Hundreds of ISIL Terrorists Killed in Iraqi Army's Operations in Anbar Province
Libya Militia 'Launches Air Raids' Against ISIL, REUTERS Photo
Arab World
Hundreds of ISIL Terrorists Killed in Iraqi Army's Operations in Anbar Province
Saudi Warplanes Supplying Terrorists with Weapons, Munitions in Yemen
ISIS Reportedly Bans Nike Because It Sounds Like ‘Sex’ In Arabic
Army Destroys Terrorists' Strongholds in Idlib Province
Qaeda, allies advance on regime in northwest Syria: monitor
Iraqi boy's dream of becoming dancer defied threats, borders
TV station cancels show of controversial Islamic researcher Beheiry
Kuwait strips activist of citizenship
Mideast
‘We Don’t Need Missiles’: Houthis Threaten To Attack Saudi Arabia If Bombing Continues
Airstrikes Pound Yemen Rebel Positions in Taez
Brutality of Israel Police: Arrest Muslim Worshippers
Yemeni expats thank king for saving country from enemies
Iranian Top Security Official: Foreign Terrorists in Syria to Bite Trainers
Meshaal: Hamas ready for Palestine polls
Pakistan
Islam Forbids Violence, Ka’aba Imam Tells Lahore Congregation
Pakistan Calls for Regional Cooperation against IS
Shafqat Hussain to be executed on May 6
Govt to enact law for protection of minorities’ properties
Violent extremism poses world's most imposing challenges today: Maleeha Lodhi
Middle East crisis: Pakistan rallies firmly behind Saudi Arabia, says PM
Nation must unite in fight against terrorism, says Nisar
India
Beef Ban: Police Will Enter Homes, Ask What Are You Eating
Probe Doesn't Show Foreign Funding For ISIS Activists
Government Should Deport Separatists to Pakistan: RSS
Pakistan and Bangladesh happier than India: UN report
India to host Afghan leader, seeks to regain ground lost to China, Pakistan
South Asia
Rocket Attack on Govt Compounds in Ghazni as Taliban Launches Offensive
Maldives human rights situation ‘rapidly deteriorating’
Syrian rebels capture 4 Afghans including teenager boys
Taliban try to match ISIS brutality by beheading Hazaras
North America
US Admits Two Hostages Killed In Al-Qaeda Raid
US To Deliver F-35 Jets to Israel to Maintain Military Edge
Iran nuclear deal: Downplaying rift, Biden defends Obama’s support for Israel
US law enforcement accused of using entrapment to ensnare ‘terrorists’
Anti-terror program worries U.S. Muslims
White House omits ‘G-word’
Africa
Libya Militia 'Launches Air Raids' Against ISIL
Nigerian Troops Kill Top Boko Haram Commander in Gun Battle
In Libya’s anarchy, migrant smuggling a booming trade
Somali PM sees risk to his country in Yemen strife
Bishop: Boko Haram is spreading to Cameroon – while the world looks the other way
Boko Haram Islamists Pose with Guns and Rocket Launchers Since the Group Became IS's 'West Africa Province'
Southeast Asia
Cross Protest Due To Poor Interfaith Exposure, Says Minister
Malaysia to continue assisting developing countries, says Najib
Densus 88 Arrests Man Over 2012 Bomb Plot on S. Sulawesi Governor
Europe
Italian Authorities Dismantles Network of Pakistani Radicals
Al-Qaida suspects may have been targeting Vatican, Italian prosecutor says
Bradford author's into Muslim women in prison to go before Government
At least 115 children killed in Yemen since March 26: Unicef
Libya conflict displaces half a million people: Red Crescent
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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Arab World
Hundreds of ISIL Terrorists Killed in Iraqi Army's Operations in Anbar Province
Apr 24, 2015
A senior Iraqi commander announced that the country's army and popular forces are retaking territories from the ISIL terrorists' control in Anbar province.
The Iraqi Special Forces on the frontline in the city of al Karmah have amassed heavy artillery and deployed hundreds of troops, Head of Baghdad Operational Command Lieutenant General Abdul Amir al-Shammari said.
He further underlined that his forces are making gains,
"We've killed many - more than 250 terrorists in the past few days," al-Shammari went on to say.
The ISIL Takfiri terrorists currently control shrinking swathes of Syria and Iraq. They have threatened all communities, including Shiites, Sunnis, Kurds, Christians, Ezadi Kurds and others, as they continue their atrocities in Iraq.
Senior Iraqi officials have blamed Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and some Persian Gulf Arab states for the growing terrorism in their country.
The ISIL has links with Saudi intelligence and is believed to be indirectly supported by the Israeli regime.
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940204000123
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Saudi Warplanes Supplying Terrorists with Weapons, Munitions in Yemen
Apr 24, 2015
Informed sources in the region disclosed that the Saudi warplanes are supplying the terrorist groups with weapons and ammunitions in various provinces of Yemen.
The sources said that the terrorist groups, who have been faced with the massive offensives of the revolutionary forces and the country's army, are supplied with huge amounts of Saudi-dispatched weapons and ammunitions.
Meantime, the local sources announced fresh rounds of airstrikes have hit the town of Zobiedeh, in Hadida, West of Yemen, killing and wounding several civilians.
On Tuesday, Riyadh declared that it stopped bombing Yemen, adding that the Saudi-led coalition operations are now entering a political phase, but the latest reports from different Yemeni cities said that the airstrikes are still underway.
Saudi Arabia has been striking Yemen for the last 30 days in a move to restore power to fugitive President Mansour Hadi, a close ally of Riyadh. The Saudi-led aggression has claimed the lives of around 2,900 Yemenis, including hundreds of women and children. The attacks have also left thousands of people injured.
Hadi stepped down in January and refused to reconsider the decision despite calls by Ansarullah revolutionaries of the Houthi movement.
Despite Riyadh's claims that it is bombing the positions of the Ansarullah fighters, Saudi warplanes are flattening residential areas and civilian infrastructures.
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940204000428
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ISIS reportedly bans Nike because it sounds like ‘sex’ in Arabic
April 24, 2015
Unverified reports suggests that the Islamic State has banned Nike apparel because the brand’s name sounds like the term for sexual intercourse in Arabic. Militants have reportedly been ordered to get rid of smutty-sounding sportswear.
The Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) headquarters in Raqqa issued what claims to be a leaflet warning jihadists against using any Nike products. The punishments for both seller and buyer of Nike goods range from a small fine to imprisonment or whipping.
This fashion twist comes out while one of IS’ probably best-known commanders Abu Waheeb is known for having a vast wardrobe of Western sportswear, Nike items included, as well as Adidas etc. Yet what might be permissible for a field commander to wear would remain taboo for an ordinary citizen under the jihadists’ rule, according to Daily Mail.
Jeans have also been strictly banned in the IS as the clothing “provokes sexual desire, and shows the attractions of a man's body,” with a prison term promised for those violating the order.
The ‘Nike controversy’ began with one militant comparing the company’s logo and name with the wearing of a Christian cross.
