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Islamic World News ( 11 Oct 2015, NewAgeIslam.Com)

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Iraqis Claim To Have Hit ISIS Chief Baghdadi's Convoy In Air Raid


New Age Islam News Bureau

11 Oct 2015


Turkish players observe a minute of silence for the victims of Ankara bombing prior to their Euro 2016 group-A qualification football match against Czech Republic in Prague [Reuters]

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Arab World

 Iraqis Claim To Have Hit ISIS Chief Baghdadi's Convoy In Air Raid

 Backed by Russian jets, Syrian forces advance in rebel-held territories

 Russian Air Force Destroys 29 ISIL Camps in Syria in One Day

 Iraqi Forces Seize US-Supplied Military Equipment, Ammunition from Terrorists in Beiji

 Hezbollah Commander Killed in Syria's Idlib

 Russian Warplanes Destroy US-Trained Militants' Base in Idlib

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Mideast

 Thousands rally to mourn Ankara bombing victims

 Turkish air force bombs PKK targets despite ceasefire

 Israel accused of 'deliberately killing' protesters

 Turkey bomb blasts: Islamic State and 'far-left militants' emerge as suspects

 World Bank, Islamic Development Bank Ready to Aid Middle East

 Iran Military Expert: Syrian Army's Elite Force on Verge of New Victories in Northern Front

 Army Commander Vows to Crush Terrorists after Death of Iranian General in Syria

 Iranian Minister warns against conspiracies to stir sectarianism in Islamic world

 Iran tests new precision-guided ballistic missile

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Pakistan

 At least 22 suspected terrorists killed in NWA air strikes

 Terrorist attacks in Pakistan being executed from Afghanistan: Nisar

 Pakistan working for revival of Afghan peace talks: Nawaz

 Pakistan recieved $265mn from US to boost terror fight

 PML-N accused of using Kalabagh dam issue as ‘political slogan’

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South Asia

 Suicide car bomb targets NATO troop convoy in Kabul

 Around 100,000 people internally displaced in Kundoz because of violence

 US to compensate victims of Kundoz hospital bombing with “condolence payments”

 Six foreigners among 15 suspects detained in Nangarhar

 Former Haqqani commander survives bomb blast in Khost

 U.S. Embassy warns possible complex attack against UN facilities in Kabul

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Europe

 Russian Warplanes Destroy Terrorists' Operations Room in Idlib

 British ex-Guantanamo Bay detainee 'joins Islamic State in Syria'

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North America

 US Muslim leaders brace for protests with potentially armed demonstrators

 Interfaith Leaders Support Mosques against Protest at ISNA Headquarters in Plainfield

 U.S. Embassy warns possible complex attack against UN facilities in Kabul

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India

 In Dadri, Hindus come together to celebrate Muslim weddings

 Sikhs treat 11 countries to the taste of harmony

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Australia

 Thousands in Australia protests against refugee centres

 Aussie Police to Guard Victoria Mosques

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Africa

 Uganda Muslim Lawyers Fight Islamic Myths With Dialogue

 Nigeria Muslims Urged to Exercise Tolerance

 Kenya Arrests Scholars, Muslims Angry

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Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/iraqis-claim-hit-isis-chief/d/104876

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Arab World

 

Iraqis Claim To Have Hit ISIS Chief Baghdadi's Convoy in Air Raid

AFP, Sunday 11 Oct 2015

Iraqi security forces claimed Sunday to have struck the convoy of Islamic State group leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in an air strike near the country's border with Syria.

"The Iraqi air force carried out a heroic operation targeting the convoy of the criminal terrorist Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi," Iraq's security forces said in a joint statement.

"His health status is unknown," it said.

Iraqi security sources have previously that Baghdadi had been injured or killed in strikes in the past but the claims were either never verified or later denied.

The statement was released by the "war media cell", a structure which provides updates on the war against IS and speaks for the interior and defence ministries as well as the paramilitary Popular Mobilisation forces.

The statement said Iraqi aircraft struck Baghdadi's convoy as it was "moving towards Karabla to attend a meeting of the Daesh terrorist leaders".

Daesh is an Arabic acronym for the Islamic State group, which last year proclaimed a caliphate straddling Iraqi and Syria.

Karabla is located on the Euphrates river barely five kilometres (three miles) from the border with Syria. The statement did not make clear when the strike was carried out.

It said the operation was conducted in coordination with Iraq's interior ministry intelligence services and the joint operation command centre that includes military advisers from the US-led coalition.

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/152684/World/Region/BREAKING-Iraqis-claim-to-have-hit-ISIS-chief-Baghd.aspx

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Backed by Russian jets, Syrian forces advance in rebel-held territories

AFP | Oct 10, 2015

BEIRUT: Syrian government forces captured a village from rebels in the central province of Hama Saturday as they pressed a ground operation backed by Russian air support.

In the northern Aleppo province, rebels battled to reverse an advance by the Islamic State (ISIS) group that brought the jihadists to within a few kilometres (miles) of Syria's second city.

And Washington said it would resume talks with Russia over ways to avoid military accidents in Syria's increasingly crowded airspace.

In Hama, regime forces seized Atshan village from opposition fighters, including Islamists and al-Qaida affiliate al-Nusra Front, state television and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The observatory, a Britain-based monitoring group, reported heavy fighting around Atshan as they sought to push northwest and take a neighbouring hilltop.

With support from Russian air strikes, they appear to be targeting the town of Khan Sheikhun, just across the provincial border in Idlib and on a highway connecting Aleppo and Damascus. The road is cut by rebel forces in several places north of Khan Sheikhun. Hama province has been a key target for Russian air strikes that began on September 30, along with parts of the neighbouring provinces of Latakia and Idlib.

The strikes appear intended to prevent any advance by the Army of Conquest alliance, which includes al-Nusra, that holds Idlib and has sought to push into Hama and Latakia.

In Moscow, Russia's defence ministry said on Saturday that its forces had hit 55 IS targets in the past 24 hours. It said the latest strikes — in Damascus, Aleppo, Hama, Raqa and Idlib provinces — destroyed 29 training camps for "terrorists", 23 defensive positions, two command centres and an ammunition depot.

Rebels and their backers say Hama, Idlib and Latakia have little or no ISIS presence, and accuse Russia of targeting moderate and Islamist opposition fighters more than the jihadist group.

The observatory also reported heavy fighting Saturday between government forces and rebels in northern Latakia province. Russian warplanes struck both Latakia and Idlib Friday and Saturday, including a raid in Idlib that destroyed a base belonging to a rebel group that has received US weapons, it said.

In Aleppo province, Islamist rebels including the powerful Ahrar al-Sham group recaptured one of several villages seized by IS in a Friday advance, the observatory said. The monitor added that rebels were battling to retake a second village from the jihadist group, which now has forces within 10 kilometres (six miles) of Aleppo city.

The ISIS offensive has brought the jihadists closer than ever to Aleppo, threatening to further complicate the situation in Syria's one-time commercial capital, long divided between government and rebel control. The regime holds western Aleppo and the rebels hold the city's east.

Elsewhere in the province, the observatory said a powerful blast ripped through an explosives factory and weapons depot in the ISIS-held town of Al-Bab. The cause of the explosion was unclear, although unidentified warplanes were seen overhead at around the time of the blast.

Russia's air campaign in Syria has angered rebels and their backers, while complicating efforts of the US-led coalition that is also targeting ISIS in the country.

On Friday, the Pentagon said it would resume talks with Moscow aimed at preventing military accidents in Syrian airspace, after it received a response to US proposals. "Department leaders are reviewing the Russian response and talks are likely to take place as soon as this weekend," spokesman Peter Cook said.

Also Friday, Washington acknowledged it had decided to "pause" a controversial programme to train and equip Syrian rebels to fight ISIS.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Backed-by-Russian-jets-Syrian-forces-advance-in-rebel-held-territories/articleshow/49305136.cms

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Russian Air Force Destroys 29 ISIL Camps in Syria in One Day

TEHRAN (FNA)-

 Russian warplanes in Syria bombed 29 field camps and other facilities of the ISIL terrorist group in the past 24 hours, the Russian defense Ministry said on Saturday.

“Our aviation group over the past day has destroyed two militant command centers, 29 field camps, 23 fortified facilities and several troop positions with military hardware,” ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov said, RT reported.

He added that the Russian effort has “considerably degraded” the strength of the terrorist groups in Syria.

“During the initial phase of the operation, our warplanes have destroyed the biggest and most important supply hubs of the ISIL,” Konashenkov said.

This resulted in the “mobility and offensive capability” of the militants being reduced, he said.

The Russian Air Force conducted 64 sorties and hit a total of 55 targets, he said.

http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940718001048

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Iraqi Forces Seize US-Supplied Military Equipment, Ammunition from Terrorists in Beiji

TEHRAN (FNA)- The Iraqi army and volunteer forces discovered US-made military hardware and ammunition in terrorists' positions and trenches during their mop-up operations in the Northern parts of the town of Beiji.

The Iraqi forces found a huge volume of military equipment and ammunition from ISIL's hideouts in Beiji, Northern Iraq.

"The military hardware and weapons had been airdropped by the US-led warplanes and choppers for the ISIL in the nearby areas of Beiji," military sources told FNA.

The Iraqi forces started operations to purge Beiji of terrorists few months ago, and later took full control of the city, its refinery and its surrounding areas.

But in early September reports said that the Takfiri terrorists took back some parts of Beiji after two weeks of heavy attacks on the region.

Iraqi officials on different occasions have blasted the US and its allies for supplying the ISIL in Syria with arms and ammunition under the pretext of fighting the Takfiri terrorist group.

In February, an Iraqi provincial official lashed out at the western countries and their regional allies for supporting Takfiri terrorists in Iraq, revealing that the US airplanes still continue to airdrop weapons and foodstuff for the ISIL terrorists.

"The US planes have dropped weapons for the ISIL terrorists in the areas under ISIL control and even in those areas that have been recently liberated from the ISIL control to encourage the terrorists to return to those places," Coordinator of Iraqi popular forces Jafar al-Jaberi told FNA.

He noted that eyewitnesses in Al-Havijeh of Kirkuk province had witnessed the US airplanes dropping several suspicious parcels for ISIL terrorists in the province.

"Two coalition planes were also seen above the town of Al-Khas in Diyala and they carried the Takfiri terrorists to the region that has recently been liberated from the ISIL control," Al-Jaberi said.

Also in February, a senior lawmaker disclosed that Iraq's army has shot down two British planes as they were carrying weapons for the ISIL terrorists in Al-Anbar province.

