Suicide Attacks
A Policeman was killed and three others sustained injuries in a suicide attack on a Police vehicle in Loralai District of Balochistan on September 30, reports Dawn. One suspected militant blew himself up and another one was killed by Police during the exchange of fire. Station House Officer (SHO), Loralai, Abdul Rehman said personnel of the Police’s Eagle Squad stopped two suspects riding a motorcycle near the Loralai commissioner’s office. However, one of the militants blew himself up and the second was shot dead in retaliatory firing by Police. Three Policemen were injured during the exchange of fire, SHO Rehman added. Soon after the incident, Police and Frontier Corps (FC) personnel cordoned off the area.
Bomb/IED Explosions
At least three persons, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) local leader, were killed and 12 others sustained injuries in a blast in Chaman area on September 28, reports Daily Times. According to Police, unidentified militants had attached a remote-controlled explosive device with a motorbike and parked it near Muslim Commercial Bank at Taj Road area, which went off. As a result, JUI-F leader Maulana Hanif, Abdul Hadi, and Izat Ullah were killed on the spot and 12 others sustained injuries. The injured were identified as Haroon, Fazal, Asghar Khan, Arif, Haji Gull, Mateeullah, Ahmadullah, Mehboob, Daroo Khan, Ubaidullah, Sher Jan and Abdullah. Police said Maulana Hanif was the target of the attack. According to the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) officials, four to give kilograms of explosives were used for targeting the JUI-F leader.
One Policeman was killed and 10 others, including five Policemen, sustained injuries in an explosion at Double Road area of Quetta in the evening of October 15, reports Dawn. Quetta Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Abdul Razzaq Cheema said the target of the blast was a Police mobile. Unidentified militants had planted an improvised explosive device (IED) in a motorcycle parked on the roadside. The bomb went off when the Police mobile passed the motorcycle on Double Road.
A blast targeting a Police van wounded nine persons including three Policemen on Spinny Road of Quetta on October 21, reports The Nation. Police said the blast took place through improvised explosive device (IED) planted in a motorcycle. The blast also caused damage to cars parked nearby.
Targetted Killings
A civilian was shot at and wounded in a suspected targeted attack in the Preedy area of Karachi on September 29, reports Dawn. Shahidullah (45), was on his way to his apartment near Radio Pakistan on M.A. Jinnah Road when unidentified suspected militants fired at him from behind. He sustained three bullet injuries and later succumbed to his injuries, South-Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP), Sheeraz Nazeer said. Shahidullah owned a shop in the Saddar’s electronics market and originally hailed from Quetta, SSP, Nazeer added.
Unidentified militants shot dead a civilian in Zafarabad Colony in Dera Ismail Khan town of Dera Ismail Khan District on September 28, reports The News. Police said that unidentified armed militants shot dead one Muhammad Jehangir Mahsud in Zafarabad Colony and fled the scene. The Police started investigation after registering the case against unknown assailants.
A worker of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)was shot dead in a suspected incident of targeted killing in Azizabad town in Karachi on October 5, reports Dawn. The victim identified as Mohammed Asif (43), was gunned down near Madni Masjid in Federal B. Area’s Block-8. The Azizabad Police said he was going home after offering Asr prayer at the mosque when armed assailants pillion riders intercepted him, opened fire and rode away. Asif sustained a critical bullet injury and later succumbed to his injuries. Police recovered two spent bullet casings fired from a .30-bore pistol from the crime scene.
Miscellaneous
The Security Forces (SFs) defused a bomb after recovering it from a locality in Charmang area of Bajaur District on October 1, reports Dawn. According to Police, the personnel of Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) of the SFs recovered a remote-controlled bomb from the hilly locality of Charmang valley, located near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The statement added that the SF personnel were on a routine patrol in the area when they found the device planted by unidentified militants. Later, the bomb was successfully defused.
One Soldier was killed and two civilians injured after Indian troops resorted to “unprovoked” firing from across the Line of Control (LoC) in Baroh and Chirikot sectors in Poonch District of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) on October 9, reports Daily Times. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, Sepoy Naimat Wali embraced shahadat, while two women in Serian village got injured. “Pakistan Army troops targeted Indian Army posts in response. Post substantially damaged. Reports of casualties to Indian troops,” the ISPR added.
The Police on October 9 arrested one Abdul Salam (45), a target killer affiliated with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-London (MQM-L), who has confessed to killing more than a hundred people from Nishtar Road in Karachi, reports The Nation. Police recovered one hand grenade, a .222 rifle, a handgun and a stolen motorbike from him. The Karachi East Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ghulam Azfar Mahesar said at a press conference that Abdul Salam confessed to have killed 111 people during interrogation. He said Salam was involved in the killing of two army personnel, one Navy official, eight Policemen, Doctors, Government employees and women. SSP Mahesar said the alleged hitman was arrested on a tip-off. He said Salam forayed into the notorious world of targeted killings by murdering a worker of the rival outfit, MQM-Haqqiqi, in 1994.
Police raided the house of Muttahida Qaumi Movement London (MQM-L) worker, Yusuf alias Baroodi in Karachi on October 11, reports The Nation. Police recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from his residence, claimed the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). The SSP revealed that the weaponry could’ve been used for nefarious purposes. A prior criminal record already exists against the MQM-L worker.
Pakistan Coast Guards (PCG) recovered drugs worth 160 million rupees and arrested four suspects during separate actions in different Districts of Balochistan on October 11, reports The Nation. The PCG during search of a suspected vehicle near Badok Frontier Crops (FC) check post in Pasni tehsil (revenue unit) of Gwadar District recovered 12-kilogram heroin and 10-kilogram high quality hashish and arrested two drugs pusher on board. In another action in Windar tehsil of Lasbela District, the PCG recovered 3,955-kilogram toxic betel nut hidden in orchard and two suspects were held. A spokesman of PCG said that the recovered drugs value 160 million rupees in international market and the detainees were being interrogated.
The Sindh Government approved an extension in the special powers of the Pakistan Rangers for another 90 days in Karachi, the Provincial Home Department said on October 11, reports Daily Times. “The Government of Sindh is pleased to deploy Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) in Karachi Division to discharge its functions under the said Act as authorized by the Government of Sindh, for another period of ninety (90) days wef October 4, 2019, to January 1, 2020,” read an official notification signed by Sindh Home Secretary Abdul Kabir Kazi.
Security Forces (SFs) foiled a terror attack bid on October 18, killing one would-be suicide bomber during an exchange of fire, while another bomber blew himself up during a search operation in the Killi Kawar area near the University of Loralai on the outskirts of Loralai town (Loralai District) of Balochistan, reports Dawn. Two soldiers of the Frontier Corps Abdul Latif and Mohammad Sharif were also injured in the incident. Official sources said that the FC personnel posted at a check-post in the Killi Kawar area signalled two men riding a motorcycle to stop. But instead of stopping, they opened fire on the SFs. The suspects tried to escape and took shelter near a seasonal river. The SFs cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. During the ensuing encounter, one would-be suicide bomber was killed while another detonated the explosives attached to his jacket. Arms and ammunition, including grenades, AK-47 assault rifles and rounds, were recovered from the possession of the slain militants.
The Pakistan Coast Guards (PCG) on October 21 recovered 2600 kilogrammes of drugs in Turbat town of Kech District, reports Pakistan Today. PCG personnel intercepted a suspicious dumper truck at a check-post near the Nelant area. 2600 kilogrammes of charas was hidden inside secret chambers of the truck. The PCG spokesperson said that the seized cache of drugs is worth PKR 2850 million in the market.
A Police constable was killed while another injured in exchange of firing during an intelligence-based operation by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Ramak area of Dera Ismail Khan on October 23, reports Radio Pakistan. Six suspects have also been arrested during the operation while arms and ammunitions also recovered from them.
