A journalist was shot dead during riots in Northern Ireland in what police Friday were treating as a terrorist incident following the latest upsurge in violence to shake the troubled region.

"Lyra McKee was murdered during orchestrated violence in Creggan last night," Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton said in a statement.

McKee had earlier posted an image that appeared to be from the riots in the Creggan housing estate in the city of Londonderry, also known as Derry, accompanied by the words "Derry tonight. Absolute madness."&nbsp;

Images of the unrest posted on social media showed a car and van ablaze and hooded individuals throwing petrol bombs and fireworks at police vehicles.

"A single gunman fired shots in a residential area of the city and as a result wounded Ms McKee," said Hamilton, adding that police believed the gunman was a "violent dissident republican."

"We are treating this as a terrorist incident and we have launched a murder enquiry," he added.

Journalist Matthew Hughes earlier identified the dead woman as one of his friends.

"I just received the heartbreaking news that my friend @LyraMcKee was murdered tonight in a terrorist incident in Derry," he wrote on Twitter.

McKee had written for The Atlantic magazine and Buzzfeed News and was named by Forbes Magazine in 2016 as one of their "30 under 30" outstanding figures in media, according to her literary agent Janklow &amp; Nesbit.

Leona O'Neill, a reporter with the Belfast Telegraph, said she had been next to McKee when she was shot.

"I was standing beside this young woman when she fell beside a police Land Rover tonight in Creggan #Derry. I called an ambulance for her but police put her in the back of their vehicle and rushed her to the hospital where she died. Just 29 years old. Sick to my stomach tonight," she tweeted.

Good Friday Agreement&nbsp;

The violence came in the run-up to the Easter weekend, when Republicans opposed to the British presence in Northern Ireland mark the anniversary of a 1916 uprising against British rule.

A car-bombing and the hijacking of two vans in Londonderry earlier this year were also blamed on a dissident paramilitary group.

Michelle O'Neill, the deputy leader of Irish republican party Sinn Fein, condemned the killing.

"My heart goes out to the family of the young woman shot dead by so-called dissidents," she wrote on Twitter.

"This was an attack on the community, an attack on the peace process and an attack on the Good Friday Agreement," the peace deal that largely brought an end to violence on the island exactly 21 years ago, she added, calling for calm.

Arlene Foster, leader of the Democratic Union Party, which is in favour of Britain's presence in Northern Ireland, described the death as "heartbreaking news".

"A senseless act. A family has been torn apart. Those who brought guns onto our streets in the 70s, 80s &amp; 90s were wrong. It is equally wrong in 2019. No one wants to go back," she wrote on Twitter.

The Good Friday Agreement in 1998 largely brought an end to three decades of sectarian bloodshed in Northern Ireland between republican and unionist paramilitaries, as well as British armed forces, in a period known as "the Troubles".

Some 3,500 people were killed in the conflict -- many at the hands of the Irish Republican Army (IRA).

Police have blamed a group called the New IRA for the flare-up in violence in recent months.

Some have expressed fears that recent attacks could be a sign that paramilitaries are seeking to exploit the current political turbulence over Northern Ireland and its border with the Republic of Ireland caused by Brexit.

Londonderry was the scene of one of the darkest episodes in the Troubles in 1972, known as Bloody Sunday, when British troops opened fire on a civil rights demonstration and killed 13 people. A 14th victim later died of his wounds.

A former British soldier was charged with murder last month over the killings.&nbsp;

A journalist was shot dead during riots in Northern Ireland in what police Friday were treating as a terrorist incident following the latest upsurge in violence to shake the troubled region.

A journalist was shot dead during riots in Northern Ireland in what police Friday were treating as a terrorist incident following the latest upsurge in violence to shake the troubled region. "Lyra McKee was murdered during orchestrated violence in Creggan last night," Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton said in a statement. McKee had earlier posted an image that appeared to be from the riots in the Creggan housing estate in the city of Londonderry, also known as Derry, accompanied by the words "Derry tonight. Absolute madness." Images of the unrest posted on social media showed a car and van ablaze and hooded individuals throwing petrol bombs and fireworks at police vehicles. "A single gunman fired shots in a residential area of the city and as a result wounded Ms McKee," said Hamilton, adding that police believed the gunman was a "violent dissident republican." "We are treating this as a terrorist incident and we have launched a murder enquiry," he added. Journalist Matthew Hughes earlier identified the dead woman as one of his friends. "I just received the heartbreaking news that my friend @LyraMcKee was murdered tonight in a terrorist incident in Derry," he wrote on Twitter. McKee had written for The Atlantic magazine and Buzzfeed News and was named by Forbes Magazine in 2016 as one of their "30 under 30" outstanding figures in media, according to her literary agent Janklow & Nesbit. Leona O'Neill, a reporter with the Belfast Telegraph, said she had been next to McKee when she was shot. "I was standing beside this young woman when she fell beside a police Land Rover tonight in Creggan #Derry. I called an ambulance for her but police put her in the back of their vehicle and rushed her to the hospital where she died. Just 29 years old. Sick to my stomach tonight," she tweeted. Good Friday Agreement The violence came in the run-up to the Easter weekend, when Republicans opposed to the British presence in Northern Ireland mark the anniversary of a 1916 uprising against British rule. A car-bombing and the hijacking of two vans in Londonderry earlier this year were also blamed on a dissident paramilitary group. Michelle O'Neill, the deputy leader of Irish republican party Sinn Fein, condemned the killing. "My heart goes out to the family of the young woman shot dead by so-called dissidents," she wrote on Twitter. "This was an attack on the community, an attack on the peace process and an attack on the Good Friday Agreement," the peace deal that largely brought an end to violence on the island exactly 21 years ago, she added, calling for calm. Arlene Foster, leader of the Democratic Union Party, which is in favour of Britain's presence in Northern Ireland, described the death as "heartbreaking news". "A senseless act. A family has been torn apart. Those who brought guns onto our streets in the 70s, 80s & 90s were wrong. It is equally wrong in 2019. No one wants to go back," she wrote on Twitter. The Good Friday Agreement in 1998 largely brought an end to three decades of sectarian bloodshed in Northern Ireland between republican and unionist paramilitaries, as well as British armed forces, in a period known as "the Troubles". Some 3,500 people were killed in the conflict -- many at the hands of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Police have blamed a group called the New IRA for the flare-up in violence in recent months. Some have expressed fears that recent attacks could be a sign that paramilitaries are seeking to exploit the current political turbulence over Northern Ireland and its border with the Republic of Ireland caused by Brexit. Londonderry was the scene of one of the darkest episodes in the Troubles in 1972, known as Bloody Sunday, when British troops opened fire on a civil rights demonstration and killed 13 people. A 14th victim later died of his wounds. A former British soldier was charged with murder last month over the killings.

Journalist shot dead in Northern Ireland in 'terrorist incident'

The terrorists on Tuesday hurled a grenade at the residence of National Conference (NC) leader Mohammad Ashraf Bhat's house in Tral area of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district.

The grenade exploded outside the house.&nbsp;

No injuries or casualties have been reported so far.&nbsp;

However, this is not the first time Bhat’s residence has been targeted. In July 2018, terrorists hurled a grenade at his residence, leaving a CRPF jawan injured.

Bhat is the son of former National Conference MLA Mohammad Subhan Bhat.

(With inputs from ANI)

The terrorists on Tuesday hurled a grenade at the residence of National Conference (NC) leader Mohammad Ashraf Bhat's house in Tral area of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district.

The terrorists on Tuesday hurled a grenade at the residence of National Conference (NC) leader Mohammad Ashraf Bhat's house in Tral area of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. The grenade exploded outside the house. No injuries or casualties have been reported so far. However, this is not the first time Bhat’s residence has been targeted. In July 2018, terrorists hurled a grenade at his residence, leaving a CRPF jawan injured. Bhat is the son of former National Conference MLA Mohammad Subhan Bhat. (With inputs from ANI)

J&K: Grenade hurled at former National Conference leader Mohammad Ashraf Bhat's house

Former Pak envoy Hussain Haqqani said that there is no effort by Imran Pak's govt to curb on terror. Watch complete video to know more.

Former Pak envoy: No efforts by Imran govt to curb terror

U.S. President Donald Trump designated Iran's elite force a foreign terrorist organization. Watch this video to know more.

Iran elite force a terror group for U.S

Wanted JeM terrorist arrested by Delhi Police from Srinagar

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-denied-acting-against-pulwama-terror-attack-demands-more-proof-206082">Pakistan</a> on Thursday said it has examined 22 "pin locations" shared by India but found no terror camps and claimed that there are no links to nail 54 people detained in connection with the Pulwama terror attack as it shared the "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sought-further-evidence-from-india-on-pulwama-terror-attack-pakistan-foreign-ministry-206076">preliminary findings</a>" with New Delhi.

Pakistan is willing to allow visits, on request, to these locations, the Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement.

"While 54 detained individuals are being investigated, no details linking them to Pulwama have been found so far," it said.

"Similarly, the 22 pin locations shared by India have been examined. No such camps exist. Pakistan is willing to allow visits, on request, to these locations," the FO said.

