Rubio demands Syrian government forces intervene to prevent jihadist attacks
'If authorities in Damascus want to preserve any chance of achieving a unified, inclusive and peaceful Syria... they must help end this calamity by using their security forces to prevent ISIS and any other violent jihadists from entering the area and carrying out massacres,' Mr. Rubio said in a statement posted to X, using another name for the Islamic State group (IS).
Sectarian clashes between armed Bedouin forces and the Druze in the community's Sweida heartland had drawn in Syria's Islamist-led government, Israel and other armed tribes.
U.S.-brokered negotiations have sought to avert further Israeli military intervention, with Syrian forces agreeing to withdraw from the region.
'The U.S. has remained heavily involved over the last three days with Israel, Jordan and authorities in Damascus on the horrifying & dangerous developments in southern Syria,' Mr. Rubio said.
He called for the Syrian government to 'hold accountable and bring to justice anyone guilty of atrocities including those in their own ranks.'
'Furthermore the fighting between Druze and Bedouin groups inside the perimeter must also stop immediately,' Mr. Rubio added.
Once in control of large swathes of Syria, the IS was territorially defeated in Syria in 2019 largely due to the efforts of Kurdish-led forces supported by an international coalition.
Violence between the Druze and Bedouin groups that began on July 13 has left an estimated 940 dead, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor.
The count included 326 Druze fighters and 262 Druze civilians, 165 of whom were summarily executed, according to the Observatory.
The monitor also included 312 government security personnel and 21 Sunni Bedouin in the toll.
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Hans India
11 minutes ago
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BJP launches helpline for protecting small traders' interests
Bengaluru: The Karnataka unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party, on Saturday, announced the launch of a helpline to safeguard the interests of small traders in the state in the backdrop of row over GST Addressing a press conference at the State BJP Office, Jagannath Bhavan, in Bengaluru, the Leader of the Opposition in Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, has said that the BJP will launch a helpline (8884245123) from July 21 to safeguard the interests of small traders in the state. He added that street vendors and small traders had been served notices by the state government, creating confusion and fear among poor traders in the state. He criticised the Congress-led state government for failing to provide solutions or clarify what constitutes taxable income. Narayanaswamy said that as per Central government's data available with the state, traders whose annual turnover exceeded Rs 40 lakh must register and pay GST. 'Service providers with turnover above Rs 20 lakh are also liable to pay GST. However, the notices sent by the state are not valid in many cases,' he alleged. 'Traders are not tax evaders or criminals. They do not understand the tax rules, and the state government has failed to educate them,' he said. He urged the state government to protect the interests of the poor traders rather than intimidate them. He said that according to Central government rules, GST is applicable only if the annual turnover exceeds Rs 1.5 crore at one per cent rate. 'For street vendors to fall under GST, they must have a permanent shop and address. There is an exemption for turnover up to Rs 40 lakh and issuing notices to traders with turnover above Rs 20 lakh has created confusion,' Narayanaswamy added. He also said that apps like Paytm, PhonePe, and Google Pay used for UPI transactions were being tracked, and funds received by traders directly into bank accounts were being used to send notices. 'But it's not being verified whether the turnover exceeding limits is due to actual business or loans and other types of transactions,' he clarified. According to G.S. Prashanth, State Convener of BJP'sEconomic Cell, items like flowers, fruits, vegetables, milk, meat, paneer, bangles, and many other products are exempted from GST. 'Even if someone does Rs 10 crore turnover in these exempted items, GST registration is not mandatory. Yet, notices have been sent to such traders by the state GST department,' he alleged. He added that according to GST laws, third-party data cannot be used to issue tax notices without verification. 'Information from Paytm, PhonePe, or Google Pay must be verified first. Officials must ascertain whether the trader's goods fall under GST before issuing notices. Unfortunately, none of this due process has been followed,' Prashanth claimed. He also said: 'The state GST department has done nothing to spread awareness among street vendors about the taxes. Nearly 90 per cent of traders fall under the jurisdiction of the state GST, and only 10 per cent under Central GST. Yet, without any outreach or information sharing, the state has spread fear among small traders.' Therefore, the 14,000 notices issued to traders by the state government are illegal and unconstitutional, he asserted. Those present at the press conference were Rajya Sabha MP Lehar Singh, Chikkaballapur district president S.V. Ramachandragowda (Seakal), BJP Medical Cell state convenor Dr. K. Narayan, BJP Economic Cell state convenor G.S. Prashanth, and former BJP state spokesperson G.V. Krishna. When asked about the state government's notices to small traders demanding tax payments, State BJP Preident B.Y. Vijayendra said, 'We discussed this yesterday with party leaders. The Siddaramaiah-led Congress government, which is struggling to mobilise funds for its guarantee schemes, is now intimidating street vendors by sending them tax notices.' 'While GST goes to the Centre, it is a fact that no other state in the country has seen such developments. But in Karnataka, the state government is unable to manage its finances for guarantees and development. So, under the Chief Minister's instructions, they are threatening traders andstreet vendors,' he added.
