The leader of Al-Qaeda's South Asian branch was killed in a US-Afghan joint raid in southern Afghanistan last month, Afghan officials confirmed Tuesday.

Asim Umar, who led Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) from its inception in 2014, was killed during a raid September 23 on a Taliban compound in the Musa Qala district of Helmand province.

Afghanistan's National Directorate of Security said Umar was a Pakistani citizen, though some reports claim he was born in India.

He "was killed along with six other AQIS members, most of them Pakistani", the NDS said on Twitter, adding that Umar had been "embedded" with the Taliban.

The raid was part of a lengthy and confusing overnight operation from September 22-23 for which the US provided air support.

Authorities said they would investigate reports that 40 civilians, including children, were killed in an airstrike during the operation.

The NDS said that among the six other AQIS members killed in the raid was a man identified as "Raihan", a courier for Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.

US Forces-Afghanistan declined to comment.

Under a stalled withdrawal plan negotiated between the US and the Taliban, Washington agreed to pull troops from Afghanistan if the insurgents abide by security guarantees and cut all ties with Al-Qaeda.

The US and the Taliban had been negotiating for a year to reach a deal that would have cut US forces in Afghanistan and could have paved the way to a reduction in violence, but President Donald Trump scuttled that agreement last month, citing Taliban violence.

Even if the deal had been finalised, observers doubted whether the Taliban would ever really separate from Al-Qaeda.

The US invaded Afghanistan after the Taliban refused to hand over Al-Qaeda's leader Osama bin Laden following the September 11, 2001 attacks against America.&nbsp;

The middle-aged Umar was relatively unknown when he was picked to lead the newly created AQIS in 2014.&nbsp;

The jihadist branch was established to try to rouse fighters in India, Bangladesh and Myanmar.

An Afghan Taliban source said in 2014 that Umar had worked with the Punjabi Taliban, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chapter in Pakistan's most populous province, for some years before linking up with Al-Qaeda.

Umar -&nbsp;an alias -&nbsp;was named by al-Zawahiri in a video message.

A Pakistani intelligence official said Umar had travelled to Syria, though it was not possible to confirm this.

The leader of Al-Qaeda's South Asian branch was killed in a US-Afghan joint raid in southern Afghanistan last month, Afghan officials confirmed Tuesday. Asim Umar, who led Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) from its inception in 2014, was killed during a raid September 23 on a Taliban compound in the Musa Qala district of Helmand province.

The leader of Al-Qaeda's South Asian branch was killed in a US-Afghan joint raid in southern Afghanistan last month, Afghan officials confirmed Tuesday. Asim Umar, who led Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) from its inception in 2014, was killed during a raid September 23 on a Taliban compound in the Musa Qala district of Helmand province. Afghanistan's National Directorate of Security said Umar was a Pakistani citizen, though some reports claim he was born in India. He "was killed along with six other AQIS members, most of them Pakistani", the NDS said on Twitter, adding that Umar had been "embedded" with the Taliban. The raid was part of a lengthy and confusing overnight operation from September 22-23 for which the US provided air support. Authorities said they would investigate reports that 40 civilians, including children, were killed in an airstrike during the operation. The NDS said that among the six other AQIS members killed in the raid was a man identified as "Raihan", a courier for Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. US Forces-Afghanistan declined to comment. Under a stalled withdrawal plan negotiated between the US and the Taliban, Washington agreed to pull troops from Afghanistan if the insurgents abide by security guarantees and cut all ties with Al-Qaeda. The US and the Taliban had been negotiating for a year to reach a deal that would have cut US forces in Afghanistan and could have paved the way to a reduction in violence, but President Donald Trump scuttled that agreement last month, citing Taliban violence. Even if the deal had been finalised, observers doubted whether the Taliban would ever really separate from Al-Qaeda. The US invaded Afghanistan after the Taliban refused to hand over Al-Qaeda's leader Osama bin Laden following the September 11, 2001 attacks against America. The middle-aged Umar was relatively unknown when he was picked to lead the newly created AQIS in 2014. The jihadist branch was established to try to rouse fighters in India, Bangladesh and Myanmar. An Afghan Taliban source said in 2014 that Umar had worked with the Punjabi Taliban, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chapter in Pakistan's most populous province, for some years before linking up with Al-Qaeda. Umar - an alias - was named by al-Zawahiri in a video message. A Pakistani intelligence official said Umar had travelled to Syria, though it was not possible to confirm this.

South Asia region Al-Qaeda chief killed in Afghanistan: Officials

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-terrorist-killed-in-encounter-with-security-forces-in-awantipora-254365">A second terrorist was killed in a joint operation by the Army, Jammu &amp; Kashmir police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Tuesday. </a> 
 
He was affiliated to Jaish-e-Mohammad, said the police. Earlier today a Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorist was gunned down in the same operation.

"He was identified as Ufaid Farooq Lone who was involved in several terrorist activities including recent grenade attacks, threatening and beating of shopkeepers and fruit-growers post abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. He also motivated other youths to join militant ranks," said J&amp;K police.

The joint operation was launched by security forces on Monday evening. So far, the security forces have conducted four successful anti-terrorist operations since September 28.

On September 28, at Batote, Ramban district forces eliminated three hardcore militants of Hizbul Mujahideen. The next day at Kangan in Ganderbal, forces eliminated two recently infiltrated group members of Jaish.

A second terrorist was killed in a joint operation by the Army, Jammu & Kashmir police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Tuesday. He was affiliated to Jaish-e-Mohammad, said the police.

A second terrorist was killed in a joint operation by the Army, Jammu & Kashmir police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Tuesday. He was affiliated to Jaish-e-Mohammad, said the police. Earlier today a Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorist was gunned down in the same operation. "He was identified as Ufaid Farooq Lone who was involved in several terrorist activities including recent grenade attacks, threatening and beating of shopkeepers and fruit-growers post abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. He also motivated other youths to join militant ranks," said J&K police. The joint operation was launched by security forces on Monday evening. So far, the security forces have conducted four successful anti-terrorist operations since September 28. On September 28, at Batote, Ramban district forces eliminated three hardcore militants of Hizbul Mujahideen. The next day at Kangan in Ganderbal, forces eliminated two recently infiltrated group members of Jaish.

Awantipora: Second terrorist killed in encounter with security forces

The tally of wounded students in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-blast-targets-university-students-in-ghazni-8-wounded-254426">Ghazni University blast</a> in southern Afghanistan has risen to 23. 
 
In the explosion that occurred on Tuesday, 18 women and five men were wounded by the improvised explosive device targeting University students, reported Tolo News. 
 
Baz Mohammad Hemat, head of Ghazni's provincial hospital, confirmed the incident and said that the injured were immediately shifted to the hospital for treatment. 
 
No group so far has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The tally of wounded students in the Ghazni University blast in southern Afghanistan has risen to 23. In the explosion that occurred on Tuesday, 18 women and five men were wounded by the improvised explosive device targeting University students, reported Tolo News.

The tally of wounded students in the Ghazni University blast in southern Afghanistan has risen to 23. In the explosion that occurred on Tuesday, 18 women and five men were wounded by the improvised explosive device targeting University students, reported Tolo News. Baz Mohammad Hemat, head of Ghazni's provincial hospital, confirmed the incident and said that the injured were immediately shifted to the hospital for treatment. No group so far has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Ghazni University blast: Death toll climbs to 23 in Afghanistan

One terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces, said the police. The exchange of fire is still underway as the slain terrorist's accomplice is still hiding in the fields. The joint operation was launched by the Army, J&amp;K police and CRPF on Monday evening. 
 
"The deceased, whose body has been recovered, has been identified as Ufaid Farooq Lone of terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba, who was involved in several terrorist activities including recent grenade attacks, threatening and beating of shopkeepers and fruit-growers post abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. He motivated other youth to join militant ranks," said Jammu &amp; Kashmir police. 
 
"He joined terrorist ranks on July 4, 2018, and has been carrying out terrorist activities in Awantipora police station general area and across Jhelum in Reshipora and around Airforce base Malanpora," police informed. 
 
So far security forces have conducted four successful anti-terrorist operations since September 28. On September 28, at Batote, Ramban district forces eliminated three hardcore militants of Hizbul Mujahideen. The next day at Kangan in Ganderbal, forces eliminated two recently infiltrated group members of Jaish.

One terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces, said the police. The exchange of fire is still underway as the slain terrorist's accomplice is still hiding in the fields.

One terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces, said the police. The exchange of fire is still underway as the slain terrorist's accomplice is still hiding in the fields. The joint operation was launched by the Army, J&K police and CRPF on Monday evening. "The deceased, whose body has been recovered, has been identified as Ufaid Farooq Lone of terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba, who was involved in several terrorist activities including recent grenade attacks, threatening and beating of shopkeepers and fruit-growers post abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. He motivated other youth to join militant ranks," said Jammu & Kashmir police. "He joined terrorist ranks on July 4, 2018, and has been carrying out terrorist activities in Awantipora police station general area and across Jhelum in Reshipora and around Airforce base Malanpora," police informed. So far security forces have conducted four successful anti-terrorist operations since September 28. On September 28, at Batote, Ramban district forces eliminated three hardcore militants of Hizbul Mujahideen. The next day at Kangan in Ganderbal, forces eliminated two recently infiltrated group members of Jaish.

LeT terrorist killed in clash with security forces at Awantipur

Turkey said on Tuesday it had completed preparations for a military operation in northeast Syria after the United States began pulling back troops, opening the way for a Turkish attack on Kurdish-led forces long allied to Washington.

But US&nbsp;President Donald Trump warned he would "obliterate" the NATO ally's economy if it took action in Syria that he considered "off-limits" following his decision on Sunday to pull 50 American special forces troops from the border region.

The US&nbsp;move will leave its Kurdish-led partner forces in Syria vulnerable to an incursion by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), which brands them terrorists because of their links to Kurdish militants who have waged a long insurgency in Turkey.

"The TSK will never tolerate the establishment of a terror corridor on our borders. All preparations for the operation have been completed," the Turkish Defence Ministry said on Twitter early on Tuesday.

"It is essential to establish a safe zone/peace corridor to contribute to our region's peace and stability, and for Syrians to achieve a safe life," it said.

Turkey does not appear "as of now" to have begun its expected incursion into northern Syria, a senior Trump administration official said on Monday.

A Reuters witness said there was no sign of military activity on Tuesday near the Turkish border town of Akcakale, across from Syria's Tel Abyad. Howitzers were positioned behind earth embankments on the Turkish side of the border, pointed towards Syria.

US&nbsp;forces evacuated two observation posts at Tel Abyad and Ras al-Ain on Monday, a US&nbsp;official said.

Trump's warning on Turkey's economy appeared aimed at placating critics who accused him of abandoning the Syrian Kurds by pulling out US forces. The decision drew criticism from Democrats and a rebuke from some of Trump's fellow Republicans in Congress, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

"As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off-limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I've done before!)" Trump tweeted.

'Red flag'

His remarks met an angry response in Turkey, including from opposition party politicians such as Iyi Party leader Meral Aksener who said it was a day to put aside domestic politics.

"Threatening Turkey's economy is a diplomatic catastrophe," she told her party's lawmakers in a speech in parliament. "Today there is only one party and that is our red (Turkish) flag."

"The best response to this insolence is to go into the east of the Euphrates and break the terror corridor," she added.

The Kurdish-led forces, who have been Washington's most capable partners in fighting Islamic State in Syria, have denounced the major shift in U.S. policy as "stab in the back".

