Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi sought on Monday (July 1) to curb the powers of influential Iranian-backed Shi'ite Muslim militias, a politically risky move apparently aimed at placating the United States.

Iraq PM orders Iran-allied militias to be reined in

Australian counter-terror police said they arrested three men in raids across Sydney on Tuesday, foiling a plot inspired by militant group Islamic State for attacks targeting a range of public buildings and embassies.

Australia, a staunch US ally, has been on heightened alert for attacks by home-grown radicals since 2014 and authorities say they have thwarted 16 major plots since.

Two of the arrested men, aged 20 and 23, are charged with being members of Islamic State, a crime under Australian laws, with the younger man accused of plotting the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-man-accused-of-helping-islamic-state-build-missile-tech-held-12884">Sydney attack</a>, which police said was in the early stages of planning.

"We will say that they had a number of targets, including police stations, defence establishments, embassies and councils, courts and churches," Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Ian McCartney told reporters in Sydney.

"There are still those people within the community who wish to do us harm," he said. "I want to say they don't represent the Islamic faith. Their actions are criminal and they represent hatred and terror."

Police made the arrests because they had compiled sufficient evidence for charges, McCarthy said, but offered few details.

A third man, aged 30, is charged with welfare fraud.

The police did not name those charged, who are expected to appear in court later in the day or on Wednesday.

The so-called Islamic State caliphate was established in 2014 and although it has been driven in the past year from all territory it once held in Syria and Iraq, authorities say it remains a threat, as an underground movement.

McCarthy said the man charged with plotting had been tracked by Australian authorities since mid-2018 when he drew their attention by travelling to Lebanon.

He now faces life imprisonment, if convicted. The others face sentences as long as 10 years.

Australian counter-terror police said they arrested three men in raids across Sydney on Tuesday, foiling a plot inspired by militant group Islamic State for attacks targeting a range of public buildings and embassies.

Australian counter-terror police said they arrested three men in raids across Sydney on Tuesday, foiling a plot inspired by militant group Islamic State for attacks targeting a range of public buildings and embassies. Australia, a staunch US ally, has been on heightened alert for attacks by home-grown radicals since 2014 and authorities say they have thwarted 16 major plots since. Two of the arrested men, aged 20 and 23, are charged with being members of Islamic State, a crime under Australian laws, with the younger man accused of plotting the Sydney attack, which police said was in the early stages of planning. "We will say that they had a number of targets, including police stations, defence establishments, embassies and councils, courts and churches," Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Ian McCartney told reporters in Sydney. "There are still those people within the community who wish to do us harm," he said. "I want to say they don't represent the Islamic faith. Their actions are criminal and they represent hatred and terror." Police made the arrests because they had compiled sufficient evidence for charges, McCarthy said, but offered few details. A third man, aged 30, is charged with welfare fraud. The police did not name those charged, who are expected to appear in court later in the day or on Wednesday. The so-called Islamic State caliphate was established in 2014 and although it has been driven in the past year from all territory it once held in Syria and Iraq, authorities say it remains a threat, as an underground movement. McCarthy said the man charged with plotting had been tracked by Australian authorities since mid-2018 when he drew their attention by travelling to Lebanon. He now faces life imprisonment, if convicted. The others face sentences as long as 10 years.

Australian counter-terror police say they foiled Sydney attack plot

A number of apparent suicide bombings in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-condemns-bombing-of-philippines-cathedral-that-killed-20-as-terrorist-attack-193236">Philippines</a> over the past 12 months are a worrying escalation of militancy driven by the influence of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-next-islamic-state-battlefield-will-be-in-south-asia-216301">Islamic State</a> in Southeast Asia, security experts say.&nbsp;

A decades-old Islamist insurgency in the southern Philippines has killed tens of thousands.

But suicide attacks have been used extremely rarely, with foreign fighters blamed for the few that have been carried out.

Authorities now fear however the most recent suspected suicide attack, which struck a military base Friday on the southern island of Jolo, killing at least five people, may have been the work of a Filipino.

It was the third suspected suicide attack since July 2018.

"The change did not come with (Friday's) bombing, it came with the introduction of a lethal new ideology into the Philippines," said security analyst Sidney Jones.&nbsp;

"The game-changer" was the Islamic State, she added.&nbsp;

As its "caliphate" crumbled in the Middle East, IS has stepped up its strategy of absorbing existing insurgent groups around the world and claiming their attacks.

The group has had a presence for years in the south of the Philippines, where rugged terrain and weak government control provide a safe haven for fighters.

Suicide attacks indicate a higher level of commitment to the militant cause, experts say, and are often approved by the central leadership of IS, who trade off the media profile the tactic brings.

The group has taken credit for Friday's blasts, as well as the deaths of over 30 people, killed in two previous attacks believed to be the work of suicide bombers.

The first was a July 2018 van bomb at a checkpoint in southern Basilan island, followed by the explosions during Sunday mass in January at a Catholic cathedral in Jolo.

"It is an escalation, but it's also a sign of increased radicalisation," said Zachary Abuza, Southeast Asian security expert at the National War College in Washington.

The Philippines is a key piece of territory because it is one of the few places in the region where IS can hold ground as its affiliates did for five months in Marawi.

Filipino bomber?&nbsp;

The rash of suicide bombings and new IS propaganda videos suggests the pull of the militant group in the Philippines "remains strong", Jones said, referring to jihadists who laid siege to the southern Marawi city in 2017.

The army suspects a 23-year-old Filipino carried out the latest attack and are investigating whether it was a suicide bomb, or a remote detonation went wrong.

"(His) remains were claimed by the mother and the sibling who identified him based on the head," Major General Cirilito Sobejana told AFP.&nbsp;

"For the benefit of the doubt, we are doing DNA testing."

Analysts have long feared suicide attacks would take root in the Philippines, given the IS influence and presence of foreign fighters.

"Society is changing. Their method of attack is changing. Suicide bombing is the current and future method of attack," said Rommel Banlaoi, chairman of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research.

At the same time, there are strong motivations from local militant cells to try to catch the eye of the IS central leadership with suicide attacks.

Several figures are vying to be the designated leader in the region, with top candidates coming from the IS-aligned Abu Sayyaf network.

The kidnap-for-ransom group has engaged in bombings as well as kidnappings of Western tourists and missionaries since the early 1990s and has in recent years also preyed on cargo ships and fishing vessels.

When IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi released a propaganda video in April it contained no mention of the East Asia wing.

"Members of the Islamic State in Southeast Asia might be thinking they really need to up their game to get back in the good graces of Islamic State central," said Abuza.

A number of apparent suicide bombings in the Philippines over the past 12 months are a worrying escalation of militancy driven by the influence of the Islamic State in Southeast Asia, security experts say.

A number of apparent suicide bombings in the Philippines over the past 12 months are a worrying escalation of militancy driven by the influence of the Islamic State in Southeast Asia, security experts say. A decades-old Islamist insurgency in the southern Philippines has killed tens of thousands. But suicide attacks have been used extremely rarely, with foreign fighters blamed for the few that have been carried out. Authorities now fear however the most recent suspected suicide attack, which struck a military base Friday on the southern island of Jolo, killing at least five people, may have been the work of a Filipino. It was the third suspected suicide attack since July 2018. "The change did not come with (Friday's) bombing, it came with the introduction of a lethal new ideology into the Philippines," said security analyst Sidney Jones. "The game-changer" was the Islamic State, she added. As its "caliphate" crumbled in the Middle East, IS has stepped up its strategy of absorbing existing insurgent groups around the world and claiming their attacks. The group has had a presence for years in the south of the Philippines, where rugged terrain and weak government control provide a safe haven for fighters. Suicide attacks indicate a higher level of commitment to the militant cause, experts say, and are often approved by the central leadership of IS, who trade off the media profile the tactic brings. The group has taken credit for Friday's blasts, as well as the deaths of over 30 people, killed in two previous attacks believed to be the work of suicide bombers. The first was a July 2018 van bomb at a checkpoint in southern Basilan island, followed by the explosions during Sunday mass in January at a Catholic cathedral in Jolo. "It is an escalation, but it's also a sign of increased radicalisation," said Zachary Abuza, Southeast Asian security expert at the National War College in Washington. The Philippines is a key piece of territory because it is one of the few places in the region where IS can hold ground as its affiliates did for five months in Marawi. Filipino bomber? The rash of suicide bombings and new IS propaganda videos suggests the pull of the militant group in the Philippines "remains strong", Jones said, referring to jihadists who laid siege to the southern Marawi city in 2017. The army suspects a 23-year-old Filipino carried out the latest attack and are investigating whether it was a suicide bomb, or a remote detonation went wrong. "(His) remains were claimed by the mother and the sibling who identified him based on the head," Major General Cirilito Sobejana told AFP. "For the benefit of the doubt, we are doing DNA testing." Analysts have long feared suicide attacks would take root in the Philippines, given the IS influence and presence of foreign fighters. "Society is changing. Their method of attack is changing. Suicide bombing is the current and future method of attack," said Rommel Banlaoi, chairman of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research. At the same time, there are strong motivations from local militant cells to try to catch the eye of the IS central leadership with suicide attacks. Several figures are vying to be the designated leader in the region, with top candidates coming from the IS-aligned Abu Sayyaf network. The kidnap-for-ransom group has engaged in bombings as well as kidnappings of Western tourists and missionaries since the early 1990s and has in recent years also preyed on cargo ships and fishing vessels. When IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi released a propaganda video in April it contained no mention of the East Asia wing. "Members of the Islamic State in Southeast Asia might be thinking they really need to up their game to get back in the good graces of Islamic State central," said Abuza.

Suicide attacks emerge in Philippines under Islamic State influence

Western donors must ensure that humanitarian aid and any future reconstruction assistance in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/facing-imminent-defeat-in-syria-and-iraq-isis-shifts-its-attention-to-south-asia-214681">Syria</a> do not fuel repression or benefit "cronies" of President Bashar al-Assad, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Friday.&nbsp;

The Syrian government has kept tight controls on the aid flow into the country throughout its eight-year civil war, often depriving civilians in opposition areas of supplies while favouring loyalists, according to New York-based HRW.

Syrian authorities have denied using starvation tactics as a weapon of war or diverting aid to government-held areas.

In Pictures: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pictures-children-become-victims-of-chemical-attack-in-syria-220">Children become victims of 'chemical attack' in Syria</a>

But Human Rights Watch, in a report based on interviews with aid workers and experts, said that UN and other aid agencies had been forced into complicity in selective distributions in order to access some areas.

Donors must be in the "driver`s seat" now that Assad has all but won the war and millions of Syrian refugees consider returning to their homeland where one-third of the infrastructure has been destroyed, the report said.

The Syrian government has proven to be "a master of manipulation when it comes to aid", Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, told Reuters.

"This is an important moment...because it is a moment when the Syria government is also begging the West for billions (of dollars) of new funds for reconstruction aid. So the problems that we have seen are going to recur in spades if there is not a serious effort to address them."

The United States and European Union say they cannot provide aid for reconstruction in Syria without a political transition and end to a war that has killed hundreds of thousands.

The economies of Syria`s main allies Russia and Iran are hurting, Roth said. "So I don`t see other big sources of funds. They are going to be Western funds which gives the Western donors some leverage which we hope that they will exercise."

"Anybody proposing to provide humanitarian or reconstruction assistance in Syria has the responsibility to do basic due diligence to ensure that their funds are going to those in greatest need, that they are not underwriting ongoing repression, that they are not padding the bank accounts of government officials and cronies," he said.

Western donors must ensure that humanitarian aid and any future reconstruction assistance in Syria do not fuel repression or benefit "cronies" of President Bashar al-Assad, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Friday.

Western donors must ensure that humanitarian aid and any future reconstruction assistance in Syria do not fuel repression or benefit "cronies" of President Bashar al-Assad, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Friday. The Syrian government has kept tight controls on the aid flow into the country throughout its eight-year civil war, often depriving civilians in opposition areas of supplies while favouring loyalists, according to New York-based HRW. Syrian authorities have denied using starvation tactics as a weapon of war or diverting aid to government-held areas. In Pictures: Children become victims of 'chemical attack' in Syria But Human Rights Watch, in a report based on interviews with aid workers and experts, said that UN and other aid agencies had been forced into complicity in selective distributions in order to access some areas. Donors must be in the "driver`s seat" now that Assad has all but won the war and millions of Syrian refugees consider returning to their homeland where one-third of the infrastructure has been destroyed, the report said. The Syrian government has proven to be "a master of manipulation when it comes to aid", Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, told Reuters. "This is an important moment...because it is a moment when the Syria government is also begging the West for billions (of dollars) of new funds for reconstruction aid. So the problems that we have seen are going to recur in spades if there is not a serious effort to address them." The United States and European Union say they cannot provide aid for reconstruction in Syria without a political transition and end to a war that has killed hundreds of thousands. The economies of Syria`s main allies Russia and Iran are hurting, Roth said. "So I don`t see other big sources of funds. They are going to be Western funds which gives the Western donors some leverage which we hope that they will exercise." "Anybody proposing to provide humanitarian or reconstruction assistance in Syria has the responsibility to do basic due diligence to ensure that their funds are going to those in greatest need, that they are not underwriting ongoing repression, that they are not padding the bank accounts of government officials and cronies," he said.

