Bomb Blasts/IEDS
Two Policemen were injured in a grenade attack on their official vehicle in the Jhalawan complex area of Khuzdar town (Khuzdar District) in the night of April 30, reports Dawn. According to Police, unknown motorcyclists attacked the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) vehicle with a grenade injuring two personnel, including a senior officer.
An explosion on Sultan Ibrahim Khan Road in Chamrok area of Khuzdar town (Khuzdar District) killed three individuals, including the President of Khuzdar Press Club, Muhammad Siddique Mengal, and injured 10 other persons on May 3, reports The Express Tribune. The explosion occurred as a remote-controlled device detonated near Mengal’s vehicle while he was en route from his residence to the university. Mengal, who was also a provincial officer-bearer of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), was killed instantly, while approximately ten others sustained injuries. Sources indicate that Mengal had received a death threat in the form of a letter last month, raising concerns about his safety. Additionally, a few months prior, he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in a shooting incident.
Two children were injured in a remote control improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Panwal village of Jiwani in Gwadar District on May 10, reports Dawn. Levies officials said that unknown miscreants planted an IED, which detonated, injuring two children who were playing in the area. The victims were identified as Abu Baqar and Arman.
Targetted Killings
Two ethnic Punjabi labourers were shot dead in the Tump area of Kech District in Balochistan on April 28, reports Dawn. Both victims were in the Srenkin area of Kech (near the Iranian border), when they were targeted by armed motorcyclists. The deceased were later identified as Mohammad Shahid and Mohammad Naeem, who received multiple bullet injuries, leading to their death on the spot. “The victims belonging to Punjab had come to the Tump area to work as labourers” a senior official in the local administration said.
Seven workers of Punjabi ethnicity were killed and another one sustained injuries in a terrorist attack in the residential quarters near Fish Harbour Jetty in Sarband area of Gwadar city (Gwadar District) in the wee hours of May 9, reports ARY News. According to officials, the terrorists opened fire while the workers were sleeping. The deceased and injured are residents of Khanewal District of Punjab.
Three persons, including a close friend of the Chief Minister (CM) Sarfraz Bugti, were shot dead by unidentified assailants in Sui town of Dera Bugti District in Balochistan on May 14, reports Dawn. Police said CM Sarfraz Bugti’s friend Allah Rakhia was killed when three armed men opened fire in the Sui town. Allah Rakhia, received three bullets, which resulted in his instant death.
Miscellaneous
A terrorist was killed and another injured in an exchange of fire with Security Forces (SFs) on the Harnai-Sanjavi road in Harnai District of Balochistan on April 27, reports Dawn. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement that the terrorists attempted to stop passenger vehicles travelling on Sanjavi Road in Harnai. SFs promptly responded and effectively engaged the terrorists. “The timely response by the security forces thwarted the nefarious intent of the terrorists, saving innocent lives,” ISPR said, adding that a sanitisation operation is being carried out to eliminate any terrorists found in the area.
At least two terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted in Kulachi area of Dera Ismail Khan District on April 28, reports Dawn. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said an intense exchange of fire took place and as a result, terrorist Faheem Nawaz alias Gandapuri and Mohsin Nawaz were killed by Security Forces (SFs). “Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from killed terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the Security Forces as well as innocent civilians including target killings and extortion,” added ISPR. The sessions court judge of South Waziristan District, Shakirullah Marwat, who was kidnapped by terrorists from the Garah Mohabaat Adda area under Hathla Police Station in Kulachi tehsil (revenue unit) of Dera Ismail Khan District on April 27, was recovered on April 28, reports Dawn. Officials said the judge was intercepted by around 10 to 15 terrorists on motorcycles while travelling on the Dera Ismail Khan-Tank Road towards Dera Ismail Khan. While the terrorists left the judge’s driver un¬harmed, they set fire to the judge’s official vehicle before fleeing with Marwat. While Marwat is posted to the South Waziristan District, the sessions court functions from Tank due to security concerns. The first visual of the Judge Marwat emerged in a video clip lasting over one minute, in which he reveals that he was kidnapped by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), adds The Khorasan Diary. In the minute-long message, the judge Marwat said his release was only possible if the militants’ demands were accepted. “I request the federal and provincial governments, chief justices of Peshawar High Court and Supreme Court of Pakistan to make sure the Taliban’s demands are accepted and my recovery is made sure as soon as possible,” he said. However, the Dera Ismail Khan Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) said the abductee reached home safely after being recovered ‘unconditionally’.
