Suicide Bombing Attacks
Four Frontier Corps (FC) personnel were killed and 20 others sustained injuries on September 5 in a suicide attack near a FC check post on Mastung Road in Quetta, reports Dawn. Deputy Inspector General of Quetta Police Azhar Akram said that 18 of the injured were security officials while two were bystanders, adding that the number of casualties could rise. A suicide bomber on a motorcycle packed with six kilogrammes of explosives rammed one of the vehicles in an FC convoy. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack.
Bomb/ IED Attacks
Three Levies personnel were killed and as many injured when their vehicle hit a landmine near Mangi Dam in Ziarat District on August 26, reports Dawn. According to Provincial Government spokesperson Liaquat Shahwani, the dead personnel included a Risaldar Major, Havaldar and a sepoy. The three injured were all sepoys.
A Frontier Corps (FC) personnel, identified as Muhammad Aslam, was killed and three others were injured in a bomb attack by unidentified militants when the FC vehicle was passing through the Guargu area of Panjgur District in Balochistan on August 27, reports Dawn.
One Army soldier was killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Asman Manza area of South Waziristan District on August 30, reports ARY News. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the blast occurred during clearance operation by Security Forces. The ISPR said the troops immediately cordoned off the area to apprehend terrorists involved in planting the IED. During an intense exchange of fire, one of the terrorists trying to flee got killed.
Targetted Killings
Two persons, including a District official of a malaria control programme, were shot dead by unidentified assailants in Panjgur Bazar of Panjgur District on September 6, reports ARY News. Police said unidentified assailants opened fire on District official of malaria control programme and his friends in Panjgur Bazar and managed to escape.
A senior lawyer Shaukat and his wife, were shot dead by unidentified assailants while driving on Khushgai Road in Nowshera town (Nowshera District) on September 8, reports ARY News. Police said advocate Shaukat and his wife, was on their way to a Fatiha Khwani ceremony of a relative in Nowshera when unidentified assailants opened fire on their car and left them both dead.
Additional Inspector General (AIG) of Motorway Police Sajjad Afzal Afridi sustained injuries while his brother died in a firing incident by unidentified assailants at Fateh Jang interchange in Rawalpindi on September 10, reports ARY News. According to Police, unidentified assailants opened fire on the vehicle of AIG Motorway Police, injuring Sajjad Afzal Afridi and his brother Noman Afzal as the latter succumbed to his injuries.
Miscellaneous
One Army personnel and one militant was killed in cross firing at border check post in Lower Dir on August 26, reports Geo TV. “Terrorists from inside Afghanistan across the international border, opened fire on a military post in Lower Dir District. Own troops responded in a befitting manner,” read a statement by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). According to ISPR, intelligence intercepts showed that one militant was killed and two to three others were injured. The statement added that due to the firing by the militants, Havaldar Gul Ameer (36), a resident of Lakki Marwat District, got critically injured and later succumbed to injuries during treatment at a hospital.
Two Army soldiers and two terrorists were killed during an exchange of fire with terrorists from across the Afghan border in Bajaur District on August 29, reports Dawn. “Terrorists from inside Afghanistan across the international border opened fire on a military post in Bajaur district,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, adding that Pakistani troops had responded in a befitting manner. “As per intelligence reports, due to [the] fire of Pakistan Army troops, two terrorists got killed and three to four terrorists got injured,” read the statement. The dead soldiers were identified as Sepoy Jamal (28) from Mardan District and Sepoy Ayaz (21) from Chitral District.
Three militants of an undisclosed banned outfit were arrested by Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Dharampura area of Lahore on August 28, reports The Nation. As per the CTD spokesperson, the apprehended militants were identified as Rizwan, Abdul Qayyum and Muhammad Arif. It has been further revealed by the CTD spokesperson that the militants were planning to attack security agencies. IEDs, two hand grenades, a pistol and other explosive material have been recovered from the possession of the militants.
The Police arrested a local ‘commander’ of an unspecified banned militant outfit, identified as Naimatullah alias Safwan, during a raid on his house in Ali Khani Baba area of Shabqadar tehsil (revenue unit) in Charsadda District on September 2, reports Dawn. Addressing a press conference, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mohammad Ishaq Khan and Station House Officer (SHO) Gul Shaid Khan said that a Police party raided the house of Naimatullah on the directives of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Mardan and Charsadda District Police officer. Police said Naimatullah was involved in blowing up of educational institutions.
Two Army soldiers were killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in Dosalli area of North Waziristan District on September 7, reports Dawn. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that Security Forces (SFs) were conducting a clearance operation in Dosalli area when the IED exploded. As a result, 25 year old Sepoy Zia Akram and 20 year old Sepoy Musawwar Khan were killed. SFs immediately cordoned off the area to apprehend the militant who had planted the IED. During intense exchange of fire, one of the militants, who were trying to flee, was killed.
Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested nine Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants during a raid at Rehmat Shah Banda refugee camp in Hangu District on September 8, reports ARY News. Three Kalashnikov, two rocket propelled grenade, 14 shells, five pocket phones and a motorcycle were recovered from the possession, CTD said.
