Page 256 - War Conflict
4 soldiers killed in Burkina Faso attack: Security sources
At least four Burkinabe soldiers were killed Monday when gunmen raided a military base in the north, security sources said, a day after 10 people died in a separate attack in the same region. The pre-dawn attack saw heavily-armed gunmen ambush a base in Nassoumbou in Soum province which flanks the Malian border, with one security source saying they used rockets. "Heavily-armed and unidentified individuals attacked the GFSN military base in Nassoumbou at around 4:00 am. Four members of the defence and security forces were killed and four others were injured," a security source told AFP. The GFSN is a military force which is engaged in anti-terror operations in Burkina Faso's restive north. "The attackers... arrived on motorbikes and also fired rockets at the base" which caught fire, a second security source told AFP, saying they fled towards the Malian border, which lies just 30 kilometres (18 miles) away. Nassoumbou was also targeted in November when two soldiers were killed by a ...
Taliban talks 'encouraging': Acting US defence chief
Acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan on Monday said peace talks between the US and the Taliban were "encouraging." "I'd say really the takeaway right now: it's encouraging," Shanahan told Pentagon reporters as he waited to greet NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Shanahan's remarks came after US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad was quoted Monday as saying the US and the Taliban have drafted the framework of a deal which could pave the way for peace talks with Kabul. Khalilzad has been leading a months-long diplomatic push to convince the Taliban to negotiate with the Afghan government, but the militants have steadfastly refused, dismissing authorities in Kabul as "puppets". US officials have said President Donald Trump wants to withdraw about half of the 14,000 US troops in Afghanistan. Shanahan did not provide details about potential US troop withdrawals. In response to a reporter's question, he said he had not been tasked to prepare for a "full" withdrawal. Stoltenberg .
CISF tableau at Republic Day parade adjudged best
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has been awarded the best tableau trophy, amongst all government departments, for showcasing the theme of Mahatma Gandhi and women power through its float during the Republic Day parade on January 26. The trophy was handed over by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to the top brass of the paramilitary force, led by Additional Director General Alok Kumar Pateria, at an event held here. "The tableau showcased the multi-dimensional functions of the force and was the reflection of its aspiration, commitment and dedication towards its mandate," a CISF spokesperson said. The force had depicted the armed cover provided by it at Raj Ghat, the 'samadhi' of Mahatma Gandhi in Delhi, in the lead part of the float that passed through the Rajpath last week. CISF personnel, armed with AK series assault rifles, were deployed at Raj Ghat in 2013. The tableau also depicted CISF security cover provided to the Kishanganga hydro-electric project in the ...
ICC urges whistleblowers to come forward as amnesty period nears end
The International Cricket Council's (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit on Monday issued a reminder, urging the cricket fraternity to report any corrupt practices in Sri Lankan cricket as the 15-day amnesty period ends on Thursday.
Two wanted dacoits nabbed in Agra, says STF
Two members of the notorious Bawaria gang in Rajasthan were arrested in Agra for their involvement in a case of dacoity, the police said Monday. Vijay alias Sonu Singh (35) and Ravi alias Chatrapal Singh (32) were brothers and hailed from Bharatpur district in Rajasthan, they said. Carrying a reward of Rs 50,000 each, the duo was nabbed late Sunday night after a gunfight with the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF), an officer of the Noida unit of the STF said. "They were involved in a sensational dacoity at Pali Dogra village in Mathura district in 2015," Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), STF, Rajkumar Mishra said. "They had looted jewellery, cash and other valuables from a house and escaped after opening fire at people, injuring around half a dozen villagers including women," he added. "We had received a tip-off that they would be coming to Agra and were planning a dacoity. Based on the inputs, a team reached Malpura in Agra and nabbed them," he said further. However, an ...
Death toll rises to 115 in Mexico pipeline fire
Mexican officials say the death toll from a fire at an illegally tapped pipeline more than a week ago has risen to 115. Health Secretary Jorge Alcocer said Monday that there are still 32 injured. On January 18, residents of the town of Tlahuelilpan in the central state of Hidalgo gathered to collect gasoline from a leaking tap in a farm field. A geyser of gasoline rose high into the air and eventually ignited. The government of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has made taking on the fuel thieves a top priority. The armed forces have been deployed to protect pipelines of the state-controlled oil company Pemex. A total of 14,894 illegal taps were found throughout Mexico in 2018.