Four terrorists were shot dead during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on April 29, reports ARY News. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release, the Security Forces (SFs) conducted an IBO in Khyber District on reported presence of terrorists. During an intense exchange of fire, the SFs killed four terrorists, including Qari Wajid aka Qari Biryal and Raziq. Meanwhile, the troops also destroyed hideouts of the terrorists. These terrorists remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from them, the ISPR statement added.
Two Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists were killed in an ambush by their associates when they were being transported by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) for weapon identification in Bahawalpur District on April 30, reports The Khorasan Diary. The TTP terrorists were Adeel (aka Saifullah Khorasani) and Zain (aka Asadullah Khorasani). The CTD statement claims that the killed terrorists were involved in a plot to assassinate Federal Minister Riaz Hussain Pirzada.
Seven Policemen were injured in an overnight attack by terrorists on the Jhangi checkpost in Taunsa District on May 1, reports Dawn. Punjab Police spokesperson Syed Mubashir said the “already alert policemen” stationed at the checkpost engaged in a three-hour gun battle against the “15-20 terrorists who took advantage of the dark to launch a fierce attack from various directions’. “The terrorists wanted to take over the checkpost and take the officials hostage,” he stated, adding that the attackers used modern weapons, including rocket launchers, hand grenades, and guns with laser light. The spokesperson added that the terrorists were “forced to flee after strong resistance” put up by the Policemen as they ran out of ammunition. A channel affiliated with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed that the attack in Lahore was carried out by the TTP. Three terrorists were killed by Security Forces in an exchange of fire during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Tank District on May 2, reports Dawn. A statement from the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said SFs conducted a joint IBO based on the reported presence of terrorists. “During the conduct of operation, after intense fire exchange, three terrorists were successfully neutralised and sent to hell.
On May 4, six terrorists were killed and their hideouts were busted during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) carried out by Security Forces (SFs) in the North Waziristan District, reports Dawn. A statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) read that the security forces carried out the operation following the reported presence of terrorists in the area. During an intense exchange of fire with security forces, six terrorists were killed, it added. According to the ISPR, those killed during the operation had remained actively involved in targeted killings of civilians in the area and numerous militant activities against SFs.
Two terrorists were killed in ‘friendly fire’ when a group of terrorists attacked the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel in Rawalpindi city on May 5, reports The News. The slain terrorists, who were identified as Naseebullah and Ehsanullah, belonged to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, according to the CTD spokesperson. The spokesperson added, that explosives and hand grenades were recovered from the killed terrorists.
Security Forces (SFs) gunned down five terrorists in intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Dera Ismail Khan District on May 8, reports ARY News. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement said that an intelligence-based operation was conducted on the reported presence of terrorists. During the conduct of the operation, five terrorists were successfully neutralised by the SFs In an exchange of fire in North Waziristan District on May 8, Security Forces (SFs) effectively engaged the terrorists’ location as a result of which a Terrorist, identified as Inamullah, was killed, reports ARY News.
Five Security Forces (SFs) personnel were killed while two others sustained injuries when militants orchestrated an improvised explosive device (IED) attack on a bomb disposal unit in the Hassan Khel area of Datta Khel tehsil (revenue unit) on May 11, reports Dawn.
