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Islamic World News ( 13 Aug 2017, NewAgeIslam.Com)

Muslims Should Give Up Claim on Babri Masjid Land: Shia Cleric

New Age Islam News Bureau

13 Aug 2017

Photo: Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Sadiq comments come in the wake of the Shia Waqf Board telling the Supreme Court that a mosque can be built at a distance from the disputed land. (Photo: ANI/Twitter)

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India

• Muslims Should Give Up Claim on Babri Masjid Land: Shia Cleric

• Singing Anthem, Recording Video Un-Islamic: UP Clerics

• Harassment of Muslim Youth By Delhi Police In The Name Of Security For 15th August

• Supreme Court Refuses To Entertain Fresh Plea Challenging 'Triple Talaq', Polygamy among Muslims

• 70 Kashmiri youths join terrorist ranks in seven months: Official

• Shopian encounter: 2 jawans martyred, 3 terrorists killed, operation underway

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Mideast

• Al-Aqsa Preacher: Muslims Have 'Exclusive Right' To Jerusalem

• Iranian Speaker Raps Arab States for Ignoring US, Israel's Crimes against Muslims

• Iran parliament ratifies legislation to counter US anti-Iran moves

• 4 Dead in UAE Apache copter crash in Yemen’s Shabwa

• Iran bans footballers over game with Israel

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South Asia

• US Confirms Death of ISIS Candidate to Take Charge as Emir for Afghanistan

• At Least 13 Civilians Killed By Mortar Shell in Northern Afghanistan

• Hezb-e-Islami reacts at deadly attack on a mosque by ex-commander loyalists in Takhar

• 5 Taliban insurgents critically wounded while making bombs in Nangarahr mosque

• Taliban capture control of Ghormach in northern Faryab province

• Attacks plan foiled in Kabul city, NDS arrest 3 suspects deployed by Taliban

• Afghan and US security advisers hold talk on military and civil cooperation

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Pakistan

• Major Blast Kills 15 In South-western Of Quetta, Pakistan

• COAS visits Quetta, attends funeral prayers of soldiers martyred in blast near Pishin Stop

• JuD fields candidate for NA-120 by-poll

• Pakistan, Turkey explore business opportunities

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Arab World

• Unknown Persons Set Islamic State’s Biggest Weapon Stash in Tal Afar on Fire

• Size of terrorist-free areas in Syria increased 2.5 times

• Awamiya Siege: Fears Mount of Brutal Crackdown as Saudi Seals Off Shia Town

• Russian, Syrian Fighter Jets Crush ISIL's Movements in Eastern Hama

• IRGC Commander: Iran Never Allows US Visit to Military Sites

• Zero Hour Arriving for Lebanese Army Anti-Terrorism Operation at Border with Syria

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Southeast Asia

• About 20 Indonesian Domestic Workers on Hong Kong Police Watch List over Islamic State Links

• Myanmar: UN rights expert urges restraint in security operation in Rakhine state

• Myanmar Gov't Imposes Fresh Curfews in Muslims-Majority State

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Europe

• UK Police Investigate Hate Mail Sent to Mosques

• Violent offender shouted racist abuse outside of a South Bank mosque while carrying knife

• Ukip MEP quits key party role over anti-Islam leadership candidate

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North America

• US Starts Building Largest Military Base in Mosul

• US spends over $76bn on arming Afghan forces

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Africa

• Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Moroccan King discuss relations

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/muslims-give-up-claim-babri/d/112191

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Muslims Should Give Up Claim on Babri Masjid Land: Shia Cleric

Published Aug 13, 2017,

Mumbai: Senior Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Sadiq on Sunday advocated for peace in the issue of Babri Masjid, stating that if the Supreme Court's verdict is in their favour, then the Muslim community should give up their claim on the disputed land.

"The Supreme Court is dealing with the Babri Masjid issue and we have full faith in the top court's verdict. If Babri Masjid verdict is not in favor of Muslims, then they should peacefully accept it. And if the verdict is in favor of Muslims then they should happily give the land to Hindus. The issue should be dealt with respect by both the communities," MaulanaSadiq said while addressing the World Peace and Harmony conclave in Mumbai.

Adding context to his seemingly controversial advice, the cleric further said that one receives thousands in return on giving away just one thing close to them.

His comments come in the wake of the Shia Waqf Board telling the Supreme Court that a mosque can be built at a distance from the disputed land, as the latter on Friday commenced the cross-appeals hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case, to look for an amicable settlement of the dispute.

MC Dhingra, the lawyer appearing for Shia Waqf Board in the Ayodhya case, while speaking to ANI on the same, said that the Shia Board has decided to leave the one-third land allotted to them, to avoid problems for both the religious denominations, in regard to their prayers.

Briefly explaining the Shia Board's stand, Dhingra said that if mosque is built in the one-third area, there will not be any permanent solution to the long-driven dispute.

In a 30-page affidavit, filed on August 8, the Shia Waqf Board asserted that the Babri Masjid site was its property and only it was entitled to hold negotiations for an amicable settlement of the dispute.

The board placed an affidavit before the apex court in which it stated that a mosque can be constructed at a place near birth place of Lord Ram.

"Since, the Babri Masjid was a Shia Waqf, we are alone entitled to negotiate and arrive at peaceful settlement with other stakeholders," Shia Waqf Board said in its statement.

It came just a few days after the apex court agreed to fast track the proceedings on a string of appeals, challenging the Allahabad High Court verdict on the land dispute in the case.

The Sunni Central Waqf Board too issued a statement on Thursday, responding strongly to the claim, terming it "baseless."

deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/130817/muslims-should-give-up-claim-on-babri-masjid-land-shia-cleric.html

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Al-Aqsa preacher: Muslims have 'exclusive right' to Jerusalem

13/08/17

Tens of thousands of Muslims prayed on Friday at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and listened to the sermon of Imam Ismail al-Nawadeh.

In his sermon, Nawadeh said that the city of Al-Quds (the Arabic name for Jerusalem –ed.) is the holiest place for Arabs and Muslims, and there is nothing like it in its holiness except for the cities of Mecca and Medina.

"The Jerusalem, Palestinian and Islamic awakening that we witnessed in response to the attempt to change Al-Quds's characteristics and harm it is proof of this (of the sanctity of the city)," said Nawadeh, according to the Hames-affiliated Palestine newspaper.

He stressed that the Muslims have the legal right to Al-Quds and no one has the right to give up this holy place. Nawadeh said that Al-Quds would remain "the key to war and peace."

Tensions rose recently in Al-Aqsa and the Temple Mount after Israel placed magnetometers and additional security cameras around the entrances to the holy site, following a terrorist attack at the compound in which two Druze police officers were murdered.

The security measures prompted an outcry from the Palestinian Authority, the Jordanian Waqf, and the Jordanian government, which demanded a return to the status quo.

Israel subsequently reversed course and decided to remove the metal detectors and security cameras from the compound.

israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/233817

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US confirms death of ISIS candidate to take charge as emir for Afghanistan

By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun Aug 13 2017

The US forces in Afghanistan confirmed the death of a top leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group who was due to take charge as the emir of the terror group for Afghanistan.

“U.S and Afghan Forces have confirmed the death of Kunar provincial Islamic State of Ireaq and Syria-khorasan (ISIS-K) emir, Abdul Rahman. On Aug. 10, Rahman was killed in an airstrike along with three additional senior ISIS-K memebrs in Dara-Ye Pech district, Kunar province,” the US forces in Afghanistan said in a statement.

“The death of Abdul Rahman deals yet another blow to the senor leadership of ISIS-K,” said General john Nicholson, Commander, U.S> Forces-Afghanistan. “he found out just like those before him that there are no safe havens in Afghanistan. We will hurt them down until they are no longer a threat to the Afghan people and the region.”

The statement by the US forces further added that Abdul Rahman, in additional to being a provincial emir, was a primary candidate to become the ISIS-K emir following the death of Abu Sayed in July 2017.

