A terrorist attack blamed on Islamic State in eastern Syria killed at least 10 oil field workers, a day after the Syrian Kurdish-led forces warned of an assault on the terrorists.&nbsp;The attack targeting three buses transporting workers from the al-Taim oil field in Deir Ezzor province killed nearly a dozen people and injured two others, the SANA news agency reported.

The nature of the attack in the Kurdish-held area remains unknown. However, a British-based war monitor said Islamic State group cells attacked the oil field workers.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="www.wionews.com/middle-east/kurdish-fighters-launch-offensive-mission-against-islamic-state-in-syria-547707">Kurdish fighters launch offensive mission against Islamic State in Syria</a>

"The episode began with explosive devices that went off as the buses drove by, and then the group's militants opened fire at them," mentioned Rami Abdel Rahman, Director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, in a bid to free their fighters, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Daesh) attacked a prison in Raqqa, killing six Kurdish soldiers. Later, on Thursday, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched an offensive against the Islamic State group fighters.&nbsp;

According to the SDF, Operation al-Jazeera Thunderbolt&nbsp;aims to eradicate IS terrorists from regions under recent attack. They also mentioned that the operation was in alliance&nbsp;with the U.S. However, the international force has not confirmed its involvement.

Watch|&nbsp;Economic crisis worsens in Pakistan, Forex reserves fall to $5.8 billion

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/economic-crisis-worsens-in-pakistan-forex-reserves-fall-to-58-billion-547992/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The IS terrorists have lately conducted eight assaults on the Deir Ezzor region, Hasakeh, and Al-Hol camp for displaced people, said an SDF statement.

SDF referred to the recent Turkish airstrikes in northeast Syria and alleged that IS has been trying to take advantage of the situation. In 2019, the SDF drove the IS from its last stronghold.&nbsp;

However, even though IS collapsed, its remaining fighters have continued attacking Iraq and Syria. According to IS, Monday's attack on Raqqa was to avenge the Muslim prisoners and the deaths of female relatives of terrorists living in the Al-Hol camp. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

A terrorist attack blamed on Islamic State in eastern Syria killed at least 10 oil field workers, a day after the Syrian Kurdish-led forces warned of an assault on the terrorists.

A terrorist attack blamed on Islamic State in eastern Syria killed at least 10 oil field workers, a day after the Syrian Kurdish-led forces warned of an assault on the terrorists. The attack targeting three buses transporting workers from the al-Taim oil field in Deir Ezzor province killed nearly a dozen people and injured two others, the SANA news agency reported. The nature of the attack in the Kurdish-held area remains unknown. However, a British-based war monitor said Islamic State group cells attacked the oil field workers. Also read| Kurdish fighters launch offensive mission against Islamic State in Syria "The episode began with explosive devices that went off as the buses drove by, and then the group's militants opened fire at them," mentioned Rami Abdel Rahman, Director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Earlier this week, in a bid to free their fighters, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Daesh) attacked a prison in Raqqa, killing six Kurdish soldiers. Later, on Thursday, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched an offensive against the Islamic State group fighters. According to the SDF, Operation al-Jazeera Thunderbolt aims to eradicate IS terrorists from regions under recent attack. They also mentioned that the operation was in alliance with the U.S. However, the international force has not confirmed its involvement. Watch| Economic crisis worsens in Pakistan, Forex reserves fall to $5.8 billion The IS terrorists have lately conducted eight assaults on the Deir Ezzor region, Hasakeh, and Al-Hol camp for displaced people, said an SDF statement. SDF referred to the recent Turkish airstrikes in northeast Syria and alleged that IS has been trying to take advantage of the situation. In 2019, the SDF drove the IS from its last stronghold. However, even though IS collapsed, its remaining fighters have continued attacking Iraq and Syria. According to IS, Monday's attack on Raqqa was to avenge the Muslim prisoners and the deaths of female relatives of terrorists living in the Al-Hol camp. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Terror attack in eastern Syria kills at least 10 oil field workers, Islamic State blamed

Syrian Kurdish-led forces launched an all-out attack against Islamic State fighters after the militant group tried to rescue some of its members from a prison in Raqa. According to AFP, the IS attacked the prison complex on Monday and the fight between the two groups resulted in the death of six Kurdish fighters. According to the official statement, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces called the offensive "Operation al-Jazeera Thunderbolt" and said that the main aim behind it is to "eliminate" IS gunmen from the region which has&nbsp;turned into "the source of the recent terrorist attacks".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-40-per-cent-of-kyiv-population-left-without-power-after-russian-strikes-547670">Around 40 per cent of Kyiv population left without power after Russian strikes</a>

The SDF has received support from the United States-backed coalition in this mission. Since the attack on the prison in Raqa, the IS fighters have carried out eight other attacks in the northern Syrian regions of Deir Ezzor, Hasakeh and the Al-Hol camp for displaced people.

The IS fighters have been gaining power in the region since 2014 and the SDF said that the recent attacks are being fuelled by the recent Turkish airstrikes on Kurdish establishments in Syria.

The US has been supporting the Kurdish forces in their fight against IS since 2019 and since that time, the number of clashes between the two sides have gone up considerably.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jordan-ready-for-conflict-if-red-lines-in-jerusalem-are-crossed-warns-king-abdullah-547573">Jordan ready for conflict if 'red lines' in Jerusalem crossed: King Abdullah</a>

Earlier, the Islamic State took full responsibility for the attack on the prison complex in Raqa and said that it wanted to avenge “Muslim prisoners” and female relatives of jihadists living in Al-Hol camp.

Al-Hol has been a controversial region recently with Kurdish fighters detaining over 200 people.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Syrian Kurdish-led forces launched an all-out attack against Islamic State fighters after the militant group tried to rescue some of its members from a prison in Raqa.

Syrian Kurdish-led forces launched an all-out attack against Islamic State fighters after the militant group tried to rescue some of its members from a prison in Raqa. According to AFP, the IS attacked the prison complex on Monday and the fight between the two groups resulted in the death of six Kurdish fighters. According to the official statement, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces called the offensive "Operation al-Jazeera Thunderbolt" and said that the main aim behind it is to "eliminate" IS gunmen from the region which has turned into "the source of the recent terrorist attacks". Also read | Around 40 per cent of Kyiv population left without power after Russian strikes The SDF has received support from the United States-backed coalition in this mission. Since the attack on the prison in Raqa, the IS fighters have carried out eight other attacks in the northern Syrian regions of Deir Ezzor, Hasakeh and the Al-Hol camp for displaced people. The IS fighters have been gaining power in the region since 2014 and the SDF said that the recent attacks are being fuelled by the recent Turkish airstrikes on Kurdish establishments in Syria. The US has been supporting the Kurdish forces in their fight against IS since 2019 and since that time, the number of clashes between the two sides have gone up considerably. Also read | Jordan ready for conflict if 'red lines' in Jerusalem crossed: King Abdullah Earlier, the Islamic State took full responsibility for the attack on the prison complex in Raqa and said that it wanted to avenge “Muslim prisoners” and female relatives of jihadists living in Al-Hol camp. Al-Hol has been a controversial region recently with Kurdish fighters detaining over 200 people.

Kurdish fighters launch offensive mission against Islamic State in Syria

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack on an Afghanistan hotel frequented by Chinese businessmen.

The group in a statement posted on its Telegram channel said two of its personnel "attacked a big hotel frequented by Chinese diplomats and businessmen in Kabul, where they detonated two explosive devices hidden inside two bags."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;South Asia Diary | A throwback to the Taliban's dark past

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-asia-diary-a-throwback-to-the-talibans-dark-past-542478/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As per the group, the two explosives targeted two separate locations, one of them targeted a party for Chinese guests and the other targeted the reception hall.&nbsp;

IS has identified the two fighters as Abu Umar and Abdul Jabbar, reported AFP.

The statement further disclosed that while one of the two fighters started detonating explosive devices he had taped on hotel room doors and shot at guests the other fighter tossed hand grenades at Taliban officers who were attempting to stop them.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-loud-blast-gunfire-heard-near-building-housing-chinese-nationals-542327">Kabul: Attackers killed after blast and gunfire near building housing Chinese nationals</a>

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin on Tuesday disclosed that five Chinese nationals were wounded in the attack. The nation demanded that the Taliban take strict action.

"This terror attack is abominable and China is deeply shocked. We firmly oppose all forms of terrorism... We express our grief for the Afghan military police who died, and express sympathies for the injured," said the foreign ministry spokesman.

"China demands the Afghan side spare no efforts in searching for and rescuing Chinese individuals, and at the same time open a comprehensive investigation, severely punish the attackers, and earnestly strengthen the protection of Chinese citizens and organisations in Afghanistan," Wang said.

The nation has also advised its citizens, and organisations to leave Afghanistan as soon as possible.

Witnesses as per AFP reported multiple blasts and several bursts of blasts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-sharif-warns-taliban-ensure-such-incidents-arent-repeated-after-firing-along-afghan-border-kills-6-542206">Pak PM warns Taliban 'ensure such incidents aren’t repeated', after firing along Afghan border kills six</a>

The group claims that 30 people were killed or wounded at Kabul's Longan Hotel.&nbsp;

However, Italian non-governmental organisation Emergency NGO, which operates a hospital just one kilometre from the blast site said that the Monday attack resulted in 21 casualties. Three of the people were dead on arrival, it is still not known whether the dead were civilians or attackers.

As per a Twitter statement by Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid, no foreigners were killed in the attack.

"All the guests of the hotel have been rescued and no foreigner was killed. Only two foreign guests were injured when they threw themselves from an upper storey."

The hotel is popular among Chinese businessmen who flocked to Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack on an Afghanistan hotel frequented by Chinese businessmen. The group in a statement posted on its Telegram channel said two of its personnel "attacked a big hotel frequented by Chinese diplomats and businessmen in Kabul, where they detonated two explosive devices hidden inside two bags.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack on an Afghanistan hotel frequented by Chinese businessmen. The group in a statement posted on its Telegram channel said two of its personnel "attacked a big hotel frequented by Chinese diplomats and businessmen in Kabul, where they detonated two explosive devices hidden inside two bags." Watch | South Asia Diary | A throwback to the Taliban's dark past As per the group, the two explosives targeted two separate locations, one of them targeted a party for Chinese guests and the other targeted the reception hall. IS has identified the two fighters as Abu Umar and Abdul Jabbar, reported AFP. The statement further disclosed that while one of the two fighters started detonating explosive devices he had taped on hotel room doors and shot at guests the other fighter tossed hand grenades at Taliban officers who were attempting to stop them. Also read | Kabul: Attackers killed after blast and gunfire near building housing Chinese nationals Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin on Tuesday disclosed that five Chinese nationals were wounded in the attack. The nation demanded that the Taliban take strict action. "This terror attack is abominable and China is deeply shocked. We firmly oppose all forms of terrorism... We express our grief for the Afghan military police who died, and express sympathies for the injured," said the foreign ministry spokesman. "China demands the Afghan side spare no efforts in searching for and rescuing Chinese individuals, and at the same time open a comprehensive investigation, severely punish the attackers, and earnestly strengthen the protection of Chinese citizens and organisations in Afghanistan," Wang said. The nation has also advised its citizens, and organisations to leave Afghanistan as soon as possible. Witnesses as per AFP reported multiple blasts and several bursts of blasts. Also read | Pak PM warns Taliban 'ensure such incidents aren’t repeated', after firing along Afghan border kills six The group claims that 30 people were killed or wounded at Kabul's Longan Hotel. However, Italian non-governmental organisation Emergency NGO, which operates a hospital just one kilometre from the blast site said that the Monday attack resulted in 21 casualties. Three of the people were dead on arrival, it is still not known whether the dead were civilians or attackers. As per a Twitter statement by Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid, no foreigners were killed in the attack. "All the guests of the hotel have been rescued and no foreigner was killed. Only two foreign guests were injured when they threw themselves from an upper storey." The hotel is popular among Chinese businessmen who flocked to Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Islamic State claims responsibility for Kabul hotel attack, China says condems 'all forms of terrorism'

Seven people were killed after a roadside bomb exploded in northern Afghanistan’s biggest city Mazar-a-Sharif on Tuesday. According to the local officials, the people were petroleum company employees who were travelling to their workplace in a bus. This was the latest in the serious of bomb attacks that have taken place in various parts of Afghanistan since the return of the Taliban.

