Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, pleaded guilty in a Manhattan federal court to conspiring with an Indian government official to assassinate U.S.-based Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Gupta admitted to charges of murder-for-hire and money laundering, facing a maximum of 40 years in prison. 


Pannun Assassination Plot: Nikhil Gupta Admits Role; Can Face Maximum 40 Yrs in Prison

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and two of his senior cabinet ministers were the targets of five foiled assassination attempts by ISIL (ISIS) over the past year, according to a report by the United Nations.


UN: ISIS Targeted Syria's President Al-Sharaa; Five Assassination Plots Foiled

Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, has alleged that there was a conspiracy to kill her and her younger sister, Sheikh Rehana, the moment she was ousted from power. Watch this report for more details!

Ex-Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina alleges conspiracy to kill her and sister

Bolivia's government on Monday accused former president Evo Morales of falsely claiming he was the victim of a state-backed assassination attempt, saying police fired on his vehicle after he ran a highway checkpoint.

Morales, who is engaged in a tense stand-off with his former ally-turned-rival President Luis Arce, said his car was riddled with bullets Sunday by assailants with their faces covered while he was travelling to an interview in the city of Cochabamba.

He said his driver was wounded, but he was unharmed and that the car had 14 bullet holes.

The incident marked a dramatic escalation in the weeks-long stand-off between Morales and Arce, whose government has accused Morales of raping a teen member of his political youth guard while he was president.

A video shared by Morales on social media taken from inside the vehicle showed three bullet holes in the windshield, more in the shattered rear window, and the driver with blood on his head.&nbsp;

A woman in the back seat can be heard screaming to Morales in the front passenger seat to "duck, president, duck" and urging the driver to accelerate.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:333,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2018}">'Theater'</h2>

On Monday, Interior Minister Eduardo del Castillo dismissed Morales' claim to have been the target of an assassination attempt.

Del Castillo said the car in which Morales was travelling failed to stop at a checkpoint set up by police to combat drug trafficking in central Chapare province, one of Bolivia's biggest producers of coca, the raw material for cocaine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:495,&quot;w&quot;:483,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2180}" data-ved="2ahUKEwjfpe7NxrKJAxVwSGwGHb4iMzkQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-former-president-morales-says-his-vehicle-was-hit-by-gunfire-771233" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-former-president-morales-says-his-vehicle-was-hit-by-gunfire-771233&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjfpe7NxrKJAxVwSGwGHb4iMzkQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">Bolivia former president Morales says his vehicle was hit by gunfire</a>

Del Castillo said police motioned for the approaching vehicle to slow down but the driver ignored the order.

"Rather than slow down, they speed up, take out guns" and "shoot from inside a car" at police, the minister said.

Del Castillo said an officer was run over but survived before a police patrol gave chase to Morales's car and fired on it.

Labelling Morales' account of events as "theatre" he said the 65-year-old Indigenous ex-president would "have to answer... for the crime of attempted murder" of a police officer.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:712,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2397}">'This was planned'&nbsp;</h2>

The incident was expected to add to tensions in the Cochabamba region, where supporters of Morales have been blocking roads for two weeks to try prevent Morales' possible arrest.

"This was planned. The idea was to kill Evo," Morales said Sunday.

"Lucho has destroyed Bolivia and now he wants to eliminate our process by killing Evo," Morales, using the president's nickname, said of his own attempt to regain the presidency.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-parliament-bans-unrwa-claims-un-aid-agency-has-deep-connection-with-hamas-771490">Israeli parliament bans UNRWA, claims UN aid agency has 'deep connection' with Hamas</a>

The attack happened outside a military barracks in Cochabamba and that men dressed in black opened fire with rifles at his truck, his MAS party said in a statement.

Bolivia's army denied any involvement and called on Morales' supporters to remain calm after they threatened to take over the barracks.

Arce, writing on X, said that he had ordered "an immediate and thorough investigation to clarify the facts" surrounding what he called "the alleged attack" on Morales.

"Any violent practice in politics must be condemned and clarified," Arce added.

Morales has filed a complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, based in Costa Rica, formally accusing "government agents" of trying to assassinate him.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1123,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2808}">Former coca grower</h2>

Morales, a former coca grower who was Bolivia's first Indigenous president, was highly popular in the Andean country until he tried to bypass the constitution to seek a fourth term.

He was forced to resign after losing the support of the military following an election marked by allegations of fraud, and fled to Mexico.&nbsp;

He returned to Bolivia in 2020 seeking political resurrection.