The argument from other jihadists was that Nike’s apparel is “comfy and good quality, unlike crosses,” the Daily Mail reported.
Activist group ‘Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently’, which translated the leaflet into English, made a guess that Nike was banned because the company was named after the Greek winged goddess of victory, Nike, and also because it sounds similar to ‘sex’ in Arabic.
The leaflet also bans the wearing of clothes bearing inscriptions of swearing or any kind of sexually-suggestive phrases.
To help those who can’t read in English, the leaflet contains a long and detailed list of banned inscriptions in English and their Arabic translations.
http://rt.com/news/252593-isis-nike-ban-sex/
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Army Destroys Terrorists' Strongholds in Idlib Province
Apr 24, 2015
The Syrian army pounded and destroyed the terrorists' positions in Idlib countryside, specially in the surrounding areas of Kourin and Filoun towns.
The army units completely cut the supply routes of the terrorists to the city of Mastoumeh, and army sources said the city is their next target.
Also in the past 24 hours, the Syrian Armed Forces have intensified their offensives against terrorists' positions in different villages and towns of the Central Homs province, a military source said in the province, adding that the rebels have started withdrawing now.
Arshouna and al-Sultaniyeh in the Eastern countryside of Homs were identified by the Syrian intelligence as two main strongholds of rebel groups, said the source, adding that army men later targeted both sites and killed scores of the antigovernment fighters.
Masaada village in the Homs' Eastern countryside was another gathering center of militants that was stormed by the Syrian soldiers who killed dozens of the fighters and arrested some others.
Elsewhere, scores of al-Nusra Front fighters were killed and the rest of them were pushed back by the Syrian Army in the rural areas in the Southwestern province of al-Quneitra.
The strongholds of al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group of al-Nusra Front were stormed by the Syrian forces near the village of Um Batena in the Western countryside of the province, which resulted in the killing and wounding of dozens of the antigovernment fighters.
The same story happened for the al-Nusra Front' members in Mas-hara town in the province, and apart from killing and wounding scores of terrorists, the army arrested some others.
Meantime, a military source said that the Syrian Army's advances against the foreign-backed terrorists in the costal province of Lattakia have been eye-catching, and added that scores of antigovernment fighters have been killed in army's recent operations.
The source said that scores of al-Nusra Front's terrorists in al-Zaitouna, Rwaisa and Rwaiset al-Ballata in the Northern countryside of the province were killed, wounded and arrested in the Syrian army's operations.
The Terrorists' strongholds in the villages of Arafit, al-Rashwan and Kitf al-Ghanama were also targeted by the army men who pushed back the fighters and restored tranquility to the region.
Elsewhere, the Syrian warplanes conducted air strikes on positions of al-Nusra Front terrorists in al-Qalamoun in Damascus countryside, killing and injuring 20 of them.
The Syrian air strike hit positions of al-Nusra Front terrorists in Jord al-Jarajer in al-Qalamoun, killing and injuring 20 of them.
Syria has been gripped by deadly violence since 2011. Western powers and their regional allies -- especially Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey -- are reportedly supporting the militants operating in Syria.
In December 2014, Syrian Prime Minister Wael al-Halqi said Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan have formed an alliance with Israel in war on Damascus.
Halqi described Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan's role in Syria as not just "unconstructive" but "destructive", and said, "These countries no more see the Zionist regime as their enemy and have entered the war against the Syrian people in an alliance with the regime."
He expressed confidence that the Syrian people and army would soon clean their country from the terrorists, and said, "2015 will be a determining year for Syria."
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940204000252
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Qaeda, allies advance on regime in northwest Syria: monitor
24 April 2015
Al-Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate and other Islamist fighters made gains Friday in a joint offensive on the last major regime bastion in northwest Idlib province, a monitor said.
The assault, which began Thursday, has seen Al-Nusra front and allied groups seize a total of four checkpoints around the city of Jisr al-Shughur, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
“There are very fierce clashes ongoing since the early morning, and intense aerial bombing. The regime has conducted 34 air strikes in the area since Friday morning,” said Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman.
He told AFP that the Nusra Front had conducted a series of suicide attacks on the city’s outskirts and had sent 15 fighters with suicide belts into the city itself.
The Islamist coalition seized control of two checkpoints Friday morning and were battling pro-government forces for three others around the city, Abdel Rahman added.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/04/24/Qaeda-allies-advance-on-regime-in-northwest-Syria-monitor-.html
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Iraqi boy's dream of becoming dancer defied threats, borders
Apr 24, 2015
As a boy in pre-war Baghdad, Adil Faraj dreamed of becoming a dancer, inspired by a Michael Jackson performance he watched on DVD.
For over a decade, he pursued his passion despite daunting challenges and harassment by strangers and police. He taught himself by moving to dance videos in his cramped family home hiding from a conservative society scornful of the art form and from the chaos that engulfed Iraq after the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.
Last weekend, the sweat and tears paid off when the now 22-year-old performed on stage for the first time, to a packed house at the Amman Contemporary Dance Festival in the Jordanian capital.
After his solo machine-like moves to the haunting Gary Jules’ song “Mad Word” mixed with break dancing the audience erupted in applause, and Faraj raised his fists triumphantly before bowing.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/iraqi-boys-dream-of-becoming-dancer-defied-threats-borders/article7137514.ece
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TV station cancels show of controversial Islamic researcher Beheiry
Apr 24, 2015
A private Egyptian satellite TV channel has cancelled the show of Islamic researcher Islam Beheiry who has been accused by Al-Azhar and many Egyptians of “contempt of religion” over his criticism of classical Islamic theologians who interpreted the Quran and Hadith.
Al-Qahera Wal Nas (Cairo and the People) said on Wednesday in a statement, which did not directly spell out its decision to take El-Beheiry off air, it “does not encourage debates or programmes that stir divisions among Muslims and lead to tensions and strife.”
The station hinted in its statement that its decision on El-Beheiry’s show comes “out of respect to large segments of the Egyptian people ... and to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar,”
In recent months, El-Beheiry stirred up controversy among clerics and many in the public for reassessing the credibility of some historical writers of major works of documentation and explanation of the Hadith and Sunnah (the teachings and practices of the Prophet Mohammed).
Full report at:
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/128420/Egypt/Politics-/TV-station-cancels-show-of-controversial-Islamic-r.aspx
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Kuwait strips activist of citizenship
Apr 24, 2015
KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait has deported a prominent activist after withdrawing his Kuwaiti citizenship last year, local media reported, a move he and other opposition figures said was politically motivated.
The Kuwaiti government last year ordered a crackdown on people suspected of trying to “undermine the stability” of the country. The move followed the arrest of opposition politician Musallam Al-Barrak.
The Arabic-language Al-Rai newspaper reported on Wednesday that Saad Al-Ajmi, spokesman for the Popular Action Movement (PAM) and a former correspondent for Al Arabiya news channel, was detained on Tuesday and deported.
