Leader: US in fight on Islam, Iran, Shias

• The Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei is warning that the United States’ definitive policy is fighting Islam, Iran and Shia Islam. The Leader also criticized US officials for claiming that Iran’s policies in the region have led to the sanctions against Tehran.
• Muslims all around the world are celebrating Eid al-Mab’ath, the day when Prophet Mohammad was appointed to prophethood by God. The 27th of the month of Rajab on the lunar calendar marks the day when he was ordained. The event is one of the greatest occasions marked by Muslims.
• Israeli warplanes have once again carried out air raid against Palestinians in the Gaza strip hours after shelling the coastal enclave. An elderly man and three children were injured as Israeli jets pounded Shijaiyah area, east of Gaza City. They also hit a Hamas security post in northern Gaza, destroying it completely.
• Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi has sacked the commander of Special Forces in Baghdad’s Green Zone. The removal comes in response to an unprecedented security breach by angry protesters four days ago. The protesters are set to hold another rally on Friday. The Green Zone houses Iraq’s main government institutions as well as various embassies.
• New Zealand's UN Ambassador has warned that the Daesh terrorist group is looking to increase its revenues following major defeats in Iraq and Syria. Gerard van Bohemen said ISIL wants to make more money from taxation, smuggling antiquities and kidnapping for ransom.
• People in UK are voting in a series of nationwide elections dubbed as Britain’s ‘Super Thursday’. Elections are taking place for the Scottish Parliament, National Assembly of Wales, the Northern Ireland Assembly and for 124 councils in England. Brits are also voting for assembly members, councilors, mayors and police commissioners.
• The number of homeless people in Los Angeles County in the US state of California has jumped by nearly six percent over the past year. Authorities say that 47,000 people are homeless partly due to a historic housing shortage. They added that most of the county's homeless are without shelter.
• Venezuela has started the verification of nearly two million voters’ signatures, petitioning for a referendum on ousting President Nicolas Maduro. The center-right opposition presented the petition to the National Electoral Board or CNE. Maduro says he would allow the referendum if the appeal is validated by the electoral commission.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk