Bomb Blasts/LEDS
On August 10, three pedestrians identified as Sakhi Dad, Rehmatullah and Abdul Rahim, were injured in an incident of a bomb blast in Awaran town of Awaran District, reports Dawn. According to officials, the explosive device was planted in a motorcycle parked in the bazaar area and detonated with a remote control. The apparent target of the blast was a Police mobile that was passing through the area. A tribal elder was killed and another critically wounded in a remote-controlled bomb blast in Sapary area of Asil Targoo in Barang tehsil (revenue unit) of Bajaur District on August 13, reports Dawn.
Two people were killed and three injured in explosions inside two houses in Killi Deba area of Quetta in the night of August 13, reports Dawn. Police said unknown motorcyclists fired three grenades through a launcher towards Ayub Stadium where a bodybuilding competition was taking place in connection with Independence Day. However, two explosives landed in as many houses while a third one exploded in a private parking lot. The deceased were identified as Muhammad and Beebal, wife of Ghulam Nabi. One person identified as Irfanullah, was killed and six others sustained injuries in an explosion in Liaquat Bazaar area of Quetta on August 13, reports Dawn. A head constable, Siasat Khan, was killed while constable, Hazrat Nabi, suffered injuries when unidentified terrorists hurled a hand grenade on a check post in Mayar locality of Lower Dir District on August 15, reports Dawn. At least three persons were wounded in an explosion near Balochistan University on Sariab Road in Quetta on August 17, reports ARY News.
A grenade attack on Mach Police Station of Nasirabad town in Dera Murad Jamali District was reported on August 16, reports ARY News. However, no casualty was reported.
Targetted Killings
Two persons, identified as Abdul Latif and Amanullah, were gunned down and another person, identified as Asif, sustained injuries in a targeted attack by unidentified gunmen in the Chatikan area of Panjgur District in Balochistan on July 27, reports Dawn.
A dispenser belonging to the minority Ahmadiyya community was shot dead by two unidentified assailants in a suspected sectarian target killing at a dental clinic in Alipur village near Lalamusa city in Gujrat District on July 27, reports Dawn. Police said Zakaur Rehman (53) was present in his clinic along the GT Road when two assailants arrived there and one of them entered the clinic and opened fire at him. Unidentified assailants shot dead Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) leader Zaigham Sultan Tarrar in Kolo Tarrar area of Hafizabad District on July 28, reports Aaj TV. Tarrar was traveling by car to his village of Kot Ishaq when near Kolo Tarrar, unidentified assailants indiscriminately opened fire on his vehicle, resulting in instant death.
Miscellaneous
At least four terrorists of “Fitna Al Khawarij” were killed in an exchange of fire with Security Forces during an Intelligence based Operation (IBO) in Tank District on July 27, reports Aaj TV. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that the operation was conducted on the reported presence of terrorists. The terrorists “remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against SFs as well as abduction and target killing of civilians,” it said and added that weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the site.
One terrorist, identified as Kharji Sifatullah alias Mullah Mansoor of Fitna Al Khawarij, was killed and three other terrorists sustained injuries during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Dera Ismail Khan District on July 28, reports Aaj TV.
“Kharji Sifatullah was involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area including facilitation of suicide bombing attack in Daraban on December 12, 2023, and was highly wanted by law enforcement agencies.
One Army soldier was killed while 16 others including an officer sustained injuries as a violent mob attacked the Security Forces (SFs) employed at Gwadar District on July 29, reports ARY News. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that 30-year-old Sepoy Shabbir Baloch hailed from Sibi District was killed in the assault under the garb of so-called Baloch Raji Muchi (Baloch National Gathering). “In addition, the unprovoked assaults by the violent protesters have resulted in injuries to 16 soldiers including an officer. While on the other hand, fake and malicious propaganda is being spread on social media using doctored pictures and videos by the propagandists to gain sympathy and support for the unlawful violent march,” the ISPR added. The statement read that the SFs displayed extreme restraint to avoid unwarranted civilian casualties despite provocations. Two Levies personnel were killed when unidentified assailants attacked a check-post along the Kali Malizai Road in Pishin District on July 29, reports Aaj TV. The attackers fled the scene following the incident.