Most of the bomb blasts were caused by the local chapter of the Islamic State (IS) but no group has claimed responsibility for the explosion that took place on Tuesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-to-implement-emergency-power-shutdowns-after-latest-russian-missile-strikes-540542">Ukraine to implement emergency power shutdowns after Russian missile strikes</a>

"I was reading the Quran on my phone screen and there was a boom," a survivor told AFP.

Another survivor, who was identified as Mohammad Hanif, told AFP that there 52 people on the bus at the time of the explosion and many of them sustained injured due to the shrapnel.

The official spokesperson for the Balkh province police department Asif Waziri said that seven people were killed while six were seriously injured. They were taken promptly to the hospital.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/five-people-sentenced-to-death-in-iran-over-killing-of-basij-paramilitary-member-540589">Five people sentenced to death in Iran over killing of paramilitary member</a>

"The bomb was placed in a cart by the roadside. It was detonated as the bus arrived," he said.

Meanwhile, a member of the IS in Afghanistan was arrested for an attack on Pakistan’s embassy in Kabul. During the attack, a security guard was wounded, and Pakistan called it an assassination attempt.

"This person is a citizen of a foreign country and a member of IS," the spokesperson for the police said.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Seven people were killed after a roadside bomb exploded in northern Afghanistan’s biggest city Mazar-a-Sharif on Tuesday. According to the local officials, the people were petroleum company employees who were travelling to their workplace in a bus.

Seven people were killed after a roadside bomb exploded in northern Afghanistan’s biggest city Mazar-a-Sharif on Tuesday. According to the local officials, the people were petroleum company employees who were travelling to their workplace in a bus. This was the latest in the serious of bomb attacks that have taken place in various parts of Afghanistan since the return of the Taliban. Most of the bomb blasts were caused by the local chapter of the Islamic State (IS) but no group has claimed responsibility for the explosion that took place on Tuesday. Also read | Ukraine to implement emergency power shutdowns after Russian missile strikes "I was reading the Quran on my phone screen and there was a boom," a survivor told AFP. Another survivor, who was identified as Mohammad Hanif, told AFP that there 52 people on the bus at the time of the explosion and many of them sustained injured due to the shrapnel. The official spokesperson for the Balkh province police department Asif Waziri said that seven people were killed while six were seriously injured. They were taken promptly to the hospital. Also read | Five people sentenced to death in Iran over killing of paramilitary member "The bomb was placed in a cart by the roadside. It was detonated as the bus arrived," he said. Meanwhile, a member of the IS in Afghanistan was arrested for an attack on Pakistan’s embassy in Kabul. During the attack, a security guard was wounded, and Pakistan called it an assassination attempt. "This person is a citizen of a foreign country and a member of IS," the spokesperson for the police said.

Seven killed and six injured in roadside explosion in Afghanistan's Mazar-i-Sharif

The Islamist State said on Wednesday that its leader Abu Hasan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi was killed in battle.&nbsp;The extremist group has named&nbsp;his replacement. A spokesperson for the group said that the IS group leader was killed "in combat with enemies of God" but did not provide further details.&nbsp;

Al-Muhajir, a spokesman for the ISIS said on Telegram that Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurashi is the new leader of the terror outfit.

Abu Hasan al-Husseini al-Qurashi was named in March as the third leader since IS was founded. It happened after the extremist group`s former leader blew himself up in February to avoid being captured by US soldiers.

His predecessor Abu Hasan became the leader of the group back in October 2019 after the death of his predecessor – Abu Ibrahim al-Qurashi. He was killed in a raid conducted by the United States in northern Syria.

Earlier, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was also killed in Idlib back in October 2019.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-government-relaxes-covid-19-rules-in-several-districts-in-guangzhou-538833">Chinese government relaxes COVID-19 rules in several districts of Guangzhou</a>

The Islamic State was born out of the civil war in Syria in the 2000s and over the next few years, the militant group was able to capture parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014. The main aim of the group was to create an Islamic caliphate as was proclaimed by Baghdadi from the Iraqi city of Mosul.

The various factions of the Islamic state and other militant groups have been constantly in a state of war and even in Afghanistan, the IS was active after the Taliban came to power. There were a number of blasts that took place in the past year and most of them were claimed by the Islamic State.

The Islamist State said on Wednesday that its leader Abu Hasan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi was killed in battle. The extremist group has named his replacement. A spokesperson for the group said that the IS group leader was killed "in combat with enemies of God" but did not provide further details.

The Islamist State said on Wednesday that its leader Abu Hasan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi was killed in battle. The extremist group has named his replacement. A spokesperson for the group said that the IS group leader was killed "in combat with enemies of God" but did not provide further details. Al-Muhajir, a spokesman for the ISIS said on Telegram that Abu al-Hussein al-Husseini al-Qurashi is the new leader of the terror outfit. Abu Hasan al-Husseini al-Qurashi was named in March as the third leader since IS was founded. It happened after the extremist group`s former leader blew himself up in February to avoid being captured by US soldiers. His predecessor Abu Hasan became the leader of the group back in October 2019 after the death of his predecessor – Abu Ibrahim al-Qurashi. He was killed in a raid conducted by the United States in northern Syria. Earlier, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was also killed in Idlib back in October 2019. Also read | Chinese government relaxes COVID-19 rules in several districts of Guangzhou The Islamic State was born out of the civil war in Syria in the 2000s and over the next few years, the militant group was able to capture parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014. The main aim of the group was to create an Islamic caliphate as was proclaimed by Baghdadi from the Iraqi city of Mosul. The various factions of the Islamic state and other militant groups have been constantly in a state of war and even in Afghanistan, the IS was active after the Taliban came to power. There were a number of blasts that took place in the past year and most of them were claimed by the Islamic State.

ISIS says leader Abu Hasan Al-Qurashi killed, new leader named

At least 19&nbsp;people were killed and 24 wounded after a blast at a madrassa in Afghanistan’s northern city of Aybak on Wednesday. According to AFP, a doctor at the local hospital confirmed the death toll and said that the wounded are currently undergoing treatment. The doctor also said that the casualties were mostly youngsters and they belonged to the Al Jihad madrassa.&nbsp;"All of them are children and ordinary people," he told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-government-relaxes-covid-19-rules-in-several-districts-in-guangzhou-538833">Chinese government relaxes COVID-19 rules in several districts in Guangzhou</a>

Several blasts and attacks have taken place since the Taliban returned to power last year. Most of the attacks were carried out by the local chapter of the Islamic State (IS).

The government said that the authorities are working towards identifying the attackers.

"Our detective and security forces are working quickly to identify the perpetrators of this unforgivable crime and punish them for their actions," Interior Ministry spokesman tweeted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-removed-from-uk-nuclear-project-a-day-after-sunaks-golden-era-over-statement-538678">China booted from UK nuclear project after Sunak's 'golden era over' statement</a>

The rift between the Taliban and the Islamic State has resulted in various attacks across the country.

In September, 54 people were killed when a bomb was detonated in Kabul at an examination hall in Kabul. Most of the victims were young women who were appearing for a practice test.

In 2021, just after the Taliban reclaimed power, 85 people were killed and 300 people wounded due to a bomb blast. In this case, the victims were once again youngsters – mainly young girls.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

At least 19 people were killed and 24 wounded after a blast at a madrassa in Afghanistan’s northern city of Aybak on Wednesday. According to AFP, a doctor at the local hospital confirmed the death toll and said that the wounded are currently undergoing treatment.

At least 19 people were killed and 24 wounded after a blast at a madrassa in Afghanistan’s northern city of Aybak on Wednesday. According to AFP, a doctor at the local hospital confirmed the death toll and said that the wounded are currently undergoing treatment. The doctor also said that the casualties were mostly youngsters and they belonged to the Al Jihad madrassa. "All of them are children and ordinary people," he told AFP. Also read | Chinese government relaxes COVID-19 rules in several districts in Guangzhou Several blasts and attacks have taken place since the Taliban returned to power last year. Most of the attacks were carried out by the local chapter of the Islamic State (IS). The government said that the authorities are working towards identifying the attackers. "Our detective and security forces are working quickly to identify the perpetrators of this unforgivable crime and punish them for their actions," Interior Ministry spokesman tweeted. Also read | China booted from UK nuclear project after Sunak's 'golden era over' statement The rift between the Taliban and the Islamic State has resulted in various attacks across the country. In September, 54 people were killed when a bomb was detonated in Kabul at an examination hall in Kabul. Most of the victims were young women who were appearing for a practice test. In 2021, just after the Taliban reclaimed power, 85 people were killed and 300 people wounded due to a bomb blast. In this case, the victims were once again youngsters – mainly young girls.

At least 19 killed and 24 injured in bomb blast at madrassa in Afghanistan's Aybak

The Islamic State group on Wednesday said that its leader Abu Hasan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi has been killed in battle and announced a replacement.

Islamic State group announces death of leader, appoints successor

Lafarge, a French cement major, has been fined&nbsp;$778 million for supporting terror groups, including the Islamic State, during the Syrian civil war.

The US Justice Department said that Lafarge SA paid “middlemen” $12.8 million to let its Syrian cement factory run between 2013 and 2014, when the country was torn apart by the civil war.

They further said that the cement company, which merged with Switzerland's Holcim in 2015, also paid another terror group, al Nusra Front, around $5.92m to protect staff at the plant.

"In the midst of a civil war, Lafarge made the unthinkable choice to put money into the hands of ISIS, one of the world's most barbaric terrorist organizations, so that it could continue selling cement," US Justice Department prosecutor Breon Peace said, reports AFP news agency.

In a statement, Larfage acknowledged its crime and "deeply regretted" the events, and "accepted responsibility for the individual executives involved".

"We have agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiring to provide material support to designated foreign terrorist organizations in Syria," it said.

"Lafarge SA and Lafarge Cement Syria have accepted responsibility for the actions of the individual executives involved, whose behaviour was in flagrant violation of Lafarge's Code of Conduct."

"We deeply regret that this conduct occurred and have worked with the US Department of Justice to resolve this matter."

In 2010, Lafarge opened its subsidiary cement factory in Jalabiya near the Turkish border. It had invested $680 million.

But in 2014, the company seized its operations after the Islamic State took control of the town and the factory.

Apart from the company, eight Lafarge executives, including former CEO Bruno Laffont, are also charged with financing a terrorist group and/or endangering the lives of others.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE: 

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Lafarge, a French cement major, has been fined $778 million for supporting terror groups, including the Islamic State, during the Syrian civil war. The US Justice Department said that Lafarge SA paid “middlemen” $12.

