Suicide Bombing
Three Security Force (SF) personnel and a child were killed and 10 others sustained injured in a vehicle-borne suicide attack in the Miranshah area of North Waziristan District on July 5, reports Dawn. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that the suicide bomber intended to target the security forces’ post, but the assailant was timely intercepted by on-duty soldiers who “prevented a major catastrophe”.
The statement said that 41-year-old Naib Subedar Sahib Khan, a resident of Mianwali, 40-year-old Naik Muhammad Ibrahim, a resident of Dera Ismail Khan, and 24-year-old Sepoy Jehangir Khan, a resident of Mardan, were killed. A child along with nine other passengers in a van also sustained injuries in the attack, adding that the injured persons were immediately shifted to Mir Ali hospital — a child, however, later succumbed to injuries.
At least 10 people including seven Security Force (SFs) personnel were injured in a suicide blast near SF’s vehicle in phase 6 area of Hayatabad in Peshawar on July 18, reports Geo TV. The Superintendent of Police (SP), Cantonment, Waqas Rafiq said the suicide blast explosion took place near Frontier Corps (FC) vehicle. Later, Peshawar SSP (Operations) Haroon Rasheed said in a statement that an “explosive-laden vehicle” was used in the attack. Tehreek-i-Jihad Pakistan, a newly found faction of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack, adds Dawn.
Four Policemen were killed and at least nine people were injured on July 20 in a suicide blast in tehsil office’s compound in the Bara Bazaar of Khyber District, reports Geo TV. KP Inspector General (IG) Akhtar Hayat said that two suicide attackers had tried to enter the premises of the tehsil office — one from the main gate and the other from the rear. He stated that both the attackers were gunned down by the police, but added that “firing and blasts were carried out by both attackers”.
Bomb blasts
A paramilitary personnel was killed and another sustained injuries when an improvised explosive device (IED) went off near vehicles of the paramilitary forces in South Waziristan District on July 5, reports Dawn. Police said that the paramilitary forces were clearing the road when the IED, planted on a roadside, exploded.
At least three Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel were injured in a bomb attack on a mobile van in the Northern Bypass area of Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, in the night of July 11, reports ARY News. The incident occurred in the Northern Bypass area where a bomb planted on a motorcycle exploded near a CTD van.
At least four people were injured on July 21 in a blast in the Geelay area in the Mamund tehsil (revenue unit) of Bajaur District, reports Dawn. According to Mamund Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sattar Khan, a vehicle was targeted by a bomb which was detonated via remote control.
Targetted Killings
A Police constable, identified as Fazal Amin, was shot dead when unidentified terrorists opened fire on him in Batmali area of Salarzai Tehsil (revenue unit) in Bajaur District on June 25, reports The Express Tribune.
Unidentified assailants shot dead a tribal elder, identified as Lala Zahir Khan Dummar, and injured two others in Quetta on July 8, reports Dawn.
A tribal elder was shot dead by unidentified assailants in a targeted attack in Khar area of Bajaur District on July 12, reports The Express Tribune. The assailants managed to escape after the attack.
Unidentified terrorists shot dead a Police constable at Maddi Gate area of Kulachi tehsil in Dera Ismail Khan District on July 20, reports Dawn. A Police spokesman said constable Mubarak Shah, a resident of Paharpur, was on duty at Maddi Gate when unidentified terrorists opened fire on him.
Miscellaneous
The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested a Daesh woman terrorist and nine other terrorists of banned outfits during multiple raids across Punjab, ARY News reported on June 27. The raids were conducted in Multan, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan Districts.
The CTD officials said that the arrested terrorists identified as Adnan, Abdul Halim, Shiraz, Bilquis, and Umar bin Khalid are from a banned outfit whereas the woman is an active member of Daesh.
A terrorist ‘commander’ was among three terrorists killed in an Intelligence-Based Operation (IBO) in Inayat Qilla area of Bajaur District on June 28, reports Dawn. According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), an intense exchange of fire took place between Security Forces and terrorists, resulting in the killing of the terrorists, including their ‘commander’ Shafi.
“Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed terrorists, who remained actively involved in terrorist activities against security forces as well as killing of innocent citizens,” the ISPR added.
One terrorist was killed while another one sustained injuries during an exchange of fire between SFs and terrorists in Tirah area on June 28, reports Dawn. The SFs also recovered weapons and ammunition from the slain terrorist.
The Police on June 28 recovered five suicide jackets, explosives, grenades, eatables and military uniforms with Afghanistan labels from a mountain in Shago Kas area of Lower Dir District on June 28, reports Dawn..
Three terrorists were killed during an exchange of fire with Security Forces (SF) in Manzai area of Tank District in the late night of June 29, reports Dawn. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the possession of slain terrorists.
Three terrorists were killed during an exchange of fire with Security Forces (SF) in Razmak area of North Waziristan District on June 29, reports Dawn.
On July 1, one Police personnel identified as Constable Abdul Saboor was injured in an attack when unidentified armed motorcyclist threw a hand grenade at a Police Station in Civil Lines of Quetta District, reports Geo TV. The Police personnel was injured in the ensuing explosion.
Three Police personnel and a Frontier Constabulary (FC) personnel were killed while a terrorist was gunned down on July 2 after Police and Levies check posts in the Dhana Sar area of Sherani District in Balochistan came under attack, reports Dawn.
An Army Major and a soldier were killed while another soldier sustained injuries in an exchange of fire with terrorists in Hoshab area of Kech District in the night of July 2, reports Dawn.
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement that SFs on credible intelligence about the movement of a group of terrorists launched an operation. While establishment of blocking positions to cut the escape routes was under way, the terrorists opened fire on the SFs.
The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on July 6 arrested two suspected persons allegedly involved in collecting funds for a banned outfit from Lasi Goth area of Karachi, reports ARY News. According to the details, the Anti-Terrorism Financing Unit of the CTD conducted an operation in the Lasi Goth area and arrested two active workers involved in collecting funds for a banned outfit.
The arrested persons were identified as Zakir Hussain and Zameer Hussain who are said to be brothers while a significant amount of cash and receipts were recovered from their possession.
The Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Farooq Zaman, sustained serious injuries in terrorist firing in Katlang area of Mardan District on July 9, reports ARY News. DSP Farooq Zaman was on a routine patrol in the area when terrorists targeted his vehicle.
The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on July 9 arrested four ‘wanted terrorists’ in Torawari Mountain area of Hangu District, reports ARY News. The terrorists were involved in receiving ransom amount from the local people of the area. A machine gun, four Kalashnikov, two rocket-propelled grenades, and an Afghanistan SIM were recovered from the possession of arrested terrorists.
One Police Constable, identified as Mohsin Azam, was killed and three other Police personnel sustained injuries during an attack by unidentified terrorists on newly established Police check posts in the Faqiran Masjid area of Mir Ali Tehsil (revenue unit) in North Waziristan District on July 12, reports The Express Tribune.
The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on July 13 arrested a Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operative, identified as Asif Rehman, from an undisclosed location of Karachi, reports ARY News.
Five members of a family of a Frontier Corps official sustained injuries when unidentified militants fired rockets at an FC fort located on the Quetta-Karachi national highway in the Kalat town in the night of July 14, reports Dawn. Officials said that unidentified militants fired three rockets at the FC fort from a nearby village. One of the rockets landed inside the residential area of the fort.
Security Forces (SFS) on July 16 foiled an attack on Zhob Cantonment in Zhob Town (Zhob District) when a group of terrorists launched an attack in an attempt to enter the garrison late in the night, reports Dawn. However, the SFs who were on alert retaliated, forcing the terrorists to retreat.
