Page 6 - War Conflict

Iraqi special forces kill 14 IS militants in country's north

Iraqi special forces say they have conducted an operation near the northern city of Kirkuk in which they killed 14 members of the Islamic State group. A statement from Iraqi Counterterrorism Forces on Monday says that during the operation, Iraqi forces received support from warplanes of the US-led coalition. The statement says the operation, just south of Kirkuk, lasted for two days and included Iraqi special forces rappelling from helicopters. Although Iraq declared victory against IS in July 2017, the extremists have since been trying to mount a guerrilla-style insurgency, going into hiding and staging surprise attacks in different parts of the country.

West Bengal: Police seize 60 bombs in Bhatpara, arrest 8 people

As many as 60 bombs were seized on Monday from Bhatpara area in North 24 Parganas district and eight people arrested in that connection, police said.Barrackpore Commissioner of Police Manoj Kumar said, "We recovered 60 bombs from Gali number 6 in Kankinara under Bhatpara police station. We have arrested eight people and further investigation is underway."Two persons were killed while several others were injured on Thursday after clashes broke out between two groups suspected to be affiliated to ruling TMC and BJP in Bhatpara, which comes under the Barrackpore Lok Sabha constituency.Prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC were imposed in the affected areas to restore order. Both TMC and BJP have blamed each other for the violence.

China says it 'won't allow' G20 discussion on Hong Kong

China said on Monday it would not allow the G-20 nations to discuss mass protests in Hong Kong during their summit this week, as US President Donald Trump plans to raise the issue during his meeting with President Xi Jinping in Japan. Hong Kong has been rocked by major protests over a bill that would allow people to be extradited to the mainland to face trial in courts controlled by the Communist party. It triggered the most violent protests in decades when police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowds. The extradition bill and police reaction to the protests drew international criticism from rights groups. Following historic protests, the Hong Kong government retracted plans to bring about the controversial law. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam also indefinitely suspended debate on the issue. But protesters are demanding that she formally withdraw the proposed changes to the extradition laws. Some also want Lam to resign. China said it would oppose any attempt by the US .

Taliban threaten Afghan media, say reporters to be targeted

The Taliban have issued a threat to Afghan media, saying journalists will be targeted unless news outlets stop broadcasting what they describe as government propaganda against the insurgents. Monday's statement gives Afghan radio stations, TV channels and others a week to cease transmitting anti-Taliban announcements paid for by the government. The Taliban say that Afghan media that refuse to do this will be considered enemy intelligence nests and their journalists and other staffers will not be safe. The government in Kabul pays media outlets to regularly air please to the public to inform authorities if they see any suspicious Taliban activities. The Taliban have targeted Afghan media, radio and TV stations in the past but this is the insurgents' first threat over a specific issue such as the government-paid announcements.

20 years of Kargil war: IAF turns Gwalior Air Base into 'war theatre', reenacts milestones

Commemorating 20 years of the Kargil War, the IAF Monday turned the Gwalior air base virtually into a theatre of conflict with a dramatic reenactment of some milestones of the 1999 operation. In a symbolic recreation of the Tiger Hill attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Drass-Kargil area, the air force used the Mirage 2000 aircraft and explosives were blown up on a 'model hill' to recreate the crucial events of the war. The chief guest for the event is Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa. The IAF has planned several activities at the air base to commemorate the 20 years of the war and the symbolic recreation of the Tiger Hill attack was one of them. Five Mirage 2000, two MiG 21s and one Sukoi 30 MKI were on static display at the base. One of the Mirage 2000 aircraft showcased the Spice bomb carrier. The bomb was used in the Balakot airstrike in February. The aircraft is undergoing upgrade which will extend its life by another 20 years, said Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief .

Two killed in group clash in Shahjahanpur

Two persons were killed when two groups clashed over a dispute during a panchayat meeting here Monday, police said. The incident took place when the groups led by Sonu (25) and Maya Prakash Gupta (55) clashed during a panchayat meeting at Jumai village in Roza area, Superintendent of Police, City, Dinesh Tripathi said. When Sonu was shot dead, people from his side started beating Gupta with sticks injuring him seriously. He was rushed to the hospital, where he died. Police lodged FIRs in this connection. No arrests have so far been made.

3 terrorists killed in Karachi, claims Pakistan police

Three terrorists were killed in an operation conducted by Pakistani armed forces in Karachi late on Sunday.After getting a tip-off, the police and intelligence agencies conducted an operation and during the exchange of fire, the terrorists were killed. However, two of their accomplices managed to escape.The police have claimed that the trio was planning to "carry out sabotage activities" in Karachi.The police have also recovered a suicide jacket, hand grenades and large quantity of arms from their possession.

