Page 416 - War Conflict
Syria transport ministry says trade crossing with Jordan open
Syria's transport ministry said Saturday the main border crossing with Jordan had reopened to trade for the first time in three years, although there was no immediate confirmation from Amman. "The Syrian transport ministry announces the opening of the Nasib border crossing, with trucks and transit vehicles beginning to cross the Syrian-Jordanian border," the ministry announced on its Facebook page. Government troops retook the Syrian side of the crossing in July under a deal with rebel fighters brokered by Damascus ally Moscow. It had been sealed completely since rebels overran it in April 2015, choking off one of the most important trade routes for the government. The crossing was a key link not only for direct trade between the neighbouring countries but also for longer-distance transit trade between Lebanon and the Gulf which was a signficant source of revenue. There was immediate word from Jordan on the reopening of the crossing, which is known there as Jaber. Earlier this week, ..
2 police officers killed in an insider attack in Afghanistan
An Afghan official says at least two police officers were gunned down by a fellow officer in the country's latest "insider" attack in southern Kandahar province. Aziz Ahmad Azizi, provincial governor's spokesman, says three other police were wounded in the attack late Friday night. The incident took place at a remote police outpost in Raghistan district. Azizi says the attacker, who had joined police around a year ago, was able to flee the area. A police investigation was begun to find out the motive behind this attack. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
Libya seeks UN 'security' support
After a month of militia clashes that left more than 100 people dead, Libya's UN-backed foreign minister on Friday called for the country's UN political mission to transform into a "security and stability" support role. Mohamed Siala, foreign minister of the UN-backed Libyan unity government, did not specify if he had in mind a UN peacekeeping mission. "Priority must be given to security, to stability," he told the United Nations General Assembly. "We call for conversion of UNSMIL, which is a special political mission, into a mission of support for Libya's security and stability," he said without providing further detail. The United Nations Support Mission for Libya (UNSMIL), led by Ghassan Salame, was set up in 2011 to assist the country's new authorities after the NATO-backed revolution which ousted Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi. UNSMIL has focused on fostering political dialogue to help the North African country's transition to democracy. Under a UN-brokered agreement, the unity ..
US military F-35B fighter conducts first-ever airstrike
The US military's F-35B joint strike fighter jet conducted its first-ever airstrike on Thursday.According to the US Marine Corps and three US defense officials, the strike took place against a fixed Taliban target in Afghanistan.According to CNN, the strike was confirmed in a statement by the Marines. "During this mission the F-35B conducted an air strike in support of ground clearance operations, and the strike was deemed successful by the ground force commander," read the statement.Referred as the most expensive weapon system in the history, F-35 stealth jet's development was troubled by multiple delays before it was considered combat ready.The aircraft is a favorite of the US President Donald Trump, who has praised it for being "invisible".However, it is not really invisible but has reduced capability to be seen by enemies' radars.
Seven Palestinians killed in new border clashes: Gaza ministry
Seven Palestinians, including two boys aged 12 and 14, were killed in clashes with Israeli forces along the Gaza border, the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled strip said. Nasser Mosabih, 12, was shot in the head in clashes along the frontier east of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza Friday, ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra told AFP, on what was one of the bloodiest days since protests began on March 30. Fourteen-year-old Mohammed al-Houm, was shot dead "by live ammunition from the (Israeli) occupation forces" east of Al-Bureij in central Gaza, Qudra said. Five adult men were also killed in widespread clashes along the border, with a further 210 people hospitalised, the spokesman added. The Israeli army said some 20,000 "rioters" had gathered at multiple sites along the border. It said the protestors hurled "grenades and explosive devices in several different locations". It said troops were firing "in accordance with standard operating procedures." The army declined to comment on the
Six Palestinians killed in new border clashes: Gaza ministry
Six Palestinians, including two boys aged 12 and 14, were killed in clashes with Israeli forces along the Gaza border Friday, the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled strip said. Nasser Mosabih, 12, was shot in the head in clashes along the frontier east of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra told AFP, on what was one of the bloodiest days since protests began on March 30. Fourteen-year-old Mohammed al-Houm, was shot dead "by live ammunition from the (Israeli) occupation forces" east of Al-Bureij in central Gaza, Qudra said. Four adult men were also killed in widespread clashes along the border, with a further 210 people hospitalised, the spokesman added. The Israeli army said some 20,000 "rioters" had gathered at multiple sites along the border. It said the protestors hurled "grenades and explosive devices in several different locations". It said troops were firing "in accordance with standard operating procedures." The army declined to comment on the .
Patnaik asks Odisha Police to be polite as well as stern
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Friday asked the state police to be polite as well as stern while dealing with public issues. Stating that the state government is committed to provide all its citizens safety and security, Patnaik said any one approaching the police should find comfort in police stations. "In modern times, police is expected to be stern but polite. This does not require any investment in money or resources. This just requires an investment in attitude," he said in a message at a programme of the Odisha Police Association. Patnaik was scheduled to attend the programme but could not make it due to fever. Finance Minister S B Behera read out the chief minister's message at the function. Patnaik asked the police personnel to keep improving their professional skills by learning and training as "This will enable you to align your skills with the present day requirements". He said policing has become very complex with increasing cyber crimes, financial ...
