Suicide Bombings
The security forces on Sunday, Feb 06 killed a suicide bomber during an Intelligence Based Operation conducted near Dial road, Tank, on confirmed intelligence reports of presence of TTP terrorists. The operation is continuing to eliminate terrorist abettors and accomplices, said an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) media release.
Bomb/IED Attacks
Four people were killed and 10 others injured in a landmine blast in Mat area of Dera Bugti District in Balochistan Province on January 28, reports Daily Times. According to officials at the Levies Control Room, the victims were passing by when their vehicle drove over a landmine. Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) leader Sarfaraz Bugti claimed that Baloch Republican Army terrorists were behind the attack. He questioned how long the state would continue to tolerate such attacks on innocent people.
At least 16 persons were injured in an explosion at a thoroughfare at Sohbatpur Chowk in Jaffarabad District on January 30, reports ARY News. According to Police it was a hand grenade attack.
At least one person was killed and five others injured on February 8 when unidentified assailants hurled a hand grenade at a bus stand in Dera Murad Jamali town (Dera Murad Jamali District), reports The Express Tribune.
On February 19, unidentified militants hurled two grenades injuring three policemen inside the Phandu Police Station on the outskirts of Peshawar, reports Dawn.
Targetted Killings
Two brothers who were kidnapped from the Daznab area of Panjgur District were found shot dead on January 26 in the Panchi Kalg area of the District, reports Dawn. Police said that the deceased Mohammad Sameer and Mohammad Zameer were shot at close range.
Gunmen killed Awami National Party (ANP) leader Malik Shah Khalid Khan and his cousin in a car attack in Bajaur District on January 28, reports Dawn. Malik Shah and Malik Samiullah, a PTI activist, were ambushed on Khar-Mardan Highway in Yousafabad area when they’re returning to their native Mata Shah area in a car after attending a case hearing at the Khar District courts, the family and party sources told. They said the two suffered critical wounds in the gun attack and died on the spot.
One Christian pastor was killed while another sustained injury in a gun attack near Madina Market within the jurisdiction of Gulbahar Police Station in Peshawar on January 30, reports The Express Tribune.
One Police Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) was killed and two other Policemen sustained injuries after unidentified assailants opened fire on them at a check-post within the remits of Jalozai Police Station in Nowshera District KP) on February 3, reports The Nation. According to Police, the Policemen were standing at a check-post where unidentified men opened fire on them.
Separately, Security Forces (SFs) on February 3 recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition and improvised explosive devices during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Ghulam Khan Khel area of North Waziristan District, reports Geo News.
Miscellaneous
A terrorist was killed on January 26 after security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Spinwam, reports Daily Times. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a terrorist identified as Saddam was killed during an intense exchange of fire.
10 Army soldiers were killed after terrorists attacked a security forces’ check post in Kech District in the intervening night of January 25-26, reports Daily Times. A statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said “During intense exchange of fire, one terrorist was killed and several injured. While repulsing terrorists’ fire raid, 10 soldiers embraced martyrdom.” It added that three terrorists had been apprehended in the follow-up clearance operation, which it said was still in progress to hunt down the perpetrators of the incident.
A security guard was killed and a supervisor was kidnapped in a terrorist attack on the installation of an oil exploration company in Hangu District on January 26, reports Dawn. Saadat Khan, a senior Police official, told that a nearby residential colony and several solar plates were damaged in the gun attack on MOL Pakistan’s installation.
Three militants were killed by Security Forces (SFs) during a search operation in the Balgatar area of Kech District on February 4, reports Dawn.
Separately, six people, including two Levies personnel were injured after unidentified militants threw a grenade at a Levies checkpost at Roghani Road area of Chaman town in Killa Abdullah District on February 4, reports Dawn.
Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on February 4 carried out an operation based on a tip off and arrested two Islamic State terrorists in Khanewal District reports The Nation. Explosives, weapons and a cache of ammunition recovered from the possession of arrested terrorists.
Security Forces killed two terrorists in Datta Khel area of North Waziristan District, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on February 5, reports The News International. The military’s media wing said terrorist Asmatullah alias Hafiz along with another terrorist, were killed during an exchange of fire as the security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO). A huge cache of weapons and ammunition was also recovered from the killed terrorists which include submachine guns, hand grenades and a multiple caliber rounds.
