Two militants have been killed in an ongoing encounter between security forces and terrorists that started yesterday in the forest area in Sumlar of Bandipora in Jammu and Kashmir, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

According to reports, the operation is underway.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> on Bandipora encounter: Two terrorists have been killed in the encounter. Operations are underway. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>
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Meanwhile, three Special Police Officers (SPOs) and one police personnel went missing in South Kashmir's Shopian, they were later found dead today.&nbsp;

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Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Three policemen who were kidnapped by terrorists in south Kashmir's Shopian, found dead <a href="https://t.co/egG7h10ozy">pic.twitter.com/egG7h10ozy</a>
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In another encounter, between police and criminals in Harduaganj's Mahua village in Aligarh district, two criminals were killed on Saturday.&nbsp;

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Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Search operation underway in Shopian, after bodies of three policemen who were kidnapped by terrorists yesterday, were found earlier today. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://t.co/2qzt8HHQ5C">pic.twitter.com/2qzt8HHQ5C</a>
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&nbsp;

Two militants have been killed in an ongoing encounter between security forces and terrorists that started yesterday in the forest area in Sumlar of Bandipora in Jammu and Kashmir, news agency ANI reported.

Two militants have been killed in an ongoing encounter between security forces and terrorists that started yesterday in the forest area in Sumlar of Bandipora in Jammu and Kashmir, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, the operation is underway. #UPDATE on Bandipora encounter: Two terrorists have been killed in the encounter. Operations are underway. #JammuAndKashmir — ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2018 × Meanwhile, three Special Police Officers (SPOs) and one police personnel went missing in South Kashmir's Shopian, they were later found dead today. Jammu & Kashmir: Three policemen who were kidnapped by terrorists in south Kashmir's Shopian, found dead pic.twitter.com/egG7h10ozy — ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2018 × In another encounter, between police and criminals in Harduaganj's Mahua village in Aligarh district, two criminals were killed on Saturday. Jammu & Kashmir: Search operation underway in Shopian, after bodies of three policemen who were kidnapped by terrorists yesterday, were found earlier today. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/2qzt8HHQ5C — ANI (@ANI) September 21, 2018 ×

J&K: Two militants killed in ongoing encounter in Bandipora 

Authorities today imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order in the wake of the death of a youth who was allegedly hit by a security forces vehicle during clashes between protestors and forces.

Curfew and restrictions have been imposed in seven police station areas of the city, a police official said.

He said curfew has been imposed in the Nowhatta area of the city, while restrictions under Section 144 CrPc were in force in Rainawari, Safakadal, Khanyar, MR Gunj, Maisuma and Kralkhud police station areas of Srinagar.

The curbs have been imposed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.

The separatists had called a strike across Kashmir today to protest against the recent civilian killings.&nbsp

Most of the shops, fuel stations and other business establishments in Srinagar were shut, while public transport was off the roads, the official said.

However, he said private cars, cabs and auto-rickshaws were seen plying in the areas where there were no restrictions.

Private schools were shut in the city, the official said.

He said similar reports of strike being observed were received from other district headquarters of the Valley.

The authorities have also suspended mobile internet services in Srinagar and Budgam districts while the network speed has been reduced in four districts of south Kashmir.&nbsp

Train services in the Valley have also been suspended for the day.&nbsp

A youth - Kasier Bhat - who was injured after he was allegedly hit by a security forces vehicle during clashes between protestors and forces in the Nowhatta area of the city yesterday, died at a hospital today, police said.

Curfew and restrictions have been imposed in seven police station areas of the city, a police official said

Authorities today imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order in the wake of the death of a youth who was allegedly hit by a security forces vehicle during clashes between protestors and forces. Curfew and restrictions have been imposed in seven police station areas of the city, a police official said. He said curfew has been imposed in the Nowhatta area of the city, while restrictions under Section 144 CrPc were in force in Rainawari, Safakadal, Khanyar, MR Gunj, Maisuma and Kralkhud police station areas of Srinagar. The curbs have been imposed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order. The separatists had called a strike across Kashmir today to protest against the recent civilian killings. Most of the shops, fuel stations and other business establishments in Srinagar were shut, while public transport was off the roads, the official said. However, he said private cars, cabs and auto-rickshaws were seen plying in the areas where there were no restrictions. Private schools were shut in the city, the official said. He said similar reports of strike being observed were received from other district headquarters of the Valley. The authorities have also suspended mobile internet services in Srinagar and Budgam districts while the network speed has been reduced in four districts of south Kashmir. Train services in the Valley have also been suspended for the day. A youth - Kasier Bhat - who was injured after he was allegedly hit by a security forces vehicle during clashes between protestors and forces in the Nowhatta area of the city yesterday, died at a hospital today, police said.

Restrictions imposed in parts of Srinagar after youth dies in clash

Twelve terrorists of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed managed to sneak into Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, a security official said.

The terrorists have reportedly split into groups and, according to the security forces, could be planning large-scale terror strikes.

In the past, the terrorists sneaked into Jammu from the International Border in the plains, reached the national highway close by, and then carried out fidayeen attacks on Army and police camps.&nbsp;

This was seen in the daring Sunjwan attack besides similar audacious assaults last year.

However, the infiltration in Kashmir valley area from the LoC is a cause of alarm because the heavily forested area used to be an ingress route for the terrorists in the early 1990s.&nbsp;

Aggressive patrolling and real-time intelligence provided by local population had helped the security forces in keeping terrorists away from the area.

The terrorists have reportedly split into groups and, according to the security forces, could be planning large-scale terror strikes.

Twelve terrorists of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed managed to sneak into Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, a security official said. The terrorists have reportedly split into groups and, according to the security forces, could be planning large-scale terror strikes. In the past, the terrorists sneaked into Jammu from the International Border in the plains, reached the national highway close by, and then carried out fidayeen attacks on Army and police camps. This was seen in the daring Sunjwan attack besides similar audacious assaults last year. However, the infiltration in Kashmir valley area from the LoC is a cause of alarm because the heavily forested area used to be an ingress route for the terrorists in the early 1990s. Aggressive patrolling and real-time intelligence provided by local population had helped the security forces in keeping terrorists away from the area.

12 terrorists sneak into Jammu and Kashmir, security forces on high alert

An infiltration bid was thwarted by the forces in Jammu & Kashmir's Tangdhar sector early on Saturday. At least five terrorists were killed in the&nbsp;operation by the&nbsp;Indian Army along the Line of Control (LoC).

The fresh infiltration attempt comes a day after Indian Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat said Pakistan should "stop infiltration" if it aims to end turbulence at the border. The general also called for an end to unprovoked firing by the Pakistani forces.

"We want peace at borders but as you know&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;continuously violates ceasefire that causes loss of life and property and in such a case we have to retaliate but if&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;wants peace, we expect them to take initiative, which will start with them stopping infiltration," he said.

Earlier in the month, with the onset of Ramzan, the Centre announced the suspension of all operations targeting the militants in the Kashmir Valley.

The Union Home Ministry has said the decision has been taken to help the "peace-loving Muslims observe Ramzan in a peaceful environment".

However, it clarified that the security forces "reserve the right to retaliate if attacked or if essential to protect the lives of innocent people".

(With inputs from ANI)

Indian troops retaliated heavily after noting suspicious movement in the area and forced the terrorists to flee back.

An infiltration bid was thwarted by the forces in Jammu & Kashmir's Tangdhar sector early on Saturday. At least five terrorists were killed in the operation by the Indian Army along the Line of Control (LoC). The fresh infiltration attempt comes a day after Indian Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat said Pakistan should "stop infiltration" if it aims to end turbulence at the border. The general also called for an end to unprovoked firing by the Pakistani forces. "We want peace at borders but as you know Pakistan continuously violates ceasefire that causes loss of life and property and in such a case we have to retaliate but if Pakistan wants peace, we expect them to take initiative, which will start with them stopping infiltration," he said. Earlier in the month, with the onset of Ramzan, the Centre announced the suspension of all operations targeting the militants in the Kashmir Valley. The Union Home Ministry has said the decision has been taken to help the "peace-loving Muslims observe Ramzan in a peaceful environment". However, it clarified that the security forces "reserve the right to retaliate if attacked or if essential to protect the lives of innocent people". (With inputs from ANI)

Infiltration bid foiled by security forces in Tangdhar sector of J&K, 5 terrorists killed 

"Catch them alive" is the new mantra in Jammu and Kashmir as security forces, which have killed over 70 terrorists in the last seven months, shift gear to focus on finding new recruits and motivating them to return to their families, senior officials said.

