Month: December 2024

Security forces killed a total of eight terrorists in two separate operations conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military’s media wing said on Thursday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), an intelligence-based operation (IBO) was conducted in general area Sararogha of South Waziristan district on reported presence of terrorists.

The statement said that during the operation, troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location as a result of which two militants including ring leader Khan Muhammad alias Khoryay were killed while two others were apprehended.

“The killed kharji Khan Muhammad @Khoryay was involved in numerous terrorist activities in the area including target killing and extortion. He was highly wanted by the law enforcement agencies and the government had fixed head money of Rs1 million on him,” it added.

The ISPR said another IBO was conducted in Lakki Marwat district and after an intense fire exchange, six terrorists were successfully neutralised by security forces.

“Sanitisation operations are being conducted to eliminate any other Kharji found in the area, as security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe-out the menace of terrorism from the country,” added the ISPR.

A day earlier, the forces killed five militants during an IBO in Lakki Marwat while two others also sustained injuries.

It is pertinent to mention here that the third quarter (July-September) of 2024 saw a sharp increase in fatalities of terrorist violence and counter-terrorism campaigns, with a 90% surge in violence, according to a report issued by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS).

A total of 722 people were killed, including civilians, security personnel, and outlaws, while 615 others were wounded in as many as 328 incidents recorded during the period under review.

Nearly 97% of these fatalities occurred in KP and Balochistan — marking the highest percentage in a decade, and over 92% of these incidents of terror attacks and security operations were recorded in the same provinces.

The total fatalities from three quarters of this year have now surpassed the total fatalities recorded for the whole of 2023; the number of fatalities rose to at least 1,534 in the first three quarters compared to 1523 in 2023.

Meanwhile, terrorist groups continue to reorganise and beef up their ranks. Most of the terror attacks remained unclaimed by terrorist or insurgent groups, likely for tactical reasons, as per the report.

The top brass of Pakistan’s military has called upon the incumbent government to promulgate and implement stringent laws and regulations to check “unfettered and unethical use of freedom of expression to spew venom, lies and sow the seeds of polarisation.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the demand was emphasised during the 84th Formation Commanders’ Conference at the General Headquarters.

Army Chief Gen Asim Munir presided over the bi-annual meeting, which was attended by corps commanders, principal staff officers and all formation commanders of the army.

During the conference, the participants expressed concern over the “malicious propaganda” carried out in the aftermath of the lawful deployment of the Pakistan Army in Islamabad to “secure key government buildings and provide a safe environment for the valued visiting delegations.”

“This pre-planned coordinated and premeditated propaganda reflects the continuity of a sinister design by certain political elements as an attempt to drive a wedge between the public [and] armed forces and institutions of Pakistan,” it said, adding that this futile attempt, fuelled and abetted by external players, will never be successful.

The troops were deployed in the federal capital amid Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) “do-or-die” protest — aimed at securing party founder Imran Khan’s release, who has been behind bars for more than a year — which coincided with the planned visit of the Belarusian president on Nov 25.

However, the protest culminated in PTI’s hasty retreat after the government’s midnight crackdown on the protesters. The Imran Khan-founded party has since claimed that at least 12 of its workers were killed and 1,000 arrested.

Meanwhile, the government has categorically denied using live ammunition against the protesters and said that four law enforcers, three Rangers personnel and a policeman, were martyred during the protest.

The Ministry of Interior had also clarified that the Pakistan Army troops were deployed only to “secure key government installations and foreign diplomats in the sensitive Red Zone while ensuring secure environment for high-profile foreign dignitaries visiting the country”.

Furthermore, it said the troops neither came in “direct clash with these miscreants nor employed for riot control”.

In today’s conference, the forum emphasised that those spreading fake news for “vested political and financial interests” need to be identified and brought to justice.

It resolved that the Pakistan Army remains committed to serving the nation and public and guard against all external and internal threats without any bias and political affiliation, and “any attempt to pitch innocent people against each other and use of violence as an instrument for vested gains can never be tolerated.”

At the outset of the conference, the forum began by offering Fateha and paying solemn tribute to the martyrs of the Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies (LEAs), and citizens of Pakistan who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s security and sovereignty, including those security personnel who embraced martyrdom during recent violent protests in Islamabad.

The forum also condemned ongoing human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmiri people.

