Several Chinese Wahhabi Extremists Seen among Militant Casualties in Aleppo
Photo: Two notorious commanders of the so-called Free Syrian Army (FSA) were killed in two separate bomb explosions near the Syrian capital.
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Arab World
Several Chinese Wahhabi Extremists Seen among Militant Casualties in Aleppo
Two Senior Militant Commanders Killed in Bomb Blasts in Syria's Damascus
Syria: Army Continues to Crush Militant Groups North of Hama
Syrian opposition sharply divided ahead of peace talks
Syrian Army Scores More Gains in Northern Lattakia
Yemeni Forces Take Control of Strategic Region in Dhale Province
Militants Withdraw from More Lands in Syria's Lattakia Province
Gov't Forces Drive Militants Back From More Territories North of Syria's Lattakia
Russian Aircraft Drops Humanitarian Aid for Besieged Towns in Aleppo
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India
CIA Leads Help Indian Agencies Bust ISIS Cells
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Pakistan
Bacha Khan’s Great-Granddaughter Says Pakistan Was behind Attack on University
Russian Army to hold First Mountain drills with Pakistan in 2016
Earthquake tremors felt in north-western Pakistan
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South Asia
34 Militants Killed, 48 Wounded In Afghan Army Operations
8 Haqqani Terrorists Arrested In Connection to Attack on Tolo TV Workers in Afghanistan
Bangladeshi Group Hizb ut Tahrir Denies Links with Probable Terror Attack in India
Chinese Furious after Saudi Crown Prince Shuns Meeting with President Xi
President Xi: Iran, China Opening New Chapter in Ties
Iranian, Chinese Presidents Review Ways to Fight Terrorism, Extremism in Region
Gen. Dunford says Afghanistan mission has universal NATO support
NATO-funded printers to help MoI process up to 1,000 passports daily
Taliban confirm participating Pugwash conference over Afghanistan’s conflict in Doha
U.S. awards $55.2 million in new trainer program for Afghan Air Force
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Mideast
Biden Urges Turkey to Respect Freedom of Expression: Set an Example for Middle East
European Court Rules Turkey Discriminates Against Alevi Community
Egyptian Official Dismisses Claims of Mediation between Turkey and Egypt
Turkey won’t allow Syrian Kurdish PYD to cross west of Euphrates
Kurdish leader seeks PYD representation at Geneva talks
German social figures start petition against Merkel over support of Turkish military campaign
Davutoğlu reiterates opposition to Syrian Kurdish group after talks with Biden
Two injured as rocket fired from Syria lands in street in Turkey
Police Officer Slain As Army Says 524 Terrorists Killed, Since Dec. 2, 2015 in Cizre In Turkey
Erdoğan likely to meet with Kurdish politician Zana
Iraqi PM wants Turkey to pull out troops
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Africa
Gunmen Kill 17 in Somalia Beach Restaurant Attack
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Europe
45 Migrants Drown As 2 Smuggling Boats Sink Off Greece
ISIS Threatens Attacks on Spain in Latest Propaganda Video
France plans to prolong state of emergency over terror threat
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North America
Indian and Pakistan Nuclear Race Can Jeopardise Strategic Stability: US Report
Five Dead, Two Critically Hurt In Canada School Shooting: Prime Minister
U.S. says Afghanistan, Pakistan need to cooperate to tackle Taliban
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
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Arab World
Reports: Several Chinese Wahhabi Extremists Seen among Militant Casualties in Aleppo
Jan 23, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Several Wahhabi militants with Chinese nationalities have been killed in Syrian airstrikes on ISIL positions Northeast of Aleppo province, unconfirmed reports said on Saturday.
The militant groups in their social media pages confirmed that at least seven Chinese militants were killed in the Syrian fighter jets' attack on ISIL position near the Northeastern city of al-Bab.
Wahhabi militants from China have been among ISIL and al-Nusra Front ranks in Northern and Eastern Syria for, at least, three years now.
In the meantime, military sources said that the Syrian army's artillery units shelled the militant groups' centers near the Dweir al-Zeitoun village in Aleppo's countryside.
"One of the ISIL members was killed and several others were wounded in a car-bomb blast in the village of Baraqideh in the Northern countryside of Aleppo city," the sources said.
"The Syrian army and the National Defense Forces also stormed the gathering centers of Jeish al-Fatah near Khan Touman Southwest of Aleppo province, inflicting large casualties on the militants," the sources further added.
Also on Friday, the Syrian fighter jets carried out several combat flights over the ISIL strongholds in the Northern and Eastern parts of Aleppo province and hit them hard.
"The Syrian air fleet targeted ISIL's gathering centers near the city of al-Bab in the Northern part of Aleppo province, which inflicted major damage on the militants' vehicles," the army said, adding, "The fighter jets also targeted the ISIL movements and sites in Tadif, Ein al-Hahsh, Aran and Kafr Hamra in the Eastern part of the province, ending in destruction of their military equipment."
A report said earlier today that the danger of the Takfiri terrorist groups, including the ISIL, is no longer limited to Iraq and Syria as reports and statements released by the terrorist group show China is one of the top 20 targets of the Wahhabi terrorists to establish their "Islamic Caliphate".
One of the most famous poems read by the Chinese terrorists reads: China is ours! Arab land is ours! India is ours! Everything belongs to us!
Abu Hamza al-Turkistani, one of active Wahhabi terrorists in Syria justifies the reason for his migration as: "Defeating the Arrogance in Sham (the Levant), and Defeating the blasphemous leaders in China".
The danger of the Wahhabi-Takfiri terrorist groups, including the ISIL, is no longer limited to Iraq and Syria now. Reports on the terrorist group have recently revealed that China is one of the 20 countries that the ISIL plans to target soon to establish and spread its so-called Islamic Caliphate.
Figures show that hundreds of Chinese are among the ranks of the Wahhabi terrorist groups in Syria, including the ISIL, the Al-Nusra Front and Ahrar al-Sham.
This necessitates Beijing to take a more precise and deeper look at the ISL and its imminent danger to China, specially now that the conditions are ripe for the launch of operation of the Wahhabi extremist current in Northwestern China.
