Distraught with the news of her husband&#39;s death in Mosul, Dipali Tikadar now harbours just one wish: a meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to seek a government job.

Dipali&#39;s husband Samar Tikadar was kidnapped along with 38 other Indians in Iraq in 2014 by Islamic State. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj announced in Parliament on Tuesday that all 39 men were dead.

&quot;I will tell the CM when I meet her about my poor financial condition and appeal for a government job. I think she will understand my situation,&quot; Tikadar, a mother of two, said.

Over the past four years, she had been toiling hard to make ends meet for her two children with a hope that her husband&#39;s return will change their life for better.

&quot;I thought after Samar returns, our days of hardship would be over. But now, I don&#39;t know what to expect from life,&quot; Dipali Tikadar said.

She is staring at an uncertain future with little means to provide for her children. Her son Sudip is making preparations for Class X board exams and daughter Sharmistha is a student of Class 4.

&quot;I want a government job so that I can arrange for the education of my children,&quot; the 35-year-old woman said.

The tin shed over her mud house in Nadia district, along with the Indo-Bangladesh border, is also in need of immediate repair, but Tikadar says she has no money.

&quot;I get Rs 4,800 as an Integrated Child Development Service worker. It is not enough to run a family. Please arrange to take me to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee,&quot; she pleaded.

Samar Tikadar had left for Iraq in 2011, much like Khakon Tikadar - both residents of Chapra Mahakhola area of Nadia district, close to India-Bangladesh border. Their families last heard from them early 2014 before the abduction by IS militants.

Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh has said that it would take the government eight to 10 days to bring back the remains of the 39 workers.

Dipali Tikadar, however, is not keen on visiting Kolkata airport to receive her husband&#39;s remains.

&quot;Even if I get the scope to go to the airport to receive the remains of my husband, I won&#39;t go. I am too depressed to handle the situation,&quot; she said, adding that the Nadia administration has collected blood samples from Samar&#39;s siblings for a DNA test.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj announced in Parliament on Tuesday that all 39 men were dead

Distraught with the news of her husband's death in Mosul, Dipali Tikadar now harbours just one wish: a meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to seek a government job. Dipali's husband Samar Tikadar was kidnapped along with 38 other Indians in Iraq in 2014 by Islamic State. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj announced in Parliament on Tuesday that all 39 men were dead. "I will tell the CM when I meet her about my poor financial condition and appeal for a government job. I think she will understand my situation," Tikadar, a mother of two, said. Over the past four years, she had been toiling hard to make ends meet for her two children with a hope that her husband's return will change their life for better. "I thought after Samar returns, our days of hardship would be over. But now, I don't know what to expect from life," Dipali Tikadar said. She is staring at an uncertain future with little means to provide for her children. Her son Sudip is making preparations for Class X board exams and daughter Sharmistha is a student of Class 4. "I want a government job so that I can arrange for the education of my children," the 35-year-old woman said. The tin shed over her mud house in Nadia district, along with the Indo-Bangladesh border, is also in need of immediate repair, but Tikadar says she has no money. "I get Rs 4,800 as an Integrated Child Development Service worker. It is not enough to run a family. Please arrange to take me to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee," she pleaded. Samar Tikadar had left for Iraq in 2011, much like Khakon Tikadar - both residents of Chapra Mahakhola area of Nadia district, close to India-Bangladesh border. Their families last heard from them early 2014 before the abduction by IS militants. Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh has said that it would take the government eight to 10 days to bring back the remains of the 39 workers. Dipali Tikadar, however, is not keen on visiting Kolkata airport to receive her husband's remains. "Even if I get the scope to go to the airport to receive the remains of my husband, I won't go. I am too depressed to handle the situation," she said, adding that the Nadia administration has collected blood samples from Samar's siblings for a DNA test.

Want to meet Mamata for government job: Mosul victim's wife

Home Minister Rajnath Singh has said that radicalisation of the populace, particularly youths, is one of the most challenging problems the world is facing currently.

Addressing the fourth counter-terrorism conference - &#39;Changing Contours of Global Terror&#39; - here yesterday, Singh, without taking Pakistan&#39;s name, said that some countries are providing sponsorship and safe havens to terrorists and this has further played a major role in the phenomenal growth of terrorism globally.

&quot;Radicalisation of populace, particularly youths, is another trend and one of the most challenging problems being faced over the world.&quot;

&quot;Several countries in the world have identified the problem and have taken measures to check and control the process of radicalisation and I am happy to state that India has timely busted some modules that were planning to orchestrate terrorist attacks on her soil,&quot; he said.

The home minister said that providing sponsorship and safe havens have further played a major role in the phenomenal growth of global terrorism.

In addition, state support has granted terrorist groups access to resources, guidance and logistics, which would normally be beyond their capabilities, Singh said.

&quot;Any effort to counter the activities of terrorist groups carries the danger of placing the victim nation in direct confrontation with the host nation and its resources,&quot; he said.

Singh said in the recent years, the perception of global terrorism has undergone a massive makeover with the rise of armed terror groups especially in the Middle East, South Asia and Africa.

&quot;This phenomenon could be attributed to the diminishing control in the terror space of the Al-Qaeda leadership, which just a decade ago was the face of terrorism. The shift of AQ Network from the Middle East to South Asia is a phenomenon, which is of serious concern to India,&quot; he said.

The home minister said a new dimension of terrorism is the networking of terrorist groups with the criminal underworld including organised crime gangs, gunrunners, smugglers, drug peddlers, with hawala and parallel banking channels being used for global flows of finance.

&quot;It has enabled global terrorist groups to use the infrastructure and terrain knowledge of local outfits for launching attacks in countries, despite having no presence in the area,&quot; he said.

The home minister said the government has kept a keen watch on the growth of ISIS and their ways of using social media as a key tool for ideological indoctrination, recruitment and networking by targeting young generation and intellectual Muslims.

&quot;The potential threat posed by the ISIS are a large-scale radicalisation of Muslim youths throughout the world, the rise in &#39;lone-wolf&#39; and terror attacks by returnee foreign fighters to their home countries. The terror attacks in Australia and France are telling examples of such threat,&quot; he said.

Singh said ISIS propaganda has significantly altered jihadi discourse in India, which, so far, was rooted in grievances against the Indian state and society.

&quot;I am, however, happy that Indian social fabric has not been affected by the emergence of the Islamic State and I am sure this will not have any further impact in our country,&quot; he said.

The home minister said India has consistently taken steps to intensify and strengthen international cooperation through various means.

Terrorism, in all forms, including, Left Wing Extremism and Insurgency, poses a challenge on the sovereignty of India and the country already faces a serious challenge due to relentless efforts of Pakistan-sponsored anti-India Islamist groups like the LeT, JeM, HUJI and Hizbul Mujahideen, he said.

Singh said the emergence of India at the global level is also being challenged by the terrorist groups, due to its vibrant economy and plural character.

The home minister said that providing sponsorship and safe havens have further played a major role in the phenomenal growth of global terrorism

Home Minister Rajnath Singh has said that radicalisation of the populace, particularly youths, is one of the most challenging problems the world is facing currently. Addressing the fourth counter-terrorism conference - 'Changing Contours of Global Terror' - here yesterday, Singh, without taking Pakistan's name, said that some countries are providing sponsorship and safe havens to terrorists and this has further played a major role in the phenomenal growth of terrorism globally. "Radicalisation of populace, particularly youths, is another trend and one of the most challenging problems being faced over the world." "Several countries in the world have identified the problem and have taken measures to check and control the process of radicalisation and I am happy to state that India has timely busted some modules that were planning to orchestrate terrorist attacks on her soil," he said. The home minister said that providing sponsorship and safe havens have further played a major role in the phenomenal growth of global terrorism. In addition, state support has granted terrorist groups access to resources, guidance and logistics, which would normally be beyond their capabilities, Singh said. "Any effort to counter the activities of terrorist groups carries the danger of placing the victim nation in direct confrontation with the host nation and its resources," he said. Singh said in the recent years, the perception of global terrorism has undergone a massive makeover with the rise of armed terror groups especially in the Middle East, South Asia and Africa. "This phenomenon could be attributed to the diminishing control in the terror space of the Al-Qaeda leadership, which just a decade ago was the face of terrorism. The shift of AQ Network from the Middle East to South Asia is a phenomenon, which is of serious concern to India," he said. The home minister said a new dimension of terrorism is the networking of terrorist groups with the criminal underworld including organised crime gangs, gunrunners, smugglers, drug peddlers, with hawala and parallel banking channels being used for global flows of finance. "It has enabled global terrorist groups to use the infrastructure and terrain knowledge of local outfits for launching attacks in countries, despite having no presence in the area," he said. The home minister said the government has kept a keen watch on the growth of ISIS and their ways of using social media as a key tool for ideological indoctrination, recruitment and networking by targeting young generation and intellectual Muslims. "The potential threat posed by the ISIS are a large-scale radicalisation of Muslim youths throughout the world, the rise in 'lone-wolf' and terror attacks by returnee foreign fighters to their home countries. The terror attacks in Australia and France are telling examples of such threat," he said. Singh said ISIS propaganda has significantly altered jihadi discourse in India, which, so far, was rooted in grievances against the Indian state and society. "I am, however, happy that Indian social fabric has not been affected by the emergence of the Islamic State and I am sure this will not have any further impact in our country," he said. The home minister said India has consistently taken steps to intensify and strengthen international cooperation through various means. Terrorism, in all forms, including, Left Wing Extremism and Insurgency, poses a challenge on the sovereignty of India and the country already faces a serious challenge due to relentless efforts of Pakistan-sponsored anti-India Islamist groups like the LeT, JeM, HUJI and Hizbul Mujahideen, he said. Singh said the emergence of India at the global level is also being challenged by the terrorist groups, due to its vibrant economy and plural character.

Radicalisation of youth most challenging problem for world: Rajnath

While children who have been through war typically draw devastating pictures of the violence they have suffered, few show themselves as the perpetrators.

The suicide belts, car bombs and other explosives sketched again and again by a 14-year-old boy newly arrived at this camp in northern Iraq are the ones he built himself: used by ISIS terrorists against civilians and troops in Iraq and Syria.

One image depicted him killing a man with a spray of bullets, something he said he did during three years as a child fighter forcibly conscripted by ISIS.

Kidnapped from his Yazidi homeland in northern Iraq, he said he got used to the sound of bombs falling on ISIS&#39; de facto capital, Raqqa, in Syria, as security forces closed in last year.

&quot;Here&#39;s where I got shot fighting the SDF,&quot; said the boy, not named to protect him from retribution, referring to the U.S.-backed rebel Syrian Defence Forces and pointing out a bullet wound on his shin.

Giving him time to draw and talk about his experience is part of a treatment programme to help him move on and protect both him and others from lasting damage.

Hundreds of children are estimated to have been used as fighters by ISIS, including boys who joined with their families or were given up by them and the offspring of foreign fighters groomed from birth to perpetuate its ideology.

Experts have warned that indoctrinated children, who began escaping the clutches of ISIS as its territory fractured last year, could pose an ongoing threat to security, both regionally and in the West, if they are not rehabilitated.

Treating Yazidi children, who were separated from their families and in many cases orphaned, holds particular challenges.

Persecuted Twice

There is little in the way of specialized care for them in Iraq, where the minimum age of criminal responsibility is nine. The government has detained and prosecuted dozens of children for their suspected IS affiliation, according to a recent report by New York-based Human Rights Watch.

Naif Jardo Qassim, a psychotherapist treating children at Rawanga refugee camp near Dohuk emphasised that they are &quot;victims and not criminals,&quot; and should be treated as such.

Highlighting the scale of the task, Yazidi teacher Hoshyar Khodeida Suleiman recounts the story of one of his students, a young boy reunited with his family in the autumn.

A few days later, the boy&#39;s father woke up in the middle of the night to find his son wielding a knife to his throat, confused about whether he should kill his parents or himself.

&quot;He was screaming that they were infidels and that he would rather die than be one of them,&quot; Suleiman said.

When the terrorists overran Yazidi towns and villages in 2014, they killed or enslaved more than 9,000 adults and children in what the United Nations has called a genocidal campaign against a religious minority labelled heretic by ISIS.

They sold girls and women into slavery, marrying some off to fighters, and trained many boys to join the ranks of what they called the Cubs of the Caliphate, posting videos of them committing atrocities in the name of its self-declared state.

Most of the children returned, not home, but to displacement camps in northern Iraq, where they live with relatives - their parents either missing or killed by the terrorists.

&quot;Everything changed while they were gone,&quot; said Qassim. &quot;That&#39;s if they even remember anything from their lives before.&quot;

Adding to that instability is the weight of the traumas they have endured.

&quot;These children have seen their families killed, or were kidnapped, beaten and brainwashed,&quot; he said. &quot;In some cases, they witnessed executions, were forced to kill or were raped, multiple times, for years.&quot;

Qassim works for Yahad In-Unum, one of a handful of international NGOs which has set up a children&#39;s centre in the camp, where children can receive psychological treatment, ranging from talk to art therapy.

They also come to play, said Qassim, &quot;and remember how to be children again&quot;.

Remembering

Qassim&#39;s six-month-old centre is currently treating 123 children, a mix of girls and boys all under the age of 18, recently returned from ISIS-held territory.

&quot;When they first come back from captivity, the children can often be aggressive, violent, confused and angry,&quot; he said, adding that many of the children were forced to forget their native Kurdish. &quot;That quickly dissolves into anxiety and deep depression, as the trauma begins to settle in.&quot;

The centre devises a treatment programme for each child, which involves both individual and group therapy sessions.

&quot;We slowly work to undo the years of brainwashing they were subjected to,&quot; said Qassim. &quot;We want them to forget the last few years and start again.&quot;

He said all the children he has treated were successfully &quot;de-indoctrinated&quot;, adding, &quot;no child is beyond saving&quot;.

The relative novelty of so-called deradicalisation programmes means opinion is divided over their effectiveness; Laila Ali, spokesperson for UNICEF in Iraq which supports such services, says rehabilitation is &quot;absolutely possible&quot;.

Some children are harder to reach than others, particularly those who have forgotten life before IS. 
One 10-year-old boy was smuggled out of Syria just three and a half weeks ago and has since been living with his uncle in the camp. Shy at first, he became animated when describing his &quot;accomplishments&quot; during his fighter training in Deir Ezzor, Syria and said he is not sure his current life is better.

Qassim says he exhibits confusion about whether he should denounce ISIS&#39;s teachings. He and other children sneak off to pray in the toilets, unconvinced they will not get in trouble with ISIS for shirking religious obligations.

Qassim says he is hopeful he will be back to normal soon.

Some face new humiliations on their return. &quot;I had to move in with my relatives because my parents said they would never accept me back because of what I did,&quot; said one former fighter, now aged 15.

Qassim is the only psychotherapist at his centre and the work takes its toll. &quot;It&#39;s very difficult to hear children tell you these stories of rape, of combat, of killings. In my life, I&#39;d never heard such horrors.&quot;

With little in the way of funds or a roadmap, some community members have pitched in to help in their own ways.

Suleiman aims to rehabilitate Yazidi children at Sharya refugee camp near Dohuk by &quot;reconnecting them with their Yazidi faith&quot;, with an emphasis on &quot;humanity and human decency&quot;.

On a rainy afternoon in late February, they came to class in traditional clothes he had given them: white dresses and scarves with black and gold headbands for the girls; trousers, matching waistcoat and red and white keffiyeh scarf for the boys.

&quot;It&#39;s a simple thing,&quot; he said. &quot;But the clothes are a reminder of who they are and where they come from.&quot;

Experts have warned that indoctrinated children, who began escaping the clutches of ISIS, could pose an ongoing threat to security

While children who have been through war typically draw devastating pictures of the violence they have suffered, few show themselves as the perpetrators. The suicide belts, car bombs and other explosives sketched again and again by a 14-year-old boy newly arrived at this camp in northern Iraq are the ones he built himself: used by ISIS terrorists against civilians and troops in Iraq and Syria. One image depicted him killing a man with a spray of bullets, something he said he did during three years as a child fighter forcibly conscripted by ISIS. Kidnapped from his Yazidi homeland in northern Iraq, he said he got used to the sound of bombs falling on ISIS' de facto capital, Raqqa, in Syria, as security forces closed in last year. "Here's where I got shot fighting the SDF," said the boy, not named to protect him from retribution, referring to the U.S.-backed rebel Syrian Defence Forces and pointing out a bullet wound on his shin. Giving him time to draw and talk about his experience is part of a treatment programme to help him move on and protect both him and others from lasting damage. Hundreds of children are estimated to have been used as fighters by ISIS, including boys who joined with their families or were given up by them and the offspring of foreign fighters groomed from birth to perpetuate its ideology. Experts have warned that indoctrinated children, who began escaping the clutches of ISIS as its territory fractured last year, could pose an ongoing threat to security, both regionally and in the West, if they are not rehabilitated. Treating Yazidi children, who were separated from their families and in many cases orphaned, holds particular challenges. Persecuted Twice There is little in the way of specialized care for them in Iraq, where the minimum age of criminal responsibility is nine. The government has detained and prosecuted dozens of children for their suspected IS affiliation, according to a recent report by New York-based Human Rights Watch. Naif Jardo Qassim, a psychotherapist treating children at Rawanga refugee camp near Dohuk emphasised that they are "victims and not criminals," and should be treated as such. Highlighting the scale of the task, Yazidi teacher Hoshyar Khodeida Suleiman recounts the story of one of his students, a young boy reunited with his family in the autumn. A few days later, the boy's father woke up in the middle of the night to find his son wielding a knife to his throat, confused about whether he should kill his parents or himself. "He was screaming that they were infidels and that he would rather die than be one of them," Suleiman said. When the terrorists overran Yazidi towns and villages in 2014, they killed or enslaved more than 9,000 adults and children in what the United Nations has called a genocidal campaign against a religious minority labelled heretic by ISIS. They sold girls and women into slavery, marrying some off to fighters, and trained many boys to join the ranks of what they called the Cubs of the Caliphate, posting videos of them committing atrocities in the name of its self-declared state. Most of the children returned, not home, but to displacement camps in northern Iraq, where they live with relatives - their parents either missing or killed by the terrorists. "Everything changed while they were gone," said Qassim. "That's if they even remember anything from their lives before." Adding to that instability is the weight of the traumas they have endured. "These children have seen their families killed, or were kidnapped, beaten and brainwashed," he said. "In some cases, they witnessed executions, were forced to kill or were raped, multiple times, for years." Qassim works for Yahad In-Unum, one of a handful of international NGOs which has set up a children's centre in the camp, where children can receive psychological treatment, ranging from talk to art therapy. They also come to play, said Qassim, "and remember how to be children again". Remembering Qassim's six-month-old centre is currently treating 123 children, a mix of girls and boys all under the age of 18, recently returned from ISIS-held territory. "When they first come back from captivity, the children can often be aggressive, violent, confused and angry," he said, adding that many of the children were forced to forget their native Kurdish. "That quickly dissolves into anxiety and deep depression, as the trauma begins to settle in." The centre devises a treatment programme for each child, which involves both individual and group therapy sessions. "We slowly work to undo the years of brainwashing they were subjected to," said Qassim. "We want them to forget the last few years and start again." He said all the children he has treated were successfully "de-indoctrinated", adding, "no child is beyond saving". The relative novelty of so-called deradicalisation programmes means opinion is divided over their effectiveness; Laila Ali, spokesperson for UNICEF in Iraq which supports such services, says rehabilitation is "absolutely possible". Some children are harder to reach than others, particularly those who have forgotten life before IS. One 10-year-old boy was smuggled out of Syria just three and a half weeks ago and has since been living with his uncle in the camp. Shy at first, he became animated when describing his "accomplishments" during his fighter training in Deir Ezzor, Syria and said he is not sure his current life is better. Qassim says he exhibits confusion about whether he should denounce ISIS's teachings. He and other children sneak off to pray in the toilets, unconvinced they will not get in trouble with ISIS for shirking religious obligations. Qassim says he is hopeful he will be back to normal soon. Some face new humiliations on their return. "I had to move in with my relatives because my parents said they would never accept me back because of what I did," said one former fighter, now aged 15. Qassim is the only psychotherapist at his centre and the work takes its toll. "It's very difficult to hear children tell you these stories of rape, of combat, of killings. In my life, I'd never heard such horrors." With little in the way of funds or a roadmap, some community members have pitched in to help in their own ways. Suleiman aims to rehabilitate Yazidi children at Sharya refugee camp near Dohuk by "reconnecting them with their Yazidi faith", with an emphasis on "humanity and human decency". On a rainy afternoon in late February, they came to class in traditional clothes he had given them: white dresses and scarves with black and gold headbands for the girls; trousers, matching waistcoat and red and white keffiyeh scarf for the boys. "It's a simple thing," he said. "But the clothes are a reminder of who they are and where they come from."

