Special Emphasis on Terrorism (Febuary 2014)

Terrorist Activities in Pakistan

Suicide Bombings
At least three people were killed and 30 others were injured in a suicide attack targeting Shia pilgrims in the Akhtarabad area of provincial capital Quetta on January 1, reports Dawn. Police said a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into the bus carrying Shia pilgrims who were coming from Iran to Quetta. Syed Ahmed Mobeen, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Police said, “We have found the legs of suicide bomber from the spot’.

A teenage boy, identified as Aitazaz Hassan (14) was killed when he grappled with a suicide bomber who blew himself up outside a Government school in the Ibrahimzai area of Hangu District on January 6, reports Daily Times. No outfit claimed responsibility for the attack.

Twenty-two people were killed and 31 others sustained injuries in a suicide blast on a bus of Shia pilgrims in the Daringar area of Mastung district, 60 kilometres from Quetta. on Tuesday, Jan 21. Officials of the district administration told journalists that the deceased belonged to Quetta’s Hazara town and Marriabad. Three passenger buses, escorted by Levies force, were heading to Quetta from the Pak-lran border at Taftan carrying 45 to 53 pilgrims in each bus. When the convoy reached the Daringar area, it was targeted by a powerful explosion. The explosion was so huge that one bus was destroyed completely and the other two buses were also damaged.

Bombi/lED Blasts
At least three people, including a woman and two children, were killed and two others were injured when a bomb planted outside a house exploded in Charsadda District on December 30, reported Dawn.

Separately, a Police mobile van was targeted by a remote-controlled Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on December 30, when the vehicle was on its way to Kangra Adda in Shabqadar bazaar of Charsadda District. Police Official Nasir Khan said the bomb exploded just as the Police van was passing by, but fortunately no casualties were reported.

At least three people were killed and four others were injured in a bomb blast in Garhi Khan Sher area of Budbher in Peshawar on December 31Police corfirmed that the rickshaw was carrying an explosive device, indicating that the terrorists were transporting the bomb to another place when it accidentally exploded.

A Policeman, identified as Azizul Allah, was killed and three others were injured in a remote-controlled blast in the Tank town of Tank District on January 2, reports Daily Times.

The house of a Policeman was partially damaged when it was targeted with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the limits of Kaki Police Station of Bannu District on January 5, reports The News. The sources:. said unidentified militants had placéd explosives at the main gate of the house of Constable Wagar. “The explosives went off at night. It partially damaged the gate and the boundary wall of the house but caused no loss of life,” a Police official said.

At least nine persons, including three children and three suspected militants, were killed and several others were wounded in a bomb blast targeting the house of a tribal elder Hakeem Khan Akakhel in the Tirah Valley of Khyber Agency in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) on January 6, reports Dawn.

A remote-controlled explosion occurred on January 13 in Sulemankhel area of Badbher area in Peshawar where the funeral prayer of slain Awami National Party (ANP) leader Mian Mushtag Ahmed was scheduled to be held, leaving one Policeman io § Gav erod’:., reported Dawn. According to the Police, security arrangements were being made for the funeral prayers of Mushtaq Anmed. A Police mobile was transporting a walkthrough gate to be installed at a location when the explosion occurred. Subsequently, one policeman was injured.

Separately, the Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) on January 13 thwarted an attempt of terrorism by defusing a 20 kilogram of bomb planted in the Bana Mari area of Peshawar, reports Dawn.

At least ten people were killed and more than 60 others were injured in the evening of January 16 when a bomb exploded at a Tablighi Markaz (religious centre) on Pajaggi Road in Peshawar, reports Dawn.

Eyewitnesses said the bomb exploded at Tablighi Markaz run by the Tableeghi Jamaat, just before Maghreb (Evening) prayers.

Around a thousand people were gathered at the seminary for a Shab- i-Juma (Thursday) congregation when the bomb ripped through the centre. Shafqat Malik, a senior official of the bomb disposal squad, said the bomb was planted inside a canister of ghee (cooking oil). “Around five kilograms of explosive material was used in the blast, which was det- onated through a timed device,” he said. Two more bombs diffused at blast site by the bomb disposal squad by applying water charge.

Separately, eight Policemen sustained injuries in two blasts in Daowat area of Chakisar tehsil (revenue unit) in Shangla District, on January 16, reports The News.

The sources said unknown persons had planted explosives near the Police check post in Daowat area, which exploded as soon as two cops reached there for duty.

The two Policemen, identified as Nisar Ahmed and Khan Bahadur sustained injuries. The Police launched search operation in the nearby areas after the blast. Six more Policemen were injured when their vehicle was targeted with an improvised explosive device (IED) in Sarkol area. The sources said the cops were on their way to Sarkol for search operation.

A Khasadar Force personnel killed while two others injured in a bomb blast near the vehicle of Khasadar Force in Zakhakhel area of Bara tehsil (revenue unit) in Khyber Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) on January 16, reports Daily Times.

Four people were killed and 65 others were injured when Khushaal Khan Khattak Express passenger train carrying around 400 passengers derailed following a bomb explosion on its tracks in Omar Kot area of Rojhan sub-district in Rajanpur District on January 17. The train was en route to Karachi in Sindh from Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Baloch Republican Army (BRA) claimed responsibility for the attack.

“We will continue to attack train tracks until the army operation in Balochistan is called off,” BRA spokesperson Arbaz Khan said in a phone call from an unknown location.

At least 20 soldiers were killed and another 30 were injured when a bomb ripped through a military convoy in the Bannu Town (Bannu District) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at 8:45 am on January 19, reports Daily Times. “A vehicle-borne improvised explosive device caused the blast,” a senior military official said. The convoy was about to leave for the Razmak town in North Waziristan Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) when the blast hit one of the civilian vehicles hired to move troops. The Tehreek-e- Taliban Pakistan ‘spokesman’ Shahidullah = Shahid claiming responsibility, said, “It was part of our fight against a secular system.

We will carry out more such attacks in future.” He added that the TTP were seeking revenge for the deaths of their former ‘chief’ Hakimullah Mehsud and ‘deputy chief’ Waliur Rehman — both killed in US drone attacks.

Targeted Killings A local leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), identified as Abdul Hamid, was shot dead near Singer Chowrangi, within the jurisdiction of Awami Colony Police Station in Korangi Town of Karachi on December 26, reported Daily Times.

Six Lyari gangsters, identified as Rizwan Baloch, Shahzad, Sajid alias Mithal, Amir Baloch, Gulzar and Dilawar Pathan, were shot dead and their bodies were discovered in Pak Colony area of Old Golimar near Rexer Bridge in SITE Town of Karachi on December 27, reported Dawn. They belonged to Lyaris Uzair Baloch group.

According to Police, they were abducted on December 26, 2013 and then shot dead. The killings were due to an ongoing rivalry between Lyari’s Uzair Baloch and Baba Ladla groups.

Three Majlis-e-Wahdat-e- Muslimeen (MWM) activists of Shia community, identified as Safdar Abbas and Abdul Aleem, and Syed Ali Shah, were shot dead, while a female companion, identified as Sakeena, sustained injuries when unidentified armed assailants opened fire targeting their cab while they were after filing their nomination papers at the Election Commission Office on Dalmia Road in Gulistan-e-Jauhar area of Gulshan Town in Karachi on Decembetg?9, reports The News. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) East, Pir Mohammad Shah confirmed the victims’ association with the religious organization. Following the attack, tension spread through while members of the Shia community staged demonstrations against the killings.

In another incident of sectarian attack, at least two people were killed and another one was injured when unidentified militants opened fire at the vehicle of MWM Shia leader Mirza Yousuf in Gulistan-e- Jauhar area of Gulshan Town December 28, reports Dawn. The killed included one of his personal guards and a Policeman while the injured was an aide of Yousuf.

Separately, a Policeman, identified as Muhammad Saeed (50), was shot dead while he was on duty near Oxford High School at Gulshan Chowrangi in Gulshan Town on December 29, reported The News.

He was the 167th Policeman to be killed in the city this year.

Elsewhere, four unidentified dead bodies were found at a house in Musharraf Colony area of Mauripur in Kiamari Town on December 29, reported The News.

A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in the Anti-Violent Crime Cell at Garden Headquarters, identified as Bahauddin Babar, was shot dead in a targeted attack near Metroville in SITE Town of Karachi on December 31, reports The News. Babar had served as an SHO at many ‘high- threat zone’ Police Stations in the city. Earlier, he was posted at the CID’s Anti-Extremism Cell (AEC).

Separately, a man, identified as Bakht Azeem (36), was shot dead in Gharibabad are of Malir Town on December 31, reported The News.

In another incident, a vehicle carrying Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Dr Arshad Vohra was attacked in SITE with a hand-grenade on December 31, reports Dawn. However, no casualties were reported.

At least eight persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi on January 2, reports The News.

Gunmen killed two senior members of Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASW) in an attack in Islamabad on January 3, reports Daily Times. The secretary general of the Islamabad chapter of the ASW4J organisation, Mufti Muneer Muavia, and his colleague Qari Asad Mehmood were killed in a residential area bordering the twin city of Rawalpindi.

At least 11 persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi (Karachi District) on January 4, reports Daily Times. Three ,persons were killed and four others were injured in an armed attack near Maskan Chowrangi in Gulshan-e-Iqbal town. According to the law enforcers, all victims belong to the Shia sect.

Separately, two brothers, also seminary students, identified as Abid Mavia (25) and Sajid Mavia (28), were shot dead by unidentified assailants on Rashid Minhas Road within the jurisdiction of Jaunarabad Police Station January 4, reports Daily Times.

In another incident, two Policemen were killed and another was injured in an armed attack in Orangi Town within the precincts of Pirabad locality January § 4, reports Daily Times.

In ’a separate incident, a Policeman, identified as Mohsin (37), was shot dead in Shahnawaz Shar Goth area within the precincts of Sacchal Police Station January 4, reports Daily Times.

Also, an unidentified person was killed by unidentified assailants in Pak Colony area January 4, reportsDaily Times.

Separately, a peanut seller, identified as Syed (40) was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Hyderi area January 4, reports Daily Times.

At least 10 persons were killed in separate incidents in Karachi on January 5, reports Daily Times. Two Policemen were shot dead in Sector J of Madina Colony in Baldia Town.

Police said that unidentified assailants, riding motorbikes, hurled a hand grenade at the shop of Awami National Party (ANP) leader Abdul Razzak Buneri and also opened fire.

Buneri remained unhurt but the two Policemen, identified as Abdul Raheem and Khan Muhammad, were killed in the attack. Police suspected involvement of Tehreek-e- Taliban Pakistan in the attack.

At least six dead bodies were found near the Sufi shrine of shrine of Ayub Shah Bukhari in Gulshan-e- Maymar area of Gadap Town in Karachi on January % reports Dawn. Two of the victims were beheaded, while the rest had their throats slit, said a Policeman. Among them three worked at the shrine while the others were visitors. The Police found a bloodstained knife and note, written by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, which read, “Stop visiting shrines — from the Pakistani Taliban”. “People visiting shrines will meet the same fate,” a senior Police Officer quoted the group as saying in the note. Five of victims were identified as, Munawwar, Saleem, Javed, Ramzan and Abid, respectively. One victim could not be identified.

In a separate incident, two security guards, identified as Muhammad Shafig (40) and Dilshad Ansari (27), posted at United Bank Limited (UBL) in Korangi Town were killed, while three people, including Branch Manager, cashier and another employee sustained injuries when six masked robbers opened fire at them and looted around PKR 1.7 million on January 7, reports The News.

Separately, an unidentified Police Officer was killed in firing incident in Pak Colony area of SITE Town on January 7, reports Dawn.

