Afghan security forces exchanged sporadic gunfire on Wednesday with attackers who made use of a car bomb blast to invade the compound of an international aid group in Kabul, injuring at least two dozen people, authorities said.

Taliban militants claimed responsibility for the attack on the third day of the Muslim holy month of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/iew-ramzan-can-polling-time-be-revised-215747&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjOv-WB6oviAhXLh3AKHTrpD5QQFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1DMZKfqXTbdiWdrryDqFAv">Ramzan </a>that targeted the non-profit Counterpart International in the upscale Shahr Naw area of the capital.

Occasional gunshots and explosions were heard as special forces, backed by advisers from foreign forces, surrounded the site and engaged the attackers in a stand-off. Authorities cordoned off the area, sending ambulances and police trucks.

Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said at least 80 employees of the aid group were rescued and security forces were clearing buildings there.

"Two floors of the building have been cleared and to avoid civilian casualties, the operation is being undertaken with caution," Rahimi said.

At least nine injured people were taken to hospital, said a health ministry spokesman, Wahidullah Mayar, while officials at the city's Emergency Hospital said they had received 15 wounded.

Officials of aid group Counterpart, which is headquartered in the United States and has operated in Afghanistan since 2005, were not immediately available to comment.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the aid group was working closely with government departments, promoting women, which is opposed by the Taliban.

Before it was toppled by US and Afghan forces in late 2001, the harsh Taliban regime barred women from working outside their homes and required them to be accompanied by a male relative.

Wednesday's bombing comes after Taliban insurgents vowed to attack Afghan government and foreign installations in their annual spring offensive.

Despite stepping up security at checkpoints around Kabul, Afghan authorities have failed to stop attacks that have killed and wounded hundreds of people and undermined confidence in the government.

Even as a sixth round of talks between the US&nbsp;and the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/talks-with-us-stumble-over-troop-withdrawal-taliban-216168&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjJv5_36oviAhWJq48KHa1HB0MQFjAEegQIDBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2O8JxCJmB5mXlEA_qPHgGY">Taliban continues in Qatar</a>, the hardline Islamist group has kept up its attacks.

The blast comes just over two weeks after gunmen targeted the communications ministry in central Kabul, killing at least seven people in an attack claimed by Islamic State.

Afghan security forces exchanged sporadic gunfire on Wednesday with attackers who made use of a car bomb blast to invade the compound of an international aid group in Kabul, injuring at least two dozen people, authorities said.

Afghan security forces exchanged sporadic gunfire on Wednesday with attackers who made use of a car bomb blast to invade the compound of an international aid group in Kabul, injuring at least two dozen people, authorities said. Taliban militants claimed responsibility for the attack on the third day of the Muslim holy month of Ramzan that targeted the non-profit Counterpart International in the upscale Shahr Naw area of the capital. Occasional gunshots and explosions were heard as special forces, backed by advisers from foreign forces, surrounded the site and engaged the attackers in a stand-off. Authorities cordoned off the area, sending ambulances and police trucks. Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said at least 80 employees of the aid group were rescued and security forces were clearing buildings there. "Two floors of the building have been cleared and to avoid civilian casualties, the operation is being undertaken with caution," Rahimi said. At least nine injured people were taken to hospital, said a health ministry spokesman, Wahidullah Mayar, while officials at the city's Emergency Hospital said they had received 15 wounded. Officials of aid group Counterpart, which is headquartered in the United States and has operated in Afghanistan since 2005, were not immediately available to comment. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the aid group was working closely with government departments, promoting women, which is opposed by the Taliban. Before it was toppled by US and Afghan forces in late 2001, the harsh Taliban regime barred women from working outside their homes and required them to be accompanied by a male relative. Wednesday's bombing comes after Taliban insurgents vowed to attack Afghan government and foreign installations in their annual spring offensive. Despite stepping up security at checkpoints around Kabul, Afghan authorities have failed to stop attacks that have killed and wounded hundreds of people and undermined confidence in the government. Even as a sixth round of talks between the US and the Taliban continues in Qatar, the hardline Islamist group has kept up its attacks. The blast comes just over two weeks after gunmen targeted the communications ministry in central Kabul, killing at least seven people in an attack claimed by Islamic State.

Kabul attackers target foreign aid group with blast, dozens wounded

Shootout in Colorado school in US

A 24-year-old woman who struck Australian<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-promises-migration-cut-refugee-freeze-if-re-elected-214043&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjvoNWf8YjiAhXEto8KHWq2BUUQFjAFegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0b2DyIGQ1h0yInY09Y352e"> Prime Minister Scott Morrison</a> with an egg on Tuesday as he campaigned for a May 18 general election has been charged with assault, police said.

Security guards pounced on the protester, who was wearing a beanie and casual clothes and dragged her away moments after the attack.

"The prime minister was attending an event at Albury Entertainment Centre when a woman approached him from behind and allegedly struck him with an egg to the back of his head," New South Wales police said in a statement.

Police, who initially said the woman was 25, said they had been arrested her but they did not identify her nor give any details about her motive.

The woman told reporters moments after the incident that her action "speaks for itself" and she referred to Manus Island, in Papua New Guinea, where Australia has long detained refugees, according to a reporter with the Australian newspaper.

She was charged with common assault and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-wallet-ness-wadia-sentenced-to-2-year-jail-term-in-japan-for-drugs-possession-214822&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiE6dbC8YjiAhUHiXAKHUW3D7MQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3LI2qefQudR4M6FOkPZrtM">drug possession </a>after police found cannabis on her. The woman was released on bail and ordered to appear in court on May 27.

Morrison rubbed his head briefly after being grazed by the egg, which did not break, and then helped an elderly woman who was pushed to the floor in the scuffle, television images showed.&nbsp;

No injuries were reported, the police said."We will stand up to thuggery whether it`s these cowardly activists who have no respect for anyone, or militant unionists standing over small businesses and their employees on work sites," Morrison tweeted after the incident. Later, he joked when asked about it, saying he did not want to "over-egg" it.

"Just because you have a difference of view to someone, doesn`t mean you have to engage in these sorts of ugly types of protests ... We have to learn to disagree better," he told reporters, referring also to recent protests by vegans against farmers. Opposition Labor leader Bill Shorten called the protester`s action unacceptable. "This is appalling and disgraceful behaviour," he told reporters.

The incident occurred during a visit by the prime minister to Albury, a New South Wales constituency where an independent candidate is the bookmakers` favourite as rural voters desert the government.

In March, a teenager smashed an egg onto the head of a controversial right-wing Australian lawmaker who had blamed New Zealand`s mosque shootings on its immigration programme.

A 24-year-old woman who struck Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison with an egg on Tuesday as he campaigned for a May 18 general election has been charged with assault, police said.

A 24-year-old woman who struck Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison with an egg on Tuesday as he campaigned for a May 18 general election has been charged with assault, police said. Security guards pounced on the protester, who was wearing a beanie and casual clothes and dragged her away moments after the attack. "The prime minister was attending an event at Albury Entertainment Centre when a woman approached him from behind and allegedly struck him with an egg to the back of his head," New South Wales police said in a statement. Police, who initially said the woman was 25, said they had been arrested her but they did not identify her nor give any details about her motive. The woman told reporters moments after the incident that her action "speaks for itself" and she referred to Manus Island, in Papua New Guinea, where Australia has long detained refugees, according to a reporter with the Australian newspaper. She was charged with common assault and drug possession after police found cannabis on her. The woman was released on bail and ordered to appear in court on May 27. Morrison rubbed his head briefly after being grazed by the egg, which did not break, and then helped an elderly woman who was pushed to the floor in the scuffle, television images showed. No injuries were reported, the police said."We will stand up to thuggery whether it`s these cowardly activists who have no respect for anyone, or militant unionists standing over small businesses and their employees on work sites," Morrison tweeted after the incident. Later, he joked when asked about it, saying he did not want to "over-egg" it. "Just because you have a difference of view to someone, doesn`t mean you have to engage in these sorts of ugly types of protests ... We have to learn to disagree better," he told reporters, referring also to recent protests by vegans against farmers. Opposition Labor leader Bill Shorten called the protester`s action unacceptable. "This is appalling and disgraceful behaviour," he told reporters. The incident occurred during a visit by the prime minister to Albury, a New South Wales constituency where an independent candidate is the bookmakers` favourite as rural voters desert the government. In March, a teenager smashed an egg onto the head of a controversial right-wing Australian lawmaker who had blamed New Zealand`s mosque shootings on its immigration programme.

Protester charged in Australia for striking PM with an egg

Police in Sri Lanka on Saturday asked members of the public to hand over swords or other large knives to the nearest police station after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lanka-suicide-bombers-visited-kashmir-kerala-for-some-sorts-of-training-army-chief-215900">haul of such blades were recovered from mosques and homes</a> during searches following the Easter Sunday suicide bomb attacks.

Announcing the amnesty scheme, police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara that the knives which are used for day-to-day "domestic" and "justifiable" purposes were not required to be handed over to police.&nbsp;

Apart from large blades, Gunasekara said that police and army uniforms or such camouflaged materials, which are in possession with the common people should also be hand over to the police.

"This will be in effect from today until tomorrow", he said, adding, "If you are having police or camouflaged military uniforms, please hand them over to the nearest police station".

The move came after police recovered a large haul of weapons, including swords, and camouflaged materials during searches of mosques and houses following the Easter Sunday's suicide attacks, which claimed 250 lives.

According to the police, several people including politicians were arrested for possession of sharp-edged weapons like swords since the crackdown began to arrest the suspects and their network, following the blasts.

Gunasekera also requested the relatives of the bomb blast victims to assist the police in performing DNA tests to identify around 56 bodies, laying unclaimed in the Colombo judicial medical officer's mortuary.

"Relatives of anyone missing since April 21 who might have been in areas of explosions, please inform the nearest police stations," Gunasekera said.

The police said that a special security arrangements have been made for the re-opening of schools.

"We will carry out a thorough search of all schools during tomorrow. There will be special parking arrangements nears the schools to ensure safety," he said.

The schools were to reopen on April 29 but it was extended till May 6.

Doubts were being raised if the security situation was favourable for the reopening of schools.&nbsp;

However, the Archbishop of Colombo has instructed the Catholic schools not to commence their terms until further notice.

Police in Sri Lanka on Saturday asked members of the public to hand over swords or other large knives to the nearest police station after a haul of such blades were recovered from mosques and homes during searches following the Easter Sunday suicide bomb attacks.

Police in Sri Lanka on Saturday asked members of the public to hand over swords or other large knives to the nearest police station after a haul of such blades were recovered from mosques and homes during searches following the Easter Sunday suicide bomb attacks. Announcing the amnesty scheme, police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara that the knives which are used for day-to-day "domestic" and "justifiable" purposes were not required to be handed over to police. Apart from large blades, Gunasekara said that police and army uniforms or such camouflaged materials, which are in possession with the common people should also be hand over to the police. "This will be in effect from today until tomorrow", he said, adding, "If you are having police or camouflaged military uniforms, please hand them over to the nearest police station". The move came after police recovered a large haul of weapons, including swords, and camouflaged materials during searches of mosques and houses following the Easter Sunday's suicide attacks, which claimed 250 lives. According to the police, several people including politicians were arrested for possession of sharp-edged weapons like swords since the crackdown began to arrest the suspects and their network, following the blasts. Gunasekera also requested the relatives of the bomb blast victims to assist the police in performing DNA tests to identify around 56 bodies, laying unclaimed in the Colombo judicial medical officer's mortuary. "Relatives of anyone missing since April 21 who might have been in areas of explosions, please inform the nearest police stations," Gunasekera said. The police said that a special security arrangements have been made for the re-opening of schools. "We will carry out a thorough search of all schools during tomorrow. There will be special parking arrangements nears the schools to ensure safety," he said. The schools were to reopen on April 29 but it was extended till May 6. Doubts were being raised if the security situation was favourable for the reopening of schools. However, the Archbishop of Colombo has instructed the Catholic schools not to commence their terms until further notice.