A Kuwaiti security source said Ajmi was sent to Saudi Arabia after his documents showed he was a native Saudi national.
Barrak called for a meeting to discuss Ajmi’s deportation, local news website alaa.cc said.
Born in Kuwait, Ajmi, was one of 18 people to have their citizenship withdrawn by authorities last year.
http://www.arabnews.com/middle-east/news/736916
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Mideast
‘We Don’t Need Missiles’: Houthis Threaten To Attack Saudi Arabia If Bombing Continues
Apr 24, 2015
Yemen’s Shiite Houthi rebels have threatened to launch an attack on Saudi Arabia if the bombings in Yemen do not stop. The Zaidi group has sent the warning to Riyadh and demanded that UN-brokered political dialogue be resumed in Yemen.
The Houthis “will carry out a military attack on Saudi Arabia, if the airstrikes on Yemen don’t come to an end,” Mohammed Bahiti, member of the Ansar Allah movement, told TV channel Al Mayadeen.
Bahiti stressed that the Houthi rebels “do not require missiles” to carry forward with their promise, referring to Yemeni military depots destroyed in the airstrikes. He also rejected claims that Operation Decisive Storm, led by Saudi Arabia, was able to successfully destroy the Houthi rebels’ military capabilities.
According to Bahiti, Houthis are ready to resume UN-sponsored talks from “the point they were at before Saudi aggression.” The previous round of talks ended in January.
At the same time, he warned that the ousted Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi can never come back to power, adding that rebels view him as a “traitor.”
“The Yemeni people will not honour Mansur Hadi and allow him to return to power,” Bahiti said.
Full report at:
http://rt.com/news/252561-houthis-rebels-attack-saudis/
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Airstrikes pound Yemen rebel positions in Taez
24 April 2015
Saudi-led coalition air strikes hit a camp housing rebel troops in Yemen’s third city Taez on Friday, after a night of clashes and raids throughout the war-hit country, residents said.
Warplanes struck the camp, which was being used by a rebel army unit loyal to ousted president Ali Abdullah Saleh in central Taez, they said.
The main southern city of Aden also came under coalition fire as clashes between supporters of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi and rebels raged until dawn, pro-government militiamen told AFP.
Residents in Yemen’s eastern Marib province also reported overnight air strikes and clashes between local tribesmen and rebel forces -- Shiite Houthis allied with Saleh’s loyalist troops.
AFP could not immediately obtain a casualty toll.
The Saudi-led coalition last month launched a campaign of air strikes in Yemen aimed at halting the advance of Iran-backed Shiite Houthi rebels and their allies.
On Tuesday, the coalition said it was starting a new phase of its campaign aiming to resume Yemen’s political process, deliver aid and fight “terrorism,” as air strikes continued.
The coalition had airdropped weapons and ammunition to supporters of Hadi, who fled to Saudi Arabia late last month as the Iran-backed Houthis approached his Aden refuge.
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/04/24/Airstrikes-pound-Yemen-rebel-positions-as-clashes-rage-.html
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Brutality of Israel police: arrest muslim worshippers
World Bulletin / News Desk
Apr 24, 2015
Israeli police on Thursday detained two Muslim worshipers near East Jerusalem's flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
In a statement, police spokeswoman Luba Samri said the two worshippers had been detained following a skirmish between Palestinians and Jewish settlers.
No injuries were reported.
Scores of Jewish settlers forced their way into the flashpoint compound earlier Thursday.
"As many as 30 settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa compound through the Al-Magharbeh gate under Israeli police protection," Sheikh Azzam al-Khatib, general director of Al-Aqsa Affairs, told.
He said Muslim worshippers had opposed the settlers' presence, forcing them to leave through the compound's Al-Silsila gate.
For Muslims, Al-Aqsa represents the world's third holiest site. Jews, for their part, refer to the area as the "Temple Mount," claiming it was the site of two Jewish temples in ancient times.
http://www.worldbulletin.net/middle-east/158252/brutality-of-israel-police-arrest-muslim-worshippers
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Yemeni expats thank king for saving country from enemies
Apr 24, 2015
The announcement of the end of the successful Operation Decisive Storm, undertaken at the request of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, has given hope to Yemeni expats in the Kingdom.
Mehdi Hatem Al-Nahari, head of the Supreme Council of the Yemeni community, said things would soon be back on the right course after the collapse of the Houthi militias.
Al-Nahari praised the actions of the Kingdom and said it would now start the rebuilding and reconstruction of Yemen.
Full report at:
http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/737056
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Iranian Top Security Official: Foreign Terrorists in Syria to Bite Trainers
Apr 24, 2015
Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani warned that the terrorists who are trained in certain states to join their counterparts in Syria will one day backfire on their nurturers.
Speaking in a meeting with Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal al-Miqdad in Tehran on Thursday, Shamkhani said efforts to train the new terrorist groups to fight in Syria are against the international laws.
"The foreign terrorist elements will return to their countries of origin whose consequences will create problems for them," he added.
Miqdad, for his part, briefed the Iranian official on the latest developments in his country, and stressed the necessity for concerted efforts to control the borders of those neighboring states that pursue a hostile approach towards the Syrian people to prevent smuggling of weapons and terrorists into Syria.
Full report at:
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940203000597
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Meshaal: Hamas ready for Palestine polls
World Bulletin / News Desk
Apr 24, 2015
Leader of Palestinian resistance faction Hamas, Khaled Meshaal, said Thursday that his group was ready to take part in upcoming Palestinian presidential and parliamentary polls, dates for which have yet to be set.
"We are ready for presidential and parliamentary elections," Meshaal said in a phone conversation during a ceremony held by a Hamas-affiliated student coalition to celebrate its victory in student union elections at Ramallah's Birzeit University.
"The victory of the [pro-Hamas] Al-Wafaa Bloc, in student union elections is a step towards the Palestinian unity plan… Everyone is a winner because democracy has prevailed," Meshaal said.
He added that all Palestinian factions should join efforts to liberate occupied Palestinian land and establish an independent state of Palestine.
http://www.worldbulletin.net/todays-news/158260/meshaal-hamas-ready-for-palestine-polls
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Pakistan
Islam forbids violence, Ka’aba Imam tells Lahore congregation
Apr 24, 2015
LAHORE: Imam of the Ka’aba Dr Shaikh Khalid Al Ghamidi during a sermon at the mosque in Lahore's Bahria Town told the congregation that Islam forbade violence and terrorism.
Addressing the congregation before the commencement of Friday prayers, he said Islam preached peace and tolerance and that believers should respect religious differences and live in harmony with others.
He said people of all faiths should be able to live in harmony in an Islamic country, adding that there was no compulsion in religion. He urged the congregation to be patient, kind and compassionate and practice self-correction.
The Imam also emphasised the importance of seeking knowledge and acquiring an education.
After delivering the sermon, the Imam led Friday prayers at the Grand Mosque — the largest mosque in Pakistan — where thousands had gathered to catch a glimpse of the Imam and listen to his sermon.