PAKISTAN
UNSC allows JuD chief Hafiz Saeed to operate bank account
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on September 26 allowed outlawed Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed to draw money from his bank account for basic expenses, reports Daily Times. According to reports, Pakistan had approached UNSC with a request to let the JuD chief use his bank account for personal expenses. “The Chair has the honour to refer to his draft letter to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan communicating the Committee’s decision with respect to the intention of the Pakistani authorities to authorize certain expenditures to the benefit of Hafiz Saeed to cover basic expenses,” a note by the chair said. Reports further said UN has allowed Saeed to withdraw approximately USD 1,000 to cover necessary basic living expenses for him and his family.
The Foreign Office, meanwhile, said that such an exemption is in line with the established procedures and practices of the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee. “Hafiz Saeed and others had submitted an exemption request for basic expenditure to the United Nations Security Council. The request was later approved by the Council as a matter of routine,” FO spokesperson said in a statement. The spokesperson expressed disappointment that a certain section of Indian media was unnecessarily politicising the issue to cast negative aspersions on Pakistan’s efforts to implement its obligations under the UN sanctions regimes.
Cross-border terrorist incidents reducing, says Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa
The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on September 27 visited Miramshah town of North Waziristan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and interacted with tribal elders from North and South Waziristan Districts, reports Dawn. According to a press release issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the COAS said that cross-border terrorist incidents were gradually reducing due to solidification of Pak-Afghan border through fencing and other measures. However, he added, an enduring peace inside Pakistan was linked to peace in Afghanistan for which Pakistan is playing its role. The COAS said “Afghanistan is our brotherly Muslim neighbour and we wish peace in Afghanistan as much for Pakistan”. He urged tribal elders to continue playing their role in guiding the youth. “Combination of experience & wisdom of elders with energy and talent of the youth is recipe for success.”
Pakistan playing an honest role in Afghan peace process, says Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi
Foreign Minister (FM) Shah Mehmood Qureshi during a meeting with the Afghan Taliban delegation held at the Foreign Office in Islamabad on October 3, said that Pakistan is playing an honest role in search for peace in Afghanistan, reports The News. According to a press release issued by the Foreign Office, Qureshi welcomed the delegation at the ministry and told them that Pak-Afghan ties are based on brotherly relations, historical, religious and cultural links. Qureshi said, “Instability in Afghanistan is impacting both Islamabad and Kabul.” He added that Pakistan believes that war is not the solution to the situation in Afghanistan and dialogue is the only way forward. The FM said, “Pakistan has played an honest role in search for peace in Afghanistan.” He added that a peaceful Afghanistan is necessary for regional stability.
No peace efforts with India at cost of nation’s dignity, says CoAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa
The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on October 8 apprised the Chinese military leadership about the peace efforts made by Pakistan with India, and said that efforts would not be made at the cost of any compromise on principles or honour and dignity of the nation, reports The News. The Chinese military leadership supported the Pakistan’s stance on the lingering occupied Kashmir dispute with India, according to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The affirmation was made when the Pakistan Army Chief met General Han Weiguo and General Xu Qiliang of the People’s Liberation Army in Beijing. Issues of regional security and defence cooperation were discussed in the meeting.
According to the statement, the COAS apprised the Chinese military leadership about consequences of the ongoing situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir, and said that India needed to respect the United Nations resolutions in this regard and ensure provision of human rights to Kashmiris. “Chinese military leadership supported Pakistan’s principled stance on Kashmir issue, and appreciated sane Pakistani approach in the interest of peace,” the ISPR stated. The statement also said that in the meeting, the two sides agreed that continued Pak-India tension would have serious implications for peace and stability in the region.
CTD arrests top four leaders and aides of JuD chief Hafiz Saeed
The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on October 10 arrested top four leaders and aides of Jama’at-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, reports Daily Times. The arrested leaders were identified as Professor Zafar Iqbal, Yahya Aziz, Muhammad Ashraf and Abdul Salam. The development comes ahead of the Financial Action Task Force’s crucial plenary meeting scheduled to be held in Paris from October 12 to October 15. A spokesman for the CTD said that there had been an “important progress” in the National Action Plan (NAP) as the main leaders of proscribed JuD have been arrested by the CTD Punjab in offences of terrorism financing. “JuD/LeT chief Hafiz Saeed is already in prison facing trial for commission of offences of terrorism financing. Now the entire core leadership of the JuD/LeT will be on trial,” the CTD said.
MQM chief charged with terrorism offence in UK
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain (66) was charged with a terrorism offence in the United Kingdom (UK) on October 10, reports Daily Times. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Altaf Hussain had been charged in connection with a ‘hate speech’ he made to supporters in Pakistan in August 2016 under Section 1(2) of the Terrorism Act, 2006. He was presented before a Westminster Magistrate court to indict in the case where he pleaded not guilty to the charges pressed against him.
In the court, Altaf Hussain’s lawyer pleaded for bail, which was conditionally accepted. However, the court imposed strict bail conditions, which include staying at a specific place and not to travel without prior permission of the court. The court also refrained Altaf Hussain from commenting on the situation in Pakistan, issuing any message on social media and restricted him from media appearance or conversation both in Pakistan and UK.
Splinter group of AQIS trying to regroup in Karachi, says CTD
The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) suspects that the al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) is ‘regrouping’ in Karachi to carry out terrorist attacks, reports Dawn. The CTD also claimed to have busted two other outfits whose members had been active in sectarian killings and murders of Policemen. “We have received reports that six ‘disgruntled’ militants of the AQIS recently arrived in Karachi from Afghanistan and they are trying to activate their sleeper cell,” said CTD chief Raja Umar Khattab. It was a splinter group of AQIS that comprised members of different communities who belonged to Karachi and had gone to Afghanistan, adds Khattab. They had reportedly developed differences with their leadership, partly because they did not utilise their ‘services’ for a considerable period of time, and now they had returned to Karachi. Six militants have recently returned to Karachi from Afghanistan. Law enforcers were making concerted efforts to bust this emerging cell and the CTD official hoped they would be ‘neutralised’ before they could carry out any act of terror.
Pakistan escapes FATF blacklist, but gets warning to complete its full action plan by February 2020
While giving a four-month lifeline, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on October 18 strongly urged Pakistan to swiftly complete its full action plan by February 2020 and until then the country will remain on the ‘grey list’, reports Dawn. The Paris-based FATF reviewed measures taken and progress made by almost 15 countries, including Pakistan, vis-à-vis anti-money laundering and combating financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) in its five-day plenary, which concluded on October 18. Representatives from 206 countries and jurisdictions around the world took part in the meeting. The Pakistani delegation was led by the Minister for Economic Affairs, Hammad Azhar.
While noting recent improvements, the FATF again expressed serious concerns with the overall lack of progress by Pakistan to address its TF (terror financing) risks, including remaining deficiencies in demonstrating a sufficient understanding of Pakistan’s transnational TF risks, and more broadly, the country’s failure to complete its action plan in line with the agreed timelines and in the light of TF risks emanating from the jurisdiction. “To date, Pakistan has only largely addressed five of 27 action items, with varying levels of progress made on the rest of the action plan,” the note further said.
Meanwhile, the Government will achieve all targets sets by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in time to get the country out of the anti-money laundering watchdog’s grey list, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on October 20 as he accused India of trying to blacklist it, reports Times of India. “India has failed to get Pakistan included in the FATF blacklist. The country has been given various tasks until February 2020,” Qureshi said, adding the Government would achieve all targets in time and bring the country out of the grey list. He said the FATF has recognised the steps taken by the Government to control money laundering and terror financing.
