Paris terrorist attacks in 2015 involving suicide bomb and gun attack at Stade de France, bars, restaurants and Bataclan concert hall had seen 130 people killed and 490 injured. Those responsible for the attacks fled Paris. Belgian broadcaster RTBF has released an interview one of its journalists had unknowingly with mastermind of the Paris attacks as he tried to flee to Belgium in a car with accomplices.&nbsp;

Salah Abdesalam and 19 others were accused for the terror attacks. But in the initial hours after the mayhem they were able to move around as their pictures had not been widely circulated.

RTBF said that one of its reporters Charlotte Legrand was interviewing motorists at one of the checkpoints between France and Belgium. The 90-second clip has conversation between the reporter and perpetrators of the terror attack.

The reporter has been quoted as saying that the three men inside the car looked tired and worn out. They showed their papers to the officials at the checkpoint while they answered her questions.

However, when they got the ID cards back, they abruptly cut the conversation and sped away.

At this point, the photos of the terrorists were not widely circulated and hence they were allowed to go past the checkpoint.

Paris terrorist attacks in 2015 involving suicide bomb and gun attack at Stade de France, bars, restaurants and Bataclan concert hall had seen 130 people killed and 490 injured.

Paris terrorist attacks in 2015 involving suicide bomb and gun attack at Stade de France, bars, restaurants and Bataclan concert hall had seen 130 people killed and 490 injured. Those responsible for the attacks fled Paris. Belgian broadcaster RTBF has released an interview one of its journalists had unknowingly with mastermind of the Paris attacks as he tried to flee to Belgium in a car with accomplices. Salah Abdesalam and 19 others were accused for the terror attacks. But in the initial hours after the mayhem they were able to move around as their pictures had not been widely circulated. RTBF said that one of its reporters Charlotte Legrand was interviewing motorists at one of the checkpoints between France and Belgium. The 90-second clip has conversation between the reporter and perpetrators of the terror attack. The reporter has been quoted as saying that the three men inside the car looked tired and worn out. They showed their papers to the officials at the checkpoint while they answered her questions. However, when they got the ID cards back, they abruptly cut the conversation and sped away. At this point, the photos of the terrorists were not widely circulated and hence they were allowed to go past the checkpoint.

Journalist spoke with fleeing 2015 Paris attack suspects just hours after carnage

According to a survey conducted by Morning Consult/Politico polling,&nbsp;66 per cent of registered voters in the US have said that ISIS and other Islamist terrorist groups in foreign countries pose a “critical threat” to the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A total of 61 per cent of Americans said that Islamist extremism overall poses a threat to vital US interests over the next decade.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Antony Blinken to visit Qatar to hold ministerial meeting on Afghan crisis

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After the Islamic State (IS) attack at Afghanistan’s Kabul airport that killed 13 US troops and over 90 Afghans during the evacuation,&nbsp;these numbers have&nbsp;witnessed a double-digit rise in roughly a week.&nbsp;

At least&nbsp;54 per cent US citizens&nbsp;consider ISIS and other Islamist terrorist groups, a threat before the attack, the numbers were 49 per cent for those who saw Islamist extremism as an overall threat to the US.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-911-changed-air-travel-more-security-less-privacy-411141" hreflang="en">How 9/11 changed air travel: More security, less privacy</a>

Post the Kabul airport attack, roughly 67 per cent of Americans see terrorism in the US as a threat, up from 59 per cent between August 21 and 24.&nbsp;

The survey conducted by&nbsp;Morning Consult also showed that 26 per cent of registered American voters said security matters, including terrorism,&nbsp;foreign policy&nbsp;and border security were the most vital aspects for them when thinking about their votes for the federal office.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

According to a survey conducted by Morning Consult/Politico polling, 66 per cent of registered voters in the US have said that ISIS and other Islamist terrorist groups in foreign countries pose a “critical threat” to the country.

According to a survey conducted by Morning Consult/Politico polling, 66 per cent of registered voters in the US have said that ISIS and other Islamist terrorist groups in foreign countries pose a “critical threat” to the country. A total of 61 per cent of Americans said that Islamist extremism overall poses a threat to vital US interests over the next decade. Watch: Antony Blinken to visit Qatar to hold ministerial meeting on Afghan crisis × After the Islamic State (IS) attack at Afghanistan’s Kabul airport that killed 13 US troops and over 90 Afghans during the evacuation, these numbers have witnessed a double-digit rise in roughly a week. At least 54 per cent US citizens consider ISIS and other Islamist terrorist groups, a threat before the attack, the numbers were 49 per cent for those who saw Islamist extremism as an overall threat to the US. Also Read: How 9/11 changed air travel: More security, less privacy Post the Kabul airport attack, roughly 67 per cent of Americans see terrorism in the US as a threat, up from 59 per cent between August 21 and 24. The survey conducted by Morning Consult also showed that 26 per cent of registered American voters said security matters, including terrorism, foreign policy and border security were the most vital aspects for them when thinking about their votes for the federal office. (With inputs from agencies)

66% US citizens think terror groups pose threat to country 

16 African Nations have united to battle 'Jihadist Terror' in Mozambique. Rwanda, Botswana & South Africa are sending troops to take on Al-Shabab which wants to establish an 'Islamic Caliphate' in the country. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: South Africa is sending troops to Mozambique

The growing number of terror attacks on security forces in the country are linked with the developing political situation in Afghanistan, said&nbsp;Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ISPR chief was asked if the&nbsp;recent attacks were connected with the situation in Afghanistan or whether local outfits, such as Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and&nbsp;Balochistan&nbsp;Liberation Army, were behind it in an interview with TV channel 92 News.&nbsp;

Iftikhar said,&nbsp;"These recent events definitely have a relation with the situation developing on the other side&nbsp;(in Afghanistan). As a result of our operations, there is no&nbsp;organised&nbsp;terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and the leadership of all these networks is sitting across in Afghanistan and they have had the support of&nbsp;(Indian intelligence agency)&nbsp;RAW and India.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;the recent events you saw show their (terrorists') desperation."&nbsp;&nbsp;

The statement comes two days after&nbsp;two&nbsp;Pakistan Army&nbsp;soldiers were&nbsp;killed in a terrorist attack in Khuda Baksh Bazaar near the coastal town of&nbsp;Pasni&nbsp;in&nbsp;Balochistan.&nbsp;

Prior to that,&nbsp;two security persons, including an officer,&nbsp;died&nbsp;while three others&nbsp;were hurt&nbsp;in&nbsp;clashes with militants in&nbsp;Zewa&nbsp;area of Kurram tribal district.&nbsp;

The growing number of terror attacks on security forces in the country are linked with the developing political situation in Afghanistan, said Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar on Saturday.

The growing number of terror attacks on security forces in the country are linked with the developing political situation in Afghanistan, said Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar on Saturday. ISPR chief was asked if the recent attacks were connected with the situation in Afghanistan or whether local outfits, such as Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and Balochistan Liberation Army, were behind it in an interview with TV channel 92 News. Iftikhar said, "These recent events definitely have a relation with the situation developing on the other side (in Afghanistan). As a result of our operations, there is no organised terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and the leadership of all these networks is sitting across in Afghanistan and they have had the support of (Indian intelligence agency) RAW and India. So, the recent events you saw show their (terrorists') desperation." The statement comes two days after two Pakistan Army soldiers were killed in a terrorist attack in Khuda Baksh Bazaar near the coastal town of Pasni in Balochistan. Prior to that, two security persons, including an officer, died while three others were hurt in clashes with militants in Zewa area of Kurram tribal district.

