Category: Azer News

Four people were killed on Saturday in a shooting in the countryside of Suwayda province in southern Syria, authorities said, confirming the arrest of a suspect and urging residents to remain calm to prevent further escalation.

In a statement published by Syria’s Interior Ministry on Telegram, Suwayda’s internal security commander Hussam al-Tahhan said the incident took place in the al-Matouneh area, where five local residents were targeted in what he described as a ‘heinous crime’.

‘The attack resulted in the killing of four individuals and the serious injury of a fifth,’ al-Tahhan said.

He added that preliminary investigations, conducted in coordination with one of the survivors, revealed that one of the suspects is a member of the Internal Security Directorate in the area. The individual was immediately arrested and referred for formal investigation to complete legal procedures.

Al-Tahhan stressed that ‘any violation against citizens is categorically unacceptable’ and warned that there would be no tolerance for acts threatening public safety, regardless of the perpetrator’s affiliation.

Calling on residents to exercise restraint, the official urged the people of Suwayda province to ‘remain calm and place their trust in the measures being taken’, assuring them that those responsible would be held accountable under the law.

Suwayda has remained under a fragile ceasefire since July, following deadly clashes between Druze factions and Bedouin tribes that left hundreds dead or injured. While the government has reiterated its commitment to the truce and facilitated civilian evacuations and the delivery of humanitarian aid, the agreement has been repeatedly violated by armed groups linked to Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, including attacks on military positions.

Authorities said investigations into Saturday’s shooting were continuing.

Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva visited Special Secondary School No. 45 in Ganja.

They closely reviewed the facilities created at the educational institution and inquired about the students’ learning processes and rehabilitation opportunities.

It was noted that 297 students are currently enrolled at Ganja Special School No. 45. Among these children with special needs, 188 receive their education on-site at the school, while 109 are enrolled in home-schooling programs.

The educational facility is equipped with all necessary infrastructure, including specialized rooms for information technology and handicrafts, speech therapy (logopedics) rooms, an ecological classroom, a medical office, a library, and a gymnasium.

At the conclusion of the visit, Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva presented gifts to the children and posed for commemorative photos with them.

Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva familiarized themselves with the ‘Zarif Natural’ brand established by female entrepreneur Fidan Zari in Ganja.

They held a warm and sincere conversation with the entrepreneur, showing interest in the idea behind the brand, the story of its creation, and the production process. Later, Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva jointly prepared various cold-pressed oils and other products at the facility.

Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva wished the entrepreneur success in her activities, highly appreciated her initiative and dedication, and took commemorative photos together.

The ‘Zarif Natural’ brand specializes in the production and offering to consumers of cold-pressed oils, additive-free nut butters, and gluten-free flours, based on the principles of healthy and balanced nutrition.

The war between Russia and Ukraine, which erupted in 2022 and quickly became the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II, has now entered its fourth year. Despite the efforts of various international actors to bring an end to hostilities, the conflict continues, with little indication that these interventions have achieved their intended effect.

In the early years, sanctions against Russia and military and financial aid to Ukraine produced some tangible outcomes. Kyiv was able to reclaim portions of the territory initially lost to Russian forces, and Russia’s economy experienced pressure. However, as the conflict has dragged on, it has evolved into a literal trench war, with neither side achieving decisive breakthroughs. Over the past year, Russia has secured minor tactical victories on the battlefield, but the front lines remain largely unchanged.

The West continues to devise new sanctions aimed at further weakening Russia, including restrictions on oil exports, yet at first glance, these measures appear to have lost their potency. Russia seems to have built a degree of immunity to the punitive measures. Early predictions of an economic collapse did not materialize, and the Kremlin retained enough maneuverability to circumvent restrictions on energy sales. Recent market speculation suggested that a drop in oil prices to $50 per barrel could make sanctions more effective, yet this scenario has yet to materialize.

Then, in a dramatic twist, global attention shifted to gold. The price of gold suddenly surged by more than 100%, turning the spotlight back to Russia, the world’s second-largest gold exporter. While Russian reserves of foreign currency and securities held in Western banks remain frozen, its gold reserves are physically held within Russia’s borders. According to available data, the Central Bank of Russia holds about 2,300 tons of gold, and the recent price spike has increased the bank’s reserves by roughly $250 billion-essentially offsetting the assets frozen in Western institutions.