Strict security arrangements had been made for the momentous occasion during which the Imam said a special prayer for Pakistan.
The purpose of the Imam's visit is stated to be promotion of polio vaccination campaign in Pakistan and supporting various religious, political and social leaders in their efforts to eradicate the virus from the country.
http://www.dawn.com/news/1177944/islam-forbids-violence-kaaba-imam-tells-lahore-congregation
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Pakistan calls for regional cooperation against IS
Apr 24, 2015
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan called for regional cooperation against the threat posed by the self-styled Islamic State.
“We have to cooperate to deal with it. There has to be better coordination, more intelligence sharing to curb terrorism and to deny space to organisation like IS,” FO spokesperson Tasneem Aslam said at the weekly media briefing.
The spokesperson’s comments follow last week’s bomb attack in Jalalabad (Afghanistan) that was initially claimed by a group affiliated to IS (also known as Daesh). Although there are doubts about the authenticity of the claim, US military and intelligence officials have been warning that Daesh was trying to establish its footprint in the war-ravaged country and was undertaking recruitment activities.
FO spokesperson says govt trying to intensify engagement with Iran
Ms Aslam said Daesh was “a concern for all countries in the region”, including Iran, Afghanistan, Russia and Pakistan.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, during his visit to Tehran on Sunday, too had warned of Daesh threat as “a serious danger and different form of terrorism”. He had called for cooperation against the terrorist outfit, saying “without greater cooperation a macabre phenomenon such as Daesh cannot be contained”.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1177821/pakistan-calls-for-regional-cooperation-against-is
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Shafqat Hussain to be executed on May 6
Apr 24, 2015
KARACHI: An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Friday issued a fresh death warrant for the execution of condemned prisoner Shafqat Hussain after an executive inquiry by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) concluded that he was 23 years of age when the punishment was handed down.
As per the death warrant issued on the request of the Home Department, Shafqat is set to be executed on May 6.
Shafqat was arrested and sentenced to death in 2004 for kidnapping and killing a seven-year-old boy from an apartment building in Karachi where he was working as a guard.
In September the same year, Shafqat was sentenced to death by an anti-terrorism court. His murder charge was reduced to ‘involuntary manslaughter’ on appeal, but the terrorism charges against him were not quashed.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1177934/shafqat-hussain-to-be-executed-on-may-6
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Govt to enact law for protection of minorities’ properties
Apr 24, 2015
PESHAWAR: The provincial assembly would pass soon the Minorities Properties Protection Bill to remove sense of insecurity among non-Muslim communities in the province, said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Law Imtiaz Shahid Qureshi.
Speaking at a dialogue titled ‘Religious freedom and minority rights’ here on Thursday, he said that the proposed bill was referred to select committee to review it for bringing improvement in it and addressing concerns of stakeholders.
The dialogue was organised by South Asian Partnership Pakistan (SAP-Pk) at a local hotel. A number of government officials, social activists and representatives of non-governmental organisations attended the dialogue.
Mr Qureshi said that government would not compromise on rights of non-Muslims in the province. He added that the proposed legislation was meant to provide all basic rights and protection to minorities.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1177922/govt-to-enact-law-for-protection-of-minorities-properties
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Violent extremism poses world's most imposing challenges today: Maleeha Lodhi
Apr 24, 2015
NEW YORK – Pakistan has called for a two-pronged approach to combat terrorism and violent extremism by evolving a clear understanding of its nature and dimensions along with efforts to address underlying causes of the scourge.
“Violent extremism poses one of the world's most imposing challenges today. It affects us all; as states and societies,” Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan's permanent representative to the UN, told the General Assembly.
“Conditions conducive to the spread of different forms of violent extremism include, inter alia, festering, unresolved conflicts, socio-economic marginalization and exclusion, a sense of deprivation and injustice, real or imagined, lack of social stability, intolerance as well as religious, racial and ethnic discrimination, bigotry and hatred,” she said.
In addition, Dr Lodhi pointed out that lack of a clear distinction between free speech and hate speech has provided space for extremists to promote their twisted ideology and agenda. “The rise of Islamophobia in the West has further fuelled extremist thinking,” Ambassador Lodhi told the 193-member Assembly.
Full report at:
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/national/24-Apr-2015/violent-extremism-poses-world-s-most-imposing-challenges-today-maleeha
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Middle East crisis: Pakistan rallies firmly behind Saudi Arabia, says PM
Apr 24, 2015
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif pledged his country’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia over the crises in the Middle East on Thursday, even as he explained domestic and other compulsions that kept Pakistan away from the Gulf coalition fighting the Houthi-led insurgency in Yemen.
The premier – who led a powerful delegation comprising army chief General Raheel Sharif, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and other senior officials – held a series of meetings in Riyadh with the Saudi leadership, particularly King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz and Saudi Arabia’s ministers of defence and interior.
The Pakistani delegation also met Yemen’s President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi to assure him that Islamabad considered him the country’s legitimate head of state.
A senior official familiar with behind-the-scene discussions in the Saudi capital told The Express Tribune that the resolution of Pakistan’s parliament was discussed during Premier Nawaz’s meeting with the Saudi king.
Full report at:
http://tribune.com.pk/story/875067/middle-east-crisis-pakistan-rallies-firmly-behind-saudi-arabia-says-pm/
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Nation must unite in fight against terrorism, says Nisar
Apr 24, 2015
Terming Operation Zarb-e-Azb a success, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali khan said on Friday that the whole nation must get behind the security forces in eradicating terrorism from Pakistan, Express News reported.
While addressing the media after the passing out parade at Warsak, Nisar said that Operation Zarb-e-Azab was a consequence of failed negotiations with the terror groups operating in the country and was the decision of a unanimous parliament.
Nisar said that our forces need to remain constantly vigilant. He added that the whole country needs to come together to fight terrorism along with the security forces so we can ensure the safety of all Pakistanis.
The interior minister said that today marks a significant day because for the first time the FC passing out parade has been carried out at Warsak.
He congratulated the cadets and told them that they are now the guardians of this country and the prestigious task of protecting this country and restoring peace to it now falls on them.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/875158/nation-must-unite-in-fight-against-terrorism-says-nisar/
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India
Beef Ban: Police Will Enter Homes, Ask What Are You Eating
Apr 24, 2015
A situation may arise when people’s houses are raided and citizens harassed as it will be difficult to distinguish whether the meat of a buffalo or a bull or a bullock was being eaten, this was the final argument put forth in a case in Bombay High Court that deals with the question of whether or not possession of beef from outside the state should be permitted.
Petitioners have challenged Section 5D of the Maharashtra Animal Preservation (Amendment) Act, 1995, which restricts people from bringing beef from outside the state and consuming it.
Under the new law, sale or possession of beef can lead to a five-year jail term and a fine of Rs 10,000.
Right after the interveners concluded their arguments on Thursday; petitioners’ counsel Aspi Chinoy, Mihir Desai and Firoz Bharucha made their final arguments.
