DEFENCE:

• Joint Military Exercise Sampriti-IX concludes.
• Visit of Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff to Myanmar.
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reviews performance of four shipbuilding DPSUs
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh welcomes Supreme Court’s judgement on Permanent Commission for women in Army.
• Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses Renamed as Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses.
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh lays foundation stone of Thal Sena Bhawan at Delhi Cantt.
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh presents trophies of best marching contingents for Republic Day Parade 2020: Air Force adjudged best among Tri-Services.
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reviews performance of OFB and four DPSUs; Urges them to explore more avenues for indigenisation and exports.
• Closing Ceremony Exercise Ajeya Warrior-2020.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Royal Air Force (RAF) jointly commenced the fifth edition of Ex Indradhanush.
• Goodwill IAF Flight with Emergency Medical Assistance from India to Peoples Republic of China (PRC).
• First Anniversary of Balakot Air Strikes.
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurates new Light Combat Helicopter Production Hangar at HAL Complex in Bengaluru.
• Balakot airstrikes was a message that cross-border terrorism will not be a low-cost option for the adversary, says Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh.

International Terrorism:

Africa

• Somalia- al-Shabaab terrorists attacked military bases in Lower Shabelle region.

Afghanistan

• US airstrikes killed four IS terrorists in eastern region.

Pakistan

• Former Pak army General died in 2018; had close ties with al-Qa’ida, claims al-Qa’ida;
• JeM’s Masood Azhar and his family ‘missing’: Pakistan to FATF.

Domestic Terrorism:

Jammu and Kashmir

• NIA filed charge sheet against two PoK residents over links with LeT;
• NIA arrested ‘president’ of cross-LoC traders’ association from Delhi;
• Three AGuH terrorists killed in a CT operation in Pulwama;
• Security forces killed two LeT terrorists in Anantnag;
• NIA carried out raids at multiple locations in Kashmir;
• J&K police arrested a HM terrorist from Baramulla;
• J&K police arrested four terrorists of HM and JeM in South Kashmir.

Left-Wing Extremism

• Maoist leader surrendered in Odisha.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

• Canada-based drug smugglers were suspected to have links with Khalistan movement.

Islamist-inspired Extremism (including Islamic State)

• NIA filed supplementary charge sheet against four JeM terrorists;
• ATS will investigate Pakistan-made bullets recovered in Kerala;
• NIA raided multiple locations in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka over IS-related cases.

Cyber & Artificial Intelligence (Security Perspective)

• Bengaluru police to introduced AI-powered Mannequins to tackle crimes;
• Hezbollah could use ‘Likud app’ to harm Israeli security, claimed former Mossad chief.

DEFENCE

Joint Military Exercise Sampriti-IX concludes

The 9th edition of the joint Exercise SAMPRITI reached its culmination day on 16 February 2020 at Umroi, Meghalaya conducted between the armies of India and Bangladesh. The exercise was aimed at strengthening the military relations between the two countries, which allowed the two armies to understand each other's tactical drills and operating techniques. The exercise provided an ideal platform for the personnel of the two countries to share their experiences on counter insurgency, counter terrorism operations and providing aid to civil authorities for disaster management especially in jungle and semi-urban terrain. Click here to read....

Visit of Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff to Myanmar

Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy made a visit to Myanmar from 17 to 20 February 2020. The visit consolidated and enhanced the bilateral maritime relations between India and Myanmar. During his visit, the CNS held bilateral discussions with Admiral Tin Aung San, C-in-C Myanmar Navy and also H.E. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, C-in-C Defence Services, and other senior Government officials. CNS interacted with the trainees of National Defence College in Nay Pyi Taw, and also paid a visit to the Naval Dockyard and Training Command of the Myanmar Navy in Yangon. Click here to read....

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reviews performance of four shipbuilding DPSUs

The RM reviewed the performance of four Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) engaged in shipbuilding - Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE), Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL). He appreciated the improvements brought about by these DPSUs in their performance over the years and urged them to further strive to become world class and compete at international level. Appreciating the indigenization levels achieved by these DPSUs, Raksha Mantri urged them to explore further avenues in the push for ‘Make in India’. He also called for full capacity utilisation and exploring new modes of business models to increase exports.

