U.S. Media Reports That Hamza Bin Laden Is Dead According to reports in the U.S. media, Osama Bin Laden's son Hamza Bin Laden is believed to be dead. Neither the U.S. government nor the Al-Qaeda has confirmed the story. But it could have huge ramifications, if true. Here's a report charting the life of Hamza Bin Laden

Gravitas: US media: Osama Bin Laden's son Hamza Bin Laden is dead

Indian cricket star Mahendra Singh Dhoni starts patrol duties in Jammu and Kashmir from Wednesday to discharge his responsibilities as an honorary colonel in the army, the military said.

Dhoni is sitting out India's tour of the West Indies that begins this week and there has been speculation he might retire after struggling in this month's World Cup that saw India knocked out in the semi-finals.

The wicketkeeper-batsman who enjoys cult status in the Indian cricket arena&nbsp;is part of the territorial Army.

He will do a 15-day stint with the Victor Force engaged in counter-insurgency operations against terrorist in Kashmir.

"He will be taking on the duties of patrolling, guard and post duty and would be staying with troops," the army said in a statement, adding that its headquarters had approved a schedule which incorporated Dhoni's requests.

Dhoni has<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-to-train-with-paramilitary-regiment-army-chief-general-bipin-rawat-approves-request-237513"> trained as a paratrooper and jumped from aircraft</a>, an army official said, adding, "This stint in Kashmir is part of his training."

Making use of sports figures such as Dhoni, whose brand value is worth millions of dollars, helps the security forces raise their profile, particularly among young people who are their key pool of recruits.

More recently, he has played a role beyond hitting sixes and getting out batsmen though his glovework behind the stumps.

In March, at Dhoni's behest, Indian cricketers wore army camouflage-style caps during a match to show solidarity with paramilitary police killed in a terrorist attack in Kashmir by a Pakistan-based terrorist group.

During India’s opening match with South Africa at the World Cup, Dhoni stirred controversy with gloves that sported the territorial Army's dagger insignia.

The International Cricket Council asked for the removal of the insignia, setting off a furore in the country.

Dhoni, who turned 38 this month, captained the side to the World Twenty20 title in 2007 and their second 50-over World Cup title in 2011 at home. Widely considered the best 'finisher' in contemporary cricket, he is a veteran of 350 one-dayers.

Indian cricket star Mahendra Singh Dhoni starts patrol duties in Jammu and Kashmir from Wednesday to discharge his responsibilities as an honorary colonel in the army, the military said.

Indian cricket star Mahendra Singh Dhoni starts patrol duties in Jammu and Kashmir from Wednesday to discharge his responsibilities as an honorary colonel in the army, the military said. Dhoni is sitting out India's tour of the West Indies that begins this week and there has been speculation he might retire after struggling in this month's World Cup that saw India knocked out in the semi-finals. The wicketkeeper-batsman who enjoys cult status in the Indian cricket arena is part of the territorial Army. He will do a 15-day stint with the Victor Force engaged in counter-insurgency operations against terrorist in Kashmir. "He will be taking on the duties of patrolling, guard and post duty and would be staying with troops," the army said in a statement, adding that its headquarters had approved a schedule which incorporated Dhoni's requests. Dhoni has trained as a paratrooper and jumped from aircraft, an army official said, adding, "This stint in Kashmir is part of his training." Making use of sports figures such as Dhoni, whose brand value is worth millions of dollars, helps the security forces raise their profile, particularly among young people who are their key pool of recruits. More recently, he has played a role beyond hitting sixes and getting out batsmen though his glovework behind the stumps. In March, at Dhoni's behest, Indian cricketers wore army camouflage-style caps during a match to show solidarity with paramilitary police killed in a terrorist attack in Kashmir by a Pakistan-based terrorist group. During India’s opening match with South Africa at the World Cup, Dhoni stirred controversy with gloves that sported the territorial Army's dagger insignia. The International Cricket Council asked for the removal of the insignia, setting off a furore in the country. Dhoni, who turned 38 this month, captained the side to the World Twenty20 title in 2007 and their second 50-over World Cup title in 2011 at home. Widely considered the best 'finisher' in contemporary cricket, he is a veteran of 350 one-dayers.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni to pull guard duty in Kashmir as honorary colonel

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday after a heated debate.&nbsp;

During a discussion on the Bill, Home Minister Amit Shah said tough laws were required to end terrorism and asserted that the amendment does not encroach on powers of states.

Replying to a spirited debate on the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019 in the Lok Sabha, Shah said the BJP-led government will never misuse its provisions.

Congress and several opposition parties staged a walkout after the minister's reply demanding that the Bill be sent to a standing committee.&nbsp;

Shah said the BJP-led government had only brought an amendment to the law which was enacted by Congress and whose provisions were later made stringent.

Shah said what Congress governments did "was right and what the BJP-led government is doing is also right".&nbsp;

"The law was enacted in 1967 by a Congress government and amendments made to it in 2004, 2008 and 2013 when Congress was in power. Who made the law stringent? What you did was right, what we are doing is also right," he said.

He asked opposition members about their concerns when the Congress had made changes to the law to make it stringent.

He said Congress member Manish Tewari had asked what was the need for tough laws and that terror-related problems were solved through political dialogue.

"There is a need for tough laws to end terrorism," he said.&nbsp;

Referring to the provisions of the Bill that allow an individual to be designated as a terrorist, he said that terrorists often floats new organisations if a ban is imposed.

Shah also said that the BJP-led government was against "urban Maoism".

"In this country, a lot of people involved in social work are working respectably, the police is not fond of catching them, but we don't have any sympathy for those who work for Urban Maoism," the Home Minister said.

"We have no sympathy for those who promote Maoism under an ideological shield," he said.

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday after a heated debate. During a discussion on the Bill, Home Minister Amit Shah said tough laws were required to end terrorism and asserted that the amendment does not encroach on powers of states.

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday after a heated debate. During a discussion on the Bill, Home Minister Amit Shah said tough laws were required to end terrorism and asserted that the amendment does not encroach on powers of states. Replying to a spirited debate on the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019 in the Lok Sabha, Shah said the BJP-led government will never misuse its provisions. Congress and several opposition parties staged a walkout after the minister's reply demanding that the Bill be sent to a standing committee. Shah said the BJP-led government had only brought an amendment to the law which was enacted by Congress and whose provisions were later made stringent. Shah said what Congress governments did "was right and what the BJP-led government is doing is also right". "The law was enacted in 1967 by a Congress government and amendments made to it in 2004, 2008 and 2013 when Congress was in power. Who made the law stringent? What you did was right, what we are doing is also right," he said. He asked opposition members about their concerns when the Congress had made changes to the law to make it stringent. He said Congress member Manish Tewari had asked what was the need for tough laws and that terror-related problems were solved through political dialogue. "There is a need for tough laws to end terrorism," he said. Referring to the provisions of the Bill that allow an individual to be designated as a terrorist, he said that terrorists often floats new organisations if a ban is imposed. Shah also said that the BJP-led government was against "urban Maoism". "In this country, a lot of people involved in social work are working respectably, the police is not fond of catching them, but we don't have any sympathy for those who work for Urban Maoism," the Home Minister said. "We have no sympathy for those who promote Maoism under an ideological shield," he said.

Lok Sabha passes Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/seen-this-drama-says-india-on-hafiz-saeeds-arrest-by-pakistan-236906">UN-proscribed terrorist Hafiz Saeed</a>'s judicial remand was extended by 14 days on Wednesday by a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-will-not-allow-armed-militia-in-the-country-imran-khan-238076">Pakistan</a> court.&nbsp;

26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind and head of Jamaat-ud-Dawa Saeed was arrested by Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on July 17 in connection with charges related to terror financing.

Counter-Terrorism Department had registered 23 cases in July against the leadership of JuD, Lashkar-e-Taiba and FIF (Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation) for gaining assets from terrorism financing through non-profit organisations.

Watch: WION questions Imran Khan on Hafiz Saeed

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India blames Saeed for masterminding the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 166 people were killed including several Americans.

Saeed was declared a global terrorist by the UNSC recently after a long, protracted battle by India at the UN body, a move which was consistently blocked by China. The US had declared a $10 million reward for capturing the Pakistan-based terrorist.

The arrest of the JuD chief comes just months ahead of Pakistan's probable blacklisting at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) which had slammed the Imran Khan-led government for not doing enough to stop money laundering and terror financing in the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

UN-proscribed terrorist Hafiz Saeed's judicial remand was extended by 14 days on Wednesday by a Pakistan court. 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind and head of Jamaat-ud-Dawa Saeed was arrested by Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on July 17 in connection with charges related to terror financing.