He and Arce are both vying for the nomination of the ruling MAS party in the August 2025 presidential elections, although Morales is legally barred from running again.

He is being investigated for rape, human trafficking and human smuggling over his alleged sexual relationship with a 15-year-old supporter in 2015.&nbsp;

The girl had a child in 2016, whom prosecutors say Morales fathered. He has called the claims "a lie".

Arce on Saturday overhauled the military leadership as part of what he called a drive to restore order.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

Bolivia's government on Monday accused former president Evo Morales of falsely claiming he was the victim of a state-backed assassination attempt, saying police fired on his vehicle after he ran a highway checkpoint.

Bolivia's government on Monday accused former president Evo Morales of falsely claiming he was the victim of a state-backed assassination attempt, saying police fired on his vehicle after he ran a highway checkpoint. Morales, who is engaged in a tense stand-off with his former ally-turned-rival President Luis Arce, said his car was riddled with bullets Sunday by assailants with their faces covered while he was travelling to an interview in the city of Cochabamba. He said his driver was wounded, but he was unharmed and that the car had 14 bullet holes. The incident marked a dramatic escalation in the weeks-long stand-off between Morales and Arce, whose government has accused Morales of raping a teen member of his political youth guard while he was president. A video shared by Morales on social media taken from inside the vehicle showed three bullet holes in the windshield, more in the shattered rear window, and the driver with blood on his head. A woman in the back seat can be heard screaming to Morales in the front passenger seat to "duck, president, duck" and urging the driver to accelerate. 'Theater' On Monday, Interior Minister Eduardo del Castillo dismissed Morales' claim to have been the target of an assassination attempt. Del Castillo said the car in which Morales was travelling failed to stop at a checkpoint set up by police to combat drug trafficking in central Chapare province, one of Bolivia's biggest producers of coca, the raw material for cocaine. Also read | Bolivia former president Morales says his vehicle was hit by gunfire Del Castillo said police motioned for the approaching vehicle to slow down but the driver ignored the order. "Rather than slow down, they speed up, take out guns" and "shoot from inside a car" at police, the minister said. Del Castillo said an officer was run over but survived before a police patrol gave chase to Morales's car and fired on it. Labelling Morales' account of events as "theatre" he said the 65-year-old Indigenous ex-president would "have to answer... for the crime of attempted murder" of a police officer. 'This was planned' The incident was expected to add to tensions in the Cochabamba region, where supporters of Morales have been blocking roads for two weeks to try prevent Morales' possible arrest. "This was planned. The idea was to kill Evo," Morales said Sunday. "Lucho has destroyed Bolivia and now he wants to eliminate our process by killing Evo," Morales, using the president's nickname, said of his own attempt to regain the presidency. Also read | Israeli parliament bans UNRWA, claims UN aid agency has 'deep connection' with Hamas The attack happened outside a military barracks in Cochabamba and that men dressed in black opened fire with rifles at his truck, his MAS party said in a statement. Bolivia's army denied any involvement and called on Morales' supporters to remain calm after they threatened to take over the barracks. Arce, writing on X, said that he had ordered "an immediate and thorough investigation to clarify the facts" surrounding what he called "the alleged attack" on Morales. "Any violent practice in politics must be condemned and clarified," Arce added. Morales has filed a complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, based in Costa Rica, formally accusing "government agents" of trying to assassinate him. Former coca grower Morales, a former coca grower who was Bolivia's first Indigenous president, was highly popular in the Andean country until he tried to bypass the constitution to seek a fourth term. He was forced to resign after losing the support of the military following an election marked by allegations of fraud, and fled to Mexico. He returned to Bolivia in 2020 seeking political resurrection. He and Arce are both vying for the nomination of the ruling MAS party in the August 2025 presidential elections, although Morales is legally barred from running again. He is being investigated for rape, human trafficking and human smuggling over his alleged sexual relationship with a 15-year-old supporter in 2015. The girl had a child in 2016, whom prosecutors say Morales fathered. He has called the claims "a lie". Arce on Saturday overhauled the military leadership as part of what he called a drive to restore order. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Bolivian government ridicules Morales' assassination plot claims as 'theatre'

Ukrainian intelligence said Tuesday (May 7) it has foiled a Russian plot to assassinate President&nbsp;Volodymyr Zelensky and other top officials.

Two colonels of Ukraine's State Security Administration (UDO) have been detained over suspicion that they were working for the Russian intelligence agency&nbsp;Federal Security Service (FSB).

Zelensky in an interview last year said&nbsp;that he had survived at least five assassination attempts since the start of Russia's full-scale war.