West must be in 'driver's seat' for Syria reconstruction: Human Rights Watch

The US on Thursday warned European countries they were making a "bad decision" by leaving their nationals who fought with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belgium-takes-back-six-islamic-state-children-227306">Islamic State group</a> in Syria instead of repatriating them to face justice.

The collapse of the IS "caliphate" has left <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-in-afghanistan-aspires-to-attack-us-marine-general-frank-mckenzie-226736">US-backed Syrian rebel forces</a> holding thousands of foreign fighters and many Western countries are reluctant to take them back due to public opposition and fears they could pose a threat.

But James Jeffrey, the US special representative on Syria and Washington's ambassador to the global coalition to defeat ISIS, said that by dodging their responsibility for their citizens, rich countries were risking fresh violence.

"We're talking about countries with per capita incomes about the same as the United States... putting the burden on informal local authorities who are detached from a state structure in the middle of a war zone," Jeffrey told reporters at a meeting of the coalition in Brussels.

"That's a bad decision. Period. If those people break out -&nbsp;many of them are dangerous -&nbsp;they will kill people."

Repatriation is a sensitive issue for Western nations such as France and Britain, which have suffered attacks by homegrown extremists and have little interest in seeing more return.

Britain has even gone as far as stripping some former IS fighters and supporters of citizenship, but the US insists they should be brought home to face the courts.

"They should be prevented from killing people and the best way to do that is to bring them back to Europe and to deal with them in the justice systems of the respective countries," Jeffrey said.&nbsp;

"That's what we're doing in the relatively limited number of cases we have. But we are doing it, why can't they?"

As well as opposition to the cost of detaining the fighters, there are also worries that it could prove difficult to successfully prosecute fighters in European courts for crimes committed in Iraq or Syria.

The coalition met on the sidelines of a NATO defence ministers' gathering, and Jeffrey said the new US Acting Defense Secretary Mark Esper wanted allies to help the fight against the last remnants of IS in northeast Syria.

The Syrian civil war is likely to come up when Trump meets President Vladimir Putin of Russia -&nbsp;the Syrian government's key backer -&nbsp;at the G20 which starts in Osaka, Japan on Friday.

Jeffrey said the US was in constant contact with Russia over the conflict and had warned Moscow that any use of chemical weapons in the regime's ongoing assault on the city of Idlib could trigger a military response.

"If chemical weapons are used in Idlib, which is always a possibility, we have made it clear that we will take very very firm action," Jeffrey said, pointing out that the US has already carried out strikes in retaliation for Syrian chemical weapons attacks twice.

The US on Thursday warned European countries they were making a "bad decision" by leaving their nationals who fought with the Islamic State group in Syria instead of repatriating them to face justice.

The US on Thursday warned European countries they were making a "bad decision" by leaving their nationals who fought with the Islamic State group in Syria instead of repatriating them to face justice. The collapse of the IS "caliphate" has left US-backed Syrian rebel forces holding thousands of foreign fighters and many Western countries are reluctant to take them back due to public opposition and fears they could pose a threat. But James Jeffrey, the US special representative on Syria and Washington's ambassador to the global coalition to defeat ISIS, said that by dodging their responsibility for their citizens, rich countries were risking fresh violence. "We're talking about countries with per capita incomes about the same as the United States... putting the burden on informal local authorities who are detached from a state structure in the middle of a war zone," Jeffrey told reporters at a meeting of the coalition in Brussels. "That's a bad decision. Period. If those people break out - many of them are dangerous - they will kill people." Repatriation is a sensitive issue for Western nations such as France and Britain, which have suffered attacks by homegrown extremists and have little interest in seeing more return. Britain has even gone as far as stripping some former IS fighters and supporters of citizenship, but the US insists they should be brought home to face the courts. "They should be prevented from killing people and the best way to do that is to bring them back to Europe and to deal with them in the justice systems of the respective countries," Jeffrey said. "That's what we're doing in the relatively limited number of cases we have. But we are doing it, why can't they?" As well as opposition to the cost of detaining the fighters, there are also worries that it could prove difficult to successfully prosecute fighters in European courts for crimes committed in Iraq or Syria. The coalition met on the sidelines of a NATO defence ministers' gathering, and Jeffrey said the new US Acting Defense Secretary Mark Esper wanted allies to help the fight against the last remnants of IS in northeast Syria. The Syrian civil war is likely to come up when Trump meets President Vladimir Putin of Russia - the Syrian government's key backer - at the G20 which starts in Osaka, Japan on Friday. Jeffrey said the US was in constant contact with Russia over the conflict and had warned Moscow that any use of chemical weapons in the regime's ongoing assault on the city of Idlib could trigger a military response. "If chemical weapons are used in Idlib, which is always a possibility, we have made it clear that we will take very very firm action," Jeffrey said, pointing out that the US has already carried out strikes in retaliation for Syrian chemical weapons attacks twice.

Bad decision by Europe to leave its nationals who fought for Islamic State in Syria: US

Germany has arrested a Bosnian man suspected of involvement in Islamic State attacks in Paris four years ago that killed 130 people, prosecutors in the eastern state of Saxony said on Thursday.

The 39-year-old suspect was arrested last week, prosecutors said, after an investigation into three Bosnians suspected of breaching Germany`s War Weapons Control Act, which regulates the manufacturing, sale, and transport of arms used in conflicts.

Belgium had issued a European arrest warrant for the arrested man on suspicion of supporting the militants who carried out the attacks in Paris in 2015 and in Belgium a year later.

The man is in custody prior to extradition, prosecutors said. They gave no details about when he would be extradited. Special police units found no weapons in his possession when he was arrested, the prosecutors said, German investigators were still looking into the activities of the two other Bosnian nationals with links to the arrested suspect.

The prime surviving suspect in the 2015 Paris attacks, Salah Abdeslam, was sentenced to 20 years in prison last year in Belgium over a shootout with police in Brussels.&nbsp;

Abdeslam is in a French prison awaiting trial for his role in the attacks in Paris in November 2015. His trial may not start until late 2020.&nbsp;

Germany has arrested a Bosnian man suspected of involvement in Islamic State attacks in Paris four years ago that killed 130 people, prosecutors in the eastern state of Saxony said on Thursday.

Germany has arrested a Bosnian man suspected of involvement in Islamic State attacks in Paris four years ago that killed 130 people, prosecutors in the eastern state of Saxony said on Thursday. The 39-year-old suspect was arrested last week, prosecutors said, after an investigation into three Bosnians suspected of breaching Germany`s War Weapons Control Act, which regulates the manufacturing, sale, and transport of arms used in conflicts. Belgium had issued a European arrest warrant for the arrested man on suspicion of supporting the militants who carried out the attacks in Paris in 2015 and in Belgium a year later. The man is in custody prior to extradition, prosecutors said. They gave no details about when he would be extradited. Special police units found no weapons in his possession when he was arrested, the prosecutors said, German investigators were still looking into the activities of the two other Bosnian nationals with links to the arrested suspect. The prime surviving suspect in the 2015 Paris attacks, Salah Abdeslam, was sentenced to 20 years in prison last year in Belgium over a shootout with police in Brussels. Abdeslam is in a French prison awaiting trial for his role in the attacks in Paris in November 2015. His trial may not start until late 2020.

Germany arrests suspect linked to 2015 Paris attacks

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-to-charge-police-for-lapses-over-easter-attacks-229031">Sri Lanka</a>'s tourism industry is recovering faster than expected after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-bombings-death-toll-from-terror-attack-rises-to-310-40-people-arrested-212788">Easter Sunday suicide bombings</a> shook the island nation, giving a much-needed boost to the economy, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-parliament-finally-approves-2019-budget-202949">Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera </a>told AFP.

The country was hit by mass cancellations after Islamic State-backed jihadists attacked three churches and three hotels on April 21, leaving 258 dead, including dozens of foreigners.

Yet even in the bombing's aftermath, domestic tourists filled hotels, and visitors from key European markets are already starting to return, Samaraweera said in an interview on Wednesday.

Samaraweera had initially predicted that Sri Lanka could lose 30 per cent of its tourism revenues about $1.5 billion this year but now believes the loss will be less than one billion.

"We are beginning to feel that the situation was not as dire as we expected," Samaraweera said. "Bookings are coming back." Hotels were able to keep staff by offering "excellent packages" to Sri Lankan tourists, he added.

The government also set aside hundreds of millions of dollars to provide cheap credit for tourism businesses hit by the crisis.

Bus companies, bed and breakfast owners and the makers of Buddhist festival decorations all received interest-free loans, the minister said.

"Even the musicians who accompany the processions claimed they were out of pocket," he said.

After five years in which Sri Lanka has faced a series of blows, Samaraweera said the economy could get to five per cent annual growth from next year if calm was restored.

"The last five years have not been easy for Sri Lanka," he said, referring to floods and then a drought, which was followed by a political crisis in 2018 and the 2019 attacks.

Sri Lanka's economy slowed to 3.2 per cent last year, down from 3.4 per cent in 2017, because of a power struggle between the country's president and prime minister.

Samaraweera told parliament this year that the political battle had cost the economy US $1 billion in capital flight from debt and equity markets.

The International Monetary Fund has since revived a bailout programme with Sri Lanka, and the government resumed international sovereign bond sales in March.

"I hope that for this year we can come back to 3.8 - 4.0 per cent growth, and in the next two years if it was five per cent we would be happy." Sri Lanka raised $2.0 billion this week in its first international bond auction since the bombings.

The minister said the interest rates were lower than for a $2.4 billion auction in March before the attacks and this showed confidence in Sri Lanka's ability to bounce back.

"The international community has shown that they still have confidence in the good macroeconomic foundation we laid," he added.

Sri Lanka heads for a presidential election later this year, which could set off new political battles.

Economic activity usually spikes in an election year, partly because of increased government spending.

Samaraweera said he may not present a full 2020 budget by November as scheduled and instead present a temporary account to cover expenses of the first three months of the year.

He said he wanted to allow a new president to decide on fiscal policy rather than imposing a budget on the future government.

Sri Lanka's tourism industry is recovering faster than expected after the Easter Sunday suicide bombings shook the island nation, giving a much-needed boost to the economy, Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera told AFP.

Sri Lanka's tourism industry is recovering faster than expected after the Easter Sunday suicide bombings shook the island nation, giving a much-needed boost to the economy, Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera told AFP. The country was hit by mass cancellations after Islamic State-backed jihadists attacked three churches and three hotels on April 21, leaving 258 dead, including dozens of foreigners. Yet even in the bombing's aftermath, domestic tourists filled hotels, and visitors from key European markets are already starting to return, Samaraweera said in an interview on Wednesday. Samaraweera had initially predicted that Sri Lanka could lose 30 per cent of its tourism revenues about $1.5 billion this year but now believes the loss will be less than one billion. "We are beginning to feel that the situation was not as dire as we expected," Samaraweera said. "Bookings are coming back." Hotels were able to keep staff by offering "excellent packages" to Sri Lankan tourists, he added. The government also set aside hundreds of millions of dollars to provide cheap credit for tourism businesses hit by the crisis. Bus companies, bed and breakfast owners and the makers of Buddhist festival decorations all received interest-free loans, the minister said. "Even the musicians who accompany the processions claimed they were out of pocket," he said. After five years in which Sri Lanka has faced a series of blows, Samaraweera said the economy could get to five per cent annual growth from next year if calm was restored. "The last five years have not been easy for Sri Lanka," he said, referring to floods and then a drought, which was followed by a political crisis in 2018 and the 2019 attacks. Sri Lanka's economy slowed to 3.2 per cent last year, down from 3.4 per cent in 2017, because of a power struggle between the country's president and prime minister. Samaraweera told parliament this year that the political battle had cost the economy US $1 billion in capital flight from debt and equity markets. The International Monetary Fund has since revived a bailout programme with Sri Lanka, and the government resumed international sovereign bond sales in March. "I hope that for this year we can come back to 3.8 - 4.0 per cent growth, and in the next two years if it was five per cent we would be happy." Sri Lanka raised $2.0 billion this week in its first international bond auction since the bombings. The minister said the interest rates were lower than for a $2.4 billion auction in March before the attacks and this showed confidence in Sri Lanka's ability to bounce back. "The international community has shown that they still have confidence in the good macroeconomic foundation we laid," he added. Sri Lanka heads for a presidential election later this year, which could set off new political battles. Economic activity usually spikes in an election year, partly because of increased government spending. Samaraweera said he may not present a full 2020 budget by November as scheduled and instead present a temporary account to cover expenses of the first three months of the year. He said he wanted to allow a new president to decide on fiscal policy rather than imposing a budget on the future government.