One militant was killed and six others were arrested in an operation carried out by the Security Forces (SFs) in the Sokhel area of North Waziristan District on September 12, reports ARY News. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the SFs launched an operation in the Sokhel area and after an exchange of fire, one of the militants was killed and six others were taken into custody.
The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on September 17 foiled a terror bid by arresting one militant along with explosive materials by conducting an intelligence-based operation (IBO) on the outskirts of Quetta, reports The Express Tribune. One suspected militant approaching Quetta on a motorbike was intercepted by law enforcement agencies. Explosives and other arms were recovered from his possession, said an CTD spokesperson. Two hand grenades, 1,580 grams of explosive material, four feet of det-cord and two detonators were recovered.
PAKISTAN
Something can happen at Afghanistan border but we are ready, says ISPR DG Major General Babar Iftikhar
Director General (DG) of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar addressed an important press briefing on the Afghanistan issue on August 27, saying that “something can happen” at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border but “we are ready” for all sorts of situations, reports Geo TV. Speaking about the situation along the Pakistan Afghanistan border from a military perspective, he said that the situation on the ground in Afghanistan changed rapidly against all expectations, in reference to the swift takeover of the country by Taliban on August 15.
Apprehensions were always there but, despite all that, the situation along the border is “normal” and “under control” as no untoward incident took place at the border or inside the country, he said. “We have taken every possible step to maintain security at the border and every movement is under control there. But this does not mean that nothing can happen, something can happen, but we are prepared; it is not that we will be unaware of that,” Major General Babar Iftikhar added.
TTP a matter Pakistan must take up, not Afghanistan, says Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on August 28 said that the issue of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is one that the Pakistan Government must resolve, not Afghanistan, reports Geo TV. Mujahid’s remarks came during an interview with Geo News on programme “Jirga”, aired on August 28-night. Show host Saleem Safi asked the spokesman if the Taliban will speak to the TTP to not engage in conflict with Pakistan. In response, Mujahid said that “the future government will have the rightful say about this. However, our principal stance is that we will not allow the use of our soil by anyone for destroying peace in someone else’s country.” He said that if the TTP consider the Afghan Taliban as their leaders, “they will have to listen to them, whether they like it or not”. “The issue of the TTP is one that Pakistan will have to deal with, not Afghanistan. It is up to Pakistan, and Pakistani Ulema and religious figures, not the Taliban, to decide on the legitimacy or illegitimacy of their war and to formulate a strategy in response”, Taliban spokesman added.
11 Islamic State militants killed in CTD operation in Balochistan
At least 11 Islamic State (IS) militants were killed in an encounter with the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel in Qilli Qamar area of Mastung District in Balochistan on August 30, reports The Express Tribune. An unnamed CTD spokesman said that the CTD personnel along with other Security Force (SF) personnel conducted a search operation in Qilli Qamar area on the basis of an intelligence about the presence of suspected terrorists in a compound. A cache of arms and explosives was recovered from the terrorists, including four SMGs with 360 rounds, one LMG with 80 rounds, two suicide jackets, three 9mm pistols, 15 kilogrammes of explosive, prima cord, eight hand grenades, and eight detonators.
Karachi Police officers running at least 363 narcotics dens, reveals internal report
An internal report prepared by the Sindh Police has rung alarm bells for the law-and-order situation in Karachi, as it has been found that at least 363 narcotics dens are being run by Police officers in Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, Geo TV reported on September 2. The report has identified over 100 Police officers, ranking from constables to deputy superintendents (DSPs) involved in running at least 363 narcotics dens across the seven Districts of Karachi. The number of narcotics dens in Karachi has almost tripled, as the last report prepared by the Special Branch of the Sindh Police in 2013 had put the number of dens in the city at 115. The majority of the dens, numbering 164, are running in Central District, followed by 89 dens in West District, 39 in Old city District, 19 in East District, 15 in South District, 15 in Korangi District and four in Malir District, confirmed the report. The Police officers are “directly involved in running these dens and also collect millions of rupees from there” states the report. A separate District-wise list of the Policemen and dens was prepared while the record and the number of Policemen supervising and running the dens are also mentioned in the report.
Pak-Afghan border fully secured after fencing, says DIG FC North KP Sajid Majeed
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Frontier Corps North Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Sajid Majeed on September 2 said Pak-Afghan border had been fully secured after completion of fencing and construction of new forts, reports Daily Times. While briefing national and international media about security arrangements on Pak-Afghan border including comprehensive security mechanism and development projects in merged areas, he said 98 percent fencing had been completed and the 2600 km border with Afghanistan had been fully secured. Development of technical mechanism has immensely helped control mobility and movement of unwanted elements, he said. Fencing on 809 kilometers, out of 827 kilometers had been completed. Out of 443 forts, 388 were completed and remaining 55 would be completed by this year, he added. Work on fencing was started in May 2017 and till date 98 percent work had been completed. He said remaining two percent would be completed soon.
TTP issues warning to media to refrain from calling them a “terrorist outfit”’
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on September 6 issued a warning to the media and journalists, asking them to refrain from calling them a “terrorist outfit” or they will be treated as enemies, reports Dawn. In a statement released by the TTP on social media, its ‘spokesman’ Mohammad Khurasani reportedly said they were monitoring the media coverage, branding the TTP with hateful titles, like “terrorists and extremists”. “Using such terms for TTP showed a partisan role of media and journalists,” it said, adding this is a stigma on the profession of journalism. Khurasani said the media used such obnoxious terms for the TTP at the behest of one party, which had selected it for its rivals. Therefore, the media should call them with the name of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Otherwise, the media would do professional dishonesty and would create enemies for itself, the statement added.
