<p>Turkish authorities have detained 304 people suspected of having ties to militant group Islamic State that&nbsp;operates&nbsp;across 32 provinces, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on Friday.</p>

<p>The majority of the suspects were detained in&nbsp;Turkey's three biggest cities of Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir, Yerlikaya said&nbsp;Yerlikaya on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.&nbsp;He said the "Operation Heroes-34", was carried out simultaneously across the country.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Turkey proposes own connectivity project with Iraq</strong></p>

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<p>"We will not allow any terrorists to open their eyes, for the peace and unity of our people. We will continue our battle with the intense efforts of our security forces," he said, sharing footage of the operations which showed police entering apartments and buildings and dragging suspects into vehicles.</p>

<p>Islamic State controlled one-third of Iraq and Syria at its 2014 peak. Though beaten back, it continues to wage insurgent attacks.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/turkey-saves-billions-on-russian-oil-amid-sanctions-boosting-imports-671228"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Turkey saves billions on Russian oil amid sanctions, boosting imports</strong></a></p>

<p>It has conducted numerous attacks across Turkey, including on a nightclub in Istanbul on Jan. 1, 2017, in which 39 people were killed.</p>

<p>Authorities have ramped up operations against Islamic State and Kurdish militants in recent weeks, after Kurdish militants detonated a bomb near government buildings in Ankara on Oct 1.</p>

<p>Turkey regularly conducts operations at home and in northern Iraq on the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which it regards as a terrorist organisation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Turkish authorities have detained 304 people suspected of having ties to militant group Islamic State that operates across 32 provinces, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on Friday.

Turkish authorities have detained 304 people suspected of having ties to militant group Islamic State that operates across 32 provinces, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said on Friday. The majority of the suspects were detained in Turkey's three biggest cities of Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir, Yerlikaya said Yerlikaya on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. He said the "Operation Heroes-34", was carried out simultaneously across the country. Watch: Turkey proposes own connectivity project with Iraq × "We will not allow any terrorists to open their eyes, for the peace and unity of our people. We will continue our battle with the intense efforts of our security forces," he said, sharing footage of the operations which showed police entering apartments and buildings and dragging suspects into vehicles. Islamic State controlled one-third of Iraq and Syria at its 2014 peak. Though beaten back, it continues to wage insurgent attacks. Also read: Turkey saves billions on Russian oil amid sanctions, boosting imports It has conducted numerous attacks across Turkey, including on a nightclub in Istanbul on Jan. 1, 2017, in which 39 people were killed. Authorities have ramped up operations against Islamic State and Kurdish militants in recent weeks, after Kurdish militants detonated a bomb near government buildings in Ankara on Oct 1. Turkey regularly conducts operations at home and in northern Iraq on the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which it regards as a terrorist organisation. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey: 304 people arrested over suspected ties to Islamic State

<p>The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday (Dec 18) carried out raids at 19 locations across four Indian states in connection with the ISIS network and busted a "highly radicalised jihadi terror group."</p>

<p>The anti-terror agency arrested eight operatives of the banned terror outfit's Ballari module, including its leader Minaz foiling plans by the accused to carry out terror attacks, and IED blasts.</p>

<p>The searches also led to the seizure of explosive raw materials, such as sulphur, potassium nitrate, charcoal, gunpowder, sugar and ethanol, sharp-edged weapons, unaccounted cash, documents exposing terror plans, along with smartphones and other digital devices.</p>

<p>The 19 locations, where the raids were conducted, included Ballari and Bengaluru in Karnataka, Amaravati, Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra, Jamshedpur and Bokaro in Jharkhand and Delhi.</p>

<p>As per the initial probes by NIA, the accused had planned on using explosive raw materials for the fabrication of IEDs which were to be deployed for carrying out attacks.</p>

<p>Investigations further revealed that the accused were constantly in touch with one another via encrypted applications and were planning attacks and recruiting youths, NIA said in a statement.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nia Foils ISIS Ballari Module’s Plans to Trigger IED Blasts<br />
Arrests 8 Terror Operatives, including Module Head, in Raids Across 4 States, Seizes Explosive Raw Materials, Weapons, Documents Exposing Terror Plans, etc. <a href="https://t.co/jluje0B91b">pic.twitter.com/jluje0B91b</a></p>
— NIA India (@NIA_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/NIA_India/status/1736714017560002737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>News agency ANI reported that the terror group was engaged in anti-India activities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-draft-telecom-bill-tabled-in-lok-sabha-allows-govt-to-take-over-services-over-national-security-670883">Bill moved in LS lets govt take over telecom network for ‘national security’</a></p>

<h2><strong>Radicalisation of prisoners</strong></h2>

<p>This comes a day after NIA raided multiple locations across Bengaluru, Karnataka, in a case related&nbsp;to the radicalisation of prisoners by a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist.</p>

<p>Six locations, including the houses of four accused, one of whom is still absconding, were extensively searched in the case last week, on Dec 13, as part of the anti-terror agency's continuing investigations into the case.</p>

<p>The other locations that were searched were premises connected with two other suspects.</p>

<p>In that raid, the NIA teams seized a host of digital devices, various incriminating documents, and cash amounting to Rs 7.3 lakh. The raids were conducted at the premises of Mohammed Umar, Mohammed Faisal Rabbani, Tanveer Ahmed and Mohammed Farooq, as well as absconder Junaid Ahmed. Three accused are currently absconding in the case, registered under various sections of IPC, the UA(P) Act, 1967 and the Explosive Substances Act, 1884.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday (Dec 18) carried out raids at 19 locations across four Indian states in connection with the ISIS network and busted a "highly radicalised jihadi terror group.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday (Dec 18) carried out raids at 19 locations across four Indian states in connection with the ISIS network and busted a "highly radicalised jihadi terror group." The anti-terror agency arrested eight operatives of the banned terror outfit's Ballari module, including its leader Minaz foiling plans by the accused to carry out terror attacks, and IED blasts. The searches also led to the seizure of explosive raw materials, such as sulphur, potassium nitrate, charcoal, gunpowder, sugar and ethanol, sharp-edged weapons, unaccounted cash, documents exposing terror plans, along with smartphones and other digital devices. The 19 locations, where the raids were conducted, included Ballari and Bengaluru in Karnataka, Amaravati, Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra, Jamshedpur and Bokaro in Jharkhand and Delhi. As per the initial probes by NIA, the accused had planned on using explosive raw materials for the fabrication of IEDs which were to be deployed for carrying out attacks. Investigations further revealed that the accused were constantly in touch with one another via encrypted applications and were planning attacks and recruiting youths, NIA said in a statement. Nia Foils ISIS Ballari Module’s Plans to Trigger IED Blasts Arrests 8 Terror Operatives, including Module Head, in Raids Across 4 States, Seizes Explosive Raw Materials, Weapons, Documents Exposing Terror Plans, etc. pic.twitter.com/jluje0B91b — NIA India (@NIA_India) December 18, 2023 × News agency ANI reported that the terror group was engaged in anti-India activities. Also read: Bill moved in LS lets govt take over telecom network for ‘national security’ Radicalisation of prisoners This comes a day after NIA raided multiple locations across Bengaluru, Karnataka, in a case related to the radicalisation of prisoners by a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist. Six locations, including the houses of four accused, one of whom is still absconding, were extensively searched in the case last week, on Dec 13, as part of the anti-terror agency's continuing investigations into the case. The other locations that were searched were premises connected with two other suspects. In that raid, the NIA teams seized a host of digital devices, various incriminating documents, and cash amounting to Rs 7.3 lakh. The raids were conducted at the premises of Mohammed Umar, Mohammed Faisal Rabbani, Tanveer Ahmed and Mohammed Farooq, as well as absconder Junaid Ahmed. Three accused are currently absconding in the case, registered under various sections of IPC, the UA(P) Act, 1967 and the Explosive Substances Act, 1884. (With inputs from agencies)

India's anti-terror agency arrests 8 ISIS operatives, seizes explosive raw materials, weapons

In a major crackdown on the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria or ISIS, the National Investigation Agency in India arrested 15 alleged operatives of the banned organization during simultaneous raids at 44 locations across two Indian states of Maharashtra and Karnataka.

India: National Investigation Agency arrests 15 in connection with ISIS

NIA raids India's Maharashtra and Karnataka, 15 arrested in connection with ISIS

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<p>Thirteen people were arrested on Saturday (Dec 9) in an Islamic State (ISIS) terror conspiracy case following raids by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The arrests took place in Maharashtra's Pune following raids at 44 locations in Maharashtra and Karnataka, reported news agency ANI, citing sources.</p>

<p>Of these locations raided, NIA officials searched one place in Karnataka, two in Pune, 31 in Thane Rural, nine in Thane City, and one in Bhayender. The raids were conducted in coordination with the police forces of both Maharashtra and Karnataka,&nbsp;said the sources.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the case about?</strong></h2>

<p>As per the report, the case is about a criminal conspiracy hatched by the 13 accused and their associates, who pledged to the extremist ideology of terrorist organisations including ISIS and Al-Qaeda and formed a gang.</p>

<p>ANI reported the group was formed with the intent of recruiting youth and promoting violent jihad to establish Islamic rule in India.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Thirteen people were arrested on Saturday (Dec 9) in an Islamic State (ISIS) terror conspiracy case following raids by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The arrests took place in Maharashtra's Pune following raids at 44 locations in Maharashtra and Karnataka, reported news agency ANI, citing sources.

Thirteen people were arrested on Saturday (Dec 9) in an Islamic State (ISIS) terror conspiracy case following raids by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The arrests took place in Maharashtra's Pune following raids at 44 locations in Maharashtra and Karnataka, reported news agency ANI, citing sources. Of these locations raided, NIA officials searched one place in Karnataka, two in Pune, 31 in Thane Rural, nine in Thane City, and one in Bhayender. The raids were conducted in coordination with the police forces of both Maharashtra and Karnataka, said the sources. What is the case about? As per the report, the case is about a criminal conspiracy hatched by the 13 accused and their associates, who pledged to the extremist ideology of terrorist organisations including ISIS and Al-Qaeda and formed a gang. ANI reported the group was formed with the intent of recruiting youth and promoting violent jihad to establish Islamic rule in India. (With inputs from agencies)

India: 13 arrested in ISIS terror conspiracy case after raids in Maharashtra, Karnataka by NIA

<p>Aine Davis, a British Muslim convert alleged to be part of the infamous ISIS "Beatles" kidnap-and-murder cell, on Monday (Nov 13), was sentenced to eight years in prison for terrorist offences.</p>

<p>Davis had previously pleaded guilty to two charges of financing terrorism between 2013 and 2014 and one charge of possessing a firearm for a purpose connected to terrorism.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Davis?</strong></h2>

<p>39-year-old Aine Davis is allegedly a member of ISIS' Beatles group — however, he had previously denied&nbsp;any connection to the group. He was arrested in Turkey in 2015 and sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in 2017 for IS membership.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/legal-battle-over-treatment-ends-in-tragedy-terminally-ill-british-infant-dies-658146">Legal battle over treatment ends in tragedy: Terminally-ill British infant dies</a></strong></p>

<p>Davis was released in July 2022, after which he was deported to Britain. Upon his arrival at Luton airport, he was re-arrested, leading to his detention at Belmarsh prison in southeast London.</p>

<h2><strong>The sentence</strong></h2>

<p>Initially pleading not guilty in March, Davis changed his plea last month, admitting to possessing a firearm and two charges of funding terrorism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He will now serve six years for the firearms offence and two years for terrorism funding. The terms as per AFP will run consecutively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Announcing the sentence, judge Mark Lucraft at the Old Bailey court said, "It is clear you have been with fighters in Syria and that you were not there for lawful purposes." The judge noted that there were images from 2013 of Davis with firearms.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-beatles-cell-member-held-in-uk-charged-over-terrorism-offences-505877">Islamic State 'Beatles' cell member held in UK; charged over terrorism offences</a></strong></p>

<p>"I make it clear I am sentencing you for the offences on the indictment and for nothing else."</p>

<p>Speaking on behalf of his client, Davis' lawyer, Mark Summers, told the court: "He has a number of apologies to make through me today — the first is to the Syrian people."</p>

<p>"The presence of him, those like him and the groups he associated with there, caused more harm than good."</p>

<h2><strong>ISIS 'Beatles' group</strong></h2>

<p>The "Beatles" group is an offshoot of the Islamic State group, known for their distinct British accents. The so-called 'Beatles' gained notoriety for torturing and beheading victims, and sharing videos of these gruesome acts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Active in Syria from 2012 to 2015, the group was implicated in the abduction of over two dozen journalists and relief workers from various countries.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Aine Davis, a British Muslim convert alleged to be part of the infamous ISIS "Beatles" kidnap-and-murder cell, on Monday (Nov 13), was sentenced to eight years in prison for terrorist offences.

