Category Archives: international

culture, environment, international, military, politics

Actualizaciones de la Global Sumud Flotilla tras la intercepción ilegal y el secuestro de voluntarios

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Contacto medios:
Hasina Kathrada
Teléfono: +44 1414 620 950
Email: [email protected]
Instagram/Telegram: @globalsumudflotilla

—

**Mar Mediterráneo, 2 de octubre de 2025**

Después de que las fuerzas navales de ocupación israelí interceptaran ilegalmente los barcos de la Flotilla Global Sumud — un convoy pacífico y no violento que transportaba alimentos, leche en polvo, medicinas y voluntarios de 47 países hacia Gaza — cientos de participantes fueron secuestrados y llevados a bordo del gran buque militar MSC Johannesburg.

Esto ocurrió tras ser atacados con cañones de agua, rociados con agua pestilente y sufrir el bloqueo sistemático de sus comunicaciones, constituyendo nuevos actos de agresión contra civiles desarmados.

Además, varios barcos fueron detenidos por una barrera en forma de cadena en aguas internacionales, donde Israel no tiene jurisdicción, al igual que no la tiene sobre las aguas y la costa de Gaza, lo que agrava sus crímenes de guerra y el bloqueo ilegal.

Los abogados de Adalah, quienes representan a los participantes de la flotilla ante las autoridades israelíes, han recibido información mínima y desconocen si los 443 voluntarios estimados, arrancados por la fuerza de sus embarcaciones, serán trasladados a Ashdod, donde se prevé que sean sometidos a una detención ilegal.

Esto constituye un secuestro ilegal, en violación directa del derecho internacional y de los derechos humanos fundamentales.

Interceptar embarcaciones humanitarias en aguas internacionales es un crimen de guerra; negar acceso a asistencia legal y ocultar el destino de las personas detenidas agrava aún más este crimen.

Exigimos que los gobiernos, líderes mundiales e instituciones internacionales intervengan de inmediato para obtener información sobre los participantes desaparecidos, garantizar su seguridad y exigir su liberación inmediata.

Nuestro compromiso sigue siendo claro: romper el asedio ilegal de Israel y poner fin al genocidio en curso contra el pueblo palestino. Cada acto de represión contra nuestra flotilla, cada escalada de violencia en Gaza y cada intento de reprimir las acciones de solidaridad no hacen sino reforzar nuestra determinación.

El *Mikeno*, que navega bajo pabellón francés, podría haber entrado en aguas territoriales palestinas según los datos AIS, pero sigue sin contacto.

El *Marinette*, bajo pabellón polaco, sigue conectado a través de Starlink y en comunicación, con un total de seis pasajeros a bordo.

**Embarcaciones confirmadas como interceptadas ilegalmente:**
– Free Willy (pabellón polaco)
– Captain Nikos (pabellón polaco)
– Florida (pabellón polaco)
– All In (pabellón francés)
– Karma Oxygono (pabellón polaco)
– Mohammad Bhar (pabellón neerlandés)
– Jeannot (pabellón español)
– Seulle (pabellón polaco)
– Hio (pabellón polaco)
– Morgana (pabellón italiano)
– Otaria (pabellón italiano)
– Grande Blu (pabellón polaco)
– Deir Yassine (pabellón argelino)
– Huga (pabellón polaco)
– Aurora (pabellón italiano)
– Yulara (pabellón español)
– Spectre (pabellón español)
– Adara (pabellón español)
– Alma (pabellón británico)
– Sirius (pabellón británico)

**Embarcaciones que perdieron contacto hace varias horas y se presume que fueron interceptadas ilegalmente:**
[Información pendiente de actualización]

—

Para más información, por favor contacte a Hasina Kathrada a través de los medios indicados arriba.
https://www.workers.org/2025/10/88203/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=actualizaciones-de-la-global-sumud-flotilla-tras-la-intercepcion-ilegal-y-el-secuestro-de-voluntarios

cricket, international, sports, women, worldcup

‘We’re much, much better than 69 all out’: Laura Wolvaardt

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By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 03, 2025, 10:31 pm

**South Africa Captain Laura Wolvaardt Defends Team’s Performance in ICC Women’s World Cup Opener**

South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt has defended her team’s disappointing performance in their ICC Women’s World Cup opener against England. The match, played in Guwahati, saw South Africa bowled out for a mere 69 runs — their third-lowest total in women’s ODIs. The team suffered a heavy 10-wicket defeat.

