Alarm in Kurram over ISIS and TTP Lairs on the Afghan Side of the Border
New Age Islam News Bureau
3
Apr 2016
Photo: TEHRAN (FNA)- One of the key commanders of the al-Nusra Front, known as the Emir of suicide attackers, was killed in fierce clashes with the Syrian Army troops in the Southern battlefields of Aleppo province.
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Pakistan
• Alarm in Kurram over ISIS and TTP Lairs on the Afghan Side of the Border
• 252 militants Killed, 160 Injured in Last Phase of Operation Zarb-i-Azb: ISPR
• Pakistan's Mini Nuclear Weapons Easy Targets for Terrorists: Obama
• Four Militants Killed In Karachi
• Four Religious Leaders, Eight Workers Booked For Karachi Sit-In
• Consensus was achieved that demands of pro-Qadri protestors were invalid, says Nisar
• Musharraf may be declared a proclaimed offender in Abdul Rasheed Ghazi case
• Sindh govt freezes funds earlier released for Bhutto's death anniversary
• Five miners killed in Orakzai coalmine blast
• Our nuclear programme safer compared to India's: Pakistan
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South Asia
• NDS Arrest Teenage Would-Be Suicide Bomber from Kabul City
• ISIS Loyalists Attempting To Expand Foothold in Afghanistan
• Ata Mohammad Noor says ‘They Cannot Remove Me by Force’
• UNFPA appoints new representative for Afghanistan
• 15 kidnapped de-miners released in Herat province
• Afghan MP rejects allegation of sexually assaulting dancer in Peshawar
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Arab World
• Aleppo: Emir of Suicide Attackers Killed in Clashes with Army
• Iraqi Army Finds Underground Prison in Anbar Province
• Syrian Army, Allies Take Back Quaryatayn's Northern Part
• Syria: ISIL Pulling Forces back from more Positions in Quaryatayn Battlefield
• Syrian Army Commandoes Enter Ancient Quaryatayn
• Syrian Army Completes Siege of Several Villages in Hama Province
• Syrian Army Inches Closer to Key Village in Hama Province
• Thousands more displaced in Iraq as war between forces and Islamic State continues
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India
• GST Will Be Reality Soon: PM Modi Assures Saudi Business Leaders
• State Actors Greatest Threat to Nuclear Security, Says Modi
• NIA officer Tanzil Ahmed was shot more than two dozen times, investigators say
• Indian priest kidnapped in Yemen 'could be freed soon'
• Mumbai cinema turned into mosque
• 'Shield Azhar' move may yield diminishing returns for China
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Mideast
• Davutoğlu ‘Stands Behind’ Army’s Denial of Coup Plans
• Erdoğan ‘Saddened’ Over Obama’s Press Freedom Rebuke
• Turkish reporters defiant over press freedom case
• Main opposition leader accuses government of failing to prevent child abuse
• Nationalist leader fumes at US for security warnings on Turkey
• Israel's security industry under spotlight over reported link to San Berardino iPhone battle
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North America
• Muslim Family Kicked Off United Airlines Flight For ‘How They Looked’
• Obama Acknowledges Civilian Deaths by US Drone Strikes
• Obama asks Pakistan, India to stop moving in ‘wrong direction’
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Africa
• Kenya Marks University Massacre Anniversary
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Europe
• Belgian Police Arrest Protesters, Stand Off With Youths
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/alarm-kurram-isis-ttp-lairs/d/106854
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Alarm in Kurram over ISIS and TTP Lairs on the Afghan Side of the Border
April 3rd, 2016
PESHAWAR: Presence of terrorists from the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the militant Islamic State group on the Afghan side of the border near Kurram Agency has caused security concerns, prompting authorities to mobilise tribes against the impending threat.
According to locals, the security forces had been firing heavy artillery from their base in Parachinar on the other side of the border, adding that the administration had asked people living in the area to be vigilant at night.
“Barrage of artillery starts after 9pm. It sets off a wave of terror across the region,” said a resident of Parachinar.
Sources said that the IS and TTP (Sajna group) had set up sanctuaries in Keymati area of Afghanistan’s Paktia province, from where they launched attacks on border posts in Pakistan.
Recently two Pakistani pickets were attacked in Borki and Kherlachi areas adjacent to Paktia.
The IS already has a presence in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, which lies to the north of Kurram Agency, and it has established control in some districts.
A security official in Peshawar confirmed the attack on pickets of the Frontier Corps in Kurram.
“Officials say that IS and TTP’s fighters were involved in attacks on the security posts,” said an elder from Borki.
He said people in Borki and Kherlachi had been keeping vigil at night for the past one month after receiving an advice from the administration.
“People are not only keeping vigil during night, but elders of Borki and Kherlachi have also provided four heavy machineguns and ammunition to the paramilitary forces as a gesture of support,” he said.
Sources said that the assistant political agent and the commandant of Kurram Militia met elders of Turi, Bangash and Mangal tribes near Parachinar on Saturday to mobilise tribal people against the threat.
A jirga of elders from Kurram and Afghanistan is likely to be held on Monday to discuss the situation and work out a joint strategy to prevent infiltration from across the border. The jirga is also likely to discuss kidnapping of four residents of Kurram in Afghanistan.
Assistant Political Agent Shahid Ali Khan and Additional Political Agent Naeemuullah were reluctant to offer comments on the issue.
dawn.com/news/1249663/alarm-in-kurram-over-is-lairs-in-paktia
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NDS arrest teenage would-be suicide bomber from Kabul city
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun Apr 03 2016
suicide bomber arrested in KabulA teenage suicide bomber assigned for a suicide attack by the Taliban group was arrested by the Afghan intelligence operatives from Kabul city.
The National Directorate of Security (NDS) said the teen would-be suicide bomber was apprehended during an operation from the 5th police district of the city.
A statement by NDS said the detained bomber has identified as 17-year-old Baharullah who is also known as Omar son of Asadullah.
NDS in its statement further added that the would-be bomber was arrested he manage to carry out a suicide attack in Kabul city.
This comes as the Afghan children have regularly been recruited by the militant groups, the Taliban and the Haqqani network for the terrorist related activities, including suicide attacks.