Security Forces (SFs) on February 6 killed a TTP “suicide bomber” during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Tank District, reports Samma TV. According to the ISPR, the operation was conducted on a tipoff and a search and clearing operation was launched in the area.
Meanwhile, SFs on February 5 arrested one TTP terrorist Allah Noor during an IBO in Sarwakai village of South Waziristan District, reports The Nation. According to ISPR, the TTP terrorist was trying to escape an Intelligence Based Operation. “Huge cache of arms, ammunition, explosives, IEDs, Mortars, grenade and communication equipment recovered from the terrorist hideout,” ISPR statement added.
Further, SFs recovered M-16 Rifles and Ammo at Makeen area of South Waziristan District, reports The Nation.
Security Forces (SFs) on February 13 killed two terrorists in a security operation in Chaman town of Killa Abdullah District, reports The Nation. Arms and ammunition, four suicide jackets, three kilograms of explosives, three Prima cards, 10 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and a hand grenade were recovered during operation.
Security Forces (SFs) on February 16 killed six terrorists during an exchange of fire in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Buleda area of Kech District, reports Geo TV. A cache of arms and ammunition were recovered from the terrorist hideout.
A terror bid was foiled by Security Forces (SFs) at university chowk of Sariab Road in Quetta as they defused an improvised explosive device (IED) planted in a vehicle parked on February 17, reports ARY News. The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) spokesperson said terrorists planned to blow up the vehicle of a traffic Police Sub-Inspector (SI) with a magnetic remote control IED weighing one kilogram. The SI was on duty at University Chowk while his car was parked in the parking lot of Balochistan University. Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) personnel defused the IED.
Five terrorists and one soldier were during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted by the Security Forces in North Waziristan on February 20, reports Geo News. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said SFs had launched the operation after receiving reports related to the presence of terrorists in the area.
Ten terrorists were killed on February 23 after Security Forces (SFs) conducted an operation based on information regarding the presence of the terrorists’ camp and hideout in Hoshab area of Kech District, reports Dawn. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said “once the troops started cordoning [off] the area, [the] terrorists tried to flee their hideout and opened indiscriminate fire whereby a heavy exchange of fire ensued”. 10 terrorists, including Commander Master Asif alias Mukesh, were killed in the exchange of fire, adding that the militants were involved in recent firing incidents and attacks on SFs in Turbat and Pasni. “In addition, a huge cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered which was planned for use against security forces,” the ISPR statement added.
PAKISTAN
Afghan soil still being used against Pakistan, says NSA Moeed Yusuf
National Security Adviser (NSA) Moeed Yusuf on January 27 said that Afghan soil was still being used against Pakistan, adding that organised terrorist networks were operating in the neighbouring country, reports Daily Times. Yusuf expressed the views while briefing the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs on the internal and external security situation.
Number of causalities increased while militant attacks declined slightly in January, says PICSS report
According to Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) report, the first month of the year 2022 could not see any improvement in the security situation of the country as the number of causalities increased despite a slight decrease in the attacks, Dawn reported on February 2. According to statistics released by Islamabad-based independent think-tank, PICSS, the number of violent attacks decreased from 28 to 24 during the month, the deaths and injuries rate increased by 15 per cent and 37 percent, respectively, compared to December 2021. The report claimed that militants had carried out 28 attacks across the country in December 2021 in which 36 people were killed, including 13 security forces personnel, while 47 people were injured, including 37 civilians. In January, the militants carried out 24 attacks in which 42 people were killed 22 security forces personnel,16 civilians and four militants and 79 others were injured, including 62 civilians.
In January 2022, the majority of the attacks took place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) followed by Balochistan and erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). PICSS recorded 12 militant attacks in KP in which 15 people were killed, including five Security Forces (SFs) personnel and nine civilians, while seven people were injured including four SF personnel. In Balochistan, militants carried out six attacks in which 17 people were killed 14 SF personnel and two civilians while 32 people got injured of which 26 were civilians and six were SF personnel.
