(Combined effort of PATHFINDER GROUP Task Force)
Suicide Bombings
On March 29, a suicide bomber targeted the protest sit-in of the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) near the Lakpass area in Mastung District, reports Dawn. Police confirmed that Sardar Akhtar Mengal (Chairman of BNP-M), party workers and supporters remained unharmed in the attack. However, Mengal claimed that at least four party members were injured in the blast. Two Policemen, including a Sub-Inspector (SI), were killed and two other Policemen were injured on May 11 when a suicide attack targeted Police mobile unit near Mall Mandi area on the Ring Road in Peshawar, reports Dawn.
Bombing/IEDs
A blast at a peace committee office in Wana town of South Waziristan District around 11am on April 28 killed at least nine people and injured 29 others, reports Geo News. The local head of the ‘peace militia’ Saifur Rahman was among the dead. No outfit has so far claimed responsibility for the blast.
A powerful explosion rocked the residence of Member of National Assembly (MNA) Mubarak Zeb Khan, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Merged Districts, in Shah Nary area of Khar tehsil (revenue unit) in Bajaur District on May 14, reports Aaj TV. District Police Officer (DPO) Waqas Rafiq said that unidentified assailants had planted an explosive device near the parliamentarian’s house. The blast destroyed the main entrance gate but caused no casualties as the lawmaker was absent at the time. One person was killed and 12 others injured when a blast struck the convoy of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Ali Madad Jattak near Munir Mengal Chowk in Quetta on May 14, reports Dawn. Sariab Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Asif Ghafoor said that the convoy of PPP MP Ali Madad Jatak was attacked with hand grenades and fired upon on Sariab Road. Ali Madad Jatak was unharmed in the attack, but his vehicle was partially damaged.” He said Jatak was heading towards a meeting place along with his convoy to attend a victory rally.
A powerful explosion targeted the vehicle of local Jamiat ulema-i-Islam – Fazl (JUI- F) leader Maulana Noorullah on May 15 near Shahzad Madrassah in Azam Warsak market of South Waziristan District, reports Dawn. The explosion hit Maulana Noorullah’s car, however, he remained unharmed. Police confirmed the incident and said there were no casualties in the explosion.
According to a video later released by the JUI-F, Maulana Noorullah told his supporters that he was accompanied by local party leaders Maulana Ishaq and Maulana Amanullah when the blast occurred. At least four people were killed and 20 other people sustained injuries in an explosion near Frontier Corps (FC) fort in Gulistan town of Qila Abdullah District in Balochistan on May 18, reports Geo News. Two Policemen were killed while another Policeman sustained injuries when unidentified terrorists lobbed a hand grenade at the New Sabzi Mandi Police checkpoint in Bannu town (Bannu District) in the night of May 20, reports Dawn. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed said “two policemen were martyred and one was injured in the attack.
Terrorists launched the attack using hand grenades late at night, causing some damage to the checkpost,” he said, adding that the assailants were not able to cause significant destruction due to the prompt action of the Police. Some attackers fled after the attack, he said, adding that a search operation was underway.
Targetted Killings
Mir Allah Bakhsh Shahzad, a local Brahvi language poet and writer, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Sabzal Road area of Quetta on May 5, reports Dawn. Police said the armed motorcyclists targeted Mr Shahzad while he was passing through the area. He suffered multiple bullet injuries and died on the spot. A Policeman was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the limits of the Mandan Police Station in Bannu District on the morning of May 6, reports Dawn. Khanzala Quraishi, spokesperson for the Bannu Regional Police Officer, said that “Police Constable Khanzeb was on his way to duty on a motorcycle when he was intercepted and targeted by unidentified assailants near the Asghar fuel station in the limits of Mandan police station.” A constable of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) was killed when assailants opened fire at him in Ameerkhel area of the Hassankhel subdivision in Peshawar District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on May 7, reports Dawn. According to the Police, unidentified motorcyclists opened fire on constable Sohail within the jurisdiction of Hassankhel Police Station killing him on the spot.
