Carol Anne Grayson (Radical Sister) blog

Post via Islamic Emirate

On the 11^th of Muharram al Haram in Kabul and Balkh, the ceremonies of ‘Ashura were attacked causing death and injury to dozens of participants. These attacks – no matter who perpetuated them and under what excuse – are primarily aimed at harming the Afghan people.

In Afghanistan, Sunnis and Shias have co-existed for centuries. They live communal lives and participate in their mutual festivities. And for centuries they have fought shoulder to shoulder against foreign invaders. Even now, while some political opportunists have aided the invaders under the guise of Shia representation, yet the majority of Shia populations in Bamyan, Daikundi and Hazarajat has actively aided and continue to support the Mujahideen against the foreigners and their puppets.

The foreign occupiers seek to ignite the flames of communal hatred and violence between Sunnis and Shias in Afghanistan. Those that want to ignite these flames should know that in any such communal violence, only Afghans will suffer and such a conflict will only weaken the resistance against foreigners and have grave long-term consequences.

Once the flames of communal violence are ignited, the Afghans will cannibalize each other, weaken their unity, actively seek foreign assistance, and ultimately welcome any foreign intervention that helps in repressing the opposition forces. Such an eventuality will only prolong the current or any future occupation of our nation, divide us politically, ethnically, militarily and ultimately facilitate the dismemberment of our beloved country.

It is said that humans usually only understand that which they can see with their eyes or sense with any of their five senses. Even then we don’t have to look very far to see the destructive effects of such divisive politics. Looking at the current situation of the Middle East or Western Asia, one can easily grasp the destruction caused by this Sunni-Shia divide.

The political aspirations of the people, the toils of the Islamists, and the blood and tears of the Jihadi warriors have all come to naught because the conniving enemy has divided us religiously, ethnically and politically, throwing one against the each, supporting one side then abandoning it for the other, simply to maintain a balance of power where each side brutally fights the others. This politics of bloodied stalemate has only bred hatred amongst the Muslims, exhausted them ideologically, physically and mentally all the while our enemies stand on the sidelines and enjoy this gladiatorial death-combat.

Allah Almighty has blessed us with the religion of Islam. A religion that does not recognize races, ethnicities, linguistic groups or any other forms of distinctions. According to this sublime religion, all humans are the offspring of Adam (PBUH) and Eve. There is no pride among humans based on their colors, races, languages or other such singularities. If one human wants to pride himself on others, then he or she can only do so through their piety and sacrifices for the sake of their Lord Almighty. The followers of Islam will only ever reclaim their rightful place in this world if they forgo their petty differences and unite as a single egalitarian body.

End

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Post via Islamic Emirate

Dr. Hameedullah Zabuli

Peace and security is a natural requirement and need of human beings. Without peace and security humans could not live as social beings. In social needs, it perhaps should rank second, just after food and water. Hence the importance of peace should never be underestimated.

Prior to the American invasion of Afghanistan, the Afghans were living in a peaceful environment. They lived under an Islamic governance system of their choosing. This was and remains the only form of what the westerners call ‘social contract’ acceptable to the Afghans. The Islamic government of the time worked tirelessly to engage the international community to strengthen regional peace, advocated international norms of equal sovereignty and treatment, and called for regional and trans-regional cooperation to boost economic growth in our country.

While the enemies of Afghanistan tried to punish the Afghans and stifle their economy through sanctions due to their irrational and obstinate abomination of all Islamic ideas yet the steady economic growth of the time benefited the poor and needy rather than simply expanding the gap between the rich and the poor.

Yet despite the attempts of the Islamic government to engage with all foreign nations some western states shunned our extended hand. When America was attacked in the middle of 2001 their political leaders at the time immediately pointed their fingers at the Taliban without any proper and due investigation. They failed to provide any material evidence to support their claim that these attacks were indeed planned in our country.