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941103000871
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Two Senior Militant Commanders Killed in Bomb Blasts in Syria's Damascus
Jan 23, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Two notorious commanders of the so-called Free Syrian Army (FSA) were killed in two separate bomb explosions near the Syrian capital.
Haithan Ezarejal and Shaher al-Shaher were killed as a result of detonation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IMD) in al-Hamed Qudsiyah near Damascus.
In the meantime, the Syrian fighter jets bombed the militant groups' buildings in Khan Shieh in Western Ghouta, which claimed the lives of many terrorists.
The Syrian army also engaged in fierce clashes with the terrorist groups in Marj al-Sultan region and Harasta in Eastern Ghouta, and inflicted major losses on the militants.
The Syrian army's artillery units also shelled the militant positions in Eastern Ghouta, which caused major damage on the terrorist groups' military hardware.
Also on Friday, the Syrian army troops inflicted large casualties on terrorist groups in their continued offensives in the Eastern and Western parts of Damascus province.
"The ISIL defense lines in Easter Qalamoun were massively raided by the Syrian army men," the army said, adding, "The attack ended in the killing and injuring of many terrorists."
"The army also engaged in fire battle with the militant groups in Harasta al-Qantara in Eastern Ghouta, which left many of the terrorists dead and injured," the army added.
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941103000606
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Syria: Army Continues to Crush Militant Groups North of Hama
Jan 23, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian Army and the National Defense Forces (NDF) stormed militants' centers in the Northern parts of Hama province, and inflicted large casualties on terrorists on Saturday.
"The concentration centers of the Takfiri terrorists came under the heavy attacks of the Syrian government forces in Jabal Shahshabo, which claimed the lives of many terrorists and destroyed their heavy machinegun-equipped vehicles," a field source told the FNA.
"The Syrian government forces hit the Takfiri militants' positions hard near the town of al-Tamanna in the Southern side of al-Khazanat in Idlib's Khan Sheikhoun region, which ended in destruction of the terrorist group's weapons and ammunition," the source further added.
In relevant development in the battlefields of Hama on Friday, the Syrian army alongside the popular forces engaged in fierce clashes with the terrorist groups of Ahrar al-Sham, Jeish al-Nassr, Jeish al-Fatah and al-Izza Jama'ah across Hama province, and inflicted major losses on the terrorists.
"The Syrian army and the NDF targeted gathering centers of Ahrar al-Sham and Jeish al-Nassr in Jabal Shahshabo, which ended in destruction of a depot of weapons and ammunition as well as a number of the militants' vehicles," the army said.
"Jeish al-Fatah' defense lines in the village of Lahaya came under the heavy attack of the Syrian government forces, which left several terrorists killed or wounded," the army said, adding, "Several vehicles of al-Izza Jama'ah terrorist group were also destroyed as a result of the army attack in Latmin North of Hama province."
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941103000351
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Syrian opposition sharply divided ahead of peace talks
AP | Jan 23, 2016
BEIRUT: Two days before peace talks are scheduled to begin in Geneva, Syrian groups opposed to President Bashar Assad are still sharply divided on who should represent them at the talks, opposition officials said Friday as a new wave of air raids in eastern Syria killed at least 40 people.
One senior Kurdish official denounced the negotiating team announced in Saudi Arabia last week as a "delegation of jihadis."
Many in the opposition say Russia wants to add names to the delegation that opposition groups backed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar announced this week in Saudi. The U.N.-backed talks between the Syrian government and opposition are scheduled for Monday although officials have said they might be delayed by few days.
Abdul-Basit Sieda of the Saudi-backed opposition said they reject Russia's desire to add names to the opposition list.
Another opposition official said Moscow wants to add to the delegation among others, Qadri Jamil, a former Syrian deputy prime minister, as well as Saleh Muslim, the co-president of the largest Kurdish group, the Democratic Union Party or PYD.
Turkey, which has its own large and restive Kurdish population, strongly opposes any PYD participation. The PYD'S military wing has been instrumental in the fight against the Islamic State group in northern Syria. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to reveal details about the talks.
"The PYD wants to hijack the Kurdish cause in Syria," said Sieda, himself a Kurd, but an opponent of the PYD.
On Wednesday, senior opposition official, Riyad Hijab, announced the names of opposition negotiators saying they will be headed by army defector Asaad al-Zoubi and include Mohammad Alloush, a representative of an Islamic rebel group known as the Army of Islam. The Saudi-backed Army of Islam, which controls large parts of the suburbs of the Syrian capital Damascus, is considered a terrorist organization by Syria and Russia.
Hijab accused Russia on Wednesday of obstructing the talks by trying to impose conditions on which opposition groups can participate, and said the opposition will not take part in talks while Syrians die from blockades and Russian and government airstrikes. Moscow is a key ally of the Syrian government and has been carrying out airstrikes against insurgents since Sept. 30.
Muslim, the PYD co-president, described in a telephone interview the team named in Saudi Arabia as a "delegation of Jihadis, Islamists and their allies that do not represent us." He added that the PYD has not been invited to the talks.
"Putting someone from the Army of Islam as a chief negotiator, means that they want to impose an Islamic state. He will lead and other members of the delegation must have similar opinions," Muslim said.
Sieda said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will meet with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubair as well as Hijab during his visit to Saudi Arabia on Saturday to discuss the talks, adding that any changes of the names in the delegation will be up to the opposition.
On Thursday Kerry said that the opposing sides won't initially meet face-to-face in Geneva next week. The talks are the start of a process presented in a U.N. resolution that envisages an 18-month timetable for a political transition in Syria and other talks over ways to end the crisis.
But naming members of the armed opposition has angered some groups that are part of the Saudi delegation.
Mounzer Khaddam, a member of the Syria-based National Coordination Body for Democratic Change in Syria who is part of the Saudi-named delegation, said in a statement that choosing a chief negotiator from the armed opposition "is a wrong message to the Syrian people that are hoping the talks will be successful."
Syria's nearly five-year civil war has killed more than 250,000 people, wounded a million and displaced half the country's population.