Two Security Forces (SFs) personnel were killed when militants stormed a security post in the Seeman area of Mir Ali in North Waziristan District on May 11, reports Dawn.
At least 12 militants were killed and four Security Forces (SF) personnel sustained injuries during a cross-border infiltration attack along Pak-Afghan border on a checkpoints in the Teri Mangal area of Kurram District on May 14, reports Dawn. The checkpoints in the Teri Mangal area which borders Afghanistan’s Khost, Paktia and Nangarhar provinces, were fired upon from across the border. The attack, launched with heavy weapons, targeted security installations within a 10 kilometres radius.
Three militants and a major of the Security Forces (SFs) were killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Zhob District on May 14, reports ARY News. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement said that the SFs conducted a joint operation on the reported presence of terrorists in Zhob District. During the operation, three militants were killed while Major Babar Khan killed during an intense exchange of fire. SFs recovered arms, ammunition and explosives from slain militants. One Levies personnel, identified as Muhammad Hanif Bazai, was killed when unidentified assailants opened fire at a Levies checkpoint in Bostan area of Pishin District in Balochistan on May 14, reports Dawn. The Islamic State Pakistan Province (ISPP) claimed responsibility of the attack, adds The Khorasan Diary.
PAKISTAN
Most wanted’ BLA cadre arrested from Karachi city of Sindh
A “most wanted” cadre of Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), identified as Mairaj alias Mama, was arrested by the Police from Lyari area of Karachi on April 28, reports The News. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), South Zone, Asad Raza said Mairaj used to provide information to BLA ‘commander’ Jalal. According to the details provided by the DIG, Mairaj was involved in several terror activities including the 2017 attack on Security Forces in Balochistan. The arrested cadre spied on an Army vehicle which was travelling from Turbat to Gwadar after which the BLA cadres attacked and killed the Army soldiers.
Four terrorists killed during intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on April 29 arrested four terrorists involved in the Besham attack on the Chinese nationals on March 26, reports ARY News. According to CTD, the arrested terrorists are associated with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and have admitted to attacking Chinese nationals. At least six persons – five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver – were killed when their convoy was attacked by a suicide bomber in the Besham area of Shangla District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). A convoy of 12 vehicles, nine of them carrying Chinese nationals and three escorting vehicles of the paramilitary Frontier Corps, were on their way to the Dasu Hydropower Project in Upper Kohistan from Islamabad, when a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into the convoy, targeting a bus carrying Chinese nationals. While no group has claimed responsibility for the suicide attack, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) released a statement denying involvement in the attack.
Militant attacks claim 70 lives in April, says PICSS report
Following a brief lull in March, militant attacks in the country surged once again in April, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly its Southern Districts, bearing the brunt, Dawn reported on May 3 quoting the monthly security assessment report of Islamabad-based think-tank, Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). According to statistics, the country experienced at least 77 verifiable militant attacks during April, resulting in 70 fatalities, including 35 civilians and 31 members of Security Forces.
Four militants were killed. The number of injured individuals was 67 — 32 civilians and 35 security personnel. In comparison, March saw 56 militant attacks, resulting in 77 fatalities and 67 injuries. This indicates a 38 per cent increase in the number of militant attacks, although there was a nine per cent decline in deaths, with no change in the number of injuries.
The security report also underscored the efforts of the country’s SFs in thwarting numerous potential attacks during the month. At least 55 suspected militants were killed and 12 others arrested, including individuals involved in the Basham suicide attack, marking a 55 per cent increase in militant deaths compared to March. The report further said that 73pc of the total number of militant attacks reported in April took place in KP, including its Tribal Districts. Fifty-six attacks were reported in the province during the previous month. The attacks killed 43 people — 26 members of SFs and 17 civilians. The number of the injured stood at 32 — 19 members of security forces and 13 civilians.
