Author name: fatih

Turkish UAVs find buyers in Africa

Africa /

Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have made inroads into Africa, with solutions developed in Türkiye from UAV technologies undertaking new missions abroad. Turkish drone company Zyrone Dynamics, renowned for its expertise in rotary-wing and variable-volume UAVs, has added a significant milestone to its export achievements. The company recently exported its ZD100 and ZD200 rotary-wing UAVs to an African country, where they will play a critical role in missions such as disaster search and rescue operations and the delivery of cargo to vital locations. Both the ZD100 and ZD200 models are distinguished by their advanced technical capabilities and versatile applications. The ZD100 sets itself apart from competitors with an impressive flight time of 80 minutes, a payload capacity of 3 kilograms (6.61 pounds), and a top speed of 130 kilometers (80.7 miles) per hour.  Designed for ease of use and compactness, it excels in challenging environments thanks to its monocoque carbon body, which ensures durability and resilience in harsh weather conditions. The ZD100 is particularly valued for its high performance and adaptability across diverse terrains and operational needs. The ZD200, designed for more demanding missions, boasts a maximum payload capacity of 20 kilograms (44 pounds) and can achieve a flight range of over 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) when carrying a 10-kilogram (22-pound) payload. Its modular design supports the integration of specialized equipment such as thermal cameras, LIDAR sensors and environmental monitoring tools, making it suitable for tasks ranging from critical infrastructure inspections to coastline mapping and mine surveillance.  Built with a durable carbon frame, the ZD200 can withstand wind speeds of up to 40 kilometers (24.8 miles) per hour, ensuring reliable performance in harsh conditions. – Confident steps in global market Murat Kanber, co-founder of Zyrone Dynamics, shared insights with Anadolu about the growing global interest in UAV technology.  He highlighted the widespread adoption of UAVs across various fields and emphasized the increasing demand from both domestic and international markets for Zyrone’s innovative air vehicles. “We are proud to export our ZD100 and ZD200 UAV models to Africa, following our earlier ZD100 technology exports to India,” Kanber said. “Our UAVs are successfully deployed in critical missions such as post-disaster search and rescue, medical aid delivery, and essential cargo transportation.” Kanber underscored how these exports demonstrate Zyrone Dynamics’ global technological capabilities and reaffirm the company’s commitment to supporting humanitarian aid efforts.  He also highlighted the ZD200’s flexible and advanced integration features, which open new possibilities in diverse sectors, from natural resource protection to critical infrastructure monitoring. “Our experience operating in varied geographies has been instrumental in developing more efficient and safer UAVs,” he said. “We aim to meet users’ evolving needs with enhanced performance and capabilities. As we continue to succeed in this mission, we’ve observed a steady rise in foreign demand.” Kanber revealed that the company is actively engaged in negotiations with other regions while continuing to deliver on existing international requests.  “We are confident that our products rank among the best in their class globally,” he said. “With this confidence, we are taking bold strides toward becoming a leading and trusted solution provider in the global UAV market.”

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Death toll from Los Angeles wildfires rises to 24

World /

The death toll rose to 24 on Sunday in the wake of the devastating wildfires ravaging the US state of California. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office said they are investigating at least two dozen deaths related to two massive wildfires that have been raging in Southern California since last Tuesday. Officials said 16 deaths were attributed to the Eaton fire and eight were linked to the Palisades fire. Those numbers are expected to rise, as the medical examiner said they cannot confirm human remains until they are processed at their facility. More than 150,000 residents have been evacuated, with another 87,000 in evacuation warning zones. More than 12,000 homes and businesses have been burned to the ground, with the wildfires so far scorching over 60 square miles (155 square kilometers). “Initial aerial assessments estimate 5,316 structures for the Palisades Fire and over 7,000 structures destroyed from the Eaton Fire,” the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) said in a statement.  “These initial numbers make the Eaton and Palisades fires likely the second and fourth most destructive fires in California’s history respectively,” it added. Firefighters continue to battle the destructive blazes, which have been fueled by continued heavy winds in the region with wind gusts between 30 to 70 miles (48 to 112 kilometers) per hour. Because of those dangerous conditions, a fire warning remains in effect until Wednesday and evacuation orders have been extended until at least Thursday. Dusk to dawn curfews also remain in effect as police crack down on looting in the area. “We’re not out of the woods yet. We have some very significant fire weather ahead of us,” said Nancy Ward, director of the California Office of Emergency Services, at a news conference. “We need to provide the people and the first responders in Southern California the support that they need,” Ward continued.  “We’ve prepositioned additional engines, fire crews, helicopters, bulldozers, water tenders (tankers) across all of southern California, in Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County and San Diego County, all poised to assist and support the additional fire threat.” The manpower being used to fight the fires is staggering: 14,000 emergency personnel, 1,300 fire engines and 84 aircraft have been deployed from nine states, including California, as well as crews from Canada and Mexico. California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he is deploying another 1,000 members of the California National Guard to help fight the wildfires. President Joe Biden has already approved a major disaster declaration for the state to provide financial assistance for cleanup and rebuilding, with early estimates putting the cost of damage from the wildfires to reach at least $10 billion. Humanitarian groups and nonprofit organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank have already begun assistance efforts for displaced residents, providing food, water, shelter and living supplies for those who have been affected by the deadly blazes.