In the erstwhile FATA, four militant attacks were witnessed in which two civilians and two security forces personnel were killed. In Punjab, only one attack took place in which three people were killed, including one security forces personnel, and 33 civilians were injured. In Sindh, no militant attack took place. One militant attack was reported in Islamabad in which three people were killed, including one SF personnel. Meanwhile, SFs arrested three suspected militants and killed four militants in Balochistan.
TTP demands are unacceptable, says Federal Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid
Federal Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid on February 2 once again denied any negotiations with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), reports Samaa TV. While talking with journalists in Islamabad, he said the TTP has now been making demands that no elected Government can fulfill. An alert has been issued to all chief secretaries and Inspectors General of Police to stay vigilant and ensure law and order. They have been asked to take all measures due to security concerns.
13 terrorists and five SF personnel killed in two separate clashes in Panjgur and Nushki Districts of Balochistan
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on February 3 that Security Forces had killed 13 terrorists while five Security Force (SF) personnel were also killed in separate clashes in Panjgur and Nushki Districts of Balochistan, reports Dawn. Terrorists had attempted to attack Security Forces’ camps in Panjgur and Nushki in two separate attacks late on February 2-evening. The attacks had been “successfully repulsed” while dealing heavy damage to the terrorists, although one soldier was martyred in the Panjgur attack. Earlier, South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP) quoting media sources reported four Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) terrorists were killed in Nushki and one soldier killed in Panjgur clashes on February 2. In an update statement on February 3, the ISPR said that Security Forces (SFs) had killed 13 terrorists in Panjgur and Nushki areas.
IEA denies claims of Pakistan’s Interior Minister that TTP is using leftover NATO weapons
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) denied the claim made by Pakistan’s Interior Minister that Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was using modern military equipment against the Pakistani military that was left over from North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)’s presence in Afghanistan, reports Tolo News. Pakistan Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad said, “They (TTP) use military equipment remaining from NATO forces. In my opinion, the Afghan Taliban made a large effort to dissuade the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), but they don’t understand. They are settled in Kunar, Nangarhar, Nuristan, Paktia and Khost provinces, which are along the (Durand Line), and they launch attacks against Pakistan. The attacks have increased.” The IEA also denies the presence of any group, including the TTP, on Afghan soil, saying that the Afghan territory will not be used against any country.
TTP still active with up to 5,000 fighters, says UNSC report
The United Nation Security Council (UNSC) Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team report of February 9 said that Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) still has between 3,000 and 5,000 fighters in Afghanistan, reports Dawn. The report also warns that a Taliban-run “Afghanistan has the potential to become a safe haven for Al Qaeda and a number of terror groups with ties to the Central Asia region and beyond”. The 29th report of the UN Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team deals with a wide range of terrorist groups active in South Asia and beyond and covers the events that happened between June and December 2021. Report claims family members of TTP fighters in Afghanistan wished to resettle in Pakistan under assurances to reintegrate.
Pakistan cannot unilaterally recognize Taliban Government, says Prime Minister Imran Khan
On February 15, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, in an interview, said that Taliban’s recognition must be a ‘collective process’, and Pakistan unilaterally cannot recognize them, reports Aamaj News. “If Pakistan were the first to grant recognition of Taliban, the international pressure will become too much for us as we try to turn our economy around,” Imran Khan said. PM Imran Khan added that Afghans are proud people, and nobody can force them to a certain way. When he was asked whether he can trust Taliban or not? He replied, “Yes, the Taliban were able to restore security when they took over in the 1990s.” Imran Khan emphasized if terrorists operate from the Afghan soil, the Taliban will suffer. PM Imran Khan further said that Pakistan does not want international terrorism to operate from Afghanistan, but this can only be done with the help of the Taliban government.
Afghanistan – Internal Dynamics
UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Deborah Lyons expresses concern over missing women activists
On January 26, the United Nation’s (UN) Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Deborah Lyons said that “we remain extremely concerned about the fate of several women activists who were abducted from their homes and have disappeared,” reports Tolo News. She also called on the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) to make an investigation into such cases. Two women activists, Tamana Zaryabi Paryani and Parawana Ibrahimkhel have gone missing. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for the release of these two female activists.