SPO posted at PDP MLA's residence in Srinagar flees with 10 weapons
A special police officer (SPO), posted at the residence of a PDP MLA at Jawahar Nagar in the city, fled with several rifles on Friday, police said. SPO Adil Bashir went missing, along with 10 weapons, from the guard room at the residence of PDP MLA from Wachi constituency Aijaz Ahmad Mir, officials said. The SPO, who hails from the militancy-hit Shopian district of south Kashmir, has taken away 10 weapons -- five AK-47 rifles, four INSAS rifle and a pistol. An alert has been sounded across Kashmir Valley to track down the deserter, the officials said.
Dutch terror suspects 'had 100 kg of fertiliser for car bomb'
Dutch investigators said Friday they found a large quantity of bomb-making materials including fertiliser likely to be used in a car bomb following the arrest of seven terror suspects. The seven were seized Thursday in the cities of Arnhem and Weert by elite Dutch anti-terror units and are suspected of wanting to carry out a "major" attack in the country. The suspects briefly appeared for the first time in the Rotterdam District court on Friday on terror-related charges, where their case was remanded until next week. The men, who range from 21 to 34 years, were not named and will remain under maximum security conditions -- which means they are only allowed to talk to their lawyers. During Thursday's search "police confiscated a substantial amount of raw materials to make bombs at the suspects' homes," the Dutch public prosecution service said Friday. Officers also found "100 kilogrammes of fertiliser, possibly for use in a car bomb," the prosecutors added in a statement. Officers had .
Surgical strikes a message that India will not tolerate terrorists: Sitharaman
The surgical strikes across the Line of Control in 2016 was a message that India would not tolerate terrorists in the garb of intruders and the act of killing soldiers will not go unpunished, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said here on Friday.
Special events organised in Pb, Hry as part of nationwide 'Prakaram Parv'
Special events were organised by the Army and the IAF in Punjab and Haryana on Friday showcasing the valour and sacrifice of the armed forces, as part of three-day nationwide 'Prakram Parv' to mark the second anniversary of the 2016 'surgical strikes'. On September 29, 2016, the Indian Army carried out surgical strikes on seven terrorist launchpads across the Line of Control (LoC) in retaliation to an attack on its base in Uri earlier that month. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday inaugurated 'Parakram Parv' exhibition at the military station in Jodhpur to mark the second anniversary of the surgical strikes. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced last week that various events will be held from September 28 to 30 to commemorate the valour of soldiers. Special events like movies on the life of soldiers at the LoC, exhibitions, equipment and weapons display and live training activities of mechanised forces, military band display, special outreach/cultural programmes were ...
Parakram Parv expo inaugurated in Kochi by Naval command chief
Commemorating the second anniversary of surgical strikes by the Army across the LoC, a Parakram Parv exhibition was inaugurated by Southern Naval Command Chief of Staff Rear Admiral R J Nadkarni here Friday. The exhibition being organised at the Lulu Mall has a static display of various ship and aircraft, mannequins of divers, as well as naval equipment with guides to explain the role and function of each to the visitors. In addition, a number of videos on military and naval operations both during peace and war are being screened during the three-day exhibition, a Defence release said here. Speaking on the occasion, Rear Admiral Nadkarni said the commemoration was to remind the public about the valour and strength of the armed forces and also to instill a sense of patriotism in the youth besides paying respects to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the honour of the country. The other highlights of the exhibition over the next two days include on spot ...
2 Hizb over-ground workers arrested in J&K's Pulwama
Two over-ground workers (OGWs) of the Hizbul Mujahideen were arrested from Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district Friday, a police spokesman said. The arrested persons were identified as Danish Ahmad Lone and Raja Ilyas Makroo, he said. "Acting on a credible input, police arrested two OGWs of proscribed terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen," the spokesman said. "Incriminating material and huge amount of cash were seized from them," he said. The spokesman said Danish Lone is the brother of an active militant Adnan Lone. Police have registered a case. "Preliminary investigation suggests that the duo were planning to carry out terror attacks in the area," he said. In another incident, police on a tip-off arrested Irshad Ahmad Malla and seized incriminating material linked to terror outfits, he said. Police have registered a case against him.
Cycle rally to commemorate Infantry Day flagged off
A over 2,700-km cycle rally to New Delhi aimed at promoting the spirit of adventure and awareness was flagged off at the Madras Regimental Centre (MRC) in Wellington in nearby Nilgiris district Friday. The rally, held to commemorate Infantry Day on October 27, comprises 10 cyclists led by Captain Shubham Singh and would also undertake an awareness campaign on joining the Indian Army, Swachh Bharat and women empowerment, it said. Inaugurated by Brigadier SK Sangwan, Commandant MRC, the rally, under the aegis of Infantry Directorate, Army headquarters, would cover a distance of 2,741 km from Wellington to New Delhi over a period of 30 days, a press release said. The team would traverse through seven states and visit important places en route such as Mysuru, Bengaluru, Belgaum, Kolhapur, Satara, Pune, Mumbai, Surat, Vadodara, Udaipur, Ajmer and Jaipur, the release said. Such rallies are regularly undertaken by the Army in order to increase awareness in the areas and to ...
