Holding supposedly the world's biggest nuclear arsenal, Russian President Vladimir Putin has placed strategic forces on high alert on Sunday as his forces are embroiled in conflict with Ukraine. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On Monday, Russia's defence ministry said its nuclear missile forces and Northern and Pacific fleets had been placed on "enhanced" combat duty. The decision has been made in line with Putin’s order. &nbsp;

As there is a fear of an outbreak of nuclear war, let’s get acquainted with the capabilities of Russia. &nbsp;

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Russia has the largest number of nuclear warheads in the world. It has 6,255 warheads, while the US commands 5,550. China follows behind with 350 and France has 290, said SIPRI, a research institute in Stockholm. &nbsp;

In 2020, Russia spent $8 billion on the building and maintenance of nuclear arsenal, as per Nobel peace prize-winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). &nbsp;

The Russian constitution grants control of the nuclear weapons to the president, but the transmission of any order for its use, and the authentication of it, also includes the defence minister and the chief of staff of armed forces. &nbsp;

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But will the Russian president go for nuclear weapons? Or will the military implement the order, if it comes? Experts are still in doubt. &nbsp;

"I personally don't think the Russian military elite will cheer at the idea of limited nuclear use in or about Ukraine," tweeted Kristin Ven Bruusgaard at Stanford University's Center for International Security and Cooperation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Holding supposedly the world's biggest nuclear arsenal, Russian President Vladimir Putin has placed strategic forces on high alert on Sunday as his forces are embroiled in conflict with Ukraine.

Holding supposedly the world's biggest nuclear arsenal, Russian President Vladimir Putin has placed strategic forces on high alert on Sunday as his forces are embroiled in conflict with Ukraine. On Monday, Russia's defence ministry said its nuclear missile forces and Northern and Pacific fleets had been placed on "enhanced" combat duty. The decision has been made in line with Putin’s order. As there is a fear of an outbreak of nuclear war, let’s get acquainted with the capabilities of Russia. Also Read: 'Russia using ‘brutal’ cluster explosives, vacuum bombs in Ukraine' Russia has the largest number of nuclear warheads in the world. It has 6,255 warheads, while the US commands 5,550. China follows behind with 350 and France has 290, said SIPRI, a research institute in Stockholm. In 2020, Russia spent $8 billion on the building and maintenance of nuclear arsenal, as per Nobel peace prize-winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). The Russian constitution grants control of the nuclear weapons to the president, but the transmission of any order for its use, and the authentication of it, also includes the defence minister and the chief of staff of armed forces. Also Read: 64-km-long Russian military convoy heads for Kyiv, show satellite images But will the Russian president go for nuclear weapons? Or will the military implement the order, if it comes? Experts are still in doubt. "I personally don't think the Russian military elite will cheer at the idea of limited nuclear use in or about Ukraine," tweeted Kristin Ven Bruusgaard at Stanford University's Center for International Security and Cooperation. (With inputs from agencies)

Nuclear war outbreak’s fear grows. What are nuke capabilities of Russia?  

When Russia first invaded Ukraine, war experts said that a nuclear strike would be unlikely, but nonetheless a matter of concern, considering that the invasion launched Europe's greatest military campaign since WWII.&nbsp;

Fresh weaponry and other supplies continue to flow into Ukraine from both the European Union and the United States, allowing Ukrainian soldiers to continue fighting.&nbsp;

On the ground, the balance of forces is not totally or perfectly equal, but what was originally a completely disproportioned asymmetry of forces has been steadily re-equilibrated in favour of Ukrainian troops.&nbsp;

The crisis has now become a war of endurance.

If you're worried about the present crisis in Ukraine, you're acting rationally.

We are closer to a full-blown war than we have been since the early 1980s between the two greatest nuclear-armed states.

The US and Russia are not exactly at odds, and President Joe Biden has sensibly decided against sending US troops to Ukraine. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: 5 videos that tell the story Russia's Ukraine invasion

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Neither country would deliberately launch a "bolt-out-of-the-blue" nuclear attack.&nbsp;

Putin's plan to employ tactical nuclear weapons does not seem that farfetched any longer.

In reality, on Sunday, he raised the alert level for Russia's nuclear forces, but it was unclear what that meant in practise.

At all times, Russia and the United States are assumed to keep their land-based and submarine-based nuclear missiles in high readiness.

While they carefully select which instruments of coercion to use, they have both established "integrated deterrence" doctrines during the last decade that include nuclear weapons among the coercive alternatives they use.&nbsp;

What are the potential dangers?

Even if Putin's statement is intended as a warning rather than a declaration of war, there is always the potential for a mistake if one side misinterprets the other or events spiral out of control.

Putin has become isolated and out of touch, with few of his advisers ready to tell him the truth, which is a source of concern.

Some believe his judgement is becoming increasingly unpredictable.

Some hope, though, that if he goes too far, others further up the line of command will refuse to carry out orders.

The chances of a nuclear war have increased marginally, although they remain low.

What is the state of Russia's nuclear arsenal? How does it compare to other countries?

Russia has the world's largest nuclear arsenal, with over 6,000 warheads.

Most of those warheads were in reserve when Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, with just roughly 1,600 deployed as land, sea, and air-based weapons, such as missiles in silos or bombs dropped by planes. (Nuclear weapons were left on Ukrainian land when the USSR came apart at the conclusion of the Cold War, but Ukraine returned them to Russia.)&nbsp;

Russia, United States, China, France, the United Kingdom, India, Israel, North Korea, and Pakistan are known to possess nuclear weapons.

This includes every permanent member of the United Nations Security Council who has worked for decades to update it's nuclear weapons, as well as three NATO countries.

Since the conclusion of the Cold War, the overall number of weapons has decreased by nearly 80%, from an estimated 70,300 in 1986 to 12,700 in early 2022.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

When Russia first invaded Ukraine, war experts said that a nuclear strike would be unlikely, but nonetheless a matter of concern, considering that the invasion launched Europe's greatest military campaign since WWII.

When Russia first invaded Ukraine, war experts said that a nuclear strike would be unlikely, but nonetheless a matter of concern, considering that the invasion launched Europe's greatest military campaign since WWII. Fresh weaponry and other supplies continue to flow into Ukraine from both the European Union and the United States, allowing Ukrainian soldiers to continue fighting. On the ground, the balance of forces is not totally or perfectly equal, but what was originally a completely disproportioned asymmetry of forces has been steadily re-equilibrated in favour of Ukrainian troops. The crisis has now become a war of endurance. If you're worried about the present crisis in Ukraine, you're acting rationally. We are closer to a full-blown war than we have been since the early 1980s between the two greatest nuclear-armed states. The US and Russia are not exactly at odds, and President Joe Biden has sensibly decided against sending US troops to Ukraine. Watch | Gravitas: 5 videos that tell the story Russia's Ukraine invasion Neither country would deliberately launch a "bolt-out-of-the-blue" nuclear attack. Putin's plan to employ tactical nuclear weapons does not seem that farfetched any longer. In reality, on Sunday, he raised the alert level for Russia's nuclear forces, but it was unclear what that meant in practise. At all times, Russia and the United States are assumed to keep their land-based and submarine-based nuclear missiles in high readiness. While they carefully select which instruments of coercion to use, they have both established "integrated deterrence" doctrines during the last decade that include nuclear weapons among the coercive alternatives they use. What are the potential dangers? Even if Putin's statement is intended as a warning rather than a declaration of war, there is always the potential for a mistake if one side misinterprets the other or events spiral out of control. Putin has become isolated and out of touch, with few of his advisers ready to tell him the truth, which is a source of concern. Some believe his judgement is becoming increasingly unpredictable. Some hope, though, that if he goes too far, others further up the line of command will refuse to carry out orders. The chances of a nuclear war have increased marginally, although they remain low. What is the state of Russia's nuclear arsenal? How does it compare to other countries? Russia has the world's largest nuclear arsenal, with over 6,000 warheads. Most of those warheads were in reserve when Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, with just roughly 1,600 deployed as land, sea, and air-based weapons, such as missiles in silos or bombs dropped by planes. (Nuclear weapons were left on Ukrainian land when the USSR came apart at the conclusion of the Cold War, but Ukraine returned them to Russia.) Russia, United States, China, France, the United Kingdom, India, Israel, North Korea, and Pakistan are known to possess nuclear weapons. This includes every permanent member of the United Nations Security Council who has worked for decades to update it's nuclear weapons, as well as three NATO countries. Since the conclusion of the Cold War, the overall number of weapons has decreased by nearly 80%, from an estimated 70,300 in 1986 to 12,700 in early 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Will there be a nuclear war? Your questions answered

Belarus has decided to give up on its non-nuclear status as on Monday it voted to allow the country to host nuclear weapons and Russian forces permanently. Central Election Commission head Igor Karpenko said that 65.16 per cent of referendum participants voted in favour of the amendments and 10.07 per cent voted against. The voter turnout stood at 78.63 per cent.&nbsp;

The development comes at a time when Ukraine is under attack from Russian troops and delegations from Moscow and Kyiv are meeting for talks on the Belarusian border.&nbsp;

By amending the constitution Lukashenko is following the footsteps of Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;In 2020, Putin oversaw a vote on constitutional changes. This made it possible for him to remain in power until 2036.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a top US intelligence official quoted by the news agency Associated Press has stated that Belarus may send its troops to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Belarus has been providing indirect support but, has so far, not taken a direct part.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-russia-claims-to-have-besieged-two-big-cities-in-ukraine-455211">Also read |&nbsp;LIVE | Russian news agency TASS hacked, anti-Putin message displayed</a>

The anonymous official is believed to have direct knowledge of the ongoing American intelligence assessments. He said that the decision of involving his country in the war, by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, depends on the Russia-Ukraine talks over the next few days.

Ukraine, on Sunday, said that it was ready to hold talks with Russia at the Ukraine-Belarus border near the Chernobyl exclusion zone.&nbsp;

Moscow has wanted to hold the talks in Kremlin-aligned Belarus.&nbsp;

Zelensky, refusing to travel to Minsk, said Kyiv had proposed "Warsaw, Bratislava, Budapest, Istanbul, Baku" as options to Russia.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agency)

Belarus has decided to give up on its non-nuclear status as on Monday it voted to allow the country to host nuclear weapons and Russian forces permanently. Central Election Commission head Igor Karpenko said that 65.

Belarus has decided to give up on its non-nuclear status as on Monday it voted to allow the country to host nuclear weapons and Russian forces permanently. Central Election Commission head Igor Karpenko said that 65.16 per cent of referendum participants voted in favour of the amendments and 10.07 per cent voted against. The voter turnout stood at 78.63 per cent. The development comes at a time when Ukraine is under attack from Russian troops and delegations from Moscow and Kyiv are meeting for talks on the Belarusian border. By amending the constitution Lukashenko is following the footsteps of Russian President Vladimir Putin. In 2020, Putin oversaw a vote on constitutional changes. This made it possible for him to remain in power until 2036. Meanwhile, a top US intelligence official quoted by the news agency Associated Press has stated that Belarus may send its troops to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Belarus has been providing indirect support but, has so far, not taken a direct part. Also read | LIVE | Russian news agency TASS hacked, anti-Putin message displayed The anonymous official is believed to have direct knowledge of the ongoing American intelligence assessments. He said that the decision of involving his country in the war, by Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, depends on the Russia-Ukraine talks over the next few days. Ukraine, on Sunday, said that it was ready to hold talks with Russia at the Ukraine-Belarus border near the Chernobyl exclusion zone. Moscow has wanted to hold the talks in Kremlin-aligned Belarus. Zelensky, refusing to travel to Minsk, said Kyiv had proposed "Warsaw, Bratislava, Budapest, Istanbul, Baku" as options to Russia. (With inputs from agency)

Ukraine invasion: Belarus gives up non-nuclear status, approves hosting Russian forces permanently

Russian forces have captured the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, an adviser to the Ukrainian presidential office, Mykhailo Podolyak, said on Thursday. &nbsp;

"It is impossible to say the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is safe after a totally pointless attack by the Russians. This is one of the most serious threats in Europe today," Podolyak said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-premeditated-ukraine-conflict-us-uk-hit-russia-with-new-sanctions-456254">For 'premeditated' Ukraine conflict, US, UK hit Russia with new sanctions</a>

Before crossing into Ukraine early on Thursday, some Russian military troops massed in the Chernobyl "exclusion zone", a Russian security source said. &nbsp;

Russia wants to bring the Chernobyl nuclear reactor into control to signal NATO not to interfere militarily, the source added. &nbsp;

In 1986, the Chernobyl disaster in then-Soviet Ukraine had sent clouds of nuclear material across Europe. This had happened due to a botched safety test in the fourth reactor of the atomic plant. &nbsp;

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Now, it has become a tourist attraction. The Chernobyl zone was shut for tourists a week before the Russian conflict with Ukraine broke out. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a tweet, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said, "Our defenders are giving their lives so that the tragedy of 1986 will not be repeated. This is a declaration of war against the whole of Europe." &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

Russian forces have captured the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, an adviser to the Ukrainian presidential office, Mykhailo Podolyak, said on Thursday. "It is impossible to say the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is safe after a totally pointless attack by the Russians.