Madrasas are described as the main recruitment source for the militant groups as poor families in Pakistan and Afghanistan send their sons to such madrassas for free education and lodging.
Earlier, a 12-year-old child assigned for a suicide mission surrendered himself to the security forces in the eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.
According to the local security officials, the child was recently taken to Jalalabad city from the neighboring Pakistan for the suicide mission.
khaama.com/nds-arrest-teenage-would-be-suicide-bomber-from-kabul-city-0526
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Aleppo: Emir of Suicide Attackers Killed in Clashes with Army
Apr 3, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- One of the key commanders of the al-Nusra Front, known as the Emir of suicide attackers, was killed in fierce clashes with the Syrian Army troops in the Southern battlefields of Aleppo province.
Abu Mohammad al-Ayoubi, one of the notorious trainers of suicide attacker, was killed in heavy fighting with the Syrian army men in Tal al-Eis region.
The Syrian army also defused several bomb-laden cars of the terrorist groups in Tal al-Eis.
Earlier reports said that the Syrian army foiled two massive attacks by terrorists on Tal al-Eis and Tal Yalat regions in the Southern parts of Aleppo province, killing a large number of Takfiri terrorists.
The Takfiri terrorists' military positions were razed down in army's artillery and rocket attacks in Tal al-Eis and Tal Yalat regions.
The army units also destroyed six military vehicles of al-Nusra terrorists with rockets in Tal al-Eis and Tal Yalat regions.
en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950114000994
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Pakistan
Alarm in Kurram over ISIS and TTP Lairs on the Afghan Side of the Border
April 3rd, 2016
PESHAWAR: Presence of terrorists from the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the militant Islamic State group on the Afghan side of the border near Kurram Agency has caused security concerns, prompting authorities to mobilise tribes against the impending threat.
According to locals, the security forces had been firing heavy artillery from their base in Parachinar on the other side of the border, adding that the administration had asked people living in the area to be vigilant at night.
“Barrage of artillery starts after 9pm. It sets off a wave of terror across the region,” said a resident of Parachinar.
Sources said that the IS and TTP (Sajna group) had set up sanctuaries in Keymati area of Afghanistan’s Paktia province, from where they launched attacks on border posts in Pakistan.
Recently two Pakistani pickets were attacked in Borki and Kherlachi areas adjacent to Paktia.
The IS already has a presence in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, which lies to the north of Kurram Agency, and it has established control in some districts.
A security official in Peshawar confirmed the attack on pickets of the Frontier Corps in Kurram.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1249663/alarm-in-kurram-over-is-lairs-in-paktia
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252 militants killed, 160 injured in last phase of Operation Zarb-i-Azb: ISPR
April 3rd, 2016
RAWALPINDI: Since the last phase of Operation Zarb-i-Azb kicked off in February, at least 252 militants have been killed and 160 severely injured, while security forces have cleared 640 square kilometres of a so far uncontrolled area in Shawal Valley of North Waziristan Agency, the Inter-Services Public Relations said in a statement on Sunday.
"Major terrorist hubs" in Mana, Gurbaz, Lataka, Inzarkas and Magrotai areas have been cleared of militants. it added.
"The battle to clear the last pocket close to the Pak-Afghan border continues," the statement said, adding that all heights over 9,000 feet have been cleared.
"Terrorists' hideouts were destroyed, a cache of arms and ammunition recovered and there was virtually no communications infrastructure remaining in the Shawal area once the operation was launched in Feb this year," the statement said.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1249715/252-militants-killed-160-injured-in-last-phase-of-operation-zarb-i-azb-ispr
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Pakistan's mini nuclear weapons easy targets for terrorists: Obama
Chidanand Rajghatta | Apr 3, 2016
WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama on Friday counselled India and Pakistan to contain aggressive military doctrines and nuclear arsenals as he wrapped up the fourth Nuclear Security Summit, his signature international effort to curtail the spread of nuclear weapons and source material.
At a press conference towards the end of the summit that attracted leaders from all major powers save Russia, Obama sought to "see progress in Pakistan and India...making sure that as they develop military doctrines...they are not continually moving in the wrong direction". He also expressed concern about "nuclear arsenals" expanding in some countries, "especially those with small tactical nuclear weapons that could be at greater risk of theft".
The reference clearly was to Pakistan's mini-nukes, but the US President also drew India into the picture with his reference to military doctrines, seen in some quarters as an allusion to New Delhi's much-discussed but never implemented Cold Start Doctrine.
Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump had his own advice for America's allies: get your own nuclear weapons, don't depend on US.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Pakistans-mini-nuclear-weapons-easy-targets-for-terrorists-Obama/articleshow/51666670.cms
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Four militants killed in Karachi
April 3rd, 2016
KARACHI: Police claimed on Saturday night to have killed four suspected militants in an encounter in Quaidabad area.
Malir SSP Rao Anwar said that contingents of police, acting on a tip-off provided by held suspects, conducted targeted raid on an alleged hideout of the militants.
On seeing the police, the suspects resorted to firing and during exchange of fire, four of them were killed. The encounter was going on when we went to press.
Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2016
dawn.com/news/1249668
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Four religious leaders, eight workers booked for Karachi sit-in
April 3rd, 2016
KARACHI: Twelve persons, including four religious leaders, were booked for staging a three-day sit-in at the busy Numaish intersection to show solidarity with the Mumtaz Qadri supporters agitating in Islamabad for the acceptance of a host of their demands, officials said on Saturday.
Officials said the religious leaders and activists had indulged in acts of arson, attacked vehicles and misused loudspeakers, apart from other offences.
Hundreds of workers of different religious parties, mainly belonging to the Braveli school of thought, had protested against the hanging of Qadri, the convicted killer of then Punjab governor Salmaan Taseer.
The Soldier Bazaar police registered an FIR against “four persons who delivered speeches” and “eight other persons who pelted moving vehicles with stones”, said Soldier Bazaar SHO Irshad Ahmed Soomro.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1249564/four-religious-leaders-eight-workers-booked-for-karachi-sit-in
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Consensus was achieved that demands of pro-Qadri protestors were invalid, says Nisar
April 3rd, 2016
ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Khan, while addressing a press conference on Saturday, stated that there had been a general consensus that the demands of the pro-Qadri protestors, staging a sit-in at D-Chowk, were invalid.