In another incident, another unidentified man was shot dead in Quaidabad area of Bin Qasim Town on January 7, reported Dawn.

Elsewhere, an unidentified dead body was recovered near Malir checkpost in Malir Town on Janauary 7, reports Dawn.

Three people, including prayer leader Maulana Iqrar and two students of the seminary, identified as Salahuddin (16), and Naseer (17), were injured in a bomb blast at the rooftop of Jannat Masjid (mosque) in Gulshan-e-Ghazi area of Al- Falah Society in Malir Town of Karachi on January 10, reports The News. In another incident, two people, including Awami National Party (ANP) leader Aziz Khan, was injured when his house in Future Colony of Quaidabad area in Bin Qasim Town was attacked with a hand grenade on January 10, reported “The News. Quaidabad Police said that Khan blamed extortionists for the attack as he failed to Pay an amount of PKR 5 million.

Police on January 14 found four unidentified men’s bodies near a riverbank in the Amagarh area of Nowshera District, reports The News. Unidentified the four and dumped their bodies in the Amagarh area, Police said.

Meanwhile, one Policeman was killed whereas another sustained injury when an explosion took place in Regi Mode! Town area of Peshawar on January 14, reports Dawn. Police added that the Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) personnel defused two bombs worth five kilograms from the site of explosion.

Separately, a bomb explosion took place near a Police van, injuring seven Policemen on Rohri road near the Kolachi’ tehsil (revenue unit) area of Dera Ismail Khan District on January 14. The bomb was remotely detohated. The Station House Officer (SHO) of Kolachi Police Station was among those injured in the blast.

In a separate incident in Swabi District, an official of the intelligence agencies, Amjad, was shot dead in Swabi bus stand area where he was on duty on January 13.

Two Policemen were shot dead in a firing incident near Police post situated at Gulberg area within the limits of Yousuf Plaza Police Station in Karachi on January 15, reports Daily Times. Police said the incident took place when unidentified armed riders arrived at the Police Post and opened fire on the cops. Both the victims sustained bullets wounds and were taken to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, where doctors Pronounced them dead. They were identified as Assistant Sub- Inspector Wali Mohammad, and Constable Allah Ditta.

Meanwhile, the law enforcement Personnel also killed two alleged gangsters during an Encounter in Lyari area on January t8, reports Daily Times.

Separately, a traffic police warden was gunned down near Matric Board office within the jurisdiction of North Nazimabad Police Station on January 15, reports Daily Times. Police said that unidentified armed men riding on two motorbikes Waylaid their target, Mehmood Raza, son of Manaan halaak and shot him dead.

In another incident, Lyari remain tensed as an armed clash occurred between rival groups of gangsters of the area on January 15, reports Daily Times. Two gangsters were killed in a joint encounter of police and rangers in the same locality. Police Sources said that the clash started at Jhat Phat Market, Lyari between the members of Baba Ladila Group and defunct People’s Amn Committee (PAC) over the dispute of extortion money collection from vendors of the area. During the Clash, both the groups used hand grenades, Crackers, rockets and Various weapons, and as a result tension prevailed in the area and adjacent localities of Lyari. A gangster belonging to PAC, named Zubair Hameed Sustained bullet wounds and died on the spot, while at least six People including a volunteer Junaid, Muneez, Hunain, Naseer, Haji Ali and Ameen also sustained wounds in the clash.

Two Policemen, identified as Head Constable Mohammad Javed (40), and Constable Asif Khan (30), were killed and two Persons, including Constable Saleem (28), and a Passerby, identified as Khano Ada (40), were injured in an armed attacked on the Police van near Shafigq Mor within the jurisdiction of New Karachi Police Station in Gulberg Town of Karachi on January 16, reported Daily Times.

Separately, a man, identified as Syed Junaid Akhtar (43), was shot dead on Manghopir Road within the precincts of SITE-4 Police Station in SITE Town on January 16, reports Daily Times.

In another incident, an officer of @ Spy agency, identified as Captain Ehtesham Haider, was injured in a targeted armed attack near Jauhar roundabout within the limits of Shahrah-e-Faisal Police Station in Gulshan-e-iqbal Town on January 16, reported Daily Times.

Three people, including Mufti Usman Yar, the Secretary General of Jama’at Ulema-e-Islam Sami-ul Haq (JUI-S), were killed when unidentified militants Opened fire on a car near sAwami Markaz_ in Shahra-e-Faisal Town of Karachi on January 17, reports The News. The other two killed were his driver and 4 personal guard, adds Dawn.

Separately, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants killed three Express News Staffers, including a technician, guard and driver, by opening fire on a DSNG (Digital Satellite News Gathering) vehicle near Matric Board Office in North Nazimabad Town on January 17, reported Dawn. TTP. Karachi Chapter ‘spokesman’ Sajjad ~ Mohmand claimed responsibility for the attack, adds The News. “We will continue to target the media if they do not stop Propaganda against Islam and the Taliban,” he said.

Former TTP ‘spokesman’ Ehsanullah Ehsan told the station it had been attacked because the Taliban considered its@coverage biased and the Taliban would continue to attack journalists they disagreed with. “Channels should give coverage to our ideology.

Otherwise we will continue attacking the media,” the Ty station broadcast him Saying.

In another incident, a roadside vendor, identified as Shafi Muhammad (50), was shot dead in a targeted attack near Fancy Bakery on Tannery Road in Lyari Town on January 17, reports The News.

Three persons were killed when unidentified assailants Opened fire on a Car carrying Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ) leader at Noori Gate in Sargodha area of same District on January 18, reports Daily Times. According to Police, the incident occurred at Noori Gate in Sargodha when ASWJ Deputy Chief of Punjab chapter Maulana Abdul Hameed Khalid along with others was on his way from Bhakkar District to attend the hearing at an anti-terrorism court in Sargodha.

Miscellaneous A leader of the Tehreek-e- Taliban Pakistan, identified as Mohammad Hashim Khan, was found dead in his hotel room in Miranshah town of North Waziristan Agency in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) on December 26, reports Dawn. Officials said that Khan hailed from Khost Province of Afghanistan and had been staying in the hotel for a long time.

Gunmen on December 28 attacked a hospital in Matni area of Peshawar and killed a polio worker and injured two other people, reports Daily Times. Polio worker Zahid Gul died on the spot while hospital employee Niqab Khan and @ woman sustained severe injuries, A girl’s school was partially damaged in an explosion in the Dhub Banda area of Charsadda city in Charsadda District on January 2, reports The News.

In another incident, a Doctor, identified as Dr Ahmad Zia, was abducted by unidentified militants in the Peshawar, the Provincial capital Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on January 2, reports The News.

Two people, including a woman, were killed while Police constable Farzand Ali and Frontier Corps (FC) official Gula Khan were injured when an unidentified militant Opened fire at them in a market in the Matani area of Peshawar (Peshawar District) on January 6.

Unidentified militants attacked the office of Lyari Development Authority (LDA) at Civic Centre in Gulshan Town in Karachi and set the office furniture on fire on January 6, reported The News.

Elsewhere, law enforces during their Ongoing drive against criminals and gangsters claimed to have arrested 94 Suspects during separate targeted raids and Operations across Karachi on January 6, reports Daily Times. In the first incident, Karachi Police claimed to have detained around 69 suspects during 73 raids and three encounters in different parts of the city. In addition, Pakistan Rangers Sindh claimed to have arrested 25 criminals during separate targeted raids conducted in Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town, Korangi Town, Landhi Town, New Karachi Town, Gadap Town, North Nazimabad Town and other areas.

| A Frontier Corps (FC) official and a Policeman were killed while one FC sustained injuries during an exchange of fire in Chatkan Bazaar of Panjgur Distrtct on January 7, reported The News. A handout issued by the FC said that the FC had received information about presence of a militants involved in attacking Security Forces in Chatkan Bazaar. “An FC patrolling team reached the site to arrest the Suspect who ran into a street adjacent to the bazaar. The FC team chased the Suspect, and during that time, two persons riding a motorcycle tried to halt FC personnel in order to provide a chance to the accused to escape. The two persons Opened fire on FC team injuring one FC personnel, Muhammad Akhtar, seriously,” said a Spokesman for the FC.

At least 10 militants and three Security Forces (SFs) were killed when militants attacked Green Ridge check post in Ladha subdivision South Waziristan Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) on January 8, reported The Express Tribune. Militants attacked the check Post in around 8:00 pm “which was repulsed” said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement. The military claimed “inflicting heavy casualties to the militants.

Crime Investigation Department (CID) of Karachi Police on January 9 (today) – claimed killing a trio of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants in Manghopir area of Gadap Town in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, reports The News. “The Policemen, who busted a terrorist hideout in Manghopir area, following a Promising lead, were met with heavy armed resistance”, said Chaudhry Aslam, a senior CID official. The suspected militants, who were armed to the teeth fought with the Police fiercely and exhausted all their ammunition, which let the CID take charge, Aslam said, adding, “The shots fired by the cops left the terrorists seriously wounded and they were immediately rushed to a hospital where they were pronounced dead”.

Separately, Lyari on January 8 remained tensed as Lyari gangster Abdul Jabbar alias Jabbar Jhengu and his companion Abdul Ghani were killed in a road accident in the Bella area of Balochistan on January 7, 2014 reports The Express Tribune. As the news of his death spread, armed gangsters resorted to indiscriminate firing in Lyari Town and its adjoining areas of Sher Shah, Mithadar, Kharadar, Mauripur and Pak Colony. However, Jhengu’s comrades claimed that they do not believe he was killed in a road accident. “Jhengu’s killing was preplanned,” one of his associates said, adding, “The law enforcers are behind his killing. They abducted him and then killed them in this way.” At least one Policeman was killed and another was injured when unidentified militants opened fire on two Policemen deputed at a checkpost on Canal Road in University Town of provincial capital Peshawar on January 8, reports Dawn.

Separately, Station House Officer (SHO) of Bhana Mari Police Station, identified as Hameed Khan, and two of his bodyguards were injured when unidentified militants opened fire on their vehicle within the limit of Paharipura Police Station in Peshawar on January 8, reported Dawn.

Three Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants were killed in an alleged Police encounter within the jurisdiction of Mauripur Police Station in Musharraf Colony of Baldia Town in Karachi on January 10. The dead were identified as Mirza Ali (45), allegedly the TTP Amir (chief) for Ittehad Town Sher Muhammad (35), allegedly the TTP Amir for Landhi Town, and Amanullah (22). Police claimed that they were patrolling near Musharraf Colony where the three suspects were waiting by a motorcycle. The terrorists allegedly opened fire when Police began to ask them questions. The Police retaliated, killing all three suspects. “They were terrorist and belonged to TTP,” Mauripur Police Station official Khan Muhammad claimed. Police recovered the motorcycle and weapons, including a hand grenade, a Kalashnikov and a pistol.

Two passengers were killed when unidentified armed assailants opened fire at a passenger van in the Dukki tehsil (revenue unit) of Loralai District on January 10, reports Dawn. No outfit claimed of responsibility for the attack.

In another incident, Unidentified militants blew up a gas pipeline in Dera Murad Jamali area of Naseerabad District suspending gas supply to many districts on January 10, reported The News.

Five persons, including three Policemen and two security guards were killed in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast targeting the convoy of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs senior aide Amir Mugqam in Shangla District on January 12. Mugam was unhurt.

“Amir Muqam was on his way to attend a jirga to solve a dispute between two rival groups in Martong when the incident took place, on the way, in Garay area of Shangla,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Muhammad Zaman of Puran Circle.

Separately, Unidentified militants opened fire on Awami National Party (ANP) leader Mian Mushtaq’s vehicle in Badhpir area of Peshawar, killing three people including him on January 12, reports The News.