Pakistan’s DG ISPR says recent terror wave linked with Afghan situation 

Taliban has said that it has sent a&nbsp;'message'&nbsp;to international terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) that the soil of Afghanistan will not be used against&nbsp;'any other country'.&nbsp; Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the Taliban's&nbsp;spokesman for International Media Suhail Shaheen has said that they&nbsp;'don’t have any ties with'&nbsp;the&nbsp;two&nbsp;Pakistan-based terror groups.&nbsp;

Last week, Afghan President Ghani said intelligence estimates indicate the influx of over&nbsp;10,000&nbsp;Jihadi fighters from Pakistan and other places in the past month. This even as the Taliban is making rapid territorial gains.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On protection of major infrastructure projects, Shaheen said that the group has a policy of protecting&nbsp;'national projects like dams'. India has constructed major infrastructure projects in the country like India Afghanistan Friendship dam in western Herat province.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Are Taliban and India talking?&nbsp;Having some kind of engagement at any level. Any back-channel communication between the&nbsp;two, if yes, how?&nbsp;

Suhail Shaheen: I can’t confirm reports about the Indian delegation meeting with IEA seniors. It has not happened.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Has Taliban cut ties with UN listed terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)?&nbsp;

Suhail Shaheen: We have clearly sent a message to all that we are not allowing anyone to use the soil of Afghanistan against any other country. We don’t have any ties with them. About India, it is essential for them to remain impartial in the Afghan issue and not to support a moribund regime that is killing its own people day and night by drones, airplanes&nbsp;strikes, and weapons received from foreign countries.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India's development projects, capacity building projects. Can you assure them they will be protected? Recently,&nbsp;16 security personnel were killed in a Taliban attack near the Salma dam in Herat?&nbsp;

Suhail Shaheen: Protection of national projects like dams is an IEA or Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan policy. We have announced this policy more than once. However, Indian military hardware assistance&nbsp;to&nbsp;Kabul,&nbsp;which ultimately end&nbsp;up in&nbsp;killing innocent Afghan people,&nbsp;is hostility&nbsp;towards&nbsp;the Afghan people. This&nbsp;is bad for&nbsp;India’s image in the eyes of the Afghan people and&nbsp;makes&nbsp;a hostile perception. It is for them to review their position.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: India has been saying gains of the last 20 years, like women's rights, minority rights, rights of Hindus, Sikhs should not be impacted? How do you see that, plus, will the rights of minorities be protected? or will they have to flee home to take refuge in India?&nbsp;A large number have already come to India.&nbsp;

Suhail Shaheen: We are committed to the rights of minorities in Afghanistan and they have equal rights like other Afghans. Similarly, we admit all basic rights of women including access to education and work in the light of our Islamic rules. Moreover, there is no security issue for any Afghan citizen intending to lead a normal life in the country.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal:&nbsp; How&nbsp;do you see the current situation in Afghanistan with violence being increased by Taliban fighters? Do you plan to create an Islamic emirate in the country?&nbsp;

Suhail Shaheen: Talks are underway in Doha currently. We hope to reach a peaceful solution through talks and form an Afghan inclusive Islamic government where all Afghans&nbsp;can&nbsp;participate.&nbsp;

Taliban has said that it has sent a 'message' to international terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) that the soil of Afghanistan will not be used against 'any other country'.

Taliban has said that it has sent a 'message' to international terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) that the soil of Afghanistan will not be used against 'any other country'. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the Taliban's spokesman for International Media Suhail Shaheen has said that they 'don’t have any ties with' the two Pakistan-based terror groups. Last week, Afghan President Ghani said intelligence estimates indicate the influx of over 10,000 Jihadi fighters from Pakistan and other places in the past month. This even as the Taliban is making rapid territorial gains. On protection of major infrastructure projects, Shaheen said that the group has a policy of protecting 'national projects like dams'. India has constructed major infrastructure projects in the country like India Afghanistan Friendship dam in western Herat province. Sidhant Sibal: Are Taliban and India talking? Having some kind of engagement at any level. Any back-channel communication between the two, if yes, how? Suhail Shaheen: I can’t confirm reports about the Indian delegation meeting with IEA seniors. It has not happened. Sidhant Sibal: Has Taliban cut ties with UN listed terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)? Suhail Shaheen: We have clearly sent a message to all that we are not allowing anyone to use the soil of Afghanistan against any other country. We don’t have any ties with them. About India, it is essential for them to remain impartial in the Afghan issue and not to support a moribund regime that is killing its own people day and night by drones, airplanes strikes, and weapons received from foreign countries. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India's development projects, capacity building projects. Can you assure them they will be protected? Recently, 16 security personnel were killed in a Taliban attack near the Salma dam in Herat? Suhail Shaheen: Protection of national projects like dams is an IEA or Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan policy. We have announced this policy more than once. However, Indian military hardware assistance to Kabul, which ultimately end up in killing innocent Afghan people, is hostility towards the Afghan people. This is bad for India’s image in the eyes of the Afghan people and makes a hostile perception. It is for them to review their position. Sidhant Sibal: India has been saying gains of the last 20 years, like women's rights, minority rights, rights of Hindus, Sikhs should not be impacted? How do you see that, plus, will the rights of minorities be protected? or will they have to flee home to take refuge in India? A large number have already come to India. Suhail Shaheen: We are committed to the rights of minorities in Afghanistan and they have equal rights like other Afghans. Similarly, we admit all basic rights of women including access to education and work in the light of our Islamic rules. Moreover, there is no security issue for any Afghan citizen intending to lead a normal life in the country. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see the current situation in Afghanistan with violence being increased by Taliban fighters? Do you plan to create an Islamic emirate in the country? Suhail Shaheen: Talks are underway in Doha currently. We hope to reach a peaceful solution through talks and form an Afghan inclusive Islamic government where all Afghans can participate.

Exclusive: Taliban says it doesn't have ties with Pak-based terror groups like LeT, JeM 

Russia on Friday said that it wanted to help kickstart peace talks between warring sides in Afghanistan. This has come after fierce clashes between Afghan forces and the Taliban near Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Talibam seized the border area on Wednesday. It is the second-largest crossing on Pakistan border. This is one of the most important objectives the Taliban have achieved

"I would like to confirm Russia's interest in facilitating dialogue between Afghanistan's warring sides with the aim of ending the years-long war and establishing Afghanistan as a peaceful, independent and neutral state," Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said. He was speaking at a conference with senior Central Asian officials in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.

Rapid US exit from Afghanistan can be a security headache for Russia. It fears that spiralling fighting in Afghanistan may push refugees into its Central Asian backyard and destabilise its southern defensive flank.

Russian officials have previously called on all sides of the Afghanistan conflict to show restraint and said that Russia and the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) military bloc will act decisively to prevent aggression on Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan if needed.

Russia on Wednesday urged Afghan officials to launch proper negotiations with the Taliban about the country's future before it was too late.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Friday said that it wanted to help kickstart peace talks between warring sides in Afghanistan. This has come after fierce clashes between Afghan forces and the Taliban near Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

Russia on Friday said that it wanted to help kickstart peace talks between warring sides in Afghanistan. This has come after fierce clashes between Afghan forces and the Taliban near Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Talibam seized the border area on Wednesday. It is the second-largest crossing on Pakistan border. This is one of the most important objectives the Taliban have achieved "I would like to confirm Russia's interest in facilitating dialogue between Afghanistan's warring sides with the aim of ending the years-long war and establishing Afghanistan as a peaceful, independent and neutral state," Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said. He was speaking at a conference with senior Central Asian officials in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Rapid US exit from Afghanistan can be a security headache for Russia. It fears that spiralling fighting in Afghanistan may push refugees into its Central Asian backyard and destabilise its southern defensive flank. Russian officials have previously called on all sides of the Afghanistan conflict to show restraint and said that Russia and the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) military bloc will act decisively to prevent aggression on Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan if needed. Russia on Wednesday urged Afghan officials to launch proper negotiations with the Taliban about the country's future before it was too late. (With inputs from agencies)

Want to help start Afghan peace talks: Russia

Terror drones: a major threat? Decoded: flying terror Countering rogue drones The biggest drone attacks in the world The cost of drone warfare

WION Wideangle | Drones: New weapons of terror

A terrorist&nbsp;was killed in an encounter with security forces in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, police said. 
 
Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Hanjipora area of Shopian district following information about the presence of terrorists there, a police official said. 
 
He said the search operation turned into an encounter after terrorists opened fire on the security forces personnel, drawing retaliation. 
 