“In the privacy of your home, these kinds of intrusion can be expected. Even when you are in a restaurant having buffalo meat, a policeman may come and ask what you are eating,” Chinoy told the court.
He also went on to question the state if they would appoint an expert to differentiate between buffalo meat and beef.
Full report at:
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/beef-ban-police-will-enter-homes-ask-what-are-you-eating/
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Probe Doesn't Show Foreign Funding For ISIS Activists
Prafulla Marpakwar,TNN | Apr 24, 2015
MUMBAI: A high level probe conducted nu the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and state police forces against Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) activists has not revealed any information on foreign funding to them.
Union minister of state for home Haribhai Chaudhary has informed Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut that a total of four pro-ISIS activists, including two from Maharashtra and one each from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh were arrested last year.
Raut had sought information on whether these activists have joined hands with other terror organisations and are receiving financial assistance from foreign countries and measures taken by the government to check such nexus and to curb the activities of ISIS.
Chaudhary said the centre is closely monitoring the situation and has directed the intelligence and security agencies to identify such elements and keep them under surveillance. The cyber space is also being closely scanned and in addition, the government has declared the ISIS as terrorist organisation under the schedule of unlawful activities (prevention) act, 1967.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Probe-doesnt-show-foreign-funding-for-ISIS-activists/articleshow/47033653.cms
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Government should deport separatists to Pakistan: RSS
Apr 24, 2015
JAMMU: RSS on Thursday came down hard on separatists raising pro-Pakistan slogans, saying they should be deported to Pakistan.
"Those who are chanting pro-Pakistan slogans, especially the separatists along with their families, the government of India shall not allow them to live on the soil of Indian nation," senior RSS leader Indresh Kumar said.
"This may result in the peace and prosperity of the Kashmiri nationalists. The government of India should deport all Kashmiri separatist leaders to Pakistan," he said.
Kumar, who is also patron of Muslim Rashtriya Manch, expressed his views at a seminar on the "Challenges before the country and the role of the India's Muslims", organised by the Jammu & Kashmir unit of Manch.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Government-should-deport-separatists-to-Pakistan-RSS/articleshow/47031669.cms
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Pakistan and Bangladesh happier than India: UN report
Apr 24, 2015
ndians are less happy than their counterparts in Pakistan and Bangladesh, according to a report published by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), which is a global initiative for the United Nations.
India comes in at the 117th spot out of 158 countries in the 2015 World Happiness Report. The report takes into account GDP per capita, life expectancy, social support and freedom to make life choices as indicators of happiness. India’s rank dropped six notches from the 2013 report, when it was on the 111th spot.
Pakistan is ranked 81 and Bangladesh, 109. Places like Ukraine (111), Palestine (108) and Iraq (112) too come up higher than India on the index.
Switzerland has been named the happiest country in the world. The other countries in the top five are Iceland, Denmark, Norway and Canada.
Full report at:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pakistan-and-bangladesh-happier-than-india-un-report/article7137582.ece
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India to host Afghan leader, seeks to regain ground lost to China, Pakistan
Reuters | Apr 24, 2015
NEW DELHI: When Afghan President Ashraf Ghani makes his first official visit to India next week, it will be a chance for New Delhi to regain ground lost to regional rivals Pakistan and China and push interests including trade routes and arms sales.
More than his predecessor Hamid Karzai, Ghani has reached out to neighbouring Pakistan to help negotiate a settlement with Taliban insurgents and to China to add clout to the fragile peace process as well as to invest in the Afghan economy.
That has left India as an also-ran during the first seven months of Ghani's tenure, and talk of a strategic partnership with Afghanistan including significant sales of military equipment during Karzai's frequent visits has faded to silence.
China's emerging role in Afghanistan, and its announcement this week of $46 billion of investment in India's neighbour and nuclear-armed rival Pakistan, have heightened the sense that India could lose influence in South Asia, experts said.
Full report at:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-to-host-Afghan-leader-seeks-to-regain-ground-lost-to-China-Pakistan/articleshow/47038555.cms
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South Asia
Rocket attack on govt compounds in Ghazni as Taliban launches offensive
Apr 24 2015
The Taliban militants launched rocket attacks on a number of government compounds in southeastern Ghazni province early on Friday morning as the group launched summer offensive.
According to local government officials, at least three rockets landed on Information & Culture Directorate, provincial municipality and Museum compounds.
Deputy provincial governor Mohammad Ali Ahmadi confirmed the incident and said sporadic gun fires are also heard in the vicinity of Ghazni city.
There are no reports regarding the casualties as a result of the rocket attack and sporadic clashes.
The Taliban militants group claimed responsibility behind the rocket attacks and claimed that heavy casualties were incurred as a result of the attack.
Ghazni is among the relatively volatile provinces in southeastern Afghanistan where anti-government armed militant groups are actively operating and frequently carry out insurgency activities.
http://www.khaama.com/rocket-attack-on-govt-compounds-in-ghazni-as-taliban-launches-offensive-1025
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Maldives human rights situation ‘rapidly deteriorating’
Apr 24, 2015
The human rights situation in the Maldives is “rapidly deteriorating” with the government cracking down on peaceful protests, stifling dissent, and imprisoning opposition politicians, Amnesty International has said.
A delegation from the international human rights organisation conducted a fact-finding mission in the Maldives from April 17 to 22 and released a briefing report titled ‘Assault on civil and political rights’ today.
“There’s a climate of fear spreading in the Maldives, as safeguards on human rights are increasingly eroded. The authorities have a growing track record of silencing critical voices by any means necessary – be it through the police, the judicial system, or outright threats and harassment. This must end immediately,” said Abbas Faiz, Amnesty International’s Maldives researcher, after launching the briefing at a press conference in New Delhi, India.
“The international community must wake up and realise that behind the façade of a tourist paradise, there is a dark trend in the Maldives where the human rights situation is rapidly deteriorating.”
Full report at:
http://minivannews.com/politics/maldives-human-rights-situation-rapidly-deteriorating-96842#sthash.5XPGGz5q.dpuf
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Syrian rebels capture 4 Afghans including teenager boys
Apr 24, 2015
A new video has emerged from Syria which purportedly shows the capture of four Afghan nationals by the Syrian rebels.
Two teenager boys are also seen among those captured during the clashes apparently by the rebels belonging to the Free Syrian Army.
The group was reportedly deployed to Syria to take part in the ongoing conflict by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
The men appearing in the video introduces themselves while speaking in Dari language and describes unemployment as the main reason behind their decision to fight in Syria.
Dozens of Afghan nationals were reportedly killed late in December last year while fighting in support of the Syrian regime led by Bashar al-Assad.
According to reports, some 3,000 Afghan nationals have been deployed to take part in the ongoing Syria conflict.
The Afghan militants are fighting on both sides of the Syrian war, in support of the Syria Bashar al-Assad and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants.
Informed sources in the Afghan government have also confirmed that the number includes Iranian-backed Shiites fighting a proxy war in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and against Islamic State and other rebel groups.
