Suicide Attacks
At least 17 people were killed and 31 others sustained injuries in a suicide attack at the campaign office of Asfandyar Kakar, an independent candidate of PB-47 for Balochistan Assembly, in Khanozai union council of Pishin District on February 7, reports Dawn. Pishin District’s deputy commissioner, Jumma Dad Mandokhail, said the explosive material was planted in a motorcycle parked in the area
Bomb blasts/IEDs
Two persons were injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast outside the residence of former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) provincial minister Malik Shah Muhammad Khan in Bannu town (Bannu District) on January 28, reports Dawn. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Imran Aslam said that an IED was fitted to a motorcycle parked outside Muhammad’s house. However, Muhammad was not present at his residence at the time of the blast.
Two people were injured in a grenade attack on the National Party’s election office in the Mastung town (Mastung District) in the evening of January 28, reports Dawn. City Police Station House Officer (SHO) Abdul Fatah said that unidentified persons had lobbed a grenade at the party’s election office before fleeing. The injured persons were identified as Ghulam Mohiuddin and Abdul Aziz Shami.
At least three people sustained injuries in a hand grenade attack by unidentified persons at a garage situated on Syed Hashmi Road in Gwadar town (Gwadar District) of Balochistan on December 29, reports The Express Tribune. The perpetrators managed to escape after the attack. As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
At least seven people were injured in a hand grenade attack at the election campaign office of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) at Gahai Khan Chowk in Sariab area of Quetta, on January 31, reports The Khorasan Diary. Sariab Superintendent of Police (SP) Shafqat Janjua said that the grenade rebounded off a car parked outside the election office and exploded upon hitting the ground, adds Dawn. He added that PPP candidate, Maddad Jatak, was among the injured. Three persons were wounded when unidentified persons lobbed a hand grenade on a truck parked along the highway in Dera Allahyar town of Jaffarabad District, on February 1, reports Dawn.
An Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), identified as Raza Muhammad, suffered minor injuries in a grenade attack on Shalkot Police Station in Quetta, on February 1, reports Dawn. SSP Tariq Jawad said unknown persons lobbed a hand grenade at the office. One person was injured in a blast at a market in Turbat town of Kech District in Balochistan, on February 1, reports Dawn. Two Policemen were injured a motorcycle bomb went off near a Police van in Wana town of South Waziristan District on February 6, reports The Khorasan Diary. Another bomb found at the same location was neutralised.
A terrorist, along with a woman and a child, were killed in a grenade explosion in Haji Lemo Goth area of Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town in Karachi on February 7, reports Geo TV. Deputy Inspector General Police (DIG) East Captain (retd) Ghulam Azfar Mahesar said the perpetrator of the blast was carrying a grenade, which exploded in his hand.
Targetted Killings
Haji Abdul Hameed Mengal, a local leader of Jamiat e Ulema Islam – Fazal (JUI-F) was shot dead by two unidentified motorcyclists in Chad Sher Ali area of Sohrab District in Balochistan on January 26, reports The Khorasan Diary. An Awami National Party (ANP) local leader Zahoor Ahmed was killed while another one sustained injuries when unidentified persons on a motorcycle opened fire during the party’s election campaign in in Kohla Zai area of Qilla Abdullah District on January 31, reports Dawn.
A Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-affiliated independent candidate, Rehan Zeb Khan, was shot dead while four others sustained injuries in the Siddiqabad area of Bajaur District on January 31, reports Dawn. Khar Police Station House Officer (SHO) Rasheed Khan said Rehan Zeb Khan was canvassing in the area when unidentified terrorists opened fire on his vehicle. The Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP) claimed the responsibility of the attack. One Policeman was shot dead and another got injured when unidentified terrorists attacked Ambela Check-post in Buner District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on February 6, reports The Khorasan Diary.
On February 17, the Assistant Chief Security Officer of the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Wakil Khan, along with his friend, were killed, and two of his children were injured when unidentified gunmen fired at them in Haryankot area of Malakand District. Malakand Police said, “It remains unclear whether it is a targeted attack or personal enmity.”