Federal Government notifies ban on JUI-F’s ‘militant wing’
The Federal Interior Ministry on October 24 issued a notification announcing a ban on the “militant wing” of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), reports Pakistan Today. The proscription of Ansar-ul-Islam, which the ministry referred to as a “private militia/Razakar Force” of the JUI-F, comes days before the Maulana Fazlur Rehman-led party is slated to lead an anti-government ‘Azadi March’. According to the notification, the Federal Government had “reasons to believe that Ansar-ul-Islam is capable of functioning as a military organisation, in violation of the prohibition contained in Article 256 of the Constitution”.
The ban was imposed after approval by the Federal Government and obtaining the consent from all four Provincial Governments under Article 146(1) of the Constitution, which allows the Federal Government to delegate any of its powers to the provinces, conditionally or unconditionally, with the consent of the provincial governments. Through the notification, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Interior has “entrust[ed] the Provincial Governments the power to take appropriate actions under Section 2 of the Private Military Organisations (Abolition and Prohibition) Act, 1974, against Ansar-ul-Islam”.
Bangladesh – Internal Dynamics
Two ABT cadres arrested in Dhaka city
The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) on September 25 arrested two cadres of Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) from Jatrabari area of Dhaka city in Dhaka District of Dhaka Division, reports The Daily Star. The arrestees are Awal Newaz (38) and Fazle Rabbi Chowdhury (18). To dodge the law enforcers, members of ABT are converting their funds to Bitcoin and planning to use the crypto currency in the dark web to buy firearms and narcotics, CTTC officials said. They use messengers like “Telegram” and “WhatsApp” to make their communication secure, counterterrorism officials told, adding that the outfit collects funds through different mobile banking services. Later, they convert their funds to dollars and use it to buy Bitcoins, the officials said, adding that a five-member “cell” of ABT was controlling the whole process. Crypto currency is a type of money that is completely virtual. One can use it like an online version of cash to buy products and services, though some countries have banned it altogether.
NIA launches probe against JMB’s presence in South India, according to report
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) recently registered a case to probe the activities of Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) in the southern states after inputs that its members have indulged in robbery to collect funds, reports Hindustan Times on September 25. “JMB, following a major crackdown in Burdwan by us in 2014, in which over 50 of its members were caught in West Bengal and Assam, failed to carry out terror attacks in that region. Kausar, who was instrumental in formation of JMB training camps, procuring explosives in 2014 for making over 100 bombs and planning the Bodhgaya blast in January 2018, had moved to Bengaluru and he was reviving the outfit. But even after his arrest in August last year, it seems somebody is furthering the activities of JMB in South India,” said one unnamed NIA Official. The agency raided hideouts in Atibele, Kadugodi, K R Puram, Chikkbanavara and Shikaripalya, Electronic City in Bengaluru. “Jahidul Islam disclosed during questioning that after the 2014 Burdwan blast, he and his associates went to southern India to escape the agencies on their trail,” said a NIA spokesperson. At least 3-4 incidents of robberies in Bengaluru, linked to JMB operatives, are currently being examined by the central probe agency while the terror outfit’s leader in India Jahidul Islam alias Kausar is being interrogated.
Bomb exploded at AL office in Khulna District
A bomb exploded on October 1 at Awami League (AL) office in Khanjahan Ali area in Khulna city, reports New Age. No one was hurt in the incident. AL activist Sumon was inside the office but he escaped injury. The bomb went off around 6:00pm, moments after an unknown man placed some bananas packed in a shopping bag. Sumon said the man came with a shopping bag filled with bananas and kept it inside the office and left in the pretext of going to the toilet. After 10 minutes, the packet exploded. Sumon ran away while some chairs were damaged in the blast.
Meanwhile, the United States-based SITE Intelligence Group said the Islamic State (IS) claimed the responsibility of a bomb explosion at AL office in Khanjahan Ali area in Khulna city reports New Age on October 2. A post on the group’s website said ‘IS claims credit for bomb blast at Awami League office in Khulna’.
Three HuJI-B leaders arrested in Dhaka city
Three Harkat-ul-Jihad-al Islami Bangladesh (HuJI-B) leaders were arrested on October 2 from Khilgaon area of Dhaka city in Dhaka District of Dhaka Division, reports The Daily Star. The arrestees are Afghan-war returnee Mohamad Atikullah alias Asadullah alias Julfiqar (49), in charge of international relations of HuJI-B, Nazim Uddin alias Shamim (43), secretary of the outfit’s Dhaka city south and Mohamad Borhan Uddin (45), in charge of the outfit’s Feni. The officials of Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit (CTTC) said that they were trying to bring their absconding members back to the Islamist outfit and was in touch with family members of imprisoned HuJI-B leaders.
HuJI-B leader had multiple meetings with Osama Bin Laden, Mullah Omar, and Ayman al-Zawahiri, says Police
Police on October 3 said that Harkat-ul-Jihad-al Islami Bangladesh (HuJI-B) leader Mohamad Atikullah alias Asadullah alias Julfiqar (49), who was arrested on October 2 from Khilgaon area of Dhaka city in Dhaka District of Dhaka Division had multiple meetings with top militant leaders, including Osama Bin Laden, Mullah Omar, and Ayman al-Zawahiri, reports Dhaka Tribune. During interrogation, Atiqullah told them about his meetings with bin Laden and other militant leaders and his ties to al-Qaeda, according to Police.
Hunt for 33 HuJI-B operatives is on, say CTTC officials
Officials of the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of Police on October 4 said hunt for 33 Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islam-Bangladesh operatives is on, reports The Daily Star. The officials said aiming to reorganise HuJI-B, Afghan-war returnee Atikullah has been able to establish communication among 33 local leaders of the banned militant outfit in the last six months. Before Atikullah and two other militant suspects of the militant outfit were arrested on October 2, some of the 33 local leaders used to work in different madrasas, while others were involved in different businesses. At least five of them are hiding in Dhaka and the rest are in Feni and Chattogram, officers said.
Seven persons injured in blasts during AL council in Kushtia District
Seven leaders and activists of the ruling Awami League (AL) were injured in crude bomb blasts just after the announcement of a new committee for AL Bahadurpur union under Bheramara upazila (sub-District)in Kushtia District of Bangladesh October 5, reports The Daily Star. The AL party sources said at least 10 cocktails exploded on the ground of Bahadurpur High School around 7:30pm when Shamim Ahmed and Ujjal Hossain were declared president and general secretary (GS) of the new committee respectively.Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal Mukul, panel chairman and also councillor of Kushtia Zilla Parishad was among the injured. The identity of the other six persons are yet to be established.
Four Ansar al-Islam cadres arrested in Dhaka city
Police on October 10 arrested four cadres of banned militant outfit Ansar al-Islam from Jatrabari area of Dhaka city in Dhaka District of Dhaka Division, reports The Daily Star. The arrestees are Shahin alias Omar, Saiful Islam, Hanifuzzaman alias Biplob and Al Mamun. According to Police, the four recently left their homes and received training in Bandarban hills in using machetes. Police said Ansar al-Islam operatives usually stab their targeted victims to death and carry arms only to ensure that they can escape easily after carrying out attacks.
Meanwhile, Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crimes (CTTC) Chief Monirul Islam at a press briefing at the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Media Centre on October 10 said Ansar al-Islam is planning to merge their operation with another banned organization, Neo-Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (Neo-JMB), reports Dhaka Tribune.
UP chairman arrested with arms, ammo in Sylhet District
Police arrested a Union Parishad (UP) chairman with arms and ammunition at Islamganj Bazar under Sadar upazila (sub-District) of Sylhet District of Bangladesh on October 11, reports The Daily Star. Police seized a pistol, seventy rounds of bullets and a knife from Monfor Ali, chairman of Jalalabad UP.Monfor is also an accused of nine cases including Police assault and extortion cases, Police said.Okil Uddin Ahmed, Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of Jalalabad Police Station, said, a new arms case was filed with the Station against the UP chairman who was sent to jail by a Sylhet court. Monfor Ali from Kalaruka village in the upazila was elected chairman of the union in 2016 as an Awami League (AL) rebel candidate.
