In yet another terror incident in the Kashmir valley, two civilians were shot dead and one injured by terrorists in Kulgam. The incident comes just a day after 2 civilians were killed in Srinagar and Pulwama raising fears of terror resurgence in the valley.

Two civilians shot dead, one injured in terrorist attack in Kulgam

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other British leaders paid their respects Saturday morning at a church east of London where a Conservative lawmaker was fatally stabbed a day earlier, as the country grappled with another apparent episode of lone-wolf terrorism.

A somber Johnson — joined by the opposition leader, Keir Starmer, and other officials — laid flowers outside the Methodist church in Leigh-on-Sea, a sleepy seaside community that was convulsed Friday when the lawmaker, David Amess, was assaulted during a routine meeting with constituents.

The police arrested a 25-year-old man at the scene and said they were conducting searches at two locations in the London area. The Metropolitan Police formally declared the attack a terrorist episode, with a potential link to Islamist extremism, but they have not yet identified the man, who they said they believed acted alone. The BBC, citing government sources, reported that he was a British national who appeared to be of Somali heritage.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-conservative-mp-dies-after-getting-stabbed-multiple-times-suspect-arrested-421026">UK: Conservative MP dies after getting stabbed multiple times; Suspect arrested</a>

The brutal attack, at midday and in full view of the public, has stunned the British political establishment and fanned questions about the security of members of Parliament. Lawmakers regularly meet their constituents, unprotected, to hear their concerns and grievances in sessions that can at times become heated.

As Scotland Yard scrambled for answers Saturday, public officials paid tribute to Amess’ long record of government service.

Commissioner Roger Hirst of the Essex Police, which has jurisdiction over Leigh-on-Sea, said in a statement that it was “a somber moment of reflection to remember a man who worked so hard for his community, who served those he represented passionately and made a real difference for Southend.”

On the town’s normally tranquil streets, the sudden spasm of violence had not yet fully sunk in. On Saturday morning, the police canvassed residents near the church, seeking witnesses. Chaplains consoled a steady stream of people who visited the area where Amess was killed.

Fidelia McGhee, 48, who lives near the site of the attack, said Amess had always championed local causes. She praised him as a kind, committed politician. She called the attack “the stuff of nightmares” that would leave an indelible mark on the town.

“It is quite tragic,” she said. “I think we’ve lost something we will never get back.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other British leaders paid their respects Saturday morning at a church east of London where a Conservative lawmaker was fatally stabbed a day earlier, as the country grappled with another apparent episode of lone-wolf terrorism.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other British leaders paid their respects Saturday morning at a church east of London where a Conservative lawmaker was fatally stabbed a day earlier, as the country grappled with another apparent episode of lone-wolf terrorism. A somber Johnson — joined by the opposition leader, Keir Starmer, and other officials — laid flowers outside the Methodist church in Leigh-on-Sea, a sleepy seaside community that was convulsed Friday when the lawmaker, David Amess, was assaulted during a routine meeting with constituents. The police arrested a 25-year-old man at the scene and said they were conducting searches at two locations in the London area. The Metropolitan Police formally declared the attack a terrorist episode, with a potential link to Islamist extremism, but they have not yet identified the man, who they said they believed acted alone. The BBC, citing government sources, reported that he was a British national who appeared to be of Somali heritage. Also read | UK: Conservative MP dies after getting stabbed multiple times; Suspect arrested The brutal attack, at midday and in full view of the public, has stunned the British political establishment and fanned questions about the security of members of Parliament. Lawmakers regularly meet their constituents, unprotected, to hear their concerns and grievances in sessions that can at times become heated. As Scotland Yard scrambled for answers Saturday, public officials paid tribute to Amess’ long record of government service. Commissioner Roger Hirst of the Essex Police, which has jurisdiction over Leigh-on-Sea, said in a statement that it was “a somber moment of reflection to remember a man who worked so hard for his community, who served those he represented passionately and made a real difference for Southend.” On the town’s normally tranquil streets, the sudden spasm of violence had not yet fully sunk in. On Saturday morning, the police canvassed residents near the church, seeking witnesses. Chaplains consoled a steady stream of people who visited the area where Amess was killed. Fidelia McGhee, 48, who lives near the site of the attack, said Amess had always championed local causes. She praised him as a kind, committed politician. She called the attack “the stuff of nightmares” that would leave an indelible mark on the town. “It is quite tragic,” she said. “I think we’ve lost something we will never get back.”

With lawmaker’s killing, the UK confronts a new episode of terrorism

Kashmir is on the boil again. Apart from an uptick in terrorist activities there seems to be a new challenge posed for the security forces deployed in the valley, i.e., the presence of part time terrorists who the security agencies describe as hybrid terrorists.

J&K: Hybrid terrorists engage in normal jobs

The 15th of August 2021 marks the beginning of a new chapter in the troubled history of Afghanistan, strategically situated in between the South and Central Asia and often described as the Heart of Asia. On this day, the Taliban ,a conglomeration of extremely radical Islamic terror organisations, known for their ultra-conservative interpretation of the Islamic concept of Sharia walked into Kabul and recaptured power after a gap of two decades. The Taliban did not face any resistance whatsoever from the Afghan Army, while the President Ashraf Ghani was packing up his bags to flee the country and the most powerful Americans and allies were racing against time to withdraw from Afghanistan, having entered into a questionable agreement with the Taliban on 29th February, 2020 after failing to neutralise them.

Sixty days have elapsed since the dark episode in the history of mankind was written when Bullet won over Ballot, while the entire international system &nbsp;either turned a blind eye or watched in silence. Certain clearly discernable trends have emerged in the past two months of evolving situation in Afghanistan. The Taliban has succeeded in capturing the power with unprecedented ease but it is apparent that it is bound to find it difficult to govern the country for a variety of reasons.&nbsp;

The first challenge comes from within the Taliban, arising out of the ideological and tactical differences between the hardliners and moderates. By the available indications the hardliners appear to be having an upper hand. As a result the moderates such as Mullah Baradar who have so far been the international face of the Taliban have been relegated to second fiddle.&nbsp; 
Further the hardliners have not responded to the expectations of the international community as reflected in the Un Security Council Resolution 2593 of 30th August, 2021. The interim Government formed by the Taliban is anything but inclusive; most of the minorities as well as women have failed to find a berth in the Government in which more than half of the Ministers are designated terrorists. Systematic efforts are being made to exclude women from public life.&nbsp;

Minorities are being selectively targeted. In early October, a famous Sikh Gurudwara in Kabul was vandalised by suspected Taliban fighters. Contrary to the assurances of amnesty, the Taliban forces unlawfully killed 13 &nbsp;ethnic Hazaras, including a 17-year-old girl, in Afghanistan’s Daykundi province on 30th August. Eleven of the victims were former members of the Afghan National Defence Security Forces (ANDSF), who had surrendered and two were civilians. Cases of public hangings reminiscent of the earlier tenure of Taliban in 1990s have also been reported.

The manner in which the Taliban has assumed power by use of force has emboldened radical and terror organisation all over the world, who are now considering Afghanistan as their safe heaven. The Taliban is indebted to some of the terror groups who had supported it in its fight against the USA and the duly elected and West-supported government in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

There are some other terror groups such as ISIS (Khorasan Province) over which the Taliban appears to have very little or no control. This terror group has owned responsibility for the devastating suicide bomb attacks at the Kabul International Airport (26th August) and more recently on a Shia minority Mosque in &nbsp;Kunduz &nbsp;Province early &nbsp;October. The possibility of a guerrilla warfare by the Panjshir Resistance Movement against the Taliban at some later stage cannot be ruled out all-together.

The presence of terror groups on the Afghan soil and the possibility that these groups may operate against the security interests not only of Afghanistan but also of other countries is a matter of serious and genuine concern for the international community. The Taliban doesn’t seem to be in a position to address this concern. Pakistan, being in hand-in-glove with groups such as Haquani Network makes it worse.

The Big Players have refrained from condemning or out-rightly rejecting Taliban. At the same time none, including even Russia and China, appears in a rush to accord “de jure” recognition to Taliban whose “de facto” recognition is now a matter of ground reality. The new rulers of Afghanistan failed to secure the UN permission to participate in the on-going session of the UNGA. The absence of “de jure” recognition is posing several constraints on the so-called Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan proclaimed by the Taliban. The situation from the Taliban’s perspective is further exacerbated by the fact that the assets worth $ 9.5 billion held by the Central Bank of Afghanistan (DBA) in the USA and elsewhere abroad stand frozen, creating a severe cash crunch. Taliban can count on China for financial support but not without cost.&nbsp;

China is not known for benign and benevolent grants and Taliban is wise enough to understand China’s debt-trap policy. However, if the economic situation gets too bad, the Taliban in a desperate move may compromise and accept dependence on China in return for the latter’s entry into yet-to-be-fully-explored possibilities in Afghanistan’s mineral wealth.

Meanwhile, the people of Afghanistan are suffering on account of both the social as well as economic fronts. The ultra-conservative interpretation of the Sharia by the Taliban is creating an adverse impact on the lives of common Afghans, particularly women and children. &nbsp;There is a broad consensus that Afghanistan stands on the brink of a growing humanitarian crisis. The UN Special Envoy for Afghanistan is of the opinion that by freezing the funds to keep money out of the hands of Taliban could be counter-productive and that if funding were to stop there would be "a severe economic downturn that could throw many more millions into poverty and hunger, may generate a massive wave of refugees from Afghanistan and indeed set Afghanistan back for generations."

At the International Donor’s Conference, hosted recently by the UN General Secretary in Geneva, the international community has pledged $ 1billion; this should help keep the on-going aid projects in Afghanistan afloat. It seems that many countries are willing to provide aid but are seriously concerned about how funds will be spent with Taliban in power.

India has not specifically called out Taliban; it has expressed its concern in the larger context of the adverse fallout of the advent of the Taliban in Afghanistan and has repeatedly alerted the international community of the serious consequences of the growing radicalism, extremism and terrorism. It has joined the international chorus in calling for the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

India has also reiterated its commitment to stand by the people of Afghanistan. In this context the EAM Dr Jai Shankar recalled (at the Geneva Conference) India’s investment of $ 3bn in about 500 development projects for the benefit of the Afghan people. He , however, stopped short of making any fresh commitments, underlining that the world will “step forward” to help Afghanistan once the United Nations can assuage the “legitimate concerns” of donors that international aid will be dispersed in a “non-discriminatory” manner across Afghan society. India thus expects the UN to create an enabling environment so that the aid can reach the intended beneficiaries.

In short, the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan” is facing several serious challenges both at home and abroad while simultaneously posing serious threat to the stability of the region and beyond. Nevertheless, ways and means must be found urgently to address the urgent humanitarian needs of the people of Afghanistan.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

The 15th of August 2021 marks the beginning of a new chapter in the troubled history of Afghanistan, strategically situated in between the South and Central Asia and often described as the Heart of Asia.