Despite the lack of any extradition treaty and without working within international norms and rules the Americans and their allies’ simply dictated terms all the while rapidly mobilizing their forces for an imminent attack. The Islamic government tried everything to reach a peaceful settlement and explicitly stated that there was no threat present from Afghanistan to other nations yet despite all this America and her allies launched their unprovoked attack – of dubious legality – on our nation and shattered the fragile peace reigning therein.

Over the past 15 years the Afghan nation has offered endless sacrifices to retain their independence and to throw away the yoke of foreign servitude. While they have suffered, yet they have remained resilient in their desire to maintain their independence and bring about a political settlement of their choosing. Afghans are tired of war, yet they will fight another 40 years rather than give up their dream of living under an Islamic governance system of their choosing and unencumbered by the threats of outside powers.

End

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Shabir Baloch missing, many fear for his safety (Image via Sagaar Net)

Human rights activists are calling for the release of Shabir Baloch (age 24) from Labach Awaran, Balochistan, a student who was allegedly abducted by security forces of Pakistan in Gwarkop military operation on October 4th 2016.

Shabir is known to highlight the rights of the Baloch people and is Central Spokesperson and Information Secretary of Baloch Students Organization (Azad) which champions Baloch nationalism. Many in Balochistan campaign for greater cultural, economic and political rights with the aim of creating an independent state separating from Pakistan. They allege that much of the wealth from resources in the region is not used fairly for the benefit of Balochs but fuels the coffers of those outside Balochistan.

According to Saagar Net, “in March 2013, Government of Pakistan announced a ban on the activities of BSO and since then the organization’s leadership have been under ground. The then chairman of BSO, Zahid Baloch was picked up by security forces in March 2014 and he is still missing.” They claim many members of BSO have been abducted or killed and dumped often at the side of the road.

Lateef Johar Baloch (Image Twitter)

Activist, Lateef Johar Baloch tweeted, “each day the list of Baloch students going missing and murdered by Pakistan state is increasing, when will this senseless cycle of brutality end?” Lateef attracted attention himself when he went on a 46 days “Hunger Strike Unto Death” calling for the release of Chairman, Zahid Baloch. In an interview with Zee News on the case of Shabir, he said,

“Before his abduction, his house was burnt and his family members were also abducted and subjected to worse kind of human torture and killed. Two of his cousins were recently killed by the Pakistani forces. His other cousin Safarkhan Baloch is still missing. He was abducted by the forces in 2013.”

Mr. Asad Butt (VP of Human Rights Commission, Pakistan HRCP, Sindh) appeared on a video recently calling for the immediate release of Shabir and fair judicial process. He stated,

“People are being abducted, killed and their bodies dumped in Balochistan. They (security forces) seem not to understand. We appeal to state institutions and agencies that if anyone has committed any crime, bring them to the justice system, bring them to your courts.”

Protests were also held at both Quetta and Karachi

On October 9th Veengas tweeted,

Protest held at Karachi Press Club for #ShabirBaloch who has been abducted. Women & children joint protest

Campaigners fight to “Save Shabir Baloch” (Image via Baluch Samachar)

Details of the protests can be read here,

“BSO-AZAD Protests in Karachi and Quetta against the Unlawful Abduction of Shabir Baloch by Pakistani Forces in Balochistan”

BSO-AZAD Protests in Karachi and Quetta against the Unlawful Abduction of Shabir Baloch by Pakistani Forces in Balochistan

Petition

A petition has been started by BSO Azad addressed to Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban-K-moon calling for urgent action on Shabir’s case.

https://www.change.org/p/ban-ki-moon-secretary-general-of-the-united-nations-save-shabir-baloch-a-student-abducted-by-pakistan-security-forces-in-balochistan?recruiter=10007083&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=share_twitter_responsive

Links 

“Balochistan: BSO Azad spokesperson holds human rights organizations and media to task for failure to report on human rights abuses”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2015/09/14/balochistan-bso-azad-spokesperson-holds-human-rights-organizations-and-media-to-task-for-failure-to-report-on-human-rights-abuses-2/

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

IS posted a photo of the attacker

Islamic State claim responsibility for targeting the Karte Sakhi Shia shrine in Kabul, Afghanistan killing 18 people and wounding at least 36 others.