Two Policemen were killed while as many were injured in a terrorist attack on a Police check post in Regi Model Town area of Peshawar in the night of July 20, reports Dawn. According to Regi (Warsak circle) Superintendent of Police Arshad Khan, at around 11:45pm, Police personnel were switching duties at the entrance of the Regi Model Town when unidentified terrorists opened fire at the Policemen.
The Police thwarted a terrorist ambush on a Police checkpost in Sarband area of Peshawar in the night of July 20, reports Dawn. Cantonment Superintendent of Police (SP) Waqas Rafiq said that a group of six to seven terrorists tried to approach the Sarband police checkpost under the cover of darkness. However, the quick response from the Policemen foiled their attempt.
PAKISTAN
Pakistan sees 79 per cent surge in terror acts in first half of 2023, says PICSS report
Terror activities in the country have soared by 79 per cent during the first half of 2023, The News reported on July 3, citing a statistical report released by the independent think tank Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). The report voiced alarm, stating that at least 271 militant attacks took place during the last 6 months, resulting in the loss of 389 lives and injuring 656 individuals.
The situation in the same timeframe last year was way better as compared to the current, as the first half of 2022 saw 151 attacks and 293 deaths, and 487 injuries. Furthermore, the latter half of 2022 recorded 228 attacks, resulting in 246 fatalities and 349 injuries. Thus, the first six months of 2023 witnessed an 18% rise in attacks compared to the latter half of 2022, accompanied by a 58% increase in fatalities and an 88% increase in injuries.
Pakistani Security Forces have also stepped up their response against terrorism and killed at least 236 militants across the country while 295 suspected militants were also arrested during the first six months of 2023.
Islamic State behind recent attacks on clerics, minorities; says KP CTD AIG Shaukat Abbas
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on July 10 claimed that the militant group Islamic State (Daesh) is behind the recent targeted attacks against religious scholars and members of minority groups in Peshawar, reports Dawn.
“The CTD has arrested Daesh affiliate Aminullah and killed another, Zafar, following their encounter with the special patrolling squad, Ababeel Force, in the provincial capital,” Additional Inspector General (AIG) Shaukat Abbas. He said on June 25, a gunman killed member of the Christian community Mushtaq and fled but he was intercepted by the Ababeel Force on the Ring Road near Garhi Qamardin area. “As soon as the gunman saw the force, he opened fire at it injuring three personnel.
The force retaliated and killed him,” he said. The official also said the Police seized a pistol, a motorcycle, two SIM cards, a BRT card and an Afghan citizen card carrying the name of Khalid Khan son of Musafir.
Official reveals 15-20 militants identified, CTD closing in on them. Initial investigation identified the gunman as Zafar, an Afghan national living in the Rasheed Garhi area of the provincial capital.
Further investigation, especially leads from Zafar’s mobile phone, helped the CTD arrest Zafar’s father-in-law, Ameenullah, according AIG Shaukat Abbas. The AIG Shaukat Abbas said around 60 network members, who escaped from the prison after the Islamic Emirates formed the government in Afghanistan, reportedly entered Pakistan.
They, however, said it was unknown how many of those militants were active. AIG Shaukat Abbas said that targeted attacks against religious scholars and members of religious minorities began in March. He said it was a challenging task to “trace the militant network and identify its members.”
The official said nine people had been targeted since March and they included Sikhs, Christians, and Muslim scholars. “Scientific methods were adopted, while a pattern was followed connecting the dots. The forensic evidence showed that just one pistol was used in all these attacks,” he added.
Twelve soldiers, seven terrorists and one civilian killed in two separate terrorist attacks in Balochistan
Nine Army soldiers, five terrorists and one civilian were killed during clash when terrorists attacked the Zhob garrison in Zhob town (Zhob District) of Balochistan on July 12, reports Dawn. “Initial attempt of terrorists to sneak into the facility was checked by soldiers on duty,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, adding that the terrorists were soon after cornered in a small area near the boundary following a heavy exchange of fire. Zhob District Commissioner (DC) Azeem Kakar said that a woman civilian was killed after being caught in the crossfire while five other civilians were left injured.