Pakistan, Germany ask Taliban to form ‘inclusive government’
Pakistan and Germany on Tuesday, Sept 7 asked the Taliban set up in Kabul to announce the formation of a broad based ‘inclusive’ government in the next few days as a vacuum would see the role of the spoilers.
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who is on a two-day visit to Pakistan, Tuesday held meetings with Prime Minister Imran Khan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
Prime Minister Imran Khan during the meeting stressed that at this pivotal moment in Afghanistan’s history, it was important for the international community to remain in support and solidarity with the Afghan people. The prime minister underlined that urgent steps were needed to stabilise the security situation, address humanitarian needs, and ensure economic stability in Afghanistan, saying these would require sustained engagement with Afghanistan.
Imran Khan recalled his conversation with Chancellor Merkel, in which the two leaders had fruitful exchange of views on the Afghanistan situation. The prime minister underscored that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was vitally important for Pakistan and the region. He underscored that both Pakistan and Germany should work closely for the promotion of shared interests relating to regional peace and stability. Heiko Maas conveyed cordial greetings to Chancellor Merkel.
Government could consider amnesty for ‘TTP members who lay down arms’, says President Arif Alvi
President Arif Alvi on September 10 suggested that the Pakistani Government could consider giving an amnesty to those members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who have not remained involved in “criminal activities” and who lay down their weapons and agree to adhere to the Pakistani Constitution, reports Dawn. He made the indication during an interview on Dawn News programme ‘Khabar Se Khabar’. In the context of the Taliban’s assurance that they would not allow Afghan land to be used for terrorism against Pakistan, host Nadia Mirza asked the president whether the TTP was no longer a threat for Pakistan. “TTP [remains] a threat,” President Alvi responded. But he suggested it had been conveyed to Pakistan by the “second- or third-tier leadership” of the Taliban, which last month captured control of the country following a lightning blitz, that, “We (Afghan Taliban) will declare that they (TTP members) can live here in [Afghanistan] but they must not do any activity against Pakistan.”
Afghanistan – Internal Dynamics
There remains no incentive for any blast or attack once foreign forces leave Afghanistan, says Acting Minister of Culture and Information Zabiullah Mujahid
Acting Minister of Culture and Information Zabiullah Mujahid said that there remains no incentive for any blast or attack once foreign forces leave Afghanistan, reports Khamma News on August 27. Zabiullah Mujahid also a Taliban spokesperson said this in an interview with Radio Free of Afghanistan. “Once the foreign forces leave Afghanistan, we assure that there will not by any attack, no group will be allowed to carry out such attacks or threaten the security of other countries using Afghanistan’s soil.” said Mujahid.
ISKP claims responsibility for that rocket attack in Kabul airport
Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP) claimed responsibility for a rocket attack on Kabul airport on Monday, reports Ariana News on August 30. The group’s Nasher News said on its Telegram channel said it “targeted Kabul International Airport with six Katyusha rockets.” Six rockets, including five aimed at Hamid Karzai International Airport, were fired from a vehicle in the Khairkhana area of Kabul City in Kabul Province. The missile defense system installed in Kabul airport intercepted five rockets, the remaining one fell into a residential building.
Fighting between Taliban and NRF continues in Panjshir Province
Fighting between the forces of Taliban and the National Resistance Front (NRF) lead by Ahmad Massoud in Panjshir Province, reports Tolo News on September 1. The Taliban confirmed that the fighting has been ongoing for two days and both parties have suffered casualties. “Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate were attacked from some circles in Panjshir who bluff and say they will resist. The Mujahideen reacted to the attack and as a result, the other side has suffered heavy casualties,” said Anaamullah Samangani, a member of the Taliban’s Cultural Commission. “In the past 40 hours, the Taliban launched some offensives on Khawak from the Andarab valley of Baghlan [Province]. From our side, there were local forces of various districts of Andarab, local forces of Panjshir as well as the ANSDF forces. They fought back very well; they defeated the Taliban on that front. The Taliban lost 40 of their personnel, another 35 of them were wounded,” said Fahim Dashti, a spokesman of the NRF
Qatar and Germany’s Foreign Minister warned that isolating the Taliban would lead to further instability
Qatar and Germany’s Foreign Minister on August 31 warned that isolating the Taliban could lead to further instability, reports Ariana News. “If we are starting to put conditions and stopping this engagement, we are going to leave a vacuum, and the question is, who is going to fill this vacuum?,” Minister Sheik Mohammed said in Doha, alongside his German counterpart, Heiko Maas. The duo also urged countries to engage with them to address security and socioeconomic concerns in Afghanistan.
Russian President Vladimir Putin calls for legalizing Taliban as a political force
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on September 3 called for joint efforts to decide about “legalizing” the Taliban as a political force in the country, reports Ariana News. President Putin said, “We need to think about that the quicker the Taliban joins the family of let’s say civilized nations, the easier it will be to contact, communicate, somehow influence and ask questions. And if not demand, but inquire that civilized relations demand obeying civilized rules”. Putin further warned, “In case of disintegration, there will be nobody to talk to there is also The Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and what else not is currently present in Afghanistan. All of that is a threat to our neighbors and allies.”