Cubs of the Caliphate: Rehabilitating Islamic State's child fighters

An Iraqi court had decided to sentence 16 Turkish women to death for being members of ISIS on Sunday, reports said.&nbsp;

The court directed the women to be hanged after they were found guilty of marrying ISIS fighters and providing the group with support.&nbsp;

Abdul Sattar Bayraktar, the spokesman of Iraq&#39;s Supreme Judicial Council said that the brides had the group with aid, including logistical support and help carrying out terrorist attacks.&nbsp;

The women, aged between 20 - 50, were sentenced in a mass trial at a criminal court in Baghdad on Sunday. Some had young children with them.&nbsp;

The public defender argued that the women had been trafficked into jihadi territory or tricked by their husbands.&nbsp;

The sentences were issued under Iraq&#39;s counterterrorism law, however, the defendants still have a chance to appeal to a higher court.

Another Turkish woman was sentenced to death last week and 10 others of various nationalities to life in prison, all for alleged ISIS membership.

Last month, a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/jihadi-bride-who-married-gave-birth-under-isis-regime-arrested-on-landing-in-uk-30262">British woman</a> who married and gave birth under the Islamic State regime in Syria became one of the first so-called jihadi brides to be arrested on her return to the UK, a media report had claimed.

The court directed that the women will be hanged after they were found guilty of marrying ISIS fighters and providing the group with support.

An Iraqi court had decided to sentence 16 Turkish women to death for being members of ISIS on Sunday, reports said. The court directed the women to be hanged after they were found guilty of marrying ISIS fighters and providing the group with support. Abdul Sattar Bayraktar, the spokesman of Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council said that the brides had the group with aid, including logistical support and help carrying out terrorist attacks. The women, aged between 20 - 50, were sentenced in a mass trial at a criminal court in Baghdad on Sunday. Some had young children with them. The public defender argued that the women had been trafficked into jihadi territory or tricked by their husbands. The sentences were issued under Iraq's counterterrorism law, however, the defendants still have a chance to appeal to a higher court. Another Turkish woman was sentenced to death last week and 10 others of various nationalities to life in prison, all for alleged ISIS membership. Last month, a British woman who married and gave birth under the Islamic State regime in Syria became one of the first so-called jihadi brides to be arrested on her return to the UK, a media report had claimed.

Watch: 16 Turkish brides sentenced to death for IS links

South African special police unit Hawks have arrested an Indian-origin woman and her partner, both allegedly linked to ISIS, on charges of abducting a British couple.

Fatima Patel and Safydeen Aslam Del Vecchio also face charges of robbery and theft after they went on a spending spree using the couple&#39;s&nbsp;credit cards, building up a stash of jewellery, camping equipment and electronic devices which were found at a remote location where an ISIS flag was being flown.

The Hawks declined to provide any further information due to the sensitive nature of the case as the search continues for the couple whose vehicle was found abandoned more than 300 kms away from where they were last seen on February 9.

But the weekly Sunday Times, quoting a charge sheet after their court appearance, reported that Patel and Del Vecchio also stand accused of contravening the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorism and Related Activities Act by hoisting an ISIS flag at a modest homestead in a rural area.

Del Vecchio also faces another terrorism-related charge for allegedly participating in &quot;extremist web forums that support ISIS and offering to supply phone numbers and sim cards that are not traceable.&quot;

Yousha Tayob, the lawyer representing Patel and Del Vecchio, confirmed that the pair had appeared in the court and were remanded in custody at Westville Prison in KwaZulu-Natal province.

The incident had prompted the British government to issue a travel advisory about possible terrorist attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, but local Muslim organisations have dismissed this as an &quot;overreaction&quot;.

Ebrahim Deen of the Afro-Middle East Centre told the weekly that South African Muslims posed no threat to travellers and that the incident was more related to crime than an ISIS attack.

&quot;Muslims are largely integrated in (South African) society, are not disillusioned and they face little discrimination like in Europe and elsewhere,&quot; he said.

Martin Ewi of the Institute for Security Studies said South Africa was regarded as a &quot;logistics base&quot; for terror cells in transit, and is not traditionally a target for attacks, although the arrests of Patel and Del Vecchio confirmed the presence of an active terror cell in South Africa.

&quot;We in the counter terror fraternity suspected that they were working as members of an active cell, and the kidnapping will confirm the presence of an active IS cell,&quot; Ewi said.&nbsp;

Fatima Patel and Safydeen Aslam Del Vecchio also face charges of robbery and theft after they went on a spending spree using the couple's credit cards

South African special police unit Hawks have arrested an Indian-origin woman and her partner, both allegedly linked to ISIS, on charges of abducting a British couple. Fatima Patel and Safydeen Aslam Del Vecchio also face charges of robbery and theft after they went on a spending spree using the couple's credit cards, building up a stash of jewellery, camping equipment and electronic devices which were found at a remote location where an ISIS flag was being flown. The Hawks declined to provide any further information due to the sensitive nature of the case as the search continues for the couple whose vehicle was found abandoned more than 300 kms away from where they were last seen on February 9. But the weekly Sunday Times, quoting a charge sheet after their court appearance, reported that Patel and Del Vecchio also stand accused of contravening the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorism and Related Activities Act by hoisting an ISIS flag at a modest homestead in a rural area. Del Vecchio also faces another terrorism-related charge for allegedly participating in "extremist web forums that support ISIS and offering to supply phone numbers and sim cards that are not traceable." Yousha Tayob, the lawyer representing Patel and Del Vecchio, confirmed that the pair had appeared in the court and were remanded in custody at Westville Prison in KwaZulu-Natal province. The incident had prompted the British government to issue a travel advisory about possible terrorist attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, but local Muslim organisations have dismissed this as an "overreaction". Ebrahim Deen of the Afro-Middle East Centre told the weekly that South African Muslims posed no threat to travellers and that the incident was more related to crime than an ISIS attack. "Muslims are largely integrated in (South African) society, are not disillusioned and they face little discrimination like in Europe and elsewhere," he said. Martin Ewi of the Institute for Security Studies said South Africa was regarded as a "logistics base" for terror cells in transit, and is not traditionally a target for attacks, although the arrests of Patel and Del Vecchio confirmed the presence of an active terror cell in South Africa. "We in the counter terror fraternity suspected that they were working as members of an active cell, and the kidnapping will confirm the presence of an active IS cell," Ewi said.

South Africa: ISIS-linked Indian-origin woman, partner arrested for kidnapping British couple

Iraq&rsquo;s Central Criminal Court has issued death sentences to 16 Turkish women, a judiciary spokesman said.&nbsp;

They were found guilty of joining Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) and aiding terrorists in their attacks.

The women were convicted to death by hanging after &ldquo;it was proven they belong to the Daesh terrorist group and after they confessed to marrying Daesh elements or providing members of the group with logistical aid or helping them carry out terrorist attacks,&rdquo; Judge Abdul-Sattar al-Birqdar, a spokesman of the court, told reporters, using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State.&nbsp;

The court&rsquo;s decision can still be appealed, he said.

Last week, the court issued a verdict of the death penalty for a female Turkish citizen and issued 10 verdicts of life sentences for other women from different countries, according to an earlier statement by Biraqdar.

On Thursday, the Iraqi authorities handed over four women and 27 children from ISIS families to Russia, after being cleared of charges of involvement in terrorist operations against civilians or security forces, Iraqi Foreign Ministry said.

Thousands of foreigners have fought on behalf of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria since at least 2014. Many foreign women came &mdash; or were brought &mdash; from overseas to join the militants.

More than 1,300 women and children surrendered to Kurdish Peshmerga in August, after government forces expelled the jihadist group from the northern Iraqi city of Tal Afar. Their numbers have since swelled to about 1,700 as more foreign nationals surrendered or were captured during operations to root out the militants, according to aid officials.

More than 1,300 women and children surrendered to Kurdish Peshmerga in August

Iraq’s Central Criminal Court has issued death sentences to 16 Turkish women, a judiciary spokesman said. They were found guilty of joining Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) and aiding terrorists in their attacks. The women were convicted to death by hanging after “it was proven they belong to the Daesh terrorist group and after they confessed to marrying Daesh elements or providing members of the group with logistical aid or helping them carry out terrorist attacks,” Judge Abdul-Sattar al-Birqdar, a spokesman of the court, told reporters, using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State. The court’s decision can still be appealed, he said. Last week, the court issued a verdict of the death penalty for a female Turkish citizen and issued 10 verdicts of life sentences for other women from different countries, according to an earlier statement by Biraqdar. On Thursday, the Iraqi authorities handed over four women and 27 children from ISIS families to Russia, after being cleared of charges of involvement in terrorist operations against civilians or security forces, Iraqi Foreign Ministry said. Thousands of foreigners have fought on behalf of Islamic State in Iraq and Syria since at least 2014. Many foreign women came — or were brought — from overseas to join the militants. More than 1,300 women and children surrendered to Kurdish Peshmerga in August, after government forces expelled the jihadist group from the northern Iraqi city of Tal Afar. Their numbers have since swelled to about 1,700 as more foreign nationals surrendered or were captured during operations to root out the militants, according to aid officials.

Iraq court sentences 16 Turkish women to death for joining ISIS

There are three types of Islam, the first is the false Islam laid by the Islamic militants. The second is the Arabism which is followed particularly in the Middle East. And the third is the one followed in the nations like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, etc. where Muslims keep a balance between regional culture and teachings of Prophet.&nbsp;

Barring India, this third type of secular Islam seems to be replaced by the Arabism. Even in Bangladesh, a state formed on regionalism, political observers opinioned about the sudden rise of fanaticism across the nation. The state seems to have forgotten the ethos laid by their founding fathers. There are three pieces of evidence which justify that there is a rise in religious extremism across Bangladesh.

The first evidence is the existence of militant organizations which want to rule the lingual nation under Shira law. The political analysts fear the existence of organisations like ISIS in Bangladesh. ISIS claimed the Dhaka Airport bomb attack which took toll of about 20 people. But the state government blamed Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen, a local terror outfit, for the inhuman massacre. The Awami League also accused the opposition - &nbsp;Bangladesh Nationalist Party - of lending support to Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen for destabilizing peace. Apart from this brutal and inhuman attack, the organization is said to have detonated 500 bombs at 300 different locations causing various casualties across the nation. The Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen is also said to kill seculars, atheists, ideologues, journalists and religious minorities. This inhuman stupidity is happening right under the nose of secular Prime Minister Hasina.

The second instance which justifies that secularism is under axe in Bangladesh is the sudden rise in Arab-Islamic presence in Bangladesh. The rise in Arabic element started when Arab-based funders used to give donations to Madarsas in rural parts. Nowadays there is some fantasy for learning the Arabic language among some youths. The government allowed since it helped to remove stress on the fiscal expenditure. The non&ndash;Muslim allies of the deltaic nation also missed the chance to stop this unwanted shift from modernity. As I said earlier, Bengali first Muslim next state seems to go Muslim first Bengali next state.

Another drama which proves that there is a rise in religious extremism in the nation is the Rohingya issue. This sensitive issue was actually a high potential drama in our neighbouring Bangladesh. The Islamic outfits including Jamaat-e-Islami threatened PM Hasina that they would call hartals if Rohingya refugees are not rehabilitated in Bangladesh. These jobless leaders consider Rohingya as their kind and they want Bangladeshi government to protect them at any cost. It is said that Sheikh Hasina doesn&rsquo;t really want to lend those refugees help since Bangladesh is itself a poverty-hit nation. Fearing those stupid leaders she is wasting the resources meant for infrastructure and poverty alleviation to help those people who are the responsibility of Myanmar. The people are not considering the lingual context of Rohingyas but they want to help them for only one fact that they are Muslims.

After the arrest of strong opposition leader and former PM Khaleda Jia, it is indicative that Hasina will play one person role in Bangladesh politics even after strong anti-incumbency since 2009.It is indicative that ruling party is playing vindictive in the arrest of Jia and her associates, thus decimating the political opposition.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Since there is no presence of strong opposition, Hasina will win this election due at the end of this year, but during next elections, if BNP remains inert in jail, the possibility of religious outfit entering their politics strongly can&rsquo;t be overruled. Another political trend dictates that there is fall in the activism of socialist parties like Jatiyo Samajtantrik party and the activism of Right-wing parties like Jamaat-e-Islami party and the Islami Oikyo Jote is in a good position since Rohingya issue. Thus, not only on the ground but religion is featuring its extremity in politics as well. This is only because of the dictatorial mood of Hasina.

Hasina might be considering politics cakewalk today, but tomorrow she might fight someone more despicable and the despicable faction may win. Sheikh Hasina may fight corruption and poverty by her authoritarian principles but she must learn that she can never control fanaticism by one party principle.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

One person play of Sheikh Hasina won’t be a solution for religious extremism in Bangladesh. She must learn that she can never control fanaticism by her authoritarian principles.

There are three types of Islam, the first is the false Islam laid by the Islamic militants. The second is the Arabism which is followed particularly in the Middle East. And the third is the one followed in the nations like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, etc. where Muslims keep a balance between regional culture and teachings of Prophet. Barring India, this third type of secular Islam seems to be replaced by the Arabism. Even in Bangladesh, a state formed on regionalism, political observers opinioned about the sudden rise of fanaticism across the nation. The state seems to have forgotten the ethos laid by their founding fathers. There are three pieces of evidence which justify that there is a rise in religious extremism across Bangladesh. The first evidence is the existence of militant organizations which want to rule the lingual nation under Shira law. The political analysts fear the existence of organisations like ISIS in Bangladesh. ISIS claimed the Dhaka Airport bomb attack which took toll of about 20 people. But the state government blamed Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen, a local terror outfit, for the inhuman massacre. The Awami League also accused the opposition - Bangladesh Nationalist Party - of lending support to Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen for destabilizing peace. Apart from this brutal and inhuman attack, the organization is said to have detonated 500 bombs at 300 different locations causing various casualties across the nation. The Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen is also said to kill seculars, atheists, ideologues, journalists and religious minorities. This inhuman stupidity is happening right under the nose of secular Prime Minister Hasina. The second instance which justifies that secularism is under axe in Bangladesh is the sudden rise in Arab-Islamic presence in Bangladesh. The rise in Arabic element started when Arab-based funders used to give donations to Madarsas in rural parts. Nowadays there is some fantasy for learning the Arabic language among some youths. The government allowed since it helped to remove stress on the fiscal expenditure. The non–Muslim allies of the deltaic nation also missed the chance to stop this unwanted shift from modernity. As I said earlier, Bengali first Muslim next state seems to go Muslim first Bengali next state. Another drama which proves that there is a rise in religious extremism in the nation is the Rohingya issue. This sensitive issue was actually a high potential drama in our neighbouring Bangladesh. The Islamic outfits including Jamaat-e-Islami threatened PM Hasina that they would call hartals if Rohingya refugees are not rehabilitated in Bangladesh. These jobless leaders consider Rohingya as their kind and they want Bangladeshi government to protect them at any cost. It is said that Sheikh Hasina doesn’t really want to lend those refugees help since Bangladesh is itself a poverty-hit nation. Fearing those stupid leaders she is wasting the resources meant for infrastructure and poverty alleviation to help those people who are the responsibility of Myanmar. The people are not considering the lingual context of Rohingyas but they want to help them for only one fact that they are Muslims. After the arrest of strong opposition leader and former PM Khaleda Jia, it is indicative that Hasina will play one person role in Bangladesh politics even after strong anti-incumbency since 2009.It is indicative that ruling party is playing vindictive in the arrest of Jia and her associates, thus decimating the political opposition. Since there is no presence of strong opposition, Hasina will win this election due at the end of this year, but during next elections, if BNP remains inert in jail, the possibility of religious outfit entering their politics strongly can’t be overruled. Another political trend dictates that there is fall in the activism of socialist parties like Jatiyo Samajtantrik party and the activism of Right-wing parties like Jamaat-e-Islami party and the Islami Oikyo Jote is in a good position since Rohingya issue. Thus, not only on the ground but religion is featuring its extremity in politics as well. This is only because of the dictatorial mood of Hasina. Hasina might be considering politics cakewalk today, but tomorrow she might fight someone more despicable and the despicable faction may win. Sheikh Hasina may fight corruption and poverty by her authoritarian principles but she must learn that she can never control fanaticism by one party principle. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Sheikh Hasina's dictatorial attitude leading to religious extremism in Bangladesh

The US State Department has designated two ISIS members, Siddhartha Dhar and Abdelatif Gaini, as Specially Designated Global Terrorists under Section 1(b) of Executive Order which also imposes sanctions on foreign persons determined to have committed&nbsp;or pose a significant risk of committing&nbsp;acts of terrorism that threaten the security of US nationals, the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the US.

