Suicide Bombings
Three Pakistan Army soldiers and as many children were killed after a suicide blast occurred in the vicinity of Miranshah in North Waziristan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on May 15 (today), reports Dawn. In a brief statement, the military’s media affairs wing identified the killed soldiers as 33-year-old Lance Havaldar Zubair Qadir from Pakpattan, 21-year-old Sepoy Uzair Asfar from Haripur and 22-year-old Sepoy Qasim Maqsood from Multan. Meanwhile, the children were identified as 11-year-old Ahmed Hassan, eight-year-old Ahsan and four-year-old Anum.
Bomb/IED Blasts
At least one person was injured after a blast hit the customs intelligence office located at Airport Road of Quetta on April 1, reports Geo TV. A security guard posted at the office said that three unidentified armed persons had entered the office and held the staff hostage. He added that the persons had tied the hands of the staff and issued “grave threats to them”. The guard said that the explosion took place as soon as the unidentified persons left the office. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
One Police constable, identified as Raheem Bacha, was killed when unidentified militants lobbed two cracker bombs at the main gate of Nasta Police Station in Charsadda District in the afternoon of April 29, reports Samaa TV. The explosions damaged the main gate and boundary wall. The bomb disposal squad (BDS) said five kilograms of explosives were used in the bombings. Separately, four people were injured in a blast in Mamund tehsil of Bajaur District on April 29, reports Samaa TV.
Two persons were injured in a roadside bomb blast triggered by a remote control at Shekhari Cross in Uzbuki area of Mangochar in Kalat District in Balochistan on May 8, reports Dawn. Two tribal elders, who are apparently the target of the attack, survived the bomb blast. However, the blast left two people injured and damaged some vehicles in the convoy. Officials of the Levies Force said Sardar Ahmed Khan Bangulzai and Sardar Allahyar Khan Bodozai were going to Johan area from Quetta along with other people to attend a meeting convened to discuss local bodies elections.
One civilian killed and at least nine injured when an improvised explosive device (IED) planted in a motorbike went off in the commercial locality of Saddar town, in Karachi, in the night of May 12, reports Dawn. The blast took place in the commercial locality, which remains crowded at night because of the presence of restaurants and eateries on Daud Pota Road near the city’s oldest United Bakery.
A woman was killed and at least 12 persons sustained injuries when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attached to a motorbike went off near Boulton Market in Kharadar area of Saddar Town in Karachi late on May 16 night, reports Dawn. A Police van passing through the famed Kaghzi Bazaar near Boulton Market was apparently the target of the blast that claimed the life of a young woman travelling in a rickshaw and left a dozen others, including a Police officer and an eight-year-old boy, injured. “Preliminary report showed that the real target was the police mobile,” Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Karachi South Sharjeel Kharal said, adding that initial assessment showed the IED explosion was ‘similar’ to the recent Saddar blast, but they were waiting for the report of bomb disposal officials.
One person killed and several others injured when a bomb explosion in a residential society of Killi Paind area of Quetta on May 19, reports Samaa TV. The explosion has completely damaged three of the houses, besides causing damage to other structures.
Targetted Killings
Two members of the Sikh community were killed after unidentified assailants opened fire on them in Sarband area of Peshawar on May 15, reports Dawn. The victims were identified as 42-year-old Suljeet Singh and 38-year-old Ranjeet Singh, adding that they owned spice shops in the Batatal locality.
Unidentified terrorists shot dead two Policemen, identified as Constable Lutfur Rehman and Zubair Khan, in Ghazni Khel area of Lakki Marwat District on May 17, reports Samaa TV. Terrorists riding a motorcycle sprayed bullets on Policemen and fled, an unmade Police officials said. The terrorists also took the weapons of the dead constables with them. There was no claim of responsibility for the attack.
Unidentified assailants killed a civilian, Ehtesham Khan, in Shera Tala area of Mir Ali in North Waziristan District on May 17, reports Dawn. Residents said Ehtesham Khan was on way to Mir Ali town when unidentified assailants riding a car opened fire at him. He died instantly, and attackers managed to escape.
Meanwhile, the Station House Officer (SHO) Shakeel Khan was killed in a targeted attack by unidentified motorcyclists at Northern Bypass area of Peshawar in the morning of May 19, reports ARY News. According to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), SHO Shakeel was going towards Shahpur Police Station when he was targeted. The car was attacked with a 9mm pistol and riffle.