Many analysts argue that this sharp rise in gold prices may provide Russia with a fresh lifeline in the war, strengthening its financial resilience. As the second-largest gold exporter globally, Russia possesses a significant buffer against sanctions.

Speaking to Azernews on issue, Ukrainian political analist Vadym Triukhan noted that this will absolutely not affect Russia’s position in the war. Gold is the last thing they usually trade; usually, they sell it. Plus, this is such a market fluctuation – it exists or it doesn’t.

‘Russia’s position in the war is directly influenced by another factor – its ability to quickly get money through selling its own resources. And this is exactly where it currently has serious problems. One can say that the West is gradually pushing it completely aside.

Literally two weeks ago, 14 European countries decided to block the Baltic Sea for tankers of the so-called ‘shadow oil fleet’ of Russia. Americans began seizing Russian tankers under different flags. In this way, Russia’s ability to export oil was significantly limited,’ he said.

Political analist underscored that Trump had announced that he had agreed with India that it would completely stop buying Russian oil. For Russia, this is a colossal loss, about 45 billion dollars. Therefore, Vadym Triukhan thinks that Russia will not manage to get by here with gold.

‘But one needs to be objective. Its reserves are still enough for at least a year of war. Everything will depend on how peace negotiations develop and what Trump’s attitude toward Putin will be, who constantly deceives him. Very recently he gave his word about a so-called energy ceasefire, but already on the fourth day carried out a massive missile-drone strike.

Tonight, half of Ukraine did not sleep. Strikes were carried out on Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Odesa, and other cities. The goal was one- to plunge Ukraine into darkness and deprive Ukrainians of the ability to heat their homes and use electricity.

Trump also sees all this: he promised, gave his word, then took back his word. If he changes his position and introduces even stricter sanctions or provides Ukraine with the necessary weapons, the situation on the front could change,’ he concluded.

Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva visited the Ganja Autism Center.

The center, established at the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, provides essential support to children and families from Ganja as well as surrounding regions, including Shamkir, Dashkasan, Tovuz, Samukh, and other districts.

During the visit that the programs implemented here contribute significantly to the integration of children into their families and society, empowering them to take on active roles in their communities. In addition to providing specialized rehabilitation services, the center spearheads regional awareness campaigns focused on autism, neurodiversity, and inclusivity.

The center’s comprehensive approach ensures that children with autism spectrum disorder receive the therapeutic support necessary to enhance their social and cognitive development within a supportive local environment.

Azerbaijan’s delegation to the XXV Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo has been paying close attention to the preparation and well-being of its athletes, officials said on Wednesday.

AzerNEWS reports, citing Azertag that Chingiz Huseynzade, vice-president of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Azerbaijan, NOC secretary general Azer Aliyev, and Fuad Naghiyev, president of the Azerbaijan Winter Sports Federation, visited the Olympic Athletes’ Village in Milan.

During the visit, the officials met with members of the Azerbaijani delegation and figure skater Vladimir Litvintsev. Anar Baghirov, the team’s chef de mission, provided a detailed briefing on accommodation, training facilities, meals, and overall preparations for the competitions.

The discussions also reviewed the progress of training and preparations for upcoming events, with officials praising the facilities and support provided to the athletes.

Huseynzade, Aliyev, and Naghiyev wished the Azerbaijani team success in the Games, expressing confidence that the country’s athletes would represent Azerbaijan with distinction.

Azerbaijan is represented at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics by two athletes: alpine skier Anastasia Papatoma and figure skater Vladimir Litvintsev.

The XXV Winter Olympics features nearly 3,000 athletes from 92 countries competing across 16 sports, with 116 medal sets up for grabs. The Games are scheduled to conclude on 22 February 2026.

The premiere of the animated series ‘Isi and Piti’ took place at the Ganja State Drama Theater.

Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva attended the event. The premiere was organized within the framework of the ‘ANIMAFILM in Ganja’ festival by the Azerbaijan Animation Association.