On February 17, three people, including the Assistant Chief Security Officer of the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Wakil Khan, and his two relatives were killed when unidentified gunmen fired at them in Haryankot area of Malakand District, reports The Business Standard.
Miscellaneous
Five terrorists, including terrorist ‘commander’, identified as Rahzaib alias Khuray, were killed during an exchange of fire when Security Forces (SFs) conducted an intelligence based operation (IBO) in Mir Ali area of North Waziristan District on December 29. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered during the operation. The killed terrorists remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against SFs as well as extortion and target killings of innocent civilians, said Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement.
On January 27, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Hyderabad arrested Adil, a terrorist affiliated with a banned organisation and recovered 600 kilograms of explosives, a detonator, anti-state pamphlets, and banners from his possession in Jamshoro District of Sindh, reports ARY News. The CTD official, Najam Husnain Liaquat said that a subsequent search led to the discovery of a suicide bomber, a facilitator, and additional weapons, including two suicide jackets, three hand grenades, and a pistol. A wanted terrorist, identified as Maqsood Pathan and said to be affiliated with a banned outfit, was arrested by the Karachi Police in Karachi, reports ARY News on January 27. Earlier, he had been arrested in multiple terrorism cases.
On January 26, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Police arrested a key ‘commander’ of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) identified as Abdul Hadi, alias Amarullah, along with a large cache of weapons and explosives in a raid in Quetta District, reports Dawn. Officials said that during interrogation, he disclosed his Afghan origin and admitted of conducting terrorist attacks in Quetta with six other Afghan nationals under the directives from the TTP’s high command based in Afghanistan.
On February 3, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested five terrorists during different intelligence-based operations (IBO) carried out in Mianwali, Jhelum, Hafizabad and Okara, reports ARY News. Sources stated that the CTD carried out 70 operations in Punjab and arrested five terrorists who were identified as Sharafat, Yaseen, Talha, Abdurehman and Usaid. Explosives, two Impoverished Explosive Device (IED) bombs, 10 detonators, weapons and cash were recovered from the terrorists.
Two terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in North Waziristan District on February 6, reports Dawn. According to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Security Forces (SFs) conducted an IBO last night on the reported presence of terrorists.
The Security Forces (SFs) on February 9 killed, Abdul Shakoor, affiliated with the Da’esh, in Qilla Saifullah District of Balochistan, reports ARY News. As per the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) spokesperson, the SFs conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Qilla Saifullah District on the reported presence of a high-profile terrorist. During the exchange of fire, Abdul Shakoor alias Nauman alias Abu Hamza Khurasani of Daesh, was killed. The killed terrorist was the mastermind of recent bombings in Qila Saifullah and Pishin on February 7. Abdul Shakoor was highly wanted by security agencies, as he also was planning to conduct new suicide bombings in Balochistan, ISPR statement added.
On February 16–17, seven terrorists and a Security Force (SF) personnel named Sepoy Shahzeb Aslam were killed in an intense exchange of fire during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in South Waziristan District, reports The Express Tribune. Also, weapons, ammunition, and explosives were recovered from their possession. On February 16-17, two terrorists, including High-Value Target (HVT) terrorist Rehmat Ullah alias Badar Mansur and Amjad alias Babar, were killed in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Tank District, reports The Express Tribune.
A terrorist was killed by Security Forces (SFs) during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Dera Ismail Khan District on February 20, reports Dawn. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), an intense exchange of fire took place between the SFs and terrorists during the operation. “As a result, terrorist Muhammad Sohail was sent to hell,” ISPR added. The slain terrorist remained “actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against law enforcement agencies as well as target killings of innocent civilians”, the ISPR added further.