Wolvaardt attributed the poor showing to “one of those days where the top order and middle order failed on the same day.”

### Team Resilience: No Blame on the Pitch

Wolvaardt was quick to dismiss any suggestions that the pitch conditions contributed to the collapse.

“I think our prep has been good, I don’t think there were too many demons in the pitch,” she said after the match. “It was just one of those days where everyone went out early, and that happens in cricket sometimes. It was not a pitch that we were super foreign to. We spent a lot of time in these conditions in the last couple of months, so definitely wouldn’t put it on the wicket.”

### “We Are Much, Much Better Than 69 All Out”

Despite the crushing defeat, Wolvaardt remains confident in her team’s abilities.

“We are much, much better than 69 all out. As a group, we just need to put it behind us as quickly as we can and move forward, because if we’re going to take that into the next game, it’s going to be a very long tournament for us.”

### Preparation and Game Plan Against Left-Arm Spin

Ahead of the match, South Africa’s batting coach Baakier Abrahams closely monitored Wolvaardt’s preparation against left-arm spin. Net bowlers varied their angles, bowling from wide of the crease to challenge her footwork and shot selection.

However, despite these preparations, Wolvaardt was dismissed early — caught off a return catch in the second over by England’s Sophie Ecclestone. This early dismissal set the tone for South Africa’s innings as they lost four wickets within the first 31 balls.

### Middle Order Under Scrutiny

South Africa’s middle order, despite a strong ODI batting record since 2023, came under intense scrutiny following this match.

Wolvaardt, however, defended her middle order unit. “I don’t think that we have any trouble in our middle order at the moment,” she explained. “It’s just one of those days where both top order and middle order didn’t fire.”

### Looking Ahead: Upcoming Match Against New Zealand

South Africa will face New Zealand in their second World Cup match on October 6 in Indore. The team will be looking to bounce back strongly and prove their mettle on the international stage.

Despite the setback, Wolvaardt remains optimistic about her team’s potential. She is focused on moving forward and is eager for the upcoming challenges in the tournament.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/wolvaardt-says-her-side-is-better-than-69-all-out/story

cricket, international, sports, women, worldcup

England thrash South Africa in ICC Women’s World Cup: Stats

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**England thrash South Africa in ICC Women’s World Cup**

*Stats By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 03, 2025, 06:31 pm*

England’s women’s cricket team has made a spectacular start to their ICC Women’s World Cup campaign, overwhelming South Africa by 10 wickets in a dominant performance. The match, held in Guwahati on Friday, saw the Proteas bowled out for just 69 runs in 20.4 overs—their second-lowest total in World Cup ODI history.

### Bowling brilliance sets the tone

England’s decision to bowl first proved decisive as Linsey Smith delivered a standout performance, taking early wickets and restricting South Africa’s batting line-up. Smith struck in her first two overs, dismissing both openers. She trapped South African captain Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits each for 5 runs, with Wolvaardt caught and bowled by Smith. Lauren Bell also contributed with a crucial wicket, removing Sune Luus for 2.

Smith continued her onslaught by sending back Marizanne Kapp for 4 runs, leaving South Africa struggling at 38 for 5 after the 10-over powerplay. Her final bowling figures of 3 wickets for just 7 runs in 4 overs dismantled the top order and ensured England retained full control.

### Spin attack seals the win

Despite a gritty 22 off 36 balls by wicketkeeper-batter Sinalo Jafta—the South African top scorer—the Proteas were unable to stabilize their innings. Jafta was eventually bowled by left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone in the 18th over. Ecclestone finished with impressive figures of 2 for 19, also claiming Nadine de Klerk.

Charlie Dean wrapped up the tail with 2 wickets for 14 runs while Lauren Bell ended with 1 for 24, as South Africa crumbled for just 69 runs.

### England’s effortless chase

Chasing a mere 70 runs, England’s batters completed the job comfortably in just 14.1 overs. Amy Jones remained unbeaten on 40 off 50 balls, with Tammy Beaumont supporting with 21 not out off 35 balls. Their calm and steady partnership sealed a convincing 10-wicket victory and gave England a significant boost in net run rate ahead of their next game against Bangladesh, which is weather-dependent.

