Hajj Sermon: ‘Terrorism Cannot Be Linked With Any Religion’
New Age Islam News Bureau
11
Sept 2016
The attacks on September 11, 2001 killed nearly 3,000 people, including 343 firefighters.
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• Al-Qaida Chief Threatens 'Thousands' Of 9/11 Attacks
• US House Passes Bill Allowing 9/11 Victims to Sue Saudi Arabia
• 12,345 Kg of Explosives Exported For Kabul Attacks from Pakistan Seized
• Ahead Of Eid, Fear of 'Biryani Police' Makes 'Gosht' a Forbidden Word
Arab World
• Hajj Sermon: ‘Terrorism Cannot Be Linked With Any Religion’
• Al-Qaida Chief Threatens 'Thousands' Of 9/11 Attacks
• ISIL Receives Sever Blow in Syrian Air Force Attacks in Deir Ezzur
• Yemeni Army Captures 2 Saudi Intelligence Officers, 48 Military Men in Najran Province
• Syrian Army Engages in Fierce Clashes with Terrorists across Dara'a Province
• Nearly 1.5 million people begin annual Haj in Saudi
• Syrian Army Makes More Military Gains in Aleppo
• Syrian opposition hopes Russia-US deal will aid civilians
• Yemeni Forces Advance Further in Ma'rib Province
• Source: Merger of Fatah Al-Sham, Ahrar Al-Sham Suspended
• ISIL's Tanks Destroyed in Syrian Airstrikes in Eastern Hama
• IRGC Disbands Saudi-Affiliated Terrorist Cell in Southeastern Iran
• IRGC Deputy Commander: US Trying to Repeat Libya's Disarmament Scenario in Iran
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North America
• US House Passes Bill Allowing 9/11 Victims to Sue Saudi Arabia
• 9/11 Pilot's Mother Believes He Is Alive In Guantanamo
• United States marks 15th anniversary of 9/11
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South Asia
• 12,345 Kg of Explosives Exported For Kabul Attacks from Pakistan Seized
• 13 Soldiers Martyred, 94 Militants Killed In Past 24 Hours, MoD Claims
• Pressure Growing On Taliban to Join Peace Talks, Ex-Top Taliban Leader
• US drone strike kill 4 militants in West of Afghanistan
• Afghan President Ghani’s call for India joining transit trade rejected
• Top militant shot dead in Dhaka
• Afghan Air Force modernization proudly gaining momentum
• Militant suspected in Bangladesh cafe attack killed himself, police say
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India
• Ahead Of Eid, Fear of 'Biryani Police' Makes 'Gosht' a Forbidden Word
• "This Is Your Last Warning", Jaish Tells Pro-India Kashmiris
• Home Minister to Visit Russia, US; Pakistan-Sponsored Terror In Focus
• J&K: 3 infiltration bids foiled, 4 terrorists killed
• Now, Baloch activists in Melbourne, too, thank PM Narendra Modi
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Mideast
• 20 ISIL Members Killed In Turkish Aerial Campaign in Northern Syria: Army
• Turkey’s top soldier says army gets stronger as ‘traitors’ removed
• Turkish Interior Ministry appoints trustees to 28 municipalities over 'PKK- FETÖ links'
• Turkey to invest $675 million in southeastern district
• Russia says to sign Turkish Stream pipeline deal with Turkey in October
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Pakistan
• Pakistan: Eight Militants Killed In Rajanpur Operation
• Stranded workers start returning from Saudi Arabia
• Qadri distances himself from Imran’s Raiwind march
• Pakistan says Wagah border crossing open for Afghan traders
• Iranian forces kill 4 militants near Pak-Iran border: report
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Africa
• Ethiopia Frees Muslims Jailed After Protests over Religion
• Juliette Binoche urges Europe to welcome refugees and respect Muslim women's right to wear the Hijab
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Europe
• Germany Warns Of Threat from More Than 500 "Potential Attackers"
• 2 terror attacks foiled this week: French PM
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Southeast Asia
• Indonesians prepare to welcome Eid al-Adha
• Christian group celebrates Muslim imam’s Merdeka run
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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Hajj Sermon: ‘Terrorism Cannot Be Linked With Any Religion’
September 11, 2016
MOUNT ARAFAT: In his Hajj sermon, Imam-e-Kaaba Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais said that terrorism cannot be linked with a particular religion or nation, Islam is a religion of peace and has nothing to do with terrorism.
He called upon the Muslims to strictly follow the teachings of Islam.
This year Imam-e-Kaaba delivered Hajj sermon in place of Grand Mufti Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh who is reportedly ill.
He urged the clerics to play their role in keeping people away from violence. Islam is a religion of peace which taught patience and tolerance, he noted.
Imam-e-Kaaba urged the Muslims to bring the perpetrators of violence to the book. Islam abhorred all types of violence in society. We must shun the differences on the bases of sects, and the Almighty has called us to follow the righteous path, he said.
‘Islam could only be implemented by following the Sunnah of Holy Prophet (PBUH).’
Close to 1.5 million Muslims from around the world moved to Mount Arafat to perform the main ritual of Hajj, where they offered Zuhr and Asr prayers together and listened Hajj sermon.
After preliminary rituals this week in Mecca at the Grand Mosque, the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia moved east on Saturday to the tent city of Mina and Mount Arafat.
They are following in the footsteps of Holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) who performed the same rituals about 1,400 years ago.
