US President Trump orders Navy to target Iranian mine-laying boats in Strait of Hormuz
via Egypt Today1 min read
US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday, April 23, 2026, that he has directed the navy to "shoot and kill" any boats involved in laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. This directive comes amid heightened tensions with Iran over the critical waterway. Trump also stated that US minesweeping operations in the strait would be intensified "at a tripled up level" to ensure the security of the vital shipping route. He emphasized that there would be "no hesitation" in targeting mine-laying vessels, asserting that Iran’s naval fleet was already "at the bottom of the sea." This action occurs as Washington pressures Tehran to fully reopen the strait, which is a key global shipping route for approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply. The US has implemented a naval blockade on Iranian ports to compel Iran to reach an agreement with the US to end the war, while Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ gunboats have been firing at vehicles in the strait.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Egypt Today.
Christian Berger, Director of the European External Action Service Crisis Response Centre, and Major General Tamer Abdelrahman, Assistant Secretary-General of the Egyptian Cabinet and Head of the National Committee for Crisis Management and Disaster Risk Reduction, signed an Administrative Arrangement. This agreement aims to strengthen cooperation and information exchange on crisis management and disaster risk reduction. The signing was followed by discussions on shared challenges and priorities. Berger outlined the role of the EEAS Crisis Response Centre in supporting the EU's High Representative/Vice-President and the EEAS in responding to crises outside the European Union, emphasizing cooperation with international partners. Abdelrahman welcomed the agreement, highlighting the role of the National Committee for Crisis Management and Disaster Risk Reduction as a coordination mechanism for various crises, including natural disasters, accidents, security incidents, health emergencies, and consular crises abroad. He noted the committee's support for crisis management across Egypt's 27 governorates and its specialized subcommittees monitoring regional developments and outbreaks. Both sides exchanged views on Ebola monitoring mechanisms and crisis preparedness. Egyptian officials view this arrangement as a step toward strengthening EU-Egypt cooperation, building on the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership signed in 2024 and preceding the 11th meeting of the EU-Egypt Associati
Must ReadEgyptian Minister of Health and Population Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar stated that Egypt is experiencing a medical brain drain, but the government is implementing financial incentives to address shortages in healthcare personnel. He noted that approximately 13,000 doctors graduate annually, a number that could increase to 22,000 with the expansion of private universities. Data from the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics CAPMAS for 2024 showed a 1.7 percent decline in doctors in government hospitals compared to 2023, while the number of dentists, private hospital doctors and dentists, and nursing staff increased. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly previously commented that the migration of medical professionals is not necessarily a loss, as they contribute to the economy through remittances, and emphasized ensuring sufficient medical staff for local needs. The Egyptian Medical Syndicate attributes the exodus to low salaries, poor working conditions, assaults on healthcare workers, inadequate insurance, and lack of recognition. For instance, a medical intern in Egypt earns up to LE 2,800 monthly, while a resident physician earns around LE 7,000. In contrast, a resident physician in Saudi Arabia can earn up to 8,050 Saudi riyals approximately LE 66,000 with a Bachelor's degree, or up to 13,120 Saudi riyals approximately LE 107,000 with a diploma. A deputy physician specialist with a master's degree can earn up to 16,835 Saudi riyals approximately LE 137,000, and wit
One person was killed and several others were injured in shooting attacks in multiple areas near the occupied West Bank on Sunday, according to Israeli media reports. Police stated that one suspect was apprehended, and security forces are searching for a second suspect. Concurrently, a funeral was held for a seven-month-old Palestinian baby who was fatally shot by an Israeli soldier while traveling with his family in a car in Hebron in the West Bank.