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Here is everything you want to know about the new&nbsp;&quot;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-designates-indian-origin-isis-man-called-new-jihadi-john-global-terrorist-30575">New Jihadi John</a>.&quot;

&#39;New Jihadi John,&#39; Siddhartha Dhar is a British Hindu who converted to Islam and changed his name to Abu Rumayash.

Dhar was born in London to a Bengali Family.

Siddhartha Dhar was working as a spokesperson for Islamist group Al-Muhajiroun, an outfit&nbsp;banned in London.

Dhar also owned a bouncy castle rental company, all his property which now has been frozen.

In a video posted on his YouTube, Dhar has called the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant &quot;a dream for all Muslims worldwide.&quot;

Dhar was under investigation by British authorities for allegedly encouraging terrorism but he was released on bail, after which he was disappeared.

During an interview with BBC&#39;s Sunday Morning Live, Dhar had said he doesn&#39;t identify himself with British values, &#39;I am Muslim first, second and last, he added.&#39;

Dhar is married to a girl named Aisha, and four children with whom he arrived in Syria in 2014 and now believed to be living in the Raqqa city of Syria.

Dhar has written a travel guide to the Islamic State in May 2015, call &#39;A Brief Guide to Islamic State.&#39;&nbsp;

He appeared in the Channel 4 documentary &#39;The Jihadis Next Door.&#39;

Dhar is believed to have replaced ISIS executioner Mohammad Emwazi after he killed in drone strike in 2015.

Dhar has also been suspected to be a masked leader in a January 2016 ISIS video showing the execution of several prisoners, accused of spying for the UK.

Media reports quote a Yazidi teenager held for a sex slave by ISIS in May 2016 that she was kidnapped and trafficked by Siddhartha Dhar.&nbsp;

Dhar is a British Hindu who converted to Islam and changed his name to Abu Rumayash

The US State Department has designated two ISIS members, Siddhartha Dhar and Abdelatif Gaini, as Specially Designated Global Terrorists under Section 1(b) of Executive Order which also imposes sanctions on foreign persons determined to have committed or pose a significant risk of committing acts of terrorism that threaten the security of US nationals, the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the US. × Here is everything you want to know about the new "New Jihadi John." 'New Jihadi John,' Siddhartha Dhar is a British Hindu who converted to Islam and changed his name to Abu Rumayash. Dhar was born in London to a Bengali Family. Siddhartha Dhar was working as a spokesperson for Islamist group Al-Muhajiroun, an outfit banned in London. Dhar also owned a bouncy castle rental company, all his property which now has been frozen. In a video posted on his YouTube, Dhar has called the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant "a dream for all Muslims worldwide." Dhar was under investigation by British authorities for allegedly encouraging terrorism but he was released on bail, after which he was disappeared. During an interview with BBC's Sunday Morning Live, Dhar had said he doesn't identify himself with British values, 'I am Muslim first, second and last, he added.' Dhar is married to a girl named Aisha, and four children with whom he arrived in Syria in 2014 and now believed to be living in the Raqqa city of Syria. Dhar has written a travel guide to the Islamic State in May 2015, call 'A Brief Guide to Islamic State.' He appeared in the Channel 4 documentary 'The Jihadis Next Door.' Dhar is believed to have replaced ISIS executioner Mohammad Emwazi after he killed in drone strike in 2015. Dhar has also been suspected to be a masked leader in a January 2016 ISIS video showing the execution of several prisoners, accused of spying for the UK. Media reports quote a Yazidi teenager held for a sex slave by ISIS in May 2016 that she was kidnapped and trafficked by Siddhartha Dhar.

Who is 'New Jihadi John' Siddhartha Dhar?

The US today designated Indian-origin ISIS terrorist from Britain Siddhartha Dhar along with a Belgian-Moroccan citizen as global terrorists and imposed sanctions on them, the State Department said.

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-new-jihadi-john-siddhartha-dhar-30586"> Who is &#39;New Jihadi John&#39; Siddhartha Dhar?</a>

Siddhartha Dhar, a British Hindu who converted to Islam and now goes by the name Abu Rumaysah, had skipped police bail in the UK to travel to Syria with his wife and young children in 2014.

Nihad Barakat, a Yazidi teenager held as a sex slave by ISIS, was quoted as saying by the Independent in May 2016 that she was kidnapped and trafficked by Siddhartha Dhar, who was based in Mosul, the group&#39;s former stronghold in Iraq.

Siddhartha Dhar was dubbed as the &quot;New Jihadi John&quot; and became a senior commander of the dreaded outfit, the report had said.

The State Department has designated two ISIS members, Siddhartha Dhar and Abdelatif Gaini, as Specially Designated Global Terrorists under Section 1(b) of Executive Order which also imposes sanctions on foreign persons determined to have committed, or pose a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism that threaten the security of US nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the US, a state department spokesperson said in a statement.

These designations seek to deny Siddhartha Dhar and Abdelatif Gaini the resources they need to plan and carry out further terrorist attacks, it said.

Among other consequences, all of Siddhartha Dhar&#39;s and Abdelatif Gaini&#39;s property and interests in property subject to US jurisdiction are blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with them, it said.

Siddhartha Dhar was a leading member of now-defunct terrorist organisation Al-Muhajiroun. In late 2014, Siddhartha Dhar left the United Kingdom to travel to Syria to join ISIS, it said.

He is considered to have replaced ISIS executioner Mohammad Emwazi, also known as &quot;Jihadi John&quot;, it said.

Siddhartha Dhar is believed to be the masked leader who appeared in a January 2016 ISIS video of the execution of several prisoners ISIS accused of spying for the UK, the statement said.

Abdelatif Gaini is a Belgian-Moroccan citizen believed to be fighting for ISIS in the Middle East. Abdelatif Gaini is connected to UK-based ISIS sympathizers Mohamad Ali Ahmed and Humza Ali, who were convicted in the UK in 2016 of terrorism offenses, it said.

Today&#39;s action notifies the US public and the international community that Siddhartha Dhar and Abdelatif Gaini have committed or pose a significant risk of committing acts of terrorism, it said.

Terrorism designations expose and isolate organizations and individuals, and deny them access to the US financial system. Moreover, designations can assist the law enforcement activities of US agencies and other governments, it said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Siddhartha Dhar, a British Hindu who converted to Islam and now goes by the name Abu Rumaysah, had skipped police bail in the UK to travel to Syria with his wife and young children in 2014

The US today designated Indian-origin ISIS terrorist from Britain Siddhartha Dhar along with a Belgian-Moroccan citizen as global terrorists and imposed sanctions on them, the State Department said. Also read: Who is 'New Jihadi John' Siddhartha Dhar? Siddhartha Dhar, a British Hindu who converted to Islam and now goes by the name Abu Rumaysah, had skipped police bail in the UK to travel to Syria with his wife and young children in 2014. Nihad Barakat, a Yazidi teenager held as a sex slave by ISIS, was quoted as saying by the Independent in May 2016 that she was kidnapped and trafficked by Siddhartha Dhar, who was based in Mosul, the group's former stronghold in Iraq. Siddhartha Dhar was dubbed as the "New Jihadi John" and became a senior commander of the dreaded outfit, the report had said. The State Department has designated two ISIS members, Siddhartha Dhar and Abdelatif Gaini, as Specially Designated Global Terrorists under Section 1(b) of Executive Order which also imposes sanctions on foreign persons determined to have committed, or pose a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism that threaten the security of US nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the US, a state department spokesperson said in a statement. These designations seek to deny Siddhartha Dhar and Abdelatif Gaini the resources they need to plan and carry out further terrorist attacks, it said. Among other consequences, all of Siddhartha Dhar's and Abdelatif Gaini's property and interests in property subject to US jurisdiction are blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with them, it said. Siddhartha Dhar was a leading member of now-defunct terrorist organisation Al-Muhajiroun. In late 2014, Siddhartha Dhar left the United Kingdom to travel to Syria to join ISIS, it said. He is considered to have replaced ISIS executioner Mohammad Emwazi, also known as "Jihadi John", it said. Siddhartha Dhar is believed to be the masked leader who appeared in a January 2016 ISIS video of the execution of several prisoners ISIS accused of spying for the UK, the statement said. Abdelatif Gaini is a Belgian-Moroccan citizen believed to be fighting for ISIS in the Middle East. Abdelatif Gaini is connected to UK-based ISIS sympathizers Mohamad Ali Ahmed and Humza Ali, who were convicted in the UK in 2016 of terrorism offenses, it said. Today's action notifies the US public and the international community that Siddhartha Dhar and Abdelatif Gaini have committed or pose a significant risk of committing acts of terrorism, it said. Terrorism designations expose and isolate organizations and individuals, and deny them access to the US financial system. Moreover, designations can assist the law enforcement activities of US agencies and other governments, it said.

US designates Indian-origin IS man, called 'New Jihadi John', global terrorist

In 1984, a small boy was born into a Bengali family staying in Walthamstow, London. His name was Siddharth Dhar. Young Siddharth joined his family business but didn&#39;t stick to it for long.&nbsp;

Circumstances changed, and young Siddharth came in touch with some hardliner Islamic preachers. The interaction soon resulted in his conversion to Islam. Siddharth Dhar got a new name: Saiful Islam.&nbsp;

It is hard to tell now whether Saiful&#39;s belief in radical ideology inspired him to convert or the other way round. Unfortunately, soon after the drift towards violence was evident. Soon Siddharth married a lady called Aisha who herself was associated with some hardliner Islamic organisations.&nbsp;

Saiful Islam, when not engaged in the business of was seen in various agitations and protests against what he felt to be injustices committed against Muslims in the world. He started posting his videos online and kept looking for likeminded radical Islamic people outside mosques after every Friday prayer.&nbsp;

He said in one of his YouTube videos, &ldquo;The Caliphate is a dream for all the Muslims world wide&rdquo;. He also quipped, &nbsp;&ldquo;We can Finally have a sanctuary where we can practice our religion and live under Sharia law&rdquo;.

Not only this, he sometimes appeared on BBC&rsquo;s Sunday Morning Live religious programs and expressed his hardliner views openly. He said, &quot;Now that we have this caliphate I think you&#39;ll see many Muslims globally seeing it as an opportunity for the Koran to be realised.&quot;&nbsp;

Also, &quot;As a Muslim, I would like to see the UK governed by the Sharia. It is far superior to democracy. I don&#39;t really identify myself with British values. I am Muslim first, second and last.&quot;

&nbsp;In 2014, when Siddharth was 30-year-old and a father of 4 kids, he was caught six times by the London Police for being associated with terror activities but every time he was released on bail. After he was released on bail for the sixth time, Siddharth Dhar Aka Saiful Islam left Britain with the family. After few weeks, he surfaced in Syria when he released a photo of him with his fourth newborn child and an assault rifle. Even then few could guess that this smiling boy is going to become one of the most dreaded Islamic State terrorists in the world, and will be renamed as Aby Rumysah by the leaders of ISIS.&nbsp;

Since then, he has been making a mockery of the world by criticising them. His videos on YouTube are common and today the world knows him by many names: New Jihadi John, Aby Rumysah, Abu Dhar, Saiful Islam. He is the public face and official spokesperson of a little known Islamic Group called &ldquo;Al-Muhajiroun&rdquo; who was earlier UK-based but pledged its alliance to ISIS and currently have safe heavens in Lahore, Pakistan.&nbsp;

He published a detailed travel guide prospective followers of ISIS &nbsp;in 2015 in which he said, &quot;If you thought London or New York was cosmopolitan, then wait until you step foot in the Islamic State because it screams diversity. In my short time here, I have met people from absolutely every walk of life, proof that the caliphate&#39;s pulling power is strong and tenacious.&quot;

He is one of the rare breeds of terrorists who openly explained his views on Islamic Radicalism, Sharia, Sex Slavery and many other issues of ISIS.&nbsp;

Saiful Islam is believed to have replaced another terrorist Mohammad Emwazi or Jihadi John after he was killed in a drone strike. Ironically, Mohammad Emwazi was also a British Citizen.

The question arises as to who is responsible for the conversion of a normal decent human being into such a dreaded terrorist. Certainly, the country where he was born and bought up and the authorities should be blamed. The circumstances under which he was released on bail and under which he could sneak out of the country raises a serious question over the security arrangement of a country which is called as one of the superpowers of the world. His tweet after he reached Syria reflects the same.&nbsp;

Saiful tweeted: 
&ldquo;What a shoddy&nbsp;security&nbsp;system&nbsp;Britain&nbsp;must have to allow me to breeze through Europe to ISIS,&rdquo;

Imagine a person being arrested six times for anti-national activities, getting released every time on bail and, finally, can sneak out of the country along with wife and four kids successfully to join ISIS. This is a clear failure on the part of Britain.&nbsp;

A report said that there were about 1200-1500 British citizens who sneaked out of the country and joined ISIS in the past 5-6 years alone which is more than 10 times of India which has just 132 confirmed cases.

For a country which has about 28 Lakh Muslims, such large number of ISIS recruitments only reflect the inefficiency of the country&rsquo;s security system.&nbsp;

Britain has no option except to immediately curb the rise of Islamic radicalism in their country and strengthen the security measures. ISIS is on a verge of collapse but Islamic Radicalism is not and there are high chances that some other organisation may replace the Daesh. The names will only change but the terrorists will remain the same.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2016, British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond admitted that there were about 1200 British citizens who sneaked out of the country and joined ISIS in the past 5-6 years alone which is more than 10 times of India which has just 132 confirmed cases.

In 1984, a small boy was born into a Bengali family staying in Walthamstow, London. His name was Siddharth Dhar. Young Siddharth joined his family business but didn't stick to it for long. Circumstances changed, and young Siddharth came in touch with some hardliner Islamic preachers. The interaction soon resulted in his conversion to Islam. Siddharth Dhar got a new name: Saiful Islam. It is hard to tell now whether Saiful's belief in radical ideology inspired him to convert or the other way round. Unfortunately, soon after the drift towards violence was evident. Soon Siddharth married a lady called Aisha who herself was associated with some hardliner Islamic organisations. Saiful Islam, when not engaged in the business of was seen in various agitations and protests against what he felt to be injustices committed against Muslims in the world. He started posting his videos online and kept looking for likeminded radical Islamic people outside mosques after every Friday prayer. He said in one of his YouTube videos, “The Caliphate is a dream for all the Muslims world wide”. He also quipped, “We can Finally have a sanctuary where we can practice our religion and live under Sharia law”. Not only this, he sometimes appeared on BBC’s Sunday Morning Live religious programs and expressed his hardliner views openly. He said, "Now that we have this caliphate I think you'll see many Muslims globally seeing it as an opportunity for the Koran to be realised." Also, "As a Muslim, I would like to see the UK governed by the Sharia. It is far superior to democracy. I don't really identify myself with British values. I am Muslim first, second and last." In 2014, when Siddharth was 30-year-old and a father of 4 kids, he was caught six times by the London Police for being associated with terror activities but every time he was released on bail. After he was released on bail for the sixth time, Siddharth Dhar Aka Saiful Islam left Britain with the family. After few weeks, he surfaced in Syria when he released a photo of him with his fourth newborn child and an assault rifle. Even then few could guess that this smiling boy is going to become one of the most dreaded Islamic State terrorists in the world, and will be renamed as Aby Rumysah by the leaders of ISIS. Since then, he has been making a mockery of the world by criticising them. His videos on YouTube are common and today the world knows him by many names: New Jihadi John, Aby Rumysah, Abu Dhar, Saiful Islam. He is the public face and official spokesperson of a little known Islamic Group called “Al-Muhajiroun” who was earlier UK-based but pledged its alliance to ISIS and currently have safe heavens in Lahore, Pakistan. He published a detailed travel guide prospective followers of ISIS in 2015 in which he said, "If you thought London or New York was cosmopolitan, then wait until you step foot in the Islamic State because it screams diversity. In my short time here, I have met people from absolutely every walk of life, proof that the caliphate's pulling power is strong and tenacious." He is one of the rare breeds of terrorists who openly explained his views on Islamic Radicalism, Sharia, Sex Slavery and many other issues of ISIS. Saiful Islam is believed to have replaced another terrorist Mohammad Emwazi or Jihadi John after he was killed in a drone strike. Ironically, Mohammad Emwazi was also a British Citizen. The question arises as to who is responsible for the conversion of a normal decent human being into such a dreaded terrorist. Certainly, the country where he was born and bought up and the authorities should be blamed. The circumstances under which he was released on bail and under which he could sneak out of the country raises a serious question over the security arrangement of a country which is called as one of the superpowers of the world. His tweet after he reached Syria reflects the same. Saiful tweeted: “What a shoddy security system Britain must have to allow me to breeze through Europe to ISIS,” Imagine a person being arrested six times for anti-national activities, getting released every time on bail and, finally, can sneak out of the country along with wife and four kids successfully to join ISIS. This is a clear failure on the part of Britain. A report said that there were about 1200-1500 British citizens who sneaked out of the country and joined ISIS in the past 5-6 years alone which is more than 10 times of India which has just 132 confirmed cases. For a country which has about 28 Lakh Muslims, such large number of ISIS recruitments only reflect the inefficiency of the country’s security system. Britain has no option except to immediately curb the rise of Islamic radicalism in their country and strengthen the security measures. ISIS is on a verge of collapse but Islamic Radicalism is not and there are high chances that some other organisation may replace the Daesh. The names will only change but the terrorists will remain the same. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: What made 'New Jihadi John' a global terrorist

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson faces &quot;difficult&quot; talks next week with NATO ally Turkey on Syria and human rights, his delegation said Friday before a regional tour.

