The consultation on "Afghan peace and reconciliation: Pakistan's interests and policy options" was organised on Thursday by Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS).

Experts here warned that the banned terrorist organisation Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is forging nexus with Baloch separatists and local militant groups based in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, a development which will likely exacerbate the already precarious security situation in the country, Dawn reported.

The representatives of political parties and civil society, academics, and journalists, among others, participated in the discussion.

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The main themes of the consultation included "Pak-Afghan bilateral relations: challenges and way forward" and "Emerging Afghan situation and its implications for the region."

Unlike in the past, this is for the first time that the TTP has started carrying out terrorist attacks in the Pashtoon areas of Balochistan, which is very disturbing, Dawn wrote quoting experts.

There is no clarity about Pakistan's policy for Afghanistan and the ruling coalition in the centre is also unclear how to deal with the TTP since talks with the proscribed group failed last year, the experts added, Dawn reported.

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The speakers said that the TTP and other local militant groups were filling the space left by mainstream and nationalist political parties in KP as they were no longer only jihadi-religious groups. They said these militant groups now promoted political and nationalist thoughts to achieve their vested interests., Dawn reported.

The Islamite militants, including TTP, and separatists have increased their attacks in Balochistan since the Taliban took over Kabul in August 2021, said a Quetta-based journalist who writes for international media. 
He said the group for the first time has started carrying out attacks in the Pashtoon areas of the province.

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Another expert said that the banned group was promoting its political agenda in the province by showing its sympathies for the people of Balochistan, demonstrating that it wanted to increase its presence there. 
Experts at the meet said that the local militant and separatist groups had entered into some sort of understanding with TTP. They argued that the government should open its door for talks with all militant groups.

President International Research Council for Religious Affairs Mohammad Israr Madani said they would have to enhance people-to-people contacts and trade to decrease the hostility of Afghans towards Pakistan. 
Madani said Pakistan should hold talks with Afghanistan continuously on different issues and these should not be limited to a single sitting. He also said Pakistan should make its border management policy people-friendly to facilitate the Afghan people.&nbsp;

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The consultation on "Afghan peace and reconciliation: Pakistan's interests and policy options" was organised on Thursday by Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS).

The consultation on "Afghan peace and reconciliation: Pakistan's interests and policy options" was organised on Thursday by Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS). Experts here warned that the banned terrorist organisation Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is forging nexus with Baloch separatists and local militant groups based in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, a development which will likely exacerbate the already precarious security situation in the country, Dawn reported. The representatives of political parties and civil society, academics, and journalists, among others, participated in the discussion. Also Read | Japan's Kishida heads to Seoul for landmark summit with Yoon The main themes of the consultation included "Pak-Afghan bilateral relations: challenges and way forward" and "Emerging Afghan situation and its implications for the region." Unlike in the past, this is for the first time that the TTP has started carrying out terrorist attacks in the Pashtoon areas of Balochistan, which is very disturbing, Dawn wrote quoting experts. There is no clarity about Pakistan's policy for Afghanistan and the ruling coalition in the centre is also unclear how to deal with the TTP since talks with the proscribed group failed last year, the experts added, Dawn reported. Also Read | At least nine people killed in shooting at Texas mall; gunman killed by police The speakers said that the TTP and other local militant groups were filling the space left by mainstream and nationalist political parties in KP as they were no longer only jihadi-religious groups. They said these militant groups now promoted political and nationalist thoughts to achieve their vested interests., Dawn reported. The Islamite militants, including TTP, and separatists have increased their attacks in Balochistan since the Taliban took over Kabul in August 2021, said a Quetta-based journalist who writes for international media. He said the group for the first time has started carrying out attacks in the Pashtoon areas of the province. Watch | World at War: How is Russia's Wagner Group sending weapons into Sudan? × Another expert said that the banned group was promoting its political agenda in the province by showing its sympathies for the people of Balochistan, demonstrating that it wanted to increase its presence there. Experts at the meet said that the local militant and separatist groups had entered into some sort of understanding with TTP. They argued that the government should open its door for talks with all militant groups. President International Research Council for Religious Affairs Mohammad Israr Madani said they would have to enhance people-to-people contacts and trade to decrease the hostility of Afghans towards Pakistan. Madani said Pakistan should hold talks with Afghanistan continuously on different issues and these should not be limited to a single sitting. He also said Pakistan should make its border management policy people-friendly to facilitate the Afghan people. 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. ×

TTP forging nexus with Baloch separatists, militant groups: Experts

A senior Pakistani ISI officer has been killed in an encounter with militants in South Waziristan. Pakistani President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended his funeral. No group has claimed the responsibility yet.

ISI Brigadier killed in an encounter in South Waziristan | WION Dispatch

Pakistan: Militants kill senior ISI official in South Waziristan | WION Dispatch

On Tuesday, Brigadier Mustafa Kamal Barki of the inter services intelligence, Pakistan's main spy agency, was killed in an encounter with militants. Seven team members of the high-ranking Pakistani intelligence official were also injured in the South Waziristan encounter. In November, Tehreek-E-Taliban Pakistan called off a shaky ceasefire agreed with the Pakistan government. The armed group ordered fighters to stage attacks across the country. Pakistan has seen a surge in attacks from the Afghan side of the border; following the Taliban takeover in 2021. Almost all Afghan governments have refused to accept the colonial-era border demarcation. The durand line runs through the mountainous border, splitting tribes on either side. The border dispute has led to periodic skirmishes & tensions between Pak & Afghan forces. As of now, Pakistan's military have not given reasons for Brigadier Barki's presence in the border area.

High-ranking Pakistani intelligence official KILLED in encounter

For the first time in three decades, the Jammu and Kashmir police claim&nbsp;that the number of active terrorists in the valley has been brought down to 28. The security forces say only 28 local terrorists are active in Kashmir Valley, which is an all-time low since the start of insurgency.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir Police along with other security agencies have successfully managed to bring down the number of terrorists drastically across the Kashmir region. The insurgency started in the early 1990's and since then the numbers have always been in hundreds, and now the J&amp;K Police claim&nbsp;that the number of active terrorists has been brought down to 28.&nbsp;

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"I feel happy to inform you that the number of local active terrorists has now come down to an all-time low of 28, and we will bring it further down in coming days. All those who have given shelter to terrorists or supported them in the past, action will be taken against them according to law,'' said Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar.&nbsp;

The Police, National Investigation Agency, State Investigation Agency have intensified the anti-terror operations across the Kashmir Valley to break the terror ecosystems.

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In the last few weeks, hundreds of properties of terrorists and those harbouring terrorists have been seized by the security agencies. The houses which give shelter to terrorists have also been seized in the past few months.&nbsp;

“Ecosystem of terrorists is being destroyed at every level. If an encounter took place in any residential house and the house owners were found harbouring terrorists, we would arrest and book them in UAPA, at the same time we would seize those properties. The number of such properties are going up as we initiate action in those encounter cases too which happened in the last five years," said ADGP Kashmir, Vijay Kumar.&nbsp;

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Few months ago, the police had said that the number of terrorists had come down to two digits and stands at 90. And now after joint action by Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, paramilitary forces and central, state agencies like NIA, ED, SIA, the number of terrorists has&nbsp;fallen to an all time low of 28.

Besides neutralising and arresting the active terrorists,&nbsp;the security forces have also succeeded in curbing new recruitment of local terrorists, which has helped in bringing down the numbers.&nbsp;

 
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For the first time in three decades, the Jammu and Kashmir police claim that the number of active terrorists in the valley has been brought down to 28. The security forces say only 28 local terrorists are active in Kashmir Valley, which is an all-time low since the start of insurgency.