Three Army soldiers and two terrorists were killed in an exchange of fire in Sui District on July 12, reports ARY News. The ISPR said in a statement that the exchange of fire took place between the Security Forces (SFs) and terrorists during an ongoing operation.
Army Chief General Asim Munir warns Kabul on TTP safe havens
The Army Chief General Asim Munir on July 14 issued a stern warning to the interim Afghan Taliban Government over the presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) across the border, saying recent terrorist attacks would elicit effective response from Pakistan, reports The Express Tribune.
General Asim Munir visited the Quetta Garrison, where he was briefed on the terrorist attack in Zhob on July 12 in which at least nine soldiers killed. A statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that the Army Chief voiced serious concerns over “safe havens” of TTP in Afghanistan.
“The Armed Forces of Pakistan have serious concerns on the safe havens and liberty of action available to TTP in Afghanistan,” the statement noted. “It is expected that the interim Afghan Government would not allow the use of its soil to perpetrate terror against any country, in the real sense and in line with commitments made in Doha Agreement,” the Army Chief was quoted as saying.
665 militant attacks reported in KP since June 2022, says KP Police report
Dawn quoting the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Police report titled ‘Motive-Wise Terrorism Incidents’ reported on July 23 that at least 665 militant attacks, including 15 suicide bombings, were reported in the province between June 18, 2022, and June 18, 2023. The report said that there were 382-gun attacks, 107 grenade blasts, 145 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) explosions, 15 rocket and missile hits, and two vehicle-borne IEDs attacks in the province during that period. 140 militant activities, including eight suicide blasts, 37 IEDs and three hand grenade explosions, five rocket attacks, and 85 firing incidents, were reported in the North Waziristan District alone. 81 militant attacks took place in Dera Ismail Khan District, and they included 70 firing incidents, seven IEDs and two grenade explosions, and one suicide and rocket attack each. Peshawar District reported 56 acts of militancy, including 19 guns, 25 grenades, eight IEDs, and two suicide and rocket attacks each.
The report further said that 55 militant activities took place in Bajaur District, including 21 gun, four grenades, and 30 IEDs attacks, while South Waziristan District recorded 49 such attacks, including 33 gun, 13 IEDs, and one rocket attack. Militants carried out 48 attacks in Khyber and Lakki Marwat Districts each.
The list revealed that 30 gun and 11 IEDs attacks were reported in Khyber, while 19 and six grenade explosions occurred in Lakki Marwat and Khyber, respectively. Tank District recorded 39 acts of militancy, and 29 of them were gun attacks, seven IEDs and two grenade attacks, and one suicide blast. Bannu District reported 38 such militant acts during the period, which included one suicide blast, 22 guns, three rockets, five grenades, and seven IEDs attacks. 21 militant hits were reported in Kohat District, including 13 grenade attacks, three IEDs blasts, and five-gun attacks, while 10-gun, one grenade, and five IEDs attacks took place in Swat District.
Meanwhile, Mohmand District recorded 13 gun and one grenade attacks, and Mardan District recorded six grenade, two IEDs, and five-gun attacks. 11 militant attacks, including five gun, one IED, and five grenade attacks, were reported in Charsadda District, while four grenade explosions and two-gun attacks occurred in Nowshera District during the period.
It said five grenade explosions were reported in Swabi District, four-gun attacks in Lower Dir, and two gun and two grenade hits in Hangu District. Two acts of militancy in Upper Dir, Orakzai, and Karak Districts each: a gun and a grenade attack in Karak, two-gun attacks in Orakzai, a grenade and an IED attack in Upper Dir, a gun attack in Abbottabad District, and one IED blast in Chitral, and Malakand Districts each.
Afghanistan – Internal Dynamics
Erasing Afghan women and girls from public life is a crime against humanity, says Amnesty International
On July 1, Amnesty International (AI) released a video on Twitter showcasing the desperate situation of Afghan women and girls and stating that erasing women and girls from public life is a crime against humanity, reports The Khaama Press News Agency. AI further said that erasing women and girls from public life is a crime against humanity, and the ruling regime (Taliban) must be held accountable for it.
