Taliban Militants Behead Imam Of A Mosque For Links With Afghan Govt.
New Age Islam News Bureau
26
Aug 2014
Civilians gather at the site of a car bomb in the commercial area of Baghdad, Iraq, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2014. (AP / Khalid Mohammed)
South Asia
• Taliban Militants Behead Imam Of A Mosque For Links With Afghan Govt.
• Bangladesh: Body formed to identify sources of militant financing
• MDP questions sincerity of Islamic minister’s stance on ISIS
• China: her development will definitely benefit Pakistan
India
• Term Love Jihad Coined To Disturb Hindu-Muslim Unity: Darul Uloom
• U.N. Chief Asks India, Pakistan to Resolve Issues Through Dialogue
• Pakistani firing worst since 1971 war: BSF
Arab World
• President Sisi Says Qatar and Turkey Are Spending Millions to Spread Chaos in Arab Lands
• Iraqi Forces Foil ISIL Attack on Amerly Area, Kill 25 Terrorists
• Car bombing kills at least 11 people in Baghdad
• Assad Spokeswoman: US Journalist Foley Murdered by ISIL Terrorists 1 Year Ago
• Iraqi Kurds retake 3 villages from militants
• Syria: Heavy Clashes Continue between Army, Terrorists in Al-Qalamoun
• Ali al-Sistani Lauds Iran's Support for Iraq's Fight against Terrorism
• Syria warns US: No unilateral strikes on militants
• KSA calls for global action to stop bloodshed
• Ex-terrorist to reveal ISIS secrets on TV tonight
• Iran supplied weapons to Iraqi Kurdish forces: Masoud Barzani
• Saudi court jails 17 for up to 33 years on terrorism charges
• UAE to set up rehabilitation centers for ‘terror convicts’
Pakistan
• Won’t Accept Unconstitutional Change: Pakistan Ulema Council
• Qadri gives 48-hour final deadline to Nawaz to wrap up government
• SC decision to vacate Constitution Ave not applicable on PTI: Imran
• Nawaz, Army Chief Agree To 'Resolve Ongoing Issue Expeditiously'
• Azadi March: ‘Captain’ vows to hold ground until ‘last ball’
• Zardari in ‘last-ditch’ effort to end impasse, save democracy
• Use of force to damage democracy, says Imran
• Khyber Agency: Four bodies recovered from Jamrud
• Geo/Jang Group sends legal notice to Imran Khan
• Khyber political administration makes wanted militants list public
• Despite SC order, marchers stay put at Constitution Avenue
North America
• Pentagon laying ground work for attack on IS targets in Syria
• US says UAE bombed Libya Islamists as turmoil deepens
• US to track jihadists in Syria with spy planes
• US: Bin Laden son-in-law must get life in prison
• U.S. rejects Bashar al-Assad’s offer to cooperate with West against terrorism
• Former US Ambassador to Pakistan hints at US sanctions on Pak if military intervenes
Southeast Asia
• Indonesian jihadist group breaking up, but others emerging from its shadow
• Densus 88 Arrests Terror Suspect in Serang
Europe
• Grinning Britons leaving UK to join ISIS caught on tape
• Russian Intelligence Warns Moscow of US-Led ISIL Threat
• London Mayor: We Must Crack Down On UK Jihadists
• Germany says no plans to reengage with Assad due to ISIS threat
• London Hate Preacher Anjem Choudary Indoctrinates Melbourne Muslims
• Theresa May Announces New Laws to Combat British Jihadists
• James Foley Murder Video 'May Not Have Been How He Died,' Expert Says
Mideast
• Holocaust survivors condemn Israeli 'genocide' of Palestinians
• Hamas official: Language of Egyptian cease-fire proposal 'acceptable'
• Israeli strikes push Gaza death toll above 2,100
• Historical Greek building in Turkey converted into Islamic religious school
• Security officials paint picture of Gaza street seething and Hamas in disarray
Africa
• Thousands flee to Cameroon after Boko Haram attack in Nigeria
• Libya has two govts; neighbours reject call for help to end chaos
• Libya turmoil deepens as Islamists name rival PM
• Somali militants ‘flee’ African troop advance
Australia
• Australia pledges $60m to tackle ISIS threat
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/taliban-militants-behead-imam-mosque/d/98746
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South Asia
Taliban Militants Behead Imam Of A Mosque For Links With Afghan Govt.
Aug 26 2014
Taliban militants beheaded a Mullah Imam of a mosque in western Farah province of Afghanistan on Tuesday, local officials said.
The incident took place on Tuesday morning in Bala Bolok district of Farah province.
Provincial governor spokesman, Jawad Afghan, said the Imam was beheaded by Taliban militants after he was accused of having links with the government.
He said the Imam was identified as Mohammad Farooq and was accused by Taliban for cooperating with the government.
The Taliban militants group has not commented regarding the incident so far.
Farah is among the relatively volatile provinces in western Afghanistan where anti-government armed militants including the Taliban militants are actively operating in a number of its district and often carry out insurgency activities.
This comes as at least four policemen belonging to Afghan Local Police (ALP) forces and a Taliban militants were killed following clashes in Posht-e-Rod district on Monday.
http://www.khaama.com/taliban-militants-behead-imam-of-a-mosque-in-farah-province-8506
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Bangladesh: Body formed to identify sources of militant financing
August 26, 2014
A high-power committee led by Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu was constituted yesterday to track down sources of militant financing and coordinate the activities of the government in this regard.
The committee, formed by the Cabinet Division, has been asked to accelerate investigation activities, enhance coordination between the agencies that are working to identify the sources and suggest the authorities concerned about necessary measures to stop militant financing.
It has also been asked to monitor and take necessary steps against the financiers, and if needed, inform the authorities concerned for action.
The committee will monitor how the Islamic or Shariah-based banks and insurance companies spend their profits and corporate social responsibility funds while financial reports of the NGOs, working mainly in the CHT region, will also come under the scanner.
Members of the new committee are state ministers for finance and home ministries; governor of Bangladesh Bank; senior secretary of the home ministry; secretaries of banks and finance division, and law and justice division; heads of police, BGB, Ansar, NSI, DGFI and Islamic Foundation; additional inspector general of police; general manager of FIU unit of Bangladesh Bank; and director of National Telecommunication Monitoring Cell.
The additional secretary (political wing) of the Home Ministry will be the member secretary.
The previous committee tasked to deal with the issue was formed in 2009. It was headed by the home state minister.
In the last meeting, held on August 14, State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said the major portion of the money spent on militant financing in the country came from profits and CSR funds of banks and insurance companies operating under Shariah rules.
At a cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on February 24 asked ministers and officials concerned to take tough actions with a view to preventing the rise of militant groups and to stop terrorism financing from inside or outside the country.
She made the directives after three convicted militants of banned Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) had been snatched from police custody – giving an impression that the group was being reorganised.
The detectives later learnt that four businessmen in the capital had been financing regrouping of the JMB which had been banned on February 13, 2005. With the money, the JMB has bought land in Bandarban and Cox’s Bazar areas, and set up camps to train its new members.
These incidents suggest that the banned outfit is still active with the capability to carry out devastating attacks like they did on August 17,2005. On that day, the JMB came up with much-unprecedented scale of terror attacks including the simultaneous blasts of 459 time bombs in 63 districts.
http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2014/aug/26/body-formed-identify-sources-militant-financing#sthash.KLBZSBKJ.dpuf
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MDP questions sincerity of Islamic minister’s stance on ISIS
By Minivan News | August 26th, 2014
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has questioned the sincerity of Islamic Minister Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed’s declaration that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) would not be allowed to operate in the Maldives.
“ISIS is an extremist group. No space will be given for their ideology and activities in the Maldives,” Shaheem tweeted on Sunday night (August 24).
The main opposition party contended in a press release yesterday that Shaheem’s statement was “duplicitous” and “insincere” as it was not backed up with concrete action by the government.
“We note with concern that neither the Islamic minister nor the government has taken any action while activities related to terrorism in different forms as well as extremism are carried out in the Maldives, religious strife and hatred is incited widely, and death threats are being made against various people over religious matters,” the statement read.
The party noted that the ISIS flag was used in recent protests in Malé calling for a boycott of Israeli tourists. While the protesters had gathered outside the residence of the Islamic minister in violation of freedom of assembly laws, the MDP noted that the government had not taken any action.
The Islamic ministry has also provided a meeting hall of the Islamic centre for a religious sermon which was advertised with the ISIS logo, the MDP claimed.
The party claimed to have learned that police and army officers were involved in putting up the banners across the capital.
Dr Afrasheem
The MDP also accused the government of not attempting to find the “real killers” of murdered MP Dr Afrasheem Ali, noting that the moderate religious scholar had faced harassment over his liberal views.
