Suicide Attacks
Three Policemen were killed and 16 other personnel sustained injuries as terrorists rammed an explosive-laden car into Daraban Police Station in Dera Ismail Khan District on December 12, reports ARY News. The terrorists hit a car full of explosives at the main gate of the Daraban police station main gate. As a result, three Policemen were killed. Police also gunned down two terrorists during an exchange of fire as they tried to enter the premises.
Bomb blasts/IEDs
At least seven persons including four children injured in bomb explosion outside a school on Warsak Road in Peshawar on December 5. Around 4 kilograms of explosives were used in the bomb that exploded outside the school, Arshad Khan, a Police officer said at the site of the explosion, “the target of the attack seems unclear at this point” Khan added.
One person was killed and three others, including two Policemen, were injured in a bomb blast in Hussainabad area of Sohbatpur District in Balochistan on December 7, reports Dawn. Police officials said the blast took place in Hussainabad area in which a camp of labourers of a construction company was targeted.
One Policeman was killed and a passer-by sustained injury in a blast near the Sultan Ibrahim Road in Khuzdar town (Khuzdar District) on December 10, reports Dawn. The deceased officer was identified as Murad Jamot who was posted as the SHO of the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Khuzdar town.
An improvised explosive device (IED) exploded near a Police vehicle on routine patrol in Gabila area of Lakki Marwat District on December 12, reports Dawn. No loss of life was reported.
Targetted Killings
A policeman, Mohammad Ashraf, a Frontier Reserve Police head constable, who was on way to the place of his deployment for polio duty, was killed when militants opened fire at him in Sabukhel locality of Bannu District on November 29, reports Dawn.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) local leader Ayaz Khan was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Mausam Korana area of Mardan in the night of November 29, reports ARY News.
Bilal Murshid, a senior cadre of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ) in Karachi area, was shot at and injured by armed assailants riding a motorbike in the Godhra area of Sector 11-G in New Karachi town on December 6, reports Dawn.
A trader was shot dead in a ‘targeted attack’ in Timber Market of Old city area in Karachi on December 20, reports ARY News when unidentified assailants opened indiscriminate fire on Shehzad Jafarani, killing him on the spot.
Miscellaneous
On November 29, a van of Wazir police station came under attack on Talgi Road in Bannu District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), leaving a policeman, Hizbullah, 28, a resident of Bandar Kallay, injured, reports Dawn. The police party was on patrol duty on a rural road as part of security measures for the polio drive when militants hiding in the mountains attacked them.
A terrorist belonging to Hafiz Gul Bahadur group of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was killed in an intelligence-based operation in Domel area of Bannu District on November 30, reports Dawn. One AK 47 rifle, bullets and a mobile phone were recovered from the possession of the slain terrorist.
On December 2, nine people were killed and 25 others were injured in a terrorist attack on a passenger bus that set off from Gahkuch in Ghizer District, in Hudur area of Chilas in Daimer District of Gilgit-Baltistan in Kashmir, reports Dawn. Diamer DC Captain (Rtd) Arif Ahmad confirmed the incident and said most of the people are from various regions across Pakistan.
The Security Forces (SFs) arrested a Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ‘commander’ during an operation carried out in Mardan District on December 2, reports Dawn. During interrogation, the terrorists revealed about as huge cache of arms kept in the Khyber District. Later SFs recovered the arms from area.
One terrorist was killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Kulachi area of Dera Ismail Khan District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on December 6, reports ARY News. The terrorist, identified as Habib-ur-Rehman, was actively involved in numerous activities against Security Forces as well the innocent civilians. Arms, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the slain terrorist.
The Security Forces (SFs) shot dead five terrorists in an exchange of fire during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted in Mullazai area of Tank District in the night of December 7, reports ARY News. The killed terrorists remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against law enforcement agencies as well as extortion and target killing of innocent civilians. A cache of weapons, ammunition and explosives were recovered during the operation.