We don't trouble anyone but if someone troubles us, we don't leave them either: PM Modi hails Army
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed the efforts of Indian armed forces in ensuring national security and asserted that Army has given a clear message that it doesn't trouble anyone but won't leave anyone either if they trouble the country.Addressing a National Cadet Corps (NCC) rally in the national capital, the Prime Minister said: "Our Army has given a clear message that 'Hum chhedte nahi hai, lekin kisine agar chhedha toh hum chhodhte bhi nahi hain' (We don't trouble anyone but if someone troubles us, we don't leave them either). We will not hesitate in taking a step when it is about national security".Prime Minister Modi's comments has come at a time when a film based on the September 2016 surgical strike by Indian armed forces has been making news and even Prime Minister Modi had quoted the 'How's the Josh?' catchphrase during a function in Mumbai a few days back.Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had also recently watched the film in Bengaluru in the company of war ...
J-K: Civilian injured after being shot by terrorists
A civilian was critically wounded after being shot by terrorists here on Monday.Sharing details of the incident, police in a statement said: "Terrorists today fired upon an individual Tariq Ahmad Wani, a resident of Reshipora. He was fired near Jammu and Kashmir Bank in Tral".In the incident, Wani had sustained critical gunshot wounds and was evacuated to a nearby hospital from where he was referred to Srinagar for further treatment, according to the press release.Police has registered a case under relevant sections of law and initiated an investigation in the matter.Earlier on Sunday, terrorists attacked 44 Rashtriya Rifles camp at Ahgam. No loss of life or property was reported in the incident.Following the incident, security forces retaliated and the area was cordoned off to carry out a search operation.
Indian compositions to dominate this year's Beating the Retreat ceremony
"As many as 27 performances on the historic Vijay Chowk will enthral the spectators with captivating and foot-tapping music of the bands from the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the state police and Central Armed Police Force (CAPF)," the Defence Ministry said in a release."Out of the 27 performances, 19 tunes have been composed by Indian musicians, which are 'Indian Star', 'Paharon ki Rani', 'Kumaoni Geet', 'Jai Janam Bhumi', 'Queen of Satpura', 'Marooni', 'Vijay', 'Soldier-My Valentine', 'Bhupal', 'Vijay Bharat', 'Aakash Ganga', 'Gangotri', 'Namaste India', 'Samudrika', 'Jai Bharat', 'Young India', 'Veerta Ki Misal', 'Amar Senani' and 'Bhumiputra'," it further added.The eight western tunes planned to be played include 'Fanfare by Buglers', 'Sound Barrier', 'Emblazoned', 'Twilight', 'Alert (Post Horn Gallop)', 'Space Flight', 'Drummers Call' and 'Abide with me'.The event will come to a close with the ever-popular tune of 'Sare Jahan se Acha', the Ministry said.This year, 15 Military ..
Islamist militants prime suspects in Philippine cathedral bombing
Investigators probing the Catholic cathedral bombing that killed 21 people in the Philippines' restive south said Monday a group tied to notorious Islamists Abu Sayyaf is the prime suspect. Two explosions tore through the cathedral on the Muslim-majority island of Jolo, killing worshippers at Sunday mass and security forces in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group. Authorities said the so-called Ajang-Ajang faction is a small band of several dozen that most likely carried out the bombing, the Philippines' worst in years, in an act of revenge. "Last year their leader was killed. There have been persistent reports that they will retaliate," regional military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Gerry Besana told AFP. "Yes, we saw them in the CCTV. It was the brother of the leader who was killed," he said referring to footage from outside the cathedral. "He was seen with two other members of Ajang-Ajang." Security forces say the group is composed of relatives of Abu Sayyaf ...
Militants kill bank guard in Kashmir
Militants killed a bank guard on Monday in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district.
Not the first to attack, but don't spare whoever attacks us: Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that the Indian Army has shown that it does not meddle with others, but if someone attacks India, it does not spare the aggressor.
19 militants killed in Afghan airstrike
At least 19 militants were killed and 11 others injured after Afghan warplanes targeted a Taliban training centre in the country's Kandahar province on Monday, officials said.