Aine Davis, a British Muslim convert alleged to be part of the infamous ISIS "Beatles" kidnap-and-murder cell, on Monday (Nov 13), was sentenced to eight years in prison for terrorist offences. Davis had previously pleaded guilty to two charges of financing terrorism between 2013 and 2014 and one charge of possessing a firearm for a purpose connected to terrorism. Who is Davis? 39-year-old Aine Davis is allegedly a member of ISIS' Beatles group — however, he had previously denied any connection to the group. He was arrested in Turkey in 2015 and sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in 2017 for IS membership. Also read | Legal battle over treatment ends in tragedy: Terminally-ill British infant dies Davis was released in July 2022, after which he was deported to Britain. Upon his arrival at Luton airport, he was re-arrested, leading to his detention at Belmarsh prison in southeast London. The sentence Initially pleading not guilty in March, Davis changed his plea last month, admitting to possessing a firearm and two charges of funding terrorism. He will now serve six years for the firearms offence and two years for terrorism funding. The terms as per AFP will run consecutively. Announcing the sentence, judge Mark Lucraft at the Old Bailey court said, "It is clear you have been with fighters in Syria and that you were not there for lawful purposes." The judge noted that there were images from 2013 of Davis with firearms. Also read | Islamic State 'Beatles' cell member held in UK; charged over terrorism offences "I make it clear I am sentencing you for the offences on the indictment and for nothing else." Speaking on behalf of his client, Davis' lawyer, Mark Summers, told the court: "He has a number of apologies to make through me today — the first is to the Syrian people." "The presence of him, those like him and the groups he associated with there, caused more harm than good." ISIS 'Beatles' group The "Beatles" group is an offshoot of the Islamic State group, known for their distinct British accents. The so-called 'Beatles' gained notoriety for torturing and beheading victims, and sharing videos of these gruesome acts. Active in Syria from 2012 to 2015, the group was implicated in the abduction of over two dozen journalists and relief workers from various countries. (With inputs from agencies)

British ISIS 'Beatles' member Aine Davis jailed for eight years on terrorism charges

Anti-Terror Squad in Uttar Pradesh has arrested four suspected ISIS terrorists in the past 4 days from different parts of the state. The suspects were associated with students of Aligarh Muslim University. They were allegedly planning to carry out terror activities in the state.

India: Four ISIS suspected terrorists nabbed in Uttar Pradesh

<p>The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, on Saturday (Nov 11) conducted raids on several locations and arrested four individuals suspected of having links to ISIS.</p>

<p>The four suspects have been identified as Raquib Imam Ansari (29), Naved Siddiqui (23), Mohammed Noman Gaffar (27) and Mohammed Nazim (33).</p>

<p>The raids were conducted based on the inputs from ISIS suspects earlier arrested by the ATS team. The ATS detained three of the four suspects from Uttar Pradesh’s Aligarh while one was detained from Sambhal.</p>

<p>According to a senior ATS official cited by Times of India, all four were associated with students of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). Mobile phones and pen drives were seized from the accused, which allegedly had&nbsp;ISIS literature.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;New Delhi AQI: Patients line up with respiratory conditions</strong></p>

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<p>A press release by the ATS said, “The accused were allegedly linked to the banned terror outfit ISIS and working to overthrow the elected government through "violent terror jihad" and establish 'Sharia'. The accused were distributing ISIS-related literature for the purpose among like-minded people and associating them with the terror group."</p>

<p>The release added that these accused were allegedly planning to carry out “terror jihad” in the state through online platforms and were mentally and physically preparing for the same.</p>

<p>As of now, seven members of the ISIS module have been arrested from the state, in the month of Diwali, the biggest festival for Hindus.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-schools-closed-in-ups-noida-until-nov-10-due-to-poor-air-quality-656181"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;India: Schools closed in UP`s Noida until Nov 10 due to poor air quality</strong></a></p>

<p>Earlier on November 8, UP ATS had arrested a suspected terrorist under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) from Chhattisgarh's Durg district, the police said.</p>

<p>"UP ATS team had come here yesterday morning. For the arrest, they had asked for cooperation from us. They have arrested an accused. They have taken him on transit remand. It's a case of the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act)," Abhishek Jha, Additional Superintendent of Police, Durg said.</p>

<p>As per the Durg Police, Wajihuddin was an active member of ISIS and has been pursuing Ph.D. from AMU while staying in the SBI Colony in Durg.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, on Saturday (Nov 11) conducted raids on several locations and arrested four individuals suspected of having links to ISIS.

The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) of India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, on Saturday (Nov 11) conducted raids on several locations and arrested four individuals suspected of having links to ISIS. The four suspects have been identified as Raquib Imam Ansari (29), Naved Siddiqui (23), Mohammed Noman Gaffar (27) and Mohammed Nazim (33). The raids were conducted based on the inputs from ISIS suspects earlier arrested by the ATS team. The ATS detained three of the four suspects from Uttar Pradesh’s Aligarh while one was detained from Sambhal. According to a senior ATS official cited by Times of India, all four were associated with students of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). Mobile phones and pen drives were seized from the accused, which allegedly had ISIS literature. Watch: New Delhi AQI: Patients line up with respiratory conditions × A press release by the ATS said, “The accused were allegedly linked to the banned terror outfit ISIS and working to overthrow the elected government through "violent terror jihad" and establish 'Sharia'. The accused were distributing ISIS-related literature for the purpose among like-minded people and associating them with the terror group." The release added that these accused were allegedly planning to carry out “terror jihad” in the state through online platforms and were mentally and physically preparing for the same. As of now, seven members of the ISIS module have been arrested from the state, in the month of Diwali, the biggest festival for Hindus. Also read: India: Schools closed in UP`s Noida until Nov 10 due to poor air quality Earlier on November 8, UP ATS had arrested a suspected terrorist under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) from Chhattisgarh's Durg district, the police said. "UP ATS team had come here yesterday morning. For the arrest, they had asked for cooperation from us. They have arrested an accused. They have taken him on transit remand. It's a case of the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act)," Abhishek Jha, Additional Superintendent of Police, Durg said. As per the Durg Police, Wajihuddin was an active member of ISIS and has been pursuing Ph.D. from AMU while staying in the SBI Colony in Durg. (With inputs from agencies)

India: UP Anti-terror squad detains four ISIS suspects, says were planning ‘terror jihad’

Even as reports suggest that about 7,000 Gazan have died in Israeli airstrikes since October 7, 2023, the Israeli Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon asserts that their military actions specifically target Hamas and not the civilian population, accusing Hamas of using civilians as human shields.

'Concerns about rise of ISIS if Hamas persists,' says Israel envoy on Gaza crisis | The India Story

<p>For the first time in the last three decades, recruitment of the local youth in terror outfits has hit an&nbsp;all-time low. According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, only 10 local youths joined the terror ranks in the year 2023, and six of them have already been killed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Jammu and Kashmir Police have revealed that six of the ten local youths from the Kashmir Valley who had joined terror outfits like Lashkar, Jaish and Hizb in the year 2023. have already been killed and now only four of them are active.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-infiltration-bid-foiled-in-jks-uri-sector-two-militants-killed-650100">India: Infiltration bid foiled in J&amp;K’s Uri sector; two militants killed</a></strong></p>

<p>''The Youth of Jammu and Kashmir has understood the plans of Pakistan. In 2022, around 110 local youths had joined terror outfits, but the number this year fell drastically, with just 10 youths joining the terror ranks. Out of these 10, six have already been killed. I appeal to the youth to shun the path of violence and those four local active terrorists should also come to mainstream,'' said DGP JK Police Dilbagh Singh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Jammu and Kashmir Police has repeatedly&nbsp;appealed to the local youth to shun the path of violence and return to the mainstream. Police says that Pakistan is still trying to derail the peace process in the Kashmir Valley, but Jammu and Kashmir Police is making sure that those attempts are unsuccessful.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, while the recruitments have come down drastically in the Valley, the police say that many terror camps across the border are still active in areas like Sialkot and near LoC across the Gurez sector. The Jammu and Kashmir Police say that Pakistan tries to push the terrorists into Kashmir, but they have managed to foil more than 90 per cent of these bids and security forces posted along the LoC are always on high alert. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/can-nawaz-sharif-resolve-the-kashmir-dispute-650005">Can Nawaz Sharif resolve the Kashmir dispute?</a></strong></p>

<p>''There are trained terrorists who try to infiltrate into our territory, but terrorism is breathing its last. We are alert and have foiled around 90 per cent infiltration bids. Most of the infiltrators who were trying to cross over were killed near the LoC only. The forces have been extremely successful this year on the LoC,'' said Dilbagh Singh.</p>

<p>Jammu and Kashmir Police have also said they will soon make Kashmir terror-free, and Kashmir will be a peaceful place soon.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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For the first time in the last three decades, recruitment of the local youth in terror outfits has hit an all-time low. According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, only 10 local youths joined the terror ranks in the year 2023, and six of them have already been killed.

For the first time in the last three decades, recruitment of the local youth in terror outfits has hit an all-time low. According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, only 10 local youths joined the terror ranks in the year 2023, and six of them have already been killed. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have revealed that six of the ten local youths from the Kashmir Valley who had joined terror outfits like Lashkar, Jaish and Hizb in the year 2023. have already been killed and now only four of them are active. Also read | India: Infiltration bid foiled in J&K’s Uri sector; two militants killed ''The Youth of Jammu and Kashmir has understood the plans of Pakistan. In 2022, around 110 local youths had joined terror outfits, but the number this year fell drastically, with just 10 youths joining the terror ranks. Out of these 10, six have already been killed. I appeal to the youth to shun the path of violence and those four local active terrorists should also come to mainstream,'' said DGP JK Police Dilbagh Singh. The Jammu and Kashmir Police has repeatedly appealed to the local youth to shun the path of violence and return to the mainstream. Police says that Pakistan is still trying to derail the peace process in the Kashmir Valley, but Jammu and Kashmir Police is making sure that those attempts are unsuccessful. However, while the recruitments have come down drastically in the Valley, the police say that many terror camps across the border are still active in areas like Sialkot and near LoC across the Gurez sector. The Jammu and Kashmir Police say that Pakistan tries to push the terrorists into Kashmir, but they have managed to foil more than 90 per cent of these bids and security forces posted along the LoC are always on high alert. Also read | Can Nawaz Sharif resolve the Kashmir dispute? ''There are trained terrorists who try to infiltrate into our territory, but terrorism is breathing its last. We are alert and have foiled around 90 per cent infiltration bids. Most of the infiltrators who were trying to cross over were killed near the LoC only. The forces have been extremely successful this year on the LoC,'' said Dilbagh Singh. Jammu and Kashmir Police have also said they will soon make Kashmir terror-free, and Kashmir will be a peaceful place soon. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Six of just 10 local terror recruits in J&K in 2023 killed

US President Joe Biden hugs Netanyahu as he arrives in Tel Aviv, backs Israel's version of who is responsible for the blast that killed 500 people in a Gaza hospital, blaming the Islamic Jihad group.

Israel-Palestine war: Hamas atrocities make ISIS look somewhat rational | WION Dispatch

A most wanted Islamic State terrorist was arrested in India's New Delhi amid a major crackdown by the country's top anti-terror agency. The Delhi police special cell has arrested Shahnawaz Alias Shafi a suspected most wanted terrorist affiliated with the Islamic State. Shahnawaz has been on the National Investigation Agency's most-wanted list.

Islamic State terrorist Shahnawaz nabbed in New Delhi; big win for India's top anti-terror agency

<p>The Delhi Police on Monday (Oct 2) arrested a suspected Islamic State terrorist, who was on top of the Wanted List of India's National Investigation Agency (NIA), after a massive search operation.</p>

<p>The man has been identified as Shahnawaz alias Shafi Uzzama, and was wanted in a case dubbed as 'Pune ISIS module', named after a city in western India's Maharashtra state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shahnawaz had escaped from Pune police's custody and was living in a purported hideout in New Delhi.<br />
<br />
The NIA had announced a cash reward of ₹3 lakh ($3,606) for information on Shahnawaz.</p>

<h2><strong>From engineer to terror suspect: Who is Shahnawaz alias Shafi Uzzama?</strong></h2>

<p>Shahnawaz is a mining engineer and came to the National Capital Region after fleeing Pune and had been living.</p>

<p>The NIA last month released pictures of four terror suspects, including that of Shahnawaz, wanted in the Pune ISIS module case.&nbsp;The agency announced a reward money of ₹3 lakh each for information on them leading to their arrest.&nbsp;</p>

<p><b>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengaluru-doctor-making-apps-for-isis-arrested-by-nia-321610">Bengaluru doctor making apps for ISIS arrested by NIA</a></b></p>

<p>The other three suspects have been identified as Talha Liyakat Khan from Pune, and Rizwan Abdul Haji Ali and Abdulla Faiyaz Shaikh alias Daiperwala,&nbsp;from Delhi.</p>

<h2><strong>How did Shahnawaz escape Pune police's custody?</strong></h2>

<p>Shahnawaz and two others - Mohammad Imran Mohammad Yunus Khan, 23, and Mohammad Yunus Mohammad Yakub Saki, 24&nbsp;- were arrested by Pune Police on July 18 after they were found attempting to steal a two-wheeler.</p>

<p>According to the reports citing the account of the police, Shahnawaz jumped out of the police vehicle and managed to escape while the police were&nbsp;taking him to his residency in Pune city for a search operation.</p>

<h2><strong>Potential danger posed by Shahnawaz</strong></h2>

<p>According to a report in Hindustan Times, on questioning Khan and Saki, the police learned that they were allegedly involved in a terror case registered in Rajasthan after explosives were found in a car in March 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They also carried a bounty of ₹5 lakh ($6,012) each, a police officer was quoted as saying by the newspaper.</p>

<p>On further probe, the police found acid and explosive-making material that incriminated Shahnawaz.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: ISIS versus the Taliban: A new battle for survival</strong></p>

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<p>The Anti-Terrorism Squad also reportedly seized several other materials and found 500 GB data in the laptops and mobile phones of the accused. They also found links to YouTube videos on making bombs and Google images of various places, Hindustan Times reported</p>

<p>The report added that the NIA found during the investigation that a foreign-based handler had possibly instructed Shahnawaz to execute a terror strike.</p>

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The Delhi Police on Monday (Oct 2) arrested a suspected Islamic State terrorist, who was on top of the Wanted List of India's National Investigation Agency (NIA), after a massive search operation.