Russian forces have captured the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, an adviser to the Ukrainian presidential office, Mykhailo Podolyak, said on Thursday. "It is impossible to say the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is safe after a totally pointless attack by the Russians. This is one of the most serious threats in Europe today," Podolyak said. Also Read: For 'premeditated' Ukraine conflict, US, UK hit Russia with new sanctions Before crossing into Ukraine early on Thursday, some Russian military troops massed in the Chernobyl "exclusion zone", a Russian security source said. Russia wants to bring the Chernobyl nuclear reactor into control to signal NATO not to interfere militarily, the source added. In 1986, the Chernobyl disaster in then-Soviet Ukraine had sent clouds of nuclear material across Europe. This had happened due to a botched safety test in the fourth reactor of the atomic plant. Also Read: Zelensky warns Russian 'sabotage groups' in Kyiv; plane downed, claims Ukraine Now, it has become a tourist attraction. The Chernobyl zone was shut for tourists a week before the Russian conflict with Ukraine broke out. In a tweet, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said, "Our defenders are giving their lives so that the tragedy of 1986 will not be repeated. This is a declaration of war against the whole of Europe." (With inputs from agencies)

Russian forces capture Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine, says official

Indian security forces have neutralised terrorists in Jammu & Kashmir's Srinagar. Two pistols have also been recovered after the operation.

Indian security forces neutralise terrorists in Srinagar, 2 pistols recovered after operation

A UN report seen by Reuters says the Taliban and its allies are believed to have killed scores of former Afghan officials, security force members and people who worked with the international military contingent since the US-led pullout.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ report to the UN&nbsp;Security Council paints a picture of worsening living conditions for Afghanistan’s 39 million people despite an end of combat with the Taliban's takeover in August.

"An entire complex social and economic system is shutting down," Guterres said.

The report sounds the latest in a series of warnings the UN&nbsp;chief has issued in recent months about the humanitarian and economic crises that accelerated after the Taliban seized Kabul as the last US-led foreign troops left and international donors cut critical financial aid.

Guterres recommended the council approve a restructuring of the UN&nbsp;mission to deal with the situation, including the creation of a new human rights monitoring unit.

The UN mission "continues to receive credible allegations of killings, enforced disappearances and other violations" against former officials, security force members and people who worked for the US-led international military contingent despite a general amnesty announced by the Taliban, the report said.

The mission has determined as credible reports that more than 100 of those individuals have been killed – more than two-thirds of them allegedly by the Taliban or their affiliates – since August&nbsp;15, it said.

There also are credible allegations of the extra-judicial killings of at least 50 people suspected of belonging to the local branch of the Islamic State militant group, according to the report.

"Human rights defenders and media workers continue to come under attack, intimidation, harassment, arbitrary arrest, ill-treatment and killings," it said.

A UN report seen by Reuters says the Taliban and its allies are believed to have killed scores of former Afghan officials, security force members and people who worked with the international military contingent since the US-led pullout.

A UN report seen by Reuters says the Taliban and its allies are believed to have killed scores of former Afghan officials, security force members and people who worked with the international military contingent since the US-led pullout. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ report to the UN Security Council paints a picture of worsening living conditions for Afghanistan’s 39 million people despite an end of combat with the Taliban's takeover in August. "An entire complex social and economic system is shutting down," Guterres said. The report sounds the latest in a series of warnings the UN chief has issued in recent months about the humanitarian and economic crises that accelerated after the Taliban seized Kabul as the last US-led foreign troops left and international donors cut critical financial aid. Guterres recommended the council approve a restructuring of the UN mission to deal with the situation, including the creation of a new human rights monitoring unit. The UN mission "continues to receive credible allegations of killings, enforced disappearances and other violations" against former officials, security force members and people who worked for the US-led international military contingent despite a general amnesty announced by the Taliban, the report said. The mission has determined as credible reports that more than 100 of those individuals have been killed – more than two-thirds of them allegedly by the Taliban or their affiliates – since August 15, it said. There also are credible allegations of the extra-judicial killings of at least 50 people suspected of belonging to the local branch of the Islamic State militant group, according to the report. "Human rights defenders and media workers continue to come under attack, intimidation, harassment, arbitrary arrest, ill-treatment and killings," it said.

UN report says Taliban have killed scores of former Afghan officials, others

The Indian Air Force's prompt actions in response to developments in eastern Ladakh last year were a testament to the combat readiness of the force, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhary said on Friday.

In an address to the air warriors on the occasion of the 89th Air Force Day, the Chief of Air Staff also said that the IAF must demonstrate to the nation that external forces will not be allowed to violate its territory.

"As our challenges continue to rise, so does our strength and resolve to ensure best possible application of air power. When I look at the security scenario that we face today, I am acutely conscious that I have assumed the command at a crucial time," he said at the event held at the Hindon airbase on the outskirts of Delhi.

"We must demonstrate to the nation that external forces will not be allowed to violate our territory. I pledge to do all I can to provide you with clear direction, good leadership and the best of resources that I can muster," he said.

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Air Chief Marshal Chaudhary said the year gone by was "quite challenging yet extremely rewarding".

"The prompt actions in response to developments in eastern Ladakh was a testament to the Indian Air Force's combat readiness. Our efforts in completing all Covid-related tasks was also a major achievement in support of the national efforts," he said.

The Chief of Air Staff said the security environment in the region and beyond has been "impacted by a complex interplay of geopolitical forces".

"Moreover, the advent of new domains over and above the traditional domains of land, sea and air has resulted in a paradigm shift in the way military operations will be conducted," he said.

Air Chief Marshal Chaudhary said the ongoing capability enhancement in the Indian Air Force is aimed at providing the optimum means for employing air power and achieving desired results "swiftly and decisively".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-to-take-part-in-exercises-in-israel-egypt-418459">Also read |&nbsp;Indian Air Force to take part in exercises in Israel, Egypt</a>

"I will continue to rely on your skills, courage, determination and hard work in the years ahead. Remember that it is our sacred duty to protect the nation's sovereignty and integrity at any cost and you are to do what it takes to ensure that we do not let the nation down," he said.

The Indian Air Force's prompt actions in response to developments in eastern Ladakh last year were a testament to the combat readiness of the force, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhary said on Friday.

The Indian Air Force's prompt actions in response to developments in eastern Ladakh last year were a testament to the combat readiness of the force, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhary said on Friday. In an address to the air warriors on the occasion of the 89th Air Force Day, the Chief of Air Staff also said that the IAF must demonstrate to the nation that external forces will not be allowed to violate its territory. "As our challenges continue to rise, so does our strength and resolve to ensure best possible application of air power. When I look at the security scenario that we face today, I am acutely conscious that I have assumed the command at a crucial time," he said at the event held at the Hindon airbase on the outskirts of Delhi. "We must demonstrate to the nation that external forces will not be allowed to violate our territory. I pledge to do all I can to provide you with clear direction, good leadership and the best of resources that I can muster," he said. Also read | Air force day 2021: Parade to commemorate 1971 war victory Air Chief Marshal Chaudhary said the year gone by was "quite challenging yet extremely rewarding". "The prompt actions in response to developments in eastern Ladakh was a testament to the Indian Air Force's combat readiness. Our efforts in completing all Covid-related tasks was also a major achievement in support of the national efforts," he said. The Chief of Air Staff said the security environment in the region and beyond has been "impacted by a complex interplay of geopolitical forces". "Moreover, the advent of new domains over and above the traditional domains of land, sea and air has resulted in a paradigm shift in the way military operations will be conducted," he said. Air Chief Marshal Chaudhary said the ongoing capability enhancement in the Indian Air Force is aimed at providing the optimum means for employing air power and achieving desired results "swiftly and decisively". Also read | Indian Air Force to take part in exercises in Israel, Egypt "I will continue to rely on your skills, courage, determination and hard work in the years ahead. Remember that it is our sacred duty to protect the nation's sovereignty and integrity at any cost and you are to do what it takes to ensure that we do not let the nation down," he said.

Won't allow external forces to violate our territory, says Air Chief Marshal

In an attempt to recapture the 266 inmates, who escaped a Nigerian prison on Sunday, the prison service said on Tuesday that it has nabbed a total of 114 inmates. &nbsp;

Blowing up the perimeter fence and freeing almost everyone, heavily armed gunmen had raided the medium-security jail at Kabba in south-central Nigeria late on Sunday. In the incident, a soldier and a police officer were also killed, said authorities. &nbsp;

Watch | Report: Russia's wanger group could send troops to Mali

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In what was the second major jailbreak in Nigeria this year, the attackers fought a gun battle with guards. &nbsp;

A spokesman said, “Following the attack … and the swift intervention of the controller general of corrections … a total of 114 escapees have been recaptured.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

For some years, Nigeria has been suffering several security issues across its vast territory, which include an Islamic insurgency in the northeast, a spate of mass abductions from schools in the northwest and armed robberies by criminal gangs.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-villagers-flee-amid-stench-of-dead-bodies-413250" hreflang="en">Ethiopian villagers flee amid stench of dead bodies</a>&nbsp;

At Kabba, 28 out of the 294 inmates did not escape, the interior ministry said. It meant 266 had got away. The prison service had earlier put the number of fugitives at 240. &nbsp;

Extra armed guards have been deployed to beef up security at the prison, and urged the remaining escapees to turn in themselves within the next 24 hours, said the spokesman. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In an attempt to recapture the 266 inmates, who escaped a Nigerian prison on Sunday, the prison service said on Tuesday that it has nabbed a total of 114 inmates.

In an attempt to recapture the 266 inmates, who escaped a Nigerian prison on Sunday, the prison service said on Tuesday that it has nabbed a total of 114 inmates. Blowing up the perimeter fence and freeing almost everyone, heavily armed gunmen had raided the medium-security jail at Kabba in south-central Nigeria late on Sunday. In the incident, a soldier and a police officer were also killed, said authorities. Watch | Report: Russia's wanger group could send troops to Mali × In what was the second major jailbreak in Nigeria this year, the attackers fought a gun battle with guards. A spokesman said, “Following the attack … and the swift intervention of the controller general of corrections … a total of 114 escapees have been recaptured.” For some years, Nigeria has been suffering several security issues across its vast territory, which include an Islamic insurgency in the northeast, a spate of mass abductions from schools in the northwest and armed robberies by criminal gangs. Also Read: Ethiopian villagers flee amid stench of dead bodies At Kabba, 28 out of the 294 inmates did not escape, the interior ministry said. It meant 266 had got away. The prison service had earlier put the number of fugitives at 240. Extra armed guards have been deployed to beef up security at the prison, and urged the remaining escapees to turn in themselves within the next 24 hours, said the spokesman. (With inputs from agencies)

114 of 266 inmates recaptured by Nigerian forces after mass jailbreak  

With the possibility of an ISIS terror attack, the US military has decided to establish "alternative routes" to Kabul airport. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The development comes as US President Joe Biden met with senior officials to discuss the security situation in Afghanistan and counter-terrorism operations against the terror group ISIS-K on Saturday. &nbsp;

The Islamic State offshoot poses a threat to the airport and its surroundings. A US defence official told CNN, "There is a strong possibility ISIS-K is trying to carry off an attack at the airport." &nbsp;&nbsp;

A senior diplomat in Kabul also confirmed, they are aware of a credible but not immediate threat by Islamic State against Americans at Hamid Karzai International Airport. &nbsp;

To avert an attack, the military has established "alternative routes" for people to get to Kabul airport and its access gates. These new routes will be available to US citizens, third party nationals and qualified Afghans. &nbsp;

An official said, the Taliban are aware of the new effort and are coordinating with the US. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, UK's defence ministry said that at least seven people were killed in the chaos near Kabul airport. &nbsp;

Boris Johnson government's announcement comes even as reports said Taliban rulers had imposed some order around the chaotic Kabul airport on Sunday. &nbsp;

"Our sincere thoughts are with the families of the seven Afghan civilians, who have sadly died in crowds in Kabul," the UK defence ministry said in a statement. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

With the possibility of an ISIS terror attack, the US military has decided to establish "alternative routes" to Kabul airport. The development comes as US President Joe Biden met with senior officials to discuss the security situation in Afghanistan and counter-terrorism operations against the terror group ISIS-K on Saturday.