"The Iraqi Parliament's National Security and Defense Committee has access to the photos of both planes that are British and have crashed while they were carrying weapons for the ISIL," Head of the committee Hakem al-Zameli said, according to a Monday report of the Arabic-language information center of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq.

He said the Iraqi parliament has asked London for explanations in this regard.

The senior Iraqi legislator further unveiled that the government in Baghdad is receiving daily reports from people and security forces in al-Anbar province on numerous flights by the US-led coalition planes that airdrop weapons and supplies for ISIL in terrorist-held areas.

The Iraqi lawmaker further noted the cause of such western aids to the terrorist group, and explained that the US prefers a chaotic situation in Anbar Province which is near the cities of Karbala and Baghdad as it does not want the ISIL crisis to come to an end.

Also in February, a senior Iraqi provincial official lashed out at the western countries and their regional allies for supporting Takfiri terrorists in Iraq, revealing that US and Israeli-made weapons have been discovered from the areas purged of ISIL terrorists.

"We have discovered weapons made in the US, European countries and Israel from the areas liberated from ISIL's control in Al-Baqdadi region," the Al-Ahad news website quoted Head of Al-Anbar Provincial Council Khalaf Tarmouz as saying.

He noted that the weapons made by the European countries and Israel were discovered from the terrorists in the Eastern parts of the city of Ramadi.

Meantime, Head of Iraqi Parliament's National Security and Defense Committee Hakem al-Zameli also disclosed that the anti-ISIL coalition's planes have dropped weapons and foodstuff for the ISIL in Salahuddin, Al-Anbar and Diyala provinces.

In January, al-Zameli underlined that  the coalition is the main cause of ISIL's survival in Iraq.

"There are proofs and evidence for the US-led coalition's military aid to ISIL terrorists through air(dropped cargoes)," he told FNA at the time.

He noted that the members of his committee have already proved that the US planes have dropped advanced weaponry, including anti-aircraft weapons, for the ISIL, and that it has set up an investigation committee to probe into the matter.

"The US drops weapons for the ISIL on the excuse of not knowing about the whereabouts of the ISIL positions and it is trying to distort the reality with its allegations.

He noted that the committee had collected the data and the evidence provided by eyewitnesses, including Iraqi army officers and the popular forces, and said, "These documents are given to the investigation committee ... and the necessary measures will be taken to protect the Iraqi airspace."

Also in January, another senior Iraqi legislator reiterated that the US-led coalition is the main cause of ISIL's survival in Iraq.

"The international coalition is only an excuse for protecting the ISIL and helping the terrorist group with equipment and weapons," Jome Divan, who is member of the al-Sadr bloc in the Iraqi parliament, said.

He said the coalition's support for the ISIL is now evident to everyone, and continued, "The coalition has not targeted ISIL's main positions in Iraq."

In Late December, Iraqi Parliamentary Security and Defense Commission MP disclosed that a US plane supplied the ISIL terrorist organization with arms and ammunition in Salahuddin province.

MP Majid al-Gharawi stated that the available information pointed out that US planes are supplying ISIL organization, not only in Salahuddin province, but also other provinces, Iraq TradeLink reported.

He added that the US and the international coalition are "not serious in fighting against the ISIL organization, because they have the technological power to determine the presence of ISIL gunmen and destroy them in one month".

Gharawi added that "the US is trying to expand the time of the war against the ISIL to get guarantees from the Iraqi government to have its bases in Mosul and Anbar provinces."

Salahuddin security commission also disclosed that "unknown planes threw arms and ammunition to the ISIL gunmen Southeast of Tikrit city".

http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940718000907

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Hezbollah Commander Killed in Syria's Idlib

TEHRAN (FNA)- A ranking Hezbollah commander was killed during the clashes in Northwestern Syria on Saturday.

Senior Hezbollah Commander Hassan Hossein al-Haj, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Eqleem, has reportedly been killed during the heavy fighting in Idlib countryside today.

Reports said the commander was accompanying the Syrian army troops in an operation to win back the town of Mansoureh in Sahl Al-Qab region near Hama province.

Idlib is the scene of heavy fighting between the Syrian and Hezbollah troops who are backed up by the Russian air force and the terrorists who have been occupying part of the province for the some long time now.

Earlier today, the Russian bombers carried out precise attacks on militants' positions and destroyed the Takfiri terrorists' operations room in Idlib.

The Russian fighter jets hit a center of the terrorists in Khan Sheikhoun region in the Southern parts of Idlib four times and destroyed a five-story building that was the militants' main base and arms depot as well.

The Russian Air Force also pounded the command center of militant groups in Idlib province today. Several militias, including senior commanders, were killed and wounded during the Russian warplanes' air raid.

The Syrian fighter jets also bombed concentration centers and hideouts of the foreign-backed Takfiri militants in Idlib countryside on Saturday, inflicting heavy losses on them.

The airstrikes hit terrorists’ positions in Khan Sheikhoun city, Tal Merei and in the towns of al-Hbeit and al-Tamanaa.

http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940718001661

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Russian Warplanes Destroy US-Trained Militants' Base in Idlib

TEHRAN (FNA)- The Russian warplanes struck a military base of a US-trained militant group in Northwest Syria over the past few hours.

The Russian fighter jets destroyed the military base of Division 13 militant group in Idlib province.

Division 13's Facebook page confirmed the strikes, and said the site has been totally taken down and many of its fighters were killed in the attack.

Division 13 is one of the many militant groups that have received military training under a US-led program to fight against President Bashar Al-Assad's government.

The Russian air force started daytime precision strikes against ISIL facilities in the region on Wednesday, September 30. The air group in Syria incorporates more than 50 planes and helicopters, including Sukhoi-24M, Sukhoi-25, and multi-functional Sukhoi-34.

Also in the past 24 hours, the Russian jets carried out 67 sorties against the ISIL targets in Syria.

"Attack aircraft from the Russian air group deployed in Syria carried out record 67 combat missions in the past 24 hours hitting a total of 60 Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant targets," Russian Air Force chief Lieutenant General Igor Makushev told journalists.

"In the past 24 hours, the Russian combat aircraft carried out 67 missions. The Sukhoi Su-34 and Su-24SM planes destroyed 60 terrorist targets," Makushev said.

The intensity and effectiveness of airstrikes by Russian air force against the ISIL targets significantly increased in the past 24 hours, inflicting heavy casualties among terrorists.

According to Deputy Chief of the Russian General Staff, Lt. Gen. Igor Makushev, the Russian Sukhoi Su-34 and Su-25SM strike aircraft destroyed six command and communication posts, six ammunition and fuel depots, 17 training camps, three underground bunkers, 16 fortified positions, a vehicle repairs facility, 17 vehicles and two multiple-launch rocket systems.

In addition, directs hits by Russian KAB-500S precision guided bombs destroyed the headquarters of the Liwa al-Haqq terrorist group.

"Radio intercepts confirm that this airstrike killed two IS(IL) high-ranking field commanders and about 200 terrorists," the general said.

Russia’s Sukhoi Su-25, Su-24M and Su-34 attack aircraft, with the support of Su-30 jets, commenced precision airstrikes against ISIL targets in Syria on September 30, following a request from Syrian President Bashar Assad.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, since the beginning of the air campaign Russian air forces have carried out about 140 strikes against terrorist positions, including command centres, training camps and ammunition depots. Russian warships in the Caspian Sea fired 26 cruise missiles on ISIL targets on Wednesday.

Elsewhere, the Syrian army backed by the Russian warplanes continued offensives on Friday to break the siege of a strategic military airport in the Eastern countryside of the city of Aleppo.

The Syrian troops, backed up by the Russian airstrikes, took full control of the village of Al-Jaboul in the nearby areas of Aleppo's Kowaires Military Airport.

The Russian warplanes launched several precision strikes on ISIL positions in Al-Jaboul village opening the path for the Syrian ground force to win back the village.

The ISIL terrorists have besieged the Kowaires airport for over 2.5 years now, but the airport itself is under the Syrian army's control.

The Syrian army's helicopters supply foodstuff and other needs to the Syrian troops defending the airport.

Meantime, military sources said that the Syria army has shot down the terrorist groups' spy drone in Beit Hleibiyeh in the Northern countryside of Lattakia.

A hostile surveillance aircraft operated by the terrorist groups was shot down by the Syrian troops as it was flying over the coastal province of Lattakia, the sources said.

The Syrian army is engaged in heavy fighting against the terrorist groups in Lattakia.

In the latest battles on Thursday, the Syrian troops inflicted heavy losses on the foreign-backed militants in the Northern parts of the province.

Also, some 12 terrorists were killed in Syrian airstrikes in the Northern countryside of Lattakia on Tuesday.

The terrorists were killed in the airstrikes in al-Farz, Salma, Ikko and Droushan in the Northern parts of the province.

Also, informed sources said that the Syrian army troops repelled the armed groups' attacks on al-Breij area in the Eastern territories of Aleppo province and killed over 50 militants.

The sources said that dozes of the militant were also wounded as a result of the army soldiers' heavy fire on the terrorist groups in al-Breij.

The sources said that there were also fierce clashes between the army and the militant groups in the vicinity of al-Nairab airport, 10 km East of Aleppo city.

Meantime, military officials said that the Syrian Armed Forces' operations in the Northern parts of the Central province of Hama against the militant groups left over 77 terrorists dead or wounded.

The sources said that 5 terrorists were killed and 12 others were injured in the Syrian army troops' operations in Kafr Zeita town, one of al-Nusra Fronts’ important strongholds in the province.

An army unit also killed 30 terrorists and destroyed 3 vehicles to the North of Tallet al-Sayad.

Elsewhere, military sources said that the Russian warplanes bombed the positions of the ISIL Takfiri terrorists in Tabaqa airbase and the town's national hospital, which was used only as the command center of the ISIL since its capture.

The sources said that the Russian Air Force carried out a dozen airstrikes against the strongholds of the ISIL in the Southern territories of Raqqa province.

The Russian fighter jets reportedly targeted the ISIL strongholds at the city of Tabaqa, where the terrorist group has turned the Tabaqa National Hospital into its central command’s headquarters.

In addition to the airstrikes over the Tabaqa National Hospital and the Tabaqa airbase, the Russian Air Force continued to attack the Al-Rusafa Camp (the ISIL's primary storage facility) and numerous targets inside the provincial capital.

Local sources said on Monday that ISIL terrorists have evacuated the Raqqa province and fled to Iraq.

