Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, several countries have been running evacuation flights for their citizens and passport holders. While the world is applauding this humanitarian help, some people might be misusing it for selfish reasons.

Now, United States government officials have warned that nearly 100 Afghan evacuees are on intelligence agency watch lists and may be related to terrorist groups like Islamic State.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anticipated-taliban-takeover-but-timeline-surprised-us-cds-bipin-rawat-408238" hreflang="en">Anticipated Taliban takeover but timeline surprised us: CDS Bipin Rawat</a>

As per western media reports, as many as 100 Afghan evacuees who have been rescued from Kabul and are potential candidates for Special Immigration Visas (SIV) may have close ties with ISIS.

These evacuated people were flagged by an intelligence agency as people who have been on their watch list. They were identified through the US government’s automated biometric identification system, as per a government official.

However, no official comment has been given by the US government on this matter.

"Intelligence, law enforcement, and counterterrorism professionals are conducting screening and security vetting for all SIV applicants and other vulnerable Afghans before they are allowed into the United States," the State Department spokesperson was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail. "We are surging resources to evaluate each case and process these as efficiently as possible to protect homeland security."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-campaigns-to-saveafghanwomen-408135">WATCH |</a>

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As of now, the identified evacuees are being treated as possible matches, and the confirmation about their association with terrorist organisations is still pending.

The US government claims that all Afghan evacuees are being screened by US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) using facial recognition, fingerprint and iris scanner and being matched with the law enforcement databases.

However, some media reports have also stated that the CBP is struggling to keep up with the incoming number of evacuees. "CBP on the ground has old tech and they don't know how to use it, integrate it. And there's not enough people to process' all of the evacuees,"&nbsp;an official told a western media house.

Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, several countries have been running evacuation flights for their citizens and passport holders. While the world is applauding this humanitarian help, some people might be misusing it for selfish reasons.

Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, several countries have been running evacuation flights for their citizens and passport holders. While the world is applauding this humanitarian help, some people might be misusing it for selfish reasons. Now, United States government officials have warned that nearly 100 Afghan evacuees are on intelligence agency watch lists and may be related to terrorist groups like Islamic State. Also read | Anticipated Taliban takeover but timeline surprised us: CDS Bipin Rawat As per western media reports, as many as 100 Afghan evacuees who have been rescued from Kabul and are potential candidates for Special Immigration Visas (SIV) may have close ties with ISIS. These evacuated people were flagged by an intelligence agency as people who have been on their watch list. They were identified through the US government’s automated biometric identification system, as per a government official. However, no official comment has been given by the US government on this matter. "Intelligence, law enforcement, and counterterrorism professionals are conducting screening and security vetting for all SIV applicants and other vulnerable Afghans before they are allowed into the United States," the State Department spokesperson was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail. "We are surging resources to evaluate each case and process these as efficiently as possible to protect homeland security." WATCH | As of now, the identified evacuees are being treated as possible matches, and the confirmation about their association with terrorist organisations is still pending. The US government claims that all Afghan evacuees are being screened by US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) using facial recognition, fingerprint and iris scanner and being matched with the law enforcement databases. However, some media reports have also stated that the CBP is struggling to keep up with the incoming number of evacuees. "CBP on the ground has old tech and they don't know how to use it, integrate it. And there's not enough people to process' all of the evacuees," an official told a western media house.

Nearly 100 Afghan evacuees may have ties with Islamic State: Reports

US Army jets undertaking evacuation missions into Kabul have been videotaped dropping flares and doing nosedive combat landings amid worries that ISIS terrorists may try to fire down the planes.

A French cargo jet was recorded dropping a slew of flares meant to fool heat-seeking equipment used in missiles.

To avoid a surprise missile assault, US military jets conducted fast diving combat landings.

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French Air Force A400M dispensing flares as it departs <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kabul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kabul</a> Airport <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> 
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-warn-of-consequences-if-us-troops-withdrawal-deadline-of-august-31-is-not-met-407784">Also read | Taliban warn of 'consequences' if US troops withdrawal deadline of August 31 is not met&nbsp;</a> 
 
Although Taliban fighters in Kabul are not believed to be attempting to fire down American aircraft during evacuation attempts, US military officials have stated that they are concerned about a possible strike by an Islamic State group branch in Afghanistan. 
 
Watch | Taliban 'mock US' with propaganda photo copying Iwo Jima flag raising

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-mock-us-with-propaganda-photo-copying-iwo-jima-flag-raising-407771/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It is believed that the Islamic State in Afghanistan (ISIS-K) would deploy stolen heat-seeking missiles to knock down a rescue plane carrying hundreds of refugees, including women and children. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-founder-of-only-all-girls-school-burns-records-for-students-safety-407754">Afghanistan: Founder of only all-girls school burns records for students' safety</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

For the last six years, ISIS terrorists have been fighting the Taliban in an attempt to grab their own piece of Afghanistan following the fall of their caliphate in Syria and Iraq as a result of Western bombings and raids against the terror organisation. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

US Army jets undertaking evacuation missions into Kabul have been videotaped dropping flares and doing nosedive combat landings amid worries that ISIS terrorists may try to fire down the planes.

US Army jets undertaking evacuation missions into Kabul have been videotaped dropping flares and doing nosedive combat landings amid worries that ISIS terrorists may try to fire down the planes. A French cargo jet was recorded dropping a slew of flares meant to fool heat-seeking equipment used in missiles. To avoid a surprise missile assault, US military jets conducted fast diving combat landings. French Air Force A400M dispensing flares as it departs #Kabul Airport #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/9C2UM9BcwO — Intel Air & Sea (@air_intel) August 21, 2021 × Also read | Taliban warn of 'consequences' if US troops withdrawal deadline of August 31 is not met Although Taliban fighters in Kabul are not believed to be attempting to fire down American aircraft during evacuation attempts, US military officials have stated that they are concerned about a possible strike by an Islamic State group branch in Afghanistan. Watch | Taliban 'mock US' with propaganda photo copying Iwo Jima flag raising It is believed that the Islamic State in Afghanistan (ISIS-K) would deploy stolen heat-seeking missiles to knock down a rescue plane carrying hundreds of refugees, including women and children. Also Read | Afghanistan: Founder of only all-girls school burns records for students' safety For the last six years, ISIS terrorists have been fighting the Taliban in an attempt to grab their own piece of Afghanistan following the fall of their caliphate in Syria and Iraq as a result of Western bombings and raids against the terror organisation. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: US jets evacuating Afghans make ‘diving combat landings’, drop flares amid ISIS missile fears

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

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

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

US forces establish alternate routes to Kabul airport over ISIS threat

The US and NATO military invaded Afghanistan exactly 20 years. The mightiest force on the planet aimed to expel both the Taliban and al-Qaeda from the country turns out it was just a daydream. 20 years on, the humiliating departure of the US forces has come as a massive morale boost to terrorists all over the world. Several online jihadist chat forums are jubilant at what al-Qaeda supporters see as "A historic victory" by the Taliban. The potential hiding places for these terror groups have now opened up. In a country, where ungoverned spaces can serve as a fresh breeding ground for fundamentalists especially for Islamic State group looking to find a new base.

