Two terrorists&nbsp;were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Friday, police said.

According to a police official, security forces had launched a cordon and search operation in Braw Bandina area of Awantipora in the district in south Kashmir after receiving intelligence input about presence of militants in the area.

As the forces were conducting searches in the area, the terrorists&nbsp;fired upon them. The security forces retaliated, he said.

"Two militants have been killed in the Awantipora operation," the official said, adding the bodies along with arms and ammunition have been recovered from the site.

The identity and affiliation of the slain terrorists&nbsp;are being ascertained, the official said.

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Friday, police said. According to a police official, security forces had launched a cordon and search operation in Braw Bandina area of Awantipora in the district in south Kashmir after receiving intelligence input about presence of militants in the area.

Two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on Friday, police said. According to a police official, security forces had launched a cordon and search operation in Braw Bandina area of Awantipora in the district in south Kashmir after receiving intelligence input about presence of militants in the area. As the forces were conducting searches in the area, the terrorists fired upon them. The security forces retaliated, he said. "Two militants have been killed in the Awantipora operation," the official said, adding the bodies along with arms and ammunition have been recovered from the site. The identity and affiliation of the slain terrorists are being ascertained, the official said.

2 terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district

Two militants were Tuesday killed in an encounter with security forces in forests of Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district, police said.

Based on specific intelligence input about the presence of the militants in the Kachwan forest area of Kokernag in south Kashmir district, the security forces launched a cordon and search operation there, a police official said.

He said the search operation turned into an encounter after the militants fired at search party of the forces, who retaliated.

In the exchange of firing, two militants were killed, the official said.

He said the identity and group affiliation of the slain ultras was being ascertained.

Two militants were Tuesday killed in an encounter with security forces in forests of Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district, police said. Based on specific intelligence input about the presence of the militants in the Kachwan forest area of Kokernag in south Kashmir district, the security forces launched a cordon and search operation there, a police official said.

Two militants were Tuesday killed in an encounter with security forces in forests of Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district, police said. Based on specific intelligence input about the presence of the militants in the Kachwan forest area of Kokernag in south Kashmir district, the security forces launched a cordon and search operation there, a police official said. He said the search operation turned into an encounter after the militants fired at search party of the forces, who retaliated. In the exchange of firing, two militants were killed, the official said. He said the identity and group affiliation of the slain ultras was being ascertained.

Jammu and Kashmir: Two terrorists killed in encounter with security forces in Anantnag

Four militants were gunned down in two separate encounters in Pulwama and Baramulla districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, police said.

While three Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) militants, including the one belonging to a group of ultras who were involved in the killing of Army jawan Aurangzeb last year, were gunned down in a pre-dawn operation by security forces in Pulwama district of south Kashmir, another militant, belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), was killed in Sopore town of Baramulla, a police spokesman said.

He said based on credible input a cordon and search operation was launched by the police and security forces in the pre-dawn hours on Saturday in Panzgam area of Awantipora in south Kashmir's Pulwama district.

During the search operation, the hiding militants fired on the search party of the forces, who retaliated, leading to an encounter, he said.

In the ensuing encounter, the spokesman said, three militants were killed and the bodies were retrieved from the site.

He said the slain militants have been identified as Showkat Dar of Panzgam Awantipora, Irfan War of Wadoora Payeen Sopore and Muzaffar Sheikh of Tahab Pulwama.

"All three killed terrorists, according to police records, were affiliated with proscribed terror outfit HM.

They were wanted by law for their complicity in a series of terror crimes including attack on security establishments and civilian atrocities. Several terror crime cases were registered against them," he said.

As per police records, the spokesman said, Dar had a long history of terror crime records.

"He was involved in planning and executing series of terror attacks in the area and many other civilian atrocities. He was part of a group involved in killing of Army jawan Aurangzeb in 2018. He was also involved in killing of a policeman Aqib Ahmad Wagay last year. Several terror crime cases were registered against him," he said.

Aurangzeb was abducted and later killed by militants in Pulwama in June last year, while he was on his way home in Poonch to celebrate Eid.

The spokesman said War was part of terror groups responsible for conspiring and executing attacks on security establishments and civilian atrocities in the area.

"Accordingly terror crime cases were registered against him. Similarly, Sheikh, as per police records, was involved in several terror attacks on security establishments in the area. Several criminal cases were registered against him for terrorist activities," he said.

Incriminating materials including arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter, the spokesman said, adding police have registered a case and all these materials have been taken in the case records for the purpose of investigation and to probe their complicity in other terror crimes.

The spokesman said with the efforts of police and security forces, it was a clean operation and no collateral damage took place during the exchange of fire.

In another anti-militancy operation, the spokesman said, a cordon and search operation was launched by security forces in Hathlangoo area of Sopore in north Kashmir's Baramulla district.

During the search operation, militants fired on the forces, triggering an encounter in which one militant was killed, he said.

The body of the slain militant was retrieved from the site and he has been identified as Waseem Ahmad Naikoo of Barsoo Awantipora, the spokesman said.

He said according to the police records, Naikoo had joined the proscribed terror outfit JeM after he went missing from his home in February this year.

Police have registered a case in this regard and further investigation in the matter is in progress, the spokesman said.

Four militants were gunned down in two separate encounters in Pulwama and Baramulla districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, police said. While three Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) militants, including the one belonging to a group of ultras who were involved in the killing of Army jawan Aurangzeb last year, were gunned down in a pre-dawn operation by security forces in Pulwama district of south Kashmir, another militant, belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), was killed in Sopore town of Baramulla, a police spokesman said.

Four militants were gunned down in two separate encounters in Pulwama and Baramulla districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, police said. While three Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) militants, including the one belonging to a group of ultras who were involved in the killing of Army jawan Aurangzeb last year, were gunned down in a pre-dawn operation by security forces in Pulwama district of south Kashmir, another militant, belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), was killed in Sopore town of Baramulla, a police spokesman said. He said based on credible input a cordon and search operation was launched by the police and security forces in the pre-dawn hours on Saturday in Panzgam area of Awantipora in south Kashmir's Pulwama district. During the search operation, the hiding militants fired on the search party of the forces, who retaliated, leading to an encounter, he said. In the ensuing encounter, the spokesman said, three militants were killed and the bodies were retrieved from the site. He said the slain militants have been identified as Showkat Dar of Panzgam Awantipora, Irfan War of Wadoora Payeen Sopore and Muzaffar Sheikh of Tahab Pulwama. "All three killed terrorists, according to police records, were affiliated with proscribed terror outfit HM. They were wanted by law for their complicity in a series of terror crimes including attack on security establishments and civilian atrocities. Several terror crime cases were registered against them," he said. As per police records, the spokesman said, Dar had a long history of terror crime records. "He was involved in planning and executing series of terror attacks in the area and many other civilian atrocities. He was part of a group involved in killing of Army jawan Aurangzeb in 2018. He was also involved in killing of a policeman Aqib Ahmad Wagay last year. Several terror crime cases were registered against him," he said. Aurangzeb was abducted and later killed by militants in Pulwama in June last year, while he was on his way home in Poonch to celebrate Eid. The spokesman said War was part of terror groups responsible for conspiring and executing attacks on security establishments and civilian atrocities in the area. "Accordingly terror crime cases were registered against him. Similarly, Sheikh, as per police records, was involved in several terror attacks on security establishments in the area. Several criminal cases were registered against him for terrorist activities," he said. Incriminating materials including arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter, the spokesman said, adding police have registered a case and all these materials have been taken in the case records for the purpose of investigation and to probe their complicity in other terror crimes. The spokesman said with the efforts of police and security forces, it was a clean operation and no collateral damage took place during the exchange of fire. In another anti-militancy operation, the spokesman said, a cordon and search operation was launched by security forces in Hathlangoo area of Sopore in north Kashmir's Baramulla district. During the search operation, militants fired on the forces, triggering an encounter in which one militant was killed, he said. The body of the slain militant was retrieved from the site and he has been identified as Waseem Ahmad Naikoo of Barsoo Awantipora, the spokesman said. He said according to the police records, Naikoo had joined the proscribed terror outfit JeM after he went missing from his home in February this year. Police have registered a case in this regard and further investigation in the matter is in progress, the spokesman said.

Four militants killed in encounters in J&K's Pulwama and Baramulla​

Four men were killed Sunday as they attacked a Saudi security services base in a town north of Riyadh, pro-government media reported.

The attack targeted state security forces in the town of Zulfi, 260 kilometres&nbsp;north of the capital, London-based Arabic daily Asharq al-Awsat reported.&nbsp;

It said the attackers had rammed a vehicle into a security barrier around the base in an attempt to gain entry.

Two gunmen then stepped out of the vehicle and opened fire, sparking a gun battle with police, who killed them, the paper reported. A third attempted to flee but was also gunned down, while a fourth died as he tried to set off an explosive belt.

It did not mention any casualties among security personnel.

The Saudi-owned satellite channel Al-Arabiya also reported four people died during an attack, but did not give details.

On April 7, two men armed with explosives were killed and two others arrested as they attacked a security checkpoint in a predominantly Shiite region in eastern Saudi Arabia, which has seen years of demonstrations against the Sunni royal family.

Sunday's attack took place in a majority Sunni region.

An estimated 10-15 per cent of the ultra-conservative kingdom's 32 million population are Shiite, although no official figures exist.

Four men were killed Sunday as they attacked a Saudi security services base in a town north of Riyadh, pro-government media reported. The attack targeted state security forces in the town of Zulfi, 260 kilometres north of the capital, London-based Arabic daily Asharq al-Awsat reported.

Four men were killed Sunday as they attacked a Saudi security services base in a town north of Riyadh, pro-government media reported. The attack targeted state security forces in the town of Zulfi, 260 kilometres north of the capital, London-based Arabic daily Asharq al-Awsat reported. It said the attackers had rammed a vehicle into a security barrier around the base in an attempt to gain entry. Two gunmen then stepped out of the vehicle and opened fire, sparking a gun battle with police, who killed them, the paper reported. A third attempted to flee but was also gunned down, while a fourth died as he tried to set off an explosive belt. It did not mention any casualties among security personnel. The Saudi-owned satellite channel Al-Arabiya also reported four people died during an attack, but did not give details. On April 7, two men armed with explosives were killed and two others arrested as they attacked a security checkpoint in a predominantly Shiite region in eastern Saudi Arabia, which has seen years of demonstrations against the Sunni royal family. Sunday's attack took place in a majority Sunni region. An estimated 10-15 per cent of the ultra-conservative kingdom's 32 million population are Shiite, although no official figures exist.

Four militants dead after attack on Saudi security forces

Mohamed Abu Amer, a landscape gardener, was working in downtown Cairo when national security agents took him away on February 6, 2018, his family said.