The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on December 7 arrested a Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorist during a raid at old Sabzi Mandi area of Karachi, reports ARY News. The arrested terrorist, identified as Izzat Mand, was the leader of the TTP chapter of Matta tehsil (revenue unit) in Swat District
The Punjab Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on December 11 said it had arrested nine terrorists associated with banned outfits during various intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Punjab, reports Dawn. According to an official statement by the CTD, officials conducted 70 IBOs in various parts of the province.
During the operation, the CTD recovered a cache of weapons, including two hand grenades, one improvised explosive device, 508 grams of explosives, seven banned books, one banned magazine, 12 pamphlets of banned outfits, 44 stickers of banned outfits, three receipt books, three mobile phones and a sum of PKR 131,830 in cash. The CTD said it conducted 314 “combing operations” with local Police and security agencies across the province, which resulted in 47 arrests and the registration of 48 first information reports.
Twenty-five Army soldiers were killed while 27 terrorists were killed in three separate incidents in Dera Ismail Khan District on December 12, reports Dawn. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a group of six terrorists attacked a security forces’ checkpost in the Daraban area. “The attempt to enter the post was effectively thwarted which forced the terrorists to ram an explosive-laden vehicle into the post, followed by a suicide bombing attack. The resulting blasts led to the collapse of the building, causing multiple casualties; 23 brave soldiers embraced shahadat, while all six terrorists were effectively engaged and sent to hell,” the ISPR said. Tehreek-i-Jihad Pakistan (TJP), a new group affiliated with the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack on the checkpost. The TJP ‘spokesman’ in his claim said four bombers, belonging to Lakki, Dera Ismail Khan, Swat and Mardan Districts, took part in the attack.
At least 17 terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Darazinda area of Dera Ismail Khan District on December 12, reports Dawn.
Four terrorists and two soldiers were killed in an IBO in the Kulachi area of Dera Ismail Khan District on December 12, reports Dawn. ISPR said the killed terrorists were actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against Security Forces (SFs) as well as killing of innocent civilians.
A major terror bid was foiled by Police when they repelled the terrorists attack on Chowanda Police check-post in Dera Ismail Khan District around 9:00 pm in the night of December 17, reports The News. Police said the terrorists were forced to flee the area as the Police began retaliatory firing. No casualty was reported in the attack.
Two Policemen, identified as Amir and Khurram, were injured in grenade attack in the garage of the Lahore residence of former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar in Garden Town area on December 20, reports
The Police repulsed a terrorist attack on Wanda Banochi checkpost near the Darra Pezu town of Lakki Marwat District in the evening of December 20, reports Dawn. A Police official said that the Policemen deployed at the post noticed movement of around a dozen militants in the night vision cameras and opened fire at them. The terrorists also fired at the Police post, but the personnel retaliated vigorously and forced them to flee the area.
The Security Forces (SFs) on December 21 arrested the mastermind and seven other facilitators involved in the attack on Dera Ismail Khan compound on December 12 in which at least 23 soldiers were killed, reports Daily Pakistan. According to the details, nine terrorists were arrested including the mastermind and seven other facilitators. The mastermind of the attack hailed from Daraban area of Dera Ismail Khan while six other suspects were from Afghanistan. The suicide attacker Hassan alias Shakir, who also released a video before the attack, belonged to Afghanistan. The documents revealed that five terrorists of TTP Gandapur group were also involved in the attack. A cache of weapons were also recovered from the arrested terrorists.
Two bombs found at the Cantonment Railway Station of Karachi on December 22 were later neutralised by Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS), reports ARY News. The time devices weighing 10 to 12 kilograms were found in a bag along with battery wire, switches and other items.