Referring to his last television appearance, the party said Dr Afrasheem’s remarks suggested he was “forced” to support radical religious ideology.
Appearing on a live talk show on state broadcaster Television Maldives, Dr Afrasheem had said he was deeply saddened and asked for forgiveness if he had created a misconception due to his inability to express himself in the right manner.
Islamic Minister Shahaeem was quoted in local media at the time as saying that his ministry had not forced Dr Afrasheem to offer a public apology in his last television appearance.
Dr Afrasheem’s moderate positions on subjects such as music had drawn stringent criticism from more conservative religious elements, who dubbed him “Dr Ibilees” (“Dr Satan”).
In 2008, the scholar was kicked and chased outside a mosque after Friday prayers, while in May 2012, the religious Adhaalath Party released a statement condemning Afrasheem for allegedly “mocking the Sunnah”.
NGO Salaf had meanwhile released at least a dozen statements against the late Dr Afrasheem at the time of his death. In a three-page press release (Dhivehi) on July 10, 2008, Salaf listed Dr Afrasheem’s alleged transgressions and advised him to “fear Allah, stop talking any way you please of things you do not know of in the name of religion and [stop] twisting [Islamic] judgments to suit your personal wishes”.
The NGO also called on the public not to listen to “any religious fatwa or any religious talk” from the scholar.
Extremist ideology
The MDP statement meanwhile noted that the US State Department’s 2013 country report on terrorism had stated that “Maldivian authorities believe that funds are currently being raised in Maldives to support terrorism abroad”.
While the report observed that “the Maldivian Central Bank believes that criminal proceeds mainly come from domestic sources, as a large percentage of Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) are related to Maldivians,” the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) denied it had any knowledge of such activities.
“The MMA has neither received nor communicated any information regarding confirmed operation of terrorist financing activities,” the central bank insisted in a statement.
The MDP said it believes such activities were aided and abetted by both foreign groups and Maldivians, adding that the activities were “well organised” and carried out with “funding and training”.
“There has been particular concern that young Maldivians, including those within the penal system, may be at risk of becoming radicalised and joining violent Islamist extremist groups. Links have been made between Maldivians and violent extremists throughout the world,” the US report stated.
The party also argued that extremism in the Maldives was encouraged by the mass gathering held on December 23, 2011 to “defend Islam” against the allegedly secularist policies of former President Mohamed Nasheed as well as a pamphlet issued by the party of current Vice President Dr Mohamed Jameel Ahmed.
Dr Jameel’s Dhivehi Qaumee Party had issued a pamphlet titled “President Nasheed’s devious plot to destroy the Islamic faith of Maldivians.”
Both the December 23 demonstration and the pamphlet were intended to sow discord and strife for political purposes, the party contended, and reiterated its claim that extremist ideologies were prevalent in the security services.
The party also referred to President Abdulla Yameen’s response when asked about Maldivians leaving to fight in the Syrian civil war following the death of a Maldivian militant in a suicide attack.
President Yameen’s remarks about the government not being involved in sending Maldivians to join militant organisations were “extremely irresponsible,” the MDP said.
http://minivannews.com/politics/mdp-questions-sincerity-of-islamic-ministers-statement-against-isis-89810
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China: her development will definitely benefit Pakistan
August 26, 2014
Since the reform and opening-up was initiated in 1978, China has made remarkable achievements in development. As the former President of the World Bank, Mr. Robert Zoellick comments, “China’s economic performance is a unique development success story. Not only did the economic growth soar with the annual rate of 10%, but hundreds of millions of people were lifted out of poverty. China has become the second-largest economy in the world and shifted to a middle-income country from a low one”. Last year, China contributed to nearly 30% of the global economic growth. Our prosperity is certainly a boon to the world.
At present, China’s economy is generally stable, with steady progress of structural adjustment. In the first half of this year, China’s GDP growth rate has reached 7.4%, a little lower than that of 1980s and 1990s. However it is still hard to earn. In the backdrop of slow recovery and weak growth of the global economy, China’s growth rate is relatively high. It is really remarkable to win such achievements.
China’s economy can be regarded as a blue chip, a rising and potential stock, with a big economy, large foreign exchange reserves and broad market. In particular, the population in the central, western and northeastern regions accounts for over 60% of the national total and per capita GDP has just exceeded 5000 US dollars. To narrow the gap between urban and rural areas and among different regions will unleash huge potential of growth. No longer in pursuit of soaring growth rate and with more attention on quality and efficiency, China will enter into a new stage of upgrade. As an analogy, compared to a 9 or 10 year-old kid, a young man of 19 or 20 years old will not care much about his growth of height, but the academic performances, which, to China’s economy, means quality, innovation and efficiency.
Enterprise is like a basic cell, whose prosperity influences the whole economy. China encourages enterprises to strengthen independent innovation, enhance competitiveness and get better profits. We seek not only expansion but strength of the industrial economy; not only “Made in China”, but “Created in China”; not only reasonable price but good quality.
With such achievements, we have to examine and improve ourselves. Although China’s economy as a whole ranks second, its per capita GDP is only 6800 US dollars, ranking after 80 in the world. There are 200 million people living under the poverty level. China is still a developing country over long period of time. The risks and challenges like downward economic pressure and uneven development cannot be ignored.
But in the long run, there are conditions in place for China’s economy to achieve sustained sound growth and embrace bright prospects. We have found a development path in line with China’s national conditions, which we will unswervingly follow. We properly handle the relationship among and between reform, development and stability. Stability is the prerequisite. Without it, nothing can be accomplished or achieved. Reform is the driving force and guarantee of social development and progress. Development is the ultimate objective and end-result.
Today, China’s development, with a strong tenacity, is based on increasing employment, focus on balanced development, stress on improving people’s livelihood and promote social progress. We are able and also confident to keep the economy running in a reasonable range with high quality and efficiency, in order to realize the “China Dream”, which means, to achieve national prosperity, revitalization and people’s happiness.
What does a peaceful and progressive China mean to Pakistan? I think it means more opportunities for development, strong mutual support and expanding common interests. Pakistan is bound to benefit from China’s development. The China-Pakistan relationship will also be consolidated, enhanced and upgraded in the course of China’s development.
Both China and Pakistan are developing countries, shouldering the shared task of development. As a close and friendly neighbor, we expect a Pakistan that lives up to its full potential, a Pakistan that is stable, strong and prosperous, a Pakistan realizing its own vision and dreams.
Linked by the ancient Silk Road, China and Pakistan has a long history of friendly exchanges. China-Pakistan relationship, over the changing times and international politics sets a good example for state-to-state relations. Over the past year, it has made much new progress:
First are the mutual exchanges in political area. Leaders of our two nations have frequently and successfully exchanged visits in recent years. These high-level exchanges have injected impetus for China-Pakistan strategic cooperation. We will maintain high-level exchanges, and improve existing dialogue and cooperation mechanism. We will firmly support each other’s core interests and concerns, further enhancing political cooperation and mutual trust.
Second are mutual benefit and win-win results in economy. The Bilateral trade volume has reached 7.3 billion US dollars from January to June in 2014, with growth rate of 9.97%. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor goes well with substantive results. Currently, we are actively promoting construction and operation of Gwadar Port, starting to construct RuYi-Masood Textile Industrial Park in Faisalabad and lots of power plants like Thermal Power Plant in Port Qasim and Solar Power in Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park in Bahawalpur. Some other projects are being implemented or soon to be implemented in other parts of Pakistan. These have made significant contributions to the enhancement of local economies and people’s livelihood. Chinese government will continue to encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in Pakistan, support Pakistan’s economic and promote social development.
Third is sharing weal and woe in security. China supports Pakistan to formulate and implement counter-terrorism strategy based on its own national conditions and for the efforts to maintain the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We should advocate common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security in Asia, strengthen security cooperation, and jointly fight against terrorism forces for regional peace and stability. With the construction of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, more and more Chinese citizens have come to live and work in Pakistan. We appreciate Pakistan’s efforts to provide a good environment for cooperation and security.
Fourth is the close exchange in culture. This year, an Art troupe from Kashgar has made a fabulous cultural show, arousing strong applause in Pakistan. Chinese delegation of calligraphers and artists successful visited Pakistan and held an art exhibition of more than 100 paintings from 48 well-known Chinese painters. After Islamabad and Karachi, the third Confucius Institute is being built in Faisalabad. Another 117 students with Chinese government scholarships has gone to China as exchange students. We should further expand friendly exchanges, inherit and carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries.
Fifth is strengthening regional and international cooperation. China and Pakistan play important roles in maintaining peace and justice in the region and the world. We work together to promote Afghanistan reconciliation process, and achieve peace, stability and development at an early date. China supports Pakistan playing a greater constructive role in regional and international affairs. We would like to work with Pakistan to safeguard peace, stability, development and prosperity in the world.