With the possibility of an ISIS terror attack, the US military has decided to establish "alternative routes" to Kabul airport. The development comes as US President Joe Biden met with senior officials to discuss the security situation in Afghanistan and counter-terrorism operations against the terror group ISIS-K on Saturday. The Islamic State offshoot poses a threat to the airport and its surroundings. A US defence official told CNN, "There is a strong possibility ISIS-K is trying to carry off an attack at the airport." A senior diplomat in Kabul also confirmed, they are aware of a credible but not immediate threat by Islamic State against Americans at Hamid Karzai International Airport. To avert an attack, the military has established "alternative routes" for people to get to Kabul airport and its access gates. These new routes will be available to US citizens, third party nationals and qualified Afghans. An official said, the Taliban are aware of the new effort and are coordinating with the US. Meanwhile, UK's defence ministry said that at least seven people were killed in the chaos near Kabul airport. Boris Johnson government's announcement comes even as reports said Taliban rulers had imposed some order around the chaotic Kabul airport on Sunday. "Our sincere thoughts are with the families of the seven Afghan civilians, who have sadly died in crowds in Kabul," the UK defence ministry said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

US forces establish alternate routes to Kabul airport over ISIS threat

At least&nbsp;four&nbsp;Palestinians&nbsp;were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;Monday in&nbsp;clashes&nbsp;with Israeli security&nbsp;forces&nbsp;at Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank, an Israeli official and the Palestinian health ministry said.

The&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;Border Police, which operates in the Israeli occupied West Bank, said its&nbsp;forces&nbsp;came under fire during a search for a Palestinian suspected of involvement in "terrorist" activities.&nbsp;

The Palestinian health ministry said that "two citizens were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;by the occupation at dawn in Jenin", identifying them as Raed Abu Saif, 21, and Saleh Omar, 19.

An AFP journalist saw two bodies at the Jenin hospital morgue, where witnesses said Israeli&nbsp;forces&nbsp;had also taken the bodies of two other&nbsp;Palestinians.

An Israeli border police spokesman said two other bodies were in the custody of his&nbsp;forces.

"Heavy gunfire was opened at a short range by a large number" of people, the Israeli official said.

"The border police force fired back at the terrorists and neutralised them. There were no victims among our ranks," he told AFP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-5-dead-at-kabul-airport-as-us-officials-leave-afghanistan-report-405955">Also read |&nbsp;At least 5 dead at Kabul airport as US officials leave Afghanistan: Report</a>

In recent weeks there have been numerous&nbsp;clashes&nbsp;between Israeli&nbsp;forces&nbsp;and&nbsp;Palestinians&nbsp;in the northern occupied West Bank, mainly in Jenin and Beita.

The inhabitants of Beita have held a number of demonstrations in recent weeks against the Israeli occupation and the settlement expansion, triggering violent confrontations.

The&nbsp;clashes&nbsp;with the Israeli security&nbsp;forces&nbsp;have claimed the lives of several&nbsp;Palestinians&nbsp;and left hundreds more injured.

Beita residents have been demonstrating since May against the wildcat Jewish settlement of Eviatar set up nearby without official permission from Israeli authorities.

The settlement was evacuated in early July but Israeli army troops remain stationed there while authorities deliberate on its fate.

If the settlement is approved, its founders will be allowed to take up residence there more permanently.

Beita's residents have vowed to continue their campaign until the army also leaves the outpost.

Israel&nbsp;occupied the West Bank during the 1967 Six-Day War and all Jewish settlements there are considered illegal by most of the international community.

Almost half a million people live in Israeli settlements in the West Bank, alongside 2.8 million&nbsp;Palestinians.

At least four Palestinians were killed Monday in clashes with Israeli security forces at Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank, an Israeli official and the Palestinian health ministry said.

At least four Palestinians were killed Monday in clashes with Israeli security forces at Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank, an Israeli official and the Palestinian health ministry said. The Israel Border Police, which operates in the Israeli occupied West Bank, said its forces came under fire during a search for a Palestinian suspected of involvement in "terrorist" activities. The Palestinian health ministry said that "two citizens were killed by the occupation at dawn in Jenin", identifying them as Raed Abu Saif, 21, and Saleh Omar, 19. An AFP journalist saw two bodies at the Jenin hospital morgue, where witnesses said Israeli forces had also taken the bodies of two other Palestinians. An Israeli border police spokesman said two other bodies were in the custody of his forces. "Heavy gunfire was opened at a short range by a large number" of people, the Israeli official said. "The border police force fired back at the terrorists and neutralised them. There were no victims among our ranks," he told AFP. Also read | At least 5 dead at Kabul airport as US officials leave Afghanistan: Report In recent weeks there have been numerous clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians in the northern occupied West Bank, mainly in Jenin and Beita. The inhabitants of Beita have held a number of demonstrations in recent weeks against the Israeli occupation and the settlement expansion, triggering violent confrontations. The clashes with the Israeli security forces have claimed the lives of several Palestinians and left hundreds more injured. Beita residents have been demonstrating since May against the wildcat Jewish settlement of Eviatar set up nearby without official permission from Israeli authorities. The settlement was evacuated in early July but Israeli army troops remain stationed there while authorities deliberate on its fate. If the settlement is approved, its founders will be allowed to take up residence there more permanently. Beita's residents have vowed to continue their campaign until the army also leaves the outpost. Israel occupied the West Bank during the 1967 Six-Day War and all Jewish settlements there are considered illegal by most of the international community. Almost half a million people live in Israeli settlements in the West Bank, alongside 2.8 million Palestinians.

Four Palestinians killed in clashes with Israel forces

The capital of Jawzjan province in northern Afghanistan fell to the Taliban after week-long violent clashes with the government forces, TOLO News reported on Saturday.

The Afghan news agency reported that the strategic city of Sheberghan is the second provincial capital to fall to the Taliban in the last two days.

Local lawmakers blamed the Afghan government for the security situation in Jawzjan and said it has remained indifferent to this matter. This comes as 150 members of the public uprising forces have newly arrived in Sheberghan to help other forces on the ground, media reports said on Friday.

On Friday, the Taliban captured the capital of Nimroz province in southwestern Afghanistan. Zaranj fell to the Taliban with no resistance by government forces, TOLO reported.

At the UNSC meeting on Afghanistan on Friday, member states expressed concern at the deteriorating situation and called for a political settlement.

Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Deborah Lyons, in her address, questioned the Taliban's commitment to peace negotiations and cautioned that the war had now entered a 'deadlier and more destructive' phase, with over 1,000 civilians killed during the past month on account of Taliban offensives.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan's Permanent Representative to the UN Ghulam M Isaczai said that the Taliban is receiving assistance from foreign fighters of transnational terrorist networks while committing "barbaric" acts in the war-torn country.

"In a deliberate act of barbarism Taliban isn't alone. They're assisted by foreign fighters from transnational terrorist networks. Together they are threatening peace, security and stability in Afghanistan and also in our region and beyond," Isaczai said.

The capital of Jawzjan province in northern Afghanistan fell to the Taliban after week-long violent clashes with the government forces, TOLO News reported on Saturday.

The capital of Jawzjan province in northern Afghanistan fell to the Taliban after week-long violent clashes with the government forces, TOLO News reported on Saturday. The Afghan news agency reported that the strategic city of Sheberghan is the second provincial capital to fall to the Taliban in the last two days. Local lawmakers blamed the Afghan government for the security situation in Jawzjan and said it has remained indifferent to this matter. This comes as 150 members of the public uprising forces have newly arrived in Sheberghan to help other forces on the ground, media reports said on Friday. On Friday, the Taliban captured the capital of Nimroz province in southwestern Afghanistan. Zaranj fell to the Taliban with no resistance by government forces, TOLO reported. At the UNSC meeting on Afghanistan on Friday, member states expressed concern at the deteriorating situation and called for a political settlement. Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Deborah Lyons, in her address, questioned the Taliban's commitment to peace negotiations and cautioned that the war had now entered a 'deadlier and more destructive' phase, with over 1,000 civilians killed during the past month on account of Taliban offensives. Meanwhile, Afghanistan's Permanent Representative to the UN Ghulam M Isaczai said that the Taliban is receiving assistance from foreign fighters of transnational terrorist networks while committing "barbaric" acts in the war-torn country. "In a deliberate act of barbarism Taliban isn't alone. They're assisted by foreign fighters from transnational terrorist networks. Together they are threatening peace, security and stability in Afghanistan and also in our region and beyond," Isaczai said.

Sheberghan: Taliban captures second Afghan provincial capital

Sheberghan, which is the capital of northern Jawzjan province, is witnessing heavy fighting for second day as Taliban takes over some key areas, including the provincial prison, a TOLOnews report said.&nbsp;

On Saturday morning, a video was released by the Taliban, which showed prisoners escaping Jawzjan prison.&nbsp;

In the city, some key areas remained contested for last 24 hours. The provincial governor’s compound was first taken over by Taliban on Friday, then retaken by Afghan forces and sources said the insurgent group recaptured it, the municipality building and the Jawzjan prison.&nbsp;

The Afghan Government security forces are being supported by public forces loyal to Junbish-e-Milli or the National Islamic Movement of Afghanistan, which is led by former vice president Abdul Rashid Dostum.&nbsp;

Around 150 members of the public uprising forces, which are loyal to Junbish and led by Commander Ali Sarwar, have arrived in Sheberghan to help other forces on the ground against Taliban, said Sayed Shamsuddin Sadat, a Junbish-e-Milli senior member.&nbsp;

The fighting has also intensified in Panjsad Family, District 1, Jawzjan city where house of Dostum is located, said sources.&nbsp;

Yar Mohammad Dostum, Dostum’s son, is currently leading the public uprising forces in their fight against the Taliban in the city.&nbsp;

Sheberghan, which is the capital of northern Jawzjan province, is witnessing heavy fighting for second day as Taliban takes over some key areas, including the provincial prison, a TOLOnews report said.

Sheberghan, which is the capital of northern Jawzjan province, is witnessing heavy fighting for second day as Taliban takes over some key areas, including the provincial prison, a TOLOnews report said. On Saturday morning, a video was released by the Taliban, which showed prisoners escaping Jawzjan prison. In the city, some key areas remained contested for last 24 hours. The provincial governor’s compound was first taken over by Taliban on Friday, then retaken by Afghan forces and sources said the insurgent group recaptured it, the municipality building and the Jawzjan prison. The Afghan Government security forces are being supported by public forces loyal to Junbish-e-Milli or the National Islamic Movement of Afghanistan, which is led by former vice president Abdul Rashid Dostum. Around 150 members of the public uprising forces, which are loyal to Junbish and led by Commander Ali Sarwar, have arrived in Sheberghan to help other forces on the ground against Taliban, said Sayed Shamsuddin Sadat, a Junbish-e-Milli senior member. The fighting has also intensified in Panjsad Family, District 1, Jawzjan city where house of Dostum is located, said sources. Yar Mohammad Dostum, Dostum’s son, is currently leading the public uprising forces in their fight against the Taliban in the city.