Four persons killed and many others injured over hate conversation on Facebook in Barisal Division
Four persons were killed and many others were injured on October 20 as religious zealots clashed with Police in Borhanuddin town of Bhola District in Barisal Division over a hate conversation spread through Facebook, reports The Daily Star. The dead are Mahfuzur Rahman (45), Mahbub Patwari (14), Abu Raihan and Mizanur Rahman (40).
HuJI-B operatives are joining Ansar al Islam, says RAB officer
As top leaders of banned militant outfit Harkat-ul-Jihad-al Islami Bangladesh (HuJI-B) are either hanged or behind bars, its operatives are now joining another outfit Ansar al Islam responsible for killing bloggers, writers and free thinkers, said Mozammel Haque, Commanding Officer (CO) of Rapid Action Battalion-4 (RAB-4), at a press conference at RAB media centre on October 21, reports The Daily Star. He said this following arrest of four Ansar al Islam men Mufti Saiful Islam (34), Salim Mia (30), Zunayed (37) and Ahmed Sohayel (21) from Dhaka city on October 20. Of them, Saiful and Zunayed were once affiliated with HuJI-B but are now holding important posts in Ansar al Islam, Mozammel said. The arrestees in preliminary interrogation said they hate the existing Government system and want to establish an Islamic law-based system through so-called Jihad, he said.
Four killed as police fire on BD protesters
At least four people were killed and nearly 50 injured on Sunday, Oct 20 after police fired on thousands of Bangladeshi Muslims protesting a Facebook post by a Hindu who allegedly defamed Islam, officials said.
Mob attacks over Facebook posts perceived to be blasphemous have emerged as a major headache for security forces in Bangladesh, where Muslims make up some 90 percent of the country’s 168 million people.
Some 20,000 Muslims demonstrated at a prayer ground in Borhanuddin town on the country’s largest island of Bhola to call for the execution of the young Hindu man, who was arrested on Saturday over charges of inciting religious tension.
Police said they opened fire in self-defence after some of the crowd threw rocks at their officers.
The death toll is expected to rise, with Bhola Sadar Hospital duty doctor Tayebur Rahman telling AFP at least seven of the 43 people taken to hospital were fighting for their lives.
In 2016, angry Muslims attacked Hindu temples in an eastern town over a Facebook post was put up allegedly mocking one of Islam’s holiest sites.
In 2012, Muslim mobs torched Buddhist monasteries, houses and shops in the coastal Cox’s Bazar district following a Buddhist youth’s anti-Islamic defamatory photo post.
India – Internal Dynamics
Maoists kill civilian on suspicion of being ‘police informer’ in Chhattisgarh
A civilian was killed by Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadres on suspicion of being a ‘police informer’ in Bijapur District of Chhattisgarh on October 1, reports Devdiscourse. Some locals spotted the body lying on Toynar road in the morning and informed the Police. At the spot Police found a leaflet in which the national park area committee of the CPI-Maoist claimed responsibility for the killing and identified the deceased as Madvi Ramlu, a resident of Dupeli village in the District, Police said. Claiming that Ramlu was acting as a ‘police informer’, the rebels in the leaflet warned that those engaged in such activities will face the same consequences.
Maoists documents reveal new ‘division’ in Chhattisgarh
A document recovered from an encounter spot on the border of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh suggest that Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) have declared a new division comprising Kanha national park and Bhoramdeo wildlife sanctuary and named it as ‘KB’ Division, reports Hindustan Times on October 1. Kanha national park comes under Mandala and Balaghat Districts of Madhya Pradesh while Bhoramdeo comes under Kawardha in Kabirdham District of Chhattisgarh. Police believe that because of the dense forest and tough terrain the Maoists have declared this area as a division. ‘KB’ Division is now the second division under newly formed MMC zone (Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh), the first being GRB (Gondia, Rajnandgaon Balaghat) Division. The MMC zone was created by Maoists in 2016-17. It includes Districts situated at the tri-junction of three States and has seen the presence of ‘Vistaar Dalam’ (Expansion Squad), which has around 200-armed cadre in its ranks. The MMC is presently headed by a ‘central committee, CC’ member of CPI-Maoist Deepak Teltumbde.
The document was among the Maoist literature found at a spot where Maoist Jamuna alias Sagan Bai (45) was killed in an encounter in February 28, 2019. Jamuna was allegedly involved in 1999 in the killing of Likhiram Kavre, a minister in the then Madhya Pradesh Government. Jamuna carried an award of INR two billion on her head.
IED blast in Manipur
An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) occurred on the intervening night of September 30 and October 1 in front of a physiotherapy and rehabilitation centre under Kakching Police Station in Kakching District of Manipur, reports Imphal Free Press. According to sources, the rehabilitation centre is run by one Naorem Nandarani and Laishram Preshworjit Laishram Preshworji. A protest meet was organized in Kakching khongnang Mari Phangba to condemn the explosive blast.
Protests against the CAB
The North East Forum of Indigenous People (NEFIP), an umbrella of civil society organizations of the region opposing the reintroduction of the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), on October 3 will be holding a sit in protest in the Northeast, reports Sentinel Assam. Nagaland Post also reports that on October 3, Joint Committee on Prevention of Illegal Immigrants (JCPI) will hold a march against the contentious CAB 2016 in Kohima town in Kohima District of Nagaland, to protest against the contentious Bill. CAB has been widely opposed in the Northeast of India. The AASU (All Assam Students’ Union), as reported in Sentinel Assam on October 3, has firmly opposed the imposition of CAB on the people of Northeast.
Maoist posters urging people to Celebrate Chinese Revolution found in Telangana
A bunch of wall posters bearing the name of Communist Party of India-Maoist were found at Pujarigudem village in Charla Mandal (administrative sub-division) of Bhadrachalam Agency in Bhadradri-Kothagudem District of Telangana on October 1, reports The Hindu. The posters, hailing the 70th anniversary of the success of “October Revolution in China” were found scattered on the periphery of the remote village. It also contained slogans praising the “Jana China October Viplavam” and urging people to celebrate the 70th anniversary of ‘China’s new democratic revolution’ from October 1 to November 8. However, the local Police did not confirm the posters to be of Maoists.
Maoists kill two Policemen in Jharkhand
Communist Party of India-Maoist cadres killed three Policemen by opening fire on Security Forces (SFs) in Ranchi District of Jharkhand on October 4, reports The Tribune. According to the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Murari Lal Meena, the incident took place when SFs received a tip off that members of the CPI-Maoist group had gathered near Dassam falls between Bundu and Namkum, following which the SFs rushed to the area around 4 am. The SFs retaliated but there was no report of any casualty from the other side, the ADGP said.
Two Policemen injured in IED blast in Chhattisgarh
Two Police personnel of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) was injured in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast triggered by Communist Party of India-Maoist cadres near Dodipadar village in Sukma District of Chhattisgarh on October 2, reports The Tribune. According to a senior Police Official, a DRG team had launched an anti-Naxal [Left Wing Extremist, LWE] operation in the interior of Pushpal area in the District on September 30; while returning, through a forest at the base of a hill, Naxals carried out the IED blast.
Maoist released an audio file alleging false propaganda in Andhra Pradesh
The Communist Party of India-Maoist released an audio file to the media accusing the Police of indulging in false propaganda in the Visakhapatnam District of Andhra Pradesh on October 3, reports The Hindu. The audio file was released by Galikonda Area committee member of the CPI-Maoist, Gemmeli Kamesh alias Hari, whereby he alleged that the Police were releasing posters with pictures of Maoists and projecting them as wrongdoers. He claimed that the Maoists had always been fighting for the rights of the tribal people and protecting the resources in the tribal areas. Leaders such as Jambri, Sharat and Azad had sacrificed their lives for the cause in the past, Hari claimed. He also spoke about the Central Government’s policies and said that they were “pro-corporate and anti-tribal.” Reportedly, Hari’s name made the rounds during the recent exchange of fire in Gudem Kotha Veedhi Mandal (administrative sub-division) under Vizag Agency in the District on September 22, in which five Maoists were killed. It was believed that he was present at the site.