I do believe that with our joint efforts, the China-Pakistan relationship will maintain the strong momentum of growth and embrace a much brighter future in the coming years.
The writer is the ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/26-Aug-2014/china-her-development-will-definitely-benefit-pakistan
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India
Term Love Jihad coined to disturb Hindu-Muslim unity: Darul Uloom
Piyush Srivastava | Mail Today
August 26, 2014
No matter what certain organisations allege, Deoband's Darul Uloom doesn't accept that there is anything called 'love jihad'. According to the vice-chancellor of this famous Sunni seminary, the term 'love jihad' has been coined to disturb Hindu-Muslim unity and it is a conspiracy to marginalise the Muslims in India.
"There is no such word as 'love jihad' in Islam. It has been coined by a handful of fanatics to create a split in the Hindu-Muslim unity," said Darul Uloom's vice-chancellor Maulana Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani.
Both the RSS and BJP have been alleging for some time that Muslim youths are luring Hindu girls with meticulous planning and then forcing them to convert to Islam. However, without mentioning RSS or BJP Nomani said those who have been raising this issue must understand the meaning of "jihad".
"A fight against the evil is called 'jihad'. But some people are using this to disturb communal harmony in the country for political gains. Linking such negative ideas with Islam is against the betterment of the country. Islam doesn't identify anything called 'love jihad'," the vice-chancellor added.
But a new organisation, Vande Mataram Mission, in Saharanpur where Darul Uloom is located, said they have confirmed information that Muslim youths have been luring Hindu girls in the guise of Hindus. The members of the Mission also distributed pamphlets in Saharanpur to alert the Hindu girls.
"They smear sandal paste on their foreheads, tie sacred threads on their wrists and identify themselves by Hindu names. They trap the girls and then force them to convert to Islam. There are many examples of such conspiracy in the country," said Mission's founder Vijay Kant Chauhan who reportedly owes allegiance to right-wing outfits.
Meanwhile, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the BJP reiterated that 'love jihad' was going on in the country. "Such jihadis are funded by the neighbouring countries," said Anandmayi Puri, a leader of BJP Mahila Morcha. VHP joint general secretary Vinayak Rao Deshpande said it was going on for the last one decade. "Ten years ago, we had rescued 250 Hindu girls of Gujarat who were victims of love jihad and rehabilitated them," he claimed.
Khaps wade into troubled UP waters
The entry of Khaps in the deadlock over the denial of passage by Muslim villagers has further complicated matters in riot-hit Malikpura and Kawal villages. On Monday, several Panchayats were held in Kawal, Jangeri and Malikpura villages on the call of Tisanga Bawana Manch, an umbrella organisation of 52 khaps in western Uttar Pradesh.
"The district administration has asked the family of Gaurav and Sachin to hand it a list of guests attending the programme in Malikpura. The road to Malikpura goes through Kawal. The Kawal villagers had announced that they would not allow us to pass through their village on August 28. But we will neither listen to them nor to the administration," Chaudhary Udham Singh of Tisanga Bawana Manch said.
"We have held several Panchayats in the last 24 hours and reached the conclusion that we will not listen to those who are against our participation in the event marking the death anniversary of the two Jat youths," he added.
Cousins Gaurav and Sachin Singh were lynched by a mob on August 28, 2013. The cousins had beaten to death Shahnawaz Quershi of Kawal as he used to molest their sisters.
Widowed last year, Swati has decided to send her two-year-old son to attend the death anniversary of his father Sachin in Malikpura. "The child along with his maternal uncle Dhanseth Singh will visit Malikpura on August 28 to attend the programme," she said.
"The administration asked me to provide it a list of family members attending the programme. But I have decided not to respond to the request...," Gaurav's father Ravindra Singh claimed.
Badaun case probe stuck
Having little circumstantial evidence even after a probe of two-and-a-half month, the CBI may not file chargesheet against the three siblings and two police constables who were arrested after the hanging of two teenaged cousins from Badaun's Katra Sadatganj. They were found hanging to a tree on May 27.
The police had arrested three rogue brothers of the village-Pappu Yadav, Avadhesh Yadav and Urvesh Yadav-on the charges of allegedly gangrape and murder of the girls and two constables, Chhatrapal Singh and Sarvesh Yadav, for keeping the family members in dark.
The CBI had conducted lie-detector test on these five accused and four members of the victim's family. But the agency found that although the accused has replied conclusively to every question of the investigators, the victims' family members were not able to make coherence in their replies. Even the DNA test of the victims and the accused couldn't help the agency much.
"This may be the reason that the CBI finds itself incapable to prepare a chargesheet...," said a police officer on condition of anonymity.
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/term-love-jehad-coined-to-disturb-hindu-muslim-unity-darul-uloom/1/379035.html
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U.N. chief asks India, Pakistan to resolve issues through dialogue
August 26, 2014
The United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon has asked India and Pakistan to resolve their issues peacefully and through dialogue, against the backdrop of cancellation of foreign-secretary level talks between the two nations and continued ceasefire violations by Pakistan along border posts.
“The Secretary-General calls on both sides to solve the issues peacefully and through dialogue,” according to a statement given to PTI from the office of Mr. Ban’s spokesperson in response to questions about the cancellation of the talks and ceasefire violations.
The statement did not respond to a question whether the U.N. chief would intervene in the tensed situation and encourage the leaders from the two countries to meet.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government cancelled the August 25 meeting scheduled in Islamabad between the foreign secretaries after Pakistan’s High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit held talks with Kashmiri separatist leaders.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/un-chief-ban-kimoon-asks-indiapakistan-to-resolve-issues-through-dialogue/article6352630.ece
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Pakistani firing worst since 1971 war: BSF
IANS | Aug 26, 2014,
JAMMU: The Border Security Force (BSF) said on Tuesday that it was for the first time after the 1971 war that Pakistani troops were firing at Indian posts on such a massive scale.
"It is for the first time after the 1971 war that Pakistani troops have been violating the ceasefire on the international border on such a large scale, targeting even civilian areas in Jammu & Kashmir," BSF director general DK Pathak said.
Pathak was speaking to reporters at the Miran Sahib headquarters of the BSF in Jammu district.
He said the BSF had been effectively retaliating against the Pakistani military on the international border.
"We are giving them a befitting reply as we ensure that no civilian areas on their side are affected by our response."
Pathak said there were 25-30 launching pads where heavily armed militants were waiting on the Pakistan side to infiltrate into Jammu & Kashmir.
"These launching pads are located in schools, community halls and forest areas on the other side," he said.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Pakistani-firing-worst-since-1971-war-BSF/articleshow/40916759.cms
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Arab World
President Sisi Says Qatar and Turkey Are Spending Millions to Spread Chaos in Arab Lands
August 26, 2014
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi accused Qatar and Turkey and the international organization of the Muslim Brotherhood of spending millions of dollars to spread chaos in the Arab world.
“Qatar, Turkey and the international organization of the Brotherhood are currently establishing many companies, newspapers and websites,” Sisi said on Sunday at a meeting with newspaper chief editors, the Egypt Independent reported.
“They allocated hundreds of millions of dollars to spread chaos among the Arab nation, destabilizing Egypt and destroying the Egyptians,” he said.
The Egyptian president also voiced his support for the establishment of a Palestinian state and said major efforts were being made to meet the humanitarian needs of the people in Gaza through the Rafah crossing. However, he added, Egyptian security is tied together with this.
Full report at:
http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Egypts-Sisi-says-Qatar-and-Turkey-are-spending-millions-to-spread-chaos-in-Arab-lands-372332
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Iraqi Forces Foil ISIL Attack on Amerly Area, Kill 25 Terrorists
August 26, 2014
Iraqi security forces backed by the locals of Amerly area foiled an attack by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists on the area, and killed 25 terrorists.
''The security forces and the brave men of Amerly foiled an attack launched by ISIL where they managed to kill 25 terrorists, including a terrorist leader, ''a security source said on Monday.
''The security forces are ready to foil any attack defending Amerly area,'' the source concluded.
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13930604000589
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Car bombing kills at least 11 people in Baghdad
Associated Press | Baghdad | August 26, 2014
A car bomb exploded on Tuesday in a busy Shiite area in eastern Baghdad, killing at least 11 people, officials said, the latest in a series of attacks to shake the Iraqi capital as the Shiite-led government struggles to dislodge Sunni militants from areas in the country’s west and north.
The explosives-laden car went off during the morning rush hour in the main commercial area of the New Baghdad district. It was parked close to outdoor pet and vegetable markets and a traffic police office, a police officer said.