It said that in consistent with its commitment to cooperate, Pakistan on Wednesday shared "preliminary findings" of its investigations with India along with a set of questions.

"Subsequently, the diplomatic corps in Islamabad was briefed as well," the FO said.

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India handed over the dossier to the Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan in New Delhi on February 27 with specific details of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)'s complicity in the Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel on February 14 and the presence of JeM terror camps and its leadership in Pakistan.

The FO said soon after receiving the dossier, Pakistan constituted an investigation team, detained a number of people for investigation and initiated work on the technical aspects of social media content, a main basis of the Indian documents.

The Indian dossier contains 91 pages and six parts, out of which only part two and three pertain to the Pulwama attack, it said.

"Other parts are generalised allegations. Pakistan is focusing on those parts which relate to Pulwama incident," it said.

The FO claimed that during the course of investigations, all aspects of the information provided by India have been thoroughly examined including the "confessional" video of Adil Dar, "claim" of responsibility for the attack, Whatsapp and Telegram numbers used to share videos and messages in support of the Pulwama attack, list of 90 individuals suspected of belonging to a proscribed organisation and 22 pin locations of alleged training camps.

Service Providers have been requested for data including relevant details of activities and contacts of the GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) number provided by India, it said.

A request for assistance from Whatsapp has also been made to the US government, it said, adding that the said additional information and documents from India would be essential to continue the process of investigations.

"Pakistan remains committed to taking this process to its logical conclusion," the FO added.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the suicide bomber of JeM killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

India launched a counter-terror operation against a JeM training camp in Balakot. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in an aerial combat and captured its pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.

Pakistan on Thursday said it has examined 22 "pin locations" shared by India but found no terror camps and claimed that there are no links to nail 54 people detained in connection with the Pulwama terror attack as it shared the "preliminary findings" with New Delhi.

Pakistan on Thursday said it has examined 22 "pin locations" shared by India but found no terror camps and claimed that there are no links to nail 54 people detained in connection with the Pulwama terror attack as it shared the "preliminary findings" with New Delhi. Pakistan is willing to allow visits, on request, to these locations, the Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement. "While 54 detained individuals are being investigated, no details linking them to Pulwama have been found so far," it said. "Similarly, the 22 pin locations shared by India have been examined. No such camps exist. Pakistan is willing to allow visits, on request, to these locations," the FO said. It said that in consistent with its commitment to cooperate, Pakistan on Wednesday shared "preliminary findings" of its investigations with India along with a set of questions. "Subsequently, the diplomatic corps in Islamabad was briefed as well," the FO said. × India handed over the dossier to the Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan in New Delhi on February 27 with specific details of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)'s complicity in the Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel on February 14 and the presence of JeM terror camps and its leadership in Pakistan. The FO said soon after receiving the dossier, Pakistan constituted an investigation team, detained a number of people for investigation and initiated work on the technical aspects of social media content, a main basis of the Indian documents. The Indian dossier contains 91 pages and six parts, out of which only part two and three pertain to the Pulwama attack, it said. "Other parts are generalised allegations. Pakistan is focusing on those parts which relate to Pulwama incident," it said. The FO claimed that during the course of investigations, all aspects of the information provided by India have been thoroughly examined including the "confessional" video of Adil Dar, "claim" of responsibility for the attack, Whatsapp and Telegram numbers used to share videos and messages in support of the Pulwama attack, list of 90 individuals suspected of belonging to a proscribed organisation and 22 pin locations of alleged training camps. Service Providers have been requested for data including relevant details of activities and contacts of the GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) number provided by India, it said. A request for assistance from Whatsapp has also been made to the US government, it said, adding that the said additional information and documents from India would be essential to continue the process of investigations. "Pakistan remains committed to taking this process to its logical conclusion," the FO added. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the suicide bomber of JeM killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. India launched a counter-terror operation against a JeM training camp in Balakot. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in an aerial combat and captured its pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.

No terror camps exist on 22 locations shared by India: Pak on Pulwama attack

Germany is hopeful that all European Union member states will back the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/european-union-begins-discussions-on-declaring-masood-azhar-a-terrorist-204354">listing of Masood Azhar as a terrorist</a> under in its territory.&nbsp;

A text has been circulated among the member states of the EU on the listing of the chief of Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

Speaking to WION, the spokesperson of the German embassy Hans Christian Winkler said, "Important thing is that all 27 (28 with UK) members countries have to accept the text. European security and foreign policy working on unanimity. This can take a certain time. Germany is on board, we have to bring everyone too and we are hopeful on that."

Germany is one of the countries that has circulated the text on designating Masood Azhar as a terrorist by Brussels.

In early March, France had announced it will be putting a freeze on the assets of Azhar and will raise the issue with EU. 
&nbsp; 
A joint release by French Foreign, Interior and Finance ministry said, "We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree."

The development comes after China blocked the listing of Azhar as a terrorist under the United Nations. In the past, China has blocked the listing of Azhar three times--2009, 2016 and 2017.

JeM is the group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack on March 14 that killed more than 40 CRPF Personnel.

Germany is hopeful that all European Union member states will back the listing of Masood Azhar as a terrorist under in its territory. A text has been circulated among the member states of the EU on the listing of the chief of Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

Germany is hopeful that all European Union member states will back the listing of Masood Azhar as a terrorist under in its territory. A text has been circulated among the member states of the EU on the listing of the chief of Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Speaking to WION, the spokesperson of the German embassy Hans Christian Winkler said, "Important thing is that all 27 (28 with UK) members countries have to accept the text. European security and foreign policy working on unanimity. This can take a certain time. Germany is on board, we have to bring everyone too and we are hopeful on that." Germany is one of the countries that has circulated the text on designating Masood Azhar as a terrorist by Brussels. In early March, France had announced it will be putting a freeze on the assets of Azhar and will raise the issue with EU. A joint release by French Foreign, Interior and Finance ministry said, "We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree." The development comes after China blocked the listing of Azhar as a terrorist under the United Nations. In the past, China has blocked the listing of Azhar three times--2009, 2016 and 2017. JeM is the group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack on March 14 that killed more than 40 CRPF Personnel.

Hopeful that all EU member states will back listing of JeM chief Masood Azhar as terrorist: Germany

12-Year-Old Held Hostage Killed In J&K Encounter

JeM terrorist arrested from Delhi, terrorist was recruiting sleeper cells

Encounter underway between terrorists & Indian security forces in JK valley

One&nbsp;terrorist has been killed in an encounter with security forces at Imam Sahab area of Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian on Friday morning.&nbsp;

According to reports, around 2-3 terrorists are believed to be trapped in a residential house; firing is currently going on from both sides.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> Shopian encounter: One terrorist neutralised, Operation underway <a href="https://t.co/DWMFz3WZiA">https://t.co/DWMFz3WZiA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1108953718299385858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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This comes just a day after two terrorists were killed and three Army personnel, including an officer, were injured in an encounter in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-with-army-personnel-in-jks-baramulla-204733">Jammu and Kashmir's in Baramulla district</a> on Thursday.

Colonel Kalia said an officer and two soldiers were injured in the operation.

One terrorist has been killed in an encounter with security forces at Imam Sahab area of Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian on Friday morning. According to reports, around 2-3 terrorists are believed to be trapped in a residential house; firing is currently going on from both sides.

One terrorist has been killed in an encounter with security forces at Imam Sahab area of Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian on Friday morning. According to reports, around 2-3 terrorists are believed to be trapped in a residential house; firing is currently going on from both sides. #UPDATE Shopian encounter: One terrorist neutralised, Operation underway https://t.co/DWMFz3WZiA — ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2019 × This comes just a day after two terrorists were killed and three Army personnel, including an officer, were injured in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's in Baramulla district on Thursday. Colonel Kalia said an officer and two soldiers were injured in the operation.

J&K: One terrorist killed in encounter with security forces in Shopian

JeM terrorist arrested from Delhi, was roaming as shawl trader in Red Fort area

One person was arrested and arms and ammunition, including grenades, were seized by security forces from a terrorist hideout in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district, police said Wednesday.&nbsp;

"On credible input, a joint party of police and other security forces busted a hideout in a residential house at Kulgam district's Yaripora area, and recovered arms and ammunition, including grenades and live rounds, last night," a police spokesman said.&nbsp;

Mohammad Ayoub Rather, a resident of Yaripora, was arrested, he said.

Police have registered a case and an investigation has been initiated, the spokesman said.

One person was arrested and arms and ammunition, including grenades, were seized by security forces from a terrorist hideout in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district, police said Wednesday.

One person was arrested and arms and ammunition, including grenades, were seized by security forces from a terrorist hideout in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district, police said Wednesday. "On credible input, a joint party of police and other security forces busted a hideout in a residential house at Kulgam district's Yaripora area, and recovered arms and ammunition, including grenades and live rounds, last night," a police spokesman said. Mohammad Ayoub Rather, a resident of Yaripora, was arrested, he said. Police have registered a case and an investigation has been initiated, the spokesman said.

