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IRAN has unveiled its biggest ever drone dubbed “The Gaza” that can carry a deadly 13-bomb load.

The drone was revealed to the world by Iran’s military air force during a huge weapons drill.

YouTube @ Times Of India

The Gaza is Iran’s biggest-ever unmanned war drone, and is now fully operational[/caption]

YouTube @ Times Of India

The lethal drone successfully took out eight targets during a weapons drill[/caption]

YouTube @ Times Of India

The aircraft can carry up to 13 bombs[/caption]

The enormous unmanned machine has a vast 22-metre wingspan and weighs more than 3,000kg.

Footage flaunting the new weapon shows the drone cruising through the skies and blasting the earth with bombs.

Fireballs explode hundreds of metres below as bombs plummet from the drone.

The Gaza itself is shaped like a small aircraft with two flat wings and a propeller at the back.

The video demonstrates the drone seamlessly going through the motions – including taxiing, take-off, operation of the landing gear and touch-down.

Other footage shows the bomber’s scope as it strikes targets in the cross hairs with pinpoint accuracy.

According to The Aerospace Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), the drone can cruise around non-stop for 35 hours and hit speeds of 350kmph.

It can support a payload of at least 500kg, meaning it can be stocked with 13 deadly bombs kitted out with AI capabilities.

The drone, with a sprawling range of 1,000km, was first announced in May 2021, but has now been declared fully operational.

During the weapons exhibition, Iran obliterated eight targets using the drone’s precision bombing system.

Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the IRGC, said that his force’s drone had launched AI-enabled missiles during the major drill in the Persian Gulf, code-named the Great Prophet Authority.

The nickname is to acknowledge Iran’s Palestinian ally, but the drone’s technical name is the Shahed-149.

The weapon is similar to America’s Reaper drone, which has been used in numerous combat operations including in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen.

It is thought the Iranian creation uses either a Chinese or a Russian navigation system after Iran made deals with the two countries in 2021 and 2022.

YouTube @ Times Of India

The drone has a huge wingspan of 22m, and is shaped like a small plane[/caption]

YouTube @ Times Of India

The bombing system is able to take out targets with pinpoint accuracy[/caption]

This means it does not need to reply on the commonly-used GPS system.

Iran has a history of ripping-off US technology – particularly drones.

The most famous example is the Shahed 171 Simorgh, or which was a copycat of the stealthy US RQ-170.

One of these machines was brought down in Iran in 2011, supposedly using electronic warfare, which allowed the Islamic nation to “reverse engineer” the drone.

A number of Reaper drones have also been captured by Iran, which they could have mimicked to build the Gaza.

YouTube @ Times Of India

Iran’s new drone is a rip-off of the American Reaper model[/caption]

LOVE Island’s India Reynolds has taken a cheeky savage swipe at Scott Thomas now that she’s back in the UK.

The star was dumped from the island last week alongside Marcel Somerville, but had spent the first week getting closer to Scott Thomas.

Instagram

India took a cheeky swipe at Scott in a TikTok video[/caption]

Eroteme

Eroteme

However, their potential romance ground to a halt after a brutal game of Truth or Dare.

After India declared him the ‘most calculated in the villa’, shortly after he saw his head turn towards bombshell Tina Stinnes, Scott didn’t look too happy.

It prompted him to declare: “That’s just given me the ick mate. Big.”

But the swipe against her doesn’t seem to have phased India, and in a TikTok in her car she is seen lipsyncing to a trend saying: “Did I say that? Did I? Do you know what, I don’t remember saying that.”

She wrote across the clip: “Scott after calling me an ick.”

Fans were quick to support her, saying she was “robbed” from her space on the show, with India sending back love hearts in response.

After leaving the villa, India admitted she had her eye on someone else on the show – but didn’t make a move because of their age.

“I think if Luca was a bit older then maybe Luca,” India exclusively told The Sun.

“I did think he was really funny. He’s gorgeous, but he is very young.”

India added: “I think Luca was struggling because obviously last time he went in, everyone was a similar age to him, so this time maybe it was a little bit harder for him.”

She also added she didn’t appreciate Ekin-Su ‘stirring the pot’ and influencing the decision that effectively cost India her place on the show.

She said: “I was a little bit disappointed with Ekin-Su’s encouragement for Tina to go with Scott [Thomas], but Tina was a bombshell and she had to do what she had to do.