The 15th of August 2021 marks the beginning of a new chapter in the troubled history of Afghanistan, strategically situated in between the South and Central Asia and often described as the Heart of Asia. On this day, the Taliban ,a conglomeration of extremely radical Islamic terror organisations, known for their ultra-conservative interpretation of the Islamic concept of Sharia walked into Kabul and recaptured power after a gap of two decades. The Taliban did not face any resistance whatsoever from the Afghan Army, while the President Ashraf Ghani was packing up his bags to flee the country and the most powerful Americans and allies were racing against time to withdraw from Afghanistan, having entered into a questionable agreement with the Taliban on 29th February, 2020 after failing to neutralise them. Sixty days have elapsed since the dark episode in the history of mankind was written when Bullet won over Ballot, while the entire international system either turned a blind eye or watched in silence. Certain clearly discernable trends have emerged in the past two months of evolving situation in Afghanistan. The Taliban has succeeded in capturing the power with unprecedented ease but it is apparent that it is bound to find it difficult to govern the country for a variety of reasons. The first challenge comes from within the Taliban, arising out of the ideological and tactical differences between the hardliners and moderates. By the available indications the hardliners appear to be having an upper hand. As a result the moderates such as Mullah Baradar who have so far been the international face of the Taliban have been relegated to second fiddle. Further the hardliners have not responded to the expectations of the international community as reflected in the Un Security Council Resolution 2593 of 30th August, 2021. The interim Government formed by the Taliban is anything but inclusive; most of the minorities as well as women have failed to find a berth in the Government in which more than half of the Ministers are designated terrorists. Systematic efforts are being made to exclude women from public life. Minorities are being selectively targeted. In early October, a famous Sikh Gurudwara in Kabul was vandalised by suspected Taliban fighters. Contrary to the assurances of amnesty, the Taliban forces unlawfully killed 13 ethnic Hazaras, including a 17-year-old girl, in Afghanistan’s Daykundi province on 30th August. Eleven of the victims were former members of the Afghan National Defence Security Forces (ANDSF), who had surrendered and two were civilians. Cases of public hangings reminiscent of the earlier tenure of Taliban in 1990s have also been reported. The manner in which the Taliban has assumed power by use of force has emboldened radical and terror organisation all over the world, who are now considering Afghanistan as their safe heaven. The Taliban is indebted to some of the terror groups who had supported it in its fight against the USA and the duly elected and West-supported government in Afghanistan. There are some other terror groups such as ISIS (Khorasan Province) over which the Taliban appears to have very little or no control. This terror group has owned responsibility for the devastating suicide bomb attacks at the Kabul International Airport (26th August) and more recently on a Shia minority Mosque in Kunduz Province early October. The possibility of a guerrilla warfare by the Panjshir Resistance Movement against the Taliban at some later stage cannot be ruled out all-together. The presence of terror groups on the Afghan soil and the possibility that these groups may operate against the security interests not only of Afghanistan but also of other countries is a matter of serious and genuine concern for the international community. The Taliban doesn’t seem to be in a position to address this concern. Pakistan, being in hand-in-glove with groups such as Haquani Network makes it worse. The Big Players have refrained from condemning or out-rightly rejecting Taliban. At the same time none, including even Russia and China, appears in a rush to accord “de jure” recognition to Taliban whose “de facto” recognition is now a matter of ground reality. The new rulers of Afghanistan failed to secure the UN permission to participate in the on-going session of the UNGA. The absence of “de jure” recognition is posing several constraints on the so-called Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan proclaimed by the Taliban. The situation from the Taliban’s perspective is further exacerbated by the fact that the assets worth $ 9.5 billion held by the Central Bank of Afghanistan (DBA) in the USA and elsewhere abroad stand frozen, creating a severe cash crunch. Taliban can count on China for financial support but not without cost. China is not known for benign and benevolent grants and Taliban is wise enough to understand China’s debt-trap policy. However, if the economic situation gets too bad, the Taliban in a desperate move may compromise and accept dependence on China in return for the latter’s entry into yet-to-be-fully-explored possibilities in Afghanistan’s mineral wealth. Meanwhile, the people of Afghanistan are suffering on account of both the social as well as economic fronts. The ultra-conservative interpretation of the Sharia by the Taliban is creating an adverse impact on the lives of common Afghans, particularly women and children. There is a broad consensus that Afghanistan stands on the brink of a growing humanitarian crisis. The UN Special Envoy for Afghanistan is of the opinion that by freezing the funds to keep money out of the hands of Taliban could be counter-productive and that if funding were to stop there would be "a severe economic downturn that could throw many more millions into poverty and hunger, may generate a massive wave of refugees from Afghanistan and indeed set Afghanistan back for generations." At the International Donor’s Conference, hosted recently by the UN General Secretary in Geneva, the international community has pledged $ 1billion; this should help keep the on-going aid projects in Afghanistan afloat. It seems that many countries are willing to provide aid but are seriously concerned about how funds will be spent with Taliban in power. India has not specifically called out Taliban; it has expressed its concern in the larger context of the adverse fallout of the advent of the Taliban in Afghanistan and has repeatedly alerted the international community of the serious consequences of the growing radicalism, extremism and terrorism. It has joined the international chorus in calling for the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan. India has also reiterated its commitment to stand by the people of Afghanistan. In this context the EAM Dr Jai Shankar recalled (at the Geneva Conference) India’s investment of $ 3bn in about 500 development projects for the benefit of the Afghan people. He , however, stopped short of making any fresh commitments, underlining that the world will “step forward” to help Afghanistan once the United Nations can assuage the “legitimate concerns” of donors that international aid will be dispersed in a “non-discriminatory” manner across Afghan society. India thus expects the UN to create an enabling environment so that the aid can reach the intended beneficiaries. In short, the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan” is facing several serious challenges both at home and abroad while simultaneously posing serious threat to the stability of the region and beyond. Nevertheless, ways and means must be found urgently to address the urgent humanitarian needs of the people of Afghanistan. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Two months of Taliban 2.0: Challenges and threats

Norwegian intelligence service PST said on Thursday that the bow-and-arrow attack that took place in Kongsberg area seemed to be an "act of terror". The attack claimed five lives.

"The events in Kongsberg currently appear to be an act of terror, but the investigation... will determine in closer detail what the acts were motivated by," PST said in a statement.

The Kongsberg area has a population of 28,000 and is 68 km from Norway's capital Oslo.

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Norway rarely witnesses such acts of violence. This is the worst death toll in any attack in Norway since 2011. The country rarely experiences such violence.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/norway-police-says-several-people-killed-in-bow-and-arrow-attack-420564">Norway: Police says several people killed in bow and arrow attack</a>

"I understand that many people are afraid, but it's important to emphasise that the police are now in control," said Norway's Prime Minister Erna Solberg earlier.

An extremist called Anders Behring Brevik had killed 77 people 10 years ago in Norway's worst massacre since World War II.

He had set off a bomb in Oslo next to the office of the country's prime minister and went on a shooting spree at Utoya's summer camp.

(With inputs from agencies)

Norwegian intelligence service PST said on Thursday that the bow-and-arrow attack that took place in Kongsberg area seemed to be an "act of terror". The attack claimed five lives.

Norwegian intelligence service PST said on Thursday that the bow-and-arrow attack that took place in Kongsberg area seemed to be an "act of terror". The attack claimed five lives. "The events in Kongsberg currently appear to be an act of terror, but the investigation... will determine in closer detail what the acts were motivated by," PST said in a statement. The Kongsberg area has a population of 28,000 and is 68 km from Norway's capital Oslo. × Norway rarely witnesses such acts of violence. This is the worst death toll in any attack in Norway since 2011. The country rarely experiences such violence. Also Read | Norway: Police says several people killed in bow and arrow attack "I understand that many people are afraid, but it's important to emphasise that the police are now in control," said Norway's Prime Minister Erna Solberg earlier. An extremist called Anders Behring Brevik had killed 77 people 10 years ago in Norway's worst massacre since World War II. He had set off a bomb in Oslo next to the office of the country's prime minister and went on a shooting spree at Utoya's summer camp. (With inputs from agencies)

Norway bow-and-arrow attack an 'act of terror': Norwegian intelligence

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that battle-hardened terrorists from Iraq and Syria are "actively" entering Afghanistan.

"The situation in Afghanistan is not easy," Putin said during a video conference with security service chiefs of ex-Soviet states.

"Militants from Iraq, Syria with experience in military operations are actively being drawn there," he said.

"It is possible that terrorists may try to destabilise the situation in neighbouring states," he added, warning that they could even try "direct expansion". 
 
Watch | Russia is building its military influence in Africa

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Putin has repeatedly warned about members of extremist groups exploiting political turmoil in Afghanistan to cross into neighbouring ex-Soviet countries as refugees.

While Moscow has been cautiously optimistic about the new Taliban leadership in Kabul, the Kremlin is concerned about instability spilling over into Central Asia where it houses military bases.

In the wake of the Taliban takeover, Russia held military drills with ex-Soviet Tajikistan -- where it operates a military base -- and in Uzbekistan. Both countries share a border with Afghanistan.

Tajikistan's national security chief, Saimumin Yatimov, for his part told the video conference that he had registered an "intensification" of attempts to "smuggle drugs, weapons, ammunition" from Afghanistan into his country.

Afghanistan has long been the world's largest producer of opium and heroin, with profits from the illicit trade helping fund the Taliban.

Earlier Wednesday French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Tajikistan's leader Emomali Rakhmon in Paris, vowing to help the Central Asian state maintain stability.

While the Taliban has said it does not pose a threat to Central Asian countries, the ex-Soviet republics in the region have previously been targeted by attacks attributed to allies of Afghan Islamists.

Last week the Kremlin's envoy to Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, said Russia will invite the Taliban to Moscow for international talks on Afghanistan scheduled for October 20.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that battle-hardened terrorists from Iraq and Syria are "actively" entering Afghanistan. "The situation in Afghanistan is not easy," Putin said during a video conference with security service chiefs of ex-Soviet states.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that battle-hardened terrorists from Iraq and Syria are "actively" entering Afghanistan. "The situation in Afghanistan is not easy," Putin said during a video conference with security service chiefs of ex-Soviet states. "Militants from Iraq, Syria with experience in military operations are actively being drawn there," he said. "It is possible that terrorists may try to destabilise the situation in neighbouring states," he added, warning that they could even try "direct expansion". Watch | Russia is building its military influence in Africa Putin has repeatedly warned about members of extremist groups exploiting political turmoil in Afghanistan to cross into neighbouring ex-Soviet countries as refugees. While Moscow has been cautiously optimistic about the new Taliban leadership in Kabul, the Kremlin is concerned about instability spilling over into Central Asia where it houses military bases. In the wake of the Taliban takeover, Russia held military drills with ex-Soviet Tajikistan -- where it operates a military base -- and in Uzbekistan. Both countries share a border with Afghanistan. Tajikistan's national security chief, Saimumin Yatimov, for his part told the video conference that he had registered an "intensification" of attempts to "smuggle drugs, weapons, ammunition" from Afghanistan into his country. Afghanistan has long been the world's largest producer of opium and heroin, with profits from the illicit trade helping fund the Taliban. Earlier Wednesday French President Emmanuel Macron hosted Tajikistan's leader Emomali Rakhmon in Paris, vowing to help the Central Asian state maintain stability. While the Taliban has said it does not pose a threat to Central Asian countries, the ex-Soviet republics in the region have previously been targeted by attacks attributed to allies of Afghan Islamists. Last week the Kremlin's envoy to Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, said Russia will invite the Taliban to Moscow for international talks on Afghanistan scheduled for October 20.

Iraq, Syria terrorists actively entering Afghanistan: Vladimir Putin 

There is a new challenge for&nbsp;security&nbsp;forces in Kashmir valley.&nbsp;The presence of "part time or hybrid terrorists" in the valley is posing a big threat.

"Part time or hybrid terrorists"&nbsp;are not listed with the security forces as ultras but are people who are radicalised enough to carry terror attacks and then slip back into routine life.&nbsp;

In the last two weeks, seven civilians were killed and most of them were shot by pistol-borne youth who are not listed with the security forces.&nbsp;

"Hybrid terrorists or part time terrorists are those who are not listed with us but are in touch with militants, they are locally trained and after taking out one or two attacks, they slip back into normal life. 97 pistols have been recovered so far this year. This shows Pakistan has a new agenda that maximum number of pistols and hand grenades be pumped. The main reason is to create an atmosphere of fear," said Vijay Kumar, IG Kashmir.&nbsp;

Most of the killings that have taken place this year in the Kashmir valley were done using pistols. Many of these attacks were carried out by these "part time or hybrid terrorists".&nbsp;

Police are now trying to break the chain of these attacks. More than 500 people have been detained by the Jammu Kashmir Police in the last few days after the rise of civilian killings.&nbsp;

"There is a new modus operandi of terrorists to kill innocent civilians using pistols. All the policemen who have been killed this year were all without weapons at the time of killing, and most of the attacks were carried out by pistols. It's very easy to carry and attack with a pistol. Pakistan has chosen a new modus operandi to let them use pistols," Kumar added.

The security forces are now trying to formulate a new strategy to break through the new modus operandi of the terror groups.&nbsp;

There is a new challenge for security forces in Kashmir valley. The presence of "part time or hybrid terrorists" in the valley is posing a big threat. "Part time or hybrid terrorists" are not listed with the security forces as ultras but are people who are radicalised enough to carry terror attacks and then slip back into routine life.

There is a new challenge for security forces in Kashmir valley. The presence of "part time or hybrid terrorists" in the valley is posing a big threat. "Part time or hybrid terrorists" are not listed with the security forces as ultras but are people who are radicalised enough to carry terror attacks and then slip back into routine life. In the last two weeks, seven civilians were killed and most of them were shot by pistol-borne youth who are not listed with the security forces. "Hybrid terrorists or part time terrorists are those who are not listed with us but are in touch with militants, they are locally trained and after taking out one or two attacks, they slip back into normal life. 97 pistols have been recovered so far this year. This shows Pakistan has a new agenda that maximum number of pistols and hand grenades be pumped. The main reason is to create an atmosphere of fear," said Vijay Kumar, IG Kashmir. Most of the killings that have taken place this year in the Kashmir valley were done using pistols. Many of these attacks were carried out by these "part time or hybrid terrorists". Police are now trying to break the chain of these attacks. More than 500 people have been detained by the Jammu Kashmir Police in the last few days after the rise of civilian killings. "There is a new modus operandi of terrorists to kill innocent civilians using pistols. All the policemen who have been killed this year were all without weapons at the time of killing, and most of the attacks were carried out by pistols. It's very easy to carry and attack with a pistol. Pakistan has chosen a new modus operandi to let them use pistols," Kumar added. The security forces are now trying to formulate a new strategy to break through the new modus operandi of the terror groups.

'Hybrid or part time terrorists': A new challenge for security forces

India has for several decades suffered immensely due to cross-border terrorism by terror groups using illicit weapons smuggled across the country's borders, New Delhi's envoy here has said, in a veiled reference to Pakistan, calling on the global community to unequivocally&nbsp;condemn state sponsorship to such militant outfits.

At the UN Security Council briefing on Small Arms and Light Weapons', India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti strongly underlined the need for the Council's focus on the transfer and trafficking of arms and weapons to terrorists and terrorist groups.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-army-vs-pakistan-army-how-two-military-forces-stack-up-against-each-other-417849">&nbsp;India Army vs Pakistan Army: How two military forces stack up against each other</a>

These weapons become more sinister and lethal in the hands of terrorists, who deliberately and indiscriminately use them to target innocent civilians, including women and children, he said.

For several decades, my country has suffered immensely due to cross-border terrorism and violence carried out by terrorist groups using these illicit weapons smuggled across our borders, including now through the use of drones,&nbsp;he said, in a veiled reference to Pakistan.

He said an increase in volume and the quality of the arsenal acquired by these terrorist organisations reminds us time and again that they cannot exist without the sponsorship or support of states. This aspect needs to be unequivocally condemned.

He also strongly urged the Council to have zero tolerance to terror actors, their possession and misuse of small arms and light weapons and their sponsors.

High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu told the Council that the misuse, illicit transfer and destabilising accumulation of small arms and light weapons, and their ammunition, remain a defining factor in undermining peace and security at the national, regional and global levels and have deeply aggravated situations for vulnerable populations already suffering from conflict.

