Turkish and Kurdish leaders accused each other of violating a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/terrorists-carried-out-14-attacks-in-last-36-hours-turkey-accuses-syrian-kurd-forces-of-violating-ceasefire-256875"> United States-brokered truce in northeastern Syria</a> even as it appeared to be taking hold on its second day Saturday.

The deal announced late Thursday is intended to halt a Turkish-led offensive against Kurdish forces launched on October 9, on condition they pull out of a "safe zone" on the Syrian side of the border.

The offensive has killed dozens of civilians, mainly on the Kurdish side, and prompted hundreds of thousands to flee their homes in the latest humanitarian crisis of Syria's eight-year civil war.

On Saturday, Turkey accused Kurdish forces of violating the truce.

"The Turkish armed forces fully abide by the agreement" reached on Thursday with the United States, the defence ministry said in a statement.

"Despite this, terrorists... carried out a total of 14 attacks in the last 36 hours," it said, using its usual term for Kurdish fighters.

The ministry said 12 of the attacks came in&nbsp;the battleground border town of Ras al-Ain, one in Tal Abyad and another in the Tal Tamr area.

Heavy weapons fell silent in Ras al-Ain after sporadic clashes on Friday evening, an AFP correspondent reported.

Turkish troops and its Syrian rebel proxies seized part of the town on Thursday, hitting a hospital.

Turkey wants to push Kurdish fighters away from its southern border by establishing a 30 kilometre&nbsp;deep "safe zone" on the Syrian side of the frontier.

A Britain-based war monitor said the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had yet to start pulling back on Saturday.

"The SDF has not withdrawn until now from any point," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

'Evacuate the wounded'

SDF commander Redur Khalil said deadly bombardments by Turkey's forces on Friday were a major breach of the truce and called on Washington to ensure Ankara honoured its side of the deal.

On Friday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-plans-presence-across-northeast-syria-says-erdogan-256798">Turkish airstrikes and mortar fire by allied Syrian fighters killed 14 civilians</a>&nbsp;in and around the village of Bab al-Kheir, the Observatory said.

"The Turkish side is not committing to the ceasefire and is not allowing the opening of a security corridor to evacuate the wounded and besieged civilians from Ras al-Ain," Khalil told AFP.

"The US side bears responsibility for the non-compliance as it is the guarantor and mediator of the ceasefire."

The Observatory said at least 32 wounded people&nbsp;in Ras al-Ain, mostly fighters, were in need of immediate treatment Saturday but an evacuation convoy could not reach them.

Six SDF fighters had died of their wounds during the morning, the monitor added.

The Turkish military and its Syrian proxies, mostly Arab and Turkmen former rebels used as a ground force, have so far seized around 120 kilometres&nbsp;of territory along the Syrian-Turkish border.

Syria's Kurds had been a key partner in the US-backed battle against the Islamic State group in Syria, overrunning the last remnant of their self-proclaimed "caliphate" in March.

But earlier this month, US President Donald Trump announced he would withdraw US troops from northern Syria, in a move that was seen as green-lighting a Turkish attack.

The move has come under widespread criticism, even from within Trump's own Republican party.

It has sparked concerns that thousands of IS suspects and their family members in Kurdish custody could break out and bring about a resurgence of the extremist group.

'Strategic nightmare'

US Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell called Trump's decision "a strategic nightmare".

"Withdrawing US forces from Syria is a grave strategic mistake," McConnell wrote in The Washington Post.

"It will leave the American people and homeland less safe, embolden our enemies, and weaken important alliances."

US Vice President Mike Pence brokered the ceasefire deal on a visit to Turkey this week.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who accompanied Pence to Ankara, said in an interview with Politico he was "confident" the ceasefire would take hold.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deadly-turkey-air-strikes-shatter-north-east-syria-truce-256721">The suspension of hostilities looked designed to help Turkey</a> achieve its main territorial goals without fighting.

But Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned the same day that he would resume a full-out offensive if Kurdish forces did not pull back.

Turkish and Kurdish leaders accused each other of violating a United States-brokered truce in northeastern Syria even as it appeared to be taking hold on its second day Saturday.

Turkish and Kurdish leaders accused each other of violating a United States-brokered truce in northeastern Syria even as it appeared to be taking hold on its second day Saturday. The deal announced late Thursday is intended to halt a Turkish-led offensive against Kurdish forces launched on October 9, on condition they pull out of a "safe zone" on the Syrian side of the border. The offensive has killed dozens of civilians, mainly on the Kurdish side, and prompted hundreds of thousands to flee their homes in the latest humanitarian crisis of Syria's eight-year civil war. On Saturday, Turkey accused Kurdish forces of violating the truce. "The Turkish armed forces fully abide by the agreement" reached on Thursday with the United States, the defence ministry said in a statement. "Despite this, terrorists... carried out a total of 14 attacks in the last 36 hours," it said, using its usual term for Kurdish fighters. The ministry said 12 of the attacks came in the battleground border town of Ras al-Ain, one in Tal Abyad and another in the Tal Tamr area. Heavy weapons fell silent in Ras al-Ain after sporadic clashes on Friday evening, an AFP correspondent reported. Turkish troops and its Syrian rebel proxies seized part of the town on Thursday, hitting a hospital. Turkey wants to push Kurdish fighters away from its southern border by establishing a 30 kilometre deep "safe zone" on the Syrian side of the frontier. A Britain-based war monitor said the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had yet to start pulling back on Saturday. "The SDF has not withdrawn until now from any point," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. 'Evacuate the wounded' SDF commander Redur Khalil said deadly bombardments by Turkey's forces on Friday were a major breach of the truce and called on Washington to ensure Ankara honoured its side of the deal. On Friday, Turkish airstrikes and mortar fire by allied Syrian fighters killed 14 civilians in and around the village of Bab al-Kheir, the Observatory said. "The Turkish side is not committing to the ceasefire and is not allowing the opening of a security corridor to evacuate the wounded and besieged civilians from Ras al-Ain," Khalil told AFP. "The US side bears responsibility for the non-compliance as it is the guarantor and mediator of the ceasefire." The Observatory said at least 32 wounded people in Ras al-Ain, mostly fighters, were in need of immediate treatment Saturday but an evacuation convoy could not reach them. Six SDF fighters had died of their wounds during the morning, the monitor added. The Turkish military and its Syrian proxies, mostly Arab and Turkmen former rebels used as a ground force, have so far seized around 120 kilometres of territory along the Syrian-Turkish border. Syria's Kurds had been a key partner in the US-backed battle against the Islamic State group in Syria, overrunning the last remnant of their self-proclaimed "caliphate" in March. But earlier this month, US President Donald Trump announced he would withdraw US troops from northern Syria, in a move that was seen as green-lighting a Turkish attack. The move has come under widespread criticism, even from within Trump's own Republican party. It has sparked concerns that thousands of IS suspects and their family members in Kurdish custody could break out and bring about a resurgence of the extremist group. 'Strategic nightmare' US Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell called Trump's decision "a strategic nightmare". "Withdrawing US forces from Syria is a grave strategic mistake," McConnell wrote in The Washington Post. "It will leave the American people and homeland less safe, embolden our enemies, and weaken important alliances." US Vice President Mike Pence brokered the ceasefire deal on a visit to Turkey this week. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who accompanied Pence to Ankara, said in an interview with Politico he was "confident" the ceasefire would take hold. The suspension of hostilities looked designed to help Turkey achieve its main territorial goals without fighting. But Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned the same day that he would resume a full-out offensive if Kurdish forces did not pull back.

Turkey, Kurds trade accusations even as Syria truce takes hold

Six people were killed late Friday when unknown assailants attacked a post held by armed pro-government groups in strife-torn northeastern Mali, the groups said in a statement.

Four more people were missing after the attack in Aguelhok, an alliance of pro-government forces calling itself Platform of the June 2014 Movements said.

The security situation in Mali has been deteriorating steadily with separatists, Salafists and jihadists mounting deadly insurrections since 2012.

No military or political solution appears in sight for Mali, despite the deployment of French, African and U.N. troops in the country.

Northern Mali came under the control of Al-Qaeda linked jihadists after Mali's army failed to quash a Tuareg rebellion in 2012.

The following year, a French-led military campaign was launched against the jihadists, pushing them back.

But the jihadist regrouped and widened their trademark hit-and-run raids and road mine attacks to central and southern Mali and from there into Burkina Faso and Niger where they often fan existing inter-communal strife which has left hundreds dead.

Six people were killed late Friday when unknown assailants attacked a post held by armed pro-government groups in strife-torn northeastern Mali, the groups said in a statement.

Six people were killed late Friday when unknown assailants attacked a post held by armed pro-government groups in strife-torn northeastern Mali, the groups said in a statement. Four more people were missing after the attack in Aguelhok, an alliance of pro-government forces calling itself Platform of the June 2014 Movements said. The security situation in Mali has been deteriorating steadily with separatists, Salafists and jihadists mounting deadly insurrections since 2012. No military or political solution appears in sight for Mali, despite the deployment of French, African and U.N. troops in the country. Northern Mali came under the control of Al-Qaeda linked jihadists after Mali's army failed to quash a Tuareg rebellion in 2012. The following year, a French-led military campaign was launched against the jihadists, pushing them back. But the jihadist regrouped and widened their trademark hit-and-run raids and road mine attacks to central and southern Mali and from there into Burkina Faso and Niger where they often fan existing inter-communal strife which has left hundreds dead.

Six killed in Mali attack on pro-government forces

Despite Failing To Fulfil 22 Of The 27 Action Points, FATF Gives Pakistan 4 More Months To Act On Terror Pakistan failed to comply to 22 of 27 action points of FATF.

Gravitas: The Farce That Is FATF: Pakistan Still In Grey List

The death toll from an attack on a mosque in Afghanistan during Friday prayers has risen to 62, authorities in the eastern Nangarhar province said.

The toll "has risen to 62 dead and 33 injured," said a spokesman for the local governor. The Taliban have condemned the attack and blamed it on the Islamic State group.

A bomb exploded in a mosque in eastern Afghanistan during Friday prayers killing people who had gathered for worship.

"The number of casualties may rise as the rescue team and people are working to bring out the bodies from the rubble," Sohrab Qaderi, a member of the provincial council in Nangarhar added. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; 
Attaullah Khogyani, the spokesman for Nangarhar's provincial governor, said the roof of the mosque had fallen in due to the blast.

No militant group has claimed responsibility so far.

The blast came after the United Nations released a new report on Thursday saying that an "unprecedented" number of civilians were killed or wounded in Afghanistan from July to September.&nbsp;

Civilians have long borne the brunt of violence in Afghanistan's conflict, and the UN called the casualties "totally unacceptable".

The UN laid the blame mainly at the feet of anti-government elements such as IS and the Taliban, though it also documented an alarming rise in casualties caused by pro-government forces.

The death toll from an attack on a mosque in Afghanistan during Friday prayers has risen to 62, authorities in the eastern Nangarhar province said. The toll "has risen to 62 dead and 33 injured," said a spokesman for the local governor.

