Five terrorists have been killed in an encounter with a joint team of security forces in Shopian district of south Kashmir, taking the toll of killed terrorists in the valley to 14 in 4 days.

Acting on specific information, security forces zeroed in on a location where terrorists were hiding which triggered a gunfight.&nbsp;

“Five dead bodies have been recovered from the encounter site and operation has been concluded,” police said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pashmina-wool-caught-up-in-border-dispute-between-india-and-china-304638" hreflang="en">Pashmina wool caught up in border dispute between India and China</a>

Sources in the police say this was a joint group of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Toiba terror outfit.&nbsp;

All 14 terrorists have been killed in the Shopian district alone with the specific inputs about their presence with the J&amp;K police.&nbsp;

On Sunday, five Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terrorists were killed in the Reben area of Shopain district after forces launched a similar operation. Next, four terrorists&nbsp;were eliminated in the Pinjora area of the district.&nbsp;

Security forces say this has been a big success for them to “break the back” of the terror outfit in south Kashmir.&nbsp;

A total of 93 terrorists have been killed so far this year and several overground workers (OGW) have also been arrested, who provide logistical and other support to terrorists.

Top commanders including an IED expert of Pakistan origin, Abdul Rehman, were also killed last week in an operation.

Five terrorists have been killed in an encounter with a joint team of security forces in Shopian district of south Kashmir, taking the toll of killed terrorists in the valley to 14 in 4 days.

Five terrorists have been killed in an encounter with a joint team of security forces in Shopian district of south Kashmir, taking the toll of killed terrorists in the valley to 14 in 4 days. Acting on specific information, security forces zeroed in on a location where terrorists were hiding which triggered a gunfight. “Five dead bodies have been recovered from the encounter site and operation has been concluded,” police said. Also read: Pashmina wool caught up in border dispute between India and China Sources in the police say this was a joint group of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Toiba terror outfit. All 14 terrorists have been killed in the Shopian district alone with the specific inputs about their presence with the J&K police. On Sunday, five Hizb-ul-Mujahideen terrorists were killed in the Reben area of Shopain district after forces launched a similar operation. Next, four terrorists were eliminated in the Pinjora area of the district. Security forces say this has been a big success for them to “break the back” of the terror outfit in south Kashmir. A total of 93 terrorists have been killed so far this year and several overground workers (OGW) have also been arrested, who provide logistical and other support to terrorists. Top commanders including an IED expert of Pakistan origin, Abdul Rehman, were also killed last week in an operation.

Kashmir: 5 terrorists killed in encounter, 14 terrorists neutralised in 4 days

President Donald Trump threatened to deploy the military if states and cities failed to quell the protests sparked by the death of George Floyd.

Calling himself the "law and order" president, Trump said that&nbsp;he was deploying thousands of "heavily armed" soldiers and police to prevent further protests in Washington, where buildings and monuments have been vandalized near the White House.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tensions-rise-in-us-as-fires-burn-near-white-house-amid-riots-302482">Also read: Tensions rise in US as fires burn near White House amid riots</a>

“My first and highest duty as president is to defend our great country and the American people,” Trump said. “I swore an oath to uphold the laws of our nation and that is exactly what I will do.” 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/official-autopsy-reveals-floyds-homicide-caused-by-neck-compression-302503">Also read: Official autopsy reveals Floyd's 'homicide' caused by 'neck compression'</a>

"What happened in the city last night was a total disgrace," he said during a nationwide address.

"I am dispatching thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers, military personnel and law enforcement officers to stop the rioting, looting, vandalism, assaults and the wanton destruction of property."

"I want the organizers of this terror to be on notice that you will face severe criminal penalties and lengthy sentences in jail," Trump said as police could be heard using tear gas and stun grenades to clear protestors just outside the White House. 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/01/142782-untitled-design.jpg?itok=JMSBCNtG" />

Fireworks explode behind Ferguson Police during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd, in Ferguson, Missouri, U.S. May 31, 2020. (Reuters Photo) 
 
As Trump spoke, riot police and military police used tear gas to clear protesters out of a public square in front of the White House. Trump took a walk through the square after his remarks.

One week after Floyd died in Minneapolis, an autopsy blamed his videotaped death squarely on a white police officer who pinned him down by the neck with his knee for nearly nine minutes as Floyd pleaded, "I can't breathe!" 
 
"The evidence is consistent with mechanical asphyxia as the cause of death, and homicide as the manner of death," Aleccia Wilson, a University of Michigan expert who examined his body at the family's request, told a news conference.

The unrest has been the most widespread in the United States since 1968 when cities went up in flames over the slaying of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. and rekindled memories of 1992 riots in Los Angeles after police were acquitted in the brutal beating of black motorist Rodney King. 
 
(With inputs from AFP)

President Donald Trump threatened to deploy the military if states and cities failed to quell the protests sparked by the death of George Floyd. Calling himself the "law and order" president, Trump said that he was deploying thousands of "heavily armed" soldiers and police to prevent further protests in Washington, where buildings and monuments have been vandalized near the White House.

President Donald Trump threatened to deploy the military if states and cities failed to quell the protests sparked by the death of George Floyd. Calling himself the "law and order" president, Trump said that he was deploying thousands of "heavily armed" soldiers and police to prevent further protests in Washington, where buildings and monuments have been vandalized near the White House. Also read: Tensions rise in US as fires burn near White House amid riots “My first and highest duty as president is to defend our great country and the American people,” Trump said. “I swore an oath to uphold the laws of our nation and that is exactly what I will do.” Also read: Official autopsy reveals Floyd's 'homicide' caused by 'neck compression' "What happened in the city last night was a total disgrace," he said during a nationwide address. "I am dispatching thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers, military personnel and law enforcement officers to stop the rioting, looting, vandalism, assaults and the wanton destruction of property." "I want the organizers of this terror to be on notice that you will face severe criminal penalties and lengthy sentences in jail," Trump said as police could be heard using tear gas and stun grenades to clear protestors just outside the White House. Fireworks explode behind Ferguson Police during a protest against the death in Minneapolis police custody of African-American man George Floyd, in Ferguson, Missouri, U.S. May 31, 2020. (Reuters Photo) As Trump spoke, riot police and military police used tear gas to clear protesters out of a public square in front of the White House. Trump took a walk through the square after his remarks. One week after Floyd died in Minneapolis, an autopsy blamed his videotaped death squarely on a white police officer who pinned him down by the neck with his knee for nearly nine minutes as Floyd pleaded, "I can't breathe!" "The evidence is consistent with mechanical asphyxia as the cause of death, and homicide as the manner of death," Aleccia Wilson, a University of Michigan expert who examined his body at the family's request, told a news conference. The unrest has been the most widespread in the United States since 1968 when cities went up in flames over the slaying of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. and rekindled memories of 1992 riots in Los Angeles after police were acquitted in the brutal beating of black motorist Rodney King. (With inputs from AFP)

Unrest in Washington a 'total disgrace', mobilizing 'heavily armed' military to stop protests: Trump

The United States is currently dealing with two crises: the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed over 100,000 in the country, and protests against racism and police brutality .

The protests began in the United States after a black man, George Floyd was knelt on and killed by a policeman in Minneapolis, a city in the US state of Minnesota. The man died on May 25, raising concerns of race-oriented state brutality in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/racism-haunts-america-as-african-americans-struggle-for-equality-302462" hreflang="en">Racism haunts America as African-Americans struggle for equality</a>

This is the election year in the US. However, when American cities were burning, the President - Donald Trump in Cape Canaveral to witness the launch of the SpaceX-NASA flight to the International Space Station.

<h6><img alt="oo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1ba1c778-dcb7-40c7-9c02-60c5e17733bc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_104.jpg" /> 
Protests in the United States | AFP</h6>

While speaking at the facility, he declared - “mobs won’t call the shots”. He blamed "the radical left" ---for the violence.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-united-states-the-biggest-violator-of-human-rights-302486/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, the protests did not simmer. In fact, right outside his residence - the White House, protesters were seen clashing with the secret service.

After three years in power, Donald Trump is facing a pandemic, a protest, and an election.

"When the looting starts, the shooting starts"

On Friday, he called the protesters "thugs". Then he tweeted: when the looting starts, the shooting starts.&nbsp;These are the words of a former Miami police chief in the 1960s which spurred race riots in that decade.

On Saturday - he wanted to unleash "the most vicious dogs, the most ominous weapons" on the protesters. He was talking about the crowd that had gathered outside the White House.

Additionally, Trump wants to declare ANTIFA (the anti-fascist movement) a terrorist movement. However, the group doesn't have a leader, or a defined structure or any membership roles.

It represents activists - who share similar philosophy and tactics and are usually far left and anti-fascist.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/trumps-america-burns-as-protests-spread-like-wildfire-302449" hreflang="en">Trump's America burns as protests spread like wildfire!</a>

The President, however, cannot officially designate the ANTIFA as terrorists.

Firstly, it is impossible to know exactly how many people identify themselves as part of the “ANTIFA. Secondly, the United States does not have a domestic terrorism law.

The law, as it exists right now - applies to foreign entities, and not domestic groups.

Nonetheless, the President has made the pronouncements on Twitter.

According to a report, Trump's own advisers are worried about his tweets, for they feel his content is “pouring fuel on an already incendiary situation".

The Democrats have latched onto this. Joe Biden, his co-contender in the upcoming elections, is taking on Trump for these remarks.

The United States is currently dealing with two crises: the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed over 100,000 in the country, and protests against racism and police brutality .

The United States is currently dealing with two crises: the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed over 100,000 in the country, and protests against racism and police brutality . The protests began in the United States after a black man, George Floyd was knelt on and killed by a policeman in Minneapolis, a city in the US state of Minnesota. The man died on May 25, raising concerns of race-oriented state brutality in the country. Also read: Racism haunts America as African-Americans struggle for equality This is the election year in the US. However, when American cities were burning, the President - Donald Trump in Cape Canaveral to witness the launch of the SpaceX-NASA flight to the International Space Station. Protests in the United States | AFP While speaking at the facility, he declared - “mobs won’t call the shots”. He blamed "the radical left" ---for the violence. However, the protests did not simmer. In fact, right outside his residence - the White House, protesters were seen clashing with the secret service. After three years in power, Donald Trump is facing a pandemic, a protest, and an election. "When the looting starts, the shooting starts" On Friday, he called the protesters "thugs". Then he tweeted: when the looting starts, the shooting starts. These are the words of a former Miami police chief in the 1960s which spurred race riots in that decade. On Saturday - he wanted to unleash "the most vicious dogs, the most ominous weapons" on the protesters. He was talking about the crowd that had gathered outside the White House. Additionally, Trump wants to declare ANTIFA (the anti-fascist movement) a terrorist movement. However, the group doesn't have a leader, or a defined structure or any membership roles. It represents activists - who share similar philosophy and tactics and are usually far left and anti-fascist. Also read: Trump's America burns as protests spread like wildfire! The President, however, cannot officially designate the ANTIFA as terrorists. Firstly, it is impossible to know exactly how many people identify themselves as part of the “ANTIFA. Secondly, the United States does not have a domestic terrorism law. The law, as it exists right now - applies to foreign entities, and not domestic groups. Nonetheless, the President has made the pronouncements on Twitter. According to a report, Trump's own advisers are worried about his tweets, for they feel his content is “pouring fuel on an already incendiary situation". The Democrats have latched onto this. Joe Biden, his co-contender in the upcoming elections, is taking on Trump for these remarks.

Can Donald Trump actually label ANTIFA as a terrorist organisation?

The External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday condemned the terrorist attack on a Gurdwara in Afghanistan that left 27 killed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/attack-on-gurudwara-in-kabul-kills-27-injures-8-288442">Also read: Attack on Gurudwara in Kabul kills 27, injures 8</a> 
 
Calling the terror attack an act of cowardice Dr S Jaishankar assured that the Indian Embassy in Afghanistan is in continuous touch with the families of those killed and injured.

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Understandable grief and anger at the cowardly terrorist attack on Gurudwara in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kabul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kabul</a>. Our Embassy <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianEmbKabul?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianEmbKabul</a> is in continuous touch with the families of those killed and injured.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1243030173429055488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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One of those who died in the attack is Tian Singh, a 71-year old Indian citizen from Delhi. Family members of Mr Singh have demanded that his mortal remains should be brought to India.

The foreign minister also assured that the embassy is working on the return of mortal remains of Tian Singh.&nbsp;

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Medical opinion against moving injured at this stage. Embassy <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianEmbKabul?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianEmbKabul</a> is working on the return of mortal remains of Shri Tian Singh. Will keep you updated.<a href="https://twitter.com/HardeepSPuri?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HardeepSPuri</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HarsimratBadal_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HarsimratBadal_</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/capt_amarinder?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@capt_amarinder</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1243030175945617409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Yesterday, a terror attack on a Gurudwara in Kabul, Afghanistan had left 27 people dead. Eight people have also been wounded. All four terrorists have been neutralised by Afghan security forces.

Based on information received by the Afghan Interior Ministry, the attack was carried out by suicide bombers.

Soon after the attack, the Ministry of External Affairs, India, extended condolences to the loss suffered by the Sikh community.

The External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday condemned the terrorist attack on a Gurdwara in Afghanistan that left 27 killed. Also read: Attack on Gurudwara in Kabul kills 27, injures 8 Calling the terror attack an act of cowardice Dr S Jaishankar assured that the Indian Embassy in Afghanistan is in continuous touch with the families of those killed and injured.