Sri Lanka tourism fighting back from Easter bombings: Finance minister Mangala Samaraweera

Sri Lankan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/west-asia/islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-sri-lanka-bombings-212899">PM Ranil Wickremesinghe</a> on Tuesday confirmed at a press conference that India had offered specific intelligence about an impending attack.

India had warned Sri Lanka of jihadi threat, the PM said.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan PM said, "there has always been sharing of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-colombo-on-high-alert-following-reports-of-explosives-laden-van-212903">information between our two countries</a> with regard to terrorism. There was specific intelligence on this".

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Investigation are on and a number of people have been detained in the aftermath of the terror attack. Interpol has deployed a team while FBI has been assisting the government in the probe. The Lankan PM said all the people who have been arrested are Sri Lankans.

PM Ranil said, "The investigators are making good progress in identifying the culprits."

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena briefed foreign envoys on the situation in the country.

At least ten&nbsp;Indians are among the more than 300 dead in Sunday's terror attack, the worst in the country.

Eight of the dead are from Karnataka, one from Hyderabad, one is still to be identified, and relatives of another Indian &nbsp;- Mr Chandrashaker - are still to contact the mission. All seven JD(S) member have been confirmed dead in the attack, and WION&nbsp;has learnt that the suicide bomber was sitting in the table next to them.&nbsp;

Many Indians have left the country and were facilitated by the Indian mission. Approximately 500 Indian expats are in the island nation.

Islamic State has taken responsibility for the attacks via the group's Amaq news agency.

Reacting to this PM Ranil said, "Security apparatus was of the view, &nbsp;there are foreign links, and some of the evidence points to that and when ISIS claimed it, we will be following it up on this claim."

State minister for defence Ruwan Wijewardene confirmed in Parliament earlier that Islamist group National Thowfeeth Jamath (NTJ) was&nbsp;responsible for the worst terror attack in the island nation.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday confirmed at a press conference that India had offered specific intelligence about an impending attack. India had warned Sri Lanka of jihadi threat, the PM said.

Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday confirmed at a press conference that India had offered specific intelligence about an impending attack. India had warned Sri Lanka of jihadi threat, the PM said. The Sri Lankan PM said, "there has always been sharing of information between our two countries with regard to terrorism. There was specific intelligence on this". × Investigation are on and a number of people have been detained in the aftermath of the terror attack. Interpol has deployed a team while FBI has been assisting the government in the probe. The Lankan PM said all the people who have been arrested are Sri Lankans. PM Ranil said, "The investigators are making good progress in identifying the culprits." Meanwhile, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena briefed foreign envoys on the situation in the country. At least ten Indians are among the more than 300 dead in Sunday's terror attack, the worst in the country. Eight of the dead are from Karnataka, one from Hyderabad, one is still to be identified, and relatives of another Indian - Mr Chandrashaker - are still to contact the mission. All seven JD(S) member have been confirmed dead in the attack, and WION has learnt that the suicide bomber was sitting in the table next to them. Many Indians have left the country and were facilitated by the Indian mission. Approximately 500 Indian expats are in the island nation. Islamic State has taken responsibility for the attacks via the group's Amaq news agency. Reacting to this PM Ranil said, "Security apparatus was of the view, there are foreign links, and some of the evidence points to that and when ISIS claimed it, we will be following it up on this claim." State minister for defence Ruwan Wijewardene confirmed in Parliament earlier that Islamist group National Thowfeeth Jamath (NTJ) was responsible for the worst terror attack in the island nation.

India had provided specific intelligence on attack: Sri Lanka PM Wickremesinghe

Acting on a tip-off, Kolkata Police’s Special Task Force (STF) arrested four neo-Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) or Islamic State (IS) operatives from Kolkata.&nbsp;

Two operatives, identified as Md Jiaur Rahman and Mamonur Rashid, were arrested from the vicinity of Sealdah Railway Station’s parking lot; both are Bangladeshi nationals. A mobile phone, containing photos, videos, jihadi text and literature, was found on them.&nbsp;

Two other operatives identified as Md Sahin Alam and Robiul Islam were arrested from the Howrah Station. While Alam is a Bangladeshi national, Islam is an Indian national and lived in West Bengal’s Birbhum district.&nbsp;

The arrested Indian national was also a member of the banned terrorist organisation and was helping them by harbouring, recruiting and collecting fund from India.&nbsp;

The arrested Bangladeshi nationals had taken shelter in India to escape an arrest in Bangladesh and were further involved in the recruitment under the Islamic State banner and collect funds for organisation too.&nbsp;

All four were active on social media propagating their agenda. Digital documents, videos and audio files along with Jihadi booklets were recovered from their possession.

The main motive of their organisation was to overthrow democratic governments in India and Bangladesh and establish Sharia law under a caliphate.

The operatives are to be produced before the court today.&nbsp;

Acting on a tip-off, Kolkata Police’s Special Task Force (STF) arrested four neo-Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) or Islamic State (IS) operatives from Kolkata.

Acting on a tip-off, Kolkata Police’s Special Task Force (STF) arrested four neo-Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) or Islamic State (IS) operatives from Kolkata. Two operatives, identified as Md Jiaur Rahman and Mamonur Rashid, were arrested from the vicinity of Sealdah Railway Station’s parking lot; both are Bangladeshi nationals. A mobile phone, containing photos, videos, jihadi text and literature, was found on them. Two other operatives identified as Md Sahin Alam and Robiul Islam were arrested from the Howrah Station. While Alam is a Bangladeshi national, Islam is an Indian national and lived in West Bengal’s Birbhum district. The arrested Indian national was also a member of the banned terrorist organisation and was helping them by harbouring, recruiting and collecting fund from India. The arrested Bangladeshi nationals had taken shelter in India to escape an arrest in Bangladesh and were further involved in the recruitment under the Islamic State banner and collect funds for organisation too. All four were active on social media propagating their agenda. Digital documents, videos and audio files along with Jihadi booklets were recovered from their possession. The main motive of their organisation was to overthrow democratic governments in India and Bangladesh and establish Sharia law under a caliphate. The operatives are to be produced before the court today.

Four neo-Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh/Islamic State operatives arrested from Kolkata 

Saudi and Yemeni special forces have captured the head of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-in-afghanistan-aspires-to-attack-us-marine-general-frank-mckenzie-226736">Islamic State group's branch </a>in Yemen, the Saudi-led military coalition backing the country's government announced on&nbsp;Tuesday.

The leader identified as Abu Osama al-Muhajir was caught in an early June raid along with other members of the jihadist group including its chief financial officer, coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said in a statement.

Saudi special forces in cooperation with their Yemeni counterparts "conducted a successful operation that resulted in the capture of the leader of the Daesh (IS) branch in Yemen -&nbsp;Abu Osama al-Muhajir," Maliki said.

"A house kept under close surveillance proved the presence of the terror group's leader, and other elements, along with three women and three children."

Maliki did not specify the location of the house or where the raid was conducted, but said there were no civilian casualties.

IS and other jihadist groups have flourished in the chaos of the country's civil war, which pits the government -- backed by the Saudi-led coalition -- against Shiite Huthi rebels.

IS has lost its self-styled "caliphate" across large parts of Syria and Iraq but is said to run camps and has a number of active fighters across Yemen.

Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), considered by the US as the radical group's most dangerous branch, is also active in Yemen.

Last month, four suspected Al-Qaeda members were killed in a suicide attack claimed by IS in Bayda province.

A long-running US drone war against AQAP has intensified since President Donald Trump took office in January 2017.

The more than four-year conflict in Yemen has killed tens of thousands of people, many of them civilians, relief agencies say.

The fighting has triggered what the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with millions of people displaced and in need of aid.

Saudi and Yemeni special forces have captured the head of the Islamic State group's branch in Yemen, the Saudi-led military coalition backing the country's government announced on Tuesday.

Saudi and Yemeni special forces have captured the head of the Islamic State group's branch in Yemen, the Saudi-led military coalition backing the country's government announced on Tuesday. The leader identified as Abu Osama al-Muhajir was caught in an early June raid along with other members of the jihadist group including its chief financial officer, coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said in a statement. Saudi special forces in cooperation with their Yemeni counterparts "conducted a successful operation that resulted in the capture of the leader of the Daesh (IS) branch in Yemen - Abu Osama al-Muhajir," Maliki said. "A house kept under close surveillance proved the presence of the terror group's leader, and other elements, along with three women and three children." Maliki did not specify the location of the house or where the raid was conducted, but said there were no civilian casualties. IS and other jihadist groups have flourished in the chaos of the country's civil war, which pits the government -- backed by the Saudi-led coalition -- against Shiite Huthi rebels. IS has lost its self-styled "caliphate" across large parts of Syria and Iraq but is said to run camps and has a number of active fighters across Yemen. Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), considered by the US as the radical group's most dangerous branch, is also active in Yemen. Last month, four suspected Al-Qaeda members were killed in a suicide attack claimed by IS in Bayda province. A long-running US drone war against AQAP has intensified since President Donald Trump took office in January 2017. The more than four-year conflict in Yemen has killed tens of thousands of people, many of them civilians, relief agencies say. The fighting has triggered what the United Nations describes as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with millions of people displaced and in need of aid.

Yemen's Islamic State head Abu Osama al-Muhajir captured: Saudi coalition

A total of 155 members and sympathisers of banned terrorist organisation Islamic State (IS) have been arrested in the country so far, the Home Ministry said Tuesday.

Some instances of individuals from different states joining the IS have also come to the notice of central and state security agencies, it said.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the state police forces have registered cases against IS members and sympathisers, and have arrested 155 accused from across the country so far, Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy said in a written reply to Lok Sabha., it said.

The Islamic State (IS), the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL), the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) or the Daesh has been notified as a terrorist organisation and included in the first schedule of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, by the central government.

"The IS is using various Internet-based social media platforms to propagate its ideology. Cyberspace is being closely watched in this regard by agencies concerned and action is taken as per the law," Reddy said.

Coastal states and Union territories are advised to regularly enhance surveillance and patrolling along the coastline, in view of the threat perception, he said.

A total of 155 members and sympathisers of banned terrorist organisation Islamic State (IS) have been arrested in the country so far, the Home Ministry said Tuesday.

A total of 155 members and sympathisers of banned terrorist organisation Islamic State (IS) have been arrested in the country so far, the Home Ministry said Tuesday. Some instances of individuals from different states joining the IS have also come to the notice of central and state security agencies, it said. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the state police forces have registered cases against IS members and sympathisers, and have arrested 155 accused from across the country so far, Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy said in a written reply to Lok Sabha., it said. The Islamic State (IS), the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL), the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) or the Daesh has been notified as a terrorist organisation and included in the first schedule of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, by the central government. "The IS is using various Internet-based social media platforms to propagate its ideology. Cyberspace is being closely watched in this regard by agencies concerned and action is taken as per the law," Reddy said. Coastal states and Union territories are advised to regularly enhance surveillance and patrolling along the coastline, in view of the threat perception, he said.

155 Islamic State members, sympathisers arrested so far: Home Ministry

West African troops killed 42 suspected Islamic State fighters in a battle in the Lake Chad region on June 21, the heaviest death toll suffered by the insurgents in the last six months, a regional military task force said in a statement.

The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) comprising troops from countries bordering the lake - said one of its soldiers was killed and 10 others were injured.

In an apparent reference to the same clashes, Islamic State said its fighters had killed 15 soldiers in fighting on June 21 at Garno, a town in Nigeria`s northeastern Borno state near Lake Chad. It said a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device but did not refer to any of its fighters having been killed.

Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) was formed in 2016 when a faction of Nigerian Islamist group Boko Haram pledged allegiance to Islamic State. The insurgency has affected countries that border Lake Chad - Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, as well as islands on the lake itself.

The MNJTF said in a statement issued on Saturday that "42 terrorists (were) neutralized" during fighting on and around a Lake Chad island called Doron Naira. It said it meant it had "inflicted the heaviest loss in 6 months on ISWAP".

Islamic State, in a statement issued through its Amaq news agency, said: "Fifteen African coalition soldiers were killed and others injured when Islamic State fighters attacked them."

The insurgency, which began in northeast Nigeria, has killed more than 30,000 people and displaced about 2 million since 2009.&nbsp;

West African troops killed 42 suspected Islamic State fighters in a battle in the Lake Chad region on June 21, the heaviest death toll suffered by the insurgents in the last six months, a regional military task force said in a statement.