‘The probability that Taliban face large-scale resistance in spring is not ruled out’, says Russian special envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov
Russian special presidential envoy for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, said the probability that Taliban face large-scale resistance in spring is not ruled out, reports Aamaj News on January 31. “Such a probability does exist, unfortunately,” the Russian diplomat said, replying to a question about the likelihood that disarrayed inter-ethnic protests in Afghanistan might turn into large-scale resistance to the Taliban after the winter was over.
Osama bin Laden’s son, Abdullah, visited Afghanistan in October, 2021 and held meetings with Taliban, says UN report
Osama bin Laden’s son, Abdullah, visited Afghanistan in October, 2021 for meetings with the Taliban, according to the latest UN Security Council report on activities of the Islamic State and al-Qaeda and their affiliates, Hindustan Times reports on February 5. “One Member State reported that Bin Laden’s son, Abdullah (not listed), visited Afghanistan in October for meetings with the Taliban. [Current al-Qaeda chief] Aiman al-Zawahiri was reported alive as recently as January 2021, but Member States continue to believe that he is in poor health,” the report said. Al Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), which is led by Osama Mehmood and his ‘deputy’ Atif Yahya Ghouri, “retains a presence in Afghanistan, in the Provinces of Ghazni, Helmand, Kandahar, Nimruz, Paktika and Zabul, where the group fought alongside the Taliban” against the ousted government of Ashraf Ghani. AQIS is estimated to have between 200 and 400 fighters, mainly from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar and Pakistan, the report said.
CENTCOM chief General Kenneth McKenzie expresses concerns about Daesh in Afghanistan
United States Central Command (CENTCOM) chief General Kenneth McKenzie expressed concerns about Daesh (Arabic acronym of Islamic State)’s unit active in Afghanistan, saying the US is still “sorting out what is going to happen” since the Islamic Emirate came into power, reports Tolo News on February 17. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie said, “ISIS [Islamic State in Iraq and Syria) concerns us in Afghanistan,” Gen. McKenzie further said, “ We know that the Taliban are no friends, particularly of ISIS and in fact over the past couple of years, they have occasionally under-taken operations against ISIS. I think… what we see developing in Afghanistan is ungoverned and under-governed spaces which are areas were ISIS traditionally flourished and I think there is a risk, we know that ISIS does in fact have a desire to carry out external attacks—attacks against the United States the homeland of the United States and attacks against the homeland of our neighbors in Europe and other places. So, I am concerned by what is happening in Afghanistan.”
UK’s MI5 warns of ‘terrorist’ networks re-forming in Afghanistan
The head of the UK’s MI5, Ken McCallum, expressed concerns over the re-forming of “terrorist infrastructure and networks” in Afghanistan and warned that terror groups may be able to reconstitute in Afghanistan and plan sophisticated attacks against the UK, reports Tolo News on February 23. However, the Islamic Emirate has repeatedly denied the presence of foreign terrorist groups in Afghanistan, saying that it will not allow the Afghan soil to be used against any country. McCallum stating that Afghanistan could possibly become a “magnet for British extremists in a similar way to Syria,” he said, “Clearly we have seen some people interested in traveling to Afghanistan in pursuit of some of those goals.” He further said, “We have seen the beginnings of some travel attempts and so with our partners we remain very vigilant.”
Bangladesh – Internal Dynamics
BNP-JeI appointed eight lobbyist firms in US to stop development assistance, says Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen while delivering his statement in the Parliament on January 26 said that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) had appointed eight lobbyist firms so that the US stops providing aid and development assistance to Bangladesh, reports The Daily Star. Momen said that the Government has also proof that BNP, through appointing lobbyists, was involved in imposing US sanctions on Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and appealed to the United Nations Department of Peace Operations to ban the force from UN deployment.
Ansar al-Islam cadre arrested in Sylhet District
Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on January 27 arrested a cadre of the banned militant outfit Ansar-al-Islam in Sylhet District, reports Dhaka Tribune. The arrestee is identified as Kazi Bappi Ahmed (35), who also goes by the alias Tareq Bin Zia. A house in the Sylhet city’s Kalbakhani neighbourhood was raided on a tip-off by a team of Sylhet-based RAB and arrested him. A cache of Jihadist literature was recovered from possession of the suspected militant.