"It´s marvellous. I´m here closer to God. It´s an indescribable feeling," said an Egyptian pilgrim who gave her name only as Louza, 45, as a helicopter monitored the throng.
The hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, which capable Muslims must perform at least once, marking the spiritual peak of their lives.
Pilgrims come from every corner of the globe but Indonesia -- the world´s largest Muslim-populated nation -- has the largest quota.
Despite diverse languages and origins, they all "meet here in one place under one banner, the profession of the Muslim faith," Ashraf Zalat, 43, from Egypt, said in Mecca.
- Mina main base -
After Mecca, Mina becomes the pilgrims´ base, where an expanse of solidly built white fireproof tents can accommodate 2.6 million people in a valley beneath bare mountains.
Guides in orange vests helped to direct pilgrims while police cars patrolled and troops were stationed at regular intervals.
Last September 24, Mina was the scene of the deadliest disaster in hajj history, when the stampede broke out as pilgrims made their way to the Jamarat Bridge for a stoning ritual.
This year´s "Stoning of the Devil" will start on Monday.
Among the changes, government facilities have been moved out of Mina to free up space, and roads in the Jamarat area expanded, Saudi newspapers reported.
Officials have also been issuing pilgrims with bracelets that digitally store their personal data.
Authorities aim to give bracelets to each of the 1.3 million faithful from abroad, who are joined by more than 100,000 Muslims residing in Saudi Arabia.
Interior ministry spokesman General Mansour al-Turki spoke of "great efforts being exerted by the kingdom, not only in maintaining the security and safety of the pilgrims, but in facilitating performance" of the rites in comfort.
Pilgrims appeared satisfied.
"The transportation went well and the lodging is comfortable," said Salah Gaddoumi, 40, from Sudan, who is on his second hajj.
"It´s better organised this time," he said in Mina.
Saudi Arabia has invested billions of dollars in hajj infrastructure and safety projects over the years.
thenews.com.pk/latest/149551-Hajj-sermon-Perpetrators-of-violence-be-brought-to-the-book
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Al-Qaida chief threatens 'thousands' of 9/11 attacks
AFP | Sep 10, 2016, 10.15 AM IST
DUBAI: Al-Qaida chief Ayman al-Zawahiri threatened the US that the September 11, 2001 attacks will be repeated "thousands of times", in a video marking the 15th anniversary of the deadly assault.
Addressing the United States in a video message posted Thursday on YouTube, Zawahiri blamed 9/11 on "your crimes against us".
He said that if these continue, 9/11 "will be repeated thousands of times".
On September 11, 2001, the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center were struck by hijacked aircraft, claiming 2,753 lives.
Further deadly attacks that day were carried out against the Pentagon and on a third commercial aircraft that crashed in rural Pennsylvania.
In the video, Zawahiri cited Washington's policies towards Arab and Muslim countries, its "occupation" of lands in their countries, and support for their "criminal and corrupt" governments.
His threats come as American officials say the United States has become hardened against such well-developed plots as 9/11 but remains vulnerable to small and home-grown attacks.
The 9/11 attacks spawned Washington's so-called war on terror, which initially focused on al-Qaida and the Taliban, before later targeting the Islamic State group which has seized territory in Syria, Iraq and Libya.
Zawahiri also urged jihadists to unite and urged African Americans to convert to Islam to "save" them from US laws which he said are controlled by "the white majority".
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Al-Qaida-chief-threatens-thousands-of-9/11-attacks/articleshow/54261324.cms
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US House passes bill allowing 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia
Agencies | Sep 9, 2016, 10.01 PM IST
WASHINGTON: The US House of Representatives passed a legislation on Friday that would allow the families of victims of the September 11, 2001+ , attacks to sue Saudi Arabia's government for damages, despite the White House's threat to veto the measure.
The House passed the legislation on Friday by voice vote, about four months after the measure cleared the Senate despite vehement objections from Saudi Arabia. Fifteen of the 19 hijackers were Saudi nationals.
The White House has signaled President Barack Obama would veto the legislation over the potential for the measure to backfire. The Obama administration cautions that if US citizens can take the Saudis to court, then a foreign country could in turn sue the United States. There also is apprehension the bill would undermine a longstanding yet strained relationship with a critical US ally in the Middle East.
Votes from two-thirds of the members in the House and Senate would be needed to override a veto.
There was no immediate comment from Saudi Arabia, which was preparing for the annual haj pilgrimage+ beginning Saturday.
The legislation gives victims' families the right to sue in US court for any role that elements of the Saudi government may have played in the 2001 attacks that killed thousands in New York, the Washington, DC, area and Pennsylvania.
Representative Ted Poe, R-Texas, said the US government should be more concerned about the families of the victims than "diplomatic niceties." Poe said he doesn't know if the Saudi government had a role in the attacks that killed more than 3,000 people.
"That's for a jury of Americans to decide," Poe said.
The vote came after House members from both parties briefly adjourned to commemorate the anniversary of the attacks. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis, led a moment of silence on the Capitol steps, and lawmakers sang "God Bless America" in remembrance of 9/11, when lawmakers gathered in the same location to sing the song immediately after the attacks on New York and Washington.
The Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act had triggered a threat from Riyadh to pull billions of dollars from the US economy if the legislation is enacted. But Saudi Foreign Minister Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir denied in May that the kingdom made any threats over the bill. He said Riyadh had warned that investor confidence in the US would shrink if the bill became law.