West African troops killed 42 suspected Islamic State fighters in a battle in the Lake Chad region on June 21, the heaviest death toll suffered by the insurgents in the last six months, a regional military task force said in a statement. The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) comprising troops from countries bordering the lake - said one of its soldiers was killed and 10 others were injured. In an apparent reference to the same clashes, Islamic State said its fighters had killed 15 soldiers in fighting on June 21 at Garno, a town in Nigeria`s northeastern Borno state near Lake Chad. It said a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device but did not refer to any of its fighters having been killed. Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) was formed in 2016 when a faction of Nigerian Islamist group Boko Haram pledged allegiance to Islamic State. The insurgency has affected countries that border Lake Chad - Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, as well as islands on the lake itself. The MNJTF said in a statement issued on Saturday that "42 terrorists (were) neutralized" during fighting on and around a Lake Chad island called Doron Naira. It said it meant it had "inflicted the heaviest loss in 6 months on ISWAP". Islamic State, in a statement issued through its Amaq news agency, said: "Fifteen African coalition soldiers were killed and others injured when Islamic State fighters attacked them." The insurgency, which began in northeast Nigeria, has killed more than 30,000 people and displaced about 2 million since 2009.

West African task force says troops killed 42 Islamic State fighters near Lake Chad

Five terrorists were killed and four others sustained injuries in an exchange of fire between Afghan forces and Taliban in the country's northern province of Takhar on Sunday.

Army spokesperson Abdul Hadi Jamal said that the armed clashes broke out on Sunday morning in the Chahab district of the province.

Three security personnel also sustained injuries in the incident, reported Xinhua news agency.

There was no immediate comment from the Taliban regarding the operation.

Afghanistan is facing an unstable political and security situation due to the activities of the Taliban and the Islamic State.

The Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) frequently conduct joint offensive operations to combat terrorism across the country. 
&nbsp;

Five terrorists were killed and four others sustained injuries in an exchange of fire between Afghan forces and Taliban in the country's northern province of Takhar on Sunday.

Five terrorists were killed and four others sustained injuries in an exchange of fire between Afghan forces and Taliban in the country's northern province of Takhar on Sunday. Army spokesperson Abdul Hadi Jamal said that the armed clashes broke out on Sunday morning in the Chahab district of the province. Three security personnel also sustained injuries in the incident, reported Xinhua news agency. There was no immediate comment from the Taliban regarding the operation. Afghanistan is facing an unstable political and security situation due to the activities of the Taliban and the Islamic State. The Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) frequently conduct joint offensive operations to combat terrorism across the country.

5 Taliban terrorists killed by Afghan forces in Takhar province

Sri Lankan authorities Thursday ordered the first criminal charges against security personnel for "lapses" before the Easter Sunday suicide bombings that killed 258 people.

Nine police officers will face "criminal investigations" for failing to act on warnings ahead of the April 21 bombings on three churches and three hotels carried out by Islamic State-backed jihadists.

In a notice ordering the probe, Attorney General Dappula de Livera said an inquiry commission appointed by President Maithripala Sirisena had found the officers liable for criminal negligence.

All nine were senior officers in the districts where the attacks were carried out.

Authorities have admitted that warnings sent by neighbouring India of an impending attack by a local group, the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) were ignored.

Forty-five foreign nationals were among the dead and 500 people were injured in the attacks. The tourist hotspot has been under a state of emergency since.

Sri Lanka's State Intelligence Service (SIS) has been criticised for failing to act on the Indian warnings.

Sirisena, who is also defence minister and law and order minister, has also faced allegations that he could have prevented the attacks.

The president has objected to a parliamentary investigation into the attacks and ordered police not to cooperate. But the hearings have gone ahead and police have testified before legislators.

Earlier this month, Sirisena sacked national intelligence chief Sisira Mendis after he testified that the attacks could have been prevented. Mendis said the president had failed to hold regular security meetings to assess security threats.

Defence secretary Hemasiri Fernando and police chief Pujith Jayasundara also suggested Sirisena did not follow proper protocol in dealing with the intelligence warnings from India.

Fernando was forced to resign, while Jayasundara has been suspended from duty.

Indian intelligence shared information about the targets -- gleaned from a jihadist in Indian custody -- as early as April 4.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan authorities Thursday ordered the first criminal charges against security personnel for "lapses" before the Easter Sunday suicide bombings that killed 258 people.

Sri Lankan authorities Thursday ordered the first criminal charges against security personnel for "lapses" before the Easter Sunday suicide bombings that killed 258 people. Nine police officers will face "criminal investigations" for failing to act on warnings ahead of the April 21 bombings on three churches and three hotels carried out by Islamic State-backed jihadists. In a notice ordering the probe, Attorney General Dappula de Livera said an inquiry commission appointed by President Maithripala Sirisena had found the officers liable for criminal negligence. All nine were senior officers in the districts where the attacks were carried out. Authorities have admitted that warnings sent by neighbouring India of an impending attack by a local group, the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) were ignored. Forty-five foreign nationals were among the dead and 500 people were injured in the attacks. The tourist hotspot has been under a state of emergency since. Sri Lanka's State Intelligence Service (SIS) has been criticised for failing to act on the Indian warnings. Sirisena, who is also defence minister and law and order minister, has also faced allegations that he could have prevented the attacks. The president has objected to a parliamentary investigation into the attacks and ordered police not to cooperate. But the hearings have gone ahead and police have testified before legislators. Earlier this month, Sirisena sacked national intelligence chief Sisira Mendis after he testified that the attacks could have been prevented. Mendis said the president had failed to hold regular security meetings to assess security threats. Defence secretary Hemasiri Fernando and police chief Pujith Jayasundara also suggested Sirisena did not follow proper protocol in dealing with the intelligence warnings from India. Fernando was forced to resign, while Jayasundara has been suspended from duty. Indian intelligence shared information about the targets -- gleaned from a jihadist in Indian custody -- as early as April 4.

Sri Lanka to charge police for 'lapses' over Easter attacks

At least <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/30-dead-in-nigeria-triple-suicide-bombing-report-227911">30 people were killed in northeast Nigerian state</a> of Borno on Monday after three suicide bombers targeted a place where villagers had gathered to watch a football match on a large screen; news agency Reuters reported.

Three bombers detonated their explosives outside a hall in Konduga, 38 kilometres (24 miles) from the Borno state capital Maiduguri, where football fans were watching a match on TV.

So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Boko Haram group and its Islamic State splinter group have often carried out attacks targeting civilians and the military in Borno state. Their attacks have claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions of people.

According to the report, the death toll may rise further. Forty people were also injured in the attack.

Boko Haram regards football&nbsp;as un-Islamic and the ultimate demonstration of corrupting Western influence.

Konduga is located some 25km (15 miles) from Maiduguri, the state capital of Borno state.

The Nigerian government says the Boko Haram insurgency, and the rival Islamic State West Africa Province group, have been largely defeated, but they continue to launch attacks on civilian and military targets.

The decade-long insurgency has killed more than 30,000 people and displaced millions of civilians in northeast Nigeria.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 30 people were killed in northeast Nigerian state of Borno on Monday after three suicide bombers targeted a place where villagers had gathered to watch a football match on a large screen; news agency Reuters reported.

At least 30 people were killed in northeast Nigerian state of Borno on Monday after three suicide bombers targeted a place where villagers had gathered to watch a football match on a large screen; news agency Reuters reported. Three bombers detonated their explosives outside a hall in Konduga, 38 kilometres (24 miles) from the Borno state capital Maiduguri, where football fans were watching a match on TV. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The Boko Haram group and its Islamic State splinter group have often carried out attacks targeting civilians and the military in Borno state. Their attacks have claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions of people. According to the report, the death toll may rise further. Forty people were also injured in the attack. Boko Haram regards football as un-Islamic and the ultimate demonstration of corrupting Western influence. Konduga is located some 25km (15 miles) from Maiduguri, the state capital of Borno state. The Nigerian government says the Boko Haram insurgency, and the rival Islamic State West Africa Province group, have been largely defeated, but they continue to launch attacks on civilian and military targets. The decade-long insurgency has killed more than 30,000 people and displaced millions of civilians in northeast Nigeria. (With inputs from agencies)

Nigeria: 30 people killed, over 40 injured as three suicide bombers target 'football fans'

The Maldives Saturday called for international help to rehabilitate up to 160 of its nationals languishing in Syrian detention camps after the defeat of the Islamic State group.

Speaker Mohamed Nasheed said the Maldives kept a close tab on citizens who had joined the militant group, but that the island nation was not ready to accept them back without an internationally supervised reintegration programme.

Visiting neighbouring Sri Lanka where 258 people were killed in jihadi attacks recently, Nasheed said the question of foreign IS fighters in Syria should be addressed as a global issue.

As many as 160 Maldivians are thought to be held in detention camps after the fall of IS in March.

"We do not know the situation they have gone through. We don’t have the capacity to rehabilitate these people to the extent that they will not have a further impact on society," Nasheed said.

"I think the international community should join together and decide what we should do to the returnees. Hopefully, there is an international arrangement where they are first received, not necessarily to their countries of origin or nationality."

He said the Maldives was concerned about the 30 to 40 children said to be of Maldivian parents now living in detention camps in Syria, but insisted that there should be international involvement to screen the parents.

"I don't think we should say they can come back in the first flight they can catch," he added.

Nasheed said the nation of 340,000 Sunni Muslims was keeping a close watch on any attempt to radicalise its population, which is known to practise a liberal form of Islam -- and relies heavily on luxury tourism.

More than two-thirds of the Maldivian parliament was spending a three-day holiday in Sri Lanka, to demonstrate it was safe for foreigners to visit the island after the deadly Easter Sunday attacks, Nasheed said.

In a chilling warning of the impact of terrorism on tourism, Sri Lanka's thriving tourism sector is projected to lose at least $1.5 billion revenue this year with a 30 per cent slump in the number of holidaymakers visiting the island.

Nasheed and his legislators were staying at the luxury Cinnamon Grand -- one of the three hotels hit by a local jihadi group which pledged allegiance to IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi -- to show Sri Lanka was still a safe tourist destination.&nbsp;

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew to Sri Lanka last week, the first world leader to visit the island after the Easter attacks.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan authorities say they have arrested all those who were involved in the April 21 attacks that also hit three Christian churches.

The Maldives Saturday called for international help to rehabilitate up to 160 of its nationals languishing in Syrian detention camps after the defeat of the Islamic State group.

The Maldives Saturday called for international help to rehabilitate up to 160 of its nationals languishing in Syrian detention camps after the defeat of the Islamic State group. Speaker Mohamed Nasheed said the Maldives kept a close tab on citizens who had joined the militant group, but that the island nation was not ready to accept them back without an internationally supervised reintegration programme. Visiting neighbouring Sri Lanka where 258 people were killed in jihadi attacks recently, Nasheed said the question of foreign IS fighters in Syria should be addressed as a global issue. As many as 160 Maldivians are thought to be held in detention camps after the fall of IS in March. "We do not know the situation they have gone through. We don’t have the capacity to rehabilitate these people to the extent that they will not have a further impact on society," Nasheed said. "I think the international community should join together and decide what we should do to the returnees. Hopefully, there is an international arrangement where they are first received, not necessarily to their countries of origin or nationality." He said the Maldives was concerned about the 30 to 40 children said to be of Maldivian parents now living in detention camps in Syria, but insisted that there should be international involvement to screen the parents. "I don't think we should say they can come back in the first flight they can catch," he added. Nasheed said the nation of 340,000 Sunni Muslims was keeping a close watch on any attempt to radicalise its population, which is known to practise a liberal form of Islam -- and relies heavily on luxury tourism. More than two-thirds of the Maldivian parliament was spending a three-day holiday in Sri Lanka, to demonstrate it was safe for foreigners to visit the island after the deadly Easter Sunday attacks, Nasheed said. In a chilling warning of the impact of terrorism on tourism, Sri Lanka's thriving tourism sector is projected to lose at least $1.5 billion revenue this year with a 30 per cent slump in the number of holidaymakers visiting the island. Nasheed and his legislators were staying at the luxury Cinnamon Grand -- one of the three hotels hit by a local jihadi group which pledged allegiance to IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi -- to show Sri Lanka was still a safe tourist destination. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew to Sri Lanka last week, the first world leader to visit the island after the Easter attacks. Sri Lankan authorities say they have arrested all those who were involved in the April 21 attacks that also hit three Christian churches.

Maldives seek foreign help to deal with Islamic State fighters

Six Belgian children of Islamic State members were brought back to Belgium on Friday from camps in Syria where US-backed militia are holding thousands of militants and their family members.

The children, ranging in age from six to 18, were all left parentless in Syria, making their repatriation less complicated than that of dozens of other Belgian children of IS members held in Syria`s northern Kurdish region.

"The 6 children from #Syria have just arrived in our country," Belgium`s Foreign Minister Didier Reynders Tweeted late on Friday. "The children are now being monitored and supervised by the competent local state attorneys &amp; youth support services."

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) controls the quarter of Syria east of the Euphrates river after driving back Islamic State in a series of advances from 2015 that culminated in March with the group`s defeat at its last territorial enclave in Baghouz, near the Iraqi border.

However, it says it is unable to indefinitely hold the thousands of Islamic State fighters and members and their families who surrendered during its offensive.&nbsp;

"This must be extended to men and women in our camps and prison, not only children," Mustafa Bali, a spokesman for the SDF, said on Twitter regarding Belgium`s move.