UN-proscribed terrorist Hafiz Saeed's judicial remand was extended by 14 days on Wednesday by a Pakistan court. 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind and head of Jamaat-ud-Dawa Saeed was arrested by Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on July 17 in connection with charges related to terror financing. Counter-Terrorism Department had registered 23 cases in July against the leadership of JuD, Lashkar-e-Taiba and FIF (Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation) for gaining assets from terrorism financing through non-profit organisations. Watch: WION questions Imran Khan on Hafiz Saeed × India blames Saeed for masterminding the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 166 people were killed including several Americans. Saeed was declared a global terrorist by the UNSC recently after a long, protracted battle by India at the UN body, a move which was consistently blocked by China. The US had declared a $10 million reward for capturing the Pakistan-based terrorist. The arrest of the JuD chief comes just months ahead of Pakistan's probable blacklisting at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) which had slammed the Imran Khan-led government for not doing enough to stop money laundering and terror financing in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan court extends Hafiz Saeed's judicial remand for 14 more days

Budgam Police in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday filed a charge sheet against six terror associates affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Al-Badr, as per records available with the police.

"The charge sheet was filed before the competent court for a case registered under relevant sections of law against the all six terrorist associates identified as Tanveer Laway, Shahnawaz Bhat, Imtiyaz Bhat, Gulzar Wani, Imtiyaz Bhat and Azad Wani," Jammu and Kashmir Police said in a press release.

"A&nbsp;case was registered for Dalwan (Chahar-e-Sharief) encounter which happened on January 2 this year in which three terrorists affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Al-Badr were killed," it added.&nbsp;

The police said that the subsequent investigations in the case revealed the complexity of these six terrorist associates.&nbsp;

Budgam Police in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday filed a charge sheet against six terror associates affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Al-Badr, as per records available with the police.

Budgam Police in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday filed a charge sheet against six terror associates affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Al-Badr, as per records available with the police. "The charge sheet was filed before the competent court for a case registered under relevant sections of law against the all six terrorist associates identified as Tanveer Laway, Shahnawaz Bhat, Imtiyaz Bhat, Gulzar Wani, Imtiyaz Bhat and Azad Wani," Jammu and Kashmir Police said in a press release. "A case was registered for Dalwan (Chahar-e-Sharief) encounter which happened on January 2 this year in which three terrorists affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Al-Badr were killed," it added. The police said that the subsequent investigations in the case revealed the complexity of these six terrorist associates.

Jammu and Kashmir police files charge sheet against 6 terror associates

In the last four years, there have been 131 terrorist attacks on the Indian Army bases and personnel in Jammu and Kashmir and Northeastern states of the country, Defence Ministry informed Parliament on Wednesday.

As per the Defence Ministry`s reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, the government said in 2016, 15 attacks took place while in 2017, the number of attacks rose to 33. In 2018, the number of attacks came to 65 while in the first seven months of this year, 18 attacks have taken place.

Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik clarified that no naval ship or establishment had come under attack during the last three years.

The Defence Ministry said while it holds an inquiry into all incidents of attacks, it had constituted a committee under Lt Gen (Retd) Philip Campose to enquire the incident at Air Force Station Pathankot and to recommend remedial measures to strengthen the security of various military establishments across the country.

"Based on the Committee`s recommendations, various measures including strengthening of physical security through the layered defense and perimeter security, deployment of Quick Reaction Teams, use of airborne platforms, etc., for the security of defense installations have been instituted. Periodical review of the security arrangements based on threat assesses," the government said.

In the last four years, there have been 131 terrorist attacks on the Indian Army bases and personnel in Jammu and Kashmir and Northeastern states of the country, Defence Ministry informed Parliament on Wednesday.

In the last four years, there have been 131 terrorist attacks on the Indian Army bases and personnel in Jammu and Kashmir and Northeastern states of the country, Defence Ministry informed Parliament on Wednesday. As per the Defence Ministry`s reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, the government said in 2016, 15 attacks took place while in 2017, the number of attacks rose to 33. In 2018, the number of attacks came to 65 while in the first seven months of this year, 18 attacks have taken place. Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik clarified that no naval ship or establishment had come under attack during the last three years. The Defence Ministry said while it holds an inquiry into all incidents of attacks, it had constituted a committee under Lt Gen (Retd) Philip Campose to enquire the incident at Air Force Station Pathankot and to recommend remedial measures to strengthen the security of various military establishments across the country. "Based on the Committee`s recommendations, various measures including strengthening of physical security through the layered defense and perimeter security, deployment of Quick Reaction Teams, use of airborne platforms, etc., for the security of defense installations have been instituted. Periodical review of the security arrangements based on threat assesses," the government said.

131 terrorist attacks on Army in last four years: Defence Ministry

Twenty-two Taliban terrorists and one civilian were killed in a counter-terrorism operation launched by the Special Operation Forces of Afghan National Police in the country's eastern province of Logar, the country's Ministry of Interior Affairs said on Tuesday.

The special operation also included airstrikes, conducted on Monday night on Taliban hideouts situated in the Kamalkhil village of the Mohammad Agha district, reported Xinhua News Agency.

While the ministry says that one child was killed and a woman sustained injuries after their home was hit by a shelling launched by Taliban terrorists, the locals claim that as many as five civilians were killed and 11 others sustained injuries as a result of the airstrikes.

Twenty-two Taliban terrorists and one civilian were killed in a counter-terrorism operation launched by the Special Operation Forces of Afghan National Police in the country's eastern province of Logar, the country's Ministry of Interior Affairs said on Tuesday.

Twenty-two Taliban terrorists and one civilian were killed in a counter-terrorism operation launched by the Special Operation Forces of Afghan National Police in the country's eastern province of Logar, the country's Ministry of Interior Affairs said on Tuesday. The special operation also included airstrikes, conducted on Monday night on Taliban hideouts situated in the Kamalkhil village of the Mohammad Agha district, reported Xinhua News Agency. While the ministry says that one child was killed and a woman sustained injuries after their home was hit by a shelling launched by Taliban terrorists, the locals claim that as many as five civilians were killed and 11 others sustained injuries as a result of the airstrikes.

Afghanistan: 22 Taliban terrorists, 1 civilian killed in counter terrorism operation

A car exploded in southeast Turkey near the border with Syria on Friday, killing three Syrian people, President <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/its-a-problem-trump-tells-erdogan-on-russia-s-400-missile-deal-231388&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjV5Z6w6J3jAhWjW3wKHWprBhkQFjAEegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0-9MZlIbB1e7kEabf-OZ3r">Tayyip Erdogan</a> said, adding that initial findings showed the blast may be terrorism-related.

The explosion took place in the town of Reyhanli, where officials are carrying out inspections to determine its cause, Erdogan said. He said it was clear the explosion was the result of a bomb inside the vehicle detonating.

Security sources said one of the Syrian passengers in the car was a suicide bomber whose explosive device detonated early, causing the blast.

The sources said the passengers in the car were being investigated for potential links to Islamic State and added that one person was also wounded in the blast.

Reyhanli is home to thousands of Syrian refugees. Following a series of bombings in the region in 2013, Turkey tightened controls along its 900-km (560-mile) border with Syria.

Twin car bombs ripped through the town, which is in Hatay province, on May 11, 2013, killing 52 people. At the time, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/istanbul-mayor-says-win-marks-new-beginning-for-turkey-229840&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjV5Z6w6J3jAhWjW3wKHWprBhkQFjAJegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1UzZAHpHZy1J6nWAOaxicF">Turkey </a>accused a group loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of carrying out the attacks. Damascus denied any involvement.

In May, Turkey handed down 53 life sentences without parole to Yusuf Nazik, the man authorities say planned the 2013 bomb attack.

Turkey has been one of the biggest supporters of the rebels fighting Syrian government forces during the eight-year conflict in Syria. It hosts some 3.5 million Syrian refugees.

A car exploded in southeast Turkey near the border with Syria on Friday, killing three Syrian people, President Tayyip Erdogan said, adding that initial findings showed the blast may be terrorism-related.

A car exploded in southeast Turkey near the border with Syria on Friday, killing three Syrian people, President Tayyip Erdogan said, adding that initial findings showed the blast may be terrorism-related. The explosion took place in the town of Reyhanli, where officials are carrying out inspections to determine its cause, Erdogan said. He said it was clear the explosion was the result of a bomb inside the vehicle detonating. Security sources said one of the Syrian passengers in the car was a suicide bomber whose explosive device detonated early, causing the blast. The sources said the passengers in the car were being investigated for potential links to Islamic State and added that one person was also wounded in the blast. Reyhanli is home to thousands of Syrian refugees. Following a series of bombings in the region in 2013, Turkey tightened controls along its 900-km (560-mile) border with Syria. Twin car bombs ripped through the town, which is in Hatay province, on May 11, 2013, killing 52 people. At the time, Turkey accused a group loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of carrying out the attacks. Damascus denied any involvement. In May, Turkey handed down 53 life sentences without parole to Yusuf Nazik, the man authorities say planned the 2013 bomb attack. Turkey has been one of the biggest supporters of the rebels fighting Syrian government forces during the eight-year conflict in Syria. It hosts some 3.5 million Syrian refugees.