In the ensuing gunfight, a militant was killed, the official said. He said the identity and group affiliation of the slain terrorists were yet to be ascertained. The operation was underway till last reports came in, the official added.

A terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, police said. Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Hanjipora area of Shopian district following information about the presence of terrorists there, a police official said.

A terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, police said. Security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the Hanjipora area of Shopian district following information about the presence of terrorists there, a police official said. He said the search operation turned into an encounter after terrorists opened fire on the security forces personnel, drawing retaliation. In the ensuing gunfight, a militant was killed, the official said. He said the identity and group affiliation of the slain terrorists were yet to be ascertained. The operation was underway till last reports came in, the official added.

Terrorist killed in encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian

A new German documentary has shed light on the involvement of Paris attack conspirator Muhammad Ghani Usman in the planning and execution of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Usman is in a French jail after being arrested in connection with the 2015 attack on the French capital.

German documentary exposes Pakistan's deep links with terror

Two Iraqi TV shows, which sparked outrage by pranking celebrities with fake suicide vests and staged kidnappings, have been suspended.&nbsp;

The regulators said that the programmes, Tony's Bullet and Raslan's Shooting, breached the broadcast rules.&nbsp;

In one episode of Raslan's Shooting, an actress passed out in fear after having fake explosives strapped to her. Given the constant threat of militant violence in Iraq, viewers criticised the shows as cruel and tone-deaf.&nbsp;

Islamic State, which has lost its territory in Iraq, continues to attack civilians and the military.&nbsp;

Another episode of Raslan's Shooting showed Iraqi international footballer Alaa Mhawi blindfolded and begging for his life.&nbsp;

Responding to criticism last month, one of the show's writers, Dargham Abu Rghif, said, "The scenes are harsh but... if IS [Islamic State] had won, artists would have had a far harder life, and all Iraqis too," reported AFP.&nbsp;

Especially during the month of Ramzan, prank shows are popular throughout the Arab world. Broadcasters often commission special programmes to draw audiences in as they break their fast in the evening.&nbsp;

For going too far, a most-watched show by Egyptian Ramez Galal, has also faced criticism. In one edition he tricked celebrities into believing they were on a sinking ship, surrounded by floating body parts and an approaching shark. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Two Iraqi TV shows, which sparked outrage by pranking celebrities with fake suicide vests and staged kidnappings, have been suspended. The regulators said that the programmes, Tony's Bullet and Raslan's Shooting, breached the broadcast rules.

Two Iraqi TV shows, which sparked outrage by pranking celebrities with fake suicide vests and staged kidnappings, have been suspended. The regulators said that the programmes, Tony's Bullet and Raslan's Shooting, breached the broadcast rules. In one episode of Raslan's Shooting, an actress passed out in fear after having fake explosives strapped to her. Given the constant threat of militant violence in Iraq, viewers criticised the shows as cruel and tone-deaf. Islamic State, which has lost its territory in Iraq, continues to attack civilians and the military. Another episode of Raslan's Shooting showed Iraqi international footballer Alaa Mhawi blindfolded and begging for his life. Responding to criticism last month, one of the show's writers, Dargham Abu Rghif, said, "The scenes are harsh but... if IS [Islamic State] had won, artists would have had a far harder life, and all Iraqis too," reported AFP. Especially during the month of Ramzan, prank shows are popular throughout the Arab world. Broadcasters often commission special programmes to draw audiences in as they break their fast in the evening. For going too far, a most-watched show by Egyptian Ramez Galal, has also faced criticism. In one edition he tricked celebrities into believing they were on a sinking ship, surrounded by floating body parts and an approaching shark. (With inputs from agencies)

Iraq bans terror prank television shows 

A presidential decree published on Saturday added cryptocurrency exchanges to a list of firms covered by Turkey’s terror financing and money laundering.&nbsp;

The move came after a ban on using cryptocurrencies for making payments, which was introduced in response to claims that such transactions are too risky, took effect in Turkey on Friday.&nbsp;

The presidential decree makes 'crypto asset service providers' responsible for seeing their assets are not used illegally. The decree immediately went into force with its publication in Turkey’s Official Gazette.&nbsp;

Turkish authorities last month launched fraud investigations into two cryptocurrency exchanges, Thodex and Vebitcoin. Six suspects linked to the Thodex probe were jailed on Friday pending trial.&nbsp;

The investigation into Thodex, which handled daily trades of hundreds of millions of dollars, initially led to the arrests of 83 people after customers complained of not being able to access their funds. Interpol issued a detention warrant for the firm’s CEO on Turkey’s behalf.&nbsp;

Turks have been increasingly attracted by cryptocurrencies as protection against the decline of the lira and double-digit inflation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A presidential decree published on Saturday added cryptocurrency exchanges to a list of firms covered by Turkey’s terror financing and money laundering. The move came after a ban on using cryptocurrencies for making payments, which was introduced in response to claims that such transactions are too risky, took effect in Turkey on Friday.

A presidential decree published on Saturday added cryptocurrency exchanges to a list of firms covered by Turkey’s terror financing and money laundering. The move came after a ban on using cryptocurrencies for making payments, which was introduced in response to claims that such transactions are too risky, took effect in Turkey on Friday. The presidential decree makes 'crypto asset service providers' responsible for seeing their assets are not used illegally. The decree immediately went into force with its publication in Turkey’s Official Gazette. Turkish authorities last month launched fraud investigations into two cryptocurrency exchanges, Thodex and Vebitcoin. Six suspects linked to the Thodex probe were jailed on Friday pending trial. The investigation into Thodex, which handled daily trades of hundreds of millions of dollars, initially led to the arrests of 83 people after customers complained of not being able to access their funds. Interpol issued a detention warrant for the firm’s CEO on Turkey’s behalf. Turks have been increasingly attracted by cryptocurrencies as protection against the decline of the lira and double-digit inflation. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey adds cryptocurrency exchanges to terror funding rules 

Supporters of Somalia`s President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed and those opposed to the extension of his four-year term clashed on Sunday on the streets of the capital, residents said.

The president signed a law in mid-April extending his mandate for two years, stoking opposition inside Somalia and putting him on a collision course with Western and other donors opposed to the move.

&nbsp;Watch |&nbsp;

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Somalia, which plunged into war and chaos in 1991, has been struggling to re-establish the authority of central government and rebuild the nation, with international help. The failure to hold elections that were due in February sparked a new crisis.

"There is gunfire between pro-opposition military and government forces at Fagah Junction," Halima Osman, a resident of Fagah in Mogadishu, said after Reuters witnesses heard gunshots erupt in capital.

A Wion witness saw four military vehicles positioned in one place in the Fagah area.

Somalia`s lower house of parliament passed legislation to extend Mohamed`s tenure by up to two years, although the decision was rejected by the upper chamber.

Supporters of Somalia`s President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed and those opposed to the extension of his four-year term clashed on Sunday on the streets of the capital, residents said.

Supporters of Somalia`s President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed and those opposed to the extension of his four-year term clashed on Sunday on the streets of the capital, residents said. The president signed a law in mid-April extending his mandate for two years, stoking opposition inside Somalia and putting him on a collision course with Western and other donors opposed to the move. Watch | Somalia, which plunged into war and chaos in 1991, has been struggling to re-establish the authority of central government and rebuild the nation, with international help. The failure to hold elections that were due in February sparked a new crisis. "There is gunfire between pro-opposition military and government forces at Fagah Junction," Halima Osman, a resident of Fagah in Mogadishu, said after Reuters witnesses heard gunshots erupt in capital. A Wion witness saw four military vehicles positioned in one place in the Fagah area. Somalia`s lower house of parliament passed legislation to extend Mohamed`s tenure by up to two years, although the decision was rejected by the upper chamber.

Somali president's backers in gun clash with opponents, residents say

In Jammu and Kashmir, a soldier was shot in the valley - on a day when local designers were holding a fashion show for over 500 guests. But, the efforts by some to sow fear are not working. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how the people of J&K are taking control of their lives.