Many of those in custody or held at overcrowded displacement camps in northeast Syria are foreigners, and many remain unrepentant supporters of violent jihad.&nbsp;

Islamic State members also brought a large number of children into their zone of control or bore babies who are now orphaned, destitute or even stateless, and whose future is uncertain.

The SDF has warned that keeping them in northeast Syria where there is no long-term political settlement to underpin its control of the area is a security risk, and has called for help in managing a humanitarian crisis in the displacement camps.

Western countries have so far been unwilling to take back their citizens who went to Syria to join Islamic State - seeing them as a security risk if they return home but knowing they may be unable to prosecute them.&nbsp;

The United States, France and the Netherlands have each repatriated a small number of women or children from northeast Syria, but many others remain there.

The SDF has also handed over numerous Islamic State militants to Iraq, which is putting many former jihadists on trial and executing some of them.

An Iraqi court sentenced a Belgian man, Bilal al-Marchohi, 23, to death by hanging in March for being part of Islamic State. Pictures on his phone showed him posing with weapons and cradling his infant son.

Six Belgian children of Islamic State members were brought back to Belgium on Friday from camps in Syria where US-backed militia are holding thousands of militants and their family members.

Six Belgian children of Islamic State members were brought back to Belgium on Friday from camps in Syria where US-backed militia are holding thousands of militants and their family members. The children, ranging in age from six to 18, were all left parentless in Syria, making their repatriation less complicated than that of dozens of other Belgian children of IS members held in Syria`s northern Kurdish region. "The 6 children from #Syria have just arrived in our country," Belgium`s Foreign Minister Didier Reynders Tweeted late on Friday. "The children are now being monitored and supervised by the competent local state attorneys & youth support services." The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) controls the quarter of Syria east of the Euphrates river after driving back Islamic State in a series of advances from 2015 that culminated in March with the group`s defeat at its last territorial enclave in Baghouz, near the Iraqi border. However, it says it is unable to indefinitely hold the thousands of Islamic State fighters and members and their families who surrendered during its offensive. "This must be extended to men and women in our camps and prison, not only children," Mustafa Bali, a spokesman for the SDF, said on Twitter regarding Belgium`s move. Many of those in custody or held at overcrowded displacement camps in northeast Syria are foreigners, and many remain unrepentant supporters of violent jihad. Islamic State members also brought a large number of children into their zone of control or bore babies who are now orphaned, destitute or even stateless, and whose future is uncertain. The SDF has warned that keeping them in northeast Syria where there is no long-term political settlement to underpin its control of the area is a security risk, and has called for help in managing a humanitarian crisis in the displacement camps. Western countries have so far been unwilling to take back their citizens who went to Syria to join Islamic State - seeing them as a security risk if they return home but knowing they may be unable to prosecute them. The United States, France and the Netherlands have each repatriated a small number of women or children from northeast Syria, but many others remain there. The SDF has also handed over numerous Islamic State militants to Iraq, which is putting many former jihadists on trial and executing some of them. An Iraqi court sentenced a Belgian man, Bilal al-Marchohi, 23, to death by hanging in March for being part of Islamic State. Pictures on his phone showed him posing with weapons and cradling his infant son.

Belgium takes back six Islamic State children

A senior US general has called the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-defeated-caliphate-eliminated-says-us-ally-in-syria-205079">Islamic State</a>(IS) in Afghanistan as a serious threat, adding that the IS terrorist organisation&nbsp;aspires to attack the United States.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-next-islamic-state-battlefield-will-be-in-south-asia-216301">ISIS</a> in Afghanistan certainly has aspirations to attack the United States. It is our clear judgment that as long as we maintain pressure on them it will be hard for them to do that, " Marine General&nbsp;Frank McKenzie said.

Further calling the IS "very worrisome in eastern Afghanistan", McKenzie added, "combat operations have failed to reduce the group's fighting ranks. Others have said they are thought to number in the thousands".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/islamic-state-is-focusing-on-subcontinent-and-india-in-particular-219555">Islamic State is focusing on subcontinent and India in particular</a>

Associated Press had earlier reported that the Islamic State was expanding its footprints across Afghanistan. Citing US and Afghan security officials, the report claimed&nbsp;that the terror group was recruiting new fighters and plotting attacks on the United States and other western countries.

General McKenzie is the head of US Central Command and manages the country's military operations across the greater Middle East.

Watch: Wounded and alone, children emerge from last Islamic State enclave in Baghouz

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The Islamic State grew in Afghanistan with the emergence of the jihadist militant group in Syria and Iraq in&nbsp;early 2014.

The IS in Afghanistan calls itself as the Khorasan Province, a name applied to parts of Afghanistan, Iran and central Asia in the Middle Ages.

Besides assisting the Afghan defence forces against the Taliban, the US forces in Afghanistan are combatting the Islamic State group separately.&nbsp;

A senior US general has called the Islamic State(IS) in Afghanistan as a serious threat, adding that the IS terrorist organisation aspires to attack the United States.

A senior US general has called the Islamic State(IS) in Afghanistan as a serious threat, adding that the IS terrorist organisation aspires to attack the United States. "ISIS in Afghanistan certainly has aspirations to attack the United States. It is our clear judgment that as long as we maintain pressure on them it will be hard for them to do that, " Marine General Frank McKenzie said. Further calling the IS "very worrisome in eastern Afghanistan", McKenzie added, "combat operations have failed to reduce the group's fighting ranks. Others have said they are thought to number in the thousands". Also read: Islamic State is focusing on subcontinent and India in particular Associated Press had earlier reported that the Islamic State was expanding its footprints across Afghanistan. Citing US and Afghan security officials, the report claimed that the terror group was recruiting new fighters and plotting attacks on the United States and other western countries. General McKenzie is the head of US Central Command and manages the country's military operations across the greater Middle East. Watch: Wounded and alone, children emerge from last Islamic State enclave in Baghouz × The Islamic State grew in Afghanistan with the emergence of the jihadist militant group in Syria and Iraq in early 2014. The IS in Afghanistan calls itself as the Khorasan Province, a name applied to parts of Afghanistan, Iran and central Asia in the Middle Ages. Besides assisting the Afghan defence forces against the Taliban, the US forces in Afghanistan are combatting the Islamic State group separately.

Islamic State in Afghanistan aspires to attack US: Marine General Frank McKenzie

The propaganda of the Islamic State (ISIS) is growing across South Asia. Easter attacks in Sri Lanka which killed over 250 people is case in point. The attacks were claimed by a local terror group National Thowheeth Jamaath, which is an ISIS-affiliate

It's important to recall here that investigations had revealed that the mastermind of the attack, Zaharan Hashim, was in touch with radical elements in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Following the investigations, NIA had arrested several suspects, one of whom had confessed to the plan of carrying out a suicide attack in Kerala.

Kerala police and Coast guard were already on high alert since Sri Lanka attacks, what raises more concern are the Intelligence inputs claiming that a boat carrying 15 IS operatives has been set off for Lakshadweep Islands from Sri Lanka.

Moreover, in a recently held internal security meeting, Intelligence agencies have warned Home Ministry that radical groups are trying to spread their presence across the country.

Apart from southern states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, these groups are also targetting people in Northeastern states. The inputs further stated that funds from Gulf countries are being used to mobilise these outfits.

Home Ministry has asked the intelligence agencies to keep a tight vigil on the suspected groups. Furthermore, the government is likely to come up with a counter-radicalisation policy.&nbsp;

The government is also keeping a close watch on social media as the ISIS operatives, many a time, use technology to approach the youth. State police also keep check on deviant youth and once the suspects are identified they are counselled on the risks involved.

Taking a cue from the countries that have implemented counter-radicalisation policy, the government can also run programmes which not just focus on countering ideology but also psychological rehabilitation. Local religious leaders, lawyers, senior citizens can be roped in to engage with the youth on dangers of extremism and radicalisation.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's national security team now has two prominent faces on the diplomatic and strategic fronts which is an asset for the government - External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. They both have achieved a lot together during the previous term of the NDA government. (2014-2019).

In his last tenure, Doval had played a key role in launching de-radicalisation initiatives with several Asian countries. The government will continue with such initiatives this time as well.

India and Maldives on Saturday agreed to set up a Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism, countering violent extremism and de-radicalisation.

India has been struggling with the radicalisation of youth in Jammu and Kashmir by the militant groups based in Pakistan. According to security officials, at least 50 youngsters have joined various terror outfits since March 2019. Youth in the age group of 15 years to 25 years are most vulnerable to be exploited.&nbsp;

Centre already runs some programmes to counsel the youth in the valley to bring in them positive behavioural changes. Army has been able to bring back a number of ultras to the mainstream with the help of the parents&nbsp;and senior citizens.

The state needs more career counselling centres, drug de-addiction centres, personality development centres and training workshops.

To defeat terrorism and radicalisation, it's important to engage in dialogue with the youth and motivate them to live a dignified and constructive life.

Amit Shah has also instructed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to take "harsh action" against separatist leaders who are instrumental in fuelling terror activities in the state and put them behind bars.

In a stern message to Pakistan when the global strategic environment is against Islamabad, Prime Minister Modi has reiterated its stand that there can be no talks between the two countries until Pakistan stops its anti-India activities.

Narendra Modi government 2.0 has&nbsp;shown zero-tolerance towards terrorism, radicalisation and extremism across the country.&nbsp;

With Shah, Jaishankar and Doval, Modi has ramped up India's security infrastructure to deal with the challenges pertaining to the national security and foreign policy. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The propaganda of the Islamic State (ISIS) is growing across South Asia. Easter attacks in Sri Lanka which killed over 250 people is case in point. The attacks were claimed by a local terror group National Thowheeth Jamaath, which is an ISIS-affiliate It's important to recall here that investigations had revealed that the mastermind of the attack, Zaharan Hashim, was in touch with radical elements in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

The propaganda of the Islamic State (ISIS) is growing across South Asia. Easter attacks in Sri Lanka which killed over 250 people is case in point. The attacks were claimed by a local terror group National Thowheeth Jamaath, which is an ISIS-affiliate It's important to recall here that investigations had revealed that the mastermind of the attack, Zaharan Hashim, was in touch with radical elements in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Following the investigations, NIA had arrested several suspects, one of whom had confessed to the plan of carrying out a suicide attack in Kerala. Kerala police and Coast guard were already on high alert since Sri Lanka attacks, what raises more concern are the Intelligence inputs claiming that a boat carrying 15 IS operatives has been set off for Lakshadweep Islands from Sri Lanka. Moreover, in a recently held internal security meeting, Intelligence agencies have warned Home Ministry that radical groups are trying to spread their presence across the country. Apart from southern states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, these groups are also targetting people in Northeastern states. The inputs further stated that funds from Gulf countries are being used to mobilise these outfits. Home Ministry has asked the intelligence agencies to keep a tight vigil on the suspected groups. Furthermore, the government is likely to come up with a counter-radicalisation policy. The government is also keeping a close watch on social media as the ISIS operatives, many a time, use technology to approach the youth. State police also keep check on deviant youth and once the suspects are identified they are counselled on the risks involved. Taking a cue from the countries that have implemented counter-radicalisation policy, the government can also run programmes which not just focus on countering ideology but also psychological rehabilitation. Local religious leaders, lawyers, senior citizens can be roped in to engage with the youth on dangers of extremism and radicalisation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's national security team now has two prominent faces on the diplomatic and strategic fronts which is an asset for the government - External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. They both have achieved a lot together during the previous term of the NDA government. (2014-2019). In his last tenure, Doval had played a key role in launching de-radicalisation initiatives with several Asian countries. The government will continue with such initiatives this time as well. India and Maldives on Saturday agreed to set up a Joint Working Group on counter-terrorism, countering violent extremism and de-radicalisation. India has been struggling with the radicalisation of youth in Jammu and Kashmir by the militant groups based in Pakistan. According to security officials, at least 50 youngsters have joined various terror outfits since March 2019. Youth in the age group of 15 years to 25 years are most vulnerable to be exploited. Centre already runs some programmes to counsel the youth in the valley to bring in them positive behavioural changes. Army has been able to bring back a number of ultras to the mainstream with the help of the parents and senior citizens. The state needs more career counselling centres, drug de-addiction centres, personality development centres and training workshops. To defeat terrorism and radicalisation, it's important to engage in dialogue with the youth and motivate them to live a dignified and constructive life. Amit Shah has also instructed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to take "harsh action" against separatist leaders who are instrumental in fuelling terror activities in the state and put them behind bars. In a stern message to Pakistan when the global strategic environment is against Islamabad, Prime Minister Modi has reiterated its stand that there can be no talks between the two countries until Pakistan stops its anti-India activities. Narendra Modi government 2.0 has shown zero-tolerance towards terrorism, radicalisation and extremism across the country. With Shah, Jaishankar and Doval, Modi has ramped up India's security infrastructure to deal with the challenges pertaining to the national security and foreign policy. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

As radicalisation grows, Narendra Modi government puts in place stronger measures

New Zealand will withdraw its troops from Iraq by June next year, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday, ending a mission that helped train Iraqi defence forces to fight Islamic State militants.

