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Afghanistan Probes Report of Iranian Border Guards Torturing, Killing Migrants
https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2265241/afghanistan-probes-report-iranian-border-guards-torturing-killing-migrants
“Afghan officials on Sunday launched a hunt to retrieve bodies of Afghan migrants from a river in a western province after reports that Iranian border guards tortured and threw Afghans into the river to prevent their entry into Iran.
Afghanistan’s foreign ministry in a statement on Saturday said an inquiry had been launched and a senior official in the presidential palace in Kabul said initial assessments suggested at least 70 Afghans who were trying to enter Iran from bordering Herat province were beaten and pushed into the Harirud river.
The Harirud river basin is shared by Afghanistan, Iran and Turkmenistan.
Doctors at Heart District Hospital said they had received the bodies of Afghan migrants, some of whom had drowned.
“So far, five bodies have been transferred to the hospital, of these bodies, its clear that four died due to drowning,” said Aref Jalali, head of Herat District Hospital.
The Iranian consulate in Herat denied the allegations.
“Iranian border guards have not arrested any Afghan citizens,” the consulate said in a statement on Saturday. Iranian embassy officials in the Afghan capital Kabul were not immediately available for a comment.
Noor Mohammad said he was one of 57 Afghan citizens who were caught by Iranian border guards on Saturday when they were trying to cross into Iran in search of work from Gulran District of Herat.
“After being tortured, the Iranian soldiers threw all of us in the Harirud river,” Mohammad told Reuters.
Shir Agha, who said he also survived the violence, said at least 23 of the 57 people thrown by Iranian soldiers into the river were dead.
“Iranian soldiers warned us that if we do not throw ourselves into the water, we will be shot,” said Agha.
Local Afghan officials that it was not the first time that Afghans had been tortured and killed by Iranian police guarding the 920 kms (520 miles) long border.
Herat’s governor Sayed Wahid Qatali in a tweet to Iranian officials said, “Our people are not just some names you threw into the river. One day we will settle accounts.”
The incident could trigger a diplomatic crisis between Iran and Afghanistan at a time when the coronavirus pandemic has seen a mass exodus of Afghan migrants from Iran with many testing positive for COVID-19.
Up to 2,000 Afghans daily cross the border from Iran, a global coronavirus hotspot, into Herat.
As of Sunday, at least 541 infected people are from Herat province, which recorded 13 deaths, with the majority of positive cases found among Afghan returnees from Iran, said Rafiq Shirzad, a health ministry spokesman in Herat.”
Greece ships hundreds of migrants to mainland from overcrowded Lesbos camp
https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/greece-ship-hundreds-migrants-mainland-overcrowded-lesbos-camp
“Greece is moving hundreds of migrants from a camp on the island of Lesbos to mainland facilities on Sunday as part of efforts to ease overcrowding, police and government officials said.
The European Union had asked Greece to move people most at risk of contracting the coronavirus from overcrowded camps on its Mediterranean islands, Reuters reported.
Athens had opposed moving them all to the mainland, citing the absence of cases in the camps while the coronavirus was spreading elsewhere in the country.
“Authorities are getting ready to transfer a group of about 395 migrants seen as vulnerable later today to the mainland via ship,” said a police official, who declined to be identified.
The group will leave the Moria camp on the eastern Aegean island, which is close to Turkey.
Moria holds about 19,300 people, more than six times its capacity, AFP said.
Greece has been the main gateway into the EU for people fleeing conflict in Syria and the Middle East and beyond. More than a million people reached its shores from Turkey in 2015-16.
At least 110,000 people are living in migrant facilities – 40,000 of them in overcrowded camps on five islands.
“The goal is to transfer about 2,400 from island camps to mainland Greece,” a Migration Ministry official said.
The European Union said on 13 March that a group of member countries had agreed to take at least 1,600 children who reached Greece travelling without their parents, the Daily Sabah reported. Still, restrictions EU member nations adopted to slow the spread of the coronavirus complicated efforts to start putting the deal into effect.