“U.S. and Afghan Forces continue to keep pressure on ISIS-K and disrupt their expansion plans as part of ongoing operations to defeat them in Afghanistan in 2017,” the statement added.

khaama.com/us-confirms-death-of-isis-candidate-to-take-charge-as-emir-for-afghanistan-03348

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India

Muslims Should Give Up Claim on Babri Masjid Land: Shia Cleric

Published Aug 13, 2017,

Adding context to his seemingly controversial advice, the cleric further said that one receives thousands in return on giving away just one thing close to them.

Briefly explaining the Shia Board's stand, Dhingra said that if mosque is built in the one-third area, there will not be any permanent solution to the long-driven dispute.

The board placed an affidavit before the apex court in which it stated that a mosque can be constructed at a place near birth place of Lord Ram.

"Since, the Babri Masjid was a Shia Waqf, we are alone entitled to negotiate and arrive at peaceful settlement with other stakeholders," Shia Waqf Board said in its statement.

It came just a few days after the apex court agreed to fast track the proceedings on a string of appeals, challenging the Allahabad High Court verdict on the land dispute in the case.

The Sunni Central Waqf Board too issued a statement on Thursday, responding strongly to the claim, terming it "baseless."

deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/130817/muslims-should-give-up-claim-on-babri-masjid-land-shia-cleric.html

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Singing Anthem, Recording Video Un-Islamic: UP Clerics

Priyangi Agarwal | TNN | Updated: Aug 13, 2017

BAREILLY/PILIBHIT: A day after the UP government made video recording of Independence Day celebrations and the singing of the national anthem compulsory in all madrassas, many Muslim clerics have appealed to community members to "mark the day as patriots, but refrain from singing the national anthem or record videos as they are against Islam".

Bareilly shehr qazi Maulana Asjad Raza Khan told TOI on Saturday, "Tagore wrote the national anthem in praise of the then British King George V. According to Islam, our 'adhinayak' is god and not George. We do not disrespect national anthem but can't sing it due to our religious sentiments. Even Rajasthan governor Kalyan Singh had raised objection to the national anthem."

In July 2015, Singh, at the 26th convocation ceremony of Rajasthan University, had said that Tagore, while writing the national anthem, had praised the "angrezi shaasak (English ruler)" by writing "adhinayak jaya hai". He had suggested it to be replaced by "jangan man mangalgaye".

"According to sharia, photography and videography are un-Islamic. They are asking us to flout the sharia taught in madrassas," Khan said. He appealed to managers of madrassas to hoist the national flag, sing 'Sarejahan se achchha Hindustan humara', distribute sweets and remember freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives.

Pilibhit shehr mufti Maulana Jartab Raza Khan has sought CM Yogi Adityanath's intervention in withdrawing the order. "Otherwise Muslims will be left with no other choice but to defy the diktat," he said.

timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bareilly/singing-anthem-recording-video-un-islamic-clerics/articleshow/60040413.cms

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Harassment of Muslim Youth By Delhi Police In The Name Of Security For 15th August

The Milli Gazette Online

Published Online: Aug 13, 2017

New Delhi (13 August 2017): There have been complaints of harassment, humiliation and torture by Delhi Police in the name of security for 15th August Independence Day Celebrations.

Victim Bilal of Jafrabad in East Delhi visited Chairman of Delhi Minorities Commission and narrated how Delhi Police beat him and put him into custody for no reason. He also told that police have been forcefully getting shops in the area closed at night and falsely claiming that Section 144 Unlawful assembly is in force.

Activist, Ovais Khan who is Managing Trustee of ANHAD, who lives in Jafrabad area had visited Jafrabad Police Station after Bilal was taken there. Ovais Khan has submitted the below complaint to Delhi Minorities Commission and sent a copy to Commissioner of Police Delhi to stop this harrassment and humiliation of Muslims by Police. Full text of the complaint is below:

12 August 2017

Dr.Zafarul Islam Sahab,

Chairman,

Delhi Minorities Commission

Government of Delhi

Room No.115, C Block, Ist Floor,

VikasBhawan, I.P. Estate,

New Delhi-110002

EMail: dmc_nct@rediffmail.com

Subject: Harassment, humiliation and torture by Delhi Police in the name of security for 15th August Independence Day Celebrations

Dear Sir,

Two incidents of police harassment of Muslims have come to my notice and I want to share them with you for a solution of this problem.

Last night, that is 11 August 2017, around 10:30 pm, police was patrolling on Jafrabad Main Road. The police was forcing shops to shut down claiming application of Section 144.

Bilal Sultan Khan (my cousin) and Mehtab Khan (my friend) along with their two other friends were chatting sitting on parked scooters outside Mehtab’s home on Jafrabad Main Road. They usually sit here in free time as it is just outside Mehtab’s home.

When the 5 Police officers from Jafrabad Police Station who were patrolling the area reached Mehtab’s home they abusively told them not to sit at the place as it is “15th August season”. They told the police that this is their home and they were going inside and told them that there was no need to use abusive language.

To which the police officer replied 'Zyaad akad raha hai', and slapped Mehtab very hard, one of their neighbours tried to intervene but Police officer didn't stop, and then he started beating Bilal, despite the fact that he didn't utter a single word during this episode and this time. Policeman slapped Bilal more than 5 times. And Police officer insultingly grabbed his collar, and parading him on road, and took Bilal to Jafrabad Police Station.

The news spread, friends informed the family, and as a family member and an activist living in the area I reached the police station. We were not allowed to meet Bilal. The policemen said that as SHO is not available we won’t release Bilal and that it will take atleast 24 hours to set him free.

Bilal is from a well known family so other influential people in the area took notice and after pressure was built Bilal was released around 12:30 AM on 12 August (that is after 2 hours).

Police officers forced Bilal’s family friend to write an application for the release of Bilal which he has written and stated that he has no criminal records and it seems there is some misunderstanding by Police officers.

After the release, Bilal informs us that inside the Jafrabad Police Station, the same Police officers slapped and kicked him several times also threatened and abused him. One of the Police officer also said, 'BhXXdi ke tujhe abhi bataunga'.

While, in the police station, we noticed that police picked up two other young Muslim boys. Those boys where claiming that they were buying food from a local restaurant and the policemen forced himself on their scooter and brought them to the police station. It was visible that the boys were genuine.

I have no idea how many youths Delhi police is harass calling it 15 August season.

There should be action against the erring cops for closing shops illegally and for harassing the youth calling it 15th August season.

Bilal’s family has privilege of knowing some influential people, so he was rescued but there are large numbers of innocent young Muslims who are facing same and sometimes more brutal harassment, humiliation and torture by Delhi Police in the name of 15th August season. This happens every year specially in minority concentrated areas.

I request you to please take serious note of this incident, so that action must be taken up against Police officers who have wronged them.

And secondly also urge you to kindly ask the Delhi Police Commissioner to immediately issue an advisory to all Minority concentrated Police Stations that Police should not harass, humiliate and torture local Muslims for no reason.

Sincerely,

Ovais Sultan Khan

Social Activist

Managing Trustee, ANHAD

milligazette.com/news/15811-harassment-of-muslim-youth-by-delhi-police-in-the-name-of-security-for-15th-august

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Supreme Court refuses to entertain fresh plea challenging 'triple talaq', polygamy among Muslims

Aug, 13 2017

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has refused to entertain a fresh plea challenging the constitutional validity of 'triple talaq', 'nikahhalala' and polygamy practices among Muslims, saying the issue is already pending consideration.

The court, however, said the verdict rendered in pending petition will govern the outcome of the present plea as well.

"We are of the view that the issues agitated in the instant petition are already pending consideration before this court.

"It is, therefore, not necessary for us to entertain another writ petition on the same cause, which is already before this Court," a bench comprising Chief Justice JS Khehar and DY Chandrachud said.

