WATCH PRESS TV NEWS HEADLINES

Here is a brief look at Press TV newsroom's headlines from 09:00 GMT to 17:00 GMT, September 29, 2017.

Cholera in Yemen

The International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, has warned that the number of cholera cases in war-torn Yemen could reach one million by the end of this year. The aid organization said the situation in Yemen is a “catastrophe”. The ICRC has also called for re-opening of Sana’a International Airport to commercial flights so that aid could be delivered to millions of Yemenis who are in desperate need of food and basic supplies. Saudi Arabia has imposed a hermetic blockade on Yemen since March 2015, after it unleashed a devastating war against its southern neighbor. The siege has caused a humanitarian crisis with cholera outbreak killing over 2,000 Yemenis in recent months. Riyadh continues to resort to its diplomatic heft to escape from international action on its human rights violations.

Iraq offensive

The Iraqi army and its allied forces have made gains in their offensive to liberate the northern district of Hawijah from Daesh terrorists. Troops are now engaged in the second phase which began earlier on Friday, after an announcement by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. The second phase was launched by moving towards the city of Hawijah from three directions. Troops are now advancing westward and have captured three villages and a strategic bridge north of the city. The offensive to liberate Hawijah district began on September 21, with the first phase accomplished within a few days. The district lies west of the Iraqi oil city of Kirkuk. Hawijah and a stretch along the Syrian border are the last pieces of land still in the hands of Daesh.

India deadly stampede

At least 22 people have been killed in a stampede in India’s largest city, Mumbai. The incident happened at a railway station during the morning rush hour. Many others have been injured with some in critical condition. Authorities say the death toll is expected to rise. The cause of the stampede is still unknown, but such incidents are common in India where millions depend on public transport for commuting to work. Mumbai has a population of 20 million.

Kabul mosque attack

At least 6 people have been killed after a huge explosion rocked the Afghan capital, Kabul. According to the Afghan Interior Ministry, nearly two dozen people were also wounded as a result of the deadly blast that ripped through a Shia mosque. The explosion happened as worshippers were holding mourning ceremonies for the martyrdom anniversary of the grandson of Prophet Mohammad, Imam Hussein. Security forces have been dispatched to the area to investigate the incident. No one has claimed responsibility for the deadly incident, but the Taliban militants and Daesh terrorists have repeatedly targeted Shia communities in recent years.

Kurdistan flights suspended

Iraq’s central government is blocking all international flights to and from Kurdistan as tensions over the region’s secession vote escalate. Almost all foreign airlines have suspended flights to the airports in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, in compliance with a notice from Baghdad. Iraq’s central government, which has control over the country’s airspace, had set 6 PM-regional time as the deadline for all carriers with international flights. Meanwhile, domestic flights are still permitted meaning travelers would still be able to transit via Baghdad airport. Iraqi Kurdistan’s regional government has rejected an ultimatum from Baghdad to hand over international airports. Earlier, several countries imposed unilateral flight bans on the Iraqi Kurdistan, following the region’s secession vote on Monday.

Catalonia independence

Tensions between the governments of Spain and Catalonia are running high as October first, the date of the Catalan independence referendum, nears. The Spanish government has reiterated that the Sunday vote is illegal and that it will not be allowed to go ahead. Catalonia has, however, said its stance is clear and that the vote will be held as scheduled. The Catalan government says more than 2,300 polling stations are ready for citizens to cast their ballots. Meanwhile, the European Parliament President said the EU continues its support for the Spanish government. Antonio Tajani added that Madrid is right on a legal level. He, however, stressed that the bloc is unable to mediate the dispute, calling it an internal problem that should be resolved by Spaniards themselves.

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