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Radicalised with ‘Kafirs must not be spared’ belief, arrested ISIS terrorist reveals Hindu temples, RSS premises were on target to carry out 26/11-like attack: Report

OpIndia Staff
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Radicalised with ‘Kafirs must not be spared’ belief, arrested ISIS terrorist reveals Hindu temples, RSS premises were on target to carry out 26/11-like attack: Report

The ISIS operative known as Shehnawaz, apprehended by the Delhi Police, disclosed to investigators that Hindu temples in Mumbai, and RSS premises in citoes across the country were on target of his terror module. He said that he had conducted trial explosions at five different sites in India—Nuh, Mewat, Delhi, Lucknow, and Rudraprayag—with the intent to initiate a terror attack akin to the events of 26/11, an exclusive report by CNN News 18 said. However, authorities thwarted their nefarious plan before the rest of his team could carry it out.

According to credible intelligence sources as reported by CNN-News18, Shehnawaz confirmed during interrogations that he had conducted a reconnaissance of 15 locations associated with Hindu-affiliated organizations, including RSS, in Ahmedabad, Surat, and Baroda. His intention was to target Right-wing establishments and leaders.

The ISIS terrorist originally hails from Delhi and pursued his engineering degree at NIT Nagpur. He often visited the capital, and his father held a teaching position in Hazaribagh.

Shehnawaz routinely participated in Dars gatherings, where he underwent a gradual process of radicalization. It was during these gatherings that he crossed paths with Rizwan.

Around 2019-20, he began acquiring knowledge on preparing IEDs and established contact with a foreign handler. This handler assisted in the learning of IED production for both Rizwan and Shehnawaz through online instructional sessions.

According to sources, the pair not only conducted trial detonations to test explosives but also started identifying potential hideouts and targets. Subsequently, their handler instructed Shehnawaz to relocate to Pune, where two individuals arrested in Chittorgarh were currently based.

Both factions resided in separate locations within Chittorgarh but maintained regular meetings. They consistently engaged in learning the craft of IED and explosive manufacturing. However, following the apprehension of the group in Pune, the duo fled to Delhi.

As per reliable sources, Shehnawaz served as the connecting factor between the ISIS modules in Delhi and Pune.

“Shahnawaz is an experienced extremist. In recent months, he conducted reconnaissance activities across northern India. His mission was to identify suitable sites for establishing training camps within India. The recruitment process was to be overseen by his handlers,” stated the sources.

According to informed sources, he had conducted multiple reconnaissance missions to identify targets intended for attack during the upcoming festive season. He possessed expertise in crafting improvised explosive devices (IEDs). In his residence, authorities recovered incriminating documents and the liquid chemicals utilized in IED production.

Motivated by perceived injustices against Muslims, the group held the belief that “Kafirs must not be spared.” Additionally, they maintained communication with Indian Mujahideen and harboured intentions to target Hindu leaders and Jews in public locations.

There’s a possibility that the group was influenced by handlers based in Pakistan, although this connection is currently under investigation.

The investigation into the Pune ISIS case, as reported by CNN-News18, has unveiled a fusion of SIMI-Indian Mujahideen and ISIS elements, where historical terror groups like Indian Mujahideen and SIMI have converged with ISIS operatives.

According to intelligence agencies, there are clear connections emerging among Hazaribagh, UP, and Maharashtra, with Shahnawaz being identified as a pivotal link in the overall terror strategy thus far.

According to sources, had the terror plot not been uncovered, the amalgamated groups could have caused significant harm. All members are highly skilled terrorists, proficient in IT, cyber warfare, and the production of explosives and IEDs.

Furthermore, the merging of ideologies among these terror organizations signifies their collective intent to reinitiate their activities.

A crucial aspect of the ongoing investigation is understanding the role of the foreign handler situated in Iraq or Syria. Another key aspect is the financing pattern, resembling the style of funding seen in ISIS operations.

Sources emphasize that it is evident that all these terror groups are regrouping and consolidating under a unified umbrella.

According to sources, the ISIS Pune module had intentions to perpetrate a larger-scale attack surpassing the magnitude of 26/11. This was unveiled during interrogations, revealing their objective to target areas not only to maximize casualties but also for dramatic visual impact.

In Mumbai, the scouted locations for potential attacks included Chabad House and the Naval Helipad near the Colaba slum area. Their plan encompassed striking major temples in Mumbai, where foot traffic is substantial, and hydraulic projects crucial for the nation’s development and progress.

Indian cricket has improved after they started eating meat: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi

OpIndia Staff
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Indian cricket has improved after they started eating meat: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi

In a TV appearance, motormouth Pakistani cricketer and Former Captain of their cricket team Shahid Afridi has claimed that Indian cricketers have started eating meat which is the reason behind their improved performance as it gives them strength. 