"In contexts where United Nations peace operations have been mandated, illicit flows and easy availability of arms can exacerbate and sustain conflict dynamics; render arms embargoes ineffective; endanger peacekeepers, humanitarian workers and local populations; and complicate the implementation of peace agreements,&nbsp;she said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-talks-about-peace-while-imran-khan-glorifies-osama-bin-laden-as-a-martyr-india-at-un-418290">Pakistan talks about peace while Imran Khan glorifies Osama Bin Laden as a martyr: India at UN</a>

Nakamitsu added that small arms control measures, in particular, the development and implementation of border security and management strategies; efforts to detect and seize parts and components of weapons and ammunition; enhanced stockpile management; and the fight against the illicit manufacture of weapons are effective tools to disrupt the supply of illicit small arms and light weapons to terrorists.

Tirumurti stressed that the threat posed by the illicit transfer of small arms and light weapons is a matter of concern to the entire international community.

Noting that an arms embargo is an important tool at the disposal of the Council to curb the flow of such weapons to situations of armed conflict, he voiced concern that embargoes continue to be blatantly violated, as repeatedly reported by the various Panel of Experts supporting the subsidiary bodies of the Council.

It is important that all member states respect and strictly enforce existing arms embargoes and strengthen measures against the illicit transfer of arms, he said, as he underlined that it is a well-known fact that the flow of illicit arms and weapons to non-state actors and terrorists drives and sustains conflicts.

Tirumurti told the Council that the illicit possession and misuse of small arms and light weapons by non-state groups and terrorists is a violation of state sovereignty.

In post-conflict situations, we often witness that non-state actors continue to possess these weapons illegally, which hinders disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration efforts.

India called on the Security Council to ensure effective and timely action against such non-State actors to ensure that post-conflict peacebuilding efforts are not jeopardised while advancing security sector reforms, capacity building of law enforcement agencies, promotion of rule of law and good governance.

India attaches high importance to preventing, combating and eradicating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. We consider that the primary responsibility for addressing this problem lies with the Member States,&nbsp;he said.

India supports the redoubling of efforts at the national and global level to strengthen the implementation of the UN Program of Action and the International Tracing Instrument, including through national legislative measures and enforcement, export controls, information sharing and capacity building, he added.

Further, India said the safety of UN peacekeepers is directly affected by the steady and illicit supply of small arms and light weapons to the warring parties in armed conflict situations.

The Council is aware of numerous incidents in the past, where killings and attacks on peacekeepers have been perpetrated through the use of these weapons, Tirumurti said emphasising the need for the Council to address the danger posed by such illicit transfers to the safety and security of peacekeepers by giving due attention to this issue in the consideration of peacekeeping mandates.

UN Peacekeeping Missions could support host countries in addressing the issue of illicit transfer of small arms and light weapons through strengthening the capacities of the law enforcement and security agencies in safe handling, upkeep and stockpile management of arms and weapons, including those recovered from non-state actors,&nbsp;he said.

India welcomed Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's recommendation to establish a dedicated component or a unit within peacekeeping Missions to handle such assistance.

Recalling that India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in his address to the Security Council earlier this year, had presented an eight-point action plan to counter-terrorism, Tirumurti said two points are directly relevant to the discussion &nbsp;the need to address the linkages between terrorism and transnational organised crime and combating terrorist financing.

India has for several decades suffered immensely due to cross-border terrorism by terror groups using illicit weapons smuggled across the country's borders, New Delhi's envoy here has said, in a veiled reference to Pakistan, calling on the global community to unequivocally condemn state sponsorship to such militant outfits.

India has for several decades suffered immensely due to cross-border terrorism by terror groups using illicit weapons smuggled across the country's borders, New Delhi's envoy here has said, in a veiled reference to Pakistan, calling on the global community to unequivocally condemn state sponsorship to such militant outfits. At the UN Security Council briefing on Small Arms and Light Weapons', India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti strongly underlined the need for the Council's focus on the transfer and trafficking of arms and weapons to terrorists and terrorist groups. Also Read | India Army vs Pakistan Army: How two military forces stack up against each other These weapons become more sinister and lethal in the hands of terrorists, who deliberately and indiscriminately use them to target innocent civilians, including women and children, he said. For several decades, my country has suffered immensely due to cross-border terrorism and violence carried out by terrorist groups using these illicit weapons smuggled across our borders, including now through the use of drones, he said, in a veiled reference to Pakistan. He said an increase in volume and the quality of the arsenal acquired by these terrorist organisations reminds us time and again that they cannot exist without the sponsorship or support of states. This aspect needs to be unequivocally condemned. He also strongly urged the Council to have zero tolerance to terror actors, their possession and misuse of small arms and light weapons and their sponsors. High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu told the Council that the misuse, illicit transfer and destabilising accumulation of small arms and light weapons, and their ammunition, remain a defining factor in undermining peace and security at the national, regional and global levels and have deeply aggravated situations for vulnerable populations already suffering from conflict. "In contexts where United Nations peace operations have been mandated, illicit flows and easy availability of arms can exacerbate and sustain conflict dynamics; render arms embargoes ineffective; endanger peacekeepers, humanitarian workers and local populations; and complicate the implementation of peace agreements, she said. Also Read | Pakistan talks about peace while Imran Khan glorifies Osama Bin Laden as a martyr: India at UN Nakamitsu added that small arms control measures, in particular, the development and implementation of border security and management strategies; efforts to detect and seize parts and components of weapons and ammunition; enhanced stockpile management; and the fight against the illicit manufacture of weapons are effective tools to disrupt the supply of illicit small arms and light weapons to terrorists. Tirumurti stressed that the threat posed by the illicit transfer of small arms and light weapons is a matter of concern to the entire international community. Noting that an arms embargo is an important tool at the disposal of the Council to curb the flow of such weapons to situations of armed conflict, he voiced concern that embargoes continue to be blatantly violated, as repeatedly reported by the various Panel of Experts supporting the subsidiary bodies of the Council. It is important that all member states respect and strictly enforce existing arms embargoes and strengthen measures against the illicit transfer of arms, he said, as he underlined that it is a well-known fact that the flow of illicit arms and weapons to non-state actors and terrorists drives and sustains conflicts. Tirumurti told the Council that the illicit possession and misuse of small arms and light weapons by non-state groups and terrorists is a violation of state sovereignty. In post-conflict situations, we often witness that non-state actors continue to possess these weapons illegally, which hinders disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration efforts. India called on the Security Council to ensure effective and timely action against such non-State actors to ensure that post-conflict peacebuilding efforts are not jeopardised while advancing security sector reforms, capacity building of law enforcement agencies, promotion of rule of law and good governance. India attaches high importance to preventing, combating and eradicating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. We consider that the primary responsibility for addressing this problem lies with the Member States, he said. India supports the redoubling of efforts at the national and global level to strengthen the implementation of the UN Program of Action and the International Tracing Instrument, including through national legislative measures and enforcement, export controls, information sharing and capacity building, he added. Further, India said the safety of UN peacekeepers is directly affected by the steady and illicit supply of small arms and light weapons to the warring parties in armed conflict situations. The Council is aware of numerous incidents in the past, where killings and attacks on peacekeepers have been perpetrated through the use of these weapons, Tirumurti said emphasising the need for the Council to address the danger posed by such illicit transfers to the safety and security of peacekeepers by giving due attention to this issue in the consideration of peacekeeping mandates. UN Peacekeeping Missions could support host countries in addressing the issue of illicit transfer of small arms and light weapons through strengthening the capacities of the law enforcement and security agencies in safe handling, upkeep and stockpile management of arms and weapons, including those recovered from non-state actors, he said. India welcomed Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's recommendation to establish a dedicated component or a unit within peacekeeping Missions to handle such assistance. Recalling that India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in his address to the Security Council earlier this year, had presented an eight-point action plan to counter-terrorism, Tirumurti said two points are directly relevant to the discussion the need to address the linkages between terrorism and transnational organised crime and combating terrorist financing.

India highlights cross-border terror, weapons smuggling at United Nations

Two government school teachers, one of them a woman, were shot dead by terrorists in Srinagar's Eidgah neighbourhood, authorities said, amid an uptick in assaults on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir.

"At about 11.15 am, terrorists shot dead two school teachers at Sangam Eidgah in Srinagar district," a police official said. He said one of the two slain people was a woman. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorists-target-civilians-in-order-to-spread-fear-and-undermine-communal-harmony-jk-dgp-418879">Also read | Terrorists target civilians in order to spread fear and undermine communal harmony: J&amp;K DGP</a> 
 
According to the official and a colleague teacher at the school, the fatalities were members of the region's minority Sikh and Hindu populations. 
 
Watch:

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The death of the teachers, which attracted widespread condemnation, brought the total number of people murdered in Kashmir valley to seven in the previous five days, including four minorities.

Supinder Kour, a resident of the city's Alochi Bagh neighbourhood, and Deepak Chand, a Jammu native, have been named as the victims.

They were both teachers at Sangam's Government Boys School.

This is the third time in the previous four days that a similar attack has occurred.

Terrorists shot and killed a street vendor in Srinagar earlier on Wednesday.

Terrorists opened fire on the victim, identified as Virender Paswan, near Madina Chowk in Srinagar's Lalbazar neighbourhood.

Terrorists murdered a businessman near Iqbal Park in Srinagar on Tuesday.

The terrorists targeted Makhan Lal Bindroo, the proprietor of Bindroo Medicate.

Bindroo was then taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Two government school teachers, one of them a woman, were shot dead by terrorists in Srinagar's Eidgah neighbourhood, authorities said, amid an uptick in assaults on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir.

Two government school teachers, one of them a woman, were shot dead by terrorists in Srinagar's Eidgah neighbourhood, authorities said, amid an uptick in assaults on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir. "At about 11.15 am, terrorists shot dead two school teachers at Sangam Eidgah in Srinagar district," a police official said. He said one of the two slain people was a woman. Also read | Terrorists target civilians in order to spread fear and undermine communal harmony: J&K DGP According to the official and a colleague teacher at the school, the fatalities were members of the region's minority Sikh and Hindu populations. Watch: The death of the teachers, which attracted widespread condemnation, brought the total number of people murdered in Kashmir valley to seven in the previous five days, including four minorities. Supinder Kour, a resident of the city's Alochi Bagh neighbourhood, and Deepak Chand, a Jammu native, have been named as the victims. They were both teachers at Sangam's Government Boys School. This is the third time in the previous four days that a similar attack has occurred. Terrorists shot and killed a street vendor in Srinagar earlier on Wednesday. Terrorists opened fire on the victim, identified as Virender Paswan, near Madina Chowk in Srinagar's Lalbazar neighbourhood. Terrorists murdered a businessman near Iqbal Park in Srinagar on Tuesday. The terrorists targeted Makhan Lal Bindroo, the proprietor of Bindroo Medicate. Bindroo was then taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. (With inputs from agencies)

J&K: Two teachers shot dead by terrorists, two days after three others were gunned down

Israel has accused Iran of orchestrating the attempt of attack against Israelis, Iran has swiftly denied the accusations and an armed individual has also been arrested.

Israel accuses Iran of plotting terror, 'Baseless allegation,' claims Iran

The United States continues with its war on terror, the country's military had conducted an airstrike near the Idlib province targeting a senior leader of al Qaeda.

Senior Al Qaeda leader Salim Abu-Ahmad killed in US strike in Syria

Indian Foreign Secy Shringla draws attention towards terrorism at the event of WMDs.Watch this report for more details.

Indian Foreign Secretary Shringla draws attention towards terrorism

Nepal Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka on Monday condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and called for general and complete disarmament of all weapons of mass destruction in a time-bound and verifiable manner. He was speaking at United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)

In his first speech at the United Nation General Assembly, Khadka highlighted the importance of promotion and protection of human rights.

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Breaking silence by speaking on the recent development in Afghanistan, Nepal FM said, "Recent developments in Afghanistan are of common concerns to all of us. People of Afghanistan deserve better. We call for an unhindered humanitarian access and full resumption of public services, including health and education for all sections of Afghan society."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nepal-india-agree-to-further-promote-existing-cooperation-between-countries-416464">Nepal, India agree to further promote existing cooperation between countries&nbsp;</a>

Khadka urged all parties involved to ensure peace, security, and stability so that the Afghan people can live in dignity and enjoy their fundamental rights and freedom.&nbsp;

"We also urge Afghanistan to engage with the international community on the basis of the principles of the UN Charter and norms of international law," he added.&nbsp;

<img alt="Nepal UNGA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0b869e46-23b1-4745-be1f-0f6f48b1e5af" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/mujmy5.jpg" />

“Nepal’s worldview is shaped by our adherence to the principle of ‘amity with all and enmity with none’. Principles and purposes of the UN Charter, non-alignment, international law and norms of world peace form the basis of our foreign policy,” FM Khadka stated.&nbsp;

Speaking on the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Foreign Minister, said, “The crisis has brought the world to a grinding halt, devastated the global economy, pushed an additional 150 million people into extreme poverty, and threatened to reverse hard-earned development gains.”

Khadka joined world leaders in expressing condolences to the people across the world, who have lost their loved ones due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-pm-deuba-to-lead-a-delegation-to-cop26-in-november-415939">Nepal PM Deuba to lead a delegation to COP26 in November</a>

Calling for vaccines to be declared as public goods for the benefit of people’s lives, the Nepal Foreign Minister, said, “Deepening vaccine inequality is leaving adverse socio-economic impacts in many low-income countries. Despite constraints and challenges to access COVID-19 vaccines, we have been able to vaccinate close to 20 percent of our population.”&nbsp;

He appreciated the efforts made by the international community including the UN system to address the challenges posed by COVID-19 and underscores to ensure fair and equitable access to vaccines for everyone, everywhere.