Within KP, mainland Districts saw more attacks and fatalities than Tribal Districts (formerly FATA). Mainland KP witnessed 31 attacks, resulting in 25 fatalities and 10 injuries. The southern districts of D.I. Khan, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, and Tank were the most affected, with Dera Ismail Khan and Lakki Marwat facing seven militant attacks each, Bannu facing six, and Tank experiencing two attacks. Together, these districts accounted for 71pc of the attacks in mainland KP. Additionally, Peshawar faced four attacks, while Swat, Swabi, Charsadda, Shangla, and Battagram experienced one attack each. In the Tribal Districts, PICSS recorded at least 25 attacks, resulting in 18 fatalities and 22 injuries. North Waziristan, Bajaur, and South Waziristan were the most affected districts, with nine, five, and four attacks reported, respectively. According to the report, Balochistan faced 16 attacks, resulting in 21 fatalities, including 17 civilians and four security personnel, with 31 individuals injured. Most of these attacks took place in the Baloch belt of the province, particularly in the south and southwest. Specifically, three attacks were reported in Khuzdar, two in Kech, Kohlu, and Quetta each, and one each in Chaman, Dera Bugti, Duki, Kalat, Kharan, Mastung, and Nushki.
Punjab also witnessed a surge in militant activities, with four attacks reported in April compared to one in March, resulting in three fatalities. One attack was reported in Sindh, resulting in three fatalities. In the first four months of the year, the country experienced 323 militant attacks, resulting in 324 fatalities and 387 injuries.
Afghan soil being used by TTP to attack Pakistan, says ISPR DG Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry
The Director General (DG) of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said on May 7 that there is “irrefutable evidence” of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) using Afghanistan’s soil against the country, reports The News. “There is irrefutable evidence of Afghan soil being used by the TTP […] recent terrorist incidents can be traced to Afghanistan”, he added. Reaffirming the commitment on counter-terrorism efforts, Major General Chaudhry said that Pakistan will leave no stone unturned to eliminate the terrorist network. He stressed that the Security Forces would go to any extent against terrorists. However, the spokesperson noted that the first priority of the Pakistan Army was to maintain law and order in the country.
AFGHANISTAN INTERNAL DYNAMICS
Eight Taliban fighters killed in separate incidents in Kabul
On April 28, the National Resistance Front (NRF) claimed on social media platform ‘X’ (Twitter) that a Taliban fighter was killed and two others were injured when they targeted a Taliban fighter’s vehicle near Kabul Stadium in Kabul city of Kabul Province.
On April 28, the National Resistance Front (NRF) claimed on the social media platform ‘X’ (Twitter) that three Taliban fighters were killed and two others were injured when they attacked a Taliban terrorist checkpoint in front of the 13th Police District (PD) in Kabul city of Kabul Province, on April 27.
On April 29, the Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) claimed on the social media platform ‘X’ (Twitter) that four Taliban fighters were killed and two others were injured in their attack on a Taliban outpost in the Qawai Markaz area of the 4th Police District (PD) in Kabul City of Kabul Province.
The Islamic State (IS) has claimed a gun attack on the Shia Mosque in Gozrah District of Herat Province on April 29 in which seven people were killed, reports Citizen Digital. The regional chapter of the IS group on April 30, claimed responsibility and said numerous gunmen had stormed the mosque with machine guns, contradicting the official account of a single assailant.
Three Taliban fighters killed in IS-KP orchestrated IED blast in Badakhshan Province
On May 9, at least three Taliban fighters were killed, and six others were injured in a blast caused by a sticky improvised explosive device (IED) planted on a motorbike, targeting a Taliban military convoy in Faiz Abad District of Badakhshan Province, reports Afghanistan International. Later on the same day, the Islamic State in Khorasan Province (IS-KP) claimed responsibility for the blast.