It was a local sports show in Pakistan where Afridi (claimed to be 43 years old) was asked about the transformation in Indian cricket. The query was focused on the reformation of Indian cricket from being renowned for producing exceptional batters to also emerging as a source of outstanding bowlers.

To which, Afridi made the observation. He said, “India has a huge 1.4 billion population, and the quality of cricket has changed [over the years]. Back then we used to say that they were producing great batters while Pakistan was creating good bowlers, but that was not the case as we were generating both bowlers and batters.”

He said, “However, their bowlers have now started eating meat, so they have gained strength,” and he chuckled after making the observation. Notably, Pakistan has been notorious for using such slurs asking Indians to eat meat as they consider Indians as meek Hindus who are afraid of their ‘martial race’.

Recently, screenshots of old anti-India and anti-Hindu tweets of Pakistani presenter Zainab Abbas also surfaced online when she was on a visit to India to host the World Cup as a presenter for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023. In her old tweets, she had written deplorable things mocking India and Hindus telling them to eat meat and using phrases like ‘stinking cow piss’ to describe India’s capital Delhi.

Meanwhile, on the sports show, Afridi tried to cover his brazen bigotry by attributing other factors like IPL, captains like Sourav Ganguly and MS Dhoni, and improvement in domestic cricket behind India’s better performance.  

He added, “First Sourav Ganguly made so many changes during his captaincy and then the way MS Dhoni carried all the seniors with him. They [BCCI] invested in the right place. They improved their grassroots level cricket by giving the entire domestic system to a player like Rahul Dravid, who knows what the kids [domestic players] need to reach the top. They worked hard, and now they keep on producing talents. If India wants, they can create two teams now.” 

It is pertinent to note that the current cricketing legend and among the Greatest of all times (GOAT), Virat Kohli had in September 2019 asserted that he has never felt better in his life since he turned vegetarian. Back then, he also praised a documentary that celebrates plant-based eating. Since then, he has maintained that he is vegetarian. 

During a question-and-answer session, Kohli talked about his diet and revealed that his diet mainly comprises “lots of vegetables, some eggs, 2 cups of coffee, dal, quinoa, lots of spinach, and dosa”.

With arduous efforts over the course of several years, India has built a battery of world-class fast bowlers in the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd Shami, Mohd Siraj, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, and newcomers like Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna among others. Interestingly, a multitude of Indian cricketers adhere to a vegetarian diet and have outperformed Pakistani cricketers.

However, Afridi’s comment is not an isolated incidence as the Pakistani cricketing squad is notorious for exploiting the wider reach of cricket as a sport to further their agenda of promoting Islam and proselytisation.  

SGPC objects to Tavleen Singh saying Guru Govind Singh was a Hindu: How both parties are trying to whitewash the Khalistani threat in their own ways

Anurag
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SGPC objects to Tavleen Singh saying Guru Govind Singh was a Hindu: How both parties are trying to whitewash the Khalistani threat in their own ways

On 6th October, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) raised objections to an op-ed written by Tavleen Singh titled “India’s Canadian problem,” published in The Sunday Express, dated 24th September 2023. SGPC raised several objections, mainly revolving around two insinuations that Tavleen made. The first was about Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and the second was Khalistani terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.

SGPC claimed that Tavleen’s op-ed had inaccuracies and misrepresentations about Sikhism. The first issue that SGPC raised was the assertion that Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji founded Khalsa to fight the repression of the Mughal Emperor, and he was a ‘Hindu’. SGPC emphasised that Shri Guru Gobind Singh ji created the Khalsa Panth as an embodiment of the Saint-Soldier spirit devoted to Akal Purakh (The Timeless One) and that he was not associated with any particular religion. Guru Gobind Singh’s teachings emphasised that he was neither Hindu nor Muslim.

Furthermore, they objected to the characterisation of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, particularly to the point where she said that he ran a reign of terror and had an efficient network of spies that punished those who disagreed with him. SGPC contends that Bhindranwale’s struggle primarily addressed Punjab’s political, economic, and water-related issues. They argue that such characterisations of Bhindranwale are not supported by the historical facts and references available.

SGPC called for an apology from Singh, claiming that her op-ed was malicious and portrayed the Sikh community negatively. They also asked the newspaper to provide space to present facts in their letter as a refutation to the “misrepresentations” made by Tavleen in her article.

Refuting the claims of SGPC that Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji did not raise Khalsa to save Hindus, Sikh history expert Puneet Sahani pointed out that what Tavleen Singh stated were facts. He quoted Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s composition Ugradanti, which explicitly pleads to Durga to help his army destroy the Turks and Mughal forces and for the resurgence of the Vedas & Dharma of Hindus. The Punjabi version of Ugradanti can be seen here. For those who are unaware, Ugardanti is a composition that is part of Dasam Granth, one of the Holy Books of Sikhism.

