VIF News Digest: National Security - Defence Studies & Terrorism, 15-31 January 2021

DEFENCE

  • Meeting between Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Foreign Minister of Nepal Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali.
  • Air Force Indo-French Exercise Desert Knight-21.
  • The 5th India – Singapore Defence Ministers’ Dialogue, 20 January 2021.
  • DRDO inks framework MoU with MoRTH for Geo-hazard Management.
  • Training for Joint Operation in Andaman Sea: Exercise Kavach.
  • Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and his Indonesian counterpart express satisfaction on defence cooperation.
  • Successful Flight Test of Smart Anti Airfield Weapon.
  • DRDO at Republic Day Parade 2021.
  • Republic Day Celebrations 2021.
  • Joint Press Release of the 9th Round of India-China Military Commander-Level Meeting.
  • Telephone Conversation between Raksha Mantri and US Secretary of Defence.
  • Telephonic Conversation between National Security Adviser and Mr. Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor of USA.
  • Telephone conversation between External Affairs Minister and the U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken.

International Terrorism

Arab Peninsula
  • AQAP calls on Muslims to target Israeli visitors to Arab nations.
Africa
  • Egypt
    • US DoS designated Harakat Sawa’d Misr as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation.
  • Niger
    • Boko Haram terrorists killed four soldiers in Diffa region.
Afghanistan
  • Taliban terrorists infiltrated a base and killed 12 pro-govt militiamen in Herat province.
  • Police arrested six Pakistani spies from Kandahar province.
  • HQN discussed the formation of new terror unit jointly with al-Qaeda, claimed US Treasury Department.
  • Unidentified gunmen killed two women Judges in Kabul.
Pakistan
  • CTD arrested an Islamic State ‘fundraiser’ from Sindh province.
Bangladesh
  • CT unit arrested former university teacher for conspiracy to establish neo-JMB network.
Domestic Terrorism
Jammu and Kashmir
  • An underground tunnel was discovered at International Border in Kathua.
  • Security forces arrested JeM terrorist and OGW from Anantnag.
Left-Wing Extremism
  • Maoists killed two villagers in Chhattisgarh.
  • NIA arrested a Maoist in Kerala.
Khalistan-inspired Extremism
  • Khalistan sympathisers have infiltrated the farmers’ protest, claimed the Attorney General Venugopal.
Islamic Extremism
  • NIA filed charge-sheet against 10 terrorists of ‘Shahaadat is our Goal’ group in Tamil Nadu.
  • NIA probing several cases against the Popular Front of India.
Cyber, Information Warfare & Artificial Intelligence (Security Perspective)
  • ‘Lebanese Cedar’—Hezbollah-linked cyber unit hacked into telecoms and ISPs in multiple countries.
  • Islamic State terrorists using “advanced and secure” messaging platform Threema.

Defence

Meeting between Raksha Mantri (RM) Shri Rajnath Singh and Foreign Minister of Nepal Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali

The Foreign Minister of Nepal Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali was in India for the 6th India-Nepal Joint Commission Meeting. During his interaction expressed his desire to deepen the bilateral well as thanks for all the assistance provided by India. The RM conveyed his personal connect, long association with leadership and special regard for the people of Nepal. Both the dignitaries expressed their satisfaction at the excellent military-to-military cooperation. The RM stated that India is ready to provide Humanitarian assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) training & capacity building of Nepal.

Air Force Indo-French Exercise Desert Knight-21

The Indian Air Force and French Air and Space Force participated in Ex Desert Knight 2021 at Air Force Station Jodhpur. A first of its kind bilateral exercise (Ex DK-21), Rafale aircraft from both sides along with Su-30 MKI and Mirage 2000 aircraft of the IAF undertook varied missions including Large Force Engagements. Combat enablers included AWACS, AEW&C aircraft of the IAF as well as A400M and A330 based MRTT (Medium Range Tanker and Transport) aircraft of the French Air and Space Force (FASF). Both Air Forces exercised in realistic settings with an aim to enhance operational capabilities and interoperability. The exercise provided an opportunity to share best practices and evolve operational concepts; particularly for effective combat employment of the Rafale fleet. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria along with the Ambassador of France to India, H.E. M. Emmanuel Lenain interacted with members of IAF and FASF contingents. The CAS expressed his appreciation on the complexity of operations conducted and interoperability achieved by participants within a short span of 4 days.

