Pak forces eliminate five militants in KP
Peshawar, June 16: Pakistani security forces have killed five terrorists in two separate operations in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the military’s media wing said on Monday. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on the intervening night of June 15-16, five terrorists belonging to Fitna-al-Khwarij were killed in two separate intelligence-based operations. In the first operation in Peshawar district, troops effectively engaged the terrorists and killed four of them. The other operation was conducted in North Waziristan district in which one terrorist was neutralised. Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the slain terrorists. (PTI)
Blast hits key rail route in Balochistan
Karachi, June 16: A bomb blast in Pakistan’s Balochistan province has injured a railway employee and suspended traffic at a crucial railway link. The blast targeted the track linking Mach and Ab-e-Gum, causing disruptions to traffic. Pakistan Railways has attributed the attack to terrorism aiming to damage national transport infrastructure. The railway line is critical as it links southern and central Pakistan. The injured employee was taken to a local hospital, where his condition is stable. The explosion comes amid growing concerns over critical infrastructure, security, and the vulnerability of transport networks in the region. In 2016, Balochistan Liberation Army militants hijacked a Peshawar-bound Jaffar Express train, holding 250 people hostage. (PTI)
Man held in Minnesota Lawmaker shootings
Belle Plaine, June 16: Vance Boelter, suspected of killing former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and wounding Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, was arrested after a massive two-day manhunt. Posing as a police officer, Boelter allegedly carried out the targeted attacks at the victims’ homes. Authorities believe the violence could have continued without police intervention. A list of potential targets, including lawmakers and abortion rights advocates, was found in Boelter’s fake police vehicle. No motive has been confirmed. The attacks, which shocked Minnesota and raised concerns about rising political violence, left the Hoffmans seriously injured but alive. (AP)
Infant among 3 dead in festival shooting; teen held
UTAH, June 16: Three people, including an 8-month-old baby, were killed and two teens injured in a mass shooting at WestFest in West Valley City, Utah. A pregnant woman was also hurt while fleeing. The 16-year-old male suspect was arrested after opening fire during a dispute between two groups at the festival. Police confirmed no other suspects are being sought. The motive remains unclear. The shooting caused chaos among families attending the event, and authorities are urging witnesses to come forward as the investigation continues. (IANS)