Handover swords, large knives, army uniforms to police: Sri Lankan police to public

Fresh details are emerging about SL terror attacks. Perpetrators are educated, wealthy & well-travelled.

Sri Lanka on Easter Massacre: Probe continues

A day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-serial-blasts-authorities-lift-curfew-after-death-toll-spikes-to-290-212490">series of bomb blasts rocked Sri Lanka</a>, the US&nbsp;State Department on Monday issued a revised travel advisory stating that terrorist groups were continuing to plot possible attacks in the south Asian country.

The US State Department said 'terrorist groups'&nbsp;were continuing to plot possible attacks in Sri Lanka after 290 people were killed and about 500 wounded in blasts in churches and luxury hotels on Sunday.

The advisory which was dated Sunday US time said, "Terrorists may attack with little or no warning".

It said possible targets included tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping malls, hotels, places of worship, airports and other public areas.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-leaders-condemn-bombings-in-sri-lanka-212499/embed" width="560"></iframe></div>

Around&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/25-foreigners-among-207-killed-in-sri-lanka-mayhem-report-212463">290 people were killed</a>&nbsp;and about 500 wounded by a string of bombings that tore through churches and luxury hotels on Easter Sunday.

Twenty four people were arrested by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-memo-circulated-a-day-before-had-warned-of-attack-212458">Sri Lankan police&nbsp;</a>in connection with a series of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-memo-circulated-a-day-before-had-warned-of-attack-212458">devastating bomb blasts</a>&nbsp;in the country.

Authorities have not made public details on those held after Sunday's attacks.

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after series of bomb blasts rocked Sri Lanka, the US State Department on Monday issued a revised travel advisory stating that terrorist groups were continuing to plot possible attacks in the south Asian country.

A day after series of bomb blasts rocked Sri Lanka, the US State Department on Monday issued a revised travel advisory stating that terrorist groups were continuing to plot possible attacks in the south Asian country. The US State Department said 'terrorist groups' were continuing to plot possible attacks in Sri Lanka after 290 people were killed and about 500 wounded in blasts in churches and luxury hotels on Sunday. The advisory which was dated Sunday US time said, "Terrorists may attack with little or no warning". It said possible targets included tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping malls, hotels, places of worship, airports and other public areas. Around 290 people were killed and about 500 wounded by a string of bombings that tore through churches and luxury hotels on Easter Sunday. Twenty four people were arrested by Sri Lankan police in connection with a series of the devastating bomb blasts in the country. Authorities have not made public details on those held after Sunday's attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

US revises travel advisory for Sri Lanka, warns 'terrorists' continue plotting attacks

Four Janata Dal (Secular) workers, who went to Sri Lanka on a holiday on April 20, have were killed in a series of explosions on Easter Sunday.&nbsp;

They were part of a seven-member team and belonged to the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka.

The deceased have been identified as Lakshmana Gowda Ramesh, KM Lakshminarayan, M Rangappa and KG Hanumantharayappa.

The three others who are missing are H ShivuKumar, A Maregowda and H Puttaraju.

They were reportedly staying at the Shangri-La hotel in Colombo.

“Out of the seven missings after the Terror Attack, four have been declared dead. Their names are Lakshmana Gowda Ramesh, K M Lakshminarayan, M Rangappa, KG Hanumantharayappa,” said Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy in a tweet.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I am deeply pained at the loss of our people in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/colombo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#colombo</a> attacks. Out of the seven missing after the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TerrorAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TerrorAttack</a>, four have been declared dead. Their names are 
- Lakshmana Gowda Ramesh 
- K M Lakshminarayan 
- M Rangappa 
- KG Hanumantharayappa
— H D Kumaraswamy (@hd_kumaraswamy) <a href="https://twitter.com/hd_kumaraswamy/status/1120234013589786626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Police said 24 people have been arrested in connection with the bomb blasts.

(With inputs from agencies)

Four Janata Dal (Secular) workers, who went to Sri Lanka on a holiday on April 20, have were killed in a series of explosions on Easter Sunday. They were part of a seven-member team and belonged to the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka.

Four Janata Dal (Secular) workers, who went to Sri Lanka on a holiday on April 20, have were killed in a series of explosions on Easter Sunday. They were part of a seven-member team and belonged to the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka. The deceased have been identified as Lakshmana Gowda Ramesh, KM Lakshminarayan, M Rangappa and KG Hanumantharayappa. The three others who are missing are H ShivuKumar, A Maregowda and H Puttaraju. They were reportedly staying at the Shangri-La hotel in Colombo. “Out of the seven missings after the Terror Attack, four have been declared dead. Their names are Lakshmana Gowda Ramesh, K M Lakshminarayan, M Rangappa, KG Hanumantharayappa,” said Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy in a tweet. I am deeply pained at the loss of our people in the #colombo attacks. Out of the seven missing after the #TerrorAttack, four have been declared dead. Their names are - Lakshmana Gowda Ramesh - K M Lakshminarayan - M Rangappa - KG Hanumantharayappa — H D Kumaraswamy (@hd_kumaraswamy) April 22, 2019 × Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Police said 24 people have been arrested in connection with the bomb blasts. (With inputs from agencies)

Four JD(S) workers killed in Sri Lanka blasts

India has rejected the claim by Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi that India plans to launch an attack on his country between April 16 and 20.

India's Ministry of External Affairs said the statement by Qureshi was "irresponsible and preposterous", and that its objective was "whipping up war hysteria in the region".

The MEA, in its statement, added that Qureshi's statement was a "public gimmick" which appears to be a "call to Pakistan-based terrorists to undertake a terror attack in India".&nbsp;

Interestingly, Pakistan, after its attempted attack on Indian military installations on February 27, had told the international community that India may launch missiles against it.

Qureshi seemed to suggest Sunday that a terror attack may occur in Kashmir sometime after April 16,&nbsp;on the pretext of which India will attack Pakistan. Responding to that, New Delhi advised Islamabad to use established "diplomatic and DGMO channels" to share any actionable and credible intelligence it has about imminent terror attacks.&nbsp;

Remember, India-Pakistan DGMO talks take place every Tuesday.

The MEA also reminded Pakistan that it needs to take "credible and irreversible" steps against terrorism operating from all territories under its control rather than making "hysterical statements to obfuscate the core issue that bedevils our region: cross-border terrorism".&nbsp;

Relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours have plummeted since the Febuary 14 Pulwama terror attack which left over 40 CRPF personnel dead. The attack was claimed by the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.&nbsp;

Twelve days later, on February 26, the Indian Air Force conducted a "surgical strike" on a JeM training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province. &nbsp;

India has rejected the claim by Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi that India plans to launch an attack on his country between April 16 and 20. India's Ministry of External Affairs said the statement by Qureshi was "irresponsible and preposterous", and that its objective was "whipping up war hysteria in the region".

India has rejected the claim by Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi that India plans to launch an attack on his country between April 16 and 20. India's Ministry of External Affairs said the statement by Qureshi was "irresponsible and preposterous", and that its objective was "whipping up war hysteria in the region". The MEA, in its statement, added that Qureshi's statement was a "public gimmick" which appears to be a "call to Pakistan-based terrorists to undertake a terror attack in India". Interestingly, Pakistan, after its attempted attack on Indian military installations on February 27, had told the international community that India may launch missiles against it. Qureshi seemed to suggest Sunday that a terror attack may occur in Kashmir sometime after April 16, on the pretext of which India will attack Pakistan. Responding to that, New Delhi advised Islamabad to use established "diplomatic and DGMO channels" to share any actionable and credible intelligence it has about imminent terror attacks. Remember, India-Pakistan DGMO talks take place every Tuesday. The MEA also reminded Pakistan that it needs to take "credible and irreversible" steps against terrorism operating from all territories under its control rather than making "hysterical statements to obfuscate the core issue that bedevils our region: cross-border terrorism". Relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours have plummeted since the Febuary 14 Pulwama terror attack which left over 40 CRPF personnel dead. The attack was claimed by the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed. Twelve days later, on February 26, the Indian Air Force conducted a "surgical strike" on a JeM training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province.

'Preposterous' says New Delhi after Pakistan claims India is planning to attack it

Pak Foreign Minister misleads media, says India may attack Pakistan soon

Candlelight vigil for mosque victims, Second mosque reopens in ChristChurch after attack

New Zealand's prime minister vowed to toughen the country's gun laws after revealing Saturday that the man <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gunman-was-very-calm-during-the-rampage-survivors-tell-of-new-zealand-mosque-shootings-203612">accused of murdering 49 people</a> in two mosques legally purchased the arsenal of firearms used in the massacre.

Jacinda Ardern said the gunman, 28-year-old Australian Brenton Tarrant, obtained a "Category A" gun licence in November 2017 and began purchasing the five weapons used in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-mosque-shootings-kill-49-in-what-pm-calls-terrorist-attack-203560">Friday's attacks</a> in the southern city of Christchurch the following month.

The firearms included two semi-automatic rifles, two shotguns and a lever-action weapon, she said, speaking to reporters in Wellington before heading to Christchurch.

"The mere fact... that this individual had acquired a gun licence and acquired weapons of that range, then obviously I think people will be seeking change, and I'm committing to that," she said.

"While work is being done as to the chain of events that led to both the holding of this gun licence, and the possession of these weapons, I can tell you one thing right now -- our gun laws will change."&nbsp;

She confirmed that the gunman and two suspected associates who were also arrested had not been on the radar of any intelligence agencies, even though he had published a manifesto online indicating plans for attacks on Muslims.

"They were not on any watchlists either here or in Australia," she said.

"The individual charged with murder had not come to the attention of the intelligence community, nor the police, for extremism," she added.

"I have asked our agencies this morning to work swiftly on assessing whether there was any activity on social media or otherwise, that should have triggered a response. That work is already underway.

"Given global indicators around far-right extremism, our intelligence community has been stepping up their investigations in this area."&nbsp;

Relaxed laws

New Zealand tightened its gun laws to restrict access to semi-automatic rifles in 1992, two years after a mentally ill man shot dead 13 people in the southern town of Aramoana.

But firearms laws are lax compared to neighbouring Australia, which enacted a strict gun control regime in the wake of a similar massacre in 1996, and most other developed nations outside of the United States.

Anyone over 16 can apply for a New Zealand firearms licence, valid for 10 years after completing a safety course and a police background check.

Most guns do not require registration under New Zealand's Arms Act and police do not know "how many legally or illegally owned firearms there are in New Zealand", according to a police statement last year.

In 2014, police estimated there were up to 1.2 million legal firearms in civilian ownership, or around one for every four members of the public -- twice the per capita number of guns in Australia.

Separate "endorsements" are required to own semi-automatic weapons like those used in Friday's attack, as well as pistols and other restricted weapons.&nbsp;

But police and firearms experts have pointed to several loopholes allowing owners to bypass registration of semi-automatics.

Ardern noted the failure of several earlier attempts to reform gun laws and said a ban on semi-automatic weapons would be considered.

A 1997 police review of gun laws called for such a ban, but attempts to update the Arms Act since 1992 have stalled in parliament.

New Zealand's prime minister vowed to toughen the country's gun laws after revealing Saturday that the man accused of murdering 49 people in two mosques legally purchased the arsenal of firearms used in the massacre.