The participation of Afghan militants in Syria war has sparked concerns among the Afghan officials some will return to fight in Afghanistan under Islamic State’s banner.
http://www.khaama.com/syrian-rebels-capture-4-afghans-including-teenager-boys-1022
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Taliban try to match ISIS brutality by beheading Hazaras
Apr 24, 2015
The Taliban militants group are trying to match the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) brutality by beheading the targeting and beheading Hazaras.
According to a lawmaker in the Lower House of the Parliament – Wolesi Jirga, the latest atrocities shows that the Taliban militants are trying to show they are as bad as ISIS.
“The Taliban are trying to send out a new message that they are similar in their brutality to ISIS,” Shahgul Rezaye, a Hazara member of Parliament told the New York Times.
The remarks by Rezaye comes as Taliban militants beheaded four civilians in southeastern Ghaniz province of Afghanistan shortly after they were abducted.
At least six more people who were believed to be Hazaras were killed by the militants after they were kidnapped from Daikundi province.
According to reports the six captives were also beheaded, spreading alarm and anger among the people.
Full report at:
http://www.khaama.com/taliban-try-to-match-isis-brutality-by-beheading-hazaras-9393
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North America
US admits two hostages killed in al-Qaeda raid
Apr 24, 2015
The White House has said that a US counterterrorism operation in January accidentally killed two hostages who were being held by al-Qaeda.
Warren Weinstein, an American, and Giovanni Lo Porto, an Italian, were killed in the raid in the border region of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
President Barack Obama described it as a painful loss he profoundly regretted.
Two other Americans thought to be al-Qaeda members were also killed, one of them in the same raid.
The White House said Ahmed Farouq, an al-Qaeda leader, was killed in that operation and Adam Gadahn, once regarded as a spokesman for the militant group, was killed in a separate raid.
Unnamed officials told Associated Press the attack that killed the hostages was a CIA drone strike.
The president, speaking at the White House about the operation that killed the hostages, said the US had launched the raid in the belief the target was an al-Qaeda compound with no civilians present.
As commander-in-chief, he said, he took “full responsibility” for the operation.
Weinstein’s wife Elaine said in a statement the family was “devastated.”
“Those who took Warren captive over three years ago bear ultimate responsibility,” she added.
Full report at:
http://www.dhakatribune.com/world/2015/apr/24/us-admits-two-hostages-killed-al-qaeda-raid#sthash.BAGx8KOb.dpuf
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US to deliver F-35 jets to Israel to maintain military edge
Apr 24, 2015
US Vice President Joe Biden said that Israel will be getting a shipment of the United States’ new F-35 fighter jet so that its military can retain its “qualitative edge” in the Middle East.
Biden made the announcement in Washington, DC while giving a speech during a celebration of Israel’s Independence Day, Reuters reported. The relationship between Israel and the US has been strained over the past few years due to disagreements about Jewish settlements in Palestinian territories and Iran’s nuclear program, but the two nations continue to maintain strong military ties.
"Next year we will deliver to Israel the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, our finest, making Israel the only country in the Middle East to have this fifth-generation aircraft,” Biden said.
According to Haaretz, the deal involves Israel purchasing 14 F-35 jets for $110 million each. That is in addition to a previous agreement in 2010 that saw Israel agree to buy 19 jets. The first two planes are set to arrive in Israel in 2016, with the others making their way into the country by 2021.
Full report at:
http://rt.com/usa/252573-biden-f35-israel-military/
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Iran nuclear deal: Downplaying rift, Biden defends Obama’s support for Israel
Apr 24, 2015
Downplaying the US rift with Israel, Vice President Joe Biden on Thursday staunchly defended President Barack Obama’s record of supporting the Jewish state, working to allay the concerns of many American Jews who have lined up against the budding nuclear deal with Iran.
In a speech marking Israel’s independence day, Biden also reaffirmed US support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, drawing an implicit distinction with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose comments disavowing Palestinian statehood ahead of Israel’s recent elections have fueled the deterioration of US-Israeli ties.
Biden, at a gala organized by Israel’s embassy to mark the holiday, said it was no secret that the Obama administration has had differences with Netanyahu’s government.
“It’s only natural for two democracies like ours,” Biden said. “We’re like family. We have a lot to say to one another. Sometimes we drive each other crazy, but we love each other — and we protect each other.”
Full report at:
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/americas/iran-nuclear-deal-downplaying-rift-biden-defends-obamas-support-for-israel/
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US law enforcement accused of using entrapment to ensnare ‘terrorists’
Apr 24, 2015
The recent arrests on terrorism-related charges of six young Somali-Americans from Minneapolis and others throughout the United States have prompted renewed questions over the issue of entrapment, and over the degree of real security achieved by disrupting plots that law-enforcement had helped shape.
The six, ages 19 to 21, were charged with conspiracy to aid and support a terrorist organization, and are accused of trying to travel to Syria to join the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also called ISIS).
"These were focused men who were intent on joining a terrorist organization," Minnesota U.S. Attorney Andy Luger said at a news conference.
But the case relies partly on a confidential human source (CHS), who had been a part of the group seeking to join ISIL before he began cooperating with the FBI.
Full report at:
http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/4/23/law-enforcement-entrapment-terrorists.html
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Anti-terror program worries U.S. Muslims
Apr 24, 2015
MISSION VIEJO, Calif. – Sameer Mohiuddin grew more confused by the second as panelists speaking at his Southern California mosque trumpeted a new national initiative to prevent violent extremism.
Mohiuddin, 39, is an U.S. citizen, longtime Californian and a vice president at a technology company. His wife was born and reared in Orange County, and they have three children. Why, he wondered, do his family and others like his even figure into the conversation?
“Day in and day out we’re trying to build a community, saying you’re part and parcel of the American fabric. You are an American citizen. I raise my girls and say they have the same rights as others,” Mohiuddin said. “The fact is, when you’re going to come present a program and say it’s specially geared to prevent growing extremism in the Muslim community, you’re by default saying my community is more predisposed to extremism. It sets people off.”
Mohiuddin’s confusion typifies what many Muslims nationwide have felt since the Obama administration announced last fall a program called Countering Violent Extremism – billed as a community-driven initiative to tackle terrorism and militant recruitment by preventing radicalization from taking root – and said it was being tested in Los Angeles, Boston and Minneapolis.
Full report at:
https://www.rockymounttelegram.com/features/religion/anti-terror-program-worries-us-muslims-2857101
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White House omits ‘G-word’
Apr 24, 2015
WASHINGTON — Once again, the Obama administration has shied-away from using the word genocide to describe what befell Armenians in Turkey 100 years ago.
Despite Obama’s pledges as a presidential candidate to use this term, his White House — like those before it — appears reluctant to offend a NATO ally on the front lines of so many conflicts in the Middle East.