“A few individuals were making wrong use of the notion of the finality of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) for personal political gain, and it was decided that the area had to be cleared promptly,” said the interior minister.
The interior minister added that the consensus had been achieved in a meeting with the prime minister.
"We decided on Monday to remove them with as little violence as possible. A few ministers raised the point that there should be negotiations with them, but the opinion of an overwhelming majority of the leadership decided that they should be removed ", said Nisar.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1249548/consensus-was-achieved-that-demands-of-pro-qadri-protestors-were-invalid-says-nisar
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Musharraf may be declared a proclaimed offender in Abdul Rasheed Ghazi case
April 3rd, 2016
ISLAMABAD: A local court on Saturday initiated the process of declaring former president Pervez Musharraf as a proclaimed offender in the murder case of Lal Masjid cleric Abdul Rasheed Ghazi.
In legal terms, after an accused fails to appear before a court, and if the court is satisfied that the accused is concealing himself to avoid the services of summons and warrants, action under section 87 or 88 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) will be taken to declare him as a proclaimed offender.
It is only after a proclamation is obtained that the court starts the process of declaring the accused an absconder and confiscate their properties.
Court directs interior ministry to submit report about ex-president’s exit despite non-bailable warrants
When Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) Pervaizul Qadir Memon took up the murder case on Saturday, a section officer of the exit control list branch of the interior ministry informed the court that Musharraf’s name was removed from the ECL in accordance with the due process.
Mohammad Yousuf, the station house office (SHO) of Aabpara, stated that the non-bailable arrest warrants issued by the court in February this year had been delivered to the farmhouse of the former president at Chak Shahzad. However, he added, the security guards at the farmhouse informed the police that Musharraf had not been living there for over two years.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1249688/musharraf-may-be-declared-a-proclaimed-offender-in-abdul-rasheed-ghazi-case
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Sindh govt freezes funds earlier released for Bhutto's death anniversary
April 3rd, 2016
KARACHI: The Sindh government on Sunday froze funds earlier released to organise Pakistan People's Party (PPP) founder Zulfiqar Ali Butto's 37th death anniversary, to be celebrated on Apr 4.
A notification issued last week by the Sindh finance department said a sum of Rs25 million rupees had been approved for expenditure to be incurred on Bhutto's death anniversary.
But after criticism from some sections, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto took notice of the development. In a statement issued a couple of days ago, Bilawal had made clear that all expenditure on his grandafther's anniversary will be borne by the PPP.
Subsequently, on orders of Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, a new notification was issued Sunday afternoon, cancelling the earlier release of funds by the provincial government for the purpose.
The notification advises the Larkana commissioner "not incur any expenditure out of the sanctioned amount on the subject event."
dawn.com/news/1249718/sindh-govt-freezes-funds-earlier-released-for-bhuttos-death-anniversary
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Five miners killed in Orakzai coalmine blast
April 3rd, 2016
PESHAWAR: At least five miners were killed and eight others trapped after a gas explosion occurred inside a coalmine in Doli area of Lower Orakzai Agency on Saturday.
Political administration sources told DawnNews that methane gas had accumulated in the mine which caused the explosion.
The sources added that rescue workers had pulled out four miners while efforts are under way to rescue the remaining trapped miners.
Ambulances have been dispatched to the area to shift the injured and dead to hospital.
The labourers hail from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Shangla district.
There are more than 4,000 coalmines in Orakzai tribal agency. Over 3,000 labourers work in these mines.
While miners across the globe work in hazardous conditions, the predicament of mine workers in this country is particularly acute. Mine safety in Pakistan is very poor and several deaths are reported every year. Workers use obsolete equipment and there are hardly any safety protocols in place.
dawn.com/news/1249534/five-miners-killed-in-orakzai-coalmine-blast
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Our nuclear programme safer compared to India's: Pakistan
IANS | Apr 1, 2016
WASHINGTON: Seeking to allay concerns about safety of its nuclear programme, Pakistan has asserted that unlike India, it has never suffered an accident or breach of security.
Amidst global concerns over the safety of its nuclear weapons, Pakistan's foreign secretary Aizaz Chaudhary said the impression that Islamabad's nuclear installations were insecure was baseless, Dawn online reported on Friday.
"Pakistan's nuclear installations are not only secure but the world also acknowledges that they are," he said.
Chaudhary, who is here to attend the Nuclear Security Summit hosted by US President Barack Obama, said the International Atomic Energy Agency has recorded 2,734 nuclear incidents worldwide, including five in India, but "not a single accident or breach happened in Pakistan, although our programme is 40 years old".
The foreign secretary said it was wrong to describe Pakistan's short-range missiles or small nukes as battlefield or tactical weapons.
"Pakistan has short-range and long-range missiles, and the purpose behind both is to deter aggression," he said, adding "we want to prevent war, to prevent the space Indians created for war" by building military installations close to the Pakistani border as part of their cold start doctrine, he added.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Our-nuclear-programme-safer-compared-to-Indias-Pakistan/articleshow/51651014.cms
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South Asia
NDS arrest teenage would-be suicide bomber from Kabul city
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun Apr 03 2016
suicide bomber arrested in KabulA teenage suicide bomber assigned for a suicide attack by the Taliban group was arrested by the Afghan intelligence operatives from Kabul city.
The National Directorate of Security (NDS) said the teen would-be suicide bomber was apprehended during an operation from the 5th police district of the city.
A statement by NDS said the detained bomber has identified as 17-year-old Baharullah who is also known as Omar son of Asadullah.
NDS in its statement further added that the would-be bomber was arrested he manage to carry out a suicide attack in Kabul city.
This comes as the Afghan children have regularly been recruited by the militant groups, the Taliban and the Haqqani network for the terrorist related activities, including suicide attacks.
Full report at: khaama.com/nds-arrest-teenage-would-be-suicide-bomber-from-kabul-city-0526
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ISIS loyalists attempting to expand foothold in Afghanistan
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun Apr 03 2016
ISIS in AfghanistanThe loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group are attempting to expand foothold in Afghanistan despite the terror group received a major blow in eastern Nangarhar province.