Two Policemen were killed while two other Policemen sustained injuries when terrorists attacked a convoy carrying three local court judges near Bhugwal on the Dera Ismail Khan Road in Tank District on August 2, reports Dawn. Police said that the three judges were going in a convoy to Dera Ismail Khan when terrorists attacked them. The judges reached to safety in an armoured personnel carrier. The deceased Policemen were identified as Constable Abdullah and Constable Samad. The vehicle of the Police which was taken away by terrorists was torched and burnt.
A soldier was killed while another soldier sustained injuries when unidentified militants attacked a Frontier Corps (FC) check post in Birmal tehsil (revenue unit) of South Waziristan District in the morning of August 6, reports Dawn. An unnamed official said Lance Naik Numan was killed while Havaldar Nabiullah was injured in the exchange of fire with the militants. The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on August 7 arrested a most wanted Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army (SRA) cadre, identified as Muhammad Hanif alias Billu Badshah, in connection with attacks on Rangers personnel, Chinese individuals, and a Jamaat-e-Islami rally from a railway track in Nawabshah District of Sindh, reports Aaj TV. According to CTD personnel, Billu Badshah admitted to receiving training at the outfit’s camp in Afghanistan. He confessed of carrying out multiple attacks on Rangers personnel, injuring six of them, as well as a Chinese citizen.
Four terrorists and three soldiers were killed during three different intelligence-based operations (IBOs) conducted in Tirah Valley of Khyber District on August 9, reports ARY News. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement said that 37-year-old Havildar Inam Gul, 29-year-old Sepoy Muhammad Imran, and 22-year-old Sepoy Iltaf Khan were killed.
The border forces of Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged heavy fire on August 12-evening after Pakistani side objected Afghan forces for the construction of a disputed check post near the border at Torkham border in Khyber District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reports Dawn. Initially light weapons were fired but later both sides used heavy weapons, including artillery, targeting each other’s positions. The exchange resulted in the closure of the border for all types of movement.
Seven terrorists were killed while five other terrorists were injured by Security Forces (SFs) during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Kurram District on August 15, reports Dawn.
One person was killed while another one sustained injuries when unidentified assailants opened fire in the Apsar area of Turbat town in Kech District, on August 17, reports ARY News. The deceased was identified as Imtiaz s/o Iqbal, while the injured man was identified as Khalil s/o Abdul Majeed.
Three terrorists who are responsible for the killing of Panjgur’s deputy commissioner Zakir Ali on August 12, were killed in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) by Security Forces (SFs) in Mastung District in the early hours of August 19, reports Dawn.
A Frontier Corps (FC) trooper, identified as Subedar Tariq, was killed in an armed clash with Afghan forces in Gaznali area on the Pak-Afghan border in Nushki District of Balochistan on August 19, reports Dawn.
“The Frontier Corps personnel and Afghan forces exchanged heavy fire at the border in Nushki area,” Nushki deputy commissioner Amjad Hussain Soomro said, adding that one personnel of Noshki militia, a wing of Frontier Corps, was killed in the exchange of fire.
Pakistan
Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group and Majeed Brigade designated as terrorist outfits
Federal Ministry of Interior on July 31 banned two terrorist outfits, the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group (HGBG) and Majeed Brigade (MB), reports The News. The Interior Ministry approved the recommendations to ban the terrorist outfits after monitoring them for two years, according to the notification. Following the Interior Ministry’s approval, the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) added the aforementioned groups to the proscribed organisations’ list.
TTP to be called Fitna al-Khawarij, declares Government
According to a notification issued by the Federal Ministry of Interior, the Government on July 31 declared the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as “Fitna al-Khawarij”, reports Aaj TV. The decision aims to highlight the true nature and ideology of the terrorist outfit. The notification states that the TTP has distorted the image of Islam under the guise of religion. It further clarifies that the term “Khariji” will be used alongside the names of these terrorists to expose their true identity. The notification emphasizes that the TTP has irrevocably damaged Islam and that these terrorists have no genuine interest in the religion. According to Islamic teachings, such corrupt elements are referred to as “Fitna al-Khawarij.” The Ministry of Interior’s notification instructs all Government institutions to implement these directives immediately. The notification will also be sent to all Federal Ministries, divisions, and departments under administrative control. According to the notification, titles such as ‘Mufti’ and ‘Hafiz’ will not be used for individuals associated with terrorist outfits, while in all correspondence and documents, the term “Khariji” will be written and read before their names.