Minister Khadka also said that as both an LDC (Least Developed Country) and LLDC (Landlocked Developing Country), Nepal’s structural challenges are unique.&nbsp;

“We see our plan to graduate from the LDC category by 2026 as an opportunity to bring structural transformation and make the long-held national aspiration of graduation smooth, sustainable, and irreversible,” FM said in his address to UNGA.&nbsp;

Reiterating country’s commitment to deliver climate-resilient development pathways by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050, he said, “Nepal is at the sharp end of climate change despite its negligible share in greenhouse gas emissions.”

Khadka in his speech on the final day of UNGA, underlined Nepal’s 63 years of constant contribution to the UN peace operations “to promote peace, security, and stability.”

“As one of the largest troop-contributing countries, Nepal believes that such countries deserve more senior-level positions both at the UNHQ and in field,” FM added.

The Minister called for joint action to turn the crisis into opportunity, despair into hope, and risk into resilience, he said, “The time is now to build a stronger, interconnected, and inclusive multilateral system grounded in cooperation, solidarity and mutual trust.”

Nepal Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka on Monday condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and called for general and complete disarmament of all weapons of mass destruction in a time-bound and verifiable manner.

Nepal Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka on Monday condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and called for general and complete disarmament of all weapons of mass destruction in a time-bound and verifiable manner. He was speaking at United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) In his first speech at the United Nation General Assembly, Khadka highlighted the importance of promotion and protection of human rights. Breaking silence by speaking on the recent development in Afghanistan, Nepal FM said, "Recent developments in Afghanistan are of common concerns to all of us. People of Afghanistan deserve better. We call for an unhindered humanitarian access and full resumption of public services, including health and education for all sections of Afghan society." Also Read | Nepal, India agree to further promote existing cooperation between countries Khadka urged all parties involved to ensure peace, security, and stability so that the Afghan people can live in dignity and enjoy their fundamental rights and freedom. "We also urge Afghanistan to engage with the international community on the basis of the principles of the UN Charter and norms of international law," he added. “Nepal’s worldview is shaped by our adherence to the principle of ‘amity with all and enmity with none’. Principles and purposes of the UN Charter, non-alignment, international law and norms of world peace form the basis of our foreign policy,” FM Khadka stated. Speaking on the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Foreign Minister, said, “The crisis has brought the world to a grinding halt, devastated the global economy, pushed an additional 150 million people into extreme poverty, and threatened to reverse hard-earned development gains.” Khadka joined world leaders in expressing condolences to the people across the world, who have lost their loved ones due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Also Read | Nepal PM Deuba to lead a delegation to COP26 in November Calling for vaccines to be declared as public goods for the benefit of people’s lives, the Nepal Foreign Minister, said, “Deepening vaccine inequality is leaving adverse socio-economic impacts in many low-income countries. Despite constraints and challenges to access COVID-19 vaccines, we have been able to vaccinate close to 20 percent of our population.” He appreciated the efforts made by the international community including the UN system to address the challenges posed by COVID-19 and underscores to ensure fair and equitable access to vaccines for everyone, everywhere. Minister Khadka also said that as both an LDC (Least Developed Country) and LLDC (Landlocked Developing Country), Nepal’s structural challenges are unique. “We see our plan to graduate from the LDC category by 2026 as an opportunity to bring structural transformation and make the long-held national aspiration of graduation smooth, sustainable, and irreversible,” FM said in his address to UNGA. Reiterating country’s commitment to deliver climate-resilient development pathways by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050, he said, “Nepal is at the sharp end of climate change despite its negligible share in greenhouse gas emissions.” Khadka in his speech on the final day of UNGA, underlined Nepal’s 63 years of constant contribution to the UN peace operations “to promote peace, security, and stability.” “As one of the largest troop-contributing countries, Nepal believes that such countries deserve more senior-level positions both at the UNHQ and in field,” FM added. The Minister called for joint action to turn the crisis into opportunity, despair into hope, and risk into resilience, he said, “The time is now to build a stronger, interconnected, and inclusive multilateral system grounded in cooperation, solidarity and mutual trust.”

UNGA: Nepal condemns terrorism in all its forms, calls for complete disarmament 

As US troops left Afghanistan and the Taliban took power, deadly terrorist attacks in Pakistan reached their highest level in nearly four years, indicating a growing insecurity in the region that could harm business and investments.

According to data gathered by the South Asia Terrorism Portal, Pakistan saw 35 attacks in August, with at least 52 civilians killed, the highest number since February 2017.

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, an offshoot of the Afghan militant group that has been bolstered by developments next door, has been blamed for the majority of the carnage.&nbsp; 
 
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According to the research, lethal terrorist assaults in Pakistan soared to their greatest level in more than four years after the US military withdrew from war-torn Afghanistan and the Taliban captured Kabul, signalling growing regional instability that analysts warn could come back to punish Islamabad.

With the Taliban in control of Afghanistan, Islamabad is concerned that a spillover of terrorist operations could harm investments, including as China's Belt and Road Initiative, which has seen $25 billion invested in power plants and road projects. 
 
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After a bus explosion in July that killed 12 workers, including nine Chinese residents, Pakistan is already under pressure from Beijing, which has asked the government to protect such projects.&nbsp;

The South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP) is the region's largest website dedicated to terrorism and low-intensity conflict, providing a database and analytical environment for research and analysis of all extremist movements.&nbsp;

Many militants wanted by Pakistan's government were released from Afghan prisons when the Taliban rose to power, adding to Pakistan's concerns.

The Afghan militant organisation has promised Islamabad that their territory will not be utilised as a terror base, but this has not happened thus far.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As US troops left Afghanistan and the Taliban took power, deadly terrorist attacks in Pakistan reached their highest level in nearly four years, indicating a growing insecurity in the region that could harm business and investments.

As US troops left Afghanistan and the Taliban took power, deadly terrorist attacks in Pakistan reached their highest level in nearly four years, indicating a growing insecurity in the region that could harm business and investments. According to data gathered by the South Asia Terrorism Portal, Pakistan saw 35 attacks in August, with at least 52 civilians killed, the highest number since February 2017. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, an offshoot of the Afghan militant group that has been bolstered by developments next door, has been blamed for the majority of the carnage. Also read | 'Naya Pakistan': 1.5 million unemployed Pakistanis apply for a peon's post According to the research, lethal terrorist assaults in Pakistan soared to their greatest level in more than four years after the US military withdrew from war-torn Afghanistan and the Taliban captured Kabul, signalling growing regional instability that analysts warn could come back to punish Islamabad. With the Taliban in control of Afghanistan, Islamabad is concerned that a spillover of terrorist operations could harm investments, including as China's Belt and Road Initiative, which has seen $25 billion invested in power plants and road projects. Also read | Pakistan: Statue of Mohammad Ali Jinnah destroyed in blast in Balochistan After a bus explosion in July that killed 12 workers, including nine Chinese residents, Pakistan is already under pressure from Beijing, which has asked the government to protect such projects. The South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP) is the region's largest website dedicated to terrorism and low-intensity conflict, providing a database and analytical environment for research and analysis of all extremist movements. Many militants wanted by Pakistan's government were released from Afghan prisons when the Taliban rose to power, adding to Pakistan's concerns. The Afghan militant organisation has promised Islamabad that their territory will not be utilised as a terror base, but this has not happened thus far. (With inputs from agencies)

35 terror attacks, 52 deaths in August: Taliban victory in Afghanistan fuels terrorism in Pakistan

America's botch-up in Afghanistan has derailed the fight against terrorism. How will South Asia deal with an unstable Afghanistan? Palki Sharma discusses with a special panel of guests.

Gravitas US Edition: How should South Asia deal with an unstable Afghanistan?

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday virtually addressed the Shanghai cooperation organisation or SCO summit, highlighting Central Asia's Sufi heritage to fight extremism. At the summit, which took place in a hybrid format, and India was represented in person by External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar, the PM talked about "challenges" in the area which is "related to peace, security, and trust deficit" and the root cause of these problems being "increasing radicalization."

PM Modi highlighted how Central Asia has been a "bastion of moderate and progressive cultures and values" and "traditions like Sufism have flourished here over the centuries and spread throughout the region and the world." Based on this "historical heritage of Central Asia, SCO should develop a common template to fight radicalization and extremism."

PM proposed that SCO should work to "develop a strong network" between "moderate, tolerant, and inclusive institutions and traditions associated with Islam" in SCO countries and lauded the "useful work being done by SCO-RATS". SCO RATS is the group's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) which is headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and aims at increasing cooperation among member states on the issue of counter-terror, separatism and extremism. India will soon take over the Presidency of SCO-RATS.

Mentioning Afghanistan, the PM called on the group to take "initiative on this issue". Afghanistan was taken over by the Taliban last month, and many Central Asian countries, including Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, are concerned about an increase in refugee influx as a result of the insecurity.

He also welcomed Iran as its new member state and the inclusion of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar as its dialogue partners. All 4 countries are India's close partners in West Asia. PM said, "The expansion of SCO shows the growing influence of our organisation. SCO will become stronger and more credible with new Members and Dialogue Partners." SCO has 8 members so far-- Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and 4 central Asian countries--Tajikistan, &nbsp;Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan. The last major expansion saw India and Pakistan included in the mega China-led grouping.&nbsp;

A specific focus was also on connectivity in the speech, with the PM emphasising the role of central Asia as a "connectivity bridge between major regional markets" and retreating from New Delhi's commitment to increasing connectivity with that part of the world. He batted for Iran's Chabahar port and International North-South Corridor that has huge Indian investment.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday virtually addressed the Shanghai cooperation organisation or SCO summit, highlighting Central Asia's Sufi heritage to fight extremism.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday virtually addressed the Shanghai cooperation organisation or SCO summit, highlighting Central Asia's Sufi heritage to fight extremism. At the summit, which took place in a hybrid format, and India was represented in person by External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar, the PM talked about "challenges" in the area which is "related to peace, security, and trust deficit" and the root cause of these problems being "increasing radicalization." PM Modi highlighted how Central Asia has been a "bastion of moderate and progressive cultures and values" and "traditions like Sufism have flourished here over the centuries and spread throughout the region and the world." Based on this "historical heritage of Central Asia, SCO should develop a common template to fight radicalization and extremism." PM proposed that SCO should work to "develop a strong network" between "moderate, tolerant, and inclusive institutions and traditions associated with Islam" in SCO countries and lauded the "useful work being done by SCO-RATS". SCO RATS is the group's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) which is headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and aims at increasing cooperation among member states on the issue of counter-terror, separatism and extremism. India will soon take over the Presidency of SCO-RATS. Mentioning Afghanistan, the PM called on the group to take "initiative on this issue". Afghanistan was taken over by the Taliban last month, and many Central Asian countries, including Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, are concerned about an increase in refugee influx as a result of the insecurity. He also welcomed Iran as its new member state and the inclusion of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar as its dialogue partners. All 4 countries are India's close partners in West Asia. PM said, "The expansion of SCO shows the growing influence of our organisation. SCO will become stronger and more credible with new Members and Dialogue Partners." SCO has 8 members so far-- Russia, China, India, Pakistan, and 4 central Asian countries--Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan. The last major expansion saw India and Pakistan included in the mega China-led grouping. A specific focus was also on connectivity in the speech, with the PM emphasising the role of central Asia as a "connectivity bridge between major regional markets" and retreating from New Delhi's commitment to increasing connectivity with that part of the world. He batted for Iran's Chabahar port and International North-South Corridor that has huge Indian investment.

At SCO, PM Modi highlights Central Asia's Sufi heritage to fight extremism

India has highlighted how terrorists are using drones as a "low-cost option" at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Monday. The development comes even as, over the weekend, drones were used to mount an attack on the technical area of the Jammu Air Force Station. 
&nbsp; 
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, V S K Kaumudi, Special Secretary (Internal Security), Ministry of Home Affairs said, "Another add-on to existing worries is the use of drones", explaining that they are a "low-cost option and easily available." The utilisation of these aerial/sub-surface platforms for sinister purposes by terrorist groups, such as intelligence collection, weapon/explosives delivery and targeted attacks" has become an "imminent danger and challenge for security agencies worldwide." 
&nbsp; 
Kaumudi pointed out, "The possibility of the use of weaponized drones for terrorist purposes against strategic and commercial assets calls for serious attention by the member states", adding, "We have witnessed terrorists using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to smuggle weapons across borders." 
&nbsp; 
He was addressing the second High-Level Conference of the Heads of the Counter-Terrorism Agencies of the Member States. 
 
The use of drones during the Jammu incident was the first-ever use of drones in an attack in India. The attack led to "two low-intensity explosions" and "minor damage to the roof of a building", according to the Indian Air Force. Since then, there have been more cases of drones being spotted.

This is not the first time India has expressed its worries over drones. At last week's SCO NSA meeting, NSA Ajit Doval raised the issue of the need to monitor new technologies used by terrorists, such as drones for weapon smuggling.

The Indian official slammed Pakistan during his address. He said, "It is high time that the international community called upon Pakistan to take effective, verifiable, and irreversible actions against terror outfits operating on the territory under its control and not take the high road of morality, which is only laden with mines of falsehood."

India has highlighted how terrorists are using drones as a "low-cost option" at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Monday. The development comes even as, over the weekend, drones were used to mount an attack on the technical area of the Jammu Air Force Station.