The attack also wounded 31, he added. A medical official confirmed the casualty figures. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.
The bombing came a day after a wave of attacks targeted Shiite areas in several cities, including Baghdad, killing at least 58 people. Among them were 15 worshippers who died in a suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque in the same New Baghdad neighborhood where Tuesday’s car bomb struck.
Full report at:
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/middle-east-africa/car-bombing-kills-at-least-11-people-in-baghdad/
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Assad Spokeswoman: US Journalist Foley Murdered by ISIL Terrorists 1 Year Ago
August 26, 2014
American journalist James Foley may have been murdered by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorists a year ago, said Syrian President Bashar Assad’s official spokeswoman, Bouthaina Shaaban.
"James Foley was first arrested by the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and he was sold to ISIL. You can check with the UN…James Foley was killed a year ago, not now, they only released the pictures now, but he was killed a year ago. We have definite information, the UN has the information," Shaaban said as cited by The Daily Mail.
Last week, the shocking video of Foley being beheaded by the terrorist group was broadcasted all around the world. The jarring footage was entitled "The Message to America." The journalist’s executioner, who spoke with a British accent, said Foley was killed because US President Barack Obama had ordered airstrikes against ISIL positions in Iraq.
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13930604000808
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Iraqi Kurds retake 3 villages from militants
August 26, 2014
KIRKUK — Iraqi Kurdish forces backed by air power retook three villages from militants northeast of Baghdad on Monday and also held off two assaults elsewhere, officials said.
Militants led by the Islamic State (IS) group overran large chunks of Iraq in a lightning June offensive that swept security forces aside.
But Iraqi federal forces and the autonomous Kurdish region's peshmerga fighters are now fighting to regain ground from the militants on multiple fronts.
On Monday, Kurdish forces backed by Iraqi air support retook three villages in the Jalawla area in Diyala province, as well as a main road used by militants to transport fighters and supplies, peshmerga members said.
"Jalawla is strategic because it is a gateway to Baghdad," Shirko Merwais, a senior Kurdish political party official in nearby Khanaqin, told AFP.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20140826215912
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Syria: Heavy Clashes Continue between Army, Terrorists in Al-Qalamoun
August 26, 2014
Heavy clashes continue between the Syrian army and terrorist groups in the Damascus countryside, military sources said Tuesday.
Fierce clashes continued between the army units and foreign-backed terrorists for the third consecutive day in Al-Zobdani town of Al-Qalamoun region in the Damascus countryside on Tuesday, informed sources at the Syrian army told FNA.
The Syrian army has so far repelled several attacks by the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Nusra Front terrorist group.
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13930604000533
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Ali al-Sistani Lauds Iran's Support for Iraq's Fight against Terrorism
August 26, 2014
Iraq-based Muslim religious leader Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani appreciated Iran for its firm stance in support of Iraq's war on Takfiri terrorist groups, including the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
"Ayatollah Sistani thanked Iran for standing beside the Iraqi government's campaign against the ISIL and supporting Iraq," Iraqi Ambassador to Tehran Mohammad Majid Sheikh was quoted as saying by al-Soumariya News on Monday.
During the meeting, Zarif called for the partnership of all political streams in future Iraqi government, and said Tehran supports the political trend in Iraq.
He also underlined Tehran's full back-up for Iraq's war on terrorism.
Zarif arrived in the holy city of Najaf on Monday to exchange views with Ayatollah al-Sisitani and discuss ways to soothe the ongoing crisis in the Muslim country.
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13930604000238
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Syria warns US: No unilateral strikes on militants
August 26, 2014
BEIRUT: Syria said Monday it was ready to help confront the rising threat from the Islamic State group, but warned the United States against carrying out airstrikes without Damascus’ consent, saying any such attack would be considered an aggression.
In seeking to portray itself as a partner for the international community, Syria seemed intent on capitalizing on the growing clamor among some US officials, including military leaders, to expand the current American air campaign against the Islamic extremists in Iraq and to hit them in Syria as well.
President Barack Obama has long been wary of getting dragged into the bloody and complex Syrian civil war that the United Nations says has killed more than 190,000 people. He has resisted intervening militarily in the conflict, even after a deadly chemical weapons attack a year ago that Washington blamed on President Bashar Assad’s government.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/middle-east/news/620971
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KSA calls for global action to stop bloodshed
August 26, 2014
JEDDAH — Saudi Arabia renewed its appeal to the international community to shoulder its humanitarian and moral responsibilities to halt the continuing bloodshed in the occupied Palestinian territories and a number of Arab countries.
Voicing “resentment and regret” over the tragic incidents that resulted in the killing and wounding of many people, including women and children, and destruction of infrastructure on a daily basis, the weekly session of the Council of Ministers called it an “unprecedented brutality and mass destruction exceeding all limits of humanity”.
Prince Muqrin Bin Abdulaziz, deputy crown prince and second deputy premier, chaired the session at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah Monday afternoon.
In a statement to Saudi Press Agency following the session, Minister of Culture and Information Abdulaziz Khoja said the council called on the international community, represented by its various organizations, to assume an active role in ensuring a decent living for all people in an environment with security and stability, besides enabling their peaceful coexistence.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20140826215925
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Ex-terrorist to reveal ISIS secrets on TV tonight
August 26, 2014
RIYADH — A former member of a terrorist group will talk on Saudi TV on Tuesday about the secrets of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and the methods the organization uses to attract new members.
The guest will appear on the documentary program “Behind the Curtains” to talk about the reasons why ISIS targets the Kingdom and tries to alienate Saudi youth from renowned scholars in the country in order to harm the country.
The show will host a number of scholars and professors such as Sheikh Abdullah Al-Manee, member of the Board of Senior Scholars and adviser to the Royal Court; Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Fawzan, associate professor of Islamic jurisprudence, Prince Muhammad Bin Saud Islamic University; Abdulaziz Al-Askar, imam of Imam Muhammad Bin Saud Mosque in Riyadh; Abdulaziz Al-Zeer, Dawa activist; and Adel Al-Mekainzi, professor of media, King Saud University.
“Behind the Curtains” is a show focusing on a variety of topics that airs every Tuesday on Saudi TV at 11:15 p.m. A repeat airs at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday.
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20140826215900
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Iran supplied weapons to Iraqi Kurdish forces: Masoud Barzani
August 26, 2014
Iran supplied weapons and ammunition to Iraqi Kurdish forces, Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) President Masoud Barzani said Aug. 25 at a joint press conference with Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Arbil.
"We asked for weapons and Iran was the first country to provide us with weapons," Barzani said.
Militants from the Islamic State have clashed with Kurdish peshmerga fighters in recent weeks and taken control of some areas on the periphery of Iraqi Kurdistan.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/iran-supplied-weapons-to-iraqi-kurdish-forces-barzani.aspx?pageID=238&nID=70930&NewsCatID=352
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Saudi court jails 17 for up to 33 years on terrorism charges
26 August 2014
The Special Criminal Court in Riyadh sentenced on Monday 17 members of a terrorist group to jail terms ranging from nine to 33 years, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
They were convicted of embracing a deviant ideology, contacting and sheltering members of Al-Qaeda network, funding terrorist activities, illegal possession of weapons, undermining national security and forging ID documents.
They were also accused of disobeying the country's ruler and traveling to conflict zones to take part in fighting. The court gave the defendants 30 days to appeal the verdict.
The 17 men are part of a larger group of 67 defendants on trial over similar accusations.
The statement did not specify the nationalities of the defendants or where they had fought. But in July 2011, the Kingdom began a series of prosecutions for alleged offenses committed during the peak of Al-Qaeda violence in the country between 2003 and 2006.
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/2014/08/26/Saudi-court-jails-17-for-up-to-33-years-on-terrorism-charges.html
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UAE to set up rehabilitation centers for ‘terror convicts’
26 August 2014
The United Arab Emirates will establish centers to help “rehabilitate” persons “lured” towards international terrorist organizations, Al Khaleej Times reported.
Mandated by Article 68 of the recently enacted anti-terror law, these centers will employ social workers, preachers and psychiatrists to help counsel and rehabilitate those “misled” into joining international terrorist groups.
“Convicts of terror cases will be sent to these centers after or while serving their jail sentences,” Sultan Juma al-Shamsi, Rapporteur of the Legislative and Legal Committee at the Federal National Council, told Al Khaleej Times.
“Precautionary measures” will be taken against those in the centers who will have been admitted based on “final judicial judgments,” he said.
