In a shocking incident, a teenage Muslim girl was called a "terrorist" by a man who ripped off her hijab with a knife.&nbsp

The incident occurred last week in US state of Virginia. The local police described the attack as an incident of a hate crime. Reports suggest that the 13-year-old girl was targeted "because of her religious attire".

The girl was attacked while walking in the Woodbridge area on April 6 wherein she was confronted by a stranger who swore at her and seized her arm. According to police, the girl removed her headscarf while the culprit tried covering her mouth as she tried to scream.&nbsp

The attacker fled when a motorist came by and saw him harassing the woman, the police said. The girl was reported to have suffered minor injuries.&nbsp

The police continue to investigate the matter.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp

The incident occurred last week in US state of Virginia

In a shocking incident, a teenage Muslim girl was called a "terrorist" by a man who ripped off her hijab with a knife. The incident occurred last week in US state of Virginia. The local police described the attack as an incident of a hate crime. Reports suggest that the 13-year-old girl was targeted "because of her religious attire". The girl was attacked while walking in the Woodbridge area on April 6 wherein she was confronted by a stranger who swore at her and seized her arm. According to police, the girl removed her headscarf while the culprit tried covering her mouth as she tried to scream. The attacker fled when a motorist came by and saw him harassing the woman, the police said. The girl was reported to have suffered minor injuries. The police continue to investigate the matter. (With inputs from PTI)

US: Attacker rips off Muslim girl's hijab, calls her 'terrorist'

At least four senior local leaders, affiliated with the terror outfit Taliban, have been killed during an operation of the Afghan Intelligence, National Directorate of Security (NDS), in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province.

"The NDS operatives conducted a Special Operation in Chahar Dehi area of the district, leaving four dead and three others wounded," reported Khaama Press, citing, the provincial government media office, as saying in a statement.

The statement added that the militants were killed during an operation in Bati Kot district. Five militants were arrested as well.

According to the report, the local Taliban leaders, killed in the operation, have been identified as Tur Dil alias Mullah Tur, Pacha, Mohammad Shafiq alias Sanga, and Muskin.

No comments have been received from the anti-government armed militant groups including Taliban insurgents by far.

According to the report, the local Taliban leaders, killed in the operation, have been identified as Tur Dil alias Mullah Tur, Pacha, Mohammad Shafiq alias Sanga, and Muskin.

At least four senior local leaders, affiliated with the terror outfit Taliban, have been killed during an operation of the Afghan Intelligence, National Directorate of Security (NDS), in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province. "The NDS operatives conducted a Special Operation in Chahar Dehi area of the district, leaving four dead and three others wounded," reported Khaama Press, citing, the provincial government media office, as saying in a statement. The statement added that the militants were killed during an operation in Bati Kot district. Five militants were arrested as well. According to the report, the local Taliban leaders, killed in the operation, have been identified as Tur Dil alias Mullah Tur, Pacha, Mohammad Shafiq alias Sanga, and Muskin. No comments have been received from the anti-government armed militant groups including Taliban insurgents by far.

4 Taliban militants killed in Afghanistan

A local Taliban leader along with another militant have been killed an explosion which was triggered by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Afghanistan's eastern Laghman province.

The explosives went off prematurely, killing the two militants, as they were busy planning to plant it on a roadside frequented by the Afghan forces in Alisheng district, Khaama Press reported, citing, The provincial government media office, as saying, in a statement.

The militants killed in the explosion were reportedly involved in major terrorist-related activities in Laghman province.

In a bid to target the government staff and security personnel, the anti-government armed militant groups often use explosives materials for the roadside as well as the car bombings, the reports said.&nbsp;

The explosives went off prematurely, killing the two militants, as they were busy planning to plant it

A local Taliban leader along with another militant have been killed an explosion which was triggered by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Afghanistan's eastern Laghman province. The explosives went off prematurely, killing the two militants, as they were busy planning to plant it on a roadside frequented by the Afghan forces in Alisheng district, Khaama Press reported, citing, The provincial government media office, as saying, in a statement. The militants killed in the explosion were reportedly involved in major terrorist-related activities in Laghman province. In a bid to target the government staff and security personnel, the anti-government armed militant groups often use explosives materials for the roadside as well as the car bombings, the reports said.

Afghanistan: Local Taliban leader dies as IED he was planting explodes

A terrorist was killed on Friday in an encounter with the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district.

The terrorist was identified as Musavir Hasan Vani.

The encounter was conducted in Pulwama's Kangan region.

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Jammu & Kashmir: Security forces gunned down one terrorist, identified as Musavir Hasan Vani, during encounter in Pulwama's Kangan.
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&nbsp

The terrorist was identified as Musavir Hasan Vani

A terrorist was killed on Friday in an encounter with the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. The terrorist was identified as Musavir Hasan Vani. The encounter was conducted in Pulwama's Kangan region. Jammu & Kashmir: Security forces gunned down one terrorist, identified as Musavir Hasan Vani, during encounter in Pulwama's Kangan. — ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2018 × #SpotVisuals: Encounter between security forces and terrorists underway in Pulwama's Kangan. #JammuAndKashmir (visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/fqalqQG0c7 — ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2018 × #FLASH: Encounter between security forces and terrorists starts in Pulwama's Kangan. #JammuAndKashmir — ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2018 ×

Terrorist killed in encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Shesh Paul Vaid on Sunday informed that the Shopian encounter has ended and added that&nbsp;a total of 13 terrorists were neutralised out of which one was caught alive.

Three soldiers were martyred and four civilians lost their lives, he added.

He had earlier informed that seven terrorists killed in the encounter with the security forces in Shopian's Dragad were locals.

Terror groups in the Valley suffered a major setback as 11 terrorists were gunned down in counter-insurgency operations in three different areas in South Kashmir in which three Army jawans and two civilians were also killed.

The DGP said that a huge cache of weapons were also recovered from the killed terrorists.'

Moreover, mobile and internet services were suspended on Sunday as a precautionary measure following the killing of 11 militants in South Kashmir.&nbsp;

According to primary information the decision to snap internet services was taken to prevent mischievous elements from creating law and order problems in the Valley.

The terrorists were killed in three different encounters over two days.

In Anantnag the encounter ended on March 31, and today two separate encounters took place in the morning, the first one being in Shopian`s Dragad and another one in Kachdoora, which is still underway.

Three Army personnel Gunner Arvinder Kumar, Gunner Nilesh Singh and Sepoy Hetram lost their lives in the Anantnag and Shopian encounters.

Terror groups in the Valley suffered a major setback as 11 terrorists were gunned down in counter-insurgency operations in three different areas in South Kashmir in which three Army jawans and two civilians were also killed

Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Shesh Paul Vaid on Sunday informed that the Shopian encounter has ended and added that a total of 13 terrorists were neutralised out of which one was caught alive. Three soldiers were martyred and four civilians lost their lives, he added. He had earlier informed that seven terrorists killed in the encounter with the security forces in Shopian's Dragad were locals. Terror groups in the Valley suffered a major setback as 11 terrorists were gunned down in counter-insurgency operations in three different areas in South Kashmir in which three Army jawans and two civilians were also killed. The DGP said that a huge cache of weapons were also recovered from the killed terrorists.' Moreover, mobile and internet services were suspended on Sunday as a precautionary measure following the killing of 11 militants in South Kashmir. According to primary information the decision to snap internet services was taken to prevent mischievous elements from creating law and order problems in the Valley. The terrorists were killed in three different encounters over two days. In Anantnag the encounter ended on March 31, and today two separate encounters took place in the morning, the first one being in Shopian`s Dragad and another one in Kachdoora, which is still underway. Three Army personnel Gunner Arvinder Kumar, Gunner Nilesh Singh and Sepoy Hetram lost their lives in the Anantnag and Shopian encounters.

Shopian encounter ended, 13 terrorists neutralised: SP Vaid

Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Shesh Paul Vaid on Sunday said all the seven terrorists killed in an encounter with the security forces in Shopian's Dragad were locals.

Terror groups in the Valley suffered a major setback as 11 terrorists were gunned down in counter-insurgency operations in three different areas in South Kashmir in which three Army jawans and two civilians were also killed.

Addressing a press briefing, Vaid said, "All seven terrorists killed in Shopian's Dragad have been identified as locals and their bodies have been claimed by their kin."

The DGP said that a huge cache of weapons were also recovered from the killed terrorists.

He further said, "Two army jawans lost their lives in an encounter in Shopian. We caught one terrorist alive and one was killed, in Anantnag. Two army jawans lost their lives in the ongoing operation. Few J-K police, the CRPF, and the Army personnel have suffered injuries."

Talking about the terrorist who was killed, Vaid revealed that Anantnag's Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) made efforts to convince him to shun violence, but to no avail.

"Anantnag SSP made a special effort. He spoke to his family members to convince him to leave the path of violence, but the terrorist did not listen," he said.

The operations by security forces rendered a severe dent to militant groups such as the Hizbul Mujahideen and the Lashker-e-Taiba, officials said.

Three army jawans have lost their lives in the operations at Kachdooru in Shopian, officials said, adding three bodies of militants have been recovered from the debris so far.

The operation has been called off at Kachdooru and the security personnel will search&nbspthe debris tomorrow again, the officials said.

The DGP said that a huge cache of weapons were also recovered from the killed terrorists

Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Shesh Paul Vaid on Sunday said all the seven terrorists killed in an encounter with the security forces in Shopian's Dragad were locals. Terror groups in the Valley suffered a major setback as 11 terrorists were gunned down in counter-insurgency operations in three different areas in South Kashmir in which three Army jawans and two civilians were also killed. Addressing a press briefing, Vaid said, "All seven terrorists killed in Shopian's Dragad have been identified as locals and their bodies have been claimed by their kin." The DGP said that a huge cache of weapons were also recovered from the killed terrorists. He further said, "Two army jawans lost their lives in an encounter in Shopian. We caught one terrorist alive and one was killed, in Anantnag. Two army jawans lost their lives in the ongoing operation. Few J-K police, the CRPF, and the Army personnel have suffered injuries." Talking about the terrorist who was killed, Vaid revealed that Anantnag's Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) made efforts to convince him to shun violence, but to no avail. "Anantnag SSP made a special effort. He spoke to his family members to convince him to leave the path of violence, but the terrorist did not listen," he said. The operations by security forces rendered a severe dent to militant groups such as the Hizbul Mujahideen and the Lashker-e-Taiba, officials said. Three army jawans have lost their lives in the operations at Kachdooru in Shopian, officials said, adding three bodies of militants have been recovered from the debris so far. The operation has been called off at Kachdooru and the security personnel will search&nbspthe debris tomorrow again, the officials said.

Terrorists killed in Shopian encounter were locals:  Shesh Paul Vaid

At least 27 Taliban militants were killed in operations launched by the security forces in Afghanistan's Badakhshan province in the last three days, according to local officials on Sunday.