India has highlighted how terrorists are using drones as a "low-cost option" at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Monday. The development comes even as, over the weekend, drones were used to mount an attack on the technical area of the Jammu Air Force Station. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, V S K Kaumudi, Special Secretary (Internal Security), Ministry of Home Affairs said, "Another add-on to existing worries is the use of drones", explaining that they are a "low-cost option and easily available." The utilisation of these aerial/sub-surface platforms for sinister purposes by terrorist groups, such as intelligence collection, weapon/explosives delivery and targeted attacks" has become an "imminent danger and challenge for security agencies worldwide." Kaumudi pointed out, "The possibility of the use of weaponized drones for terrorist purposes against strategic and commercial assets calls for serious attention by the member states", adding, "We have witnessed terrorists using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to smuggle weapons across borders." He was addressing the second High-Level Conference of the Heads of the Counter-Terrorism Agencies of the Member States. The use of drones during the Jammu incident was the first-ever use of drones in an attack in India. The attack led to "two low-intensity explosions" and "minor damage to the roof of a building", according to the Indian Air Force. Since then, there have been more cases of drones being spotted. This is not the first time India has expressed its worries over drones. At last week's SCO NSA meeting, NSA Ajit Doval raised the issue of the need to monitor new technologies used by terrorists, such as drones for weapon smuggling. The Indian official slammed Pakistan during his address. He said, "It is high time that the international community called upon Pakistan to take effective, verifiable, and irreversible actions against terror outfits operating on the territory under its control and not take the high road of morality, which is only laden with mines of falsehood."

'Use of drones by terror groups an add-on to worries': India at UNGA

United States' Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Deputy Director David Cohen said on Wednesday (local time) that there were early signs of Al Qaeda regrouping in Taliban ruled Afghanistan, says a report by intelnews.org

However, he added that CIA was already working to develop "methods to work within the horizon". Cohen reportedly referred to current intelligence reports of the CIA. He was speaking at Intelligence and National Security Summit in Washington DC. During his address, he reportedly acknowledged that shuttering of the United States embassy in Kabul, as well as the closure of a network of CIA stations across Afghanistan, had "diminished" the ability of American intelligence agencies to assess conditions on the ground

Cohen added that much of the intelligence that has been collected in recent weeks comes from "over-the-horizon platforms", meaning that the collection is taking place from countries that border Afghanistan.

At the moment, the United States intelligence community estimates that it could take Al Qaeda between one and two years to amass its former strike capability, so as to directly threaten American interests, reported Intelnews.org.The presence of Al Qaeda in Afghanistan was the primary reason behind the invasion of the country by the United States in 2001.

However, with the Taliban back in power in Afghanistan, there are concerns that Al Qaeda may make a comeback in the war-torn country.

Under the leadership of Osama bin Laden, Al Qaeda worked closely with the upper echelons of the Taliban in the 1990s and early 2000s. Contacts between the two groups continue to exist, and could potentially deepen following the exit of the United States and its Western allies from Afghanistan, reported Intelnews.org.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States' Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Deputy Director David Cohen said on Wednesday (local time) that there were early signs of Al Qaeda regrouping in Taliban ruled Afghanistan, says a report by intelnews.

United States' Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Deputy Director David Cohen said on Wednesday (local time) that there were early signs of Al Qaeda regrouping in Taliban ruled Afghanistan, says a report by intelnews.org However, he added that CIA was already working to develop "methods to work within the horizon". Cohen reportedly referred to current intelligence reports of the CIA. He was speaking at Intelligence and National Security Summit in Washington DC. During his address, he reportedly acknowledged that shuttering of the United States embassy in Kabul, as well as the closure of a network of CIA stations across Afghanistan, had "diminished" the ability of American intelligence agencies to assess conditions on the ground Cohen added that much of the intelligence that has been collected in recent weeks comes from "over-the-horizon platforms", meaning that the collection is taking place from countries that border Afghanistan. At the moment, the United States intelligence community estimates that it could take Al Qaeda between one and two years to amass its former strike capability, so as to directly threaten American interests, reported Intelnews.org.The presence of Al Qaeda in Afghanistan was the primary reason behind the invasion of the country by the United States in 2001. However, with the Taliban back in power in Afghanistan, there are concerns that Al Qaeda may make a comeback in the war-torn country. Under the leadership of Osama bin Laden, Al Qaeda worked closely with the upper echelons of the Taliban in the 1990s and early 2000s. Contacts between the two groups continue to exist, and could potentially deepen following the exit of the United States and its Western allies from Afghanistan, reported Intelnews.org. (With inputs from agencies)

CIA says Al Qaeda is regrouping post Taliban takeover in Afghanistan: Report

When hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Centre in the United States, Afghans were still reeling from their own Al-Qaeda tragedy.&nbsp;

Militants from the group had two days earlier assassinated Ahmad Shah Massoud -- the resistance icon who repelled both the Soviet military and the Taliban from his native Panjshir Valley.

As Afghans grappled with his death, events were unfolding in the United States that were to dramatically change the course of their country's future.&nbsp;

But for some, the significance of the incident passed them by.

"That evening I listened to the news... there was talk of an attack in America," Abdul Rahman, a retired government employee who was in his twenties at the time, told AFP.

"I didn't care because there was always talk of attacks and war on the radio," he said.&nbsp;

In the coming days, however, as Afghans learnt that Al-Qaeda militants hiding in their own backyard had masterminded the attacks -- and their Taliban rulers were blamed for sheltering the group -- many realised their world was about to be transformed.

"I did not think America would attack Afghanistan in revenge," said Abdul Rahman. "I thought America was very far away."

Abdul Samad, a librarian in Kandahar, remembers seeing crowds gather around a newspaper stand, the pages covered with images of the twin towers attack.

"It was almost two days after the incident," he told AFP.

It was, however, the beginning of an "unacceptable occupation".

"They had sought an excuse to come to Afghanistan. It was an excuse to occupy this land."

When the Taliban refused to give up Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, the US moved in -- overthrowing the hardline regime which had held power since 1996 in a matter of weeks.&nbsp;

But Qiyamuddin, a locksmith from Kandahar, said any hope he had of the American-led invasion healing decades of war and conflict in Afghanistan quickly evaporated.&nbsp;

"They made a mess by coming here,” he told AFP.

As the war dragged on and the Taliban resurfaced, foreign troops were accused of disrespecting Afghan religion and traditions -- and civilian casualties mounted.&nbsp;

"People were optimistic and (Afghan) refugees from other countries like Pakistan and Iran came back," said Qiyamuddin.&nbsp;

"They were unaware we were going to face more troubles."

Noorullah, a teacher, remembers watching news of the attack on a TV hidden in the basement of a relative's house -- the Taliban had banned the medium as un-Islamic.&nbsp;

"It looked horrible. They were repeatedly showing the towers on fire," he said

A brief period of peace followed after the Taliban were ejected, but it would not last.

"When the Taliban were gone, people were happy, they could at least breathe freedom," he said.

But as time passed, he "started to believe the US had come to a wrong place. It was a trap for them".&nbsp;

"And 20 years later... I was right," he told AFP.

"The Taliban are back. The same people, faces and attitude are back."

When hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Centre in the United States, Afghans were still reeling from their own Al-Qaeda tragedy. Militants from the group had two days earlier assassinated Ahmad Shah Massoud -- the resistance icon who repelled both the Soviet military and the Taliban from his native Panjshir Valley.

When hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Centre in the United States, Afghans were still reeling from their own Al-Qaeda tragedy. Militants from the group had two days earlier assassinated Ahmad Shah Massoud -- the resistance icon who repelled both the Soviet military and the Taliban from his native Panjshir Valley. As Afghans grappled with his death, events were unfolding in the United States that were to dramatically change the course of their country's future. But for some, the significance of the incident passed them by. "That evening I listened to the news... there was talk of an attack in America," Abdul Rahman, a retired government employee who was in his twenties at the time, told AFP. "I didn't care because there was always talk of attacks and war on the radio," he said. In the coming days, however, as Afghans learnt that Al-Qaeda militants hiding in their own backyard had masterminded the attacks -- and their Taliban rulers were blamed for sheltering the group -- many realised their world was about to be transformed. "I did not think America would attack Afghanistan in revenge," said Abdul Rahman. "I thought America was very far away." Abdul Samad, a librarian in Kandahar, remembers seeing crowds gather around a newspaper stand, the pages covered with images of the twin towers attack. "It was almost two days after the incident," he told AFP. It was, however, the beginning of an "unacceptable occupation". "They had sought an excuse to come to Afghanistan. It was an excuse to occupy this land." When the Taliban refused to give up Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, the US moved in -- overthrowing the hardline regime which had held power since 1996 in a matter of weeks. But Qiyamuddin, a locksmith from Kandahar, said any hope he had of the American-led invasion healing decades of war and conflict in Afghanistan quickly evaporated. "They made a mess by coming here,” he told AFP. As the war dragged on and the Taliban resurfaced, foreign troops were accused of disrespecting Afghan religion and traditions -- and civilian casualties mounted. "People were optimistic and (Afghan) refugees from other countries like Pakistan and Iran came back," said Qiyamuddin. "They were unaware we were going to face more troubles." Noorullah, a teacher, remembers watching news of the attack on a TV hidden in the basement of a relative's house -- the Taliban had banned the medium as un-Islamic. "It looked horrible. They were repeatedly showing the towers on fire," he said A brief period of peace followed after the Taliban were ejected, but it would not last. "When the Taliban were gone, people were happy, they could at least breathe freedom," he said. But as time passed, he "started to believe the US had come to a wrong place. It was a trap for them". "And 20 years later... I was right," he told AFP. "The Taliban are back. The same people, faces and attitude are back."

'America was very far away': How Afghans remember 9/11

The main suspect in a jihadist rampage that killed 130 people across Paris described himself defiantly as "an Islamic State soldier" and shouted at the top judge on Wednesday at the start of a trial into the 2015 attacks.

Salah Abdeslam, 31, is believed to be the only surviving member of the group that carried out the gun-and-bomb attacks on six restaurants and bars, the Bataclan concert hall and a sports stadium on Nov. 13, 2015, in which hundreds were injured.

He appeared in court dressed in black and wearing a black face mask. Asked his profession, the French-Moroccan removed his mask and told the Paris court: "I gave up my job to become an Islamic State soldier."

While the other defendants, who are accused of providing guns, cars or helping plan the attacks, simply answered routine questions on their name and profession and otherwise remained quiet, Abdeslam clearly sought to use the start of the trial as a platform.

Asked by the court's top judge to give his name, Abdeslam used the Shahada, an Islamic oath, saying: "I want to testify that there is no god except Allah and that Mohammad is his servant."

He later shouted at the court's top judge for two minutes, saying the defendants had been treated "like dogs," BFM television reported, adding that someone in the public section of the court, where victims and victims' relatives sit, shouted back: "You bastard, 130 people were killed."

Victor Edou, a lawyer for eight Bataclan survivors, had said earlier that Abdeslam's statement that he is an Islamic State soldier was "very violent."

"Some of my clients are not doing too well... after hearing a statement that they took as a new, direct threat," he said. "It's going to be like that for nine months."

Others said they were trying not to attach much importance to Abdeslam's comments.

"I need more to be shocked ... I'm not afraid," said Thierry Mallet, a Bataclan survivor.

Responsibility for the attacks was claimed by Islamic State, which had urged followers to attack France over its involvement in the fight against the militant group in Iraq and Syria.

IMPATIENT AND ANXIOUS

Before the trial, survivors and victims' relatives had said they were impatient to hear testimony that might help them better understand what happened and why it did so.

"It is important that the victims can bear witness, can tell the perpetrators, the suspects who are on the stand, about the pain," said Philippe Duperron, whose 30-year-old son Thomas was killed in the attacks.

"We are also waiting anxiously because we know that as this trial takes place the pain, the events, everything will come back to the surface."

The trial is expected to last nine months, with nearly 1,800 plaintiffs and more than 300 lawyers involved in what Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti called an unprecedented judicial marathon. The court's top judge, Jean-Louis Peries, said it was an historic trial.

Eleven of the 20 defendants are already in jail pending trial and six will be tried in absentia - most of them are believed to be dead. Most face life imprisonment if convicted.

Police mounted tight security around the Palais de Justice courthouse in central Paris. Defendants appeared behind a reinforced glass partition in a purpose-built courtroom and all people must pass through several checkpoints to enter the court.

"The terrorist threat in France is high, especially at times like the attacks' trial," Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told France Inter radio.

The first days of the trial are expected to be largely procedural. Victims' testimonies are set to start on Sept. 28. Questioning of the accused will start in November but they are not set to testify about the night of the attacks and the week before them until March.

A verdict is not expected before late May, but Bataclan survivor Gaetan Honore, 40, said being there from the start mattered.

"It was important to be here on the first day, symbolically. I'm hoping to understand, somehow, how this could happen," he said.

The main suspect in a jihadist rampage that killed 130 people across Paris described himself defiantly as "an Islamic State soldier" and shouted at the top judge on Wednesday at the start of a trial into the 2015 attacks.

