Bomb/IED Blasts
A Police constable was killed while five others, including three Policemen, were injured in a blast at a checkpost near Chamtar area of Mardan District on July 7, reports Dawn. District Police Officer (DPO) Irfanullah Khan said that the explosion took place at approximately 10:45am. The DPO said unknown “terrorists” planted a device beneath a bridge adjacent to the check post’s gate. As a result, a constable was killed, while three other Policemen and two civilians were injured.
Two persons sustained injuries when Balochistan Awami Party (BAP)’s Senator Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti convoy was targeted in a blast that took place on Sui-Kashmore Road at Rojhanpur area in Dera Bugti District on July 9, reports Geo News. The senator was travelling to Dera Bugti to celebrate Eid ul Adha when the blast took place. The former Balochistan Home Minister was safe but two people were injured.
Two persons were injured in a blast near a local hotel at Qambrani Road in Sariab area of Quetta, on July 17, reports Daily Times. Police identified the injured persons as Jalil Ahmed and Khalil Ahmed.
Three Policemen were injured when terrorists hurled a grenade and also opened fire at Kaghazai checkpost on Hangu highway in Kohat District in the night of July 17, reports Dawn. Police officials said four terrorists, came in a car, and attacked the Kaghazai checkpost with a grenade followed by indiscriminate fire. The Policemen responded the attack, forcing the terrorists to flee. fled towards Hangu.
Targetted Killings
Unidentified assailants shot dead two Policemen assigned to polio vaccination teams and a polio worker in Datta Khel area on June 28, reports Dawn. The victims were busy with polio vaccinations when they came under attack, an official said, adding that a child was also injured after he was shot in the leg. The deceased Policemen were identified as Constable Raza Ullah, a resident of Darri Wasta area in Dattakhel tehsil (revenue unit), constable Din Shaheed, a resident of Kani Rogha Manzar Khel area in Dattakhel tehsil, and polio worker Rasheed Ullah, a resident of Tang Kalli area Dattakhel tehsil.
A Police head constable was killed when two unidentified motorcyclists opened fire on him at Kaddi Lara in Dagai village of Razaar tehsil (revenue unit) in Swabi District in the morning of July 1, reports Dawn.
Two traffic Police officers, identified as Shaukat and Habib Ullah, were shot dead by terrorists riding a motorcycle near Sabzi Mandi area under Saddar Police station in Dera Ismail Khan town on July 5, reports Daily Times. The terrorist managed to escape after committing the crime.
On July 14, a local leader of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), identified as Qari Samiuddin along with his colleague Hafiz Numan Dawar, were shot dead on Bichi Road near Mir Ali town of North Waziristan, reports Dawn. Unidentified assailants ambushed their car while they were on way to home in Eidek village. This was the second targeted attack on JUI-F leadership.
A Police constable, Syed Karim, and a passer-by, Abdur Rehman, were killed when unidentified assailants opened fire at a Police check post in Shalobar area of Tirah tehsil (revenue unit) of Khyber District in the morning of July 16, reports The Express Tribune. The attackers managed to escape.
Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) cadres shot dead the head of Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Eid Muhammad Hassani alias Eido, near Naurozabad road in Kharan town (Kharan District) of Balochistan on July 15, reports The Express Tribune. Two motorcyclists opened fire at Eid Muhammad Hassani and managed to escape. BLA ‘spokesman’ Azad Baloch claimed the responsibility of the attack.
Separately, Security Forces (SFs) recovered the dead body of Omer Javed, the cousin of late Lieutenant Colonel Laiq Baig Mirza, during an operation linked with his abduction in Ziarat District on July 16, reports ARY News. Omer Javed, was abducted along with his cousin, Lt Col Laiq Baig Mirza, near Warchoom area of Ziarat District on July 12, as they were returning after paying a visit to the Quaid-e-Azam Residency.
One Policeman, identified as Sub-Inspector Andaz Gul, was killed in an incident of targeted killing when he was going to duty station in Bara area of Khyber District on July 23, reports Dawn.
Miscellaneous
The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on June 30 arrested 11 suspected terrorists belonging to different banned outfits in 65 operations carried out throughout Punjab in the last few days besides recovering explosives and banned literature from them, reports The Nation. Naming those arrested, the CTD said these were Muhammad Israr, Kashanul Haq, Muhammad Hashim and others.