The rehabilitation centers, which will be set up depending on the need of each of the UAE’s seven emirates, aim to protect “homeland’s citizens, restore them and help them get rid of any poisonous views and malicious thoughts,” al-Shamsi explained.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/08/26/UAE-to-set-up-rehabilitation-centers-for-terror-convicts-.html
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Pakistan
Won’t Accept Unconstitutional Change: Pakistan Ulema Council
August 26, 2014
LAHORE: Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) on Monday said that it would not accept any extra-constitutional change and called upon the political leadership to resolve issues through talks and reconciliation.
PUC chairman Allama Tahir Ashrafi while chairing a meeting here, appealed to the government, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) leader Dr Tahir ul Qadri to observe patience and resolve issues in the light of the constitutional.
Allama Ashrafi asked the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif not to resign until his rivals proved electoral rigging, adding that an independent probe commission can resolve the issues.
He further said that 11 political parties were supporting the government in the parliament, while only PTI opposed it.
During the meeting the council members expressed reservations over the closure of Geo News.
http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-157820-Wont-accept-unconstitutional-change:-PUC
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Qadri gives 48-hour final deadline to Nawaz to wrap up government
August 26, 2014
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) head Tahirul Qadri on Monday gave what he said was the final deadline of 48 hours to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government to dissolve assemblies and resign.
Qadri warned that the situation might lead to “uncontrollable circumstances” if this demand was not met. He also advised the members of the National Assembly to go away prior to the expiry of his ultimatum. “I am giving a 48-hour deadline to dissolve all the assemblies…authorities should let the FIR of Model Town incident in which 14 of our supporters were killed be registered, and make public the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) report”
“After 48 hours, I will not be responsible for any action of the crowd present in the sit-in for the last 12 days,” he said while blaming the ruling PML-N for letting the situation escalate. He also demanded that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his brother Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif be arrested. “Step down or I will wear this coffin, or Nawaz Sharif’s government will be wrapped in the same shroud,” he told his followers and media, with thousands of his followers weeping.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/26-Aug-2014/qadri-gives-48-hour-final-deadline-to-nawaz-to-wrap-up-government
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SC decision to vacate Constitution Ave not applicable on PTI: Imran
August 26, 2014
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan said on Tuesday that the decision of the Supreme Court to vacate Constitution Avenue was not applicable on his party.
In an interview to an Indian news channel, Khan said the PTI sit-in was not taking place on Constitution Avenue. The PTI chairman said his party wanted those behind rigging during the 2013 general elections to be held accountable.
Imran Khan added that an independent probe of rigging could not be conducted until Nawaz Sharif remained prime minister.
"The investigation cannot be held under Nawaz Sharif because he is the beneficiary of this election. He should step down and they should have another one of their party member become prime minister. There should be an investigation and pending the investigation he (Nawaz Sharif) should stay out as the prime minister. Once the investigation clears him he comes back his government stays, but if the investigation proves the electoral fraud which my party and everyone believes is massively rigged then we go for re-elections."
Full report at:
http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-157885-SC-decision-to-vacate-Constitution-Ave-not-applicable-on-PTI:-Imran-
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Nawaz, army chief agree to 'resolve ongoing issue expeditiously'
August 26, 2014
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday met with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Raheel Sharif at the Prime Minister House to discuss the security situation in the country, DawnNews reported.
“There was a consensus on the need to resolve the ongoing issue expeditiously in the best national interest,” read a short statement issued from the PM House shortly after the meeting.
Matters pertaining to ongoing political protests in the federal capital were discussed, sources said. The issue of recent border skirmishes was also a subject of discussion in the meeting.
Sources said both the prime minister and the army chief agreed to immediately resolve the political cul-de-sac.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1127874/nawaz-army-chief-agree-to-resolve-ongoing-issue-expeditiously
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Azadi March: ‘Captain’ vows to hold ground until ‘last ball’
August 26, 2014
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Monday said the protest demonstration would continue until the resignation of Premier Nawaz Sharif.
Imran Khan said Nawaz was trying to have the privilege of “political martyrdom” but “we will not provide this chance to him”. The skipper warned the government that any action or crackdown by police on the peaceful protesters would “prove last nail in the coffin of government”, adding, “The PTI is fighting and struggling against the status-quo and the tiny ruling class of oppressors who had occupied the wealth and resources of the nation.”
Speaking to his charged workers in front of the Parliament House, Kaptaan said, “I stand by all my statements related to the former chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) Iftikhar Chaudhry,” adding, “I spent one month in jail” for the restoration of judiciary.
Addressing Iftikhar Chaudhry, he said, “You deceived the entire nation while being part of polls rigging and match fixing during last general elections of 2013…. so the nation and God will not spare you.”
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/islamabad/26-Aug-2014/azadi-march-captain-vows-to-hold-ground-until-last-ball
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Zardari in ‘last-ditch’ effort to end impasse, save democracy
August 26, 2014
KARACHI: Former president and PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari on Monday rang up Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and discussed with him the ongoing political deadlock.
According to sources, Imran Khan and Asif Zardari exchanged views on possible ways to end the impasse. Zardari told Imran that he had formed a committee of senior PPP leaders. Sources add that Qamar Zaman Kaira will head the committee, which has been assigned to meet the PTI chairman and persuade him to end the deadlock. Last week Imran had said that he would only talk to Kaira from the PPP.
Zardari also telephoned Awami Muslim League Chairman Sheikh Rashid Ahmed and urged him to press Imran Khan and cleric Tahirul Qadri for talks. Speaking to a private TV channel, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said that Zardari rang him and stressed the need to resolve the prevailing political stalemate through dialogue. He said that Zardari asked him to help find a middle ground to end the political deadlock. “I told Zardari that it is too late now,” Rashid said. The PPP leader said that if the stakeholders do not take the course of negotiation, the situation would deteriorate more.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/sindh/26-Aug-2014/zardari-in-last-ditch-effort-to-end-impasse-save-democracy
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Use of force to damage democracy, says Imran
August 26, 2014
ISLAMABAD - PTI chief Imran Khan on Monday alluded to the imposition of martial law, warning any kind of police action would damage democracy.
Addressing his supporters, he requested the police not to take any aggressive action against the peaceful participants of the sit-in. “Any police action would damage democracy,” he warned.
Khan also said the government wanted violence and confrontation as PML-N had started taking out rallies in different cities of the country to counter the sit-ins of the two protesting parties in front of the Parliament House. “If you want to take the country towards confrontation and start infighting, we will not let you become a political martyr. You think there will be violence and you will become a martyr,” he said, addressing Nawaz Sharif.
“Why is PML-N holding rallies? Has the electricity tariff decreased? Has inflation come down? Has Sharif family brought billions of rupees back into the country or has it started paying taxes?” he said.
Full report at:
http://www.nation.com.pk/national/26-Aug-2014/use-of-force-to-damage-democracy-says-imran
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Khyber Agency: Four bodies recovered from Jamrud
August 26, 2014
Khyber Agency- Four bodies were found from tehsil Jamrud of Khyber Agency today morning. The identity of the deceased could not be ascertained, according to Khasadar Force sources.
All the deceased were killed by shooting them. Curfew has been imposed in the area and search operation started to apprehend other terrorists.
http://www.nation.com.pk/national/26-Aug-2014/khyber-agency-four-bodies-recovered-from-jamrud
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Geo/Jang Group sends legal notice to Imran Khan
August 26, 2014
KARACHI: Geo/Jang Group has sent a legal notice to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief, Imran Khan for leveling baseless and false allegations against it.
The notice seeks apology from Imran Khan for embarking on an offensive campaign and hurling unfounded allegations against Geo/Jang Group. It claims Rs500 million in damages for defaming the Group.
The notice was sent to Imran Khan in the wake of his relentless diatribe and false accusations against the Group.
The notice says Geo/Jang Group is not only the biggest media house of the country but also enjoys respect and honour among the overseas Pakistanis.
The Group also has to its credit a number of awards and accolades for its rating and widespread popularity.
The Group also enjoys unblemished status and fame for not only its journalistic endeavours but also for undertaking projects aimed at social and other welfare.
http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-157828-GeoJang-Group-sends-legal-notice-to-Imran-Khan
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Khyber political administration makes wanted militants list public
August 26, 2014
PESHAWAR: The political administration of the Khyber tribal region made public on Tuesday a list of 70 wanted militants who the authorities say were involved in terrorist activities in the agency.
The administration officials confirmed that the list of wanted militants was prepared and that it had been made public at the political authorities' offices in Jamrud.
The sources further said that the move was intended at motivating the locals to help arrest these elements who may be involved in militancy and other criminal activities.
On the other hand, tribal elders have also been warned to hand over the suspected militants nominated in the list to the administration and failing to do so would attract strict action against their tribes under collective responsibility laws.