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Nine people were killed in an armed attack in Nigeria

Africa /

Nine people have been reported dead in an armed attack in Nigeria’s Nasarawa State. According to local media, the attack took place in the Karu area, where armed gang members targeted victims, leaving nine dead and many others injured. Nigeria has long struggled with armed gang violence, as well as attacks from terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Although the country imposes the death penalty for kidnapping, abductions for ransom remain common. Armed assailants often target villages, schools, and travelers, demanding ransoms.

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Ethiopians sweep Dubai marathon titles

Africa /

Ethiopia celebrated a triumphant performance at the Dubai Marathon on Sunday, with its athletes dominating the top spots. Bute Gemechu claimed the men’s title with an impressive time of 2:04:51. The 23-year-old, still early in his international career, has only participated in a few major races to date. In a thrilling women’s race, Bedatu Hirpa surged past her compatriot Dera Dida in the final stretch to win with a world-leading time of 2:18:27. While Hirpa marked her biggest career victory and set a personal best, Dida, who finished just four seconds behind in 2:18:31, appeared devastated at the line. It was a remarkable sight against the iconic Dubai skyline, as Ethiopian runners claimed the top 10 spots in both the men’s and women’s categories.

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 17 killed, 74 injured in explosions at gas stations in southern Yemen

World /

 At least 17 people were killed and 74 others injured on Sunday in a series of explosions that struck four gas stations in Yemen’s southern Al-Bayda province, according to the Health Ministry under the internationally unrecognized Houthi-led government. As many as 50 others are in critical condition, the ministry said in a statement. Late Saturday, the Interior Ministry’s media platform said the explosions occurred in the Nassefa area of Al-Zahir district. Houthi government spokesperson Hashem Sharafuddin said security forces are actively investigating the incident, though no further details were provided. The group extended “deepest condolences and sympathy to the families and loved ones of the victims of the tragic incident that occurred due to the explosion at gas stations.” The presence of numerous gas stations in residential areas across Yemen has led to repeated accidents. Yemen remains deeply affected by a prolonged civil war that has devastated its infrastructure and left millions suffering from a humanitarian crisis.

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Rwanda’s president denies supporting M23 rebels

Africa /

Rwandan President Paul Kagame dismissed reports claiming that his country supports the M23 rebel group, which recently seized key towns in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Kagame told reporters in the capital Kigali on Thursday that Rwanda has nothing to do with the rebel group and it does not make sense to blame Rwanda for the conflict in the DR Congo. “These leaders of M23 and the majority of their fighters came from Uganda, where they had been refugees,” he said, adding that M23 rebels are not Rwandans but speak the Rwandan language, Kinyarwanda. Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting the M23 rebels, a claim that Kagame has frequently denied. A recent report by the United Nations Group of Experts claimed that Rwandan forces were helping the rebels in DR Congo. Kagame said M23 fighters are Congolese, and even the past and present leaders admit it.  ‘‘Why do we have over 100,000 refugees here in Rwanda originating for eastern Congo?” he said. He said the Rwandan government disarmed M23 fighters who crossed into Rwanda in 2012-13 and gave back their arms to the authorities in DR Congo. Kagame urged Congolese authorities to address the root causes of the conflict and negotiate with the rebel group to find a solution to end it. Angolan President Joao Lourenco had been mediating between Tshisekedi and Kagame, but talks hit a deadlock last month.