"The ISIL militants, most of them from the Caucasus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Chechnya, together with their families have left Raqqa province for Iraq," a local source told FNA.

The source noted that at least 220 ISIL families have fled to Iraq, and said, "Notorious terrorists such as Abu Talheh Hejazi from Saudi Arabia and ISIL religious police chief Abu Abdullah al-Akidi are among the militants who have fled Raqqa province."

http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940718000828

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Mideast

 

Thousands Rally To Mourn Ankara Bombing Victims

11 Oct 2015

Thousands of people have attended a rally in Ankara under heavy security to remember the at least 95 people killed in twin bombings in the Turkish capital.

The demonstrators on Sunday filled Sihhiye Square in central Ankara, close to the site of Saturday's blasts outside the city's train station, with some shouting anti-government slogans.

The rally was called by labour unions, leftist groups, NGOs and the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) - the same groups that had called the peace rally targeted in Saturday's attack.

Two senior officials told Reuters news agency that initial signs pointed to Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) responsibility in the Ankara bombings.

However, several demonstrators blamed President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for the attack, shouting "Erdogan murderer", "Government resign", and "The state will give account".

The government has ridiculed suggestions it could be implicated in the bombings.

President Erdogan denounced what he called a "heinous attack" targeting "our unity and our country's peace".

Declaring three days of mourning on Saturday, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said there were "strong signs" the attack was carried out by two suicide bombers.

Davutoglu said no one had claimed responsibility for the bombings, but that groups, including the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the far-left Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C) were capable of carrying out such an attack.

Scores killed at the centre of the Turkish capital

International condemnation of the bloodshed was swift. German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed "sadness and dismay" over the attacks, while US President Barack Obama and Russia's Vladimir Putin offered their condolences to Erdogan. Russian President Vladimir Putin said the attack was an "impudent act of terrorism".

Amateur footage filmed moments before the blasts and broadcast on local NTV television showed smiling activists holding hands and dancing before suddenly falling to the ground as a huge explosion went off behind them.

Turkey has experienced an upsurge in unrest in recent months, which began after over 30 people were killed in the predominantly Kurdish town of Suruc on July 20 in an attack on pro-HDP activists that was blamed on ISIL.

The outlawed PKK accused Ankara of collaborating with ISIL and resumed attacks on the security forces after observing a two-year ceasefire.

Over 140 members of the security forces have since been killed, while Ankara claims to have killed more than 1,700 Kurdish fighters in weeks of bombardments of PKK targets in southeast Turkey and northern Iraq.

The PKK, which took up arms in 1984 demanding an independent state for Kurds, on Saturday, announced it would suspend all offensive operations against Turkish forces ahead of the polls.

The HDP performed strongly in the last election in June, winning 80 seats in parliament to deprive Erdogan's ruling Justice and Development Party (AK party) of an outright majority for the first time since it came to power in 2002.

The AK party then failed to form a coalition in months of talks, prompting Erdogan - who had been hoping for a large majority to push through reforms to boost his powers - to call for fresh polls on November 1.

Turkish players observe a minute of silence for the victims of Ankara bombing prior to their Euro 2016 group-A qualification football match against Czech Republic in Prague [Reuters]

Source: Al Jazeera and agencies

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/10/thousands-rally-mourn-ankara-bombing-victims-151011103242225.html

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Turkish Air Force Bombs PKK Targets despite Ceasefire

11 Oct 2015

The Turkish army has carried out air strikes on Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) targets in southeastern Turkey and northern Iraq, the army said.

Air raid came on Sunday, a day after the group unilaterally told its fighters to halt attacks in Turkey.

Turkish military claimed to have destroyed PKK shelters and gun positions on Sunday during its raids in the Metina and Zap areas of northern Iraq.

Fourteen PKK fighters were killed on Saturday in air strikes in the Lice area of southeast Turkey, the army said.

PKK was founded in 1978 and took up arms in 1984 initially to fight for an independent Kurdish state in southeastern Turkey and later for political and cultural autonomy.

More than 40,000 people have died in the conflict between the government and the banned paramilitary party with Marxist origins.

PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan has been in prison since 1999 and is being held on the island of Imrali.

The Turkish government, the European Union and the United States have designated the PKK and related groups as "terrorist organisations".

'Fighter jet harassed'

The Turkish military said on Sunday, Syrian fighter jets and missile systems harassed Turkish F-16 warplanes near the Turkish-Syrian border, once again bringing the conflict to NATO's southeastern flank.

The three jets were among 12 F-16s patrolling the border when they were interfered with for two minutes by Syria-based missile systems.

They were also harassed for 35 seconds by two SU-22 and one SU-24 planes, the general staff statement said.

Last weekend, Turkey reported two incursions by Russian fighter jets into its airspace and said an MIG-29 fighter and Syria-based missile systems also "interfered" with its air force patrols in developments described by NATO as "extremely dangerous" and "unacceptable".

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/10/turkish-air-force-bombs-pkk-targets-ceasefire-151011095507152.html

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Israel accused of 'deliberately killing' protesters

11 Oct 2015

Human rights Watch was "strongly concerned" by Israel's "indiscriminate and even deliberate use fire" on demonstrators [AP]

Israel's government is facing serious questions over its use of force in the latest outbreak of violence with protesters after a number of videos appeared online showing soldiers shooting at Palestinians.

Amnesty International told Al Jazeera on Sunday that some of the recorded incidents amounted to "extrajudicial killings", while Human rights Watch was "strongly concerned" by Israel's "indiscriminate and even deliberate" use of fire on demonstrators.

Pregnant Palestinian and child die in Israeli air raid

"These are extrajudicial killings against unarmed civilians," Mariam Farah, the spokesperson for Amnesty International in Israel, said.

On Friday, a video emerged showing a number of Israeli soldiers surrounding a young Palestinian woman allegedly holding a knife before they shot her with live bullets multiple times. Israa Ayed, 29, was critically injured.

Palestinian teenager Fadi Alloun was shot and killed last week. He was running away after he allegedly tried to stab an Israeli. His family denies he tried to hurt anyone.

"There is no proof whatsoever that Israa was holding a knife. The same goes for Alloun. They did not appear to have posed enough threat to the soldiers to use deliberate lethal force [on them]," Amnesty's Farah told Al Jazeera.

Since the beginning of the latest wave of violence in East Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank, 23 Palestinians were killed and 1,991 injured by Israeli security forces, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

On the Israeli side, four Israelis were stabbed to death by Palestinians, while 63 others were injured.

'Violating international law'

Human Rights Watch told Al Jazeera the sheer number of cases of injuries among the Palestinians "raises concerns that Israeli forces are violating international law".

The US-based organisation said one of its staff members was injured by Israeli fire on Tuesday while she was observing a demonstration near a checkpoint outside Ramallah.

"The demonstration at that time was peaceful. There was no apparent threat to Israeli soldiers or anybody else frankly," Sari Bashi, the Israel-Palestine Director of Human Rights Watch, told Al Jazeera.

"We have very strong concerns about excessive use of force and very strong concerns about the indiscriminate and even deliberate fire on crowds of demonstrators," she said.

On September 22, a young Palestinian woman died of her wounds after being shot by Israeli troops at a checkpoint in the West Bank.

The Israeli army said that 19-year-old Hadeel Salah al-Hashlamon attempted to stab a soldier, who in turn fired live ammunition at her "lower extremities".

But a video emerged later showing that al-Hashlamon was shot several times, including in the chest, and raised questions over whether she was actually armed with a knife.

Amnesty International said the death of al-Hashlamon was one in "a long line of unlawful killings carried out by the Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank with near total impunity".

The recent violence has been triggered by recent visits by Jewish groups, including politicians, to the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem, one of Islam's holiest sites.

Palestinians fear that Israeli hardliners are trying to take control of the site.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted Israel is committed to maintaining the status-quo and has banned his ministers from visiting the site.

Under the current arrangements, Jews are allowed to visit the site but non-Muslim prayer is banned.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/10/israel-accused-deliberately-killing-protesters-151011103555813.html

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Turkey bomb blasts: Islamic State and 'far-left militants' emerge as suspects

Sunday 11 October 2015

Turkish investigators have so far failed to identify the perpetrators of a terrorist attack on a pro-Kurdish peace rally in the capital city, which killed nearly 100 people and injured scores more.

Twin explosions thought to have been triggered by suicide bombers targeted the march, near Ankara’s main train station, on Saturday morning. The resulting death toll made it the deadliest attack in Turkish history and has sparked three days of national mourning.

The attack, which is believed to have killed mainly pro-Kurdish and labour activists, came three weeks before elections and fuels unease in a country beset by conflict between state forces and Kurdish militants in the south-east.

“We are in mourning for peace,” said the front-page headline in the secularist Cumhuriyet newspaper as three days of national mourning declared by the prime minister got under way. Other papers voiced public anger over the attack.

“Scum attacked in Ankara,” said the Haberturk newspaper. “The goal is to divide the nation,” said the pro-government Star.

One of the bombers had been identified as a male aged 25-30 after analysing bodies at the scene and taking fingerprints, the pro-government Yeni Safak said.

There were no claims of responsibility for the attack, which came as external threats mount for Nato member Turkey with increased fighting across its border with Syria and incursions by Russian warplanes on its air space over the last week.

The Turkish prime minister, Ahmet Davutoglu, exposing a mosaic of domestic political perils, said Islamic State, Kurdish or far-leftist militants could have carried out the bombing. Experts have said it is unlikely left-wing groups would be behind the attack.

Davutoglu’s office named 52 of the victims overnight and said autopsies were continuing. It said 246 wounded people were still being treated, 48 of them in intensive care. “The necessary work is being conducted to identify those behind the attack and quickly bring them to justice,” the statement said.

Relatives and friends of the casualties waited anxiously on Sunday morning outside the hospitals where the wounded were being treated.

The two blasts happened seconds apart on Saturday morning as crowds, including pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic party (HDP) activists, leftists, labour unions and other civic groups, gathered for a march to protest over the deaths of hundreds since conflict resumed between security forces and the Kurdistan Workers party (PKK) in the mainly Kurdish south-east.

Hours after the bombing, the PKK as widely expected beforehand ordered its fighters to halt operations in Turkey unless they faced attack. It said it would avoid acts that could hinder a “fair and just election” on 1 November.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/11/turkey-bomb-blasts-ankara-mourning-scores-killed

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World Bank, Islamic Development Bank Ready to Aid Middle East

10.10.2015

The World Bank President Jim Yong Kim said that WB Group and the Islamic Development Bank Group are ready to provide bonds to increase financing for the Middle East and North African countries.