The strategy of police and security agencies is to cut the "umbilical cord" by smashing the overground worker network, which is instrumental in radicalising youth and pushing them to jihad, the officials said.

"Our effort is to catch them alive and understand their grievances. After all, a 15 or 16 year old boy can't be brainwashed to the extent that he would like to be killed in a gunfight. There has to be a counter-narrative," said a senior official engaged in counter-insurgency operations.

In the run-up to the Centre asking security forces not to launch operations during Ramzan, there was need to eliminate hardcore terrorists like Saddam Paddar, Esa Fazili and Sameer Tiger as they were the brains behind the fresh influx of cadres for Pakistan-based terrorist groups Lashker-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen, officials said.

After the elimination of several top leaders, efforts are now on to change the script.

Operations based on specific intelligence inputs will continue but there will also be increasing emphasis on catching newly-recruited terrorists alive, they said.

"We have got indication from our field intelligence that many desire to return. Some parents have also approached us and we have no hesitation in helping them resume their normal life and education at the earliest," a senior police official said.

Many officials, including those from intelligence agencies, believe the present cessation of hostilities may provide the much needed window to convince parents to woo their wards back to textbooks.

"In the last seven months, four new recruits have been arrested while one returned," said Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range) Swayam Prakash Pani, who has been closely watching the situation in the Valley and is using his experience as deputy inspector general in south Kashmir to tackle militancy.

The aim, he said, is to create a conducive atmosphere so that people can get over the cycle of violence.

"My director general of police (S P Vaid) has also appealed to misguided youths and so I am asking them to return to their families," Pani said.

Several people from various parts of the Valley have been booked in the last seven months. They were entrusted with the indoctrination of young minds and motivating them to pick up arms, officials said.

The identification of these overground workers is necessary before a crackdown on the militant top brass, they explained.&nbsp

"The militants also know that their basic structure of the overground network, which used to facilitate their movement from one place to another, has been hit. You can't be holed up at one place for days together," an official said.

The multi-pronged strategy -- including encounters with militants, fighting their overground workers in courts and smashing their network of sympathisers -- has also brought down the number of videos on social media showing groups of militants roaming freely in the orchards and forests of Tral, Shopian and Kulgam in South Kashmir.

The trend is now a single militant posing in a closed room with a rifle so the location can't be identified, an official said. 
 
"The trend of videos has ended as security forces have gained an upper hand," he added.

Operations based on specific intelligence inputs will continue but there will also be increasing emphasis on catching newly-recruited terrorists alive, officials said.

"Catch them alive" is the new mantra in Jammu and Kashmir as security forces, which have killed over 70 terrorists in the last seven months, shift gear to focus on finding new recruits and motivating them to return to their families, senior officials said. The strategy of police and security agencies is to cut the "umbilical cord" by smashing the overground worker network, which is instrumental in radicalising youth and pushing them to jihad, the officials said. "Our effort is to catch them alive and understand their grievances. After all, a 15 or 16 year old boy can't be brainwashed to the extent that he would like to be killed in a gunfight. There has to be a counter-narrative," said a senior official engaged in counter-insurgency operations. In the run-up to the Centre asking security forces not to launch operations during Ramzan, there was need to eliminate hardcore terrorists like Saddam Paddar, Esa Fazili and Sameer Tiger as they were the brains behind the fresh influx of cadres for Pakistan-based terrorist groups Lashker-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen, officials said. After the elimination of several top leaders, efforts are now on to change the script. Operations based on specific intelligence inputs will continue but there will also be increasing emphasis on catching newly-recruited terrorists alive, they said. "We have got indication from our field intelligence that many desire to return. Some parents have also approached us and we have no hesitation in helping them resume their normal life and education at the earliest," a senior police official said. Many officials, including those from intelligence agencies, believe the present cessation of hostilities may provide the much needed window to convince parents to woo their wards back to textbooks. "In the last seven months, four new recruits have been arrested while one returned," said Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range) Swayam Prakash Pani, who has been closely watching the situation in the Valley and is using his experience as deputy inspector general in south Kashmir to tackle militancy. The aim, he said, is to create a conducive atmosphere so that people can get over the cycle of violence. "My director general of police (S P Vaid) has also appealed to misguided youths and so I am asking them to return to their families," Pani said. Several people from various parts of the Valley have been booked in the last seven months. They were entrusted with the indoctrination of young minds and motivating them to pick up arms, officials said. The identification of these overground workers is necessary before a crackdown on the militant top brass, they explained. "The militants also know that their basic structure of the overground network, which used to facilitate their movement from one place to another, has been hit. You can't be holed up at one place for days together," an official said. The multi-pronged strategy -- including encounters with militants, fighting their overground workers in courts and smashing their network of sympathisers -- has also brought down the number of videos on social media showing groups of militants roaming freely in the orchards and forests of Tral, Shopian and Kulgam in South Kashmir. The trend is now a single militant posing in a closed room with a rifle so the location can't be identified, an official said. "The trend of videos has ended as security forces have gained an upper hand," he added.

Security forces have new mantra in Kashmir: 'Try to catch them alive'

Security forces recovered a huge cache of explosive materials following a gun-fight with the Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, police said Saturday.

The encounter took place on Friday when a joint team of the police's Special Task Force, District Reserve Guard and CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) of the CRPF was out on an anti-Naxal operation, said Sukma Superintendent of Police Abhishek Meena.

While the team was cordoning off Tumirpad forests, Naxals opened fire on them, Meena said.

The area around 500 km away from Raipur.

After a prolonged gun-battle, the Maoists fled, the SP said.

Four steel tiffin boxes, 12 gelatin rods, urea, 20 detonators, cortex wires, batteries and gunpowder were found from the spot, he said.&nbspAll this material is used to make improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by the Naxals.

A team of `military battalion no 1' of the Maoists led by company commander Nagesh, which operates mostly in south Sukma, was involved in the encounter, Meena said.&nbsp

Four steel tiffin boxes, 12 gelatin rods, urea, 20 detonators, cortex wires, batteries and gunpowder were found from the spot, he said. All this material is used to make improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by the Naxals

Security forces recovered a huge cache of explosive materials following a gun-fight with the Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district, police said Saturday. The encounter took place on Friday when a joint team of the police's Special Task Force, District Reserve Guard and CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) of the CRPF was out on an anti-Naxal operation, said Sukma Superintendent of Police Abhishek Meena. While the team was cordoning off Tumirpad forests, Naxals opened fire on them, Meena said. The area around 500 km away from Raipur. After a prolonged gun-battle, the Maoists fled, the SP said. Four steel tiffin boxes, 12 gelatin rods, urea, 20 detonators, cortex wires, batteries and gunpowder were found from the spot, he said.&nbspAll this material is used to make improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by the Naxals. A team of `military battalion no 1' of the Maoists led by company commander Nagesh, which operates mostly in south Sukma, was involved in the encounter, Meena said.

Explosive materials found after gun-battle with Naxals

The number of Afghan security forces decreased by nearly 11 percent in the past year, the US&nbsp;government`s top watchdog on Afghanistan said on Tuesday, an indication of the difficulty Kabul will have in dealing with its precarious security situation.

Twin blasts in the Afghan capital Kabul killed at least 26 people on Monday, including nine journalists who had arrived to report on the first explosion and were apparently targeted by a suicide bomber.

The attacks, a week after 60 people were killed as they waited at a voter registration center in the city, underlined mounting insecurity despite repeated government pledges to tighten defenses.

The attacks in rapid succession were a grim reminder of the strength of both the Taliban and Islamic State`s emerging Afghanistan branch to wreak violence despite stepped up air attacks under US&nbsp;President Donald Trump`s new policy for the 16-year-old war.

In a report released on Tuesday, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, or SIGAR, said the number of forces in the Afghan National Defense and Security forces (ANDSF), which includes the army, air force and police, totaled an estimated 296,400 personnel as of January. That was a drop of 10.6 percent compared to the same month in 2017.&nbsp;

The authorized strength of the ANDSF is 334,000 personnel.&nbsp;

The United States has for nearly two decades been seeking to build Afghan security forces capable of defending and holding territory.

"Building up the Afghan forces is a top priority for the US&nbsp;and our international allies, so it is worrisome to see Afghan force strength decreasing," John Sopko, the head of SIGAR, told Reuters.

Thousands more US&nbsp;troops have been sent to Afghanistan to help train the army, and commanders have been given greater authority to carry out air strikes against the militants in a major reversal of the previous policy of phased withdrawal of American forces.

Publicly, US&nbsp;officials have presented an optimistic view of the situation in Afghanistan. The top US&nbsp;general in Afghanistan said late last year that the country had "turned the corner."

