Declaring 'new beginning,' EU, Turkey seal migrant deal

Sun Nov 29, 2015 | 3:16 PM EST Greek Prime Minister AlexisTsipras arrives at the EU-Turkey summit in Brussel, Belgium, at which the EU will seek Turkish help to slow the influx of migrants into southeastern Europe, November 29, 2015. REUTERS/Yves Herman Greek Prime Minister AlexisTsipras arrives at the EU-Turkey summit in Brussel, Belgium, at which the EU will seek Turkish help to slow the influx of migrants into southeaste... Reuters/Yves Herman + Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu (L) and European Council President Donald Tusk attend a news conference after a EU-Turkey summit in Brussels, Belgium November 29, 2015. REUTERS/Yves Herman Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu (L) and European Council President Donald Tusk attend a news conference after a EU-Turkey summit in Brussels, Belgium November 29, 201... Reuters/Yves Herman + (L to R) Greece's Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and German Chancellor Angela Merkel talk to French President Francois Hollande during an EU-Turkey summit in Brussels, Belgium November 29, 2015. REUTERS/Eric Vidal (L to R) Greece's Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and German Chancellor Angela Merkel talk to French President Francois Hollande during... Reuters/Eric Vidal + Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann (L), Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu (C) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel (R) talk before a group photo at an EU-Turkey summit, in which the EU seeks Turkish help to slow the influx of migrants into southeastern Europe, in Brussels, Belgium November 29, 2015. REUTERS/Yves Herman Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann (L), Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu (C) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel (R) talk before a group photo at an EU-Turkey summit, ... Reuters/Yves Herman + Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu (R) is welcomed by European Council President Donald Tusk at the start of an EU-Turkey summit, in which the EU seeks Turkish help to slow the influx of migrants into southeastern Europe, in Brussels, Belgium November 29, 2015. REUTERS/Thierry Monasse/Pool Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu (R) is welcomed by European Council President Donald Tusk at the start of an EU-Turkey summit, in which the EU seeks Turkish help to s... Reuters/Thierry Monasse/Pool + (L to R) German Chancellor Angela Merkel talks with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and French President Francois Hollande during an EU-Turkey summit in Brussels, Belgium November 29, 2015. REUTERS/Eric Vidal (L to R) German Chancellor Angela Merkel talks with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and French President Francois Hollande during an EU-Turkey summit in Brussels, Bel... Reuters/Eric Vidal + German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrives at the EU-Turkey summit in Brussels, Belgium, November 29, 2015. REUTERS/Eric Vidal German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrives at the EU-Turkey summit in Brussels, Belgium, November 29, 2015. Reuters/Eric Vidal Greek Prime Minister AlexisTsipras arrives at the EU-Turkey summit in Brussel, Belgium, at which the EU will seek Turkish help to slow the influx of migrants into southeastern Europe, November 29, 2015. REUTERS/Yves Herman Greek Prime Minister AlexisTsipras arrives at the EU-Turkey summit in Brussel, Belgium, at which the EU will seek Turkish help to slow the influx of migrants into southeaste... Reuters/Yves Herman + Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu (L) and European Council President Donald Tusk attend a news conference after a EU-Turkey summit in Brussels, Belgium November 29, 2015. REUTERS/Yves Herman Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu (L) and European Council President Donald Tusk attend a news conference after a EU-Turkey summit in Brussels, Belgium November 29, 201... Reuters/Yves Herman + › Declaring 'new beginning,' EU, Turkey seal migrant...X By Francesco Guarascio and Robin Emmott BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Turkey will help stem the flow of migrants to Europe in return for cash, visas and renewed talks on joining the EU in a deal struck on Sunday that the Turkish prime minister called a "new beginning" for the uneasy neighbors. Leaders of the 28 European Union states met Turkish premier Ahmet Davutoglu in Brussels on Sunday evening to give their collective political blessing to an agreement hammered out by diplomats over the past few weeks. A key element is 3 billion euros ($3.2 billion) in EU aid for the 2.2 million Syrian refugees in Turkey, intended to raise living standards and so persuade more to stay put rather than attempt often perilous crossings to the Greek islands and the EU. "The EU is committed to provide an initial 3 billion euro of additional resources," the EU and Turkish leaders said in a joint statement. "The need for and nature of this funding will be reviewed in the light of the developing situation." The final wording was a compromise between the EU, which offered 3 billion euros over two years, and Turkey, which had pushed for the same amount annually. Now the money, as French President Francois Hollande said, will paid out bit by bit, giving a possibility of a total more or less than 3 billion. Also on offer to Ankara, which has driven a hard bargain but wants to revive relations with its European neighbors as it faces trouble in the Middle East and from Russia, is a "re-energized" negotiating process on Turkish membership of the EU -- even if few on either side expect it to join soon. And many Turks could also benefit from visa-free travel to Europe's Schengen zone within a year if Turkey meets conditions on tightening its borders in the east to Asian migrants and moves other benchmarks on reducing departures to Europe. "Today is a historic day in our accession process to the EU," Davutoglu told reporters on arrival. "I am grateful to all European leaders for this new beginning." DESPERATION Aware of a sense of desperation in Europe for a solution to a crisis that has called into question its own cohesion and the future of its Schengen passport-free travel zone, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has driven a hard bargain. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Related Coverage Europe, Turkey agree migration deal, leaders say The deal involves Turkish help, including through naval patrols and border checks, in handling the flow of migrants to the EU, expected to reach 1.5 million people this year alone, and the EU offering cash and restarting talks on EU accession. "Results must be achieved in particular in stemming the influx of irregular migrants," the joint statement read. "Both sides will, as agreed and with immediate effect, step up their active cooperation on migrants who are not in need of international protection, preventing travel to Turkey and the EU ... and swiftly returning migrants who are not in need of international protection to their countries of origin." Summit chairman Tusk stressed that the meeting was primarily about migration rather than improving Turkish ties, which have been strained in recent years as Erdogan has used a powerful electoral mandate to consolidate his power. Critics say he has abused the rights of opponents, media and minority Kurds. "Our main goal is to stem the flow of migrants to Europe," Tusk said. The Europeans, none more so than German Chancellor Angela Merkel, are under pressure to manage the biggest influx of people since World War Two, the bulk of them to Germany. The crisis has helped populist opponents and set nations against each other, straining the open borders of the EU. Before the summit itself, Merkel met leaders of some other EU states which have taken in many refugees and said afterwards they had discussed how they might resettle more of them directly from Syria rather than wait for families to reach the EU via dangerous smuggling routes across the Mediterranean. She said they had discussed no figures. German media reports had spoken earlier of up to 400,000 Syrians being resettled. Measures the EU has taken have done little to control migrant movements. While winter weather may lower the numbers for a few months, it is also worsening the plight of tens of thousands stuck by closing borders in the Balkans. Sunday's summit, called just days ago as Brussels tried to clinch a deal offered over a month ago, has been complicated by Turkey's downing of a Russian warplane on the Syrian border. Related Coverage Merkel confirms 3 billion euro deal with Turkey on migrants Highlights: Leaders' comments at EU-Turkey summit That has complicated European efforts to re-engage with Moscow, despite a continued frost over Ukraine, in order to try to advance a peace in Syria that could end the flight of refugees and contain Islamic State. Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny said tension between Ankara and Moscow over the downing of the warplane were of "enormous concern". The EU's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said the incident should not affect the prospect of finding a political deal on Syria. Islamic State's attack on Paris on Nov. 13 has heightened calls in the EU for more controls on people arriving from Syria. Merkel has forced the pace in securing a deal with Turkey that has left critics of Erdogan's human rights policies uneasy. The German leader defended her stance: "If we are strategic partners, we must of course discuss openly with each other those issues on which we have questions, concerns or criticism." (Additional reporting by Sabine Siebold, Gabriela Baczynska, Jan Strupczewski, Alastair Macdonald and Ercan Gurses in Brussels; Writing by Alastair Macdonald; Editing by Richard Balmforth and Hugh Lawson)

Insight - Pakistan military's move on Karachi seen part of "creeping coup"

World | Mon Apr 27, 2015 8:12am IST Related: World, South Asia ISLAMABAD | By Mehreen Zahra-Malik (Reuters) - The chief of Pakistan's main spy agency is spearheading a campaign to wrest control of the teeming port city of Karachi from a powerful political party, the military's latest, and some say boldest, foray into civilian life in recent years. According to military officials, police officers and members of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party which has traditionally dominated Karachi, Rizwan Akhtar has decided the time for policing the city from the sidelines is over. "There is a quiet, creeping takeover of Karachi by the military," said a government official close to Akhtar, head of of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency, which traditionally acts as an extension of army power in Pakistan. "Karachi is just too big ... too much land, too much business, resources. No one party will be allowed to rule Karachi from now on," added the official, who declined to be named. The sweltering, violent metropolis is Pakistan's largest and wealthiest city. It accounts for half of national revenues and hosts the stock exchange, central bank and a giant port. The military's crackdown in Karachi started late in 2013, when the murder rate soared and mutilated bodies were dumped in alleyways daily. The operation, which escalated last month, is officially aimed at criminals and militants, but some say MQM is the real target. Army spokesmen did not respond to requests for comment. Weakening the MQM's grip, and particularly that of exiled leader Altaf Hussain, would free space for other political parties seen as more sympathetic to the military, like Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, led by former cricketer Imran Khan. It would also give the army leverage over Pakistan's economic hub. That complements other steps taken in the last two years to tighten its grip on national security, foreign policy and the judiciary through the introduction of military courts. The army's increasing influence could make it harder for Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to deliver a rapprochement with India that he promised when he won elections in 2013. "MISSION CREEP" Critics call it "mission creep" and say the army's power grab is a setback for Pakistan, where the military has ruled for about half the country's history. But police in Karachi are seen as too weak or corrupt to stamp out violence effectively, so many residents are willing to rely on the military despite its history of coups and accusations of rights abuses. Last month, paramilitary Rangers swooped on the MQM's headquarters in Karachi, seizing arms and detaining "criminals", including a fugitive convicted of murder. It was a direct challenge to the authority of Hussain, who, despite living in London since he fled murder charges in Pakistan in 1991, leads the party and remains one of the country's most powerful figures. The army has long accused the MQM of racketeering, kidnappings for ransom and targeted killings in Karachi. Police recorded 2,507 murders in the city in 2013, up from 278 in 2006. MQM denies the charges against it, but says that, while it has cooperated with Rangers in the past, the party will resist attempts to break it up. "What is happening now (raids and arrests) is inconceivable to us," said MQM leader Haider Abbas Rizvi. "But they will not be able to dismantle the party, if that is the plan." Senior government officials said the civilian administration in Karachi had been sidelined, and that decisions were being taken by the head of the Rangers and the chief military commander for Sindh province. Both are backed by Akhtar and the army chief. The Rangers declined to comment for this article. According to the officials, the government was not consulted either before the raid or when Rangers lodged a criminal case against Hussain last month. Sindh's governor, who has ruled the southern province where Karachi is located for 13 years, and chief minister are being excluded from regular security meetings they previously chaired. "SWEAT AND BLOOD" MQM leaders said the military had launched a campaign of mass arrests and "disappearances" of political workers, and said they were being unfairly targeted. At least 2,600 MQM workers had been arrested since the operation began, they said, and 36 members killed. But law enforcement officials said it was time to dislodge what they called a "militant" party. "If Altaf Hussain steps down, the MQM will live on; if he doesn't, the party will go down with him," said an official with knowledge of the army's new strategy in Karachi. In the past, the party has resisted attempts to rein it in by shutting down the city and hurting Pakistan's economy. This time, though, there has been little hostility. Party insiders express frustration with Hussain, who gives rambling, contradictory speeches to rallies by telephone from London. "We have built this party with our sweat and blood. Now a man living in exile ... is intent on destroying it," said a senior MQM leader, who did not want to criticise Hussain openly. Hussain remains defiant. After MQM comfortably won a Karachi by-election on Thursday, he declared: "the people and Altaf Hussain have a special relationship which cannot be shaken." (Additional reporting By Syed Raza Hassan; Editing by Mike Collett-White)

Is it really a Revolutin in ISLAM-abad?