For almost six months Amer's family waited for news of the 37-year-old father of two. Their messages to the Public Prosecutor and the Interior Ministry, which oversees the police and the national security agency, went unanswered.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/46-suspected-jihadists-killed-in-sinai-clashes-egypt-army-202636">Also read:&nbsp;46 suspected jihadists killed in Sinai clashes: Egypt army</a>

Then on July 31, the ministry announced on its Facebook page that Amer was among five terrorists killed in a shootout earlier that day when police approached their hideout 40 km north of Cairo. Amer was wanted for the murder of a national security agent, the statement said.

It's a version of events his family doesn't buy. Amer was no terrorist and he died in the custody of the state, not in a gun battle, his relatives insist. "I know that what they are saying is untrue," said a relative. "He was with them for six months."

Amer was one of 465 men killed in what the Interior Ministry said were shootouts with its forces over a period of three and a half years, a Reuters analysis of Interior Ministry statements has found. The announcements reviewed by Reuters appeared on the ministry's social media or were published by the state news agency.

The killings began in the summer of 2015. In June that year, Islamist militants had assassinated Egypt's chief prosecutor, Hisham Barakat, an ally of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Sisi responded with a sweeping anti-terrorism law that shielded the police and military from prosecution for the proportionate use of force. Human rights groups say it was the start of a brutal crackdown. A researcher at an Egyptian organization that documents human rights abuses said police embarked on a spate of "extra judicial killings knowing that no one will hold them accountable."

In 108 incidents involving 471 men, only six suspects survived, according to Interior Ministry statements from July 1, 2015, to the end of 2018. That represents a kill ratio of 98.7 per cent. Five members of the security forces were killed, the statements said. Thirty-seven were injured.

The Interior Ministry issued crime scene photographs with some of the statements. They showed bloodied bodies with assault rifles or shotguns on the ground beside them. Almost all of the statements said arms and ammunition were recovered at the scene. Some said Islamic State flyers were found.

But in interviews with Reuters, the relatives of 11 of the dead men contradicted the official accounts. Their sons, brothers or husbands had been plucked by police or national security agents from the streets or their homes and disappeared, they said, in some cases for several months. Then came news of their deaths in an Interior Ministry Facebook post or statement.

The families said none of the young men carried arms. But some were supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood, a movement that was outlawed in 2013 after Sisi led the military in toppling Egypt's first Muslim Brotherhood president, Mohamed Mursi.

Reuters showed three forensic experts mortuary images of two of the 11 dead men. These specialists cast doubt on the Interior Ministry's account of the two men's deaths.

Three witnesses to one deadly encounter – the shooting of two members of the Muslim Brotherhood, Mohamed Kamal and Yasser Shehata, in a Cairo apartment block in 2016 – disputed the Interior Ministry's report of a gun battle with its forces. There was no exchange of fire or gun-fight, these witnesses said.

The US&nbsp;State Department's latest annual report on human rights in Egypt, released in March, said abuses included arbitrary or unlawful killings by the government or its agents, forced disappearances and torture. The United States, nevertheless, has unfrozen $195 million in military aid to Egypt which it had previously withheld in part because of concerns over Egypt's human rights record. US&nbsp;officials reason that security cooperation with Egypt is important to US&nbsp;national security.

Kate Vigneswaran, senior legal adviser at the International Commission of Jurists' Middle East and North Africa programme, said the killings described by Reuters could "constitute extrajudicial executions, a serious crime under international law." Evidence that victims were shot at close range would "indicate that the use of lethal force was not a response to a legitimate threat, but rather premeditated and deliberate conduct by the security forces to execute individuals outside the protection of the law."

Kevin Jon Heller, associate professor of public international law at Amsterdam University, said if the victims were civilians, "this would be the classic crime against humanity of murder: killing civilians as part of a widespread or systematic attack."

The Egyptian government didn't respond to questions for this article. Reuters provided officials with a detailed account of its analysis of the Interior Ministry statements and other findings of this article. They had no comment.

A road trip

Cousins Souhail Ahmed and Zakaria Mahmoud had no connection with the Muslim Brotherhood or any political organization, their family said. In July 2017 the men, both in their twenties, set off from their homes in the Nile city of Damietta for a holiday in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh.

The 600 km road trip would take them southwards from Damietta, close to the Mediterranean, along the Suez Canal and then the Gulf of Suez. For Ahmed, a student, it was a rare adventure. Hurt in a car crash a few years earlier, he still walked with a limp and stayed at home much of the time, a relative said.

Ahmed called home a few hours into the trip and told his mother that they had stopped to get sugarcane juice as they headed for a checkpoint in Ismailia province, on the Suez Canal. It was the last time the family heard from them.

Five days later, the Interior Ministry announced in a Facebook post that the cousins were among four Islamist militants killed in a shootout when security forces approached their hideout in an Ismailia village on July 15. Relatives found the bodies of the men at a mortuary in the town of Ismailia the next day.

The families of the two young men say the government's version of events makes no sense.

"They are not Brotherhood supporters at all," said the relative. They "were not supporters of anyone." Ahmed "was like all young men, he dreamed to marry at a young age and have a family." Mahmoud was a carpenter.

Reuters showed photographs and video of the bodies to three forensic experts – Professor Derrick Pounder, a pathologist who has consulted for Amnesty International and the United Nations, and two other international experts who declined to be identified. All three cast doubt on the Interior Ministry's account that the deaths were the result of a shootout.

Mahmoud had three gunshot wounds to the head. One bullet entered beside his right nostril and exited just below his lower lip. "That would place the shooter overlooking, above and to the right of the victim if the victim was standing, which would seem unlikely in an exchange of gunfire," Pounder said. "A more likely scenario is that the victim was kneeling with the shooter standing close on the right side."

The two other gunshot wounds were to Mahmoud's forehead, almost symmetrically placed just below the hairline to the left and right, which suggested final "coup de grace shots," according to Pounder.

Authorities said in the statement the cousins were part of a "group of fugitive terrorists" and died in a single incident. "As soon as security forces approached them, they were surprised by gunshots in their direction which they dealt with, resulting in the killing of four terrorist elements," the Interior Ministry said.

Yet the cousins' bodies exhibited different stages of decomposition. Mahmoud's death appeared to have been very recent, the experts said, but Ahmed had died 36 to 48 hours before the images were taken. There were no obvious antemortem injuries or gunshot wounds to Ahmed's body and no obvious cause of death, Pounder said.

"There was no shootout"

From July 1, 2015, to December 31, 2018, the Interior Ministry issued statements reporting the deaths of 465 men, almost all of them suspected militants, in gun battles with its forces. That compared with just five such deaths in the first half of 2015, before the murder of Barakat, the chief prosecutor.

The Interior Ministry statements were strikingly similar. In every instance, the ministry said its forces approached or raided the hideout of the terrorists or criminals having secured an arrest warrant or taken "all legal measures." The terrorists or criminals opened fire, and security forces responded.

Most of the dead men were in their 20s; the youngest was 16, the oldest was 61. The Interior Ministry classified 320 of the slain men as terrorists and 28 as criminals or drug dealers.

It said 117 were members of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. Founded in Egypt in 1928, the Muslim Brotherhood spread its political activism and charity work across the Middle East in the decades that followed. But in recent years countries including Egypt and Saudi Arabia have cracked down on its activities, declaring it a terrorist group. The Brotherhood, which insists it is a peaceful movement, has largely gone underground.

Around a quarter of the deaths reported by the Interior Ministry, 104, were in the North Sinai region that borders Israel and Gaza, and where Egypt is battling an insurgency by Islamist militants.

The Interior Ministry statements didn't name 302 of the dead men, nor did they give precise locations for many of the shootings. Many were in remote desert or mountain areas. Reuters managed to speak to three witnesses to one incident in a Cairo apartment in 2016.

The Interior Ministry announced on October 3, 2016, that its forces had killed a Muslim Brotherhood leader and his aide in a raid on the apartment. The ministry said Mohamed Kamal, 61, a member of the group's leadership council, and Yasser Shehata, 47, shot at police and died when officers returned fire.

Reuters asked three neighbours about the events of that evening. None of them had seen or heard a gun fight. A woman living nearby said the only shots came several hours after police had entered the apartment. A person who was in the apartment block was adamant: "There was no shootout."

A lawyer speaking on behalf of the two men's families told Reuters an official autopsy showed the two men were shot in the head. Reuters was not able to independently verify the autopsy conclusion.

Some Interior Ministry statements were accompanied by crime scene photographs. These included the aftermath of a shooting in November 2018. The Interior Ministry said security forces killed 19 men in a shootout in the desert, west of Minya, Upper Egypt. The ministry said the dead were members of a cell responsible for a deadly attack on Christians two days earlier.

Forensic expert Pounder reviewed 20 of the photographs. He said 11 of the bodies appeared to have been moved after death. He pointed to blood and drag marks in the sand. Depressions in the sand suggested two of the men were shot while in a kneeling position, he added. Photos of other bodies were inconclusive.

An Egyptian judicial source said some police felt the courts were too slow, which led some officers to take justice into their own hands. "They call it 'prompt justice,'"&nbsp;he said. Police often moved weapons and other objects at the crime scene to cover up executions, the source said. "The police are the ones who gather the information, and there is no way they will cooperate in collecting evidence that would incriminate their colleagues."

Reuters analysis of the Interior Ministry statements showed that deadly shootouts often followed an attack by Islamist militants. For example, in December 2018, a day after the deadly bombing of a Vietnamese tourist bus in Giza, the ministry announced that its forces had killed 40 people in three separate incidents.

Gamal Eid, a human rights lawyer and founder of the Arab Network for Human Rights Information, said Egypt was trapped in a lethal cycle of extrajudicial killings and revenge attacks. "The more extrajudicial killings take place, the more there will be desire for revenge," he said.

A member of the state-funded National Council of Human Rights, George Ishak, said: "There is a state of panic because of terrorism, but it shouldn't be like this. This fear has to stop."

A verdict overturned

In 2013, Khaled Emam, a 37-year-old weightlifting trainer, was sentenced in absentia to one year in jail for taking part in anti-government protests, his family said. To avoid arrest, he moved with his wife and two sons into an apartment in Cairo's southeastern Mokattam district, away from the family home.

Emam was snatched from the street in June, 2017, his family said when he was fetching medicine for one of his sons. Witnesses told his family that masked men leaped from a minibus and grabbed him.

The family filed a complaint with the local police and wrote to the authorities asking for information. They got no response.

Then, on October 2, 2017, the Interior Ministry issued a statement that its forces had killed three men in a shootout in a graveyard. It named two of them – both friends of Emam. Two security sources confirmed to Reuters that Emam was also killed.

