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Islamic World News ( 11 Jun 2016, NewAgeIslam.Com)

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Kashmir Must Be Under Caliphate, Not Pakistan: Islamic State

New Age Islam News Bureau

11 Jun 2016

Photo: Pak Army chief Raheel Sharif asks US to bomb Tehreek-i-Taliban hideouts in Afghanistan

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• Pak Army Chief Asks US to Bomb Tehreek-i-Taliban Hideouts in Afghanistan

• Bangladesh Detains 1,600 in Drive against Islamist Radicals

• Religious Policing Turning Malaysia into Apartheid State, Former Minister Says

India

• Kashmir Must Be Under Caliphate, Not Pakistan: Islamic State

• Love Jihad Is Arab Nations’ Conspiracy: Sadhvi Prachi

• This Hanuman Bhakt Is Also a Rozedaar

• Former Home Sec. ‘Rebuffs’ Charges of Enjoying Pak. Hospitality When 26/11 Took Place

• ‘Nude Pics’ Posted On Twitter during Ramzan, I Urge Muslims Not To Get Provoked: Katju

Pakistan

• Pak Army Chief Asks US to Bomb Tehreek-i-Taliban Hideouts in Afghanistan

• Boost for Religious Tourism in Pakistan, World Bank Interested In Assistance

• Combating terrorism: ‘Muslim bloc needed to counter US-India nexus’

• Mazari protests verbal abuse by JUI-F Senator Hamdullah in TV talk show

• Notice to govt on plea against Imran’s ‘hate speeches’

• Worshippers recall the moment the mosque shed fell

South Asia

• Bangladesh Detains 1,600 in Drive against Islamist Radicals

• Taliban Commander Qari Ahmad among 15 Dead In Afghan Air Force Raid

• Al Qaeda leader pledge allegiance to new supreme leader of Taliban

• UNAMA condemns Nangarhar mosque bombing that left 3 dead, over 70 wounded

• Islamic State claims third attack in week on Bangladesh minorities

• Senior police officer killed in ISIS attack in east of Afghanistan

Southeast Asia

• Religious Policing Turning Malaysia into Apartheid State, Former Minister Says

• Terror’s Hard Nuts: Struggle to Deradicalise Indonesian Jihadists

• Indonesian Police Swoop on Islamic State Suspects in Surabaya

North America

• Top Rabbis Denounce Trump: If Muslims Aren't Free in U.S., Jews and Christians Aren't Either

• Michigan Muslims Use Ramadan to Fight Hunger

• Trevor Phillips on Race, What Muslims Think And Getting Support From The Far Right

• First Mexicans, then Muslims, now American Indians

• Fox News inspires militia goon’s violent plot against Muslim town — and all he got was probation

• Muslim School Teacher Whose Facebook Page Was Used By Australians To Communicate With ISIS Fighters Keeps His Job After Probe 'Found No Misconduct'

Arab World

• Clashes between Kurds, Arabs Delaying SDF Operations to Liberate Raqqa

• US Airstrike against ISIL in Syria Kills Members Of Friendly Militia

• Report: ISIL Massacres 2 Iraqi Tribes near Fallujah City

• Raqqa: Syrian Army, Backed up by Russian Jets, Capture Al-Rasafeh Oil-Rich Region

• ISIL Centers Hit Hard in Syrian Soldiers' Artillery Attacks in Deir Ezzur

• Iran Underlines Necessity for Protection of Civilians' Life in Crisis-Hit Regions

• Ansarullah Rejects Media Reports on Agreement among Yemeni Sides

• Aleppo: SDF Fighters Complete Siege on ISIL-Held Manbij in Northern Syria

• Main ISIL Route into Turkey Cut in Kurdish Fighters Operation

• Homs: Syrian Army, NDF Continue to Advance against ISIL in Energy-Rich Regions

• Libyan Forces Recapture Sirte Port from ISIL

• Syrian Army, Popular Allies Drive ISIL back from more Industrial Sites in Western Raqqa

Mideast

• Coalition Air Strikes, Turkish Artillery Kill 31 ISIL Members in Syria

• PKK Kills Two Soldiers, Injures Four in Southeastern Turkey

• Baku, Istanbul will be linked by train at end of 2016: Minister

Africa

• African Charities Feed Millions of Fasting Muslims

• Nigeria does not need a Christian or Muslim President –Idowu-Fearon

• Egypt's president hopes Soad Thabet, paraded naked through village, is 'not too incensed'

Europe

• Muslim Refugees Stuck In Greece Miss Home More Than Ever During Ramadan

• Europe should try to be more like its soccer teams

• For Refugees, Private Groups Fill in Shortfalls in the World’s Response

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/kashmir-be-under-caliphate,-pakistan/d/107605

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Kashmir must be under caliphate, not Pakistan: Islamic State

Jun 11, 2016

NEW DELHI: Islamic State members want Kashmir under its caliphate rather than Pakistan or Jihadi groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba, underlining the outfit's dismissive view of Pakistan and

groups it controls as compromised outfits that do not conform to its extreme interpretation of religious law.

Web chats of IS members from different countries, including India, that are part of a chargesheet filed by the NIA against IndianOil assistant manager Mohammad Sirajuddin show the group's belief in Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's caliphate as the final arbiter of Kashmir's fate.

In one of the chats, Jundhulla Minaa, a UAE-based IS operative who Sirajuddin grew close to, claimed: "Kashmir is Kashmir IS... Kashmir will be Islamic State... Insha Allah!!"

Sirajuddin felt that IS, if it chooses to launch a 'Quest for caliphate' in Kashmir, will have two battle fronts — the "Indian Kuffar (apostate) Army" and the "Pakistani Jehadi groups like

Lashkare-Taiba, JeM and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen etc" as these outfits will never accept a merger with IS as "their foundation is based on nationalism and patriotism".

The conflict, as IS members saw it, was between the territorialism of Pakistan and Jihadis allied with it and a greater religio-political interpretation of nationhood based on identity and

the prevalence of practices drawn from 7th century Arabia.

The chargesheet also mentions that IS members celebrated the death of VHP Neta Ashok Singhal on November 17, 2005. "While sharing the news of the death, Sirajuddin commented

'Good News'...," it says.

Expressing his 'hate' for India, Sirajuddin, arrested by NIA in December last year, even created a special currency note for the 'IS regime in Kashmir' — "a Rs 20 denomination note saying

'IS Welcome in Kashmir'".

These conversations were recovered from his phone by NIA and are part of the chargesheet filed last week, exclusively accessed by TOI. Apart from IS members from various countries,

Sirajuddin was in touch with people associated with al-Qaida over various online platforms.

On a Telegram channel — HindBattle, created on October 5, 2015, which was later renamed Ghazwatul Hind and had 353 members — posts related to the funeral of terrorists killed in Kashmir hailing them as martyrs, photos of the IC-814 hijacking in 1999 and announcement of al-Qaida in the Sub-Continent (AQIS) were shared.

Sirajuddin was in touch with 6-7 women, including Ameena, a woman from Nairobi, whom he wanted to marry and travel with to Syria, a fact he told his wife. Ameena, amaid based in

The UAE, even travelled to Hyderabad sometime in September 2015 but the reason for the visit was not clear. Other women he regularly interacted with on social networking sites

included Philippines-based Karen Aisha Hamidon, who ran IS networking group "Islam Q&A", an Indonesian girl, and few others from India.

timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kashmir-must-be-under-caliphate-not-Pakistan-Islamic-State/articleshow/52696330.cms

Pak Army Chief Asks US to Bomb Tehreek-i-Taliban Hideouts in Afghanistan

June 11, 2016

Pakistan’s powerful army chief General Raheel Sharif has asked the US to target the hideouts of Pakistan militants and their chief Mullah Fazlullah in Afghanistan.

General Raheel made the demand during a high-level meeting with Commander Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan General John Nicholson and US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Olson in Islamabad on Friday.