The officials in eastern Ghazni province have confirmed that the terror group is attempting to recruit fighters in the outskirts of Ghazni and bordering regions of the restive Zabul province.
A lawmaker representing Ghazni province in the Afghan parliament has confirmed that the group has been successful somehow in the recruitment of fighters in this province.
The lawmaker Mohammad Arif Rahmani told RFE/RL that they are aware of practical steps taken by the terror group in Ghazni which is a strategic province in southeast and they have been trying to establish bases.
Full report at: khaama.com/isis-loyalists-attempting-to-expand-foothold-in-afghanistan-0523
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Ata Mohammad Noor says ‘They Cannot Remove Me by Force’
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun Apr 03 2016
The acting provincial governor of northern Balkh province Ata Mohammad Noor who is also an influential political figure heading Jamiat-e-islami party has said the government should reappoint as Balkh governor before he decide to step down.
In an interview with The New York Times, Noor said “If it is necessary for me to step down. we decide what to do next and who should become governor here. They cannot remove me by force — I am with my people.”
Noor refused to step down from his post as Balkh governor despite he was dismissed along with 33 other provincial governors by the government nearly a year and half ago.
He remained a strong supporter of Abdullah Abdullah during the 2014 presidential elections despite criticizing government of the unity on numerous occasions following its formation.
Full report at: khaama.com/ata-mohammad-noor-says-they-cannot-remove-me-by-force-0522
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UNFPA appoints new representative for Afghanistan
By ZABIHULLAH MOOSAKHAIL - Sun Apr 03 2016
UNFPAThe United Nations Population Fund or United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) has appointed Bannet Ndyanabangi as its new representative for Afghanistan.
Ndyanabangi, a national of Uganda, met Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai and presented to him his credentials on Saturday.
The newly appointed UNFPA representative also provided comprehensive information to the Deputy Foreign Minister about his organization’s plans, programs and new policies for Afghanistan
Before his assignment to Afghanistan, Bannet Ndyanabangi was UNFPA’s Country Representative for Sierra Leone and Deputy Representative to the republic of South Sudan and Nigeria.
Full report at: khaama.com/unfpa-appoints-new-representative-for-afghanistan-mission-4783
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15 kidnapped de-miners released in Herat province
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sat Apr 02 2016
Afghan deminers releasedAt least 15 de-miners kidnapped by unknown gunmen in western Herat province have been released from the captivity, local officials said.
Provincial police chief General Majeed Rozi said the de-miners belonged to HALO Trust and were abducted on Friday from Kohsan district.
The de-miners were released during an operation which was launched immediately after they were kidnapped by the gunmen.
No group including the Taliban militants has so far claimed responsibility behind the incident.
Full report at: khaama.com/15-kidnapped-de-miners-released-in-herat-province-0519
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Afghan MP rejects allegation of sexually assaulting dancer in Peshawar
By ZABIHULLAH MOOSAKHAIL - Sun Apr 03 2016
ShirAn Afghan parliamentarian who has been accused of sexually assaulting a female dancer in Peshawar city of Pakistan said on Sunday that his enemies are spreading propaganda against him.
While talking to a press conference in Kabul, Haji Shir Ali Ahmadzai said that certain people are trying to damage his image.
Ahmadzai, who represents Kuchis at the Wolesi Jirga or Lower House of the Parliament, criticized local media for publishing the news without consulting him for comments.
He said those who have published the news need to apologize.
The news broke out in a number of local and foreign media on Friday stating that a dancing girl has registered rape case against Shir Ali in Peshawar.
The report further stated that the dancing girl was invited for performance but later subjected to rape.
Media reports also stated that police raided the house of Shir Ali in Hayatabad Phase II but he had already escaped leaving a passport and other documents behind.
Police claimed that he also had a citizenship card for Pakistan.
khaama.com/afghan-mp-rejects-allegation-of-sexually-assaulting-dance-in-peshawar-4795
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Arab World
Aleppo: Emir of Suicide Attackers Killed in Clashes with Army
Apr 3, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- One of the key commanders of the al-Nusra Front, known as the Emir of suicide attackers, was killed in fierce clashes with the Syrian Army troops in the Southern battlefields of Aleppo province.
Abu Mohammad al-Ayoubi, one of the notorious trainers of suicide attacker, was killed in heavy fighting with the Syrian army men in Tal al-Eis region.
The Syrian army also defused several bomb-laden cars of the terrorist groups in Tal al-Eis.
Earlier reports said that the Syrian army foiled two massive attacks by terrorists on Tal al-Eis and Tal Yalat regions in the Southern parts of Aleppo province, killing a large number of Takfiri terrorists.
The Takfiri terrorists' military positions were razed down in army's artillery and rocket attacks in Tal al-Eis and Tal Yalat regions.
The army units also destroyed six military vehicles of al-Nusra terrorists with rockets in Tal al-Eis and Tal Yalat regions.
en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950114000994
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Iraqi Army Finds Underground Prison in Anbar Province
Apr 3, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Iraqi security forces released Sunday around 1500 people from a large ISIL underground prison they discovered during the operation to liberate the city of Heet in Western Anbar province.
Local officials said that the prison is deemed as one of the biggest ISIL prisons in Iraq's Anbar province.
Iraq's military official, Colonel Fadhel al-Namrawi said security forces during the operation to liberate the Heet, discovered the massive underground prison in the vicinity of the city and the security forces released all 1500 people who were incarcerated in the prison.
Local provincial official, Maal Ullah al-Ubaidi confirmed the number of the prisoners, adding that most of them were civilians.
The development occurred as the Iraqi army and volunteer forces (Hashd al-Shaabi) continued their advances in Anbar province, and seized back strategic areas in the vicinity of the town of Heet.
Before the weekend, the Iraqi volunteer forces conducted a series of special operations to seize back Heet region.