### Records and milestones

This victory marked England’s third 10-wicket win in ICC Women’s World Cup history and only their second such win over South Africa. The previous 10-wicket triumph against the Proteas was achieved by Australia in Bengaluru in 1997 with a target of 164 runs.

England’s 10-wicket World Cup wins include:

– vs India, Nelson, 1982 (target: 62)
– vs Ireland, Melbourne, 1988 (target: 110)
– vs South Africa, Guwahati, 2025 (target: 70)

On the other hand, South Africa’s total of 69 runs ranks as their third-lowest in Women’s ODIs. Their lowest team totals are:

– 51 vs New Zealand, Bowral, 2009 WC
– 63 vs Pakistan, Potchefstroom, 2019
– 69 vs England, Guwahati, 2025 WC
– 75 vs Bangladesh, Mirpur, 2012
– 77 vs England, Cuttack, 2013 WC

England’s commanding win sends a strong statement in the tournament, and fans will be eager to see if they can maintain this form in the upcoming matches.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/england-tame-south-africa-in-women-s-world-cup/story

cricket, india, international, sports, west indies

1st Test: India dominate Day 2 proceedings against West Indies

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**1st Test: India Dominate Day 2 Proceedings Against West Indies**
*By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 03, 2025, 05:10 PM*

The Indian cricket team ended Day 2 on a strong note against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Resuming the day at 121/2, KL Rahul (53*) and Shubman Gill (18*) were at the crease, providing a solid platform for Team India on Friday.

### Day 2 Summary

Rahul and Gill had added an unbeaten 31 runs on Day 1, and on Day 2, they stitched together another 67 runs before Gill was dismissed for 50. Thirty runs later, Rahul fell after playing a defiant innings of 100. Following their departure, Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja took charge, building a commanding partnership of 200 runs. Jurel has already scored a century, while Jadeja is firing on all cylinders, dominating the proceedings.

### Shubman Gill Equals Sunil Gavaskar’s Record

Gill was dismissed by the opposition captain and off-spinner Roston Chase right after completing his fifty. According to Cricbuzz, the last Indian captain to score 50+ runs in their debut innings leading the team at home was none other than Sunil Gavaskar. The legendary batsman had made a spectacular 205 against West Indies at the Wankhede Stadium in 1978.

Playing his sixth Test as captain, Shubman Gill now owns 804 runs at an impressive average of 73.09 across 11 innings.

### Gill’s Impressive Test Stats

With this fifty, Gill has accumulated 2,697 runs from 38 Tests at an average of 41.49. His tally includes nine Test centuries and eight fifties. Notably, this was Gill’s maiden fifty in four Test innings against the West Indies. Across 18 home Tests, he has scored 1,227 runs at an average of 42.31, including ten 50-plus scores with four centuries.

### KL Rahul’s 11th Test Century

KL Rahul brought up his 11th century in Test cricket, scoring 100 off 197 balls with 12 fours. Playing his 64th Test, Rahul has now amassed 3,889 runs at an average of 36.00. He has scored 474 runs against West Indies at an average of 47.40, including two centuries and three 50-plus scores against the Caribbean side. This was Rahul’s 10th hundred as an opener.

### Rahul’s Home Record and First-Class Cricket Achievements

This century marks Rahul’s second Test hundred on home soil, where he has scored 1,249 runs at an average of 41.63. Overall, he boasts 12 scores of 50-plus in India.

In first-class cricket, Rahul is playing his 112th match and has accumulated 8,317 runs at an average of around 45. He now has 23 centuries and 39 fifties, according to ESPNcricinfo.

—

Team India’s dominant performance on Day 2 sets the tone for a commanding position in the Test, with key contributions from Rahul, Gill, Jurel, and Jadeja showcasing the depth and resilience of the batting lineup.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/india-vs-west-indies-1st-test-day-2-report/story

business, culture, international, politics, tragedy

‘Why no panel for Manipur?’: Stalin questions Karur fact-finding mission

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**‘Why No Panel for Manipur?’: Stalin Questions BJP’s Karur Fact-Finding Mission**

*By Chanshimla Varah | Oct 03, 2025, 03:32 PM*

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has sharply criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for sending a delegation of opposition MPs to Karur following the tragic stampede at a rally led by TVK chief Vijay, which resulted in 41 deaths.