Former military officer shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Paktika
A former military officer from the previous government, identified as Fazl, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Sharan, the provincial capital of Paktika Province, on July 10, reports Hasht-e Subh Daily.
Taliban suspends all Swedish institutions in Afghanistan
On July 11, the Taliban suspended all Swedish institutions in Afghanistan in reaction to a Swedish citizen burning the Quran, reports Tolo News. Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid stated that the Taliban, in reaction to the burning of the holy Quran in Sweden, has stopped the activities of all institutions of this country in Afghanistan, and until this country apologizes to Muslims, its activities in Afghanistan will be stopped. The Swedish Committee for Afghanistan (SCA) said in a statement that the directive of July 11 to suspend all Sweden’s activities in Afghanistan will affect our organization. The SCA is not a Swedish government entity; it is independent and impartial in relation to all political stakeholders and states and is funded by a broad range of donors. SCA further said, “SCA strongly condemns all acts of desecration of the Holy Quran, as we do any attempt to create conflict or hostility between people based on religious belief, ethnicity, nationality, or any other division.”
Mastermind of Dasu bus suicide attack killed in Kunar Province
On July 12, a Tehreek-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorist and mastermind of the Dasu bus suicide attack, identified as Muhammad Tariq Rafiq alias Button Kharab, was killed near Dara-e Pech District in Kunar Province, reports ARY News.
Muhammad Tariq Rafiq was the main brain behind the suicide attack that killed 13 people, including at least three Pakistani workers and 10 Chinese engineers, near the Dasu hydropower plant in Kohistan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on July 14, 2021.
“Afghanistan’s Dire Humanitarian Situation”, says USIP’s report
The United States Institutes of Peace’s (USIP) report titled “Afghanistan’s Dire Humanitarian Situation,” released on July 13, called for the continuation of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, reports The Khaama Press News Agency. The report further said, “In the two years since the Taliban takeover, the Afghan economy has crumbled, the financial system has largely collapsed, and the international community has opted for no recognition of the Taliban.”
“Donors and Non-Government organizations (NGOs) now face the immense challenge of meeting the needs of the Afghan people under these dire conditions,” it added. This report also revealed that since Taliban tightened its restrictions on Afghan women working for NGOs, the humanitarian situation has only worsened.
Two civilians beheaded by unidentified assailants in Herat Province
On July 17, two civilians (a sister and her brother) were beheaded by unidentified assailants on Haji Hashem Road, in the Khosh Gate area of Herat, the provincial capital of Herat Province, reports Hasht-e Subh Daily. As of now, local Taliban authorities have not provided any statements on the matter.
Bangladesh – Internal Dynamics
Militancy not fully eradicated but under control, states Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Khandaker Golam
Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Khandaker Golam on July 2 said that although militancy has not been completely eradicated from the country, it is under control, reports The Daily Star. “We must remain vigilant as the latent seeds of militancy may still exist,” he stated.
Recalling the tragic events of July 1, 2016 (Holey Artisan café attack), Faruq highlighted that in 2015-16, various militant attacks were carried out as part of domestic and international conspiracies to impede the development and progress of Bangladesh.
“Following the Holey Artisan attack, our development partners halted their projects and left the country out of fear,” he said. Khandaker said the resolute stance of the Police and the people, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was against the militants. “This demonstrated to our development partners that we are determined to uproot militancy in Bangladesh. As a result, they returned, and our journey of development continued,” Faruq explained.
Militants using prisons to recruit operatives, according to report
Taking advantage of gaps in surveillance, incarcerated militant leaders have been forming new outfits and recruiting members inside and outside prisons, The Daily Star reports on July 3. Besides, pro-al Qaeda militant outfit Ansar Al Islam and several other Islamist groups have been recruiting members online for the last few months, counterterrorism officials say. The Neo JMB (Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh) operatives inspired by the so-called Islamic State (IS) are planning to form a new outfit in collaboration with members of Ansar al Islam, and JMB, two officials of the counterterrorism unit of Police have said requesting anonymity.