The GRSE has a significant presence in the segment of Bailey Bridges, with Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Indian Army and civil sectors being the prime customers. GRSE is exporting such bridges to friendly neighbouring countries like Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar and Bangladesh. GRSE has the distinction of delivering more than 100 warships to the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. The last ship of P-28 project namely Kavaratti is scheduled for delivery to the Indian Navy shortly. With excellent track record in ship deliveries, GRSE delivered 11 warships within the last 32 months.

The GSL has made significant inroads into global market with export of diverse vessels to Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Countries. Till date, the shipyard has exported 36 vessels and a Damage Control Simulator to friendly foreign countries. These projects were delivered ahead of schedule. The Company’s superior quality ships received accolades at the highest levels. Its dominance in exports is evident from 15 overseas deliveries made in the last four years including two large Offshore Petrol Vessels to Sri Lanka, Mauritius and Myanmar. The GSL has also got into understandings with various organisations as part of expanding its operations and scope. MoUs have been signed with NBCC in the field of Project Management Consultancy, with L&T to jointly produce Defence Equipment for both domestic as well as export market, with BEL in the field of Composites and exports of Defence Products.

Incorporated in 1934, the MDL has built 796 vessels, including 25 warships and four submarines. It is the only shipyard capable of building destroyers and conventional submarines. INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, INS Chennai, INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi and others have been delivered by MDL in the last five years. In order to give an impetus to the ‘Make in India’ campaign, a dedicated department of indigenisation was set up in November 2015 along with a road map for indigenisation till 2030. The MDL has successfully indigenised certain equipment such as sonar dome, ship installed chemical agent detection system, bridge window glass, main batteries for Scorpene submarines, multiple cable transit glands and remote-controlled valves with various companies on a no cost no commitment basis.

With best productivity measures and improved morale, the HSL has undergone a major turnaround by achieving operating and net profit for the last four consecutive years (FY 2015-16 to 2018-19) after a gap of 65 years without any financial assistance/grant from the Government. The Revenue from Operations (VoP) of HSL has increased year-on-year during the last four years. HSL has achieved a VoP of Rs 595 crore, Operating profit of Rs 68.08 crore and profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 36.23 crore during FY 2018 -19. The PAT has increased by 73% during FY 2018-19 when compared with previous year. HSL has turned around in securing orders in the competitive bidding process. HSL has emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) in the competitive tendering process for 3 tenders during the FY 2018-19. All these contracts have been secured amidst stiff competition from public sector shipyards and private shipyards. HSL has signed two major shipbuilding contracts with Indian Navy i.e. two Nos Diving Support Vessel and four Nos 50 Ton BP Tugs worth Rs 2,392.94 crore and Rs 260.72 crore respectively.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh welcomes Supreme Court’s judgement on Permanent Commission for women in Army

The RM welcomed the Supreme Court’s judgement on Permanent Commission for women in Army. “I wholeheartedly welcome Hon’ble Supreme Court’s judgement on giving the Women officers permanent commission in the Armed Forces. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has supported the idea of permanent commission for women and announced the change in policy in his Independence Day speech in 2018,”As of January 2019, 3.89 percent of the army personnel comprised women, while 6.7 percent of the navy and 13.28 percent of the air force personnel respectively were women as of June 2019. Click here to read....

Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses Renamed as Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses

The decision has been taken to honour the commitment and legacy of late Manohar Parrikar. The aim is to align the vision and aspiration of the premier defence Institute with the contribution of the former Raksha Mantri and Padma Bhushan awardee. An epitome of integrity and dedication in public life, throughout his career, late Manohar Parrikar showed a tremendous fighting spirit, taking on the odds with fearlessness. He was RM from November 9, 2014 –March 14, 2017 and steered the Ministry through the tough challenges of attackslike Pathankot and Uri and responded to these with exemplary boldness. Click here to read....

