Page 171 - War Conflict
Pak cleric survives assassination attempt, two guards killed
A prominent Islamic scholar in Pakistan survived an assassination attempt on Friday as unidentified gunmen opened fire on his convoy, killing the cleric's two guards and injuring two others. Maulana Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani, who runs a religious seminary and is known for preaching tolerance, and his wife were in one of the two cars targeted by four gunmen on motorcycles near a flyover here. In the firing, the cleric and his wife escaped unhurt but a police guard and a private guard were killed, police said. The cleric's driver and a bystander were also injured in the attack, police said. According to police officials, the religious scholar was the prime target but he remained completely unhurt. Bullet shells of 9 mm pistol have been collected from the crime scene, police said. Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned the incident and expressed his anguish at the killings of Usmani's guards. "Scholars such as Mufti Usmani are assets to the country and the Islamic world," he said in a ...
Delhi police arrest top Jaish operative Sajjad Khan
The Special Cell of Delhi Police arrested Jaish-e-Mohammad operative Sajjad Khan near Red Fort in the early hours of Friday.The said operative was arrested following a month-long probe launched after the dastardly Pulwama attack on February 14, which was orchestrated by the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).Khan is a close associate of the mastermind of the Pulwama attack Mudassir Ahmed Khan, who got eliminated in an encounter with the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on March 11, police said.Soon after the arrest, Khan was produced before the Delhi's Patiala House Court. The court has sent him to the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) till March 29.As many as 40 CRPF personnel were killed in the terror attack when their convoy was targeted on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway in Pulwama district. Later, JeM took the responsibility of the attack.
Pulwama attack mastermind's associate sent to NIA custody
A Delhi court on Friday sent Sajjad Khan, an alleged associate of Pulwama terror attack mastermind Mudassir Ahmed Khan, to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody till March 29.Following a tip-off, Sajjad was arrested by the Delhi Police on Thursday night from an area near the Red Fort where he was allegedly pretending to be a shawl trader.During in-chamber proceedings, Additional Sessions Judge Rakesh Syal allowed NIA to quiz him in the case.The NIA questioned Sajjad inside the court for half-an-hour and thereafter requested the court to grant his custodial interrogation.The NIA had requested for 10 days remand of Sajjad to unearth the deep-rooted conspiracy. Sajjad's defence counsel MS Khan, however, opposed it. The court gave seven days remand, till March 29.Sajjad was presented before the court where Delhi Police handed over his custody to the NIA.The accused is believed to be a close associate of Pulwama terror attack mastermind Mudassir Ahmed Khan who was gunned down by .
Erdogan urges world to unite, fight Islamophobia
In the wake of the recent Christchurch shooting in New Zealand, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday called on the world to fight against Islamophobia.Comparing the threats of Islamophobia to anti-Semitism after the Holocaust, Erdogan urged people to fight it with the same determination, reported Anadolu Agency.He went on to explain that the phenomenon does not only limit to politics, civil society or scholarship but also affects leaders' security forces and people in the streets.Erdogan, while talking at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting, praised the empathy shown by New Zealand's government after the terror attack on Christchurch mosque that claimed at least 50 lives."New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's reaction to the terror attack, empathy, and solidarity with all Muslims should be a model for all the leaders," said Erdogan.New Zealand on Thursday implemented a ban on the sale of assault rifles and semi-automatics across the country in the ..
Policeman injured in Anantnag militant attack
A policeman was injured on Friday in a militant attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag town, police said.
Pompeo in Lebanon warns of Hezbollah's 'destabilising influence'
Top US diplomat Mike Pompeo warned on Friday of Shiite militant group Hezbollah's "destabilising activities" as he visited Lebanon on the latest leg of a regional tour to build a united front against Iran. He flew in from Israel a day after he became the first high-ranking American official to visit the Western Wall in annexed east Jerusalem with an Israeli prime minister. His visit also comes just hours after US President Donald Trump said Washington should recognise Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights, breaking with the policy of successive administrations as well as UN Security Council resolutions. In a meeting with parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who is himself a Shiite, Pompeo warned of the "destabilising activities" of Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group that is targeted by US sanctions but holds cabinet posts in Lebanon. "He highlighted US concerns about Hezbollah's destabilising activities in Lebanon and the region and the risks posed to Lebanon's security, stability and ...
Delhi court sends close aide of Pulwama attack mastermind to NIA custody till Mar 29
A Delhi court Friday sent alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist Sajjad Khan, a close aide of Pulwama attack mastermind Muddasir, to NIA custody till March 29. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had sought his custody for 10 days from Additional Sessions Judge Rakesh Syal. Advocate M S Khan, appearing for Sajjad Khan, opposed the agency's demand. Sajjad Khan (27), a resident of Pulwama was arrested near the Lajpat Rai market late Thursday night. Mudassir had tasked him with establishing a sleeper cell in Delhi, police said. Forty Central Reserve Police Force personnel were killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14 after a JeM suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into their bus.
Six militants, boy killed in Kashmir Valley
Six militants and a 12-year-old boy were killed while seven security personnel and 18 civilians were injured in gun battles in the Kashmir Valley which started on Thursday, police said on Friday.
Islamic State group claims Kabul attack on Shiite shrine
The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for a string of bombings near a Shiite shrine and cemetery in the Afghan capital the day before that killed six people and wounded 20. The Sunni militant group, which has repeatedly targeted Afghanistan's minority Shiites, said in a statement posted on an IS-affiliated website early on Friday that it was behind the attack. The bombings in western Kabul came as people were gathering at the cemetery on Thursday to mark Nowruz, the Persian Iranian New Year. The police's initial investigation indicated that three explosive devices had been remotely detonated, setting off the explosions. The IS statement said the attack's "aim was to spoil the ritual of the polytheists." The Sunni militant group considers Shiites as apostates deserving of death.