Mustafa Bali, an official with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said the continued Turkish military buildup on the border, together with information about further mobilisation of Turkey-backed Syrian rebels, indicated that "an attack is imminent and we expect it soon".

"Naturally our preparations are along the length of the border with Turkey and our forces are in a state of readiness," Bali told Reuters.

The United States expects Turkey to take responsibility for captive Islamic State fighters in northeastern Syria if Ankara's planned incursion seizes areas where the detained militants are held, a senior State Department official said.

The captives are held in SDF facilities south of a safe zone initially proposed by Turkey.

Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said overnight it was Turkey's fundamental right to take necessary measures for its national security against terrorist threats from Syria.

"Turkey is determined to clear terrorists from the east of the Euphrates and protect its own security and survival while implementing a secure zone in order to achieve peace and stability," Aksoy said in a written statement.

Iran, President Bashar al-Assad's main regional ally, said it opposed any Turkish military operation in Syria.

President Tayyip Erdogan has said Turkey plans to resettle two million refugees in northern Syria and Turkish media has said the draft resettlement plan involves a $26 billion construction project. Turkey hosts 3.6 million Syrian refugees.

The Trump administration official, briefing reporters on a conference call, said 50 US&nbsp;troops in the region that Turkey has targeted would be redeployed elsewhere in Syria "where they aren't in the crossfire." The United States has about 1,000 troops in Syria.

Turkey's lira lost 2 per cent&nbsp;of its value against the dollar to hit its weakest level since early September but edged off its lows to 5.8195 on Tuesday. Turkey's sovereign dollar bonds also came under fresh pressure.

Ties between Ankara and Washington have long been tense over a range of issues including Syria policy and Turkey's purchase of a Russian missile defence system.

Turkey said on Tuesday it had completed preparations for a military operation in northeast Syria after the United States began pulling back troops, opening the way for a Turkish attack on Kurdish-led forces long allied to Washington.

Turkey said on Tuesday it had completed preparations for a military operation in northeast Syria after the United States began pulling back troops, opening the way for a Turkish attack on Kurdish-led forces long allied to Washington. But US President Donald Trump warned he would "obliterate" the NATO ally's economy if it took action in Syria that he considered "off-limits" following his decision on Sunday to pull 50 American special forces troops from the border region. The US move will leave its Kurdish-led partner forces in Syria vulnerable to an incursion by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), which brands them terrorists because of their links to Kurdish militants who have waged a long insurgency in Turkey. "The TSK will never tolerate the establishment of a terror corridor on our borders. All preparations for the operation have been completed," the Turkish Defence Ministry said on Twitter early on Tuesday. "It is essential to establish a safe zone/peace corridor to contribute to our region's peace and stability, and for Syrians to achieve a safe life," it said. Turkey does not appear "as of now" to have begun its expected incursion into northern Syria, a senior Trump administration official said on Monday. A Reuters witness said there was no sign of military activity on Tuesday near the Turkish border town of Akcakale, across from Syria's Tel Abyad. Howitzers were positioned behind earth embankments on the Turkish side of the border, pointed towards Syria. US forces evacuated two observation posts at Tel Abyad and Ras al-Ain on Monday, a US official said. Trump's warning on Turkey's economy appeared aimed at placating critics who accused him of abandoning the Syrian Kurds by pulling out US forces. The decision drew criticism from Democrats and a rebuke from some of Trump's fellow Republicans in Congress, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. "As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off-limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I've done before!)" Trump tweeted. 'Red flag' His remarks met an angry response in Turkey, including from opposition party politicians such as Iyi Party leader Meral Aksener who said it was a day to put aside domestic politics. "Threatening Turkey's economy is a diplomatic catastrophe," she told her party's lawmakers in a speech in parliament. "Today there is only one party and that is our red (Turkish) flag." "The best response to this insolence is to go into the east of the Euphrates and break the terror corridor," she added. The Kurdish-led forces, who have been Washington's most capable partners in fighting Islamic State in Syria, have denounced the major shift in U.S. policy as "stab in the back". Mustafa Bali, an official with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said the continued Turkish military buildup on the border, together with information about further mobilisation of Turkey-backed Syrian rebels, indicated that "an attack is imminent and we expect it soon". "Naturally our preparations are along the length of the border with Turkey and our forces are in a state of readiness," Bali told Reuters. The United States expects Turkey to take responsibility for captive Islamic State fighters in northeastern Syria if Ankara's planned incursion seizes areas where the detained militants are held, a senior State Department official said. The captives are held in SDF facilities south of a safe zone initially proposed by Turkey. Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said overnight it was Turkey's fundamental right to take necessary measures for its national security against terrorist threats from Syria. "Turkey is determined to clear terrorists from the east of the Euphrates and protect its own security and survival while implementing a secure zone in order to achieve peace and stability," Aksoy said in a written statement. Iran, President Bashar al-Assad's main regional ally, said it opposed any Turkish military operation in Syria. President Tayyip Erdogan has said Turkey plans to resettle two million refugees in northern Syria and Turkish media has said the draft resettlement plan involves a $26 billion construction project. Turkey hosts 3.6 million Syrian refugees. The Trump administration official, briefing reporters on a conference call, said 50 US troops in the region that Turkey has targeted would be redeployed elsewhere in Syria "where they aren't in the crossfire." The United States has about 1,000 troops in Syria. Turkey's lira lost 2 per cent of its value against the dollar to hit its weakest level since early September but edged off its lows to 5.8195 on Tuesday. Turkey's sovereign dollar bonds also came under fresh pressure. Ties between Ankara and Washington have long been tense over a range of issues including Syria policy and Turkey's purchase of a Russian missile defence system.

Turkey says Syria attack plans complete, Trump delivers threat

At least 10 people, including a child, were killed and 27 others sustained injuries in an explosion that took place in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar on Monday. 
 
The incident occurred when explosive materials placed in a rickshaw went off near an Afghan army vehicle in Police District 3 of the Jalalabad city, local officials confirmed, as reported by Tolo News. 
 
The Afghan Interior Ministry has said that some of those injured in the incident are in critical condition. 
Further details are awaited.

At least 10 people, including a child, were killed and 27 others sustained injuries in an explosion that took place in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar on Monday.

At least 10 people, including a child, were killed and 27 others sustained injuries in an explosion that took place in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar on Monday. The incident occurred when explosive materials placed in a rickshaw went off near an Afghan army vehicle in Police District 3 of the Jalalabad city, local officials confirmed, as reported by Tolo News. The Afghan Interior Ministry has said that some of those injured in the incident are in critical condition. Further details are awaited.

Afghanistan: Explosion in Nangarhar province kills ten

The Lahore High Court on Monday accepted an application of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-anti-terror-court-grants-interim-pre-arrest-bail-to-hafiz-saeed-in-seminary-land-case-236176">Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed</a>, challenging his arrest in the terror-financing case. 
 
The two-member bench of the Lahore HC, after hearing the arguments, has sought a detailed report from the Punjab government and counter-terrorism department in this regard on October 28. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-must-account-for-basic-expenses-being-given-to-hafiz-saeed-us-252624">The UN-designated global terrorist</a> was arrested on July 17 in connection with the terror-financing case while on his way from Lahore to Gujranwala. The terrorist was charged with gathering funds for banned outfits. 
 
On July 3, the top 13 leaders of the banned JuD, including Saeed and Naib Emir Abdul Rehman Makki, were booked in nearly two dozen cases of terror financing and money laundering under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

The Lahore High Court on Monday accepted an application of Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, challenging his arrest in the terror-financing case. The two-member bench of the Lahore HC, after hearing the arguments, has sought a detailed report from the Punjab government and counter-terrorism department in this regard on October 28.

The Lahore High Court on Monday accepted an application of Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, challenging his arrest in the terror-financing case. The two-member bench of the Lahore HC, after hearing the arguments, has sought a detailed report from the Punjab government and counter-terrorism department in this regard on October 28. The UN-designated global terrorist was arrested on July 17 in connection with the terror-financing case while on his way from Lahore to Gujranwala. The terrorist was charged with gathering funds for banned outfits. On July 3, the top 13 leaders of the banned JuD, including Saeed and Naib Emir Abdul Rehman Makki, were booked in nearly two dozen cases of terror financing and money laundering under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

Lahore High Court accepts Hafiz Saaed's application challenging his arrest in terror financing case

At least 89 Taliban terrorists were killed and over 60 were injured during an operation in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/united-nations-violence-against-children-in-afghanistan-up-sharply-253900">Afghan province</a> of Tahar in the past 24 hours, the country's defence ministry said on Saturday. 
 
"Operation against the Taliban is going on throughout Afghanistan. In many areas, the Taliban have been forced to retreat. In the past 24 hours, 89 Taliban have been killed and 67 others were wounded in Tahar Province alone," the ministry's spokesman Rohullah Ahmadzai said at a news conference. 
 
The government forces took control of the province's Bahark district of Tahar, he added. 
 
Afghanistan has long been suffering from an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/blood-and-hope-women-in-afghanistans-elections-253513">unstable security situation</a>. The government continues to fight Taliban, which has been waging a war against Kabul for almost two decades, and the Islamic State terrorist group, which has been operating in Afghanistan since 2015.

At least 89 Taliban terrorists were killed and over 60 were injured during an operation in the Afghan province of Tahar in the past 24 hours, the country's defence ministry said on Saturday.

At least 89 Taliban terrorists were killed and over 60 were injured during an operation in the Afghan province of Tahar in the past 24 hours, the country's defence ministry said on Saturday. "Operation against the Taliban is going on throughout Afghanistan. In many areas, the Taliban have been forced to retreat. In the past 24 hours, 89 Taliban have been killed and 67 others were wounded in Tahar Province alone," the ministry's spokesman Rohullah Ahmadzai said at a news conference. The government forces took control of the province's Bahark district of Tahar, he added. Afghanistan has long been suffering from an unstable security situation. The government continues to fight Taliban, which has been waging a war against Kabul for almost two decades, and the Islamic State terrorist group, which has been operating in Afghanistan since 2015.

At least 89 taliban terrorists killed by Afghan forces

Unidentified gunmen killed eight people and injured 18 during an overnight attack in northern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rwanda-welcomes-first-group-of-african-refugees-from-libya-252319">Rwanda</a> near the border with DR Congo, police said Saturday.

The attack took place in Musanze district which attracts tourists because of its Volcanoes National Park and its mountain gorillas, they said.&nbsp;

Six people were killed with machetes or knives and the others were shot dead, a police statement said.

"Security forces were quick to provide emergency services to the residents of the area and investigations are still ongoing to find these terrorists," it added.&nbsp;

The area has repeatedly been targeted by Rwandan rebels operating from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

One such group is the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uganda-rwanda-leaders-sign-pact-in-bid-to-end-standoff-244670">Rwanda</a>, created by Rwandan Hutu refugees in eastern DRC after the genocide of Tutsis by majority Hutus in Rwanda in 1994.

The last attack by rebels in this region happened in December and resulted in the deaths of two Rwandan soldiers.

Unidentified gunmen killed eight people and injured 18 during an overnight attack in northern Rwanda near the border with DR Congo, police said Saturday. The attack took place in Musanze district which attracts tourists because of its Volcanoes National Park and its mountain gorillas, they said.

Unidentified gunmen killed eight people and injured 18 during an overnight attack in northern Rwanda near the border with DR Congo, police said Saturday. The attack took place in Musanze district which attracts tourists because of its Volcanoes National Park and its mountain gorillas, they said. Six people were killed with machetes or knives and the others were shot dead, a police statement said. "Security forces were quick to provide emergency services to the residents of the area and investigations are still ongoing to find these terrorists," it added. The area has repeatedly been targeted by Rwandan rebels operating from the Democratic Republic of Congo. One such group is the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, created by Rwandan Hutu refugees in eastern DRC after the genocide of Tutsis by majority Hutus in Rwanda in 1994. The last attack by rebels in this region happened in December and resulted in the deaths of two Rwandan soldiers.