Three suspected militants were killed while five others arrested by the Security Forces (SFs) during a search operation in Zaidi area of Khuzdar District in Balochistan on January 15, reports The News.

Deputy Commissioner Syed Abdul – Waheed Shah said that the security forces and Levies force had been conducting a joint search Operation in Zaidi area when armed men opened fire on them.

The SFs returned the fire, killing three suspects. They also arrested five suspects. Two security men also sustainéd injuries. One abducted person and heavy weapons including ammunitions were also recovered from the possession of the suspects.

Two Frontier Corps (FC) officials were injured when an improvised explosive device (IED) went off at a roadside in the Ghari Gal area of Mamond tehsil (revenue unit) in the Bajaur Agency of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) on January 19. Political administration official from Mamond, Abdul Haseeb Khan, said he was informed by a tribesman around 12:30pm about a canister spotted on the roadside in Ghari Gal area of Mamond.

Consequently, FC officials rushed to the site along with a bomb disposal squad (BDS) unit and defused the five-kilogramme explosive device.

The official added that while the bomb was being defused, another IED planted nearby was detonated by militants through a remote control, injuring two FC officials while destroying their vehicle completely.

Pakistan

Abducted US development worker Warren Weinstein urges President Barack Obama for help in new video clip released by al Qaeda
A United States (US) development worker, Warren Weinstein (72), who was abducted in August 2011 from Lahore District of Punjab Province by al Qaeda, appealed to President Barack Obama to intervene and help negotiate his release, ina 13 minute video clip released by al Qaeda’s media wing and posted on several news websites on December 26, reports The Express Tribune. In the video, Weinstein is wearing a gray tracksuit and black beanie hat against a dark background. “| am not in good health. | have a heart condition. | suffer from acute asthma… Needless to say I’ve been suffering deep anxiety every part of every day,” he said, adding, “Mir President, for the majority of my adult life, for over 30 years I’ve served my country…Now when | need my Government it seems that | have been totally abandoned and forgotten.” The video was accompanied by a letter, purportedly hand written by Weinstein but also not authenticated, that was dated October 3, 2103.

There is more to Pak-US ties than drones, says Foreign Office spokesperson Tasneem Aslam
Without specifically naming the United States (US), the Foreign Office (FO) on December 26 said that the issue of drones would not overshadow the country’s foreign relations despite a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution which called for making drone attacks compliant with the international law, reports Dawn. Cooperation with the US on Afghanistan, the FO said, would, however, depend on the future American presence in the neighbouring country.

“We are very clear on that. Our foreign policy is not just on drones or our relations with one country. It is a wide spectrum. We have our national interests and we are working on many tracks with the international community to expand our relations and to promote economic development in Pakistan. We do not see the foreign policy or what we seek to achieve from it through the narrow prism of any single issue,” FO spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said.

Her comments apparently contrasted the previous FO position that “drone strikes have a negative impact on the mutual desire of both countries (US and Pakistan) to forge a cordial and cooperative relationship’. This position was last stated on November 1, 2013, and wasn’t reflected in subsequent statements on drones though there has been a ritual condemnation of the attacks. The spokesperson’s remarks, which followed the latest drone attack in Miranshah and the first since the UNGA passed a resolution on drones, represented a possible softening of the government’s position on drone strikes.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari declares war against TTP at the start of his political career
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on the sixth death anniversary of his mother Benzair Bhutto on December 27 declared war against Tehreek-e- Taliban Pakistan militants while announcing the start. of his political career, reports Dawn. He also indicated that his two sisters, Asifa and Bakhtawar will also participate in practical politics before the next elections, scheduled to be held in 2018.

Besides criticising his political rivals, he criticised the Government’s policy of negotiating with TTP militants. On behalf of his party, he suggested very strict conditions for dialogue, if any, with the TIP. They include surrendering arms, blood money for victims of terrorist attacks and respect for minorities, among others. He said his party would support the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government against any conspiracy to derail democracy in Pakistan.

In. an obvious reference to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (Pa!) chief Imran Khan, Bilawal said the complicated issue of terrorism and extremism was not going to get resolved through sitins and long marches.

He rejected Khan’s perception of a ‘ink’ between prevailing terrorism and drone strikes. He said Pakistan was a Victim of terrorism before the drone campaign started and that terrorist attacks will continue even if drone strikes came to an end.

“| leave the treason trial issue COAS Raheel Sharif’, says former President General (Retd) Pervez Musharraf Former. President General (retired) Pervez Musharraf on December 30 said that he leaves his treason trial issue to incumbent Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif, reported The News. “| would say the whole army is upset. Certainly, they wouldn’t like anything happening to their exarmy chief, he said while talking to a foreign News Agency.

He also made it clear that army was not his last hope. “Though the Army Chief has the final word but the top brass always goes through due consultations before an important decision is taken. Let’s see what the COAS does in this case”, Musharraf said. He also raised alarm about his security. “| fear for my life from Mullah Fazlullah led Tehreek-e- Taliban Pakistan, Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), Lal Masjid (Red Mosque), and al Qaeda’, he said.

Separately, leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Khurshid Shah on December 30 urged the army to state its position on Pervez Musharraf claim as silence can be misconstrued as consent, reports Daily Times. Speaking to media in the Parliament House Shah said that Pervez Musharraf tried to act smart while claiming to have army’s support in the treason case. “If army is not with Musharraf, it should rebuff his statement,” he demanded.

Meanwhile, the Federal Information Minister Pervaiz Rasheed on December 30 said that General Pervez Musharraf should express his views in the court, reports The News.

The Information Minister said that it is up to Asif Ali Zardari and Pervez Musharraf to decide whether the ‘Billa’ exists or not.

In addition, Chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on December 30 said that Pervez Musharraf’s defence in the treason case is also treason, reported The News. In a micro-blogging website, Bilawal tweeted, “Musharraf’s defence in the treason case is also treason. Attempts to incite armed forces to come to his aide is desperate & disgusting.

Militant attacks increased by nine per cent and killings by 19 percent, says Pakistan Security Report 2013 by Pak Institute for Peace Studies
A downward trend in the number of overall incidents of violence, which had started in 2010 and continued in the two subsequent years, could not persist in 2013 reported The News on January 5. It took a slight upward curve during the campaign for the 2013 general election and sustained until the year’s end. This was revealed in the Pakistan Security Report 2013, produced and recently released by an Islamabad-based research institute Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS). According to the PIPS report, militant, nationalist insurgent and ‘violent sectarian groups carried out a total of 1,717 terrorist attacks across Pakistan in 2013, claiming the lives of 2,451 * people and causing injuries to another 5,438. As compared to 2012, the number of reported terrorist attacks in Pakistan in 2013 posted a nine per cent increase while the number of people killed and injured in these attacks increased by 19 per cent and 42 per cent, respectively.

The major actor of instability in the country in 2013 was the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
Despite the killing of some of its top leaders in Drone attacks and also military operations launched by Pakistani Security Forces (SFs), the operational capabilities of the group remained intact. An alliance of numerous militant groups and commanders, TTP proved lethal in 2013 as it carried out 645 terrorist attacks in 50 Districts across the country, claiming the lives of 732 civilians and 425 SFs personnel.

A rise in sectarian violence that started in 2011 continued through 2012 towards the end of 2013. While the overall incidents of sectarian violence, including sectarianrelated attacks and clashes, posted a slight increase in 2013 as compared to 2012, the number of people killed and injured in these incidents significantly increased.

The number of suicide attacks across the country rose by 39 per cent, with 46 suicide attacks in 2013 compared to 33 in 2012. As many as 18 (39 per cent) out of the total suicide attacks in 2013 were recorded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 12 in Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA), 9 in Balochistan, 5 in Sindh and 1 each in Rawalpindi and Azad Kashmir. Of the total, 34 suicide attacks were perpetrated by. the TTP and other similar militant groups, 9 were sectarian-related mainly carried out by Lashkar-e- Jhangvi and 1 suicide blast was carried out by nationalist insurgents. Another 2 attacks were carried out in intermilitant clashes.

US Drone strikes in Pakistan’s tribal areas registered a 31 per cent decrease in 2013 compared to the previous year and fatalities in these attacks also fell by 39 per cent. Out of 31 reported Drone attacks in 2013, as many as 24 struck militants and their hideouts in North Waziristan Agency, in FATA. Five Drone strikes were reported in South Waziristan, and one each in Khyber Agency and Hangu, a settled District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The number of overall cross-border attacks and clashes increased in 2013, particularly along Pak-India border (including the Line of Control and the working boundary), but the casualties in these attacks decreased. Most of the cross-border attacks and clashes (68, or 66 per cent) were reported from Pakistan’s border with India 26 and 9 attacks, respectively, were reported from Pakistan’s borders with Afghanistan and Iran. On the whole, 103 border attacks and clashes were reported from Pakistan’s borders’ with Afghanistan, India and Iran, which were 30 percent more than such incidents in 2012. As many as 59 Pakistani citizens, including personnel of security forces and civilians lost their lives in these incidents, 82 per cent less than the killings in such incidents in 2012.

The incidents of ethno-political violence in Pakistan increased by 22 per cent, from 183 in 2012 to 224 in 2013, but the fatalities in these incidents slightly decreased from 288 in 2012 to 283 in 2013.

While most incidents of ethno-political violence in 2013 were concentrated in Karachi (over 81 per cent), such incidents were reported from a total of 28 districts in all four provinces of Pakistan. It was apparently due to the May 2013 elections that the ethno-political violence in the country became more complex with increasing number of political parties becoming either part of it or being targeted in politically motivated targeted killings.

Despite a decrease in fatalities in 2013 in the overall incidents of violence, the number of civilians killed in these incidents increased by 16 per cent and of civilians injured by 34 per cent. However, the number of militants killed in 2013 in gyerall incidents of violence declined by 28 percent. Fatalities among SFs personnel also modestly decreased, by almost two percent.

US declares Quetta based Taliban Taliban ‘commander’ Qari Saifullah as a global terrorist
The United States (US) Department of State on January 7 declared Qari Saifullah, a Quetta-based Taliban ‘commander’, a specially designated global terrorist, reports Dawn. Qari Saifullah is the Taliban’s shadow ‘deputy governor’ and an operational ‘commander’ in Zabul province of Afghanistan, but the designation identifies him as a resident of Quetta. The State Department reported that as an operational commander, Qari Saifullah has used Taliban fighters to organise terrorist activities against the Government of Afghanistan and coalition forces in eastern Zabul province. Qari Saifullah has also directly ordered his subordinates to conduct Improvised Explosive Device attacks, small arms fire attacks, and rocket attacks in Zabul province against the Government of Afghanistan.

The designation includes a prohibition against US persons engaging in transactions with Qari Saifullah, and the freezing of all property and interests of Qari Saifullah in the US or come within the US or the possession or control of US persons.

US fighting wrong war with wrong methods against wrong people, says Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz
Adviser to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz during a book launch at the Institute of Strategic Study in Islamabad on January 8 said that America is fighting the “wrong war with wrong methods against the wrong people”, reports Daily Times. Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan has been protesting against the drone attacks at all levels, as these are un-productive and violate Pakistan’s sovereignty. He said that: Pakistan has got support from the international community on its stance on drone attacks.

Further, he said a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has also been adopted to condemn the drone attacks, which reflects the international public opinion. He said this also speaks of legality and illegality of the use of drones.

Reiterating Pakistan’s position on the drone attacks that they violate sovereignty of the country and cause collateral damage, Aziz said Pakistan will continue to protest against these attacks at all levels. He said according to the United States drone strikes have achieved the desired results, as high value targets have been killed in these strikes, therefore, now these drone attacks should be stopped. He said Pakistan’s next move will be to approach the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) in Geneva against drone attacks and make efforts for adoption of a similar resolution there.