Four persons killed during exchange of fire in Bandarban District
An Army personnel and three members of Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma aka Santu Larma faction of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS-Santu Larma) were killed during an exchange of fire in Ruma upazila of Bandarban District on February 2, reports The Daily Star. The deceased Army personnel was identified as Habib ur Rahman, a senior warrant officer. He was shot in the head, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a press release. The identity of the three other deceased could not be known but ISPR said they were armed criminals belonging to the PCJSS-Santu Larma. The Army team recovered an SMG, 249 bullets, three guns, five bullets of the guns, four uniforms and BDT 52,900.
Use of DSA against Bangladeshi rights activists politically motivated, says Front Line Defenders
Ireland-based human rights watchdog Front Line Defenders in a report launched on February 8 from Dublin has alleged that the Bangladeshi human rights defenders face criminalization with far-reaching consequences as a result of the broad and politically-motivated use of the Digital Security Act (DSA) since it came into force in 2018, reports New Age. The report by Front Line Defenders, Digital Security Act: A Hanging Sword on Human Rights Defenders in Bangladesh, documents cases of eight Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) charged under the DSA, and how they suffered numerous violations of due process, economic difficulties as a result of lost income and jobs, and social stigmatization and harassment. It also alleged that the rights defenders’ family members also suffered in various ways, while they were all forced to significantly curtail their human rights work.
US sanctions have stopped BD killings
From Russia to North Korea to Zimbabwe, the impact of diplomatic sanctions has long been questioned. But Bangladeshi activists have no doubts: extrajudicial killings have suddenly stopped since punitive US measures were imposed two months ago, they say.
Around 2,500 Bangladeshis have allegedly been killed by security forces since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina came to power in 2009, according to rights group Odhikar, which maintains detailed records, with hundreds more enforced disappearances.
It has tallied nearly 1,200 such deaths in the last four years, or an average of 25 per month.
But since Washington on December 10 imposed sweeping Magnitsky Act sanctions against the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) elite security force including seven of its top officers, killings have totalled zero, it says.
“I wish this sanction was slapped a lot earlier,” said Afroza Islam Akhi, whose brother vanished eight years ago. “A lot of lives would have been saved.”
Akhi is now a coordinator for Mayer Daak, which represents hundreds of families of victims of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
The RAB was set up in 2004 to tackle Marxist insurgents and Islamist extremism as well as curb human trafficking goals it pursued mercilessly and officials say effectively.
More recently its targets have largely been alleged criminals and drug dealers, with authorities insisting that deaths have only occurred during exchanges of fire in legitimate law enforcement operations.
But critics say political opponents have also died at the hands of security forces and that gunfights are staged to deny the victims due legal process.
DSA cases are filed mostly out of political motivation, says CGS
Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) on February 17 said that Digital Security Act (DSA)cases are filed mostly out of political motivation, reports The Daily Star. Politicians, lawyers, journalists and academics in a webinar hosted by CGS criticised the Government for targeting dissenters and journalists with DSA and said that the law was being enforced to prolong a non-transparent governing system in the country. Most of the discussants said that the law needed a review while Supreme Court (SC) lawyer Jyotirmoy Barua said the law must be repealed to uphold people’s fundamental rights. CGS organised the webinar titled ‘Digital Security Act 2018: Who are the Real Victims’. A study by the CGS of the cases filed by the victims revealed that an overwhelming majority of people were not directly affected by the alleged crime. At least 80 per cent of accusers are affiliated with the ruling political party, revealed the study.
Two persons arrested under DSA in Satkhira District
Two persons, including a journalist, were arrested on February 17 under the Digital Security Act (DSA) for posting alleged provocative statements against the Government and Police on Facebook in Patkelghata of Satkhira District, reports New Age. The arrested were identified as Patkelghata Press Club president Jahurul Haque (45), a correspondent of the daily Bhorer Paata and Abdur Rahman, a resident of Patkelghata Palli Bidyut Samiti area. The process of sending the arrested to jail through the court was underway, said Golam Kabir, officer-in-charge of the Satkhira Sadar Police Station.