Late last month, Ankara began a cross-border offensive in northwestern Syria against what it calls a &quot;terrorist&quot; Kurdish militia supported and armed by Washington whose troops are back local militias against the Islamic State group (IS).

The Turkish operation further raised tensions between the two countries, whose relations were already complicated.

&quot;We are urging them to show restraint in their operations in Afrin, and to show restraint further along the line across the border in northern Syria,&quot; a senior US State Department official told reporters ahead of Tillerson&#39;s tour that begins Sunday and will also take him to Cairo, Kuwait City, Amman and Beirut.

&quot;You start with asking for restraint and look for ways that you can help bring it to an end as quickly as possible,&quot; the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on the US to pull its troops back from Syria&#39;s Manbij, which is east of Afrin.

&quot;Obviously we need to work with the Turks to figure out more about what their long-term intentions are,&quot; and to try to find a way &quot;to address their legitimate security concerns while, at the same time, minimizing civilian casualties and above all else keeping everything focused on the defeat-ISIS fight, which is not over,&quot; the official said.&nbsp;

It will be &quot;a difficult conversation,&quot; the official continued, referring to the &quot;very hot&quot; Turkish rhetoric on the subject.

Tillerson&#39;s visit is also expected to touch on other sensitive topics.

These include human rights and arrests that the US called &quot;arbitrary&quot; following a state of emergency declared after an attempted coup in 2016.&nbsp;

Turkey last year detained local employees of American diplomatic missions in the country, and arrested Taner Kilic, the president of Amnesty International in Turkey.

&quot;There&#39;s no pulling punches on that,&quot; a second senior State Department official said.

&quot;We&#39;ve been very public in our call to the Turks to let these folks go, and we&#39;ve been very firm in our private conversations with them as well.&quot;

He conceded: &quot;The Turks are angry and this is a difficult time to do business.&quot;

But Washington believes the two countries share fundamental underlying interests including Syria&#39;s stability, the defeat of IS, and countering the Kurdistan Workers&#39; Party (PKK) which both Ankara and the West consider terrorists.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson faces "difficult" talks next week with NATO ally Turkey on Syria and human rights, his delegation said Friday before a regional tour

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson faces "difficult" talks next week with NATO ally Turkey on Syria and human rights, his delegation said Friday before a regional tour. Late last month, Ankara began a cross-border offensive in northwestern Syria against what it calls a "terrorist" Kurdish militia supported and armed by Washington whose troops are back local militias against the Islamic State group (IS). The Turkish operation further raised tensions between the two countries, whose relations were already complicated. "We are urging them to show restraint in their operations in Afrin, and to show restraint further along the line across the border in northern Syria," a senior US State Department official told reporters ahead of Tillerson's tour that begins Sunday and will also take him to Cairo, Kuwait City, Amman and Beirut. "You start with asking for restraint and look for ways that you can help bring it to an end as quickly as possible," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on the US to pull its troops back from Syria's Manbij, which is east of Afrin. "Obviously we need to work with the Turks to figure out more about what their long-term intentions are," and to try to find a way "to address their legitimate security concerns while, at the same time, minimizing civilian casualties and above all else keeping everything focused on the defeat-ISIS fight, which is not over," the official said. It will be "a difficult conversation," the official continued, referring to the "very hot" Turkish rhetoric on the subject. Tillerson's visit is also expected to touch on other sensitive topics. These include human rights and arrests that the US called "arbitrary" following a state of emergency declared after an attempted coup in 2016. Turkey last year detained local employees of American diplomatic missions in the country, and arrested Taner Kilic, the president of Amnesty International in Turkey. "There's no pulling punches on that," a second senior State Department official said. "We've been very public in our call to the Turks to let these folks go, and we've been very firm in our private conversations with them as well." He conceded: "The Turks are angry and this is a difficult time to do business." But Washington believes the two countries share fundamental underlying interests including Syria's stability, the defeat of IS, and countering the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) which both Ankara and the West consider terrorists.

Tough Turkey talks await Tillerson: Officials

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday delivered his first State of the Union address and provided his assessment of his first year in office with a look ahead at his agenda as he continues to work towards fulfilling his campaign promise to &quot;make America great again.&quot;

In the hour-long address, Donald Trump spoke about the American economy and the tax cuts undertaken by his government. He also talked about &quot;decades of unfair trade deals&quot;, &quot;immigration policies that focus on the best interests of American Workers and American Families&quot;, &quot;what kind of nation&quot; America will be, and America&#39;s &quot;fight until ISIS is defeated&quot; among others.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-state-of-the-union-speech-full-text-31279" target="_blank">Full text of Donald Trump&#39;s State of the Union speech</a>

The State of the Union Address is an annual message presented by President of United States to a joint session of the United States Congress after the president completes one year of his term.&nbsp;

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US President Trump said that &quot;together, we are building a safe, strong and proud America. The state of our union is strong, because our people are strong.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU</a> <a href="https://t.co/FOEqVUyHho">pic.twitter.com/FOEqVUyHho</a>
&mdash; AFP news agency (@AFP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AFP/status/958533775742328832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;So let us begin tonight by recognizing that the state of our Union is strong because our people are strong.&quot; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU</a>: <a href="https://t.co/Njo52YOlc2">https://t.co/Njo52YOlc2</a>
&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/958524829233184768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Broadcast live across the country, the address serves as a platform for the President to directly communicate to the people of America.&nbsp;

As Trump took the stage, amid cheer and jubilation, he talked about issues of prime importance and utmost significance to the country, its prosperity and its ties with allies. Here is a quick look at some of the key points from Trump&#39;s first State of the Union address.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-state-of-the-union-address-31215">What is the State of the Union Address?</a>

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU</a>: <a href="https://t.co/nJF9j414YL">https://t.co/nJF9j414YL</a> <a href="https://t.co/9akH7raQta">pic.twitter.com/9akH7raQta</a>
&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/958523660683415554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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United America&nbsp;

&quot;Tonight, I want to talk about what kind of future we are going to have, and what kind of nation we are going to be. All of us, together, as one team, one people, and one American family.&quot;

Trump emphasised the importance of a &quot;united America&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;As we rebuild America&rsquo;s strength and confidence at home, we are also restoring our strength and standing abroad,&quot; Trump noted.&nbsp;

A staunch believer and propagator of the idea of the &quot;American dream&quot;, Trump further added, &quot;This is our New American Moment. There has never been a better time to start living the American dream.&quot;

Trump noted that the citizens of America love their country and deserve a government that shows them the same love and loyalty in return.&nbsp;

&quot;Tonight I am extending an open hand to work with members of both parties, Democrats and Republicans, to protect our citizens, of every background, color, and creed,&quot; Trump said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Broadcast live across the country, the address serves as a platform for the President to directly communicate to the people of America. (WION)
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Fight until ISIS is defeated

Reinstating America&#39;s zero tolerance on terrorism, the US President noted that as he assumed office last year, he had pledged to work with allies to extinguish ISIS from the face of the earth.

&quot;One year later, I&rsquo;m proud to report that the coalition to defeat ISIS has liberated almost 100 percent of the territory once held by these killers in Iraq and Syria. But there is much more work to be done,&quot; he shared.

&quot;We will continue our fight until ISIS is defeated,&quot; Trump exclaimed.&nbsp;

Economically strong America

&quot;We want every American to know the dignity of a hard day&rsquo;s work; we want every child to be safe in their home at night, and we want every citizen to be proud of this land that we love,&quot; said Trump noting that the key to a stronger nation is closely tied to economic growth and prosperity.&nbsp;

&quot;I am asking both parties to come together to give us the safe, fast, reliable, and modern infrastructure our economy needs and our people deserve,&quot; he noted.&nbsp;

Trump furthered his statement by talking about tax relief provided to the US citizens.&nbsp;

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&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/958525971765907456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;Just as I promised the American People from this podium 11 months ago, we enacted the biggest tax cuts and reform in American history.&quot;

He shared that since the tax cuts were passed, roughly 3 million workers have received tax cut bonuses &ndash; thousands of dollars per worker for many.

&quot;&Uuml;nemployment has hit a 45-year low,&quot; Trump shared.

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Unemployment claims have hit a 45-year low.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SOTU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SOTU</a>: <a href="https://t.co/nT5Y9ywiwb">https://t.co/nT5Y9ywiwb</a> <a href="https://t.co/lZeqog5Zd3">pic.twitter.com/lZeqog5Zd3</a>
&mdash; The White House (@WhiteHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/958525610141343744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Trump also touched upon issues like the immigration policy and trade practices, among others.&nbsp;

&quot;America has also finally turned the page on decades of unfair trade deals that sacrificed our prosperity and shipped away our companies, our jobs and our nation&rsquo;s wealth,&quot; Trump shared.&nbsp;

Broadcast live across the country, the address serves as a platform for the President to directly communicate to the people of America

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday delivered his first State of the Union address and provided his assessment of his first year in office with a look ahead at his agenda as he continues to work towards fulfilling his campaign promise to "make America great again." In the hour-long address, Donald Trump spoke about the American economy and the tax cuts undertaken by his government. He also talked about "decades of unfair trade deals", "immigration policies that focus on the best interests of American Workers and American Families", "what kind of nation" America will be, and America's "fight until ISIS is defeated" among others. Also read: Full text of Donald Trump's State of the Union speech The State of the Union Address is an annual message presented by President of United States to a joint session of the United States Congress after the president completes one year of his term. US President Trump said that "together, we are building a safe, strong and proud America. The state of our union is strong, because our people are strong." #SOTU pic.twitter.com/FOEqVUyHho — AFP news agency (@AFP) January 31, 2018 × "So let us begin tonight by recognizing that the state of our Union is strong because our people are strong." #SOTU: https://t.co/Njo52YOlc2 — The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 31, 2018 × Broadcast live across the country, the address serves as a platform for the President to directly communicate to the people of America. As Trump took the stage, amid cheer and jubilation, he talked about issues of prime importance and utmost significance to the country, its prosperity and its ties with allies. Here is a quick look at some of the key points from Trump's first State of the Union address. Also read: What is the State of the Union Address? #SOTU: https://t.co/nJF9j414YL pic.twitter.com/9akH7raQta — The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 31, 2018 × United America "Tonight, I want to talk about what kind of future we are going to have, and what kind of nation we are going to be. All of us, together, as one team, one people, and one American family." Trump emphasised the importance of a "united America". "As we rebuild America’s strength and confidence at home, we are also restoring our strength and standing abroad," Trump noted. A staunch believer and propagator of the idea of the "American dream", Trump further added, "This is our New American Moment. There has never been a better time to start living the American dream." Trump noted that the citizens of America love their country and deserve a government that shows them the same love and loyalty in return. "Tonight I am extending an open hand to work with members of both parties, Democrats and Republicans, to protect our citizens, of every background, color, and creed," Trump said. Broadcast live across the country, the address serves as a platform for the President to directly communicate to the people of America. (WION) × Fight until ISIS is defeated Reinstating America's zero tolerance on terrorism, the US President noted that as he assumed office last year, he had pledged to work with allies to extinguish ISIS from the face of the earth. "One year later, I’m proud to report that the coalition to defeat ISIS has liberated almost 100 percent of the territory once held by these killers in Iraq and Syria. But there is much more work to be done," he shared. "We will continue our fight until ISIS is defeated," Trump exclaimed. Economically strong America "We want every American to know the dignity of a hard day’s work; we want every child to be safe in their home at night, and we want every citizen to be proud of this land that we love," said Trump noting that the key to a stronger nation is closely tied to economic growth and prosperity. "I am asking both parties to come together to give us the safe, fast, reliable, and modern infrastructure our economy needs and our people deserve," he noted. Trump furthered his statement by talking about tax relief provided to the US citizens. #SOTU: https://t.co/nT5Y9ywiwb pic.twitter.com/Ppd1dRB6Hm — The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 31, 2018 × "Just as I promised the American People from this podium 11 months ago, we enacted the biggest tax cuts and reform in American history." He shared that since the tax cuts were passed, roughly 3 million workers have received tax cut bonuses – thousands of dollars per worker for many. "Ünemployment has hit a 45-year low," Trump shared. Unemployment claims have hit a 45-year low.#SOTU: https://t.co/nT5Y9ywiwb pic.twitter.com/lZeqog5Zd3 — The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 31, 2018 × Trump also touched upon issues like the immigration policy and trade practices, among others. "America has also finally turned the page on decades of unfair trade deals that sacrificed our prosperity and shipped away our companies, our jobs and our nation’s wealth," Trump shared.

Never been a better time to start living the American dream, says US President Donald Trump

Barely 15 days after the seize of Intercontinental hotel in Kabul, another deadly blast shook the city where an explosives-laden ambulance blew itself up in a busy street of Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan which was considered a heavenly city a few decades back.

&nbsp;

Both the attacks were a handiwork of Taliban, a strong militia group considered extremely close to the leadership of Pakistan. The shadows of Mr Trump&rsquo;s decision on withholding the US Aid to Pakistan cannot be ruled out in these attacks.

&nbsp;

But there is another deadly group opening up slowly in Afghanistan. The Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL of ISIS) in Khorasan. ISIS is not behind Taliban in brutality. On Wednesday, 24th January 2018, they executed a deadly attack on Jalalabad at Nangarhar on the office of a British Aid Agency &ldquo;Save the Children&rdquo;, killing 4 people and injured several dozens.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In the war-torn country, both the groups are fighting to get more and more territory as well as supporters. Both are major terrorist groups but there are serious differences among them. &nbsp;

While Taliban is a group of terrorists comprising of Madarsa students and their teachers which were trained and armed by Pakistan ISI, the ISIS is a full-fledged army which can fight even small conventional wars.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In Afghanistan, Taliban is a mix of various ethnic and tribal groups and, currently, going through a bad phase of disarray, infighting and leadership crisis. They have been badly hammered by the Coalition forces, as well as Afghan Army, and have lost about 10000 of their fighters in the last two decades or so. But ironically, they have been able to sustain well despite of these aspects. They have killed an equal number of Coalition and Afghan Soldiers and are able to control more than 45% of the Afghanistan Territory. This is more than the area under Taliban control when America started Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As far as religious alienation is concerned, Taliban strictly follows the Deobandi school of Sunni Islam while the ISIS is a strong Salafi group. There are major ideological differences too. Contrary to the ISIS, Taliban primarily rules as per tribal customs and traditions made by the people. Whereas ISIS has only one aim, the imposition of Shariyat in totality.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The primary aim of Taliban is to establish their rule over Afghan territory irrespective of religious issues. The ISIS, however, has only one aim: to establish the Islamic rule under the Caliphate, encompassing the entire Muslim community or Ummah in the territory. They are much more organised, brutal and fearless.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Since its arrival in Afghanistan in 2015, the group has killed over 700 people and injured more than 1600. That&rsquo;s an alarming figure. They calculated their move and started active operations only after the US backed forces decided to withdraw after declaring an end to Operation Enduring Freedom in 2014. Exactly the way they did in Iraq.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

ISIS has another major advantage and that is related to their defeat in Iraq and Syria. A sizeable population of ISIS fighters is now returning because of the group losing grounds in Iraq and Syria. A large number of them are from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Uighurs from China and there cannot be a better territory for them to operate than Afghanistan.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

On top of this, many Taliban commanders are defecting and joining the ISIS. The Khorasan Region ISIS, which was initially started by a group of just the 70 people who moved from Iraq to create the force in Afghanistan in 2014, now boasts of several thousand within just 3 years. Surprisingly, the major stronghold of the ISIS in Afghanistan is Nangarhar province which connects the country with Pakistan through the Khyber Pass.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

So, what is the future of the country now? A nation, which is witnessing the worst form of terrorism sponsored by its neighbours, will it ever be able to come out of the dark shadows? Will the citizen of this country ever live a normal life? They have been suffering badly in the past because of inter group fighting.&nbsp; Initially, it was the US backed coalition to fight Soviet forces, then it was fighting with AL- Qaeda and then with Taliban and now it seems to be ISIS. But one factor is common to all and that is active support from the Pakistan Government and its ISI.