Greece, which adopted lockdown measures to try to slow the spread of the pandemic on 23 March, has had 2,626 confirmed cases since its first in late February.
The death toll has been 144, significantly lower than other EU countries including Italy, Spain, France and Britain.
No coronavirus cases have so far been recorded in Greek island camps. Still, aid groups have urged Athens to evacuate the camps, warning that the risk of the fast-moving coronavirus spreading amid squalid conditions is high.”
126 takfiris killed in Sinai raids; 15 army personnel ‘killed or injured’: Armed Forces
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/368520/Egypt/Politics-/-takfiris-killed-in-Sinai-raids;–army-personnel-k.aspx
“Egypt’s armed forces killed 126 takfiris in northern and central Sinai during operations “in the past period,” a statement by the military read on Sunday, and the operations resulted in the “death or injury” of 15 army personnel.
The statement said that the takfiris were killed in 22 raids and 16 qualitative operations, without providing a timeframe for the operations.
Four army officers, three non-commissioned officers, and eight soldiers were killed or injured during the operations, it said.
Around 266 “criminal elements and suspects” were arrested, the statement said, adding that the air forces have destroyed 228 hideouts and 116 four wheelers used by the terrorist elements.
Fifty-six vehicles and 226 motorcycles with no license plates were destroyed during the armed forces’ combing and raid operations.
The armed forces said it detonated 630 explosive devices planted on roads in operation zones, and demolished eight tunnel openings.
Sunday’s statement came hours after the interior ministry said it killed 18 terrorists in a shootout in North Sinai’s Bir El-Abd city, days after the Islamic State group claimed a terrorist attack in which 10 Egyptian military personnel were “killed or wounded” in the same area.
An officer, a non-commissioned officer, and eight soldiers were killed or injured when their armoured vehicle was blown up in Bir El-Abd city.
This was the first such attack since February when the armed forces thwarted a terrorist attack on a security checkpoint in North Sinai, killing 10 terrorists participating in the attack.
The military has been carrying out Operation Sinai 2018, a counter-terrorism campaign, since February 2018. The campaign involves land, naval and air forces, as well as the police and border guards.”
‘Egypt is fighting war against rogue elements supported by malicious foreign forces,’ PM tells MPs
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/368541/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-is-fighting-war-against-rogue-elements-suppo.aspx
66 civilians killed, wounded in Taliban attacks in first week of Ramadan
https://www.khaama.com/66-civilians-killed-wounded-in-taliban-attacks-in-first-week-of-ramadan-04769/
“The Taliban militants killed or wounded at least 66 civilians in the first week of the holy month of Ramadan, the National Security Council said.
The Office of National Security Council in a statement said the Taliban militants killed 17 civilians and wounded at least 49 others during the same period.
The statement further added that the casualties were inflicted on civilians in 17 provinces of the country.
This comes as the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) last week released its latest report regarding the civilian casualties in Afghanistan which were inflicted in the first quarter of 2020.
“The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) documented a total of 1,293 civilian casualties (533 killed and 760 injured) in Afghanistan during the first three months of the year, underscoring the heavy toll the conflict continues to inflict on the civilian population,” UNAMA said in a statement.
The report further added that the anti-Government Elements (AGEs) continued to be responsible for the majority of civilian casualties – 55 per cent – during the first quarter, causing 710 civilian casualties (282 killed and 428 injured). “UNAMA attributed 39 per cent to the Taliban, 13 per cent to Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant–Khorasan Province (ISIL-KP) and the remainder to undetermined AGEs.”
The number of civilian deaths attributed to AGEs – particularly the Taliban – increased by 22 per cent in the first quarter of 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019, mainly due to an increase in targeted killings and summary executions, UNAMA added.”