Heavy fighting continues between Afghan govt forces, Taliban in Sheberghan  

US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Saturday that the Afghan security forces' first job was to make sure they could slow the Taliban's momentum before attempting to retake territory, as Afghan forces plan to consolidate forces around strategically important parts of the country. 
 
Reuters reported that Afghanistan's military is overhauling its war strategy against the Taliban to concentrate forces around the most critical areas like Kabul and other cities, border crossings and vital infrastructure. 
 
"They are consolidating their forces around the key population centers," Austin told reporters during a visit to Alaska. 
 
"In terms of whether or not it will stop the Taliban, I think the first thing to do is to make sure that they can slow the momentum," Austin said, speaking as the US&nbsp;military is set to end its mission in Afghanistan on August&nbsp;31, on orders from President Joe Biden. 
 
Austin added that he believed the Afghans had the capability and the capacity to make progress, but "we'll see what happens." 
 
The politically perilous strategy appears to be a military necessity as over-stretched Afghan troops try to prevent the loss of provincial capitals, which could deeply fracture the country. 
 
Taliban insurgents are gaining control of more and more territory, which the Pentagon estimated on Wednesday now extends to over half of half Afghanistan's district centers. The Taliban are also putting pressure on the outskirts of half of the provincial capitals, trying to isolate them. 
 
The Taliban's swift territorial gains are rattling Afghans just as the United States withdraws from a war that succeeded in punishing al Qaeda following its September&nbsp;11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington but failed to deliver anything close to peace for Afghanistan. 
 
The United States has continued to carry out air strikes to support Afghan government forces that have been under pressure from the Taliban as US-led foreign forces carry out the final stages of their withdrawal from the country. 
 
Biden has promised to provide financial assistance to Afghan forces and to redouble diplomatic efforts to revive stalled peace talks. 
 
Biden on Friday authorized up to $100 million from an emergency fund to meet "unexpected urgent" refugee needs stemming from the situation in Afghanistan, including for Afghan special immigration visa applicants. 
 
For years, the US&nbsp;military has been trying to get Afghan troops off of far-flung checkpoints - static positions that can easily be overrun by Taliban forces.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Saturday that the Afghan security forces' first job was to make sure they could slow the Taliban's momentum before attempting to retake territory, as Afghan forces plan to consolidate forces around strategically important parts of the country.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Saturday that the Afghan security forces' first job was to make sure they could slow the Taliban's momentum before attempting to retake territory, as Afghan forces plan to consolidate forces around strategically important parts of the country. Reuters reported that Afghanistan's military is overhauling its war strategy against the Taliban to concentrate forces around the most critical areas like Kabul and other cities, border crossings and vital infrastructure. "They are consolidating their forces around the key population centers," Austin told reporters during a visit to Alaska. "In terms of whether or not it will stop the Taliban, I think the first thing to do is to make sure that they can slow the momentum," Austin said, speaking as the US military is set to end its mission in Afghanistan on August 31, on orders from President Joe Biden. Austin added that he believed the Afghans had the capability and the capacity to make progress, but "we'll see what happens." The politically perilous strategy appears to be a military necessity as over-stretched Afghan troops try to prevent the loss of provincial capitals, which could deeply fracture the country. Taliban insurgents are gaining control of more and more territory, which the Pentagon estimated on Wednesday now extends to over half of half Afghanistan's district centers. The Taliban are also putting pressure on the outskirts of half of the provincial capitals, trying to isolate them. The Taliban's swift territorial gains are rattling Afghans just as the United States withdraws from a war that succeeded in punishing al Qaeda following its September 11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington but failed to deliver anything close to peace for Afghanistan. The United States has continued to carry out air strikes to support Afghan government forces that have been under pressure from the Taliban as US-led foreign forces carry out the final stages of their withdrawal from the country. Biden has promised to provide financial assistance to Afghan forces and to redouble diplomatic efforts to revive stalled peace talks. Biden on Friday authorized up to $100 million from an emergency fund to meet "unexpected urgent" refugee needs stemming from the situation in Afghanistan, including for Afghan special immigration visa applicants. For years, the US military has been trying to get Afghan troops off of far-flung checkpoints - static positions that can easily be overrun by Taliban forces.

First task for Afghan forces is to slow Taliban's momentum: Lloyd Austin

The US and French defence chiefs signed a new "roadmap" for cooperation between their special operations forces Friday as both seek to build international efforts to counter non-state threats like Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

French Defense Minister Florence Parly signed the pact at the Pentagon with her counterpart Lloyd Austin,&nbsp;on a visit that came as the US pulls out of Afghanistan and France cuts its counter-terror operations in Africa's Sahel region.

"In the face of terrorism, our special forces have developed a true brotherhood of arms. This convention will deepen the exceptional ties that they have forged," Parly said in a tweet after the two met.

Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Anton Semelroth called the roadmap "a statement of intent to broaden cooperation in all areas of special operations."

He said there was no specific regional focus of the agreement. But both countries are said to be looking for ways for allies to continue working together to battle Islamic jihadist groups even as they reduce the presence of their troops in Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-govt-to-rush-troops-to-border-to-tackle-taliban-397247">Also read |&nbsp;Afghan govt to rush troops to border to tackle Taliban</a>

President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;announced Thursday that the near two-decade US military involvement in Afghanistan would end by August 31.&nbsp;

Earlier Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced his country would start closing military bases in northern Mali by year-end, as the jihadist threat in the Sahel begins to shift south and exposes more countries in the region to Islamist attacks.

Both countries remain deeply concerned about non-state extremist insurgents in Africa, with&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;saying the US counter-terrorism effort needs to shift from Afghanistan to the continent and other hotspots.

In a discussion at the Atlantic Council after her Pentagon visit, Parly said the Takuba task force, nine European and African countries' special forces working together in the Sahel, was a model for future cooperation.

Takuba "is a remarkable and concrete example of Europeans taking their responsibilities by accompanying the Malian armed forces in combat," she said.

"This task force has already achieved major successes against terrorism," she said, adding: "The US support to our operations in the Sahel is crucial."

Citing other joint missions in recent years, she said: "Our operational cooperation delivers concrete results. And it will continue to deliver."

Ahead of their discussions, Austin called France an "ideal partner" in the Indo-Pacific, where Washington is trying to build stronger partnerships to counter China.

In Washington, Parly also visited US Cyber Command, which is the Pentagon's cyber warfare body.

The US and French defence chiefs signed a new "roadmap" for cooperation between their special operations forces Friday as both seek to build international efforts to counter non-state threats like Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

The US and French defence chiefs signed a new "roadmap" for cooperation between their special operations forces Friday as both seek to build international efforts to counter non-state threats like Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group. French Defense Minister Florence Parly signed the pact at the Pentagon with her counterpart Lloyd Austin, on a visit that came as the US pulls out of Afghanistan and France cuts its counter-terror operations in Africa's Sahel region. "In the face of terrorism, our special forces have developed a true brotherhood of arms. This convention will deepen the exceptional ties that they have forged," Parly said in a tweet after the two met. Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Anton Semelroth called the roadmap "a statement of intent to broaden cooperation in all areas of special operations." He said there was no specific regional focus of the agreement. But both countries are said to be looking for ways for allies to continue working together to battle Islamic jihadist groups even as they reduce the presence of their troops in Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan. Also read | Afghan govt to rush troops to border to tackle Taliban President Joe Biden announced Thursday that the near two-decade US military involvement in Afghanistan would end by August 31. Earlier Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced his country would start closing military bases in northern Mali by year-end, as the jihadist threat in the Sahel begins to shift south and exposes more countries in the region to Islamist attacks. Both countries remain deeply concerned about non-state extremist insurgents in Africa, with Biden saying the US counter-terrorism effort needs to shift from Afghanistan to the continent and other hotspots. In a discussion at the Atlantic Council after her Pentagon visit, Parly said the Takuba task force, nine European and African countries' special forces working together in the Sahel, was a model for future cooperation. Takuba "is a remarkable and concrete example of Europeans taking their responsibilities by accompanying the Malian armed forces in combat," she said. "This task force has already achieved major successes against terrorism," she said, adding: "The US support to our operations in the Sahel is crucial." Citing other joint missions in recent years, she said: "Our operational cooperation delivers concrete results. And it will continue to deliver." Ahead of their discussions, Austin called France an "ideal partner" in the Indo-Pacific, where Washington is trying to build stronger partnerships to counter China. In Washington, Parly also visited US Cyber Command, which is the Pentagon's cyber warfare body.

US, France expand special forces cooperation

Although&nbsp;initial reports did not indicate any casualties or damage,&nbsp;US&nbsp;forces in eastern Syria took indirect fire on Saturday, a US&nbsp;defence official said.

It was the latest incident in a series of attacks on US&nbsp;personnel in Iraq and Syria in recent days.&nbsp;On the condition of anonymity, the official&nbsp;told Reuters, the attack occurred in Conoco, Syria. 
 
US&nbsp;diplomats and troops in Iraq and Syria were targeted in three rocket and drone attacks on Wednesday alone, including at least 14 rockets hitting an Iraqi air base hosting US&nbsp;forces, wounding two American service members.

As there haven't been immediate claims of responsibility for these attacks, analysts believe&nbsp;they were carried out by Iranian-backed militias. 
 
Iraqi militia groups aligned with Iran had vowed to retaliate after US&nbsp;strikes on the Iraqi-Syrian border killed four of their members last month. 
 
Iran has denied supporting attacks on US&nbsp;forces in Iraq and Syria, and condemned US&nbsp;air strikes on Iranian-backed groups. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Although initial reports did not indicate any casualties or damage, US forces in eastern Syria took indirect fire on Saturday, a US defence official said. It was the latest incident in a series of attacks on US personnel in Iraq and Syria in recent days.

Although initial reports did not indicate any casualties or damage, US forces in eastern Syria took indirect fire on Saturday, a US defence official said. It was the latest incident in a series of attacks on US personnel in Iraq and Syria in recent days. On the condition of anonymity, the official told Reuters, the attack occurred in Conoco, Syria. US diplomats and troops in Iraq and Syria were targeted in three rocket and drone attacks on Wednesday alone, including at least 14 rockets hitting an Iraqi air base hosting US forces, wounding two American service members. As there haven't been immediate claims of responsibility for these attacks, analysts believe they were carried out by Iranian-backed militias. Iraqi militia groups aligned with Iran had vowed to retaliate after US strikes on the Iraqi-Syrian border killed four of their members last month. Iran has denied supporting attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria, and condemned US air strikes on Iranian-backed groups. (With inputs from agencies)

No casualties, damage in attack against US forces in Syria: Official

Government forces plan a counteroffensive in Afghanistan's northern provinces after losing ground to the Taliban, Russia's RIA news agency quoted an adviser to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani as saying on Monday. 
 
National security adviser Hamdullah Mohib, who was in Moscow on Monday for talks with senior security officials, told RIA in an interview that government forces had not expected the Taliban offensive but would 'absolutely, definitely' counterattack. 
 
Russia operates a military base in Tajikistan, a former Soviet republic bordering Afghanistan. 
 
Russia's foreign ministry said separately on Monday that the Russian consulate in the city of Mazar-i-Sharif in northern Afghanistan was suspending its work because of security concerns, TASS news agency reported.

Earlier, the Taliban's march through northern Afghanistan gained momentum overnight with the capture of several districts from fleeing Afghan forces, several hundred of whom fled across the border into Tajikistan, officials said Sunday.