Maoist Drone suspected in the Airspace of CRPF camps in Chhattisgarh
Roving lights, suspected of Communist Party of India-Maoist drone has been sighted in the airspace of highly secured base camps of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for the three consecutive nights in the Sukma District of Chhattisgarh, reports The New Indian Express on October 7. As per the report, flying at a height of around 300 meters, a gleaming light was consistently seen going hither and thither, and later withdrawn abruptly but there was no accompanying sound as usually heard with drones in operation. The CRPF Spokesperson B. C. Patra said, “Such sighting of lights (or suspected drone) during the night hours has never been reported earlier in and around the CRPF base camps across the Maoist-affected Bastar region. It was sighted for three days at around 7 PM. We have sent an alert to the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the State Intelligence Bureau (SIB). Though it’s not yet confirmed, there remains a suspicion of these flying object might be Maoist drone. It was seen flying over the CRPF camps of Palodi and Kistagram separated by an aerial distance of 5 km. It’s under investigation”. The Bastar Police also confirmed of such shining lights being spotted over the CRPF base camps in the restricted areas. The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP, Anti-Maoist Operation), Sunderraj P. said, “We are verifying and trying to find it out. There are speculations but no confirmation yet. If it’s true then it’s a matter of concern”.
Bomb blast near Police Station in Manipur
A powerful bomb suspected to have been planted by militants exploded near a Police Station in Moreh town, a border town along the Indo-Myanmar border, in Tengnoupal District of Manipur, in the night of October 5, reports Nagaland Post. No casualty was reported in the explosion that took place near the RCC fencing wall on the western side of the Police Station, around 10 pm. A crater was left at the spot where the blast took place. Soon after the explosion, officials of the State Police at the border town and Assam Rifles rushed to the spot and took stock of the situation. Police who conducted a thorough search at nearby areas detected two batteries which they suspected were used by the militants in triggering the blast.
Centre and State Government differ over NRC
There is still confusion over the stand of the Government on the National Register of Citizens (NRC) published on August 31 and it seems that the Central and State Governments have difference of opinion on the citizenship document, Assam Tribune reported on October 8. While, the Government of India has been defending the NRC at different platforms in the national and international level, senior Ministers of Assam and functionaries of the State unit of the ruling BJP have been criticizing it. The State unit of the BJP has been criticizing the NRC and alleged that names of Indian nationals were left out of it, while, names of large number of foreigners were included. Though the State Government has not officially rejected the NRC, senior Ministers of the State Cabinet spoke out openly against it and asserted that the Government would approach the Supreme Court seeking re-verification of the names included and excluded. On the other hand, the Central Government has been supporting the NRC in different platforms. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) brought out a list of achievements on the completion of 100 days in office by the NDA Government in its second term in office and among the achievements in the North East region, publication of the NRC was on the top of the list. The list of achievements also said that the Government of India has given approval on principle for setting up of one thousand new Foreigners’ Tribunals in the State and approval has been given for creation of E-FT platform.
Bomb blast in Manipur
On October 10, a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded at the compound fencing wall of Kuki Student’s Organisation (KSO) Moreh office in Ngamkhai veng of Moreh Ward no.8 in Tengnoupal District of Manipur, reports Imphal Free Press. Though no casualty was reported, yet the intensity of the IED blast was felt as far as Moreh Bazar. This was the third bomb explosion to occur in Moreh within less than a week.
ASUK, NLFT call total shutdown on October 15 in States of Manipur and Tripura
The militant group, Alliance for Socialist Unity Kangleipak (ASUK), and the National Liberation Front of Twipra (NLFT) have called total shutdown in the States of Manipur and Tripura from 5 am to 5 pm of October 15, according to a joint statement issued by ASUK and NLFT, reports E-Pao on October 13.Religious activities and emergency services would be exempted from the total shutdown, the joint statement said.
Three month dead line unacceptable, states Naga Hoho
Naga Hoho, the apex body of Nagas declared that the three months dead line to resolve the vexed Indo-Naga political issue in the form of an imposed settlement was unacceptable, reports Nagaland Post on October 14. The organisation also affirmed that any accord that did not honour the Nagas’ legitimate rights for integration, separate Naga flag and constitution would neither be honourable nor acceptable. Eastern Mirror adds that Naga Hoho appealed to all the Naga negotiating parties to find common grounds, accommodate one another in the larger interests of the Naga family and arrive at an inclusive, acceptable and honourable settlement with GoI.
Co-convenor, Working Committee (WC) of Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) Isak Sumi on October 13 stated that they were fully mandated by the Naga people to sign an amicable, honourable and enduring solution with Government of India (GoI), reports Nagaland Post. Isak maintained that NNPGs was prepared to conclude talks after a wide and thorough consultation on all status/position of the political talks between the WC of NNPGs and GoI with any stake holders.
Naxals getting organised funding to spread terror in the country, says NIA
The National Investigation Agency (NIA), on October 14, revealed that Left Wing Extremist (LWE) groups, who are active in almost 10 States across the country are getting organised funding to spread terror and create a disturbance, reports The Times of India. The revelation came at the inaugural session of the two-day conference of the Chiefs of Anti-Terrorism Squads (ATS) and Special Task Forces (STFs), whereby the Inspector General (IG) of NIA, Alok Mittal said, “The Left Wing Extremist groups are getting organised funding to spread terror and create disturbances in the 10 states where they are present. Investigation of the cases related to these groups have revealed that they also resort to extortion to supplement their income”. The NIA official added that the funds so procured by the extremist groups are used to facilitate training and purchase arms and ammunition for their cadres. “Investigations have also revealed that the Naxals invest in lands, construction to safeguard and multiply their money,” he added. National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval, Minister of State (MoS) Home Affairs, G. Kishan Reddy presided over the conference which was also attended by the Director General (DG), NIA, Y.C. Modi and former Intelligence Bureau (IB) Special Director and present Nagaland Governor R.N. Ravi. The conference was also attended by Chiefs of ATS and STF of the Naxal [Left Wing Extremism, LWE] affected States of Bihar and Odisha among others.
Monthly Fatalities
The following casualties, related to ongoing insurgencies and acts of terrorism occurred during the period Sept 25, 2019 to Oct 25, 2019:
| Civilian | Indian Security Personnel | Militant | Total | |
| Manipur | 03 | 00 | 01 | 04 |
| Left Wing | 09 | 00 | 10 | 19 |
| Total | 12 | 00 | 11 | 23 |
Nepal – Internal Dynamics
Conflict victims’ blast political leadership for neglecting sacrifices made for political transformation in country
Conflict victims on September 26 blasted political leadership for neglecting those who sacrificed everything to bring about political transformation in the country, reports The Himalayan Times. They also warned of another rebellion if political parties and their leaders did not reform themselves and address concerns of victims of the 10-year Maoist insurgency at the earliest. Bhavana Bidhrohi, a former Maoist rebel, speaking at an interaction in Kathmandu in the presence of Nepal Communist Party (NCP) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal, senior NCP leader Madhav Kumar Nepal and Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba, said “Monarchy was overthrown and a republic system was established. But what have we got? We have been robbed of everything and rendered disabled.” Ram Kumar Bhandari, founder of National Network of the Families of the Disappeared and Missing in Nepal, accused the political leadership of living a luxurious life undermining sacrifices of those who were killed, disappeared and rendered disabled during the conflict. “Political leadership has become dishonest and the state unaccountable,” he said, adding they wanted to know the whereabouts of those who disappeared during the conflict. Former chairperson of Conflict Victims Common Platform Suman Adhikari said “The Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission on Investigation of Enforced Disappeared Persons failed because of politicking and the commissioners’ incompetence, besides lack of necessary legislation.”