Miscellaneous
Security Forces (SFs) killed 54 terrorists attempting to infiltrate through the Pakistan-Afghanistan border near the Bibak Ghar area in Hassan Khel tehsil (revenue unit) of North Waziristan District on April 27, reports Dawn. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), this is the highest-ever number of terrorists killed by SFs in a single engagement throughout the campaign against terrorism. A large cache of weapons, ammunition and explosives was also recovered from the slain terrorists, ISPR added further.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Security Forces (SFs) killed six terrorists in an operation in Kalat District in Balochistan Province on March 29, reports Dawn. Security Forces (SFs) killed seven terrorists during an intelligence based operation (IBO) in the Choteer area of Ziarat District in the night of April 28, reports Dawn.
Unidentified terrorists hiding in the area opened fire on the SFs, who retaliated after taking positions. “Heavy exchange of fire continued for two hours, during which hand grenades were also used by the militants,” an official said, adding that seven bodies were recovered from the area once the firing ceased. Three terrorists were killed after Security Forces (SFs) conducted an intelligence based operation (IBO) in Turbat town of Kech District on April 29, reports Dawn.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the SFs conducted an IBO, effectively engaging with the terrorists’ location. “After an intense exchange of fire, three terrorists were successfully neutralised”, ISPR added. ISPR said that weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the terrorists who were involved in multiple activities against the law enforcement agencies and the innocent civilians in the area. One person was killed while three others sustained injuries during a gun battle between the terrorists and members of a local peace committee in the Begukhel area of Lakki Marwat District in the night of April 28, reports Dawn. “The incident happened last night in the Begukhel village. Members of the peace committee living there had deployed guards around the village for protection when militants decided to attack them. They used RPGs and other heavy artillery to attack, and in retaliation to the attack, the peace committee members also opened fire to resist. Three Policemen and one terrorists were killed while one Policeman sustained injuries during a clash between Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists in Kot Adil area under Saddar Police Station in Bannu District on April 30, reports Dawn. According to Bannu Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sajjad Khan, Station House Office (SHO) Waseem Sajjad and his personnel were on a routine patrol when two terrorists opened fire on them. “The policemen fired back at them, killing one of the attackers and injuring the other, who managed to escape from the scene,” he added. “Modern weapons, hand grenades, Kalashnikovs, and ammunition were recovered on the slain attacker”, RPO Sajjad Khan added further. Three terrorists were killed in an exchange of fire with Security Forces (SFs) in Mir Ali area of North Waziristan District on May 5, reports Dawn. Two terrorists and one soldier were killed in a clash during an intelligence based operation (IBO) in South Waziristan District on May 5, reports Dawn. “In another IBO, conducted in South Waziristan District, two khwarij were successfully neutralized by the security forces. However, during an intense fire exchange, one brave son of the soil, Naik Mujahid Khan (age: 40 years, resident of District Kohat) having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement said.
Two terrorists were killed in retaliatory firing from Frontier Corps (FC) when a group of terrorists launched an attack on a FC checkpoint in the Ghundari area of Bannu District on May 5, reports Aaj TV. The intense exchange of gunfire between both sides continued for several minutes.
Four tribal elders were killed and one was seriously injured when unidentified assailants opened fire on a vehicle in Chota Dattakhel village of Mir Ali subdivision in North Waziristan District on May 13, reports Dawn. Police said the attack took place when tribal elders were returning to the village in a vehicle after holding a jirga (council of tribal elders). The Police said that the deceased included Malik Sher Bahadur, Malik Ajmal, Malik Liwan Khan and Malik Shutle. The deceased elders were playing a prominent role in maintaining peace in the area, Police added.
Five Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted by the Security Forces in Lakki Marwat District on May 19, reports Geo News. Two soldiers and two terrorists were killed during a clash when terrorists ambushed a Security Forces (SFs) convoy in Mir Ali area of North Waziristan District on May 19, reports Geo News. The deceased soldiers were identified as Sepoy Farhad Ali Turi (29) and Lance Naik Sabir Afridi (32).
At least three Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) cadres were killed by Security Forces (SFs) in Turbat town of Kech District on May 18, reports Geo News. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the slain cadres were identified as Sabr Ullah and Amjad aka Bichoo. “Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the killed Indian sponsored terrorists, who remained actively involved in multiple terrorist’s activities against the LEAs as well as target killing of innocent civilians,” the ISPR said.
One Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) cadre was killed while two other cadres sustained injuries when the Security Forces (SFs) conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Gishkur area of Awaran District on May 18, reports Geo News. Security Forces (SFs) on May 20 arrested a Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) cadre from Lyari town of Karachi, reports Dawn. Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) and Police conducted an intelligence-based raid and arrested Darvesh alias Sagar, and recovered one grenade, arms and ammunition from his custody. A spokesperson for the Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) said in a statement that Darvesh had joined the Baloch Students Organisation (BSO-Azad) in 2015 and later joined BLA in 2018.