In a late night statement, the army said Gen Raheel demanded targeting of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan militants and Mullah Fazlullah in their hideouts in Afghanistan. “Raising the demand of targeting TTP and Mullah Fazlullah in their bases in Afghanistan, COAS reiterated Pakistan’s resolve not to allow hostile intelligence agencies efforts, especially RAW and NDS, of fomenting terrorism,” it said.

It was the first visit of high-level officials from the US since fresh tension with Pakistan after the killing of the Afghan Taliban chief Mullah Mansour by a CIA drone in Balochistan on May 21. The army said the regional security situation, with particular reference to border management and peace and stability in Afghanistan in the post-21 May US drone strike environment came under discussion. “Expressing his serious concern on the US drone strike in Balochistan as a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty, Gen Raheel highlighted as to how it had impacted the mutual trust and respect and was counter-productive in consolidating the gains of Operation Zarb-e-Azb,” it said.

Raheel said all efforts for durable peace in the region have to be synergised with shared commitment and responsibility in order to make them successful. He said all stakeholders need to understand Pakistan’s challenges with regard to porous border, inter-tribal linkages and decades-old presence of over 3 million refugees. “Blaming Pakistan for instability in Afghanistan is unfortunate,” he said.

He said Pakistan is committed to work for a long term peace process for Afghanistan under the four nation Quadrilateral Coordination Group framework, involving Afghanistan, China, Pakistan and the US. Earlier, the high-level US delegation met the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz who warned the American officials of consequences for bilateral

ties if attacks like killing of Mansour on May 21 were repeated.

siasat.com/news/pak-army-chief-raheel-sharif-asks-us-bomb-tehreek-taliban-hideouts-afghanistan-970496/

Bangladesh detains 1,600 in drive against Islamist radicals

June 11, 2016

DHAKA, BANGLADESH — Authorities have rounded up about 1,600 criminal suspects, including a few dozen believed to be Islamist radicals, in a nationwide crackdown aimed at halting a wave of brutal attacks on minorities and activists in Bangladesh, police said Saturday.

The attacks — including two Hindus in the last week — have alarmed the international community and raised questions about whether Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's secular government can maintain security for minorities in the Sunni Muslim-majority country.

Police and paramilitary soldiers fanned out across the country Thursday night, raiding suspected militant hideouts and detaining about 1,600 people by Friday night, police said.

The majority of those detained, however, are described as petty criminals. Only 37 of them are suspected to be radical Islamist militants, according to police spokesman Kamrul Islam. Those include three charged with alleged membership in the banned militant outfit Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh.

None of those arrested is believed to be a high-level operator who might have organized or ordered attacks, police said. All the detainees are being held in jail.

Hasina's government has faced criticism for failing to prosecute suspects for at least 18 killings carried out over the past two years. Victims include atheist bloggers, foreign aid workers, university professors, gay rights activists and religious minorities including Hindus, Christians and Shiite Muslims.

Hasina had announced the anti-militancy campaign after the wife of a police superintendent was shot and stabbed to death on June 5 as she was waiting with her son at a bus stop. The victim had been an ardent campaigner against Islamist militants, and her murder stunned the country's establishment, many of whom considered the victim as one of their own.

Speaking to Parliament on Wednesday, Hasina vowed to root out radicals bent on spreading terror and violence in a bid to restore the country to Islamic rule.

"If they think they could turn Bangladesh upside down, they are wrong," she said. "They will be exposed to justice in the soil of Bangladesh and their patrons will also not be spared."

The attacks have followed a pattern: A group of young men wielding knives or machetes approach their victim as his or her guard is down, perhaps while strolling down the street or relaxing at home. The attackers spew hateful language, then hack and stab at the victim before disappearing, often without a trace. Many victims are killed with a machete blow to the back of the neck.

Authorities have arrested some suspects in some of the 18 attacks, mostly low-level operatives accused of following orders to carry out attacks, but none has been prosecuted. Police have said they are waiting until investigations are complete before taking any suspects to court. Amnesty International has criticized the government for inaction, saying it is creating a culture of impunity. It also said authorities are failing to address increasing numbers of reports of people receiving threats.

"The brazen announcement by violent groups that they will continue targeting those they perceive as 'insulting Islam' should shake the Bangladeshi authorities out of their complacency," Champa Patel, the right's group's director in South Asia, said in a statement. "Ignoring the problem is not a solution. The authorities must categorically condemn these killings, carry out a prompt, thorough, impartial and transparent investigation, deliver justice for the victims, hold the perpetrators accountable, and protect those still under threat."

Nearly all the attacks have been claimed by transnational Islamist extremist groups, including the Islamic State group and various affiliates of al-Qaida. The killing Friday morning of a

Hindu ashram worker in northern Bangladesh was also claimed by the IS group, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadist activity online and cited the Amaq News

Agency.

Hasina's government, however, says transnational terror groups have no presence in the South Asian nation of 160 million. It blames the attacks on domestic groups aligned with political

opposition parties, though it has presented no evidence of such a campaign and the opposition denies the allegations.

On Friday, the opposition BNP party said it was worried the government campaign against extremists would lead to efforts to suppress opposition parties.

"The crackdown is a strategy which the government earlier used to suppress the people's movement. We fear that they will again oppress the opposition in the name of conducting a crackdown," BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said.

wral.com/bangladesh-detains-1-600-suspected-radicals-to-end-attacks/15769918/

Bangladesh detains 1,600 in drive against Islamist radicals

June 11, 2016

Police and paramilitary soldiers fanned out across the country Thursday night, raiding suspected militant hideouts and detaining about 1,600 people by Friday night, police said.

None of those arrested is believed to be a high-level operator who might have organized or ordered attacks, police said. All the detainees are being held in jail.

Speaking to Parliament on Wednesday, Hasina vowed to root out radicals bent on spreading terror and violence in a bid to restore the country to Islamic rule.

"If they think they could turn Bangladesh upside down, they are wrong," she said. "They will be exposed to justice in the soil of Bangladesh and their patrons will also not be spared."

Nearly all the attacks have been claimed by transnational Islamist extremist groups, including the Islamic State group and various affiliates of al-Qaida. The killing Friday morning of a

Hindu ashram worker in northern Bangladesh was also claimed by the IS group, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadist activity online and cited the Amaq News

Agency.

Hasina's government, however, says transnational terror groups have no presence in the South Asian nation of 160 million. It blames the attacks on domestic groups aligned with political

opposition parties, though it has presented no evidence of such a campaign and the opposition denies the allegations.

On Friday, the opposition BNP party said it was worried the government campaign against extremists would lead to efforts to suppress opposition parties.

wral.com/bangladesh-detains-1-600-suspected-radicals-to-end-attacks/15769918/

India

Kashmir must be under caliphate, not Pakistan: Islamic State

Jun 11, 2016

NEW DELHI: Islamic State members want Kashmir under its caliphate rather than Pakistan or Jihadi groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba, underlining the outfit's dismissive view of Pakistan and

groups it controls as compromised outfits that do not conform to its extreme interpretation of religious law.

In one of the chats, Jundhulla Minaa, a UAE-based IS operative who Sirajuddin grew close to, claimed: "Kashmir is Kashmir IS... Kashmir will be Islamic State... Insha Allah!!"

Sirajuddin felt that IS, if it chooses to launch a 'Quest for caliphate' in Kashmir, will have two battle fronts — the "Indian Kuffar (apostate) Army" and the "Pakistani Jehadi groups like

Lashkare-Taiba, JeM and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen etc" as these outfits will never accept a merger with IS as "their foundation is based on nationalism and patriotism".

The conflict, as IS members saw it, was between the territorialism of Pakistan and Jihadis allied with it and a greater religio-political interpretation of nationhood based on identity and

the prevalence of practices drawn from 7th century Arabia.

The chargesheet also mentions that IS members celebrated the death of VHP Neta Ashok Singhal on November 17, 2005. "While sharing the news of the death, Sirajuddin commented

'Good News'...," it says.