Meanwhile, NCP Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal speaking at the interaction on September 26 said “As supreme commander of the people’s war and one of the signatories of the peace deal I took all political, moral and practical responsibility for all the bad and good of the war. Also, I’m ready to face prosecution in a court of international law if I have made any mistake,” said Dahal adding, “I hope there won’t be injustice against me.”
Former President Ram Baran Yadav calls for amendment to Constitution to address grievances of different communities
Former President Ram Baran Yadav inaugurating the first International Tamu Conference in Kathmandu on October 11 called for an amendment to the Constitution to address the grievances of different communities, reports Kathmandu Post. “The constitution should be amended to ensure its broader acceptance. The mistakes in the constitution should be corrected without delay. The delay in the amendment will give rise to more dissatisfaction. There could be complexities in the implementation of the constitution if there is a further delay in its amendment,” said Yadav. The Constitution of Nepal was promulgated on September 20, 2015, amid serious reservations expressed by the indigenous and Madhesi communities. Yadav was President at that time.
Unidentified group torches newly built ward office in Makawanpur District
An unidentified group October 14 set ablaze a newly built ward office of Thaha Municipality-5 in Makawanpur District of Province No. 3, reports The Himalayan Times. No individual or group has taken responsibility for the arson and investigation is underway.
Pressure cooker bomb recovered in Dhading District
A pressure cooker bomb was recovered along Prithivi Highway at Chalise in Dhading District of Province No. 3 on October 20, reports The Himalayan Times. Later, a bomb disposal team of Nepal Army (NA) diffused the pressure cooker bomb. The bomb might have been placed in the public to create panic among the locals, informed Police.
Nine PKRLM cadres arrested in Ilam District
Police have arrested nine cadres of a lesser known outfit, Pallo Kirat Rastriya Limbuwan Morcha (PKRLM), including the party’s central secretary in Ilam District of Province No. 1, reports The Himalayan Times on October 24. Police said that they were arrested in the course of flying the Morcha’s flag by removing the national flag in various places of the District on the occasion of the party’s 64th establishment day.
Four suspected CPN-Maoists-Chand cadres arrested in Lalitpur District
Police arrested four suspected cadres of Netra Bikram Chand-led Communist Party of Nepal (CPN-Maoists-Chand) from Mahalaxmi in Lalitpur District of Province No. 3 on October 23 for their alleged involvement in the burning of effigies of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and other political leaders, reports Kathmandu Post.
Meanwhile, Minister of Communications and Information Technology Gokul Prasad Baskota while making public the decisions of the Cabinet meeting in a press meet at the Ministry on October 24 said dialogue with CPN-Maoists-Chand was possible if it accepted the constitution, reports The Himalayan Times. He urged the party to give up violence and accept the constitution as the constitution had ensured almost all rights, including political and social and other rights.
Sri Lanka – Internal Dynamics
Four Sri Lankans arrested in UK under Terrorism Act
UK’s Counter-Terror Police have arrested four Sri Lankans after arriving at Luton Airport on suspicion of being members of a banned organisation, reports Daily Mirror on October 8. The Metropolitan Police said the group were stopped under the Terrorism Act 2000 and arrested under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
EU provides Sri Lanka EUR 40 million to support STRIDE project, security and development
The European Union (EU) on October 9 provided EUR 40 million to Sri Lanka to co-finance the Strengthening Transformation, Reconciliation and Inclusive Democratic Engagement (STRIDE) project, security and development, reports Colombo Page. Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, Secretary to the Treasury at the Ministry of Finance and Tung-Lai Margue, Ambassador of the Delegation of the EU to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, signed the financing agreement. “Good governance and the participation of communities are important to ensure that a country’s growth reaches everyone. Local government structures must be responsive to people’s needs. These are key elements in ensuring effective governance on the ground which help address causes of conflict. With STRIDE, the EU contributes to long-term peace, security, and development in Sri Lanka,” the EU Ambassador said.
Seven persons arrested for promoting and supporting LTTE in Malaysia
Seven persons, including two State Assemblymen, were arrested on October 10 for promoting and supporting Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) from Selangor, Perak, Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia, reports Colombo Page. The LTTE has been listed by Malaysia as a terrorist organization since 2014.
Five more LTTE members arrested by Malaysia Police
Malaysia Police arrested five more citizens of Malaysia who are said to be followers and sympathizers of banned outfit Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, reports Colombo Page on October 13. The LTTE members were arrested over involvement in huge financial transactions to revive the defunct group. According to officials, there had been sufficient movement to activate and expand LTTE. Since last week, Malaysia Police have arrested 12 people from different locations.
Ex-LTTE cadre arrested with explosives in Trincomalee District
A former Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam cadre identified as Joseph Peter Robinson was arrested along with a T-56 rifle from Serunuwara area in Trincomalee District of Eastern Province in Sri Lanka on October 11, reports Colombo Page. After interrogating the arrestee, as reported in Island, Kilinochchi Police conducted search operation at the former’s home in Ambalkulam of Kilinochchi District at Northern Province. A huge stock of arms and ammunition were seized from the former LTTE cadre’s home in Kilinochchi. Three SFG 87 hand grenades, two Arges hand grenades, a small amount of C4, 62 9 -mm ammo, 9 7-mm ammo, one T-56 weapon, 154 T-56 live ammunition, one Long Range Semi-automatic Rifle, one magazine, two detonator cords, 62 different types of detonators, five MGM live ammo, one knife, a GPS, a Sony Camera, binoculars, a Laptop, a Dongle, an Antenna, a mobile phone, 4 tee-shirts with Prabhakaran’s picture and a black mask were recovered from the house. Both the wife and sister of the former LTTE cadre were arrested in this concern.
Two more claymore mines recovered from Jaffna District
Two claymore mines weighing 15kgs each was recovered from a compound at Kondavil in Jaffna District of Northern Province, reports Colombo Page on October 14. The claymore mines were recovered from the information extracted from arrestee ex-LTTE cadre Joseph Peter Robinson. Earlier, SATP has reported that Joseph was arrested on October 11 in Trincomalee District of Eastern Province. A huge haul of explosives was recovered on October 12 from his residence in Kilinochchi District of Northern Province. His wife and sister were arrested in this regard.
CaFFE calls for an enquiry into investigating the false rumour mongers disrupting national security
Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE), an election watchdog in Sri Lanka has requested the National Elections Commission (NEC) and the Security Forces to investigate the emerging false rumour mongering groups related to national security, reports Colombo Page on October 18. CaFFE stated that on October 16 rumours regarding bomb blasts emerged at three separate places causing a threat to national security. According to Police spokesman, SP Ruwan Gunasekara till date 5000 rumours disrupting national security has been in circulation.
INTERNATIONAL
‘Disinformation efforts now used in 70 countries’
Organised efforts to manipulate social media and public opinion are being carried out in at least 70 countries by government agencies and political parties, researchers said on Thursday, Sept 26.
A report by the Oxford Internet Institute found manipulation efforts have doubled over the past two years and are being used by both democratic and authoritarian governments. The study found Facebook remains “the platform of choice” for social media manipulation, with evidence seen in 56 countries. The researchers said “sophisticated state actors” from at least seven countries are working outside their borders on global foreign influence operations, using Facebook and Twitter. The report identified the countries as China, India, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.
“The manipulation of public opinion over social media remains a critical threat to democracy, as computational propaganda becomes a pervasive part of everyday life,” said Philip Howard, director of the British-based institute. “Although propaganda has always been a part of politics, the wide-ranging scope of these campaigns raises critical concerns for modern democracy.” The report highlights broad growth in social media manipulation since the 2016 US election and Brexit referendum where these techniques were first noted.