News18
19 minutes ago
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Mass Graves, Missing Women: What Karnataka's SIT On Dharmasthala Shocker Will Look Into
The team is expected to examine every missing person's case from the region to determine if it is connected to the string of crimes alleged by a former sanitation worker After weeks of pressure on the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government to hand over the investigation into the horrific allegations of mass graves, disappearances, and crimes against women in Dharmasthala by a whistleblower, the newly formed Special Investigation Team (SIT) has its hands full. The Karnataka government has constituted an SIT headed by Director General of Police (Internal Security Division and Cyber Command) Pronab Mohanty and the team has been tasked with probing the alleged series of murders and mass burials in and around Dharmasthala—a prominent temple town in Dakshina Kannada district. The SIT includes a highly qualified team working with Mohanty, including Deputy Inspector General of Police (Recruitment) MN Anucheth, Deputy Commissioner of Police (City Armed Reserve) Soumyalatha, and Superintendent of Police (Internal Security Division) Jitendra Kumar Dayama. What is the SIT expected to do? It is not only expected to uncover the truth and deliver justice to the victims and their families, but also to examine every missing person's case from the region to determine if it is connected to the string of crimes alleged by a former sanitation worker. The SIT was formed following explosive revelations by a former sanitation worker, who testified under Section 164 of the CrPC that he buried the bodies of women and minors around the Dharmasthala temple during his tenure between 1994 and 2014, sparking outrage and widespread calls for an independent SIT probe. The whistleblower, who has sought anonymity citing threats to his life, claims to have buried hundreds of bodies over nearly two decades. As part of the investigation, the Dakshina Kannada police, who were conducting the preliminary probe, had sought court permission to conduct brain mapping, fingerprinting, and narco-analysis of the complainant. The Investigation Officer (IO) in the case was empowered to decide when to exhume bodies. Now, all this analysis and probe will be overseen by the SIT. A senior officer explained to News18 that the process of investigation—especially the exhumation—will be done with extreme sensitivity, ensuring that evidence is preserved and there are no procedural lapses. The government has directed that all present and future cases linked to Dharmasthala—registered at various police stations across Karnataka—be transferred to the SIT. The DGP and IGP have been tasked with ensuring that the SIT receives the required support and resources. The team has been asked to operate out of the Dakshina Kannada District Police Office and submit regular progress reports. 'The SIT has been directed to carry out a comprehensive and impartial investigation, with a final report to be submitted to the state government at the earliest," the government order stated. Activists and lawyers had long demanded an SIT, citing past failures in similar high-profile probes related to the temple town. Following the recent recovery of human remains by police, a preliminary investigation was conducted by district officials. Based on their report, chief minister Siddaramaiah ordered a full-fledged SIT probe. The team will now carry out forensic analysis and initiate legal procedures for exhuming bodies from locations identified by the whistleblower. The investigation would need to look into the whistleblower's claims that the alleged rapes and murders took place over close to two decades. Despite pressure from various quarters—including delegations headed by Justice Gopal Gowda, former Backward Classes Commission chairman and advocate CS Dwarakanath, as well as State Women's Commission chairperson Nagalakshmi Choudhary approaching the CM to form an SIT at the earliest—the government had initially resisted the move, saying they would wait for the local police to conduct their preliminary investigation and recommend whether an SIT was needed. However, the delay in setting up the SIT drew criticism from several quarters. The whistleblower has claimed that individuals involved in these crimes were connected to the temple administration. Dharmasthala is one of Karnataka's major pilgrimage centres, attracting devotees from across the country. The whistleblower's identity and his testimony are central to the case. Police are keen on continuing to question him and gather further information under anonymity. The police are reportedly