Ukraine launches unprecedented drone attack on Moscow; Swiss court convicts Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan of rape.
Ukraine launched its largest drone attack on Moscow to date on September 10, 2024, resulting in one woman's death, damaging dozens of homes, and causing significant disruptions at three major airports. Russia claimed to have downed many drones, while Ukraine reported destroying several drones launched by Russia. This incident is part of the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
Meanwhile, the Swiss appeals court convicted Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan of rape and sexual coercion, overturning his previous acquittal. Ramadan, sentenced to three years in prison with two years suspended, maintains his innocence and claims the encounter was consensual.
In a turn towards diplomatic affairs, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy in London. Their discussions will focus on support for Ukraine, the Middle East conflict, and the AUKUS defense pact, following credible reports that Iran supplied Russia with ballistic missiles.
On the economic front, Saudi Arabia reported a 1.6% rise in its Industrial Production Index for July, driven by significant growth in manufacturing, particularly in the chemical and food sectors. This reflects the Kingdom's ongoing diversification efforts under Vision 2030 to reduce dependence on oil.
In a related development, Saudi Arabia has condemned Israeli attacks on Mawasi Khan Yunis in Gaza, which have resulted in 40 civilian deaths. The Saudi foreign ministry urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for the continued violations in Palestinian territories and Gaza.
Finally, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has endorsed a hostage release agreement as part of a strategic Gaza truce deal. Gallant emphasized the importance of international pressure on Hamas and supported a six-week ceasefire initiative announced by US President
Joe Biden, aiming to alleviate the humanitarian crisis resulting from the prolonged conflict in Gaza.