Saudi Cleric Calls On FIFA to Ban Sign of Cross, Twitter Fires Back Immediately
New Age Islam News Bureau
14
May 2017
Photo: Saudi Cleric Muhamad Alarefe © Wikipedia
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• Mumbai Terror Mastermind Hafiz Saeed Detained In Pak for 'Spreading Terrorism In The Name Of Jihad'
• Kolkata Imam Dismissed From Post over ‘Anti-National’ Remarks Triggered By Red Beacon Dispute
• Princess Anne Visits Mosque in Whitechapel for Commonwealth Conference on Global Challenges
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Arab World
• Saudi Cleric Calls On FIFA to Ban Sign of Cross, Twitter Fires Back Immediately
• Twenty Islamic State Members Killed In Coalition Airstrike Western Anbar
• Iraqi forces attack Islamic State in Mosul as battle approaches endgame
• Over 1,000 Terrorists Killed in Syrian Army Operation in Al-Qaboun in Last 3 Months
• Kurdish-Led SDF to Hand over Euphrates Dam to Syrian Gov't
• Kurdish Forces Destroy Militants' Defence Lines in Raqqa Province
• Thousands of Civilians Flee Terrorist-Held Regions in Northeastern Syria
• Saudi drone downed, troops killed by Yemeni forces
• First group of militants leave Damascus’s al-Qaboun neighbourhood
• King Salman Invites Egyptian President, Sultan of Brunei to Arab-Islamic-US Summit in Riyadh
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Pakistan
• Mumbai Terror Mastermind Hafiz Saeed Detained In Pak for 'Spreading Terrorism In The Name Of Jihad'
• Fanna-Fi-Allah Celebrate Qawwali through Powerful Performance
• Pakistan army chief visits LoC amid border tension
• China, Pakistan ink pacts ahead of B&R summit; Xi says ties priority
• Geo-economics must take precedence over geo-politics, Prime Minist Nawaz Sharif says in Beijing
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India
• Kolkata Imam Dismissed From Post over ‘Anti-National’ Remarks Triggered By Red Beacon Dispute
• Hizbul Mujahideen Terrorist Nabbed From Indo-Nepal Border, Pak Passport Recovered
• Delhi Police now asks mosques to make announcements on Najeeb
• J&K: Two LeT terrorists killed in ongoing Handwara encounter
• Kulbhushan Jadhav case: India, Pakistan at ICJ after 18 years
• J&K youths defy terrorists; 67,000 apply for 700 cop jobs
• Pakistan shells LoC areas again, 1000 people evacuated
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Southeast Asia
• Princess Anne Visits Mosque in Whitechapel for Commonwealth Conference on Global Challenges
• Hong Kong Muslim Community Critical Of Police Report Warning of Islamic State-Inspired Attack
• Tsang stressed there was no information suggesting the city was a target for terrorism.
• Indonesian ambassador talks Azerbaijan’s capability to unite entire Islamic world
• Translated Quran into Samoan to dispel misunderstanding of Islam
• DPM Ahmad Zahid Donates To 300 Mosques In Beaufort
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Mideast
• New Shariah Standards for Islamic Financing, Banking Launched In Dubai
• Israeli Troops Filmed Watching Idly As Settlers Throw Stones at Palestinians
• Israel hacked Lebanese phones during Sayyed Nasrallah speech
• Founder of Islamic movement in Israel dies
• Yusuf Islam lauds Turkey's efforts to help refugees
• Turkey wins 27 medals at Islamic Solidarity Games
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North America
• Us Slaps New Sanctions On LeT, JDQ
• Canadian Muslims host event to educate city about Ramadan
• US nears $100bn arms deal for Saudi Arabia
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South Asia
• Taliban Vehicle Hit Roadside Mine in Kandahar, 10 Killed, 7 Wounded
• Taliban’s recruitment leader arrested in Kandahar city
• NDS rescue minor girl kidnapped from Kabul for ransom of $105 thousand
• White blood plasma procedure starts for the first time in Nangarhar
• Prominent Taliban leaders killed in Afghan forces targeted operation in Samangan
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Europe
• Italy rescues 480 migrants from Mediterranean, recover seven bodies
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/saudi-cleric-calls-fifa-ban/d/111140
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Saudi cleric calls on FIFA to ban sign of cross, Twitter fires back immediately
14 May, 2017
A hardline Saudi cleric has called on football’s governing body, FIFA, to prohibit players from making the sign of the cross in celebration on the field. As expected, not only have his calls fallen on deaf ears, but he has also been lambasted online.
Mohammed Alarefe boasts 17.5 million Twitter followers, which, though impressive, is unlikely to hold any sway with FIFA’s elite.
“I’ve seen video clips of athletes, soccer players running, shooting and when they win they make the symbol of the cross on their chests and my question is do FIFA’s rules not forbid this,” he tweeted.
Читать
د. محمد #العريفي✔ @MohamadAlarefe
رأيتمقاطعلرياضيين" كرةقدم،سباقجري،رميسهام، .. "
إذافازأحدهمأشارلصدرهإشارةالصليب!
سؤالي:
أليسنظامفيفايمنعالإشاراتالدينية؟
19:16 - 5 May 2017
1 012 1 012 Ретвитов 2 036 2 036 отметок «Нравится»
Players and fans alike quickly pointed out the inherent hypocrisy in Alarefe’s statement.
“Even Muslim players celebrate their own way, FIFA brings us together,” wrote one user.
Another person also emphasized that sport is the great unifier and said Alarefe shouldn’t be a spoil-sport. “Muslims also bow down to celebrate victory... where is the problem?”
One user took things a step further, highlighting the extremist undercurrent to the cleric’s remarks.
Читать
RT ✔ @RT_com
‘We have to be sensitive’: Real Madrid removes Christian cross from logo for new Middle East clothing deal on.rt.com/81bp
17:35 - 25 Jan 2017
Photo published for Real Madrid remove Christian cross from logo for new Middle East clothing deal — RT Sport
Real Madrid remove Christian cross from logo for new Middle East clothing deal — RT Sport
Real Madrid have removed the Christian cross from their club crest as part of a new clothing deal in six Middle Eastern countries.
rt.com
73 73 Ретвита 45 45 отметок «Нравится»
“ISIS also forbid making the sign of the cross, when Baghdadi becomes FIFA president, I might consider it,” he tweeted.
Religious symbolism has been a hot topic for football in 2017, which has seen Champions League regulars Real Madrid agreeing to remove the cross from their official merchandise sold in six Middle Eastern nations.
rt.com/viral/388317-saudi-cleric-fifa-muslims/?utm_source=browser&utm_medium=aplication_chrome&utm_campaign=chrome
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Mumbai Terror Mastermind Hafiz Saeed Detained In Pak For 'Spreading Terrorism In The Name Of Jihad'
Sun, 14 May 2017
Mumbai terror attack mastermind and Jamat-udDawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed and his four aides have been detained for "spreading terrorism in the name of jihad", Pakistan's interior ministry has told a judicial review board.
Saeed appeared before the board yesterday and told it that he had been detained by the Pakistani government in order to stop him for raising voice for Kashmiris.
However, the interior ministry rejected his arguments and told the three-member board that Saeed and his four aides have been detained for "spreading terrorism in the name of jihad".
The board comprising Justice EjazAfzal Khan of the Supreme Court (head), Justice Ayesha A Malik of Lahore High Court and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail of Balochistan High Court directed the ministry to submit a complete record regarding detention of Saeed and his aides - ZafarIqbal, Abdul RehmanAbid, Abdullah Ubaid and QaziKashifNiaz on next hearing on May 15.
The board also sought personal appearance of the attorney general of Pakistan on next hearing.
Police produced Saeed and his four aides before the board at Lahore registry of the apex court amid high security. A large number of Saeed's supporters gathered outside the court.
Saeed's counsel advocate A K Dogar was also present but the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chose to plead his case before the court.
"The allegations levelled by the government against me had never been proved by any state institution. My organisation and I have been victimised for raising voice for freedom of Kashmir and criticising the government’s weak policy on the Kashmir issue," Saeed said.
He said that he had been placed under house in order to stop him for raising voice for Kashmiri people.
Saeed appealed to the board to set aside the Punjab government's detention order.
"The government detained the JuD leaders on pressure of United Nations and international organisations," an official representing the federal interior ministry told the board.
Last Thursday Lahore High Court division bench had questioned as why Saeed and others were not presented before a review board before the government issued notification for extension to his detention for another 90 days.
On April 30, detention of Saeed and his four aides was extended by the Punjab government for another 90 days under preventative detention under 11 EEE (I) and 11D of Anti- Terrorism Act 1997.
The Punjab government on January 30 had put these five under house arrest in Lahore for their involvement in activities which can be prejudicial to peace and security.
The government has also placed JuD and FIF under second schedule of the anti-terrorism act.
The Nawaz government had reportedly taken action against Saeed after the US clearly told Islamabad that in case of not taking action against JuD and Saeed it may face sanctions.
JuD is said to be the front for the banned Lashkar-e- Taiba (LeT). The organisation has been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation’ by the US in June 2014.
Saeed and his aides said in their petition that the government detained them without any legal justification. They said the UN resolution followed by the government did not seek detention of any citizen.
"The detention of the JuD leaders is a simple case of mala fide intention and ulterior motive on part of the government as it has been done so to please India and the United States," the petition said. (PTI)
outlookindia.com/website/story/mumbai-terror-mastermind-hafiz-saeed-detained-in-pak-for-spreading-terrorism-in-/298899
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Kolkata imam dismissed from post over ‘anti-national’ remarks triggered by red beacon dispute
May 14, 2017
Moulana Syed Barkati was reported to have refused to remove the ‘lalbatti’ from his vehicle as ‘the British government had permitted’ its use.
Kolkata imam dismissed from post over ‘anti-national’ remarks triggered by red beacon dispute
Controversial Kolkata Shahi Imam Moulana Syed NoorurRahmanBarkati of the Tipu Sultan mosque was dismissed from his post on Saturday over his “anti-national comments”, The Hindu reported. The development follows his refusal to remove the red beacon from his vehicle before a representative from the state government asked him to detach the device. Barkati, however, had said had done so “voluntarily”.
“The British government permitted us to install the red light, so why should I remove it?” Barkati was earlier reported to have said.
“The intolerant statements of the Tipu Sultan masjid imam are deplorable,” read a statement from West Bengal State Jamiat-E-Ulama. “We are Indians, and every citizen should abide by the Constitution, democratic, secular and cultural values and criminal laws.”
Meanwhile, Barkati has lodged a complaint against ministerSiddiqullahChowdhury for staging a protest outside the mosque over the matter.
The imam had rejected the Centre’s April 19 directive against the use of “lalbattis” on non-emergency vehicles from May 1 and threatened to launch “jihad if one tries to make the country a Hindu rashtra”. On May 12, Barkati had said he would take off the red beacon from his vehicle if the prime minister and his Cabinet colleagues were ready to live without security guards, Hindustan Times reported.
At least three police complaints were registered against him in West Bengal, NDTV reported. “I removed the red light after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sent one of her ministers, asking me to remove it as it was creating unnecessary problems,” he said, according to the news channel.
The last time the imam made headlines was when he had issued a fatwa against Prime Minister NarendraModi for launching the demonetisation drive.
scroll.in/latest/837558/kolkata-imam-dismissed-from-post-over-anti-national-remarks-triggered-by-red-beacon-dispute
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Princess Anne visits mosque in Whitechapel for Commonwealth conference on global challenges
14 May 2017
Princess Anne heard from Commonwealth business and community leaders about global challenges facing the Muslim community on her visit to the East London Mosque.