LIMA (Sputnik), Liudmila Chernova – The World Bank (WB) Group and the Islamic Development Bank Group (IDBG) are ready to provide bonds to increase financing for the Middle East and North African (MENA) countries recovering from war or coping with refugees, WB President Jim Yong Kim said Saturday.

"In support of recovery and reconstruction efforts in the Middle East and North Africa, the World Bank Group is prepared to issue bonds, backed by donor guarantees, in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank Group, which is prepared to issue Sukuk [Islamic equivalent of bonds]," Kim said at the MENA Stakeholders Event in Peru.

Kim noted that the proceeds from the bonds would be used by participating international and regional financial institutions to fund recovery and reconstruction.

The proposal is part of the newly announced initiative by the United Nations, WBG, and IDBG.

The second part of the initiative proposes establishing a concessional financing mechanism to support the countries accepting the refugees.

Earlier in October, the WBG announced a new strategy for the MENA region aimed at promoting "economic and social inclusion to contribute to peace and stability in the region" by addressing causes of conflict and violence and the needs of those affected.

Europe is currently struggling to cope with a massive refugee crisis, as hundreds of thousands of people free war-torn regions in the Middle East and North Africa, seeking asylum in the EU bloc.

Over 500,000 migrants have arrived in the European Union since the beginning of 2015, according to European Commission estimates.

http://sputniknews.com/world/20151010/1028329607.html#ixzz3oFVzrxjn

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Iran Military Expert: Syrian Army's Elite Force on Verge of New Victories in Northern Front

TEHRAN (FNA)- A prominent military expert said on Saturday that the newly-formed Fourth Corps of the Syrian Army will soon earn new gains in the Northern parts of the country.

"The formation of the Syrian Army's Fourth Corps will result in deep penetration into the Northern areas and collapse of the terrorist groups," Issa al-Zaher told FNA on Saturday.

He said the Fourth Corps comprises the Syrian army's elite forces who are well-experienced in combat under different geographical and climatic conditions, and they are familiar with different kinds of war tactics.

Zaher said that the newly-formed corps of the Syrian army has between 60,000 to 100,000 troops with different expertise.

"The Syrian army's artillery and missile attacks on the terrorists' positions in Northern Syria showed that the terrorists have completely lost their power," he added, the elite force is about to earn major victories in the Northern front in the coming days.

Last week, Senior Political Analyst Ali Maqsoud said the army was preparing for massive and decisive operations in the Northern parts of Syria following the Russians' recent logistical backups

"Blizzard military operations which will be of decisive importance will soon start in Idlib, Jisr al-Shughour and Aleppo in the North," Maqsoud told FNA.

He noted that the army plans to destroy the enemy convoys that are on the move from Damascus to Homs and from there to Lattakia, Idlib and Hama in the operations.

Maqsoud, meantime, said the terrorist groups might increase their attacks on the Syrian army in the next few days as well, "but underlined that the US and Israeli plots are being defused in the region rapidly, and efforts to uproot terrorism in Syria have started".

http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940718001486

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Army Commander Vows to Crush Terrorists after Death of Iranian General in Syria

TEHRAN (FNA)- Commander of the Iranian Army Ground Force General Ahmad Reza Pourdastan said the death of IRGC Commander Brigadier General Hossein Hamadani in Syria will make Tehran more resolute to put an end the war of militancy in Syria.

"The martyrdom of Brigadier General Hamadani reinvigorates our determination to continue his path and take a harsh and strong revenge from the terrorists and their supporters," Brigadier General Pourdastan said in his message.

The Iranian Army Ground Force commander further extended his condolences to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and the family of Brigadier General Hamadani.

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps in a statement on Friday announced that the IRGC war veteran commander had been killed in Northern Syria, while providing military counseling services to the Syrian forces in their fight against the Takfiri terrorists.

Brigadier General Hamadani was martyred during an attack by the ISIL Takfiri terrorists in the outskirts of the city of Aleppo while fulfilling his duty as military advisor and defending the holy Shiite shrines in the country, said the statement.

Brigadier General Hamadani was in Syria to render military advice to the Syrian army and popular forces in their fight against the ISIL terrorists in the Arab country

http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940718000505

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Iranian Minister warns against conspiracies to stir sectarianism in Islamic world

Tehran Times Political Desk

TEHRAN - Intelligence Minister Hojjatoleslam Mahmoud Alavi has cautioned against the conspiracy of the enemies to stir up sectarianism in the Muslim world.

Alavi made the remarks in a conference on tribal unity held in the south-eastern city of Shushtar on Saturday, IRNA reported.

He said that unity among Muslims is essential for the Muslim world and all should follow the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei who has often stressed Muslim unity.

Alavi cautioned against enemies’ plots to discriminate Muslims based on being Shia or Sunni, Arab or non-Arab, Kurd or Turk, noting that what matters in Islam is not ethnicity but piety.

“These are devilish schemes and the devils of today are America and Zionism,” the intelligence minister said.

http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=249982

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Iran tests new precision-guided ballistic missile

Reuters | Oct 11, 2015

DUBAI: Iran successfully tested a new precision-guided ballistic missile, defence minister Hossein Dehghan was quoted as saying on Sunday, signalling an apparent advance in Tehran's attempts to improve the accuracy of its missile battery.

"The Emad missile is able to strike targets with a high level of precision and completely destroy them," state news agency IRNA quoted Dehghan as saying.

Anthony Cordesman, a researcher at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, wrote in January that the Emad would have a range of 1,700km (1,060 miles), 500 metres accuracy and a 750kg (1,653 pound) payload.

It is a variant of the liquid-fuelled Shahab-3 missile, in service since 2003, which has a similar range but is accurate only to within 2,000 metres.

"The Emad represents a major leap in terms of accuracy. It has an advanced guidance and control system in its nose cone," Israeli missile expert Uzi Rubin said.

Dehghan said the new weapon would be deployed to missile units in the "near future".

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Iran-tests-new-precision-guided-ballistic-missile/articleshow/49309645.cms

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Pakistan

 

Pakistan: At Least 22 Suspected Terrorists Killed In NWA Air Strikes

MATEEN HAIDER | ALI AKBAR

ISLAMABAD: At least 22 terrorists were killed in military airstrikes carried out in North Waziristan tribal region late on Saturday night, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations.

Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets carried out aerial strikes close to Pak-Afghan border ahead of Datta Khel killing 22 terrorists, a spokesman for the ISPR said in a statement.

It added that six militant hideouts were also destroyed as a result of strikes.

The military said that the air strikes were carried night after credible intelligence reports were received regarding the presence of terrorists in the vicinity.

The details could not be independently verified as access to journalists is severely restricted in the region.

The strikes came as part of Zarb-i-Azb, a grand operation in the North Waziristan tribal region, which was launched after a Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) attack on the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi in June 2014.

Since the beginning of Zarb-i-Azb, militants have fled to other tribal regions, including Khyber and its Tirah Valley and Shawal, all of which border Afghanistan.

http://www.dawn.com/news/1212380/at-least-22-suspected-terrorists-killed-in-nwa-air-strikes

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Terrorist attacks in Pakistan being executed from Afghanistan: Nisar

October 11, 2015

QUETTA: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Saturday said the Afghan leadership should not speak in the language of Pakistan’s enemies. Addressing a press conference in Quetta, the interior minister said terrorist acts inside Pakistan were being planned and executed from Afghanistan, of which Pakistan had proofs. “If international forces based in Afghanistan could not end terrorism, what can Pakistan do? Pakistan is not Afghanistan’s watchman.” The interior minister said heinous terrorist attacks, including the Army Public School massacre, were planned in Afghanistan and that Pakistan had solid evidence to back its claim. When asked about the prevailing tension between the two countries, Nisar said, “The tension is unilateral. We are a responsible government, and soon after the army school attack, the army chief visited Kabul and shared information with the Afghan leadership.” Responding to a question, the interior minister said there was solid proof of foreign intervention in Balochistan. “For the first time, evidence of foreign intervention from Afghanistan, in Balochistan, FATA, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was shared with the United Nations. Our permanent representative Maleeha Lodhi shared information of intervention with the UN,” he said, adding that more sensitive information would be share with other countries as well.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/11-Oct-2015/terrorist-attacks-in-pakistan-being-executed-from-afghanistan-nisar

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Pakistan working for revival of Afghan peace talks: Nawaz

October 11, 2015

LAHORE: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday said he was trying to revive peace talks between Afghanistan government and Taliban, after the latest round of talks was derailed by untimely news of the death of Taliban leader Mullah Omar.

Islamabad organised the first set of direct dialogue between the Taliban and the Afghan government in July, but another round was abandoned after the announcement of Taliban chief Mullah Omar’s death. “We are now trying to resume the (peace) process and pray to God to crown our efforts with success,” Nawaz said in televised remarks to the media in Lahore. “The news of Mullah Omar should not have been broken just before the start of the second round of talks. I don’t know who broke this news and why it was done so just two days before the start of the second round, is still a mystery,” he said.

Nawaz said ties with India should be improved through dialogue and that a solution for Kashmir dispute should be found and implemented as soon as possible.

“We are neighbours and should live like good neighbours, while taking into consideration the feelings of Kashmiris,” he said.

Presiding over a meeting at the Governor’s House, Nawaz said, “I told the UN that it was Security Council’s order to find solution which they should now make sure is implemented,” he said, adding, “I also gave proposals of how to improve relations with India.”

Responding to a question, he said the government had consensus with the political leadership on all important issues like Zarb-e-Azb operation, China-Pak Economic Corridor project, National Action Plan (NAP) and others. He said, “If one party wanted to do the politics of agitation and sit-ins, so what could be done. They must stop playing negative role in the larger interest of country.”

He said the judicial commission was formed in the larger interest of the country and to end the politics of agitation, but, unfortunately, things had not changed after report of the commission.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/11-Oct-2015/pakistan-working-for-revival-of-afghan-peace-talks-nawaz

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Pakistan recieved $265mn from US to boost terror fight

IANS | Oct 11, 2015

ISLAMABAD: The US has given Pakistan $265 million during the current fiscal year under Foreign Military Financing (FMF) for capacity enhancement in counter terrorism and counter-insurgency, revealed a US state department report.

The fund improves Pakistan's ability to conduct counter-insurgency operations, particularly in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and enhances the country's ability to participate in maritime security operations and counter maritime piracy.