The researchers found evidence of organised social media manipulation campaigns in 70 countries in 2019, up from 48 in 2018 and 28 in 2017. “In each country, there is at least one political party or government agency using social media to shape public attitudes domestically,” the report said.
The Oxford researchers found politicians and political parties have been amassing fake followers or spreading manipulated media in 45 democracies. In 26 authoritarian states, government entities “have used computational propaganda as a tool of information control to suppress public opinion and press freedom, discredit criticism and oppositional voices, and drown out political dissent,” the researchers wrote.
Myanmar rebels kidnap over 40 cops in Rakhine
Ethnic Rakhine rebels took more than 40 police officers and soldiers hostage in a brazen raid on a ferry on Saturday, Oct 16 Myanmar’s military said, the latest flare-up in the restive western region.
The military has deployed thousands of troops to try to crush Arakan Army insurgents in the state, where the ethnic group is fighting for more autonomy for Rakhine Buddhists.
On Saturday morning rebels in concealed positions on a river bank shot at a ferry carrying off-duty police and soldiers north from the state capital, forcing it to dock, military spokesperson Zaw Min Tun said.
Erdogan says will clear ‘terrorists’ from Syria border
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday, Oct 26 that Turkey would “clear terrorists” on its border in northern Syria if Syrian Kurdish militia did not withdraw by the end of a deadline agreed with Russia. “If the terrorists are not cleared at the end of the 150 hours, we will take control and clean it ourselves,” Erdogan said during a speech in Istanbul, referring to the YPG militia which Turkey views as a “terrorist” offshoot of Kurdish PKK insurgents.
Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed a deal in the Black Sea resort of Sochi on Tuesday in which Moscow will “facilitate the removal” of the fighters and their weapons from within 30 kilometres (18 miles) of the border. The deadline ends at 6pm local time (1500 GMT) on Tuesday October 29.
Despite his threat, Erdogan said Turkey had “to a large extent” reached its goal in terms of setting up a “safe zone” to protect against attacks from the so-called Islamic State (IS) extremist group and the Kurdish YPG militia.
Turkey has repeatedly criticised American support to the YPG, who spearheaded the fight against IS under the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) banner.
For Ankara, the YPG is as dangerous as the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), blacklisted as a terror group by Turkey and its Western allies.
Houthis claim attacking Saudi border frontline, capturing troops
Yemen’s Houthi movement said on Saturday, Sept 29 it had carried out a major attack near the border with the southern Saudi region of Najran and captured many troops and vehicles, but there was no immediate confirmation from Saudi Arabian authorities.
The Houthis’ military spokesman said in a statement that three “enemy military brigades had fallen” in the attack, which he said was launched 72 hours ago and supported by the group’s drone, missile and air defence units. Houthi-run Al Masirah TV quoted the spokesman as saying the Iran-aligned movement had captured “thousands” of enemy troops, including many officers and soldiers of the Saudi army, as well as hundreds of armoured vehicles.
The spokesman for a Saudi-led military coalition that has been battling the Houthi group for over four years in Yemen did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Reuters could not independently verify the claim.
The violence could hamper United Nations’ efforts to ease tensions and pave the way for talks to end the war that has killed tens of thousands and pushed millions to the brink of famine in the long-impoverished Arabian Peninsula nation. The Muslim coalition, which receives arms and intelligence from Western countries, intervened in Yemen in March 2015 after the Houthis ousted the internationally recognised government from power in the capital Sanaa in 2014. A UN-brokered prisoner swap deal agreed between the Houthis and Yemen’s Saudi-backed government last December involving some 7,000 detainees on each side has yet to happen. “Operation ‘Victory from God’ is the largest military one since the brutal aggression began. The enemy suffered heavy losses and wide swathes of territory were liberated in only a few days,” Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdul-Salam tweeted.
20 countries at UN sign accord to fight fake news online
Twenty countries, including France, Britain and India, have signed an agreement at the UN that aims to stop the spread of fake news online (social media and other fake websites).
The signatories, which also included South Africa and Canada, committed to promoting “independently reported, diverse and reliable” information on the internet, under an accord initiated by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), a press freedom watchdog.
“The emergence of a global digital space is shaking up the world of information, bringing with it progress as well as risks,” said French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.
He added on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York that misinformation online, especially during election campaigns, “undermined trust in democratic institutions.”
The agreement underlines the responsibility of internet providers to promote trustworthy content and pluralism to escape the current “information chaos,” RSF said in a statement.
Egypt kills 15 ‘militants’ in North Sinai shootout: ministry
Egyptian security forces have killed 15 suspected militants in a shootout in restive north Sinai, the interior ministry said on Sunday, Sept 30.
A militant group was “planning hostile acts targeting military and police forces…in order to destabilise national security”, the ministry said in a statement. It did not name a specific group, but said “terrorist elements” had been hiding in a farm in El-Arish, the capital of North Sinai province.
When forces approached, “the militants shot live rounds forcing troops to deal with them (and) leading to 15 deaths”. Graphic pictures of the bodies of the alleged militants were sent along with the Sunday press release.
Authorities also said they found a small trove of stashed weapons including an explosive belt, several rifles and an explosive device. The ministry did not specify when the reported shootout took place, but Sunday’s announcement follows recent military operations in Sinai that authorities say killed 118 suspected militants.
Nine soldiers were killed and one wounded in those “counter-terrorism” operations, a military statement said on Friday. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi paid tribute to the dead personnel in a series of tweets late Friday, describing “terrorism” as a “cancer still trying to kidnap the nation”.
Destroying Israel ‘achievable goal’
The commander of Iran´s Revolutionary Guards said on Monday, Sept 1 that destroying arch-rival Israel was an “achievable goal”.
“This sinister regime must be wiped off the map and this is no longer. a dream (but) it is an achievable goal,” Major General Hossein Salami said, quoted by the Guards´ Sepah news site. Four decades on from Iran´s Islamic revolution, “we have managed to obtain the capacity to destroy the imposter Zionist regime”, he said.
Salami´s comments, while not unusual for Iranian officials, come amid particularly heightened international tensions over Iran´s nuclear programme and a series of incidents that have raised fears of a confrontation between Tehran and its other main regional rival, Riyadh.
The US, which withdrew from a landmark nuclear deal between Iran and world powers in 2018, has imposed a campaign of “maximum pressure” with vocal support from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Salami´s comments were given prominent coverage by the Tasnim and Fars news agencies, close to ultra-conservative political factions.
173 civilians killed by landmines in Syria this year
At least 173 civilians, including 41 children, have been killed in Syria by landmines and explosive remnants of war since the start of the year, a monitor said on Thursday, Oct 3.
Syria’s warring parties have all planted landmines in urban as well as rural areas since the conflict started in 2011. Across the country, more than 10 million people live in areas contaminated by explosive hazards, the United Nations says.
“Since early 2019, 173 civilians, including 41 children, have been killed by landmines and explosive remnants of war,” said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Of the victims, at least 40 have been killed while digging for truffles, the Britain-based monitor said.
“Every day civilians are losing their lives or being maimed for life due to landmines and unexploded ordnances,” said the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Three dead in attack on bus in central Mozambique
Gunmen on Thursday, Oct 3 attacked a bus, killing three people, in an area of central Mozambique that lies near a base of an armed group that opposes the country’s upcoming elections, vote monitors said.
“The attack took place in the Pungue region, bordering the Gorongosa district and Nhamatanda,” said the Centre for Public Integrity, a local anti-graft watchdog that has an electoral observation mission in the area.
The bus was travelling from northern Nampula city to the capital Maputo when it came under assault. The attack occurred near the base of the Junta Militar da Renamo, an armed breakaway faction of the Renamo rebel group. Militar da Renamo has refused to recognise Ossufo Momade, elected Renamo president last year after the death of veteran leader Afonso Dhlakama, and opposes upcoming elections on October 15. In August, Momade sealed a historic peace treaty with the government that paved the way to Renamo’s participation in the vote.