As part of the festival, alongside the premiere of two episodes of the educational children’s animated series ‘Isi and Piti,’ the short animated films ‘Bum-bum’ and ‘Earth and Moon’ were presented to the audience. Teachers from Ganja city’s preschool education institutions, as well as children attending these institutions, watched the animated films with great interest and enthusiasm.

The festival also featured the screening of the short animated film ‘Earth and Moon,’ a joint production by Azerbaijani and Uzbek animation specialists. The film explains to children the unity between humans and nature, highlights the impact of ecological problems on the planet, and calls on everyone to protect their homeland, Mother Nature, and the Earth.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Wednesday about American talks with Iran, his office said Saturday, as concerns remain high about possible regional conflict, Azernews reports.

‘The prime minister believes that all negotiations must include limiting the ballistic missiles, and ending support for the Iranian axis,’ Netanyahu’s office said in a brief statement, referring to Tehran’s support for militant groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Palestinian territories. Trump and Netanyahu last met in December.

There was no immediate White House comment.

The U.S. and the Islamic Republic of Iran held indirect talks on Friday in Oman that appeared to return to the starting point on how to approach discussions over Tehran’s nuclear program.

rump said that the United States had ‘very good’ talks and more were planned for early next week. Washington was being represented by Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to use force to compel Iran to reach a deal on the nuclear program after sending the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and other warships to the region amid Tehran’s crackdown on nationwide protests that killed thousands.

South Africa has announced plans to withdraw its troops from the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office said in a statement issued late on Saturday.

AzerNEWS reports via TRT World that the decision has been communicated to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and was driven by the need to reallocate and realign the resources of South Africa’s armed forces, the statement said.

South Africa has been involved in UN peacekeeping operations in the DRC for 27 years and currently has more than 700 soldiers deployed as part of the mission. The UN force, whose mandate was renewed in December, comprised nearly 11,000 troops and police personnel at the time of the extension.

The UN mission is tasked with countering numerous armed groups operating in eastern DRC, a region plagued by decades of conflict and a recent surge in fighting that has heightened regional and international concern.

According to the statement, South Africa will coordinate closely with the United Nations to determine the timeline and practical arrangements for the withdrawal. The process is expected to be completed before the end of 2026.

Despite the drawdown, Pretoria said it would maintain strong bilateral relations with the Congolese government and continue to support multilateral initiatives aimed at achieving long-term stability and peace in the country.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed two decrees enforcing decisions by the National Security and Defence Council to impose sanctions on 66 individuals and 62 legal entities, including citizens and companies linked to Russia, Hong Kong, Kyrgyzstan and the United Arab Emirates, AzerNEWS reports via Ukraine’s Presidential website.

According to official statements, the measures are designed to undermine Russia’s military-industrial and financial infrastructure, particularly networks involved in supplying components for missile and drone production and in helping Moscow bypass international sanctions.

The first decree targets 24 individuals and 27 companies connected to Russia’s defence industry. These entities are accused of supplying goods used in the manufacture of Russian missiles and drones, weapons that Ukraine says were deployed during overnight attacks into Saturday. Ukrainian officials stressed that such weapons systems rely heavily on foreign components, making external supply chains a critical vulnerability.

The second decree focuses on 42 individuals and 35 legal entities involved in Russia’s financial ecosystem, including those facilitating sanctions evasion imposed by Ukraine, the European Union and the United States.

Among those sanctioned is the A7 cryptocurrency network, which Ukrainian authorities say has been used to process payments for components used in Russian missile production. Measures were also imposed on organisations supporting Russia’s crypto market and industrial cryptocurrency mining, as well as on payment service providers, crypto exchanges and digital asset holders.

Ukrainian officials said parts of the measures are expected to be incorporated into the European Union’s upcoming 20th sanctions package, which is currently in its final stages and could be adopted by the end of the month.

‘Our approach is systematic and practical,’ said Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Advisor and Commissioner to the President of Ukraine for Sanctions Policy. ‘By targeting those who manufacture weapons for Russia and finance component supplies, we directly limit the capacity of Russia’s military-industrial complex.’