"Pakistan has cooperated with the US in counter terrorism efforts and since 2001, has captured more than 600 Al-Qaeda members and their allies, and the US maintains a strong security partnership with Pakistan," reports Dawn citing the report released by the US state department.

The report comes as Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is due to visit the US later this month, starting from Oct 21.

The report added that the US also gave Pakistan $5 million in the current fiscal year under the International Military Education and Training (IMET) assistance.

US is also Pakistan's largest bilateral trading partner, according to the report.

During the current fiscal year, $18.72 billion was remitted back to Pakistan from overseas Pakistanis, of which 14.4 per cent was remitted back from the US.

Pakistan has taken steps over the years to liberalise its trade and investment regimes, either unilaterally or in the context of commitments made with the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank, said the report released by the state department.

Furthermore, major US investments are concentrated in fast-moving consumer goods, construction, chemicals, energy, transportation, and communications, stated the report.

In January 2015, the US pledged $250 million to help Pakistan facilitate the relief, reconstruction, and return of FATA communities displaced by counter terrorism operations.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/Pakistan-recieved-265mn-from-US-to-boost-terror-fight/articleshow/49307130.cms

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PML-N accused of using Kalabagh dam issue as ‘political slogan’

THE NEWSPAPER'S STAFF REPORTER — UPDATED ABOUT 4 HOURS AGO

ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervez Khattak has accused the ruling PML-N of using the Kalabagh Dam issue only as a political slogan.

Addressing a news conference here on Saturday, the chief minister said he had serious reservations over the Kalabagh Dam project but would have no objection to its construction if all the provinces agreed on it.

He called for the setting up of a commission on the Kalabagh Dam project, though he did not specify the nature of such a body.

Mr Khattak expressed surprise over the allegations hurled by PML-N leaders that the PTI-led government in KP had wasted billions of rupees of the Hydel Development Funds (HDF) by investing them in the stock market.

He said that the previous MMA government had invested Rs500 million from the Pension Fund, and not the HDF, in the stock market in 2005, adding that his government had recovered half of that amount and the rest would be withdrawn soon.

Mr Khattak said his government had already served a legal notice on PML-N MNAs Daniyal Aziz, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Maiza Hameed for levelling “false allegations” against him. He also rejected the allegations that his government was not working on electricity projects and provided details of the projects currently under way in KP.

The CM alleged that the federal government was not ready to honour the MoU reached between him and some federal ministers earlier this year under which the Centre was to pay Rs18bn to KP from over Rs100bn net hydropower profit arrears.

He claimed that the Centre was selling electricity at a rate of Rs12 per unit after buying it at Rs4 from the province.

http://www.dawn.com/news/1212314/pml-n-accused-of-using-kalabagh-dam-issue-as-political-slogan

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South Asia

 

Taliban Claims Responsibility for Kabul Blast

Oct 11, 2015

KABUL: A Taliban suicide bomber targeted a NATO convoy in downtown Kabul on Sunday, triggering a powerful explosion in a rush-hour attack that comes just days after the resurgent militant group overran a key northern city.

No casualties were immediately reported from the bombing, which sent a thick plume of smoke rising into the sky, as the Taliban ramp up attacks on government and foreign targets.

Security officials cordoned off the area as ambulances with wailing sirens rushed to the scene, which was littered with the mangled wreckage of vehicles, according to an AFP photographer.

"The explosion occurred in the Joy Shir area of Kabul city. It was a suicide attack targeting a foreign forces convoy," Kabul police spokesman Ebadullah Karimi told AFP.

Interior ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said there was no word so far on any casualties.

A Nato spokesman in Kabul confirmed that their convoy came under attack but said the international coalition was still gathering further information.

Kabul blast scene. (Twitter photo: @haidarsumeri)

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP they were behind the bombing.

"A convoy of foreign forces came under martyrdom attack by our mujahideen in Joy Shir area of Kabul city. Two of their vehicles were damaged and all aboard the vehicles were killed," he said.

The Taliban, toppled from power in a 2001 US-led invasion of Afghanistan, are known to exaggerate battlefield claims.

The emboldened insurgents have stepped up attacks around Afghanistan since they launched their annual summer offensive in late April.

The militants captured northern Kunduz city in late September, their most spectacular victory since 2001.

The capture of the provincial capital for three days marked a stinging blow for Western-trained Afghan forces, who have largely been fighting on their own since the end of Nato's combat mission in December.

As fighting spreads in neighbouring Badakhshan, Takhar and Baghlan provinces, concerns are mounting that the seizure of Kunduz was merely the opening gambit in a new, bolder strategy to tighten the insurgency's grip across northern Afghanistan.

Most Nato combat troops pulled out of Afghanistan last year but a small contingent focused on training and counter-terrorism operations remains, including roughly 10,000 American soldiers.

Security officials inspect the blast site. (Twitter photo: @TOLOnews)

Nato forces are themselves under fire after a US air strike recently pummelled a hospital in Kunduz run by Doctors Without Borders (MSF).

The medical charity shut down the trauma centre, branding the incident a war crime and demanding an international investigation into the incident, which sparked an avalanche of global condemnation.

President Barack Obama has apologized over the strike, with three different investigations — led by Nato, US forces and Afghan officials — currently under way.

The Pentagon announced Saturday it would make compensation payments to those killed and injured in the strike.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Taliban-claims-responsibility-for-Kabul-blast/articleshow/49308924.cms

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Around 100,000 people internally displaced in Kundoz because of violence

By ZABIHULLAH MOOSAKHAIL - Sun Oct 11 2015

Minister of Refugees and Repatriation said during a press conference on Sunday that around 100,000 people have been internally displaced because of the situation in Kundoz.

Sayed Hussain Alimi Balkhi told reporters that around 20,000 families have left their homes in Kundoz and if each family has five members on average it is 100,000 thousand people.

He said these people fled violence in their province to Balkh, Baghlan, Sar-e-Pul, Kabul and a few other provinces.

Balkhi further said that survey teams have been collecting information about those who have arrived in Kabul in order to assist them.

Minister Balkhi also provided information regarding his participation in UNHCR’s 66th meeting of the Executive Committee where member states pledged support for creating the conditions necessary for Afghan refugees to return to their country.

He said that Afghanistan’s issue was discussed in the meeting for two days where representatives from the United States, Europe, Africa, Pakistan, Iran and others agreed that Afghan refugees still need assistance.

European countries were urged to accept Afghan refugees who have arrived in Europe this year, Balkhi said, adding that a number of them might be accepted but it is also expected that some of them may not be accepted.

http://www.khaama.com/around-100000-people-internally-displaced-in-kundoz-because-of-violence-3975

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US to compensate victims of Kundoz hospital bombing with “condolence payments”

By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun Oct 11 2015

Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook on Saturday announced compensation of “condolence payments” to the wounded victims and the families of 22 people killed in a US airstrike that hit a hospital of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in northern Kundoz province.

Peter said in a statement that the compensation will be handled through the existing Commanders’ Emergency Response Program in Afghanistan, and if necessary additional authority will be sought from Congress.

“If necessary and appropriate, the administration will seek additional authority from the Congress,” he said, adding that the payments will go to “civilian non-combatants injured and the families of civilian non-combatants killed as a result of U.S. military operations.”

Earlier this week, President Obamba apologized to the head of the Doctors Without Borders after NATO and U.S. forces commander in Afghanistan said that the airstrike was a mistake.

In his testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee last week, Gen. John Campbell said that the decision to conduct the airstrike was made within the US chain of command.

“To be clear, the decision to provide aerial fires was a US decision made within the US chain of command,” he said, adding that “A hospital was mistakenly struck. We would never intentionally target a protected medical facility.”

Including 12 staffers of MSF, 22 people were killed and 37 others wounded in the airstrike.

http://www.khaama.com/us-to-compensate-victims-of-kundoz-hospital-bombing-with-condolence-payments-3978

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Six foreigners among 15 suspects detained in Nangarhar

By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun Oct 11 2015

Nangarhar-PHQSecurity forces have detained 15 suspects during separate security operations in eastern Nangarhar province, an official reported on Saturday.

A statement released by the Colonel Hazrat Hussain Mashriqiwal states that six suspects were arrested from the jurisdiction of Nazyan District, five from Kot and two others from Haska Mina District.

Including six foreigners, all of the arrested suspects are under further investigation.

Nazyan, Kot and Haska Mina are among the districts of Nangarhar which are witnessing severe insecurity from past few months.

Both Taliban and Daesh militant groups are operating in these areas.

Another report from Nangarhar province suggests that two loud explosions were heard in its capital Jalalabad city last night.

One explosion took place in front of Killid Radio and another in front of Safa Radio which luckily did not have casualties.

No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the explosions.

http://www.khaama.com/six-foreigners-including-15-suspects-detained-in-nangarhar-3978?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+khaama+%28KHAAMA+PRESS+%7C+Afghan+Online+Newspaper+%26+Magazine%29

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Former Haqqani commander survives bomb blast in Khost

By KHAAMA PRESS - Sat Oct 10 2015

A former commander of the Haqqani Terrorist Network narrowly survived a bomb attack in Khost province on Saturday.

The bomb was placed in a vehicle parked along the roadside in Khost city and went off when Mawlawi Mohammad Sardar Zadran was going through the area in his vehicle.

Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the police HQ of Khost confirmed the blast that took place around 12 pm today.

CID officer Gul Dad Mandozai said that Zadran survived the explosion, but one of his body guards sustained injuries and his vehicle slightly damaged.

Mawlawi Zadran had separated ways with Haqqani Network and joined government through the reconciliation process about 12 years ago.

He is currently leading a Shura ‘council’ of former Mujahideen in Khost province.

No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

http://www.khaama.com/former-haqqani-commander-survives-bomb-blast-in-khost-3975?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+khaama+%28KHAAMA+PRESS+%7C+Afghan+Online+Newspaper+%26+Magazine%29

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U.S. Embassy warns possible complex attack against UN facilities in Kabul

By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun Oct 11 2015

The U.S. Embassy on Sunday warned a possible complex attack against the United Nations HQ or possibly other United Nations facilities in Kabul City.

“U.S. Embassy Kabul has received reports that as of early October 2015, militants were planning to conduct a complex attack using a vehicle borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) and suicide bombers against the United Nations Headquarters or possibly other United Nations facilities in Kabul City, Kabul Province, Afghanistan on or about 12 October 2015. U.S citizens are advised to avoid these areas.” A statement released by the U.S. Embassy in Kabul states.

The embassy has repeated its emergency call to its citizens to avoid visiting Afghanistan and those currently residing in the country to consider departing.