Turkey neutralizes 12 YPG/PKK terrorists in N.Syria
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-neutralizes-12-ypg-pkk-terrorists-in-nsyria/1827247
“Turkish security forces neutralized at least a dozen YPG/PKK terrorists in northern Syria, near Turkey’s southern border, the National Defense Ministry said on Sunday.
“12 PKK/YPG terrorists, who opened harassment fire and attempted to infiltrate the Operation Peace Spring zone to disrupt the peace and security environment, were neutralized by our heroic commandos,” the ministry said on Twitter.
Turkish authorities often use the word “neutralize” to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.
Since 2016, Turkey has launched four successful anti-terrorist operations across its border in northern Syria to prevent the formation of a terror corridor and enable peaceful settlement by locals: Euphrates Shield (2016), Olive Branch (2018), Peace Spring (2019), and Spring Shield (2020).
In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is the PKK’s Syrian offshoot.”
YPG/PKK terrorists dealt heavy blow in April
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/ypg-pkk-terrorists-dealt-heavy-blow-in-april/1827298
“With successful security operations in April, Turkey inflicted heavy blows on the YPG/PKK, a terror group that has killed tens of thousands of people in its decades-long terror campaign.
Some 122 terrorists, including senior members of the group, were neutralized as part of the counter-terrorism efforts of the Turkish Armed Forces, police, gendarmerie, and the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) to thwart attacks on the country’s peace and harmony, according to an Anadolu Agency tally from news reports.
Two Turkish security officials and seven civilians were martyred, and three security officers injured in the anti-terror operations.
On April 10, Mahmut Oktay, codenamed Hayri Mava, was apprehended when a suspicious vehicle was stopped in the Mus province.
Similarly, PKK terrorist Abdurrahman Kayihan, alias Andok, on April 19 surrendered in Kiziltepe in the southeastern Mardin province after being persuaded by security forces.
On April 22, Resul Ozdemir, also known as Zibo, was brought to Turkey through the cooperation of MIT and Swedish authorities. He was a member of the PKK’s terrorist youth wing.
On April 29, Hafize Ozdemir, or Zin Avesta, a senior wanted terrorist, was found dead in a cave in the eastern Tunceli province. Her fellow terrorists left her to die by blocking her from receiving cancer treatment.
Meanwhile, the PKK’s so-called “Cemce group” was destroyed when seven terrorists, including four on Turkey’s wanted list, were neutralized during an operation in Kagizman in the eastern Kars province in the last two days of April.
On the other hand, a worker was martyred by terrorists in Mardin on April 3, five civilians in Diyarbakir on April 8, and another worker in Sirnak on April 14.
Two soldiers were martyred on April 15 and April 25 respectively in northern Iraq’s Hakurk and Haftanin regions.
In its more than 30-year-terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK – listed as a terrorist group by Turkey, the US and the European Union – has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. The YPG is the PKK’s Syrian offshoot.”
What a load of crap.
Filthy Turk in time of coronavirus:
“Ever since the coronavirus crisis has been emerging into a global pandemic, Turkey’s illegal hostile actions in Rojava [Kurdish autonomous zone] have become more frequent. Exploiting the world’s preoccupation with the pandemic, Turkey and its jihadists have intensified their attacks in March and April by shelling villages in Tel Temir, Tel Abyad and Ain Issa with mortar and artillery fire.”
“They are sadistically terrorizing women and children, using every means at their disposal. There are reports of ongoing daily battles….
“All in all, we have recorded a long range of violations, including deliberate shelling of populated civilian targets and hitting civilian infrastructure (for example medical facilities)…
“All this terror and violence have led to new displacement from the nearly 15 villages that have been under fire. The region is going through another wave of kidnappings for ransom, rapes of women and little children, human trafficking, sexual enslavement, enforced disappearances, abductions, assassinations, burning down of houses and orchards, looting and the constant search for what Turkey-jihadists call the ‘spoils of war.’