Will Afghanistan become a safe haven for terror?

At least 35 people have been killed and 50 wounded in a bomb attack on a busy market in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attack, saying one of its members detonated an explosive vest.

Iraq: At least 35 people killed, 50 wounded in Baghdad market blast

US secretary of state Antony Blinken&nbsp;said that he hoped the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-air-strikes-a-violation-of-sovereignty-iraq-prime-minister-394490">US strikes </a>on Iran-backed militants will "be heard and deter future action" while urging countries including allies&nbsp;to bring back citizens arrested overseas for joining the Islamic State group.

The Pentagon had said earlier that US aircraft had hit three targets - two in Syria and one in Iraq - even as Iraq Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemil-Kadhemi said it was "a blatant and unacceptable violation of Iraqi sovereignty and Iraqi national security".

Watch:

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The US military said at least seven fighters were killed in overnight attacks as Binkin said, "A number of the groups involved in recent attacks are militia that are backed by Iran."

It was the second time the US has conducted airstrikes under Biden's administrations this year.&nbsp;

The Pentagon defended the strikes saying President Joe Biden is determined to protect US personnel as Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh accused the United States of disrupting security in the region.

"I would hope that the message sent by the strikes last night will be heard and deter future action," Blinken said.

The US reportedly targeted Kataib Hezbollah and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada militant outfits which are allegedly backed by Iran.

Meanwhile, Blinken urged allies to repatriate Islamic State fighters during a discussion in Rome, saying, "The United States continues to urge countries -&nbsp;including coalition partners -- to repatriate, rehabilitate and, where applicable, prosecute their citizens."&nbsp;

Several thousand Islamic State(IS) fighters are believed to be held in northern Syria by Kurdish forces. "This situation is simply untenable. It just can't persist indefinitely," Blinken asserted.

Italian foreign minister Luigi Di Maio however said that countries shouldn't lower their guard and look to step up action "not just in the Middle East but Africa", a statement which was backed by German foreign minister Heiko Maas.

The US secretary of state-designated Ousmane Illiassou Djibo, a Niger-born IS terrorist based in Mali, as a "specially designated global terrorist".&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

US secretary of state Antony Blinken said that he hoped the US strikes on Iran-backed militants will "be heard and deter future action" while urging countries including allies to bring back citizens arrested overseas for joining the Islamic State group.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken said that he hoped the US strikes on Iran-backed militants will "be heard and deter future action" while urging countries including allies to bring back citizens arrested overseas for joining the Islamic State group. The Pentagon had said earlier that US aircraft had hit three targets - two in Syria and one in Iraq - even as Iraq Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemil-Kadhemi said it was "a blatant and unacceptable violation of Iraqi sovereignty and Iraqi national security". Watch: The US military said at least seven fighters were killed in overnight attacks as Binkin said, "A number of the groups involved in recent attacks are militia that are backed by Iran." It was the second time the US has conducted airstrikes under Biden's administrations this year. The Pentagon defended the strikes saying President Joe Biden is determined to protect US personnel as Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh accused the United States of disrupting security in the region. "I would hope that the message sent by the strikes last night will be heard and deter future action," Blinken said. The US reportedly targeted Kataib Hezbollah and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada militant outfits which are allegedly backed by Iran. Meanwhile, Blinken urged allies to repatriate Islamic State fighters during a discussion in Rome, saying, "The United States continues to urge countries - including coalition partners -- to repatriate, rehabilitate and, where applicable, prosecute their citizens." Several thousand Islamic State(IS) fighters are believed to be held in northern Syria by Kurdish forces. "This situation is simply untenable. It just can't persist indefinitely," Blinken asserted. Italian foreign minister Luigi Di Maio however said that countries shouldn't lower their guard and look to step up action "not just in the Middle East but Africa", a statement which was backed by German foreign minister Heiko Maas. The US secretary of state-designated Ousmane Illiassou Djibo, a Niger-born IS terrorist based in Mali, as a "specially designated global terrorist". (With inputs from Agencies)

Blinken asserts US strikes 'will be heard and deter future action'

Mohamed Zuhbi arrived in Melbourne on a flight from Turkey about 4pm on Saturday and was taken into custody by counterterrorism authorities at the airport.

Accused ISIS recruiter arrested at Melbourne airport

Sri Lanka has banned 11 hardline Islamist organisations, including the Islamic State (ISIS) and al-Qaeda, for their links to extremist activities in the country and warned that any person who conspires with them would be sentenced to prison terms between 20 and 10 years, according to an official announcement.&nbsp;

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in a special gazette notification issued on Tuesday proscribed the radical groups under the Prevention of Terrorism (temporary) Provisions Act.&nbsp;

The notification specifies that any person, who acts in contravention or conspires to act, would be sentenced to prison terms between 10 to 20 years.&nbsp;

The Government of Sri Lanka proscribed the 11 extremist organisations "in good faith for the purpose of ensuring the continuance of peace within the country and in the interest of national security, public order, and the rule of law," the notification stated.&nbsp;

Obtaining membership, dealing with their members, promoting such organisations, providing refuge for members, donating money or material, or engaging in any transaction are prohibited. Anyone violating these regulations could face up to 10 to 20 years in prison, Colombo Page said in a report.&nbsp;

Among the banned organisations are local Muslim groups, including the Sri Lanka Islamic Students Movement.&nbsp;

In the immediate aftermath of the 2019 Easter Sunday suicide bomb attacks, Sri Lanka had banned the local Jihadi group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ) and two other outfits.&nbsp;

The NTJ suicide bomb attacks on churches and luxury hotels here had killed 270 people while injuring 500 others.&nbsp;

A special probe panel appointed in 2019 by former President Maithripala Sirisena had recommended the banning of Muslim extremist organisations, who advocate radicalism in the Buddhist-majority country.&nbsp;

The report also asked for the banning of an extremist Buddhist group, BBS or the Forces of Buddhist Power. The panel said that the BBS' actions had contributed to the radicalisation of Muslims.&nbsp;

The gazette, however, has excluded the Buddhist group.&nbsp;

The panel report was rejected by all political parties despite the head of the local Catholic church Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith urging the implementation of its recommendations which he said would give some justice to the victims of the bombings.&nbsp;

The panel had found Sirisena and the then top security police brass culpable for failure to prevent the bombings despite the availability of prior intelligence on the impending attack.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka has banned 11 hardline Islamist organisations, including the Islamic State (ISIS) and al-Qaeda, for their links to extremist activities in the country and warned that any person who conspires with them would be sentenced to prison terms between 20 and 10 years, according to an official announcement.