The main suspect in a jihadist rampage that killed 130 people across Paris described himself defiantly as "an Islamic State soldier" and shouted at the top judge on Wednesday at the start of a trial into the 2015 attacks. Salah Abdeslam, 31, is believed to be the only surviving member of the group that carried out the gun-and-bomb attacks on six restaurants and bars, the Bataclan concert hall and a sports stadium on Nov. 13, 2015, in which hundreds were injured. He appeared in court dressed in black and wearing a black face mask. Asked his profession, the French-Moroccan removed his mask and told the Paris court: "I gave up my job to become an Islamic State soldier." While the other defendants, who are accused of providing guns, cars or helping plan the attacks, simply answered routine questions on their name and profession and otherwise remained quiet, Abdeslam clearly sought to use the start of the trial as a platform. Asked by the court's top judge to give his name, Abdeslam used the Shahada, an Islamic oath, saying: "I want to testify that there is no god except Allah and that Mohammad is his servant." He later shouted at the court's top judge for two minutes, saying the defendants had been treated "like dogs," BFM television reported, adding that someone in the public section of the court, where victims and victims' relatives sit, shouted back: "You bastard, 130 people were killed." Victor Edou, a lawyer for eight Bataclan survivors, had said earlier that Abdeslam's statement that he is an Islamic State soldier was "very violent." "Some of my clients are not doing too well... after hearing a statement that they took as a new, direct threat," he said. "It's going to be like that for nine months." Others said they were trying not to attach much importance to Abdeslam's comments. "I need more to be shocked ... I'm not afraid," said Thierry Mallet, a Bataclan survivor. Responsibility for the attacks was claimed by Islamic State, which had urged followers to attack France over its involvement in the fight against the militant group in Iraq and Syria. IMPATIENT AND ANXIOUS Before the trial, survivors and victims' relatives had said they were impatient to hear testimony that might help them better understand what happened and why it did so. "It is important that the victims can bear witness, can tell the perpetrators, the suspects who are on the stand, about the pain," said Philippe Duperron, whose 30-year-old son Thomas was killed in the attacks. "We are also waiting anxiously because we know that as this trial takes place the pain, the events, everything will come back to the surface." The trial is expected to last nine months, with nearly 1,800 plaintiffs and more than 300 lawyers involved in what Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti called an unprecedented judicial marathon. The court's top judge, Jean-Louis Peries, said it was an historic trial. Eleven of the 20 defendants are already in jail pending trial and six will be tried in absentia - most of them are believed to be dead. Most face life imprisonment if convicted. Police mounted tight security around the Palais de Justice courthouse in central Paris. Defendants appeared behind a reinforced glass partition in a purpose-built courtroom and all people must pass through several checkpoints to enter the court. "The terrorist threat in France is high, especially at times like the attacks' trial," Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told France Inter radio. The first days of the trial are expected to be largely procedural. Victims' testimonies are set to start on Sept. 28. Questioning of the accused will start in November but they are not set to testify about the night of the attacks and the week before them until March. A verdict is not expected before late May, but Bataclan survivor Gaetan Honore, 40, said being there from the start mattered. "It was important to be here on the first day, symbolically. I'm hoping to understand, somehow, how this could happen," he said.

'I'm Islamic State soldier': Main suspect shouts at judge as 2015 Paris attacks trial starts

After consultations with partners on how to show a united front to the hardline new administration in Afghanistan, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cautioned that the Taliban would have to earn legitimacy from the rest of the world.&nbsp;

"The Taliban seek international legitimacy. Any legitimacy — any support — will have to be earned, " Blinken told reporters at the US air base in Ramstein, Germany, after leading a 20-nation ministerial meeting on the Afghan crisis.

Standing beside him, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the international community expected the Taliban to respect human rights, especially women's rights, to allow humanitarian supplies into the country, and to let individuals who wanted to leave to do so.

Maas stated that the talks on Wednesday were "the beginning point for international coordination" in dealing with the Taliban.

The virtual summit was attended by European allies as well as Pakistan, a long-time Taliban supporter.

Initial reactions showed that the new administration could have trouble gaining the international support that the new authorities so sorely need to prevent a financial crisis.

The interior minister is Sirajuddin Haqqani, who is wanted by the FBI for questioning.

The declaration came just hours after the Taliban shot their weapons into the air to disperse protestors in Kabul's capital and arrested several journalists, marking the second time in less than a week that harsh measures were employed to disperse a demonstration.&nbsp;

The US State Department expressed concern that the Cabinet consisted solely of Taliban, no women, and individuals with a questionable track record, but stated that the new administration's actions would be judged.

Maas stated that Germany is prepared to provide humanitarian aid through the United Nations and that it will continue to communicate with the Taliban in order to guarantee the departure of former employees and others from Afghanistan.

He went on to say that any commitment beyond that would be contingent on the Taliban's actions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

After consultations with partners on how to show a united front to the hardline new administration in Afghanistan, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cautioned that the Taliban would have to earn legitimacy from the rest of the world.

After consultations with partners on how to show a united front to the hardline new administration in Afghanistan, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cautioned that the Taliban would have to earn legitimacy from the rest of the world. "The Taliban seek international legitimacy. Any legitimacy — any support — will have to be earned, " Blinken told reporters at the US air base in Ramstein, Germany, after leading a 20-nation ministerial meeting on the Afghan crisis. Standing beside him, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the international community expected the Taliban to respect human rights, especially women's rights, to allow humanitarian supplies into the country, and to let individuals who wanted to leave to do so. Maas stated that the talks on Wednesday were "the beginning point for international coordination" in dealing with the Taliban. The virtual summit was attended by European allies as well as Pakistan, a long-time Taliban supporter. Initial reactions showed that the new administration could have trouble gaining the international support that the new authorities so sorely need to prevent a financial crisis. The interior minister is Sirajuddin Haqqani, who is wanted by the FBI for questioning. The declaration came just hours after the Taliban shot their weapons into the air to disperse protestors in Kabul's capital and arrested several journalists, marking the second time in less than a week that harsh measures were employed to disperse a demonstration. The US State Department expressed concern that the Cabinet consisted solely of Taliban, no women, and individuals with a questionable track record, but stated that the new administration's actions would be judged. Maas stated that Germany is prepared to provide humanitarian aid through the United Nations and that it will continue to communicate with the Taliban in order to guarantee the departure of former employees and others from Afghanistan. He went on to say that any commitment beyond that would be contingent on the Taliban's actions. (With inputs from agencies)

Any legitimacy, any support 'will have to be earned': Blinken to Taliban

This week marks the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks. It was the first time when many even heard of Al-Qaeda. The group is now congratulating the Taliban over Afghanistan takeover. Take a look at the Taliban's relationship with its long-time ally, Al-Qaeda.

20 years after 9/11, will Al-Qaeda rise again?

Within one month of its annexation of Kabul and hasty retreat by the US and allies after a two-decade-long stay in Afghanistan, the country has just embarked upon forming a new 33 member all-male government dispensation which looks bereft of any promise to improve the wellbeing of the common Afghan people.&nbsp;

This apart, it’s a hurriedly formed cabinet, highly suspected to have been made at the express behest of the Pakistani ISI.&nbsp;

This is evident as the all-powerful ISI chief, Lt Gen Faiz Hameed dashed to Kabul close on the heels of Taliban government formation unannounced and held intimate discussions with Taliban supremo, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar and other critical players in the government. &nbsp;

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&nbsp;

It’s, therefore, once again clear that it’s the ISI that’s calling the shots and the Imran Khan-led elected government has no say whatsoever in dealing with the new Taliban. Obviously, the Pakistani government stands completely sidelined. Also, it’s a signal that Taliban in future, is unlikely to heed any policy-linked advisory from the Pakistani Foreign Ministry and instead listen to the diktat of the deep state. Now this is a dangerous trend that has unfolded in the second spell of Taliban rule.

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-education-minister-says-phd-and-masters-degrees-worthless-mullahs-greatest-without-them-411612">Taliban Education Minister says PhD and Master's degrees worthless, mullahs greatest without them</a> 
 
Besides this the ISI chief, as per the security experts watching the developments in Afghanistan, has extracted a specific assurance from the Taliban heads who matter that Indians wouldn’t be allowed to use the Afghan territory for targeting Pakistan.&nbsp;

This further indicates cementing of more reinforced relations between the Taliban and Pakistan (read ISI). Dabbling by the ISI in the political affairs of neighbouring Afghanistan is nothing new with Pakistan. With a complete control of Taliban other than in the Panjshir valley, ISI is ensuring to run the country as its de facto ruler. Meanwhile, regular Pakistani trained army is thought to be fighting along with the Taliban troops aimed at routing the Ahmad Shah Masood loyalists in the North for an absolute control.

It can be said with confidence that ordinary Afghans are not at all happy with the Taliban coming to power. Sporadic protests are visible in many places with Herat being the latest to be witnessing active protest demonstrations.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-can-a-government-led-by-terrorists-govern-afghanistan-411601">Opinion | Can a government led by terrorists govern Afghanistan?</a>

In the same vein, Tehran saw a spate of anti-Pakistan protests in front of its Pakistan Embassy denouncing the Taliban and Pakistan lending it an unstinted support. The Afghan women in particular are deeply disappointed because of a brake on the rhythm of their education which is now segregated punched with heavy restrictions. Regression is on the anvil in the sphere of education and the society will in all likelihood, face the battering. &nbsp;

Afghanistan, according to UN sources, has severe food shortages and malnutrition amongst the children. Taliban government doesn’t seem to have any plans to address them nor is Pakistan interested to hold Kabul’s hand to ameliorate the deteriorating humane problems. As it is there is not a single woman in the new Taliban cabinet. There is no pressure from any international quarters to highlight this omission. Taliban will feel more encouraged because of this glaring indifference. Hence, socially the future of the women in Afghanistan looks bleak.

Other than these social factors, there are numerous security challenges which Taliban had to face. The inter-factional feuds with the inclusion of the turbulent warlords and armed resistance may threaten in due course. How long can the Taliban use its guns to silence the protests or uprisings? How to control the terror groups like ISIS (K), Al Qaeda, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and their affiliates remains a&nbsp;daunting task.

The appointment of Sirajuddin Haqqani as the new Interior Minister in the Taliban cabinet confirms without any iota of doubt that he is the appointee of Pakistan’s ISI and would parrot only what his mentors say. This has serious security implications for India which now needs to tread its chart with abundant caution.&nbsp;

Haqqani and the ISI are a deadly combination posing menace to Indian security interests. ISI will try to make up with its pawns placed in crucial places. Pakistan’s amnesia that the same Taliban will turn out to be its own Frankstein which will be very hard to control.&nbsp;

ISIS (K) and Al Qaeda are ruthless and they can transcend Pakistan’s border to harm Pakistani interests. As it is the world at large is getting inspired with the ISIS teachings. Islamic radicals are waiting for the right opportunity to strike. Auckland, New Zealand saw a spate of at least six knife attacks last week from a Sri Lankan ISIS-inspired ultra. We don’t know how many more may spring surprise with such lone-wolf attacks.

Pakistan shouldn’t be happy that it being a Muslim majority state, will remain untouched by such hostile terror groups. There are other soft targets within Pakistan, which can be vulnerable from ISIS and disgruntled Taliban elements. So, Pakistan needs to watch out as its dissent in good measure is already brewing.

In the meantime, India saw a flurry of activities when Russian top official, Nikolai Patrushev held very recently extensive discussions with Indian NSA Ajit Doval on the developments in Afghanistan. According to reliable sources, the discussions were meaningful and Russian dignitary was impressed upon over the security concerns of India.&nbsp;

Similar discussions were held by the UK Secret Service (MI6) chief, Richard Moore and CIA head William Burnes with the Indian NSA and its team. India’s active role in its ceaseless interactions with other world players is expected to pay dividends. However, Taliban and ISI nexus needs to be severed at the earliest either diplomatically or operationally as that would be in the larger interest of peace in the region.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Within one month of its annexation of Kabul and hasty retreat by the US and allies after a two-decade-long stay in Afghanistan, the country has just embarked upon forming a new 33 member all-male government dispensation which looks bereft of any promise to improve the wellbeing of the common Afghan people.