PAKISTAN
TTP backed by Al Qaeda, Afghan Taliban, says UNSC committee report
The 33rd report of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and Al Qaeda/Taliban Monitoring Team submitted to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on January 31 revealed that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has been receiving “significant backing” from Al Qaeda and other militant factions for executing attacks in Pakistan in addition to support from the Afghan Taliban, reports Dawn. The collaboration includes not just the provision of arms and equipment but also active on-ground support for the banned TTP’s operations against Pakistan. The report noted that despite the Afghan Taliban’s official stance discouraging TTP’s activities outside Afghanistan, many TTP fighters have engaged in cross-border attacks in Pakistan without facing any substantial repercussions. Citing reports, it said that some Taliban members, driven by a perceived religious duty, have joined TTP’s ranks, bolstering their operations. Moreover, TTP members and their families are said to receive regular aid packages from the Afghan Taliban, signifying a deeper level of support.
Pakistan asks Afghanistan to extradite TTP leaders
Pakistan on February 1 reiterated its demand for Afghanistan to extradite the leaders of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan while underscoring the need for bringing to justice those responsible for terrorism and maintaining regional security, reports Dawn. “We urge Afghanistan to take immediate and effective action against these terrorist entities, hand over their leadership to Pakistan, and those individuals who have been involved in terrorist activities inside Pakistan,” Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said at the weekly media briefing. Her comments came in the backdrop of the thirty-third report submitted to the United Nations Security Council Committee by the militant Islamic State (IS) group and Al Qaeda/Taliban Monitoring Team, which showed that besides the patronage of Taliban administration, Afghanistan-based TTP enjoys the backing of Al Qaeda and also has links with East Turkestan Islamic Movement and Majeed Brigade. “We have shared concrete evidence with regards to their involvement with Afghan authorities,” the spokesperson said and added that Pakistan government was “very concerned” that TTP is given a free hand to attack Pakistan, and to sponsor terrorist activities inside Pakistan.
Further, FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasised that Pakistan-Afghanistan border is an internationally recognised and legally valid reality. Her statement came in response to remarks by Noorullah Noori, the acting Taliban Minister of Borders and Tribal Affairs, who referred to the Durand Line as an “imaginary line” and contested the clarity of the border between the two countries. The Durand Line has long been a subject of contention, with Afghanistan historically disputing its legitimacy as a border. The FO spokesperson stressed the non-negotiable status of the border’s validity, stating that it has “never been on the agenda between Pakistan and Afghanistan and will never be.
24 terrorists and four SF personnel killed in Kachhi clearance operations in Balochistan
At least 24 terrorists and four Security Force (SF) personnel were killed during clearance operations in Mach and Kolpur complexes in Kachhi District of Balochistan, The Express Tribune reported on February 2 quoting the press release of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The ISPR said “these terrorists were then hunted down in the ensuing sanitisation and clearance operations which have now been concluded after clearing and securing the area.” SF identified the key terrorists killed as Shehzad Baloch, Attaullah, Salah Uddin, Abdul Wadood and Zeeshan and added that the identification process for others is underway.
10 cops martyred in DI Khan attack
Ten cops were martyred and another nine sustained injuries when heavily armed militants attacked the Chodhwan Police Station in Daraban tehsil of Dera Ismail Khan district early morning on Feb 5, officials said. The militants armed with sniper guns attacked the police station building at around 2am by hurling hand-grenades at cops, added officials. The martyred cops included the officials of the Elite Force of the police from Swabi. The cops from other districts were also deployed in Dera Ismail Khan in connection with the election duty.
51 terrorist attacks aimed at disrupting electoral process, says Army
The Army said on February 8 that 51 terrorist attacks took place in the lead-up to the general elections, aimed at disrupting the polling process, reports The Nation. “Despite 51 cowardly terrorist attacks, mostly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, aimed at disrupting the electoral process, the soldiers remained resolute and effectively ensured peace and security across Pakistan,” the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. As many as 12 people — including 10 personnel of Security Forces and law enforcement agencies — embraced martyrdom, and 39 others have been injured in these attacks, ISPR added. In Balochistan, the general elections saw a significant disruption, characterized by a series of armed attacks on polling stations, a marked public rejection of the electoral process, and notably low voter turnout was also reported. The coastal regions, including Gwadar, Jiwani, and Pasni, also witnessed bombings near polling stations. Notably, in Gwadar, 14 explosions occurred near polling stations and the vehicle of the Assistant Commissioner, injuring two officials. Despite the Information Minister’s assurances of security, the election lead-up saw over 125 incidents targeting the election campaigns, with Baloch Raji Aajoi Sangar (BRAS), a coalition of ‘pro-independence’ Baloch insurgent groups, claiming responsibility for 112 attacks in just ten days before the election day.