New Zealand's prime minister vowed to toughen the country's gun laws after revealing Saturday that the man accused of murdering 49 people in two mosques legally purchased the arsenal of firearms used in the massacre. Jacinda Ardern said the gunman, 28-year-old Australian Brenton Tarrant, obtained a "Category A" gun licence in November 2017 and began purchasing the five weapons used in Friday's attacks in the southern city of Christchurch the following month. The firearms included two semi-automatic rifles, two shotguns and a lever-action weapon, she said, speaking to reporters in Wellington before heading to Christchurch. "The mere fact... that this individual had acquired a gun licence and acquired weapons of that range, then obviously I think people will be seeking change, and I'm committing to that," she said. "While work is being done as to the chain of events that led to both the holding of this gun licence, and the possession of these weapons, I can tell you one thing right now -- our gun laws will change." She confirmed that the gunman and two suspected associates who were also arrested had not been on the radar of any intelligence agencies, even though he had published a manifesto online indicating plans for attacks on Muslims. "They were not on any watchlists either here or in Australia," she said. "The individual charged with murder had not come to the attention of the intelligence community, nor the police, for extremism," she added. "I have asked our agencies this morning to work swiftly on assessing whether there was any activity on social media or otherwise, that should have triggered a response. That work is already underway. "Given global indicators around far-right extremism, our intelligence community has been stepping up their investigations in this area." Relaxed laws New Zealand tightened its gun laws to restrict access to semi-automatic rifles in 1992, two years after a mentally ill man shot dead 13 people in the southern town of Aramoana. But firearms laws are lax compared to neighbouring Australia, which enacted a strict gun control regime in the wake of a similar massacre in 1996, and most other developed nations outside of the United States. Anyone over 16 can apply for a New Zealand firearms licence, valid for 10 years after completing a safety course and a police background check. Most guns do not require registration under New Zealand's Arms Act and police do not know "how many legally or illegally owned firearms there are in New Zealand", according to a police statement last year. In 2014, police estimated there were up to 1.2 million legal firearms in civilian ownership, or around one for every four members of the public -- twice the per capita number of guns in Australia. Separate "endorsements" are required to own semi-automatic weapons like those used in Friday's attack, as well as pistols and other restricted weapons. But police and firearms experts have pointed to several loopholes allowing owners to bypass registration of semi-automatics. Ardern noted the failure of several earlier attempts to reform gun laws and said a ban on semi-automatic weapons would be considered. A 1997 police review of gun laws called for such a ban, but attempts to update the Arms Act since 1992 have stalled in parliament.

New Zealand PM vows gun reforms after mosque massacre

Raising concerns over incidents of assault and harassment against residents of Jammu and Kashmir, especially students, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed state governments and Union Territories to ensure safety and security of these individuals in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack.

In a letter written to Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories by MHA’s Department of Jammu and Kashmir Affairs, Director Beena Yadav said, “The Government is concerned at the reports of incidents of assaults and harassment against residents of Jammu and Kashmir, especially students in some parts of the country, in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack of February&nbsp;14, 2019. In this regard, an Advisory dated February, 16 was issued to all State Governments and Union Territory Administration to take necessary steps to ensure safety and security of the persons belonging to Jammu and Kashmir.”

The government order also cited a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-directs-chief-secretaries-dgps-of-11-states-to-take-action-against-assault-on-kashmiris-post-pulwama-198894">Supreme Court directive</a> issued on Friday in this regard and said that the state and UT administration and the nodal officers appointed by them must take all necessary steps to prevent any act of assault, threat, intimidation and social boycott against Kashmiris as well as minorities in accordance with the apex court’s order.

The MHA has also asked the states and UTs to give wide publicity to the names of nodal officers appointed in the states.

Nodal officers were appointed by various states to look into the issue following an advisory by the Centre.

The Supreme Court had directed the chief secretaries and the directors general of police of all state and Union territories to take strong and necessary measures to prevent attacks on Kashmiris and other minorities in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack.

The bench had also directed the MHA to give wide publicity to the appointment of nodal officers so that people could immediately approach them in case Kashmiris or other minorities face threat or discrimination in any part of the country.

As many as 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the dastardly attack carried out by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Pulwama on February 14.

In the aftermath of the attack, reports suggested that a number of Kashmiris, especially students, were threatened in various parts of the country.

Raising concerns over incidents of assault and harassment against residents of Jammu and Kashmir, especially students, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed state governments and Union Territories to ensure safety and security of these individuals in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack.

Raising concerns over incidents of assault and harassment against residents of Jammu and Kashmir, especially students, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed state governments and Union Territories to ensure safety and security of these individuals in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack. In a letter written to Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories by MHA’s Department of Jammu and Kashmir Affairs, Director Beena Yadav said, “The Government is concerned at the reports of incidents of assaults and harassment against residents of Jammu and Kashmir, especially students in some parts of the country, in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack of February 14, 2019. In this regard, an Advisory dated February, 16 was issued to all State Governments and Union Territory Administration to take necessary steps to ensure safety and security of the persons belonging to Jammu and Kashmir.” The government order also cited a Supreme Court directive issued on Friday in this regard and said that the state and UT administration and the nodal officers appointed by them must take all necessary steps to prevent any act of assault, threat, intimidation and social boycott against Kashmiris as well as minorities in accordance with the apex court’s order. The MHA has also asked the states and UTs to give wide publicity to the names of nodal officers appointed in the states. Nodal officers were appointed by various states to look into the issue following an advisory by the Centre. The Supreme Court had directed the chief secretaries and the directors general of police of all state and Union territories to take strong and necessary measures to prevent attacks on Kashmiris and other minorities in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack. The bench had also directed the MHA to give wide publicity to the appointment of nodal officers so that people could immediately approach them in case Kashmiris or other minorities face threat or discrimination in any part of the country. As many as 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the dastardly attack carried out by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Pulwama on February 14. In the aftermath of the attack, reports suggested that a number of Kashmiris, especially students, were threatened in various parts of the country.

Pulwama attack: MHA directs states, union territories to ensure safety, security of Kashmiris

Thousands protest against anti-Semitism in France

An all-party meeting called by Centre to deliberate upon the situations arising out of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pulwama-attack-india-slams-pakistan-yet-again-says-islamabad-cannot-claim-its-unaware-of-jem-presence-197702">Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir</a>&nbsp;passed a resolution strongly condemning the ''dastardly terror act''.&nbsp;

The meeting chaired&nbsp;by&nbsp;Home Minister Rajnath Singh released the resolution which read, "We strongly condemn the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/army-deploys-9-security-columns-in-jammu-197709">dastardly terror</a> act of 14th February at Pulwama in J&amp;K in which lives of 40 brave jawans of CRPF were lost".

The resolution did not name Pakistan but asserted that India has been facing the menace of the cross-border terrorism which of late, it added, is being actively encouraged by forces from the neighbouring country.

"India has displayed both firmness and resilience in dealing with these challenges. The entire nation speaks in one voice to express its determination to fight these challenges. Today, we stand united in solidarity with our security forces in fighting terrorism and in defending the unity and integrity of India," it said.

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The resolution passed at the all-party meeting: We strongly condemn the dastardly terror act of 14th February at Pulwama in J&amp;K in which lives of 40 brave jawans of CRPF were lost. <a href="https://t.co/0OjGkgS6He">pic.twitter.com/0OjGkgS6He</a>
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Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said that they had requested Rajnath Singh to request the prime minister to convene a meeting of presidents of all national and regional parties.&nbsp;

Azad said his view was supported by other parties too.

Leaders from different political parties including&nbsp;Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan, National Conference patron Farooq Abdullah, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Narendra Singh Tomar among many leaders attended the meeting.

Nearly 40 CRPF personnel were killed when a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist rammed a vehicle carrying over massive explosives into their bus on Srinagar-Jammu national highway on Thursday at around 3.15 pm at Ladhu Modi Lethpora. The convoy consisted of 78 buses in which around 2,500 CRPF personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar.

Following the attack, India on Friday&nbsp;announced the withdrawal of Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan. New Delhi had granted MFN status to Pakistan in 1996, a year after the formation of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), but Pakistan never reciprocated.

The Central government has also stepped up diplomatic efforts to mount pressure on the Government of Pakistan to take action against those who have been indulging in exporting terror to India.

For long, India has sought the help of the global community in fighting against Pakistan sponsored terrorism.

(With inputs from agencies)

An all-party meeting called by Centre to deliberate upon the situations arising out of Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir passed a resolution strongly condemning the ''dastardly terror act''.

An all-party meeting called by Centre to deliberate upon the situations arising out of Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir passed a resolution strongly condemning the ''dastardly terror act''. The meeting chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh released the resolution which read, "We strongly condemn the dastardly terror act of 14th February at Pulwama in J&K in which lives of 40 brave jawans of CRPF were lost". The resolution did not name Pakistan but asserted that India has been facing the menace of the cross-border terrorism which of late, it added, is being actively encouraged by forces from the neighbouring country. "India has displayed both firmness and resilience in dealing with these challenges. The entire nation speaks in one voice to express its determination to fight these challenges. Today, we stand united in solidarity with our security forces in fighting terrorism and in defending the unity and integrity of India," it said. The resolution passed at the all-party meeting: We strongly condemn the dastardly terror act of 14th February at Pulwama in J&K in which lives of 40 brave jawans of CRPF were lost. pic.twitter.com/0OjGkgS6He — ANI (@ANI) February 16, 2019 × Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said that they had requested Rajnath Singh to request the prime minister to convene a meeting of presidents of all national and regional parties. Azad said his view was supported by other parties too. Leaders from different political parties including Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan, National Conference patron Farooq Abdullah, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Narendra Singh Tomar among many leaders attended the meeting. Nearly 40 CRPF personnel were killed when a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist rammed a vehicle carrying over massive explosives into their bus on Srinagar-Jammu national highway on Thursday at around 3.15 pm at Ladhu Modi Lethpora. The convoy consisted of 78 buses in which around 2,500 CRPF personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar. Following the attack, India on Friday announced the withdrawal of Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan. New Delhi had granted MFN status to Pakistan in 1996, a year after the formation of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), but Pakistan never reciprocated. The Central government has also stepped up diplomatic efforts to mount pressure on the Government of Pakistan to take action against those who have been indulging in exporting terror to India. For long, India has sought the help of the global community in fighting against Pakistan sponsored terrorism. (With inputs from agencies)

Pulwama attack: All-party meet chaired by Rajnath Singh strongly condemns 'dastardly terror act'

India on Saturday briefed Heads of Missions of Arab countries about Islamabad's role in sponsoring terror outfit—Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) that orchestrated the terror attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on Thursday.

Ambassadors of UAE, Iran, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Morocco, Egypt and Kuwait arrived for the Ministry of External Affairs briefing.

The meeting comes a day after the MEA apprised around 25 Heads of Mission (HoM) including representatives from South Korea, Sweden, Slovakia, France, Spain, Bhutan, Germany, Hungary, Italy, European Union, Canada, Britain, Russia, Israel, Australia, and Japan.

On Friday, India lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over Pulwama terror attack and its High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood was summoned by the Foreign Secretary in connection with the attack.

According to sources, Gokhale issued a strong demarche in connection with the terrorist attack in Pulwama and conveyed that Pakistan must take immediate and verifiable action against JeM.

He also conveyed to Mahmood that Pakistan must immediately stop any groups or individuals associated with terrorism from operating from its territories, the source added.

The Foreign Secretary also rejected the statement made by the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan on Thursday with regards to the attack.

Nearly 40 CRPF personnel were killed when a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist rammed a vehicle carrying over 100-kg explosives into their bus on Srinagar-Jammu national highway on Thursday at around 3.15 pm at Ladhu Modi Lethpora.