The External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday condemned the terrorist attack on a Gurdwara in Afghanistan that left 27 killed. Also read: Attack on Gurudwara in Kabul kills 27, injures 8 Calling the terror attack an act of cowardice Dr S Jaishankar assured that the Indian Embassy in Afghanistan is in continuous touch with the families of those killed and injured. Understandable grief and anger at the cowardly terrorist attack on Gurudwara in #Kabul. Our Embassy @IndianEmbKabul is in continuous touch with the families of those killed and injured. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 26, 2020 × One of those who died in the attack is Tian Singh, a 71-year old Indian citizen from Delhi. Family members of Mr Singh have demanded that his mortal remains should be brought to India. The foreign minister also assured that the embassy is working on the return of mortal remains of Tian Singh. Medical opinion against moving injured at this stage. Embassy @IndianEmbKabul is working on the return of mortal remains of Shri Tian Singh. Will keep you updated.@HardeepSPuri @HarsimratBadal_ @capt_amarinder — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 26, 2020 × Yesterday, a terror attack on a Gurudwara in Kabul, Afghanistan had left 27 people dead. Eight people have also been wounded. All four terrorists have been neutralised by Afghan security forces. Based on information received by the Afghan Interior Ministry, the attack was carried out by suicide bombers. Soon after the attack, the Ministry of External Affairs, India, extended condolences to the loss suffered by the Sikh community.

S Jaishankar condemns Kabul Gurudwara attack, says working on return of mortal remains of Tian Singh

A terror&nbsp;attack on a Gurudwara in Kabul, Afghanistan has left 27 people dead. Eight people have also been wounded. All four terrorists have been neutralised by Afghan security forces.

Based on information received by the Afghan Interior Ministry, the attack was carried out by suicide bombers.

Soon after the attack, the Ministry of External Affairs, India, extended condolences to the loss suffered by the Sikh community.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/terrorists-failed-to-attack-indian-mission-in-kabul-killed-11-in-gurudwara-288408" hreflang="en">Terrorists failed to attack Indian mission in Kabul, killed 11 in Gurudwara</a>

"We convey our sincerest condolences to the immediate family members of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. India stands ready to extend all possible assistance to the affected families of the Hindu and Sikh community of Afghanistan", the ministry's statement said. 
 
"Such cowardly attacks on the places of religious worship of the minority community, especially at this time of COVID 19 pandemic, is reflective of the diabolical mindset of the perpetrators and their backers", the statement added.

<h6><img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b6c4b018-0451-401e-b460-d9700e1deb7a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_114.jpg" /> 
An Afghan security personnel (L) stands along with Sikhs near the site of an attack to a Sikh temple in Kabul on March 25, 2020 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Allegedly, the gunmen and suicide bombers belonged to the Haqqani network, and attacked the gurudwara located in the Shorbazar are.

Media reports have indicated that Quetta Shura (Haqqanis) had initially planned an attack on the Indian Mission but were unable to carry it out because of the security.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suicide-bombers-attack-sikh-gurudwara-in-kabul-11-killed-288371" hreflang="en">Suicide bombers attack Sikh Gurudwara in Kabul; 11 killed</a>

At least 200 people were inside during the attack.

The Islamic State group has claimed the&nbsp;attack on a Sikh-Hindu temple in central Kabul, according to the SITE intelligence group, in the latest assault by the extremist outfit targeting a minority group in Afghanistan.

(With inputs from ANI)

A terror attack on a Gurudwara in Kabul, Afghanistan has left 27 people dead. Eight people have also been wounded. All four terrorists have been neutralised by Afghan security forces.

A terror attack on a Gurudwara in Kabul, Afghanistan has left 27 people dead. Eight people have also been wounded. All four terrorists have been neutralised by Afghan security forces. Based on information received by the Afghan Interior Ministry, the attack was carried out by suicide bombers. Soon after the attack, the Ministry of External Affairs, India, extended condolences to the loss suffered by the Sikh community. Also read: Terrorists failed to attack Indian mission in Kabul, killed 11 in Gurudwara "We convey our sincerest condolences to the immediate family members of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. India stands ready to extend all possible assistance to the affected families of the Hindu and Sikh community of Afghanistan", the ministry's statement said. "Such cowardly attacks on the places of religious worship of the minority community, especially at this time of COVID 19 pandemic, is reflective of the diabolical mindset of the perpetrators and their backers", the statement added. An Afghan security personnel (L) stands along with Sikhs near the site of an attack to a Sikh temple in Kabul on March 25, 2020 | AFP Allegedly, the gunmen and suicide bombers belonged to the Haqqani network, and attacked the gurudwara located in the Shorbazar are. Media reports have indicated that Quetta Shura (Haqqanis) had initially planned an attack on the Indian Mission but were unable to carry it out because of the security. Also read: Suicide bombers attack Sikh Gurudwara in Kabul; 11 killed At least 200 people were inside during the attack. The Islamic State group has claimed the attack on a Sikh-Hindu temple in central Kabul, according to the SITE intelligence group, in the latest assault by the extremist outfit targeting a minority group in Afghanistan. (With inputs from ANI)

Attack on Gurudwara in Kabul kills 27, injures 8

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday questioned 10 accused in connection with ISIS terror-related case.

"They had obtained SIM cards on forged identities, pursuant to a conspiracy hatched with ISIS/Daish member Khaja Mohideen and his associates to carry out activities for furthering objectives of ISIS/Daish in India," said NIA in a statement.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/accused-in-pulwama-attack-case-held-remanded-to-15-days-nia-custody-283406">Accused in Pulwama attack case held, remanded to 15 days NIA custody</a>

NIA took the 10 arrested accused in custody for six days with effect from February 27 to March 3 for their detailed interrogation.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-joint-statement-india-us-call-on-pakistan-to-bring-to-justice-pathankot-and-2611-attackers-282741">In joint statement, India, US call on Pakistan to bring to justice Pathankot and 26/11 attackers</a>

The case was originally registered by Q Branch of Tamil Nadu Police.

During NIA custody of the accused persons, evidence regarding their participation in the conspiracy and pursuant overt acts has been collected and the same would be submitted to the Special Court for Trial of NIA cases, Chennai.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday questioned 10 accused in connection with ISIS terror-related case. "They had obtained SIM cards on forged identities, pursuant to a conspiracy hatched with ISIS/Daish member Khaja Mohideen and his associates to carry out activities for furthering objectives of ISIS/Daish in India," said NIA in a statement.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday questioned 10 accused in connection with ISIS terror-related case. "They had obtained SIM cards on forged identities, pursuant to a conspiracy hatched with ISIS/Daish member Khaja Mohideen and his associates to carry out activities for furthering objectives of ISIS/Daish in India," said NIA in a statement. Also read: Accused in Pulwama attack case held, remanded to 15 days NIA custody NIA took the 10 arrested accused in custody for six days with effect from February 27 to March 3 for their detailed interrogation. Also see: In joint statement, India, US call on Pakistan to bring to justice Pathankot and 26/11 attackers The case was originally registered by Q Branch of Tamil Nadu Police. During NIA custody of the accused persons, evidence regarding their participation in the conspiracy and pursuant overt acts has been collected and the same would be submitted to the Special Court for Trial of NIA cases, Chennai.

NIA interrogates 10 accused in IS terror module case

Iran blacklisted over failure to curb terror funding. According to FATF Iran failed to implement its action plans and there could be adverse consequences for Iran. On the other hand, Iran says that FATF was pressured by America.

Iran put on terror financing blacklist

According to the sources, Masood Azhar and his famliy is not missing but kept safe in Pakistan. Ahead of the crucial meeting with terror watchdog FATF, Pakistan on Monday claimed Jaishe-e-Mohammed terrorist has gone missing. Intel inputs have revealed Masood Azhar has been taken to a secure location by the Pakistan Army and ISI.

Azhar is not missing, safe at Jaish's house in Paksitan

Islamic State has confirmed Amir Mohammed Abdul Rahman al Mawli al-Salbi as its new leader, The Guardian reported based on information from two intelligence services.

Reportedly, Salbi was named the leader hours after the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in October. After his death, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Quraishi was perceived as the next leader but failed to gain recognition from other senior leaders.

One of the founding members of the terror outfit, he was behind the enslavement of Iraq's Yazidi minority and has overseen operations around the globe.

Islamic State or ISIS, which was pronounced dead by many global organisations has regained traction with a new leader. Salbi was born into an Iraqi-Turkish family in the town of Tal Afar, and is one of the few non-Arabs on board. &nbsp;

<h6><img alt="ISIS" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="02d5e446-24fb-4dad-8719-7be733abc024" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_54.jpg" /> 
 
In this file photo taken on January 13, 2020 A picture during a press tour organised by the US-led coalition fighting the remnants of the Islamic State group, shows a view of the damage at Ain al-Asad military airbase housing US and other foreign troops in the western Iraqi province of Anbar. At least 11 American troops were injured in an Iranian attack on an Iraqi base where American soldiers were deployed, US Central Command said Thursday, although the US military had previously maintained there were no casualties | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

He is also known by the alias Haji Abdullah, and by many as Abdullah Qardash, even though Iraqi authorities claim that Qardash was a separate ISIS figure who died two years ago.&nbsp;

An Islamic scholar, Salbi used to give religious rulings which triggered a genocide against the Yazidis. He also plundered the Nieveh Plains in northern Iraq in an IS rampage.

In the aftermath of Baghdadi's death, spies have deciphered information and found Salbi at the centre of the Islamic State decisions. He is portrayed as a hardened veteran along the same lines as Baghdadi, with unmatched loyalty towards his group.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A graduate from the University of Mosul, he holds a degree in Sharia law. Earlier in 2004, he was detained by American forces in southern Iraq where he stumbled upon Baghdadi. The Guardian reported that he has at least one offspring.

Way before Baghdadi was killed in a US military raid on October 27 in Syria, the State Department of the country had put a $5 million bounty on Salbi's head and on two other senior members of the group. With Baghdadi's deteriorating health in August, Salbi was perceived as the heir.

<h6><img alt="is" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="af2f9c98-e3f5-41be-b951-5a5cd429b62a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_60.jpg" /> 
A woman pushes a stroller next to tents at the Kurdish-run al-Hol camp for the displaced in the al-Hasakeh governorate in northeastern Syria on January 14, 2020, where families of Islamic State (IS) foreign fighters are held. Kurdish authorities in northeast Syria warned that a UN vote to scrap The Yaroubiya entry point for cross-border aid will cripple at least half of the healthcare response in an area ravaged by battles, disrupting 60 to 70 percent of medical assistance to Al-Hol", an overcrowded desert camp brimming with tens of thousands of civilians and IS families, a Kurdish aid official said | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

The ISIS is now witnessing a demographic shift, with most people at the helm of the organisation being youngsters who had no or very little role to play in the battle against US forces in 2004.

Islamic State had gained considerable momentum in 2014 when Baghdadi proclaimed himself a caliph of the Islamic world. However, the organisation has been regrouping lately.

In northern Iraq, Kurdish forces have warned of an increase in attacks in the central and northern areas of the country. Between December 20 and 26, ISIS claimed to have carried out 106 attacks to avenge the death of Baghdadi and the Isis propaganda chief, Abu Hassan al-Muhaji.

Governments and agencies are now looking for Salbi, by tracking his brother Adel Salbi, a representative of the political party Turkmen Iraqi Front.

Most of the remaining ISIS mechanism is stationed at Mosul, where the communities are trying to rebuild after five years of war.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-arrests-147-islamic-state-suspects-271125">Turkey arrests 147 Islamic State suspects</a>

Islamic State has confirmed Amir Mohammed Abdul Rahman al Mawli al-Salbi as its new leader, The Guardian reported based on information from two intelligence services.

Islamic State has confirmed Amir Mohammed Abdul Rahman al Mawli al-Salbi as its new leader, The Guardian reported based on information from two intelligence services. Reportedly, Salbi was named the leader hours after the death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in October. After his death, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Quraishi was perceived as the next leader but failed to gain recognition from other senior leaders. One of the founding members of the terror outfit, he was behind the enslavement of Iraq's Yazidi minority and has overseen operations around the globe. Islamic State or ISIS, which was pronounced dead by many global organisations has regained traction with a new leader. Salbi was born into an Iraqi-Turkish family in the town of Tal Afar, and is one of the few non-Arabs on board. In this file photo taken on January 13, 2020 A picture during a press tour organised by the US-led coalition fighting the remnants of the Islamic State group, shows a view of the damage at Ain al-Asad military airbase housing US and other foreign troops in the western Iraqi province of Anbar. At least 11 American troops were injured in an Iranian attack on an Iraqi base where American soldiers were deployed, US Central Command said Thursday, although the US military had previously maintained there were no casualties | AFP He is also known by the alias Haji Abdullah, and by many as Abdullah Qardash, even though Iraqi authorities claim that Qardash was a separate ISIS figure who died two years ago. An Islamic scholar, Salbi used to give religious rulings which triggered a genocide against the Yazidis. He also plundered the Nieveh Plains in northern Iraq in an IS rampage. In the aftermath of Baghdadi's death, spies have deciphered information and found Salbi at the centre of the Islamic State decisions. He is portrayed as a hardened veteran along the same lines as Baghdadi, with unmatched loyalty towards his group. A graduate from the University of Mosul, he holds a degree in Sharia law. Earlier in 2004, he was detained by American forces in southern Iraq where he stumbled upon Baghdadi. The Guardian reported that he has at least one offspring. Way before Baghdadi was killed in a US military raid on October 27 in Syria, the State Department of the country had put a $5 million bounty on Salbi's head and on two other senior members of the group. With Baghdadi's deteriorating health in August, Salbi was perceived as the heir. A woman pushes a stroller next to tents at the Kurdish-run al-Hol camp for the displaced in the al-Hasakeh governorate in northeastern Syria on January 14, 2020, where families of Islamic State (IS) foreign fighters are held. Kurdish authorities in northeast Syria warned that a UN vote to scrap The Yaroubiya entry point for cross-border aid will cripple at least half of the healthcare response in an area ravaged by battles, disrupting 60 to 70 percent of medical assistance to Al-Hol", an overcrowded desert camp brimming with tens of thousands of civilians and IS families, a Kurdish aid official said | AFP The ISIS is now witnessing a demographic shift, with most people at the helm of the organisation being youngsters who had no or very little role to play in the battle against US forces in 2004. Islamic State had gained considerable momentum in 2014 when Baghdadi proclaimed himself a caliph of the Islamic world. However, the organisation has been regrouping lately. In northern Iraq, Kurdish forces have warned of an increase in attacks in the central and northern areas of the country. Between December 20 and 26, ISIS claimed to have carried out 106 attacks to avenge the death of Baghdadi and the Isis propaganda chief, Abu Hassan al-Muhaji. Governments and agencies are now looking for Salbi, by tracking his brother Adel Salbi, a representative of the political party Turkmen Iraqi Front. Most of the remaining ISIS mechanism is stationed at Mosul, where the communities are trying to rebuild after five years of war. Also read: Turkey arrests 147 Islamic State suspects

Founding member Al-Salbi confirmed as Islamic State's new leader: Sources

An explosion at a funeral ceremony in the Laghman province of Afghanistan on Monday killed three people and injured seven, reported ANI.