The Ukrainian security service (SBU) said other Ukrainian top officials, such as&nbsp;military intelligence head Kyrylo Budanov and SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk were also on the Russian hit list.

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The FSB network aimed to find perpetrators among the military close to Zelensky's security, "who could take the head of state hostage and then kill him," according to the SBU.

According to Malyuk, the Russian plot has been foiled but they should not lower their guards.

"But we must not forget - the enemy is strong and experienced, he cannot be underestimated," he said.

As per the SBU, the alleged assassination plot&nbsp;was supervised by Maxim Mishustin, Dmitry Perlin, and Alexey Kornev, who are employees of the FSB's fifth service.

<h2>Previous assassination plots against Zelensky</h2>

In August 2023, a woman was arrested from the Ukrainian region of Mykolaiv, who was allegedly in contact with the Russians. She was allegedly working on plans to inform Russia about Zeleneksy's visit to Mykolaiv so that Moscow could take out the Ukrainian president in an airstrike.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia strikes Ukraine Army HQ in Odesa | China a threat to our crews: Philippines

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In April this year, a Polish man was arrested for allegedly aiding another Russian plot to kill Zelensky.&nbsp;

He was charged with “readiness to act for foreign intelligence against the Republic of Poland,” an offence which carries up to eight years in prison. 
 
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian intelligence said Tuesday (May 7) it has foiled a Russian plot to assassinate President Volodymyr Zelensky and other top officials. Two colonels of Ukraine's State Security Administration (UDO) have been detained over suspicion that they were working for the Russian intelligence agency Federal Security Service (FSB).

Ukrainian intelligence said Tuesday (May 7) it has foiled a Russian plot to assassinate President Volodymyr Zelensky and other top officials. Two colonels of Ukraine's State Security Administration (UDO) have been detained over suspicion that they were working for the Russian intelligence agency Federal Security Service (FSB). Zelensky in an interview last year said that he had survived at least five assassination attempts since the start of Russia's full-scale war. The Ukrainian security service (SBU) said other Ukrainian top officials, such as military intelligence head Kyrylo Budanov and SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk were also on the Russian hit list. Also read: Ukraine war: Six killed, 35 injured in Ukrainian drone attack in Russia`s Belgorod region The FSB network aimed to find perpetrators among the military close to Zelensky's security, "who could take the head of state hostage and then kill him," according to the SBU. According to Malyuk, the Russian plot has been foiled but they should not lower their guards. "But we must not forget - the enemy is strong and experienced, he cannot be underestimated," he said. As per the SBU, the alleged assassination plot was supervised by Maxim Mishustin, Dmitry Perlin, and Alexey Kornev, who are employees of the FSB's fifth service. Previous assassination plots against Zelensky In August 2023, a woman was arrested from the Ukrainian region of Mykolaiv, who was allegedly in contact with the Russians. She was allegedly working on plans to inform Russia about Zeleneksy's visit to Mykolaiv so that Moscow could take out the Ukrainian president in an airstrike. Watch: Russia strikes Ukraine Army HQ in Odesa | China a threat to our crews: Philippines × In April this year, a Polish man was arrested for allegedly aiding another Russian plot to kill Zelensky. He was charged with “readiness to act for foreign intelligence against the Republic of Poland,” an offence which carries up to eight years in prison. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine says foiled Russian plot to assassinate President Zelensky, two colonels detained

US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller, while speaking about an Indian citizen's indictment in an alleged foiled assassination plot, on Tuesday (Dec 5) said that the country takes the matter 'very seriously', adding that an investigation has been launched by India into the matter and they are waiting for the findings from the probe. 
 
"I said I wouldn't comment on the underlying substance because it is an ongoing law enforcement matter and it would be inappropriate for me to do so when DOJ (US Department of Justice) is presenting a case in court. I also made clear that we have noted at the most senior levels of this government, the Secretary of State has raised this directly with his foreign counterpart that we take this issue very seriously," said Miller, while speaking at a media briefing in Washington DC on Tuesday. 
 
"They told us they would conduct an investigation. They have publicly announced an investigation and now we'll wait to see the results of the investigation. It's something we take very seriously," he said. 
 