The death toll from an attack on a mosque in Afghanistan during Friday prayers has risen to 62, authorities in the eastern Nangarhar province said. The toll "has risen to 62 dead and 33 injured," said a spokesman for the local governor. The Taliban have condemned the attack and blamed it on the Islamic State group. A bomb exploded in a mosque in eastern Afghanistan during Friday prayers killing people who had gathered for worship. "The number of casualties may rise as the rescue team and people are working to bring out the bodies from the rubble," Sohrab Qaderi, a member of the provincial council in Nangarhar added. Attaullah Khogyani, the spokesman for Nangarhar's provincial governor, said the roof of the mosque had fallen in due to the blast. No militant group has claimed responsibility so far. The blast came after the United Nations released a new report on Thursday saying that an "unprecedented" number of civilians were killed or wounded in Afghanistan from July to September. Civilians have long borne the brunt of violence in Afghanistan's conflict, and the UN called the casualties "totally unacceptable". The UN laid the blame mainly at the feet of anti-government elements such as IS and the Taliban, though it also documented an alarming rise in casualties caused by pro-government forces.

Afghanistan mosque attack toll rises to 62: Official

The Taliban on Wednesday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-two-security-personnel-killed-in-explosion-in-laghman-province-256216">claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing near police headquarters</a> that claimed the lives of two members of the Afghan Security Forces and injured 26 other people in Afghanistan's eastern province of Laghman. 
 
The incident occurred at around 6 am (local time) when a suicide bomber set off explosives in a truck in the Alishing district, Tolo news reported. 
 
The district governor's compound and a madrasa were close to the blast site, local officials said, adding that among those injured include twenty civilians and six members of the Afghan Security Forces. 
 
The injured have been taken to the nearby hospital for treatment. 
 
An eyewitness said the blast also damaged nearby buildings. 
 
Over the past few months, Afghanistan has witnessed waves of terror attacks. 
 
United States President Donald Trump had called off the peace talks with the Taliban after the group had claimed the responsibility for the Kabul terror attack.

The Taliban on Wednesday claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing near police headquarters that claimed the lives of two members of the Afghan Security Forces and injured 26 other people in Afghanistan's eastern province of Laghman.

The Taliban on Wednesday claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing near police headquarters that claimed the lives of two members of the Afghan Security Forces and injured 26 other people in Afghanistan's eastern province of Laghman. The incident occurred at around 6 am (local time) when a suicide bomber set off explosives in a truck in the Alishing district, Tolo news reported. The district governor's compound and a madrasa were close to the blast site, local officials said, adding that among those injured include twenty civilians and six members of the Afghan Security Forces. The injured have been taken to the nearby hospital for treatment. An eyewitness said the blast also damaged nearby buildings. Over the past few months, Afghanistan has witnessed waves of terror attacks. United States President Donald Trump had called off the peace talks with the Taliban after the group had claimed the responsibility for the Kabul terror attack.

Taliban claim responsibility of attack that killed two policemen in Afghanistan

At least <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-pakistan-violates-ceasefire-in-poonch-district-indian-army-is-retaliating-256030">seven Taliban terrorists were killed and eight others arrested during military operations in Wardak and Paktika</a> provinces in eastern Afghanistan, local media reported on Wednesday.

The Afghan Special Forces also destroyed caches of weapons in the two provinces, the military officials told the Khaama news outlet.

Taliban have not yet commented on the operations.

The Taliban has been waging war against the Afghan government for years, challenging stability and security in the region. As a result of political turmoil, radical groups such as the Islamic State and al-Qaeda have spread across the country.

Throughout 2019, the Taliban held talks with the United States, but the attempts to hammer out a peaceful agreement, which would see foreign troops leave Afghanistan, have not been successful so far.

At least seven Taliban terrorists were killed and eight others arrested during military operations in Wardak and Paktika provinces in eastern Afghanistan, local media reported on Wednesday.

At least seven Taliban terrorists were killed and eight others arrested during military operations in Wardak and Paktika provinces in eastern Afghanistan, local media reported on Wednesday. The Afghan Special Forces also destroyed caches of weapons in the two provinces, the military officials told the Khaama news outlet. Taliban have not yet commented on the operations. The Taliban has been waging war against the Afghan government for years, challenging stability and security in the region. As a result of political turmoil, radical groups such as the Islamic State and al-Qaeda have spread across the country. Throughout 2019, the Taliban held talks with the United States, but the attempts to hammer out a peaceful agreement, which would see foreign troops leave Afghanistan, have not been successful so far.

Seven Taliban terrorists killed, eight arrested in Eastern Afghanistan

In a major development, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/to-support-terrorism-is-pakistans-state-policy-fatf-has-created-pressure-on-it-ajit-doval-255788">Financial Action Task Force</a> (FATF) on Tuesday decided "in principle" that Pakistan will remain on its grey list till February 2020 and directed the country to take "extra measures" for the "complete elimination" of terror financing and money laundering. 
 
The meeting of the international watchdog reviewed the measures taken by Pakistan to control money laundering and terror financing, and observed that Islamabad will have to take further steps on the two parameters in these four months, reported Dawn. 
 
The formal announcement of these decisions will be made on October 18. 
 
The country was placed on the Grey List by the watchdog in June 2018 and was given 15 months to complete implementation of a 27-point action plan, failing which it be placed in the Black List. 
 
It included safeguards against money-laundering and terror-financing by banned outfits and non-government entities through banking and non-banking jurisdictions, capital markets, corporate and non-corporate sectors like chartered accountancy, financial advisory services, cost and management accountancy firm, jewellery and similar related services. 
 
According to Dawn, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fatf-meet-to-begin-in-paris-today-outcome-to-decide-paks-fate-on-terror-listing-255569">the FATF has linked the blacklisting of Pakistan with "unsatisfactory steps"</a> to curb money laundering and terror financing. The watchdog will make its final decision in February 2020. 
 
The report said that China, Turkey and Malaysia appreciated the steps taken by Pakistan, and on the outright support extended by these countries, the FATF decided not to include Pakistan on the blacklist and give it more time to implement the remaining measures. 
 
On being asked about the development, Pakistan Finance Ministry spokesperson Omar Hameed Khan responded, "it is not true and nothing before October 18". 
 
A Pakistani delegation led by Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar told the meeting that the country has made positive progress in 20 out of 27 points. The FATF expressed satisfaction on the measures taken by Pakistan and its progress in various areas.

In a major development, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Tuesday decided "in principle" that Pakistan will remain on its grey list till February 2020 and directed the country to take "extra measures" for the "complete elimination" of terror financing and money laundering.

In a major development, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Tuesday decided "in principle" that Pakistan will remain on its grey list till February 2020 and directed the country to take "extra measures" for the "complete elimination" of terror financing and money laundering. The meeting of the international watchdog reviewed the measures taken by Pakistan to control money laundering and terror financing, and observed that Islamabad will have to take further steps on the two parameters in these four months, reported Dawn. The formal announcement of these decisions will be made on October 18. The country was placed on the Grey List by the watchdog in June 2018 and was given 15 months to complete implementation of a 27-point action plan, failing which it be placed in the Black List. It included safeguards against money-laundering and terror-financing by banned outfits and non-government entities through banking and non-banking jurisdictions, capital markets, corporate and non-corporate sectors like chartered accountancy, financial advisory services, cost and management accountancy firm, jewellery and similar related services. According to Dawn, the FATF has linked the blacklisting of Pakistan with "unsatisfactory steps" to curb money laundering and terror financing. The watchdog will make its final decision in February 2020. The report said that China, Turkey and Malaysia appreciated the steps taken by Pakistan, and on the outright support extended by these countries, the FATF decided not to include Pakistan on the blacklist and give it more time to implement the remaining measures. On being asked about the development, Pakistan Finance Ministry spokesperson Omar Hameed Khan responded, "it is not true and nothing before October 18". A Pakistani delegation led by Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar told the meeting that the country has made positive progress in 20 out of 27 points. The FATF expressed satisfaction on the measures taken by Pakistan and its progress in various areas.

Pakistan to remain on Financial Action Task Force grey list till February 2020

Some 500 Syrian Kurds have entered neighbouring Iraqi Kurdistan over the past four days fleeing a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-pushes-offensive-in-syria-despite-sanctions-and-calls-to-stop-256184">Turkish invasion</a> now entering its second week, officials said on Wednesday.

The refugees were taken to camps in Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region, an official in the border province of Dohuk told AFP.

Iraqi Kurdistan previously hosted more than one million Iraqis who fled fighting with the jihadists of the Islamic State group between 2014 and 2017.

NGOs operating in the region said they had been on alert since Ankara launched its invasion of northern Syria on October 9.

On Saturday evening, 182 Syrian Kurds started crossing the border into Iraqi Kurdistan "to escape bombardments in northeastern Syria", the International Organization for Migration said.

Dohuk province humanitarian affairs chief Ismail Ahmed said they were "Syrian Kurds already living in Iraqi Kurdistan, who went to visit relatives in Syria before returning because of the bombardments."

On Wednesday, fresh fighting was reported in northern Syria pitting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-pushes-offensive-in-syria-despite-sanctions-and-calls-to-stop-256184">Turkey's Syrian proxies against Kurdish forces</a> backed by the Syrian army.&nbsp;

Damascus deployed troops to Kurdish-held areas that had been outside its control since 2012 under an accord with Kurdish authorities announced on Sunday.

Some 500 Syrian Kurds have entered neighbouring Iraqi Kurdistan over the past four days fleeing a Turkish invasion now entering its second week, officials said on Wednesday.

Some 500 Syrian Kurds have entered neighbouring Iraqi Kurdistan over the past four days fleeing a Turkish invasion now entering its second week, officials said on Wednesday. The refugees were taken to camps in Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region, an official in the border province of Dohuk told AFP. Iraqi Kurdistan previously hosted more than one million Iraqis who fled fighting with the jihadists of the Islamic State group between 2014 and 2017. NGOs operating in the region said they had been on alert since Ankara launched its invasion of northern Syria on October 9. On Saturday evening, 182 Syrian Kurds started crossing the border into Iraqi Kurdistan "to escape bombardments in northeastern Syria", the International Organization for Migration said. Dohuk province humanitarian affairs chief Ismail Ahmed said they were "Syrian Kurds already living in Iraqi Kurdistan, who went to visit relatives in Syria before returning because of the bombardments." On Wednesday, fresh fighting was reported in northern Syria pitting Turkey's Syrian proxies against Kurdish forces backed by the Syrian army. Damascus deployed troops to Kurdish-held areas that had been outside its control since 2012 under an accord with Kurdish authorities announced on Sunday.

Hundreds of Syria Kurds seek refuge in Iraq

Russia said Thursday it was patrolling in areas along the "line of contact" between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-security-council-to-meet-on-turkish-syria-assault-256140">Syrian and Turkish forces</a>, as the United States-led coalition in Syria confirmed it had pulled its troops from the area.

Russia's defence ministry said the patrols were taking place after Syrian government troops took control of the city of Manbij.

"The Syrian government army has full control over the city of Manbij and nearby settlements," the ministry said in a statement.

"Russian military police continue to patrol the northwestern border area of Manbij district along the line of contact between the Syrian Arab Republic and Turkish armed forces," it said.

"Cooperation is organised with the Turkish side."

A spokesman for the US-led coalition confirmed its forces had pulled out of the area.

"Coalition forces are executing a deliberate withdrawal from northeast Syria. We are out of Manbij," the spokesman said.

Syrian forces moved into the area as part of a deal that has seen regime troops deploy in several Kurdish-controlled areas in Syria's north to protect the region from an assault by Turkish forces.