Reuters reported,

“In its statement, Islamic State said the attacker detonated a suicide vest after firing all his ammunition, but security forces said they shot the man.

A Reuters video shows the suspected attacker’s body intact, with no sign of an explosive vest.”

The attack happened during Ashura as families gathered for a commemoration of the martyrdom of Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. This resulted in a split within Islam and 2 sects, Sunni and Shia.

See following link for full story of the attack,

“Afghanistan: Shia community targeted in Kabul as shrine attacked by gunmen”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2016/10/12/afghanistan-shia-targeted-in-kabul-as-shrine-attacked-by-gunmen/

IS also known in the region as Wilayat Khorasan released the following statement via Amaq news agency affiliated to the group,

The Washington Post stated,

“Officials remain on high alert Wednesday, the climactic final day of the month of Muharram, when Shiite men ritually flagellate themselves in the streets as a sign of mourning. The Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs had asked people not to congregate in large numbers or cover their car windows with paint, a common practice during Muharram that could potentially hide attackers.”

IS first emerged in Afghanistan in the summer of 2014 after several Taliban commanders defected from other groups to form Wilayat Khorasan, see following link,

“Are IS gaining a foothold in AfPak? New video release shows some allegiance in the region”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2015/01/12/are-is-gaining-a-foothold-in-afpak-new-video-release-shows-some-allegiance-in-the-region/

There is animosity between the Taliban and Islamic State which has led to conflict on a number of occasions. Islamic Emirate were quick to deny any involvement in this incident with spokesperson Zabihulla saying, “attack on shrine goers in Karta Sakhi, Kabul has nothing to with us, we are deeply affected by attack on civilians.”

IS also claimed responsibility for a blast in Kabul against Shia Hazara on the 23rd July, read here,

Islamic State claim responsibility for Kabul blast as Taliban state “they have no hand in this incident”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2016/07/24/islamic-state-claim-responsibility-for-kabul-blast-as-taliban-state-they-have-no-hand-in-this-incident/

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Aftermath of the attack on Sakhi shrine (Image via Ali Ahmadi)

A boy, a security guard and a young girl were among the victims on Tuesday night when gunmen wearing police uniform targeted Kart-e-Sakhi shrine in western Kabul, Afghanistan. The attack took place as worshippers gathered to mark Ashura, a commemoration of the martyrdom of Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. This resulted in a split within Islam and 2 sects, Sunni and Shia. Reuters new agency reported, “the attack began just before 8 p.m. (3:30 p.m. GMT)” according to police “with witnesses reporting an explosion followed by gunfire.”

Sediq Sediqqi, Spokesperson to the Afghan Ministry of Interior Affairs confirmed that 14 Shia pilgrims died including 13 civilians and one police officer with 3 more police wounded. At least 36 people were injured and 15 of the casualties were women. Gunmen caused chaos as they got inside the building. Bilal Sarwary tweeted from a police source stating,”Afghan soldier shot a suicide attacker, his suicide vest exploded. Most of the civilians were evacuated from shrine.”

Michael Kugelman, South Asia associate at the Wilson Centre stated that the attack on the Shia shrine was “another attempt to stoke sectarian tensions in a nation already reeling from so much.”

Bilal Sarwary, Afghan journalist posted the following photos on Twitter,

“Sayed Dilawar a security guard at Kart-E Sakhi shrine tried to prevent attacker from shooting women and children. But he was shot dead”

“This child’s body inside Ali Abad hospital. He was killed in terrorist attack tonight. Doctors trying to locate parents. Kabul bleeds”

Tahir Qadiry, Former Award-Winning BBC Correspondent, Documentary Maker, added another photo of a young female victim.