The Delhi Police on Monday (Oct 2) arrested a suspected Islamic State terrorist, who was on top of the Wanted List of India's National Investigation Agency (NIA), after a massive search operation. The man has been identified as Shahnawaz alias Shafi Uzzama, and was wanted in a case dubbed as 'Pune ISIS module', named after a city in western India's Maharashtra state. Shahnawaz had escaped from Pune police's custody and was living in a purported hideout in New Delhi. The NIA had announced a cash reward of ₹3 lakh ($3,606) for information on Shahnawaz. From engineer to terror suspect: Who is Shahnawaz alias Shafi Uzzama? Shahnawaz is a mining engineer and came to the National Capital Region after fleeing Pune and had been living. The NIA last month released pictures of four terror suspects, including that of Shahnawaz, wanted in the Pune ISIS module case. The agency announced a reward money of ₹3 lakh each for information on them leading to their arrest. Also read | Bengaluru doctor making apps for ISIS arrested by NIA The other three suspects have been identified as Talha Liyakat Khan from Pune, and Rizwan Abdul Haji Ali and Abdulla Faiyaz Shaikh alias Daiperwala, from Delhi. How did Shahnawaz escape Pune police's custody? Shahnawaz and two others - Mohammad Imran Mohammad Yunus Khan, 23, and Mohammad Yunus Mohammad Yakub Saki, 24 - were arrested by Pune Police on July 18 after they were found attempting to steal a two-wheeler. According to the reports citing the account of the police, Shahnawaz jumped out of the police vehicle and managed to escape while the police were taking him to his residency in Pune city for a search operation. Potential danger posed by Shahnawaz According to a report in Hindustan Times, on questioning Khan and Saki, the police learned that they were allegedly involved in a terror case registered in Rajasthan after explosives were found in a car in March 2022. They also carried a bounty of ₹5 lakh ($6,012) each, a police officer was quoted as saying by the newspaper. On further probe, the police found acid and explosive-making material that incriminated Shahnawaz. Also watch | Gravitas: ISIS versus the Taliban: A new battle for survival × The Anti-Terrorism Squad also reportedly seized several other materials and found 500 GB data in the laptops and mobile phones of the accused. They also found links to YouTube videos on making bombs and Google images of various places, Hindustan Times reported The report added that the NIA found during the investigation that a foreign-based handler had possibly instructed Shahnawaz to execute a terror strike. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Delhi Police nab India's most wanted ISIS terror suspect Shahnawaz alias Uzzama

<p>India’s federal anti-terror National Investigation Agency (NIA) launched raids at 31 locations Saturday (Sept 16) to detect and thwart a radicalisation and recruitment drive organised by global terror group ISIS.</p>

<p>The locations were raided across the south Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Telangana, during which several digital devices, documents and incriminating books in vernacular and Arabic languages, and Rs 60 lakh, as well as $18,200 in cash, were seized.</p>

<p>The agency will now investigate the data stored on the seized devices.</p>

<h2><strong>'Khilafat' ideology</strong></h2>

<p>As per officials from NIA, the ISIS-inspired agents were engaged in the propagation of the 'Khilafat' ideology, which is inimical to India's constitutionally established principles of secularism and democracy.</p>

<p>The agency raided at least 26 locations in Tamil Nadu while other five sites were raided in Telangana’s Hyderabad.</p>

<p>"The radicalisation was being carried out in the garb of holding Arabic language classes through their Regional Study Centres. Such radicalisation activities were being flashed through social media platforms and online messaging services like WhatsApp and Telegram," a spokesperson for the NIA said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-20-individuals-and-29-companies-for-facilitating-isis-and-al-qaeda-in-maldives-621393"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;US sanctions 20 individuals and 29 companies for facilitating ISIS and Al Qaeda in Maldives</strong></a></p>

<p>“The searches were conducted in connection with a case, registered by NIA Chennai under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, that pertains to clandestine operations by a group of individuals to radicalise vulnerable youth,” the official said.</p>

<h2><strong>Case related to 2022 Coimbatore blast</strong></h2>

<p>The group of persons involved in the case had entered into a conspiracy to radicalise and recruit youth who were later found involved in terrorist as well as unlawful acts and activities. One such terror attack related to the Coimbatore car bomb blast case of October 23 of last year, the agency revealed.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US: Dr Masood accused of attempting to provide material support to ISIS</strong></p>

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<p>The official stated that the investigations in this case are ongoing as part of the NIA's determined efforts to prevent ISIS from recruiting vulnerable and impressionable young individuals into their terrorist network.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This network is actively engaged in spreading terror within the country, with the overarching goal of destabilising its peace and communal harmony.</p>

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India’s federal anti-terror National Investigation Agency (NIA) launched raids at 31 locations Saturday (Sept 16) to detect and thwart a radicalisation and recruitment drive organised by global terror group ISIS.

India’s federal anti-terror National Investigation Agency (NIA) launched raids at 31 locations Saturday (Sept 16) to detect and thwart a radicalisation and recruitment drive organised by global terror group ISIS. The locations were raided across the south Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Telangana, during which several digital devices, documents and incriminating books in vernacular and Arabic languages, and Rs 60 lakh, as well as $18,200 in cash, were seized. The agency will now investigate the data stored on the seized devices. 'Khilafat' ideology As per officials from NIA, the ISIS-inspired agents were engaged in the propagation of the 'Khilafat' ideology, which is inimical to India's constitutionally established principles of secularism and democracy. The agency raided at least 26 locations in Tamil Nadu while other five sites were raided in Telangana’s Hyderabad. "The radicalisation was being carried out in the garb of holding Arabic language classes through their Regional Study Centres. Such radicalisation activities were being flashed through social media platforms and online messaging services like WhatsApp and Telegram," a spokesperson for the NIA said. Also read: US sanctions 20 individuals and 29 companies for facilitating ISIS and Al Qaeda in Maldives “The searches were conducted in connection with a case, registered by NIA Chennai under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, that pertains to clandestine operations by a group of individuals to radicalise vulnerable youth,” the official said. Case related to 2022 Coimbatore blast The group of persons involved in the case had entered into a conspiracy to radicalise and recruit youth who were later found involved in terrorist as well as unlawful acts and activities. One such terror attack related to the Coimbatore car bomb blast case of October 23 of last year, the agency revealed. Watch: US: Dr Masood accused of attempting to provide material support to ISIS × The official stated that the investigations in this case are ongoing as part of the NIA's determined efforts to prevent ISIS from recruiting vulnerable and impressionable young individuals into their terrorist network. This network is actively engaged in spreading terror within the country, with the overarching goal of destabilising its peace and communal harmony. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India’s anti-terror agency NIA conducts raids, thwarts radicalisation, recruitment drive of ISIS

<p>Iraq has hanged three people convicted for a 2016 bombing that killed more than 320 people in a Baghdad shopping district and was claimed by the Islamic State group, the prime minister's office said on Monday.</p>

<p>The bombing was one of the world's deadliest after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.</p>

<p>At least 323 people were killed in the car bombing that sparked raging fires in Baghdad's Karrada shopping area early on July 3, 2016 as it teemed with people ahead of the Eid al-Fitr festival ending the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, during a meeting with victims' families, informed them "the rightful punishment of death sentence was carried out against three key criminals found guilty of their involvement in the terrorist bombing", his office said in a statement.</p>

<p>It was one of the deadliest attacks to ever hit Iraq.</p>

<p>Police Major General Talib Khalil Rahi said at the time that the bomber's minibus had been loaded with plastic explosives and ammonium nitrate.</p>

<p>The initial blast killed a limited number of people, but flames spread and trapped people inside shopping centres which lacked emergency exits, Rahi told a news conference a few days later.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Turkey, Iraq boosts partnership, water management and security on agenda</strong></p>

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<p>The raging fires made it difficult to identify the dead.</p>

<p>Interior Minister Mohammed Ghabban resigned in the wake of the blast.</p>

<h2><strong>Death sentences</strong></h2>

<p>IS had overrun large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, but by the time of the Karrada blast Iraqi forces had regained significant territory from the jihadists, who hit back against civilians in response.</p>

<p>Iraq's government declared victory against IS in late 2017 after a military campaign backed by a United States-led military coalition.</p>

<p>In October 2021 Iraq announced the arrest outside the country of the person it said was the main suspect behind the Karrada blast. Then-prime minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi said Ghazwan Alzawbaee was "the primary culprit" in that attack "and many others."</p>

<p>A government source told AFP that Alzawbaee was among those put to death.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-blocks-telegram-over-national-security-concerns-622862"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Iraq blocks Telegram messaging app over national security concerns</strong></a></p>

<p>The statement from Sudani's office, however, did not name those executed or say when they were sentenced. It said the executions were carried out Sunday night and Monday morning.</p>

<p>The United Nations estimated in a report in March that IS still has "5,000 to 7,000 members and supporters" across Iraq and neighbouring Syria, "roughly half of whom are fighters".</p>

<p>IS cells continue to target security forces and civilians in both countries but the UN report said IS had been much depleted by "sustained counter-terrorism operations" on both sides of the border.</p>

<p>Over several years, Iraqi courts have handed down hundreds of death sentences as well as life prison terms under the penal code for membership in "a terrorist group".</p>

<p>Iraqi courts also issue the death penalty for intentional homicide.</p>

<p>In 2022 Iraq executed more than 11 people, fewer than in the United States, and sentenced more than 41 to death, according to a report by Amnesty International.</p>

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Iraq has hanged three people convicted for a 2016 bombing that killed more than 320 people in a Baghdad shopping district and was claimed by the Islamic State group, the prime minister's office said on Monday.

Iraq has hanged three people convicted for a 2016 bombing that killed more than 320 people in a Baghdad shopping district and was claimed by the Islamic State group, the prime minister's office said on Monday. The bombing was one of the world's deadliest after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. At least 323 people were killed in the car bombing that sparked raging fires in Baghdad's Karrada shopping area early on July 3, 2016 as it teemed with people ahead of the Eid al-Fitr festival ending the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, during a meeting with victims' families, informed them "the rightful punishment of death sentence was carried out against three key criminals found guilty of their involvement in the terrorist bombing", his office said in a statement. It was one of the deadliest attacks to ever hit Iraq. Police Major General Talib Khalil Rahi said at the time that the bomber's minibus had been loaded with plastic explosives and ammonium nitrate. The initial blast killed a limited number of people, but flames spread and trapped people inside shopping centres which lacked emergency exits, Rahi told a news conference a few days later. Watch: Turkey, Iraq boosts partnership, water management and security on agenda × The raging fires made it difficult to identify the dead. Interior Minister Mohammed Ghabban resigned in the wake of the blast. Death sentences IS had overrun large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, but by the time of the Karrada blast Iraqi forces had regained significant territory from the jihadists, who hit back against civilians in response. Iraq's government declared victory against IS in late 2017 after a military campaign backed by a United States-led military coalition. In October 2021 Iraq announced the arrest outside the country of the person it said was the main suspect behind the Karrada blast. Then-prime minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi said Ghazwan Alzawbaee was "the primary culprit" in that attack "and many others." A government source told AFP that Alzawbaee was among those put to death. Also read: Iraq blocks Telegram messaging app over national security concerns The statement from Sudani's office, however, did not name those executed or say when they were sentenced. It said the executions were carried out Sunday night and Monday morning. The United Nations estimated in a report in March that IS still has "5,000 to 7,000 members and supporters" across Iraq and neighbouring Syria, "roughly half of whom are fighters". IS cells continue to target security forces and civilians in both countries but the UN report said IS had been much depleted by "sustained counter-terrorism operations" on both sides of the border. Over several years, Iraqi courts have handed down hundreds of death sentences as well as life prison terms under the penal code for membership in "a terrorist group". Iraqi courts also issue the death penalty for intentional homicide. In 2022 Iraq executed more than 11 people, fewer than in the United States, and sentenced more than 41 to death, according to a report by Amnesty International. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Iraq hangs three for IS-claimed bombing which killed over 300 people in 2016

Pakistani doctors who worked in the United States have been imprisoned for 18 years. 31-year-old Muhammad Masood has been accused of attempting to provide material support to Isis and Masood's prison time will be followed by five years of supervised release.