Taliban targets political parties in Afghanistan
On May 8, Afghanistan International reported that the Taliban is cracking down on active parties in Afghanistan, intensifying efforts to silence dissent. Notable among the targets is Gulbuddin Hekmatyar’s Hezb-e Islami party. Hekmatyar, once supportive of the Taliban, has become increasingly critical due to their power monopoly, restrictions on women’s rights, and suppression of the press. In March 2024, the Taliban ousted Hekmatyar from his government-funded residence, prohibiting his Friday sermons and preventing his party members from meeting him at his new residence in Kabul.
Rift in Taliban ranks as non-Pashtun Taliban declare rebellion, says report
Non-Pashtun members of Taliban in Afghanistan have announced a rebellion against discriminatory practices within the group, mashriqtv.pk. According to Afghan news agency Aamaj News, members of the non-Pashtun Taliban from Balkh, Panjshir, Kapisa, and Parwan provinces have sent messages to a local Afghan media outlet. These messages highlight the return of Abdul Hamid Khorasani’s stance against racial bias within the ranks of the Taliban. The dissident members have warned of immediate action if the issue persists, marking a significant shift since the Taliban’s rise to power in Afghanistan three years ago. Reportedly, the non-Pashtun Taliban members have expressed their intent to separate from the group if Abdul Hamid Khorasani’s humiliation continues, signaling a potential fracture within the Taliban’s unity.
Taliban extorting money in false charge of moral corruption in Kabul city
Taliban commanders arbitrarily detain individuals at checkpoints, accuse them of ‘moral corruption’, and demand hefty sums of money at remote checkpoints in Kabul’s Eighth, Fourth, and Tenth Security Districts, Hasht-e Subh reports on May 14. Some Taliban checkpoint commanders, especially in the Fourth Security District, gather information about individuals beforehand, and if they are convinced that his economic status is good or he is wealthy, they detain him at their checkpoint and then demand a large sum of money. Some women also collaborate with Taliban and rush to the checkpoint during the detention of individuals, claiming to have illegitimate relationship with the person. Then Taliban threatened about reporting to Morality Police and extort more money.
Taliban no longer enemy of Russia, says Russian official
In an interview with the Telegraph Agency of the Soviet Union (TASS), the Russian special envoy for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, stated that the Taliban in Afghanistan are no longer considered an enemy by his country, reports Amu TV on May 16. He said, “I don’t mean to say that the Taliban are our number one friend, but obviously, they are not enemies. The Taliban openly say that they trust Russia as the former Soviet Union’s successor.” He further said, “The Taliban are former mujahideen who fought against the Soviet army and the former Afghan regime that was supported by the Soviet Union. Having fought against other foreign troops, they concluded that the Soviet Union not only waged war in Afghanistan but also built infrastructure. They acknowledge that the Soviet Union had no expansionist plans.” “Yes, the Soviet Union had specific worldviews which ran counter to Afghanistan’s traditional views. The Taliban consider that our actions were wrong but they credit the real contribution to Afghanistan’s modernization made by the Soviet Union,” he added.
Clashes break out in Afghanistan over poppy crop clearing
Clashes broke out on Monday, May 20 between Taliban forces tasked with clearing poppy crops and farmers in Afghanistan´s northeastern Badakhshan province, residents told AFP. Poppy cultivators threw rocks and demanded Taliban security units not destroy their crops, said Jamaluddin, a resident of Barlas Shalmar village in the Argo district of Badakhshan whose name has been changed for security reasons.
In response, Taliban authorities fired their guns to disperse villagers, Jamaluddin, who witnessed the incident, said. A nurse at a medical facility in Argo, also speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP the clinic received “two dead and nine wounded people” from the Barlas area — a string of three neighbouring villages. A statement from the Taliban´s army unit in Badakhshan said there had been protests to prevent poppy clearing in Argo, but did not note any deaths or injuries as a result. “Several agitators who provoked the people have been arrested and the process of destroying (poppy) fields in the district is ongoing,” said military official Mahboobullah Hamed, who was quoted in the same statement and was in the area of the protests.