US, Taliban agree in principle to framework of peace deal: Report
In a possible breakthrough, the US and the Taliban have agreed in principle to the framework of a peace deal that moves both parties toward ending the 17-year war in Afghanistan, a media report said Monday. The draft outlines a commitment from the Taliban that Afghan soil will not be used by terrorists, and the US begin a troop withdrawal in return for a cease-fire and talks, the New York Times reported, quoting Special US Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad. "We have a draft of the framework that has to be fleshed out before it becomes an agreement," Khalilzad was quoted as saying by the paper. "The Taliban have committed, to our satisfaction, to do what is necessary that would prevent Afghanistan from ever becoming a platform for international terrorist groups or individuals." Afghanistan-born Khalilzad added: "We felt enough confidence that we said we need to get this fleshed out, and details need to be worked out." Since being appointed in September ...
Maoists bandh call: Security beefed up in naxal-hit areas in
: Security has been beefed up in naxal affected areas in the state's Bhadradri Kothagudem district bordering Chhattisgarh, in the wake of a bandh call by CPI (Maoist) on January 31 against the Centre's "Operation Samadhan", police said Monday. Combing operations in view of the ongoing Gram Panchayat (GP) elections in the state, the police added. CPI (Maoist) gave a "Bharat Bandh" call on January 31 against the centre's "Operation Samadhan"--anti-Left Wing Extremism (LWE) strategy and its strategies. In view of this security measures have been taken to avoid any untoward incidents, police said adding combing operations are conducted on a regular basis and with the panchayat elections taking place in the state additional measures have been taken. Posters and pamphlets reportedly put up by the Maoists surfaced at some places in the district calling their affiliated organisations and sympathisers to take out rallies against 'Samadhan' initiative and to observe a week-long ..
Afghan president calls for 'serious talks' with Taliban
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said Monday the Taliban should "enter serious talks" with his government, after the insurgents and Washington both touted progress during unprecedented negotiations in Qatar last week. A months-long diplomatic push by the United States to get the Taliban to talk to Kabul culminated in six days of meetings between the US and the insurgents in Doha, but the Taliban have long refused to negotiate with the Afghan government to end the 17-year conflict, branding them as "puppets". "I call on the Taliban to... show their Afghan will, and accept Afghans' demand for peace, and enter serious talks with the Afghan government," Ghani said in a nationally televised address from the presidential palace in Kabul. Both the Taliban and the US cited "progress" over the weekend as hopes rise that the length of the negotiations could mean a deal may be in sight which paves the way for Afghan talks. Sticking points remain, with topics including a ceasefire and a timetable ...
Engage in direct talks or be used as 'tool', Ghani tells Taliban
Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani on Monday called on the Taliban to engage in direct talks with the government or be used a "tool" by other countries.
Indian, Pakistani troops exchange fire
Indian and Pakistani troops traded fire on the international border on Monday in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district.
Afghan president calls on Taliban to 'enter serious talks' with Kabul
Afghan president Ashraf Ghani called on the Taliban to "enter serious talks" with the government in Kabul Monday, following unprecedented marathon negotiations between the insurgents and the US in Qatar last week. "I call on the Taliban to... show their Afghan fwill, and accept Afghans' demand for peace, and enter serious talks with the Afghan government," he said in a nationally televised address from the presidential palace in Kabul. Afghan authorities have previously complained of being excluded from the discussions in Qatar, and warned that any deal between the US and the Taliban would require Kabul's endorsement. However the Taliban have long refused to speak directly to Ghani's government, branding them "puppets". Ghani spoke hours after his office released a statement saying that US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad had assured them that the focus of the talks in Qatar remains finding a way to facilitate peace negotiations between the militants and Kabul. Khalilzad arrived in ...
Prakash Ambedkar calls RSS a 'terrorist organisation'
Prakash Ambedkar, grandson of Dr BR Ambedkar and chief of Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh, has called Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) a terrorist organisation."RSS is a terrorist organisation. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat worships arms and ammunition. I want to know why they need arms when they have police and the Army," Ambedkar said at the Vanchit Bahujan Sabha on Sunday.All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi who was present at the event said that Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, was conferred on B R Ambedkar out of compulsion and from the heart. "Tell me, out of the total Bharat Ratna awards given, how many were Dalit, Adivasi, Muslim, poor, upper caste and Brahmin? Babasaheb (Ambedkar) was given Bharat Ratna, but out of compulsion and not from heart (Mujhe yeh batao ki jitne Bharat Ratna ke award diye gaye usmein se kitne dalit, adivasi, musalmanon, garibon, upper caste aur Brahminon ko diye gaye? Babasaheb ko Bharat Ratna diya par dil se nahi ..