Miscellaneous
A commander of the Islamic State Khorasan chapter (IS-K) and mastermind of suicide attack on Koocha Risaldar Shia mosque on March 4, was killed along with a would-be suicide bomber in an early morning raid in the Wali Abad area of Pishtakhara in Peshawar on May 14, reports Dawn. The intelligence-based operation was carried out by the Counter-Terrorism Department over the reported presence of IS-K commander Hassan Shah along with a suicide bomber in the Wali Abad area. An unnamed Police official said that they were planning to hit a church in Peshawar. Hassan Shah was among the two handlers of the suicide bomber, who had blown himself up among the worshippers in Koocha Risaldar mosque, killing over 60 and injuring more than 200 others. The official said the IS-K terrorist had escaped to Karachi after the attack. However, the official said he was again called to the province, apparently to carry out major attacks. CTD also arrested a local woman and a man from the scene.
Security Forces (SFs) killed two important and most wanted terrorists of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, in Boya area in North Waziristan District on May 16, reports Dawn. The military’s media affairs wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement said that SFs and terrorists exchanged fire last night (May 16) in the area during which the two militants, identified as commander Rasheed alias Jabir and Abdul Salam alias Chamtoo, were killed. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the killed terrorists, the ISPR said. The two had been actively involved in terrorist activities in the area, it added.
Police on May 16 arrested six Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army (SRA) cadres from Nasirabad of Larkana District in Sindh and recovered two hand-grenades and four pistols from them, reports Dawn. The arrested cadres, identified as Faraz Ahmed, Mohammed Haneef, Zubair, Imtiaz and Farhan Jatoi, belonged to the Asghar Shah group of SRA. According to a spokesman for the Larkana Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), during the interrogation, the cadres confessed that they had carried out blasts to damage two pylons carrying a 500kV high tension power transmission line near Abra Kumbhar village located within the jurisdiction of the Rasheed Wagan Police Station of Larkana District on April 15.
Two Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army (SRA) cadres, involved in Karachi Saddar blast of May 12, were shot dead by Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) during an encounter in the Mauripur area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, on May 18, reports Dawn. CTD official Mazhar Mashwani said that the cadres were identified as Allah Dino (28) and Nawab Ali (26). He said that the slain cadres had direct links with the head of SRA, Asghar Shah.
One terrorist, identified as Muhammad Altaf, was killed by Security Forces (SFs) during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Mir Ali area of North Waziristan District on May 17, reports Geo News. The ISPR said weapons and ammunition were recovered from the terrorist’s hideout, adding that Altaf was actively involved in terrorist activities against SFs.
PAKISTAN
Terrorists infiltrating from Afghanistan
KP Inspector General of Police (IGP) Moazzam Jan Ansari said on April 28 that terrorists were infiltrating from Afghanistan in tribal Districts to carry out attacks, reports Dawn. IGP Ansari said that on Pakistani side, kinetic action was being taken against terrorists; however, for the issues emanating from across the border needed to be taken up with Afghan authorities. “We are facing problems from other side of the border,” he added. He said that over past four months, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested 202 terrorists including 18, who were carrying head money. He said that about 70 terrorists including proclaimed offenders were killed in police action during that period. CTD recovered 46 kilograms of explosives, 99 hand grenades, eight suicide jackets, three rocket propelled grenades, 43 RPG shells and other arms and ammunition. “During the first four months of current year, 30 policemen were martyred,” said the IGP. He added that seven of the martyred officials belonged to CTD and seven others were injured. He said that Police carried out a total of 6307 search and strike operations and arrested 45,697 suspects. He said that police also recovered 8,198 different types of arms and 184,193 rounds as well.
Karachi University attack: Three Chinese nationals killed by woman suicide bomber
Three Chinese nationals and a Pakistani van driver lost their lives and four others, including a Chinese national and a Rangers personnel, were injured in a suicide bombing carried out by a female member of an outlawed group, Balochistan Liberation Army, on the premises of the University of Karachi on April 26. afternoon.
The powerful blast took place at around 1:58pm when the van carrying the foreigners entered the university’s premises from the Maskan Chowrangi gate and reached near the Chinese-built Confucius Institute, a non-profit institute teaching the Chinese language to local students in the port city. The blast was heard miles away and shattered the windowpanes of nearby buildings. The van also caught fire following the blast.