They added that the operations were ongoing to eliminate the militants from Wardoj and Yamgan districts of the province, which has been under the group's control for a year.

Badakhshan governor Ahmad Faisal Bigzad said in a statement that security forces had made good progress so far, according to TOLOnews.

"Our security forces are advancing step by step and clearing the villages in order to prevent civilian casualties and are creating check posts in the operations," said Bigzad.

The officials further said that around five villages have been cleared in Badakhshan province.

"In the past two days seven key members of the enemies including a Tajikistani citizen were killed and 17 others were wounded," said Mohammad Naeem Majidi, an army commander in Badakhshan.

Meanwhile, Taliban militants killed one of the five men abducted in western Herat province of Afghanistan, reports said.&nbsp

As per reports, four other men are still with the Taliban.&nbsp

The five Afghan nationals were on their way to a wedding when the terrorists took them on Thursday from Zerkoh.&nbsp

A number of Afghan provincial council members meanwhile stressed that a number of civilians have also suffered during the clashes between the security forces and Taliban militants.

"We welcome the start of the operation and it is necessary that Wardoj and Yamgan district must also be cleared of insurgents. There is no doubt there are civilian casualties in the operation but it is not clear whether the casualties are caused by the security forces or the Taliban, but you can see wounded civilians in the hospital and I hope that the security forces obey all war rules and regulations in order to decrease civilian casualties," said Abdullah Naji Nazari, a provincial council member.

(With ANI inputs)

They added that the operations were ongoing to eliminate the militants from Wardoj and Yamgan districts of the province, which has been under the group's control for a year.

At least 27 Taliban militants were killed in operations launched by the security forces in Afghanistan's Badakhshan province in the last three days, according to local officials on Sunday. They added that the operations were ongoing to eliminate the militants from Wardoj and Yamgan districts of the province, which has been under the group's control for a year. Badakhshan governor Ahmad Faisal Bigzad said in a statement that security forces had made good progress so far, according to TOLOnews. "Our security forces are advancing step by step and clearing the villages in order to prevent civilian casualties and are creating check posts in the operations," said Bigzad. The officials further said that around five villages have been cleared in Badakhshan province. "In the past two days seven key members of the enemies including a Tajikistani citizen were killed and 17 others were wounded," said Mohammad Naeem Majidi, an army commander in Badakhshan. Meanwhile, Taliban militants killed one of the five men abducted in western Herat province of Afghanistan, reports said. As per reports, four other men are still with the Taliban. The five Afghan nationals were on their way to a wedding when the terrorists took them on Thursday from Zerkoh. A number of Afghan provincial council members meanwhile stressed that a number of civilians have also suffered during the clashes between the security forces and Taliban militants. "We welcome the start of the operation and it is necessary that Wardoj and Yamgan district must also be cleared of insurgents. There is no doubt there are civilian casualties in the operation but it is not clear whether the casualties are caused by the security forces or the Taliban, but you can see wounded civilians in the hospital and I hope that the security forces obey all war rules and regulations in order to decrease civilian casualties," said Abdullah Naji Nazari, a provincial council member. (With ANI inputs)

At least 27 Taliban militants killed by security forces in Afghanistan

A total of eight terrorists have been killed in Jammu and&nbsp;Kashmir after three separate encounters.&nbsp;

Seven terrorists were killed in the Kachdoora area of Shopian.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FLASH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FLASH</a>: 7 terrorists gunned down by security forces in Shopian's Dragad. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/YUDTUfoCDR">pic.twitter.com/YUDTUfoCDR</a>
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One terrorist was killed and another held in an encounter in the Dialgam area of Anantnag. That operation has come to an end.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Another encounter took place in the Kachdoora area of Shopian.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpotVisuals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpotVisuals</a>: Encounter underway between security forces and terrorists in Kachdoora area of Shopian. More details awaited <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> (visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://t.co/K5AWPLzARj">pic.twitter.com/K5AWPLzARj</a>
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News reports are now saying two Army personnel have also been killed in the encounters. The reports had earlier said two soldiers were injured in the encounters, one in the Kachdoora encounter, the other in the Dragad&nbsp;encounter.&nbsp;

The operations were reportedly carried out before dawn.&nbsp;

"One terrorist killed in Dialgam Anantnag after efforts of his family/ J&K Police failed to surrender, one caught alive. In Draggad Shopian 7 bodies of terrorists recovered including top commanders," Jammu and Kashmir DGP SP Vaid tweeted.&nbsp;

"Encounter also going on in Kachdoora Shopian, some civilian trapped efforts to rescue them on," he added.&nbsp;

The reports added that clashes erupted in Shopian after locals tried to march to the encounter site.

The reports said that at least 50 people have been injured. And that many of them have pellet injuries and have been admitted to Shopian Hospital.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

One of the encounters, in the Kachdoora area of Shopian, is still continuing

A total of eight terrorists have been killed in Jammu and Kashmir after three separate encounters. Seven terrorists were killed in the Kachdoora area of Shopian. #FLASH: 7 terrorists gunned down by security forces in Shopian's Dragad. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/YUDTUfoCDR — ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2018 × One terrorist was killed and another held in an encounter in the Dialgam area of Anantnag. That operation has come to an end. #UPDATE Anantnag Encounter: One terrorist has been killed, another arrested. The operation ends #JammuAndKashmir — ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2018 × Another encounter took place in the Kachdoora area of Shopian. #SpotVisuals: Encounter underway between security forces and terrorists in Kachdoora area of Shopian. More details awaited #JammuAndKashmir (visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/K5AWPLzARj — ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2018 × News reports are now saying two Army personnel have also been killed in the encounters. The reports had earlier said two soldiers were injured in the encounters, one in the Kachdoora encounter, the other in the Dragad encounter. The operations were reportedly carried out before dawn. "One terrorist killed in Dialgam Anantnag after efforts of his family/ J&K Police failed to surrender, one caught alive. In Draggad Shopian 7 bodies of terrorists recovered including top commanders," Jammu and Kashmir DGP SP Vaid tweeted. "Encounter also going on in Kachdoora Shopian, some civilian trapped efforts to rescue them on," he added. The reports added that clashes erupted in Shopian after locals tried to march to the encounter site. The reports said that at least 50 people have been injured. And that many of them have pellet injuries and have been admitted to Shopian Hospital. (With inputs from agencies)

Eight terrorists gunned down in 3 encounters in Kashmir, 2 soldiers killed

The Foreign Minister of Turkey Mevlut Cavusoglu on Tuesday welcomed Afghanistan's unconditional call to initiate a peace process with the militant group Taliban.

"We welcome the call of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani for starting negotiations with the Taliban without preconditions," Cavusoglu said while addressing the Tashkent Conference on Afghanistan in the Uzbek capital, as reported by the Anadolu Agency.

Earlier on March 25, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he was optimistic to end the four-year-old insurgency crises in the country while saying that the on-going peace process was on for national consensus.

Cavusoglu further urged various groups that are active within Afghanistan to recognise the ruling Afghan government.

"We want all the groups in Afghanistan to recognize the Afghan government, condemn violence and become part of legitimate politics," Cavusoglu added.

He further emphasized on the need of the participation by the international agencies to help in the reconciliation process.

Speaking at the same conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov underscored the importance of a constructive dialogue between Afghanistan and Taliban for peace and stability in the country.

Further European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said it to be an exemplary opportunity for peace.

Earlier on February 28 Afghan President Ashraf Ghani dwelled on a plan to conduct a peace process with Taliban which might include the latter to be declared as a political party.

However, the Taliban group is yet to respond to President Ghani's offer.&nbsp

Earlier on March 25, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he was optimistic to end the four-year-old insurgency crises in the country while saying that the on-going peace process was on for national consensus

The Foreign Minister of Turkey Mevlut Cavusoglu on Tuesday welcomed Afghanistan's unconditional call to initiate a peace process with the militant group Taliban. "We welcome the call of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani for starting negotiations with the Taliban without preconditions," Cavusoglu said while addressing the Tashkent Conference on Afghanistan in the Uzbek capital, as reported by the Anadolu Agency. Earlier on March 25, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said he was optimistic to end the four-year-old insurgency crises in the country while saying that the on-going peace process was on for national consensus. Cavusoglu further urged various groups that are active within Afghanistan to recognise the ruling Afghan government. "We want all the groups in Afghanistan to recognize the Afghan government, condemn violence and become part of legitimate politics," Cavusoglu added. He further emphasized on the need of the participation by the international agencies to help in the reconciliation process. Speaking at the same conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov underscored the importance of a constructive dialogue between Afghanistan and Taliban for peace and stability in the country. Further European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said it to be an exemplary opportunity for peace. Earlier on February 28 Afghan President Ashraf Ghani dwelled on a plan to conduct a peace process with Taliban which might include the latter to be declared as a political party. However, the Taliban group is yet to respond to President Ghani's offer.

Turkey welcomes Afghan's call for peace process with Taliban

More than 70 militants inclusing 14 belonging to the terrorist organisation Islamic State (IS) have been killed in operations by the Afghan security forces in the past 24 hours, reports said on Saturday.&nbsp;

In addition to that 34 other insurgents received injuries in the operation.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defense said that the operation was carried out in Faryab, Nangarhar, Kandahar, Uruzgan, Zabul, Farah, Badghis, Jawzjan and Helmand provinces.

The statement said 41 militants were killed in Faryab&#39;s Pashtun Kot, Sharin Tagab and Kohistan districts and another 17 were injured. Some weapons and ammunitions were also destroyed.

No insurgent group has commented on the incident so far.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defense said that the operation was carried out in Faryab, Nangarhar, Kandahar, Uruzgan, Zabul, Farah, Badghis, Jawzjan and Helmand provinces

More than 70 militants inclusing 14 belonging to the terrorist organisation Islamic State (IS) have been killed in operations by the Afghan security forces in the past 24 hours, reports said on Saturday. In addition to that 34 other insurgents received injuries in the operation. In a statement, the Ministry of Defense said that the operation was carried out in Faryab, Nangarhar, Kandahar, Uruzgan, Zabul, Farah, Badghis, Jawzjan and Helmand provinces. The statement said 41 militants were killed in Faryab's Pashtun Kot, Sharin Tagab and Kohistan districts and another 17 were injured. Some weapons and ammunitions were also destroyed. No insurgent group has commented on the incident so far.

Over 70 militants killed in Afghanistan in 24 hours

The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for abducting and killing 10 policemen.

Pictures posted online late last night by the extremist group showed eight men in civilian clothing on their knees in an open area with militants pointing rifles at their backs. Another picture showed two men flanked by militants brandishing knives.

Two police officers said on Sunday that only nine troops from the federal police were kidnapped on Tuesday by militants disguised in government-sanctioned paramilitary forces uniforms.