J&K: One arrested as security forces bust terrorist hideout in Kulgam, arms and ammunition seized

A top Army officer Saturday appealed mothers in Kashmir to help the force bring back their sons who have joined militancy, assuring them of safety and security.&nbsp;

General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the Army's Srinagar-based 15 Corps, Lt Gen K J S Dhillon also appealed the parents to stop their children from joining militant ranks.

"From the core of my heart, I personally request all the mothers in Kashmir to please stop your children from joining militancy or terrorism and bring back those who have gone astray. I guarantee you their safety, security and 100 per cent absorption in the mainstream," he said.

The Army officer was addressing a passing out parade of the newly-recruited cadets at Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) regiment at Rangreth in the outskirts of the city here.

The Corps Commander said life was God's most beautiful gift and meant to live happily with the family.

"Please get them back into mainstream. This one life is the most beautiful gift from God, live it well with your family and remain happy," he said.

A total of 152 cadets, including 26 from Kashmir valley, were recruited into the JAKLI regiment after completing six months rigorous training.&nbsp;

A top Army officer Saturday appealed mothers in Kashmir to help the force bring back their sons who have joined militancy, assuring them of safety and security. General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the Army's Srinagar-based 15 Corps, Lt Gen K J S Dhillon also appealed the parents to stop their children from joining militant ranks.

A top Army officer Saturday appealed mothers in Kashmir to help the force bring back their sons who have joined militancy, assuring them of safety and security. General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the Army's Srinagar-based 15 Corps, Lt Gen K J S Dhillon also appealed the parents to stop their children from joining militant ranks. "From the core of my heart, I personally request all the mothers in Kashmir to please stop your children from joining militancy or terrorism and bring back those who have gone astray. I guarantee you their safety, security and 100 per cent absorption in the mainstream," he said. The Army officer was addressing a passing out parade of the newly-recruited cadets at Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) regiment at Rangreth in the outskirts of the city here. The Corps Commander said life was God's most beautiful gift and meant to live happily with the family. "Please get them back into mainstream. This one life is the most beautiful gift from God, live it well with your family and remain happy," he said. A total of 152 cadets, including 26 from Kashmir valley, were recruited into the JAKLI regiment after completing six months rigorous training.

J&K: Army asks mothers to stop their sons from joining militancy

J&K: 4 security personnel martyred in clash with terrorists in Kupwara, encounter underway

The man who carried out Thursday's terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/crpf-convoy-attacked-in-jammu-kashmirs-pulwama-death-toll-climbs-to-40-197468">left 40 CRPF jawans dead</a> has been identified as Adil Ahmad Dar.

The terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for the attack in a text message sent to Kashmiri news agency GNS. The Jaish-e-Mohammed is headed by Masood Azhar, one of the three terrorists released by India after the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC 814 in December 1999.&nbsp;

A little after the attack, pictures and videos of Adil Ahmad Dar began to appear on social media. Police said Thursday that Dar was from Kakapora in Pulwama.&nbsp;

In one of the videos, Dar says he joined Jaish-e-Mohammed a year ago.&nbsp;

"After a year's wait, I have got the chance to do what I joined the Jaish for... By the time this video reaches you, I will be in heaven... This is my last message to the people of Kashmir," Dar says in the video.&nbsp;

In the video, Dar is seen holding an assault rifle, while a machine gun and pistol are seen next to him. Also seen in the video are several magazines of ammunition and a grenade.&nbsp;

Dar wears black clothing.&nbsp;

The video is superimposed with the words "Victory coming soon inshallah".&nbsp;

The man who carried out Thursday's terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama that left 40 CRPF jawans dead has been identified as Adil Ahmad Dar. The terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for the attack in a text message sent to Kashmiri news agency GNS.

The man who carried out Thursday's terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama that left 40 CRPF jawans dead has been identified as Adil Ahmad Dar. The terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for the attack in a text message sent to Kashmiri news agency GNS. The Jaish-e-Mohammed is headed by Masood Azhar, one of the three terrorists released by India after the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC 814 in December 1999. A little after the attack, pictures and videos of Adil Ahmad Dar began to appear on social media. Police said Thursday that Dar was from Kakapora in Pulwama. In one of the videos, Dar says he joined Jaish-e-Mohammed a year ago. "After a year's wait, I have got the chance to do what I joined the Jaish for... By the time this video reaches you, I will be in heaven... This is my last message to the people of Kashmir," Dar says in the video. In the video, Dar is seen holding an assault rifle, while a machine gun and pistol are seen next to him. Also seen in the video are several magazines of ammunition and a grenade. Dar wears black clothing. The video is superimposed with the words "Victory coming soon inshallah".

Adil Ahmad Dar: The man who carried out the Pulwama attack

A terrorist was killed and an Army Havaldar martyred while another soldier was wounded in a fierce encounter which ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in south Kashmir district of Pulwama on Tuesday morning.

Police have identified the terrorist as Hilal Ahmad Rather son of Ghulam Mohammad Rather, a resident of Behgambagh Kakapora district Pulwama.

Police said that he was involved in several terror crimes, including the escape of top Lashkar commander, Naveed Jatt, who was killed in an encounter last year.&nbsp;

"As per police records, he was affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen. He had a long history of terror crime records and was wanted by law for his complicity in a series of terror crimes including an attack on security establishments and civilian atrocities," police said in a press release.&nbsp;

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Jammu and Kashmir: Army Jawan Baljeet Singh lost his life in an encounter with terrorists in Pulwama earlier today. <a href="https://t.co/iGSBWCojpf">pic.twitter.com/iGSBWCojpf</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1095231389824249857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A joint team of 50 Rashtriya Rifles. 10 PAPA, Special operation group of the Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF launched a cordon-and-search operation around 3 AM in Ratnipora village. As forces zeroed in on the spot, terrorists opened fire on them.&nbsp;

Two Indian army personnel suffered grievous wounds and were shifted to army's 92 base hospital, Badamibagh Srinagar, where one Havaldar Baljeet Singh of 55 RR succumb to his injuries.&nbsp;

"Chinar Corps Cdr and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of Havaldar Baljeet Singh (50 RR), who was martyred in the line of duty in Pulwama on 12 Feb 2019 &amp; offer condolences to the family," Army said.&nbsp;

On Sunday, five terrorists were killed in an operation on Sunday in Kulgam district.&nbsp;

A terrorist was killed and an Army Havaldar martyred while another soldier was wounded in a fierce encounter which ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in south Kashmir district of Pulwama on Tuesday morning.

A terrorist was killed and an Army Havaldar martyred while another soldier was wounded in a fierce encounter which ensued during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in south Kashmir district of Pulwama on Tuesday morning. Police have identified the terrorist as Hilal Ahmad Rather son of Ghulam Mohammad Rather, a resident of Behgambagh Kakapora district Pulwama. Police said that he was involved in several terror crimes, including the escape of top Lashkar commander, Naveed Jatt, who was killed in an encounter last year. "As per police records, he was affiliated with proscribed terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen. He had a long history of terror crime records and was wanted by law for his complicity in a series of terror crimes including an attack on security establishments and civilian atrocities," police said in a press release. Jammu and Kashmir: Army Jawan Baljeet Singh lost his life in an encounter with terrorists in Pulwama earlier today. pic.twitter.com/iGSBWCojpf — ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2019 × A joint team of 50 Rashtriya Rifles. 10 PAPA, Special operation group of the Jammu and Kashmir police and CRPF launched a cordon-and-search operation around 3 AM in Ratnipora village. As forces zeroed in on the spot, terrorists opened fire on them. Two Indian army personnel suffered grievous wounds and were shifted to army's 92 base hospital, Badamibagh Srinagar, where one Havaldar Baljeet Singh of 55 RR succumb to his injuries. "Chinar Corps Cdr and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of Havaldar Baljeet Singh (50 RR), who was martyred in the line of duty in Pulwama on 12 Feb 2019 & offer condolences to the family," Army said. On Sunday, five terrorists were killed in an operation on Sunday in Kulgam district.

J&K: Army jawan martyred, one terrorist gunned down in Pulwama encounter

Kashmiri terrorist-turned-soldier Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, who got martyred while killing 6 terrorists in an operation in the valley, has been chosen for this year's Ashok Chakra, the highest peacetime gallantry award.

The soldier was once a terrorist, but he gave up those activities and joined the Territorial Army.&nbsp;

He was in the 34 Rashtriya Rifles during the operations in which he was martyred and was in the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry regiment.

The highly-decorated soldier has already received the Sena Medal twice for his gallantry against terrorists.

A resident of Cheki Ashmuji village in Kulgam, he is survived by his wife and two children.

Ashok Chakra is the highest peacetime gallantry award in the country, followed by the Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra, respectively.

Four officers and soldiers have received the Kirti Chakra while 12 others have also been awarded the Shaurya Chakra this year.

Kashmiri terrorist-turned-soldier Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, who got martyred while killing 6 terrorists in an operation in the valley, has been chosen for this year's Ashok Chakra, the highest peacetime gallantry award.

