Page 315 - War Conflict
Tribunal set up to adjudicate ban on Manipur insurgent groups
The Centre on Saturday set up a tribunal to adjudicate matters related to a ban imposed on Manipur insurgent groups collectively known as the 'Meitei Extremist Organisations'.
Indian peacekeepers in S Sudan lauded for providing medical supplies to prisoners
Indian peacekeepers serving with the UN Mission in South Sudan have been lauded for providing lifesaving medical supplies to prisoners in the country's Malakal city. Indian peacekeepers deployed with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) donated medical supplies, including antibiotics, fortified malnutrition supplements and bandages to a state prison in Malakal. "This medicine will go a long way in helping the vulnerable people who are here, said Major General Paul Puk Kun, director of the correctional facility, adding that the donated drugs would also provide a buffer to cover their shortages. A total of 32 cartons containing an assortment of multi-purpose drugs were handed over to the prison. The contribution was made possible by the proactive cooperation between the peacekeeping mission's Human Rights office and the hospital run by the Indian battalion, according to information on the UNMISS website. Colonel Anupam Tuteja, in charge of the Indian health facility, said that he ...
War on jihadists will not end unless West tackles root causes: Experts
Western powers fighting Islamist groups around the globe are condemned to a never-ending battle if they only tackle the symptoms and not the underlying causes of jihadist insurgency, experts say. "Beyond the tactical victories on the ground, the current strategy is failing," said Katherine Zimmerman, who wrote a recent report for the American Enterprise Institute entitled "Terrorism, Tactics and Transformation: The West vs the Salafi-Jihadi Movement." "Every soldier and intelligence analyst that has worked on this problem understands what is happening," Zimmerman told AFP. "They understand that what they are doing is a temporary solution. It is ending the immediate threat but not stabilising or moving us forward. The problem comes down to policy and politics," she noted. "It is easy to say, 'We are going to kill the person responsible for making the bomb.' It is much more difficult to say that our partner government has disenfranchised this group and it is one of the reasons why this .
'Lone wolf' attacks a major concern, says Maharashtra ATS Chief
Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Chief Atulchandra Kulkarni has said that 'lone wolf' attacks are a major cause of concern in present-day Maharashtra.Speaking at the first National Workshop on Explosives Detection (NWED), which was inaugurated on Friday at the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) in Pune, Kulkarni noted that a number of branches of militancy are coming to the fore, and dubbed these as a major cause of worry for the national security of the country."There are a number of people shaking hands between organisations which is a major worry for us. You'll have Maoists shaking hands with Islamic militants. We will have Sikh militancy also coming up in times to come," he claimed.The ATS chief further said the presence of Islamic State on the internet remains a serious threat, even after the outfit has lost quite a bit of its control in various regions controlled by it.Kulkarni's remark comes less than a week after the ATS revealed that a man, who was ...
Clashes erupt in Hodeidah; first after Yemen ceasefire
Clashes erupted between the Iranian-aligned Houthis and the Saudi-UAE coalition forces on the outskirts of Yemeni port city of Hodeidah on Friday, breaking the ceasefire truce reached by the two sides during the Sweden peace talks.According to Al Jazeera, local residents of Hodeidah heard the exchange of gunfire and the sound of missiles between the two warring forces.After a week of consultations between the two parties in Sweden, the Houthis on Thursday agreed to stop the fight and withdraw their troops from Hodeidah. The peace talks backed by the United Nations aimed at ending the four years of civil war in Yemen.The crucial meet between the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels was also attended by Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom and UN special envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths at Johannesberg Castle in Sweden.During the meeting, Wallstrom urged both parties to bury their differences and reconcile to end the conflict, which has claimed over 10,000 lives, including women and .