coordinating with advocates representing the whistleblower to ensure his full protection and cooperation. His legal team has expressed concerns that without robust protection, there is a risk to his life and the integrity of the investigation. However, there are fears that he may go incommunicado once the exhumation process begins. A challenge for the SIT is also the fact that lawyers representing the whistleblower submitted a memorandum to Siddaramaiah, alleging police collusion, information leaks, and intimidation aimed at derailing the probe. They said they believe there has been a long-standing nexus within the police to silence evidence of these crimes. The Start The issue first came to light on July 3, when the sanitation worker filed a complaint through his legal team with the Dharmasthala police. He alleged that during his employment from 1995 to December 2014, he was forced to bury the bodies of multiple people, including rape and murder victims. A case was registered by Dharmasthala police the following day under Section 211(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, after receiving court approval. On July 11, the whistleblower produced skeletal remains—said to have been exhumed by him—before the Principal Civil Judge and JMFC in Belthangady, and recorded a formal statement. In a detailed complaint to the Dakshina Kannada Police Commissioner, the whistleblower alleged he was threatened with death and forced to dispose of hundreds of bodies over nearly 20 years. He accused individuals linked to the Dharmasthala administration of being involved in the cover-up. Dakshina Kannada police registered an FIR (Crime No. 39/2025) under Section 211(a) of the BNS after court approval. K Parshwanath Jain, spokesperson for Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala, reacted to the SIT formation with a statement. 'Truth and belief are the strongest foundation for a society's ethics and faith. Therefore, it is our sincere hope and earnest demand that the SIT conducts the highest level of investigation in this case and brings out the true facts to light," he said. A member of the complainant's legal team has also urged the Kerala government to pass a resolution in its assembly, demanding a high-standard probe and for the Kerala Police to be included in the investigation. They also plan to move the Supreme Court on the matter. The Karnataka government's SIT formation order also noted the 2003 disappearance of a medical student and the recent discovery of a human skull. The State Commission for Women had earlier urged Siddaramaiah to form an SIT led by senior officers to investigate 'cases of missing women, female students, unnatural deaths, murders, and sexual assaults reported from the Dharmasthala area over the last two decades". On July 18, Siddaramaiah said the government was not opposed to forming an SIT, but would wait for the initial police report. 'We are not for or against it. We will follow the law. If an SIT is required, we will form it. But let the police submit their report first," he told reporters in Mysuru when asked about retired Justice V Gopal Gowda's demand for an SIT. Earlier this week, the complainant handed over more skeletal remains to the police. He reiterated his claim that during his years with the Dharmasthala temple administration, he had been ordered by his superiors to dispose of the bodies of women and children. In a letter dated July 14, the State Women's Commission cited media reports from July 12 that included a court deposition by a daily-wage worker who claimed to have buried over 100 bodies, and a statement by a family who said their daughter had gone missing from the temple premises. Based on the whistleblower's statement, police are preparing to exhume remains from areas near the Nethravathi River. top videos View all The sanitation worker's claims are not the first time Dharmasthala has come under scrutiny over serious allegations of violence, sexual assault, murder, and cover-ups. In 2012, the rape and murder of 17-year-old Sowjanya, a student from the town, had triggered national outrage. Linked to this, a Bengaluru woman named Sujatha Bhat also filed a formal complaint before the Dakshina Kannada SP. She alleged her daughter, Ananya Bhat, went missing from the Dharmasthala temple in 2003. Sujatha claimed locals told her they had seen temple staff taking away a girl matching her daughter's description. When she confronted temple authorities, she said she was assaulted, struck on the head, and left in a coma. Out of fear for her life, she said, she remained silent for years. About the Author Apoorva Misra Apoorva Misra is News Editor at with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : BJP congress Dharmasthala Siddaramaiah Special Investigation Team view comments Location : Bengaluru, India, India First Published: July 21, 2025, 12:49 IST News india Mass Graves, Missing Women: What Karnataka's SIT On Dharmasthala Shocker Will Look Into Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