For the first time in three decades, the Jammu and Kashmir police claim that the number of active terrorists in the valley has been brought down to 28. The security forces say only 28 local terrorists are active in Kashmir Valley, which is an all-time low since the start of insurgency. Jammu and Kashmir Police along with other security agencies have successfully managed to bring down the number of terrorists drastically across the Kashmir region. The insurgency started in the early 1990's and since then the numbers have always been in hundreds, and now the J&K Police claim that the number of active terrorists has been brought down to 28. Also Read | Russia, China reach agreement on second Power of Siberia gas pipeline "I feel happy to inform you that the number of local active terrorists has now come down to an all-time low of 28, and we will bring it further down in coming days. All those who have given shelter to terrorists or supported them in the past, action will be taken against them according to law,'' said Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar. The Police, National Investigation Agency, State Investigation Agency have intensified the anti-terror operations across the Kashmir Valley to break the terror ecosystems. Also Read | China approves its first mRNA vaccine, months after easing Covid restrictions In the last few weeks, hundreds of properties of terrorists and those harbouring terrorists have been seized by the security agencies. The houses which give shelter to terrorists have also been seized in the past few months. “Ecosystem of terrorists is being destroyed at every level. If an encounter took place in any residential house and the house owners were found harbouring terrorists, we would arrest and book them in UAPA, at the same time we would seize those properties. The number of such properties are going up as we initiate action in those encounter cases too which happened in the last five years," said ADGP Kashmir, Vijay Kumar. Watch | 'No winners in a nuclear war': Russia-China joint statement Few months ago, the police had said that the number of terrorists had come down to two digits and stands at 90. And now after joint action by Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, paramilitary forces and central, state agencies like NIA, ED, SIA, the number of terrorists has fallen to an all time low of 28. Besides neutralising and arresting the active terrorists, the security forces have also succeeded in curbing new recruitment of local terrorists, which has helped in bringing down the numbers. 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.

Number of active terrorists in Kashmir Valley at record low of 28, to drop further: J&K Police

At least 30 people were killed, which included 16 supporters of the army, in the four attacks suspected to have been carried out by militants in&nbsp;Burkina Faso, stated security sources on Friday.&nbsp;The four attacks took place in the West African nation on Thursday. The attacks were the latest to target a civilian auxiliary force, which supports the military in the seven-year-long fight against militants, in the country's north and northwest.&nbsp;

Burkina Faso, a landlocked country, is among&nbsp;the most volatile and poor nations in the world.&nbsp;

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The country has been facing insurgency since 2015 which is led by militants affiliated with the Islamic State group and &nbsp;Al-Qaeda and has resulted in the displacement of around two million people and the killing of around tens of thousands.&nbsp;

The "first attack targeted an advance party of Volunteers for the Defence of the Fatherland (VDP) in Rakoegtenga", a town which lies in the northern province of Bam, said a VDP official.&nbsp;

The official further confirmed that one woman and six auxiliaries were killed in the attack.&nbsp;

Almost 10 people suffered injuries, which included some seriously injured people, who were "evacuated to Ouagadougou for appropriate care," said the VDP official. &nbsp;

He added that around 10 auxiliaries and one person were killed in the second attack which took place in the northwest's Nyala province "in the afternoon when a convoy escorted by auxiliaries and soldiers was ambushed on the Siena-Saran road".

WATCH | Gravitas: All about the insurgency in Burkina Faso

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The security officials confirmed two "militant attacks", however, refused to give any precise death toll, as they only mentioned "a number of losses".

Meanwhile, two other incidents linked to armed jihadist groups were recorded on Thursday, according to other security sources.&nbsp; In the north-central province of Sanmatenga, a joint military and VDP team was targeted in Zincko, one of the sources said.&nbsp;

"About 10 terrorists were neutralised (killed). Unfortunately, four civilians were also killed," the source added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Later in the evening, gunmen raided the town of Sanaba in Banwa province, killing eight civilians.&nbsp;

Established in December 2019, the VDP includes civilian volunteers who are given military training of two weeks and then these volunteers work alongside the army, carrying out escort duties, &nbsp;information-gathering and surveillance.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least 30 people were killed, which included 16 supporters of the army, in the four attacks suspected to have been carried out by militants in Burkina Faso, stated security sources on Friday.

At least 30 people were killed, which included 16 supporters of the army, in the four attacks suspected to have been carried out by militants in Burkina Faso, stated security sources on Friday. The four attacks took place in the West African nation on Thursday. The attacks were the latest to target a civilian auxiliary force, which supports the military in the seven-year-long fight against militants, in the country's north and northwest. Burkina Faso, a landlocked country, is among the most volatile and poor nations in the world. ALSO READ| Burkina Faso: Government confirms militants have kidnapped 50 women, search initiated The country has been facing insurgency since 2015 which is led by militants affiliated with the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda and has resulted in the displacement of around two million people and the killing of around tens of thousands. The "first attack targeted an advance party of Volunteers for the Defence of the Fatherland (VDP) in Rakoegtenga", a town which lies in the northern province of Bam, said a VDP official. The official further confirmed that one woman and six auxiliaries were killed in the attack. Almost 10 people suffered injuries, which included some seriously injured people, who were "evacuated to Ouagadougou for appropriate care," said the VDP official. He added that around 10 auxiliaries and one person were killed in the second attack which took place in the northwest's Nyala province "in the afternoon when a convoy escorted by auxiliaries and soldiers was ambushed on the Siena-Saran road". WATCH | Gravitas: All about the insurgency in Burkina Faso The security officials confirmed two "militant attacks", however, refused to give any precise death toll, as they only mentioned "a number of losses". Meanwhile, two other incidents linked to armed jihadist groups were recorded on Thursday, according to other security sources. In the north-central province of Sanmatenga, a joint military and VDP team was targeted in Zincko, one of the sources said. "About 10 terrorists were neutralised (killed). Unfortunately, four civilians were also killed," the source added. Later in the evening, gunmen raided the town of Sanaba in Banwa province, killing eight civilians. Established in December 2019, the VDP includes civilian volunteers who are given military training of two weeks and then these volunteers work alongside the army, carrying out escort duties, information-gathering and surveillance. (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

Four attacks by militants kill 30 people in Burkina Faso, claim security sources

A car bomb and shooting attack on a hotel in the Somali city of Kismayu killed nine people on Sunday before security forces ended the siege at the hotel and killed the attackers, a regional official said.

Gunfire erupted after an explosives-laden vehicle rammed into the gate of the port city's Tawakal Hotel. 
The al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militant group said it had carried out the attack.&nbsp;

"In the explosion, nine people including students and civilians were killed and 47 others were injured, some of them seriously," Yussuf Hussein Dhumal, Security Minister for Jubbaland, told Reuters.

"The hotel where the explosion happened was near a school, so many students were injured."

Security forces killed three of the attackers and a fourth died in the bomb blast, Dhumal said.

Before the attack, a meeting was being held at the hotel to plan how to fight al Shabaab, Farah Mohamed, a security officer, told Reuters from Kismayu.

Mohamed Nur, a police captain, and Farah Ali, a shopkeeper in Kismayu, told Reuters the blast at the hotel preceded the gunfire.

Video footage from the Somali National Television posted on its Twitter account showed security personnel load one of the wounded into an ambulance.

Abdiasis Abu Musab, al Shabaab's military operation spokesperson, said the group was behind the attack, which he said had targeted Jubbaland region's administrators who work from the hotel.