The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

No group has claimed the responsibility for the attack yet.

The explosion happened at 10.30 am when the victims were attending the funeral ceremony of a tribal elder, said Asadullah Dawlatzai, a spokesman for the provincial governor.&nbsp;

Earlier, on Thursday, one civilian was killed and two others were injured in a bomb blast in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Thursday, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry told Sputnik.

(With inputs from agencies)

An explosion at a funeral ceremony in the Laghman province of Afghanistan on Monday killed three people and injured seven, reported ANI. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

An explosion at a funeral ceremony in the Laghman province of Afghanistan on Monday killed three people and injured seven, reported ANI. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. No group has claimed the responsibility for the attack yet. The explosion happened at 10.30 am when the victims were attending the funeral ceremony of a tribal elder, said Asadullah Dawlatzai, a spokesman for the provincial governor. Earlier, on Thursday, one civilian was killed and two others were injured in a bomb blast in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Thursday, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry told Sputnik. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: 3 killed, 7 injured in explosion

Three&nbsp;blasts took place in the normally quiet town of Manaung on an island off Myanmar's western coast where Suu Kyi was due to arrive to attend the opening of&nbsp;a solar power plant.

"There were three explosions, but no casualties," Win Myint, spokesperson for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amnesty-accuses-myanmar-military-of-fresh-war-crimes-in-rakhine-222432">Rakhine</a>'s regional government, told AFP.

He said it happened before <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-aung-san-suu-kyi-is-in-the-hague-defending-myanmar-against-allegations-of-genocide-267828">Suu Kyi</a> arrived, but since they were on the other side of town the event went ahead as planned and she had since left safely on a flight to Yangon.

WATCH: Violence in Rakhine state centuries-old, says Aung San Suu Kyi

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"This has never happened in Manaung before."

No group has yet claimed responsibility for planting the small bombs, which detonated at the side of a road, photos from local media showed. &nbsp;

The area has remained largely unscathed by unrest further north, where Myanmar's military is locked in an increasingly vicious conflict with the Arakan Army (AA).

The rebel group claims to be fighting for more autonomy and rights for the ethnic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/the-lady-and-the-hague-myanmar-leader-suu-kyi-courts-home-audience-266663">Rakhine Buddhists</a> and garners sympathy from many local people who have long felt marginalised in the Bamar-majority country.

But tens of thousands have fled their homes over the past year and dozens of civilians have been caught in the crossfire.

There have been allegations of abuse against both sides.

Rights groups say Myanmar's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-seizes-boat-carrying-173-rohingya-muslims-military-spokesman-268720">military</a> has abducted civilians and tortured detainees, but the army points to targeted shootings, roadside bombings and kidnappings by insurgents.&nbsp;

One <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-worker-dies-in-myanmar-rebel-operation-259872">Indian</a> construction worker died while being held hostage and an MP from Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) has now been held for over six weeks.

A number of hostages seized by the rebels in a raid on a ferry packed with scores of police and soldiers were killed in October, with each side blaming the other.

Rakhine state's north was also the epicentre of a bloody military crackdown two years ago that forced some 740,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-ready-to-go-back-rohingya-refugees-meet-with-myanmar-delegates-269053">Rohingya</a> Muslims to flee over the border into Bangladesh.

Thursday's visit was only the third time Suu Kyi had travelled to Rakhine since the Rohingya crisis erupted in 2017.

Three blasts took place in the normally quiet town of Manaung on an island off Myanmar's western coast where Suu Kyi was due to arrive to attend the opening of a solar power plant.

Three blasts took place in the normally quiet town of Manaung on an island off Myanmar's western coast where Suu Kyi was due to arrive to attend the opening of a solar power plant. "There were three explosions, but no casualties," Win Myint, spokesperson for Rakhine's regional government, told AFP. He said it happened before Suu Kyi arrived, but since they were on the other side of town the event went ahead as planned and she had since left safely on a flight to Yangon. WATCH: Violence in Rakhine state centuries-old, says Aung San Suu Kyi × "This has never happened in Manaung before." No group has yet claimed responsibility for planting the small bombs, which detonated at the side of a road, photos from local media showed. The area has remained largely unscathed by unrest further north, where Myanmar's military is locked in an increasingly vicious conflict with the Arakan Army (AA). The rebel group claims to be fighting for more autonomy and rights for the ethnic Rakhine Buddhists and garners sympathy from many local people who have long felt marginalised in the Bamar-majority country. But tens of thousands have fled their homes over the past year and dozens of civilians have been caught in the crossfire. There have been allegations of abuse against both sides. Rights groups say Myanmar's military has abducted civilians and tortured detainees, but the army points to targeted shootings, roadside bombings and kidnappings by insurgents. One Indian construction worker died while being held hostage and an MP from Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) has now been held for over six weeks. A number of hostages seized by the rebels in a raid on a ferry packed with scores of police and soldiers were killed in October, with each side blaming the other. Rakhine state's north was also the epicentre of a bloody military crackdown two years ago that forced some 740,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee over the border into Bangladesh. Thursday's visit was only the third time Suu Kyi had travelled to Rakhine since the Rohingya crisis erupted in 2017.

Small blasts hit Rakhine town as Myanmar's Suu Kyi visits

A US Navy sailor opened fire at the historic military base at Pearl Harbor, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hawaii-governor-declares-emergency-for-maui-wildfires-235492">Hawaii</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, base officials said, with local media reporting that at least three people were wounded, two of them critically, before the suspect took his own life.

A spokeswoman for the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam confirmed that a shooting had taken place but declined to give any further details.

"The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 pm. Due to the ongoing security incident, access/gates to #JBPHH are closed," the base said on Twitter, adding that officials would provide further information when it became available.

NBC affiliate Hawaii News Now, citing a base spokesman, said at least three people had been wounded in the attack, which took place at Drydock 2 of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.

An unnamed witness told Hawaii News Now in an on-air interview that he had seen the gunman put a gun to his head and shoot himself. The gunman was wearing a US&nbsp;Navy uniform, the witness told the station.

Watch: United States' bloody history of mass shootings

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Hawaii News Now reported that two of the victims were in grave condition at local hospitals.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam is a combined US&nbsp;Air Force and Navy Installation located 13 km&nbsp;from Honolulu.

The base was put on lockdown for about two hours after the shooting.

The incident comes three days before the anniversary of the December&nbsp;7, 1941 attack on the naval base that led the United States to enter World War Two by declaring war on Japan.

A US Navy sailor opened fire at the historic military base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Wednesday, base officials said, with local media reporting that at least three people were wounded, two of them critically, before the suspect took his own life.

A US Navy sailor opened fire at the historic military base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Wednesday, base officials said, with local media reporting that at least three people were wounded, two of them critically, before the suspect took his own life. A spokeswoman for the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam confirmed that a shooting had taken place but declined to give any further details. "The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 pm. Due to the ongoing security incident, access/gates to #JBPHH are closed," the base said on Twitter, adding that officials would provide further information when it became available. NBC affiliate Hawaii News Now, citing a base spokesman, said at least three people had been wounded in the attack, which took place at Drydock 2 of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. An unnamed witness told Hawaii News Now in an on-air interview that he had seen the gunman put a gun to his head and shoot himself. The gunman was wearing a US Navy uniform, the witness told the station. Watch: United States' bloody history of mass shootings Hawaii News Now reported that two of the victims were in grave condition at local hospitals. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam is a combined US Air Force and Navy Installation located 13 km from Honolulu. The base was put on lockdown for about two hours after the shooting. The incident comes three days before the anniversary of the December 7, 1941 attack on the naval base that led the United States to enter World War Two by declaring war on Japan.

US Navy sailor injures three at Hawaii's Pearl Harbour base, kills self

Five Afghans were killed and a Japanese aid worker wounded Wednesday in an attack in Jalalabad city in the eastern province of Nangarhar, officials said.

The attack comes as humanitarian groups remain on high alert just days after an American aid worker for the UN was killed in a bombing in Kabul.

Tetsu Nakamura, a doctor who heads Peace Japan Medical Services, known as Peshawar Kai in Japanese, was targeted by gunmen while in a vehicle in Jalalabad.

"Dr Nakamura was wounded and his three security guards, a driver and another colleague were killed," Attaullah Khogyani, a spokesman for Nangarhar's governor, told AFP.

Nakamura is well known in Japan for his aid work, which dates back decades.

The Peshawar Kai website states that Nakamura began aid work in Peshawar in northwest Pakistan in 1984, going on to open a clinic in a remote Nangarhar village in 1991.

The organisation in 1998 established a hospital in Peshawar to serve as the group's permanent base for medical programmes in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Jalalabad resident Auzubillah, who only uses one name, told AFP that he heard shooting at about 8:00 am (0330 GMT).

"I saw there were gunmen attacking a Japanese and his security guards," he said. "Then the gunmen left the area through a small street."

Photos from the scene showed a white pickup truck with a large cabin. Its side windows appeared to have been shot out, and at least three bullet holes could be seen in the windscreen.

No group immediately claimed responsibility.

According to Zahir Adil, a spokesman for Nangarhar's public health department, Nakamura was taken to a regional hospital.&nbsp;

The bodies of the five others, all Afghan, were also taken to the hospital.

Aid agencies and non-governmental groups are sometimes targeted in Afghanistan's war.&nbsp;

On November 24, Anil Raj, an American who worked for the UN Development Programme in Afghanistan, was killed when his vehicle was targeted in a bombing in Kabul.&nbsp;

Also in the capital, the Taliban in May targeted Counterpart International, a US-funded non-profit group working with marginalised people. Nine people were killed in that attack.

Five Afghans were killed and a Japanese aid worker wounded Wednesday in an attack in Jalalabad city in the eastern province of Nangarhar, officials said. The attack comes as humanitarian groups remain on high alert just days after an American aid worker for the UN was killed in a bombing in Kabul.

Five Afghans were killed and a Japanese aid worker wounded Wednesday in an attack in Jalalabad city in the eastern province of Nangarhar, officials said. The attack comes as humanitarian groups remain on high alert just days after an American aid worker for the UN was killed in a bombing in Kabul. Tetsu Nakamura, a doctor who heads Peace Japan Medical Services, known as Peshawar Kai in Japanese, was targeted by gunmen while in a vehicle in Jalalabad. "Dr Nakamura was wounded and his three security guards, a driver and another colleague were killed," Attaullah Khogyani, a spokesman for Nangarhar's governor, told AFP. Nakamura is well known in Japan for his aid work, which dates back decades. The Peshawar Kai website states that Nakamura began aid work in Peshawar in northwest Pakistan in 1984, going on to open a clinic in a remote Nangarhar village in 1991. The organisation in 1998 established a hospital in Peshawar to serve as the group's permanent base for medical programmes in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Jalalabad resident Auzubillah, who only uses one name, told AFP that he heard shooting at about 8:00 am (0330 GMT). "I saw there were gunmen attacking a Japanese and his security guards," he said. "Then the gunmen left the area through a small street." Photos from the scene showed a white pickup truck with a large cabin. Its side windows appeared to have been shot out, and at least three bullet holes could be seen in the windscreen. No group immediately claimed responsibility. According to Zahir Adil, a spokesman for Nangarhar's public health department, Nakamura was taken to a regional hospital. The bodies of the five others, all Afghan, were also taken to the hospital. Aid agencies and non-governmental groups are sometimes targeted in Afghanistan's war. On November 24, Anil Raj, an American who worked for the UN Development Programme in Afghanistan, was killed when his vehicle was targeted in a bombing in Kabul. Also in the capital, the Taliban in May targeted Counterpart International, a US-funded non-profit group working with marginalised people. Nine people were killed in that attack.

Five Afghans killed in Jalalabad attack, Japanese doctor wounded

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-reforges-us-ties-as-political-alliances-redrawn-264972">Bolivia's interim government</a> on Tuesday unveiled a new anti-terrorism police force it said was aimed at dismantling&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;groups&nbsp;"threatening" the troubled South American country.