“During its invasions in 2019 and 2018, Turkey did all this and more. It is now repeating the same. Therefore, many women have nothing but a painful story to tell. Mothers and grandmothers are once again escaping Turkey’s bombs with just the clothes they are wearing.
“Their houses and factories have been seized by Turkey-backed jihadists. They have lost almost everything. The only thing they have left is their lives, and that may be taken from them either by the Turkish aggression or the vicious virus.…”
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/279585
France stabbing: Three in CRITICAL condition after brawl breaks out in Toulouse
https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1277319/France-stabbing-toulouse-allee-jean-south-france-knife-attack-eu-news-macron
“THREE people are in critical condition after being stabbed during a brawl in the French city of Toulouse last night.
Another person was also injured following the brawl in the French city. It has not been confirmed by authorities what caused the stabbing. The brawl took place on Allees Jean Jaures today according to reports.
The suspect who has not been named has now been arrested by local police.
According to Toulouse newspaper, La Depeche du Midi the attack occurred at 7.54pm this evening.
One man was taken to the Purpan hospital in a serious condition.
A further two were unconscious and were taken to Rangueuil hospital.
Last month, two people were killed and four others were injured in a knife attack in the southeastern town of Roman-sur-Isere.
According to the town’s mayor, the attack took place outside a bakery.
The mayor, Maria-Helene Thoraval confirmed the attacker had been arrested.
A formal investigation was launched to ascertain the motive of the attack.
Witnesses said the man struck at random and in several areas of the town.
According to French radio station, France Bleu, the attack happened at 10.45am on Saturday, April 4.
The suspect then carried out further attacks inside a tobacco shop, butchers and a nearby supermarket.
A large police presence descended on the scene to apprehend the assailant.
France’s interior minister Christophe Castaner said security services were trying to establish the nature and circumstances of the incident.
He added: “All my thoughts go out to the victims of the attack on #RomansSurlsere and their loved ones.
“The accused was arrested by the police.
““The DIPJ of Lyon is mobilized, under the authority of Justice, to establish the nature and the circumstances of this heinous act.””
Sky News – Mosques set up mortuaries to cope with COVID-19
At least 10 mosques in the UK have set up temporary mortuaries to cope with the number of deaths from coronavirus.
With large numbers of COVID-19 deaths in cities with large Muslim populations, like Birmingham and London, mosques have been inundated with requests for burials.
One mosque in Birmingham told Sky News they are now carrying out 25 funerals a week because of coronavirus, which is what they would normally do in a year.
Indian police catch 18 people travelling illegally in cement mixer during lockdown
Indian police today (May 2nd) caught 18 people travelling illegally inside a cement mixer truck.
Under the country’s coronavirus lockdown rules travelling without permission is banned.
Police stopped the vehicle en route from Maharashtra to Lucknow at a checkpoint in Chipra and were amazed to find the 18 passengers hidden inside the mixing drum.
Brazil: Anti-lockdown protesters support Bolsonaro as outbreak worsens
Supporters of Brazil’s President, Jair Bolsonaro took to one of the main streets of Sao Paulo on Sunday in protest against the current anti-coronavirus safety measures put in place by the state Governor, Joao Doria.
Footage shows the motorcade on Avenida Paulista (Paulista Avenue), the street in the heart of Brazil’s largest city, with people waving Brazilian flags from cars and on the street, chanting slogans and playing musical instruments.
“The economy has to reopen, get out [Governor] Doria. Out [House of Representatives leader] Maia, out all the corrupt system that we have here in Brazil, this tax system is breaking the country,” said Arnaldo, one of the demonstrators.
According to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University, Brazil has registered 101,147 cases of the coronavirus with 7,025 deaths. Sao Paulo is the hardest-hit state in the country with more than 2,500 deaths related to the virus so far.