Kismayu is the commercial capital of Jubbaland, a region of southern Somalia still partly controlled by al Shabaab. 
Al Shabaab was driven out of Kismayu in 2012.

The city's port had been a major source of revenue for the group from taxes, charcoal exports and levies on arms, and other illegal imports.

In 2019, a similar attack at another hotel in Kismayu killed at least 26 people.

The group is battling to topple Somalia's central government and impose its own rule based on a strict interpretation of Islamic Sharia law.

It has killed thousands of Somalis and hundreds of civilians across East Africa in a decade-long insurgency.

Somali security forces say they have made gains on the battlefield against al Shabaab in recent weeks while fighting alongside local self-defence groups, but the group has continued to carry out deadly raids.

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A car bomb and shooting attack on a hotel in the Somali city of Kismayu killed nine people on Sunday before security forces ended the siege at the hotel and killed the attackers, a regional official said.

A car bomb and shooting attack on a hotel in the Somali city of Kismayu killed nine people on Sunday before security forces ended the siege at the hotel and killed the attackers, a regional official said. Gunfire erupted after an explosives-laden vehicle rammed into the gate of the port city's Tawakal Hotel. The al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab militant group said it had carried out the attack. "In the explosion, nine people including students and civilians were killed and 47 others were injured, some of them seriously," Yussuf Hussein Dhumal, Security Minister for Jubbaland, told Reuters. "The hotel where the explosion happened was near a school, so many students were injured." Security forces killed three of the attackers and a fourth died in the bomb blast, Dhumal said. Before the attack, a meeting was being held at the hotel to plan how to fight al Shabaab, Farah Mohamed, a security officer, told Reuters from Kismayu. Mohamed Nur, a police captain, and Farah Ali, a shopkeeper in Kismayu, told Reuters the blast at the hotel preceded the gunfire. Video footage from the Somali National Television posted on its Twitter account showed security personnel load one of the wounded into an ambulance. Abdiasis Abu Musab, al Shabaab's military operation spokesperson, said the group was behind the attack, which he said had targeted Jubbaland region's administrators who work from the hotel. Kismayu is the commercial capital of Jubbaland, a region of southern Somalia still partly controlled by al Shabaab. Al Shabaab was driven out of Kismayu in 2012. The city's port had been a major source of revenue for the group from taxes, charcoal exports and levies on arms, and other illegal imports. In 2019, a similar attack at another hotel in Kismayu killed at least 26 people. The group is battling to topple Somalia's central government and impose its own rule based on a strict interpretation of Islamic Sharia law. It has killed thousands of Somalis and hundreds of civilians across East Africa in a decade-long insurgency. Somali security forces say they have made gains on the battlefield against al Shabaab in recent weeks while fighting alongside local self-defence groups, but the group has continued to carry out deadly raids. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Nine killed, more than 47 injured in a militant attack in Somalia

The 72-hour operation against the Baloch militants ended on Saturday, the Pakistan Army said, adding that 20 insurgents have been shot down.

The military's media affairs wing, ISPR, in a statement said that nine security personnel lost their lives during the operation.

On February 2 late-evening, Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province was attacked wherein the militants attacked two military bases in Panjgur and Naushki areas.

Newly-formed group Balochistan Nationalist Army (BNA), which is fast becoming a major opponent to Pakistan’s security forces operating in the province, claimed responsibility for the attacks.

As per Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attack was successfully foiled while the attackers were neutralized with heavy casualties inflicted to the insurgents.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/balochistan-militants-launch-late-night-blitzkrieg-on-2-pak-military-bases-over-5-security-forces-killed-450121">Balochistan militants launch late-night blitzkrieg on 2 Pak military bases, over 5 security forces killed</a>

In Naushki, nine militants were killed, while the army lost four security forces personnel, including an officer level soldier.

In Panjgur, security forces repulsed the attacks after an intense exchange of fire after which the militants fled.&nbsp;

The army said that the security forces carried out the clearance operations to hunt down hiding terrorists in the vicinity.

While four fleeing insurgents were killed at Panjgur, four others terrorists were encircled the next day (February 3) by security forces.

After a two-day-long stand-off, all the encircled insurgents were killed in Saturday’s operation as they failed to surrender, the ISPR said.

During the operation, five security forces lost their lives while six soldiers were injured.

“Our security forces stand firm and resolutely committed to eliminating the menace of terrorism from our soil no matter what the cost,” the ISPR said.

The 72-hour operation against the Baloch militants ended on Saturday, the Pakistan Army said, adding that 20 insurgents have been shot down. The military's media affairs wing, ISPR, in a statement said that nine security personnel lost their lives during the operation.

The 72-hour operation against the Baloch militants ended on Saturday, the Pakistan Army said, adding that 20 insurgents have been shot down. The military's media affairs wing, ISPR, in a statement said that nine security personnel lost their lives during the operation. On February 2 late-evening, Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province was attacked wherein the militants attacked two military bases in Panjgur and Naushki areas. Newly-formed group Balochistan Nationalist Army (BNA), which is fast becoming a major opponent to Pakistan’s security forces operating in the province, claimed responsibility for the attacks. As per Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attack was successfully foiled while the attackers were neutralized with heavy casualties inflicted to the insurgents. Also read | Balochistan militants launch late-night blitzkrieg on 2 Pak military bases, over 5 security forces killed In Naushki, nine militants were killed, while the army lost four security forces personnel, including an officer level soldier. In Panjgur, security forces repulsed the attacks after an intense exchange of fire after which the militants fled. The army said that the security forces carried out the clearance operations to hunt down hiding terrorists in the vicinity. While four fleeing insurgents were killed at Panjgur, four others terrorists were encircled the next day (February 3) by security forces. After a two-day-long stand-off, all the encircled insurgents were killed in Saturday’s operation as they failed to surrender, the ISPR said. During the operation, five security forces lost their lives while six soldiers were injured. “Our security forces stand firm and resolutely committed to eliminating the menace of terrorism from our soil no matter what the cost,” the ISPR said.

After 72-hour ops, Pak security forces kill remaining Balochistan insurgents, toll reaches 20

At least 60 people were killed in a militia attack early on Wednesday at a displaced persons` camp in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the head of a local humanitarian group and a camp resident.

Both sources told Reuters that the CODECO militia was responsible for the killings at about 0200 GMT at the Savo camp in Ituri province.

Ituri army spokesman Jules Ngongo confirmed the attack by CODECO and gave a provisional toll of about 20 dead.

Congolese troops came into contact with the militia Tuesday night but the assailants changed direction and got past them to reach the camp, he said.

CODECO is one of an array of militias operating in eastern Congo amid longstanding tensions over land and resources. Its fighters have killed hundreds of civilians in Ituri and forced thousands to flee their homes, according to the United Nations.

In recent months it has targeted displacement camps, where some people had settled after fleeing other attacks by CODECO.

"I first heard cries when I was still in bed. Then several minutes of gunshots. I fled and I saw torches and people crying for help and I realized it was the CODECO militiamen who had invaded our site," said Lokana Bale Lussa, a camp resident.

"We have counted more than 60 dead and (more) seriously injured," he said. "We really need security because we can`t access our farms and now we`re pursued even in our camps."

Charite Banza Bavi, president of the humanitarian group for the Bahema-North area, put the death toll at 63.

"Initial reports indicate that as many as 59 civilians were killed and a further 40 injured," the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said in a statement. Two students at a school supported by the NRC were among the dead, it added, and the assailants had used both guns and machetes.

Before Wednesday, the NRC said, about 68 people had been killed in attacks on five different camps in the same area since November.

CODECO`s fighters are drawn mainly from the Lendu farming community, which has long been in conflict with Hema herders.