Lafarge, a French cement major, has been fined $778 million for supporting terror groups, including the Islamic State, during the Syrian civil war. The US Justice Department said that Lafarge SA paid “middlemen” $12.8 million to let its Syrian cement factory run between 2013 and 2014, when the country was torn apart by the civil war. They further said that the cement company, which merged with Switzerland's Holcim in 2015, also paid another terror group, al Nusra Front, around $5.92m to protect staff at the plant. "In the midst of a civil war, Lafarge made the unthinkable choice to put money into the hands of ISIS, one of the world's most barbaric terrorist organizations, so that it could continue selling cement," US Justice Department prosecutor Breon Peace said, reports AFP news agency. In a statement, Larfage acknowledged its crime and "deeply regretted" the events, and "accepted responsibility for the individual executives involved". "We have agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiring to provide material support to designated foreign terrorist organizations in Syria," it said. "Lafarge SA and Lafarge Cement Syria have accepted responsibility for the actions of the individual executives involved, whose behaviour was in flagrant violation of Lafarge's Code of Conduct." "We deeply regret that this conduct occurred and have worked with the US Department of Justice to resolve this matter." In 2010, Lafarge opened its subsidiary cement factory in Jalabiya near the Turkish border. It had invested $680 million. But in 2014, the company seized its operations after the Islamic State took control of the town and the factory. Apart from the company, eight Lafarge executives, including former CEO Bruno Laffont, are also charged with financing a terrorist group and/or endangering the lives of others. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

French cement firm Lafarge fined $778 mn for funding Islamic State, other terror groups

The world has seen its fair share of terror attacks. These terrible attacks result in huge losses of life and the devastation of property. People, who survive these are considered lucky, but are they?

A 23-year woman who had survived a terror attack when she was a teenager has died after she chose to be euthanised. Shanti De Corte was plagued by depression and PTSD due to the bomb detonation she witnessed back when she was 17 years old.

On March 22, 2016, as she and her schoolmates were making their way through the departures area of the Belgian airport in Zaventem in preparation for a vacation to Italy, an ISIS bomb went off.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: This 'Suicide Pod' ensures 'painless death' in a minute

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-this-suicide-pod-ensures-painless-death-in-a-minute-434957/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The explosion as per Daily Mail claimed 32 lives, additionally, more than 300 people were injured.

Though Shanti escaped the explosion physically unscathed, mentally she suffered every day since. The ordeal left her psychologically crippled, suffering through frequent panic attacks and bouts of depressive episodes.&nbsp;The troubled young woman is the terror attack's latest and the 33rd victim.

Shanti sought help from a psychiatric facility in her home town of Antwerp and was even put on anti-depressant medications. However, the psychological trauma was too heavy and she attempted suicide twice; once in 2018 and once in 2020.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spanish-court-allows-euthanasia-for-paraplegic-gunman-awaiting-trail-504289">Spanish court allows euthanasia for paraplegic gunman awaiting trail</a>

Finally, in May of this year, she opted to be euthanised.

Euthanasia is legal in Belgium for individuals in "a medically futile condition of constant and unbearable physical or mental suffering that cannot be alleviated, resulting from a serious and incurable disorder caused by illness or accident".

As per RTBF, two psychiatrists approved Shanti's formal request to be euthanised earlier this year.&nbsp;She died on May 7, 2022, however, her story only recently came to light after her mother Marielle spoke to VRT news.&nbsp;'That day really cracked her, she never felt safe after that,' said Shanti's mother.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/countries-where-euthanasia-assisted-suicide-is-legal-281943">Countries where euthanasia, assisted suicide is legal</a>

Before she opted to die, Shanti frequently took to social media and recalled the horrors she witnessed. In one post she shared how at one point she was taking up to 11 antidepressants a day, "I couldn't live without it".

"With all the medications I take, I feel like a ghost that can't feel anything anymore. Maybe there were other solutions than medications," she wrote.

In a final post, she posted on the day she died, Shanti wrote "I was laughing and crying. Until the last day. I loved and was allowed to feel what true love is. Now I will go away in peace. Know that I miss you already."

(With inputs from agencies)

If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata), Parivarthan (Bangalore) +91 76766 02602

WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations.

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The world has seen its fair share of terror attacks. These terrible attacks result in huge losses of life and the devastation of property. People, who survive these are considered lucky, but are they?

The world has seen its fair share of terror attacks. These terrible attacks result in huge losses of life and the devastation of property. People, who survive these are considered lucky, but are they? A 23-year woman who had survived a terror attack when she was a teenager has died after she chose to be euthanised. Shanti De Corte was plagued by depression and PTSD due to the bomb detonation she witnessed back when she was 17 years old. On March 22, 2016, as she and her schoolmates were making their way through the departures area of the Belgian airport in Zaventem in preparation for a vacation to Italy, an ISIS bomb went off. Watch | Gravitas: This 'Suicide Pod' ensures 'painless death' in a minute The explosion as per Daily Mail claimed 32 lives, additionally, more than 300 people were injured. Though Shanti escaped the explosion physically unscathed, mentally she suffered every day since. The ordeal left her psychologically crippled, suffering through frequent panic attacks and bouts of depressive episodes. The troubled young woman is the terror attack's latest and the 33rd victim. Shanti sought help from a psychiatric facility in her home town of Antwerp and was even put on anti-depressant medications. However, the psychological trauma was too heavy and she attempted suicide twice; once in 2018 and once in 2020. Also read | Spanish court allows euthanasia for paraplegic gunman awaiting trail Finally, in May of this year, she opted to be euthanised. Euthanasia is legal in Belgium for individuals in "a medically futile condition of constant and unbearable physical or mental suffering that cannot be alleviated, resulting from a serious and incurable disorder caused by illness or accident". As per RTBF, two psychiatrists approved Shanti's formal request to be euthanised earlier this year. She died on May 7, 2022, however, her story only recently came to light after her mother Marielle spoke to VRT news. 'That day really cracked her, she never felt safe after that,' said Shanti's mother. Also read | Countries where euthanasia, assisted suicide is legal Before she opted to die, Shanti frequently took to social media and recalled the horrors she witnessed. In one post she shared how at one point she was taking up to 11 antidepressants a day, "I couldn't live without it". "With all the medications I take, I feel like a ghost that can't feel anything anymore. Maybe there were other solutions than medications," she wrote. In a final post, she posted on the day she died, Shanti wrote "I was laughing and crying. Until the last day. I loved and was allowed to feel what true love is. Now I will go away in peace. Know that I miss you already." (With inputs from agencies) If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata), Parivarthan (Bangalore) +91 76766 02602 WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Belgium woman gets euthanised after battling post-terror attack mental trauma for six years

Two top ISIS leaders were killed in an airstrike by the United States forces in northern Syria on Thursday, according to defense officials. The official statement stated that Abu ‘Ala, deputy leader of ISIS in Syria, and Abu Mu’Ad al-Qahtani, an ISIS official responsible for prisoner affairs, were killed.

The operation came just days after an ISIS smuggler was killed by the US forces. The United States has increased its operations in the area and has been targeting senior ISIS officials.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zaporizhzhia-power-plant-is-a-ukrainian-facility-says-head-of-un-nuclear-watchdog-523122" hreflang="en">Zaporizhzhia plant is a Ukrainian facility, says head of UN nuclear watchdog</a>

“Last night, U.S. Central Command forces conducted a helicopter raid in northeast Syria, near the village of Qamishli, targeting Rakkan Wahid al-Shammri, an ISIS official known to facilitate the smuggling of weapons and fighters to support ISIS operations. During the operation, the targeted individual was killed and one of his associates was wounded,” the Central Command said.

In the build-up to the operation on Thursday, the forces collected around 1000 hours of intelligence to minimise collateral damage and they were successful in keeping all the nearby civilians safe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-requests-halt-on-legal-proceedings-in-twitter-dispute-case-523146">US judge halts Musk-Twitter lawsuit ahead of possible $44 billion takeover</a>

“USCENTCOM is committed to our allies and partners in the enduring defeat of ISIS,” CENTCOM spokesman Col. Joe Buccino said in a statement while addressing the recent strikes.

The Biden administration has repeatedly made their intentions clear about shifting the military away gradually from the middle east. But, with the new operations, questioned have been asked about whether they can be looking to maintain control over a region which has recently seen interest from two of the world’s other superpowers – China and Russia.

Two top ISIS leaders were killed in an airstrike by the United States forces in northern Syria on Thursday, according to defense officials. The official statement stated that Abu ‘Ala, deputy leader of ISIS in Syria, and Abu Mu’Ad al-Qahtani, an ISIS official responsible for prisoner affairs, were killed.

Two top ISIS leaders were killed in an airstrike by the United States forces in northern Syria on Thursday, according to defense officials. The official statement stated that Abu ‘Ala, deputy leader of ISIS in Syria, and Abu Mu’Ad al-Qahtani, an ISIS official responsible for prisoner affairs, were killed. The operation came just days after an ISIS smuggler was killed by the US forces. The United States has increased its operations in the area and has been targeting senior ISIS officials. Also read | Zaporizhzhia plant is a Ukrainian facility, says head of UN nuclear watchdog “Last night, U.S. Central Command forces conducted a helicopter raid in northeast Syria, near the village of Qamishli, targeting Rakkan Wahid al-Shammri, an ISIS official known to facilitate the smuggling of weapons and fighters to support ISIS operations. During the operation, the targeted individual was killed and one of his associates was wounded,” the Central Command said. In the build-up to the operation on Thursday, the forces collected around 1000 hours of intelligence to minimise collateral damage and they were successful in keeping all the nearby civilians safe. Also read | US judge halts Musk-Twitter lawsuit ahead of possible $44 billion takeover “USCENTCOM is committed to our allies and partners in the enduring defeat of ISIS,” CENTCOM spokesman Col. Joe Buccino said in a statement while addressing the recent strikes. The Biden administration has repeatedly made their intentions clear about shifting the military away gradually from the middle east. But, with the new operations, questioned have been asked about whether they can be looking to maintain control over a region which has recently seen interest from two of the world’s other superpowers – China and Russia.

Two top Islamic State terrorists killed in US air raids conducted in Syria

Taliban on Friday (September 23) said at least seven people were killed and 41&nbsp;injured,&nbsp; including many children, in a car bomb blast as worshippers were leaving a mosque&nbsp;on Friday in the Afghan capital.&nbsp;No one is reported to have taken responsibility for the bombing, the latest in a stream of attacks since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan just over a year ago. 
 
The interior ministry spokesman, Abdul Nafi Takor, said the car laden with explosives was parked by the roadside near the mosque and detonated as worshippers were coming out after Friday prayers, reported PTI.&nbsp;Takor said, "The explosion occurred when worshippers were heading home. Police force is at the site and investigation is underway."

A mangled car engulfed in fire on a road outside the mosque could be seen in images posted on social media.

Although no group has so far claimed the attack, the militant group Islamic State has targeted Friday prayers at mosques in recent months.

Kabul police chief spokesman Khalid Zadran said worshippers were targeted intentionally when they were exiting from the Wazir Akbar Khan Mosque after Friday prayers.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-what-life-in-afghanistan-looks-like-after-one-year-of-taliban-rule-504576" hreflang="en">IN PICS | What life in Afghanistan looks like after one year of Taliban rule?</a>

Four people of 14 received by Italian-NGO-run Emergency Hospital were dead on arrival as per authorities.