Tayyip Erdogan says car explosion in Turkey kills three, may be terrorism-related

The terrorist who was killed on Friday in an <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-in-budgam-district-231053">encounter with security forces</a> in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam has been identified as a Pakistani national called Zarar, news agency ANI reported.

As per reports, the slain terrorist was affiliated to Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed. &nbsp;

Security forces have recovered arms and ammunition and a case has been registered.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> Budgam (J&amp;K) encounter: From the incriminating materials recovered, the killed terrorist has been identified as Zarar from Pakistan, who was affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Arms &amp; ammunition recovered. Case registered.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1144577329118830594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The encounter broke out in the early morning today after a cordon and search operation was launched by security forces in Kralpora Checkpora area.

During the search operation, the hiding terrorists fired on the search party of the forces and it was retaliated.

The spokesperson said with efforts of police and security forces, it was a clean operation and no collateral damage took place during the exchange of fire.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

The terrorist who was killed on Friday in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam has been identified as a Pakistani national called Zarar, news agency ANI reported.

The terrorist who was killed on Friday in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam has been identified as a Pakistani national called Zarar, news agency ANI reported. As per reports, the slain terrorist was affiliated to Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed. Security forces have recovered arms and ammunition and a case has been registered. #UPDATE Budgam (J&K) encounter: From the incriminating materials recovered, the killed terrorist has been identified as Zarar from Pakistan, who was affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Arms & ammunition recovered. Case registered. — ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2019 × The encounter broke out in the early morning today after a cordon and search operation was launched by security forces in Kralpora Checkpora area. During the search operation, the hiding terrorists fired on the search party of the forces and it was retaliated. The spokesperson said with efforts of police and security forces, it was a clean operation and no collateral damage took place during the exchange of fire. (With inputs from agencies)

Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorist killed in Budgam encounter affiliated to Jaish-e-Mohammed

Three <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/4-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-in-pakistan-191488">terrorists were killed in an operation</a> conducted by Pakistani armed forces in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-victim-of-christchurch-mosque-attacks-buried-in-karachi-205569">Karachi</a> late on Sunday.

After getting a tip-off, the police and intelligence agencies conducted an operation and during the exchange of fire, the terrorists were killed.&nbsp;

However, two of their accomplices managed to escape. The police have claimed that the trio was planning to "carry out sabotage activities" in Karachi.

The police have also recovered a suicide jacket, hand grenades and large quantity of arms from their possession.

Three terrorists were killed in an operation conducted by Pakistani armed forces in Karachi late on Sunday. After getting a tip-off, the police and intelligence agencies conducted an operation and during the exchange of fire, the terrorists were killed.

Three terrorists were killed in an operation conducted by Pakistani armed forces in Karachi late on Sunday. After getting a tip-off, the police and intelligence agencies conducted an operation and during the exchange of fire, the terrorists were killed. However, two of their accomplices managed to escape. The police have claimed that the trio was planning to "carry out sabotage activities" in Karachi. The police have also recovered a suicide jacket, hand grenades and large quantity of arms from their possession.

Three terrorists killed in Karachi, claims Pakistan police

Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has claimed that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-fails-to-complete-points-given-by-terror-financing-watchdog-fatf-report-227563">country is doing its best </a>and utilising all available sources to eliminate terrorism from its soil, adding that Islamabad has been moving towards attaining sustainable peace and stability.

Bajwa, while speaking at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London on Friday, suggested that all countries should come forward and cooperate with each other in "wiping out terrorism" as it is a common enemy for all.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-tells-pakistan-to-take-credible-verifiable-irreversible-measures-on-terror-financing-after-fatf-relief-229407">India tells Pakistan to take 'credible' measures on terror financing after FATF rap&nbsp;</a>

"We are doing our best, utilising all available sources to wipe out the enemies of peace and prosperity but it is fact that peace and stability in South Asia was dependent on the resolution of conflicts and disputes in the region", The Nation quoted Bajwa.

"We suggest to all countries especially our neighbouring nations that come forward and cooperate with each other in wiping out terrorism as it is a common enemy. We have suffered a lot in the past and would not like to be suffered in future. We are pleased to let you know at this platform that Pakistan has been moving towards attaining sustainable peace and stability," Bajwa said while accepting that Pakistan has suffered in the past due to terrorism.

He opined, "Improved security offers foreign investment in Pakistan, a pivot to regional connectivity. However, the future of enduring peace and stability in South Asia hinges on the ability to resolve issues and long pending disputes within the region."

Bajwa, who is on a five-day visit in London, said, "A better security will pave the way for foreign investment in Pakistan and in fact, the foreign investment plays a pivotal role for regional coordination."

The Pakistan Army Chief`s comments come a day after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-gets-fatf-rap-after-failing-to-meet-deadline-twice-stays-on-greylist-229332">Financial Action Task Force (FATF) </a>on told the country to "swiftly" complete its action plan to curb terror financing by October or face consequences. The warning was made in a statement issued by the financial watchdog following a plenary meeting in Orlando.

Pakistan is currently on the "grey list" of countries that have been inadequate in curbing money laundering and terror financing.

The country has already missed two prior deadlines -- in January and May 2019 -- to complete their action plan.

"Pakistan should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address its strategic deficiencies. FATF expresses concern that not only did Pakistan fail to complete its action plan items with January deadlines, it also failed to complete its action plan items due May 2019," a statement issued by FATF outlined.

Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has claimed that the country is doing its best and utilising all available sources to eliminate terrorism from its soil, adding that Islamabad has been moving towards attaining sustainable peace and stability.

Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has claimed that the country is doing its best and utilising all available sources to eliminate terrorism from its soil, adding that Islamabad has been moving towards attaining sustainable peace and stability. Bajwa, while speaking at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London on Friday, suggested that all countries should come forward and cooperate with each other in "wiping out terrorism" as it is a common enemy for all. Also read: India tells Pakistan to take 'credible' measures on terror financing after FATF rap "We are doing our best, utilising all available sources to wipe out the enemies of peace and prosperity but it is fact that peace and stability in South Asia was dependent on the resolution of conflicts and disputes in the region", The Nation quoted Bajwa. "We suggest to all countries especially our neighbouring nations that come forward and cooperate with each other in wiping out terrorism as it is a common enemy. We have suffered a lot in the past and would not like to be suffered in future. We are pleased to let you know at this platform that Pakistan has been moving towards attaining sustainable peace and stability," Bajwa said while accepting that Pakistan has suffered in the past due to terrorism. He opined, "Improved security offers foreign investment in Pakistan, a pivot to regional connectivity. However, the future of enduring peace and stability in South Asia hinges on the ability to resolve issues and long pending disputes within the region." Bajwa, who is on a five-day visit in London, said, "A better security will pave the way for foreign investment in Pakistan and in fact, the foreign investment plays a pivotal role for regional coordination." The Pakistan Army Chief`s comments come a day after the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on told the country to "swiftly" complete its action plan to curb terror financing by October or face consequences. The warning was made in a statement issued by the financial watchdog following a plenary meeting in Orlando. Pakistan is currently on the "grey list" of countries that have been inadequate in curbing money laundering and terror financing. The country has already missed two prior deadlines -- in January and May 2019 -- to complete their action plan. "Pakistan should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address its strategic deficiencies. FATF expresses concern that not only did Pakistan fail to complete its action plan items with January deadlines, it also failed to complete its action plan items due May 2019," a statement issued by FATF outlined.

Day after FATF warning, Pakistan Army Chief claims 'country doing best to wipe out terrorism'

Pakistan army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday said the country is at the cusp of achieving peace, which can be complemented through meaningful international partnership.&nbsp;

Addressing a seminar on 'Pakistan's Regional Security Perspective' at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London, Bajwa said the future of enduring peace and stability in South Asia "hinges on the ability to resolve issues and long pending disputes within the region".

"Pakistan is at the cusp of achieving sustainable, irreversible, enduring peace and stability. This can be complemented through meaningful international partnership, support and will to take on regional challenges," the army chief, who is in London on an official visit, said.

Pakistan army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday said the country is at the cusp of achieving peace, which can be complemented through meaningful international partnership.

Pakistan army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday said the country is at the cusp of achieving peace, which can be complemented through meaningful international partnership. Addressing a seminar on 'Pakistan's Regional Security Perspective' at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London, Bajwa said the future of enduring peace and stability in South Asia "hinges on the ability to resolve issues and long pending disputes within the region". "Pakistan is at the cusp of achieving sustainable, irreversible, enduring peace and stability. This can be complemented through meaningful international partnership, support and will to take on regional challenges," the army chief, who is in London on an official visit, said.