Russia is a key ally of President Bashar al-Assad and launched a military intervention in 2015 in support of his forces.

Moscow's special envoy on Syria, Alexander Lavrentyev, said Tuesday that it would not allow clashes between Turkish and Syrian forces.

"This would simply be unacceptable...&nbsp;And therefore we will not allow it, of course," Lavrentyev, who was on a visit to the United Arab Emirates, was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies.&nbsp;

He said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/while-burying-their-dead-syrias-kurds-blast-united-states-for-betrayal-256124">Turkish and Syrian officials</a> were in contact to avoid any conflict.&nbsp;

"Negotiations are taking place in real-time," he said.

Russia said Thursday it was patrolling in areas along the "line of contact" between Syrian and Turkish forces, as the United States-led coalition in Syria confirmed it had pulled its troops from the area.

Russia said Thursday it was patrolling in areas along the "line of contact" between Syrian and Turkish forces, as the United States-led coalition in Syria confirmed it had pulled its troops from the area. Russia's defence ministry said the patrols were taking place after Syrian government troops took control of the city of Manbij. "The Syrian government army has full control over the city of Manbij and nearby settlements," the ministry said in a statement. "Russian military police continue to patrol the northwestern border area of Manbij district along the line of contact between the Syrian Arab Republic and Turkish armed forces," it said. "Cooperation is organised with the Turkish side." A spokesman for the US-led coalition confirmed its forces had pulled out of the area. "Coalition forces are executing a deliberate withdrawal from northeast Syria. We are out of Manbij," the spokesman said. Syrian forces moved into the area as part of a deal that has seen regime troops deploy in several Kurdish-controlled areas in Syria's north to protect the region from an assault by Turkish forces. Russia is a key ally of President Bashar al-Assad and launched a military intervention in 2015 in support of his forces. Moscow's special envoy on Syria, Alexander Lavrentyev, said Tuesday that it would not allow clashes between Turkish and Syrian forces. "This would simply be unacceptable... And therefore we will not allow it, of course," Lavrentyev, who was on a visit to the United Arab Emirates, was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies. He said Turkish and Syrian officials were in contact to avoid any conflict. "Negotiations are taking place in real-time," he said.

Russian forces patrolling between Syrian, Turkish groups

While complimenting his men for having foiled more than 30 Border Action Team (BAT) actions in the recent past, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/next-war-will-be-won-through-indigenised-weapons-systems-army-chief-bipin-rawat-256020">Army Chief General Bipin Rawat</a> on Tuesday appreciated the National investigation Agency for making a large number of convictions in terror-related cases. 
 
While addressing top Army Commanders at the biannual Conference in New Delhi, General Rawat said, "There has been an effective and large number of convictions and this could happen due to synergy among the security forces and the agencies. Such synergy with the law enforcing agencies will be reinforced." 
 
Notably, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) which is responsible for looking after investigations of terrorist-related incidents, the agency has been successful in probing several cases into hawala rackets, terror funding and stone-pelting cases. A number of these accused have been convicted now. 
 
During the conference, operational readiness, effective conduct, and well-synergised operational readiness of the Indian Army were on top of the agenda. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-very-recently-reactivated-balakot-terror-camp-says-army-chief-bipin-rawat-251429">The Army Chief</a> also appreciated the officers and troops for carrying out their operational responsibility which has resulted in foiling many Border Action Team (BAT) actions along the Line of Control (LoC) and terrorists' actions in the hinterland. 
 
Army sources said in the last ten months, the troops have foiled 33 suspicious BAT actions by Pakistan army and terrorist groups backed by them around the LoC. 
 
A number of attacks by terrorists have also been foiled as the security forces have successfully eliminated around 150 local and foreign terrorists in the recent past. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/was-ready-for-ground-escalation-by-pakistan-after-balakot-airstrikes-army-chief-bipin-rawat-244240">Rawat highlighted the innovativeness and ingenuity of soldiers</a> and junior leaders in operational areas. 
 
'It is indeed heartening to see soldiers and junior leaders respond to difficult operational situations in the most innovative manner and such ingenious approach is a great enabler in successful operations along LC and in the hinterland," he said.

While complimenting his men for having foiled more than 30 Border Action Team (BAT) actions in the recent past, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Tuesday appreciated the National investigation Agency for making a large number of convictions in terror-related cases.

While complimenting his men for having foiled more than 30 Border Action Team (BAT) actions in the recent past, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Tuesday appreciated the National investigation Agency for making a large number of convictions in terror-related cases. While addressing top Army Commanders at the biannual Conference in New Delhi, General Rawat said, "There has been an effective and large number of convictions and this could happen due to synergy among the security forces and the agencies. Such synergy with the law enforcing agencies will be reinforced." Notably, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) which is responsible for looking after investigations of terrorist-related incidents, the agency has been successful in probing several cases into hawala rackets, terror funding and stone-pelting cases. A number of these accused have been convicted now. During the conference, operational readiness, effective conduct, and well-synergised operational readiness of the Indian Army were on top of the agenda. The Army Chief also appreciated the officers and troops for carrying out their operational responsibility which has resulted in foiling many Border Action Team (BAT) actions along the Line of Control (LoC) and terrorists' actions in the hinterland. Army sources said in the last ten months, the troops have foiled 33 suspicious BAT actions by Pakistan army and terrorist groups backed by them around the LoC. A number of attacks by terrorists have also been foiled as the security forces have successfully eliminated around 150 local and foreign terrorists in the recent past. Rawat highlighted the innovativeness and ingenuity of soldiers and junior leaders in operational areas. 'It is indeed heartening to see soldiers and junior leaders respond to difficult operational situations in the most innovative manner and such ingenious approach is a great enabler in successful operations along LC and in the hinterland," he said.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat lauds National Investigation Agency for convictions in terror-related cases

German authorities on Tuesday appealed to its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-forces-in-full-control-of-manbij-russia-256109">Turkish and Kurdish communities</a> to avoid echoing the Middle Eastern conflict, after clashes between the two groups over Ankara's offensive in northeastern Syria.

Police said at least five people had been injured in fights between the two communities late on Monday.

"We have a responsibility to prevent the conflict in the region becoming a conflict in our society... in Germany," integration commissioner Annette Widmann-Mauz told the Funke newspaper group.

"I expect all sides, especially migrant organisations and religious communities, to take responsibility and contribute to restraint", Annette added.

The commissioner advises the government on integration and serves as a point of contact for migrants and community organisations.

The clashes happened as around 350 people were marching through the western city of Herne Monday against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-halts-weapon-exports-to-turkey-over-syria-offensive-foreign-secretary-dominic-raab-256092">Turkey's offensive in Kurdish-controlled areas of Syria</a>, police said in a statement.

They were "provoked with hand signals" by people drinking at a nearby kiosk, the statement added.

"Some of them stormed into the kiosk, attacked two people inside and injured them" as well as breaking a window.

The demonstration continued and someone threw a bottle at the marchers from a Turkish-owned cafe as they passed.

"The reaction was very emotional and angry" as several participants again rushed into the cafe, breaking windows and furniture and injuring at least one person inside, as well as one of the police officers who intervened to stop the fighting.

Nevertheless, "the police were able to calm the situation" and the demonstration ended as planned when the marchers reached their destination in the centre.

Among the five people hurt was the organiser of the march. He too was attacked when he tried to stop the violence.

Of the roughly three million people with Turkish nationality or roots living in Germany, around one million are Kurds.

Politicians regularly warn of tensions between the two communities, which have been stoked by Turkey's offensive against Kurdish fighters inside Syria.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-eu-shielding-terror-elements-by-criticising-syria-offensive-255938">Separately in Berlin</a>, local police said a man wearing a jacket with a Turkish flag was beaten by around 15 people, leaving him with a facial injury.

"According to the 30-year-old Turkish citizen, the men had assaulted him because of the jacket he was wearing, which had a Turkish national flag on it," Berlin police said in a statement.

The assailants spoke Arabic and German, police said.

From last Wednesday, Turkish troops moved into the zone controlled by Kurdish militias, which had helped a Western-led coalition fight jihadists of the Islamic State (IS) group but whom Ankara accuses of terrorism.

Germany, along with European allies such as France, has condemned the offensive and halted arms exports to Turkey.

German authorities on Tuesday appealed to its Turkish and Kurdish communities to avoid echoing the Middle Eastern conflict, after clashes between the two groups over Ankara's offensive in northeastern Syria.

German authorities on Tuesday appealed to its Turkish and Kurdish communities to avoid echoing the Middle Eastern conflict, after clashes between the two groups over Ankara's offensive in northeastern Syria. Police said at least five people had been injured in fights between the two communities late on Monday. "We have a responsibility to prevent the conflict in the region becoming a conflict in our society... in Germany," integration commissioner Annette Widmann-Mauz told the Funke newspaper group. "I expect all sides, especially migrant organisations and religious communities, to take responsibility and contribute to restraint", Annette added. The commissioner advises the government on integration and serves as a point of contact for migrants and community organisations. The clashes happened as around 350 people were marching through the western city of Herne Monday against Turkey's offensive in Kurdish-controlled areas of Syria, police said in a statement. They were "provoked with hand signals" by people drinking at a nearby kiosk, the statement added. "Some of them stormed into the kiosk, attacked two people inside and injured them" as well as breaking a window. The demonstration continued and someone threw a bottle at the marchers from a Turkish-owned cafe as they passed. "The reaction was very emotional and angry" as several participants again rushed into the cafe, breaking windows and furniture and injuring at least one person inside, as well as one of the police officers who intervened to stop the fighting. Nevertheless, "the police were able to calm the situation" and the demonstration ended as planned when the marchers reached their destination in the centre. Among the five people hurt was the organiser of the march. He too was attacked when he tried to stop the violence. Of the roughly three million people with Turkish nationality or roots living in Germany, around one million are Kurds. Politicians regularly warn of tensions between the two communities, which have been stoked by Turkey's offensive against Kurdish fighters inside Syria. Separately in Berlin, local police said a man wearing a jacket with a Turkish flag was beaten by around 15 people, leaving him with a facial injury. "According to the 30-year-old Turkish citizen, the men had assaulted him because of the jacket he was wearing, which had a Turkish national flag on it," Berlin police said in a statement. The assailants spoke Arabic and German, police said. From last Wednesday, Turkish troops moved into the zone controlled by Kurdish militias, which had helped a Western-led coalition fight jihadists of the Islamic State (IS) group but whom Ankara accuses of terrorism. Germany, along with European allies such as France, has condemned the offensive and halted arms exports to Turkey.

Berlin urges 'restraint' after Turkish-Kurdish clashes in Germany

Burying fighters killed in a nearly week-long battle against Turkish forces in northern Syria, the country's Kurdish minority denounced a "betrayal" by United States&nbsp;allies that paved the way for Ankara's offensive.

In a graveyard in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-forces-in-full-control-of-manbij-russia-256109">Kurdish-majority</a> city of Qamishli, 57-year-old Basna Amin watched as the newly fallen were laid to rest near comrades who died in the US-backed fight against the Islamic State group.

"We are disappointed because (the Americans) betrayed us," she said, a black and white headscarf covering her hair.

"The world wants the Kurds to always be broken," she told AFP.