Afghanistan – Internal Dynamics
National Unity Group of Afghanistan calls for non-engagement with Taliban at the Doha conference
On January 28, the National Unity Group of Afghanistan welcomed an announcement inviting women to the United Nations (UN) session and called for avoiding any involvement with the Taliban, reports The Khaama Press News.The group said, “We call on United Nations members not to engage with the murderers of the people and women of Afghanistan, and to impose new and stricter sanctions on recognizing them, isolating them, and exerting greater pressure on the Taliban.” Women activists also called for keeping the Taliban on the UN blacklist among the participants of the Doha (Qatar) conference scheduled for 18-19 February.
Counter-terrorism is our main principle, says Zabiullah Mujahid
Taliban’s spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid denied the report from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), stating that counter-terrorism is the main principle of the Afghan Government, reports Tolo News on February 2. He further said, “From the address of the United Nations, a regular slander program has been created against the Islamic Emirate (Taliban), and they always spread propaganda against them.” “The stance of the UN is misused. We call on the countries who are members of the UNSC but have good relations with Afghanistan to not allow the reputation of the organization to be harmed,” he added.
Nine Taliban fighters killed in separate incidents in Kabul
The Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) stated on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that five Taliban fighters were killed during their attack on a Taliban checkpoint in Charahi Gul Surkh in the Fourth Police District (PD) in Kabul District of Kabul Province on February 18.
Civilian found dead in Faryab Province
A civilian, identified as Abdul Jalil, was found dead under mysterious circumstances in a water pool in the Village of Jamshidi Payan in Pashtun Kot District of Faryab Province after being missing for two days, reports Hasht-e Subh Daily on February 19.
Outrageous ban on girls’ access to education and employment must be reversed, says UN chief
On February 20, the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), António Guterres, said on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that the outrageous ban on girls’ access to education and the ban on women’s employment must be reversed. He further said, “Women and girls must be able to fully and meaningfully participate in all aspects of Afghan life – from seats in classrooms to the tables where decisions are made.”
Bangladesh – Internal Dynamics
Security increased along Myanmar border, according to reports
Security along the Myanmar border has been increased after the ongoing conflict in Rakhine state of Myanmar intensified along the Bangladesh border in Cox’s Bazar District, The Daily Star reports on January 28. Meanwhile, 34 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Battalion in Cox’s Bazar, in a press release, said 13 mortar shells and one bullet from Myanmar were found on Bangladesh’s side of the border during the recent clash between Myanmar Army and Arakan Army. Villagers living in the areas in Cox’s Bazar along Myanmar border are passing their days in panic due to the explosions of heavy mortars and gunshots across the border.
Two UPDF members shot dead in Rangamati District
Police on February 4, recovered the bullet-hit bodies of two members of United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF), identified as Ashis Chakma and Dipayan Chakma from Baghaichhari Sub-District of Rangamati District, reports The Daily Star Around 2:00pm, the two were shot dead by criminals in Machalong Bridgepara area. On information, Police recovered the bodies around 6:00pm, said Police.
Two killed in BD as fighting rages on Myanmar border
At least two people were killed in Bangladesh on Feb 5 after mortar shells fired from Myanmar during clashes there landed across the border, as terrified residents reported heavy fighting and medics treated several with gunshot wounds. Parts of Myanmar near the 270-km border with Bangladesh have seen frequent clashes since November, when rebel Arakan Army fighters ended a ceasefire that had largely held since a 2021 coup.
Rohingya youth killed in Cox’s Bazar District
Miscreants gunned down a Rohingya youth, identified as Jalil in Kutupalong camp under Ukhiya Sub-District of Cox’s Bazar District on February 5, reports Dhaka Tribune. Ukhiya Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shamim Hossain confirmed the matter, saying that some unidentified people took the youth to a hill after calling him out of the house around 7pm.The miscreants left the scene after beating and firing at him on the hill, he said.