Tavleen Singh’s op-ed called the Khalistan movement a ‘myth’

While SGPC has its own problems with the op-ed written by Tavleen Singh, it is essential to point out that Tavleen categorically called the Khalistan movement and the threats it poses to India’s sovereignty a ‘myth’. In her op-ed, she discussed that in the context of the Canadian Sikhs, the revival of Khalistan was a myth in India. She questioned the Indian government on its focus on the secessionist movement of Khalistan. She expressed “concerns” over the panic in Delhi’s political circles when Canadian Sikhs raise Khalistan flags or engage in pro-Khalistani protests in other countries, particularly Canada.

Tavleen insinuated that there is no significant support for Khalistan among Sikhs in India. She highlights the historical background of the Punjab region, emphasising that Shri Guru Govind Singh created the Khalsa to fight repression and that it included both Hindus and Sikhs. The author points out that even during the reign of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, there was no widespread support for secession among Sikhs in India. SGPC raised objections to this part. 

While acknowledging the existence of Khalistan supporters among Canadian Sikhs and the possibility of financial support from Pakistan’s military rulers, Tavleen Singh argues that if India were to use its intelligence agencies to create trouble on foreign soil, it should be done in neighbouring countries, not in faraway places like Canada.

Furthermore, she asks for a clear definition of terrorism and the need for addressing so-called issues of “injustice and unrest” within minority communities in India, particularly among Muslims and Sikhs. She suggested that the Indian government should focus on addressing the grievances of these communities rather than “overreacting” to the perceived revival of the Khalistan myth.

Replying to SGPC, Tavleen wrote, “May I respectfully suggest that the SGPC read some Sikh history books. As for apologies it is the SGPC that must apologise to the Sikh community for allowing the Durbar Sahib to be turned into a refuge for killers. I know. I was there.”

SGPC and Tavleen Singh whitewashed the Khalistani movement in their own ways

It is interesting to witness how two sections, while appearing to oppose each other, conveniently whitewashed the uprising of the Khalistan movement and the threats it poses to India’s sovereignty and security. Tavleen claimed that she witnessed the Khalistani movement since the 80s and has a deep knowledge of the movement. She further claimed that there was no or minimal support for the Khalistani movement during the Bhindranwale period and after. According to Tavleen, it was because of the deep-rooted spy network of Bhindranwale that he managed to “suppress the voices against the Khalistani movement within the Sikh community”.

While Tavleen has the full right to have her own views, it is strange that she forgot how Hindus were brutally murdered for decades by the Khalistani terrorists. It took the Indian government almost 30 years to wipe out the Khalistani movement from Punjab, during which thousands of Hindus were murdered. There were bomb blasts, mass shootings, murders of journalists and whatnot. We lost one Prime Minister and one Chief Minister to the Khalistani movement. In the aftermath of the murder of then-PM Indira Gandhi, thousands of innocent Sikhs were also killed in the political riots in Delhi in 1984.

Tavleen Singh claimed that the current Indian government revived the Khalistani “myth” and said there is no support for the Khalistani movement in India. By observing what has happened in the state for the last 8-10 years, it is fair to suggest that Tavleen needs to come out of the bubble and smell the coffee. The Khalistani movement is not a myth, and it has significant support in the state. In fact, the support remained consistent even though the movement was suppressed in the 90s.

Without support, the posters of Bhindranwale, the rise of Amritpal Singh, consistent brainwashing of young Punjabis through music and support to Khalistani terrorist organisation Sikhs For Justice would not have been possible. Tavleen might have missed the point that Amritpal Singh reportedly was raising a militia to fight against the state in the guise of a de-addiction centre. Was it not the Khalistani uprising, or it should be swept under the rug in the name of “myth”?

SGPC has a history of whitewashing the Khalistani movement

It is well known that SGPC has a soft corner for the Khalistani movement and pro-Khalistani elements. They do not even try to hide it. They are well known for supporting pro-Khalistani elements and putting up posters of Khalistani terrorists inside Gurudwara premises claiming they were martyrs. Even after Canada accused India of killing Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil, which India has categorically denied, SGPC decided to side with Canada.

SGPC and Tavleen both whitewashed the Khalistani movement and the threats it poses, for which both ideas should be condemned. Pro-Khalistani elements have found enough support in countries like Canada, the UK, Australia and the USA. Pakistan’s funding is helping pro-Khalistani elements to flourish exponentially. Amid such time, insinuations that Khalistan movement is just a myth is not only problematic but dangerously misleading.