The convoy consisted of 78 buses in which around 2,500 CRPF personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar.

JeM, a terror outfit based in Pakistan and led by Masood Azhar, has carried out several terror attacks in India including the attack on Pathankot airbase in 2016.

Masood was released by the then government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in exchange for hostages on board flight IC-814 in December 1999.

India has approached the United Nations to list Masood as a global terrorist, but China always vetoes New Delhi’s bid in this regard.&nbsp;

India on Saturday briefed Heads of Missions of Arab countries about Islamabad's role in sponsoring terror outfit—Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) that orchestrated the terror attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on Thursday.

India on Saturday briefed Heads of Missions of Arab countries about Islamabad's role in sponsoring terror outfit—Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) that orchestrated the terror attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on Thursday. Ambassadors of UAE, Iran, Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Morocco, Egypt and Kuwait arrived for the Ministry of External Affairs briefing. The meeting comes a day after the MEA apprised around 25 Heads of Mission (HoM) including representatives from South Korea, Sweden, Slovakia, France, Spain, Bhutan, Germany, Hungary, Italy, European Union, Canada, Britain, Russia, Israel, Australia, and Japan. On Friday, India lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over Pulwama terror attack and its High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood was summoned by the Foreign Secretary in connection with the attack. According to sources, Gokhale issued a strong demarche in connection with the terrorist attack in Pulwama and conveyed that Pakistan must take immediate and verifiable action against JeM. He also conveyed to Mahmood that Pakistan must immediately stop any groups or individuals associated with terrorism from operating from its territories, the source added. The Foreign Secretary also rejected the statement made by the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan on Thursday with regards to the attack. Nearly 40 CRPF personnel were killed when a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist rammed a vehicle carrying over 100-kg explosives into their bus on Srinagar-Jammu national highway on Thursday at around 3.15 pm at Ladhu Modi Lethpora. The convoy consisted of 78 buses in which around 2,500 CRPF personnel were travelling from Jammu to Srinagar. JeM, a terror outfit based in Pakistan and led by Masood Azhar, has carried out several terror attacks in India including the attack on Pathankot airbase in 2016. Masood was released by the then government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in exchange for hostages on board flight IC-814 in December 1999. India has approached the United Nations to list Masood as a global terrorist, but China always vetoes New Delhi’s bid in this regard.

India briefs Heads of Missions of Arab countries on Pakistan's role in Pulwama attack

A Russian Arctic archipelago on Saturday declared an emergency situation over an "invasion" of dozens of aggressive polar bears that have entered homes and public buildings.

Russia's northeastern Novaya Zemlya archipelago, which has a population of around 3,000 people, has appealed for help to tackle "a mass invasion of polar bears into inhabited areas," regional authorities said in a statement.

Russian authorities have so far refused permission to shoot the bears but are sending a commission to investigate the situation and have not ruled out a cull.

Polar bears are affected by global warming with melting Arctic ice forcing them to spend more time on land where they compete for food.&nbsp;

They are recognised as an endangered species in Russia and hunting them is banned.

Russia has an air force and air defence troops based on Novaya Zemlya.

Since December, 52 polar bears have regularly visited the archipelago's main settlement, Belushya Guba, with some displaying "aggressive behaviour," local official Alexander Minayev said in a report to regional authorities.

This included "attacks on people and entering residential homes and public buildings," said Minayev, the deputy chief of the local administration.

"There are constantly 6 to 10 bears inside the settlement," he said.

"People are scared, they are afraid to leave their homes... parents are frightened to let their children go to schools and kindergartens."

The head of the local administration Zhigansha Musin said that the numbers of polar bears were unprecedented.

"I've been on Novaya Zemlya since 1983 and there's never been such a mass invasion of polar bears," he told regional officials. &nbsp;

Bears are constantly inside a military garrison and "literally chase people" he said as well as going into the entrances of blocks of flats.

Local officials complained that measures to scare off polar bears such as vehicle and dog patrols have not been effective as polar bears feel secure and no longer react.

The federal environmental resources agency has refused to issue licences to shoot the most aggressive bears.

A working group of regional and federal officials is set to visit the archipelago to assess the situation and the measures taken so far.

The Arkhangelsk regional authorities, which oversee Novaya Zemlya, said that if all else failed "shooting the animals could be the only possible forced measure."

In January, a defence ministry official said that hundreds of disused military buildings had been demolished on Novaya Zemlya because polar bears were settling inside them.

A Russian Arctic archipelago on Saturday declared an emergency situation over an "invasion" of dozens of aggressive polar bears that have entered homes and public buildings.

A Russian Arctic archipelago on Saturday declared an emergency situation over an "invasion" of dozens of aggressive polar bears that have entered homes and public buildings. Russia's northeastern Novaya Zemlya archipelago, which has a population of around 3,000 people, has appealed for help to tackle "a mass invasion of polar bears into inhabited areas," regional authorities said in a statement. Russian authorities have so far refused permission to shoot the bears but are sending a commission to investigate the situation and have not ruled out a cull. Polar bears are affected by global warming with melting Arctic ice forcing them to spend more time on land where they compete for food. They are recognised as an endangered species in Russia and hunting them is banned. Russia has an air force and air defence troops based on Novaya Zemlya. Since December, 52 polar bears have regularly visited the archipelago's main settlement, Belushya Guba, with some displaying "aggressive behaviour," local official Alexander Minayev said in a report to regional authorities. This included "attacks on people and entering residential homes and public buildings," said Minayev, the deputy chief of the local administration. "There are constantly 6 to 10 bears inside the settlement," he said. "People are scared, they are afraid to leave their homes... parents are frightened to let their children go to schools and kindergartens." The head of the local administration Zhigansha Musin said that the numbers of polar bears were unprecedented. "I've been on Novaya Zemlya since 1983 and there's never been such a mass invasion of polar bears," he told regional officials. Bears are constantly inside a military garrison and "literally chase people" he said as well as going into the entrances of blocks of flats. Local officials complained that measures to scare off polar bears such as vehicle and dog patrols have not been effective as polar bears feel secure and no longer react. The federal environmental resources agency has refused to issue licences to shoot the most aggressive bears. A working group of regional and federal officials is set to visit the archipelago to assess the situation and the measures taken so far. The Arkhangelsk regional authorities, which oversee Novaya Zemlya, said that if all else failed "shooting the animals could be the only possible forced measure." In January, a defence ministry official said that hundreds of disused military buildings had been demolished on Novaya Zemlya because polar bears were settling inside them.

Russian Arctic archipelago sounds alarm over aggressive polar bears

BJP General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya on Wednesday "warned" Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee that BJP workers will not be cowed down, after violence marred the rally of BJP president Amit Shah in the state."

I want to warn Mamata Banerjee, that this way the BJP workers won`t be afraid and won`t bow down.

This will cost her a lot (Hum Mamata ko chetawani dena chahte hain ki iss prakar BJP ka karyakarta na darne wala hai na jhukne wala hai. Ye Mamata ji ko bahut mehenga padega, ye main kehna chahta hun)," Vijayvargiya told ANI.

During Shah`s public rally in East Midnapore district on Tuesday, the vehicles used for ferrying people were vandalised by miscreants outside the venue.

Police said miscreants lobbed stones on the vehicles and also torched some of them.

BJP supporters had staged a demonstration, condemning the attack.

On Tuesday, union home&nbsp;minister Rajnath Singh called up Mamata Banerjee and expressed serious concern over the violence and asked that the perpetrators be brought to book.

The BJP has accused the Trinamool chief of unleashing ‘terror’ in the state and called her ‘Talibani Didi.’

“We have seen as to how a very worried Mamata Banerjee has unleashed the terror of TMC on the BJP and the ordinary people of West Bengal,” BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra told reporters in New Delhi.&nbsp;

BJP General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya on Wednesday "warned" Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee that BJP workers will not be cowed down, after violence marred the rally of BJP president Amit Shah in the state.

BJP General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya on Wednesday "warned" Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee that BJP workers will not be cowed down, after violence marred the rally of BJP president Amit Shah in the state." I want to warn Mamata Banerjee, that this way the BJP workers won`t be afraid and won`t bow down. This will cost her a lot (Hum Mamata ko chetawani dena chahte hain ki iss prakar BJP ka karyakarta na darne wala hai na jhukne wala hai. Ye Mamata ji ko bahut mehenga padega, ye main kehna chahta hun)," Vijayvargiya told ANI. During Shah`s public rally in East Midnapore district on Tuesday, the vehicles used for ferrying people were vandalised by miscreants outside the venue. Police said miscreants lobbed stones on the vehicles and also torched some of them. BJP supporters had staged a demonstration, condemning the attack. On Tuesday, union home minister Rajnath Singh called up Mamata Banerjee and expressed serious concern over the violence and asked that the perpetrators be brought to book. The BJP has accused the Trinamool chief of unleashing ‘terror’ in the state and called her ‘Talibani Didi.’ “We have seen as to how a very worried Mamata Banerjee has unleashed the terror of TMC on the BJP and the ordinary people of West Bengal,” BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra told reporters in New Delhi.

BJP workers will not be cowed down: Vijayvargiya warns Mamata after violence at Shah's rally

The main facilitator of the terror attack on the<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-firing-reported-outside-chinese-consulate-in-karachi-178903&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi2uKKQxJXgAhXLinAKHccMB4UQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3lzjLgFHfUcS91ShFytqbY"> Chinese consulate in Karachi </a>in November last year has been arrested from the UAE, Pakistan police has announced here.

On November 23, three heavily <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/alleged-leader-of-chinese-consulate-attack-in-pakistan-reported-killed-186752">armed militants</a> attempted to enter the Chinese consulate in the 'high security zone' of Karachi's Clifton area but were shot dead in an encounter with law enforcers.&nbsp;

The gun-and-grenade assault also claimed the lives of two police officials and two visa applicants, as well as injuring a private guard of the foreign mission.

A senior official of the Counterterrorism Department (CTD) of Sindh on Tuesday province said that the suspect named Rashid Baloch was arrested by the UAE's law-enforcement agency in Sharjah a few days ago. He was marked out as the key man behind the attack on the Chinese consulate, that was foiled by security forces but left at least seven people dead.

"Rashid Baloch alias Abdullah is not only the facilitator of the attack but also a key man of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA)," said DIG CTD Abdullah Sheikh.&nbsp;

"After the findings of the initial investigation, we were closely monitoring suspects and finally found his connection with the episode. The interesting fact, that we gathered through technological support, is that he was very close to the Chinese consulate when it was attacked and personally monitored the assault".

Rashid received Rs 949,000 to his bank account just days before the attack and he arranged all the finances, logistics and cash support to facilitate the attackers, he said.

Earlier this month, Additional IG Karachi Amir Shaikh claimed that India and its Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) assisted the attack carried out by terrorists belonging to the banned BLA.&nbsp;

The Indian government rejected the allegation, calling it fabricated and a scurrilous attempt.

"We completely reject these fabricated and scurrilous attempts to levy accusations on India," said the Ministry of External Affairs.

"Instead of maliciously pointing fingers at others for such terrorist incidents, Pakistan needs to look inwards and undertake credible action against support to terrorism and terror infrastructure in its territories," it said.

Earlier this month, the Karachi police claimed to have arrested some five facilitators from this city in connection with the attack which they claimed was carried out to "sabotage" the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The main facilitator of the terror attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi in November last year has been arrested from the UAE, Pakistan police has announced here.