UNSC extends mandate of UNAMA for six months
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on September 17 extended the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for six months following the Islamic Emirate takeover of the country on August 15, reports Ariana News. As the situation in Afghanistan remains unpredictable. The members of the Security Council have agreed to use the next half year to assess how UNAMA best can support the people of Afghanistan going forward. “We will continue to support the work of women peace builders and human rights defenders both in and outside of Afghanistan. In our talks with the Taliban (Islamic Emirate), we will remain steadfast on women’s rights and inclusion,” the statement read
Taliban replaces Ministry of Women Affairs
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) officially put an end to the Ministry of Women Affairs and replaced it with one of its strictest ministries when it comes to societal affairs, reports The Khaama Press News Agency on September 18. The Taliban brought down the signboard of the Ministry and replaced it with the Ministry of Encouragement and Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice on September 17. Earlier, the Ministry was excluded from the caretaker cabinet of the Taliban announced more than ten days ago. In the meantime, a number of female employees of the Ministry of Women Affairs gathered at the gate of the Ministry and asked the Taliban to allow them to get back to jobs as they need to feed their families. The IEA has said that they are working on principles for women how to work and under which principles should they work but they have not commented on the activation of the Ministry of Women Affairs.
153 media outlets at risk of closure since Taliban takeover, says IFJ
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in its latest report said that 153 media outlets have hardly been impacted since the Taliban takeover and are on verge of closing their offices forever, reports The Khaama Press News Agency on September 18. The report also reads that the freedom of speech has been curtailed, female journalists are left out of jobs, and violation against journalists has also been increased. The report reads that the self-safety of journalists is also at risk and added that the seizure of vehicles from journalists and their intimidation is rather concerning. “7000 Afghan journalists have been adversely affected by the Taliban takeover.” reads the report.
Bangladesh – Internal Dynamics
Two Ansar al-Islam female cadres arrested in Dhaka city
Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) on August 26 arrested two female cadres of militant outfit Ansar al-Islam from Badda area of Dhaka city in Dhaka District of Dhaka Division, reports The Daily Star. The arrestee is identified as Zobaida Siddiqua Nabila (19) and Mehar Nasim. Preliminary investigations revealed Nabila maintained two Facebook accounts, one Chirp Wire account and four Telegram accounts. Her four Telegram accounts have more than 15 channels and 25,000 followers. Many violent jihadi propaganda books were uploaded at different times in these channels, said CTTC officials.
There is no existence of Taliban and militants in Bangladesh, says Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal
Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on August 28 said that there is no existence of Taliban and militants in Bangladesh, reports The Daily Star. He said “There are many small groups in the country. But they have no capacity to create chaos. Bangladesh is a country of peace. Taliban have come to power in Afghanistan and Kabul is located far from Bangladesh. So, it has no effect in Bangladesh.”
42 percent of all arrested members of ABT have secured bail and are moving around freely, says report
According to data from Police Headquarters and court documents, as many as 42 percent of all arrested members of Ansarullah Bangladesh Team (ABT) have secured bail and are moving around freely, reports Dhaka Tribune on August 31. Altogether 350 ABT operatives were arrested in 76 cases filed on charges of murder and militancy beginning 2013. Among them, 148 have secured bail, this correspondent has found. Ominously, 17 of the accused who secured bail have been missing since their release. They have not shown up for hearings and it is suspected that they have returned to militancy. So far, trials have been completed in only seven cases, and the remaining 69 cases are still under trial and investigation. Police and investigators claim it is not their fault if the militants they capture secure bail in court. However, court sources argue that Police are to blame for failing to gather sufficient evidence against those arrested. Trials in militancy cases are a lengthy process, sometimes taking years, which allows the accused to secure bail, the court sources added.
Ansar al Islam is aiming to strengthen its female wing, say CTTC officials
Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) officials said that Ansar al Islam is aiming to strengthen its female wing with at least 25 female members directly involved in its organisational activities, reports The Daily Star on September 3. The outfit also has around 300 female supporters connected with its online social media accounts, counterterrorism officials said. The female operatives of Ansar al Islam are using fake social media accounts, pretending to be males to avoid law enforcers’ vigilance, they said. They do this because a female user hosting or spreading militant content raises more suspicion than if a male member does so.
Four Neo-JMB cadres arrested in Mymensingh District
The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on September 4 (today) arrested four Neo-Jamma’tul Mujahideen Bangladesh (Neo-JMB) cadres following an ‘exchange of fires’ in Mymensingh District, reports New Age. RAB recovered arms and ammunitions from their possession during the operation.
Bangladeshi couple sentenced in US for conspiring to support Islamic State
A US Federal Judge in Philadelphia on September 9 sentenced a Bangladeshi husband and wife to jail terms for plotting to provide support to the Islamic State (IS), reports Prothom Alo. United States Attorney Jennifer Williams announced that Shahidul Gaffar (40) and Nabila Khan (35), both residents of Pennsylvania, were sentenced to 18 months and two years in prison, respectively, by US District Court Judge Joshua Wolson. According to court documents, in 2015, Gaffar and Khan provided financial support to two of Khan’s brothers who travelled to Syria to join the IS. The couple discussed the brothers’ travel plans in detail with each other as early as September 2014, the release noted.