“This is a reality of Afghanistan today. Killing an innocent girl on Day of the Girl, Kabul Attack”

Scene soon after the attack (Image via Hosnia Aman Nazari)

The violence wasn’t to end there, Sediqqi later tweeted, “the second terrorist attack in KBL tonight is on Char Yar Mosque in Karte Char, Special forces are there to gun down the attacker/s.”

Taliban issue denial on Twitter

Zabihullah, Islamic Emirate (Afghan Taliban) spokesman was quick to deny any connection to the attack on Kart-e-Sakhi shrine stating, “attack on shrine goers in Karta Sakhi Kabul has nothing to with us, we are are deeply affected by attack on civilians.”

According to Afghan anchor Shapoor Bakhtiyar, Islamic State (also referred to as Wilayat Khorasan) claimed responsibility for the attack on social media. This allegation could not be independently verified.

IS first emerged in Afghanistan in the summer of 2014 after several Taliban commanders defected from other groups. See following link,

“Are IS gaining a foothold in AfPak? New video release shows some allegiance in the region”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2015/01/12/are-is-gaining-a-foothold-in-afpak-new-video-release-shows-some-allegiance-in-the-region/

Bakhtiyar said, “I heard according to the intel, 20 suicide bombers have entered Kabul, 3 gone, what will the rest of them do?”

On 23rd July, IS carried out an earlier attack on Shia Hazara protest in Kabul killing 80 people and leaving 260 injured. The demonstration was organized to draw attention to the rerouting of the TUTAP (Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Tajikistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan) power line through the Salang Pass which would miss out Bamyan region depriving Hazara of much needed electricity.

See following link, 

Islamic State claim responsibility for Kabul blast as Taliban state “they have no hand in this incident”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2016/07/24/islamic-state-claim-responsibility-for-kabul-blast-as-taliban-state-they-have-no-hand-in-this-incident/

Poster image via Farid Saidi

Later, a poster appeared on social media of blood filled attacks mocking President Ashraf Ghani who was featured appearing to be tell people the country was safe. Ali Ahmadi of Justice4Hazaras raised concerns regarding forced return of Afghans from countries where they had previously sought refuge from violence. saying, “Afghanistan is not safe, especially for Hazaras. They’re the main target of terrorism in the country! Please, don’t deport Hazara refugees.”

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad . She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Joint Statement
Date 10th October 2016

We, the undersigned organizations, are deeply concerned about a violent crackdown killing innocent Rohingyas which began yesterday in Maungdaw, Arakan State, Myanmar.

Last Saturday night/early Sunday nine police officers were killed in attacks by unknown assailants on three police posts in Maungdaw, Arakan State.

After the incident more than 10 innocent Rohingyas were killed by Burmese military forces and police forces. Mass arrests are taking place. Many Rohingya women were arrested in Wabek village, in Maungdaw Township.

In the past few hours 7 Rohingyas were shot dead by military forces in Myo Thugyi village in Maungdaw.

Central governments in Myanmar have officially stated that it is unknown who carried out the attack. There are no known armed Rohingya organizations, but other non-Rohingya armed organizations do exist in Arakan State. It appears some security or local government officials are privately briefing media that Rohingya people carried out the attack. There is no evidence for this. They may be doing so because the attack took place in Rohingya areas, or to use the attack as a pretext for a crackdown on Rohingya.

These attacks must not be used by security and military forces as a pretext for a violent crackdown on the Rohingya involving arbitrary executions, mass arrests and further persecution of the Rohingya people. This already appears to be happening. These are criminal acts against innocent and must cease immediately.

The National League for Democracy led government must take immediate steps to ensure rule of law is followed by the military, police and other security services.

Action must also be taken against nationalists who are trying to exploit the deaths of these police officers to whip up anti Rohingya and anti-Muslim hatred and violence.

It is also vital that the international community intervene with the NLD led government to ensure it enforces the rule of law.

We, therefore, request the international community, United Nations, OIC, EU, ASEAN, US and UK to put pressure on NLD-led government:

(1) To stop the killing of innocent Rohingyas in Maungdaw and other parts of Arakan

(2) To restore all basic freedoms, including freedom of movement, marriage, education, healthcare and peaceful-living, and to lift all aid restrictions in Rakhine/Arakan State.