‘If we come to your area and chant Nara-e-takbeer..’: Muslim mob threatens a bus full of Hindu pilgrims in Ahmedabad, stop them from chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’

OpIndia Staff
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‘If we come to your area and chant Nara-e-takbeer..’: Muslim mob threatens a bus full of Hindu pilgrims in Ahmedabad, stop them from chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’

A video from Ahmedabad went viral on social media early Monday morning (9th October) in which an extremist Muslim mob could be seen surrounding and threatening a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims. This video is from Ahmedabad’s Chandola area.

Initially, this video was attributed to Jamalpur, but an investigation by OpIndia has revealed that this video is from the Chandola area of Danilimda.

The Bajrang Dal had organized a Shaurya Yatra on the Ahmedabad riverfront on Sunday (8th October). Following the final segment of the program, all Hindu activists boarded buses travelling back to their home districts.

One of the buses in which the activists were chanting Jai Shri Ram slogans and absorbed in Ram bhajans was stopped by the Islamists. The Hindu activists were returning to Vadodara and were threatened by the Islamists near Chandola.

It may be noted that Chandola is a ‘Muslim majority’ area. As soon as Muslim youths stopped the bus, a prominent Muslim crowd gathered at the spot and threatened the Hindus saying how could they chant Lord Rama’s name in ‘their’ area. “Why are you raising slogans (of Jai Shri Ram) in our area? If you want to raise slogans, go to your locality,” the Islamists threatened.

In the same video, the Muslims are further heard threatening, “What if we chant Nara-e-takbir and Allahu Akbar in your area?” The Muslim crowd could also be seen shaking hands with the police personnel present at the spot. And the policemen could be seen standing helplessly against this fundamentalist mob.

VHP says – Another Godhra kand attempt

OpIndia spoke to Gujarat Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson Hitendrasinh Rajput on this matter. Rajput said, “This is a regrettable incident. Is chanting Jai Shri Ram by Hindus now banned in Gujarat? What was the motive behind this bus of Hindu pilgrims being surrounded and stopped by Muslim fanatics in Chandola?”

Hitendra Singh meanwhile recalled the massacre of Hindus by stopping the Sabarmati Express full of Hindu pilgrims in Godhra and burning an entire coach, saying, “What is the meaning of stopping a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims like this? Isn’t there some conspiracy behind this? Did these people aim to commit another Godhra scandal?”

“The World Hindu Parishad requests the Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi and the DGP of Gujarat Police to investigate the matter thoroughly. Based on viral videos, the Islamic extremists appearing in them should be identified and traced. And action should be taken against them so that no one dares to do so again,” he added further.

It is noteworthy that no complaint has been registered in this regard yet.

It also highlights the ominous usurping of public places, with a section of society, after establishing their dominance in a region uses threats and intimidations to prevent members of other communities from following their religious rituals and celebrations.

Election Commission announces dates for assembly elections in 5 states, results to be declared on December 3

OpIndia Staff
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Election Commission announces dates for assembly elections in 5 states, results to be declared on December 3

On 9th October (Monday), the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the dates for upcoming assembly elections in five states, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Mizoram. 

The upcoming assembly elections are scheduled to commence on 7th November 2023, with the counting of votes to take place on 3rd December 2023.

According to the timetable provided by the ECI, the voting process in these five states will be conducted across several phases, with the election dates for each state outlined below:

1. Chhattisgarh: It will go to polls in two separate phases. The first phase of voting will take place on 7th November, while the second phase of voting will happen on 17th November.  

2. Rajasthan: The state of Rajasthan will have elections in a single-phase manner and the voting will take place for assembly elections on 23rd November. 

3. Madhya Pradesh: Elections in Madhya Pradesh will also take place in a single-phase election on 17th November. 

4. Telangana: Similar to Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the nearly decade-old state of Telangana will go to polls in a single-phase manner with the voting to be held on 30th November. 

5. Mizoram: The Northeastern state of Mizoram will also witness its state election in a single-phase manner with voting to be done on 7th November. 

The counting of votes for these state assembly elections will take place on 3rd December. 

(Image Source – India Today)

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar stated that the poll panel has completed consultations with all stakeholders, including political parties and enforcement agencies as part of preparations for the upcoming assembly elections in these five states.

It is estimated that total voter strength includes 8.2 crore male and 7.8 crore female voters, along with 60.2 lakh first-time voters. To cater to this sizable electorate, the ECI has set up 177,000 polling stations across the five states. Moreover, to promote transparency and oversee the voting process, webcasting facilities will be accessible at 101,000 booths.

Earlier, on 6th October (Friday), the ECI had asked poll observers to be visible, accessible, neutral, and ethical in their functioning. 

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar directed them to ensure a level playing field by working in a coordinated manner to ensure free, fair, and inducement-free polls. 