India – Internal Dynamics
NIA files charges against ex-Cong MLA’s kin, others in Islamic State conspiracy case
On January 29, National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a in the ISIS recruitment conspiracy case in naming the relative of former Karnataka Congress MLA, late B M Idinabba along with 7 others, reports The Indian Express. NIA filed the charge sheet against Mundadiguttu Sadananda Marla Deepthi Marlah alias Maryam, Ammar Abdul Rahiman, Mohd. Waqar Lone, Mizha Siddeeque, Shifa Haris, Obaid Hamid Matta, Madesh Shankar and Muzamil Hassan Bhat. Deepthi Marlah’s husband Anas Abdul Rahiman is son of B M Basha, whose father Idinabba was a former Congress MLA. Idinabba died in 2009. Ammar Rahiman is Anas’s brother. Earlier, on January 3, NIA raided the residence of BM Bashaat at Mastikatte village near Mangaluru in Uttar Kannad District of Karnataka and arrested Deepthi for alleged links to the terrorist organization Islamic State (IS). Several documents were also seized. According to NIA, “Investigation has revealed that all eight accused charge sheeted today are affiliated with ISIS and were involved in radicalising, recruiting, organising terror funds and grooming like-minded gullible Muslim youth through different secured social media platforms to perform Hijrat to ISIS-controlled territory for joining ISIS”. During the investigation, “it has been revealed that after the decline of ISIS Caliphate in Syria/ Iraq, Deepthi Marla and Mohd. Ameen had visited Kashmir in January and March 2020 for Hijrah (religious migration) and for engaging in terrorist acts and supporting the activities of ISIS”.
42 terror outfits banned under UAPA, states Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai
A total of 42 terror outfits have been banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and 13 organisations declared unlawful associations, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai, in a written reply to a question by Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament) member stated on February 2, reports indileak.com. He also said law enforcement agencies of the Centre and the states keep continuous watch on the activities of all such organisations and individuals and take action against them as per the law.
IED blast in Meghalaya
On January 30, an improvised explosive device (IED) blast occurred in front of a liquor store adjacent to Delhi Mistan Bhandar in Police Bazaar of Khyndai Lad in Shillong at East Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya, reports The Shillong Times. Though no casualty was reported, yet the front portions of a mobile phone store and wine shop was damaged. According to Police sources, gelatine and wires were found at the blast spot, indicating a crude explosive device. Strongly condemning the blast, Chief Minister (CM) Conrad K. Sangma, “This cowardly act is an attempt to disrupt peace and bring harm. Perpetrators will not be spared and we will ensure peace prevails in the state.” Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui in Twitter said that the suspects have been identified. This is the third blast to have rocked the state in the last six months. Earlier, on August 10 and July 14 of 2021, IED blasts took place Laitumkhrah Market of Shillong and Khliehriat in East Jaintia Hills respectively. Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) had claimed responsibility for both the blasts.
Four CRPF personnel injured in IED blast in Chhattisgarh
Four personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were injured in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast triggered by Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadres on the Murkinar road under the Modakpal Police Station limits in Bijapur District of Chhattisgarh on February 8, reports timesnownews.com. When a team of CRPF’s 153rd battalion from Chinnakodepal camp was out on an area domination operation, and was cordoning off the forest along Murkinar road, located around 450 kilometres away from State capital Raipur, the Maoists detonated the IED in which four personnel sustained injuries.
Monthly Fatalities:
The following casualties, related to ongoing insurgencies and acts of terrorism occurred during the period January 26, 2021 to February 25, 2021:
| Civilian | Indian Security Personnel | Militant | Total | |
| Manipur | 02 | 00 | 02 | 04 |
| Left Wing | 08 | 01 | 05 | 14 |
| Total | 10 | 01 | 07 | 18 |
Nepal – Internal Dynamics
Street protest a must to break five-party syndicate, says CPN-UML Standing Committee member Prabhu Sah
Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML) Standing Committee member Prabhu Sah on January 29 said that street protest a must to break five-party syndicate, reports The Himalayan Times. Sah said that the opposition party had no choice but to hit the streets to salvage the country from the five-party alliance’s syndicate. He accused the five-party alliance’s leaders of plundering state coffers and looting the national treasury in an institutionalised way. “The government formed from the verdict of the Supreme Court is escalating corruption and loot in the country,” Sah reiterated. He expressed concern about the rising inflation and hardship faced by the farmers and backward people. Sah charged that the Government had breached the law and was conspiring to postpone the local level polls. He argued that agitation was the only one right alternative to bring politics back on track. He directed the party rank and file to prepare for the protest against the five-party alliance and its conspiracy.