Instead the Obama administration speaks obliquely of the “1915 atrocities” that “extinguished” 1.5 million lives — without saying who was responsible for the killing. But academics and think tankers in Washington say there is growing recognition that the deaths of Armenians in Turkey during World War I was the result of a genocidal campaign by Ottoman Turkish authorities that began with mass deportation of Armenians from Istanbul on April 24, 1915.
Full report at:
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/04/armenia-obama-genocide-atrocities-turkey-erdogan.html#ixzz3YD6gF0v2
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Africa
Libya militia 'launches air raids' against ISIL
Apr 24, 2015
A militia alliance that controls Libya's capital has carried out air strikes against positions of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) jihadist group in the coastal city of Sirte, an official said.
"A Fajr Libya warplane launched several raids on April 23 evening against sites where there were members of the Libyan branch of the ISIL," an official in the town, who did not want to be named, told AFP.
The targets included an ISIL command base set up in a conference centre where the late leader Moamer Kadhafi once hosted international summits in what was his hometown, the official said.
Fajr Libya is a coalition of militias, including Islamists, which controls Tripoli, where it has installed a government and a parliament opposed to the internationally recognised legislature and cabinet.
Full report at:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/libya-militia-launches-air-raids-against-isil.aspx?pageID=238&nID=81506&NewsCatID=357
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Nigerian Troops Kill Top Boko Haram Commander in Gun Battle
Apr 24, 2015
Nigerian troops combating Boko Haram militants have killed notorious top terrorists commander Abu Mojahid in Northern Nigeria's Borno State, a military spokesperson said.
Spokesperson for the Nigerian Defense Headquarters Major General Chris Olukolade said in a statement sent to Xinhua that the commander and other terrorists had staged a daring attack on troops who were on patrol on the outskirts of Alagarno area on Tuesday morning.
He said on Wednesday that a number of terrorists died as the troops repelled the attack, adding that some Rocket Propelled Grenades as well as vehicle mounted Anti-Aircraft guns were either captured or destroyed in the encounter.
Olukolade said the military operations are continuing in the form of offensive action on identified terrorists in some forest locations.
He said aggressive patrols, mopping up as well as cordon and search are also continuing in the other locations in search for weapons and terrorists.
According to him, improvised explosive devices planted by the terrorists to deter the comprehensive offensive by the advancing troops are also being carefully cleared as troops continue to pursue fleeing ones.
The military spokesperson said the operations especially in forest locations are progressing in defiance of obstacles and land mines emplaced by the terrorists.
http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13940203000575
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In Libya’s anarchy, migrant smuggling a booming trade
Apr 24, 2015
Libya’s chaos has turned it into a lucrative magnet attracting migrants desperate to make the dangerous sea voyage to Europe. With no central authority to stop it, business is booming, with smugglers charging ever more as demand goes up, then using the profits to buy larger boats and heavier weapons to ensure no one dare touch them.
It’s a vicious cycle that only translates into more tragedies at sea.
With each rickety boat that sets off from Libya’s coast, traffickers rake in hundreds of thousands of dollars. So assured are they of their impunity that they operate openly. Many even use Facebook to advertise their services to migrants desperate to flee war, repression and poverty in the Middle East and Africa.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/perspective/features/2015/04/23/In-Libya-s-anarchy-migrant-smuggling-a-booming-trade.html
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Somali PM sees risk to his country in Yemen strife
Apr 24, 2015
Somalia’s prime minister warned Thursday that the conflict in Yemen poses dangers across the Gulf of Aden where an influx of refugees is stretching scarce resources and al-Qaeda militants are eager for support.
More than 2,000 refugees have so far arrived in the northern Somali regions of Puntland and Somaliland, with the U.N. refugee agency preparing to receive as many as 100,000 in the coming months.
Those fleeing the fighting are a mixture of Yemenis and Somalis.
“Our economy cannot support this influx of refugees,” Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke told AFP during a visit to the Kenyan capital Nairobi on Thursday.
“We need a lot of support to accommodate these refugees,” said Sharmarke, whose country has itself suffered from decades of civil war.
Full report at:
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/africa/2015/04/23/Somali-PM-sees-risk-to-his-country-in-Yemen-strife-.html
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Bishop: Boko Haram is spreading to Cameroon – while the world looks the other way
Apr 24, 2015
Abuja, Nigeria - A bishop in Cameroon has sent out an urgent message that the militant Islamist group Boko Haram is increasingly spreading into his country – but that media around the world are paying no attention.
In a memorandum made available to the international Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need, Bishop Bruno Ateba of the Diocese of Maroua-Mokolo lamented that the violence perpetrated in northern Cameroon by Boko Haram has not drawn significant international attention.
“What happened in Paris during the attacks there is something we experience here every day,” he said, referencing the January massacre at a Franch satirical newspaper by Muslim extremists, “and yet nobody in the world says anything about it.”
“Instead, the attention of the world is focused above all on the Middle East,” the prelate said.
Full report at:
http://www.catholicworldreport.com/NewsBriefs/Default.aspx?rssGuid=bishop-boko-haram-is-spreading-to-cameroon-while-the-world-looks-the-other-way-52546/
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Boko Haram Islamists Pose with Guns and Rocket Launchers Since the Group Became IS's 'West Africa Province'
Apr 24, 2015
Militants fighting for Boko Haram in West Africa have released the first images of their terror activities since pledging allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Taken somewhere in the forests of north-eastern Nigeria, the images show the Jihadis casually posing in front of the terror group's sinister black and white flag while brandishing assault rifles.
The slick photographs carry all the logos and artwork typically seen in official ISIS releases, suggesting the Middle East-based militants have taken full control of Boko Haram propaganda.
The release came as Nigerian soldiers backed by warplanes invaded the Islamist's final stronghold in the country - the Sambisa forest - in an effort to finally defeat the six-year-old insurgency.
Full report at:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3052353/Pictured-Boko-Haram-releases-new-images-fighters-brutal-terror-group-pledged-allegiance-ISIS.html#ixzz3YD9aC6Uh
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Southeast Asia
Cross protest due to poor interfaith exposure, says minister
Apr 24, 2015
The cross protest by a group of residents in Taman Medan on Sunday might have occurred because of their lack of understanding of other faiths, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Paul Low Seng Kuan.
"In my view, when we take offence on things like that (the cross), it either shows incorrect understanding on other faiths or we ourselves are trying to impose our own view on others," Low told reporters in Kuala Lumpur this morning.
He said the incident is not healthy for the country and it should not have happened.
On Sunday, some 50 residents protested outside a church to demand that it remove the cross affixed to the building's facade.
They said the cross was a challenge to Islam and would sway the faith of youth in the area.
Low said the group should not have held a protest and that the community leaders there should have taken charge of the situation and mediate in expressing the community 'grouses'.
"The leaders can mediate the process (between the church and the community) and forge a better understanding the way Malaysian should have. Even if you have a problem like this no need to shout, can quietly discuss," he said.
Full report at:
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/cross-protest-likely-due-to-poor-understanding-of-other-faiths-says-ministe#sthash.cXSRwABY.dpuf
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Malaysia to continue assisting developing countries, says Najib
Apr 24, 2015
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said Malaysia will continue to play its roles in assisting members of the South South Cooperation (SSC) in various fields especially in technical areas.