&nbsp;

I would feel that there are only two ways- firstly to isolate the country from any kind of ISI or Pakistani influence and, secondly, to come down heavily on the terrorist groups existing within the territory of the country.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Most importantly, Afghan leaders must understand as to who can help them really in the world. Who are the friends and who are the foes? It will of mutual benefit if India and Afghanistan decide to help each other out to end the scourge of terrorism from the region.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;

ISIS is more organised, brutal and fearless than Taliban

Barely 15 days after the seize of Intercontinental hotel in Kabul, another deadly blast shook the city where an explosives-laden ambulance blew itself up in a busy street of Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan which was considered a heavenly city a few decades back. Both the attacks were a handiwork of Taliban, a strong militia group considered extremely close to the leadership of Pakistan. The shadows of Mr Trump’s decision on withholding the US Aid to Pakistan cannot be ruled out in these attacks. But there is another deadly group opening up slowly in Afghanistan. The Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL of ISIS) in Khorasan. ISIS is not behind Taliban in brutality. On Wednesday, 24th January 2018, they executed a deadly attack on Jalalabad at Nangarhar on the office of a British Aid Agency “Save the Children”, killing 4 people and injured several dozens. In the war-torn country, both the groups are fighting to get more and more territory as well as supporters. Both are major terrorist groups but there are serious differences among them. While Taliban is a group of terrorists comprising of Madarsa students and their teachers which were trained and armed by Pakistan ISI, the ISIS is a full-fledged army which can fight even small conventional wars. In Afghanistan, Taliban is a mix of various ethnic and tribal groups and, currently, going through a bad phase of disarray, infighting and leadership crisis. They have been badly hammered by the Coalition forces, as well as Afghan Army, and have lost about 10000 of their fighters in the last two decades or so. But ironically, they have been able to sustain well despite of these aspects. They have killed an equal number of Coalition and Afghan Soldiers and are able to control more than 45% of the Afghanistan Territory. This is more than the area under Taliban control when America started Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001. As far as religious alienation is concerned, Taliban strictly follows the Deobandi school of Sunni Islam while the ISIS is a strong Salafi group. There are major ideological differences too. Contrary to the ISIS, Taliban primarily rules as per tribal customs and traditions made by the people. Whereas ISIS has only one aim, the imposition of Shariyat in totality. The primary aim of Taliban is to establish their rule over Afghan territory irrespective of religious issues. The ISIS, however, has only one aim: to establish the Islamic rule under the Caliphate, encompassing the entire Muslim community or Ummah in the territory. They are much more organised, brutal and fearless. Since its arrival in Afghanistan in 2015, the group has killed over 700 people and injured more than 1600. That’s an alarming figure. They calculated their move and started active operations only after the US backed forces decided to withdraw after declaring an end to Operation Enduring Freedom in 2014. Exactly the way they did in Iraq. ISIS has another major advantage and that is related to their defeat in Iraq and Syria. A sizeable population of ISIS fighters is now returning because of the group losing grounds in Iraq and Syria. A large number of them are from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Uighurs from China and there cannot be a better territory for them to operate than Afghanistan. On top of this, many Taliban commanders are defecting and joining the ISIS. The Khorasan Region ISIS, which was initially started by a group of just the 70 people who moved from Iraq to create the force in Afghanistan in 2014, now boasts of several thousand within just 3 years. Surprisingly, the major stronghold of the ISIS in Afghanistan is Nangarhar province which connects the country with Pakistan through the Khyber Pass. So, what is the future of the country now? A nation, which is witnessing the worst form of terrorism sponsored by its neighbours, will it ever be able to come out of the dark shadows? Will the citizen of this country ever live a normal life? They have been suffering badly in the past because of inter group fighting. Initially, it was the US backed coalition to fight Soviet forces, then it was fighting with AL- Qaeda and then with Taliban and now it seems to be ISIS. But one factor is common to all and that is active support from the Pakistan Government and its ISI. I would feel that there are only two ways- firstly to isolate the country from any kind of ISI or Pakistani influence and, secondly, to come down heavily on the terrorist groups existing within the territory of the country. Most importantly, Afghan leaders must understand as to who can help them really in the world. Who are the friends and who are the foes? It will of mutual benefit if India and Afghanistan decide to help each other out to end the scourge of terrorism from the region. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: India should consider ISIS to be more deadly than Taliban

27-seven-year old Indian national Abdul Manaf has been killed fighting for Islamic State(IS) in Syria, police confirmed today.

Kannur&nbsp;deputy SP Sadanandan said today that Manaf&#39;s family received a message confirming his death.

Manaf&#39;s family belongs to Kerala&#39;s Valapattanam district in Kannur.

Police said Manaf&#39;s family received the report through a Telegram messenger.

Manaf was a leader of the Kerala-based Popular Front India, police said, adding that he was involved in the murder of a CPM worker in 2009.

At least six Indians have been killed in Syria fighting for the IS, reports said. At least five have been arrested by the NIA.&nbsp;

Kannur has emerged as a hotbed of IS recruitment activity with at least 15 persons reported to have joined the terrorist organization&nbsp;in Syria.

Kanpur deputy SP Sadanandan said today that Manaf's family received a message confirming his death.

27-seven-year old Indian national Abdul Manaf has been killed fighting for Islamic State(IS) in Syria, police confirmed today. Kannur deputy SP Sadanandan said today that Manaf's family received a message confirming his death. Manaf's family belongs to Kerala's Valapattanam district in Kannur. Police said Manaf's family received the report through a Telegram messenger. Manaf was a leader of the Kerala-based Popular Front India, police said, adding that he was involved in the murder of a CPM worker in 2009. At least six Indians have been killed in Syria fighting for the IS, reports said. At least five have been arrested by the NIA. Kannur has emerged as a hotbed of IS recruitment activity with at least 15 persons reported to have joined the terrorist organization in Syria.

Indian national from Kerala killed in Syria fighting for IS

The cyber wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs has intercepted articles and images posted on a Telegram channel which it says is pro-ISIS and supports the establishment of sharia&nbsp;in Jammu and Kashmir, sources have told the Zee group.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The Telegram channel, the MHA sources say, was created on September 23, 2017, renamed on October 3, 2017, and has 223 members.&nbsp;A Telegram channel is similar to a WhatsApp group.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The MHA report adds that VeraCrypt, a programme used to encrypt files and disks, was also posted on the channel. As was content related to lone-wolf attacks and techniques explaining the usage of explosives.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/wont-allow-anti-india-activities-in-kashmir-army-chief-29627" target="_blank">Won&#39;t allow anti-India activities in Kashmir, says Army chief</a>

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-and-a-difficult-out-of-south-kashmir-3206" target="_blank">In and a difficult out of South Kashmir</a>

The report adds that a hashtag in support of Islamic State has been doing the rounds of social media in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

The report says the hashtag was used in 2014 when the IS was active in Iraq and Syria and that, as per analysis on Facebook, usage of the hashtag has seen a tenfold increase in 2017.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The sources said the MHA has instructed security agencies to identify&nbsp;the admininstrator of the channel and take action. 
&nbsp; 
For security reasons, the Zee group has decided not to disclose the name of pro-IS Telegram channel.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The cyber wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs has intercepted articles and images posted on a Telegram channel which it says is pro-ISIS and supports the establishment of sharia in Jammu and Kashmir

The cyber wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs has intercepted articles and images posted on a Telegram channel which it says is pro-ISIS and supports the establishment of sharia in Jammu and Kashmir, sources have told the Zee group. The Telegram channel, the MHA sources say, was created on September 23, 2017, renamed on October 3, 2017, and has 223 members. A Telegram channel is similar to a WhatsApp group. The MHA report adds that VeraCrypt, a programme used to encrypt files and disks, was also posted on the channel. As was content related to lone-wolf attacks and techniques explaining the usage of explosives. Also read: Won't allow anti-India activities in Kashmir, says Army chief Also read: In and a difficult out of South Kashmir The report adds that a hashtag in support of Islamic State has been doing the rounds of social media in Jammu and Kashmir. The report says the hashtag was used in 2014 when the IS was active in Iraq and Syria and that, as per analysis on Facebook, usage of the hashtag has seen a tenfold increase in 2017. The sources said the MHA has instructed security agencies to identify the admininstrator of the channel and take action. For security reasons, the Zee group has decided not to disclose the name of pro-IS Telegram channel.

Pro-IS groups may be encouraging lone-wolf attacks in Kashmir: MHA sources

The Islamic State (IS) militant group poses a major threat to Pakistan and is alarmingly increasing its presence in the country, according to a think- tank report.

Pakistan has been denying that ISIS had an organised presence in the country, however, even though the terrorist group has claimed responsibility for several other attacks in Baluchistan in recent years.

The security report by Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) yesterday stated that the ISIS, especially active in northern Sindh and Balochistan, was also behind the abduction and killing of two Chinese nationals last year, Dawn News reported.

The PIPS shared the findings of its security analysis titled Special Report 2017, providing an insight into security challenges of Pakistan.

&quot;Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Jamaatul Ahrar and others with similar objectives perpetrated 58 per cent attacks, while 37 per cent and 5 per cent of the attacks were carried out by nationalist insurgents and violent sectarian groups respectively,&quot; it said.

The report has also highlighted that Baloch nationalist- insurgent groups, especially Balochistan Liberation Army and Balochistan Liberation Front were only second to TTP as far as their threat capability was concerned.

The report also noted the alarming increase in the footprint of ISIS, especially in Balochistan and northern Sindh as it carried out the deadliest attacks in those provinces. It said that footprints of ISIS was increasing and it &quot;killed 153 in 6 deadliest attacks&quot;.

It said, &quot;down 16 per cent from the year before, 370 terrorist attacks took place in Pakistan (in 2017), killing 815 and injuring 1,736 people.&quot;

 
It said that Balochistan and the tribal region remained critical areas with 288 and 253 terrorism-related killings, respectively, in 2017.

The report said that security forces and law enforcement agencies killed 524 militants in military/security operations as well as armed clashes and encounters.

It also reported that Pakistan&#39;s National Security Policy is set to be released in 2018 and it will take into account especially global and regional scenarios, including the evolving Pakistan-US relations.

Though Pakistan government has denied the presence of the Islamic State (IS) on its soil, a leading think-tank here has warned that the dreaded terror outfit is alarmingly increasing its presence, posing a major threat to the country

The Islamic State (IS) militant group poses a major threat to Pakistan and is alarmingly increasing its presence in the country, according to a think- tank report. Pakistan has been denying that ISIS had an organised presence in the country, however, even though the terrorist group has claimed responsibility for several other attacks in Baluchistan in recent years. The security report by Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) yesterday stated that the ISIS, especially active in northern Sindh and Balochistan, was also behind the abduction and killing of two Chinese nationals last year, Dawn News reported. The PIPS shared the findings of its security analysis titled Special Report 2017, providing an insight into security challenges of Pakistan. "Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Jamaatul Ahrar and others with similar objectives perpetrated 58 per cent attacks, while 37 per cent and 5 per cent of the attacks were carried out by nationalist insurgents and violent sectarian groups respectively," it said. The report has also highlighted that Baloch nationalist- insurgent groups, especially Balochistan Liberation Army and Balochistan Liberation Front were only second to TTP as far as their threat capability was concerned. The report also noted the alarming increase in the footprint of ISIS, especially in Balochistan and northern Sindh as it carried out the deadliest attacks in those provinces. It said that footprints of ISIS was increasing and it "killed 153 in 6 deadliest attacks". It said, "down 16 per cent from the year before, 370 terrorist attacks took place in Pakistan (in 2017), killing 815 and injuring 1,736 people." It said that Balochistan and the tribal region remained critical areas with 288 and 253 terrorism-related killings, respectively, in 2017. The report said that security forces and law enforcement agencies killed 524 militants in military/security operations as well as armed clashes and encounters. It also reported that Pakistan's National Security Policy is set to be released in 2018 and it will take into account especially global and regional scenarios, including the evolving Pakistan-US relations.

ISIS on the rise in Pakistan: Report

Around 202 BC in China, a Han dynasty general had flown kites to scare the enemy with the sound of it. In the seventeenth century in India,&nbsp; Shivaji used kites to scale the walls of an enemy fortress. In 1855, a Russian admiral Sir Arthur Cochrane used 12 feet long heavy kites to tow the torpedoes to the enemy boats. Later in the US, Russia and Europe, kites were used to lift humans, deliver messages, drop bombs and explosives over the enemy.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Since then, things have not changed much except that the kites of those times have been replaced by technically advanced drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or, we can also call them, Flying War Robots. The ultra-expensive, man-dependent, heavy military aircrafts have a cheaper, reliable and much more effective replacement available now.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Lightweight drones can now easily defy the territorial boundaries to conduct intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance missions.&nbsp; They can perform artillery observations, delivery of material and even precision attacks. Their technical advances in terms of greater autonomy, use of Artificial Intelligence and swarming capabilities make the scenario much more threatening. The global forces are operating these machines which are as small as 16gm Black Hornet Nano (a US made UAV) to a massive 40 feet Wingspan Global Hawk UAV which is even bigger than most commercial airliners.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In the last decade, we saw extensive use of drones by America for the bombing operations in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan and they proved to be damn effective. With the least possibility of being detected as they fly at very high altitudes, these steel birds can attack their target with ultra-precision and achieve desired results.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In such a scenario, the million-dollar question is: do these birds really have a strategic implication? The answer is a clear yes. They are just not an example of technical innovation, they are an offensive alternative in the form of cheap, precision-guided vehicle capable of passing any security parameter and attacking nearly any military asset. They are today&rsquo;s Kamikaze Pilots who can attack anywhere.

&nbsp;

However, there is a serious concern. Its ok for us if they are being operated by good guys, but what if they fall into hands of Bad Guys?

&nbsp;

In October 2016, coalition forces in Mosul found ISIS using drones in large number to drop grenades and explosives over Kurdish Forces as well as the coalition army. Sometimes, they were flying over a dozen missions at the same time. And the threat was so severe that the Mosul offensive was to be stalled for many days. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Since the markets are swarmed with cheap Chinese toys, terror attacks using these small birds cannot be ruled out even in India. A lone wolf can now effectively target even civilian assets like schools, hospitals and public gatherings to cause damage and spread terror.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In Indian scenario, we have a lot to worry. Some of the vehicles openly available in the market are for as low as 8000-10,000 Rupees. It can carry loads of a few kilograms. They can pack a lethal punch in themselves with a little improvisation. Moreover, there is no foolproof detection measure and at times, they are detected once they are within few meters of the target. Terrorists can effectively target our military establishments, parked aircrafts, ammunition and fuel dumps, strategic command centres, inflicting severe damage.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Imagine a 10,000 Rupees drone destroying Rupees 12 billion aircraft with precision.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

They cause serious economic concerns too. In January 2017, the US Forces had to shoot down an ISIS drone by using their $3 Million Patriot Missile. What a joke? What if such drones swarm the sky in a large number? Will any anti-missile defence withstand this? The answer is a clear no.

&nbsp;

Several countries have started developing their own counter-measures against these machines. These range from Laser Shooting, Jamming Rifles, Electronic Counter Measures, Electro-Magnetic Pulse weapons and even live Eagles trained to take out smaller drones.&nbsp;

No matter whatsoever are the technological advances but still, we are far off from an effective countermeasure against these rogue birds, and we have no option but to find a solution at the earliest.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Imagine a 10,000 Rupees drone destroying Rupees 12 billion aircraft with precision.

Around 202 BC in China, a Han dynasty general had flown kites to scare the enemy with the sound of it. In the seventeenth century in India, Shivaji used kites to scale the walls of an enemy fortress. In 1855, a Russian admiral Sir Arthur Cochrane used 12 feet long heavy kites to tow the torpedoes to the enemy boats. Later in the US, Russia and Europe, kites were used to lift humans, deliver messages, drop bombs and explosives over the enemy. Since then, things have not changed much except that the kites of those times have been replaced by technically advanced drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or, we can also call them, Flying War Robots. The ultra-expensive, man-dependent, heavy military aircrafts have a cheaper, reliable and much more effective replacement available now. Lightweight drones can now easily defy the territorial boundaries to conduct intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance missions. They can perform artillery observations, delivery of material and even precision attacks. Their technical advances in terms of greater autonomy, use of Artificial Intelligence and swarming capabilities make the scenario much more threatening. The global forces are operating these machines which are as small as 16gm Black Hornet Nano (a US made UAV) to a massive 40 feet Wingspan Global Hawk UAV which is even bigger than most commercial airliners. In the last decade, we saw extensive use of drones by America for the bombing operations in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan and they proved to be damn effective. With the least possibility of being detected as they fly at very high altitudes, these steel birds can attack their target with ultra-precision and achieve desired results. In such a scenario, the million-dollar question is: do these birds really have a strategic implication? The answer is a clear yes. They are just not an example of technical innovation, they are an offensive alternative in the form of cheap, precision-guided vehicle capable of passing any security parameter and attacking nearly any military asset. They are today’s Kamikaze Pilots who can attack anywhere. However, there is a serious concern. Its ok for us if they are being operated by good guys, but what if they fall into hands of Bad Guys? In October 2016, coalition forces in Mosul found ISIS using drones in large number to drop grenades and explosives over Kurdish Forces as well as the coalition army. Sometimes, they were flying over a dozen missions at the same time. And the threat was so severe that the Mosul offensive was to be stalled for many days. Since the markets are swarmed with cheap Chinese toys, terror attacks using these small birds cannot be ruled out even in India. A lone wolf can now effectively target even civilian assets like schools, hospitals and public gatherings to cause damage and spread terror. In Indian scenario, we have a lot to worry. Some of the vehicles openly available in the market are for as low as 8000-10,000 Rupees. It can carry loads of a few kilograms. They can pack a lethal punch in themselves with a little improvisation. Moreover, there is no foolproof detection measure and at times, they are detected once they are within few meters of the target. Terrorists can effectively target our military establishments, parked aircrafts, ammunition and fuel dumps, strategic command centres, inflicting severe damage. Imagine a 10,000 Rupees drone destroying Rupees 12 billion aircraft with precision. They cause serious economic concerns too. In January 2017, the US Forces had to shoot down an ISIS drone by using their $3 Million Patriot Missile. What a joke? What if such drones swarm the sky in a large number? Will any anti-missile defence withstand this? The answer is a clear no. Several countries have started developing their own counter-measures against these machines. These range from Laser Shooting, Jamming Rifles, Electronic Counter Measures, Electro-Magnetic Pulse weapons and even live Eagles trained to take out smaller drones. No matter whatsoever are the technological advances but still, we are far off from an effective countermeasure against these rogue birds, and we have no option but to find a solution at the earliest. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: How dangerous are drones in terrorist hands

The National Investigation Agency registered a case against five people in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/about-100-keralites-suspected-to-have-joined-islamic-state-kerala-police-24004" target="_blank">Kerala for their alleged links to the IS</a>.

The case was registered under sections 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities(Prevention) Act.&nbsp;A person is charged under the aforementioned section if he is found to be having&nbsp;a link with a terrorist organisation with an intention to expand its activities in the country.&nbsp;

The case was registered against the suspects in Kochi on Saturday.&nbsp;

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Kerala: NIA registered a case against 5 people with suspected ISIS links in Kochi under sections 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act yesterday.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/942241696338685954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The Kerala police had in November alleged that about 100 Keralites have joined the Islamic State.&nbsp;

The police based its arguments on the basis of evidence collected from 300 voice clips and messages from Whatsapp, telegram messaging applications and other social media platforms, PTI reported.

NIA is investigating the cases of people disappearing in Kerala.&nbsp;These people had left Kerala under mysterious circumstances and are suspected to have joined the ISIS.