Participants were briefed on the prevailing security environment, both external and internal, and reviewed the Pakistan Army’s operational readiness to address evolving traditional and non-traditional threats.

The forum conducted a comprehensive analysis of ongoing counterterrorism operations and resolved to continue neutralising terrorists, their facilitators, and abettors working at the behest of hostile forces to destabilize Pakistan, with heightened focus on operations against terrorists operating inside Balochistan including BLA Majeed Brigade.

The participants also expressed concern over the unabated use of Afghan soil against Pakistan by terrorists, especially those belonging to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

“It is in the interest of both neighbouring Islamic countries to focus on mutually beneficial engagements,” the forum said, urging the interim Afghan government to take visible measures to prevent the use of its soil by the terrorists.

The forum also reiterated its resolve to continue supporting all socioeconomic and development efforts being undertaken in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan by federal and provincial governments for the well-being of the resilient people of these provinces who continue to stand tall against the scourge of terrorism.

Highlighting the Army’s commitment to socioeconomic progress, the forum resolved to continue to support government efforts in fostering economic growth, cracking down on the illegal spectrum and eradicating the terror-crime nexus.

Concluding the conference, the COAS emphasised the importance of professionalism, operational readiness, and the Army’s unwavering dedication to ensuring Pakistan’s security and stability, notwithstanding any odds and challenges.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday called on Syria leader Bashar al-Assad to urgently find a “political solution” to his country’s civil war.

Syria, which has a long border with Turkey, has become a new focus of international concern since rebel forces last week took the second city of Aleppo from Assad’s troops.

“The Syrian regime must commit urgently with its people in favour of a global political solution,” Erdogan said in a call with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, according to a statement released by the presidency.

Erdogan, whose country has become home to about three million Syrian refugees since the war started in 2011, has held a number of discussions with other leaders on the crisis in recent days.

“Turkey has been striving to reduce tensions, protect civilians and open a political process and will continue to do so,” Erdogan was quoted as saying in the statement.

Highlighting that the conflict has reached a “new stage”, Erdogan said, “Turkey’s biggest wish is that Syria does not become embroiled in bigger instability and see even more civilian victims.”

Erdogan was an outspoken critic of Assad for much of the war but has recently taken a more conciliatory line.

South Korea’s ruling party chief demanded Friday that President Yoon Suk Yeol be removed from office after his abortive attempt to impose martial law, warning there was a “significant risk” he could try to subvert civilian rule again.

Yoon suspended civilian rule late Tuesday before being forced into a U-turn after lawmakers faced down soldiers at parliament and voted to overturn the measure as thousands protested outside.

“Considering the newly emerging facts, I believe that a swift suspension of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s duties is necessary to safeguard the Republic of Korea and its people,” Han Dong-hoon, the head of Yoon’s People Power Party, said Friday.

If Yoon remains, “there is a significant risk that extreme actions similar to the martial law declaration could be repeated, which could put the Republic of Korea and its citizens in great danger,” Han said in televised comments.

Han added that Yoon “does not acknowledge that this illegal martial law is wrong” and has failed to act against the military officials who “illegally intervened”.

In addition, Han said that “credible evidence” suggested that Yoon had on Tuesday night ordered the arrest of “key politicians” and for them to be placed in a holding facility.

Opposition lawmaker Jo Seung-lae said that security camera footage indicated that soldiers were attempting to arrest opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, and PPP chief Han.

– Impeachment vote –

The opposition had already put forward a motion to impeach Yoon that will be voted on Saturday at around 7:00 pm (1000 GMT), but it had been unclear if this would pass.

But Han’s comments represent a stunning U-turn a day after he had said the PPP would block the motion, which needs a two-thirds majority to pass.

The opposition bloc holds 192 seats in the 300-strong parliament, while the PPP has 108. A successful vote would suspend Yoon from office pending a ruling by the Constitutional Court.

“While there may still be a few ruling party members supporting Yoon Suk Yeol, it seems that Han’s statements today are significantly influenced by the gravity of the situation, particularly the mobilisation of intelligence agencies to arrest politicians,” Shin Yul, professor of political science at Myongji University, told AFP.

“It appears that Han and the party leaders have concluded there is actually a significant possibility that President Yoon may declare a second martial law,” Shin said.

A fresh opinion poll issued Friday put backing for Yoon at a record low of 13 percent.