We love death more than you love life, via Strategy Page:
Morale: Pay For Slay Economics
…The Martyrs Fund is not unique in the Arab world because it is not just terrorist organizations that use it. During the 1980s Iran-Iraq war, the Sunni minority that ruled Iraq had to depend on the Shia majority to fight and die to keep the Saddam Hussein government in power. The wealthy Sunni oil states provided $47 billion in aid to Iraq, plus billions more in loans.…
These payments built on the fear all Arabs had of being conquered by the Iranians, who were Indo-European and not Semites. Iran has an Arab Shia minority that they have always treated badly and this was known to the Iraqi Shia. But the large death benefits made a crucial difference.
These payments played a role in the Iraqi decision to invade Kuwait in 1990s. The Kuwaitis were pressing Iraq to pay back $10 billion in loans and Saddam declared this disgraceful after so many Iraqis had died keeping the Iranians out of Kuwait and the rest of Arabia.
https://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htmoral/articles/20200502.aspx
The Elder, always worthy, here sussing out Bibi’s moves in response to PT’s “Deal of the Century”. Comments, too.
What is Bibi’s strategy for extending sovereignty on parts of Judea and Samaria?
http://elderofziyon.blogspot.com/2020/05/what-is-bibis-strategy-for-extending.html
Berlin Hostel Allegedly Owned by North Korea to Close ‘Permanently’ After Order From German Court (sputniknews, May 3, 2020)
https://sputniknews.com/europe/202005031079185003-berlin-hostel-allegedly-owned-by-north-korea-to-close-permanently-after-order-from-german-court/
“The North Korean government is rumoured to have a network of fronts across Europe which syphon funds to the government from unknowing customers. Any business secretly serving as a cash cow for Pyongyang is said by US and German authorities to be a violation of international sanctions.
A hostel in Berlin that is believed to be owned by North Korea is set to be shut down permanently due to a German court decision in January.
A drab building in the heart of Berlin, now closed because of coronavirus, appears just like any other building in a European city. For about $30 a night, visitors are invited to see why “so many travelers make Berlin’s City Hostel” their choice.
Despite externally looking like any other hostel, the Berlin City Hostel is allegedly owned by the North Korean government and funnels about $41,000 a month to Pyongyang.
“Our goal is to get this hotel, this youth hostel to shut down because it is inappropriate for the North Koreans to collect money in Berlin when there are sanctions on the regime via the UN”, Richard Grenell, the U.S. ambassador to Germany and acting director of national intelligence, told Fox News earlier this year.
“The reality is the North Korean government has been doing this for a long time and if not for governments to stand up, and specifically the Trump administration to stand up and say: ‘this is a violation, it shouldn’t happen,’ these types of businesses just continue”, he added.
Grenell claims that the hotel is in violation of UN sanctions against North Korea, which prevent countries from engaging in trade with the country.
Pressure has also been mounted by the German government, as well as the parents of Otto Warmbier, the college student who died when he was returned by North Korea to the US after being detained by the state.
Pyongyang allegedly leases the building to German management company EGI GmbH for day to day operations and management. While the firm was not available, according to Fox News, German media has claimed that the company says it has stopped giving money to the North Korean government since April 2017, so it no longer acting in violation of international sanctions.
A judge ordered the hostel closed in January with the agreement of the German government.
A spokesman for Germany’s Federal Foreign Office said that the country is “committed to full sanctions implementation against North Korea” while speaking to Fox News.
“Berlin state authorities have ordered the closure of the City Hostel. The operators are challenging this order in court,” the spokesperson said.
“A Berlin regional court has confirmed the order on Jan 28. We expect the order to be implemented once the court ruling takes legal force.”
According to a report last year by German publication Süddeutsche Zeitung and public broadcasters NDR and WDR, the embassy, to which the hostel was once connected, blocked attempts by the court to cancel the contract.
Authorities suspect the Berlin property is one of several commercial enterprises in Europe that are owned by North Korea and are investigating other properties.”