An official of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) was killed while another one injured when terrorists attacked a checkpoint in Azam Warsak area of South Waziristan District in the night of June 30, reports Dawn. One of the attackers, later identified as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant Bilal, was killed and another was injured in the encounter. Azam Warsak Police Station House Officer (SHO) Zabihullah said that a search party of Police had set up a checkpoint. When Inspector Moosa Sulemankhel signalled two gunmen riding motorcycles to stop, one of them opened fire, killing the inspector on the spot. The other attacker threw a hand-grenade leaving Constable Rasool Jan injured. The Police returned fire, killing the TTP terrorist and injuring his accomplice who managed to flee.
The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on July 2 shot dead three terrorists in an operation in Ganj Kasturi area of Mastung District in Balochistan, reports The Nation. According to sources, on a tip off the presence of terrorists in a compound, CTD carried out an operation in Ganj Kasturi area. As soon as the CTD personnel reached there, the terrorists opened fire. In an exchange of fire, three alleged terrorists were killed on the spot, while, weapons and ammunition were also recovered from their possession.
A militant was killed during an exchange of fire in North Waziristan District when a group of terrorists from Afghanistan attempted to break the border fence near the Kanjeera and Wargar Sar military posts on July 3, reports Dawn. One Security Force (SF) personnel suffered injuries in the encounter.
Meanwhile, three soldiers sustained gunshot wounds when militants attack a military post in Serrai Kandaw near the Pak-Afghan border in the Tirah valley of Khyber District on July 3, reports Dawn.
Separately, a polio vaccinator, Shershah, was severely injured after unidentified assailants opened fire on him in Madakhel area of Mir Ali tehsil (revenue unit) on July 2, reports The Express Tribune.
Three armed motorcyclists killed two Police officials on Nasran-Daudkhel Road near Nasran village of Tank on July 5, reports Dawn. The Police said constable Naheed Khan died on the spot, while constable Hameed Shah succumbed to injuries while being taken to Hospital.
An Army soldier was killed during an exchange of fire with terrorists in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan District on July 6, reports Geo News. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said “Sepoy Waheed Khan, 23, resident of Nowshera having fought gallantly, embraced Shahadat”. The ISPR further stated that the sanitisation of the area is being carried out to eliminate the threat of possible terrorists.
Security Forces (SFs) on July 8 arrested two terrorists, affiliated with a banned organisation, from Shah Latif Town of Karachi, reports ARY News. According to details, the SFs conducted a joint operation in Shah Latif Town on a tip-off. During the operation, the raiding team arrested two terrorists, who are said to be brothers. A Police spokesperson said that the raiding team also recovered weapons, grenades and mobile phones from their possession.
The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on July 9 arrested six terrorists in intelligence-based operations (IBO) in Punjab, reports The Nation. The terrorists belong to different outlawed organizations and explosive material, hand grenades, detonators and other material were recovered from their possession.
Ten terrorists and one soldier were killed when Security Forces (SFs) conducted two separate raids in Datta Khel area of North Waziristan District on July 13, reports Geo News. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), in a statement, said that Army troops gunned down four terrorists in Datta Khel area when soldiers observed the presence of terrorists and engaged them. Following this, there was an exchange of fire where the SF personnel killed four terrorists. Further, SFs conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the same area on the reported presence of terrorists. Six terrorists were killed while arms and ammunitions were recovered from their possession. The slain terrorists were actively involved in activities against SFs, the ISPR said. However, during an intense exchange of fire, Lance Naik Islam-ud-Din (34), resident of Khyber District, also got killed, adds ISPR.
The Security Forces (SFs) on July 23 killed three terrorists and apprehended four terrorists during two intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in North Waziristan District, reports Dawn. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement said a high-value terrorist commander, along with three other militants, was captured in an injured condition in the first operation. It added that three terrorists were killed in a second operation. All the terrorists (killed and apprehended) were affiliated with the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group. Weapons, ammunition and IEDs (improvised explosive devices) were also recovered.