The main facilitator of the terror attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi in November last year has been arrested from the UAE, Pakistan police has announced here. On November 23, three heavily armed militants attempted to enter the Chinese consulate in the 'high security zone' of Karachi's Clifton area but were shot dead in an encounter with law enforcers. The gun-and-grenade assault also claimed the lives of two police officials and two visa applicants, as well as injuring a private guard of the foreign mission. A senior official of the Counterterrorism Department (CTD) of Sindh on Tuesday province said that the suspect named Rashid Baloch was arrested by the UAE's law-enforcement agency in Sharjah a few days ago. He was marked out as the key man behind the attack on the Chinese consulate, that was foiled by security forces but left at least seven people dead. "Rashid Baloch alias Abdullah is not only the facilitator of the attack but also a key man of the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA)," said DIG CTD Abdullah Sheikh. "After the findings of the initial investigation, we were closely monitoring suspects and finally found his connection with the episode. The interesting fact, that we gathered through technological support, is that he was very close to the Chinese consulate when it was attacked and personally monitored the assault". Rashid received Rs 949,000 to his bank account just days before the attack and he arranged all the finances, logistics and cash support to facilitate the attackers, he said. Earlier this month, Additional IG Karachi Amir Shaikh claimed that India and its Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) assisted the attack carried out by terrorists belonging to the banned BLA. The Indian government rejected the allegation, calling it fabricated and a scurrilous attempt. "We completely reject these fabricated and scurrilous attempts to levy accusations on India," said the Ministry of External Affairs. "Instead of maliciously pointing fingers at others for such terrorist incidents, Pakistan needs to look inwards and undertake credible action against support to terrorism and terror infrastructure in its territories," it said. Earlier this month, the Karachi police claimed to have arrested some five facilitators from this city in connection with the attack which they claimed was carried out to "sabotage" the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Pakistan says main facilitator of attack on Chinese consulate arrested in Sharjah

At least five people died and around 25 people were wounded when gunmen blasted their way into a police station in southwestern Pakistan on Tuesday while candidates were sitting for a police entrance exam, officials said.

Initial reports said a group of four gunmen detonated a grenade at the entrance of the deputy police inspector's office in Loralai district in Balochistan, a volatile southern province which has seen a string of militant attacks.

They then opened fire on police and candidates taking an exam to join the force, killing four police and one of the candidates.

"Army, Frontier Corps and police are conducting search operations in the area," said Ataullah, a senior police officer.

Fahim Otmankhail, a doctor at the district hospital, said five bodies and 25 wounded had been brought in so far.

The Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-i Taliban Pakistan or TTP and which is separate from the Afghan Taliban, claimed responsibility.

Militant violence in Pakistan has fallen sharply from the levels seen a decade ago, but incidents still occur periodically in Balochistan, Pakistan's largest and poorest province which is at the centre of the strategic China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) infrastructure development project.

Earlier this month, at least four members of the security forces were killed in an attack on a Frontier Corps training base in Loralai.

At least five people died and around 25 people were wounded when gunmen blasted their way into a police station in southwestern Pakistan on Tuesday while candidates were sitting for a police entrance exam, officials said.

At least five people died and around 25 people were wounded when gunmen blasted their way into a police station in southwestern Pakistan on Tuesday while candidates were sitting for a police entrance exam, officials said. Initial reports said a group of four gunmen detonated a grenade at the entrance of the deputy police inspector's office in Loralai district in Balochistan, a volatile southern province which has seen a string of militant attacks. They then opened fire on police and candidates taking an exam to join the force, killing four police and one of the candidates. "Army, Frontier Corps and police are conducting search operations in the area," said Ataullah, a senior police officer. Fahim Otmankhail, a doctor at the district hospital, said five bodies and 25 wounded had been brought in so far. The Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-i Taliban Pakistan or TTP and which is separate from the Afghan Taliban, claimed responsibility. Militant violence in Pakistan has fallen sharply from the levels seen a decade ago, but incidents still occur periodically in Balochistan, Pakistan's largest and poorest province which is at the centre of the strategic China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) infrastructure development project. Earlier this month, at least four members of the security forces were killed in an attack on a Frontier Corps training base in Loralai.

Gunmen kill five in attack on Pakistan police station

Four Iraqi policemen were killed Sunday in two back-to-back bomb blasts at one of their positions north of the capital, near a former jihadist bastion, local officials and officers said.

"At around 8:00 am, the police officers were taking up their post at the southern entrance of Al-Sharqat," the town's mayor, Ali Dodah, told AFP.

"One bomb went off, killing two police officers and wounding eight. An hour and a half later, as reinforcements arrived, a second bomb went off," Dodah said.

A police officer speaking on condition of anonymity confirmed the first blast's toll to AFP and said the second explosion killed two officers and wounded three.

And a medical source at Al-Sharqat's hospital confirmed a total of four officers were killed. &nbsp;

Al-Sharqat, around 250 kilometres (150 miles) north of Baghdad, was held by the Islamic State group until autumn 2017.

It was one of the last areas recaptured by the government, which announced several months later that it had ousted IS from Iraq.

But hit-and-run attacks — particularly assassinations and kidnappings of local officials — still take place and hint at an underground network of IS sleeper cells in some of the country's most remote areas.&nbsp;

On Thursday, a car bomb killed a police officer near Hawija, another former IS stronghold.&nbsp;

Four Iraqi policemen were killed Sunday in two back-to-back bomb blasts at one of their positions north of the capital, near a former jihadist bastion, local officials and officers said.

Four Iraqi policemen were killed Sunday in two back-to-back bomb blasts at one of their positions north of the capital, near a former jihadist bastion, local officials and officers said. "At around 8:00 am, the police officers were taking up their post at the southern entrance of Al-Sharqat," the town's mayor, Ali Dodah, told AFP. "One bomb went off, killing two police officers and wounding eight. An hour and a half later, as reinforcements arrived, a second bomb went off," Dodah said. A police officer speaking on condition of anonymity confirmed the first blast's toll to AFP and said the second explosion killed two officers and wounded three. And a medical source at Al-Sharqat's hospital confirmed a total of four officers were killed. Al-Sharqat, around 250 kilometres (150 miles) north of Baghdad, was held by the Islamic State group until autumn 2017. It was one of the last areas recaptured by the government, which announced several months later that it had ousted IS from Iraq. But hit-and-run attacks — particularly assassinations and kidnappings of local officials — still take place and hint at an underground network of IS sleeper cells in some of the country's most remote areas. On Thursday, a car bomb killed a police officer near Hawija, another former IS stronghold.

Four policemen dead in back-to-back bomb blasts in Iraq

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-taliban-says-post-occupation-discussed-with-iran-187725">Afghan Taliban</a> killed at least 12 security force members in a car bomb attack on a military base in the southern province of Maidan Wardak on Monday, officials said.

More than 28 security officials were wounded in the attack at the sprawling military base when the militants detonated the car bomb and two gunmen entered the compound, government officials said.

The Taliban claimed responsibility.

The Afghan Taliban killed at least 12 security force members in a car bomb attack on a military base in the southern province of Maidan Wardak on Monday, officials said.

The Afghan Taliban killed at least 12 security force members in a car bomb attack on a military base in the southern province of Maidan Wardak on Monday, officials said. More than 28 security officials were wounded in the attack at the sprawling military base when the militants detonated the car bomb and two gunmen entered the compound, government officials said. The Taliban claimed responsibility.

Afghan Taliban kill 12 in car bomb attack on military base: Officials

At least 595 people, including <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-government-says-pak-based-terror-groups-continue-to-train-cadres-to-infiltrate-by-sea-187875">Pakistani security officials</a>, have been killed and 1,030 others injured in 262 terror attacks in the country during 2018, according to a report.

<a href="http://13.232.42.114/south-asia/surgical-strike-figment-of-indian-imagination-pakistan-188101">Most of the attacks were targeted</a> at security and law enforcement agencies. Among these attacks, the most menacing were carried out on political leaders and workers.

The deadliest attacks took place in the run-up to the July 25 general elections, the Pak Institute for Peace Studies' (PIPS), an Islamabad-based think tank, said in its annual Pakistan Security Report 2018.

In July, a suicide bomber killed 128 people at an election rally in southwestern Pakistan in the second election-related attack. The bombing was the most deadly attack in Pakistan in over three years.

It stated that there was a "29 per cent decline in terrorist attacks and 27 per cent in consequent fatalities in 2018, compared to previous year".

The PIPS said that about 38 per cent of the total 595 people killed in acts of terrorism in Pakistan in 2018 was the result of five lethal attacks claimed by ISIS in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

"Balochistan was the only region where terrorism-related killings surged, by over 23 per cent, when compared to 2017; most of these fatalities resulted from attacks by religiously-inspired militant groups," according to the report.

Around 171 attacks in entire Pakistan were perpetrated by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its splinter groups Jamaatul Ahrar, Hizbul Ahrar and others, which killed 449 people.

Nationalist insurgent groups, mostly in Balochistan and a few in Sindh, carried out 80 attacks, martyring 96 people.

"As many as 11 terrorist attacks were sectarian-related, killing 50 people and injuring 45 others," it said.

More than half of these attacks, around 136, hit security and law enforcement agencies.

The security forces killed a total of 120 militants in 2018 as compared to 524 in 2017.

It noted that 24 attacks were against political leaders and workers, in which 218 people were killed martyred and 394 injured.

A total of 131 cross-border attacks from Pakistan's borders with Afghanistan, India, and Iran, claiming 111 lives and injuring 290 others.

Balochistan remained the centre of attention with 354 people martyred in attacks while 59 per cent of the total toll in Pakistan took place in the province.

The PIPS report called for comprehensive policy and action to completely end violence from the country.

It said that questions were raised on the status of those banned individuals who signed Paigham-e-Pakistan - a violence-opposing decree but continued to hold protests and even paralysing cities.&nbsp;

The report stated that there was a '29 per cent decline in terrorist attacks and 27 per cent in consequent fatalities in 2018, compared to previous year'.

At least 595 people, including Pakistani security officials, have been killed and 1,030 others injured in 262 terror attacks in the country during 2018, according to a report. Most of the attacks were targeted at security and law enforcement agencies. Among these attacks, the most menacing were carried out on political leaders and workers. The deadliest attacks took place in the run-up to the July 25 general elections, the Pak Institute for Peace Studies' (PIPS), an Islamabad-based think tank, said in its annual Pakistan Security Report 2018. In July, a suicide bomber killed 128 people at an election rally in southwestern Pakistan in the second election-related attack. The bombing was the most deadly attack in Pakistan in over three years. It stated that there was a "29 per cent decline in terrorist attacks and 27 per cent in consequent fatalities in 2018, compared to previous year". The PIPS said that about 38 per cent of the total 595 people killed in acts of terrorism in Pakistan in 2018 was the result of five lethal attacks claimed by ISIS in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. "Balochistan was the only region where terrorism-related killings surged, by over 23 per cent, when compared to 2017; most of these fatalities resulted from attacks by religiously-inspired militant groups," according to the report. Around 171 attacks in entire Pakistan were perpetrated by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its splinter groups Jamaatul Ahrar, Hizbul Ahrar and others, which killed 449 people. Nationalist insurgent groups, mostly in Balochistan and a few in Sindh, carried out 80 attacks, martyring 96 people. "As many as 11 terrorist attacks were sectarian-related, killing 50 people and injuring 45 others," it said. More than half of these attacks, around 136, hit security and law enforcement agencies. The security forces killed a total of 120 militants in 2018 as compared to 524 in 2017. It noted that 24 attacks were against political leaders and workers, in which 218 people were killed martyred and 394 injured. A total of 131 cross-border attacks from Pakistan's borders with Afghanistan, India, and Iran, claiming 111 lives and injuring 290 others. Balochistan remained the centre of attention with 354 people martyred in attacks while 59 per cent of the total toll in Pakistan took place in the province. The PIPS report called for comprehensive policy and action to completely end violence from the country. It said that questions were raised on the status of those banned individuals who signed Paigham-e-Pakistan - a violence-opposing decree but continued to hold protests and even paralysing cities.