Sri Lanka has banned 11 hardline Islamist organisations, including the Islamic State (ISIS) and al-Qaeda, for their links to extremist activities in the country and warned that any person who conspires with them would be sentenced to prison terms between 20 and 10 years, according to an official announcement. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in a special gazette notification issued on Tuesday proscribed the radical groups under the Prevention of Terrorism (temporary) Provisions Act. The notification specifies that any person, who acts in contravention or conspires to act, would be sentenced to prison terms between 10 to 20 years. The Government of Sri Lanka proscribed the 11 extremist organisations "in good faith for the purpose of ensuring the continuance of peace within the country and in the interest of national security, public order, and the rule of law," the notification stated. Obtaining membership, dealing with their members, promoting such organisations, providing refuge for members, donating money or material, or engaging in any transaction are prohibited. Anyone violating these regulations could face up to 10 to 20 years in prison, Colombo Page said in a report. Among the banned organisations are local Muslim groups, including the Sri Lanka Islamic Students Movement. In the immediate aftermath of the 2019 Easter Sunday suicide bomb attacks, Sri Lanka had banned the local Jihadi group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ) and two other outfits. The NTJ suicide bomb attacks on churches and luxury hotels here had killed 270 people while injuring 500 others. A special probe panel appointed in 2019 by former President Maithripala Sirisena had recommended the banning of Muslim extremist organisations, who advocate radicalism in the Buddhist-majority country. The report also asked for the banning of an extremist Buddhist group, BBS or the Forces of Buddhist Power. The panel said that the BBS' actions had contributed to the radicalisation of Muslims. The gazette, however, has excluded the Buddhist group. The panel report was rejected by all political parties despite the head of the local Catholic church Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith urging the implementation of its recommendations which he said would give some justice to the victims of the bombings. The panel had found Sirisena and the then top security police brass culpable for failure to prevent the bombings despite the availability of prior intelligence on the impending attack.

Sri Lanka bans ISIS, al-Qaeda and 9 other terror groups 

Portugal announces plans to send around 60 troops to its former colony Mozambique following an attack by Islamic State-linked Jihadists. Islamic state-linked groups have taken control over the town of Palma.

Mozambique Violence: Portugal plans to send 60 troops to fight Jihadists

Guests say it was an auspicious event when Muhammad Lukman married his wife in August on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.&nbsp;

On the day of Palm Sunday, the newlyweds strapped themselves with pressure cooker nail bombs and detonated them while driving into the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in the provincial capital of Makassar.

Watch |&nbsp;

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In January, their wedding host was shot dead by counter-terrorism forces.&nbsp;

The couple was the only fatalities in the suicide blast, but it tells about the dangerous legacy that Islamic State has brought into Southeast Asia.&nbsp;

This was the third attack in Indonesia in recent years when a husband and wife were the suicide bombers.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="wionews.com/world/newlywed-militant-suspects-blamed-in-indonesia-church-attack-374128">Newlywed militant suspects blamed in Indonesia church attack</a> &nbsp;

As many as 28 people were killed in May 2018 when six people from an Indonesian family, including four children, detonated explosives at many churches in Surabaya.&nbsp;

Less than a year later, Rullie Rian Zeke and his wife Ulfa Handayani Saleh, launched attacks at a cathedral in Jolo in the southern Philippines in which 23 people lost their lives and over 100 others received injuries.&nbsp;

"This is the unique legacy of ISIS promoting the rise of familial terrorism," Noor Huda Ismail, a visiting fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

"A number of Indonesians joined ISIS as family members."

Over 1,100 Indonesians left the nation to recruit into ISIS, sometimes taking their entire families, including infants, Sidney Jones, director of the Jakarta-based Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict (IPAC) said.

Guests say it was an auspicious event when Muhammad Lukman married his wife in August on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. On the day of Palm Sunday, the newlyweds strapped themselves with pressure cooker nail bombs and detonated them while driving into the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in the provincial capital of Makassar.

Guests say it was an auspicious event when Muhammad Lukman married his wife in August on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. On the day of Palm Sunday, the newlyweds strapped themselves with pressure cooker nail bombs and detonated them while driving into the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in the provincial capital of Makassar. Watch | In January, their wedding host was shot dead by counter-terrorism forces. The couple was the only fatalities in the suicide blast, but it tells about the dangerous legacy that Islamic State has brought into Southeast Asia. This was the third attack in Indonesia in recent years when a husband and wife were the suicide bombers. Also read | Newlywed militant suspects blamed in Indonesia church attack As many as 28 people were killed in May 2018 when six people from an Indonesian family, including four children, detonated explosives at many churches in Surabaya. Less than a year later, Rullie Rian Zeke and his wife Ulfa Handayani Saleh, launched attacks at a cathedral in Jolo in the southern Philippines in which 23 people lost their lives and over 100 others received injuries. "This is the unique legacy of ISIS promoting the rise of familial terrorism," Noor Huda Ismail, a visiting fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters. "A number of Indonesians joined ISIS as family members." Over 1,100 Indonesians left the nation to recruit into ISIS, sometimes taking their entire families, including infants, Sidney Jones, director of the Jakarta-based Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict (IPAC) said.

How suicide bombing families are giving Indonesia nightmares

The United States on Wednesday blacklisted two Islamist extremist organisations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique over their connections with the Islamic State.&nbsp;

"The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) announced the launch of the Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) in April 2019 to promote the presence of ISIS associated elements within Central, East, and Southern Africa," the State Department in a statement said.&nbsp;

"Although ISIS-associated media portray ISCAP as a unified structure, ISIS-DRC and ISIS-Mozambique are distinct groups with distinct origins."&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-blacklist-dozens-of-chinese-firms-including-smic-report-says-350642">US to blacklist dozens of Chinese firms including SMIC, report says</a>

The state department said that the two groups "have committed or pose a significant risk of committing acts of terrorism."

It also named the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Congo and its leader Seka Musa Baluku and Mozambique's Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama and its chief Abu Yasir Hassan "specially designated global terrorists".