UNSC report highlights TTPAfghan Taliban collaboration in Pakistan attacks
A new United Nations Security Council (UNSC) report has highlighted the severe threat to Pakistan’s security from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), noting increased collaboration between the TTP and the Afghan Taliban in cross-border terrorist attacks, primarily targeting Pakistani military posts, The Express Tribune reported on July 31. “With Taliban acquiescence, and at times support, TTP has intensified attacks inside Pakistan primarily targeting military installations,” said the report from the UNSC’s Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team concerning ISIL (Daish), Al-Qaeda and associate groups. The report noted that Pakistan suffered more than 800 attacks in the past several months. “TTP camps with Al-Qaeda and Taliban involvement focus on training local Afghan fighters and TTP operatives,” it said, adding that the TTP has between 6,000 and 6,500 fighters who continue to use NATO weapons obtained in Afghanistan. The report also emphasised the role of night vision capability. “Al-Qaeda is funding purchases of weapons and suicide vests for TTP,” UNSC report added. “The terrorist threat emanating from Afghanistan is causing heightened concern in many (UN) member states,” the report added further.
At least 1,215 Pakistanis killed in more than 2,000 terrorism incidents in 16 months, Federal Ministry of Interior inform National Assembly
Pakistan recorded 2,075 incidents of terrorism over the past 16 months, resulting in 1,215 deaths and 2,600 injuries, The Express Tribune reported on August 2 quoting the figures provided by the Federal Ministry of Interior. The Ministry presented these details to the National Assembly (NA), revealing that in 2023 alone, 930 people were killed and 2,000 were injured in terrorist attacks. In just the first four months of the current year, 285 individuals lost their lives, and 600 were injured. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) bore the brunt of most of the violence, with 1,140 incidents leading to 756 deaths and 1,786 injuries. Balochistan reported 626 incidents, resulting in 423 fatalities and 734 injuries. Sindh experienced 19 terrorist incidents, with 14 people killed and 36 injured over the 16 month period. Meanwhile, Punjab witnessed eight attacks, causing 12 deaths and 11 injuries. On the other hand Gilgit-Baltistan reported three incidents, resulting in nine fatalities and 26 injuries. The Ministry further informed the NA that, in response to the escalating threat, Security Forces (SFs) conducted 2,208 intelligence-based operations in the first quarter of this year. These efforts resulted in the elimination of 89 terrorists and the arrest of 328 individuals.
76 Policemen and 148 terrorists killed in KP in 2024, reveals KP IGP Akhtar Hayat Gandapur
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Inspector General of Police (IGP) Akhtar Hayat Gandapur said on August 2 that in 2024, at least 76 Policemen were killed in the province, reports ARY News. The IGP stated that the Police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) killed 148 terrorists and arrested 250 others in the ongoing year. He added that the Police, CTD, and Security Forces (SFs) jointly eliminated the Salim Rabbani group. In addition, the Mohsin Qadeer group in Mardan was eliminated, and commanders Abdul Rahim and Zuber were killed in Peshawar and Bannu, respectively. IGP Gandapur emphasized that there are no “nogo” areas in KP and that efforts are being made to further improve Police capabilities in southern Districts. He praised the KP Police for maintaining their morale despite facing extremely challenging situations.
US vows to help prevent terror attacks and TTP recruitment
The United States (US) on August 1 reaffirmed its commitment to preventing groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from using Afghanistan as a base for launching terrorist attacks against neighbouring countries and countering their recruitment efforts, reports Dawn. During the US State Department briefing, journalists highlighted the UN report, expressing concerns about the growing presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan. In response, US State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel emphasised the US commitment to addressing this threat, stating, “We are cooperating with partners and allies, including in the immediate region; and we’re working vigilantly to prevent the re-emergence of external threats from Afghanistan.”
Afghanistan Internal Dynamics
Iran decides to seal border with Afghanistan over terrorism concerns
Iran decided to seal the border with Afghanistan after the surge in the incidents of terrorism, reports wenewsenglish.pk on July 28. According to Iranian media reports many terrorist organisations under the influence of the Taliban, terrorist groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Islamic State of Khorasan Province (IS-KP) have safe havens in Afghanistan. In response to increasing terrorist activities, Iran is constructing a 300-kilometer-long, 4-meter-high wall along the Afghan border.