Kashmiri terrorist-turned-soldier Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, who got martyred while killing 6 terrorists in an operation in the valley, has been chosen for this year's Ashok Chakra, the highest peacetime gallantry award. The soldier was once a terrorist, but he gave up those activities and joined the Territorial Army. He was in the 34 Rashtriya Rifles during the operations in which he was martyred and was in the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry regiment. The highly-decorated soldier has already received the Sena Medal twice for his gallantry against terrorists. A resident of Cheki Ashmuji village in Kulgam, he is survived by his wife and two children. Ashok Chakra is the highest peacetime gallantry award in the country, followed by the Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra, respectively. Four officers and soldiers have received the Kirti Chakra while 12 others have also been awarded the Shaurya Chakra this year.

Once a terrorist, Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani to get Ashok Chakra posthumously for Kashmir operations

4 terrorists killed in Pulwama encounter in J&K

Pakistani authorities on Wednesday claimed to have foiled a terrorist attack at a Christmas ceremony in Punjab province and arrested four<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/al-qaeda-calls-on-bangladeshi-muslims-to-wage-jihad-against-myanmar-army-27571"> al-Qaeda </a>terrorists.

According to the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), it got credible information that four terrorists belonging to al-Qaeda were present near Francis Abad, Sheikhupura road Gujranwala, some 80-km from Lahore.

"They were planning to attack a Christmas function in Gujranwala city on December 25," a CTD spokesman said in a statement on Wednesday.

A CTD team along with police raided their hideout and arrested the four terrorists identified as Muhammad Tua Seen, Muhammad Junaid, Muneer Ahmed and Taaj Muhammad Shah.

"The terrorists have made important disclosures regarding other plans of the al-Qaeda in Pakistan. Raids are being conducted to arrest their accomplices," the spokesman said.

Explosive material and ammunition have been recovered from them. They have been shifted to an undisclosed location for further investigation.

The CTD recently arrested a member of the al-Qaeda from Lahore.&nbsp;

Pakistani authorities on Wednesday claimed to have foiled a terrorist attack at a Christmas ceremony in Punjab province and arrested four al-Qaeda terrorists. According to the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), it got credible information that four terrorists belonging to al-Qaeda were present near Francis Abad, Sheikhupura road Gujranwala, some 80-km from Lahore.

Pakistani authorities on Wednesday claimed to have foiled a terrorist attack at a Christmas ceremony in Punjab province and arrested four al-Qaeda terrorists. According to the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), it got credible information that four terrorists belonging to al-Qaeda were present near Francis Abad, Sheikhupura road Gujranwala, some 80-km from Lahore. "They were planning to attack a Christmas function in Gujranwala city on December 25," a CTD spokesman said in a statement on Wednesday. A CTD team along with police raided their hideout and arrested the four terrorists identified as Muhammad Tua Seen, Muhammad Junaid, Muneer Ahmed and Taaj Muhammad Shah. "The terrorists have made important disclosures regarding other plans of the al-Qaeda in Pakistan. Raids are being conducted to arrest their accomplices," the spokesman said. Explosive material and ammunition have been recovered from them. They have been shifted to an undisclosed location for further investigation. The CTD recently arrested a member of the al-Qaeda from Lahore.

Pakistan claims it foiled al-Qaeda attack at Christmas ceremony

&nbsp;A wanted Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist, who was luring youths into militancy, was arrested on Sunday in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, a senior police officer said.

Reyaz Ahmad, a resident of Sounder Dachhan village and a close associate of hardcore terrorist Mohammad Amin alias 'Jhangir', was arrested by a police party based on specific information from the town, Senior Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, Rajinder Gupta told PTI.

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Jammu and Kashmir Police: Kishtwar Police arrested a wanted terrorist Reyaz Ahmed. He is a hardcore motivator of youth who encourages them for joining militancy and terrorist activities. <a href="https://t.co/uZkGLA0myN">pic.twitter.com/uZkGLA0myN</a>
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He said several pictures of Ahmad holding an AK assault rifle had gone viral on social media in the recent past and his name also surfaced during the interrogation of two of his associates who were arrested in the town on July 1.

Following the arrest of his two associates, a case was registered at the Kishtwar police station.

The officer said Ahmad was also involved in another case related to militancy in the Parimpora locality of Srinagar.

Some more arrests and recoveries are expected at his disclosure,&nbsp;the officer said, adding he was a hardcore motivator encouraging local youth to join militancy.

Jehangir is the longest surviving terrorist active in the Kishtwar belt, he said

A wanted Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist, who was luring youths into militancy, was arrested on Sunday in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, a senior police officer said.

A wanted Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist, who was luring youths into militancy, was arrested on Sunday in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, a senior police officer said. Reyaz Ahmad, a resident of Sounder Dachhan village and a close associate of hardcore terrorist Mohammad Amin alias 'Jhangir', was arrested by a police party based on specific information from the town, Senior Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, Rajinder Gupta told PTI. Jammu and Kashmir Police: Kishtwar Police arrested a wanted terrorist Reyaz Ahmed. He is a hardcore motivator of youth who encourages them for joining militancy and terrorist activities. pic.twitter.com/uZkGLA0myN — ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2018 × He said several pictures of Ahmad holding an AK assault rifle had gone viral on social media in the recent past and his name also surfaced during the interrogation of two of his associates who were arrested in the town on July 1. Following the arrest of his two associates, a case was registered at the Kishtwar police station. The officer said Ahmad was also involved in another case related to militancy in the Parimpora locality of Srinagar. Some more arrests and recoveries are expected at his disclosure, the officer said, adding he was a hardcore motivator encouraging local youth to join militancy. Jehangir is the longest surviving terrorist active in the Kishtwar belt, he said

Wanted Hizbul recruiter arrested in J&K's Kishtwar

After continuous and successful operations against terrorists in the state of Jammu and Kashmir - particularly in the terror hotbed south Kashmir, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hafiz-saeed-designated-global-terrorist-us-reminds-pakistan-24887">terror outfit </a>Ansar Ghazwat ul Hind (AGH), which is led by Zakir Musa, has issued 'security guidelines' for all terrorists operating in the valley.&nbsp;

In a poster released through its official Telegram channel, AGH has asked terrorists to stay away from the residential areas and not reveal their locations to anyone. The poster reads, "Mujahideen should make their hideouts themselves without the help of any civilian or workers and get all necessary things themselves."

Director General of Jammu and Kashmir police recently told WION that they are getting local support and that is why these operations are being conducted successfully in Kashmir.&nbsp;

Top terror commanders including Naveed Jatt and Ajaz Ahmad Makroo have been killed in a span of 15 days after several civilians, who the terrorists termed as 'informers', were abducted and later killed.&nbsp;

Titled 'Security guidelines for the Mujahideen in Kashmir', AGH has also stressed to the use of encrypted messaging apps and VPN which provide security to their messages. "Use the internet only for necessary communication and do not make any selective communication through it."

The poster could also be a result of the killing of its member Shakir Dar in Tral village of south Kashmir.

After continuous and successful operations against terrorists in the state of Jammu and Kashmir - particularly in the terror hotbed south Kashmir, terror outfit Ansar Ghazwat ul Hind (AGH), which is led by Zakir Musa, has issued 'security guidelines' for all terrorists operating in the valley.

After continuous and successful operations against terrorists in the state of Jammu and Kashmir - particularly in the terror hotbed south Kashmir, terror outfit Ansar Ghazwat ul Hind (AGH), which is led by Zakir Musa, has issued 'security guidelines' for all terrorists operating in the valley. In a poster released through its official Telegram channel, AGH has asked terrorists to stay away from the residential areas and not reveal their locations to anyone. The poster reads, "Mujahideen should make their hideouts themselves without the help of any civilian or workers and get all necessary things themselves." Director General of Jammu and Kashmir police recently told WION that they are getting local support and that is why these operations are being conducted successfully in Kashmir. Top terror commanders including Naveed Jatt and Ajaz Ahmad Makroo have been killed in a span of 15 days after several civilians, who the terrorists termed as 'informers', were abducted and later killed. Titled 'Security guidelines for the Mujahideen in Kashmir', AGH has also stressed to the use of encrypted messaging apps and VPN which provide security to their messages. "Use the internet only for necessary communication and do not make any selective communication through it." The poster could also be a result of the killing of its member Shakir Dar in Tral village of south Kashmir.

J&K: Scared by continuous Army operations, terror outfit releases 'security guidelines' for terrorists

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have killed Naveed Jatt, the LeT terrorist who police say was involved in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/editor-shujaat-bukhari-shot-dead-but-rising-kashmir-hits-stands-144544">the assassination of journalist Shujaat Bukhari</a> in June.

A second terrorist was also killed in the encounter that broke out&nbsp;in Budgam district's Chathergam village on Wednesday morning.