PAKISTAN
Army given go-ahead for TTP talks, says Federal Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah
A parliamentary committee authorised the Army leadership to hold talks with the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Federal Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said on July 2, reports Dawn. Speaking at a press conference, he said the Army leadership would inform the committee about any progress in the talks and the matter would then be debated in parliament. The minister said that talks would be held only under the Constitution of Pakistan, adding that neither anything over and above the Constitution would be negotiated nor would any such agreement be reached.
Journalist Ayaz Amir attacked in Lahore
Six unidentified persons tortured senior journalist Ayaz Amir on Friday night, July 08 when he came out of a private TV channel office at Abbott Road in the Qila Gujjar Singh police area. The unidentified suspects stopped the vehicle of Ayaz Amir, assaulted him and tore off his clothes. The assailants tortured Ayaz Amir, dragging him out of his vehicle, and also snatched his mobile phone and wallet.
Ayaz said a car blocked his vehicle the moment he left the TV office, adding the six attackers tortured him and his driver. They threatened him, and fled the scene, leaving him injured. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz took notice of the incident and sought a report from the IGP.
IGP Punjab also took notice of the incident and directed CCPO Bilal Siddique Kamyana and DIG Operations Sohail Chaudhry to take immediate action. SP Civil Lines Safdar Kazmi visited the crime scene and met the victim at TV office.
The CCPO said the police would ensure the arrest of the accused as soon as possible with the help of CCTV cameras. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the incident and ordered Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz to hold a high-level investigation.
The Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) has denounced the attack. It said the attack on Ayaz Amir speaks of grave conditions journalists face in Pakistan. The AEMEND said attacks are aimed at preventing journalists from freely expressing their opinion. It stressed the need for strict and indiscriminate action against those responsible for violence against journalists. It said the rule of law alone could ensure the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution of Pakistan.
The association demanded the prime minister, the chief minister and IGP take prompt action and expose the motives behind the attack. PTI Chairman Imran Khan also condemned the attack in “strongest terms” in a statement released on Twitter.
ANP senator’s home attacked in Peshawar city
The house of Awami National Party (ANP) Senator Haji Hidayatullah was attacked by a bomb in Din Bahar Colony of Peshawar on July 10, reports The Express Tribune. All those inside the house remained safe. The Senator stated that everyone present inside the house lay down on the ground as soon as the bomb fell inside, therefore, avoiding any casualties. According to the Police, the bomb was locally manufactured and was thrown in by unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle. They quickly fled the scene.
55 KP policemen martyred in target killings during 2022
There is no end to attacks on the police and personnel of other law-enforcement agencies in different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the last many months. The cops and other law-enforcers have come under attack for almost a year now.
Though some measures have been taken, the respective bosses seem to have failed to protect even the cops who are supposed to protect the life and properties of people. A source informed this scribe that 55 policemen were martyred and 60 sustained injuries in attacks across KP since January 1 till mid-July. The figures are higher even when compared to the entire last year.
A number of soldiers of army and FC, personnel of Excise and other department were also martyred in different parts of KP in attacks during the period. The target killing of police had decreased since 2014 but it accelerated again since the last quarter of 2021 and it is continuing.
As many as seven policemen were martyred in KP in January this year, three in February, 11 in March, 16 in April, five in May, seven in June and six were martyred till third week of July.
According to the source, the cops martyred during the last less than seven months included two inspectors, as many sub-inspectors, five assistant sub-inspectors, three head constables and 43 constables.
Around 40 of the fallen heroes were from their respective district police while others belonged to traffic, Counter-Terrorism Department and other units.
At a meeting on Friday, Chief Minister Mahmood Khan expressed concern over the rising attacks on the cops and directed the bosses to take measures to improve the situation. He directed the senior officers to come up with a comprehensive action plan to stop target killing and other terrorist and criminal incidents.
Afghanistan – Internal Dynamics
18 Taliban fighters killed in Herat Province
On July 4, 18 Taliban fighters and civilians killed after a series of attacks on Taliban vehicles by unidentified gunmen in Baland Ab, No. 1 and Sarjangal areas of Herat Province, reports Hasth-e-Subh.