While disposing of the plea filed by one GurudasMitra, the bench said, "It is needless to mention that the determination rendered in the pending petitions will govern the outcome of the present petition as well."

Senior advocate Soumya Chakraborty has said that all the three forms talaq (Ahsan Talaq, Hasan Talaq and Talaq-ul- Biddat) were arbitrary, capricious and violative of fundamental rights of Muslim women.

In a written submission, he has said that 'Khula' and 'Mubarat' are the only two traditionally acknowledged Muslim modes of dissolution of marriage at the instance of the woman.

"Apart from the spiritual tenets engrained in the holy Quran, there being a wide variety of interpretations and divergent opinions among different scholars or schools of thought in the Muslim community, nothing is universally fundamental in the day-to-day practice of Islam," he has said.

Chakraborty has said that none of the three forms of talaq was being uniformly followed nor were they universally acknowledged and, therefore, could not be regarded as fundamental tenets of Islam.

"All the three practices of talaq, along with those of nikah-halala, polygamy, are violative of the fundamental rigts of Muslim women guaranteed under Articles 14, 15 and 21 of the Constitution," he said.

A five-judge Constitution bench had reserved its verdict on May 18 on the batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the practices of triple talaq among Muslims, after six-days of marathon hearings.

Parties including the Centre, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, the All India Muslim Women Personal Law Board and others had made their submissions on for and against the practice.

firstpost.com/india/supreme-court-refuses-to-entertain-fresh-plea-challenging-triple-talaq-polygamy-among-muslims-3924941.html

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70 Kashmiri youths join terrorist ranks in seven months: Official

PTI | Updated: Aug 13, 2017

JAMMU: Seventy young men have joined militancy in the past seven months this year with most of the recruits from three districts in south Kashmir, according to a senior official.

The new recruits mostly belong to Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam districts in south Kashmir, which has become the hub of tech-savvy terrorists.

"As many as 70 Kashmiri youths joined militancy in the Valley in seven months period this year," the senior security officer told PTI quoting official statistics.

The officer claimed 88 Kashmiri youths joined militancy in 2016.

Since 2014, there has been a constant rise in the number of people joining militancy.

As many as 66 youths joined militancy in Kashmir in 2015 and 53 in 2014, according to data compiled by security agencies.

In 2010, 54 youths joined militancy and in 2011, the number came down to 23. It further dipped to 21 in 2012 and 16 in 2013, it said.

The Pulwama-Shopian-Kulgam region has become a hotbed of homegrown terrorists, the officials said.

Security officials say Pulwama, which has of-late emerged as the terror epicenter, is strategically important as it is the central point to connect Srinagar, Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian and Budgam districts of central Kashmir.

"The areas have seen the highest number of encounters and attacks," the officer added.

The topography of Pulwama, with its vast orchards and fields ringed by dense forests, also provide a perfect shelter and operating cover to terrorist.

Pulwama was home to HizbulMujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani, who was killed in an encounter with security forces in July last year.

It was also the base of slain Abu Dujana, terrorist of Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist in the Kashmir Valley, Abu Musa and dozens of other terrorists.

Security forces have also foiled attempts by dozen others to cross over to the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir for arms training, the officer said.

In 2017, as many as 54 men were stopped from joining the ranks of terrorist, the officer said.

132 terrorists have been killed in encounters with police and security forces in Kashmir Valley in over 7 months period this year, security officials said.

While 115 terrorists have been killed till July end this year, 17 terrorists have been killed till August 9, as per official statistics.

While 38 terrorists belonging to LeT were killed in over 7 months till 9 August, it was followed by killing of 37 terrorists of Hizb and 3 terrorists belonging to Musa Group of al-Qaida followed by killing of 54 unidentified terrorists mostly along the LoC.

Out of them, six top commanders of Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) were killed in encounters in Kashmir during the period.

As per the data, the number of terrorists killed in the past over 6 months is the highest in the past 7 years.

In 2010, 156 terrorists were killed in the first 7 months period of the year followed by 102 in 2017, 77 in 2016, 61 in 2011, 51 each in 2014 and 2015 respectively, the data showed.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has asked the police to try to bring back to mainstream youths who have fled their homes to join militancy.

DGP SP Vaid has said that,"Going beyond its mandate of normal policing, J&K Police is transforming hearts and minds by instilling national pride in the youth of the Valley".

timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/70-kashmiri-youths-join-terrorist-ranks-in-seven-months-official/articleshow/60043982.cms

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Shopian encounter: 2 jawans martyred, 3 terrorists killed, operation underway

NEW DELHI: Two army men were martyred and three others, including a captain, injured in an encounter with terrorists in Shopian district of south Kashmir, the police said on Saturday night.

Three terrorists were shot down by security personnel and a counter-operation is currently underway.

Security forces launched a cordon and search operation today following information about presence of terrorists in Awneera village of Zainapora area of the district. As the security forces were conducting searches, the terrorists opened fire on them which was retaliated by the law enforcement personnel, triggering a gunfight.

"There was information about militants in Shopian. While cordon was being laid, security personnel came under fire," Jammu and Kshmir DGP S P Vaid said.

Five soldiers were injured in the gun battle, he said, adding that they were evacuated to the 92 Base Hospital of the Army for treatment, where two among them — SepoyIlayaraja P and SepoyGawaiSumedhWaman — succumbed to their injuries.

SepoyIlayaraja hailed from Kandani village in Tamil Nadu and is survived by his parents and wife. 25-year-old SepoySumedhWaman belonged to Maharashtra's Lonagra village.

The slain terrorists have been identified as Adil Ahmad Malik of the LeT, Irfan-ul-Haq Sheikh and Umar Majid Sheikh, who were affiliated with the HizbulMujahideen.

There were also reports of seven civilians sustaining pellet injuries after clashing with security forces in Awneera to break the cordon around the village on Saturday.

Six top terror group leaders, including LeT's Abu Dujana, and Burhan Wani's successor Sabzar Ahmad Bhat of HizbulMujahideen, were among 132 terrorists killed in encounters with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, so far this year, according to official figures.

timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/shopian-encounter-2-jawans-martyred-3-terrorists-killed-operation-underway/articleshow/60042883.cms

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Mideast

Al-Aqsa preacher: Muslims have 'exclusive right' to Jerusalem

13/08/17

Tens of thousands of Muslims prayed on Friday at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and listened to the sermon of Imam Ismail al-Nawadeh.

He stressed that the Muslims have the legal right to Al-Quds and no one has the right to give up this holy place. Nawadeh said that Al-Quds would remain "the key to war and peace."

The security measures prompted an outcry from the Palestinian Authority, the Jordanian Waqf, and the Jordanian government, which demanded a return to the status quo.

Israel subsequently reversed course and decided to remove the metal detectors and security cameras from the compound.

israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/233817

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Iranian Speaker Raps Arab States for Ignoring US, Israel's Crimes against Muslims

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani blasted certain Arab regional states for closing their eyes to the US and Israel's crimes and attempts to sow discord among Muslim countries.

"Don’t the Arabs see the US and the Zionists' hand in oppression and crime against the Islamic Ummah," Larijani asked, addressing an open session of the parliament in Tehran on Sunday.

He added that the US and Israel changed the methods used against Muslims after the Zionists' defeats in wars against the Islamic states, specially Hezbollah resistance group in Lebanon in 2006, and resorted to proxy wars by the terrorist groups.

Larijani also lashed out at certain regional countries for assisting the US and Israel to this end and igniting the fire of discord among the Islamic states.

In relevant remarks last month, Iran's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations EshaqAle'habib underlined that all the crises in the Middle East emanate from Israel and its allies.

"Numerous assaults on the Palestinian land and repeated violations of the UN resolutions by the Zionist regime make the regime as main source of all crises in the Middle East," Ale'habib said, addressing a meeting of the UN Security Council.