He said the country's major contributions were in training under the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), as well as investments in SSC countries.
"For example, our entrepreneurs have open university branches and invested in manufacturing, housing and basic infrastructural facilities and so on," he told journalists after attending the “Historical Walk”, a highlight of the 60th Asian-African Conference Commemoration (AACC) and the 10th anniversary of the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership in Bandung, Indonesia.
Also present in the Malaysian delegation was his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.
South–South Cooperation is a term historically used by policymakers and academics to describe the exchange of resources, technology, and knowledge between developing countries.
Najib also said when Malaysian companies expanded and went regional and global, they would be able to penetrate the markets of SSC countries.
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/malaysia-to-continue-assisting-developing-countries-says-najib-bernama#sthash.3LWd3thN.dpuf
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Densus 88 Arrests Man Over 2012 Bomb Plot on S. Sulawesi Governor
Apr 24, 2015
Jakarta. The National Police’s counterterrorism unit Densus 88 arrested a terrorist suspect in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Friday.
Police detained the suspect at 9 a.m. local time for suspicion of being involved in a botched attack on the South Sulawesi governor in 2012.
“He is still under investigation,” National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Agus Rianto said, declining to elaborate further on the arrest.
In 2012, militants threw a bomb at South Sulawesi Governor Syahrul Yasin Limpo. The device failed to explode.
Police also are also looking into whether the arrested suspect funded Indonesians who were heading to Syria to join the Islamic State, and whether he provided shelter to others suspected of terrorism.
http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/densus-88-arrests-man-2012-bomb-plot-s-sulawesi-governor/
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Europe
Italian authorities dismantles network of Pakistani radicals
Apr 24, 2015
Italian police said today they have dismantled a network of Islamists on Sardinia, which included men suspected of involvement in one of Pakistan's deadliest attacks.
Arrest orders were issued on the Mediterranean island for 18 suspects accused of belonging to "an organisation dedicated to transnational criminal activities, inspired by Al Qaeda and other radical organisations pursuing armed struggle against the West, and insurrection against the current government of Pakistan."
Some of the men arrested or being sought, are suspected of involvement in the October 2009 bombing of the Meena Bazaar in Peshawar, which left more than 100 dead and over 200 people injured.
Many of the victims were women and children. The authorities blamed the Taliban for carrying out the attack in reprisal for anti-militant actions by government forces. The Taliban denied being involved.
Further details of the alleged terror network on a sleepy island, that is a holiday playground for celebrities and some of the world's richest people, were due to be released at a press conference by local prosecutors later today.
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/world/article/italian-authorities-dismantles-network-of-pakistani-radicals#sthash.JCpFWTKa.dpuf
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Al-Qaida suspects may have been targeting Vatican, Italian prosecutor says
Apr 24, 2015
ROME - People being investigated in a counter-terrorism investigation in Italy may have been planning an attack against the Vatican, one of the prosecutors leading the probe said on Friday.
Cagliari Chief Prosecutor Mauro Mura told reporters that as well as planning to launch attacks in Pakistan and Afghanistan, as earlier reported, the suspects may also have been aiming to target the Vatican.
Police conducted raids across Italy on Friday, targeting 18 people suspected of links with al-Qaida. Some were arrested, including the group's suspected spiritual leader, but others were believed to have left the country.
"We don't have proof, we have strong suspicion," said Mario Carta, head of the police unit leading the investigation said when asked for more details on a possible attack against the seat of the Catholic Church.
He said that, in intercepted telephone calls, investigators had heard the suspects say they would launch a "big jihad in Italy," conversations that also suggested a target might be the Vatican.
All the suspects are Pakistanis or Afghans, Carta told Reuters, adding that the operation was still in progress.
http://www.jpost.com/Christian-News/Al-Qaida-suspects-may-have-been-targeting-Vatican-Italian-prosecutor-says-399085
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Bradford author's into Muslim women in prison to go before Government
Apr 24, 2015
THE Bradford co-author of a report looking at the experiences of Muslim women in prison hopes it can be used as a benchmark for further research.
Muslim Women in Prison - Second Chance, Fresh Horizons, is a pilot project looking at the issues and challenges facing Muslim women during their time in prison and after their release.
Its findings have been discussed with Islamic charities in the UK and will now go before Government.
Ishtiaq Ahmed, who is the strategic development officer at Khidmat Centre in Bradford, interviewed some of the women involved in the study.
"I think this project is essential. This area needs looking into. The value of the project and its findings are being recognised and acknowledged," he said.
"Muslim women in prison is such a sensitive area, but we have produced a report which is sensitive, robust and honest."
He said the project would continue for another year.
"Bradford has a very strong connection with the report. The report raises issues for us as a community. We feel that Muslim women deserve a second chance.
"We, as a Muslim community, need to make sure they are integrated back into the community.
Full report at:
"For them to be shunned by their families is extremely unfair."
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/12911511.Bradford_author_s_into_Muslim_women_in_prison_to_go_before_Government/
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At least 115 children killed in Yemen since March 26: Unicef
Apr 24, 2015
GENEVA: At least 115 children have been killed and 172 maimed in the violence raging in Yemen since Saudi-led air strikes began on March 26, the UN children's agency Unicef said Friday.
“We believe that these are conservative figures,” Unicef spokesman Christophe Boulierac told reporters in Geneva, saying at least 64 of the children killed between March 26 and April 20 were victims of air strikes.
The UN agency said another 26 children had been killed by unexploded ordnance and mines, 19 by gunshots, three by shelling and three by “unverified causes related to the conflict”. 71 of the children died in the north of the country, Unicef said.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said Thursday the overall death toll in Yemen had topped 1,000, and the UN's human rights agency said Friday at least 551 of the people who died were civilians. Meanwhile, Unicef said that since March 26, at least 140 children had been recruited by armed groups.
Full report at:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1177946/at-least-115-children-killed-in-yemen-since-march-26-unicef
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Libya conflict displaces half a million people: Red Crescent
Apr 24, 2015
The fighting that is ravaging Libya has displaced more than a half a million people since last May, the Red Crescent said Thursday.
"The escalation of armed violence in Libya has driven more than half a million people from their homes" from May 14, 2014 until the beginning of April, a report said.
The largest number of them, more than 126,000, have fled to the capital, with second city Benghazi taking another 110,000.
While these are the first figures published by a reliable source, one activist said they exclude those people who have moved in with relatives rather than in registered camps, schools and other refuges.
At the same time, the report covers those who have left the country, which the UN High Commissioner for Refugees has estimated at about 100,000.
Libya has been in turmoil since the 2011 uprising that toppled and killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi, and two opposing governments and parliaments and armed groups are battling to control its cities and oil wealth.
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/128502/World/Region/Libya-conflict-displaces-half-a-million-people-Red.aspx
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2:30 AM
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