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Budgam Encounter <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a>: Naveed Jatt and another terrorist gunned down by security forces. Jatt was involved in the assassination of journalist Shujaat Bukhari <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/lWcLJwOCFp">pic.twitter.com/lWcLJwOCFp</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067653081452736512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Television news reports said clashes broke out between the security forces and locals after Jatt's killing.&nbsp;

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Two CRPF personnel were injured in stone pelting while encounter between security forces and terrorists was underway in Budgam (deferred visuals) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/woUCaWeIt0">pic.twitter.com/woUCaWeIt0</a>
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A K Bhatt, GOC Army’s 15 Corps: In an operation this morning in Budgam, 2 terrorists were killed. One of them is Naveed Jatt, he was believed to be involved in the killing of journalist Shujaat Bukhari. 2 of our men were also injured &amp; taken to hospital, both are out of danger. <a href="https://t.co/oyXkGmY7UG">pic.twitter.com/oyXkGmY7UG</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067696468696403968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;Jatt was the second terrorist thought to have been involved in Bukhari's assassination to be killed.

LeT commander Azad Ahmed Malik was among six terrorists killed in an encounter last week. Police say he too was involved in Bukhari's killing.

Bukhari, editor of the Rising Kashmir newspaper, was shot dead outside his office in Srinagar's Press Enclave in June. Two of his (PSOs) personal security officers were shot dead along with him. (An attempt had been made on Bukhari's life earlier.)&nbsp;

Bukhari, 50, had at the time been about to leave for an iftar party.&nbsp;

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Lashkar e Taiba Commander Naveed Jatt, who was involved in the assassination of senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari was gunned down by security forces in Budgam earlier today ( pic source: J&amp;K Police)<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/cfe6oh8sdc">pic.twitter.com/cfe6oh8sdc</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067678034822610944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Jatt was a Pakistani and had escaped from police custody from a Srinagar hospital on February 6 this year. 
 
&nbsp;

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have killed Naveed Jatt, the LeT terrorist who police say was involved in the assassination of journalist Shujaat Bukhari in June.

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have killed Naveed Jatt, the LeT terrorist who police say was involved in the assassination of journalist Shujaat Bukhari in June. A second terrorist was also killed in the encounter that broke out in Budgam district's Chathergam village on Wednesday morning. Budgam Encounter #UPDATE: Naveed Jatt and another terrorist gunned down by security forces. Jatt was involved in the assassination of journalist Shujaat Bukhari #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/lWcLJwOCFp — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × Television news reports said clashes broke out between the security forces and locals after Jatt's killing. Two CRPF personnel were injured in stone pelting while encounter between security forces and terrorists was underway in Budgam (deferred visuals) #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/woUCaWeIt0 — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × A K Bhatt, GOC Army’s 15 Corps: In an operation this morning in Budgam, 2 terrorists were killed. One of them is Naveed Jatt, he was believed to be involved in the killing of journalist Shujaat Bukhari. 2 of our men were also injured & taken to hospital, both are out of danger. pic.twitter.com/oyXkGmY7UG — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × Jatt was the second terrorist thought to have been involved in Bukhari's assassination to be killed. LeT commander Azad Ahmed Malik was among six terrorists killed in an encounter last week. Police say he too was involved in Bukhari's killing. Bukhari, editor of the Rising Kashmir newspaper, was shot dead outside his office in Srinagar's Press Enclave in June. Two of his (PSOs) personal security officers were shot dead along with him. (An attempt had been made on Bukhari's life earlier.) Bukhari, 50, had at the time been about to leave for an iftar party. Lashkar e Taiba Commander Naveed Jatt, who was involved in the assassination of senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari was gunned down by security forces in Budgam earlier today ( pic source: J&K Police)#JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/cfe6oh8sdc — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × Jatt was a Pakistani and had escaped from police custody from a Srinagar hospital on February 6 this year.

J&K: Terrorist thought responsible for journalist Shujaat Bukhari's killing shot dead

Six terrorists killed in encounter in J&K

An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorist on Friday in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: An encounter underway between security forces &amp; terrorists in Sekipora area of Bijbehara in Anantnag district. 2 to 3 terrorists are believed to be trapped. More details awaited.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1065768211671654400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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According to a report by ANI, six terrorists have been killed in the encounter.

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Anantnag encounter <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a>: Six terrorists have been killed in the encounter. Arms and ammunition recovered. Operation continues <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/AwZ2fM90HF">pic.twitter.com/AwZ2fM90HF</a>
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The area has been cordoned off for security purposes. Arms and ammunition were also recovered.

The encounter has stopped, however, the search operation is still on.

Indian Army's 3 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and police are jointly conducting the ongoing operation.

Further details of the incident are awaited.

The Valley has been witnessing a spurt in terror activities for the past few months.

Earlier this week one soldier and four terrorists were killed in Shopian district after an encounter broke out in a village.

Two terrorists associated with terror outfit Al-Badr were also killed last week in an encounter in Rebben area of the Shopian district. On the same day, a Central Reserve Police Force jawan lost his life after terrorists opened fire on a CRPF camp at Railway Colony in Pulwama's Kakapora area.

&nbsp;

An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorist on Friday in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district. #JammuAndKashmir: An encounter underway between security forces & terrorists in Sekipora area of Bijbehara in Anantnag district.

An encounter broke out between security forces and terrorist on Friday in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district. #JammuAndKashmir: An encounter underway between security forces & terrorists in Sekipora area of Bijbehara in Anantnag district. 2 to 3 terrorists are believed to be trapped. More details awaited. — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2018 × According to a report by ANI, six terrorists have been killed in the encounter. Anantnag encounter #UPDATE: Six terrorists have been killed in the encounter. Arms and ammunition recovered. Operation continues #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/AwZ2fM90HF — ANI (@ANI) November 23, 2018 × The area has been cordoned off for security purposes. Arms and ammunition were also recovered. The encounter has stopped, however, the search operation is still on. Indian Army's 3 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and police are jointly conducting the ongoing operation. Further details of the incident are awaited. The Valley has been witnessing a spurt in terror activities for the past few months. Earlier this week one soldier and four terrorists were killed in Shopian district after an encounter broke out in a village. Two terrorists associated with terror outfit Al-Badr were also killed last week in an encounter in Rebben area of the Shopian district. On the same day, a Central Reserve Police Force jawan lost his life after terrorists opened fire on a CRPF camp at Railway Colony in Pulwama's Kakapora area.

Video: 6 terrorists gunned down in J&K's Anantnag encounter; search operation underway

Bomb-proof, earthquake-resistant and cheap: thousands of Pakistanis are choosing to hunker down in caves northwest of Islamabad, snapping up the hobbit-like homes amid a nationwide housing shortage.

Located around 60 kilometres (40 miles) from Pakistan's capital, nearly 3,000 people live in caves in the village of Hasan Abdal, according to councilor Haji Abdul Rasheed -- whose own home is among the dwellings carved into the rugged, earthen hillside embankments.

Rasheed's spartan cave -- or "buray" as it is locally known -- consists of a few minimally furnished rooms complemented by a breezy veranda.&nbsp;

The caves are usually dug by hand, with residents using clay to plaster the walls -- a practice which serves as a bulwark against landslides, they say.

"There is nothing like it. If you build a mud house, it collapses during the rains. This does not collapse," says Rasheed.

"It's earthquake-proof and bomb-proof."

Although locals have been living in caves for at least five centuries since the area was settled by a Mughal tribe, a surge in housing prices has renewed the appetite for the cavernous homes, which cost much less than their urban counterparts.

"We bought this because it's cheaper... we dug it ourselves," says resident Ameer Ullah Khan. &nbsp;

The modern-day cave dwellers also recommend the structures as ideally suited to Pakistan's weather -- staying cool as summertime temperature soar past 40 degrees Celsius and providing a warm cocoon during the area's chilly winters.

"We mostly spend our summers here... using the caves as our residence and to store our belongings, including our wheat and corn harvest," says Muhammad Sohail, who lives elsewhere the rest of the year.

Life is not all easy however: lacking sufficient natural light, the caves rely on electricity cabled in from outside to power TV sets and mobile phones, while indoor plumbing is a rare luxury.&nbsp;

But with cave prices averaging around about 40,000 rupees (US $300 dollars) compared to brick homes that start around 250,000 rupees, locals and property experts say they are much more affordable than other rural options.

"Even in the countryside, you need at least half a million rupees to get a small piece of land to build a house," real estate agent Sakhi Riaz told AFP.&nbsp;

The lower costs have allowed some residents to splurge on extras, from rose gardens to terraced fruit orchards.&nbsp;

One local 'godman' has even gone so far as to build an huge residential complex to host hundreds of devotees who flock to the area for religious festivities. &nbsp;

The humble abodes are seen as an increasingly attractive option as Pakistan battles a dearth of affordable housing, with the country's rapidly growing population hovering around 207 million.

Freshly elected Prime Minister Imran Khan has vowed to address the crisis by building as many as five million new homes even as an ongoing financial crisis has raised questions about how he will pay for it.

Bomb-proof, earthquake-resistant and cheap: thousands of Pakistanis are choosing to hunker down in caves northwest of Islamabad, snapping up the hobbit-like homes amid a nationwide housing shortage.