PAKISTAN
Local jirga in KP bans polio vaccination and submits 30-point demand list
A local Jirga (council of tribal elders) in North Waziristan District on November 29 declared a fine of PKR 500,000 on parents who allow anti-polio vaccination for their children, reports The Express Tribune. The Utmanzai Jirga, spearheading this opposition, has linked the success of the polio vaccination drive to the acceptance of their extensive list of demands. The Jirga spokesperson, Mufti Baitullah, announced a complete ban on the vaccination campaign, imposing heavy fines on violators. Adding to the gravity of the situation, the Jirga has closed the Bannu-Miranshah Road to all types of vehicular traffic, causing significant disruptions for commuters. The core committee of the Utmanzai Jirga has presented a 30-point demand list, covering a range of issues including the maintenance of law and order in the District, just distribution of natural resources, and the return of missing persons.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed 563 terror incidents in 2023, reveals CTD report
The Provincial Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on November 30 released a report on the terror incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2023, according to which as many as 563 terror incidents this year, reports ARY News. Out of 563 incidents, Police were targeted 243 times. According to the report, the highest 132 incidents of terrorism were reported in Dera Ismail Khan District, 103 incidents in Khyber District and 89 terror incidents were reported in Peshawar District. The report further revealed that 86 times terrorists attacked North Waziristan District and 50 times South Waziristan District. The report further said that as many as 837 terrorists were taken into custody. The highest number of arrested outlaws was from Peshawar 245.
Over 50 female terrorists’ list issued in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on December 1 issued a list of female terrorists who had been involved in different natures of unlawful activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since 2014, reports Geo TV. According to the list, 30 females were involved in incidents of terrorism, 13 in kidnapping, two in extortion and three each in targeted killing and terror financing. CTD Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Imran Shahid said that the intelligence agency and the law enforcement agencies were facing difficulties in arresting these female terrorists due to cultural and traditional values and also because there was almost no source linked to the female criminals or terrorists. The document revealed that cases of terrorism were registered against 18 females in different Police Stations of Peshawar, adding that nine females were acquitted in the cases while the cases of others were in the court.
November saw 34 per cent increase in anti-state violence across Pakistan, says PICSS report
Following a two-month decline in terrorist activities, Pakistan experienced 34 pc increase in anti-state violence in November, Dawn reported on December 3 quoting Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) data. The data reveals a total of 63 terrorist attacks during the month, resulting in 83 fatalities, including that of 37 Security Force (SF) personnel and 33 civilians. Additionally, 89 individuals sustained injuries, comprising 53 civilians and 36 SF personnel. SF eliminated at least 59 terrorists, while 18 suspected terrorists were apprehended. A comparative analysis with October data underscores a 34pc surge in militant attacks, a 63pc rise in fatalities, and an 89pc increase in the number of injured persons during November.
According to the PICSS database, the cumulative toll for the first eleven months of 2023 reflects 599 terrorist attacks, resulting in 897 fatalities and 1,241 injuries. This signifies an 81pc escalation in terrorist attacks, an 86pc surge in resultant deaths, and a 64pc rise in the number of injured compared to the corresponding period in 2022. Once again, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) emerged as the most affected province, with documenting 51 attacks, causing 54 fatalities and 81 injuries. Within KP, 20 attacks occurred in the merged Districts (former FATA), resulting in 23 fatalities and 13 injuries, while mainland KP reported 31 attacks, leading to 31 fatalities and 68 injuries. This implies that 81pc of total attacks, 65pc of total deaths, and 91 percent of total injuries were reported in KP province. Balochistan recorded nine attacks, resulting in 18 fatalities, including that of 15 security forces personnel and three civilians, with eight injuries being reported, encompassing five civilians and three security forces personnel. Sindh experienced two minor-level attacks resulting in two fatalities, while Punjab witnessed a single, high-profile attack in Mianwali Air Base of Pakistan Air Force in 2023, marking a distinctive incident in the province.
Pakistan urge United Nation panel probe into source of TTP weapons
Pakistan on December 15 urged a United Nation (UN) panel to find out how the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is acquiring modern weaponry to carry out terrorist attacks in the country, reports Dawn. Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative Usman Jadoon highlighted the alarming trend during a UN Security Council (UNSC) open debate on the threat posed by the diversion, illicit trafficking, and misuse of small arms and light weapons. He argued that terrorist groups like TTP acquire such weapons “from illicit arms markets or receive them from entities that want to destabilise a particular region or country.” He then demanded “an investigation into how the TTP acquired the sophisticated weapons” being used against Pakistan.