The 5th India – Singapore Defence Ministers’ Dialogue, 20 January 2021

The 5thDefence Ministers' Dialogue (DMD) between India and Singapore was successfully held on 20 January 2021 through a video conference. Defence and security engagements between India and Singapore have broadened significantly in scale and scope across all three Services of the Armed Forces as well as in the areas of defence technology and industry. Both countries have also found common ground on multilateral fora and engagements.

Both of them witnessed the signing of the Implementing Agreement on Submarine Rescue Support and Cooperation between the two Navies. The Ministers also conveyed their full support towards the early conclusion of agreements to facilitate conduct of live firings and to establish reciprocal arrangements for the cross-attendance of military courses. The Ministers further welcomed initiatives to expand bilateral defence cooperation including the implementing agreement on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) cooperation in August 2020 for the two Armed Forces to have closer operational collaboration in response to disasters and capacitybuilding activities of mutual interest. The cyber agencies of both armed forces have also stepped up engagements.

The RM reaffirmed ASEAN centrality in the regional security architecture and pledged India’s support to all endeavours of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus. Dr Ng expressed support for India’s upcoming co-chairmanship of the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on HADR.

Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) inks framework MoU with MoRTH for Geo-hazard Management to

The MoU is to strengthen collaboration in the field of technical exchange and co-operation on sustainable geohazard management. As per the agreement, DRDO and MoRTH will co-operate in various mutually beneficial areas related to geohazard management. The initiative will ensure safety against the adverse effects of landslides and other natural calamities on national highways in the country. DRDO’s Defence Geo-Informatics Research Establishment (DGRE) is working for the development of critical technologies for enhancing combat effectiveness in various kinds of terrains and avalanches. The expertise of DGRE in mapping, forecasting, control and mitigation of landslides and avalanches in Himalayan terrain will be utilized for designing national highways including tunnels. Terrain and modelling simulation is an important asset with DGRE, which will play an important role in planning and building robust road infrastructure in difficult terrains. MoRTH is responsible for development & maintenance of National Highways across the country.

It was agreed that the expertise of DRDO will be utilized in providing sustainable mitigation measures to damages caused by landslides, avalanche and other natural factors on various National Highways in the Country. Some of the areas identified for collaboration include detailed investigation of the critical avalanches/geo hazards, planning, designing and formulation of sustainable mitigation measures for geo-hazards on national highways including tunnels, monitoring and supervision of mitigation measures etc.

Training for Joint Operations: Exercise Kavach

Towards enhancing joint operational readiness, Indian Armed Forces conducted a large-scale conjoint military training exercise “KAVACH” along with “AMPHEX-21” in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal. The exercise was conducted under the aegis of Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) with participation of Eastern Naval Command (ENC) and Army Southern Command (SC) involving assets of Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. The exercise involved participation and deployment of all forces of ANC, elements of Amphibious Brigade of Army’s Southern Command along with corvettes, submarine and amphibious landing ships of Navy’s Eastern Fleet and Marine Commandos. Jaguar Maritime Strike and transport aircraft from Indian Air Force and assets of Coast Guard also participated.

The exercise commenced with maritime strikes by Jaguar aircraft, Para Commandos and Marine Commandos carrying out Combat Free Fall at Car Nicobar with an aim to validate air dominance and maritime strike capability within the area of interest in Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Prior to amphibious landing operations, troops of the Army, Navy and Air Force were mobilised and transported by sea and air in close coordination with all agencies.
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Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and his Indonesian counterpart on defence cooperation

RM held a telephonic conversation with Minister of Defence of Republic of Indonesia General Prabowo Subianto on January 21, 2021. Both Ministers expressed satisfaction at the ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries in spite of the limitations imposed by COVID 19. The two Ministers exchanged views on security situation in the region and the need for a free and open maritime order based on the rule of law. They expressed satisfaction at further promoting defence ties between the two countries. During the telephonic conversation, the Ministers reviewed the progress on various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives and expressed commitment to further elevate engagements between the Armed Forces under the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Ministers agreed that both countries need to enhance cooperation in Defence Industry and Technology domain and look forward to even greater synergy in this field.

Successful Flight Test of Smart Anti Airfield Weapon

DRDO successfully conducted captive and release trial of indigenously developed Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) from Hawk-I of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) off the Odisha coast on 21 January 2021. The smart weapon was successfully test fired from Indian Hawk-Mk132 of HAL. This was the 9th successful mission of SAAW conducted by DRDO till now.