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Princess Royal joins in Commonwealth study conference. Picture: RehanJamilPrincess Royal joins in Commonwealth study conference. Picture: RehanJamil
She joined 12 senior leaders on her visit to Whitechapel for the Commonwealth Study programme.
The one-day conference on Wednesday tackled challenges that businesses, governments and society face and to build the global relationships needed by the leaders of tomorrow.
The discussions highlighted challenges and opportunities of the mosque for the largest Muslim community in Britain, including creating a safe space for women.
Lucy Bushill Matthews spoke on emerging leadership about the barriers Muslim women and young people face and what can be done about them.
The Princess meets mosque officials at Whitechapel. Picture: RehanJamilThe Princess meets mosque officials at Whitechapel. Picture: RehanJamil
The mosque’s visitor centre would soon be able to host more events like the Commonwealth leadership conference to increase understanding between people of all faiths and none, the Princess Royal was told.
The princess also heard about the 100-year history of the mosque and visited some of the projects and services including the archives, the Al Mizan junior school, the observation beehive and the National Zakat Foundation which is housed in the recently acquired Great Fieldgate Street synagogue.
eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk/news/princess-anne-visits-mosque-in-whitechapel-for-commonwealth-conference-on-global-challenges-1-5016593
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Arab World
Saudi cleric calls on FIFA to ban sign of cross, Twitter fires back immediately
14 May, 2017
A hardline Saudi cleric has called on football’s governing body, FIFA, to prohibit players from making the sign of the cross in celebration on the field. As expected, not only have his calls fallen on deaf ears, but he has also been lambasted online.
Mohammed Alarefe boasts 17.5 million Twitter followers, which, though impressive, is unlikely to hold any sway with FIFA’s elite.
“I’ve seen video clips of athletes, soccer players running, shooting and when they win they make the symbol of the cross on their chests and my question is do FIFA’s rules not forbid this,” he tweeted.
Читать
د. محمد #العريفي✔ @MohamadAlarefe
رأيتمقاطعلرياضيين" كرةقدم،سباقجري،رميسهام، .. "
إذافازأحدهمأشارلصدرهإشارةالصليب!
سؤالي:
أليسنظامفيفايمنعالإشاراتالدينية؟
19:16 - 5 May 2017
1 012 1 012 Ретвитов 2 036 2 036 отметок «Нравится»
Players and fans alike quickly pointed out the inherent hypocrisy in Alarefe’s statement.
“Even Muslim players celebrate their own way, FIFA brings us together,” wrote one user.
Another person also emphasized that sport is the great unifier and said Alarefe shouldn’t be a spoil-sport. “Muslims also bow down to celebrate victory... where is the problem?”
One user took things a step further, highlighting the extremist undercurrent to the cleric’s remarks.
Читать
RT ✔ @RT_com
‘We have to be sensitive’: Real Madrid removes Christian cross from logo for new Middle East clothing deal on.rt.com/81bp
17:35 - 25 Jan 2017
Photo published for Real Madrid remove Christian cross from logo for new Middle East clothing deal — RT Sport
Real Madrid remove Christian cross from logo for new Middle East clothing deal — RT Sport
Real Madrid have removed the Christian cross from their club crest as part of a new clothing deal in six Middle Eastern countries.
rt.com
73 73 Ретвита 45 45 отметок «Нравится»
“ISIS also forbid making the sign of the cross, when Baghdadi becomes FIFA president, I might consider it,” he tweeted.
Religious symbolism has been a hot topic for football in 2017, which has seen Champions League regulars Real Madrid agreeing to remove the cross from their official merchandise sold in six Middle Eastern nations.
rt.com/viral/388317-saudi-cleric-fifa-muslims/?utm_source=browser&utm_medium=aplication_chrome&utm_campaign=chrome
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Twenty Islamic State members killed in coalition airstrike western Anbar
By NehalMostafa
May 14, 2017
Anbar (IraqiNews.com) Twenty Islamic State members were killed in an airstrike launched by the international coalition jets in the city of Annah, west of Anbar, the Iraqi army said on Sunday.
“The international coalition jets bombarded IS haven in Annah city (210 KM western Ramadi), leaving it destroyed,” Lt. Gen. QassemMohammedi, head of Jazeera Operations Command told AlSumaria News.
“Twenty IS militants were killed as result of the airstrike,” Mohammedi added.
IS held Rawa, Qaim and Annah, all in western Anbar, since the group emerged in 2014 to proclaim a self-styled “Islamic Caliphate”. Thousands of civilians are besieged there to be used as human shields.
In March, reports indicated possible joint operations by the Iraqi and U.S. forces to clear the three towns located near the borders with Syria.
Earlier this year in January, the province’s military command launched a brief assault that managed to recapture some western villages before stopping again. Fighter jets from the Iraqi army and the international coalition have also regularly pounded IS locations in the province.
The Iraqi government plans a military operation to liberate those regions once it finishes its almost seven-month-old campaign to retake the city of Mosul, Islamic State’s largest stronghold in Iraq.
iraqinews.com/iraq-war/twenty-islamic-state-members-killed-coalition-airstrike-western-anbar/
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Iraqi forces attack Islamic State in Mosul as battle approaches endgame
U.S.-backed Iraqi forces pushed deeper into the last pocket of Mosul controlled by Islamic State militants on Sunday as the battle for the city approaches an end after seven months of gruelling urban combat.
The militants have now been dislodged from all but a handful of districts in the western half of Mosul including the Old City, where Islamic State is expected to make its last stand, taking advantage of narrow streets and its dense population.
Brigadier General YahyaRasoul said the area controlled by Islamic State was no more than 9 percent of west Mosul, which is bisected by the River Tigris.
"It's a very small area," he told Reuters. "God willing, this is the final phase."
The elite Counter Terrorism Service (CTS) stormed the Ureibi and Rifaie districts at dawn on Sunday, according to a statement from the Joint Operations Command.
At the same time, the army's ninth division and the Interior Ministry's elite Emergency Response Division attacked the Islamic State bastion of 17 Tammouz.
"Daesh (Islamic State) is drawing its last dying breath," the commander of the ninth division, Lieutenant General QasimNazzal, told state television on Sunday. "Daesh fighters are broken and quickly retreating from fronts."
Vastly outnumbered by the forces arrayed against them, the militants are fighting back with suicide car bombs and snipers embedded among hundreds of thousands of civilians they are effectively holding hostage.
Conditions in the shrinking area under militant control are increasingly desperate as civilians resort to eating weeds and many are killed under heavy bombardment.
The number of people fleeing Mosul has more than doubled to about 10,000 a day since Friday, according to Iraqi government figures.
Defense analyst and former general Jasim al-Bahadli said the strategy adopted by Iraqi commanders was to splinter the remaining militants into smaller groups and attack them on multiple fronts to disrupt their command and control.
"By taking back all the districts surrounding the Old City, the militants will have no chance to receive any back-up or reinforcements," he said.
(Reporting by Ahmed Rasheed and Isabel Coles; Editing by David Goodman)
reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-iraq-mosul-idUSKCN18A0CQ?rpc=401&
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Over 1,000 Terrorists Killed in Syrian Army Operation in Al-Qaboun in Last 3 Months
TEHRAN (FNA)- Military Commander of the Syrian Army Brigadier General Kamal Sarem confirmed that over 1,000 terrorists have been killed in clashes with his forces in al-Qaboun district in Eastern Damascus in the last three months.
Sarem said that 1,000 terrorists have been killed in al-Qaboun in Eastern Ghouta in clashes with the army soldiers, adding that the army also seized control over 25 tunnels dug by militants in the region.
A military source said meantime that after the army managed to take control over a strategic tunnel that links al-Qaboun to Eastern Ghouta, the terrorists were forced to flee towards the townships of Arbin and Harasta.
The source added that the rest of terrorists that did not flee al-Qaboun surrendered to the army men and asked for relocation to Idlib or Jarabulus in Northern Aleppo.
The source went on to say that with the army's control over al-Qaboun, the district has been completely separated from Eastern Ghouta, adding that now the entire paths of terrorists to move towards Damascus city have been cut off.
In relevant developments in the province on Saturday, the Syrian soldiers regained control of al-Qaboun district in Eastern Damascus after three months of clashes with the terrorist groups.
The army units earned victory after taking back control of the last tunnels dug by the terrorists linking al-Qaboun to Eastern Ghouta and cutting all the supply routes of the militants in the district which is considered as one of the most important bases of the terrorist groups in the region.
The militants in al-Qaboun had called for relocation from the district after the Syrian army's astonishing advance and the army had suspended its operations in the region but the Takfiris' missile and mortar attacks forced the Syrian troops to launch special military operations in the outskirts of Damascus and gain control of al-Qaboun district again.
The army could extend the range of its security belt around the capital and increase pressure on the terrorists in Eastern Ghouta of Damascus after this victory.
en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13960224000364
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Kurdish-Led SDF to Hand over Euphrates Dam to Syrian Gov't
TEHRAN (FNA)- An informed source confirmed that the Predominately Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are to hand over the newly-seized Euphrates dam North of al-Tabaqa city to the Syrian government.
A Syrian-Kurdish command source pointed out that the SDF fighters that took control of the Euphrates dam and al-Tabaqa city in a an anti-ISIL operation codenamed the Euphrates Rage a couple of days ago, have agreed to hand over the dam to the government officials.
In the meantime, the Operation Room of the Euphrates Rage announced in a statement that after restoring full security to al-Tabaqa city and cleansing it from bombs and landmine planted by the ISIL, management of the city will be handed over to City Council and the city's internal security forces.
The SDF announced on Wednesday that Kurdish forces fully captured the key al-Tabaqa city and Syria's largest dam from ISIL terrorist group.
The SDF forces started the Euphrates Rage Operation in November 2016to drive ISIL out of Raqqa.
en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13960224000476
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Kurdish Forces Destroy Militants' Defense Lines in Raqqa Province
TEHRAN (FNA)- Syria's Kurdish forces destroyed the defense lines of the Takfiri terrorists in Raqqa province.
The Kurdish forces inflicted heavy losses on the militants in Raqqa province, killing scores of militants and injuring many more in heavy clashes.
In other key provinces across Syria, the Syrian army and popular forces also hit hard the military positions of the Takfiri terrorists.
Raqqa
The predominately Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continued their operation against ISIL and drove them out of more villages and regions near Raqqa city.
The SDF fighters engaged in clashes with ISIL and managed to take control over the villages of al-Rafeqeh and al-Ansar North of Raqqa.
The Kurdish forces further advanced against ISIL and pushed them back from the villages of Khirbet Khan, ISIL military training camp and a cotton spinning company in the same region, deploying forces only 4km away from Raqqa city.
Over 25 ISIL members were killed and a large volume of arms and ammunition were seized by the SDF in the clashes.
Damascus
The Syrian soldiers regained control of al-Qaboun district in Eastern Damascus after three months of clashes with the terrorist groups.
The army units earned victory after taking back control of the last tunnels dug by the terrorists linking al-Qaboun to Eastern Ghouta and cutting all the supply routes of the militants in the district which is considered as one of the most important bases of the terrorist groups in the region.
The militants in al-Qaboun had called for relocation from the district after the Syrian army's astonishing advance and the army had suspended its operations in the region but the Takfiris' missile and mortar attacks forced the Syrian troops to launch special military operations in the outskirts of Damascus and gain control of al-Qaboun district again.
The army could extend the range of its security belt around the capital and increase pressure on the terrorists in Eastern Ghouta of Damascus after this victory.
