Ankara terror attack
An explosion has struck the Turkish capital, Ankara, wounding two police officers. The Interior Ministry has called the incident a terrorist attack. It said the attack was conducted by two assailants riding in a vehicle close to the ministry. It said one of the attackers blew himself up and the other was "neutralized." The targeted district is home to several other ministries and the Turkish parliament, which was due to reopen today with an address from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Local media also reported gunfire in the cordoned-off district, where emergency services were in attendance.
Muslim unity call
Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi has called for unity among Muslims, slamming any divisive move in the Muslim world as in line with the enemies’ objectives. Raeisi told the 37th international Islamic Unity Conference in Tehran that Palestine remains the main issue of the Islamic world and a rallying point for Muslims. The president called for support for Palestinians’ resistance and took a swipe at attempts to normalize relations with Israel. Raeisi said those attempts are being pushed by the enemies’ puppets. The president noted that the US and Israel are waging a hybrid war on Muslims, also by backing the crimes of Takfiri terrorists and insulting moves against Muslim sanctities. He noted, however, that Muslims must work together and use their major potential to secure their place in the emerging new world order.
Slovakia elections
A pro-Russia party wins general elections in NATO member state, Slovakia. With almost all votes counted, leftist Smer-SD party, led by former premier Robert Fico, obtained over 23 percent of the votes. That left the party’s main rival, the centrist Progressive Slovakia in the second place on 17 percent of the votes. Robert Fico’s party now needs to enter a coalition to form a government. Fico seeks to end military aid to Ukraine, wants better relations with Russia, and is critical of the European Union and NATO. He has pledged not to send a single round of ammunition to Ukraine from Slovakia, which has been one of Europe’s biggest donors to Kiev as a share of its GDP.