SAAW is indigenously designed and developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI) Hyderabad. This is 125 Kg class smart weapon, capable of engaging ground enemy airfield assets such as radars, bunkers, taxi tracks, and runways etc. up to a range of 100 kms. The high precision guided bomb is light weight as compared to weapon system of the same class. The weapon was earlier successfully test fired from Jaguar aircraft.

Joint Press Release of the 9th Round of India-China Military Commander-Level Meeting

On January 24, the 9th round of China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting was held on the Chinese side of the Moldo-Chushul border meeting point. The two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on disengagement along the Line of Actual Control in the Western Sector of China-India border areas.The two sides agreed that this round of meeting was positive, practical and constructive, which further enhanced mutual trust and understanding. The two sides agreed to push for an early disengagement of the frontline troops. They also agreed to the 10th round of the Corps Commander Level Meeting at an early date to jointly advance de-escalation.

Telephone Conversation between Raksha Mantri and US Secretary of Defence

The RM received an introductory telephone call from the newly appointed US Secretary of defence Gen. (Retired) Lloyd Austin on 27 January 2021. Previously, RM had Congratulated Secretary Austin on his appointment. During the telephonic talk, they reaffirmed their commitment to work together to strengthen the multifaceted India - US defence cooperation and the strategic partnership. During the call, Secretary Austin emphasized the Department’s commitment to the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership, observing that it is built upon shared values and a common interest in ensuring the Indo-Pacific region remains free and open.

Telephonic Conversation between National Security Adviser and Mr. Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor of USA.

NSA Doval in the conversation underscored that as leading democracies, with an abiding faith in an open and inclusive world order, India and the U.S. were uniquely positioned to work closely on regional and international issues including combating the scourge of terrorism, maritime security, cyber security and peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

Mr. Sullivan reaffirmed President Biden’s commitment to a strong and enduring U.S.-India strategic partnership based on our shared commitment to democracy. They discussed the importance of continuing close cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, promoting regional security, and renewing efforts to collaborate on global challenges, including COVID-19 and climate change.

Telephone conversation between External Affairs Minister (EAM) and the U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken

External Affairs Minister had a telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken. EAM warmly congratulated Secretary Blinken on his appointment and wished him success in his new responsibilities. EAM and Secretary Blinken expressed their commitment to consolidate and expand the multi-faceted strategic partnership. They appreciated the robust defence and security ties, growing economic engagement, productive health-care collaboration and strong people-to-people linkages as its important pillars.

Recognising the challenges of a post-Covid world, they agreed to work together to address global issues, including safe and affordable vaccine supply. They also reiterated their commitment to peace and security, especially in the Indo-Pacific region.

International Terrorism

Arab Peninsula
AQAP calls on Muslims to target Israeli visitors to Arab nations

In the issue of Al-Wa’y publication, released on 08 January, the al-Qaeda in Arab Peninsula (AQAP) called on Muslims to target and attack Israelis who visit Arab nations—the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. In the Al-Wa’y issue, the terrorist group accused these Arab nations of a “humiliating stance regarding the Palestinian issue, the Jewish occupation and the violation of the criminal Jews against the Muslims Ummah [community/nation], the Palestinians and the sacred land.”
The editorial of the Al-Wa’y concluded by urging Muslims to “revive the Palestinian issue, expose those traitors, expose the enemies’ plans and reject all these agreement, to seize the opportunity presented by the visits of Jews to Muslim countries to cut off their heads, as the jihad waged against Jews today is not limited to those who are in Palestine, since the Jews are walking around in the region, and this is a rare opportunity that was not available in past decades.”
For more information: Click here to read...

Africa
Egypt
US DoS designated Harakat Sawa’d Misr as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation

On 14 January, the United States’ Department of State (DoS) had increased sanctions and designated Egypt-based terrorist group—Harakat Sawa’d Misr (HSM) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO). The designation was imposed under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Previously, in January 2018, HSM was designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) pursuant to Executive Order (EO) 13224.

HSM aka HASM is a terrorist group formed in 2015 and had claimed responsibility for the assassination of the Egyptian National Security Agency (NSA) officer—Ibrahim Azzazy, along with the assassination attempt of Egypt’s former Grand Mufti Ali Gomma. Some of leaders of HSM were previously associated with the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood.
For more information: Click here to read...