Women suicide bomber of BLA arrested along with her accomplice in Balochistan
The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on May 16 arrested a female suicide bomber of Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), identified as Noor Jehan along with her accomplice, who wanted to target a Chinese convoy on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) route, during a raid in Hoshab area of Kech District in Balochistan, reports ARY News. During the raid explosives, and detonators were also recovered. The CTD had said the woman belonged to the same group that carried out the attack on Karachi University. While addressing a press conference, the spokesperson of the Balochistan Government Farah Azeem Shah said that the CTD Makran Range had conducted a raid in Hoshab in which a suspected woman Noor Jehan was arrested along with her accomplice. “Her accomplice is a member of the outlawed BLA Majeed Brigade from which a suicide jacket, six hand grenades and explosive material were also recovered.”
TTP extends ceasefire with Pakistan Government until May 30 as talks continue in Afghanistan
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on May 18 announced an extension in a ceasefire with the Government of Pakistan as talks with the militant outfit continued in Afghanistan, reports Dawn. In a statement shared with the media via Whatsapp, TTP ‘spokesman’ Mohammad Khurasani said that the ceasefire would remain in place until May 30. “Talks are under way between the committees of the TTP and the government of Pakistan,” he said in the statement, adding that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan — the Afghan Taliban was mediating between the two sides. Khurasani went on to say that a 32-member committee of the Mehsud tribe in South Waziristan and a 16-member committee from the Malakand division also held talks with the TTP on May 13 and 14. “The committees called for a ceasefire by both sides in light of the ongoing talks. Therefore, keeping in view the demand, both sides have announced a ceasefire until May 30,” he added.
Afghanistan – Internal Dynamics
Death toll in the Sufi Mosque suicide bombing in Kabul raises to 51
50 worshippers were killed in a suicide blast in the Khalifa Sahib Mosque on Darul-Aman Road in Kabul city on April 29, reports Reuters. Earlier reporting on April 30 had mentioned 10 civilian fatalities in the incident.
27 Taliban fighters killed as the group is defeated in Andarab region of Baghlan
The National Resistance Front (NRF) claimed that its forces have defeated the Taliban and killed 27 fighters in clashes in areas of the Andarab region in Baghlan province, reports Hasht-e-Subh on May 9. According to Sibghatullah Ahmadi, the NRF spokesman, the Resistance Front forces in attack and defence in the areas of Pol-e Hesar, Khair Dara, and Dara Jar-e-Andarab, and some other areas have got victories against the Taliban. According to Ahmadi, 27 fighters of Badri Corp, suicide bombers, and Red Unit Taliban fighters have been killed in these battles.
Washington has not forgotten Afghanistan but IEA needs to fulfill its commitments, says the US Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West
The US Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West says Washington has not forgotten Afghanistan but that the Islamic Emirate (IEA) needs to fulfill its commitments in order to be recognized as the legitimate government by the international community, reports Ariana News. Tomas West said the leaders of the Islamic Emirate can gain global legitimacy by fulfilling their obligations including allowing women to work and all girls to go to school. West said that it would be difficult for IEA leaders to gain legitimacy unless the leaders of the caretaker government in Afghanistan change their ways.
Seven NRF fighters killed in Baghlan Province
On May 10, seven National Resistance Front (NRF) fighters were killed in clashes with Taliban in Andarab District of the Baghlan Province, reports Hasht-e-Subh. According to sources, Asadullah Khan, a former commander of Banawi Andarab District is killed along with six of his forces in the district.
IEA’s Ministry of Vice and virtue announces new rules regarding hijab for women in the country
On May 7, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA)’s Ministry of Vice and Virtue announced new rules regarding the hijab (a veil worn by Muslim women), saying it will be implemented in two steps, encouragement and punishment, reports Tolo News. The plan was confirmed by Emir (supreme leader) Mawlawi Haibatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate. “If a woman doesn’t wear a hijab, first, her house will be located and her guardian will be advised and warned. Next, if the hijab is not considered, her guardian will be summoned. If repeated, her guardian (father, brother, or husband) will be imprisoned for three days. If repeated again, her guardian will be sent to court for further punishment, the plan reads,” said Akif Mahajar, a spokesman for the Ministry of Vice and Virtue.
US to monitor the situation in Afghanistan, and is ready to take action if needed, says Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley
The United States (US) Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley, said that the United States is monitoring the situation in Afghanistan, and it has the capabilities to conduct strike operations in this country if a threat emanates from the country’s territory, reports Aamaj News on May 12.“We do maintain surveillance [in Afghanistan] and I won’t go into the details of how or what forms or mechanisms, and we do have the capabilities to conduct strike operations if we see a threat emanating from the land of Afghanistan,” General Milley said.
