VIF News Digest : National Security- Defence Studies & Terrorism (16-31 March 2024)

INS Kolkata, mission-deployed in the Arabian Sea, thwarted the designs of the Somali pirates to hijack ships transiting through the region by intercepting the pirate ship MV Ruen, on March 16, 2024. The merchant vessel had been hijacked and was under the control of the Somalian Pirates.

Based on the analysis of the surveillance information the Indian Navy (IN) was able to track the movement of the pirate ship Ruen and directed INS Kolkata to intercept the ship. Post interception, Kolkata confirmed the presence of armed pirates through a ship-launched drone. The pirates shot down the drone and fired at the warship, but subsequently INS Kolkata disabled the ship's steering system and navigational aids, forcing the pirate ship to stop. Kolkata undertook precisely measured actions while maintaining her position close to the pirate ship and also engaged in forceful negotiations, which resulted in all the pirates surrendering and releasing the MV Ruen and its original crew safe and present onboard.

The culmination of the ongoing Anti-Piracy operation involving pirate ship Ruen in the Southern IOR highlights the commitment of the Indian Navy towards reinforcing peace and stability, and performing its role as the 'First Responder' in IOR. Click here to read…

Maiden test-firing of India’s first indigenously-made 1500 HP engine for Main Battle Tanks

Defense Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane oversaw the inaugural test-firing of India's inaugural 1500 Horsepower (HP) engine for Main Battle Tanks at BEML’s Engine division in Mysuru complex on March 20, 2024. This marks a significant milestone in India's defense capabilities, showcasing technological prowess and commitment to self-reliance. The engine, boasting cutting-edge features like a high power-to-weight ratio and operability in extreme conditions, aligns with global standards.

Inaugurating the Test Cell, the Defense Secretary hailed the achievement as transformative. BEML CMD Shri Shantanu Roy emphasized BEML's role in defense production, serving national needs. This event marks the completion of Generation One, with Generation Two focusing on further trials and integration by mid-2025. Click here to read…

Indian Navy's Ongoing Maritime Security Operations (‘Op Sankalp’)

Mar 23, 2024, marks the completion of 100 days of the ongoing maritime security operations by the Indian Navy (IN) under the aegis of ‘Op Sankalp’, in the Israel – Hamas conflict. In this duration, the IN has responded to 18 incidents and has played a pivotal role as the ‘First Responder’ and ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Based on the threat assessment, the N is conducting maritime security operations in three areas of operations viz Gulf of Aden and adjoining areas, Arabian Sea and off the East Coast of Somalia. The arduous efforts of IN since Dec 23 involved deployment of over 5000 personnel at sea, over 450 ship days (with over 21 ships deployed) and 900 hours of flying by the maritime surveillance aircraft to address threats in the maritime domain.

With over 110 lives saved (including 45 Indian seafarers), 15 lakh tons of critical commodities escorted (such as fertilisers, crude oil and finished products), nearly 1000 boarding operations undertaken, more than 3000 kgs of narcotics seized and over 450 MVs assured of IN’s presence, the ongoing maritime security operations have truly reflected Indian Navy's capability in playing a vital role as a strong and a responsible Navy in the IOR.

The calibrated response, ingenuity and unflinching resolve displayed by the Indian Navy during the progress of ‘Op Sankalp’ has garnered international acclaim. Click here to read…

ICG Ship arrives at Manila Bay, Philippines as part of OSD to ASEAN countries

The Indian Coast Guard's specialized Pollution Control Vessel, Samudra Paheredar, made a three-day stop at Manila Bay, Philippines on March 25, 2024. This visit aims to showcase India's marine pollution response capabilities and mutual concern for marine pollution in the ASEAN region. It also aims to strengthen cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The vessel is on a tour of ASEAN countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei, until April 12, 2024. Equipped with pollution control gear and a Chetak Helicopter, it will conduct training and practical demonstrations during port visits. Additionally, it hosts National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets for international outreach activities like beach cleanups, fostering bilateral relationships with maritime agencies such as the Philippine Coast Guard, Vietnam Coast Guard, and Brunei Maritime agencies through exchanges, exercises, and engagements. Click here to read…

BRO connects strategic Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road in Ladakh

Border Roads Organisation (BRO) connected the strategic Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road in Ladakh on March 25, 2024. This 298-km road will connect Manali to Leh through Darcha and Nimmu on Kargil – Leh Highway. The road is now the third axis apart from Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh which connects Ladakh to the hinterland.

The Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road derives its strategic importance from the fact that it is not only shorter vis-a-vis the other two axes, but crosses only one pass; Shinkun La (16,558 feet). This will result in the road having all weather connectivity to the Ladakh region, strengthening the defence preparedness whilst also boosting economic development in the Zanskar valley. Click here to read…

India - Mozambique - Tanzania Trilateral Exercise IMT TRILAT- 2024

The second edition of the India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise concluded in Nacala, Mozambique on March 28, 2024. INS Tir and INS Sujata took part in IMT TRILAT 24 from March 21 to 28, engaging in joint exercises, training sessions, and collaborative activities, facilitating knowledge exchange and capability enhancement to bolster regional maritime security.

IMT TRILAT 24 was conducted in two phases. The initial harbour phase from March 21 to 24 involved intensive training sessions aboard INS Tir in Zanzibar and INS Sujata in Maputo, covering areas such as VBSS, Damage Control, and Firefighting Drills, along with communication protocols and medical demonstrations. The sea phase began on March 24, with INS Tir and INS Sujata hosting sea riders from the Tanzanian and Mozambican Navies, respectively. Joint operations with Mozambique Naval ship Namatili and Tanzanian naval ship Fatundu demonstrated significant synergy, reflecting efforts aligned with the vision of SAGAR (Security & Growth for All in the Region). Sea exercises included simulated VBSS exercises and night maneuvers, with sea riders trained in bridge watchkeeping, damage control, and firefighting. Joint surveillance of EEZs off Tanzania and Mozambique was also conducted.

Besides IMT TRILAT, various official and training exchanges, cross-deck visits, sports events, and Yoga sessions were organized as part of the ships' extended training deployment. The ships welcomed over 1500 visitors, including school children, the Indian diaspora, and locals, at Zanzibar, Maputo, and Nacala, while outreach activities at the Mizzizini Orphanage Center in Zanzibar and Obra Dom Orio Reception Centre in Maputo strengthened bonds of friendship. Click here to read…

METOC Seminar 'Meghayan 2024' - An Insight into the Frontline of Climate Change

World Meteorological Day is observed annually on March 23, marking the inception of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1950, recognizing the pivotal role of meteorologists. In line with this, a METOC seminar named 'Meghayan-24' was organized by the School of Naval Oceanology & Meteorology (SNOM) and the Indian Naval Meteorological Analysis Centre (INMAC) on March 28, 2024, at the Southern Naval Command. The theme, 'At the Frontline of Climate Action,' endorsed by WMO for 2024, was the focus. Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, emphasized the imperative for accurate climate-related initiatives and reiterated the Indian Navy's dedication to sustainable practices. The seminar featured presentations by experts discussing weather and climate change effects on naval operations and the launch of INDRA, an indigenous mobile weather information application. The event facilitated knowledge exchange and strategic planning to address climate challenges. Click here to read…

EX TIGER TRIUMPH 2024

The Bilateral Tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Amphibious Exercise Tiger Triumph 2024, between India and the US, was held from March 18 to 30, 2024. This exercise underscores the strong strategic partnership between the two nations and aimed to exchange best practices and Standard Operating Procedures for multinational HADR operations.

The Harbour Phase, conducted in Visakhapatnam included pre-sail discussions, Subject Matter Expert Exchange, sports engagements, ship boarding drills, and cross-deck visits. Personnel from both navies celebrated Holi together on March 25 as part of the cultural exchange program, highlighting India's vibrant culture. The Sea Phase, from March 26 to 30, involved maritime exercises followed by troop landings in Kakinada to establish a joint Command and Control Centre and a Joint Relief and Medical Camp for HADR operations. Cross-deck helicopter operations were conducted between Indian Navy and US Navy ships off Kakinada and Visakhapatnam.

Participating units from the Indian Navy included a Landing Platform Dock, Landing Ship Tanks, guided missile frigates, and long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft. The Indian Army contributed one Infantry Battalion Group and mechanized forces, while the Indian Air Force deployed medium lift aircraft, transport helicopters, and the Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT).

The US Task Force consisted of a US Navy Landing Platform Dock, a destroyer, maritime reconnaissance, medium lift aircraft, and US Marines. Special Operations Forces from all three services participated in joint operations with their US counterparts in Visakhapatnam and Kakinada during both harbor and sea phases. Click here to read…

International Terrorism

Africa

Somalia

Al-Shabaab terrorists attacked military base near Mogadishu.