By intercepting communications, the officers have learnt that Neo JMB leader Saiful Islam Khaled, now on death row at Kashimpur High Security Prison for the 2016 Holey Artisan café attack, used Telegram app on a smartphone to contact Bangladeshi IS militants in Afghanistan’s Khorasan province and asked for financial support to reorganise the militant group in Bangladesh.
Ansar al Islam member Irfan, and JMB members Hasib, Ekran, and Khaled, all inmates at Kashimpur, held a meeting in mid-June and talked about their plans, said the officers of Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of Police.
Six persons killed in separate incidents in Rohingya camp of Cox’s Bazar District
Five Rohingya men were shot dead on July 7, in what Police said was a gunfight between Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) and Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO) in camp in Balukhali in Ukhiya sub-District of Cox’s Bazar District, reports The Daily Star. Four of the victims are Anwar Hossain, Muhammad Hamim, Nazibullah, and Nurul Amin, the other victim had not been identified yet. Police also recovered a firearm and a bullet from the scene. In another incident at the same camp, Police recovered the body of a man named Sanaullah. His throat was slit and there were multiple stab wounds on the body. According to Police and Rohingya leaders, at least 57 Rohingyas, including 17 community leaders and 11 ARSA operatives, got killed in clashes over the last six months.
ARSA ‘commander’ killed in gunfight in Cox’s Bazar District
An Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) ‘commander’, identified as Hossain Majhi, was killed during a gunfight between a gang of criminals and Armed Police Battalion (APBN) at Camp 17 of Ukhiya sub-District in Cox’s Bazar District on July 10, reports The Daily Star.
Additional Deputy Inspector General of Police Harun-or- Rashed, Commander of APBN-14 said that criminal activities were conducted under his command at seven to eight Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. A large quantity of weapons, bullets, walkie-talkies, mobiles, and multiple mobile SIMs have been seized at the time, adds dhakatribune.com.
Fugitive militant of Allahar Dal arrested in Rangpur Division
A fugitive accused and operative of militant outfit Allahar Dal, identified as Ruhul Amin, was arrested by the members of the Anti-Terrorism Unit of the police from Uday Sagar area in Palashbari Upazila (Sub-District) in Gaibandha District (Rangpur Division) on July 19, reports Prothom Alo.
India – Internal Dynamics
Two civilians killed in gunfight in Manipur
At least two civilians identified as Waikhom Boicha alias Nilkamal and Konsam Herojit were killed, while four persons sustained injuries, three of whom have been identified as Roshan,Thangjam Samananda, Thongam Abungkhan in a gunbattle between suspected Kuki militants and village defence volunteers atHaraothel Village in Kangpokpi District in Manipur on June 29, reports India Today NE. The incident took place when Kuki militants fired at the volunteers guarding a village in the area using weapons and suspected lathode bombs.
Police personnel killed in gunfight in Manipur
On June 29, one Police personnel (Head Constable) of Manipur Police, identified as Lenglam Dimngel, was shot dead during a gunfight that took place in Haraothel Village under the jurisdiction of Leimakhong Police station in Kangpokpi District in Manipur, reports Imphal Free Press.
Police sources stated that a team of Leimakhong Police went to Haraothel to recover the death body of Waikhom Boicha alias Nilkamal, who died in a gunfight with suspected Kuki militants on June 29. And while the Police were trying to recover the body, the Head Constable was hit by a bullet on his neck, killing him on the spot.