Earlier on Saturday, the Syrian army forces launched a fresh round of operations in al-Qaboun district to close off the entire tunnel network of the terrorists that links the Eastern and Western parts of the district, military sources reported.
Field sources confirmed that one of the main supply lines of the terrorists in Eastern Ghouta has come under the control of the Syrian Army forces.
The sources said that the army units continued their anti-terrorism operations in al-Qaboun district and managed to score more victories, taking full control over a key road that connects al-Qaboun to Arbin strategic district.
They said that the army soldiers discovered a long tunnel in al-Qaboun that was the main way left for the terrorists to move to Arbin.
Another source also said that all the lines of the movements used by the terrorist in al-Qaboun have been cut off now.
Homs
The Syrian Army troops continued their large-scale operation in Eastern Homs and managed to drive ISIL out of more positions in the oil-rich regions, paving the ground for rapid advances towards the besieged city of DeirEzzur.
The army soldiers that kicked off a fresh round of large-scale anti-ISIL operation on Friday to take full control over the regions along the road connecting Palmyra city in Eastern Homs to DeirEzzur city managed to push ISIL back from several positions East of the newly-liberated al-Shoumeriyeh mountain.
The army men expanded their buffer zone around the strategic Homs-Palmyra highway.
Military sources reported that the army men also imposed control over al-Talileh crossroad and the nearby areas after hours of clashes with ISIL.
The sources disclosed that the army will soon launch a fresh round of attacks on ISIL in T3 station and the town of Arak, adding that if the army men capture Arak and T3 station they will make a strong front against terrorists deployed in the town of Sukhnah, paving the way for the recapture of the town.
They went on to say that some other units of the army are committed to carry out operation against ISIL and free regions West of Arak energy field and take control over a road that connects Palmyra to T3 station.
Meantime, other sources said that a large part of the army soldiers will continue their attacks on ISIL's defense lines East of al-Shoumeriyeh mountain to win al-Sha'er energy field.
The army is also due to dispatch more forces from de-escalation zones to Eastern Homs to kick off its large-scale operation towards DeirEzzur province to liberate the city and its airbase.
A large number of fighters from the Lebanese Hezbollah Resistance Movement have left their positions in Aleppo for Eastern Homs to join the Syrian Army troops' battle against ISIL terrorists, a military source confirmed on Saturday.
The source said that the Hezbollah forces have arrived in Homs province via Khanasser highway in Southeastern Aleppo to join the army to intensify war on ISIL.
He added that the army will also forward more soldiers from de-escalation zones to the battlefields in Eastern Homs.
The source went on to say that after the endorsement of the de-escalation zones agreement, the Hezbollah fighters left Southern Aleppo to continue war on ISIL in Eastern Homs and then move towards DeirEzzur to lift terrorists' siege on the Eastern city and its military airport.
Aleppo-Hama
The Syrian Army troops engaged in fierce clashes with ISIL and fended off the terrorists' attack that aimed to seize control over a road connecting Southeastern Aleppo to Northeastern Hama.
The ISIL terrorists stormed the army positions but failed to find control over the road that connects the town of Khanasser in Aleppo to the town of Ithriya in Hama, leaving behind more than 20 dead and more injured members.
The army units also destroyed several vehicles of the ISIL in the failed attack.
The army forces warded off ISIL attack and managed to restore full security to Aleppo-Khanasser-Ithriya road again.
en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13960224000183
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Thousands of Civilians Flee Terrorist-Held Regions in Northeastern Syria
TEHRAN (FNA)- A local official confirmed that almost 13,000 refugees have left ISIL-held regions in Northern Raqqa for safer regions on Friday and Saturday.
"During the past two days, we have welcomed 13 thousand refugees from the villages of Meyselon and Celaa North of Raqqa and other villages near Raqqa," Chairman for the Raqqa Civilian Assembly Committee EbdulselamHemsorik said.
The official added that a majority of refugees were coming from the regions near Raqqa, "but even three weeks ago the influx had been coming mostly from other parts of the crisis-torn country".
The Syrian army as well as numerous groups, such as the SDF, have been fighting against the ISIL that had occupied vast territories of the Middle Eastern country, including Raqqa.
The SDF is currently conducting the Euphrates Rage Operation aimed at pushing ISIL back from Raqqa, the de-facto capital of the self-proclaimed caliphate.
Local sources in Northeastern Syria reported on Wednesday that the ISIL increased pressure on Raqqa city's civilians to pay more tax following the rapid advances of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the province and sharp reduction in the terrorist group's income.
The sources said that ISIL militants forced shopkeepers and businessmen in Raqqa to pay taxes of the next two months in advance.
They further said that a large number of ISIL fighters did not receive any money as monthly salary for several months, adding that long delay in paying salaries caused the ISIL fighters to be in doubt about remaining in the group and weakened their abilities in the battlefields.
en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13960224001255
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Saudi drone downed, troops killed by Yemeni forces
May 14, 2017
(AhlulBayt News Agency) - Saudi Arabia suffers new losses in its ongoing war on neighboring Yemen, with a spy drone shot down and more troops and mercenaries killed by Houthi fighters.
A military source said Yemeni army soldiers and allied Houthi fighters downed a Saudi drone in Midi Desert in the northwesternHajjah Province on Sunday.
Yemeni fighters also foiled an attempt by Saudi mercenaries to infiltrate into a military base in Dhale Province, the Arabic-language al-Masirah television network reported.
Separately, Sudan’s army spokesperson Ahmed Khalifa al-Shami said two of the African country’s troops were killed and several others injured in Yemen.
Last month, the Sudanese army said five of its soldiers had been killed and 22 others injured in Yemen.
On Saturday, Yemeni army snipers shot dead two Saudi soldiers in two separate military bases in the kingdom’s southern Najran region.
Additionally, a unit of the Yemeni military targeted a place of gathering for Saudi mercenaries in Midi Desert.
After more than two years of constant military strikes from the air, sea, and land, and a total embargo on Yemen, Saudi Arabia has been unable to reinstall the former Riyadh-allied Yemeni regime or eliminate the Houthi movement.
Saudi Arabia enjoys backing from its allies such as Sudan in the protracted war which has has already killed over 12,000 Yemenis, according to recent tallies.
en.abna24.com/news/middle-east/saudi-drone-downed-troops-killed-by-yemeni-forces_829676.html
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First group of militants leave Damascus’s al-Qabounneighborhood
May 14, 2017
(AhlulBayt News Agency) - The first group of militants has started to leave al-Qabounneighborhood on the eastern outskirts of Damascus city after terrorist organizations surrendered to Syrian army.
A number of vehicles started leaving al-Qabounneighborhood at dawn on Sunday transporting hundreds of militants in a new step to end all armed manifestations in the neighborhood, which the terrorist organizations have used as a springboard to attack neighboring areas for over 4 years.
The evacuation of militants started 16 hours after military operations were suspended in the neighborhood following weeks of fierce battles between the units of the Syrian army and the terrorist organizations, which finally accepted the reconciliation agreement Saturday noon.
Many of the militants will be evacuated to Idleb, while others will have their legal status settled according to the laws and regulations in place.
The terrorist organizations in the neighborhood surrendered after the Syrian army controlled a strategic tunnel connecting al-Qaboun with Erbin in Eastern Ghouta, serving as the last tunnel linking Ghouta with the western part of Damascus-Homs highway.
en.abna24.com/news/middle-east/first-group-of-militants-leave-damascus%E2%80%99s-al-qaboun-neighborhood_829687.html
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King Salman Invites Egyptian President, Sultan of Brunei to Arab-Islamic-US Summit in Riyadh
Cairo, Brunei- Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz sent a message to the Egyptian President Abdulfattah Al-Sisi, inviting him to attend the Arab-Islamic-US summit, set to take place in Riyadh later in May.
During a meeting in Cairo, the Minister of State and Member of the Cabinet Dr.Issam bin Saad bin Saeed handed over the message to the president.
The meeting was attended by the Saudi Ambassador to Egypt, who is also the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the Arab League Ahmed bin AbdulazizQattan.
Sisi voiced his appreciation for the invitation of the Saudi monarch, stating that he wished for a positive outcome to the summit “which supports efforts to achieve security and stability in the Middle East.”
King Salman also sent an invitation to Sultan HassanalBolkiah, Sultan of Brunei Darussalam. The message was delivered by Minister of Culture and Information Dr.Awad bin Saleh Al-Awad during a meeting held with Sultan Bolkiah.
For his part, Sultan Bolkiah voiced his deep appreciation for receiving the invitation and towards the efforts spent by Saudi royalty on preserving and promoting peace and stability in the region, particularly on counterterrorism efforts.
Dr.Awad bin Saleh Al-Awad conveyed the greetings and appreciations of The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Crown Prince to His Majesty, in addition to their aspiration for the developing of bilateral relations in various fields to achieve the common interests of the two countries.
The meeting was attended by Saudi Ambassador to the Sultanate of Brunei, Hisham bin Zara’ah.
english.aawsat.com/sawsan-abu-husain-and-asharq-alawsat/news-middle-east/saudi-arabia/king-salman-invites-egyptian-president-sultan-brunei-arab-islamic-us-summit-riyadh
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Pakistan
Mumbai Terror Mastermind Hafiz Saeed Detained In Pak For 'Spreading Terrorism In The Name Of Jihad'
Sun, 14 May 2017
Mumbai terror attack mastermind and Jamat-udDawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed and his four aides have been detained for "spreading terrorism in the name of jihad", Pakistan's interior ministry has told a judicial review board.
Saeed appeared before the board yesterday and told it that he had been detained by the Pakistani government in order to stop him for raising voice for Kashmiris.
However, the interior ministry rejected his arguments and told the three-member board that Saeed and his four aides have been detained for "spreading terrorism in the name of jihad".
The board comprising Justice EjazAfzal Khan of the Supreme Court (head), Justice Ayesha A Malik of Lahore High Court and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail of Balochistan High Court directed the ministry to submit a complete record regarding detention of Saeed and his aides - ZafarIqbal, Abdul RehmanAbid, Abdullah Ubaid and QaziKashifNiaz on next hearing on May 15.
The board also sought personal appearance of the attorney general of Pakistan on next hearing.
Police produced Saeed and his four aides before the board at Lahore registry of the apex court amid high security. A large number of Saeed's supporters gathered outside the court.
Saeed's counsel advocate A K Dogar was also present but the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chose to plead his case before the court.
"The allegations levelled by the government against me had never been proved by any state institution. My organisation and I have been victimised for raising voice for freedom of Kashmir and criticising the government’s weak policy on the Kashmir issue," Saeed said.
He said that he had been placed under house in order to stop him for raising voice for Kashmiri people.
Saeed appealed to the board to set aside the Punjab government's detention order.
"The government detained the JuD leaders on pressure of United Nations and international organisations," an official representing the federal interior ministry told the board.
Last Thursday Lahore High Court division bench had questioned as why Saeed and others were not presented before a review board before the government issued notification for extension to his detention for another 90 days.
On April 30, detention of Saeed and his four aides was extended by the Punjab government for another 90 days under preventative detention under 11 EEE (I) and 11D of Anti- Terrorism Act 1997.
The Punjab government on January 30 had put these five under house arrest in Lahore for their involvement in activities which can be prejudicial to peace and security.
The government has also placed JuD and FIF under second schedule of the anti-terrorism act.
The Nawaz government had reportedly taken action against Saeed after the US clearly told Islamabad that in case of not taking action against JuD and Saeed it may face sanctions.