"In fact what they (Congress) are doing is stripping the principle of sovereign immunities, which would turn the world for international law into the law of the jungle," Al-Jubeir said.
The House vote came two months after Congress released 28 declassified pages from a congressional report into 9/11 that reignited speculation over links at least a few of the attackers had to Saudis, including government officials. The allegations were never substantiated by later US investigations into the terrorist attacks.
Brian McGlinchey, director of advocacy website 28pages.org, said making the documents public "strengthened the resolve of 9/11 families and other advocates of justice to bring about the enactment" of the bill.
A decision by Obama to veto legislation "that would give 9/11 families their well-deserved day in court would truly stain his legacy," McGlinchey said.
In a separate development, a bipartisan group of senators announced Thursday that they've introduced a joint resolution of disapproval to block the Obama administration's proposed sale of more than $1 billion worth of US weapons to Saudi Arabia.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/US-House-passes-bill-allowing-9/11-victims-to-sue-Saudi-Arabia/articleshow/54255583.cms
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12,345 kg of explosives exported for Kabul attacks from Pakistan seized
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun Sep 11 2016
The Afghan police forces confiscated 12,345 kg of explosives material exported from Pakistan as the militant groups were looking to use the materials for a series of attacks in capital Kabul.
The Ministry of Interior (MoI) said the explosives material, Ammonium Nitrate, were seized by police forces soon after the truck carrying the materials entered Afghanistan from Torkham crossing.
According to a statement by MoI, the militants were looking to transport the explosives material to Kabul in a bid to use them for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
The statement further added that a suspect has been arrested in connection to the transport of the explosives material and is in custody of the police forces for further investigation.
The anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents have not commented regarding the report so far.
Taliban insurgents and militants belonging to the other insurgent groups frequently use Improvised Explosive Device (IED) as the weapon of their choice to target the security forces but the ordinary civilians are often targeted in such attacks.
This comes as the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan released the latest civilian casualties report late last month which stated at least 3726 civilians were killed or wounded between January and June of this year.
The UN mission said the civilian casualties in the country has reached to a record number since counting began in 2009, with 5,166 civilians recorded killed or maimed in just the first six months of this year, of whom almost one-third were children.
The total civilian casualty figure recorded by the UN between 1 January 2009 and 30 June 2016 has risen to 63,934, including 22,941 deaths and 40,993 injured.
According to the UN mission, the anti-government elements remain responsible for 60 percent of the civilian casualties with ground engagements continuing to cause the highest number of civilian casualties, followed by complex and suicide attacks and improved explosive devices (IEDs).
khaama.com/12345-kg-of-explosives-exported-for-kabul-attacks-from-pakistan-seized-01873
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Ahead Of Eid, Fear Of 'Biryani Police' Makes 'Gosht' A Forbidden Word
Shubhra Pant | TNN | Sep 10, 2016
GURGAON: "Try your luck somewhere else. No one sells it here anymore," says Zaid, a nine-year-old biryani seller in Mewat, when asked if he had "gosht biryani".
Though "gosht" means any red meat, it has become a proscribed term in Mewat district after raids to check for beef in biryani. No one now utters the word, showing how the government's intrusion into their food habits has made an entire district jittery. At stake is hundreds of biryani vendors, whose business has taken a severe hit after the Haryana government's newly created Gau Sewa Ayog started food policing in the Muslim-majority district.
The spirit of Eid festivity has ebbed considerably in Mewat after samples of biryani were collected by police on Thursday in line with the Haryana government's cow protection vows. The samples were tested at a laboratory of the department of biotechnology of Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Hisar.On the basis of a quantitative Polymerised Chain Reaction (qPCR) test, the laboratory confirmed all the samples contained beef.
In Mewat, which abuts Gurgaon but is Haryana's most backward district, there are dozens of biryani stalls and vendors in every busy street or market area. Eid normally doubles their profits, which usually goes into buying new clothes, shoes, painting the houseand so on. Those plans are as good as buried for now. A high crime rate, very low literacy levels and abject poverty are what plague Mewat. The general feeling is that if the government cannot solve these, it shouldn't add to the problems.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/Ahead-of-Eid-fear-of-biryani-police-makes-gosht-a-forbidden-word/articleshow/54260329.cms
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Arab World
Hajj Sermon: ‘Terrorism Cannot Be Linked With Any Religion’
September 11, 2016
MOUNT ARAFAT: In his Hajj sermon, Imam-e-Kaaba Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais said that terrorism cannot be linked with a particular religion or nation, Islam is a religion of peace and has nothing to do with terrorism.
He called upon the Muslims to strictly follow the teachings of Islam.
This year Imam-e-Kaaba delivered Hajj sermon in place of Grand Mufti Abdul Aziz al-Sheikh who is reportedly ill.
He urged the clerics to play their role in keeping people away from violence. Islam is a religion of peace which taught patience and tolerance, he noted.
Full report at: thenews.com.pk/latest/149551-Hajj-sermon-Perpetrators-of-violence-be-brought-to-the-book
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Al-Qaida chief threatens 'thousands' of 9/11 attacks
AFP | Sep 10, 2016, 10.15 AM IST
DUBAI: Al-Qaida chief Ayman al-Zawahiri threatened the US that the September 11, 2001 attacks will be repeated "thousands of times", in a video marking the 15th anniversary of the deadly assault.
Addressing the United States in a video message posted Thursday on YouTube, Zawahiri blamed 9/11 on "your crimes against us".
He said that if these continue, 9/11 "will be repeated thousands of times".
