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Marking Eid al-Fitr

People in a number of Muslim countries celebrate Eid al-Fitr that marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Muslims hold prayers at mosques as part of ceremonies to mark Eid al-Fitr. Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Bahrain and Afghanistan, among others, are celebrating Eid al-Fitr on Friday. Others, like Iran and Pakistan, mark the event on Saturday. Eid al-Fitr is a major religious holiday for Muslims. They visit relatives and friends. And, in some countries, wear new clothes and distribute food and candies. Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of the lunar month of Shawwal. The exact date of the occasion is determined based on when the new moon is sighted. That’s why Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on two different days in the Muslim world.

Iran support for Yemen

President Ebrahim Raeisi reiterates Iran’s support for the Yemeni people and their right to self-determination. Raeisi made the remarks in a phone call with Mahdi al-Mashat, the head of Yemen’s Supreme Political Council. The president also hailed the progress made in the Yemen peace negotiations with Saudi officials. Raeisi expressed hope that the talks would lead to a permanent ceasefire and an end to the blockade imposed on Yemen. He also invited Mashat to visit Iran. Mashat, for his part, expressed his keenness to visit the country and appreciated Iran’s support for the Yemeni people. Riyadh and its allies launched a war and blockade on Yemen in 2015 to restore a friendly regime there. They failed to achieve that objective but the aggression has directly and indirectly killed hundreds of thousands of Yemenis.

Sudan crisis

Sudan's capital Khartoum is reportedly witnessing less intense fighting amid a three day truce announced by the army ahead of Eid al-Fitr holidays. Sporadic gunfire and air strikes are reportedly heard in the city. This comes as western governments plan evacuation of their citizens. The European Union says seven member states are ready to take nationals out immediately. Britain is also putting troops and aircraft on standby at an overseas base. However, the US says its citizens should not expect a state-coordinated evacuation. Meanwhile, Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which is fighting the military, says it is ready to partially open all airports. Fighting broke out in Khartoum and other cities last Saturday over the proposed integration of the RSF into the military.

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