The Savo displacement site is home to 24,000 people, among 1.7 million displaced in Ituri province, the NRC said. At least 1,200 civilians were killed in Ituri province in 2021.

At least 60 people were killed in a militia attack early on Wednesday at a displaced persons` camp in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the head of a local humanitarian group and a camp resident.

At least 60 people were killed in a militia attack early on Wednesday at a displaced persons` camp in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the head of a local humanitarian group and a camp resident. Both sources told Reuters that the CODECO militia was responsible for the killings at about 0200 GMT at the Savo camp in Ituri province. Ituri army spokesman Jules Ngongo confirmed the attack by CODECO and gave a provisional toll of about 20 dead. Congolese troops came into contact with the militia Tuesday night but the assailants changed direction and got past them to reach the camp, he said. CODECO is one of an array of militias operating in eastern Congo amid longstanding tensions over land and resources. Its fighters have killed hundreds of civilians in Ituri and forced thousands to flee their homes, according to the United Nations. In recent months it has targeted displacement camps, where some people had settled after fleeing other attacks by CODECO. "I first heard cries when I was still in bed. Then several minutes of gunshots. I fled and I saw torches and people crying for help and I realized it was the CODECO militiamen who had invaded our site," said Lokana Bale Lussa, a camp resident. "We have counted more than 60 dead and (more) seriously injured," he said. "We really need security because we can`t access our farms and now we`re pursued even in our camps." Charite Banza Bavi, president of the humanitarian group for the Bahema-North area, put the death toll at 63. "Initial reports indicate that as many as 59 civilians were killed and a further 40 injured," the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said in a statement. Two students at a school supported by the NRC were among the dead, it added, and the assailants had used both guns and machetes. Before Wednesday, the NRC said, about 68 people had been killed in attacks on five different camps in the same area since November. CODECO`s fighters are drawn mainly from the Lendu farming community, which has long been in conflict with Hema herders. The Savo displacement site is home to 24,000 people, among 1.7 million displaced in Ituri province, the NRC said. At least 1,200 civilians were killed in Ituri province in 2021.

At least 60 people killed in militia attack in eastern DR Congo

In August last year as NATO forces retreated from Afghanistan at an unprecedented pace, a massive hall of sophisticated weaponry was left behind. These US arms that were left abandoned in Afghanistan have made their way to India where they are being used by local terrorists.

Abandoned US arms from Afghanistan make way into India

Abandoned US arms from Afghanistan make way into India, militants flaunt them in video

Weapons dumped by the US in Afghanistan are being used by Pakistan-backed terrorists in Kashmir. How is India planning to counter this new terror arsenal? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: American weapons with terrorists in Kashmir

An Egyptian court on Thursday sentenced to death 22 Islamist militants, including a former police officer, for terrorist attacks, including the attempted assassination of a former interior minister, according to news reports.

The men were found guilty of committing 54 “terrorist operations” across Egypt, including the murder of a senior police officer as well as trying to kill former interior minister Mohamed Ibrahim, a&nbsp;judicial source told AFP.

The convicted men were members of Ansar Beit al-Maqdis—a jihadist militant group which pledged its allegiance to the Islamic State in 2014.

The Court of Cassation, Egypt’s highest appeals court, also upheld prison sentences of 118 others in the same case, ranging from terms of several years to life imprisonment.

Ansar Beit al-Maqdis fighters in Sinai were led by Hisham al-Ashmawy, an ex-special forces officer.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-army-says-89-insurgents-killed-in-restive-sinai-402228">Egypt army says 89 insurgents killed in restive Sinai</a>

Ashmawy –- once dubbed Egypt's “most wanted man” —split from the militants after they switched allegiance from Al-Qaeda to the Islamic State group.

Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis has been associated with almost every terrorist attack that hit Egypt after the ouster of the Muslim Brotherhood.

For years, Egypt has been fighting a bitter insurgency in North Sinai against the Maqdis fighters that escalated after the army's 2013 ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi.

In February 2018, the army and police launched a nationwide operation against militants focused on North Sinai.

In 2019, Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi&nbsp;confirmed&nbsp;that Egypt's military was working with Israel to combat ISIS in the Sinai, in an interview with CBS.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Egyptian court on Thursday sentenced to death 22 Islamist militants, including a former police officer, for terrorist attacks, including the attempted assassination of a former interior minister, according to news reports.

An Egyptian court on Thursday sentenced to death 22 Islamist militants, including a former police officer, for terrorist attacks, including the attempted assassination of a former interior minister, according to news reports. The men were found guilty of committing 54 “terrorist operations” across Egypt, including the murder of a senior police officer as well as trying to kill former interior minister Mohamed Ibrahim, a judicial source told AFP. The convicted men were members of Ansar Beit al-Maqdis—a jihadist militant group which pledged its allegiance to the Islamic State in 2014. The Court of Cassation, Egypt’s highest appeals court, also upheld prison sentences of 118 others in the same case, ranging from terms of several years to life imprisonment. Ansar Beit al-Maqdis fighters in Sinai were led by Hisham al-Ashmawy, an ex-special forces officer. Also read | Egypt army says 89 insurgents killed in restive Sinai Ashmawy –- once dubbed Egypt's “most wanted man” —split from the militants after they switched allegiance from Al-Qaeda to the Islamic State group. Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis has been associated with almost every terrorist attack that hit Egypt after the ouster of the Muslim Brotherhood. For years, Egypt has been fighting a bitter insurgency in North Sinai against the Maqdis fighters that escalated after the army's 2013 ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi. In February 2018, the army and police launched a nationwide operation against militants focused on North Sinai. In 2019, Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi confirmed that Egypt's military was working with Israel to combat ISIS in the Sinai, in an interview with CBS. (With inputs from agencies)

Egyptian court sentences to death 22 Islamist militants, including ex-cop

In a bleak assessment of the situation following the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, the UN envoy to the war-torn country on Wednesday said that an affiliate of the Islamic State group has grown manifolds and looks to appear in almost all 34 provinces. &nbsp;

Deborah Lyons, UN Special Representative told the UN Security Council that the Taliban's response to Islamic State-Khorasan Province's (ISKP) expansion "appears to rely heavily on extrajudicial detentions and killings" of suspected ISKP fighters. &nbsp;

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"This is an area deserving more attention from the international community," Lyons said. &nbsp;

These remarks came after the ISKP group, which is an ideological foe of the Taliban, claimed responsibility for two blasts. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The Taliban has been unable to check growth of the ISKP, said the envoy. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/afghan-college-students-find-a-new-life-and-safety-in-iraq-429575" hreflang="en">Afghan college students find a new life, and safety, in Iraq</a>

Lyons said, "Once limited to a few provinces and the capital, ISKP now seems to be present in nearly all provinces, and increasingly active." The envoy added that the number of the attacks by the group have increased from 60 strikes in 2020 to 334 this year. &nbsp;

The UN mission has been regularly receiving credible reports of house searches and the "extrajudicial killings" of former security personnel and officials, Lyons added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a bleak assessment of the situation following the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, the UN envoy to the war-torn country on Wednesday said that an affiliate of the Islamic State group has grown manifolds and looks to appear in almost all 34 provinces.