Asked what his goal in Afghanistan was in the next year, US. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told a Congressional hearing he wanted "a more capable Afghan force, between their military and their police (and) the violence levels going down."

On Monday, Mattis said the spate of recent attacks had been expected and the militants were "on their backfoot."

"This is the normal stuff by people who cannot win at the ballot box, so they turn to bombs," Mattis said.&nbsp;

Privately, however, US officials have been more circumspect.

US intelligence officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that despite extensive US training and support, the vast majority of Afghan forces are incapable of preventing the Taliban from retaking much of the territory the militant group lost after the United States invaded the country in 2001.

"While Afghan forces are stronger now than they were a decade ago, they continue to struggle in a big way. Ultimately, that`s a failure of US. policy," said Michael Kugelman, with the Wilson Center think tank in Washington.

SIGAR added in the report that the percentage of population controlled or influenced by the Afghan government increased to 65 percent as of January 2018, up 1 percent compared to October.

The United States has for nearly two decades been seeking to build Afghan security forces capable of defending and holding territory

The number of Afghan security forces decreased by nearly 11 percent in the past year, the US government`s top watchdog on Afghanistan said on Tuesday, an indication of the difficulty Kabul will have in dealing with its precarious security situation. Twin blasts in the Afghan capital Kabul killed at least 26 people on Monday, including nine journalists who had arrived to report on the first explosion and were apparently targeted by a suicide bomber. The attacks, a week after 60 people were killed as they waited at a voter registration center in the city, underlined mounting insecurity despite repeated government pledges to tighten defenses. The attacks in rapid succession were a grim reminder of the strength of both the Taliban and Islamic State`s emerging Afghanistan branch to wreak violence despite stepped up air attacks under US President Donald Trump`s new policy for the 16-year-old war. In a report released on Tuesday, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, or SIGAR, said the number of forces in the Afghan National Defense and Security forces (ANDSF), which includes the army, air force and police, totaled an estimated 296,400 personnel as of January. That was a drop of 10.6 percent compared to the same month in 2017. The authorized strength of the ANDSF is 334,000 personnel. The United States has for nearly two decades been seeking to build Afghan security forces capable of defending and holding territory. "Building up the Afghan forces is a top priority for the US and our international allies, so it is worrisome to see Afghan force strength decreasing," John Sopko, the head of SIGAR, told Reuters. Thousands more US troops have been sent to Afghanistan to help train the army, and commanders have been given greater authority to carry out air strikes against the militants in a major reversal of the previous policy of phased withdrawal of American forces. Publicly, US officials have presented an optimistic view of the situation in Afghanistan. The top US general in Afghanistan said late last year that the country had "turned the corner." Asked what his goal in Afghanistan was in the next year, US. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told a Congressional hearing he wanted "a more capable Afghan force, between their military and their police (and) the violence levels going down." On Monday, Mattis said the spate of recent attacks had been expected and the militants were "on their backfoot." "This is the normal stuff by people who cannot win at the ballot box, so they turn to bombs," Mattis said. Privately, however, US officials have been more circumspect. US intelligence officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that despite extensive US training and support, the vast majority of Afghan forces are incapable of preventing the Taliban from retaking much of the territory the militant group lost after the United States invaded the country in 2001. "While Afghan forces are stronger now than they were a decade ago, they continue to struggle in a big way. Ultimately, that`s a failure of US. policy," said Michael Kugelman, with the Wilson Center think tank in Washington. SIGAR added in the report that the percentage of population controlled or influenced by the Afghan government increased to 65 percent as of January 2018, up 1 percent compared to October.

Afghan forces see drop in numbers as security deteriorates: Report

The Taliban attacked&nbsp;district headquarters in Afghanistan&#39;s western Farah province early on Monday, killing and wounding at least 15 members of the security forces, reports said.

The terrorist group attacked the Anardara district police and administrative offices from different directions early in the morning.

The group claimed responsibility for the attack, Taliban spokesman Qari Yusouf Ahmadi confirmed in a statement. &nbsp;

Over the weekend, a Taliban attack killed seven army commandos and eight policemen in Bala Buluk district.

Also, seven civilians, including two women and three children, were killed when Taliban struck their vehicle with a rocket in eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar, the provincial government said on Monday.

Reports say that the attack occurred at around 8.30 pm on Sunday in Bati Kot district.&nbsp;

Reports say that two others were wounded and were taken for medical aid immediately. The motive behind the attack remained unknown and the Taliban has yet to make comments on the report. 
&nbsp;

The terrorist group attacked the Anardara district police and administrative offices from different directions early in the morning

The Taliban attacked district headquarters in Afghanistan's western Farah province early on Monday, killing and wounding at least 15 members of the security forces, reports said. The terrorist group attacked the Anardara district police and administrative offices from different directions early in the morning. The group claimed responsibility for the attack, Taliban spokesman Qari Yusouf Ahmadi confirmed in a statement. Over the weekend, a Taliban attack killed seven army commandos and eight policemen in Bala Buluk district. Also, seven civilians, including two women and three children, were killed when Taliban struck their vehicle with a rocket in eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar, the provincial government said on Monday. Reports say that the attack occurred at around 8.30 pm on Sunday in Bati Kot district. Reports say that two others were wounded and were taken for medical aid immediately. The motive behind the attack remained unknown and the Taliban has yet to make comments on the report.

Taliban attack police, administrative offices in Farah, 15 security forces killed, wounded

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi issued a decree on Thursday formalising the inclusion of Shi`ite paramilitary groups in the country`s security forces.

According to the decree, members of the Shi`ite militias, an assortment of militia groups known collectively as the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), which are mostly backed and trained by Iran, will be granted many of the same rights as members the military.&nbsp;

Paramilitary members will be given equivalent salaries to those members of the military under the Ministry of Defense`s control, the decree said. They will also be subject to the laws of military service and will gain access to military institutes and colleges. 
&nbsp; 
The decree had been expected for some time and comes two months ahead of a high-stakes general election. The PMF commands popular support among Iraq`s majority Shi`ite population and is expected to sway voters.

Tens of thousands of Iraqis heeded a call to arms in 2014 after Islamic State seized a third of the country&rsquo;s territory, forming the PMF. The paramilitaries supported Iraq`s military in ejecting Islamic State from areas the militants overran in 2014 when Iraqi military and police divisions deserted en masse.&nbsp;

Iraq declared victory over the militants in December, but the militias, estimated to comprise more than 60,000 fighters, are still deployed in many of the predominantly Sunni areas which saw heavy fighting during the three-year war to oust Islamic State.&nbsp;

Iraq`s parliament passed a law in 2016 to bring the PMF into the state apparatus, with the militias reporting directly to the prime minister, who is a Shi`ite under Iraq`s governing system.&nbsp;

Iran has a clear hand in coordinating the PMF leadership, which frequently meets and consults with Qassem Suleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).&nbsp;

In October, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said it was time for the Iran-backed militias &quot;to go home&quot; as the fight against Islamic State was winding down.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi issued a decree on Thursday formalising the inclusion of Shi`ite paramilitary groups in the country`s security forces

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi issued a decree on Thursday formalising the inclusion of Shi`ite paramilitary groups in the country`s security forces. According to the decree, members of the Shi`ite militias, an assortment of militia groups known collectively as the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), which are mostly backed and trained by Iran, will be granted many of the same rights as members the military. Paramilitary members will be given equivalent salaries to those members of the military under the Ministry of Defense`s control, the decree said. They will also be subject to the laws of military service and will gain access to military institutes and colleges. The decree had been expected for some time and comes two months ahead of a high-stakes general election. The PMF commands popular support among Iraq`s majority Shi`ite population and is expected to sway voters. Tens of thousands of Iraqis heeded a call to arms in 2014 after Islamic State seized a third of the country’s territory, forming the PMF. The paramilitaries supported Iraq`s military in ejecting Islamic State from areas the militants overran in 2014 when Iraqi military and police divisions deserted en masse. Iraq declared victory over the militants in December, but the militias, estimated to comprise more than 60,000 fighters, are still deployed in many of the predominantly Sunni areas which saw heavy fighting during the three-year war to oust Islamic State. Iraq`s parliament passed a law in 2016 to bring the PMF into the state apparatus, with the militias reporting directly to the prime minister, who is a Shi`ite under Iraq`s governing system. Iran has a clear hand in coordinating the PMF leadership, which frequently meets and consults with Qassem Suleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). In October, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said it was time for the Iran-backed militias "to go home" as the fight against Islamic State was winding down.