On 23 March, al-Shabaab terrorists attacked a military base near Mogadishu and killed at least 17 people. According to news reports, Somali security forces have set up temporary bases in Busley, around 40 kilometres from Mogadishu. Al-Shabaab terrorists attacked the bases using suicide car bombs after fierce gunfight with security forces. Al-Shabaab briefly captured the base; later reinforcement battled and drove out terrorists. Click here to read…

Kenya

Four people killed in an explosion near police station in town of Mandera.

On 25 March, at least four people were killed in an explosion at a small hotel near police station in the town of Mandera in north-eastern Kenya. “We had a total of 15 people injured and in the process of taking some to hospital, including police officers, we lost two at that particular moment, one officer and one civilian. As they were being attended to, we lost two more police officers. Two of those wounded were in critical condition and would be flown to the capital, and other were admitted at a hospital in Mandera,” said town’s Police Chief Samwel Mutunga. According to preliminary reports, the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) that had been planted at the hotel and was detonated as a crowd of people sat down to eat breakfast. Click here to read…

Sudan

Unidentified gunmen attacked and killed at least 15 people in Sudan’s Pibor region.

On 19 March, unidentified gunmen killed at least 15 people in South Sudan’s Pibor region, including a Commissioner, in an incident marking an escalation of violence in the country. “The Commissioner and his team visited Nyat village, and upon their return, they were ambushed, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals, including the Commissioner,” said Abraham Kelang, the Information Minister of Greater Pibor Administrative area. Click here to read…

West Asia

Hizbu’llah fired dozens of rockets at Northern Israel as IDF strike in Lebanon.

In the pre-dawn hours of 24 March, the Hizbu’llah terror group fired at least 50 rockets at Northern Israel, with the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claimed that it shot down several of the projectiles as others hit open areas. Israel has been launching airstrikes deeper into Lebanese territory against Hizbu’llah positions for several weeks as the terror group steps up its attacks, heightening the threat of open warfare and an expansion of the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip to Israel’s south. Click here to read…

Pakistan

At least six people were killed in an attack on Chinese convoy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

On 26 March, a suicide bomber rammed a vehicle into a convoy carrying Chinese engineers working on a dam project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. At least six people were killed in the attack. This is the third major attack on Chinese nationals in Pakistan. “The engineers were en route from Islamabad to their camp at the dam construction site in Dasu in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Five Chinese nationals and their Pakistani driver were killed in the attack,” said Regional Police Chief Mohammad Ali Gandapur. Dasu is the site of a major dam and the area has been attacked in the past. In 2021, an explosion on a bus killed 13 people, including nine Chinese nationals. Click here to read…

Security forces killed eight Baloch separatists in a gun battle at Gwadar port.

In an incident on 20 March, eight Baloch separatists were killed in a gun battle with Pakistan’s security forces at the Gwadar port. The Majeed Brigade of Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed the responsibility for the attack. Click here to read…

Domestic Terrorism

Jammu and Kashmir

NIA charge-sheeted two operatives in ‘2023 Kokernag gunfight’ case.

On 16 March, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) charge-sheeted two operatives— i) Mohammad Akbar Dar, and ii) Ghulam Nabi Dar, in Kokernag gunfight case. The case pertains to a week-long gunfight between security forces and terrorists at Guri Nad Forest, Halpora Kokernag, in which a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)/The Resistance Front (TRF) — Uzair Khan was eliminated. Investigations revealed that Akbar Dar and Ghulam Nabi Dar were working as Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) for terrorist Uzair Khan. The duo was helping terrorists active in the area to commit terror activities in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). They were providing information about the movement of the security forces, along with logistic support in the form of food, daily need items. Click here to read…

Left-Wing Extremism

NIA filed chargesheet against 08th Maoist in ‘Visakhapatnam CPI (Maoist) support conspiracy’ case.

On 29 March, the NIA charge-sheeted Ramakkagiri Chandra, an 08th Maoist in a conspiracy case relating to radicalisation of youth towards the Maoist ideology and support to the CPI (Maoist) organisation. Chandra was a State Committee member of Pragathisheela Karmika Samakhya (PKS). According to the investigations, Chandra had conspired with underground CPI leaders to further activities of the banned organisation. He had also constructed a ‘bust’ for the slain Maoist— S A Rauf in Kutigalla village of Sri Sathya Sai district, Andhra Pradesh. Chandra has been charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, previously known as the Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], 1967, and Arms Act, in its first chargesheet filed before the NIA Special Court, Visakhapatnam. Click here to read…

Security forces eliminated six Maoists in a gun-battle in Chhattisgarh.