PAKISTAN
India cuts water supply to Pakistan from Baglihar Dam on Chenab River
India has curbed the flow of water through the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River and is planning similar measures at the Kishanganga Dam on the Jhelum River, sources said on Sunday, the Indian media reported. The hydroelectric dams — Baglihar in Ramban in Jammu and Kishanganga in north Kashmir — offer India the ability to regulate the timing of water releases, Press Trust of India reported, quoting sources familiar with the matter. India’s decision to suspend the decades-old treaty follows the killing of 26 people, mostly tourists, in Pahalgam on April 22.
The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, has governed the use of Indus River and its tributaries between India and Pakistan since 1960. The Baglihar Dam has been a longstanding point of contention between the two neighbours, with Pakistan having sought World Bank arbitration in the past. The Kishanganga Dam has faced legal and diplomatic scrutiny, especially regarding its impact on the Neelum River, a tributary of Jhelum river.
Both countries are on the brink of an armed conflict, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a recent high-level meeting with the top defence brass, asserted that the armed forces have “complete operational freedom” to decide on the mode, targets and timing of India’s response to the terror attack.
In response, Pakistan shut its airspace to Indian airliners and suspended all trade with India, including through third countries. Pakistan rejected India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and said any move to stop the flow of water will be seen as an “act of war”.
Afghan Taliban fighters have defected to ISIS, TTP, says Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq
Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq, on May 6 acknowledged that some Afghan Taliban fighters have defected to extremist groups including ISIS and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), reports Afghan International.
Speaking at the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) in Islamabad, Sadiq revealed that the Afghan Taliban are hesitant to confront the TTP due to fears that internal divisions could prompt further defections of their own fighters to ISIS. However, he confirmed that such defections have already occurred, with some Taliban members having joined ISIS, the TTP, and other militant groups. This marks the first time a senior Pakistani diplomat has publicly admitted to defections within Taliban ranks to rival extremist groups. While Sadiq did not specify the motivations behind these defections, he highlighted the Taliban’s reluctance to act decisively against TTP elements operating from Afghan soil. He criticised the Taliban for failing to address Pakistan’s persistent security concerns, despite diplomatic engagement including a recent visit to Kabul by Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. “It seems there are internal disagreements among the Taliban on this issue,” Sadiq said, alluding to reported tensions between the Kandahar-based Taliban leadership and the Haqqani network over how to manage the TTP.
Pakistan downs three IAF jets & drone, destroys brigade HQ after India kills civilians in ‘act of war’
Responding to Indian missile strikes inside Pakistan, the Pakistan Air Force shot down three enemy jets, while the Pak Army destroyed an Indian army brigade headquarters and a post across the Line of Control (LOC), said Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar on May 07. Sky News and other British media reported one of the aircraft downed by the PAF was a Rafale. Geo News, quoting security sources, reported two Rafales were shot down. All Pakistani aircraft remained safe in the scramble. Security sources said Pakistan’s armed forces are giving a “befitting reply” to the enemy from both land and air. All PAF aircraft remain safe, the sources confirmed.
Earlier, Indian forces launched attacks on Kotli, Ahmedpur Sharqia, Muzaffarabad, Bagh and Muridke, according to the Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations. The AFP reported the Indian government as saying said it had attacked nine sites, describing them as “precision strikes at terrorist camps”. He told Geo News there are reports of two civilian deaths in Kotli, while in Ahmedpur Sharqia, a child was killed and 12 others were injured. A mosque was targeted in the area, and a nearby house was also hit during the attack. According to the DG ISPR, a child and their parents are feared to be trapped under the rubble of the collapsed house. A mosque was also targeted in Kotli, while in Muzaffarabad, a missile landed on a road, causing damage in the surrounding area. DG ISPR said there are reports of at least two civilian deaths in Kotli. He said the attacks on mosques clearly demonstrate the approach of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindutva mindset.
Pakistan’s response is underway, the military spokesperson said, adding that the armed forces are retaliating from both the air and ground. “We strongly condemn India’s cowardly action, which is a flagrant violation of the UN Charter, international law, and established norms of inter-state relations,” the ministry said.