Bomb-proof, earthquake-resistant and cheap: thousands of Pakistanis are choosing to hunker down in caves northwest of Islamabad, snapping up the hobbit-like homes amid a nationwide housing shortage. Located around 60 kilometres (40 miles) from Pakistan's capital, nearly 3,000 people live in caves in the village of Hasan Abdal, according to councilor Haji Abdul Rasheed -- whose own home is among the dwellings carved into the rugged, earthen hillside embankments. Rasheed's spartan cave -- or "buray" as it is locally known -- consists of a few minimally furnished rooms complemented by a breezy veranda. The caves are usually dug by hand, with residents using clay to plaster the walls -- a practice which serves as a bulwark against landslides, they say. "There is nothing like it. If you build a mud house, it collapses during the rains. This does not collapse," says Rasheed. "It's earthquake-proof and bomb-proof." Although locals have been living in caves for at least five centuries since the area was settled by a Mughal tribe, a surge in housing prices has renewed the appetite for the cavernous homes, which cost much less than their urban counterparts. "We bought this because it's cheaper... we dug it ourselves," says resident Ameer Ullah Khan. The modern-day cave dwellers also recommend the structures as ideally suited to Pakistan's weather -- staying cool as summertime temperature soar past 40 degrees Celsius and providing a warm cocoon during the area's chilly winters. "We mostly spend our summers here... using the caves as our residence and to store our belongings, including our wheat and corn harvest," says Muhammad Sohail, who lives elsewhere the rest of the year. Life is not all easy however: lacking sufficient natural light, the caves rely on electricity cabled in from outside to power TV sets and mobile phones, while indoor plumbing is a rare luxury. But with cave prices averaging around about 40,000 rupees (US $300 dollars) compared to brick homes that start around 250,000 rupees, locals and property experts say they are much more affordable than other rural options. "Even in the countryside, you need at least half a million rupees to get a small piece of land to build a house," real estate agent Sakhi Riaz told AFP. The lower costs have allowed some residents to splurge on extras, from rose gardens to terraced fruit orchards. One local 'godman' has even gone so far as to build an huge residential complex to host hundreds of devotees who flock to the area for religious festivities. The humble abodes are seen as an increasingly attractive option as Pakistan battles a dearth of affordable housing, with the country's rapidly growing population hovering around 207 million. Freshly elected Prime Minister Imran Khan has vowed to address the crisis by building as many as five million new homes even as an ongoing financial crisis has raised questions about how he will pay for it.

In Pakistani village, home is where the cave is

The Kashmir Police is investigating various social media accounts propagating videos of "executions" carried out by militants recently, Inspector General of Police (IGP) S P Pani said here Monday.

Militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen has released two such videos in which two civilians, abducted by the outfit, were killed in front of camera.

"These crimes (on-camera executions carried out by militants) are terror and gruesome crimes. Their propaganda on social media is also a crime. A case already stands registered in this matter and those propagating such type of content, there are some handles which are propagating them, we are investigating them,' Pani said.

The IGP Kashmir was speaking to reporters at the wreath-laying ceremony of a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan at Humhama.

Head Constable Chandrika Prasad was killed in a militant attack on a CRPF camp in Kakapora area of south Kashmir's Pulwama district Sunday night.

Pani said police is seeking cooperation of the service-providers to nab people behind propagation of such videos.

"I am sure that with the cooperation of the service provider and other things, we will be able to nail them," he said.

Asked about the arrest of two women allegedly working as over-ground workers of militants, the IGP Kashmir said police is investigating their roles.

"The investigation is on. We will share the details of the investigation findings with you once they come," he said.&nbsp;

The Kashmir Police is investigating various social media accounts propagating videos of "executions" carried out by militants recently, Inspector General of Police (IGP) S P Pani said here Monday.

The Kashmir Police is investigating various social media accounts propagating videos of "executions" carried out by militants recently, Inspector General of Police (IGP) S P Pani said here Monday. Militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen has released two such videos in which two civilians, abducted by the outfit, were killed in front of camera. "These crimes (on-camera executions carried out by militants) are terror and gruesome crimes. Their propaganda on social media is also a crime. A case already stands registered in this matter and those propagating such type of content, there are some handles which are propagating them, we are investigating them,' Pani said. The IGP Kashmir was speaking to reporters at the wreath-laying ceremony of a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan at Humhama. Head Constable Chandrika Prasad was killed in a militant attack on a CRPF camp in Kakapora area of south Kashmir's Pulwama district Sunday night. Pani said police is seeking cooperation of the service-providers to nab people behind propagation of such videos. "I am sure that with the cooperation of the service provider and other things, we will be able to nail them," he said. Asked about the arrest of two women allegedly working as over-ground workers of militants, the IGP Kashmir said police is investigating their roles. "The investigation is on. We will share the details of the investigation findings with you once they come," he said.

Police probing social media accounts propagating videos of 'executions' by terrorists: Kashmir IGP

Punjab police said Sunday the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/3-dead-10-injured-in-grenade-attack-at-amritsars-rajasansi-village-178012">grenade attack</a> on a religious congregation on the outskirts of Amritsar city appears to be a "terrorist act".

"It (this incident) appears to have a terror angle. Because it is against a group (of people) and it is not against any individual. There is no reason to throw a hand grenade on a group of people, so we will take it as a terrorist act. Till proven otherwise, prima facie we will take it as that," Punjab Director General of Police Suresh Arora told PTI.

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Three dead &amp; twenty injured in the blast. We are counting it as a terror act. We will find out other details in the further investigation: Punjab DGP Suresh Arora on the blast in Amritsar district. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Punjab?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Punjab</a> <a href="https://t.co/ItYksYFibE">pic.twitter.com/ItYksYFibE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1064129100971954177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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To a question, the DGP said there was no specific input about any possible attack on Nirankari Bhavan.

"There was no issue with this group as such? There was no specific input on (Nirankari Bhavan)," he said.

Three persons were killed and at least 10 injured in a grenade attack on a religious congregation on the city outskirts on Sunday, police said.

The attack took place inside the Nirankari Bhavan at Adliwal village near Amritsar's Rajasansi, close to the international airport, police said.

A religious congregation of the Nirankari sect was being conducted inside the Bhavan at the time of the incident.

"A grenade was lobbed and three people have died in the incident while 10 have been injured in the incident, two of them critically," Inspector General of Police S S Parmar, who visited the incident spot, told reporters.

He said about 200 devotees were inside at the time of the attack. No CCTV camera was installed at the premises, preliminary investigations found, he said.

"We have launched relief and rescue operations," he said.

After the attack, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh reviewed the law and order situation and directed the Home Secretary, DGP (Law and Order) and DG Intelligence to rush to Rajasansi to supervise investigations.&nbsp;

Punjab police said Sunday the grenade attack on a religious congregation on the outskirts of Amritsar city appears to be a "terrorist act". "It (this incident) appears to have a terror angle.

Punjab police said Sunday the grenade attack on a religious congregation on the outskirts of Amritsar city appears to be a "terrorist act". "It (this incident) appears to have a terror angle. Because it is against a group (of people) and it is not against any individual. There is no reason to throw a hand grenade on a group of people, so we will take it as a terrorist act. Till proven otherwise, prima facie we will take it as that," Punjab Director General of Police Suresh Arora told PTI. Three dead & twenty injured in the blast. We are counting it as a terror act. We will find out other details in the further investigation: Punjab DGP Suresh Arora on the blast in Amritsar district. #Punjab pic.twitter.com/ItYksYFibE — ANI (@ANI) November 18, 2018 × To a question, the DGP said there was no specific input about any possible attack on Nirankari Bhavan. "There was no issue with this group as such? There was no specific input on (Nirankari Bhavan)," he said. Three persons were killed and at least 10 injured in a grenade attack on a religious congregation on the city outskirts on Sunday, police said. The attack took place inside the Nirankari Bhavan at Adliwal village near Amritsar's Rajasansi, close to the international airport, police said. A religious congregation of the Nirankari sect was being conducted inside the Bhavan at the time of the incident. "A grenade was lobbed and three people have died in the incident while 10 have been injured in the incident, two of them critically," Inspector General of Police S S Parmar, who visited the incident spot, told reporters. He said about 200 devotees were inside at the time of the attack. No CCTV camera was installed at the premises, preliminary investigations found, he said. "We have launched relief and rescue operations," he said. After the attack, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh reviewed the law and order situation and directed the Home Secretary, DGP (Law and Order) and DG Intelligence to rush to Rajasansi to supervise investigations.

Amritsar grenade attack appears to be 'terrorist act': Punjab police

Security forces gunned down two terrorists and foiled an infiltration attempt at Keran sector of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported adding that an operation is underway.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in another encounter between security forces and terrorists in Akhnoor sector, a Pakistani militant was killed today afternoon. According to reports, arms and ammunition have been recovered by security forces.&nbsp;

The area has been cordoned off; search and destroy operation is still in progress, Defence PRO told media today.

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Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Two terrorists killed while attempting to infiltrate in Keren sector of Kupwara district; Operation underway <a href="https://t.co/vZ4EL0j1a2">pic.twitter.com/vZ4EL0j1a2</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1062328237014040577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On Sunday, a group of terrorists attacked a police party in Jammu and Kashmir's Handwara. According to reports, the police gunned down one terrorist.