New Zealand, which has up to 95 soldiers in Iraq, deployed troops there in 2015, in a joint training mission with Australia to support the multinational US-led operation against Islamic State.

"Over the next 12 months, New Zealand will be able to wind down and conclude that commitment," Ardern told a news conference to announce the decision.

Troop numbers would be cut to a maximum of 75 from July and 45 from next January, before the mission wraps up by June 2020, she added.

The troops provide training on basic weapons skills as well as medical support and logistics to the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) in camp Taji to the north of Baghdad, the capital.

More than 44,000 ISF personnel have been trained at Taji since 2015, the New Zealand government said in a statement.

US-backed forces drove Islamic State out of its last stronghold in eastern Syria this year, bringing an end to a so-called caliphate declared by the militant group.

New Zealand's deployment in Iraq had been scheduled to end in May 2017, but successive New governments extended the date. Last year Ardern extended the armed force deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan until June.

Ardern added that New Zealand will cut to 11 personnel, from 13, its deployment to a NATO-led mission in Afghanistan, but troops would remain until December 2020, to support the training of Afghan army officers.

New Zealand will withdraw its troops from Iraq by June next year, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday, ending a mission that helped train Iraqi defence forces to fight Islamic State militants.

New Zealand will withdraw its troops from Iraq by June next year, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday, ending a mission that helped train Iraqi defence forces to fight Islamic State militants. New Zealand, which has up to 95 soldiers in Iraq, deployed troops there in 2015, in a joint training mission with Australia to support the multinational US-led operation against Islamic State. "Over the next 12 months, New Zealand will be able to wind down and conclude that commitment," Ardern told a news conference to announce the decision. Troop numbers would be cut to a maximum of 75 from July and 45 from next January, before the mission wraps up by June 2020, she added. The troops provide training on basic weapons skills as well as medical support and logistics to the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) in camp Taji to the north of Baghdad, the capital. More than 44,000 ISF personnel have been trained at Taji since 2015, the New Zealand government said in a statement. US-backed forces drove Islamic State out of its last stronghold in eastern Syria this year, bringing an end to a so-called caliphate declared by the militant group. New Zealand's deployment in Iraq had been scheduled to end in May 2017, but successive New governments extended the date. Last year Ardern extended the armed force deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan until June. Ardern added that New Zealand will cut to 11 personnel, from 13, its deployment to a NATO-led mission in Afghanistan, but troops would remain until December 2020, to support the training of Afghan army officers.

New Zealand to withdraw troops from Iraq next year, trim Afghanistan contingent

&nbsp;A three-member committee appointed to probe the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-police-make-arrests-amid-violence-after-easter-attack-218825">Easter Sunday attacks</a> in Sri Lanka that killed 258 people, including 11 Indians, Monday submitted its final report to President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-president-maithripala-sirisena-vows-to-eliminate-terrorism-threat-219949">Maithripala Sirisena</a>.

Supreme Court Justice Vijith Malalgoda, who headed the committee, handed over the report to President Sirisena.

&nbsp;Other members of the committee - former ministerial secretary Padmasiri Jayamanne and former police chief N K Ilangakoon &nbsp;were also present. The details of the report were immediately not available.

President Sirisena appointed the committee on April 22 to probe into the Easter bombings and identify its root causes along with other related matters.

The ad hoc investigation body had submitted two interim reports on the investigations to the President on earlier occasions.

Nine suicide bombers, including a woman, carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through St Anthony's Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's Church in the western coastal town of Negombo and another church in the eastern town of Batticaloa, and three high-end hotels frequented by tourists in the country's deadliest violence since the devastating civil war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam ended in 2009.

The Islamic State claimed the attacks, but the government blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaath (NTJ) for the bombings.

A total of 106 suspects, including a Tamil medium teacher and a school principal, have been arrested in connection with the blasts.

President Sirisena suspended police chief Pujith Jayasundara and dismissed his top defence official Hemasiri Fernando after it was found that there were intelligence failures before the attacks.

A three-member committee appointed to probe the Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka that killed 258 people, including 11 Indians, Monday submitted its final report to President Maithripala Sirisena.

A three-member committee appointed to probe the Easter Sunday attacks in Sri Lanka that killed 258 people, including 11 Indians, Monday submitted its final report to President Maithripala Sirisena. Supreme Court Justice Vijith Malalgoda, who headed the committee, handed over the report to President Sirisena. Other members of the committee - former ministerial secretary Padmasiri Jayamanne and former police chief N K Ilangakoon were also present. The details of the report were immediately not available. President Sirisena appointed the committee on April 22 to probe into the Easter bombings and identify its root causes along with other related matters. The ad hoc investigation body had submitted two interim reports on the investigations to the President on earlier occasions. Nine suicide bombers, including a woman, carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through St Anthony's Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's Church in the western coastal town of Negombo and another church in the eastern town of Batticaloa, and three high-end hotels frequented by tourists in the country's deadliest violence since the devastating civil war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam ended in 2009. The Islamic State claimed the attacks, but the government blamed local Islamist extremist group National Thawheed Jamaath (NTJ) for the bombings. A total of 106 suspects, including a Tamil medium teacher and a school principal, have been arrested in connection with the blasts. President Sirisena suspended police chief Pujith Jayasundara and dismissed his top defence official Hemasiri Fernando after it was found that there were intelligence failures before the attacks.

Committee probing Easter attacks submits its final report to Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena

At least eighteen terrorists were killed and four others sustained injuries in an anti-terrorism operation carried out by the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) in the eastern province of Logar on Friday morning.

According to a statement released by the provincial government, the operation was carried out in the Muhmmad Agha district, which lies north of the provincial capital Pul-e-Alam.

The slain terrorists&nbsp;had been involved in terror crimes in the past, reports Sputnik.

The security forces also seized three AK-47 guns, 17 magazines, several ammunition belts and nearly 450 rounds of bullets from the scene of the operation.

No comments have been received by the anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban militants with respect to the report, so far.

Afghanistan is suffering from an unstable political, social, and security situation due to the activities of the Taliban and Islamic State.

The Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) regularly conduct joint offensive operations to combat terrorism across the country.&nbsp;

At least eighteen terrorists were killed and four others sustained injuries in an anti-terrorism operation carried out by the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) in the eastern province of Logar on Friday morning.

At least eighteen terrorists were killed and four others sustained injuries in an anti-terrorism operation carried out by the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) in the eastern province of Logar on Friday morning. According to a statement released by the provincial government, the operation was carried out in the Muhmmad Agha district, which lies north of the provincial capital Pul-e-Alam. The slain terrorists had been involved in terror crimes in the past, reports Sputnik. The security forces also seized three AK-47 guns, 17 magazines, several ammunition belts and nearly 450 rounds of bullets from the scene of the operation. No comments have been received by the anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban militants with respect to the report, so far. Afghanistan is suffering from an unstable political, social, and security situation due to the activities of the Taliban and Islamic State. The Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) regularly conduct joint offensive operations to combat terrorism across the country.

Afghanistan: 18 terrorists killed by government forces in Logar province

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has sentenced three activists of the Masood Azhar-led Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) for five years each in jail for arranging funds for the proscribed terror outfit amid pressure from the global community to rein in militant groups.

The Anti-Terrorism Court found the trio guilty in three separate cases on Friday after funds collected for the militant outfit were recovered from them. They were sent to central prison in Gujranwala in Punjab province.

The convicts M Iftikhar, Muhammad Ajmal and Bilal were also fined Rs 45,000, Rs 50,000 and Rs 40,000 respectively besides the sentence.

The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Gujranwala had earlier registered a case against them, the Express Tribune reported.

According to Punjab CTD spokesperson, the investigations and prosecutions "are being followed to stop proscribed organisations from indulging in terror financing."

The spokesperson warned these organisations and their leaders to desist from such acts or action would be taken against them.

Pakistan launched a crackdown against supporters of militant outfits after pressure from the international community to stop support to the militant groups.

Three members of the Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud-Dawa were arrested Thursday on charges of terror financing in Punjab province.

Six JeM members were arrested for allegedly collecting funds for the terror group on Wednesday.

On Monday, three terrorists belonging to the Islamic State (IS) and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) militant groups were arrested by the CTD officials in Pakistan's Punjab province.

Last week, six activists of the JeM and the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) were arrested by the CTD from Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Multan and Lahore for allegedly collecting funds to finance terrorism.

Paris-based international terror financing watchdog FATF in June last year placed Pakistan onto its watch list in a bid to push the country to halt support for militant groups.

In February, the FATF decided to continue the 'Grey' listing of Pakistan for its failure to stop funding of terrorist groups such as the JeM, the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the JuD.

The Pakistan government arrested over 100 members of banned outfits including JeM chief Azhar's son and brother and also taken control of JeM, JuD and FIF's properties including seminaries and mosques across the country.&nbsp;

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has sentenced three activists of the Masood Azhar-led Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) for five years each in jail for arranging funds for the proscribed terror outfit amid pressure from the global community to rein in militant groups.

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has sentenced three activists of the Masood Azhar-led Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) for five years each in jail for arranging funds for the proscribed terror outfit amid pressure from the global community to rein in militant groups. The Anti-Terrorism Court found the trio guilty in three separate cases on Friday after funds collected for the militant outfit were recovered from them. They were sent to central prison in Gujranwala in Punjab province. The convicts M Iftikhar, Muhammad Ajmal and Bilal were also fined Rs 45,000, Rs 50,000 and Rs 40,000 respectively besides the sentence. The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in Gujranwala had earlier registered a case against them, the Express Tribune reported. According to Punjab CTD spokesperson, the investigations and prosecutions "are being followed to stop proscribed organisations from indulging in terror financing." The spokesperson warned these organisations and their leaders to desist from such acts or action would be taken against them. Pakistan launched a crackdown against supporters of militant outfits after pressure from the international community to stop support to the militant groups. Three members of the Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud-Dawa were arrested Thursday on charges of terror financing in Punjab province. Six JeM members were arrested for allegedly collecting funds for the terror group on Wednesday. On Monday, three terrorists belonging to the Islamic State (IS) and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) militant groups were arrested by the CTD officials in Pakistan's Punjab province. Last week, six activists of the JeM and the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) were arrested by the CTD from Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Multan and Lahore for allegedly collecting funds to finance terrorism. Paris-based international terror financing watchdog FATF in June last year placed Pakistan onto its watch list in a bid to push the country to halt support for militant groups. In February, the FATF decided to continue the 'Grey' listing of Pakistan for its failure to stop funding of terrorist groups such as the JeM, the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the JuD. The Pakistan government arrested over 100 members of banned outfits including JeM chief Azhar's son and brother and also taken control of JeM, JuD and FIF's properties including seminaries and mosques across the country.

Pakistan court sentences three Jaish-e-Mohammed activists for terror funding

A car bomb targeting a US convoy exploded in the Afghan capital on Friday, wounding four US service members and causing a number of other casualties, officials said, in the second attack in the city in two days.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the blast, which came a day after the Islamic State militant group claimed a suicide attack outside a military training academy that killed at least six people.

A spokesman for US Forces in Afghanistan said a car bomb hit a US convoy and four service members had suffered minor injuries but gave no other details.

However, there were conflicting reports about the total number of casualties caused by the blast.

An Afghan security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, said as many as nine people had been killed and six civilians wounded in the blast.

The Taliban's main spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said in a statement the attack targeted a convoy of foreign forces, killing 10 of them and destroying two vehicles.

The explosion, which sent a plume of white smoke into the sky, occurred on the busy Jalalabad road in the city's east, an area with several large security compounds which has seen repeated attacks over the years.

Photographs circulating on social media showed a heavily damaged white armoured Land Cruiser of a type often used by international organisations, surrounded by firefighters.

Kabul has been on high alert, with security checkpoints reinforced across the city, in recent days.

Friday's attack, shortly before next week's Eid holiday, came as a delegation of Taliban officials met senior Afghan politicians in Moscow for discussions about a possible peace process to end 18 years of war in Afghanistan.

The Taliban have been talking with US diplomats for several months about plans to agree a withdrawal of more than 20,000 US and NATO coalition troops in exchange for an agreement to prevent Afghanistan from once again being used as a base for militant attacks.

A car bomb targeting a US convoy exploded in the Afghan capital on Friday, wounding four US service members and causing a number of other casualties, officials said, in the second attack in the city in two days.