“I guess everyone’s in there for what they want.”

Love Island All Stars continues weeknights at 9pm on ITV2.

Instagram

India laughed off the awkward moment to the delight of fans[/caption]

Eroteme

AXEL DISASI is in talks over a January transfer to Aston Villa.

But a huge rival could try and hijack the move in an attempt to get the Frenchman’s signature.

Getty

Axel Disasi looks set to leave Chelsea by the end of the January transfer window[/caption]

The Chelsea defender, who can play at centre-back or right-back, is deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.

Enzo Maresca recalled Trevoh Chalobah from his Crystal Palace loan this month.

The Blues boss also has Tosin Abarabioyo and Levi Colwill available at centre-back – while Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile are currently out injured – plus Malo Gusto and Reece James at right-back.

And SunSport understands negotiations are well underway between the two Premier League clubs over a deal for Disasi, 26.

According to Fabrizio Romano, personal terms over his Villa Park contract have already been agreed.

Unai Emery is desperate to bolster his defence before the transfer window closes next Monday night, especially after Diego Carlos’ exit and Tyrone Mings’ latest injury blow.

Loic Bade turned down a switch while Emery has also considered a reunion with Villarreal defender Juan Foyth.

Now, though, Disasi appears to be the frontrunner as Villa try and cling on to Champions League qualification for next season – and continue their strong run in this season’s competition.

However, Disasi is attracting interest from several clubs – including Villa’s West Midlands neighbours Wolves.

Wolves sit 18th in the Premier League table and only Southampton have conceded more than their 52 goals against this term.

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Vitor Pereira did bring in Emmanuel Agbadou earlier in the window but remains keen on an additional defender.

Disasi arrived at Chelsea from Monaco in a £38million move in 2023.

His six-year contract does not expire until 2029 but the Blues want to cash in and sell up.

Disasi scored against Liverpool on his debut but has struggled for game time this season, racking up just 364 Premier League minutes.

He has played every minute in the Conference League, though, even captaining the team and chipping in with a goal and two assists as the Blues won all six league phase matches.

HARRY REDKNAPP looked on in utter disbelief after his 1-100 in-running horse was beaten in ‘bizarre’ circumstances.

Redknapp’s Risk It All looked a good thing after being sent off a very skinny 2-7 at Plumpton on Monday.

https://twitter.com/AtTheRaces/status/1883893757625418212

Trained by Gary and Josh Moore and ridden by Niall Houlihan, Risk It All was going easy miles ahead of rivals two hurdles from home.

But the completely unfancied 25-1 Dotties Star – who has never won a race of any kind – sprouted wings before the last.

With Risk It All floundering, the Pat Phelan-trained Dotties Star, who was giving Risk It All almost a stone and ridden by Niall’s brother Sean, kept plugging on and saw off the jolly easily in the end.

Punters could not believe what they had seen, with Risk It All being matched at 1-100 in-running.

Almost £3,000 was matched at 1.02 while a further £286 was matched at the lowest price possible on the Betfair Exchange.

Sky Sports Racing cameras caught Redknapp watching on in stunned silence as the horse he co-owns with Keith F J Loads was done late on.

Moore is in shot too and he looks like he has seen a ghost.

Redknapp finally shakes his head before exchanging a glance with Moore.

The finish sparked a flurry of comments on social media, with one summing things up quite well when he said: “What the f*** have I just watched at Plumpton?”

And another commented: “Laughable.”

At least Redknapp can have something to look forward to at March’s Cheltenham Festival.

His superstar chaser The Jukebox Man is current 5-1 third-fav for the Brown Advisory Novice Chase.

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IRISH shoppers have been left heartbroken as a “beloved” clothes store is set to close for good after 35 years in business.

The Denim Store on Cook Street in Cork first opened in 1990 – and will close for the last time at the end of February.

Owner Tim Heelan has decided to close the store after making the decision to retire.

He told Cork’s Echo: “I am 65 years old and turning 66 in May — retirement age, really — so that is why I am going.

“Retail was superb when I opened up. It was all local shops only. So, it was a different scene.

“Everybody used to come into the store at that time and buy. Saturday was the major day in town.

“Every young person used to come to town. But now the online is a big thing as well.”

Independent TD Ken O’Flynn has paid tribute to The Denim Store – saying it will be missed in the city.