Senior BNA ‘commander’ Sarfraz Bangulzai surrenders along with 70 associates in Balochistan
Sarfraz Bangulzai, a key ‘commander’ of the Baloch National Army (BNA), surrendered along with 70 other associates in Quetta on December 20, reports The Express Tribune. Addressing a press conference in Quetta, Bangulzai, accompanied by provincial caretaker Information Minister Jan Achakzai, accused India of funding violence in the province and exploiting women for nefarious purposes to incite youth into joining the movement. Bangulzai succeeded Gulzar Imam Shambay in April 2023 when the latter made a surrender following his arrest a year ago by Pakistani authorities
Afghanistan – Internal Dynamics
Taliban falls short in supporting human rights, says Amnesty International
On November 28, Amnesty International said that after two years, the Taliban de facto authorities have failed to respect and protect the human rights of women and girls reports Hasht-e Subh Daily. The organisation called on the international community to continue building the pressure.
Six individuals including two Shia religious scholars killed in Herat Province
On December 1, six Hazara individuals, including two Shia religious scholars named Mohammad Taqi Sadeghi (the imam of the Rasoul-e Azam Mosque) and Mohammad Mohsen Hamidi (the imam of the Hazrat Abolfazl Mosque), were killed and three others were injured in a targeted attack on scholars in the Korra Milli area in Jabraiel city, within the 13th Police District (PD) of Herat, the capital city of Herat Province, reports Hasht-e Subh Daily. In response to this incident, protesters demanded an immediate end to targeted killings of Hazaras and swift apprehension of those responsible. During the demonstration, they carried the victims’ bodies as a poignant expression of grief and outrage.
Taliban arrests 19 TTP terrorists in Kunar Province
Taliban arrested three ‘commanders’ among 16 terrorists associated with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)in the bordering area of Kunar Province on December 4, reports The Express Tribune. The move comes as Pakistan intensifies its pressure on the Afghan Taliban to take decisive action against the TTP, a group implicated in a spate of recent terrorist activities in Pakistan.
Amnesty International calls for the release of four Afghan female activists
On December 7, Amnesty International called for the immediate release of four Afghan female activists named Zholia Parsi, Manizha Seddiqi, Neda Parwani, and Parisa Azada, reports The Khaama Press News Agency. The call was directed to Abdul Haq Wasiq, the head of Taliban intelligence, expressing concern over the arbitrary detention of these women human rights activists.
Civilian succumbs to Taliban torture in Ghor Province
A civilian, identified as Sediqullah, succumbed to Taliban’s torture after being detained by the security commander for Tolak District in Ghor Province, reports Hasht-e Subh Daily on December 11. He had been detained on theft charges on November 30 and subjected to six days of brutal torture. Despite receiving treatment for four nights, he succumbed to the excessive torture.
Bangladesh – Internal Dynamics
Rohingya youth arrested
On November 27, Ahsan Ullah, a Rohingya youth accused in the hacking to death of Rohingya leader (manjhi) Mohammad Ataullah, was arrested in Ukhia Upazila (Sub-District) in Cox’s Bazar District of Chittagong Division, reports Daily Bangladesh. SATP had earlier reported that Ataullah was killed on November 25 by Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) operatives.
Three RSO operatives killed in ARSA attack in Cox’s Bazar
On December 5, three Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO)operatives, identified as Jobair, Anowar Sadik, and Abdul Kasim, were killed in an attack carried out by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) in Ukhia Upazila (Sub-District) in Cox’s Bazar District of Chittagong Division, reports The Daily Star. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Amir Zafar, commander of Armed Police Battalion 8 (APBn-8) said that Jobair was shot dead on the spot in Camp 15, injuring another individual. Additionally, the ARSA operatives abducted two Rohingyas, critically hacking them. Anowar, from the G-6 block, succumbed to his injuries around midnight after being rescued and transported to a nearby hospital. Also, Kasim was abducted, taken to a nearby hill, and fatally shot.
ATU arrests two terrorists in Dhaka Division
The Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) arrested an operative of Ansar al-Islam, identified as Ruhul Amin, from Gazipur District of Dhaka Division on December 5, reports The Daily Star.
