Israel has claimed responsibility for an assassination attempt, which killed at least four people, at a busy Beirut hotel. The Israeli military claims it targeted members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) at the Ramada Plaza. Al Jazeera’s Heidi Pett spoke to hotel guests who experienced the blast.
Published On 8 Mar 20268 Mar 2026
Share
Drone-fired missiles have hit a market in central Sudan’s Kordofan region, killing at least 28 people and wounding dozens of others, a rights group says.
Emergency Lawyers, a group tracking violence against civilians, said in a statement on Monday that drones bombed the al-Safiya market in the town of Sodari in North Kordofan state.
list of 4 itemsend of list
The bombing on Sunday occurred when the market was packed with people, “exacerbating the humanitarian tragedy”, it said, adding that the number of casualties is likely to rise.
“The attack occurred when the market was bustling with civilians, including women, children and the elderly,” the group said.
“The repeated use of drones to target populated areas shows a grave disregard for civilian lives and signals an escalation that threatens what remains of daily life in the province. Therefore, we demand an immediate halt to drone attacks by both sides of the conflict,” the statement said.
The area is currently the fiercest front line in the three-year-old war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Sodari, a remote town where desert trade routes cross, is 230km (132 miles) northwest of el-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, which the RSF has been trying to encircle for months.
The Kordofan region has seen a surge in deadly drone attacks as both sides fight over the country’s vital east-west axis, which links the western RSF-held Darfur region, through el-Obeid, to the army-controlled capital, Khartoum, and the rest of Sudan.
After consolidating its hold on Darfur last year, the RSF has pushed east through the oil- and gold-rich Kordofan in an attempt to seize Sudan’s central corridor.
Emergency Lawyers said on X that the drones targeting the market on Sunday belonged to the army.
Two military officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to brief the media, told The Associated Press news agency that the army does not target civilian infrastructure and denied the attack.
A week ago, a drone close to the city of Rahad in North Kordofan hit a vehicle carrying displaced families, killing at least 24 people, including eight children. A day before the attack, a World Food Programme aid convoy was also hit by drones.
Fighting between the RSF and the Sudanese military erupted into a full-blown war across the country in April 2023. So far, at least 40,000 people have been killed and 12 million displaced, according to the World Health Organization.
Aid groups say the true death toll could be many times higher, as the fighting in vast and remote areas impedes access.
The United Nations human rights chief recently said that the Kordofan region remains “volatile and a focus of hostilities” as the warring parties vie for control of strategic areas.
Both sides have been accused of atrocities.
The UN Human Rights Office issued a report on Friday saying that more than 6,000 people were killed over three days when the RSF unleashed “a wave of intense violence… shocking in its scale and brutality” in Darfur in late October.
The RSF’s offensive to capture the city of el-Fasher, which used to be a military stronghold, in late October included widespread atrocities that amounted to war crimes and possible crimes against humanity, according to the UN.
The war has created the world’s largest hunger and displacement crisis. It has also effectively split the country in two, with the army holding the centre, north and east, while the RSF controls the west and, with its allies, parts of the south.
SPRING Break travelers are set to be hit by disruption amid the partial government shutdown.
Major airlines and travel groups have urged Congress to sort out funding for thousands of Transportation and Security Administration workers.
It comes as millions of high school and college students are preparing to travel nationwide for Spring break.
The annual one-to-two-week academic vacation period is kicking off soon.
But, holidaymakers and flyers will be hit by annoying flight delays and longer wait times at security due to the partial US homeland security shutdown, according to travel groups and airlines.
And, TSA staff are likely to suffer financially, reported Simple Flying on Saturday.
“Not again: 50,000 TSA officers face unpaid work as shutdown threatens Spring Break travel,” its headline warned.
“As yet another government shutdown looms, so does one of the busiest travel times of the Year — spring break,” said U.S. Travel, Airlines for America, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association in a joint statement last Friday.
“Travelers and the U.S. economy cannot afford to have essential TSA personnel working without pay.”
They warned that the funding delays raise “the risk of unscheduled absences and call outs, and ultimately can lead to higher wait times and missed or delayed flights.”
The partial government shutdown began on Saturday over money for the Department of Homeland Security.
Congressional Democrats and President Donald Trump’s team failed to reach a deal on legislation to fund the department through September.
And their inability to reach a compromise has sparked huge concern within the travel and hospitality industry – particularly with Spring break looming, plus the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The United States, along with Canada and Mexico, will be hosting the biennial football competition from June 11 through July 20.