Turkey detains five Germans on terror charges
Turkish authorities have detained five Germans over alleged links to Kurdish militants, pro-Kurdish media reported.
The suspects were taken into custody on charges of spreading propaganda, the pro-Kurdish news agency Mezopotamya said late on Friday, Oct 4 and of belonging to an illegal organisation which was not named but is likely the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) The PKK is considered to be a terror group by Ankara, the United States and the European Union.
The five, who were detained this week, were being held in Ankara, the agency said.
It said the arrests were part of an investigation by the Ankara public prosecutor. His office would, however, not confirm the report when contacted by AFP. The PKK has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 during which tens of thousands of people have been killed.
The German foreign ministry meanwhile would only say that it was “aware of the cases” and that the embassy in Ankara was providing consular assistance.
The German interior ministry denied claims that information leading to the detention of the five was handed over to Turkish authorities during Interior Minister Horst Seehofer’s visit to Ankara this week.
However, a ministry spokesman would not rule out that such information could have been exchanged “as part of the routine cooperation between our security services”.
16 killed in Burkina Faso mosque attack
Sixteen people died and two were seriously injured in an attack on a mosque in Burkina Faso’s volatile north, security sources said on Saturday, Oct 5.
Armed men attacked the Grand Mosque in Salmossi on Friday evening, a source told AFP, adding that 13 died on the spot and three succumbed to their injuries later.
A resident from the nearby town of Gorom – Gorom confirmed the attack, saying Salmossi residents had fled their homes afterwards.
Until 2015, landlocked Burkina Faso was largely spared violence that hit Mali and then Niger, its neighbours to the north.
But Jihadists some linked to al-Qaeda, others to the so-called Islamic State group started infiltrating the north, then the east, and then endangered its southern and western borders.
UAE hands over Saudi positions in Yemen to ease tensions
The UAE on Monday, Oct 14 handed over to Saudi forces key positions in Yemen’s southern city of Aden in a bid to defuse tensions between separatists and the government, a security official said. The United Arab Emirates has trained and supported forces of the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC), which seeks an independent southern Yemen, despite being a key pillar in a Saudi-led military coalition backing the government against Iran-aligned Huthi rebels.
Yemen’s internationally recognised government and the STC have been holding indirect negotiations in Saudi Arabia aimed at reaching a power-sharing agreement, after clashes that erupted earlier this year.
The STC security force said the UAE “has withdrawn” from Al-Anad airbase, Yemen’s largest located north of Aden, the southern city’s international airport and a port “and handed them over to Saudi troops”.
The pullback is apparently aimed at facilitating the deal being thrashed out between the government and the separatists. Clashes in August between the secessionists and loyalists who for years fought on the same side against the Huthis have raised fears that the war-torn country could break apart entirely.
The Yemeni government accused the UAE of launching air strikes against its troops in Aden, while the Emirates said it was acting in self-defence against “terrorist militias” threatening the Saudi-led coalition.
Haftar’s forces strike mly sites in Misrata
Forces of east-Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar said Friday, Oct 18 they launched air strikes on military sites in Misrata, an area controlled by forces loyal to the UN-recognised Government of National Accord.
The city of Misrata is 200 kilometres (120 miles) east of the Libyan capital, and the source of the main armed groups supporting the Tripoli-based GNA in the months-long conflict with Haftar’s forces.
“Air forces hit facilities in Misrata that militias and terrorist groups are using to stock Turkish anti-aircraft equipment and weapons,” pro-Haftar forces spokesman Ahmad al-Mismari said on Facebook.
“The strikes triggered a series of major explosions when rockets and munitions were hit,” he added. Pro-GNA forces reported downing a drone belonging to pro-Haftar forces over Misrata, publishing photos of a charred device they said was a drone downed after it dropped ordnance on targets in Misrata.
Unverified videos circulated on social media that appeared to show a surface-to-air missile hitting an aircraft over Misrata. The GNA is recognised by the United Nations but is contested by a parallel administration in the east, backed by Haftar.
Experts say that Haftar has procured Chinese-made Wing Loong drones from his main backer, the United Arab Emirates. His rivals turned to Ankara, which is increasingly open about its support for the GNA, to equip themselves with Turkish Bayraktar drones.
Qatar defends Turkey: UK suspends arms exports to Ankara
Britain on Tuesday, Oct 15 said it was suspending military exports to Turkey following its incursion into northeastern Syria, as it carries out a review of arms sales to its Nato ally.
“We will keep our defence exports to Turkey under very careful and continual review,” Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement to parliament. “No further export licences to Turkey for items which might be used in military operations in Syria will be granted while we conduct that review.”
Ankara’s assault against Kurdish forces launched last week has prompted a chorus of international condemnation. Raab said it had “seriously undermined the security and stability of the region”.
“This is not the action we expected from an ally, it is reckless, counterproductive, it plays straight into the hands of Russia and the Assad regime,” he told lawmakers. Britain’s arms sales suspension follows similar moves by key European and Nato allies, including Germany one of Turkey’s main arms suppliers and France.
Meanwhile, Qatar defended its close ally Turkey’s controversial operation against Kurdish forces in northern Syria on Tuesday, saying Ankara had acted against an “imminent threat”. Turkey has helped Qatar weather the effects of a two-year regional economic embargo led by Riyadh over claims of support for Iran and Islamist extremism, denied by Doha.
Chinese billionaire claims Australia ‘deep state’ plot
A Chinese billionaire banished from Australia on suspicion of political interference claimed on Wednesday, Oct 23 that “dark forces” from within the “deep state” were behind a multi-million dollar tax claim against him.
Prolific political donor Huang Xiangmo is embroiled in a series of scandals relating to undeclared earnings and millions of dollars he gave to politicians from Australia’s two major parties.
The property developer was barred from the country earlier this year and a court has since frozen his assets as the Australian Tax Office (ATO) pursues him for an Aus$140 million (US$95 million) tax bill.
“The ATO is believed to be a professional government agency with some integrity but it really pains and saddens me that it has now surrendered itself to the pressure of some unknown dark forces,” Huang said in a statement. The billionaire labelled the tax authority “a tool for political persecution against me”, but provided no evidence to support his claims. Solicitors Unsworth Legal, who have been representing Huang, also refused to comment.
Eight dead in renewed Iraq protests
Eight demonstrators died in renewed rallies across Iraq’s capital and the south on Friday, Oct 25 with the first reported use of live rounds in this wave of protests.
The demonstrations were the second phase of a week-long movement in early October demanding an end to widespread corruption, unemployment and an overhaul of the political system.
Activists urged Iraqis to return to the streets on Friday, which marks a year since Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi came to power. But the rallies began early, with hundreds already gathering in the capital’s iconic Tahrir (Liberation) Square on Thursday evening.
On Friday, many crossed the bridge to mass near Baghdad’s Green Zone, which hosts government offices and foreign embassies, but security forces used a volley of tear gas to push them back.
In the southern city of Nasiriyah, however, medical and police sources told AFP that five protesters were shot dead and another 18 were wounded. Thousands had gathered there in the afternoon, setting fire to the government’s provincial headquarters.
An eighth protester died of burns sustained when demonstrators set fire to several political party offices in another southern town. “We’re not hungry we want dignity!” a protester shouted in Baghdad on Friday morning, while another lashed out at “the so-called representatives of the people who have monopolised all the resources”.
Current Threat Levels:
City/Region Threat Level
Islamabad Level 2 **
Karachi Level 2 **
Lahore Level 2 **
Punjab Level 2 **
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Level 3 ***
Peshawar Level 2 **
Quetta Level 2 ***
Upper Balochistan Level 3 ***
Lower Balochistan Level 2 **
Upper / Rural Sindh Level 2 **
Gilgit and Northern areas Level 3 ***
Tribal areas, close to Afghan border Level 3 ***
Index to Threat Level References
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.