CID SP Aslam Khan among three Policemen killed in suicide attack in Karachi
Three Policemen, — including Crime Investigation Department (CID) Superintendent of Police (SP) Chaudhry Aslam Khan was killed and 10 others were injured when a suicide bomber smashed his car into Aslam’s convoy near Essa Nagri at the Lyari Expressway in Karachi on January 9, reports Dawn. Two others were identified as Farhan (27) and Kamran (34). Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack. TTP Mohmand Chapter ‘spokesperson’, Sajjad Mohmand said that the group has carried out a “successful” attack to take revenge for several Taliban members killed by the Police.

Meanwhile, Additional Inspector General (AIG) of Police Sindh Shahid Hayat on January 9 said that targeted operation against the anti-social ‘elements would continue to maintain peace in Karachi, reports Daily Times. He said that investigations have been ordered to nab the culprits involved in the killing of Police Officers. Condemning the attacks on Police Officers, he said that Chaudhry Aslam laid down his life in the line of duty, adding that the operation will continue in Karachi.

In addition, Pakistan Teheek-e- Insaf (PTI) Chief Imran Khan on January 9 reiterated his stance of negotiating with TTP following the killing of SP CID Chaudhry Aslam Khan in Karachi, which was claimed by the terrorist group, reported Dawn. While condemning the attack he said that prevailing violence and killings in the country would not end without pulling out from ‘someone else’s war’. He said that people were fed up with terrorism and suggested dialogue was 4 better option than fighting with the militants. “Dialogue is a better option than fighting against Taliban.” “At least those (Taliban) groups which are ready to negotiate peace should be contacted for talks,” he said.

MQM leaders at hit list of terrorists, Federal Ministry of Interior tells Sindh Government
The Federal Ministry of Interior informed Sindh Government that Muttahida Qaumi Movement leaders are on the hit list of terrorists and, therefore, appropriate security measures should be made,Daily Times reported on January 15. A special communiqué sent to Sindh Government, the Federal Ministry of Interior has expressed fear that extremist might target MQM leaders. The communique quoted intelligence reports as saying that MQM leaders, including Dr Farooq Sattar, Faisal Sabzwari, Khalid Maqbool Saddiqqi and Nabeel Gabol, have “serious threats” to their lives. Meanwhile, the Sindh Government has asked MQM leaders to restrict their movement and limit their activities in the wake of security threats.

Meanwhile, the Director General Rangers Major General Rizwan Akhter on January 14 expressed concern over the news circulating in the media regarding high-level postings in the Police department, and said that the Rangers wanted that present Police setup in the city should continue for a year. During a high-level meeting held in Pakistan Rangers Sindh Headquarters, the option of discontinuing targeted operations in Karachi was also discussed, said a handout issued. The statement added that there was a consensus that the current setup of Karachi Police should continue for at least another year so that the ongoing operation against target killers, extortionists and criminals in the city could reach its conclusion.

It is not for govt alone to hold. talks With TTP, says PM Nawaz Sharif
The Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif on January 15 said it was not imperative that only the Government will hold talks with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and it will welcome Imran Khan, Maulana Samiul Hag, Munawar Hassan and others if they can make progress in this regard, reportsThe News. Speaking to Saleem Safi, the host of the Geo News programme ‘Jirga’, which is to be telecast today (January 16), the PM said he will contact other leaders, including Imran Khan, over the issue of talks with the TTP. He said the presence of the head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in the All Parties Conference (APC) proved that the military and the nation were on the same page. “This will help in the negotiations process,” he said. Nawaz said the Army also endorsed the decisions of the APC and accepted them. “Even today, the Army wants the political leadership to handle the issue of talks with the TTP,” he: said. He said the Government wants all the parties to work collectively on this issue.

Meanwhile, PM Nawaz Sharif, during his visit to Swat on January 15, approved in principle and announced a brigade-level cantonment. for Swat and Malakand, reports The News. The PM gave the approval during a briefing given to him. He also lauded the role played by the Pakistan Army in restoring peace and stability in the area.

Killers of innocent will be brought to justice: COAS
The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Raheel Sharif, on Tuesday, Jan 21 said those playing with the lives of innocent people will be brought to justice. The army chief visited the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) here and inquired about the health of the injured soldiers of recent bomb blast in Bannu.

The COAS praised the high morale of the injured security personnel and their families and assured all possible assistance to them.General Raheel said the terrorists could not weaken the resolve of the nation against concerned to provide best possible treatment to the injured soldiers. The army chief also presented bouquets to the injured soldiers and said the whole nation was proud of them.

He said the Pakistan Army is fully capable of safeguarding the country’s frontiers, and it will not leave the nation alone.The army chief was also briefed about the targeted operation in North Waziristan which was launched after the Bannu blast.Over 20 security personnel were killed and several others were injured on Sunday in a bomb blast here. Taliban claimed responsibility of the attack.

Talks with TTP internal matter of Pakistan, asserts Olson
The US will play a reinvigorate role to strengthen its economic relations with Pakistan, said US Ambassador Richard Olson.

Addressing a function here after inaugurating the Lincoln Corner at the Government College University, Faisalabad, here on Tuesday, Jan 21 Ols@m said the US-Pakistan relations were decades-old and both countries were interdependent on each other in different fields.

He said during the recent years, the US had focused on the economic development of Pakistan by clearly defining trade and agriculture as the major sectors of mutual interest.

Regarding the Punjab, the ambassador said solid and concrete steps were being taken.to ensure food security coupled with high quality research in the agriculture sector.

Meanwhile, US Ambassador Richard Olson visited the University of Agriculture Faisalabad and called on UAF Vice-Chancellor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan in his chamber. Olson said that the United States was providing resources to the Pakistani agriculture sector. The step was aimed at boosting the productivity, he added.

Online adds: The US Ambassador, Richard Olson, while talking to newsmen at the Government College University, Faisalabad, said that the issue to negotiate with the TTP was an internal matter of Pakistan. “The United States and Pakistan have a vital strategic interest in curbing violence to build a more prosperous, stable and peaceful region. However, Pakistan has to make its decisions for a secure country.”

REGIONAL

Bangladesh — Internal Dynamics
Five persons killed and many others injured in BNP-led opposition’s nationwide blockade A Policeman and an Awami League (AL) leader were killed on December 24 in two separate incidents of violence hours after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led opposition’s 83-hour nationwide blockade demanding the scrapping of the January 5 polls ended, reports Times of India. In Dhaka city, a bus carrying Traffic Policemen was set afire at Bangla Motor area by unidentified persons instantly killing Constable Ferdous and injuring Faizul Islam, the driver. In western Meherpur District, an AL leader was hacked to death by suspected rival activists.

Meanwhile, BNP and Jamaat-e- Islami (Jel) activists stabbed an AL leader to death at Monirampur in Jessore District on December 26, as he was campaigning for a party aspi- rant in the upcoming 10th parliamentary polls scheduled for January 5, reports The Daily Star. The deceased Shofi Kamal of Garibpur village was vice-president of the District unit of Krishok League, a pro-AL organisation. Police arrested BNP leader GM Faruque, also the chairman of Khedapara union, in this connection.

Separately, a Policeman was killed and eight others were injured as alleged BNP-Jel activists hurled a bomb at a Police van in Sonadighi of Rajshahi District on December 26, reports The Daily Star. The deceased Siddhartha Chandra Sarkar (23) was a constable of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (riot control division). The injured, all constables in their 20s, were admitted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. Police arrested 10 BNP- Jel activists after the bomb attack.

Two killed and many others injured during BNP-led 18-party nationwide protest
Two persons were killed and many others were injured during the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led 18-party nationwide protest on December 29, reports New Age. In Dhaka city, one person was killed during clashes between the activists of BNP-led 18-party alliance and Police in Malibagh. The deceased was identified as Mansur Prodhaniya (24), president of ward no 3 unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS) the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami (Jel). He was a student of a private university of city’s Uttara area. Seven of ICS cadres also sustained bullet injuries. Police arrested cadres at the clash. Abul Kashem (30), a member of the Railway Security Force, died when two young people exploded a crude bomb on his face on the platform at the Kamalapur Railway Station of Dhaka City. Two youths who were carrying the bomb were also injured in the blast. Police said two youths — Alam (18) and Aminul.(16) — were entering the railway station through the rail tracks from a level crossing. As the two youths reached beat No 17 of the station, railway security guard Kashem challenged them. Sensing danger, Aminul hurled the bag containing the bomb at the face of Kashem and soon it went off with a big bang, killing Kashem on the spot and injuring Alam and Aminul themselves.

BNP leader killed in Satkhira District
A local leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Anwarul Islam was killed in shootout between joint forces and opposition activits in Sadar Sub-district of Satkhira District on November 30, report snewagebd.com. Several hundred activists were also detained as the joint forces continued their drives in different Districts.

The Police said that Anwarul had been involved in BNP politics earlier, but a few days ago he joined the Jamaat-e-Islami (Jel) and was involved in all the incidents of violence that Jamaat and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS), unleashed during the recent political turmoil.

Two persons killed and many others injured in seperate incidents of violence
A ward-level Jamaat-e-lslami (Jel) leader was killed in a gunfight between law enforcers and Jel and its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS) cadres in Sadar sub-District of Meherpur District on December 31, reports The Daily Star. The victim Abdul Jabbar was a member of Amjhupi union parishad. Police claimed that three members of Joint Forces had sustained injuries. The law enforcers also recovered firearms and bombs from the spot.

Meanwhile, a local Awami League (AL)-leader was killed by unidentified miscreants at Baoitara village in Sirajganj District on December 30, reports UNBconnect. The deceased was identified as Saiful Islam (40), Sports secretary of the ruling party’s Sadar sub-District. Police said a gang of miscreants swooped on Saiful in front of his house and chopped the AL leader indiscriminately, leaving him dead on the spot.

Separately, 30 people were injured, 12 by bullet, during aclash between BNP-Jel cadres and Joint Forces in Torabar area in Chandpur District on December 30, reports Dhaka Tribune. Witnesses said BNP-Jel cadres vandalised 10 vehicles in different areas during the clash.

BCP cadre arrested along with three firearms and ‘ ammunition in Rajbari District
Police on December 31 arrested a cadre of the Biplobi Communist Party (BCP) and recovered three firearms and ammunition from his possession at Koardi village in Kalukhali sub-District of Rajbari District, reports The Daily Star. Police said Monir Mondol (36) had been involved with the outfit for several years and working under BCP leader Arzoo Ali of the area.

Two killed during BNP-led opposition blockade in Dinajpur District
At least two persons were killed and three others Wére injured asa truck fell into a roadside ditch when Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led opposition blockaders hurled a petro! bomb on the vehicle near Hili* Land Port in Dinajpur District on January 3, reports The Daily Star.

Meanwhile, at least three persons, including a woman passenger, sustained severe burn injuries when miscreants hurled a petro! bomb on a bus near Ruposhi Bangla Hotel in Dhaka city on January 3 (today), reports The Daily Star.

23 people killed in election related violence
Spearheaded by Jamaat-e-Islami (Jel), Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led opposition men on January 5 unleashed fierce violence in 29 Districts to foil the election, leaving at least 23 people dead and many others injured, reports The Daily Star. The marauding Jel and its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir cadres and BNP activists clashed with law enforcers and ruling party Awami League (AL) men, attacked election officials and went on a rampage in more than 350 polling stations across the country. Voting was suspended in 539 polling centres in the wake of violence, according to the Election Commission (EC).