Several prominent Afghan political figures gather in Turkey to discuss the present situation
On May 17, several prominent Afghan political figures gathered in Turkey to discuss the present situation and focused on solutions to the current predicaments in the country, reports The Khaama Press News Agency. According to the BBC, attendees at the Ankara meeting included Jihad leader Abdul Rab Rasul Sayyaf, Jamiat-e-Islami leader Salahuddin Rabbani, National Islamic Movement leader Abdul Rashid Dostum, People’s Islamic Unity Party leader Mohammad Mohaqiq, Rahmatullah Nabil, former director of National Security, former Vice President Mohammad Younis Qanuni, former Vice President Mohammad Karim Khalili, former Afghan Ambassador to London Ahmad Wali Massoud, Former Minister of Finance Abdul Hadi Arghandiwal and former Balkh governor Atta Mohammad Noor.
Four bombs kill 12 in Afghanistan
As many as 12 people were killed in four bombs that ripped through minibuses and a mosque in Afghanistan on Wednesday, May 25 officials said.
Bangladesh – Internal Dynamics
Ansar-al-Islam militant arrested in Dhaka
On April 23, the Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of Dhaka Metropolitan Police arrested an Ansar Al Islam militant, Ujjal Mia alias Ujjal Khandaker, (23), in Mohakhali area in Dhaka city, reports Newage.bd.
45 JeI members taken into custody in Noakhali District
On May 15, Police arrested 45 local Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) leaders from Maizdi Al Farooq Academy, a private school, under Sudharam Police Station at the Sadar upazila (sub-District) of Noakhali District, reports Daily Star. Police arrested the JeI men for holding a secret meeting. The Superintendent of Police (SP) Noakhali said that the JeI leaders gathered on the first floor of the academy from different upazilas of Noakhali, Laksmipur and Comilla districts to hold an anti-government meeting. During the drive, various types of books on promoting religious extremism were seized from the arrestees, added the SP.
HC bench grants permanent bail to BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia in Comilla arson case
On May 23, the High Court (HC) bench of Justice Jahangir Hossain Selim and Justice SM Mozibur Rahman granted permanent bail to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia in the Comilla arson case, reports Daily Star. In 2019, the HC had granted ad-interim bail to the BNP chief and issued the rule asking the state why she should not be granted permanent bail in this case. Khaleda’s lawyer Kayser Kamal said she is accused in 37 criminal cases and on bail in 35 of them. She is convicted in two more cases.
India – Internal Dynamics
Arms and ammunition recovered in Mizoram
A huge cache of arms, ammunition and other war like stores was recovered from Kelsih in Aizawl of Mizoram, reports Northeast Now. The arms and ammunition included pump action shotgun (3 numbers) and 22 rifle (05 numbers), 24,000 Gelatine sticks weighing 3000 kg and approximately 100 kg of gunpowder, Telescope sight (7 numbers), air pellets (20 box), bipod (1 number), PDF flags (10 numbers), PDF badges (3 boxes) and four boxes of safety fuse (2000m/44 kg).
DRG trooper killed in encounter with Maoists in Chhattisgarh
A District Reserve Guards (DRG) head constable was killed in an encounter with Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadres in Tulargufa Forest area in Mungeri region under Chhotedonger Police Station limits in Narayanpur District of Chhattisgarh on May 4 morning, reports The Times of India. The shooting exchange took place at around 8:15 am [IST] in forests of Tulargufa and Mungeri region at Chhotedonger. A joint team of Security Forces (SFs) including DRG and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were on search operation along the borders of Palli-Barsoor area of Narayanpur-Dantewada districts on May 3. Next morning on May 4, when the troopers marched towards the Mungeri forest area, the Maoists started indiscriminate firing seeing the SFs and during the exchange the fire, DRG head constable Salik Ram Markam (37), from Kanker District, sustained bullet injuries and later succumbed to his injuries.