Additionally, he stated that the ECI was “increasingly concentrating on having a humane face, by facilitating and including persons with disabilities, senior citizens who are 80 years or above and particularly vulnerable tribal groups with the help of special provisions such as home voting and accessible polling stations.”

At least 4 Americans among many foreign citizens killed in Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel, unknown number of civilians held hostage in Gaza

OpIndia Staff
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At least 4 Americans among many foreign citizens killed in Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel, unknown number of civilians held hostage in Gaza

Several US citizens were killed in the terrorist attack by Palestinian terror group Hamas on Israel, according to a US official. “We can confirm the deaths of several US citizens,” a US National Security Council spokesperson reportedly said. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that the government is working to establish if reports of Americans being taken hostage are accurate.

Meanwhile, some reports have claimed that at least four Americans have died and the US government is trying to establish if there are more casualties.

According to a report by NBC, US lawmakers briefed on the situation in Israel were told that at least four Americans have died in the Hamas terrorist attacks. The numbers are reportedly expected to rise, according to sources.

While speaking to CNN, Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Herzog has said that Americans have been taken hostages. “All I can say is that there are Americans among the hostages but I cannot provide more details at this point,” he said.

While over 700 people died in the Hamas terrorist attacks, casualties from retaliation by Israel have surpassed 400 in Gaza and elsewhere. This comes after Israel declared that it was in a “state of war” with Hamas.

At least 260 bodies of civilians, including many foreigners, have been recovered from the Nova music festival in Israel near Rei’m where Hamas attacked. Another 2,150 Israelis were wounded.

10 Nepali students have died in the Hamas attacks, the Nepali embassy in Tel Aviv reportedly said. This after at least 7 Nepali citizens were injured and 17 others were held captive by the terrorist group in Israel.

Caught in the crossfire are 11 Thai nationals who had been abducted by Hamas in southern Israel and presumably brought to Gaza. According to a report by the Bangkok Post quoted by The Times of Israel, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said the Thai students “are innocent and have nothing to do with any conflict”.

Two Thai nationals have also died in the fight and a Cambodian student also lost their life.

India has said that it is working actively to evacuate stranded citizens in Israel. There are reportedly 18,000 Indian nationals living and working in Israel.

27 Indians including Rajya Sabha MP Wanweiroy Kharlukhi were safely evacuated even as no Indian is known to have been taken hostage by the terrorist group or killed in the crossfire.

Minister of State for External Affairs, Meenakshi Lekhi, said, “It is early to state when we will begin evacuation, but we could manage these tough exercises well.”

Meanwhile, the US is deploying US ships and warplanes to Israel. The Pentagon has said that it was sending the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford and its accompanying warships to the eastern Mediterranean while boosting fighter aircraft squadrons in the region.

US President Joe Biden spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (8th October) pledging additional assistance for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

Did you know? Canada sent $50 million to Palestine in 2018 for ‘relief work’ despite aspersions about funds being channelled to Hamas

OpIndia Staff
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Did you know? Canada sent $50 million to Palestine in 2018 for ‘relief work’ despite aspersions about funds being channelled to Hamas

Hours after the State of Israel came under attack by Palestinian terror outfit Hamas, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Saturday (7th October) condemned the killing of Israeli civilians.

In a tweet, he said, “Canada strongly condemns the current terrorist attacks against Israel. These acts of violence are completely unacceptable. We stand with Israel and fully support its right to defend itself.”

Trudeau further added, “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this. Civilian life must be protected.” While the Canadian Prime Minister has been upfront in condemning the terror attack, his own government contributed $50 million to the ‘irredeemably flawed’ United Nations Palestinian Refugee Agency (UNPRA).

Although the Trump administration stopped funding the UNPRA in August 2018, the Canadian government under Trudeau shelled out a whopping $50 million for a period of two years in the name of assisting ‘health and education efforts’ of the UN body.

In its defence, the Trudeau government claimed that it would help stabilise the region and alleviate people from poverty, food insecurity and unemployment. It also claimed that the $50 million would ‘improve neutrality’ within the UNPRA and its operations.

It must be mentioned that Israel has time and again accused UNPRA of fuelling the ongoing conflict with Palestine and instilling hatred against the Jewish State. The question remains whether funds meant for the ‘welfare’ of Palestinians are diverted for terror activities.

A case in point is that of a Gaza aid worker named Mohammed Halabi, who transferred $50 million of humanitarian funds to Islamic terror outfit Hamas. The funds were used to build tunnels and rockets to attack the State of Israel.

Israel’s Shin Bet intelligence service described him as “a major figure in the terrorist/military arm of Hamas”. Halabi, who worked for the global charity ‘World Vision’ transferred 60% of the funds to Hamas terrorists through a “sophisticated and systematic apparatus.”