The ADF and Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama are dubbed by the US as ISIS-DRC and ISIS-Mozambique.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-global-terror-financing-watchdog-fatf-should-blacklist-pakistan-327515">Why global terror financing watchdog FATF should blacklist Pakistan</a>

The ADF, a Ugandan insurgent faction, has been involved in several brutal assaults on civilians since the army started operations against it in late 2019, reports news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

It has been blamed for the killing of more than 140 people in 2021, in about weekly attacks in Congo's restive east.&nbsp;

According to the UN, the ADF has killed approximate 850 people last year.&nbsp;

Laren Poole from the Bridgeway Foundation, a US-based thinktank said that the recognition and funding to the group by ISIS has pushed the group's deadly expansion.&nbsp;

Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama, called Al-Shabaab in Mozambique, staged its first attack in 2017.&nbsp;

Initially known largely for beheadings, the fighters declared allegiance to Islamic State in 2019 and have since intensified its operations.&nbsp;

The United States on Wednesday blacklisted two Islamist extremist organisations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique over their connections with the Islamic State.

The United States on Wednesday blacklisted two Islamist extremist organisations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique over their connections with the Islamic State. "The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) announced the launch of the Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) in April 2019 to promote the presence of ISIS associated elements within Central, East, and Southern Africa," the State Department in a statement said. "Although ISIS-associated media portray ISCAP as a unified structure, ISIS-DRC and ISIS-Mozambique are distinct groups with distinct origins." Also read | US to blacklist dozens of Chinese firms including SMIC, report says The state department said that the two groups "have committed or pose a significant risk of committing acts of terrorism." It also named the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Congo and its leader Seka Musa Baluku and Mozambique's Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama and its chief Abu Yasir Hassan "specially designated global terrorists". The ADF and Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama are dubbed by the US as ISIS-DRC and ISIS-Mozambique. Also read | Why global terror financing watchdog FATF should blacklist Pakistan The ADF, a Ugandan insurgent faction, has been involved in several brutal assaults on civilians since the army started operations against it in late 2019, reports news agency Reuters. It has been blamed for the killing of more than 140 people in 2021, in about weekly attacks in Congo's restive east. According to the UN, the ADF has killed approximate 850 people last year. Laren Poole from the Bridgeway Foundation, a US-based thinktank said that the recognition and funding to the group by ISIS has pushed the group's deadly expansion. Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama, called Al-Shabaab in Mozambique, staged its first attack in 2017. Initially known largely for beheadings, the fighters declared allegiance to Islamic State in 2019 and have since intensified its operations.

US blacklists two groups in Congo and Mozambique over connections with ISIS

Residents of Mosul are now returning after years of war and devastation. Three years after the devastating battle to reclaim Mosul, from the Islamic State group, now a team of volunteers is rebuilding the city. WION brings you a report.

Residents return Mosul after years of war, team of professionals rebuilding the city

Russia has claimed it foiled an attack planned by a cell loyal to the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group in the country's unstable southern republic of Dagestan.

In addition, Russia's FSB security service Saturday said, it has arrested four people.

"Members of the group planned to detonate an explosive close to an administrative building belonging to security services, followed by an armed attack against interior ministry employees" in regional capital Makhachkala, the FSB said in a statement.

As well as arresting four "members of the international IS terrorist group", investigators found "firearms and bladed weapons, a large amount of ammunition and an explosive device", it added, along with mobile phones containing "exchanges with organisers located abroad".

Russia's territories in the Caucasus were ravaged by two wars between federal troops and Chechen separatists in the 1990s and 2000s.

Increasingly Islamist in character, the insurgency spread to other republics in the region and declared allegiance to IS in 2015. Occasional attacks against the authorities persist in Chechnya, Dagestan and neighbouring Ingushetia.

Earlier on December 17, police killed two attackers targetting security forces in Russia's neighbouring republic of Chechnya.

In an October "counter-terrorism" operation in Chechnyan capital Grozny, six people were killed, including two members of the security forces.

Russia has claimed it foiled an attack planned by a cell loyal to the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group in the country's unstable southern republic of Dagestan. In addition, Russia's FSB security service Saturday said, it has arrested four people.

Russia has claimed it foiled an attack planned by a cell loyal to the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group in the country's unstable southern republic of Dagestan. In addition, Russia's FSB security service Saturday said, it has arrested four people. "Members of the group planned to detonate an explosive close to an administrative building belonging to security services, followed by an armed attack against interior ministry employees" in regional capital Makhachkala, the FSB said in a statement. As well as arresting four "members of the international IS terrorist group", investigators found "firearms and bladed weapons, a large amount of ammunition and an explosive device", it added, along with mobile phones containing "exchanges with organisers located abroad". Russia's territories in the Caucasus were ravaged by two wars between federal troops and Chechen separatists in the 1990s and 2000s. Increasingly Islamist in character, the insurgency spread to other republics in the region and declared allegiance to IS in 2015. Occasional attacks against the authorities persist in Chechnya, Dagestan and neighbouring Ingushetia. Earlier on December 17, police killed two attackers targetting security forces in Russia's neighbouring republic of Chechnya. In an October "counter-terrorism" operation in Chechnyan capital Grozny, six people were killed, including two members of the security forces.

Russia claims it intercepted IS attack plot

As Mike Pompeo became the first US diplomat to visit a West Bank settlement, watchdog reports suggest that Israel is moving ahead with settlement plans in East Jerusalem. On this week's The West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis tells you how PM Netanyahu's new settlement plans could test his ties with a Biden White House. For more such stories, keep watching the West Asia post with Ghadi Francis every Friday at 8:30 PM IST, only on WION.

The West Asia Post | Episode 8 | Your Window to West Asia

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility Tuesday for a deadly shooting rampage in Vienna the day before, the group said in a statement on its Telegram channels.

The statement identified "a soldier of the caliphate" as being responsible for the assault on Monday night in the Austrian capital that left four people dead.

In a separate statement, accompanied by a photograph of the armed assailant, IS propaganda arm Amaq cited "a gun attack yesterday (Monday) by an Islamic State fighter in the city of Vienna".

(More details awaited)

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility Tuesday for a deadly shooting rampage in Vienna the day before, the group said in a statement on its Telegram channels.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility Tuesday for a deadly shooting rampage in Vienna the day before, the group said in a statement on its Telegram channels. The statement identified "a soldier of the caliphate" as being responsible for the assault on Monday night in the Austrian capital that left four people dead. In a separate statement, accompanied by a photograph of the armed assailant, IS propaganda arm Amaq cited "a gun attack yesterday (Monday) by an Islamic State fighter in the city of Vienna". (More details awaited)

Islamic State group claims responsibility for Vienna attack

Gunmen killed at least 35 students in Afghanistan’s Kabul University on Monday. According to the witnesses and government sources, gunmen opened fire on students in the capital of Afghanistan, while they attempted to flee the scene.

Afghanistan: Gunmen kill at least 35 students at Kabul University

Islamic State claimed responsibility for an attack on Kabul University on Monday that killed 22 people including students, the group’s Amaq News Agency said.