It’s too early to consider recognition for the new government in Afghanistan, says US
United States (US) assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia Donald Lu on July 6 said that the United States said that it’s too early to consider recognition and no foreign government is contemplating legitimacy for the new government in Afghanistan, reports Ariana News. “I think there’s actually a global consensus to include Moscow and Beijing and Iran, that it’s too early to look at recognition,” Donald Lu, U.S. assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia, said, in an interview.“ Yes, some countries are beginning a very slow process of normalization of relations. No one is talking about formal recognition,” Lu said.
US does not support organized violent opposition to the Taliban, tells US State Department official
The US Department of State said that Washington does “not support violent opposition against the Taliban,” reports Tolo News on July 14. We are monitoring the recent uptick in violence closely and call on all sides to exercise restraint and to engage. This is the only way that Afghanistan can confront its many challenges,” a State Department spokesperson.“ We want to see the emergence of stable and sustainable political dispensation via peaceful means. We do not support organized violent opposition to the Taliban, and we would discourage other powers from doing so as well,” the US State Department representative said.
Gunmen kill Taliban commander in Kunduz Province
A Taliban commander identified as Amanullah Haqyar was killed by unidentified gunmen in the Se Dokana neighborhood in Kunduz Province of Afghanistan on July 18, reports Hasht-e Subh. Haqyar was the commander of a Taliban outpost in Mamakhil village in Chahardara District. The unidentified gunmen have also taken this commander’s rifle with them. Meanwhile, no group claimed responsibility for this attack
Bangladesh – Internal DynamicsCTTC is going to start the process of deradicalizing militants inside prisons from July 2022, says a report
The Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) is going to start the process of deradicalizing militants inside prisons under the “Construction of the Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime Prevention Centre of Bangladesh Police “from July 2022, reports Daily Star on June 30. Under this process, social, clinical, and educational psychologists, religious clerics, and counterterrorism experts are expected to start deradicalizing jailed militants and also those on bail from this month, said CTTC chief Md Asaduzzaman. The CTTC in August last year applied to the Home Ministry for permission. Initially, psychologists and religious clerics will be appointed at the Dhaka Central Jail in Keraniganj, Kashimpur High-Security Jail, Chattogram Central Jail, and two other prisons in the country’s north, including one in Bogura, Asaduzzaman said.
1,500 militants arrested since 2016 Holey Artisan attack, says RAB DG Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun
On July 1, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General (DG) Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun said that RAB has arrested more than 1,500 militants since the attack on Hotel Holey Artisan at Gulshan in Dhaka, reports Observer Online. On July 1, 2016, 22 people including three Bangladeshis were killed in a militant attack on Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka. RAB has to date arrested 3,000 militants.
UPDF cadre killed in Khagrachhari District
On July 12, suspected Jana Sanghati Samiti (JSS) men killed a United Peoples’ Democratic Front (UPDF) cadre, identified as Jibon Tripura (22), in a remote hilly area of Khagrachhari District, reports The Daily Star. JSS has not commented on the incident.
India – Internal Dynamics
Maoists kill Sarpanch over suspicion of being a ‘police informer’ in Chhattisgarh
The Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadres killed the Sarpanch (head of Panchayat, village level local self-Government institution) of Mormed Panchayat, identified as Patiram Kudiyam, by slitting his throat with a sharp weapon over suspicion of being a ‘police informer’ in Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh on June 29 (today), reports prameyanews.com. According to reports, 15-20 armed Maoists had abducted Patiram two days back over suspicion of being a ‘police informer’ and his body was recovered from a nearby forest. Some handwritten posters were affixed on trees in which the Maoists claimed to have killed the Sarpanch over suspicion of being a ‘police informer’.
JMB terrorist arrested in Assam
A Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) terrorist was arrested from a guest house in Dispur area of Guwahati in Kamrup Metropolitan District of Assam on July 1, reports Northeast Now. The terrorist identified as Enamul Haque worked as a manager at Dispur guest house. Some incriminating documents including JMB’s letterhead from Haque’s residence.
10 persons injured in Nangarhar Province
On July 1, 10 persons were injured in an explosion in Usman Zulnorin Madrassa 1in Rodat District of Nangarhar Province, reports Hasht-e- Subh.
Arms and ammunition recovered in Mizoram
On July 3, a large stash of war-like stores was recovered from Farkawn-Tiau Road along the Indo-Myanmar Border in Champhai District of Mizoram, reports Northeast Today. Two people were arrested in this connection. The recoveries included at least 400 rounds of various Caliber ammunition; 7.62mm -87 rounds, 5.56mm – 71 rounds and 8mm-89 rounds.