The ‘aid worker’ also set up projects for farmers, fishermen and people with disabilities to siphon off humanitarian funds. He also imported thousands of tons of iron ore in the name of relief work and passed it on to Hamas to build secret tunnels. Mohammed Halabi was found guilty on 13 charges in June 2022.

A report by The Times of Israel stated, “Israel closely supervises aid to try to ensure it bypasses the terror group. But the Hamas-run government benefits from foreign countries footing the bill for schools, hospitals and infrastructure, allowing it to conserve its own resources, including the taxes and customs it collects.”

Justin Trudeau is now being accused of funding the ‘irredeemably flawed’ United Nations Palestinian Refugee Agency (UNPRA) and aiding Hamas terrorists in the process.

Rebel News founder Ezra Levant said, “You personally directed $50,000,000 to Hamas-controlled Gaza after other democracies cut them off for corruption and terrorism. You took Canadian tax dollars and gave them to Jew-killers. You literally funded this attack.”

Israel under attack from Hamas

On Saturday (7th October), a devastating conflict erupted between the terrorist organisation Hamas and Israel, resulting in a tragic toll of at least 300 casualties and over 1,000 injuries.

Hamas unleashed over 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel, while also seizing several Israeli soldiers near the border. In a video statement, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel was engaged in a state of war and warned that Hamas would face consequences for initiating an attack on Israel.

He said, “We are at war, not an operation. Hamas has launched a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel and its citizens. I ordered first of all to cleanse the settlements of the terrorists who had infiltrated and ordered a large-scale mobilisation of reserves. The enemy will pay a price they have never known.”

Following the massive attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted from his X handle that his thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims of the attack on Israel by the Hamas terrorists. On India’s stand, Consul General of Israel, Kobbi Shoshani has also thanked India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour.”

It is notable that Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it a terrorist attack. The top chair clearly recognising the heinous acts as a terrorist attack means that India is calling Hamas a terrorist organisation.

War escalates: USA moves Carrier Strike Group with USS Gerald R Ford to protect Israel, Lebanon threatens from Northern front

OpIndia Staff
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War escalates: USA moves Carrier Strike Group with USS Gerald R Ford to protect Israel, Lebanon threatens from Northern front

Amid the deadly terrorist attacks launched by Hamas in Israel, several Western countries, including the US, UK, India, etc., have extended support to Israel and expressed solidarity with the Israeli government.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced on Sunday, 9th October that the country has directed American military ships, including an aircraft carrier and extra aircraft, to deploy closer to the eastern Mediterranean.

According to a National Security Council spokeswoman, some American citizens have been brutally murdered by the terrorists. The confirmation came after Austin’s direction to US aircraft carriers and ships to reach the Eastern Mediterranean in a show of support for Israel.

“Today, in response to this Hamas attack on Israel, and following detailed discussions with President Biden, I have directed several steps to strengthen Department of Defense posture in the region to bolster regional deterrence efforts,” Austin was quoted as saying on Sunday, 9th October.

Accordingly, the US aircraft, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), and the other ships in Carrier Strike Group 12, including Ticonderoga-Class Cruiser USS Normandy (CG-60) and Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyers USS Ramage (DDG-61), USS McFaul (DDG-74), and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG-116) are believed to be heading towards the Eastern Mediterranean to support Israel and to offer assistance with the possible evacuation of the US citizens. 

The USS Gerald R. Ford, based in Norfolk, was stationed in the western Mediterranean when it got instructions to deploy. It might have had to go over a thousand miles depending on its particular location.

USS Gerald R. Ford is the US Navy’s flagship carrier, its most advanced and lethal so far. It carries up to 90 aircraft and has nearly 6000 sailors on board. It had entered service in May this year.

Austin also revealed plans to strengthen US Air Force fighter plane squadrons in the region. Aircraft from the United States Air Force are being sent to sites in the Middle East, where they will be available for operations against Iran.

The munitions that the United States will deliver are being flown.

Reports mention that Austin talked with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant to express support for the people of Israel and to receive updates on Israel’s operation to restore security and safety from the Hamas terrorist attack. The duo will remain in close contact amid the mission.

President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also spoke on Sunday as revealed by the White House. The two leaders discussed Hamas’s kidnapping of Israeli hostages, with Biden stating to Netanyahu that US help for Israel’s Defence Forces was on its way, with more to come in the following days.

“The President emphasized that there is no justification whatsoever for terrorism, and all countries must stand united in the face of such brutal atrocities. President Biden updated the Prime Minister on the intensive diplomatic engagement undertaken by the United States over the last 24 hours in support of Israel,” the statement by the White House read.

Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah attacks Israel

Meanwhile, Israel exchanged fire with the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah on the Northern front, heightening the prospect of a larger regional struggle a day after Hamas launched an unprecedented surprise terrorist attack on southern Israel, killing hundreds of Israelis. 