Nigerian military lifts ban on UNICEF in restive northeast
The Nigerian military lifted a ban on UNICEF operations in the ravaged northeast late Friday after earlier suspending the aid agency and accusing it of training "spies" supporting Boko Haram jihadists. The military earlier Friday said the United Nations children's agency had this week held workshops in the northeast city of Maiduguri, training people for "clandestine" activities that were "sabotaging" counter-terrorism efforts. Boko Haram's Islamist insurgency has killed more than 27,000 people since it began in 2009 and has triggered a humanitarian crisis in the wider Lake Chad region, where the jihadists have stepped up attacks in recent months. But after a meeting between the military and the aid agency late Friday, army spokesman Onyema Nwachukwu said the ban had been revoked following an "intervention by well-meaning and concerned Nigerians". "During the meeting, the Theatre Command admonished the representatives of the organisation to desist from activities inimical to Nigeria's
Slain Rio councilwoman killed by militia behind favela land grabs: Official
A Brazilian councilwoman assassinated in Rio in March was killed by a militia looking to protect its interests controlling land in unregulated slums, or favelas, in a part of the city, the head of Rio de Janeiro state's public security secretariat said Friday. Marielle Franco, a high-profile lawmaker and black rights activist who was critical of police violence, was gunned down with her driver on March 14 in what looked to be a professional hit. She was 38. Her death triggered demonstrations and outrage across Brazil. Some suspects have been arrested but there has been no major progress in the murder investigation, triggering a federal probe to see if local police were trying to thwart the process. General Richard Nunes, head of the state security authority, told the Estado de S.Paulo newspaper that Franco was active "in a certain area of Rio controlled by militia, where they have economic interests of all sorts." The militias are composed of members and ex-members of Rio's security ..
6 Pak soldiers killed as militants target convoy in Baluchistan
At least six Pakistani soldiers were killed in a bomb blast on Friday when militants targeted their convoy in the strife-torn Baluchistan province, the army said. The incident took place at Kuch area of Turbat district when the personnel of the Frontier Corps were on a routine patrol, they said. "The militants targeted a vehicle of the security forces and six soldiers of the Frontier Corps were martyred in the bomb blast," the army said in a statement. In a separate incident in the same area, four militants were killed in an exchange of fire when Pakistani forces raided their hideout during an anti-terror operation.
Nigeria's military bans UNICEF over 'spies' training claim
Nigeria's military on Friday suspended UNICEF from operating in the country's ravaged northeast over claims it was training "spies" who are supporting Boko Haram jihadists. "There is credible information that some of them are indulging in unwholesome practices that could further jeopardise the fight against terrorism and insurgency, as they train and deploy spies who support the insurgents and their sympathisers," said the press release signed by Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu. "Consequently, the Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE is suspending the operations of UNICEF in the North East theatre until further notice," said Nwachukwu. A UNICEF spokesperson did not immediately respond to comment. "It's self explanatory, when you read it you will understand everything," said army public relations director Brigadier General Sani Usman to AFP about the suspension statement. More than 27,000 people have been killed in the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria since 2009 and 1.8 million are still ...
National security strategy; Rawat stresses importance of
: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat Friday highlighted the importance of geopolitics and national interests in formulation of national security strategy. He delivered a talk and interacted with participants of the Higher Defence Management Course at College of Defence Management at Secunderabad here. "He (Rawat) stressed on the relevance of strong armed forces in fostering economic growth by providing a stable and secure environment for economic activities," a defence release said. He also stressed the need to carry neighbouring countries along towards economic prosperity. The Army Chief also touched upon internal security imperatives and the need for preparedness of the security apparatus to contain the challenges, said. "He stressed on the salience of jointmanship in the armed forces, which can suitably be nurtured at a Tri-service organisation like the College of Defence Management so that it percolates at the functional level," it said. The Chief of Army Staff shared his
Official: Offensive against Taliban kills at least 20 Official
An Afghan official says an assault on Taliban positions in northeastern Afghanistan's Kunar province, which included US air strikes, killed at least 20 insurgents, contradicting Taliban claims of civilian casualties. In southern Helmand province, a US drone strike killed four suspected insurgents. Sakhi Mushwani, a Parliamentarian from Kunar province, said several civilians were injured in the attack late on Thursday. US military spokesman Sgt 1st class Debra Richardson said US strikes were requested by the Afghan National Security Forces, who led the Kunar offensive. They were accompanied by a handful of US soldiers acting in an advisory capacity. Taliban said 60 civilians were killed in the airstrike but they often exaggerate their claims. Richardson said both incidents are being investigated, adding that all claims of civilian casualties are taken seriously.
Libya's National Oil against paying 'ransom' to reopen El Sharara field
BENGHAZI, Libya (Reuters) - Libya's state-owned National Oil Corp. (NOC) said it was against paying a ransom to an armed group that has halted crude production at the country's largest oilfield.