Expressing his 'hate' for India, Sirajuddin, arrested by NIA in December last year, even created a special currency note for the 'IS regime in Kashmir' — "a Rs 20 denomination note saying

'IS Welcome in Kashmir'".

These conversations were recovered from his phone by NIA and are part of the chargesheet filed last week, exclusively accessed by TOI. Apart from IS members from various countries,

Sirajuddin was in touch with people associated with al-Qaida over various online platforms.

Sirajuddin was in touch with 6-7 women, including Ameena, a woman from Nairobi, whom he wanted to marry and travel with to Syria, a fact he told his wife. Ameena, amaid based in

The UAE, even travelled to Hyderabad sometime in September 2015 but the reason for the visit was not clear. Other women he regularly interacted with on social networking sites

included Philippines-based Karen Aisha Hamidon, who ran IS networking group "Islam Q&A", an Indonesian girl, and few others from India.

timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kashmir-must-be-under-caliphate-not-Pakistan-Islamic-State/articleshow/52696330.cms

Love jihad is Arab nations’ conspiracy: Sadhvi Prachi

June 11, 2016

Days after courting controversy over her ‘Muslim-mukt Bharat’ statement, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Sadhvi Prachi Friday accused Arab nations of “hatching the conspiracy of love jihad” by doling out cash rewards to Muslim youths who marry Hindu girls.

She said Muslim youths riding “shining bikes” gather “outside girls colleges” and take up a Hindu name to woo girls from the community. “He will marry our girls. That is love jihad

conspiracy of Arab nations which give Rs 7 lakh for marrying a Brahmin, Rs 5 lakh for a Vaish, Rs 3 lakh for a Thakur and Rs 2 lakh for a Shudra,” she claimed.

She appealed to Hindu families to protect their daughters and bring daughters-in-law from other religions. “Let us take a vow — apni beti bachao aur bahu lekar aaoo,” she said. On the issue of Bharat Mata Ki Jai, Prachi said people who refuse to chant it were against India and “have no right to stay here”, adding if BJP wins UP, CBI probe will be ordered into Mathura

and Dadri incidents.

indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/love-jihad-is-arab-nations-conspiracy-sadhvi-prachi-2846466/

This Hanuman Bhakt is also a rozedaar

Jun 9, 2016

GORAKHPUR: In an era when religious identity is increasingly overshadowing other facets of people's personality, a self-proclaimed Hanuman bhakt in Gorakhpur is sending out a solid reminder of India's pluralism and communal amity by observing roza for the 29th consecutive year this Ramzan. Lalbabu, who runs a toy shop in the city's Urdu Bazaar area, is also pretty sure that Lord Hanuman isn't upset with him for doing so. He in fact believes that different religions' varied ways of worship lead one to the same eternal power.

Sharing his experiences with TOI, Lalbabu says, "My father, late Ganga Prasad, once vowed to observe a roza if he was able to get his own shop. Once his wish was fulfilled, he fasted on Ramzan throughout his life. My mannat, on the other hand, pertained to having a child. One day, during Ramzan, I asked Bhagwan to bless me with a child and vowed to fast on the first 10 days of the month if my wish was fulfilled. The Almighty fulfilled my wish and for the last 29 years, I have observed roza on the first 10 days of Ramzan."

"I'm a devotee of Lord Hanuman and never miss any Tuesday prayers. I never felt that Hanumanji did not like me fasting during Ramzan.God is one and we see him in different avatars. I may be a Hindu and follow my religion, but keeping roza is not against my faith." He added.

Lalbabu also does a lot of charity work during Ramzan, "The holy month isn't just about fasting but also leading a pious life and helping others. So, I try and engage in charitable work during Ramzan as much as I can, especially on Tuesdays, as the day is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. I felt that my prosperity increased manifold over the last 29 years, so I exhort everyone to do charity work on Tuesdays in the month of Ramzan."

"We should understand that following good things of other religions doesn't change our faith but only help us understand God in a better way. Now, whenever I go to the temple I feel truly satisfied because I respect God in all his forms."

timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/This-Hanuman-Bhakt-is-also-a-rozedaar/articleshow/52667072.cms

Former home sec. ‘rebuffs’ charges of enjoying Pak. hospitality when 26/11 took place

June 11, 2016

New Delhi : Former home secretary Madhukar Gupta, who had led a delegation of Home Ministry officers to Islamabad for talks a day before the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, has rejected the charges of enjoying Pakistan’s hospitality in Murree, a hill station close to Islamabad.

Gupta told ANI he had no idea why some reports were suggesting that the delegation was holidaying in Murree.

“It is inaccurate that there was no signal in Murree. I got a call from India, who informed me about the attacks and told me to switch on the television,” said Gupta.

Gupta said when he came to know about the attacks in Mumbai, the delegation contacted the senior leadership in India.

“As soon as we saw the terror strike, we spoke to all concerned persons, who were supposed to be spoken. Nobody knew that 26/11 would happen,” he added.

The former home secretary further said the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai clearly depicted duplicitous role of Pakistan, adding it was not for the first time that such incidents had happened.

He reiterated that he was in constant touch with people back in India when the attacks took place.

“I was in touch with everyone when the disaster struck; what are we trying to prove going into speculation eight years later? I don’t know what purpose it will serve to ask eight years later if we were deliberately sent to Murree,” he asked.

He further asked as to how the things could have changed by his physical presence.

“All kind of things were said, like NSG’s late arrival but how would that have changed with my physical presence?” he added

siasat.com/news/former-home-sec-rebuffs-charges-enjoying-pak-hospitality-2611-took-place-970600/

‘Nude Pics’ Posted On Twitter during Ramzan, I Urge Muslims Not To Get Provoked: Katju

June 11, 2016

New Delhi: Former Supreme Court Judge Markandey Katju, known for sparking off rows with his controversial statements, is at it again.

This time, on Friday, the ex-apex court judge tweeted: “Provocative pictures are being shown on Social Media to hurt Muslim sentiments during Ramzan.”

While explaining the ‘provocative pictures’, Katju wrote on his Facebook page, “One such pic shows that a woman is standing on top of Kaaba, exposing her naked breasts, after casting aside her burqa.”

“Another shows two naked girls lying on a beach, with caption ‘It is Ramzan. No bikinis please’,” Katju further quoted the tweets which are doing round the corners on Twitter.

“My advise to Muslims is not to get provoked, and to ignore this. This is the work of agent provocateurs. If you get provoked, and react to it, that is just what these people want, so that the matter flares up, and the communal divide gets further aggravated,” Katju wrote on FB.

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan has begun across the country from Tuesday.

siasat.com/news/markandey-katju-urges-muslims-not-get-provoked-nude-pics-posted-twitter-ramzan-970302/

Pakistan

Pak Army Chief Asks US to Bomb Tehreek-i-Taliban Hideouts in Afghanistan

June 11, 2016

Pakistan’s powerful army chief General Raheel Sharif has asked the US to target the hideouts of Pakistan militants and their chief Mullah Fazlullah in Afghanistan.

Full report at: siasat.com/news/pak-army-chief-raheel-sharif-asks-us-bomb-tehreek-taliban-hideouts-afghanistan-970496/

Boost for religious tourism in Pakistan, World Bank interested in assistance

June 11, 2016

Islamabad : The World Bank is interested in helping Pakistan to promote religious tourism in the country as the five most important Sikh pilgrimage sites are located in the country’s

Punjab province.

The bank reached the decision after an assessment report by the bank, which mentions that Pakistan allows a total of 7,500 Sikh visitors with Indian passports to visit their holy places in

Pakistan each year. But due to stringent background checks and straining visa application process, this quota is difficult to fill.

Also, Sikhs with non-Indian passports face a relatively easier process but there is a lack of coordination among public agencies involved in the process that causes inconvenience to the

pilgrims.

