January 24, 2022

*) UAE intercepts 'Houthi ballistic missiles' over Abu Dhabi The United Arab Emirates has intercepted two ballistic missiles that it said were fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels targeting the capital Abu Dhabi, state-run news agency reported. "The remnants of the intercepted ballistic missiles fell in separate areas around Abu Dhabi," the WAM news agency reported. The Emirates "is ready to deal with any threats and takes all necessary measures to protect the state from all attacks", WAM quoted UAE Defence Ministry as saying. *) US asks diplomats' families to depart Ukraine over Russia threats The United States has ordered the families of its diplomats in the Ukrainian capital Kiev to leave the country "due to the continued threat of Russian military action". Washington also authorised the "voluntary" departure of its embassy employees and urged US citizens in the Eastern European country to "consider departing now using commercial or other privately available transportation options". The security situation around Ukraine''s borders, in Russia-occupied Crimea and in Russia-controlled eastern Ukraine, are unpredictable and can deteriorate with little notice, said the statement. *) Taliban and Afghan civil society 'break the ice' in Norway A meeting between the Taliban and Afghan civil society members has served as an "icebreaker" in Norway on the eve of talks between Taliban members and Western diplomats. "It was a positive icebreaking meeting," feminist activist Jamila Afghani said. “The Taliban displayed goodwill. They listened patiently and responded to most of our concerns. Let's see what their actions will be, based on their words," Afghani said. *) Burkina Faso denies military takeover after heavy gunfire heard at bases Burkina Faso's government has denied that the army had seized control of the country after exchanges of gunfire took place at multiple army barracks, including two in the capital. "Information on social media would have people believe there was an army takeover," a government spokesp