“In accordance with the Travel Warning for Afghanistan, the Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against travel to Afghanistan.  The security situation in Afghanistan is extremely unstable, and the threat to all U.S. citizens in Afghanistan remains critical. U.S. citizens currently visiting or residing in Afghanistan may wish to consider departing.  The Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens who decide to remain in Afghanistan to review your personal security plans, take appropriate steps to enhance your personal safety, remain aware of your surroundings, monitor local media for updates, and maintain a high level of vigilance.”

The warning comes as an explosion targeted the convoy of foreign forces in Joy Shir area of Kabul city on Sunday morning.

http://www.khaama.com/u-s-embassy-warns-possible-complex-attack-against-un-facilities-in-kabul-3974

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Europe

 

Russian Warplanes Destroy Terrorists' Operations Room in Idlib

TEHRAN (FNA)- The Russian bombers carried out precise attacks on militants' positions in North-western Syria, and destroyed the Takfiri terrorists' operations room in the province of Idlib.

The Russian fighter jets hit the gathering centre of the terrorists in Khan Sheikhoun region in the Southern parts of Idlib four times and destroyed a five-story building that was the militants' main base and arms depot.

A number of tanks and armoured vehicles of the terrorists were also destroyed during the Russian airstrikes.

On Friday, Russian Air Force chief Lieutenant General Igor Makushev told journalists that the Russian jets carried out 67 sorties against ISIL targets in Syria in the past 24 hours.

Attack aircraft from the Russian air group deployed in Syria carried out record 67 combat missions in the past 24 hours hitting a total of 60 Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant targets, the Russian General Staff said Friday, the Russian media reported.

"In the past 24 hours, the Russian combat aircraft carried out 67 missions. The Sukhoi Su-34 and Su-24SM planes destroyed 60 terrorist targets," Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Lt. Gen. Igor Makushev told reporters in Moscow, Sputnik reported.

The intensity and effectiveness of airstrikes by Russian air force against the ISIL targets significantly increased in the past 24 hours, inflicting heavy casualties among terrorists.

According to Deputy Chief of the Russian General Staff, Lt. Gen. Igor Makushev, the Russian Sukhoi Su-34 and Su-25SM strike aircraft destroyed six command and communication posts, six ammunition and fuel depots, 17 training camps, three underground bunkers, 16 fortified positions, a vehicle repairs facility, 17 vehicles and two multiple-launch rocket systems.

In addition, directs hits by Russian KAB-500S precision guided bombs destroyed the headquarters of the Liwa al-Haqq terrorist group.

"Radio intercepts confirm that this airstrike killed two IS(IL) high-ranking field commanders and about 200 terrorists," the general said.

Russia’s Sukhoi Su-25, Su-24M and Su-34 attack aircraft, with the support of Su-30 jets, commenced precision airstrikes against ISIL targets in Syria on September 30, following a request from Syrian President Bashar Assad.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, since the beginning of the air campaign Russian air forces have carried out about 140 strikes against terrorist positions, including command centers, training camps and ammunition depots. Russian warships in the Caspian Sea fired 26 cruise missiles on ISIL targets on Wednesday.

http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940718000658

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British ex-Guantanamo Bay detainee 'joins Islamic State in Syria'

By SELINA SYKES

Sat, Oct 10, 2015

Muslim convert Jamal al Harith was freed from the US detention centre in Cuba in 2004 after the Government lobbied for his release.

But the 48-year-old is said to have joined ISIS fighters in Syria 18 months ago, according to Channel 4 News.

Manchester-born al Harith was imprisoned in Guantanamo because he had spent time in a Taliban prison in Afghanistan and was thought to have knowledge of taliban interrogation techniques.

Home Affairs Select Committee chairman Keith Vaz said he would be asking for an explanation from Home Secretary Theresa May.

Mr Vaz said: "Whether or not this was known to the authorities we will have to find out, but it is extraordinary that this happened to him after the assurances that had been given both by the British government and others about why he should be released from Guantanamo Bay.

He added: "Of course I will have to write to the Home Secretary because the committee has a very keen interest in these matters and we need to know how this journey happened without the British authorities being aware of it."

Al Harith was born Ronald Fiddler, before converting to Islam in the 1990s and changing his name.

He has insisted he tried to enter Iran when the US invaded neighbouring Afghanistan, but was captured and imprisoned by the Taliban on suspicion of being a UK spy.

The US forces took over the jail a few months later and sent al Harith to Guantanamo.

The Home Office said it does not comment on individual cases.

A Home Office spokeswoman said: "The UK advises against all travel to Syria and parts of Iraq. Anyone who does travel to these areas, for whatever reason, is putting themselves in considerable danger.

"Those who travel abroad in order to participate in conflicts may be committing criminal or terrorism offences and could face prosecution when they return to the UK.

"A decision on whether to prosecute will be taken by the police and Crown Prosecution Service on a case by case basis."

http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/611148/ISIS-Guantanamo-Bay-Syria-Islamic-State

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North America

 

US Muslim Leaders Brace For Protests with Potentially Armed Demonstrators

Sun Oct 11 2015

Communities across the US worry over a gathering storm this weekend dubbed the Global Rally for Humanity: ‘There is so much misunderstanding’

Muslim leaders of mosques in some 20 cities in the US, including Phoenix and Oklahoma City, are preparing for anti-Islam demonstrations scheduled for Friday and Saturday by a loose group of potentially armed rightwing protesters.

Various Facebook pages are promoting the protests and calling on followers to go to any mosque, Muslim establishment or Islamic organization and voice their opinion on Saturday, 10 October.

“We are not cancelling our prayer services for Friday and Saturday but we will have Phoenix police officers here in case the protestors get violent, especially because we have been hearing that some of the protestors will be armed,” said Usama Shami, the president of the Islamic Community Center of Phoenix (ICCP), the largest mosque in Phoenix that hosts more than 800 people for Friday prayers.

Phoenix police confirmed that they would have a presence at the event, with the caveat that it is legal in Arizona to openly carry guns.

Among the groups organizing the events, dubbed the Global Rally for Humanity, are the Oath Keepers, a group that advocates for open carry of guns and has been described as a “fiercely anti-government, militaristic group” by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Zainab Chaudry, outreach manager of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (Cair) in Maryland and a key organizer of the community alert to the mosques all over the US, said “this is one of the most massive anti-Islam protests in recent history ... even in post-9/11 we didn’t see the kind of Islamophobia that we see now”.

Chaudry attributed the increasing anti-Islamic sentiment to widespread misrepresentation of the religion by Isis and Boko Haram, two extremist groups, as well as recent discriminatory comments made by Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson. She said that Cair representatives and Muslim leaders have been communicating with officials at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the FBI and local police departments about the protests, and that officials are aware of the widespread threat of the demonstrations.

“Unfortunately, seeing protests outside the mosque has become routine for us, but what is different with these protesters is that they may be armed,” said Imad Enchassi, the imam, or religious leader, of the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City.

Enchassi says that his mosque already has fences, security cameras and other security measures in place because he doesn’t want to take any chances of protesters getting into the mosque.

“We have been advised by law enforcement not to engage the protesters and invite them into the mosque. During past protests we have invited protesters in and offered them juice and pizza,” Enchassi said.

Although about 20 mosques and Islamic centers have been identified in social media posts, it is unclear how many demonstrations will take place and whether they will be attended by more than just a handful of people.

According to one Facebook page, a rally in Corpus Christi is being organized to counter the Nation of Islam’s “Million Man March” in Washington on Saturday. At least one at a Dallas-area mosque is expected to have protesters there.

“We really don’t know whether some or all of these will materialize. This is a small group of armed extremists,” said Ibrahim Hooper, a national spokesperson for Cair. “A number of [events] have been cancelled or consolidated based on lack of support.”

Still, community leaders and activists are approaching the weekend with caution amid what they describe as a climate of growing hostility.

“[The rallies are] symptomatic of the tremendous rise of Islamophobia in our nation and its apparent endorsement by some of our national leaders,” said Hooper, referring to Carson and fellow Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump. (Trump failed to correct an audience member at a campaign event last month who described Barack Obama as a Muslim.)

Shpendim Nadzaku, imam for the Islamic Association of North Texas, said that protestors are “mobilized by Islamophobes who are promoting hatred and fear-mongering. The last time they were at IANT they held very abusive signs and they yelled out of their megaphones very offensive language,” he said in a statement. “We here at IANT are requesting for every Muslim to completely ignore and avoid these people ... a true and sincere demonstration of our strength is to prevent conflicts with these aggressors.”

The mosque in the Dallas suburb of Richardson, which also has a school on site, has stepped up security in anticipation of the rally after they were told by police on Monday of a possible threat from an armed man.

In May, two gunmen were shot dead by police at a “draw the prophet” contest in nearby Garland, where anti-Muslim protestors had gathered outside a Muslim conference in January. Conservative Texas politicians have also stoked community tensions, culminating in international headlines last month when Ahmed Mohamed, a 14-year-old who brought a homemade clock to school, was detained by police who thought it was a suspicious device.

“I think it’s becoming difficult to be a Muslim anywhere. There is so much misunderstanding. We’ll do the best we can,” said Hind Jarrah of the Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation. “The general recommendation for the community is to be alert, be aware, not to be frightened ... to continue with normal activities.”

Chaudry, Shami, and Enchassi say that groups of other faiths have reached out to them and some plan on showing up at the protests to stand with the Muslim leaders.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/oct/09/us-muslim-community-phoenix-oklahoma-city-protests-mosques

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Interfaith Leaders Support Mosques against Protest at ISNA Headquarters in Plainfield

Saturday, 10 October 2015

CAIRO – Rejecting hate message of anti-Muslim protesters, interfaith leaders and members of the Shoulder to Shoulder campaign joined the Friday service held at the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) Headquarters in Plainfield, IN, showing their support and solidarity after threat of armed protests.

"We are overwhelmed by the love and support of our interfaith friends who took the time out of their day to stand by our sides," ISNA Secretary General Hazem Bata said in a statement sent to OnIslam.net.

Bata was referring to the anti-Muslim “Global Rally for Humanity”, which is scheduled for October 9th and 10th in more than twenty cities across the US.

The armed protests and rallies will target mosques, high-traffic Muslim communities and government buildings.

The slogan for the group and their series of rallies is "The World is Saying No to Islam," and a flyer widely circulated by the group mentions the "3%ers and Oathkeepers."

Responding to the calls of hate groups, ISNA urged Muslims to engage with their wider society, building coalitions and relationships.