The authorities would also consider a targeted operation in case the militants are not handed over to them, sources said.
http://www.dawn.com/news/1127869/khyber-political-administration-makes-wanted-militants-list-public
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Despite SC order, marchers stay put at Constitution Avenue
August 26, 2014
ISLAMABAD: Protesters continue to throng D-Chowk despite the Supreme Court’s order a day earlier to vacate Constitution Avenue.
Despite the order to vacate the route, pockets of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) protesters were seen on Constitution Avenue on the 13th day of Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri's anti-government protests in the capital.
The Supreme Court on Monday had asked the parties holding sit-ins on Constitution Avenue to clear the road, after which Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar had also directed the local city administration and law enforcement agencies to implement the apex court's orders.
However, no police officials took action against the crowd of protesters by early afternoon.
During the hearing of petitions against the sit-ins a day earlier, Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk heading a five-judge bench had said: “The test will be when we come to the Supreme Court from the Judges Enclave through the Constitution Avenue on Tuesday."
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1127877/despite-sc-order-marchers-stay-put-at-constitution-avenue
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North America
Pentagon laying ground work for attack on IS targets in Syria
Press Trust of India | Washington | August 26, 2014
The US military is seeking to fly drones over Syria to gather intelligence information about the Islamic State militant group, laying the groundwork for a possible expansion of its limited air campaign beyond Iraq, according to a media report.
The Pentagon is preparing to send surveillance aircraft, including drones, into Syrian airspace to gather intelligence on Islamic State targets, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing unnamed US officials.
While the White House insisted that President Barack Obama has not made any decision yet, The New York Times said that Obama has allowed flying surveillance drones over Syria. The flights would be a precursor to broader airstrikes against ISIS militants, which are already taking place in Iraq, the daily said.
“The Pentagon is preparing to conduct reconnaissance flights over Syria. There is no decision yet to do strikes, but in order to help make that decision, you want to get as much situational awareness as possible,” a US official said.
The White House refused to comment on the story. “We’re not going to comment on intelligence or operational issues. As we’ve been saying, we’ll use all the tools at our disposal when it comes to the protection of our people,” National Security Council Spokesperson Caitlin Hayden said.
Full report at:
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/americas/pentagon-laying-ground-work-for-attack-on-is-targets-in-syria/
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US says UAE bombed Libya Islamists as turmoil deepens
August 26, 2014
UAE warplanes secretly bombed Islamist militia targets in Libya, apparently catching Washington off guard, as turmoil in the North African country deepened with the Islamists naming a rival premier.
American officials said on Aug. 25 that the United Arab Emirates' jets launched two attacks in seven days on the Islamists in Tripoli using bases in Egypt.
The strikes signalled a step toward direct action by regional Arab states that previously have fought proxy wars in Libya, Syria and Iraq in a struggle for power and influence.
The bombing raids were first reported by The New York Times, and Islamist forces in Libya had also alleged the strikes had taken place.
"The UAE carried out those strikes," one American official told AFP on condition of anonymity.
Asked about the account, a senior US official said "the report is accurate".
The United States did not take part or provide any assistance in the bombing raids, said the two officials, who could not confirm that Egypt and the UAE had left Washington totally in the dark about the attacks.
Full report at:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/us-says-uae-bombed-libya-islamists-as-turmoil-deepens.aspx?pageID=238&nID=70918&NewsCatID=359
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US to track jihadists in Syria with spy planes
August 26, 2014
The United States is poised to send spy planes into Syria to track Islamic State jihadists whose advances have sparked international concern and American air strikes in neighbouring Iraq.
A US official confirmed the plans after Syria said on Monday it was willing to work with the international community, including Washington, to tackle extremist fighters.
But American officials said they did not plan to ask Damascus for permission for the flights, despite Syrian insistence that any military action on its soil must be coordinated in advance.
International concern about IS has been rising after a lightning offensive by the group through parts of Iraq and a string of brutal abuses, including the murder of US journalist James Foley.
The United Nations has accused IS and affiliated groups in Iraq of carrying out "ethnic and religious cleansing" that could amount to crimes against humanity.
On Monday, Damascus said for the first time that it was willing to work with the international community, including the United States and Britain, to tackle "terrorists" including IS and al-Qaeda's Syrian affiliate al-Nusra Front.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/world/article/us-to-track-jihadists-in-syria-with-spy-planes#sthash.I45nvyGy.dpuf
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US: Bin Laden son-in-law must get life in prison
26 August 2014
New York prosecutors are saying a life prison sentence is the only answer for the son-in-law of Osama bin Laden after he was convicted for his role as al-Qaida’s spokesman after the Sept. 11 attacks.
In papers submitted Monday, prosecutors said a life sentence for Sulaiman Abu Ghaith sends an important deterrent message to would-be terrorists.
Abu Ghaith was convicted in March of charges that included conspiracy to kill Americans and providing support to al-Qaida.
Abu Ghaith is a Kuwaiti-born imam who married bin Laden’s eldest daughter about five years ago.
He is the highest-ranking al-Qaida figure brought to trial on U.S. soil since the 2001 attacks.
Sentencing is set for Sept. 23.
Earlier this month, defense lawyer Stanley Cohen recommended a 15-year sentence.
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/world/2014/08/26/U-S-Bin-Laden-son-in-law-must-get-life-in-prison.html
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Former US Ambassador to Pakistan hints at US sanctions on Pak if military intervenes
August 26, 2014
WASHINGTON: Former US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter has hinted at US sanctions on Pakistan in case of military intervention, Geo News reported.
The former envoy said US wanted to see continuation of democratic system in Pakistan, adding that any deviation from democratic process would not be supported.
Cameron said there was very little chance of military intervention in Pakistan, however, US could impose sanctions if it happened.
http://www.thenews.com.pk/article-157845-Cameron-Munter-hints-at-US-sanctions-on-Pak-if-military-intervenes
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U.S. rejects Bashar al-Assad’s offer to cooperate with West against terrorism
August 26, 2014
Damascus will cooperate with the West and the international community to combat terrorism, its Foreign Minister said on Monday, but warned that any attacks against militants within its borders would be considered acts of aggression.
“Whoever wants to coordinate and cooperate with us should be taking the matter seriously, and not with double standards,” Walid al- Moallem told reporters in Damascus.
The United States has repeatedly rejected any cooperation with the government of President Bashar al-Assad in combatting Islamist terrorists in Syria, saying the leader was responsible for the current civil war, which arose after pro-reform protests were brutally put down.
General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on Monday that any action in Syria must involve Arab countries, and come “from multiple directions in order to initially disrupt and eventually defeat them. It has to happen with them, much less with us”. That could put any action at odds with the stance laid out in Mr. al-Moallem’s speech, during which he welcomed this month’s U.N. Security Council condemnation of radical Islamists operating in Iraq and Syria, “even if it was late”. He made clear that any action against the Islamic State — a militant Sunni group that has carved out a self-declared caliphate in territory overrun from Syria and Iraq — within Syrian territory would be considered an aggressive act.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/us-rejects-bashar-alassads-offer-to-cooperate-with-west-against-terrorism/article6352095.ece
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Southeast Asia
Indonesian jihadist group breaking up, but others emerging from its shadow
August 26, 2014
JAKARTA: When South-East Asia's premier spiritual leader Abu Bakar Bashir pledged allegiance last July to the extremist Islamic State (IS), a group so brutal even al-Qaeda cut off ties with them, his two sons abandoned him.
Abu Bakar, 76, is widely seen as the godfather of Salafi jihadists and wields tremendous influence in the region, including Malaysia.
When Malaysian police arrested 19 suspected IS followers between April and June this year who were making plans to travel to Syria to join the militant group, they found Abu Bakar's books on them.
"Many of them (suspects) were influenced by the teachings of Abu Bakar to go to Syria. He is very extreme and influential," said a senior Malaysian police source.
"The other major influence is Aman Abdurrahman," the source added.
Aman Abdurrahman is an Indonesian militant who is now serving a nine-year prison term for his involvement in a terrorism training camp in Aceh.
Abu Bakar is the spiritual leader of the al-Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) blamed for the 2002 Bali bombings.
Full report at:
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Regional/2014/08/25/jihadist-group-breaking-up/
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Densus 88 Arrests Terror Suspect in Serang
August 26, 2014
Jakarta. The National Police’s counter-terrorist branch Densus 88 arrested a terror suspect on Tuesday in Serang, Banten province. He was allegedly involved in military training in Aceh.
“We arrested this morning at 9 a.m. a fugitive named Hamzah Boim,” a source within the National Police told the Jakarta Globe. “The perpetrator is a fugitive of Aceh military training in 2010 and the Bank CIMB Niaga robbery in Medan [in August of the same year].”
Police said Hamzah supplied bullets for the military training.
Serang Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Yudi Hermawan, who took part in the raid, said Hamzah, his wife and two witnesses were detained by police at a shop house on Jalan Tb. Suwandi.
