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26 Oct 2021
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Iran cyberattack causes widespread disruption at gas stations across country

October 26, 2021

A cyberattack disrupted the sale of heavily subsidized gasoline in Iran on Tuesday, state media reported, causing long lines at gas stations across the country.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.“The disruption at the refueling system of gas stations... in the past few hours, was caused by a cyberattack,” state broadcaster IRIB said. “Technical experts are fixing the problem and soon the refueling process...will return to normal.”The disruptions came ahead of the second anniversary of a November 19 increase in fuel prices which led to widespread street protests in which hundreds were reported to have been killed by security forces.The oil ministry said only sales with smart cards used for cheaper rationed gasoline were disrupted and clients could still buy fuel at higher rates, the ministry’s news agency SHANA reported.Videos posted on social media showed apparently-hacked street signs carrying messages such as “Khamenei, where is our gasoline?”, in a reference to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Reuters could not independently authenticate the videos.In the past, Iran has been targeted by a series of cyberattacks such as one in July when the website of the transport ministry was taken down by what state media said was a “cyber disruption.”Iran says it is on high alert for online assaults, which it has blamed in the past on the US and Israel. The US and other Western powers meanwhile have accused Iran of trying to disrupt and break into their networks.Read more:Iran transport ministry hit by second apparent cyberattack in daysIran’s cyber-espionage poses threat to Israel, countries in the region: ReportIran’s rail system disrupted by hackers posting fake delay messages
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Iran cyberattack causes widespread disruption at gas stations across country

26 Oct 2021
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Sudan’s al-Burhan says army ousted government to avoid civil war

October 26, 2021

Sudan’s top general said on Tuesday that the country’s Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok was “at my home” a day after his reported detention by soldiers during a widely condemned military coup.“Yes, we arrested ministers and politicians, but not all” of them, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan told a news conference in Khartoum, adding that Hamdok was “in good health” and would “return home when the crisis is over”.The general said the decision to oust the government of Abdalla Hamdok was taken in order to avoid civil war, accusing political forces of incitement against the armed forces.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.He said the country’s armed forces gave concessions possible to achieve the dreams of the Sudanese people.The general was speaking at a news conference a day after a military coup.Al-Burhan said: “We are aiming to see through a transition to a civilian government.”“Within the coming days, the judicial bodies will be formed,” he added.Pro-democracy protesters blocked roads in Sudan’s capital with makeshift barricades and burning tires Tuesday, a day after the military seized power in a swift coup widely denounced by the international community.The takeover came after weeks of mounting tensions between military and civilian leaders over the course and the pace of Sudan’s transition to democracy. It threated to derail that process, which has progressed in fits and starts since the overthrow of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir in a popular uprising two years ago. The United Nations Security Council was to discuss the situation in a closed-door meeting later in the day.Read more:Sudan PM Hamdok moved to unknown location after refusing to support coup: MinistrySudan capital locked down after coup triggers deadly unrestSudan’s top general al-Burhan to hold news conference
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Sudan’s al-Burhan says army ousted government to avoid civil war

26 Oct 2021
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Bahrain approves Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 3-11

October 26, 2021

Bahrain has approved the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine for children aged between 3 and 11 years from October 27, the state media office said on Tuesday.“The national team noted that this age group was allowed to receive the vaccination after the vaccination committee studied all the medical recommendations issued in this regard in order to preserve their health and safety by acquiring immunity against the virus,” the Bahrain News Agency reported.Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.The national medical team also stressed the importance of vaccinating the targeted age group “to protect them and their families and society, especially in light of the long incubation period of the virus in children in the event of infection.”Those interested can register for the vaccination through the Ministry of Health website: healthalert .gov.bh or through the dedicated mobile application.A parent or guardian’s consent is required for children to be vaccinated against the coronavirus, the news agency reported. They must also be accompanied by an adult while receiving the vaccine.The BNA also reported that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine would soon be approved for children between the ages of 5 and 11.With ReutersRead more: Pfizer vaccine ‘completely safe’ for UAE residents who got Sinopharm shot: ExpertsUAE, Bahrain offers Sinopharm booster shot for ‘maximum protection’ against COVID-19UAE, Bahrain make Pfizer/BioNTech shot available to those who got Sinopharm vaccine
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Bahrain approves Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 3-11