Pakistan at the cusp of achieving peace: General Bajwa

A Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist was killed in an encounter with the security forces in north Kashmir’s Bujthalan Boniyar area in Baramulla district after a brief exchange of fire.&nbsp;

Acting on credible inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area, a joint team of the Indian army and Jammu and Kashmir police cordoned the area, to look for the hiding terrorists.&nbsp;

Police said that during the searches, terrorists fired on the joint forces, triggering an encounter.&nbsp;

“In the ensuing encounter, one terrorist was killed and the body was retrieved from the site of encounter. From the incriminating material recovered from the site of encounter, the killed terrorist has been identified as a foreigner from Pakistan and is believed to be from proscribed terror outfit JeM,” police said in a statement.
<img alt="JeM terrorist" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9dc4e8c6-1d96-43ec-b83d-b4300867c3ba" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/terrorist.JPG" />
&nbsp;According to sources in the police, the slain militant has been identified as Luqman, a Pakistani terrorist, who was associated JeM outfit. He according to sources was active for one year in different areas of north Kashmir after managing to infiltrate.&nbsp;

Police have also recovered incriminating material including arms and ammunition from the site of encounter. The police are also looking at the records of his involvement in different terror crimes in the state. &nbsp;

A Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist was killed in an encounter with the security forces in north Kashmir’s Bujthalan Boniyar area in Baramulla district after a brief exchange of fire.

A Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist was killed in an encounter with the security forces in north Kashmir’s Bujthalan Boniyar area in Baramulla district after a brief exchange of fire. Acting on credible inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area, a joint team of the Indian army and Jammu and Kashmir police cordoned the area, to look for the hiding terrorists. Police said that during the searches, terrorists fired on the joint forces, triggering an encounter. “In the ensuing encounter, one terrorist was killed and the body was retrieved from the site of encounter. From the incriminating material recovered from the site of encounter, the killed terrorist has been identified as a foreigner from Pakistan and is believed to be from proscribed terror outfit JeM,” police said in a statement. According to sources in the police, the slain militant has been identified as Luqman, a Pakistani terrorist, who was associated JeM outfit. He according to sources was active for one year in different areas of north Kashmir after managing to infiltrate. Police have also recovered incriminating material including arms and ammunition from the site of encounter. The police are also looking at the records of his involvement in different terror crimes in the state.

Jaish terrorist killed in encounter in north Kashmir’s Baramulla

Pakistan has taken some "important" steps against terror groups post Pulwama attack but they are still reversible, a top US official said Wednesday, urging the Pakistani leadership to take sustained actions against terrorists operating in the country.

Terrorist organisations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) will continue to pose a grave risk to international peace as long as they are able to operate freely in Pakistan, Alice G Wells, Senior State Department Official for South and Central Asian Affairs told House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee for Asia, the Pacific and Nonproliferation.

"On the broader issue of counter-terrorism, the Pulwama terrorist attack in February that sparked a crisis between India and Pakistan underscored the importance and immediate need to halt terrorist activity in the region," she said in a prepared statement.

The sub-committee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing US Interests in South Asia and the FY 2020 Budget on Thursday.&nbsp;

"We continue to urge Pakistan's leaders to make good on their pledges to take sustained and irreversible actions against terrorist groups operating within the country's borders, which is necessary for the long-term stability and prosperity of the region," she said.&nbsp;

"In recent months, we have seen Pakistan detain some militants and seize assets belonging to front organisations raising funds for terrorist groups. While these steps are important, they are still reversible," she told the lawmakers.&nbsp;

She asserting that Pakistan must sustain these measures and expand upon them, including by prosecuting terrorist leaders.

"On a multilateral level, we succeeded on May 1 in listing JeM leader Masood Azhar at the UN 1267 Sanctions Committee" an achievement 10 years in the making. His listing sends an important message that the international community will not tolerate terrorism," she said.

Wells said that US relationship with Pakistan remains one of its most complex and most consequential.&nbsp;

In line with the Trump administration's South Asia strategy, its approach to Pakistan has focused largely on securing Islamabad's support for the Afghan peace process and for Pakistan to follow through on its pledges to take sustained and irreversible actions against all militant groups operating from within its territory, she said.&nbsp;

"Our engagement with Pakistan on nonproliferation issues is also crucial. The US and Pakistan both attach high importance to preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We remain concerned, however, about Pakistan's development of certain categories of nuclear weapons and delivery systems," Wells said.&nbsp;

On Afghanistan reconciliation, she said, "We recognise that Pakistan has taken steps to encourage Taliban participation in peace negotiations, which has been important to the progress we have made thus far."

"However, there is much more work to be done to achieve our ultimate goal of a peaceful Afghanistan free of terrorist groups," she said.&nbsp;

"Pakistani officials are correct when they say that no other country will benefit more from a peaceful Afghanistan than Pakistan, and we expect Pakistan to continue to play a constructive role in reconciliation efforts," she added.&nbsp;

Wells said that sustained progress on these two issues "reconciliation and counterterrorism " will lie at the heart of a renewed bilateral relationship.

"We believe in the potential of the US-Pakistan relationship to foster regional stability and economic prosperity," she said.&nbsp;

In the next year's budget, she said the Trump administration will focus civilian assistance programming on priority areas such as building capacity to deter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; building law enforcement capacity to fight crime and terrorism; and supporting economic development that can expand US business ties with Pakistan.

It will also focus on addressing communicable diseases that threaten both the countries; supporting civil society and religious freedom; and working with Pakistan to ensure that communities in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region are stable and cannot be used as a base by terrorists, she said.&nbsp;

"The request reflects the trajectory of our relationship away from an assistance focus and toward a more trade-based one, and the bright economic future we believe a more robust US-Pakistan partnership can bring for Pakistan and the region, should Pakistan follow through on its pledges to fight terrorism and promote peace in Afghanistan," Wells said.

Pakistan has taken some "important" steps against terror groups post Pulwama attack but they are still reversible, a top US official said Wednesday, urging the Pakistani leadership to take sustained actions against terrorists operating in the country.

Pakistan has taken some "important" steps against terror groups post Pulwama attack but they are still reversible, a top US official said Wednesday, urging the Pakistani leadership to take sustained actions against terrorists operating in the country. Terrorist organisations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) will continue to pose a grave risk to international peace as long as they are able to operate freely in Pakistan, Alice G Wells, Senior State Department Official for South and Central Asian Affairs told House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee for Asia, the Pacific and Nonproliferation. "On the broader issue of counter-terrorism, the Pulwama terrorist attack in February that sparked a crisis between India and Pakistan underscored the importance and immediate need to halt terrorist activity in the region," she said in a prepared statement. The sub-committee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing US Interests in South Asia and the FY 2020 Budget on Thursday. "We continue to urge Pakistan's leaders to make good on their pledges to take sustained and irreversible actions against terrorist groups operating within the country's borders, which is necessary for the long-term stability and prosperity of the region," she said. "In recent months, we have seen Pakistan detain some militants and seize assets belonging to front organisations raising funds for terrorist groups. While these steps are important, they are still reversible," she told the lawmakers. She asserting that Pakistan must sustain these measures and expand upon them, including by prosecuting terrorist leaders. "On a multilateral level, we succeeded on May 1 in listing JeM leader Masood Azhar at the UN 1267 Sanctions Committee" an achievement 10 years in the making. His listing sends an important message that the international community will not tolerate terrorism," she said. Wells said that US relationship with Pakistan remains one of its most complex and most consequential. In line with the Trump administration's South Asia strategy, its approach to Pakistan has focused largely on securing Islamabad's support for the Afghan peace process and for Pakistan to follow through on its pledges to take sustained and irreversible actions against all militant groups operating from within its territory, she said. "Our engagement with Pakistan on nonproliferation issues is also crucial. The US and Pakistan both attach high importance to preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. We remain concerned, however, about Pakistan's development of certain categories of nuclear weapons and delivery systems," Wells said. On Afghanistan reconciliation, she said, "We recognise that Pakistan has taken steps to encourage Taliban participation in peace negotiations, which has been important to the progress we have made thus far." "However, there is much more work to be done to achieve our ultimate goal of a peaceful Afghanistan free of terrorist groups," she said. "Pakistani officials are correct when they say that no other country will benefit more from a peaceful Afghanistan than Pakistan, and we expect Pakistan to continue to play a constructive role in reconciliation efforts," she added. Wells said that sustained progress on these two issues "reconciliation and counterterrorism " will lie at the heart of a renewed bilateral relationship. "We believe in the potential of the US-Pakistan relationship to foster regional stability and economic prosperity," she said. In the next year's budget, she said the Trump administration will focus civilian assistance programming on priority areas such as building capacity to deter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; building law enforcement capacity to fight crime and terrorism; and supporting economic development that can expand US business ties with Pakistan. It will also focus on addressing communicable diseases that threaten both the countries; supporting civil society and religious freedom; and working with Pakistan to ensure that communities in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region are stable and cannot be used as a base by terrorists, she said. "The request reflects the trajectory of our relationship away from an assistance focus and toward a more trade-based one, and the bright economic future we believe a more robust US-Pakistan partnership can bring for Pakistan and the region, should Pakistan follow through on its pledges to fight terrorism and promote peace in Afghanistan," Wells said.

Pakistan's action against terror groups post Pulwama attack still reversible: US

A terrorist attack took place at a police party at KP road in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Five&nbsp;CRPF were killed as terrorists and security forces exchanged heavy firing.

