ISIS has now claimed responsibility for yesterday's terrorist attacks in the city of Kerman

They say it was carried out with two suicide bombers, by the codenames of 'Omar Al-Muwahhid' and 'Sayfullah Al-Mujahid', killing a large concentration of 'Shia polytheists' near Qasem Soleimani's grave.

Interesting to note that prior to ISIS officially taking credit for the massacre in Kerman, they condemned Hamas and urged Palestinians to give up on nationalism.

As anticipated, the blame for this incident will likely be placed on the underdogs of the Islamic State. However, it is important not to be misled - the members of ISIS are no longer who they used to be, and they would never organize a terrorist attack themselves.

Nevertheless, the possible escalation that may occur in the Middle East, particularly in light of the intense attacks on Iranian proxies in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq, benefits other actors.

South Korean island residents ordered to evacuate over North Korea’s potential provocation

Residents of the South Korea-controlled island of Yeonpyeong, which was shelled by North Korea in 2010, have been ordered to evacuate over a potential "provocation" from Pyongyang, the Yonhap news agency reported.

According to the news agency, the evacuation was announced after the local authorities received an order from the South Korean military. According to preliminary data, several rounds might have been fired at the island from North Korea. According to the local authorities, no one was hurt.

An exchange of artillery fire between the North and South Korean military near the Yeonpyeong Island on November 23, 2010 entailed human casualties.

Liberia-flagged cargo vessel with Indian crew hijacked off Somali coast

The MV Lila Norfolk cargo vessel sailing under Liberia’s flag with an Indian crew onboard has been captured near Somalia’s coast, India’s ANI news agency reported.

According to the agency, the situation is being closely monitored by the Indian Navy. "The hijacked ship has 15 Indians on board and communication has been established with the crew," a military source said.

It is also reported that the Indian Navy warship INS Chennai is moving toward the hijacked vessel. According to the Indian Navy, the vessel sent a message reporting being boarded by approximately "five to six unknown armed personnel" on the evening of January 4.
"Naval aircraft are continuously monitoring movement and INS Chennai is closing the vessel to render assistance," the Indian Navy said.