According to the prophecies of Prophet Muhammad (sawas): “A non-stop army will rise from the land of Khorasan holding black flags of Islam in the end times!!” This army will conquer several occupied lands of Muslims till it reaches to Jerusalem (Al Quds)!! Then it will pledge its allegiance to Imam al Mahdi (atfs). The black flag of Khorasan will bring an end to the rule of tyranny of the fourth and the final reich: http://www.ummah.com/forum/showthread.php?120449-Black-flags-of-Khorasan The first pillar of Islam, Shahadah means declaration of faith. The Shahadah is: “Laa Ilaha Illallah Muhammad Rasullullah” (There is no God except Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah) The Prophet Mohammed (saws) said: ‘Three men will be killed at the place where your treasure is. Each of them will be the son of a Khalifah, and none of them will get hold of the treasure. Then black banners will come out of the east… ’If you see him, go and give him your allegiance, even if you have to crawl over ice, because he is the Khalifah of Allah, the Mahdi.’ Read more about his prophecies here please.. http://www.habibies.com/world/black-flags-from-khorasan/ Many details of what the Prophet (saws) said would happen before the last days have reached us. These events are happening one by one in our own time, proving to be yet another miracle of the Prophet (saws). These events, that are happening 1,400 years after the Prophet Muhammad (saws), were explained in great detail, as if he had witnessed them himself. http://rasoulallah.net/index.php/ar/ These are the Prophet (saws)'s prophecies regarding the signs of the end times and the last day, taken from the hadiths: The last hour will not come unless there is much bloodshed.227 Near the establishment of the hour there will be much Al-Harj, and Al-Harj means killing.228 The day of judgment will not come until people openly deny Allah.229 Great cities will be ruined, and it will be as if they had not existed the day before.230 Gains will be shared out only among the rich, with no benefit to the poor.231 People will indulge in homosexuality and lesbianism.232 There will be prevalence of open illegal intercourse.233 The hour (last day) will not be established until murders will increase.234 Pity poor Taliqan (a region in Afghanistan) that at that place are treasures of Allah, but these are not of gold and silver but consist of people who have recognised Allah as they should have.235 There is an indication in the hadith that Afghanistan will be occupied during the end times. The Russian invasion of Afghanistan took place in 1979, or 1400 according to the Hijri calendar. In other words, it coincided with the start of the fourteenth century under the Hijri calendar. It (Euphrates) will uncover a mountain of gold (under it).236 Soon the river "Euphrates" will disclose the treasure (the mountain) of gold, so whoever will be present at that time should not take anything of it.237 The rebuilding of the ruined places in the world, and the ruination of constructed places are signs and portents of doomsday.238 There are two signs of our Mahdi; ...and those signs are that moon will eclipse in the first night of its fixed nights of eclipse and sun will be eclipsed in the middle of the fixed days for its eclipse, during the month of Ramadan.239 There will be two eclipses of the sun in Ramadan before the Mahdi emerges.240 There will be two eclipses of the Moon in Ramadan...241 The common points emerging from the above three hadiths are: 1. There will be solar and lunar eclipses during the month of Ramadan. 2. These will be spaced about 14-15 days apart. 3. The eclipses will be repeated twice. In line with those calculations, there was a lunar eclipse in 1981 (Hijri 1401), on the 15th day of Ramadan, and a solar eclipse on the 29th day of the month. There was a "second" lunar eclipse in 1982 (Hijri 1402) on the 14th day of Ramadan, and a solar eclipse on the 28th day of the month. It is also particularly significant that in that particular instance, there was a full lunar eclipse in the middle of the month of Ramadan, a most striking prophecy. Before he comes, a comet spreading light will come from the East.242 The birth of that star will follow the eclipse of the sun and moon.243 A tailed star will be born from the east and spread its light. Its daily direction will be from east to west.244 - In 1986 (Hijri 1406), in other words at the start of the 14th century, Halley's comet passed by the earth. The comet is a bright, shining star. - It travels from east to west This happened after the lunar and solar eclipses of 1981 and 1982 (1401-1402) People will go on the hajj with no imam at their head. When they descend to Mina, the tribes will savage each other like dogs and there will be great wars. To such an extent that feet will be covered in a lake of blood.245 A fire will appear in the sky from the east and a redness will cover the sky for three or seven days in a row.246 A fire will enfold you. That fire is currently extinguished in the valley called Berehut. People will be enfolded in that fire with terrible suffering. That fire will burn and destroy people and belongings. For eight days it will rage over the world like wind and cloud. The heat of night will be fiercer than that of day. That fire will stretch from the heads of man to the highest heavens, and there will be a terrible noise like thunder between the earth and sky, he said.247 - The burning oil in Kuwait led to the deaths of people and animals. According to experts, half a million tons of oil went up into the atmosphere as smoke. Every day, more than 10,000 tons of soot, sulphur, carbon-dioxide and large quantities of hydrocarbons with their carcinogenic properties hang suspended over the Gulf. It is not just the Gulf, but the world itself that is burning.248 - Two wells that were set alight produced as much oil as Turkey does in one day, and the smoke from them can be seen from Saudi Arabia, 55 kilometres away.249 - Continuing news of disaster from the Gulf: hundreds of oil wells set alight in Kuwait are still burning fiercely. Experts say it will be "exceedingly difficult to put those fires out," and it is said that the fires will affect a wide area from Turkey to India for the next 10 years. The fire and smoke coming from the wells constantly pollute the atmosphere. Daytime resembles night in Kuwait. The brown smoke that rises together with the flames remind one of the sky as the autumn turns into winter … It will take at least a century for Kuwait to be completely habitable again. The smoke that rises with the flames is visible from miles away, totally blocking out the sky and making the country unfit to live in. The wealthy are abandoning Kuwait.250 He (The Mahdi) will not come until there is a portent from the sun.251 The solar eclipse of August 11, 1999 was the last of the century. During this eclipse, the likes of which take place only every 400 years, the sun, the moon and the world align. It was the first time that so many people had been able to watch and study an eclipse for so long a duration. Below are some newspaper headlines regarding the phenomenon. This can be interpreted as the "portent from the Sun" referred to in the hadith. (Allah knows best, of course). Before the Hour comes, there will be a tribulation like patches of dark night...252 The word "tribulation (fitna)" implies anything that turns peoples' reason and hearts away from the true path, or war, incitement, chaos, disorder and conflict. The tribulation in the hadith will leave smoke and dust behind it, we learn. Furthermore, the way that tribulation is described as "darkness" in the hadith, can be seen as an indication that its origins are unclear, that it is unexpected. Looking at it from that regard, it is probable that the hadith is referring to the world's worst terrorist attack, on the cities of New York and Washington in the United States on September 11, 2001. The inhabitants of Egypt and Sham would kill their ruler and his commands…253 The people of Sham will take prisoner the tribes of Egypt.254 Today, the states in the region in question include Israel. That is why the hadith could be pointing to the war between the state of Israel and Egypt, and the invasion of Egyptian territory. The Hour (Last Day) will not be established until ... earthquakes will be very frequent.255 There are two great events before the day of judgment ... and then years of earthquakes.256 Labayka Ya Husayn Imam Husayn's final battle in Karbala, Iraq. The battle continues.. after 1400 years.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eHmccDwupo&list=PLd3-F21oYOuvKvn-tAZIQXCECJMvXZKQB Imam Husayn's battle against evil is global... The world is changing fast... and to be the pioneers of this change, we need to change ourselves first!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4OeMQUL6rQ&list=PL6FAEEB4873CC46F7 Afghanistan War Khorasan Mahdi (atfs) vs. I$-RA-€£ - by Imran Hosein Please, watch both parts... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LMxRLcWmUs&list=PLd3-F21oYOuvKvn-tAZIQXCECJMvXZKQB "Everyone is so afraid of death, but the real Sufis just laugh: nothing tyrannizes their hearts. What strikes the oyster shell does not damage the pearl." "If in thirst you drink water from a cup, you see God in it. Those who are not in love with God will see only their own faces in it." "He is a letter to everyone. You open it. It says, 'live!'" Moulana Rumi A Persian poet of peace https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150471572376661&set=a.10150446678981661.392933.698671660&type=3&theater Truth will prevail!! Real education… for God’s sake… Ya Imam Mahdi (as), the just leader of humanity Mahdi, English: Guided one It is prophesised that Isa (Jesus Christ) will return to aid Imam Mahdi in the end time. Isa (Jesus Christ) will descend at the point of a white arcade, east of Damascus (Syria), dressed in yellow robes with his head anointed. Together they stand against Masih ad-Dajjal, the false messiah, and his followers. (I$-RA-€£) Isa will slay Dajjal, and unite humanity https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152214502721661&set=a.394307616660.176314.698671660&type=1&theater No doubt... The Christian Orthodox Church will join Muslims to fight against Jews!! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152213898146661&set=a.10151733156261661.1073741827.698671660&type=1&theater The black flags from Khorasan are not from the white house (I$-RA-€£), but from a former Persian province with Mashad as its capital!! (which is placed in IR Iran today!!) Q: Who is born in Mashad in 1939?? Guess four times: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152649961966661&set=a.394307616660.176314.698671660&type=1&theater Prepare yourselves... And get ready to rumble!! Sayyed Mustafa, the father of Imam Khomeini (ra) Quotes, biography, etc.: "We were silent when we had to speak. We had Khans (Cossack) rule over us. Imam Ali said: “I hate oppressors and those who accept them.” How will future generations judge us?" https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152003392106661&set=a.394307616660.176314.698671660&type=1&theater Masha'Allah ♡ Sayyed Mustafa, the father of Imam Khomeini (ra) ♡ Quotes, biography, movie, and more: "We were silent when we had to speak. We had Khans (Cossack) rule over us. Imam Ali said: “I hate oppressors and those who accept them.” How will future generations judge us?" The following movie is based on the life of Sayyed Mustafa (ra), the father of the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatullah Ruhullah Khomeini (ra). "Earth and sunshine" Farsi sub English: http://www.shiatv.net/view_video.php?viewkey=e13942f6ac9577a738af&page&viewtype&category or watch on Jew-tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9JqprPP5E0&list=PL6FAEEB4873CC46F7 This series highlights plight of the people of Iran before the revolution and also the character of Sayyed Mustafa, which was also inherited by Imam Khomeini. i.e "raising against oppression" Brief biography of Sayyed Mustafa: Sayyed Mustafa father of Imam Khomeini (ra) began his religious education in Isfahan with Mir Muhammad Taqi Mudarrisi before continuing his studies in Najaf and Samarra under the guidance of Mirza Hasan Shirazi (d.1894), the principal authority of the age in Shi'i jurisprudence. This corresponded to a pattern of preliminary study in Iran followed by advanced study in the 'atabat, the shrine cities of Iraq, which for long remained normative; Imam Khomeini (ra) was in fact the first religious leader of prominence whose formation took place entirely in Iran. In Dhu 'l-Hijja 1320/ March 1903, some five months after the Imam's birth, Sayyed Mustafa was attacked and martyred while travelling on the road between Khumain and the neighbouring city of Arak. The identity of the assassin immediately became known; it was Ja'far-quli Khan, the cousin of a certain Bahram Khan, one of the richest landowners of the region. The cause of the assassination is, however, difficult to establish with certainty. According to an account that became standard after the triumph of the Islamic Revolution, Sayyed Mustafa had aroused the anger of the local landowners because of his defence of the impoverished peasantry. However, Sayyed Mustafa himself, in addition to the religious functions he fulfilled, was also a farmer of moderate prosperity, and it is possible that he fell victim to one of the disputes over irrigation rights that were common at the time. The attempts of Sahiba, Sayyed Mustafa's sister, to have the killer punished in Khumayn proved fruitless, so his widow, Hajar, went to Tehran to appeal for justice, according to one account carrying the infant Ruhullah in her arms. She was followed there by her two elder sons, Murtaza and Nur al-Din, and finally, in Rabi' al-Awwal 1323, May 1925, Ja'far-quli Khan was publicly executed in Tehran on the orders of 'Ayn al-Dawla, the prime minister of the day. Source: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAB3513EDAF42F4CE Grand Ayatollah Khomeini (ra) ♡ Persian: آيتالله āyatollāh from Arabic: آية الله, āyatu l-Lāh "Sign of God" ♡ The man who changed the world: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfrJ2rBobGs&list=PL6FAEEB4873CC46F7 Ruhollah ♡ Documentary on the life of Imam Khomeini (ra) the father of the Islamic revolution in Iran. Produced by Al Manar, remastered by AIM Islam [Arabic]: http://www.shiatv.net/view_video.php?viewkey=4bf8ce0ff2ec19b37151 or on Jew-tube [Eng Sub]: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuGgerT0Xao&list=PL6FAEEB4873CC46F7 Live like Muhammad (saws) ♡ Fight like Ali (as) ♡ And die like Husayn (as) ♡ Just be strong!! Allah (swt) is the greatest planner of them all ♡ Insha'Allah "Sayyed" for males and "Sayyeda" for females are names/titles, which are very well known in the Islamic world ♡ The black turban and the title “Sayyed” are an indication for those who are directly descended from Prophet Mohammed صل الله عليه وسلم through the lineage of Ali رضي الله عنه and Fatimah عليها السلام ♡ https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152003624261661&set=pb.698671660.-2207520000.1385428210.&type=3&theater The true essence of Islam (submission to God) ♡ https://www.facebook.com/maryam.mad/media_set?set=a.10151733156261661.1073741827.698671660&type=1 Alhamdolellah Ya ALi ♡ ========== September 2, 2014 Special Dispatch No.5831 Pakistani Army Accused Of Plotting Protests In Islamabad To Oust Elected Government; UAE's Regional Spy Chief Reportedly Involved In Engineering Pakistani Protests PTI leader Imran Khan seeking to oust the elected government (image: NDTV.com) Coordinated anti-government protests in Islamabad since August 14 by cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan of the Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and Islamic cleric Maulana Tahirul Qadri of Pakistan Awami Tahreek (PAT) are being controlled by the Pakistani military and its intelligence agencies, according to reports appearing in the Pakistani media. On September 1, PTI President Javed Hashmi, who is seen as a democrat and a voice of conscience in Pakistani politics, lashed out at his party leader Imran Khan for working with the Pakistani army to overthrow the elected government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Hashmi, who was fired by Khan, reminded that he remains party president since Khan did not follow procedures to sack him. Immediately after Hashmi's statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) department of the Pakistani military denied any role in engineering the protests. In a statement, it said: "ISPR has categorically rejected the assertions that Army and ISI were backing PTI/PAT in any way in the current political standoff. Army is an apolitical institution and has expressed its unequivocal support for democracy at numerous occasions. It is unfortunate that Army is dragged into such controversies. Integrity and unity of the Army is its strength, which it upholds with pride."[1] Independent analysts are skeptical of the statement, since the military's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has been known for ousting and installing governments in the past. Pakistan's ISI, which is by any account the most powerful institution in Pakistan, is known for dictating the country's foreign policies with regard to the US, Afghanistan and India. It is also known for using former ISI chiefs such as Lt.-Gen. Hamid Gul and Lt.-Gen. Shuja Pasha (who now works for the UAE government but has been deeply involved in plotting the current protests). Over the past few days, editorials in liberal Pakistani newspapers have accused the Pakistani military and the powerful ISI of engineering a soft coup in Pakistan through the use of protests by PTI and PAT, the latter of which is more like a religious organization with no track record of winning elections and is led by Tahirul Qadri, a Barelvi cleric who recently returned from Canada with the sole purpose of overthrowing the elected government through a Tahrir Square-like mass uprising in Islamabad. The protesters have increased pressure on the government of Nawaz Sharif, who - much to the displeasure of the Pakistani military - has sought to build friendly relations with India and has pursued a hands-off approach on Afghanistan. In January 2013, the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) released a detailed report on the ideology and politics of Maulana Tahirul Qadri, the Canada-returned Islamic cleric who is seeking to capture power in Islamabad through unconstitutional means by mobilizing his devout supporters from the Barelvi school of Islam.[2] MEMRI also released a detailed report on the ideology and politics of Imran Khan, the PTI leader who unlike Tahirul Qadri has some stake in Pakistani politics and can chart a political career in years ahead. As detailed in the MEMRI report, Imran Khan has justified the Taliban's "jihad in Afghanistan" against U.S. forces and has accused the so-called Jewish/Israeli lobby of attacking Pakistan's nuclear program.[3] Pakistan's best-known human rights campaigner Asma Jahangir also accused the Pakistani military of seeking to thwart the established democratic process in the country, warning: "If the army took over this time, the stint of its rule would be a minimum of 10 years."[4] The Sharif government's efforts for a negotiated exit from the crisis have so far failed, as the protest leaders have stuck to the demand that the prime minister step down to facilitate new elections. Javed Hashmi On Coup Plot: "Imran Had Told The [PTI] Core Committee That The New Set-Up Would Not Be Called A Martial Law; We Will File A Petition In The Supreme Court And Get A Judge Of Our Choice … [To] Endorse [A Caretaker Government]" The following are excerpts from a report on Hashmi's statement:[5]