Niger
Boko Haram terrorists killed four soldiers in Diffa region

Boko Haram terrorists, on 18 January, detonated an explosive device previously planted in the Diffa region while a military vehicle was passing. At least four soldiers were martyred, and eight others were seriously injured in the attack. Boko Haram launched a bloody insurgency in 2009 in north-eastern Nigeria but later spread its atrocities to neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting a military response.
For more information: Click here to read...

Afghanistan
Taliban terrorists infiltrated a base and killed 12 pro-govt militiamen in Herat province

On 15 January, two Taliban terrorists had infiltrated a pro-government Afghan militiamen base in Ghorian district in the western Herat province, and killed 12 of them. At the time of attack, the militiamen were dining at the base, said Mohammad Sardar Bahaduri, Herat’s provincial council member. Despite the government and Taliban negotiators are engaged in the Peace talk, the country witness attacks led by Taliban.
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Police arrested six Pakistani spies from Kandahar province

On 14 January, the Afghan police officials arrested six Pakistani spies, on suspicion of spying, from Spin Boldak border district of southern Kandahar province. All six spies were arrested while they were crossing Durand Line into Spin Boldak district. Out of six, four are “on-service” Pakistani policemen who crossed the border with assistance of two locals in Chaman, Baluchistan province, said Kandahar police spokesman—Jamal Nasir Barakzai.
In December 2020, the Afghanistan’s National Directorate of Security (NDS) had arrested 10 Chinese spies who were operating in the country for at least six months. Allegedly, these Chinese spies made contacts with the Haqqani network (HQN) and Taliban.
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HQN discussed the formation of new terror unit jointly with al-Qaeda, claimed US TreasuryDepartment

In an assessment presented to the Pentagon on 04 January, the United States’ (US) Department of the Treasury (DoT) claimed that the Pakistan-based Haqqani Network (HQN) has discussed the formation of a new terrorist group jointly with al-Qaeda. Senior HQN terrorists have discussed the formation of new armed unit in cooperation with and funded by al-Qaeda. In past, the HQN has targeted Indian interests in Afghanistan. Some reports have suggested the attack on the Sikhs in March 2020 was carried out after the terrorists were unable to target the Indian embassy in Kabul.
For more information: Click here to read...

Unidentified gunmen killed two women Judges in Kabul

Unidentified gunmen, on 17 January, attacked and killed two women Judges (identity undisclosed) of the Afghanistan’s High Court in Kabul, while they were travelling in a car. The driver got injured in the attack. No terrorist group claimed the responsibility of the attack. Taliban’s spokesman—Zabihullah Mujahid has said that the group was not responsible for the attack on women Judges.
For more information: Click here to read...

Pakistan
CTD arrested an Islamic State ‘fundraiser’ from Sindh province

On 17 January, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested a university student—Umar Bin Khalid, for allegedly collecting and transacting funds to Islamic State (IS) terrorists in Syria. Umar, a final-year student at the NED University of Engineering and Technology, was arrested from Karachi while he was boarding a train. The digital forensic examination of Umar’s two cellular phones established his links with a group which raises funds in Pakistan and transact those funds to IS in Syria, said a CTD official (on basis of anonymity).
For more information: Click here to read...

Bangladesh
CT unit arrested former university teacher for conspiracy to establish neo-JMB network

Bangladesh’s Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, on 23 January, arrested Minhaj Hossain (38 years-old), a former private university teacher in Bangladesh, for his association with Syria-based terrorist group—Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and conspiring to establish a neo-JMB (Jamaatul-Mujahideen Bangladesh) network. Minhaj was arrested from Darussalam area in Dhaka. According to a CTTC official (on the basis of anonymity), in September 2020, Minhaj reached Syria via Turkey. He failed to establish contacts with leaders of HTS and returned to Bangladesh after staying in Syria and Turkey for three months.
For more information: Click here to read...

Domestic

Terrorism

Jammu and Kashmir
An underground tunnel was discovered at International Border in Kathua

On 23 January, the Border Security Force (BSF) officials discovered an underground tunnel at the International Border (IB) in Kathua district. Similar underground tunnel was discovered on 13 January. The discovered tunnel is approx. 150-meter-long originating from Pakistan with the depth of about 30 feet and three feet diameter, said a BSF official (on the basis of anonymity). The security forces had foiled an infiltration attempt in the same area in November 2019. For more information: Click here to read...