Ale'Habib said since 1948, the Zionist regime has invaded its neighbors 14 times and suppressed the Palestinians violently with the support of the US; the recent prohibition on Palestinians entry to al-Aqsa Mosque is an instance of illegal measures taken by the Zionists.

Referring to violation of many UN resolutions by the Zionists, Ale'habib said there is a lot of evidence concerning Zionists' aggressive policies, apartheid, and war crimes in the reports of the United Nations.

He said that settlement construction for the Zionists in the Occupied Territories is violation of Geneva's Fourth Convention, adding the routine of the Zionist regime shows that it has never been looking for peace and has participated in the negotiations to buy time to follow its expansionism and aggression.

en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13960522000677

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Iran parliament ratifies legislation to counter US anti-Iran moves

August 13, 2017

(AhlulBayt News Agency) - Iranian parliament has passed on Sunday a bill on the general outlines of a countermeasure plan to US exploits and terrorist acts in the region.

Iranian lawmakers unanimously passed the general outlines of the bill in a 240-0 vote with one abstention.

Iran's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee spokesman Seyed Hossein Naghavi Hosseini, while defending the bill, said the bill does not include any measure that would undermine JCPOA in any way; “Iran will never be the first to kill the nuclear deal and take responsibility for its costs,” he added.

Araghchi, also in defense, said the countermeasure bill is ‘much stronger' than US Congress bill against Iran, since it also extends support to the Islamic Republic’s armed forces and all related ministries.

He also noted that the ‘highly clever’ bill has taken great consideration not to violate the JCPOA.

Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also voiced approval of Rouhani’s administration for the bill.

The bill includes Iran’s countermeasure plans for any US acts of exploitation and terrorism in the region, as well as the Western country’s hostile moves that undermine the successful implementation of Iran’s nuclear deal, dubbed JCPOC, which went into effect in January 2016.

On August 2, US President Donald Trump signed into law a bill by Congress that imposes new sanctions against Russia, Iran and North Korea.

Iranian officials deem the anti-Iran sanctions over its ballistic missile program and alleged “support for terrorism” in violation of the spirit, if not the letter, of the JCPOA.

en.abna24.com/news/iran/iran-parliament-ratifies-legislation-to-counter-us-anti-iran-moves_847910.html

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4 Dead in UAE Apache copter crash in Yemen’s Shabwa

August 12, 2017

(AhlulBayt News Agency) - An Apache helicopter of the United Arab Emirates’ occupying forces crashed in Amgel valley of Al-Rawadah directorate in Yemen’s Shabwa province, and four of its crew members were killed in mysterious circumstances, a military official told Saba on Saturday.

The Yemeni navy also managed to strike a warship for the aggression forces in Mocha coast.

Yemen has been since March 2015 under a brutal aggression by Saudi-led coalition. Tens of thousands of Yemenis have been injured and martyred in Saudi-led strikes, with the vast majority of them are civilians.

The coalition has been also imposing a blockade on the impoverished country’s ports and airports as a part of his aggression which is aimed at restoring power to fugitive former president Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi.

Around 29 months of war have killed more than 10,000 people, wounded 45,000 others, and displaced more than 11 percent of the country’s 26 million people.

en.abna24.com/news/middle-east/4-dead-in-uae-apache-copter-crash-in-yemen%E2%80%99s-shabwa_847819.html

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Iran bans footballers over game with Israel

Thomas Erdbrink | NYT News Service | Updated: Aug 13, 2017, 07:04 AM IST

TEHRAN: Two players of Iran's national soccer team were banned for life from playing for their country on Thursday after they participated in a match with their club team in Greece against an Israeli team, an official said.

The players, MasoudShojaei, 33, the captain of the national team, and Ehsan Haji Safi, 27, one of Iran's most promising players, played for their Greek club team, Panionios, in a home game last week in Athens against Maccabi Tel Aviv from Israel. "MasoudShojaei and Ehsan Haji Safi will never be invited to join the national football team because they violated the red line," Mohammad Reza Davarzani, Iran's deputy sports minister, said in a statement.

The Iran government does not recognise Israel, and has no official ties with the country. A longstanding rule by the country's Islamic government prohibits Iranian athletes from competing against Israeli athletes in any tournament, including Olympics.

"Agreeing to play in a game against athletes of a regime that has given humanity nothing other than occupation, murder, aggression and betrayal is disrespectful of the rights of thousands of martyrs and those displaced and affected by the occupying Zionist regime," the spokesman of Iran Parliament's foreign policy panle said.

Missing two key players a year before the 2018 World Cup can undermine the team's chances of advancing in Russia, which has been on a winning streak recently under its Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz. Fifa has rules that forbid political interference in countries' national teams. nyt news service

timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/iran-bans-footballers-over-game-with-israel/articleshow/60041256.cms

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South Asia

US confirms death of ISIS candidate to take charge as emir for Afghanistan

By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun Aug 13 2017

“U.S. and Afghan Forces continue to keep pressure on ISIS-K and disrupt their expansion plans as part of ongoing operations to defeat them in Afghanistan in 2017,” the statement added.

khaama.com/us-confirms-death-of-isis-candidate-to-take-charge-as-emir-for-afghanistan-03348

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At least 13 civilians killed by mortar shell in northern Afghanistan

August 12, 2017

(AhlulBayt News Agency) - A mortar shell that landed in a house in Afghanistan’s northern Faryab Province has killed at least 13 civilians, officials said on August 12.

Ten children and two women died in the incident that took place in the Dawlatabad district in the afternoon of August 11, Abdul AhadElbek, a provincial council member, told the dpa news agency.

NaimatullahTofan, the district police chief, said at least three others were injured in the incident.

It remains unclear whether it was Taliban terrorists who fired the mortar.

There was no immediate statement from the Taliban.

There has been an increase in violence in recent months in Faryab Province.

The United Nations said in July that 1,662 civilians were killed and 3,580 others were injured in the first six months of 2017.

en.abna24.com/news/central-asia-subcontinent/at-least-13-civilians-killed-by-mortar-shell-in-northern-afghanistan_847786.html

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Hezb-e-Islami reacts at deadly attack on a mosque by ex-commander loyalists in Takhar

By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun Aug 13 2017

Hezb-e-Islami led by GulbuddinHekmatyar reacted at a deadly attack by the loyalists of a former commander of the party on a mosque in northeasternTakhar province of Afghanistan.

The party in a statement condemned the attack and urged the government institutions to share the findings of their probe regarding the incident that took place on Friday.

The statement further added that the incident in Cha Aab district mosque took place during the Friday prayers after the loyalists of commander Bashir Qanit tried to stop the mosque’s prayer leader to speak against the commander.

According to Hezb-e-Islami the prayer leader was speaking against commander since a long time but the attempts by his loyalists to stop him from delivering speech again him led to armed clashes that left at least three people dead.

In the meantime, the local officials in Takhar are saying that four people have been killed and nearly thirty others have sustained injuries in the attack.

Provincial governor’s spokesman SanatullahTemori confirmed the incident involving the fighters of commander Bashir Qanit.

He said at least four people were killed and thirty others were wounded during the clash and the health condition of at least six of the wounded people reported as critical.

khaama.com/hezb-e-islami-reacts-at-deadly-attack-on-a-mosque-by-ex-commander-loyalists-in-takhar-03345

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5 Taliban insurgents critically wounded while making bombs in Nangarahr mosque

By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun Aug 13 2017

At least five Taliban insurgents were critically wounded while they were making Improvised Explosive Devices in a mosque in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

The provincial government media office in a statement said the incident took place in a mosque in Momandara district.

The statement further added that five other suspects were also arrested during separate operations in Jalalabad city, Behsud, and Chaparhar districts.

The anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents have not commented regarding the report so far.

The Taliban insurgents frequently use explosives materials for the roadside bombings and car bombings to target the government staff and security personnel.