US: Dr Masood accused of attempting to provide material support to ISIS

<p>Islamic State terrorist group is reported to be using regional versions of cryptocurrency, including so-called stablecoins, and is increasingly relying on virtual assets for international funds transfers, according to a UN report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 17th report of the Secretary-General on the threat posed by ISIL (Da'esh) to international peace and security said that the group continues to use extortion and kidnap-for-ransom as the primary means for raising funds for its operation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report added that illicit taxation of the population and the 'collection of charitable donations are other sources of funding'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Illicit gold panning, smuggling, arms trafficking, cattle rustling, poaching, levies on economic activity, taxes on goods shipments and the provision of transport services and escort or protection services serve as other nodes of funding of its increasingly decentralised terror activities.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Focus on decentralisation of the ISIS</strong></h2>

<p>While assessing the threat posed by the group, the report notes that the ISIS has adopted less hierarchical and more networked, "decentralised structures", with operational autonomy in the affiliated groups. The report adds that the countries have little evidence to claim that the core leadership is exercising command and control of regional affiliates. However, financial, propaganda and other connections remain, it noted further.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report further elucidates that that despite group's previously well-developed external operations capability becoming diminished with time, its "ambition to reconstitute is clear".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>ISIS now has access to NATO-calibre weapons</strong></h2>

<p>The report noted that with the takeover of Taliban extremists in Afghanistan, the NATO-calibre weapons were being transferred to ISIS-affiliated groups by the groups affiliated with the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, such as Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the core conflict zone in Syria, the ISIS has reportedly transitioned to producing fewer, simpler and smaller improvised explosive devices and to now using suicide vests only as a last resort, to avoid the loss of manpower.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The group has also created a so-called Industry Committee within its structures to explore new avenues for advancement in weaponry, such as improvised explosive devices and increased payloads for drones.</p>

<h2><strong>ISIS continues its 'Cubs of the Caliphate' programme to recruit children</strong></h2>

<p>The report noted that the ISIS continues to maintain its “Cubs of the Caliphate” programme. According to NATO Defense College Foundation, the 'Cubs of the Caliphate' was purportedly started to recruit the children who were exploited by group during the armed conflicts in its quasi-state within Iraq and Syria. The programme was created to serve one purpose, to ensure the continuity of the so-called Caliphate and to convey ISIS ideology and message to future generations all over the world.</p>

<p>The UN report characterises the programme "as more operationally experienced and more organised".&nbsp;</p>

<p>One Member State reported that children continued to be recruited within the camp for Da'esh suicide operations, noted the UN report.</p>

<h2><strong>How many ISIS members left?</strong></h2>

<p>The manpower ISIS had at the peak of its reign of terror in the early 2010s has diminished due to sustained counter-terrorism operations. At present, with its diminished force is terrorists, the group is becoming increasingly risk-averse to personal losses, with plans to release its prisoners and recruit from vulnerable communities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UN report said that despite the sustained counter-terrorism operations by Member States, the ISIS "core persists and continues to command between 5,000 and 7,000 members across Iraq and the Syria, most of whom are fighters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-20-individuals-and-29-companies-for-facilitating-isis-and-al-qaeda-in-maldives-621393">US sanctions 20 individuals and 29 companies for facilitating ISIS and Al Qaeda in Maldives</a></strong></p>

<p>"The group deliberately adopted a strategy to reduce attacks, in order to facilitate recruiting and reorganiation. Although most senior Da'esh leaders remain in the north-west of the Syrian Arab Republic, the group has relocated some key figures elsewhere," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Yemen, however, the strength of ISIS has further declined to be around 100 fighters. But in what can be described as a sign of desperate times, the UN report noted "opportunistic cooperation and profit-sharing between Al-Qaeda in the Arabian peninsula and the ISIS affiliate in Yemen in kidnapping-for-ransom operations.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>ISIS has increased its operational capabilities in Afghanistan: UN report</strong></h2>

<p>The UN report assessed the ISIS affiliate active in Afghanistan as the "most serious terrorist threat" in Afghanistan and wider region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The group has reportedly focused on a strategy of carrying out high-profile attacks to undermine the Taliban's ability to provide security, the report noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspected-isis-chief-killed-in-syria-says-turkey-president-587671">Suspected ISIS chief, codename Abu Hussein al-Qurashi, killed in Syria: Turkey president</a></strong></p>

<p>What has boosted the morale and subsequently the purported recruitment of ISIS-Khorasan group is successful attacks against high-profile Taliban figures in Balkh, Badkhashan and Baghlan provinces.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is happening to suspected ISIS members in conflict zones?</strong></h2>

<p>The report noted that in the north-east of Syria, some 55,000 individuals remained in the closed Hawl and Rawj camps for their alleged links or family ties to the ISIS.</p>

<p>"Approximately two thirds of the population in the camps are children, including 11,838 Syrian children, as well as approximately 15,800 children from Iraq and 6,730 children from more than 60 other countries," it noted.</p>

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Islamic State terrorist group is reported to be using regional versions of cryptocurrency, including so-called stablecoins, and is increasingly relying on virtual assets for international funds transfers, according to a UN report.

Islamic State terrorist group is reported to be using regional versions of cryptocurrency, including so-called stablecoins, and is increasingly relying on virtual assets for international funds transfers, according to a UN report. The 17th report of the Secretary-General on the threat posed by ISIL (Da'esh) to international peace and security said that the group continues to use extortion and kidnap-for-ransom as the primary means for raising funds for its operation. The report added that illicit taxation of the population and the 'collection of charitable donations are other sources of funding'. Illicit gold panning, smuggling, arms trafficking, cattle rustling, poaching, levies on economic activity, taxes on goods shipments and the provision of transport services and escort or protection services serve as other nodes of funding of its increasingly decentralised terror activities. Focus on decentralisation of the ISIS While assessing the threat posed by the group, the report notes that the ISIS has adopted less hierarchical and more networked, "decentralised structures", with operational autonomy in the affiliated groups. The report adds that the countries have little evidence to claim that the core leadership is exercising command and control of regional affiliates. However, financial, propaganda and other connections remain, it noted further. The report further elucidates that that despite group's previously well-developed external operations capability becoming diminished with time, its "ambition to reconstitute is clear". ISIS now has access to NATO-calibre weapons The report noted that with the takeover of Taliban extremists in Afghanistan, the NATO-calibre weapons were being transferred to ISIS-affiliated groups by the groups affiliated with the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, such as Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan. In the core conflict zone in Syria, the ISIS has reportedly transitioned to producing fewer, simpler and smaller improvised explosive devices and to now using suicide vests only as a last resort, to avoid the loss of manpower. The group has also created a so-called Industry Committee within its structures to explore new avenues for advancement in weaponry, such as improvised explosive devices and increased payloads for drones. ISIS continues its 'Cubs of the Caliphate' programme to recruit children The report noted that the ISIS continues to maintain its “Cubs of the Caliphate” programme. According to NATO Defense College Foundation, the 'Cubs of the Caliphate' was purportedly started to recruit the children who were exploited by group during the armed conflicts in its quasi-state within Iraq and Syria. The programme was created to serve one purpose, to ensure the continuity of the so-called Caliphate and to convey ISIS ideology and message to future generations all over the world. The UN report characterises the programme "as more operationally experienced and more organised". One Member State reported that children continued to be recruited within the camp for Da'esh suicide operations, noted the UN report. How many ISIS members left? The manpower ISIS had at the peak of its reign of terror in the early 2010s has diminished due to sustained counter-terrorism operations. At present, with its diminished force is terrorists, the group is becoming increasingly risk-averse to personal losses, with plans to release its prisoners and recruit from vulnerable communities. The UN report said that despite the sustained counter-terrorism operations by Member States, the ISIS "core persists and continues to command between 5,000 and 7,000 members across Iraq and the Syria, most of whom are fighters. Also read | US sanctions 20 individuals and 29 companies for facilitating ISIS and Al Qaeda in Maldives "The group deliberately adopted a strategy to reduce attacks, in order to facilitate recruiting and reorganiation. Although most senior Da'esh leaders remain in the north-west of the Syrian Arab Republic, the group has relocated some key figures elsewhere," it added. In Yemen, however, the strength of ISIS has further declined to be around 100 fighters. But in what can be described as a sign of desperate times, the UN report noted "opportunistic cooperation and profit-sharing between Al-Qaeda in the Arabian peninsula and the ISIS affiliate in Yemen in kidnapping-for-ransom operations. ISIS has increased its operational capabilities in Afghanistan: UN report The UN report assessed the ISIS affiliate active in Afghanistan as the "most serious terrorist threat" in Afghanistan and wider region. The group has reportedly focused on a strategy of carrying out high-profile attacks to undermine the Taliban's ability to provide security, the report noted. Also read | Suspected ISIS chief, codename Abu Hussein al-Qurashi, killed in Syria: Turkey president What has boosted the morale and subsequently the purported recruitment of ISIS-Khorasan group is successful attacks against high-profile Taliban figures in Balkh, Badkhashan and Baghlan provinces. What is happening to suspected ISIS members in conflict zones? The report noted that in the north-east of Syria, some 55,000 individuals remained in the closed Hawl and Rawj camps for their alleged links or family ties to the ISIS. "Approximately two thirds of the population in the camps are children, including 11,838 Syrian children, as well as approximately 15,800 children from Iraq and 6,730 children from more than 60 other countries," it noted. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. 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Explained | ISIS deploys cryptocurrency, NATO-grade weapons to revive its reign of terror

<p>Islamic State (ISIS)&nbsp;group on Monday claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing at a political rally in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province the previous day that killed over 50 and injured hundreds more, reported&nbsp;Al Arabiya media portal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The group said this through a statement posted on its Telegram account.</p>

<p>A devastating explosion occurred during a political event organised by the fundamentalist Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) party on Sunday on the outskirts of Khar, situated in Pakistan's northwest Bajur district, adjacent to the Afghanistan border.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bhutans-roaring-success-in-tiger-conservation-grows-spotlight-with-latest-numbers-620999">Bhutan's roaring success in Tiger conservation grows spotlight with latest numbers</a></p>

<p>AFP quoted&nbsp;Shaukat Abbas, a high-ranking official from the counter-terrorism department, as saying that the number of casualties has now risen to 54. He said, among the victims, 23 were under the age of 18.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Viral video captures tragic moment&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>A video of the horrifying explosion circulating widely on social media captured the moment the suicide bomber detonated the explosive device while innocent attendees stood unsuspectingly nearby.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/song-about-going-to-prison-plays-as-trump-takes-to-stage-in-rally-620990">Song about 'going to prison' plays as Trump takes to stage in rally</a></p>

<p>The video footage reveals followers attentively listening to speeches on the main stage just moments before the sudden explosion. Chaos erupts as the blast goes off, causing panic among the crowd. People at the far end of the tent are seen running for their lives amid the pandemonium.</p>

<h2><strong>JUI-F leader mourns&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Following the devastating blast, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the leader of the JUI-F party, expressed his "deep sorrow and regret" in a statement issued by his press office. He extended his condolences to the affected families and urged the government to provide the best medical treatment to the injured.</p>

<p>Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also "strongly condemned" the heinous act of violence and pledged a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | UK: Health agency report shows slight increase in hospital admission</strong></p>

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<p>In response to the incident, Sharif's office has requested a report from Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.</p>

<h2><strong>Previous bombings&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The bombing that occurred on Sunday marked one of the four most severe attacks in northwestern Pakistan since 2014. Back in 2014, a devastating Taliban attack on an army-run school in Peshawar claimed the lives of 147 individuals, with the majority being schoolchildren.</p>

<p>In January, a mosque bombing in Peshawar resulted in the loss of 74 lives. Then, in February, a horrific bombing at a mosque inside a high-security compound housing Peshawar police headquarters caused the death of over 100 people, predominantly policemen.&nbsp;</p>

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Islamic State (ISIS) group on Monday claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing at a political rally in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province the previous day that killed over 50 and injured hundreds more, reported Al Arabiya media portal.

Islamic State (ISIS) group on Monday claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing at a political rally in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province the previous day that killed over 50 and injured hundreds more, reported Al Arabiya media portal. The group said this through a statement posted on its Telegram account. A devastating explosion occurred during a political event organised by the fundamentalist Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) party on Sunday on the outskirts of Khar, situated in Pakistan's northwest Bajur district, adjacent to the Afghanistan border. Also Read | Bhutan's roaring success in Tiger conservation grows spotlight with latest numbers AFP quoted Shaukat Abbas, a high-ranking official from the counter-terrorism department, as saying that the number of casualties has now risen to 54. He said, among the victims, 23 were under the age of 18. Viral video captures tragic moment A video of the horrifying explosion circulating widely on social media captured the moment the suicide bomber detonated the explosive device while innocent attendees stood unsuspectingly nearby. Also Read | Song about 'going to prison' plays as Trump takes to stage in rally The video footage reveals followers attentively listening to speeches on the main stage just moments before the sudden explosion. Chaos erupts as the blast goes off, causing panic among the crowd. People at the far end of the tent are seen running for their lives amid the pandemonium. JUI-F leader mourns Following the devastating blast, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the leader of the JUI-F party, expressed his "deep sorrow and regret" in a statement issued by his press office. He extended his condolences to the affected families and urged the government to provide the best medical treatment to the injured. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also "strongly condemned" the heinous act of violence and pledged a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. Watch | UK: Health agency report shows slight increase in hospital admission × In response to the incident, Sharif's office has requested a report from Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government. Previous bombings The bombing that occurred on Sunday marked one of the four most severe attacks in northwestern Pakistan since 2014. Back in 2014, a devastating Taliban attack on an army-run school in Peshawar claimed the lives of 147 individuals, with the majority being schoolchildren. In January, a mosque bombing in Peshawar resulted in the loss of 74 lives. Then, in February, a horrific bombing at a mosque inside a high-security compound housing Peshawar police headquarters caused the death of over 100 people, predominantly policemen. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

ISIS claims responsibility for suicide bombing at Pakistan political rally that killed over 50

<p>The United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on 20 individuals and 29 companies for "facilitating" the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and Al-Qaeda&nbsp;in the Maldives.</p>

<p>As per the news agency PTI, among those sanctioned are 18 ISIS and ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) facilitators and two al-Qaeda operatives.</p>

<h2><strong>Depriving unwanted elements of funding</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement released on Monday, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said that the aim of these designations is to deter and disrupt financial and other forms of support for terrorist activities within the Maldives.</p>

<p>"The United States is steadfast in its commitment to counter the threats posed by these terrorist support networks, both locally and internationally, and to ensure they are deprived of funding and resources for carrying out attacks," said Miller as reported by PTI.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-taliban-carrying-out-musics-genocide-in-afghanistan-says-afghan-music-saviour-ahmad-sarmast-621378">Exclusive: Taliban carrying out music's 'genocide' in Afghanistan, says Afghan music saviour Ahmad Sarmast</a></strong></p>

<p>"Treasury's actions today against ISIS and Al-Qaeda&nbsp;operatives and facilitators continue our efforts to help prevent and disrupt financial and other support for terrorist attacks globally," said Brian E. Nelson, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.</p>

<p>"The United States is committed to denying funding and resources to these terrorist support networks and countering the threats they pose both locally and internationally," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Individuals sanctioned</strong></h2>

<p>Among those sanctioned are leaders of Maldives-based terrorist-affiliated criminal gangs and associates of key ISIS-K recruiter Mohamad Ameen — sanctioned by the OFAC in 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US Treasury Department website states that several of the sanctioned individuals have "also planned or carried out attacks that targeted journalists and local authorities."</p>

<h2><strong>Implications of the sanctions</strong></h2>

<p>As a result of this action, all "property and interests in property" of the designated individuals in the US or in possession or control of an American citizen stand blocked and must be reported to the OFAC.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-where-is-sahel-region-exactly-and-whats-the-trouble-there-621348">Explained | Where is Sahel region exactly and what's the trouble there</a></strong></p>

<p>Furthermore, any entities owned "directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked."</p>

<p>Additionally, financial institutions or individuals that engage "in certain transactions or activities" with the sanctioned persons or companies may also be liable to sanctions or be the subject of enforcement action, warned the US Treasury Department.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on 20 individuals and 29 companies for "facilitating" the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and Al-Qaeda in the Maldives.

