DEFENCE

• MRSAM Firing Trials;
• Brief on SIMBEX-19;
• Successful Firing of BrahMos Air Launched Missile from Su-30 MKI Aircraft;
• Eastern Command Unit Test Fired BrahMos Missile from Car Nicobar Islands;
• Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa receives Baton of Chairman COSC;
• Admiral Karambir Singh, PVSM, AVSM, ADC Chief of the Naval staff.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Afghanistan

• Taliban attacked two military checkpoints in Zabul province;
• Islamic State-Khorasan terrorists are on rise in Afghanistan.

AFRICA

Somalia

• Nine, including former minister, killed in suicide car blast;
• Al-Shabaab uses home-made explosives for effective impact, claims UN report.

Yemen

• Government forces arrested a key al-Qa’ida leader.

Pakistan

• Six JeM operatives arrested for terror funding in Gujranwala;
• Islamic State announced ‘Pakistan Province’;
• Pakistan may appoint NSA to revive backchannels with India.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• Chief of Ansar Ghazwat ul-Hind Zakir Musa killed in Pulwama;
• Two terrorists were killed in CT operation in Pulwama;
• Two HM terrorist killed in CT operation in Kulgam.

Left-Wing Extremism

• 26 security force personnel injured in IED blast in Jharkhand;
• Four landmines unearthed in Visakhapatnam;
• Two Maoists were arrested in Chhattisgarh.

Islamist Extremism in India (including Islamic State)

• Kerala Police to form Anti-Terrorism Squad;
• NIA conducted raids at 10 locations in Tamil Nadu;
• India monitors IS network in Bangladesh.

North-East Region

• ULFA-I claimed responsibility of a blast near Guwahati Mall.

CYBER & ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (SECURITY PERSPECTIVE)

• Cyber Innovation at the forefront of UK’s approach to modern warfare.

DEFENCE

MRSAM Firing Trials

The Indian Navy achieved a significant milestone in enhancing its Anti-Air Warfare Capability with the maiden cooperative engagement firing of the Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM). The firing was undertaken on the Western Seaboard by INS Kochi and Chennai wherein the missiles of both ships were controlled by one ship to intercept different aerial targets at extended ranges. The firing trial was carried out by the Indian Navy, DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries.

DRDL Hyderabad, a DRDO Lab, has jointly developed this missile in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries. The MRSAM has been manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited, India. The contract for the construction and Transfer-of-Technology for six Scorpene class submarines in series, has M/s Naval Group (formerly DCNS) of France as ‘Collaborator’ and are being built by MDL. Click here to read

Brief on SIMBEX-19

On successful completion of IMDEX 19, INS Kolkata and Shakti are continuing their stay at Singapore to participate in the annual Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise SIMBEX-2019 scheduled from 16 May to 22 May 19.

Since its inception in 1993, SIMBEX has grown in tactical and operational complexity. The annual bilateral exercise saw its progression from traditional anti-submarine exercises to more complex maritime exercises such as advanced air defence operations, anti-air/ surface practice firings, tactical exercises, etc. For SIMBEX 19, the IN has deployed its finest assets with the aim to strengthen mutual trust, enhance interoperability, and build greater synergy to address common maritime concerns among both navies. Click here to read

Successful firing of BrahMos Air Launched Missile from Su-30 MKI Aircraft

On 22 May, IAF successfully fired the BrahMos air version missile from Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft. The launch was smooth and the missile followed the desired trajectory before hitting the land target. The air launched BrahMos missile is a 2.5 ton supersonic air to surface cruise missile with ranges of close to 300 km, designed and developed by BAPL. The IAF became the first Air Force in the world to have successfully fired an air launched 2.8 Mach surface attack missile of this category on a sea target on 22 Nov 17. The IAF has been involved in the activity from its inception. The software development of the aircraft was undertaken by the IAF engineers while HAL carried out mechanical and electrical modifications on the aircraft. The dedicated and synergetic efforts of the IAF, DRDO, BAPL and HAL have proven the capability of the nation to undertake such complex integrations. Click here to read

Eastern Command unit test-fired BrahMos Missile from Car Nicobar Islands

A BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile was successfully test-fired by a Unit of Eastern Command, Indian Army, from Car Nicobar Islands at 1450 h on 22 May 2019 as part of joint training by Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. The combat missile was test fired on a specially designed target chosen at a range of 270 km, thus validating deep penetration capability by the supersonic cruise missile and accurate engagement of targets in depth. Click here to read

Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa receives Baton of Chairman COSC

Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa, on May 31, 2019, received the baton of Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee from outgoing Chairman and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba who retired from service that day. Click here to read