Within one month of its annexation of Kabul and hasty retreat by the US and allies after a two-decade-long stay in Afghanistan, the country has just embarked upon forming a new 33 member all-male government dispensation which looks bereft of any promise to improve the wellbeing of the common Afghan people. This apart, it’s a hurriedly formed cabinet, highly suspected to have been made at the express behest of the Pakistani ISI. This is evident as the all-powerful ISI chief, Lt Gen Faiz Hameed dashed to Kabul close on the heels of Taliban government formation unannounced and held intimate discussions with Taliban supremo, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar and other critical players in the government. × It’s, therefore, once again clear that it’s the ISI that’s calling the shots and the Imran Khan-led elected government has no say whatsoever in dealing with the new Taliban. Obviously, the Pakistani government stands completely sidelined. Also, it’s a signal that Taliban in future, is unlikely to heed any policy-linked advisory from the Pakistani Foreign Ministry and instead listen to the diktat of the deep state. Now this is a dangerous trend that has unfolded in the second spell of Taliban rule. Watch | Taliban Education Minister says PhD and Master's degrees worthless, mullahs greatest without them Besides this the ISI chief, as per the security experts watching the developments in Afghanistan, has extracted a specific assurance from the Taliban heads who matter that Indians wouldn’t be allowed to use the Afghan territory for targeting Pakistan. This further indicates cementing of more reinforced relations between the Taliban and Pakistan (read ISI). Dabbling by the ISI in the political affairs of neighbouring Afghanistan is nothing new with Pakistan. With a complete control of Taliban other than in the Panjshir valley, ISI is ensuring to run the country as its de facto ruler. Meanwhile, regular Pakistani trained army is thought to be fighting along with the Taliban troops aimed at routing the Ahmad Shah Masood loyalists in the North for an absolute control. It can be said with confidence that ordinary Afghans are not at all happy with the Taliban coming to power. Sporadic protests are visible in many places with Herat being the latest to be witnessing active protest demonstrations. Also Read | Opinion | Can a government led by terrorists govern Afghanistan? In the same vein, Tehran saw a spate of anti-Pakistan protests in front of its Pakistan Embassy denouncing the Taliban and Pakistan lending it an unstinted support. The Afghan women in particular are deeply disappointed because of a brake on the rhythm of their education which is now segregated punched with heavy restrictions. Regression is on the anvil in the sphere of education and the society will in all likelihood, face the battering. Afghanistan, according to UN sources, has severe food shortages and malnutrition amongst the children. Taliban government doesn’t seem to have any plans to address them nor is Pakistan interested to hold Kabul’s hand to ameliorate the deteriorating humane problems. As it is there is not a single woman in the new Taliban cabinet. There is no pressure from any international quarters to highlight this omission. Taliban will feel more encouraged because of this glaring indifference. Hence, socially the future of the women in Afghanistan looks bleak. Other than these social factors, there are numerous security challenges which Taliban had to face. The inter-factional feuds with the inclusion of the turbulent warlords and armed resistance may threaten in due course. How long can the Taliban use its guns to silence the protests or uprisings? How to control the terror groups like ISIS (K), Al Qaeda, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and their affiliates remains a daunting task. The appointment of Sirajuddin Haqqani as the new Interior Minister in the Taliban cabinet confirms without any iota of doubt that he is the appointee of Pakistan’s ISI and would parrot only what his mentors say. This has serious security implications for India which now needs to tread its chart with abundant caution. Haqqani and the ISI are a deadly combination posing menace to Indian security interests. ISI will try to make up with its pawns placed in crucial places. Pakistan’s amnesia that the same Taliban will turn out to be its own Frankstein which will be very hard to control. ISIS (K) and Al Qaeda are ruthless and they can transcend Pakistan’s border to harm Pakistani interests. As it is the world at large is getting inspired with the ISIS teachings. Islamic radicals are waiting for the right opportunity to strike. Auckland, New Zealand saw a spate of at least six knife attacks last week from a Sri Lankan ISIS-inspired ultra. We don’t know how many more may spring surprise with such lone-wolf attacks. Pakistan shouldn’t be happy that it being a Muslim majority state, will remain untouched by such hostile terror groups. There are other soft targets within Pakistan, which can be vulnerable from ISIS and disgruntled Taliban elements. So, Pakistan needs to watch out as its dissent in good measure is already brewing. In the meantime, India saw a flurry of activities when Russian top official, Nikolai Patrushev held very recently extensive discussions with Indian NSA Ajit Doval on the developments in Afghanistan. According to reliable sources, the discussions were meaningful and Russian dignitary was impressed upon over the security concerns of India. Similar discussions were held by the UK Secret Service (MI6) chief, Richard Moore and CIA head William Burnes with the Indian NSA and its team. India’s active role in its ceaseless interactions with other world players is expected to pay dividends. However, Taliban and ISI nexus needs to be severed at the earliest either diplomatically or operationally as that would be in the larger interest of peace in the region. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | New Taliban government and the dangers posed by it

Afghanistan attained a unique status in the world yesterday (September 7). It is the only country in the world that is governed by UN-designated terrorists and yet able to get recognition of countries like China, Pakistan, and Qatar to name a few. A government that showcases suicide bombs and various other tools of terror in its victory parade is in power and the democracy is shedding tears of blood. It is pertinent to analyse Taliban in “The Graveyard of many Empires”, their office bearers, and their intentions to govern the country in the light of their past deeds.&nbsp;

<h2>Ultra-fanatic regime</h2>

Taliban is not different from the fanatic Islamic rulers of early medieval times. They have already issued directives that entire administration of the country will be run as per fanatic Sharia law where all the human rights are non-existent &amp; a patriarchal society governs the power centre. Judiciary becomes a puppet to the religious leaders, and anyone can be killed on the smallest doubt. Their interpretation of Islam is ultra-fanatic and is beyond any explanation.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-government-lists-agenda-on-sharia-law-media-quality-foreign-policy-411556">Taliban government lists agenda on Sharia law, media quality &amp; foreign policy</a>

During Taliban 1.0, we saw the atrocities where they castrated the serving president and hanged him from a lamp post after trying him in roadside kangaroo court.&nbsp;

Now these courts will be all over Afghanistan and anyone who had been against Taliban in the past will be punished as per their version of Sharia law. Certainly, Afghanistan has gone ten centuries back.&nbsp;

<h2>A government full of terrorists</h2>

Today Afghanistan has a government where the supreme leader, prime minister, deputy prime minister, home minister, defence minister and almost 70% of the cabinet are designated as terrorists with a total combined reward of over 35 million USD on their heads. Their home minister Sirajuddin Haqqani himself carries a bounty of 10 million USD alone. Information and Propaganda Minister Khairullah has been named as one of the most dangerous terrorists by FBI &amp; several others have been involved in major terror activities worldwide.

It is a big question that will these terrorists be able to govern a country? &nbsp;It is obvious that they will continue supporting terror activities worldwide even if they do not get involved themselves and it is a big challenge for the world.&nbsp;

<h2>Rights of minorities, intellectuals, women &amp; non-Taliban people</h2>

Taliban has already made it clear that the government will not be a democratic one and anyone who is a minority, women or not associated with Taliban will not be included in the government.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-government-sirajuddin-haqqani-on-fbi-wanted-list-other-key-members-on-un-blacklist-411531">Taliban government: Sirajuddin Haqqani on FBI wanted list, other key members on UN blacklist</a>

As per their version of Sharia, any minority can be termed un-Islamic anytime and thus can be eliminated. Similarly, women are considered an object like a melon (As mentioned by one of their ministers) and are to be treated like an object. Anyone who is not associated with Taliban is considered their enemy.

Education has its own importance and It is a universal truth that a country grows by its talent &amp; its intellectuals, but new Taliban education minister clearly said that there is no need for higher education for Afghanistan people because even all its leaders have been the students of seminaries and are governing the country.&nbsp;

This clearly reflects that there will be no place for scientists, educationists, economists &amp; various other experts in the new Afghanistan. During the Taliban rule, they will either be killed or migrate to some other country.

<h2>Drug Cartels</h2>

Prior to takeover of Afghanistan, almost 40% of the total income of Taliban used to come from Opium and other drug trade. Afghanistan is known to produce 85% of the heroin in the world. Now imagine a country where economists are killed, and treasury is empty. Government is spending huge budgets on arms and ammunition and there is no legitimate source of income.

In such situation, Taliban will surely take up drug trade as a national industry especially when they are in power now. In a country where government itself runs drug cartels, we can imagine the future of its progenies and neighbouring countries.&nbsp;

<h2>Impact on Industrial Growth and development</h2>

Last 15 years when there was an inclusive government in Afghanistan have been a better period and many countries came forward to help Afghan people with various infrastructure projects, healthcare, Industrial projects, hygiene, sanitation, water supplies and education but with a government full of fanatics and terrorists, it is highly unlikely that any country will invest in Afghanistan now.

With over 82% of its population staying below poverty line and per capita GDP is below 1.5 USD per day, future is very much in dark. Although, some experts said that since Afghanistan has mineral wealth, countries like China may come and set up exploration projects but, in a country, where a suicide bomber can explode himself anywhere and even locals are not safe, security of external investment is going to be a challenge. During the new Taliban rule, all the progress in this regard is likely to be reversed.&nbsp;

Taliban has come to power by force and are struggling to get legitimacy, but the million-dollar question is “Are they fit to govern a country?” or “Will they be able to provide better life to their citizens?”&nbsp;

Seeing their composition and attitude, answer is a clear no. World is seeing that Afghanistan is slowly plunging into dark once again and it’s the people of the hill country who will be the sufferer now.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) 
&nbsp;

Afghanistan attained a unique status in the world yesterday (September 7). It is the only country in the world that is governed by UN-designated terrorists and yet able to get recognition of countries like China, Pakistan, and Qatar to name a few.

Afghanistan attained a unique status in the world yesterday (September 7). It is the only country in the world that is governed by UN-designated terrorists and yet able to get recognition of countries like China, Pakistan, and Qatar to name a few. A government that showcases suicide bombs and various other tools of terror in its victory parade is in power and the democracy is shedding tears of blood. It is pertinent to analyse Taliban in “The Graveyard of many Empires”, their office bearers, and their intentions to govern the country in the light of their past deeds. Ultra-fanatic regime Taliban is not different from the fanatic Islamic rulers of early medieval times. They have already issued directives that entire administration of the country will be run as per fanatic Sharia law where all the human rights are non-existent & a patriarchal society governs the power centre. Judiciary becomes a puppet to the religious leaders, and anyone can be killed on the smallest doubt. Their interpretation of Islam is ultra-fanatic and is beyond any explanation. Also Read | Taliban government lists agenda on Sharia law, media quality & foreign policy During Taliban 1.0, we saw the atrocities where they castrated the serving president and hanged him from a lamp post after trying him in roadside kangaroo court. Now these courts will be all over Afghanistan and anyone who had been against Taliban in the past will be punished as per their version of Sharia law. Certainly, Afghanistan has gone ten centuries back. A government full of terrorists Today Afghanistan has a government where the supreme leader, prime minister, deputy prime minister, home minister, defence minister and almost 70% of the cabinet are designated as terrorists with a total combined reward of over 35 million USD on their heads. Their home minister Sirajuddin Haqqani himself carries a bounty of 10 million USD alone. Information and Propaganda Minister Khairullah has been named as one of the most dangerous terrorists by FBI & several others have been involved in major terror activities worldwide. It is a big question that will these terrorists be able to govern a country? It is obvious that they will continue supporting terror activities worldwide even if they do not get involved themselves and it is a big challenge for the world. Rights of minorities, intellectuals, women & non-Taliban people Taliban has already made it clear that the government will not be a democratic one and anyone who is a minority, women or not associated with Taliban will not be included in the government. Also Read | Taliban government: Sirajuddin Haqqani on FBI wanted list, other key members on UN blacklist As per their version of Sharia, any minority can be termed un-Islamic anytime and thus can be eliminated. Similarly, women are considered an object like a melon (As mentioned by one of their ministers) and are to be treated like an object. Anyone who is not associated with Taliban is considered their enemy. Education has its own importance and It is a universal truth that a country grows by its talent & its intellectuals, but new Taliban education minister clearly said that there is no need for higher education for Afghanistan people because even all its leaders have been the students of seminaries and are governing the country. This clearly reflects that there will be no place for scientists, educationists, economists & various other experts in the new Afghanistan. During the Taliban rule, they will either be killed or migrate to some other country. Drug Cartels Prior to takeover of Afghanistan, almost 40% of the total income of Taliban used to come from Opium and other drug trade. Afghanistan is known to produce 85% of the heroin in the world. Now imagine a country where economists are killed, and treasury is empty. Government is spending huge budgets on arms and ammunition and there is no legitimate source of income. In such situation, Taliban will surely take up drug trade as a national industry especially when they are in power now. In a country where government itself runs drug cartels, we can imagine the future of its progenies and neighbouring countries. Impact on Industrial Growth and development Last 15 years when there was an inclusive government in Afghanistan have been a better period and many countries came forward to help Afghan people with various infrastructure projects, healthcare, Industrial projects, hygiene, sanitation, water supplies and education but with a government full of fanatics and terrorists, it is highly unlikely that any country will invest in Afghanistan now. With over 82% of its population staying below poverty line and per capita GDP is below 1.5 USD per day, future is very much in dark. Although, some experts said that since Afghanistan has mineral wealth, countries like China may come and set up exploration projects but, in a country, where a suicide bomber can explode himself anywhere and even locals are not safe, security of external investment is going to be a challenge. During the new Taliban rule, all the progress in this regard is likely to be reversed. Taliban has come to power by force and are struggling to get legitimacy, but the million-dollar question is “Are they fit to govern a country?” or “Will they be able to provide better life to their citizens?” Seeing their composition and attitude, answer is a clear no. World is seeing that Afghanistan is slowly plunging into dark once again and it’s the people of the hill country who will be the sufferer now. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | Can a government led by terrorists govern Afghanistan?

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

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

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

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

For Heather Bauer, 9/11 anniversaries are about something other than the fallen Twin Towers, smoking wreckage at the Pentagon, and a crashed airliner in a Pennsylvania field.

Instead of the accepted version of events -- that Al-Qaeda conducted the attacks -- she believes the US government was primarily responsible. That is among falsehoods being promoted at various events to mark the 20th anniversary of September 11.

"I question absolutely everything now, and I wonder how much or what we have been told of history is even really true," Bauer told AFP. That includes Covid-19, which she does not believe exists.

Bauer, a Wisconsin homemaker, was 14 when the attacks left nearly 3,000 people dead.

She believed the official narrative for years, but after falling into QAnon conspiracy theories, she looked again at the 9/11 story. She now thinks the attacks were orchestrated to justify the war in Iraq that followed in 2003.

She is a devoted adherent of the 9/11 truther movement. Its members tirelessly discuss online what they see as evidence that the Twin Towers fell because of controlled demolition techniques, not because commercial planes flew into them.

Those claims were developed in incredible detail over the past 20 years, and have been debunked just as minutely by documentarians and journalists.&nbsp;

The general idea, including the oft-cited "jet fuel can't melt steel beams" argument, is to prove that some entity must have planted explosives in the towers, because they could not have collapsed so neatly from being hit by planes.

'Uniquely conspiratorial country'

In-person conferences planned by the truther community for the 20th anniversary of 9/11 will also discuss the origins of the coronavirus pandemic and vaccines.

The 17th edition of the "9/11 Truth Film Festival" will take place at an Oakland, California theater and be streamed online, featuring two documentaries related to the pandemic, including "Plandemic," a debunked documentary rife with falsehoods about the virus.

Carol Brouillet, the event's organizer and founder of the Northern California 9/11 Truth Alliance, said: "We have so much that we want to cover, and only eight hours."