BANGLADESH INTERNAL DYNAMICS
Two KCNF cadres killed in Bandarban District
On April 28, two cadres of Kuki-Chin National Front (KCNF) were killed during a raid by Army personnel in the remote Baklai Para area in Ruma Upazila (Sub-District) in Bandarban District of Chittagong Division, reports The Daily Star. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in its press release said that the team also recovered three arms, ammunition, and a walkie-talkie used by the armed group.
APBn arrests five ARSA operatives in Cox’s Bazar
On April 28, the Armed Police Battalion (APBn) arrested five operatives of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), armed with local and foreign weapons, in a raid on the D-9 block Kutupalong of Camp in Ukhiya Upazila (Sub-District) of Cox’s Bazar District in Chittagong Division, reports Dhaka Tribune. The arrestees were identified as Mohammad Jubair, Dil Mohammad, Mohammad Khalil, Mohammad Idris, and Mohammadullah. The recoveries included five foreign pistols, two local guns, and 18 rounds of bullets.
Two Rohingyas killed in two separate incidents in Cox’s Bazar
On May 5, a Rohingya man, identified as Noor Kalam was hacked to death after being abducted by armed assailants from a refugee camp in Ukhiya Upazila (Sub-District) in Cox’s Bazar District of Chittagong Division, reports The Daily Star. Ukhiya Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC), Shamim Hossain confirmed this and stated that the killing is primarily believed to have taken place over disputes centring on drug trafficking and establishing supremacy in the camp.
On May 5, a Rohingya man, identified as Zafar Ahmad was shot dead in Camp No. 20 in Ukhiya Upazila (Sub-District) in Cox’s Bazar of Chittagong Division, reports Dhaka Tribune. Ukhiya Police Station Officerin-Charge (OC), Shamim Hossain confirmed this killing and said that Zafar was abducted from his second wife’s house, and shot dead by armed men.
Rohingya man shot dead in Cox’s Bazar
On May 11a Rohingya man, identified as Mohammad Alam, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Mochini Rohingya camp in Teknaf Upazila (Sub-District) in Cox’s Bazar District of Chittagong Division, reports The Daily Star.
Gunfight erupts between PCJSS-Santu and UPDF-Prasit groups in Rangmati District
On May 14, a gunfight erupted between Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti (PCJSS-Santu group) and United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF-Prasit group) inthe Dulobania area of the Banglatli Union Baghaichhari Upazila (Sub-District) in Rangamati District of Chittagong Division, reports Dhaka Tribune.Abdul Awal, Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police of Baghaichhari Circle, said no specific information about casualties was received as the area was inaccessible.
INDIA INTERNAL DYNAMICS
Maoists kill Congress leader in Chhattisgarh
On April 26, Maoists killed a Congress leader and former Janpad Panchayat member identified as Joga Podiyam (44) at Potali village in Dantewada District, in Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, reports The Times of India. Dantewada District Superintendent of Police (SP) Gaurav Rai stated that seven-eight Maoists entered the house of Joga Podiyam at around 11 pm, disconnected the electricity supply, dragged him out, and slit his throat, killing him on the spot.
One person arrested along with huge cache of weapons in Nagaland
On April 29, an Assam Rifles team seized a significant cache of arms and communication equipment during “Operation Cloudburst” in the Mon District of Nagaland, reports Northeast Now. The recovered weapons include eleven 182 mm mortars, four RCL tubes, ten pistols of various makes and a number of communication devices – 199 Radio Sets along with Satellite Phones. One person was arrested in connection with the recovery.
India summons a Canadian diplomat after pro-Khalistan slogans in Canada
On April 28, pro-Khalistan slogans were raised at a public meeting attended by Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Justin Trudeau in Canada, reports The Hindu. During the event when Canada Prime Minister Trudeau walked up to the stage for his address to mark ‘Khalsa Day’, the chants of ‘Khalistan Zindabad’ kept getting louder.