The details of the project are scheduled to be discussed next month’ when a delegation from the World Bank visits Islamabad and Lahore. The proposed project is estimated to be

around 50 million dollars and has already project had generated much interest in the federal and Punjab governments and the task team had received positive feedback from the private

sector and civil society organisations, official sources told Dawn.

The Punjab chief minister has appointed a committee to oversee promotion of cultural and heritage tourism in the state. District coordination officers (DCOs) will take the responsibility

of project directors for the sites. A separate advisory council comprising of distinguished professionals has also been established to look after the overall policy and project

implementation.

Gurdwara Rori Sahib in Eminabad, Gurdwara Bal Lila Sahib and Gurdwara Tambu Sahib in Nankana Sahib, and Gurdwara Dera Sahib are likely to be identified as priority sites.

siasat.com/news/boost-religious-tourism-pakistan-world-bank-interested-assistance-970546/

Combating terrorism: ‘Muslim bloc needed to counter US-India nexus’

June 11, 2016

MULTAN: Several religious and sectarian groups set aside their differences on Friday to protest the US drone strike in Balochistan. Scores of protest demonstrations were organised in various areas of south Punjab after Friday prayers.

Dozens of protesters joined demonstrations called by Pakistan Difa Council, Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen, Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat, Jamiat Ulema Islam-Sami (JUI-S) and Jamaat-i-Islami.

Protests were held in Multan, Khanewal, Bahawalangar, Rahim Yar Khan and Bhakkar.

In Multan, hundreds of activists of Pakistan Difa Council and the Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen staged a demonstration and burnt the US flag at Gulshan Market. The participants chanted slogans against the United States. They said the United States government was sheltering Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Mullah Fazlullah in connivance with the Indian consulate general in Afghanistan.

The protesters were led by Allama Iqtidar Hussain Naqvi. Addressing the protesters, he said US drone strikes violated Pakistan’s territorial sovereignty.

He said scores of citizens had been killed in the drone strikes. He said United States had betrayed Pakistan. “Pakistan has never been compensated for the losses suffered in wars imposed on it” he said. The protesters chanted slogans against US President Obama and called him an accomplice of Indian sponsors of terrorism in Pakistan. They said the US had failed to stop Mullah Fazalullah who was mounting attacks on Pakistani civilians from Afghanistan.

They said the US policy of negotiating with one faction of the Taliban while launching attacks on other groups showed that it was not serious about combating terrorism in the region.

“The US is protecting Mullah Fazlullah and their leader is shaking hands with militants who have killed thousands of innocent people in Pakistan,” they said.

They said the US-India nexus was promoting terrorism all over the world. They said the Pakistan Army chief should seek a Muslim block against the United States and India.

tribune.com.pk/story/1120405/combating-terrorism-muslim-bloc-needed-counter-us-india-nexus/

Mazari protests verbal abuse by JUI-F Senator Hamdullah in TV talk show

June 11, 2016

ISLAMABAD: Criticisms of Jamiat-i-Ulema-i-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) Senator Hafiz Hamdullah's use of abusive language against female analyst and rights activist Marvi Sirmed during a TV show

echoed here in the National Assembly on Saturday.

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief's whip Shireen Mazari, against whom Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) leader and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif recently used unparliamentary language, raised the issue on a point of order.

"I want to register my protest over what the JUI-F senator did with Marvi Sarmad," Mazari said.

Full report at: dawn.com/news/1264188/mazari-protests-verbal-abuse-by-jui-f-senator-hamdullah-in-tv-talk-show

Notice to govt on plea against Imran’s ‘hate speeches’

June 11, 2016

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Friday issued notices to the federal government on a petition seeking action against Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for allegedly making hate speeches against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Previously the court had reserved judgement on the maintainability of the petition however, petitioner’s counsel advanced more arguments through a civil miscellaneous application.

Advocate A.K. Dogar argued that the PTI chief started character assassination of the premier since the Panama Papers saga broke out. He said Imran Khan had been putting up illogical demands for the prime minister’s resignation and inciting people against the government with no reason.

He said the demands and “hate speeches” by the PTI leader were in violation of the Constitution. He further said asking the prime minister to step down was against the Constitution and oath of a parliamentarian.

Advocate Dogar said no one should suggest that freedom of speech sanctioned incitement to riot. He asked the court to declare Imran Khan guilty of inciting hatred among people and

disturbing peace, public order, sovereignty and integrity of the country.

The court issued notice to the government till June 15.

dawn.com/news/1264160/notice-to-govt-on-plea-against-imrans-hate-speeches

Worshippers recall the moment the mosque shed fell

June 11, 2016

KARACHI: “I was standing on a side. It happened just as most people went into ruku during the sunnat prayers,” said Syed Waqar Ali, one of the injured being treated in the emergency ward of the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital soon after the incident in which five worshippers were killed and eight injured when the makeshift shade for them at the Jamia Masjid Usman collapsed during Juma prayers on Friday.

Full report at: dawn.com/news/1264043/worshippers-recall-the-moment-the-mosque-shed-fell

South Asia

Bangladesh detains 1,600 in drive against Islamist radicals

June 11, 2016

Police and paramilitary soldiers fanned out across the country Thursday night, raiding suspected militant hideouts and detaining about 1,600 people by Friday night, police said.

Full report at: wral.com/bangladesh-detains-1-600-suspected-radicals-to-end-attacks/15769918/

Taliban commander Qari Ahmad among 15 dead in Afghan Air Force raid

Sat Jun 11 2016

At least 15 people were killed in an airstrike by the Afghan Air Force in northern Baghlan province of Afghanistan.

According to a statement by 209th Shaheen Corps of the Afghan National Army said the airstrike was carried out in Surkh Kotal Dand Ghori area in northern Baghlan province.

The statement further added that a commander of the Taliban group identified as Qari Ahmad was among those killed and at least 5 others were wounded.

A 82mm mortar, 1 rocket launcher, 2 motorcycles were also confiscated by the Afghan forces during the operations, 209th Shaheen Corps added.

The statement also added that varous villages were cleared from the militants presence in Qaisar district of northern Faryab province and some weapons and explosives were seized.

At least 4 militants were killed during the same operations and dead bodies were left in the area, the statement said.

The anti-government armed militant groups have not commented regarding the reports so far.

The Afghan security forces have stepped up counterterrorism operations across the country to suppress the operations of the militant groups who are attempting to destabilize the country as part of their spring annual offensive.

khaama.com/taliban-commander-qari-ahmad-among-15-dead-in-afghan-air-force-raid-01223

Al Qaeda leader pledge allegiance to new supreme leader of Taliban

Sat Jun 11 2016

The leader of the Al Qaeda terrorist network Ayman al-Zawahiri has pledged allegiance to the newly-appointed supreme leader of the Taliban group Mawlavi Haibatullah Akhundzada.

Al-Zawahiri in a 14 minute recording has said “As leader of the al Qaeda organization for jihad, I extend my pledge of allegiance once again, the approach of Osama to invite the Muslim nation to support the Islamic Emirate,” Reuters reported.

Akhundzada was appointed as the new leader of the Taliban group late last month which followed shortly after the death of Mullah Akhtar Mansoor in a US drone strike.

Taliban said the leadership of the group appointed Akhundzada as their new leader after he was unanimously voted by the members of the group.

The notorious Sirajuddin Haqqani and Mullah Omar’s son Mulah Yaqoob were appointed as deputy supreme leader of the group.

Earlier reports suggested that the leader of Haqqani terrorist network Sirajuddin Haqqani and Mullah Omar’s son were the possible successor of Mullah Mansoor.

Mullah Mansoor was killed in a drone strike in the vicinity of Balochistan province of Pakistan on 21st May as he was traveling from the neighoring Iran.