Indian women peacekeepers begin UN mission in Congo

A team of women peacekeepers from India has assumed duties in the UN mission in Congo, one of the most challenging peacekeeping missions, with a focus on working with women and children worst affected by conflict. The Female Engagement Team (FET) from India, comprising nearly 20 women peacekeepers, began its deployment with the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DR Congo (MONUSCO) last week. Women Peace & Security in action. India's Female Engagement Team deployed in @UNPeacekeeping is on way to assume duties @MONUSCO (Democratic Republic of Congo), India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin tweeted on June 20 along with a photograph of the women peacekeepers leaving India for their deployment. Military Advisor to the Permanent Mission of India to UN Colonel Sandeep Kapoor told PTI that India's deployment of the Female Engagement Team is in line with Secretary General Antonio Guterres' priority and initiative to ensure increased ...

20 years of Kargil war: IAF recreates Tiger Hill attack at Gwalior air base

Commemorating 20 years of the Kargil War, the IAF Monday turned the Gwalior air base virtually into a conflict theatre, with dramatic reenactment of some of the milestones of the operation in 1999. In a symbolic 'recreation' of the Tiger Hill attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Drass-Kargil area, the air force used the Mirage 2000 aircraft and explosives were blown up on a 'model hill' to recreate the crucial events of the war. The chief guest for the event is Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa. The IAF has planned several activities at the air base to commemorate the 20 years of the war and the symbolic 'recreation' of the Tiger Hill attack was one of them. Five Mirage 2000, two MiG 21s and one Sukoi 30 MKI were on static display at the base. One of the Mirage 2000s showcased the Spice bomb carrier. The bomb was used in the Balakot airstrike in February. "The Kargil conflict offers an exemplary experience in the use of air power in warfare in high mountains conditions and is key to full ...

BMC declares Maha CM's official residence defaulter, 18 ministers also named in list

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's 'Varsha' bungalow a defaulter as his water bill dues are pending.The total amount of the bill pending is around Rs 7,44,981, according to BMC.Apart from Fadnavis, names of 18 Maharashtra ministers are also in the list of defaulters, as they are yet to clear their water bill dues.Among those ministers in the list of defaulters are -- Sudhir Mungantiwar, Vinod Tawde, Pankaja Munde, Ramdas Kadam and Eknath Shinde.

1 killed, 7 injured after Houthis attack Saudi's Abha airport

A Syrian national was killed while seven other people were injured after Yemen's Houthi rebels attacked the Abha International Airport here on Sunday, according to the Arab Coalition's spokesman Colonel Turki al-Maliki.The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and Egypt have condemned the attack, according to Al Arabiya.Operations are back to normal at the airport, after being disrupted for an hour "as a precautionary measure."The militia had earlier targetted the airport with a cruise missile on June 12, which hit the arrivals hall. At least 26 civilians were injured in the attack.

11 Chadian soldiers killed in Boko Haram attack: authorities

At least 11 Chadian soldiers were killed in an attack blamed on Boko Haram jihadists at Lake Chad, the latest in a surge of attacks in the region, authorities said on Sunday. "The Chadian army lost 11 men including three officers... and six soldiers were wounded," the regional authority told AFP. It added that Chadian forces killed "26 Boko Haram members" in fighting at Tchoukoutalia after the soldiers recovered cattle that the militants had seized. Boko Haram militants have been waging a decade-long insurgency in northwest Nigeria, but the conflict has spilled into the Lake Chad region where Nigeria borders Niger, Chad and Cameroon. 'Security sources earlier said seven Chadian soldiers and a guard were killed in the ambush that happened on Friday in Mbomouga in Chad's Ngouboua area. 'Since 2018, Boko Haram has carried out at least nine attacks on Chad. But the jihadist group has stepped up attacks outside Nigeria after a period of calm last year. Last month, militants killed four .

Telangana: Three courier agents of Naxals held; gelatine sticks, detonators seized

Police on Saturday arrested three persons, who worked for Naxals as courier agents, from Katapur Cross Road in Mulugu district.20 gelatin sticks and 8 detonators were recovered from their possession.Based on credible inputs, police along with a CRPF Battalion nabbed the three Naxal sympathisers while they were at Katapur Cross Road.They were identified as M Ramesh (30), K Rakesh (25) and M Koshal (35)."The accused have confessed that they were working as courier agents for Naxals and used to transport materials required by them. On June 22, one unknown person had handed them over 20 gelatin sticks and 8 detonators for carrying out an attack on policemen," the police said.Police also said a fourth person, Jogaiah (60), involved in the case, is absconding.