JuD is said to be the front for the banned Lashkar-e- Taiba (LeT). The organisation has been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation’ by the US in June 2014.
Saeed and his aides said in their petition that the government detained them without any legal justification. They said the UN resolution followed by the government did not seek detention of any citizen.
"The detention of the JuD leaders is a simple case of mala fide intention and ulterior motive on part of the government as it has been done so to please India and the United States," the petition said. (PTI)
outlookindia.com/website/story/mumbai-terror-mastermind-hafiz-saeed-detained-in-pak-for-spreading-terrorism-in-/298899
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Fanna-Fi-Allah celebrate Qawwali through powerful performance
Sun, 14 May 2017
LONDON: American Qawwali band Fanna-Fi-Allah performed to a packed house at the School of Oriental & African Studies (SOAS) to celebrate the sufi traditions of Islam and to support a charity that supports children affected by conflicts in the world, War Child.
The Qawwali concert was organized by student volunteers from Insaan Culture Club, a project that was conceived by British Pakistani activist and writer Yasmin Whittaker-Khan with the desire to combine a celebration of South Asian culture in London with a championing of progressive causes.
She said that it was important to reclaim the space that has been lost to the forces of cultural conservatism and extremism. She said Qawwali music has been a source of inspiration and compassion and the best part is this amazing tradition traces its routes mainly in Pakistan and India. “That’s part of our culture and heritage, we should be proud of that.”
Yasmin Whittaker-Khan said that she had organized the concert to celebrate equality and inclusion promoted through Sufi ideals in ever changing socio-political landscapes.
Those who attended the concert included members from diverse communities who had come from all over the UK. Fanna-Fi-Allah performed for two hours, supported by Sufi Kathak dancers, and members of the audience who danced and clapped throughout the rendition of Qawwali.
Speaking to The News, the band members said they have made it their mission to spread the message of peace, devotion to spirituality and love. They said that the Qawwali music creates connection with the people of every race and religion because it’s the kind of music that touches the deepest corners of soul and creates connectivity beyond divisions.
They said that their experience of travelling in Pakistan in search of divinity has been amazing. “We have been going to Pakistan to learn about Qawwali music and to soak up the rich culture.”
Fanna-Fi-Allah band has been making waves with their Qawali renditions in a unique way after getting training from some of the greatest masters of qawwali from India and Pakistan. The group members, originally from the American state of Chicago, converted to Islam after being impressed by the spiritual message of Islam. They have played qawwali at Data GanjBaksh (Lahore), Baba Ganj-e-Shakar (Pak Pattan), Baba Bulleh Shah (Kasoor), Baba Lasuri Shah (Faislabad) and in India at the tombs of KhwajeNizzam-Ud-DeenAulia, Hazrat Amir Khusrau, PirInayat Khan (Delhi), KhwajeMueen-Ud-DeenChishty (Ajmer). They have also enthralled audiences in the USA, Pakistan, Europe, Indonesia, India, Egypt, and others places. The band started Qawwali music in 2001 and since then haven’t looked back.
By embracing a new language and musical concepts as well as instruments through sheer determination and dedication they have proved to be of a high standard.
The band members are: Lead Vocal, Harmonium / TahirQawwal; Tabla / AminaChishty; Vocal, clapping/ LaaliQalandar; Vocal, harmonium/ Jahangir Baba; Vocal, clapping/ SalimChishty; Vocal, clapping/ AbrarHussain; Vocal, clapping/ Ali Shan.
thenews.com.pk/latest/204407-Fanna-Fi-Allah-celebrate-Qawwali-through-powerful-performance
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Pakistan army chief visits LoC amid border tension
PTI | May 13, 2017
ISLAMABAD: Amid border tension, Pakistan army chief General QamarJavedBajwa on Saturday toured some areas along the Line of Control, two weeks after a similar visit which was followed by the beheading of two Indian soldiers.
Bajwa visited troops deployed along the LoC in Nikial sector, Pakistan Army's media wing Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
He was briefed about the ground situation by a commander.
"He (Bajwa) appreciated high state of operational readiness, effective response to Indian cease fire violations and high morale of troops," the ISPR said.
Bajwa was accompanied by commander Rawalpindi Corps Lieutenant General NadeemRaza.
The LoC has been witnessing exchange of fire between Indian and Pakistani troops for the last several weeks.
On May 1, two Indian security personnel were beheaded, a day after Bajwa visited some areas along the LoC and promised support to the Kashmiris.
The soldiers killed were NaibSubedarParamjeet Singh of 22 Sikh Infantry and Head Constable PremSagar of 200th Battalion
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pakistan-army-chief-visits-loc-amid-border-tension/articleshow/58660945.cms
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China, Pakistan ink pacts ahead of B&R summit; Xi says ties priority
PTI | May 13, 2017
BEIJING/ISLAMABAD: China and Pakistan on Saturday signed a number of infrastructure agreements to boost cooperation on the $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, including for the development of the strategic Gwadar port, ahead of the two-day Belt and Road summit here.
The pacts were signed in the presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang ahead of the much-publicised Belt and Road (B&R) Forum beginning tomorrow.
The pacts deal with increasing bilateral cooperation within the framework of China's ambitious Silk Road project, upgrading the main railway track between Karachi and Peshawar - referred to as ML-1 or Main Line-1, and anMoU for the establishment of a dry port in Havelian, Radio Pakistan reported.
Three agreements were signed pertaining to economic and technical cooperation worth 3.4 billion yuan (about USD 490 million) for the strategic Gwadar port in southern Pakistan and East Bay expressway, a 19 kilometre controlled access road under construction in Gwadar.
Sharif, the only head of government to be represented at the B&R summit, is leading perhaps the largest delegation to Beijing - four chief ministers and five federal ministers.
After the MoUs and agreements were signed, Chinese President Xi Jinping told Sharif that the bilateral ties remain "a priority for China" and Beijing was willing to enrich the "all-weather" strategic and cooperative partnership with Pakistan.
On the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a part of the B&R initiative, Xi said the supplementary projects in and around the Gwadar port in the restive Balochistan province should be steadily advanced and the study on the construction of industrial parks along the corridor facilitated.
The deep-water port and the CPEC is of significance to China as they together facilitate Beijing's access to the Arabian Sea and resultantly links it with Eurasia and Africa.
The Gwadar port opposite the Mumbai's port housing the Indian Navy's western naval command provides a berth for China in the Arabian Sea and to the Indian Ocean.
China has already announced plans to station its marines there as well in Djibouti in Horn of Africa in Indian Ocean.
India opposes the CPEC as it runs through the Pakistan- Occupied Kashmir. In the last few days, China tried to assuage India's feelings by asserting that the commercial corridor will not have any impact on its stand that the Kashmir issue should be settled by India and Pakistan through dialogue.
But India is not attending the high-profile B&R summit. It worries over a 3,000-km-long project connecting the Gwadar port and Xinjiang stem from the fact Gwadar, which was taken over by the Chinese, will become a future naval base.
During his meeting with Sharif, Xi stressed that a long- term planning for the corridor should be completed as soon as possible and cooperation programmes covering energy, transportation infrastructure and people's livelihoods should be promoted.
The two countries should not only continue high-level exchanges, but increase interactions between governments, legislative bodies and political parties, Xi was quoted as saying by China's state-run Xinhua news agency.
He said the two countries should strengthen cooperation on areas including anti-terrorism and security, and enhance coordination on major international and regional affairs.
Xi said China wants to deepen cooperation with Pakistan under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Sharif said Pakistan will continue to cooperate with China under multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and the SCO to contribute to stability and development in the region and beyond. He said the China-Pakistan friendship is solid and stressed that it was a national consensus to deepen ties with Beijing and participate in the B&R initiative.
Pakistan is willing to work with China in actively implementing various projects related to the CPEC and steadily pushing forward the cooperation on energy and infrastructure construction, including the Gwadar port project, he said.
"Pakistan fully supports China's vision of the Belt and Road Forum," Sharif said at a separate meeting with Premier Li.
"Pakistan considers China its most valuable friend," he said, adding that the participation of the chief ministers of all the four Pakistani provinces at the B&R forum was an indication that "we are all one for [the success of] the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor", he said.
He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment for the completion of early results under the CPEC.
Pakistan's Minister for Planning and Development AhsanIqbal, who is incharge of the CPEC, meanwhile told state-run APP that on the agenda of Sharif's visit to Beijing also included deals to build an airport and expressway in Gwadar.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/china/china-pakistan-ink-pacts-ahead-of-br-summit-xi-says-ties-priority/articleshow/58659283.cms
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Geo-economics must take precedence over geo-politics, Prime Minist Nawaz Sharif says in Beijing
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Sunday addressed the plenary session of the Belt and Road Forum (BRF) for International Cooperation in Beijing, where he stressed that geo-economics should take precedence over geopolitics, Radio Pakistan reported.
PM Sharif, who had arrived in the Chinese capital on Friday to participate in the One Belt, One Road (OBOR) forum, said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) must not be politicised, adding that the corridor remains open to all countries.
He said that CPEC is at the core of China's One Belt, One Road initiative, which has fostered inclusion and tolerance in the region.
"We are not striving to merely leverage geography for economic prosperity; we are also trying to build a peaceful, connected and caring neighbourhood," Radio Pakistan quoted the premier as saying.
CPEC, which connects Pakistan to East and West Asia, has not only made the country a destination for cross-regional trade, but also a channel through which such trade flows, the prime minister said.
He added that efforts must be made to resolve conflict and transcend differences.
Nawaz said that "with the help of our Chinese friends an environment had been created for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to take off and has started to create new entrepreneurs, jobs and businesses."
"CPEC is owned and nurtured by all of Pakistan," the prime minister said during the conference.
He added that it is compatible with the country's vision for 2025, where investment is undertaken in different sectors such as energy, industry, trade and transport.
He also said that efforts were being made to bridge the gap between economic growth and social development through a focus on education, gender mainstreaming and health.
A day earlier, the PM told Chinese President Xi Jinping that extensive efforts were being made for the implementation of the CPEC.
“The CPEC is a core component of your visionary initiative of the One-Belt-One-Road project. We sincerely appreciate your commitment and leadership for the realisation of CPEC projects,” he said during a meeting with President Xi on the sidelines of the BRF.
Pakistan and China signed six accords of cooperation in diverse fields.
The BRF which is part of the 'Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road' initiative launched by President Xi Jinping in 2013.
The May 14-15 forum is being attended by 29 heads of state and government, besides delegates from around 130 countries.
The prime minister's entourage in Beijing included the four chief ministers; Shahbaz Sharif of Punjab, PervaizKhattak of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, SanaullahZehri of Balochistan and Murad Ali Shah of Sindh.
dawn.com/news/1333084/geo-economics-must-take-precedence-over-geo-politics-pm-says-in-beijing
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India
Kolkata imam dismissed from post over ‘anti-national’ remarks triggered by red beacon dispute
May 14, 2017
Moulana Syed Barkati was reported to have refused to remove the ‘lalbatti’ from his vehicle as ‘the British government had permitted’ its use.
Kolkata imam dismissed from post over ‘anti-national’ remarks triggered by red beacon dispute
Controversial Kolkata Shahi Imam Moulana Syed NoorurRahmanBarkati of the Tipu Sultan mosque was dismissed from his post on Saturday over his “anti-national comments”, The Hindu reported. The development follows his refusal to remove the red beacon from his vehicle before a representative from the state government asked him to detach the device. Barkati, however, had said had done so “voluntarily”.
“The British government permitted us to install the red light, so why should I remove it?” Barkati was earlier reported to have said.
