Lebanon asks Russia for satellite images from day of Beirut blast

Lebanon has asked Russia to provide satellite images taken on the day of the massive Beirut port explosion that killed more than 215 people and destroyed large parts of the capital last year.

President Michel Aoun made the request during a meeting with Russia’s Ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Rudakov on Friday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently said Russia was ready to assess Lebanon’s request for satellite images if it helps with the investigation.

“President Aoun…formally asked Ambassador Rudakov to inform the Russian authorities of Lebanon's interest in obtaining these images, which could provide additional information that could benefit the probe,” a statement by the president’s office said.

The probe into the blast has suffered several setbacks since its launch more than a year ago, with the Iran-backed Hezbollah and its allies recently accusing the lead investigator of political bias.

Judge Tarek Bitar had indicted five senior officials among others for criminal negligence in connection with the blast.

Among those indicted is former prime minister Hassan Diab, who stepped down following the explosion, along with four ex-ministers, including two members of speaker Nabih Berri’s parliamentary bloc.

All five had snubbed Mr Bitar’s summons, arguing he had no authority to prosecute them in line with the constitution.

More than a year after the blast, it remains unclear what triggered the explosion of hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate, who owned the explosive chemicals or why they were stored at the port for more than six years.

Media reports have linked the explosive fertilisers to businessmen close to Syrian President Bashar Assad, a staunch ally of Hezbollah.

A protest led by Hezbollah earlier this month to demand the removal of Mr Bitar ended in bloodshed after demonstrations turned into armed clashes that left seven dead.

Hezbollah has accused its political rival, the Christian Lebanese Forces party (LF), of firing at protestors to instigate civil strife. The LF has denied the accusations, arguing that Hezbollah’s loyalists fuelled the clashes with local residents after storming and vandalising property in areas that used to separate Christian and Shiite neighbourhoods during Lebanon’s 15-year civil war.

Ministers affiliated with the Iran-backed party and their allies have since blocked the government from convening, arguing it must first replace Mr Bitar.

Mr Bitar replaced Judge Fadi Sawan who was ousted by the Supreme Court after two former ministers questioned his impartiality.

The Supreme Court has yet to rule on three lawsuits filed by Mr Diab and two other ministers, claiming he violated the law by prosecuting senior officials who should instead be tried before a special body that comprises senior judges and parliamentarians.

The lawsuits forced Mr Bitar to suspend hearing sessions that had been scheduled this week for Mr Diab and two ex-ministers.

The resignation of Mr Diab's government following the blast left Lebanon without a functioning Cabinet for more than a year, accelerating the country's financial meltdown and economic woes.

Earlier this year, the World Bank described Lebanon's crisis as one of the most severe globally since the 1850s.

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The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

War 2

Director: Ayan Mukerji

Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana

Rating: 2/5

Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?

The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.

A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.

Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.

The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.

When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.

Scores in brief:

Boost Defenders 205-5 in 20 overs
(Colin Ingram 84 not out, Cameron Delport 36, William Somerville 2-28)
bt Auckland Aces 170 for 5 in 20 overs
(Rob O’Donnell 67 not out, Kyle Abbott 3-21).

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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme

Priority access to new homes from participating developers
Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
Flexible payment plans from developers
Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates

Red flags

Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

BMW M5 specs

Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor

Power: 727hp

Torque: 1,000Nm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh650,000

MORE FROM ED HUSAIN: The UAE-Israel accord is a win for every Muslim

MEFCC information

Tickets range from Dh110 for an advance single-day pass to Dh300 for a weekend pass at the door. VIP tickets have sold out. Visit www.mefcc.com to purchase tickets in advance.

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Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

How to apply for a drone permit

Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
Submit their request

What are the regulations?

Fly it within visual line of sight
Never over populated areas
Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
Should have a live feed of the drone flight
Drones must weigh 5 kg or less