"In a media talk outside the Parliament House, Hashmi said that Imran came to Islamabad with a scripted plan. 'Imran told us, they [the Pakistani military and ISI] asked him to move forward [in tandem with] with Tahirul Qadri,' charged Hashmi. He hastened to add that Imran said, 'We could not move forward without the army.' 'Imran had claimed that all matters had been settled [as part of a conspiracy to overthrow the elected government] and the general election would be held either in late August or in early September as per the plan. Imran is here with a plan; who is the planner? I do not know,' remarked Hashmi… "'When Imran Khan shared his plan with us, he said that a judge of our choice was coming as the chief justice of the Supreme Court,' Hashmi went on to reveal. He said that Imran Khan had maligned the Supreme Court by saying that the Supreme Court would de-seat Nawaz Sharif and [his brother and chief minister of Punjab province] Shahbaz Sharif. Hashmi implicated the current Chief Justice of Pakistan Nasirul Mulk, by claiming that Imran told us, 'We have a friendly chief justice now [who would approve a replacement government as it had happened in the past military coups].' While he did not name Nasirul Mulk, he confirmed that he was referring to the 'current' chief justice." "Hashmi contended that the PTI chief [Imran Khan] wanted to move forward along with Dr. Qadri. 'I told him that we were being hijacked by someone else,' said Hashmi, and claimed Imran had come to Islamabad with an agenda." "'Imran had told the [PTI] core committee that the new set-up would not be called a martial law. We will file a petition in the Supreme Court and get a judge of our choice in September and he will endorse it. That chief justice will validate the actions that will be taken eventually…' he said, quoting Imran. 'Today, I have heard that the chief justice has called all judges [for a meeting to discuss the protests],' he said. "With regards to Imran's repeated pledge of upholding the Constitution and ensuring the rule of law, Hashmi said that Imran did not care about the Constitution and said that the PTI chief acted as the king of his party. 'Imran accepts the Constitution only where it works in his favor. When it is otherwise, he abandons it,' Hashmi charged."

