From Iraq: Pro-Iran factions target Israeli objectives
The escalation of attacks by pro-Iran Iraqi factions against Israel indicates a dangerous expansion in the scope of the conflict, which could lead to wide-ranging regional repercussions and threaten s
September 22, 2024, 11:10 pm

From Iraq: Pro-Iran factions target Israeli objectives

ضربة أميركية تستهدف مسؤولين في كتائب حزب الله العراقية

The region witnessed a dangerous escalation today, Sunday, as Israel intercepted an aerial attack launched by pro-Iran Iraqi factions. Al-Arabiya/Al-Hadath correspondent reported that Israeli forces successfully shot down several drones launched from Iraq that reached the areas of Tiberias and Beit She'an.

According to Israeli sources, two out of four drones that penetrated Israeli airspace were shot down, while a third drone managed to hit a military facility in the northern Jordan Valley. The Israeli Air Force also intercepted a cruise missile.

In an official statement, the Israeli army confirmed detecting a drone that took off from Iraq and crossed the Israeli border via Syria, indicating that interceptor missiles were launched to shoot it down. The statement added that "no injuries were reported" and declared the incident over.

On the other hand, pro-Iran Iraqi factions announced in a statement that they targeted Israel for the fifth time today with drones that penetrated Israeli territory. The factions claimed to have carried out an attack with "Al-Arfad" drones on an Israeli target in the Jordan Valley area, warning of an escalation in their operations.

This escalation comes amid worsening regional tensions against the backdrop of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza for more than 11 months. It also coincides with escalating confrontations between Hezbollah and Israel, as the party launched dozens of rockets today towards Israeli military industrial complexes north of Haifa city.

It's worth noting that the "Islamic Resistance in Iraq," which includes factions such as Kataib Hezbollah, Al-Nujaba, and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, is listed on US sanctions lists. These factions have claimed responsibility for carrying out more than 175 rocket and drone attacks at the end of 2023, targeting bases hosting US soldiers within the international coalition to combat ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

This mutual escalation raises serious concerns about the potential widening of the conflict to include other countries in the region, which could seriously destabilize regional stability. International security and peace experts call for urgent intervention to contain the tension and prevent the situation from deteriorating into a comprehensive confrontation.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.