Meanwhile the Iraqi joint forces repelled attempts by the ISIL terrorists to attack military positions and a strategic military base in Anbar province.
en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950115000552
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Syrian Army, Allies Take Back Quaryatayn's Northern Part
Apr 3, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian Army and its popular allies won a tough battle against the ISIL in the Northern side of Quaryatayn and took back control over a key neighborhood in the town after inflicting a heavy death toll on the terrorists, battlefield sources said minutes ago.
"The Syrian army and the National Defense Forces, backed up by very good coverage of the Syrian and Russian Air Forces, have prevailed over the ISIL positions in the Northern outskirts of the ancient town of Quaryatayn and are now engaged in a heavy street battle with terrorists in the town's Northern neighborhoods," the sources said.
"As soon as deployment of the Syrian soldiers across the Northern part of Quaryatayn, the engineering units of the Syrian army launched their operation to defuse the mines and explosive devices planed by the ISIL terrorists across the town's buildings and streets," the sources added.
Reports said earlier today that the first group of Syrian commandoes prevailed over the ISIL lines of defense near Quaryatayn and engaged in heavy street fighting with the terrorists group in the town's neighborhoods.
"Large-scale operations of the Syrian Army and its popular allies in the Southwestern part of Homs province have caused the ISIL terrorists to have no hope for the maintaining control over the strategic town of Quaryatayn any more," the sources said.
"Scores of ISIL's hopeless fighters have left their positions in Quaryatayn and try to find new shelters in Deir Ezzur province East of the country," the sources added.
"In addition to classic advances of the Syrian government forces against the ISIL, a group of Syrian commandoes has broken-through the ISIL positions and have entered the town," they said, adding, "Heavy street battle now is underway between the courageous commandoes of the army and the ISIL terrorists in one of the neighborhoods of the town."
The sources further added that presence of the Syrian commandoes behind the strongholds of the ISIL can pave the way for the army's classic forces to have more chance to enter the town in the next hours.
en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950115000901
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Syria: ISIL Pulling Forces back from more Positions in Quaryatayn Battlefield
Apr 3, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Large-scale operations of the Syrian government forces in the Southwestern part of Homs province have forced the ISIL terrorists to leave behind military equipment and wounded members and flee the Quaryatayn battlefront to save their lives, army sources said.
"The ISIL terrorists are retreating from their strongholds in the surroundings of the ancient town of Quaryatayn and moving towards Khanizir region in the Eastern side of Quaryatayn and the town of Kafir in the Southern side of Quaryatayn," the sources said.
Sources said earlier today that the Syrian army and its popular allies won a tough battle against the ISIL in the Northern side of Quaryatayn and took back control over a key neighborhood in the town after inflicting a heavy death toll on the terrorists.
"The Syrian army and the National Defense Forces, backed up by very good coverage of the Syrian and Russian Air Forces, have prevailed over the ISIL positions in the Northern outskirts of the ancient town of Quaryatayn and are now engaged in a heavy street battle with terrorists in the town's Northern neighborhoods," the sources said.
"As soon as deployment of the Syrian soldiers across the Northern part of Quaryatayn, the engineering units of the Syrian army launched their operation to defuse the mines and explosive devices planed by the ISIL terrorists across the town's buildings and streets," the sources added.
en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950115000934
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Syrian Army Commandoes Enter Ancient Quaryatayn
Apr 3, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The first group of Syrian commandoes has prevailed over the ISIL lines of defense near the ancient Assyrian town of Quaryatayn and is now engaged in heavy street fighting with the terrorists group in the town's neighborhoods, informed sources announced minutes ago.
"Large-scale operations of the Syrian Army and its popular allies in the Southwestern part of Homs province have caused the ISIL terrorists to have no hope for the maintaining control over the strategic town of Quaryatayn any more," the sources said.
"Scores of ISIL's hopeless fighters have left their positions in Quaryatayn and try to find new shelters in Deir Ezzur province East of the country," the sources added.
"In addition to classic advances of the Syrian government forces against the ISIL, a group of Syrian commandoes has broken-through the ISIL positions and have entered the town," they said, adding, "Heavy street battle now is underway between the courageous commandoes of the army and the ISIL terrorists in one of the neighborhoods of the town."
The sources further added that presence of the Syrian commandoes behind the strongholds of the ISIL can pave the way for the army's classic forces to have more chance to enter the town in the next hours.
Sources said on Saturday that the Syrian army and its popular allies continued their advances against the ISIL terrorists in Western Homs province, inching closer to the ancient Assyrian town of Quaryatayn.
"The Syrian Arab Army’s 43rd and 63rd brigades of the 4th Mechanized Division and popular forces have been storming the gates of Quaryatayn after launching a surprise assault at the Western perimeter of this ancient town this morning," the sources said.
According to a military source from the 11th Tank Division, the Syrian Armed Forces managed to break-through the ISIL stiff lines of defense this morning, paving the way for them to reach Quaryatayn’s Western gates at 11 a.m. (Damascus Time) on Saturday.
The source further added that the Syrian Armed Forces received a major boost from the Russian helicopters that are participating in the battle for the first time.
en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950115000460
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Syrian Army Completes Siege of Several Villages in Hama Province
Apr 3, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian Army troops have completed siege of at least three villages in Central Hama province, and are getting ready to launch the final phase of massive operations to free the militant-held region, battlefield sources said.
The ISIL supplying routes to the villages of Abu Habilat, al-Hardaneh and Tal Atmeh were cut off by the Syrian army men, which means the villages have fallen into the hands of the Syrian government forces.
On Thursday, the Syrian army and popular forces foiled an attempt by the ISIL terrorists to attack several military positions in al-Sheikh Halal village in Eastern Hama, inflicting heavy losses on them.
The ISIL terrorists tried to open their way into al-Sheikh Halal village, but were pushed back by the Syrian government troops.
Scores of ISIL terrorists were killed and wounded. At least three ISIL military vehicles equipped with heavy machineguns were razed down by the Syrian army and popular forces.
en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950114000946
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Syrian Army Inches Closer to Key Village in Hama Province
Apr 3, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian army continued its advances in the Eastern parts of Hama province, and came closer to a strategic village there.
The army units are now very close to seizing back the village of Abu al-Hanaya to the East of the city of Salamiyah.