“Targeting mosques and worshippers is an unforgivable crime, the nation should cooperate with the regime in eliminating criminals,” said Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. 
 
The Islamic State group, a top rival of the Taliban since their takeover in Afghanistan just over a year ago, has previously targeted mosques and worshippers, and especially members of Afghanistan's minority Shiites in attacks. 
 
The area in which the blast took place is called Wazir Akbar Khan and it is a prominent location in Kabul and was previously the location of many foreign embassies and NATO.

There have been regular bomb attacks in Kabul and other cities although overall violence has significantly dropped across Afghanistan since the war ended with the Taliban's return to power.

In the latest attack in the capital claimed by the group. two Russian embassy staff members were killed in a suicide bombing outside its offices earlier this month.

Following the Taliban's return to power, the mosque was the target of a similar attack in 2020 in which the imam was killed and several people were wounded.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION's live TV here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Taliban on Friday (September 23) said at least seven people were killed and 41 injured, including many children, in a car bomb blast as worshippers were leaving a mosque on Friday in the Afghan capital.

Taliban on Friday (September 23) said at least seven people were killed and 41 injured, including many children, in a car bomb blast as worshippers were leaving a mosque on Friday in the Afghan capital. No one is reported to have taken responsibility for the bombing, the latest in a stream of attacks since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan just over a year ago. The interior ministry spokesman, Abdul Nafi Takor, said the car laden with explosives was parked by the roadside near the mosque and detonated as worshippers were coming out after Friday prayers, reported PTI. Takor said, "The explosion occurred when worshippers were heading home. Police force is at the site and investigation is underway." A mangled car engulfed in fire on a road outside the mosque could be seen in images posted on social media. Although no group has so far claimed the attack, the militant group Islamic State has targeted Friday prayers at mosques in recent months. Kabul police chief spokesman Khalid Zadran said worshippers were targeted intentionally when they were exiting from the Wazir Akbar Khan Mosque after Friday prayers. Also see | IN PICS | What life in Afghanistan looks like after one year of Taliban rule? Four people of 14 received by Italian-NGO-run Emergency Hospital were dead on arrival as per authorities. “Targeting mosques and worshippers is an unforgivable crime, the nation should cooperate with the regime in eliminating criminals,” said Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. The Islamic State group, a top rival of the Taliban since their takeover in Afghanistan just over a year ago, has previously targeted mosques and worshippers, and especially members of Afghanistan's minority Shiites in attacks. The area in which the blast took place is called Wazir Akbar Khan and it is a prominent location in Kabul and was previously the location of many foreign embassies and NATO. There have been regular bomb attacks in Kabul and other cities although overall violence has significantly dropped across Afghanistan since the war ended with the Taliban's return to power. In the latest attack in the capital claimed by the group. two Russian embassy staff members were killed in a suicide bombing outside its offices earlier this month. Following the Taliban's return to power, the mosque was the target of a similar attack in 2020 in which the imam was killed and several people were wounded. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Kabul: At least seven people killed, 41 injured in car bomb blast near mosque after Friday prayers

A Swiss woman was given a nine-year jail term on Monday for slashing two people in the name of the Islamic State group but her sentence was suspended so she can undergo psychiatric treatment.

The court found the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, guilty of attempted murder and of terrorism-linked charges.

She had "no respect for human life", court president Fiorenza Bergomi said as she read out the verdict.&nbsp;

She had "acted in cold blood, had planned her actions and decided what weapon to use, and where to buy it", Bergomi continued.

The 29-year-old woman's mental state was at the heart of the trial at&nbsp;Switzerland's Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona, in the southern Italian-speaking Ticino region where the attack occurred.

The attack, which did not result in fatalities, took place on November 24, 2020 in the plush Manor department store in Lugano, near Bellinzona.

The woman had suddenly lunged at two random women shopping at the store, attempting to slit their throats.

According to the Office of the Attorney General's indictment, the accused "acted wilfully and with particular ruthlessness", shouted "Allahu akbar" (God is greatest) several times and "I will avenge the Prophet Mohammed", and declared "I am here for IS", the Islamic State jihadist group.

No remorse

One of the two victims suffered a serious neck injury, while the second sustained wounds on one hand and managed, with others, to control the assailant until the police arrived.

During the trial, the court heard that the woman has been in contact with psychologists and psychiatrists since childhood, with two experts testifying that she suffers from a range of psychological disorders.

Her lawyers argue the accused's psychological disorders mean the attack could not be considered a "terrorist act" because the woman lived in a fantasy world.

When questioned during the trial, the woman showed no remorse, telling the court: "If I could go back, I would do it better."

On Monday, she was found guilty of "repeated murder attempts" and of violating the Swiss laws against association with Al-Qaeda, IS and related Islamist groups.&nbsp;

She was&nbsp;also found guilty of repeated unlawful prostitution between 2017 and 2020.

The accused was ordered to pay the woman who suffered the most serious injuries, and who was a civil party in the case, 41,000 Swiss francs ($42,000) to cover her legal costs and as compensation for the "moral wrong".

'Lone wolves'

The court president pointed to studies indicating that terror suspects could suffer from stress and psychiatric problems.

"We must not forget that there are... people with psychiatric problems who do not belong to terrorist organisations, but who are considered lone wolves," she said.

Monday's verdict was in line with the prosecution's request, but her sentence was shorter than the 14-year-term it had asked for.

The prosecutors, who had also suggested her sentence be suspended and that she be committed to a closed treatment facility for as long as she was deemed a threat, said Monday that they "took note" of the verdict, but did not indicate whether they would appeal.

The daughter of a Swiss father and a Serbian mother, her adolescence was marked by anorexia and she did not attend secondary school.

Aged 19, she married a man of Afghan origin and converted to Islam. The pair divorced last year.

After falling in love over social media in 2017 with a jihadist in Syria, she attempted to travel to meet him, but was stopped by Turkish authorities at the Syrian border and sent back to&nbsp;Switzerland&nbsp;where she was admitted to a psychiatric clinic, police said.

A Swiss woman was given a nine-year jail term on Monday for slashing two people in the name of the Islamic State group but her sentence was suspended so she can undergo psychiatric treatment.

A Swiss woman was given a nine-year jail term on Monday for slashing two people in the name of the Islamic State group but her sentence was suspended so she can undergo psychiatric treatment. The court found the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, guilty of attempted murder and of terrorism-linked charges. She had "no respect for human life", court president Fiorenza Bergomi said as she read out the verdict. She had "acted in cold blood, had planned her actions and decided what weapon to use, and where to buy it", Bergomi continued. The 29-year-old woman's mental state was at the heart of the trial at Switzerland's Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona, in the southern Italian-speaking Ticino region where the attack occurred. The attack, which did not result in fatalities, took place on November 24, 2020 in the plush Manor department store in Lugano, near Bellinzona. The woman had suddenly lunged at two random women shopping at the store, attempting to slit their throats. According to the Office of the Attorney General's indictment, the accused "acted wilfully and with particular ruthlessness", shouted "Allahu akbar" (God is greatest) several times and "I will avenge the Prophet Mohammed", and declared "I am here for IS", the Islamic State jihadist group. No remorse One of the two victims suffered a serious neck injury, while the second sustained wounds on one hand and managed, with others, to control the assailant until the police arrived. During the trial, the court heard that the woman has been in contact with psychologists and psychiatrists since childhood, with two experts testifying that she suffers from a range of psychological disorders. Her lawyers argue the accused's psychological disorders mean the attack could not be considered a "terrorist act" because the woman lived in a fantasy world. When questioned during the trial, the woman showed no remorse, telling the court: "If I could go back, I would do it better." On Monday, she was found guilty of "repeated murder attempts" and of violating the Swiss laws against association with Al-Qaeda, IS and related Islamist groups. She was also found guilty of repeated unlawful prostitution between 2017 and 2020. The accused was ordered to pay the woman who suffered the most serious injuries, and who was a civil party in the case, 41,000 Swiss francs ($42,000) to cover her legal costs and as compensation for the "moral wrong". 'Lone wolves' The court president pointed to studies indicating that terror suspects could suffer from stress and psychiatric problems. "We must not forget that there are... people with psychiatric problems who do not belong to terrorist organisations, but who are considered lone wolves," she said. Monday's verdict was in line with the prosecution's request, but her sentence was shorter than the 14-year-term it had asked for. The prosecutors, who had also suggested her sentence be suspended and that she be committed to a closed treatment facility for as long as she was deemed a threat, said Monday that they "took note" of the verdict, but did not indicate whether they would appeal. The daughter of a Swiss father and a Serbian mother, her adolescence was marked by anorexia and she did not attend secondary school. Aged 19, she married a man of Afghan origin and converted to Islam. The pair divorced last year. After falling in love over social media in 2017 with a jihadist in Syria, she attempted to travel to meet him, but was stopped by Turkish authorities at the Syrian border and sent back to Switzerland where she was admitted to a psychiatric clinic, police said.

Swiss court sentences 'Islamic State' knifewoman to nine years

Following the revelation that an informant for the Canadian intelligence agency was acting as a double agent when he facilitated the 2015 passage of British teenager Shamima Begum to live among Islamic State in Syria, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has vowed a ''proper oversight''.

During a press conference on Thursday, Trudeau told reporters that agents observe rigorous rules in handling their informants.

Highlighting that intelligence work can be a messy business, Trudeau said it requires both flexibility and creativity on the part of covert government agents.

British teenagers Kadiza Sultana, Amira Abase and Shamima Begum, who were school friends, fled the country to join IS jihadists.

They were captured in security footage when they were passing through security barriers at Gatwick Airport to fly to Istanbul when they apparently met an interlocutor at a bus station.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/book-claims-spy-for-canada-smuggled-shamima-begum-2-other-schoolgirls-to-syria-511796/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

While maintaining separate activities to smuggle individuals to Islamic State, interlocutor Mohammed Al Rasheed was providing intelligence information to the Canadian government.

According to a book 'The Secret History of the Five Eyes' by Richard Kerbaj, two officials from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) met the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) head of counter-terrorism Richard Walton after Begum's disappearance.

During an interview for the book, Walton said “If you are running agents, you are acquiescing in what they are doing.”

In 2019, Britain revoked Begum's citizenship saying she was a danger to the country's public and that she had aligned with IS because she had remained on the group’s territory.

Arguing that Begum was trafficked out of the country, her family’s lawyer Tasnime Akunjee is due to make a fresh case at the special immigration appeals commission in November.

Citing its policy on “operational intelligence or security matters”, the British government has declined to comment on the CSIS revelations.

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION's live TV here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Following the revelation that an informant for the Canadian intelligence agency was acting as a double agent when he facilitated the 2015 passage of British teenager Shamima Begum to live among Islamic State in Syria, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has vowed a ''proper oversight''.