Two civilians, one State Police Commando injured in separate attacks by Kuki militants in Manipur
At least two civilians and a state force personnel were injured in separate attacks by suspected Kuki militants on July 8, in Bishnupur District of Manipur, reports Imphal Free Press. The incident happened at Phougakchao Ikhai Awang Mamang Leikai region in Bishnupur District, when the Kuki militants attacked the state force bunker using sniper rifles. A District Police Commando personnel, identified as Kambam Rameshor, received bullet injury after he was shot at by suspected Kuki militants. Additionally, a civilian, identified as Yumnam Ranjan, who had gone to his field Phougakchao Ikhai Awang Mamang Leikai was also targeted by miscreants, sustaining bullet injuries. Another civilian, identified as Mohammed Waris Khan was also injured from mortar splinters with a mortar fired from Thangjing foothill area by unknown miscreants hitting the house.
“Kill India” rally organised by Khalistani groups held in Canada, UK, Australia and US
A “Kill India” rally organised by pro-Khalistan groups was held outside the Indian High Commission in London in United Kingdom (UK) on July 8, with a turnout of 35-40 participants in the demonstration, reports The Hindu. The rally used controversial posters inciting violence with images of the High Commissioner of India to UK, Vikram Doraiswami, and Shashank Vikram, Consul General of India in Birmingham, UK, blaming them for the killing of Khalistani leader, namely, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot dead on June 19, 2023.
Around 250 pro-Khalistani elements, supported by the pro-Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), gathered outside the Indian consulate in Toronto in Canada on July 8, after ‘Kill India’ posters attributed to the slain Khalistani ‘chief’ Hardeep Singh Nijjar and targeting senior Indian envoys in Canada were circulated online, reports Hindustan Times. Toronto witnessed the largest of the ‘Kill India’ protests, whereas 30 protesters gathered across the road from India’s high commission in Ottawa in Canada.
The protest in Vancouver had around 50 protestors and passed without incident. Other posters seen during the protests promoted “Punjab Referendum’s” next phase, in the Greater Toronto Area in Canada, on July 16, 2023. Members of the Indian community holding the Tricolour flag, gathered outside the consulate to protect their diplomats and the consulate office, and countered the protest. Although two Khalistani protestors were apprehended by the Police, they were later released without charges.
Policeman killed in gunfight with suspected Kuki militants in Manipur
On July 8, two Manipur Police Commandos sustained bullet injuries in a targeted attack by suspected Kuki militants at Phoubakchao Awang Leikai in Bishnupur District of Manipur, reports Northeast Now. One of the Commandos later succumbed to his injuries.
Monthly Fatalities:
The following casualties, related to ongoing insurgencies and acts of terrorism occurred during the period June 26, 2023 to July 25, 2023:
| | Civilian | Indian Security Personnel | Militants | Total |
| Chhattisgarh | 02 | 03 | 01 | 06 |
| Manipur | 17 | 05 | 12 | 34 |
| Total | 19 | 08 | 13 | 40 |
INTERNATIONAL
11 killed in east DR Congo attack
Militants killed at least 11 people in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, officials said on Saturday, July 01 in the latest attack to hit the turbulent region. The attack occurred on Friday in the village of Mutuey, and the surrounding area, in Ituri province´s Irumu territory, according to village chief Adidas Mupitapilipo.
Militants from the Islamist-aligned Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) killed 13 people, he said, adding that only 11 bodies could be recovered. AFP was unable to independently confirm the details of the attack.
Five killed in Nigeria terrorist rocket attack
Five people have been killed and 11 others injured after suspected terrorists fired a rocket-propelled grenade at a town in northeast Nigeria´s Borno state, two anti-jihadist militia commanders told AFP on Sunday.
Scores of fighters attempted to invade the town of Damboa late on Friday, June 30 but met stiff resistance from the anti-jihadist militia, a paramilitary outfit that works alongside the armed forces, the militia said.
The attack is the latest in Nigeria´s 14-year jihadist conflict in the northeast, where 40,000 have died and more than two million have been displaced by the fighting since 2009.