262 terror attacks killed 595 people in Pakistan in 2018: Report

Highly venomous jellyfish have stung more than three thousand people on Australia's northeastern shores in just a few days, authorities said Monday, forcing the closure of several beaches.

The massive influx of Portuguese man o' war jellyfish, whose stings are notoriously painful, has been described as an "invasion" by local media in the state of Queensland.

Coastguard association Surf Life Saving said a "whopping" 3,595 people had suffered painful burns after encounters with the creatures, also known as bluebottles for their transparent bluish appearance.

At least four major beaches remained closed as the organisation warned that even more jellyfish were on their way.

"A wall of bluebottles is approaching #Rainbow beach. Lifesavers are closing the beach. Please stay out of the water," read one of several warnings from Surf Life Saving.

Bluebottle stings are a frequent occurrence and it is not uncommon to hear howls of pain from changing rooms along Australia's eastern beaches during the southern hemisphere's summer.

But the sheer number of people stung in the last few days has surprised authorities.

There are usually around 10,000 cases of bluebottle stings each year on the east coast of Australia, according to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

The extraordinary number of stings in the last few days has occurred as strong onshore winds have come in from the north-east, bringing the creatures into contact with swimmers.

The doctors' group describes the symptoms of a sting as an "immediate sharp pain and acute inflammatory skin reaction".

"The intense skin pain can last from minutes to many hours... The sting can also cause systemic signs such as nausea, vomiting and general feeling of malaise."

Treatment includes rinsing the wound with water at 45 degrees Celsius or using ice packs.

It is less straightforward to treat stings from the fearsome Irukandji variety of jellyfish, however.

Stings from these box jellyfish — which can be smaller than a fingernail — can cause acute muscular pain, violent vomiting, feelings of "impending doom", hair that stands on end, strokes, heart failure and death within minutes.

State-backed broadcaster ABC reported that the number of people taken to hospital with Irukandji stings in Queensland this season is already 20, double the normal yearly average. 
&nbsp;

Coastguard association Surf Life Saving said a 'whopping' 3,595 people had suffered painful burns after encounters with the creatures.

Highly venomous jellyfish have stung more than three thousand people on Australia's northeastern shores in just a few days, authorities said Monday, forcing the closure of several beaches. The massive influx of Portuguese man o' war jellyfish, whose stings are notoriously painful, has been described as an "invasion" by local media in the state of Queensland. Coastguard association Surf Life Saving said a "whopping" 3,595 people had suffered painful burns after encounters with the creatures, also known as bluebottles for their transparent bluish appearance. At least four major beaches remained closed as the organisation warned that even more jellyfish were on their way. "A wall of bluebottles is approaching #Rainbow beach. Lifesavers are closing the beach. Please stay out of the water," read one of several warnings from Surf Life Saving. Bluebottle stings are a frequent occurrence and it is not uncommon to hear howls of pain from changing rooms along Australia's eastern beaches during the southern hemisphere's summer. But the sheer number of people stung in the last few days has surprised authorities. There are usually around 10,000 cases of bluebottle stings each year on the east coast of Australia, according to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. The extraordinary number of stings in the last few days has occurred as strong onshore winds have come in from the north-east, bringing the creatures into contact with swimmers. The doctors' group describes the symptoms of a sting as an "immediate sharp pain and acute inflammatory skin reaction". "The intense skin pain can last from minutes to many hours... The sting can also cause systemic signs such as nausea, vomiting and general feeling of malaise." Treatment includes rinsing the wound with water at 45 degrees Celsius or using ice packs. It is less straightforward to treat stings from the fearsome Irukandji variety of jellyfish, however. Stings from these box jellyfish — which can be smaller than a fingernail — can cause acute muscular pain, violent vomiting, feelings of "impending doom", hair that stands on end, strokes, heart failure and death within minutes. State-backed broadcaster ABC reported that the number of people taken to hospital with Irukandji stings in Queensland this season is already 20, double the normal yearly average.

Jellyfish invasion: Over three thousand people stung in Australia

Police detained a 50-year-old German man early on Tuesday on suspicion of ramming his car into a crowd of people in the northwestern German town of Bottrop, injuring four, in what authorities say may have been a xenophobic attack.

The man, who fled the scene, made racist comments when he was later stopped and arrested, according to a statement by local police and prosecutors.

"Investigators suspect it was a deliberate attack that may be linked to the xenophobic views of the driver," the statement said. "In addition, investigators have preliminary information about a mental illness of the driver."

A police spokeswoman said Syrian and Afghan citizens were among those injured, but gave no further details. She said one of the four people injured remained in hospital.

The attack occurred after midnight on New Year's Eve at a crowded plaza in Bottrop.

Earlier the driver had steered his car at another pedestrian, who managed to escape unharmed, according to the statement. He also targeted people at a bus stop after fleeing the scene of the Bottrop attack, it said.

Police detained a 50-year-old German man early on Tuesday on suspicion of ramming his car into a crowd of people in the northwestern German town of Bottrop, injuring four, in what authorities say may have been a xenophobic attack.

Police detained a 50-year-old German man early on Tuesday on suspicion of ramming his car into a crowd of people in the northwestern German town of Bottrop, injuring four, in what authorities say may have been a xenophobic attack. The man, who fled the scene, made racist comments when he was later stopped and arrested, according to a statement by local police and prosecutors. "Investigators suspect it was a deliberate attack that may be linked to the xenophobic views of the driver," the statement said. "In addition, investigators have preliminary information about a mental illness of the driver." A police spokeswoman said Syrian and Afghan citizens were among those injured, but gave no further details. She said one of the four people injured remained in hospital. The attack occurred after midnight on New Year's Eve at a crowded plaza in Bottrop. Earlier the driver had steered his car at another pedestrian, who managed to escape unharmed, according to the statement. He also targeted people at a bus stop after fleeing the scene of the Bottrop attack, it said.

Four injured after German man rams car into crowd; racist motive suspected

Suicide <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/attackers-hit-libya-foreign-ministry-in-tripoli-one-dead-186382">attackers stormed the Libyan foreign ministry</a> in the capital Tripoli on Tuesday, killing at least three people including a senior civil servant in an attack claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group.

Twenty-one other people were wounded in the attack, authorities said.

A car bomb exploded near the ministry, prompting security forces to rush to the scene, said special forces spokesman Tarak al-Dawass.

A suicide bomber then blew himself up on the second floor of the building while a second attacker died when a suitcase he was carrying exploded, he said.

A third assailant, who was unarmed and wearing a bulletproof vest, was killed by security forces outside, Dawass added.

At least three people were killed and 21 wounded, according to the health ministry.

Foreign Minister Tahar Siala said one of the dead was senior diplomat Ibrahim al-Shaibi who headed a department in his ministry.

Plumes of smoke were seen rising from the building as ambulances, paramedics and security forces gathered outside.

IS claimed the attack in a statement distributed on social media, saying that it was carried out by three "soldiers of the caliphate" who were armed with suicide belts and automatic weapons.

Interior Minister Fathi Bash Agha admitted during a news conference that "security chaos" reigned in Libya and was "out of our control".

He said this was creating a "fertile ground" for IS to operate in the North African country.

Torn apart by power struggles and undermined by chronic insecurity, Libya has become a haven for jihadists since the ouster and killing of Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.

Jihadist foothold

Two competing administrations, rival militias, tribes and jihadists have been vying for control of territory and the country's vast oil wealth.

IS took advantage of the chaos to gain a foothold in the coastal city of Sirte in 2015.

Forces loyal to the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) regained control of Sirte in December 2016 after eight months of deadly fighting.

Since then, some jihadists have returned to the desert in an attempt to regroup and reorganise.

The interior minister said his department lacked the equipment necessary to restore law and order in Libya.

Bach Agha said he found "zero weapons and zero vehicles" in the ministry's warehouses when he took up his job in October.

"Weakness and a security breakdown" allowed assailants to attack the foreign ministry, he said.

The foreign minister said the UN should lift an arms embargo it has imposed on Libya since the 2011 uprising.

"Stability cannot be restored... without a partial lifting of the embargo. It is needed to guarantee security and combat terrorism," Siala told reporters.

Envoys denounce attack

The head of the UN mission in Libya (UNSMIL) denounced the "cowardly terrorist attack" in a statement.

Ghassan Salame also pledged to work with Libyan people "to prevent terrorist groups from turning Libya into a haven... for their crimes".

Frank Baker, Britain's ambassador to Libya, also denounced an "appalling terrorist attack" and tweeted his condolences to the families of the victims.

Italian Foreign Minister Enzo Moavero Milanesi joined the chorus of condemnation in a statement reiterating Rome's "solidarity with the Libyan people and their just aspiration to real security".

In September, IS claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on the headquarters of Libya's National Oil Company in the heart of Tripoli which left two dead and 10 wounded.

Four months earlier, it claimed an attack on the electoral commission's headquarters which left 14 dead.

In April, the GNA launched an operation to track down IS fighters operating in areas of western Libya under its control.

Last month IS claimed responsibility for an attack on militia forces in southeastern Libya in which at least nine people were killed.

The US military has regularly carried out strikes on jihadists in Libya, particularly south of Sirte.

The GNA was set up under a 2015 UN-brokered deal, but a rival administration based in the country's east aligned with military strongman Khalifa Haftar refuses to recognise its authority.

Rival Libyan leaders had agreed to a Paris-brokered deal in May to hold a nationwide election by the end of the year.

But instability, territorial disputes and divisions have delayed plans for elections.

Suicide attackers stormed the Libyan foreign ministry in the capital Tripoli on Tuesday, killing at least three people including a senior civil servant in an attack claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group.

Suicide attackers stormed the Libyan foreign ministry in the capital Tripoli on Tuesday, killing at least three people including a senior civil servant in an attack claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group. Twenty-one other people were wounded in the attack, authorities said. A car bomb exploded near the ministry, prompting security forces to rush to the scene, said special forces spokesman Tarak al-Dawass. A suicide bomber then blew himself up on the second floor of the building while a second attacker died when a suitcase he was carrying exploded, he said. A third assailant, who was unarmed and wearing a bulletproof vest, was killed by security forces outside, Dawass added. At least three people were killed and 21 wounded, according to the health ministry. Foreign Minister Tahar Siala said one of the dead was senior diplomat Ibrahim al-Shaibi who headed a department in his ministry. Plumes of smoke were seen rising from the building as ambulances, paramedics and security forces gathered outside. IS claimed the attack in a statement distributed on social media, saying that it was carried out by three "soldiers of the caliphate" who were armed with suicide belts and automatic weapons. Interior Minister Fathi Bash Agha admitted during a news conference that "security chaos" reigned in Libya and was "out of our control". He said this was creating a "fertile ground" for IS to operate in the North African country. Torn apart by power struggles and undermined by chronic insecurity, Libya has become a haven for jihadists since the ouster and killing of Moamer Kadhafi in 2011. Jihadist foothold Two competing administrations, rival militias, tribes and jihadists have been vying for control of territory and the country's vast oil wealth. IS took advantage of the chaos to gain a foothold in the coastal city of Sirte in 2015. Forces loyal to the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) regained control of Sirte in December 2016 after eight months of deadly fighting. Since then, some jihadists have returned to the desert in an attempt to regroup and reorganise. The interior minister said his department lacked the equipment necessary to restore law and order in Libya. Bach Agha said he found "zero weapons and zero vehicles" in the ministry's warehouses when he took up his job in October. "Weakness and a security breakdown" allowed assailants to attack the foreign ministry, he said. The foreign minister said the UN should lift an arms embargo it has imposed on Libya since the 2011 uprising. "Stability cannot be restored... without a partial lifting of the embargo. It is needed to guarantee security and combat terrorism," Siala told reporters. Envoys denounce attack The head of the UN mission in Libya (UNSMIL) denounced the "cowardly terrorist attack" in a statement. Ghassan Salame also pledged to work with Libyan people "to prevent terrorist groups from turning Libya into a haven... for their crimes". Frank Baker, Britain's ambassador to Libya, also denounced an "appalling terrorist attack" and tweeted his condolences to the families of the victims. Italian Foreign Minister Enzo Moavero Milanesi joined the chorus of condemnation in a statement reiterating Rome's "solidarity with the Libyan people and their just aspiration to real security". In September, IS claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on the headquarters of Libya's National Oil Company in the heart of Tripoli which left two dead and 10 wounded. Four months earlier, it claimed an attack on the electoral commission's headquarters which left 14 dead. In April, the GNA launched an operation to track down IS fighters operating in areas of western Libya under its control. Last month IS claimed responsibility for an attack on militia forces in southeastern Libya in which at least nine people were killed. The US military has regularly carried out strikes on jihadists in Libya, particularly south of Sirte. The GNA was set up under a 2015 UN-brokered deal, but a rival administration based in the country's east aligned with military strongman Khalifa Haftar refuses to recognise its authority. Rival Libyan leaders had agreed to a Paris-brokered deal in May to hold a nationwide election by the end of the year. But instability, territorial disputes and divisions have delayed plans for elections.