“The intolerant statements of the Tipu Sultan masjid imam are deplorable,” read a statement from West Bengal State Jamiat-E-Ulama. “We are Indians, and every citizen should abide by the Constitution, democratic, secular and cultural values and criminal laws.”
Meanwhile, Barkati has lodged a complaint against ministerSiddiqullahChowdhury for staging a protest outside the mosque over the matter.
The imam had rejected the Centre’s April 19 directive against the use of “lalbattis” on non-emergency vehicles from May 1 and threatened to launch “jihad if one tries to make the country a Hindu rashtra”. On May 12, Barkati had said he would take off the red beacon from his vehicle if the prime minister and his Cabinet colleagues were ready to live without security guards, Hindustan Times reported.
At least three police complaints were registered against him in West Bengal, NDTV reported. “I removed the red light after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sent one of her ministers, asking me to remove it as it was creating unnecessary problems,” he said, according to the news channel.
The last time the imam made headlines was when he had issued a fatwa against Prime Minister NarendraModi for launching the demonetisation drive.
scroll.in/latest/837558/kolkata-imam-dismissed-from-post-over-anti-national-remarks-triggered-by-red-beacon-dispute
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HizbulMujahideen terrorist nabbed from Indo-Nepal border, Pak passport recovered
Shalabh | TNN | Updated: May 14, 2017
NEW DELHI: Amid increased tension along the border in the wake of the recent ceasefire violations in Jammu and Kashmir's Manjakot and Nowshera sectors, the SashastraSeemaBal (SSB) on Saturday arrested a HizbulMujahideen terrorist while he was trying to cross over to the Indian side from Nepal.
Identified as Naseer Ahmed alias Sadiq, a resident of Banihal in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir, he is being seen as a prized catch by SSB as the arrest can add to the evidence of terror attacks against India coming from Pakistani soil.
"A team from anti-terrorist squad of UP police reached Maharajganj on Saturday and was bringing Wani to Lucknow for further probes after producing him before the court. He seems to be a prized catch for us," said AsimArun, inspector general ATS.
He was involved in terrorist activities in Banihal area of Ramban district along with active group of Hizbul militants since 2002.
The 34-year old terrorist was apprehended by the first Batallion of the SSB Lucknow frontier on Saturday evening at 5.15pm.
In the year 2003, he moved to Pakistan and joined the HizbulMujahideen.
He received physical and arms training from November 2003 to January 2004 at a place called Atak (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan) by HizbulMujahideen/ ISI and Pakistani army instructors, with an aim of waging war against India and to fight with Indian security forces in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sadiq was trained to operate weapons such as AK-47, Ak-56, SLR, Rocket Launcher (RPG7), Assault Rifle (G3 and G2) and grenades during his stint.
Aiming to carry out a terrorist mission in India, Sadiq landed in Kathmandu on May 10 from Faisalabad (Pakistan) via Sharjah (UAE), along with his accomplice MohdShafi.
From Kathmandu, the two parted ways and Naseer Ahmed boarded the bus to reach the Indo-Nepal Border, with the intention to sneak into the Indian Territory.
Sadiq was nabbed by the SSB forces here while attempting to sneak into Indian frontiers through from Nepal, disguised as a vendor selling carpets and Kashmiri shawls.
Upon interrogation by the SSB officials and Maharajganj District Police, he was unable to produce any documents to prove his identity. Subsequently on physical search, a Pakistani passport and identity card having address of Village - Lala Musa, Tehsil - Kharian, District- Gujarat, State - Punjab, (Pakistan) were recovered from his possession.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/hizbul-mujahideen-terrorist-nabbed-from-indo-nepal-border-pak-passport-recovered/articleshow/58669157.cms
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Delhi Police now asks mosques to make announcements on Najeeb
Sun, 14 May 2017
With JNU student Najeeb Ahmed missing for over 200 days now, the Delhi Police has approached mosques in the national capital and neighbouring Uttar Pradesh to make regular announcements on him in the hope of making some headway in the case.
Najeeb went missing after a scuffle at his hostel allegedly with ABVP members on the night of October 14. A reward of Rs 10 lakh was announced by police for any information about him.
The probe into his disapperanece has turned up no clue so far with police continuing to grope in the dark.
A senior police officer summed it up succintly: "Despite so many teams working on the case, we have failed to make any headway."
Now, they they have turned to mosques for help.
The investigating officers met the imam of Fatehpuri Masjid in ChandniChowk and requested him to make announcements about Najeeb during prayers.
"We asked them to request people to share any clues or information about Najeeb. We have even requested imams of other mosques in Delhi, neighbouring areas and some cities in Uttar Pradesh like Badaun, Bareilly where Najeeb has stayed to make regular announcements," said a senior police officer.
Police have also requested them to share information about the disappearance with "jamaats" who travel between mosques.
Meanwhile, Najeeb's family members say they have lost faith in police.
"We are as clueless about Najeeb now, as we were on the first day," said Najeeb's brother Mujeeb.
He said the police has done "little" in tracing his brother and has only "harassed" them.
"It is very mysterious that every time the case is coming up for a hearing in the High Court, we get a fake call sharing information about him. The police, very conveniently, says in the court that they are working on the leads gained through the phone call," he added.
The Delhi High Court, while recently hearing a plea by Najeeb's mother Fatima Nafees seeking whereabouts of her son, had rapped the Delhi Police over the manner of its probe.
The court said that the agency appeared to be looking for an "escape route" and was "beating around the bush".
Amid all the gloom, the family is still hopeful of his return. Whenever his family members receive a call from an anonymous number, they always hope that it might be Najeeb.
"We always try and pick calls and in case we miss any call, we call back on the numbers in the hope that someone might be calling to tell us about my brother," said Mujeeb.
Recently, the family received a call from a woman in Muzaffarnagar inquiring about their son but it later turned out that she had dialed their number by mistake since it was similar to her boyfriend's number, police said.
Najeeb's mother, meanhwile, is trying to stay strong.
However, there are times when she breaks down.
Friday was one such instance. She broke down in front of DCP (Crime) G RamgopalNaik, who is investigating the case, after the court hearing, pleading with him to find her son and bring him back.
"I don't cry in front of my children since they are also going through a difficult phase. But I cry whenever I am praying to God. I miss Najeeb a lot whenever his favourite dishes are prepared or some other anecdotes are discussed," Fatima said.
She said that she prays everyday to seek the almighty's help in finding her son.
"Police has projected a negative image of my son. He is very good-natured and unlike what he has been made out to be. I have full faith that he will come back."
(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)
dnaindia.com/india/report-delhi-police-now-asks-mosques-to-make-announcements-on-najeeb-2437699
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J&K: Two LeT terrorists killed in ongoingHandwara encounter
TIMESOFINDIA.COM | May 14, 2017, 04.35 PM IST
HIGHLIGHTS
Two terrorists were killed in a fierce gunbattle broke out on Sunday evening between security forces and terrorists in Kashmir.
NEW DELHI: Two terrorists were killed in a fierce gunbattle broke out on Sunday evening between security forces and Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists in north Kashmir's Waripora village of Handwara in Kupwara district.
"Two terrorists hiding inside a house in the village. As soon as the joint team of police and 21 Rashtriya Rifles approached the suspected site, the hiding militants opened fire, triggering an encounter," a police officer said, adding, "Both the terrorists were gunned down."
"No security personnel or civilian was injured in the operation," the officer said.
"The operation was carried out with caution to ensure that there is no collateral damage," he added.
The search operation is underway.
More details awaited
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/jk-two-let-terrorists-killed-in-ongoing-handwara-encounter/articleshow/58669771.cms
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KulbhushanJadhav case: India, Pakistan at ICJ after 18 years
PTI | Updated: May 14, 2017
NEW DELHI: The International Court of Justice+ (ICJ) was last a battleground for India and Pakistan nearly 18 years ago when Islamabad sought its intervention over the shooting down of its naval aircraft.
Tomorrow, the ICJ, which is the UN's principal judicial organ, is holding a public hearing at the Great Hall of Justice housed in the Peace Palace at The Hague in Netherlands where the two countries will be asked to present their case over the contentious Jadhav issue.
India on May 8 moved a petition before the UN body to seek justice for KulbhushanJadhav, 46, alleging violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations by Pakistan after its 16 requests for consular access to the former naval officer was consistently denied.
A Pakistani military court gave death sentence to Jadhav last month for alleged espionage and subversive activities. Pakistan has also not responded to the request for visas applied by Jadhav's family. Jadhav was arrested on March 3 last year.
The previous case related to shooting down of Pakistan's maritime reconnaissance aircraft Atlantique by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the Kutch region on August 10, 1999, killing all 16 naval personnel on board. Pakistan claimed the plane was brought down in its air space and sought $60 million in damages from India for the incident.
A 16-judge bench of the court on June 21, 2000 voted 14-2 to dismiss Pakistan's claim. The decision was announced by bench president Gilbert Guillaume of France at a public sitting. The verdict was final and there was no appeal.
The ICJ found that it has no jurisdiction to entertain the application filed by Pakistan on September 21, 1999.
Public hearings in the case titled 'Aerial incident of August 10, 1999 (Pakistan vs India)' lasted four days ending April 6, 2000. Arguments centred on the court's jurisdiction in the case which had to be determined before its merits could be considered by the 16 judges.
The Atlantique case was ousted by the ICJ on the issue of jurisdiction and not on merits. Both parties had agreed that the question of jurisdiction would be decided first and only then would the issue of merits be taken up.
Guillaume said the court would first have to decide whether it had the jurisdiction to go into the case as contended by New Delhi after the Indian delegation led by the then Attorney General Soli Sorabjee, raised preliminary objections to its jurisdiction.
Pakistan+ opened the first round of oral arguments, India replying them, and then Pakistan following with its second round, with India making its response thereto.
India argued that the court did not have jurisdiction in the matter, citing an exemption it had filed way back in 1974 to exclude disputes between India and other Commonwealth states, and disputes covered by multilateral treaties.
Sorabjee told the court that Pakistan was "solely responsible" for the incident and Islamabad must "bear the consequences of its own acts."
Pakistan's Attorney General Aziz Munshi had sought a speedy resolution, saying its application had to be concluded quickly so that it did not remain an irritant in Indo-Pak relations.
Pakistan had also sought to politicise the case by referring to the Kashmir issue, the Kargil conflict, Indo-Pak relations and alleged motives for the shooting.
Pakistan wanted the court to intervene while India was opposed to its assumption of jurisdiction on the basis of Islamabad's application.
It urged the court to "dismiss the objections raised by India and accept its jurisdiction." India maintained that none of Pakistan's arguments is 'sound' and does not provide a basis for invoking the court's jurisdiction.
Sorabjee expressed happiness with the court's verdict. "We are very happy. The court has accepted all our contentions," he had said.
Former supreme court judge B P Jeevan Reddy and Pakistan's former Attorney General Syed SharifuddinPirzada were co-opted into the bench as ad-hoc judges.
As per ICJ rules, when it does not include a judge possessing the nationality of the state party to a case, the state may appoint a person to sit as a judge ad-hoc for the purpose of the case.
The court also recalled that its lack of jurisdiction does not relieve States of their obligation to settle their disputes by peaceful means.
The choice of those means admittedly rests with the parties under Article 33 of the UN Charter, it said, adding, they are nonetheless under an obligation to seek such a settlement, and to do so in good faith in accordance with the Charter.