However, in majority of such incidents the ordinary civilians are targeted besides such bombings incur casualties to the security personnel and in some cases the Taliban militants themselves are killed or wounded.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in its latest reported highlighted that 40 per cent of all civilian casualties during the six-month period were killed or injured by anti-government forces using improvised explosive devices (IEDs), such as suicide bombs and pressure-plate devices, which were responsible for the deaths of 596 civilians and injured 1,483.

khaama.com/5-taliban-insurgents-critically-wounded-while-making-bombs-in-nangarahr-mosque-03350

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Taliban capture control of Ghormach in northern Faryab province

By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun Aug 13 2017

The Taliban insurgents have captured the control of Ghormach district in northern Faryab province after days of heavy gun battle.

The local security sources confirmed that the control of the district fell to Taliban control earlier today after heavy clashes.

There are no reports regarding the casualties as a result of the clashes so far.

This comes as the Taliban insurgents briefly took control of Kohistan district in Faryab province last month.

However, the Afghan forces managed to retake the control of the district center by launching a coordinated operation almost three days after it was captured.

The anti-government armed militant groups, specifically the Taliban insurgents have stepped up their insurgency activities across the country amid growing pressure by the Afghan security forces and the international community to root out their activities.

The latest attack by the insurgent groups in the northern Sar-e-Pul province that led to the mass killings of scores of civilians sparked an outrage in Afghanistan as well as internationally after a key area, Mira Olang, fell into the hands of the militants.

No group including the Taliban insurgents has so far claimed responsibility behind the deliberate killings of the civilians in Sar-e-Pul province so far.

khaama.com/taliban-capture-control-of-ghormach-in-northern-faryab-province-03347

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Attacks plan foiled in Kabul city, NDS arrest 3 suspects deployed by Taliban

By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun Aug 13 2017

The Afghan security forces have foiled a series of attacks planned by the Taliban insurgents in Kabul city, arresting a group of at least three insurgents in connection to the attacks plot.

The Afghan Intelligence, National Directorate of Security (NDS), said the suspects were arrested shortly after they were deployed by the group to Kabul city in a bid to carry out the attacks.

NDS further added that the detained militants have been identified as Wahidyar son of Kheshtyar, Humayoun son of Motabar Shah, Qudratullah son of Ghulam Dastagir.

According to the National Directorate of Security, the militants were during the special operations conducted by the intelligence operatives and shortly after they were deployed to the city for the attacks.

NDS also shared a video of the detained militants where they confess that they were planning to carry out attacks in the city.

The anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents have not commented regarding the report so far.

This comes as the anti-government armed militant groups have been attempting to carry out large attacks across the country, including the key cities and provinces as they attempt to expand their insurgency.

The militant groups carried out some large attacks in Kabul city including a coordinated attack on Iraqi embassy in Kabul nearly two weeks along with a suicide attacks on foreign forces convoy that left several people dead or wounded, including ordinary civilians.

khaama.com/attacks-plan-foiled-in-kabul-city-nds-arrest-3-suspects-deployed-by-taliban-03346

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Afghan and US security advisers hold talk on military and civil cooperation

By KHAAMA PRESS - Sat Aug 12 2017

The Afghanistan’s national security adviser Mohammad HanifAtmar discussed bilateral military and civil cooperation between Kabul and Washington during a video teleconference.

The Office of the National Security Council in a statement said the two sides had in-depth discussions regarding the security situation of Afghanistan where the national security advisers of the two nations exchange views for maintaining peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The statement further added that the two sides also discussed bilateral civil cooperation and to ascertain the areas where emergency support will be required.

Both the senior officials emphasized on the importance of reforms, insisting that fight against corruption, good governance, and a proper administration can play a key role in bring vital reforms both in the civilian and military sectors of the country.

According to the Office of the National Security Council, Mr. Atmar also discussed the current political situation and areas of cooperation in the region.

He said Washington can play a key role in establishing an environment of regional cooperation in a bid to maintain peace and stability in the region.

In his turn, Gen. McMaster reaffirmed Washington’s full support to the legitimate stance of the Afghan government in the fight against terrorism and said the American government and nation will continue to support Afghanistan.

khaama.com/afghan-and-us-security-advisers-hold-talk-on-military-and-civil-cooperation-03342

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Pakistan

Major blast kills 15 in southwestern of Quetta, Pakistan

August 13, 2017

(AhlulBayt News Agency) - A suicide bomber on a motorcycle targeted a military truck Saturday with a bomb killing eight soldiers and seven civilians in the southwestern city of Quetta, an official and the military said.

Kabeer Khan, an explosives expert who examined the site, said after collecting forensic evidence that it was a suicide attack and that the attacker was carrying some 25 kilograms of "incendiary explosives" on a motorcycle that he rammed into the military truck.

A military statement said the bomb also wounded 25 people, including 15 civilians. It said the explosives sparked fires in nearby vehicles. It added that all the victims were taken to a military hospital.

Pakistani army chief Gen. Qamar JavedBajwa condemned the attack. He said in a statement that it was an attempt to mar the independence day festivities.

"Our resolve won't succumb to any challenge," Gen Bajwa said.

SarfrazBugti, the home minister for Baluchistan, said the blast took place near a private hospital.

Bugti said an investigation was launched to determine the nature of the blast and whether it was a terrorist attack.

To terror group claimed responsibility as it has been for previous such incidents in Balochistan, a province rich in oil and gas resources that borders Iran and Afghanistan.

Daesh, a Takfiri terrorist group which mainly operates in the Middle East but has also established a branch in Afghanistan, has claimed several attacks in the Pakistani territory in the recent past. Attacks have also been reported by groups related to the Taliban.

en.abna24.com/news/central-asia-subcontinent/major-blast-kills-15-in-southwestern-pakistan_847942.html

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COAS visits Quetta, attends funeral prayers of soldiers martyred in blast near Pishin Stop

August 13, 2017

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar JavedBajwa arrived in Quetta on Sunday, a day after a suicide bomber targetted a military truck near the Pishin bus stop killing 15 people, including 8 soldiers.

At least 40 others were wounded in the blast which took place on Saturday night. The attacker was riding a motorcycle and blew himself up as he came near the military truck. Around 25-30 kilograms of explosives were used in the suicide attack.

The COAS as well as Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal were among those who attended the funeral prayers of the martyred soldiers. The newly appointed interior minister had arrived in Quetta late Saturday night to oversee the situation.

After his visit to the injured of the Quetta blast at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Gen Bajwa was briefed about the incident at the Southern Command headquarters. The COAS reiterated that the fight against terrorism would continue until enduring peace and stability were achieved.

"There is a need to have synergy between efforts of all the state institutions to defeat terrorism in totality," he said, adding that the Pakistani nation would celebrate Independence Day to "honour the sacrifices of all 'Shuhada-e-Pakistan' [made] for a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan."

High-level investigation starts

A high-level investigation team, comprising three senior police officers, has been formed to probe the deadly suicide bombing, announced Home Minister Balochistan Mir SarfarazBugti on Sunday. "Forensic experts from Punjab will take part in the investigations into the attack," he added.

Speaking to the media on Sunday, Iqbal said that the federal government would cooperate with the provincial governments and security institutions in their efforts against "the enemy".

The interior minister visited the injured of the blast at the hospitals early Sunday morning after which he held a joint press conference with Balochistan Chief Minister SanaullahZehri.

Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal holds a press conference with Balochistan Chief Minister SanaullahZehri on Sunday.─DawnNews

"We all have to work together to secure the country's future," Iqbal said, adding that this was not the time for politics. "It is a time to fight terrorism."

"We will not bow down before terrorists," added Zehri.

The injured of the blast are being treated in the CMH and Civil Hospital Quetta. According to Waseem Baig, the civil hospital's spokesperson, four people had been discharged from the hospital. "The condition of seven injured is critical," said Baig.