Islamic State claims responsibility for Kabul University attack

Mosul's football club in northern Iraq lies in ruins. The region was destroyed under ISIS occupation and the footballers have nowhere to showcase their talent. Watch report.

Mosul stadium damaged under ISIS rule of city: Footballers in Mosul have no stadium to train in

Two ex-British alleged Islamic State suspects have appeared in a US court charged over the killing of four American hostages. Watch report.

Two ISIS terrorists appear in US court: 'Duo involved in beheading of hostages'

As sunset nears, the residents of Iraq's Mosul flock to a golden-tinted statue of a woman looking out over their scarred city with an expression of steady defiance.

It is one of a half-dozen works by local artists that have been erected across the northern Iraqi city since the Islamic State group lost control of it three years ago.

The artworks are helping residents shake off memories of brutal punishments meted out by IS in squares and roundabouts, even as much of their city remains in ruins.

"My Lovely Lady" was the first, erected in September 2018 in a traffic circle where IS fighters used to behead or lash residents who had broken its ultra-conservative rules.

"By placing this statue here, I was trying to erase these dark, terrifying images from people's minds," said Omar Ibrahim, the 35-year-old artist behind the work.

"'My Lovely Lady' represents Mosul's beauty, its rebirth after overcoming all the obstacles of this nerve-wracking period," he told AFP.

Nerve-wracking it was: Ibrahim created the sculpture in a secret basement studio while the IS was still controlling Mosul.

When they first overran the city, the jihadists smashed works of art, musical instruments and millenia-old artefacts, deeming them violations of their ultra-conservative views.

They banned artists from working under penalty of death.

It was a devastating blow for Mosul, which had been known for centuries as a hub for musicians, writers and artists.

- Symbols of a city -

One favourite destroyed by IS was "The Spring Girl," a young woman carrying a bouquet and buffeted by the wind.

Mosul is known as "The Mother of Two Springs" because of its mild weather in both spring and autumn.

A remake of the sculpture of a woman with flowing hair and a sly half-smile was erected this year against a backdrop of a bullet-riddled building, a reminder of Mosul's grim recent history.

Another was "The Licorice Man," which dated back to the 1970s and depicted a street peddler with the beloved candy.

A team of young sculptors has made a new version, which has become such a landmark that the whole area is now dubbed the "Licorice Circle" by residents.

Jihadists also pulverised statues of the poet Abu Tammam and celebrated ballad virtuoso Mulla Uthman, whose remakes were recently installed in western Mosul.

While their predecessors were made of local Mosul stone or bronze, the replacements are made of cheaper metal.

Mosul's municipality is looking to pepper the city with more historical symbols, said Fares Mohammad, a local official from the Building Unit.

One statue he wants to see installed is of Ibn Sina, the father of early medicine more commonly known as Avicenna, to honour Mosul's past as a destination for top-tier medical care.

"These statues represent Mosul's cultural identity, its life, its professions and even its four seasons -- especially spring, which is beautiful here," said Ziad al-Sumeidi, a history and heritage researcher.

- 'Our devastated Mosul' -

Little of Mosul's rich history is visible today.

Besides the IS reign of destruction, the gruelling and months-long fight to recapture the city from the jihadists ravaged its infrastructure, particularly in the western half.

Only one public hospital now functions, power and water services are intermittent, and children must walk past crumbling buildings to get to the few schools that have reopened.

The poor living standards mean hundreds of thousands who were displaced from Mosul in recent years still prefer to live in tented camps rather than return to their scarred home town.

Those who have come back can often be seen relishing a quiet moment near the statues in the evenings.

Hadeel Najjar, a 30-year-old housewife, said she was glad to see the larger-than-life figures revive her hometown -- and hoped that her fellow Mosul residents can return, too.

"Erecting these statues is a necessary part of bringing life back to our devastated Mosul," she told AFP.

"But people still aren't coming back to their homes and shops, because of delays in compensating war victims or rebuilding the city's infrastructure."

As sunset nears, the residents of Iraq's Mosul flock to a golden-tinted statue of a woman looking out over their scarred city with an expression of steady defiance.

As sunset nears, the residents of Iraq's Mosul flock to a golden-tinted statue of a woman looking out over their scarred city with an expression of steady defiance. It is one of a half-dozen works by local artists that have been erected across the northern Iraqi city since the Islamic State group lost control of it three years ago. The artworks are helping residents shake off memories of brutal punishments meted out by IS in squares and roundabouts, even as much of their city remains in ruins. "My Lovely Lady" was the first, erected in September 2018 in a traffic circle where IS fighters used to behead or lash residents who had broken its ultra-conservative rules. "By placing this statue here, I was trying to erase these dark, terrifying images from people's minds," said Omar Ibrahim, the 35-year-old artist behind the work. "'My Lovely Lady' represents Mosul's beauty, its rebirth after overcoming all the obstacles of this nerve-wracking period," he told AFP. Nerve-wracking it was: Ibrahim created the sculpture in a secret basement studio while the IS was still controlling Mosul. When they first overran the city, the jihadists smashed works of art, musical instruments and millenia-old artefacts, deeming them violations of their ultra-conservative views. They banned artists from working under penalty of death. It was a devastating blow for Mosul, which had been known for centuries as a hub for musicians, writers and artists. - Symbols of a city - One favourite destroyed by IS was "The Spring Girl," a young woman carrying a bouquet and buffeted by the wind. Mosul is known as "The Mother of Two Springs" because of its mild weather in both spring and autumn. A remake of the sculpture of a woman with flowing hair and a sly half-smile was erected this year against a backdrop of a bullet-riddled building, a reminder of Mosul's grim recent history. Another was "The Licorice Man," which dated back to the 1970s and depicted a street peddler with the beloved candy. A team of young sculptors has made a new version, which has become such a landmark that the whole area is now dubbed the "Licorice Circle" by residents. Jihadists also pulverised statues of the poet Abu Tammam and celebrated ballad virtuoso Mulla Uthman, whose remakes were recently installed in western Mosul. While their predecessors were made of local Mosul stone or bronze, the replacements are made of cheaper metal. Mosul's municipality is looking to pepper the city with more historical symbols, said Fares Mohammad, a local official from the Building Unit. One statue he wants to see installed is of Ibn Sina, the father of early medicine more commonly known as Avicenna, to honour Mosul's past as a destination for top-tier medical care. "These statues represent Mosul's cultural identity, its life, its professions and even its four seasons -- especially spring, which is beautiful here," said Ziad al-Sumeidi, a history and heritage researcher. - 'Our devastated Mosul' - Little of Mosul's rich history is visible today. Besides the IS reign of destruction, the gruelling and months-long fight to recapture the city from the jihadists ravaged its infrastructure, particularly in the western half. Only one public hospital now functions, power and water services are intermittent, and children must walk past crumbling buildings to get to the few schools that have reopened. The poor living standards mean hundreds of thousands who were displaced from Mosul in recent years still prefer to live in tented camps rather than return to their scarred home town. Those who have come back can often be seen relishing a quiet moment near the statues in the evenings. Hadeel Najjar, a 30-year-old housewife, said she was glad to see the larger-than-life figures revive her hometown -- and hoped that her fellow Mosul residents can return, too. "Erecting these statues is a necessary part of bringing life back to our devastated Mosul," she told AFP. "But people still aren't coming back to their homes and shops, because of delays in compensating war victims or rebuilding the city's infrastructure."