In a statement issued from the United Nations, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was “very concerned” about Indian military strikes on Pakistan, his spokesperson said on Tuesday, hours after India said it hit nine sites in Pakistani territory.
Nation stands united against Indian aggression
The people of Pakistan are united against the Indian aggression and 93 percent are determined to fight to the last drop of blood to defend their homeland. This was revealed by a Gallup Pakistan survey on May 9 in which Pakistanis from more than 100 districts of the country participated. Despite tension with India, 72 percent talked about peace with the neigbouring country and stressed avoiding war being highly damaging while 27 percent favoured war with India.
Indian air force emerges weak in military operation: French paper
After “Operation Sindoor,” conducted by India on the night of May 6 to 7 in Pakistan, the show of force intended by New Delhi is widely viewed by many military experts as a significant underperformance. Despite the bombing of nearly a dozen sites in Pakistan, India was forced to acknowledge the loss of at least three fighter jets during this operation. These major losses reveal the weaknesses of the Indian Air Force. India was forced to acknowledge the loss of at least three fighter jets during the operation. They exposed the vulnerabilities of Indian Air Force. Numerous conflicting reports emerged on Wednesday, May 7, which were impossible to verify independently. Pakistani military sources, including Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, claimed that three Rafales, a MiG-29, and a Sukhoi Su-30 were shot down by J-10 aircraft.
However, on the Indian side, only an anonymous security source acknowledged military losses to AFP without specifying the aircraft. Based on publicly available images, some experts or officials in Paris think it’s believable that at least one Rafale aircraft was damaged or destroyed. It would be the first time that a French Rafale has been destroyed in a combat situation. India purchased 36 Rafale jets in 2016 for around €8 billion and is still facing challenges in building up its fighter aircraft capabilities.
Throughout May 7, despite triumphant overtones about the success of Operation Sindoor, Indian authorities strove to deny the destruction of combat aircraft and minimise civilian casualties. Several media outlets in the country were forced to remove information about the aircraft crashes from their websites, under pressure from the Narendra Modi government. “If aircraft were lost, it’s certainly a setback. If Rafales were lost, it’s an even bigger setback and, of course, tarnishes the image of the Indian operation. Losing aircraft is never a good thing, but losing aircraft while you’re trying to conduct a planned, rehearsed, and prepared operation is bound to be painful and embarrassing,” said Sushant Singh, a former Indian Army officer and strategic analyst. Meanwhile, the loss of Rafales is a deep embarrassment for India that was relying on the French jets to face off with rival Pakistan, TRT World said on X. Asian Times quoted defence analyst and an avid PLA watcher Rick Joe stating that the posted videos allegedly from Bathinda in India showed a distinct nozzle screw pattern on the engine which looks like a part of M88 (Indian Rafale jet’s engine) and not M53 (Indian Mirage 2000’s engine). CNN quoted a highly placed intelligence official who said that Pakistan shot down a Rafale fighter jet operated by the Indian Air Force and that French authorities were looking into whether more than one Rafale jet may also have been shot down overnight by Pakistan. New York Times quoted John E Pike (Director of Global Security Organization) who stated that Pakistan has surface-to-air or air-to-air missiles which could have put down Indian fighter jets including Rafale.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reports 284 terrorist attacks in 2025, says Counter Terrorism Department
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) reported that the province had witnessed 284 terrorist attacks while Security Forces (SFs) gunned down 148 terrorists in 2025, ARY News reported on May 17.
According to CTD spokesperson, the province recorded 284 terrorism incidents this year, with North Waziristan being the hardest hit, accounting for 53 incidents. Other Districts, including Bannu (35 incidents), Dera Ismail Khan (31 incidents), Kurram (8 incidents), and Peshawar (13 incidents), also faced significant militant activity.
The CTD disclosed that 1,116 individuals were named as suspects in terrorism cases across the province, with North Waziristan having the highest number at 391, followed by Kurram with 166. Of these, 95 suspects have been arrested, including 70 in Kurram, three each in Swat and Bannu, and others across various Districts. Dera Ismail Khan saw the highest number of terrorists killed, with 67 eliminated, underscoring the intensity of counter-terrorism operations in the region.