Raksha Mantri lays foundation stone of Thal Sena Bhawan at Delhi Cantt

The foundation stone was for the Bhawan was laid on 21st February, it is planned that all the departments of the Army as well as the Department of Military Affairs will come under one roof. The new building, proposed in an area of 39 acres, has been conceptualised as a multi-storey green building, adopting Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) norms. Approx. 7.5 lakh square meters of area will be constructed to house the office complex and parking. The building, expected to be constructed in five years, will house offices, residential complex for security personnel with basic amenities. More than 1,700 officers both military & civilian and 1,300 sub staff will be accommodated in the new building.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reviews performance of OFB and four DPSUs; Urges them to explore more avenues for indigenisation and exports

The RM reviewed the performance of Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) and Defence Public Sector Undertakings – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).While expressing satisfaction at the overall achievements of OFB and these DPSUs, the RM urged them to strive further to increase their competitiveness in the global market. Lauding the indigenisation efforts, he called upon the officials to identify more ‘Make in India’ avenues and help in making India self-reliant in defence production. Raksha Mantri also urged the officials to explore new modes of business models, focussing on increased defence exports. He expressed hope that the DPSUs will play a pivotal role in making India a global manufacturing hub as well as net exporter.

Ordinance Factory Board (OFB) head quartered in Kolkata, produces state-of-the-art Battle Field Equipment, ammunitions and other military hardware for the Armed Forces and strives to modernise the production facilities besides training the personnel. With focus on indigenisation, the OFB has filed 246 Intellectual Property Rights applications. Forty-two R&D Centres with specific technological domains have been set up with project-based collaborations with IITs/IISc/NITs. Development of futuristic technologies with Indian private industries through iDex platform is one of the focus areas of OFB.

The HAL has consistently performed well in the last five years on several fronts including operations and finance. The company has achieved operational clearance on seven platforms Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), Advanced Light Helicopter -Weapon System Integrated named as Rudra, 19-seater Do-228 civil Aircraft, Jaguar Darin III and the Mirage Upgrade. In last five years, two new platforms commenced on overhauling of Hawk and Su 30 MKI. Till January 2020, the company overhauled 21 Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers and 45 Su-30 MKIs. HAL achieved successful integration of BrahMos and Astra missiles on SU-30MKI aircraft enabling the successful test firing.

The BEL has successfully implemented projects of strategic importance such as Weapon Locating Radar for the Indian Army, Akash Missile System, Coastal Surveillance System for the Coast Guard, etc. The company has in the recent past successfully indigenised several products and systems including Akash Missile System (6 Squadrons), Low Level Light Weight Radar (Aslesha), Weapon Locating Radar, Ground Based Mobile Elint System, Central Acquisition Radar (Revathi), Coastal Surveillance System, etc. The company recorded an Export Turnover of USD 21.6 million in 2018-19. The major countries to which BEL exported its products were Switzerland, USA, France, Germany, Israel, Sweden, Finland, Seychelles, Mauritius, Vietnam and SEZs.

The BDL has grown into a multi-product, multi-customer, multi-located enterprise producing defence equipment meeting international quality standards. The BDL is the lead Integrator of the Akash Weapon System (AWS). It may be noted that Akash has 96 per cent of material sourced from within the country making the project an outstanding example of ‘Make in India’ initiative. It is also the Production Agency for the Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM). The BDL signed contract worth Rs 1,188 crore for supply of Varunastra or the Heavy Weight Torpedo to the Indian Navy. Varunastra has been designed and developed by DRDO and manufactured by BDL. Amogha – III, a third Generation Anti-Tank Guided Missile designed and developed by the in-house R&D of BDL with the support of DRDO was launched during Defexpo – 2020.

The BEML through ‘Make in India’ initiative for the first time has designed & developed biggest eco-friendly Electrical Excavator of 180 tonne capacity, Biggest Electric drive dump trucks of 150 tonne & 190 tonne capacity, which serve as import substitution and help promote the cause of green mining and would save foreign exchange. The 180 tonne Electrical Excavator received RakshaMantri Excellence Award under Design Effort category. The products designed and developed by BEML include Arjun Armoured Repair & Recovery vehicle (ARRV), biggest ever 850 HP Bulldozer, Stainless Steel Electric Multiple Unit, Metro Cars for Bangalore & Kolkata Metro Corporation, Self-Propelled eight-wheeler Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DETC) and unattended Train Operation (UTO) Metro cars for Mumbai Metro.