MEMRI Report: "Living In Pakistan For The Past Few Days … [UAE's Regional Spy Chief Shuja Pasha] Has Been Deciding All The Programs Of Both The Movements [Led By Imran Khan And Maulana Qadri]" On August 20, the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) released a report translated from a leading Urdu-language daily in Pakistan, revealing how Lt.-Gen. Shuja Pasha (the former chief of Pakistan's ISI who now serves as the Regional Chief of the UAE's intelligence agency) has been planning the details of the protest rallies led by Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri. Pasha was appointed by the UAE as Regional Chief of its intelligence agency sometime in late-2013, according to a Pakistani daily.[6] Following are excerpts from the MEMRI dispatch:[7] "Extremely reliable sources have confirmed that the entire planning of the recent movements of Imran Khan and Maulana Qadri has been drawn up by Shuja Pasha, the former chief of the secret agency [Inter-Services Intelligence of the Pakistani Army]. And over the past few days he arrived in Pakistan, having left Dubai. After having retired as the chief of the secret agency, Ahmed Shuja Pasha was serving in Dubai for the American secret agency [e.g. CIA]. "Living in Pakistan for the past few days, he has been deciding all the programs of both the movements [led by Imran Khan and Maulana Qadri separately to lead a people's march on Islamabad, on August 14, the Independence Day of Pakistan]. Two days ago [August 4 or 5], Shuja Pasha was present at the home of Shafqat Mahmood, the leader of [Pakistan] Tahreek-e-Insaf where Tahreek chief Imran Khan held a detailed meeting and listened to his advice attentively. "Before his retirement [as head of ISI], Shuja Pasha was desirous of an extension in his tenure, but the then-prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani had clearly refused to give him an extension, as the then-opposition leader Nawaz Sharif had publicly opposed any extension for him. It is said that the People's Party government [led by Gilani] also had been opposed to an extension for him but was unable to decide, but when Nawaz Sharif opposed it at a public platform, it became easy for it [the Gilani government] to decide [against the extension]. "After that, General Pasha, who had already been disliked by Nawaz Sharif, became a personal enemy of Nawaz Sharif. Sources say that the big rally organized by Imran Khan at Minara-e-Pakistan in Lahore in October 2011 also was a show [at the behest] of General Pasha for which he used unlimited resources. These days General Pasha is engaged in efforts for uniting Imran Khan and Maulana Qadri [at a single platform], which is not succeeding due to Imran Khan's fear that in such an event Imran's public acceptance will be affected [adversely] because in the public, Maulana Qadri's popularity is not so good…" Editorial In Pakistani Daily 'Dawn': "The Carefully Constructed Veneer Of Neutrality That The Army Leadership Had Constructed Through Much Of The National Political Crisis … Has Been Torn Apart" Following are excerpts from a September 2 editorial:[8] "The carefully constructed veneer of neutrality that the army leadership had constructed through much of the national political crisis instigated by Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri has been torn apart. First came the army's statement on Sunday [August 31], the third in a series of statements in recent days on the political crisis, which quite astonishingly elevated the legitimacy and credibility of the demands of Imran Khan, Tahirul Qadri, and their violent protesters above that of the choices and actions of an elected government dealing with a political crisis. "Consider the sequence of events so far. When the army first publicly waded into the political crisis, it counselled restraint on all sides - as though it were the government that fundamentally still had some questions hanging over its legitimacy simply because Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri alleged so. Next, the army crept towards the Khan/Qadri camp by urging the government to facilitate negotiations - as though it was the government that was being unreasonable, and not Mr. Khan and Mr. Qadri. "Now, staggeringly, the army has 'advised' the government not to use force against violent protesters and essentially told it to make whatever concessions necessary to placate Mr. Khan and Mr. Qadri. It is simply extraordinary that it is the PAT and PTI supporters who want to break into and occupy state buildings, but it is the government that has been rebuked. It's as if the army is unaware - rather, unwilling - to acknowledge the constitutional scheme of things: it is the government that is supposed to give orders to the army, not the other way around. "The government has already issued its order: invoking Article 245 [empowering the army to ensure law and order in the city]. On Saturday, as violent thugs attacked parliament, it was surely the army’s duty to repel them. But the soldiers stationed there did nothing and the army leadership the next day warned the government instead of the protesters - which largely explains why the protesters were able to continue their pitched battles with the police and attacked the PTV headquarters yesterday [September 1]. If that were not enough, yesterday also brought another thunderbolt: this time from within the PTI with party president Javed Hashmi indicating that Mr. Khan is essentially doing what he has been asked and encouraged to do by the army leadership. It took the ISPR a few hours to respond with the inevitable denial, but a mere denial is inadequate at this point. The functioning of the state stands paralyzed because a few thousand protesters and their leaders have laid siege to state institutions. Where is the army condemnation of that?" Islamic cleric Tahirul Qadri (image: NDTV.com) 'Daily Times' Editorial: "A 'Soft' Coup, Which Involves The Surrender Of Policy Space By The Civilian Elected Government To The Military … May Be The Price Nawaz Sharif Has To Pay To Stay In Power" The following are excerpts from a Daily Times editorial dated August 31:[9] "The concern on the part of the 11 [political] parties who have been standing with the government in this situation is understandable in light of our history. Pakistan has had more than its share of direct and indirect military interventions, coups, and manipulation behind the scenes. Perhaps the real change we are witnessing is that Pakistani society today may be less tolerant of any attempt at a 'hard' coup (a military takeover), the judiciary may not be complicit in legitimizing it as in the past, the media would probably make life hard for any such adventure, and international opinion and the western powers would look askance. "The difficulties of running Pakistan today are also immense. Without legitimacy or popular support, it may be difficult for any dispensation [military or civilian], irrespective of the manner of its ascent to power, to manage the country when it is beset with enormous problems of terrorism and the economy's slide, amongst others. However, a 'soft' coup, which involves the surrender of policy space by the civilian elected government to the military, as is being speculated may be the price Nawaz Sharif has to pay to stay in power, is something the forces that support democracy and constitutionalism may not even become aware of before it is too late to reverse. "Two areas of security, defense, and foreign policy that seem up for grabs are the stance on Afghanistan as it nears endgame, and relations with India. The former involves reversing this government's 'hands off' stance to allow an Afghan-owned, Afghan-led political process find resolution of that unfortunate country's future after the Western forces leave. The latter conditions improvement in relations with New Delhi and economic cooperation on progress in the Kashmir dispute. In addition, a troubled area in the civil-military relationship is the issue of [former Pakistan Army chief General Pervez] Musharraf's trial for treason. "On all three, the military is today placed in a position to demand concessions from the government. Nawaz Sharif may decide to concede these areas in order to live to fight another day. But such a denouement would once again immeasurably weaken the hoped-for-continuation of democracy and serve as a reminder that the more things appear to change, the more they remain the same in Pakistan." 'Daily Times' Editorial: "A Motley Crowd Of Rowdy Supporters Should Not Be Allowed To Overthrow An Elected Government" Following are excerpts from a Daily Times editorial dated September 2:[10] "[The Corp Commanders' meeting] has still not entirely allayed the fear of the government's weakening opening the door to the army's carving out for itself a larger chunk of control in the arena of security and foreign policy, especially involving India and Afghanistan. The army's formulation to support the democratic system does not automatically mean it supports the incumbent government too. That is still a grey area so far. "To consolidate its political support further, the government in the meantime has called a joint session of parliament… It has also decided that parliament will remain in session so long as the sit-in continues. This parliament versus street confrontation seems destined to settle parliament's sovereign status. In any case, a motley crowd of rowdy supporters should not be allowed to overthrow an elected government. The PM's reiteration of his resolve not to resign at gunpoint will save the country from setting a wrong precedent, and is therefore a welcome step. "Amidst this cacophony, the role of the electronic media in broadcasting unsubstantiated rumors is irresponsible and deplorable. If the attack on journalists by the police was wrong and condemnable, the media's role in jumping to the (wrong) conclusions is as bad." Endnotes: [1] Ispr.gov.pk (Pakistan), September 1, 2014. [2] http://www.memri.org/report/en/print6933.htm, January 15, 2013. [3] http://www.memri.org/report/en/0/0/0/0/0/51/6781.htm, October 26, 2012. [4] The News (Pakistan), September 2, 2014. [5] The News (Pakistan), September 2, 2014. [6] http://www.memrijttm.org/urdu-daily-names-former-pakistani-intelligence-officials-recruited-by-uae-qatar.html, December 2, 2013. [7] http://www.memrijttm.org/urdu-daily-former-pakistani-intelligence-chief-lt-gen-shuja-pasha-planned-tahrir-square-like-marches-planned-by-pakistani-leaders-for-august-14.html, August 20, 2014. [8] Dawn (Pakistan), September 2, 2014. [9] Daily Times (Pakistan), August 31, 2014. [10] Daily Times (Pakistan), September 2, 2014. ============== After Syria and Iraq, Islamic State makes inroads in South Asia Sun, Sep 07 03:01 AM EDT image By Hameedullah Khan and Saud Mehsud PESHAWAR/DERA ISMAIL KHAN Pakistan (Reuters) - Islamic State pamphlets and flags have appeared in parts of Pakistan and India, alongside signs that the ultra-radical group is inspiring militants even in the strongholds of the Taliban and al Qaeda. A splinter group of Pakistan's Taliban insurgents, Jamat-ul Ahrar, has already declared its support for the well-funded and ruthless Islamic State fighters, who have captured large swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria in a drive to set up a self-declared caliphate. "IS (Islamic State) is an Islamic Jihadi organization working for the implementation of the Islamic system and creation of the Caliphate," Jamat-ul Ahrar's leader and a prominent Taliban figure, Ehsanullah Ehsan, told Reuters by telephone. "We respect them. If they ask us for help, we will look into it and decide." Islamist militants of various hues already hold sway across restive and impoverished areas of South Asia, but Islamic State, with its rapid capture of territory, beheadings and mass executions, is starting to draw a measure of support among younger fighters in the region. Al Qaeda's ageing leaders, mostly holed up in the lawless region along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, are increasingly seen as stale, tired and ineffectual on hardcore jihadi social media forums and Twitter accounts that incubate potential militant recruits. [ID:nL6N0PU0EA] Security experts say Islamic State's increasing lure may have prompted al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri to announce the establishment of an Indian franchise to raise the flag of jihad across South Asia, home to more than 400 million Muslims. [ID:nL3N0R51YH] PAMPHLETS, CAR STICKERS Seeking to boost its influence in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region, a local cell with allegiance to Islamic State has been distributing pamphlets in the Pakistani city of Peshawar and eastern Afghanistan in the past few weeks, residents said. The 12-page booklet called "Fatah" (Victory), published in the Pashto and Dari languages of Afghanistan, was being mainly distributed in Afghan refugee camps on the outskirts of Peshawar. The pamphlet’s logo features an AK-47 assault rifle and calls on local residents to support the militant group. Cars with IS stickers have also been spotted around Peshawar. Sameeulah Hanifi, a prayer leader in a Peshawar neighborhood populated mainly by Afghans, said the pamphlets were being distributed by a little-known local group called Islami Khalifat, an outspoken Islamic State supporter. "I know some people who received copies of this material either from friends or were given at mosques by unidentified IS workers," he told Reuters. A Pakistani security official said the pamphlets came from Afghanistan’s neighboring Kunar province where a group of Taliban fighters was spotted distributing them. "We came across them 22 days ago and we are aware of their presence here," said the official. "Pakistani security agencies are working on the Pakistan-Afghan border and have arrested a number of Taliban fighters and recovered CDs, maps, literature in Persian, Pashto and Dari." "We will not permit them to work in our country and anyone who is involved in this will be crushed by the government." RECRUITMENT IN INDIA Signs of Islamic State's influence are also being seen in Kashmir, the region claimed by both India and Pakistan and the scene of a decades-long battle by militants against Indian rule. Security officials in Indian-held Kashmir say they have been trying to find out the level of support for the Arab group after IS flags and banners appeared in the summer. Intelligence and police sources in New Delhi and Kashmir said the flags were first seen on June 27 in a part of the state capital Srinagar, and then in July when India's only Muslim-majority region was marking Islam's most holy day, Eid al-Fitr. Some IS graffiti also appeared on walls of buildings in Srinagar. A police officer said youngsters carrying Islamic State flags at anti-India rallies had been identified but no arrests had been made. Another officer who questions people detained in protests against Indian rule, many of them teenagers, said most were only focused on winning independence from India. "The majority of them have no religious bent of mind," he said. "Some of them, less than 1 percent, of course are religious and radicalized and end up joining militant ranks. They are influenced by al Qaeda, Taliban, Islamic State." Islamic State is also trying to lure Muslims in mainland India, who make up the world's third-biggest Islamic population but who have largely stayed away from foreign battlefields despite repeated calls from al Qaeda. In mid-July, an IS recruitment video surfaced online with subtitles in the Indian languages of Hindi, Tamil and Urdu in which a self-declared Canadian fighter, dressed in war fatigues and flanked by a gun and a black flag, urged Muslims to enlist in global jihad. That came out just weeks after four families in a Mumbai suburb reported to the police that their sons had gone missing, with one leaving behind a note about fighting to defend Islam. It soon turned out that the men had joined a pilgrimage to Baghdad. They later broke off from the tour group and never returned. Indian intelligence believe the men ended up in Mosul, the Iraqi city captured by Islamic State in June, and that one of them may have died in a bomb blast. Last week, the Times of India newspaper said four young men, including two engineering college students, were arrested in the eastern city of Calcutta as they tried to make their way to neighboring Bangladesh to join a recruiter for Islamic State based there. "It's not just these four, but our investigations have found that there could be more youngsters who are in touch with IS handlers and this is a bit of a scary proportion," the newspaper quoted a senior officer as saying. A top official at India's Intelligence Bureau in New Delhi told Reuters: "The problem is we know so little about this network or who is acting on their behalf here. "We know roughly where the Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Indian Mujahideen (organizations backed by Pakistan) support groups are, where they make contacts. But this is a different challenge. Youth getting radicalized in their homes on the Internet, in chatrooms and through Facebook are not easy to track." (Reporting by Asim Tanveer, Hameed Ullah, Saud Mehsud and Maria Golovnina,; Additional reporting by Fayaz Bukhari in SRINAGAR, Writing and additional reporting by Sanjeev Miglani in KABUL and NEW DELHI; Editing by Maria Golovnina and Raju Gopalakrishnan) =====

Iraq's top cleric sends subtle message to Maliki: step aside

مؤسسة الفرقان | الإصدار الرائع | على منهاج النبوة‬‎ Islamic State video wages psychological war on Iraqi soldiers Tue, Jul 29 09:22 AM EDT image By Michael Georgy BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Islamic State, the al Qaeda spin-off that seized wide swathes of Iraq almost unopposed last month, has released a video warning Iraqi soldiers who may still have some fight in them that they risk being rounded up en masse and executed. Iraq's army unraveled when the Sunni insurgents staged a lightning advance through northern towns and cities, building on territory their comrades captured earlier in the west of the country, a major OPEC oil producer. Thousands of soldiers fled, prompting Iraq's top cleric to call on compatriots to take up arms against the radical faction that has declared a mediaeval-style caliphate in parts of Iraq and Syria and aims to march on the capital Baghdad. The 30-minute video clip, circulated during the holiday that marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, sheds light on what tactics the Islamic State is likely to employ as it presses ahead with its campaign. After sweeping through a town with quick-hit raids, the militants are filmed standing over dozens of terrified, handcuffed Iraqi soldiers. One fighter mocks a soldier for wearing civilian clothes over his uniform out of fear of being identified and killed. He pleads for mercy, to no avail. Then dozens of soldiers are led to a sandy desert pit. They are executed one by one - bullets from AK-47 assault rifles pumped into their heads. Not satisfied that all are dead, an Islamic State fighter makes one last round, opening fire again, one by one. Others are led to the edge of a river. Each one is shot in the head with a pistol and then shoved in, the executioner standing in a large pool of blood. #USA allows #Iraq 5000 more AGM-114 Hellfire. Already 780+ delivered in 2014 including 466+ in July. Iraq remains low on launch platforms PROMISES OF PARADISE The mission begins with an Islamic State commander firing up militants with promises that paradise in heaven awaits them if they take the city of Samarra, which is 100 km (62 miles) north of Baghdad and would be their next target in a southward push. He tells them that God "made us proud when he permitted us to go to jihad". It was not clear where or when the video was filmed. The footage features night-vision sequences, then shows fighters moving into a city in flat-bed trucks, and U.S-made Humvees seized during their surge through the north last month. The Islamic State convoys filmed include small tanks and heavy machine guns transported on trailers. Some fighters are on foot, darting towards government buildings on sandy roads. As the Islamic State gains ground small units in trucks pull up beside vehicles during daytime and open fire on passengers who lose control of their vehicles. Several militants walk up to a van and empty their AK-47s through the windows, to make sure the job is done. Then the camera focuses on Iraqi security forces in watchtowers. One by one they are picked off by Islamic State snipers, who seem to avoid heavy clashes and rely instead on quick, small operations combined with psychological warfare. An insurgent can be heard weeping in joy as he declares that Samarra now belongs to the group. Residents and security sources say Baghdad Shi'ite Muslim-led government remains in control of Samarra so this footage may have come from another city or town seized by the Islamic State. Nevertheless, it illustrates the thinking of the Islamic State, which aims to redraw the Middle East map although it appears to have paused its territorial thrust for now in favour of consolidating recent gains north of Samarra. On Tuesday, Islamic State militants blew up a strategic bridge connecting Samarra to the town of Tikrit to the north, severing the main route and a tunnel beneath it that was used by Iraqi military forces, a senior local police official said. Iraqi government troops have tried but failed to recapture Tikrit from the insurgents. Islamic State's sudden rise has worsened Sunni-Shi'ite sectarian tensions in Iraq, raising fears that the country will relapse into the dark days of civil war that peaked in 2006-2007. Shi'ite militias now rival the government army in their ability to confront the Sunni insurgents. After the soldiers are executed, the Islamic State video shows fighters blowing up Shi'ite shrines or bulldozing mosques, as well as residents of the town welcoming fighters. (Editing by Mark Heinrich) ========== A nation in peril - Iraq's struggle to hold together Sun, Jul 27 08:43 AM EDT image 1 of 5 By Dominic Evans BAGHDAD (Reuters) -

Salman Khaled has already lived through Baghdad's sectarian disintegration; with Iraq now splintering into Shi'ite, Sunni Arab and Kurdish regions, he says this time the survival of the country is at stake. "Things are really tense and it could get worse," said the 23-year-old Sunni Muslim student. "If the politicians continue as they are doing now, we are on the path to separation." When Khaled's father was shot dead by Shi'ite gunmen at the height of Baghdad's religious bloodshed seven years ago, his family took shelter in a Sunni neighborhood of the capital. They made their flight as violence forced apart communities that once mingled in the city. Today the family lives in the Adhamiya district, close to the Abu Hanifa mosque where one of Sunni Islam's most influential theologians is buried. At his home on an unpaved street, Khaled says he still feels secure in Adhamiya but he rarely goes to the rest of Baghdad where blast walls and security checkpoints hint at the fate of a fractured Iraq.