SFJ’s Gurpatwant Singh Pannun claims responsibility of Mohali attack, issues warning to Himachal CM
Banned group Sikh for Justice (SFJ) claimed responsibility for the Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) attack at Punjab Police’s Intelligence wing in Mohali in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar District of Punjab on May 9, reports The Times of India on May 11. In a suspected audio message to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister (CM), Jai Ram Thakur, SFJ’s Gurpatwant Singh Pannun issued a warning. The voice message transcripts, “Lesson for Himachal chief minister – learn from grenade attack at Mohali police headquarters – attack could have been at Shimla headquarters. CM Thakur SFJ advise – we raised flag at Dharamshala HQ, do not provoke the Sikh community. SFJ is going to announce Khalistan referendum 20-20 on June 6 in Himachal on day of voting. Do not provoke Sikh community and start violence because violence begets violence, CM Thakur. Message is from Gurpatwant Singh Pannu SFJ General Counsel.” The Punjab Police are verifying the authenticity of the voice message. A probe is already ongoing and 20 suspects have been arrested in the RPG attack at Punjab Police’s Intelligence wing case. Police are also planning to issue a red corner notice for Pannun.
Explosives hidden by Maoists years ago found in Odisha
Security Forces (SFs) and District voluntary Force (DVF) personnel have recovered explosive materials which were long hidden underground by cadres of the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) in Panching forest under Narayanpatna Police Station limits in Koraput District of Odisha on May 13, reports Orissa Post. Maoist activities are still going on in some parts of Boipariguda and Machhkund under Lamtaput Block (administrative division) in Koraput District, said Superintendent of Police (SP), Varun Guntupalli said, on recovery of old explosives in a forest. Guntupalli stated that Police received inputs late May 10 night about explosives hidden in forest between Panching and Balpai villages. A team of DVF and an anti-bomb squad jointly carried out a search operation in the area. The Maoists had buried the explosives in the forest many years ago. The Police recovered a CP Riot gun, 38-mm rubber bullet, six packets of liquid explosives (OPR gel) and a pair of cutting pliers. The Riot gun recovered here was one of the arms looted from Koraput armoury in 2004. It may be noted here that Maoists had mounted an attack on the armory February 6, 2004. As many as nine riot guns were looted.
Two CAF personnel injured in IED blast in Chhattisgarh
Two Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) personnel have been injured, one being critical, after being hit by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) suspected to have been planted by the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadres to target the Security Forces (SFs), at Hemalapara under Nelasnar Police Station limits in Bijapur District of Chhattisgarh on May 14, reports ibc24.in. According to the information received, the CAF personnel had gone out on the area domination towards Hemalapara of Nelasnar.
Five kilograms cooker bomb found in Chhattisgarh
A five Kilogram cooker bomb suspected to have been planted by the cadres of Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) was detected by the Security Forces (SFs) from Orchha Market under Orchha Police Station limits in Narayanpur District of Chhattisgarh on May 17, reports livehindustan.com. A weekly market is organized every Tuesday in Orchha, and along with the crowd, SF personnel are also present for security in the market. The Maoists had planned the blast at the market area to target the civilians and the soldiers deployed for security. Later on, the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) defused by blasting the bomb safely.
Monthly Fatalities:
The following casualties, related to ongoing insurgencies and acts of terrorism occurred during the period April 26, 2022 to May 25, 2022:
| Civilian | Indian Security | Militant | Total | |
| Assam | 02 | 00 | 01 | 03 |
| Left Wing | 04 | 01 | 03 | 08 |
| Total | 06 | 01 | 04 | 11 |
Nepal – Internal Dynamics
EC warns of action against those spreading false information on social media
The Election Commission (EC) has warned of taking stern action against those involved in spreading misinformation and disinformation and hate speech against political parties and election candidates on social networking sites in view of the upcoming local level elections, reports My Republica on May 2. While noting that such incidents are on the rise in digital spaces, the EC urged every one not to misuse social networking sites to assassinate characters and spread rumors as such acts likely to impact the outcome of elections. In order to monitor the use of social networking sites in the election, the EC has formed a task force, comprising cyber experts of security agencies. The EC, however, has expected that misuse of social media would be reduced with its stern warning that no activities that affect election outcome would be allowed. The Election Code of Conduct, 2078 BS has stated that if the social networking sites were used by ignoring the election code of conduct, EC would take action as per Section 23 of Election Commission Act, 2073, and Election (Crime and Punishment) Act, 2073, according to EC Spokesperson and Joint Secretary Shaligram Sharma Poudel. In addition to this, the EC has initiated a process to contact the offices of Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Viber and Google in a bid to effectively regulate social networking sites as per Election Code of Conduct, 2078.