The case is registered under sections 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities(Prevention) Act

The National Investigation Agency registered a case against five people in Kerala for their alleged links to the IS. The case was registered under sections 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities(Prevention) Act. A person is charged under the aforementioned section if he is found to be having a link with a terrorist organisation with an intention to expand its activities in the country. The case was registered against the suspects in Kochi on Saturday. Kerala: NIA registered a case against 5 people with suspected ISIS links in Kochi under sections 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act yesterday. — ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2017 × The Kerala police had in November alleged that about 100 Keralites have joined the Islamic State. The police based its arguments on the basis of evidence collected from 300 voice clips and messages from Whatsapp, telegram messaging applications and other social media platforms, PTI reported. NIA is investigating the cases of people disappearing in Kerala. These people had left Kerala under mysterious circumstances and are suspected to have joined the ISIS.

Kerala: NIA registers case against 5 for alleged IS links

The Centre has taken note of reports about global terror group Islamic State (IS) claiming an attack in the Kashmir Valley that left a police officer dead, Union minister Jitendra Singh said adding that the future course of action would be adopted after taking an appropriate view.

The minister of state in the prime minister&#39;s office also said that the recent &quot;back to back&quot; successes achieved against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir was the result of the free hand given to security forces to wipe out the nearly three-decade-old militancy which is in its &quot;last phase&quot;.

Singh was asked about the IS&nbsp;claiming its first terror attack in Kashmir through its propaganda wing, Amaq news agency.

&quot;The government has taken cognizance of inputs and the concerned agencies, the ministry of home affairs and the security agencies, are taking an appropriate view and will adopt a future course of action accordingly,&quot; he told reporters here.

Three militants in a car opened fire on a police team at Zakura crossing on the Srinagar-Ganderbal road, killing Sub- Inspector Imran Tak and injuring a special police officer (SPO) on Friday.

The retaliatory action left a most wanted local militant dead, whose body was wrapped in ISIS flag during the funeral procession.

Responding to a question about the killing of six Pakistani militants, including the nephew of Mumbai attack mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, in an encounter in Bandipora district yesterday, Singh said this was the result of the &quot;decisive initiative&quot; taken by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Union government.

&quot;The free hand given to security forces to perform with professional freedom is behind such back to back successes. This is possibly the last phase of militancy in Kashmir,&quot; he said.

The minister said that he had been saying for the last several months that this was the last phase of terrorism in the state but there were people who were not taking the statement seriously.

&quot;The lifespan of any commander has been reduced to a few weeks - 10 to 15 weeks. Once a commander is appointed, the second is being kept ready to take over. The time has gone when they used to live for years,&quot; he said.

He said it was for the first time in the last quarter of a century that there is a government in place in New Delhi which is working on the principle of clarity, conviction, and consistency and does not interfere with the professional work being done by security forces.

Lauding the local police, he said the manner in which the special operations group performed is a testimony to the fact that if given right opportunity without intimidation, the force is capable of doing wonders.

On the surrender of the college student and footballer Majid Arshid, who had joined the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) a week ago, Singh said the change was already there but it was just a veil of fear which was holding them back.

&quot;Once the Modi government decided to initiate decisive action, this veil of fear has been taken away and the boys and girls are feeling free enough to come forward and express their aspirations,&quot; he said.

He said what Pakistan was doing has never been a secret but what is different today is that the common man in Kashmir, particularly the youth, is now ready to join the mainstream development journey led by Modi.

&quot;This change started actually two years ago and that is the reason today this year also we have 19 young boys and girls qualifying for the IITs,&quot; he said.

On Pakistan&#39;s role in fomenting terror, Singh said that all the information was already available but it was only Pakistan that was in a denial mode.

&quot;But what has changed now in the past few months is that countries which were hesitant to accept India&#39;s view point&nbsp;for reasons of their own, are now constrained to accept India&#39;s viewpoint as far as terror and perpetration of terrorism from Pakistan soil is concerned. Pakistan also now feels constrained to no longer continue in denial mode,&quot; he said.

The Centre has taken note of reports about global terror group IS claiming an attack in the Kashmir Valley that left a police officer dead, Union minister Jitendra Singh said adding that the future course of action would be adopted after taking an appropriate view

The Centre has taken note of reports about global terror group Islamic State (IS) claiming an attack in the Kashmir Valley that left a police officer dead, Union minister Jitendra Singh said adding that the future course of action would be adopted after taking an appropriate view. The minister of state in the prime minister's office also said that the recent "back to back" successes achieved against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir was the result of the free hand given to security forces to wipe out the nearly three-decade-old militancy which is in its "last phase". Singh was asked about the IS claiming its first terror attack in Kashmir through its propaganda wing, Amaq news agency. "The government has taken cognizance of inputs and the concerned agencies, the ministry of home affairs and the security agencies, are taking an appropriate view and will adopt a future course of action accordingly," he told reporters here. Three militants in a car opened fire on a police team at Zakura crossing on the Srinagar-Ganderbal road, killing Sub- Inspector Imran Tak and injuring a special police officer (SPO) on Friday. The retaliatory action left a most wanted local militant dead, whose body was wrapped in ISIS flag during the funeral procession. Responding to a question about the killing of six Pakistani militants, including the nephew of Mumbai attack mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, in an encounter in Bandipora district yesterday, Singh said this was the result of the "decisive initiative" taken by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Union government. "The free hand given to security forces to perform with professional freedom is behind such back to back successes. This is possibly the last phase of militancy in Kashmir," he said. The minister said that he had been saying for the last several months that this was the last phase of terrorism in the state but there were people who were not taking the statement seriously. "The lifespan of any commander has been reduced to a few weeks - 10 to 15 weeks. Once a commander is appointed, the second is being kept ready to take over. The time has gone when they used to live for years," he said. He said it was for the first time in the last quarter of a century that there is a government in place in New Delhi which is working on the principle of clarity, conviction, and consistency and does not interfere with the professional work being done by security forces. Lauding the local police, he said the manner in which the special operations group performed is a testimony to the fact that if given right opportunity without intimidation, the force is capable of doing wonders. On the surrender of the college student and footballer Majid Arshid, who had joined the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) a week ago, Singh said the change was already there but it was just a veil of fear which was holding them back. "Once the Modi government decided to initiate decisive action, this veil of fear has been taken away and the boys and girls are feeling free enough to come forward and express their aspirations," he said. He said what Pakistan was doing has never been a secret but what is different today is that the common man in Kashmir, particularly the youth, is now ready to join the mainstream development journey led by Modi. "This change started actually two years ago and that is the reason today this year also we have 19 young boys and girls qualifying for the IITs," he said. On Pakistan's role in fomenting terror, Singh said that all the information was already available but it was only Pakistan that was in a denial mode. "But what has changed now in the past few months is that countries which were hesitant to accept India's view point for reasons of their own, are now constrained to accept India's viewpoint as far as terror and perpetration of terrorism from Pakistan soil is concerned. Pakistan also now feels constrained to no longer continue in denial mode," he said.

Government has taken note of IS claiming attack in Kashmir: Minister

Syrian troops and allied fighters advanced Saturday to capture most of Albu Kamal, a monitor said, in a tug-of-war over the Islamic State group&#39;s last urban stronghold in the country.

The town in Syria&#39;s oil-rich Deir Ezzor province has changed hands several times, with government troops announcing its capture but losing it to a blistering IS counter-attack a week ago.

Syria&#39;s army and Lebanese, Iranian and Iraqi loyalists re-entered Albu Kamal two days ago and by Saturday had taken most of it from IS, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

&quot;Syrian regime forces, (Lebanese) Hezbollah, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, and Iraqi militias seized control on Saturday of more than 80 percent of Albu Kamal, after a huge attack that began Friday night,&quot; said Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman.

&quot;IS was pushed back to the northern and northeastern sectors of the city. Clashes are ongoing,&quot; Abdel Rahman told AFP.

The Britain-based monitor said the fresh push came with heavy bombing raids by regime ally Russia, and that troops were advancing more &quot;carefully&quot; than in their previous assault to ensure their gains would not be rolled back.&nbsp;

A string of territorial defeats across northern and eastern Syria left Albu Kamal, near the border with Iraq, as the last significant town held by IS in the country.&nbsp;

Losing it to regime forces would cap the group&#39;s reversion to a guerrilla organisation with no urban base.

On Saturday, Syrian state television aired live footage from Albu Kamal, showing plumes of smoke rising over the city&#39;s skyline as explosions echoed in the background.

It said the army was preparing to &quot;storm the remaining areas&quot; held by IS in Albu Kamal&#39;s east.

&quot;What has most impeded the Syrian army&#39;s advance is the large amounts of mines left by Daesh (IS) and its attempt at using families as human shields,&quot; state television reported.&nbsp;

Syrian troops and allied fighters advanced Saturday to capture most of Albu Kamal, a monitor said, in a tug-of-war over the Islamic State group's last urban stronghold in the country.

Syrian troops and allied fighters advanced Saturday to capture most of Albu Kamal, a monitor said, in a tug-of-war over the Islamic State group's last urban stronghold in the country. The town in Syria's oil-rich Deir Ezzor province has changed hands several times, with government troops announcing its capture but losing it to a blistering IS counter-attack a week ago. Syria's army and Lebanese, Iranian and Iraqi loyalists re-entered Albu Kamal two days ago and by Saturday had taken most of it from IS, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. "Syrian regime forces, (Lebanese) Hezbollah, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, and Iraqi militias seized control on Saturday of more than 80 percent of Albu Kamal, after a huge attack that began Friday night," said Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman. "IS was pushed back to the northern and northeastern sectors of the city. Clashes are ongoing," Abdel Rahman told AFP. The Britain-based monitor said the fresh push came with heavy bombing raids by regime ally Russia, and that troops were advancing more "carefully" than in their previous assault to ensure their gains would not be rolled back. A string of territorial defeats across northern and eastern Syria left Albu Kamal, near the border with Iraq, as the last significant town held by IS in the country. Losing it to regime forces would cap the group's reversion to a guerrilla organisation with no urban base. On Saturday, Syrian state television aired live footage from Albu Kamal, showing plumes of smoke rising over the city's skyline as explosions echoed in the background. It said the army was preparing to "storm the remaining areas" held by IS in Albu Kamal's east. "What has most impeded the Syrian army's advance is the large amounts of mines left by Daesh (IS) and its attempt at using families as human shields," state television reported.

Syria troops, allies retake most of the last IS-held town: Monitor

The Iraqi army retook the last town in the country still held by the Islamic State group on Friday as the jihadists&#39; self-proclaimed &quot;caliphate&quot; faced collapse on both sides of the border with Syria.

The lightning recapture of the small Euphrates valley town of Rawa in an offensive launched at dawn came as the jihadists were also under attack for a second day in the last town they still hold in Syria, Albu Kamal just over the border.

The Islamic State group (IS) has lost 95 per cent of the cross-border &quot;caliphate&quot; it declared in Iraq and Syria in 2014, the US-led coalition fighting it said on Wednesday.

Its losses include all of its major bastions, virtually confining it to pockets of countryside.

Government troops and paramilitary units &quot;liberated the whole of Rawa and raised the Iraqi flag on all of its official buildings,&quot; General Abdelamir Yarallah of Iraq&#39;s Joint Operations Command (JOC) said in a statement.

An army general contacted by AFP at the front had predicted that the battle would be swift as &quot;the majority of IS fighters who were in the town have fled towards the Syrian border.&quot;

The JOC said appeals had been made for several days to the town&#39;s Sunni Arab residents to listen to radio broadcasts for instructions on what to do when the army entered.

Rawa was bypassed in an offensive by the Iraqi army that resulted in the recapture of the strategically important border town of Al-Qaim earlier this month.

The stretch of Euphrates valley abutting the border with Syria has long been a bastion of Sunni Arab insurgency, first against US-led troops after the invasion of 2003 and then against the Shiite-led government in Baghdad.

The porous frontier became a magnet for foreign fighters entering Iraq from Syria, which Baghdad accused of turning a blind eye, and a key smuggling route for arms and illicit goods.

US-led troops carried out repeated operations with code names like Matador and Steel Curtain in 2005 to flush out Al-Qaeda jihadists.

The region swiftly fell to IS when its fighters swept through the Sunni Arab heartland north and west of Baghdad in 2014 before proclaiming its &quot;caliphate&quot;.

Jihadist dream in tatters

The jihadists once controlled a territory the size of Britain but they have successively lost all their key strongholds, including Raqa in Syria and Mosul in Iraq.

Over the border in Syria, IS still holds around 25 percent of the countryside of Deir Ezzor province but are under attack not only by government forces but also by US-backed Kurdish-led fighters.

In the border town of Albu Kamal, the Syrian army was battling IS fighters who mounted a surprise counterattack last week, pushing out government forces who had retaken it last month.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor of the war, said the new army offensive had successfully penetrated the town, with troops backed by Russian air strikes advancing from the west, east and south.

&quot;More than 7.5 million people have now been liberated&quot; from IS, Washington&#39;s envoy to the coalition, Brett McGurk, said late Wednesday, adding that the group&#39;s finances are now &quot;at their lowest levels to date&quot;.

With the jihadists&#39; dreams of statehood lying in tatters following the battlefield defeats, Western attention is increasingly pivoting to trying to block foreign fighters from returning home to carry out attacks. 
McGurk insisted that flows of foreign IS fighters into Syria have &quot;nearly stopped&quot;, and that jihadists are increasingly being picked up as they cross borders.

&quot;We are enhancing cooperation and border security, aviation security, law enforcement, financial sanctions, counter-messaging, and intelligence sharing to prevent ISIS from carrying out attacks in our homelands,&quot; he said.

Analysts have warned that in some areas recaptured from IS, government control remains weak and the jihadists retain the capability to wage a low-level insurgency.

&quot;We still have places by the Baghdad belt, areas including Ramadi and Fallujah... that are not well controlled at all,&quot; Michael Knights of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy told AFP earlier this month.

&quot;They (the jihadists) are back where they were in 2013... They will restart insurgency all over again.&quot;

Government troops and paramilitary units 'liberated the whole of Rawa and raised the Iraqi flag on all of its official buildings,'General Abdelamir Yarallah of Iraq's Joint Operations Command (JOC) said in a statement

The Iraqi army retook the last town in the country still held by the Islamic State group on Friday as the jihadists' self-proclaimed "caliphate" faced collapse on both sides of the border with Syria. The lightning recapture of the small Euphrates valley town of Rawa in an offensive launched at dawn came as the jihadists were also under attack for a second day in the last town they still hold in Syria, Albu Kamal just over the border. The Islamic State group (IS) has lost 95 per cent of the cross-border "caliphate" it declared in Iraq and Syria in 2014, the US-led coalition fighting it said on Wednesday. Its losses include all of its major bastions, virtually confining it to pockets of countryside. Government troops and paramilitary units "liberated the whole of Rawa and raised the Iraqi flag on all of its official buildings," General Abdelamir Yarallah of Iraq's Joint Operations Command (JOC) said in a statement. An army general contacted by AFP at the front had predicted that the battle would be swift as "the majority of IS fighters who were in the town have fled towards the Syrian border." The JOC said appeals had been made for several days to the town's Sunni Arab residents to listen to radio broadcasts for instructions on what to do when the army entered. Rawa was bypassed in an offensive by the Iraqi army that resulted in the recapture of the strategically important border town of Al-Qaim earlier this month. The stretch of Euphrates valley abutting the border with Syria has long been a bastion of Sunni Arab insurgency, first against US-led troops after the invasion of 2003 and then against the Shiite-led government in Baghdad. The porous frontier became a magnet for foreign fighters entering Iraq from Syria, which Baghdad accused of turning a blind eye, and a key smuggling route for arms and illicit goods. US-led troops carried out repeated operations with code names like Matador and Steel Curtain in 2005 to flush out Al-Qaeda jihadists. The region swiftly fell to IS when its fighters swept through the Sunni Arab heartland north and west of Baghdad in 2014 before proclaiming its "caliphate". Jihadist dream in tatters The jihadists once controlled a territory the size of Britain but they have successively lost all their key strongholds, including Raqa in Syria and Mosul in Iraq. Over the border in Syria, IS still holds around 25 percent of the countryside of Deir Ezzor province but are under attack not only by government forces but also by US-backed Kurdish-led fighters. In the border town of Albu Kamal, the Syrian army was battling IS fighters who mounted a surprise counterattack last week, pushing out government forces who had retaken it last month. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor of the war, said the new army offensive had successfully penetrated the town, with troops backed by Russian air strikes advancing from the west, east and south. "More than 7.5 million people have now been liberated" from IS, Washington's envoy to the coalition, Brett McGurk, said late Wednesday, adding that the group's finances are now "at their lowest levels to date". With the jihadists' dreams of statehood lying in tatters following the battlefield defeats, Western attention is increasingly pivoting to trying to block foreign fighters from returning home to carry out attacks. McGurk insisted that flows of foreign IS fighters into Syria have "nearly stopped", and that jihadists are increasingly being picked up as they cross borders. "We are enhancing cooperation and border security, aviation security, law enforcement, financial sanctions, counter-messaging, and intelligence sharing to prevent ISIS from carrying out attacks in our homelands," he said. Analysts have warned that in some areas recaptured from IS, government control remains weak and the jihadists retain the capability to wage a low-level insurgency. "We still have places by the Baghdad belt, areas including Ramadi and Fallujah... that are not well controlled at all," Michael Knights of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy told AFP earlier this month. "They (the jihadists) are back where they were in 2013... They will restart insurgency all over again."

Iraq forces retake last IS-held town in country

Russia&#39;s defence ministry, on Wednesday, accused the US of &quot;helping Islamic State&quot;&nbsp;and provided &quot;irrefutable proof&quot;.&nbsp;

Moscow has been&nbsp;accusing the US of aiding IS&nbsp;for a long time.&nbsp;

A number of pictures were posted on Twitter by the Russian defense ministery claiming &quot;irrefutable evidence that US is actually covering ISIS&nbsp;[IS] combat units to recover their combat capabilities, redeploy, and use them to promote the American interests in the Middle East&quot;.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RusMoD?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RusMoD</a> shows irrefutable evidence that US are actually covering ISIS combat units to recover their combat capabilities, redeploy, and use them to promote the American interests in the Middle East <a href="https://t.co/jcb7G4MAfZ">https://t.co/jcb7G4MAfZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/VIMjfFGJEg">pic.twitter.com/VIMjfFGJEg</a>
&mdash; ?????????? ?????? (@mod_russia) <a href="https://twitter.com/mod_russia/status/930472894454517760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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However, it was later found that the pictures were actually taken from a video game.&nbsp;

Moments later, new pictures were posted by the ministery making the same accusations and also that the US is helping IS by covering IS militants, the ministry said it liberated the town of Abu Kamal last week alongside the Syrian army, as per media reports.&nbsp;

But it was discovered a few hours later that it was actually a screenshot from an AC-130 gunship simulator video game, said reports.&nbsp;

According to reports, the ministry had also accused US of organizing air operations in the area in order to impede with Russian strikes and alleged that IS forces were transforming themselves into US lead SDF fighters.&nbsp;

The propaganda&rsquo;s connection to the video game was discovered by people on Twitter.&nbsp;

British researcher, Eliot Higgins of investigative site - Bellingcat was among the first to find a YouTube clip of &ldquo;Special Ops Squadron&rdquo; demonstrating that Russia&rsquo;s defense ministry posted a cropped screenshot as an &ldquo;irrefutable&rdquo; proof,&rdquo; evidenced most clearly by similar text showing in both the video game footage and Moscow&rsquo;s photo of the Islamic State convoy, reported the Washington Times.