As many as three CRPF personnel have been injured. Station House Officer of Anantnag Police Station, Arshad Ahmed, was injured in the attack and has been shifted to Srinagar for treatment. One terrorist has been killed. &nbsp;&nbsp;

CRPF in a statement said that motorcycle-borne terrorists fired upon troops of B/116 battalion and Jammu and Kashmir police who were deployed for law and order duty.&nbsp;

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J&amp;K Police on today's Anantnag terrorist attack: Three security forces personnel including SHO Anantnag, Inspector Arshid Khan sustained gunshot injuries. <a href="https://t.co/dhYC8asx9e">https://t.co/dhYC8asx9e</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1138837101687058432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Sources in the police say that terrorists opened indiscriminate fire at the forces in which a girl also sustained injuries. The area has been cordoned off as forces have trapped one terrorist near the spot.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> Total 5 CRPF personnel have lost their lives in Anantnag terrorist attack in Jammu &amp; Kashmir, today. <a href="https://t.co/sXoVnbkqzi">pic.twitter.com/sXoVnbkqzi</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1138800728896524289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sopore-encounter-body-of-1-terrorist-retrieved-by-security-forces-226385">the body of a terrorist was recovered</a> by security forces on Wednesday morning after an encounter took place on Tuesday in Bomai area of Sopore in Baramulla district, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The encounter broke out at 5:25 pm yesterday between terrorists and the troops of 177, 179 and 92 Battalion of CRPF, SOG Sopore, 22 Rashtriya Rifles (RR).

Though the body of the terrorist was retrieved from the site of the encounter his identity and affiliation is being ascertained, Jammu and Kashmir Police said.

"On a credible input, a cordon and search operation was launched jointly by police and security forces at the area. During the search operation, the hiding terrorist fired on the search party. The fire was retaliated leading to an encounter," police explained in a press release.

&nbsp;

A terrorist attack took place at a police party at KP road in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag on Wednesday. Five CRPF were killed as terrorists and security forces exchanged heavy firing.

A terrorist attack took place at a police party at KP road in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag on Wednesday. Five CRPF were killed as terrorists and security forces exchanged heavy firing. As many as three CRPF personnel have been injured. Station House Officer of Anantnag Police Station, Arshad Ahmed, was injured in the attack and has been shifted to Srinagar for treatment. One terrorist has been killed. CRPF in a statement said that motorcycle-borne terrorists fired upon troops of B/116 battalion and Jammu and Kashmir police who were deployed for law and order duty. J&K Police on today's Anantnag terrorist attack: Three security forces personnel including SHO Anantnag, Inspector Arshid Khan sustained gunshot injuries. https://t.co/dhYC8asx9e — ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2019 × Sources in the police say that terrorists opened indiscriminate fire at the forces in which a girl also sustained injuries. The area has been cordoned off as forces have trapped one terrorist near the spot. #UPDATE Total 5 CRPF personnel have lost their lives in Anantnag terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir, today. pic.twitter.com/sXoVnbkqzi — ANI (@ANI) June 12, 2019 × Meanwhile, the body of a terrorist was recovered by security forces on Wednesday morning after an encounter took place on Tuesday in Bomai area of Sopore in Baramulla district, news agency ANI reported. The encounter broke out at 5:25 pm yesterday between terrorists and the troops of 177, 179 and 92 Battalion of CRPF, SOG Sopore, 22 Rashtriya Rifles (RR). Though the body of the terrorist was retrieved from the site of the encounter his identity and affiliation is being ascertained, Jammu and Kashmir Police said. "On a credible input, a cordon and search operation was launched jointly by police and security forces at the area. During the search operation, the hiding terrorist fired on the search party. The fire was retaliated leading to an encounter," police explained in a press release.

Jammu and Kashmir: Terrorists attack police party in Anantnag; five CRPF personnel, one terrorist killed

The US blocked more than $46 million in funds of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-imran-khan-speaks-to-pm-modi-expresses-desire-to-work-together-foreign-office-221781">designated terrorist groups</a>, including Pakistan-based outfits, until the last year as part of its crackdown on foreign terrorist organisations and individuals, according to an annual report.

The report released by the US Department of Treasury states the US blocked nearly $400,000 in funds of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and $1,725 of the Jaish-e-Mohammed.

The Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is the leading US Government agency responsible for implementing sanctions against the assets of international terrorist organisations and terrorism-supporting countries.

The federal body implements these sanctions as part of its general mission to administer and enforce economic and trade sanctions based on US foreign policy and national security goals.

According to the report, till 2018, the US blocked more than $46.1 million in funds of designated terrorist groups and individuals, an increase of about $2.5 million than that of $43.6 million in 2017.

The list includes the Haqqani network ($3,626), the Harkat ul-Mujahidin ($11,988) and the Hizbul Mujahideen ($2,287).

For the Lashkar-I Jhangvi, the amount of funds blocked by the US dropped from $12,829 in 2017 to $10,962.

The report states there was a significant jump in Taliban funds blocked by the United States, which increased from $10,728 in 2017 to $206,805 in 2018.

However, for the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan, the US had blocked a paltry $318 in 2018.

The US continues to block more than $500,000 in funds of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, which has remained the same for the past two years.

Notably, the al-Qaeda tops the list of the blocked amount, In 2018, the US had blocked $6.4 million of the al Qaeda funds, which was nearly $900,000 less than the $7.3 million blocked in 2017.

The OFAC also blocked approximately $216.83 million in assets relating to the three designated state sponsors of terrorism in 2018 - Syria, Iran and North Korea.

The US blocked more than $46 million in funds of designated terrorist groups, including Pakistan-based outfits, until the last year as part of its crackdown on foreign terrorist organisations and individuals, according to an annual report.

The US blocked more than $46 million in funds of designated terrorist groups, including Pakistan-based outfits, until the last year as part of its crackdown on foreign terrorist organisations and individuals, according to an annual report. The report released by the US Department of Treasury states the US blocked nearly $400,000 in funds of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and $1,725 of the Jaish-e-Mohammed. The Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is the leading US Government agency responsible for implementing sanctions against the assets of international terrorist organisations and terrorism-supporting countries. The federal body implements these sanctions as part of its general mission to administer and enforce economic and trade sanctions based on US foreign policy and national security goals. According to the report, till 2018, the US blocked more than $46.1 million in funds of designated terrorist groups and individuals, an increase of about $2.5 million than that of $43.6 million in 2017. The list includes the Haqqani network ($3,626), the Harkat ul-Mujahidin ($11,988) and the Hizbul Mujahideen ($2,287). For the Lashkar-I Jhangvi, the amount of funds blocked by the US dropped from $12,829 in 2017 to $10,962. The report states there was a significant jump in Taliban funds blocked by the United States, which increased from $10,728 in 2017 to $206,805 in 2018. However, for the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan, the US had blocked a paltry $318 in 2018. The US continues to block more than $500,000 in funds of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, which has remained the same for the past two years. Notably, the al-Qaeda tops the list of the blocked amount, In 2018, the US had blocked $6.4 million of the al Qaeda funds, which was nearly $900,000 less than the $7.3 million blocked in 2017. The OFAC also blocked approximately $216.83 million in assets relating to the three designated state sponsors of terrorism in 2018 - Syria, Iran and North Korea.

US blocks over 46 million in funds of terrorist groups: Report

An exchange of fire took place between terrorists and security forces in Tazipora, Mohammadpora area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Wednesday.

Two to three terrorists are trapped in the area. More details are currently awaited.

This comes a day after two terrorists were killed and their arms and ammunition confiscated by the security forces after an exchange of fire broke out in Kokernag area of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-encounter-breaks-out-between-militants-and-security-forces-in-anantnag-222243">Anantnag district on Tuesday</a>.

Earlier, the security forces had got a major breakthrough when one of the most wanted terrorists, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/top-terror-commander-of-al-qaeda-affiliate-zakir-musa-killed-curfew-imposed-in-parts-of-kashmir-221343">Zakir Musa, was killed in an encounter in Tral</a> in Pulwama on May 24.

Following a tip-off about the presence of terrorists, a joint team of Army, Jammu and Kashmir police conducted a search operation on Thursday evening in Dadsara village which led to an encounter.&nbsp;

Within minutes of firing, Al-Sindh, an al-Qaeda media outlets asked people to help Musa escape, as he was trapped by forces. During the overnight gunbattle that followed Zakir's body was recovered from the encounter site. &nbsp;

Sources said Zakir tried to escape from the house and was shot dead in a nearby orchard.&nbsp;

An exchange of fire took place between terrorists and security forces in Tazipora, Mohammadpora area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Wednesday. Two to three terrorists are trapped in the area.