Gunmen kill eight and injure 18 in Rwanda

At least 16 people, including 11 soldiers, have been killed in jihadist attacks in Nigeria's northeastern Borno state, military and militia sources said Saturday.

Rival factions of Boko Haram launched the attacks on military and civilian targets between Thursday and Saturday, they said.

On Thursday, fighters from the IS-aligned Islamic State West Africa Province ambushed a military convoy near Mauro village in Benisheikh district, a military source told AFP.

"Our men on patrol fell into a terrorist ambush... which claimed 11 soldiers and wounded 16 others. Two other soldiers are still missing," &nbsp;said the officer, who asked not to be identified.

He said the troops were travelling in three vehicles.

"The terrorists made away with 11 AK-47 rifles and anti-aircraft gun mounted on the gun truck," he said.

In another attack the same day, Boko Haram gunmen opened fire on a vehicle at Frigi village, killing one person and injuring another,&nbsp;militia sources said.

Jihadist fighters also killed two militiamen in Gubio, 80 kilometres&nbsp;from the state capital Maiduguri.

On Saturday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-police-say-over-300-abused-students-freed-from-islamic-school-252433">Boko Haram</a> militants stormed a camp for those displaced by the conflict in the town of Banki near the border with Cameroon, killing two residents and injuring three vigilantes guarding the area, two militia sources said.

The decade-long Boko Haram campaign has killed 35,000 people and displaced around two million from their homes in northeast Nigeria.&nbsp;

The violence has spread to neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting a regional military coalition to fight the insurgents.

At least 16 people, including 11 soldiers, have been killed in jihadist attacks in Nigeria's northeastern Borno state, military and militia sources said Saturday.

At least 16 people, including 11 soldiers, have been killed in jihadist attacks in Nigeria's northeastern Borno state, military and militia sources said Saturday. Rival factions of Boko Haram launched the attacks on military and civilian targets between Thursday and Saturday, they said. On Thursday, fighters from the IS-aligned Islamic State West Africa Province ambushed a military convoy near Mauro village in Benisheikh district, a military source told AFP. "Our men on patrol fell into a terrorist ambush... which claimed 11 soldiers and wounded 16 others. Two other soldiers are still missing," said the officer, who asked not to be identified. He said the troops were travelling in three vehicles. "The terrorists made away with 11 AK-47 rifles and anti-aircraft gun mounted on the gun truck," he said. In another attack the same day, Boko Haram gunmen opened fire on a vehicle at Frigi village, killing one person and injuring another, militia sources said. Jihadist fighters also killed two militiamen in Gubio, 80 kilometres from the state capital Maiduguri. On Saturday, Boko Haram militants stormed a camp for those displaced by the conflict in the town of Banki near the border with Cameroon, killing two residents and injuring three vigilantes guarding the area, two militia sources said. The decade-long Boko Haram campaign has killed 35,000 people and displaced around two million from their homes in northeast Nigeria. The violence has spread to neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting a regional military coalition to fight the insurgents.

16 killed in jihadist attacks in Nigeria: Sources

Pakistani Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-made-up-the-numbers-india-on-islamabad-claiming-support-of-58-countries-at-unhrc-253777">Imran Khan</a> on Saturday warned his country's army and people not to cross over into India through Line of Control (LoC) to provide humanitarian aid or any support to Kashmiris as it will be playing into the "narrative of India" that says terrorism is driven by Pakistan.

His message for the Kashmiris on his 67th birthday came as a new admission from the Prime Minister over the fact that Pakistan indeed continues to push terrorists into India, along the LoC.

Khan took to Twitter to reiterate his&nbsp;rhetoric on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/grenade-attack-rocks-jammu-and-kashmirs-anantnag-253860">Kashmir</a>, saying that the "inhumane curfew" has been continuing since more than two months in the Valley.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-spokesperson-trolled-for-calling-kashmir-countrys-jugular-vain-253724">Pakistani</a>&nbsp;Prime Minister's advisory to his people to not cross over into India has come nearly ten days after the Indian Army chief revealed that terror camps in Balakot are active again, almost seven months after the Indian Air Force destroyed the Jaish-e-Mohammad-run complex run in retaliation for the Pulwama terror attack.

"Balakot has been reactivated by Pakistan very recently. That shows that Balakot has been affected. It had been damaged and destroyed. And that is why people have got away from there and now it has been reactivated," Army chief Bipin Rawat had told reporters on September 24 at the Officers Training Academy.

General Rawat added that close to 500 infiltrators are waiting to infiltrate into India.

This is not the first time that the cricketer-turned-prime minister has played a rash shot. His bid to internationalize Kashmir has disastrously failed on all international platforms.

Even before he spoke at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-nuclear-watchdog-says-iran-taking-step-in-right-direction-253726">United Nations</a> General Assembly last month, he was forced to admit the failure of "Mission Kashmir".

"To be absolutely frank, I am a bit disappointed by the international community," adding that the reaction would have been different and more urgent had it been 8 million Europeans who had been put under siege or Jewish people or Americans, it would have been different if there were just eight Americans. He lamented, "What options do we have? What do we do?," he said in a press conference on September 25.

Despite being snubbed globally over the Kashmir issue, Khan at the U.N. General Assembly meeting had yet again warned of dire consequences in the event of a nuclear war with India over the matter.

"My belief is we will fight and when a nuclear-armed country fights till the end it will have consequence far beyond the borders. I am warning you. It's not a threat but worry about where are we heading. If this goes wrong you hope for the best but prepare for the worst," Khan had said.

India has maintained that the move is an internal matter of the country - a stance which has been supported by several countries, including the SAARC nations and the Arab World.&nbsp;

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday warned his country's army and people not to cross over into India through Line of Control (LoC) to provide humanitarian aid or any support to Kashmiris as it will be playing into the "narrative of India" that says terrorism is driven by Pakistan.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday warned his country's army and people not to cross over into India through Line of Control (LoC) to provide humanitarian aid or any support to Kashmiris as it will be playing into the "narrative of India" that says terrorism is driven by Pakistan. His message for the Kashmiris on his 67th birthday came as a new admission from the Prime Minister over the fact that Pakistan indeed continues to push terrorists into India, along the LoC. Khan took to Twitter to reiterate his rhetoric on Kashmir, saying that the "inhumane curfew" has been continuing since more than two months in the Valley. Pakistani Prime Minister's advisory to his people to not cross over into India has come nearly ten days after the Indian Army chief revealed that terror camps in Balakot are active again, almost seven months after the Indian Air Force destroyed the Jaish-e-Mohammad-run complex run in retaliation for the Pulwama terror attack. "Balakot has been reactivated by Pakistan very recently. That shows that Balakot has been affected. It had been damaged and destroyed. And that is why people have got away from there and now it has been reactivated," Army chief Bipin Rawat had told reporters on September 24 at the Officers Training Academy. General Rawat added that close to 500 infiltrators are waiting to infiltrate into India. This is not the first time that the cricketer-turned-prime minister has played a rash shot. His bid to internationalize Kashmir has disastrously failed on all international platforms. Even before he spoke at the United Nations General Assembly last month, he was forced to admit the failure of "Mission Kashmir". "To be absolutely frank, I am a bit disappointed by the international community," adding that the reaction would have been different and more urgent had it been 8 million Europeans who had been put under siege or Jewish people or Americans, it would have been different if there were just eight Americans. He lamented, "What options do we have? What do we do?," he said in a press conference on September 25. Despite being snubbed globally over the Kashmir issue, Khan at the U.N. General Assembly meeting had yet again warned of dire consequences in the event of a nuclear war with India over the matter. "My belief is we will fight and when a nuclear-armed country fights till the end it will have consequence far beyond the borders. I am warning you. It's not a threat but worry about where are we heading. If this goes wrong you hope for the best but prepare for the worst," Khan had said. India has maintained that the move is an internal matter of the country - a stance which has been supported by several countries, including the SAARC nations and the Arab World.

Imran Khan advises his people not to cross Line of Control

Three years ago, when suicide terrorists attacked an Army camp at Uri, close to the LoC, they killed 19 soldiers but kindled a flame that spread like a fire. There were terrorist attacks earlier with a higher body count. There were suicide squads that had wreaked havoc before. But somehow this time, it was different. Several high-profile incidents had taken place that year. Suicide attack at Pathankot Air Base in January, biggest hostage situation in six storeyed EDI Building in Pampore in February, Kashmir Valley on the boil after terrorist leader Burhan Wani’s elimination in July. Right timing an audacious military plan backed by bold leadership that not only took ownership, but also converged other instruments of power to multiply the pressure on Pakistan.&nbsp;

Swift retaliation at terrorist launch pads across the line of control (LoC) followed with a stated intent served a twofold purpose. One, India had found space below the nuclear threshold, which we colloquially hear as being said, ‘…called their nuclear bluff’. The second and more importantly, we had now established our stance of dissuasion. For over three decades Pakistan has been waging a proxy war and pushing in terrorists into J&amp;K across the LoC, inter alia. Our response has been largely defensive and restricted to the confines of the LoC. By following the concept of ‘hot pursuit’ we’ve taken the battle to the enemy’s territory, as we would say in military parlance. The doctrine of hot pursuit owes its origin to the law of the seas, at a time when smuggling and piracy were rampant, this customary doctrine emerged to empower a coastal state to pursue on to the high seas a vessel that had violated its laws within its waters.&nbsp;

Over the years, some countries have expanded the doctrine of hot pursuit on land, to justify the breaches of territorial sovereignty of foreign states as part of the ongoing pursuit of offenders. It started in 1986 when South Africa sought to justify its incursions into neighbouring African states against rebels. More recently, it has been employed by the United States regarding Taliban militants crossing into Pakistan or by Turkey regarding its attacks on Kurdistan Workers Party bases in Northern Iraq, also by Colombia regarding its raid on a Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia camp in Ecuador in 2008.

Two years later when a similar high-profile suicide attack at Pulwama caused a larger number of casualties, the whole country expected another bold ‘surgical strike’, as the September retaliation at terrorist launch pads in POK had come to be known. Precise airstrikes were launched within 12 days, striking at the roots of terror far deep inside Pakistan. And like before, we announced to the world and to Pakistan, our intent and purpose. In both cases, India arguably found heartening international support against terrorist endeavours. The world has little patience for terrorism or its sponsors. India had firmly shed the soft-state tag.

Two other unconnected incidents have helped India cement it’s resolve and gain more confidence in initiating strong steps in support of bold decisions taken in the national interest, a veritable departure from the past practices notwithstanding. First, it was our operations against the Northeast insurgents camps in Myanmar, and second, was our standing up to China resolutely to defend the interest of Bhutan in Dolam Plateau in 2017. Is this the new normal? Has India announced a paradigm shift? Have we redrawn our red lines? And statedly so? These strong responses may seem like a one-off raid or strike, but a great deal of preparation and planning goes into it. Planning and execution of the operation itself is not the only facet. Planning and preparation for the possible enemy retaliation and being ready for all scenarios is the larger part. This includes diplomatic fallout as well. Mobilisation of international opinion against terrorism has to be balanced with other elements of state policy as well. Economic or commercial linkages were also leveraged.