In a bleak assessment of the situation following the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, the UN envoy to the war-torn country on Wednesday said that an affiliate of the Islamic State group has grown manifolds and looks to appear in almost all 34 provinces. Deborah Lyons, UN Special Representative told the UN Security Council that the Taliban's response to Islamic State-Khorasan Province's (ISKP) expansion "appears to rely heavily on extrajudicial detentions and killings" of suspected ISKP fighters. Also Read: Taliban arrest 11 IS suspects in central Daikundi province "This is an area deserving more attention from the international community," Lyons said. These remarks came after the ISKP group, which is an ideological foe of the Taliban, claimed responsibility for two blasts. The Taliban has been unable to check growth of the ISKP, said the envoy. Also Read: Afghan college students find a new life, and safety, in Iraq Lyons said, "Once limited to a few provinces and the capital, ISKP now seems to be present in nearly all provinces, and increasingly active." The envoy added that the number of the attacks by the group have increased from 60 strikes in 2020 to 334 this year. The UN mission has been regularly receiving credible reports of house searches and the "extrajudicial killings" of former security personnel and officials, Lyons added. (With inputs from agencies)

Islamic State militants now present in all 34 Afghan provinces, says UN envoy

After seven people were killed by militants in Kashmir Valley in five days, Kashmiri Pandits living in the US have strongly condemned the recent targeted killings of civilians. &nbsp;

Of the victims, four belonged to minority communities. The group seeks tight security arrangement so that the minority community can return to the valley.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/to-avert-power-crisis-indian-govt-scrambles-all-resources-as-coal-shortage-looms-419725" hreflang="en">To avert power crisis, Indian govt scrambles all resources as coal shortage looms</a>

A socio-cultural organisation of the Kashmiri Pandits in the US, the Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA) has expressed anguish over the killings of pharmacy owner Makhan Lal Bindroo, street food vendor Virender Paswan and two teachers, Deepak Chand Mehra and Supinder Kaur. &nbsp;

For the deaths of three people, the Resistance Force, a shadow outfit of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) claimed responsibility. Kaur, who is a Srinagar-based Sikh and Mehra, a Hindu from Jammu, were killed two days later. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-commander-level-talks-begin-amid-tensions-along-lac-419596" hreflang="en">India, China commander-level talks begin amid tensions along LAC</a>

KOA president Dr Archana Kokroo, said, "These incidents brought back the painful memories of 1990, when members from the community were killed, women were raped, children rendered orphans, resulting in the exodus of over 400,000 people to save lives and honour.” &nbsp;

"The recent targeted killings have terrorised the minority community in the valley, and many are fleeing their homes again," Kokroo added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After seven people were killed by militants in Kashmir Valley in five days, Kashmiri Pandits living in the US have strongly condemned the recent targeted killings of civilians.

After seven people were killed by militants in Kashmir Valley in five days, Kashmiri Pandits living in the US have strongly condemned the recent targeted killings of civilians. Of the victims, four belonged to minority communities. The group seeks tight security arrangement so that the minority community can return to the valley. Also Read: To avert power crisis, Indian govt scrambles all resources as coal shortage looms A socio-cultural organisation of the Kashmiri Pandits in the US, the Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA) has expressed anguish over the killings of pharmacy owner Makhan Lal Bindroo, street food vendor Virender Paswan and two teachers, Deepak Chand Mehra and Supinder Kaur. For the deaths of three people, the Resistance Force, a shadow outfit of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) claimed responsibility. Kaur, who is a Srinagar-based Sikh and Mehra, a Hindu from Jammu, were killed two days later. Also Read: India, China commander-level talks begin amid tensions along LAC KOA president Dr Archana Kokroo, said, "These incidents brought back the painful memories of 1990, when members from the community were killed, women were raped, children rendered orphans, resulting in the exodus of over 400,000 people to save lives and honour.” "The recent targeted killings have terrorised the minority community in the valley, and many are fleeing their homes again," Kokroo added. (With inputs from agencies)

US' Kashmiri Pandits condemn targetted killings by militants in valley

Two Government school teachers, including a woman, were shot dead by militants in Srinagar. This comes days after three people, were killed in a series of attacks by suspected militants in Jammu & Kashmir.

Jammu & Kashmir: Two teachers shot dead inside a Srinagar school

The Taliban takeover may have plunged&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/genocide-in-making-afghan-ex-vp-calls-on-un-to-end-talibans-onslaught-into-panjshir-province-410875">Afghanistan</a>&nbsp;into uncertainty and economic pain, but arms dealer Khan Mohammad is making the most of it.

Sandwiched between a pharmacy and a general store, his shop in the Panjwai district of southern Kandahar province -- the spiritual birthplace of the Taliban -- is flush with fresh inventory.

Camouflage combat vests and bandoliers hung from the walls as Mohammed showed off his wares, including US-made Smith &amp; Wesson pistols and ammunition belts.

More pistols, grenades, walkie-talkies and jars full of bullets lined the glass display in the front.

The end of the conflict has led many weapon-owners to conclude they no longer need them, Mohammad explained.

"People who have had guns at home for years bring us their weapons," he said.

Mohammad has a customer lined up too.

"We buy them and sell... to the Mujahideen," he said, referring to the Taliban.

"The Taliban don't let anyone else take (the weapons)."

Mohammad did not just have weapons -- there were accessories too.

White Taliban baseball caps with the Muslim proclamation of faith printed on them hung from the ceiling. The group's flags were also on sale.

Another dealer in the dusty Panjwai market, whose shop was adorned with large Taliban flags and pictures of the group's top leaders, had more potent offerings.

They included assault rifles -- variants of the AK-47 as well as the US-made M4 and M16 -- and even light machine guns.

The Taliban for years procured weapons and ammunition from the black market. They also captured arms and equipment from the battlefield and abandoned military posts, according to UN and Western monitors.

And the recent collapse of the Afghan military created an arms bonanza for the militants.

Alongside a large haul of American-made infantry weapons,&nbsp;Afghanistan's new rulers now possess equipment and vehicles -- including humvees, armoured personnel carriers, and at least one functioning Black Hawk helicopter.

The militants are also making the most of their spoils.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-is-our-most-important-partner-says-taliban-spokesperson-zabihullah-mujahid-410510">Taliban</a> are cashing in on a wide variety of items from abandoned Afghan and Western military bases.

They seized Panjwai district in July as the withdrawal of US-led troops from&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;gathered pace.

In the local market, everything from construction material to metal trays salvaged from the district's Afghan military base was for sale.

"We bought all these things from the Taliban after they conquered the Afghan army base," said vendor Murtaza, who gave only one name.

"Now we bring them to the market to sell."

The Taliban takeover may have plunged Afghanistan into uncertainty and economic pain, but arms dealer Khan Mohammad is making the most of it. Sandwiched between a pharmacy and a general store, his shop in the Panjwai district of southern Kandahar province -- the spiritual birthplace of the Taliban -- is flush with fresh inventory.