5 killed in Afghanistan shooting
Four civilians and one police officer were killed and five were wounded after gunmen fired on people attending a funeral ceremony in Afghanistan's Balkh province on Friday, the police said.
Strasbourg reopens Christmas market after gunman killed
A relieved Strasbourg prepared to reopen its popular Christmas market on Friday after French police shot dead the gunman who killed three people there in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group. Cherif Chekatt was killed late Thursday after a two-day manhunt when a police patrol spotted him on a street in the district where he was last seen after Tuesday night's attack on Christmas shoppers. The lights on the market's towering Christmas tree were illuminated Friday for the first time since the attack ahead of the official re-opening of the market at 11:00 am (local time). "I hope life will get back to normal but I'm not too sure," said Franck Hoffmann as opened his wooden chalet offering Christmas candles and ornaments on Friday. "Business isn't going to be what it was," he predicted. Questions remained over how Chekatt was able to evade the tight security perimeter set up for an event long known to be a prime target for jihadist groups. Around 500 police, security agents and ...
US soldier dies in non-combat incident in Afghanistan
The US military says an American service member has died in a non-combat-related incident in Afghanistan, without offering further information. The military's statement says the incident happened on Thursday and is being investigated. The service member's identity was being withheld until his family could be notified. About 14,000 US military personnel are serving in Afghanistan, training and assisting Afghanistan's beleaguered national forces, which come under near daily attacks by the Taliban who hold sway over nearly half the country. The US-led NATO mission handed off Afghanistan's security to Afghan troops in December 2014, but they have struggled to quash the insurgency, which has grown to include an Islamic State affiliate. Washington has spent nearly USD 1 trillion in Afghanistan since the Taliban's ouster in 2001.
Terror financing from Pakistan concerns Canada: Report
A 2018 Public Report on the Terrorism Threat to Canada has raised concerns over terror financing from various countries including Pakistan.The report said, "Internationally, Canada continues to face exposure to terrorist financing risks, in particular in the Middle East and South Asia. Specific countries include Syria, Iraq, Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Yemen, Qatar, United Arab Emirates as well as Afghanistan and Pakistan. Terrorist groups and their supporters use a wide variety of means to finance their activities and further their goals".Pakistan remains a safe haven for many terror outfits including al Qaeda, the Taliban, Haqqani Network and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Many of these outfits are enjoying the backing of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Military Intelligence (MI)."The report submitted by Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale mentioned the threat from Sunni Islamist Extremism, Right-Wing Extremism, Shia Extremism and Khalistani extremism. It further pointed out that some ...
Security forces seize guns & explosives in Gumla district
The security forces have seized guns and explosives kept hidden by the Maoists in Gumla district, the police said Friday. Superintendent of Police, Gumla, Aswini Kumar Singh said the CRPF and the district police during a search operation at Mahua Path in the district on Thursday recovered one AK-47 rifle, 40 AK-47 bullets, two double-barrel guns, 1.5 kg ammonium nitrate, electronic detonator and fuse wire. He said the search operation was led by Additional Superintendent of Police, B K Mishra.
3 women stabbed in German city, unclear if attacks linked
German police say three women have been stabbed and wounded in the city of Nuremberg, and they are investigating whether the incidents are connected. There was no immediate word on what weapon was used. Police said there was no indication of any link to terrorism. The stabbings took place in the city's St Johannis district Thursday evening. The first victim, a 56-year-old, required surgery after a man attacked her on the street and fled. The other two attacks took place in quick succession about 3 hours later. A 26-year-old and then a 34-year-old sustained life-threatening injuries. Police said early Friday that they couldn't rule out the same person having carried out all three attacks.
When the story of your suffering is the best weapon you have (Book Review)
Book: The Last Girl; Author: Nadia Murad; Publisher: Vergo Press/Hachette India; Pages: 306; Price: Rs 499
Two killed, 18 injured in accident in UP
Two people, including a woman, were killed and 18 others injured when their vehicle overturned on the Saharanpur-Delhi highway near Jalalabad in Shamli district, police said. The incident took place when the victims were returning from Butrada village Thursday night, they said. The deceased were identified as Suraya, 45, and Rizwan, 38, while the injured were admitted to a hospital, police said.