SFJ holds Khalistan ‘referendum’ in Rome
Sikh for Justice (SFJ), which has been demanding Khalistan for the Sikhs of Punjab, held a vote for the Khalistan ‘referendum’ in Rome, reports hindi.asianetnews.com. According to reports, more than 17,000 Sikhs took part in it, and on the same occasion, SFJ also announced the Khalistan plebiscite in Indian Punjab on January 26, 2023, on the occasion of India’s 74th Republic Day. SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun said in a statement that the polling in Rome coincided with the 38th anniversary of Operation Blue Star, when the Indian Army attacked the Darbar Sahib and killed thousands of people. Raising questions on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pannun said that Narendra Modi has been given a clear message to the government that the will of Sikhs cannot be broken by repression. Pannun said that the Indian Government has made every effort at every level to stop the Khalistan plebiscite, but it could not happen.
Non-local shot dead in Manipur
On July 8, a non-local, identified as Shailendra Shah, was shot dead along the inter village road of Ngariyan and Andro in between Huikap and Uchol at Imphal East District of Manipur, reports The Sangai Express. Shah who used to supply grocery items was returning after supplying at Andro when he was shot on the head from a close range. Police has launched out a massive search operation in different junctions leading to the site of the incident. Three empty cases of 9 mm pistol were recovered from the spot.
SFJ chief, aides booked for sedition in Haryana
The Police, on July 16, registered a case of sedition among other charges against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, chief of the pro-Khalistan organisation Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), and his accomplices for damaging the railway track dedicated to supply coal to the thermal power plant in Khedar village of Hisar District on July 15, reports The Tribune. Police said unknown persons removed pandrol clips at around 60 points on the railway line about 400 yards from the Rajiv Gandhi Thermal Power Plant in Khedar, which is meant to supply coal to the power plant and is connected to the Hisar railway track. A video clip surfaced on social media in which Pannun is seen claiming the responsibility for damage to the railway track. The speaker, in the video, said this was the beginning of their designs to block the coal supply to many thermal power plants in the country. He claimed his aides had removed the clips of the railway line to stop the coal supply. The 2.40-minute video also has visuals of two persons removing the clips of the railway line. They also wrote a slogan, “Khalistan Zindabad”, in Punjabi on a wall. A Police spokesperson said on the basis of the video and other evidence, a case under Sections 124A, 336, 379 and 120B of the Indian penal Code (IPC) and relevant sections of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, IT Act, Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), and the Railways Act had been registered at the Cyber Police Station in Hisar and a probe against Pannun and other unknown accomplices was underway.
Monthly Fatalities:
The following casualties, related to ongoing insurgencies and acts of terrorism occurred during the period June 26, 2022 to July 25, 2022:
| Civilian | Indian Security Personnel | Militants | Total | |
| Chhattisgarh | 02 | 01 | 01 | 04 |
| Manipur | 01 | 00 | 02 | 03 |
| Left wing | 04 | 02 | 01 | 07 |
| Total | 07 | 03 | 04 | 14 |
Nepal – Internal Dynamics
Pushpa Bhusal elected as Deputy Speaker of the HoR
Nepali Congress (NC) lawmaker Pushpa Bhusal, a common candidate of the ruling five-party alliance, has been elected as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR) on July 15, reports My Republica. A total of 148 votes were cast in favor of Bhusal in parliament on July 15, of which there were 93 votes against her while one of the lawmakers chose to stay neutral. Bhusal and Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML)’s Bidya Bhattarai contested for the post of Deputy Speaker of the HoR. The post felt vacant after the then Deputy Speaker Shivmaya Tumbahamphe resigned on January 20, 2020.
CPN-UML Vice President Surendra Pandey stresses unity among communist forces
Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML) Vice President Surendra Pandey has said that unity among communist forces is imperative to establish socialism in the country, reports Khabar Hub on July 19. Pandey said it was not possible to achieve socialism if the communist parties were not united. “Merely talking about socialism in the country without Left unity would be futile. Therefore, unity among all communist forces is important,” Pandey said. Stating that CPN-UML could not get the expected outcome in the recently-concluded local-level election, Pandey also urged all leaders and cadres of the party to work towards achieving success in the upcoming parliamentary election.