“Three of them have been taken to Jakarta, but [Hamzah's] wife is still at the [Serang] police office, she was not taken to Jakarta,” Yudi said, as quoted by the state-run Antara news agency on Tuesday.
Yudi said Hamzah had eluded police by frequently moving around Indonesia.
“They rented this shop house two weeks ago,” Yudi said. “They said they sold ice cream.”
http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/densus-88-arrests-terror-suspect-serang/
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Europe
Grinning Britons leaving UK to join ISIS caught on tape
August 26, 2014
Five men who left Britain in October last year have been shown on CCTV footage leaving the UK to join the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militant group - under the guise of taking a vacation in Turkey.
The group, which called itself the Britani Brigade Bangladeshi Bad Boys, bought tickets on low-budget carrier Thomas Cook to the Turkish resort of Antalya in October, UK-based newspaper the Daily Mail reported.
The group’s members have been identified by British authorities as Muhammad Hamidur Rahman, 25, Mashadur Choudhury, 31, Assad Uzzaman, 25, Mehdi Hassan, 19, and Mamunur Roshid.
Now, 10 months later, Rahman, who had worked a shop assistant at cheap UK clothing chain Primark until he was sacked, is reportedly dead, slain in a gun battle last month, while Choudhury sits in a British prison cell, convicted of travelling to Syria to receive terrorist training, London-based The Telegraph reported.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/perspective/features/2014/08/25/Grinning-Britons-caught-on-tape-leaving-UK-to-join-ISIS.html
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Russian Intelligence Warns Moscow of US-Led ISIL Threat
August 26, 2014
Russia's External Intelligence Service (SVR) warned Kremlin that the US is using the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) terrorist group to create a new front against Russia in the Central Asia.
"The SVR has warned Kremlin in a report that the US is seeking to lead the ISIL forces in the Caucasus and the Central Asia to create a new front against Russia in the Central Asia in future to implement their plots and policies in the Middle-East," an informed source, who is close to Kremlin officials and asked to remain unnamed due to the sensitivity of his information, told FNA on Tuesday.
"Using Saudi Arabia's facilities, which has shown its capability in transferring terrorists to Syria and Iraq, for recruiting forces in the Central Asia, the US has coaxed the Wahhabi clerics affiliated to Riyadh into attracting fighters from different Central Asian states, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, to prepare them mentally for being sent to Syria and Iraq. Then, they are trained in Kyrgyzstan and transferred to Istanbul and then to Syria and Iraq," the source said.
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13930604000476
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London Mayor: We Must Crack Down On UK Jihadists
August 26, 2014
London Mayor Boris Johnson has said Britons who travel to fight in Iraq and Syria without telling the authorities should be presumed to be potential terrorists until they are proven innocent.
His is the latest voice to call on the Government to take tougher measures to combat extremism, following the murder of US journalist James Foley by an Islamic State (IS) militant, dubbed 'Jihadi John', who is believed to be British.
Mr Johnson, who has overall responsibility for the Metropolitan Police, warned that to do nothing and allow IS, formerly known as ISIS and ISIL, to establish a "caliphate" would mean a "tide of terror will eventually lap at our own front door".
"We are going to have to make up our minds very quickly about this 'caliphate': how we will respond to the irruption of a new and hellish country on the map, and how we deal with these Brits who go off and fight in its name," he said, writing in his Daily Telegraph column.
"The place would be a giant training ground for terrorists and wannabe jihadis. We need to try to close it down now, before it gets worse."
Full report at:
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/johnson-must-crack-down-uk-jihadists-084456528.html#9phfL7F
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Germany says no plans to reengage with Assad due to ISIS threat
August 26, 2014
Germany has no diplomatic contacts with the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and no plans to rekindle ties because of the threat posed by the militant group Islamic State (IS), a spokesman for the German foreign ministry said on Monday.
"The regime of President Assad has committed unbelievable injustice in every form during the civil war that has been raging for 3-1/2 years. Nearly 200,000 people have died," the spokesman Martin Schaefer told a government news conference.
"To be honest it is very difficult to imagine that all this can be ignored in the name of Realpolitik, that one says, now we have ISIS, which is worse than Assad, so now we have to get into bed with the one that isn't quite so bad," he added.
"This is too simple. I am not aware of any thoughts or deliberations, whether in the fight against ISIS or otherwise, about working with the regime of President Assad," Schaefer said. "I am not aware of any political or diplomatic contacts between Germany and the Syrian government."
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/world/2014/08/25/Germany-says-no-plans-to-reengage-with-Assad-due-to-ISIS-threat.html
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London hate preacher Anjem Choudary indoctrinates Melbourne Muslims
JAMES DOWLING HERALD SUN
AUGUST 26, 2014
A FIREBRAND UK cleric who reportedly helped radicalise the men suspecting of beheading an American journalist has given “spiritual guidance” to several Melbourne Muslims.
London imam Anjem Choudary’s followers reportedly indoctrinated Abdel-Majed Abdel Bary, one of the main suspects in the savage killing of James Foley.
Friends say Bary was persuaded to join the fight in Syria after becoming friends with some of Choudary’s followers.
Mr Choudary has denied ever meeting Bary.
But the UK preacher, once branded the most dangerous man in Britain, said many Muslims had sought his advice throughout the years.
“I do have a lot of people contact me from Melbourne and other areas of Australia,’’ he said.
“Some people ask questions about Islam or they want to promote or thank us for what we are doing.
Full report at:
.au/news/victoria/london-hate-preacher-anjem-choudary-indoctrinates-melbourne-muslims/story-fni0fit3-1227036582156
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Theresa May Announces New Laws To Combat British Jihadists
August 26, 2014
The Home Secretary is to bring in new laws to tackle British extremists, warning that the security threat to the UK will continue "for decades."
In the wake of the horrific execution of American journalist James Foley by a "cowardly" jihadist with an English accent, Theresa May said Britain must introduce all the legal powers necessary to win the struggle against terror.
The jihadist in the execution video, which shows Foley kneeling in the desert with his head shaved and wearing an orange jumpsuit before he is beheaded, is believed to be the ringleader of a group of UK-born extremists, and using the name 'John'. They are apparently responsible for guarding Western hostages in the stronghold of Raqqa, and nicknamed after members of the Beatles, with the two others dubbed Paul and Ringo.
Full report at:
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/08/23/theresa-may-british-jihadists-_n_5702255.html
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James Foley Murder Video 'May Not Have Been How He Died,' Expert Says
August 26, 2014
The British jihadi being blamed for beheading US journalist James Foley may not have been responsible as the video depicting it could have been edited, experts have said.
Footage showing a masked man with a London accent delivering a warning to the West about intervening to stop Islamic State before apparently beheading Foley has triggered disgust, fear and outrage on both sides of the Atlantic.
But an expert in visual forensics, who was commissioned by The Times to examine the hideous footage, said he believed the it had been "staged" and "Jihadi John", as the Briton has been nicknamed, does not actually perform the execution.
The murderer's movement and the position of Foley's head seem to indicate it was not the moment of death.
“My feeling is that the execution may have happened after the camera was stopped,”
Aymenn al-Tamimi, a fellow at the Middle East Forum think-tank, told the paper (£).
“They show it’s an English guy because he is English-speaking for an English-speaking audience”.
Full report at:
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/08/25/james-foley-murder-video-_n_5707287.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular
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Mideast
Holocaust survivors condemn Israeli 'genocide' of Palestinians
August 26, 2014
Over 300 Holocaust survivors and their descendants have responded to a pro-Israeli advertisement recently published in several prominent US newspapers by releasing an open letter condemning Israel's assault on the Gaza Strip and calling for an end to the "ongoing genocide" against the Palestinian people.
In the letter published on Sunday, the 327 signatories called for "an end to all forms of racism, including the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people" and "the full economic, cultural and academic boycott of Israel."
The signatories also denounced the United States for its role in financing Israel's attack on Gaza and other western states for defending Israel's actions.
"Genocide begins with the silence of the world," the statement said.
The letter was released by the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network (IJAN), an organisation that describes itself as "uncompromisingly committed to struggles for human emancipation, of which the liberation of the Palestinian people and land is an indispensable part."
IJAN also opposes the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, which the pro-Palestinian body says is based on exploitation and contradicts the history of Jewish persecution.
The letter comes in response to an advertisement co-written by US Jewish activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Elie Wiesel – also a Holocaust survivor – and the US's most prominent Jewish rabbi, Shmuley Boteach, both of whom condemned "the Hamas death cult" for using Palestinian children as human shields.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/109178/World/Region/Holocaust-survivors-condemn-Israeli-genocide-of-Pa.aspx
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Hamas official: Language of Egyptian cease-fire proposal 'acceptable'
August 26, 2014
A senior Hamas official said Tuesday that the new Egyptian cease-fire proposal to end the hostilities between the Palestinians and Israel in Gaza, was “acceptable” in terms of its language.