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In an encounter between security forces &amp; terrorists in Akhnoor sector, Pakistani terrorist eliminated at around 01:50 pm today. Arms &amp; ammunition recovered. The entire area has been cordoned off; search &amp; destroy operation is still in progress: Defence PRO. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/L5arFXUQ4C">pic.twitter.com/L5arFXUQ4C</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1062320742807810049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Police retaliated when terrorists mounted an attack on a check-post at Handwara bypass, triggering a gunfight. The deceased terrorist was identified as Ishtiyaaq from Pakistan, affiliated to terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed.&nbsp;

Security forces gunned down two terrorists and foiled an infiltration attempt at Keran sector of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported adding that an operation is underway.

Security forces gunned down two terrorists and foiled an infiltration attempt at Keran sector of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported adding that an operation is underway. Meanwhile, in another encounter between security forces and terrorists in Akhnoor sector, a Pakistani militant was killed today afternoon. According to reports, arms and ammunition have been recovered by security forces. The area has been cordoned off; search and destroy operation is still in progress, Defence PRO told media today. Jammu & Kashmir: Two terrorists killed while attempting to infiltrate in Keren sector of Kupwara district; Operation underway pic.twitter.com/vZ4EL0j1a2 — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2018 × On Sunday, a group of terrorists attacked a police party in Jammu and Kashmir's Handwara. According to reports, the police gunned down one terrorist. In an encounter between security forces & terrorists in Akhnoor sector, Pakistani terrorist eliminated at around 01:50 pm today. Arms & ammunition recovered. The entire area has been cordoned off; search & destroy operation is still in progress: Defence PRO. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/L5arFXUQ4C — ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2018 × Police retaliated when terrorists mounted an attack on a check-post at Handwara bypass, triggering a gunfight. The deceased terrorist was identified as Ishtiyaaq from Pakistan, affiliated to terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed.

J&K: Security forces foil infiltration attempt, gun down two terrorists in Kupwara

In May, Hassan Fada'am traded his military fatigues for a suit when he became one of 45 Shi'ite militiamen elected to Iraq's 329-seat parliament.

Fada'am trained as a soldier in Iran and fought against Islamic State in Iraq. Now he's a politician as paramilitary groups backed by Iran have doubled their number of seats in Iraq's parliament. The Fatih Alliance bloc that represents them has become the second largest political bloc.

In interviews, eight militiamen who have translated their battlefield success into electoral victories set out how they plan to use this new platform. Six months after the vote, Iraq's new Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has yet to win parliamentary approval for his government. Yet already one thing is evident, the militia are better placed than ever to influence policies, from domestic security to foreign policy.

Mahdi's predecessor as prime minister, Haider al-Abadi, has said he fears the militiamen will undermine efforts to unify Iraq. Its young democracy is trying to balance the demands of its Sunnis, Kurds and Shi'ites after years of sectarian conflict, and the economy is only beginning to recover from the country's war with Islamic State. Abadi tried, unsuccessfully, to prevent militia leaders from standing in the 2018 election.

"How can a military outfit have a political opinion? This does not happen in any part of the world. It is prohibited," he said at the time. The militiamen responded by announcing they would quit their military roles to comply with Iraq's electoral code.

Some in Washington are also worried. Republican senators have introduced a bill that would impose sanctions on two Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Harakat Hezbollah al Nujaba. Sponsors of the Iranian Proxies Terrorist Sanctions Act include Senators David Perdue, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio.

Iran is unperturbed. "In the meetings we had with our Iraqi brothers, they assured us that Iraq could not be used by America," said a former Iranian ambassador in the region, now a senior official in Tehran.

Among Iran's Iraqi allies is the Badr Organization, which won 21 seats at the election. For two decades, Badr's leader Hadi al-Amiri led the fight against Saddam Hussein from exile in Iran. A Badr local commander, Karim Nouri, said communication with Iran was ongoing "to keep Tehran's rivals – the United States and Saudi Arabia – in check." He did not elaborate.

Hisham Hashemi, a security adviser to Iraq's government, said he believed that Iran was in touch with Shi'ite politicians "in order to have a means of applying political pressure, to guarantee their loyalty, to make sure they have an armed force loyal to them. They provide advice on PR, propaganda, marketing, media, speeches, social media."

INSPIRED BY IRAN, SUSPICIOUS OF AMERICA

When Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani urged his fellow Shi'ites to join the fight against Islamic State in 2014, Fada'am was among the tens of thousands of Shi'ites who answered the call. He led the Dawn Brigades, a force of 3,400 fighters.

After driving Islamic State from the town of Jurf al-Sakhr south of Baghdad, Fada'am lobbied the local government in his province of Hilla to cancel the property rights of Sunnis in the area, saying they were tied to Islamic State. The Hilla provincial council agreed to his request.

Elected in May to represent Hilla in parliament, Fada'am says he now devotes his time to politics, frequently appearing on talk shows broadcast on Shi'ite television channels to drive home his anti-corruption message. Visitors stream into his office in Hilla seeking help. Like many parts of Iraq, Hilla lacks basic services. Roads are potholed. Medical facilities are crumbling. He receives hundreds of requests from young people wanting a job in the civil service.

Across town from his office is a hospital run by his followers. It provides free medical care for militia fighters and members of the public. Patients have access to an orderly, well stocked pharmacy. The rooms are cleaner than most medical facilities in Iraq.

"At the end of the day we must switch to politics to rebuild our country. Rebuilding the country and maintaining its security could come only through good politics," said Fada'am.

Another militiaman turned politician, Falih Khazali, fought on the side of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria's civil war and lost an eye defending a Shi'ite shrine near Damascus. These days, he operates from Iraq's second city Basra in the oil-producing south. Posters of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini adorn the wall of his office. He is beginning his second term in parliament, having been elected for the first time in 2014.

"The Americans should not consider Iraq as one of their villages. Iraq is an independent state with an ancient history. The United states must not deal with Iraq on the basis of zero give and 100 per cent take," he said.

"Iran's role was very effective in arming Iraqi forces and the Hashid (militia) through the government. Only the Islamic Republic of Iran supported Iraq when the state was about to collapse. All others were onlookers."

Like Iran, Khazali is opposed to the American military presence in Iraq. He says he is "pushing for a draft law to force government to reconsider bilateral military cooperation with the United States." About 5,200 US&nbsp;troops are based in Iraq. They will stay "as long as needed" to help stabilize regions previously controlled by Islamic State, said a spokesman for the US-led international coalition.

UNCLEAN WATER, CORRUPT OFFICIALS

Like Fada'am, Khazali is focused on everyday issues that are important to Iraqis: contaminated water, dilapidated infrastructure and corrupt officials. He has opened his office in Basra to anyone who can provide proof of official corruption. He says he has put together a file containing 100 cases. During the first session of parliament in mid-September, Khazali successfully urged the chamber to send a delegation to investigate the "miserable conditions" in Basra, the scene of protests over unsafe water, power shortages, unemployment and corruption.

"Fighting corruption is my primary target now after defeating Islamic State," he said. "Corruption is a second Islamic State if not worse."

That's a view shared by others, including Asaib ahl al-Haq, one of the militias that is faced with possible U.S. sanctions. Asaib militiaman Saad al Husseini, from the town of Kut on the banks of the Tigris river, has taken up a seat in parliament. He handled logistics for Asaib during the war against Islamic State, ensuring fighters showed up at their positions and arranging matters after deaths. He says the protests in Basra flow from the failings of successive governments.

"The protests now are a stark evidence that corruption is spreading in all government institutions. The next step should be fighting corruption," he said. "My primary objective after becoming a lawmaker will be helping to legislate to serve people's interests and monitoring the performance of the government in order to stamp out corruption."

REVOLUTIONARY GUARD II

Some Iraqi politicians and military officers worry that through the Shi'ite militias Tehran is trying to create an Iraqi version of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, with its parallel security apparatus and vast business empire. Iraqi militias have shares in construction, trade and car import companies.

At the Safra border crossing, 90 km north of Baghdad, the Badr Organisation, Iran's closest paramilitary partner in Iraq, collects custom tariffs and taxes on goods transported from the Kurdish region in the north, according to a local councillor and two former senior Iraqi officials. The councillor said at least US $12 to US $15 million goes to the Badr group each month.

Local Badr commander, Imad Jafaar, denied the group was using the crossing to generate funds.

Hard currency exchanges along central Baghdad's busy streets pay fees to militias to protect keep their businesses, said three owners of currency exchange businesses and police sources.

Cash flows do not stop at business interests. The Iraqi state budget allocated US $1 billion for the militias during the war with Islamic State. A Hashid fighter is normally paid US $600 a month, compared to any army soldier's US $200 salary.

In May, Hassan Fada'am traded his military fatigues for a suit when he became one of 45 Shi'ite militiamen elected to Iraq's 329-seat parliament. Fada'am trained as a soldier in Iran and fought against Islamic State in Iraq.