At Cairo's Zeinhom mortuary, a relative found his body. It was bruised and showed signs of torture, the relative said. "There were injuries around his joints, his arms were detached from his shoulders. Half of his lower jaw was missing along with several of his upper teeth."

One week after Emam's death, an appeals court overturned the guilty verdict and his one-year jail term, the relative said. The family hasn't filed a complaint about Emam's death for fear of reprisal. "I know that I will not get justice," the relative said.

Mohamed Abu Amer, a landscape gardener, was working in downtown Cairo when national security agents took him away on February 6, 2018, his family said. For almost six months Amer's family waited for news of the 37-year-old father of two.

Mohamed Abu Amer, a landscape gardener, was working in downtown Cairo when national security agents took him away on February 6, 2018, his family said. For almost six months Amer's family waited for news of the 37-year-old father of two. Their messages to the Public Prosecutor and the Interior Ministry, which oversees the police and the national security agency, went unanswered. Also read: 46 suspected jihadists killed in Sinai clashes: Egypt army Then on July 31, the ministry announced on its Facebook page that Amer was among five terrorists killed in a shootout earlier that day when police approached their hideout 40 km north of Cairo. Amer was wanted for the murder of a national security agent, the statement said. It's a version of events his family doesn't buy. Amer was no terrorist and he died in the custody of the state, not in a gun battle, his relatives insist. "I know that what they are saying is untrue," said a relative. "He was with them for six months." Amer was one of 465 men killed in what the Interior Ministry said were shootouts with its forces over a period of three and a half years, a Reuters analysis of Interior Ministry statements has found. The announcements reviewed by Reuters appeared on the ministry's social media or were published by the state news agency. The killings began in the summer of 2015. In June that year, Islamist militants had assassinated Egypt's chief prosecutor, Hisham Barakat, an ally of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Sisi responded with a sweeping anti-terrorism law that shielded the police and military from prosecution for the proportionate use of force. Human rights groups say it was the start of a brutal crackdown. A researcher at an Egyptian organization that documents human rights abuses said police embarked on a spate of "extra judicial killings knowing that no one will hold them accountable." In 108 incidents involving 471 men, only six suspects survived, according to Interior Ministry statements from July 1, 2015, to the end of 2018. That represents a kill ratio of 98.7 per cent. Five members of the security forces were killed, the statements said. Thirty-seven were injured. The Interior Ministry issued crime scene photographs with some of the statements. They showed bloodied bodies with assault rifles or shotguns on the ground beside them. Almost all of the statements said arms and ammunition were recovered at the scene. Some said Islamic State flyers were found. But in interviews with Reuters, the relatives of 11 of the dead men contradicted the official accounts. Their sons, brothers or husbands had been plucked by police or national security agents from the streets or their homes and disappeared, they said, in some cases for several months. Then came news of their deaths in an Interior Ministry Facebook post or statement. The families said none of the young men carried arms. But some were supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood, a movement that was outlawed in 2013 after Sisi led the military in toppling Egypt's first Muslim Brotherhood president, Mohamed Mursi. Reuters showed three forensic experts mortuary images of two of the 11 dead men. These specialists cast doubt on the Interior Ministry's account of the two men's deaths. Three witnesses to one deadly encounter – the shooting of two members of the Muslim Brotherhood, Mohamed Kamal and Yasser Shehata, in a Cairo apartment block in 2016 – disputed the Interior Ministry's report of a gun battle with its forces. There was no exchange of fire or gun-fight, these witnesses said. The US State Department's latest annual report on human rights in Egypt, released in March, said abuses included arbitrary or unlawful killings by the government or its agents, forced disappearances and torture. The United States, nevertheless, has unfrozen $195 million in military aid to Egypt which it had previously withheld in part because of concerns over Egypt's human rights record. US officials reason that security cooperation with Egypt is important to US national security. Kate Vigneswaran, senior legal adviser at the International Commission of Jurists' Middle East and North Africa programme, said the killings described by Reuters could "constitute extrajudicial executions, a serious crime under international law." Evidence that victims were shot at close range would "indicate that the use of lethal force was not a response to a legitimate threat, but rather premeditated and deliberate conduct by the security forces to execute individuals outside the protection of the law." Kevin Jon Heller, associate professor of public international law at Amsterdam University, said if the victims were civilians, "this would be the classic crime against humanity of murder: killing civilians as part of a widespread or systematic attack." The Egyptian government didn't respond to questions for this article. Reuters provided officials with a detailed account of its analysis of the Interior Ministry statements and other findings of this article. They had no comment. A road trip Cousins Souhail Ahmed and Zakaria Mahmoud had no connection with the Muslim Brotherhood or any political organization, their family said. In July 2017 the men, both in their twenties, set off from their homes in the Nile city of Damietta for a holiday in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh. The 600 km road trip would take them southwards from Damietta, close to the Mediterranean, along the Suez Canal and then the Gulf of Suez. For Ahmed, a student, it was a rare adventure. Hurt in a car crash a few years earlier, he still walked with a limp and stayed at home much of the time, a relative said. Ahmed called home a few hours into the trip and told his mother that they had stopped to get sugarcane juice as they headed for a checkpoint in Ismailia province, on the Suez Canal. It was the last time the family heard from them. Five days later, the Interior Ministry announced in a Facebook post that the cousins were among four Islamist militants killed in a shootout when security forces approached their hideout in an Ismailia village on July 15. Relatives found the bodies of the men at a mortuary in the town of Ismailia the next day. The families of the two young men say the government's version of events makes no sense. "They are not Brotherhood supporters at all," said the relative. They "were not supporters of anyone." Ahmed "was like all young men, he dreamed to marry at a young age and have a family." Mahmoud was a carpenter. Reuters showed photographs and video of the bodies to three forensic experts – Professor Derrick Pounder, a pathologist who has consulted for Amnesty International and the United Nations, and two other international experts who declined to be identified. All three cast doubt on the Interior Ministry's account that the deaths were the result of a shootout. Mahmoud had three gunshot wounds to the head. One bullet entered beside his right nostril and exited just below his lower lip. "That would place the shooter overlooking, above and to the right of the victim if the victim was standing, which would seem unlikely in an exchange of gunfire," Pounder said. "A more likely scenario is that the victim was kneeling with the shooter standing close on the right side." The two other gunshot wounds were to Mahmoud's forehead, almost symmetrically placed just below the hairline to the left and right, which suggested final "coup de grace shots," according to Pounder. Authorities said in the statement the cousins were part of a "group of fugitive terrorists" and died in a single incident. "As soon as security forces approached them, they were surprised by gunshots in their direction which they dealt with, resulting in the killing of four terrorist elements," the Interior Ministry said. Yet the cousins' bodies exhibited different stages of decomposition. Mahmoud's death appeared to have been very recent, the experts said, but Ahmed had died 36 to 48 hours before the images were taken. There were no obvious antemortem injuries or gunshot wounds to Ahmed's body and no obvious cause of death, Pounder said. "There was no shootout" From July 1, 2015, to December 31, 2018, the Interior Ministry issued statements reporting the deaths of 465 men, almost all of them suspected militants, in gun battles with its forces. That compared with just five such deaths in the first half of 2015, before the murder of Barakat, the chief prosecutor. The Interior Ministry statements were strikingly similar. In every instance, the ministry said its forces approached or raided the hideout of the terrorists or criminals having secured an arrest warrant or taken "all legal measures." The terrorists or criminals opened fire, and security forces responded. Most of the dead men were in their 20s; the youngest was 16, the oldest was 61. The Interior Ministry classified 320 of the slain men as terrorists and 28 as criminals or drug dealers. It said 117 were members of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. Founded in Egypt in 1928, the Muslim Brotherhood spread its political activism and charity work across the Middle East in the decades that followed. But in recent years countries including Egypt and Saudi Arabia have cracked down on its activities, declaring it a terrorist group. The Brotherhood, which insists it is a peaceful movement, has largely gone underground. Around a quarter of the deaths reported by the Interior Ministry, 104, were in the North Sinai region that borders Israel and Gaza, and where Egypt is battling an insurgency by Islamist militants. The Interior Ministry statements didn't name 302 of the dead men, nor did they give precise locations for many of the shootings. Many were in remote desert or mountain areas. Reuters managed to speak to three witnesses to one incident in a Cairo apartment in 2016. The Interior Ministry announced on October 3, 2016, that its forces had killed a Muslim Brotherhood leader and his aide in a raid on the apartment. The ministry said Mohamed Kamal, 61, a member of the group's leadership council, and Yasser Shehata, 47, shot at police and died when officers returned fire. Reuters asked three neighbours about the events of that evening. None of them had seen or heard a gun fight. A woman living nearby said the only shots came several hours after police had entered the apartment. A person who was in the apartment block was adamant: "There was no shootout." A lawyer speaking on behalf of the two men's families told Reuters an official autopsy showed the two men were shot in the head. Reuters was not able to independently verify the autopsy conclusion. Some Interior Ministry statements were accompanied by crime scene photographs. These included the aftermath of a shooting in November 2018. The Interior Ministry said security forces killed 19 men in a shootout in the desert, west of Minya, Upper Egypt. The ministry said the dead were members of a cell responsible for a deadly attack on Christians two days earlier. Forensic expert Pounder reviewed 20 of the photographs. He said 11 of the bodies appeared to have been moved after death. He pointed to blood and drag marks in the sand. Depressions in the sand suggested two of the men were shot while in a kneeling position, he added. Photos of other bodies were inconclusive. An Egyptian judicial source said some police felt the courts were too slow, which led some officers to take justice into their own hands. "They call it 'prompt justice,'" he said. Police often moved weapons and other objects at the crime scene to cover up executions, the source said. "The police are the ones who gather the information, and there is no way they will cooperate in collecting evidence that would incriminate their colleagues." Reuters analysis of the Interior Ministry statements showed that deadly shootouts often followed an attack by Islamist militants. For example, in December 2018, a day after the deadly bombing of a Vietnamese tourist bus in Giza, the ministry announced that its forces had killed 40 people in three separate incidents. Gamal Eid, a human rights lawyer and founder of the Arab Network for Human Rights Information, said Egypt was trapped in a lethal cycle of extrajudicial killings and revenge attacks. "The more extrajudicial killings take place, the more there will be desire for revenge," he said. A member of the state-funded National Council of Human Rights, George Ishak, said: "There is a state of panic because of terrorism, but it shouldn't be like this. This fear has to stop." A verdict overturned In 2013, Khaled Emam, a 37-year-old weightlifting trainer, was sentenced in absentia to one year in jail for taking part in anti-government protests, his family said. To avoid arrest, he moved with his wife and two sons into an apartment in Cairo's southeastern Mokattam district, away from the family home. Emam was snatched from the street in June, 2017, his family said when he was fetching medicine for one of his sons. Witnesses told his family that masked men leaped from a minibus and grabbed him. The family filed a complaint with the local police and wrote to the authorities asking for information. They got no response. Then, on October 2, 2017, the Interior Ministry issued a statement that its forces had killed three men in a shootout in a graveyard. It named two of them – both friends of Emam. Two security sources confirmed to Reuters that Emam was also killed. At Cairo's Zeinhom mortuary, a relative found his body. It was bruised and showed signs of torture, the relative said. "There were injuries around his joints, his arms were detached from his shoulders. Half of his lower jaw was missing along with several of his upper teeth." One week after Emam's death, an appeals court overturned the guilty verdict and his one-year jail term, the relative said. The family hasn't filed a complaint about Emam's death for fear of reprisal. "I know that I will not get justice," the relative said.