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PLO warns of grave repercussions from Israeli laws targeting UNRWA

World /

 A senior member of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) warned Thursday of severe consequences from two Israeli laws targeting the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) that are set to take effect soon. The first law, passed in October by Israel’s Knesset, or parliament, bans the UN agency’s operations within Israel. The second revokes a 1967 agreement between Israel and UNRWA. Ahmed Abu Holi, a member of the PLO Executive Committee, said that “implementing these laws could undermine UNRWA’s mandate in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank while eliminating its presence in East Jerusalem.” “This will deprive millions of refugees of vital services, including education, health care and life-saving emergency aid, leading to a humanitarian collapse in Gaza,” he said in a statement on his Facebook page. Abu Holi urged UN General Assembly member states and the UN Security Council to take decisive action to pressure Israel to halt enforcement of the laws and counter efforts to dismantle or undermine UNRWA’s mandate. The refugee agency itself issued a warning last Saturday saying that time was running out before the Israeli ban takes effect at the end of January. This would block the organization from providing services to Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, according to comments by UNRWA’s Director of Communications, Juliette Touma, in an interview with Ireland’s RTE. The laws, finalized by the Knesset on Oct. 28, will force UNRWA to cease operations in areas under Israeli jurisdiction, shut down its offices, and close any associated bank accounts.  Israeli authorities have alleged that some UNRWA staff were involved in the cross-border attacks on Israel by the Palestinian group Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. UNRWA, established in the aftermath of the 1948 Nakba to assist displaced Palestinian refugees, operates in five regions: Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. The agency currently supports approximately 5.9 million Palestinians, according to its data. The Israeli army has continued a genocidal war on Gaza that has killed over 46,000 people, mostly women and children, since Oct. 7, 2023, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire. In November last year, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.

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Trump says meeting being set up with Putin

Africa /

US President-elect Donald Trump said Thursday that a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin is being set up. “He (Putin) wants to meet, and we’re setting it up,” Trump told reporters ahead of a meeting with Republican governors at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. He did not provide further details about the possible meeting. “President Putin wants to meet. He said that even publicly, and we have to get that war over. That’s a bloody mess,” he said, referring to the Russia-Ukraine war. Turning to Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump said they have had “a lot of” communication. “We have a lot of meetings set up with a lot of people. Some have come, but I’d rather wait till after the 20th,” he said, referring to Jan. 20, the date of his inauguration.

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Fiber optic drones revolutionize combat in Russia-Ukraine war