They said the slain troops were on leave when the militants stopped their SUV taxi at a checkpoint on a highway between the northern Kirkuk and Salaheddin provinces.

Both spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to brief reporters.

Meanwhile, a French judicial official said Saturday that police searching the home of the terrorist who killed four people in a deadly rampage a day earlier in southern France found notes referring to the Islamic State jihadist group that appeared to be a final testament.

The official said there apparently was no mention in the notes of the attack plans.

Investigators also found three homemade explosive devices, a handgun, and a hunting knife inside the supermarket in the French town of Trebes, the official said, suggesting his intent to do further damage.

(With inputs frim PTI)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Pictures posted online late last night by the extremist group showed eight men in civilian clothing on their knees in an open area with militants pointing rifles at their backs

The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for abducting and killing 10 policemen. Pictures posted online late last night by the extremist group showed eight men in civilian clothing on their knees in an open area with militants pointing rifles at their backs. Another picture showed two men flanked by militants brandishing knives. Two police officers said on Sunday that only nine troops from the federal police were kidnapped on Tuesday by militants disguised in government-sanctioned paramilitary forces uniforms. They said the slain troops were on leave when the militants stopped their SUV taxi at a checkpoint on a highway between the northern Kirkuk and Salaheddin provinces. Both spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to brief reporters. Meanwhile, a French judicial official said Saturday that police searching the home of the terrorist who killed four people in a deadly rampage a day earlier in southern France found notes referring to the Islamic State jihadist group that appeared to be a final testament. The official said there apparently was no mention in the notes of the attack plans. Investigators also found three homemade explosive devices, a handgun, and a hunting knife inside the supermarket in the French town of Trebes, the official said, suggesting his intent to do further damage. (With inputs frim PTI)

Iraq: Islamic State group says it killed 10 policemen

France will pay a national tribute to a security officer who died from gunshot wounds after voluntarily taking the place of a female hostage during a supermarket siege by an Islamist militant, President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday.&nbsp;

Arnaud Beltrame, 44, a gendarme who once served in Iraq, had been raced to hospital fighting for his life after being shot by the gunman during the siege at the Super U store in the southwestern town of Trebes near the Pyrenees mountains.

His actions were described as heroic by politicians across the political spectrum.

&ldquo;He fell as a hero, giving up his life to halt the murderous outfit of a jihadist terrorist,&rdquo; Macron said in a statement shortly before dawn on Saturday.

Macron said France would organize a national tribute in Beltrame&rsquo;s honour, the president&rsquo;s office announced after he met with members of the government and officials involved in the attack investigation. It gave no further details.

The attacker was identified by authorities as Redouane Lakdim, a 25-year-old Moroccan-born French national from the city of Carcassonne, not far from Trebes, the tranquil town of about 5,000 people where he struck on Friday.

Lakdim was known to authorities for drug-dealing and other petty crimes but had also been under surveillance by security services in 2016-2017 for links to the radical Salafist movement, Paris prosecutor Francois Molins said on Friday.&nbsp;

The attacker&rsquo;s rampage began when he shot the occupant of a car he stole and fired on a group of police joggers, wounding one. He then headed to a supermarket where he killed two people, an employee and a client, bringing Friday&rsquo;s toll to three dead and 16 injured, according to a government readout.

Beltrame&rsquo;s death took the number killed to four.&nbsp;

He was part of a team of gendarmes who were among the first to arrive at the supermarket scene. Most of the people in the shop escaped after hiding in a cold storage room and then fleeing through an emergency exit.

He offered to trade places with a hostage the attacker was still holding, whereafter he took her place and left his mobile phone on a table, line open. When shots rang out, elite police stormed the building to kill the assailant. Police sources said Beltrame was shot three times.

Politicians from the left and right called Beltrame a &ldquo;hero&rdquo; on Twitter, including opposition leader Laurent Wauquiez, far-right National Rally party leader Marine Le Pen and Olivier Faure, set to become the next Socialist party head.

#ArnaudBeltrame was a trending topic on the social network where people expressed their respect and gratitude for the officer, and thoughts for his wife. Several cities, the National Assembly and police stations lowered their flags in his honour.

The Grand Mosque of Paris, the largest in the country, said the Muslim community joined in mourning for a man who had &ldquo;fallen heroically under the bullets of the terrorist Redouane Lakdim in the exercise of his mission&rdquo;.&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Theresa May hailed Beltrame&rsquo;s courage and sacrifice on Twitter, saying they would never be forgotten.

ARRESTS AND SEARCHES

The Islamic State militant group on Friday claimed responsibility for the attack.

Several hundred investigators devoted to the inquiry were still checking the claim on Saturday and looking into possible complicity the &ldquo;terrorist&rdquo; could have benefited from to carry out his attacks, the president&rsquo;s office said.

Police arrested two people as part of the investigation - on Friday a woman connected to Lakdim, and overnight a 17-year-old male said to be one of his friends, judicial sources said.&nbsp;

Searches at the attacker&rsquo;s home showed notes referring to Islamic State that appeared to be a will, as well as a phone and a computer, judicial sources said.

Investigators also found three improvised explosive devices, a 7.65-millimetre handgun and a hunting knife in the supermarket, a source said.

U.S. President Donald Trump condemned &ldquo;the violent actions of the attacker and anyone who would provide him support&rdquo;.

&ldquo;We are with you @EmmanuelMacron!&rdquo; he added on Twitter.

More than 240 people have been killed in France in attacks since 2015 by assailants who either pledged allegiance to Islamic State or were inspired by the ultra-hardline group.

France is part of a group of countries whose warplanes have been bombing Islamic State strongholds in Iraq and Syria, where in recent months IS has lost much of a self-proclaimed &ldquo;caliphate&rdquo; of the territory it seized in 2014.

One multiple attacks by Islamist gunmen and suicide bombers killed 130 people in Paris in November 2015 while another killed close to 90 when a man ran a truck into partying crowds in the Riviera seaside city of Nice in July 2016.

Beltrame was a qualified parachutist who served in Iraq in 2005. He also worked as part of the elite Republican Guard that protects the presidential Elysee Place offices and residence in Paris, Macron said.&nbsp;

Friday&rsquo;s assault was the first deadly Islamist attack in France since October 2017, when a man stabbed two young women to death in the port city of Marseille before soldiers killed him.

Several attacks over the past year or more have targeted police and soldiers deployed in big numbers to protect civilians and patrol sensitive spots such as airports and train stations.&nbsp;

Sixteen other people were wounded, including two who were seriously hurt, in what President Emmanuel Macron called an act of "Islamist terrorism".

France will pay a national tribute to a security officer who died from gunshot wounds after voluntarily taking the place of a female hostage during a supermarket siege by an Islamist militant, President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday. Arnaud Beltrame, 44, a gendarme who once served in Iraq, had been raced to hospital fighting for his life after being shot by the gunman during the siege at the Super U store in the southwestern town of Trebes near the Pyrenees mountains. His actions were described as heroic by politicians across the political spectrum. “He fell as a hero, giving up his life to halt the murderous outfit of a jihadist terrorist,” Macron said in a statement shortly before dawn on Saturday. Macron said France would organize a national tribute in Beltrame’s honour, the president’s office announced after he met with members of the government and officials involved in the attack investigation. It gave no further details. The attacker was identified by authorities as Redouane Lakdim, a 25-year-old Moroccan-born French national from the city of Carcassonne, not far from Trebes, the tranquil town of about 5,000 people where he struck on Friday. Lakdim was known to authorities for drug-dealing and other petty crimes but had also been under surveillance by security services in 2016-2017 for links to the radical Salafist movement, Paris prosecutor Francois Molins said on Friday. The attacker’s rampage began when he shot the occupant of a car he stole and fired on a group of police joggers, wounding one. He then headed to a supermarket where he killed two people, an employee and a client, bringing Friday’s toll to three dead and 16 injured, according to a government readout. Beltrame’s death took the number killed to four. He was part of a team of gendarmes who were among the first to arrive at the supermarket scene. Most of the people in the shop escaped after hiding in a cold storage room and then fleeing through an emergency exit. He offered to trade places with a hostage the attacker was still holding, whereafter he took her place and left his mobile phone on a table, line open. When shots rang out, elite police stormed the building to kill the assailant. Police sources said Beltrame was shot three times. Politicians from the left and right called Beltrame a “hero” on Twitter, including opposition leader Laurent Wauquiez, far-right National Rally party leader Marine Le Pen and Olivier Faure, set to become the next Socialist party head. #ArnaudBeltrame was a trending topic on the social network where people expressed their respect and gratitude for the officer, and thoughts for his wife. Several cities, the National Assembly and police stations lowered their flags in his honour. The Grand Mosque of Paris, the largest in the country, said the Muslim community joined in mourning for a man who had “fallen heroically under the bullets of the terrorist Redouane Lakdim in the exercise of his mission”. British Prime Minister Theresa May hailed Beltrame’s courage and sacrifice on Twitter, saying they would never be forgotten. ARRESTS AND SEARCHES The Islamic State militant group on Friday claimed responsibility for the attack. Several hundred investigators devoted to the inquiry were still checking the claim on Saturday and looking into possible complicity the “terrorist” could have benefited from to carry out his attacks, the president’s office said. Police arrested two people as part of the investigation - on Friday a woman connected to Lakdim, and overnight a 17-year-old male said to be one of his friends, judicial sources said. Searches at the attacker’s home showed notes referring to Islamic State that appeared to be a will, as well as a phone and a computer, judicial sources said. Investigators also found three improvised explosive devices, a 7.65-millimetre handgun and a hunting knife in the supermarket, a source said. U.S. President Donald Trump condemned “the violent actions of the attacker and anyone who would provide him support”. “We are with you @EmmanuelMacron!” he added on Twitter. More than 240 people have been killed in France in attacks since 2015 by assailants who either pledged allegiance to Islamic State or were inspired by the ultra-hardline group. France is part of a group of countries whose warplanes have been bombing Islamic State strongholds in Iraq and Syria, where in recent months IS has lost much of a self-proclaimed “caliphate” of the territory it seized in 2014. One multiple attacks by Islamist gunmen and suicide bombers killed 130 people in Paris in November 2015 while another killed close to 90 when a man ran a truck into partying crowds in the Riviera seaside city of Nice in July 2016. Beltrame was a qualified parachutist who served in Iraq in 2005. He also worked as part of the elite Republican Guard that protects the presidential Elysee Place offices and residence in Paris, Macron said. Friday’s assault was the first deadly Islamist attack in France since October 2017, when a man stabbed two young women to death in the port city of Marseille before soldiers killed him. Several attacks over the past year or more have targeted police and soldiers deployed in big numbers to protect civilians and patrol sensitive spots such as airports and train stations.