Scores of ISIL Takfiri terrorists were killed and wounded in tough battle with the Syrian army and popular forces.
In a relevant development on Thursday, the Syrian Army continued its advances in Hama province, and seized back more regions near Salamiyah.
The army units are now in full control of Tabara al-Diba heights alongside oil pipeline of Salamiyah.
The Syrian army destroyed different kinds of heavy machineguns and artillery of the ISIL terrorists.
Scores of the ISIL terrorists were killed and wounded in the Syrian army's attacks on their military positions and gathering centers.
Salamiyah is of strategic importance because it is only 30 kilometers from Hama city and it is located to the North of Homs city.
Meantime, the Russian fighter jets pounded the ISIL's positions in the Eastern part of Aqareb to the North of Salamiyah.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950114000927
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Thousands more displaced in Iraq as war between forces and Islamic State continues
AP | Apr 3, 2016
People eat lunch in an athletic court at a holding center for newly displaced persons in Mahkmour, Iraq. Families are finding safety but their future remains uncertain
People eat lunch in an athletic court at a holding center for newly displaced persons in Mahkmour, Iraq. Famil... Read More
MAKHMOUR, IRAQ: Fighting between Iraqi forces and militants affiliated with the Islamic State group close to Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, has displaced over 2,000 people in the past week.
On one recent night, around a hundred people arrived on the outskirts of the town of Makhmour, in Iraq's semi-autonomous northern Kurdish region, having fled violence.
The journey ended in a long-awaited reunion for some families torn apart by war. Sheikh Matar Kurdi al-Bijari had left his home in the town of al-Zab, south of Mosul, for the city of Kirkuk in 2014 but was forced to leave his wife, daughter and son behind. When they fled to Makhmour in late March, al-Bijari travelled to meet them.
Balkis, 15, embraces her father, Sheikh Matar, after being separated from him for over a year
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Palmyra-Mass-grave-containing-bodies-of-beheaded-women-and-children-found-after-ISIS-driven-out-of-Syrian-city/articleshow/51661896.cms
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India
GST will be reality soon: PM Modi assures Saudi business leaders
PTI | Apr 3, 2016
GST will be reality soon: PM Modi assures Saudi business leadersGST will be reality soon: PM Modi assures Saudi business leaders
RIYADH: Promising easier business environment for global investors, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said retrospective taxation has been relegated to history, but he is "not able to do anything" on two pending cases from the previous government as "they are sub-judice".
Inviting Saudi businesses to come and invest in India in sectors like railways, defence and energy, Modi also said a common indirect taxation regime in form of GST (Goods and Services Tax) was "about to happen". He, however, refrained from giving any specific timeframe.
Addressing Saudi CEOs and Indian business leaders here, Modi said his government has opened up various sectors to foreign investment and India stands out as a "beacon of hope" amidst global economic slowdown.
"World Bank has upgraded India by 12 ranks in Ease of Doing Business. I expect in the next review, our ranking will improve further because we have made a lot of administrative reforms.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/GST-will-be-reality-soon-PM-Modi-assures-Saudi-business-leaders/articleshow/51669790.cms?
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State actors greatest threat to nuclear security, says Modi
April 3rd, 2016
WASHINGTON: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has claimed that ‘state actors,” working with terrorists and nuclear smugglers, were the greatest risk to global security.
Addressing leaders from more than 50 states, who gathered in Washington on Friday for the two-day nuclear security summit, Mr Modi asked the international community to give “his terrorist is not my terrorist” attitude.
He then underlined three features of contemporary terrorism: “First, today’s terrorism uses extreme violence as theatre,” he said. “Second, we are no longer looking for a man in a cave, but we are hunting for a terrorist in a city with a computer or a smart phone.”
And “third, State actors working with nuclear traffickers and terrorists present the greatest risk,” he said.
The US media noted that this was an apparent reference to the A Q Khan network that allegedly sold nuclear technology to Iran and Libya.
“Terror has evolved. Terrorists are using 21st century technology. But our responses are rooted in the past,” warned the Indian prime minister while claiming that last month’s terrorist attack in Brussels had shown the global community “how real and immediate is the threat to nuclear security from terrorism.”
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1249608/state-actors-greatest-threat-to-nuclear-security-says-modi
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NIA officer Tanzil Ahmed was shot more than two dozen times, investigators say
Bharti Jain & Pervez Iqbal Siddiqui | TNN | Apr 3, 2016
NEW DELHI/LUCKNOW: An officer of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), who was attacked while coming back from a wedding, was shot more than two dozen times, investigators have said. Tanzil Ahmed was with his wife and two children when the attack took place late on Saturday in Bijnor news Moradabad, 125 kilometres from the national capital. His body had 26 holes, NIA sources said.
Tanzil's wife Farzana has told the investigators that it was a planned attack and that the shooters were professionals and used automatic weapons. Farzana was also injured in the attack.
"The manner in which the officer was ambushed and the count of bullets fired suggests that the assailants wanted to make sure that Tanzil does not survive the attack," said a senior STF official associated with the probe. "Though we are yet to establish the number of bullet wounds, the officer had suffered multiple bullet wounds," he said, adding that the miscreants had used the prohibited 9 mm bore firearm.
While Tanzil was rushed to a medical facility in Moradabad where he was pronounced dead, his wife was rushed to a hospital in Noida where her condition is said to be critical. Teams from NIA and UP's Special Task Force (STF) and Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) have reached the spot and are investigating the case.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/NIA-officers-murder-Tanzil-Ahmed-was-shot-more-than-two-dozen-times/articleshow/51670057.cms
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Indian priest kidnapped in Yemen 'could be freed soon'
Reuters | Apr 3, 2016
An Indian priest abducted by gunmen in Yemen last month is safe and could be released soon, a Catholic group said on Sunday, quoting the Indian foreign minister.
Father Tom Uzhunnalil was captured from the southern Yemeni city of Aden by gunmen who killed at least 15 people at an old people's home in an attack that was condemned by Pope Francis.
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) said a delegation met foreign minister Sushma Swaraj who said the government was working to secure the priest's safe return.
"She has assured us Father Tom is safe and negotiations are on for his release which could happen very soon," said Father Joseph Chinnaiyan, deputy secretary of the CBCI.