"This anti-terrorist group has a mission of dismantling absolutely all the terrorist cells that are&nbsp;threatening&nbsp;our homeland," Interior Minister Arturo Murillo said during an official ceremony to present the 60-strong force.

Murillo reviewed the ranks of masked, black-clad troops that make up the new force, called the GAT, at the ceremony in La Paz.&nbsp;

The minister said the state had to act to "free&nbsp;Bolivia&nbsp;from these narcoterrorists who have settled in the country in the last 14 years",&nbsp;a pointed reference to ex-president Evo Morales' term in office.

Morales resigned on November 10 amid swelling protests over what political opponents said was his rigging of October 20 elections.

Watch: Bolivians go hungry as protests snarl cities

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He fled to Mexico the following day after losing the support of the military and police, claiming to be the victim of a coup.

Morales wrote on Twitter that "the coup plotters who attacked power in&nbsp;Bolivia&nbsp;are now inventing incredible stories to blame others for the terror that they themselves are imposing from the state."

"The only terrorist plan they are carrying out is theirs, with blood and fire against all Bolivians."

The new interim government of right-wing president Jeanine Anez has denounced&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;influence in the country since taking power, naming Colombians, Peruvians, Cubans and Venezuelans at different times.

Her government has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolivia-returns-to-normal-as-protests-quell-264496">blamed foreigners</a> for provoking violent clashes during more than a month of post-election violence in&nbsp;Bolivia&nbsp;that has left dozens of people dead.

Police say an Argentine national arrested and held in the eastern city of Santa Cruz is a former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrilla who they say stoked violence there.

Bolivia's interim government on Tuesday unveiled a new anti-terrorism police force it said was aimed at dismantling foreign groups "threatening" the troubled South American country.

Bolivia's interim government on Tuesday unveiled a new anti-terrorism police force it said was aimed at dismantling foreign groups "threatening" the troubled South American country. "This anti-terrorist group has a mission of dismantling absolutely all the terrorist cells that are threatening our homeland," Interior Minister Arturo Murillo said during an official ceremony to present the 60-strong force. Murillo reviewed the ranks of masked, black-clad troops that make up the new force, called the GAT, at the ceremony in La Paz. The minister said the state had to act to "free Bolivia from these narcoterrorists who have settled in the country in the last 14 years", a pointed reference to ex-president Evo Morales' term in office. Morales resigned on November 10 amid swelling protests over what political opponents said was his rigging of October 20 elections. Watch: Bolivians go hungry as protests snarl cities He fled to Mexico the following day after losing the support of the military and police, claiming to be the victim of a coup. Morales wrote on Twitter that "the coup plotters who attacked power in Bolivia are now inventing incredible stories to blame others for the terror that they themselves are imposing from the state." "The only terrorist plan they are carrying out is theirs, with blood and fire against all Bolivians." The new interim government of right-wing president Jeanine Anez has denounced foreign influence in the country since taking power, naming Colombians, Peruvians, Cubans and Venezuelans at different times. Her government has blamed foreigners for provoking violent clashes during more than a month of post-election violence in Bolivia that has left dozens of people dead. Police say an Argentine national arrested and held in the eastern city of Santa Cruz is a former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrilla who they say stoked violence there.

Bolivia launches anti-terror unit in bid to fight 'threatening foreign groups'

Britain's Boris Johnson said Sunday he had ordered the security services to step up monitoring of convicted terrorists released early from prison, prompting accusations that he was exploiting the London Bridge attack for political gain less than two weeks before elections.

The prime minister revealed officials were scrutinising around 74 people with terrorist convictions who had been released early from prison-like Usman Khan, who left jail last December and went on to stab two people to death in Friday's rampage.

"They are being properly invigilated to make sure there is no threat," Johnson said.

"We've taken a lot of action as you can imagine in the last 48 hours."

Under the review of released terror convicts, police in the West Midlands said they had arrested a 34-year-old man "on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts".

British media said he was a former associate of the London Bridge attacker and had been jailed alongside Khan in 2012 over a plot to bomb the London Stock Exchange.

Police said, however, there was no information to suggest a link to Friday's attack.

Khan, 28, was shot dead wearing a fake explosives vest by police on London Bridge after a stabbing spree launched in a nearby hall hosting an ex-offenders' event that also left three people injured.

Police on Sunday formally named the two victims killed as Jack Merritt, 25, from Cambridgeshire in eastern England, and 23-year-old Saskia Jones of Warwickshire in the West Midlands.

PM vows to stiffen sentences

Johnson blamed the previous Labour government for changing the law in 2008 to allow for the early release of prisoners and vowed to introduce minimum 14-year sentences if he regains power in the December 12 vote.

He penned an article setting out the new stance in The Mail on Sunday newspaper, under the headline: "Give me a majority and I'll keep you safe from terror".

Critics hit out at him for appearing to politicise Friday's attack -- including the family of victim Jack Merritt, who said he died "doing what he loved".

While Johnson has vowed to stiffen sentences following the attack, Merritt's family said their son "believed in redemption and rehabilitation, not revenge" and that "he always took the side of the underdog".

"We know Jack would not want this terrible, isolated incident to be used as a pretext by the government for introducing even more draconian sentences on prisoners, or for detaining people in prison for longer than necessary," they said in a statement.

Merritt was a course coordinator at Cambridge University's criminology institute, which was hosting its event by London Bridge to mark five years of its prisoner rehabilitation programme.

Khan, a participant in the initiative during his imprisonment, attended the event armed with two knives, stabbing five people there.

Meanwhile, hospital officials said one of the injured had returned home, while the two others remained hospitalised in a stable condition.

Members of the public have been hailed as heroes for preventing even greater loss of life by tackling Khan -- one armed with a five-foot (1.5-metre) narwhal tusk and another with a fire extinguisher.

The incident came two years after Islamist extremists in a van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge before attacking people at random with knives, killing eight people and wounding 48.

'Knee-jerk reactions'

After searching on Saturday two properties in central England believed to be linked to Khan, police have said they believe he was acting alone and were not seeking anybody else.

But the Islamic State group has released a statement claiming responsibility for the attack.

Khan, a British national, had been handed an indeterminate sentence for the protection of the public in 2012 of at least eight years in prison.

He was part of an eight-man network inspired by Al-Qaeda which had plotted to bomb targets including the London Stock Exchange, and planned to take part in "terrorist training" in Pakistan.

But his sentence was quashed by the Court of Appeal in 2013 and he received a new 21-year term, comprising a custodial sentence of 16 years and five years on conditional release.

He was then conditionally released from jail around a year ago under so-called licensing conditions after serving about half of his jail term.

Responding to the political furore around the attack, Merritt's father David said: "We don't need knee-jerk reactions."

"It's not lenient policies that are to blame, it's the destruction of the probation service that is supposed to monitor and supervise prisoners after release, &amp; rehabilitation services," he said on Twitter.

That is also the view of the main opposition Labour Party, which noted that the Conservatives have been in power for nearly a decade but had chosen not to tighten the laws around terrorism sentencing.

"I think there has to be an examination of how our prison services work and crucially what happens to them on release from prison," Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told Sky News.

Britain's Boris Johnson said Sunday he had ordered the security services to step up monitoring of convicted terrorists released early from prison, prompting accusations that he was exploiting the London Bridge attack for political gain less than two weeks before elections.

Britain's Boris Johnson said Sunday he had ordered the security services to step up monitoring of convicted terrorists released early from prison, prompting accusations that he was exploiting the London Bridge attack for political gain less than two weeks before elections. The prime minister revealed officials were scrutinising around 74 people with terrorist convictions who had been released early from prison-like Usman Khan, who left jail last December and went on to stab two people to death in Friday's rampage. "They are being properly invigilated to make sure there is no threat," Johnson said. "We've taken a lot of action as you can imagine in the last 48 hours." Under the review of released terror convicts, police in the West Midlands said they had arrested a 34-year-old man "on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts". British media said he was a former associate of the London Bridge attacker and had been jailed alongside Khan in 2012 over a plot to bomb the London Stock Exchange. Police said, however, there was no information to suggest a link to Friday's attack. Khan, 28, was shot dead wearing a fake explosives vest by police on London Bridge after a stabbing spree launched in a nearby hall hosting an ex-offenders' event that also left three people injured. Police on Sunday formally named the two victims killed as Jack Merritt, 25, from Cambridgeshire in eastern England, and 23-year-old Saskia Jones of Warwickshire in the West Midlands. PM vows to stiffen sentences Johnson blamed the previous Labour government for changing the law in 2008 to allow for the early release of prisoners and vowed to introduce minimum 14-year sentences if he regains power in the December 12 vote. He penned an article setting out the new stance in The Mail on Sunday newspaper, under the headline: "Give me a majority and I'll keep you safe from terror". Critics hit out at him for appearing to politicise Friday's attack -- including the family of victim Jack Merritt, who said he died "doing what he loved". While Johnson has vowed to stiffen sentences following the attack, Merritt's family said their son "believed in redemption and rehabilitation, not revenge" and that "he always took the side of the underdog". "We know Jack would not want this terrible, isolated incident to be used as a pretext by the government for introducing even more draconian sentences on prisoners, or for detaining people in prison for longer than necessary," they said in a statement. Merritt was a course coordinator at Cambridge University's criminology institute, which was hosting its event by London Bridge to mark five years of its prisoner rehabilitation programme. Khan, a participant in the initiative during his imprisonment, attended the event armed with two knives, stabbing five people there. Meanwhile, hospital officials said one of the injured had returned home, while the two others remained hospitalised in a stable condition. Members of the public have been hailed as heroes for preventing even greater loss of life by tackling Khan -- one armed with a five-foot (1.5-metre) narwhal tusk and another with a fire extinguisher. The incident came two years after Islamist extremists in a van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge before attacking people at random with knives, killing eight people and wounding 48. 'Knee-jerk reactions' After searching on Saturday two properties in central England believed to be linked to Khan, police have said they believe he was acting alone and were not seeking anybody else. But the Islamic State group has released a statement claiming responsibility for the attack. Khan, a British national, had been handed an indeterminate sentence for the protection of the public in 2012 of at least eight years in prison. He was part of an eight-man network inspired by Al-Qaeda which had plotted to bomb targets including the London Stock Exchange, and planned to take part in "terrorist training" in Pakistan. But his sentence was quashed by the Court of Appeal in 2013 and he received a new 21-year term, comprising a custodial sentence of 16 years and five years on conditional release. He was then conditionally released from jail around a year ago under so-called licensing conditions after serving about half of his jail term. Responding to the political furore around the attack, Merritt's father David said: "We don't need knee-jerk reactions." "It's not lenient policies that are to blame, it's the destruction of the probation service that is supposed to monitor and supervise prisoners after release, & rehabilitation services," he said on Twitter. That is also the view of the main opposition Labour Party, which noted that the Conservatives have been in power for nearly a decade but had chosen not to tighten the laws around terrorism sentencing. "I think there has to be an examination of how our prison services work and crucially what happens to them on release from prison," Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told Sky News.

Terror checks intensify as London attack enters election fray

By Greg Barton

Can prison rehabilitation programmes work, and is it sensible to try and rehabilitate seriously radicalised individuals convicted on terrorism charges?

These are questions not just for Great Britain, in the wake of the second London Bridge attack over the weekend, but for the entire world, including Australia and its near neighbours.

There are no easy answers and no simple options. As the numbers of people detained and eventually released on terrorism charges mount up around the world, so too does the question of what to do with them. Politicians find it easy to speak in terms of “lock them up and throw away the key”. But our legal systems don’t allow this and the results, even if allowed, would almost certainly be worse.

Some answers, and some difficult questions, can be found in the lives of four participants in Saturday’s tragic drama in London: Jack Merritt, Saskia Jones, Marc Conway and James Ford.

All four were participating in an event organised to reflect on the first five years of the University of Cambridge’s Learning Together programme. Merritt was a young graduate who was helping coordinate the program. Jones was a volunteer in the programme. Tragically, their idealism and desire to give back to society saw them lose their lives to a man whom they thought they had been able to help.

Merritt’s father told the media, "Jack lived his principles; he believed in redemption and rehabilitation, not revenge, and he always took the side of the underdog.

In her tribute to her murdered daughter, Jones’s mother said, " Saskia had a great passion for providing invaluable support to victims of criminal injustice, which led her to the point of recently applying for the police graduate recruitment programme, wishing to specialise in victim support."

Jones, 23, and Merritt, 25, were both Cambridge University graduates working at the Learning Together programme. They lost their lives to a knife-wielding terrorist murderer who does not deserve to have his name remembered. Their 28-year-old assailant had been released from prison 12 months earlier, having served but eight years of a 16 year sentence.

In a catastrophic system-failure, his automatic release was processed without his case ever being reviewed by a parole board, despite the sentencing judge identifying him as a serious risk who should only ever be released after careful review. He had gamed the system, presenting himself as repentant and reformed.

In fact, he had never undergone a rehabilitation program in prison and only had cursory processing on his release. Systemic mistakes and the lack of resources to fund sufficient and appropriate rehabilitation programs meant he was one of many whose risk was never adequately assessed.

Conway had formerly served time at a London prison and is now working as a policy officer at the Prison Reform Trust. He witnessed the fatal attack and rushed directly towards the attacker, joining others who sought to pin him down.

Another man participating in the offender rehabilitation event was James Ford. He too saw the attack unfolding and immediately confronted the assailant.