(3) To end all persecution and ghettoization and to immediately rehabilitate and reintegrate all IDPs in their original places and properties.

Meanwhile, we urge upon the international community to support a UN Commission of Inquiry into the atrocity crimes against Rohingya and other Burmese people in order to publicly announce its findings and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Signatories;

Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK
Bradford Rohingya Community in UK
Burmese Rohingya Community in Denmark
Burmese Rohingya Association Japan
Burmese Rohingya Community Australia
Rohingya Community in Germany
Rohingya Community in Switzerland
Rohingya Organisation Norway
Rohingya Community in Finland
Rohingya Community in Italy
Rohingya Community in Sweden
Rohingya Society Netherlands
Rohingya Society Malaysia
Rohingya Arakanese Refugee Committee

End

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”

Post via Islamic Emirate

The champions of the Islamic Emirate, the Mujahideen, have – with the help of Allah Almighty  and the assistance and prayers of the Afghan nation – managed, after wrestling control of the countryside, to enter the center of Helmand province. The enemy forces are in a state of retreat and the Mujahideen are solidifying and expanding their presence in the city.

Just a few days prior to this triumph, the regime’s governor for Helmand – Hayatullah Hayat – was interviewed by BBC where he stated that his forces have snatched the initiative from the Taliban and halted their advance. He promised to soon cleanse all of Helmand from the Mujahideen.

Similarly the previously Communist warlord – General Jabbar Qahraman – stated the Mujahideen will make no further inroads in Helmand and will even be driven out of faraway districts such as Musa Qala. Yet it was after such far-fetched boasting by the above two that the Mujahideen launched their advance on the city and began their conquest.

The Islamic Emirate’s governor for Helmand province – Mullah Abdul Manan – in an interview with Alemarah stated that the government failed to prevent Mujahideen advances in Nawa, Khanshin, Nad Ali, and Marjah. Therefore they will be incapable of defending Lashkar Gah and hence, instead of causing damage to civilians and national infrastructure, they withdraw from the city.

Similarly Mullah Abdul Manan called on the soldiers of the regime to surrender to the Mujahideen and not risk their lives and religious abode for the interests of others. He guaranteed a safe passage home to those soldiers that surrendered to the Mujahideen.

Approximately 98% of Helmand is currently under the control of the Mujahideen. The people are living peaceful and prosperous lives. They are free from government and moral corruption. Schools and madrasas are fully functioning. And the people – rather than worrying for their lives – are busy with improving trade and commerce.

The people of Helmand everywhere assist the Mujahideen and consider them a welcome change from the corruption, degradation and arbitrariness of the regimes administrative system. Similarly the Islamic Emirate and its Mujahideen promise to protect the lives and properties of those living under our governance. To strive to improve the lifestyles of its citizens. And to defend our people, our property and our cultural heritage from those that seek to destroy it.

End

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”

Post via Islamic Emirate

American authorities state that they are concerned over the disappearance of dozens ANSF officers that came to the U.S. for military training.

This statement was made by Pentagon spokesperson, Adam Stump. He states that 44 Afghan officers went missing after they were brought to the United States for training. He added that while soldiers of other nations also go AWOL while here however the number of missing Afghans is very concerning and out of the ordinary. The spokesman added that hence forth they will look at ways to strengthen screening procedures to prevent future desertions.

In reality the disappearance of a few dozen soldiers is not such that it should cause anxiety for the Americans. Rather this is the symptom of a larger problem. America has spent billions of dollars training a security force to mentally and physically serve American interests. Yet at the earliest opportunity these soldiers abandon their ranks.

The Americans have come to realize that all their blood, treasure, tears and sweat in Afghanistan was for naught since the soldiers they wanted to leave behind to continue their fight are of the worst quality. Current estimates suggest that every day between 65 and 75 government employees including soldiers abandon their ranks and either go missing or worst – join the Taliban.

