Security forces targeted in Balochistan attack; one killed
KARACHI, Oct 28: Dozens of armed militants launched an assault on Bhag, a town in Balochistan, Pakistan, resulting in the death of a police official and injuries to others. The militants, numbering up to 50 and arriving on motorbikes, first attacked a Levies pickup truck, the police station, and the Levies station. During the chaos on Monday night, two militants were killed, with one body recovered and another taken by fleeing assailants. The attack included hostage-taking of Levies personnel and intensive gunfire exchanged with the police. Tragically, Bhag SHO Lutaf Khosa lost his life due to multiple injuries, while two other policemen were also injured. The motive appears to have been to free six under-trial prisoners held in the police lockup, which the militants accomplished after setting fire to government buildings, including the police station and a National Bank, extensively damaging them with heavy weapons. Earlier that day, a separate roadside bomb had targeted the convoy of the deputy commissioner of Kech district, injuring nine security personnel and a civilian. (PTI)
Indian man allegedly stabs two teens mid-air, booked for assault
NEW YORK, Oct 28: A 28-year-old Indian national, Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, has been charged with assaulting two teenagers and a co-passenger during a Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Germany, which was diverted to Boston Logan International Airport. The incident occurred on Saturday after the meal service when Usiripalli reportedly stabbed a 17-year-old male passenger in the shoulder and another 17-year-old in the back of the head with a metal fork, causing a laceration. Following these acts, he also slapped a female passenger, attempted to slap a flight crew member, and allegedly simulated a gun with his fingers. Usiripalli, who lacks lawful status in the US after previously being on a student visa in a master’s program in biblical studies, faces one count of assault with a dangerous weapon. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. He was arrested on October 25 and is scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston at a later date, as confirmed by the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts. (PTI)
Western Turkey hit by 6.1 quake; structures collapse
ANKARA, Oct 28: A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck western Turkiye on Monday, centered in Sindirgi, Balikesir province, causing three already damaged buildings and a shop to collapse. Though there were no immediate reports of fatalities, 22 injuries occurred due to panic. People feared to return home, leading to shelters being opened. This region had experienced previous tremors, including an August quake that killed one person. Turkiye, situated on major fault lines, frequently faces earthquakes, with a devastating quake in 2023 claiming over 53,000 lives. (AP)