On September 11, 2001, the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center were struck by hijacked aircraft, claiming 2,753 lives.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/Al-Qaida-chief-threatens-thousands-of-9/11-attacks/articleshow/54261324.cms
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ISIL Receives Sever Blow in Syrian Air Force Attacks in Deir Ezzur
Sep 11 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Syrian fighter jets continued to bomb ISIL's bases in regions Southwest of Deir Ezzur, battlefield sources said, adding that the attacks slowed down movements of the militants in the region.
ISIL's strongholds near al-Thardah mountain on the Southern side of Panorama were heavily bombed by the Syrian Air force.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950621000696
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Yemeni Army Captures 2 Saudi Intelligence Officers, 48 Military Men in Najran Province
Sep 11 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Battlefield commanders announced that the Yemeni army and popular forces have held captive tens of Saudi military men, including senior intelligence officers.
"The Yemeni forces have captured 50 Saudi military men, including two senior intelligence officers, in a special operation conducted against the kingdom's troops in Najran province," Senior Ansarullah Commander Ali al-Hamzani told FNA on Sunday.
Al-Hamzani noted that the Yemeni forces could also take full control over a Saudi military base, including its tanks and armored vehicles.
"The Yemeni army and popular forces also managed to explode all watch-towers along the border region and torch their armored vehicles in the Southern part of Saudi Arabia," he added.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950621000383
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Syrian Army Engages in Fierce Clashes with Terrorists across Dara'a Province
Sep 11 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Syrian military forces clashed fiercely with terrorist groups in the neighborhoods of Dara'a city while other units of the army hit militants' positions hard in the Northern territories of Dara'a province, pinning them down behind their defense lines.
Syrian army soldiers stormed terrorists' centers near al-Shami farms in Dara'a al-Balad, inflicting major casualties on the terrorists and destroying their machinegun-equipped vehicles.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950621000758
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Nearly 1.5 million people begin annual Haj in Saudi
AFP — PUBLISHED ABOUT 23 HOURS AGO
MAKKAH: From Asia, Africa and points in between, nearly 1.5 million Muslims begin the annual Haj in western Saudi Arabia Saturday, undeterred by a stampede which last year killed around 2,300.
Tens of thousands of Iranians are absent because of long-running tensions between their Shia nation and Sunni-dominated Saudi Arabia, friction exaggerated by the stampede.
After preliminary rituals this week in Makkah at the Grand Mosque, Islam's holiest site, the pilgrims will move on Saturday in buses, by train or even on foot in debilitating temperatures exceeding 40 C (100 F) to Mina, about five kilometres east.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1283277/nearly-15-million-people-begin-annual-haj-in-saudi
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Syrian Army Makes More Military Gains in Aleppo
Sep 11 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian army continued to march on militant-held positions in Aleppo and seized control over more lands in the city.
Four more housing complexes in Aleppo city's al-Amariyeh district came under the Syrian army's control after killing several terrorists and destroying their military hardware.
Meantime, the Syrian air force pounded the terrorists' military positions in the town of Haryatan in the Northern countryside of Aleppo city and Khan Touman warehouses Southwest of the city.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950620001431
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Syrian opposition hopes Russia-US deal will aid civilians
AP | Sep 10, 2016
BEIRUT: A senior member of the main Syrian opposition umbrella group said on Saturday it hopes a new US-Russian agreement will be enforced in order to ease the suffering of civilians while an official with al-Qaida's affiliate in Syria vowed to retaliate throughout the world if the Americans and Russians target them.
Basma Kodmani, of the High Negotiations Committee, told The Associated Press that Russia should pressure President Bashar Assad's government to abide by the agreement reached early Saturday.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Syrian-opposition-hopes-Russia-US-deal-will-aid-civilians/articleshow/54267314.cms
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Yemeni Forces Advance Further in Ma'rib Province
Sep 11 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- A senior military commander announced that Yemen's army and popular forces have made considerable advances towards the Central parts of Ma'rib after taking control of strategic positions of the forces loyal to former fugitive President Mansour Hadi in the province as Ansarullah's ballistic missile hit key regions in Saudi Arabia's Jizan.
"Yemen's army and popular forces are still advancing towards the Center of Ma'rib province," Senior Ansarullah Commander Ali al-Houthi told FNA on Sunday.
Al-Houthi went on to say that a ballistic missile fired by the Yemeni army has hit a power plant and a water desalination plant in Jizan province.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950621000547
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Source: Merger of Fatah Al-Sham, Ahrar Al-Sham Suspended
Sep 11 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Informed sources disclosed that the merger of Fatah al-Sham Front (the newly-formed al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group previously known as the al-Nusra Front) and Ahrar al-Sham terrorist groups has suspended.
The disclosure came as a source close to Ahrar al-Sham terrorists group declared that "the present conditions are not good for the merger", and said that the move has been "postponed".
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950621000677
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ISIL's Tanks Destroyed in Syrian Airstrikes in Eastern Hama
Sep 11 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Syrian Army aircraft bombed heavily ISIL's sites in Aqayrabat region, inflicting major losses on the Takfiri group's armored vehicles and tanks.
At least eight tanks and four bomb-laden vehicles of the ISIL were destroyed in the Syrian jets' bombardments in Eastern Hama.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950621000637
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IRGC Disbands Saudi-Affiliated Terrorist Cell in Southeastern Iran
Sep 11 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) dismantled a team of 9 terrorists "sent by Saudi Arabia to foment insecurity inside the country".