In a deeply tragic irony, the two victims who lost their lives to a man who made a mockery of their idealism were assisted by two others who appear to have genuinely benefited from prison rehabilitation programs. But even here, the complexities and ambiguities of this sort of difficult endeavour were played out as clearly as any playwright could ever conceive of scripting.

Ford was a convicted murderer attending the Learning Together conference on day-release. He had brutally killed 21-year-old Amanda Campion, a young women who was particularly vulnerable because of her intellectual disability. In the eyes of Campion’s family, Ford is no hero.

However, Professor of Criminology at Birmingham City University David Wilson, who chairs the Friends of Grendon Prison program, says that Ford underwent extensive rehabilitation initiatives, including an intensive period of psychotherapy.

On this occasion, the convicted murderer did the right thing. Even though this doesn’t make him a hero, it does give some reason for hope. For Wilson, the murderous terrorist and the convicted murderer who rushed to contain him represent a tale of two prisoners:

I know through my work that people do change and they change as a consequence of innovative but challenging regimes such as the one at HMP Grendon.

In the wake of the attack, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the cases of 74 people released early after being jailed for terror offences will be reviewed. This is certainly sensible and necessary, but much more is required. Indefinite detention is not an option in the majority of cases, and the UK is dealing with hundreds of people convicted of terrorism offences either currently in prison or recently released.&nbsp;

The numbers in Australia are only a fraction of this but still run into the high dozens and are growing every year. For Australia’s near neighbours, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, the numbers, including projected returnees from the Middle East, run into the thousands.

Professor Ian Acheson, who has advised the government on how to handle extremist prisoners, told the BBC it was not “a question of an arms race on sentencing toughness”, but about what is done when offenders are in custody.

Acheson said his panel’s recommendations had been agreed to but not implemented due to “the merry-go-round of political replacements of secretaries of state”, and the “fairly recalcitrant and unwilling bureaucracy”. He also cited “crazy failed and ideological austerity cuts” to the police, prison and probation services. 
 
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-47225797 https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/may/02/criminals-going-unpunished-because-of-cuts-says-police-chief https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/mar/28/britains-police-chiefs-leader-sara-thornton-says-she-wants-end-to-blame-culture

Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones were not naïve idealists. They had studied the problem closely and believed rehabilitation programmes could make a difference. Their tragic deaths speak to the challenges involved. To give up and do nothing is not merely cynical, but self-defeating. Without adequate resourcing and reforms the problem everywhere will only become much worse.

 
(Greg Barton is Chair in Global Islamic Politics, Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the<a href="https://theconversation.com/lessons-on-terrorism-and-rehabilitation-from-the-london-bridge-attack-128108"> original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

By Greg Barton Can prison rehabilitation programmes work, and is it sensible to try and rehabilitate seriously radicalised individuals convicted on terrorism charges?

By Greg Barton Can prison rehabilitation programmes work, and is it sensible to try and rehabilitate seriously radicalised individuals convicted on terrorism charges? These are questions not just for Great Britain, in the wake of the second London Bridge attack over the weekend, but for the entire world, including Australia and its near neighbours. There are no easy answers and no simple options. As the numbers of people detained and eventually released on terrorism charges mount up around the world, so too does the question of what to do with them. Politicians find it easy to speak in terms of “lock them up and throw away the key”. But our legal systems don’t allow this and the results, even if allowed, would almost certainly be worse. Some answers, and some difficult questions, can be found in the lives of four participants in Saturday’s tragic drama in London: Jack Merritt, Saskia Jones, Marc Conway and James Ford. All four were participating in an event organised to reflect on the first five years of the University of Cambridge’s Learning Together programme. Merritt was a young graduate who was helping coordinate the program. Jones was a volunteer in the programme. Tragically, their idealism and desire to give back to society saw them lose their lives to a man whom they thought they had been able to help. Merritt’s father told the media, "Jack lived his principles; he believed in redemption and rehabilitation, not revenge, and he always took the side of the underdog. In her tribute to her murdered daughter, Jones’s mother said, " Saskia had a great passion for providing invaluable support to victims of criminal injustice, which led her to the point of recently applying for the police graduate recruitment programme, wishing to specialise in victim support." Jones, 23, and Merritt, 25, were both Cambridge University graduates working at the Learning Together programme. They lost their lives to a knife-wielding terrorist murderer who does not deserve to have his name remembered. Their 28-year-old assailant had been released from prison 12 months earlier, having served but eight years of a 16 year sentence. In a catastrophic system-failure, his automatic release was processed without his case ever being reviewed by a parole board, despite the sentencing judge identifying him as a serious risk who should only ever be released after careful review. He had gamed the system, presenting himself as repentant and reformed. In fact, he had never undergone a rehabilitation program in prison and only had cursory processing on his release. Systemic mistakes and the lack of resources to fund sufficient and appropriate rehabilitation programs meant he was one of many whose risk was never adequately assessed. Conway had formerly served time at a London prison and is now working as a policy officer at the Prison Reform Trust. He witnessed the fatal attack and rushed directly towards the attacker, joining others who sought to pin him down. Another man participating in the offender rehabilitation event was James Ford. He too saw the attack unfolding and immediately confronted the assailant. In a deeply tragic irony, the two victims who lost their lives to a man who made a mockery of their idealism were assisted by two others who appear to have genuinely benefited from prison rehabilitation programs. But even here, the complexities and ambiguities of this sort of difficult endeavour were played out as clearly as any playwright could ever conceive of scripting. Ford was a convicted murderer attending the Learning Together conference on day-release. He had brutally killed 21-year-old Amanda Campion, a young women who was particularly vulnerable because of her intellectual disability. In the eyes of Campion’s family, Ford is no hero. However, Professor of Criminology at Birmingham City University David Wilson, who chairs the Friends of Grendon Prison program, says that Ford underwent extensive rehabilitation initiatives, including an intensive period of psychotherapy. On this occasion, the convicted murderer did the right thing. Even though this doesn’t make him a hero, it does give some reason for hope. For Wilson, the murderous terrorist and the convicted murderer who rushed to contain him represent a tale of two prisoners: I know through my work that people do change and they change as a consequence of innovative but challenging regimes such as the one at HMP Grendon. In the wake of the attack, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the cases of 74 people released early after being jailed for terror offences will be reviewed. This is certainly sensible and necessary, but much more is required. Indefinite detention is not an option in the majority of cases, and the UK is dealing with hundreds of people convicted of terrorism offences either currently in prison or recently released. The numbers in Australia are only a fraction of this but still run into the high dozens and are growing every year. For Australia’s near neighbours, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, the numbers, including projected returnees from the Middle East, run into the thousands. Professor Ian Acheson, who has advised the government on how to handle extremist prisoners, told the BBC it was not “a question of an arms race on sentencing toughness”, but about what is done when offenders are in custody. Acheson said his panel’s recommendations had been agreed to but not implemented due to “the merry-go-round of political replacements of secretaries of state”, and the “fairly recalcitrant and unwilling bureaucracy”. He also cited “crazy failed and ideological austerity cuts” to the police, prison and probation services. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-47225797 https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/may/02/criminals-going-unpunished-because-of-cuts-says-police-chief https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/mar/28/britains-police-chiefs-leader-sara-thornton-says-she-wants-end-to-blame-culture Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones were not naïve idealists. They had studied the problem closely and believed rehabilitation programmes could make a difference. Their tragic deaths speak to the challenges involved. To give up and do nothing is not merely cynical, but self-defeating. Without adequate resourcing and reforms the problem everywhere will only become much worse. (Greg Barton is Chair in Global Islamic Politics, Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Lessons on terrorism and rehabilitation from the London Bridge attack

First-ever 2+2 dialogue of India & Japan held in New Delhi today. Both sides raise the issue of national securities from terror in the world. Both sides agreed that Pakistan based terror network is a threat to the region. Watch this video to find out more in details.

First-ever 2+2 dialogue of India & Japan held in New Delhi today

Israel struck a series of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-rockets-israeli-airstrikes-jolt-tenuous-gaza-truce-262543">military targets in the Gaza Strip</a> overnight Wednesday in response to rockets fired from the Palestinian enclave, the Israeli army said.

"Fighter jets struck a number of Hamas terror targets in the southern Gaza Strip," an army statement said early Wednesday.

It said a weapons manufacturing site and underground infrastructure were among the sites targeted.

At least two Hamas sites were hit, in addition to one for allied group Islamic Jihad, a security source in Gaza said.

There were no immediate reports of any casualties.

Islamists Hamas control <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-carries-fresh-strikes-on-gaza-after-rocket-fire-army-262515">Gaza and Israel</a> holds the group responsible for any rockets launched from the strip, even if fired by smaller groups.

The strikes came in response to two rockets fired at Israel late Tuesday, one of which was intercepted by the Iron Dome anti-missile system, the army said.

The rockets caused sirens to sound around the Israeli town of Sderot, close to the border with Gaza.

The latest incident comes after a brief flare-up between Israel and the Islamist-ruled territory ended two weeks ago.

On November 12, Israeli fire killed a top Islamic Jihad commander in Gaza, sparking immediate retaliatory rocket fire from the group.

The Israeli military said around 450 rockets were fired at its territory in that episode and air defences intercepted dozens of them.

After two days of clashes which killed 34 Palestinians and no Israelis, a ceasefire began on November 14.

Israel struck a series of military targets in the Gaza Strip overnight Wednesday in response to rockets fired from the Palestinian enclave, the Israeli army said.

Israel struck a series of military targets in the Gaza Strip overnight Wednesday in response to rockets fired from the Palestinian enclave, the Israeli army said. "Fighter jets struck a number of Hamas terror targets in the southern Gaza Strip," an army statement said early Wednesday. It said a weapons manufacturing site and underground infrastructure were among the sites targeted. At least two Hamas sites were hit, in addition to one for allied group Islamic Jihad, a security source in Gaza said. There were no immediate reports of any casualties. Islamists Hamas control Gaza and Israel holds the group responsible for any rockets launched from the strip, even if fired by smaller groups. The strikes came in response to two rockets fired at Israel late Tuesday, one of which was intercepted by the Iron Dome anti-missile system, the army said. The rockets caused sirens to sound around the Israeli town of Sderot, close to the border with Gaza. The latest incident comes after a brief flare-up between Israel and the Islamist-ruled territory ended two weeks ago. On November 12, Israeli fire killed a top Islamic Jihad commander in Gaza, sparking immediate retaliatory rocket fire from the group. The Israeli military said around 450 rockets were fired at its territory in that episode and air defences intercepted dozens of them. After two days of clashes which killed 34 Palestinians and no Israelis, a ceasefire began on November 14.

Israel strikes military targets in overnight Gaza in response to rocket fire: Army

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday stated that since August 5 no one has died in police firing in law and order related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir, while 197 persons have been injured during the period.

The Ministry stated that three security force personnel and 17 civilians have lost their lives during the same period.

In reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on the number of persons killed/ injured including civilians, BSF, CRPF and military persons since the abrogation of Article 370, the Ministry stated, "As per Jammu and Kashmir government, since August 5 no one has died in police firing in law and order related incidents."

During this period, 197 persons have been injured in law and order related incidents. During the same period, three security force personnel and 17 civilians have been killed in terror-related incidents while 129 persons got injured," it added.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday stated that since August 5 no one has died in police firing in law and order related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir, while 197 persons have been injured during the period.

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Wednesday stated that since August 5 no one has died in police firing in law and order related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir, while 197 persons have been injured during the period. The Ministry stated that three security force personnel and 17 civilians have lost their lives during the same period. In reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on the number of persons killed/ injured including civilians, BSF, CRPF and military persons since the abrogation of Article 370, the Ministry stated, "As per Jammu and Kashmir government, since August 5 no one has died in police firing in law and order related incidents." During this period, 197 persons have been injured in law and order related incidents. During the same period, three security force personnel and 17 civilians have been killed in terror-related incidents while 129 persons got injured," it added.

3 security force personnel, 17 civilians killed in terror-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir since August 5: MHA

Tributes are pouring in since&nbsp;as the country&nbsp;remembers the victims who had lost their lives, eleven years ago in the Mumbai terror attacks which began on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lack-of-response-to-2611-different-from-uri-and-balakot-operations-s-jaishankar-262170">November 26, 2008</a>. 
 
The ghastly attacks lasted for four days killing 166 people and injuring over 300. 
 
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday paid tribute to the victims of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack and offered his salutations to the bravery and devotion of security personnel. 
 
"My tributes to all those who lost their lives in the dastardly Mumbai terror attack of 2008. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved families. I salute the bravery and devotion of our security personnel who laid down their lives to protect the motherland," Naidu said. 
&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
My tributes to all those who lost their lives in the dastardly Mumbai terror attack of 2008. We stand in&nbsp;solidarity with the bereaved families.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiTerrorAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiTerrorAttack</a>
— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) <a href="https://twitter.com/VPSecretariat/status/1199140346770255873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

US State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus took to Twitter saying 11 years ago, "a cowardly act of terrorism" took the lives of 166 people, including six US citizens. 
 
"Today we remember the victims of the #MumbaiTerrorAttack, and stand with their families in demanding that those responsible for this heinous event face justice," she added.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Eleven years ago, a cowardly act of terrorism took the lives of 166 people, including six U.S. citizens. Today we remember the victims of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiTerrorAttack?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiTerrorAttack</a>, and stand with their families in demanding that those responsible for this heinous event face justice.
— Morgan Ortagus (@statedeptspox) <a href="https://twitter.com/statedeptspox/status/1199145748702482432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-navy-has-vowed-to-ensure-2611-like-incident-are-not-repeated-defence-minister-257510">Twenty-Six Eleven</a>, as these attacks are often referred as, saw ten&nbsp;Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists came to Mumbai via sea route from Pakistan and carried out a series of coordinated shooting and bombing attacks across the city. 
 