Gravitas: Jammu and Kashmir: Caught in conflicting narratives

Sri Lanka has banned 11 hardline Islamist organisations, including the Islamic State (ISIS) and al-Qaeda, for their links to extremist activities in the country and warned that any person who conspires with them would be sentenced to prison terms between 20 and 10 years, according to an official announcement.&nbsp;

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in a special gazette notification issued on Tuesday proscribed the radical groups under the Prevention of Terrorism (temporary) Provisions Act.&nbsp;

The notification specifies that any person, who acts in contravention or conspires to act, would be sentenced to prison terms between 10 to 20 years.&nbsp;

The Government of Sri Lanka proscribed the 11 extremist organisations "in good faith for the purpose of ensuring the continuance of peace within the country and in the interest of national security, public order, and the rule of law," the notification stated.&nbsp;

Obtaining membership, dealing with their members, promoting such organisations, providing refuge for members, donating money or material, or engaging in any transaction are prohibited. Anyone violating these regulations could face up to 10 to 20 years in prison, Colombo Page said in a report.&nbsp;

Among the banned organisations are local Muslim groups, including the Sri Lanka Islamic Students Movement.&nbsp;

In the immediate aftermath of the 2019 Easter Sunday suicide bomb attacks, Sri Lanka had banned the local Jihadi group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ) and two other outfits.&nbsp;

The NTJ suicide bomb attacks on churches and luxury hotels here had killed 270 people while injuring 500 others.&nbsp;

A special probe panel appointed in 2019 by former President Maithripala Sirisena had recommended the banning of Muslim extremist organisations, who advocate radicalism in the Buddhist-majority country.&nbsp;

The report also asked for the banning of an extremist Buddhist group, BBS or the Forces of Buddhist Power. The panel said that the BBS' actions had contributed to the radicalisation of Muslims.&nbsp;

The gazette, however, has excluded the Buddhist group.&nbsp;

The panel report was rejected by all political parties despite the head of the local Catholic church Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith urging the implementation of its recommendations which he said would give some justice to the victims of the bombings.&nbsp;

The panel had found Sirisena and the then top security police brass culpable for failure to prevent the bombings despite the availability of prior intelligence on the impending attack.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka has banned 11 hardline Islamist organisations, including the Islamic State (ISIS) and al-Qaeda, for their links to extremist activities in the country and warned that any person who conspires with them would be sentenced to prison terms between 20 and 10 years, according to an official announcement.

Sri Lanka has banned 11 hardline Islamist organisations, including the Islamic State (ISIS) and al-Qaeda, for their links to extremist activities in the country and warned that any person who conspires with them would be sentenced to prison terms between 20 and 10 years, according to an official announcement. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in a special gazette notification issued on Tuesday proscribed the radical groups under the Prevention of Terrorism (temporary) Provisions Act. The notification specifies that any person, who acts in contravention or conspires to act, would be sentenced to prison terms between 10 to 20 years. The Government of Sri Lanka proscribed the 11 extremist organisations "in good faith for the purpose of ensuring the continuance of peace within the country and in the interest of national security, public order, and the rule of law," the notification stated. Obtaining membership, dealing with their members, promoting such organisations, providing refuge for members, donating money or material, or engaging in any transaction are prohibited. Anyone violating these regulations could face up to 10 to 20 years in prison, Colombo Page said in a report. Among the banned organisations are local Muslim groups, including the Sri Lanka Islamic Students Movement. In the immediate aftermath of the 2019 Easter Sunday suicide bomb attacks, Sri Lanka had banned the local Jihadi group National Thowheeth Jamaath (NTJ) and two other outfits. The NTJ suicide bomb attacks on churches and luxury hotels here had killed 270 people while injuring 500 others. A special probe panel appointed in 2019 by former President Maithripala Sirisena had recommended the banning of Muslim extremist organisations, who advocate radicalism in the Buddhist-majority country. The report also asked for the banning of an extremist Buddhist group, BBS or the Forces of Buddhist Power. The panel said that the BBS' actions had contributed to the radicalisation of Muslims. The gazette, however, has excluded the Buddhist group. The panel report was rejected by all political parties despite the head of the local Catholic church Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith urging the implementation of its recommendations which he said would give some justice to the victims of the bombings. The panel had found Sirisena and the then top security police brass culpable for failure to prevent the bombings despite the availability of prior intelligence on the impending attack.

Sri Lanka bans ISIS, al-Qaeda and 9 other terror groups 

An Indonesian cathedral was rocked by a suicide bombing on Sunday that wounded 20 as worshippers celebrated the start of Holy Week, an attack slammed by the country's president as an 'act of terror'.&nbsp;

Two suspects behind the powerful blast were killed as they rode a motorbike into the compound of the church in Makassar city on Sulawesi island, authorities said.&nbsp;

"A suicide bombing occurred at the cathedral in Makassar," Indonesia's chief security minister Mahfud MD told reporters in the capital Jakarta.&nbsp;

"The two (bombers) died."&nbsp;

Authorities had not previously confirmed that the bombing, which happened around 10:30 am local time (0330 GMT), was a suicide attack. &nbsp;

Twenty church officials, congregants and security staff were injured by debris from the blast, authorities said.&nbsp;

A church security guard tried to prevent the two perpetrators, who have not been identified, from entering when the explosion occurred, they added.&nbsp;

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said he 'strongly condemned this act of terror'. "Terrorism is a crime against humanity," he said. "I call on everyone to fight against terror and radicalism, which go against religious values."&nbsp;

One witness described hearing two 'very strong' blasts and then seeing plumes of smoke.&nbsp;

"There were several injured people on the street. I helped one woman... who was wounded and covered in blood," Yosi said.&nbsp;

"Her grandchild was also injured. There were body parts everywhere."&nbsp;

It was not clear if the victims' wounds were life-threatening.&nbsp;

"We were finishing the service and people were going home when it happened," Pastor Wilhelmus Tulak told reporters.&nbsp;

Forensic investigators have been poring over body parts scattered at the scene in a bid to determine the attackers' identities.&nbsp;

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.&nbsp;

Churches have been targeted in the past by extremists in Indonesia, the world's biggest Muslim-majority nation and home to several religious minorities including Christians, Buddhists and Hindus.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

An Indonesian cathedral was rocked by a suicide bombing on Sunday that wounded 20 as worshippers celebrated the start of Holy Week, an attack slammed by the country's president as an 'act of terror'.

An Indonesian cathedral was rocked by a suicide bombing on Sunday that wounded 20 as worshippers celebrated the start of Holy Week, an attack slammed by the country's president as an 'act of terror'. Two suspects behind the powerful blast were killed as they rode a motorbike into the compound of the church in Makassar city on Sulawesi island, authorities said. "A suicide bombing occurred at the cathedral in Makassar," Indonesia's chief security minister Mahfud MD told reporters in the capital Jakarta. "The two (bombers) died." Authorities had not previously confirmed that the bombing, which happened around 10:30 am local time (0330 GMT), was a suicide attack. Twenty church officials, congregants and security staff were injured by debris from the blast, authorities said. A church security guard tried to prevent the two perpetrators, who have not been identified, from entering when the explosion occurred, they added. Indonesian President Joko Widodo said he 'strongly condemned this act of terror'. "Terrorism is a crime against humanity," he said. "I call on everyone to fight against terror and radicalism, which go against religious values." One witness described hearing two 'very strong' blasts and then seeing plumes of smoke. "There were several injured people on the street. I helped one woman... who was wounded and covered in blood," Yosi said. "Her grandchild was also injured. There were body parts everywhere." It was not clear if the victims' wounds were life-threatening. "We were finishing the service and people were going home when it happened," Pastor Wilhelmus Tulak told reporters. Forensic investigators have been poring over body parts scattered at the scene in a bid to determine the attackers' identities. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack. Churches have been targeted in the past by extremists in Indonesia, the world's biggest Muslim-majority nation and home to several religious minorities including Christians, Buddhists and Hindus. (With inputs from agencies)

Indonesian president slams suicide attack at church as an 'act of terror' 

Taliban have abducted a passenger bus with dozens on board in Afghanistan's western province of Herat on Saturday, Sputnik reported citing Afghan broadcaster Shamshad News. According to the report, 45 passengers have been kidnapped by the terrorist group.

