Page 266 - War Conflict
Suicide attack in Afghanistan, 8 dead
Eight people were killed and 10 others injured in a suicide attack targeting a convoy of Logar governor and the provincial NDS chief on Sunday in Mohammad Agha district of the province.Tolo News quoted Nasir Ghairat, member of Logar Provincial Council as saying, "Casualties are feared but the governor and the provincial NDS chief have survived the attack."According to unconfirmed reports, as many as seven of the governor's bodyguards have been injured, however, the provincial security officials have refrained from commenting about the matter.Taliban has claimed that responsibility for the suicide attack.
Syria condemns continuous US-led attack
Syria has condemned the continued attacks of the US-led coalition on civilians here.Syrian Foreign and Expatriates Ministry sent letters to the UN Secretary-General and the President of the UN Security Council on Saturday about the new crime committed by warplanes of the international coalition in al-Baghouz Foqani village, reported Sana News Agency.Syria also stated that the nation has incurred a great loss due to attacks causing damage to infrastructure, economic, service, oil and gas facilities and to public and private properties.The ministry further referred to the crimes as "systematic and behavioural," stating that the US-led coalition has violated sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic under exposed pretexts.The war-torn nation emphasised that the coalition which was formed illegally and outside the jurisdiction of the UN Security Council has strengthened the terrorist groups and have increased cooperation and coordination among them.The letters ...
Devotees throng Allahabad for 2nd major 'snan'; security tightened
A day before Paush Purnima, the second auspicious bathing day during the Kumbh, all roads led virtually to the 'Sangam' the confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati as devotees from across the country thronged the city. Security personnel from the UP police department and central para-military forces kept a tight vigil at Prayagraj railway station, civil lines bus station and other areas frequented by the visitors. "Our main focus is to ensure absolutely a safe and secure Kumbh, and we will leave no stone unturned," Uttar Pradesh Additional DG (Law and Order) Anand Kumar said. An estimated 20 lakh devotees are likely to take the bath Monday. Prior to Paush Purnima, devotees had taken the first dip in this year's Kumbh on Makar Sankranti. Kumar said steps have been taken to ensure a peaceful and organised Kumbh Mela. "This includes deployment of forces and use of technology. We will ensure that everyone coming to the Kumbh is taken care of. We are making efforts to
Most militants killed in J&K in 2018 in 4 years (IANS Special)
Jammu and Kashmir witnessed the killing of 257 militants in 2018 - the highest in four years - by security forces, official figures show.
Opposition has united fearing PM Modi's popularity: Haryana CM
Opposition parties have united out of "fear" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity and their togetherness is not going to last, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said Sunday. He was speaking on the sidelines of a seminar on investment opportunities organised by the Haryana government as part of the 9th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. "This (opposition) unity is not going to last. They have united out of fear of Narendra Modi's popularity and the country's growing position in the world. This (opposition unity) is going to make no difference to the people," Khattar claimed. "They (opposition parties) had looted the country for several years. They have united as they are not getting the opportunity to loot the country," Khattar added. He was responding to a query on the Trinamool Congress-led mega opposition rally, titled 'United India Rally', held in the Brigade Grounds in Kolkata on Saturday. He also mocked the opposition parties' lack of a ...
Mexico pipeline blast toll reaches 73
The death toll from a devastating oil pipeline blast in Mexico has increased to 73, officials said.
US airstrike kills 52 Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia
The US Army said it has conducted an airstrike against Al-Shabaab terrorists in southern Somalia, killing 52 militants.
US airstrike in Somalia kills 52 al-Shabab extremists
The US military says it has carried out an airstrike in Somalia that killed 52 al-Shabab extremists in response to an attack on Somali forces. The US Africa Command statement says the airstrike occurred on Saturday near Jilib in Middle Juba region. The US says Somali forces had come under attack by a "large group" of the al-Qaida-linked extremists. The statement does not say how many Somali forces were killed or wounded. There are no reports of Americans killed or wounded. Al-Shabab controls large parts of rural southern and central Somalia and continues to carry out high-profile attacks in the capital, Mogadishu, and elsewhere. The group claimed responsibility for the deadly attack on a luxury hotel complex in Kenya's capital on Tuesday.