Chinese weapons gave Pakistan a new edge against India: report
India’s four-day military showdown with Pakistan set several new precedents. For military officials from outside the region, the most intriguing one was Pakistan’s use of advanced Chinese fighter jets and missiles in aerial combat with Western-made counterparts, according to The Economist. What’s more, Pakistan claims that its Chinese J-10C fighters and their PL-15 air-to-air missiles prevailed. It says they shot down five of India’s fighters, including three French Rafales and two older Russian ones, on May 7th. And the dogfight of more than an hour involving 114 aircraft was conducted entirely beyond visual range, according to Pakistan’s air force.
India has neither confirmed nor denied that, saying only that all its pilots are safe while claiming to have destroyed some “high-tech” Pakistani warplanes (which Pakistan denies, reporting only minor damage to one). Still, independent reports suggest that some Indian jets crashed, including at least one Rafale. Pakistan’s use of Chinese arms is no surprise. China has provided them for decades and is now its biggest supplier. But China’s modern fighters were previously untested in combat and thought inferior to Western equivalents. This would be the first combat loss of a Rafale. China’s government has said only that it is unfamiliar with the issue. But China Space News, one of its state-run defence industry publications, reported on May 12th that Pakistan had used a new system in which air defences locked on to targets. Fighters would then fire missiles at them from afar, guided towards them by other aircraft. It did not say Chinese hardware was used but Pakistan also has Chinese air-defence equipment (which India says it jammed) and airborne radar aircraft.
The claims have grave implications for India. It has modernised its forces in the past decade by buying 62 Rafales and is considering buying more. Pakistan, meanwhile, has added 150 JF-17 fighters, most jointly made with China, since 2007 and has bought 20 J-10Cs since 2022. America and its allies have cause for alarm too. China does not use the smaller, older JF-17 but it operates J-10Cs, including around Taiwan, so they could feature in a war with America over the self-governed island. And though China has sold them only to Pakistan, others may now show interest (shares in the J-10C’s manufacturer have surged). Even if Pakistan’s claim is confirmed, that would not prove the J-10C’s superiority over the Rafale or other Western aircraft, many of which can perform a wider variety of missions. Still, military officials around the world are scrambling for more details and, in some cases, preparing to update war plans.
Afghanistan – Internal Dynamics
More than 70 per cent of Afghan women face difficulties in accessing humanitarian aid, says UN report
According to a report by the United Nations (UN) Women on the situation of women in Afghanistan, published on April 27, more than 70 per cent of Afghan women face difficulties in accessing humanitarian aid, reports afintl.com. UN Women stated that the Taliban’s stringent regulations, including the requirement for a male guardian (mahram) during travel and the enforcement of strict compulsory hijab laws, have severely restricted women’s participation in public life.
The report also highlighted that the Taliban’s ban on women working for NGOs and UN agencies reduced women’s and girls’ access to essential services, such as healthcare, education, nutrition, and protection. Furthermore, the report warned that the ongoing ban on girls’ education continues to perpetuate poverty across the country.
According to the findings, only 43 per cent of school-aged girls are currently enrolled in education, and participation among girls aged 13 to 17 is almost non-existent. The shortage of female healthcare workers, compounded by Taliban-imposed restrictions on women’s employment, curtailed women’s access to medical services, contributing to worsening maternal health conditions. The report further indicated that Afghan women and girls are facing heightened risks of gender-based violence and early marriage, largely due to their exclusion from social decision-making processes.
Bangladesh – Internal Dynamics
Islamic religious parties issue warning to the interim government over WARC
On April 30, leaders of religious-based political parties at a seminar titled ‘Islamophobia in the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission: What We Can Do’ demanded that the interim government cancel the entire Women’s Affairs Reform Commission (WARC), including the proposals recommended by them, calling them “representatives of the Western world” and warned the government not to force them to join the movement, reports prothomalo.com. Leaders of various religious parties, including Islamic Movement Bangladesh, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Khelafat Majlis, and Islamic Unity Alliance, spoke at the seminar organized by the National Ulama-Mashaykh Aima Parishad. Several demands were raised at the seminar.
These were the controversial proposal of the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission: the commission should be officially abolished; religious, educated, and patriotic women should be included in the formation of the new commission; and proposals on family and women’s issues should be based on the Quran-Sunnah, the Constitution, and social reality. Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) Amir (chief) Shafiqur Rahman said, “If forced, we will definitely join the movement. We will join hands and do all the good deeds for religion and society together. We will send a message that no one will be able to break jackfruit on our heads by dividing our share.” Mufti Syed Rezaul Karim, the Ameer (chief) of the Islami Andolan Bangladesh (IAB), said that through this commission, the enemies of Islam who are creating an unstable situation can create a blueprint to take to the streets.