Over a dozen Police personnel and five cadres of NC and CPN-Unified Socialist cadres injured in clash in Bajura District
Over a dozen Police personnel and five cadres of the Nepali Congress (NC) and Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Socialist (CPN-Unified Socialist) were injured when the cadres of NC and CPN-Unified Socialist clashed at Pandusen of Budhinanda Municipality, Bajura District in Sudurpashchim Province of Nepal on May 6, reports The Himalayan Times. Police had opened 14 rounds of fires in the air to bring the situation under control, said Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Chaturbhuj Ojha. CPN-Unified Socialist cadres had taken shelter at Police post. NC cadres had attacked the Police post saying that CPN-Unified Socialist activists were taking shelter inside the post. CPN-Unified Socialist, Bajura, Secretary Pur Bahadur Rawat was attacked with a knife by NC cadres, Police said, adding that Rawat is under Police protection.
Pressure cooker bomb explodes in Butwal
A bomb exploded on the eve of local elections at Milanchowk in Butwal in the Rupandehi District in Province No. 5 of Nepal on May 11, reports My Republica. According to the Area Police Office in Butwal, a pressure cooker bomb exploded in front of the Sunrise Bank in Milanchowk. No one has yet claimed responsibility for the blast. However, a pamphlet with the name Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre (CPN-Maoist Center) was found on the spot and the pamphlet asked all to boycott the local elections.
Sri Lanka – Internal Dynamics
SLPP, independent MPs agree on forming National Unity Government
The Sri Lanka Podujana Permuna (SLPP) and the group of Members of Parliament (MPs) who became independent in Parliament recently have come to an agreement to form a National Unity Government on May 2, reports Daily News. The agreement was reached during the meeting both groups had with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on May 2. General Secretary of the SLPP, MP Sagara Kariyawasam said that the SLPP expressed its agreement to the concept of a National Unity Government at this meeting. Also, the SLPP assured its support to the President to proceed with the process of forming such a government.
Sri Lanka President declares island wide State of Emergency
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has declared an island wide State of Emergency with effect from midnight on May 6, the President’s Media Division announced, reports Colombo Page. The Presidential Media Division further stated that the State of Emergency was imposed to protect the welfare of the country and to maintain essential services. The extraordinary gazette notification declaring the State of Emergency was issued by the Secretary to the President Gamini Senarath on the President’s command. The Gazette notification says the President is of opinion that by reason of a public emergency in Sri Lanka, it is expedient, so to declare emergency, in the interests of public security, the protection of public order and the maintenance of supplies and services essential to the life of the community. The President has declared the State of Emergency by virtue of the powers vested in him by Section 2 of the Public Security Ordinance (Chapter 40), as amended by Act, No. 8 of 1959, Law No. 6 of 1978 and Act, No. 28 of 1988. The provisions of Part II of that Ordinance, will come into operation throughout Sri Lanka with effect from May 6, 2022.
Ruling Party MP among five killed during clashes in Sri Lanka
Five persons, including one ruling party, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP)’s Member of Parliament (MP), Amarakeerthi Athukorala, were killed and 200 other protestors injured, during violent clashes between his supporters and anti-Government protesters in the southern town of Weeraketiyain Hambantota District in Southern Province of Sri Lanka on May 9, reports News 18. A group of people surrounded the vehicle of MP Amarakeerthi when it was passing Nittambuwa and tried to assault him and there was a shooting during the attack, in which the MP and his driver were killed and six other persons sustained injuries. On May 9, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned in response to the mounting demand for his ouster from the post due to the ongoing economic crisis that resulted in the violent clashes between the supporters and anti-Government protesters. “I am resigning with immediate effect so that you will be able to appoint an all-party government to guide the country out of the current economic crisis,” the Prime Minister said in a letter sent to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Over the past two months, anti-Government protesters at Galle Face in Colombo have demanded that the former president tender his resignation for his role in the current crisis.
Diplomats, EU, UN condemn attack on peaceful protesters in Sri Lanka, call on Government to hold perpetrators accountable
The European Union (EU), United Nations (UN) and Diplomats condemned Monday’s (May 9) violence against peaceful protesters in Sri Lanka and urged the Government to conduct an immediate investigation and hold perpetrators responsible for unleashing violence, reports Colombo Page. The Delegation of EU in Sri Lanka taking to Twitter condemned the vicious attack by the Government supporters on peaceful protesters at Galle Face and in front of the Temple Trees. “The EU condemns this morning’s vicious attack against peaceful protestors. We call on the government to protect people and to hold accountable those having instigated violence. We encourage all parties to act with restraint and refrain from violence for the country’s interest,” the EU said. Expressing concern and condemning the violence on peaceful protesters, the UN Resident coordinator in Sri Lanka Hanna Singer-Hamdy said Police should protect peaceful protesters and restrain violence using the power given to them by the State of emergency declared by the President three days ago. “We are deeply concerned by the clashes today & condemn violence that risks further escalation. Police should protect peaceful protesters & use new emergency powers with restraint. Peaceful protests & dialogue are important to find a legitimate resolution to the current crisis,” Singer-Hamdy said. “Everyday people have suffered immensely owing to the economic crisis. The crisis has also brought together people from all ethnicities and religions behind a common peaceful cause. I hope their efforts can continue,” she said on Twitter.
