Page 140 - War Conflict
Taliban claim attack as spring offensive begins
The Taliban on Saturday claimed responsibility for an attack in eastern Afghanistan that the group said was part of its newly announced spring offensive. According to Afghan officials, Taliban fighters on Friday night detonated two truck bombs in the Shirzad district of Nangarhar province, east of Kabul. The assault came hours after the Taliban announced the start of Operation Fath, the name the militants have given to this year's spring offensive. "Both sides have sustained casualties," the Afghan defence ministry said. "Clashes are ongoing between (Afghan security forces) and Taliban terrorists." The Taliban, who frequently exaggerate numbers, claimed to have killed or wounded "more than 200 soldiers, police and militias". Nangarhar provincial governor spokesman Ataullah Khogyani said two Afghan troops had been killed, along with 27 Taliban fighters. Another Taliban attack was reported around the edges of the northern city of Kunduz, which the militants briefly captured in ...
Two JeM terrorists gunned down in Shopian
Security forces on Saturday gunned down two terrorists belonging to proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in an encounter, police said.The two killed terrorists have been identified as Abid Wagay, a resident of Rawalpora, and Shahjahan Mir, a native of Amshepora in Shopian district.Speaking to ANI, Inspector General of Police (IGP) SP Pani said: "Once the search operation started, terrorists fired from a hideout. The security forces immediately retaliated in which two terrorists were killed."According to police records, Wagay and Mir were wanted by law for their alleged complicity in a series of terror acts including attacks on security establishments and civilian atrocities.The duo was also involved in the abduction and subsequent killing of civilians Firdous Ahmad of Batgund, Nissar Ahmad of Kapran and policeman Balwant Singh of Batgund last year in 2018."They were also involved in the killing of Khusboo Jan, civilian Tanveer Ahmad of Bemnipora at Kachdoora in Shopian. ...
Akalis, Cong indulge in war of words over Rahul Gandhi's visit to Golden Temple
The Congress and the SAD engaged in a bitter war of words on Saturday over Rahul Gandhi's visit to the Golden Temple, with the latter demanding an apology from the ruling party's president for Operation Blue Star and the former accusing Akalis of indulging in "shallow" politics. Gandhi, accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, visited the Golden Temple on late on Friday night, soon after his arrival in Amritsar to mark the centenary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. "Rahul's visit is just to gain political mileage. He should have tendered an apology for Operation Blue Star of 1984," Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said in Bathinda. The Indian Army had carried out Operation Blue Star in June 1984 to flush out militants hiding in the Golden Temple complex. Badal held the Congress responsible for the "attack" on the Sikh shrine, also known as Harmandir Sahib. "Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh should have asked Rahul to tender an .
Pak Senate panel seeks report from govt on action taken against terrorists
A Pakistani Senate panel Saturday sought a report from the interior ministry on the action taken against terrorists and banned outfits involved in the killing of Hazaras, a day after a suicide blast targeting the minority Shia community killed 21 people in restive Balochistan province. A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior took serious notice of the two deadly terror attacks in Balochistan on Friday. In the first attack, a suicide bomber blew himself in the Hazarganj fruits and vegetable market in provincial capital Quetta killing around 21 people and injuring 60 others, mostly Hazaras. Those killed included 10 members of the Hazara Shia community, two children and security personnel. In the second attack in the evening in Chaman city, two civilians were killed and 10 others injured when militants planted an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on a motorcycle parked on Mall Road. The blast occurred when a Frontier Corps (FC) vehicle carrying troops was passing ...
513 ceasefire violations by Pak post Balakot strike: Army
As many as 513 ceasefire violations by Pakistan have taken place along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir in the past one-and-a-half month and the Pakistan Army has suffered five to six times more casualties than the Indian Army in the retaliatory action, a senior officer said Saturday. The Pakistan Army also used heavy weaponry like mortars and artillery guns in over 100 times during these violations and targeted civilian areas but was given a befitting response by the Indian Army, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of White Knight Corps Lt Gen Paramjit Singh told reporters in Rajouri. "Almost 513 ceasefire violations happened in the past one-and-a-half month and over 100 times during these violations, the Pakistan Army used heavy weapons like mortars and artillery guns and targeted civilian areas. Only yesterday (Friday), four civilians, including two girls, were injured in Poonch," the GOC said. However, he said the Pakistan Army is being given a befitting response by the Indian ...
Former MP and freedom fighter Paripooranand Painuli dead
Former Congress MP and freedom fighter Paripooranand Painuli died at his residence in the Vasant Vihar area here Saturday, family sources said. Painuli was 94. The former MP is survived by four daughters. His wife died last year. Painuli had participated in the Quit India Movement at 17 and had led a non-violent movement against the Tehri-Garhwal state which culminated in the overthrow of the Tehri Maharaja and the establishment of a popular government before the state's merger with Uttar Pradesh in 1949. Born on November 19, 1924, Painuli was elected to the 5th Lok Sabha in 1971 after defeating the erstwhile Maharaja of Tehri Garhwal. He also worked as a journalist with the Times of India in the 1940s.