In Iraq's Mosul, new statues rise from ashes of IS rule

Lebanese police have killed nine suspected members of the Islamic State group in the hunt for "terrorists" linked to several deadly attacks, including on soldiers, a security source said Sunday.

Saturday's operation came more than a month after the army and security forces launched a manhunt for suspects in the August 21 killing of two municipal policemen and the son of the mayor of the northern village of Kaftoun.

Police intelligence units raided a house in the northern region of Wadi Khaled where "suspects linked to the IS" jihadist group had been holed up, "killing all the terrorists inside", the Internal Security Forces (ISF) said in a statement.

The ISF statement said the "terrorist cell" was made up of more than 15 suspects. It added that three had been arrested in previous raids.

Following the August murders in Kaftoun, the army and police launched operations to track down the assailants.

On September 14, the army said four soldiers were killed while attempting to arrest suspected "terrorist" Khaled al-Tallawi at his north Lebanon home, though he was eventually shot dead.

Meanwhile, two Lebanese soldiers were killed overnight in an attack on an army post in the locality of Arman-Minyeh, also in the north of the country, the army said Sunday.

An attacker "riding a motorbike tried to enter the army post, and army members confronted him, killing him instantly", it added.

Wadi Khaled and the Arman-Miniyeh region are near second city Tripoli, which has been rocked by violence involving Islamists over the years, including as part of the fallout from the conflict in Syria.

(with inputs)

Lebanese police have killed nine suspected members of the Islamic State group in the hunt for "terrorists" linked to several deadly attacks, including on soldiers, a security source said Sunday.

Lebanese police have killed nine suspected members of the Islamic State group in the hunt for "terrorists" linked to several deadly attacks, including on soldiers, a security source said Sunday. Saturday's operation came more than a month after the army and security forces launched a manhunt for suspects in the August 21 killing of two municipal policemen and the son of the mayor of the northern village of Kaftoun. Police intelligence units raided a house in the northern region of Wadi Khaled where "suspects linked to the IS" jihadist group had been holed up, "killing all the terrorists inside", the Internal Security Forces (ISF) said in a statement. The ISF statement said the "terrorist cell" was made up of more than 15 suspects. It added that three had been arrested in previous raids. Following the August murders in Kaftoun, the army and police launched operations to track down the assailants. On September 14, the army said four soldiers were killed while attempting to arrest suspected "terrorist" Khaled al-Tallawi at his north Lebanon home, though he was eventually shot dead. Meanwhile, two Lebanese soldiers were killed overnight in an attack on an army post in the locality of Arman-Minyeh, also in the north of the country, the army said Sunday. An attacker "riding a motorbike tried to enter the army post, and army members confronted him, killing him instantly", it added. Wadi Khaled and the Arman-Miniyeh region are near second city Tripoli, which has been rocked by violence involving Islamists over the years, including as part of the fallout from the conflict in Syria. (with inputs)

Lebanon says nine IS-linked suspects killed in hunt for 'terrorists'

Two Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists, who were planning an attack on vital installations in Pakistan's Punjab province, have been arrested, police said on Friday.

The Daesh militants were picked up from Dera Ghazi Khan district, nearly 400 km from provincial capital Lahore, on Thursday, in an operation led by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD).

"The CTD team received credible information that two terrorists of a proscribed organisation ISIS were present in the limits of Police Station Darahma in DG Khan district. They had planned to attack vital installations there," officials said.

The accused were identified as Usman, alias Hanzla, and Azhar. Explosives and material to make an improvised explosive device were recovered. Investigation is on to ascertain the ISIS network in Punjab district.

The Pakistani government officially denies the presence of ISIS on its soil.

Two Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists, who were planning an attack on vital installations in Pakistan's Punjab province, have been arrested, police said on Friday.

Two Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists, who were planning an attack on vital installations in Pakistan's Punjab province, have been arrested, police said on Friday. The Daesh militants were picked up from Dera Ghazi Khan district, nearly 400 km from provincial capital Lahore, on Thursday, in an operation led by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD). "The CTD team received credible information that two terrorists of a proscribed organisation ISIS were present in the limits of Police Station Darahma in DG Khan district. They had planned to attack vital installations there," officials said. The accused were identified as Usman, alias Hanzla, and Azhar. Explosives and material to make an improvised explosive device were recovered. Investigation is on to ascertain the ISIS network in Punjab district. The Pakistani government officially denies the presence of ISIS on its soil.

Two ISIS terrorists held in Pakistan's Punjab province

A secret chamber was found on Sunday by sleuths of the NIA at the residence of suspected al-Qaeda terrorist Abu Sufiyan, one of the six arrested from Murshidabad district in West Bengal, officials said.

The chamber, measuring 10x7 feet, was found during a raid at the house in the Raninagar area of the district, a senior district police officer said.

Several electronic gadgets and a board of bulb were also found during the hour-long raid at the single-storied house, he said.

Sufiyan's wife later told reporters that the chamber was dug for a septic tank for an attached toilet.

"We have told the cops about this," she claimed.

During the interrogation, Sufiyan told the investigators about the chamber, the officer said.

Interrogation of the six continued in Kolkata during the day, officials said.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday arrested nine suspected al-Qaeda terrorists from West Bengal and Kerala.

While six of them were arrested from Murshidabad district, three others were nabbed from Ernakulam in Kerala.

Special NIA court judge Prasenjit Biswas remanded the six persons, arrested from Murshidabad, in NIA custody.

They have been charged under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Those arrested from Murshidabad were identified as Najmus Sakib, Abu Sufiyan, Mainul Mondal, Leu Yean Ahmed, Al Mamun Kamal and Atitur Rehman, according to an NIA spokesperson.

It said that the group was planning terrorist attacks at vital installations in India with an aim to kill innocent people and strike terror in their minds.

Digital devices, documents, jihadi literature, sharp weapons, country-made firearms, a locally fabricated body armour, articles and literature used for making home-made explosive devices have been seized from them, the NIA statement said.

A secret chamber was found on Sunday by sleuths of the NIA at the residence of suspected al-Qaeda terrorist Abu Sufiyan, one of the six arrested from Murshidabad district in West Bengal, officials said.