On December 6, a warrant-listed accused, identified as Ariful Islam Rahat, was arrested by the Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) in a terrorism-related case in the Postagola area of Dhaka District (Dhaka Division), reports The Daily Star
CTTC arrests HuT top leader in Cox’s Bazar
The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit (CTTC) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested a top leader of Hizb ut-Tahrir (HuT), identified as Tauhidur Rahman alias Tauhid alias Sifat (29) in Cox’s Bazar District of Chittagong Division on December 6, reports Dhaka Tribune.
RAB arrests six Ansar al-Islam operatives in Narayanganj District
On December 10, the Rapid Action Battalion arrested six operatives of Ansar al-Islam from the Rupganj area in Narayanganj District of Dhaka Division, reports The Daily Star. Arrestees were identified as Abdur Razzak alias Ishak alias Saiba (training wing chief), Shariful Islam alias Murad, Ashiqur Rahman alias Usaiman, Muhammad Zakaria alias Abar, Al Amin alias Robin alias Samura, and Abu Jar Maruf. Additionally, RAB personnel recovered a large number of books on extremism from their possession.
Four UPDF members shot dead in Khagrachhari District’
On December 11, four members of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) were shot dead by armed assailants in the Anil Para village under Panchhari Police Station area in Khagrachhari District of Chittagong Division, reports bdnews24.
CTTC arrests HuT leader in Dhaka
On December 12, the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested Hizb ut-Tahrir (HuT) leader, identified as Imtiaz Selim alias Imadul Amin, from Bashundhara Residential area in Dhaka District of Dhaka Division, reports The Daily Star.
India – Internal Dynamics
SFJ claims responsibility for graffiti in Amritsar District of Punjab while issuing fresh threats against Air India’
Pro-Khalistani slogans were found written on Amritsar’s Airport Road in Amritsar District of Punjab on November 28 and a video with Sikh For Justice (SFJ) Chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun taking responsibility went viral on social media, reports True Scoop. In the video, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun month spilled venom against India and can be heard issuing new threats against Air India while reiterating that the Sikh community must not travel from Air India, said the report.
US files ‘murder-for-hire’ charge against a smuggler and Indian official, says report
On November 29, the United States (US) announced the filing of murder-for-hire charges against an Indian-origin narcotics smuggler, Nikhil Gupta alias Nick and an unnamed Indian Government official for an attempt to “assassinate a US citizen in New York City”, who happens to be the Chief of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, reports The Tribune. According to the US government, an Indian Government official based in Delhi contacted Gupta, who in turn contacted an individual to carry out the killing. However, the alleged killer contacted by Gupta was in fact a confidential source working with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The source introduced Gupta to a purported hitman, who was a DEA undercover officer. The official agreed to carry out the killing for $100,000 and Gupta paid him an advance of $15,000 on June 9, the report added.
Two CRPF personnel injured as bomb explodes while being defused in Chhattisgarh
Two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were injured on Dec 02 after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) exploded near a bridge on Indravati river under Barsoor Police Station limits in Dantewada District of Chhattisgarh on December 2, reports The New Indian Express.
Pambei faction of UNLF declares no weapons surrender until solution for ‘Manipur’s sovereignty’ is achieved
On December 2, acting ‘chairman’ of the Pambei faction of United National Liberation Front, (UNLF) Moirangthem Nongyai stated that the peace agreement signed on November 29, does not compromise its demand for the ‘sovereignty of Manipur’ and the outfit made it clear that it will not lay down its weapons until a solution regarding its demand for a “sovereign Manipur” is achieved, reports deccanherald.com. Nongyai said, “The Government of India has accepted the fact that Manipur was once a sovereign state. Since the Indian government has accepted these points, the UNLF has decided to sign the ceasefire agreement. We are not surrendering our weapons. So, do not think that we have sold away Manipur. We are yet to join the mainstreamand if talks fail, we might still return to the jungle again.” The clarification from the Pambei faction came after the Koireng faction of UNLF, alleged that the Pambei faction deviated from the ‘political principle’ of the UNLF by signing the peace pact, describing as a “death trap” the recent peace agreement signed by the Pambei group with the government.