Aftermath of the blast

Many vehicles caught on fire and window panes of near-by buildings were smashed by the impact of the blast on Saturday night.

Investigators and senior security and police officers remained at the site of the terror incident to collect evidence and probe the incident.

Hours after the attack, the area remained cordoned off and all shops, offices and markets near the spot of the explosion remained closed.

So far, no case has been registered with regard to the terror incident, a police official told Dawn.

Gen Bajwa, condemning the terrorist attack soon after it took place, had termed it an attempt to “mar Independence Day festivity” in the city and declared that “our resolve won’t succumb to any challenge”.

The Inter-Services Public Relations had confirmed late Saturday night that it was an attack on an “on duty military vehicle”, adding that the terrorists had used “incendiary explosives” due to which many vehicles in the affected area caught on fire.

Security challenges

Saturday night's attack came two weeks after a threat alert had been issued, stating that an explosive-laden vehicle had entered Quetta and a blast could occur in a crowded place or a market.

Security was already beefed up in the city in connection with the approaching Independence Day.

Last month, on July 13, four armed men riding two motorcycles ambushed the official vehicle of Superintendent of Police Mubarak Shah after he left his home in KilliDeba for his office in Quaidabad.

The SP and his three guards were killed in the attack. JamaatulAhrar, a faction of the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, had claimed responsibility for that attack.

Balochistan has faced a number of security challenges in recent months, with security personnel in the province often being targeted in roadside explosions.

At least 14 people ─ including seven policemen ─ lost their lives, while 19 others were injured in a suicide blast that shook Shuhada Chowk in Quetta's Gulistan Road area in June.

Another attack in June injured three security officials after an improvised explosive device targeted their vehicle in the Johan area of Kalat.

Days later, two navy sailors were martyred and at least three others were wounded when their vehicle was attacked in the Jiwani area of Gwadar district.

In May, at least 10 labourers were killed in Balochistan's Gwadar district when unidentified assailants opened fire at the construction site where they were working.

dawn.com/news/1351343/coas-visits-quetta-attends-funeral-prayers-of-soldiers-martyred-in-blast-near-pishin-stop

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JuD fields candidate for NA-120 by-poll

August 13, 2017

LAHORE: The JamaatudDawa (JuD) has also fielded its candidate for the upcoming by-election of NA-120 under the banner of it’s yet to be registered political party, Milli Muslim League (MML).

As the MML has not been registered as a political party, its candidate, Muhammad Yaqoob Sheikh, filed his nomination papers with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) as an independent candidate on Saturday.

“We would fully support Mr Sheikh in the by-poll,” MML President Saifullah Khalid told a press conference held in the Lahore Press Club. He said the process of the MML registration as a political party was under way before the ECP; therefore, its candidate would contest the election independently.

MML spokesman TabishQayum said the party would hold its maiden public meeting today (Sunday) at Istanbul Chowk on The Mall.

dawn.com/news/1351262/jud-fields-candidate-for-na-120-by-poll

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Pakistan, Turkey explore business opportunities

August 13, 2017

ISLAMABAD: The growing Turkish involvement in socio-economic development of Pakistan is a clear manifestation of the desire of the leadership on both sides to transform this strong political and cultural relationship into a robust economic partnership.

This was stated by Charge d’ Affaires of Pakistan Syed Ali Asad Gilani while speaking at the Pakistan-Turkey Business Opportunities Conference on Saturday, organised by the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), in collaboration with All Industrialists and Businessmen Association of Turkey (TUMSIAD), in Istanbul.

The two-day event is intended to engage the private sectors from both countries, strengthen B2B ties, and boost bilateral trade and investment between the two countries with participation by over 700 businessmen from Pakistan and representatives of over 150 Turkish companies.

“Pakistan has over 185 billion tonnes of coal reserves which is equivalent to 618bn barrels of crude oil reserves in terms of energy output, while the country has 31.3tr cubic metres of natural gas reserves,” said the President of RCCI Raja Amir Iqbal in his presentation about business opportunities in Pakistan.

He urged the businessmen of both countries to play their role to enhance bilateral trade, which was about $610m in 2016. Mr Iqbal also briefed the Turkish businessmen about the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project which would transform the entire region into a hub of economic activities.

Mr Gilani stressed that Turkish corporate footprints on Pakistan’s economic landscape are emerging fast. Metro buses; solid waste management; construction of motorways; Arcelik’s $258m worth acquisition of Dawlance; Zorlu’s undertaking of 300MW of solar power generation at the Quaid-e-Azam Solar Energy Park; and Hayat Kimya’s plans to invest $50m for setting up a baby diaper manufacturing facility are some of the examples of Turkish participation and investment in Pakistan, he added.

Chairman of the Anatolian Tigers Businessmen Association (ASKON), Mr Mustafa Koca, also the chief guest on the occasion, said that 15,000 companies of ASKON were ready to support Pakistani companies and institutions. “Turkish businessmen are eager to share their experience, knowledge and capital with their Pakistani brothers,” Mr Koca said.

The conference was followed by B2B sessions giving the participating companies the opportunity to explore ties for joint ventures and trade in various sectors including construction, textile, services, energy, tourism, etc.

Meanwhile, the 30th RCCI International Achievement Awards ceremony was also held. Awards were presented to successful Pakistani companies and entrepreneurs for their outstanding performance.

Addressing guests, the Deputy Economy Minister FatihMetin said that on the instructions of President RecepTayyip Erdogan, Turkey was negotiating a comprehensive free trade agreement with Pakistan.

He said “Our target is to enhance bilateral trade to $5bn in a short-term.”

Chairman TUMSIAD, Mr YasarDogan in his address said that TUMSIAD had established an office in Pakistan adding they were keen to enhance their collaboration in textiles, transportation, housing, and tourism sectors.

dawn.com/news/1351203/pakistan-turkey-explore-business-opportunities

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Arab World

Unknown persons set Islamic State’s biggest weapon stash in Tal Afar on fire

Aug 13, 2017

Tal Afar (IraqiNews.com) A huge Islamic State’s weapon stash in Tal Afar town, west of Mosul, has been burnt, a security source from Nineveh province was quoted saying.

“Unknown persons infiltrated into the biggest store of weapons of IS in Tal Afar, killed the guards and set the store on fire,” the source told AlSumaria News on Sunday.

“This caused a huge blast, which completely burnt the store,” the source, who preferred anonymity, added.

The group, according to the source, has been on high alert, setting up checkpoints and inspecting houses in search for the perpetrators.

On Friday, the group reportedly imposed curfew for unknown reasons and deploying its armed detachments in the town.

The international coalition, led by the U.S. launch air raids in and around the town in order to facilitate the battle for Iraqi troops, which announced earlier this week concluding arrangements ahead of the invasion.

The Iraqi army’s ninth armored division reportedly reached last week to the boundaries of the town. An army official was previously quoted as saying that an army division was ordered to leave Mosul toward Tal Afar within preparations to retake the town, which has been set as the next target of operations after victory was declared in Mosul on July 10.

iraqinews.com/iraq-war/unknown-persons-set-biggest-weapon-stash-tal-afar-fire/

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Size of terrorist-free areas in Syria increased 2.5 times

August 13, 2017

(AhlulBayt News Agency) - Russia Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that the size of areas in Syria liberated from the terrorists by the country’s army supported by the Russian Aerospace Forces more than doubled over the past two months.

"Over the past two months, the larger territory has been liberated [from terrorists] than it had been under control of the Syrian government [before the Russian forces engagement]. As a matter of fact, we have made it 2.5 times larger than it has been. I mean the Syrian army with our support [has liberated the territories]," Shoigu said in an interview with Rossiya 1 TV channel late on Saturday.

The defense minister added that the fight against the terrorists continued in Syria.

"Today we already can say that everyone is aimed and set for fighting ISIS," Shoigu pointed out.