A car bomb targeting a US convoy exploded in the Afghan capital on Friday, wounding four US service members and causing a number of other casualties, officials said, in the second attack in the city in two days. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the blast, which came a day after the Islamic State militant group claimed a suicide attack outside a military training academy that killed at least six people. A spokesman for US Forces in Afghanistan said a car bomb hit a US convoy and four service members had suffered minor injuries but gave no other details. However, there were conflicting reports about the total number of casualties caused by the blast. An Afghan security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, said as many as nine people had been killed and six civilians wounded in the blast. The Taliban's main spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said in a statement the attack targeted a convoy of foreign forces, killing 10 of them and destroying two vehicles. The explosion, which sent a plume of white smoke into the sky, occurred on the busy Jalalabad road in the city's east, an area with several large security compounds which has seen repeated attacks over the years. Photographs circulating on social media showed a heavily damaged white armoured Land Cruiser of a type often used by international organisations, surrounded by firefighters. Kabul has been on high alert, with security checkpoints reinforced across the city, in recent days. Friday's attack, shortly before next week's Eid holiday, came as a delegation of Taliban officials met senior Afghan politicians in Moscow for discussions about a possible peace process to end 18 years of war in Afghanistan. The Taliban have been talking with US diplomats for several months about plans to agree a withdrawal of more than 20,000 US and NATO coalition troops in exchange for an agreement to prevent Afghanistan from once again being used as a base for militant attacks.

Afghanistan: At least nine killed, six injured as blast hits Kabul, says security official

The US-led coalition said Friday it had unintentionally killed more than 1,300 civilians in air strikes during its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-caliphate-collapse-jihadists-head-to-afghanistan-to-plot-attacks-214689">fight against the Islamic State group</a> in Iraq and Syria since 2014.

The figure is far lower than the death tolls given by groups which have monitored the conflicts in the two countries.

"The coalition conducted 34,502 strikes between August 2014 and the end of April 2019," it said in a statement.

During this period, it "assesses at least 1,302 civilians have been unintentionally killed by coalition strikes".

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/long-after-guns-fall-silent-mosul-residents-suffer-hearing-loss-221700">Long after guns fall silent, Mosul residents suffer hearing loss</a>

The coalition said it was still assessing 111 additional claims of civilians deaths and was ready to receive new allegations or fresh evidence to review.

The coalition has repeatedly said it does all it can to avoid civilian deaths.

Watch: Wounded and alone, children emerge from last Islamic State enclave in Baghouz

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Airwars, an NGO which monitors civilian casualties from air strikes worldwide, estimates more than 7,900 civilians have been killed in coalition raids -- well in excess of the total acknowledged by the coalition.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, says coalition strikes have taken the lives of 3,800 civilians in Syria alone.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-state-airs-video-purporting-to-be-leader-abu-bakr-al-baghdadi-214624">IS jihadists </a>seized large swathes of Iraq and Syria in 2014, declaring a "caliphate" in areas they controlled.

But several offensives with coalition backing chipped away at the "caliphate" until it was declared eliminated on March 23.

Ambushes and hit-and-run attacks have continued in both countries.

The coalition is continuing to work "to deny Daesh any physical space and influence in the region as well as deny Daesh the resources they need to resurge", it said, using an Arabic acronym for IS. 
&nbsp;

The US-led coalition said Friday it had unintentionally killed more than 1,300 civilians in air strikes during its fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria since 2014.

The US-led coalition said Friday it had unintentionally killed more than 1,300 civilians in air strikes during its fight against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria since 2014. The figure is far lower than the death tolls given by groups which have monitored the conflicts in the two countries. "The coalition conducted 34,502 strikes between August 2014 and the end of April 2019," it said in a statement. During this period, it "assesses at least 1,302 civilians have been unintentionally killed by coalition strikes". Also read: Long after guns fall silent, Mosul residents suffer hearing loss The coalition said it was still assessing 111 additional claims of civilians deaths and was ready to receive new allegations or fresh evidence to review. The coalition has repeatedly said it does all it can to avoid civilian deaths. Watch: Wounded and alone, children emerge from last Islamic State enclave in Baghouz × Airwars, an NGO which monitors civilian casualties from air strikes worldwide, estimates more than 7,900 civilians have been killed in coalition raids -- well in excess of the total acknowledged by the coalition. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor, says coalition strikes have taken the lives of 3,800 civilians in Syria alone. IS jihadists seized large swathes of Iraq and Syria in 2014, declaring a "caliphate" in areas they controlled. But several offensives with coalition backing chipped away at the "caliphate" until it was declared eliminated on March 23. Ambushes and hit-and-run attacks have continued in both countries. The coalition is continuing to work "to deny Daesh any physical space and influence in the region as well as deny Daesh the resources they need to resurge", it said, using an Arabic acronym for IS.

We unintentionally killed 1,300 civilians in air strikes on Islamic State: US-led coalition

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-man-of-all-seasons-carries-vajpayees-legacy-of-ajatshatru-222854">Rajnath Singh </a>was on Friday appointed as Minister of Defence in Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-20-rajnath-singh-is-defence-minister-amit-shah-home-nirmala-sitharaman-gets-finace-223084">Narendra Modi`s second Cabinet</a>. The BJP heavyweight headed the Ministry of Home Affairs in Modi`s first tenure.

Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, incursion attempts by Pakistan and China, and the emergence of Islamic State were among the top challenges faced by Singh as Home Minister.

He represents the Lucknow Lok Sabha seat, a constituency he won for the second consecutive in recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections. Earlier, he represented Gautam Budhh Nagar in 2009.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-pm-modis-right-hand-man-is-indias-new-home-minister-223085">Amit Shah, PM Modi's right-hand man, is India's new Home Minister</a>

A politician for over four decades, Singh is well known for maintaining cordial relations with political leaders irrespective of their parties.

Known for his excellent oratory skills, the 67-year-old leader started his career as an RSS volunteer and joined politics in 1974 as secretary of Jana Sangh's Mirzapur unit. He was later elected as an MP from Mirzapur in 1977.He also served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and as a Cabinet Minister during Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s government.

Watch: Amit Shah gets Home, Rajnath Singh defence, Nirmala Sitharaman finance

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One of the senior most leaders in the Modi Cabinet, he has also served as the president of the BJP twice, 2005 to 2009 and 2013 to 2014.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday announced portfolios for 24 cabinet ministers, 9 ministers of state with independent charge and 24 Ministers of State (MoS) in Union Cabinet for the 17th Lok Sabha.

Prime Minister Modi and his Council of Ministers on Thursday took the oath of office at Rashtrapati Bhavan for a second consecutive term.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/modi-20-prominent-faces-of-the-58-member-ministerial-team-222972">In pics: Prominent faces of the 58-member ministerial team</a>

Rajnath Singh was on Friday appointed as Minister of Defence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s second Cabinet. The BJP heavyweight headed the Ministry of Home Affairs in Modi`s first tenure.

Rajnath Singh was on Friday appointed as Minister of Defence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s second Cabinet. The BJP heavyweight headed the Ministry of Home Affairs in Modi`s first tenure. Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, incursion attempts by Pakistan and China, and the emergence of Islamic State were among the top challenges faced by Singh as Home Minister. He represents the Lucknow Lok Sabha seat, a constituency he won for the second consecutive in recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections. Earlier, he represented Gautam Budhh Nagar in 2009. Also read: Amit Shah, PM Modi's right-hand man, is India's new Home Minister A politician for over four decades, Singh is well known for maintaining cordial relations with political leaders irrespective of their parties. Known for his excellent oratory skills, the 67-year-old leader started his career as an RSS volunteer and joined politics in 1974 as secretary of Jana Sangh's Mirzapur unit. He was later elected as an MP from Mirzapur in 1977.He also served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and as a Cabinet Minister during Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s government. Watch: Amit Shah gets Home, Rajnath Singh defence, Nirmala Sitharaman finance × One of the senior most leaders in the Modi Cabinet, he has also served as the president of the BJP twice, 2005 to 2009 and 2013 to 2014. The Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday announced portfolios for 24 cabinet ministers, 9 ministers of state with independent charge and 24 Ministers of State (MoS) in Union Cabinet for the 17th Lok Sabha. Prime Minister Modi and his Council of Ministers on Thursday took the oath of office at Rashtrapati Bhavan for a second consecutive term. In pics: Prominent faces of the 58-member ministerial team

Rajnath Singh moves to South Block, gets Defence Ministry

The first Kashmiri man to have joined terror group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has surrendered and is in the custody of US forces in Syria, according to his Srinagar-based family.

The father of Adil Ahmad, an MBA graduate, said that they received a voice note from him in March in which he says that the US-led forces in Syria have surrounded the&nbsp;group and are asking them to surrender. "I want to return back and the US army has told us that if we surrender, we will be sent back to our countries," Adil is further heard saying in the March 25 voice note, according to his father.

Otherwise shy, Adil, did his MBA from Queensland University in Australia and that's where his family believes&nbsp;he got radicalised and later travelled through Turkey to Syria.

"We have been surrounded by US forces. I am performing Istikhara (special prayer by Muslims when in need of guidance) and we have decided to surrender with the family," he told his father Fayaz Ahmad Wada in the last voice note.

According to his family, Adil married a Dutch national and had a five-year-old son, who died during a battle due to starvation. They say his wife is in a refugee camp with Shamima Begum, a British-born woman, who left the UK in February 2015, to join the ISIS.

"He kept us in dark initially. He always told us that he joined for an NGO purportedly working with Syrian refugees. But we developed a suspicion in 2013," said Wada.

Sources in the National Investigations Agency (NIA) believe that Adil travelled to Jordan from Turkey and finally landed in Syria joining Al Nusra Front in 2013.

His family and mother are shattered with the news and are now running pillar to post to bring him back. "We have written to several agencies for his release and we are hopeful. We appeal to Narendra Modi and administration to bring our children back," said Adil's mother as tears rolled&nbsp;down her cheeks.

The first Kashmiri man to have joined terror group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has surrendered and is in the custody of US forces in Syria, according to his Srinagar-based family.

The first Kashmiri man to have joined terror group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has surrendered and is in the custody of US forces in Syria, according to his Srinagar-based family. The father of Adil Ahmad, an MBA graduate, said that they received a voice note from him in March in which he says that the US-led forces in Syria have surrounded the group and are asking them to surrender. "I want to return back and the US army has told us that if we surrender, we will be sent back to our countries," Adil is further heard saying in the March 25 voice note, according to his father. Otherwise shy, Adil, did his MBA from Queensland University in Australia and that's where his family believes he got radicalised and later travelled through Turkey to Syria. "We have been surrounded by US forces. I am performing Istikhara (special prayer by Muslims when in need of guidance) and we have decided to surrender with the family," he told his father Fayaz Ahmad Wada in the last voice note. According to his family, Adil married a Dutch national and had a five-year-old son, who died during a battle due to starvation. They say his wife is in a refugee camp with Shamima Begum, a British-born woman, who left the UK in February 2015, to join the ISIS. "He kept us in dark initially. He always told us that he joined for an NGO purportedly working with Syrian refugees. But we developed a suspicion in 2013," said Wada. Sources in the National Investigations Agency (NIA) believe that Adil travelled to Jordan from Turkey and finally landed in Syria joining Al Nusra Front in 2013. His family and mother are shattered with the news and are now running pillar to post to bring him back. "We have written to several agencies for his release and we are hopeful. We appeal to Narendra Modi and administration to bring our children back," said Adil's mother as tears rolled down her cheeks.

Kashmir man who joined ISIS surrenders, claims family; hopeful of return

A team of National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reached <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-navy-puts-its-vessels-on-alert-after-reports-of-is-terrorists-setting-off-to-india-221922">Colombo in connection with two ISIS related cases</a> being investigated by the agency.

The two-member team is in the Sri-Lankan capital to find out any possible links between the terrorist modules and the terrorists involved in the deadly Easter Sunday bombings in Sri-Lanka.NIA had on April 29 arrested Riyas Aboobacker in connection with Kasargod ISIS terror module case.

According to the investigating agency, Aboobacker was allegedly planning suicide attacks at international tourist destinations in Kerala. He was arrested from Palakkad.

In 2017, the NIA had registered a case against five people from Valapattanam in Kannur district for their alleged IS links.

The investigation revealed Riyas` link with the ISIS.

According to NIA, Riyas revealed during interrogation that he was in contact with an absconder in the case Abdul Rashid Abdulla alias Abu Isa and was following his audio clips, in which he was heard instigating others to carry out attacks in India.

Riyas also disclosed that he was in contact with Abdul Khayoom alias Abu Khalid, an accused in Valapattanam ISIS case.

Khalid is believed to be in Syria now. In 2016, as many as 15 persons disappeared from Kasargod and allegedly migrated to Afghanistan and Syria to join the ISIS.

A case was registered in the matter, which is being investigated by the NIA.&nbsp;

A team of National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reached Colombo in connection with two ISIS related cases being investigated by the agency. The two-member team is in the Sri-Lankan capital to find out any possible links between the terrorist modules and the terrorists involved in the deadly Easter Sunday bombings in Sri-Lanka.