France mourns 'hero' officer who took place of hostage in attack

President Emmanuel Macron called the killing of three people in southern France on Friday and act of &quot;Islamist terrorism&quot;, but said security services were still checking whether the Islamic State group was really behind the attack as it claims.

While addressing the crowd at the French Interior Ministry in Paris, Macron said an ongoing investigation will seek answers to when and how the gunman was &quot;radicalised&quot; and where he obtained his weapon.

&quot;Our country has suffered today an act of islamist terror in Carcassonne and Trebes. An individual killed three people and injured 16 others.&quot;

&quot;I want to tell the nation tonight of my absolute determination in leading this fight,&quot; said Macron, who returned to Paris from Brussels to chair a crisis meeting with ministers and security officials.

French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb had affirmed earlier on Friday that the attacker had no signs of Islamist radicalisation.

Macron also saluted police, notably the injured senior officer who had offered to take the spot of civilians being held hostage by the &quot;terrorist&quot; during the Friday attack.

&quot;I want to salute their (police&#39;s) commitment and professionalism, as well as their courage, and particularly the courage a senior official of the gendarmerie who volunteered to substitute himself to other hostages and who was gravely injured. He saved lives and has honored his arm and his country. He&#39;s currently fighting against death and our thoughts go to him and to his family.&quot;

More than 240 people have been killed in France in attacks since 2015 by assailants who pledged allegiance to Islamic State or were inspired by the group. Islamic State claimed responsibility for Friday&#39;s attack but offered no details.

While addressing the crowd at the French Interior Ministry in Paris, Macron said an ongoing investigation will seek answers to when and how the gunman was 'radicalised' and where he obtained his weapon

President Emmanuel Macron called the killing of three people in southern France on Friday and act of "Islamist terrorism", but said security services were still checking whether the Islamic State group was really behind the attack as it claims. While addressing the crowd at the French Interior Ministry in Paris, Macron said an ongoing investigation will seek answers to when and how the gunman was "radicalised" and where he obtained his weapon. "Our country has suffered today an act of islamist terror in Carcassonne and Trebes. An individual killed three people and injured 16 others." "I want to tell the nation tonight of my absolute determination in leading this fight," said Macron, who returned to Paris from Brussels to chair a crisis meeting with ministers and security officials. French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb had affirmed earlier on Friday that the attacker had no signs of Islamist radicalisation. Macron also saluted police, notably the injured senior officer who had offered to take the spot of civilians being held hostage by the "terrorist" during the Friday attack. "I want to salute their (police's) commitment and professionalism, as well as their courage, and particularly the courage a senior official of the gendarmerie who volunteered to substitute himself to other hostages and who was gravely injured. He saved lives and has honored his arm and his country. He's currently fighting against death and our thoughts go to him and to his family." More than 240 people have been killed in France in attacks since 2015 by assailants who pledged allegiance to Islamic State or were inspired by the group. Islamic State claimed responsibility for Friday's attack but offered no details.

Macron calls French attack act of "Islamist terrorism"

A woman who was living with the attacker who killed three people at a supermarket in southern France&#39;s Trebes has been detained, a prosecutor said on Friday.

Francois Molins, the prosecutor said gunman Radouane Lakdim had claimed to be a soldier for the terror group Islamic State (IS) while storming the Super U market in the town before he was killed by police.

A gunman killed three people in southwestern France on Friday as he held up a car, fired on police and seized hostages in a supermarket, screaming &quot;Allahu Akbar&quot; before security forces stormed the building and killed him, authorities said.

Sixteen other people were wounded, including two who were seriously hurt, in what President Emmanuel Macron called an act of &quot;Islamist terrorism&quot;.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack. Macron said security services were checking that claim.

It took three hours to bring the situation under control when the police shot dead the gunman in a cross firing. Two more were later confirmed dead by the police.

Also, a French policeman shot by the gunman after swapping himself for a hostage in a siege at a supermarket in southwest France is &quot;fighting for his life&quot;, President Emmanuel Macron said.

Arnaud Beltrame, 45, was among a group of officers who rushed to the scene in the town of Trebes after the attacker, who claimed allegiance to the Islamic State group, stormed the store and fired on shoppers and staff before taking them hostage.

Francois Molins, the prosecutor said gunman Radouane Lakdim had claimed to be a soldier for the terror group Islamic State (IS) while storming the Super U market in the town before he was killed by police

A woman who was living with the attacker who killed three people at a supermarket in southern France's Trebes has been detained, a prosecutor said on Friday. Francois Molins, the prosecutor said gunman Radouane Lakdim had claimed to be a soldier for the terror group Islamic State (IS) while storming the Super U market in the town before he was killed by police. A gunman killed three people in southwestern France on Friday as he held up a car, fired on police and seized hostages in a supermarket, screaming "Allahu Akbar" before security forces stormed the building and killed him, authorities said. Sixteen other people were wounded, including two who were seriously hurt, in what President Emmanuel Macron called an act of "Islamist terrorism". The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack. Macron said security services were checking that claim. It took three hours to bring the situation under control when the police shot dead the gunman in a cross firing. Two more were later confirmed dead by the police. Also, a French policeman shot by the gunman after swapping himself for a hostage in a siege at a supermarket in southwest France is "fighting for his life", President Emmanuel Macron said. Arnaud Beltrame, 45, was among a group of officers who rushed to the scene in the town of Trebes after the attacker, who claimed allegiance to the Islamic State group, stormed the store and fired on shoppers and staff before taking them hostage.

France Supermarket attack: Partner of attacker detained

At least 37 IS militants were killed and dozens were wounded on Saturday in US airstrikes conducted at Jowzjan province in Afghanistan.

A regional Afghan military statement said Saturday the pre-dawn strikes took place in the Darzab and Qishtepa districts of Jowzjan province, where IS maintains bases.

Mohammad Reza Ghafoori, the spokesperson of provincial governor confirmed the airstrikes and said the US forces also detained 10 IS militants including a key local commander for the group.&nbsp;

Reports further say that the US forces also conducted raids in Qishtepa and detained &ldquo;a key Daesh commander&rdquo; along with several other aides.

In an earlier incident today, at least six terrorists belonging to the Islamic State (IS) group were killed in the latest drone strike in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

The airstrikes come following a pro-Islamic State group launching a social media campaign promoting jihadi mobilization to the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. The group, al-Qastantiyyah (Constantinople) Foundation, posted the announcement on its Telegram channel Friday, reports said.

The airstrikes come following a pro-Islamic State group launching a social media campaign promoting jihadi mobilization to the Afghanistan-Pakistan region

At least 37 IS militants were killed and dozens were wounded on Saturday in US airstrikes conducted at Jowzjan province in Afghanistan. A regional Afghan military statement said Saturday the pre-dawn strikes took place in the Darzab and Qishtepa districts of Jowzjan province, where IS maintains bases. Mohammad Reza Ghafoori, the spokesperson of provincial governor confirmed the airstrikes and said the US forces also detained 10 IS militants including a key local commander for the group. Reports further say that the US forces also conducted raids in Qishtepa and detained “a key Daesh commander” along with several other aides. In an earlier incident today, at least six terrorists belonging to the Islamic State (IS) group were killed in the latest drone strike in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan. The airstrikes come following a pro-Islamic State group launching a social media campaign promoting jihadi mobilization to the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. The group, al-Qastantiyyah (Constantinople) Foundation, posted the announcement on its Telegram channel Friday, reports said.

At least 37 IS militants killed in Afghanistan

The Taliban attacked&nbsp;district headquarters in Afghanistan&#39;s western Farah province early on Monday, killing and wounding at least 15 members of the security forces, reports said.

The terrorist group attacked the Anardara district police and administrative offices from different directions early in the morning.

The group claimed responsibility for the attack, Taliban spokesman Qari Yusouf Ahmadi confirmed in a statement. &nbsp;

Over the weekend, a Taliban attack killed seven army commandos and eight policemen in Bala Buluk district.

Also, seven civilians, including two women and three children, were killed when Taliban struck their vehicle with a rocket in eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar, the provincial government said on Monday.

Reports say that the attack occurred at around 8.30 pm on Sunday in Bati Kot district.&nbsp;

Reports say that two others were wounded and were taken for medical aid immediately. The motive behind the attack remained unknown and the Taliban has yet to make comments on the report. 
&nbsp;

The terrorist group attacked the Anardara district police and administrative offices from different directions early in the morning

The Taliban attacked district headquarters in Afghanistan's western Farah province early on Monday, killing and wounding at least 15 members of the security forces, reports said. The terrorist group attacked the Anardara district police and administrative offices from different directions early in the morning. The group claimed responsibility for the attack, Taliban spokesman Qari Yusouf Ahmadi confirmed in a statement. Over the weekend, a Taliban attack killed seven army commandos and eight policemen in Bala Buluk district. Also, seven civilians, including two women and three children, were killed when Taliban struck their vehicle with a rocket in eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar, the provincial government said on Monday. Reports say that the attack occurred at around 8.30 pm on Sunday in Bati Kot district. Reports say that two others were wounded and were taken for medical aid immediately. The motive behind the attack remained unknown and the Taliban has yet to make comments on the report.

Taliban attack police, administrative offices in Farah, 15 security forces killed, wounded

Three unidentified militants were today killed in an encounter with security forces in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army said.

The&nbsp;encounter&nbsp;broke out between security forces and terrorists in&nbsp;Anantnag&#39;s Hakura in the early hours of Monday.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a>: Visuals from Anantnag&#39;s Hakura where three terrorists were killed in a brief encounter with security forces this morning. (visuals deferred by unspecified time) <a href="https://t.co/GfuFWdxORQ">pic.twitter.com/GfuFWdxORQ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/973046290966827008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

According to primary information, no collateral damage to the security forces has been reported.

Army officials&nbsp;said three militants were killed in the pre-dawn encounter with security forces. The identity and group affiliation of the slain militants was not immediately known.&nbsp;

Further details are awaited.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Army officials said three militants were killed in the pre-dawn encounter with security forces

Three unidentified militants were today killed in an encounter with security forces in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army said. The encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in Anantnag's Hakura in the early hours of Monday. #JammuAndKashmir: Visuals from Anantnag's Hakura where three terrorists were killed in a brief encounter with security forces this morning. (visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/GfuFWdxORQ — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2018 × According to primary information, no collateral damage to the security forces has been reported. Army officials said three militants were killed in the pre-dawn encounter with security forces. The identity and group affiliation of the slain militants was not immediately known. Further details are awaited.

3 terrorists killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir

A Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist who plotted last month&rsquo;s attack at an army camp in Sunjuwan was killed in a gun battle in south Kashmir, sources in the security forces said on Monday.

Mufti Waqas, the mastermind of the February 10 attack that left seven people, &nbsp;was killed in an encounter with the Army&rsquo;s 50 Rashtriya Rifles and the Jammu and Kashmir&rsquo;s Police in Pulwama&rsquo;s Lethpora.