The Taliban takeover may have plunged Afghanistan into uncertainty and economic pain, but arms dealer Khan Mohammad is making the most of it. Sandwiched between a pharmacy and a general store, his shop in the Panjwai district of southern Kandahar province -- the spiritual birthplace of the Taliban -- is flush with fresh inventory. Camouflage combat vests and bandoliers hung from the walls as Mohammed showed off his wares, including US-made Smith & Wesson pistols and ammunition belts. More pistols, grenades, walkie-talkies and jars full of bullets lined the glass display in the front. The end of the conflict has led many weapon-owners to conclude they no longer need them, Mohammad explained. "People who have had guns at home for years bring us their weapons," he said. Mohammad has a customer lined up too. "We buy them and sell... to the Mujahideen," he said, referring to the Taliban. "The Taliban don't let anyone else take (the weapons)." Mohammad did not just have weapons -- there were accessories too. White Taliban baseball caps with the Muslim proclamation of faith printed on them hung from the ceiling. The group's flags were also on sale. Another dealer in the dusty Panjwai market, whose shop was adorned with large Taliban flags and pictures of the group's top leaders, had more potent offerings. They included assault rifles -- variants of the AK-47 as well as the US-made M4 and M16 -- and even light machine guns. The Taliban for years procured weapons and ammunition from the black market. They also captured arms and equipment from the battlefield and abandoned military posts, according to UN and Western monitors. And the recent collapse of the Afghan military created an arms bonanza for the militants. Alongside a large haul of American-made infantry weapons, Afghanistan's new rulers now possess equipment and vehicles -- including humvees, armoured personnel carriers, and at least one functioning Black Hawk helicopter. The militants are also making the most of their spoils. The Taliban are cashing in on a wide variety of items from abandoned Afghan and Western military bases. They seized Panjwai district in July as the withdrawal of US-led troops from Afghanistan gathered pace. In the local market, everything from construction material to metal trays salvaged from the district's Afghan military base was for sale. "We bought all these things from the Taliban after they conquered the Afghan army base," said vendor Murtaza, who gave only one name. "Now we bring them to the market to sell."

Boom time for Afghan arms dealers in Taliban heartland

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization has warned that the militants could join migrants fleeing Afghanistan, adding on to security threats for Europe and the US after the American withdrawal from Kabul earlier this week.

Stefano Pontecorvo, NATO’s senior civilian representative to Afghanistan, in an interview, said, "We have put in place measures to avoid that, but in big numbers it’s a risk".

The European Union is eager to stem migration from Afghanistan and has cited the potential security threat.&nbsp;

As of now, about 500,000 people have been displaced in Afghanistan this year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-suga-to-back-vaccine-minister-kono-in-ldp-leadership-race-410605">Also read |&nbsp;Japan PM Suga to back vaccine minister Kono in LDP leadership race</a>

However, there has not been evidence of people entering neighbouring countries, nor has there been significant movement toward the bloc, according to an EU diplomatic note seen by Bloomberg.&nbsp;

While NATO could be involved in assisting with the ISIS-K threat, Pontecorvo conceded that the role of the alliance will be subject to “a lot of soul searching and questions” after the chaotic withdrawal of Western forces.&nbsp;

“NATO is pretty rock-solid but there are a lot of lessons that can be learned.”

EU member states have also raised similar concerns about the risk of Afghanistan becoming a harbour for terrorist groups under the Taliban. 
&nbsp;

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization has warned that the militants could join migrants fleeing Afghanistan, adding on to security threats for Europe and the US after the American withdrawal from Kabul earlier this week.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization has warned that the militants could join migrants fleeing Afghanistan, adding on to security threats for Europe and the US after the American withdrawal from Kabul earlier this week. Stefano Pontecorvo, NATO’s senior civilian representative to Afghanistan, in an interview, said, "We have put in place measures to avoid that, but in big numbers it’s a risk". The European Union is eager to stem migration from Afghanistan and has cited the potential security threat. As of now, about 500,000 people have been displaced in Afghanistan this year. Also read | Japan PM Suga to back vaccine minister Kono in LDP leadership race However, there has not been evidence of people entering neighbouring countries, nor has there been significant movement toward the bloc, according to an EU diplomatic note seen by Bloomberg. While NATO could be involved in assisting with the ISIS-K threat, Pontecorvo conceded that the role of the alliance will be subject to “a lot of soul searching and questions” after the chaotic withdrawal of Western forces. “NATO is pretty rock-solid but there are a lot of lessons that can be learned.” EU member states have also raised similar concerns about the risk of Afghanistan becoming a harbour for terrorist groups under the Taliban.

Militants may use Afghan chaos to infiltrate US, EU: NATO

A band of veteran Afghan leaders, including two regional strongmen, are angling for talks with the Taliban and plan to meet within weeks to form a new front for holding negotiations on the country`s next government, a member of a group said.

Khalid Noor, son of Atta Mohammad Noor, the once-powerful governor of northern Afghanistan`s Balkh province, said the group comprised of veteran ethnic Uzbek leader Abdul Rashid Dostum and others opposed to the Taliban`s takeover.

"We prefer to negotiate collectively, because it is not that the problem of Afghanistan will be solved just by one of us," Noor, 27, told Reuters in an interview from an undisclosed location.

"So, it is important for the entire political community of the country to be involved, especially the traditional leaders, those with power, with public support," Noor said.

Atta Noor and Dostum, veterans of four decades of conflict in Afghanistan, both fled the country when the northern city of Mazar-i Sharif fell to the Taliban, the hardline Islamist group, without a fight.

The US-backed government and military folded elsewhere as the Taliban swept into Kabul on Aug. 15.

However, the backroom discussions are a sign of the country`s traditional strongmen coming back to life after the Taliban`s stunning military campaign.

It will be a challenge for any entity to rule Afghanistan for long without consensus between the country`s patchwork of ethnicities, most analysts say.

Unlike their previous period in power before 2001, the predominantly Pashtun Taliban did seek support from Tajiks, Uzbeks and other minorities as they prepared their offensive last month.

"The Taliban at this point are very, very arrogant, because they just won militarily. But what we assume (is) that they know the risk of ruling the way they did before," Noor said, referring to the previous Taliban regime`s exclusion of minority ethnic groups.

'SURRENDER OUT OF QUESTION'

Despite a commitment to negotiations, Noor said there was a "huge risk" that the talks could fail, leading the group to already prepare for an armed resistance against the Taliban. 
"Surrender is out of the question for us," said Noor, the youngest member of the erstwhile Afghan government`s team that held talks with the Taliban in Qatar.

Ahmad Massoud, leader of Afghanistan`s last major outpost of anti-Taliban resistance, last week also said he hoped talks with the Taliban would lead to an inclusive government, failing which his forces were ready to fight.

It remains uncertain how much popular support is actually enjoyed by leaders like Atta Noor, widely accused of corruption, and Dostum, accused of multiple acts of torture and brutality, and described in a US&nbsp;State Department report as a "quintessential warlord". Both leaders deny the accusations.

The Taliban, already a formidable military force, are now in possession of an estimated 2,000 armoured vehicles and up to 40 aircraft, among other arms left behind by fleeing Afghan forces, potentially bolstering their firepower.

Still, Noor said the Taliban would not be able to hold out against a popular resistance.

"History has shown that no one in Afghanistan can rule by force, it is impossible," the Western-educated politician said, "No matter how much support they have from international community, it will fail."

A band of veteran Afghan leaders, including two regional strongmen, are angling for talks with the Taliban and plan to meet within weeks to form a new front for holding negotiations on the country`s next government, a member of a group said.