These numbers only reflect desertions, as for those that die or are routed in battle or are killed as a result of insider attacks then those numbers are even higher. The failure of the ANSF is a depressing sight and understandably the Pentagon will express its despair through such statements. Over the last few days we have seen hundreds of soldiers in Konduz, Baghlan, Jowzjan, Badghis, Farah and Helmand either join the Taliban ranks or abandon their posts and go AWOL or completely desert their forces. It will not be an exaggeration to say that over the past week entire brigades have simply disappeared.

A few days ago a ANSF commander by the name of Toofan stated that: “I prayed to Allah to guide me to a righteous and just path. And so it was with the help of Allah Almighty that I decided to abandon the ranks of the infidels and joined the Mujahideen. So I – along with dozens of my comrades – left our security post and surrendered to the Taliban”. He added that “I am fully correct in declaring that the infidels can never be the true friends of Afghans. I will fight against them till my last breath.”

End

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Qari Ajmal funeral (Image via Adnan Bitani, Twitter)

Qari Ajmal, a leader with the banned Lashkar-e-Jhangi (LeJ) militant group and alleged mastermind of the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore was killed on Saturday night in a joint Afghan-U.S. special forces operation in Augon, Paktika, Afghanistan. Sources close to the militants informed the Express Tribune a media outlet in Pakistan of his demise.

Adnan Bitani, Researcher, Journalist and Social Scientist based in Islamabad and from Waziristan also tweeted the news to fellow journalists stating,

#QariAjmal, #Srilanka CKT team attack mstrmnd killed in #Wargen_paktika_Afghan on Saturday nighth 4am in #US&Afghan spcl forces #Operation

The attack on the cricket team left six police officers dead along with a driver and seven players were also wounded. At the time the BBC stated,

“Reports suggest 10 to 12 gunmen ambushed the team coach and its accompanying police detail on the Liberty Square roundabout in the heart of Lahore, as the convoy was on the way to the Gaddafi stadium for a Test match.

The BBC’s Barbara Plett, in Islamabad, says accounts suggest the attack was sophisticated in nature, with one group of gunmen firing a rocket-propelled grenade in order to create a diversion, while others then approached, firing guns on the convoy.”

Full story can be read on following link,

“Gunmen shoot Sri Lanka cricketers”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/7920260.stm

Ajmal, linked to several other operations fled to Waziristan following the attack and was said to be associated with the late Pakistan Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) leader Hakimullah Mehsud killed in a US drone strike in 2013. Mukamil Khan, FATA based journalist at Dawn TV posted a video showing mourners attending Ajmal’s funeral over the border. Many militants relocated to Afghanistan during military operations in Pakistan. Naseer Waeer, a senior Taliban commander with TTP was also allegedly arrested during the operation in Paktika.

The Daily Mail reported,

“Paktika police chief Gen. Khalil Ziayee confirmed the operation, saying one militant was killed and three arrested. He gave no further details.”

“Brig. Gen. Charles Cleveland, the U.S. military spokesman in Afghanistan, also confirmed the operation but did not say which militants were targeted. ‘Afghan and U.S. forces did conduct a counter-terrorism operation in Paktika,’ he said, but added that for security reasons ‘we do not discuss the details of counter-terror operations.'”

Back in August, the Express Tribune also highlighted, the killing of three other militants linked to Sri Lankan cricket team attack in a gunfight during a counter-terrorism operation.

See following story,

“Sri Lankan cricket team attackers killed: police”

http://tribune.com.pk/story/1171668/sri-lanka-cricket-team-attackers-killed-police/

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Funeral hall targeted by jets in Sanaa (Image via Abrama999)

At least 90 people have died and 566 injured when jets from the Saudi -led coalition airstrike allegedly targeted a funeral hall in Sanaa the capital of Yemen. Casualty figures were initially released by Saba news agency affiliated with the Iran-allied Houthi group quoting health minister, Ghazi Ismael of the Houthi-Saleh government. However sources on the ground feared death figures could be far higher.