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The <a href="https://twitter.com/mod_russia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mod_russia</a> uses images from a computer game as evidence the US is working with ISIS <a href="https://t.co/8uv2vbEHeQ">https://t.co/8uv2vbEHeQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/EvqP1Id5pR">pic.twitter.com/EvqP1Id5pR</a>
&mdash; Eliot Higgins (@EliotHiggins) <a href="https://twitter.com/EliotHiggins/status/930382903787343872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The Russian Ministry of Defense has since deleted the posts

Russia's defence ministry, on Wednesday, accused the US of "helping Islamic State" and provided "irrefutable proof". Moscow has been accusing the US of aiding IS for a long time. A number of pictures were posted on Twitter by the Russian defense ministery claiming "irrefutable evidence that US is actually covering ISIS [IS] combat units to recover their combat capabilities, redeploy, and use them to promote the American interests in the Middle East". #RusMoD shows irrefutable evidence that US are actually covering ISIS combat units to recover their combat capabilities, redeploy, and use them to promote the American interests in the Middle East https://t.co/jcb7G4MAfZ pic.twitter.com/VIMjfFGJEg — ?????????? ?????? (@mod_russia) November 14, 2017 × However, it was later found that the pictures were actually taken from a video game. Moments later, new pictures were posted by the ministery making the same accusations and also that the US is helping IS by covering IS militants, the ministry said it liberated the town of Abu Kamal last week alongside the Syrian army, as per media reports. But it was discovered a few hours later that it was actually a screenshot from an AC-130 gunship simulator video game, said reports. According to reports, the ministry had also accused US of organizing air operations in the area in order to impede with Russian strikes and alleged that IS forces were transforming themselves into US lead SDF fighters. The propaganda’s connection to the video game was discovered by people on Twitter. British researcher, Eliot Higgins of investigative site - Bellingcat was among the first to find a YouTube clip of “Special Ops Squadron” demonstrating that Russia’s defense ministry posted a cropped screenshot as an “irrefutable” proof,” evidenced most clearly by similar text showing in both the video game footage and Moscow’s photo of the Islamic State convoy, reported the Washington Times. The @mod_russia uses images from a computer game as evidence the US is working with ISIS https://t.co/8uv2vbEHeQ pic.twitter.com/EvqP1Id5pR — Eliot Higgins (@EliotHiggins) November 14, 2017 ×

US helping IS? Russia posts 'video game screenshots' as 'irrefutable' evidence

A 25- year-old girl filed a petition in Kerala High Court stating that she is a victim of forceful conversion, fraudulent marriage, and sexual slavery.

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Petition filed in Kerala High court by a 25-year old girl stating that she is a victim of forceful conversion, fraudulent marriage, attempt to sexual slavery.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/929240170032852992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Petition also states that she was taken to Saudi Arabia &amp; there were attempts to take her to Syria to the IS territory. She has approached the court to nullify her marriage, and conduct NIA investigation into these &#39;anti-national activities&#39;. Case to be considered on November 13
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/929241126338379777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The petition alleges that she was taken to Saudi Arabia and was forced to be a sex slave there. She has told that she will be taken to IS territory in Syria. She somehow managed to contact her parents and they send her ticket to come back to Gujarat on October 3.

She has approached the court to nullify the marriage and to conduct an NIA investigation into these anti-national activities. Her advocate also alleged that Riyaz is a member of &nbsp;The Popular Front of India (PFI) an Islamic fundamentalist organisation.

The Kerala High Court will consider the petition on November 13.&nbsp;

The woman is a Keralite but was born and brought up in Gujarat. She was studying in Bengaluru where she met Muhammed Riyaz, the two got into a relation and he recorded a private video of her.

According to the petition, Riyaz blackmailed her with the video, asking her to convert and marry him.

The woman was sent to religious classes and was also forced to see Zakir Naik&#39;s speeches, claimed by her counsel V Sethunath

This incident has come at a time when NIA has claimed that they have come across at least 90 cases of forced conversions in Kerala.

A 25- years old girl has filed a petition in Kerala High Court stating that she is a victim of forceful conversion, fraudulent marriage, and the attempt of sexual slavery

A 25- year-old girl filed a petition in Kerala High Court stating that she is a victim of forceful conversion, fraudulent marriage, and sexual slavery. Petition filed in Kerala High court by a 25-year old girl stating that she is a victim of forceful conversion, fraudulent marriage, attempt to sexual slavery. — ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2017 × Petition also states that she was taken to Saudi Arabia & there were attempts to take her to Syria to the IS territory. She has approached the court to nullify her marriage, and conduct NIA investigation into these 'anti-national activities'. Case to be considered on November 13 — ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2017 × The petition alleges that she was taken to Saudi Arabia and was forced to be a sex slave there. She has told that she will be taken to IS territory in Syria. She somehow managed to contact her parents and they send her ticket to come back to Gujarat on October 3. She has approached the court to nullify the marriage and to conduct an NIA investigation into these anti-national activities. Her advocate also alleged that Riyaz is a member of The Popular Front of India (PFI) an Islamic fundamentalist organisation. The Kerala High Court will consider the petition on November 13. The woman is a Keralite but was born and brought up in Gujarat. She was studying in Bengaluru where she met Muhammed Riyaz, the two got into a relation and he recorded a private video of her. According to the petition, Riyaz blackmailed her with the video, asking her to convert and marry him. The woman was sent to religious classes and was also forced to see Zakir Naik's speeches, claimed by her counsel V Sethunath This incident has come at a time when NIA has claimed that they have come across at least 90 cases of forced conversions in Kerala.

'Forcefully Converted, Sexually Exploited': 25-Year-Old Approaches Kerala High Court

&nbsp;Former president of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai has accused the United States of colluding with ISIS&nbsp;in his country.

&quot;In my view under the full presence, surveillance, military, political, intelligence, Daesh&nbsp;(Arabic name of the IS)&nbsp;has emerged,&quot; Karzai said in an interview to Al Jazeera.

Karzai said that the US allowed Daeshto flourish inside Afghanistan.

&quot;The Trump administration made IS as an excuse to drop a massive bomb in Afghanistan on April 2017&quot;, he said.

&quot;And the next day, Daesh takes the next district in Afghanistan. That proves to us that there is a hand in it and that hand can be no one else but them in Afghanistan,&quot; the former Afghan leader added.

The US military had dropped a GBU-43, most powerful non-nuclear bomb in the Achin district of Afghanistan&#39;s Nangarhar province in April.

The explosive, also known as the &#39;mother of all bombs&#39;m(MOAB), was designed to minimise the risk to Afghan and US forces conducting clearing operations in the area, the report said.

Meanwhile, in the interview, Karzai also said that he welcomed a recent call by the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to investigate war crimes in Afghanistan, including those committed during his tenure in office.

The Trump administration made IS as an excuse to drop a massive bomb in Afghanistan on April 2017

Former president of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai has accused the United States of colluding with ISIS in his country. "In my view under the full presence, surveillance, military, political, intelligence, Daesh (Arabic name of the IS) has emerged," Karzai said in an interview to Al Jazeera. Karzai said that the US allowed Daeshto flourish inside Afghanistan. "The Trump administration made IS as an excuse to drop a massive bomb in Afghanistan on April 2017", he said. "And the next day, Daesh takes the next district in Afghanistan. That proves to us that there is a hand in it and that hand can be no one else but them in Afghanistan," the former Afghan leader added. The US military had dropped a GBU-43, most powerful non-nuclear bomb in the Achin district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province in April. The explosive, also known as the 'mother of all bombs'm(MOAB), was designed to minimise the risk to Afghan and US forces conducting clearing operations in the area, the report said. Meanwhile, in the interview, Karzai also said that he welcomed a recent call by the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to investigate war crimes in Afghanistan, including those committed during his tenure in office.

US colluded with IS in Afghanistan: Karzai

About 100 Keralites are suspected to have joined the Islamic State over the years, police said here today.

The Kerala Police has collected evidence in this regard, including over 300 voice clips and messages from WhatsApp, telegram messaging applications and other social media platforms, sources here told PTI.

The latest proof was an audio clip from a woman, wherein she can be heard informing her kin here about the death of her husband, who had joined ISIS.

The woman can be heard saying her husband Shajil was killed recently in the &#39;jihadi war&#39;. According to the audio clip, she and her two children are still in Syria, the sources said.

The woman can be heard telling her kin that many Keralite women, who have lost their husbands, and their children are in Syria, they said.

The voice clip was received by Shajil&#39;s brother.

Police have another audio clip from one Qayoom, whose photos in the ISIS uniform are available on the Internet, the source said.

Three men with suspected links with ISIS were arrested in the district on October 25.

The trio, who had left Kerala years ago, were suspected to have visited Syria and reportedly received training from the terror outfit, police said.

Police had also seized photocopies of tickets and visa, proving that they visited Syria, the source added.

The arrested were identified as Mithilaj, Abdul Razzak and Rashid, all of whom belonged to the district.

The National Investigation Agency is probing cases of disappearance of at least 21 people who had left Kerala under mysterious circumstances over a period of time and are suspected to have joined ISIS.

Among them, 17 are from Kasaragod and four from Palakkad. They include four women and three children

The Kerala Police revealed that over 100 people from the state had joined ISIS over the years.

About 100 Keralites are suspected to have joined the Islamic State over the years, police said here today. The Kerala Police has collected evidence in this regard, including over 300 voice clips and messages from WhatsApp, telegram messaging applications and other social media platforms, sources here told PTI. The latest proof was an audio clip from a woman, wherein she can be heard informing her kin here about the death of her husband, who had joined ISIS. The woman can be heard saying her husband Shajil was killed recently in the 'jihadi war'. According to the audio clip, she and her two children are still in Syria, the sources said. The woman can be heard telling her kin that many Keralite women, who have lost their husbands, and their children are in Syria, they said. The voice clip was received by Shajil's brother. Police have another audio clip from one Qayoom, whose photos in the ISIS uniform are available on the Internet, the source said. Three men with suspected links with ISIS were arrested in the district on October 25. The trio, who had left Kerala years ago, were suspected to have visited Syria and reportedly received training from the terror outfit, police said. Police had also seized photocopies of tickets and visa, proving that they visited Syria, the source added. The arrested were identified as Mithilaj, Abdul Razzak and Rashid, all of whom belonged to the district. The National Investigation Agency is probing cases of disappearance of at least 21 people who had left Kerala under mysterious circumstances over a period of time and are suspected to have joined ISIS. Among them, 17 are from Kasaragod and four from Palakkad. They include four women and three children

About 100 Keralites suspected to have joined Islamic State: Kerala Police

A sudden interruption took place in Sweden&#39;s&nbsp;morning radio station&nbsp;when a few hackers took over and played the Islamic State propaganda tune.&nbsp;

Mix Megapol, one of Sweden&#39;s most popular radio stations was hacked by ISIS propaganda after unknown assailants hijacked it on Friday for about 30 minutes, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Thousands of listeners in southern Sweden&nbsp;heard the song &#39;For the sake of Allah&#39;, which is used by ISIS to recruit foreign fighters, for about 30 minutes on repeat, according to Daily Mail.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Somebody interrupted with our frequency through a pirate transmitter,&rdquo; Jakob Gravestam, Marketing Director at Bauer Media Group, which owns Mix Megapol, said, Reuters reported.

&ldquo;We will report the incident to police and to the National Post and Telecom Agency.&rdquo;

The song, with male voices singing in English, featured lyrics with the words: &ldquo;For the sake of Allah we will march to gates of the paradise where our maidens await. We are men who love death just as you love your life, we are soldiers who fight in the day and the night.&rdquo;

Around 300 people have left Sweden to fight for ISIS in West Asia, according to Swedish Security Service.

The hosts of popular morning show ?Anders & Gry with Friends? did not notice the problem until listeners called in and asked what was going on.

A sudden interruption took place in Sweden's morning radio station when a few hackers took over and played the Islamic State propaganda tune. Mix Megapol, one of Sweden's most popular radio stations was hacked by ISIS propaganda after unknown assailants hijacked it on Friday for about 30 minutes, Reuters reported. Thousands of listeners in southern Sweden heard the song 'For the sake of Allah', which is used by ISIS to recruit foreign fighters, for about 30 minutes on repeat, according to Daily Mail. “Somebody interrupted with our frequency through a pirate transmitter,” Jakob Gravestam, Marketing Director at Bauer Media Group, which owns Mix Megapol, said, Reuters reported. “We will report the incident to police and to the National Post and Telecom Agency.” The song, with male voices singing in English, featured lyrics with the words: “For the sake of Allah we will march to gates of the paradise where our maidens await. We are men who love death just as you love your life, we are soldiers who fight in the day and the night.” Around 300 people have left Sweden to fight for ISIS in West Asia, according to Swedish Security Service.

Hackers play ISIS propaganda tune on Swedish radio station

The ISIS suspect who was arrested on Sunday by the Uttar Pradesh Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Mumbai has been taken to Lucknow for transit remand.&nbsp;

According to ADG (LO) Anand Kumar &quot;We have arrested a terror suspect Abu Zaid from Mumbai airport. We are bringing him on transit remand to Lucknow from Mumbai.&quot; he said in a press conference.

&quot;In the month of April, UP ATS arrested four people and Zaid was the ideologue of his group. They radicalised people to join ISIS and other Islamic groups via whatsApp group,&quot; Kumar informed.

Omar alfaz Nazim, Ghazi Baba alias Mujmimil, Mufti alias Faizan and Zakwan alias Ehtesham who were in the same group as Zaid were arrested in April.&nbsp;

As per reports, the police had&nbsp;been on a look out for Zaid for a long period of time.

Abu Zaid ran the terrorist network from Dubai involving several youths from Western Uttar Pradesh.

Zaid is said to be directly connected with the other members who have been arrested from Bijnor and Western Uttar Pradesh.

The police had been tracking his movement for a very long time and arrested him as soon as he landed in Mumbai.

(With inputs from ANI)

Omar alfaz Nazim, Ghazi Baba alias Mujmimil, Mufti alias Faizan and Zakwan alias Ehtesham who were in the same group as Zaid were arrested in April.?

The ISIS suspect who was arrested on Sunday by the Uttar Pradesh Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Mumbai has been taken to Lucknow for transit remand. According to ADG (LO) Anand Kumar "We have arrested a terror suspect Abu Zaid from Mumbai airport. We are bringing him on transit remand to Lucknow from Mumbai." he said in a press conference. "In the month of April, UP ATS arrested four people and Zaid was the ideologue of his group. They radicalised people to join ISIS and other Islamic groups via whatsApp group," Kumar informed. Omar alfaz Nazim, Ghazi Baba alias Mujmimil, Mufti alias Faizan and Zakwan alias Ehtesham who were in the same group as Zaid were arrested in April. As per reports, the police had been on a look out for Zaid for a long period of time. Abu Zaid ran the terrorist network from Dubai involving several youths from Western Uttar Pradesh. Zaid is said to be directly connected with the other members who have been arrested from Bijnor and Western Uttar Pradesh. The police had been tracking his movement for a very long time and arrested him as soon as he landed in Mumbai. (With inputs from ANI)

Suspected ISIS to be brought on transit remand to Lucknow

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is&nbsp;in the process of sending a team to Philippines to question ISIS suspect Karen Aisha Hamidon, who was accused of manipulating and radicalizing young Indians to join terrorist organisation using social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram.&nbsp;

Reports say that Hamidon, widow of Philippines-based terrorist leader Mohammad Jafaar Maquid, also tried to lure &#39;foreign fighters&#39; in 2016, from other countries as well.&nbsp;

According to officials, the investigation could throw some light on Indians who had joined ISIS in 2014 as well as track other such recruiters trying to get the Indian youth to become a part of the organisation.&nbsp;

Sources have informed that Mohammad Sirajuddin, an Indian ISIS member from Japiur along with Mohammad Naseer, an engineer from Tamil Nadu, who were arrested and sent to Sudan, had confirmed that Hamidon played a role in luring them to join the terrorist group.&nbsp;

Hamidon was arrested by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) of the Philippines earlier last month in&nbsp;Manila, according to reports.

The National Investigation Agency has requested Philippines to allow them to question Hamidon, news agency ANI reported.

Karen Aisha Hamidon has been accused of manipulating and radicalising young Indians to join terrorist organisation using social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram.?

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is in the process of sending a team to Philippines to question ISIS suspect Karen Aisha Hamidon, who was accused of manipulating and radicalizing young Indians to join terrorist organisation using social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram. Reports say that Hamidon, widow of Philippines-based terrorist leader Mohammad Jafaar Maquid, also tried to lure 'foreign fighters' in 2016, from other countries as well. According to officials, the investigation could throw some light on Indians who had joined ISIS in 2014 as well as track other such recruiters trying to get the Indian youth to become a part of the organisation. Sources have informed that Mohammad Sirajuddin, an Indian ISIS member from Japiur along with Mohammad Naseer, an engineer from Tamil Nadu, who were arrested and sent to Sudan, had confirmed that Hamidon played a role in luring them to join the terrorist group. Hamidon was arrested by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) of the Philippines earlier last month in Manila, according to reports. The National Investigation Agency has requested Philippines to allow them to question Hamidon, news agency ANI reported.