At least 135 Kurdish fighters have been killed in Ankara's assault triggered by last week's US pullout from border areas in Syria's north, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Washington's move, widely interpreted as green-lighting the long-planned Turkish invasion, has sparked resentment among the Kurds who have already lost 11,000 of their fighters in anti-IS battles.&nbsp;

Sitting near the grave of her son who died battling jihadists in 2014, Jawahir said that sacrifices by Syria's Kurds will compensate for the blow dealt by Washington.

"We have been betrayed before," she said.

"All the gains we have scored are thanks to the blood of these martyrs," she added.

"Their blood will not go to waste."&nbsp;

Around her, women hunkered beside graves, their eyes red with tears.

Hundreds had streamed into the graveyard to bury fighters killed in recent border battles, the portraits of 'martyrs' plastered on coffins and pinned to clothes.

'Pay with our children'

Dressed in military fatigues, a female Kurdish fighter pressed her body against a colourful casket, held up by a sea of mourners.&nbsp;

She stroked the coffin's lid, its floral arrangement matching the pattern on her black headscarf.&nbsp;

In the crowd below, another woman whispered inaudible words as she caressed a similar coffin, decorated with ribbons, flowers and a red sheet.&nbsp;

Trump, who is campaigning for re-election but faces impeachment, is keen to deliver on a promise of pulling US troops out of the Syria quagmire.

More than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-halts-weapon-exports-to-turkey-over-syria-offensive-foreign-secretary-dominic-raab-256092">1,000 troops are now being withdrawn from northern Syria</a> and the United States will keep only a residual contingent of some 150 troops in the south at the Al-Tanf base near the borders with Jordan and Iraq.

"They used to break bread together, and fight terrorism together, it is a big disappointment," said Farida Bakr, speaking on Washington's decision to withdraw troops.&nbsp;

But "we will stay on our land, and we will fight until we are victorious, even if we have to pay with our children," said the 50-year-old.

Around her, women ululated in grief.

Others in headscarves stood silently, raising two fingers in a victory gesture, their solemn gaze directed to the floor.

They waved baskets carrying candles and henna dye, a custom during funerals for the young.

For Souad Hussein, whose children are among those fighting Ankara's forces, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foreign-aid-in-northeast-syria-fully-halted-kurds-256084">the Kurds can rely only on themselves</a>.

"We have hope only in our forces because the Kurds have no friends," she told AFP.

"We will be friends to ourselves and we will confront our enemies."

Burying fighters killed in a nearly week-long battle against Turkish forces in northern Syria, the country's Kurdish minority denounced a "betrayal" by United States allies that paved the way for Ankara's offensive.

Burying fighters killed in a nearly week-long battle against Turkish forces in northern Syria, the country's Kurdish minority denounced a "betrayal" by United States allies that paved the way for Ankara's offensive. In a graveyard in the Kurdish-majority city of Qamishli, 57-year-old Basna Amin watched as the newly fallen were laid to rest near comrades who died in the US-backed fight against the Islamic State group. "We are disappointed because (the Americans) betrayed us," she said, a black and white headscarf covering her hair. "The world wants the Kurds to always be broken," she told AFP. At least 135 Kurdish fighters have been killed in Ankara's assault triggered by last week's US pullout from border areas in Syria's north, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Washington's move, widely interpreted as green-lighting the long-planned Turkish invasion, has sparked resentment among the Kurds who have already lost 11,000 of their fighters in anti-IS battles. Sitting near the grave of her son who died battling jihadists in 2014, Jawahir said that sacrifices by Syria's Kurds will compensate for the blow dealt by Washington. "We have been betrayed before," she said. "All the gains we have scored are thanks to the blood of these martyrs," she added. "Their blood will not go to waste." Around her, women hunkered beside graves, their eyes red with tears. Hundreds had streamed into the graveyard to bury fighters killed in recent border battles, the portraits of 'martyrs' plastered on coffins and pinned to clothes. 'Pay with our children' Dressed in military fatigues, a female Kurdish fighter pressed her body against a colourful casket, held up by a sea of mourners. She stroked the coffin's lid, its floral arrangement matching the pattern on her black headscarf. In the crowd below, another woman whispered inaudible words as she caressed a similar coffin, decorated with ribbons, flowers and a red sheet. Trump, who is campaigning for re-election but faces impeachment, is keen to deliver on a promise of pulling US troops out of the Syria quagmire. More than 1,000 troops are now being withdrawn from northern Syria and the United States will keep only a residual contingent of some 150 troops in the south at the Al-Tanf base near the borders with Jordan and Iraq. "They used to break bread together, and fight terrorism together, it is a big disappointment," said Farida Bakr, speaking on Washington's decision to withdraw troops. But "we will stay on our land, and we will fight until we are victorious, even if we have to pay with our children," said the 50-year-old. Around her, women ululated in grief. Others in headscarves stood silently, raising two fingers in a victory gesture, their solemn gaze directed to the floor. They waved baskets carrying candles and henna dye, a custom during funerals for the young. For Souad Hussein, whose children are among those fighting Ankara's forces, the Kurds can rely only on themselves. "We have hope only in our forces because the Kurds have no friends," she told AFP. "We will be friends to ourselves and we will confront our enemies."

While burying their dead, Syria's Kurds blast United States for 'betrayal'

Russia said on Tuesday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-halts-weapon-exports-to-turkey-over-syria-offensive-foreign-secretary-dominic-raab-256092">Syrian government forces</a> had taken control of the city of Manbij, after Damascus deployed troops to the country's north to contain a Turkish offensive.

"The Syrian government army has full control over the city of Manbij and nearby settlements," the Russian defence ministry said in a statement.

Syrian state news agency SANA reported on Monday that government troops had entered Manbij, which is controlled by a military council linked to Syria's Kurds.

Syrian forces moved into the area as part of a deal that has seen regime troops deploy in several Kurdish-controlled areas in Syria's north to protect the region from Ankara's assault.

Russia is a key ally of President Bashar al-Assad and launched a military intervention in 2015 in support of his forces.

The defence ministry said Russian forces were continuing to patrol border areas along the "line of contact" between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foreign-aid-in-northeast-syria-fully-halted-kurds-256084">Syrian and Turkish forces</a>.

"Cooperation has been organised with the Turkish side," it said.

Moscow's special envoy on Syria, Alexander Lavrentyev, said Tuesday that it would not allow clashes between Turkish and Syrian forces.

"This would simply be unacceptable...&nbsp;And therefore we will not allow it, of course," Lavrentyev, who was on a visit to the United Arab Emirates, was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies.&nbsp;

He said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-soldier-killed-in-shelling-from-syrias-manbij-ministry-256080">Turkish and Syrian officials</a> were in contact to avoid any conflict.&nbsp;

"Negotiations are taking place in real-time," he said.

Russia said on Tuesday that Syrian government forces had taken control of the city of Manbij, after Damascus deployed troops to the country's north to contain a Turkish offensive.

Russia said on Tuesday that Syrian government forces had taken control of the city of Manbij, after Damascus deployed troops to the country's north to contain a Turkish offensive. "The Syrian government army has full control over the city of Manbij and nearby settlements," the Russian defence ministry said in a statement. Syrian state news agency SANA reported on Monday that government troops had entered Manbij, which is controlled by a military council linked to Syria's Kurds. Syrian forces moved into the area as part of a deal that has seen regime troops deploy in several Kurdish-controlled areas in Syria's north to protect the region from Ankara's assault. Russia is a key ally of President Bashar al-Assad and launched a military intervention in 2015 in support of his forces. The defence ministry said Russian forces were continuing to patrol border areas along the "line of contact" between Syrian and Turkish forces. "Cooperation has been organised with the Turkish side," it said. Moscow's special envoy on Syria, Alexander Lavrentyev, said Tuesday that it would not allow clashes between Turkish and Syrian forces. "This would simply be unacceptable... And therefore we will not allow it, of course," Lavrentyev, who was on a visit to the United Arab Emirates, was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies. He said Turkish and Syrian officials were in contact to avoid any conflict. "Negotiations are taking place in real-time," he said.

Syrian forces in 'full control' of Manbij: Russia

The week-old Turkish invasion of northeastern Syria has forced all international non-governmental organisations to leave the area, a statement from the Kurdish authorities said Tuesday.

"The humanitarian plight of the displaced in areas targeted by the aggression has worsened with all humanitarian aid being cut and all international organisations ceasing their activities," the statement said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-soldier-killed-in-shelling-from-syrias-manbij-ministry-256080">Turkey and its Syrian rebel proxies</a> launched a cross-border operation&nbsp;on Wednesday against Syrian Kurdish fighters on the other side of the frontier.

Almost a week of deadly bombardment and fighting has killed dozens of civilians, mostly on the Kurdish side, and prompted at least 160,000 to flee their homes.

On Monday, international non-governmental organisation Mercy Corps said it was suspending its operations in the area and evacuating international staff.

"We just cannot effectively operate with the heavy shelling, roads closing, and the various and constantly changing armed actors in the areas where we are working," said Made Ferguson, Mercy Corps' deputy country director for Syria.

"This is our nightmare scenario. There are tens of thousands of people on the run and we have no way of getting to them," he said.

Mercy Corps says it has been operating in northeastern Syria since 2014 and helping with emergency relief efforts including providing freshwater since the start of the Turkish invasion.

The organisation would be exploring alternative options to deliver aid to those in need, Ferguson said.

On Monday, the U.N. humanitarian agency OCHA said: "more NGO staff had to withdraw and suspend operations".

"As of 14 October, international staff of cross-border NGOs are primarily relocating to Arbil and Dohuk in Iraq," it said.

"The United Nations and its partners remain extremely concerned about the safety and security of all of their&nbsp;hundreds of&nbsp;Syrian staff," OCHA said.

The World Food Programme said its operations were ongoing.

"We are continuing to send emergency food supplies as well as the food we usually send each food," the UN agency's spokesman Herve Verhoosel said, despite a few security concerns.

The U.N. children's fund UNICEF was also continuing to work in camps in Hassakeh province, a spokeswoman said.

The U.N. refugee agency UNHCR said it had assisted more than 30,000 people since the start of the escalation but had no access&nbsp;since Tuesday to a camp for the displaced in Ain Issa.

The Kurds said around 800 relatives of Islamic State group fighters have escaped the camp after Turkish bombardment nearby, but Ankara claims they were freed.

The Kurds have been a key <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-imposes-sanctions-on-turkey-amid-conflict-in-northern-syria-255959">US ally in fighting IS in Syria</a>, and run camps for the displaced in areas they control housing tens of thousands of people including alleged IS family members.

The week-old Turkish invasion of northeastern Syria has forced all international non-governmental organisations to leave the area, a statement from the Kurdish authorities said Tuesday.