More than 300 Afghan military personnel crossed from Afghanistan's Badakhshan province as Taliban fighters advanced toward the border, Tajikistan's State Committee for National Security said in a statement.&nbsp;

The Afghan troops crossed over at about 6:30 pm local time on Saturday 'Guided by the principles of humanism and good neighbourliness,' the Tajik authorities allowed the retreating Afghan National Defence and Security Forces to cross into Tajikistan, said the statement.&nbsp;

Since mid-April, when US President Joe Biden announced the end to Afghanistan's 'forever war,'&nbsp;the Taliban have made strides throughout the country. But their most significant gains have been in the northern half of the country, a traditional stronghold of the US-allied warlords, who helped defeat them in 2001.

The Taliban now control roughly a third of all 421 districts and district centres in Afghanistan.

(With inputs from agencies)

Government forces plan a counteroffensive in Afghanistan's northern provinces after losing ground to the Taliban, Russia's RIA news agency quoted an adviser to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani as saying on Monday.

Government forces plan a counteroffensive in Afghanistan's northern provinces after losing ground to the Taliban, Russia's RIA news agency quoted an adviser to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani as saying on Monday. National security adviser Hamdullah Mohib, who was in Moscow on Monday for talks with senior security officials, told RIA in an interview that government forces had not expected the Taliban offensive but would 'absolutely, definitely' counterattack. Russia operates a military base in Tajikistan, a former Soviet republic bordering Afghanistan. Russia's foreign ministry said separately on Monday that the Russian consulate in the city of Mazar-i-Sharif in northern Afghanistan was suspending its work because of security concerns, TASS news agency reported. Earlier, the Taliban's march through northern Afghanistan gained momentum overnight with the capture of several districts from fleeing Afghan forces, several hundred of whom fled across the border into Tajikistan, officials said Sunday. More than 300 Afghan military personnel crossed from Afghanistan's Badakhshan province as Taliban fighters advanced toward the border, Tajikistan's State Committee for National Security said in a statement. The Afghan troops crossed over at about 6:30 pm local time on Saturday 'Guided by the principles of humanism and good neighbourliness,' the Tajik authorities allowed the retreating Afghan National Defence and Security Forces to cross into Tajikistan, said the statement. Since mid-April, when US President Joe Biden announced the end to Afghanistan's 'forever war,' the Taliban have made strides throughout the country. But their most significant gains have been in the northern half of the country, a traditional stronghold of the US-allied warlords, who helped defeat them in 2001. The Taliban now control roughly a third of all 421 districts and district centres in Afghanistan. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan forces plan counteroffensive in northern provinces: Adviser

American troops pulled out of their main military base in Afghanistan on Friday, leaving behind a piece of the World Trade Center they buried 20 years ago in a country that could descend into civil war without them. 
 
The quiet departure from Bagram Air Base brought an effective end to the longest war in US&nbsp;history. It came as the Taliban insurgency ramps up its offensive throughout the country after peace talks sputtered. 
 
The Pentagon said the turnover of Bagram to Afghan security forces was a 'key milestone' in the withdrawal, but insisted the US&nbsp;military still has the authority to protect Afghan forces. 
 
"Those authorities still exist," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters. He did not give a timeline for when they might end. 
 
President Joe Biden said the troops' departure is on track, but some American forces will still be in Afghanistan in September as part of a 'rational drawdown with allies'. 
 
He called repeated queries from reporters about the withdrawal timeline 'negative' on Friday, ahead of the July 4 US&nbsp;Independence Day holiday weekend. "I want to talk about happy things, man," Biden said. "It's the holiday weekend. I'm going to celebrate it. There's great things happening." 
 
Bagram, an hour's drive north of Kabul, was where the US&nbsp;military coordinated its air war and logistical support for its entire Afghan mission. The Taliban thanked them for leaving. 
 
"We consider this withdrawal a positive step. Afghans can get closer to stability and peace with the full withdrawal of foreign forces," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said. 
 
Other Afghans were more circumspect. "The Americans must leave Afghanistan and there should be peace in this country," said Kabul resident Javed Arman. 
 
But he added: "We are in a difficult situation. Most people have fled their districts and some districts have fallen. Seven districts in Paktia province have fallen and are now under Taliban control." 
 
More than 3,500 international troops were killed in Afghanistan. A Western diplomat in Kabul said Washington and its NATO allies had 'won many battles, but have lost the Afghan war'.

(With inputs from agencies)

American troops pulled out of their main military base in Afghanistan on Friday, leaving behind a piece of the World Trade Center they buried 20 years ago in a country that could descend into civil war without them.

American troops pulled out of their main military base in Afghanistan on Friday, leaving behind a piece of the World Trade Center they buried 20 years ago in a country that could descend into civil war without them. The quiet departure from Bagram Air Base brought an effective end to the longest war in US history. It came as the Taliban insurgency ramps up its offensive throughout the country after peace talks sputtered. The Pentagon said the turnover of Bagram to Afghan security forces was a 'key milestone' in the withdrawal, but insisted the US military still has the authority to protect Afghan forces. "Those authorities still exist," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told reporters. He did not give a timeline for when they might end. President Joe Biden said the troops' departure is on track, but some American forces will still be in Afghanistan in September as part of a 'rational drawdown with allies'. He called repeated queries from reporters about the withdrawal timeline 'negative' on Friday, ahead of the July 4 US Independence Day holiday weekend. "I want to talk about happy things, man," Biden said. "It's the holiday weekend. I'm going to celebrate it. There's great things happening." Bagram, an hour's drive north of Kabul, was where the US military coordinated its air war and logistical support for its entire Afghan mission. The Taliban thanked them for leaving. "We consider this withdrawal a positive step. Afghans can get closer to stability and peace with the full withdrawal of foreign forces," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said. Other Afghans were more circumspect. "The Americans must leave Afghanistan and there should be peace in this country," said Kabul resident Javed Arman. But he added: "We are in a difficult situation. Most people have fled their districts and some districts have fallen. Seven districts in Paktia province have fallen and are now under Taliban control." More than 3,500 international troops were killed in Afghanistan. A Western diplomat in Kabul said Washington and its NATO allies had 'won many battles, but have lost the Afghan war'. (With inputs from agencies)

Era ends, uncertainty looms as US forces quit main Afghanistan base

Colombia's military seized&nbsp;six&nbsp;tonnes&nbsp;of&nbsp;cocaine&nbsp;from&nbsp;a&nbsp;jungle&nbsp;laboratory run by&nbsp;ELN&nbsp;guerillas in the southwest of the country, Defence Minister Diego Molano said on&nbsp;Tuesday.

"I want to announce to the country the most important blow to the&nbsp;ELN&nbsp;drug trafficking this year, with the seizure of&nbsp;six&nbsp;tons&nbsp;of&nbsp;cocaine&nbsp;hydrochloride," he said in a video released to the media.&nbsp;

Operation Jared, in which three "large laboratories" were destroyed by the armed&nbsp;forces&nbsp;and law enforcement agencies, was carried out in the municipality of Samaniego, in the department of Narino, near the border with Ecuador.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-year-of-hong-kong-security-law-crackdown-on-people-and-the-press-394849">Also Read |&nbsp;A year of Hong Kong security law: Crackdown on people and the press</a>

"The&nbsp;cocaine, equipment and other elements found would have been worth more than $9 million. The narcotic was ready to be packed and transported to the&nbsp;Colombian&nbsp;Pacific coast (...) to be sent to Mexico and the United States" said attorney general Francisco Barbosa.&nbsp;

Molano announced this week that he would redouble efforts against "terrorism" by armed groups after an attack on President Ivan Duque's helicopter Friday in Cucuta, near the border with Venezuela.

The government blamed the&nbsp;ELN&nbsp;for the attack, as well as for a car bomb that exploded at a military facility in the same city 10 days earlier.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;ELN&nbsp;is the largest holdout&nbsp;rebel&nbsp;group in the country, having carried on fighting when the main guerrilla faction, the Revolutionary Armed&nbsp;Forces&nbsp;of Colombia, or FARC, signed a peace deal with the government to end half a century of conflict.

Colombia's military seized six tonnes of cocaine from a jungle laboratory run by ELN guerillas in the southwest of the country, Defence Minister Diego Molano said on Tuesday.

Colombia's military seized six tonnes of cocaine from a jungle laboratory run by ELN guerillas in the southwest of the country, Defence Minister Diego Molano said on Tuesday. "I want to announce to the country the most important blow to the ELN drug trafficking this year, with the seizure of six tons of cocaine hydrochloride," he said in a video released to the media. Operation Jared, in which three "large laboratories" were destroyed by the armed forces and law enforcement agencies, was carried out in the municipality of Samaniego, in the department of Narino, near the border with Ecuador. Also Read | A year of Hong Kong security law: Crackdown on people and the press "The cocaine, equipment and other elements found would have been worth more than $9 million. The narcotic was ready to be packed and transported to the Colombian Pacific coast (...) to be sent to Mexico and the United States" said attorney general Francisco Barbosa. Molano announced this week that he would redouble efforts against "terrorism" by armed groups after an attack on President Ivan Duque's helicopter Friday in Cucuta, near the border with Venezuela. The government blamed the ELN for the attack, as well as for a car bomb that exploded at a military facility in the same city 10 days earlier. The ELN is the largest holdout rebel group in the country, having carried on fighting when the main guerrilla faction, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, signed a peace deal with the government to end half a century of conflict.

Colombian forces seize six tonnes of cocaine from ELN rebel jungle labs

The Palestinian Authority (PA) on Saturday deployed security forces to confront protesters who took to the streets of Ramallah in the West Bank after one of President Mahmoud Abbas's biggest critics died in custody. 
 
Nizar Banat had been arrested by PA forces who broke into a relative's house where he was staying in the early hours of Thursday and hit him repeatedly with a metal rod before arresting him, according to Banat's family. 
 
Banat's death has sparked three days of protests in the occupied West Bank and calls from the international community for an inquiry. 
 
On Saturday, Palestinian security officers lined the streets and blocked protestors by hitting them with their fists and with clubs, a video showed. 
 
The officers, some wearing riot gear, others in plain clothes, also fired tear gas and attacked journalists, according to witnesses. There were no official figures on how many people were arrested or injured. 
 
The spokesman for the PA security services, Talal Dweikat, said the committee investigating Banat’s death had begun its work and urged people to wait for the results. He did not comment on Saturday's violence. 
 
The Palestinian journalists' union condemned attacks by security forces against journalists covering the protest. 
 
"The targeting of journalists by security men is a new, grave development in the onslaught on freedom of expression and the media," the union said in a statement. 
 
Banat, 43, was a social activist who had accused Abbas's PA of corruption, including over a short-lived COVID-19 vaccine exchange with Israel this month and Abbas's postponement of a long-delayed election in May. 
 
Banat had registered as a parliamentary candidate for that contest. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Palestinian Authority (PA) on Saturday deployed security forces to confront protesters who took to the streets of Ramallah in the West Bank after one of President Mahmoud Abbas's biggest critics died in custody.

The Palestinian Authority (PA) on Saturday deployed security forces to confront protesters who took to the streets of Ramallah in the West Bank after one of President Mahmoud Abbas's biggest critics died in custody. Nizar Banat had been arrested by PA forces who broke into a relative's house where he was staying in the early hours of Thursday and hit him repeatedly with a metal rod before arresting him, according to Banat's family. Banat's death has sparked three days of protests in the occupied West Bank and calls from the international community for an inquiry. On Saturday, Palestinian security officers lined the streets and blocked protestors by hitting them with their fists and with clubs, a video showed. The officers, some wearing riot gear, others in plain clothes, also fired tear gas and attacked journalists, according to witnesses. There were no official figures on how many people were arrested or injured. The spokesman for the PA security services, Talal Dweikat, said the committee investigating Banat’s death had begun its work and urged people to wait for the results. He did not comment on Saturday's violence. The Palestinian journalists' union condemned attacks by security forces against journalists covering the protest. "The targeting of journalists by security men is a new, grave development in the onslaught on freedom of expression and the media," the union said in a statement. Banat, 43, was a social activist who had accused Abbas's PA of corruption, including over a short-lived COVID-19 vaccine exchange with Israel this month and Abbas's postponement of a long-delayed election in May. Banat had registered as a parliamentary candidate for that contest. (With inputs from agencies)

Palestinian Authority deploys forces during protest after custody death of PM's critic

For the first time a paramilitary force is planning to hire approximately 1.2 lakh retired defence and ex-Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) personnel.