The United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on 20 individuals and 29 companies for "facilitating" the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and Al-Qaeda in the Maldives. As per the news agency PTI, among those sanctioned are 18 ISIS and ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) facilitators and two al-Qaeda operatives. Depriving unwanted elements of funding In a statement released on Monday, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said that the aim of these designations is to deter and disrupt financial and other forms of support for terrorist activities within the Maldives. "The United States is steadfast in its commitment to counter the threats posed by these terrorist support networks, both locally and internationally, and to ensure they are deprived of funding and resources for carrying out attacks," said Miller as reported by PTI. Also read | Exclusive: Taliban carrying out music's 'genocide' in Afghanistan, says Afghan music saviour Ahmad Sarmast "Treasury's actions today against ISIS and Al-Qaeda operatives and facilitators continue our efforts to help prevent and disrupt financial and other support for terrorist attacks globally," said Brian E. Nelson, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. "The United States is committed to denying funding and resources to these terrorist support networks and countering the threats they pose both locally and internationally," he added. Individuals sanctioned Among those sanctioned are leaders of Maldives-based terrorist-affiliated criminal gangs and associates of key ISIS-K recruiter Mohamad Ameen — sanctioned by the OFAC in 2019. The US Treasury Department website states that several of the sanctioned individuals have "also planned or carried out attacks that targeted journalists and local authorities." Implications of the sanctions As a result of this action, all "property and interests in property" of the designated individuals in the US or in possession or control of an American citizen stand blocked and must be reported to the OFAC. Also read | Explained | Where is Sahel region exactly and what's the trouble there Furthermore, any entities owned "directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked." Additionally, financial institutions or individuals that engage "in certain transactions or activities" with the sanctioned persons or companies may also be liable to sanctions or be the subject of enforcement action, warned the US Treasury Department. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US sanctions 20 individuals and 29 companies for facilitating ISIS and Al Qaeda in Maldives

<p>German police have apprehended seven men accused of planning a terrorist attack, inspired by the Islamic State (IS) group, in the country. The suspects, originating from central Asia, were known to "each other for some time and share radical Islamic ideology", according to the federal prosecutor's office.</p>

<p>The men had travelled to Germany from Ukraine around the same time when the conflict in Ukraine broke out in early 2022.</p>

<h2><strong>What they had planned</strong></h2>

<p>Forming a cell in June 2022, the group aimed to "commit headline-grabbing terrorist attacks in the spirit of IS".</p>

<p>Prosecutors revealed that the suspects had identified potential targets in Germany, scouted crime scenes, and attempted to acquire weapons before their plans were thwarted, reports news agency AFP.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-releases-video-showing-russian-jets-troubling-us-drone-over-syria-612802">US releases video showing Russian jets troubling US drone over Syria</a></strong></p>

<p>"The suspects had already contemplated targets in Germany, scouted potential crime scenes and attempted to procure weapons."</p>

<p>However, authorities emphasised that there was no "tangible terrorist plot" in progress at the time of their arrest.</p>

<p>The suspects, consisting of five Turkmenistan citizens, one from Tajikistan, and another from Kyrgyzstan, were apprehended by German police in various locations within the western region of North Rhine-Westphalia.</p>

<p>Prosecutors alleged that, apart from the Kyrgyz suspect, the men had been "collecting funds for IS since April 2022", intending to send the money abroad to support the organisation.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-us-officials-held-secret-meeting-with-prominent-russians-on-ukraine-report-612760">Former US officials held secret meeting with prominent Russians on ending Ukraine war: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Additionally, Dutch authorities arrested a Tajikistani suspect and his Kyrgyz wife, accusing them of "committing preparatory acts for terrorism offences". The male suspect was "also suspected of membership of the terrorist organisation Islamic State".</p>

<p>The Washington Post reports that German prosecutors have identified the men arrested there as Ata A., a citizen of Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan national Abrorjon K., and five citizens of Tajikistan — Mukhammadshujo A., Nuriddin K., Shamshud N., Said S. and Raboni Z.</p>

<h2><strong>Acute threat of Islamic terrorism</strong></h2>

<p>German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasised the acute threat of Islamic terrorism and commended the focused efforts of security forces in combating such threats. "Our security forces remain firmly focused on tackling Islamic terrorism," said Faeser as reported by AFP.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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German police have apprehended seven men accused of planning a terrorist attack, inspired by the Islamic State (IS) group, in the country. The suspects, originating from central Asia, were known to "each other for some time and share radical Islamic ideology", according to the federal prosecutor's office.

German police have apprehended seven men accused of planning a terrorist attack, inspired by the Islamic State (IS) group, in the country. The suspects, originating from central Asia, were known to "each other for some time and share radical Islamic ideology", according to the federal prosecutor's office. The men had travelled to Germany from Ukraine around the same time when the conflict in Ukraine broke out in early 2022. What they had planned Forming a cell in June 2022, the group aimed to "commit headline-grabbing terrorist attacks in the spirit of IS". Prosecutors revealed that the suspects had identified potential targets in Germany, scouted crime scenes, and attempted to acquire weapons before their plans were thwarted, reports news agency AFP. Also read | US releases video showing Russian jets troubling US drone over Syria "The suspects had already contemplated targets in Germany, scouted potential crime scenes and attempted to procure weapons." However, authorities emphasised that there was no "tangible terrorist plot" in progress at the time of their arrest. The suspects, consisting of five Turkmenistan citizens, one from Tajikistan, and another from Kyrgyzstan, were apprehended by German police in various locations within the western region of North Rhine-Westphalia. Prosecutors alleged that, apart from the Kyrgyz suspect, the men had been "collecting funds for IS since April 2022", intending to send the money abroad to support the organisation. Also read | Former US officials held secret meeting with prominent Russians on ending Ukraine war: Report Additionally, Dutch authorities arrested a Tajikistani suspect and his Kyrgyz wife, accusing them of "committing preparatory acts for terrorism offences". The male suspect was "also suspected of membership of the terrorist organisation Islamic State". The Washington Post reports that German prosecutors have identified the men arrested there as Ata A., a citizen of Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan national Abrorjon K., and five citizens of Tajikistan — Mukhammadshujo A., Nuriddin K., Shamshud N., Said S. and Raboni Z. Acute threat of Islamic terrorism German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasised the acute threat of Islamic terrorism and commended the focused efforts of security forces in combating such threats. "Our security forces remain firmly focused on tackling Islamic terrorism," said Faeser as reported by AFP. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Seven arrested in Germany for alleged ISIS-inspired terrorist plot

<p>A court in Germany's Koblenz, over 600 km southwest of Berlin, has jailed a woman for more than nine years for keeping a Yazidi woman as slave as well as aiding and abetting war crimes and genocide as a member of the ISIS.</p>

<p>The 37-year-old German defendant, identified as Nadine K, was also found guilty of crimes against humanity.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Nadine K?</strong></h2>

<p>Nadine K was reportedly a member of the ISIS between December 2014 and March 2019. Nadine travelled to Syria to join the ISIS with her husband.</p>

<p>In 2015, the couple moved to Mosul in Iraq, then back to Syria.</p>

<p>From April 2016, the pair kept as a slave a Yazidi woman who had been imprisoned by ISIS since 2014, according to an Al Jazeera report.</p>

<h2><strong>How Nadine K kept Yazidi woman as a slave?</strong></h2>

<p>Nadine K, who kept the unnamed Yazidi woman as slave when she was 22 at the time, forced her to do housework. She was also forced to observe strict Islamic rituals.</p>

<p>Nadine K’s husband also regularly raped and beat the Yazidi woman.</p>

<p>"All of this served the declared purpose of IS (Islamic State/ISIL), to wipe out the Yazidi faith," prosecutors said at the trial’s opening earlier this year, Al Jazeera reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;&nbsp;ISIS bride convicted in German court for letting 5-year-old Yazidi girl die of thirst</strong></p>

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<p>Nadine K and her family reportedly took the woman with them when they moved back to ISIS-controlled territory in Syria in 2016 where they remained until March 2019.</p>

<p>In March 2019, the concerned Yazidi woman was finally freed, after Kurdish fighters arrested the family.</p>

<p>The convict returned to Germany last year in one of several repatriation operations and was arrested on arrival.</p>

<p>Earlier in October 2021, ISIS member Jennifer Wenisch was sentenced to 10 years in prison by a Munich court over the death of a five-year-old Yazidi girl she and her husband had enslaved. The five-year-old was chained beneath the hot sun and left to die of thirst.</p>

<p>Earlier this year in January, Germany’s lower house of parliament recognised the 2014 massacre of Kurdish-speaking Yazidis by ISIS as genocide, condemning "indescribable atrocities" and "tyrannical injustice" carried out by ISIS fighters "with the intention of completely wiping out the Yazidi community".</p>

<p>About 150,000 Yazidis now live in Germany.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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A court in Germany's Koblenz, over 600 km southwest of Berlin, has jailed a woman for more than nine years for keeping a Yazidi woman as slave as well as aiding and abetting war crimes and genocide as a member of the ISIS.

A court in Germany's Koblenz, over 600 km southwest of Berlin, has jailed a woman for more than nine years for keeping a Yazidi woman as slave as well as aiding and abetting war crimes and genocide as a member of the ISIS. The 37-year-old German defendant, identified as Nadine K, was also found guilty of crimes against humanity. Who is Nadine K? Nadine K was reportedly a member of the ISIS between December 2014 and March 2019. Nadine travelled to Syria to join the ISIS with her husband. In 2015, the couple moved to Mosul in Iraq, then back to Syria. From April 2016, the pair kept as a slave a Yazidi woman who had been imprisoned by ISIS since 2014, according to an Al Jazeera report. How Nadine K kept Yazidi woman as a slave? Nadine K, who kept the unnamed Yazidi woman as slave when she was 22 at the time, forced her to do housework. She was also forced to observe strict Islamic rituals. Nadine K’s husband also regularly raped and beat the Yazidi woman. "All of this served the declared purpose of IS (Islamic State/ISIL), to wipe out the Yazidi faith," prosecutors said at the trial’s opening earlier this year, Al Jazeera reported. Also watch | ISIS bride convicted in German court for letting 5-year-old Yazidi girl die of thirst × Nadine K and her family reportedly took the woman with them when they moved back to ISIS-controlled territory in Syria in 2016 where they remained until March 2019. In March 2019, the concerned Yazidi woman was finally freed, after Kurdish fighters arrested the family. The convict returned to Germany last year in one of several repatriation operations and was arrested on arrival. Earlier in October 2021, ISIS member Jennifer Wenisch was sentenced to 10 years in prison by a Munich court over the death of a five-year-old Yazidi girl she and her husband had enslaved. The five-year-old was chained beneath the hot sun and left to die of thirst. Earlier this year in January, Germany’s lower house of parliament recognised the 2014 massacre of Kurdish-speaking Yazidis by ISIS as genocide, condemning "indescribable atrocities" and "tyrannical injustice" carried out by ISIS fighters "with the intention of completely wiping out the Yazidi community". About 150,000 Yazidis now live in Germany. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

German ISIS terrorist, who enslaved Yazidi girl, jailed for nine years

<p>India's top anti-terror agency National Investigation Agency (NIA) busted an ISIS-linked terror module on Saturday, May 27. The NIA arrested three people in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh following overnight raids at 13 locations in Jabalpur, over 800 km south of New Delhi.</p>

<p>The arrests were made in an intelligence-led joint operation with the Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) of Madhya Pradesh Police.</p>

<h2><b>India ISIS-linked terror module bust: Who are the arrested men?</b></h2>

<p>An official cited by Press Trust of India&nbsp;identified the arrested trio as Syed Mamoor Ali, Mohammad Adil Khan and Mohammad Shahid. The three of them will reportedly be&nbsp;produced before the NIA special court in Bhopal, the state capital of Madhya Pradesh.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-16-arrested-for-links-with-radical-outfit-hut-says-madhya-pradesh-police-590982">India: 16 arrested for links with radical outfit HUT, says Madhya Pradesh Police</a></strong></p>

<p>A host of sharp-edged weapons, ammunition (including prohibited bore), incriminating documents and digital devices were also seized during the searches, the NIA spokesperson said.</p>

<p>The NIA had, on May 24, registered a case, during its investigations into the pro-ISIS activities of Khan, who came to the agency’s notice in August last year.</p>

<p>"The NIA learnt that he and his associates were involved in disseminating ISIS propaganda through social media platforms, as well as through on-ground 'Dawah' programmes, in order to unleash violent terror attacks in India at the instance of ISIS. The module had been conducting meetings in local masjids and houses and hatching plans and conspiracies to spread terror in the country," the spokesperson said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Police of New Delhi, India bust terror module</strong></p>

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<p>The official said the investigations revealed that the three accused were highly radicalised and wanted&nbsp;to carry out violent "jihad".</p>

<p>"They were engaged in collecting funds, disseminating ISIS propaganda material, motivating and recruiting youth, and trying to procure arms and ammunition with the objective of carrying out terrorist acts," the spokesperson said.</p>

<p>The official said Ali had created a local group by the name of ‘Fisabilillah’ and was also operating a WhatsApp group by the same name. "Along with his associates, he was trying to procure pistols and was in contact with a Jabalpur-based illegal arms supplier for this purpose." A staunch ISIS follower and supporter, the NIA said Khan had managed to assemble an active group of Jabalpur-based like-minded radicalised individuals.</p>

<p>"Some of the module members were already contemplating Hijrat (flight) to conflict theatres, while others had plans to form a local outfit for carrying out violent jihad in India," the spokesperson said.</p>

<p>The official said Khan was also running multiple YouTube, Instagram and WhatsApp channels for&nbsp;recruiting youth into the ISIS fold.</p>

<p>"Investigations further showed that Shahid had also planned to procure weapons including pistols, improvised explosive devices and even grenades for violent attacks in India," the spokesperson said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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India's top anti-terror agency National Investigation Agency (NIA) busted an ISIS-linked terror module on Saturday, May 27. The NIA arrested three people in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh following overnight raids at 13 locations in Jabalpur, over 800 km south of New Delhi.