Maoists abduct and kill a local BJP leader in Chhattisgarh
The cadres of the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) killed Mahi, a local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, identified as Kamal Majhi, by slitting his throat in Narayanpur District of Chhattisgarh on December 9, reports Deccan Chronicle. Majhi was abducted by a group of four-five Maoists, hacked him to death and then threw his body. Reportedly, Manjhi was the eighth BJP leader to have been killed by Maoists in the state in the past year.
BSF head constable killed in blast allegedly triggered by Maoists in Chhattisgarh
One Border Security Force (BSF) head constable, identified as Akhilesh Rai (45), was killed in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast triggered by Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadres near Sadaktola village under Partapur Police Station limits in Kanker District of Chhattisgarh on December 14, reports Hindustan Times.
Maoists ambush kills CRPF sub-inspector in Chhattisgarh
A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) sub-inspector (SI) Sudhakar Reddy was killed and a constable was seriously injured in a Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) attack in Sukma District of Chhattisgarh on December 17, reports The Telegraph. Sources said a CRPF battalion was headed from the Bedre Police camp to Ursangal for an anti-Maoist operation when it was ambushed around 7 a.m.
Monthly Fatalities
The following casualties, related to ongoing insurgencies and acts of terrorism occurred during the period November 26, 2023 to December 25, 2023
| Civilian | Indian Security Personnel | Militants | Total | |
| Arunachal P. | 02 | 00 | 00 | 02 |
| Chhattisgarh | 02 | 03 | 00 | 05 |
| Jharkhand | 00 | 00 | 02 | 02 |
| Maharashtra | 01 | 00 | 02 | 03 |
| Manipur | 03 | 00 | 14 | 17 |
| TOTAL | 08 | 03 | 18 | 29 |
INTERNATIONAL
Iran finalises deal to buy Russian fighter jets
Iran has finalised arrangements for the delivery of Russian made Sukhoi su-35 fighter jets and helicopters, Iran’s deputy defence minister told Iran’s Tasnim news agency on Tuesday, Nov 28 as Tehran and Moscow forge closer military relations.
Iran’s air force has only a few dozen strike aircraft, including Russian jets as well as ageing US models acquired before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
“Plans have been finalised for Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, Mil Mi-28 attack helicopters, and Yak-130 jet trainers to join the combat units of Iran’s Army,” Iran’s deputy Defence Minister Mehdi Farahi said.
This handout picture provided by the Russian defense corporation Rostec on Nov. 24, 2023 shows a Sukhoi Su-35S fighter jet at the grounds of an aviation firm in the far-eastern city of Komsomolsk-on-Amur. — AFP File
The Tasnim report did not include any Russian confirmation of the deal. In 2018, Iran said it had started production of the locally-designed Kowsar fighter for use in its air force. Military experts believe the jet is a carbon copy of the F-5, first produced in the United States in the 1960s.
The Russian government does not appear to have confirmed the agreement, and other Iranian officials in months past have claimed the Sukhoi transfers, in particular, were a done deal. The new report doesn’t say how many of each aircraft are involved, but media outlets have reported as many as 24 Sukhoi fighters could be in the mix.
Ethiopia accuses armed group of killing civilians
An armed group has killed “many civilians” in Ethiopia’s most populous region, local authorities said Saturday, just 11 days after talks between the government and the Oromo Liberation Army ended without agreement.
Classified as a “terrorist organisation” by Addis Ababa, the OLA has been fighting the government since 2018 after splitting from the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) when it renounced armed struggle.
Ethiopian federal soldiers have been accused of looting and indiscriminately killing civilians in Amhara as they pursue their former allies, the Fano militia. —AFP File
“The terror group… has been taking horrendous and brutal measures on peaceful citizens, with it brutally killing many citizens… in the Arsi zone” south of the capital, Hailu Adugna, the Oromia regional government’s communications chief, said in a statement without giving further details on the toll or timing.
The government is willing to resume peace talks “if the terror group refrains from its terror acts and returns to peaceful discussion,” Adugna said. Talks in Tanzania to put an end to five years of insurrection ended November 21 without resolution, with each side blaming the other for the breakdown.