Media reports said US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin cancelled a planned visit to South Korea next week.

– Investigation –

A 120-strong dedicated police investigation team has been set up to probe charges of insurrection, police told AFP, filed by the opposition against Yoon and a host of top officials.

“If evidence arises during the investigation suggesting preparations for a second martial law, we will pursue it,” officer Kim San-ho, who is overseeing the investigation, told AFP, adding there was currently no evidence of a second attempt.

Yoon, who has lurched from crisis to crisis since taking office in 2022, has not been seen in public since his televised address in the early hours of Wednesday.

On Thursday, his office said that Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun had resigned, but other key allies, including Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, remain in office.

Prosecutors have also banned Kim from leaving the country, Yonhap news agency reported.

Lawmakers on Thursday grilled senior figures, including army chief of staff General Park An-su, who acted as Yoon’s martial law commander.

Park said he was kept in the dark until after the president had announced the imposition of martial law on live television late Tuesday.

It was the first such declaration in more than four decades in South Korea and brought back painful memories of its autocratic past.

The move was to “safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements plundering people’s freedom and happiness,” Yoon said.

Security forces sealed the National Assembly, helicopters landed on the roof, and almost 300 soldiers tried to lock down the building.

But as parliamentary staffers blocked the soldiers with sofas and fire extinguishers. Enough MPs got inside and voted down Yoon’s move.

“We cannot entrust the operation of the government to a president who threatens the lives of the sovereign people through unconstitutional and illegal actions, even for a moment,” Democratic Party chief Lee Jae-myung said Friday.

The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) successfully coordinated a maritime rescue operation on Wednesday, saving 12 survivors found adrift in a life raft after Indian cargo vessel (MSV AL PIRANIPIR) sank.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the PMSA said the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) received an “urgent email” from MRCC Mumbai India, requesting assistance to locate and rescue survivors from the sunken vessel.

“The vessel was reported to have sunk in the exclusive economic zone of Pakistan, with its 12 crew members stranded on a life raft in distress,” it stated.

In response, the Pakistan maritime agency initiated a coordinated rescue operation involving multiple assets and agencies.

A PMSA aircraft was immediately tasked to locate the survivors, while nearby commercial vessels were alerted and requested to assist in the rescue.

The Joint Maritime Information Coordination Centre facilitated seamless collaboration, placing both Pakistan Navy and PMSA ships on high alert, with the nearest navy ship promptly dispatched to the scene.

Additionally, necessary arrangements were made to enable a nearby Indian Coast Guard vessel in the adjacent exclusive economic zone to recover the survivors.

“The swift response and effective coordination resulted in the successful rescue of all 12 survivors of Indian cargo vessel, demonstrating PMSA’s commitment to upholding international SAR obligations and fostering regional cooperation,” said the statement.

This operation underscores PMSA’s readiness and professional expertise in responding to maritime Emergencies, regardless of nationality, reflecting Pakistan’s dedication to safety at sea and adherence to international conventions, it concluded.

A landmark defence pact between North Korea and Russia, signed by its leaders in June, has gone into effect after the two sides exchanged ratification documents, North Korea’s official KCNA news agency said Thursday.

The formalization of the treaty comes as the United States and South Korea have accused the nuclear-armed North of sending more than 10,000 soldiers to help Russia fight Ukraine.

Experts say North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is keen to acquire advanced technology from Moscow and battle experience for his troops in return.

Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the strategic partnership deal during the Kremlin chief’s visit to Pyongyang.

It obligates both states to provide military assistance “without delay” in the case of an attack on the other, and to jointly oppose Western sanctions.

It came into effect from Wednesday, when the ratification documents were exchanged in Moscow by the countries’ vice foreign ministers Kim Jong Gyu and Andrei Rudenko, KCNA reported.

Lawmakers in Moscow last month voted unanimously for the deal and it was later signed by Putin. Pyongyang said it was ratified by a decree from Kim.

The treaty will serve “as a strong driving force accelerating the establishment of an independent and just multi-polarized world order without domination, subjugation and hegemony,” KCNA said.

Analysts have suggested Pyongyang could be using Ukraine as a means of realigning its foreign policy.

By sending soldiers, North Korea is positioning itself within the Russian war economy as a supplier of weapons, military support and labour — potentially even bypassing traditional ally, neighbour and main trading partner China, they say.