Eight suspected uranium smugglers arrested in Kathmandu city
Police on February 15 arrested eight people from Bouddha area of Kathmandu city on the suspicion of smuggling around three kilograms of uranium, a radioactive element, reports The Himalayan Times. A high-level Police source said the Special Police Force, along with Metropolitan Police Circle, Bouddha, acting upon a tip-off, arrested them from the premises of Hyatt Regency Hotel in Bouddha. The Police said a ‘uranium-like’ substance was found inside a Hyundai car at the parking lot of Hyatt Hotel. The extremely expensive material, which is used as nuclear fuel to generate electricity was carefully packed inside a black leather bag and hidden beneath the seat of the car. The uranium 235 is mostly used in nuclear weapons and to produce electricity.
16 SF personnel and several protestors injured in Kathmandu city
16 Security Forces (SF) personnel and scores of protestors were injured when riot Police fired 30 rounds of rubber bullets and 115 rounds of tear gas to disperse an angry mob of protesters gathered around Baneshwor area of Kathmandu city against the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) on February 20, reports The Himalayan Times. The area between New Baneshwor and Bijulibazar remained tense throughout the day after irate protestors pelted stones and bricks at SF personnel, who were deployed in large numbers. As the scenario started getting worse, riot Police deployed heavy force to disperse the mass.
Sri Lanka – Internal Dynamics
Sri Lankan Government must repeal PTA, says ICJ
International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) on February 1 said that the Sri Lankan Government must repeal the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) as a new set of proposed reforms are woefully inadequate and overlook the most egregious provisions of the legislation, reports ICJ. Sri Lanka’s Government gazetted amendments to the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act No. 48 of 1979 (PTA) on January 27. Ian Seiderman, ICJ’s Legal and Policy Director said “The Government of Sri Lanka is once again scrambling to do its bare minimum ahead of another UN Human Rights Council session, in an attempt to deflect focus away from its failing human rights record. The fatally flawed PTA cannot be cured by these disingenuous reform attempts, but must be entirely repealed.” Sri Lanka’s human rights record will be discussed by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on March 3 in response to a report of the UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights.
Tamil Nadu Police busts gang raising funds for LTTE
The Tamil Nadu Police have blown the lid off an international network of former members or sympathisers of the defunct Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) allegedly involved in raising funds for reviving the movement, reports The Hindu on January 27. Mary Francisco (51), a Sri Lankan national, who was detained by the immigration authorities in Chennai recently and handed over to the ‘Q’ Branch-CID of the State Police, revealed how the accused persons operating from European countries deployed operatives to draw huge money from dormant accounts using fake identities/ documents. She was intercepted at the Chennai Airport as she was preparing to board a plane to Mumbai. The suspect was found to possess an Indian passport obtained with fake documents.
Journalists hold protest in Jaffna District
Journalists a held a protest in Jaffna District on January 31 to mark ‘Black January’ and to demand investigations into the numerous assassinations and disappearances of media workers on the island, reports Tamil Guardian. Protesters hoisted black flags as they drew attention to the lack of impartial investigations into the murders and attacks on journalists. “All the murdered journalists in Sri Lanka were assassinated for the sole reason that they were trying to uncover the truth and defend Sri Lanka’s democracy. But so far no one has been able to bring justice to the families of any of these murdered journalists” their joint statement read.
Tamils hoist black flags in Northern Province
Tamil families of the disappeared marked Sri Lanka’s 74th Independence Day by hoisting black flags as they protested in Jaffna city of Jaffna District on February 4, reports Tamil Guardian. The protesters called for an international inquiry into the Tamil genocide, justice for the families of the disappeared, the unconditional release of political prisoners and for the removal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
Catholic National Committee slams apathetic approach of PCoI on Easter Attacks
The Catholic National Committee for Justice to Easter Sunday Attack Victims on February 20 launched a scathing attack on the manner in which investigations are taking place into the attacks up till present and slammed the apathetic and complete lackadaisical approach being demonstrated towards the implementation of the recommendations made in the final report of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) on the Easter Attacks, reports Ada Derana. Issuing a statement, the committee said that a total of 1,035 days have already lapsed since the brutal and ruthless Easter Sunday attacks had been carried out on April 21, 2019, which cost 270 lives and had altogether caused injuries for over 500 people.