India has taken a bold stand. Why must we continue to adopt such a strong response posture? Let us take a look at the emerging situation in Afghanistan. If USA pulls out soon, owing to its domestic compulsions, we may witness a situation like the nineties, with Pakistan in control (or not) of jihadis of different hues. And a there would natural inclination on their part to push them across the LoC, lest they destabilise their territory. It will also serve their agenda of reinvigorating proxy war in Kashmir. While we must prepare ourselves against this scenario, we must also take heart from the fact that India’s preparedness on the line of control today is far better than it was three decades ago. Our troop deployment, as well as weapon &amp; equipment profile, is much more robust now and there is an LC fence in place. However, our biggest card should be this new, bold response posture of taking the battle to enemy territory, if required. Therefore it is in India’s interest that this new dissuasive stand that we have started adopting must continue, the mode and modalities of dissuasion can change, must change actually. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-tackling-terrorism-smartly-2793140">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

Three years ago, when suicide terrorists attacked an Army camp at Uri, close to the LoC, they killed 19 soldiers but kindled a flame that spread like a fire. There were terrorist attacks earlier with a higher body count.

Three years ago, when suicide terrorists attacked an Army camp at Uri, close to the LoC, they killed 19 soldiers but kindled a flame that spread like a fire. There were terrorist attacks earlier with a higher body count. There were suicide squads that had wreaked havoc before. But somehow this time, it was different. Several high-profile incidents had taken place that year. Suicide attack at Pathankot Air Base in January, biggest hostage situation in six storeyed EDI Building in Pampore in February, Kashmir Valley on the boil after terrorist leader Burhan Wani’s elimination in July. Right timing an audacious military plan backed by bold leadership that not only took ownership, but also converged other instruments of power to multiply the pressure on Pakistan. Swift retaliation at terrorist launch pads across the line of control (LoC) followed with a stated intent served a twofold purpose. One, India had found space below the nuclear threshold, which we colloquially hear as being said, ‘…called their nuclear bluff’. The second and more importantly, we had now established our stance of dissuasion. For over three decades Pakistan has been waging a proxy war and pushing in terrorists into J&K across the LoC, inter alia. Our response has been largely defensive and restricted to the confines of the LoC. By following the concept of ‘hot pursuit’ we’ve taken the battle to the enemy’s territory, as we would say in military parlance. The doctrine of hot pursuit owes its origin to the law of the seas, at a time when smuggling and piracy were rampant, this customary doctrine emerged to empower a coastal state to pursue on to the high seas a vessel that had violated its laws within its waters. Over the years, some countries have expanded the doctrine of hot pursuit on land, to justify the breaches of territorial sovereignty of foreign states as part of the ongoing pursuit of offenders. It started in 1986 when South Africa sought to justify its incursions into neighbouring African states against rebels. More recently, it has been employed by the United States regarding Taliban militants crossing into Pakistan or by Turkey regarding its attacks on Kurdistan Workers Party bases in Northern Iraq, also by Colombia regarding its raid on a Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia camp in Ecuador in 2008. Two years later when a similar high-profile suicide attack at Pulwama caused a larger number of casualties, the whole country expected another bold ‘surgical strike’, as the September retaliation at terrorist launch pads in POK had come to be known. Precise airstrikes were launched within 12 days, striking at the roots of terror far deep inside Pakistan. And like before, we announced to the world and to Pakistan, our intent and purpose. In both cases, India arguably found heartening international support against terrorist endeavours. The world has little patience for terrorism or its sponsors. India had firmly shed the soft-state tag. Two other unconnected incidents have helped India cement it’s resolve and gain more confidence in initiating strong steps in support of bold decisions taken in the national interest, a veritable departure from the past practices notwithstanding. First, it was our operations against the Northeast insurgents camps in Myanmar, and second, was our standing up to China resolutely to defend the interest of Bhutan in Dolam Plateau in 2017. Is this the new normal? Has India announced a paradigm shift? Have we redrawn our red lines? And statedly so? These strong responses may seem like a one-off raid or strike, but a great deal of preparation and planning goes into it. Planning and execution of the operation itself is not the only facet. Planning and preparation for the possible enemy retaliation and being ready for all scenarios is the larger part. This includes diplomatic fallout as well. Mobilisation of international opinion against terrorism has to be balanced with other elements of state policy as well. Economic or commercial linkages were also leveraged. India has taken a bold stand. Why must we continue to adopt such a strong response posture? Let us take a look at the emerging situation in Afghanistan. If USA pulls out soon, owing to its domestic compulsions, we may witness a situation like the nineties, with Pakistan in control (or not) of jihadis of different hues. And a there would natural inclination on their part to push them across the LoC, lest they destabilise their territory. It will also serve their agenda of reinvigorating proxy war in Kashmir. While we must prepare ourselves against this scenario, we must also take heart from the fact that India’s preparedness on the line of control today is far better than it was three decades ago. Our troop deployment, as well as weapon & equipment profile, is much more robust now and there is an LC fence in place. However, our biggest card should be this new, bold response posture of taking the battle to enemy territory, if required. Therefore it is in India’s interest that this new dissuasive stand that we have started adopting must continue, the mode and modalities of dissuasion can change, must change actually. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India has taken the battle to enemy’s territory through surgical strike

A blast in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-must-take-sustained-and-verifiable-action-against-terrorists-united-states-252580">Pakistan's southwestern province</a> of Balochistan killed three, including an opposition political leader, on Saturday afternoon, police and officials said.

Maulana Mohamad Hanif, Deputy Secretary-General of the opposition party Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), was among those killed in the town of Chaman, not far from the Afghan border, District Commissioner Mohammad Bashir said.

Police told Reuters that unknown perpetrators planted an improvised explosive device on a motorbike parked in front of a business centre and detonated it when Hanif left the building.

"Maulana Muhammad Hanif was the target of the bomb blast,” senior police officer Muhammad Iqbal said.

No groups have yet taken responsibility for the explosion, which injured several and damaged nearby buildings and shops.

Hanif was a senior member of the Islamist JUI-F party, which opposes Imran Khan's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-additions-like-ins-khanderi-were-capable-of-giving-pakistan-much-bigger-blow-rajnath-252577">Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf</a> (PTI) government and was planning an anti-government march on the country's capital, Islamabad, next month.

Attacks are common in Balochistan, which borders Afghanistan and where separatists have for decades fought a low-level insurgency against the government, which is seeing increasing investment in energy and infrastructure projects by China and others, including Saudi Arabia.

A blast in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan killed three, including an opposition political leader, on Saturday afternoon, police and officials said.

A blast in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan killed three, including an opposition political leader, on Saturday afternoon, police and officials said. Maulana Mohamad Hanif, Deputy Secretary-General of the opposition party Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), was among those killed in the town of Chaman, not far from the Afghan border, District Commissioner Mohammad Bashir said. Police told Reuters that unknown perpetrators planted an improvised explosive device on a motorbike parked in front of a business centre and detonated it when Hanif left the building. "Maulana Muhammad Hanif was the target of the bomb blast,” senior police officer Muhammad Iqbal said. No groups have yet taken responsibility for the explosion, which injured several and damaged nearby buildings and shops. Hanif was a senior member of the Islamist JUI-F party, which opposes Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government and was planning an anti-government march on the country's capital, Islamabad, next month. Attacks are common in Balochistan, which borders Afghanistan and where separatists have for decades fought a low-level insurgency against the government, which is seeing increasing investment in energy and infrastructure projects by China and others, including Saudi Arabia.

Three killed, including opposition politician, in blast in Pakistan's Balochistan province

Security forces on Saturday shot dead <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-exchange-of-fire-between-security-forces-and-two-suspected-terrorists-at-batote-252575">three terrorists</a>&nbsp;who were holding hostage a civilian inside a house in Batote town of Ramban district. 
 
The hostage was rescued safely but one Army personnel was killed in the joint operation conducted jointly by the&nbsp;Army, Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF officials in the Jammu-Srinagar Highway town. 
 
Two Army personnel and one official from the Jammu and Kashmir police also sustained injuries in the encounter with the terrorists, which had been going on since the morning. 
 
"Three terrorists have been killed. The hostage has been rescued. Two police officials sustained bullet injuries and an Army personnel died. Operation is over now. They are the same terrorists who were seen in the morning," Jammu Inspector General of Police (IG) Mukesh Singh told ANI. 
 
Three <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/clear-attempt-at-pandering-to-vote-bank-interests-india-condemns-labour-party-motion-on-kashmir-252103">terrorists</a> entered a house in Batote in the morning while attempting to flee the security forces after engaging in a gunfight with them. 
 
The encounter started after two of three terrorists tried to stop a civilian vehicle at Batote on the National Highway (NH) 244 but the owner did not stop the vehicle and informed the Army Quick Reaction Team (QRT). 
 
The Public Relations Officer (PRO), Defence, Jammu said: "The QRT reacted promptly, established contact with the two individuals and an exchange of fire took place."

Joint parties of Police, Army, and CRPF cordoned the area and exchange of fire ensued during which terrorists took shelter in a house. 
 
"We got the information that terrorists have held a civilian hostage. We attempted to persuade terrorists to surrender. They refused to surrender even though they initially said they would. Their motive was to delay. SSP Ramban gave them a final warning to surrender and later we took action. It was a neat and clean action. Three terrorists have been eliminated and the hostage has been rescued," Deputy Inspector General, CRPF PC Jha said. 
 
Earlier, Army had the information of "possibly" <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistans-bid-to-internationalise-kashmir-fails-world-leans-on-indias-side-252264">five terrorists</a> inside the house where they had taken a local resident hostage. 
 
"One Mr Vijay (also known as Vijay Tailor) is a hostage in the house where the terrorists are holed up. The complex has an electronics shop in the front and house towards the rear. Vijay is the owner. Possibly five terrorists inside the house. They have so far refused to surrender. Exchange of firing is going on," Army said in a statement earlier.

Two AK rifles and one pistol were recovered from the possession of terrorists.

Security forces on Saturday shot dead three terrorists who were holding hostage a civilian inside a house in Batote town of Ramban district. The hostage was rescued safely but one Army personnel was killed in the joint operation conducted jointly by the Army, Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF officials in the Jammu-Srinagar Highway town.

Security forces on Saturday shot dead three terrorists who were holding hostage a civilian inside a house in Batote town of Ramban district. The hostage was rescued safely but one Army personnel was killed in the joint operation conducted jointly by the Army, Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF officials in the Jammu-Srinagar Highway town. Two Army personnel and one official from the Jammu and Kashmir police also sustained injuries in the encounter with the terrorists, which had been going on since the morning. "Three terrorists have been killed. The hostage has been rescued. Two police officials sustained bullet injuries and an Army personnel died. Operation is over now. They are the same terrorists who were seen in the morning," Jammu Inspector General of Police (IG) Mukesh Singh told ANI. Three terrorists entered a house in Batote in the morning while attempting to flee the security forces after engaging in a gunfight with them. The encounter started after two of three terrorists tried to stop a civilian vehicle at Batote on the National Highway (NH) 244 but the owner did not stop the vehicle and informed the Army Quick Reaction Team (QRT). The Public Relations Officer (PRO), Defence, Jammu said: "The QRT reacted promptly, established contact with the two individuals and an exchange of fire took place." Joint parties of Police, Army, and CRPF cordoned the area and exchange of fire ensued during which terrorists took shelter in a house. "We got the information that terrorists have held a civilian hostage. We attempted to persuade terrorists to surrender. They refused to surrender even though they initially said they would. Their motive was to delay. SSP Ramban gave them a final warning to surrender and later we took action. It was a neat and clean action. Three terrorists have been eliminated and the hostage has been rescued," Deputy Inspector General, CRPF PC Jha said. Earlier, Army had the information of "possibly" five terrorists inside the house where they had taken a local resident hostage. "One Mr Vijay (also known as Vijay Tailor) is a hostage in the house where the terrorists are holed up. The complex has an electronics shop in the front and house towards the rear. Vijay is the owner. Possibly five terrorists inside the house. They have so far refused to surrender. Exchange of firing is going on," Army said in a statement earlier. Two AK rifles and one pistol were recovered from the possession of terrorists.