Meanwhile in Syria, opposition activists said air raids on two villages in an eastern province killed at least 40 people and wounded scores more.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the air raids on the villages of Tabiah and Bouleil killed 40 people, including whole families. The Local Coordination Committees said the air raids killed 30 in Tabiah and dozens in Bouleil.
Opposition activist Omar Abu Leila said Friday's air raids hit the two villages that are under the control of the Islamic State group, saying all those killed were civilians.
The LCC and Abu Leila said the air raids were carried out by Russian warplanes but it was not possible to independently confirm the claim.
IS controls most of Deir el-Zour province and over the past week launched a wide offensive capturing some areas from government forces near the provincial capital city of Deir el-Zour.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Syrian-opposition-sharply-divided-ahead-of-peace-talks/articleshow/50691019.cms
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Syrian Army Scores More Gains in Northern Lattakia
Jan 23, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The militant groups left behind dozens of dead or wounded members and pulled back the rest of their forces from more territories in the Northern parts of Lattakia province under the heavy attacks of the Syrian Army and its popular allies.
The Syrian Army and the National Defense Forces (NDF) drove the militant groups back from their positions and imposed full control over the villages of al-Saraya, al-Jamousiyeh, al-Rayaneh, al-Qashmaliyeh, the mountains and the town of al-Amleik and the mountains of Barjaslieh and al-Mran.
The militant groups suffered a heavy death toll in the attacks and fled the battlefield to evade more casualties.
The Syrian government forces have defused too many explosive devices planted in the battlefields by the terrorist group, and seized a large number of missiles, including US-made anti-tank TOW missiles.
Sources said earlier today that the Syrian army continued to march on militants' positions in the mountainous regions of Lattakia province, and seized back control over more villages and heights the near border with Turkey.
"The Syrian army and the NDF pushed the militant groups back from the mountains and the village of al-Swida, the mountains of Sarkal, the height of 465 and the villages of Beit Awan, Baladr and Reif Mkhtaro in the Northern battlefields of the coastal province after hours of fierce battle," army sources said.
"Scores of the militants were killed or wounded in the attacks," the sources said.
"The Syrian army's engineering units have launched operations to defuse explosive devices and landmines planted by the militant groups in the buildings and along the roads," they went on to say.
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941103000747
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Yemeni Forces Take Control of Strategic Region in Dhale Province
Jan 23, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Yemeni army and popular forces continued their advances in Dhale, and seized back a strategic town in the province's Damt region.
The Yemeni forces took full control of al-Riashia town in Damt region of Dhale province, inflicting heavy losses on the Saudi-led forces.
The Yemeni army also hit hard the Saudi forces' positions near Kofel military base in Ma'rib province, killing dozens of them.
Meantime, the Yemeni forces destroyed the Saudi military positions in Ta'iz province.
Saudi Arabia has been striking Yemen for 302 days now to restore power to fugitive president Mansour Hadi, a close ally of Riyadh. The Saudi-led aggression has so far killed at least 8,000 Yemenis, including hundreds of women and children.
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.
Over 3,750 schools have been closed and at least 1.2 million Yemeni people have been displaced so far.
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941103000593
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Syria: Terrorists Suffer Major Losses in Army Attacks North, South of Hama
Jan 23, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian Army intensified attacks on the gathering centers of the militant groups, mainly the Jeish al-Fatah and al-Nusra Front, in the Northern and Southern parts of Hama province and inflicted a heavy death toll on the terrorists.
Defense lines of the Jeish al-Fatah militant groups near the village of Skeik and towns of Kafr Zita and al-Lataminah in the Northern part of Hama province were massively attacked by the Syrian army.
Jeish al-Fatah suffered a heavy death toll in the attacks while it weapons and military hardware also sustained major damage.
In the meantime, scores of the al-Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front's members were killed or injured in the Syrian army's offensives near Hirbnafsa in the Southwestern territories of the province.
Earlier reports said that the Syrian army and the National Defense Forces (NDF) stormed militants' centers in the Northern parts of Hama province, and inflicted large casualties on terrorists.
"The concentration centers of the Takfiri terrorists came under the heavy attacks of the Syrian government forces in Jabal Shahshabo, which claimed the lives of many terrorists and destroyed their heavy machinegun-equipped vehicles," a field source told the FNA.
"The Syrian government forces hit the Takfiri militants' positions hard near the town of al-Tamanna in the Southern side of al-Khazanat in Idlib's Khan Sheikhoun region, which ended in destruction of the terrorist group's weapons and ammunition," the source further added.
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941103000689
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Militants Withdraw from More Lands in Syria's Lattakia Province
Jan 23, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian Army said its troops continue to march on militants' positions in the mountainous regions of Lattakia province, and seized back control over more villages and heights the near border with Turkey.
"The Syrian army and the National Defense Forces (NDF) pushed the militant groups back from the mountains and the village of al-Swida, the mountains of Sarkal, the height of 465 and the villages of Beit Awan, Baladr and Reif Mkhtaro in the Northern battlefields of the coastal province after hours of fierce battle," army sources said.
"Scores of the militants were killed or wounded in the attacks," the sources said.
"The Syrian army's engineering units have launched operations to defuse explosive devices and landmines planted by the militant groups in the buildings and along the roads," they went on to say.
The Syrian army announced earlier today that the militant groups withdrew from more lands in the Northern part of Lattakia province after the Syrian Army and its popular allies stormed their positions.
"The Syrian army troops and the NDF captured the villages of al-Qalabea and Beit Riha near border with Turkey," the army said.
"Over 150 militants were killed or wounded in the army attack, while more others fled the battlefields leaving behind their military equipment and weapons," the army added.
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941103000455
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Gov't Forces Drive Militants Back From More Territories North of Syria's Lattakia
Jan 23, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The militant groups withdrew from more lands in the Northern part of Lattakia province after the Syrian Army and its popular allies stormed their positions, the army announced Saturday.
"The Syrian army troops and the National Defense Forces (NDF) continued to advance against the militant groups in the mountainous regions of Lattakia province and pushed them back from the villages of al-Qalabea and Beit Riha near border with Turkey," the army said.