Separately, miscreants set fire to 47 polling centres in Dinajpur and Lalmonirhat District on January 4 and January 5 reports The Daily Star. In Dinajpur Dsitrict, 32 polling centres out of 52 were burnt in Khansama sub-District on January 5 and 12 out of 68 centres afire in Chirirbandar sub-District on January 4. In Lalmonirhat District, anti-election activists torched three polling centers – Vandardah, Kuchlibari and Jamuna Government Primary Schools in Patgram sub-District on January 5. Being resisted, the attackers beat up three law enforcers and a presiding officer at Vandardah Government Primary School and snatched all the ballot boxes from the centre. In Jessore District, miscreants blasted eight crude bombs at polling centers set up at eight Government Primary Schools in Monirumpur and Jhikorgachha sub-Districts on January 5. Of them, three crude bombs explosion were reported at three polling stations in Monirumpur sub-District while five in five centers in Jhikorgachha sub-District.

In another incident, 100 crude bombs were exploded near different polling centers in Sadar. Kolaroa, Tala and Kolaroa sub-Districts of Satkhira District from January 4. to January 5, reports The Independent. Police fired several rounds of bullets in the air to bring the situation under control. However, no causality was reported.

Two persons killed in separate incidents of violence in Bangladesh
A cadre of Jamaat-e-Islami (Jel) was killed during a gunfight with Joint Forces in Debhata sub-District of Satkhira District on January 14, reports The Daily Star. The deceased is identified as Anwarul Islam (30). Four Policemen were injured during the gun battle. The law enforcers also recovered a pipe gun, six cartridges, two handmade bombs and two sharp weapons from the area.

Meanwhile, Bachchu Pradhan (50), who suffered burn injuries in a petrol bomb attack in Chandpur District on January 6, died at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital in Dhaka citypon January 15 (today), reports The Daily Star. Bachchu was injured in an attack by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led opposition men demanding cancellation of the poll results.

Separately, in Chapainawabganj District, an Awami League (AL) _ activist was seriously injured as Jel and its student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir cadres exploded bombs in Shibtala area of the District town-on January 13, reports The Daily Star. The injured AL activist is identified as Mainul Islam.

India — Internal Dynamics

Blast kills five in West Bengal
Five persons were killed and several others were injured when a bomb kept on a bicycle went off on road connecting Jalpaiguri town with National Highway (NH)-31 on December 26 evening, reports The Telegraph. The dead were identified as Lalmohan Debnath, Rashidul Islam, Ainul Hussain, Pappu Rehman and Ranjan Roy. Police said they suspected the Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO), which observes its Martyrs’ Day on December 28. S.K. Pujari, the Inspector-General of Police (North Bengal), told journalists: “Preliminary irivestigations suggest that four-five persons have died in the blast and dozens have been injured. Our officers are on the spot. We are suspecting the involvement of the KLO.”

Four civilians killed in Assam At least four persons, including three women, were Shot dead by suspected Karbi Peoples’ Liberation Tigers militants in Khowanigaon under Borpathar Police Station in Karbi Anglong District on December 27, reports The Assam Tribune. The deceased villagers, meanwhile, have been identified as Logu Hembu, Noshengle Hembu, Rhenho Nandu and Kegwathong Kemp. Reports of three KPLT militants being gunned down during a cross-firing with the, rival Rengma Naga militant formation, Naga Rengma Hills Protection Force (NRHPF) are also doing rounds, although their bodies are yet to be recovered.

Meanwhile, Director General of Police (DGP), Jayanta Narayan Choudhury, told The Assam Tribunethe militant swooped down on the village and resorted to firing, which could be related with some extortion-relates issues. The militants also set ablaze several houses. Choudhury said that security forces have launched an operation against the militant groups and are leaving no stone unturned to ensure security to the life and property of the village.

Further, train services in the Northeast were affected for several hours following a threat by the Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO) militants in the lower Assam districts on December 27, reportsTimes of India. Following a rumor that a suspicious-looking object was found on the railway tracks between Fakiragram and Kokrajhar railway stations in Kokrajhar District, train services were stopped. A joint search operation was carried out along the tracks but no explosives were found. Train services resumed around noon. A senior Railway Police Force (RPF) official in Kokrajhar said based on intelligence input, KLO cadres, including Kaka Pawan alias Hawa, Jamphoi and Mrinal, were planning attacks or blasts on bridges/culvert along railway tracks.

Separately, sophisticated weapons manufactured in European countries are being used by the militant groups of the region, reports The Assam Tribune. Further, the militants are frequently changing the routes for bringing in weapons to this part of the country and most weapons now come through Myanmar. Highly placed security sources stated that almost all the active militant groups now have access to sophisticated weapons’ manufactured. in the European countries, which is a matter of serious concern. Sources pointed out that till a few years back, the AK series rifles were the most potent of the weapons used by the militant groups of the region, but in recent times, recovery of a number of HK 33 rifles proved that such weapons are also available with the militant groups. Sources revealed: that the militant groups are procuring – weapons from the clandestine dealers in the South East Asian countries like Cambodia and Vietnam and they are also getting huge numbers of weapons from China.

40000 troops launch mammoth anti-Naxal operation
An anti-Naxal operation involving around 40000 security personnel was launched on December 26 in all affected States, reports The Financial Express. The four-day operation, led by paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), was started at the crack of the dawn at 4 am_ from Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and other States. This is the first time the forces, both central and state, have launched a coordinated operation to flush out Naxals from their interior hotbeds.

Separately, while the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on December 26 morning launched massive anti-Maoist operations in eight states including Chhattisgarh, officials in Chhattisgarh State Police and State intelligence bureau appeared upset by the fact that their departments were not informed about the operation, reports The Times of India. Talking to The Times of India, a few senior officials disclosed that it was only through newspaper reports that they came to know about the operation. “While it becomes mandatory to include state police in such operations, we were not informed or told about any kind of assistance with CRPF.

Information on correct routes and locations of most affected patches are a few areas where the forces would surely require police assistance. But an absence of coordination with the state police, intelligence wing and Naxalite Operation wing is clearly visible,” said a highly placed source at Chhattisgarh Police headquarters.

Maoists may augment aggression next year, fears Intelligence Bureau
The next year (2014) is likely to pose a bigger challenge to the counter-insurgency Operation in Chhattisgarh where the Communist Party of India-Maoist is planning to observe its 10th year of foundation and is being feared to unite all Naxal [(Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)] groups in the country to carry out major ‘events’, reports The DNA on December 27. “Senior members of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) held a meeting in the state’s Gariyaband forest bordering Odisha recently to chalk out the Strategy for next year, which will see a decade of its formation,” a State Intelligence Bureau official said. The Official fur- ther said “Like every year, Left Wing guerrillas will observe a foundation week during this period next year but due to completion of ten years of its formation, they May observe it throughout the year in varied ways with aggressive tone, as per documents received from Naxal camps”

Two powerful bombs explode in Manipur
Two powerful bombs exploded in Shingjamei area near Imphal on January 1, reports The Times of India. The Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) was exploded through a remote-controlled device when people were celebrating New Year Day around 5.30am. A team of police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) ‘rushed’’to the spot and cordoned off the area before launching a search operation. Different social Organisations have appealed to militants not to explode bombs in crowded area.

Four persons killed in Arunachal Pradesh
Two Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah cadres and two civilians were killed in the crossfire between Assam Rifles and militants at Holam village in Khonsa of Tirap District on January 2, reports The Telegraph. Two AK-47 rifles, a sniper rifle and an M-16 rifle were recovered from the incident site. An Assam Rifles Official based at Khonsa said another militant, who was injured in the encounter, escaped but a search was on to track him down. An Operation was launched early in the morning following specific information about the presence of a group of militants in the village.

Maoists kill two persons in Kangaroo court in Bihar
Communist Party of India-Maoist cadres on January 1 killed two villagers near Moraina Pahari under Banke Bazar Police Station area of Gaya District, reports The Times of India. They organized a: Jan Adalat (Kangaroo court) to hold the instant trial. The villagers identified as Laxman Bhokta and Pervesh Prasad were initially summoned by the Maoists on twin charges of being police informers and supporters of local Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) and Bihar assembly Speaker = Udai Narain Chaudhary. The ‘jury’ ‘awarded’ death penalty to them and the punishment was instantly executed. Meanwhile, the bodies of the two victims have been dumped somewhere deep inside the forest area Possibly as a bait for police to walk into the ‘enemy territory’. The exact mode of ‘execution’ (killing) is not known.

Maoists kill policeman in Chhattisgarh
Assistant Constable Rup Singh Thakur (35) was allegedly abducted and killed by Communist Party of India-Maoist cadres in Matda village of Bijapur District on January 2, reports Zee News. The Policeman posted at Jangla Police Station limits was abducted by the Maoists while he was returning from his duty, said Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sukhnandan Rathore. Thakur had earlier worked as a Special Police Officer (SPO) during Salwa Judum movement and was later appointed as Assistant Constable.

New militant group surfaces in Meghalaya
A new militant outfit has been formed in the Garo Hills under the name of A’chik National Co-operative Army (ANCA), reports The Shillong Times on January 4. The members of the new outfit, who claimed to have recently celebrated Christmas with the elders and youth, said that the organization has been formed to fight for the rights of the Garos.“We hope and believe that our people will continue to remain united in the fight for the Cause of our motherland so as to overcome all obstacles,” said ANCA ‘publicity secretary’ Bilgrak A Sangma in a press release.

Nine bodies found in Nagaland
Highly degomposed bodies of nine Persons, who were blind- folded with hands tied and shot from close range, have been found ina gorge area in Dimapur District on January 4, reports Zee News. One of the bodies was identified to be of a missing Karbi Student leader from Bokajan in Assam, the other eight bodies were yet to be identified.

4 BSF personnel reported killed in Manipur
Suspected Manipur Naga People’s Front (MNPF) militants on January 4 ambushed a patrolling team of the Border Security Force (BSF) near Misihoubi in between Laikoiching and Moirangpurel, about 9 kilometers south west from Lamlai Police under Imphal East District, reports Kanglaonline. Though the MNPF has claimed Kat the outfit had launched an attack on the agth Battalion C-Coy BSF using Improvised Explosive Device (IED) killing four BSF personnel, other reports claim that no casualties took place during the attack.

Six killed in Assam
At least six persons were killed when suspected IK Songbijit faction of National Democratic Front of Bodoland militants pulled down about a dozen persons from a bus and opened fire at them at Serfanguri in Kokrajhar District on January 17, reports The Indian Express. An Assam Police official said the bus was on its way from Siliguri in West Bengal to Shillong when a group of armed militants intercepted it on NH-31 at Athiabari under Serfanguri Police Station.

Nepal – internal Dynamics

Nepal court says no amnesty for serious war-time abusers
Nepal’s Supreme Court has told the government it must ensure serious human rights violators are not given amnesties by a truth and reconciliation commission which will investigate crimes committed during a decade-long civil war.

Human rights workers and victims’ groups had feared that the government’s plan for a reconciliation commission could mean pardons for serious violators of human rights. More than 16,000 people were killed and thousands were wounded in the civil war in the poor Himalayan country wedged between Asian giants India and China.

The war pitted Maoist guerrillas against government forces from 1996 to 2006. Hundreds of people simply disappeared. A coalition government headed by the Maoist former rebels prepared legislation last year to set up a truth and reconciliation commission, as stipulated in the agreement that ended the war. But the Supreme Court said the panel could not offer amnesty in the most serious cases.

“Cases involving grave human rights violations can’t be the subject for amnesty and where amnesty should be granted the participation and consent of the victims is compulsory,” Baburam Dahal, assistant court spokesman, said on Jan °3. Rights workers accused both the security forces and the rebels of abuses such as killings, rape, torture and disappearances during the war.

Human rights lawyer Hari Phuyal welcomed the court’s ruling as a “landmark decision’. Victims of abuse and their families were more cautious. “The decision has raised our hopes for justice,” said Dev Bahadur Maharjan, who said he was tortured after being arrested by the security forces in 2003.” It is up to the government to implement the order now.