ChirpWire has now become safe haven for Bangladeshi extremists, says report
Chirp Wire an encrypted social media app sharing a number of similarities with Facebook has now become a safe haven for Bangladeshi extremists, reports Dhaka Tribune on September 13. Radical Islamists have always used and searched for social media platforms that provide them with greater privacy, security features that make it harder for law enforcers to eavesdrop on their activities. The Chirp Wire domain was registered in 2014, the year Islamic State (IS) emerged in Iraq and Syria with a brutal caliphate ideology, but it was limited within a small circle of radicals. It was only in the mid-2000s that the existence of this platform came to light.
44 ABT cadres arrested from different places
42 cadres of the banned militant group Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) were arrested on September 17 during an overnight from Biral, Bochaganj and Sadar upazilas (sub-District) of Dinajpur District, reports The Daily Star. The Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) Unit of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested them for their suspected militant activities.
Earlier, the Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) of Police on September 16 arrested two cadres of ABT from Muktagacha in Mymensingh District, reports The Daily Star. The arrestees are Mohamad Kawsar Ahmed Milon (30) and Zahid Mostafa (20). Two mobile phones, four SIM cards, seven soft copies of books promoting extremism and printed hard copies were recovered from them.
India – Internal Dynamics
Grant PRC to the Assamese people in Arunachal Pradesh, says ULFA-I commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah
United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) leader Paresh Baruah has asked the Arunachal Pradesh Government to grant permanent residence certificates (PRCs) to the Assamese people residing in the State for ages, reports The Hindu on August 28. ULFA-I commander in chief Paresh Baruah, in a letter to Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, said the Assamese people had been denied their right to obtain PRCs despite living in the frontier State for generations, even before the North East Frontier Agency came into existence in 1951.The area under this agency became Arunachal Pradesh.“ Arunachal Pradesh has always been kind to its Assamese-speaking community over the years. However, Assamese speakers, who are natives of the land are now in danger of expatriation,” Baruah said in the letter.
IS-KP aims to have Caliphate in India, according to report
The “rule of the Caliphate in India” is among the lofty ideological goals associated with the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-KP) are planning to indulge in, sources in intelligence agencies have said, tribuneindia.com reports on August 29. Terrorists associated with IS-KP, the sources said, had secured a strong foothold in Afghanistan after the country fell into the hands of Taliban. They said these elements had started working on their plan to export jihad to Central Asia and later to India. Intelligence inputs suggested that the IS-KP leadership was now planning to recruit youngsters and carry out terror strikes. “On top of their ideological agenda is to establish the rule of the Caliphate, including in India,” the sources said.
25 wanted Indians involved in terrorism believed to be in Afghanistan, says report
25 Indian nationals wanted by India in cases of terrorism may be living in Afghanistan close to Pakistan border, according to information from intelligence and investigative agencies, New Indian Express reports on September 1. Sources said these Indians were captured and jailed by Afghan forces. Security agencies are keeping a watch on these 25 Indian nationals, most of whom hail from Kerala, because the terror network they joined, Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K). According to intel received by the agencies, these Indians are believed to be living in Nangarhar province. Sources say that at this point in time, it is not clear how many of these 25 wanted Indians are alive, since many of them were involved in suicide attacks and encounters with Afghan forces.
Drugs worth INR 2,00,00,000 seized in Assam
On September 1, the Assam Police seized a huge quantity of heroin from a SUV vehicle along the Assam-Nagaland border in East Karbi Anglong, Assam, reports Northeast Now. According to sources, the Assam Police intercepted a bolero vehicle bearing registration number MN 01S 1680 at Lahorijan Patrol Post of Karbi Anglong District in Assam. 50 soap cases containing 646 grams of heroin meticulously hidden inside the rear tail light of the vehicle was recovered during the search operation. A preliminary investigation revealed that the drugs was carried from Manipur and was suppose to be delivered at Guwahati’s Kamrup Metropolitan District in Assam. Two people identified as Ngamsei Haokip (age 30) and Letkholal (age 47) of Manipur, were arrested in connection to the incident.
3 CRPF troopers injured in IED blast in Chhattisgarh
Three troopers of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were injured when a pressure Improvised Explosive Device (IED), planted by cadres of the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist), exploded on Awapalli-Basaguda route under Basaguda Police Station limits in Bijapur District of Chhattisgarh on September 2, reports The New Indian Express. When a team from the CRPF’s 168th battalion was cordoning off the route near Timmapur village, head constable Shilachand Minj inadvertently stepped on the pressure IED connection, triggering the blast, which killed two other troopers, a senior official said, adding, a search operation is currently underway in the area.