"Over 150 militants were killed or wounded in the army attack, while more others fled the battlefields leaving behind their military equipment and weapons," the army added.
In relevant development in the coastal province on Friday, the Syrian army and the NDF drove the militant groups back from more territories in Lattakia after hours of heavy fighting.
"The militant groups withdrew from al-Kalouksi mountains, Katf al-Qamou'a, the villages of al-Qanimeh, al-Qalaye'a, Beit Seker, al-Owyenat and Khan al-Jouz after the Syrian army and the NDF stormed their positions in the Northern part of Lattakia province," the army said.
"The Syrian army also retook full control over Tal al-Harb al-Electronia in the province," the army added.
"The militant groups left behind scores of the dead and injured members and fled the battlefields," the army went on to say.
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941103000252
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Russian Aircraft Drops Humanitarian Aid for Besieged Towns in Aleppo
Jan 23, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Residents of the besieged towns of al-Zahra and Nubl, Northwest of Aleppo province, who are under the Al-Nusra Front terrorists' intensive missile and artillery attacks received a consignment of foodstuff and medical aid dropped by a Russian cargo plane.
Syrian activists said on Saturday that a Russian cargo plane has carried humanitarian aid to al-Zahra and Nubl towns in Aleppo.
"The aircraft which was escorted by three Russian fighter jets dropped humanitarian aid to the two towns," Mohammad Hassan al-Halabi, an activist, was quoted as saying by al-Youm al-Sabe' news website.
According to the report, the Syrian army planes had also a few days earlier airdropped aid to the residents of the two besieged towns.
While the UN and the Red Crescent Society have sent new cargos of humanitarian aid and foodstuff to the besieged town of Madaya in Damascus province and Fuaa and Kefraya towns in Idlib province earlier this month, al-Zahra and Nubl had been left helpless.
Nubl and al-Zahra in Northwest of Aleppo province have been surrounded by terrorists for years now and people have been dying of hunger in there too.
The situation in Nubl and al-Zahra is much worse than other towns as they have been under siege by the al-Nusra Front terrorists for nearly four years now. Tens of people have died of hunger and lack of medicine in these two Shiite-populated towns.
http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941103000763
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India
CIA leads help Indian agencies bust ISIS cells
Rajshekhar Jha | TNN | Jan 23, 2016
NEW DELHI: Till not too long ago, the exact presence of Islamic State (ISIS) operatives was being debated. On Friday almost 20 ISIS operatives are in the dragnet of security forces as a result of a pan-India crackdown that has its roots in behind the scenes cooperation between Indian and US intelligence agencies.
Highly placed sources said tip offs by US agencies, that are tracking ISIS computers and phones in West Asia, saw Indian agencies follow the leads over the last weekend that led them to blow the lid off the ISIS cells.
Explaining the operation, a source said CIA is keeping a watch on hundreds of IP addresses of computers and smart phones being used by ISIS in Syria and Iraq. There were several addresses which ISIS operatives were using to access Facebook.
All such IPs and proxy servers were under surveillance and one address was used by ISAuT commander Shafi Armar (codename: Yousuf al-Hindi) to communicate with the likes of Akhlaq ur Rehman (arrested in Haridwar aloing with three others) and several others. The inputs were being shared and surveillance mounted on the suspects.\
Sources say the agencies were able to intercept calls and Whatsapp and Facebook messages being exchanged by the arrested operatives.
In mid-January, an exchange between Yousuf and Akhlaq read — 7 kalash rakh do. The code was interpreted as a plot to bomb seven places.This input was shared by CIA with Indian agencies and alarmed security officials briefed national security adviser Ajit Doval.
In the next few hours, the suspects shifted from Roorkee to Haridwar. The sleuths were all charged up anticipating the next move. They knew a strike was in the making. After five hours, the suspects in Haridwar shifted base to Roorkee after conducting a survey . Similarly, other modules also seemed to act in a suspicious manner. A crackdown on all known ISIS modules across India was ordered.
Agency sleuths worked against time and roped in police and anti-terror squads stationed in Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai and Hyderabad. A control room was set-up in Delhi as field officers and policemen spread at their respective target places. Nobody had an idea of the identity of the target and were only briefed about the name and place of stay of the person.
Through Saturday and Sunday, the agencies executed the operation and picked up the suspects. The Roorkee-Haridwar operation happened before agencies suspected a strike even sooner than other modules. Once they were detained, all suspects were picked up one by one. The north Indian module was handed over to the special cell which had already been tracking them. The others were handed over to the NIA and other police.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/CIA-leads-help-Indian-agencies-bust-ISIS-cells/articleshow/50691830.cms
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Pakistan
Bacha Khan’s great-granddaughter says Pakistan was behind attack on university
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sat Jan 23 2016
The great-granddaughter of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan or Bacha Khan says that Pakistan was behind the university attack in which students were butchered.
She has rejected the claim of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) that accepted responsibility for attack on Bacha Khan University, named after her great-grandfather, saying it was done by Islamabad to “vitiate the minds” of Pakistani Pashtuns against the people of Afghanistan.
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Yasmin Nigar Khan, 42, who heads the All India Pakhtoon Jirga-e-Hind, has argued that if this is not the cause then, why would the Taliban attack the North West Frontier Province every time, instead of striking in the Punjab or Sindh provinces?
Yasmin Nigar Khan has further said during the interview that the man known as the Frontier Gandhi is held in such high esteem in Afghanistan that even terrorists from that country would not attack anything named after him.
“It’s unbelievable that any Afghan would attack a university that is named after Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan. So the popular notion that Tehrik-e-Taliban is responsible for the attack on the Bacha Khan University is a cooked up story,” Yasmin told Hindustan Times.
“I firmly believe none — not even any terrorist organisation from Afghanistan — can do any harm to any institutions associated with Bacha Khan.”
Yasmin said she believes Taliban were also not responsible for attack on an army-run school in Peshawar in 2014 that left nearly 150 people dead.
“The Pakistani government and terrorist outfits supported by Pakistan are responsible for both the attacks. They have a dual mission: first to vitiate the minds of the Pakhtoons from the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan against the Afghans.” she said.