Indian priest crucified by IS? Govt not sure
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Indian-priest-kidnapped-in-Yemen-could-be-freed-soon/articleshow/51669153.cms
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Mumbai cinema turned into mosque
Ahmed Ali | TNN | Apr 3, 2016
MUMBAI: Cinema buffs of a certain vintage still wax eloquent about Mumbai's erstwhile Alexandra Cinema's hammy film title translations. On its marquee, Alfred Hitchcock's '39 Steps' was dubbed 'Ek Kum Chaalis Lambe', 'Double Impact' became 'Ram Aur Shyam' and 'Bruce Lee - The Legend' morphed into the quintessentially-Bombaiya 'Dadaon Ka Dada — Bruce Lee'.
By the early 2000s, however, Alexandra Cinema had graduated from showing Hollywood fare to B and C-grade films interspersed with adult films. It was a time when local residents asked school bus drivers to switch routes so that impressionable school kids weren't exposed to the "dirty" posters.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Mumbai-cinema-turned-into-mosque/articleshow/51666355.cms
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'Shield Azhar' move may yield diminishing returns for China
Rajeev Deshpande | TNN | Apr 3, 2016
'Shield Azhar' move may yield diminishing returns for China'Shield Azhar' move may yield diminishing returns for China
NEW DELHI: How would China see it, PM Narendra Modi asked Chinese President Xi Jinping during an interaction, if India took up a major project in an area disputed by the two countries.
The context was a highway project through Aksai Chin and it can be assumed that Xi possibly found a suitable response while Modi would have hoped to have driven home his point. But all this isn't enough to get China to reverse its opposition to UN sanctions against Pakistan-based Jaish chief Masood Azhar despite evidence of his group's involvement in the terror strike on the Pathankot air base.
China's strong military presence and superior border infrastructure means Indian leaders have to rely on a mix of persuasion and assertion along with sustained efforts to build roads and air fields while dealing with China.
The Modi government is pushing the process, begun in the second half of UPA's tenure, and though parity is still some way off, China may find subsidising Pakistan against India means expending more and more political capital.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Shield-Azhar-move-may-yield-diminishing-returns-for-China/articleshow/51666432.cms
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Mideast
Davutoğlu ‘stands behind’ Army’s denial of coup plans
April/03/2016
Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu said he stood behind a March 31 announcement by the Turkish General Staff, which denied allegations that some members of the military were planning a coup, adding the statement was released “upon his permission.”
“The statement by our Chief of Staff [Hulusi Akar] was issued upon my permission and I stand behind that announcement,” Davutoğlu told a group of reporters from Turkish daily Habertürk.
“I will never accept the Turkish Armed Forces [TSK] being presented as though it stands outside of our democratic system,” he added, explaining that Gen. Hulusi Akar, Turkey’s Chief of General Staff, consulted him prior to releasing the statement.
The Turkish PM stressed his belief that the statement does not constitute a violation of democratic customs, underlining the “old Turkey” where the military exercised power over political institutions was “far away.”
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/davutoglu-stands-behind-armys-denial-of-coup-plans.aspx?pageID=238&nID=97239&NewsCatID=338
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Erdoğan ‘saddened’ over Obama’s press freedom rebuke
April/03/2016
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has expressed his discontent with U.S. President Barack Obama's light criticism of eroding press freedoms in Turkey.
“I have been saddened that this kind of statement has been made in my absence. These issues did not come up on the agenda in our meeting with Mr. Obama,” Erdoğan told a group of journalists on April 2, as he was wrapping up a visit to the U.S. capital where he attended the Nuclear Security Summit.
Obama met Erdoğan in Washington for closed door talks on March 31. As of April 1, Obama said it was “no secret” he was troubled by “some trends” within Turkey.
“I think the approach they have been taking toward the press is one that could lead Turkey down a path that would be very troubling,” he said, speaking to reporters at the conclusion of the Nuclear Security Summit.
The U.S. leader also noted that he had expressed these sentiments to Erdoğan “directly.”
However, Erdoğan has insisted that no such comment was made by Obama during their meeting.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/erdogan-saddened-over-obamas-press-freedom-rebuke.aspx?pageID=238&nID=97234&NewsCatID=510
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Turkish reporters defiant over press freedom case
April/03/2016
ISTANBUL: Two Turkish journalists accused of spying remained defiant on the second day of their trial Friday, in a case seen as a test of press freedom under the increasingly autocratic President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Can Dundar, editor-in-chief of leading opposition daily Cumhuriyet, and Erdem Gul, his Ankara bureau chief, are also charged with revealing state secrets over a story accusing the government of seeking to illicitly deliver arms to rebels in Syria.
The journalists could face life in prison, but a defiant Dundar voiced optimism they would be found not guilty at the Istanbul criminal court.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1249539/turkish-reporters-defiant-over-press-freedom-case
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Main opposition leader accuses government of failing to prevent child abuse
April/03/2016
Thousands of illegal dormitories have been built across Turkey, main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has claimed, while commenting on recent sexual abuse cases in private educational institutes and blaming the government for enabling crimes to be committed.
“Those who are responsible are not only these foundations and associations, but also the AKP [Justice and Development Party] government,” he said at the opening of “Nazım Hikmet Culture and Art Center” in İstanbul’s Şişli district on April 2.
Parliament decided on March 24 to establish an inquiry commission to conduct an in-depth probe into the alleged sexual abuse of children, after news reports that eight male students had been raped by their teacher at a private foundation in Karaman. Several media reports have since said the abuses at the Ensar Foundation house were even wider. A public prosecutor demanded 600 years in prison for the suspected teacher. Several other child abuse stories emerged last week, including another one in a high school in Karaman.
“No one can throw this dirt on a pervert and stop. The ones who gave this pervert this opportunity are responsible. The ones who opened dormitories via illegal means are responsible,” Kılıçdaroğlu said.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/main-opposition-leader-accuses-government-of-failing-to-prevent-child-abuse.aspx?pageID=238&nID=97238&NewsCatID=338
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Nationalist leader fumes at US for security warnings on Turkey
April/03/2016
Turkey’s nationalist opposition leader has severely rebuked the United States and in particular the U.S. embassy in Ankara for “escalating fears” by releasing security warnings after terrorist attacks in Turkey, while questioning the warnings’ timing.