Following the revelation that an informant for the Canadian intelligence agency was acting as a double agent when he facilitated the 2015 passage of British teenager Shamima Begum to live among Islamic State in Syria, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has vowed a ''proper oversight''. During a press conference on Thursday, Trudeau told reporters that agents observe rigorous rules in handling their informants. Highlighting that intelligence work can be a messy business, Trudeau said it requires both flexibility and creativity on the part of covert government agents. British teenagers Kadiza Sultana, Amira Abase and Shamima Begum, who were school friends, fled the country to join IS jihadists. They were captured in security footage when they were passing through security barriers at Gatwick Airport to fly to Istanbul when they apparently met an interlocutor at a bus station. × While maintaining separate activities to smuggle individuals to Islamic State, interlocutor Mohammed Al Rasheed was providing intelligence information to the Canadian government. According to a book 'The Secret History of the Five Eyes' by Richard Kerbaj, two officials from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) met the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) head of counter-terrorism Richard Walton after Begum's disappearance. During an interview for the book, Walton said “If you are running agents, you are acquiescing in what they are doing.” In 2019, Britain revoked Begum's citizenship saying she was a danger to the country's public and that she had aligned with IS because she had remained on the group’s territory. Arguing that Begum was trafficked out of the country, her family’s lawyer Tasnime Akunjee is due to make a fresh case at the special immigration appeals commission in November. Citing its policy on “operational intelligence or security matters”, the British government has declined to comment on the CSIS revelations. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Canadian spy accused of smuggling Shamima Begum to Syria, Trudeau vows 'proper oversight'

Shamima Begum who had fled to Syria in 2015 to join the Islamic State(IS) was allegedly smuggled into the country by an intelligence agent, a new book by journalist Richard Kerbaj has claimed.

The book alleged the double agent took Shamima, Kadiza Sultana and Amira Abase from Turkey to Syria. He was reportedly arrested in Turkey after the teenagers arrived in IS-controlled Syria.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-is-bride-shamima-was-child-trafficking-victim-lawyer-tells-court-392471">Also Read:&nbsp;British 'IS bride' Shamima was 'child trafficking victim', lawyer tells court</a>

The book claimed the spy was working for both the Islamic State and Canadian intelligence. The book is titled: The Secret History of the Five Eyes. Interestingly, "Five Eyes" is the intelligence-sharing alliance between the UK, US, New Zealand, Canada and Australia. The book is reportedly based on interviews with world leaders and intelligence officials.

Watch:&nbsp;ISIS bride convicted in German court&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/isis-bride-convicted-in-german-court-for-letting-5-year-old-yazidi-girl-die-of-thirst-424049/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The book claimed Canadian and British officials allegedly covered up Shamima Begum's trafficking to Syria. Shamima Begum, 23, remains in a camp in northern Syria.&nbsp;

The "IS bride" married an IS terrorist during her stay in Syria. Shamima later became pregnant but the child died of pneumonia. Former UK home secretary Sajid Javed had stripped Begum of her UK citizenship in 2019 over national security concerns.&nbsp;

Later&nbsp;a court agreed she could get a fair trial if she was allowed back to Britain. However, Britain's top court overturned the decision. She is allowed to pursue her appeal but cannot do so from Britain.

The book alleged Canada had&nbsp;recruited Mohammed al-Rashed when he applied for asylum at the Canadian embassy in Jordan. The book claimed Canadian officials remained silent as the UK police launched an investigation into Shamima's disappearance at Gatwick airport along with other UK schoolgirls.

The book said Turkish officials informed the UK about Rashed who was allegedly found with travel documents including bus tickets belonging to the British teenagers. The book claimed Canadian and UK officials covered up Rashed's information.

Reports claim the British government has refused to comment on Shamima's case&nbsp;due to national security ramifications.

(With inputs from Agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

Shamima Begum who had fled to Syria in 2015 to join the Islamic State(IS) was allegedly smuggled into the country by an intelligence agent, a new book by journalist Richard Kerbaj has claimed.

Shamima Begum who had fled to Syria in 2015 to join the Islamic State(IS) was allegedly smuggled into the country by an intelligence agent, a new book by journalist Richard Kerbaj has claimed. The book alleged the double agent took Shamima, Kadiza Sultana and Amira Abase from Turkey to Syria. He was reportedly arrested in Turkey after the teenagers arrived in IS-controlled Syria. Also Read: British 'IS bride' Shamima was 'child trafficking victim', lawyer tells court The book claimed the spy was working for both the Islamic State and Canadian intelligence. The book is titled: The Secret History of the Five Eyes. Interestingly, "Five Eyes" is the intelligence-sharing alliance between the UK, US, New Zealand, Canada and Australia. The book is reportedly based on interviews with world leaders and intelligence officials. Watch: ISIS bride convicted in German court The book claimed Canadian and British officials allegedly covered up Shamima Begum's trafficking to Syria. Shamima Begum, 23, remains in a camp in northern Syria. The "IS bride" married an IS terrorist during her stay in Syria. Shamima later became pregnant but the child died of pneumonia. Former UK home secretary Sajid Javed had stripped Begum of her UK citizenship in 2019 over national security concerns. Later a court agreed she could get a fair trial if she was allowed back to Britain. However, Britain's top court overturned the decision. She is allowed to pursue her appeal but cannot do so from Britain. The book alleged Canada had recruited Mohammed al-Rashed when he applied for asylum at the Canadian embassy in Jordan. The book claimed Canadian officials remained silent as the UK police launched an investigation into Shamima's disappearance at Gatwick airport along with other UK schoolgirls. The book said Turkish officials informed the UK about Rashed who was allegedly found with travel documents including bus tickets belonging to the British teenagers. The book claimed Canadian and UK officials covered up Rashed's information. Reports claim the British government has refused to comment on Shamima's case due to national security ramifications. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'IS bride' Shamima Begum was smuggled into Syria by Canadian spy, claims book

Russian Federal Security Service has detained an Islamic State (IS) suicide bomber who was allegedly planning to travel to India to attempt an terror attack.

WION Dispatch: Russia detains Islamic State terrorist planning attack in India

Russia has thwarted a terror plot against India. The FSB has apprehended an Islamic state operative who planned to carry out a 'suicide attack' in India over the blasphemy row. Who is this operative? Where is he from? Palki Sharma deconstructs the 'Avenge Prophet' bid.

Gravitas: Russia thwarts terror plot against India, detains I-S operative

The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia nabbed an ISIS suicide bomber who was planning a high profile terrorist attack against one of the representatives of the ruling circle of India.

I-S terrorist held by Russia's top security agency, admits plot against Indian leader

Russia's top security agency has said that it has apprehended an Islamic State (IS) operative planning a suicide attack in India. The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB)&nbsp;said in a statement that he was planning a terror attack by "self-detonation against one of the representatives ruling circles of India."

The development comes even as global worries over Islamic state have&nbsp;grown. The agency said&nbsp;that the operative belongs to a central Asian country and was recruited during his visit to Turkiye&nbsp;from April to June 2022. In the release, the authorities explained that his "indoctrination was carried out remotely through the accounts of the messenger "Telegram" and during personal meetings in Istanbul by a representative of the terrorist organization."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-former-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-faces-arrest-party-announces-protest-meet-508986" hreflang="en">LIVE: Islamabad High Court grants pre-arrest bail to Imran Khan till August 25</a>

Russian media has also released a 57 second video of the terrorist. More details are still awaited but the release by the agency said after taking "oath of allegiance to the Amir of the ITO "IG"" he was given the "task of leaving for the territory of Russia, completing the necessary documents and flying to India to commit a high-profile terrorist act."

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia detains IS suicide bomber plotting terrorist attack in India

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-detains-is-suicide-bomber-plotting-terrorist-attack-in-india-509071/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

India has expressed concerns over IS and just last week, deputy NSA Vikram Misri expressed concerns at the SCO NSAs meet in Uzbekistan.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Russia's top security agency has said that it has apprehended an Islamic State (IS) operative planning a suicide attack in India. The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) said in a statement that he was planning a terror attack by "self-detonation against one of the representatives ruling circles of India.

Russia's top security agency has said that it has apprehended an Islamic State (IS) operative planning a suicide attack in India. The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) said in a statement that he was planning a terror attack by "self-detonation against one of the representatives ruling circles of India." The development comes even as global worries over Islamic state have grown. The agency said that the operative belongs to a central Asian country and was recruited during his visit to Turkiye from April to June 2022. In the release, the authorities explained that his "indoctrination was carried out remotely through the accounts of the messenger "Telegram" and during personal meetings in Istanbul by a representative of the terrorist organization." Also read | LIVE: Islamabad High Court grants pre-arrest bail to Imran Khan till August 25 Russian media has also released a 57 second video of the terrorist. More details are still awaited but the release by the agency said after taking "oath of allegiance to the Amir of the ITO "IG"" he was given the "task of leaving for the territory of Russia, completing the necessary documents and flying to India to commit a high-profile terrorist act." WATCH | Russia detains IS suicide bomber plotting terrorist attack in India India has expressed concerns over IS and just last week, deputy NSA Vikram Misri expressed concerns at the SCO NSAs meet in Uzbekistan. WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

Russia says apprehended IS operative was planning suicide attack in India

A member of Islamic State cell known as "The Beatles" was sentenced to life in prison for his involvement in the killings of US journalists and aid worker in Syria. The sentence was handed to El Shafee Elsheikh (34), the IS member by judge TS Ellis. The life imprisonment sentence is without parole. The judge called Elsheikh's behaviour "horrific, barbaric, brutal and of course criminal."

Elsheikh, a British citizen, was part of an Islamic State cell nicknamed "The Beatles" because of the&nbsp;English accent of its members. The cell beheaded American hostages in areas of the Middle East controlled by the militant group. He was found guilty on four counts of hostage-taking and four counts of conspiracy after a two-week trial.

The victims' relatives and friends sat in the front rows of the courtroom and were visibly shaken during the course of the hearing as tears rolled down their eyes and they consoled each other. Elsheikh was sentenced to eight concurrent life sentences.

At the peak of its power from 2014-2017, Islamic State ruled over millions of people and claimed responsibility for or inspired attacks in dozens of cities around the world.

Its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, declared a caliphate over a quarter of Iraq and Syria in 2014, before he was killed in a raid by US special forces in Syria in 2019 as the group's rule collapsed.

Elsheikh, who was born in Sudan and raised in London, was accused of conspiring to kill four American hostages: James Foley, Steven Sotloff, Peter Kassig and Kayla Mueller.

Foley and Sotloff were journalists and Kassig was an aid worker. All of them were killed in videotaped beheadings. Mueller was raped repeatedly by al-Baghdadi before her death in Syria, US officials have said.

The deaths of Foley, Sotloff and Kassig were confirmed in 2014; Mueller's death was confirmed in early 2015.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

A member of Islamic State cell known as "The Beatles" was sentenced to life in prison for his involvement in the killings of US journalists and aid worker in Syria.

A member of Islamic State cell known as "The Beatles" was sentenced to life in prison for his involvement in the killings of US journalists and aid worker in Syria. The sentence was handed to El Shafee Elsheikh (34), the IS member by judge TS Ellis. The life imprisonment sentence is without parole. The judge called Elsheikh's behaviour "horrific, barbaric, brutal and of course criminal." Elsheikh, a British citizen, was part of an Islamic State cell nicknamed "The Beatles" because of the English accent of its members. The cell beheaded American hostages in areas of the Middle East controlled by the militant group. He was found guilty on four counts of hostage-taking and four counts of conspiracy after a two-week trial. The victims' relatives and friends sat in the front rows of the courtroom and were visibly shaken during the course of the hearing as tears rolled down their eyes and they consoled each other. Elsheikh was sentenced to eight concurrent life sentences. At the peak of its power from 2014-2017, Islamic State ruled over millions of people and claimed responsibility for or inspired attacks in dozens of cities around the world. Its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, declared a caliphate over a quarter of Iraq and Syria in 2014, before he was killed in a raid by US special forces in Syria in 2019 as the group's rule collapsed. Elsheikh, who was born in Sudan and raised in London, was accused of conspiring to kill four American hostages: James Foley, Steven Sotloff, Peter Kassig and Kayla Mueller. Foley and Sotloff were journalists and Kassig was an aid worker. All of them were killed in videotaped beheadings. Mueller was raped repeatedly by al-Baghdadi before her death in Syria, US officials have said. The deaths of Foley, Sotloff and Kassig were confirmed in 2014; Mueller's death was confirmed in early 2015. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Islamic State 'Beatles' cell member gets life sentence for killing US hostages

A few days after the Taliban's first anniversary of gaining control over Afghanistan, a huge explosion rocked the capital city of Kabul. Reportedly, the bomb explosion took place in a mosque in the 17th security district of the city during evening prayers. At least 21 persons have been killed and several others injured in the blast. As per reports, the security situation&nbsp;around the attacked Kabul mosque is being closely monitored by the Taliban.