A secret chamber was found on Sunday by sleuths of the NIA at the residence of suspected al-Qaeda terrorist Abu Sufiyan, one of the six arrested from Murshidabad district in West Bengal, officials said. The chamber, measuring 10x7 feet, was found during a raid at the house in the Raninagar area of the district, a senior district police officer said. Several electronic gadgets and a board of bulb were also found during the hour-long raid at the single-storied house, he said. Sufiyan's wife later told reporters that the chamber was dug for a septic tank for an attached toilet. "We have told the cops about this," she claimed. During the interrogation, Sufiyan told the investigators about the chamber, the officer said. Interrogation of the six continued in Kolkata during the day, officials said. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday arrested nine suspected al-Qaeda terrorists from West Bengal and Kerala. While six of them were arrested from Murshidabad district, three others were nabbed from Ernakulam in Kerala. Special NIA court judge Prasenjit Biswas remanded the six persons, arrested from Murshidabad, in NIA custody. They have been charged under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Those arrested from Murshidabad were identified as Najmus Sakib, Abu Sufiyan, Mainul Mondal, Leu Yean Ahmed, Al Mamun Kamal and Atitur Rehman, according to an NIA spokesperson. It said that the group was planning terrorist attacks at vital installations in India with an aim to kill innocent people and strike terror in their minds. Digital devices, documents, jihadi literature, sharp weapons, country-made firearms, a locally fabricated body armour, articles and literature used for making home-made explosive devices have been seized from them, the NIA statement said.

Secret chamber found at house of suspected al-Qaeda terrorist in Murshidabad: Police

Prosecutors in Washington have charged a US citizen for joining the so-called Islamic State group in Syria, according to a statement from the Justice Department Wednesday.&nbsp;

The charges allege that Lirim Sylejmani conspired to provide and provided material support to IS, which the United States has classified as a terrorist organization, between 2015 and 2019.&nbsp;

The department also claimed he received military training from the self-styled caliphate.&nbsp;

"The defendant is a US citizen who abandoned the country that welcomed him to join ISIS in Syria," acting US Attorney Sherwin said in the statement of Sylejmani, who was born in Kosovo. "He will now be held accountable for his actions in an American courtroom."

Sylejmani was captured by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) last year, according to the statement, before facing investigation by the FBI's Washington Field Office Joint Terrorism Task Force.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-brings-back-child-trapped-in-syria-dominic-raab-327904">Also read| UK brings back child trapped in Syria: Dominic Raab</a>

The question of how to handle captured foreign IS fighters has vexed Western governments, with the US vying for European countries to repatriate and try their own citizens.&nbsp;

Nations such as France and Britain reject the return of battle-hardened supporters of the ultra-violent IS group, which has claimed responsibility for a slew of grisly attacks against civilians.

Some European governments, including Britain, have revoked the citizenship of a number of citizens over alleged IS links.&nbsp;

But the US has pushed back against these approaches.&nbsp;

"Leaving them in the desert is not an effective solution. It makes it more likely they're going to find their way back to the battlefield, and accepting that risk is not being tough on terrorism," the US State Department's counterterrorism coordinator Nathan Sales told a meeting in Brussels last year.&nbsp;

Plus, it could put an undue burden on Middle Eastern countries already dealing with their own former IS-fighter citizens, according to the US.&nbsp;

The EU-backed Genocide Network this spring advocated that returning IS foreign fighters should be charged with war crimes under international law — such as genocide or crimes against humanity — in addition to whatever terrorism charges they may face at home.&nbsp;

As of May, some 2,000 fighters were still detained by Syrian forces and another 1,000 were in detention in Iraq, many of them European citizens mainly from France, Britain and Germany.

Prosecutors in Washington have charged a US citizen for joining the so-called Islamic State group in Syria, according to a statement from the Justice Department Wednesday.

Prosecutors in Washington have charged a US citizen for joining the so-called Islamic State group in Syria, according to a statement from the Justice Department Wednesday. The charges allege that Lirim Sylejmani conspired to provide and provided material support to IS, which the United States has classified as a terrorist organization, between 2015 and 2019. The department also claimed he received military training from the self-styled caliphate. "The defendant is a US citizen who abandoned the country that welcomed him to join ISIS in Syria," acting US Attorney Sherwin said in the statement of Sylejmani, who was born in Kosovo. "He will now be held accountable for his actions in an American courtroom." Sylejmani was captured by the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) last year, according to the statement, before facing investigation by the FBI's Washington Field Office Joint Terrorism Task Force. Also read| UK brings back child trapped in Syria: Dominic Raab The question of how to handle captured foreign IS fighters has vexed Western governments, with the US vying for European countries to repatriate and try their own citizens. Nations such as France and Britain reject the return of battle-hardened supporters of the ultra-violent IS group, which has claimed responsibility for a slew of grisly attacks against civilians. Some European governments, including Britain, have revoked the citizenship of a number of citizens over alleged IS links. But the US has pushed back against these approaches. "Leaving them in the desert is not an effective solution. It makes it more likely they're going to find their way back to the battlefield, and accepting that risk is not being tough on terrorism," the US State Department's counterterrorism coordinator Nathan Sales told a meeting in Brussels last year. Plus, it could put an undue burden on Middle Eastern countries already dealing with their own former IS-fighter citizens, according to the US. The EU-backed Genocide Network this spring advocated that returning IS foreign fighters should be charged with war crimes under international law — such as genocide or crimes against humanity — in addition to whatever terrorism charges they may face at home. As of May, some 2,000 fighters were still detained by Syrian forces and another 1,000 were in detention in Iraq, many of them European citizens mainly from France, Britain and Germany.

US charges citizen with providing support to IS

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday filed a charge sheet against five people for their alleged association with the banned Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) case, an affiliate of ISIS, officials said.

Those charge-sheeted include Jahanzaib Sami of Delhi; Hina Bashir, a native of Kashmir; Abdullah Basith, a resident of Hyderabad; and Sadiya Anwar Shaikh and Nabeel Siddick Khatri, both residents of Pune.

The charge sheet was filed in a court in Delhi.

The accused have been charge-sheeted for their affiliation with the proscribed terrorist organisation ISIS/ISKP and for conspiring to create disaffection against the government, promoting enmity among different religious communities and for committing subversive activities.