After sailing to the city under the cover of darkness, the terrorists targeted major landmarks of Mumbai with the first attack taking place at the crowded Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) railway station. 
 
Ajmal Amir Kasab and Ismail Khan carried out the attack at this station, killing as many as 58 people and injuring over 100. 
 
Kasab and Khan later entered to attack Cama Hospital, but the same was thwarted with the alertness of the hospital staff. They, however, killed 6 police officials, including city's Anti-Terrorism Squad Hemant Karkare in an ambush after leaving the hospital. 
 
The second site of the attack was Nariman House business and residential complex where a Rabbi, his wife, and six others, including five Israeli citizens, were killed by the terrorists who first held them as a hostage. 
 
The two-year-old child of the Rabbi couple, Moshe, survived in the attack. Then 'Baby Moshe' became a face of the innocent victims of ruthless terrorism. 
In July 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Moshe during his visit to Israel. Later, in January 2018 the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on also met the survivor of 26/11, Moshe Holtzberg at Nariman House in Mumbai. 
 
The third site to come under attack on 26/11 was the Leopold Cafe followed by Taj Mahal Hotel and Tower. Four terrorists carried out the attack at the famous cafe before entering the iconic Taj hotel, where they killed as many as 31 people after laying a three-day siege at the hotel. 
 
The other site to come under attack during the 26/11 was Oberoi-Trident hotel where another group of two terrorists entered at almost the same time, as other four had entered Taj. At Oberoi-Trident hotel the siege officially ended on the evening of November 28 with as many as 30 being killed in the horrific attack. 
 
The attack and seize finally culminated on the morning of November 29, 2008, after the National Security Guards (NSG) secured the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. 
 
By the time commandos of the National Security Guards (NSG) gunned down the last terrorists who had been holed up in south Mumbai's Taj Mahal Palace hotel, over 160 people were killed and hundreds were left injured. 
 
After the attack, it was established that the ten&nbsp;terrorists had sailed to Mumbai from Pakistan's port city, Karachi. Their voyage to Mumbai involved hijacking fishing dingy and killing four of the five men crew, leaving one occupant to ferry them to Mumbai coast. 
 
In these gruesome attacks, nine&nbsp;terrorists were killed and the lone survivor, Ajmal Amir Kasab, was caught and was sentenced to death at Yerwada Central Jail in Pune in 2012. 
 
The Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), whose mastermind was Hafiz Saeed, was believed to have plotted the 26/11 attacks. 
New Delhi has, time and again, protested against Islamabad for harbouring Saeed, who is wanted for allegedly plotting the 2008 attack. India's stand on Hafiz has been supported by many International personalities including a former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director and former Afghanistan President. 
 
Former CIA Director David Howell Petraeus in January 2018, said that there is substantial evidence against Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief and UN-designated global terrorist Hafiz Saeed for his role in 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. 
 
A day after in the same month, former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai also remarked that there is plenty of evidence against Saeed for his role in 26/11 Mumbai terror attack and everyone knows about it. 
 
In May 2018, former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also asserted that terrorists sent by Pakistan were responsible for the deadly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks that claimed over 160 lives. 
 
"Militant organisations are active. Call them non-state actors, should we allow them to cross the border and kill 150 people in Mumbai? Explain it to me. Why can't we complete the trial?" Nawaz noted in an interview to Pakistan's Dawn newspaper in a reference to the Mumbai attacks-related trials which have stalled in a Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court. 
 
Days after Nawaj's not so subtle confessions about Pakistan's involvement in Mumbai attacks, the United States State Department said that Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed and 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind is a tremendous concern to Washington. 
 
"We are concerned about the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks. And he's a Lashkar-e-Taiba guy who was being held in Pakistan, and he was eventually let out on house arrest, and we have a reward out for," said spokesperson Heather Nauert while responding to Sharif's remark. 
 
Ties between India and Pakistan have remained tense since the 2008 Mumbai terror attack and nosedived after the Uri and Pulwama terror attack by Pakistan-based terrorists in September 2016 and February, 2019 respectively, in which many soldiers lost their lives. 
 
After combating the attack several policy decisions were taken to strengthen nations anti-terrorism framework. One of the immediate decisions the then government took after the attacks were to deploy the NSG commandos in few metropolitan cities. Later on, several NSG hubs were set up for faster response to terror attacks.

(With inputs from ANI)

Tributes are pouring in since as the country remembers the victims who had lost their lives, eleven years ago in the Mumbai terror attacks which began on November 26, 2008.

Tributes are pouring in since as the country remembers the victims who had lost their lives, eleven years ago in the Mumbai terror attacks which began on November 26, 2008. The ghastly attacks lasted for four days killing 166 people and injuring over 300. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Monday paid tribute to the victims of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack and offered his salutations to the bravery and devotion of security personnel. "My tributes to all those who lost their lives in the dastardly Mumbai terror attack of 2008. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved families. I salute the bravery and devotion of our security personnel who laid down their lives to protect the motherland," Naidu said. My tributes to all those who lost their lives in the dastardly Mumbai terror attack of 2008. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved families.#MumbaiTerrorAttack — Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) November 26, 2019 US State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus took to Twitter saying 11 years ago, "a cowardly act of terrorism" took the lives of 166 people, including six US citizens. "Today we remember the victims of the #MumbaiTerrorAttack, and stand with their families in demanding that those responsible for this heinous event face justice," she added. Eleven years ago, a cowardly act of terrorism took the lives of 166 people, including six U.S. citizens. Today we remember the victims of the #MumbaiTerrorAttack, and stand with their families in demanding that those responsible for this heinous event face justice. — Morgan Ortagus (@statedeptspox) November 26, 2019 Twenty-Six Eleven, as these attacks are often referred as, saw ten Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists came to Mumbai via sea route from Pakistan and carried out a series of coordinated shooting and bombing attacks across the city. After sailing to the city under the cover of darkness, the terrorists targeted major landmarks of Mumbai with the first attack taking place at the crowded Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) railway station. Ajmal Amir Kasab and Ismail Khan carried out the attack at this station, killing as many as 58 people and injuring over 100. Kasab and Khan later entered to attack Cama Hospital, but the same was thwarted with the alertness of the hospital staff. They, however, killed 6 police officials, including city's Anti-Terrorism Squad Hemant Karkare in an ambush after leaving the hospital. The second site of the attack was Nariman House business and residential complex where a Rabbi, his wife, and six others, including five Israeli citizens, were killed by the terrorists who first held them as a hostage. The two-year-old child of the Rabbi couple, Moshe, survived in the attack. Then 'Baby Moshe' became a face of the innocent victims of ruthless terrorism. In July 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Moshe during his visit to Israel. Later, in January 2018 the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on also met the survivor of 26/11, Moshe Holtzberg at Nariman House in Mumbai. The third site to come under attack on 26/11 was the Leopold Cafe followed by Taj Mahal Hotel and Tower. Four terrorists carried out the attack at the famous cafe before entering the iconic Taj hotel, where they killed as many as 31 people after laying a three-day siege at the hotel. The other site to come under attack during the 26/11 was Oberoi-Trident hotel where another group of two terrorists entered at almost the same time, as other four had entered Taj. At Oberoi-Trident hotel the siege officially ended on the evening of November 28 with as many as 30 being killed in the horrific attack. The attack and seize finally culminated on the morning of November 29, 2008, after the National Security Guards (NSG) secured the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. By the time commandos of the National Security Guards (NSG) gunned down the last terrorists who had been holed up in south Mumbai's Taj Mahal Palace hotel, over 160 people were killed and hundreds were left injured. After the attack, it was established that the ten terrorists had sailed to Mumbai from Pakistan's port city, Karachi. Their voyage to Mumbai involved hijacking fishing dingy and killing four of the five men crew, leaving one occupant to ferry them to Mumbai coast. In these gruesome attacks, nine terrorists were killed and the lone survivor, Ajmal Amir Kasab, was caught and was sentenced to death at Yerwada Central Jail in Pune in 2012. The Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), whose mastermind was Hafiz Saeed, was believed to have plotted the 26/11 attacks. New Delhi has, time and again, protested against Islamabad for harbouring Saeed, who is wanted for allegedly plotting the 2008 attack. India's stand on Hafiz has been supported by many International personalities including a former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director and former Afghanistan President. Former CIA Director David Howell Petraeus in January 2018, said that there is substantial evidence against Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief and UN-designated global terrorist Hafiz Saeed for his role in 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. A day after in the same month, former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai also remarked that there is plenty of evidence against Saeed for his role in 26/11 Mumbai terror attack and everyone knows about it. In May 2018, former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also asserted that terrorists sent by Pakistan were responsible for the deadly 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks that claimed over 160 lives. "Militant organisations are active. Call them non-state actors, should we allow them to cross the border and kill 150 people in Mumbai? Explain it to me. Why can't we complete the trial?" Nawaz noted in an interview to Pakistan's Dawn newspaper in a reference to the Mumbai attacks-related trials which have stalled in a Rawalpindi anti-terrorism court. Days after Nawaj's not so subtle confessions about Pakistan's involvement in Mumbai attacks, the United States State Department said that Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed and 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind is a tremendous concern to Washington. "We are concerned about the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks. And he's a Lashkar-e-Taiba guy who was being held in Pakistan, and he was eventually let out on house arrest, and we have a reward out for," said spokesperson Heather Nauert while responding to Sharif's remark. Ties between India and Pakistan have remained tense since the 2008 Mumbai terror attack and nosedived after the Uri and Pulwama terror attack by Pakistan-based terrorists in September 2016 and February, 2019 respectively, in which many soldiers lost their lives. After combating the attack several policy decisions were taken to strengthen nations anti-terrorism framework. One of the immediate decisions the then government took after the attacks were to deploy the NSG commandos in few metropolitan cities. Later on, several NSG hubs were set up for faster response to terror attacks. (With inputs from ANI)

Eleven years since 26/11: Tributes pour in for victims of terrorist attack in Mumbai

A special tribunal will&nbsp;soon deliver its verdict in the case pertaining to the Holey Artisan Cafe attack that left 22 people, including 17 foreigners, dead in 2016. It will be delivered in Dhaka on November 27.

The accused eight terrorists are currently in jail and appeared before the court yesterday. According to the Daily Star, Judge Md Majibur Rahman who belongs to the anti-terrorism tribunal of Dhaka set the date.&nbsp;

The prosecution, at the end of the hearing, told the tribunal that the charges against the accused could be proven and demanded capital punishment for all of them.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the defence sought acquittals for their clients saying that the charges were brought based on confessional statements of six accused which could not be trusted.

Earlier, the tribunal had recorded statements of 113 prosecution witnesses. 
 
During the trial, several eyewitnesses, including the wife of Hasnat Reza Karim who was a teacher of North South University, owner of the Holey Artisan restaurant, and top police officials narrated her experiences of the incident. 
 
Hasnat was first arrested in the case but was later relieved of the charges following a probe in 2018 that found no evidence of his involvement. 
 
On July 1, 2016, armed terrorists&nbsp;stormed the Holey Artisan Bakery at the diplomatic zone in Dhaka's Gulshan area. Two police officers were also killed during the 12-hour standoff that followed the attack.

The Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit pressed charges against eight suspects on July 23 last year, whom they accused of destabilising the country by initiating the worst-ever terror incident. 
 
The tribunal, on November 26 the same year, had framed charges against the eight accused in the case.

(With inputs from ANI)

A special tribunal will soon deliver its verdict in the case pertaining to the Holey Artisan Cafe attack that left 22 people, including 17 foreigners, dead in 2016.

A special tribunal will soon deliver its verdict in the case pertaining to the Holey Artisan Cafe attack that left 22 people, including 17 foreigners, dead in 2016. It will be delivered in Dhaka on November 27. The accused eight terrorists are currently in jail and appeared before the court yesterday. According to the Daily Star, Judge Md Majibur Rahman who belongs to the anti-terrorism tribunal of Dhaka set the date. The prosecution, at the end of the hearing, told the tribunal that the charges against the accused could be proven and demanded capital punishment for all of them. Meanwhile, the defence sought acquittals for their clients saying that the charges were brought based on confessional statements of six accused which could not be trusted. Earlier, the tribunal had recorded statements of 113 prosecution witnesses. During the trial, several eyewitnesses, including the wife of Hasnat Reza Karim who was a teacher of North South University, owner of the Holey Artisan restaurant, and top police officials narrated her experiences of the incident. Hasnat was first arrested in the case but was later relieved of the charges following a probe in 2018 that found no evidence of his involvement. On July 1, 2016, armed terrorists stormed the Holey Artisan Bakery at the diplomatic zone in Dhaka's Gulshan area. Two police officers were also killed during the 12-hour standoff that followed the attack. The Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit pressed charges against eight suspects on July 23 last year, whom they accused of destabilising the country by initiating the worst-ever terror incident. The tribunal, on November 26 the same year, had framed charges against the eight accused in the case. (With inputs from ANI)

Bangladesh: Court to announce verdict on 2016 Dhaka cafe terrorist attack

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/saudi-arabia-kick-starts-ipo-of-worlds-largest-oil-company-259638">Saudi Arabian</a> court has convicted 38 people of terrorism-related crimes, state-run Al Ekhbariya television reported on Tuesday.