“Second, Pakistan wants public sentiments to be (once again) in its favour after the recent attack on the Pathankot airbase by terrorist outfits from Pakistan.”
The attack on Bacha Khan University coincided with the death anniversary of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan.
http://www.khaama.com/bacha-khans-great-granddaughter-says-pakistan-was-behind-the-university-attack-4507
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Russian Army to hold first mountain drills with Pakistan in 2016
January 23rd, 2016
MOSCOW: The Russian Army's Commander-in-Chief Oleg Salyukov on Friday announced that Russian ground forces will hold its first ever military exercises with Pakistan in the coming year, according to TASS news agency.
The Russian Army is scheduled to hold seven international drills in 2016, including the "the first ever Russian-Pakistani special drills in mountainous terrain."
"As part of interaction with our foreign colleagues in 2016, we have scheduled seven joint exercises with the involvement of the relevant units of foreign states," the Russian Army Commander-in-Chief said.
The Russian Army will also hold joint anti-terror command and staff exercises of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as well as a Russian-Vietnamese exercise, Salyukov added.
Full report at: http://www.dawn.com/news/1234906/russian-army-to-hold-first-mountain-drills-with-pakistan-in-2016
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Earthquake tremors felt in northwestern Pakistan
January 23rd, 2016
CHITRAL: Earthquake tremors were felt in different areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa early Saturday morning, a few weeks after a severe earthquake hit northern Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The jolts were felt in Buner, Malakand, Swat and adjoining areas.
People left their houses and workplaces and headed out for open spaces fearing a strong earthquake. There was no loss of life or property reported after the tremors.
The magnitude of the earthquake 5.0 with the epicentre reported 13 kilometres west of Ashkasham area in Afghanistan at a depth of 90.7 kilometres., according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) website.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meterological Department recorded the magnitude at 5.0, with its epicentre near the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border at a focal depth of 80 km.
The affected areas are still reeling from a strong 7.5 magnitude quake which struck in Oct 2015, killing over 300 people in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Full report at: http://www.dawn.com/news/1234903/earthquake-tremors-felt-in-northwestern-pakistan
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South Asia
34 militants killed, 48 wounded in Afghan army operations
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sat Jan 23 2016
At least 36 anti-government armed militants were killed and 48 others were wounded in counter-terrorism operations led by the Afghan National Army (ANA) forces in the past 24 hours.
The Ministry of Defense (MoD) said the operations were jointly conducted in various parts of the country and as a result at least 48 militants were also injured.
A statement by MoD said at last 46 others were also injured during the operations and various types of weapons and ammunition were confiscated by the security forces.
The operations were conducted in the vicinity of AChin and Behsud districts of Nangarhar province, Manogi district of Kunar, Qarghai district of Laghman, Khoshi, Mohammad Agha and Azra districts of Logar, Nerkh and Daimerdad districts of Maidan Wardak, central parts and Dasht-e-district of Kunduz, Tagab district of Badakhshan, Nawa district of Helmand, central Baghlan, Koh-e-Safi district of Parwan province.
The anti-government armed militant groups have not commented regarding the report so far.
The Afghan national security forces have doubled counter-terrorism operations in different parts of the country amid deteriorating security situation in the country.
The Taliban-led insurgency have been rampant during the recent weeks in different parts of the country, including capital Kabul besides the newly-emerged loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group are looking to expand foothold in the country.
http://www.khaama.com/34-militants-killed-48-wounded-in-afghan-army-operations-0036
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8 Haqqani terrorists arrested in connection to attack on Tolo TV workers
By KHAAMA PRESS - Fri Jan 22 2016
attack on Tolo TV workersA group of eight terrorists of the Haqqani Network have been detained in connection to the deadly attack on Tolo TV workers in capital Kabul.
The Afghan Intelligence – National Directorate of Security (NDS) said the terrorists were arrested during a special operation from Hussain Khel village of Bagrami district in Kabul province.
A statement by NDS said the attack on Tolo TV workers on Wednesday was plotted and carried out by the Haqqani terrorist network.
This comes as the Taliban group claimed responsibility behind the attack on Tolo TV workers which left at least seven people dead.
The Taliban group had earlier issued a statement condemning the media agencies for covering incidents and war crimes committed during the fall of Kunduz city, which they claim were false.
Found in the late 1970s by Jalaluddin Haqqani, the terrorist network is accused of staging numerous cross-border attacks from their base in North Waziristan, including the 19-hour siege at the US Embassy in Kabul in September 2011.
The network is allied with al-Qaida and the Afghan Taliban and cooperates with other terrorist organizations in the region and was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization on September 7, 2012 by the US Department of State.
http://www.khaama.com/8-haqqani-terrorists-arrested-in-connection-to-attack-on-tolo-tv-workers-0034
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Bangladeshi group Hizb Ut Tahrir denies links with probable terror attack in India
Debashis Konar | TNN | Jan 22, 2016
KOLKATA: Hizb-Ut Tahrir (HUT), a Bangladeshi group which is under scanner of Indian intelligence agencies for a probable terror attack on 23 places on January 23, in its press release issued on January 21 has stated that the organisation based in Bangladesh is a non-violent political organisation and has no links with any terror group. It claimed that it has no intention to carry out "bomb and suicide attacks" inside India.
The media office of Hizb ut Tahrir strongly denounced such claims by Indian agencies and described it as 'false, fabricated and malicious attempt to malign HUT.'
Moreover, it claimed that the party does not have any armed wing anywhere the party operates.
Full report at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/south-asia/Bangladeshi-group-Hizb-Ut-Tahrir-denies-links-with-probable-terror-attack-in-India/articleshow/50689388.cms
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Chinese Furious after Saudi Crown Prince Shuns Meeting with President Xi
Jan 23, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Sources revealed on Saturday that the Chinese delegation is unhappy with the recent visit to Riyadh after arrangements for a meeting between Saudi Crown Prince and Interior Minister Mohammed bin Nayef and President Xi Jinping failed.