We’ll wait and see how the government fulfils its responsibility. “The Supreme Court and lower courts have issued warrants in abuse cases in the past but those orders have not been implemented and no arrests have been made. In January last year, an army colonel on holiday in Britain was arrested on charge of torturing two people. He is the most senior Nepali officer to be arrested in connection with abuses during the conflict. Setting up the commission could be delayed as political parties are struggling to pull together a coalition after elections in November produced a deeply fragmented parliament.

UN human rights officials have said perpetrators of serious war crimes should be punished to ensure peace can be sustained in one of the world«s poorest countries.,

Two injured as gunmen open fire
Two persons were injured’ when unidentified motorcyclists opened fire on them at Dhapakhel Village Development Committee (VDC) in Lalitpur District on January 18, reports Republica. The injured have been identified as Minkrishna Maharjan (42) and Milan Silwal (25).

Meanwhile, Unified Communist Party of Nepal Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal on January 17 told the Nepali Congress (NC) leaders that his party was not rigid on the issue of re-election of the President and was ready to hold discussion on it, reports The Himalayan Times. NC President Sushil Koirala, Vice president Ramchandra Paudel and general secretaries Prakash Man Singh and Sitaula met Dahal at his residence in Kathmandu to woo him in their bid to forge consensus on Government formation.

American held at Nepal airport
An American man was detained at a Nepal airport over the weekend with seven bullets in his baggage, police said on Monday, Jan 13. The man, identified as Leonard John David Rubin from Alaska, has been held in custody since Saturday, said police official Rewati Dhakal.

Sri Lanka — Internal Dynamics

Govt rejects TNA’s claim that the census conducted by Government on human and material losses due to the war will attempt to play down the number of casualties
The Government on December 26 vehemently rejected a claim by the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) that the census conducted by the Government on human and material losses due to the war will attempt to play down the numbek of casualties, reports Colombo Page. The Department of Census and Statistics dismissing the TNA’s claim said the census conducted by the Department was done according to international standards and norms with every aspect of loss being addressed. The Director General of the Census and Statistics Department, D.C.A Gunawardena said “We have devised a questionnaire after consultation with a steering committee which comprises experts in their relevant fields and all Stakeholders. This was not conducted in an ad hoc manner we provided the technical expertise to the officials who are conducting the census. We are trying our level best to eradicate any duplication or gathering of false data.” The survey, carried out in 14,022 Grama Niladhari Divisions, island wide deploying 16,000 officials to collect information, was completed by December 20. The report of the island wide survey will be available in March next year, according to the Department.

External Affairs Minister Prof. GL. Peiris in an interview with Prensa Latina, the official state news agency of Cuba, on December 27 said Sri Lanka is fully capable of undertaking the tasks set out by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), reports Colombo Page. “We have the institutions, the resources and the will to take forward the rebuilding of our country, continue strengthening our economy, and ensuring a decent life for all, no matter their religion, ethnicity or political affiliation,” Peiris said in the interview. He painted out that it has only been a little more than four years since the war against the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam ended and noted that the signs of [ Monthly Fatalities The following deaths related to Ongoing insurgencies and acts of terrorism occurred during the period Dec 26, 2013 to Jan 25, 2014: progress are visible everywhere in the island. Prof. Peiris explained that amid the complex situation left by a conflict of almost 30 years, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has had to establish priorities among the almost 300 tasks recommended by the LLRC.

Separately, the Police Department on December 26 said that all Police Stations in the Northern Province will have the facilities from January 2014 to record statements from the residents in Tamil, reports Colombo Page. DIG North Rohan Dias told the Jaffna District Development Committee meeting that arrangements have been made in all Police Stations across the region to initiate the service of assisting residents in the North in the Tamil language. The Government has initiated a programme to educate public sector workers to be able to converse in Sinhala and Tamil. The Police have also initiated the Programme paying Special attention to enable Police personnel serving in the North to have a good knowledge of Tamil. Sri Lanka Police had deployed 900 Tamil Police officers and 1,500 Sinhala Police officers fluent in the Tamil language to police stations in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. The Police Department has taken measures to deploy more Tamil speaking police officers to the North and East in order to avoid miscommunications and delays due to the language barrier in carrying out services.

Tamil council to count Sri Lanka war casualties
The provincial government in Sri Lanka’s main Tamil region said on Dec 27 it would compile its own death toll from the country’s ethnic War, Saying an ongoing census would play down the number of casualties.

Tamil officials said the census ordered by President Mahinda Rajapakse last month would give a distorted picture because of its “flawed” terms of reference, arguing that a more credible alternative was needed.

“The council will work out the logistics of taking a count,” Dharmalingam Sithadthan, a senior member of the Northern Provincial Council, told AFP from the regional capital Jaffna. “This is something we have to do because we don’t accept the government census.”

The United Nations has estimated that at least 100,000 people were killed in Sri Lanka’s 37 year Separatist war with about 40,000 civilians killed in the final months of fighting in 2009.

Authorities are investigating a new mass grave found in Mannar District, says Police spokesman Ajith Rohana
Police spokesman Ajith Rohana said authorities are investigating a new mass grave found in the island nation’s northern area, which was Once under Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam control, reports The Hindu on December 30 (today). Rohana said that the excavation work was carried out at the mass grave in Mannar District in presence of the authorities. The grave site which was stumbled upon this month had at least 10 human skeletal remains buried inside, following which an investigation and forensic examinations were being carried out. The Police suspects thegrave was used by the LTTE rebels during the war to bury civilians and soldiers killed by the rebels.

Meanwhile, | Tamil National Alliance (TNA) parliamentarian Suresh Premachandran on December 28 said that it will push for an independent international probe into alleged war crimes committed by the Government during the final phase of the civil war against the terrorist LTTE, reports Colombo Page. Premachandran told that a TNA delegation will go to Geneva to present their case at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session in March next year. The TNA will brief the diplomatic communities ahead of the UNHRC session on the situation in Sri Lanka and the need to conduct an independent investiga- tion. According to Premachandran the party at its annual convention held in Vavuniya District on December 24 has decided to step up their efforts at the UNHRC this time to call for an international investigation.

US to bring third resolution on Sri Lanka calling for an international probe into war crime allegations, says U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Stephen J. Rapp
The United States (US) Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues in the Office of Global Criminal Justice at the Department of States Stephen J. “Vigneswaran, Rapp on January 8 said that the US will move a third resolution against Sri Lanka at the upcoming United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session in Geneva in March calling for an international probe into the war crimes allegations during the final phase of the war. He has assured Tamil National Alliance (TNA) that US will seek an international probe into alleged rights abuses. Rapp, who arrived in Sri Lanka on January 6 on a fact finding mission met the TNA legislators Sumanthiran and Mavai Senathirajah in Colombo before visiting the Northern Province on January 8. During his visit to the North the Ambassador met the Governor of Northern Province GA. Chandrasiri, Chief Minister GN. Mannar Bishop Rayappu Joseph and several other political and civil society leaders.

Army rejects US claim that Army shelling killed hundreds of families in North
Army on January 9 rejected a United States (US) claim that the Army shelling had killed hundreds of families at St Antony’s Ground, lranapallai in the North as completely ‘baseless’, reports Colombo Page. The U.S. Embassy in Colombo on January 9 in its official Twitter account posted a photo of the Ambassador Michele Sison and the visiting Ambassador-at-Large __ for War Crimes Issues, in the Office of Global Criminal Justice at the Department of States Stephen J. Rapp standing at the site and captioned the photo as “St Antony’s Groundsite of January 2009 killing of hundreds of families by army shelling”.

Meanwhile, India’s External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid on January 9 said that the Indo-Sri_ Lanka Agreement with former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi should be respected, reports Daily Mirror. Kurshid said “Our concern is that the Indo-Sri Lanka agreement with former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi should be respected. The Sri Lankan Government sought our help, and, in response to that, we were promised that there would be devolution of power from the centre to states like it is in India. Sri Lanka is a sovereign state. It is for them to decide about their country., We were assured that the 13th amendment would give Sri Lankans, Tamils and other ethnicities the right to live with dignity and honour.”

Wreckage of passenger airplane shot down by LTTE displayed in Jaffna District
The display of a wreckage ofa passenger airplane that was shot down by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam 16 years ago this weekend at the public park grounds in Jaffna District drew a large crowd, reports Colombo Page on January 42. The debris of the ill-fated aircraft along with some recovered personal items of the passengers including a National Identity Card of a passenger, clothes, and shoes, were on display to the public on January 1 and 12. The ill-fated Lion Air flight 602 from Palaly to Ratmalana carrying 48 civilians and 8 crew including two Ukrainian pilots went missing on September 29, 4998 over the Iranativu Island into the sea off the north-western coast. The wreckage was recovered last year by the Sri Lanka Navy divers on the information provided to the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) of Police by a LTTE cadre who fired the missile to shoot down the plane.

Meanwhile, the United States (US) on January 42 pressed Sri Lanka to probe alleged rights abuses by its Army through independent and credible investigations after a top American diplomat recorded eyewitness accounts of serious “abuses” during the final Stages of the civil war with the LTTE, reportsTimes of India. The US ambassador at large at the office of global criminal justice, Stephen J Rapp, after concluding his week-long visit to Sri Lanka said “The Government of the US encourages the Government of Sri Lanka to seek the truth through independent and credible investigations, and where relevant, have Prosecutions.”

TNA accuses government of not collecting proper data on war losses
Tamil National Alliance (TNA) Says the Government is not Properly collecting data on the material and human losses incurred in the Northern Province during the period of the war, reports Colombo Page on January 14. TNA Spokesperson Suresh Premachandran told a news conference convened in Jaffna District that the census initiated by the Government to gather information of the material and human losses during the war was not being carried Out properly. He observed that the’ Government was in fact gathering false information to prepare a report on the losses in order to be submitted during the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions in Geneva this March.

Meanwhile, Eelam People’s Democratic Party (EPDP), a group of Tamil party allies of governing Party have decided to submit proposals on behalf of the Tamil people to the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) appointed to address the national problems and Propose the necessary constitutional amendments, reports Colombo Page on January 14. TNA has boycotted the PSC and refused to participate in it in any way claiming the lack of confidence in the Government’s commitment — to address the issues faced by the minority communities in the country.

French police arrest wanted LTTE cadre when walked-in to lodge a complaint in Paris
A Sri Lankan man sought by Interpol for terrorism has been arrested by the French Police in Paris when the man walked into the Police Station to lodge a complaint, reports Colombo Page on January 15, Tharmalingam Jeyanthan (35) belonged to the defeated Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam walked into a Police Station in eastern Paris to lodge a complaint on Poor working conditions at his employment when he was identified by the French Police as a wanted person. The Police had quickly realized the man was the subject of an inter- national arrest warrant for terrorism. Tharmalingam was notified of the warrant against him and released on bail when he was produced in a Paris court. A Red Notice issued by Interpol on Tharmalingam Says he is wanted by the judicial authorities of Sri Lanka for Prosecution and to serve a sentence.

Meanwhile, President Mahinda Rajapaksa on January 15 said the Government is dedicated to implement justice to everyone in the country and everyone should live with equal rights, reportsColombo Page. The President further said that everyone should dedicate themselves to protect the nation and future generation and it is the responsibility of everyone to build a country free of ill wills and drug menace. He also asked the international community to review their past acts before making allegations against Sri Lanka regarding human rights and women’s rights.

Separately, Justice Minister Rauff Hakeem on January 15 urged the United States (US) to reconsider its Position on the island nation and support efforts towards achieving recon- Ciliation in the country, reports The Hindu, Hakeem said instead of further polarising the country, the international community, including the US, must look at alternate mechanisms like encouraging a truth commission in order to see reconciliation being achieved in the country.