The TV channel said they were charged with financing terrorism and with takfir,&nbsp;the Islamist militant practice of labelling followers of other schools of Islam unbelievers. It said one of them "set up a terrorist organisation in prison".

Ekhbariya did not provide the nationalities or names of those convicted, details about when they were arrested or put on trial, nor what sentences were issued by the specialist criminal court in Riyadh, which was set up to try terrorism cases.

Riyadh has come under mounting international scrutiny over its human rights record since the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in October 2018 and the detention of women's rights activists who are still on trial.

In April, the Sunni Muslim-ruled kingdom beheaded 37 men for terrorism crimes. The U.N. human rights chief said most of them were Shi'ites who may not have had fair trials and at least three were minors when sentenced.

In 2017, Saudi Arabia launched a crackdown on dissent, arresting scores of clerics, intellectuals and activists. Some of them have been put on trial for terrorism-related charges.

The kingdom is an absolute monarchy where public protests and political parties are banned.

The Gulf Arab state faced a militant insurgency from 2003 to 2006 in which al Qaeda members staged attacks on residential compounds and government facilities.

The kingdom responded by arresting thousands of suspected militants and launching a media campaign to discredit their ideology.

A Saudi Arabian court has convicted 38 people of terrorism-related crimes, state-run Al Ekhbariya television reported on Tuesday. The TV channel said they were charged with financing terrorism and with takfir, the Islamist militant practice of labelling followers of other schools of Islam unbelievers.

A Saudi Arabian court has convicted 38 people of terrorism-related crimes, state-run Al Ekhbariya television reported on Tuesday. The TV channel said they were charged with financing terrorism and with takfir, the Islamist militant practice of labelling followers of other schools of Islam unbelievers. It said one of them "set up a terrorist organisation in prison". Ekhbariya did not provide the nationalities or names of those convicted, details about when they were arrested or put on trial, nor what sentences were issued by the specialist criminal court in Riyadh, which was set up to try terrorism cases. Riyadh has come under mounting international scrutiny over its human rights record since the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in October 2018 and the detention of women's rights activists who are still on trial. In April, the Sunni Muslim-ruled kingdom beheaded 37 men for terrorism crimes. The U.N. human rights chief said most of them were Shi'ites who may not have had fair trials and at least three were minors when sentenced. In 2017, Saudi Arabia launched a crackdown on dissent, arresting scores of clerics, intellectuals and activists. Some of them have been put on trial for terrorism-related charges. The kingdom is an absolute monarchy where public protests and political parties are banned. The Gulf Arab state faced a militant insurgency from 2003 to 2006 in which al Qaeda members staged attacks on residential compounds and government facilities. The kingdom responded by arresting thousands of suspected militants and launching a media campaign to discredit their ideology.

Saudi court convicts 38 people on terrorism-related charges

German police detained three people in the western city of Offenbach on Tuesday on suspicion of planning a bomb attack on behalf of the Islamic State militant group, prosecutors said.

The three suspects wanted to kill as many "infidels" as possible in the planned attack in the Rhine-Main region, Frankfurt prosecutor Nadja Niesen said in a statement.

The main suspect is a 24-year-old German of Macedonian origin who wanted to manufacture explosives and had tried to buy a weapon online. His two accomplices are Turkish nationals aged 22 and 21.

The three suspects are believed to have told people in the past that they identified themselves as IS supporters, Niesen said.

Substances that could be used to make explosives and equipment were found at the main suspect's home, she said. The authorities also secured written documents and electronic data.

The main suspect is due to be brought before the investigating judge at a court in Frankfurt later on Tuesday. The judge will decide whether to issue an arrest warrant and order pre-trial detention.

German police detained three people in the western city of Offenbach on Tuesday on suspicion of planning a bomb attack on behalf of the Islamic State militant group, prosecutors said.

German police detained three people in the western city of Offenbach on Tuesday on suspicion of planning a bomb attack on behalf of the Islamic State militant group, prosecutors said. The three suspects wanted to kill as many "infidels" as possible in the planned attack in the Rhine-Main region, Frankfurt prosecutor Nadja Niesen said in a statement. The main suspect is a 24-year-old German of Macedonian origin who wanted to manufacture explosives and had tried to buy a weapon online. His two accomplices are Turkish nationals aged 22 and 21. The three suspects are believed to have told people in the past that they identified themselves as IS supporters, Niesen said. Substances that could be used to make explosives and equipment were found at the main suspect's home, she said. The authorities also secured written documents and electronic data. The main suspect is due to be brought before the investigating judge at a court in Frankfurt later on Tuesday. The judge will decide whether to issue an arrest warrant and order pre-trial detention.

Germany detains three Islamic State suspects over attack plan

The World Bank announced Monday it was cutting back a vocational education project in China's Xinjiang province, even though an internal investigation did not back up claims the scheme was linked to the mistreatment of minority <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-members-split-on-chinas-uighur-rights-record-258772">Muslim Uighurs</a>.

The World Bank launched a review of the program in late August after Foreign Policy magazine reported that a school that benefited from a tranche of the $50 million loan to China bought "barbed wire, gas launchers, and body armour."&nbsp;

The Washington-based development lender said its review "did not substantiate the allegations."

Nonetheless, as a precautionary measure, it said it was cutting funding to the scheme's "partner schools" throughout Xinjiang province that were the target of the allegations.

"In light of the risks associated with the partner schools, which are widely dispersed and difficult to monitor, the scope and footprint of the project is being reduced," the World Bank said in a statement.

"Specifically, the project component that involves the partner schools in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-visa-restrictions-on-chinese-officials-demands-end-to-uighur-repression-254612">Xinjiang</a> is being closed."

Watch: Medical experiments, torture, and rapes - how China treats Uighurs

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-medical-experiments-torture-rapes-how-china-treats-uighurs-260629/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

World Bank funding to the five schools directly supported by the project will continue, under "enhanced supervision."

China's treatment of the Uighurs, a mostly Muslim, Turkic-speaking minority concentrated in the tightly-controlled northwestern Xinjiang region, has come under growing scrutiny.

Rights groups and experts say more than one million mostly Muslim ethnic minorities have been interned in re-education camps in Xinjiang, where they are being tortured and forced to renounce their religion.

China initially denied the existence of the camps before admitting to running what it called "vocational education centers," which it presented as necessary to combat religious extremism and boost employment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-day-in-the-life-of-uighurs-251734">In pics: A day in the life of China's persecuted Uighur community</a>

The World Bank announced Monday it was cutting back a vocational education project in China's Xinjiang province, even though an internal investigation did not back up claims the scheme was linked to the mistreatment of minority Muslim Uighurs.

The World Bank announced Monday it was cutting back a vocational education project in China's Xinjiang province, even though an internal investigation did not back up claims the scheme was linked to the mistreatment of minority Muslim Uighurs. The World Bank launched a review of the program in late August after Foreign Policy magazine reported that a school that benefited from a tranche of the $50 million loan to China bought "barbed wire, gas launchers, and body armour." The Washington-based development lender said its review "did not substantiate the allegations." Nonetheless, as a precautionary measure, it said it was cutting funding to the scheme's "partner schools" throughout Xinjiang province that were the target of the allegations. "In light of the risks associated with the partner schools, which are widely dispersed and difficult to monitor, the scope and footprint of the project is being reduced," the World Bank said in a statement. "Specifically, the project component that involves the partner schools in Xinjiang is being closed." Watch: Medical experiments, torture, and rapes - how China treats Uighurs World Bank funding to the five schools directly supported by the project will continue, under "enhanced supervision." China's treatment of the Uighurs, a mostly Muslim, Turkic-speaking minority concentrated in the tightly-controlled northwestern Xinjiang region, has come under growing scrutiny. Rights groups and experts say more than one million mostly Muslim ethnic minorities have been interned in re-education camps in Xinjiang, where they are being tortured and forced to renounce their religion. China initially denied the existence of the camps before admitting to running what it called "vocational education centers," which it presented as necessary to combat religious extremism and boost employment. In pics: A day in the life of China's persecuted Uighur community

World Bank scales back funding to controversial Uighur schools in China

Turkey has deported an American foreign fighter and will soon deport another seven Germans, a spokesman for the interior ministry was quoted as saying on Monday after state media said Ankara began repatriation of captured Islamic State militants.

Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu had warned last week that Ankara would begin to send back Islamic State militants to their home countries on Monday even if their citizenships have been revoked.

"One American foreign terrorist fighter whose proceedings are completed has been deported," ministry spokesman Ismail Catakli was quoted as saying by state-run Anadolu news agency.

"Travel plans for seven foreign terrorist fighters of German origin at deportation centres have been completed, they will be deported on Nov. 14," he added.

Broadcaster NTV quoted Catakli as saying that "three more Islamic State militants at deportation centres will be sent back today."

Turkey aims to repatriate around 2,500 militants, the majority of whom will be sent to European Union nations, state broadcaster TRT Haber said, adding there were currently 813 jihadists at 12 deportation centres in the country.

Turkey launched an offensive into northeastern Syria against the Kurdish YPG militia last month following a decision by President Donald Trump to withdraw U.S. troops from the region.

The YPG, the main element of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and a US&nbsp;ally against Islamic State, has kept thousands of jihadists in jails across northeast Syria.

The Turkish offensive prompted widespread concern over the fate of the prisoners, with Turkey's Western allies and the SDF warning it could hinder the fight against Islamic State and aid its resurgence.

Turkey, which views the YPG as a terrorist group linked with insurgent Kurdish militants on its own soil, has rejected those concerns and vowed to combat Islamic State with its allies.

It has repeatedly called on European countries, including France, to take back their citizens fighting for the jihadists.

Europeans comprise a fifth of the around 10,000 Islamic State fighters held captive in Syria by Kurdish militias. Denmark, Germany and Britain have so far revoked some citizenships.

Last week, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan was cited as saying that there are 1,201 Islamic State prisoners in Turkish jails, while Turkey had captured 287 militants in Syria.

The United States said last month that it had killed Islamic State's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in northwestern Syria. Last week, Erdogan said Turkey had captured 13 people from Baghdadi's close circle, adding that they were being interrogated.

Islamic State has vowed revenge against the United States.

Turkey has deported an American foreign fighter and will soon deport another seven Germans, a spokesman for the interior ministry was quoted as saying on Monday after state media said Ankara began repatriation of captured Islamic State militants.

Turkey has deported an American foreign fighter and will soon deport another seven Germans, a spokesman for the interior ministry was quoted as saying on Monday after state media said Ankara began repatriation of captured Islamic State militants. Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu had warned last week that Ankara would begin to send back Islamic State militants to their home countries on Monday even if their citizenships have been revoked. "One American foreign terrorist fighter whose proceedings are completed has been deported," ministry spokesman Ismail Catakli was quoted as saying by state-run Anadolu news agency. "Travel plans for seven foreign terrorist fighters of German origin at deportation centres have been completed, they will be deported on Nov. 14," he added. Broadcaster NTV quoted Catakli as saying that "three more Islamic State militants at deportation centres will be sent back today." Turkey aims to repatriate around 2,500 militants, the majority of whom will be sent to European Union nations, state broadcaster TRT Haber said, adding there were currently 813 jihadists at 12 deportation centres in the country. Turkey launched an offensive into northeastern Syria against the Kurdish YPG militia last month following a decision by President Donald Trump to withdraw U.S. troops from the region. The YPG, the main element of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and a US ally against Islamic State, has kept thousands of jihadists in jails across northeast Syria. The Turkish offensive prompted widespread concern over the fate of the prisoners, with Turkey's Western allies and the SDF warning it could hinder the fight against Islamic State and aid its resurgence. Turkey, which views the YPG as a terrorist group linked with insurgent Kurdish militants on its own soil, has rejected those concerns and vowed to combat Islamic State with its allies. It has repeatedly called on European countries, including France, to take back their citizens fighting for the jihadists. Europeans comprise a fifth of the around 10,000 Islamic State fighters held captive in Syria by Kurdish militias. Denmark, Germany and Britain have so far revoked some citizenships. Last week, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan was cited as saying that there are 1,201 Islamic State prisoners in Turkish jails, while Turkey had captured 287 militants in Syria. The United States said last month that it had killed Islamic State's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in northwestern Syria. Last week, Erdogan said Turkey had captured 13 people from Baghdadi's close circle, adding that they were being interrogated. Islamic State has vowed revenge against the United States.

Turkey starts repatriation of captured Islamic State militants: Report

The Islamic State group's Afghan branch has been "defeated" in one of the key eastern provinces where it first sought to establish a stronghold, a top Afghan security official said Sunday.

The claim comes after the jihadists first burst into Afghanistan's conflict in 2015, when they overran large parts of Nangarhar and Kunar provinces, near the Pakistan border.

In the years since, they have claimed responsibility for a string of horrific bombings across Afghanistan, including at a wedding hall in Kabul, and have been continually attacked by US, Afghan and even Taliban forces.

IS "were defeated in Nangarhar, their centres were destroyed", acting interior minister Massoud Andarabi told reporters in Jalalabad, the Nangarhar provincial capital, amid ongoing operations against the jihadists.&nbsp;

"We will soon destroy their last centres. With the people's help, we will completely eliminate them. Some of their smaller groups are surrendering, other small groups will be eliminated in other provinces."

He went on to say that IS were being "completely defeated" in Afghanistan.

US Forces-Afghanistan, which closely monitors the IS footprint in Afghanistan, declined to comment, referring a query back to the Interior Ministry.