Addressing the government, he said, “You have to keep in mind that the enemies who are confronting you cannot take advantage of this. Even then, if you want to move forward, you will not get even five minutes (to escape).” Amir (chief) of Bangladesh Khilafat Majlis, Maulana Mamunul Haque, said, “This reform proposal has been made to implement the agenda of the Western world. The office of the Chief Advisor is also involved in this plan. If even a hair of this proposal has to be implemented, we will have to do it over our dead bodies…We have fought for 16 years. We are tired. But if the desire to fight arises, if we have to fight to protect the dignity of the laws of Allah’s Quran, then that is what we will do.”
Retired Bangladeshi major general calls for ‘occupation’ of India’s Northeast if it attacks Pakistan
On April 29, Major General (retired) A.L.M. Fazlur Rahman, the chairperson of the National Independent Commission of Inquiry probing the 2009 Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) massacre who is also a senior official appointed by the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, in a Facebook post, stated that Bangladesh should occupy India’s seven northeast states if the neighbouring country attacks Pakistan, reports theprint.in. Fazlur Rahman said, “If India attacks Pakistan, Bangladesh should occupy seven states of North East India. In this regard, I think it is necessary to start a discussion on a joint military system with China.” The post was endorsed with a ‘like’ by fellow commission member Shahnawaz Khan Chandan, who is a former member of the Islamist student group Islami Chhatra Shibir (ICS).
ICT submits its probe report against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
On May 12, Investigation Agency of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) submitted its probe report against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, bringing five allegations of crimes against humanity during the July uprising, reports thedailystar.net. Citing the probe report, ICT Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam stated that Hasina is directly responsible for ordering all state forces, her party, and its associated bodies to carry out actions that led to mass killings, injuries, targeted violence against women and children, the incineration of bodies, and denial of medical treatment to the wounded. Tajul Islam said,”The Investigation Agency has obtained telephonic conversations where Sheikh Hasina clearly instructed all state forces to use deadly weapons, helicopters, drones, and APCs, to annihilate protesters who were peacefully demonstrating for legitimate rights. The report contains many recorded evidences of these instructions…A series of crimes against humanity were committed across the country — including killings, injuries caused by gunfire, and the inhumane act of burning bodies. After a thorough investigation into these allegations, a report has been submitted, identifying Sheikh Hasina as the mastermind and superior commander who ordered these actions.”
India – Internal Dynamics
FIU-Ind flags crypto transactions for terror financing and other illicit activities
The Financial Intelligence Unit of India (FIU-Ind) flagged suspicious crypto transactions for terror financing, fuelling secessionist activities, cybercrime, narcotics trafficking, apart from illegal betting and gambling, reports The Free Press Journal on April 27. The typologies report for the virtual digital assets (VDAs) and their service providers (crypto exchanges) was prepared by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) after conducting “operational analysis” of suspicious transaction reports (STRs) having financial and national security implications.The report was shared with “credible” intelligence on the operations of cryptocurrency to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Income-Tax Department for further enforcement action.
The report on trends analysis found that VDAs and cryptocurrency were involved in Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), terror financing, narcotics trafficking, betting and gambling activities using mule accounts at Indian crypto exchanges through VPN (virtual private network) receiving high volume deposits from un-hosted and offshore exchanges and laundering of cybercrime funds.
The FIU-IND concluded that VDAs like Bitcoin, Tron and Stable coins (USDT/TRC-20) are very “widely” used by “illicit actors” because of their widespread acceptability and stability in value with offshore VDA service providers and un-hosted/un-identified wallets used to launder the proceeds of crime.