Shesh Paul Vaid, the Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police, said on Twitter that the terrorist has been gunned down.

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He was Cheif Commander of JEM in J&amp;K &amp; master mind of suicidal attacks of Sunjuwan , Lethpora , Pulwama DPL and BSF at Srinagar airport.
&mdash; Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) <a href="https://twitter.com/spvaid/status/970652807899549698?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;Waqas, the operation commander of JeM, eliminated in Awantipora. He was the mastermind behind several terrorist attacks on security forces including Sunjuwan attack. Weapons &amp; incriminating materials like IED preparation material recovered. He is a foreign terrorist,&quot; said Kashmir IG SP Pani.

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Waqas, operation commander of JeM, eliminated in Awantipora. He was mastermind behind several terrorist attacks on security forces including Sunjuwan attack. Weapons &amp; incriminating materials like IED preparation material recovered. He is a foreign terrorist: SP Pani, IG Kashmir <a href="https://t.co/obVOuXHMGE">pic.twitter.com/obVOuXHMGE</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970651933231996928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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One policeman also sustained minor injuries in the encounter and was shifted to a nearby hospital.

Waqas's death is being seen as a major win in the war against the terror outfit.

A Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist who plotted last month’s attack at an army camp in Sunjuwan was killed in a gun battle in south Kashmir, sources in the security forces said on Monday. Mufti Waqas, the mastermind of the February 10 attack that left seven people, was killed in an encounter with the Army’s 50 Rashtriya Rifles and the Jammu and Kashmir’s Police in Pulwama’s Lethpora. Shesh Paul Vaid, the Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police, said on Twitter that the terrorist has been gunned down. He was Cheif Commander of JEM in J&K & master mind of suicidal attacks of Sunjuwan , Lethpora , Pulwama DPL and BSF at Srinagar airport. — Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) March 5, 2018 × "Waqas, the operation commander of JeM, eliminated in Awantipora. He was the mastermind behind several terrorist attacks on security forces including Sunjuwan attack. Weapons & incriminating materials like IED preparation material recovered. He is a foreign terrorist," said Kashmir IG SP Pani. Waqas, operation commander of JeM, eliminated in Awantipora. He was mastermind behind several terrorist attacks on security forces including Sunjuwan attack. Weapons & incriminating materials like IED preparation material recovered. He is a foreign terrorist: SP Pani, IG Kashmir pic.twitter.com/obVOuXHMGE — ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2018 × One policeman also sustained minor injuries in the encounter and was shifted to a nearby hospital.

Sunjuwan terror attack mastermind Mufti Waqas killed in south Kashmir: Army

At least 28 insurgents have been killed during the military operations carried out by the security forces in the past 24 hours, said the Afghan Ministry of Defence (MoD).&nbsp;

News reports said that around 13 others were left wounded.&nbsp;

The Afghan forces conducted operations in&nbsp;Nangarhar, Laghman, Ghazni, Paktika, Logar, Kandahar, Farah, Takhar, Faryab, Nimroz and Helmand provinces.

During the operations a number of vehicles and weapons belonging to insurgents were destroyed, the MoD said.

The airstrikes carried out by the Afghan forces targetted the insurgent hideouts. No insurgent group has commented on the incident, so far.

Afghan Ministry of Defense last week said that at least 25 insurgents were killed during ground and airstrike operations by Afghan forces in different parts of the country.&nbsp;

The operations were conducted in Nangarhar, Laghman, Ghazni, Kandahar, Uruzgan, Zabul, Farah, Faryab, Takhar, Sar-e-Pul, Nimroz and Helmand provinces, MoD said

Earlier, more than 20 security forces were reported killed in attacks by Taliban militants in various parts of Afghanistan, including Kabul.&nbsp;

News reports said that around 13 others were left wounded

At least 28 insurgents have been killed during the military operations carried out by the security forces in the past 24 hours, said the Afghan Ministry of Defence (MoD). News reports said that around 13 others were left wounded. The Afghan forces conducted operations in Nangarhar, Laghman, Ghazni, Paktika, Logar, Kandahar, Farah, Takhar, Faryab, Nimroz and Helmand provinces. During the operations a number of vehicles and weapons belonging to insurgents were destroyed, the MoD said. The airstrikes carried out by the Afghan forces targetted the insurgent hideouts. No insurgent group has commented on the incident, so far. Afghan Ministry of Defense last week said that at least 25 insurgents were killed during ground and airstrike operations by Afghan forces in different parts of the country. The operations were conducted in Nangarhar, Laghman, Ghazni, Kandahar, Uruzgan, Zabul, Farah, Faryab, Takhar, Sar-e-Pul, Nimroz and Helmand provinces, MoD said Earlier, more than 20 security forces were reported killed in attacks by Taliban militants in various parts of Afghanistan, including Kabul.

Afghan forces kill 28 insurgents during airstrikes

One terrorist has been killed in an encounter with security forces in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The incident took place in Hajin area of the district.

Acting on specific intelligence input about the presence of the militant in Hajin area, security forces launched a search operation in the area, police said. As the forces were conducting the search operation, the hiding militant opened fire on them. In the ensuing encounter, the militant was killed, a police official said.

The identity and group affiliation of the militant is not immediately known.

J&amp;K DGP SP Vaid tweeted: &quot;One terrorist of LET (Lashkar-e-Taiba) apparently FT (foreign terrorist) killed in an encounter in Hajin Bandipore today morning in a joint operation of J&amp;K Police/Army/ CRPF.&quot;

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One terrorist of LET apparently FT killed in an encounter in Hajin Bandipore today morning in a joint operation of J&amp;K Police/Army/ CRPF.
&mdash; Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) <a href="https://twitter.com/spvaid/status/969037631999881217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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As the forces were conducting the search operation, the hiding militant opened fire on them

One terrorist has been killed in an encounter with security forces in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir. The incident took place in Hajin area of the district. Acting on specific intelligence input about the presence of the militant in Hajin area, security forces launched a search operation in the area, police said. As the forces were conducting the search operation, the hiding militant opened fire on them. In the ensuing encounter, the militant was killed, a police official said. The identity and group affiliation of the militant is not immediately known. J&K DGP SP Vaid tweeted: "One terrorist of LET (Lashkar-e-Taiba) apparently FT (foreign terrorist) killed in an encounter in Hajin Bandipore today morning in a joint operation of J&K Police/Army/ CRPF." One terrorist of LET apparently FT killed in an encounter in Hajin Bandipore today morning in a joint operation of J&K Police/Army/ CRPF. — Shesh Paul Vaid (@spvaid) March 1, 2018 ×

Terrorist killed in encounter in J&K's Bandipora district

Amidst questions over invitation of Khalistani terrorist for Justin Trudeau&#39;s reception in India, reports have emerged that the Indian Government authority was also denied access to the guest list, reports CTV News.

On that note, the Prime Minister&#39;s Office in Canada does not allow even the security services to track their guest list.

Earlier, Canada&#39;s Public Safety Minister hailed the security services in relation to the visit.

Opinion: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opinion-khalistan-is-history-amarinder-singh-should-state-to-trudeau-33592" target="_blank">Khalistan is history, Amarinder Singh should state to Trudeau</a>

&quot;All Canadians can be assured that our police and our security agencies have done their job in relation to this visit and they have done it very well&quot;, said Ralph Goodale, Canada&#39;s Public Safety Minister, in the assembly, as quoted by CTV News.

Pro-Khalistan&nbsp;terrorist <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/canadian-pm-justin-trudeau-cancels-dinner-invite-to-convicted-khalistani-terrorist-jaspal-atwal-33681" target="_blank">Jaspal Atwal was invited to dine</a> with Prime Minister Trudeau at a formal event hosted by Canadian High Commissioner to India Nadir Patel. The invite was later rescinded.

Prime Minister Trudeau also received backlash over his wife Sophie Trudeau&#39;s photo with convicted pro-Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal.

Canadian Member of Parliament (MP) Randeep S. Sarai however took responsibility for inviting Atwal to Trudeau&#39;s reception dinner in New Delhi.

Jaspal Atwal was convicted of the attempted murder of Punjab minister, Malkiat Singh Sidhu, on Vancouver Island in 1986. (ANI)

Pro-Khalistan terrorist Jaspal Atwal was invited to dine with Prime Minister Trudeau at a formal event hosted by Canadian High Commissioner to India Nadir Patel. The invite was later rescinded

Amidst questions over invitation of Khalistani terrorist for Justin Trudeau's reception in India, reports have emerged that the Indian Government authority was also denied access to the guest list, reports CTV News. On that note, the Prime Minister's Office in Canada does not allow even the security services to track their guest list. Earlier, Canada's Public Safety Minister hailed the security services in relation to the visit. Opinion: Khalistan is history, Amarinder Singh should state to Trudeau "All Canadians can be assured that our police and our security agencies have done their job in relation to this visit and they have done it very well", said Ralph Goodale, Canada's Public Safety Minister, in the assembly, as quoted by CTV News. Pro-Khalistan terrorist Jaspal Atwal was invited to dine with Prime Minister Trudeau at a formal event hosted by Canadian High Commissioner to India Nadir Patel. The invite was later rescinded. Prime Minister Trudeau also received backlash over his wife Sophie Trudeau's photo with convicted pro-Khalistani terrorist Jaspal Atwal. Canadian Member of Parliament (MP) Randeep S. Sarai however took responsibility for inviting Atwal to Trudeau's reception dinner in New Delhi. Jaspal Atwal was convicted of the attempted murder of Punjab minister, Malkiat Singh Sidhu, on Vancouver Island in 1986. (ANI)

Indian government was denied access to guest list for Trudeau's reception

An Iraqi court had decided to sentence 16 Turkish women to death for being members of ISIS on Sunday, reports said.&nbsp;

The court directed the women to be hanged after they were found guilty of marrying ISIS fighters and providing the group with support.&nbsp;

Abdul Sattar Bayraktar, the spokesman of Iraq&#39;s Supreme Judicial Council said that the brides had the group with aid, including logistical support and help carrying out terrorist attacks.&nbsp;

The women, aged between 20 - 50, were sentenced in a mass trial at a criminal court in Baghdad on Sunday. Some had young children with them.&nbsp;

The public defender argued that the women had been trafficked into jihadi territory or tricked by their husbands.&nbsp;

The sentences were issued under Iraq&#39;s counterterrorism law, however, the defendants still have a chance to appeal to a higher court.

Another Turkish woman was sentenced to death last week and 10 others of various nationalities to life in prison, all for alleged ISIS membership.

Last month, a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/jihadi-bride-who-married-gave-birth-under-isis-regime-arrested-on-landing-in-uk-30262">British woman</a> who married and gave birth under the Islamic State regime in Syria became one of the first so-called jihadi brides to be arrested on her return to the UK, a media report had claimed.