Iraq's latest - and gravest - crisis erupted when mostly Sunni fighters swept through the north last month. Now the jihadist black flag flies over of most of the country's Sunni Arab territory. Kurdish forces, exploiting the chance to take another step towards independence, seized the city of Kirkuk and nearby oilfields, leaving the Shi'ite-led government controlling only the capital region and the mainly Shi'ite south. The government is trying to reverse this de facto, three-way split of the country, but its reliance on Shi'ite militia and volunteers rather than the ineffectual national army has deepened sectarian mistrust without pushing the rebels back.

Across Baghdad a Sunni living in the Shi'ite area of Maalef, cut off from the rest of the city by a checkpoint where non-residents are turned back, said life there had become unbearable for those who do not belong to the majority Shi'ite community. "The Sunnis all want separation now," said the 37-year-old electrician, who asked not to be named for his security. "Facts on the ground tell you this will be the final result. On both sides now you have extremists who don't want to get along".

DIVIDED INTO THREE STATES Kurdish politician Hoshiyar Zebari, who still staunchly advocates Iraqi unity, described the new geography. "The country is divided literally into three states: the Kurdish state; the black state (under Sunni insurgents) and Baghdad," he said. Iraq’s political elite and world powers have concentrated on the formation of a new government as the best way to save the country, but such a push may come too late.

"It's probably the most serious crisis that Iraq has faced since its inception as a country," said Ali Allawi, a minister in two governments after the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003. "It's the first time that the territorial integrity of the state as a whole is in question." Sunni and Shi'ite Arabs have little to unite them, Allawi said, while for most Kurds, non-Arabs who were persecuted under Saddam, the idea of an Iraqi nation is even more fanciful.

This could further destabilize an already tumultuous region. Neighboring Syria also faces disintegration, with most of its eastern areas under Islamist rebels for more than a year. Iraq's heritage stretches back to early civilization on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, but the modern state is a colonial fusion of the Ottoman provinces of Basra, Baghdad and Mosul that followed the empire's disintegration after World War One.

"Iraq is a failed state," said Masrour Barzani head of the Kurdish region's National Security Council. "It is a fabricated state. It has never been a state by choice by the people or the components of this country. They were forced to live together". Barzani blamed Baghdad for failing to keep Iraq united, and defended Kurdish aspirations for independence. "I don't think any rational person in the world would expect the Kurds to live and accept being partners in a country with a terrorist organization," he said, referring to Islamic State militants.

BATTLE LINES ENTRENCHED The long delay in forming a government after parliamentary elections in April and the eclipse of army units last month by better disciplined and motivated Shi'ite militias have revealed the fragility of national institutions. In Samarra, 110 km (70 miles) from Baghdad and one of the most northerly cities under government control, a Reuters photographer saw Shi'ite militiamen on patrol rather than army troops. "We are better than the army because we are fighting for our beliefs," said lawmaker Hakim Zamili, who supervised deployment of the Mahdi Army's "Peace Brigades" militia around Samarra. The government's inability throughout the first half of 2014 to recapture the Sunni city of Falluja, just 50 km (30 miles) west of Baghdad, from the Islamic State underlines how ill equipped it is to reverse far greater militant gains since then which have displaced more than a million people. If it is to have any chance of turning the tide, the government must lure minority Sunnis away from the radicals now threatening to encircle Baghdad. The Islamic State, a relatively small vanguard, has exploited Sunni disgruntlement with Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to assert itself in the predominantly Sunni regions. Eight years ago when the U.S. army faced a similar challenge from the Islamic State in Iraq - an al Qaeda group from which the Islamic State emerged - it persuaded Sunni tribal leaders to switch sides, offering millions of dollars as incentive. This time, that's not an option. Maliki, who distrusted the Sunni paramilitary forces, halted their payments years ago, leaving them embittered and unlikely to fight a second time for the central government. "Unless Maliki makes some very significant concessions to the Sunni Arabs it will be very difficult to peel them away from the Islamic State," said Robert Ford, a former senior U.S. diplomat and resident scholar at the Washington Institute. Ford, who served in Baghdad between 2004 and 2006, said the Islamic State's absolutist dogma would lead it eventually into confrontation with its Sunni allies. However, for the time being Sunni factions were united in their opposition to Maliki. Critics accuse Maliki of marginalizing Sunni and Kurdish factions during his eight years in power. Even some fellow Shi'ite politicians oppose granting him a third term although his State of Law emerged as the largest parliamentary list in the April election. WARRING STATELETS OR CONFEDERATION? A U.S. military official who served in Iraq predicted four "warring statelets" could emerge, based around Shi'ite power south of Samarra, Kurdish control in the northeast, and separate Sunni power centers on the Tigris and Euphrates. Many parts of central Iraq are mixed Sunni and Shi'ite regions, and any such partition would probably leave a million Sunnis in those areas stranded under Shi'ite control. "Iraq doesn’t fall apart easily. There is no such thing as soft partition, because these borders are not clearly defined," said Emma Sky, a British political adviser to the commander of the U.S.-led international forces in Iraq between 2007 and 2010. Maliki has urged Iraqis to resist moves towards separation, which he said would mark the disintegration of the nation, but many of his critics say he himself is a divisive force.

Partition of any type requires a horrible level of killing and ethnic cleansing. "This crisis is not about ancient hatreds, it is a massive failure of leadership. And it has been obviously a failure of Western, U.S. policies," Sky said by phone from northern Iraq. "With leadership they can pull this situation round."

Sunni politicians have offered few solutions to the crisis, partly because their own influence is so limited in Sunni regions compared with the Islamic State and tribal fighters'.

The mainly Sunni Arab provinces in the west and north may be eyeing the same autonomy enjoyed by the three Kurdish provinces of the northeast, but even to start negotiations towards such a deal, which Baghdad would almost certainly block, requires "a new political mix" in the capital, Haddad said. It would also need the defeat of the Islamic State. "We've been hearing about Iraq breaking up and Iraq unraveling since 2003," he said. "But I never thought that Arab Iraq was breaking up. Today I think the prospects for a united Iraq, even if it's just Arab Iraq, are fading quickly." "One possibility is that these territories remain outside government control for a long period of time. That would lead to a sort of de facto partition," said Fanar Haddad, an academic and author on Iraq.

(Additional reporting by Maggie Fick, Isra' al-Rubei'i and Ned Parker in Baghdad and Isabel Coles in Arbil; Editing by Ned Parker and David Stamp) ======= Iraq's top cleric sends subtle message to Maliki: step aside Fri, Jul 25 16:16 PM EDT image By Raheem Salman and Isra' al-Rubei'i BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq's most influential Shi'ite cleric urged political leaders on Friday to refrain from clinging to their posts - an apparent reference to Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, who has defied demands that he step aside. Speaking through an aide who delivered a sermon after Friday prayers in the holy city of Kerbala, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani said leaders should show flexibility so that political deadlocks could be broken and Iraq could confront an insurgency. Maliki has come under mounting pressure since Sunni militants led by the hardline Islamic State swept across northern Iraq last month and seized vast swathes of territory, posing the biggest challenge to Maliki's Shi'ite-led government since U.S. forces withdrew in 2011. Critics say Maliki is a divisive figure whose alienation of Sunnis has fueled sectarian hatred and played into the hands of the insurgents, who have reached to within 70 km (45 miles) of the capital Baghdad. Sistani said it is time for politicians to think of Iraq's interests, not their own. "The sensitivity of this phase necessitates that all the parties concerned should have a spirit of national responsibility that requires the practice of the principle of sacrifice and self-denial and not to cling to positions and posts." Maliki, a Shi'ite, has ruled since an election in April in a caretaker capacity, dismissing demands from the Sunnis and Kurds that he step aside for a less polarizing figure. Even some Shi'ites oppose his bid for a third term. Despite pressure from the United States, the United Nations, Iran and Iraq's own Shi'ite clergy, politicians have been unable to quickly come up with an inclusive government to hold the fragmenting country together. Iraq's parliament took a step toward forming a new government on Thursday, when lawmakers elected senior Kurdish lawmaker Fouad Masoum as president. The next step, choosing a prime minister, may prove far more difficult as Maliki has shown no sign he will give up his post. Sistani's call for flexibility could hasten his departure. He is seen as a voice of reason in the deeply divided country, and has almost mythological stature to millions of followers, members of Iraq's Shi'ite majority. The 83-year-old cleric who hardly ever appears in public last month seized his most active role in politics in decades by calling on Iraqis to take up arms against the Sunni insurgency. The insurgents, who hold territory in Iraq and Syria and have declared a 'caliphate', aim to redraw the map of the Middle East and have put Iraq's survival as a unified state in jeopardy. The army virtually collapsed in the face of their lightning advance. Shi'ite militias and Kurdish peshmerga fighters have become a critical line of defense against Islamic State as the militants set their sights on the capital. U.S. military and Iraqi security officials estimate the Islamic State has at least 3,000 fighters in Iraq, rising towards 20,000 when new recruits since last month's advance are included. ISLAMIC STATE RULES Aside from military campaigns, Islamic State has also been purging the plains of northern Iraq of religious and ethnic minorities that have co-existed there for hundreds of years. Insurgents have also been stamping out any influences they deem non-Islamic in Mosul, a once diverse city of two million that fell to the militants on June 10. Eyewitnesses said Islamic State gunmen destroyed the tombs of two prophets on Friday. The destruction of the Jirjees and Sheet shrines came a day after militants blew up the Nabi Younes shrine, one of the city's most well-known and thought to be the burial site of a prophet referred to in the Koran as Younes and in the Bible as Jonah. Also on Friday, the group warned women in Mosul to wear full-face veils or risk severe punishment. "The conditions imposed on her clothes and grooming were only to end the pretext of debauchery resulting from grooming and overdressing," Islamic State said in a statement. "This is not a restriction on her freedom but to prevent her from falling into humiliation and vulgarity or to be a theater for the eyes of those who are looking." A cleric in Mosul told Reuters that Islamic State gunmen had shown up at his mosque and ordered him to read their warning on loudspeakers when worshippers gather. "Anyone who is not committed to this duty and is motivated by glamour will be subject to accountability and severe punishment to protect society from harm and to maintain the necessities of religion and protect it from debauchery," Islamic State said. (Additional reporting by Maggie Fick; Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by Angus MacSwan and Susan Fenton) ========== Ya akhi be realistic , Saddam also had kurds , shias , turkmans in his government , but did they have any real power ? I'm not saying makliki is saddam , but he is certainly following his foot steps . How is abo ghraib any different from saddam's time ? How is the economy any different ? The political structure seems different , but the action of those who hold real power is no different than the one in saddam's time . The constitution is a joke and used only to antagonize the rest of minorities (sunna and kurds ) in iraq , but other than that it does not exist . There is ZERO accountability in Iraq with Hamoodi and his circle practically taking ownership of everything in Iraq while people live you know how . Every mulla and marjaiya Gets their few boxes of dollars every months and they go around telling people that Kurds harboring terrorists and stealing iraq's oil and sunnis are spreading terrorism and they are behind their the shias misery and people actually believe it . يا أخي والله خبصتونة بداعش ، هو جان اكو بداعش خلال 8 سنوات السابقة With peshmergas from the North and the iraqi army from the south along with sunni tribes in the middle , the so called Daash would not last more than few days . You see here , a true leadership quality plays a big rule , so what is our esteemed maliki is doing to make that happen ? 1-He is chasing kurdish tanker oils 2-imprisoning more sunnis 3-Killing prisoners 4-cutting kurdistan's budget 5-cutting salaries of government employees in sunni and kurdish areas 6-Using iranian planes to bomb sunnis cities and with every single bomb Daash and the insurgency gets stronger and they get more volunteers . 7-refusing to allow cargo planes to land in kurdistan ....and the list goes on . 8-In the mean time he has a perfect and valid excuse to keep shia region in the dark ages and point finger at sunna , kurds , KSA , Qatar , Jorden .........and the theft goes on . Ok , lets say we defeated daash tomorrow , then what ? Were we in a good place before daash ? are we going to be in a better place when daash is defeated ? didn't we defeat them in the past and drove them out and look where we are now . ============= UAE and Qatar compete as Saudi Arabia looks on The Gulf states have become the most stable and influential force in the Arab world, with the decline of the Egyptian role, the spread of turmoil and chaos in Syria and Iraq and Algeria's retreat on itself after the "black decade" of the 1990s. Because of political stability and increasing oil revenues, the Gulf states have accumulated financial wealth that has strengthened their political, economic and media influence in the region. Summary⎙ Print The United Arab Emirates and Qatar are pursuing opposing foreign policies in the Middle East that are fueling tension between the two Gulf states, as Saudi Arabia keeps its distance. Author Abdulmajeed al-BuluwiPosted July 28, 2014 Translator(s)Tyler Huffman In light of the protection offered by the United States, the Gulf states have not been overly interested in a unified security policy — with the exception of Saudi Arabia. This contributed to Gulf states rushing to use their financial surpluses to produce foreign policies independent of their "sisters" in the Gulf. Doha has emerged to play regional roles in support of movements for change in the Arab world, particularly concerning political Islamic movements. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi has emerged as a key player in the Middle East, but in the opposing role of confrontation with movements of political Islam. Financial surpluses and political stability — along with the reassurance of US support — were not only reasons for this variation in foreign policy among Gulf states, but they also sparked competition among them for influence in the Arab world. This is especially true since Washington, the guarantor of security in the Gulf, has many options in dealing with the phenomenon of political Islam. These options range from the war on terror — as is the case in the United States' dealings with al-Qaeda where Abu Dhabi has been a strong partner to building bridges of understanding — to the Turkish Justice and Development Party. In the case of the latter, Doha has been a strategic partner for the United States. Gulf-Gulf competition has become one of the main policy features in the Middle East. This competition is mainly between Abu Dhabi and Doha, which stand at opposite ends of the foreign policy spectrum. While Doha supports the Syrian revolution, Abu Dhabi expresses its reservations regarding support that it thinks strengthens the Islamists. And while Doha supports the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia, Abu Dhabi stands in the opposing camp. The announcement of the establishment of the Muslim Council of Elders (MCE) in Abu Dhabi on July 19 is linked to this competition between the two capitals. Doha is home to the headquarters of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, headed by Yusuf al-Qaradawi, while Abu Dhabi is now home to the headquarters of the MCE, headed by Abdullah Bin Bayyah and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed al-Tayeb. Qaradawi had been a member of the Al-Azhar governing body, but he resigned from this position after the July 3 coup against President Mohammed Morsi, in protest of Al-Azhar's positions cooperating with the coup. Meanwhile, Bin Bayyah had been a member in the International Union of Muslim Scholars, but he resigned in September 2013. In his resignation speech, Bin Bayyah hinted that a reason for his departure involved his disagreement with the union's positions. It is no secret that positions on the Arab uprisings and their fluctuations had an impact on these mutual resignations. Given that religion is a key factor in struggles for influence in the region, religion has become an arena for the "soft conflict" that is going on between the two capitals. While Qatar has stood in support of Salafist and Muslim Brotherhood religious currents, Abu Dhabi choose to support the traditional Sunni Islam current, historically represented by Al-Azhar. This latter current calls for religious scholars to not directly engage in politics. In the context of this Emirati support, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed announced on April 28, 2013, at a meeting with the grand imam of Al-Azhar, his commitment to supporting Al-Azhar, so that it could once again play its role of spreading a rhetoric of moderation and countering extremism and fanaticism. In recent decades, Al-Azhar's role has declined with the rise of Salafist currents. It is likely that the United Arab Emirate's support to the institution of Al-Azhar and the current it represents will place Abu Dhabi in a soft confrontation with the Saudi Salafist religious establishment. The latter has benefited from the absence of Al-Azhar's role and its weakness, and spread its influence even inside Egypt. Early features of this soft confrontation have appeared in the lack of a scholar from the Saudi Salafist religious establishment in the MCE. The announcement of the establishment of the MCE was met with sharp criticism from two sides. First, it was criticized by those affiliated with the Salafist establishment, because the MCE was removed from them and marginalized them. Second, it was criticized by supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood, who viewed it as the "religious wing" of the military coup plot against Morsi. While the International Union of Muslim Scholars has enthusiastically supported the Arab revolutions and democratic procedures — including elections — the MCE seems more cautious toward them. The MCE warned against an adherence to democratic procedures in an environment that is not yet mature, saying this could lead to civil wars. This soft conflict between Doha and Abu Dhabi over the religious space in the Middle East is fueled by the decline in the central role played by Saudi Arabia in leading this space. This decline was due to several factors, including the communications revolution that redistributed religious power in the Islamic world, allowing for the emergence of multiple centers of influence. Furthermore, the conditions of the war on terror played a role in the decline of influence of the Saudi religious establishment and diminished its impact. The impact of these two factors was reinforced by the declining opportunities to reform this religious establishment to be more competitive. Doha and Abu Dhabi have come to represent two opposing poles in the Middle East, and their struggle for influence has moved from the field of politics to the field of religion, with Riyadh standing between them. Saudi Arabia is at times with Doha, while at other times with Abu Dhabi. Doha shares Saudi Arabia's affiliation with Salafism and the Wahhabi sect as well as its positions on Syria and Iraq, while Abu Dhabi shares Riyadh's position on Egypt and political Islam groups. The competition between Doha and Abu Dhabi continues to underpin the current rift in the Gulf, with Saudi Arabia keeping a distance. Read more: http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/07/saudi-caught-between-uae-qatar-feud.html#ixzz3912JWjax =========================