As regards India and Pakistan, that obligation was restated more particularly in the Simla Accord of July 2, 1972. Moreover, the Lahore Declaration of 21 February, 1999 reiterated "the determination of both countries to implementing the Simla Agreement," it said.
Accordingly, the court reminded the parties of their obligation to settle their disputes by peaceful means, and in particular the dispute arising out of the Atlantique incident in conformity with the obligations which they have undertaken.
India's External Affairs Ministry while hailing the verdict especially welcomed the court's positive observations on the principles enunciated in the Simla agreement and Lahore Declaration as the basis for an Indo-Pak rapprochement.
Through its comments, the court has vindicated India's stand on these landmark agreements that are the very cornerstone of India-Pakistan relations, a ministry spokesman had said.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/battleground-hague-india-pakistan-at-icj-after-18-years/articleshow/58669101.cms
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J&K youths defy terrorists; 67,000 apply for 700 cop jobs
M SaleemPandit | TNN | Updated: May 14, 2017
SRINAGAR: Four days after Lieutenant UmmerFayaz was abducted and shot by HizbulMujahideen militants+ in Shopian district to serve as a warning to Kashmiri youths aspiring to join the security forces, about 2,000 boys and girls from the Valley lined up at Bakshi Stadium here on Saturday.
All of them had come for the physical endurance test (PET) and physical standard test (PST) for the post of sub-inspectors in J&K police.
Various terrorist groups have repeatedly warned Kashmiri youths against joining the security forces by issuing threatening videos from time to time.
However, youths from the Valley not only ignored these threats by lining up for posts in J&K police but they far outnumbered their counterparts from the Jammu region. A total of 67,218 candidates have applied for 698 posts of sub-inspector.
Of them, 35,722 are from Kashmir while 31,496 from the Jammu region.
Applicants take part in the physical endurance test in Srinagar
With over 6,000 Kashmiri girls turning up for physical tests for recruitment as police sub-inspectors, J&K DGP S P Vaid told TOI: "Dozens of Kashmiri girls broke all the shackles of a conservative society and participated in the recruitment drive."
Nusrat Jan, a candidate from downtown Srinagar, said she wanted to help local women. "I have seen women facing very bad times due to militancy in Kashmir, which needs to be addressed," she added.
Mohammad RafiqBhat, a science graduate from old Srinagar, said he was aware that a cop in the Valley had to live under a constant threat from the terrorists.
"But I am ready to face the menace of militancy. They (militants) are not on the right path and proper treatment is required to treat this disease," he said.
Another aspirant, RubeenaAkthar of Srinagar, said she hoped that a job in J&K police would help her "deal with the vices that are ailing our society...in Kashmir".
"I will be lucky if I get a job in the police. One commands respect in the society," said aspirant Farzana.
The first phase of the physical endurance and standard tests started on Saturday with applicants from the Valley, a spokesman of the J&K police said. The exercise will take place in the other districts subsequently.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/jk-youths-defy-terrorists-67000-apply-for-700-cop-jobs/articleshow/58663929.cms
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Pakistan shells LoC areas again, 1000 people evacuated
PTI | Updated: May 14, 2017
JAMMU: Pakistani troops heavily shelled areas along the LoC in Rajouri district for the second consecutive day today, causing heavy damage to buildings and forcing evacuation of 1000 border dwellers.
The Indian Army effectively retaliated.
Pakistan Army had yesterday pounded civilian areas and forward posts along the LoC in Nowshera area with mortars, killing two civilians and injuring three.
"Pakistani Army has resorted to indiscriminate firing of small arms, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars from 0645 hours along the Line of Control in Rajouri sector", a Defence Spokesman said.
"The Indian Army posts are retaliating strongly and effectively. The firing is presently on", he said.
Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, ShahidIqbalChoudgary said fresh ceasefire violation has been reported in 'chitibakri' area of Chingus in Rajouri today.
"Heavy shelling started in Manjakote area of Rajouri at O620 hours. More than seven villages have been affected", the DC said.
Choudhary said there was massive damage to buildings.
He said the number of migrants at relief camps swelled to 978 overnight. Till now 259 families have been evacuated from three villages, he added.
51 schools in Nowshera sector have been closed for an indefinite period while 36 in Manjakote and Doongi zones have been closed for three days. 4,600 students study in 87 schools, he added.
After the Pakistani shelling, 1000 people were evacuated from various areas along the LoC in Rajouri district to safer places.
"Risking their lives officials and police evacuated 996 people from various shelling hit villages and shifted them to various camps established by district administration where facilities of ration, cooking, drinking water, sanitation, first aid and proper accommodation have been provided," Choudhary said.
So far, three camps have been made operational and 28 others notified in wake of expected migration from affected villages, Choudhary said.
"Six ambulances have been pressed into action for shifting of injured and treatment. One mobile medical unit was stationed at Nowshera and another deputed to forward areas," he added.
Around 120 officers from various departments have been deployed to organise facilities at relief camp.
The district administration has provided immediate relief and financial assistance to the next of kin of the deceased and to the injured, he said.
A control room has been established in the office of SDM Nowshera for coordination.
The government had last month said that Pakistani security forces had violated the ceasefire 268 times in the last one year.
The ceasefire between India and Pakistan came into force in November 2003.
timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/pakistan-shells-loc-areas-again-1000-people-evacuated/articleshow/58666575.cms
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Southeast Asia
Princess Anne visits mosque in Whitechapel for Commonwealth conference on global challenges
14 May 2017
Princess Anne heard from Commonwealth business and community leaders about global challenges facing the Muslim community on her visit to the East London Mosque.
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Princess Royal joins in Commonwealth study conference. Picture: RehanJamilPrincess Royal joins in Commonwealth study conference. Picture: RehanJamil
She joined 12 senior leaders on her visit to Whitechapel for the Commonwealth Study programme.
The one-day conference on Wednesday tackled challenges that businesses, governments and society face and to build the global relationships needed by the leaders of tomorrow.
The discussions highlighted challenges and opportunities of the mosque for the largest Muslim community in Britain, including creating a safe space for women.
Lucy Bushill Matthews spoke on emerging leadership about the barriers Muslim women and young people face and what can be done about them.
The Princess meets mosque officials at Whitechapel. Picture: RehanJamilThe Princess meets mosque officials at Whitechapel. Picture: RehanJamil
The mosque’s visitor centre would soon be able to host more events like the Commonwealth leadership conference to increase understanding between people of all faiths and none, the Princess Royal was told.
The princess also heard about the 100-year history of the mosque and visited some of the projects and services including the archives, the Al Mizan junior school, the observation beehive and the National Zakat Foundation which is housed in the recently acquired Great Fieldgate Street synagogue.
eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk/news/princess-anne-visits-mosque-in-whitechapel-for-commonwealth-conference-on-global-challenges-1-5016593
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Hong Kong Muslim community critical of police report warning of Islamic State-inspired attack
Sunday, 14 May, 2017
Members of Hong Kong’s Muslim community hit out against a police report stating Islamic State-inspired lone wolves could carry out an attack in the city, claiming the force was adding to a stigma already felt by the community.
Earlier this month, police said terrorist groups could use the internet and social media to spread their radical ideology and target high-profile global institutions and representatives in the city. The force admitted, however, it had no specific intelligence indicating an attack in Hong Kong was imminent.
Muslim Council chairman Adeel Malik said such pronouncements were “disturbing to the core” and affected more than just the Muslim community.
Malik (left) said inflammatory rhetoric was unhelpful. Photo: Dickson Lee
“Ethnic minorities are facing issues already. There’s a lot of passive racism in Hong Kong ... where we’re always struggling [to integrate] in the local community. Things like this affect not only the Muslim community but also the ethnic minority community.”
Malik thought the report echoed comments made by Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and former police commissioner Andy Tsang Wai-hung in 2015, warning that Hong Kong should not take the threat of terrorism lightly.
Elite Hong Kong police units simulate London, Berlin and Nice attacks in anti-terror drill ahead of China leaders visit
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Tsang stressed there was no information suggesting the city was a target for terrorism.
Malik said such statements by police and government officials, and published by the media, sowed “Islamophobia where there was no Islamophobia”.
Things like this affect not only the Muslim community but also the ethnic minority communityADEEL MALIK, MUSLIM COUNCIL
“We saw comments [on Facebook] saying: ‘Again? I was just about to travel to Hong Kong’,” local Muslim resident Syed RidwanElahi said.
“So you can see people are already affected because of irresponsible messages.”
Malik believed such information should not be made public because it would create unnecessary panic.
If a threat existed, he argued, police could inform leaders of the Muslim community to see if they could help in any way.
Jamal Ashraff, another local Muslim resident, said the community had done its part to educate youth to be aware of extremist elements and “the evil of some senseless people”.
The timing of the latest statements by police suggests a link with the 20th anniversary of the handover in July, when many high-level mainland officials are expected to attend.
The local residents were eager to clear misconceptions about Islam and Muslims. Photo: Dickson Lee
Police did not address concerns raised by Malik and Muslim residents, but regarding handover celebrations, a police spokeswoman said the global terrorist situation remained “volatile”.
“Police are duty-bound to ensure the personal safety of dignitaries, as well as members of the public, during the dignitaries’ visit to Hong Kong,” she said.
Malik said he and other members of the Muslim community would try to engage the community to help clear misconceptions about Islam and Muslims. He noted efforts in 2015 when they set up street booths to educate and engage people in dialogue to clarify Islam’s “correct message”.
scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-crime/article/2094290/hong-kong-muslim-community-critical-police-report-warning
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Indonesian ambassador talks Azerbaijan’s capability to unite entire Islamic world
14 May 2017
Azerbaijan shows everyone its capability to unite the entire Islamic world for the sake of solidarity, justice and freedom of sport, Indonesian Ambassador to Azerbaijan HusnanBeyFananie told Trend May 14.
"The 4th Islamic Solidarity Games are being held in Baku these days,” he said. “The third Islamic Solidarity Games were held in Indonesia. These games are not just sport competitions. The games show the solidarity of Muslim countries. Now it is time for Azerbaijan to show the world that Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance."
“The 4th Islamic Solidarity Games have been organized at a high level,” the ambassador said.
The Baku 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games started May 8 and will last until May 22 in Azerbaijan’s capital.
en.trend.az/azerbaijan/society/2754074.html
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Translated Quran into Samoan to dispel misunderstanding of Islam
May 14, 2017
(AhlulBayt News Agency) - The leader of the Muslim faith in Samoa said he translated Islam's Holy Book into Samoan to dispel misunderstandings about the religion.
About two-thousand copies of the Quran are due to arrive in Samoa from Turkey where they were printed.
The Samoa government was in the process of amending the constitution to make Samoa a Christian state after a Samoan church leader called for Islam to be banned.
The Imam Mohammed Bin Yahya said he had been trying to help Samoans understand Islam for twenty years.
"And that led to the translation of the Quran into the local language because I saw that if people don't know what this is for they will never accept Islam because they need to see what book do the Muslims read and believe in," he said.
And when we talk about Islam they say, 'what is that? Is it a new drink?'"
"It took me about three years to translate it," he said.
Mohammed Bin Yahya said he hoped the Samoan version of the Quran would help people decide if they support constitutional change.
en.abna24.com/news/oceania/translated-quran-into-samoan-to-dispel-misunderstanding-of-islam_829686.html
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DPM Ahmad Zahid Donates To 300 Mosques In Beaufort
BEAUFORT, May 14 (Bernama) --About 300 mosques in Beaufort parliamentary constituency today received personal donation from Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad ZahidHamidi in preparation for Ramadan which is approaching soon.