The Ministry of External Affairs in India said, ‘’The government of India’s deep concern and strong protest were conveyed at such disturbing actions being allowed to continue unchecked at the event. This illustrates once again the political space that has been given in Canada to separatism, extremism, and violence’’.
Canadian Police arrest three people in the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada
On May 4, Canadian Police, based on an investigation, arrested three Indian nationals, identified as Karan Brar (22), Kamalpreet Singh (22), and Karanpreet Singh (28), in connection with the killing of designated Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, reports the Economic Times.
| Monthly Fatalities The following casualties, related to ongoing insurgencies and acts of terrorism occurred during the period April 26, 2024 to May 25, 2024: | ||||
| Civilian | Indian Security Personnel | Militant | Total | |
| Chhattisgarh | 08 | 00 | 11 | 19 |
| Maharashtra | 02 | 00 | 04 | 06 |
| Manipur | 00 | 02 | 02 | 04 |
| Odisha | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 |
| Total | 10 | 02 | 18 | 30 |
INTERNATIONAL
Indian intelligence assassination plot is a serious matter: White House
The White House said on April 29 it was taking ‘very seriously’ the reports from the Washington Post on an alleged assassination plot by Indian officials on U.S. soil. During Monday’s briefing, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the Department of Justice is investigating the matter. “There’s an investigation, as you know, going going on. So as you just stated in your question to me, and a criminal investigation, the Department of Justice obviously is running that. So anything specific to that, I would have to refer you to the DOJ. Look, India is an important strategic partner here in the United States.
For the, sorry, of the United States. So we are pursuing an ambitious agenda to expand our cooperation and some in several areas. As you know, we’ve been really consistent about that and have laid that out multiple times. Whether it’s a meeting here with with the prime minister or a meeting abroad.
This is a serious matter, and we’re taking that very, very seriously. The government of India has been very clear with us that they are taking this seriously and will investigate. And we expect that that accountability from the government based on that.”
According to reports from the Washington Post, citing current and former U.S. and Indian security officials, intelligence officers from India were targeting Sikh activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a U.S. citizen and critic of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
US issues hundreds of sanctions targeting Russia, Chinese entities
The United States on Wednesday, April 01 issued hundreds of fresh sanctions targeting Russia over the war in Ukraine in action that took aim at Moscow’s circumvention of Western measures, including through China.
The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on nearly 200 targets, while the State Department designated more than 80.
The U.S. imposed sanctions on 20 companies based in China and Hong Kong, following repeated warnings from Washington about China’s support for Russia’s military, including during recent trips by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to the country.
China’s support for Russia is one of the many issues threatening to sour the recent improvement in relations between the world’s biggest economies.
“Treasury has consistently warned that companies will face significant consequences for providing material support for Russia’s war, and the U.S. is imposing them today on almost 300 targets,” Yellen said in a statement. The United States and its allies have imposed sanctions on thousands of targets since Russia invaded neighboring Ukraine. The war has seen tens of thousands killed and cities destroyed.
Washington has since sought to crack down on evasion of the Western measures, including by issuing sanctions on firms in China, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.
Treasury’s action on Wednesday sanctioned nearly 60 targets located in Azerbaijan, Belgium, China, Russia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Slovakia it accused of enabling Russia to “acquire desperately-needed technology and equipment from abroad.”
The move included measures against a China-based company Treasury said exported items for the production of drones – such as propellers, engines and sensors – to a company in Russia. Other China and Hong Kong-based technology suppliers were also targeted.
India ‘shocked’ as Musk’s surprise China visit leaves them spurned
Elon Musk’s surprise visit to China this week won concessions for Tesla TSLA.O but left India feeling spurned after he cancelled a scheduled trip there for earlier this month, with Indian commentators calling the move a snub.
India’s pained reaction highlights the increasing rivalry between India and China, Asia two largest countries by population and among the region’s most dynamic economies.
Business and diplomatic relations between them have been strained since a 2020 border clash left 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers dead.