They have been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday filed a charge sheet against five people for their alleged association with the banned Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) case, an affiliate of ISIS, officials said.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday filed a charge sheet against five people for their alleged association with the banned Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) case, an affiliate of ISIS, officials said. Those charge-sheeted include Jahanzaib Sami of Delhi; Hina Bashir, a native of Kashmir; Abdullah Basith, a resident of Hyderabad; and Sadiya Anwar Shaikh and Nabeel Siddick Khatri, both residents of Pune. The charge sheet was filed in a court in Delhi. The accused have been charge-sheeted for their affiliation with the proscribed terrorist organisation ISIS/ISKP and for conspiring to create disaffection against the government, promoting enmity among different religious communities and for committing subversive activities. They have been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

NIA files charge sheet against five for alleged links with an ISIS affiliate

Delhi Police nabbed a suspected ISIS agent on Saturday morning with around 2 explosives. This nabbed criminal has been identified as Abu Yusuf Khan.

Delhi Police nabbed suspected ISIS agent on Saturday morning with explosives

Security checks have been intensified along the Delhi border in Uttar Pradesh's Noida in the wake of an alleged ISIS operative being arrested in the national capital with explosives.

The Delhi Police arrested the alleged ISIS operative with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from central Delhi's Ridge Road area. The accused was arrested on Friday night following a brief exchange of fire.

To this end, vehicles and passengers moving to and fro Delhi are being checked at the border, while Gautam Buddh Nagar district is also on alert mode, Noida Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh S said.

Senior police officers also assessed security checks in the district bordering Delhi.

The accused was arrested following a brief exchange of fire in central Delhi's Ridge Road area, the officer said.

Additionally, Uttar Pradesh DGP Hitesh Chandra Awasthi has sounded an alert in the state.

The DGP has asked all police officers, especially those in field posting, to remain alert in view of the arrest and take necessary precautions, a senior official said.

(with inputs from agencies)

Security checks have been intensified along the Delhi border in Uttar Pradesh's Noida in the wake of an alleged ISIS operative being arrested in the national capital with explosives.

Security checks have been intensified along the Delhi border in Uttar Pradesh's Noida in the wake of an alleged ISIS operative being arrested in the national capital with explosives. The Delhi Police arrested the alleged ISIS operative with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from central Delhi's Ridge Road area. The accused was arrested on Friday night following a brief exchange of fire. To this end, vehicles and passengers moving to and fro Delhi are being checked at the border, while Gautam Buddh Nagar district is also on alert mode, Noida Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh S said. Senior police officers also assessed security checks in the district bordering Delhi. The accused was arrested following a brief exchange of fire in central Delhi's Ridge Road area, the officer said. Additionally, Uttar Pradesh DGP Hitesh Chandra Awasthi has sounded an alert in the state. The DGP has asked all police officers, especially those in field posting, to remain alert in view of the arrest and take necessary precautions, a senior official said. (with inputs from agencies)

Security checks intensified in Delhi-NCR after ISIS operative held; UP DGP sounds alert

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday arrested doctor for his alleged links with the banned terrorist outfit Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) and offshoot of ISIS. He has been booked under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

28-year-old Abdur Rahman who is a doctor by profession was arrested from his residence in Basavangudi in Bengaluru. The NIA has said that he is in contact with the Islamic State. He was working as an Ophthalmologist at M.S. Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore.

During interrogation, Rahman confessed that he was conspiring with Jahanzaib Sami and other Syria-based ISIS operatives on secure messaging platforms to further ISIS activities, NIA said in a statement.

Significantly, Rahman had visited an ISIS medical camp in Syria in early 2014 for treatment of ISIS terrorists and stayed with Islamic State operatives for 10 days and returned to India, the NIA said.

"Rahman was in the process of developing a medical application for helping the injured ISIS cadres in the conflict-zones and a weaponry-related application for the benefit of ISIS fighters," the agency said.

After arresting Rahman, NIA carried out searches at 3 premises belonging to him in Bengaluru with the assistance of Karnataka Police and seized digital devices, mobile phone, laptop containing incriminating material.

They were also found to be in touch with Abdullah Basith, who was already lodged in Tihar jail in another NIA case (ISIS Abu Dabhi Module), the agency said, During the further investigation in the case, NIA arrested two more accused — Sadiya Anwar Sheikh and Nabeel Siddick Khatri — both residents of Pune, for being part of the conspiracy to "further the activities of ISIS/ISKP in India" and to "carry out subversive activities in the garb of anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests".

The arrested accused will be produced before the NIA Special Court at New Delhi and NIA remand will be sought for his custodial interrogation, the agency said. Further investigation in the case is continued, NIA said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday arrested doctor for his alleged links with the banned terrorist outfit Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) and offshoot of ISIS.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday arrested doctor for his alleged links with the banned terrorist outfit Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) and offshoot of ISIS. He has been booked under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). 28-year-old Abdur Rahman who is a doctor by profession was arrested from his residence in Basavangudi in Bengaluru. The NIA has said that he is in contact with the Islamic State. He was working as an Ophthalmologist at M.S. Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore. During interrogation, Rahman confessed that he was conspiring with Jahanzaib Sami and other Syria-based ISIS operatives on secure messaging platforms to further ISIS activities, NIA said in a statement. Significantly, Rahman had visited an ISIS medical camp in Syria in early 2014 for treatment of ISIS terrorists and stayed with Islamic State operatives for 10 days and returned to India, the NIA said. "Rahman was in the process of developing a medical application for helping the injured ISIS cadres in the conflict-zones and a weaponry-related application for the benefit of ISIS fighters," the agency said. After arresting Rahman, NIA carried out searches at 3 premises belonging to him in Bengaluru with the assistance of Karnataka Police and seized digital devices, mobile phone, laptop containing incriminating material. They were also found to be in touch with Abdullah Basith, who was already lodged in Tihar jail in another NIA case (ISIS Abu Dabhi Module), the agency said, During the further investigation in the case, NIA arrested two more accused — Sadiya Anwar Sheikh and Nabeel Siddick Khatri — both residents of Pune, for being part of the conspiracy to "further the activities of ISIS/ISKP in India" and to "carry out subversive activities in the garb of anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests". The arrested accused will be produced before the NIA Special Court at New Delhi and NIA remand will be sought for his custodial interrogation, the agency said. Further investigation in the case is continued, NIA said. (With inputs from agencies)

Bengaluru doctor making apps for ISIS arrested by NIA

Militants affiliated with the Islamic State group stormed a prison in eastern Afghanistan. The attack left at least 29 people dead, including the assailants. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: Deadly prison attack in Afghanistan by ISIS, Afghan prison attack

Mosul train station wears a deserted look as it was destroyed by ISIS in 2014. Rebuilding efforts have been halted due to COVID-19. Watch report.

Your Story: Mosul train station destroyed by ISIS in 2014 still lies in ruins

Shamima Begum a 20-year-old woman who left London to join the Islamic State group in Syria in 2015 now has a chance to fight for her UK citizenship. Watch report.

Will ISIS bride return to UK? Shamima Begum wins right to return to UK

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