The IRGC killed four of the terrorists, including their commander, and injured two others in the city of Saravan in Sistan and Balouchestan province in Southeastern Iran.
Official statements said the terrorist team which intended to carryout "sabotage acts inside Iran was disbanded by the IRGC in the Kouhak border region of Saravan city".
The IRGC also destroyed the weapons, ammunition, wireless equipment, night-vision goggles and three Toyota vehicles of the terrorists calling themselves Jeish al-Adl group.
In a relevant development on Wednesday, the Iranian intelligence and security forces dismantled a team of 12 terrorists sent by Saudi Arabia and certain trans-regional states to foment insecurity inside the country.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950621000917
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IRGC Deputy Commander: US Trying to Repeat Libya's Disarmament Scenario in Iran
Sep 11 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- IRGC Deputy Commander Brigadier General Rasoul Sanayee Rad blasted Washington for trying to hatch a plot for disarming Iran similar to Libya.
"The US is looking for repeating the disarmament scenario of Libya in Iran; today Libya has been split into three regions," General Sanayee Rad said on Saturday, addressing a meeting of IRGC commanders in the city of Rasht in Northern Iran.
He said that former Libyan dictator Colonel Muammar Qaddafi believed that coming to terms with the Americans would prevent his country from coming under the US attack.
"Hence, Qaddafi agreed to pay $2.7 billion compensation for the victims of the Pan American flight which was exploded by Libya over Lockerbie, Scotland," General Sanayee Rad added.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950621000852
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North America
US House passes bill allowing 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia
Agencies | Sep 9, 2016, 10.01 PM IST
WASHINGTON: The US House of Representatives passed a legislation on Friday that would allow the families of victims of the September 11, 2001+ , attacks to sue Saudi Arabia's government for damages, despite the White House's threat to veto the measure.
The House passed the legislation on Friday by voice vote, about four months after the measure cleared the Senate despite vehement objections from Saudi Arabia. Fifteen of the 19 hijackers were Saudi nationals.
The White House has signaled President Barack Obama would veto the legislation over the potential for the measure to backfire. The Obama administration cautions that if US citizens can take the Saudis to court, then a foreign country could in turn sue the United States. There also is apprehension the bill would undermine a longstanding yet strained relationship with a critical US ally in the Middle East.
Votes from two-thirds of the members in the House and Senate would be needed to override a veto.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/US-House-passes-bill-allowing-9/11-victims-to-sue-Saudi-Arabia/articleshow/54255583.cms
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9/11 pilot's mother believes he is alive in Guantanamo
AFP | Sep 11, 2016
MADRID: The mother of Mohammed Atta, one of the kamikaze hijackers who destroyed the World Trade Center, says she believes her son is alive at the US prison in Guantanamo Bay, in an interview published Sunday in Spain.
Bozaina Mohamed Mustafa Sheraqi told daily newspaper El Mundo that Atta -- one of the masterminds behind the September 11, 2001 attacks -- was the victim of an elaborate US plot and had done nothing wrong.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/9/11-pilots-mother-believes-he-is-alive-in-Guantanamo/articleshow/54277744.cms
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United States marks 15th anniversary of 9/11
September/11/2016
The United States marked the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on Sept. 11 with solemn services to commemorate the victims of the deadliest terror strikes on U.S. soil, which changed the world forever.
Nearly 3,000 people were killed on Sept. 11, 2001 when 19 al-Qaeda suicide bombers hijacked four passenger jets, crashing them into the Twin Towers in New York, the Pentagon in Washington and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
It was the first foreign attack on the U.S. mainland in almost two centuries and sparked U.S.-led invasions of Afghanistan (2001) and Iraq (2003, where war rages on more than a decade later).
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/united-states-marks-15th-anniversary-of-911-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=103798&NewsCatID=358
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South Asia
12,345 kg of explosives exported for Kabul attacks from Pakistan seized
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun Sep 11 2016
The Afghan police forces confiscated 12,345 kg of explosives material exported from Pakistan as the militant groups were looking to use the materials for a series of attacks in capital Kabul.
The Ministry of Interior (MoI) said the explosives material, Ammonium Nitrate, were seized by police forces soon after the truck carrying the materials entered Afghanistan from Torkham crossing.
Full report at: khaama.com/12345-kg-of-explosives-exported-for-kabul-attacks-from-pakistan-seized-01873
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13 soldiers martyred, 94 militants killed in past 24 hours, MoD claims
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sat Sep 10 2016
At least 13 Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers lost their lives during the latest counter-terrorism operations, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) said Saturday.
According to an operational update by MoD, the soldiers lost their lives while combating the internal and foreign terrorists in various provinces of Afghanistan.
The statement further added that the operations were conducted in Nangarhar, Ghazni, Paktia, Paktika, Logar, Kandahar, Uruzgan, Ghor, Takhar, Baghlan, Kunduz, Balkh, Sar-e-Pul, Jawzjan, and Helmand provinces.
Full report at: khaama.com/13-soldiers-martyred-94-militants-killed-in-past-24-hours-mod-claims-01867
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Pressure growing on Taliban to join peace talks, ex-top Taliban leader
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun Sep 11 2016
A former top Taliban leader has said the group is under pressure to revive peace talks with the Afghan government months after the group rejected calls by the Afghan government to participate in direct peace talks.