On 28 March, security forces killed six Maoists in an exchange of fire in Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh. The gunfight was the most significant exchange of fire between the security forces and Maoists since July 2019 when seven Maoists were killed in Nagarnar and comes just weeks before general elections in the State. Click here to read…

Radical Sikh Elements

NIA Court sentenced four terrorists for life in ‘BKI Terror Conspiracy’ case.

The NIA Special Court, Mohali, on 28 March, convicted and sentenced four terrorists, including chief conspirator— Kulwinderjeet Singh aka Khanpuria, to life in a terror conspiracy case pertains to the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror group. Kulwinderjeet was involved in several terrorist cases, including a bomb blast at Connaught Place and a grenade attack at Red Fort, Delhi, in 1990s. He had been absconding since 2019 and was arrested by the NIA from IGI Airport, Delhi in November 2022. The NIA had charge-sheeted all four earlier under Sections 120B, 121, 121A, 122 & 123 of the BNS, 2023, and Sections 3 & 25 of Arms Act, and Sections 17, 18, 18 B, 20, 38 & 39 of UA(P) Act. Click here to read…

NIA attached immovable properties of two KLF operatives in ‘Punjab KLF Narco-Terror’ case.

On 19 March, the NIA attached immovable properties of two Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) operatives— i) Gurwinder Singh aka Baba (Gurdaspur district), and ii) Harbhinder Singh aka Pinder (Tarn-Taran district). The attachment action has been taken under Section 33(i) of the UA(P)Act. Click here to read…

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

NIA arrested a suspect in ‘Rameshwaram Café blast conspiracy’.

The NIA, on 27 March, arrested Muzammil Shareef, a key conspirator in ‘Rameshwaram Café blast’, after NIA team raided 18 locations, including 12 in Karnataka, 5 in Tamil Nadu, and one in Uttar Pradesh (UP). The agency had identified the main perpetrator— Mussavir Shazeeb Hussain, who carried out the blast. Another conspirator, Abdul Matheen Taha, and Mussavir Hussain, are on the run. Raids were conducted at the premises and shops of all three suspects. Various digital devices and cash were seized during the searches. Click here to read…

NIA filed chargesheet against three IS operatives in ‘Delhi-Padgha IS terror module’ case.

On 21 March, the NIA filed chargesheet against three Islamic State (IS) operatives— i) Mohammad Rizwan Ashraf (Prayagraj/Uttar Pradesh), ii) Mohammad Arshad Warsi (Dehradun/Uttarakhand), and iii) Mohammad Shahnawaz Alam (Hazaribagh/Jharkhand), in ‘Delhi-Padgha IS terror module’ case. The case pertains to a terror conspiracy, involving radicalisation, recruitment, fabrication of explosives, and fund-raising for IS terror organisation through its Borivali-Padgha module. Click here to read…

NIA arrested 11 more conspirators in West Bengal ‘Ram Navami Violence’ case.

In the conspiracy pertains to the communal violence during ‘Ram Navami’ celebrations in West Bengal on 30 March, the NIA arrested 11 more conspirators— i) Shamim Ahmed, ii) Balwant Singh, iii) Mehmud Alam, iv) Mehfooz Alam, v) Shamshad Alam, vi) Mohammad Ali, vii) Salim Jawed, viii) Sarfaraz Alam, ix) Firoj Khan, x) Mohammed Sameer Ansari aka Raj , and xi) Shamshad Hussain aka Raja. All of them are residents of Shibpur, Howrah in West Bengal. The arrest have come less than a month after 16 suspects were arrested by the NIA in six cases. Click here to read…

NIA arrested key absconding PFI member for RSS leader’s murder.

On 18 March, the NIA tracked and arrested absconding PFI (Popular Front of India) — Shafeekh, for 2022 killing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Srinivasan in Kerala. Shafeekh, was part of the PFI’s machinery & Hit Squads that had carried out the killing of Srinivasan. As per NIA investigations, he had sheltered Ashraf K P, who, under directions from the PFI leadership, had conspired with other leaders and cadres of the organisation to execute the conspiracy. Ashraf had also conducted recce of various potential targets. Click here to read…

Organised Crime

NIA arrested two key operatives in ‘Attari Drug Seize’ case.

On 21 March, the NIA arrested two key operatives— i) Deepak Khurana, and ii) Avtar Singh of Jamia Nagar, Delhi, in the ‘Attari Drug Seize’ case. The case pertains to the recovery of a total of over 102 kilograms heroin smuggled into the country concealed in a consignment of liquorice roots (Mulethi) in April 2022. With this, a total of five operatives have so far been arrested in this case. Click here to read…