowledge of the Syrian government.
   
• European Union Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini has welcomed the Russia-US deal on Syria. Mogherini has urged the United Nations to prepare proposals for talks on political transition in the crisis-hit country. Russia and the U-S have reached an agreement to take measures to reduce violence and revive the peace process in Syria.
   
• Germany's interior minister has warned of threats from more than 500 people identified as potential attackers. Thomas de Maiziere says another 360 people are also known to police because of their proximity to the potential attackers. German authorities have been on alert since terror attacks hit neighboring France and Belgium.
   
• A Spanish ship, an Irish naval vessel and several humanitarian boats have rescued more than 2,000 refugees who were trying to reach Italy through the Mediterranean Sea. The Italian coastguard says women and children were among the refugees traveling on overloaded boats.

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