The contributions were presented personally by Ahmad Zahid to every mosque representative from the three state constituencies under Beaufort namely Klias, Kuala Penyu and Lumadan in a ceremony held at KampungBingkul Mosque, here.
Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman and Beaufort UMNO division chiefDatukIsninAliasnih.
Meanwhile, KampungBingkul Mosque chairman, AlidadFazalElahi, in thanking the deputy prime minister for the kind gesture, said it was a meaningful contribution as the mosque was in need of donation to prepare for Ramadan.
At the ceremony, some 120 students of Madrasah DarulSohabahMaulanaIdnizam Haji Jamal in KampungBingkul, also received donations from Ahmad Zahid.
Earlier, Ahmad Zahid led the congregation for 'Zohor' prayers at the mosque.
bernama.com/bernama/v8/ge/newsgeneral.php?id=1355876
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Mideast
New Shariah standards for Islamic financing, banking launched in Dubai
May 14, 2017
A set of new Shariah standards for Islamic banking and financing have been launched by the Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI).
Islamic finance scholars and specialists from across the region attended the launch ceremony, which was organised by the AAOIFI and Minhaj Advisory in Dubai recently.
The AAOIFI has been working in order to develop the field of Islamic banking and finance globally. This event, the first of many, plays an important role in shedding light on the new Shariah standards that are being launched for institutions that wish to comply with Shariah rules and principles.
This event corresponds to the initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to position the emirates as the global capital of Islamic economy. The event was supported by the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre and sponsored by strategic partner Noor Bank and bronze partner Emirates Islamic.
The AAOIFI has recently issued four Shariah standards - No.(55) Competitions and Prizes Standard, No.(56) Liability of Investment Manager Standard, No.(57) Gold and its Trading Controls Standard and No.(58) Repurchase Standard - covering a wide array of Islamic financial contracts and products, including those pertaining to banking, Islamic insurance, investment banking, capital markets and financing.
These standards are deemed important Shariah reference for the industry, including legislative bodies, regulatory authorities and financial institutions. They are also important to other professional entities such as law firms, accounting and consultancy firms, universities, academic institutions and research centres and fatwa-issuing bodies.
"Islam is the world's fastest-growing religion and Muslims already account for about a quarter of the global population. Coupled with economic growth, the Islamic finance sector will expand substantially over the next several years and we want to be at forefront to lead this positive development," said Dr Hamed Hassan Merah, secretary-general of the AAOIFI.
"We have witnessed a positive growth in Islamic finance and banking over the past few years. Sheikh Mohammed's announcement to make Dubai the capital of Islamic economy has drawn further traction to the field. Many institutions would like to be Shariah-compliant, but may be unsure of how to go about it. Our role, through such events, is to raise awareness of the Shariah standards and to witness the growth of this field," added Dr Amin Fateh, general manager of Minhaj Advisory.
WaleedBarhaji, business head of consumer finance at Noor Bank, added: "Looking at the progress of the Islamic finance sector, we strongly believe that the industry can move in leaps and bounds if our efforts are synergised and our communication, reporting and regulations are aligned with each other."
"We commend the organisers of this event for organising a meeting of minds from across the sector and for continually developing and promoting the standardisation of Islamic finance."
- business@khaleejtimes.com
khaleejtimes.com/business/banking-finance/new-shariah-standards-for-islamic-financing-banking-launched-in-dubai
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Israeli troops filmed watching idly as settlers throw stones at Palestinians (VIDEO)
13 May, 2017
An Israeli human rights group has released video footage of Israeli troops looking on indifferently while Jewish settlers threw stones at Palestinians in the West Bank and has demanded the IDF look into the behavior of its soldiers.
The footage was shot by a Yesh Din group activist on Friday near the village of Burin in the occupied West Bank, the Haaretz newspaper reported.
It showed armed Israeli soldiers standing idly by while settlers were hurling stones at Palestinians just meters away.
“This is a very serious incident in which IDF soldiers allowed the criminals to throw stones unhindered," Yesh Din said in a statement.
“The soldiers have the responsibility to prevent violence and they have the authority to arrest the lawbreakers and hand them over to the police. As they failed to do so, the IDF must investigate their conduct,” it added.
Despite the content of the video, the IDF has denied claims by the activists that the soldiers turned ignored the violation.
"Forces that arrived at the site tried to separate the sides and asked the settlers to stop throwing stones," the IDF said in a statement.
“Later, additional forces were dispatched and put an end to the friction, dispersing everyone present,” it added.
The military said that both Israelis and Palestinians were throwing stones, adding that the incident “ended without injuries.”
The IDF explained the presence of the settlers in the area by saying they needed to put out a fire.
A similar incident took place outside Burin village on Wednesday, with Rabbis for Human Rights group also filming masked settlers throwing stones at Palestinians.
And IDF soldier then arrived and dispersed the perpetrators but made no arrests among the Israelis. He was even caught on camera patting one of the settlers on the shoulder.
The only person to be detained on Wednesday was a Palestinian youth who threw stones at the Israelis according to Haaretz.
rt.com/news/388279-israel-idf-settlers-stones-palestine/
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Israel hacked Lebanese phones during SayyedNasrallah speech
May 14, 2017
(AhlulBayt News Agency) - Investigations have determined that Israel was behind the hijacking of Hezbollah media department's phone lines during Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah's speech on Thursday, LBCI TV reported on Friday.
Lebanon's OGERO telecom authority will issue a statement on the issue, LBCI added.
Thousands of Lebanese citizens had received Thursday voice and text messages accusing SayyedNasrallah of ordering the assassination of Hezbollah military commander Mustafa Badreddine in Syria last year. The party says Badreddine was killed by “artillery bombardment carried out by takfiri groups” near Damascus airport.
An official statement issued by Hezbollah's media department said that during SayyedNasrallah's speech commemorating Badreddine on Thursday, “a manipulation of an unknown source affected the landlines of Hezbollah's Media Relations Department.”
“Several citizens received voice and text messages that appeared to be coming from these numbers,” the department said, noting that the messages “carried insults to the resistance and its leader.”
“Hezbollah's Media Relations Department is following up on the issue with the relevant officials in the Lebanese telecom ministry and the OGERO authority in order to unveil the manipulators and the methods that they used to achieve this penetration,” the dept. added.
Al-Akhbar newspaper said “tens of thousands” of Lebanese citizens received phone calls and text messages part of which appeared to be coming from Hezbollah's landlines.
U.S., Canadian, Sri Lankan and Thai numbers were also used in the operation, al-Akhbar added, noting that these numbers sent a “unified voice message” in addition to video messages via WhatsApp and Viber.
The newspaper also reminded that Israel had waged a similar campaign during the 2006 war with Hezbollah and that it has launched several similar campaigns in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
In March, Israeli army chief GadiEisenkot had openly declared that Badreddine “was killed by his own officers."
en.abna24.com/news/middle-east/israel-hacked-lebanese-phones-during-sayyed-nasrallah-speech_829678.html
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Founder of Islamic movement in Israel dies
14.05.2017
Arab-Israeli religious leaders have paid tribute to the founder of the influential Islamic Movement in Israel, who died Sunday morning at the age of 68.
The organization said, in a statement, that Darwish was being mourned "by the entire Palestinian people and our Arab and Islamic nation" and would be buried Sunday in the northern town of KufrQasem.
Darwish founded the organization in 1971 with the intention of reviving Islamic sentiment among Arab citizens of Israel with a focus on providing social services, in line with the founding principles of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood.
His group splintered in 1996 after a split over whether to participate in Israel's parliament, a move Darwish himself backed, leading to the creation of the now more high-profile northern branch of the Islamic Movement, which is led by Sheikh Raed Salah but was banned by Israel in 2015.
Sheikh Hammad Abu Da'abis, who heads the southern branch, said Darwish: "carried the flag of centrism and moderation, spreading the spirit of brotherhood, tolerance and harmony among the Palestinian people."
Darwish was imprisoned in 1981 for alleged links to a group pledging to fight for an "Arab Islamic State in Palestine" but began to advocate for non-violence among Arab-Israelis after his release in 1985.
The Arab-Israeli news website Arab48 reported that Salah, the leader of the movement's northern branch, said "we ask God to reward Sheikh Abdullah NimrDarwish for his great role in awakening the Islamic march and revival and especially the Islamic Movement in the Palestinian interior."
aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/founder-of-islamic-movement-in-israel-dies/818110
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Yusuf Islam lauds Turkey's efforts to help refugees
14.05.2017
British singer-songwriter and philanthropist Yusuf Islam has praised Turkey's role in helping Syrian refugees, highlighting the fact that the West does not even come close to matching the country’s achievements.
The musician, who was formerly known as Cat Stevens, converted to Islam in December 1977 and adopted the name Yusuf Islam the following year. In 1979, he auctioned all his guitars for charity and left his music career to devote himself to educational and philanthropic causes in the Muslim community all around the world.
Islam was in Istanbul recently to unveil the Turkish translation of his last book "Why I Still Carry A Guitar: The Spiritual Journey of Cat Stevens to Yusuf," which was published in English in 2014.
In an interview with Anadolu Agency on Saturday, the artist said Turkey's contribution towards helping refugees shows "the slogan of human rights has more meaning in here than it does in the United Nations.
"Turkey is looking after so many, 3 million visitors, that is an extraordinary [achievement]," Yusuf said.
About Turkey's regional importance and role, he said the country "has historically been a global protectorate for many nations. It is part of the character of Turkish people to play a central role.
"It had an amazing history being able to create a peace amongst people even if they are from different religions, different cultures," he added.
About this book, he said: "My book is trying to explain why I put the guitar down and why [I] picked up but actually it is much more than that," he said.
The book reveals Yusuf's journey as a young superstar to a man defined by his faith. It explains the "background what people did not understand from what’s happening to me," he said.
He said Islam had changed so many things in his life. "Islam is not just a religion for Friday, a special day of the week. It is for your life and for Akhirah [the Arabic word for the concept of day of judgement in Islam], hereafter.
"Learning how to pray, learning how to read the Quran, learning what the Quran means in Arabic. It was very important because there are different Madhabs [sects] in Islam, among Muslim.
"You have to find your way. Because I did not grow up as a Muslim so I do not have a Madhhab [sect]. I have to follow Quran and I have to understand it, and that means lots of education for me," he said.
About his other projects, Islam said he was working on an animation series for children with his songs as "each chapter, each series will have a story, something to teach the children."
He also said there was a new record on the cards.
"I have a new record coming out in September, Inshallah [God willing]. Actually, one of the songs on the new album, I took the words from [Turkish poet and Sufi mystic] YunusEmre, it is beautiful, it says: 'Look, what love did to me'," he said.
Islam also said he will soon tour Australia and South Africa, adding he had written another book that would be published next year.
aa.com.tr/en/culture-and-art/yusuf-islam-lauds-turkeys-efforts-to-help-refugees/818141
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Turkey wins 27 medals at Islamic Solidarity Games
14.05.2017
Turkey has garnered twenty-seven medals on the first day of the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games in Azerbaijani capital of Baku.
The Turkish participants won gold, silver and bronze medals in the categories of shooting, weightlifting, swimming, karate, judo and blind judo, and rhythmic gymnastics.
Azerbaijan ranked first on the list with 10 gold, 9 silver and 3 bronze medals, followed by Turkey.
The Islamic Solidarity Games was first held in Saudi Arabia in 2005 that saw 6,000 athletes from 55 nations competing in 15 different sports categories.