The BEML gave major thrust to self-reliance and achieved indigenisation levels of over 90 per cent in the mainline mining and construction products, Rail Coaches & EMUs, over 80 per cent in High Mobility Vehicles (HMV) and over 65 per cent in Metro cars. BEML is also working towards ‘ZERO IMPORT’ policy of Government to reach higher levels of indigenisation.

Closing Ceremony Exercise Ajeya Warrior-2020

A joint military training exercise between India & United Kingdom (UK) culminated at West down Camp, Salisbury Plains Training Area, UK.The fifth edition of the exercise included joint training in urban and semi urban areas. As part of the exercise, important lectures, demonstrations and drills related to counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations were rehearsed and executed jointly. Click here to read....

The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Royal Air Force (RAF) jointly commenced the fifth edition of Ex Indradhanush

The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Royal Air Force (RAF) jointly commenced the fifth edition of Ex Indradhanush at Air Force Station Hindan on 24 Feb 2020. The focus of this edition of the exercise is 'Base Defence and Force Protection'. This theme is of significance considering the recent threats to military establishments from terror elements. Ex Indradhanush provides a platform for the IAF and RAF to share and jointly validate strategies and tactics to counter terror threats to their installations.

The RAF team comprises of 36 specialised combatants of the RAF Regiment while the IAF will comprise of 42 combatants of the GARUD Force. Both teams will execute missions based on jointly worked out plans and scenarios. Both sides would also exercise specialised weapons, equipment and vehicles and validate joint employability. Special missions would encompass Airfield Seizure, Base Defence and anti-terror operations in Urban built up zones. These exercises would include para drops from C-130J aircraft, tactical insertions by Mi-17 V5 helicopters and use of various airborne sensors.The exercise concluded on 29 Feb 2020.

Goodwill IAF Flight with Emergency Medical Assistance from India to Peoples Republic of China (PRC)

A special flight of Indian Air Force (IAF) comprising of crew, medical team and support staff departed on 26th February from Air Force Station, Palam, New Delhi to Wuhan, China. The C-17 Globemaster III airlifted approximately15 tonnes of medical supplies as a goodwill gesture from the Government of India. On its return, the same aircraft will retrieved approximately 120 personnel + 05 children in arms from Wuhan. The passengers for the return leg mainly comprised of Indian citizens and citizens from friendly foreign countries. It returned during early morning hours on 27 Feb 20 to Air Force Station, Palam.

First Anniversary of Balakot Air Strikes.

On the first anniversary of Balakot air strikes, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria PVSM AVSM VM ADC, Chief of the Air Staff flew a five aircraft mission at Srinagar Air Base along with aircrew from Squadrons that had participated in the operations on 26th and 27th February last year. The CAS flew a MiG-21 Type 69 aircraft along with the Commanding Officer of 51 Sqn, Gp Capt Kamran Nazeerin a formation comprising of one MiG-21, two Mirage-2000s and two Sukhoi-30 MKIs.26th February 2019 was a momentous day as it bore testimony to the professionalism and operational preparedness of men and women of the IAF who successfully executed a very complex mission and achieved their objectives under extremely challenging conditions.

On this day, the IAF salutes the spirit, tenacity and sacrifice of its brave Air Warriors and assures the Nation of its unstinted resolve. The IAF stands shoulder to shoulder with other Defence Services in discharge of its sacred duty of defending the nation’s sovereignty and integrity.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurates new Light Combat Helicopter Production Hangar at HAL Complex in Bengaluru

Speaking on the occasion of the inauguration and in the presence of the RM, Chairman and Managing Director Shri R. Madhavan said, LCH is completely ready for operational induction and the Helicopter Complex is fully geared up for its production. He added that the new production hangar will augment the LCH production capacity to reach a peak production of 30 helicopters per year.

LCH is a 5.5-tonne class combat helicopter designed and developed by HAL. It is powered by two Shakti engines and inherits many technical features of the Advanced Light Helicopter. LCH has the distinction of being the first attach helicopter to land in Forward Bases at Siachen, 4,700 mts above sea level with 500kg load.