The attack unfolded at around 7 am local time. "A group of armed insurgents intercepted a passenger bus with dozens on board in Childokhtaran area along the Herat city-Turghundi highway at about 07:00 am (local time) and took it to an unknown location," Lal Mohammad Omarzai who serves as the district chief for Rubat-e-Sangi district told Xinhua.

The Taliban have not yet commented on the matter.

Taliban have abducted a passenger bus with dozens on board in Afghanistan's western province of Herat on Saturday, Sputnik reported citing Afghan broadcaster Shamshad News.

Taliban have abducted a passenger bus with dozens on board in Afghanistan's western province of Herat on Saturday, Sputnik reported citing Afghan broadcaster Shamshad News. According to the report, 45 passengers have been kidnapped by the terrorist group. The attack unfolded at around 7 am local time. "A group of armed insurgents intercepted a passenger bus with dozens on board in Childokhtaran area along the Herat city-Turghundi highway at about 07:00 am (local time) and took it to an unknown location," Lal Mohammad Omarzai who serves as the district chief for Rubat-e-Sangi district told Xinhua. The Taliban have not yet commented on the matter.

Taliban kidnap 45 bus passengers in Western Afghanistan

For Umar Ahmed, the nightmare began in confusion.

Gunmen arrived late Friday at his school in Kankara, northwestern Nigeria, just as he and his classmates were about to go to bed.

Their first thought was that the men were vigilantes -- civilians who take on a policing role -- "so, we were not scared," the 18-year-old told AFP.

But then, heavy firing started.

"We became terrified. Some of us ran to the perimeter fence trying to escape, while others hid inside."

"They kept shouting we should come back, that they were in the school to rescue us. And most of us came back."

In an operation that left the country reeling, hundreds of students were rounded up that day at the all-boys Government Science secondary school and taken away.

The disappearance was initially blamed on so-called bandits -- criminal groups in the region who for years have terrorised communities by killing and abducting people for ransom.&nbsp;

But on Tuesday, Boko Haram, the dreaded group that kidnapped hundreds of schoolgirls in Chibok in 2014, claimed responsibility.

The abduction took place hundreds of miles (kilometres) away from Boko Haram's stronghold in northeast Nigeria, sparking fears of a massive advance in the jihadists' decade-long insurgency.

Lanky and soft-spoken, Ahmad explained how the students were rounded up under a tree, split into three groups and led through the forest.

"We had no footwear," he said, his feet swathed in black socks after they became riddled with thorns.&nbsp;

The teenager said the group trekked for hours, heading towards neighbouring Zamfara state.

"They flogged us with tree branches and the flat side of their machetes," he recalled.

But then came a stroke of luck.

He and a friend were able to hide behind a bush. They waited for complete silence to prevail before they retraced their steps back home to safety.

- Devastated parents -&nbsp;

The government has not immediately reacted to Boko Haram claim or confirmed its authenticity, and the number of missing students remains unclear -- 320 or 333, according to two accounts by officials, while locals in Kankara put it at more than 500.

Among parents of missing students, many said they had long feared an attack, given the grip on the region by criminal gangs.

"Our children told us armed men would come up to the school fence but they never breached the fence... until last Friday," Hauwa'u Isah, mother of an abducted child said.&nbsp;

Around 8,000 people have been killed in the northwest since 2011, according to the International Crisis Group (ICG) think tank.

Some doubted the claim of responsibility made by Boko Haram's leader, Abubakar Shekau, in an audio recording.

"It's a lie," said Abubakar Lawan, father of two abducted children.

"Abubakar Shekau is used to making such lies just to confuse people. I don't trust that, and the situation is not what he said it is."

"Only God knows the truth," Isah said. "All the information we have is that armed men took over the school.

Parents have been gathering at the school daily since the abduction, desperate for any information about the children's fate.

"I was about to leave yesterday evening when a boy who escaped was brought here," Murja Goma, another mother said.

"He said they had no food to eat, that they live on leaves and acacia fruit that their captors pluck from the trees for them."

"We have shed so much tears, our hearts are grieving and we don't even know what to do," the woman said, appealing to the government to rescue the children.

For Umar Ahmed, the nightmare began in confusion. Gunmen arrived late Friday at his school in Kankara, northwestern Nigeria, just as he and his classmates were about to go to bed.

For Umar Ahmed, the nightmare began in confusion. Gunmen arrived late Friday at his school in Kankara, northwestern Nigeria, just as he and his classmates were about to go to bed. Their first thought was that the men were vigilantes -- civilians who take on a policing role -- "so, we were not scared," the 18-year-old told AFP. But then, heavy firing started. "We became terrified. Some of us ran to the perimeter fence trying to escape, while others hid inside." "They kept shouting we should come back, that they were in the school to rescue us. And most of us came back." In an operation that left the country reeling, hundreds of students were rounded up that day at the all-boys Government Science secondary school and taken away. The disappearance was initially blamed on so-called bandits -- criminal groups in the region who for years have terrorised communities by killing and abducting people for ransom. But on Tuesday, Boko Haram, the dreaded group that kidnapped hundreds of schoolgirls in Chibok in 2014, claimed responsibility. The abduction took place hundreds of miles (kilometres) away from Boko Haram's stronghold in northeast Nigeria, sparking fears of a massive advance in the jihadists' decade-long insurgency. Lanky and soft-spoken, Ahmad explained how the students were rounded up under a tree, split into three groups and led through the forest. "We had no footwear," he said, his feet swathed in black socks after they became riddled with thorns. The teenager said the group trekked for hours, heading towards neighbouring Zamfara state. "They flogged us with tree branches and the flat side of their machetes," he recalled. But then came a stroke of luck. He and a friend were able to hide behind a bush. They waited for complete silence to prevail before they retraced their steps back home to safety. - Devastated parents - The government has not immediately reacted to Boko Haram claim or confirmed its authenticity, and the number of missing students remains unclear -- 320 or 333, according to two accounts by officials, while locals in Kankara put it at more than 500. Among parents of missing students, many said they had long feared an attack, given the grip on the region by criminal gangs. "Our children told us armed men would come up to the school fence but they never breached the fence... until last Friday," Hauwa'u Isah, mother of an abducted child said. Around 8,000 people have been killed in the northwest since 2011, according to the International Crisis Group (ICG) think tank. Some doubted the claim of responsibility made by Boko Haram's leader, Abubakar Shekau, in an audio recording. "It's a lie," said Abubakar Lawan, father of two abducted children. "Abubakar Shekau is used to making such lies just to confuse people. I don't trust that, and the situation is not what he said it is." "Only God knows the truth," Isah said. "All the information we have is that armed men took over the school. Parents have been gathering at the school daily since the abduction, desperate for any information about the children's fate. "I was about to leave yesterday evening when a boy who escaped was brought here," Murja Goma, another mother said. "He said they had no food to eat, that they live on leaves and acacia fruit that their captors pluck from the trees for them." "We have shed so much tears, our hearts are grieving and we don't even know what to do," the woman said, appealing to the government to rescue the children.

Confusion, terror, then safety: How a boy survived Nigeria's student abduction

Australia ordered an enquiry into combatting violent extremism. A parliamentary committee in Australia has announced that it will examine the spread of radical movements.

Australia tackles right-wing terror, probe to target Islamists, Neo-Nazis

Highlighting yet again the issue of terror at the United Nations, India has said terror has become a "means of waging war" and requires "global action".

India's first Secretary at United Nations in New York, Ashish Sharma said, and “Terrorism has emerged as one of the means of waging war in the contemporary world. It threatens to engulf the world in a carnage similar to what we witnessed during the two World Wars. Terrorism is a global phenomenon and can only be defeated by a global action."

India has been calling for the passing of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN. CCIT calls for a common definition of terror and the criminalization of international terrorism.

Ashish Sharma, who was speaking at a UN event on the 75th anniversary of the end of World War 2 highlighted the role Indian soldiers had played and how they had "participated in the war effort in the millions and suffered immense casualties".