Hezbollah, supported by Iran, said it launched guided rockets and artillery into three Shebaa Farms installations “in solidarity” with the Palestinian people.

“On the path to liberate the remaining part of our occupied Lebanese land and in solidarity with the victorious Palestinian resistance and the steadfast Palestinian people, the groups of the martyr commander Hajj Imad Moghniyeh in the Islamic Resistance carried out an attack this Sunday, October 08, 2023, targeting 3 Zionist occupation sites in the occupied Lebanese Shebaa Farms region,” Hezbollah said in a statement.

On Sunday, the Israeli military said it fired artillery into a region of Lebanon from where cross-border mortar fire was launched. The Israeli military says one of its drones hit a Hezbollah station in the Shebaa Farms neighborhood of Har Dov.

According to Israel, its soldiers “are now attacking with artillery fire the area in Lebanon from where the shooting was carried out a few minutes ago into Israeli territory”. According to Israeli soldiers, they are “prepared for all scenarios and will continue to protect the security of residents of the State of Israel.”

Since 1967, Tel Aviv has maintained the Shebaa Farms, a 39-square-kilometer (15-square-mile) plot of land. Both Syria and Lebanon claim control of the Shebaa Farms.

It was reported yesterday that Hezbollah had already notified Israel that if Israeli forces land in Gaza, then Hezbollah will enter to attack from the Northern front. Media reports have highlighted that Hezbollah has been armed and trained by Iran.

Israel attacked by Hamas terrorists, over 700 Israelis killed

On Saturday (7th October), a devastating conflict erupted between the terrorist organization Hamas and Israel, resulting in a tragic toll of at least 700 casualties and over 2,000 injuries.

Hamas unleashed over 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israel, while also seizing several Israeli soldiers near the border. The terrorists also have held several Israelis hostage including women, children, and the elderly. They have killed several civilians in indiscriminate firing and videos of the incident doing rounds on the internet reveal that they had also paraded women bared and bruised on the streets of Israeli towns.

In a video statement, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel was engaged in a state of war and warned that Hamas would face consequences for initiating an attack on Israel.

He said, “We are at war, not an operation. Hamas has launched a murderous surprise attack against the State of Israel and its citizens. I ordered first of all to cleanse the settlements of the terrorists who had infiltrated and ordered a large-scale mobilization of reserves. The enemy will pay a price they have never known.”

Following the massive attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted from his X handle that his thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims of the attack on Israel by the Hamas terrorists. On India’s stand, Consul General of Israel, Kobbi Shoshani has also thanked India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour.”

Hamas is an acronym for Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya, which means “Islamic Resistance Movement” in English. It was founded by Sheikh Ahmed Yassin who was a Palestinian cleric. In 1997, the United States designated Hamas a foreign terrorist organization.

Over 260 bodies of civilians have been recovered from a site where a music festival was underway when the Hamas terrorists started firing indiscriminately. Hundreds of civilians and soldiers alike, including children, have been abducted. A German tourist named Shani Louk was abducted and murdered, and her naked body was paraded by Hamas terrorists in a pickup truck inside Gaza. Eye witness accounts state that women in the music festival were raped near the dead bodies of their friends. Many of them were later executed.

Hamas terrorists turned Israel music festival into a massacre, 260+ bodies recovered, women were raped near dead bodies of friends, dozens taken to Gaza as hostage

OpIndia Staff
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Hamas terrorists turned Israel music festival into a massacre, 260+ bodies recovered, women were raped near dead bodies of friends, dozens taken to Gaza as hostage

On 8th October, a day after Hamas terrorists initiated one of the most brutal terror attacks on Israeli soil, more details came to light about the atrocities that Israelis and foreign tourists faced.

One of the first locations that the Hamas terrorists attacked was the Supernova music festival that was taking place close to the Gaza Strip. The survivors have spoken up about the terrifying ordeal that included the rape of women, abduction and merciless murders at the hands of Hamas terrorists. Reports say that over 260 dead bodies have already been recovered at the festival site.

Reports from Israeli local media suggest that around 700 people were killed across the country in the terror attack. The number continued to rise as more bodies were being recovered. Israel has officially declared war.

As per the survivors’ accounts, the assault began around 7 AM, catching the festival-goers off guard. As it was the festival’s last day, the attendees’ strength was at its peak.

Videos show that revelers were dancing to music and enjoying, unaware of the fact that Hamas terrorists were parachuting down from the other side of the border.

At the time of the initial explosions, the festival-goers assumed that the loud explosions were a “routine rocket attack”, a common sight in southern Israel. However, within minutes, the intense explosions caused panic and chaos at the festival. Reportedly, around 4,000 to 5,000 festival-goers were present at the scene at the time of the attack.