Security forces kill three terrorists in Kashmir

In a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan`s address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), India has said Islamabad has ventured to "upstream terrorism and downstream hate speech."

Under the Right to Reply to the statement made by Khan, New Delhi said the citizens of India do not need anyone else to speak on their behalf, least of all those who have built an industry of terrorism from the ideology of hate.

"I take the floor to exercise India`s right of reply to the statement <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-pm-modis-positive-development-driven-unga-address-differed-from-pak-pms-hate-speech-252559">made by the Prime Minister of Pakistan</a>. Every word spoken from the podium of this august Assembly, it is believed, carries the weight of history," said First Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Vidisha Maitra.

In a clear reference to Pakistan, Maitra said, "Citizens of India do not need anyone else to speak on their behalf, least of all those who have built an industry of terrorism from the ideology of hate"."Unfortunately, what we heard today from Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan was a callous portrayal of the world in binary terms. Us vs Them; Rich vs Poor; North vs South; Developed Vs Developing; Muslims vs Others. A script that fosters divisiveness at the United Nations. Attempts to sharpen differences and stir up hatred are simply put - hate speech," she continued.

Khan, in his almost 50-minute address, warned of dire "consequences" in the event of a nuclear war with India over the Kashmir issue. Maitra said that rarely has the General Assembly witnessed such a "misuse, rather abuse" of an opportunity to reflect."Words matter in diplomacy. Invocation of phrases such as "pogrom", "bloodbath", "racial superiority", "pick up the gun" and "fight to the end" reflect a medieval mindset and not a 21st-century vision," she said.

While Pakistan representative was seen carefully taking notes, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-pm-imran-khans-unga-speech-reflection-of-medieval-mindset-abuse-of-opportunity-to-reflect-india-at-un-252555">Maitra addressed Prime Minister </a>with his full name, Imran Khan Niazi to draw a connection with General A A K Niazi, who was a lieutenant-general in the Pakistan Army and the last Governor of East Pakistan. "Pogroms, Prime Minister Imran Khan Niazi, are not a phenomenon of today`s vibrant democracies. We would request you to refresh your rather sketchy understanding of history. Do not forget the gruesome genocide perpetrated by Pakistan against its own people in 1971 and the role played by Lt Gen A A K Niazi. A sordid fact that the Hon`ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh reminded this Assembly about earlier this afternoon," said Maitra.

In response to Khan`s response to U.N. Observers to Pakistan to verify that there are no militant organisations in Pakistan, Maitra said the world will hold him to that promise. She raised a few questions and asked would Khan "deny to the city of New York that he was an open defender of Osama bin Laden?" "Can Pakistan confirm the fact that it is home to 130 UN-designated terrorists and 25 terrorist entities listed by the UN, as of today?... Will Pakistan acknowledge that it is the only Government in the world that provides pension to an individual listed by the UN in the al-Qaida and Da`esh Sanctions list!" "Can Pakistan explain why here in New York, its premier bank, the Habib Bank had to shut shop after it was fined millions of dollars over terror financing?" "Will Pakistan deny that the Financial Action Task Force has put the country on notice for its violations of more than 20 of the 27 key parameters?," she asked.

Maitra also pointed out the treatment given to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-quotes-3000-year-old-tamil-poet-and-philosopher-kaniyan-poongundranar-at-unga-address-252511">minorities in Pakistan</a> and said the country has shrunk the size of its minority community from 23 per cent in 1947 to three per cent today. "This a country that has shrunk the size of its minority community from 23 per cent in 1947 to 3 per cent today and has subjected Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyas, Hindus, Shias, Pashtuns, Sindhis and Balochis to draconian blasphemy laws, systemic persecution, blatant abuse and forced conversions," she said.

Prime Minister Khan`s threat of unleashing nuclear devastation qualifies as brinksmanship, not statesmanship, she said."Even coming from the leader of a country that has monopolised the entire value chain of the industry of terrorism, Prime Minister Khan`s justification of terrorism was brazen and incendiary."

"For someone who was once a cricketer and believed in the gentleman`s game, today`s speech bordered on the crudeness of the variety that is reminiscent of the guns of Darra Adam Khel", added Maitra.

In a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan`s address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), India has said Islamabad has ventured to "upstream terrorism and downstream hate speech.

In a sharp rebuttal to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan`s address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), India has said Islamabad has ventured to "upstream terrorism and downstream hate speech." Under the Right to Reply to the statement made by Khan, New Delhi said the citizens of India do not need anyone else to speak on their behalf, least of all those who have built an industry of terrorism from the ideology of hate. "I take the floor to exercise India`s right of reply to the statement made by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Every word spoken from the podium of this august Assembly, it is believed, carries the weight of history," said First Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Vidisha Maitra. In a clear reference to Pakistan, Maitra said, "Citizens of India do not need anyone else to speak on their behalf, least of all those who have built an industry of terrorism from the ideology of hate"."Unfortunately, what we heard today from Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan was a callous portrayal of the world in binary terms. Us vs Them; Rich vs Poor; North vs South; Developed Vs Developing; Muslims vs Others. A script that fosters divisiveness at the United Nations. Attempts to sharpen differences and stir up hatred are simply put - hate speech," she continued. Khan, in his almost 50-minute address, warned of dire "consequences" in the event of a nuclear war with India over the Kashmir issue. Maitra said that rarely has the General Assembly witnessed such a "misuse, rather abuse" of an opportunity to reflect."Words matter in diplomacy. Invocation of phrases such as "pogrom", "bloodbath", "racial superiority", "pick up the gun" and "fight to the end" reflect a medieval mindset and not a 21st-century vision," she said. While Pakistan representative was seen carefully taking notes, Maitra addressed Prime Minister with his full name, Imran Khan Niazi to draw a connection with General A A K Niazi, who was a lieutenant-general in the Pakistan Army and the last Governor of East Pakistan. "Pogroms, Prime Minister Imran Khan Niazi, are not a phenomenon of today`s vibrant democracies. We would request you to refresh your rather sketchy understanding of history. Do not forget the gruesome genocide perpetrated by Pakistan against its own people in 1971 and the role played by Lt Gen A A K Niazi. A sordid fact that the Hon`ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh reminded this Assembly about earlier this afternoon," said Maitra. In response to Khan`s response to U.N. Observers to Pakistan to verify that there are no militant organisations in Pakistan, Maitra said the world will hold him to that promise. She raised a few questions and asked would Khan "deny to the city of New York that he was an open defender of Osama bin Laden?" "Can Pakistan confirm the fact that it is home to 130 UN-designated terrorists and 25 terrorist entities listed by the UN, as of today?... Will Pakistan acknowledge that it is the only Government in the world that provides pension to an individual listed by the UN in the al-Qaida and Da`esh Sanctions list!" "Can Pakistan explain why here in New York, its premier bank, the Habib Bank had to shut shop after it was fined millions of dollars over terror financing?" "Will Pakistan deny that the Financial Action Task Force has put the country on notice for its violations of more than 20 of the 27 key parameters?," she asked. Maitra also pointed out the treatment given to minorities in Pakistan and said the country has shrunk the size of its minority community from 23 per cent in 1947 to three per cent today. "This a country that has shrunk the size of its minority community from 23 per cent in 1947 to 3 per cent today and has subjected Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyas, Hindus, Shias, Pashtuns, Sindhis and Balochis to draconian blasphemy laws, systemic persecution, blatant abuse and forced conversions," she said. Prime Minister Khan`s threat of unleashing nuclear devastation qualifies as brinksmanship, not statesmanship, she said."Even coming from the leader of a country that has monopolised the entire value chain of the industry of terrorism, Prime Minister Khan`s justification of terrorism was brazen and incendiary." "For someone who was once a cricketer and believed in the gentleman`s game, today`s speech bordered on the crudeness of the variety that is reminiscent of the guns of Darra Adam Khel", added Maitra.

Pakistan has upstreamed terrorism, downstreamed hate speech: India at U.N.

The United States on Friday reiterated that Pakistan should continue taking sustained and verifiable action against terrorist groups operating on its soil to prevent future attacks and promote regional stability in the region in line with its international obligations. 
 
This comes after the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) had approved a request by Pakistan to allow global terrorist Hafiz Saeed to access his bank accounts for 'basic expenses' to help his family. 
 
"Basic exemption requests for U.N.-designated individuals are consistent with every member state's responsibilities regarding the disposition of funds to U.N.-designated individuals residing in their territory," a State Department spokesperson told ANI. 
 
"We continue to encourage all member states to fully abide by and implement their obligations under UN sanctions regimes. This includes submitting basic exemption requests for UN-designated individuals and entities, as needed," the spokesperson said. 
 
However, the spokesperson outlined that all member states are encouraged to take appropriate action to arrest and prosecute terrorists. 
"In line with its international obligations, Pakistan must continue to take sustained and verifiable action against terrorist groups to prevent future attacks and promote regional stability," the spokesperson remarked. 
 
In a letter dated August 15, the U.N. Sanctions Committee said it had received a letter from Pakistan seeking permission to allow Saeed "certain expenditure" from his frozen bank account. The Chair said that the request was approved after "no objection" had been received from any member. 
 
"The chair has the honour to refer to his draft letter to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan communicating the committee's decision with respect to the intention of the Pakistani authorities to authorise certain expenditures to the benefit of Hafiz Muhammad Saeed (QDi.236), Haji Muhammad Ashraf (QDI.265) and Zafar Iqbal (QDI.308) to cover basic expenses, as specified in the note verbale of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan pursuant to paragraph 81 (a) of resolution 2368 (2017)," the letter read. 
 
"The chair wishes to inform the members that no objections were placed by the set dateline of 15 August 2019 at 3:00 p.m. for the consideration of the draft letter. Consequently, the letter is approved, and the chair will instruct the Secretariat to dispatch it," it said. 
 
Pakistan, which has time and again proven to be a safe haven for global terrorists, has based its request by outlining the monthly expenses requirement of Jammat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Saeed, who it claims, has to support a family of four. 
 
Being a proscribed terrorist, Saeed is subjected to comprehensive economic and trade sanctions such as arms embargoes, travel bans, and financial or commodity restrictions. 
 
Saeed, who has been designated as global terrorists by the United States, the United Nations, and the European Union, was the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that claimed 166 lives.&nbsp;

The United States on Friday reiterated that Pakistan should continue taking sustained and verifiable action against terrorist groups operating on its soil to prevent future attacks and promote regional stability in the region in line with its international obligations.