LIVE: Firing, blasts heard at Karachi airport once again: Karachi airport attack signals tactical shift by Taliban

Thu, Jun 12 06:39 AM EDT By Syed Raza Hassan KARACHI (Reuters) - It was the shoes that betrayed Corporal Faiz Mohammad's would-be killers. When 10 Taliban militants attacked Pakistan's busiest airport on Sunday night, sparking a five-hour gun battle that killed at least 34 people, Mohammad and his fellow officers from the Airports Security Force (ASF) were the first line of defense. "There was a moment of confusion because the militants had the same ASF uniforms as us," said Mohammad, 30. "But then we saw their shoes." ASF officers wear black leather shoes, but the men who stormed Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Pakistan's chaotic commercial capital, wore white-soled sneakers. All 10 militants were dead by dawn, shot down by the security forces or blown up by their own suicide vests. That the Taliban failed in its main objective - to hijack an aircraft and hold its passengers hostage - should bring no comfort to embattled Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, since the attack signals an alarming shift in tactics by an increasingly formidable foe. The strike at the airport in Karachi, home to 18 million people, deals a blow to Sharif's bid to attract foreign investors to revive the economy. It has also destroyed prospects for peace talks with the Taliban and made an all-out military offensive against militant strongholds along the Afghan border a near-certainty. Government air strikes on the strongholds in the North Waziristan region triggered the tactical shift, said sources at Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), as the Pakistani Taliban is formally known. Angered by the raids and anticipating a ground assault, the militants are targeting Pakistan's heartland. A top Taliban commander confirmed to Reuters that attacks involving aircraft were part of a new strategy to counter the government's preparations for a full-scale operation against them in North Waziristan. "We decided to change our strategy and hit their main economic centers," he said. "They will kill innocent people by their bombs and we will hit their nerve-centers in major cities." Tariq Azeem, a senior official in Sharif’s administration, said a full-scale military operation was imminent in North Waziristan, and seemed resigned to it sparking terror attacks elsewhere in Pakistan. "Everybody knows there is going to be blowback," he said. PATTERN OF MUMBAI, WESTGATE MALL The Taliban is most likely to rely on small militant teams, emulating the protracted, high-impact operations like those in Mumbai in 2008 and Nairobi's Westgate mall last year. "In Mumbai, and in Kenya, you will find a lot of similarities," said Muhammad Amir Rana, director of the Islamabad-based think tank Pak Institute for Peace Studies. "They (the Taliban) are adopting this as their prime strategy." The similarities between the Karachi and Mumbai incidents are startling and instructive. The attack on Mumbai, India's largest city, was carried out by a Pakistan-based anti-India group called Lashkar-e-Taiba, or Army of the Pure. It lasted three days, killed 166 people and transfixed the world. As with Karachi, it was meticulously planned and involved well-trained and heavily armed militants. In both cases, a 10-man team quickly split into pairs and carried provision-stuffed knapsacks in preparation for a long siege. In Mumbai, militants used mobile phones to coordinate with handlers in Pakistan and with each other in the heat of battle. Their Karachi counterparts were also seen using mobile phones during the assault. Lashkar-e-Taiba has said it has no connection with any attacks on Pakistani soil and there is no evidence that it works with the Taliban. India accuses elements in Pakistan's large army and its pervasive Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) spy agency of shielding or working with the group. But neither the military nor the ISI could forestall the havoc caused by 10 men who got out of a minivan near Karachi's cargo terminal on Sunday night. The attack began at 11.05 p.m., with five of the militants breaching the Fokker Gate with assault rifles and grenades. Minutes later, as the ASF fought back, a second five-strong squad attacked the nearby Cargo Gate. Both gates granted access to the cargo area in the airport's west. Azeem, the administration official, praised the ASF while admitting how hard it was to protect the sprawling airport. "You need almost two brigades to cover . . . every inch of it," he said. "Any entrance will have two, three, four people who are fully armed, but one burst of machinegun (fire) will kill all four of them and you can enter." When Faiz Mohammed ran across the tarmac, shouldering his AK-47, to reinforce his fellow ASF officers, four were already dead. "Our men were fighting relentlessly," he said. Mohammad was shot in the thigh and, like other wounded ASF, waited hours until it was safe for ambulances to evacuate him. "The ASF put up very stiff resistance and that apparently sowed panic among the attackers, who then split up and were eventually taken out by security forces," said a senior Pakistani security official, speaking on condition of anonymity. The militants' dispersal added to the mayhem and drew in more security forces. By 11.30 p.m., a contingent of police and paramilitary Rangers had arrived at the airport, followed 30 minutes later by an army unit. They formed what Azeem called "the second or the third layer" of airport security which stopped the militant advance on the main passenger terminal further east. "I WAS TERRIFIED" The gunfire was now punctuated by the boom of militants firing rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). They had come prepared for a long fight. Their knapsacks contained water, medicine and food. Some were spotted using cellphones during the attack, said a security official involved in the investigation, although it was unclear who they were talking to - each other, or distant commanders. Phimraphat Wisetsoem could see and hear explosions from her seat on a Thai International Airways aircraft. It was trapped near the runway along with an Emirates jet and contained hundreds of passengers. Phimraphat suspected that hijackers in disguise had already boarded her plane. "I was terrified," she told reporters as she arrived back in Bangkok. "I sat still and didn’t dare move around." Passengers on both planes were later safely evacuated. Just after midnight, as all outbound flights were suspended and inbound flights diverted to other airports, there was a large explosion near Fokker Gate: the first militant had detonated his suicide vest. By now, dead and wounded were being ferried to the nearby Jinnah Hospital. Their numbers rose steadily through the night - by morning, the hospital would report 16 dead and dozens injured - as security forces intensified their counter-attack. As the fighting raged outside, seven employees from a cargo company took refuge in a warehouse - as it turned out, a fateful decision. They burned to death. Elsewhere, Hamid Khan, 22, a junior technician, hid with eight other men in the washroom of an aircraft maintenance company. A hand-grenade blew off part of the roof and bullets peppered a nearby container. "If anyone is inside, come out now!" shouted someone - friend or foe, Hamid couldn't tell. He and his colleagues kept silent and stayed put. "I was so afraid that I started reading my last prayers," he said, his voice still shaking with emotion days later. Two more militants would blow themselves up. By 4 a.m., all 10 were dead, their shattered bodies sprawled in pairs across the tarmac. It had taken 150 security personnel to counter them. The Rangers identified them as ethnic Uzbeks. Pakistani officials often accuse foreign militants of staging attacks alongside the Pakistani Taliban. "We admit we carried out ‎this attack with the help of our other brotherly mujahideen groups," the senior member of the Pakistani Taliban told Reuters. A SECOND ATTACK In daylight, Pakistan's busiest airport resembled a war zone. Smoke billowed from gutted buildings. Rescue workers retrieved the seven cargo company employees, their corpses charred beyond recognition, and raised the death toll to 34. Junior technician Hamid Khan and the other eight emerged unscathed from their washroom refuge. "I felt as if God had heard our prayers," he said. At least three passenger aircraft, all unoccupied, were damaged during the battle, a senior Pakistani security official told Reuters. A satellite photo on Google Earth showed a fourth aircraft in the cargo area completely destroyed, its broken wings lying amid the blackened remains of its fuselage. However, officials have not confirmed the destruction of any aircraft. Even as flights resumed and the clean-up began, the Taliban struck the airport again. On Tuesday evening, gunmen on motorbikes opened fire on an ASF academy, although there were no casualties. There would be "many more such attacks" in future, Pakistani Taliban spokesman Shahidullah Shahid told Reuters. Adil Najam, dean of Boston University's Pardee School of Global Studies, agreed. Karachi was "not just another terrorist attack," he said. "It is among the latest skirmishes in what is now an actual war between the Pakistan Army and the Taliban. The war is on - and expect escalation." (Writing by Andrew R.C. Marshall; Additional reporting by Maria Golovnina in Islamabad, Jibran Ahmed in Peshawar and Kaweewit Kaewjinda in Bangkok; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) =============================================================== KARACHI: Around three to four gunmen have mounted a fresh attack on a security check post outside the airport a day after 37 people were killed after an all-night battle on Monday with militants who besieged Karachi airport’s old terminal, Express News reported. At present, gunmen are exchanging fire with Airport Security Force (ASF) personnel at the check post guarding the airport. A faction of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has already claimed responsibility for the attack. At least 37 people, including 10 terrorists, were reported dead in what is the first large-scale terrorist attack at the country’s largest airport in years. According to reports, 12 ASF personnel, one each of the police, Rangers and Shaheen Air International are among the deceased. The dead also include eight people who were trapped inside a private company’s cargo office and found dead 28 hours after rescue operations had started. Twenty-six others were also injured in the first assault. June 10, 2:17pm It was not a major incident, terrorists only opened aerial fire: Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 10, 2:05pm According to ASF spokesperson Colonel Tahir Ali, the attackers that managed to flee were on motorcycles. He adds that they started firing at an ASF ladies hostel first, after which they proceeded to the ASF camp. The spokesperson also says that police and Rangers reached the site soon after they were informed. Ali also reveals that the attackers were carrying small weapons but the exact kind could not be ascertained as yet. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 10, 1:57pm There have been contradictory reports coming in about the number of attackers. According to ASF spokesperson Colonel Tahir Ali, there were two attackers who managed to get away. Earlier reports had suggested that the total number of attackers is nine. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 10, 1:55pm No casualties were reported in the attack, CAA spokesperson says. Security has been beefed up at Islamabad and Peshawar airport. and a shoot-on-sight order has been issued at Islamabad airport against suspicious individuals. Chaudhry Nisar contacts DG Rangers to inquire about the situation. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 10, 1:50pm According to Express News, DG Rangers says the terrorists have managed to flee. The area has been surrounded by security forces and a search operation is underway. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 10, 1:46pm DG Rangers says situation is under control and the operation is complete. ASF personnel take position on runway, say CAA sources. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 10, 1:41pm Express News now reports that flight operations have resumed. Because of the security situation, routes to the airport have also been sealed. June 10, 1:32pm According to ISPR, security forces have surrounded the attackers. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 10, 1:30pm The Rawalpindi airport has been put on red alert following the attack on the ASF camp. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 10, 1:28pm Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) faction claim they have launched another attack on the Airport Security Force Academy in Karachi. “We again came to the Karachi ASF’s academy. God is Great. God is Great. God is Great.” spokeperson for a TTP faction, Omar Khorasani writes on his Twitter page. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 10, 1:24pm CAA has asked people to remain calm, assuring that the airport is not under attack. Flight operations at #Jinnah International Airport are SUSPENDED. — CAA Pakistan (@AirportPakistan) June 10, 2014 #Jinnah Airport is safe, #ASF academy is under attack. Please remain calm and patient, will be updating you accordingly. — CAA Pakistan (@AirportPakistan) June 10, 2014 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 10, 1:23pm Paramilitary vehicles and ambulances racing to the scene of the latest attack @BBCUrdu http://t.co/3FkjzLJH5f — Haroon Rashid (@TheHaroonRashid) June 10, 2014 I am in the plane to fly to dub for meeting with my co chairman.our plane has been stopped to fly b/o the attack on ASF camp /next Ap — Rehman Malik (@SenRehmanMalik) June 10, 2014 Army troops moved to reinforce security forces to counter terrorists attack on ASF — Haroon Rashid (@TheHaroonRashid) June 10, 2014 Lets appreciate courage of ASF boys as what seem from tv footage,they are confident2fight back terrorists.They are not cowards like RULERS — Rauf Klasra (@KlasraRauf) June 10, 2014 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 10, 1:18pm Three police officers have been injured, Express News reports. A search operation has started as police officers and Rangers personnel enter Pehlwan Goth. A helicopters is also being used for surveillance. Flights to Karachi have been diverted to Nawabshah according to Express News. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 10, 1:15pm Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is being constantly updated about the situation in Karachi and the fresh attack near the airport. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 10, 1:10pm Express News now reports that the attackers have fled the scene. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has ordered that they be eliminated. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 10, 1:08pm Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar was informed about the incident while he was briefing the National Assembly about the previous attack. The security forces are trying to find the place where the militants are hiding, they are reportedly hiding in the houses near the camp. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 10, 1:01pm There were earlier reports that ASF personnel brought the situation under control, however, firing is still going on. The security forces are trying to find the place where the militants are hiding. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 10, 12:56pm ASF personnel have brought the situation under control. The attackers reportedly tried to destroy planes and flee towards Gulistan-e-Johar. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 10, 12:54pm An exchange of fire is going on between the assailants and the ASF personnel. Gunshots could be heard as Express News correspondent reported the encounter between the attackers and the security forces. There are at least five militants, according to ASF sources. Security has been enhanced at the airport as well as nearby areas and flights were diverted to other cities, according to sources in the CAA. A high contingent of Rangers personnel has also reached the site of the attack. IG Sindh Iqbal Mehmood says that 1000 police officers have been sent to the site. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 10, 12:52pm An exchange of fire is going on between the assailants and the ASF personnel Security has been enhanced at the airport as well as nearby areas. The number of militants is five, according to ASF sources. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 10, 12:44pm The militants attacked the camp from the Pehlwan Goth side. An exchange of fire is going on between the assailants and the ASF personnel. Express News screengrab of the side from where the militants mounted a fresh attack near Karachi airport. According to sources, the flight schedule has been suspended. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 10, 12:41pm Rangers and the police have been summoned to the location. ASF sources say the attackers arrived at the scene in a car. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 10, 12:36pm Express News is now reporting that militants have attacked the ASF camp, which is located half a kilometer away from the first attack site. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 10, 12:24pm Director General of Civil Aviation Authority tells Express News that eight bodies were found from the cargo office of a private company. He confirms that they were not found from the cold storage. He also states that seven of them were workers of the company while one of them was an ASF official. ========================================== UPDATE 8-Pakistani Taliban attack airport in Karachi, 27 dead Mon, Jun 09 06:43 AM EDT (Adds sectarian attack, paragraph 14) By Syed Raza Hassan ISLAMABAD, June 9 (Reuters) - Taliban militants disguised as security forces stormed Pakistan's busiest airport on Sunday and at least 27 people were killed in a night-long battle at one of the country's most high-profile targets. The assault on Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Pakistan's sprawling commercial hub of 18 million people, all but destroys prospects for peace talks between the Pakistani Taliban and the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. It also deals a heavy blow to Sharif's efforts to attract foreign investors to revive economic growth and raises questions about security at the country's main installations. The attack began just before midnight when 10 gunmen wearing military uniforms and armed with automatic rifles and rocket-propelled grenades shot their way into the airport's old terminal, which is used mainly for charter and executive flights. Gun battles raged through the night until security forces regained control of the airport at dawn. Passengers were evacuated and all flights were diverted. Director general of the military's media wing, Asim Bajwa, said the airport had been cleared and would soon resume operations. The government said security was being stepped up at all airports. "We need to keep extremely vigilant," Shujaat Azeem, special assistant to Sharif on aviation, said in a statement. The Pakistani Taliban, an alliance of insurgent groups fighting to topple the government and set up a sharia state, said they carried out the attack in response to air strikes on their strongholds near the Afghan border and suggested their mission was to hijack a passenger plane. "It is a message to the Pakistan government that we are still alive to react over the killings of innocent people in bomb attacks on their villages," said Shahidullah Shahid, a Taliban spokesman.