Attaullah Khogyani, the spokesman for Nangarhar's governor, said 32 IS fighters surrendered to government forces on Saturday.&nbsp;

"They are coming in big numbers," he told AFP.&nbsp;

IS have suffered a string of major defeats in recent months, including the collapse of their self-proclaimed "caliphate" in Syria and the death of the group's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was killed in a US raid in Syria last month.&nbsp;

Connections between Baghdadi and the IS affiliate in Afghanistan, better known as IS in the Khorasan, or IS-K, have always been murky.&nbsp;

But Khogyani said Baghdadi's death had disrupted IS-K's command and control structure.

"It has affected the fighters on the ground here, they are either surrendering to the government or going back to their ordinary lives," he said.

The Islamic State group's Afghan branch has been "defeated" in one of the key eastern provinces where it first sought to establish a stronghold, a top Afghan security official said Sunday.

The Islamic State group's Afghan branch has been "defeated" in one of the key eastern provinces where it first sought to establish a stronghold, a top Afghan security official said Sunday. The claim comes after the jihadists first burst into Afghanistan's conflict in 2015, when they overran large parts of Nangarhar and Kunar provinces, near the Pakistan border. In the years since, they have claimed responsibility for a string of horrific bombings across Afghanistan, including at a wedding hall in Kabul, and have been continually attacked by US, Afghan and even Taliban forces. IS "were defeated in Nangarhar, their centres were destroyed", acting interior minister Massoud Andarabi told reporters in Jalalabad, the Nangarhar provincial capital, amid ongoing operations against the jihadists. "We will soon destroy their last centres. With the people's help, we will completely eliminate them. Some of their smaller groups are surrendering, other small groups will be eliminated in other provinces." He went on to say that IS were being "completely defeated" in Afghanistan. US Forces-Afghanistan, which closely monitors the IS footprint in Afghanistan, declined to comment, referring a query back to the Interior Ministry. Attaullah Khogyani, the spokesman for Nangarhar's governor, said 32 IS fighters surrendered to government forces on Saturday. "They are coming in big numbers," he told AFP. IS have suffered a string of major defeats in recent months, including the collapse of their self-proclaimed "caliphate" in Syria and the death of the group's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who was killed in a US raid in Syria last month. Connections between Baghdadi and the IS affiliate in Afghanistan, better known as IS in the Khorasan, or IS-K, have always been murky. But Khogyani said Baghdadi's death had disrupted IS-K's command and control structure. "It has affected the fighters on the ground here, they are either surrendering to the government or going back to their ordinary lives," he said.

Islamic State 'defeated' in key Afghan province: Report

Greek police said Saturday they had arrested three people and seized an arms cache in an ongoing anti-terrorist operation officials likened to high profile arrests of Revolutionary Struggle group members in 2010.

Greek police stated two men,&nbsp;a 41 and a 45-year-old,&nbsp;and a 39-year-old woman, allegedly implicated in terrorism, were arrested during a "wide operation" launched in Athens on Friday. They added a 46-year-old man remained at large.&nbsp;

During the raids on 13 houses, Greek anti-terrorist squad seized weapons including five AK-47 automatic rifles, detonators, dynamite and grenades.

The 41-year-old man arrested was also detained in 2010 accused of being a member of far-left group Revolutionary Struggle (EA), behind a series of "anti-capitalist" attacks. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Citizen Protection Ministry said one of the assault rifles found during the raids was used in an October robbery in a betting shop in the northern suburb of Cholargos.&nbsp;

Another AK-47 was used in multiple attacks carried out by the 'Organisation of Revolutionary Self-Defense' group against PASOK socialist party headquarters in Athens, as well as against the Mexican embassy in Athens in 2016.&nbsp;

The group also claimed responsibility for a grenade attack on the French Embassy in Athens in 2016.&nbsp;

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis hailed the operation as "a very big success".

"Let me repeat, for one more time, our commitment to put a definitive and irreversible end to the problem of domestic terrorism", he added.&nbsp;

A top police official told AFP the operation could be compared to the arrests in 2010 of Revolutionary Struggle leaders Paula Roupa and Nikos Maziotis.&nbsp;

Their group, which first emerged in 2003, was once deemed by authorities to be the country's most dangerous far-left organisation.

The United States put a bounty on the group after it fired a rocket at the US embassy in Athens in 2007, though nobody was injured.

In 2014, the group also exploded a booby-trapped car outside a Bank of Greece office in central Athens as the country prepared to make a highly symbolic debt sale. Again, no-one was hurt.

Greek police said Saturday they had arrested three people and seized an arms cache in an ongoing anti-terrorist operation officials likened to high profile arrests of Revolutionary Struggle group members in 2010.

Greek police said Saturday they had arrested three people and seized an arms cache in an ongoing anti-terrorist operation officials likened to high profile arrests of Revolutionary Struggle group members in 2010. Greek police stated two men, a 41 and a 45-year-old, and a 39-year-old woman, allegedly implicated in terrorism, were arrested during a "wide operation" launched in Athens on Friday. They added a 46-year-old man remained at large. During the raids on 13 houses, Greek anti-terrorist squad seized weapons including five AK-47 automatic rifles, detonators, dynamite and grenades. The 41-year-old man arrested was also detained in 2010 accused of being a member of far-left group Revolutionary Struggle (EA), behind a series of "anti-capitalist" attacks. The Citizen Protection Ministry said one of the assault rifles found during the raids was used in an October robbery in a betting shop in the northern suburb of Cholargos. Another AK-47 was used in multiple attacks carried out by the 'Organisation of Revolutionary Self-Defense' group against PASOK socialist party headquarters in Athens, as well as against the Mexican embassy in Athens in 2016. The group also claimed responsibility for a grenade attack on the French Embassy in Athens in 2016. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis hailed the operation as "a very big success". "Let me repeat, for one more time, our commitment to put a definitive and irreversible end to the problem of domestic terrorism", he added. A top police official told AFP the operation could be compared to the arrests in 2010 of Revolutionary Struggle leaders Paula Roupa and Nikos Maziotis. Their group, which first emerged in 2003, was once deemed by authorities to be the country's most dangerous far-left organisation. The United States put a bounty on the group after it fired a rocket at the US embassy in Athens in 2007, though nobody was injured. In 2014, the group also exploded a booby-trapped car outside a Bank of Greece office in central Athens as the country prepared to make a highly symbolic debt sale. Again, no-one was hurt.

Three arrested, guns seized in Greek anti-terrorism raid

A US State Department report has described the Communist Party of India (Maoist) as the world’s sixth deadliest terror organisation while ranking India as the fourth-worst terrorism-hit country, where 57% terrorist incidents last year were reported from Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K).

In its Country Report on Terrorism 2018 released on Friday, the State Department has blamed Communist Party of India (Maoist) for the killing of 311 people last year in 177 terror incidents even as the Union home ministry data shows there were 240 deaths in 833 violent incidents involving the group in 2018. 
&nbsp; 
It has ranked the Communist Party of India (Maoist) as the deadliest terror organisation globally after the Taliban (Afghanistan), IS or the so-called Islamic State, Al-Shabaab (Africa), Boko Haram (Africa) and the Communist Party of the Philippines. 
&nbsp; 
The report has ranked India as the fourth most terror-hit country globally after Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq. It noted that “weaknesses in intelligence and information sharing negatively impacted state and central law enforcement agencies” in countering terror in India. 
&nbsp; 
The report noted that the rapid response capabilities of India’s counter-terrorism unit National Security Guard (NSG) is limited due to its smaller size. 
&nbsp; 
“Despite its rigorous training, NSG’s rapid response capability is somewhat limited, due in part to its small staff relative to India’s large size and the NSG’s limited independent logistics capacity,” said the report.

A US State Department report has described the Communist Party of India (Maoist) as the world’s sixth deadliest terror organisation while ranking India as the fourth-worst terrorism-hit country, where 57% terrorist incidents last year were reported from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

A US State Department report has described the Communist Party of India (Maoist) as the world’s sixth deadliest terror organisation while ranking India as the fourth-worst terrorism-hit country, where 57% terrorist incidents last year were reported from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). In its Country Report on Terrorism 2018 released on Friday, the State Department has blamed Communist Party of India (Maoist) for the killing of 311 people last year in 177 terror incidents even as the Union home ministry data shows there were 240 deaths in 833 violent incidents involving the group in 2018. It has ranked the Communist Party of India (Maoist) as the deadliest terror organisation globally after the Taliban (Afghanistan), IS or the so-called Islamic State, Al-Shabaab (Africa), Boko Haram (Africa) and the Communist Party of the Philippines. The report has ranked India as the fourth most terror-hit country globally after Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq. It noted that “weaknesses in intelligence and information sharing negatively impacted state and central law enforcement agencies” in countering terror in India. The report noted that the rapid response capabilities of India’s counter-terrorism unit National Security Guard (NSG) is limited due to its smaller size. “Despite its rigorous training, NSG’s rapid response capability is somewhat limited, due in part to its small staff relative to India’s large size and the NSG’s limited independent logistics capacity,” said the report.

Communist Party of India (Maoist) sixth most dangerous terrorist organisation in the world: US report

At least five Taliban terrorists were killed by Afghan police in an operation launched in Shena Qala village of Barak-e-Barak district in Afghanistan.

Five Taliban members were killed in an operation carried by special police forces in central Logar province on Monday, Tolo News reported.

The police officials also seized weapons during the operation in Barak-e-Barak.

So far, the Taliban has not commented on the Afghan police operation.

Meanwhile, Afghan security forces found two Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) in the Jaghatu district of Ghazni province and safely detonated them.

&nbsp;

At least five Taliban terrorists were killed by Afghan police in an operation launched in Shena Qala village of Barak-e-Barak district in Afghanistan. Five Taliban members were killed in an operation carried by special police forces in central Logar province on Monday, Tolo News reported.

At least five Taliban terrorists were killed by Afghan police in an operation launched in Shena Qala village of Barak-e-Barak district in Afghanistan. Five Taliban members were killed in an operation carried by special police forces in central Logar province on Monday, Tolo News reported. The police officials also seized weapons during the operation in Barak-e-Barak. So far, the Taliban has not commented on the Afghan police operation. Meanwhile, Afghan security forces found two Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) in the Jaghatu district of Ghazni province and safely detonated them.

Five Taliban terrorists killed in Afghanistan's Logar province

An airstrike Saturday by key Damascus ally <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-russia-begin-joint-patrols-in-northern-syria-report-259271">Russia</a> killed six civilians including a child in the embattled opposition bastion of Idlib in northwestern Syria, according to a war monitor.

The strike hit the village of Jaballa in the south of the Idlib region, taking the lives of all six from the same family, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The Britain-based monitor, which relies on sources inside Syria, says it determines who carries out an airstrike according to flight patterns, as well as aircraft and ammunition involved.

Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said it was the bloodiest such Russian air raid in two months since Moscow announced a truce for the surrounding area on August 31.

Since then, eight other civilians have been killed in Russian airstrikes on different dates in the region, he said.

The Idlib region, which is home to some three million people including many displaced by the eight-year war, is controlled by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate.

Syrian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrias-assad-says-he-does-not-want-turkey-as-an-enemy-259172">Bashar al-Assad's</a> forces launched a devastating military campaign against Idlib in April, killing around 1,000 civilians and forcing more than 400,000 people to flee their homes.

But a ceasefire announced by the regime's major backer Moscow has largely held since late August, though the Observatory says skirmishes persist.

On Friday, 23 regime fighters, as well as 11 jihadists and allied rebels, were killed in clashes on the western edges of the Idlib region.

Assad last week said Idlib was the main front remaining to end the civil war, as he made his first trip since 2011 to visit troops in the region.

He spoke as his forces were deploying in Kurdish-majority areas to the east of Idlib to help stave off a deadly Turkish offensive.

Syria's war has killed 370,000 people and displaced millions from their homes since beginning in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-Assad protests.

An airstrike Saturday by key Damascus ally Russia killed six civilians including a child in the embattled opposition bastion of Idlib in northwestern Syria, according to a war monitor.

An airstrike Saturday by key Damascus ally Russia killed six civilians including a child in the embattled opposition bastion of Idlib in northwestern Syria, according to a war monitor. The strike hit the village of Jaballa in the south of the Idlib region, taking the lives of all six from the same family, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The Britain-based monitor, which relies on sources inside Syria, says it determines who carries out an airstrike according to flight patterns, as well as aircraft and ammunition involved. Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said it was the bloodiest such Russian air raid in two months since Moscow announced a truce for the surrounding area on August 31. Since then, eight other civilians have been killed in Russian airstrikes on different dates in the region, he said. The Idlib region, which is home to some three million people including many displaced by the eight-year war, is controlled by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces launched a devastating military campaign against Idlib in April, killing around 1,000 civilians and forcing more than 400,000 people to flee their homes. But a ceasefire announced by the regime's major backer Moscow has largely held since late August, though the Observatory says skirmishes persist. On Friday, 23 regime fighters, as well as 11 jihadists and allied rebels, were killed in clashes on the western edges of the Idlib region. Assad last week said Idlib was the main front remaining to end the civil war, as he made his first trip since 2011 to visit troops in the region. He spoke as his forces were deploying in Kurdish-majority areas to the east of Idlib to help stave off a deadly Turkish offensive. Syria's war has killed 370,000 people and displaced millions from their homes since beginning in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-Assad protests.

Russian airstrike kills six civilians in Syria

Energy Security, Strategic Ties, Launch Of RuPay Card, Anti-Terror Cooperation Top The Agenda During PM's Visit To Riyadh.

Gravitas: Key Takeaways From PM Modi's Saudi Visit

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