The United States on Friday reiterated that Pakistan should continue taking sustained and verifiable action against terrorist groups operating on its soil to prevent future attacks and promote regional stability in the region in line with its international obligations. This comes after the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) had approved a request by Pakistan to allow global terrorist Hafiz Saeed to access his bank accounts for 'basic expenses' to help his family. "Basic exemption requests for U.N.-designated individuals are consistent with every member state's responsibilities regarding the disposition of funds to U.N.-designated individuals residing in their territory," a State Department spokesperson told ANI. "We continue to encourage all member states to fully abide by and implement their obligations under UN sanctions regimes. This includes submitting basic exemption requests for UN-designated individuals and entities, as needed," the spokesperson said. However, the spokesperson outlined that all member states are encouraged to take appropriate action to arrest and prosecute terrorists. "In line with its international obligations, Pakistan must continue to take sustained and verifiable action against terrorist groups to prevent future attacks and promote regional stability," the spokesperson remarked. In a letter dated August 15, the U.N. Sanctions Committee said it had received a letter from Pakistan seeking permission to allow Saeed "certain expenditure" from his frozen bank account. The Chair said that the request was approved after "no objection" had been received from any member. "The chair has the honour to refer to his draft letter to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan communicating the committee's decision with respect to the intention of the Pakistani authorities to authorise certain expenditures to the benefit of Hafiz Muhammad Saeed (QDi.236), Haji Muhammad Ashraf (QDI.265) and Zafar Iqbal (QDI.308) to cover basic expenses, as specified in the note verbale of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan pursuant to paragraph 81 (a) of resolution 2368 (2017)," the letter read. "The chair wishes to inform the members that no objections were placed by the set dateline of 15 August 2019 at 3:00 p.m. for the consideration of the draft letter. Consequently, the letter is approved, and the chair will instruct the Secretariat to dispatch it," it said. Pakistan, which has time and again proven to be a safe haven for global terrorists, has based its request by outlining the monthly expenses requirement of Jammat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Saeed, who it claims, has to support a family of four. Being a proscribed terrorist, Saeed is subjected to comprehensive economic and trade sanctions such as arms embargoes, travel bans, and financial or commodity restrictions. Saeed, who has been designated as global terrorists by the United States, the United Nations, and the European Union, was the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that claimed 166 lives.

Pakistan must take sustained and verifiable action against terrorists: United States

Insurgents worked to disrupt <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-taliban-lifts-ban-on-world-health-organization-252047">Afghanistan's</a>&nbsp;presidential election Saturday, with a series of blasts reported across the country as voters headed to the polls and troops flooded the streets of the capital.

The vote marks the culmination of a bloody election campaign that is seen as a two-horse race between President Ashraf Ghani and his bitter rival Abdullah Abdullah, the country's chief executive.

The Taliban, who unleashed a string of bombings during the two-month campaign, in recent days issued repeated warnings they intend to attack polling centres.

At least 15 people were wounded in the southern city of Kandahar when a bomb went off at a polling station about two hours after voting began, a hospital director told AFP, and officials across the country reported several small explosions at other election sites.

"Peace is the first desire of our people," Ghani said after casting his vote at a high school in Kabul.

"Our roadmap (for peace) is ready, I want the people to give us permission and legitimacy so that we pursue peace."

Wary authorities placed an uneasy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-delegation-meets-chinas-special-envoy-for-afghanistan-251582">Kabul under partial lockdown</a>, flooding streets with troops and banning trucks from entering the city in an effort to stop would-be suicide bombers attacking the electoral process.

One voter at a polling station in a Kabul high school said it was important to cast a ballot.

"I know there are security threats but bombs and attacks have become part of our everyday lives," 55-year-old Mohiuddin, who only gave one name, told AFP.

"I am not afraid, we have to vote if we want to bring changes to our lives", he added.

The capital's traffic, often gridlocked, dropped to a trickle as schools and offices closed for the day and as many people chose to stay off the roads.

Some 9.6 million Afghans are registered to vote, but many have lost any hope that after 18 years of war any leader can unify the fractious country and improve basic living conditions, boost the stagnating economy or bolster security.

Abdullah and <a href="Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani says he'll 'never accept division of power'">Ghani both claimed victory</a> in the 2014 election -- a vote so tainted by fraud and violence that it led to a constitutional crisis and forced then-US president Barack Obama to push for a compromise that saw Abdullah awarded the subordinate role.

Sunawbar Mirzae, 23, said she chose to brave the polls because she valued her right to vote.

"The only request I have from the election commission is that they ensure the transparency of the election because lots of people have lost their trust," she told AFP.

Abysmal security

Voting in Afghanistan's fourth presidential election began at 7:00 am (0230 GMT) at some 5,000 polling centres across the country. Authorities had initially planned to open hundreds more but were unable to owing to the abysmal security situation.

Campaigning was hampered by violence from the first day when Ghani's running mate was targeted in a bomb-and-gun attack that left at least 20 dead.&nbsp;

Bloody attacks have continued to rock Afghanistan, including a Taliban bombing at a Ghani rally last week that killed at least 26 people in the central province of Parwan near Kabul.

The interior ministry says 72,000 forces will help to secure polling stations.

Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said: "Any acts of violence against the electoral process, including attacks directed at polling centres, polling staff and voters, are unacceptable."

Election officials say this will be the cleanest election yet, with equipment such as biometric fingerprint readers and better training for poll workers to ensure the vote is fair.

Still, the US embassy in Kabul has said it is "disturbed by so many complaints about security, lack of an equal playing field and fraud" and many Afghans say they have no intention of voting, citing fraud and security fears.

Saturday's poll was initially slated to take place in April but was twice delayed because election workers were ill-prepared, and the US was leading a push to forge a withdrawal agreement with the Taliban.&nbsp;

That deal has been scuppered for now after US President Donald Trump pulled out.

Polls close at 3:00 pm (1030 GMT).

Insurgents worked to disrupt Afghanistan's presidential election Saturday, with a series of blasts reported across the country as voters headed to the polls and troops flooded the streets of the capital.

Insurgents worked to disrupt Afghanistan's presidential election Saturday, with a series of blasts reported across the country as voters headed to the polls and troops flooded the streets of the capital. The vote marks the culmination of a bloody election campaign that is seen as a two-horse race between President Ashraf Ghani and his bitter rival Abdullah Abdullah, the country's chief executive. The Taliban, who unleashed a string of bombings during the two-month campaign, in recent days issued repeated warnings they intend to attack polling centres. At least 15 people were wounded in the southern city of Kandahar when a bomb went off at a polling station about two hours after voting began, a hospital director told AFP, and officials across the country reported several small explosions at other election sites. "Peace is the first desire of our people," Ghani said after casting his vote at a high school in Kabul. "Our roadmap (for peace) is ready, I want the people to give us permission and legitimacy so that we pursue peace." Wary authorities placed an uneasy Kabul under partial lockdown, flooding streets with troops and banning trucks from entering the city in an effort to stop would-be suicide bombers attacking the electoral process. One voter at a polling station in a Kabul high school said it was important to cast a ballot. "I know there are security threats but bombs and attacks have become part of our everyday lives," 55-year-old Mohiuddin, who only gave one name, told AFP. "I am not afraid, we have to vote if we want to bring changes to our lives", he added. The capital's traffic, often gridlocked, dropped to a trickle as schools and offices closed for the day and as many people chose to stay off the roads. Some 9.6 million Afghans are registered to vote, but many have lost any hope that after 18 years of war any leader can unify the fractious country and improve basic living conditions, boost the stagnating economy or bolster security. Abdullah and Ghani both claimed victory in the 2014 election -- a vote so tainted by fraud and violence that it led to a constitutional crisis and forced then-US president Barack Obama to push for a compromise that saw Abdullah awarded the subordinate role. Sunawbar Mirzae, 23, said she chose to brave the polls because she valued her right to vote. "The only request I have from the election commission is that they ensure the transparency of the election because lots of people have lost their trust," she told AFP. Abysmal security Voting in Afghanistan's fourth presidential election began at 7:00 am (0230 GMT) at some 5,000 polling centres across the country. Authorities had initially planned to open hundreds more but were unable to owing to the abysmal security situation. Campaigning was hampered by violence from the first day when Ghani's running mate was targeted in a bomb-and-gun attack that left at least 20 dead. Bloody attacks have continued to rock Afghanistan, including a Taliban bombing at a Ghani rally last week that killed at least 26 people in the central province of Parwan near Kabul. The interior ministry says 72,000 forces will help to secure polling stations. Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said: "Any acts of violence against the electoral process, including attacks directed at polling centres, polling staff and voters, are unacceptable." Election officials say this will be the cleanest election yet, with equipment such as biometric fingerprint readers and better training for poll workers to ensure the vote is fair. Still, the US embassy in Kabul has said it is "disturbed by so many complaints about security, lack of an equal playing field and fraud" and many Afghans say they have no intention of voting, citing fraud and security fears. Saturday's poll was initially slated to take place in April but was twice delayed because election workers were ill-prepared, and the US was leading a push to forge a withdrawal agreement with the Taliban. That deal has been scuppered for now after US President Donald Trump pulled out. Polls close at 3:00 pm (1030 GMT).

Afghanistan rocked by blasts during presidential election

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that that terrorism is a challenge not for any one country, but for the entire world.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said that we believe that terrorism is not a challenge for any country, but all countries and of mankind as a whole. So for the sake of humanity, all the world has to unite against terror.

Speaking at the 74th UNGA session, PM Modi recounted India's contribution towards world peace and said that India is the country that has made the biggest sacrifice at the United Nations peacekeeping missions.&nbsp;

Mentioning the non-violence, the founding principle of Gandhian philosophy, PM Modi said that we belong to the country that has given the world- Buddha, not Yuddh (war).

"Swami Vivekananda Ji had given a message to the world from Chicago during the World Parliament of Religion about 125 years ago. The world's largest democracy still has the same message for the global community - harmony and peace," he added.

The last six days at United Nations General Assembly have been filled with action. It all began with the mega 'Howdy, Modi' event in Houston with US President Donald Trump joining the Indian prime minister.

Prime Minister Modi has held several bilateral and multilateral talks with world leaders since then. PM Modi met with business leaders to highlight India's growth story.

PM Modi's address tonight was his first after taking charge as India's prime minister for the second time in May this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that that terrorism is a challenge not for any one country, but for the entire world. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said that we believe that terrorism is not a challenge for any country, but all countries and of mankind as a whole.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that that terrorism is a challenge not for any one country, but for the entire world. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said that we believe that terrorism is not a challenge for any country, but all countries and of mankind as a whole. So for the sake of humanity, all the world has to unite against terror. Speaking at the 74th UNGA session, PM Modi recounted India's contribution towards world peace and said that India is the country that has made the biggest sacrifice at the United Nations peacekeeping missions. Mentioning the non-violence, the founding principle of Gandhian philosophy, PM Modi said that we belong to the country that has given the world- Buddha, not Yuddh (war). "Swami Vivekananda Ji had given a message to the world from Chicago during the World Parliament of Religion about 125 years ago. The world's largest democracy still has the same message for the global community - harmony and peace," he added. The last six days at United Nations General Assembly have been filled with action. It all began with the mega 'Howdy, Modi' event in Houston with US President Donald Trump joining the Indian prime minister. Prime Minister Modi has held several bilateral and multilateral talks with world leaders since then. PM Modi met with business leaders to highlight India's growth story. PM Modi's address tonight was his first after taking charge as India's prime minister for the second time in May this year.

Terrorism is the biggest global challenge, for humanity's sake, let's unite against terrorism', says PM Narendra Modi at UNGA

Elimination of terrorism in all its forms is a precondition not only for fruitful cooperation but also for the very survival of the South Asian region, says EAM S. Jaishankar

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar raises the issue of terrorism at SAARC

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/high-drama-at-saarc-meet-as-pakistans-foreign-minister-qureshi-boycotts-jaishankars-statement-252290">Pakistan</a> has invited the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and other countries to inspect the terrorist camps.

Acting Foreign Secretary Moazzam Ahmad Khan on Thursday briefed Resident Ambassadors of the P5 countries (Permanent Members of the UNSC) about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistans-bid-to-internationalise-kashmir-fails-world-leans-on-indias-side-252264">rising tensions between India and Pakistan</a>.