India's top anti-terror agency National Investigation Agency (NIA) busted an ISIS-linked terror module on Saturday, May 27. The NIA arrested three people in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh following overnight raids at 13 locations in Jabalpur, over 800 km south of New Delhi. The arrests were made in an intelligence-led joint operation with the Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) of Madhya Pradesh Police. India ISIS-linked terror module bust: Who are the arrested men? An official cited by Press Trust of India identified the arrested trio as Syed Mamoor Ali, Mohammad Adil Khan and Mohammad Shahid. The three of them will reportedly be produced before the NIA special court in Bhopal, the state capital of Madhya Pradesh. ALSO READ | India: 16 arrested for links with radical outfit HUT, says Madhya Pradesh Police A host of sharp-edged weapons, ammunition (including prohibited bore), incriminating documents and digital devices were also seized during the searches, the NIA spokesperson said. The NIA had, on May 24, registered a case, during its investigations into the pro-ISIS activities of Khan, who came to the agency’s notice in August last year. "The NIA learnt that he and his associates were involved in disseminating ISIS propaganda through social media platforms, as well as through on-ground 'Dawah' programmes, in order to unleash violent terror attacks in India at the instance of ISIS. The module had been conducting meetings in local masjids and houses and hatching plans and conspiracies to spread terror in the country," the spokesperson said. ALSO WATCH | Police of New Delhi, India bust terror module × The official said the investigations revealed that the three accused were highly radicalised and wanted to carry out violent "jihad". "They were engaged in collecting funds, disseminating ISIS propaganda material, motivating and recruiting youth, and trying to procure arms and ammunition with the objective of carrying out terrorist acts," the spokesperson said. The official said Ali had created a local group by the name of ‘Fisabilillah’ and was also operating a WhatsApp group by the same name. "Along with his associates, he was trying to procure pistols and was in contact with a Jabalpur-based illegal arms supplier for this purpose." A staunch ISIS follower and supporter, the NIA said Khan had managed to assemble an active group of Jabalpur-based like-minded radicalised individuals. "Some of the module members were already contemplating Hijrat (flight) to conflict theatres, while others had plans to form a local outfit for carrying out violent jihad in India," the spokesperson said. The official said Khan was also running multiple YouTube, Instagram and WhatsApp channels for recruiting youth into the ISIS fold. "Investigations further showed that Shahid had also planned to procure weapons including pistols, improvised explosive devices and even grenades for violent attacks in India," the spokesperson said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India's anti-terror agency NIA busts ISIS-linked terror module, three arrested

<p>Shabazz Suleman, a 27-year-old British man from High Wycombe, has been sentenced to life in prison by a UK court for travelling to Syria nearly a decade ago to join the Islamic State (ISIS) group. Judge Mark Lucraft, who presided over the case at London's Old Bailey criminal court, highlighted that Suleman knowingly joined an organisation proscribed under English law.</p>

<h2><strong>What did the judge say?</strong></h2>

<p>"You went to Syria in order to join IS. You understood IS was a proscribed organisation in English law," said Judge Mark Lucraft as he passed the sentence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The judge also noted that Suleman's intention was to become a sniper within ISIS.</p>

<p>"Your ambition was to become a sniper."</p>

<h2><strong>Guilty plea and the sentence</strong></h2>

<p>Suleman, who pleaded guilty last month, admitted to preparing acts of terrorism by travelling from the UK to Turkey in August 2014 at the age of 18, with the purpose of joining ISIS in Syria.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-carolina-judge-temporarily-blocks-abortion-ban-pending-supreme-court-review-596939">South Carolina judge temporarily blocks abortion ban, pending supreme court review</a></strong></p>

<p>Under the life sentence, Suleman will serve a minimum term of nine years and six months.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>How did an 18-year-old join ISIS?</strong></p>

<p>He disappeared during a family holiday in Turkey. This, as per the news agency AFP, Turkey, which borders Syria, is a common route for Western individuals aspiring to join jihadist groups in Syria.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the court proceedings, prosecutor Duncan Atkinson revealed that Suleman was detained by Turkish forces while attempting to travel to Syria, but later chose to participate in a prisoner exchange with ISIS.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Once in Syria, he shared his experiences on social media and gave incriminating interviews to Sky News.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Shabazz Suleman's arrest and charges against him</strong></h2>

<p>In September 2021, Suleman was arrested at Heathrow Airport and charged with several terror offences, including firearms training and membership in a proscribed organisation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexicos-olmec-portal-of-the-underworld-returns-home-after-five-decades-in-us-596915">Mexico's Olmec 'Portal of the Underworld' returns home after five decades in US</a></strong></p>

<p>However, the prosecution decided to leave the two specific charges on file as Suleman's guilty plea already addressed them. This means that although the charges were not dropped entirely, they were not pursued separately as they were already encompassed by his admission of guilt.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Escaping the ISIS</h2>

<p>Suleman's defence lawyer, Abdul Iqbal, described him as an "immature and idealistic" young man who initially wanted to help people in distress and participated in non-combat duties within ISIS.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Suleman eventually became "disenchanted" with jihadism and attempted to desert the terrorist group.</p>

<p>Iqbal emphasized that his client "firmly" decided to leave the terrorist organisation within five months of joining.</p>

<p>After the collapse of ISIS, Suleman was captured by a faction of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) in 2017. He was subsequently transferred to Turkey and later to Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>


Shabazz Suleman, a 27-year-old British man from High Wycombe, has been sentenced to life in prison by a UK court for travelling to Syria nearly a decade ago to join the Islamic State (ISIS) group.

Shabazz Suleman, a 27-year-old British man from High Wycombe, has been sentenced to life in prison by a UK court for travelling to Syria nearly a decade ago to join the Islamic State (ISIS) group. Judge Mark Lucraft, who presided over the case at London's Old Bailey criminal court, highlighted that Suleman knowingly joined an organisation proscribed under English law. What did the judge say? "You went to Syria in order to join IS. You understood IS was a proscribed organisation in English law," said Judge Mark Lucraft as he passed the sentence. The judge also noted that Suleman's intention was to become a sniper within ISIS. "Your ambition was to become a sniper." Guilty plea and the sentence Suleman, who pleaded guilty last month, admitted to preparing acts of terrorism by travelling from the UK to Turkey in August 2014 at the age of 18, with the purpose of joining ISIS in Syria. Also read | South Carolina judge temporarily blocks abortion ban, pending supreme court review Under the life sentence, Suleman will serve a minimum term of nine years and six months. How did an 18-year-old join ISIS? He disappeared during a family holiday in Turkey. This, as per the news agency AFP, Turkey, which borders Syria, is a common route for Western individuals aspiring to join jihadist groups in Syria. During the court proceedings, prosecutor Duncan Atkinson revealed that Suleman was detained by Turkish forces while attempting to travel to Syria, but later chose to participate in a prisoner exchange with ISIS. Once in Syria, he shared his experiences on social media and gave incriminating interviews to Sky News. Shabazz Suleman's arrest and charges against him In September 2021, Suleman was arrested at Heathrow Airport and charged with several terror offences, including firearms training and membership in a proscribed organisation. Also read | Mexico's Olmec 'Portal of the Underworld' returns home after five decades in US However, the prosecution decided to leave the two specific charges on file as Suleman's guilty plea already addressed them. This means that although the charges were not dropped entirely, they were not pursued separately as they were already encompassed by his admission of guilt. Escaping the ISIS Suleman's defence lawyer, Abdul Iqbal, described him as an "immature and idealistic" young man who initially wanted to help people in distress and participated in non-combat duties within ISIS. However, Suleman eventually became "disenchanted" with jihadism and attempted to desert the terrorist group. Iqbal emphasized that his client "firmly" decided to leave the terrorist organisation within five months of joining. After the collapse of ISIS, Suleman was captured by a faction of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) in 2017. He was subsequently transferred to Turkey and later to Pakistan.

British man receives life sentence for trying to join ISIS in Syria

<p>US Supreme Court on Thursday ruled in favour of Google, Meta and Twitter, stating that the social media giants cannot be held responsible for posts carrying content supportive of terrorist groups such as Islamic State (ISIS). Two cases were filed by a US victim of the 2015 Paris attacks while the third case was brought by the family of a victim of a 2017 attack by ISIS group on an Istanbul nightclub. The justices noted that the cases against social media companies did not amount to a liable infraction.</p>

<h2><strong>Court refused to recommend changes to Section 230</strong></h2>

<p>The victims of the terrorist attacks who filed cases against social media companies were seeking changes to a law called Section 230, which gives online platforms blanket immunity from liabilities arising from third-party content on their sites. The immunity prevails even if the platform recommends offensive content to its users.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Section 230 became law in 1996 and was meant to uphold the freedom of speech in the United States. However, experts are increasingly crediting the law for the increase in hateful content on social media platforms.</p>

<h2><strong>Big relief to social media companies</strong></h2>

<p>The judgment on Thursday came as a big relief to social media companies. They believe that without the protective immunity from Section 230, the websites will be open to lawsuits for content posted by users. An association representing US tech companies said the decision was good news.</p>

<p>"The court correctly recognised the narrow posture of these cases and declined to rewrite a key tenet of US Internet law, preserving free expression online and a thriving digital economy,” said Matt Schruers, head of the Computer &amp; Communications Industry Association.</p>

<h2><strong>What’s the US Congress doing?</strong></h2>

<p>Congress is heavily divided on the issue, and it has failed to update the rules to combat advanced challenges. However, different US states have passed laws to hold TikTok, Meta, Twitter and YouTube liable for content that appears on their site.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/openai-ceo-testifies-before-us-congress-calls-regulation-of-artificial-intelligence-critical-593057"><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;OpenAI CEO testifies before US Congress, calls regulation of artificial intelligence ‘critical’</strong></a></p>

<p>The Biden administration last year urged the US Supreme Court to hold social media companies accountable for promoting harmful content and sided with a family seeking to sue Alphabet Inc.’s Google over a terrorist attack. However, over the past three years, the administration has failed to enact any such law that would allow victims of terrorism to pursue legal battles against the social media giants.&nbsp;</p>

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US Supreme Court on Thursday ruled in favour of Google, Meta and Twitter, stating that the social media giants cannot be held responsible for posts carrying content supportive of terrorist groups such as Islamic State (ISIS).