He said, "Despite being under colonial occupation", India contributed 2.5 million soldiers who fought in "every theatre of World War II, from North Africa to Europe and as the Far East as Hong Kong"

During the war, the Indian army was the largest volunteer force ever raised in the history of which 87,000 died or went missing and over a hundred thousand suffered grave injuries.

The first secretary said, "we also cannot forget the sacrifices of our Asian, African and Arab brothers and sisters who fought and died for the freedom of the Allied powers, although they were under the yoke of colonial rule.'

Interestingly, New Delhi pointed out "Although the battlefronts of Europe were romanticized in novels, history books and films" much of the war was "fought in and over colonies controlled by the colonial powers, with front lines springing up from North Africa to East Asia."&nbsp;

The event was organized by Russia in commemoration of all victims of the Second World War. Earlier this year, Defence minister Rajnath Singh had represented India at the Victory Day Parade at Red Square in Moscow on the occasion of 75th Anniversary celebrations. A tri-services contingent of the Indian army took part in the Victory Day Parade.

Highlighting yet again the issue of terror at the United Nations, India has said terror has become a "means of waging war" and requires "global action". India's first Secretary at United Nations in New York, Ashish Sharma said, and “Terrorism has emerged as one of the means of waging war in the contemporary world.

Highlighting yet again the issue of terror at the United Nations, India has said terror has become a "means of waging war" and requires "global action". India's first Secretary at United Nations in New York, Ashish Sharma said, and “Terrorism has emerged as one of the means of waging war in the contemporary world. It threatens to engulf the world in a carnage similar to what we witnessed during the two World Wars. Terrorism is a global phenomenon and can only be defeated by a global action." India has been calling for the passing of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN. CCIT calls for a common definition of terror and the criminalization of international terrorism. Ashish Sharma, who was speaking at a UN event on the 75th anniversary of the end of World War 2 highlighted the role Indian soldiers had played and how they had "participated in the war effort in the millions and suffered immense casualties". He said, "Despite being under colonial occupation", India contributed 2.5 million soldiers who fought in "every theatre of World War II, from North Africa to Europe and as the Far East as Hong Kong" During the war, the Indian army was the largest volunteer force ever raised in the history of which 87,000 died or went missing and over a hundred thousand suffered grave injuries. The first secretary said, "we also cannot forget the sacrifices of our Asian, African and Arab brothers and sisters who fought and died for the freedom of the Allied powers, although they were under the yoke of colonial rule.' Interestingly, New Delhi pointed out "Although the battlefronts of Europe were romanticized in novels, history books and films" much of the war was "fought in and over colonies controlled by the colonial powers, with front lines springing up from North Africa to East Asia." The event was organized by Russia in commemoration of all victims of the Second World War. Earlier this year, Defence minister Rajnath Singh had represented India at the Victory Day Parade at Red Square in Moscow on the occasion of 75th Anniversary celebrations. A tri-services contingent of the Indian army took part in the Victory Day Parade.

Terror has emerged as a means of waging war, requires global action: India at UN

After France & Austria, Switzerland has reported a suspected act of terror. A 28-year-old 'Jihadist' attacked two women with a knife at a departmental store in Lugano. WION's Molly Gambhir gets you a report.

Gravitas: 'Jihadist' knife attack in Switzerland

Top EU leaders have called for a 'rapid and coordinated' response to Islamist terrorism. For the first time since its inception, the EU is taking a serious look at extremism. How successful will Europe's anti-terror campaign be? WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Islamist terror tops European Union's agenda

After lecturing the world on secularism, E.U. is now rushing to regulate Islam. What took Europe so long to realise there's a difference between secularism and appeasement? WION's Palki Sharma makes a case.

Gravitas: Europe moves to curb terror

What drives people to terrorism? What sustains terrorists? The world's deadliest terror outfits are operating like business enterprises. Where is the money coming from? What will it take to cut the pipelines? Watch Gravitas Plus with Palki Sharma Upadhyay.

Gravitas Plus: How do terror outfits make money?

An encounter began between security forces and terrorists in Chakura area of south Kashmir`s Shopian district on Wednesday, officials said.

The gunfight started after the security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation on the basis of a specific information about the presence of terrorists.

As the security forces zeroed in, terrorists hiding in the area filed on them. "The encounter has started in Chakura area of Shopian. Police and other security forces are on the job," police said.

An encounter began between security forces and terrorists in Chakura area of south Kashmir`s Shopian district on Wednesday, officials said. The gunfight started after the security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation on the basis of a specific information about the presence of terrorists.

An encounter began between security forces and terrorists in Chakura area of south Kashmir`s Shopian district on Wednesday, officials said. The gunfight started after the security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation on the basis of a specific information about the presence of terrorists. As the security forces zeroed in, terrorists hiding in the area filed on them. "The encounter has started in Chakura area of Shopian. Police and other security forces are on the job," police said.

Gunfight between security forces, terrorists on in Kashmir''s Shopian

A British school book has attacked India and Hinduism. It claims Hindus turn to terrorism to defend faith. What if the British took time out from manufacturing lies and taught Britons the terror of the British Raj instead? WION's Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: U.K. textbook links Hinduism with Terror

Pakistan's bid to host the 19th SAARC heads of government summit has failed yet again as it failed to achieve consensus for it in the south Asian region. Maldives at the SAARC informal foreign ministers meet on Thursday clearly told Pakistan that amidst the COVID crisis, it is not "appropriate time to discuss the summit".

Maldives Abdulla Shahid speaking at the virtual meet said, “The Maldives remains steadfast in its commitment towards regional cooperation. Taking a cue from our Leaders Meeting in March 2020, the Maldives calls for the creation of a conducive environment to reach consensus on the convening of the 19th SAARC Summit."

Explaining, "At this point in time we are preoccupied with dealing with COVID-19 pandemic and do not think it’s the appropriate time discuss the time of the Summit."

Plans to hold the 19th SAARC summit in Islamabad was on the agenda of the SAARC FMs virtual meet. The summit was to happen in 2016 in Islamabad but India along with most SAARC countries boycotted it due to Uri Terror attack perpetrated by Pakistan based terrorist.

Pakistan has been trying to host the summit for the last 4 years but has not been successful in its attempt. Last year also on the sidelines of the SAARC FMs meet, Islamabad claimed has been able to achieve the consensus but no movement happened.

Pakistan's bid to host the 19th SAARC heads of government summit has failed yet again as it failed to achieve consensus for it in the south Asian region. Maldives at the SAARC informal foreign ministers meet on Thursday clearly told Pakistan that amidst the COVID crisis, it is not "appropriate time to discuss the summit".

Pakistan's bid to host the 19th SAARC heads of government summit has failed yet again as it failed to achieve consensus for it in the south Asian region. Maldives at the SAARC informal foreign ministers meet on Thursday clearly told Pakistan that amidst the COVID crisis, it is not "appropriate time to discuss the summit". Maldives Abdulla Shahid speaking at the virtual meet said, “The Maldives remains steadfast in its commitment towards regional cooperation. Taking a cue from our Leaders Meeting in March 2020, the Maldives calls for the creation of a conducive environment to reach consensus on the convening of the 19th SAARC Summit." Explaining, "At this point in time we are preoccupied with dealing with COVID-19 pandemic and do not think it’s the appropriate time discuss the time of the Summit." Plans to hold the 19th SAARC summit in Islamabad was on the agenda of the SAARC FMs virtual meet. The summit was to happen in 2016 in Islamabad but India along with most SAARC countries boycotted it due to Uri Terror attack perpetrated by Pakistan based terrorist. Pakistan has been trying to host the summit for the last 4 years but has not been successful in its attempt. Last year also on the sidelines of the SAARC FMs meet, Islamabad claimed has been able to achieve the consensus but no movement happened.

Not appropriate time for SAARC summit in Pakistan: Maldives

A special NIA court here has sentenced four militants of the banned Jamat-ul-Mujaheedin of Bangladesh (JMB) terror group to seven years imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 each for their involvement in the Burdwan blast case of 2014.