Admiral Karambir Singh, PVSM, AVSM, ADC takes charge as Chief of the Naval Staff

Admiral Karambir Singh assumed command of the Indian Navy today (31 May 19) as the 24th Chief of the Naval Staff. Admiral Singh is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. Commissioned into the Indian Navy in July 1980, he earned his wings as a helicopter pilot in 1981 and has flown extensively on the Chetak (Alouette) and Kamov helicopters. He is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and College of Naval Warfare, Mumbai, and has served as Directing Staff in both these institutions. Click here to read

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Afghanistan

Taliban attacked two military checkpoints in Zabul province

On 15 May 2019, Taliban militants attacked two military checkpoints in which 10 soldiers of the Afghan army were martyred and at least four were injured in Shamulzayi district in Southern Zabul province. The Afghan security forces retreated from the checkpoints in the district. According to the officials, Taliban controls major area of the province, than ever since its removal by US-led forces following the September 11 attacks. Click here to read

Islamic State-Khorasan terrorist’s numbers on rise in Afghanistan

According to the Quarterly report of the US Pentagon presented to the US Congress on 17 May 2019, the number of Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) terrorists active in Afghanistan may have increased five-fold within a year. The report which covers the period from 01 January to 31 March 2019 estimates that the IS-K forces grew since last year. Click here to read

AFRICA

Somalia

Nine, including former minister, killed in suicide car blast

On 29 May, 2019, a suicide car bomb explosion near the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu killed nine people, including Hussein Elabe Fahiye — Somalia’s former foreign minister and current Advisor to the President. Captain Mohamed Hussein informed the news agency that another 13 people were injured, and most of the casualties include soldiers. Terrorist organisation— Al Shabaab claimed responsibility of the attack. Click here to read

Al-Shabaab uses home-made explosives for better impact, claims UN report

In a report, the United Nations’ (UN) panel of experts on Somalia has stated that for the first time, the post-blast laboratory analysis had revealed Al-Shabaab’s clear shift from the use of military-grade explosives to ‘home-made’ explosives. The analysis was based on at least 20 attacks since July 2018. Click here to read

Yemen

Government forces arrested a key Al-Qaida leader

Yemen’s Special Forces backed by the Arab coalition, on 18 May, arrested a key Al-Qaida leader, Bilal Muhammed Ali al-Wafi, in the mountain area of Habashi. Al-Wafi is key member of Al-Qaida in Arab Peninsula (AQAP), and has coordinated several terrorist attacks including the 2012 bombing of a Yemeni military parade in which dozens of troops were martyred. The US Department of State designated al-Wafi as a terrorist in 2017. Click here to read

Pakistan

Six JeM operatives arrested in Gujranwala for terror funding

On 29 May 2019, Pakistan’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) arrested six alleged operatives of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in a case of collecting funds for proscribed terrorist organisation. The CTD teams raided the ‘safe houses’ of JeM and arrested Muhammad Afzal, Muhammad Amir, Allah Ditta, Muhammad Iftikhar, Muhammad Ajmal, and Muhammad Bilal Makki, with ‘huge’ amount of Pakistani rupees also recovered from their possession. They are being interrogated, stated a statement released by CTD. Click here to read

Islamic State announced ‘Pakistan Province’

The Islamic State (IS) has in a communication issued via its global propaganda media network, the Amaq News Agency, announced the establishment of a new province in Pakistan - Islamic State Pakistan Province or ISPP. The communication also claimed responsibility for the killing a Pakistani police officer in Mastung. Pakistan government has not reacted to IS’s communication, denying any ‘organised’ presence of IS in Pakistan. Click here to read

Pakistan may appoint NSA to revive backchannels with India

Pakistan government is considering an option to appoint NSA (National Security Advisor) to revive backchannel diplomacy with India to deal with issues hindering peace talks between two nations. Likely, the Pakistan government may consider a retired military official for its NSA position as some names are into consideration, but no final decision has been made yet. Click here to read

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

Chief of Ansar Ghazwat ul-Hind Zakir Musa and his associate killed in Pulwama

In a successful counter-terrorism operation on 23 May 2019, security forces killed Zakir Musa aka Zakir Rashid Bhat, the dreaded chief of Al-Qaida affiliated Ansar Ghazwat ul-Hind (AGuH), and his associate in Dadsara village of Tral in Pulwama district. According to police officials, Zakir Musa was trapped during a Cordon-and-Search Operation (CASO), and was asked to surrender. However, Musa lobbed grenades on the security forces.