The week-old Turkish invasion of northeastern Syria has forced all international non-governmental organisations to leave the area, a statement from the Kurdish authorities said Tuesday. "The humanitarian plight of the displaced in areas targeted by the aggression has worsened with all humanitarian aid being cut and all international organisations ceasing their activities," the statement said. Turkey and its Syrian rebel proxies launched a cross-border operation on Wednesday against Syrian Kurdish fighters on the other side of the frontier. Almost a week of deadly bombardment and fighting has killed dozens of civilians, mostly on the Kurdish side, and prompted at least 160,000 to flee their homes. On Monday, international non-governmental organisation Mercy Corps said it was suspending its operations in the area and evacuating international staff. "We just cannot effectively operate with the heavy shelling, roads closing, and the various and constantly changing armed actors in the areas where we are working," said Made Ferguson, Mercy Corps' deputy country director for Syria. "This is our nightmare scenario. There are tens of thousands of people on the run and we have no way of getting to them," he said. Mercy Corps says it has been operating in northeastern Syria since 2014 and helping with emergency relief efforts including providing freshwater since the start of the Turkish invasion. The organisation would be exploring alternative options to deliver aid to those in need, Ferguson said. On Monday, the U.N. humanitarian agency OCHA said: "more NGO staff had to withdraw and suspend operations". "As of 14 October, international staff of cross-border NGOs are primarily relocating to Arbil and Dohuk in Iraq," it said. "The United Nations and its partners remain extremely concerned about the safety and security of all of their hundreds of Syrian staff," OCHA said. The World Food Programme said its operations were ongoing. "We are continuing to send emergency food supplies as well as the food we usually send each food," the UN agency's spokesman Herve Verhoosel said, despite a few security concerns. The U.N. children's fund UNICEF was also continuing to work in camps in Hassakeh province, a spokeswoman said. The U.N. refugee agency UNHCR said it had assisted more than 30,000 people since the start of the escalation but had no access since Tuesday to a camp for the displaced in Ain Issa. The Kurds said around 800 relatives of Islamic State group fighters have escaped the camp after Turkish bombardment nearby, but Ankara claims they were freed. The Kurds have been a key US ally in fighting IS in Syria, and run camps for the displaced in areas they control housing tens of thousands of people including alleged IS family members.

Foreign aid in northeast Syria fully halted: Kurds

A Turkish soldier was killed on Tuesday after shelling by Kurdish militants in Syria's Manbij region, the defence ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Following artillery fire by the terrorists from the Manbij region... one of our heroic comrades was killed and eight were injured," the ministry said.&nbsp;

The statement did not provide the precise location of the Turkish soldiers but said the army returned fire and killed at least 15 "terrorists."

Five Turkish soldiers have been killed since the operation was launched last Wednesday against Kurdish militants in Syria.&nbsp;

Turkish border towns have come under heavy artillery fire from Kurdish positions in Syria, killing 20 civilians.

A Turkish soldier was killed on Tuesday after shelling by Kurdish militants in Syria's Manbij region, the defence ministry said in a statement. "Following artillery fire by the terrorists from the Manbij region.

A Turkish soldier was killed on Tuesday after shelling by Kurdish militants in Syria's Manbij region, the defence ministry said in a statement. "Following artillery fire by the terrorists from the Manbij region... one of our heroic comrades was killed and eight were injured," the ministry said. The statement did not provide the precise location of the Turkish soldiers but said the army returned fire and killed at least 15 "terrorists." Five Turkish soldiers have been killed since the operation was launched last Wednesday against Kurdish militants in Syria. Turkish border towns have come under heavy artillery fire from Kurdish positions in Syria, killing 20 civilians.

Turkish soldier killed in shelling from Syria's Manbij: Ministry

Two unknown terrorists including one from Pakistan on Monday attacked and killed a truck driver in the Shopian district of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/top-army-commanders-reviewing-security-situation-in-jammu-and-kashmir-255933">Jammu and Kashmir</a>.

An apple orchard owner was also attacked and beaten up in Shirmal, according to sources.

Police said an operation has been launched to nab the terrorists.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-sets-up-internet-kiosks-in-every-district-of-kashmir-to-help-people-255928">J&amp;K police</a> sources said: "Two desperate terrorists targeted a Rajasthan registered truck and its driver Sharief Khan, who was shot dead by them."

"An orchard owner was beaten up at Shirmal. The truck was loaded with apples when the driver was attacked," added the sources.

"An operation has been launched in the area to trace the terrorists," the police official said.

On Monday, local police along with other security forces also arrested two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists from Ganderbal.

AK-47 rifles and ammunition were recovered from them.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/security-forces-on-alert-as-terrorists-plan-attack-on-jammu-srinagar-highway-255909">Jammu and Kashmir police sources</a> said that they had been looking for these terrorists since the last week of September after getting an input that they were hiding in Kashmir.

Two unknown terrorists including one from Pakistan on Monday attacked and killed a truck driver in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir. An apple orchard owner was also attacked and beaten up in Shirmal, according to sources.

Two unknown terrorists including one from Pakistan on Monday attacked and killed a truck driver in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir. An apple orchard owner was also attacked and beaten up in Shirmal, according to sources. Police said an operation has been launched to nab the terrorists. J&K police sources said: "Two desperate terrorists targeted a Rajasthan registered truck and its driver Sharief Khan, who was shot dead by them." "An orchard owner was beaten up at Shirmal. The truck was loaded with apples when the driver was attacked," added the sources. "An operation has been launched in the area to trace the terrorists," the police official said. On Monday, local police along with other security forces also arrested two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists from Ganderbal. AK-47 rifles and ammunition were recovered from them. Jammu and Kashmir police sources said that they had been looking for these terrorists since the last week of September after getting an input that they were hiding in Kashmir.

Two unidentified terrorists kill truck driver in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district

Top commanders of the Indian Army met on Monday and reviewed the security situation in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/postpaid-mobile-services-restored-in-jammu-and-kashmir-after-two-months-255767">Jammu and Kashmir</a> and other parts of the country.

The Army Commanders' Conference is being held in the national capital from October 14 to 19.

"On the initial day of the conference, the commanders along with Army Chief General Bipin Rawat reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir where the force is playing a major role in maintaining peace and conducting counter-terrorist operations," Army sources said.

The Indian Army has deployed additional troops in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/residents-of-jammu-and-kashmir-express-joy-after-restoration-of-postpaid-mobile-services-255860">Kashmir valley</a> and Line of Control to counter any attempts by the Pakistan Army to push terrorists into India especially after the abrogation of Article 370 in the valley.

Rawat will also address the conference that would be followed by an update by Army Commanders on their respective operational and administrative issues.

Discussions on ongoing contemporary issues are also scheduled to take place.

The Army Commanders' Conference is an apex-level biannual event held in April and October every year.

A conference is an important event in the planning and execution process of the Indian Army. To ensure due diligence, decisions are taken through the collegiate system comprising Army Commanders and Senior Officers.

The Army Commanders' Conference has comprehensively deliberated all aspects of extant security dynamics, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/postpaid-mobile-services-restored-in-jammu-and-kashmir-after-two-months-255767">emerging security scenarios</a>, enhancing operational capability in the near and long term and enhancement of combat edge over potential adversaries.

Top commanders of the Indian Army met on Monday and reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country. The Army Commanders' Conference is being held in the national capital from October 14 to 19.

Top commanders of the Indian Army met on Monday and reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country. The Army Commanders' Conference is being held in the national capital from October 14 to 19. "On the initial day of the conference, the commanders along with Army Chief General Bipin Rawat reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir where the force is playing a major role in maintaining peace and conducting counter-terrorist operations," Army sources said. The Indian Army has deployed additional troops in the Kashmir valley and Line of Control to counter any attempts by the Pakistan Army to push terrorists into India especially after the abrogation of Article 370 in the valley. Rawat will also address the conference that would be followed by an update by Army Commanders on their respective operational and administrative issues. Discussions on ongoing contemporary issues are also scheduled to take place. The Army Commanders' Conference is an apex-level biannual event held in April and October every year. A conference is an important event in the planning and execution process of the Indian Army. To ensure due diligence, decisions are taken through the collegiate system comprising Army Commanders and Senior Officers. The Army Commanders' Conference has comprehensively deliberated all aspects of extant security dynamics, emerging security scenarios, enhancing operational capability in the near and long term and enhancement of combat edge over potential adversaries.

Top army commanders reviewing security situation in Jammu and Kashmir

Security forces are keeping a strict vigil on the movement of government vehicles at Jammu-Srinagar National Highway after receiving a recent alert by intelligence agencies. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/to-support-terrorism-is-pakistans-state-policy-fatf-has-created-pressure-on-it-ajit-doval-255788">The intelligence agencies have warned security forces</a> and local police about the "latest strategy" of the terrorists, who are planning an attack on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. 
 
The terrorists could&nbsp;use car bombs to target the security forces. 
 
"It appears that the latest strategy of the terrorists to target the security forces is by way of car bombs and IED. There is local expertise to carry out attacks on the lines of Pulwama terror attack," an input stated. 
 
According to the agencies, the National Highway (NH) connecting Srinagar with Jammu remains vulnerable as there has been a lot of information regarding the planning of the attack. 
 
Another input claims that Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has been given the task to plan an attack on the National Highway by terror groups backed by Pakistan. 
 
Recently in a meeting held in Pulwama, with the help of Pakistan Army and ISI, three top terrorist organisations - Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/more-than-45-terrorists-being-trained-at-jaish-e-mohammeds-balakot-facility-255870">Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM)</a> have been given responsibilities to carry out terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, other parts of India and for political and police killings. 
 
A document&nbsp;says that&nbsp;a meeting was held at a location in Pulwama recently where three terror groups were briefed about the responsibilities assigned to them by their masters. 
 
As per the input, JeM has been assigned the responsibility of carrying out the attack along the national highway. 
 
LeT has been given responsibility to carrying the attack on interior security installations while as Hizbul Mujahideen has been assigned the task to ensure shutdown and police/political killings. 
 
On Monday, in an early morning operation, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-to-hold-state-assembly-elections-in-jammu-kashmir-soon-pm-modi-241578">Jammu and Kashmir</a> police along with other security forces arrested two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists from Ganderbal, Kashmir. AK 47 rifles and ammunition have been recovered.

Security forces are keeping a strict vigil on the movement of government vehicles at Jammu-Srinagar National Highway after receiving a recent alert by intelligence agencies.

Security forces are keeping a strict vigil on the movement of government vehicles at Jammu-Srinagar National Highway after receiving a recent alert by intelligence agencies. The intelligence agencies have warned security forces and local police about the "latest strategy" of the terrorists, who are planning an attack on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. The terrorists could use car bombs to target the security forces. "It appears that the latest strategy of the terrorists to target the security forces is by way of car bombs and IED. There is local expertise to carry out attacks on the lines of Pulwama terror attack," an input stated. According to the agencies, the National Highway (NH) connecting Srinagar with Jammu remains vulnerable as there has been a lot of information regarding the planning of the attack. Another input claims that Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has been given the task to plan an attack on the National Highway by terror groups backed by Pakistan. Recently in a meeting held in Pulwama, with the help of Pakistan Army and ISI, three top terrorist organisations - Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) have been given responsibilities to carry out terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, other parts of India and for political and police killings. A document says that a meeting was held at a location in Pulwama recently where three terror groups were briefed about the responsibilities assigned to them by their masters. As per the input, JeM has been assigned the responsibility of carrying out the attack along the national highway. LeT has been given responsibility to carrying the attack on interior security installations while as Hizbul Mujahideen has been assigned the task to ensure shutdown and police/political killings. On Monday, in an early morning operation, Jammu and Kashmir police along with other security forces arrested two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists from Ganderbal, Kashmir. AK 47 rifles and ammunition have been recovered.