"The main goal of this attack was to damage the government, including by hijacking planes and destroying state installations."

Pakistan's paramilitary force said that the attackers were ethnic Uzbeks. Pakistani officials often blame foreign militants holed up in lawless areas on the Afghan border for staging attacks alongside the Pakistani Taliban around the country. "Three militants blew themselves up and seven were killed by security forces," Rizwan Akhtar, the regional head of the paramilitary Rangers, said in televised remarks. "The militants appear to be Uzbek." The death toll included airport security guards and workers with Pakistan International Airlines. In a separate unrelated attack, at least 22 Shi'ite pilgrims were killed in a suicide attack near Pakistan's border with Iran, a local official said. A radical Sunni group claimed responsibility for the attack. GUN BATTLE Sharif came to power last year promising to find a negotiated solution to years of violence but after the latest attack on the airport the resumption of the peace process looked unlikely. Karachi is Pakistan's biggest city and commercial hub, home to a vibrant stock exchange, the central bank and the country's main port. But it is also a violent and chaotic place where Taliban militants and criminal gangs operate freely underground. At the airport, gun battles went on for five hours and television pictures showed fire raging as ambulances ferried casualties away. At least three loud explosions were heard as militants wearing suicide vests blew themselves up. By dawn on Monday, the army said the airport had been secured but heavy smoke rose above the building. "Ten militants aged between 20 and 25 have been killed by security forces," said a spokesman for the Rangers. "A large cache of arms and ammunition has been recovered from the militants. "A sweep operation is being carried out at the airport which is expected to be completed by midday (0700 GMT)." Officials said no aircraft had been damaged. Peace talks between the government and the Pakistani Taliban had failed in recent months, already dampening hopes of reaching a negotiated settlement with the insurgents, who continue attacks against government and security targets. Pakistan's Taliban are allied with but separate from the Afghan Taliban. (Writing by Maria Golovnina; Additional reporting by Gul Yousufzai; Editing by Robert Birsel)

https://m.facebook.com/syedzaidzamanhamid?refid=52&_ft_=qid.6022917075275413295%3Amf_story_key.-6257478416966407880&__tn__=C Why do I say that MQM is also heavily involved in the attack ?? We must keep this in mind that both MQM and TTP are controlled by RAW. Both orgs may appear to be enemies of each other in words etc, but in reality are collaborators, allies and assets of each other. MQM has NEVER really harmed TTP. TTP has NEVER ever attacked MQM rallies. When it comes to battle against Pakistan, MQM would provide logistics, support, weapons and protection to the TTP/RAW assets to wage urban war. Indian weapons have been found from MQM offices and from the airport as well. MQM senior members are known to be Indian citizens. MQM offered the British MI6 to act as their local spies for espionage if British govt can dismantle ISI !! These are documented facts. Given the scenario, I am sure that MQM is heavily involved in the attack, even if there is an involvement of TTP factions. TTP’s claim of the attack remains meaningless as they remain bloody liars all the way, claiming and disowning as they please. They had even claimed times square bombing in 2010 Watch the pics of dead terrorists. Compare them with Gorkhas. An ordinary Pakistani cannot tell the difference between Uzbeks or Gorkhas. My take is that these are Indian Gurkhas or Uzbeks from Dostum who were protected by MQM in Karachi and then launched. In Karachi, in the last 10 years, nearly 100,000 Pakistanis have been killed or wounded and TTP has not done that. MQM has !! Now both MQM and TTP would work together to wage the urban 5th GW. Denying this will not change the facts.