Egypt kills hundreds of suspected militants in disputed gun battles: Report

Hamas militants resumes firing, Israel gives final warning

Thirty-one militants, many of them believed to have been Al-Qaeda fighters, have been killed in airstrikes in south-eastern Afghanistan, officials said Thursday.

The strikes were carried out in Ghazni province late Wednesday, where the defence ministry said they targeted a "base" belonging to the militants.&nbsp;

"Qari Aref, one of the facilitators (for Al-Qaeda) was transferring these 31 terrorists, including nine suicide bombers, in several cars when targeted by airstrikes and eliminated," the ministry said.

It described the fighters as all belonging to the Middle Eastern jihadist group, although a spokesman for the Ghazni governor said fighters from the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani network were also present.&nbsp;

The defence ministry did not specify who carried out the airstrikes. Only Afghan and US forces in Afghanistan conduct airstrikes.

The Ghazni governor's spokesman, Mohammed Aref Noori, said the strikes had been carried out by US forces, but there was no immediate confirmation of his claim.&nbsp;

Al-Qaeda is still believed to be active in parts Afghanistan and Pakistan, where some of its surviving leadership such as Ayman al-Zawahiri are thought to be hiding.

While still regarded as a threat by Afghan and US officials, the group has not been able to conduct major attacks in Afghanistan or repeat the spectacular success of the September 11, 2001 attacks by hijacked airliners on New York and Washington.

Thirty-one militants, many of them believed to have been Al-Qaeda fighters, have been killed in airstrikes in south-eastern Afghanistan, officials said Thursday.

Thirty-one militants, many of them believed to have been Al-Qaeda fighters, have been killed in airstrikes in south-eastern Afghanistan, officials said Thursday. The strikes were carried out in Ghazni province late Wednesday, where the defence ministry said they targeted a "base" belonging to the militants. "Qari Aref, one of the facilitators (for Al-Qaeda) was transferring these 31 terrorists, including nine suicide bombers, in several cars when targeted by airstrikes and eliminated," the ministry said. It described the fighters as all belonging to the Middle Eastern jihadist group, although a spokesman for the Ghazni governor said fighters from the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani network were also present. The defence ministry did not specify who carried out the airstrikes. Only Afghan and US forces in Afghanistan conduct airstrikes. The Ghazni governor's spokesman, Mohammed Aref Noori, said the strikes had been carried out by US forces, but there was no immediate confirmation of his claim. Al-Qaeda is still believed to be active in parts Afghanistan and Pakistan, where some of its surviving leadership such as Ayman al-Zawahiri are thought to be hiding. While still regarded as a threat by Afghan and US officials, the group has not been able to conduct major attacks in Afghanistan or repeat the spectacular success of the September 11, 2001 attacks by hijacked airliners on New York and Washington.

Afghan airstrikes kill 31 militants: Officials

An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Two&nbsp;terrorists have been killed in the encounter that started during a cordon and search operation in Shopian's Zainapora. More details are awaited.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, two terrorists were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/encounter-underway-in-jammu-and-kashmirs-budgam-district-191710">Budgam district on Monday</a>.

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J&amp;K: An encounter has broken out between terrorists and security forces during a cordon and search operation in Shopian's Zainapora. More details awaited.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087541751856926723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The encounter broke out between security forces and militants after the police launched a search and cordon operation.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> Shopian encounter: Two terrorists have been neutralized by the security forces; Operation underway <a href="https://t.co/5xezyeKaIo">https://t.co/5xezyeKaIo</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087595278574804992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The operation was launched in Hapatnaar area of Budgam District following information about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said.

The search operation turned into a gunbattle after militants opened fire on security forces, the official added.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported. Two terrorists have been killed in the encounter that started during a cordon and search operation in Shopian's Zainapora.

An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported. Two terrorists have been killed in the encounter that started during a cordon and search operation in Shopian's Zainapora. More details are awaited. Meanwhile, two terrorists were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district on Monday. J&K: An encounter has broken out between terrorists and security forces during a cordon and search operation in Shopian's Zainapora. More details awaited. — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2019 × The encounter broke out between security forces and militants after the police launched a search and cordon operation. #UPDATE Shopian encounter: Two terrorists have been neutralized by the security forces; Operation underway https://t.co/5xezyeKaIo — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2019 × The operation was launched in Hapatnaar area of Budgam District following information about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said. The search operation turned into a gunbattle after militants opened fire on security forces, the official added. (With inputs from agencies)

J&K: Two militants killed in encounter with security forces in Shopian's Zainapora

Security forces in Pakistan have gunned down four militants, including a top Taliban commander who masterminded the last year's powerful bomb blast in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in which at least 31 people including three Sikhs were killed.

Those killed in the exchange of fire include Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander Islam and Mohibullah who were involved in various terror activities, officials said.

A huge cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered from their possession.

Intelligence agencies raided a house near Qazi pump area where the militants were believed to be hiding. The owner of the house was also killed in the firing between the militants and security forces.

In November, 31 people including three Sikhs were killed and over 40 others injured in the bomb blast at the Friday Market (Juma Bazar) near an imambargah, a Shia religious place, in Orakzai tribal district's Kalaya area, bordering Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had strongly condemned the terrorist attack.

Orakzai, a terror hotbed, is one of the seven semi-autonomous tribal regions of Pakistan which has a porus border with Afghanistan.

Security forces in Pakistan have gunned down four militants, including a top Taliban commander who masterminded the last year's powerful bomb blast in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in which at least 31 people including three Sikhs were killed.

Security forces in Pakistan have gunned down four militants, including a top Taliban commander who masterminded the last year's powerful bomb blast in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in which at least 31 people including three Sikhs were killed. Those killed in the exchange of fire include Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander Islam and Mohibullah who were involved in various terror activities, officials said. A huge cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered from their possession. Intelligence agencies raided a house near Qazi pump area where the militants were believed to be hiding. The owner of the house was also killed in the firing between the militants and security forces. In November, 31 people including three Sikhs were killed and over 40 others injured in the bomb blast at the Friday Market (Juma Bazar) near an imambargah, a Shia religious place, in Orakzai tribal district's Kalaya area, bordering Afghanistan. Prime Minister Imran Khan had strongly condemned the terrorist attack. Orakzai, a terror hotbed, is one of the seven semi-autonomous tribal regions of Pakistan which has a porus border with Afghanistan.

Top Taliban commander among 4 militants killed in Pakistan

Some suspected militants looted four AK-47 rifles from the residence of a legislator in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday.

The incident took place at the house of Congress Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Muzaffar Parray, who resides in Jawahar Nagar area of the city.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: Suspected terrorists loot four AK rifles from the residence of Congress legislator (MLC) Muzaffar Parray from Jawahar Nagar area of Srinagar. Police have filed a case and an alert sounded in Srinagar. More details awaited.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1079326011987116032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Police have filed a case and this regard and an alert has been sounded in Srinagar to nab the suspect terrorists. More details of this incident are awaited.

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J&amp;K Police: Reportedly 4 weapons have gone missing from a residence of former MLC Muzaffar Ahmad Parray in Jawaharnagar area. Case registered. 3 policemen from security wing &amp; 1 from District Police Sopore attached with the former legislator have been summoned for questioning. <a href="https://t.co/wd4bEc4yb0">https://t.co/wd4bEc4yb0</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1079344699545210880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the day, a possible terror attack at a military station in Jammu was foiled by the alert Army jawans.&nbsp;

The Army noticed some suspicious movement at around 2 am at Ratnuchak Military station and spotted two suspects approaching the Army gate.&nbsp;

The gun battle ensued after the Army guards stopped the suspects. However, the suspects managed to flee the spot.&nbsp;

Some suspected militants looted four AK-47 rifles from the residence of a legislator in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday. The incident took place at the house of Congress Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Muzaffar Parray, who resides in Jawahar Nagar area of the city.

Some suspected militants looted four AK-47 rifles from the residence of a legislator in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday. The incident took place at the house of Congress Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Muzaffar Parray, who resides in Jawahar Nagar area of the city. #JammuAndKashmir: Suspected terrorists loot four AK rifles from the residence of Congress legislator (MLC) Muzaffar Parray from Jawahar Nagar area of Srinagar. Police have filed a case and an alert sounded in Srinagar. More details awaited. — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2018 × Police have filed a case and this regard and an alert has been sounded in Srinagar to nab the suspect terrorists. More details of this incident are awaited. J&K Police: Reportedly 4 weapons have gone missing from a residence of former MLC Muzaffar Ahmad Parray in Jawaharnagar area. Case registered. 3 policemen from security wing & 1 from District Police Sopore attached with the former legislator have been summoned for questioning. https://t.co/wd4bEc4yb0 — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2018 × Earlier in the day, a possible terror attack at a military station in Jammu was foiled by the alert Army jawans. The Army noticed some suspicious movement at around 2 am at Ratnuchak Military station and spotted two suspects approaching the Army gate. The gun battle ensued after the Army guards stopped the suspects. However, the suspects managed to flee the spot.

Suspected terrorists loot AK-47 rifles from Jammu & Kashmir legislator's residence

Three terrorists and one soldier have reportedly been killed in the ongoing encounter&nbsp;in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir.

An encounter broke out Saturday between militants and security forces, police said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> One soldier has lost his life in the encounter, operation continues <a href="https://t.co/a4v9CvcU1a">https://t.co/a4v9CvcU1a</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073826098671165441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Sirnoo village in Pulwama district of south Kashmir after receiving specific intelligence input about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said.

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Jammu and Kashmir: Encounter underway between Security forces and terrorists in Pulwama district. (visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://t.co/vQ1ryAxODJ">pic.twitter.com/vQ1ryAxODJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1073782058118455296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He said as the forces were conducting searches, the militants opened fire on them.

The forces retaliated, leading to an encounter, the official said.

He said the gunfight is going on. Further details are awaited.&nbsp;

Three terrorists and one soldier have reportedly been killed in the ongoing encounter in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. An encounter broke out Saturday between militants and security forces, police said.