Security forces arrested JeM terrorist and OGW from Anantnag

On 19 January, security forces arrested a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist—Ayaaz Ahmad Bhat, and an Over-Ground Worker (OGW)—Rayees Ahmad Mir, from Anantnag district in the Jammu and Kashmir. Upon arrest, a Chinese pistol, one magazine, and seven live rounds of ammunition were recovered from Ayaaz’s possession.
For more information: Click here to read...

Left-Wing

Extremism Maoists killed two villagers in MMC Zone

On the intervening night of 25-26 January, Maoists killed two villagers—Ramsay Gadve (30 years-old) and Inder Sai Mandavi (75 years-old) on the suspicion of being a police informer, in Rajnandgaon district which comes under newly formed Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh (MMC) zone. There are about 200 armed cadres of CPI (Maoist) working in this zone since the last three years. Due to rise in anti-Naxal operations in Bastar, the Maoists are moving towards the MMC Zone.
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NIA arrested a Maoist in Kerala

On 22 January, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested a Maoist—Vijith Vijayan, from Kozhikode in Kerala. Vijayan was produced before the Special NIA Court, Ernakulum and sent to judicial custody for further probing in the case.
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Khalistan-inspired Extremism
Khalistan sympathisers have infiltrated the farmers’ protest, claimed the Attorney General Venugopal

In reply to a bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde, the Attorney-General (AG) K K Venugopal has informed the bench of Supreme Court that the Khalistan sympathisers have infiltrated the farmer’s protest against three agriculture laws. The apex court has asked the AG to file an affidavit for the same. Reportedly, the United States (US) based Khalistan sympathiser group—Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) had announced a reward of amount ₹ 1 crore to those who would wave a Khalistan flag in the Republic Day parade.
For more information: Click here to read...

Islamic Extremism
NIA filed charge-sheet against 10 terrorists of ‘Shahaadat is our Goal’ group in Tamil Nadu

On 23 January, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge-sheet against 10 terrorists of a jihadi group—'Shahaadat is our Goal’, before the court in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The charge-sheeted terrorists are identified as Sheik Dawood, Mohamed Rifas, MuparishAhamed, Abubakar Siddiq, Hameed Asfar, Ahamed Imithiyas, Mohamed Rashid, Liyakath Ali, Sajith Ahamed, and Rizwan Mohammed. These terrorists have been charged under Sections 120-B, 153-A, 121-A and 122 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Sections 13 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], and Section 25 (1)(a) of Arms Act.
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NIA probing several cases against the Popular Front of India

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is probing several cases against the Popular Front of India (PFI). The agency has charge-sheeted more than 100 PFI activists on various offences, including terrorism, linkages with the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organisation, and Narath arms training case. Apart from the NIA, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also probing PFI in multiple cases including its role in anti-CAA protests, 2020 Delhi riots, and a foreign funding case in 2018. Recently, the ED conducted nationwide raids on premises linked to the PFI in connection with multiple cases of money laundering. The searches covered 26 locations across nine states, including premises associated with PFI Chairman O M Abdul Salam and its national secretary Nasarudheen Elamaram.
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Cyber, Information Warfare & Artificial Intelligence (Security Perspective)
‘Lebanese Cedar’—Hezbollah-linked cyber unit hacked into telecoms and ISPs in multiple countries

In a report published on 28 January, the Israeli cyber security firm—Clearsky has claimed that Hezbollah’s cyber unit—‘Lebanese Cedar’ hacked into telecoms and ISPs (Internet Service Providers) in the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Jordon, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Around 250 web servers were hacked in a year-long hacking campaign which started in early 2020. These cyber-attacks were aimed to gather intelligence and steal the company’s databases, containing sensitive data.
Lebanese Cedar operators used open-source hacking tools to scan the Internet for unpatched Atlassian and Oracle servers, after which they deployed exploits to gain access to the server and install a web shell for future access, said Clearsky researchers.
For more information: Click here to read...

Islamic State terrorists using “advanced and secure” messaging platform Threema

During a probe of an Islamic State (IS) case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has discovered that the alleged IS operative—Abdur Rahman aka ‘Dr Brave’ was in constant contact with IS terrorists worldwide via secure messaging application—Threema. A doctor by profession based in Bengaluru, Abdur Rahman is a Syria-returnee had been involved in the development of laser-guided missile system on behest of IS. Rahman returned from Syria in December 2013. Like many other secure applications, in Threema, a user does not require to enter an email address or phone number to create an account. Therefore, it allows user to use the service with a very high level of anonymity.
For more information: Click here to read...

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