Since the beginning of the military conflict in Syria in 2011, Russia has been helping the Syrian government to fight against the various militant groups operating in the country, including ISIS.

en.abna24.com/news/east-asia/size-of-terrorist-free-areas-in-syria-increased-2-5-times_847935.html

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Awamiya Siege: Fears Mount of Brutal Crackdown as Saudi Seals Off Shia Town

August 13th, 2017

Saudi Arabia's security forces have sealed off the Shia majority town of Awamiya in the east of the country following months of unrest and clashes.

Saudi Arabia's security forces have sealed off a Shia-majority town in the east of the country following months of unrest and clashes, Human Rights Watch said on Sunday.

Saudi forces seized control of the al-Masoura district of al-Awamiya last week following a months' long security campaign, which flattened entire blocks of the town and killed scores of civilians.

HRW said on Sunday that Saudi security forces had "surrounded and sealed off" Awamiya and appealed for detente.

"Saudi authorities should take immediate steps to allow people to safely return home, allow business and clinics to reopen, and compensate residents for property damage and destruction caused by security forces," HRW's Middle East director Sarah Leah Whitson said.

Large sections of the town, including civilian infrastructure, sustained extensive damage in the campaign, according to comparative satellite imagery from February and August.

The town in Saudi Arabia's oil-rich east was the hub of a short-lived protest movement in 2011, which coincided with the Arab Spring.

One of the movement's leaders Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr was executed on terrorism charges by Riyadh on 2 January 2016.

Nimr rallied thousands of Saudis in Awamiya, and linked their movement to the mass protests of Bahrain's Shia-majority population against the Sunni rulers.

In May, Saudi bulldozers began demolishing Awamiya's historic district on 10 May with plans to tear down several hundred homes.

The demolitions sparked shoot-outs in the streets between security forces and Shia gunmen and stoked sectarian tensions in the country.

Last month, Saudi Arabia executed four people convinced of terrorism in the province of Qatif.

Saudi Arabia's minority Shia community, which makes up an estimated 10 to 15 percent of the country's population of 32 million, has long complained of marginalisation.

albawaba.com/news/awamiya-siege-saudi-seals-shia-town-fears-mount-brutal-crackdown-1009004

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Russian, Syrian Fighter Jets Crush ISIL's Movements in Eastern Hama

TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian and Russian air forces hit hard the military positions and movements of ISIL in the Eastern countryside of Hama, inflicting major losses on the terrorist group.

The Russian and Syrian fighter jets hit hard the ISIL terrorist group in Qalib al-Tour, Abu Hanaya, Salba, al-Dakileh, Jeni al-Albavi, Jub al-Mazari, al-Hassou, Abu Habilat, Abu al-Fashafish, al-Ravizeh, Abu Hakfeh, al-Qastal and Hamadeh Omar.

The joint airstrikes killed and wounded tens of ISIL terrorists and destroyed their military vehicles and equipment.

In a relevant development on Saturday, military sources reported that the Syrian Army had dispatched a large number of Special Forces to Eastern Hama to join their comrades' war on ISIL terrorists.

The sources said that the army men stormed ISIL's defense lines and pushed them back from several heights overlooking the Eastern side of the village of al-Mab'oujeh near the village of Salba.

The sources went on to say that ISIL suffered heavy casualties in the attack, adding that the army has also gained military control over Salba.

The sources further said that the army has forwarded a large number of special forces and a large volume of equipment to Eastern Hama to accelerate the army men's advances against ISIL in the region.

Military sources said on Friday that the army forces, led by the Republican Guard, stormed ISIL's strongholds in Northeastern Hama, liberating a number of key locations from the terrorist group.

The sources said that the army men took back Khirbet al-Katneh, Jabal (mount) Dawylab and the Tal Mazroor hilltop from ISIL after a brief engagement with the militants South of the town of Ithriya.

This recent advance by the army comes several days after it liberated the village of Marina (for a second time) and a number of points South of it from ISIL.

The offensive operation being witnessed in this region of Syria is all part of an ongoing effort by pro-government forces to create a large buffer zone South of the Ithriya to al-Rasafeh highway and to further isolate ISIL militants in Hama province from their comrades in the Easternmost regions of Syria.

en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13960522000600

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IRGC Commander: Iran Never Allows US Visit to Military Sites

TEHRAN (FNA)- Lieutenant Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Brigadier General Hossein Salami underlined that Iran will not allow any foreign states, specially the US, to visit the country's military centers.

"Both the great Iranian nation and the US and the world should know that if there is only one demand in the whole world which will be rejected and if there is only one wish that will be taken to the grave, it is the Americans' demand to visit our military centers," General Salami said in an interview with the state TV on Saturday night.

Stressing that the gates of Iran's bases are open only to the Iranian nation, he said, "The Americans should not allow themselves at all to speak about Iran and if they want to visit a base they should go to the the military sites in the US."

Meantime, Salami underscored Iran's high defense and military power, and said Tehran has produced different missiles in such large numbers that it has problems for stockpiling them.

In relevant remarks last Monday, Commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh underlined that Iran will not permit the western states, including the US, to visit the country's military sites.

"The response is clear. We will not give them such a permission," General Hajizadeh told reporters in Tehran when asked about media reports that US President Donald Trump was calling for inspections of Iran’s military sites.

He, meantime, underscored Iran's high missile power, and said a little part of this power was displayed in the country's recent missile strikes against the ISIL in Syria.

"Both the Zionists and the reactionary regional regimes understood that we have certain redlines and will resist to safeguard the revolution and will not withdraw," General Hajizadeh said.

The IRGC launched 6 missile strikes at ISIL centers in Syria's DeirEzzur in retaliation for the June 7 twin terrorist attacks in Tehran, it said in a statement issued on June 18, adding that the mid-range ballistic missiles were fired from bases in Western Iran and flew through Iraq's airspace before hitting the targets in Syria.

en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13960522000402

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Zero Hour Arriving for Lebanese Army Anti-Terrorism Operation at Border with Syria

TEHRAN (FNA)- The Lebanese Army troops are standing for orders to launch an massive offensive against ISIL terrorists as soon as SarayaAhle Sham militants leave the mountainous region at border with Syria, an Arab media outlet reported Saturday.

The Arabic-language al-Diyar daily reported that the army forces are ready to launch their large-scale operation in Arsal heights against ISIL terrorists, adding that the army operation has been mainly delayed due to a pause in an agreement on the evacuation of SarayaAhel Sham gunmen from the region.

The daily went on to say that special airborne regiment, commandoes regiment and three brigades of the army are to partake in the imminent anti-ISIL operation to liberate vast regions from al-Qa'a and Ra'asBa'albak heights up to Wadi (desert) Hamid and Khirbet Davoud.

The army's artillery and missile units will provide heavy supporting fire for the ground forces, the daily added.

Al-Diyar went on to say that the Syrian army troops and the Lebanese Hezbollah will also hit ISIL's defense lines on Syrian soil after the Lebanese army starts operation in Arsal.

Well-informed sources reported on Friday that the Lebanese Army troops and the Syrian Air Force targeted ISIL's gathering and concentration centers in the mountainous region along the two countries' borders, inflicting major losses on the terrorists.

The sources said that the army units targeted ISIL positions, movements and gatherings in the region of JaroudRa'asBa'albak close to the Syrian-Lebanese border.

The ongoing offensive by the Lebanese Army kicked off about one week ago to clear the entire JaroudRa'asBa'albak region from ISIL militants.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Air Force targeted ISIL's defense lines in al-Zamrani and al-Hashishat hills of the Western Qalamoun region where preparations by pro-government forces are ongoing to launch an offensive against ISIL from the Syrian side of the border.

ISIL suffered heavy casualties in the attacks.

en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13960521001314

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Southeast Asia

About 20 Indonesian domestic workers on Hong Kong police watch list over Islamic State links

13 Aug 2017

The rest left Hong Kong earlier, a source with knowledge of the police probe said. Indonesia’s top diplomat in the city, Tri Tharyat, said separately that his consulate had intensified efforts to stop Indonesians from becoming radicalised in the city.