Being concerned about operation of the terrorist groups in the region, the Chinese president was interested in holding a meeting with the Saudi crown prince - who is also in charge of the country's domestic security as interior minister - but arrangements for the meeting failed, a source said today.
During the first day of his visit to Riyadh on January 19, President Xi met with Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman who is also Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister.
President Xi Jinping also met Saudi King Salman in Riyadh and then inaugurated a joint-venture refinery in Yanbu Industrial City on the Red Sea on Wednesday.
Full report at: http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941103000199
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President Xi: Iran, China Opening New Chapter in Ties
Jan 23, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Visiting President Xi Jinping said Iran and China have signed several letters of intent for a new chapter in strategic economic cooperation.
President Xi, who arrived in Tehran on Friday night, was officially welcomed by President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday. The Chinese leader, whose made a great contribution to the nuclear deal, said the two nations have made headway in traditional friendship and economic engagement.
Full report at: http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941103000916
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Iranian, Chinese Presidents Review Ways to Fight Terrorism, Extremism in Region
Jan 23, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani announced that he has conferred on ways to reinvigorate campaign against terrorist and extremist groups in the region in the meeting with his visiting Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Tehran on Saturday.
"Campaign against terrorism, extremism, violence and fighting against differences that have entangled the region were among issues discussed between the two sides," President Rouhani said at a joint press conference with Xi in Tehran today.
Establishment of security and stability in the Middle-East region, consultations and assistance to those countries which are fighting against terrorism, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Yemen, unilateralism, the future of the region and the world as well as threats that need attention in the mid- and long-run and the important goals sought by Tehran and Beijing in the region were also among the reviewed areas, according to Rouhani.
Full report at: http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941103000909
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Gen. Dunford says Afghanistan mission has universal NATO support
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sat Jan 23 2016
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford has said that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies are in full agreement to continue the alliance’s commitment to Afghanistan.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, Gen. Dunford told reporters in Paris that the 2015 fighting season in Afghanistan could be characterized as a “draw”.
Gen. Dunford was speaking to the reporters after attending a meeting of the NATO Chiefs of Defense in Brussels where the NATO engagement in Afghanistan was also reviewed.
In regards to the 2015 fighting season, Gen. Dunford noted that the Afghan forces were operating last year with just a fraction of international troops, compared to previous years.
Full report at: http://www.khaama.com/gen-dunford-says-afghanistan-mission-has-universal-nato-support-0038
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NATO-funded printers to help MoI process up to 1,000 passports daily
By GHANIZADA - Sat Jan 23 2016
The Central Passport Department operating within the framework of the Ministry of Interior (MoI), has received new passport printers, purchased by NATO-led Resolute Support (RS) mission.
The purchase of the new printers comes as the number of applicants acquiring passports has been on the rise with the Central Passport Department personnel working in two shifts to respond to the demands of the Afghan citizens.
“NATO has purchased passport printers for the Afghan Ministry of Interior (MoI). Each day, thousands of Afghan citizens visit the office in ?#?Kabul? to obtain a new passport,” according to an online statement by Resolute Support (RS) mission.
Full report at: http://www.khaama.com/nato-purchase-passport-printers-for-the-ministry-of-interior-0037
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Taliban confirm participating Pugwash conference over Afghanistan’s conflict in Doha
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sat Jan 23 2016
Taliban confirm participating Pugwash conference scheduled to begin today over Afghanistan’s conflict in Doha.
“On Saturday 23/01/2016 members of the Political Office of Islamic Emirate will participate at a conference convened by Pugwash international NGO in the capital city of Qatar, Doha.” States a statement released by the group’s spokesperson on Friday.
The press release further states they are participating in this conference based on the invitation of Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs, a Nobel Peace Prize-winning group focused on resolving conflict.
Full report at: http://www.khaama.com/taliban-confirm-participating-pugwash-peace-conference-over-afghanistans-conflict-in-duha-4508
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U.S. awards $55.2 million in new trainer program for Afghan Air Force
By KHAAMA PRESS - Fri Jan 22 2016
Afghn Air ForceThe United States Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded $55.26 million in new trainer program for the Afghan Air Force (AAF).
“Cessna Aircraft Co., Wichita, Kansas, has been awarded a $55,268,755 firm-fixed-price contract for the Afghanistan Trainer Program. Contractor will provide interim contractor support of 18 C-208 B aircraft and one C-208 aircrew training device, including maintenance and training,” a statement by DoD said.
Full report at: http://www.khaama.com/u-s-awards-55-2-million-in-new-trainer-program-for-afghan-air-force-0035
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Mideast
Biden urges Turkey to respect freedom of expression, set an example for Middle East
January 22, 2016
Visiting İstanbul on Friday, US Vice President Joe Biden said that intimidating the media, curtailing Internet freedom and accusing academics of treason was not setting a good example for the Middle East.
The vice president's comments are by far the strongest remarks to have come from the US over Turkey's problems with free of expression and press freedom.
Speaking to the press after the meeting, Biden said, “The more Turkey succeeds, the stronger the message sent to the entire Middle East and parts of the world who are only beginning to grapple with the notion of freedom.”
Full report at: http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_biden-urges-turkey-to-respect-freedom-of-expression-set-an-example-for-middle-east_410357.html
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European court rules Turkey discriminates against Alevi community
January 22, 2016
The European Court of Human Rights has rejected Turkey's appeal to a ruling that Turkey's failure to exempt cemevis -- Alevi places of worship -- from paying their electricity bills and the existence of compulsory religious courses at Turkish schools are in violation of the article on discrimination in the European Convention on Human Rights, İzzettin Doğan, the president of the Cem Foundation, announced on Friday.
The court ruled in September 2014 that Turkey's compulsory religion course violates the convention's article regarding the right to education and urged Turkey to switch to a new system in which students would not be required to take such a class.
Full report at: http://www.todayszaman.com/national_european-court-rules-turkey-discriminates-against-alevi-community_410369.html
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Egyptian official dismisses claims of mediation between Turkey and Egypt
January 22, 2016
Egyptian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid has denied that there is ongoing mediation between Turkey and Egypt to normalize bilateral ties.