Security forces on alert as terrorists plan attack on Jammu-Srinagar Highway

Eight months after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/balakot-airstrike-was-our-leaderships-resolve-to-punish-perpetrators-of-terrorism-iaf-chief-on-air-force-day-254373">Indian Air Force (IAF) bombed the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist camp in Pakistan's Balakot</a>, intelligence agencies have received inputs that 45-50 terrorists including suicide bombers are being trained there.

"Around 45-50 suicide bombers are training inside the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in the Balakot town of Pakistan," top government sources told ANI.

Indian intelligence agencies are keeping a constant watch on the facility including technical surveillance to keep a track of the developments there.

A few of the terrorists, who have trained there, have even been sent to Kashmir for carrying out terror attacks on Indian security bases, the sources said.

Sources said the facility had remained closed for six months after the Indian Air Force attacked it in February this year.

Last month, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat had revealed that Pakistan very recently "reactivated" the terror camp in Balakot.

On February 26 this year, IAF fighters flew deep into Pakistan to bomb the JeM facility at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-releases-promotional-video-on-balakot-airstrike-253772">Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province</a>.

The action came after the February 14 suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, which killed over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.

Eight months after Indian Air Force (IAF) bombed the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist camp in Pakistan's Balakot, intelligence agencies have received inputs that 45-50 terrorists including suicide bombers are being trained there.

Eight months after Indian Air Force (IAF) bombed the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist camp in Pakistan's Balakot, intelligence agencies have received inputs that 45-50 terrorists including suicide bombers are being trained there. "Around 45-50 suicide bombers are training inside the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in the Balakot town of Pakistan," top government sources told ANI. Indian intelligence agencies are keeping a constant watch on the facility including technical surveillance to keep a track of the developments there. A few of the terrorists, who have trained there, have even been sent to Kashmir for carrying out terror attacks on Indian security bases, the sources said. Sources said the facility had remained closed for six months after the Indian Air Force attacked it in February this year. Last month, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat had revealed that Pakistan very recently "reactivated" the terror camp in Balakot. On February 26 this year, IAF fighters flew deep into Pakistan to bomb the JeM facility at Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The action came after the February 14 suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, which killed over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.

More than 45 terrorists being trained at Jaish-e-Mohammed's Balakot facility

Doval raises concern on state-funded terrorism. To know more watch the video

National Security Advisor speaks on Terrorism

Most of the 127 persons arrested in connection with cases linked to terror organisation ISIS from across 14 states in the country were inspired by controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, according to Inspector-General (IG) of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jum-expanding-into-india-under-guise-of-bangladeshi-migrants-nia-top-offical-255775">National Investigation Agency</a>, Alok Mittal. 
 
Addressing a conference of anti-terror agencies here on Monday, Mittal said that 127 people arrested in ISIS-related cases over the years including 33 from Tamil Nadu, 19 from Uttar Pradesh, 17 from Kerala, and 14 from Telangana. 
 
Some of the accused arrested in cases related to ISIS have accepted that they were radicalised by the mastermind behind the Easter Day bombings in Sri Lanka and by the preacher Zakir Naik. 
 
"In three of these ISIS cases from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the accused have admitted that they were radicalised by Zahran Hashim's videos. Hashim, as we know, is the mastermind of the Easter day bombings in Sri Lanka," Mittal said. 
 
"Accused in the majority of these ISIS cases have also admitted that they were radicalised through videos of Zakir Naik and other Islamic preachers, so a case was registered against Naik and his organisation Islamic Research Foundation (IRF)," Mittal added. 
 
The inaugural session of the two-day national conference of chiefs of Anti-Terrorism Squad and Special Task Force (STF) that began here today was attended by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Minister of State (MoS) Home Affairs, G Kishan Reddy. 
 
Former IB Special Director and present Nagaland Governor RN Ravi and NIA, DG, YC Modi were also present at the meeting. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/to-support-terrorism-is-pakistans-state-policy-fatf-has-created-pressure-on-it-ajit-doval-255788">During the conference, one session was dedicated to Jihadi terrorism and the efforts being made to counter the menace.</a>

Most of the 127 persons arrested in connection with cases linked to terror organisation ISIS from across 14 states in the country were inspired by controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, according to Inspector-General (IG) of the National Investigation Agency, Alok Mittal.

Most of the 127 persons arrested in connection with cases linked to terror organisation ISIS from across 14 states in the country were inspired by controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, according to Inspector-General (IG) of the National Investigation Agency, Alok Mittal. Addressing a conference of anti-terror agencies here on Monday, Mittal said that 127 people arrested in ISIS-related cases over the years including 33 from Tamil Nadu, 19 from Uttar Pradesh, 17 from Kerala, and 14 from Telangana. Some of the accused arrested in cases related to ISIS have accepted that they were radicalised by the mastermind behind the Easter Day bombings in Sri Lanka and by the preacher Zakir Naik. "In three of these ISIS cases from Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the accused have admitted that they were radicalised by Zahran Hashim's videos. Hashim, as we know, is the mastermind of the Easter day bombings in Sri Lanka," Mittal said. "Accused in the majority of these ISIS cases have also admitted that they were radicalised through videos of Zakir Naik and other Islamic preachers, so a case was registered against Naik and his organisation Islamic Research Foundation (IRF)," Mittal added. The inaugural session of the two-day national conference of chiefs of Anti-Terrorism Squad and Special Task Force (STF) that began here today was attended by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Minister of State (MoS) Home Affairs, G Kishan Reddy. Former IB Special Director and present Nagaland Governor RN Ravi and NIA, DG, YC Modi were also present at the meeting. During the conference, one session was dedicated to Jihadi terrorism and the efforts being made to counter the menace.

127 held in connection with ISIS claim they were inspired by videos of Zakir Naik, says NIA Inspector-General

National Security Advisor (NSA)&nbsp;Ajit Doval on Monday said that supporting terrorism is the state policy of Pakistan.&nbsp;

He was speaking at the national conference of the Chiefs of ATS and STFs of the States here on Monday.

"If a criminal has the support of a state, it becomes a great challenge. Some of the states have mastered this, in our case Pakistan has made it as an instrument of its state policy," said Ajit Doval.

''Here in India, it is the state-sponsored terrorism. They not only recruit, provide training, weapons, intelligence etc but they also give them the higher degree of deniability, and resources and technology due to which intelligence agencies are not able to figure them out, degrade them or find their tentacles," said Doval.

"If a criminal gets the support of State then it becomes difficult to catch him suppose if police somewhere start supporting an underworld man," Ajit Doval said.&nbsp;

''The accessibility of high-end technology to terrorists makes the collection of evidence very complex,'' Ajit Doval added.

"Further, the approach of the judiciary is to treat the terrorism cases at par with the ordinary crime, they apply the same benchmark," said Doval.

He said that the proceedings of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has created pressure on Pakistan as no other action could have done.

"One of the biggest pressures that have come on Pakistan today is because of the proceedings of FATF, it has created so much pressure on them that probably no other action could have done," he said.

Ajit Doval also said that the impact that NIA has been able to make against terrorism in Kashmir is more than any other agency.

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Monday said that supporting terrorism is the state policy of Pakistan. He was speaking at the national conference of the Chiefs of ATS and STFs of the States here on Monday.

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Monday said that supporting terrorism is the state policy of Pakistan. He was speaking at the national conference of the Chiefs of ATS and STFs of the States here on Monday. "If a criminal has the support of a state, it becomes a great challenge. Some of the states have mastered this, in our case Pakistan has made it as an instrument of its state policy," said Ajit Doval. ''Here in India, it is the state-sponsored terrorism. They not only recruit, provide training, weapons, intelligence etc but they also give them the higher degree of deniability, and resources and technology due to which intelligence agencies are not able to figure them out, degrade them or find their tentacles," said Doval. "If a criminal gets the support of State then it becomes difficult to catch him suppose if police somewhere start supporting an underworld man," Ajit Doval said. ''The accessibility of high-end technology to terrorists makes the collection of evidence very complex,'' Ajit Doval added. "Further, the approach of the judiciary is to treat the terrorism cases at par with the ordinary crime, they apply the same benchmark," said Doval. He said that the proceedings of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has created pressure on Pakistan as no other action could have done. "One of the biggest pressures that have come on Pakistan today is because of the proceedings of FATF, it has created so much pressure on them that probably no other action could have done," he said. Ajit Doval also said that the impact that NIA has been able to make against terrorism in Kashmir is more than any other agency.

To support terrorism is Pakistan's state policy, FATF has created pressure on it: Ajit Doval

Taliban militants on Sunday killed the governor of the Jaghatu district of Afghanistan's Wardak, Raz Mohammad Waziri.&nbsp; 
 
The governor was killed in his own car in Golai hospital area in the Koti Sangi district in western Kabul, Sputnik reported. 
 
The police have declined to comment over the incident. 
 
Taliban has launched a series of attack after United States President abruptly ended the peace talks. 
 
This comes as Defence Ministry announced that the government have gained control over 12 districts in five provinces in the last six month. 
 
"For the past six months, 12 districts in Ghazni, Badakhshan, Kunduz, Takhar and Faryab provinces have been completely liberated from Taliban control," Aman wrote on his Twitter page on Saturday.&nbsp;

Taliban militants on Sunday killed the governor of the Jaghatu district of Afghanistan's Wardak, Raz Mohammad Waziri. The governor was killed in his own car in Golai hospital area in the Koti Sangi district in western Kabul, Sputnik reported.

Taliban militants on Sunday killed the governor of the Jaghatu district of Afghanistan's Wardak, Raz Mohammad Waziri. The governor was killed in his own car in Golai hospital area in the Koti Sangi district in western Kabul, Sputnik reported. The police have declined to comment over the incident. Taliban has launched a series of attack after United States President abruptly ended the peace talks. This comes as Defence Ministry announced that the government have gained control over 12 districts in five provinces in the last six month. "For the past six months, 12 districts in Ghazni, Badakhshan, Kunduz, Takhar and Faryab provinces have been completely liberated from Taliban control," Aman wrote on his Twitter page on Saturday.

Afghanistan: Talbian militants kill governor of Jaghatu district

In a joint operation conducted by Assam Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)&nbsp;with army personnel, a National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) member has been apprehended for possessing illegal arms. 
 
The arrest was made on Saturday. 
 
The accused has been identified as Raju Brahma, resident of Dwimiguri village in Chirang district, who is a locally trained militant cadre of NDFB. 
 
"The search operation was based on the secret information and during the search in his house, a plastic-covered package was found from behind his house. 
The package was opened in front of the villagers in which a single bore rifle, 10 live cartridges of AK-47 and a hand grenade were recovered", police said. 
 
Weapons and ammunition were later confiscated by Chirang Police and the accused is in police custody. 
 
Further investigation is underway.

In a joint operation conducted by Assam Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) with army personnel, a National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) member has been apprehended for possessing illegal arms.

In a joint operation conducted by Assam Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) with army personnel, a National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) member has been apprehended for possessing illegal arms. The arrest was made on Saturday. The accused has been identified as Raju Brahma, resident of Dwimiguri village in Chirang district, who is a locally trained militant cadre of NDFB. "The search operation was based on the secret information and during the search in his house, a plastic-covered package was found from behind his house. The package was opened in front of the villagers in which a single bore rifle, 10 live cartridges of AK-47 and a hand grenade were recovered", police said. Weapons and ammunition were later confiscated by Chirang Police and the accused is in police custody. Further investigation is underway.

