Civil unrest fueled by anger against perceived corruption and misrule by Iraq’s political elite intensified across the south of the country on Friday, as protesters stormed the Iranian consulate in Basra while others briefly took workers hostage at a nearby oilfield. Source Reuters
A Turkish charity group is building the biggest mosque of the Balkans in the Albanian capital Tirana, according to a statement on Friday.
In a written statement, the Turkiye Diyanet Foundation (TDV) — linked to the state Religious Affairs Directorate (Diyanet) — said the Namazgah Mosque will be completed and open for worship by the end of this year. Source: Anadolu Agency
Two ships that caught fire off the coast of Crimea, leaving at least 14 sailors dead and six missing, have been linked to Russian fuel supplies to Syria, which the US has targeted for sanctions. Source: Financial Times
Tesla has signed a preliminary agreement with China’s Tianjin Lishen to supply batteries for its new Shanghai car factory, as it aims to cut its reliance on Japan’s Panasonic, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter said. Source: CNBC