In May, Hassan Fada'am traded his military fatigues for a suit when he became one of 45 Shi'ite militiamen elected to Iraq's 329-seat parliament. Fada'am trained as a soldier in Iran and fought against Islamic State in Iraq. Now he's a politician as paramilitary groups backed by Iran have doubled their number of seats in Iraq's parliament. The Fatih Alliance bloc that represents them has become the second largest political bloc. In interviews, eight militiamen who have translated their battlefield success into electoral victories set out how they plan to use this new platform. Six months after the vote, Iraq's new Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has yet to win parliamentary approval for his government. Yet already one thing is evident, the militia are better placed than ever to influence policies, from domestic security to foreign policy. Mahdi's predecessor as prime minister, Haider al-Abadi, has said he fears the militiamen will undermine efforts to unify Iraq. Its young democracy is trying to balance the demands of its Sunnis, Kurds and Shi'ites after years of sectarian conflict, and the economy is only beginning to recover from the country's war with Islamic State. Abadi tried, unsuccessfully, to prevent militia leaders from standing in the 2018 election. "How can a military outfit have a political opinion? This does not happen in any part of the world. It is prohibited," he said at the time. The militiamen responded by announcing they would quit their military roles to comply with Iraq's electoral code. Some in Washington are also worried. Republican senators have introduced a bill that would impose sanctions on two Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, Asaib Ahl al-Haq and Harakat Hezbollah al Nujaba. Sponsors of the Iranian Proxies Terrorist Sanctions Act include Senators David Perdue, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio. Iran is unperturbed. "In the meetings we had with our Iraqi brothers, they assured us that Iraq could not be used by America," said a former Iranian ambassador in the region, now a senior official in Tehran. Among Iran's Iraqi allies is the Badr Organization, which won 21 seats at the election. For two decades, Badr's leader Hadi al-Amiri led the fight against Saddam Hussein from exile in Iran. A Badr local commander, Karim Nouri, said communication with Iran was ongoing "to keep Tehran's rivals – the United States and Saudi Arabia – in check." He did not elaborate. Hisham Hashemi, a security adviser to Iraq's government, said he believed that Iran was in touch with Shi'ite politicians "in order to have a means of applying political pressure, to guarantee their loyalty, to make sure they have an armed force loyal to them. They provide advice on PR, propaganda, marketing, media, speeches, social media." INSPIRED BY IRAN, SUSPICIOUS OF AMERICA When Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani urged his fellow Shi'ites to join the fight against Islamic State in 2014, Fada'am was among the tens of thousands of Shi'ites who answered the call. He led the Dawn Brigades, a force of 3,400 fighters. After driving Islamic State from the town of Jurf al-Sakhr south of Baghdad, Fada'am lobbied the local government in his province of Hilla to cancel the property rights of Sunnis in the area, saying they were tied to Islamic State. The Hilla provincial council agreed to his request. Elected in May to represent Hilla in parliament, Fada'am says he now devotes his time to politics, frequently appearing on talk shows broadcast on Shi'ite television channels to drive home his anti-corruption message. Visitors stream into his office in Hilla seeking help. Like many parts of Iraq, Hilla lacks basic services. Roads are potholed. Medical facilities are crumbling. He receives hundreds of requests from young people wanting a job in the civil service. Across town from his office is a hospital run by his followers. It provides free medical care for militia fighters and members of the public. Patients have access to an orderly, well stocked pharmacy. The rooms are cleaner than most medical facilities in Iraq. "At the end of the day we must switch to politics to rebuild our country. Rebuilding the country and maintaining its security could come only through good politics," said Fada'am. Another militiaman turned politician, Falih Khazali, fought on the side of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria's civil war and lost an eye defending a Shi'ite shrine near Damascus. These days, he operates from Iraq's second city Basra in the oil-producing south. Posters of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini adorn the wall of his office. He is beginning his second term in parliament, having been elected for the first time in 2014. "The Americans should not consider Iraq as one of their villages. Iraq is an independent state with an ancient history. The United states must not deal with Iraq on the basis of zero give and 100 per cent take," he said. "Iran's role was very effective in arming Iraqi forces and the Hashid (militia) through the government. Only the Islamic Republic of Iran supported Iraq when the state was about to collapse. All others were onlookers." Like Iran, Khazali is opposed to the American military presence in Iraq. He says he is "pushing for a draft law to force government to reconsider bilateral military cooperation with the United States." About 5,200 US troops are based in Iraq. They will stay "as long as needed" to help stabilize regions previously controlled by Islamic State, said a spokesman for the US-led international coalition. UNCLEAN WATER, CORRUPT OFFICIALS Like Fada'am, Khazali is focused on everyday issues that are important to Iraqis: contaminated water, dilapidated infrastructure and corrupt officials. He has opened his office in Basra to anyone who can provide proof of official corruption. He says he has put together a file containing 100 cases. During the first session of parliament in mid-September, Khazali successfully urged the chamber to send a delegation to investigate the "miserable conditions" in Basra, the scene of protests over unsafe water, power shortages, unemployment and corruption. "Fighting corruption is my primary target now after defeating Islamic State," he said. "Corruption is a second Islamic State if not worse." That's a view shared by others, including Asaib ahl al-Haq, one of the militias that is faced with possible U.S. sanctions. Asaib militiaman Saad al Husseini, from the town of Kut on the banks of the Tigris river, has taken up a seat in parliament. He handled logistics for Asaib during the war against Islamic State, ensuring fighters showed up at their positions and arranging matters after deaths. He says the protests in Basra flow from the failings of successive governments. "The protests now are a stark evidence that corruption is spreading in all government institutions. The next step should be fighting corruption," he said. "My primary objective after becoming a lawmaker will be helping to legislate to serve people's interests and monitoring the performance of the government in order to stamp out corruption." REVOLUTIONARY GUARD II Some Iraqi politicians and military officers worry that through the Shi'ite militias Tehran is trying to create an Iraqi version of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, with its parallel security apparatus and vast business empire. Iraqi militias have shares in construction, trade and car import companies. At the Safra border crossing, 90 km north of Baghdad, the Badr Organisation, Iran's closest paramilitary partner in Iraq, collects custom tariffs and taxes on goods transported from the Kurdish region in the north, according to a local councillor and two former senior Iraqi officials. The councillor said at least US $12 to US $15 million goes to the Badr group each month. Local Badr commander, Imad Jafaar, denied the group was using the crossing to generate funds. Hard currency exchanges along central Baghdad's busy streets pay fees to militias to protect keep their businesses, said three owners of currency exchange businesses and police sources. Cash flows do not stop at business interests. The Iraqi state budget allocated US $1 billion for the militias during the war with Islamic State. A Hashid fighter is normally paid US $600 a month, compared to any army soldier's US $200 salary.

In Iraq’s parliament, Shi’ite militia leaders plan to call the shots

The Islamic State group claimed a suicide attack that killed six people in Kabul on Monday and wounded 20 others, its propaganda agency Amaq said.

"A suicide attacker wearing an explosives belt hits a gathering of Shiites near the presidential palace... in Kabul," Amaq said.

Afghan interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said at least six people were killed in the blast, which struck in front of a high school in the downtown area of the Afghan capital, near the presidential palace.

Initial reports indicated most of the victims were members of the security forces, but Danish said civilians, including several women, had borne the brunt of the carnage.

The attack hit close to where scores of Afghans had been protesting Taliban attacks on the minority Hazara ethnic group, most of whom belong to the Shiite branch of Islam.&nbsp;

"The suicide attacker on foot wanted to target protesters, but he was stopped at a security checkpoint some 200 metres (660 feet) from the site," interior ministry deputy spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said.

IS has claimed most suicide attacks in Kabul in recent months.

On October 31, an IS suicide bomber targeting a bus carrying employees of Afghanistan's biggest prison -- also in Kabul -- killed at least seven people.

That attack came days after a suicide bomber blew himself up near the entrance of Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission in the capital, killing at least one person.

The Islamic State group claimed a suicide attack that killed six people in Kabul on Monday and wounded 20 others, its propaganda agency Amaq said. "A suicide attacker wearing an explosives belt hits a gathering of Shiites near the presidential palace.

The Islamic State group claimed a suicide attack that killed six people in Kabul on Monday and wounded 20 others, its propaganda agency Amaq said. "A suicide attacker wearing an explosives belt hits a gathering of Shiites near the presidential palace... in Kabul," Amaq said. Afghan interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said at least six people were killed in the blast, which struck in front of a high school in the downtown area of the Afghan capital, near the presidential palace. Initial reports indicated most of the victims were members of the security forces, but Danish said civilians, including several women, had borne the brunt of the carnage. The attack hit close to where scores of Afghans had been protesting Taliban attacks on the minority Hazara ethnic group, most of whom belong to the Shiite branch of Islam. "The suicide attacker on foot wanted to target protesters, but he was stopped at a security checkpoint some 200 metres (660 feet) from the site," interior ministry deputy spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said. IS has claimed most suicide attacks in Kabul in recent months. On October 31, an IS suicide bomber targeting a bus carrying employees of Afghanistan's biggest prison -- also in Kabul -- killed at least seven people. That attack came days after a suicide bomber blew himself up near the entrance of Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission in the capital, killing at least one person.

IS claims deadly Kabul attack: Propaganda agency

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