Congress leader receives death threats from pro-Khalistan supporters
The Sadar Police had lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against unidentified persons for issuing death threats to Gursimran Singh Mand, joint co-coordinator, Kisan Congress, a wing of the All-India Congress Committee, in Ludhiana District of Punjab on September 3, reports Hindustan Times. Mand alleged that he had been receiving threats from pro-Khalistan supporters on social media and WhatsApp. On September 1, he received threatening voice messages and videos on his WhatsApp number, claiming that 88 men were following him and will kill him. They sent him the video of a severed head, threatening to kill him in the same manner, Mand said. He also said he had been raising voice against terrorism and Khalistan, following which he started receiving threats from extremists, and sought security cover for him and his family. Inspector Jagdev Singh said they had lodged an FIR under Sections 294 (obscene acts and songs) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Section 67-A of the Information and Technology Act against the unidentified accused.
50 kilograms of explosives recovered In Jharkhand
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) along with the State Police foiled a possible ambush by Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) on the Security Forces (SFs) by recovering 50 kilograms Improvised Explosive Device (IED) from a culvert between Makhan-Chechariya area under Nimiyaghat Police Station limits in Bokaro District of Jharkhand on September 8, reports NDTV. Based on credible intelligence input, the CRPF’s 154 Battalion troops and Jharkhand Police personnel recovered the IED, said the CRPF in a statement, adding, “The troops immediately cordoned off the area by positioning themselves at safe distances and the Bomb Detection and Disposal (BDD) squad demolished the IED in situ.”
DNLA declares unilateral ceasefire for six months
Militant outfit, Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA), on September 8 declared a unilateral ceasefire with Government of India (GoI) with effect from September 7, 2021, reports Northeast Now. In a press release, ‘publicity secretary’ of DNLA, Mungsri Ringsmai Dimasa, stated that the outfit has declared the ceasefire as a goodwill gesture for initiating peace talks with the Assam State Government and GoI. The ceasefire declaration, according to sources, comes at a time when Police and other Security Forces (SF) have intensified operation against the outfit following its involvement in the killing of 5 people in Dima Hasao District in Assam.
IS inspired new jihadist outfit Al Kerala Military Brigade expanding network and fighters, says report
According to a recent report published in Kerala-based newspaper Daily Janmabhumi, a new jihadist group named ‘Al Kerala Military Brigade’, which follows the ideology of Islamic State (IS) has been gradually expanding its network and number of fighters, weeklyblitz.net reports on September 10. A report published by the ‘Anti-terror Cyber Wing’, Kerala has already emerged into a breeding ground of Islamic terrorists and the number of sleeper cells of the IS in Kerala is above 3,200. The report further says that approximately 40 per cent of the sleeper cell members of IS-Kerala are women while majority of them are converted Muslims. These sleeper cell members are trained to manipulate discussion in social media, spread Jihadist ideology and lure people towards terrorist activities. Members of these groups also are trained to use various types of weapons while some of them are experts in bomb-making. The report also states that there is sleeper cell in all the major sectors including movie and entertainment industry. Such people are lured by offering money, sex and high paying jobs outside India, especially the United States, Britain and European nations.
NSCN reacts against removal of word ‘Naga’ from areas in Arunachal Pradesh
The National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) strongly condemned the illegal move by the Government of India (GoI) to erase the word ‘NAGA’ in the Naga areas of Arunachal Pradesh, reports EPao on September 15. The Government of India, in connivance with Arunachal Government and some corrupt Naga leaders, has worked out to remove ‘Any Naga tribe’ and recognised Tangsa, Tutsa, Nocte and Wancho as separate identity under the Indian Constitution. This is a blatant insult to the ongoing Naga struggle and clearly indicates that India has willfully undermined and ignored the legitimate right, identity and history of the Naga people, the NSCN charged in a press release. For thousands of years, Nagas have been proudly and peacefully inhabiting the ‘so-called States’ of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland and Assam and Eastern (Myanmar), the outfit said.
Monthly Fatalities
The following casualties, related to ongoing insurgencies and acts of terrorism occurred during the period August 26, 2021 to September 25, 2021:
| Civilian | Indian Security Personnel | Militant | Total | |
| Assam | 05 | 00 | 02 | 07 |
| Manipur | 02 | 00 | 01 | 03 |
| Left wing | 09 | 00 | 02 | 11 |
| Total | 16 | 00 | 05 | 21 |
Nepal – Internal Dynamics
Families of disappeared start filing criminal cases with Police
Frustrated by the delay in transitional justice process, families of some individuals who were disappeared by the Maoist rebels and the state security forces during the decade-long insurgency have started filing criminal cases with the Police, reports Kathmandu Post on September 2. Families of around two dozen disappeared victims from eight Districts have so far visited their District Police offices to file complaints against the alleged abductors. However, not a single complaint has been registered yet, as the Police have either sought time to study the complaints or have refused to entertain them saying they do not fall under their jurisdiction.
CPN-UML lawmakers continue to disrupt House proceedings
Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML) lawmakers continued to stall the proceedings of both the houses of representatives on September 14 accusing Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota of being complicit in the ‘conspiracy’ to split their party, reports The Himalayan Times. Sapkota postponed the HoR meeting till September 20. As soon as the Lower House commenced its proceedings of the day, CPN-UML lawmakers swarmed the well of the House and chanted slogans.