The premeditated attack on a Naga Army camp in Assam puts Indo-Naga peace process in danger, says ‘GPRN’
The ‘Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim’ (‘GPRN’) said that the recent premeditated attack by Indian Security Forces (SFs) on a Naga Army camp under the Iloi Hau Battalion in Assam pushed the Indo-Naga peace process dangerously close to collapse, reports Northeast Now on May 2. According to a press release issued by the GPRN, the incident took place in the forested area between New Kubin and Herakilua villages on April 29, 2025. The Naga Army confirmed the loss of three of its cadres. “It makes no sense to engage in peace talks in one region while waging war in another,” the statement said. They referenced the joint statement from June 14, 2001, which declared the ceasefire between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) as an understanding between two entities without territorial limits. In keeping with this, Naga Army camps continue to operate in all Naga-inhabited areas, observing ceasefire ground rules. However, GPRN accused Indian security forces of repeatedly violating the ceasefire’s spirit under various pretexts. Calling for clarity, ‘GPRN’ urged the Government of India to publicly declare whether the ceasefire extends to Naga areas in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. If not, they warned, they would treat these regions as conflict zones.
Hamas joined hands with ISI to destabilise India, says report
According to intelligence inputs, the Palestinian terrorist organisation Hamas joined hands with Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) to destabilise India in the west but also extended its footprint to Bangladesh in India’s northeast, reports ETV Bharat on May 6. The report added that several Hamas leaders attended meetings in Bangladesh to instigate anti-India propaganda and radicalise youths. Coordinated by ISI, several Hamas leaders visited Bangladesh to promote jihadist ideology in India’s northeast.
Further, Hamas leaders attended a few meetings in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) in February 2025. “The event, titled “Kashmir Solidarity and Hamas Operation Al Aqsa Flood”, promoted a narrative linking the causes of Kashmir and Palestine, calling for pan-Islamic unity against India and Israel,” said a senior unnamed official from India’s security establishment.
A rally was organised in Rawalakot on February 5, where Hamas leaders, including Khalid Qaddoumi, Naji Zaheer, Mufti Azam, and Bilal Alsallat, made their appearance. They were also assisted by senior Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) ‘leaders’ like Talha Saif (Masood Azhar’s brother), Asghar Khan Kashmiri, and Masood Ilyas.
Coordinated by ISI, several Hamas leaders visited Bangladesh on October 7, 2024, to spread anti-India propaganda. The event was organised by Al Markazul Islami, a group with historical links to Al-Qaeda through its founder Mufti Shahidul Islam.
Three Greyhounds commandos killed in landmine blast triggered by Maoists in Telangana
Three junior commandos of the elite anti-Naxal [Left Wing extremism, LWE] force, Greyhounds, were killed in a landmine blast triggered by the cadres of the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) during a routine area domination exercise in the Wazeedu–Perur Forest zone when the explosion occurred near the Veerabhadravaram-Tadapala hillocks in Mulugu District of Telangana on May 7, reports The Times of India.
“All three victims are Greyhounds Junior Commandos of Constable rank. There are no other casualties. The incident happened during a routine area domination exercise. It was not part of any joint operation with CRPF [Central Reserve Police Force] or neighbouring state police,” a senior official confirmed.
AQIS issues threat statement against India post Operation Sindoor’
Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) issued a statement laced with threats, declaring a ‘Jihad fi Sabilillah’, which translates into “struggle in the path of God” against India, in response to India’s recent airstrikes on terrorist hideouts inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) under Operation Sindoor on May 7, reports News 18 on May 8. The statement, titled ‘Indian Aggression on the land of Pakistan’, was released by AQIS following the targeted bombing of terrorist locations linked to Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) and accused India of waging a long-running war against Islam. “For all the Mujahideen of Islam and the Muslims of the Subcontinent, this war against India is Jihad Fi Sabilillah. It is a duty upon us to engage in this struggle to raise the Word of Allah, defend Islam and Muslims, and support the oppressed people of the Subcontinent…. It is now more necessary than ever for the Muslims of the Subcontinent to rise up in support of these stances and objectives,” AQIS said in a statement.
Two DRG personnel killed in separate IED blasts in Chhattisgarh
A District Reserve Guard (DRG) jawan was killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast suspected to have been planted by the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) when the forces were returning after completing a combing operation in Bijapur District in the Bastar division of Chhattisgarh on May 21, reports The Indian Express. The blast took place hours after Security Force (SF) personnel gunned down 27 Maoists, including top leader Nambala Keshava Rao alias Basavaraju (70), in a major operation in the Abujhmad region. Ramesh Hemla accidentally stepped on an IED and died on the spot in the explosion. Earlier, during the operation, another DRG jawan was killed in an IED blast. That jawan, Khotluram Korram (38), was from Bhatbeda village in Orcha, Narayanpur District. Earlier, South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP) had reported the killing of ‘Politburo’ member and ‘general secretary’ of the CPI-Maoist, Nambala Keshavrao alias Basavaraj, along with 26 Maoists in an encounter with SFs in the dense Abujhmad Forest in Narayanpur District in the Bastar division of Chhattisgarh on May 21; it stands corrected to 27 Maoists killed, including top CPI-Maoist leader Basavaraju. One supporter of the Police was also killed in the encounter. Thus, the total fatality stands at 29 in the Narayanpur encounter on May 21.