In a report on Friday, the Egyptian news website Ahram Online referenced Abu Zeid as saying that there would be no improvement of ties between Turkey and Egypt unless the former makes a “fundamental change” in its policies towards Egypt.
The Cumhuriyet daily reported on Tuesday that Saudi Arabia has been brokering a deal between the two countries. As part of the deal, Turkey will reportedly recognize the administration of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Egypt will not carry out the executions of Muslim Brotherhood members who were sentenced to death en masse last year.
Full report at: http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_egyptian-official-dismisses-claims-of-mediation-between-turkey-and-egypt_410387.html
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Turkey won’t allow Syrian Kurdish PYD to cross west of Euphrates
January 22, 2016
Only days ahead of the long-awaited Syrian peace talks in Geneva, rival camps are bickering about who should be invited to take part, with Ankara categorically rejecting representation of the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) in negotiations.
With no military solution in sight after almost five years of war and over 250,000 deaths, US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov agreed on Wednesday that the talks should go ahead despite no apparent agreement on who should represent the opposition.
Russia recently came up with a demand that the PYD also be represented at the talks, creating a new line of division with countries such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia, and also main opposition groups.
Full report at: http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_turkey-wont-allow-syrian-kurdish-pyd-to-cross-west-of-euphrates_410331.html
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Kurdish leader seeks PYD representation at Geneva talks
January 22, 2016
Despite Turkey's concerns, Syrian Kurds seek representation in Geneva.
Syrian Kurds must be represented at peace talks in Geneva or they will fail, PYD Co-Chair Saleh Muslim said on Friday.
"If there are some parties that are effective in this Syria issue who are not at the table, it will be the same as what happened in Geneva 2," Muslim told Reuters, referring to failed negotiations in 2014.
"The negotiations and political solution will fail so we are keen to have everyone at the table."
He also accused Jaysh al-Islam (Islam Army), one of the groups within the Saudi-backed opposition council, of being no different to other radical Islamist groups. "Their mentality is the same as the al-Nusra Front and Daesh. They clearly want to establish an Islamic state," he said.
Full report at: http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_turkey-wont-allow-syrian-kurdish-pyd-to-cross-west-of-euphrates_410331.html
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German social figures start petition against Merkel over support of Turkish military campaign
January 22, 2016
More than 100 journalists, academics and artists in Germany have signed a declaration that criticizes German Chancellor Angela Merkel for Germany's support of the Turkish government in ongoing military operations in Turkey's predominantly Kurdish Southeast.
The declaration published on Friday said the Turkish government is fueling the conflict in the Southeast instead of ending it through peaceful methods such as resuming talks with Kurds. The declaration called on Merkel to bring up the issues of the rule of law, democratization and pluralism during her meeting with Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu on Friday.
Full report at: http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_german-social-figures-start-petition-against-merkel-over-support-of-turkish-military-campaign_410333.html
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Davutoğlu reiterates opposition to Syrian Kurdish group after talks with Biden
January 23, 2016
Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu reiterated at a joint news conference with visiting US Vice President Joe Biden that Ankara was opposed to a Syrian Kurdish group that it considers the Syrian wing of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
"We do not want Daesh, the PKK or the paramilitary forces of the regime," Davutoğlu said after talks with Biden in İstanbul, using an Arabic acronym for the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) extremist group.
Full report at: http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_davutoglu-reiterates-opposition-to-syrian-kurdish-group-after-talks-with-biden_410411.html
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Two injured as rocket fired from Syria lands in street in Turkey
January 23, 2016
Two people were injured when a rocket apparently fired from the Syrian side of the border landed in a street in the southeastern province of Kilis, the Governor's Office said on Saturday.
In a statement, the Governor's Office said the explosion caused small damage in nearby buildings. The two people were lightly injured and are undergoing treatment at the Kilis State Hospital, it also said.
A news report earlier in the day said that two Katyusha rockets hit Kilis, one landing in the yard of a religious tomb and the other in a street. The report by Doğan news agency said the rockets were believed to have been fired from Bab area, controlled by the the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
Full report at: http://www.todayszaman.com/national_two-injured-as-rocket-fired-from-syria-lands-in-street-in-turkey_410410.html
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Police officer slain as army says 524 terrorists killed in Sur, Cizre
January 22, 2016
A police officer was killed on Friday during ongoing clashes between the terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and Turkish security forces in the Cizre district of Şırnak province, and the General Staff announced on the same day that more than 500 terrorists have been killed in the ongoing anti-PKK operations in the Sur and Cizre districts of Şırnak since Dec. 2, 2015.
Bayram Özdere, a special operations police officer, was killed during skirmishes with the PKK in Cizre. Özdere (44) was married and the father of one child.
Two special sergeants were also injured by the PKK on Friday in southeastern Diyarbakır's Sur district.
Turkish media reports say the soldiers were wounded during a rocket attack carried out by the terrorists and that the injured soldiers were taken to the Diyarbakır Military Hospital for treatment. It was reported that one of the injured soldiers was in critical condition.
Full report at: http://www.todayszaman.com/national_police-officer-slain-as-army-says-524-terrorists-killed-in-sur-cizre_410354.html
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Erdoğan likely to meet with Kurdish politician Zana
January 22, 2016
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan confirmed on Friday that pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) lawmaker Leyla Zana has requested a meeting with him and added that he was inclined to accept the request.
“She has made such a request. I have told my friends that we'll evaluate this. My opinion is in favor of meeting her,” Erdoğan told reporters.
News reports had quoted presidential sources earlier in the day as saying that Zana had requested a meeting with Erdoğan.
Zana, a well-known Kurdish politician who has spent 10 years in jail for her pro-Kurdish activism, was previously reported to be seeking contact with Erdoğan in an effort to stop the ongoing violence in southeastern Anatolia, despite the acrimony between Erdoğan and her party.
In 2012, Zana said she trusts that Erdoğan can resolve the Kurdish issue. “I have never lost my faith in this and I don't want to,” she said in an interview at the time.