According to reports, Mullah Mansoor had spent almost two months in Iran where he had reached to a number of understanding with the Iranian authorities on certain issues, including

fight agianst the ISIS terrorist group.

khaama.com/al-qaeda-leader-pledge-allegiance-to-new-supreme-leader-of-taliban-01222

UNAMA condemns Nangarhar mosque bombing that left 3 dead, over 70 wounded

Sat Jun 11 2016

Nangarhar mosque bombingThe United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) condemned Nangarhar mosque bombing that left at least 3 dead and over 70 others wounded.

” On behalf of the United Nations in Afghanistan, I condemn the attack targeting civilians gathered for Friday prayers at the Hisarak Jami Mosque in Rodat district, Nangarhar province.

The attack killed at least three civilians and injured more than 70 others – including 31 boys – with at least two in critical condition,” the UN special envoy to Afghanistan Nicholas Haysom said.

An improvised explosive device planted at the mosque detonated during Friday prayers, killing a mullah, one man, and one boy as they prayed on the first Friday of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Haysom further added that an attack deliberately targeting civilian members of a community praying together in a mosque can never be justified and highlights the perpetrators’ intent to destroy lives, and spread terror among the civilian population.

International humanitarian law prohibits the deliberate targeting of civilians, including at their places of worship, and imposes a specific obligation on combatant parties to allow religious personnel to carry out their work, Haysom said, adding that “At face value, this attack a war crime and the perpetrators must be held accountable.”

No group including the Taliban insurgents has so far claimed responsibility behind the incident.

khaama.com/unama-condemns-nangarhar-mosque-bombing-that-left-3-dead-over-70-wounded-01221

Islamic State claims third attack in week on Bangladesh minorities

Sat Jun 11, 2016

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the killing of a Hindu monastery worker who was stabbed to death in Bangladesh, a monitoring service tracking militant online activity reported a day after the slaying.

It was the third killing of a member of religious minorities in the mostly Muslim country that the group has taken responsibility for in the past week.

The claim was carried by Islamic State's Amaq news agency, Site Intelligence Group, a U.S.-based monitoring service, reported on Saturday.

Police said unidentified assailants attacked Nitya Ranjan Pandey, 60, while he was walking in the northwestern district of Pabna early on Friday morning.

"He was found lying in a pool of blood," district police chief Alamgir Kabir said, adding that no one saw the attackers.

Hundreds of suspects have been held across the country after police launched a week-long crackdown on militants after a wave of gruesome killings.

In the past week alone, an elderly Hindu priest and a Christian shopkeeper were hacked to death - both of which Islamic State claimed responsibility for - and the Muslim wife of a counter-terrorism police official was also killed.

Militants have killed more than 30 people in Bangladesh, including members of religious minorities, liberal bloggers and academics, since February last year.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for 21 of the attacks since its first claim in September last year and Al Qaeda has claimed most of the rest, according to SITE.

The government denies either group has a presence in Bangladesh and says domestic militants are responsible.

Five suspected members of the outlawed Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen were killed in shootouts after the woman was stabbed and shot dead on Sunday.

Last month, police announced 1.8 million taka ($23,000) in rewards for information leading to the arrest of six militants of Ansarullah Bangla Team, another outlawed group they believe is behind the violence.

Analysts say a climate of intolerance in Bangladeshi politics has both motivated and provided cover for perpetrators of religious hate crimes.

The government blames the growing violence on political opponents linked to Islamist parties, that it accuses of seeking to create chaos and prevent courts from going ahead with war crimes trials related to the 1971 war of independence.

The opposition party denies the accusations.

Hindus and Christians make up about 10 percent of Bangladesh's 160 million population.

reuters.com/article/us-bangladesh-violence-idUSKCN0YW0EP

Senior police officer killed in ISIS attack in east of Afghanistan

Sat Jun 11 2016

A senior police officer lost his life along with four others in an attack by the loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group in east of Afghanistan.

According to the local officials in Nangarhar, the coordinated attack by ISIS loyalists was launched in the early hours of Saturday morning in Haska Mina district.

The slain police officer has been identified as Shah Mahmood who was serving as the police chief of the district, the officials added.

According to the officials, at least 6 policemen also sustained injuries in the attack and the loyalists of the terror group had also suffered heavy casualties.

The provincial governor’s media office in a statement also confirmed the incident and said at least 13 ISIS loyalists were killed and 7 others were wounded.

The loyalists of the terror group are active in a number of the remote districts of Nangarhar province where they often carry out insurgency activities.

The terror group continues to wage violence despite the Afghan and US forces regularly target their hideouts in this province.

khaama.com/senior-police-officer-killed-in-isis-attack-in-east-of-afghanistan-01224

Southeast Asia

Religious policing turning Malaysia into apartheid state, former minister says

JUNE 11, 2016

KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 — The country’s stringent religious policing, especially apparent during the fasting month of Ramadhan, is sending Malaysia towards apartheid, a former minister said.

Full report at: themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/religious-policing-turning-malaysia-into-apartheid-state-former-minister-sa

Terror’s hard nuts: struggle to deradicalise Indonesian jihadists

JUNE 11, 2016

In the lobby of a five-star hotel in central Java, Joko Tri Harmanto, a 39-year-old ex-jihadi dressed in long baggy shorts and oversized jacket, appears sullen and nervous.

The electrical engineer, who served time for harbouring 2004 Australian embassy bomb mastermind Noordin Mohammad Top in the same Solo house where he says he helped build the 2002 Bali bombs, has been out of jail for eight years and now runs a computer repair shop. Having been introduced through an Indonesian deradicalisation program, we are expecting a reformed jihadi, a family man with a new outlook and plenty of regrets. What we find instead is an unrepentant bomber saving money to fight the end-of-days war with Islamic State in Syria.

Since his release, Harmanto, also known as Jek Harun, claims to have knocked back several offers “to play” with other Indonesian extremists.

“If it is only training I don’t want to go but if it is action I will go,” he tells Inquirer, dispelling the notion that jihad is off the agenda.

Full report at: theaustralian.com.au/news/inquirer/terrors-hard-nuts-struggle-to-deradicalise-indonesian-jihadists/news-story/b34ab8fe364f8ee9dcd1ac6c06250251

Indonesian police swoop on Islamic State suspects in Surabaya

JUNE 11, 2016

Indonesian police have arrested three men with links to Islamic State on suspicion of planning terror strikes, and seized bombs and detonators intended for suicide attacks, five months after gunmen killed eight people in Jakarta in the first major attack since 2009.

The men were arrested on Wednesday in the country’s second largest city, Surabaya, after weeks of surveillance and intelligence suggesting they planned to target large crowds, as well as police, during the fasting month of Ramadan.

Full report at: theaustralian.com.au/news/world/indonesian-police-swoop-on-islamic-state-suspects-in-surabaya/news-story/36ebc4ecf0251da6c6cdb8677b026fef

North America

Top Rabbis Denounce Trump: If Muslims Aren't Free in U.S., Jews and Christians Aren't Either

read

Jun 10, 2016

Four of America’s leading rabbis denounced Donald Trump and his divisive rhetoric ahead of the presumptive Republican presidential nominee’s speech at the Faith and Freedom Coalition in Washington, D.C., on Friday.

The rabbis – speaking for themselves and not their respective organizations – are Rabbi Gil Steinlauf of Adas Israel Congregation; Rabbi Eric Yoffie, president emeritus of the Union for Reform Judaism; Steve Gutow, a prominent Reconstructionist rabbi and a senior advisor to J Street’s PAC; and Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld of Ohev Sholom, the oldest Orthodox synagogue in Washington.

“The first chapter of the Torah reminds us that all men and women are created equally in the image of God. Men and women of faith should indeed form a coalition to denounce the racism and bigotry that Trump spews forth and inspires,” Rabbi Herzfeld said in the joint press release as he referenced to the Jewish holiday of Shavuot.

“I speak today as a member of the Jewish people who, since biblical times, have endured countless oppressive regimes, countless acts of discrimination, oppression, brutalization and genocide,” said Rabbi Steinlauf. “Everything about the Jewish heritage and historical memory calls out to us not to remain silent, but to speak out courageously and strongly against the threat of a Trump presidency.”