Death toll in Sri Lanka violence rises to eight, over 200 injured in violence
The death toll rose to eight and over 200 persons have also been injured in Colombo and other cities on May 10 in the unprecedented violence in Sri Lanka that erupted after supporters of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa attacked peaceful anti-Government protesters demanding his ouster over the country’s worst economic crisis that led to acute shortages of staple food, fuel and power, reports The Tribune. Mahinda Rajapaksa (76), resigned as Sri Lankan Prime Minister on May 9 amid unprecedented economic turmoil, hours after his supporters attacked anti-Government protesters, prompting authorities to impose a nationwide curfew and deploy Army troops in the capital. The violence saw arson attacks on the homes of several politicians, including the ancestral home of the Rajapaksas in Hambantota. Video footage showed the entire house of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his younger brother and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Medamulana in Hambantota city was burning.
Prime Minister Mahinda’s House in Kurunegala was also set on fire by protesters while a mob also destroyed D A Rajapaksa Memorial – constructed in the memory of the father of Mahinda and Gotabaya in Medamulana, Hambantota. Chairman of the Imaduwa Pradeshiya Sabha A V Sarath Kumara (63) was killed following an attack on his residence on May 9. One person was killed following an attack on a popular hotel in Negombo. Multiple luxury cars worth millions of rupees were completely destroyed. Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Member of Parliament (MP) Amarakeerthi Athukorala and his security guard were killed in Nittambuwa on May 9. Eye-witnesses said that the people who had come with the MP to Nittambuwa shot at a group of people protesting against the attack on the peaceful protesters in front of the Temple Trees and the President’s Office. A 27-year-old male died in the shooting incident. Two persons were killed in a shooting that took place at the Weeraketiya Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman’s residence on May 9 night. A person succumbed to his injuries at the hospital in Colombo. The Colombo national hospital said at least 217 persons had been admitted for treatment.
Opposition SJB is ready to form an interim Government
Sri Lanka’s main opposition party Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) led by Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa says it is ready to form an interim government to bring about economic and political stability in Sri Lanka subjected to conditions, reports Colombo Page on May 11. In a statement, the General Secretary of SJB said the party is ready to take over the country as the main opposition party to liberate the people from the precarious situation that has befallen at this time and to bring about economic stability in the country, subjected to following four conditions. Firstly, respecting the will of the people, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa must agree to step down within a stipulated minimum period of time. Secondly, the President should not exert any undue influence on the all-party interim government to be formed for a short period of time. Thirdly, action will be taken to abolish the Executive Presidency In accordance with the existing provisions of the Constitution, within a very short period of time and obtain all-party support. Fourthly, after restoring the normal life of the people and establishing the rule of law Parliamentary elections must be held quickly to give the citizens of Sri Lanka an opportunity to form a stable government.
Ranil Wickremesinghe sworn in as new Prime Minister of Sri Lanka
Leader of the United National Party (UNP) Ranil Wickremesinghe has been sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Sri Lanka before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the President’s House in Colombo on May 12, reports Colombo Page. Ranil Wickremesinghe has previously served five times as the island nation’s Prime Minister. Secretary to the President Gamini Senarath and Prof. Maithree Wickremesinghe were also present at the occasion. Wickremesinghe’s appointment as the prime minister for a sixth time comes after former Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned from the post on May 09, 2022.
Sri Lanka denies Indian intel claims of ‘LTTE regrouping to launch attacks’
Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defence, on May 14, denied reports of ex-LTTE [Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam] cadre “regrouping to launch attacks” in Sri Lanka, as reported by The Hindu, citing sources in Indian intelligence, reports Ada Derana. “The article is completely baseless. We have received no intelligence warning of such a security threat,” a Ministry spokesman said. The report, citing Indian intelligence reports, was picked up by Sri Lankan media and widely shared on social media. Sri Lankan political leaders, too, strongly reacted to the Indian security establishment’s claims. Tamil Progressive Alliance Leader and Opposition legislator from Colombo, Mano Ganesan, said The Hindu report on “#LTTE regrouping” is “very disturbing in today’s social context of Sri Lanka where race relations are improving”.