19 minutes ago
- News18
'You Don't Get A Pass, You Get Justice': US House Foreign Affairs Panel Hails TRF Terror Tag
Last Updated: The panel also reiterated its criticism of global media coverage of the Pahalgam attack, accusing outlets of downplaying what it called a clear act of terrorism The US Republican Majority on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs has welcomed the designation of Pakistan-based The Resistance Front (TRF) as a global terrorist outfit. The group, which the US designated as a proxy of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) in its announcement, was labelled both a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). 'The Resistance Front is a foreign terrorist organization and deserves the designation," the committee's official X handle posted. 'When you butcher civilians, you don't get a pass—you get JUSTICE." President Trump calls it like it is. The Resistance Front is a foreign terrorist organization and deserves the you butcher civilians, you don't get a pass—you get JUSTICE. — House Foreign Affairs Committee Majority (@HouseForeignGOP) July 19, 2025 The announcement was made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, less than three months after the April 22 massacre in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where TRF claimed responsibility for the killing of 26 civilians. It was one of the deadliest attacks targeting civilians in the region in recent years. The Resistance Front first emerged in Kashmir in 2019, shortly after the abrogation of Article 370. It was widely seen as an attempt by Lashkar-e-Tayyiba to rebrand its operations under a new name to avoid global scrutiny. Since then, TRF has claimed responsibility for several attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, many of which have targeted off-duty security personnel, civilians from outside the region, and minority communities. The FTO and SDGT designations trigger sweeping measures including financial sanctions, asset freezes, visa bans, and criminal penalties for those providing any form of material support to the group. TRF, the State Department noted, serves as a front for LeT, an internationally proscribed terror group, and operates to obscure the latter's direct involvement in attacks. Indian authorities have repeatedly raised concerns over such proxy outfits being used to bypass global sanctions. On July 19, the committee also cited its earlier post from April 23, in which it had criticised international media coverage of the Pahalgam attack — particularly a New York Times headline that read: 'At Least 24 Tourists Gunned Down by Militants in Kashmir." At the time, the committee had responded with a corrected graphic, replacing the word 'militants" with 'terrorists" in bold red, writing: 'Hey, @nytimes, we fixed it for you. This was a terrorist attack plain and simple. Whether it's India or Israel, when it comes to terrorism, the NYT is removed from reality." Reposting that on July 19, the committee reaffirmed: 'It was a terrorist attack — simple and straightforward." It was a terrorist attack—simple and straightforward. — House Foreign Affairs Committee Majority (@HouseForeignGOP) July 19, 2025 The House Foreign Affairs Committee is a permanent committee in the US House of Representatives. It handles bills and investigations related to America's foreign relations. The latest US action is expected to bolster international scrutiny of Pakistan-based terror proxies, particularly at forums like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), where the country's counterterror commitments remain under watch. India welcomed the US decision, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar describing it as a 'strong affirmation" of India-US counter-terror cooperation. 'Appreciate @SecRubio and @StateDept for designating TRF—a Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) proxy—as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). It claimed responsibility for the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Zero tolerance for Terrorism. #OpSindoor," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar posted on X. Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 21, 2025, 12:46 IST News world 'You Don't Get A Pass, You Get Justice': US House Foreign Affairs Panel Hails TRF Terror Tag Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