Noting that Trump’s had inspired White Supremacists and earned praise of David Duke, as well as his anti-Mexican and anti-Muslim rhetoric, Rabbi Steinlauf said, “The Jewish people must speak out in solidarity with all our brothers and sisters who are under threat by Trump.”

“If Muslims are not free and safe in America, then Christians and Jews are not free and safe in America,” added Rabbi Yoffie. “If Latinos are not free and safe in America, then no ethnic group is free and safe in America.”

Addressing Trump in person in the statement, Yoffie pleaded, “Change the course of your campaign,” and “do what presidential nominees have always done in this country—

which is to help Americans strengthen one another, inspire one another, and promote the values of justice and love that are common to all of our faiths.”

“Our religious traditions, clearly the Jewish tradition, teach us that both of these, fairness and justice, as well as the rule of law are integral elements of a just world,” Gutow said in a statement. “The President of the United States is the person who must reflect that voice.”

haaretz.com/world-news/u-s-election-2016/1.724350

Michigan Muslims Use Ramadan to Fight Hunger

10 JUN 2016

In Michigan, Muslims are observing the holy month of Ramadan, which runs from June 6 to July 5, not only by fasting and praying, but also by fighting hunger. The Michigan Muslim Community Council's (MMCC) annual Ramadan Fight against Hunger campaign hopes to collect and distribute over fifty tons of food to people across Michigan, according to the non-profit organization.

"Every year, the Michigan Muslim community collaborates with partners to organize volunteering events during the month of Ramadan," Sumaiya Ahmed, MMCC communications director told NBC News. "Two pillars of Islam are fasting and charity. During this blessed month of Ramadan, there is no better way to give back than to gather masses of people and have them do something for those in need while fasting. This is not something that is done just in Ramadan, but we like to emphasize its importance during this month."

Full report at: nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/michigan-muslims-use-ramadan-fight-hunger-n590006

Trevor Phillips On Race, What Muslims Think And Getting Support From The Far Right

10 JUN 2016

“I don’t think I’m saying anything that shocking or particularly that new,” says Trevor Phillips, the self-described ‘Prophet Of Doom’ on race and integration in Britain. Middle class people like him are not affected by the dangers he is warning about, he says. The only way an unprecedented level of immigration impacts them is “it’s probably easier to find a Brazilian cleaner than it used to be.”

The former Labour politician, Equality and Human Rights Commission chair and television journalist published last month his essay on diversity Race and Faith: The Deafening Silence, arguing the country was “sleepwalking into catastrophe” while we “hum to the music of liberal self-delusion” by not confronting the “dark side of the diverse society”. The son of immigrants from Guyana argued that the scale of immigration and the hostility to liberal values of some arrivals meant we could not simply expect them to integrate on their own. Unless we adopt a more proactive approach to integration, he wrote, we tolerate a level of ethnic segregation that will “set community against community, endorse sexist aggression, suppress freedom of expression, reverse hard-won civil liberties, and undermine the liberal democracy that has served this country so well for so long”. The essay followed two incendiary Channel 4 programmes he presented: What Muslims Really Think in April and The Things You Can’t Say About Race last year. In the latter, he argued multi-culturalism had become a “racket” exploited by people to entrench segregation.

Full report at: huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/trevor-phillips-on-race-what-muslims-think-and-winning-support-from-the-far-right_uk_5756c208e4b0411d4de1f835

First Mexicans, then Muslims, now American Indians

Saturday Jun 11, 2016

It was a bad time for Senator Cory Gardner to be caught in an elevator with a reporter. Donald Trump had just referred to Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts as "Pocahontas" -

again - and the Republican freshman from Colorado was struggling to figure out how to respond.

"I think people need to be treated with respect, and that's what we've demanded from everyone," he offered.

But was it racist?

Full report at: nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11654830

Fox News inspires militia goon’s violent plot against Muslim town — and all he got was probation

10 JUN 2016

outh Carolina man got probation — but no jail time — for helping to organize a violent plot against a Muslim community and then lying to investigators about his role.

William Tore Tint, of Travelers Rest, pleaded guilty in September to making false statements to the FBI about a plot to burn down a mosque and kill residents of Islamberg, a small Muslim enclave in upstate New York that has been vilified by Sean Hannity and other conservative commentators, reported WYFF-TV.

Robert Doggart, a Tea Party activist and failed congressional candidate, pleaded guilty in May 2015 to one count of interstate communication of threats — and he, too, avoided prison despite gathering weapons, ammuntion and explosives to use in the plot and recruiting snipers through social media and by telephone.

Full report at: rawstory.com/2016/06/fox-news-inspires-militia-goons-violent-plot-against-muslim-town-and-all-he-got-was-probation/

Muslim school teacher whose Facebook page was used by Australians to communicate with ISIS fighters keeps his job after probe 'found no misconduct'

Saturday Jun 11, 2016

A teacher who connected online with men who left Australia to fight with Islamic State has been allowed to remain working at a prominent Muslim school.

Khoder Soueid was investigated by teaching authorities in Victoria for posts he published on Facebook that mentioned ISIS and the wars in Iraq and Syria.

After the six-month investigation, the Victorian Registrations and Qualifications Authority found Khoder could continue teaching at the Australian International Academy in Caroline Springs, a western suburb of Melbourne.

'The VIT and VRQA have completed their investigations and found no evidence of misconduct by Mr Soueid and that the school meets the necessary minimum standards,' VIT chief Melanie

Full report at: dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3634481/Melbourne-Muslim-school-teacher-Khoder-Soueid-used-Facebook-connect-men-left-Australia-fight-Islamic-State-teaching.html

Arab World

Clashes between Kurds, Arabs Delaying SDF Operations to Liberate Raqqa

June 11, 2016

TEHRAN (FNA)- Clashes between the Kurdish forces and the US-sponsored Arab coalition which has recently entered Raqqa have delayed the operations by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to free the Northeastern city from the ISIL hands, a field commander said on Saturday.

"Involvement of a coalition of Kurdish, Arab, Assyrian, Christian and Turkmen forces into the Raqqa battle is in line with the US plots, in collaboration with Turkey, against Syria," Faras

Shaboul told FNA.

Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950322000410

US Airstrike against ISIL in Syria Kills Members of Friendly Militia

June 11, 2016

TEHRAN (FNA)- US forces bombed a Syrian unit it had trained during late May airstrikes in Syria, the Wall Street Journal reports.

The Pentagon told the newspaper that it conducted airstrikes around the Syrian town of Ma’ra on May 27-28, but at the time it did not acknowledge that one of the US airstrikes hit the US-backed Mutasim Brigade that was fighting against Daesh on the ground.

"An investigation into this incident has been initiated. We will continue our support to counter-ISIL [Daesh] forces and will apply any lessons learned derived from the investigation to improve our operations in the future," Col. Patrick Ryder told The Wall Street Journal on Friday.

According to Ryder, four members of the Mutasim Brigade could have been killed in the US airstrike. Mustafa Sejry, the head of Mutasim’s political office, said as cited by the newspaper that 10 of the brigade’s fighters were killed in the bombing.

en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950322000485

Report: ISIL Massacres 2 Iraqi Tribes Near Fallujah City

June 11, 2016

TEHRAN (FNA)- The ISIL terrorist group has massacred two Iraqi tribes near the city of Fallujah, media reports said.

All members of Bu Saleh and Bu Hatam have been killed by the ISIL in Taqato al-Salam in the Western side of Fallujah city, the Arabic-language media outlets reported.

The ISIL started shooting at the families who had left Fallujah city and were heading towards al-Ameriya, killing at least 30 people, most of the women and children.

The ISIL's crimes come while the Takfiri terrorist group is on the verge of losing the war in Fallujah.

On Thursday, battlefield sources announced that the Takfiri terrorists in Fallujah city were surrounded from the Northern, Eastern and Southern directions.