An exchange of fire took place between terrorists and security forces in Tazipora, Mohammadpora area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Wednesday. Two to three terrorists are trapped in the area. More details are currently awaited. This comes a day after two terrorists were killed and their arms and ammunition confiscated by the security forces after an exchange of fire broke out in Kokernag area of Anantnag district on Tuesday. Earlier, the security forces had got a major breakthrough when one of the most wanted terrorists, Zakir Musa, was killed in an encounter in Tral in Pulwama on May 24. Following a tip-off about the presence of terrorists, a joint team of Army, Jammu and Kashmir police conducted a search operation on Thursday evening in Dadsara village which led to an encounter. Within minutes of firing, Al-Sindh, an al-Qaeda media outlets asked people to help Musa escape, as he was trapped by forces. During the overnight gunbattle that followed Zakir's body was recovered from the encounter site. Sources said Zakir tried to escape from the house and was shot dead in a nearby orchard.

Jammu and Kashmir: Exchange of fire between terrorists, security forces in Kulgam

Suspected terrorists shot dead a 39-year-old man in Babagund area of Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district on Monday evening.

This comes days after one of the most wanted terrorists, Zakir Musa was killed in an encounter with security forces in Trial in Pulwama.

Musa was the commander of al Qaeda linked Ansar Ghazwat-ul Hind.

More details are currently awaited.

Suspected terrorists shot dead a 39-year-old man in Babagund area of Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district on Monday evening. This comes days after one of the most wanted terrorists, Zakir Musa was killed in an encounter with security forces in Trial in Pulwama.

Suspected terrorists shot dead a 39-year-old man in Babagund area of Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district on Monday evening. This comes days after one of the most wanted terrorists, Zakir Musa was killed in an encounter with security forces in Trial in Pulwama. Musa was the commander of al Qaeda linked Ansar Ghazwat-ul Hind. More details are currently awaited.

J&K: Man shot dead in Kupwara by terrorists

Sri Lanka is still healing from explosion of Easter. There is a intelligence report after a month of bombings which claimed ISIS terrorists travelling to Lakshadweep by boat. Following this Kerala Coast is on high alert.

Gravitas: 15 Terrorists Head To Lakshadweep

Six militants have been arrested for allegedly collecting funds for terror outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) in Punjab province, as Pakistani security forces have launched a crackdown on terror financing after mounting pressure from the global community.

The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab government arrested the six members of the proscribed organisations from various parts of the province for collecting funds for financing terrorism, CTD spokesman said in a statement.

The CTD said those arrested were collecting funds for terror financing for their proscribed organisations - JeM and LeJ. No member of any proscribed organisation wil allowed to collect funds for financing terrorism and extremism under the law of land,? the CTD said in a statement.

Cases have been registered against the suspects under anti-terrorism law for committing offences of terrorism financing.

Muhammad Zahid and Irfan Ahmad of JeM were arrested from Gujranwala, and Zafar Iqbal of JeM from Rawalpindi. Similarly, Muhammad Hanzala and Hamza of LeJ were arrested from Lahore while Ijaz Ahmad of the same banned organisation from Multan.&nbsp;

Paris-based international terror financing watchdog FATF in June last year placed Pakistan onto its watch list in a bid to push the country to halt support for militant groups.

In February, the FATF decided to continue the 'Grey' listing of Pakistan for its failure to stop funding of terrorist groups such as the JeM, the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the JuD.

The Pakistan government have arrested over 100 members of banned outfits including JeM chief Masood Azhar's son and brother and also taken control of JeM, JuD and FIF's properties including seminaries and mosques across the country.

The crackdown came amid tensions with India following a suicide attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14 by the JeM that killed 40 CRPF soldiers.

The Pakistan government has termed the action in accordance with the National Action Plan and meeting the obligations of the FATF.

Six militants have been arrested for allegedly collecting funds for terror outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) in Punjab province, as Pakistani security forces have launched a crackdown on terror financing after mounting pressure from the global community.

Six militants have been arrested for allegedly collecting funds for terror outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) in Punjab province, as Pakistani security forces have launched a crackdown on terror financing after mounting pressure from the global community. The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab government arrested the six members of the proscribed organisations from various parts of the province for collecting funds for financing terrorism, CTD spokesman said in a statement. The CTD said those arrested were collecting funds for terror financing for their proscribed organisations - JeM and LeJ. No member of any proscribed organisation wil allowed to collect funds for financing terrorism and extremism under the law of land,? the CTD said in a statement. Cases have been registered against the suspects under anti-terrorism law for committing offences of terrorism financing. Muhammad Zahid and Irfan Ahmad of JeM were arrested from Gujranwala, and Zafar Iqbal of JeM from Rawalpindi. Similarly, Muhammad Hanzala and Hamza of LeJ were arrested from Lahore while Ijaz Ahmad of the same banned organisation from Multan. Paris-based international terror financing watchdog FATF in June last year placed Pakistan onto its watch list in a bid to push the country to halt support for militant groups. In February, the FATF decided to continue the 'Grey' listing of Pakistan for its failure to stop funding of terrorist groups such as the JeM, the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the JuD. The Pakistan government have arrested over 100 members of banned outfits including JeM chief Masood Azhar's son and brother and also taken control of JeM, JuD and FIF's properties including seminaries and mosques across the country. The crackdown came amid tensions with India following a suicide attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14 by the JeM that killed 40 CRPF soldiers. The Pakistan government has termed the action in accordance with the National Action Plan and meeting the obligations of the FATF.

Pakistan arrests six for collecting funds for Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sounded an alert about plans of terrorist outfit Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) making permanent bases within 10 kilometres of the India-Bangladesh border in the eastern states of Tripura, Assam and West Bengal.

A gazette notification, issued by the MHA Joint Secretary Piyush Goyal on Thursday, said the terror outfit has also plans of "spreading its network in south India with an overarching motive to establish Caliphate in the Indian subcontinent."

The notification said the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh or Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Indian or Jamaat-ul- Mujahideen Hindustan are in the list of 41 terror organisations, already banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

The JMB and its sister formations such as the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Hindustan have committed acts of terrorism, promoted acts of terrorism and have been engaged in radicalisation and recruitment of youths for terrorist activities in India, the notification said.

The terror outfit was also found involved in recruitment and raising funds for terrorist activities, procurement of explosives, chemicals and assembling of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), it said.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had earlier confirmed involvement of JMB cadre in Burdwan bomb blast on October 2, 2014 and Bodh Gaya blasts on January 19, 2018.

The Assam police also found involvement of the JMB in five cases and arrested 565 JMB suspects, it said.

In January, the MHA added Al-Qaida in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP), ISIS Wilayat Khorasan, Islamic State of Iraq, Sham- Khorasan (ISIS-K) and the Khalistan Liberation Force among the list of terrorist organisations banned under the UAPA.

In March, a suspected terrorist belonging to the JMB was arrested by the Tripura police from a rented house at Arundhatinagar here.

Director General of Tripura Police Akhil Kumar Shukla had earlier said the suspected JMB terrorist, identified as Nazir Sheikh, hailed from Murshidabad district of West Bengal and had links with many other terror outfits in India.

He was interrogated by a joint team of NIA, military intelligence and officials of the special branch of the Tripura police.

India and Bangladesh share 4,156-km-long border with Bangladesh, that passes through five states -- West Bengal (2,217 km), Tripura (856 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Assam (262 km) and Mizoram (180 km).

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sounded an alert about plans of terrorist outfit Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) making permanent bases within 10 kilometres of the India-Bangladesh border in the eastern states of Tripura, Assam and West Bengal.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sounded an alert about plans of terrorist outfit Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) making permanent bases within 10 kilometres of the India-Bangladesh border in the eastern states of Tripura, Assam and West Bengal. A gazette notification, issued by the MHA Joint Secretary Piyush Goyal on Thursday, said the terror outfit has also plans of "spreading its network in south India with an overarching motive to establish Caliphate in the Indian subcontinent." The notification said the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh or Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Indian or Jamaat-ul- Mujahideen Hindustan are in the list of 41 terror organisations, already banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The JMB and its sister formations such as the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Hindustan have committed acts of terrorism, promoted acts of terrorism and have been engaged in radicalisation and recruitment of youths for terrorist activities in India, the notification said. The terror outfit was also found involved in recruitment and raising funds for terrorist activities, procurement of explosives, chemicals and assembling of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), it said. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had earlier confirmed involvement of JMB cadre in Burdwan bomb blast on October 2, 2014 and Bodh Gaya blasts on January 19, 2018. The Assam police also found involvement of the JMB in five cases and arrested 565 JMB suspects, it said. In January, the MHA added Al-Qaida in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP), ISIS Wilayat Khorasan, Islamic State of Iraq, Sham- Khorasan (ISIS-K) and the Khalistan Liberation Force among the list of terrorist organisations banned under the UAPA. In March, a suspected terrorist belonging to the JMB was arrested by the Tripura police from a rented house at Arundhatinagar here. Director General of Tripura Police Akhil Kumar Shukla had earlier said the suspected JMB terrorist, identified as Nazir Sheikh, hailed from Murshidabad district of West Bengal and had links with many other terror outfits in India. He was interrogated by a joint team of NIA, military intelligence and officials of the special branch of the Tripura police. India and Bangladesh share 4,156-km-long border with Bangladesh, that passes through five states -- West Bengal (2,217 km), Tripura (856 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Assam (262 km) and Mizoram (180 km).

Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh planning to set up permanent bases in eastern states: MHA

Two terrorists were killed on Wednesday by security forces in an encounter which ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in the south Kashmir district of Kulgam, official sources said.

They said troops of Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF launched a CASO at Gopalpora, Kulgam following a tip-off about the presence of terrorists.&nbsp;

As the cordon around the hiding terrorists&nbsp;was&nbsp;tightened, they fired at the security forces triggering an encounter in which two terrorists have&nbsp;been killed.The slain terrorists belonged to Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) outfit. Their exact identity is being established.

"Operation is still going on", a police source said.

As precautionary measure authorities have suspended mobile Internet services in Kulgam district.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two terrorists were killed on Wednesday by security forces in an encounter which ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in the south Kashmir district of Kulgam, official sources said.

Two terrorists were killed on Wednesday by security forces in an encounter which ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in the south Kashmir district of Kulgam, official sources said. They said troops of Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF launched a CASO at Gopalpora, Kulgam following a tip-off about the presence of terrorists. As the cordon around the hiding terrorists was tightened, they fired at the security forces triggering an encounter in which two terrorists have been killed.The slain terrorists belonged to Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) outfit. Their exact identity is being established. "Operation is still going on", a police source said. As precautionary measure authorities have suspended mobile Internet services in Kulgam district. (With inputs from agencies)

J&K: Two terrorists killed in encounter at Gopalpora area of Kulgam district

The security forces gunned down three&nbsp;terrorists on Saturday morning&nbsp;and one of the body&nbsp;was found in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-three-jem-terrorists-shot-in-pulwama-encounter-soldier-civilian-also-killed-219169">Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district</a> during the post counter search. The operation has now ended.

Among the two, one of them is believed to be Showkat Dar, a Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander.

An AK-56 rifle, weapons and warlike stores&nbsp;were&nbsp;also recovered from the spot.

An encounter broke out in the wee hours of Saturday between terrorists and troops of 130 Battalion CRPF, 55 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Special Operations Group (SOG) in Panzgam village of Awantipora in South Kashmir's Pulwama district.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a>: Body of a terrorist has been found during the post encounter search. An encounter had broken out between terrorists and troops of 130 Battalion CRPF, 55 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Special Operations Group (SOG) in Panzgam village of Awantipora, Pulwama today at 2.10 AM. <a href="https://t.co/ouTgJ2AkNW">https://t.co/ouTgJ2AkNW</a>
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Two separate encounters took place between terrorists and security forces in Pulwama and Anantnag.

Earlier on Thursday, three terrorists were killed in an encounter in Pulwama district. The encounter also claimed the life of one army personnel and a civilian during the exchange of gunfire.

The security forces gunned down three terrorists on Saturday morning and one of the body was found in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district during the post counter search.

The security forces gunned down three terrorists on Saturday morning and one of the body was found in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district during the post counter search. The operation has now ended. Among the two, one of them is believed to be Showkat Dar, a Hizb-ul-Mujahideen commander. An AK-56 rifle, weapons and warlike stores were also recovered from the spot. An encounter broke out in the wee hours of Saturday between terrorists and troops of 130 Battalion CRPF, 55 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Special Operations Group (SOG) in Panzgam village of Awantipora in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. #UPDATE: Body of a terrorist has been found during the post encounter search. An encounter had broken out between terrorists and troops of 130 Battalion CRPF, 55 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Special Operations Group (SOG) in Panzgam village of Awantipora, Pulwama today at 2.10 AM. https://t.co/ouTgJ2AkNW — ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2019 × Two separate encounters took place between terrorists and security forces in Pulwama and Anantnag. Earlier on Thursday, three terrorists were killed in an encounter in Pulwama district. The encounter also claimed the life of one army personnel and a civilian during the exchange of gunfire.

Jammu and Kashmir: Three terrorists killed in encounter in Pulwama district

Hafiz Saeed's Brother-in-Law Abdul Rehman Makki Has Been Arrested In Pakistan Today. What Happens The Timing LeT second-in-command and Hafiz Saeed's brother-in-law Abdul Rehman Makki has been arrested in Pakistan. But the arrest is not over terror charges, but under Maintenance of Public Order Act. Is Pakistan taking token measures even in the face of global condemnation. Palki explains the development

Gravitas: LeT Second-in-Command arrested in Pak

After years of ill-treatment, the Pakistani women have appealed to PM Modi and Pak PM to enable their travel to India and have also said that they want to live in India. Watch full video to know more.

We Want to live in India, says Pakistani women

Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were arrested in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, with the Army claiming to have scuttled a conspiracy of the terror outfit to expand its arc of terrorism in the Jammu region.

The Gool-Ramban belt, which is located between Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Udhampur and Ramban districts of the Jammu region and south Kashmir's Kulgam district, had been an operational hub and a launching pad of foreign mercenaries until 2000.

Showkat Ahmad Sheikh of Charsoo village of Awantipora in Pulwama district and Taweel Mohiuddin Dar of Malipura village of Kulgam were arrested by a joint search party of police and Army's Rashtriya Rifles and 9 Para from the Hara area of Gool, a police officer said.

He said an AK 47 rifle, along with a magazine and 30 rounds, and Rs 8,771 were seized from the possession of the arrested terrorists.

The joint search operation was launched around 3.30 am after specific information about suspicious movement of some anti-national elements was received, the officer said.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the terrorists are affiliated to LeT, he said.

"They were acting on the instructions of an active terrorist Naveed alias Abu Talla," the official said without sharing any further details.

A case under various sections of the Ranbir Penal Code has been registered against the duo and further investigation is on, he said.

Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Udhampur-based northern command, Lt Col Abhinav Navneet said their arrest foiled an attempt by the LeT to revive terrorism in the south of the Pir Panjal range (Jammu region).

"Combined efforts of the Indian Army (Rashtriya Rifles) and police in the Gool area under counter-insurgency force uniform delivered a major setback to the terrorist outfit in their efforts to revive terrorism south of Pir Panjal range," Lt Col Navneet said.

He said both the individuals are in their teens.

"The timely apprehension of suspected terrorists and recovery of war-like stores has thwarted the nefarious design of terrorist organisation to spread the 'Arc of Terrorism' south of Pir Panjal Range," the PRO said.&nbsp;

Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were arrested in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, with the Army claiming to have scuttled a conspiracy of the terror outfit to expand its arc of terrorism in the Jammu region.

Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists were arrested in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, with the Army claiming to have scuttled a conspiracy of the terror outfit to expand its arc of terrorism in the Jammu region. The Gool-Ramban belt, which is located between Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Udhampur and Ramban districts of the Jammu region and south Kashmir's Kulgam district, had been an operational hub and a launching pad of foreign mercenaries until 2000. Showkat Ahmad Sheikh of Charsoo village of Awantipora in Pulwama district and Taweel Mohiuddin Dar of Malipura village of Kulgam were arrested by a joint search party of police and Army's Rashtriya Rifles and 9 Para from the Hara area of Gool, a police officer said. He said an AK 47 rifle, along with a magazine and 30 rounds, and Rs 8,771 were seized from the possession of the arrested terrorists. The joint search operation was launched around 3.30 am after specific information about suspicious movement of some anti-national elements was received, the officer said. Preliminary investigation revealed that the terrorists are affiliated to LeT, he said. "They were acting on the instructions of an active terrorist Naveed alias Abu Talla," the official said without sharing any further details. A case under various sections of the Ranbir Penal Code has been registered against the duo and further investigation is on, he said. Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Udhampur-based northern command, Lt Col Abhinav Navneet said their arrest foiled an attempt by the LeT to revive terrorism in the south of the Pir Panjal range (Jammu region). "Combined efforts of the Indian Army (Rashtriya Rifles) and police in the Gool area under counter-insurgency force uniform delivered a major setback to the terrorist outfit in their efforts to revive terrorism south of Pir Panjal range," Lt Col Navneet said. He said both the individuals are in their teens. "The timely apprehension of suspected terrorists and recovery of war-like stores has thwarted the nefarious design of terrorist organisation to spread the 'Arc of Terrorism' south of Pir Panjal Range," the PRO said.

LeT plan to spread terror activity to Jammu region foiled, two terrorists held 

At least five Taliban terrorists were killed in a drone strike by the US military in Laman area of Afghanistan on Saturday.

According to Geo News, two missiles hit a house in the area, killing five militants affiliated with Hafiz Gul Bahadur terror group.

The group is a faction of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-taliban-faction-claims-responsibility-for-blast-in-lahore-216950"> Pakistan`s Taliban</a>. A top commander, identified as Asadullah alias Shingri, of the group was among the dead. Last month, US President Donald Trump revoked a policy that asked the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to publish the number of civilians killed from drone strikes.

