TTP clashes in Pak kill 11 soldiers, including senior officers
PESHAWAR, Oct 8: At least 11 military personnel, including a Lieutenant Colonel and a Major, were killed during an intelligence-based operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, as reported by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The operation targeted militants from the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), referred to as ‘Fitna al-Khawarij’, which dates back to earlier Islamic historical violence. On the night of October 7-8, security forces engaged in intense firefights, resulting in the deaths of 19 militants. Lt Col Junaid Tariq and Major Tayyab Rahat were among the casualties, leading their troops during the operation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief, emphasizing the need to eradicate terrorism, while President Asif Ali Zardari and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur acknowledged the bravery of the security forces and the profound impact of their sacrifices. Pakistan has seen an increase in militant activity, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, following the TTP’s cessation of its ceasefire in November 2022. Recent statistics indicate that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been the most affected area, accounting for a significant majority of the violence-related fatalities in the country. (PTI)
Madrid building collapse death toll rises to four
MADRID, Oct 8: Spanish emergency workers on Wednesday recovered the bodies of two missing construction workers in the rubble of a building that collapsed in central Madrid a day earlier. The recovery brought the death toll to four. The top floor of a six-storey building under renovation collapsed and pancaked the floors below on Tuesday afternoon. Emergency workers searched the site overnight with the help of police sniffer dogs and drones, finding the bodies early Wednesday. One of the four dead workers was a woman. Another three workers were injured, with one suffering a fractured leg. The facade remained standing and apparently stopped most of the debris from reaching the street. Police are investigating the incident as a workplace accident. In Spain, often older buildings are completely renovated inside while the facades are maintained in their original form. (AP)
Turkish celebrities questioned in drug probe
ANKARA, Oct 8: On Wednesday, several high-profile Turkish celebrities, including 12 singers and actors, were summoned for questioning and blood tests in a drugs-related investigation led by Istanbul’s chief prosecutor. They are not under custody and are expected to be released after tests. This investigation is part of a broader crackdown on artists under President Erdogan, amid concerns over legal actions faced by individuals like pop singer Mabel Matiz for alleged “obscenity” in his lyrics and the girl-band Manifest for “indecent acts” during a performance. (AP)