Iraq's Shi'ite militias formally inducted into security forces

An unidentified man was shot by the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, after he tried to enter the security zone of Budgam&#39;s Airforce station on Monday.

It is speculated to be an alleged terror attack attempt which was successfully foiled by the alert forces. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: Case has been registered &amp; investigation has started in the matter where an unidentified individual was shot by the security forces when he tried to enter the security zone of Budgam&#39;s Airforce station.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/965413453807652865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The man crossed the security fence came close to perimeter wall of the Airforce station.&nbsp;

The sentry fired warning shots but the man did not stop, after which the forces than to shoot him. 
&nbsp; 
There is no information yet on whether the man was armed or not. &nbsp;

A case has been registered and an investigation is underway.&nbsp;

It is speculated to be an alleged terror attack attempt

An unidentified man was shot by the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, after he tried to enter the security zone of Budgam's Airforce station on Monday. It is speculated to be an alleged terror attack attempt which was successfully foiled by the alert forces. #JammuAndKashmir: Case has been registered & investigation has started in the matter where an unidentified individual was shot by the security forces when he tried to enter the security zone of Budgam's Airforce station. — ANI (@ANI) February 19, 2018 × The man crossed the security fence came close to perimeter wall of the Airforce station. The sentry fired warning shots but the man did not stop, after which the forces than to shoot him. There is no information yet on whether the man was armed or not. A case has been registered and an investigation is underway.

J&K: Man trying to enter Budgam Air Force station shot dead by security forces

Myanmar security forces took part in a massacre of 10 Rohingya in September, the army chief&#39;s office said today, as it admitted for the first-time abuses during a crackdown that sparked a mass exodus&nbsp;of&nbsp;the Muslim minority.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The massacre took place on September 2 in the village of Inn Din in Rakhine state, the Facebook posting said, as tensions escalated pitting Rohingya against security forces and ethnic Rakhine locals following the killing of a Rakhine man.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&quot;Some villagers from Inn Din village and security members confessed they killed 10 Bengali terrorists,&quot; the office said in its post, using a pejorative term for Rohingya and blaming militants for causing the unrest in the village.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The post also gave the first confirmation of a mass Rohingya grave inside Rakhine state following an army crackdown on militants from the minority group.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In its account, the office said security forces captured 10 Rohingya militants before killing them as violence engulfed Inn Din village and its surrounding area.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&quot;The decision was made to kill them at a cemetery,&quot; the post added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Refugees who have fled in their hundreds of thousands to neighbouring Bangladesh have given consistent accounts of massacres by Myanmar security forces flanked by ethnic Rakhine mobs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Those allegations, which have been cross-checked by media and rights groups, have seen Myanmar accused of ethnic cleansing by the US and UN and prompted questions over whether the army crackdown may have amounted to genocide.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But Myanmar&#39;s army has until now staunchly rebutted allegations of misconduct, clearing itself of any wrongdoing in an internal probe.

The massacre took place on September 2 in the village of Inn Din in Rakhine state

Myanmar security forces took part in a massacre of 10 Rohingya in September, the army chief's office said today, as it admitted for the first-time abuses during a crackdown that sparked a mass exodus of the Muslim minority. The massacre took place on September 2 in the village of Inn Din in Rakhine state, the Facebook posting said, as tensions escalated pitting Rohingya against security forces and ethnic Rakhine locals following the killing of a Rakhine man. "Some villagers from Inn Din village and security members confessed they killed 10 Bengali terrorists," the office said in its post, using a pejorative term for Rohingya and blaming militants for causing the unrest in the village. The post also gave the first confirmation of a mass Rohingya grave inside Rakhine state following an army crackdown on militants from the minority group. In its account, the office said security forces captured 10 Rohingya militants before killing them as violence engulfed Inn Din village and its surrounding area. "The decision was made to kill them at a cemetery," the post added. Refugees who have fled in their hundreds of thousands to neighbouring Bangladesh have given consistent accounts of massacres by Myanmar security forces flanked by ethnic Rakhine mobs. Those allegations, which have been cross-checked by media and rights groups, have seen Myanmar accused of ethnic cleansing by the US and UN and prompted questions over whether the army crackdown may have amounted to genocide. But Myanmar's army has until now staunchly rebutted allegations of misconduct, clearing itself of any wrongdoing in an internal probe.

Myanmar security forces took part in killing 10 Rohingya: Army

Sparked by the killing of two terrorists in the Shopian encounter, clashes erupted between locals and the security forces in the Jammu and Kashmir district on Tuesday.

A 24-year old woman was killed while eight protestors were injured in the clashes near the encounter site. &nbsp;The woman suffered bullet injuries and was declared dead on arrival at hospital.&nbsp;

The clashes erupted between protesters and forces after a cordon-and-search-operation was launched. &nbsp;As per media reports, the protestors pelted stones at the forces to disrupt their operation against the terrorists.&nbsp;

In return, the armed forces lobbed teargas shells and fired pellets to disperse the protesters, triggering further clashes.

Earlier, two militants, hiding in a residential house, were killed during an overnight encounter. A third terrorist, also hiding in the house, started firing at the forces and managed to escape.

The identities of the militants are being ascertained.

The violence was sparked by the killing of two militants in an encounter with security forces

Sparked by the killing of two terrorists in the Shopian encounter, clashes erupted between locals and the security forces in the Jammu and Kashmir district on Tuesday. A 24-year old woman was killed while eight protestors were injured in the clashes near the encounter site. The woman suffered bullet injuries and was declared dead on arrival at hospital. The clashes erupted between protesters and forces after a cordon-and-search-operation was launched. As per media reports, the protestors pelted stones at the forces to disrupt their operation against the terrorists. In return, the armed forces lobbed teargas shells and fired pellets to disperse the protesters, triggering further clashes. Earlier, two militants, hiding in a residential house, were killed during an overnight encounter. A third terrorist, also hiding in the house, started firing at the forces and managed to escape. The identities of the militants are being ascertained.

J&K: Woman killed, 8 injured as Shopian encounter sparks clashes between locals, security forces

Restrictions in parts of Srinagar continued for the second day today in view of a strike called by separatists against the recent anti-militancy operations conducted by security forces in the valley.

Restrictions in eight police station areas continued for the second day today, a police official said.

He said the curbs were in force in Khanyar, M R Gunj, Nowahtta, Rainawari, Safakadal, Maisuma, Kralkhud and Parimpora police station areas of the city.

The restrictions were imposed as a preventive measure to maintain law and order in view of the strike called by the separatists.

The restrictions were first imposed yesterday in the wake of the killing of a militant in a shootout with police in the outskirts of the city on Friday.

Three militants travelling in a car opened fire on a police team at the Zakura crossing on the Srinagar-Ganderbal road, killing sub-inspector Imran Tak and injuring a special police officer (SPO) on Friday evening.

The police team managed to intercept the car and apprehended one militant, but two others fled the scene. Later, police came to know that Mugees Ahmad Mir, one of the two militants who had managed to escape, was brought home dead.

Mir, a resident of Parimpora in the city, was brought home dead last evening after he was injured in the shoot-out. The slain militant was an associate of Zakir Musa, who left the Hizbul Mujahideen to float an IS affiliate in Kashmir.

Mir&#39;s killing was followed by the killing of six LeT militants in Hajin area of north Kashmir&#39;s Bandipora district in an encounter yesterday.

Later in the night, the separatists called for a shutdown today against these killings.

In a joint statement, the separatists, comprising chairmen of both factions of Hurriyat Conference - Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq - and JKLF Mohammad Yasin Malik, called for a complete shutdown for today against the cordon and search operations being carried out by armed forces in the Valley.

The separatist troika said, &quot;section of youth feels forced to find expression to their political aspirations and will by resorting to armed means because of stubbornness on the part of Government of India with regard to the resolution of the Kashmir dispute?

Most of the shops, fuel stations, and other business establishments were shut in Srinagar due to the strike, the police official said. However, he said, the weekly flea market, along with the TRC Chowk-Batamaloo axis through Lal Chowk city center, was open.

The official said public transport was sparse, but private cars, cabs, and auto-rickshaws were seen plying in many areas of the city.

Similar reports were received from other district headquarters of the valley, he said.