Suspected Ansar al-Islam cadre arrested in Chittagong District
On February 8, a suspected cadre of Ansar al-Islam, identified as Abrar Hossain (18), was arrested by the Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) from Firingee Bazar in the Shahbagh area in Chittagong District of Chittagong Division, reports BD News 24
Rohingya man stabbed to death in Cox’s Bazar District
On February 17, a Rohingya man, identified as Badsha Mia was stabbed to death by unidentified attackers at a refugee camp in Ukhiya Sub District of Cox’s Bazar District, reports The Daily Star. The deceased was a resident of Jamtoli Rohingya camp.Ukhiya Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge Shamim Hossain said four or five people called Badsha out of his house and beat and stabbed him before fleeing the scene.Locals took him to MSF Hospital in the camp where a doctor declared him dead.
ABT cadre arrested in Jhalokathi District
A cadre of Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), identified as Naim Molla was arrested by the Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) inJhalokathi Sadar Upazila (Sub-District) in Jhalokathi District of Barisal Division on February 20, reports The Daily Star. Mahfuzul Alam Russel, the Superintendent of Police (SP) in charge of the media and awareness wing of ATU, stated that Naim was arrested following the interrogation of Abu Syed, who was arrested on February 19 in Gazipur, Dhaka.
India – Internal Dynamics
Chakma militants from Bangladesh training in Mizoram, says report
A report from the Peace Accord Mizo National Front Returnee Association (PAMRA), an association of former Mizo National Front (MNF) cadres, stated that militants, belonging to Chakma outfits from Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) in Bangladesh, are reportedly undergoing training at camps set up in Mizoram, Northeast Now reports on January 25. The report claimed that the Chakma rebels are undergoing training at remote locations in Lunglei and Mamit Districts of Mizoram, which share international border with Bangladesh. In Lunglei District, the training is being going on at Psalms, Tara Banya, Chumochumi, Malchari, Bhalukkyachari and Andar Manek Village whereas in Mamit District, one of the two training camps are located at Silsury village.
CRPF ASI injured in Maoist triggered blast in Chhattisgarh
An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was injured in a blast triggered by Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadres near Ghotia under Malewahi Police Station limits in Dantewada District of Chhattisgarh when a joint team of the CRPF’s 195th battalion and local police was out on a road security operation on February 1, reports Devdiscourse. Girish Babu, an ASI with the CRPF battalion, sustained injuries in the explosion, said the official, adding he was being shifted to the district hospital for treatment.
Maoists kill villager branding him a ‘police informer’ in Jharkhand
Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadres killed a villager, identified as Chudu Sirka (40), branding him a ‘police informer’ at Buru Raika village in West Singhbhum District of Jharkhand on January 31, reports The Times of India. A preliminary investigation has revealed that Sirka was a former member of a Maoist squad led by Motilal Soren alias Sandip Da, and was instrumental in getting the latter arrested, said the officials, requesting anonymity. Soren carried a reward of INR 2.5 million on his head. He was the ‘area commander’ of the Maoist group and was arrested by West Singhbhum Police in Jetia on November 1, 2017. Maoists suspected Sirka of being instrumental in alerting the Police about Soren.
Kuki militants attack sand miners in Manipur
A number of sand miners on February 6 narrowly escaped as Kuki militants armed with sophisticated weapons attacked them at Tumulok area of Imphal East District, reports The Sangai Express. Kuki militants came down from the hill of Molham Kuki village toward the sand mining area located in between Nongdam Tangkhul and Tumukhong Meitei village and fired indiscriminately toward those who were engaged in mining sand at around 1.10 pm. On hearing the indiscriminate firing, Tumukhong villagers who were mining sand in the area ran in different directions to save their lives. Kuki militants further came down to Tumulok and fired several rounds of bullets on the vehicles which were left behind due to the attack and tried to torch the vehicles. Locals of Nongdam Tangkhul came out and intervened saying that they would not allow such activities in Naga inhabited areas. Following the intervention, Kuki militants left the place and climbed up the nearby hill. Tyres of three trucks used in carrying sand were damaged after Kuki militants fired on the vehicles.