NIA to send team to Manila to question ISIS recruiter

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani demanded Congress leader Ahmed Patel&#39;s resignation as Rajya Sabha MP, alleging that a suspected ISIS operative arrested recently used to work at a hospital where Patel had been a trustee earlier.

Patel rejected the charge as &quot;completely baseless&quot; and urged the BJP not to politicise matters pertaining to national security and divide the peace-loving Gujaratis.

Union minister Prakash Javadekar also said that the Congress &quot;owes an explanation as to how a terrorist had been working there for so long&quot;.

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BJP &amp; Gujarat CM Rupani trying to hide their incompetence by making such baseless statements: Randeep Surjewala, Congress <a href="https://t.co/rn3r28t6Nv">pic.twitter.com/rn3r28t6Nv</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/923953841904615424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Two suspected ISIS operatives were arrested by the Gujarat Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) three days ago. According to an FIR, one of the accused, Kasim Stimberwala, earlier worked as a technician at Sardar Patel Hospital in Ankleshwar town of Bharuch district.

Rupani said in Gandhinagar that Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and Patel owe a clarification to the nation as the matter pertains to national security.

&quot;This is a serious issue, as a terrorist was arrested from a hospital which is being run by Patel... It has now been revealed that though Patel had resigned as a trustee of that hospital in 2014, he is still at the helm of the hospital&#39;s affairs,&quot; the Gujarat CM alleged.

&quot;Imagine what would have happened if these two terrorists were not arrested... Patel, Rahul Gandhi and the Congress must come clean on the issue. We also want Patel to resign as Rajya Sabha MP,&quot; he demanded.

&quot;It has now been revealed that Kasim had resigned just two days before he was arrested. This raises several questions. Patel must clarify how such a person got a job in his hospital and why he resigned just days ahead of his arrest,&quot; Rupani said.

Replying to the charges, Patel tweeted, &quot;My party and I appreciate the ATS&#39; effort to nab the two terrorists. I demand strict and speedy action against them. The allegations put forward by the BJP are completely baseless.&quot;

In another tweet, he said, &quot;We request that matters of national security not be politicised keeping elections in mind. Let&#39;s not divide the peace-loving Gujaratis while fighting terrorism.&quot;

Javadekar said in Bengaluru the Congress owes an explanation as to &quot;how a terrorist could work so long at the hospital&quot;.

The two IS suspects &quot;were planning attacks on a Jewish religious place&quot;, he said.

Congress in-charge of communications Randeep Surjewala came to the defence of Patel, saying neither he nor any of his family members were a trustee of the Bharuch Hospital where the alleged terrorist was working.

&quot;A frustrated BJP facing imminent defeat in Gujarat is resorting to leveling reckless and baseless allegations against Ahmed Patel,&quot; he said.

Sardar Vallabhai Patel Hospital is a charitable hospital and it has between 150-200 employees including doctors and technicians, he said.

&quot;The BJP is being shown the door by 6.5 crore Gujaratis and a defeated BJP is clutching onto the polarising straws of blatant lies to reset the agenda. It will never succeed in its sinister conspiracies,&quot; the Congress leader said.

He said the BJP should stop preaching about fighting terrorism to anyone.

&quot;The BJP&#39;s track record on terrorism is quite dismal. Will Amit Shah and Vijay Rupani answer as to who permitted dreaded terrorist Dawood Ibrahim&#39;s wife to visit Mumbai and leave unscathed with the entire government sleeping over the same,&quot; he asked.

&quot;The truth is that Vijay Rupani and his government fired upon and killed farmers in Dahod in Gujarat. The BJP is trying to divert attention,&quot; he alleged.

The two suspected IS operatives had allegedly planned to carry out a &quot;lone wolf&quot; attack on a Jewish synagogue in Khadia area of the city.

Vijay Rupani alleged that a suspected ISIS operative arrested recently used to work at a hospital where Patel had been a trustee

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani demanded Congress leader Ahmed Patel's resignation as Rajya Sabha MP, alleging that a suspected ISIS operative arrested recently used to work at a hospital where Patel had been a trustee earlier. Patel rejected the charge as "completely baseless" and urged the BJP not to politicise matters pertaining to national security and divide the peace-loving Gujaratis. Union minister Prakash Javadekar also said that the Congress "owes an explanation as to how a terrorist had been working there for so long". BJP & Gujarat CM Rupani trying to hide their incompetence by making such baseless statements: Randeep Surjewala, Congress pic.twitter.com/rn3r28t6Nv — ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2017 × Two suspected ISIS operatives were arrested by the Gujarat Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) three days ago. According to an FIR, one of the accused, Kasim Stimberwala, earlier worked as a technician at Sardar Patel Hospital in Ankleshwar town of Bharuch district. Rupani said in Gandhinagar that Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and Patel owe a clarification to the nation as the matter pertains to national security. "This is a serious issue, as a terrorist was arrested from a hospital which is being run by Patel... It has now been revealed that though Patel had resigned as a trustee of that hospital in 2014, he is still at the helm of the hospital's affairs," the Gujarat CM alleged. "Imagine what would have happened if these two terrorists were not arrested... Patel, Rahul Gandhi and the Congress must come clean on the issue. We also want Patel to resign as Rajya Sabha MP," he demanded. "It has now been revealed that Kasim had resigned just two days before he was arrested. This raises several questions. Patel must clarify how such a person got a job in his hospital and why he resigned just days ahead of his arrest," Rupani said. Replying to the charges, Patel tweeted, "My party and I appreciate the ATS' effort to nab the two terrorists. I demand strict and speedy action against them. The allegations put forward by the BJP are completely baseless." In another tweet, he said, "We request that matters of national security not be politicised keeping elections in mind. Let's not divide the peace-loving Gujaratis while fighting terrorism." Javadekar said in Bengaluru the Congress owes an explanation as to "how a terrorist could work so long at the hospital". The two IS suspects "were planning attacks on a Jewish religious place", he said. Congress in-charge of communications Randeep Surjewala came to the defence of Patel, saying neither he nor any of his family members were a trustee of the Bharuch Hospital where the alleged terrorist was working. "A frustrated BJP facing imminent defeat in Gujarat is resorting to leveling reckless and baseless allegations against Ahmed Patel," he said. Sardar Vallabhai Patel Hospital is a charitable hospital and it has between 150-200 employees including doctors and technicians, he said. "The BJP is being shown the door by 6.5 crore Gujaratis and a defeated BJP is clutching onto the polarising straws of blatant lies to reset the agenda. It will never succeed in its sinister conspiracies," the Congress leader said. He said the BJP should stop preaching about fighting terrorism to anyone. "The BJP's track record on terrorism is quite dismal. Will Amit Shah and Vijay Rupani answer as to who permitted dreaded terrorist Dawood Ibrahim's wife to visit Mumbai and leave unscathed with the entire government sleeping over the same," he asked. "The truth is that Vijay Rupani and his government fired upon and killed farmers in Dahod in Gujarat. The BJP is trying to divert attention," he alleged. The two suspected IS operatives had allegedly planned to carry out a "lone wolf" attack on a Jewish synagogue in Khadia area of the city.

Gujarat CM demands Ahmed Patel's resignation after arrest of Islamic State suspect

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Pro-<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISIS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISIS</a> media unit Wafa&#39; Foundation continues to threaten 2018 FIFA <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a>, this time using an image of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LionelMessi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LionelMessi</a> in a prison outfit <a href="https://t.co/isB8RDKYAK">pic.twitter.com/isB8RDKYAK</a>
&mdash; SITE Intel Group (@siteintelgroup) <a href="https://twitter.com/siteintelgroup/status/922863797928329216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Ahead of the FIFA World Cup to be held in 2018, the Wafa Media Foundation,&nbsp; a pro-ISIS group on Twitter, releases a shocking image to threaten fans and followers of football.

The Islamic State&#39;s mouthpiece used the face of the Argentinian football legend Lionel Messi to convey their ideology. The released poster says &#39;Just Terrorism&#39; and &#39;You are fighting a state that does not have failure in its dictionary&#39;. Also in the poster, Lionel Messi is standing behind the bar with one eye crying blood.

The poster is intended to spread terror among football fans, indicating also that the terror group may carry a terror attack during FIFA World Cup. The other posters released by them contain pictures of rifles and explosives. Last week, Wafa Media Foundation published one photo of a fighter carrying a rifle and a time-bomb with the ISIS black flag in front of a football stadium. The official symbol of the 2018 World Cup finals was also included in the image.

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The poster says, &quot;Oh, enemies of Allah in Russia, I swear that the fire of the mujahideen will burn them, just wait,&quot;. (Twitter)
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Politics has always been part of all sporting events in the recorded history of humankind. When Indian football clubs played with their British counterpart, it was very much a display of nationalist sentiment. In more recent times, every cricket match between India and Pakistan was an extension of the political tension that exists between the two nation. Winning a match has become more than a sporting event, it has come to signify, unfortunately, the superiority of one nation over the other. Political permeation of sports is not limited to the subcontinent; every football match played between and English and Wales football club show the domineering influence of politics, often sidelining the sporting spirit.

For repressive minority groups, sports events have often served as a tool to convey their sufferings to the rest of the world. For instance, recently, American football player Colin Kaepernick initiated a protest against New York police brutality. The NFL players either took a knee during the national anthem before a game or stand with arms locked in silent protest. This bold move started as a result of repeated videos showing police shooting and killing unarmed black men.

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NFL protest (Others)
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Racism has time again inspired players to protest. In the 1968 Olympics, 200m gold and bronze medalist Tommie Smith and John Carlos respectively took up a public stance against racism. They stood with their heads bowed and raising a black-gloved hand as the American National Anthem played during the victory ceremony.

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Tommie Smith and John Carlos (Others)
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But, terrorism in sports is something that has caused global concern and condemnation. The threat of terrorism has become a major threat to all major sporting events as causing a debacle there, the terrorists understand well enough, would have global repercussions. Sporting events, such as the Olympics, football tournaments and cricket matches have been targeted, some of them had a larger impact such as the 1972 Olympics in Munich.&nbsp;

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The Palestine Liberation Organization terrorist at 1972 Munich Olympics. (Others)
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At the Munich Olympics, eleven Israeli Olympic team members were taken as the hostage and eventually killed, along with a German police officer, by the Palestinian terrorist group Black September. The attack was motivated by the desire to release members of the Palestine Liberation Organization held in captivity in Israeli prisons. German neo-Nazis gave logistical help to the commander of the terrorist group, Luttif Afif in carrying out the brutal attack.&nbsp;

The Boston Marathon of 2013 witnessed another bloody chapter in global sports history; two bombs were detonated near the finishing line, leaving three people dead and more than 260 injured. These attacks will always be considered as dark chapters in the history of sports, and the recent one targeting FIFA World Cup is another chapter added to the books on &#39;sports and terrorism&#39;.

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Double bombings near the finish line of the Boston Marathon killed three people and injured at least 264. (Others)
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Terror threat to FIFA World Cup will definitely influence the football festival. Having millions of followers, the Argentinian star is a legend and is also one of the favourites in the football fraternity. The terrorist, thus, very judiciously picked up the poster boy of the game.&nbsp;

The 2018 FIFA World Cup will be played across 11 cities in Russia from&nbsp;June 14 to July 15, and the final will be played at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

Hence, these continuous terrorist threats raise a serious question as to how the Russian government is going to deal with the security issues during the World Cup. Meanwhile, these threats will remain the main concern for football fans and followers, who are eager to visit Russia to support their favourite teams.

Vulnerable targets, media exposure, and international impact are some of the reasons why terrorists have increasingly started targeting sporting venues.

Pro-#ISIS media unit Wafa' Foundation continues to threaten 2018 FIFA #WorldCup, this time using an image of #LionelMessi in a prison outfit pic.twitter.com/isB8RDKYAK — SITE Intel Group (@siteintelgroup) October 24, 2017 × Ahead of the FIFA World Cup to be held in 2018, the Wafa Media Foundation, a pro-ISIS group on Twitter, releases a shocking image to threaten fans and followers of football. The Islamic State's mouthpiece used the face of the Argentinian football legend Lionel Messi to convey their ideology. The released poster says 'Just Terrorism' and 'You are fighting a state that does not have failure in its dictionary'. Also in the poster, Lionel Messi is standing behind the bar with one eye crying blood. The poster is intended to spread terror among football fans, indicating also that the terror group may carry a terror attack during FIFA World Cup. The other posters released by them contain pictures of rifles and explosives. Last week, Wafa Media Foundation published one photo of a fighter carrying a rifle and a time-bomb with the ISIS black flag in front of a football stadium. The official symbol of the 2018 World Cup finals was also included in the image. The poster says, "Oh, enemies of Allah in Russia, I swear that the fire of the mujahideen will burn them, just wait,". (Twitter) × Politics has always been part of all sporting events in the recorded history of humankind. When Indian football clubs played with their British counterpart, it was very much a display of nationalist sentiment. In more recent times, every cricket match between India and Pakistan was an extension of the political tension that exists between the two nation. Winning a match has become more than a sporting event, it has come to signify, unfortunately, the superiority of one nation over the other. Political permeation of sports is not limited to the subcontinent; every football match played between and English and Wales football club show the domineering influence of politics, often sidelining the sporting spirit. For repressive minority groups, sports events have often served as a tool to convey their sufferings to the rest of the world. For instance, recently, American football player Colin Kaepernick initiated a protest against New York police brutality. The NFL players either took a knee during the national anthem before a game or stand with arms locked in silent protest. This bold move started as a result of repeated videos showing police shooting and killing unarmed black men. NFL protest (Others) × Racism has time again inspired players to protest. In the 1968 Olympics, 200m gold and bronze medalist Tommie Smith and John Carlos respectively took up a public stance against racism. They stood with their heads bowed and raising a black-gloved hand as the American National Anthem played during the victory ceremony. Tommie Smith and John Carlos (Others) × But, terrorism in sports is something that has caused global concern and condemnation. The threat of terrorism has become a major threat to all major sporting events as causing a debacle there, the terrorists understand well enough, would have global repercussions. Sporting events, such as the Olympics, football tournaments and cricket matches have been targeted, some of them had a larger impact such as the 1972 Olympics in Munich. The Palestine Liberation Organization terrorist at 1972 Munich Olympics. (Others) × At the Munich Olympics, eleven Israeli Olympic team members were taken as the hostage and eventually killed, along with a German police officer, by the Palestinian terrorist group Black September. The attack was motivated by the desire to release members of the Palestine Liberation Organization held in captivity in Israeli prisons. German neo-Nazis gave logistical help to the commander of the terrorist group, Luttif Afif in carrying out the brutal attack. The Boston Marathon of 2013 witnessed another bloody chapter in global sports history; two bombs were detonated near the finishing line, leaving three people dead and more than 260 injured. These attacks will always be considered as dark chapters in the history of sports, and the recent one targeting FIFA World Cup is another chapter added to the books on 'sports and terrorism'. Double bombings near the finish line of the Boston Marathon killed three people and injured at least 264. (Others) × Terror threat to FIFA World Cup will definitely influence the football festival. Having millions of followers, the Argentinian star is a legend and is also one of the favourites in the football fraternity. The terrorist, thus, very judiciously picked up the poster boy of the game. The 2018 FIFA World Cup will be played across 11 cities in Russia from June 14 to July 15, and the final will be played at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Hence, these continuous terrorist threats raise a serious question as to how the Russian government is going to deal with the security issues during the World Cup. Meanwhile, these threats will remain the main concern for football fans and followers, who are eager to visit Russia to support their favourite teams.

Munich to Messi: Why terror haunts sports

The United States praised local Syrian<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-defeated-in-their-syrian-capital-raqqa-22550"> forces Friday for a &quot;milestone&quot; victory in driving the Islamic </a>State group from Raqqa, but warned the war against the jihadists is far from over.

IS had controlled the northern <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/is-driven-out-of-raqqa-100-fighters-surrender-in-24-hours-22444">Syrian city since early 2014 and considered</a> it to be the inner sanctum of its claimed &quot;caliphate.&quot;

US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, a combination of Kurdish and Syrian Arab fighters, wrested control of Raqqa this week after four months of fighting.

&quot;The liberation of Raqqa is a critical milestone in the global fight against ISIS,&quot; the State Department said in a statement congratulating the SDF and other forces.

But the &quot;loss of Raqqa does not mean our fight against ISIS is over,&quot; it added, using an alternate acronym for the jihadist group.&nbsp;

&quot;The global coalition will continue to draw on all elements of national power -- military, intelligence, diplomacy, economic, law enforcement, and the strength of our communities until all Syrians have been liberated from ISIS brutality and we can ensure that it can no longer export its terror around the world.&quot;

The US-led coalition of nations that has been providing air support and training to local ground forces also sent congratulations.

&quot;We are still fighting the remnants of (IS) in Iraq and Syria, and will continue to facilitate humanitarian efforts assisting citizens adversely affected by a brutal occupation, who face a long battle to gain their freedom,&quot; Lieutenant General Paul Funk, who heads the coalition, said in a statement.

IS had controlled the northern Syrian city since early 2014 and considered it to be the inner sanctum

The United States praised local Syrian forces Friday for a "milestone" victory in driving the Islamic State group from Raqqa, but warned the war against the jihadists is far from over. IS had controlled the northern Syrian city since early 2014 and considered it to be the inner sanctum of its claimed "caliphate." US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, a combination of Kurdish and Syrian Arab fighters, wrested control of Raqqa this week after four months of fighting. "The liberation of Raqqa is a critical milestone in the global fight against ISIS," the State Department said in a statement congratulating the SDF and other forces. But the "loss of Raqqa does not mean our fight against ISIS is over," it added, using an alternate acronym for the jihadist group. "The global coalition will continue to draw on all elements of national power -- military, intelligence, diplomacy, economic, law enforcement, and the strength of our communities until all Syrians have been liberated from ISIS brutality and we can ensure that it can no longer export its terror around the world." The US-led coalition of nations that has been providing air support and training to local ground forces also sent congratulations. "We are still fighting the remnants of (IS) in Iraq and Syria, and will continue to facilitate humanitarian efforts assisting citizens adversely affected by a brutal occupation, who face a long battle to gain their freedom," Lieutenant General Paul Funk, who heads the coalition, said in a statement.

Liberation of Raqqa critical milestone but fight against IS not over: US

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