Khartoum erupts with joy as Bashir successor steps down
Crowds of Sudanese waving flags and chanting "we toppled two presidents in two days" celebrated in the capital late Friday after the country's military council chief stepped down a day after he was sworn in. "We have done it, we have done it," shouted young men and women as they drove across Khartoum after General Awad Ibn Ouf announced his resignation on state television. On Thursday, he was sworn in as the chief of a ruling military council that replaced long-time president Omar al-Bashir, who was ousted by the army following months of deadly protests. Before quitting, Ibn Ouf appointed Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan as his successor, setting off a wave of jubilation across the city. Car horns sounded on the streets as jubilant crowds streamed out of their homes to cheer the departure of Ibn Ouf, considered a regime insider and close aide of Bashir. Chants like "It fell again, it fell again" reverberated across the capital's squares and neighbourhoods, onlookers ...
2 Jaish militants gunned down in Shopian, were involved in killing of many civilians, cops: Police
Two Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militants involved in the killing of a number of civilians and police personnel were on Saturday gunned down by security forces in an encounter in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said. The slain militants have been identified as Abid Wagay, a resident of Rawalpora Shopian, and Shahjahan Mir, hailing of Amshepora Shopian, a police spokesman said. Based on a credible input about the presence of militants in Gahand area of Shopian district of south Kashmir, a cordon and search operation was launched by security forces there this morning, the spokesman said. He said during the searches, the militants fired upon the security personnel who retaliated. Two militants were killed in the ensuing encounter. The bodies were retrieved from the site of the encounter and incriminating material, including arms and ammunition, were seized. According to police records, both of the militants were affiliated with proscribed terror outfit JeM, he said They were ...
Security for two Wayanad LS candidates beefed up
The police have beefed up security provided to two Wayanad Lok Sabha candidates -- P.P. Suneer of the CPI and Tushar Vellapally of the BDJS -- following a threat from Moaists, officials said on Saturday.
Rajouri Day celebrated with patriotic fervour in J-K
General Officer Commanding of White Knight Corps Lt Gen Paramjit Singh Saturday joined military and civil dignitaries to pay homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for liberation of Rajouri in 1948. 'Rajouri Day' is being celebrated on April 13 every year to commemorate the bravery and valour of the soldiers who laid down their lives for the liberation of Rajouri district from rebels and Pakistan Army personnel who had infiltrated from across the border. Lt Gen Paramjit Singh and Advisor to Governor Kewal Kumar Sharma paid tributes to the heroes of Rajouri and were joined by other esteemed civil and military dignitaries who were present to grace the occasion, an official said.
Japan says US serviceman kills woman, self in Okinawa
A US serviceman has fatally stabbed a Japanese woman and then killed himself in Okinawa, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry, amid growing resentment about the presence of American troops in Japan's southwestern region. US Forces Japan says the Naval Criminal Investigative Service is working with local police to look into the deaths Saturday of a US Navy sailor assigned to a Marine unit and an Okinawa resident. It says in a statement: "This is an absolute tragedy and we are fully committed to supporting the investigation." It says more information will be released later. Japan's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Takeo Akiba telephoned U.S. Ambassador William Hagerty, asking for cooperation with the investigation and efforts to prevent a recurrence, and expressed "extreme regrets," according to the foreign ministry.
Taliban shadow governor for Helmand dead
Sharafuddin Taqi, shadow governor of Taliban for Afghanistan's Helmand province, has died of injuries, sustained in an airstrike earlier this month, the media reported on Saturday.
Jallianwala Bagh massacre centenary: PM pays tributes
The memory of those killed in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre serves as an inspiration to work for an India they would be proud of, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday on the centenary of the tragic event. "Today, when we observe 100 years of the horrific Jallianwala Bagh massacre, India pays tributes to all those martyred ... Their valour and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Their memory inspires us to work even harder to build an India they would be proud of," Modi tweeted. The massacre took place at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar during the Baisakhi festival on April 13, 1919 when troops of the British Indian Army under the command of Colonel Reginald Dyer opened fire at a crowd of people holding a pro-independence demonstration, leaving several dead and scores injured.