Two security personnel killed in encounter with Naxals in Jharkhand
Two security personnel were killed and one injured in a gunfight between Naxalites [Left Wing Extremists, LWEs] of the Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee (TSPC), a splinter group of the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist), and the Police at Bairio Forest between Sadar and Basisthnagar Jori Police Station areas in Chatra District of Jharkhand on February 7, reports NDTV. Inspector General of Police (IGP), operations, Amol V Homkar, confirmed that two personnel were killed in the incident, and the victims were identified as Sikandar Singh, a resident of Wazirganj in Gaya District of Bihar, and Sukan Ram, who hailed from Palamu District in Jharkhand. Chatra Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Sandip Suman said, “The injured jawan Aakash Singh, who received a bullet injury, was airlifted to Ranchi for treatment.” Suman said the security personnel were returning from an operation when they were attacked by the cadres of the TSPC.
Three protestors killed in fresh incidence of violence in Manipur
On February 15, three protestors were killed, one of whom was identified as Letlalkhuol Gangte (29), and more than 30 others sustained injuries during a demonstration in Churachandpur District of Manipur, reports Northeast Now and The Indian Express. The protest, which turned into violence was sparked by the suspension of a Police head constable suspected to be involved in firing on innocent civilians in collusion with armed militants.
Trooper axed to death by Maoists in Chhattisgarh
A Chhattisgarh Armed Forces (CAF) officer was hacked to death by a Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) ‘hit team’ in Bijapur District of Chhattisgarh on February 18, reports The Times of India. Inspector Tijau Ram Bhuvarya was buying vegetables from a local market when two Maoists, disguised as villagers, attacked him with axes and killed him barely 100 metres from the recently set up Jaigur security camp in Kutru (445 kilometres from Raipur) in Chhattisgarh, the Police said. Bijapur Superintendent of Police (SP) Jitendra Kumar Yadav said that it’s the modus operandi of small ‘action teams’ of Maoists to execute such attacks in public places, particularly weekly markets. “They attack all of a sudden and flee the spot within seconds,” he said.
Huge cache of arms and ammunition recovered in separate incidents in Manipur
On February 17, security forces carried out search operations in Thoubal District of Manipur and recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition, reports India TodayNE. The items recovered included one 81 mm Improvised Mortar, one Single Barrel Rifle, one 36 highly explosive (HE) Hand Grenade, two Hand Grenade No. 90 MK-3, one 38 mm Anti-Riot Rubber Bullet, two Tear Smoke Shell Soft Nose, one 2 Inch Mortar Shell with case, two 40 mm Lathode Bomb, two 7.62 mm ammunitions, five 5.56 mm Blank Cartridge, one self-loading rifle (SLR) magazine and one Improvised Exploded Shell.
On February 15, one self-loading rifle (SLR) with magazine, one 9mm pistol, two 36 hand grenade and 10 7,62 mm rounds were recovered from Koubru ridge near Boljang of Kangpokpi District of Manipur, reports India TodayNE on February 18. Additionally, one carbine machine gun with magazine, one 7,62 SLR magazine, one 36 hand grenade, one wood piercing shell, one local made pumpi were recovered during search operation from general area of North Changoubung of Kangpokpi District.
On February 16, five single barrel 7.62 country made rifle, one tear gas launcher along with one full ammunition box containing 24 rubber bullet (cartridge 38mm Anti-Riot), four AK 47s with one magazine and three live round, four 9mm pistol with four magazine and ten 9mm ammunition were recovered from Haijang forest area in Churachandpur District of Manipur, reports India TodayNE.
Monthly Fatalities
The following casualties, related to ongoing insurgencies and acts of terrorism occurred during the period January 26, 2024 to February 25, 2024
| Civilian | Indian Security Personnel | Militants | Total | |
| Chhattisgarh | 04 | 05 | 03 | 12 |
| Jharkhand | 02 | 00 | 00 | 02 |
| Manipur | 07 | 00 | 02 | 09 |
| TOTAL | 13 | 05 | 05 | 23 |
INTERNATIONAL
Explosion kills six in northeast Nigeria
Six people, including four children, were killed on Jan 29, 2033 when an explosive device collected by metal scavengers exploded in northeast Nigeria´s Borno state where troops are fighting jihadist groups, a local official and two anti-jihadist militia told AFP on Sunday.