Agha Jan Motasim has told the New York Times that the main motives behind growing demand to revive peace talks are latest mounting pressures and changes in the situation of the country.
Full report at: khaama.com/pressure-growing-on-taliban-to-join-peace-talks-ex-top-taliban-leader-01869
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US drone strike kill 4 militants in West of Afghanistan
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun Sep 11 2016
At least 4 militants were killed in a drone strike conducted by the US forces in western Farah province of Afghanistan, local officials said Sunday.
Provincial governor’s spokesman Mohammad Asif Nang said the drone strike was conducted late on Saturday night in Khak-e-Safid district targeting the militants in the vicinity of Qarya-e-Surkh area.
Full report at: khaama.com/us-drone-strike-kill-4-militants-in-west-of-afghanistan-01870
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Afghan President Ghani’s call for India joining transit trade rejected
September 11th, 2016
ISLAMABAD: A top government official on Saturday rebuffed calls by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to involve India in transit trade with Afghanistan, saying it is not possible.
The official was replying to a question regarding President Ghani’s statement in which he had threatened to block Pakistan’s trade access to Central Asian States (CAS), if it did not allow Afghanistan to trade with India via the Wagah border.
Mr Ghani made those remarks during a meeting with the UK’s special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Owen Jenkins in Kabul on Friday. The president’s office later toned down the statement that was originally released to the media in Pashto and told journalists he had meant to say that Kabul could consider placing restrictions on Pakistani trade with CAS via Afghanistan.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1283445/ghanis-call-for-india-joining-transit-trade-rejected
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Top militant shot dead in Dhaka
September 11th, 2016
DHAKA: Bangladesh police on Saturday shot dead a suspected top militant who allegedly had a key role in July's Dhaka cafe attack in which 22 people were killed, police told AFP.
“While we were conducting a raid to bust a militant den in Azimpur neighbourhood in Dhaka, the militants opened fire at law enforcers,” Deputy Police Commissioner Mohammad Ibrahim said.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1283303/top-militant-shot-dead-in-dhaka
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Afghan Air Force modernization proudly gaining momentum
By GHANIZADA - Sat Sep 10 2016
The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) assumed the full security lead from the NATO-led coalition forces at the start of last year after a robust contribution by the allies of Afghanistan both in terms of investments in blood and finances since the launch of the US-led invasion on Afghanistan that resulted into the fall of the Taliban regime. (Photo: 438th Air Expeditionary Wing)
The transition process immediately unveiled the gaps the Afghan forces needed to shoulder the security responsibilities after the NATO-led coalition forces winded up their operations in Afghanistan right at the end of 2014, allowing the Afghan forces to step in and continue with an Afghan-led process to ensure peace and stability for the Afghan nationals.
Full report at: khaama.com/afghan-air-force-modernization-proudly-gaining-momentum-01866
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Militant suspected in Bangladesh cafe attack killed himself, police say
Reuters | Sep 11, 2016
A suspected militant believed by Bangladesh police to have been among the planners of a July cafe attack that killed 22 people killed himself during a police raid on a hideout in the capital, police said on Sunday.
The July attack in Dhaka's diplomatic quarter was claimed by the Middle Eastern jihadist group Islamic State and was one of the most brazen in Bangladesh, hit by a spate of killings of liberals and members of religious minorities in the past year.
The government has pinned the blame on domestic militant groups, but security experts say the scale and sophistication of the incident suggest links to a trans-national Islamist network.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Militant-suspected-in-Bangladesh-cafe-attack-killed-himself-police-say/articleshow/54274972.cms
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India
Ahead of Eid, fear of 'biryani police' makes 'gosht' a forbidden word
Shubhra Pant | TNN | Sep 10, 2016
GURGAON: "Try your luck somewhere else. No one sells it here anymore," says Zaid, a nine-year-old biryani seller in Mewat, when asked if he had "gosht biryani".
Though "gosht" means any red meat, it has become a proscribed term in Mewat district after raids to check for beef in biryani. No one now utters the word, showing how the government's intrusion into their food habits has made an entire district jittery. At stake is hundreds of biryani vendors, whose business has taken a severe hit after the Haryana government's newly created Gau Sewa Ayog started food policing in the Muslim-majority district.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/Ahead-of-Eid-fear-of-biryani-police-makes-gosht-a-forbidden-word/articleshow/54260329.cms
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"This is your last warning", Jaish tells pro-India Kashmiris
M Saleem Pandit | TNN | Sep 10, 2016, 04.17 AM IST
SRINAGAR: Terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) has released a video issuing threats against mainstream politicians and Kashmiri "informers" working for the security forces in the valley. This came even as separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani praised Pakistan for extending support to the ongoing violent "movement" in the valley.
In a seven-minute video, a masked man, standing against a wall banner inscribed with Quranic verses in Arabic and an AK-47 hanging by his side, described Hizbul commander Burhan Wani - whose killing by the security forces two months ago triggered massive violence in the valley - as 'shaheed-e-millat' (martyr of the community).
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/54259217.cms
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Home Minister To Visit Russia, US; Pakistan-Sponsored Terror In Focus
PTI | Sep 11, 2016
NEW DELHI: Ratcheting up pressure on Pakistan, Home Minister Rajnath Singh+ will visit Russia and the United States next week to highlight the issue of the neighbouring country sponsoring terrorism in India and discuss efforts to counter ISIS activities in the region.
Singh will visit Russia for five days beginning September 18 where he will have bilateral talks with Russian Minister for Internal Affairs Vladimir Kolokoltsev and discuss issues related to Indo-Russia joint anti-terror cooperation.