Shia activists declare resistance against Taliban “permissible and necessary”
On July 27, several Shia activists at a conference titled “Gathering of Afghan Shia Elites” in Frankfurt (Germany), declared that Shias in Afghanistan are being deliberately deprived of their human and Islamic rights under Taliban rule, reports Afghanistan International. The attendees described the Taliban government as illegitimate, a “government of oppression,” and “gender apartheid.” They stated that resistance against the Taliban is “permissible and necessary,” and that the Taliban exacerbates the humanitarian crisis and promotes terrorism in Afghanistan and the region.
We no longer recognize Afghanistan’s diplomatic missions set up by the former government, announces Taliban
On July 30, the Taliban announced that they no longer recognize Afghanistan’s diplomatic missions set up by the former, Western-backed government and that they will not honour passports, visas and other documents issued by diplomats associated with the previous administration, reports msn.com. In a statement posted on X, the Taliban said that documents issued by missions in London, Berlin, Belgium, Bonn, Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy, Greece, Poland, Australia, Sweden, Canada, and Norway are no longer accepted and that the ministry “bears no responsibility” for those documents. The statement added, “All Afghan nationals living abroad and foreigners can visit the IEA political and consular missions in other countries, other than the above-mentioned missions, to access consular services.”
US has not recognised Taliban, says Rina Amiri
On July 30, Rina Amiri, the U.S. Special Envoy for Human Rights in Afghanistan, said that the United States (U.S.) has not recognized the Taliban, reports Amu TV. She stated, “The U.S. has not recognized the Taliban. We do not see normalization as moving forward in the way that the Taliban desire until the Taliban meet their international obligations, as well as the priorities that we have noted.” She outlined the U.S. priorities for Afghanistan: “Our priorities in Afghanistan are making sure that Afghanistan does not once again become a sanctuary for terrorism, that the Afghans who seek to leave the country are able to do so, particularly our allies who are in the resettlement pipeline. We are looking to provide humanitarian assistance in the country in a way that is unhindered and that we can do in a principled way, as we do globally.” Meanwhile, she highlighted, “Human rights, particularly the situation of women and girls, is at the heart of our policymaking, and it’s across all efforts.” she added.
Taliban excludes 1.4 million Afghan girls out of school, says UNESCO
On August 15, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reported that Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have deliberately deprived 1.4 million girls of schooling since they reclaimed power three years ago, jeopardising the future of an entire generation, reports VOA News. Director-General Audrey Azoulay said, “As a result of bans imposed by the de facto authorities, at least 1.4 million girls have been deliberately denied access to secondary education since 2021.” She added, “This represents an increase of 300,000 since the previous count conducted by UNESCO in April 2023, with more girls reaching the age limit of 12 every year.” She further noted, “In just three years, the de facto authorities have almost wiped out two decades of steady progress for education in Afghanistan, and the future of an entire generation is now in jeopardy.”
Bangladesh – Internal Dynamics
Top ICS cadre arrested in Chittagong District
On July 27, a top cadre of Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS), identified as Mohammad Sarwar, was arrested for planning violence in Bahaddarhat related to the protest over job reservations in the Baluchara area in Chittagong District of Chittagong Division, reports Dhaka Tribune. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Chandgaon Police Station (PS), Zahidul Kabir, confirmed the arrest and said, “There are 14 cases against Sarwar. He is the prime suspect in the July 18 Bahaddarhat police box arson, attack on police, and incidents of murder and gunfire. He will be interrogated, and we will seek a remand from the court.
Bangladesh bans JeI-ICS
According to the August 1 gazette issued by Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, the government banned Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) and its affiliates, including Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS), with immediate effect, reports The Daily Star. As per the gazette, the government took the decision as per 18 (1) of the Anti-Terrorism Act-2009 and listed it as a banned entity under the second schedule of the act. This decision followed a recommendation from the Awami League-led 14-party alliance, chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed, which suggested the ban due to JeI-ICS’s alleged involvement in anti-state activities.
Bangladesh army announces interim government after PM Sheikh Hasina flees
Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign and fled the country following weeks of deadly demonstrations against her government. Her removal on Monday, August 05 followed weeks of deadly protests and appears to have averted the threat of further bloodshed. In an address to the nation, army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced that an interim government will now run Bangladesh and called for calm.