US Supreme Court on Thursday ruled in favour of Google, Meta and Twitter, stating that the social media giants cannot be held responsible for posts carrying content supportive of terrorist groups such as Islamic State (ISIS). Two cases were filed by a US victim of the 2015 Paris attacks while the third case was brought by the family of a victim of a 2017 attack by ISIS group on an Istanbul nightclub. The justices noted that the cases against social media companies did not amount to a liable infraction. Court refused to recommend changes to Section 230 The victims of the terrorist attacks who filed cases against social media companies were seeking changes to a law called Section 230, which gives online platforms blanket immunity from liabilities arising from third-party content on their sites. The immunity prevails even if the platform recommends offensive content to its users. Section 230 became law in 1996 and was meant to uphold the freedom of speech in the United States. However, experts are increasingly crediting the law for the increase in hateful content on social media platforms. Big relief to social media companies The judgment on Thursday came as a big relief to social media companies. They believe that without the protective immunity from Section 230, the websites will be open to lawsuits for content posted by users. An association representing US tech companies said the decision was good news. "The court correctly recognised the narrow posture of these cases and declined to rewrite a key tenet of US Internet law, preserving free expression online and a thriving digital economy,” said Matt Schruers, head of the Computer & Communications Industry Association. What’s the US Congress doing? Congress is heavily divided on the issue, and it has failed to update the rules to combat advanced challenges. However, different US states have passed laws to hold TikTok, Meta, Twitter and YouTube liable for content that appears on their site. Also Read | OpenAI CEO testifies before US Congress, calls regulation of artificial intelligence ‘critical’ The Biden administration last year urged the US Supreme Court to hold social media companies accountable for promoting harmful content and sided with a family seeking to sue Alphabet Inc.’s Google over a terrorist attack. However, over the past three years, the administration has failed to enact any such law that would allow victims of terrorism to pursue legal battles against the social media giants. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Social media companies not liable for promoting pro-ISIS content, rules US Supreme Court

<p>Kerala High Court on Friday refused to put a ban on Sudipto Sen's controversial film The Kerala Story. A division bench of the Kerala High Court rejected a petition against the release of the controversial film. The petition sought a directive to cancel the ‘A’ certification granted to the movie by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kerala High Court division bench refused to stay the screening of the film The Kerala Story, whose trailer caused much uproar.&nbsp;The film's trailer claimed that tens of thousands of girls from non-Muslim communities have disappeared from Kerala and joined terror groups such as Islamic State.<br />
<br />
After watching the trailer of the movie, a division bench of Justices N Nagaresh and Sophy Thomas said that it does not contain anything against Islam or Muslims as a whole but was about ISIS.<br />
<br />
“What is against Islam? There is no allegation against the religion. The allegation is against ISIS,” the bench remarked.<br />
<br />
“Going through the trailers of the movie, we find it does not contain anything offensive to any particular community as a whole. None of the petitioners have watched movie,” the Court noted in its order, said a Bar and Bench report.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baps-swaminarayan-temple-vandalised-in-sydney-by-khalistan-supporters-reports-589067">BAPS Swaminarayan temple vandalised in Sydney by Khalistan supporters: Reports</a></p>

<p>The bench remarked that&nbsp;Hindu sanyasis are depicted as smugglers or rapists in&nbsp;umpteen movies but it has not led to any adverse consequences.<br />
<br />
"There are umpteen number of movies where Hindu sanyasis are depicted as smugglers or rapists. Nothing happens, no one protests. Many such Hindi and Malayalam films are there," said Justice Nagaresh.<br />
<br />
After hearing all parties at length, the court&nbsp;refused to the stay the release of the film and further noted that the CBFC has examined the movie and found it suitable for public exhibition.<br />
<br />
"As provided by guidelines, the board has considered and examined the movie. From the statement of the Deputy Solicitor General, the producers have published a disclaimer that the film is fictionalised and dramatised. We are not inclined to pass an interim order restraining exhibition of film," the court said.<br />
<br />
Rubbishing the claims made in the movie that about 32,000 women were converted and sent for terror missions, the petitioners termed it fictitious that has no connection with reality.&nbsp;The producer of "The Kerala Story" told Kerala High Court that the teaser of the movie, which claimed that over 32,000 women from Kerala were recruited to ISIS, will be removed from their social media accounts. High Court has recorded the statement, reported Live Law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Those who are now opposing the movie call it incredulous. However, the makers of the film are refusing to back down. The bench consisted of N Nagaresh and Mohammed Nias C P.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-regional-bank-western-alliance-quashes-report-of-exploring-potential-sale-589038">US regional bank Western Alliance quashes report of exploring potential sale</a></p>

<p>This comes as Indian Supreme Court on Thursday refused to entertain a plea which sought to change the disclaimer of the movie from 'true story' to 'fiction'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, Indian Supreme Court urged the petitioners to approach Kerala High Court for the matter.&nbsp;The petitioners also claimed that the statements used for the movie teaser will destroy the secular fabric of the state.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | China issues report on US CIA's cyberattacks on other countries</strong></p>

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<p>Clearing the air amid the controversy that has gained much traction not only in the Indian southern state but in all parts of the country, the film certification body in its counter affidavit filed in the high court, said the film does not claim accuracy of facts pertaining to historical events.</p>

<p>It added that the film is not offensive towards any person, dead or living, or against any organisation, any faith or any community.&nbsp;All events have been further verified and corroborated by historians, experts and various news reports, as per the film certification body.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, the Madras High Court also rejected a plea which sought ban on release of "The Kerala Story".<br />
<br />
"Why are you coming so late? If you'd come earlier, we could've asked someone to watch the movie and decide. You have not seen the movie yet. How can you assume that there will be problems? Moreover, the Kerala High Court is already seized of the matter..We're dismissing this case, sir. The Kerala High Court and the Supreme Court have already dealt with the issue," Justice Chandira said.</p>

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Kerala High Court on Friday refused to put a ban on Sudipto Sen's controversial film The Kerala Story. A division bench of the Kerala High Court rejected a petition against the release of the controversial film.

Kerala High Court on Friday refused to put a ban on Sudipto Sen's controversial film The Kerala Story. A division bench of the Kerala High Court rejected a petition against the release of the controversial film. The petition sought a directive to cancel the ‘A’ certification granted to the movie by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The Kerala High Court division bench refused to stay the screening of the film The Kerala Story, whose trailer caused much uproar. The film's trailer claimed that tens of thousands of girls from non-Muslim communities have disappeared from Kerala and joined terror groups such as Islamic State. After watching the trailer of the movie, a division bench of Justices N Nagaresh and Sophy Thomas said that it does not contain anything against Islam or Muslims as a whole but was about ISIS. “What is against Islam? There is no allegation against the religion. The allegation is against ISIS,” the bench remarked. “Going through the trailers of the movie, we find it does not contain anything offensive to any particular community as a whole. None of the petitioners have watched movie,” the Court noted in its order, said a Bar and Bench report. Also Read | BAPS Swaminarayan temple vandalised in Sydney by Khalistan supporters: Reports The bench remarked that Hindu sanyasis are depicted as smugglers or rapists in umpteen movies but it has not led to any adverse consequences. "There are umpteen number of movies where Hindu sanyasis are depicted as smugglers or rapists. Nothing happens, no one protests. Many such Hindi and Malayalam films are there," said Justice Nagaresh. After hearing all parties at length, the court refused to the stay the release of the film and further noted that the CBFC has examined the movie and found it suitable for public exhibition. "As provided by guidelines, the board has considered and examined the movie. From the statement of the Deputy Solicitor General, the producers have published a disclaimer that the film is fictionalised and dramatised. We are not inclined to pass an interim order restraining exhibition of film," the court said. Rubbishing the claims made in the movie that about 32,000 women were converted and sent for terror missions, the petitioners termed it fictitious that has no connection with reality. The producer of "The Kerala Story" told Kerala High Court that the teaser of the movie, which claimed that over 32,000 women from Kerala were recruited to ISIS, will be removed from their social media accounts. High Court has recorded the statement, reported Live Law. Those who are now opposing the movie call it incredulous. However, the makers of the film are refusing to back down. The bench consisted of N Nagaresh and Mohammed Nias C P. Also Read | US regional bank Western Alliance quashes report of exploring potential sale This comes as Indian Supreme Court on Thursday refused to entertain a plea which sought to change the disclaimer of the movie from 'true story' to 'fiction'. Earlier, Indian Supreme Court urged the petitioners to approach Kerala High Court for the matter. The petitioners also claimed that the statements used for the movie teaser will destroy the secular fabric of the state. Watch | China issues report on US CIA's cyberattacks on other countries × Clearing the air amid the controversy that has gained much traction not only in the Indian southern state but in all parts of the country, the film certification body in its counter affidavit filed in the high court, said the film does not claim accuracy of facts pertaining to historical events. It added that the film is not offensive towards any person, dead or living, or against any organisation, any faith or any community. All events have been further verified and corroborated by historians, experts and various news reports, as per the film certification body. Earlier, the Madras High Court also rejected a plea which sought ban on release of "The Kerala Story". "Why are you coming so late? If you'd come earlier, we could've asked someone to watch the movie and decide. You have not seen the movie yet. How can you assume that there will be problems? Moreover, the Kerala High Court is already seized of the matter..We're dismissing this case, sir. The Kerala High Court and the Supreme Court have already dealt with the issue," Justice Chandira said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kerala HC refuses to stay release of ‘The Kerala Story’, says allegation against ISIS not religion

<p>ISIS leader Abu Hussein al-Qurashi’s six-month rule ended when he detonated a suicide vest during a Turkish special forces raid in northwest Syria on Saturday after refusing to surrender, a senior Turkish security official said.</p>

<p>The third ISIS leader to die by detonating an explosive vest during a raid since 2019, Qurashi leaves behind an organization that once ruled millions of people via its control of a third of Iraq and Syria but has now been forced underground.</p>

<p>The four-hour raid, led by Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), saw special forces blast their way through a perimeter fence, back door and walls of his hideout in a two-storey building near the town of Jandaris, the security official said.</p>

<p>Two Syrian security sources said Turkish-backed Syrian armed groups set a perimeter around the area while Turkish special forces, who one source said earlier entered Syria in armoured vehicles, raided the house.</p>

<p>The MIT declined to comment for this report. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday Qurashi “was neutralized” as part of the intelligence forces’ operation.</p>

<p>Images of the site provided by the security official showed a red-roofed building with most of the walls on its ground floor blown out.</p>

<p>Metal and cinderblock debris lay scattered on a paved patio with a small fountain, and on the brick-red soil of an adjacent field planted with olive trees.</p>

<p>The MIT, which the Turkish source said had been following Qurashi for a long time, conducted the covert operation after determining he would soon relocate, the official said, adding that Qurashi detonated his suicide vest when he realised he would be captured.</p>

<p>There were calls for Qurashi to surrender but no response, the source said.</p>

<p>Like his predecessor, Qurashi never made a public address, a marker of how far the group’s reach has fallen since former leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi climbed the pulpit of a crowded mosque in Iraq in 2014 to declare his self-styled caliphate.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Last safe heaven'</strong>’</h2>

<p>Qurashi was the latest in a series of senior ISIS members to be either captured or killed in Syria’s northwest, a sliver of territory held by rival militias, including hardline armed groups and jihadist factions backed by Turkey.</p>

<p>The area has become the most significant ISIS safe haven in the region after the group was territorially defeated in Iraq in 2017 and Syria in 2019, with members and supporters slipping across the remote 600-km (370-mile) Iraqi-Syrian border.</p>

<p>Navvar Shaban, of the Omran Center for Strategic Studies, said: “There are a lot of sleeper cells in these areas that can facilitate more ISIS officials coming into these zones, and plenty of checkpoints at which they can pay money to get through easily.”</p>

<p>An Iraqi intelligence official said: “The only safe haven for the senior Daesh (ISIS) leaders is in Syria, and specifically in areas bordering Turkey.”</p>

<p>Iraqi intelligence cooperation with Turkey played a major role in recent operations targeting senior ISIS members, according to the source and a second Iraqi intelligence official focused on key IS leaders’ activities in Iraq, Syria and Turkey.</p>

<p>The cooperation helped Turkey determine the approximate whereabouts of Qurashi in Syria</p>

<p>They said Turkey facilitated the entry of Iraqi agents into northwestern Syria, who then lured senior ISIS leader Khaled al-Jabouri from Turkey to Syria where he was killed in a U.S. drone strike last month.</p>

<p>In the process of that operation, Turkish-backed armed groups detained two ISIS members, based in Afrin and a village near Jandaris, who had aimed to provide Jabouri with a message from Qurashi, the sources said.</p>

<p>“This was a red flag that Qurashi was highly likely hiding in this area,” one of the sources said.</p>

<p>The U.S. had also helped with the provision of intelligence obtained by advanced systems that could intercept ISIS communications in Syria, the source said.</p>

<p>A spokesperson for the U.S.-led anti-ISIS coalition said they do not comment on the military operations of other nations. A Turkish security official declined to comment on any Iraqi intelligence involvement in the operation.</p>

<h2><strong>Succession</strong></h2>

<p>With Qurashi gone, analysts expect ISIS to eventually announce a new leader.</p>

<p>He would become the fourth in as many years, presiding over a group that has seen a significant reduction in activities across the areas it operates, chiefly the Middle East and Africa.</p>

<p>The Iraqi intelligence officials said ISIS’s new leader would likely be an Iraqi, like his predecessors, but there were only a handful of leaders left who were eligible to take over the role, three of whom were known to Iraqi intelligence.</p>

<p>Hassan Hassan, the author of a book on ISIS and editor of New Lines magazine which publishes work on the group, said ISIS previously built up leadership profiles to prepare followers for succession but had not been able to do so in recent years.</p>

<p>“ISIS no longer has the type of credible leaders it can advertise, at least internally, and the security situation has also become too complicated for it to prioritise that aspect,” he told Reuters.</p>

<p>“The last leader was the hardest for even Iraqi and American intelligence to guess, and this applies even more to the coming one,” he said.</p>

<p>ISIS has not confirmed or commented on the killing of its leader.</p>

<p>ISIS militants continue to wage insurgent attacks and a U.N. report published in February said ISIS is estimated to have 5,000 to 7,000 members and supporters spread between Syria and Iraq, roughly half of them fighters.</p>


ISIS leader Abu Hussein al-Qurashi’s six-month rule ended when he detonated a suicide vest during a Turkish special forces raid in northwest Syria on Saturday after refusing to surrender, a senior Turkish security official said.