Balakot airstrikes was a message that cross-border terrorism will not be a low-cost option for the adversary, says Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh

The surgical strike of 2016 and Balakot airstrikes of 2019 were not just military strikes but a strong message to the adversary that terror infrastructure across the border cannot be used as safe haven to wage low-cost war against India. This was stated by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh while addressing a seminar titled “Air Power in ‘No War No Peace’ Scenario”, organised by Centre for Air Power Studies on the first anniversary of Balakot airstrikes on 28th February.

Recalling sacrifices of Armed Forces in the service of the country and paying tributes to the martyrs of Pulwama attack, he said the Nation will never forget their sacrifices. The RM said India’s out-of-the-box response reflected in the Balakot airstrikes forced the rewriting of many doctrines across the LoC and the adversary has to think 100 times for any future misadventures. He added that the responses displayed India’s defence capability and affirmed its right to defend itself against terrorism.

Shri Rajnath Singh described Balakot airstrikes as a singular event of military precision and impact, saying that it teaches the leadership to think strategic rather than tactical. “Our approach to terrorism was and will remain a judicious combination of clinical military action and mature and responsible diplomatic outreach,” he said. Raksha Mantri assured the nation that the Government will respond appropriately to any threat to India’s national security in the future as well. He said, the Government has initiated major structural changes to tackle any future threats and it will take some time for the entire set up to be fully operational. He urged all stakeholders to contribute in making these changes effective and efficient.

RakshaMantri highlighted that the world stands shoulder to shoulder with India in fighting the terrorism. Stressing the importance of collective diplomatic and financial pressure to thwart cross-border terrorism, he said, “We have recently seen the impact of collective diplomatic and financial pressure on Pakistan. Terrorists like Hafiz Saeed who were treated like VIPs and heroes, have been put behind bars. We realise that this is not enough and unless Pakistan is made accountable, it will continue with its previous policy of duplicity and deceit. All attempts are being made to work in this direction.”

The RM termed hybrid warfare a reality, saying that a mix of kinetic and non-kinetic tools is a genuine threat. He emphasised the need to reorient the training of soldiers to meet the challenges posed by hybrid warfare, assuring Government support in this regard. Referring to various aspects of hybrid warfare, namely expanding battle space, time compression and technology infusion, he said, “In such a scenario, artificial intelligence, high-speed weapons and space-based sensors & tools will have a significant impact.” He stressed on the need to imbibe new technologies and use existing capabilities in innovative ways.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat said, geopolitics around the globe is changing and India is witness to a number of skirmishes in the region. He called for maintaining credible deterrence in land, air and at sea at all times, saying that the three Services must work together concurrently to deal with any potential threats. “Credible deterrence comes from the will of the military leadership and intent of the political class while taking tough decisions. This was amply shown after Kargil, Uri and Pulwama attacks,” he added.

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria said, in 2019, the Government took bold decision to strike at the heart of terrorist training camps inside Pakistan. Use of air power in a sub-conventional scenario was a paradigm shift, he said. He lauded the political and diplomatic efforts to quickly deescalating the situation. He described Pakistan’s response after 30 hours as an effort to satisfy the domestic audience. Appreciating the coordination among various organisations in carrying out the successful airstrikes, he said, there was a calibrated effort to ensure that there were no civilian casualties. He lauded the political leadership for equipping the Indian Air Force with latest technology in recent times. “We had an edge over Pakistan Air Force in terms of Beyond Visual Range Missile capability at the time of Kargil. We allowed that to slip and thereafter it took a decade and half in our struggle to acquire better capabilities,” he said. He also stressed on building indigenous capabilities.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

Al-Shabaab terrorists attacked military bases in Lower Shabelle region

The al-Qa’ida affiliated group— al-Shabaab’s suicide bomber, using an explosive-laden vehicle, and dozens terrorists attacked two military bases— el-Salini and Qoryooley on 19 February and killed 12 soldiers in lower Shabelle region in the South-West of the Mogadishu capital city. According to a police officer— Nur Ahmed from Lower Shabelle region, terrorists managed to capture the el-Salini base and took arms and ammunitions, including the anti-aircraft guns. The army re-captured the bases after reinforcements arrived. Click here to read....