“While Turkey is fighting terrorism, the U.S. confusing minds, blurring brains and escalating fears through its embassy will not be considered as innocent and ordinary. The U.S. embassy’s warning its citizens not to travel to our 19 provinces, by listing their names one by one, will not be assumed as legitimate and friendly in any way,” Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli said in a written statement released on April 3.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/nationalist-leader-fumes-at-us-for-security-warnings-on-turkey.aspx?pageID=238&nID=97236&NewsCatID=338
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Israel's security industry under spotlight over reported link to San Berardino iPhone battle
Ben Lynfield | The Independent | Apr 3, 2016
JERUSALEM: The battle between the FBI and Apple over the unlocking of San Bernardino gunman Syed Rizwan Farook's mobile phone would have piqued the interest of many in Israel's flourishing technology industry.
Not least because at the American government's request, a recent court hearing in the FBI's legal fight to force Apple to unlock the iPhone was cancelled, with the FBI saying a third party had emerged with an alternative method to get into the phone. According to local media, that third party was potentially from Israel.
Citing ''actors in the sector who know the subject well'' Israel's Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported that the Israeli company Cellebrite, which offers forensic mobile phone services to major law enforcement agencies abroad, helped the FBI in its efforts to crack the phone's security. It had signed a contract with the US law enforcement agency in 2013, Yedioth reported.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-news/Israels-security-industry-under-spotlight-over-reported-link-to-San-Berardino-iPhone-battle/articleshow/51667827.cms?
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North America
Muslim family kicked off United Airlines flight for ‘how they looked’
Rachael Revesz | The Independent | Apr 2, 2016
NEW YORK: A United Airlines pilot asked a Muslim family of five to leave a plane before it took off, citing "safety" issues.
Eaman-Amy Saad Shebley, her husband and three young children were about to take off on a flight bound for Washington at a Chicago airport when the pilot asked them to get off the aircraft.
The family had enquired earlier whether the air stewardess could provide five-point harness safety seats for their children.
Two videos filmed by Shebley show the air stewardess and then the pilot asking the family to leave.
Shebley asked the pilot whether it was a "discriminatory" decision. The pilot replied it was a "flight safety issue" but were not given any details.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Muslim-family-kicked-off-United-Airlines-flight-for-how-they-looked/articleshow/51658329.cms
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Obama acknowledges civilian deaths by US drone strikes
April 3rd, 2016
WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama acknowledged Friday that “civilians were killed that shouldn't have been” in past US drone strikes, but said the administration is now “very cautious” about striking where women or children are present.
Obama was asked at a news conference about an increase in the number of people targeted in drone strikes against extremists in Libya, Syria, Somalia and elsewhere.
“In the past, there was legitimate criticism that the legal architecture around the use of drone strikes wasn't as precise as it should have been,” Obama said. “There's no doubt that civilians were killed that shouldn't have been.”
He added that over the last several years, the administration has worked to prevent civilian deaths.
“In situations of war, you know, we have to take responsibility when we're not acting appropriately,” Obama said.
Recent drone and other airstrikes against extremist targets have killed large numbers of people.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1249540/obama-acknowledges-civilian-deaths-by-us-drone-strikes
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Obama asks Pakistan, India to stop moving in ‘wrong direction’
April 3rd, 2016
WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has urged India and Pakistan not to continue moving in the wrong direction as they develop their military doctrines.
In his concluding remarks at the fourth and final Nuclear Security Summit, Mr Obama said that leaders from across the globe had gathered at the two-day event to discuss “one of the greatest threats to global security — terrorists getting their hands on a weapon of mass destruction”.
At a news briefing after the summit, Mr Obama identified various regions that deserved special attention for preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and enriched materials and South Asia was top on this list.
“The other area where I think we need to see progress is Pakistan and India, that Sub-continent, making sure that as they develop military doctrines, that they are not continually moving in the wrong direction,” he said.
President Obama also expressed concern over a rapid increase in tactical or small nuclear weapons, although he did not name the countries that were doing so.
“Global stocks of plutonium are growing, nuclear arsenals are expanding in some countries, with more small tactical nuclear weapons which could be at greater risk of theft,” he said.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1249664/obama-asks-pakistan-india-to-stop-moving-in-wrong-direction
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Africa
Kenya marks university massacre anniversary
April 3rd, 2016
GARISSA: Kenyans on Saturday commemorated the first anniversary of a terrorist attack that killed 148 people, mostly students, at a university in Garissa in the country’s worst massacre since 1998.
Four gunmen from the Shebab, Al Qaeda’s East Africa branch, raided Garissa University College on April 2 last year, shooting students dead in their dormitories and then rounding up and executing scores more in a hall of residence.
It was the worst terrorist attack to hit Kenya since Al Qaeda bombed the US embassy in Nairobi in 1998, killing 213 people.
On Saturday, a group of some 100 people wearing T-shirts with peace slogans gathered in Garissa, 365 kilometres northeast of the capital Nairobi, to participate in a run in honour of the victims.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1249602/kenya-marks-university-massacre-anniversary
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Europe
Belgian police arrest protesters, stand off with youths
Reuters | Apr 2, 2016
BRUSSELS: Belgian police made a series of arrests of right-wing and anti-racist protesters in Brussels on Saturday, and riot squads engaged in a tense confrontation with local youths in the district of Molenbeek.
The standoff grew out of plans by a far-right group to hold a demonstration in Molenbeek, a largely Muslim neighbourhood where a number of the militants who staged attacks in Paris had been based. An anti-racist group had called for a counter-demonstration.
Both were banned by local authorities, fearful of a repeat of last Sunday's disturbance, when police fired water cannon to break up around 450 rowdy protesters, many of whom local media said were right-wing nationalists.
Police said a number of extreme-right protesters nevertheless did arrive in Molenbeek. At least seven were detained.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/Belgian-police-arrest-protesters-stand-off-with-youths/articleshow/51664436.cms
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