Discover /

Fiber optic drones capable of penetrating 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) into enemy lines and striking targets with high-resolution imagery have emerged as key tools in the Russia-Ukraine war. With a cable range of up to 20 kilometers, these drones operate at low altitudes, avoiding detection and interception. Anadolu obtained information on fiber optic first-person view (FPV) drones in the Russia-Ukraine conflict from open sources. Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, announced on Jan. 5 that Ukraine had struck over 54,000 Russian targets in December 2024, with 49% of these attacks carried out using kamikaze drones. Syrskyi noted that Russia’s increased use of fiber optic drones poses significant risks to troop safety and added that Ukraine has also begun deploying similar technology. – Immune to electronic warfare detection and interception FPV drones are typically low-cost quadcopters or similar models, controlled in real time through goggles worn by the operator. In the Russia-Ukraine war, studies show that electronic warfare devices have downed 75% to 90% of drones, jamming the radio link between the pilot and the drone. Fiber optic drones, however, are undetectable and immune to electronic warfare, transmitting high-resolution video without relying on radio signals. These drones fly at low altitudes, avoiding obstacles and reducing exposure to air defense fire, unlike radio-controlled drones. The system uses a durable fiber optic spool that unravels during flight, maintaining a secure connection. The pilot’s commands and video data are transmitted as light signals via the fiber optic cable at high speeds. Reconnaissance drones equipped with high-resolution cameras offer a critical advantage in detecting enemy positions. However, the use of fiber optic cables increases the drone’s weight and reduces its range. Fiber optic drones face limitations, including slower speeds compared to radio-controlled drones, vulnerability to cable tangling and reduced maneuverability for turns exceeding 45-degree angles. While radio-controlled drones can operate over ranges of 5 to 200 kilometers (3 to 124 miles), fiber optic-guided drones are restricted to a range of 20 kilometers (12.4 miles). In addition to reconnaissance, these drones can carry bombs, explosives or anti-tank warheads for attack missions. – Fiber optic drones in Ukraine’s inventory Ukraine has tested various fiber optic drones, including the 20-kilometer range HCX (Argus 30), which weighs 1.2 kilograms (2.6 pounds) and features optical and thermal cameras alongside a 4-kilogram (8.8-pound) payload. The Khyzak REBOFF kamikaze drone has a 5-kilometer (3-mile) cable range, with an upgraded 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) version capable of carrying up to 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) of explosives. The E-Banshee drone, a six-propeller fiber optic model, has been successfully tested for bomb delivery, though a 10-kilometer cable tangled during one trial. The Black Widow Web 10 kamikaze drone has a 5-kilometer range and can carry a payload of 2 kilograms of explosives. On Jan. 2, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry announced testing over 12 locally produced drones, each capable of carrying up to 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds). – Fiber optic drones in Russia’s arsenal Since 2024, Russia has deployed the Knyaz Vandal of Novgorod (KVN) drone, developed by NPC Ushkuy in Novgorod. Russian sources claim the drone has a 20-kilometer range, can carry 3.5 kilograms (7.7 pounds) of explosives and is equipped with the PG-7V anti-tank round used in RPG-7 launchers. A captured KVN drone in Ukraine was found to have a 10.8-kilometer (6.7-mile) long fiber optic cable. Ukrainian experts suggest the KVN drone resembles the Chinese-made Skywalker model and was likely imported, as indicated by Chinese-written labels on the captured drone. Russia also uses the Piranha-5 drone, which carries 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of explosives and supports infantry within a 1 to 3-kilometer (0.6 to 1.8-mile) radius. The Piranha-13, a multipurpose drone with a heavier payload and fiber optic control, remains less documented. Additionally, Russia deploys the Product 55, a fiber optic-controlled kamikaze drone developed by ZALA. – Impact on battlefield Fiber optic-controlled drones establish a 20-kilometer “no-go” zone for armored vehicles, as they remain undetectable and immune to electronic warfare. This capability disrupts armored assaults and limits defensive measures.

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At least 19 dead as armed attack on Chad’s Presidential complex

Africa /

At least 19 people have died following a violent confrontation in Chad, where security forces intervened to thwart an armed attack on the presidential complex in N’Djamena. The government reported that 18 of the 24 assailants were killed during the failed raid on Wednesday evening, while one security officer also lost his life. Chad’s Foreign Minister, Abderaman Koulamallah, reassured the public, stating that the president’s safety was secured and that the situation was under control. Residents in N’Djamena reported hearing sustained gunfire near the presidential compound during the attack. Koulamallah confirmed that 18 attackers were killed, six others were wounded, and the security forces had suffered one fatality along with three injuries, one of which was serious. In a video appearance shortly after the violence, Koulamallah, flanked by armed soldiers, declared, “The situation is entirely under control… the attempt to destabilize the government has been thwarted.” This assault took place during an official visit by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who had just met with President Mahamat Idriss Deby and other senior officials hours before the attack. Koulamallah confirmed that Deby was inside the presidential complex when the violence erupted. Local resident Zakaria Daoud expressed concerns about the region’s security, especially given its history of political instability and coups. Footage from the scene showed military vehicles and heavily armed troops securing the streets around the presidential palace. Koulamallah, in a live broadcast, reassured the public again, saying, “The situation is completely under control, there is no fear,” and emphasized the military’s commitment to protecting the president. The attack occurred just days after parliamentary elections, which were intended to restore democracy but were boycotted by major opposition groups. The election results are still pending, but analysts believe the outcome could further consolidate President Deby Itno’s hold on power. Deby Itno assumed leadership in 2021 after the death of his father, who had ruled for three decades. He was later elected president in 2023, though international observers raised concerns about the credibility of the election.

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