Nation remembers heroes on 35th Siachen Day
'Siachen Warriors' Brigade of Fire and Fury Corps on Saturday celebrated the 35th Siachen Day with traditional solemnity and reverence.Every year, the day honours all the Siachen Warriors who served their motherland while successfully thwarting evil designs of the enemy, over the years.Brigadier Bhupesh Hada paid homage to the slain personnel at the Siachen War Memorial, in commemoration of the courage and fortitude displayed by troops of the Indian Army in securing the highest and coldest battlefield in the world.On this day in 1984, the Indian Army secured Bilafond La and other passes on the Saltoro Ridgeline, thus launching 'Operation MEGHDOOT'. Since then, it has been a saga of courage and fortitude in the face of a belligerent enemy, arduous terrain and challenging climate conditions.To this day, the Siachen Warriors continue to guard the 'Frozen Frontier' with tenacity and resolve against all odds.
UK police arrest 4 Sri Lankans for suspected extremist links
British police say four men from Sri Lanka have been arrested on suspicion of belonging to a banned extremist organisation. Police said Friday night they are suspected of violating the Terrorism Act. The four men are being questioned at a police station in Bedfordshire northeast of London. Police say the men arrived on an international flight at Luton Airport Wednesday night. The men have not been identified and have not been charged. Police say the investigation is continuing.
Taliban ambush Afghan police convoy, killing 7 Taliban ambush
The Taliban ambushed a police convoy in western Afghanistan, killing seven security forces, an official said Saturday. Abdul Hai Khateby, the spokesman for the governor of the western Ghor province, said the attack Friday afternoon set off an hours-long gunbattle. Faqir Ahmad Noori, the head of operations for the provincial police, was among those killed. Another two police and a civilian were wounded, and at least four insurgents were killed, Khateby said. The Taliban, who effectively control nearly half the country, have continued to carry out daily attacks on Afghan security forces despite holding several rounds of talks with the United States aimed at ending the 17-year war. The insurgents attacked a district headquarters in the eastern Nangarhar province late Friday, killing two police, said Attahullah Khogyani, spokesman for the provincial governor. The attack began with two suicide car bombs targeting checkpoints. Khogyani said eight police were wounded and several Taliban ...
Afghan security forces kill 27 Taliban militants
Taliban's massive offensive to capture Afghanistan's Shirzad district in the Nangarhar province has been repulsed and the militant group fled away after leaving 27 bodies behind, the provincial government said in a statement on Saturday.
Curfew continues in J&K's Kishtwar town for 5th day
Curfew remained in force in Kishtwar town of Jammu and Kashmir for the fifth day on Saturday after an RSS leader was shot dead by militants in the communally-sensitive region earlier this week, officials said. Internet services continued to be suspended as a precautionary measure in the district, but it was restored in nearby Doda and Ramban districts on Friday night, the officials said. "Curfew is being strictly implemented in the town and adjoining areas to maintain law and order," Kishtwar District Development Commissioner A S Rana told PTI. Army columns are assisting the CRPF and the police, the official said. The curfew was promulgated in the town and adjoining areas on Tuesday after RSS leader Chanderkant Sharma and his security guard was shot dead by militants at a health centre. Minor protests were reported from some interior localities, but the situation remained well under control, the officials said. Some people, who were allowed to visit temples in the interior localities .
Attempt is being made to create hatred between Ali & Bajrangbali: Mayawati
Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati regretted on Saturday that an attempt was being made to create hatred between the followers of Bajrangbali and Ali. In a tweet on the occasion of Ram Navami, Mayawati said: "Greetings & good wishes to the people for peaceful & prosperous life on Ram Navami. When people are happily remembering the ideals of Shri Ram, it is unfortunate that an attempt is being made to create confrontation & hatred between Bajrang Bali & Ali for narrow political gain." Mayawati's comments come after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had on Tuesday compared the Lok Sabha election to a contest between 'Ali', a revered figure in Islam, and Bajrangbali, the Hindu god Hanuman. In another tweet, the BSP supremo paid homage to those killed in the Jallianwala massacre and sought an apology from the British. "On the centenary of the Jallianwala tragedy, our homage to martyrs & sympathy to the family members who sacrificed their lives for the ...
27 Taliban militants killed in encounter with security forces
At least 27 Taliban fighters were killed in an encounter with Afghan security forces in Shirzad district in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province on Friday evening, reports Tolo news.Hours after announcing its annual spring offensive, the Taliban attempted an attack near the district governor's office. But they were "pushed back and defeated" by security forces, said the government in a statement.The statement elaborated that the Taliban planted two car bombs followed by a gunfight with the security forces.However, two Afghan security personnel were also killed in the ensuing gun battle.Taliban, in a statement on Friday, said: "Operation Fath, which means victory in Arabic, will be conducted across Afghanistan with the aim of eradicating occupation and cleansing our Muslim homeland from invasion and corruption."The announcement comes despite the US efforts to end two decades of war in Afghanistan. Several rounds of negotiations were conducted by the US in Doha, Qatar's capital city.Zalmay .