The court directed that the women will be hanged after they were found guilty of marrying ISIS fighters and providing the group with support.

An Iraqi court had decided to sentence 16 Turkish women to death for being members of ISIS on Sunday, reports said. The court directed the women to be hanged after they were found guilty of marrying ISIS fighters and providing the group with support. Abdul Sattar Bayraktar, the spokesman of Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council said that the brides had the group with aid, including logistical support and help carrying out terrorist attacks. The women, aged between 20 - 50, were sentenced in a mass trial at a criminal court in Baghdad on Sunday. Some had young children with them. The public defender argued that the women had been trafficked into jihadi territory or tricked by their husbands. The sentences were issued under Iraq's counterterrorism law, however, the defendants still have a chance to appeal to a higher court. Another Turkish woman was sentenced to death last week and 10 others of various nationalities to life in prison, all for alleged ISIS membership. Last month, a British woman who married and gave birth under the Islamic State regime in Syria became one of the first so-called jihadi brides to be arrested on her return to the UK, a media report had claimed.

Watch: 16 Turkish brides sentenced to death for IS links

At least three militants affiliated with the terror outfit Islamic State (IS) terrorist group have been killed in the US drone strikes in Afghanistan&#39;s eastern Kunar province.

&quot;The latest drone strikes were carried out in the vicinity of Manogi district,&quot; reported Afghan&#39;s Khaama Press, citing the Afghan military, as saying on Sunday.

&quot;The hideouts of the terror group were targeted in the air raids and as a result, three militants were killed,&quot; it added.

A local leader of the group who has been identified as Mohib was also among those killed.

Earlier, at least three IS militants were killed and five others were injured during a cleanup operation by security forces in Sarkanay district of Afghanistan&#39;s eastern Kunar province on Tuesday.&nbsp;

No comments have been received from the anti-government armed militant and terrorist groups including the IS in connection with the report, by far.

A local leader of the group who has been identified as Mohib was also among those killed

At least three militants affiliated with the terror outfit Islamic State (IS) terrorist group have been killed in the US drone strikes in Afghanistan's eastern Kunar province. "The latest drone strikes were carried out in the vicinity of Manogi district," reported Afghan's Khaama Press, citing the Afghan military, as saying on Sunday. "The hideouts of the terror group were targeted in the air raids and as a result, three militants were killed," it added. A local leader of the group who has been identified as Mohib was also among those killed. Earlier, at least three IS militants were killed and five others were injured during a cleanup operation by security forces in Sarkanay district of Afghanistan's eastern Kunar province on Tuesday. No comments have been received from the anti-government armed militant and terrorist groups including the IS in connection with the report, by far.

3 IS militants killed in US drone strikes in Afghanistan

At least nine Taliban militants were killed and three others were left injured in northern Baghlan province in Afghanistan on Saturday.&nbsp;

The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces carried out military operations in the area and attacked Taliban hideouts in Tala-o-Barfak, an army spokesman in the northern region Major Mohammad Hamid Rezai said on Sunday.&nbsp;

The militants were killed during Alburz-24 operations after forces launched a coordinated attack on militants, reports said.&nbsp;

The operations, which were conducted in Turmosh valley in Tala Barfak district, destroyed a check post established by the militants.

The check post was being used to collect money from the vehicles carrying coal, the report said.

No comments have been received by the anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban militants with respect to the report, so far.&nbsp;

The attack comes after Taliban militants <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-23-killed-in-multiple-suicide-bombings-in-afghanistan-33913">stormed an army base</a> in the western province of Farah overnight, killing at least 18 soldiers on Saturday.

The attack comes after Taliban militants stormed an army base in the western province of Farah overnight, killing at least 18 soldiers on Saturday

At least nine Taliban militants were killed and three others were left injured in northern Baghlan province in Afghanistan on Saturday. The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces carried out military operations in the area and attacked Taliban hideouts in Tala-o-Barfak, an army spokesman in the northern region Major Mohammad Hamid Rezai said on Sunday. The militants were killed during Alburz-24 operations after forces launched a coordinated attack on militants, reports said. The operations, which were conducted in Turmosh valley in Tala Barfak district, destroyed a check post established by the militants. The check post was being used to collect money from the vehicles carrying coal, the report said. No comments have been received by the anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban militants with respect to the report, so far. The attack comes after Taliban militants stormed an army base in the western province of Farah overnight, killing at least 18 soldiers on Saturday.

9 Taliban militants killed by Afghan forces

The death toll from the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/18-killed-as-2-bomb-blasts-gunfire-rock-somalias-capital-mogadishu-33874"> two suicide car bomb</a> blasts that ripped through the Somali capital on Friday has risen to 45 people, according to a senior government official.

A loud explosion&nbsp;took place on Friday, followed by a second blast and sustained gunfire which broke out near the president&#39;s residence. The second blast took place beside a popular hotel.&nbsp;

The Aamin Ambulance service, which confirmed the death toll, transported victims to the hospital.&nbsp;

Abdulkadir Abdirahman Adan of the Aamin Ambulance Service said the bombings targeted the presidential palace and a hotel. He said that most of the victims were civilians.

&quot;The militants got off when they neared the palace, the suicide car bomb exploded outside the palace where there were many military soldiers who guarded the street adjacent to the palace,&quot; Major Omar Abdullahi told Reuters.

The militant group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack.

The group frequently carries out suicide attacks in Somalia and parts of East Africa.

Shooting broke out near the president`s residence at the time of the explosions, police and ambulance services said

The death toll from the two suicide car bomb blasts that ripped through the Somali capital on Friday has risen to 45 people, according to a senior government official. A loud explosion took place on Friday, followed by a second blast and sustained gunfire which broke out near the president's residence. The second blast took place beside a popular hotel. The Aamin Ambulance service, which confirmed the death toll, transported victims to the hospital. Abdulkadir Abdirahman Adan of the Aamin Ambulance Service said the bombings targeted the presidential palace and a hotel. He said that most of the victims were civilians. "The militants got off when they neared the palace, the suicide car bomb exploded outside the palace where there were many military soldiers who guarded the street adjacent to the palace," Major Omar Abdullahi told Reuters. The militant group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack. The group frequently carries out suicide attacks in Somalia and parts of East Africa.

Somalia twin blast: Death toll rises to 45

India stands vindicated.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference held from February 16 to 18, Pakistan&#39;s Army Chief, General Qamar Bajwa confirmed just what New Delhi has been pointing to all along&nbsp;that Pakistan trains, sponsors, arms and deploys terrorists against any country that qualifies as a - &quot;tyrant&#39;&#39; in its own rule-book. &nbsp;

The General began his speech with a disarming admission: that he was a military man and not a glib-tongued politician. But perhaps the blunt and direct army general could have done with a better speech-writer, for his own attempt to explain &#39;&#39;jihad&quot; - a mysterious concept to the most intrepid scholars of the Qu&#39;ran - had the audience gaping and viewers in India chortling.

General Bajwa tried to explain as far as Pakistan&#39;s government, its armed forces and its Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) are concerned, there are two kinds of terrorists, good and bad. He painted his own country as the victim of the &#39;bad&#39;variety: terrrorism emanating from Afghanistan on its western border. &nbsp;He didn&#39;t name India but through his speech, General Bajwa made it amply clear that Islamabad supports the &quot;good&#39;&#39; variety of terrorism if it is against any country it considers oppressive.

&quot;Let me say at the outset that &#39;jehadism&#39; is a misnomer,&quot; the General declared. &quot;Jihad is a highly evolved concept that underlines myriad struggles against tyranny of all types. Muslims are taught that self-control is the most elevated form of jihad.&quot;&nbsp;

The General even invoked the Holy Prophet in his attempt to explain one of the most intriguing aspects of the holy book of Islam: &nbsp;&quot;There is also a saying by the holy Prophet - peace be upon him - that the best jihad is the word of truth in the face of a tyrant ruler.&quot;

Warming up to his subject, General Bajwa moved on to armed terrorism and ended up - inadvertently or not - justified its use by the &#39;state&#39;.

&quot;On the other hand, qataal &nbsp;(conflict in Arabic), an aspect of armed jihad, comes at the lowest end of the spectrum of actions and beliefs that comprise the concept of jihad, that can only be sanctioned by a state authority and nobody else.&quot;&nbsp;

Through his speech, General Bajwa effectively put the stamp of official approval on the deaths of hundreds&nbsp;of innocent civilians and armymen in India. Pakistani terror groups Lashkar-e-Tayyaba and Jaish-e-Mohammed both target India. &nbsp;They were behind the attacks on India&rsquo;s parliament and the 26/11 carnage in Mumbai in 2001 and 2008 respectively and - for dozens of strikes on both India&rsquo;s armed forces and civilians for decades.

General Bajwa practically admitted that his army, the ISI and the government of Pakistan have supported, armed, trained and sneaked terrorists into India and &ndash; continue to do so. When any Pakistani talks of a country it considers &quot;tyrannical&rsquo;&rsquo;,&nbsp;guessing its identity is a no-brainer.

There were some candid moments in the speech too: the admission that the Afghan jehadi was Pakistan&rsquo;s own doing too. &nbsp;The General admits that jihad was fed to the minds in an exercise undertaken primarily by the West and &ndash; that Pakistan was an accomplice.

&ldquo;This phenomenon (terrorism) is not a recent creation or (something that) started after 9/11,&rsquo;&rsquo; the General mused. &ldquo;The Frankenstein was actually created by the free world with willing but myopic cooperation on our side, after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979.&rdquo;

The Army Chief&rsquo;s regret at creating a monster in the laboratory of death may be genuine. But he was still bent on emphasizing that there is a difference &ndash; between terrorism and jihad. &nbsp;&ldquo;Large numbers of people are radicalized, armed and empowered politically and ideologically. They cannot be wished away just because we don&rsquo;t like them anymore.&rdquo;

He also prepared the ground by warning the world that it was not going to see the end of terrorism on Pakistani soil just yet.

&nbsp;&ldquo;Please note, we are harvesting what we sowed 40 years back. So, it will be a while before this scourge is eliminated from our territory. But first, let us stop calling it jihadism as it is nothing but terrorism.&rdquo;

The most startling admission came towards the end of General Bajwa&rsquo;s brief speech, when he described his country&rsquo;s &ldquo;National Action Plan&rdquo; to fight terrorism.

&nbsp;&ldquo;Most recently, 1854 eminent Pakistani religious scholars representing all schools of thought within Islam teamed up to issue a resounding &lsquo;fatwa&rsquo; against violence, extremism and terrorism in the name of religion,&rdquo; he disclosed.

But after outlining what the plan contains, he said the initiative is referred to in a special way. And what is that?