Sharing a photo, he wrote: “As we prepare to say goodbye to The Denim Store, I reflect on the profound impact this beloved establishment has had on our community.

“Mr. Heelan, your dedication has not only dressed generations of Corkonians but has also cemented a legacy that embodies the spirit of our city.

‘HUB OF LOCAL FASHION’

“For many years, The Denim Store has been more than just a shop; it has been a gathering place, a hub of local fashion, and a testament to Cork’s vibrant spirit.

“Your commitment to quality and community is truly commendable, and I know I speak for many when I say you will be missed.

“Thank you for everything you have contributed to our city. Cork has been good to you, and you have certainly been good to Cork.

“Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors!”

A number of people commented underneath to share their thoughts.

One said: “The best place for a pair of Levis jeans. Gutted to see it go.”

Another added: “Online shopping is destroying everything, there won’t be a decent store left in the city.”

‘GREAT SADNESS’

Meanwhile, a popular Cork restaurant has also closed for good.

Frankie’s Slice in Cork announced the news to their followers on social media.

The establishment shared a sad goodbye to their loyal customers.

The team wrote: “It’s with great sadness and a heavy heart that we have decided to no longer continue with Frankie’s.

“We’re extremely proud of what we’ve achieved in such a short time giving it our all to serve quality pizza to the public of Cork.”

Speaking about the decision to close, they noted: “It’s widely known how difficult it is to operate food business in today’s current climate in Cork city and ultimately that has led to this decision.”

In a tribute to those that have given the company support, they wrote: “A huge thanks to our staff and supporters.

“See you on the next venture.”

The outlet was located outside The Box on South Mall in Cork City, and regularly served Italian food to a range of customers.

Locals took to the comments section to share their devastation over the announcement.

One person said: “The only proper NY style slice in Cork, I mourn this news.”

Another local commented: “Such a shame, loved yer slices guys.”

Снайпери ДШВ ЗСУ знищили взвод окупантів, відбивши ворожий наступ Бійці 80-ої окремої десантно-штурмової Галицької бригади Збройних сил України відбили масований піхотний штурм російсько-північнокорейських посіпак Путіна в Курській області РФ. Цього разу ключову роль зіграли три снайпери з позивними Дряхлий, Фін та Жолудь, ліквідувавши щонайменше вісьмох ворогів і мінімум тринадцять поранивши (разом загальноприйнятий у обох сторін […]

The "Baby" singer and the Rhode founder stepped out together four days after eagle-eyed fans noticed he was no longer following her on Instagram.

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THE ‘Son of Concorde’ XB-1 jet is set to take off on its inaugural supersonic flight tomorrow, where it will break the sound barrier for the first time.

Bosses at Colorado-based Boom Technology believe it will be the first US-built commercial supersonic jet to hit the market.

Boom Technology

The XB-1 will be followed by a chase plane, the T-38, so viewers can watch the moment the XB-1 reaches Mach 1 – which is about 767mph[/caption]

Boom Technology

Chief test pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg[/caption]

Boom Technology

In the air, the XB-1 is expected to maintain supersonic speeds for roughly four minutes, test pilot Brandenburg revealed last week[/caption]

The aircraft will top supersonic speeds during a livestream on 28 January at 6:45am PST/ 9:45am EST/ 2:45pm GMT.

Though it is worth noting that test flights can be delayed at any moment due to the weather.

Chase plane T-38 is set to follow the XB-1 so that viewers can watch the moment it reaches Mach 1 – which is about 767mph.

The XB-1 reached “transonic” speeds of Mach 0.95 in its two previous test flights.

Mach 1 and above is when a jet can be classed as supersonic.

Chief test pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg, who has headed XB-1’s previous test flights, will be the man inside the cockpit when the next-generation aircraft breaks the sound barrier.

The aircraft has so far been authorised to fly in two airspaces: the Bell X-1 Supersonic Corridor and the Black Mountain Supersonic Corridor near Edwards Air Force Base in Mojave, California. 

It’s the same airspace where Chuck Yeager became the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound in 1947, in his Bell X-1 plane.

On the ground, Boom’s chief test flight engineer, Nick Sheryka, and advisor Greg Krauland, will be joined by former chief Concorde pilot at British Airways, Mike Bannister.