Three terrorists and one soldier have reportedly been killed in the ongoing encounter in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. An encounter broke out Saturday between militants and security forces, police said. #UPDATE One soldier has lost his life in the encounter, operation continues https://t.co/a4v9CvcU1a — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2018 × The security forces launched a cordon and search operation in Sirnoo village in Pulwama district of south Kashmir after receiving specific intelligence input about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said. Jammu and Kashmir: Encounter underway between Security forces and terrorists in Pulwama district. (visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/vQ1ryAxODJ — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2018 × He said as the forces were conducting searches, the militants opened fire on them. The forces retaliated, leading to an encounter, the official said. He said the gunfight is going on. Further details are awaited.

Jammu and Kashmir: Three terrorists, one soldier dead in ongoing encounter in Pulwama district

Security forces have eliminated over 230 militants in Jammu and Kashmir this year so far, while there has been a dip in injuries caused due to stone pelting, officials said Saturday.

As many as 51 terrorists were killed in the 80-day period from June 25 to September 14, while 85 terrorists were killed between September 15 and December 5, an official said.

A total of 232 militants have been killed so far this year, while 240 militants, including foreigners, are active in the Kashmir Valley, the official said.

Eight people, including security personnel, were killed and 216 others, including security personnel, received injuries between June 25 and September 14 this year.

In the subsequent 80 days -- from September 15 to December 5 -- just two people were killed and 170 others received injuries during stone pelting incidents, the official said.

There has been a marked improvement in the security scenario in the Kashmir Valley ever since the imposition of Governor's rule on June 19 when the BJP withdrew support to the Mehbooba Mufti-led government, another official said.

Security forces have eliminated over 230 militants in Jammu and Kashmir this year so far, while there has been a dip in injuries caused due to stone pelting, officials said Saturday.

Security forces have eliminated over 230 militants in Jammu and Kashmir this year so far, while there has been a dip in injuries caused due to stone pelting, officials said Saturday. As many as 51 terrorists were killed in the 80-day period from June 25 to September 14, while 85 terrorists were killed between September 15 and December 5, an official said. A total of 232 militants have been killed so far this year, while 240 militants, including foreigners, are active in the Kashmir Valley, the official said. Eight people, including security personnel, were killed and 216 others, including security personnel, received injuries between June 25 and September 14 this year. In the subsequent 80 days -- from September 15 to December 5 -- just two people were killed and 170 others received injuries during stone pelting incidents, the official said. There has been a marked improvement in the security scenario in the Kashmir Valley ever since the imposition of Governor's rule on June 19 when the BJP withdrew support to the Mehbooba Mufti-led government, another official said.

Over 230 militants killed in J&K in 2018; dip in stone pelting: Officials

The trial of eight militants who perpetrated Bangladesh's worst terror attack on a popular cafe here in 2016 that killed 22 people, including a 19-year-old Indian girl, began in a court on Monday.

Indian national Tarishi Jain was among 17 foreigners who were brutally murdered by the militants inside the restaurant in Dhaka's high-security diplomatic zone on the night of July 1, 2016, before commandos launched an assault killing six attackers and capturing one alive.

Apart from Jain, nine Italians, seven Japanese, and five Bangladeshis, including two police officers, were also killed while 50 people were injured in the attack.

Most of the victims were found with their throats slit.

Investigators said a total of 21 militants were involved in planning the assault but 13 of them were killed in subsequent anti-terrorism operations by security forces.

"The judge indicated the suspects to be tried and set December 3 for beginning the arguments," an official of Anti-Terrorism Special Tribunal said.

He said Judge Mujibur Rahman indicted eight accused while police produced six of them in the dock as two others are absconding and would be tried in absentia. He said the six accused pleaded not guilty.

The trial comes four months after police pressed charges over the attack.

Five militants directly carried out the attack at the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka's upscale Gulshan diplomatic enclave. All of them were killed on the morning of July 2 in a military commando raid at the site.

The country's deadliest ever terrorist attack prompted authorities to launch a massive anti-militancy operation.

The Neo-Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (Neo-JMB), said to be linked to the Islamic State (IS) terror group, was blamed for the carnage. The outfit has emerged as the new chapter of the radical Islamist group JMB.

Police counter-terrorism chief Monirul Islam earlier said they gathered 75 pieces of evidence for the trial and mobilised 211 witnesses to the carnage to testify in court.

Police said since late 2015, the Neo-JMB led by Bangladeshi-origin Canadian Tamim Chowdhury, said to be the mastermind of the cafe attack and who was later killed by security forces, had carried out small-scale attacks on foreigners and non-Muslims in the country.&nbsp;

The trial of eight militants who perpetrated Bangladesh's worst terror attack on a popular cafe here in 2016 that killed 22 people, including a 19-year-old Indian girl, began in a court on Monday.

The trial of eight militants who perpetrated Bangladesh's worst terror attack on a popular cafe here in 2016 that killed 22 people, including a 19-year-old Indian girl, began in a court on Monday. Indian national Tarishi Jain was among 17 foreigners who were brutally murdered by the militants inside the restaurant in Dhaka's high-security diplomatic zone on the night of July 1, 2016, before commandos launched an assault killing six attackers and capturing one alive. Apart from Jain, nine Italians, seven Japanese, and five Bangladeshis, including two police officers, were also killed while 50 people were injured in the attack. Most of the victims were found with their throats slit. Investigators said a total of 21 militants were involved in planning the assault but 13 of them were killed in subsequent anti-terrorism operations by security forces. "The judge indicated the suspects to be tried and set December 3 for beginning the arguments," an official of Anti-Terrorism Special Tribunal said. He said Judge Mujibur Rahman indicted eight accused while police produced six of them in the dock as two others are absconding and would be tried in absentia. He said the six accused pleaded not guilty. The trial comes four months after police pressed charges over the attack. Five militants directly carried out the attack at the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka's upscale Gulshan diplomatic enclave. All of them were killed on the morning of July 2 in a military commando raid at the site. The country's deadliest ever terrorist attack prompted authorities to launch a massive anti-militancy operation. The Neo-Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (Neo-JMB), said to be linked to the Islamic State (IS) terror group, was blamed for the carnage. The outfit has emerged as the new chapter of the radical Islamist group JMB. Police counter-terrorism chief Monirul Islam earlier said they gathered 75 pieces of evidence for the trial and mobilised 211 witnesses to the carnage to testify in court. Police said since late 2015, the Neo-JMB led by Bangladeshi-origin Canadian Tamim Chowdhury, said to be the mastermind of the cafe attack and who was later killed by security forces, had carried out small-scale attacks on foreigners and non-Muslims in the country.

Bangladesh court begins trial of militants over 2016 Dhaka cafe attack 

In pictures: 10 years of 26/11, how 2008 Mumbai terror attacks happened

Protesters in Myanmar's troubled Rakhine state demonstrated Sunday against the planned repatriation of Rohingya Muslims from Bangladesh, referring to them as "runaway refugees".

About 100 people led by Buddhists monks marched through the state capital Sittwe holding red banners and chanting slogans.

"All the people of the nation are responsible to protect the security of the country," one monk said, according to a Facebook live streaming of the protest.&nbsp;

"There will be no benefits to us or our country if we accept the Bengalis," he added, using a derogatory term for the Rohingya that falsely implies they are newcomers from Bangladesh.

The demonstration comes 10 days after Bangladesh and Myanmar were supposed to officially start repatriating members of the Rohingya minority who had fled violent military operations in August 2017.

Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh said Myanmar's armed forces raped women, murdered their relatives and burned down their houses in a bid to drive them out of the country for good after decades of persecution.

The deal to bring them back was struck a year ago but Rohingya in the camps fear returning without guarantees of citizenship, safety, and equal access to healthcare and education.

But they also are wary of hostility from the non-Muslim residents in Rakhine, many of whom are not eager for the Rohingya to return.

The Buddhist protesters in Sittwe on Sunday reflected that view, holding signs that included calls on authorities to "take action" against illegal immigrants and to not "allow resettling (of) the runaway refugees" in parts of northern Rakhine state.

UN investigators have called for Myanmar's top brass to be prosecuted on charges of genocide at the International Criminal Court or an ad hoc tribunal.

Myanmar denies almost all claims of atrocities and says it was defending itself against Rohingya militants.&nbsp;

Demonstrations against the Rohingya are not uncommon in Sittwe, where intercommunal violence broke out in 2012, killing hundreds and sending more than 120,000 Rohingya into internal displacement camps where most remain today.

Protesters in Myanmar's troubled Rakhine state demonstrated Sunday against the planned repatriation of Rohingya Muslims from Bangladesh, referring to them as "runaway refugees".

Protesters in Myanmar's troubled Rakhine state demonstrated Sunday against the planned repatriation of Rohingya Muslims from Bangladesh, referring to them as "runaway refugees". About 100 people led by Buddhists monks marched through the state capital Sittwe holding red banners and chanting slogans. "All the people of the nation are responsible to protect the security of the country," one monk said, according to a Facebook live streaming of the protest. "There will be no benefits to us or our country if we accept the Bengalis," he added, using a derogatory term for the Rohingya that falsely implies they are newcomers from Bangladesh. The demonstration comes 10 days after Bangladesh and Myanmar were supposed to officially start repatriating members of the Rohingya minority who had fled violent military operations in August 2017. Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh said Myanmar's armed forces raped women, murdered their relatives and burned down their houses in a bid to drive them out of the country for good after decades of persecution. The deal to bring them back was struck a year ago but Rohingya in the camps fear returning without guarantees of citizenship, safety, and equal access to healthcare and education. But they also are wary of hostility from the non-Muslim residents in Rakhine, many of whom are not eager for the Rohingya to return. The Buddhist protesters in Sittwe on Sunday reflected that view, holding signs that included calls on authorities to "take action" against illegal immigrants and to not "allow resettling (of) the runaway refugees" in parts of northern Rakhine state. UN investigators have called for Myanmar's top brass to be prosecuted on charges of genocide at the International Criminal Court or an ad hoc tribunal. Myanmar denies almost all claims of atrocities and says it was defending itself against Rohingya militants. Demonstrations against the Rohingya are not uncommon in Sittwe, where intercommunal violence broke out in 2012, killing hundreds and sending more than 120,000 Rohingya into internal displacement camps where most remain today.

Protest in Myanmar's Rakhine state opposes Rohingya return

A bomb targeting Haqqani network militants in their hideout in Pakistan`s tribal areas bordering Afghanistan killed three people on Thursday, including two militants, a security official and a militant source said.&nbsp;

No group claimed responsibility for the blast.