North Korea and Russia have strengthened their military ties since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Both countries are under rafts of UN sanctions — the former for its nuclear weapons programme and the latter for the Ukraine conflict.

Kim said last week during a visit to Pyongyang by Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov that his government, army and people would “invariably support the policy of the Russian Federation to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

Putin hailed the deal in June as a “breakthrough document”.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was still clinging to power Thursday, with his party announcing they will oppose an impeachment motion after his short-lived imposition of martial law stunned the world.

Yoon suspended civilian rule late Tuesday and deployed troops and helicopters to parliament only for lawmakers to vote down the measure and force him into a U-turn in a night of protests and drama.

Seoul’s allies were alarmed — Washington said it found out via television — and the opposition quickly filed an impeachment motion saying Yoon “gravely violated the constitution and the law”. A vote is set for Saturday at around 7:00 pm (1000 GMT).

South Korean police also announced Thursday they were investigating Yoon for “insurrection” — a crime that transcends presidential immunity and can carry the death penalty — after the opposition filed a complaint against him and other key figures involved.

The opposition holds a large majority in the 300-member legislature and require only a handful of defections from Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) to secure the two-thirds majority needed for impeachment.

But on Thursday, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon said that while he had demanded Yoon leave the party over his “unconstitutional martial law“, he would block the impeachment motion.

“All 108 lawmakers of the People Power Party will stay united to reject the president‘s impeachment,” party floor leader Choo Kyung-ho said.

According to a new poll issued Thursday by Realmeter, 73.6 percent of respondents supported the impeachment. More protests were expected later Thursday.

If the motion passes, Yoon will be suspended pending a verdict by the Constitutional Court. If the judges give the nod, Yoon will be impeached and new elections must take place within 60 days.

– Bad memories –

Yoon, who has lurched from crisis to crisis since taking office in 2022, has not been seen in public since his televised address in the early hours of Wednesday.

Local media quoted his office as saying he would not make any statement on Thursday.

On Thursday, his office said that Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun had resigned, but other key allies including Interior Minister Lee Sang-min remain in office.

Prosecutors have also banned Kim from leaving the country, Yonhap news agency reported.

Lawmakers, meanwhile, were grilling senior figures, including army chief of staff General Park An-su, who acted as Yoon’s martial law commander.

Park said Thursday that he was kept in the dark until after the president had announced the imposition of martial law on live television late Tuesday.

It was the first such declaration in more than four decades in South Korea and brought back painful memories of its autocratic past.

The move was to “safeguard a liberal South Korea from the threats posed by North Korea’s communist forces and to eliminate anti-state elements plundering people’s freedom and happiness,” Yoon said.

A six-point decree from the army chief banned political activities and parties, “false propaganda”, strikes and “gatherings that incite social unrest”.

Security forces sealed the National Assembly, helicopters landed on the roof and almost 300 soldiers tried to lock down the building, seemingly to prevent lawmakers from entering.

But as parliamentary staffers blocked the soldiers with sofas and fire extinguishers, enough MPs — some leaping over barriers — got inside and voted down Yoon’s move.

This brought cheers from the hundreds of protesters braving bitter temperatures outside, many waving national flags and chanting for Yoon to be arrested.

Lawmakers formally presented the impeachment motion in the early hours of Thursday, saying Yoon’s decision to impose martial law was intended to “evade imminent investigations… into alleged illegal acts involving himself and his family”.

“This is an unforgivable crime — one that cannot, should not, and will not be pardoned,” MP Kim Seung-won said.

In a show of public anger, thousands of protesters converged around Yoon’s office in Seoul late Wednesday after staging a rally in Gwanghwamun Square, demanding his resignation.

– ‘Robust and resilient’ –

The United States has around 30,000 troops stationed in South Korea to help protect its ally against the nuclear-armed North.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Wednesday that Yoon’s imposition of martial law had “raised deep concern for us” while praising the National Assembly for operating “according to constitutional processes and procedures” to rescind it.

China, a key ally of nuclear-armed North Korea, urged its citizens to exercise caution, while Russia — increasingly close to Pyongyang — called the situation “alarming”.

In Japan, whose historically prickly relations with Seoul have thawed under Yoon, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba discussed the situation with key ministers and the national security advisor, Tokyo said Thursday.

“Japan and South Korea are important neighbours that should tackle, as partners, various issues facing the international community,” government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said.