=========================================== Emirates passengers were guided to safety by military during airport siege Nadeem Hanif June 9, 2014 Updated: June 9, 2014 14:52:00 DUBAI // Flights between the UAE and Karachi were grounded on Sunday night after the airport in Pakistan was closed in the aftermath of an attack by gunmen. ■ Flydubai Karachi flights on hold, staff safe after terrorist attack Video Video: Karachi airport under attack Photos In pictures: Karachi airport siege Topic Emirates Airline, Airports, Etihad Airways At least 28 people are reported to have died when heavily armed militants attacked the Jinnah International Airport. An Emirates Airline spokesman said passengers on flight EK603 were helped to safety by the Pakistan Military during the siege. “Due to the closure of Jinnah International Airport in Karachi on Sunday 8th June, EK603, the Karachi to Dubai service, was cancelled,” the spokesman said. “Under the guidance of the Pakistan Military the passengers and crew disembarked the aircraft and were taken to a secure area of the terminal. “When the airport reopens all passengers will be rebooked on to alternate Emirates flights to continue their journey.” The Pakistani Army regained control following a five-hour battle, but flight operations remained suspended. Other flights affecting UAE carriers were diverted or grounded. “Due to the closure of Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Etihad Airways has delayed its flight EY221 from Abu Dhabi to Karachi on Sunday 8 June, and flight EY222 from Karachi to Abu Dhabi on Monday 9 June,” said a spokesman for Etihad Airways. Flight EY221 from Abu Dhabi to Karachi will now depart on Monday at 5.05pm. Flight EY222 from Karachi to Abu Dhabi scheduled for Monday, will depart at 8.30pm. “We will continue to monitor the security situation in Karachi. All affected Etihad Airways’ passengers are being kept fully informed about the situation,” the spokesman said. Passengers in transit at Abu Dhabi are being provided hotel accommodation and lounge access. “We apologise for the delay, however, the safety of passengers and airline staff is of paramount importance to Etihad Airways.” Both airlines are urging passengers to regularly check their flight status at www.emirates.com or www.etihad.com nhanif@thenational.ae Read more: http://www.thenational.ae/uae/emirates-passengers-were-guided-to-safety-by-military-during-airport-siege#ixzz348nurnGW Follow us: @TheNationalUAE on Twitter | thenational.ae on Facebook ================================== June 9, 3:54pm Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah has announced that each of the injured will receive Rs0.1 million. The families of the Rangers personal who were killed in the attack will be given Rs2 million and the families of the deceased ASF personnel will receive Rs1 million. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 3:46pm Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif directs Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to reach Karachi. The premier tells the interior minister to meet the high ups of Rangers, police, ASF as well as CAA. Nawaz also asked Nisar to submit a report on how to stop terrorist attacks. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 3:27pm Quoting DG ASF Azam Tiwana Express News reports that the attackers were foreign nationals. He adds that security has been enhanced at airports. Funeral of the martyred ASF personnel has been held. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 2:35pm Flights to Lahore and Dubai are ready for departure. Flights from other cities can land in Karachi Airport. ==================================== #KarachiAirport LIVE: Firing, blasts heard at Karachi airport once again By Faraz Khan / Web Desk / Sohail Khattak / Saad Hassan Published: June 8, 2014 Share this article Print this page Email. Security forces have cordoned off the area. PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS SCREENGRAB Smoke rises after militants launched an early morning assault at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi on June 9, 2014. PHOTO: AFP PHOTO: AFP PHOTO: EXPRESS SCREENGRAB Fire and smoke can be seen rising from a part of the airport. PHOTO: Express Screengrab PHOTO: EXPRESS/MOHAMMAD NOMAN Smoke can be seen rising form the Airport in the background. PHOTO: EXPRESS/MOHAMMAD NOMAN A view of the airport. Smoke can be seen rising from the airport. PHOTO: EXPRESS SCREENGRAB Security forces have cordoned off the area. PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS SCREENGRAB . KARACHI: A brazen terrorist assault on Karachi airport’s old terminal came to an end early Monday morning, five hours after militants took siege of the airport, the military announced. However, firing was heard from inside the airport hours after the announcement. At least 28 people, including 10 terrorists, were reported dead in what is the first large-scale terrorist attack at the country’s largest airport in years. According to reports, eight ASF personnel, two Rangers officials, one police officer and three PIA officials are among the deceased. Large plumes of smoke were seen rising from the runway area of the old airport (also known as the Hajj Terminal), as the airport shut down, passengers were evacuated and the flight schedule was suspended. Pakistan Army troops have been called in to take control of the situation. “A precautionary search operation will take place after daylight and the airport will be cleared for operations, handed back to the Civil Aviation Authority/ Airport Security by mid day,” said DG ISPR Asim Bajwa. ====================== LIVE: TTP claims responsibility for Karachi airport attack By Faraz Khan / Web Desk / Sohail Khattak / Saad Hassan / Tahir Khan Published: June 8, 2014 Share this article Print this page Email. Smoke rises after militants launched an early morning assault at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi on June 9, 2014. PHOTO: AFP Smoke rises after militants launched an early morning assault at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi on June 9, 2014. PHOTO: AFP PHOTO: AFP PHOTO: EXPRESS SCREENGRAB Fire and smoke can be seen rising from a part of the airport. PHOTO: Express Screengrab PHOTO: EXPRESS/MOHAMMAD NOMAN Smoke can be seen rising form the Airport in the background. PHOTO: EXPRESS/MOHAMMAD NOMAN A view of the airport. Smoke can be seen rising from the airport. PHOTO: EXPRESS SCREENGRAB Security forces have cordoned off the area. PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS SCREENGRAB . KARACHI: Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for a brazen terrorist assault on Karachi airport’s old terminal. At least 28 people, including 12 terrorists, were reported dead in what is the first large-scale terrorist attack at the country’s largest airport in years. According to reports, eight ASF personnel, two Rangers officials, one police officer and three PIA officials are among the deceased. Twenty-four people have been injured in the attack so far as well. The military had announced that the attack had come to an end early Monday morning, five hours after militants took siege of the airport. However, firing and blasts were heard from inside the airport hours after the announcement. Large plumes of smoke were seen rising from the runway area of the old airport (also known as the Hajj Terminal), as the airport shut down, passengers were evacuated and the flight schedule was suspended. Pakistan Army troops have been called in to take control of the situation. “A precautionary search operation will take place after daylight and the airport will be cleared for operations, handed back to the Civil Aviation Authority/ Airport Security by mid day,” said DG ISPR Asim Bajwa. June 9, 12:30pm The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced that the airport will be made operational at 4pm. CAA advises passengers to contact the relevant airlines two hours prior to their flight time. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 12:17pm Rangers spokesperson says that the search operation is complete. The airport has been cleared and declared as safe. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 12:07pm Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif says the Karachi airport will be made operational soon. Necessary arrangements will be made to facilitate the passengers, he adds. No flight has arrived at the airport for the last 13 hours. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 12:03pm Express News reports that the terrorists entered the airport in two groups wearing ASF uniforms. ================================ 11:38am The attackers used factor VIII injections, which aid blood clotting and reduce bleeding, Express News reports. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 11: 29am TTP spokesperson evades comments when asked about Sindh Rangers DG Major General Rizwan Akhtar claim that the attackers looked like Uzbek militants. “We do not make a distinction in Muslims whether they are Pakistanis, Uzbeks, Arabs or Chechans. They all are Mujahideen,” Shahidullah Shahid told The Express Tribune by phone. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 11:21am Umar Media, the official media wing of the TTP, claims on their Facebook page that just six militants had attacked the airport. “The biggest reason for attacking Karachi airport is because it serves as the biggest air logistics centre supplying goods for the Crusaders’ war in Afghanistan and Pakistan,” a statement on their Facebook page claims. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 11:18am Security forces continue to sweep the airport as a security measure while sources say that all attackers have been killed. The airport is expected to be cleared and handed back to the Civil Aviation Authority by 12pm today. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 11:07am TTP spokesperson Shahidullah Shahid promises more attacks in the future. “It’s just the beginning, we have taken revenge for one (Hakimullah Mehsud), we have to take revenge for hundreds,” he says. “We have yet to take revenge for the deaths of hundreds of innocent tribal women and children in Pakistani air strikes,” the spokesperson states. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 10:56am Rangers spokesperson says Karachi airport has been cleared of militants. ===== June 9, 10:49am Exchange of fire comes to a stop at the airport, Express News reports. Meanwhile, aerial firing from security forces still continues. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 10:44am TTP spokesperson Shahidullah Shahid says “this attack was the revenge of martyrdom our leader Shaheed Hakimullah Mehsud and brutal killings of the TTP’s prisoners in jails.” ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 10:35am Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad, while speaking to Express News, says attacks like the one at Karachi airport are carried out to destroy the image of the country. “This country is facing an internal threat and we need to save this country,” he adds. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 10:18am Politicians on twitter express their viewpoints on the airport attack: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 10:14am TTP claims responsibility for the Karachi airport attack, reports AFP. “We carried out the attack on Karachi airport to avenge the death of Hakimullah Mehsud,” TTP spokesperson Shahidullah Shahid tells AFP, while dismissing the government’s recent offer of peace talks as a “tool of war”. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 10:10am Sources say that the militants who blew themselves up this morning were between 18 and 19 years of age. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 10:07am Search operation by security forces continues. The two militants that blew themselves up earlier this morning detonated the explosives when they were cornered by the security officials at the Isphani Hanger. Sources tell Express News that more suicide jackets, petrol bombs and other ammunition were recovered from the airport this morning. Policemen show seized weapons after militants attacked Jinnah International Airport in Karachi on June 9, 2014. PHOTO: AFP ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 10:03am People including journalists said on twitter: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 9:45am Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has asked for a report on the attack. Employees leave the Jinnah International Airport after militants attack in Karachi on June 9, 2014. PHOTO: AFP An airport official tells Express News that militants had entered the airport from the ICG gate and killed four ASF officials at the spot. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 9:36am Three blasts heard at Karachi airport at the old terminal. According to sources, two of the militants blew themselves up. Politician Ijazul Haq tweeted: Express News screengrab of the explosions. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 9:25am Blasts also heard at the airport, Express News reports. Express News screengrab. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 9:16am At least 28 people have been killed so far in the attack. Ten militants, eight ASF personnel, two Rangers officials, one police officer and three PIA officials are among the deceased. It is reported that 24 people have been injured in the attack so far. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 9:13am 6 to 7 tanks have proceeded to Isphani Hangar after the firing. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 8:49am Sources say three militants are present at Karachi airport. A high contingent of the Pak Army has reached the site of the firing. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 8:40am Express News reports that some militants are still present at the airport. The number of militants is not known as of yet. Express News screengrab of security officials at Karachi airport. Emergency has been declared once again. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 8:28am Firing heard at Karachi airport near Isphani Hangar, which is the aircraft overhaul facility of the airport, Express News reports. One person injured in the firing. The injured, identified as a technician, is taken to a local hospital for medical treatment. Express News screengrab of Karachi airport. “We have relaunched the operation and called in additional troops,” says Sibtain Rizvi, spokesperson for the Rangers paramilitary force. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 8:20am Islamabad and Lahore airports have been put on high alert. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 4:35am ISPR claims that all terrorist have been killed. DG ISPR claimed that remaining 4 terrorists have also been killed, bringing the total number of terrorists killed to 10. He further claimed that terrorists were confined to two areas. Weapons including rockets and RPGs were recovered from the terrorists. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 4:20am SSG commandos have reached Karachi to take part in the ongoing operation. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 3:55am Six terrorists have been killed so far during the army operation at the airport, said ISPR. The death toll has now risen to 18. Nine ASF men, one Rangers official and two PIA officials were also killed in the incident. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 3:30am Security forces have cleared the cargo terminal, Express News is reporting. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 3:25am According to Express News the bomb disposal squad has defused two suicide vests and 20 bombs recovered from slain terrorists thus far. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 3:10am Express News is reporting that two more loud blasts were heard. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 2:52am There’s another update on the death toll – which has gone up drastically. Now being reported: Some 7 ASF, 2 Rangers personnel as well as 1 policeman and one airline employee have lost their lives. Three terrorists are reported dead. Four hours have lapsed since the attack, and about half a dozen terrorists remain active, but contained. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 2:42am Express News is reporting that the death toll has increased to nine now. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 2:33am ISPR says that all passengers in the airport have been successfully evacuated. Says that the operation is in its “final stages” and Jinnah Terminal has been completely secured. The terrorists are still active, but contained to a specific area. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 2:20am Firing erupts once again following more loud explosions around the Airport. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 2:15am Express News is reporting that terrorists are holed up in one place. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 2:10am The flames inside the airport premises have increased in magnitude. People are also still stuck inside Jinnah Terminal. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 2:06am Express News is now reporting that three terrorists have been killed. Seven terrorists are still alive and at the airport and surrounded by security forces. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 1:28am More shots heard. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 1:21am Rangers’ officials are claiming that four terrorists have been surrounded. Two have already been killed. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 1:10am Express News is reporting that DG Rangers has arrived at the site to monitor the operation. The chief minister of Sindh is also reported to be in the vicinity. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 12:54am The spokesperson of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has confirmed that the Army has taken over the operation. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 12:52am The chief minister of Sindh is in touch with the Karachi Corps Commander and the Director-General of Sindh Rangers over the operation to clear the airport. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 12:50am Express News is reporting that two terrorists have been reported killed along with five security officials. Some of the injured and dead have been taken to Jinnah Hospital. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 12:45am Officials are telling The Express Tribune that the terrorists entered the airport from the Isphani Hangar, the aircraft overhaul facility of the airport. The hangar is located right in front of the PIA head office. It is improbable that there were too many employees there when attack occurred. The intensity of the gunfight and bomb explosions shook the entire neighbourhood around the old terminal. The terminal is considered as high security zone as VIPs including the prime minister and president frequently use it. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 12:35am CAA spokesperson Abid Qaimkhani has said he is not able to confirm the extent of the damage to the airport facilities or how many people have been injured or killed in the attack. “All I can say is that a few ASF and CAA officials have been injured.” ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 12:25am The Sindh government has declared red alert in the city and emergency has also been imposed in the hospitals of the city. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 12:20am Flights to Karachi have been diverted to other airports of the country. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 9, 12:10am The Army has been called in to back up security officials. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… June 8, 11:45pm According to details at least four ASF personnel were killed when terrorist hurled crackers and opened firing near Haj Terminal of Karachi Airport. Terrorist were trying to enter the runway area. Back-up contingents of security forces have been called in. Police and Rangers have cordoned off the area and flight schedule have also been put on hold. =========================================