Airlines for America also warned that funding uncertainty is “creating lasting damage to the entire travel ecosystem.”
The organization said the damaging interruption would hit “airlines, hotels and thousands of small businesses the travel industry supports.”
Funding for the DHS expired at midnight last Friday
The 95% of TSA workers deemed essential personnel will be required to keep working – but without pay.
To minimize delays at the airport:
Source: Simple Flying
“With America’s 250th anniversary and the 2026 World Cup this summer, the nation should be focused on showcasing the country on the world stage and maximizing the multi-billion-dollar economic opportunity these events bring,” the statement added.
“A lapse in TSA funding will significantly undermine those efforts.
“Last year’s shutdown alone resulted in an economic impact of $6 billion —nearly $140 million per day — and disrupted travel for more than 6 million travelers.”
It comes days after Delta Air Lines’ boss told international visitors ahead of the World Cup that the U.S. remains a welcoming destination despite the controversial crackdown on immigration.
“Hopefully, the World Cup will bring a lot of Europeans, a lot of international visitors into the US market,” said Ed Bastian last Thursday.
“Yes, the US has a focus on immigration. This is not immigration. This is tourism,” Bastian added.
“And as long as people are coming with the proper credentials, they’re not having any issues.”
Democrats are demanding changes to how immigration operations are conducted after the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal officers in Minneapolis last month.
Congress is on recess until February 23.
The longer the shutdown continues, the more likely flyers will be hit with delays as they will have to queue in longer lines at airports if workers call in sick.
Ha Nguyen McNeill, the acting TSA administrator, explained last Wednesday that TSA remained “laser-focused on returning the U.S. back to being the top global travel destination.”
Sources: Travel Awaits and Gitnux
However, this can’t happen “in a timely manner if Congress does not fund DHS through the end of Fiscal Year 2026.”
“With the United States hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June of this year, TSA does not have the luxury of time to prepare for the influx of passengers and international travelers,” McNeill warned.
“A lack of funding and predictability will pose significant challenges on our ability to deliver transportation security for the American public with the level of excellence we expect, and the American taxpayer deserves.”
It follows a record 43-day shutdown last fall.
TSA agents fall under the DHS.
TREAT the kids to a fantastic half-term day out this week without breaking the bank.
There are superb free and low-cost events across the UK promising a lot of laughs at festivals, farms, forests, castles and animal parks. Trisha Harbord has selected a dazzling dozen.
WITH a name like Super Duper, it is bound to be a great family festival.
For four days in half-term, Manchester is transformed into a giant playground with free activities in public spaces, cultural venues and landmark destinations such as the Central Library and Great Northern Warehouse.
There is storytelling with CBeebies, crafts, dancing, music workshops, shows and sports. Get a photo beside a Formula 1 car, or try the Lego workshop.
There will also be a carnival with a Victorian carousel and stalls, in St Ann’s Square.
GO: From February 18-21. Free. See visitmanchester.com
EXPLORE 300 years of fascinating maritime heritage for free.
Pick up a pass from Portsmouth Historic Quarter’s Visitor Centre to access the boathouse, exhibitions and beautiful gardens.
Fantastic artwork installations include the new Standing With Giants — silhouettes of military figures, including Winston Churchill — to celebrate wartime sacrifice.
You can also see iconic vessels including the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, currently docked here.
GO: Free. See portsmouthhq.org.
THERE’S a new destination for Lego fans — Longleat Safari Park.
The Wiltshire estate is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a Brick Week, including tiny versions of animals, from lorikeets to giraffes.
Families can build creatures, structures, trees or plants, to become part of the brick safari.
Longleat’s Scott Ashman said: “It’s 60 years since the first drive-through safari outside of Africa.
“The brick safari will grow throughout the week.”
Enjoy adventure playgrounds, the railway or lake’s jungle cruise before driving to meet the real animals.
GO: Until February 22. Adult from £39.95, children £29.95, under-threes free. See longleat.co.uk.
RAIN or shine, get the kids outside with Forestry England.
There are trails, cycle courses, play areas and stargazing in woodlands across the country, including Hicks Lodge, Leics; Gisburn Forest, Lancs; and Kent’s Jeskyns Community Woodland.
A highlight is the Room On The Broom trail, based on Julia Donaldson’s famous story, at sites across the country, with themed activities to help the witch find her hat and wand.
An adventure pack costs £4 and includes a lanyard, stickers and spell cards.
Many forests also have a Gruffalo orienteering course, with giant sculptures littered among the trees.