Sudan paramilitaries loot and ‘terrorise’ town: witnesses
Gunmen from Sudan´s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces were accused of attacking a remote town on Friday (July 07) before going on a shooting and looting rampage that witnesses said “terrorised” its people.
For nearly three months, the RSF commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo has fought the regular army under General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in a war that has claimed the lives of at least 3,000 people and displaced millions.
The RSF was “looting banks and public buildings” in Bara, 50-km northeast of El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, a witness in the town said.
“We´re being terrorised: they shoot and loot, and the army and police are nowhere to be seen,” said another resident, Abdelmohsen Ibrahim.
“Even if the army tries to come from El-Obeid, the RSF are in control of the El-Obeid-Bara road.” El-Obeid, 350 kilometres south of Khartoum, is a strategic logistical and commercial hub, with an airport and huge warehouses for the storage of foodstuffs.
Two officers, four gunmen killed in attack on Iranian police station
Two policemen were killed Saturday, July 08 in Iran’s restive southeast near Pakistan, Iranian media said, in an attack claimed by jihadists that left four assailants dead.
The grenade attack and ensuing firefight at a police station was the latest violence to hit Sistan-Baluchistan province, where unrest has involved drug smuggling gangs, rebels from the Baluchi minority and Sunni Muslim extremist groups.
Also on Saturday, the Islamic Republic’s judiciary said two men were hanged in public over a deadly shooting last year at a revered shrine in the southern city of Shiraz.
In Zahedan, the Sistan-Baluchistan provincial capital, “four unidentified armed individuals attacked and entered police station Number 16,” state broadcaster IRIB reported, citing the province´s deputy head of security Alireza Marhamati. The attackers used grenades to blast open the gates of the police station, and an exchange of fire occurred, said Marhamati.
The jihadist Jaish al-Adl group, which was formed in 2012 and is blacklisted by Iran as a “terrorist” group, claimed responsibility, SITE Intelligence Group reported.
Sudan violence rages as paramilitaries deny Darfur war crimes
Air strikes pummelled Khartoum on Sunday, July 16 and fighting raged in Sudan´s western Darfur region, witnesses said, as a three-month war between the army and rival paramilitaries showed no signs of abating.
In the capital´s east and northwest, army fighter jets “targeted bases” belonging to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) who “responded with anti-aircraft weapons”, witnesses told AFP.
A local neighbourhood group said at least five people were killed and 17 others injured in a blast in Ombada, in Khartoum´s northwest, but the toll was likely to increase as “more casualties are pulled from the rubble”.
RSF drones targeted Khartoum´s largest military hospital, according to witnesses. A similar attack Saturday on the same facility left five dead and 22 injured, the army said.
The war between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy, RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, has killed around 3,000 people, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project, but the actual death toll is believed to be much higher.
A further three million people have been displaced internally or fled across borders, according to the International Organization for Migration.
UN food agency worker killed in south Yemen
A UN food agency staff member has been killed in an attack in Taez province in southern Yemen, the organisation and the health minister of the internationally recognised government said on Friday, July 21.
Health minister Qasem Buhaibeh had tweeted his condolences to the World Food Programme staffer´s family, calling for security forces to “arrest the criminals” responsible for the killing. A WFP spokesperson later confirmed the death to AFP, saying: “WFP is deeply saddened that a dedicated staff member was killed in Yemen today by unknown gunmen.
Rockets, shells kill 20 Sudan civilians
At least 20 Sudanese civilians have been killed by rocket fire on residential areas of one of Darfur’s main cities and by shelling near hospitals in North Kordofan state, lawyers and medics said Saturday, July 22.
The doctors’ union said that since Friday morning shells had struck near four hospitals in the North Kordofan state capital El-Obeid, killing four civilians and wounding 45. In the South Darfur state capital Nyala, the local lawyers’ union said that rocket fire had killed 16 civilians.
The Darfur region, already ravaged by brutal conflict in the early 2000s, has seen some of the worst of the violence since fighting erupted in mid-April between Sudanese rival generals vying for power.
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.