Hasina, who had ruled like a despot for close to two decades, boarded a military helicopter as huge crowds ignored a national curfew to storm her palace in Dhaka. Her aircraft landed at the base in Ghaziabad, India and has taken refuge in India. Her resignation came after nearly 300 people died in weeks of protest that the authorities sought to crush. A night of deadly violence on Sunday had killed close to 100 a curfew was called. Despite the violence, by early afternoon, the mood on the streets had turned to one of celebration after the news of the premier’s departure spread. Meanwhile, Dhaka Tribune reported that on August 5, at least 135 people were killed before and after Sheikh Hasina resigned as Prime Minister.
Muhammad Yunus led interim government takes charge
After President Mohammed Shahabuddin agreed on August 7 to appoint Mohammad Yunus (Nobel Laureate) as the head of an interim, the next day on August 8, the interim government led by. Muhammad Yunus, along with advisers, took oath at the Bangabhaban Darbar Hall in Dhaka, four days after the resignation and departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed amid a mass upsurge led by students, reports The Daily Star. Advisory council members include Muhammad Yunus, (chief adviser), Syeda Rizwana Hasan (chief executive of BELA), Farida Akhtar, (women’s rights activist), Adilur Rahman Khan, (founder of Odhikar), AFM Khalid Hossain, (Hefazat-e-Islam nayeb-e-ameer and Islami Andolan Bangladesh adviser), Nurjahan Begum, (Grameen Telecom trustee), Sharmeen Murshid, (freedom fighter), Bir Pratik Faruk-e-Azam, Nahid Islam (Dhaka University student and key organiser of the Anti-Discrimination Students’ Movement), Asif Mahmud, Dhaka University student and key organiser of the Anti-Discrimination Students’ Movement), Salehuddin Ahmed (former governor of Bangladesh Bank), Asif Nazrul (Dhaka University law professor), Hasan Arif (former attorney general and adviser of Fakhruddin Ahmed-led caretaker government), M Sakhawat Hossain, Supradip Chakma (chairman of Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board), Bidhan Ranjan Roy (director of the National Institute of Mental Health & Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry), Touhid Hossain (former foreign secretary). Supradip Chakma, Bidhan Ranjan Roy, and Faruk-e-Azam were outside the capital, so they could not be sworn in on the same day.
Rohingya man shot dead in Cox’s Bazar
On August 11, a Rohingya man, identified as a resident of Block D in Camp No. 17, was shot dead at point-blank range by unidentified gunmen in Ukhiya Upazila (Sub-District) in Cox’s Bazar District of Chittagong Division, reports Rohingya Khobor on August 15.
ICT files case against Sheikh Hasina for 2013 Hefazat-e-Islam rally crimes
On August 20, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) filed a case accusing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and 23 others of committing crimes against humanity and genocide during a Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Motijheel’s Shapla Chattar in Dhaka on May 5, 2013, reports The Daily Star. This is the fourth complaint filed with the investigation agency of the International Crimes Tribunal accusing Hasina.
The other accused include Obaidul Quader (Awami League General Secretary and former Minister of Road Transport and Bridges), Rashed Khan Menon (former Minister), Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh (former Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation), Hasan Mahmud (former Minister), Haji Selim (former Lawmaker), Salman F Rahman (former Advisor to the Prime Minister), Shamim Osman (former Narayanganj Lawmaker), Tarique Ahmed Siddique (former Security Advisor to the Prime Minister), AKM Shahidul Haque (former Inspector General of Police), Benazir Ahmed (former Inspector General of Police), Ziaul Ahmed (former Additional Director General of RAB), Harun Or Rashid (former Additional Commissioner (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police), Biplab Kumar Sarker (former Deputy Commissioner of DMP), Shahriar Kabir (President of Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee), Muntassir Mamoon (Member of Nirmul Committee), Tureen Afroz (former Prosecutor of ICT and Member of Nirmul Committee), Imran H Sarker (Convener of Gonojagoron Mancha), Mozammel Haque Babu (Chairman of Ekattor TV), Ahmed Zobayer (former Managing Director and CEO of Somoy TV), Subhash Singha Roy (Editor of ABnews24. com), Naimul Islam Khan (former Press Secretary to the Prime Minister), Aziz Ahmed (former Army Chief), and M Manzur Ahmed (former DG of NSI).
Three cases filed with ICT against former PM Sheikh Hasina
On August 21, three more cases were filed with the investigation agency of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) accusing former Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina of committing crimes against humanity and genocide between July 15 and August 5, reports The Daily Star. Ten more cases, including nine for murder, were filed against former PM Hasina, bringing the total to 44 cases: 35 for murder, seven for crimes against humanity and genocide, one for abduction, and one for attacking a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) procession.