S Korea launches first spy satellite with SpaceX
A SpaceX rocket on Friday, Dec 01 launched South Korea´s first military spy satellite, intensifying a space race on the peninsula after Pyongyang launched its own first military eye in the sky last week.
Seoul´s reconnaissance satellite, carried by one of Elon Musk´s SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets, lifted off from the Vandenberg US Space Force Base in California at 10:19 am local time (GMT 1819 GMT).
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket minutes before the launch of the Korea 425 Mission. —AFP File
The rocket was emblazoned with the word “KOREA” across it. The Yohnap news agency reported that the satellite successfully reached orbit soon after. “The Falcon 9 lifted off at 10:19 am and sent the reconnaissance satellite into orbit approximately four minutes after the launch,” Yonhap said, citing South Korea´s defense ministry.
Reaching orbit would mean that South Korea has acquired its first domestically built spy satellite to monitor nuclear-armed North Korea. Seoul plans to launch four additional spy satellites by the end of 2025 to bolster its reconnaissance capacity over the North.
Set to orbit between 400 and 600-kms above Earth, Seoul´s satellite is capable of detecting an object as small as 30 centimeters (11.8 inches), according to the Yonhap news agency. “Considering resolution and its capacity for Earth observation… our satellite technology ranks in the top five globally,” the defense ministry official said, as quoted by Yonhap.
The launch comes less than two weeks after Pyongyang had successfully put its own spy satellite into orbit. “Until now, South Korea has relied heavily on US-run spy satellites” when it comes to monitoring the North, Choi Gi-il, professor of military studies at Sangji University, told AFP.
Ukraine aid to run out by year end: White House
The White House budget chief warned the US Congress on Monday, Dec 4 that failure to agree fresh funds for Ukraine by the end of the year would “kneecap” Kyiv on the battlefield.
In a letter to the House Speaker, the director of the Office of Management and Budget Shalanda Young said time was rapidly running out to support Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invasion. “I want to be clear: without congressional action, by the end of the year we will run out of resources to procure more weapons and equipment for Ukraine,” Young wrote. “Cutting off the flow of US weapons and equipment will kneecap Ukraine on the battlefield,” she added.
President Joe Biden asked Congress in October to approve $106 billion in national security funding, including support for Ukraine and for Israel’s war against Hamas. But Congress has been paralyzed for months by Republican infighting, with hard-right lawmakers particularly opposing any further assistance for Kyiv as the war drags on. New Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, a little-known ally of former president Donald Trump, took office in October after his predecessor Kevin McCarthy was ousted by a right-wing coup.
Under Johnson, Congress narrowly averted a chaotic government shutdown over the Thanksgiving holiday in November, but the deal to keep the lights on until mid-January left out aid to America´s key allies. The strongly worded letter from the White House budget director said that by that time it would be too late and funds for Ukraine would have already dried up.
“There is no magical pot of funding available to meet this moment. We are out of money — and nearly out of time,” Young wrote. She said failure to agree more funding was not only putting Ukraine´s gains to date at risk, but increasing the chance of Russian military victories. “This isn’t a next year problem. The time to help a democratic Ukraine fight against Russian aggression is right now. It is time for Congress to act,” she wrote.
Ukraine also threatens to weigh on Biden´s reelection chances as the Democrat seeks a second term, with polls showing a growing number of voters saying the United States is doing too much to help Kyiv.
Elite Afghan troops face return to Taliban after UK ‘betrayal’
About 200 members of Afghan special forces, trained and funded by the UK, face imminent deportation to their Taliban-controlled homeland, the BBC has learned.
The figures – gathered by a network of Afghan veterans – reveal the scale of what one former UK general calls a “betrayal” and a “disgrace”. The soldiers fled to Pakistan, which now says it will expel Afghan refugees.
The UK says it has brought thousands of Afghans to safety. Gen Sir Richard Barrons, who served the British Army in Afghanistan for over 12 years, told BBC Newsnight that the failure of the UK to relocate these soldiers “is a disgrace, because it reflects that either we’re duplicitous as a nation or incompetent”.