Ziaul Hoque, Motiur Rahaman, Mohammad Yusuf and Jahirul Sheikh have been jailed for seven years and fined Rs 5,000 by the court which delivered the judgement on Tuesday, an NIA spokesperson said.

On October 2, 2014, a powerful blast caused by an improvised explosive devise (IED) took place at the first floor of a rented house in the busy Khagragarh locality of West Bengal's Burdwan.

The IED had accidentally gone off at the time of its fabrication by members of the Bangladesh-based banned terrorist organisation JMB.

The rented house was occupied by JMB members for the nefarious activity of bomb making, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) official said.

Two terrorists had succumbed to their injuries caused due to the bomb blast and another survived with grievous injuries.

The case was initially registered by the West Bengal police and was subsequently taken over by the NIA on October 10, 2014.

The JMB conspired to radicalise, recruit and provide training in arms and explosives to its members in India as well as to commit terrorist acts and wage a war against the democratically-established governments of India and Bangladesh, the official said.

A large number of IEDs, explosives, hand grenades, training videos were recovered during the investigation of the case.

A total of 33 accused were charge-sheeted for various offences in this case, out of which 31 were arrested.

Earlier on August 30 last year, as many as 19 accused and on January 15 last year five accused were convicted and sentenced for various terms by the NIA special court.

The trial against the remaining three arrested and two absconding charge sheeted accused will continue.

 
&nbsp;

A special NIA court here has sentenced four militants of the banned Jamat-ul-Mujaheedin of Bangladesh (JMB) terror group to seven years imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 each for their involvement in the Burdwan blast case of 2014.

A special NIA court here has sentenced four militants of the banned Jamat-ul-Mujaheedin of Bangladesh (JMB) terror group to seven years imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 each for their involvement in the Burdwan blast case of 2014. Ziaul Hoque, Motiur Rahaman, Mohammad Yusuf and Jahirul Sheikh have been jailed for seven years and fined Rs 5,000 by the court which delivered the judgement on Tuesday, an NIA spokesperson said. On October 2, 2014, a powerful blast caused by an improvised explosive devise (IED) took place at the first floor of a rented house in the busy Khagragarh locality of West Bengal's Burdwan. The IED had accidentally gone off at the time of its fabrication by members of the Bangladesh-based banned terrorist organisation JMB. The rented house was occupied by JMB members for the nefarious activity of bomb making, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) official said. Two terrorists had succumbed to their injuries caused due to the bomb blast and another survived with grievous injuries. The case was initially registered by the West Bengal police and was subsequently taken over by the NIA on October 10, 2014. The JMB conspired to radicalise, recruit and provide training in arms and explosives to its members in India as well as to commit terrorist acts and wage a war against the democratically-established governments of India and Bangladesh, the official said. A large number of IEDs, explosives, hand grenades, training videos were recovered during the investigation of the case. A total of 33 accused were charge-sheeted for various offences in this case, out of which 31 were arrested. Earlier on August 30 last year, as many as 19 accused and on January 15 last year five accused were convicted and sentenced for various terms by the NIA special court. The trial against the remaining three arrested and two absconding charge sheeted accused will continue.

4 JMB terrorists jailed for 7 years in Burdwan blast case

Mohammed Umar Farooq, the nephew of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar, had received Rs 10 lakh in his bank accounts in Pakistan to execute the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed in February last year, the NIA has said in its chargesheet.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe has shown that Rs 10 lakh in Pakistani currency was credited into three accounts of Farooq, the main accused in the suicide attack case who was later killed in an encounter with security forces, in Allied Bank and Mezaan Bank in that country days before the incident, officials said.

They said the money was deposited by top leadership of the terror group JeM between January and February 2019.

The terrorists had spent around Rs six lakh on procurement of explosives and the Maruti Eeco car used in the attack, the NIA said in its chargesheet filed on Tuesday before a special court in Jammu.

A major chunk of the fund, about Rs 2.80 lakh, was used to procure around 200 kilograms of explosives including ammonium nitrate to trigger a massive car-laden IED attack on the CRPF convoy moving from Jammu to Srinagar on February 14, 2019, they said.

The 200 kilograms of explosives comprised of a lethal concoction of RDX brought from Pakistan, gelatin sticks procured by Mudasir Ahmad, four kilograms of Aluminium powder bought on Amazon by accused Wazi Ul Islam and Calcium Ammonium Nitrate.

The IED was fitted into the Eeco car in two containers weighing 160 kilogram and 40 kilograms to trigger the blast, the NIA said.

Charge sheeted accused Shakir Bashir allegedly collected the explosives -- RDX, Gelatin sticks, Aluminium power and Calcium-Ammonium Nitrate -- and stocked them at his house for making the IED, the agency said.

The terrorists had spent another Rs 2.5 lakh on purchasing and modifying the car to be used in the attack which was also parked in the front-yard of Shakir Bashir's house, it said.

Some money was spent on miscellaneous expenses too, which included purchase of containers for fabricating the Improvised Explosive Devices, officials said.

The NIA probe has shown three bank accounts of Farooq, the main perpetrator, who received the money from January 2019 till February of the same year.

The agency had filed a 13,800-page chargesheet against 19 accused persons in an NIA Special Court at Jammu in connection with last year's terrorist attack on the CRPF convoy at Lethpura, Pulwama, they said.

Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist Adil Ahmad Dar, who was driving the car laden with explosives, had rammed it into the convoy killing 40 CRPF personnel and grievously injuring eight others.

"The investigation has revealed that Pulwama attack was a result of well-planned criminal conspiracy hatched by Pakistan-based leadership of terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad.

The JeM leaders have been sending their cadres to the terrorist training camps of Al-Qaida-Taliban-JeM and Haqqani-JeM in Afghanistan for receiving training in explosives and other terrorist tactics," the NIA said in the chargesheet.

The agency said the main accused Umar Farooq was trained in Afghanistan for explosives.

He visited Afghanistan in 2016-17 and had infiltrated into India through the International Border at Jammu-Samba Sector in April, 2018, it said.

Farooq took over as the Jaish-e-Mohammad Commander of Pulwama.

"Accused Shakir Bashir, Insha Jan, Peer Tariq Ahmad Shah and Bilal Ahmad Kuchey provided all logistics and harboured the JeM terrorists in their houses," the NIA has said.

Bashir allegedly did reconnaissance of the movement and deployment of security forces on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

A propaganda video clip of Mohammad Umar Farooq, Sameer Dar and Adil Dar was allegedly prepared at Insha Jan's house which was released immediately after the suicide attack, it said.

The terrorists had prepared the car for the attack by fitting it with the IED on February 6, 2019 but suspended their nefarious plans because of heavy snowfall which led to closing of the National Highway for vehicular movement, the agency said.

They attacked the convoy on February 14, 2019, when the National Highway reopened, they said.

Bashir drove Adil Ahmad Dar till the National Highway, after which Dar drove the car and carried out the blast, it alleged.

Damage to the tune of Rs 32.90 lakh was caused to public property, the probe agency said.

The NIA found that JeM leadership consisting of Masood Azhar, Rouf Asgar and Ammar Alvi alias Chacha alias Chota Masood handled the operation by continuously giving directions and guidance to the Pakistani JeM infiltrators before and after the attack.

Mohammed Umar Farooq, the nephew of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar, had received Rs 10 lakh in his bank accounts in Pakistan to execute the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed in February last year, the NIA has said in its chargesheet.