### Stalin Questions BJP’s Selective Approach

Stalin highlighted that the BJP did not send similar fact-finding panels to BJP-ruled states like Manipur during times of ethnic violence, nor when a stampede occurred during the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh. He accused the party of having political motivations behind their actions in Karur.

### Political Motives Behind Karur Visit

Labeling the BJP’s visit as politically driven, Stalin said, “The BJP’s decision to dispatch a delegation to Karur was not out of concern for Tamil Nadu but because of the upcoming elections.”

He further criticized Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s visit to Karur, pointing out that she had ignored Tamil Nadu during three major natural disasters but chose to come after the stampede. Stalin stated, “The BJP is a parasite surviving by sucking the blood of others.”

### BJP Delegation Visits Karur: Hema Malini’s Criticism of Tamil Nadu Government

The BJP’s eight-member team, led by actor and MP Hema Malini, met with the families of those affected by the tragedy. Speaking to the media after the visit, Malini slammed the DMK government, saying it was unfair for a rally featuring a star of Vijay’s stature to be held in a limited space. She claimed that many women and young girls had come to see Vijay and that the TVK had requested a larger venue, which was denied.

### BJP Demands Report on Stampede Causes

The BJP delegation has demanded a detailed report from Stalin outlining the primary factors that led to the stampede. However, they have no legal or constitutional authority to insist on such a report. Former Union Minister Anurag Thakur wrote to Stalin seeking information on the preventive measures planned to avoid similar incidents in the future.

In response, Stalin announced a judicial inquiry headed by retired Justice Aruna Jagadeesan and assured that safety guidelines for future political events would be implemented.

—

*This incident has further intensified the ongoing tussle between the Tamil Nadu state government and the central government over fund disbursement and governance issues.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/no-panel-for-manipur-stalin-questions-bjp-mps-karur-visit/story

business, culture, international, politics, tragedy

‘Why no panel for Manipur?’: Stalin questions Karur fact-finding mission

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**‘Why no panel for Manipur?’: Stalin Questions BJP’s Karur Fact-Finding Mission**

*By Chanshimla Varah | Oct 03, 2025, 03:32 PM*

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for sending a delegation of opposition MPs to Karur following a deadly stampede at a rally organized by TVK chief Vijay, which tragically claimed 41 lives.

### Political Motives Behind Karur Visit

Stalin accused the BJP of politicizing the tragedy, asserting that the decision to send a fact-finding teams was motivated by the upcoming elections rather than genuine concern for Tamil Nadu. He questioned why similar delegations were never dispatched to BJP-ruled states like Manipur during times of ethnic violence, or to Uttar Pradesh following the Maha Kumbh stampede.

Highlighting the perceived political nature of the BJP’s actions, Stalin said, “When Tamil Nadu faced three major natural disasters, the Union Finance Minister did not bother to visit. Yet, she made a special trip to Karur. The BJP is like a parasite surviving by sucking the blood of others.”

### Finance Minister’s Controversial Visit

Stalin also took aim at Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s visit to Karur, describing it as a “representative” gesture of the central government lacking sincerity. His remarks underline the ongoing friction between the Tamil Nadu government and the BJP-led Union government, especially concerning delayed fund disbursements and disaster response.

### BJP Delegation’s Visit and Response

The BJP dispatched an eight-member delegation, led by actor and MP Hema Malini, to Karur to meet the families of the victims. After the visit, Malini publicly criticized the DMK government, claiming it had failed to provide adequate space for the rally. She remarked, “For a star of his stature, that was unfair. Many women and young girls had come to see Vijay.” She added that the TVK had actually requested a larger venue.

### Demand for a Detailed Report

In the wake of the stampede, the BJP delegation has demanded a comprehensive report from Stalin’s government outlining the primary factors that led to the tragedy. Former Union Minister Anurag Thakur wrote to Stalin urging him to implement measures that would prevent similar incidents in the future.

In response, Stalin announced the launch of a judicial inquiry headed by retired Justice Aruna Jagadeesan. He also promised to issue new safety guidelines aimed at ensuring security during political events moving forward.