"A blast happened inside a mosque.... the blast has casualties, but the numbers are not clear yet,"&nbsp;Khalid Zadran, Kabul police spokesman was quoted as saying by the agencies soon after the incident.&nbsp;

<img alt="Afghanistan blast" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b875a8a9-83a0-4504-a64d-f9973fe91ec9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/download%20%283%29_3.jpg" />

Families of victims of last night's explosion wait in front of an emergency hospital in&nbsp;Kabul, Afghanistan August 18, 2022. Photo credits: Reuters

An NGO providing emergency services to the victims&nbsp;took to Twitter to inform, "#Afghanistan #Kabul: 27 people received at our hospital so far following an explosion in the PD17 area. 5 children among them, including a 7-year-old."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🔴 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kabul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kabul</a>: 27 people received at our hospital so far following an explosion in the PD17 area. 5 children among them, including a 7-year-old.
— EMERGENCY NGO (@emergency_ngo) <a href="https://twitter.com/emergency_ngo/status/1559947673968467970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Reuters claimed that the Imam of the mosque named&nbsp;Amir Mohammad Kabuli&nbsp;was among the people presumed dead in the blast. His picture has been doing the rounds on Afghan social media.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFG</a> Sheikh Amir Mohammad Kabuli was a known religious scholar in the Kabul region, he was killed in the blast inside the mosque 🕌 in Khair Khana area. According to multiple residents, at least 30 worshippers were killed and dozens were wounded. <a href="https://t.co/FrV00uiVM0">pic.twitter.com/FrV00uiVM0</a>
— BILAL SARWARY (@bsarwary) <a href="https://twitter.com/bsarwary/status/1559952082521792512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

According to TOLO News, an Afghan news outlet, which talked to&nbsp;Abdul Rahman Nafay, commander of PD13, the explosives for the blast were placed in a motorcycle.

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-refuses-to-release-7-billion-afghan-funds-but-usaid-will-commit-40-million-for-girls-education-507658">US refuses to release $7bn frozen funds to Afghanistan, but commits to $150mn aid packages</a>

The investigation and rescue agencies had&nbsp;arrived on the spot,&nbsp;however, it was still not clear which terror outfit executed the attack.

It is pertinent to note that last week a prominent Afghan cleric named&nbsp;Rahimullah Haqqani, who supported female education, was also killed in a suicide bombing attack. At the time, the Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility of the attack.

"It's a very huge loss for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan," a Taliban official was quoted as saying afterwards.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A few days after the Taliban's first anniversary of gaining control over Afghanistan, a huge explosion rocked the capital city of Kabul. Reportedly, the bomb explosion took place in a mosque in the 17th security district of the city during evening prayers.

A few days after the Taliban's first anniversary of gaining control over Afghanistan, a huge explosion rocked the capital city of Kabul. Reportedly, the bomb explosion took place in a mosque in the 17th security district of the city during evening prayers. At least 21 persons have been killed and several others injured in the blast. As per reports, the security situation around the attacked Kabul mosque is being closely monitored by the Taliban. "A blast happened inside a mosque.... the blast has casualties, but the numbers are not clear yet," Khalid Zadran, Kabul police spokesman was quoted as saying by the agencies soon after the incident. Families of victims of last night's explosion wait in front of an emergency hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan August 18, 2022. Photo credits: Reuters An NGO providing emergency services to the victims took to Twitter to inform, "#Afghanistan #Kabul: 27 people received at our hospital so far following an explosion in the PD17 area. 5 children among them, including a 7-year-old." 🔴 #Afghanistan #Kabul: 27 people received at our hospital so far following an explosion in the PD17 area. 5 children among them, including a 7-year-old. — EMERGENCY NGO (@emergency_ngo) August 17, 2022 × Reuters claimed that the Imam of the mosque named Amir Mohammad Kabuli was among the people presumed dead in the blast. His picture has been doing the rounds on Afghan social media. #AFG Sheikh Amir Mohammad Kabuli was a known religious scholar in the Kabul region, he was killed in the blast inside the mosque 🕌 in Khair Khana area. According to multiple residents, at least 30 worshippers were killed and dozens were wounded. pic.twitter.com/FrV00uiVM0 — BILAL SARWARY (@bsarwary) August 17, 2022 × According to TOLO News, an Afghan news outlet, which talked to Abdul Rahman Nafay, commander of PD13, the explosives for the blast were placed in a motorcycle. Read More: US refuses to release $7bn frozen funds to Afghanistan, but commits to $150mn aid packages The investigation and rescue agencies had arrived on the spot, however, it was still not clear which terror outfit executed the attack. It is pertinent to note that last week a prominent Afghan cleric named Rahimullah Haqqani, who supported female education, was also killed in a suicide bombing attack. At the time, the Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility of the attack. "It's a very huge loss for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan," a Taliban official was quoted as saying afterwards. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Afghanistan: 21 feared dead in Kabul mosque bomb blast; tight Taliban security at site

Pakistan marked Independence day on August 14 amid a spiraling financial crisis. In 75 years, the country has failed to live up to its founding vision of creating a modern Islamic state. Palki Sharma tells you what went wrong with Pakistan.

Gravitas: Pakistan marks Independence day amid financial crisis

British police on Thursday charged a man alleged to be a&nbsp;member of the Islamic State (IS) terror cell nicknamed the "Beatles".

Aine Davis, 38,&nbsp;was charged with terrorist offences. Davis reportedly landed at Luton airport on a flight from Turkey after being deported. He is due to be produced before Westminster court today.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sentences-islamic-states-saudi-born-canadian-terrorist-to-life-imprisonment-501982">Also Read:&nbsp;</a><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-sentences-islamic-states-saudi-born-canadian-terrorist-to-life-imprisonment-501982" hreflang="en">US sentences Islamic State's Saudi-born Canadian terrorist to life imprisonment</a>

Davis was also charged with possession of a firearm to conduct terrorism. He allegedly helped the IS in holding foreign hostages in Syria. The cell was called the "Beatles" due to their British accent.

Watch:&nbsp;Will the Islamic State rebuild its caliphate?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-the-islamic-state-rebuild-its-caliphate-in-indias-backyard-425964/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Police said he had converted to Islam and adopted a new name Hamza. There are at least four members of "Beatles" cell accused of abducting journalists and relief workers belonging to the US, Britain, Europe, New Zealand and Russia.

An&nbsp;IS terrorist named&nbsp;Alexanda&nbsp;Kotey was extradited from the UK to the US two years ago and was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to killing people. Another former British national El Shafee Elsheikh was also extradited to the US and found guilty of all charges. Elsheikh is due to be sentenced next week. Another "Beatles" terrorist Mohamed Emwazi was killed by a US drone strike in Syria in 2015.

Elsheikh and Kotey were captured by&nbsp;the Kurdish militia in Syria and handed over to&nbsp;US forces in Iraq.

(With inputs from Agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

British police on Thursday charged a man alleged to be a member of the Islamic State (IS) terror cell nicknamed the "Beatles". Aine Davis, 38, was charged with terrorist offences.

British police on Thursday charged a man alleged to be a member of the Islamic State (IS) terror cell nicknamed the "Beatles". Aine Davis, 38, was charged with terrorist offences. Davis reportedly landed at Luton airport on a flight from Turkey after being deported. He is due to be produced before Westminster court today. Also Read: US sentences Islamic State's Saudi-born Canadian terrorist to life imprisonment Davis was also charged with possession of a firearm to conduct terrorism. He allegedly helped the IS in holding foreign hostages in Syria. The cell was called the "Beatles" due to their British accent. Watch: Will the Islamic State rebuild its caliphate? Police said he had converted to Islam and adopted a new name Hamza. There are at least four members of "Beatles" cell accused of abducting journalists and relief workers belonging to the US, Britain, Europe, New Zealand and Russia. An IS terrorist named Alexanda Kotey was extradited from the UK to the US two years ago and was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to killing people. Another former British national El Shafee Elsheikh was also extradited to the US and found guilty of all charges. Elsheikh is due to be sentenced next week. Another "Beatles" terrorist Mohamed Emwazi was killed by a US drone strike in Syria in 2015. Elsheikh and Kotey were captured by the Kurdish militia in Syria and handed over to US forces in Iraq. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Islamic State 'Beatles' cell member held in UK; charged over terrorism offences

Killing eight civilians in an area largely inhabited by Afghanistan's minority Shiite Muslim community, a bomb attached to a handcart exploded in Kabul on Friday.

Injuring 18 people, the blast took place when Shiites in Afghanistan are commemorating the first 10 days of the Muslim holy month of Muharram.

According to police spokesman Khalid Zadran, "Security teams are trying to find the perpetrators."

Saying the bombing was the "work of those who are enemies of Islam and the country", government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the toll.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wions-correspondent-anas-mallick-returns-home-504080/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Taking responsibility for the attack, the Sunni jihadist Islamic State said IS fighters placed explosives in a vegetable cart.

Zadran said Afghan police believes that members of the ethnic Hazara community, who are Shiite Muslims, were the target of the blast.

They were going to gather at mosques and take part in processions marking the death of the revered Shiite Imam Hussein Ibn Ali after a few days.

IS has continued to target Shiites even though number of violent public attacks across the country has fallen since the Taliban returned to power in August last year.

The minority group, which makes up between 10 to 20 percent of Afghanistan's population of 38 million, is called heretic by Islamic State.

Analysts say the jihadist group remains a key security challenge although Taliban officials insist their forces have defeated IS. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Watch WION's live TV here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Killing eight civilians in an area largely inhabited by Afghanistan's minority Shiite Muslim community, a bomb attached to a handcart exploded in Kabul on Friday.