A team of National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reached Colombo in connection with two ISIS related cases being investigated by the agency. The two-member team is in the Sri-Lankan capital to find out any possible links between the terrorist modules and the terrorists involved in the deadly Easter Sunday bombings in Sri-Lanka.NIA had on April 29 arrested Riyas Aboobacker in connection with Kasargod ISIS terror module case. According to the investigating agency, Aboobacker was allegedly planning suicide attacks at international tourist destinations in Kerala. He was arrested from Palakkad. In 2017, the NIA had registered a case against five people from Valapattanam in Kannur district for their alleged IS links. The investigation revealed Riyas` link with the ISIS. According to NIA, Riyas revealed during interrogation that he was in contact with an absconder in the case Abdul Rashid Abdulla alias Abu Isa and was following his audio clips, in which he was heard instigating others to carry out attacks in India. Riyas also disclosed that he was in contact with Abdul Khayoom alias Abu Khalid, an accused in Valapattanam ISIS case. Khalid is believed to be in Syria now. In 2016, as many as 15 persons disappeared from Kasargod and allegedly migrated to Afghanistan and Syria to join the ISIS. A case was registered in the matter, which is being investigated by the NIA.

NIA team in Colombo to probe Islamic State related cases

France must stop the "inhumane treatment" of children of jihadists stranded in Syria who are not being allowed to come to the country, its rights ombudsman said Wednesday, warning that Paris was flouting its UN obligations.

The statement by France's Human Rights Defender Jacques Toubon came as controversy intensifies over the reluctance of French authorities to take in the children of French citizens affiliated with Islamic State (IS) jihadists in Syria and Iraq.

"The French state needs to adopt effective measures allowing the halt to the inhumane and degrading treatment of children and their mothers and put an end to the violations of the rights of the child," Toubon said.

He alleged violations of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which France is a signatory.

The human rights defender leads an independent state institution set up in 2011 and enshrined in the constitution to defend people whose rights have been violated.

Toubon had been asked to give an opinion on the issue by the lawyers of several families with French citizens held in Syria and Iraq.

According to the French foreign ministry, some 450 French citizens linked to IS are either detained by Kurdish forces in northern Syria or being held in refugee camps.

But France is reluctant to bring back foreign fighters or their families after suffering a wave of deadly jihadist attacks that have killed more than 250 people since 2015.

It has said it would consider requests for their return, but only on a case-by-case basis. Since March it has repatriated five orphans and a three-year-old girl whose mother was sentenced to life in prison in Iraq.

In April, France's State Council, which rules on the constitutionality of policies and laws, rejected several requests to intervene, saying it was a French diplomatic matter outside the council's jurisdiction.

"Finally a national authority has condemned France and urged it to respect its international and European obligations," said lawyer Marie Dose, who represents several of the affected families, after Toubon's statement.

Lawyers William Bourdon and Vincent Brengarth, who represented families who sought the opinion, welcomed the recognition "of the extreme seriousness of the violation of fundamental rights".

"We expect that the French authorities will organise the repatriation (of the children) as soon as possible," they said in a statement.

The grandparents of two children stranded with their French jihadist mother at a camp in Kurdish-held Syria filed a lawsuit with the European Court of Human Rights earlier this month over France's refusal to allow them home.

France must stop the "inhumane treatment" of children of jihadists stranded in Syria who are not being allowed to come to the country, its rights ombudsman said Wednesday, warning that Paris was flouting its UN obligations.

France must stop the "inhumane treatment" of children of jihadists stranded in Syria who are not being allowed to come to the country, its rights ombudsman said Wednesday, warning that Paris was flouting its UN obligations. The statement by France's Human Rights Defender Jacques Toubon came as controversy intensifies over the reluctance of French authorities to take in the children of French citizens affiliated with Islamic State (IS) jihadists in Syria and Iraq. "The French state needs to adopt effective measures allowing the halt to the inhumane and degrading treatment of children and their mothers and put an end to the violations of the rights of the child," Toubon said. He alleged violations of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which France is a signatory. The human rights defender leads an independent state institution set up in 2011 and enshrined in the constitution to defend people whose rights have been violated. Toubon had been asked to give an opinion on the issue by the lawyers of several families with French citizens held in Syria and Iraq. According to the French foreign ministry, some 450 French citizens linked to IS are either detained by Kurdish forces in northern Syria or being held in refugee camps. But France is reluctant to bring back foreign fighters or their families after suffering a wave of deadly jihadist attacks that have killed more than 250 people since 2015. It has said it would consider requests for their return, but only on a case-by-case basis. Since March it has repatriated five orphans and a three-year-old girl whose mother was sentenced to life in prison in Iraq. In April, France's State Council, which rules on the constitutionality of policies and laws, rejected several requests to intervene, saying it was a French diplomatic matter outside the council's jurisdiction. "Finally a national authority has condemned France and urged it to respect its international and European obligations," said lawyer Marie Dose, who represents several of the affected families, after Toubon's statement. Lawyers William Bourdon and Vincent Brengarth, who represented families who sought the opinion, welcomed the recognition "of the extreme seriousness of the violation of fundamental rights". "We expect that the French authorities will organise the repatriation (of the children) as soon as possible," they said in a statement. The grandparents of two children stranded with their French jihadist mother at a camp in Kurdish-held Syria filed a lawsuit with the European Court of Human Rights earlier this month over France's refusal to allow them home.

Rights body slams France's 'inhumane treatment' of jihadists' children

Attacks on schools in Afghanistan increased almost threefold last year, making it increasingly difficult to ensure an education for children in many parts of the country, the United Nations children`s fund UNICEF said on Tuesday.

The agency, which promotes education and children's rights, said the number of attacks against Afghan schools jumped from 68 in 2017 to 192 last year. It was the first time since 2015 that a rise in attacks had been recorded.

"Education is under fire in Afghanistan," said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore. "The senseless attacks on schools; the killing, injury and abduction of teachers; and the threats against education are destroying the hopes and dreams of an entire generation of children."

More than 1,000 schools across the country remain closed because of security threats from groups such as the Taliban and Islamic State, which have sought soft targets for attacks aimed at extending and consolidating their influence through intimidation.

Although the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-taliban-claims-responsibility-for-quetta-blast-218492"> Taliban</a> have shifted from their previous opposition to all forms of girls` education, they have faced regular accusations of shutting down schools run in a way they do not approve.

UNICEF said the use of school buildings as voter centres during last year's parliamentary election may have been a factor behind the rise in attacks.

Afghanistan has a young and fast-growing population but about 3.7 million children, or nearly half of all school-age children, are not in formal education, UNICEF said.

Attacks on schools in Afghanistan increased almost threefold last year, making it increasingly difficult to ensure an education for children in many parts of the country, the United Nations children`s fund UNICEF said on Tuesday.

Attacks on schools in Afghanistan increased almost threefold last year, making it increasingly difficult to ensure an education for children in many parts of the country, the United Nations children`s fund UNICEF said on Tuesday. The agency, which promotes education and children's rights, said the number of attacks against Afghan schools jumped from 68 in 2017 to 192 last year. It was the first time since 2015 that a rise in attacks had been recorded. "Education is under fire in Afghanistan," said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore. "The senseless attacks on schools; the killing, injury and abduction of teachers; and the threats against education are destroying the hopes and dreams of an entire generation of children." More than 1,000 schools across the country remain closed because of security threats from groups such as the Taliban and Islamic State, which have sought soft targets for attacks aimed at extending and consolidating their influence through intimidation. Although the Taliban have shifted from their previous opposition to all forms of girls` education, they have faced regular accusations of shutting down schools run in a way they do not approve. UNICEF said the use of school buildings as voter centres during last year's parliamentary election may have been a factor behind the rise in attacks. Afghanistan has a young and fast-growing population but about 3.7 million children, or nearly half of all school-age children, are not in formal education, UNICEF said.

Education under fire' as attacks on Afghan schools jump: UNICEF

The Sri Lankan Navy on Sunday said coastal guard vessels and personnel have been alerted following reports of boats allegedly carrying 15 local Islamic State (IS) members had<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-coast-on-high-alert-after-is-boat-reportedly-sets-off-from-sri-lanka-221651"> set off for India's Lakshadweep islands</a>.

A top official source of the Kerala Police Saturday said that the state's coastal police stations and the police chiefs of the coastal districts have been alerted following intelligence reports that boats allegedly carrying 15 IS terrorists had set off from Sri Lanka to the Lakshadweep islands.

"The Navy has come to know through the reports in local and Indian media that some 15 local IS members were moving to India's Lakshadweep islands through the sea route," Sri Lankan Navy spokesman Isuru Suriyabandara said.

"We have alerted all our coastal guard vessels and personnel," he added.

The spokesperson also said the Navy had not received any official information in this regard.

"The possibility of the local Jihadi group members moving to India, however, had not been communicated to the Navy through the official channels," Suriyabandara said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/leave-my-country-alone-sri-lankan-president-sirisena-tells-islamic-state-215011">Sri Lanka witnessed the worst terror attacks on its soil</a>, when nine suicide bombers carried out a series devastating blasts that tore through three churches and as many luxury hotels on April 21, killing around 260 people, including over 40 foreigners, and injuring 500 others.

The IS claimed responsibility for the blasts but Sri Lanka government said it was carried out by a local jihadi group, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lankan-parliament-official-among-six-arrested-for-alleged-links-with-ntj-220181">National Thoweed Jamaath</a> (NTJ).

Since the April 21 suicide attacks, the Sri Lanka Army has launched an island-wide operation to search for people having links with the NTJ. During which, one of the associate of NTJ leader Zahran Cassim, who blew himself up at one of the hotels during the Easter Sunday attacks, was arrested.

The Sri Lanka Army Sunday said it continued with its operations to search for the local network of the IS in the district of Colombo and its suburbs.

"Around 120 people had been arrested during four days of cordon-and-search operations. During the drive, some explosives, ammunition, military-like uniforms were recovered from them," the Army officials said, adding some of them were arrested for possessing drugs.

Meanwhile, a group of Buddist monks have accused a cabinet minister and a provincial governor of aiding and abetting the NTJ and lodged a complaint with the police, which has referred to it to the Crime Investigation Department.

The monks have accused Industry and Trade Minister Rishath Bathiyutheen and Governor of the Eastern Province M L A M Hizbullah of aiding and abetting NTJ, the group responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks.&nbsp;

"The complaint has been referred to the Crime Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation," police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said.&nbsp;

Also read: Was Saudi Arabia aware of Sri Lanka attacks?

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&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan Navy on Sunday said coastal guard vessels and personnel have been alerted following reports of boats allegedly carrying 15 local Islamic State (IS) members had set off for India's Lakshadweep islands.

The Sri Lankan Navy on Sunday said coastal guard vessels and personnel have been alerted following reports of boats allegedly carrying 15 local Islamic State (IS) members had set off for India's Lakshadweep islands. A top official source of the Kerala Police Saturday said that the state's coastal police stations and the police chiefs of the coastal districts have been alerted following intelligence reports that boats allegedly carrying 15 IS terrorists had set off from Sri Lanka to the Lakshadweep islands. "The Navy has come to know through the reports in local and Indian media that some 15 local IS members were moving to India's Lakshadweep islands through the sea route," Sri Lankan Navy spokesman Isuru Suriyabandara said. "We have alerted all our coastal guard vessels and personnel," he added. The spokesperson also said the Navy had not received any official information in this regard. "The possibility of the local Jihadi group members moving to India, however, had not been communicated to the Navy through the official channels," Suriyabandara said. Sri Lanka witnessed the worst terror attacks on its soil, when nine suicide bombers carried out a series devastating blasts that tore through three churches and as many luxury hotels on April 21, killing around 260 people, including over 40 foreigners, and injuring 500 others. The IS claimed responsibility for the blasts but Sri Lanka government said it was carried out by a local jihadi group, the National Thoweed Jamaath (NTJ). Since the April 21 suicide attacks, the Sri Lanka Army has launched an island-wide operation to search for people having links with the NTJ. During which, one of the associate of NTJ leader Zahran Cassim, who blew himself up at one of the hotels during the Easter Sunday attacks, was arrested. The Sri Lanka Army Sunday said it continued with its operations to search for the local network of the IS in the district of Colombo and its suburbs. "Around 120 people had been arrested during four days of cordon-and-search operations. During the drive, some explosives, ammunition, military-like uniforms were recovered from them," the Army officials said, adding some of them were arrested for possessing drugs. Meanwhile, a group of Buddist monks have accused a cabinet minister and a provincial governor of aiding and abetting the NTJ and lodged a complaint with the police, which has referred to it to the Crime Investigation Department. The monks have accused Industry and Trade Minister Rishath Bathiyutheen and Governor of the Eastern Province M L A M Hizbullah of aiding and abetting NTJ, the group responsible for the Easter Sunday attacks. "The complaint has been referred to the Crime Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation," police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said. Also read: Was Saudi Arabia aware of Sri Lanka attacks? ×

Sri Lanka Navy puts its vessels on alert after reports of Islamic State terrorists setting off to India

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