National Democratic Front of Boroland member arrested with illegal arms in Assam

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-ready-for-tax-rationalisation-to-encourage-make-in-india-rajnath-singh-254833">Defence Minister Rajnath Singh</a> on Sunday gave a piece of advice to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan saying that India is ready to assist Pakistan if the neighbouring country is serious enough to combat terror on its soil. 
 
He also said that India will send its armed forces to Pakistan in this regard if the need arises. 
 
"I would like to make a suggestion to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. If you are serious enough to fight against terror, we are ready to assist you. If you want our Army, then we will send them there for your help," Rajnath said while addressing a public rally here. 
 
At the same time, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anyone-trying-to-destabilise-india-will-face-retaliation-rajnath-singh-254623">the Defence Minister</a> also slammed Imran Khan for his stance on Kashmir. 
 
"I was listening to Imran Khan's speech where he had said that till Kashmir gets freedom, we will continue our fight over it. He also said that his country will continue to raise the Kashmir issue at international forums. Forget about Kashmir, don't even think about it. Raise the matter, nothing will happen. No one can exert pressure on us," he said. 
 
Continuing to train his guns at Pakistan, Rajnath said, "You divided India into two pieces as part of the two-nation theory in 1947. But in 1971, your country was divided into two pieces again. And if the situation persists, then no power can stop Pakistan from being broken up further." 
 
The Defence Minister said that the country is capable is giving a befitting reply to any misadventure by Pakistan.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday gave a piece of advice to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan saying that India is ready to assist Pakistan if the neighbouring country is serious enough to combat terror on its soil.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday gave a piece of advice to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan saying that India is ready to assist Pakistan if the neighbouring country is serious enough to combat terror on its soil. He also said that India will send its armed forces to Pakistan in this regard if the need arises. "I would like to make a suggestion to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. If you are serious enough to fight against terror, we are ready to assist you. If you want our Army, then we will send them there for your help," Rajnath said while addressing a public rally here. At the same time, the Defence Minister also slammed Imran Khan for his stance on Kashmir. "I was listening to Imran Khan's speech where he had said that till Kashmir gets freedom, we will continue our fight over it. He also said that his country will continue to raise the Kashmir issue at international forums. Forget about Kashmir, don't even think about it. Raise the matter, nothing will happen. No one can exert pressure on us," he said. Continuing to train his guns at Pakistan, Rajnath said, "You divided India into two pieces as part of the two-nation theory in 1947. But in 1971, your country was divided into two pieces again. And if the situation persists, then no power can stop Pakistan from being broken up further." The Defence Minister said that the country is capable is giving a befitting reply to any misadventure by Pakistan.

If you want to tackle terror in Pakistan, we'll send our army men there: Rajnath to Imran Khan

Over 2,000 youth from three districts of south Kashmir turned up on the first day of Indian army recruitment drive in Srinagar on Saturday.

The youth who applied for around 110 vacancies included&nbsp;boys from terrorism prone areas.

Since morning, long queues were seen outside JKLI Regimental centre Srinagar where Jammu and Kashmir police were deployed to help the Indian army manage the crowd. Some youth said that they spent their night in rented cars, outside the army centre to get in first.

Among the youth is Haseeb Bashir, a resident of Kulgam, who lost his father in a terror attack Srigufwara in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district in 1995, when terrorism was on its peak in the state.

“Like my father died for the country, I want to serve too. I never saw my father and I could just study till 10th standard as I had to run my family which includes two sisters and mother,” said Haseeb adding that his father was associated with 3 Rashtriya Rifles, a counter-insurgency force operating in Jammu and Kashmir.

Most of the youth also say that they want to join the army due to unemployment and lack of opportunities in the valley.&nbsp;

“I am also afraid due to the situation but because we don’t have work, so I want to ask other unemployed youth to join the army,” says Umar, who didn’t wish to disclose his village or district, fearing a backlash.

The Indian army says that they are overwhelmed by the response of south Kashmir youth.&nbsp; 
“We carried out same recruitment in 2016 and 2017 and usually we wouldn’t get more then 800 candidates. Today, more than 2000 candidates have come in,” said RR Singh, who was overlooking the recruitment rally.

The rally for the recruitment into 162 infantry battalion will continue till October 21 and numbers are expected to grow.

Over 2,000 youth from three districts of south Kashmir turned up on the first day of Indian army recruitment drive in Srinagar on Saturday. The youth who applied for around 110 vacancies included boys from terrorism prone areas.

Over 2,000 youth from three districts of south Kashmir turned up on the first day of Indian army recruitment drive in Srinagar on Saturday. The youth who applied for around 110 vacancies included boys from terrorism prone areas. Since morning, long queues were seen outside JKLI Regimental centre Srinagar where Jammu and Kashmir police were deployed to help the Indian army manage the crowd. Some youth said that they spent their night in rented cars, outside the army centre to get in first. Among the youth is Haseeb Bashir, a resident of Kulgam, who lost his father in a terror attack Srigufwara in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district in 1995, when terrorism was on its peak in the state. “Like my father died for the country, I want to serve too. I never saw my father and I could just study till 10th standard as I had to run my family which includes two sisters and mother,” said Haseeb adding that his father was associated with 3 Rashtriya Rifles, a counter-insurgency force operating in Jammu and Kashmir. Most of the youth also say that they want to join the army due to unemployment and lack of opportunities in the valley. “I am also afraid due to the situation but because we don’t have work, so I want to ask other unemployed youth to join the army,” says Umar, who didn’t wish to disclose his village or district, fearing a backlash. The Indian army says that they are overwhelmed by the response of south Kashmir youth. “We carried out same recruitment in 2016 and 2017 and usually we wouldn’t get more then 800 candidates. Today, more than 2000 candidates have come in,” said RR Singh, who was overlooking the recruitment rally. The rally for the recruitment into 162 infantry battalion will continue till October 21 and numbers are expected to grow.

Jammu and Kashmir: Over 2,000 youth participate on day-1 of Indian army recruitment drive

British police have charged a Pakistani political exile with encouraging terrorism, Scotland Yard announced on Thursday, after a speech he made in 2016 to supporters in Karachi was followed by violent protests.

Altaf Hussain, the former leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) which once ruled Karachi, faces up to seven years imprisonment for the speech which was "likely to be understood" as encouraging supporters to acts of terrorism or was "reckless" of the possible consequences.

Hussain, 66, has lived in London for more than two decades and often addressed supporters in the South Asian megacity through a loudspeaker linked to his home telephone.

In the speech on August 22, 2016, he castigated the media for not giving due coverage to his workers. Police accused him of chanting anti-Pakistani slogans, and security forces moved in to seal his party headquarters.

MQM activists clashed with police and ransacked a private television station in violence which left at least one man dead and seven others injured.

Hussain's party "completely disowned" him after the statements, splitting into two factions -- MQM Pakistan, and Hussain's shrinking group which he continued to run out of London.

Pakistan later charged him with treason and inciting terrorism. He has lived in London since fleeing a military operation against his party in 1992 and is a British citizen.

The MQM, long accused of using extortion and murder to cement its grip on power, was blamed for years of ethnic violence in Karachi.

It clashed repeatedly with authorities until security forces launched a brutal "clean-up" operation in 2013 that was plagued with accusations of extra-judicial killings and which has seen political violence drop significantly in the southern port city.

The MQM lost its hold on Karachi during 2018's general election, with the party's Pakistan faction now allied with Prime Minister Imran Khan's ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party.

Hussain still publishes periodic messages denigrating the Pakistani establishment on social media, though as his grip on power has diminished his audience has shrunk dramatically from their peak during his charismatic speeches of the 1980s and 1990s.

He was due to appear in a magistrates court in London on Thursday.

British police have charged a Pakistani political exile with encouraging terrorism, Scotland Yard announced on Thursday, after a speech he made in 2016 to supporters in Karachi was followed by violent protests.

British police have charged a Pakistani political exile with encouraging terrorism, Scotland Yard announced on Thursday, after a speech he made in 2016 to supporters in Karachi was followed by violent protests. Altaf Hussain, the former leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) which once ruled Karachi, faces up to seven years imprisonment for the speech which was "likely to be understood" as encouraging supporters to acts of terrorism or was "reckless" of the possible consequences. Hussain, 66, has lived in London for more than two decades and often addressed supporters in the South Asian megacity through a loudspeaker linked to his home telephone. In the speech on August 22, 2016, he castigated the media for not giving due coverage to his workers. Police accused him of chanting anti-Pakistani slogans, and security forces moved in to seal his party headquarters. MQM activists clashed with police and ransacked a private television station in violence which left at least one man dead and seven others injured. Hussain's party "completely disowned" him after the statements, splitting into two factions -- MQM Pakistan, and Hussain's shrinking group which he continued to run out of London. Pakistan later charged him with treason and inciting terrorism. He has lived in London since fleeing a military operation against his party in 1992 and is a British citizen. The MQM, long accused of using extortion and murder to cement its grip on power, was blamed for years of ethnic violence in Karachi. It clashed repeatedly with authorities until security forces launched a brutal "clean-up" operation in 2013 that was plagued with accusations of extra-judicial killings and which has seen political violence drop significantly in the southern port city. The MQM lost its hold on Karachi during 2018's general election, with the party's Pakistan faction now allied with Prime Minister Imran Khan's ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party. Hussain still publishes periodic messages denigrating the Pakistani establishment on social media, though as his grip on power has diminished his audience has shrunk dramatically from their peak during his charismatic speeches of the 1980s and 1990s. He was due to appear in a magistrates court in London on Thursday.

Scotland Yard charges Pakistani exile with terrorism offence

United States-backed Kurdish fighters have halted operations for now against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-security-council-head-appeals-to-turkey-for-restraint-in-syria-254812">Islamic State in Syria</a> as Turkey launches a military offensive in Syria's northeast, two US&nbsp;officials and a Kurdish military source said on Wednesday.

"The SDF stopped the anti-ISIS operations because it's impossible to carry out any operation while you are being threatened by a large army right on the northern border," the Kurdish military source said.

One of the US&nbsp;officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the suspension also impacted US&nbsp;training of stabilisation forces in Syria.

It was unclear whether the pause affected every aspect of US-partnered operations against Islamic State or whether there might be exceptions. The US&nbsp;military was not immediately available for comment.

But any suspension in such activities would represent a direct setback to the central US&nbsp;goal of helping the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) secure territory seized from Islamic State.

It would also show how the Kurdish-led SDF are rapidly shifting their focus to the fight against Turkey - at the cost of preparations to prevent Islamic State's resurgence.

Turkish warplanes and artillery struck Kurdish militia positions in several towns on Wednesday after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-urges-turkey-to-halt-syria-offensive-will-not-pay-for-safe-zone-254817">United States this week pulled back its troops from the Turkey-Syria</a> frontier following a decision by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump.

Trump's critics say his move cleared the way for the Turkish operation and amounted to a betrayal of America's allies, the Kurds. US&nbsp;officials say the president felt US&nbsp;troops should not be caught in the middle of that fight, and Trump says he is fulfilling promises to withdraw the United States from “endless” Middle East wars.

The Kurdish fighters, considered terrorists by Turkey, have described the US&nbsp;decision as "a stab in the back". Spearheaded by the Kurdish YPG militia, the SDF has been the backbone of the US-led campaign against Islamic State.