The Haqqani network is known for bloody attacks against government institutions and foreign forces in Afghanistan, and its presence inside Pakistan is a major source of friction between Washington and Islamabad.&nbsp;

The United States and Afghanistan accuse Pakistan of providing a safe haven to senior Haqqani commanders and allege the group operates freely on Pakistan`s side of the porous frontier, charges that Pakistan has repeatedly denied.&nbsp;

"It was the office of our commander Naik Muhammad," a Haqqani network source told Reuters about the attack near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Pakistan`s South Waziristan region.&nbsp;

"At the present we can not say who is behind this blast. It damaged our office," he said.&nbsp;

When asked what he meant by term "office", the source said it was a meeting place for Haqqani and other militants.&nbsp;

One of those wounded was regional Haqqani commander Jamshed Khan, he added.&nbsp;

A Pakistani security official in the region said three people were killed in the attack, including two Haqqani militants, and 11 were wounded.&nbsp;

US officials have urged Pakistan to act against Haqqani militants but scant progress has been made. Privately, Pakistani officials say they fear such a move could see Haqqani militants turn their guns on Pakistani targets.

Since coming to office, US President Donald Trump has taken a hardline stance on Pakistan, recently saying during an interview with Fox News that the South Asian country doesn`t "do a damn thing" for the US despite receiving billions of dollars in aid.

Trump`s comments have further frayed the already fragile relationship between the two countries. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan hit back at Trump by saying the United States is turning Pakistan into a "scapegoat" to mask its own failures in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

A bomb targeting Haqqani network militants in their hideout in Pakistan`s tribal areas bordering Afghanistan killed three people on Thursday, including two militants, a security official and a militant source said.

A bomb targeting Haqqani network militants in their hideout in Pakistan`s tribal areas bordering Afghanistan killed three people on Thursday, including two militants, a security official and a militant source said. No group claimed responsibility for the blast. The Haqqani network is known for bloody attacks against government institutions and foreign forces in Afghanistan, and its presence inside Pakistan is a major source of friction between Washington and Islamabad. The United States and Afghanistan accuse Pakistan of providing a safe haven to senior Haqqani commanders and allege the group operates freely on Pakistan`s side of the porous frontier, charges that Pakistan has repeatedly denied. "It was the office of our commander Naik Muhammad," a Haqqani network source told Reuters about the attack near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Pakistan`s South Waziristan region. "At the present we can not say who is behind this blast. It damaged our office," he said. When asked what he meant by term "office", the source said it was a meeting place for Haqqani and other militants. One of those wounded was regional Haqqani commander Jamshed Khan, he added. A Pakistani security official in the region said three people were killed in the attack, including two Haqqani militants, and 11 were wounded. US officials have urged Pakistan to act against Haqqani militants but scant progress has been made. Privately, Pakistani officials say they fear such a move could see Haqqani militants turn their guns on Pakistani targets. Since coming to office, US President Donald Trump has taken a hardline stance on Pakistan, recently saying during an interview with Fox News that the South Asian country doesn`t "do a damn thing" for the US despite receiving billions of dollars in aid. Trump`s comments have further frayed the already fragile relationship between the two countries. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan hit back at Trump by saying the United States is turning Pakistan into a "scapegoat" to mask its own failures in Afghanistan.

Bomb attack on hideout of Haqqani militants kills three in Pakistan

Two terrorists were Sunday killed in an encounter with security forces in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said.

Based on a credible input about the presence of terrorists, a cordon and search operation was launched by security forces at dawn in Rebban area of Zainapora in the south Kashmir district, a police spokesman said.

He said as the search operation was going on, the search party was fired&nbsp;upon by hiding terrorists.

The fire was retaliated leading to an encounter in which two terrorists were killed, the spokesman said.

He said the bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter and their identities are being ascertained.

Incriminating material including arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter, the spokesman said, adding police have registered a case and initiated investigation in the matter.

No collateral damage took place during the encounter, he said.&nbsp;

Two terrorists were Sunday killed in an encounter with security forces in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said. Based on a credible input about the presence of terrorists, a cordon and search operation was launched by security forces at dawn in Rebban area of Zainapora in the south Kashmir district, a police spokesman said.

Two terrorists were Sunday killed in an encounter with security forces in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said. Based on a credible input about the presence of terrorists, a cordon and search operation was launched by security forces at dawn in Rebban area of Zainapora in the south Kashmir district, a police spokesman said. He said as the search operation was going on, the search party was fired upon by hiding terrorists. The fire was retaliated leading to an encounter in which two terrorists were killed, the spokesman said. He said the bodies were retrieved from the site of encounter and their identities are being ascertained. Incriminating material including arms and ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter, the spokesman said, adding police have registered a case and initiated investigation in the matter. No collateral damage took place during the encounter, he said.

Jammu and Kashmir: Two terrorists killed in encounter

Thousands&nbsp;of&nbsp;Afghans&nbsp;have fled to Ghazni city to escape&nbsp;fighting&nbsp;in two&nbsp;Hazara-dominated&nbsp;districts, with some describing the violence Tuesday as the worst they had seen in the 17-year conflict.

The Taliban have been battling members of Afghanistan's special forces and ethnic&nbsp;Hazara&nbsp;militia in the previously safe&nbsp;districts&nbsp;of Jaghori and Malistan in the southeastern province of Ghazni for nearly a week.

Hundreds of people, including civilians, militia, commandos and militants, have been killed, according to figures provided by locals and government officials.

Many families have fled to the provincial capital, some leaving their homes in the middle of the night and travelling on side roads to avoid Taliban checkpoints.

"We were scared, other people were fleeing so we decided to leave too," said a woman called Zainab, who drove with her five children for 12 hours on dirt roads from her home in Jaghori district to Ghazni city.&nbsp;

"We have never seen this kind of war and my children and I were scared," she told AFP, adding her husband had stayed behind to protect their property.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Around 2,000 families displaced by the&nbsp;fighting&nbsp;are living in mosques and hostels in Ghazni city, said Abdul Haleem Noori, director of the Afghan Red Crescent Society in Ghazni.&nbsp;

Others are staying with relatives as they wait out the&nbsp;fighting.

Afghan security forces have stepped up ground and air offensives in the restive region, and US Forces also have launched air support, including aerial surveillance.

The escalation in&nbsp;fighting&nbsp;comes amid a flurry of diplomatic activity to convince the Taliban to negotiate an end to the war.

Jaghori district "is surrounded by Taliban and there are a lot of them", Mohammad Ali told AFP in a mosque where he is staying with nine family members.

"They were very well equipped with night-vision goggles and heavy weapons."

Fighting&nbsp;in the area has been ongoing since Wednesday. There are growing fears the violence could be rooted in ethnic or sectarian differences.

Most Hazaras belong to the Shiite branch of Islam.&nbsp;

The Taliban, which are Sunni and largely ethnic Pashtuns, have been accused of committing human rights violations against the group during their oppressive 1996-2001 rule.&nbsp;

As displaced families continued to arrive in Ghazni city on Tuesday, provincial police spokesman Ahmad Khan Sirat told AFP the "situation is under control".

"Commando forces have been deployed in both Jaghori and Malistan," Sirat said.

"We have reports of sporadic&nbsp;fighting."&nbsp;

The Afghan Red Crescent Society has dispatched food, warm clothes and medicine to hundreds of families still in Jaghori and Malistan&nbsp;districts.

The&nbsp;fighting&nbsp;has angered many Hazaras, who blame the government for failing to protect the minority ethnic group.

Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Kabul in the past two days to demand the deployment of military reinforcements to the&nbsp;Hazara&nbsp;districts&nbsp;under Taliban attack.

A suicide bomber blew himself up near the protesters on Monday, killing at least six people and wounding 20 in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group.&nbsp;

Thousands of Afghans have fled to Ghazni city to escape fighting in two Hazara-dominated districts, with some describing the violence Tuesday as the worst they had seen in the 17-year conflict.

Thousands of Afghans have fled to Ghazni city to escape fighting in two Hazara-dominated districts, with some describing the violence Tuesday as the worst they had seen in the 17-year conflict. The Taliban have been battling members of Afghanistan's special forces and ethnic Hazara militia in the previously safe districts of Jaghori and Malistan in the southeastern province of Ghazni for nearly a week. Hundreds of people, including civilians, militia, commandos and militants, have been killed, according to figures provided by locals and government officials. Many families have fled to the provincial capital, some leaving their homes in the middle of the night and travelling on side roads to avoid Taliban checkpoints. "We were scared, other people were fleeing so we decided to leave too," said a woman called Zainab, who drove with her five children for 12 hours on dirt roads from her home in Jaghori district to Ghazni city. "We have never seen this kind of war and my children and I were scared," she told AFP, adding her husband had stayed behind to protect their property. Around 2,000 families displaced by the fighting are living in mosques and hostels in Ghazni city, said Abdul Haleem Noori, director of the Afghan Red Crescent Society in Ghazni. Others are staying with relatives as they wait out the fighting. Afghan security forces have stepped up ground and air offensives in the restive region, and US Forces also have launched air support, including aerial surveillance. The escalation in fighting comes amid a flurry of diplomatic activity to convince the Taliban to negotiate an end to the war. Jaghori district "is surrounded by Taliban and there are a lot of them", Mohammad Ali told AFP in a mosque where he is staying with nine family members. "They were very well equipped with night-vision goggles and heavy weapons." Fighting in the area has been ongoing since Wednesday. There are growing fears the violence could be rooted in ethnic or sectarian differences. Most Hazaras belong to the Shiite branch of Islam. The Taliban, which are Sunni and largely ethnic Pashtuns, have been accused of committing human rights violations against the group during their oppressive 1996-2001 rule. As displaced families continued to arrive in Ghazni city on Tuesday, provincial police spokesman Ahmad Khan Sirat told AFP the "situation is under control". "Commando forces have been deployed in both Jaghori and Malistan," Sirat said. "We have reports of sporadic fighting." The Afghan Red Crescent Society has dispatched food, warm clothes and medicine to hundreds of families still in Jaghori and Malistan districts. The fighting has angered many Hazaras, who blame the government for failing to protect the minority ethnic group. Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Kabul in the past two days to demand the deployment of military reinforcements to the Hazara districts under Taliban attack. A suicide bomber blew himself up near the protesters on Monday, killing at least six people and wounding 20 in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group.

Thousands of Afghans flee fighting in Hazara districts

Hundreds of villagers fled their homes in Nigeria's northeast late on Saturday after an attack by Islamist militants from the Boko Haram group, militia officials and witnesses said.

No casualties were reported but the raid highlighted fragile security in Nigeria's northeast, where the army is still battling to end a conflict that erupted in 2009.

Militants arrived in trucks in Jimmi, 5 km (3 miles) from Maiduguri city, and opened fire, setting homes ablaze and also attacking an informal refugee camp.&nbsp;

"Boko Haram terrorists this evening attacked Jimmi village," militia leader in Maiduguri Musa Ari said. "They burnt homes in Jimmi and tents in the camp."