Six Nigerian troops killed in Boko Haram raid
Six Nigerian soldiers were killed and 14 injured when Boko Haram jihadists raided a village near the army chief's family home, security and hospital sources said Saturday. The jihadists attacked an army position overnight Thursday in Kamuya, a village in the northeastern state of Borno near the home of army chief of staff Tukur Yusuf Buratai's mother, the sources said. "We lost six soldiers in the fight and 14 others sustained various degrees of injuries," an army officer said. "The terrorists also suffered heavy losses," the officer added without giving figures. A medic at the hospital in nearby Damaturu confirmed that the bodies of six soldiers were taken to the morgue on Friday. Four military vehicles were also seized by the jihadists while two others were destroyed, said the military source who asked not to be identified because he was not authorised to speak about the incident. Security sources initially told AFP that troops had fought off the militants in a three-hour battle ...
At least 8 Somali soldiers killed in attack on army base
At least eight Somali soldiers were killed when the Al-Shabaab jihadist group overran their military camp on the outskirts of the town of Kismayo early Saturday, military officials and local elders said. According to the sources, heavily-armed Shabaab militants launched a dawn raid on the military camp, followed by a heavy exchange of gunfire which lasted hours. "The terrorists attacked Bulogagdud military base using heavy weaponry and explosives. The Somali military and Jubaland forces resisted the enemy before later retreating back from the base," Mohamed Abdikarin, a Somali military official told AFP by phone. "Six soldiers were killed during the attack and two others died after a booby-trapped vehicle was detonated when the forces retook control of the base," he added. Sources at nearby villages said the militants looted the camp and took a military vehicle. "Al-Shabaab fighters secured control of the base and looted everything. They have set fire to the arms depots and took a ...
Kenya police arrest wife, father of hotel suicide bomber
Kenyan police have arrested the wife and father of a man identified as the suicide bomber in an attack on Nairobi's Dusit hotel complex that left 21 dead, a police source said Saturday. The attacker, one of five Al-Shabaab militants who stormed the complex on Tuesday, was identified as 25-year-old Mahir Khalid Riziki, who grew up in Mombasa. "The wife of the suicide bomber is now in our custody. She will help us understand her husband's last moments and his movement, his story in latest years and his very last movements," a senior police official said on condition of anonymity. "She was arrested in Mombasa and has been brought to Nairobi for further questioning," he added. His father was also arrested. "In the course of investigation of this nature, close family members of such people are crucial because they hold crucial information," the source said. The official said Riziki was identified through mobile phone communication, and that he had communicated with one of the other ...
Peace Committee member shot dead in northwest Pakistan
A member of a Peace Committee was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in northwest Pakistan on Saturday, police said. The man, identified as Malik Mir Alam Khan, was killed after some bikers ambushed his vehicle at Achini Khwar area in Khyber district, they said. Five years ago, Khan was injured in a suicide attack in the same district, police added.
Friendly polo match organised in Jaipur to strengthen India-UK ties
In an effort to strengthen the India-UK relationship, a friendly polo match was organised here on the eve of World TAMARA (To Augment Mutual Attachment & Respect Across) Day 2019. The occasion brought together representatives from governments, leading think tanks, armed forces, corporate firms and art and culture sector to share their views to take the UK-India relationship to the highest level. Rajasthan Tourism Minister and chief guest on the occasion Vishwendra Singh appreciated the initiative. He said that the platform can be used to promote a close-knit human bond across borders, acknowledge the mutual respect for cultures between countries and support coexistence for a more strengthened and prosperous future. He also mentioned that cultural events such as these will also help in promoting tourism in Rajasthan.