NHRC draws government’s attention to transitional justice
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has demanded with the government to consider amendment in the Act related to transitional justice in line with international principles related to the same issue, reports Khabar Hub. Issuing a press statement in Kathmandu on July 20, the human rights agency in the country also demanded that the amendment in the Act should not contradict with the verdicts issued by the Supreme Court on the same issue. In the statement, Spokesperson Tikaram Pokharel urged the government to ensure justice to conflict-victims after adequately consulting with the victims and stakeholders as well as heeding the recommendations of the Commission. The NHRC also called attention of the government towards the bill presented by the government to amend the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappeared Persons (CIEDP) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Act-2071 BS and appealed with the government to revise the Act in such a way that it would be acceptable to all. “The Commission reminds the government that ensuring justice to the conflict victims is the main subject of the transitional justice,” it said.
Sri Lanka – Internal Dynamics
We will form our own SJB government, says Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa
Whilst ruling out a new multiparty government, Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa, on June 30, pledged to form a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) administration with a fresh mandate, reports Daily Mirror. “We will form our own SJB government comprising 113 SJB MPs [Members of Parliament] with a fresh mandate. Do not show us carrots in the form of Premiership, state and deputy ministers as we will not accept any of these. We will form our own government with 113 of our own MPs after a fresh mandate,” Sajith said, adding, “Be ready to chase the Rajapaksa’s and others who robbed public funds away from this country and to grab all the properties they have stolen from the public.” He also said, “We will also bring all those who robbed public property to book.” The protest began opposite Fort Railway station while a section of the crowd walked towards President’s House down Lotus Road. The protesters called for the resignation of both President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.
President discusses strengthening bilateral relations with envoys of Japan, Oman
Japan’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka Hideaki Mizukoshi during his meeting with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the President’s House in Colombo on July 1, has stated that he will continue to support the program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the strengthening of bilateral relations for Sri Lanka’s development, reports Colombo Page. Japanese Ambassador Hideki said that steps will be taken to maintain the economic, social and cultural ties with Sri Lanka. Also, Ahmed Ali Saeed Al Rashdi, the Ambassador of Oman to Sri Lanka, has told the President that Oman will support the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries in terms of fuel, gas, energy, employment and investment opportunities. The Omani ambassador, who is to leave the island after finishing his service, mentioned this while meeting President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the President’s House in Colombo on July 1. Noting that about 25,000 Sri Lankans are currently working in Oman, the President asked the Ambassador to assist in increasing job opportunities for Sri Lankans in Oman in the training sector.
Opposition political parties reach consensus to form an all-party government
Many oppositions political parties met, on July 5, at the Parliament Complex to discuss the preparation of a program related to the formation of an all-party government, reports Colombo Page. It is reported that 39 representatives of political parties were invited to the discussion chaired by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and former president Maithripala Sirisena and 37 people were present. National People’s Power (NPP) led by Anura Kumara Dissanayake has not participated. Several members of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) as well as several independent members from that party have been present. According to political sources, the parties have reached a basic agreement between them to form a national government as soon as possible. It has also been proposed to work under the all-party government for a year or one and a half years and then go for an election.
Protestors set ablaze Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe’s private residence in Colombo city
On July 9, Protestors set ablaze the private residence of Prime Minister (PM)Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo city, reports Firstpost. “Protesters have broken into the private residence of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and have set it on fire,” said the Lankan Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in a statement. Earlier, on July 9, the anti-government protesters stormed into President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s official residence in the Fort area of Colombo city after breaking the barricades, as they demanded his resignation over the nation’s worst economic crisis.
Emergency declared in entire Sri Lanka, Curfew in Western province
Sri Lanka Prime Minister (PM) Ranil Wickremesinghe has ordered to impose Curfew in the Western Province with immediate effect, Prime Minister’s Office said on July 13, reports Colombo Page. The PM’s Office states that the Emergency Law has been declared covering the entire island. The measure comes after protesters demanding his resignation attempted to enter the PM’s Office on Flower Street on July 13 and Police used tear gas to disperse the protesters.