"A large-scale operation to retake the city will resume imminently," the sources added.

Asked by FNA of reasons for the Iraqi forces' slow advance in Fallujah operations, a field source said that the ISIL has planted hundreds of booby-trapped bombs around the city to slow down the Iraqi army and is using the Fallujah residents as its human shield.

"Therefore, the Iraqi army should take precaution to lower the death toll among its forces and the civilians," the source added.

The source also said that the ISIL has also forced the Fallujah residents, including women and children, to pick up arms and help the terrorist group in the war against the Iraqi forces.

Local sources confirmed today that 3,000 families have fled the Iraqi province of Anbar as the offensive against ISIL continues to deal severe blows to the terrorists.

The sources said since the beginning of the victorious operations by the Iraqi forces for the liberation of the city of Fallujah (60 km Northwest of Baghdad), Iraqi citizens have been able to run away from the areas where they had spent years living under a blockade, hunger and terror since January 2014.

Ismail al-Issawy, a management member of the central hospital in Fallujah, said that 1,500 families have fled the city center and about 500 families left Zobaa village, all headed towards the Iraqi army and local voluntary troops positions in Anbar province.

en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950322000398

Raqqa: Syrian Army, Backed up by Russian Jets, Capture Al-Rasafeh Oil-Rich Region

June 11, 2016

TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian Army troops, backed up by massive Russian air support, won another battle against the ISIL and entered the strategic al-Rasafeh triangle only 25 kilometers away form al-Tabaqa airbase in Western Raqqa.

The Syrian soldiers and navy commandoes launched a fresh round of joint offensives against the ISIL strongholds in al-Rasafeh desert from two directions of al-Nabaj and al-Harbiyat and entered al-Rasafeh triangle.

The government forces took full control over oil and gas well in al-Rasafeh region and captured Mafraq al-Rasafeh completely.

The ISIL left behind at least 45 dead or wounded members and fled the battlefield.

In relevant developments on Friday, over 50 ISIL terrorists were killed and many more were wounded in the Syrian airstrikes on a long convoy of the terrorist group's military vehicles in Eastern Homs that was heading towards Wester Raqqa.

The Syrian army aircraft tracked and targeted a column of the ISIL vehicles and motorcycles and destroyed the entire convoy near the desert town of al-Sukhnah.

The ISIL convoy consisted of 15 motorcycles with 2 fighters on each bike and a further five Toyota cars full of ISIL militants.

en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950322000338

ISIL Centers Hit Hard in Syrian Soldiers' Artillery Attacks in Deir Ezzur

June 11, 2016

TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian military forces continued to target ISIL's concentration centers and gatherings in different parts of the Eastern province of Deir Ezzur, inflicting major casualties on the terrorists.

The Syrian army's artillery units shelled the ISIL positions in the district of al-Roshdiyeh in Deir Ezzur city, the village of Ayyash in Western countryside of the city and in the surroundings of al-Thardah mountain in the Western side of the city, which not only claimed the lives of 15 terrorists but ended in destruction of their military hardware in large scale.

Also on Friday, Russian fighter jets carried out several combat flights over ISIL centers in the Northern and Southeastern districts of Deir Ezzur, military sources said, adding that 12 ISIL members were killed in the air raids.

The Russian warplanes bombed heavily the ISIL gatherings in al-Baqaliyeh North of the city and al-Mura'yeh Southeast of the city, which not only claimed the lives of 12 militants but also destroyed their military hardware in large scale.

In the meantime, the Syrian army discovered and destroyed a long tunnel of the ISIL militants connecting the Takfiri terrorists' positions near Cinema Fuaa to al-Jableh neighborhood.

en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950322000550

Iran Underlines Necessity for Protection of Civilians' Life in Crisis-Hit Regions

June 11, 2016

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Gholamali Khoshrou in a statement read on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) stressed the necessity for protecting the life of civilians in those regions hit by war and crisis.

"The Non-Aligned Movement reaffirms the importance of the protection of civilians in conflict situations, establishing accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and

putting an end to impunity. In this context, The NAM supports the call made by Palestine regarding the protection of the Palestinian people," Khoshrou said, addressing the Security Council Open Debate on "High-level open debate on protecting civilians in the context of peacekeeping operations" in New York on Friday.

Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950322000506

Ansarullah Rejects Media Reports on Agreement among Yemeni Sides

June 11, 2016

TEHRAN (FNA)- Spokesman of Ansarullah Mohammed Abdulsalam strongly rejected the media reports that the movement and other Yemeni sides have reached an agreement to resolve the crisis in Yemen.

"The media reports on agreement among the Yemeni sides (in the peace talks) are not true," Abdulsalam wrote on his Twitter account.

In late May, Abdulsalam underlined that the movement's representatives will not listen to the dictations made by different parties during the new round of peace talks in Kuwait.

"We are fully ready for talks but it is the other side which is rocking the boat and is attempting to misuse the opportunity," Abdulsalam was quoted as saying by al-Ahd news website.

Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950322000311

Aleppo: SDF Fighters Complete Siege on ISIL-Held Manbij in Northern Syria

June 11, 2016

TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have completed siege on the ISIL trapped in the town of Manbij in Northeastern Aleppo and after closing all road to Raqqa province and Turkey, military sources announced.

"The SDF fighters stormed the ISIL strongholds near Manbij and freed the villages of Jabal Tawil, Jubb al-Qader near Euphrates, the villages of Ratouniyeh East of Manbij, the village of Madni al-Saqir West of Manbij, Hayeh al-Saqireh and Hayeh al-Kabireh along Manbij road to Aleppo and completed siege on the terrorist-held town," the sources said.

"Clashes between the SDF and the ISIL are still ongoing in Rasma al-Akhzar and Jubb al-Nahed in Southeastern side of Manbij," they added.

Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950322000446

Main ISIL Route into Turkey Cut in Kurdish Fighters Operation

June 11, 2016

TEHRAN (FNA)- A spokesman for the Manbij Military Council said that Kurdish forces cut off a major road that the Takfiri terrorist group used to access Turkey after encircling the Syrian border town.

"We have reached the road that links Manbij and Aleppo, from the West," Sharfan Darwish said.

The Syrian city of Manbij has been a stronghold for the ISIL in the region along the Turkish border. The city is also a key juncture on the Takfiri terrorist group’s oil smuggling route. With Manbij cutoff, ISIL militants will be forced to take more difficult and dangerous routes into Turkey to sell their oil.

Meanwhile, a senior ISIL commander in Aleppo province and the Emir of the Northern town of Manbij was killed in clashes with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Pro-Kurdish media accounts reported that the ISIL Emir of Manbij, Usama al-Tunisi, was killed inside the city during Friday’s offensive.

According to reports, over 150 ISIL Takfiri terrorists have been killed and over 90 villages have been liberated in the Syrian Democratic Forces' (SDF) anti-terrorism operations in Northeastern Aleppo.

"The SDF fighters have liberated over 90 villages in the Eastern bank of Euphrates since the start of their operation in the region 11 days ago," the source said, adding, "Some 159 terrorists of the ISIL have been killed and the SDF has only lost some 22 fighters in Manbij clashes," the sources said.

en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950322000460

Homs: Syrian Army, NDF Continue to Advance against ISIL in Energy-Rich Regions

June 11, 2016

TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian Army troops and National Defense Forces (NDF) continued to hit ISIL's strongholds in the oil and gas-rich regions of Eastern Homs and restore security to more territories there.

The Syrian government force, backed up by the heavy shelling of artillery units, stormed the Takfiri terrorists' positions East of Palmyra (Tadmur) and approached more then ever to the Arak oilfield.

The artillery units also shelled surrounding of T-3 oil pump station near al-Talaleh and al-Sukhnah, which ended in the killing or wounding of at least 55 militants.

The Syrian army also hit the ISIL lines of defense hard near al-Kaziyeh region and its farms and reinvigorated the security of Eastern countryside of Tadmur.