INTERNATIONAL
China throws its weight behind Pakistan over ‘sovereignty, security interests’
China said Sunday, April 27 it fully understands Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and supports its efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and security interests, and underlined the iron-clad friendship and all-weather strategic partnership between China and Pakistan. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a phone call with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, saying China has consistently supported Pakistan’s firm stance on counterterrorism efforts, on Sunday, the CGTN reported. During the call, Dar provided an update on the tense relations between Pakistan and India due to recent terrorist attacks in the occupied Kashmir region (Pehalgam incident). The Pakistani foreign minister emphasized that Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to combating terrorism and opposes actions that could escalate the situation further.
Iran says US sanctions ‘will not change’ policy after Trump warnings
Iran said on Friday, May 02 that continued US sanctions on its trade partners will not alter its policy, after President Donald Trump threatened to penalise countries or individuals dealing in Iranian oil. “The continuation of these illegal behaviours will not change Iran´s logical, legitimate and international law-based positions,” a foreign ministry statement said, condemning what it called “pressure on Iran´s trade and economic partners”.
It added that such sanctions have created “deep suspicion and mistrust about the seriousness of America on the path of diplomacy”. On Thursday, Trump vowed to enforce sanctions and called for a global boycott of “any amount” of Iranian oil or petrochemicals. “All purchases of Iranian Oil, or Petrochemical products, must stop, NOW!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “Any Country or person who buys ANY AMOUNT of OIL or PETROCHEMICALS from Iran will be subject to, immediately, Secondary Sanctions,” he added. His remarks came after Iran confirmed the postponement of the next round of nuclear talks with the United States, which had been expected to be held on Saturday, with mediator Oman citing “logistical reasons”.
Two held in Iran after deadly port explosion
Iranian authorities arrested two people including a government official in connection with a deadly explosion last month at the country´s main commercial port, state television reported on Sunday, May 04.
The April 26 blast at a dock in the southern port of Shahid Rajaee killed at least 57 people and injured more than 1,000, officials said, revising down an earlier death toll. The judiciary on Sunday said the toll had been revised because “it was determined that some of the bodies considered separate were in fact one body”, adding that it could still change.
Fresh gun battles rock Libya capital after brief lull
Fresh gun battles have erupted in the Libyan capital between two powerful armed groups, a security official said Wednesday, May 14 just a day after authorities declared the fighting over. Clashes flared between the Radaa force and the 444 Brigade in key areas of the city, including the port, the source said. No official casualty figures have been released for the latest fight yet, but the Libyan Red Crescent said it recovered a dead body from a major street in Tripoli. The official described the fighting as “urban warfare”, with intermittent clashes in residential areas involving light and medium weapons. In other areas, heavy weapons were being used. A source told AFP groups were moving into the capital from neighbouring Zawiya in support of Radaa.
Monthly Fatalities
The following casualties, related to ongoing insurgencies and acts of terrorism occurred during the period April 23, 2025 to May 22, 2025:
| Civilian | Indian Security Personnel | Militants | Total | |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 03 | 00 | 04 | 07 |
| Assam | 00 | 00 | 03 | 03 |
| Chhattisgarh | 03 | 00 | 04 | 07 |
| Jharkhand | 00 | 00 | 08 | 08 |
| Manipur | 00 | 00 | 10 | 10 |
| TOTAL | 06 | 00 | 29 | 35 |
Trump says Pakistan-India dispute is settled
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday, May 15 that hostilities between Pakistan and India were settled, after he urged the two countries to focus on trade instead of war. He told the US troops at a base in Qatar during a Gulf tour that Pakistan and India were happy with that.
The nuclear-armed neighbours halted their worst fighting in nearly three decades after agreeing to a ceasefire on Saturday, following diplomacy and pressure from the United States.
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.