The home-made bomb went off when two metal scavengers were sorting through scraps they collected from the bush outside the town of Gubio, 80-kms from the regional capital Maiduguri, the sources said. The identity of the men had yet to be determined because they were badly mutilated by the blast that occurred inside an unfinished building used to store scraps, Bulama added. Militia leader Babakura Kolo said the men were rummaging through heaps of metal when the device went off.
Iran Guards seize foreign vessel carrying ‘smuggled’ fuel
Iran´s Revolutionary Guards seized on Jan 28, 2023 a foreign oil tanker carrying around two million litres of “smuggled fuel” near the country´s southern coast, local media reported. “A foreign vessel with the flag of a country from Oceania was identified with two million litres of smuggled diesel,” reported Tasnim news agency. The ship “was seized in accordance with a court order,” the agency said, quoting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Haidar Honaryan.
Fourteen crew members were also arrested, he noted, saying they were nationals of “two Asian countries”, without specifying which. Iran, a major oil producer, has among the cheapest petrol prices in the world, which encourages fuel trafficking. In September, Iran seized two oil tankers flying the flags of Panama and Tanzania and arrested their crews for allegedly carrying smuggled fuel in the Gulf.
54 killed in clashes in area claimed by Sudan, S Sudan: UN
Fighting between rival communities in a disputed region claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan has killed 54 people, including two UN peacekeepers, the United Nations said on Jan 30, 2023, calling for calm.
The clashes in Abyei, a contested oil-rich territory straddling the border of both countries, broke out at the weekend, according to local authorities. A Pakistani peacekeeper was killed, and “four uniformed personnel and one local civilian sustained injury”, it said. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the violence and appealed to the governments of both sides to investigate so those responsible could be brought to justice.
Soldier martyred, two officers hurt as Pak peacekeeping convoy ambushed
One soldier of Pakistani peacekeeping mission was martyred and two officers were injured when their convoy was ambushed in Abyei, a disputed area between Sudan and South Sudan. A convoy of Pakistani peacekeepers was ambushed while escorting two local patients to a hospital on Jan 31, 2023, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. Pakistani peacekeepers responded effectively and forced the militants to retreat.
However, during exchange of fire, Sepoy Muhammad Tariq (resident of Badin, Sindh) embraced martyrdom while four individuals including two officers were injured. Pakistan’s peacekeeping contingents have always distinguished themselves by virtue of their professionalism and devotion to duty. To date, 181 Pakistani peacekeepers have laid their lives while serving the cause of peace around the world.
Kidnappers seize children from Nigeria school bus
Kidnappers attacked a Nigerian school bus and abducted five children along with their teachers, the school´s founder said on Feb 01, 2024 as outrage grows over insecurity in the country. Kidnapping for ransom by criminal gangs is a major problem in Nigeria and the new government is facing an outcry over a recent spate of abductions.
The gunmen in southwestern Ekiti state shot the bus´s tyres and took the children captive on their way home from school on Monday afternoon, co-founder Gabriel Adesanya told AFP. He said the Emure Apostolic Faith Primary School pupils aged between eight and 14 were still missing along with the bus driver, conductor and two teachers.
“I´ve never seen anything like this before,” he said. “The parents are very worried.” Police confirmed the abduction and said they had sent officers “to ensure the victims are rescued and suspects arrested”. Footage shared online — which AFP has not been able to verify — showed an empty school bus and abandoned belongings. “There is no security in our country,” a man at the scene says in the clip.
Police shoot dead two ‘terrorists’ outside Istanbul court
Turkish police on Feb 4 shot dead a man and a woman belonging to a leftist “terrorist” organisation who attacked a security checkpoint outside Istanbul´s main courthouse, injuring six people, officials said.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said the assailants were members of the Revolutionary People´s Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C) — a fringe leftist group that has staged periodic attacks in Turkey since the 1980s. The group issued no initial claim of responsibility.