"Pakistan is ready to provide full cooperation to delegates from the P5 countries or diplomats from any other country who wish to visit any of the alleged locations to see for themselves that such Indian allegations are totally baseless," said the Foreign Office in a&nbsp;statement.

Pakistan's invitation to representatives comes as a&nbsp;response to the Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat's statement that Islamabad has recently reactivated the terror camp in Balakot.

"Let me tell you, Balakot has been reactivated by Pakistan very recently. Obviously, that shows that Balakot was affected and damaged and destroyed. That is why people had got away from there," General Rawat had said while addressing a press conference in Chennai. He was responding to questions on whether there were new terror launch pads in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

"It highlights that some action had been taken by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Balakot and now they have got the people back there," Rawat added.

On February 27 this year, IAF fighters flew deep into <a href="wionews.com/world/pakistan-called-out-by-us-for-staying-mum-over-chinas-treatment-of-muslims-252323">Pakistan</a> to bomb a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror 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. Since then,&nbsp;tensions between India and Pakistan had escalated. It is not the first time that Pakistan has invited foreign delegates and media to visit Pakistan to provide facts. Even after the IAF's Balakot strike, Pakistan had taken representatives of some Islamabad-based international media houses and foreign diplomats to the area.&nbsp;

Pakistan has invited the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and other countries to inspect the terrorist camps. Acting Foreign Secretary Moazzam Ahmad Khan on Thursday briefed Resident Ambassadors of the P5 countries (Permanent Members of the UNSC) about rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

Pakistan has invited the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and other countries to inspect the terrorist camps. Acting Foreign Secretary Moazzam Ahmad Khan on Thursday briefed Resident Ambassadors of the P5 countries (Permanent Members of the UNSC) about rising tensions between India and Pakistan. "Pakistan is ready to provide full cooperation to delegates from the P5 countries or diplomats from any other country who wish to visit any of the alleged locations to see for themselves that such Indian allegations are totally baseless," said the Foreign Office in a statement. Pakistan's invitation to representatives comes as a response to the Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat's statement that Islamabad has recently reactivated the terror camp in Balakot. "Let me tell you, Balakot has been reactivated by Pakistan very recently. Obviously, that shows that Balakot was affected and damaged and destroyed. That is why people had got away from there," General Rawat had said while addressing a press conference in Chennai. He was responding to questions on whether there were new terror launch pads in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). "It highlights that some action had been taken by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Balakot and now they have got the people back there," Rawat added. On February 27 this year, IAF fighters flew deep into Pakistan to bomb a Jaish-e-Mohammed terror 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. Since then, tensions between India and Pakistan had escalated. It is not the first time that Pakistan has invited foreign delegates and media to visit Pakistan to provide facts. Even after the IAF's Balakot strike, Pakistan had taken representatives of some Islamabad-based international media houses and foreign diplomats to the area.

Pakistan invites United Nations Security Council permanent members to inspect terror camps

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump have addressed media before their bilateral meeting in New York.

Donald Trump: PM Modi's message to Pak loud and clear

From trade to terror: Key takeaways from Trump-Modi bilateral meeting

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-strong-message-on-climate-change-pm-modi-to-inaugurate-gandhi-solar-park-251609">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> has called for the need to avoid politicisation of UN listings and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), stating that the only way to defeat terror is through development.&nbsp;

Speaking at the United Nations, the prime minister said that terrorists should not be allowed to get funds and arms for this objective to be realised. "We need to avoid the politicisation of mechanisms like the UN listings and the FATF and these mechanisms should be enforced and strengthened," he said. &nbsp;

This is an important development given the fact that Islamabad has been saying that New Delhi is pushing the country to blacklist that will impact the economy.

Sharing India's experience, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/time-for-talks-is-over-world-needs-to-act-now-pm-modi-at-un-climate-change-summit-251563">PM said</a>, "democratic values, diversity and inclusive development were the most important weapons against ideologies that promote terrorism, extremism and radicalisation."&nbsp;

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Briefing the media on the meeting led by Jordan and New Zealand, secretary west Gitesh Sarma said, "the PM called for global solidarity and readiness against terrorism in the same way as the world has shown solidarity against challenges like climate change... and terrorist act anywhere should be considered as terrorism and not good or bad terrorism".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was attending leaders' dialogue to discuss 'strategic responses to terrorist and violent extremist narrative' which took stock of Christchurch's call to eliminate terrorists and violent extremist content online.

India has supported Christchurch's call to sanitize cyberspace from contents that promote terrorism, hate and violence.

PM Modi also called for the need to institutionalise counter-terror cooperation at a multilateral level and help in capacity building of friendly countries in the region.

Interestingly, India was mentioned by French President Emmanuel Macron during his opening speech at the conference. Macron expressed his appreciation for its association for the Christchurch call.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the need to avoid politicisation of UN listings and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), stating that the only way to defeat terror is through development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for the need to avoid politicisation of UN listings and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), stating that the only way to defeat terror is through development. Speaking at the United Nations, the prime minister said that terrorists should not be allowed to get funds and arms for this objective to be realised. "We need to avoid the politicisation of mechanisms like the UN listings and the FATF and these mechanisms should be enforced and strengthened," he said. This is an important development given the fact that Islamabad has been saying that New Delhi is pushing the country to blacklist that will impact the economy. Sharing India's experience, PM said, "democratic values, diversity and inclusive development were the most important weapons against ideologies that promote terrorism, extremism and radicalisation." × Briefing the media on the meeting led by Jordan and New Zealand, secretary west Gitesh Sarma said, "the PM called for global solidarity and readiness against terrorism in the same way as the world has shown solidarity against challenges like climate change... and terrorist act anywhere should be considered as terrorism and not good or bad terrorism". Prime Minister Narendra Modi was attending leaders' dialogue to discuss 'strategic responses to terrorist and violent extremist narrative' which took stock of Christchurch's call to eliminate terrorists and violent extremist content online. India has supported Christchurch's call to sanitize cyberspace from contents that promote terrorism, hate and violence. PM Modi also called for the need to institutionalise counter-terror cooperation at a multilateral level and help in capacity building of friendly countries in the region. Interestingly, India was mentioned by French President Emmanuel Macron during his opening speech at the conference. Macron expressed his appreciation for its association for the Christchurch call.

India says avoid politicisation of UN listing, FATF during anti-terror meet at United Nations 

A joint operation was carried out by US and Afghan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-drone-strike-kills-30-civilians-in-afghanistan-40-injured-250672">troops</a> against proscribed terror groups Al-Qaeda and Taliban in a compound in Afghanistan's Helmand province in which four terrorists were killed while several other militants were detained.

The operation was carried out in Musa Qala, a Taliban stronghold in Helmand, according to the National Security Council (NSC) of Afghanistan.

The NSC said that AQIS leader Asim Umar, who was the target, was in the compound. While it did not elaborate on Umar's status, it, however, informed that his courier, who was tasked with delivering messages to Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed.

Taliban's Explosives Chief for Helmand and two other deputies were also killed in the operation.

The NSC said that six Pakistani females, including a woman identified as Umar's wife, were in custody while eight Taliban and several foreign terrorists were also detained.

During the operation, the troops seized and destroyed Taliban weapons and ammunition.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-blast-in-kabuls-diplomatic-area-231905">Afghan</a> National Security Council (NSC)&nbsp;said that it was assessing reports of possible civilian casualties.

"Unfortunately, we are hearing reports of possible civilian casualties. As a responsible government, we are still assessing those reports and will address them accordingly," it said.

A joint operation was carried out by US and Afghan troops against proscribed terror groups Al-Qaeda and Taliban in a compound in Afghanistan's Helmand province in which four terrorists were killed while several other militants were detained.

A joint operation was carried out by US and Afghan troops against proscribed terror groups Al-Qaeda and Taliban in a compound in Afghanistan's Helmand province in which four terrorists were killed while several other militants were detained. The operation was carried out in Musa Qala, a Taliban stronghold in Helmand, according to the National Security Council (NSC) of Afghanistan. The NSC said that AQIS leader Asim Umar, who was the target, was in the compound. While it did not elaborate on Umar's status, it, however, informed that his courier, who was tasked with delivering messages to Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed. Taliban's Explosives Chief for Helmand and two other deputies were also killed in the operation. The NSC said that six Pakistani females, including a woman identified as Umar's wife, were in custody while eight Taliban and several foreign terrorists were also detained. During the operation, the troops seized and destroyed Taliban weapons and ammunition. The Afghan National Security Council (NSC) said that it was assessing reports of possible civilian casualties. "Unfortunately, we are hearing reports of possible civilian casualties. As a responsible government, we are still assessing those reports and will address them accordingly," it said.

4 terrorists killed in joint US-Afghan operation, several detained

Stating that India is facing significant challenges from 'non-state', as well as 'state-sponsored' terrorism, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reiterated governments a firm resolve to not let such forces conduct any incident on Indian territory.

"Our country is facing significant challenges from 'non-state', as well as 'state-sponsored' terrorism. The attack of 26/11 happened through sea route only. It is the strong resolve of this government that we will not let such incidents to happen on our territory. It calls for a 24x7 vigil, coordination and proactive approach in the maritime domain", he said at the Investiture Ceremony of Indian Coast Guard here.

"The government is committed to go to the extra mile to ensure that the people of this nation feel safe and contribute their best towards nation-building. The security at land is strongly linked to security at sea," Singh added.

The Defence Minister said that Indian Coast Guard is playing a pivotal role in building this synergy and cohesion of efforts between all stakeholders responsible for ensuring safety and security in Indian Maritime zones.

"The vibrant service has also been at the forefront in evolving regional co-operation and is steadily working with international maritime agencies for lasting maritime peace in the Indian Ocean Region. The Indian Coast Guard, over the years, has become a maritime force to reckon with and is responding to a multitude of challenges in the maritime sphere with professionalism and pride," he said.

During the ceremony, Singh also congratulated the awardees and asserted that these recognitions will motivate them to go the extra mile while discharging the mandate of maritime force.&nbsp;

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Stating that India is facing significant challenges from 'non-state', as well as 'state-sponsored' terrorism, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reiterated governments a firm resolve to not let such forces conduct any incident on Indian territory.

Stating that India is facing significant challenges from 'non-state', as well as 'state-sponsored' terrorism, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reiterated governments a firm resolve to not let such forces conduct any incident on Indian territory. "Our country is facing significant challenges from 'non-state', as well as 'state-sponsored' terrorism. The attack of 26/11 happened through sea route only. It is the strong resolve of this government that we will not let such incidents to happen on our territory. It calls for a 24x7 vigil, coordination and proactive approach in the maritime domain", he said at the Investiture Ceremony of Indian Coast Guard here. "The government is committed to go to the extra mile to ensure that the people of this nation feel safe and contribute their best towards nation-building. The security at land is strongly linked to security at sea," Singh added. The Defence Minister said that Indian Coast Guard is playing a pivotal role in building this synergy and cohesion of efforts between all stakeholders responsible for ensuring safety and security in Indian Maritime zones. "The vibrant service has also been at the forefront in evolving regional co-operation and is steadily working with international maritime agencies for lasting maritime peace in the Indian Ocean Region. The Indian Coast Guard, over the years, has become a maritime force to reckon with and is responding to a multitude of challenges in the maritime sphere with professionalism and pride," he said. During the ceremony, Singh also congratulated the awardees and asserted that these recognitions will motivate them to go the extra mile while discharging the mandate of maritime force.

India is facing challenges from 'non-state', 'state-sponsored' terrorism: Rajnath Singh

PM Modi has slammed Pakistan in front of U.S President Donald Trump over terrorism.