They will also discuss cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir+ and growing activities of ISIS in the country and its neighbourhood.
The home minister will travel to Washington on September 26 for a seven-day visit for the Indo-US Homeland Security Dialogue with his American counterpart Jeh Charles Johnson.
Singh will raise the issue of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism+ and activities of ISIS in India and other South Asian countries.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Rajnath-to-visit-Russia-US-Pakistan-sponsored-terror-in-focus/articleshow/54277246.cms
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J&K: 3 infiltration bids foiled, 4 terrorists killed
PTI | Sep 11, 2016
SRINAGAR: Four terrorists who were trying to sneak into India via the Line of Control (LoC) were killed today as Army foiled three infiltration attempts in Kashmir.
One infiltration bid was foiled in Naugam sector, another in Tangdhar sector and the third one in Gurez sector.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/JK-3-infiltration-bids-foiled-4-terrorists-killed/articleshow/54278323.cms
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Now, Baloch activists in Melbourne, too, thank PM Narendra Modi
Shailaja Neelakantan | Sep 11, 2016
NEW DELHI: Several Baloch activists in Melbourne and in Busan, South Korea on Sunday protested against Pakistan's atrocities in Balochistan, and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for extending his support to the province's beleaguered people, ANI reported.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Now-Baloch-activists-in-Melbourne-too-thank-PM-Narenda-Modi/articleshow/54275863.cms
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Mideast
20 ISIL members killed in Turkish aerial campaign in northern Syria: Army
September/11/2016
Some 20 members of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) were killed on Sept. 10 in an aerial campaign against the jihadist group, the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) said in a written statement on Sept. 11.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/20-isil-members-killed-in-turkish-aerial-campaign-in-northern-syria-army.aspx?pageID=238&nID=103789&NewsCatID=352
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Turkey’s top soldier says army gets stronger as ‘traitors’ removed
September/11/2016
The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) continues to carry out a variety of duties to maintain security and stability across Turkey, the region and the world, while getting stronger with the removal of “traitors” from within its ranks, Turkish Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar has said in his written statement for the Eid al-Adha holiday.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/turkeys-top-soldier-says-army-gets-stronger-as-traitors-removed-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=103793&NewsCatID=341
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Turkish Interior Ministry appoints trustees to 28 municipalities over 'PKK- FETÖ links'
September/11/2016
Turkey’s Interior Ministry appointed trustees to 28 local municipalities across the country on Sept. 11, on the grounds that they allegedly provided support to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the Fethullahist Terror Organization (FETÖ), which was blamed on the failed coup attempt of July 15.
A total of 28 mayors, 24 of whom were allegedly linked to the PKK while the other four were allegedly linked to FETÖ, were suspended from their duties as a part of a recent decree law under the state of emergency, the ministry said in a statement issued on its website.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-interior-ministry-appoints-trustees-to-28-municipalities-over-pkk--feto-links.aspx?pageID=238&nID=103784&NewsCatID=341
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Turkey to invest $675 million in southeastern district
September/11/2016
Turkey will invest 2 billion Turkish Liras ($675 million) to rebuild the Sur district in the southeastern province of Diyarbakır, which has been left in ruins by conflicts between the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and Turkish security forces.
In a written statement on Sept. 9, the Environment and Urbanization Ministry said the extent of the damage was surveyed in Sur after security forces cleared PKK militants from the district.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-to-invest-675-million-in-southeastern-district--.aspx?pageID=238&nID=103796&NewsCatID=345
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Russia says to sign Turkish Stream pipeline deal with Turkey in October
September/11/2016
Russia plans to sign an agreement with Turkey next month on the implementation of the Turkish Stream gas export pipeline project, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak was quoted as saying on Sept. 10.
Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/russia-says-to-sign-turkish-stream-pipeline-deal-with-turkey-in-october.aspx?pageID=238&nID=103790&NewsCatID=348
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Pakistan
Pakistan: Eight militants killed in Rajanpur operation
September 11th, 2016
DERA GHAZI KHAN: Eight suspected militants and an official of the security forces were killed on Saturday during an ongoing combing operation in the mountainous tribal area of Rajanpur along the border between Punjab and Balochistan.
According to the ISPR, the military’s public relations wing, the security forces were carrying out the combing operation in the Gayandari area on the provincial border. Several ‘feraris’ (fugitives) had been arrested and arms and ammunition seized from them, it said.
When contacted, the Rajanpur district coordination officer, who is the senior commandant of the border military police, said the operation against anti-state elements was under way in the tribal area, but he was not authorised to give more details.
The border military police and the Rangers are jointly conducting the operation.
Rajanpur District Police Officer Irfanullah Khan said his department was not taking part in the operation.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1283443/eight-militants-killed-in-rajanpur-operation
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Stranded workers start returning from Saudi Arabia
September 11th, 2016
KARACHI: Pakistani workers sacked by some construction companies in Saudi Arabia continue to return home, with a group of 10 workers reaching here on Saturday.
The number of labourers coming back is low but it is part of an ongoing process of workers returning home after not receiving their dues.
It all began about eight months ago when one after the other groups such as the Saad Trading and Contracting Companies, the Saudi Oger Limited and the Bin Laden Group declared bankruptcy after reportedly facing a “financial crunch”.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1283455/stranded-workers-start-returning-from-saudi-arabia
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Qadri distances himself from Imran’s Raiwind march
September 11th, 2016
LAHORE: In a significant development, Dr Tahirul Qadri’s Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) has distanced itself from the Pakistan Tahreek-i-Insaf’s (PTI) Raiwind march.