ISIS leader Abu Hussein al-Qurashi’s six-month rule ended when he detonated a suicide vest during a Turkish special forces raid in northwest Syria on Saturday after refusing to surrender, a senior Turkish security official said. The third ISIS leader to die by detonating an explosive vest during a raid since 2019, Qurashi leaves behind an organization that once ruled millions of people via its control of a third of Iraq and Syria but has now been forced underground. The four-hour raid, led by Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), saw special forces blast their way through a perimeter fence, back door and walls of his hideout in a two-storey building near the town of Jandaris, the security official said. Two Syrian security sources said Turkish-backed Syrian armed groups set a perimeter around the area while Turkish special forces, who one source said earlier entered Syria in armoured vehicles, raided the house. The MIT declined to comment for this report. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday Qurashi “was neutralized” as part of the intelligence forces’ operation. Images of the site provided by the security official showed a red-roofed building with most of the walls on its ground floor blown out. Metal and cinderblock debris lay scattered on a paved patio with a small fountain, and on the brick-red soil of an adjacent field planted with olive trees. The MIT, which the Turkish source said had been following Qurashi for a long time, conducted the covert operation after determining he would soon relocate, the official said, adding that Qurashi detonated his suicide vest when he realised he would be captured. There were calls for Qurashi to surrender but no response, the source said. Like his predecessor, Qurashi never made a public address, a marker of how far the group’s reach has fallen since former leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi climbed the pulpit of a crowded mosque in Iraq in 2014 to declare his self-styled caliphate. ‘Last safe heaven'’ Qurashi was the latest in a series of senior ISIS members to be either captured or killed in Syria’s northwest, a sliver of territory held by rival militias, including hardline armed groups and jihadist factions backed by Turkey. The area has become the most significant ISIS safe haven in the region after the group was territorially defeated in Iraq in 2017 and Syria in 2019, with members and supporters slipping across the remote 600-km (370-mile) Iraqi-Syrian border. Navvar Shaban, of the Omran Center for Strategic Studies, said: “There are a lot of sleeper cells in these areas that can facilitate more ISIS officials coming into these zones, and plenty of checkpoints at which they can pay money to get through easily.” An Iraqi intelligence official said: “The only safe haven for the senior Daesh (ISIS) leaders is in Syria, and specifically in areas bordering Turkey.” Iraqi intelligence cooperation with Turkey played a major role in recent operations targeting senior ISIS members, according to the source and a second Iraqi intelligence official focused on key IS leaders’ activities in Iraq, Syria and Turkey. The cooperation helped Turkey determine the approximate whereabouts of Qurashi in Syria They said Turkey facilitated the entry of Iraqi agents into northwestern Syria, who then lured senior ISIS leader Khaled al-Jabouri from Turkey to Syria where he was killed in a U.S. drone strike last month. In the process of that operation, Turkish-backed armed groups detained two ISIS members, based in Afrin and a village near Jandaris, who had aimed to provide Jabouri with a message from Qurashi, the sources said. “This was a red flag that Qurashi was highly likely hiding in this area,” one of the sources said. The U.S. had also helped with the provision of intelligence obtained by advanced systems that could intercept ISIS communications in Syria, the source said. A spokesperson for the U.S.-led anti-ISIS coalition said they do not comment on the military operations of other nations. A Turkish security official declined to comment on any Iraqi intelligence involvement in the operation. Succession With Qurashi gone, analysts expect ISIS to eventually announce a new leader. He would become the fourth in as many years, presiding over a group that has seen a significant reduction in activities across the areas it operates, chiefly the Middle East and Africa. The Iraqi intelligence officials said ISIS’s new leader would likely be an Iraqi, like his predecessors, but there were only a handful of leaders left who were eligible to take over the role, three of whom were known to Iraqi intelligence. Hassan Hassan, the author of a book on ISIS and editor of New Lines magazine which publishes work on the group, said ISIS previously built up leadership profiles to prepare followers for succession but had not been able to do so in recent years. “ISIS no longer has the type of credible leaders it can advertise, at least internally, and the security situation has also become too complicated for it to prioritise that aspect,” he told Reuters. “The last leader was the hardest for even Iraqi and American intelligence to guess, and this applies even more to the coming one,” he said. ISIS has not confirmed or commented on the killing of its leader. ISIS militants continue to wage insurgent attacks and a U.N. report published in February said ISIS is estimated to have 5,000 to 7,000 members and supporters spread between Syria and Iraq, roughly half of them fighters.

Turkish raid prompted ISIS leader to detonate suicide vest

According to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the suspected commander of the Islamic State organisation was killed in Syria in an operation carried out by Turkey's MIT intelligence agency. Watch the video to know more.

Suspected ISIS Chief killed in northern Syria, claims Turkey | WION Fineprint

ISIS Chief Qurashi killed in Syria, Turkey's Erdogan makes big announcement

<p>The suspected ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria)&nbsp;chief has been killed in Syria in an operation carried out by Turkey's MIT intelligence agency, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday.</p>

<p>"The suspected leader of Daesh, codename Abu Hussein al-Qurashi, has been neutralised in an operation carried out yesterday (Saturday) by the MIT in Syria," Erdogan said on broadcast.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>On November 30, ISIS announced the death of its former leader, Abu Hasan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi. The outfit then appointed Abu Hussein al-Qurashi as his replacement.</p>

<p>Turkish intelligence operatives and local military police in Jindires, in the northwest area of Afrin, shut off a zone on Saturday, according to an AFP journalist in northern Syria.</p>

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<p>Locals informed AFP that a farm that had been abandoned was being utilised as an Islamic school. This is where the operation was carried out which subsequently resulted in the killing of the suspected ISIS chief.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Turkey has soldiers stationed in northern Syria since 2020, and with the assistance of Syrian auxiliary forces, controls large zones.</p>

<p>Midway through April, the United States conducted a helicopter raid in northern Syria on the grounds that ISIS had been preparing assaults in the Middle East and Europe.</p>

<p>ISIS member Abd-al Hadi Mahmud al-Haji Ali was reportedly killed in the operation, according to US Central Command.</p>

<p>On April 16 in Syria, suspected ISIS militants killed at least 41 persons, 24 of them were civilians.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Experts predict AI to be the forefront of 2024 US election campaign</strong></p>

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<p>US forces, in the first week of April, claimed to have assassinated Khalid Aydd Ahmad al-Jabouri, an ISIS senior who was in charge of plotting strikes in Europe.</p>

<p>ISIS has carried out several terrorist attacks in Europe in recent years, primarily between 2014 and 2017. Some of the major attacks include November 2015 Paris attacks, March 2016 Brussels bombings, July 2016 Nice truck attack, December 2016 Berlin truck attack and May 2017 Manchester Arena bombing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These attacks, and others like them, have sparked widespread fear and concern about the threat of terrorism in Europe and the ability of security forces to prevent such attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite ISIS losing much of its territorial control in Iraq and Syria, the group's global network of affiliates and its ability to inspire lone-wolf attacks means that the threat of terrorism remains high.</p>

<p>In October 2019, ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a US military operation in northwestern Syria. His death was seen as a major blow to ISIS, although the group has continued to carry out terrorist attacks and maintain its global network of affiliates.</p>

<p><em><strong>(With inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>

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The suspected ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) chief has been killed in Syria in an operation carried out by Turkey's MIT intelligence agency, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday.

The suspected ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) chief has been killed in Syria in an operation carried out by Turkey's MIT intelligence agency, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday. "The suspected leader of Daesh, codename Abu Hussein al-Qurashi, has been neutralised in an operation carried out yesterday (Saturday) by the MIT in Syria," Erdogan said on broadcast. Also Read | At least 18 dead, dozens injured as tourist bus in Mexico plunges into ravine On November 30, ISIS announced the death of its former leader, Abu Hasan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi. The outfit then appointed Abu Hussein al-Qurashi as his replacement. Turkish intelligence operatives and local military police in Jindires, in the northwest area of Afrin, shut off a zone on Saturday, according to an AFP journalist in northern Syria. Also Read | Sudan conflict: UN chief sending envoy to nation as fighting continues Locals informed AFP that a farm that had been abandoned was being utilised as an Islamic school. This is where the operation was carried out which subsequently resulted in the killing of the suspected ISIS chief. Turkey has soldiers stationed in northern Syria since 2020, and with the assistance of Syrian auxiliary forces, controls large zones. Midway through April, the United States conducted a helicopter raid in northern Syria on the grounds that ISIS had been preparing assaults in the Middle East and Europe. ISIS member Abd-al Hadi Mahmud al-Haji Ali was reportedly killed in the operation, according to US Central Command. On April 16 in Syria, suspected ISIS militants killed at least 41 persons, 24 of them were civilians. Watch | Experts predict AI to be the forefront of 2024 US election campaign × US forces, in the first week of April, claimed to have assassinated Khalid Aydd Ahmad al-Jabouri, an ISIS senior who was in charge of plotting strikes in Europe. ISIS has carried out several terrorist attacks in Europe in recent years, primarily between 2014 and 2017. Some of the major attacks include November 2015 Paris attacks, March 2016 Brussels bombings, July 2016 Nice truck attack, December 2016 Berlin truck attack and May 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. These attacks, and others like them, have sparked widespread fear and concern about the threat of terrorism in Europe and the ability of security forces to prevent such attacks. Despite ISIS losing much of its territorial control in Iraq and Syria, the group's global network of affiliates and its ability to inspire lone-wolf attacks means that the threat of terrorism remains high. In October 2019, ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a US military operation in northwestern Syria. His death was seen as a major blow to ISIS, although the group has continued to carry out terrorist attacks and maintain its global network of affiliates. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Suspected ISIS chief, codename Abu Hussein al-Qurashi, killed in Syria: Turkey president

A Taliban governor has been killed in a suicide attack in the Afghan province of Balkh. The governor, Mohammad Dawod Muzammil, was in his office during the blast. Who is targeting the Taliban and why? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas | Afghanistan: Extreme forces rise to take on the Taliban. Here's all you need to know

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<p>The US Supreme Court has accused microblogging platform Twitter of 'aiding' and 'abetting' terrorism by allowing radical Islamic outfits like ISIS to use the platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hearing the Twitter v Taamneh case, Justice Amy Coney Barrett on the bench posed a pointed question to Twitter's attorney Seth Waxman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You know ISIS is using it, you know ISIS is going to be doing bad things, you know ISIS is going to be committing acts of terrorism," said Barrett, adding that aiding ISIS "is aiding the commission of particular acts in the future."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Justice Sonia Sotomayor added, "You knew that ISIS was using your platform. But on substantiality, there’s a question of how much it helped ISIS, which is different from how much you helped them."</p>

<p>The case was brought in by the family of Nawras Alassaf, a Jordanian citizen who was killed in a shooting incident in Istanbul, Turkey on January 1, 2017.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/is-more-trouble-brewing-big-tech-firms-back-google-in-a-key-lawsuit-554378"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;Is more trouble brewing? Big tech firms back Google in a key lawsuit</strong></a></p>

<p>Alassaf's family filed a lawsuit claiming Twitter, Google and Facebook were liable for aiding and abetting attack under the federal law called 'Anti-Terrorism Act'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Twitter, however, insists that it is not enough to know that terrorist outfit is using the platform as even they can use Twitter to engage in non-criminal activities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The platform further argued that just because its platform is used by tens of millions of users worldwide does not prove that it provided 'assistance' to terrorist groups.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As a matter of law, a court should conclude …that the failure to do more to remove content in the context of a service that is generally and widely provided to anybody who complies with the policies … does not amount to the knowing provision of substantial assistance," argued Waxman.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-to-hear-crucial-case-on-law-linked-to-future-of-internet-564345" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: US Supreme Court wary of removing legal immunity for the tech companies</strong></a></p>

<p>The argument between the US Justices and Twitter comes a day after a similar case concerning Google and YouTube was argued in the court. The case also pertained to ISIS and if the two platforms could be held accountable for the videos posted by the terror group.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Legal immunity to tech giants under Section 230 has been questioned in the case. This is the first time that the US Supreme Court is hearing a case related to the scope of the law.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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The US Supreme Court has accused microblogging platform Twitter of 'aiding' and 'abetting' terrorism by allowing radical Islamic outfits like ISIS to use the platform.

The US Supreme Court has accused microblogging platform Twitter of 'aiding' and 'abetting' terrorism by allowing radical Islamic outfits like ISIS to use the platform. Hearing the Twitter v Taamneh case, Justice Amy Coney Barrett on the bench posed a pointed question to Twitter's attorney Seth Waxman. "You know ISIS is using it, you know ISIS is going to be doing bad things, you know ISIS is going to be committing acts of terrorism," said Barrett, adding that aiding ISIS "is aiding the commission of particular acts in the future." Meanwhile, Justice Sonia Sotomayor added, "You knew that ISIS was using your platform. But on substantiality, there’s a question of how much it helped ISIS, which is different from how much you helped them." The case was brought in by the family of Nawras Alassaf, a Jordanian citizen who was killed in a shooting incident in Istanbul, Turkey on January 1, 2017. Read more: Is more trouble brewing? Big tech firms back Google in a key lawsuit Alassaf's family filed a lawsuit claiming Twitter, Google and Facebook were liable for aiding and abetting attack under the federal law called 'Anti-Terrorism Act'. Twitter, however, insists that it is not enough to know that terrorist outfit is using the platform as even they can use Twitter to engage in non-criminal activities. The platform further argued that just because its platform is used by tens of millions of users worldwide does not prove that it provided 'assistance' to terrorist groups. "As a matter of law, a court should conclude …that the failure to do more to remove content in the context of a service that is generally and widely provided to anybody who complies with the policies … does not amount to the knowing provision of substantial assistance," argued Waxman. Read more: US Supreme Court wary of removing legal immunity for the tech companies The argument between the US Justices and Twitter comes a day after a similar case concerning Google and YouTube was argued in the court. The case also pertained to ISIS and if the two platforms could be held accountable for the videos posted by the terror group. Legal immunity to tech giants under Section 230 has been questioned in the case. This is the first time that the US Supreme Court is hearing a case related to the scope of the law. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'You know ISIS...': US Supreme Court blasts Twitter for aiding terrorist outfit

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