In a remote area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, heavily armed terrorists ambushed an army patrolling party, resulting in five army personnel, including a JCO, being killed and five injured. This is the fifth attack in the Jammu region in a month, raising concerns over the increasing number of terrorist incidents in the area. The terrorists attacked an army truck with a grenade and gunfire before fleeing into a nearby forest while the army retaliated. Political leaders, including three former chief ministers, have expressed concern over the escalating violence in J-K, particularly in the Jammu region where militancy had been eradicated decades ago.
Kathua Terror Attack: A Rise in Militancy in Jammu and Kashmir
On August 29, 2023, in a remote area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, heavily armed terrorists ambushed an army patrolling party, killing five army personnel and injuring five others. The attack marks a troubling surge in terrorist incidents in the Jammu region, which had previously witnessed a decline in militancy.
Background
The Kathua district has a history of militancy dating back to the 1980s. In the early 2000s, Indian security forces launched a massive counterinsurgency operation that largely eradicated militancy in the area. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of terrorist activity in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Jammu region.
The Attack
The latest attack targeted an army truck, which was ambushed by terrorists using a grenade and gunfire. The terrorists fled into a nearby forest following the attack. The army retaliated, but the terrorists escaped. The attack was condemned by political leaders across the country, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Concerns
The Kathua attack has raised concerns over the rising number of terrorist incidents in the Jammu region. In the past month, there have been five attacks in the area, including a suicide bombing that killed three people. The increase in militancy has led to fears that the region may be slipping back into a state of instability.
FAQs
1. Who was responsible for the Kathua attack?
The attack was carried out by unidentified terrorists. No group has yet claimed responsibility.
2. What is the motive behind the attack?
The motive for the attack is unclear. However, it is likely that the terrorists were trying to target security forces and create fear among civilians.
3. Has there been a history of militancy in the Kathua district?
Yes, the Kathua district has a history of militancy dating back to the 1980s. However, militancy was largely eradicated in the area in the early 2000s.
4. What is the current situation in the Kathua district?
Following the attack, security forces have been put on high alert in the Kathua district. The army is conducting search operations to apprehend the terrorists responsible for the attack.
5. What are the implications of the Kathua attack?
The attack raises concerns over the rising number of terrorist incidents in the Jammu region. It also highlights the challenges faced by security forces in maintaining peace and stability in the area.
A lone ISIS gunman ambushed a group of US service members and civilians in Syria, killing two and injuring three. The gunman was eventually killed by partner forces, confirmed by the US Defence Secretary. This is the first attack on US troops in Syria since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. The casualties were transported to a nearby garrison and their identities will be withheld until their next of kin have been notified.
Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, caused a major stir in Turkmenistan when he decided to gate-crash a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after waiting for 40 minutes. This impulsive move showcases Pakistan's increasing diplomatic insecurity and diminishing geopolitical clout. As Sharif struggles to secure meaningful engagements with major powers, he also faces domestic crises and is under the control of Army Chief Asim Munir. Meanwhile, the event in Turkmenistan marked a milestone for the country's declaration of neutrality and its efforts to maintain independence from both Western and Russian influence.
During an international forum in Turkmenistan, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif faced an embarrassing diplomatic moment as he walked into a private meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Sharif had been waiting for over 40 minutes for his scheduled meeting with Putin, causing him to enter the ongoing conversation between the two leaders. The incident, captured on video and shared by RT India, has triggered widespread mockery on social media with users making jokes about Sharif's actions. This comes as Pakistan attempts to strengthen its ties with Russia, while Putin maintains a closer relationship with India.
The latest bout of border fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has escalated, with hundreds of thousands of civilians displaced and casualties on both sides. The renewed skirmishes have shattered a ceasefire proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump in July. The leaders of both countries have promised to continue their aggressive stance, causing further tension and concerns for the safety of civilians. This has even resulted in the withdrawal of Cambodia's team from a regional sporting event.
Notorious Naxalite commander Ramdher Majji, along with his group, surrendered to the police in Chhattisgarh. This surrender marks a milestone in the fight against Naxalism, as the state's Deputy Chief Minister states that 80 percent of the menace has been eradicated. With the government's resolved aim to eliminate Naxalism by 2026, the country is heading towards a permanent solution to this long-standing issue. Home Minister Amit Shah also noted the significant progress made in reducing Naxal violence, with only 10 percent of the nation's population currently affected compared to 120 million people in the past.
After the tragic fire at their club in Goa, owners Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra have been detained in Thailand and are expected to be brought back to India soon. The Indian agencies have been in constant communication with Thai authorities and have managed to locate the brothers outside the main city area. With their detention, the process for their deportation has been initiated and Indian agencies are coordinating with Thai authorities for their return. The article also explains the general procedure for deportation of foreigners from Thailand under immigration laws.
Two years after the shocking death of Dawn Sturgess from Novichok poisoning, a public inquiry has released its final report. The report, overseen by retired Supreme Court justice Lord Hughes of Ombersley, examined whether British officials had taken adequate precautions to prevent the attack on ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in March 2018. The inquiry also investigated whether Ms. Sturgess's death could have been avoided with timely public warnings about abandoned objects. Good Morning Britain correspondent Richard Gaisford reported live from Salisbury, where the attack first came to light, to reveal the disturbing findings of the inquiry.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has found a solution to maintain its aging Jaguar fleet by obtaining over 20 retired aircraft from the Oman Air Force. These jets will be dismantled and used as spares, as global production of Jaguar has ceased. With this transfer, India will become one of the few countries to still operate the Anglo-French supersonic attack aircraft. The collaboration between India and Oman in this regard reflects their robust defense partnership.
In a monumental decision, UNESCO has officially named India's beloved festival of lights, Deepavali, to its prestigious Intangible Cultural Heritage List during a committee meeting at the iconic Red Fort in Delhi. The news was met with joyous celebrations and performances, with Prime Minister Modi expressing his pride and noting the global impact of Deepavali's inclusion. This marks the sixteenth element from India to be inscribed on the Representative List, solidifying the country's rich cultural heritage.
India's festival of lights, Deepavali, has been added to Unesco's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, following in the footsteps of Durga Puja. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his delight at the nomination, stating that the festival is closely tied to India's culture and ethos. The nomination process for Deepavali involved diverse communities and experts, showcasing the festival's reach beyond the country, as it joins India's 15 elements already on Unesco's list.