Sri Lanka – Internal Dynamics
Tamil families hold sit in protests to mark International Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances
Tamil families of the disappeared held sit in protests in their homes on August 30 to mark International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, reports Tamil Guardian. The families who have been demanding answers about the fate of their loved ones, lit lamps in their homes as a curfew has been imposed due to the spread of Covid-19 across the island. At a press conference, Thambirasa Selvarani, President of the Amparai District Missing Persons’ Association said that the families of the disappeared don’t have any hope in any domestic mechanisms. “We trust that the International Criminal Court (ICC) is the only solution for justice. We will continue our protests until our demands are met,” he added.
UK will maintain ban on LTTE as terrorist organization, says Foreign Ministry
The Foreign Ministry said that the UK will maintain ban on Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a terrorist organization under the UK Terrorism Act No. 7 of 2000, reports Daily Mirror on September 2. UK Home Secretary’s decision, which has been taken following the judgement of the Proscribed Organizations Appeals Commission (POAC), rejects the application of a LTTE front organization to de-proscribe the LTTE in the UK. The LTTE, therefore, remains a proscribed organization in the UK, as in over 30 other countries worldwide, including in the EU region.
New Zealand Police kills Sri Lankan national inspired by Islamic State
New Zealand Police on September 3 shot and killed a Sri Lankan national inspired by Islamic State (IS), reports Colombo Page. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said “A Sri Lankan national who had been in New Zealand for 10 years, has been shot and killed by Police after he stabbed and wounded at least six people in a supermarket in the city of Auckland.” The man was killed within 60 seconds of beginning the attack, she said, adding that he had been inspired by the IS militant group.
UN Special Rapporteurs recommend to review PTA
In a joint communication, United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteurs have recommended to review the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) in Sri Lanka to bring it in line with international human rights standards, reports Daily Mirror on September 9. In a communication, seven UN rapporteurs including Mary Lawlor, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders have expressed their deep concern at Attorney at-law Hejaaz Hizbullah’s detention which they believe may have been used as a means to prevent him from further engaging with ongoing human rights cases in relation to rising hate speech, violence and discrimination against the Muslim minority in Sri Lanka. The Special Rapporteurs have expressed further concern at the reported irregularities in due process, partly facilitated by the PTA which allowed Hizbullah to be held without charge for almost a year with severely restricted access to lawyers.
INTERNATIONAL
Nine killed after explosion at ammunition depot in Kazakhstan
A series of violent blasts at an ammunition depot in Kazakhstan killed at least nine people and injured dozens of others, emergency officials said on Friday, Aug 27.
Russian journalists demand end to crackdown on media
Several Russian media outlets on Friday, Aug 27 published an open letter to President Vladimir Putin and other top officials demanding an end to the “state campaign” against independent journalism.
The outcry comes after Russia slapped several media outlets and individual journalists with the “foreign agent” label that requires them to carry out tedious administrative procedures and clearly indicate their status on everything they publish.
Independent journalism in Russia is facing mounting pressure, especially in the run-up to parliamentary polls in September. The letter was signed by the Meduza news website, Dozhd TV channel both of which have been declared foreign agents this year Forbes Russia and around half a dozen local media outlets. The status either leads to the media’s closure or creates “discriminatory conditions” that restrict the work of journalists, the letter said. But the Kremlin on Friday swiftly rejected the letter’s demands, saying authorities were simply applying the law.
Russia has also blocked the websites of two media outlets and one human rights group linked to self-exiled Kremlin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Legislation behind the term “foreign agent”, which has Soviet-era undertones, was originally passed in 2012 to cover NGOs.
19 civilians killed in DR Congo
Nineteen civilians in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo were burned and hacked to death on Friday, Aug 27 by Ugandan Islamist rebels, a local official said on Saturday.
Fourteen bodies were found on Saturday, Kakule Kalunga told AFP. A local chief said they were discovered by Red Cross workers who went into nearby forest to look for those missing after the attack on Kasanzi village in the Beni territory of North Kivu.
Beni lies at the heart of an area where the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) linked to Islamic State have mounted deadly attacks in spite of emergency security measures by President Felix Tshisekedi.
The “19 people were killed by the rebels who plague the territory of Beni, the ADF,” Kalunga said, adding that the victims were killed by “bladed weapons and fire”, and that houses were also set ablaze.
30 loyalists killed in strikes on Yemen’s biggest airbase
Strikes on Yemen’s largest airbase on Sunday, Aug 29 killed at least 30 pro-government troops and wounded scores more, said medical and loyalist sources.
The strikes were carried out on Al-Anad airbase, some 60 kilometres (40 miles) north of Yemen’s second city Aden in the south of the conflict-riven country. The airbase served as the headquarters for US troops overseeing a long-running drone war against Al-Qaeda until they pulled out in March 2015, shortly before the Huthis overran the area.
“More than 30 have been killed and at least 56 were injured” in the strikes on the airbase in the government-held southern province of Lahij, armed forces spokesman Mohammed al-Naqib told AFP.
Video footage from the scene showed dozens of people gathered in front of Lahij hospital, where one ambulance after another was pulling up to drop off casualties. An official from the hospital said it was all hands on deck.
“We have called on the entire staff, surgeons and nurses, to come in,” Mohsen Murshid told AFP. “We also know that there are still bodies under the rubble”. Naqib had in an earlier statement accused Yemen’s Huthi rebels of carrying out missile and drone strikes on the facility.