The policy was formulated by the Obama administration in 2016 following the pressure from the international community for more transparency. Last month, the US military also acknowledged that civilians were killed during a strike in Somalia. Amnesty International had accused the US of killing civilians during a drone strike in Somalian in 2018.&nbsp;

At least five Taliban terrorists were killed in a drone strike by the US military in Laman area of Afghanistan on Saturday. According to Geo News, two missiles hit a house in the area, killing five militants affiliated with Hafiz Gul Bahadur terror group.

At least five Taliban terrorists were killed in a drone strike by the US military in Laman area of Afghanistan on Saturday. According to Geo News, two missiles hit a house in the area, killing five militants affiliated with Hafiz Gul Bahadur terror group. The group is a faction of Pakistan`s Taliban. A top commander, identified as Asadullah alias Shingri, of the group was among the dead. Last month, US President Donald Trump revoked a policy that asked the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to publish the number of civilians killed from drone strikes. The policy was formulated by the Obama administration in 2016 following the pressure from the international community for more transparency. Last month, the US military also acknowledged that civilians were killed during a strike in Somalia. Amnesty International had accused the US of killing civilians during a drone strike in Somalian in 2018.

Afghanistan: 5 Talibani militants killed in drone strike by US

In Jammu & Kashmir, one terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces in Shopian district this morning. Search operation is underway.

J&K ISIS Commander killed in encounter

The US has warned that the terrorist threat in Sri Lanka still remains as active members of the group that carried out the massive suicide attacks on Easter Sunday may still be at large, a media report said Tuesday. The US Embassy here has said that at the request of the Sri Lankan Government, US security experts were working closely with their Sri Lankan partners on "fulfilling short term, specific objectives" related to the recent attacks and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

US believes "active planning" of more attacks in Sri Lanka

President Donald Trump is seeking to blacklist the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/osama-bin-ladens-mother-blames-muslim-brotherhood-for-influencing-his-son--156908">Muslim Brotherhood</a> as a terrorist group, a far-reaching step that would place the United States firmly on the side of its authoritarian allies in the Middle East.

"The president has consulted with his national security team and leaders in the region who share his concern, and this designation is working its way through the internal process," said White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders.

The Brotherhood, a nearly century-old Islamist movement born in Egypt with pockets of support across the Arab world, was designated a terrorist organisation by Cairo after the military in 2013 ousted Mohamed Morsi, a democratically elected president with roots in the movement.

Placing the Muslim Brotherhood on Washington's list of foreign terrorist organisations would make it a crime for any American to assist the group and would ban from the United States its members, who are active in political parties in several countries.

The move comes three weeks after Trump welcomed Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who has cracked down heavily on the Muslim Brotherhood as well as other movements ranging from Islamic State extremists to secular activists.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-stance-on-muslims-fox-host-in-spotlight-after-mosque-shootings-203927">Trump stance on Muslims, Fox host in spotlight after mosque shootings</a>

During their White House talks, Trump praised Sisi for "doing a great job," saying the United States and Egypt had "never had a better relationship."

The terrorist designation would delight Sisi as well as Saudi Arabia, which despite its ultra-conservative Wahabi ideology disdains the Muslim Brotherhood due to its support for political change in the kingdom, including over Riyadh's alliance with Washington.

But targeting the movement would be a major new impediment in US ties with NATO ally Turkey, where President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pushed an Islamist foreign policy that includes support for the Muslim Brotherhood inside Egypt.

Another US ally friendly toward the Muslim Brotherhood is Qatar, with the issue becoming a key source of friction with its neighbors Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Signature cause for US conservatives

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has been a longtime supporter of designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group, co-sponsoring legislation with fellow conservatives to take the step when he was a member of Congress.

The Muslim Brotherhood has emerged in recent years as a favorite bugbear for the US far-right, with numerous social media users on Tuesday hailing Trump's push by sharing unfounded conspiracy theories that the group had infiltrated former president Barack Obama's administration or was attempting to impose Islamic sharia law in the United States.

But the proposal has seen pushback from policymakers who say that it is inaccurate to lump together the Muslim Brotherhood, which includes more moderate and democratic strains, with groups set on apocalyptic violence such as the Islamic State movement and Al-Qaeda.

Human Rights Watch has argued that a terrorist designation would "unfairly taint anyone alleged to be linked to the Muslim Brotherhood," meaning that people based in the United States could face prosecution -- or, if not citizens, deportation -- for backing charities or advocacy groups accused of ties to the movement.

Jonathan Schanzer, senior vice president for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, which generally backs hawkish policies in the Middle East, doubted that the whole Muslim Brotherhood could be declared a terrorist group under normal processes.

"There is near zero likelihood of the entire network, with all its disparate parts, meeting legal criteria," he tweeted.

"But targeting the violent branches is certainly viable. That, in turn, can enable further designations based on financial ties."

The debate comes less than a month after the Trump administration took the sweeping decision to declare Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards a terrorist group, the first time it has designated a unit of a government.

Egypt is one of the biggest US strategic partners -- an Arab country that made peace with top US ally Israel 40 years ago and remains one of the largest recipients of US aid, at more than $1 billion a year.

Trump has all but ended criticism of Egypt's rights record. When Sisi took over in 2013, security forces killed some 700 protesters who had assembled in two Cairo squares -- with courts then sentencing to death 75 people, including Muslim Brotherhood leaders, over the uprising. 
&nbsp;

President Donald Trump is seeking to blacklist the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group, a far-reaching step that would place the United States firmly on the side of its authoritarian allies in the Middle East.

President Donald Trump is seeking to blacklist the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group, a far-reaching step that would place the United States firmly on the side of its authoritarian allies in the Middle East. "The president has consulted with his national security team and leaders in the region who share his concern, and this designation is working its way through the internal process," said White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders. The Brotherhood, a nearly century-old Islamist movement born in Egypt with pockets of support across the Arab world, was designated a terrorist organisation by Cairo after the military in 2013 ousted Mohamed Morsi, a democratically elected president with roots in the movement. Placing the Muslim Brotherhood on Washington's list of foreign terrorist organisations would make it a crime for any American to assist the group and would ban from the United States its members, who are active in political parties in several countries. The move comes three weeks after Trump welcomed Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who has cracked down heavily on the Muslim Brotherhood as well as other movements ranging from Islamic State extremists to secular activists. Also read: Trump stance on Muslims, Fox host in spotlight after mosque shootings During their White House talks, Trump praised Sisi for "doing a great job," saying the United States and Egypt had "never had a better relationship." The terrorist designation would delight Sisi as well as Saudi Arabia, which despite its ultra-conservative Wahabi ideology disdains the Muslim Brotherhood due to its support for political change in the kingdom, including over Riyadh's alliance with Washington. But targeting the movement would be a major new impediment in US ties with NATO ally Turkey, where President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pushed an Islamist foreign policy that includes support for the Muslim Brotherhood inside Egypt. Another US ally friendly toward the Muslim Brotherhood is Qatar, with the issue becoming a key source of friction with its neighbors Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Signature cause for US conservatives Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has been a longtime supporter of designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group, co-sponsoring legislation with fellow conservatives to take the step when he was a member of Congress. The Muslim Brotherhood has emerged in recent years as a favorite bugbear for the US far-right, with numerous social media users on Tuesday hailing Trump's push by sharing unfounded conspiracy theories that the group had infiltrated former president Barack Obama's administration or was attempting to impose Islamic sharia law in the United States. But the proposal has seen pushback from policymakers who say that it is inaccurate to lump together the Muslim Brotherhood, which includes more moderate and democratic strains, with groups set on apocalyptic violence such as the Islamic State movement and Al-Qaeda. Human Rights Watch has argued that a terrorist designation would "unfairly taint anyone alleged to be linked to the Muslim Brotherhood," meaning that people based in the United States could face prosecution -- or, if not citizens, deportation -- for backing charities or advocacy groups accused of ties to the movement. Jonathan Schanzer, senior vice president for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, which generally backs hawkish policies in the Middle East, doubted that the whole Muslim Brotherhood could be declared a terrorist group under normal processes. "There is near zero likelihood of the entire network, with all its disparate parts, meeting legal criteria," he tweeted. "But targeting the violent branches is certainly viable. That, in turn, can enable further designations based on financial ties." The debate comes less than a month after the Trump administration took the sweeping decision to declare Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards a terrorist group, the first time it has designated a unit of a government. Egypt is one of the biggest US strategic partners -- an Arab country that made peace with top US ally Israel 40 years ago and remains one of the largest recipients of US aid, at more than $1 billion a year. Trump has all but ended criticism of Egypt's rights record. When Sisi took over in 2013, security forces killed some 700 protesters who had assembled in two Cairo squares -- with courts then sentencing to death 75 people, including Muslim Brotherhood leaders, over the uprising.

Trump seeks to declare Muslim Brotherhood terrorists

The development comes even as the UK last week was optimistic that Azhar will soon be declared a global terrorist by the United Nations.

China likely to remove hold on UN listing of Masood Azhar as global terrorist

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