Post killing of Musa, the State authorities suspended the Internet services across the Valley, as hundreds of youth protested against the killing in parts of Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, and Kulgam districts. Click here to read

Two terrorists killed in CT operation in Pulwama

On 18 May 2019, the joint team of Rashtriya Rifles (RR), CRPF and Special Operations Group of J&K police, killed two terrorists in an exchange of fire in Panzgam village of Awantipora in Pulwama district. According to reports, one of the terrorist was identified as Showkat Ahmad Dar of Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM). Click here to read

Two HM terrorist killed in CT operation in Kulgam

In another counter-terrorism (CT) operation on 22 May 2019, security forces killed two terrorists of Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM) in Gopalpora area of Kulgam district. The terrorists were identified as Irfan Manzoor Bhat, and Zahid Ahmad Mantoo. Both terrorists had several criminal cases registered against them. Click here to read

Left-Wing Extremism

26 security force personnel injured in IED blast in Jharkhand

In an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) attack by Naxals on 28 May 2019 in Seraikela area in Jharkhand, 26 security personnel were injured. In early hours of the morning, personnel of the CoBRA force and Jharkhand police were attacked during a special operation in Kuchai area of Seraikela in Seraikela Kharsawan district. The injured personnel were airlifted to Ranchi. Click here to read

Four landmines unearthed in Visakhapatnam

On 30 May 2019, the Bomb Disposal Squad of the security forces unearthed four landmines of IED connected to a remote sensor, near police outpost in Visakha tribal belt in Visakhapatnam. Each landmine was weighing around 10 kg of explosives.Click here to read

Two Maoists arrested in Chhattisgarh

On 21 May, two Maoists, Kawasi Masa (26), and Kudami Hadma (25), were arrested from Katekalyan area in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh. During a combing operation conducted by a joint team of CRPF and the district police, two persons were trying to flee, and were arrested later with the recovery of three electric detonators, bows, and arrows. Kawasi Masa was active as a ‘Jan Militia Commander’, and Hadma was the chief of ‘Dandakaranya Adivasi Kisan Mazdoor Sangathan’ which is an outfit of proscribed Communist Party of India (Maoist). Click here to read

Islamist Extremism in India (including Islamic State)

Kerala Police to form Anti-Terrorism Squad

To effectively deal with the growing threat of religious fundamentalism, Maoist insurgency, and far-right fanaticism in South India, the Kerala police is likely to form an Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).
According to the State police Chief Loknath Behera, the new domestic counter-terrorism strategy would reflect the opportunity and seriousness of the security threats that the Coastal States face in the aftermath of Easter Day bombings in Sri Lanka. The ATS would develop relationships with other States to share intelligence, develop information on extremist activity and track the movement of radical elements across borders. Click here to read

NIA conducts raids at 10 locations in Tamil Nadu

Acting on specific inputs about presence of active Islamic State (IS) modules, on 17 May 2019, the National Investigation Agency conducted raids at 10 different locations in Ramanathapuram, Salem, and Chidambaram (Tamil Nadu). Reportedly, several terrorists inspired by IS ideology, were conspiring to attack a section of Hindu leaders, mainly members of Hindu Munnani, and were also allegedly involved in collection of arms and ammunitions to carry-out terrorist activities in the State. Click here to read

India monitors IS network in Bangladesh

After the arrest of Bangladeshi national Saifullah Ozaki, an Islamic State recruiter in Sulaimaniyah in Iraq, India has started monitoring IS network active in Bangladesh. Nine Bangladeshi citizens, including Ozaki, have either surrendered or been arrested after the fall of IS organisation in Baghouz. Ozaki had extensively used the social-media platform, Facebook to spread the IS ideology and maintained an account with the name ‘Ex-cadet Islamic Learning Forum’ to inspire his recruits. There are 12 such colleges across Bangladesh. Reportedly, Ozaki was born and raised in a Hindu family in Bangladesh, but converted to Islam when he was studying abroad. Click here to read

North-East Region

ULFA-I claimed responsibility of a blast near Guwahati Mall

On 15 May, 2019, grenade explosion took place near Guwahati Central Mall on Zoo Road in Guwahati, Assam. In the incident, six people were injured. Proscribed organisation, ULFA-I claimed the responsibility of the explosion. Click here to read

Cyber & Artificial Intelligence (Security Perspective)

Cyber Innovation at the forefront of UK’s approach to modern warfare

Addressing the NATO Cyber Defence Pledge Conference in London on 22 May 2019, UK Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt stressed the need for UK and NATO members to recognise cyber offensive as a key to modern warfare. Under the National Cyber Security Strategy, the UK military would continue to develop its cyber capabilities with the investment of GBP 1.9 billion. Defence Secretary Mordaunt announced a funding of GBP 22 million to set up a new Army Cyber operations centres across the UK. Click here to read