INTERNATIONAL
Rockets target Baghdad airport
Six rockets were fired on Friday, Jan 28 at the Iraqi capital’s airport, causing damage but no casualties, security sources said, the latest in a string of attacks the US blames on Iran-linked militias.
The rockets hit Baghdad International Airport’s runways or parking areas, a source at the interior ministry said, noting that a “civilian plane has been hit and damaged”. The attack was not immediately claimed.
Over 330 killed since IS attacked Syrian prison
More than 330 people have been killed in heavy fighting since the Islamic State group militants first attacked a prison in northeast Syria, a war monitor said on Sunday, Jan 30.
The death toll in fierce clashes since then rose to 332 as the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) found over 50 more bodies overnight in prison buildings and nearby areas, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The Britain-based group, which relies on a network of sources inside Syria, said that 246 jihadists, 79 Kurdish fighters and seven civilian had been killed so far in the IS assault and battles since. “The newly discovered bodies were inside and outside the prison,” Rami Abdel Rahman, who heads the Observatory, told AFP.
UAE intercepts Yemen rebel missile as Israeli president visits
The United Arab Emirates shot down a ballistic missile fired by Yemen’s Huthi rebels during a visit by Israel’s president on Monday, Jan 31 the latest attack to rattle the Middle East financial hub. Nobody was hurt in the early-hours attack, the third in consecutive weeks on the wealthy Gulf nation that is part of the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Iran-backed rebels. “Air defence forces intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the Huthi terrorist group at the UAE,” the defence ministry said, according to the official WAM news agency.
It said fragments of debris fell “outside” populated areas, without giving further details. The ministry said it responded by destroying the missile launch site in Yemen’s northern Al-Jawf region, releasing black-and-white footage of the explosion.
The latest rebel missile was fired as Isaac Herzog makes the first visit to the UAE by an Israeli president, after the countries established diplomatic ties under the 2020 Abraham Accords. Herzog visited Dubai’s Expo 2020 site and held talks with the UAE Prime Minister and ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum.
55 die in Congo
At least 55 people were killed when knife-wielding militiamen attacked a site for displaced people in strife-torn eastern DR Congo, a monitoring group and local sources said on Wednesday, Feb 02.
12 injured as drone destroyed at Saudi airport
Twelve people were injured by falling debris after the Saudi military blew up a drone targeting an airport close to the Yemen border, officials said Thursday, Feb 10. Fragments fell on the airport after the attack on Abha International Airport, which has previously been targeted in similar attacks by Yemen´s Huthi rebels. “Saudi defence forces destroyed a drone launched towards Abha International Airport,” the official Saudi news agency said in a tweet. “We will take firm operational action to respond to the threat to civilian airports and travellers,” it added.
17 Israelis held
Seventeen Israelis have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in a racist attack on a Palestinian village in the occupied West Bank last month, police said on Wednesday. Police said Jewish Israelis armed with stones, clubs and “other objects” wounded one Palestinian and vandalised shops, vehicles and property in the northern West Bank village of Hawara on January 24.
14 killed in suicide bombing in Somalia
14 people including local government officials were killed in a suspected suicide bombing claimed by the Al-Shabaab jihadist group in the central Somalia town of Beledweyne on Saturday, Feb 19 police and witnesses said.
The attack took place despite security being tightened in Beledweyne on the eve of a first round of voting for parliamentary seats in the constituency, which lies about 340-km north of the capital Mogadishu.
Two deputy district commissioners were among the dead, while 16 civilians were also wounded, local police officer Mohamud Hassan told AFP by phone, saying a suicide bomber was believed to be behind the blast at a local restaurant.
Nigeria air strike kills seven children
An air strike by the Nigerian army targeting ‘bandits’ has left seven children dead and five others wounded “by mistake” in the Maradi region of southern Niger, a local governor told AFP on Sunday, Feb 20.
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.
(Combined effort of PATHFINDER GROUP Task Force)