The police rushed to evacuate them, but by then, pickup trucks marked with Hamas militia insignia approached and opened fire at the unarmed attendees.

Most of the festival-goers were killed on the spot. Over 260 bodies have already been recovered by the Israeli security agencies at the site.

According to the survivor’s ordeal, the young men and women tried to flee the scene by running towards the western Negev desert. The terrorists followed, captured and handcuffed them. Several women were abducted. Reportedly, the terrorists raped the women irrespective of their nationality. Some of the victims of the attack were either executed or taken to Gaza, which has been confirmed by the videos and photos available on social media.

Tablet Magazine reported some survivor accounts, mentioning that women were raped at the festival site itself near the dead bodies of their friends. Several rape victims were then executed by the Hamas terrorists.

In the aftermath of the attack on the festival, drone footage showed extensive damage, burnt cars, and bodies and belongings strewn around the festival location. There were many foreign nationals among the festival attendees, mostly young people. The hostage numbers are said to be in the hundreds.

Another video shows Hamas terrorists shooting at festival attendees trying to escape from the site. As per reports, around 3000-4000 people were present at the festival when the Hamas attacked, with terrorists firing indiscriminately into the gathering of dancing, enjoying people.

Quran, AK-47s and RPG launchers found in terrorists’ possession

When the assault finally concluded, Israeli Defence Forces soldiers apprehended the terrorists only to find horrifying details of the preparations for the attack. They recovered RPG launchers, sophisticated communication equipment, AK-47s, Soviet-made weapons and copies of the Quran.

The dead body of a female German tourist was desecrated, stripped naked and displayed around by Hamas terrorists

One of the most horrifying videos that emerged on social media was the one in which the almost naked dead body of a German tourist identified as Shani Louk, which the Hamas terrorists were parading in the back of a pickup truck. Shani was abducted from the Supernova music festival. Initially, Hamas claimed she was an Israeli soldier, but her identity was revealed because of the tattoos she had on her legs. Pro-Palestine handles were seen giving clean chit to the Hamas terrorists with bizarre explanations.

Singapore’s largest money laundering scandal: Investigation points at Chinese nationals

OpIndia Staff
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Singapore’s largest money laundering scandal: Investigation points at Chinese nationals

Singapore is conducting a significant investigation into its largest money laundering scandal, primarily involving Chinese nationals, causing embarrassment for China, Khabarhub reported.

In mid-August, Singapore police arrested ten foreign nationals and conducted raids, seizing luxury items such as Hermes handbags, Patek Philippe watches, aged Macallan whisky, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce cars.

The scandal revolves around more than USD 2.4 billion worth of assets, shaking up the Asian financial hub. Consequently, Singaporean banks have become cautious regarding clients of Chinese origin holding other citizenships, following the exposure of this money laundering scheme, according to Khabarhub, a Nepali digital news media.

Several banks have revised their rules, particularly for clients of Chinese origin who possess investment-linked passports. Some international banks are even closing accounts of clients with citizenship from countries like Cambodia, Cyprus, Turkey, and Vanuatu.
Singapore has intensified efforts to strengthen its anti-money laundering framework since island-wide raids on August 15 led to the arrest and charging of ten wealthy individuals of Chinese origin, describing it as “one of the most serious, if not the worst, money-laundering cases in Singapore.”

Of the ten suspects, three are current Chinese nationals, while the rest hold different primary passports but have origins in Fujian. They were also found with Chinese passports.

The case has affected Singapore’s reputation, but it has also cast a shadow on China, given the involvement of Chinese nationals in the scandal. It is important to note that Singapore initiated the investigation independently, denying any influence or request from the Chinese government.

The Singapore Police Force has seized USD 1.8 billion in cash and assets from the ten individuals, including properties, vehicles, cash, luxury items, and jewelry. These assets are believed to be the proceeds of organised crime committed overseas, including scams and online gambling, with funds laundered through Singapore’s financial institutions, as reported by Khabarhub.

Singapore’s reputation as a clean and efficient financial hub has taken a hit, but experts believe that the case has also damaged China’s image due to the involvement of its nationals.

The case includes individuals like Fujian Wang Bingang, who profited from illegal online gambling services offered to Chinese players. Wang formed his group in 2012 and made substantial profits through the Hongli International gambling site in the Philippines and Cambodia.

Financial institutions are now scrutinising all new account registrations and transactions involving individuals of Chinese origin. They are assessing and, in some cases, restricting transactions from users with citizenship from other nations. Accounts of customers from Vanuatu, Dominica, Cyprus, Cambodia, and Turkey are being closed.

The focus is on Singapore’s efforts to prevent Chinese nationals from engaging in money laundering practices, with the country’s attractive financial environment and proximity to China being key factors driving such illicit activities, Khabarhub reported.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

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