A band of veteran Afghan leaders, including two regional strongmen, are angling for talks with the Taliban and plan to meet within weeks to form a new front for holding negotiations on the country`s next government, a member of a group said. Khalid Noor, son of Atta Mohammad Noor, the once-powerful governor of northern Afghanistan`s Balkh province, said the group comprised of veteran ethnic Uzbek leader Abdul Rashid Dostum and others opposed to the Taliban`s takeover. "We prefer to negotiate collectively, because it is not that the problem of Afghanistan will be solved just by one of us," Noor, 27, told Reuters in an interview from an undisclosed location. "So, it is important for the entire political community of the country to be involved, especially the traditional leaders, those with power, with public support," Noor said. Atta Noor and Dostum, veterans of four decades of conflict in Afghanistan, both fled the country when the northern city of Mazar-i Sharif fell to the Taliban, the hardline Islamist group, without a fight. The US-backed government and military folded elsewhere as the Taliban swept into Kabul on Aug. 15. However, the backroom discussions are a sign of the country`s traditional strongmen coming back to life after the Taliban`s stunning military campaign. It will be a challenge for any entity to rule Afghanistan for long without consensus between the country`s patchwork of ethnicities, most analysts say. Unlike their previous period in power before 2001, the predominantly Pashtun Taliban did seek support from Tajiks, Uzbeks and other minorities as they prepared their offensive last month. "The Taliban at this point are very, very arrogant, because they just won militarily. But what we assume (is) that they know the risk of ruling the way they did before," Noor said, referring to the previous Taliban regime`s exclusion of minority ethnic groups. 'SURRENDER OUT OF QUESTION' Despite a commitment to negotiations, Noor said there was a "huge risk" that the talks could fail, leading the group to already prepare for an armed resistance against the Taliban. "Surrender is out of the question for us," said Noor, the youngest member of the erstwhile Afghan government`s team that held talks with the Taliban in Qatar. Ahmad Massoud, leader of Afghanistan`s last major outpost of anti-Taliban resistance, last week also said he hoped talks with the Taliban would lead to an inclusive government, failing which his forces were ready to fight. It remains uncertain how much popular support is actually enjoyed by leaders like Atta Noor, widely accused of corruption, and Dostum, accused of multiple acts of torture and brutality, and described in a US State Department report as a "quintessential warlord". Both leaders deny the accusations. The Taliban, already a formidable military force, are now in possession of an estimated 2,000 armoured vehicles and up to 40 aircraft, among other arms left behind by fleeing Afghan forces, potentially bolstering their firepower. Still, Noor said the Taliban would not be able to hold out against a popular resistance. "History has shown that no one in Afghanistan can rule by force, it is impossible," the Western-educated politician said, "No matter how much support they have from international community, it will fail."

Veteran Afghan strongmen to form new front for negotiating with Taliban

Militant fire from across the border in Afghanistan killed two Pakistani soldiers on Sunday, the army said, in the first such attack since the Taliban took over Kabul ten days ago.

The army said it retaliated and killed two or three attackers, a claim not verifiable because the tribal districts along the Afghan border are off limits to journalists and human rights organisations.

The incident in Pakistan`s Bajaur district is the first of its kind reported since the Taliban took over Kabul on August 15.

Bajaur is one of several lawless tribal regions along the Afghan border which have long sheltered militants, including an Islamist militant umbrella organisation called Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The TTP, which renewed an allegiance to the Afghan Taliban after the fall of Kabul, has recently stepped up its campaign against the Pakistani army.

The army did not say which group it thought was responsible for Sunday`s attack, but has long held that TTP leaders and fighters are sheltering in Afghanistan after fleeing the tribal districts during military operations targeting militants.

"As per intelligence reports, due to fire of Pakistan army troops, 2-3 terrorists got killed and 3-4 terrorists got injured," the military said in a statement.

The statement condemned the "the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for activities against Pakistan and expects that existing and future set-up in Afghanistan will not allow such activities against Pakistan."

Pakistani Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad has said that Islamabad expected the Afghan Taliban to ensure that the anti-Pakistan Taliban did not use Afghan soil as a launch pad for attacks inside Pakistan.

Islamabad accuses the TTP of having used Afghanistan as a base from where to carry a suicide attack in northern Pakistan in July that killed nine Chinese workers and four Pakistanis.

"We expected that the way things were unfolding in Afghanistan, the violence can spill over in Pakistan," Pakistan army spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar told a news conference on Friday.

The Afghan Taliban`s spokesman Zabihullah Muhaid said in his maiden news conference that the Islamist militants wouldn`t allow any group to use Afghan soil against anyone.

Militant fire from across the border in Afghanistan killed two Pakistani soldiers on Sunday, the army said, in the first such attack since the Taliban took over Kabul ten days ago.

Militant fire from across the border in Afghanistan killed two Pakistani soldiers on Sunday, the army said, in the first such attack since the Taliban took over Kabul ten days ago. The army said it retaliated and killed two or three attackers, a claim not verifiable because the tribal districts along the Afghan border are off limits to journalists and human rights organisations. The incident in Pakistan`s Bajaur district is the first of its kind reported since the Taliban took over Kabul on August 15. Bajaur is one of several lawless tribal regions along the Afghan border which have long sheltered militants, including an Islamist militant umbrella organisation called Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The TTP, which renewed an allegiance to the Afghan Taliban after the fall of Kabul, has recently stepped up its campaign against the Pakistani army. The army did not say which group it thought was responsible for Sunday`s attack, but has long held that TTP leaders and fighters are sheltering in Afghanistan after fleeing the tribal districts during military operations targeting militants. "As per intelligence reports, due to fire of Pakistan army troops, 2-3 terrorists got killed and 3-4 terrorists got injured," the military said in a statement. The statement condemned the "the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for activities against Pakistan and expects that existing and future set-up in Afghanistan will not allow such activities against Pakistan." Pakistani Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad has said that Islamabad expected the Afghan Taliban to ensure that the anti-Pakistan Taliban did not use Afghan soil as a launch pad for attacks inside Pakistan. Islamabad accuses the TTP of having used Afghanistan as a base from where to carry a suicide attack in northern Pakistan in July that killed nine Chinese workers and four Pakistanis. "We expected that the way things were unfolding in Afghanistan, the violence can spill over in Pakistan," Pakistan army spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar told a news conference on Friday. The Afghan Taliban`s spokesman Zabihullah Muhaid said in his maiden news conference that the Islamist militants wouldn`t allow any group to use Afghan soil against anyone.

Militant fire across Afghan border kills two Pakistani soldiers, says army

In a series of attacks near the Niger border, an armed group in northern Burkina Faso murdered 30 civilians, army personnel, and pro-government militias, according to the defence ministry.

Unidentified assailants assaulted villages near the town of Markoye about midday on Wednesday, according to the ministry, and then attacked security personnel responding to the attacks later that afternoon.&nbsp;

According to the statement, a unit of troops and civilian auxiliaries was dispatched, but 19 of them were later murdered.&nbsp;

Eleven civilians, fifteen military, and four members of a government-backed civilian militia were among the dead.

According to the statement, more than ten of the assailants were dead, and the military had restored control of the region.&nbsp;

There was no instant admission of guilt.

Militant attacks have increased in the Sahel area of West Africa, killing thousands and displacing millions in recent years throughout Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

Insurgents killed at least 132 people in Burkina Faso's deadliest single strike to date in May.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a series of attacks near the Niger border, an armed group in northern Burkina Faso murdered 30 civilians, army personnel, and pro-government militias, according to the defence ministry.

In a series of attacks near the Niger border, an armed group in northern Burkina Faso murdered 30 civilians, army personnel, and pro-government militias, according to the defence ministry. Unidentified assailants assaulted villages near the town of Markoye about midday on Wednesday, according to the ministry, and then attacked security personnel responding to the attacks later that afternoon. According to the statement, a unit of troops and civilian auxiliaries was dispatched, but 19 of them were later murdered. Eleven civilians, fifteen military, and four members of a government-backed civilian militia were among the dead. According to the statement, more than ten of the assailants were dead, and the military had restored control of the region. There was no instant admission of guilt. Militant attacks have increased in the Sahel area of West Africa, killing thousands and displacing millions in recent years throughout Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Insurgents killed at least 132 people in Burkina Faso's deadliest single strike to date in May. (With inputs from agencies)

30 killed in attacks in north Burkina Faso

Two Afghan soldiers and at least 36 Taliban militants were killed after government forces repelled an attack on Thursday in the country's eastern province of Nangarhar, a local official confirmed.