—

This incident and the subsequent political exchanges reflect the tense atmosphere between Tamil Nadu’s state government and the Union government, with both sides attributing blame amid growing electoral stakes.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/no-panel-for-manipur-stalin-questions-bjp-mps-karur-visit/story

business, culture, international, politics, tragedy

‘Why no panel for Manipur?’: Stalin questions Karur fact-finding mission

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**’Why no panel for Manipur?’: Stalin Questions BJP’s Karur Fact-Finding Mission**

*By Chanshimla Varah | Oct 03, 2025, 03:32 PM*

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for sending a delegation of opposition MPs to Karur in the aftermath of a deadly stampede that claimed 41 lives at a rally organized by TVK chief Vijay.

Stalin questioned why similar panels were not dispatched to BJP-ruled states like Manipur following ethnic violence or during the Maha Kumbh stampede in Uttar Pradesh. He accused the BJP of pursuing political motives rather than genuine concern through such actions.

**Political Motives Behind Karur Visit**

Stalin alleged that the BJP’s initiative to send a fact-finding team to Karur was driven by the upcoming elections rather than a sincere care for Tamil Nadu. He also took aim at Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s visit to Karur, calling it a mere “representative” gesture by the central government.

“When Tamil Nadu faced three major natural disasters, the Union Finance Minister did not visit the state, but she chose to come to Karur. The BJP is a parasite surviving by sucking the blood of others,” Stalin remarked.

**BJP Delegation’s Visit and Criticism**

The BJP’s eight-member delegation, led by actor and MP Hema Malini, met with families of the victims in Karur. Following the meeting, Malini criticized the Stalin government for not providing a larger venue for the rally. She stated, “For a star of his stature, this was unfair. Many women and young girls had come to see Vijay.” She also mentioned that TVK had requested more space for the gathering.

**Demand for Report and Inquiry**

The BJP delegation has called on Stalin to submit a detailed report outlining the primary factors that led to the stampede, despite lacking any legal or constitutional authority to demand such a report. Former Union Minister Anurag Thakur wrote to Stalin seeking information on measures being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In response, Stalin announced a judicial inquiry headed by retired Justice Aruna Jagadeesan and promised the implementation of safety guidelines for upcoming political events.

—

*This incident has further strained the ongoing dispute between the Tamil Nadu government and the central government over fund disbursement and administrative cooperation.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/no-panel-for-manipur-stalin-questions-bjp-mps-karur-visit/story

crime, drug_abuse, international, military, politics

Trump says U.S. in ‘armed conflict’ with drug cartels after ordering strikes in the Caribbean

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President Donald Trump has declared drug cartels to be unlawful combatants and stated that the United States is now in an “armed conflict” with them. This revelation comes from a Trump administration memo obtained by The Associated Press on Thursday, October 3, 2025, following recent U.S. strikes on boats in the Caribbean.

The memo represents an extraordinary assertion of presidential war powers, with Mr. Trump effectively declaring that drug trafficking into the United States amounts to an armed conflict requiring the use of military force. This is a new rationale for both past and future actions.

> “The President determined that the United States is in a non-international armed conflict with these designated terrorist organizations,” the memo states. Mr. Trump directed the Pentagon to “conduct operations against them pursuant to the law of armed conflict.”

The memo continues, saying, “The United States has now reached a critical point where we must use force in self-defense and defense of others against the ongoing attacks by these designated terrorist organizations.”

This development signals a potential shift not only in the administration’s willingness to exceed traditional presidential authority to wage war but also in Mr. Trump’s stated America First agenda, which typically favors non-intervention overseas. It raises serious questions about the extent to which the White House intends to use its war powers, and whether Congress will assert its authority to approve or reject such military actions.

### Declaration Follows Strikes on Boats in the Caribbean

Last month, the U.S. military carried out three deadly strikes against boats in the Caribbean accused of ferrying drugs. At least two of these operations were conducted against vessels originating from Venezuela. These strikes followed a buildup of U.S. maritime forces in the Caribbean not seen in recent history.

Though the memo did not include a timestamp, it references a September 15 U.S. strike that resulted in the destruction of the vessel, confiscation of illicit narcotics, and the deaths of approximately three unlawful combatants.

White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly stated, “As we have said many times, the President acted in line with the law of armed conflict to protect our country from those trying to bring deadly poison to our shores. He is delivering on his promise to take on the cartels and eliminate these national security threats from murdering more Americans.”

The Pentagon referred questions to the White House. Pentagon officials briefed senators on the strikes on Wednesday, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke under conditions of anonymity.

