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(Picture from X) Saudi Arabia early Tuesday bombed the Yemeni port city of Mukalla, saying it was targeting a shipment of weapons that had arrived from the United Arab Emirates for a separatist group. The strike marked a sharp rise in tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC). It also added strain to the already uneasy relationship between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, who have supported different sides in Yemen’s long war against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.Saudi Fighter Jets 'Bombard' UAE-Backed Separatist Fighters In Yemen In Huge Escalation Over SouthSaudi Arabia’s state news agency said the airstrikes were launched after two ships from Fujairah, a port in the UAE, arrived in Mukalla. The statement said the weapons unloaded from the ships posed a threat to security and stability, prompting a “limited military operation” to destroy them.The UAE has not yet commented on the strike.Mukalla lies in Yemen’s Hadramout region, which the STC r..

US President Donald Trump on Monday said that Iran will have to face “very powerful” consequences if it tries to rebuild its missile programme.This comes after reports that Tehran may be attempting to rebuild its ballistic missile programme at sites different from those targeted by US strikes earlier this year. However, this development is yet to be confirmed. Trump Threatens To Bomb Iran Again If It Dares To Rebuild Nuclear Programme | ‘Full-Scale War…’ Speaking to reporters after his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said, “Now I hear that Iran is trying to build up again. And if they are, we're going to have to knock them down. We'll knock them down. We'll knock the hell out of them. But hopefully that's not happening.”“I don't want to say it, but Iran may have been behaving badly. It hasn't been confirmed yet, but if it is, they know the consequences. The consequences will be powerful, maybe more powerful than last time. Ira..

AdvertisementThailandThis Week in AsiaPoliticsThai election: border row aids Anutin as Shinawatra clan fights for survival, reformists chaseCaretaker PM Anutin rides nationalist wave over Cambodia; Pheu Thai taps Thaksin’s nephew to revive brand; reformists drop key vows to stay relevant
Reading Time:3 minutesWhy you can trust SCMPAidan JonesPublished: 12:30pm, 30 Dec 2025Campaigning for Thailand’s February 8 general election has begun with a frenetic three-way battle defined by corruption allegations, a tense border conflict with Cambodia and the emergence of a new frontman for the once all-conquering Shinawatra political dynasty.But the caravans of politicians criss-crossing the nation and blitzing social media have so far failed to inspire a public, which has seen its electoral choices repeatedly nullified by courts and coups, as conservatives find ways to return to power.The election is a contest between the conservative Bhumjaithai Party led by caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Char..

AdvertisementBritainWorldEuropeActor Idris Elba, ice legends Torvill and Dean among hundreds recognised in UK honoursNew Year UK honours are awarded for contributions in areas such as government, academia, the arts and sports
Reading Time:2 minutesWhy you can trust SCMPReutersPublished: 12:22pm, 30 Dec 2025Actor Idris Elba and ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean were among the hundreds named in British King Charles’ New Year ‌honours list published on Monday.
The full list includes more than 1,157 people ‍in politics, sport, the arts or community service to be awarded titles from Member, Commander or Officer of the Order of the British Empire to the highest honours of knighthoods and damehoods.
Elba, who is known for ⁠his roles in the television series Luther and The Wire, was awarded a knighthood for his anti-knife-crime campaigning with young people.
Advertisement“I hope we can do more to draw attention to the importance of sustained, practical support for young people and..