There was no immediate comment from the rebel side. A military medic confirmed the death toll after it jumped from seven fatalities earlier in the day. Yemen’s internationally recognised government backed by a Saudi-led military coalition and the Huthis have been locked in war since 2014, when the insurgents seized the capital Sanaa.
Nigeria gunmen kidnap more than 70 students
Nigerian gunmen on Wednesday, Sept 01 kidnapped more than 70 students after storming a high school in the northwest of the country, police said, in the latest in a series of mass abductions targeting pupils. A large group of gunmen invaded the school in the Maradun region of Zamfara State in the morning, snatching 73 students, the state police spokesman said in a statement.
South Sudan facing ‘new wave of repression’, Amnesty warns
South Sudan is witnessing a “new wave of repression”, global rights group Amnesty International warned Friday, Sept 03 with many activists now in hiding after a string of arrests in the conflict-wracked country. The world’s newest nation has suffered from chronic instability since independence in 2011, with a coalition of civil society groups urging the government to step down, saying they have “had enough”.
13 Iraqi cops killed in attack
Thirteen Iraqi policemen were killed in an Islamic State group attack against a checkpoint in the country’s north early on Sunday, Sept 05 security and medical sources said. The attack, in the region of Al-Rashad around 65 kilometres (40 miles) south of Kirkuk city, took place just after midnight, a senior Iraqi police officer said.
Tigray rebels massacre 125 villagers in Ethiopia’s Amhara
Rebels from Ethiopia’s war-hit Tigray killed at least 125 residents of a village in the neighbouring Amhara region earlier this month before being driven out by pro-government forces, doctors said Wednesday, Sept 08. “There were 125 dead in Chenna village I saw the mass grave myself,” Mulugeta Melesa, head of the hospital in nearby Dabat town, told AFP, adding that residents were “still searching for dead bodies around the area and counting is still going on”.
78 killed as fighting intensifies for Yemen stronghold Marib
Nearly 80 Yemen rebels and pro-government troops have been killed as fighting intensifies for the northern city of Marib, officials said on Wednesday, Sept 08 nearly seven years into a war that has triggered a major humanitarian crisis.
Tunisia run by ‘mafia’
Tunisia’s President Kais Saied said on Wednesday, Sept 15 that the country is being run by a “mafia” and pledged to fight corrupt politicians. “This is a state with two regimes, an apparent regime, that of the institutions, and a real regime, that of the mafia that governs Tunisia,” Saied said in a video posted on the presidency’s Facebook page. “I will not engage in dialogue with thieves,” he added.
UNSC ‘concerned’ about ‘major threat’ from N Korean missiles
The UN Security Council on Wednesday, Sept 15 gathered behind closed doors for an emergency meeting about North Korea’s latest ballistic missile test which member states consider a “major threat,” the French ambassador said. In the past, such meetings this one called by Estonia and France have often resulted in a joint statement by European members of the Security Council.
Yemen rebels execute nine over political leader’s killing
Yemen’s Huthi rebels said they executed nine people on Saturday, Sept 18 for involvement in the killing of one of their top leaders in a 2018 air strike.
Sudan govt foils coup attempt linked to Bashir regime
Sudan’s fragile transitional government said it foiled an attempted coup on Tuesday, Sept 21 involving military officers and civilians linked to the ousted regime of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir.
Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok said the coup attempt was the “latest manifestation of the national crisis”, referring to deep divisions during Sudan’s move to democracy. In a televised speech, he said the plotters had “made extensive preparations, which were showcased in the security breakdown in cities… blocking of national roads, closure of ports and persistent instigation against the civilian government.”
The military said “most” of those involved had been apprehended, including 11 officers. “The army regained control over the sites that perpetrators sought to seize,” it said. “Searches and investigations are still ongoing for others involved.”
Thousands flee Myanmar town
Thousands have fled a town in west Myanmar after days of fighting between anti-junta dissidents and the military, during which soldiers bombed civilian homes, residents and local media said on Wednesday, Sept 22.
Current Threat Levels
City/Region Threat Level
Islamabad Level 2 **
Karachi Level 2 **
Lahore Level 2 **
Punjab Level 2 **
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Level 3 **
Peshawar Level 2 **
Quetta Level 2 ***
Upper Balochistan Level 3 ***
Lower Balochistan Level 2 **
Upper/ Rural Sindh Level 2 **
Gilgit and Northern areas Level 3 **
Tribal areas, close
to Afghan border Level 3 ***
Index to Threat Level References
Threat Level 1 *
No threat to foreigners although there may be isolated incidents involving petty crime. No security precautions are required.
Threat Level 2 **
No specific threat to foreigners, however because of the overall general law & order situation, some security precautions are advised, especially if traveling.
Threat Level 3 ***
Indicates that law and order situation is cause for concern and travel should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Foreigners should rehearse plans for evacuation.
Threat Level 4 ****
Indicates complete breakdown of civil administration and law and order leading to possible anarchy. All foreigners to remain indoors and confined to their own city. Families and staff not required to be evacuated retaining only a skeleton staff.
Threat Level 5 *****
Indicates complete breakdown of law and order, enemy action/hostilities, invasion/ occupation by enemy.