The statement by Miller comes at a time when an indictment has been unsealed by the US Justice Department against an Indian national who has been accused of allegedly being involved in a foiled plan to assassinate a leader of the Sikh Separatist Movement, who is based in the US and is a citizen in New York. It is believed that the target of the foiled assassination plot was&nbsp;Khalistani terrorist and leader of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-charges-indian-national-with-conspiracy-to-assassinate-sikh-separatist-664387">US charges Indian national with conspiracy to assassinate Khalistani separatist Pannun</a>

The Justice Department said that an Indian national named Nikhil Gupta was working for an Indian government employee (whose identification has not been revealed in the indictment filed in a federal court in Manhattan) and was given the task of hiring a hitman for carrying out the assassination which was foiled by the authorities in the US authorities. 
 
While wrapping up his high-profile visit to India, the White House stated that Finer "acknowledged" the establishment of a committee of enquiry by India for investigating the "lethal plotting" and emphasised the need for holding the people responsible accountable. 
 
"Finer acknowledged India's establishment of a committee of enquiry to investigate lethal plotting in the United States and the importance of holding accountable anyone found responsible," said the White House&nbsp;in a readout while speaking about his meetings in the national capital.

<h2>India calls indictment a “matter of concern”</h2>

India's Ministry of External Affairs, reacting to the indictment filed by the Justice Department, called it a "matter of concern" and said that it is contrary to government policy.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: 'Go home Indian': Sikh man faces racism in Australia

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"We cannot share any further information on such security matters. As regards the case against an individual that has been filed in a US court allegedly linking him to an Indian official, this is a matter of concern. We have said and let me reiterate that this is contrary to government policy,” said Arindam Bagchi, MEA spokesperson. 
 
"The nexus between organised crime, trafficking and gun running and extremists at an international level is a serious issue for law enforcement agencies and organisations to consider and it is precisely for that reason that a high-level committee has been constituted and we will, obviously, be guided by its results," the spokesperson said.

(With inputs from agencies)

US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller, while speaking about an Indian citizen's indictment in an alleged foiled assassination plot, on Tuesday (Dec 5) said that the country takes the matter 'very seriously', adding that an investigation has been launched by India into the matter and they are waiting for the findings from the probe.

US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller, while speaking about an Indian citizen's indictment in an alleged foiled assassination plot, on Tuesday (Dec 5) said that the country takes the matter 'very seriously', adding that an investigation has been launched by India into the matter and they are waiting for the findings from the probe. "I said I wouldn't comment on the underlying substance because it is an ongoing law enforcement matter and it would be inappropriate for me to do so when DOJ (US Department of Justice) is presenting a case in court. I also made clear that we have noted at the most senior levels of this government, the Secretary of State has raised this directly with his foreign counterpart that we take this issue very seriously," said Miller, while speaking at a media briefing in Washington DC on Tuesday. "They told us they would conduct an investigation. They have publicly announced an investigation and now we'll wait to see the results of the investigation. It's something we take very seriously," he said. The statement by Miller comes at a time when an indictment has been unsealed by the US Justice Department against an Indian national who has been accused of allegedly being involved in a foiled plan to assassinate a leader of the Sikh Separatist Movement, who is based in the US and is a citizen in New York. It is believed that the target of the foiled assassination plot was Khalistani terrorist and leader of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Also read: US charges Indian national with conspiracy to assassinate Khalistani separatist Pannun The Justice Department said that an Indian national named Nikhil Gupta was working for an Indian government employee (whose identification has not been revealed in the indictment filed in a federal court in Manhattan) and was given the task of hiring a hitman for carrying out the assassination which was foiled by the authorities in the US authorities. While wrapping up his high-profile visit to India, the White House stated that Finer "acknowledged" the establishment of a committee of enquiry by India for investigating the "lethal plotting" and emphasised the need for holding the people responsible accountable. "Finer acknowledged India's establishment of a committee of enquiry to investigate lethal plotting in the United States and the importance of holding accountable anyone found responsible," said the White House in a readout while speaking about his meetings in the national capital. India calls indictment a “matter of concern” India's Ministry of External Affairs, reacting to the indictment filed by the Justice Department, called it a "matter of concern" and said that it is contrary to government policy. Watch: Gravitas: 'Go home Indian': Sikh man faces racism in Australia "We cannot share any further information on such security matters. As regards the case against an individual that has been filed in a US court allegedly linking him to an Indian official, this is a matter of concern. We have said and let me reiterate that this is contrary to government policy,” said Arindam Bagchi, MEA spokesperson. "The nexus between organised crime, trafficking and gun running and extremists at an international level is a serious issue for law enforcement agencies and organisations to consider and it is precisely for that reason that a high-level committee has been constituted and we will, obviously, be guided by its results," the spokesperson said. (With inputs from agencies)

US says taking matter 'seriously' as India probes 'murder plot' against Khalistani terrorist Pannun

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