Islamic State claims attack on Libya foreign ministry that killed three

Gunmen killed 28 and injured more than 20 others in raid on Afghan government building

Gunmen who raided a government building in the Afghan capital killed at least 28 people - mostly government employees - and wounded more than 20 others in a seven-hour standoff with police that ended on Monday night, Afghan authorities said.

Others killed included a policeman and three of the attackers who were shot dead by Afghan security forces, Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danish said.

The attack began in the afternoon when a suicide bomber blew himself up in a car outside the public works ministry. Militants then stormed the building of the National Authority for Disabled People and Martyrs’ Families, taking civilians hostage as they fought a gun battle against Afghan soldiers.

Afghan security forces went from floor to floor of the building in an operation to rescue over 350 people inside, but had to exercise restraint in their operations against the attackers given the number of employees there, a senior security official said.

No militant group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Ambulances raced to the scene during a lull in the shooting, a witness who lives nearby told Reuters. At least 20 people wounded in the clashes were taken to hospital.

An official working in another government building close by said employees had locked themselves in their offices after hearing the explosions and gunfire. During the standoff, the building's second floor caught fire, local news channels reported.

Attacks on government offices are frequent and are generally carried out by the Islamist Taliban, who are fighting to expel foreign forces from strategic provinces, topple the Western-backed government and restore their version of hardline Islamic law.

The 17-year-old war with the Taliban has seen both fighting and diplomacy intensify in recent months.

On Thursday, an official said US&nbsp;President Donald Trump was planning to withdraw at least 5,000 of the 14,000 US&nbsp;troops in Afghanistan, a day after Trump unexpectedly announced that U.S. troops in Syria would be withdrawn.

The United States went to war in Afghanistan in 2001 in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, seeking to oust the Taliban militants harbouring Saudi-raised militant Osama bin Laden, who led plans to carry out the attacks.

At present, American troops make up the bulk of the Resolute Support mission to train and advise Afghan forces fighting the Taliban and the Islamic State militant group. Others are part of a US-led counter-terrorism mission.

The prospect of a US&nbsp;drawdown has triggered widespread uncertainty in war-torn Afghanistan.

With security deteriorating, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday replaced his defence and interior ministers with two uncompromising opponents of the Taliban.

Gunmen who raided a government building in the Afghan capital killed at least 28 people - mostly government employees - and wounded more than 20 others in a seven-hour standoff with police that ended on Monday night, Afghan authorities said.

Gunmen who raided a government building in the Afghan capital killed at least 28 people - mostly government employees - and wounded more than 20 others in a seven-hour standoff with police that ended on Monday night, Afghan authorities said. Others killed included a policeman and three of the attackers who were shot dead by Afghan security forces, Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danish said. The attack began in the afternoon when a suicide bomber blew himself up in a car outside the public works ministry. Militants then stormed the building of the National Authority for Disabled People and Martyrs’ Families, taking civilians hostage as they fought a gun battle against Afghan soldiers. Afghan security forces went from floor to floor of the building in an operation to rescue over 350 people inside, but had to exercise restraint in their operations against the attackers given the number of employees there, a senior security official said. No militant group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Ambulances raced to the scene during a lull in the shooting, a witness who lives nearby told Reuters. At least 20 people wounded in the clashes were taken to hospital. An official working in another government building close by said employees had locked themselves in their offices after hearing the explosions and gunfire. During the standoff, the building's second floor caught fire, local news channels reported. Attacks on government offices are frequent and are generally carried out by the Islamist Taliban, who are fighting to expel foreign forces from strategic provinces, topple the Western-backed government and restore their version of hardline Islamic law. The 17-year-old war with the Taliban has seen both fighting and diplomacy intensify in recent months. On Thursday, an official said US President Donald Trump was planning to withdraw at least 5,000 of the 14,000 US troops in Afghanistan, a day after Trump unexpectedly announced that U.S. troops in Syria would be withdrawn. The United States went to war in Afghanistan in 2001 in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, seeking to oust the Taliban militants harbouring Saudi-raised militant Osama bin Laden, who led plans to carry out the attacks. At present, American troops make up the bulk of the Resolute Support mission to train and advise Afghan forces fighting the Taliban and the Islamic State militant group. Others are part of a US-led counter-terrorism mission. The prospect of a US drawdown has triggered widespread uncertainty in war-torn Afghanistan. With security deteriorating, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Sunday replaced his defence and interior ministers with two uncompromising opponents of the Taliban.

Gunmen kill at least 28 in raid on Afghan government building

Gunfire and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-300-migrants-rescued-off-libya-aid-group-185777">explosions rocked Libya</a>'s foreign ministry on Tuesday as attackers stormed the building in the capital Tripoli, killing at least three&nbsp;people.

A car bomb exploded in front of the ministry, after which "three or four assailants" entered, the source told AFP from the scene.

A suicide bomber then struck inside and gunfire broke out, according to the source, who said the victim was a civil servant.

Plumes of smoke were seen rising from the building as ambulances, paramedics and security forces gathered outside.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Torn apart by power struggles and undermined by chronic insecurity, Libya has become a haven for jihadists since the ouster and killing of Moamer Gadhafi in 2011.

Two competing administrations, rival militias, tribes and jihadists have been competing for control of territory and the country's vast oil wealth.

The Islamic State jihadist group (IS) took advantage of the chaos to gain a foothold in the coastal city of Sirte in 2015.&nbsp;

Forces loyal to the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) regained control of the city in December 2016 after eight months of deadly fighting.

Since then, some jihadists have returned to the desert in an attempt to regroup and reorganise.

In September, IS claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on the headquarters of Libya's National Oil Company in the heart of Tripoli which left two dead and 10 wounded.

Four months earlier, it claimed an attack on the electoral commission's headquarters which left 14 dead.

In April, the GNA launched an operation to track down IS fighters operating in areas of western Libya under its control.

Last month IS claimed responsibility for an attack on militia forces in southeastern Libya in which at least nine people were killed.

The US military has regularly carried out strikes on jihadists in Libya, particularly south of Sirte.&nbsp;

The GNA was set up under a 2015 UN-brokered deal, but a rival administration based in the country's east aligned with military strongman Khalifa Haftar refuses to recognise its authority.

Rival Libyan leaders had agreed to a Paris-brokered deal in May to hold a nationwide election by the end of the year.

But instability, territorial disputes and divisions have delayed plans for elections.

Two days of meetings last month in Italy laid bare deep divisions between key players in the crisis with some delegates refusing to sit side by side.

Gunfire and explosions rocked Libya's foreign ministry on Tuesday as attackers stormed the building in the capital Tripoli, killing at least three people. A car bomb exploded in front of the ministry, after which "three or four assailants" entered, the source told AFP from the scene.

Gunfire and explosions rocked Libya's foreign ministry on Tuesday as attackers stormed the building in the capital Tripoli, killing at least three people. A car bomb exploded in front of the ministry, after which "three or four assailants" entered, the source told AFP from the scene. A suicide bomber then struck inside and gunfire broke out, according to the source, who said the victim was a civil servant. Plumes of smoke were seen rising from the building as ambulances, paramedics and security forces gathered outside. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Torn apart by power struggles and undermined by chronic insecurity, Libya has become a haven for jihadists since the ouster and killing of Moamer Gadhafi in 2011. Two competing administrations, rival militias, tribes and jihadists have been competing for control of territory and the country's vast oil wealth. The Islamic State jihadist group (IS) took advantage of the chaos to gain a foothold in the coastal city of Sirte in 2015. Forces loyal to the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) regained control of the city in December 2016 after eight months of deadly fighting. Since then, some jihadists have returned to the desert in an attempt to regroup and reorganise. In September, IS claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on the headquarters of Libya's National Oil Company in the heart of Tripoli which left two dead and 10 wounded. Four months earlier, it claimed an attack on the electoral commission's headquarters which left 14 dead. In April, the GNA launched an operation to track down IS fighters operating in areas of western Libya under its control. Last month IS claimed responsibility for an attack on militia forces in southeastern Libya in which at least nine people were killed. The US military has regularly carried out strikes on jihadists in Libya, particularly south of Sirte. The GNA was set up under a 2015 UN-brokered deal, but a rival administration based in the country's east aligned with military strongman Khalifa Haftar refuses to recognise its authority. Rival Libyan leaders had agreed to a Paris-brokered deal in May to hold a nationwide election by the end of the year. But instability, territorial disputes and divisions have delayed plans for elections. Two days of meetings last month in Italy laid bare deep divisions between key players in the crisis with some delegates refusing to sit side by side.

Watch: Attackers hit Libya foreign ministry in Tripoli; 3 dead

French prosecutors are calling for 14 people to be tried in connection with the January 2015 jihadist attacks including the massacre at satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, judicial sources said Friday.

It will be up to anti-terrorist judges to decide whether all 14 are tried.

The decision comes nearly four years after brothers Cherif and Said Kouachi and Amedy Coulibaly killed 12 people at the offices of Charlie Hebdo on January 7, 2015.

The next day a policewoman was killed just outside Paris, while another gunman took hostages at a Jewish supermarket, four of whom were killed.

All the attackers were killed in separate shootouts with police.

Authorities said the attackers had claimed allegiance to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State militant group.

Those likely to face trial are accused of "complicity" in assisting the attackers, including providing them with weapons.

Another man, French national Peter Cherif, an associate of the Kouachi brothers, was arrested in Djibouti on December 16, French officials said Friday.

The Djibouti presidency confirmed the arrest, describing Cherif, 36, as "a suspected international terrorist".

Cherif was expected to be extradited from Djibouti. He has not yet been indicted in connection with the Charlie Hebdo attack.&nbsp;

French prosecutors are calling for 14 people to be tried in connection with the January 2015 jihadist attacks including the massacre at satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, judicial sources said Friday.