Security arrangements for R-Day reviewed in Jammu
Inspector General of Police, Jammu, M K Sinha Saturday reviewed the security arrangements here ahead of Republic day function, directing officers to maintain strict vigilance in view of terror threat and frequent ceasefire violations by Pakistan. He stressed on proper and intensive foot patrolling and surveillance of the areas in and around the main venue of the function, checking of hotels and other lodgments on continuous basis and alertness at check points which have been established at select places in border areas so that anti-national elements trying to sneak into the city are intercepted, a police spokesman said. IGP Jammu called for proper co-ordination among all the intelligence agencies, Army, Paramilitary forces, Traffic and Security wing in their respective areas of jurisdiction for smooth and incident free conduct of the national event, the spokesman said. "Any input related to infiltration be disseminated with all concerned on real time basis. All border police stations .
Ex-SSC officers protest for health, pension benefits
Retired Short Service Commission (SSC) officers of the armed forces on Saturday held a protest at the Jantar Mantar here demanding pension and health facilities.Retired SSC officer Major SS Pandey told ANI, "The grant of commission in the Army is prestige and we were given the opportunity to serve the nation. But the benefits associated with the rank are being denied to us."The former officers claimed the post-retirement facilities and privileges accorded to them have been either diluted or withdrawn."All facilities including medical benefits have been withdrawn and the only facility available to us is the canteen, which too may be withdrawn soon," he added.An Armed Forces tribunal verdict in favour of health facilities to the retired officers was challenged by the Defence Ministry and the case pending in the Supreme Court is scheduled to come up for hearing in the apex court on February 11.Major Randeep Hundal, also president of All India SSC Society, said that the 10-year service of
Sri Lankan President lauds Philippines' anti-drug campaign
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena lauded on Saturday the anti-drug campaign of the Philippines President, saying the world needs to respect the Rodrigo Duterte government's war on drugs.
Khelo Basketball: Punjab, TN hoopsters grab two gold each
Punjaband Tamil Nadu shared honours, winning two gold medals each, on the final day of the basketball event at the Khelo India Youth Games here Saturday. The Under-17 section had Punjab stamp their mark, while Tamil Nadu did well to top the Under-21 section, which included dashing the hopes of Punjab winning a treble, a media release said. In logging the highest score of the day, Punjab eased past Rajasthan 91-78 for the Under-17 title. In the girls U-17 final, Harsimran Dhami led Punjab from the front to down Tamil Nadu 76-71 in a close contest, it said. The Under-21 section saw Tamil Nadu turn the tables on Punjab to win 70-59. In a battle of southern states in the girls section, Tamil Nadu added their second goal of the day beating Karnataka 82-68, the release said.
Afghan Taliban rule out talks with US in Pakistan
The Afghan Taliban on Saturday rejected Pakistani media reports of possible talks with the US in Islamabad and reiterated their refusal to deal directly with the Afghan government.
Security beefed up in Srinagar ahead of Republic Day
Security has been beefed up in the city a week before the Republic Day in the wake of series of grenade attacks on security establishments recently, officials said here on Saturday. "Security measures have been put in place to ensure the Republic Day passes off peacefully," the officials said. They said security has been beefed up in Srinagar especially in the wake of recent grenade attacks in the city. "Security forces have been asked to remain alert and more check-points have been erected and vehicles entering the city were being checked randomly," the officials said. On Friday, terrorists carried out two grenade attacks on security forces in Kashmir, including one in the Lal Chowk area of the city, but there were no reports of any casualty. Earlier on Thursday, militants hurled a grenade on police personnel at Zero Bridge here, resulting in injuries to three policemen. They said a security grid has been put in place around Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium here the main venue for the ...
4 terrorists killed in encounter in Pakistan
Pakistani counter-terrorism officers on Saturday killed four insurgents, including two women and a local ISIS commander, in an encounter in Punjab province. The terrorists were killed when the police officials opened fire on a vehicle in the Sahiwal district. "A counter-terrorism department (CTD) team tried to intercept a car and a motorcycle carrying the terrorists near the Sahiwal toll plaza, however, they started firing at them and a shootout ensued," the CTD spokesperson was quoted as saying by the Geo news. "Four people, including two women and a local ISIS commander have been killed and one child has been injured in the cross-fire," the spokesperson said. The suspects were kidnappers and three children were recovered from them, police said. The CTD said that the deceased were high-level targets who were also involved in the kidnapping of former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's son, the report said. "Both the terrorists were travelling with their families to avoid police ...