### Legal and Congressional Concerns

During the classified briefing at the Capitol, several senators perceived the Trump administration’s outlined legal framework as a new and controversial approach—raising significant questions about Congress’s role in authorizing such military actions.

The memo sets out the administration’s justification for past military strikes against boats in the Caribbean—actions that have raised concerns among lawmakers about their legality—and potentially legitimizes future operations.

### Details on Targeted Cartels Remain Sparse

President Trump has designated several Latin American drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. The administration previously justified military action as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States.

However, Pentagon officials could not provide a list of the designated terrorist organizations involved in the conflict. This lack of transparency frustrated some lawmakers who were briefed on the matter.

While allied nations have made significant efforts to combat these groups, the memo states that the cartels have become transnational and conduct ongoing attacks throughout the Western Hemisphere as organized entities. It refers to cartel members as unlawful combatants.

### Bipartisan Push for Congressional Authorization

As the Republican administration targets vessels in the Caribbean, lawmakers from both major political parties have expressed objections. They have pressed Mr. Trump to seek war powers authorization from Congress for such military operations.

The first military strike, carried out on September 2 against what the Trump administration described as a drug-carrying speedboat, resulted in 11 deaths. Mr. Trump claimed the vessel was operated by the Tren de Aragua gang, which the U.S. designated as a foreign terrorist organization earlier this year.

Several senators and human rights groups have questioned the legality of these actions, calling them a potential overreach of executive authority—particularly because the military was used for law enforcement purposes.

The Trump administration has yet to explain how the military evaluated the boats’ cargo or determined the passengers’ alleged gang affiliations before conducting the strikes.

### Senator Jack Reed Reacts

Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, commented on the situation:

> “The drug cartels are despicable and must be dealt with by law enforcement. The Trump Administration has offered no credible legal justification, evidence, or intelligence for these strikes.”

A former Army officer who served in the 82nd Airborne Division, Reed’s criticism underscores the ongoing controversy surrounding the administration’s approach to combating drug cartels.

—

The unfolding situation highlights the complex balance between national security, executive authority, and legislative oversight as the U.S. grapples with transnational drug trafficking and its consequences.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/trump-says-us-in-armed-conflict-with-drug-cartels-after-ordering-strikes-in-the-caribbean/article70119237.ece

crime, drugs, international, law enforcement, terrorism

Cross-border arms and narcotics smuggling network busted in Punjab; five held

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**Punjab Police Busts Cross-Border Arms and Narcotics Smuggling Network in Amritsar**

In a major breakthrough, the Punjab Police have dismantled a cross-border arms and narcotics smuggling network in Amritsar. The operation resulted in the arrest of five individuals and the recovery of 1.5 kg of heroin along with 12 pistols, authorities said on Thursday.

Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, in a post on the social media platform X, revealed that preliminary investigations showed two of the accused, Joban Singh and Jashanpreet Singh, were in direct contact with Pakistan-based smugglers.

He stated, “Twelve pistols and 1.5 kilograms of heroin were recovered from their possession. The smuggled consignments were intended to fuel inter-gang rivalries in Punjab.”

A case has been registered against the accused under the Arms Act and the Narcotics Drugs Psychotropic Substances Act at Gate Hakima Police Station in Amritsar. Further investigations are ongoing to expose the full nexus, including the backward and forward linkages of this criminal network, the DGP added.

—

**Jammu and Kashmir Police Attach Property of Alleged Terrorist Handler**

Meanwhile, in Jammu and Kashmir, the Handwara Police have attached the property of an alleged terrorist handler located at Palpora village in Kupwara district.

Earlier, the Sopore Police conducted search operations at the residences of Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI)-linked individuals in Zaloora, Sopore. These efforts form part of ongoing measures to dismantle the separatist-terror ecosystem and maintain peace and security in the region.

According to police officials, searches were carried out at the homes of Mohammad Maqbool Bhat, son of Abdul Rahim Bhat, and Tanveer Ahmad Dar, son of Abdul Jabbar Dar. Both individuals are residents of Zaloora.

The operations related to FIRs registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). During the searches, incriminating materials linked to the proscribed organisation were recovered and seized to aid further investigations, which are being probed by the relevant agencies.

*(With inputs from PTI)*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/punjab-cross-border-arms-and-narcotics-smuggling-network-busted-five-arrested-23596878