Military authorities scrambled reinforcements and fighter jets to repel the attack, said militia leader Ibrahim Liman.

Panicked villagers from the area fled to nearby Maiduguri, capital of Borno state which along with neighbouring Yobe state has been at the centre of the jihadist insurgency.

"We left our village to escape Boko Haram who attacked our neighbours in Jimmi," said Bale-Shuwa village resident Suleiman Balarabe.

He said villagers saw military jets flying overhead towards Jimmi.

"The sounds of guns coming from Jimmi terrified us and made us leave our homes because we were afraid they were going to attack our neighbourhood," said Sanda Gini, a resident&nbsp;of Jiddari-Polo area on the outskirts of Maiduguri.

In April, scores of Boko Haram fighters launched a gun and suicide attack on Jiddari-Polo when they advanced on Giwa barracks where hundreds of their militant comrades are being detained.

Insurgents fired automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades at troops before they were repelled with aerial support.

Despite government insistence Boko Haram jihadists are near defeat, in recent months the militant group has carried out major attacks on military targets, killing dozens.

Boko Haram's nine-year conflict has killed an estimated 27,000 people and displaced two million, creating a humanitarian crisis and spilling into Nigeria's northern neighbours.

Hundreds of villagers fled their homes in Nigeria's northeast late on Saturday after an attack by Islamist militants from the Boko Haram group, militia officials and witnesses said.

Hundreds of villagers fled their homes in Nigeria's northeast late on Saturday after an attack by Islamist militants from the Boko Haram group, militia officials and witnesses said. No casualties were reported but the raid highlighted fragile security in Nigeria's northeast, where the army is still battling to end a conflict that erupted in 2009. Militants arrived in trucks in Jimmi, 5 km (3 miles) from Maiduguri city, and opened fire, setting homes ablaze and also attacking an informal refugee camp. "Boko Haram terrorists this evening attacked Jimmi village," militia leader in Maiduguri Musa Ari said. "They burnt homes in Jimmi and tents in the camp." Military authorities scrambled reinforcements and fighter jets to repel the attack, said militia leader Ibrahim Liman. Panicked villagers from the area fled to nearby Maiduguri, capital of Borno state which along with neighbouring Yobe state has been at the centre of the jihadist insurgency. "We left our village to escape Boko Haram who attacked our neighbours in Jimmi," said Bale-Shuwa village resident Suleiman Balarabe. He said villagers saw military jets flying overhead towards Jimmi. "The sounds of guns coming from Jimmi terrified us and made us leave our homes because we were afraid they were going to attack our neighbourhood," said Sanda Gini, a resident of Jiddari-Polo area on the outskirts of Maiduguri. In April, scores of Boko Haram fighters launched a gun and suicide attack on Jiddari-Polo when they advanced on Giwa barracks where hundreds of their militant comrades are being detained. Insurgents fired automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades at troops before they were repelled with aerial support. Despite government insistence Boko Haram jihadists are near defeat, in recent months the militant group has carried out major attacks on military targets, killing dozens. Boko Haram's nine-year conflict has killed an estimated 27,000 people and displaced two million, creating a humanitarian crisis and spilling into Nigeria's northern neighbours.

Hundreds flee after Boko Haram militant raid in northeast Nigeria

Egyptian security forces killed 19 Islamist militants from a cell believed to be responsible for an attack on Christians in Minya province in central Egypt which left seven people dead, the interior ministry said on Sunday.

The suspects were killed in a firefight in the desert west of Minya province after security forces pursued them, the ministry said in a statement. It did not say when the firefight took place.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the Minya attack, which occurred on Friday, though it provided no evidence of its involvement.

Gunmen killed at least seven Christians in an attack on a bus near a Coptic monastery in Egypt on Friday, authorities said - the most serious assault on the minority in more than a year.

The attack took place very close to the spot where gunmen killed 28 Christians in a similar assault in May 2017.

Pope Francis said he was pained Sunday over an attack, claimed by Islamic State, on Coptic Christians in Egypt which left seven dead.

"I express my pain after the terrorist attack which two days ago hit the Coptic Orthodox church in Egypt," Francis said in Saint Peter's.

"I pray for the victims, pilgrims killed just because they were Christian," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Egyptian security forces killed 19 Islamist militants from a cell believed to be responsible for an attack on Christians in Minya province in central Egypt which left seven people dead, the interior ministry said on Sunday.

Egyptian security forces killed 19 Islamist militants from a cell believed to be responsible for an attack on Christians in Minya province in central Egypt which left seven people dead, the interior ministry said on Sunday. The suspects were killed in a firefight in the desert west of Minya province after security forces pursued them, the ministry said in a statement. It did not say when the firefight took place. Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the Minya attack, which occurred on Friday, though it provided no evidence of its involvement. Gunmen killed at least seven Christians in an attack on a bus near a Coptic monastery in Egypt on Friday, authorities said - the most serious assault on the minority in more than a year. The attack took place very close to the spot where gunmen killed 28 Christians in a similar assault in May 2017. Pope Francis said he was pained Sunday over an attack, claimed by Islamic State, on Coptic Christians in Egypt which left seven dead. "I express my pain after the terrorist attack which two days ago hit the Coptic Orthodox church in Egypt," Francis said in Saint Peter's. "I pray for the victims, pilgrims killed just because they were Christian," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

19 militants killed in security operation after attack on Christians: Egypt

The desperation to see his parents prompted Jammu and Kashmir Police's sub-inspector Imtiyaz Ahmed Mir to shave off his beard and change appearance in his unsuccessful attempt to dodge militants who had laid a death trap for him in his village, his colleagues said on Sunday.

A peace votary, 30-year-old Mir was shot dead by militants at Wahibug in the militancy-infested Pulwama district of South Kashmir on Sunday afternoon when he was on his way home.

Posted in the CID department, Mir had been warned against venturing into his village as there was a possibility of an attack by militant groups, who have been targeting policemen in the state recently.

"I had told him that he should not go as militants could attack. But he was desperate to see his parents who reside at Sontabugh in the interiors of Pulwama district," recalled one of his supervising officers.

This morning as he was preparing to leave for home, he came with a changed appearance. He shaved off his beard and decided to use his personal vehicle to go to his native village, the officer said.

"Now they (militants) will not be able to recognise me" were possibly his last words to his officer before he left for home with a smiling face as he was seeing his parents after a long time.

Mir is survived by his father and mother.

A passionate officer, who was considered as an able person in handling operations, was pained to see his colleagues getting killed by militants, especially on the day of Shab-e-Qadar, the holiest night in the fasting month of Ramzan, when two policemen were killed in Pulwama.

After the killings, he wrote on his Facebook account on June 12: "So the job is done!!! Another feat achieved!! Once again the auspicious night became the victim!! Once again we will witness people justifying those dastardly acts!! Once again we will witness silence from the other camp!! Once again we will witness grand wreath laying ceremonies!! But who is going to tell the little children that their fathers were the victims.

How many lives more do you want!! How can a Muslim kill another one.... How could that killer eat sehri after making a child orphan!! Is there anyone who is going to fill the void !!!! For heaven's sake stop this mindless violence ... I don't blame anyone except India and Pakistan who are making merry in their own countries and killing people mindlessly !! Talk peace !! Talk peace !! talk peace!! Cant bear it now!!!"

Son of a retired police officer, Mir, who was from 2010 batch of sub-inspector, had served in Ganderbal district of South Kashmir for five years before being transferred to Kulgam district last year.

He was shifted to the CID department in March this year and his superiors recalled his dedication towards his work.

Militants have been targeting policemen in the state and killed two special police officer and a constable last month, triggering an unrest in the lower ranks of the force with some SPOs declaring their resignation on social media.

In fact, some militants had claimed that Mir had also submitted his resignation.

When the body of Mir was being brought to Pulwama district lines by a police team from Wahibugh, it was attacked by stone pelters as security forces had launched a cordon-and-search operation in Chewa and the area where he was shot dead.

The police have also launched a probe to ascertain how the information about his journey to home had been leaked to militant groups, who had been waiting to ambush him at Wahibugh.

Reacting to the police officer's killing, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, "Very unfortunate &amp; highly condemnable. These killings are aimed at destroying the morale of the police force &amp; we must guard against all such attempts. My heartfelt sympathies to the family and colleagues of Mir Imtiyaz."

A wreath-laying ceremony for Mir, who was killed "in a cowardly act of terror", was held at the District Police Lines in Pulwama, a spokesman said.

Civil and police officers led by Inspector General of Police S P Pani laid floral wreaths and paid rich tributes to the police officer, the spokesman said.

His Facebook page was full of condolence messages from his friends and others who remembered him as a soft gentleman.

Ranji cricketer from Kashmir Valley Samiullah Beg recalled his meeting with Mir, saying a "few years back, a good looking police officer came up to me amid a large public gathering, during my site visit in my area and asked for autograph. Surprised as I was, I enquired more and he turned out to be an ardent cricket fan from south Kashmir, who had followed my career from ab-initio. He had more knowledge of my cricketing milestones than even closest of my friends".

"Years later, today I saw his body on Facebook, being shot dead...Kashmiris are getting killed across the divide and their seems no immediate end to it. Unfortunate! Is the word."&nbsp;

The desperation to see his parents prompted Jammu and Kashmir Police's sub-inspector Imtiyaz Ahmed Mir to shave off his beard and change appearance in his unsuccessful attempt to dodge militants who had laid a death trap for him in his village, his colleagues said on Sunday.