India – Internal Dynamics
226 lives lost in current Manipur violence, says Manipur CM N Biren Singh
As many as 226 lives lost in current Manipur violence that has gripped the State since May 3, 2023, Manipur Chief Minister (CM) N Biren Singh said on July 31, reports Imphal Free Press. CM Biren unveiled the catastrophic impact of the violence in a reply to an unstarred question raised by opposition MLA K Meghachandra on the first day of the Budget session of the Assembly. The human and material toll is staggering, with 226 lives lost and widespread destruction affecting thousands. The violence has not only claimed lives but also wreaked havoc on communities.
As many as 11,133 houses have been set on fire, leading to the complete destruction of 4,569 homes and 11,892 cases have been registered in different Police Stations in connection with the violence. The agricultural sector has been severely hit, with farmlands belonging to 5,554 farmers affected, jeopardising their livelihoods. The chaos has also resulted in 39 individuals being reported missing, adding to the widespread despair and uncertainty. In response to this crisis, the state government has established 302 relief camps to shelter the displaced population, the CM said. These camps are now home to 59,414 internally displaced persons, highlighting the scale of the humanitarian emergency. And to support these individuals, the Government has initiated a comprehensive relief effort.
Kuki militants attack Meitei villages in Manipur
Kuki militants attacked the Meitei villages of Sabungkhok Khunou, Yaingangpokpi Shanti- khongbal and Thamnapokpi, in the periphery of Imphal East District in Manipur on August 4, reports The Sangai Express. Using bombs and other sophisticated weapons, Kuki militants attack continued for almost four hours. Even though there was no casualty, five houses of Yaingangpokpi Shanti-khongbal and Thamnapokpi suffered large scale damages as they were hit by bombs and bullets. Meanwhile, the Lamlai Kendra Village Volunteer Force (LKVVF) and the people of Yaingangpokpi area have decided to close Imphal-Ukhrul road indefinitely from the morning of August 7 if the Central forces deployed in the area are not replaced by State forces within 48 hours.
HNLC defies to resume peace talks with Meghalaya Government
The Meghalaya Chief Minister (CM) Conrad K Sangma expressed Government’s commitment to address the concern of the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) to find a lasting solution but HNLC remains conspicuously absent from the dialogue, reports Northeast Now on August 4. CM Sangma recently stated that the Meghalaya Government was open to considering HNLC’s demand for amnesty but the final decision rests with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA). However, HNLC’s top leaders halted and withdrew the peace process in 2023, addressing in a joint letter to UMHA on December 31, 2023, stating that the Government failed to address its core demands.
Sri Lanka Internal Dynamics
European Union extends ban on LTTE
On July 26, the European Union (EU) extended its ban on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for an additional six months, reports Tamil Guardian on July 29. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohamed Uvais Mohamed Ali Sabry said on July 27 on the social media platform X that the EU has “renewed the list of persons, groups and entities set out by the Common Position 2001/931/ CFSP with the view to combatting terrorism, and the LTTE continues to be banned in the EU for a further period of six months.”
| Monthly Fatalities The following casualties, related to ongoing insurgencies and acts of terrorism occurred during the period May 25, 2024 to August 26, 2024: | ||||
| Civilian | Indian Security Personnel | Militant | Total | |
| Chhattisgarh | 02 | 00 | 03 | 05 |
| Maharashtra | 02 | 00 | 00 | 02 |
| Manipur | 03 | 00 | 03 | 06 |
| Tripura | 01 | 00 | 02 | 03 |
| Total | 08 | 00 | 08 | 16 |
International
10 dead in car bombing at north Syria checkpoint
10 people including at least four fighters were killed on Wednesday, August 7 when a bomb-laden truck exploded at a checkpoint in Syria´s Turkish-controlled northern city of Azaz, a war monitor said. An AFP correspondent in the area said a booby-trapped truck had detonated at a checkpoint inside the city. “10 people have been killed including at least four” Turkish-backed fighters, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The attack was the result of “a booby-trapped truck that exploded at the Shatt checkpoint manned by the (Turkish-backed) military police in the city of Azaz,” said the Britain-based monitor, which relies on a network of sources inside Syria. A medical source at the Azaz hospital told AFP nine people had been killed, including five fighters and four civilians, also reporting about 20 wounded.