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has prepared a blueprint for hiring these personnel for the force.

Their hiring would be done for five years, a letter accessed by ANI says.

"Please refer to the discussions held during video conferencing on 18.11.2019 under the chairmanship of DG, CISF, on the above subject. It is mentioned that a proposal for raising of ceiling limit from 1,80,000 to 2,15,000 posts as well as raising of 04 Reserve Battalions was submitted to MHA on 27.05.2019. MHA has advised resubmitting the proposal for raising the ceiling of CISF from 1,80,000 to 3,00,000 posts," says the CISF letter, issued from by DG office.

"Further, it was also directed to undertake marketing of CISF security to big private industrial establishments and for this purpose, a Unit within CISF may be created within the available resources and manpower," the letter written on Tuesday adds.

DG, CISF, has asked all Inspectors General (IGs) to identify large industrial establishments in the private sector where CISF can be deployed and forward their report.

Accordingly, a revised proposal for raising the ceiling of CISF from 1,80,000 to 3,00,000 posts as well as raising 16 additional Reserve Battalions was sent to the MHA on November 5.

MHA advised CISF after a meeting held by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on September 23 to make a contractual appointment of retired defence /ex-CAPFs personnel in the CISF for five years and re-structure and deploy CISF personnel in the ratio of 3:2, wherein 3 may be permanent and 2 may be temporary.

"As directed by DG, CISF during today's video conferencing, a proposal has to be submitted to the MHA in this regard by 22.11.2019," the letter further says.

For the first time a paramilitary force is planning to hire approximately 1.2 lakh retired defence and ex-Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) personnel. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has prepared a blueprint for hiring these personnel for the force.

For the first time a paramilitary force is planning to hire approximately 1.2 lakh retired defence and ex-Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) personnel. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has prepared a blueprint for hiring these personnel for the force. Their hiring would be done for five years, a letter accessed by ANI says. "Please refer to the discussions held during video conferencing on 18.11.2019 under the chairmanship of DG, CISF, on the above subject. It is mentioned that a proposal for raising of ceiling limit from 1,80,000 to 2,15,000 posts as well as raising of 04 Reserve Battalions was submitted to MHA on 27.05.2019. MHA has advised resubmitting the proposal for raising the ceiling of CISF from 1,80,000 to 3,00,000 posts," says the CISF letter, issued from by DG office. "Further, it was also directed to undertake marketing of CISF security to big private industrial establishments and for this purpose, a Unit within CISF may be created within the available resources and manpower," the letter written on Tuesday adds. DG, CISF, has asked all Inspectors General (IGs) to identify large industrial establishments in the private sector where CISF can be deployed and forward their report. Accordingly, a revised proposal for raising the ceiling of CISF from 1,80,000 to 3,00,000 posts as well as raising 16 additional Reserve Battalions was sent to the MHA on November 5. MHA advised CISF after a meeting held by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on September 23 to make a contractual appointment of retired defence /ex-CAPFs personnel in the CISF for five years and re-structure and deploy CISF personnel in the ratio of 3:2, wherein 3 may be permanent and 2 may be temporary. "As directed by DG, CISF during today's video conferencing, a proposal has to be submitted to the MHA in this regard by 22.11.2019," the letter further says.

CISF to appoint 1.2 lakh retired defence, CAPF jawans on 5-year contract to be 3 lakh strong force

More than 5,000 troops of the Indian Army's only Mountain Strike Corps will carry out a massive war game along with the Air Force in Arunachal Pradesh in October where Forces will be deployed to practice real war-like situation on the eastern front of the country.

The exercise will be the first of its kind along the China border by the newly-raised 17 Mountain Strike Corps which has been preparing for it under the Eastern Command for the last five to six months now.

"As part of the war games, the troops of the Tezpur-based 4 Corps will be deployed at a high altitude location to defend their 'territory' while a brigade-sized force (over 2,500 troops) of the 17 Mountain Strike Corps would be airlifted by the Indian Air Force to 'launch an offensive' against them," top Army sources told ANI.

The Indian Air Force will airlift the troops using its latest transport aircraft including the C-17, C-130J Super Hercules and the AN-32 to airlift the army troops from Baghdogra in West Bengal and deploy them close to the 'war zone' in Arunachal Pradesh, they said.

The troops of the 17 Mountain Strike Corps would be from the 59 Mountain Division and will include armoured regiments including battle tanks and infantry combat vehicles along with light howitzers and strike elements.

To make the 17 Mountain Strike Corps more effective during wartime in a mountainous region with China, the fighting formations under it are being converted into Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) as part of Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat's restructuring process.

Once the IBGs are formed, the formations will be converted into leaner and more efficient fighting units with the ability to strike deeper and faster against enemy targets, the sources said.&nbsp;

An IBG, which will be a little smaller than a division, will integrate the existing elements of infantry, tank regiments, artillery, engineers and signals. It will comprise six battalions of these elements and will be directly under a Corps.

Once the Army converts all its required fighting formations into IBGs, it would lead to the elimination of the brigades in the fighting structure.

The first IBG is coming up under the 9 Corps which looks after parts of Jammu and Punjab border with Pakistan.&nbsp;

Two more IBGs are ready for conversion under the 17 Mountain strike Corps and 33 Corps which are both tasked to fight wars on the Chinese front in the Northeast.

More than 5,000 troops of the Indian Army's only Mountain Strike Corps will carry out a massive war game along with the Air Force in Arunachal Pradesh in October where Forces will be deployed to practice real war-like situation on the eastern front of the country.

More than 5,000 troops of the Indian Army's only Mountain Strike Corps will carry out a massive war game along with the Air Force in Arunachal Pradesh in October where Forces will be deployed to practice real war-like situation on the eastern front of the country. The exercise will be the first of its kind along the China border by the newly-raised 17 Mountain Strike Corps which has been preparing for it under the Eastern Command for the last five to six months now. "As part of the war games, the troops of the Tezpur-based 4 Corps will be deployed at a high altitude location to defend their 'territory' while a brigade-sized force (over 2,500 troops) of the 17 Mountain Strike Corps would be airlifted by the Indian Air Force to 'launch an offensive' against them," top Army sources told ANI. The Indian Air Force will airlift the troops using its latest transport aircraft including the C-17, C-130J Super Hercules and the AN-32 to airlift the army troops from Baghdogra in West Bengal and deploy them close to the 'war zone' in Arunachal Pradesh, they said. The troops of the 17 Mountain Strike Corps would be from the 59 Mountain Division and will include armoured regiments including battle tanks and infantry combat vehicles along with light howitzers and strike elements. To make the 17 Mountain Strike Corps more effective during wartime in a mountainous region with China, the fighting formations under it are being converted into Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) as part of Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat's restructuring process. Once the IBGs are formed, the formations will be converted into leaner and more efficient fighting units with the ability to strike deeper and faster against enemy targets, the sources said. An IBG, which will be a little smaller than a division, will integrate the existing elements of infantry, tank regiments, artillery, engineers and signals. It will comprise six battalions of these elements and will be directly under a Corps. Once the Army converts all its required fighting formations into IBGs, it would lead to the elimination of the brigades in the fighting structure. The first IBG is coming up under the 9 Corps which looks after parts of Jammu and Punjab border with Pakistan. Two more IBGs are ready for conversion under the 17 Mountain strike Corps and 33 Corps which are both tasked to fight wars on the Chinese front in the Northeast.

Indian Army's Mountain Strike Corps, Air Force to carry out war games near China border

A bush fire on New Zealand's South Island spread through thousands of hectares, destroying property and forcing the evacuation of about 100 homes, officials said on Wednesday.

The fire that started at Pigeon Valley in Nelson on Tuesday (February 5) doubled overnight to spread over 1,870 hectares according to the Nelson Tasman Emergency Management Office.

More than 100 homes have been evacuated or self-evacuated, and people were being sheltered at civil defence centres. Several homes have been burned down although there have been no reports of casualties or injuries so far.

Officials said 12 fire crews worked overnight to control the fire, and 10 helicopters and two planes were being used on Wednesday to control the blaze. It could take up to four days to extinguish the fire, firefighters said.

A bush fire on New Zealand's South Island spread through thousands of hectares, destroying property and forcing the evacuation of about 100 homes, officials said on Wednesday.

A bush fire on New Zealand's South Island spread through thousands of hectares, destroying property and forcing the evacuation of about 100 homes, officials said on Wednesday. The fire that started at Pigeon Valley in Nelson on Tuesday (February 5) doubled overnight to spread over 1,870 hectares according to the Nelson Tasman Emergency Management Office. More than 100 homes have been evacuated or self-evacuated, and people were being sheltered at civil defence centres. Several homes have been burned down although there have been no reports of casualties or injuries so far. Officials said 12 fire crews worked overnight to control the fire, and 10 helicopters and two planes were being used on Wednesday to control the blaze. It could take up to four days to extinguish the fire, firefighters said.

Watch: Forest wildfire in New Zealand forces evacuation

In pictures: President Kovind, PM Modi attend Beating the Retreat ceremony

Ten members of rival civilian self-defence groups were killed in a gun battle in the Mexican state of Guerrero, a local security official said late Sunday.

Guerrero, located on Mexico's southern Pacific coast, is one of the country's most violent regions, where rump groups of criminals belonging to defeated but once powerful drug cartels fight to control lucrative drug smuggling routes.

In response, armed civilian vigilante groups have emerged in an attempt to maintain peace.

"Members of two groups of armed civilian groups that call themselves community (self-defence) police faced off in a gun battle on Sunday," said Roberto Alvarez, the regional head of security.

After the clash state police found "two vehicles that showed multiple bullet impacts and inside the lifeless bodies of ten people," Alvarez said.

The statement did not say how many people were found in each vehicle, or which groups the victims belonged to.

Drug-related violence has resulted in some 200,000 deaths in Mexico since December 2006, according to official figures.

Ten members of rival civilian self-defence groups were killed in a gun battle in the Mexican state of Guerrero, a local security official said late Sunday. Guerrero, located on Mexico's southern Pacific coast, is one of the country's most violent regions, where rump groups of criminals belonging to defeated but once powerful drug cartels fight to control lucrative drug smuggling routes.

Ten members of rival civilian self-defence groups were killed in a gun battle in the Mexican state of Guerrero, a local security official said late Sunday. Guerrero, located on Mexico's southern Pacific coast, is one of the country's most violent regions, where rump groups of criminals belonging to defeated but once powerful drug cartels fight to control lucrative drug smuggling routes. In response, armed civilian vigilante groups have emerged in an attempt to maintain peace. "Members of two groups of armed civilian groups that call themselves community (self-defence) police faced off in a gun battle on Sunday," said Roberto Alvarez, the regional head of security. After the clash state police found "two vehicles that showed multiple bullet impacts and inside the lifeless bodies of ten people," Alvarez said. The statement did not say how many people were found in each vehicle, or which groups the victims belonged to. Drug-related violence has resulted in some 200,000 deaths in Mexico since December 2006, according to official figures.

Ten killed in clash of Mexican self-defence forces

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat claimed that "anti-national" forces are nefariously working for demolishing the peace and virtues in India.

"We do not pray for someone's misfortune; while only pray for happiness to all. But the anti-national elements are trying every bid to destroy the peace and virtues and are working on their nefarious designs," Bhagwat said while addressing an event here on Saturday after hoisting the tricolour on the occasion of Republic Day.

The RSS Chief said that only India has the capacity to counter and defeat these "anti-national" forces. "The whole world knows about it and is suffering from it, but only India has the capacity to defeat such forces," he added.

He also said that the standard of living of every Indian has to be raised if India has to become the "Vishwa-Guru".