A similar message was conveyed during Friday sermon in which Bata focused on how to respond to unfriendly individuals.

Bata cited the example of the Prophet's treatment of people, including enemies, with kindness, and how this changed one individual from an enemy of Islam to one of its great leaders.

After the prayer service, Professor Ken Barger from Veterans for Peace shared words of support with the congregation.

Afterwards the interfaith guests enjoyed refreshments and meeting members of the congregation.

Support Messages

Attending the sermon, interfaith leaders asserted their rejection of the hate protests.

“Thankfully these protests do not represent a majority of the American public, however they do represent a national rhetoric of anti-Muslim bigotry that has grown pernicious and widespread," Catherine Orsborn, campaign director of Shoulder to Shoulder, said in a statement published on the campaign's website.

"When people are intimidated on their way to worship, when Mosque doors are blocked, community centres and Halal stores desecrated with graffiti, Muslims are denied their basic rights and dignity.

"Such protests betray our nation’s promise of religious freedom and are a disgrace to our nation’s commitment to free speech. I hope those communities who are targeted this weekend know that Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Atheists and people of all backgrounds and belief stand with them against this hatred and bigotry.”

Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, shared a similar message.

“As a Jew whose people throughout history have experienced religious persecution and as an American whose country was founded by those seeking refuge from such persecution, we celebrate the right of people of all faiths to worship freely," he said.

"We urge all people of goodwill to condemn efforts to inhibit the ability of Muslims, or people of any faith, to gather peacefully in prayer. Instead, let us stand together to build an America that is safer and stronger for all because of our commitment to the religious liberty of all.”

Shoulder to Shoulder is a coalition of 31 religious denominations and organizations committed to ending anti-Muslim sentiment in the United States.

Founded in November 2010, Shoulder to Shoulder works not only on a national and denominational level, but offers strategies and support to local and regional efforts to address anti-Muslim sentiment.

http://www.onislam.net/english/news/americas/494937-interfaith-leaders-support-mosques-against-protest.html

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U.S. Embassy warns possible complex attack against UN facilities in Kabul

By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun Oct 11 2015

The U.S. Embassy on Sunday warned a possible complex attack against the United Nations HQ or possibly other United Nations facilities in Kabul City.

“U.S. Embassy Kabul has received reports that as of early October 2015, militants were planning to conduct a complex attack using a vehicle borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) and suicide bombers against the United Nations Headquarters or possibly other United Nations facilities in Kabul City, Kabul Province, Afghanistan on or about 12 October 2015. U.S citizens are advised to avoid these areas.” A statement released by the U.S. Embassy in Kabul states.

The embassy has repeated its emergency call to its citizens to avoid visiting Afghanistan and those currently residing in the country to consider departing.

“In accordance with the Travel Warning for Afghanistan, the Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against travel to Afghanistan.  The security situation in Afghanistan is extremely unstable, and the threat to all U.S. citizens in Afghanistan remains critical. U.S. citizens currently visiting or residing in Afghanistan may wish to consider departing.  The Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens who decide to remain in Afghanistan to review your personal security plans, take appropriate steps to enhance your personal safety, remain aware of your surroundings, monitor local media for updates, and maintain a high level of vigilance.”

The warning comes as an explosion targeted the convoy of foreign forces in Joy Shir area of Kabul city on Sunday morning.

http://www.khaama.com/u-s-embassy-warns-possible-complex-attack-against-un-facilities-in-kabul-3974

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India

 

In Dadri, Hindus come together to celebrate Muslim weddings

October 11, 2015

Shaken by the beef lynching episode, the troubled Bishada village in the district is agog with activity today with Hindus joining their Muslim brethren in making preparations for two Muslim weddings.

Bishada resident Hakeem, who till a few days ago was toying with the idea of shifting the wedding venue outside the village in the wake of the beef rumours that saw a man being brutally beaten to death, is now all smiles as villagers have ensured security for the family celebrating the marriage today.

Hindu families are all set to welcome the bridegrooms and their families and are busy making preparations for food and tent. Hakeem was earlier planning to shift the marriage venue out of the village due to the tense situation in the village after 50-year-old Iqlakh was beaten to death and his 22-year-old son Danish was critically injured by a mob which barged into their house on the night of September 28 following rumours that the family had consumed beef. However, after Hindu families extended support he decided against doing so. SDM RK Singh said situation in Bishada is slowly returning to normalcy. Meanwhile the victim’s son Danish was yesterday shifted to Army’s Research and Referral (R&R) hospital in the national capital. The 22-year-old was moved from Noida’s Kailash Hospital, where he was being treated for the past 12 days. Dr Anil Gurnani of Kailash Hospital had said that Danish has recovered well and is able to walk and move about. He is being essentially shifted for rest and rehabilitation. “He was able to recognise (people) and also walk with support. He has eaten food as prescribed by doctors,” said Irfan, son of Iqlakh’s elder brother, Jamil. Earlier state minister Azam Khan had sent ambulance for shifting Danish to a Ghaziabad hospital but his family had declined to shift due to his critical condition.

http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/in-dadri-hindus-come-together-to-celebrate-muslim-weddings/#sthash.yZ58CCzn.dpuf

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Sikhs treat 11 countries to the taste of harmony

Vibhor Mohan,TNN | Oct 11, 2015

Even as food has become a communally divisive subject in India, Sikhs around the world have used it as a unifying agent in their observance of International Langar Week, from October 5 to 11. Langar - the Sikh practice of serving free food to all visitors of a gurdwara irrespective of caste or colour - was taken to 46 locations in 11 countries in a global community-building exercise. It is estimated that ordinarily at langar six million meals are distributed every day around the world.

The concept of International Langar Week, initiated by the Sikh Press Association (SikhPA) in London, was taken up by several Sikh organizations, including Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC), which organized langars to promote the values of service and brotherhood.

On Friday, students and staff of National University of Singapore were treated to a communal meal. Rows of carpets were laid out on campus, and people from all ethnicities sat down to dal-chawal and rotis, served with the local rose-flavoured milk drink, bandung. Sandhya Deep Kaur, a law graduate, had helped organize the langar along with her friends, most of them of Punjabi origin. "There is racial harmony in Singapore and an openness to different religious traditions. We got a very encouraging response to the langar," says Sandhya. Next in line is a langar at Singapore's Singh Sabha, where non-Sikhs, especially children, have been invited to participate in the preparation of the meal.

Elsewhere locals in London, California and New York did not just partake in langars in their area but also volunteered in seva. "As the word spread, we had English locals approaching us with donations. Many of our Sikh volunteers shared stories of strangers walking up to them to appreciate the concept as a solution to food scarcity," says Rupinder Kaur Virdee, the London-based press director of Sikh Press Association.

Langar's customary format is changing in other ways as well. The platter has adapted to the tastes of the young. When the group, Basics of Sikhi, organized a langar at Delhi University, students were served hot vegetarian soybean 'chaamp' straight from a restaurant. "Likewise, at langars held for corporate employees in the national capital, fruit juices were served. The attempt was to take langar out of the gurdwara to people of all communities," says Opinder Preet Singh Khalsa, a key member of the organizing team.

Anne, a French national living in Chandigarh says, "Sikhism and langar, in particular, have given me immense peace and I have been attending all langars held in Chandigarh. It is a great thing to sit and have food with someone you don't know. Besides, people from different communities cook and serve food."

All these efforts combined to make Langar Week a hit on social media, with even European volunteers posting pictures on Twitter and Facebook. Jasjit Singh of Basics of Sikhi in Amritsar said a high point of the campaign was the inter-faith lunch organized at Jama Masjid on Thursday, with Sikhs and Muslims having food side by side. He says it was overwhelming to see lines of religion blur and economic prejudices shatter along the food mile.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Sikhs-treat-11-countries-to-the-taste-of-harmony/articleshow/49306986.cms

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Australia

 

Thousands in Australia protests against refugee centres

11 Oct 2015

Thousands of Australians joined rallies calling for the closure of Pacific island camps for asylum-seekers, just days after the government confirmed it was in talks with the Philippines to resettle detained refugees.

Under Canberra's tough immigration policy, asylum-seekers attempting to reach the island continent by boat are turned back or sent to camps on Nauru or Papua New Guinea and barred from resettling in Australia even if found to be refugees.

The detention centres are not suitable environments for the health of all detainees, but the effects on children are far worse.

Brian Owler, president of Australian Medical Association

Chanting "free, free the refugees", the protesters on Sunday in Sydney, Melbourne and other cities said the government and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull should close the Pacific detention centres, which have been harshly criticised by rights groups.

With Australia set to resettle 12,000 Syrian refugees amid the crisis in Europe, some demonstrators waved Syrian and Kurdish flags and said the government should move those held in the camps to the mainland.

One asylum-seeker, "Adbi", who has reportedly been held on Manus Island for more than two years, called on Turnbull to help the detainees.

"They are traumatising us," Abdi said on a phone call broadcast to the Sydney crowd, adding that conditions at the Papua New Guinea facility were "indescribable".

Medical professionals at the rallies also expressed fears a new law could block their colleagues working at the camps from speaking out if they had allegations of asylum-seekers being abused.

UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants Francois Crepeau last month postponed a visit to Australia due to restrictions on his access to detention centres and fears that people who spoke to him could face legal reprisals.

The rallies came as doctors from the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne told the Sunday Herald Sun newspaper that children should be removed from the camps, in a move supported by the lobby group, the Australian Medical Association (AMA).

"The detention centres are not suitable environments for the health of all detainees, but the effects on children are far worse," AMA President Brian Owler said in a statement.

At least 1,589 asylum-seekers are held on Manus Island and Nauru

Some 1,589 asylum-seekers - 1,382 men, 114 women and 93 children - are held on Manus Island and Nauru, according to immigration figures ending August 31.

Canberra has struck a deal with Cambodia to accept refugees in exchange for millions of dollars in aid over the next four years, although only four asylum-seekers have so far opted to take up the offer.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said Friday that Australia was in talks with other countries, including the Philippines, to settle the refugees.

The government has declared its hardline policy to deter boat arrivals a success, saying that it has been more than a year since a vessel carrying asylum-seekers has arrived in the country.

Before the policy was introduced, boats were arriving almost daily, with hundreds drowning en route.

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/10/thousands-australia-protests-refugee-centres-151011063940768.html

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Aussie Police to Guard Victoria Mosques

Thursday, 08 October 2015 00:00

The group plans to extend their campaign to Mosques making it as part of a “global anti-mosque protest day” on Saturday

CAIRO - In preparation for the islamophobic ‘global anti-mosque protest day’, police officials in Victoria have promised to beef-up security around targeted Muslim protest venues in the area, according to the Guardian.