Full report at: http://www.todayszaman.com/national_erdogan-likely-to-meet-with-kurdish-politician-zana_410330.html
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Iraqi PM wants Turkey to pull out troops
January 22, 2016
Iraq's prime minister renewed his call to Turkey to pull its troops out of Iraqi territory and help to better fight the radical Islamic State in Syria and the Levant (ISIL) group, as both grapple with ways to thwart the extremist group that he insists is losing ground.
Haider al-Abadi spoke to The Associated Press after participating in a World Economic Forum panel in Davos, Switzerland, about efforts to stabilize the Middle East, as security and defense issues took center stage at the four-day event.
US Secretary of State John Kerry, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and Defense Secretary Ash Carter were also set to speak on Friday in Davos, where many attendees were discussing uncertainty about Syria's war and other geopolitical troubles that have weighed on an already-wobbly global economy.
Full report at: http://www.todayszaman.com/diplomacy_iraqi-pm-wants-turkey-to-pull-out-troops_410332.html
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Africa
Gunmen kill 17 in Somalia beach restaurant attack
January 22, 2016
At least 17 people were killed in the Somali capital of Mogadishu when five extremist mist gunmen set off bombs and stormed a popular beach-front restaurant late on Thursday, Somali police said.
Al Shabaab, a militant group aligned with al Qaeda, said its fighters set off two car bombs at the Beach View Cafe on Mogadishu's popular Lido beach, and engaged in a gun battle for hours with government troops trying to flush them out.
"The operation ended at 3 a.m. last night and at least 17 civilians were killed," police officer Osman Nur told Reuters on Friday. Somalia's security minister, Abdirizak Omar Mohamed, said four of the gunmen were killed and one was captured alive.
"The government forces rescued hundreds of civilians who were dining there," he told state-run Radio Muqdisho.
Full report at: http://www.todayszaman.com/world_gunmen-kill-17-in-somalia-beach-restaurant-attack_410356.html
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Europe
45 migrants drown as 2 smuggling boats sink off Greece
AP | Jan 23, 2016
ATHENS, Greece: At least 45 people, including 17 children, drowned on Friday in the Aegean Sea as two smuggling boats sunk off different Greek islands. A search-and-rescue operation was underway for others feared trapped in the wreckage.
The Greek coast guard and other boats saved more than 70 people from the sunken vessels.
The new drownings follow hundreds over the past year as Europe faces its worst immigration crisis since the end of World War II. More than a million people seeking asylum have entered the continent in 2015 - most through Greece, coming across the sea in small smugglers' boats from Turkey.
Full report at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/45-migrants-drown-as-2-smuggling-boats-sink-off-Greece/articleshow/50690518.cms
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ISIS threatens attacks on Spain in latest propaganda video
Samuel Osborne | The Independent | Jan 23, 2016
This map, showing the areas Isis plans to have under its control by 2020, was widely shared in 2014.This map, showing the areas Isis plans to have under its control by 2020, was widely shared in 2014.
ISIS has threatened attacks on Spain in their latest propaganda video, declaring: "We will recover our land from the invaders."
A map was previously shared showing the areas ISIS plans to have under control by 2020, including Spain and large parts of Asia and Africa.
Full report at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/ISIS-threatens-attacks-on-Spain-in-latest-propaganda-video/articleshow/50693754.cms
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France plans to prolong state of emergency over terror threat
AP | Jan 23, 2016
PARIS: President Francois Hollande has announced that the French government will ask parliament to approve a three-month renewal of the state of emergency put into place after the Nov. 13 Paris attacks that killed 130 people.
It would be the second time the measure has been prolonged.
The president's office said Friday that Hollande cited "the terrorist threat" in asking the government to present a bill at the Feb. 3 Cabinet meeting seeking a three-month extension of the state of emergency. The current state of emergency is to expire at the end of February.
A state of emergency gives special powers to authorities, making it easier to place people under house arrest and conduct searches. Critics contend the measure impinges on personal freedoms to little effect.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/France-plans-to-prolong-state-of-emergency-over-terror-threat/articleshow/50690550.cms
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North America
Indian and Pakistan Nuclear race can jeopardise strategic stability: US report
January 23rd, 2016
WASHINGTON: Continued Indian and Pakistani nuclear weapons development could jeopardise strategic stability between the two countries, warns a congressional report sent to US lawmakers this week.
The Congressional Research Service (CRS), which prepared the report, notes that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal is “designed to dissuade India from taking military action against the country”. But it continues to increase its production facilities, “deploying additional nuclear weapons, and new types of delivery vehicles”.
The report notes that India also “continues to expand its nuclear arsenal” but since the report is about Pakistan, it focuses on the Pakistani nuclear programme.
Full report at: http://www.dawn.com/news/1234861/nuclear-race-can-jeopardise-strategic-stability-us-report
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Five dead, two critically hurt in Canada school shooting: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Reuters | Jan 23, 2016
WINNIPEG, Manitoba: Five people were killed and two critically injured in a school shooting in a remote part of Saskatchewan on Friday and a suspect is in custody, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.
Trudeau did not give a motivation for the shooting in La Loche, about 600 km (375 miles) north of the city of Saskatoon. But La Loche acting Mayor Kevin Janvier told the Canadian Press the incident may have started at the suspect's home.
"I'm not 100 percent sure what's actually happened but it started at home and ended at the school," Janvier said.
Full report at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/Five-dead-two-critically-hurt-in-Canada-school-shooting-Prime-Minister-Justin-Trudeau/articleshow/50691281.cms
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U.S. says Afghanistan, Pakistan need to cooperate to tackle Taliban
By KHAAMA PRESS - Sat Jan 23 2016
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 29: White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest answers questions during the daily media briefing in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House August 29, 2013 in Washington, DC. Earnest fielded questions from reporters about the Obama Administration's stance and response to the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
The United States has said that Afghanistan and Pakistan need to have cooperation to tackle the challenge of Taliban.
“The conclusion that we’ve drawn here is…that the Taliban poses a security threat to both countries, and that the nations of Afghanistan and Pakistan are going to be able to more effectively confront that threat if they’re able to more effectively cooperate,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest told reporters.
Full report at: http://www.khaama.com/afghanistan-pakistan-need-to-work-together-against-terrorism-4507
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