Mohammed Umar Farooq, the nephew of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar, had received Rs 10 lakh in his bank accounts in Pakistan to execute the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed in February last year, the NIA has said in its chargesheet. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe has shown that Rs 10 lakh in Pakistani currency was credited into three accounts of Farooq, the main accused in the suicide attack case who was later killed in an encounter with security forces, in Allied Bank and Mezaan Bank in that country days before the incident, officials said. They said the money was deposited by top leadership of the terror group JeM between January and February 2019. The terrorists had spent around Rs six lakh on procurement of explosives and the Maruti Eeco car used in the attack, the NIA said in its chargesheet filed on Tuesday before a special court in Jammu. A major chunk of the fund, about Rs 2.80 lakh, was used to procure around 200 kilograms of explosives including ammonium nitrate to trigger a massive car-laden IED attack on the CRPF convoy moving from Jammu to Srinagar on February 14, 2019, they said. The 200 kilograms of explosives comprised of a lethal concoction of RDX brought from Pakistan, gelatin sticks procured by Mudasir Ahmad, four kilograms of Aluminium powder bought on Amazon by accused Wazi Ul Islam and Calcium Ammonium Nitrate. The IED was fitted into the Eeco car in two containers weighing 160 kilogram and 40 kilograms to trigger the blast, the NIA said. Charge sheeted accused Shakir Bashir allegedly collected the explosives -- RDX, Gelatin sticks, Aluminium power and Calcium-Ammonium Nitrate -- and stocked them at his house for making the IED, the agency said. The terrorists had spent another Rs 2.5 lakh on purchasing and modifying the car to be used in the attack which was also parked in the front-yard of Shakir Bashir's house, it said. Some money was spent on miscellaneous expenses too, which included purchase of containers for fabricating the Improvised Explosive Devices, officials said. The NIA probe has shown three bank accounts of Farooq, the main perpetrator, who received the money from January 2019 till February of the same year. The agency had filed a 13,800-page chargesheet against 19 accused persons in an NIA Special Court at Jammu in connection with last year's terrorist attack on the CRPF convoy at Lethpura, Pulwama, they said. Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist Adil Ahmad Dar, who was driving the car laden with explosives, had rammed it into the convoy killing 40 CRPF personnel and grievously injuring eight others. "The investigation has revealed that Pulwama attack was a result of well-planned criminal conspiracy hatched by Pakistan-based leadership of terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad. The JeM leaders have been sending their cadres to the terrorist training camps of Al-Qaida-Taliban-JeM and Haqqani-JeM in Afghanistan for receiving training in explosives and other terrorist tactics," the NIA said in the chargesheet. The agency said the main accused Umar Farooq was trained in Afghanistan for explosives. He visited Afghanistan in 2016-17 and had infiltrated into India through the International Border at Jammu-Samba Sector in April, 2018, it said. Farooq took over as the Jaish-e-Mohammad Commander of Pulwama. "Accused Shakir Bashir, Insha Jan, Peer Tariq Ahmad Shah and Bilal Ahmad Kuchey provided all logistics and harboured the JeM terrorists in their houses," the NIA has said. Bashir allegedly did reconnaissance of the movement and deployment of security forces on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. A propaganda video clip of Mohammad Umar Farooq, Sameer Dar and Adil Dar was allegedly prepared at Insha Jan's house which was released immediately after the suicide attack, it said. The terrorists had prepared the car for the attack by fitting it with the IED on February 6, 2019 but suspended their nefarious plans because of heavy snowfall which led to closing of the National Highway for vehicular movement, the agency said. They attacked the convoy on February 14, 2019, when the National Highway reopened, they said. Bashir drove Adil Ahmad Dar till the National Highway, after which Dar drove the car and carried out the blast, it alleged. Damage to the tune of Rs 32.90 lakh was caused to public property, the probe agency said. The NIA found that JeM leadership consisting of Masood Azhar, Rouf Asgar and Ammar Alvi alias Chacha alias Chota Masood handled the operation by continuously giving directions and guidance to the Pakistani JeM infiltrators before and after the attack.

NIA confirms money was put in Pakistan bank accounts of Masood Azhar before Pulwama terror attack

The United States has started investigating Pakistani's role in the Islamic State movement in Syria after the&nbsp;Kurd Syrian Democratic Forces released a list of 29 names of Paksitanis are in custody.

This can, as per experts, complicate things for the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan who is already stuck in the damage caused by his unsuccessful attempt to get two important FATF-linked legislations enacted

The list includes names of four Pakistanis who claim to have citizenship of countries such as Turkey and Sudan.&nbsp;Nine out of the 29 terrorists are women fighters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-urges-taliban-leaders-to-start-peace-talks-323092">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan urges Taliban leaders to start peace talks</a>

The terrorists are being interrogated about their mission and their past connections with various terrorist groups.&nbsp;“The American security forces are currently interrogating these Pakistani nationals including who sent them to fight for IS in Syria and their past affiliations with terrorist groups like the Al Qaida or any other pan-Islamic group based in Pakistan. As the Pakistani deep state is involved with the so-called Islamic State of Khorasan Province in Afghanistan, the interrogation will also reveal its role if any,” said a counter-terror official in know of the list.

The terrorists were in Syria to fight for the so-called Islamic State, which is an ultra-onservative radical Sunni movement in Iraq and Syria, and has increased in the past decade.

Reports claim the terrorists are freelancers as the Islamic State does not hold any territory&nbsp;in Iraq or Syria.

The United States has started investigating Pakistani's role in the Islamic State movement in Syria after the Kurd Syrian Democratic Forces released a list of 29 names of Paksitanis are in custody.

The United States has started investigating Pakistani's role in the Islamic State movement in Syria after the Kurd Syrian Democratic Forces released a list of 29 names of Paksitanis are in custody. This can, as per experts, complicate things for the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan who is already stuck in the damage caused by his unsuccessful attempt to get two important FATF-linked legislations enacted The list includes names of four Pakistanis who claim to have citizenship of countries such as Turkey and Sudan. Nine out of the 29 terrorists are women fighters. Also read: Pakistan urges Taliban leaders to start peace talks The terrorists are being interrogated about their mission and their past connections with various terrorist groups. “The American security forces are currently interrogating these Pakistani nationals including who sent them to fight for IS in Syria and their past affiliations with terrorist groups like the Al Qaida or any other pan-Islamic group based in Pakistan. As the Pakistani deep state is involved with the so-called Islamic State of Khorasan Province in Afghanistan, the interrogation will also reveal its role if any,” said a counter-terror official in know of the list. The terrorists were in Syria to fight for the so-called Islamic State, which is an ultra-onservative radical Sunni movement in Iraq and Syria, and has increased in the past decade. Reports claim the terrorists are freelancers as the Islamic State does not hold any territory in Iraq or Syria.

US starts investigating 9 Pakistani terrorists held in Syria

The world has been facing an omnipresent enemy called terrorism. India recently raised the issue at United Nations Security Council. Major General (Retd) Shashi Asthana explains what this means.

Video opinion: Terrorism and the global response to it

A grenade attack took place on Monday morning near the Karachi stock exchange in Pakistan, reports said.

According to reports, four suspected terrorists stormed the Karachi stock exchange. All four&nbsp;terrorists were later killed by police with clearance&nbsp;operation underway currently.

<img alt="Terrorists attack Karachi stock exchange " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="63692f21-835d-4fff-9ac7-498b332a292e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pak%20gunmen.jpg" />

Gunfire was heard following the attack as the police moved in to cordon off the area.&nbsp;The area is a high security zone with head offices of several banks located in the area.

At least ten people were killed in the attack. Reports say the terrorists were wearing police uniforms giving the impression that they were off duty cops.

<img alt="Terrorists attack Karachi stock exchange " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b5dfee1-f458-4f70-8152-29cbb5a19675" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Karachi%20terror.jpg" />

Reports said&nbsp;the Baloch Liberation Army has claimed responsibility of the attack.

A grenade attack took place on Monday morning near the Karachi stock exchange in Pakistan, reports said. According to reports, four suspected terrorists stormed the Karachi stock exchange.

A grenade attack took place on Monday morning near the Karachi stock exchange in Pakistan, reports said. According to reports, four suspected terrorists stormed the Karachi stock exchange. All four terrorists were later killed by police with clearance operation underway currently. Gunfire was heard following the attack as the police moved in to cordon off the area. The area is a high security zone with head offices of several banks located in the area. At least ten people were killed in the attack. Reports say the terrorists were wearing police uniforms giving the impression that they were off duty cops. Reports said the Baloch Liberation Army has claimed responsibility of the attack.

Terrorists in police uniform attack Karachi stock exchange; all attackers killed

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