Meanwhile, On July 13, Inspector General of Police (IGP), CD Wickramaratne and the Security Forces (SFs) have been instructed to arrest those rioting and to seize vehicles that are transporting mobs including persons behaving in a violent manner into custody, reports Colombo Page. Protest organizers and trade union leaders on July 12 warned of a dangerous, massive strike and massive demonstrations if the President and PM did not step down on July 13 as informed (verbally) before.
Sri Lanka Air Force confirms providing a military jet for President to leave the country
The Sri Lanka Air Force, on July 13, has confirmed the provision of an Air Force military plane for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to leave the island for the Maldives, reports Colombo Page. Issuing a statement, the Air Force said an Air Force plane was given in the early morning on July 13 for the President to leave the Katunayake International Airport for the Maldives. “In accordance with the powers vested in an Executive President in the Constitution of Sri Lanka, at the request of the existing Government, subject to the full approval of the Ministry of Defense, and subject to immigration, customs and all other laws at the Katunayake International Airport, an Air Force plane was given in the early morning of the 13th for the President and the First Lady, along with two bodyguards, to leave the Katunayake International Airport for the Maldives.”
Sri Lanka’s Acting President declares island wide state of emergency
Sri Lanka’s acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe declared a Public Emergency again in the island from July 18, reports Colombo Page. Secretary to the President Gamini Senarath issued the relevant extraordinary gazette announcement last night July 17 on the advice of Acting President Ranil Wickramasinghe. The Gazette has been issued on the directives of Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe, by virtue of the powers vested in him in terms of 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.
INTERNATIONAL
Nato invites Finland, Sweden to join, says Russia is a ‘direct threat’
Nato invited Sweden and Finland on Wednesday, June 29 to join the military alliance in one of the biggest shifts in European security in decades after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine pushed Helsinki and Stockholm to drop their traditional neutrality.
Nato’s 30 allies took the decision at their summit in Madrid and also agreed to formally treat Russia as the “most significant and direct threat to the allies’ security”, according to a summit statement.
“Today, we have decided to invite Finland and Sweden to become members of Nato,” Nato leaders said in their declaration, after Turkey lifted a veto on Finland and Sweden joining. Ratification in allied parliaments is likely to take up to a year, but once it is done, Finland and Sweden will be covered by Nato’s Article 5 collective defence clause, putting them under the United States’ protective nuclear umbrella.
“We will make sure we are able to protect all allies, including Finland and Sweden,” Stoltenberg said. In the meantime, the allies are set to increase their troop presence in the Nordic region, holding more military exercises and naval patrols in the Baltic Sea to reassure Sweden and Finland.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation was founded in 1949 to defend against the Soviet threat. Russia’s Feb 24 invasion of Ukraine gave the organisation a new impetus after failures in Afghanistan and internal discord during the era of former US President Donald Trump.
Egypt government sponsoring ‘campaign against journalism’
Pro-government television presenters and state newspapers in Egypt are at the forefront of a “campaign against journalism”, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) charged late on Thursday. The media watchdog, in a report entitled “The Puppets of President” Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, said Egyptian journalists were operating in an “unsustainable working environment”, faced with “campaigns of hatred, denigration and defamation”.
The state has been “sponsoring these attacks, with the complicity of star presenters and mass media”, in a country where popular nightly talk show hosts shape public opinion, RSF’s Sabrina Bennoui said in a statement. According to RSF, Egyptian security services have become “the number two player in the media landscape”, through a holding company which has acquired “around 17 percent” of media outlets.
Its outlets carry out what RSF called “coordinated” media campaigns in which “star presenters slander journalists on television channels” before Egypt’s 103-million-strong population. Egypt is regularly condemned for its human rights record, with rights groups saying there are currently 60,000 political prisoners in custody, many under charges of “spreading fake news”.
When not charged with membership of the banned Muslim Brotherhood, dissident journalists are accused of being “foreign agents” or “inciting debauchery”, vague charges that often result in lengthy detentions, RSF said. Egypt, where at least 20 journalists are behind bars, currently ranks 168th out of 180 countries in RSF’s press freedom index.