Afghanistan

US airstrikes killed four IS terrorists in eastern region

On 25 February, two US airstrikes have killed four Islamic State (IS) terrorists in Kunar province. The US will continue to eliminate IS terrorists wherever they hide to protect the interests of Afghanistan while honouring the US-Afghan-Taliban Peace deal to reduce the violence in the State, said Colonel Sonny Leggett in reference to IS. Click here to read....

Pakistan

Former Pak army General died in 2018; had close ties with al-Qa’ida, claims al-Qa’ida

In a latest issue of Nawa-e-Afghan Jihad (voice of Afghan jihad) published by the al-Qa’ida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), the al-Qa’ida has claimed that former Pakistani army General Shahid Aziz, who was mysteriously missing, had died in 2018, and also had strong ties with the organisation (al-Qa’ida). Aziz had served as Director-General of Military Operations (DGMO) among other key posts under former General Parvez Musharraf. Click here to read....

JeM’s Masood Azhar and his family ‘missing’: Pakistan to FATF

On 17 February, the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) informed that according to recent communication from Pakistan, the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) founder Masood Azhar and his family members are ‘missing’. Also, Pakistan has confirmed that out of16 UN designated terrorists, seven are dead. However, the FATF plenary has concluded that Pakistan shall remain in ‘Grey List’ until June 2020. Click here to read....

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

NIA filed charge sheet against two PoK residents over links with LeT

On 15 February, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against two Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) residents— Khalil Ahmad Kayani and Mohammed Nazeem, for their alleged association with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Pakistan army in the PoK. Both were arrested by the Indian army for allegedly smuggling arms and ammunition into Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) from Gulmarg sector in Baramulla district. The charge sheet claimed that both terrorists were in contact with their LeT handler and the Pakistan army in the PoK region. Click here to read....

NIA arrested ‘president’ of cross-LoC traders’ association from Delhi

On 14 February, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Tanveer Ahmad Wani— the ‘president’ of cross-LoC (Line of Control) traders’ association, from Delhi. Tanveer is alleged for funding Naveed Babu— the operational commander of Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM). Naveed Babu was arrested along with former DSP Davinder Singh and three other terrorists on 11 January 2020. Click here to read....

Three AGuH terrorists killed in a CT operation in Pulwama

In a counter-terrorism (CT) operation on 19 February, security forces killed three terrorists of Ansar Ghazwatul-Hind (AGuH) — Jahangir Ahmad Waniaka Umar Mukhtar, Raja Umar Maqbool, and Sadat Ahmad Thokar, in Tral area of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). All three terrorists were local Kashmiris. Jahangir had a history of terror activities since 2018 and was operating as a second-in-command of Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM) in the area. However, he joined AGuH before the killing of Hammad Khan (HM commander) in January 2020. Click here to read....

Security forces killed two LeT terrorists in Anantnag

During the intervening night of 21-22 February, security forces killed two terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)— Naveed Bhat aka Furkan and AaqibYaseen Bhat in a counter-terrorism (CT) operation in Naina village of Sangam in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Around 25 terrorists have been killed in 12 CT operations in J&K since the beginning of the year 2020, said J&K Police Chief— Dilbag Singh. Click here to read....

NIA carried out raids at multiple locations in Kashmir

On 26 February, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out raids at multiple locations in Kashmir, including the residents of terrorists in Pulwama district. During the raids, the NIA arrested Zubair— son of Ali Muhammad Bhat of Drubgam in Pulwama district. Also, NIA raided the house of Sameer Dar who was arrested during Nagrota encounter in January 2020 while ferrying three terrorists in a truck from Jammu to Srinagar. Sameer is cousin of JeM (Jaish-e-Mohammad) terrorist Aadil Ahmad who carried out fidayeen attack at the CRPF convoy in Lethpora in Pulwama district on 14 February 2019. Click here to read....

J&K police arrested a HM terrorist from Baramulla

On 22 February, the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police arrested Junaid Farooq Pandithaka Abu Talha— a Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM) terrorist from a checkpoint at Tapper crossing in Baramulla district. Junaid joined HM in 2019. Upon Junaid’s arrest, police recovered a Chinese pistol, two magazines, and 13 live rounds of ammunition. Click here to read....