&ldquo;Called the &quot;key message of Pakistan&rsquo;&rsquo;, it (the plan) bans suicide bombing and jihad &nbsp;- other than the one sanctioned by the state,&rdquo; General Bajwa said.

There you have it. &nbsp;In the corollary, the Chief of Pakistan&rsquo;s army admits that his state, his army and his ISI do sanction terrorism - including sending young, drugged men wearing explosives to their deaths as fidayeen, or suicide bombers. &nbsp;

There can hardly be more damning evidence than General Bajwa&rsquo;s speech at the Munich Conference. Of the fact that when it comes to terrorism to suit its own goals and purposes, the &#39;state&#39;of Pakistan condones and &lsquo;sanctions&rsquo; killing &ndash; including and especially in India.

Pakistan Army chief General Bajwa said jihad is the "truth"

India stands vindicated. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference held from February 16 to 18, Pakistan's Army Chief, General Qamar Bajwa confirmed just what New Delhi has been pointing to all along that Pakistan trains, sponsors, arms and deploys terrorists against any country that qualifies as a - "tyrant'' in its own rule-book. The General began his speech with a disarming admission: that he was a military man and not a glib-tongued politician. But perhaps the blunt and direct army general could have done with a better speech-writer, for his own attempt to explain ''jihad" - a mysterious concept to the most intrepid scholars of the Qu'ran - had the audience gaping and viewers in India chortling. General Bajwa tried to explain as far as Pakistan's government, its armed forces and its Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) are concerned, there are two kinds of terrorists, good and bad. He painted his own country as the victim of the 'bad'variety: terrrorism emanating from Afghanistan on its western border. He didn't name India but through his speech, General Bajwa made it amply clear that Islamabad supports the "good'' variety of terrorism if it is against any country it considers oppressive. "Let me say at the outset that 'jehadism' is a misnomer," the General declared. "Jihad is a highly evolved concept that underlines myriad struggles against tyranny of all types. Muslims are taught that self-control is the most elevated form of jihad." The General even invoked the Holy Prophet in his attempt to explain one of the most intriguing aspects of the holy book of Islam: "There is also a saying by the holy Prophet - peace be upon him - that the best jihad is the word of truth in the face of a tyrant ruler." Warming up to his subject, General Bajwa moved on to armed terrorism and ended up - inadvertently or not - justified its use by the 'state'. "On the other hand, qataal (conflict in Arabic), an aspect of armed jihad, comes at the lowest end of the spectrum of actions and beliefs that comprise the concept of jihad, that can only be sanctioned by a state authority and nobody else." Through his speech, General Bajwa effectively put the stamp of official approval on the deaths of hundreds of innocent civilians and armymen in India. Pakistani terror groups Lashkar-e-Tayyaba and Jaish-e-Mohammed both target India. They were behind the attacks on India’s parliament and the 26/11 carnage in Mumbai in 2001 and 2008 respectively and - for dozens of strikes on both India’s armed forces and civilians for decades. General Bajwa practically admitted that his army, the ISI and the government of Pakistan have supported, armed, trained and sneaked terrorists into India and – continue to do so. When any Pakistani talks of a country it considers "tyrannical’’, guessing its identity is a no-brainer. There were some candid moments in the speech too: the admission that the Afghan jehadi was Pakistan’s own doing too. The General admits that jihad was fed to the minds in an exercise undertaken primarily by the West and – that Pakistan was an accomplice. “This phenomenon (terrorism) is not a recent creation or (something that) started after 9/11,’’ the General mused. “The Frankenstein was actually created by the free world with willing but myopic cooperation on our side, after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979.” The Army Chief’s regret at creating a monster in the laboratory of death may be genuine. But he was still bent on emphasizing that there is a difference – between terrorism and jihad. “Large numbers of people are radicalized, armed and empowered politically and ideologically. They cannot be wished away just because we don’t like them anymore.” He also prepared the ground by warning the world that it was not going to see the end of terrorism on Pakistani soil just yet. “Please note, we are harvesting what we sowed 40 years back. So, it will be a while before this scourge is eliminated from our territory. But first, let us stop calling it jihadism as it is nothing but terrorism.” The most startling admission came towards the end of General Bajwa’s brief speech, when he described his country’s “National Action Plan” to fight terrorism. “Most recently, 1854 eminent Pakistani religious scholars representing all schools of thought within Islam teamed up to issue a resounding ‘fatwa’ against violence, extremism and terrorism in the name of religion,” he disclosed. But after outlining what the plan contains, he said the initiative is referred to in a special way. And what is that? “Called the "key message of Pakistan’’, it (the plan) bans suicide bombing and jihad - other than the one sanctioned by the state,” General Bajwa said. There you have it. In the corollary, the Chief of Pakistan’s army admits that his state, his army and his ISI do sanction terrorism - including sending young, drugged men wearing explosives to their deaths as fidayeen, or suicide bombers. There can hardly be more damning evidence than General Bajwa’s speech at the Munich Conference. Of the fact that when it comes to terrorism to suit its own goals and purposes, the 'state'of Pakistan condones and ‘sanctions’ killing – including and especially in India.

There are two kinds of terrorists, good and bad, says Pakistan Army chief Bajwa at Munich conference

The Taliban said on Wednesday, in a rare statement to the American people, they wanted to end Afghanistan&rsquo;s 17-year war through talks while warning the message should not be seen as a sign of weakness and the fight against US&nbsp;forces would go on.

Taliban&nbsp;insurgents issued an astounding 17,000-word appeal to the &quot;American people.&quot;&nbsp;The letter emailed to the media in English and four other languages contained official statistics about the human and economic costs of war.

The letter, sent under the banner of &quot;The Islamic Emirate of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Afghanistan">Afghanistan</a>,&quot; was issued just weeks after a blitz of deadly insurgent attacks in the Afghan capital.

A more aggressive US&nbsp;strategy in Afghanistan including a surge in air strikes introduced by President Donald Trump in August has pushed the Taliban back from several district centers and two provincial capitals.

But the militants control large parts of the countryside and have responded to the more aggressive US&nbsp;strategy with two attacks in Kabul in the past few weeks, killing nearly 150 people.

The attacks have toughened both the US&nbsp;and Afghan governments&rsquo; stand against initiating talks with the insurgents, although neither side seems capable of winning the conflict.

&ldquo;Our preference is to solve the Afghan issue through peaceful dialogue,&rdquo; the Taliban said.

&quot;Prolonging the war in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;and maintaining American troop presence is neither beneficial for America nor for anyone else,&quot; the letter said.

&quot;Stubbornly seeking the protraction of this war will have dreadful consequences for the region and the stability of America herself,&quot; the document added.

&quot;As confirmed by your own military authorities, 3546 American and foreign soldiers have been killed, more than 20,000 American forces injured and tens of thousands more are suffering mentally,&quot; the letter said, asserting that the actual casualty figures were much higher but were being &quot;concealed&quot; by the U.S. leaders.

The overall message of these arguments was that the American people should make a &quot;rational&quot; assessment of the war.

&quot;You proclaim to be a developed and civilized nation. We leave it to your judgment to decide whether the prevailing conditions of insecurity, chaos and soaring drug problems in&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;constitute reforms or crimes against humanity,&quot; it concluded.

The Taliban, fighting to oust foreign forces and defeat the US-backed government, said the United States must end its &ldquo;occupation&rdquo; and accept the Taliban right to form a government &ldquo;consistent with the beliefs of our people&rdquo;.

In their statement, the Taliban did not mention a January&nbsp;27 raids on a top Kabul hotel, in which more than 30 people were killed, nor a bomb attack on a crowded street a week later that killed more than 100. They claimed both attacks.

The militants only mentioned the Afghan government to deride it on various grounds. A government spokesman declined to comment on the statement.

A spokesman for Afghanistan&rsquo;s NATO-led military mission said the recent Taliban attacks on civilians demonstrated they were not ready to enter &ldquo;good-faith peace negotiations&rdquo; while the government had on numerous occasions made clear it was willing to begin a peace process.

&ldquo;The Taliban statement alone does not show willingness to engage in peace talks. The recent attacks speak louder than these words,&rdquo; said the spokesman, Captain Tom Gresback.

The Taliban said it was not too late for the American people to realise the Taliban can solve problems with every side &ldquo;through healthy politics and dialogue&rdquo;, adding the chances for dialogue were &ldquo;not exhausted&rdquo;.

Preliminary talks on ending the war that kills thousands of people each year have stalled.

But low-level contacts between the government, international groups including the United Nations and groups close to the Taliban have continued even as the insurgency has escalated.

The Taliban said their willingness to play a &ldquo;constructive role in finding a peaceful solution&rdquo; should not be taken as a sign of weakness.

&ldquo;This can never mean that we are exhausted or our will has been sapped,&rdquo; they said.

They said they had no intention to damage any other country or let anyone use Afghan territory against anyone else.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

Taliban insurgents issued an astounding 17,000-word appeal sent under the banner of "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan," to the "American people"

The Taliban said on Wednesday, in a rare statement to the American people, they wanted to end Afghanistan’s 17-year war through talks while warning the message should not be seen as a sign of weakness and the fight against US forces would go on. Taliban insurgents issued an astounding 17,000-word appeal to the "American people." The letter emailed to the media in English and four other languages contained official statistics about the human and economic costs of war. The letter, sent under the banner of "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan," was issued just weeks after a blitz of deadly insurgent attacks in the Afghan capital. A more aggressive US strategy in Afghanistan including a surge in air strikes introduced by President Donald Trump in August has pushed the Taliban back from several district centers and two provincial capitals. But the militants control large parts of the countryside and have responded to the more aggressive US strategy with two attacks in Kabul in the past few weeks, killing nearly 150 people. The attacks have toughened both the US and Afghan governments’ stand against initiating talks with the insurgents, although neither side seems capable of winning the conflict. “Our preference is to solve the Afghan issue through peaceful dialogue,” the Taliban said. "Prolonging the war in Afghanistan and maintaining American troop presence is neither beneficial for America nor for anyone else," the letter said. "Stubbornly seeking the protraction of this war will have dreadful consequences for the region and the stability of America herself," the document added. "As confirmed by your own military authorities, 3546 American and foreign soldiers have been killed, more than 20,000 American forces injured and tens of thousands more are suffering mentally," the letter said, asserting that the actual casualty figures were much higher but were being "concealed" by the U.S. leaders. The overall message of these arguments was that the American people should make a "rational" assessment of the war. "You proclaim to be a developed and civilized nation. We leave it to your judgment to decide whether the prevailing conditions of insecurity, chaos and soaring drug problems in Afghanistan constitute reforms or crimes against humanity," it concluded. The Taliban, fighting to oust foreign forces and defeat the US-backed government, said the United States must end its “occupation” and accept the Taliban right to form a government “consistent with the beliefs of our people”. In their statement, the Taliban did not mention a January 27 raids on a top Kabul hotel, in which more than 30 people were killed, nor a bomb attack on a crowded street a week later that killed more than 100. They claimed both attacks. The militants only mentioned the Afghan government to deride it on various grounds. A government spokesman declined to comment on the statement. A spokesman for Afghanistan’s NATO-led military mission said the recent Taliban attacks on civilians demonstrated they were not ready to enter “good-faith peace negotiations” while the government had on numerous occasions made clear it was willing to begin a peace process. “The Taliban statement alone does not show willingness to engage in peace talks. The recent attacks speak louder than these words,” said the spokesman, Captain Tom Gresback. The Taliban said it was not too late for the American people to realise the Taliban can solve problems with every side “through healthy politics and dialogue”, adding the chances for dialogue were “not exhausted”. Preliminary talks on ending the war that kills thousands of people each year have stalled. But low-level contacts between the government, international groups including the United Nations and groups close to the Taliban have continued even as the insurgency has escalated. The Taliban said their willingness to play a “constructive role in finding a peaceful solution” should not be taken as a sign of weakness. “This can never mean that we are exhausted or our will has been sapped,” they said. They said they had no intention to damage any other country or let anyone use Afghan territory against anyone else. (With inputs from Reuters)