Four maoists "sympathiers" held in Telangana

Four maoists "sympathisers," suspected to be working as "couriers" for the rebels were Sunday nabbed in Mulugu district in Telangana, police said. Based on specific information, a police team nabbed the four in Tadwai mandal and confiscated 20 gelatin sticks and eight detonatorsfrom their possession, which were handed over to them by unidentified people. The four reportedly confessed to the police that they were persuaded by senior maoist leaders, who visited their hamlets, to strengthen the maoist party and to keep a watch on the movement of police besides supplying logistics to them.

Minor girl run over by lorry in Hyderabad, dies

A six-year-old girl died after a tipper lorry ran over her near her house in Alwal here Sunday, police said. The incident occurred at around 10.30 AM when the driver of the gravel-laden lorry proceeding upwards on an incline lost control and the vehicle went in reverse running over the girl, they said. A CCTV footage of the incident showed the lorry moving backwards on the road even as man is seen making a vain attempt to stop it by throwing a stone under the rear wheel, they added. The driver was absconding, the police said adding a case was registered.

Amarinder hosts jawans, officers of Army's Sikh Regiment

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh hosted soldiers and officers of the Indian Army's Sikh Regiment to celebrate his family's century-old association with the battalion. The event was held at Chandimandir near here on Saturday evening. "It scintillated with shared moments and a cultural programme, which saw Captain Amarinder cheering on the jawans and even briefly joining in the Bhangra performance. He visited the JCOs' mess, and later joined the regiment officers and guests for dinner at the Officers' mess," a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office here Sunday, said. Amarinder (77), who is scion of the erstwhile Patiala royal family, went around meeting the jawans and their families, sharing a few moments with their children. He engaged with the second battalion of the Sikh regiment (erstwhile 15 Ludhiana Sikhs). It was a matter of pride and honour for him and his family to have served the nation as a soldier of the Indian Army, the chief minister said, adding that the ...

Two party workers, minor injured in police firing in WB: BJP

The West Bengal BJP leadership has claimed that two party supporters and a minor suffered bullet injuries when police opened fire at them during a clash with TMC activists at Patrasayar in Bankura district. The incident happened on Saturday evening when the three chanted 'Jai Shri Ram' slogans in front of some Trinamool Congress workers, who were returning from a rally led by state minister Suvendu Adhikari, BJP leaders said. Clashes broke out between the two groups allegedly over the chant, followed by a scuffle. The BJP said police had fired to disperse the mob, a claim the police and the TMC denied. "We resorted to lathicharge and fired tear gas shells when our personnel were pelted with stones," a police officer said. Local BJP leaders said that the three persons, including a 14-year-old boy, was admitted to the Bankura Sammiloni Medical College and Hospital. "Incidents of such clashes are nothing new. The state adminstration and police have completely failed to ...

Amid Taliban attacks, Khalilzad to begin 7th round of peace talks on June 29

Amid sustained Taliban attacks in Afghanistan, US Special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad will start the seventh round of peace talks on June 29.He did not disclose the venue of the meeting."We'll start the next round of talks on Jun 29. Based on my recent visits to #Afghanistan and #Qatar, I believe all sides want rapid progress," tweeted Khalilzad on Saturday.For long, Khalilzad has been trying to reach a peace deal with the Taliban to end the war in Afghanistan that has entered its 19th year.The envoy also held a series of meetings with the Pakistani leadership as a part of Washington's renewed push to bring the Afghan Taliban to the negotiating table.The latest push for peace comes after President Donald Trump wrote a letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan, seeking Pakistan's help for the negotiated settlement of the Afghan conflict, Express Tribune reported.Recently, in response to the Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada's annual message on Eid, Khalilzad had said that the statement .

'Shopian encounter a huge success, all terrorists killed were IS-inspired'

The Shopian encounter was a huge success, security forces and police eliminated four Islamic State (IS) inspired terrorists, Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh said on Sunday."This has been a very successful operation in which four terrorists have been neutralised. All four of them were IS-inspired terrorists commanded by Shaukat Ahmad Butt, who was earlier working with Hijb-ul-Mujahideen and since 2015 he had joined Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGH)," Singh told ANI here.Earlier today, four terrorists were killed during an encounter which began in the early hours Sunday at Panzar area in Shopian district.Singh added that all four terrorists killed were locals from either Pulwama or Shopian and were wanted in a large number of terror-related cases."They were wanted in a number of terror-related incidents, all of them were locals from Pulwama and Shopian. A large quantity of arms and ammunition and other incriminating information has been recovered from their possession," Singh ..

4 policemen killed in Taliban attack

At least four policemen were killed and another was injured in a Taliban attack on Saturday night in Herat province of Afghanistan, a police official said."Taliban launched a coordinated attack on a police checkpoint in Guzara district of Herat province Saturday, killing four policemen and injuring another," Sulaiman, the Guzara district police chief, told Xinhua.A police armoured vehicle was also damaged by Taliban militants.Taliban militants also suffered casualties and the number was not clear, police added.