Killing eight civilians in an area largely inhabited by Afghanistan's minority Shiite Muslim community, a bomb attached to a handcart exploded in Kabul on Friday. Injuring 18 people, the blast took place when Shiites in Afghanistan are commemorating the first 10 days of the Muslim holy month of Muharram. According to police spokesman Khalid Zadran, "Security teams are trying to find the perpetrators." Saying the bombing was the "work of those who are enemies of Islam and the country", government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the toll. × Taking responsibility for the attack, the Sunni jihadist Islamic State said IS fighters placed explosives in a vegetable cart. Zadran said Afghan police believes that members of the ethnic Hazara community, who are Shiite Muslims, were the target of the blast. They were going to gather at mosques and take part in processions marking the death of the revered Shiite Imam Hussein Ibn Ali after a few days. IS has continued to target Shiites even though number of violent public attacks across the country has fallen since the Taliban returned to power in August last year. The minority group, which makes up between 10 to 20 percent of Afghanistan's population of 38 million, is called heretic by Islamic State. Analysts say the jihadist group remains a key security challenge although Taliban officials insist their forces have defeated IS. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Islamic State claims responsibility for blast that killed 8 in Shiite area of Afghan capital

Pentagon on Tuesday (July 12) claimed that the leader of the Islamic State militant group in Syria was killed in a drone strike. The US Central Command said that the strike in northwest Syria killed Maher al-Agal when he was riding a motorcycle.&nbsp;

Pentagon Central Command spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Dave Eastburn told news agency AFP that Maher al-Agal was killed near Jindires in northern Syria. He further mentioned that one of his top aides was seriously injured in the attack.&nbsp;

As per the volunteer Syrian Civil Defense Force, the attack targeted the two while they were on a motorcycle outside Aleppo.&nbsp;

As quoted by CNN, Col. Joe Buccino, a spokesman for Central Command said, "The removal of these ISIS leaders will disrupt the terrorist organisation's ability to further plot and carry out attacks."&nbsp;

United States President Joe Biden said the strike "takes a key terrorist off the field and significantly degrades the ability of ISIS to plan, resource, and conduct their operations in the region."&nbsp;

Biden wrote in a statement on Tuesday: "Like the U.S. operation in February that eliminated ISIS's overall leader, it sends a powerful message to all terrorists who threaten our homeland and our interests around the world. The United States will be relentless in its efforts to bring you to justice."&nbsp;

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed Agal's death and said he was the Islamic State governor for the Levant region. The US Central Command called the victim "one of the top five" leaders of Islamic State overall.&nbsp;

"In addition to being a senior leader within the group, Al-Agal was responsible for aggressively pursuing the development of IS networks outside of Iraq and Syria," it said in a statement.&nbsp;

According to a spokesman for the US-allied Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces, both the men who were targeted had links to Ahrar al-Sharqiya, an armed group operating in northern Syria.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Pentagon on Tuesday (July 12) claimed that the leader of the Islamic State militant group in Syria was killed in a drone strike. The US Central Command said that the strike in northwest Syria killed Maher al-Agal when he was riding a motorcycle.

Pentagon on Tuesday (July 12) claimed that the leader of the Islamic State militant group in Syria was killed in a drone strike. The US Central Command said that the strike in northwest Syria killed Maher al-Agal when he was riding a motorcycle. Pentagon Central Command spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Dave Eastburn told news agency AFP that Maher al-Agal was killed near Jindires in northern Syria. He further mentioned that one of his top aides was seriously injured in the attack. As per the volunteer Syrian Civil Defense Force, the attack targeted the two while they were on a motorcycle outside Aleppo. As quoted by CNN, Col. Joe Buccino, a spokesman for Central Command said, "The removal of these ISIS leaders will disrupt the terrorist organisation's ability to further plot and carry out attacks." United States President Joe Biden said the strike "takes a key terrorist off the field and significantly degrades the ability of ISIS to plan, resource, and conduct their operations in the region." Biden wrote in a statement on Tuesday: "Like the U.S. operation in February that eliminated ISIS's overall leader, it sends a powerful message to all terrorists who threaten our homeland and our interests around the world. The United States will be relentless in its efforts to bring you to justice." The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed Agal's death and said he was the Islamic State governor for the Levant region. The US Central Command called the victim "one of the top five" leaders of Islamic State overall. "In addition to being a senior leader within the group, Al-Agal was responsible for aggressively pursuing the development of IS networks outside of Iraq and Syria," it said in a statement. According to a spokesman for the US-allied Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces, both the men who were targeted had links to Ahrar al-Sharqiya, an armed group operating in northern Syria. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pentagon says US drone strike kills Islamic State Syria chief Maher al-Agal

The Islamic State claimed an attack on a Sikh temple in Kabul that killed 2 people & injured 7 others. The terror group said the attack was in response to insulting comments made against the Prophet by a ruling party spokesperson in India. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Islamic State claims attack on Kabul Sikh temple

The White House confirmed the US-led forces had captured an "experienced bomb maker" belonging to the Islamic State(IS)&nbsp;in an early-morning operation on Thursday.

"The detained individual was assessed to be an experienced bomb maker and facilitator who became one of the group’s top leaders in Syria," the White House informed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-claims-capture-of-senior-islamic-state-figure-in-mali-488430">Also Read:&nbsp;</a><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/france-claims-capture-of-senior-islamic-state-figure-in-mali-488430" hreflang="en">France claims capture of senior Islamic State figure in Mali</a>

The coalition forces haven't released the name but reports claimed the captured terrorist was Hani Ahmed Al-Kurdi, however, it has not been officially confirmed. An earlier raid had led to the death of Islamic State's Abu Ibrahim al-Qurashi who blew himself up as he denoted a bomb tied to his vest.

Watch:&nbsp;Islamic state 'Beatles' cell member convicted in US

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/islamic-state-beatles-cell-member-convicted-in-us-guilty-for-abuse-death-of-4-americans-471296/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The coalition forces said there were no civilian casualties. Islamic State chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a US special forces raid in northwestern Syria in 2019.

The White House said the operation was "successful" and confirmed that there were no injuries to coalition forces or damage to coalition aircraft.

However, neither the White House nor the coalition forces revealed in which part of Syria the raid had taken place.

(With inputs from Agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

The White House confirmed the US-led forces had captured an "experienced bomb maker" belonging to the Islamic State(IS) in an early-morning operation on Thursday.

The White House confirmed the US-led forces had captured an "experienced bomb maker" belonging to the Islamic State(IS) in an early-morning operation on Thursday. "The detained individual was assessed to be an experienced bomb maker and facilitator who became one of the group’s top leaders in Syria," the White House informed. Also Read: France claims capture of senior Islamic State figure in Mali The coalition forces haven't released the name but reports claimed the captured terrorist was Hani Ahmed Al-Kurdi, however, it has not been officially confirmed. An earlier raid had led to the death of Islamic State's Abu Ibrahim al-Qurashi who blew himself up as he denoted a bomb tied to his vest. Watch: Islamic state 'Beatles' cell member convicted in US The coalition forces said there were no civilian casualties. Islamic State chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in a US special forces raid in northwestern Syria in 2019. The White House said the operation was "successful" and confirmed that there were no injuries to coalition forces or damage to coalition aircraft. However, neither the White House nor the coalition forces revealed in which part of Syria the raid had taken place. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US confirms Islamic State bomb maker captured in pre-dawn raid in Syria

French troops in Mali have captured a senior member of the Sahel affiliate of the Islamic State group, the French military said Wednesday.

The arrest comes as France prepares to complete its withdrawal from Mali after almost a decade battling a jihadist insurgency in the country with the French-led Barkhane anti-insurgency force.

"In the night of June 11-12, an operation of the Barkhane force allowed the capture of Oumeya Ould Albakaye, a senior figure in the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara&nbsp;(IS-GS)," a spokesman for the chief of staff told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/state-forecast-department-anticipates-heatwave-to-hit-france-early-this-year-487803">France's state forecast department anticipates heatwave to hit country early this year</a>

The operation, carried out near the border with Niger, took weeks of preparation involving air force and ground army units, the defence ministry in Paris said.&nbsp;

Albakaye will be held by French forces for questioning for several days and then handed to the Malian authorities, the military added.

A security source who asked not to be named told AFP that Albakaye had once been seen as a potential successor to former IS-GS leader Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi, who was killed by French forces in August 2021.

An explosives expert, Albakaye was a regional chief in the group, commanding the areas of Gourma in Mali and Oudalan in neighbouring Burkina Faso.

He is responsible for a large number of abuses against civilians in those countries, the military said.

France is to complete its&nbsp;withdrawal from Mali within the next few months when its main military base at Gao will be returned to Malian forces.

Watch |&nbsp;French parliament elections set to begin: Polls predict Macron's coalition will win 260-300 seats

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-parliament-elections-set-to-begin-polls-predict-macrons-coalition-will-win-260-300-seats-487374/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

'Re-positioning'

On Wednesday the French defence ministry called the capture of Albakaye "another success for the Barkhane force, which is pursuing its fight against armed terrorist groups while re-positioning itself outside Mali".&nbsp;

Relations between Mali and France plummeted after the military seized power in Bamako in August 2020.

The junta has resisted setting an early date to restore civilian rule and tightened ties with Moscow, bringing in "military instructors" that France and its allies condemn as mercenaries hired from the pro-Kremlin Wagner group.

For most of the previous decade, France had been Mali's staunchest ally in its fight against jihadists who have claimed thousands of lives and driven hundreds of thousands from their homes.

France began its anti-jihadist operations in the Sahel in 2013, helping Mali, its former colony, to snuff out a revolt in the north.

But the jihadists regrouped to attack the volatile centre of the country, initiating a full insurgency that elected president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was unable to break.

In August 2020, protests against Keita culminated in a coup by disgruntled colonels&nbsp;a move followed by a second military takeover in May 2021.

&nbsp;Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-france-reach-555-million-euro-settlement-deal-487133">Australia-France reach 555 million euro settlement deal</a>

Relations with France kept deteriorating, propelled by the junta's resistance to setting an early date to restore civilian rule and by Bamako's charges that France was inciting the region to take a hard line against it.

In January this year, the French ambassador to Bamako was expelled and the following month France announced the pullout of its troops from Mali, and those of the French-led Takuba force which comprises nearly 1,000 soldiers drawn mostly from EU countries.

An unknown is the impact of the turmoil on the United Nations' peacekeeping force in Mali (MINUSMA), which with 14,000 troops and police is one of the biggest UN operations in the world.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

French troops in Mali have captured a senior member of the Sahel affiliate of the Islamic State group, the French military said Wednesday. The arrest comes as France prepares to complete its withdrawal from Mali after almost a decade battling a jihadist insurgency in the country with the French-led Barkhane anti-insurgency force.

French troops in Mali have captured a senior member of the Sahel affiliate of the Islamic State group, the French military said Wednesday. The arrest comes as France prepares to complete its withdrawal from Mali after almost a decade battling a jihadist insurgency in the country with the French-led Barkhane anti-insurgency force. "In the night of June 11-12, an operation of the Barkhane force allowed the capture of Oumeya Ould Albakaye, a senior figure in the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (IS-GS)," a spokesman for the chief of staff told AFP. Also read | France's state forecast department anticipates heatwave to hit country early this year The operation, carried out near the border with Niger, took weeks of preparation involving air force and ground army units, the defence ministry in Paris said. Albakaye will be held by French forces for questioning for several days and then handed to the Malian authorities, the military added. A security source who asked not to be named told AFP that Albakaye had once been seen as a potential successor to former IS-GS leader Adnan Abu Walid al-Sahrawi, who was killed by French forces in August 2021. An explosives expert, Albakaye was a regional chief in the group, commanding the areas of Gourma in Mali and Oudalan in neighbouring Burkina Faso. He is responsible for a large number of abuses against civilians in those countries, the military said. France is to complete its withdrawal from Mali within the next few months when its main military base at Gao will be returned to Malian forces. Watch | French parliament elections set to begin: Polls predict Macron's coalition will win 260-300 seats 'Re-positioning' On Wednesday the French defence ministry called the capture of Albakaye "another success for the Barkhane force, which is pursuing its fight against armed terrorist groups while re-positioning itself outside Mali". Relations between Mali and France plummeted after the military seized power in Bamako in August 2020. The junta has resisted setting an early date to restore civilian rule and tightened ties with Moscow, bringing in "military instructors" that France and its allies condemn as mercenaries hired from the pro-Kremlin Wagner group. For most of the previous decade, France had been Mali's staunchest ally in its fight against jihadists who have claimed thousands of lives and driven hundreds of thousands from their homes. France began its anti-jihadist operations in the Sahel in 2013, helping Mali, its former colony, to snuff out a revolt in the north. But the jihadists regrouped to attack the volatile centre of the country, initiating a full insurgency that elected president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was unable to break. In August 2020, protests against Keita culminated in a coup by disgruntled colonels a move followed by a second military takeover in May 2021. Also read | Australia-France reach 555 million euro settlement deal Relations with France kept deteriorating, propelled by the junta's resistance to setting an early date to restore civilian rule and by Bamako's charges that France was inciting the region to take a hard line against it. In January this year, the French ambassador to Bamako was expelled and the following month France announced the pullout of its troops from Mali, and those of the French-led Takuba force which comprises nearly 1,000 soldiers drawn mostly from EU countries. An unknown is the impact of the turmoil on the United Nations' peacekeeping force in Mali (MINUSMA), which with 14,000 troops and police is one of the biggest UN operations in the world. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

France claims capture of senior Islamic State figure in Mali

What is behind Turkey’s Syria incursion threats?