"We take a pledge on this day to raise the standard of living of every Indian so that India may acquire the status of Vishwa-Guru once again," said Bhagwat.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat claimed that "anti-national" forces are nefariously working for demolishing the peace and virtues in India.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat claimed that "anti-national" forces are nefariously working for demolishing the peace and virtues in India. "We do not pray for someone's misfortune; while only pray for happiness to all. But the anti-national elements are trying every bid to destroy the peace and virtues and are working on their nefarious designs," Bhagwat said while addressing an event here on Saturday after hoisting the tricolour on the occasion of Republic Day. The RSS Chief said that only India has the capacity to counter and defeat these "anti-national" forces. "The whole world knows about it and is suffering from it, but only India has the capacity to defeat such forces," he added. He also said that the standard of living of every Indian has to be raised if India has to become the "Vishwa-Guru". "We take a pledge on this day to raise the standard of living of every Indian so that India may acquire the status of Vishwa-Guru once again," said Bhagwat.

Anti-national forces are working to destroy peace: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

Up to two dozen militants have been killed and three dozen others injured as government forces from ground and air began targeting Taliban positions in Charbolak district of the northern Balkh province on Thursday, an army spokesman in the province Mohammad Hanif Rezai said.

"The government forces from the ground and air began attacking Taliban hideouts and positions in Koshka area of Charbolak district at 01:30 a.m. local time today (Thursday) and have killed 24 insurgents and injured 36 others," Rezai said.

Without hinting at possible casualties of the security personnel, the official stressed that the government forces would continue to target militants elsewhere in Balkh province and adjoining areas.

Taliban militants launched their so-called spring offensive on Wednesday and since then they are engaged with government forces in parts of the insurgency-battered country including the restive Charbolak district.

Without hinting at possible casualties of the security personnel, the official stressed that the government forces would continue to target militants elsewhere in Balkh province and adjoining areas.

Up to two dozen militants have been killed and three dozen others injured as government forces from ground and air began targeting Taliban positions in Charbolak district of the northern Balkh province on Thursday, an army spokesman in the province Mohammad Hanif Rezai said. "The government forces from the ground and air began attacking Taliban hideouts and positions in Koshka area of Charbolak district at 01:30 a.m. local time today (Thursday) and have killed 24 insurgents and injured 36 others," Rezai said. Without hinting at possible casualties of the security personnel, the official stressed that the government forces would continue to target militants elsewhere in Balkh province and adjoining areas. Taliban militants launched their so-called spring offensive on Wednesday and since then they are engaged with government forces in parts of the insurgency-battered country including the restive Charbolak district.

24 Taliban terrorists killed as Afghan forces storm Taliban positions

At least five senior members of Al-Qaeda have been killed in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan in an operation of the security forces on Thursday.&nbsp;

The operation was carried out by the special forces of the Afghan intelligence directorate on Thursday in night Toato locality.&nbsp;

The five senior leaders including one from Afghanistan, one from Pakistan, and three from Chechnya, had been assigned to prepare militants for suicide and other terrorist attacks in the country.

According to an official statement by the provincial government said, &quot;Five senior&nbsp;Al-Qaeda&nbsp;network leaders, hailing from&nbsp;Afghanistan,&nbsp;Pakistan, and Chechnya, were actively involved in planning and coordinating suicide attacks in the country&quot;.

As per reports, the Afghan member has been identified as&nbsp;Mulla Sondai, known as Seraj, who was in-charge of the propaganda campaign.

The Afghan security forces found four Ak-47 rifles, a PKM machine gun, a pistol and some ammunition after the operations.

No casualties were reported so far.

The Taliban and Al-Qaeda affiliates have not yet given an official statement regarding the development.

The operation was carried out by the special forces of the Afghan intelligence directorate on Thursday night at the Toato locality in Nangarhar province

At least five senior members of Al-Qaeda have been killed in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan in an operation of the security forces on Thursday. The operation was carried out by the special forces of the Afghan intelligence directorate on Thursday in night Toato locality. The five senior leaders including one from Afghanistan, one from Pakistan, and three from Chechnya, had been assigned to prepare militants for suicide and other terrorist attacks in the country. According to an official statement by the provincial government said, "Five senior Al-Qaeda network leaders, hailing from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Chechnya, were actively involved in planning and coordinating suicide attacks in the country". As per reports, the Afghan member has been identified as Mulla Sondai, known as Seraj, who was in-charge of the propaganda campaign. The Afghan security forces found four Ak-47 rifles, a PKM machine gun, a pistol and some ammunition after the operations. No casualties were reported so far. The Taliban and Al-Qaeda affiliates have not yet given an official statement regarding the development.

At least 5 Al-Qaeda members killed in Afghanistan

Iraqi prime minister Haider al-Abadi held talks in Baghdad with America&#39;s top military officer today, discussing plans to oust the Islamic State group from second city Mosul, his office said. 
 
Washington is leading an international coalition that is carrying out air strikes against IS as well as providing training, advice and other support to Iraqi forces.&nbsp;Abadi and general Joseph Dunford, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, discussed boosting &quot;cooperation between the two countries in the fields of training and arming, ongoing international coalition support for Iraq... and plans to liberate Mosul,&quot; a statement said. 
 
Iraqi forces are conducting operations to set the stage for an assault on Mosul, which has been held by IS since June 2014, but the final push to retake it is likely still months away.&nbsp;Defence minister Khalid al-Obeidi has said that IS leaders and their families have sold their belongings and fled the city as Iraqi forces close in. 
 
Mosul is the last city held by IS in Iraq, but retaking it poses a major challenge, and the operation could unleash a humanitarian crisis unless plans are made for people who would likely flee the fighting. 
 
The Red Cross has said it believes that up to a million Iraqis could be displaced in the coming months by fighting against IS, including the operation to recapture Mosul.&nbsp;IS overran large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, but has since lost significant ground to Iraqi forces. 
 
(AFP)

Iraqi forces along with international coalition group are conducting operations to liberate Mosul, which has been held by IS since June 2014

Iraqi prime minister Haider al-Abadi held talks in Baghdad with America's top military officer today, discussing plans to oust the Islamic State group from second city Mosul, his office said. Washington is leading an international coalition that is carrying out air strikes against IS as well as providing training, advice and other support to Iraqi forces. Abadi and general Joseph Dunford, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, discussed boosting "cooperation between the two countries in the fields of training and arming, ongoing international coalition support for Iraq... and plans to liberate Mosul," a statement said. Iraqi forces are conducting operations to set the stage for an assault on Mosul, which has been held by IS since June 2014, but the final push to retake it is likely still months away. Defence minister Khalid al-Obeidi has said that IS leaders and their families have sold their belongings and fled the city as Iraqi forces close in. Mosul is the last city held by IS in Iraq, but retaking it poses a major challenge, and the operation could unleash a humanitarian crisis unless plans are made for people who would likely flee the fighting. The Red Cross has said it believes that up to a million Iraqis could be displaced in the coming months by fighting against IS, including the operation to recapture Mosul. IS overran large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, but has since lost significant ground to Iraqi forces. (AFP)

Iraq PM talks about defeating IS with top US officer

United Nations deputy Syria envoy Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy on Sunday invited Damascus to new peace talks with the opposition at the end of August, drawing a positive response from the government. 
 
On Tuesday, the world body&#39;s special envoy Staffan de Mistura told reporters in Geneva he wanted &quot;to proceed with a third round of intra-Syrian talks towards the end of August&quot; after two previous rounds of talks this year ended in failure. 
 
De Mistura has struggled to keep the peace process alive amid a surge in fighting between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad&#39;s forces and rebel groups. 
 
&quot;I informed the minister and his deputy of the intention of the special envoy De Mistura to reconvene the inter-Syrian talks towards the end of August,&quot; Ramzy said after meeting foreign minister Walid Muallem and his deputy Faisal Muqdad. 
 
&quot;I explained to the minister how we intend to proceed, and we discussed how to render this process of political transition which has already been endorsed by the Security Council to be a credible one, and we exchanged views on that,&quot; Ramzy said. 
 
He said Muallem &quot;confirmed the intention of the Syrian government to participate in these talks once they are held&quot;. 
 
Muqdad said Syria&#39;s government was &quot;ready to resume the talks with no preconditions in an inter-Syrian context with no foreign interference&quot;, the official SANA news agency reported him as saying. 
 
De Mistura&#39;s announcement comes with the armed opposition facing difficulties, especially in the northern city of Aleppo where government forces are besieging rebel-held districts. 
 
A peace roadmap, endorsed in December by the UN, called for the creation of a transitional body, which should have occurred on August 1, a new constitution and elections by mid-2017. 
 
The UN-brokered talks have so far been deadlocked over Assad&#39;s fate. 
 
The government has ruled out negotiations on his possible departure, while the main opposition High Negotiations Committee has said it will not agree to any deal that leaves Assad in power. 
 
Since Syria was plunged into chaos in 2011, more than 280,000 people have been killed and upwards of half the population has been displaced. 
 
(AFP)

UN special envoy has struggled to keep the peace process alive amid a surge in fighting between Syrian forces and rebel groups

United Nations deputy Syria envoy Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy on Sunday invited Damascus to new peace talks with the opposition at the end of August, drawing a positive response from the government. On Tuesday, the world body's special envoy Staffan de Mistura told reporters in Geneva he wanted "to proceed with a third round of intra-Syrian talks towards the end of August" after two previous rounds of talks this year ended in failure. De Mistura has struggled to keep the peace process alive amid a surge in fighting between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces and rebel groups. "I informed the minister and his deputy of the intention of the special envoy De Mistura to reconvene the inter-Syrian talks towards the end of August," Ramzy said after meeting foreign minister Walid Muallem and his deputy Faisal Muqdad. "I explained to the minister how we intend to proceed, and we discussed how to render this process of political transition which has already been endorsed by the Security Council to be a credible one, and we exchanged views on that," Ramzy said. He said Muallem "confirmed the intention of the Syrian government to participate in these talks once they are held". Muqdad said Syria's government was "ready to resume the talks with no preconditions in an inter-Syrian context with no foreign interference", the official SANA news agency reported him as saying. De Mistura's announcement comes with the armed opposition facing difficulties, especially in the northern city of Aleppo where government forces are besieging rebel-held districts. A peace roadmap, endorsed in December by the UN, called for the creation of a transitional body, which should have occurred on August 1, a new constitution and elections by mid-2017. The UN-brokered talks have so far been deadlocked over Assad's fate. The government has ruled out negotiations on his possible departure, while the main opposition High Negotiations Committee has said it will not agree to any deal that leaves Assad in power. Since Syria was plunged into chaos in 2011, more than 280,000 people have been killed and upwards of half the population has been displaced. (AFP)

UN initiates third round of peace talks with Syria

Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has convened a special Cabinet meeting in Lahore on Friday to discuss the &quot;deteriorating situation&quot; in violence-hit Kashmir and chalk out a &quot;future course of action&quot; on the issue. 
&quot;The Cabinet will discuss the oppressive actions of Indian security forces against innocent civilians and the overall situation in Kashmir after the brutal assassination of Burhan Wani,&quot; the Prime Minister&#39;s Office said in a statement. 
The meeting at Governor House in Lahore will discuss the &quot;rapidly deteriorating situation&quot; in Kashmir and the Prime Minister will chalk out a &quot;future course of action&quot; on the issue, it said. 
The statement also noted that on the directions of the Prime Minister, the foreign office summoned the Indian high commissioner to the foreign office and conveyed the &quot;strong concerns of the Pakistani government and people on rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in Kashmir and increasing oppression by Indian security forces.&quot; 
It said that a detailed briefing was also given to ambassadors of all permanent members of UN security council of UN &quot;regarding atrocities of the security forces.&quot; 
India had asked Pakistan to refrain from interfering in its internal affairs after Sharif issued a statement expressing &quot;shock&quot; at the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani. 
Sharif today said the &quot;voice and struggle&quot; of the people of Kashmir cannot be suppressed through use of &quot;brutal force and human rights abuses&quot;. 
He said this during a meeting with PoK Parliament Special Committee Chairman and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazal (JUI-F) President Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Lahore. 
During the meeting, Rehman apprised the Prime Minister on his recent talks with separatist leaders over the &quot;human rights violations&quot; by Indian military and paramilitary forces in Jammu and Kashmir. 
Rehman said the &quot;Kashmiri leadership looks towards Pakistan in difficult times&quot;, according to an official statement. 
Sharif said, &quot;The government and people of Pakistan respect the sentiments of their Kashmiri brethren and will continue to support the Kashmir cause at each and every forum internationally come what may.&quot; 
&quot;The resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is only possible by the realisation of the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, as per the UNSC resolutions, through a fair and impartial plebiscite under UN auspices,&quot; Sharif said. 
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary also briefed the Islamabad-based Ambassadors of the member countries of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir (Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Niger) over the situation in the Valley. 
In the meeting, Pakistan called on the OIC member states to raise their voice against &quot;the blatant human rights violations&quot; of Kashmiri Muslims. 
The Foreign Secretary also briefed the Ambassadors of the European Union over the situation and emphasised the need for a fair and transparent inquiry against individuals responsible for these killings.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)