“While the terrorists who attempted to attack were neutralised, six people, including three police officers and three citizens, were injured,” Yerlikaya said in a social media statement. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said “heroic police officers prevented a treacherous attack”, adding that prosecutors had launched a “multi-faceted investigation”.
Images from the scene showed two bodies lying on the ground outside the main entrance of the Caglayan courthouse, which has been used for some of Turkiye´s biggest trials. Meanwhile, Pakistan strongly condemns the terrorist attack targeting the Courthouse complex in Istanbul.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the brotherly people and government of Turkiye and pray for the swift and complete recovery of those injured in this heinous attack. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families,” stated the Foreign Office spokesperson in an official statement.
Gunmen kill four, abduct at least 40 in northwest Nigeria
Armed men killed four people, including two policemen, and kidnapped at least 40 others in an attack on Kaura Namoda, in Nigeria’s northwest Zamfara state, police and residents said on Tuesday, Feb 13. Africa’s largest economy is grappling with a multifaceted security crisis, including kidnappings for ransom in the northwest, which has reached alarming proportions.
Zamfara police spokesperson Yazid Abubakar confirmed the attack and said reinforcements have been deployed to the Kasuwar Daji district of the town where the incident took place. They took more than 40 women and children, including some elderly men.
Houthis claim missile attack on oil tanker in Red Sea
Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis claimed responsibility on Saturday, Feb 17 for an attack on the oil tanker M/T Pollux, which U.S. officials said the previous day had been hit by a missile.
“The naval forces of the Yemeni Armed Forces carried out a targeting operation against a British oil ship (Pollux) in the Red Sea with a large number of appropriate naval missiles,” Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a statement, adding the strikes “were accurate and direct”.
U.S. Central Command (Centcom) said on Saturday that four anti-ship ballistic missiles were launched from Iranian-backed Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into the Red Sea over several hours on Friday. Centcom assessed that at least three of the missiles were launched towards the M/T Pollux, which it said was a Panamanian-flagged, Denmark-owned, Panamanian-registered vessel. There were no reported injuries, the statement said.
Colombia could restart bombing campaigns against armed groups
Colombia’s government could restart aerial bombing campaigns against illegal armed groups, as long as intelligence makes certain minors will not be affected, Defense Minister Ivan Velasquez said on Tuesday, Feb 20.
The government and human rights group accuse illegal armed groups of forcibly recruiting minors, including to try to discourage the bombing of their camps. Bombings by Colombia’s air force helped drive the now-demobilized rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) to sign a peace deal in 2016, and subsequently targeted leaders of other armed groups like the National Liberation Army (ELN) and the Clan del Golfo.
President Gustavo Petro ordered the bombings suspended just days after taking power in August 2022 to avoid civilian deaths, including of forcibly recruited children, and in a nod to his policy of total peace to end the country’s internal armed conflict, which has left more than 450,000 dead.There will be no restriction on bombing when “intelligence reliably confirms that there are no minors present,” Defense Minister Ivan Velasquez told journalists.
The government is holding peace talks with Estado Mayor Central and the Segunda Marquetalia, both dissident factions of the FARC who reject the 2016 peace deal, and with the ELN.
US military drone shot down near Yemen, say US officials
A US military Mq-9 drone was shot down near Yemen by Iran-backed militants, two US officials said on Tuesday, Feb 20 the second time such a shoot down has taken place in recent months during a near daily tit-for-tat between the group and US forces.
The Huthis, who have controlled most of Yemen for nearly a decade, have carried out repeated drone and missile strikes since November in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab Strait against commercial and military ships. US and British forces have responded with multiple strikes on Huthi facilities but have so far failed to halt the attacks. One of the officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said initial information showed that the US drone, made by General Atomics, was hit near Hodeidah on Monday.
The official said information could change and did not say if the drone was in international airspace. The second official said the drone was shot down by a Huthi surface-to-air missile fired from near Hodeida.
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.
