By Esra Tekin
ISTANBUL (AA) - Here’s a rundown of all the news you need to start your Saturday, including the Kremlin's remarks on the US sending parameters of a peace plan discussed with Ukraine in Geneva to Russia; an Israeli attack on Syria which claimed at least nine lives with others injured; and the US announcement of an immediate pause on visa issuances for Afghan passport holders.
- US sent parameters of peace plan discussed with Ukraine in Geneva to Russia: Kremlin
The Kremlin announced that the US handed to Russia the parameters of a proposed peace plan discussed with Ukraine in Geneva last weekend.
“The main parameters have been communicated (to us),” spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters during a media briefing. “And there will be a discussion in Moscow next week.”
Peskov said the exact date of US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s visit to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin will be provided "in a timely manner," but they do not want to "get ahead of ourselves" by discussing the parameters of the plan in public.
- 9 killed, others wounded in Israeli attack on Beit Jinn town in Damascus countryside
At least nine people were killed and others wounded in an Israeli attack on the town of Beit Jinn and the road leading to Mazraat Beit Jinn in the Damascus countryside, Syrian media reported.
State-run television channel Alikhbaria reported that Israeli drones continued to fly above the area following the strikes, particularly along the road linking the two towns.
It said dozens of families fled Beit Jinn toward safer areas after the attack.
- US announces immediate pause on visa issuance for Afghan passport holders
The US State Department said it has immediately paused visa issuances for those traveling on Afghan passports.
"The Department is taking all necessary steps to protect U.S. national security and public safety," it wrote on US social media company X.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US "has no higher priority than protecting our nation and our people."
NEWS IN BRIEF
- Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Naim Qassem condemned Israel’s killing of top commander Haitham Ali al-Tabtabai, calling it a “deliberate crime,” and emphasized that the group reserves the right to retaliate at a time of its choosing.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he is initiating a full overhaul of the Office of the President, confirming that his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, has submitted his resignation as Kyiv prepares for a new phase of negotiations with the US.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin said future negotiations with Washington could lead to a possible summit in Hungary's capital of Budapest.
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “strongly condemns” the military coup in Guinea-Bissau and urges the “immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order,” his spokesperson said in a statement.
- The UN human rights office is "appalled at the brazen killing" by Israeli border police of two Palestinian men in Jenin, in the occupied West Bank, in "an apparent summary execution."
- Türkiye is a long-standing and reliable NATO ally and should be included in the EU's new defense programs, said German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.
- The African Union “immediately suspended” Guinea-Bissau from all its activities until constitutional order is restored, according to a statement.
- Departures from Philadelphia International Airport are grounded due to a “bomb threat,” according to the US Federal Aviation Administration.
- Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth backed US military operations targeting drug-trafficking networks in the Caribbean, while slamming news outlets for what he called misleading reporting about the campaign.
- Recent clashes between the M23 rebels and the Congolese military, supported by pro-government militia (wazalendo), have led to mass displacement of residents in several localities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to a source.
- The Sudanese army repelled a fierce attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the besieged city of Babnousa in West Kordofan State, in the latest round of a military escalation in the area.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Turkish Airlines implements software update on A320 aircraft
Türkiye's flag carrier Turkish Airlines began to implement necessary procedures for its eight aircraft relating to Airbus' software update for the A320 aircraft family.
"Airbus has issued an Operator Alert Notice (AOT) for all A320 aircraft worldwide," Yahya Ustun, senior vice president communications at the flag carrier, said on US social media platform X. "Eight A320 aircraft in our fleet have been assessed under this framework and will be safely returned to service after completing procedures in accordance with the relevant instructions."
He said all of the carrier's operations continue to operate in a safe manner.