Restrictions in Srinagar continued for the second day today in view of a strike called by separatists against the recent anti-militancy operations conducted by security forces in the valley

Restrictions in parts of Srinagar continued for the second day today in view of a strike called by separatists against the recent anti-militancy operations conducted by security forces in the valley. Restrictions in eight police station areas continued for the second day today, a police official said. He said the curbs were in force in Khanyar, M R Gunj, Nowahtta, Rainawari, Safakadal, Maisuma, Kralkhud and Parimpora police station areas of the city. The restrictions were imposed as a preventive measure to maintain law and order in view of the strike called by the separatists. The restrictions were first imposed yesterday in the wake of the killing of a militant in a shootout with police in the outskirts of the city on Friday. Three militants travelling in a car opened fire on a police team at the Zakura crossing on the Srinagar-Ganderbal road, killing sub-inspector Imran Tak and injuring a special police officer (SPO) on Friday evening. The police team managed to intercept the car and apprehended one militant, but two others fled the scene. Later, police came to know that Mugees Ahmad Mir, one of the two militants who had managed to escape, was brought home dead. Mir, a resident of Parimpora in the city, was brought home dead last evening after he was injured in the shoot-out. The slain militant was an associate of Zakir Musa, who left the Hizbul Mujahideen to float an IS affiliate in Kashmir. Mir's killing was followed by the killing of six LeT militants in Hajin area of north Kashmir's Bandipora district in an encounter yesterday. Later in the night, the separatists called for a shutdown today against these killings. In a joint statement, the separatists, comprising chairmen of both factions of Hurriyat Conference - Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq - and JKLF Mohammad Yasin Malik, called for a complete shutdown for today against the cordon and search operations being carried out by armed forces in the Valley. The separatist troika said, "section of youth feels forced to find expression to their political aspirations and will by resorting to armed means because of stubbornness on the part of Government of India with regard to the resolution of the Kashmir dispute? Most of the shops, fuel stations, and other business establishments were shut in Srinagar due to the strike, the police official said. However, he said, the weekly flea market, along with the TRC Chowk-Batamaloo axis through Lal Chowk city center, was open. The official said public transport was sparse, but private cars, cabs, and auto-rickshaws were seen plying in many areas of the city. Similar reports were received from other district headquarters of the valley, he said.

Restrictions in parts of Srinagar continue for second day today

Two Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) hideouts were today busted by security forces in Tral area of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir.

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J&amp;K: Two Jaish e Mohammad hideouts busted by security forces in Tral. Search operation continues
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/923833206893248512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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J&amp;K: Two Jaish e Mohammad hideouts busted by security forces in Tral. Search operation continues <a href="https://t.co/CPfYwcnlxt">pic.twitter.com/CPfYwcnlxt</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/923850009170210817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2017</a></blockquote>
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A police official said &quot;two major Jaish hideouts were busted by security forces at Naristan in Tral area,&quot; and that the search operations were still going on.

The official said that the details of the operation would be given once it is completed.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Jaish-e-Muhammad hideouts were busted in Tral area of Pulwama district

Two Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) hideouts were today busted by security forces in Tral area of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir. J&K: Two Jaish e Mohammad hideouts busted by security forces in Tral. Search operation continues — ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2017 × J&K: Two Jaish e Mohammad hideouts busted by security forces in Tral. Search operation continues pic.twitter.com/CPfYwcnlxt — ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2017 × A police official said "two major Jaish hideouts were busted by security forces at Naristan in Tral area," and that the search operations were still going on. The official said that the details of the operation would be given once it is completed.

J&K: 2 JeM hideouts busted by security forces in Pulwama

In a shocking development, two freshly minted notes of Rs&nbsp;2,000 were recovered from the bodies of the two terrorists, who were gunned down today in an encounter with security forces in Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir.

The Army and the police in a joint operation had cordoned off the area to smoke out the two terrorists who were holed up and had opened fire, thus engaging in a heavy gunbattle early in the morning.

Yesterday, four masked men with arms along with them entered into a bank at a state-run Jammu and Kashmir branch in Malpora and left with Rs 13 lakh largely comprising of the scrapped 500 and 1,000 note currencies.

Earlier, three masked men had looted a bank of Rs 2.25 lakh in Kulgam district on October 25.

While announcing the radical step of demonetisation on November 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured that this move was targeting tax evasion, corruption and forgery and also stressed that terror attacks including those facilitated by Pakistan often include counterfeit 500-rupee notes.

(ANI)

The two terrorists were gunned down today in an encounter with security forces in the Bandipora region

In a shocking development, two freshly minted notes of Rs 2,000 were recovered from the bodies of the two terrorists, who were gunned down today in an encounter with security forces in Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir. The Army and the police in a joint operation had cordoned off the area to smoke out the two terrorists who were holed up and had opened fire, thus engaging in a heavy gunbattle early in the morning. Yesterday, four masked men with arms along with them entered into a bank at a state-run Jammu and Kashmir branch in Malpora and left with Rs 13 lakh largely comprising of the scrapped 500 and 1,000 note currencies. Earlier, three masked men had looted a bank of Rs 2.25 lakh in Kulgam district on October 25. While announcing the radical step of demonetisation on November 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured that this move was targeting tax evasion, corruption and forgery and also stressed that terror attacks including those facilitated by Pakistan often include counterfeit 500-rupee notes. (ANI)

New Rs 2000 notes recovered from bodies of terrorists killed in Kashmir

Six soldiers and a provinicial government official were killed in an ambush on&nbsp;their convoy today when armed gunmen attacked them in the&nbsp;southwest province of Balochistan. 
 
The incident took place 80 kilometres from Gwadar, a vital port in a planned&nbsp;China-Pakistan economic corridor from the Arabian sea to China&#39;s western&nbsp;Xinjiang district. 
 
The gunmen hurled grenades and fired rockets at the convoy, informed the Gwadar deputy district commissioner. 
 
Separatist groups in Balochistan&nbsp;have been involved in several attacks on the&nbsp;country&#39;s security forces as part of their struggle for independence. 
 
Baloch activists have claimed that security forces have carried out extrajudicial&nbsp;killings, and thousands of people have disappeared from the region. 
 
(WION with inputs from agencies)

The gunmen hurled grenades and fired rockets at the convoy, informed the deputy district commissioner of southwestern Gwadar port city

Six soldiers and a provinicial government official were killed in an ambush on their convoy today when armed gunmen attacked them in the southwest province of Balochistan. The incident took place 80 kilometres from Gwadar, a vital port in a planned China-Pakistan economic corridor from the Arabian sea to China's western Xinjiang district. The gunmen hurled grenades and fired rockets at the convoy, informed the Gwadar deputy district commissioner. Separatist groups in Balochistan have been involved in several attacks on the country's security forces as part of their struggle for independence. Baloch activists have claimed that security forces have carried out extrajudicial killings, and thousands of people have disappeared from the region. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Attack on convoy kills 7 in Pakistan's Balochistan

French police have made more than 1,000 football-related arrests since the start of Euro 2016 and 34 have been ordered expelled, the interior minister said in an interview published on Monday. 
 
&quot;Since the start of the competition, (police) have carried out more than 1,000 arrests, leading to 600 custody orders and 56 convictions,&quot; interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve told La Provence newspaper. 
 
Supporter clashes around the England-Russia match in Marseille marked the start of the month-long tournament which runs until July 10. 
 
Cazeneuve said 34 people have been ordered expelled from France. He did not give a breakdown, but said many were linked to the violence before the June 11 game in Marseille at which 35 people were injured. At least 23 Russians have been expelled. 
 
French authorities have mobilised about 90,000 security forces and private guards for Euro 2016. 
 
(AFP)

34 people have been expelled from France and authorities have mobilised about 90,000 security forces and private guards for Euro 2016

French police have made more than 1,000 football-related arrests since the start of Euro 2016 and 34 have been ordered expelled, the interior minister said in an interview published on Monday. "Since the start of the competition, (police) have carried out more than 1,000 arrests, leading to 600 custody orders and 56 convictions," interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve told La Provence newspaper. Supporter clashes around the England-Russia match in Marseille marked the start of the month-long tournament which runs until July 10. Cazeneuve said 34 people have been ordered expelled from France. He did not give a breakdown, but said many were linked to the violence before the June 11 game in Marseille at which 35 people were injured. At least 23 Russians have been expelled. French authorities have mobilised about 90,000 security forces and private guards for Euro 2016. (AFP)

French interior minister: More than 1,000 arrests linked to Euro 2016

Israeli lawmakers approved jailing children as young as 12 convicted of &quot;terrorist offences&quot; in the wake of repeated attacks by young Palestinians, parliament said today. 
 
&quot;The &#39;Youth Bill&#39; which will allow the authorities to imprison a minor convicted of serious crimes such as murder, attempted murder or manslaughter, even if he or she is under the age of 14, passed its second and third readings Tuesday night,&quot; an English-language statement said. 
 