Moussa Abu Marzouk, a member of the Hamas delegation in Cairo, told the pan-Arabic newspaper Al Hayat that discussions were ongoing with the Egyptians over the details.
Khaled al-Batsh, Islamic Jihad’s representative to the Cairo cease-fire talks, said that the Palestinian delegation was awaiting Israel’s response to the proposal, which was “acceptable in principle.”
Al Hayat quoted a senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad leader as telling the paper that the group wanted the agreement in order to “stop the brutal aggression” and avoid the deaths of Palestinian children, adding that the Israelis had “targeted civilians to put pressure on the resistance.”
Full report at:
http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Senior-Hamas-leader-Language-of-Egyptian-ceasefire-proposal-acceptable-372346
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Israeli strikes push Gaza death toll above 2,100
26 August 2014
Two Palestinians were killed on Tuesday in an Israeli air raid on Gaza, medical sources said.
The deaths take to 2,136 the number of Palestinians killed since July 8 when the Israeli offensive started. An army spokesman said Israel carried out 15 raids since 2100 GMT Monday, while several Hamas rockets were fired at Israel Tuesday morning.
One of the rockets was destroyed by Israel's Iron Dome air defense system in the greater Tel Aviv area, according to Agence France-Presse.
Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, said in a statement that they fired "a rocket at Haifa and four at the Tel Aviv region" in reprisal for the attacks against the 14- and 16-storey buildings.
Two rockets were fired at Israel from Lebanon late Monday, an army spokeswoman said. Israel had earlier only mentioned one such attack.
Separetely, Israel bombed on Tuesday two high-rise buildings collapsing one and severely damaging the other, the Associated Press reported.
The objects of the latest strikes contain apartments inhabited almost exclusively by middle-class Gazans.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2014/08/26/Death-toll-mounts-as-Gaza-war-drags-on.html
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Historical Greek building in Turkey converted into Islamic religious school
August 26, 2014
A historic building in the coastal Marmara town of Erdek that was used as a Greek school in the 19th century has been turned into an imam-hatip high school, a religious vocational school, after remaining idle for five years.
Erdek Turizm, a local newspaper, noted that the local authority of cultural heritage and the provincial authorities had approved the decision for the building, which was renovated in 2012.
Locals told the Hürriyet Daily News that efforts were continuing to open the facility this school year, which starts next month. Some also raised concerns that the historic identity of the building might be lost.
The building was constructed by the former Greek inhabitants as a school in 1879 before being turned into a school for fishermen.
Full report at:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/historical-greek-building-in-turkey-converted-into-islamic-religious-school-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=70929&NewsCatID=341
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Security officials paint picture of Gaza street seething and Hamas in disarray
August 26, 2014
As Operation Protective Edge enters its eighth week on Tuesday, Hamas has taken a severe military and morale blow, but its military arm is preparing for another round of fighting believing the price its people are paying is tolerable as long as its goals are achieved.
This is the assessment of senior Israeli security officials who nevertheless say there is growing skepticism among Hamas operatives about whether the fighting continues to be worthwhile considering the number of Hamas fighters who have been killed, the destruction of key military installations, the hit on the rocket manufacturing capabilities, and the destruction caused to the terror tunnels, which Hamas viewed as its “Day of Judgement” weapon.
According to these assessments, the IDF attacks in Gaza -- including damage to the homes of senior Hamas commanders -- the killing of commanders as well as damage done to the more junior military level led in many instances to a breakdown in Hamas’ chain of command, and even the abandonment of the rank and file on the battlefield.
Full report at:
http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Security-officials-paint-picture-of-Gaza-street-seething-and-Hamas-in-disarray-372337
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Africa
Thousands flee to Cameroon after Boko Haram attack in Nigeria
August 26, 2014
KANO, Nigeria — A Boko Haram attack on a border town in northeast Nigeria forced thousands of people to flee on Monday, in a fresh assault indicating the militants’ growing ability to strike at will.
The attack on Gamboru Ngala comes after the town was almost entirely destroyed in May in a devastating assault that also left more than 300 people killed and prompted outrage at the lack of military response.
Many local residents sought refuge across the border in the north Cameroon town of Fotokol, where troop reinforcements were being sent, a security service source said.
Boko Haram, which has been blamed for more than 10,000 deaths in a five-year-old uprising, has in recent weeks sought to take over a number of towns in Borno state, shifting from hit-and-run tactics to an apparent holding strategy.
The group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, declared in a video obtained by AFP on Sunday that the town of Gwoza, southwest of Gamboru Ngala, was now under an Islamic caliphate.
Residents said Monday’s attack began at about 5:30 a.m. (0430 GMT), with the extremists launching coordinated strikes on the main police station and a military base known as the Harmony camp.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20140826215970
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Libya has two govts; neighbors reject call for help to end chaos
August 26, 2014
BENGHAZI/CAIRO — The Libyan parliament that was replaced in an election in June reconvened Monday and chose an Islamist-backed deputy as prime minister, leaving the chaotic country with two rival leaders and assemblies each backed by armed factions.
The election was meant to allow nation building and to quell three years of spreading violence since veteran ruler Muammar Gaddafi was ousted. But the old General National Congress (GNC), where Islamists had a strong voice, has refused to acknowledge the legitimacy of its successor assembly, the House of Representatives, which is dominated by liberals and federalists.
The GNC reconvened after armed factions from Misrata forced a rival faction from Zintan out of Tripoli’s main airport on Saturday after a month of fighting that has come to symbolize the country’s deep divisions.
The GNC, which met in the capital Tripoli, elected Omar Al-Hasi as its new leader.
Libya earlier appealed to the global community to help protect its oilfields, airports and other state assets.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20140826215973
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Libya turmoil deepens as Islamists name rival PM
August 26, 2014
Libya's Islamist-dominated General National Congress on Monday threw down the gauntlet to the interim government of the near-lawless North African state by naming a prime minister-designate to form a rival administration.
The GNC, officially replaced earlier this month by a freshly-elected parliament, selected pro-Islamist Omar al-Hassi to form a "salvation government", a spokesman said.
"The GNC dismissed (interim premier) Abdullah al-Thani as head of government and gave Omar al-Hassi a week to form a salvation government," Omar Ahmidan said at a news conference in Tripoli, where GNC members met.
At the same time, Libya's new army chief declared "war on terrorists" after the elected parliament, holed up 16,000 kilometres (10,000 miles) from Tripoli in the eastern city of Tobruk, selected him to tackle unrest sweeping the nation.
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/109215/World/Region/Libya-turmoil-deepens-as-Islamists-name-rival-PM.aspx
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Somali militants ‘flee’ African troop advance
August 26, 2014
MOGADISHU — Somali and African Union forces said they seized control Monday of a strategic town from Al-Shabaab fighters, in the latest military advance against the extremists.
Hundreds of Somali and Ethiopian troops with the AU force in Somalia (AMISOM) entered the town of Tiyeglow in the southwestern Bakool region, some 240 km north of Mogadishu, with the militants fleeing ahead of the advance.
“Somali and AMISOM troops have captured Tiyeglow and forced the militants to leave without fighting,” said government security official Mohamed Moalim.
“The operations will continue until the whole region is liberated.”
Bakool had been a former stronghold region of the Al-Shabaab, who once controlled most of southern and central Somalia.
Full report at:
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20140826215952
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Australia
Australia pledges $60m to tackle ISIS threat
26 August 2014
The Australian government on Tuesday announced a Aus$64 million (US$60 million) package to help prevent youngsters from being radicalized and joining extremist groups in the Middle East.
The funding follows a warning from spy chief David Irvine this month that the bloody conflicts in Iraq and Syria are creating a new generation of militants.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott said up to 60 Australians were fighting alongside Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants, while another 100 were actively working to support the movement at home.
"Recent images of brutal killings in Syria and the brazen presence of Australian citizens amongst the foreign fighters highlights the need for action to counter radicalization," Abbott said, adding that IS was using "medieval barbarism allied to modern technology".
"That's how serious and dangerous this movement is. Because of the Australians who are involved with this movement, what might otherwise be a problem in a far away country is a problem for us."
Abbott said the Aus$64 million would help support community groups and security agencies, with the emphasis on preventing radicalization and reducing the threat of home-grown terrorism.
The premier gave youth activities, mentoring and employment support as examples of how the funding may be spent.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/world/2014/08/26/Australia-pledges-60m-to-tackle-ISIS-threat-.html
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/taliban-militants-behead-imam-mosque/d/98746