The amount of 9/11 truther content is, as Brouillet said, enormous.&nbsp;

One of the festival's speakers, Ken Jenkins, alone has produced dozens of 9/11 DVDs, according to the event's webpage.

Conspiracy theories over 9/11 were the first to benefit from widespread internet access, spreading much faster than previous alternative interpretations of history, including about John F. Kennedy's assassination, and the Moon landings.

"America is a uniquely conspiratorial country," said Garrett Graff, a journalist and author of a book on the subject.

With the internet, he said, 9/11 truth theories were able to not only have a greater and faster reach than previous conspiracies, but also enabled those who believed in them to network far more effectively.

'Anthrax to the pandemic'

"9/11 conspiracies arrived at the precise moment where social media and online media like YouTube really began to allow people to spread these ideas in big and colorful and compelling ways," he added. 
Like Brouillet's group, the Lawyers' Committee for 9/11 Inquiry will hold a conference on the 20th anniversary, and will feature a Covid-19 discussion.

The event is named "From 9/11-Anthrax to the Pandemic," in reference to letters containing the poisonous substance sent to journalists and politicians over several weeks in September 2001.

For Mick Harrison, an Indiana lawyer and the committee's litigation director, the connection between the anthrax in 2001 and the Covid-19 virus today is clear.

"Because we researched the history of US work on bioweapons for the anthrax case, we're now concerned that there may be an ongoing problem with the use of bioweapons in this country," Harrison said.

Asked about why they are fighting to overturn an established 20-year-old narrative, Bauer and Harrison both said they saw it as a civic duty.

"I'm trying to make this country better by making its government more democratic, more accountable, more transparent," Harrison said.

"9/11 is a big problem in that regard, because we still don't know the truth about what happened."

For Heather Bauer, 9/11 anniversaries are about something other than the fallen Twin Towers, smoking wreckage at the Pentagon, and a crashed airliner in a Pennsylvania field.

For Heather Bauer, 9/11 anniversaries are about something other than the fallen Twin Towers, smoking wreckage at the Pentagon, and a crashed airliner in a Pennsylvania field. Instead of the accepted version of events -- that Al-Qaeda conducted the attacks -- she believes the US government was primarily responsible. That is among falsehoods being promoted at various events to mark the 20th anniversary of September 11. "I question absolutely everything now, and I wonder how much or what we have been told of history is even really true," Bauer told AFP. That includes Covid-19, which she does not believe exists. Bauer, a Wisconsin homemaker, was 14 when the attacks left nearly 3,000 people dead. She believed the official narrative for years, but after falling into QAnon conspiracy theories, she looked again at the 9/11 story. She now thinks the attacks were orchestrated to justify the war in Iraq that followed in 2003. She is a devoted adherent of the 9/11 truther movement. Its members tirelessly discuss online what they see as evidence that the Twin Towers fell because of controlled demolition techniques, not because commercial planes flew into them. Those claims were developed in incredible detail over the past 20 years, and have been debunked just as minutely by documentarians and journalists. The general idea, including the oft-cited "jet fuel can't melt steel beams" argument, is to prove that some entity must have planted explosives in the towers, because they could not have collapsed so neatly from being hit by planes. 'Uniquely conspiratorial country' In-person conferences planned by the truther community for the 20th anniversary of 9/11 will also discuss the origins of the coronavirus pandemic and vaccines. The 17th edition of the "9/11 Truth Film Festival" will take place at an Oakland, California theater and be streamed online, featuring two documentaries related to the pandemic, including "Plandemic," a debunked documentary rife with falsehoods about the virus. Carol Brouillet, the event's organizer and founder of the Northern California 9/11 Truth Alliance, said: "We have so much that we want to cover, and only eight hours." The amount of 9/11 truther content is, as Brouillet said, enormous. One of the festival's speakers, Ken Jenkins, alone has produced dozens of 9/11 DVDs, according to the event's webpage. Conspiracy theories over 9/11 were the first to benefit from widespread internet access, spreading much faster than previous alternative interpretations of history, including about John F. Kennedy's assassination, and the Moon landings. "America is a uniquely conspiratorial country," said Garrett Graff, a journalist and author of a book on the subject. With the internet, he said, 9/11 truth theories were able to not only have a greater and faster reach than previous conspiracies, but also enabled those who believed in them to network far more effectively. 'Anthrax to the pandemic' "9/11 conspiracies arrived at the precise moment where social media and online media like YouTube really began to allow people to spread these ideas in big and colorful and compelling ways," he added. Like Brouillet's group, the Lawyers' Committee for 9/11 Inquiry will hold a conference on the 20th anniversary, and will feature a Covid-19 discussion. The event is named "From 9/11-Anthrax to the Pandemic," in reference to letters containing the poisonous substance sent to journalists and politicians over several weeks in September 2001. For Mick Harrison, an Indiana lawyer and the committee's litigation director, the connection between the anthrax in 2001 and the Covid-19 virus today is clear. "Because we researched the history of US work on bioweapons for the anthrax case, we're now concerned that there may be an ongoing problem with the use of bioweapons in this country," Harrison said. Asked about why they are fighting to overturn an established 20-year-old narrative, Bauer and Harrison both said they saw it as a civic duty. "I'm trying to make this country better by making its government more democratic, more accountable, more transparent," Harrison said. "9/11 is a big problem in that regard, because we still don't know the truth about what happened."

Twenty years on, pandemic gives 9/11 conspiracists fresh impetus

A pregnant Afghan policewoman was shot dead by Taliban in front of her family, tweeted an Afghan journalist. The horrific incident took place in the country's Ghor province.

Nigara, the policewoman, was 6 months pregnant. The journalist said that she was killed in front of her husband and children.

Sputnik reported on Sunday that there was a rush to buy head and body coverings due to fear that Taliban would hunt and beat up women if they were seen without hijab or burqas. The Taliban regime in the 90s was marked by such atrocities.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-conducted-drone-strikes-in-panjshir-report-411027">Pakistan conducted drone strikes in Panjshir: Report</a>

These developments came a few days after dozens of Afghan women held protests in Herat demanding rights and female representation in the government formation after the Taliban took control of the war-ravaged country.

Protestors were carrying banners with slogans against the exclusion of women from the country`s political system under the regime of the Taliban, Tolo News reported.As the Taliban took control of Afghanistan once again after 20 years, experts believe that Afghan women are most likely to face an uncertain future under the group`s regime.

Sajjan Gohel, a security and terrorism analyst said that women are scared out of their (Taliban) minds."From the Afghan women I`ve spoken to, it`s incredibly traumatic. You`re looking at an entire generation who only read about the Taliban in books. Now, they`re having to live side-by-side with what is effectively a misogynistic cult." Dr Gohel added.

(With inputs from agencies)

A pregnant Afghan policewoman was shot dead by Taliban in front of her family, tweeted an Afghan journalist. The horrific incident took place in the country's Ghor province.

A pregnant Afghan policewoman was shot dead by Taliban in front of her family, tweeted an Afghan journalist. The horrific incident took place in the country's Ghor province. Nigara, the policewoman, was 6 months pregnant. The journalist said that she was killed in front of her husband and children. Sputnik reported on Sunday that there was a rush to buy head and body coverings due to fear that Taliban would hunt and beat up women if they were seen without hijab or burqas. The Taliban regime in the 90s was marked by such atrocities. Also Read | Pakistan conducted drone strikes in Panjshir: Report These developments came a few days after dozens of Afghan women held protests in Herat demanding rights and female representation in the government formation after the Taliban took control of the war-ravaged country. Protestors were carrying banners with slogans against the exclusion of women from the country`s political system under the regime of the Taliban, Tolo News reported.As the Taliban took control of Afghanistan once again after 20 years, experts believe that Afghan women are most likely to face an uncertain future under the group`s regime. Sajjan Gohel, a security and terrorism analyst said that women are scared out of their (Taliban) minds."From the Afghan women I`ve spoken to, it`s incredibly traumatic. You`re looking at an entire generation who only read about the Taliban in books. Now, they`re having to live side-by-side with what is effectively a misogynistic cult." Dr Gohel added. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban shoot pregnant Afghan policewoman dead in front of her family

The Taliban takeover of Afghanistan has rejuvenated the fear of terror within South Asia. In such discussions, we talk less about the implications of the movement of the foreign fighters in Bangladesh. WION tells you what will be the consequences of the Taliban's victory over Bangladesh.

Taliban takeover rejuvenates fear of terrorism in Bangladesh

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Thursday said that India's immediate focus is to ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terrorist activities directed against it.

MEA: India's concern is to prevent use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities

It is going to be 20 years since the world suffered a devastating loss in the US on September 11 as a terrorist-controlled aircrafts struck the famous World Trade Center.<o:p></o:p>

Now, two decades later, the fear caused by those horrifying attacks still continue to haunt several people living in the US, a study claims.<o:p></o:p>

On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people were declared dead and several hundred others were injured in the US.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jacinda-ardern-calls-new-zealand-stabbing-terrorist-attack-suspect-shot-dead-410375">Jacinda Ardern calls New Zealand stabbing 'terrorist attack'; suspect shot dead</a></o:p>

Data collected before Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan suggests that a lot of people in America are still scared about possible terrorist attacks and have developed a fear of entering skyscrapers.<o:p></o:p>

Majority of Americans who are old enough to remember the attack have clear memories of where they were and what were doing when the heinous attack took place. These people are also scared of travelling in planes and going to a skyscraper now.<o:p></o:p>

Nearly 26 per cent Americans are now scared of flying in airplanes and 36 per cent are hesitant about travelling abroad. In addition to this, 27 per cent people are unwilling to enter a skyscraper and 37 per cent people admit they try to avoid any event that is being attended by hundreds of people.<o:p></o:p>

While the numbers have reduced, the fear still continues decades later, and some believe it may increase now as Taliban took control of Afghanistan.<o:p></o:p>

In a survey, it was also revealed that 44 per cent people from minority groups have altered their lifestyle and are scared of flying since the attack. This showed the way the minority groups were targeted in the country after the attack, as only 21 per cent of White Americans agreed to this change.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-is-the-cost-of-talking-to-the-taliban-410307">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-is-the-cost-of-talking-to-the-taliban-410307/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Americans are sceptical and doubtful about the US government’s hold on terrorism and claim that irrespective of what the officials claim, they believe the government has failed to achieve an upper hand in its fight against terrorism.<o:p></o:p>

US troops were deployed in Afghanistan following the 9/11 attack, as the government vowed to take revenge and justice for those killed in the brutal attack. However, now decades later, as the US troops returned to their home country and Taliban took control of Afghanistan once again, 28 per cent Americans claim they have permanently changed the way they live.<o:p></o:p>

Even before the current Afghan crisis, 22 per cent of people believed that the terrorists are winning the war, rather than the US and 49 per cent of people say that nobody is winning the 'forever war'.<o:p></o:p>

Now, people are also hesitant about whether or not the US government will be able to protect its citizens from terrorism as nearly 36 per cent of people were worried about becoming a victim of some terrorist attack, even before the current Afghan crisis.<o:p></o:p>

It is going to be 20 years since the world suffered a devastating loss in the US on September 11 as a terrorist-controlled aircrafts struck the famous World Trade Center.

It is going to be 20 years since the world suffered a devastating loss in the US on September 11 as a terrorist-controlled aircrafts struck the famous World Trade Center. Now, two decades later, the fear caused by those horrifying attacks still continue to haunt several people living in the US, a study claims. On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people were declared dead and several hundred others were injured in the US. Also read | Jacinda Ardern calls New Zealand stabbing 'terrorist attack'; suspect shot dead Data collected before Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan suggests that a lot of people in America are still scared about possible terrorist attacks and have developed a fear of entering skyscrapers. Majority of Americans who are old enough to remember the attack have clear memories of where they were and what were doing when the heinous attack took place. These people are also scared of travelling in planes and going to a skyscraper now. Nearly 26 per cent Americans are now scared of flying in airplanes and 36 per cent are hesitant about travelling abroad. In addition to this, 27 per cent people are unwilling to enter a skyscraper and 37 per cent people admit they try to avoid any event that is being attended by hundreds of people. While the numbers have reduced, the fear still continues decades later, and some believe it may increase now as Taliban took control of Afghanistan. In a survey, it was also revealed that 44 per cent people from minority groups have altered their lifestyle and are scared of flying since the attack. This showed the way the minority groups were targeted in the country after the attack, as only 21 per cent of White Americans agreed to this change. WATCH | Americans are sceptical and doubtful about the US government’s hold on terrorism and claim that irrespective of what the officials claim, they believe the government has failed to achieve an upper hand in its fight against terrorism. US troops were deployed in Afghanistan following the 9/11 attack, as the government vowed to take revenge and justice for those killed in the brutal attack. However, now decades later, as the US troops returned to their home country and Taliban took control of Afghanistan once again, 28 per cent Americans claim they have permanently changed the way they live. Even before the current Afghan crisis, 22 per cent of people believed that the terrorists are winning the war, rather than the US and 49 per cent of people say that nobody is winning the 'forever war'. Now, people are also hesitant about whether or not the US government will be able to protect its citizens from terrorism as nearly 36 per cent of people were worried about becoming a victim of some terrorist attack, even before the current Afghan crisis.

Two decades later, Americans fear entering skyscraper as memories of 9/11 attack still haunt US

As per the reports, Pakistan-based terror outfits are infiltrating India's Jammu and Kashmir. Amid the security threat, India's MEA has reiterated that India's primary concern is to prevent the use of Afghan soil for anti-India activity.

Amid security threat, MEA reiterates concern on rising terrorism

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