Turkey is scheduled to host the fifth contests in 2021.
aa.com.tr/en/sports/turkey-wins-27-medals-at-islamic-solidarity-games-/817866
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North America
US slaps new sanctions on LeT, JDQ
May 14th, 2017
WASHINGTON: The United States has slapped new sanctions on Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and JamaatulDawa Al Quran (JDQ) to disrupt their leadership and financial networks.
The sanctions, announced on Friday afternoon, came a day after more than a dozen US intelligence agencies reported to Congress that Pakistan-based terrorist groups are still allegedly launching attacks in India and Afghanistan and are likely to continue their activities in future too.
The latest sanctions also apply to the Taliban and Al Qaeda while some terrorist leaders mentioned in the sanctions order have links to ISIS-Khorasan or the militant Islamic State group, as well.
The action aims at “disrupting the leadership of the JDQ and financial support networks of the JDQ, the Taliban, Al Qaeda, LeT, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), and ISIS-Khorasan by designating three individuals and one entity based in Pakistan,” the order said.
The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, which issued the order, identified HayatullahGhulam Muhammad, Ali Muhammad Abu Turab and InayaturRahman as “designated terrorists” involved with these groups.
“The United States continues to aggressively target extremists in Pakistan and the surrounding region, including charities and other front groups used as vehicles to facilitate illicit terrorist activities,” said John E. Smith, director of US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
He said that “the individuals are opportunistic and willing to work with extremist organisations, even those ideologically opposed to one another, to help them deepen their foothold in the region”.
dawn.com/news/1333002/us-slaps-new-sanctions-on-let-jdq
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Canadian Muslims host event to educate city about Ramadan
May 14, 2017
(AhlulBayt News Agency) - Thousands of Muslims in Saskatchewan, Canada, are preparing to mark the start of Ramadan — an intense month of fasting from dawn to dusk.
On Saturday, more than 100 community leaders from around the city, including church dignitaries and politicians, came to a pre-Ramadan luncheon at the RCMP Heritage Centre to learn what this sacred month is all about.
"People are nervous about asking questions," explained SabreenaHaque, a Muslim woman and member of the Regina chapter of the Islamic Association of Saskatchewan, which organized the event.
"It's good to just come forward and just explain to people. Once you start talking, then people start asking questions."
She explained the event is meant to create a bridge between communities.
"It's a great opportunity to let others know who we are, why do we do this every year and what effect it has, and the generosity that we do," said Faisal Khan, president of the association's Regina chapter. "We call this home now, just as you do and it's a great place to be."
en.abna24.com/news/america/canadian-muslims-host-event-to-educate-city-about-ramadan_829683.html
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US nears $100bn arms deal for Saudi Arabia
May 14th, 2017
WASHINGTON: The United States is close to completing a series of arms deals for Saudi Arabia totalling more than $100 billion, a senior White House official said on Friday, a week ahead of President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Riyadh.
The official said the arms package could end up surpassing more than $300 billion over a decade to help Saudi Arabia boost its defensive capabilities while still maintaining US ally Israel’s qualitative military edge over its neighbours.
“We are in the final stages of a series of deals,” the official said. The package is being developed to coincide with Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia. Trump leaves for the kingdom on May 19, the first stop on his maiden international trip.This news agency reported last week that Washington was pushing through contracts for tens of billions of dollars in arms sales to Saudi Arabia, some new, others already in the pipeline, ahead of Trump’s visit.
The United States has been the main supplier for most Saudi military needs, from F-15 fighter jets to command and control systems worth tens of billions of dollars in recent years. Trump has vowed to stimulate the US economy by boosting manufacturing jobs.
The package includes American arms and maintenance, ships, air missile defence and maritime security, the official said. “We’ll see a very substantial commitment ... In many ways it is intended to build capabilities for the threats they face.” The official added: “It’s good for the American economy but it will also be good in terms of building a capability that is appropriate for the challenges of the region. Israel would still maintain an edge.” While in Riyadh, the official said Trump would attend three major events: A series of meeting with Saudi officials, a separate session with leaders of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council and a lunch with Arab and Muslim leaders, 56 of whom have been invited, to discuss combating extremism and cracking down on illicit financing.
Trump will discuss how to counter the threat from the militant Islamic State group, the war in Yemen and threats of ballistic missiles and maritime shipping in the Red Sea, the official said.
US Navy commanders have accused Iran of jeopardising international navigation by “harassing” warships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf Arab states are optimistic about Trump whom they see as a hawkish leader opposed to their adversary Iran.
A major part of the agenda with Gulf leaders will be the Syrian civil war amid calls for “de-escalation zones” in Syria to provide a safe haven for Syrian refugees.
Besides Saudi Arabia, Trump’s first foreign trip will also include visits to Israel, the Vatican, Brussels for a Nato summit and Sicily for a Group of Seven summit.
dawn.com/news/1333000/us-nears-100bn-arms-deal-for-saudi-arabia
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South Asia
Taliban vehicle hit roadside mine in Kandahar, 10 killed, 7 wounded
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun May 14 2017
A Taliban vehicle struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted on a roadside in southern Kandahar province of Afghanistan, leaving at least 10 of them dead, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) said Sunday.
According to a statement by MoD, the incident took place on Saturday in Maiwand district.
The statement further added that seven insurgents were also wounded in the explosion and their vehicle was totally destroyed.
The ministry also added that 10 insurgents were killed, 6 were wounded, and 2 others were arrested during a separate operation conducted in Nish district.
The anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents have not commented regarding the report so far.
Taliban insurgents and militants belonging to the other insurgent groups frequently use Improvised Explosive Device as the weapon of their choice to target the government and security personnel.
However, in majority of such attacks the ordinary civilians are targeted besides the roadside bombs inflict heavy casualties to the security personnel and government officials while in some cases the insurgents fall prey of the tactic.
khaama.com/taliban-vehicle-hit-roadside-mine-in-kandahar-10-killed-7-wounded-02752
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Taliban’s recruitment leader arrested in Kandahar city
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun May 14 2017
A key Taliban leader in charge of recruiting militants for the group has been arrested in southern Kandahar province of Afghanistan.
According to the local security officials, the detained Taliban leader has been identified as Akhtar Mohammad and was arrested late on Saturday night in Kandahar city, the provincial capital of the province.
Provincial police spokesman Zia Durani confirmed the report and said Akhtar was arrested around 9 pm local time during a special operation conducted in the city.
He said another Taliban member who was involved in target killings and guerilla attacks was also arrested during the operation.
The anti-government armed militant groups have not commented regarding the report so far.
The security situation in Kandahar had improved during the recent years however the insurgents have increased their attacks in several southern provinces, including Helmand that resulted into the deteriorating security Kandahar.
This comes as the Afghan security forces are busy conducting counter-terrorism operations to suppress the insurgency activities of the militant groups who are attempting to expand their insurgency as part of their spring offensive.
The Taliban group announced their spring offensive last month and vowed to carry out more attacks across the country.
khaama.com/talibans-recruitment-leader-arrested-in-kandahar-city-02751
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NDS rescue minor girl kidnapped from Kabul for ransom of $105 thousand
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun May 14 2017
The Afghan intelligence operatives rescued a minor girl who was kidnapped from Kabul by a gang of kidnappers, the National Directorate of Security (NDS) said Sunday.
According to a statement by NDS, the gang was demanding a ransom of $105 thousand for the release of the 5-year-old girl.
The statement further added that the girl, Parisa, was kidnapped 23 days ago from Kabul city and was taken to Pakistan to keep her in the custody until the ransom is recovered.
The gang was busted during a sophisticated operation conducted by the intelligence operatives, NDS said, adding that the gang was led by an individual identified as Syed Mustafa Akbari who was also famous as Agha Sahib.
The other eight members of the gang have been identified as Edris son of Mohammad Omar, Abdul Farid son of Abdul Nabi, Dil Agha son of Mohammad Naeem, Parvez son of Noor Alam, Syed Jamal son of Syed Akbar, Hekmatullah son of Aqa Jan, Mohammad Zarif son of Mohammad Shafi, and Fahima daughter of Akbar.
NDS further added that Abdul Farid was in charge of taking care of the minor girl after she was kidnapped from the city.
khaama.com/nds-rescue-minor-girl-kidnapped-from-kabul-for-ransom-of-105-thousand-02753
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White blood plasma procedure starts for the first time in Nangarhar
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun May 14 2017
The white blood plasma procedure started for the first time in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan, the local officials said Sunday.
The provincial public health directorate chief, Dr.NajibullahKamwal, said the procedure has been launched in the provincial hospital with the support of the Healthnet TPO organization and the Ministry of Public Health of Afghanistan.
Dr.Kamwal further added that the Afghan patients can now visit the Nangarhar provincial hospital for the procedure.
He said the launch of the procedure in Nangarhar will help the patients to have the procedure done inside the country and there will be no need for them to visit the neighboring countries for the procedure or travel to other countries.
According to Dr.Kamwal, the procedure will be done everyday from 7am in the morning till 2 pm in the afternoon in the provincial hospital.
This comes as the Afghan patients were mostly visiting Pakistan and other regional countries to seek treatment with the officials saying that millions of Dollars were flowing out of the country due to the absence of proper health services inside the country.
The Afghan government had earlier instructed the Ministry of Public Health to take necessary measure for paving the way for the provision of treatment and health services inside the country.
khaama.com/white-blood-plasma-procedure-starts-for-the-first-time-in-nangarhar-02750
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Prominent Taliban leaders killed in Afghan forces targeted operation in Samangan
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sun May 14 2017
Two prominent Taliban leaders were killed in a targeted operation of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) personnel in northern Samangan province of Afghanistan.
The Ministry of Interior (MoI) in a statement said the two prominent Taliban leaders were actively in charge of leading the group’s insurgency in this province.
The statement further added that Mawlavi Jalal, the group’s shadow deputy provincial governor and MawlaviGhiasuddin, the group’s district chief were among at least six militants killed in the operation.
At least fifteen insurgents were also wounded during the operation, the Ministry of Interior added.
The anti-government armed militant groups including the Taliban insurgents have not commented regarding the report so far.
Samangan was among the relatively calm provinces in northern Afghanistan after the fall of the Taliban regime and the province witnessed stability until recent years.
But the anti-government armed militant groups have increased their insurgency during the recent years in several districts of the province during the recent years.
Both the Taliban insurgents and militants belonging to the other insurgent groups are attempting to expand their insurgency in this province as part of their efforts to destabilize the key northern provinces.
khaama.com/prominent-taliban-leaders-killed-in-afghan-forces-targeted-operation-in-samangan-02749
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Europe
Italy rescues 480 migrants from Mediterranean, recover seven bodies
May 14, 2017
(AhlulBayt News Agency) - Over 480 asylum seekers and refugees were rescued in the Mediterranean on Saturday as they attempted the perilous crossing from north Africa, with seven bodies also recovered, Italy's coastguard said. Some 484 migrants were plucked from dinghies in four operations involving coastguard boats, an Italian navy ship, the German NGO Sea Eye and the OHIO mercantile ship.
The bodies of seven men were recovered during the operations.
More than 45,000 people have been rescued and brought to Italy so far this year, a 44 percent increase from the same period in 2016, according to Italy's interior ministry.
About 1,309 have died or are feared dead after trying to make the journey, the International Organization for Migration said.
Nigerians make up the largest group, followed by people from Bangladesh, Guinea and the Ivory Coast.
Nigeria is home to Boko Haram, which has terrorised the country with an eight-year fight that has killed some 20,000 people and forced at least 2.6 million others to flee their homes.
en.abna24.com/news/europe/italy-rescues-480-migrants-from-mediterranean-recover-seven-bodies_829673.html
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