Iran Hormuz Strait control
The naval force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps says two oil tankers have caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after attempting to transit the waterway via an unauthorized route. According to a statement by the IRGC Navy, the violating oil tankers had switched off all navigation and positioning systems while attempting to cross the unsafe route with the US backing. The statement says the two tankers hit naval mines and were stopped. The IRGC navy underlined that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until Iran’s seven conditions are met. It added that CENTCOM’s attempts to force oil tankers through unauthorized, mine-contaminated routes will only result in repeated and humiliating failures. Earlier, the IRGC announced that its Aerospace Force managed to ground two more American MQM-170 reconnaissance drones, as they were flying over the southern Qeshm Island.
Saudi Yemen aggression
Saudi Arabia has pounded Yemen with over 100 strikes, killing more than 30 at a crowded local market, as Yemen's forces retaliate with a drone strike that halted flights at Dammam airport. Yemen’s Health ministry said three raids hit a local market in Tai’z at peak hours, killing more than 30 and wounding around 10, with bodies still under the rubble. He put the cumulative toll of the Saudi aggression at almost 300 martyrs, and around 700 injured. Brigadier General Yahya Saree said an F-15 from Khamis Mushait carried out the attack, warning such brutal crimes will not pass without a response. Earlier, Saree said Yemeni forces successfully struck Dammam's Fahd International Airport with a drone, halting flights. Yemeni forces also expelled Saudi-backed forces from several locations east of the strait of Bab al-Mandab.
France anti-government protests
Around 500 people were arrested as nationwide strikes and protests swept across France on Thursday. The arrests were made during demonstrations in a number of cities including Paris, Rennes, and Lyon where police used tear gas to disperse the crowds. The Interior Ministry deployed 70,000 police officers nationwide, and estimated the turnout at 575,000. But trade unions put the figure at nearly 1.6 million. The protests brought together students, university groups, trade unions and Yellow Vest demonstrators, while strikes disrupted transport, schools and other public services. Protesters demand higher wages, better pensions, increased education funding and greater investment in public services.
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