Mr Qadri announced on Saturday that the PAT would not participate in the PTI’s Raiwind march as it might lead to siege of the private residence of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Mr Qadri has supported the stance of the Pakistan Peoples Party and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid which had opposed staging a sit-in outside the Jati Umra residence of the premier.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1283457/qadri-distances-himself-from-imrans-raiwind-march
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Pakistan says Wagah border crossing open for Afghan traders
PTI | Sep 11, 2016
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has said it has not stopped Afghan traders to move their goods to India through Wagah border crossing, days after Afghanistan President warned to stop transit facility to Central Asia for Pakistani traders.
Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani had reportedly threatened to stop transit facility for Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Pakistan-says-Wagah-border-crossing-open-for-Afghan-traders/articleshow/54277238.cms
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Iranian forces kill 4 militants near Pak-Iran border: report
September 11th, 2016
TEHRAN: Iran's semi-official Fars news agency says the Revolutionary Guard has killed four militants near the shared border with Pakistan.
The Sunday report says the Guard clashed with a nine-member cell of the Jaish al Adl militant group last week, killing four of them, including their leader.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1283505/iranian-forces-kill-4-militants-near-pak-iran-border-report
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Africa
Ethiopia frees Muslims jailed after protests over religion
By Elias Meseret | AP September 10
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopia’s chief prosecutor said Saturday that the country pardoned hundreds of convicts, among them Muslims jailed under anti-terror laws for opposing what they called government interference in their religion.
The president signed the pardon for members of the Muslim groups after they expressed regret, Prosecutor-General Getachew Ambaye was quoted as saying by the state-run Ethiopian News Agency.
Full report at: washingtonpost.com/world/africa/ethiopia-frees-muslims-jailed-after-protests-over-religion/2016/09/10/488da60c-7786-11e6-9781-49e591781754_story.html
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Juliette Binoche urges Europe to welcome refugees and respect Muslim women's right to wear the hijab
11 September 2016
French actress Juliette Binoche on Friday urged Europeans to let go of their fears of immigrants and respect the freedom of Muslim women to wear the veil or not as they choose.
Europe is grappling with a migration crisis that has brought more than a million mostly Muslim people fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East and Africa and has highlighted problems about the integration of Muslims already in Europe.
Full report at: smh.com.au/lifestyle/celebrity/celebrity-news/juliette-binoche-urges-europe-to-welcome-refugees-and-respect-muslim-womens-right-to-wear-the-hijab-20160910-grdllq.html
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Europe
Germany warns of threat from more than 500 "potential attackers"
11 September 2016
BERLIN, Sept 10 (Reuters) - Germany's interior minister has warned that the country is home to more than 500 Islamic militants who could be capable of carrying out assaults on their own or as members of "hit teams."
Speaking in an interview with Bild newspaper, Thomas de Maiziere said there were currently at least 520 "potential attackers" in the country, which has been on edge since two Islamic State-inspired attacks in July.
He said another 360 "relevant" people were known to police because of their close proximity to the potential attackers.
Many Germans fear that fighters belonging to the Islamic State jihadist group could have slipped into Germany with the roughly one million of refugees from Syria, North Africa and Asia who arrived last year.
Full report at: news.trust.org/item/20160910141233-zsdyu/
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2 terror attacks foiled this week: French PM
Reuters | Sep 11, 2016
PARIS: French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said on Sunday there would be new attacks in France but proposals by former president Nicolas Sarkozy to boost security was not the right way to deal with threats.
The French capital was put on high alert last week when French officials said they dismantled a "terrorist cell" that planned to attack a Paris railway station under the direction of Islamic State.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/2-terror-attacks-foiled-this-week-French-PM/articleshow/54278488.cms
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Southeast Asia
Indonesians prepare to welcome Eid al-Adha
11.09.2016
Indonesians across the world's most populous Muslim nation are preparing to welcome Eid al-Adha on Monday by flocking to markets to procure cattle, or by packing their bags and making the often long and arduous journey home.
On Sunday, thousands of people were crowding train stations, bus terminals and airports in an effort to celebrate Eid with their families, but the majority were crawling across the country on cheap -- and often very noisy -- 125cc motorcycles.
"We had to ride slowly and carefully because Suramadu bridge is very crowded by cars and motorcycles," motorcyclist Fatimah, who had to cross the longest bridge in East Java province to return to her hometown in Madura Island, told Anadolu Agency by phone Sunday.
Full report at: aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/indonesians-prepare-to-welcome-eid-al-adha/644814
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Christian group celebrates Muslim imam’s Merdeka run
Rev. Fr. Phillips Muthu passes awayPope Francis reflects on the relationship between science and truthPope sends greetings to conference on Orthodox spirituality in BosePope: Conferences won't achieve peace if the heart is at warChinese authorities arrest Vatican-appointed BishopALOR SETAR: Religious movement Christians for Peace and Harmony in Malaysia (CPHM) held a dinner to honour imam Nasir Abas, an ex-soldier who completed the 500km Merdeka Run from Alor Setar to Dataran Merdeka, held in conjunction with the Merdeka Day celebrations.
Full report at: heraldmalaysia.com/news/christian-group-celebrates-muslim-imams-merdeka-run/31676/1
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