Friday, November 29
Karachi saw an unprecedented spike in terrorism-related violence in 2023, with total fatalities reaching a six-year high, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The annual security report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) recorded 1,524 violence-related casualties and 1,463 injuries from 789 terror attacks and counter-terror operations in Pakistan in 2023. The CRSS highlighted the surge in violence and terror attacks in the country since 2021, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan being the main centers of violence, accounting for 90% of all fatalities and 84% of attacks.
German police arrest three people, including a Tajik, linked to an alleged attack plot targeting the cathedral in Cologne on New Year's Eve. The suspects are believed to be connected to Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K). Security measures have been increased in Cologne, with sniffer dogs searching for explosives in the underground parking of the cathedral. Around 1,000 police officers have been deployed to protect the cathedral and the population. Germany has been on high alert for possible Islamist attacks, with a previous attack carried out by an IS supporter in 2016.
DR Congo President Tshisekedi won a second term in a landslide victory, the provisional results showed as opposition leaders dismissed the election as a 'sham'. The Constitutional Court is expected to confirm the results on January 10. Tshisekedi first came to power in 2019 after a disputed election. Opposition candidates signed a declaration rejecting the election and calling for a re-run as voting was extended due to problems, irregularities were reported and opposition leaders lacked confidence in the court and Ceni.
Russia launched a fresh drone assault on Ukraine, targeting the Russian border city of Belgorod. The Ukrainian Air Force shot down 21 of the 49 drones launched. An attack on Kharkiv resulted in 28 people wounded and damage to several buildings. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have hit decision-making centers and military facilities in Kharkiv, including the Kharkiv Palace Hotel. The attack in Belgorod killed 24 people and wounded 108, with Russia accusing Kyiv of carrying out the attack.
The sprawling camp of people returning to Afghanistan through the Torkham border crossing is the latest facet of Afghans' long, painful search for a stable home. More than 40 years of war, violence and poverty in Afghanistan have created one of the world's most uprooted populations. Some 6 million Afghans are refugees outside the country. Another 3.5 million people are displaced within the country of 40 million, driven from their homes by war, earthquakes, drought or resources that are being depleted.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has claimed responsibility for attacks in Balochistan's Noshki, Turbat, and Buleda. BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch stated that the attacks targeted Pakistani forces in different areas, causing casualties and injuries. The attacks involved the use of snipers, heavy weapons, and grenade launchers. The group emphasized its determination to continue such attacks until their goal of a free homeland is achieved. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has not issued any statement regarding these attacks, which are not uncommon in Balochistan.
Israeli warplanes strike Gaza refugee camps as Biden approves emergency weapons sale, despite international cease-fire calls. Senior Hamas official rejects Egypt's proposal for a staged end to the war, demanding a permanent cease-fire. Israeli offensive continues to dismantle Hamas, while US supplies weapons. Palestinian death toll rises to 21,672, with 70% being women and children. Aid delivery in Gaza remains inadequate, with long delays and ongoing fighting. Israel vows to bring back hostages and remains far apart from Hamas on terms of cease-fire and swaps.
China abruptly ousted nine military figures from its national parliament without explanation, adding to a series of recent removals that are raising questions about how such turmoil will affect the smooth operations of China's military. The removals mark the first time that branches of the military have been implicated by the recent personnel swings. Chinese President Xi Jinping's drive to clean up the People's Liberation Army is still incomplete, and this year's unexplained purges suggest that a corruption probe is ramping up again.
The secretive X-37B robot spaceplane, operated by the US Space Force, was launched atop a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. This marks its seventh mission and the first time it has been launched on the Falcon Heavy. The launch from Florida's Kennedy Space Center was delayed but finally went ahead after a smooth countdown. The Falcon Heavy, the most powerful operational rocket, lifted off in a dazzling display of fire and smoke. The collaboration between the US military and private space industry showcases advancements in rocket technology.