The source said about 20 of the 43 had already left Hong Kong.

Tri urged Hongkongers not to be unduly worried. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

The police contacted most of those still in the city for interviews, the source added, and found they were IS sympathisers with no direct connection to the group. They supported certain religious ideologies of IS, but had shown no violent intent.

“Even though they were only sympathisers, the police will still be keeping an eye on them,” the source said.

The workers’ placement on a watch list came two weeks after the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict released a report saying there were at least 50 female workers in East Asia who took part in extremist discussion groups – with 43 of them working in Hong Kong now or in the past.

Small number of Indonesian domestic workers radicalised while in Hong Kong, report warns

The source said local police had exchanged intelligence with Indonesian law enforcement before launching their own investigations to track down the maids.

The think tank study told the story of three helpers in Hong Kong – one of whom was said to still be in the city – who competed to get recognition from IS militants in Indonesia and Syria. They provided money and arranged trips to Syria for Indonesian jihadis, sometimes via Hong Kong.

Even though they were only sympathisers, the police will still be keeping an eye on themSOURCE

According to the report, out of the 50 domestic workers identified, four joined IS in Syria; 16 returned home and many married jihadis. Eight were deported from their host countries or from Turkey while trying to cross to Syria.

Separately, Tri asserted that his work to stop Indonesians from being radicalised was an “everyday priority”. He claimed his consulate had established a sound working mechanism with Hong Kong officials to fight terror.

“My part is to make the best efforts to minimise and if possible to make sure zero Indonesians are affiliated with and influenced by the (extremist) groups,” he said.

Tri explained the consulate had long been in close contact with city officials about combating terror, having met Commissioner of Police Stephen Lo Wai-chung last month to discuss the issue. Tri is due this month to meet Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu.

Tri said he met police commissioner Stephen Lo Wai-chung last month to discuss combating terror. Photo: Felix Wong

The consulate had not received reports from the city that Indonesians were involved in extremist activities, the envoy said.

“Long before the report came out, we have been having very good and close cooperation with Hong Kong police, in particular the antiterrorism unit,” he said.

Since 2004, the force has sent 91 officers to Indonesia for antiterrorism training.

Could Asian jihadists bring terrorism back home?

As city officials described the terrorist threat level as “moderate”, Tri said it was not for him to offer his assessment but added no countries were “immune” to terrorist attacks.

“The fact that many foreign terrorist fighters left their home countries for Syria and Iraq may pose threats to their homelands and to [other] countries, regardless of their locations,” he said.

Tri also warned of “lone wolfs” – individuals carrying out attacks but not under the orders of organised terrorist groups.

The diplomat said that after the think tank report was released he met Indonesian religious preachers and community leaders, non-governmental organisations and employment agencies. He claimed all agreed on a need to raise awareness by reaching out to Indonesians in the city.

Tri said he told the agencies to advise employers to notify the consulate immediately if their maids behaved suspiciously.

Employers have been asked to notify the consulate if their helpers behave suspiciously. Photo: Nora Tam

But he urged Hongkongers not to be unduly worried.

“I received reports telling me that more Indonesians were wearing burkas,” he recalled, referring to the head-to-toe garment worn by many Muslim women. “I said that doesn’t mean they’re radical. It’s a choice.”

The situation is extremely challengingINDONESIAN CONSUL GENERAL TRI THARYAT

Fighting terrorism in Hong Kong was not without challenges, he added.

“In Indonesia, displaying a symbol of IS is against the law, but not here, which means the situation is extremely challenging.”

While the consulate had a mechanism to monitor who was preaching at the Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai mosques, Tri said it had little oversight over preachers in other venues. The think tank mentioned that some radical preachers had been in the city.

A police spokesman said there was no specific intelligence to suggest Hong Kong was a likely target of terrorist attacks. “Police keep a close watch on international trends in terrorist activities and have been liaising closely with mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies for intelligence exchange and threat assessments,” he said.

A Security Bureau spokesman said the city had “a sound legal framework and strong enforcement capability” to guard against and deal with terrorist activities. “When assessing terrorist threats, he added, police “take into account a wide range of intelligence and information from different sources”.

scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-crime/article/2106612/20-indonesian-domestic-workers-hong-kong-police-watch-list

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Myanmar: UN rights expert urges restraint in security operation in Rakhine state

August 13, 2017

(AhlulBayt News Agency) - A United Nations human rights expert expressed alarm over reports that an army battalion has flown into Arakan state in western Myanmar to help local authorities boost security in the region.

a UN human rights expert voiced alarm Friday at the Thursday deployment of the army battalion to Rakhine state, warning that warned the development was "a cause for major concern."

"The government must ensure that security forces exercise restraint in all circumstances and respect human rights in addressing the security situation in Rakhine State," said UN special rapporteur Yanghee Lee.

ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), a human rights group, also expressed concern on Friday about the increased number of soldiers in the troubled state.

"Aung San Suu Kyi should call on all parties, including the Myanmar army, to take steps to de-escalate conflict in northern Rakhine state, rather than exacerbate it," said Eva KusumaSundari, a member of APHR’s board, referring to Myanmar's state counsellor.

Myanmar’s government already denies full citizenship to the 1.1 million-strong Rohingya population that lives there, branding them illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, but the Rohingya community track their ancestors many generations back in Myanmar.

en.abna24.com/news/east-asia/myanmar-un-rights-expert-urges-restraint-in-security-operation-in-rakhine-state_847939.html

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Myanmar Gov't Imposes Fresh Curfews in Muslims-Majority State

TEHRAN (FNA)- Myanmar has reportedly declared new curfews in northern Rakhine state, where over a million of Rohingya Muslims live, as it has deployed hundreds of troops in the restive region to beef up its military presence.

According to the Southeast Asian country’s state media, the government on Saturday imposed a new wave of curfews to be in force “in necessary areas” as the military mounted its clearance operations, presstv reported.

“Some Muslim villages in Rathidaung dare not to go outside,” a Rohingya Muslim villager said, adding that his desperate community feared a repeat of last year’s brutal crackdown.

On Friday, it was revealed that the government had deployed some 500 troops to several towns, including Buthidaung and Maungdaw, near the border with Bangladesh a day earlier.

The government’s decision to increase its military presence in the region and declare curfews came a week after local residents claimed that they had found bodies of seven Buddhists in the vicinity of Maungdaw after they discovered a camp for Rohingya fighters.

The government blames the incident on "extremists," accusing the fighters of killing informants in the Muslim community, arguing the military build-up is necessary to thwart the so-called threat posed by Rohingya fighters.

“Many battalions with hundreds of soldiers from central Myanmar were deployed to the Mayu mountain range,” a military officer said, speaking on condition of anonymity, on Saturday.

The United Nations on Friday, however, sounded alarm over reports of the military deployment in the region, calling the move “a cause for major concern.”

The UN has already accused the military of committing grave abuses against the Rohingya during its counterinsurgency campaign in the region.

The stepped-up measures raised fears of a fresh wave of violence against the Rohingya after last year’s crackdown that was launched in the wake of a deadly attack on the country’s border guards on October 9, 2016 which left nine policemen dead. The government blamed the Rohingya for the assault.

Some 75,000 people have fled from the Muslim-majority Northern part of Rakhine to Bangladesh since Myanmar’s military launched the crackdown, according to a UN report.

Numerous accounts have already been provided by eyewitnesses of summary executions, rapes and arson attacks against Muslims since the crackdown began. The military has blocked access to Rakhine and banned journalists and aid workers from entering the zone.

Myanmar has long faced international criticism for its treatment of some 1.1 million Rohingya Muslims, who are denied citizenship and live in conditions rights groups have compared to those of the Blacks under the former apartheid regime in South Africa.

en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13960522000905