The responsibility for an attack, which killed at least 11 soldiers at a water pumping station located in the east of the Suez Canal, has been claimed by an Islamic State affiliate in Egypt, media reports said. &nbsp;

The attack, where militants targeted troops at a checkpoint of the pumping facility, had taken place in Qantara town, Ismailia province of the country. &nbsp;

In recent years, it seems to be one of the deadliest attacks on security forces in Egypt. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eleven-egyptian-troops-killed-in-terrorist-attack-says-army-477231" hreflang="en">Eleven Egyptian troops killed in 'terrorist attack', says army</a>

Five other soldiers were also wounded in the attack on Saturday, as per the Egyptian military. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Separate funerals, which were attended by thousands of people, were held for the dead soldiers on Sunday. &nbsp;

In a statement released on Telegram, the claim was made by the extremist group through its Aamaq news agency on Sunday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier, security forces had said that they were "continuing to chase the terrorists and surround them in an isolated area of the Sinai". &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Egypt Okays Indian Wheat; Envoy Wael says, "Interested in building relations" | WION Exclusive

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/egypt-okays-indian-wheat-envoy-wael-says-interested-in-building-relations-wion-exclusive-472619/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

On Facebook, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said that these terrorist operations will not be able to defeat the determination of the country and the army to continue uprooting terrorism. &nbsp;

The US had also condemned the "terrorist attack in the Sinai targeting members of the Egyptian military." &nbsp;

"For decades, the United States has been and remains Egypt's strong partner in confronting terrorism in the region," said State Department spokesman Ned Price in a statement. &nbsp;

For more than a decade, Sinai Peninsula in Egypt has been gripped by an armed insurgency. &nbsp;&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The responsibility for an attack, which killed at least 11 soldiers at a water pumping station located in the east of the Suez Canal, has been claimed by an Islamic State affiliate in Egypt, media reports said.

The responsibility for an attack, which killed at least 11 soldiers at a water pumping station located in the east of the Suez Canal, has been claimed by an Islamic State affiliate in Egypt, media reports said. The attack, where militants targeted troops at a checkpoint of the pumping facility, had taken place in Qantara town, Ismailia province of the country. In recent years, it seems to be one of the deadliest attacks on security forces in Egypt. Also Read: Eleven Egyptian troops killed in 'terrorist attack', says army Five other soldiers were also wounded in the attack on Saturday, as per the Egyptian military. Separate funerals, which were attended by thousands of people, were held for the dead soldiers on Sunday. In a statement released on Telegram, the claim was made by the extremist group through its Aamaq news agency on Sunday. Earlier, security forces had said that they were "continuing to chase the terrorists and surround them in an isolated area of the Sinai". Watch: Egypt Okays Indian Wheat; Envoy Wael says, "Interested in building relations" | WION Exclusive × On Facebook, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said that these terrorist operations will not be able to defeat the determination of the country and the army to continue uprooting terrorism. The US had also condemned the "terrorist attack in the Sinai targeting members of the Egyptian military." "For decades, the United States has been and remains Egypt's strong partner in confronting terrorism in the region," said State Department spokesman Ned Price in a statement. For more than a decade, Sinai Peninsula in Egypt has been gripped by an armed insurgency. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Islamic State affiliate claims responsibility for ‘deadliest’ attack on Egyptian security forces

The Islamic State on Sunday claimed responsibility for a bomb attack on passenger bus that killed one woman in Kabul, Afghanistan capital.

Dozens of people have been killed and scores wounded in deadly attacks that have punctuated the last two weeks of the fasting month of Ramadan, which ends Sunday.

A woman was killed and three others were wounded in the bus attack, Kabul police said.

The bus bombing took place just two days after a bomb blast in a mosque that claimed lives of 10 people. The blast took place on Friday just when worshippers were performing rituals.

No group claimed Friday's mosque bombing but IS took responsibility for the attack on the bus.

IS has claimed several bombings in recent weeks. The militant group has been targetting Shi'ite and Sufi minorities in the country. Afghanistan is mainly a Sunni Muslim nation.

Taliban officials insist their forces have defeated IS, but analysts say the jihadist group remains a key security challenge.&nbsp;

Kabul police meanwhile vowed to "ensure security" during the Eid al-Fitr holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.

Meanwhile United Nations sectretary general condemned bomb blast in the mosque.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"The Secretary-General strongly condemns yesterday's deadly attack on the Khalifa Sahib Mosque in western Kabul during Friday prayers," a spokesperson for Antonio Guterres said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Islamic State on Sunday claimed responsibility for a bomb attack on passenger bus that killed one woman in Kabul, Afghanistan capital. Dozens of people have been killed and scores wounded in deadly attacks that have punctuated the last two weeks of the fasting month of Ramadan, which ends Sunday.

The Islamic State on Sunday claimed responsibility for a bomb attack on passenger bus that killed one woman in Kabul, Afghanistan capital. Dozens of people have been killed and scores wounded in deadly attacks that have punctuated the last two weeks of the fasting month of Ramadan, which ends Sunday. A woman was killed and three others were wounded in the bus attack, Kabul police said. The bus bombing took place just two days after a bomb blast in a mosque that claimed lives of 10 people. The blast took place on Friday just when worshippers were performing rituals. No group claimed Friday's mosque bombing but IS took responsibility for the attack on the bus. IS has claimed several bombings in recent weeks. The militant group has been targetting Shi'ite and Sufi minorities in the country. Afghanistan is mainly a Sunni Muslim nation. Taliban officials insist their forces have defeated IS, but analysts say the jihadist group remains a key security challenge. Kabul police meanwhile vowed to "ensure security" during the Eid al-Fitr holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. Meanwhile United Nations sectretary general condemned bomb blast in the mosque. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × "The Secretary-General strongly condemns yesterday's deadly attack on the Khalifa Sahib Mosque in western Kabul during Friday prayers," a spokesperson for Antonio Guterres said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Islamic State claims responsibility for bus bombing in Kabul

Member of an Islamic State cell called 'Beatles' for their British accents was handed lifetime prison sentence in US for taking part in beheading American hostages. Alexanda Kotey had pleaded guilty to murdering US journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff and aid workers Kayla Mueller and Peter Kassig.

The sentencing hearing was held by US District Judge TS Ellis in Alexandria, Virginia. Family members of the hostages were present at the emotionally charged sentencing.

"I will not hate you," Kassig's mother, Paula Kassig, said to Kotey during the hearing. "It would give sadness, pain and bitterness too much power over me. I choose to let my heart be broken open, not broken apart."

Kotey's lawyer said during the court hearing that, in an effort to "make amends," Kotey is meeting with some family members of victims.

The judge agreed to keep Kotey detained in Alexandria until July. This arrangement would facilitate the meetings.

Kotey was a citizen of the United Kingdom, but the British government withdrew his citizenship. His Islamic State cell took journalists and aid workers hostage, tortured them and circulated videotapes of gruesome beheadings on the internet.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Kotey admitted to inflicting torture on hostages, including waterboarding and electric shocks with a stun gun.

Member of an Islamic State cell called 'Beatles' for their British accents was handed lifetime prison sentence in US for taking part in beheading American hostages.

Member of an Islamic State cell called 'Beatles' for their British accents was handed lifetime prison sentence in US for taking part in beheading American hostages. Alexanda Kotey had pleaded guilty to murdering US journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff and aid workers Kayla Mueller and Peter Kassig. The sentencing hearing was held by US District Judge TS Ellis in Alexandria, Virginia. Family members of the hostages were present at the emotionally charged sentencing. "I will not hate you," Kassig's mother, Paula Kassig, said to Kotey during the hearing. "It would give sadness, pain and bitterness too much power over me. I choose to let my heart be broken open, not broken apart." Kotey's lawyer said during the court hearing that, in an effort to "make amends," Kotey is meeting with some family members of victims. The judge agreed to keep Kotey detained in Alexandria until July. This arrangement would facilitate the meetings. Kotey was a citizen of the United Kingdom, but the British government withdrew his citizenship. His Islamic State cell took journalists and aid workers hostage, tortured them and circulated videotapes of gruesome beheadings on the internet. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × Kotey admitted to inflicting torture on hostages, including waterboarding and electric shocks with a stun gun.

Member of Islamic State 'Beatles' cell gets life in jail for murdering US hostages

islamic-state

Islamic State, News on Islamic State, stories on Islamic State, articles on Islamic State, Islamic State stories at Wion, Islamic State news, Islamic State latest news

islamic state

Terror attack in eastern Syria kills at least 10 oil field workers, Islamic State blamed

Kurdish fighters launch offensive mission against Islamic State in Syria

Islamic State claims responsibility for Kabul hotel attack, China says condems 'all forms of terrorism'

Seven killed and six injured in roadside explosion in Afghanistan's Mazar-i-Sharif

ISIS says leader Abu Hasan Al-Qurashi killed, new leader named

At least 19 killed and 24 injured in bomb blast at madrassa in Afghanistan's Aybak

Islamic State group announces death of leader, appoints successor

French cement firm Lafarge fined $778 mn for funding Islamic State, other terror groups

Belgium woman gets euthanised after battling post-terror attack mental trauma for six years

Two top Islamic State terrorists killed in US air raids conducted in Syria

Kabul: At least seven people killed, 41 injured in car bomb blast near mosque after Friday prayers

Swiss court sentences 'Islamic State' knifewoman to nine years

Canadian spy accused of smuggling Shamima Begum to Syria, Trudeau vows 'proper oversight'

Canadian spy accused of smuggling Shamima Begum to Syria, Trudeau vows 'proper oversight'

'IS bride' Shamima Begum was smuggled into Syria by Canadian spy, claims book

WION Dispatch: Russia detains Islamic State terrorist planning attack in India

Gravitas: Russia thwarts terror plot against India, detains I-S operative

I-S terrorist held by Russia's top security agency, admits plot against Indian leader

Russia says apprehended IS operative was planning suicide attack in India

Islamic State 'Beatles' cell member gets life sentence for killing US hostages

Afghanistan: 21 feared dead in Kabul mosque bomb blast; tight Taliban security at site

Gravitas: Pakistan marks Independence day amid financial crisis

Islamic State 'Beatles' cell member held in UK; charged over terrorism offences

Islamic State claims responsibility for blast that killed 8 in Shiite area of Afghan capital