It will discuss the 'oppressive actions of Indian security forces' and the overall situation after the 'brutal assassination of Burhan Wani'

Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has convened a special Cabinet meeting in Lahore on Friday to discuss the "deteriorating situation" in violence-hit Kashmir and chalk out a "future course of action" on the issue. "The Cabinet will discuss the oppressive actions of Indian security forces against innocent civilians and the overall situation in Kashmir after the brutal assassination of Burhan Wani," the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement. The meeting at Governor House in Lahore will discuss the "rapidly deteriorating situation" in Kashmir and the Prime Minister will chalk out a "future course of action" on the issue, it said. The statement also noted that on the directions of the Prime Minister, the foreign office summoned the Indian high commissioner to the foreign office and conveyed the "strong concerns of the Pakistani government and people on rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in Kashmir and increasing oppression by Indian security forces." It said that a detailed briefing was also given to ambassadors of all permanent members of UN security council of UN "regarding atrocities of the security forces." India had asked Pakistan to refrain from interfering in its internal affairs after Sharif issued a statement expressing "shock" at the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani. Sharif today said the "voice and struggle" of the people of Kashmir cannot be suppressed through use of "brutal force and human rights abuses". He said this during a meeting with PoK Parliament Special Committee Chairman and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazal (JUI-F) President Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Lahore. During the meeting, Rehman apprised the Prime Minister on his recent talks with separatist leaders over the "human rights violations" by Indian military and paramilitary forces in Jammu and Kashmir. Rehman said the "Kashmiri leadership looks towards Pakistan in difficult times", according to an official statement. Sharif said, "The government and people of Pakistan respect the sentiments of their Kashmiri brethren and will continue to support the Kashmir cause at each and every forum internationally come what may." "The resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is only possible by the realisation of the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, as per the UNSC resolutions, through a fair and impartial plebiscite under UN auspices," Sharif said. Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary also briefed the Islamabad-based Ambassadors of the member countries of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir (Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Niger) over the situation in the Valley. In the meeting, Pakistan called on the OIC member states to raise their voice against "the blatant human rights violations" of Kashmiri Muslims. The Foreign Secretary also briefed the Ambassadors of the European Union over the situation and emphasised the need for a fair and transparent inquiry against individuals responsible for these killings. (PTI)

Pakistan PM calls special Cabinet meeting on Friday to discuss Kashmir situation

One more youth was killed today in a clash between a stone-pelting mob and security forces in Kashmir, raising the toll in the five-day unrest to 35, even as Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed &quot;great sadness and sorrow&quot; over the deaths and promised a &quot;healing touch&quot;. 
Shattering the peace during most of the day, clashes erupted this evening at Harnag in Koimoh with a group of youth pelting stones on passing vehicles of security forces. 
In retaliatory action by the security forces, one youth was injured, officials said, adding he succumbed while being shifted to hospital. This raised the toll during the five-day unrest to 35. 
As soon as the news of death of the youth spread, angry protesters set ablaze a forest hut at Khannabal in Anantnag district town, the officials said. 
In another incident, a youth was injured when security forces opened fire at Koil in Pulwama district to disperse a mob which was pelting stones at an Indian Air Force base, the officials said. 
They said Reyaz Ahmad Padder was admitted to District Hospital Pulwama where his situation is stated to be stable. 
Earlier, barring some incidents of stone-pelting, Kashmir was relatively calm through the day as curfew remained in force in some parts of Kashmir, including Pampore and Kupwara towns, restrictions were in place on movement of people in the rest of the Valley. 
A police spokesman said barring &quot;some incidents&quot; of stone pelting at various places, the situation &quot;remained under control&quot; in the valley. 
The stray incidents of stone-pelting were reported from Khudwani, Kulgam, Iman Sahib, Shopian and Kakpora in south Kashmir, Kralpora, Kupwara, Trehgam, Langate, Lalpora, Putkha Sopore and Main Chowk Sopore in north Kashmir, he said. 
Reaching out to people, Mehbooba sought their &quot;support in pulling J&amp;K out of the vortex of violence and bloodshed.&quot; 
She said she needs people&#39;s support in realising the dream of a politically-emancipated, economically self-reliant and socially secure Jammu and Kashmir. 
&quot;The 27-year-long violence has left deep wounds in almost each home here and we have to jointly safeguard our state and our people from further bloodshed and destruction,&quot; she said after paying homage to the martyrs of 1931 at the Martyrs graveyard in Khawaja Bazar area of downtown Srinagar. 
Commenting on the current unrest, Mehbooba said, &quot;My heart is overwhelmed with great sadness and sorrow as a result of the killings in the latest spate of violence in Kashmir.&quot; 
Asserting that &quot;I won&#39;t let the people down, despite facing a challenging task&quot;, she said, &quot;While my government&#39;s immediate priority would be to reach out to the affected families with a healing touch, in the long run a concerted effort shall have to be launched to make peace and stability a reality in J&amp;K, with youth being the focus of the government&#39;s welfare initiatives.&quot;&nbsp; 
Urging people not to &quot;play with peace&quot;, the Chief Minister asked them not to fall prey to the machinations of those elements who want to disturb peace in the state. 
&quot;I think the biggest tribute to them would be to protect that peace and not fall prey to the machinations of those elements who want to disturb peace here,&quot; said Mehbooba who was accompanied by some of her Cabinet colleagues, legislators, party functionaries and top officers of the civil and police administration. 
According to the latest figures available, most deaths over the last four days have taken place in Anantnag district (16) followed by Kulgam (eight), Shopian (five), Pulwama (three), Srinagar and Kupwara (one each). 
Meanwhile, militants fired at the vehicle of a Sub Divisional Police Officer in Shopian district but he escaped unhurt, police said. 
Normal life remained affected for the fifth consecutive day today due to the shutdown called by separatist groups to protest the civilian killings in the clashes with security forces. The separatists today extended the shutdown by two more days till July 15. 
Shops and business establishments remained closed while public and private transport remained off roads due to the strike. 
Mobile Internet and train services remained suspended while mobile telephony has been snapped in Kupwara area following the death of a youth during protests yesterday. Mobile telephony is partially suspended in south Kashmir&#39;s four districts. 
Hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani and moderate Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq were detained by police after they tried to defy restrictions and lead a march to Martyrs graveyard in downtown Srinagar. 
Geelani, who was under house arrest, was detained by the police on the airport road outside his residence in uptown Hyderpora after he defied restrictions and tried to take out a march to commemorate the 85th anniversary of those who laid down their lives fighting the Aristocratic rule in the state in 1931. 
Police also detained Mirwaiz, who was under house arrest, after he defied the restrictions and came out of his Nigeen residence to lead a march to the Martyrs graveyard. 
Mirwaiz climbed the main gate of his residence as a heavy deployment of police had barricaded the gate and did not open it, a spokesman of the Mirwaiz-led Hurriyat said. 
 
(PTI)

Total toll reaches 35. Another youth is injured after security forces open fire to disperse a mob pelting stones at an air force base

One more youth was killed today in a clash between a stone-pelting mob and security forces in Kashmir, raising the toll in the five-day unrest to 35, even as Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed "great sadness and sorrow" over the deaths and promised a "healing touch". Shattering the peace during most of the day, clashes erupted this evening at Harnag in Koimoh with a group of youth pelting stones on passing vehicles of security forces. In retaliatory action by the security forces, one youth was injured, officials said, adding he succumbed while being shifted to hospital. This raised the toll during the five-day unrest to 35. As soon as the news of death of the youth spread, angry protesters set ablaze a forest hut at Khannabal in Anantnag district town, the officials said. In another incident, a youth was injured when security forces opened fire at Koil in Pulwama district to disperse a mob which was pelting stones at an Indian Air Force base, the officials said. They said Reyaz Ahmad Padder was admitted to District Hospital Pulwama where his situation is stated to be stable. Earlier, barring some incidents of stone-pelting, Kashmir was relatively calm through the day as curfew remained in force in some parts of Kashmir, including Pampore and Kupwara towns, restrictions were in place on movement of people in the rest of the Valley. A police spokesman said barring "some incidents" of stone pelting at various places, the situation "remained under control" in the valley. The stray incidents of stone-pelting were reported from Khudwani, Kulgam, Iman Sahib, Shopian and Kakpora in south Kashmir, Kralpora, Kupwara, Trehgam, Langate, Lalpora, Putkha Sopore and Main Chowk Sopore in north Kashmir, he said. Reaching out to people, Mehbooba sought their "support in pulling J&K out of the vortex of violence and bloodshed." She said she needs people's support in realising the dream of a politically-emancipated, economically self-reliant and socially secure Jammu and Kashmir. "The 27-year-long violence has left deep wounds in almost each home here and we have to jointly safeguard our state and our people from further bloodshed and destruction," she said after paying homage to the martyrs of 1931 at the Martyrs graveyard in Khawaja Bazar area of downtown Srinagar. Commenting on the current unrest, Mehbooba said, "My heart is overwhelmed with great sadness and sorrow as a result of the killings in the latest spate of violence in Kashmir." Asserting that "I won't let the people down, despite facing a challenging task", she said, "While my government's immediate priority would be to reach out to the affected families with a healing touch, in the long run a concerted effort shall have to be launched to make peace and stability a reality in J&K, with youth being the focus of the government's welfare initiatives." Urging people not to "play with peace", the Chief Minister asked them not to fall prey to the machinations of those elements who want to disturb peace in the state. "I think the biggest tribute to them would be to protect that peace and not fall prey to the machinations of those elements who want to disturb peace here," said Mehbooba who was accompanied by some of her Cabinet colleagues, legislators, party functionaries and top officers of the civil and police administration. According to the latest figures available, most deaths over the last four days have taken place in Anantnag district (16) followed by Kulgam (eight), Shopian (five), Pulwama (three), Srinagar and Kupwara (one each). Meanwhile, militants fired at the vehicle of a Sub Divisional Police Officer in Shopian district but he escaped unhurt, police said. Normal life remained affected for the fifth consecutive day today due to the shutdown called by separatist groups to protest the civilian killings in the clashes with security forces. The separatists today extended the shutdown by two more days till July 15. Shops and business establishments remained closed while public and private transport remained off roads due to the strike. Mobile Internet and train services remained suspended while mobile telephony has been snapped in Kupwara area following the death of a youth during protests yesterday. Mobile telephony is partially suspended in south Kashmir's four districts. Hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani and moderate Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq were detained by police after they tried to defy restrictions and lead a march to Martyrs graveyard in downtown Srinagar. Geelani, who was under house arrest, was detained by the police on the airport road outside his residence in uptown Hyderpora after he defied restrictions and tried to take out a march to commemorate the 85th anniversary of those who laid down their lives fighting the Aristocratic rule in the state in 1931. Police also detained Mirwaiz, who was under house arrest, after he defied the restrictions and came out of his Nigeen residence to lead a march to the Martyrs graveyard. Mirwaiz climbed the main gate of his residence as a heavy deployment of police had barricaded the gate and did not open it, a spokesman of the Mirwaiz-led Hurriyat said. (PTI)

While CM talks of 'healing touch', one more youth killed in Kashmir

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