“Neither are acceptable,” he said. “It is a betrayal, and the cost of that betrayal will be people who served with us will die or spend their lives in prison.” Following the BBC Newsnight investigation, MPs tabled an Urgent Question in the House of Commons on Monday.
In 2021, Prime Minister Boris Johnson had told Parliament that the service of these Afghan special forces had been “incredibly important”, adding the UK would do “whatever we can” to get “safe passage” for them.
The fears for the Afghan commandos come as it was revealed the government also rejected calls from senior British diplomatic and military figures to offer asylum to key Afghan civilian leaders whose lives were in danger.
The BBC has obtained a private letter sent in March 2022 to the Foreign Office, which called for urgent help to be given to a group of 32 former governors, prosecutors and officials who worked with the UK and US in Helmand Province during operations between 2006 and 2014.
Myanmar ethnic minority fighters seize trading hub
Ethnic minority fighters battling Myanmar’s junta said Saturday, Dec 16 they seized a trading hub in Shan state, days after China said it had mediated a temporary ceasefire. Clashes have raged across Myanmar’s northern Shan state since the Arakan Army (AA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) launched a joint offensive late October.
The three allied groups — known as the Three Brotherhood Alliance — say they have captured military positions and border hubs vital for trade with China, posing what analysts say is the biggest military challenge to the junta since it seized power in 2021.
A resident walking along a quiet street in Namhsan Township amid clashes between the ethnic minority armed group Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Myanmar’s military in northern Shan State on December 12, 2023. — AFP
According to TNLA’s Tar Bhone Kyaw, the Myanmar army also lost the 105-Mile Trade Zone, a major trading conduit on the border with China in Muse township, Shan state.
Germany charges 27 over far-right treason plot
German federal prosecutors said Tuesday, Dec 12 they charged 27 suspected adherents of a far-right “terror group” arrested last year with involvement in a plot to attack parliament and overthrow the government.
Among those charged are 26 people accused of membership of a nationwide extremist network around Frankfurt aristocrat and businessman Prince Heinrich XIII Reuss, and one woman accused of supporting the group.
The accused were captured in raids across Germany last December in a case that made global headlines and prompted a heated domestic debate about how to rein in the country’s growing and increasingly emboldened far-right scene. The Reichsbuerger had allegedly organised a “council” to take charge after a putsch, as well as a “military arm that would build a new German army”, chief federal prosecutor Peter Frank said at the time.
He said the group’s preparations were “already at an advanced stage”. Investigators allege members of the “terrorist organisation” intended to mount an armed assault on the German Bundestag and take MPs hostage. They allegedly planned to appoint Heinrich XIII, who was among those charged, as Germany’s new leader after the coup.
Thousands flee as paramilitaries gain ground in Sudan aid hub
Paramilitary forces established a base on Sunday, Dec 17 in the formerly safe city of Wad Madani in war-torn Sudan, an AFP correspondent reported, sending thousands fleeing, many of them already displaced.
Thousands have sought to escape the former aid hub since the war between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) reached Wad Madani on Friday, according to the United Nations.
Displaced people fleeing from Wad Madani in Sudan’s Jazira state arrive in Gedaref in the country’s east on December 17, 2023. — AFP
But they faced prohibitive costs and other hurdles, according to AFP´s correspondent. Previously, the city had been “one of Sudan´s few remaining sanctuaries”, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council´s Sudan director William Carter.
Echoing the brutal urban warfare in the capital Khartoum, 180-kms north, fighter jets flew overhead as the sound of explosions echoed across the Wad Madani, according to an AFP correspondent who said the RSF had set up a base in the city´s east.
Clash kills Philippine soldier, six rebels ahead of talks
Six communist guerrillas and a soldier were killed in a clash on Sunday, Dec 17 officials said, as the Philippine government prepared to restart peace talks to end one of the world´s longest-running Maoist insurgencies.
Government troops exchanged fire with New People´s Army (NPA) guerrillas near the town of Balayan, about 68-kms south of the capital Manila, a Philippine Army statement said. The clash came three weeks after the government and the rebels agreed to resume negotiations aimed at ending the near 55-year insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives.
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.