The attack erupted as hundreds of Taliban militants armed with guns and heavy weapons, including rocket propelled grenades, attacked Sherzad district while trying to capture the suburban district in the southeast of Nangarhar, provincial government spokesman Attahullah Khogiani told Xinhua news agency.

Four Afghan soldiers and 52 militants were also wounded during the fighting that had lasted for hours, he said.

In neighbouring Laghman province, the military retook control of Badpakh district early on Thursday after the Afghan Special Forces launched a cleanup operation late Wednesday night, evicting the militants from the district, according to Fawad Aman, deputy spokesperson of the Defence Ministry.

He wrote on his social media account that details about the liberation of Badpakh would be shared with the media soon.

Many Afghan provinces have been the scene of heavy battles in recent months as Taliban militants have reportedly captured about 200 districts since the start of the withdrawal of US-led troops in May this year.

Two Afghan soldiers and at least 36 Taliban militants were killed after government forces repelled an attack on Thursday in the country's eastern province of Nangarhar, a local official confirmed.

Two Afghan soldiers and at least 36 Taliban militants were killed after government forces repelled an attack on Thursday in the country's eastern province of Nangarhar, a local official confirmed. The attack erupted as hundreds of Taliban militants armed with guns and heavy weapons, including rocket propelled grenades, attacked Sherzad district while trying to capture the suburban district in the southeast of Nangarhar, provincial government spokesman Attahullah Khogiani told Xinhua news agency. Four Afghan soldiers and 52 militants were also wounded during the fighting that had lasted for hours, he said. In neighbouring Laghman province, the military retook control of Badpakh district early on Thursday after the Afghan Special Forces launched a cleanup operation late Wednesday night, evicting the militants from the district, according to Fawad Aman, deputy spokesperson of the Defence Ministry. He wrote on his social media account that details about the liberation of Badpakh would be shared with the media soon. Many Afghan provinces have been the scene of heavy battles in recent months as Taliban militants have reportedly captured about 200 districts since the start of the withdrawal of US-led troops in May this year.

2 soldiers, 36 Taliban militants killed after attack foiled in Afghanistan

Militants killed three Pakistani soldiers close to the border with Afghanistan in the North Waziristan tribal region, where Pakistani Taliban fighters have been targeting the Pakistan military, security sources told Reuters. 
 
The militants fired on a checkpost in Spinwam district, in the latest of a spate of attacks on security forces, government officials and suspected collaborators in North Waziristan. The Pakistani military said it was looking into the report. 
 
The rash of violence in Pakistan's tribal lands has coincided with the Afghan Taliban's offensive against the government in Kabul, as the United States hastens its departure from Afghanistan. 
 
Afghanistan's government has regularly accused Pakistan's military of providing covert support for the Afghan Taliban, which the Pakistani government denies. 
 
The Pakistan government has said any peace deal with the Afghan Taliban should ensure groups, like the Pakistan Taliban, do not use Afghanistan as a safe haven for attacks on Pakistan once Western forces withdraw. 
 
On June 30, two soldiers were killed in the Dwatoi district of North Waziristan, after militants opened fire from across the Afghanistan border, Pakistan's military said. 
 
On June 20, a Pakistan soldier was killed in another attack in Spinwam district. In May, militants ambushed and killed four Pakistani soldiers fencing the disputed border with Afghanistan in the southwest province of Balochistan. 
 
In April, a car bomb at a luxury hotel in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, killed four people in an attack later claimed by the Pakistani Taliban that was meant to target the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan. 
 
And in March, a blast killed three Pakistani soldiers near the Chaman border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Militants killed three Pakistani soldiers close to the border with Afghanistan in the North Waziristan tribal region, where Pakistani Taliban fighters have been targeting the Pakistan military, security sources told Reuters.

Militants killed three Pakistani soldiers close to the border with Afghanistan in the North Waziristan tribal region, where Pakistani Taliban fighters have been targeting the Pakistan military, security sources told Reuters. The militants fired on a checkpost in Spinwam district, in the latest of a spate of attacks on security forces, government officials and suspected collaborators in North Waziristan. The Pakistani military said it was looking into the report. The rash of violence in Pakistan's tribal lands has coincided with the Afghan Taliban's offensive against the government in Kabul, as the United States hastens its departure from Afghanistan. Afghanistan's government has regularly accused Pakistan's military of providing covert support for the Afghan Taliban, which the Pakistani government denies. The Pakistan government has said any peace deal with the Afghan Taliban should ensure groups, like the Pakistan Taliban, do not use Afghanistan as a safe haven for attacks on Pakistan once Western forces withdraw. On June 30, two soldiers were killed in the Dwatoi district of North Waziristan, after militants opened fire from across the Afghanistan border, Pakistan's military said. On June 20, a Pakistan soldier was killed in another attack in Spinwam district. In May, militants ambushed and killed four Pakistani soldiers fencing the disputed border with Afghanistan in the southwest province of Balochistan. In April, a car bomb at a luxury hotel in Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, killed four people in an attack later claimed by the Pakistani Taliban that was meant to target the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan. And in March, a blast killed three Pakistani soldiers near the Chaman border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Militants kill three Pakistani soldiers near Afghan border

The government of Burkina Faso and the United Nations said the attack, which killed more than 130 people earlier this month, was carried out primarily by minors aged 12 to 14.

On June 4, gunmen stormed the village of Solhan, shooting villagers and setting fire to their homes.

In Burkina Faso, jihadists have used child soldiers to carry out attacks.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Burkina Faso Massacre: Biggest attack in country's history

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The attackers had struck during the night, killing residents of the village of Solhan in Yagha province, bordering Niger. They also burned homes and the market, the government said in a statement.

Despite the presence of thousands of UN&nbsp;peacekeepers, attacks by jihadists linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State in West Africa's Sahel region have risen sharply since the start of the year, particularly in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, with civilians bearing the brunt.

The violence in Burkina Faso has displaced more than 1.14 million people in just over two years, while the poor, arid country is hosting some 20,000 refugees from neighbouring Mali.

The latest attack pushes the number killed by armed Islamists in the Sahel region to over 500 since January, according to Human Rights Watch's West Africa director, Corinne Dufka.

In March, attackers killed 137 people in coordinated raids on villages in southwestern Niger. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The government of Burkina Faso and the United Nations said the attack, which killed more than 130 people earlier this month, was carried out primarily by minors aged 12 to 14.

The government of Burkina Faso and the United Nations said the attack, which killed more than 130 people earlier this month, was carried out primarily by minors aged 12 to 14. On June 4, gunmen stormed the village of Solhan, shooting villagers and setting fire to their homes. In Burkina Faso, jihadists have used child soldiers to carry out attacks. Watch | Burkina Faso Massacre: Biggest attack in country's history The attackers had struck during the night, killing residents of the village of Solhan in Yagha province, bordering Niger. They also burned homes and the market, the government said in a statement. Despite the presence of thousands of UN peacekeepers, attacks by jihadists linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State in West Africa's Sahel region have risen sharply since the start of the year, particularly in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, with civilians bearing the brunt. The violence in Burkina Faso has displaced more than 1.14 million people in just over two years, while the poor, arid country is hosting some 20,000 refugees from neighbouring Mali. The latest attack pushes the number killed by armed Islamists in the Sahel region to over 500 since January, according to Human Rights Watch's West Africa director, Corinne Dufka. In March, attackers killed 137 people in coordinated raids on villages in southwestern Niger. (With inputs from agencies)

Children aged 12 to 14 carried out the attack that killed over 130 in Burkina Faso

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