The Syrian government forces also capture three more key areas along Tadmur-Arak road near the Easter silos.

Earlier this week, the Syrian Army troops and NDF carried out a fresh round of anti-ISIL offensives in Northeastern Homs and forced the Takfiri group to retreat from more key heights.

The Syrian pro-government forces hit the ISIL strongholds hard and captured Tal Sawwan hilltop and several other heights around it after conducting a cleansing operation in Northeast Homs.

With Tal Sawwan under their control, the Syrian Armed Forces will now concentrate their efforts at al-Sha’er mountain.

en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950322000252

Libyan Forces Recapture Sirte Port from ISIL

June 11, 2016

TEHRAN (FNA)- Forces loyal to Libya's UN-backed unity government seized back the port city of Sirte by driving the ISIL terrorists out of there.

The Libyan forces pushed back the ISIL terrorists to a coastal road located between Sirte and Misrata cities.

Scores of ISIL terrorists were killed and wounded in heavy clashes with the unity government forces.

In late May, the unity government forces pushed ISIL terrorists back towards their stronghold of Sirte.

Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950322000497

Syrian Army, Popular Allies Drive ISIL back from more Industrial Sites in Western Raqqa

June 11, 2016

TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian Army troops and National Defense Forces (NDF), who captured al-Rasafeh energy-rich region earlier today, hit ISIL's positions around the region's oil and power facilities and captured them after hours of heavy clashes.

The Syrian government forces won the battle against the ISIL in al-Rasafeh triangle and captured oil pumping station and power station in this region.

Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13950322000514

Mideast

Coalition air strikes, Turkish artillery kill 31 ISIL members in Syria

June/11/2016

U.S.-led coalition jets and Turkish artillery killed 31 Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militants in Syria, Doğan News Agency reported on June 11.

The Turkish army fired howitzers at 33 targets in northern Syria to take out ISIL weapon systems as the militants prepared to shell sites across the Turkish border, Doğan said.

Nine coalition air strikes targeted two regions north of Aleppo.

About 20 people have been killed inside Turkey this year by ISIL shelling across the border. NATO member Turkey is a member of the U.S.-led coalition fighting ISIL.

hurriyetdailynews.com/coalition-air-strikes-turkish-artillery-kill-31-isil-members-in-syria.aspx?pageID=238&nID=100369&NewsCatID=352

PKK kills two soldiers, injures four in southeastern Turkey

June 11, 2016

Two Turkish soldiers were killed in an attack by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in southeastern Turkey late on June 10, according security sources.

Security sources told Anadolu Agency on condition of anonymity that four soldiers were wounded in the attack on Tekeli military base in the Şemdinli town of the southeastern province of Hakkari.

The wounded were immediately airlifted to hospital, sources added.

hurriyetdailynews.com/pkk-kills-two-soldiers-injures-four-in-southeastern-turkey.aspx?pageID=238&nID=100370&NewsCatID=341

Baku, Istanbul will be linked by train at end of 2016: Minister

June 11, 2016

By the end of 2016 Baku and Istanbul will be linked by a train line, Transportation, Maritime and Communication Minister Ahmet Arslan has vowed.

“Our goal is to finish the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railroad project by the end of this year. This project and the Marmaray [linking the two sides of Istanbul] has a big importance to our country. This project will be our primary focus,” Arslan told daily Hürriyet in an interview on June 9, underlining that Turkey’s railroad transportation capacity will be doubled with the completion of ongoing projects.

Full report at: hurriyetdailynews.com/baku-istanbul-will-be-linked-by-train-at-end-of-2016-minister-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=100353&NewsCatID=345

Africa

African charities feed millions of fasting Muslims

10 June 2016

Islamic aid organizations in South Africa have started distributing food packages to less fortunate fasting Muslims in Africa and other parts of the world, so they have enough to eat during the holy month of Ramadan.

Hassan Choonara the regional director of the South Africa-based African Muslims Agency (AMA), said, “We have distributed thousands of uncooked food packages in Malawi, Mozambique, and South Africa.’’

Full report at: worldbulletin.net/world/173666/african-charities-feed-millions-of-fasting-muslims

Nigeria does not need a Christian or Muslim President –Idowu-Fearon

June 11, 2016

The Most Reverend Josiah Idowu-Fearon, Secretary-General of the Anglican Communion (Worldwide), and former Archbishop of the Anglican Communion (Kaduna Province) in this interview with EVEREST AMAEFULE speaks on gay marriage in the church and other burning issues

You attended a conference in Nigeria where you delivered a paper on the role of ethics, values and religion in national development. In summary, what is the role of these elements in national development?

In our country, we have three religions. We cannot wish away traditional religion because when many of our people (especially, from the Christian side, I know it) have problems, they don’t go to pastors or bishops; they go to the traditional person.

Full report at: punchng.com/nigeria-not-need-christian-muslim-president/

Egypt's president hopes Soad Thabet, paraded naked through village, is 'not too incensed'

June 11 2016

A grandmother was stripped naked and paraded around her village in Upper Egypt after rumours spread that her son, a Christian man, had an affair with a married Muslim woman.

Seven homes of Christians were torched by a Muslim mob after the accusations against the son of Soad Thabet, 70, sparked the latest sectarian strife in Egypt.

Nagwa Ragab, the Muslim housewife at the centre of the dispute, has denied being involved with Thabet's son in the small village of al-Karm in Minya, a poor province around 300 kilometres south of Cairo and home to the largest Christian community in Egypt.

Full report at: stuff.co.nz/world/africa/80967693/egypts-president-hopes-soad-thabet-paraded-naked-through-village-is-not-too-incensed

Europe

Muslim refugees stuck in Greece miss home more than ever during Ramadan

June 10, 2016

As the sun sets behind the massive ferries that take travelers to the Greek islands, hundreds of hot, tired refugees line up in front of a trailer in a vast parking lot. They haven’t eaten or

had a drink of water since about 4 a.m.

It’s clear the Greek government is trying to support the refugees during Ramadan. But even so, conditions at Piraeus are abysmal.

Full report at: pri.org/stories/2016-06-10/muslim-refugees-stuck-greece-miss-home-more-ever-during-ramadan

Europe should try to be more like its soccer teams

June 10, 2016

The United States government was stating the obvious on May 31, when it warned that the Euro 2016 soccer tournament, which kicks off in Paris on June 10, will likely be a target for terrorism. The Islamic State (ISIL) had made its own intentions obvious last November, when it chose a France-Germany soccer match at Paris’s iconic Stade de France as ground zero for a terror spree that ultimately killed 130 people. And Washington would have been aware of the arrest last month by Ukrainian authorities, announced this week, of a suspected right-wing French nationalist accused of acquiring a formidable cache of weapons in order to stage attacks during the tournament.

Full report at: qz.com/702628/europe-should-try-to-be-more-like-its-soccer-teams/

For Refugees, Private Groups Fill in Shortfalls in the World’s Response

June 10, 2016

As Syria’s civil war worsens and Islamic State continues to hold on to large swaths of Iraq, Europe has been shaken by the worst refugee crisis since World War II. Nearly 5 million Syrians have fled the country, and Turkey alone has been struggling to cope with nearly 3 million Syrian and Iraqi refugees.

Wealthy countries and international aid agencies have failed to mount an effective response to this humanitarian crisis, leaving private groups and individuals to try to fill the gap. That combination—of global shortfall and individual altruism—is on particularly vivid display in Greece, where limited relief funds, poor coordination, a shattered domestic economy and a now-blocked exit route into the Balkans have left some 57,000 refugees and migrants stranded in often squalid conditions.

Full report at: wsj.com/articles/for-refugees-private-groups-fill-in-shortfalls-in-the-worlds-response-1465586997

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Islamic World News ( 11 Jun 2016, NewAgeIslam.Com)

Kashmir Must Be Under Caliphate, Not Pakistan: Islamic State

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