GO: For free and low-cost events, see forestryengland.uk.
MARVEL at the magnificent 100ft horse head sculptures that are the pride and joy of Falkirk.
The Helix: Home Of The Kelpies offers tours to learn about the engineering and how they represent the country’s history and industry, with horses having played a huge role in the development of the area.
There are exhibitions about the steel horse heads — the largest in the world.
And the surrounding Helix parkland has an adventure zone and splash play.
It is also perfect for walking and cycling.
GO: Tour for adult £8.50, child £3.50 (free with an adult ticket), under-fives free. See thehelix.co.uk.
LET the kids play at being vets, with a third off zoo tickets.
Vets In Action runs throughout this week at London Zoo and Whipsnade, Beds.
Youngsters will be shown how to do a health check on real animals while practising on cuddly toys.
At London, they will join a rescue mission to save precious Darwin’s frogs from extinction.
And at Whipsnade — a 600-acre site with 11,000 animals — kids can learn about the conservation and well-being of the chimpanzees.
GO: Until February 22. Adult tickets from £29 and children £20.30, under-threes free. Use code WEB30 at londonzoo.org and whipsnadezoo.org.
NATIONAL Trust properties have a huge selection of events for little outdoor adventurers.
Croft Castle, near Leominster in Herefordshire, has a Wildlife Detectives trail where kids track down clues among the trees.
The 17th century manor house, complete with turrets and towers, has a secret garden and play area with rope swings and balance beams among 1,500 acres of parkland.
There is a welly hunt at Charlecote Park, Warks; orienteering at Wentworth Castle, South Yorks, and a Winnie the Pooh exhibition at Nymans, West Sussex.
GO: Croft Castle family ticket costs from £42.50. Detective trail with a prize costs £3. See nationaltrust.org.uk.
HAVE a spell-binding time in Blackpool as the resort bursts into life for the February Festival of Circus and Magic.
There are free spectacular shows, live performances and hands-on workshops for four days at venues including the Blackpool Tower.
Street entertainers roaming through the town centre include singer Elton
Wrong driving a white piano. Try your hand at puppetry and circus skills.
Last year’s Britain’s Got Talent winner, magician Harry Moulding, headlines a show at the Pleasure Beach Resort.
GO: From February 19-22. Festival free. Harry’s show from £12.50. See visitblackpool.com/febfest.
PACK in a host of attractions in York, there is something for all the family.
Most famous sights are just a short walk from one another and you can take your pick from 35 with a one-day pass.
They include the 7th century Minster — one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals — the Jorvik Viking Centre, which is a fascinating journey back in time, and The Cocoa Works — a yummy lesson in chocolate-making.
Why not take a sightseeing tour down the River Ouse to hear about York’s history with City Cruises?
GO: A day’s Visit York Pass costs from £65 per adult, child £40. See yorkpass.com.
HERE is an offer you can’t refuse — pay what you can afford to enjoy a major attraction.
Throughout February, Cornwall’s Lost Gardens of Heligan, which normally cost £28 an adult and £12.50 a child, are letting families choose their own admission price.
The Neon Jungle roller rink is a highlight this half-term — skate to a playlist of retro hits.
Meet the Home Farm animals, including piglets, goats and donkeys, take part in question-time sessions and try horse tail-braiding. There’s a shop and cafe, too.
GO: Skate session £10. See heligan.com.
BUTLIN’S is slashing day visit prices until February 26. There is 20 per cent off at Minehead and Skegness, and ten per cent off at Bognor Regis.
Families have access to the Skyline Pavilion at all resorts, with a packed schedule of shows and activities including Dino Expo, where kids come face-to-face with pre-historic predators.
There are fairground rides, Splash Waterworld pools with slides and flumes, football, plus arts and crafts sessions.
Bognor Regis has a four-storey soft play centre for 200 children, and the sister parks have playgrounds with climbing towers and trampolines.
GO: Adult day pass now costs from £29, child £12. See butlins.com.
IT always feels like spring is on its way at a lambing festival.
Get up close to the cuddly newborns at Park Hall Countryside Experience, Shrops, and, if you are lucky, see a birth.
The team will be on hand to educate youngsters on the new arrivals.
There are lots of other animals too including ponies, pigs, alpacas and chinchillas, on the farm near Oswestry.
And there are fun activities galore, with indoor play areas, science and music rooms, tractor and barrel train rides, go-karts, an adventure course and a 130ft zip wire.
GO: Until February 22. Ticket £14.95. See parkhallfarm.co.uk.