UN warns IS Afghanistan branch growing in strength
A UN counter-terrorism official warned on Thursday, August 8 that the Islamic State group´s Afghanistan branch poses the greatest external terrorist threat to Europe as it boosts its organisational strength.
“ISIL-K has improved its financial and logistical capabilities in the past six months, including by tapping into Afghan and Central Asian diasporas for support,” Vladimir Voronkov, undersecretary general for counter-terrorism, said. ISIL-K, or ISIS-K, is an acronym of the jihadist group´s branch in Afghanistan, known as Islamic State Khorasan Province. The group claimed a March attack on a music hall in Moscow, which left 145 people dead. On Wednesday, Austrian authorities detained Islamic State-linked suspects for allegedly plotting to attack a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna, though no link has been reported to the Afghanistan branch. But the risk of the Afghanistan branch carrying out terrorist attacks abroad has “become manifest,” Voronkov said, noting the group has also intensified its recruitment efforts. In the latest report from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the subject, published last month, it was noted that authorities were on high alert against potential attacks during the Euro football championship and Paris Olympics.
Islamic State attack in east DR Congo kills five
The Islamic State (IS) group has claimed responsibility for an attack in eastern DR Congo that killed five people, according to a US-based intelligence group
The SITE group, which specialises in monitoring radical Islamist groups, said on Saturday, August 10 the Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) had claimed responsibility for the attack in the Tshopo province.
“The IS stated that fighters shot at a militia post in a village in Tshopo, killing three personnel, then turned their guns on Christians inside the village,” the group said in a statement. The statement added that the group had also set fire to more than 50 houses. SITE also said in its statement that the ISCAP has “not previously carried out operations” in the Tshopo area.
The Islamic State group portrays the ADF — Allied Democratic Forces — as its central African branch.The ADF pledged allegiance in 2019 to the IS which has claimed responsibility for a number of ADF attacks and describes the ADF as its regional affiliate.
Northern Ireland violence shocks Muslims and stokes fears over sectarian divides
A week of racism-fuelled disorder in Northern Ireland, sparked by disturbances in English towns and cities, is proving harder to end, with fears the UK region´s sectarian divisions are feeding into the violence.
A mosque in a town near Belfast was also targeted late on Friday, August 9. Northern Ireland has seen nightly unrest, mainly in pro-UK loyalist neighbourhoods, that began after an anti-immigration protest in Belfast on August 3. The violence has mirrored disorder across England, spurred by misinformation spread on social media about the suspected perpetrator of a knife attack in Southport on July 29 which killed three children.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said Saturday that 31 people have been arrested during the disturbances. Three decades of violent sectarian conflict known as the “Troubles” largely ended in 1998, but bitterness and frictions persist between pro-UK Protestant loyalists and pro-Irish unity Catholic nationalists.
After last Saturday´s anti-immigration protest, rioters rampaged through streets looking for foreign-owned businesses to attack. The Northern Ireland Muslim Council said in a statement that “the vast majority of the violence has been whipped up and fuelled by deliberate misinformation and disinformation on social media”.
US warns of ‘severe’ response if Iran transfers missiles to Russia
The United States warned Iran on Monday, August 12 against sending ballistic missiles to Russia, saying it would invoke a “severe” US response and would counter efforts by Tehran to improve relations.
The United States has been in touch with European allies on reports that Iran is “planning to deliver hundreds of ballistic missiles to Russia,” State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters.
“We are prepared to deliver a swift and severe response if Iran were to move forward with the transfer of ballistic missiles, which would, in our view, represent a dramatic escalation in Iran´s support for Russia´s war of aggression against Ukraine,” he said.
Russia has been turning to countries under international sanctions, including North Korea, for military equipment to support its operations in Ukraine. The United States has previously imposed sanctions on suppliers of Iranian drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), to Russia.
“Iranian officials also continue to deny providing any UAVs to Russia when evidence is plain for the world to see that Russia has used these UAVs in relentless attacks against the civilian population in Ukraine, against civilian infrastructure,” Patel said.
He noted that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, considered a reformist within the clerical state, had campaigned with hopes of improving relations with the United States and European countries. “This duplicity is only the latest reminder to the international community that the Iranian regime lacks in credibility,” he said.
Russia rules out peace talks as Ukraine claims advances
Russia on Monday, August 19 ruled out any peace talks with Ukraine despite Kyiv raising pressure on the Kremlin by claiming fresh advances in its offensive into Russian territory.