Monthly Fatalities The following casualties, related to ongoing insurgencies and acts of terrorism occurred during the period Dec 26, 2013 to Jan 25, 2014:
	Civilian	Indian Security Personnel	Militant	Tota;
Assam	12	00	06	18
Manipur	02	00	02	04
Meghalaya	02	00	04	06
Nagaland	02	00	01	03
Left wing	08	01	07	16
Total	26	01	20	47

INTERNATIONAL

Kuwait court rejects ex-Qaeda spokesman’s citizenship claim
A Kuwaiti court has rejected a petition by a former al-Qaeda spokesman to reclaim his Kuwaiti citizenship revoked by the oil-rich Gulf state over his militant activitias). ua n€wspaper reported Thursday, Dec 26.

In a ruling, the administrative court based its rejection on the grounds that Sulaiman Abu Ghaith, the son-in-law of slain al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, was a member of a group that carried out terrorist attacks killing innocent people, Al-Qabas daily reported. The Kuwaiti government withdrew the nationality of Abu Ghaith, currently on trial in a New York court on terror charges, immediately after the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States that killed several thousand people.

‘It’ had 4een unequivocally Proved that he (Abu Ghaith) was a member of al-Qaeda … and was its spokesman,” the court said in its ruling. It added that is was well-known that al-Qaeda carried out terrorist attacks killing innocent people and that the ideology of the group calls for the killing of American soldiers wherever they are, even if that results in the deaths of innocents, The ruling is not final as it can be challenged before the court of appeals. Abu Ghaith’s wife and children are still living in Kuwait as the government has not revoked their citizenship. US prosecutors on Monday linked Abu Ghaith, who was arrested in February, to the-2001 Al- Qaeda shoe bomber plot to bring down an airline flying from Paris to Miami after adding two extra charges against him. British al-Qaeda recruit Richard Reid is serving a life sentence in the United States for trying to blow up the passenger jet using bombs hidden in his shoes.

Abu Ghaith, 48, whose trial in New York is scheduled to begin on February 3, was initially charged with one count of conspiracy to kill Americans. He faces a life term if convicted. The al- Qaeda militant left Kuwait for Afghanistan in June 2001 and then fled to Iran around the end of the following year, remaining there until he travelled to Turkey in early 2013. After being detained in Turkey, he was put on a plane to Kuwait but was arrested during a stopover in Jordan.

US sending missiles, drones to Iraq
The United States is sending Iraq dozens of missiles and surveillance drones to help it combat a recent surge in al-Qaeda-backed violence, the New York Times reported on Thursday, Dec 26. The weapons inglude a shipment of 75 Hellfire missiles purchased by Iraq, which Washington delivered to the country last week, the Times reported.

The daily wrote that 10 ScanEagle reconnaissance drones — smaller versions of the larger Predator drones that once were frequently flown over Iraq — are expected to be sent by March. Administration sources told the Times that the delivery comes as the Iraqis had virtually run out of Hellfire missiles.

The shipments are being sent as Baghdad confronts the worst wave of Islamic militant violence in half a decade. Recent attacks, including the bombing on Wednesday of a market near a church in Baghdad, have killed at least 44 people across Iraq, in the worst bloodletting since 2008 when the country was just emerging from a brutal period of sectarian killings.

Militants frequently attack places where crowds gather, including markets, cafes and mosques, in an effort to cause maximum casualties. Experts say widespread discontent among Iraq’s minority Sunni Arab community is a major factor fueling the surge in unrest. More than 6,700 people have been killed in Iraq since the beginning of 2013, according to AFP figures based on security and medical sources.

But some military experts question whether the patchwork response will be sufficient to reverse the sharp downturn in security that already led to the deaths of more than 8,000 Iraqis this year, 952 of them Iraqi security force members, according to the United Nations, the highest level of violence since 2008.

Al-Qaeda’s regional affiliate, the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, has become a potent force in northern and western Iraq. Riding in armed convoys, the group has intimidated towns, assassinated local officials, and in an episode last week, used suicide bombers and hidden explosives to kill the commander of the Iraqi Army’s Seventh Division and more than a dozen of his officers and soldiers as they raided al- Qaeda training camp near Rutbah.

The surge in violence stands in sharp contrast to earlier assurances from senior Obama administration officials that Iraq was on the right path, despite the failure of American and Iraqi officials in 2011 to negotiate an agreement for a limited number of United States forces to remain in Iraq.

In a March 2012 speech, Antony J. Blinken, who is, currently Mr. Obama’s deputy national security adviser, asserted that “Iraq today is less violent” than “at any time in recent history.” In contrast, after a recent spate of especially violent attacks against Iraqi forces, elected officials and civilians, Jen Psaki, the State Department spokeswoman, issued a strongly worded statement on Sunday warning that the al-Qaeda affiliate is “seeking to gain control of territory inside the borders of Iraq.”

Pledging to take steps to strengthen Iraqi forces, Ms. Psaki noted that the al-Qaeda affiliate was a “common enemy of the United States and the Republic of Iraq, and a threat to the greater Middle East region.” But the counterterrorism effort the United States is undertaking with Iraq has its limits.

Ex-Lebanese minister killed in Beirut blast
Former Lebanese minister Mohamad Chatah, who opposed Syrian President Bashar al- Assad, was killed in a massive bomb blast on Friday, Dec 27 which one of his political allies blamed on the Hizbullah militia.

Friday’s attack also killed five other people and threw Lebanon, which has been drawn into neighbouring Syria’s conflict, into further turmoil after a series of sectarian bombings aimed Muslims over the past year.

Former prime minister Saad al- Hariri accused Hizbullah of involvement in the killing of Chatah, his 62 year old political adviser, saying it was “a new message of terrorism’.

Chatah’s killing occurred three weeks before the long-delayed opening of a trial of five Hizbullah suspects indicted for the 2005 bombing which killed former prime minister Rafik al-Hariri, Saad’s father, and 21 other people. The trial is due to open in The Hague in January. The suspects are all fugitives and Hizbullah, which denies any role in the Hariri assassination, has refused to cooperate with the court, which it says is politically motivated.

Preliminary UN investigations implicated Syrian officials. Hizbullah, which has sent fighters to Syria to help Assad’s forces against rebeis in the civil war, condemned Friday’s blast as a “horrible crime”.

The explosion destroyed Chatah’s car, turning it into a heap of twisted metal, and injured another 71 people. It took place not far from where Rafik al-Hariri, a former prime minister and influential Sunni figure, was assassinated by a huge bomb in February 2005.

The attack on Chatah is linked to a power struggle that has raged in Lebanon since Hariri’s assassination. This was fcllowed by a series of attacks which killed anti-Syrian politicians, officials and journalists.

Chadian civilians flee attacks, threats in C Africa capital
Hundreds more Chadian civilians headed Saturday, Dec 28 to their home country after facing repeated attacks and threats trom majority Christians in ‘he strife-torn Central African Republic.

Under the taunts of angry residents looking on, Chadians who piled into a convoy of several dozen cars, trucks and taxis left the capital Bangui, heading north for the long journey to neighbouring Chad. French peacekeepers kept the protesters at a distance from the con- voy as the Chadians earlier jostled to cram their personal belongings into the cars.

A first convoy of Chadian civilians left Friday, also under the jeers of angry protesters. Military and humanitarian officials said at least one civilian was killed and several children were wounded when Chadian soldiers protecting the convoy threw grenades into the crowd. The land convoys are in addition to an air bridge set up by the Chadian government that the International Organisation for Migration says has evacuated some 3,000 people in the past week.

On Saturday one of the Chadians, Abdoulaye Saken, who was fleeing along with his wife and four children, told AFP: “| wanted to take my family to the airport (where French and African peacekeepers are based) to get them to safety, but we were blocked by civilians. Fortunately the French army is protecting us now.

The mass exodus is unprecedented despite the former French colony’s long history of unrest and follows weeks of violence pitting majority Christans against Muslims, who make up about one-fifth of the population.

Air Strike on market hospital in Syria kills 25
Helicopters dropped TNT packed barrels on a vegetable market and next to a hospital in Syria’s northern city Aleppo on Saturday Dec 28 killing at least 25 civilian including two children , a watching said.

The Syrian Revolution General Commission, a network of activists on the ground, described the bombing as a “massacre”. Human rights organisations as well as Arab and Western countries have condemned the offensive as “indiscriminate” and “unlawful”, but Assad’s regime says it is targeting “terrorists”. Activists distributed footage of the badly damaged market area. “We have picked up pieces of children’s bodies — they were there with two women and a man,” said one man, pointing towards a destroyed vehicle.

According to Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman, the regime is using the same tactic for Aleppo city as it has for other besieged, rebel-controlled areas. “The regime wants to take back rebel areas through’ an air offensive, terrorising. the civilians and pushing out the rebels,” said Abdel Rahman.

Syria’s war broke out after Assad’s regime unleashed a brutal crackdown on dissent when an Arab Spring-style revolt casing for change erupted.

Elsewhere in Alecpoo province, helicopters dropped barre! bombs near Aleppo prison, which has been under siege by the jihadist Al- Nusra Front and other Islamist groups for eight months. The Observatory says the warplanes and helicopters are using air bases in Aleppo province, notably Nairab east of the provincial capital.

70 journalists killed in 2013
At least 70 journalists were kiléed on the job around the world in 2013, including 29 who died covering the civil war in Syria and 10 slain in Iraq, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

The dead in Syria included a number of citizen journalists working to document combat in their home cities, broadcasters who worked with media outlets affiliated with either the government or the opposition, and a handful of correspondents for the foreign press, including an Al-Jazeera reporter, Mohamed al-Mesalma, who was shot by sniper.

Six journalists died in Egypt. Half of those reporters were killed while reporting an Aug 14 crackdown by Egyptian security forces on demonstrators protesting the ouster of president Mohammed Mursi.

“The Middle East has become a killing field for journalists. While the number of journalists killed for their work has declined in some places, the civil war in Syria and a renewal of sectarian attacks in Iraq have taken an agonising toll,” the committee’s deputy director, Robert Mahoney, said in a statement.

“The international community must prevail on all governments and armed groups to respect the civilian status of reporters and to prosecute the killers of journalists.

Second suicide bomber in Volgograd kills 14 on bus
A bomb ripped a bus apart in Volgograd on Monday, Dec 30 killing 14 people in the second deadly attack blamed on suicide bombers in the southern Russian city in 24 hours and raising fears of Islamist attacks on the Winter Olympics.

President Viadimir Putin, who has staked his prestige on February’s Sochi Games and dis- missed threats from Chechen and other Islamist militants in the nearby North Caucasus, ordered tighter security nationwide after the morning rush-hour blast.

Investigators said they believed a male suicide bomber set off the blast, a day after a similar attack killed at least 17 in the main rail station of a city that serves as a gateway to the southern wedge of Russian territory bounded by the Black and Caspian Seas and the Caucasus mountains.

The blue and white trolleybus powered by overhead electric cables was reduced to a twisted, gutted carcass. Bodies were strewn across the street as Russians prepared to celebrate New Year, the biggest annual holiday.

Windows in nearby apartments were blown out by the blast, which Russia’s foreign ministry condemned as part of a global “terrorist” campaign and welcomed a declaration of solidarity made on Sunday by the United Nations Security Council. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

73,000 die in Syria in 2013, war’s bloodiest year
More than 73,000 people were killed in Syria in 2013, the bloodiest year yet in the brutal civil war that began in March 2011, an NGO said on Jan 1, 2014. The tally from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights came as renewed regime air strikes in the northern city of Aleppo killed at least five people.

