Page 6 - War Conflict

West Bengal: 18 bombs seized in Durgapur

After seizing 60 bombs from the from Bhatpara area in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, police recovered 18 bombs in the Durgapur city of the state."As soon as the police got the information that 18 bombs have been kept inside two drums of an under developing house in Shanti Nagar, we reached the spot immediately and seized all the bombs," the police said.After cops informed the Crime Investigation Department (CID), the bomb disposal squad destroyed the explosives at an isolated place."We have not arrested anybody till now but the investigation is underway and will soon catch the people behind this," police added.Two persons were killed and several others were injured on Thursday after violent clashes broke out between two groups suspected to be affiliated to the ruling TMC and BJP in Bhatpara.

15 killed in two 'terrorist' attacks on Burkina villages: Minister

Two attacks by "armed terrorists" on villages in northern Burkina Faso left 15 people dead, the country's Defence Minister Cheriff Sy said Monday. The gunmen attacked the villages of Sagho and Toekodogo, in the Barsalogho district, on Saturday, Sy said in a statement, describing them as members of "armed terrorist groups". "These attacks unfortunately caused the death of 15 people, 13 of them in Sagho and two in Toekodogo," he said. The attackers also set fire to three shops and around 10 motorcycles. Once alerted, soldiers and members of the security forces were deployed who put the assailants to flight, Sy added. Burkina Faso has suffered from increasingly frequent and deadly attacks attributed to a number of jihadist groups, including the Group to Support Islam and Muslims (GSIM) and Islamic State in the Greater Sahara. More than 1,000 people have fled their homes because of the unrest in the region, finding refuge in the capital Ouagadougou, in the centre of the country. The north

Top Sri Lanka defence official faces charges over Easter attacks

Sri Lanka's most senior defence official on Monday became the latest government figure to face possible criminal charges over "major lapses" linked to the Easter Sunday bombings that killed 258 people. Hemasiri Fernando, who was defence secretary before the April 21 bombing of three churches and three hotels, should be investigated for his failure to prevent or minimise the attacks, Attorney General Dappula de Livera said. The attorney general said in a letter to Sri Lanka's acting police chief that a presidential commission of inquiry had found "major lapses" by Fernando, who has since resigned from his top job. While Fernando is the most senior defence official to face action, President Maithripala Sirisena also suspended police chief Pujith Jayasundara after he refused to step down over the handling of the attacks. Jayasundara and Fernando have testified before a parliamentary inquiry and accused Sirisena of failing to follow established protocols in assessing threats to national ..

3 al-Qaeda terrorists killed in Pak

Three al-Qaeda terrorists, including a top leader of the terror group, were killed on Monday during a raid by the counter-terrorism officials at their hideout in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi. According to a senior police official, counter-terrorism and intelligence officials carried out a raid at Khuda Baksh Goth near the Northern Bypass in Karachi early morning. "In the exchange of fire, three terrorists were killed but two others managed to escape," the official said. He said two slain terrorists have been identified as Talat Mahmood and Usman Alam. "Both were active members of the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and we recovered arms, ammunition, suicide jackets and grenades from the spot," the official said. He said Talat was also emir (chief) of the al-Qaeda unit in Karachi.

Robbers summon businessman home, gun him down

Assailants summoned an Assam businessman to his residence in Karbi Anglong district and shot him dead after assaulting his son and looting valuables from the house, police said on Monday. An employee of the liquor businessman, identified as Mulsingh Rathode, was also injured in the attack that took place on Sunday night. Around seven men barged into Rathode's residence at Khotkhoti, beat up his son and looted gold and money from the house, district Superintendent of Police Gaurav Upadhyay told PTI. They then forced the businessman's son to call his father home and as soon has he reached there, they shot him in the head with an AK-47 rifle and injured his employee before fleeing, Upadhyay said. Rathode was taken to a hospital in neighbouring Dimapur of Nagaland where doctors declared him brought dead, he said. An investigation into the incident has started, police said.

Congolese 'Terminator' faces war crimes judgement

Congolese ex-warlord Bosco Ntaganda will face judgement before the International Criminal Court next month for allegedly overseeing massacres and using children in his rebel army, the tribunal said Monday. Ntaganda, nicknamed "Terminator", is accused of masterminding the slaughter of civilians by his soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo's volatile northeastern Ituri region in 2002 and 2003. The Hague-based ICC said in a statement that it "will deliver its judgement in the case of Bosco Ntaganda on July 8 at 10.00 am (0800 GMT)". "At the hearing the Trial Chamber will announce whether it finds the accused innocent or guilty beyond reasonable doubt," it added. Ntaganda, 45, is facing 13 counts of war crimes and five counts of crimes against humanity for his role in the brutal conflict that wrecked the mineral-rich Ituri region. More than 60,000 people have been killed since the violence erupted in the region in 1999 according to rights groups, as militias battled each other for .

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.