It added that the seriousness of attacks in recent months &quot;demands a more aggressive approach, including toward minors&quot;. 
 
The statement quoted Anat Berko, a lawmaker from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&#39;s right-wing Likud party and the bill&#39;s sponsor, as saying &quot;to those who are murdered with a knife in the heart, it does not matter if the child is 12 or 15&quot;. 
 
Violence in the Palestinian territories and Israel since October has killed at least 218 Palestinians, 34 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese, according to an AFP count. 
 
Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, according to Israeli authorities.&nbsp;Many of the assailants were young people, including teenagers. Other youths have been shot dead during protests and clashes with security forces.&nbsp;Israeli justice minister Ayelet Shaked gave the bill full backing when it came before a ministerial committee last year. 
 
&quot;Youths, such as Ahmed Manasra, who engage in terror and seek the death of Jewish civilians will not be shown mercy by the law,&quot; media quoted her as saying. 
 
Manasra, a 14-year-old Palestinian, was convicted in May of the attempted murder of two Israelis in a knife attack last October. He was 13 when he carried out the attack and is yet to be sentenced. 
 
Along with a 15-year-old cousin, he stabbed and seriously wounded a 20-year-old and a 12-year-old boy in the Jewish settlement neighbourhood of Pisgat Zeev in annexed east Jerusalem.&nbsp;The cousin was shot dead by security forces, while Manasra was hit by a car as they fled. 
 
Manasra, an east Jerusalem resident, was the youngest Palestinian to be convicted by an Israeli civilian court in the current round of violence.&nbsp;Israeli rights group B&#39;Tselem criticised the bill and Israel&#39;s treatment of Palestinian youths. 
 
&quot;Rather than sending them to prison, Israel would be better off sending them to school where they could grow up in dignity and freedom, not under occupation,&quot; it said in a statement today.&nbsp;&quot;Imprisoning such young minors denies them the chance of a better future.&quot; 
 
Military law, applied to Palestinian residents of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, already allows imprisonment of 12-year-olds. 
 
A 12-year-old Palestinian girl from the West Bank, convicted of attempted murder by a military court as part of a plea bargain and sentenced to four months, was released from prison in April. 
 
(AFP)

In the wake of repeated attacks by young Palestinians, 'Youth Bill' will allow a minor convicted of crimes like murder to be imprisoned

Israeli lawmakers approved jailing children as young as 12 convicted of "terrorist offences" in the wake of repeated attacks by young Palestinians, parliament said today. "The 'Youth Bill' which will allow the authorities to imprison a minor convicted of serious crimes such as murder, attempted murder or manslaughter, even if he or she is under the age of 14, passed its second and third readings Tuesday night," an English-language statement said. It added that the seriousness of attacks in recent months "demands a more aggressive approach, including toward minors". The statement quoted Anat Berko, a lawmaker from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party and the bill's sponsor, as saying "to those who are murdered with a knife in the heart, it does not matter if the child is 12 or 15". Violence in the Palestinian territories and Israel since October has killed at least 218 Palestinians, 34 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese, according to an AFP count. Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, according to Israeli authorities. Many of the assailants were young people, including teenagers. Other youths have been shot dead during protests and clashes with security forces. Israeli justice minister Ayelet Shaked gave the bill full backing when it came before a ministerial committee last year. "Youths, such as Ahmed Manasra, who engage in terror and seek the death of Jewish civilians will not be shown mercy by the law," media quoted her as saying. Manasra, a 14-year-old Palestinian, was convicted in May of the attempted murder of two Israelis in a knife attack last October. He was 13 when he carried out the attack and is yet to be sentenced. Along with a 15-year-old cousin, he stabbed and seriously wounded a 20-year-old and a 12-year-old boy in the Jewish settlement neighbourhood of Pisgat Zeev in annexed east Jerusalem. The cousin was shot dead by security forces, while Manasra was hit by a car as they fled. Manasra, an east Jerusalem resident, was the youngest Palestinian to be convicted by an Israeli civilian court in the current round of violence. Israeli rights group B'Tselem criticised the bill and Israel's treatment of Palestinian youths. "Rather than sending them to prison, Israel would be better off sending them to school where they could grow up in dignity and freedom, not under occupation," it said in a statement today. "Imprisoning such young minors denies them the chance of a better future." Military law, applied to Palestinian residents of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, already allows imprisonment of 12-year-olds. A 12-year-old Palestinian girl from the West Bank, convicted of attempted murder by a military court as part of a plea bargain and sentenced to four months, was released from prison in April. (AFP)

Israel approves law jailing terrorists aged 12

Indonesia&#39;s most wanted Islamist extremist has been killed in a firefight with troops, police said today, ending a years-long hunt for the Islamic State (IS) group supporter. 
 
Santoso, the leader of the eastern Indonesia Mujahideen, was shot dead on Monday on mountainous Sulawesi island, where he had been hiding out in the jungle with a small band of followers. 
 
His death is a major victory for the Indonesian authorities who had pursued the extremist for five years, sending thousands of security forces to hunt for him. 
 
His group carried out a string of deadly attacks on domestic security forces and was known for training militants from around the archipelago. In 2014 he pledged allegiance to IS and earlier this year was placed by the United States on a list of global terrorists. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s definitely Santoso,&quot; Rudy Sufahriadi, police chief of central Sulawesi province on the island, told AFP after a process to identify the militant&#39;s body. &quot;I have hunted him and I have arrested him before, we have asked people and we have sent people (to identify the body) who fought with him and went on jihad with him - they have confirmed it was him.&quot; 
 
After Indonesia suffered a string of Islamic extremist attacks in the early 2000s, including the 2002 Bali bombings which killed more than 200, authorities launched a crackdown that weakened the most dangerous networks.&nbsp;But Santoso&#39;s group remained a thorn in the side of the government, with the long-haired, gun-toting militant regularly appearing in videos urging extremists to launch attacks on the security forces. 
 
Significant blow 
 
The picture has changed recently, with other cells now considered a greater threat - Santoso was not believed to have played role in an IS-claimed attack in Jakarta in January. But his death will still be seen as a significant blow to Islamic militancy in Indonesia. 
 
The extremist, known by several aliases including Abu Wardah, was killed alongside one other militant in Tambarana village in Poso district, an area that has become known as a terror hotbed. 
 
Police said the pair were killed beside a river and a rifle was recovered. Two women, one of whom was suspected to be Santoso&rsquo;s wife, and another man, escaped from the gunfight. 
 
Following a sustained campaign by security forces, authorities believe just 19 members of Santoso&#39;s group now remain on Sulawesi waging a guerrilla campaign against the government. 
 
Santoso also attracted militants from abroad, with several members of China&#39;s mostly Muslim Uighur ethnic minority travelling to Indonesia to join his group.&nbsp;Several were killed fighting with the eastern Indonesia Mujahideen, and in July last year four Uighurs were jailed after being caught on Sulawesi attempting to join the group. 
 
Santoso became involved in Islamic extremism during bloody fighting between Muslims and Christians around Poso from the late 1990s to the early 2000s which left hundreds dead.&nbsp;He went on to form the eastern Indonesia Mujahideen and quickly jumped to the top of the most wanted list after his men began killing police officers. 
 
(AFP)

Santoso, the leader of the eastern Indonesia Mujahideen, was shot dead on Monday on the mountainous Sulawesi island

Indonesia's most wanted Islamist extremist has been killed in a firefight with troops, police said today, ending a years-long hunt for the Islamic State (IS) group supporter. Santoso, the leader of the eastern Indonesia Mujahideen, was shot dead on Monday on mountainous Sulawesi island, where he had been hiding out in the jungle with a small band of followers. His death is a major victory for the Indonesian authorities who had pursued the extremist for five years, sending thousands of security forces to hunt for him. His group carried out a string of deadly attacks on domestic security forces and was known for training militants from around the archipelago. In 2014 he pledged allegiance to IS and earlier this year was placed by the United States on a list of global terrorists. "It's definitely Santoso," Rudy Sufahriadi, police chief of central Sulawesi province on the island, told AFP after a process to identify the militant's body. "I have hunted him and I have arrested him before, we have asked people and we have sent people (to identify the body) who fought with him and went on jihad with him - they have confirmed it was him." After Indonesia suffered a string of Islamic extremist attacks in the early 2000s, including the 2002 Bali bombings which killed more than 200, authorities launched a crackdown that weakened the most dangerous networks. But Santoso's group remained a thorn in the side of the government, with the long-haired, gun-toting militant regularly appearing in videos urging extremists to launch attacks on the security forces. Significant blow The picture has changed recently, with other cells now considered a greater threat - Santoso was not believed to have played role in an IS-claimed attack in Jakarta in January. But his death will still be seen as a significant blow to Islamic militancy in Indonesia. The extremist, known by several aliases including Abu Wardah, was killed alongside one other militant in Tambarana village in Poso district, an area that has become known as a terror hotbed. Police said the pair were killed beside a river and a rifle was recovered. Two women, one of whom was suspected to be Santoso’s wife, and another man, escaped from the gunfight. Following a sustained campaign by security forces, authorities believe just 19 members of Santoso's group now remain on Sulawesi waging a guerrilla campaign against the government. Santoso also attracted militants from abroad, with several members of China's mostly Muslim Uighur ethnic minority travelling to Indonesia to join his group. Several were killed fighting with the eastern Indonesia Mujahideen, and in July last year four Uighurs were jailed after being caught on Sulawesi attempting to join the group. Santoso became involved in Islamic extremism during bloody fighting between Muslims and Christians around Poso from the late 1990s to the early 2000s which left hundreds dead. He went on to form the eastern Indonesia Mujahideen and quickly jumped to the top of the most wanted list after his men began killing police officers. (AFP)