The desperation to see his parents prompted Jammu and Kashmir Police's sub-inspector Imtiyaz Ahmed Mir to shave off his beard and change appearance in his unsuccessful attempt to dodge militants who had laid a death trap for him in his village, his colleagues said on Sunday. A peace votary, 30-year-old Mir was shot dead by militants at Wahibug in the militancy-infested Pulwama district of South Kashmir on Sunday afternoon when he was on his way home. Posted in the CID department, Mir had been warned against venturing into his village as there was a possibility of an attack by militant groups, who have been targeting policemen in the state recently. "I had told him that he should not go as militants could attack. But he was desperate to see his parents who reside at Sontabugh in the interiors of Pulwama district," recalled one of his supervising officers. This morning as he was preparing to leave for home, he came with a changed appearance. He shaved off his beard and decided to use his personal vehicle to go to his native village, the officer said. "Now they (militants) will not be able to recognise me" were possibly his last words to his officer before he left for home with a smiling face as he was seeing his parents after a long time. Mir is survived by his father and mother. A passionate officer, who was considered as an able person in handling operations, was pained to see his colleagues getting killed by militants, especially on the day of Shab-e-Qadar, the holiest night in the fasting month of Ramzan, when two policemen were killed in Pulwama. After the killings, he wrote on his Facebook account on June 12: "So the job is done!!! Another feat achieved!! Once again the auspicious night became the victim!! Once again we will witness people justifying those dastardly acts!! Once again we will witness silence from the other camp!! Once again we will witness grand wreath laying ceremonies!! But who is going to tell the little children that their fathers were the victims. How many lives more do you want!! How can a Muslim kill another one.... How could that killer eat sehri after making a child orphan!! Is there anyone who is going to fill the void !!!! For heaven's sake stop this mindless violence ... I don't blame anyone except India and Pakistan who are making merry in their own countries and killing people mindlessly !! Talk peace !! Talk peace !! talk peace!! Cant bear it now!!!" Son of a retired police officer, Mir, who was from 2010 batch of sub-inspector, had served in Ganderbal district of South Kashmir for five years before being transferred to Kulgam district last year. He was shifted to the CID department in March this year and his superiors recalled his dedication towards his work. Militants have been targeting policemen in the state and killed two special police officer and a constable last month, triggering an unrest in the lower ranks of the force with some SPOs declaring their resignation on social media. In fact, some militants had claimed that Mir had also submitted his resignation. When the body of Mir was being brought to Pulwama district lines by a police team from Wahibugh, it was attacked by stone pelters as security forces had launched a cordon-and-search operation in Chewa and the area where he was shot dead. The police have also launched a probe to ascertain how the information about his journey to home had been leaked to militant groups, who had been waiting to ambush him at Wahibugh. Reacting to the police officer's killing, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, "Very unfortunate & highly condemnable. These killings are aimed at destroying the morale of the police force & we must guard against all such attempts. My heartfelt sympathies to the family and colleagues of Mir Imtiyaz." A wreath-laying ceremony for Mir, who was killed "in a cowardly act of terror", was held at the District Police Lines in Pulwama, a spokesman said. Civil and police officers led by Inspector General of Police S P Pani laid floral wreaths and paid rich tributes to the police officer, the spokesman said. His Facebook page was full of condolence messages from his friends and others who remembered him as a soft gentleman. Ranji cricketer from Kashmir Valley Samiullah Beg recalled his meeting with Mir, saying a "few years back, a good looking police officer came up to me amid a large public gathering, during my site visit in my area and asked for autograph. Surprised as I was, I enquired more and he turned out to be an ardent cricket fan from south Kashmir, who had followed my career from ab-initio. He had more knowledge of my cricketing milestones than even closest of my friends". "Years later, today I saw his body on Facebook, being shot dead...Kashmiris are getting killed across the divide and their seems no immediate end to it. Unfortunate! Is the word."

J&K cop killed by militants was desperate to meet parents, shaved beard to change look 

A top Taliban commander held in Pakistani detention for more than eight years has been freed, sources said Thursday, in an apparent move to aid tentative talks between the United States and the militant group.

The release of Abdul Ghani Baradar -- the former right-hand man of Taliban founder Mullah Omar, who died in 2013 -- came less than two weeks after US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with the group's representatives in Qatar to discuss ending the Afghan conflict.

Baradar was among several senior Taliban leaders freed this week, after the Taliban demanded their release in direct talks with Khalilzad on October 12, a senior Taliban leader told AFP on the condition of anonymity.

"We believe that they were released at the US's request," the leader said.

He said Baradar would likely stay in Pakistan and shuttle between the Taliban's Doha office, Kabul and Islamabad.

"It was important for confidence building and all three will participate in the next round of talks with the US in Qatar," he added.

Baradar was the most high-profile Afghan Taliban leader detained by Pakistan since the 9/11 attacks in 2001.

He was arrested in the southern port city of Karachi in 2010, reportedly in an operation that was described as a huge blow to the militant group, which ruled Afghanistan from 1996-2001 when it was toppled by a US-led invasion.

It was not clear what role, if any, he would play in peace talks.

"Baradar was freed yesterday afternoon and he joined his family," Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP in a WhatsApp message.

A Pakistani intelligence official also said Baradar was "released a couple of days ago".

Baradar's release comes after the recent election of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has long advocated talks with the Taliban and other Islamist insurgents in the region to bring an end to years of fighting.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi earlier this month also pledged to support negotiations with the Taliban as the country lobbies the United States to restore military aid.

The United States has long pressed Pakistan to crack down on the Taliban and other militant groups, which Washington says have safe havens in Pakistan's border areas and links to its shadowy military establishment -- charges Islamabad has repeatedly denied.

Khalilzad met with Taliban representatives in Doha as part of a regional trip designed to coordinate efforts to convince the group to negotiate an end to the war.&nbsp;

A top Taliban commander held in Pakistani detention for more than eight years has been freed, sources said Thursday, in an apparent move to aid tentative talks between the United States and the militant group.

A top Taliban commander held in Pakistani detention for more than eight years has been freed, sources said Thursday, in an apparent move to aid tentative talks between the United States and the militant group. The release of Abdul Ghani Baradar -- the former right-hand man of Taliban founder Mullah Omar, who died in 2013 -- came less than two weeks after US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with the group's representatives in Qatar to discuss ending the Afghan conflict. Baradar was among several senior Taliban leaders freed this week, after the Taliban demanded their release in direct talks with Khalilzad on October 12, a senior Taliban leader told AFP on the condition of anonymity. "We believe that they were released at the US's request," the leader said. He said Baradar would likely stay in Pakistan and shuttle between the Taliban's Doha office, Kabul and Islamabad. "It was important for confidence building and all three will participate in the next round of talks with the US in Qatar," he added. Baradar was the most high-profile Afghan Taliban leader detained by Pakistan since the 9/11 attacks in 2001. He was arrested in the southern port city of Karachi in 2010, reportedly in an operation that was described as a huge blow to the militant group, which ruled Afghanistan from 1996-2001 when it was toppled by a US-led invasion. It was not clear what role, if any, he would play in peace talks. "Baradar was freed yesterday afternoon and he joined his family," Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP in a WhatsApp message. A Pakistani intelligence official also said Baradar was "released a couple of days ago". Baradar's release comes after the recent election of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has long advocated talks with the Taliban and other Islamist insurgents in the region to bring an end to years of fighting. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi earlier this month also pledged to support negotiations with the Taliban as the country lobbies the United States to restore military aid. The United States has long pressed Pakistan to crack down on the Taliban and other militant groups, which Washington says have safe havens in Pakistan's border areas and links to its shadowy military establishment -- charges Islamabad has repeatedly denied. Khalilzad met with Taliban representatives in Doha as part of a regional trip designed to coordinate efforts to convince the group to negotiate an end to the war.

Pakistan frees Taliban leader after US talks with militants

A top Taliban commander held in Pakistani detention for more than eight years has been freed, sources said Thursday, in an apparent move to aid tentative talks between the United States and the militant group.

The release of Abdul Ghani Baradar -- the former right-hand man of Taliban founder Mullah Omar, who died in 2013 -- came less than two weeks after US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with the group's representatives in Qatar to discuss ending the Afghan conflict.

Baradar was among several senior Taliban leaders freed this week, after the Taliban demanded their release in direct talks with Khalilzad on October 12, a senior Taliban leader told AFP on the condition of anonymity.

"We believe that they were released at the US's request," the leader said.

He said Baradar would likely stay in Pakistan and shuttle between the Taliban's Doha office, Kabul and Islamabad.

"It was important for confidence building and all three will participate in the next round of talks with the US in Qatar," he added.

Baradar was the most high-profile Afghan Taliban leader detained by Pakistan since the 9/11 attacks in 2001.

He was arrested in the southern port city of Karachi in 2010, reportedly in an operation that was described as a huge blow to the militant group, which ruled

Afghanistan from 1996-2001 when it was toppled by a US-led invasion.

It was not clear what role, if any, he would play in peace talks.

"Baradar was freed yesterday afternoon and he joined his family," Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP in a WhatsApp message. 
A Pakistani intelligence official also said Baradar was "released a couple of days ago".

Baradar's release comes after the recent election of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has long advocated talks with the Taliban and other Islamist insurgents in the region to bring an end to years of fighting.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi earlier this month also pledged to support negotiations with the Taliban as the country lobbies the United States to restore military aid.

The United States has long pressed Pakistan to crack down on the Taliban and other militant groups, which Washington says have safe havens in Pakistan's border areas and links to its shadowy military establishment -- charges Islamabad has repeatedly denied.

Khalilzad met with Taliban representatives in Doha as part of a regional trip designed to coordinate efforts to convince the group to negotiate an end to the war.

Pakistan frees Taliban leader after US talks with terrorists

Gunmen shot a Sikh peace activist on Tuesday in Peshawar on Tuesday, killing him on the spot. The gunman fired shots at Scheme Chowk, Budhbir area.&nbsp;

Charanjeet Singh, a human rights activists, and Sikh community leader was shot by bike-borne assailants on Tuesday morning. Singh had been living in Peshawar with his family for more than 20 years and was a respected&nbsp;leader in the region.&nbsp;

As per reports, Singh, at the time, was sitting in his shop when the attackers came on a bike and opened fire on him and fled.&nbsp;

Although the exact motive behind the incident is still unknown, community and local political leaders suspect the hand of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) hand in the attack.

In the run-up to the upcoming general election, which is scheduled for July 25, the political atmosphere of the country is getting increasingly turbulent. While the Pakistan Army and the ISI have been covertly supporting the extremism, a few players are contesting to bring a more liberal government in Islamabad.

The police have launched an investigation after lodging a case at Inqalab Police Station.&nbsp;

About 60,000 Sikhs live&nbsp;in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including 15,000 in&nbsp;Peshawar&nbsp;alone, who have time and again raised the issue of discrimination.&nbsp;

Charanjeet Singh, a human rights activists, and Sikh community leader was shot by bike-borne assailants on Tuesday morning

Gunmen shot a Sikh peace activist on Tuesday in Peshawar on Tuesday, killing him on the spot. The gunman fired shots at Scheme Chowk, Budhbir area. Charanjeet Singh, a human rights activists, and Sikh community leader was shot by bike-borne assailants on Tuesday morning. Singh had been living in Peshawar with his family for more than 20 years and was a respected leader in the region. As per reports, Singh, at the time, was sitting in his shop when the attackers came on a bike and opened fire on him and fled. Although the exact motive behind the incident is still unknown, community and local political leaders suspect the hand of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) hand in the attack. In the run-up to the upcoming general election, which is scheduled for July 25, the political atmosphere of the country is getting increasingly turbulent. While the Pakistan Army and the ISI have been covertly supporting the extremism, a few players are contesting to bring a more liberal government in Islamabad. The police have launched an investigation after lodging a case at Inqalab Police Station. About 60,000 Sikhs live in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including 15,000 in Peshawar alone, who have time and again raised the issue of discrimination.

Sikh human rights activist shot dead in Pakistan

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