“Even people who have flown supersonic hundreds of times never stop getting excited about it,” said Bannister, who has clocked nearly 7,000 supersonic hours in the Concorde.

In the air, the XB-1 is expected to maintain supersonic speeds for roughly four minutes, test pilot Brandenburg revealed last week.

Although, he added, the flight will last between 30 and 45 minutes in total.

Civilians on the ground will also be spared the deafening sound of its sonic boom, the company has claimed.

Boom Technology

Few humans have travelled at such speeds – though companies like Boom are trying to change that[/caption]

Preparing for supersonic speeds

Only the original Concorde passengers and military fast jet pilots have travelled at such speeds – though companies like Boom are trying to change that.

Before each flight, Brandenburg practices several times in the XB-1 simulator.

“It also gives me our best prediction of how we expect the aircraft to behave in each new condition,” he said in a recent post on Boom’s website.

Then there are several emergency scenarios that Brandenburg has to run through – such as if the engine fails.

“Finally, we run the profile at least twice with the entire control room: once with the flight going as expected and once with some sort of failure or emergency,” he said.

The actual acceleration from subsonic to supersonic will be fairly gradual. 

“A common misconception is that the pilot feels extreme G-forces at supersonic speeds,” said Brandenburg. “This is not true.”

Once the aircraft is at a steady airspeed, Brandenburg will only feel the force of gravity and the slight pull of acceleration.

That goes for future passengers too.

A TEACHER who raised money and donations while she was supposedly pregnant with quadruplets had her tale spectacularly unravelled after raking in a fortune in donations.

Maria Verônica Aparecida César Santos, who was dubbed the Pregnant Woman of Taubaté shocked Brazil in 2012.

Newsflash

Maria Veronica Aparecida Santos claimed she was pregnant with quadruplets 13 years ago[/caption]

Newsflash

The Brazilian woman’s story unravelled after she was asked to show her bump[/caption]

Newsflash

Santos has totally changed her life and says she is a born-again Christian[/caption]

Incredible images showed Santos, from Sao Paulo, with a belly larger than most pregnant people.

The mother-to-be had even named her four daughters Maria Klara, Maria Eduarda, Maria Fernanda, and Maria Vitória and showed off her baby clothes.

Her story caught the attention of people locally and across Brazil with well-wishers sending in diapers, toys, and even furniture to help.

Money was even raised for the teacher by the newspapers that reported on her extraordinary story.

Santos’ tale however took a shock turn after she was asked to reveal her baby bump.

The supposed mother raised suspicions when she went on a talk show.

The presenter noted Santos’ unusually normal appearance and manner for someone apparently pregnant with four babies.

Santos did not have any difficulty moving, was never seen clothes other than dresses, and did not have a swollen face or body, like most pregnant people usually do.

The supposed mother-to-be was pulled aside and confronted by the presenter who asked the mum to expose her bump.

When Santos refused, by making excuses about having stretch marks, journalist Chris Flores launched an investigation.

A shocking report revealed Santos had been lying about her pregnancy altogether.

The kicker was a supposed ultrasound found on the internet which featured the gynecologist Wilson Vieira de Souza.

The doctor was tracked down and revealed the teacher had visited him for a consultation where he told her she was not pregnant.

Santos’ lies came crashing down as she was charged with fraud and was even sued by the mother whose scan she had stolen and claimed as her own.

Her charges were eventually dropped after she returned all of the donations she received from well-wishers.

SPIRITUAL AWAKENING

The now 38-year-old has since relaunched herself as a born-again Christian with a bizarre return to social media.

In a YouTube clip, she appears in a plain white blouse in front of a painting of Jesus and a figurine of the Virgin Mary.

Other images show her sitting on a bench clutching an open bible next to a huge statue of Christ’s mother.

Looking piously at the camera, Maria said: “I came up with this channel to take back my identity.

“Many people know me as the pregnant woman of Taubate, but now I want to be known as Maria Veronica.”

She added: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you, I am no longer worthy to be called your daughter.

“I have decided to bring this testimony to you after many years to remind people that conversions still exist and that they are not only in the Bible.

“There are people who go through a beautiful conversion and this was my case.”

Instagram @mariadveronicaoficial

She has since created a YouTube channel and asked people to forget her past[/caption]

Instagram @mariadveronicaoficial

Santos said she no longer wants to be known as the ‘pregnant woman of Taubate’[/caption]