“Victoria police encourages members of the public to carry out their daily routine, including attending places of worship as normal,” a police spokewoman stated.

The police will “be closely monitoring protests to ensure there are no breaches of the peace or crimes occurring, including crimes motivated by prejudice or racism.”

The source added that there would be “an increased visible presence” at mosques on Saturday and increased patrols.

A prominent member of the Muslim community called for calm. Kuranda Seyit, of the Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV), revealed that there would be a “visible police presence” outside mosques in the state, and that extra police had been activated for duty.

An ICV communiqué also advised its members to go about their weekends as normal but “inform the police if they are planning on having any public activity”.

Neil El-Kadomi, the chairman of Parramatta mosque, said he had met with the police to discuss any potential backlash and was “promised protection” and “that they would enforce the law.”

Imams have been asked to assure worshippers about security measures and to ask community members to refrain from being drawn into altercations with demonstrators.

The New South Wales police said anybody engaging in “reprisal actions” over Friday’s attack would be charged and prosecuted.

“As police, our message is that any act of violence, regardless of the motivation, will not be tolerated,” a spokesman said.

This is not the first time Muslims in Australia have faced islamophobic threats. A series of hate mail threatening to kill Muslim women and children have terrified the Muslim communities therein, coming in the wake of Charlie Hebdo attacks, which resulted in one of the worst islamophobic attacks over the past years.

Muslims, who have been in Australia for more than 200 years, make up 1.7 percent of its 20-million population.

In post 9/11-era, Australian Muslims have been haunted by suspicion and have had their patriotism questioned.

Muslim community trust in the police was shaken after the recent “anti-terror” raids targeting the religious minority amid heightened security measures that led to increasing anti-Muslim sentiments.

The raids were followed by a huge number of anti-Muslim attacks, including a mosque being defaced in Queensland and direct threats issued against the Grand Mufti of Australia.

http://www.onislam.net/english/news/asia-pacific/494909-aussie-police-to-guard-victoria-mosques.html

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Africa

 

Uganda Muslim Lawyers Fight Islamic Myths with Dialogue

By Halima Athumani

Friday, 09 October 2015 00:00

KAMPALA – Debunking myths surrounding Islam and Muslim, Ugandan Muslim lawyers have started a new law center to advocate issues that affect the Muslim community and correct misconception wrongly associated with their faith.

“Christians fear to employ Muslims because they think they are a security threat, terrorists and extremists,” Jaffer Senganda, the founder and President of Muslim Centre for Justice and Law in Uganda, told OnIslam.net.

“These stereotypes need to be watered down because we now emphasize the good side of Muslims and Islam through dialogue.”

Senganda is one of the lawyers who started the Muslim Centre for Justice and Law along with other Muslim lawyers and human rights activities to advocate for issues that affect members of the Muslim community.

This includes legal aid representation for Muslims without money and Muslim women.

While Muslims grow up thinking that when one touches a bible they run mad, Senganda says, “Christians thinks that the reason Muslims prepare delicious meals is because they cook using water used to wash dead bodies, they are not educated, exploit and don’t respect women.”

He adds some of the ridiculous myths surrounding the Muslim community in Uganda are that, “Muslim men have high sexual libido and do not mind about family planning, they are not intelligent and do not have friends unless you are Muslim.

“But surprisingly nothing much is being done to correct this myth our religious societies have against each other.”

Along with emphasizing the importance of interfaith dialogue, the organization also handles domestic violence prevention and mitigates cases of domestic violence.

“We train Sheikhs, Imams, students and community leaders on peace building, interfaith work and the dangers of domestic violence,” Senganda said.

Through the interfaith and intercultural work, the organization has been mobilizing youth especially in schools to mitigate the different stereo types they have heard about Islam and Christian faiths.

Sheikhs are taken to different schools, “To talk about the basics of Islam, for example;why we pray five times a day, why we bury in pieces of clothes and not in caskets as Christians do and why we fast the holy month among other things,” he added.

But to balance the equation through the interfaith dialogue, the Muslim Centre for Justice and Law also takes Chaplains and Priests to Muslim schools.

“The reason is to break the barriers and the different half-truths and trust we have against different faiths,” Senganda said.

“You find people getting surprised that Islam is a very peaceful religion and that there are many Islamic teachings and Hadith that tell Muslims to respect members of other faith.”

Uganda has the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda that brings together religious leaders from all faiths.

But Senganda says this relation is not reflected in the grassroots structure.

“We need to begin from bottom up, hold interfaith dialogue, allow Christians to visit mosques and Muslims visit churches,” he said.

The President of the Uganda Muslim Centre for Justice and Law historically stresses that, “It’s not Muslims that were behind World War 1, or killed Jews, these were Christians.” He argues that Muslims need to be supported to overcome misconceptions and discrimination in their societies instead of being turned into Christian enemies.

With the same vein he calls on Muslims to come out and condemn acts of violence committed in the name of Islam. “We should not let others misuse Islam to kill and batter others, we are missing the point if we allow that to happen.” Senganda stresses.

The Muslim Non-Governmental Organization led by Senganda has just won the prestigious 2015 Intercultural Achievement Award (IAA).

The award was launched in 2014 and honors successful, innovative projects in the field of the intercultural and interfaith dialogue on a global scale.

It is awarded by the Europe Integration Foreign Affairs, Federal Ministry of the Republic of Austria.

http://www.onislam.net/english/news/africa/494925-muslim-lawyers-fight-islamic-myths-with-dialogue.html

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Nigeria Muslims Urged to Exercise Tolerance

Monday, 05 October 2015

CAIRO – As world Muslim prepare to welcome the new Hijri year, a Nigerian Muslim leader has advised Muslims to emulate the Islamic teachings and morals of Prophet Muhammad as their goal and mission to be followed.

"You must have the fear of Allah and behaving in the most acceptable manner to your fellow human being," the Amir of the Muslim Congress (TMC), Imam Luqmon AbdulRaheem, was quoted by The Pulse.

"Let them revive the teachings of the Prophet by preaching peace wherever they find themselves," he added.

The prominent Muslim figure was talking at the 1436 annual lecture of the Congress titled 'Sustaining the Change Mantra' at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos state.

housands of Nigerians gathered at the stadium to listen to the program which was sponsored by the TMC.

The imam urged Muslims and non-Muslims to shun violence and any act capable of jeopardising the peace of the nation.

AbdulRaheem also asked the faithful to learn how to forgive, stressing that "Allah himself forgives."

He called on Muslims to be prayerful, saying that prayer is the key to overcome any situation they found themselves in.

On his own part, Imam Adewunmi Adebayo, who is the Waili of Lagos State Muslim Congress, urged Nigerians to assist the federal government by collectively tacking insurgency.

He urged Muslims to shun acts capable of tarnishing the image of Islam, asking Nigerians to exercise tolerance as directed by Holy Prophet Muhammad.

Nigeria, one of the world's most religiously committed nations, is divided between a Muslim north and a Christian south.

Muslims and Christians, who constitute 55 and 40 percent of Nigeria's 140 million population respectively, have lived in peace for the most part.

But ethnic and religious tensions have bubbled for years, fuelled by decades of resentment between indigenous groups, mostly Christian or animist, who are vying for control of fertile farmlands with migrants and settlers from the Hausa-speaking Muslim north.

http://www.onislam.net/english/news/africa/494771-nigeria-muslims-urged-to-exercise-tolerance.html

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Kenya Arrests Scholars, Muslims Angry

Wednesday, 07 October 2015 20:32

Abdul Latif comments followed the arrest of 12 Muslim scholars last Sunday.

CAIRO – Denouncing repeated arrests of Kenyan Muslim scholars, a leading Islamic group has called for taking due judiciary procedures before arresting renowned scholars.

“If these people are innocent they should be released immediately without them suffering anymore,” the Supreme Council of Kenyan Muslims’ Director General Abdul Latif told Anadolu Agency.

“Before the government arrests clerics they should do a thorough investigation with their intelligence teams to avoid a backlash."

Abdul Latif comments followed the arrest of 12 Muslim scholars last Sunday.

The Anti-Terror Police Unit had requested 14 days to question the men, who were arrested Sunday on suspicion of radicalizing and recruiting youths to join the al-Shabab militant group.

Magistrate Dancun Mtai allowed five days “to strike a balance between the applicant’s duty to secure the country against acts of terrorism… and the suspects’ constitutional right of liberty,” the Daily Nation website reported.

Muslims in Kenya have continuously decried the profiling of their scholars as terrorist.

Abdul Latif lamented that the police had a record of arresting Muslim scholars, only to release them without charge later.

The Muslim scholars got arrested in a mosque in Mandera, a border town with Somalia that has been the site of intense militant activity.

Last year, 28 teachers were killed by al-Shabab in Hareri on the town’s outskirts.

There are nearly ten million Muslims in Kenya, which has a population of 36 million.

Kenya Muslims have been sensing eradication of their rights after their country was involved in the so-called war on terrorism in East Africa.

Supported by UK and US, Kenya's anti-terror police have been accused of targeting innocent Muslims with arbitrary arrests and disappearances.

Muslims problems increased following Westgate mall attack in which 67 people were killed, in September 2013, the attack which was claimed by Somalia's militant al Shabaab group.

There is a long list of Muslim disappearances has been left unsolved up to date.

In April 2012, Muslim preacher, Samir Khan was arrested in Mombasa by men who identified themselves as police officers, and drove away with him.

He disappeared completely until a few days later, when his badly mutilated body was found dumped, several hundred kilometers away in a wildlife park. Police investigations have yielded no fruits.

On 13th November 2012, Badru Bakari Mramba was picked from his shop by police officers in Mombasa never to be seen again. Others who disappeared are Salim Abubakar, Mohammad Kassim, and Omar Shwaib.

According to the US-based Open Society Foundations, which compiled a report in 2013 about the excesses of Kenya police, international law categorically prohibits unlawful killings and enforced disappearance.

Kenya police became notorious between 2007 and 2009 for enforced disappearances of hundreds of non-Muslim youths from the central part of Kenya, in their campaign against "Mungiki" a tribal militia that had been blamed for insecurity in the country.

http://www.onislam.net/english/news/asia-pacific/494869-kenya-arrests-scholars-muslims-angry.html

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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/iraqis-claim-hit-isis-chief/d/104876


 

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