Musk was due to meet Modi last week and announce an investment of up to $3 billion in a car plant, but cancelled saying there were “very heavy Tesla obligations”. By then, the Indian government had sent out invites for a startup event Musk was to attend.
On Sunday, Musk turned up in China, meeting with Premier Li Qiang and making progress towards rolling out its advanced driver assistance package in the world’s biggest auto market.
North Korea’s UN ambassador says US-led groups monitoring sanctions will fail
US-led efforts to form new groups monitoring sanctions on North Korea will fail, the country’s UN envoy said on May 09 according to state media KCNA carrying his statement.
Ambassador Kim Song made the comment in response to a joint statement the US and its allies issued this week calling to continue the work of a UN panel of experts monitoring longstanding UN sanctions against Pyongyang for its nuclear weapons and missile programmes.
Earlier this year, Russia vetoed the annual renewal of a panel of experts amid US-led accusations that North Korea has transferred weapons to Russia for use in its war in Ukraine.
Even if the hostile forces form a second or a third panel of experts, they will “self-destruct,” Kim was quoted as saying by KCNA. Last month, US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield visited the Demilitarized Zone, a heavily fortified border between the two Koreas, which remain technically at war and urged Russia and China to stop rewarding North Korea for its bad behaviour.
France deploys troops, bans TikTok to quell New Caledonia unrest
France deployed troops to New Caledonia´s ports and international airport, banned TikTok and imposed a state of emergency on Thursday, May 16 after three nights of clashes that have left five dead and hundreds wounded.
Pro-independence, largely indigenous protests against a French plan to impose new voting rules on its Pacific archipelago have spiralled into the deadliest violence since the 1980s.
Palm-lined boulevards in the capital Noumea, that are usually thronged with tourists, were littered with debris and patrolled by armoured vehicles, while some locals piled up household objects to make roadblocks.
A gendarme was killed on Thursday, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told AFP, bringing to two the number of police officers who have died. A police source told AFP he was killed by friendly fire.
Turkish court jails Kurdish leader for 42 years over 2014 unrest
A Turkish court on Thursday, May 16 sentenced an ex-leader of the pro-Kurdish HDP party to 42 years in prison for his alleged role in deadly 2014 protests that erupted as Islamic State group jihadists overran the Syrian town of Kobane.
Already jailed since 2016, Selahattin Demirtas, 51, a two-time election rival to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was convicted for dozens of crimes including undermining state unity and the country´s integrity.
The court in Sincan on the outskirts of the capital Ankara also sentenced HDP´s former co-chair Figen Yuksekdag to 30 years and three months, private broadcaster NTV and rights group MLSA reported.
The cases against former members of the Peoples´ Democratic Party (HDP) — including Demirtas and Yuksekdag — stem from one of the darker episodes of the more than decade-long Syria war.
Thirty-seven people died in violent demonstrations against the Turkish army´s inaction in the face of an IS offensive against the largely Kurdish northern Syrian town.
DR Congo thwarts Kinshasa ‘coup attempt’: army
The DR Congo military said on Sunday, May 19 it had thwarted an “attempted coup” near the offices of President Felix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa involving “foreigners and Congolese”.
It happened in the early hours of the morning outside the residence of Economy Minister Vital Kamerhe, in the Gombe area in the north of the capital, near the Palais de la Nation which houses the president´s offices, said a spokesman;
“An attempted coup d´etat has been stopped by the defence and security forces,” said General Sylvain Ekenge in a message broadcast on national television.
Shots were also heard near the Palais de la Nation at the time of the coup attempt, according to a number of sources.
Ekenge did not give any more details on the coup attempt. AFP also contacted official sources but has so far received no reply.
“I am shocked by the events this morning and very worried by the reports of American citizens allegedly involved,” Lucy Tamlyn, the US ambassador to the DRC, posted on X, formerly Twitter.
| 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 Singh | 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. | ***** |
