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Islamic State Claims Attack on Niger Airport as Global Events Unfold
Islamic State in the Sahel claimed responsibility for an attack on the international airport and adjacent air force base in Niamey, the capital of Niger, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, which tracks jihadist activity. The assault, which reportedly began shortly after midnight on Thursday, involved motorcycle-riding militants utilizing heavy weaponry and drones. The attack damaged planes belonging to an Ivorian carrier and a Togolese airline.
The attack occurred amidst a backdrop of rising global political uncertainty and economic shifts. Gold prices recently surged to record highs, surpassing $5,000 per ounce before falling sharply after signs of political stability in the US, according to BBC Business. Investors had been piling money into the safe haven asset amid the uncertainty.
Meanwhile, in the technology sector, Apple reported record iPhone sales, boosted by the new range of iPhone 17s, in the final three months of last year, according to BBC Technology. Revenue rose by 16% compared to the same period last year, reaching $144 billion, the strongest growth since 2021. Apple chief executive Tim Cook said the iPhone's boost in sales meant the firm was in "supply chase mode." However, sales of Mac computers were down by just over 7%.
Also in the technology sector, Elon Musk's SpaceX applied to launch one million satellites into Earth's orbit to power artificial intelligence (AI), according to BBC Technology. The application claims "orbital data centres" are the most cost and energy-efficient way to meet the growing demand for AI computing power. SpaceX's existing Starlink network has nearly 10,000 satellites.
In the Middle East, Israel is closely watching Iran, with some officials eyeing regime change and counting on potential actions from the United States, according to BBC World. Danny Citrinowicz, a senior Iran researcher at Israel's Defence Intelligence, noted the importance Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu places on this moment, evidenced by his relative silence on the matter. Iranian officials have warned of an "immediate and unprecedented" response to any US attack.
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