Indonesia's most wanted Islamist militant killed

Kashmir residents said today they are facing shortages of prescription drugs, as parts of the region remained under curfew for an 11th day following deadly clashes between protesters and security forces. 
 
As the overall death toll from days of violence rose to 45, shopkeepers warned supplies were running low because trucks were unable to reach them, while residents complained of being &quot;caged&quot; in their homes. 
 
&quot;People are suffering without medicines. A lot of people are struggling for medicines for diabetes, hypertension and anti-depressants,&quot; said Nazir Ahmed who owns a pharmacy in the old part of the main city of Srinagar. 
 
With most vehicles ordered off the roads under the curfew, Ahmed said he walked five kilometres to a warehouse to buy medicines. 
 
&quot;No fresh supplies are coming from outside. This will last two to three days for my neighbourhood,&quot; Ahmed said, carrying plastic bags full of medicines. 
 
Shops and other businesses have been shuttered under the curfew which the government says is needed to curb the street clashes that erupted after the death of a Hizbul Mujahideen commander on July 8. 
 
Burhan Wani, killed during a gunbattle with government forces, was commander of the region&#39;s biggest separatist group Hizbul Mujahideen, listed as a terror group by India, United States and the European Union among others, one of several fighting for decades against Indian troops deployed in the territory. 
 
The clashes are the deadliest in Muslim-majority Kashmir since 2010 when massive demonstrations were held against Indian rule. 
 
Kashmir has been divided between rivals India and Pakistan since independence in 1947, but both claim the Himalayan territory in full. 
 
In the latest violence two protesters were killed late Monday when soldiers opened fire on stone-throwing demonstrators in the south. 
 
The army said in a statement troops were forced to shoot when a &quot;large mob turned violent&quot; and &quot;attempted to snatch weapons from the soldiers&quot;, adding that the deaths were regretted. 
 
In parts of Srinagar today, residents kept watch for volunteers from local charities delivering supplies including food on foot. 
 
An elderly woman suffering from hypertension and a heart condition said she hoped they would bring medicines soon. 
 
&quot;I don&#39;t have my medicines. Some volunteers came, but they did not have the medicines I need,&quot; Noora, 80, who uses one name, said from her doorstep. 
 
&quot;We are just caged inside our home,&quot; her son, Ghulam Nabi Ahangar, added. 
 
Ahangar said security forces were firing tear gas and pepper spray at night to deter people from venturing outside. 
 
&quot;The poisonous gases stay inside our home and lungs the whole night. Our children are falling sick and cannot sleep,&quot; Ahangar told AFP. 
 
Some pharmacies outside hospitals are open but few residents can reach them, while internet and phone services remain patchy. 
 
&quot;Patients who have not been able to reach hospitals will come in large numbers once the curfew is lifted. It will be another huge emergency,&quot; said Kaisar Ahmed, head of Sri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital and six other government hospitals in Srinagar. 
 
(AFP)

Shopkeepers warned supplies were running low as trucks were unable to reach them. Residents complained of being 'caged' in their homes

Kashmir residents said today they are facing shortages of prescription drugs, as parts of the region remained under curfew for an 11th day following deadly clashes between protesters and security forces. As the overall death toll from days of violence rose to 45, shopkeepers warned supplies were running low because trucks were unable to reach them, while residents complained of being "caged" in their homes. "People are suffering without medicines. A lot of people are struggling for medicines for diabetes, hypertension and anti-depressants," said Nazir Ahmed who owns a pharmacy in the old part of the main city of Srinagar. With most vehicles ordered off the roads under the curfew, Ahmed said he walked five kilometres to a warehouse to buy medicines. "No fresh supplies are coming from outside. This will last two to three days for my neighbourhood," Ahmed said, carrying plastic bags full of medicines. Shops and other businesses have been shuttered under the curfew which the government says is needed to curb the street clashes that erupted after the death of a Hizbul Mujahideen commander on July 8. Burhan Wani, killed during a gunbattle with government forces, was commander of the region's biggest separatist group Hizbul Mujahideen, listed as a terror group by India, United States and the European Union among others, one of several fighting for decades against Indian troops deployed in the territory. The clashes are the deadliest in Muslim-majority Kashmir since 2010 when massive demonstrations were held against Indian rule. Kashmir has been divided between rivals India and Pakistan since independence in 1947, but both claim the Himalayan territory in full. In the latest violence two protesters were killed late Monday when soldiers opened fire on stone-throwing demonstrators in the south. The army said in a statement troops were forced to shoot when a "large mob turned violent" and "attempted to snatch weapons from the soldiers", adding that the deaths were regretted. In parts of Srinagar today, residents kept watch for volunteers from local charities delivering supplies including food on foot. An elderly woman suffering from hypertension and a heart condition said she hoped they would bring medicines soon. "I don't have my medicines. Some volunteers came, but they did not have the medicines I need," Noora, 80, who uses one name, said from her doorstep. "We are just caged inside our home," her son, Ghulam Nabi Ahangar, added. Ahangar said security forces were firing tear gas and pepper spray at night to deter people from venturing outside. "The poisonous gases stay inside our home and lungs the whole night. Our children are falling sick and cannot sleep," Ahangar told AFP. Some pharmacies outside hospitals are open but few residents can reach them, while internet and phone services remain patchy. "Patients who have not been able to reach hospitals will come in large numbers once the curfew is lifted. It will be another huge emergency," said Kaisar Ahmed, head of Sri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital and six other government hospitals in Srinagar. (AFP)

Kashmir unrest: Residents under curfew face medicine shortage

An attacker who drove a heavy truck into crowds in the French city of Nice killing at least 84 came from the Tunisian town of Msaken which he last visited four years ago, Tunisian security sources said today.

The man, identified by French police sources as 31-year-old Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel, was not known by the Tunisian authorities to hold radical or Islamist views, the sources said.

Bouhlel was married and&nbsp;had three children, they said. The sources did not say when he had last been resident in Tunisia.

Msaken is about 10 km outside the coastal city of Sousse.

Tunisia&#39;s consul in Nice said one of the 84 victims of the attack had been identified as Tunisian national, Bilal Labawi,&nbsp;and that officials were working to check for other Tunisian nationals among the casualties, state news agency TAP reported.

The Tunisian government issued a statement condemning the attack &quot;in the strongest possible terms&quot;.

&quot;Tunisia stands by France in its fight against terrorism and supports any measure taken by the French government to protect its territory and the security of its citizens and visitors,&quot; the statement said.

Like France, Tunisia has also suffered badly from militant Islamist attacks in recent years. On June 23, 2015, a gunman killed 38, mostly British holidaymakers, on a beach in Sousse, in an attack that dealt a heavy blow to its tourism industry, which accounts for 8 per&nbsp;cent of national output. 
 