The group said it considered the international community “a partner in the shedding of the blood of the Syrian people’ because it had failed to take “sertous action” to stop the war.

The Britain-based group said it had documented the deaths of 73,455 people between January q, 2013 and December 31, 2013, including 22,436 civilians.

On Tuesday, the Observatory released an updated toll for the entire war, saying more than 430,000 people had been killed since it began, the majority of them fighters from both sides.

The group slammed the international community on Wednesday, saying it “failed to take serious action to stop the massacres that have been committed and cont’ :ue to be committed”.

Instead, it said, the international community had focused on dismantling Syria’s chemical weapons programme® and neglected dozens of massacres that killed thousands of Syrians’.

The loss of life continued on Wednesday, with the Observatory reporting an ongoing regime campaign of aerial bombardment in northern Aleppo province.

It said five people were kiled in air strikes on the Sukkari neignbourhood of Aleppo city, adding that raids also targeted nearby districts.

Head of Qaeda-linked group held
Lebanese troops have arrested the leader of the al-Qaeda-linked group that claimed a double suicide bombing at the Iranian embassy in Beirut in November, the defence minister told AFP Wednesday, Jan 1.

Majid al-Majid, the “emir” of the Abdullah Azzam Brigades, “was arrested by the intelligence services of the Lebanese army in Beirut’, Defence Minister Fayez. Ghosn said, without specifying when the arrest took place.

Clashes kill 62 militants in Iraq Iraqi security forces and allied tribesmen killed 62 al-Qaeda-linked militants in the Ramadi area west of Baghdad on Friday, Jan 3 a senior leader of the Sahwa militia told AFP.

Sheikh Ahmed Abu Risha said 16 members of the al-Qaeda-linked Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group were killed in Khaldiyah, east of Ramadi, while 46 more died in the city itself.

ISIL militants took control of areas of both Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, and Fallujah, another city farther east, during days of fighting that broke out after security forces demolished the country’s main Sunni Arab anti-government protest camp.

Clashes erupted in the Ramadi area on Monday as_ security forces tore down the sprawling anti-government protest camp on a nearby highway.

The violence then spread to Fallujah, and a subsequent with-drawal of security forces from areas of both cities cleared the way for ISIL to move in.

The Sahwa are made up of fighters who joined forces with the United States from late 2006, battling al- Qaeda-linked militants in Anbar and elsewhere and helping to bring about a sharp reduction in violence.

US Embassy issues warning
The United States Embassy in Beirut is urging Americans in Lebanon to avoid hotels, Western- style shopping malls, grocery stores and social events where US citizens congregate, saying such sites are likely targets for terrorist attacks. The embassy made the recommendations on Stinday, Jan 5 in a security message to Americans in Lebanon.

Expel al-Qaeda from Fallujah: Nouri
Iraq’s prime minister urged residents and tribes of Fallujah on Jan 6 to “expel” al-Qaeda militants from the city to avoid an all-out battle remarks that may signal an imminent military move to retake the former insurgent stronghold. Nouri al-Maliki’s message came as dozens of families fled Fallujah, 65-km west of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, in fear of a major showdown. Iraqi government troops have surrounded the city, which was overrun by al- Qaeda fighters last week. Al-Maliki did not say how he expects Fallujah residents and pro-government tribesmen to push the militants out.

In his message, broadcast over state TV, al-Maliki also urged Iraqi troops to avoid targeting residential areas in the city, which lies in the western Anbar province. Members of the al-Qaeda linked group known as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, which also has gained influence battling government forces in neighbouring Syria, also took control of most parts of the provincial capital of Ramadi last week.

Iraqi troops have been trying to dislodge the militants from the two cities. On Sunday, fighting between government forces and militants as well as allied tribesmen in Anbar killed at least 34 people, including 22 soldiers, 10 civilians and an unknown number of militants.

The recent gains by al-Qaeda have been a blow to Iraq’s government, as sectarian violence has escalated since the US withdrawal. US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Sunday that Washington was “very, very concerned” by the fighting but would not send in American troops. The Iranian army’s deputy chief-of-staff, Gen. Mohammad Hejazi, said on Monday that Iran was also ready to help Iraq with military equipment and advisers, should Baghdad ask for it.

Any Iranian help would exacerbate tensions as Iraqis accuse Tehran of backing their government’s unfair policies against them. Fallujah residents said clashes continued into early on Monday along the main highway that links the capital, Baghdad, to neighbouring Syria and Jordan. Al-Qaeda fighters and their supporters maintained control of the city center, flooding the streets and surrounding government buildings.

US Army sends armored unit to South Korea
The US military plans to deploy an armored battalion to South Korea to allow for “greater responsiveness” in case of a crisis with North Korea, the Pentagon said on Tuesday, Jan 7.

Eight hundred troops and armored vehicles from the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment will be stationed at camps Hovey and Stanley near the demarcation line with the North starting next month, the Pentagon said in a statement. The rotational deployment is part of a strategic shift towards the Asia-Pacific region “and allows for greater responsiveness to better meet theater operational requirements,” it said.

Washington has 28,500 troops on the ground in the South and a treaty with Seoul calls for the US military commander to lead both the American contingent and South Korea’s 640,000-strong force in case of a war with the North. During peacetime, each side maintains operational Ggmmand of their own troops. South Korea agreed to take over wartime operational command of all troops starting in 2015, after delaying a previous target date in 2012.Tensions with North Korea have prompted Seoul to reconsider the plan, and the South has asked Washington to review the timing of the scheduled transition.

The “combat ready” cavalry unit will stay in South Korea for a nine month tour but will leave its armored vehicles behind for troops that follow them, the Pentagon said. The announcement came a day after Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel hosted South Korea’s Foreign Minister Yun Byung-Se for talks at the Pentagon. “The tw discussed the importance of maintaining a robust combined defense of the Korean Peninsula as a strong deterrent against provocations from North Korea,” spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby said.

South Korea and the United States have called for vigilance against possible provocations after North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un ordered the execution of his uncle, Jang Song-Thaek, for an alleged plot.

Somali militants ban mobile net
Somalia’s al-Qaeda-linked group has ordered telecom companies to shut down mobile internet services over fears the US can use the data to target militants. Al-Shabab on Jan 11 set a 15 day deadline for the telecoms, whom the group accused of being “enemy collaborators.” The two affected mobile operators that offer 3G data service declined to comment.

Hariri killing trial to open against bloody backdrop
Four Hizbullah members go on trial in absentia this week at a UN-backed tribunal for the 2005 killing of Lebanese former premier Rafiq Hariri in a case increasingly overshadowed by _ sectarian bloodshed at home.

Nine years after a massive Beirut car bombing killed billionaire Hariri, leading to the exit of Syrian troops from Lebanon, and three years into Syria’s own bloody civil war, prosecutors are finally to open their case on Thursday in a suburb of The Hague. The seafront bomb- ing killed 22 people besides Damascus opponent Hariri and wounded 226, leading to the establishment by the UN _ Security Council of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) in 2007.

Although the attack was initially blamed = on pro-Syrian Lebanese generals, the court in 2011 issued arrest warrants against Mustafa Badreddine, 52, Salim Ayyash, 50, Hussein Oneissi, 39, and Assad Sabra, 37, all members of Syrian-backed delaying a p the plan, and the Shiite movement Hizbullah. A fifth suspect, Hassan Habib Merhi, 48, was indicted last year and his case may yet be joined to the current trial. The STL is unique in international justice as it was set up to try the perpetrators of a terrotist attack and because it can try the suspects in absentia.

The four suspects have been charged with nine counts, ranging from conspiracy to commit a terrorist act to homicide and attempted homicide. Chief prosecutor Norman Farrell said in his indictment that Badreddine and Ayyash “kept Hariri under surveillance” before the Washington has 28,500 troops on the ground in the: South and a treaty with Seo commander to lead both and South Korea s 640,00 war with the North. During maintains operational command of their own troops.

South Korea agreed to take tional command of all troops starting in 2015, after revious target date the American contingent 0-strong force in case of a with North Korea have prompted Seoul to reconsitier South has asked Washington tc _review the timing of the scheduled transition. : Valentine’s Day suicide bombing, while Oneissi and Sabra allegedly issued a false claim of responsibility to mislead investigators.

Hariri, Leban’on’s prime minister until his resignation in October 2004, was on his way home for lunch when a suicide bomber detonated a van full of 2.5 tonnes of TNT as his armoured convoy passed.

A video was then delivered to the Beirut office of pan-Arab satellite broadcaster Al-Jazeera in which a man “falsely claimed to be a suicide bomber on behalf of a fictional fundamentalist group called ‘Victory and Jihad in Greater ul calls for the US military peacetime, each side over wartime opera in 2012. Tensions Syria’,” prosecutors said. They will aim to prove the four men’s, involvement through tracking their alleged use of mobile phones before, during and after the attack.

The STL initially sparked fierce debate in Lebanon, sharply divided into the camp led by Hizbullah and its rivals in the March 14 movement, set up in the wake of Harir’s assassina- tion and led by his son Saad, also a former prime minister, who may attend the trial’s opening. His movement is united by its opposition to larger neighbour Syria, which was forced to end an almost 30-year occupation of Lebanon in the wake of the bombing.

Clashes and shelling as 140,000 flee Iraq conflict
Violence in parts of Anbar province held by anti-government fighters killed three people as the United Nations warned on Friday, Jan 24 of Iraq’s worst displacement since its brutal 2006-08 sectarian conflict. More than 140,000 people have fled their homes in the mostly-desert province since unrest erupted in late December, as security forces and their tribal allies have been locked in a deadly standoff with militants, including those affiliated with the al-Qaeda-linked Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Foreign leaders including US President Barack Obama have urged Baghdad to pursue political measures to undercut support for militants, but with an election looming in April, Prime Minister Nuri al- Maliki has taken a hard line.

Security forces have mounted a massive operation to retake parts ot the Anbar provincial capital Ramadi held by anti-government fighters, and for days have engaged in. clashes and exchanged mortar fire. Shelling which 9egan early on Friday of the Ramadi neighbourhoods of Malaab and Albu Faraj, both out of the government’s control, killed two people and wounded 30, secuvity and medicai officials said.

Government forces and militants also engaged in firefights in Ramadi on Thursday evening, bi no casualties were repurted. Bi one person was killed and sev: wounded in heavy shelling late Thursday in Fallujah, a for 1 ‘nsurgent bastion also west Baghdad that is entire’y held / militants, Falluyaan reside S$ bidmed the army for the shelling but defence officials said the military was not responsible. @

Current Threat Levels :
City/Region	Threat Level
Islamabad	Level 2	**
Karachi	Level 2	**
Lahore	Level 2	**
Punjab	Level 2	**
NWFP	Level 3	***
Peshawar	Level 2	**
Quetta	Level 2	**
Upper Balochistan	Level 3	***
Lower Balochistan	Level 2	**
Upper/ Rural Singh	Level 2	**
Gilgit and Northern Areas	Level 3	***
Tribal Areas, Close to Afghan Border	Level 3	***

Index to Threat Level Preceptions
Threat Level 1 No threat to foreigners although there may be isolated incidents involving petty crime. No security precautions are required.	*
Threat Level 2 No specific threat to foreigners, however because of the overall general law & order situation, some security precautions are advised, especially if traveling.	**
Threat Level 3 Indicates that law and order situation is cause for concern and travel should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Foreigners should rehearse plans for evacuation.	***
Threat Level 4 Indicates complete breakdown of civil administration and law and order leading to possible anarchy. All foreigners to remain indoors and confined to their own city. Families and staff not required to be evacuated retaining only a skeleton staff.	****
Threat Level 5 Indicates complete breakdown of law and order, enemy action/hostilities, invasion/ occupation by enemy.	*****