Howdy Modi Event: PM Modi slams Pakistan on terrorism

Nine people have been killed in two attacks in northern Burkina Faso, a region bearing the brunt of a jihadist revolt, officials said on Monday.

"Six people were killed by armed men overnight Saturday at Pissele, near Bourzanga", a security official said.

Bourzanga is located about 50 kilometres south of Djibo, a hotspot for jihadist attacks.

A local administrative official said three people "were shot dead in the village of Bool-Kiiba," and their bodies were found after the assailants left.

Others were unaccounted for, the official said, adding that the attackers also looted possessions, including motorbikes.

A security official confirmed that an<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-dead-in-islamist-attack-in-burkina-faso-human-rights-watch-204817"> attack</a> on Bool-Kiiba had taken place but was unable to give a toll.

Burkina Faso has become part of a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/12-civilians-killed-during-a-jihadist-attack-in-burkina-faso-189707"> seven-year-old jihadist insurgency</a> in the poor, fragile Sahel region.

More than 580 people have been killed since early 2015, according to an AFP toll.&nbsp;

Many of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gunmen-kill-six-in-burkina-faso-catholic-church-sources-218146">attacks</a> have been attributed to groups affiliated to Al-Qaeda, and others to the so-called Islamic State group.

On Thursday, five soldiers were killed in an ambush at Toeni, in the northwestern province of Sourou.

Nine people have been killed in two attacks in northern Burkina Faso, a region bearing the brunt of a jihadist revolt, officials said on Monday. "Six people were killed by armed men overnight Saturday at Pissele, near Bourzanga", a security official said.

Nine people have been killed in two attacks in northern Burkina Faso, a region bearing the brunt of a jihadist revolt, officials said on Monday. "Six people were killed by armed men overnight Saturday at Pissele, near Bourzanga", a security official said. Bourzanga is located about 50 kilometres south of Djibo, a hotspot for jihadist attacks. A local administrative official said three people "were shot dead in the village of Bool-Kiiba," and their bodies were found after the assailants left. Others were unaccounted for, the official said, adding that the attackers also looted possessions, including motorbikes. A security official confirmed that an attack on Bool-Kiiba had taken place but was unable to give a toll. Burkina Faso has become part of a seven-year-old jihadist insurgency in the poor, fragile Sahel region. More than 580 people have been killed since early 2015, according to an AFP toll. Many of the attacks have been attributed to groups affiliated to Al-Qaeda, and others to the so-called Islamic State group. On Thursday, five soldiers were killed in an ambush at Toeni, in the northwestern province of Sourou.

Burkina Faso: Nine people killed in Jihadist attacks

At least 35 civilians were killed and 13 people were injured during an attack conducted by the Afghan government forces in southern Helmand province, two provincial officials said on Monday.

The incident occurred on Sunday night when Afghan forces raided a house that the officials said was being used by the Taliban to train suicide bombers, but during the attack a wedding venue situated adjacent the target came under fire.

"35 civilians were killed and 13 are injured. These people were attending a wedding party near to the attack site in Khaksar area of Musa Qala district," said Attaullah Afghan, a member of the Helmand provincial council member.

A second provincial council member, Abdul Majid Akhundzadah said 40 people, all civilians, were killed in the attack.

At least 35 civilians were killed and 13 people were injured during an attack conducted by the Afghan government forces in southern Helmand province, two provincial officials said on Monday.

At least 35 civilians were killed and 13 people were injured during an attack conducted by the Afghan government forces in southern Helmand province, two provincial officials said on Monday. The incident occurred on Sunday night when Afghan forces raided a house that the officials said was being used by the Taliban to train suicide bombers, but during the attack a wedding venue situated adjacent the target came under fire. "35 civilians were killed and 13 are injured. These people were attending a wedding party near to the attack site in Khaksar area of Musa Qala district," said Attaullah Afghan, a member of the Helmand provincial council member. A second provincial council member, Abdul Majid Akhundzadah said 40 people, all civilians, were killed in the attack.

At least 35 civilians killed by Afghan forces in southern Helmand province

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson accused Tehran of being behind attacks on Saudi oil installations, in remarks to reporters en route to New York where he will meet&nbsp;Iran's president.

"I can tell you that the UK is attributing responsibility with a very high degree of probability to Iran for the Aramco attacks," he said, cited by Britain's Press Association news agency on Monday.

He is due to meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the UN General Assembly in New York.

He will also discuss the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-says-abundantly-clear-iran-was-behind-saudi-oil-attacks-250674">attacks </a>at a joint meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

"We think it very likely indeed that Iran was indeed responsible for using both UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), both drones and cruise missiles," Johnson told reporters.

"Clearly the difficulty is, how do we organise a global response? What is the way forward? And we will be working with our American friends and our European friends to construct a response that tries to de-escalate tensions in the Gulf region", he added.

The United States has accused <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-may-release-british-flagged-tanker-within-hours-swedish-owner-251217">Tehran</a> of carrying out air attacks on Saudi Arabia's Abqaiq plant and the Khurais oil field on September 14, knocking out half the kingdom's oil production.

Iran denies responsibility for the attacks which were claimed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-present-plan-for-gulf-security-at-un-this-week-251202">Iranian-backed </a>Huthi rebels in Yemen.

Johnson said,&nbsp;"clearly if we are asked either by the Saudis or the Americans to have a role then we would consider in what way we could be useful."

The British premier also said he would raise the case of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian mother held in Tehran since 2016, when he meets with Rouhani.

Johnson has been accused of making her plight worse when, in a previous job as foreign minister, he said she had been training journalists in Iran before she was arrested for sedition.

Her family strongly denies this and he swiftly backtracked. Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a project manager with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the media group's philanthropic arm, denies all charges.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson accused Tehran of being behind attacks on Saudi oil installations, in remarks to reporters en route to New York where he will meet Iran's president.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson accused Tehran of being behind attacks on Saudi oil installations, in remarks to reporters en route to New York where he will meet Iran's president. "I can tell you that the UK is attributing responsibility with a very high degree of probability to Iran for the Aramco attacks," he said, cited by Britain's Press Association news agency on Monday. He is due to meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the UN General Assembly in New York. He will also discuss the attacks at a joint meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. "We think it very likely indeed that Iran was indeed responsible for using both UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), both drones and cruise missiles," Johnson told reporters. "Clearly the difficulty is, how do we organise a global response? What is the way forward? And we will be working with our American friends and our European friends to construct a response that tries to de-escalate tensions in the Gulf region", he added. The United States has accused Tehran of carrying out air attacks on Saudi Arabia's Abqaiq plant and the Khurais oil field on September 14, knocking out half the kingdom's oil production. Iran denies responsibility for the attacks which were claimed by Iranian-backed Huthi rebels in Yemen. Johnson said, "clearly if we are asked either by the Saudis or the Americans to have a role then we would consider in what way we could be useful." The British premier also said he would raise the case of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian mother held in Tehran since 2016, when he meets with Rouhani. Johnson has been accused of making her plight worse when, in a previous job as foreign minister, he said she had been training journalists in Iran before she was arrested for sedition. Her family strongly denies this and he swiftly backtracked. Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a project manager with the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the media group's philanthropic arm, denies all charges.

Iran behind attacks on Saudi oil sites: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson

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The Indian government's move to revoke Article 370 that accorded special status to Jammu and Kashmir has a "national security connotation", External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday, while emphasising that the country "lives in a tough neighbourhood" and faces more than its fair share of national security challenges.

Addressing the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA), the minister, in an apparent reference to Pakistan, said that the most prominent national security challenge that India has been subjected to for many decades is the "cross border terrorism", which has cost more than 40,000 lives in the past 3 decades.

"We are opposed to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and believe there is no justification for it, whatsoever. But it is not just enough to have a position. When subjected to terrorist attacks, any polity that is sincerely committed to the welfare of its people will surely respond," Jaishankar said.

"And indeed, that is precisely what we have done in recent years. Even the changes that were approved last month by the Indian Parliament with respect to Jammu and Kashmir, while driven by the needs of governance and development, and have a national security connotation," he added.

Referring to Pakistan, Jaishankar said that the epicentre of terrorism is "right in our neighbourhood. But even as we take our responsive measures, our belief is that this is not just a concern for one country but for the entire international community."

The External Affairs Minister is on a three-day visit to Finland.
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The Indian government's move to revoke Article 370 that accorded special status to Jammu and Kashmir has a "national security connotation", External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday, while emphasising that the country "lives in a tough neighbourhood" and faces more than its fair share of national security challenges.

The Indian government's move to revoke Article 370 that accorded special status to Jammu and Kashmir has a "national security connotation", External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Friday, while emphasising that the country "lives in a tough neighbourhood" and faces more than its fair share of national security challenges. Addressing the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA), the minister, in an apparent reference to Pakistan, said that the most prominent national security challenge that India has been subjected to for many decades is the "cross border terrorism", which has cost more than 40,000 lives in the past 3 decades. "We are opposed to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and believe there is no justification for it, whatsoever. But it is not just enough to have a position. When subjected to terrorist attacks, any polity that is sincerely committed to the welfare of its people will surely respond," Jaishankar said. "And indeed, that is precisely what we have done in recent years. Even the changes that were approved last month by the Indian Parliament with respect to Jammu and Kashmir, while driven by the needs of governance and development, and have a national security connotation," he added. Referring to Pakistan, Jaishankar said that the epicentre of terrorism is "right in our neighbourhood. But even as we take our responsive measures, our belief is that this is not just a concern for one country but for the entire international community." The External Affairs Minister is on a three-day visit to Finland.

Epicentre of terrorism is right in our neighbourhood: S Jaishankar

Officials of Rashtriya Rifles unit and locals of the area came together to celebrate the silver jubilee of six sectors headquarter force in Poonch on Monday.

The locals appreciated the efforts of Romeo Force of Indian Army`s Rashtriya Rifles in eradicating militancy from the area in the last 25 years.

Several programmes were held on the occasion in which children sang and danced on patriotic songs. They were also given prizes and gifts by the Army.&nbsp;

"We are living in peace as militancy was eradicated from our region by the Army. We are united here. The Army and civilians share a great bond," Omar Farooq, a local, said.

"We want to wish them. We hope in future we keep working like this and they eliminate militancy from this region whenever required," another local said.&nbsp;

"Poonch had become a mini-Pakistan. However, due to the army`s efforts, we are living here peacefully. We are happy that we got the opportunity to celebrate the silver jubilee of Rashtriya Rifles of sector 6", another local added. 
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Officials of Rashtriya Rifles unit and locals of the area came together to celebrate the silver jubilee of six sectors headquarter force in Poonch on Monday. The locals appreciated the efforts of Romeo Force of Indian Army`s Rashtriya Rifles in eradicating militancy from the area in the last 25 years.

Officials of Rashtriya Rifles unit and locals of the area came together to celebrate the silver jubilee of six sectors headquarter force in Poonch on Monday. The locals appreciated the efforts of Romeo Force of Indian Army`s Rashtriya Rifles in eradicating militancy from the area in the last 25 years. Several programmes were held on the occasion in which children sang and danced on patriotic songs. They were also given prizes and gifts by the Army. "We are living in peace as militancy was eradicated from our region by the Army. We are united here. The Army and civilians share a great bond," Omar Farooq, a local, said. "We want to wish them. We hope in future we keep working like this and they eliminate militancy from this region whenever required," another local said. "Poonch had become a mini-Pakistan. However, due to the army`s efforts, we are living here peacefully. We are happy that we got the opportunity to celebrate the silver jubilee of Rashtriya Rifles of sector 6", another local added.

Poonch: Civilians hail efforts of army unit in eradicating terrorism

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