INTERNATIONAL
Over 20 killed in anti-Muslim attack in Ethiopia
More than 20 people were killed in an attack on Muslims in the northern Ethiopian city of Gondar during the funeral of a Muslim elder, a local Islamic group said on Wednesday, April 27.
The Islamic Affairs Council of Amhara, the region where Gondar is located, described Tuesday’s attack at a cemetery as a “massacre” by heavily-armed “extremist Christians.” The attackers “fired a barrage of heavy machine guns and grenades… leaving many dead while others who were injured have been taken to hospital,” the religious body said.
Russia warns nuclear war risks now ‘considerable’
Russia has warned of the “real” threat of World War III breaking out, ahead of a meeting between the United States and allies over sending further arms to war-torn Ukraine.
Moscow’s invasion of its neighbour has triggered an outburst of support from Western nations that has seen weapons pour into the country to help it wage war against Russian troops. But Western powers have been reluctant to deepen their involvement, for fear of sparking a conflict against nuclear-armed Russia.
Speaking to Russian news agencies, Moscow’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned the risk of a World War III “is serious” and criticised Kyiv’s approach to floundering peace talks “It is real, you can’t underestimate it,” Lavrov said.
For months, President Volodymyr Zelensky has been asking Ukraine’s Western allies for heavy weapons — including artillery and fighter jets — vowing his forces could turn the tide of the war with more firepower.
The calls appear to be resonating now, with a host of Nato countries pledging to provide a range of heavy weapons and equipment, despite protests from Moscow. In a landmark trip to Kyiv over the weekend, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Zelensky and promised $700 million in new aid to Ukraine.
Iran executions see ‘alarming rise’ in 2021
Executions in Iran rose by 25 percent in 2021, a report by two leading NGOs said on Thursday, April 28 expressing alarm over a surge in the numbers executed for drug offences and also the hanging of at least 17 women.
The rate of executions in Iran also accelerated after the June election of hard-line former judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi to the presidency, said the report by Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) and France’s Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM).
Algerian ex-army chief’s ally sentenced to death for ‘treason’
An Algerian military officer and close ally of the former army chief has been sentenced to death over charges of “high treason”, the French-language daily El Watan reported on Sunday, May 15.
Guermit Bounouira, who was known to be close to late army chief Ahmed Gaid Salah, appeared Thursday in front of an appeals court where he was found guilty of a roster of charges including disclosing classified information to third parties or states and harming the army’s interests.
Armed groups clash in Libya
Violent clashes rocked a western area of the Libyan capital overnight and until Sunday (May 15) morning, an interior ministry source said, as local media reported the death of a militia commander. Janzour, on the western outskirts of Tripoli, is home to the headquarters of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya as well as guarded compounds reserved for staff of foreign diplomatic missions.
“The clashes between armed groups broke out late Saturday night and continued until Sunday morning in the area between the towns of Sayyad and Janzour,” the ministry source told AFP, asking to remain anonymous.
Nine dead in Tajikistan clashes
Clashes between Tajik security forces and “terrorists” killed nine people and wounded two dozen in a restive region bordering Afghanistan and China, the interior ministry said.
The ministry said members of “organised criminal groups” armed with weapons and Molotov cocktails attacked security officials in the eastern region of Gorno-Badakhshan which has long been a flashpoint of tensions.
Six killed in Iraq drone strikes
Drone strikes targeting Kurdish rebels killed at least six people, including three civilians, in northern Iraq on Saturday, May 21 local officials and the rebels said, blaming Turkey for the attack.
Turkey routinely carries out attacks in northern Iraq, where the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has bases and training camps.
Iran warns it will ‘avenge’ killing of Guards colonel
Iran will avenge the killing of a Revolutionary Guards colonel who was shot dead in Tehran, President Ebrahim Raisi warned on Monday, May 23.
Assailants on motorcycles on Sunday hit Colonel Sayyad Khodai with five bullets as he sat in his car outside his home. Iran blamed “elements linked to the global arrogance” the Islamic republic’s term for its arch enemy the United States and US allies including Israel. It was the most high-profile killing inside Iran since the November 2020 murder of top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh.
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.