J&K police arrested four terrorists of HM and JeM in South Kashmir

On 13 February, J&K (Jammu and Kashmir) police arrested four terrorists— Adil Ahmad Dar aka AdilGadhanji, Aqib FayazMakroo, Ajaz Ahmad Sofi, and Tawfeeq Ahmad Bhat of Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) from undisclosed location in South Kashmir. Click here to read....

Left-Wing Extremism

Maoist leader surrendered in Odisha

On 25 February, KamluBeti— CPI (Maoist) Area Committee Secretary (ACS) of the Kangerghati area committee of the Darva division had surrendered in Malkangiri district in Odisha. As per Odisha police, Kamlu was allegedly involved in several cases of assaults on civilians and security forces. Developments by the State government made him realise the futility of the Maoist path of violence. Click here to read....

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

Canada-based drug smugglers were suspected to have links with Khalistan movement

According to the statement released by police, nine foreign-based drug smugglers who were arrested in 2019 from different parts of India, including Punjab, Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh (UP), may have links with the Khalistan movement. The nine arrested members of an international drug cartel were operating from Canada, Jalandhar (India), and Australia. Five of the nine arrested drug smugglers are Indians, according to the statement released by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in December 2019. Click here to read....

Islamist-inspired Extremism (including Islamic State)

NIA filed supplementary charge sheet against four JeM terrorists

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), on 11 February, has filed the supplementary chargesheet against four Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists— Sajjad Ahmed Khan aka Sajjad (27 years-old), Bilal Ahmed Mir aka Billa (23 years-old), Ishfaq Ahmed Bhat (24 years-old), and Mehrajud-Din Chopan (22 years-old). The chargesheet was filed in the NIA Special Court in Delhi under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Explosive Substances Act (ESA), and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A]. Click here to read....

ATS will investigate suspected Pakistan-made bullets recovered in Kerala

The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Military Intelligence (MI) has arrived in Kerala to probe the case of 14 foreign-made bullets, suspected to be Pakistan-made, found abandoned on a roadside at Kulathupuzha in Kollam district in Kerala. The suspicion was arise because the markings of “POF” (Pakistan Ordinance Factory) was found on the bullets. As per the report, 12 out of 14 bullets were found in the bullet pouch, while two were found outside the pouch. Click here to read....

NIA raided multiple locations in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka over IS-related cases

On 24 February, the officials of National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out raids at multiple locations in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over Islamic State (IS) related cases. The raids were carried out on the residences of two accused IS operatives— Abdul Shamim and Thoufik who were arrested for their alleged involvement in the murder of Sub-Inspector (SI) Y Wilson in Kanyakumari district in January 2020. The raids were conducted in Kayalpattinam near Tiruchendur in Thoothukudi district, Cuddalore, Neyveli and Melpattampakkam in Tamil Nadu, in Karnataka the NIA officials raided 15 different locations including Bengaluru and Kolar. Click here to read....

Cyber & Artificial Intelligence (Security Perspective)

Bengaluru police to introduced AI-powered Mannequins to tackle crimes

In an interview with press, Bengaluru’s Police Commissioner— Bhaskar Rao has told that the Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered mannequins will be deployed to tackle crimes, including spotting traffic offenders, fine drunk drivers across the city. Under the project, artificial eyes fixed in mannequins as cameras which will work for facial recognition through a well-connected central server. However, the mannequins will not permanent fixtures but operate in a hide-and-seek mode. Click here to read....

Hezbollah could use ‘Likud app’ to harm Israeli security, claimed former Mossad chief

Referring to “real and tangible danger” to the Israel’s national security, former Mossad chief— Tamir Pardo has raised concerns regarding the alleged use of electoral application— ‘Likud application’ by terror groups, including Hezbollah and Hamas. “Everyone who has an Israeli SIM card can download the application, which means even Hezbollah, Hamas, as well the IRGC (Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps) can do it”, said Tamir Pardo. According to Haaretz, the personal information of 6,453,254 Israelis was leaked after the Likud party uploaded the entire Israeli national voter registry to the electoral application. Click here to read....