State of emergency in Uzbekistan region
At least five people were killed and 30 wounded in an explosion at a weapons warehouse in war-torn Yemen, an official told AFP on Tuesday, July 5. A two-storey building collapsed in the blast and survivors were pulled from its ruins, an eyewitness told AFP, while nearby structures were also damaged.
Gunmen raid prison near Nigeria capital, free hundreds
Gunmen late on Tuesday, July 5 used explosives to blast into a jail near Nigeria’s capital and free hundreds of inmates, although prison authorities said they later recaptured most of those who escaped.
The brazen attack on the outskirts of Abuja came hours after an ambush on a presidential security convoy in the northwest, in a fresh illustration of Nigeria’s security crisis. Residents reported loud explosions and gunfire late on Tuesday near the Kuje medium security prison just outside Abuja, and security forces had cordoned off streets in the area early on Wednesday.
German lawmakers recommend Yazidi ‘genocide’ recognition
Germany´s lower house of parliament on Saturday, July 09 recommended that German lawmakers recognise as a “genocide” the 2014 massacre of Kurdish-speaking Yazidis by Islamic State group jihadists in Iraq, following the lead of UN investigators.
“The recognition of the genocide is an essential step to overcome the traumas for the Yazidi community,” said Greens MP Max Lucks, highlighting the precarious situation faced by survivors still living in Iraq.
“A safe life, peace… must be our ambition for the Yazidi community,” he said.
The Bundestag, or lower house of parliament, on Thursday approved a petition asking for this recognition, but still needs to hold a final vote in a plenary session in order to complete the process of recognition.
Germany, home to a large Yazidi diaspora, is one of the few countries to have taken legal action against IS.
US drone strike kills IS Syria chief
The leader of the Islamic State militant group in Syria was killed on Tuesday, July 12 in a US drone strike, the Pentagon said. Maher al-Agal was killed while riding a motorcycle near Jindayris in Syria, and one of his top aides was seriously injured, Pentagon Central Command spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Dave Eastburn said.
31 dead in Sudan tribal clashes near Ethiopia border
At least 31 people were killed in clashes between two tribes in Sudan’s Blue Nile state bordering Ethiopia, the security services said on Saturday, July 09.
They added that another 39 people had been wounded and 16 shops torched during the violence, which erupted on Monday over a land dispute between the Berti and Hawsa tribes. Clashes resumed close to the state capital Al-Damazin on Saturday, witnesses said.
10 shot dead in Indonesia ambush
10 people were shot dead in Indonesia’s restive eastern province Papua on July 10 in an ambush police attributed to rebels.
Two others were also seriously injured in the shooting, which police said took place in a remote highland area when about 20 people — three armed with guns and others with sharp weapons — attacked a truck full of civilians.
Car bomb kills five at Somalia hotel
A powerful car bomb killed at least five people on Sunday, July 17 outside a popular hotel in central Somalia, police and witnesses said, in an attack claimed by militants aligned with al-Qaeda.
The blast injured 14 others and destroyed not just the hotel but adjacent buildings in Jowhar about 90-km north of Somalia’s capital Mogadishu. Police said the attackers rammed a vehicle packed with explosives into the outer wall of the Nur-doob hotel, popular with state lawmakers and other local officials.
“They have killed five civilians, among them women working in the hotel and security guards,” said Mohamed Ali, a police officer in Jowhar, told AFP. “Fourteen other people were wounded, some of them inside buildings not even close to the hotel.” Al-Shabaab, a Somalia-based group tied to al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement posted on a pro-militant website.
Russian air strike on Syria kills seven
A Russian air strike killed seven people, four of them children, in Syria’s rebel-held Idlib region on Friday, July 15 a war monitor said.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the deaths “including four children who are siblings, two men and an unidentified person… as a result of Russian air strikes”, in the Jisr al-Shughur countryside of northern Syria. Ayhman Mozan, 31, lost all four of his children in the attack that destroyed his home.
Militia clashes in Libyan capital kill 13
At least 13 people were killed overnight on Thursday-Friday in heavy clashes between militias in the Libyan capital Tripoli, emergency services said.
Updating an earlier toll, emergency services told Al-Ahrar television a child was among the 13 dead and that 25 other people — including civilians — were wounded, several of them seriously. Tensions have been rising for months as two prime ministers vie for power in the North African country.
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.