Yemen Post gave a later update tweeting,

Day of MASSACRES: 405 civilians killed & 320 injured in #Yemen today by Saudi airstrikes & missiles attacking capital #Sanaa now.

This could not be independently verified.

Hakim al-Masmari editor of the Yemen Post, told Al Jazeera the hall was hit by four strikes. He stated,

“Initially two, then after the plane circled around, a further two. The planes were heard and seen in the skies by multiple people.

“Senior intelligence and military officials were present, and Sanaa’s mayor Abdul-Qader Hilal was confirmed killed.”

Many civilians were believed to be among the mourners.

Yemen is currently in a state of conflict with fighting between forces loyal to President, Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, and those allied to Zaidi Shia rebels known as Houthis, who forced Mr Hadi out of the capital in February 2015.” Nearly three million people have been displaced since the war began in 2014 and are suffering increased poverty and starvation.

Crowds were gathered to pay their respects to the father of the rebel interior minister Jalal al-Rowaishan when the jets struck.

Haykal Bafana, a Yemen lawyer tweeted,

Breaking in #Yemen | Massacre by #Saudi jets : 2 missiles on funeral in Al Qa’a Al Kubra hall, largest in Sanaa. 2nd missile : incendiary.

Al Qa’a Al Kubra is large enough to host 3,000 at least. Today was the condolence reception for the late Sheikh Ali Al Rowaishan.

The incident was thought to be a “double tap” strike, the first hitting the target and following strikes aimed at first responders attempting to help those at the scene.

YT posted a before and after photo of the hall showing the devastation

According to Reuters news agency, sources in the Saudi-led coalition denied any Arab coalition air role in the strike stating there was “absolutely no such operation took place at that target.” A source continued, “the coalition is aware of such reports and is certain that it is possible that other causes of bombing are to be considered. The coalition has in the past avoided such gatherings and (they have) never been a subject of targets.”

Despite the double tap strike on the funeral hall, volunteers continued to come forward to rescue survivors. They were met with a scene of carnage, burnt and mutilated bodies strewn within the wreckage of the building and on the outside.

Graphic images were posted on Twitter by Abrahama999 …

GRAPHIC… video from the site of the attack showing a scene of carnage

Britain supplying arms to Saudi

Britain has come under heavy criticism for selling arms to Saudi Arabia over concerns regarding alleged human rights violations and high civilian casualties. On Sept 15th, the Guardian reported, “all sales of UK weapons to Saudi Arabia should be suspended until an independent inquiry into alleged breaches of international law in Yemen has been completed, two select committees have agreed in a joint report.” The publication stated, “Britain has sold more than £3.7bn of arms to Saudi Arabia since the airstrikes began.”

See following link,

“Shelve UK arms sales to Saudis over Yemen, say two MPs’ committees”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/15/crispin-blunt-report-foreign-affairs-committee-says-arms-sales-to-saudis-yemen-judged-high-court

However this did not stop BAE Systems from trying to secure a multi-billion pound arms contract with Saudi Arabia earlier this week.

See story from the Independent,

“BAE in arms talks with Saudi Arabia despite kingdom’s alleged war crimes in Yemen”

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/bae-systems-saudi-arabia-arms-deal-yemen-war-crimes-a7348156.html

Ahmad Algobary tweeted the following photo,

My friend Sadeq got married month ago. #Saudi air strikes killed him in the funeral hall massacre in #Sanaa #Yemen 

UN statement on Saudi bombing of Yemen funeral

As bodies were being uncovered in the rubble, Hisham al- Omeisy, Political & Information Analyst based in Yemen stated,

“Guess Saudi waited a few hours to see if world would react to massacre committed, seeing none, resuming airstrikes in Sana’a now while many collecting pieces of loved ones killed in airstrikes earlier. Deafening global silence. Huge blast from airstrike just ripped thru Sana’a. Saudi fighter jets criss crossing sky. Haven’t they killed enough people today!!?”

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.