New Zealand mourns Christchurch victims
New Zealand on Friday broadcast the Muslim call to prayer on national television and radio as thousands across the country came together in a national day of reflection to mark the March 15 mass shootings at two Christchurch mosques that killed 50 people.
Three militants, minor held hostage by ultras killed in encounters in J-K
Three militants, including two Pakistanis, and a minor boy held hostage by the ultras were killed in separate encounters with security forces on Friday in Bandipora and Shopian districts of Jammu and Kashmir. With the death of these three militants, the number of ultras killed in the state over the past 24 hours has risen to five. Two militants of terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were killed in an overnight gunbattle in Hajin area of Bandipora district, officials said. The operation against the militants was started on Thursday but the security forces had to proceed with caution as the ultras had taken two civilians hostage, the officials said. While one civilian was rescued Thursday evening, the other hostage -- a 12-year-old boy -- was killed during the operation, the officials said. "Two Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorists were killed in the Hajin encounter. From incriminating material, both the terrorists were identified as Pakistani nationals, Ali and Hubaib," a police spokesman ...
JeM terrorist Sajjad Khan held near Red Fort
New Delhi, March 22 ( IANS) Delhi Police has arrested Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Sajjad Khan, who is believed to be a close associate of Pulwama attack mastermind Mudassir Ahmed Khan, a police officer said on Friday.
J-K: Exchange of fire reported between terrorists and security forces in Baramulla
Exchange of fire took place between security forces and terrorists in Warpora area of Baramulla district on Friday.Yesterday, in Warpora area, two policemen including a SHO were injured after terrorists hurled a grenade at the security forces.Another encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists at Imam Sahib area in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday morning. Two to three terrorists are believed to be trapped inside a house in the residential area, police sources said.More details are awaited...
One terrorist killed in Shopian encounter
One terrorist was killed on Friday in an encounter with security forces at Imam Sahib area in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir.Earlier, police sources had said two to three terrorists were believed to be trapped inside a house in the residential area. The operation is underway.The security force contingent comprises troops from the 14 and 178 battalions of CRPF, Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police and 34 Rashtriya Rifles (RR).On Thursday, bodies of two terrorists, along with 2 AK-47 rifles, 3 magazines, a mobile phone and a GPS device, were found by the security forces after an encounter in Baramulla district.Further details are awaited.
2 Army jawans injured as Pak troops violate ceasefire along LoC in J-K
Two Army jawans were injured as Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire by firing on forward posts and civilian areas along the Line of Control in Rajouri and Jammu districts, officials said Friday. Pakistani troops continued night-long mortar shelling and firing in Pallanwala, Sunderbani and Nowshera sectors till Friday morning, they said. The two Army jawans, who were injured in Pallanwala sector, were admitted to a hospital, the officials said. On Thursday, an Army jawan was killed as Pakistani troops shelled forward areas and Indian posts with artillery and mortar bombs heavily along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, they said.
Two US soldiers killed in Afghanistan: NATO
Two US service members were killed in Afghanistan Friday, NATO said, in the latest casualties to hit the international coalition amid ongoing peace talks between Washington and the Taliban. NATO's Resolute Support mission would not immediately release any details about the soldiers but said they had been killed during an unspecified "operation" in the country. "In accordance with US Department of Defense policy, the name of the service members killed in action are being withheld until 24 hours after notification of next of kin is complete," said NATO. The deaths come a day after at least six people were killed by blasts in an Islamic State-claimed attack during Persian New Year celebrations in a Shiite area of Kabul. The number of American casualties has fallen dramatically since the end of 2014 when Afghan forces took over from US-led NATO combat troops to secure the country. Fighting continues to flare across Afghanistan more than a week after the latest round of talks between the ..
Grenade thrown at Russian consulate in Greece: police
A grenade was thrown early Friday into the courtyard of the Russian consulate in Athens, police said, an attack typical of domestic far-left groups. The area in the Athens suburb of Halandri was rapidly cordoned off and bomb specialists were dispatched, a police source said. The grenade did not explode and no injuries were caused. The attack occurred at around 0730 IST. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. It is believed that the grenade was lobbed by one or two persons on a motorbike. Police were inspecting for possible links to a burnt motorbike found later in central Athens. The consulate was closed at the time. The move is typical of domestic far-left outfits. In December, a grenade exploded outside Skai, one of Greece's main media groups, causing damage to the building.
2 US service members killed in Afghanistan
Two US service members were killed in combat operations in Afghanistan on Friday, the NATO-led Resolute Support mission said in a statement.
Seven killed in Jammu and Kashmir gunfights
Six militants and a 12-year-old boy were killed on Friday in three separate gunfights in Jammu and Kashmir, police said.
Three militants killed in encounters in J-K's Shopian, Bandipora
Three militants were killed in separate encounters with security forces on Friday in Shopian and Bandipora districts of Jammu and Kashmir, taking the number of ultras killed over the past 24 hours to five, officials said. Two militants were killed in an overnight gunbattle in Hajin area of Bandipora district, an army official said. The operation against the militants was started on Thursday but the security forces had to proceed with caution as two civilians had been taken hostage by the ultras, police said. While one civilian was rescued Thursday evening, the other hostage -- reportedly a minor -- might have been killed during the operation, a police official said on condition of anonymity. A police spokesman said a detailed statement on the operation will be issued very soon but did not elaborate about the fate of the civilian hostage. A militant was killed on Friday in an encounter with security forces in Shopian district. The security forces launched a cordon and search operation .