(Reuters)

Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel was married, with three children. He was not known by Tunisian authorities to hold radical or Islamist views

An attacker who drove a heavy truck into crowds in the French city of Nice killing at least 84 came from the Tunisian town of Msaken which he last visited four years ago, Tunisian security sources said today. The man, identified by French police sources as 31-year-old Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel, was not known by the Tunisian authorities to hold radical or Islamist views, the sources said. Bouhlel was married and had three children, they said. The sources did not say when he had last been resident in Tunisia. Msaken is about 10 km outside the coastal city of Sousse. Tunisia's consul in Nice said one of the 84 victims of the attack had been identified as Tunisian national, Bilal Labawi, and that officials were working to check for other Tunisian nationals among the casualties, state news agency TAP reported. The Tunisian government issued a statement condemning the attack "in the strongest possible terms". "Tunisia stands by France in its fight against terrorism and supports any measure taken by the French government to protect its territory and the security of its citizens and visitors," the statement said. Like France, Tunisia has also suffered badly from militant Islamist attacks in recent years. On June 23, 2015, a gunman killed 38, mostly British holidaymakers, on a beach in Sousse, in an attack that dealt a heavy blow to its tourism industry, which accounts for 8 per cent of national output. (Reuters)

Nice truck attacker was from Tunisian town of Msaken

In a statement issued late last night, the chief minister of India&#39;s northern state Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, urged India&#39;s ruling government to reach out to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. And to resolve the issues confronting the state through reconciliatory efforts to help end the violence that has left a trail of death and destruction in its wake. 
 
?Indian home minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Mehbooba Mufti and assured her of all assistance from the government at the centre. 
 
The pain of the Kashmiris has reached such a level that the hope of peace is certain to gain substantial local support if tangible confidence-building measures are taken to address the issues concerning the state and its people, the chief minister said. 
 
Mehbooba said the people of Jammu and Kashmir, irrespective of their age, gender, status or political affiliation, have been suffering the terrible consequences of the violence and turmoil that has wracked the state for more than two decades. 
 
They now want peace and stability to take root and even within the prevailing circumstances, there lies an opportunity to work on peace efforts should substantial steps be taken in the right direction. 
 
Seeking the people&#39;s cooperation in her peace effort, Mehbooba said the government is responsive to the people&#39;s needs and concerned about their problems, and is working judiciously and in a transparent manner to fulfil their expectations and aspirations. 
 
Flagging the problem of unemployment as a matter of grave concern, she said every section of society, including individuals, institutions, and organisations, have to be brought together in a spirit of creative enterprise. And that that would widen the economic and employment space in state, and in turn help channelise the youth&#39;s energies productively. 
 
Reacting to the deaths of civilians in the firing by security forces yesterday, Mufti asked that they follow standard operating procedure for crowd control and avoid the disproportionate use of force. 
 
&quot;Disproportionate use of force for crowd control results in loss of precious lives and grave injuries which should be avoided at all costs,&quot; she said. 
 
Urging for calm, Mehbooba sought the people&#39;s cooperation in restoring normalcy to the Valley. 
 
Violence only brings misery to the people and tragedy upon the victims&#39; families, she said. 
 
(PTI)

Say violence only brings misery to the people and tragedy upon the victims' families

In a statement issued late last night, the chief minister of India's northern state Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, urged India's ruling government to reach out to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. And to resolve the issues confronting the state through reconciliatory efforts to help end the violence that has left a trail of death and destruction in its wake. ?Indian home minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Mehbooba Mufti and assured her of all assistance from the government at the centre. The pain of the Kashmiris has reached such a level that the hope of peace is certain to gain substantial local support if tangible confidence-building measures are taken to address the issues concerning the state and its people, the chief minister said. Mehbooba said the people of Jammu and Kashmir, irrespective of their age, gender, status or political affiliation, have been suffering the terrible consequences of the violence and turmoil that has wracked the state for more than two decades. They now want peace and stability to take root and even within the prevailing circumstances, there lies an opportunity to work on peace efforts should substantial steps be taken in the right direction. Seeking the people's cooperation in her peace effort, Mehbooba said the government is responsive to the people's needs and concerned about their problems, and is working judiciously and in a transparent manner to fulfil their expectations and aspirations. Flagging the problem of unemployment as a matter of grave concern, she said every section of society, including individuals, institutions, and organisations, have to be brought together in a spirit of creative enterprise. And that that would widen the economic and employment space in state, and in turn help channelise the youth's energies productively. Reacting to the deaths of civilians in the firing by security forces yesterday, Mufti asked that they follow standard operating procedure for crowd control and avoid the disproportionate use of force. "Disproportionate use of force for crowd control results in loss of precious lives and grave injuries which should be avoided at all costs," she said. Urging for calm, Mehbooba sought the people's cooperation in restoring normalcy to the Valley. Violence only brings misery to the people and tragedy upon the victims' families, she said. (PTI)

Chief minister urges Indian government to reach out to Kashmiris

Heavy fighting between Islamic State (IS) militants and government security forces has claimed dozens of lives in eastern Afghanistan, officials said today. 
 
In recent months insurgents claiming allegiance to Islamic State had largely appeared to be bottled up in a mountainous area along the border with Pakistan under threat of US air strikes. 
 
The latest attacks indicate the group remains a potent threat to a government already battling an insurgency dominated by the rival Taliban. 
 
At least a dozen Afghan security forces and civilians had been killed, with another 18 wounded, Nangarhar province governor Saleem Khan Kunduzi said in a statement. 
 
Local officials claimed more than 100 Islamic State fighters had been killed in fighting in Nangarhar over the past three days, even though exact figures varied and could not be independently verified. 
 
&quot;There is no doubt that Daesh (IS) do not respect anyone,&quot; Kunduzi said, using a common term for Islamic State. &quot;They kill people, regardless of whether they&#39;re a child or a woman. They burn down madrasas, mosques and schools.&quot; 
 
As many as 25 homes had been burned down in Kowt district, and five civilians were reported kidnapped, Nangarhar officials said. 
 
Hundreds of police and soldiers are engaged in the area with reinforcements on the way, provincial police chief Zarawar Zahid said. 
 
At a small event today in Kabul, the head of Afghanistan&#39;s civil society federation, Sediq Ansari, blamed local leaders for being negligent in the face of Islamic State threats and called on them to be suspended. 
 
&quot;They should be accountable for every drop of blood that has been shed in Nangarhar so it becomes a lesson to other officials,&quot; he told gathered reporters. 
 
Militants linked to Islamic State have not made as much progress in Afghanistan as in Syria and Iraq, where the group seized major cities and wide swaths of territory and attracted thousands of recruits. 
 
In Afghanistan, the group is thought to consist mostly of disaffected members of other insurgent movements, including the Taliban, who have often battled Islamic State for control of areas in Nangarhar. 
 
In January, US President Barack Obama gave US forces in Afghanistan more freedom to attack Islamic State targets, leading to a spike in air strikes and other operations, especially in Nangarhar. 
 
No coalition forces have been involved in the latest fighting, spokesman Commander Ron Flesvig said. 
 
(Reuters)

According to local officials, more than 100 Islamic State fighters had been killed in fighting in Nangarhar over the past three days

Heavy fighting between Islamic State (IS) militants and government security forces has claimed dozens of lives in eastern Afghanistan, officials said today. In recent months insurgents claiming allegiance to Islamic State had largely appeared to be bottled up in a mountainous area along the border with Pakistan under threat of US air strikes. The latest attacks indicate the group remains a potent threat to a government already battling an insurgency dominated by the rival Taliban. At least a dozen Afghan security forces and civilians had been killed, with another 18 wounded, Nangarhar province governor Saleem Khan Kunduzi said in a statement. Local officials claimed more than 100 Islamic State fighters had been killed in fighting in Nangarhar over the past three days, even though exact figures varied and could not be independently verified. "There is no doubt that Daesh (IS) do not respect anyone," Kunduzi said, using a common term for Islamic State. "They kill people, regardless of whether they're a child or a woman. They burn down madrasas, mosques and schools." As many as 25 homes had been burned down in Kowt district, and five civilians were reported kidnapped, Nangarhar officials said. Hundreds of police and soldiers are engaged in the area with reinforcements on the way, provincial police chief Zarawar Zahid said. At a small event today in Kabul, the head of Afghanistan's civil society federation, Sediq Ansari, blamed local leaders for being negligent in the face of Islamic State threats and called on them to be suspended. "They should be accountable for every drop of blood that has been shed in Nangarhar so it becomes a lesson to other officials," he told gathered reporters. Militants linked to Islamic State have not made as much progress in Afghanistan as in Syria and Iraq, where the group seized major cities and wide swaths of territory and attracted thousands of recruits. In Afghanistan, the group is thought to consist mostly of disaffected members of other insurgent movements, including the Taliban, who have often battled Islamic State for control of areas in Nangarhar. In January, US President Barack Obama gave US forces in Afghanistan more freedom to attack Islamic State targets, leading to a spike in air strikes and other operations, especially in Nangarhar. No coalition forces have been involved in the latest fighting, spokesman Commander Ron Flesvig said. (Reuters)

Islamic State militants launch new attacks in eastern Afghanistan

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