Ukraine sent troops and tanks over the border on August 6 in a surprise incursion two-and-half years after Russia launched its invasion and it says it makes new gains virtually each day. The biggest attack on Russian soil since World War II has rattled Russia and penetrated several kilometres into Russia´s Kursk region. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine now controls over 1,250 square kilometres and 92 settlements.
Zelensky said Ukraine was achieving its objectives, which officials previously said include stretching Russian forces, creating a “buffer zone” in Russian territory and seeking an end to the war on “fair” terms.
In a speech to ambassadors, Zelensky urged partner countries to allow the use of long-range weapons deep into Russia and to halt Russia´s advance in eastern Ukraine. “Ukraine is separated from halting the advance of the Russian army on the front by only one decision we await from our partners: the decision on long-range capabilities,” Zelensky said.
Delay gives “support for Russia´s offensive” in the eastern Donetsk region, he said. The incursion into Kursk would not have been necessary if Ukraine could use more powerful weapons to protect “citizens in border areas”, he added.
Zelensky confirmed that he had not informed his allies in advance of the Kursk offensive, claiming that they would have opposed it. “The whole naive, illusory concept of so-called red lines regarding Russia, which dominated the assessment of the war by some partners, has crumbled” since Ukraine´s advances, he said.
Zelensky urged diplomats to organise a second round of peace talks this year, saying “we must force Russia, with all our might and together with our partners, to make peace”. But Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Ukraine´s incursion had pushed peace talks further away. “At the current stage, given this escapade, we will not talk,” he said.
And bracing for a further assault, Ukraine ordered the evacuation of families from the key city of Pokrovsk as Moscow´s forces inched closer to the logistics hub. President Vladimir Putin has demanded Ukraine cede swathes of territory if it wants a ceasefire.
Zelensky, who has ruled out direct talks with the Kremlin, demands Russia´s full withdrawal from Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, and reparations. Seeking to give impetus to a possible settlement, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Ukraine on Friday, officials said. Modi recently visited Moscow, is close with Putin and has made no secret of his desire to end the conflict. Ukraine meanwhile pushed on into Kursk.
US prepares for threat of joint Chinese, Russian and North Korean nuclear strike
The United States is making plans to counter the growing possibility of a joint Chinese, Russian and North Korean nuclear strike, according to a classified Pentagon document on Wednesday, August 21.
In March, US President Joe Biden secretly approved a significant change to America’s nuclear defence plan, The New York Times reported. For the first time, the move has focused the US “deterrence strategy” on China’s rapid expansion of its nuclear arsenal. It also aims to address the threat of coordination between Beijing, Moscow and Pyongyang, according to the US newspaper. The redirection reflects a deeper understanding of Chinese president Xi Jinping’s nuclear weapons ambitions as well as a recent deepening of strategic military and political partnerships between China, Russia and North Korea.
Last October, a Pentagon report revealed that China’s nuclear weapons stock had more than doubled in the previous three years, in what officials described as a “major expansion of their nuclear forces”.
The Pentagon’s China Military Power Report estimated that, as of May last year, China had around 500 operational nuclear warheads, which would increase to 1,000 by 2030 and 1,500 by 2035, roughly matching the numbers currently deployed by the US and Russia.
An official at the time said this put China on track to exceed previous projections. Defence experts also warned that the US should not underestimate President Xi’s strategic move towards acquiring greater nuclear might.
According to The New York Times, the White House did not publicly announce its revised strategy, named Nuclear Employment Guidance. The highly classified document, updated every four years, only exists on paper in the hands of a small cohort of national security officials and Pentagon commanders. There are no electronic versions. However, the pivot towards China was alluded to in carefully calibrated public comments by two senior administration officials, ahead of a more detailed, unclassified notification of Congress.
Meanwhile, China is seriously concerned about a report that said the United Stated approved a nuclear strategic plan to focus on China’s rapid expansion in its nuclear arsenal, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Wednesday. “The US is peddling the China nuclear threat narrative, finding excuses to seek strategic advantage,” a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said.
| Current Threat Levels : | ||
| City/Region | Threat Level | |
| Islamabad | Level 2 | ** |
| Karachi | Level 2 | *** |
| Lahore | Level 2 | ** |
| Punjab | Level 2 | ** |
| NWFP | 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 Preceptions | |
| 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. | ***** |