Want to end war through dialogue: Afghan Taliban

Delhi Police Special Cell on Wednesday nabbed a 32-year-old Indian Mujahideen (IM) suspect, Ariz Khan alias Junaid.&nbsp;

Addressing a press briefing in New Delhi, DCP, Special Cell Delhi Police, Pramod Singh Kushwaha said that it was a big catch as he was absconding since 2008.&nbsp;

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Delhi Police Special Team arrested Ariz Khan alias Junaid, he was involved in many bombing incidents including 2008 Delhi serial blasts, 165 people died in incidents he was involved in: Pramod Singh Kushwaha, DCP, Special Cell Delhi Police <a href="https://t.co/7Amz8N4jrR">pic.twitter.com/7Amz8N4jrR</a>
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He further said Ariz Khan is an expert bomb maker, conspirator, and executioner. He was associated with Atif Amin who was killed in Batala House encounter. He was also wanted in 2007 UP blasts, 2008 Jaipur serial blasts, 2008 Ahmedabad blasts.The terrorist was among the one who managed to escape from Delhi&#39;s Jamia Nagar during Batla House encounter in 2008.

Encounter specialist and Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma, who led the police action, was also killed during the Batla House encounter operation.&nbsp;

The terrorist was brought to Delhi four days ago, police said.

Ariz, a native of Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh and an engineer by profession was allegedly hiding in house number L-18 in Batla House, Jamia Nagar, during the encounter operation by the Special Cell, said police.

The Indian Mujahideen was involved in five bomb blast cases.

The terrorist was brought to Delhi four days ago, police said

Delhi Police Special Cell on Wednesday nabbed a 32-year-old Indian Mujahideen (IM) suspect, Ariz Khan alias Junaid. Addressing a press briefing in New Delhi, DCP, Special Cell Delhi Police, Pramod Singh Kushwaha said that it was a big catch as he was absconding since 2008. Delhi Police Special Team arrested Ariz Khan alias Junaid, he was involved in many bombing incidents including 2008 Delhi serial blasts, 165 people died in incidents he was involved in: Pramod Singh Kushwaha, DCP, Special Cell Delhi Police pic.twitter.com/7Amz8N4jrR — ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2018 × He further said Ariz Khan is an expert bomb maker, conspirator, and executioner. He was associated with Atif Amin who was killed in Batala House encounter. He was also wanted in 2007 UP blasts, 2008 Jaipur serial blasts, 2008 Ahmedabad blasts.The terrorist was among the one who managed to escape from Delhi's Jamia Nagar during Batla House encounter in 2008. Encounter specialist and Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma, who led the police action, was also killed during the Batla House encounter operation. The terrorist was brought to Delhi four days ago, police said. Ariz, a native of Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh and an engineer by profession was allegedly hiding in house number L-18 in Batla House, Jamia Nagar, during the encounter operation by the Special Cell, said police. The Indian Mujahideen was involved in five bomb blast cases.

Suspected IM terrorist caught, Delhi Police say he was involved in bombings that killed 165 people

At least three suspected terrorists of the Haqqani network were killed on Wednesday in a suspected US drone strike in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan.

The drone strikes, carried out by US spy planes, targeted the house belonging to Afghan refugees, the report said.

Two missiles hit a house and killed Taliban-allied Haqqani network commander Ehsan alias Khawari and his two companions in the Dappa Mamazoi area.&nbsp;

Local sources belonging to the Orakzai Agency said that the strike was carried out on the Haqqani Network hideout.

Last week, two other militants were also killed in a drone strike in Shanqilay area of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

There has been a slight uptick in US drone strikes inside Pakistan in the mountainous border regions bordering Afghanistan since US President Donald Trump took office in January 2017, though they are a long way off their peak in 2010.

Pakistan has repeatedly said that drone strikes on its soil are a violation of its sovereignty and denies the charge, saying it acts against militants without discrimination.

Two missiles hit a house and killed Taliban-allied Haqqani network commander Ehsan alias Khawari and his two companions in the Dappa Mamazoi area

At least three suspected terrorists of the Haqqani network were killed on Wednesday in a suspected US drone strike in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan. The drone strikes, carried out by US spy planes, targeted the house belonging to Afghan refugees, the report said. Two missiles hit a house and killed Taliban-allied Haqqani network commander Ehsan alias Khawari and his two companions in the Dappa Mamazoi area. Local sources belonging to the Orakzai Agency said that the strike was carried out on the Haqqani Network hideout. Last week, two other militants were also killed in a drone strike in Shanqilay area of Afghanistan. There has been a slight uptick in US drone strikes inside Pakistan in the mountainous border regions bordering Afghanistan since US President Donald Trump took office in January 2017, though they are a long way off their peak in 2010. Pakistan has repeatedly said that drone strikes on its soil are a violation of its sovereignty and denies the charge, saying it acts against militants without discrimination.

US drone strike kills Haqqani network commander, 2 others in Pakistan

Abdul Subhan Qureshi, one of the suspects in the 2008 Gujarat blasts, was arrested by the special cell of Delhi Police on Monday.

The alleged bomb expert was nabbed after a brief exchange of fire with the police.

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Special Cell of Police arrested Abdul Subhan Qureshi of SIMI-IM arrested after a brief exchange of fire. He was involved in 2008 serial blasts in Gujarat. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955312748660891648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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While divulging details of his arrest,&nbsp;DCP&nbsp;Pramod Kushwaha of Special Cell informed that Qureshi was living with forged documents in Nepal and returned to the country to revive Indian Mujahideen.

The police further clarified that he is not a member&nbsp;but the founder of the Indian&nbsp;terror outfit.

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We have arrested India most wanted terrorist Abdul Subhan Qureshi who is also the founder of Indian Mujahideen. He was again trying to revive Indian Mujahideen: DCP Pramod Kushwaha, Special Cell <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/lAemT8b7Er">pic.twitter.com/lAemT8b7Er</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955338618666549253?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Arrested after a decade-long hunt, Qureshi is one of the most wanted terrorists in the country and is referred to as India&#39;s Bin Laden.

He is also associated with the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), and is allegedly responsible for carrying out attacks in Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Delhi also.

Qureshi is commonly known as Tauqeer and is believed to be the signer in the Indian Mujahideen terror email as al-Arabi.

He is listed on the NIA Most Wanted list.&nbsp;

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Abdul Subhan Qureshi is on the NIA's 'most wanted' list

Abdul Subhan Qureshi, one of the suspects in the 2008 Gujarat blasts, was arrested by the special cell of Delhi Police on Monday. The alleged bomb expert was nabbed after a brief exchange of fire with the police. Special Cell of Police arrested Abdul Subhan Qureshi of SIMI-IM arrested after a brief exchange of fire. He was involved in 2008 serial blasts in Gujarat. #Delhi — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2018 × While divulging details of his arrest, DCP Pramod Kushwaha of Special Cell informed that Qureshi was living with forged documents in Nepal and returned to the country to revive Indian Mujahideen. The police further clarified that he is not a member but the founder of the Indian terror outfit. We have arrested India most wanted terrorist Abdul Subhan Qureshi who is also the founder of Indian Mujahideen. He was again trying to revive Indian Mujahideen: DCP Pramod Kushwaha, Special Cell #Delhi pic.twitter.com/lAemT8b7Er — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2018 × Arrested after a decade-long hunt, Qureshi is one of the most wanted terrorists in the country and is referred to as India's Bin Laden. He is also associated with the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), and is allegedly responsible for carrying out attacks in Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Delhi also. Qureshi is commonly known as Tauqeer and is believed to be the signer in the Indian Mujahideen terror email as al-Arabi. He is listed on the NIA Most Wanted list.

After decade-long hunt, Delhi Police arrest suspected mastermind of 2008 Gujarat blasts

At least 15 Taliban militants were killed and around 10 were left wounded in an airstrike in Afghanistan&#39;s northern province of Sari Pul on Wednesday, reports said.&nbsp;

The airstrike operations by the Afghan forces took place on Tuesday night and targeted Taliban hideouts at Shah Toot locality, Sayyad district after Afghan National Army (ANA) Air Force struck a militants&#39; position where three militants were killed and one wounded.&nbsp;

The Afghan forces also conducted operations in Nad-e-Ali district where three more Taliban militants were killed.

On Wednesday, one militant named Mohammad Akram was killed and two militants were wounded, after an improvised explosive device (IED) they were carrying to plant along a main road, detonated accidentally in Archi district of neighbouring Kunduz province.&nbsp;

The Afghan forces discovered and confiscated 20 Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) during the same operations, the report said. 
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The airstrike operations by the Afghan forces took place on Tuesday night and targeted Taliban hideouts at Shah Toot locality, Sayyad district after Afghan National Army (ANA) Air Force struck a militants' position where three militants were killed and one wounded

At least 15 Taliban militants were killed and around 10 were left wounded in an airstrike in Afghanistan's northern province of Sari Pul on Wednesday, reports said. The airstrike operations by the Afghan forces took place on Tuesday night and targeted Taliban hideouts at Shah Toot locality, Sayyad district after Afghan National Army (ANA) Air Force struck a militants' position where three militants were killed and one wounded. The Afghan forces also conducted operations in Nad-e-Ali district where three more Taliban militants were killed. On Wednesday, one militant named Mohammad Akram was killed and two militants were wounded, after an improvised explosive device (IED) they were carrying to plant along a main road, detonated accidentally in Archi district of neighbouring Kunduz province. The Afghan forces discovered and confiscated 20 Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) during the same operations, the report said.

15 Taliban militants killed during airstike in Afghanistan

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