Two-day Parakram parva to mark second anniversary of surgical
The two-day Parakram Parv to celebrate the second anniversary of surgical strikes carried by the Indian army across the Line of Control (LOC) started here on Friday. Brigadier Ajay Mishra, Black Cat Division, inugurated the exhibition organised by the Army here at West Point school to celebrate the second anniversary of the surgical strikes that was carried out on September 29, 2016 by the Indian Army on terror pads across LOC. Equipments like 105 mm field guns of artillery, small arms equipments of infantry, engineering items, mountaineering gadgets, medical equipment for treatments of sick and injured during operation etc. have been put on show for the visitors. Screening of movie on surgical strikes, motivational lecture and career counseling, information kiosks and band display are other attractions of the exhibition. Speaking at the inaugural function, Brigadier Ajay Mishra said that it was a great moment to celebrate the anniversary of surgical strikes, as Parakram
Iran says it killed four militants near Pakistan border
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Friday they had killed four militants who had slipped across the border from Pakistan to try to carry out an attack. The Guards said two militants were also wounded in the clash in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, with the "rest of the terrorists fleeing to the soil of the neighbouring country". Sistan-Baluchistan has a large, mainly Sunni Muslim ethnic Baluchi community, which straddles the border into the Baluchistan province of neighbouring Pakistan. Sunni extremist group Jundallah (Soldiers of God) launched a bloody insurgency in the province in 2000 targeting the security forces and officials of Iran's Shiite-dominated government. The campaign peaked with a spate of deadly attacks from 2007 -- including twin suicide bombings against a Shiite mosque that killed 28 people -- but abated after the group's leader was killed in mid-2010. In 2012, Jundullah members formed a successor organisation called Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice), ...
SC's remark has "shaken" morale of armed forces, cops: Centre to SC
The Centre Friday questioned the Supreme Court for its reported remark terming as "murderers" some Manipur Police personnel, chargesheeted in alleged fake encounter cases, saying it has "completely shaken" the morale of armed forces and securitymen operating in insurgency-hit areas. The government told a bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta that they supported the applications filed by some Manipur Police personnel seeking recusal of the bench from hearing the Manipur fake encounters cases in which the CBI's special investigation team (SIT) is carrying out a probe. The petitioners, however, challenged the government's contention, saying this was an attempt to "overawe" the court, which should not recuse from hearing the matter. The court, which is hearing a PIL seeking a probe into as many as 1,528 cases of alleged extra-judicial killings in Manipur, had on July 14 last year constituted an SIT of the CBI and ordered lodging of FIRs and investigating them. Besides the ...
LTTE planned to attack Colombo targets with plane from Chennai: Lanka prez
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has said that the LTTE militant group had planned to attack Colombo with an aircraft flying from Chennai in 2009. "No one knew it better than me," said Sirisena, who was the acting defence minister during the last two weeks of the civil war with the LTTE in May, 2009 when the rebels were eventually defeated. He was addressing the Sri Lankan community in New York where he spoke at the UN General Assembly. "The former president was away, the former prime minister was away. There was no defence ministry secretary and army commander in the country at the time," he said. Sirisena said it was a well-guarded secret that all senior leaders were out of the country fearing an LTTE air raid. "The Tamil Tigers were going to operate an aircraft from Chennai or some other jungle area to bomb and destroy targets in Colombo," the president said, adding "I was the acting defence minister. All the others had fled because they feared air attacks". "Even I did ...
Pak Army chief confirms death sentences to 11 'hardcore terrorists'
Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Friday confirmed death sentences to 11 "hardcore terrorists", nearly three weeks after he approved the execution of 13 others. General Bajwa approved the capital punishment handed down to the terrorists by a military court for committing "heinous offences" related to terrorism, including killing of 20 security personnel. The military courts were set up in Pakistan after the deadly Taliban attack on an army school in Peshawar in 2014 which killed more than 150 people, mostly students. "Chief of Army Staff confirmed death sentences awarded to 11 hardcore terrorists, who were involved in heinous offences related to terrorism," the Army said in a statement. It said the terrorists were found guilty of attacking armed forces, law enforcement agencies, destruction of an educational institution and killing of innocent civilians. "On the whole, they were involved in killing of 69 persons including 49 civilians, 20 Armed Forces/Police Officials ..
Iranian force warns Saudi Arabia, UAE over its 'red lines'
Iran's hard-line Revolutionary Guard has warned Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates not to interfere in the country's internal affairs or cross its "red lines" in the wake of the terror attack on a military parade that killed 24 people. The Guard's acting commander, Gen Hossein Salami, claimed in remarks broadcast Friday that the Saudis and the UAE "are trying to bring chaos into Iran." Salami says: "Do not cross our red lines." Meanwhile, the official IRNA news agency says the Guard killed four militants and wounded two in a clash near the Pakistani border in the southeastern Sistan-Baluchistan province. The report didn't offer more details on the clash. Iranian forces occasionally clash with Baluch militants in the country's east and Kurdish separatists in the west.