French prosecutors are calling for 14 people to be tried in connection with the January 2015 jihadist attacks including the massacre at satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, judicial sources said Friday. It will be up to anti-terrorist judges to decide whether all 14 are tried. The decision comes nearly four years after brothers Cherif and Said Kouachi and Amedy Coulibaly killed 12 people at the offices of Charlie Hebdo on January 7, 2015. The next day a policewoman was killed just outside Paris, while another gunman took hostages at a Jewish supermarket, four of whom were killed. All the attackers were killed in separate shootouts with police. Authorities said the attackers had claimed allegiance to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State militant group. Those likely to face trial are accused of "complicity" in assisting the attackers, including providing them with weapons. Another man, French national Peter Cherif, an associate of the Kouachi brothers, was arrested in Djibouti on December 16, French officials said Friday. The Djibouti presidency confirmed the arrest, describing Cherif, 36, as "a suspected international terrorist". Cherif was expected to be extradited from Djibouti. He has not yet been indicted in connection with the Charlie Hebdo attack.

French prosecutors want 14 tried over Charlie Hebdo attacks: Report

A fugitive gunman who opened fire on Christmas shoppers at a market in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gunman-kills-four-in-french-christmas-market-and-flees-183355">Strasbourg, eastern France</a>, shouted "Allahu akbar" (God is greatest) during his killing spree, French officials said Wednesday as anti-terror police joined a giant manhunt.

The attack took place Tuesday night around 8 pm (1900 GMT) in the heart of the medieval city as the market was closing, leaving two dead and 13 injured.&nbsp;

Witnesses said the suspect, a 29-year-old Strasbourg native identified as Cherif C., cried "Allahu Akbar" as he opened fire with a handgun and stabbed passers-by, France's anti-terror prosecutor Remy Heitz said Wednesday.

The man, who was on a watchlist for suspected religious extremists, had already been sentenced 27 times in France, Germany and Switzerland for crimes including violence and robbery.

Four people connected to him were detained in Strasbourg overnight, he added.

The man was flagged by French security forces in 2015 as a possible extremist while in prison, after he "called for practising a radical form of religion," deputy interior minister Laurent Nunez told France Inter radio Wednesday.

He is "known for a number of criminal offences (...) but has never been linked to terrorist offences," Nunez said.

The suspect lived in a rundown housing estate a short drive from the Christmas market, which draws some two million people each year to its wooden chalets selling festive decorations, mulled wine and food.

"His family has lived around here for a while, but he lived on his own nearby," Zach, a 22-year-old in the Poteries area of Strasbourg, told AFP. "He was discreet, not a thug."

Much of the centre of the city as well as the European Parliament building were locked down through night as teams of police and soldiers searched for the gunman.

He is thought to have been injured in an exchange of fire with soldiers who were patrolling the Christmas market as part of regular anti-terror operations.

The gunman then fled the scene in a taxi.

"I heard shooting and then there was pandemonium," one witness, who gave his name as Fatih, told AFP. "People were running everywhere."

'People running everywhere'

The government has raised the security alert level for terrorism to its highest, reinforcing border controls and patrols at all Christmas markets across France.

Hundreds of police, two helicopters, officers from elite anti-terror units and soldiers deployed Wednesday for the manhunt. 
Among the victims, two were killed outright and another has been declared brain-dead, while 12 more were injured, six critically, Heitz said.

The shooting spree comes as French leader Emmanuel Macron faces the biggest crisis of his presidency after three weeks of anti-government demonstrations sparked by fuel tax rises.

Security forces were already stretched by the often violent demonstrations during which five people have died and more than 1,400 been injured.

Police had wanted to arrest Cherif on Tuesday morning as part of a investigation into an attempted murder, Nunez said.

He was not at home, but police found a grenade, four knives and a pistol.

Strasbourg mayor Roland Ries said most of the victims were men, including one Thai tourist who was among the dead.

"Some were shot in the head," Ries told BFM television.&nbsp;

In Rome, the foreign ministry said one of the injured was an Italian journalist covering the European parliament, but did not confirm media reports that he was in a serious condition.

France shaken by attacks

France has been targeted by a series of attacks by Islamist gunmen since 2015, and the Strasbourg market was long considered a target.

Strict vehicle restrictions, security checks and patrols by armed police and soldiers have become the norm.&nbsp;

The SITE intelligence group, which monitors jihadist activity, said in November that a group aligned with the Islamic State group had warned of a Strasbourg attack with a social media post titled "O Christmas here we come - Strasbourg, 01 January 2019."

In 2016, a 23-year-old Tunisian killed 12 and injured 48 others when he ploughed a truck into a Christmas market in Berlin in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group.

He was shot dead by Italian police three days later after travelling through several European countries.

In November 2015, groups of jihadists murdered 130 people in Paris on November 13 in a coordinated rampage by Islamic State extremists that shook the country and Europe.&nbsp;

A 20-year-old Chechnya-born man went on a knife rampage in central Paris in May, killing one person and injuring four.

A total of 246 people have been killed in terror attacks in France since 2015, according to an AFP toll.

A fugitive gunman who opened fire on Christmas shoppers at a market in Strasbourg, eastern France, shouted "Allahu akbar" (God is greatest) during his killing spree, French officials said Wednesday as anti-terror police joined a giant manhunt.

A fugitive gunman who opened fire on Christmas shoppers at a market in Strasbourg, eastern France, shouted "Allahu akbar" (God is greatest) during his killing spree, French officials said Wednesday as anti-terror police joined a giant manhunt. The attack took place Tuesday night around 8 pm (1900 GMT) in the heart of the medieval city as the market was closing, leaving two dead and 13 injured. Witnesses said the suspect, a 29-year-old Strasbourg native identified as Cherif C., cried "Allahu Akbar" as he opened fire with a handgun and stabbed passers-by, France's anti-terror prosecutor Remy Heitz said Wednesday. The man, who was on a watchlist for suspected religious extremists, had already been sentenced 27 times in France, Germany and Switzerland for crimes including violence and robbery. Four people connected to him were detained in Strasbourg overnight, he added. The man was flagged by French security forces in 2015 as a possible extremist while in prison, after he "called for practising a radical form of religion," deputy interior minister Laurent Nunez told France Inter radio Wednesday. He is "known for a number of criminal offences (...) but has never been linked to terrorist offences," Nunez said. The suspect lived in a rundown housing estate a short drive from the Christmas market, which draws some two million people each year to its wooden chalets selling festive decorations, mulled wine and food. "His family has lived around here for a while, but he lived on his own nearby," Zach, a 22-year-old in the Poteries area of Strasbourg, told AFP. "He was discreet, not a thug." Much of the centre of the city as well as the European Parliament building were locked down through night as teams of police and soldiers searched for the gunman. He is thought to have been injured in an exchange of fire with soldiers who were patrolling the Christmas market as part of regular anti-terror operations. The gunman then fled the scene in a taxi. "I heard shooting and then there was pandemonium," one witness, who gave his name as Fatih, told AFP. "People were running everywhere." 'People running everywhere' The government has raised the security alert level for terrorism to its highest, reinforcing border controls and patrols at all Christmas markets across France. Hundreds of police, two helicopters, officers from elite anti-terror units and soldiers deployed Wednesday for the manhunt. Among the victims, two were killed outright and another has been declared brain-dead, while 12 more were injured, six critically, Heitz said. The shooting spree comes as French leader Emmanuel Macron faces the biggest crisis of his presidency after three weeks of anti-government demonstrations sparked by fuel tax rises. Security forces were already stretched by the often violent demonstrations during which five people have died and more than 1,400 been injured. Police had wanted to arrest Cherif on Tuesday morning as part of a investigation into an attempted murder, Nunez said. He was not at home, but police found a grenade, four knives and a pistol. Strasbourg mayor Roland Ries said most of the victims were men, including one Thai tourist who was among the dead. "Some were shot in the head," Ries told BFM television. In Rome, the foreign ministry said one of the injured was an Italian journalist covering the European parliament, but did not confirm media reports that he was in a serious condition. France shaken by attacks France has been targeted by a series of attacks by Islamist gunmen since 2015, and the Strasbourg market was long considered a target. Strict vehicle restrictions, security checks and patrols by armed police and soldiers have become the norm. The SITE intelligence group, which monitors jihadist activity, said in November that a group aligned with the Islamic State group had warned of a Strasbourg attack with a social media post titled "O Christmas here we come - Strasbourg, 01 January 2019." In 2016, a 23-year-old Tunisian killed 12 and injured 48 others when he ploughed a truck into a Christmas market in Berlin in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group. He was shot dead by Italian police three days later after travelling through several European countries. In November 2015, groups of jihadists murdered 130 people in Paris on November 13 in a coordinated rampage by Islamic State extremists that shook the country and Europe. A 20-year-old Chechnya-born man went on a knife rampage in central Paris in May, killing one person and injuring four. A total of 246 people have been killed in terror attacks in France since 2015, according to an AFP toll.

Strasbourg shooting suspect cried out 'Allahu Akbar': Paris prosecutor

At least 15 people were killed and ten others wounded in the central Somalia town of Galkayo on Monday when Shabaab militants attacked a Sufi religious centre, officials said.

The attack on the residential compound and shrine, home to a controversial Sufi cleric and his followers, took place early Monday while residents were still asleep.

"The attackers used a vehicle loaded with explosives to make their way into the compound before shooting indiscriminately at people inside," said Abdirahman Mohamed, a security officer, adding that 15 people had been killed and 10 wounded.

"The targeted cleric was killed in the attack together with some of his followers," Mohamed said.

Qoje Ahmed, another security official, said security forces had battled the attackers, who included four gunmen and a suicide bomber. He said one had been captured alive.

"The blast was very huge," said witness Jamila Farah. "It destroyed most&nbsp; 
buildings in the compound." Somalia's Al-Qaeda affiliate, the Shabaab, claimed responsibility for the attack saying it had targeted the cleric, Abdiweli Ali Elmi, alleging that he "had claimed to be a prophet".

The group is fighting to overthrow the internationally-backed government in Mogadishu and to impose an austere from of Islamic rule.

It regularly carries out bloody bombings and assaults against government, military and civilian targets.

Elmi was a controversial Sufi leader who had set up his own breakaway sect in Galkayo, attracting hundreds of followers who would play music and sing songs in praise of the Prophet Mohamed, a form or worship abhorred by the Shabaab.

At least 15 people were killed and ten others wounded in the central Somalia town of Galkayo on Monday when Shabaab militants attacked a Sufi religious centre, officials said.

At least 15 people were killed and ten others wounded in the central Somalia town of Galkayo on Monday when Shabaab militants attacked a Sufi religious centre, officials said. The attack on the residential compound and shrine, home to a controversial Sufi cleric and his followers, took place early Monday while residents were still asleep. "The attackers used a vehicle loaded with explosives to make their way into the compound before shooting indiscriminately at people inside," said Abdirahman Mohamed, a security officer, adding that 15 people had been killed and 10 wounded. "The targeted cleric was killed in the attack together with some of his followers," Mohamed said. Qoje Ahmed, another security official, said security forces had battled the attackers, who included four gunmen and a suicide bomber. He said one had been captured alive. "The blast was very huge," said witness Jamila Farah. "It destroyed most buildings in the compound." Somalia's Al-Qaeda affiliate, the Shabaab, claimed responsibility for the attack saying it had targeted the cleric, Abdiweli Ali Elmi, alleging that he "had claimed to be a prophet". The group is fighting to overthrow the internationally-backed government in Mogadishu and to impose an austere from of Islamic rule. It regularly carries out bloody bombings and assaults against government, military and civilian targets. Elmi was a controversial Sufi leader who had set up his own breakaway sect in Galkayo, attracting hundreds of followers who would play music and sing songs in praise of the Prophet Mohamed, a form or worship abhorred by the Shabaab.

Video: At least 15 dead, 10 wounded after Shabaab militants attacked Sufi religious centre in Somalia

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