The US&nbsp;military had hoped to train SDF and other groups to create a stabilization force of 50,000-60,000 fighters to help prevent a resurgence of Islamic State. As of last month, the US&nbsp;military estimated it was perhaps about halfway toward that goal.

A third official told Reuters that the SDF was still guarding prisons holding some 11,000 captured Islamic State fighters, but noted that a small number of SDF forces had relocated ahead of the expected Turkish offensive.

US&nbsp;officials have long feared that the SDF would be unable to continue guarding the facilities in the event of a major Turkish incursion into Syria.

Still, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-air-strikes-hit-northeast-syria-near-border-monitor-254813">Islamic State remnants could force the SDF to battle it as well.</a>

Jennifer Cafarella, research director at the Institute for the Study of War think-tank in Washington, said the SDF faced the likely prospect of having to fight on two fronts: against Turkish forces and remnants of Islamic State simultaneously.

"ISIS leader (Abu Bakr) Baghdadi is undoubtedly prepared for this moment," Cafarella said, using an acronym for Islamic State.

At the height of its power, Islamic State ruled over millions of people in territory running from northern Syria through cities and towns along the Tigris and Euphrates valleys to the outskirts of Baghdad in neighbouring Iraq.

But the fall in 2017 of Mosul and Raqqa, its strongholds in Iraq and Syria respectively, stripped Baghdadi of the trappings of a caliph and turned him into a fugitive thought to be moving along the desert border between Iraq and Syria.

US&nbsp;officials have been warning for months against losing focus on Islamic State, which they believe could again become a potent insurgency.

United States-backed Kurdish fighters have halted operations for now against Islamic State in Syria as Turkey launches a military offensive in Syria's northeast, two US officials and a Kurdish military source said on Wednesday.

United States-backed Kurdish fighters have halted operations for now against Islamic State in Syria as Turkey launches a military offensive in Syria's northeast, two US officials and a Kurdish military source said on Wednesday. "The SDF stopped the anti-ISIS operations because it's impossible to carry out any operation while you are being threatened by a large army right on the northern border," the Kurdish military source said. One of the US officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the suspension also impacted US training of stabilisation forces in Syria. It was unclear whether the pause affected every aspect of US-partnered operations against Islamic State or whether there might be exceptions. The US military was not immediately available for comment. But any suspension in such activities would represent a direct setback to the central US goal of helping the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) secure territory seized from Islamic State. It would also show how the Kurdish-led SDF are rapidly shifting their focus to the fight against Turkey - at the cost of preparations to prevent Islamic State's resurgence. Turkish warplanes and artillery struck Kurdish militia positions in several towns on Wednesday after the United States this week pulled back its troops from the Turkey-Syria frontier following a decision by US President Donald Trump. Trump's critics say his move cleared the way for the Turkish operation and amounted to a betrayal of America's allies, the Kurds. US officials say the president felt US troops should not be caught in the middle of that fight, and Trump says he is fulfilling promises to withdraw the United States from “endless” Middle East wars. The Kurdish fighters, considered terrorists by Turkey, have described the US decision as "a stab in the back". Spearheaded by the Kurdish YPG militia, the SDF has been the backbone of the US-led campaign against Islamic State. The US military had hoped to train SDF and other groups to create a stabilization force of 50,000-60,000 fighters to help prevent a resurgence of Islamic State. As of last month, the US military estimated it was perhaps about halfway toward that goal. A third official told Reuters that the SDF was still guarding prisons holding some 11,000 captured Islamic State fighters, but noted that a small number of SDF forces had relocated ahead of the expected Turkish offensive. US officials have long feared that the SDF would be unable to continue guarding the facilities in the event of a major Turkish incursion into Syria. Still, Islamic State remnants could force the SDF to battle it as well. Jennifer Cafarella, research director at the Institute for the Study of War think-tank in Washington, said the SDF faced the likely prospect of having to fight on two fronts: against Turkish forces and remnants of Islamic State simultaneously. "ISIS leader (Abu Bakr) Baghdadi is undoubtedly prepared for this moment," Cafarella said, using an acronym for Islamic State. At the height of its power, Islamic State ruled over millions of people in territory running from northern Syria through cities and towns along the Tigris and Euphrates valleys to the outskirts of Baghdad in neighbouring Iraq. But the fall in 2017 of Mosul and Raqqa, its strongholds in Iraq and Syria respectively, stripped Baghdadi of the trappings of a caliph and turned him into a fugitive thought to be moving along the desert border between Iraq and Syria. US officials have been warning for months against losing focus on Islamic State, which they believe could again become a potent insurgency.

United States backed Syrian forces halt counter-Islamic State operations

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-denies-initiation-of-syria-operation-254739">Turkish airstrikes hit a border area in northeast Syria</a> on Wednesday, a war monitor said moments after Ankara announced the start of an operation against Syria's Kurds.

In the Ras al-Ain border region, an AFP correspondent heard loud explosions and saw clouds of white smoke towering overhead.

The journalist said Turkish artillery fire also hit the region, adding that he saw dozens of civilians flee in cars and on motorbikes.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said "airstrikes" and "artillery fire" hit Ras al-Ain and the surrounding area.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-strikes-in-syrian-iraqi-border-ahead-of-planned-offensive-254608">Turkish artillery fire</a> also hit several villages in the Tal Abyad border region, to the west of Ras al-Ain, according to the Britain-based Observatory.

The Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish militia that controls most of northeastern Syria, confirmed the reports, saying that "Turkish warplanes have started to carry out airstrikes."

"There is a huge panic among people of the region," spokesman Mustefa Bali wrote on Twitter.

Turkish airstrikes hit a border area in northeast Syria on Wednesday, a war monitor said moments after Ankara announced the start of an operation against Syria's Kurds.

Turkish airstrikes hit a border area in northeast Syria on Wednesday, a war monitor said moments after Ankara announced the start of an operation against Syria's Kurds. In the Ras al-Ain border region, an AFP correspondent heard loud explosions and saw clouds of white smoke towering overhead. The journalist said Turkish artillery fire also hit the region, adding that he saw dozens of civilians flee in cars and on motorbikes. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said "airstrikes" and "artillery fire" hit Ras al-Ain and the surrounding area. Turkish artillery fire also hit several villages in the Tal Abyad border region, to the west of Ras al-Ain, according to the Britain-based Observatory. The Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish militia that controls most of northeastern Syria, confirmed the reports, saying that "Turkish warplanes have started to carry out airstrikes." "There is a huge panic among people of the region," spokesman Mustefa Bali wrote on Twitter.

Turkish air strikes hit northeast Syria near border: Monitor

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-syria-attack-plans-complete-trump-delivers-threat-254495">Turkey denied on Wednesday that it had begun its operation against Kurdish militants in Syria</a>, but said its preparations were underway.&nbsp;

"Reports in some media outlets stating that the operation has begun do not reflect the reality. The operation has not been launched yet," a Turkish official said in a note to reporters.

Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said earlier on Wednesday that the military build-up along Turkey's southern border was continuing.&nbsp;

"Our preparations regarding the operation are ongoing. (Troop) transfers and preparations are still underway," Akar said, according to state news agency Anadolu.&nbsp;

AFP correspondents at the border witnessed the arrival of a large convoy of vehicles in the Turkish town of Akcakale in Sanliurfa province overnight.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said the Turkish military was shelling its positions over the border at Sere Kaniye.

That is one of the positions from which US forces withdrew earlier this week after the White House announced it was pulling back special forces from Syria's northern frontier.

Turkey denied on Wednesday that it had begun its operation against Kurdish militants in Syria, but said its preparations were underway. "Reports in some media outlets stating that the operation has begun do not reflect the reality.

Turkey denied on Wednesday that it had begun its operation against Kurdish militants in Syria, but said its preparations were underway. "Reports in some media outlets stating that the operation has begun do not reflect the reality. The operation has not been launched yet," a Turkish official said in a note to reporters. Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said earlier on Wednesday that the military build-up along Turkey's southern border was continuing. "Our preparations regarding the operation are ongoing. (Troop) transfers and preparations are still underway," Akar said, according to state news agency Anadolu. AFP correspondents at the border witnessed the arrival of a large convoy of vehicles in the Turkish town of Akcakale in Sanliurfa province overnight. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said the Turkish military was shelling its positions over the border at Sere Kaniye. That is one of the positions from which US forces withdrew earlier this week after the White House announced it was pulling back special forces from Syria's northern frontier.

Turkey denies initiation of Syria operation

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-tourist-arrivals-in-september-fall-for-6th-month-254232">Sri Lanka's</a> police on Tuesday suspended two senior officers for falsely warning of a suicide attack similar to the Easter Sunday bombings that killed at least 258 people in April.

Several luxury hotels received a message from police last week cautioning them to step up security.

Police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said the two officers responsible were being disciplined for causing panic.

"Investigations showed that the Chief Inspector and his deputy had circulated false, unverified reports," Gunasekera said.

Several unfounded warnings of new violence have been issued by the Catholic church since the April 21 attacks.

Sri Lanka's police chief and the head of the defence ministry are currently facing criminal prosecutions for ignoring intelligence warnings ahead of the suicide bombings that targeted three churches and three luxury hotels.

Last month President Maithripala Sirisena ordered a fresh investigation, bowing to pressure from the head of the Catholic church in Sri Lanka.

The church has said a parliamentary probe and police investigation previously launched into the attacks are not sufficiently independent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-faces-costliest-election-longest-ballot-paper-254467">Sri Lanka</a> imposed a state of emergency soon after the bombings but relaxed the laws three months later.

Armed police have been deployed at churches since the attacks, while hotels have adopted airport-style security measures.

The government has blamed a local jihadi group, the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) while the Islamic State group also claimed responsibility.

It has said all those involved in the attacks are either dead or have been arrested. By the end of last month, 293 people had been taken into custody according to police.

Sri Lanka's police on Tuesday suspended two senior officers for falsely warning of a suicide attack similar to the Easter Sunday bombings that killed at least 258 people in April.

Sri Lanka's police on Tuesday suspended two senior officers for falsely warning of a suicide attack similar to the Easter Sunday bombings that killed at least 258 people in April. Several luxury hotels received a message from police last week cautioning them to step up security. Police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said the two officers responsible were being disciplined for causing panic. "Investigations showed that the Chief Inspector and his deputy had circulated false, unverified reports," Gunasekera said. Several unfounded warnings of new violence have been issued by the Catholic church since the April 21 attacks. Sri Lanka's police chief and the head of the defence ministry are currently facing criminal prosecutions for ignoring intelligence warnings ahead of the suicide bombings that targeted three churches and three luxury hotels. Last month President Maithripala Sirisena ordered a fresh investigation, bowing to pressure from the head of the Catholic church in Sri Lanka. The church has said a parliamentary probe and police investigation previously launched into the attacks are not sufficiently independent. Sri Lanka imposed a state of emergency soon after the bombings but relaxed the laws three months later. Armed police have been deployed at churches since the attacks, while hotels have adopted airport-style security measures. The government has blamed a local jihadi group, the National Thowheeth Jama'ath (NTJ) while the Islamic State group also claimed responsibility. It has said all those involved in the attacks are either dead or have been arrested. By the end of last month, 293 people had been taken into custody according to police.

Sri Lanka suspends senior officers for false attack warning

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