The Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror network has suffered another significant setback with the death of one of its top commanders, Maulana Salman Azhar, who was reportedly killed under highly suspicious circumstances in Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Azhar, recognized as a close aide to the group’s founder, Masood Azhar, died after being struck by an unidentified vehicle earlier this week.

The incident has sparked widespread speculation, largely because it mirrors a growing trend of high-profile militants dying in unexplained circumstances across Pakistan. Local reports suggest the collision resulted in immediate fatality, yet there has been no official statement or detailed investigation launched by Pakistani authorities regarding the identity of the driver or the motive behind the event. This "hit-and-run" narrative has become a frequent headline for terrorist operatives in the region, leaving many observers to question whether these incidents are the result of internal power struggles or orchestrated operations by unknown actors.

Salman Azhar was considered a critical pillar of the Jaish-e-Mohammed organization, frequently linked to the group’s anti-India propaganda campaigns and long-term operational planning. His death comes on the heels of a long-standing decline for the organization, which has been under intense pressure since mid-2025 following reports of major strikes against the families and inner circles of top-tier leadership. By neutralizing key figures like Azhar, the organization’s ability to coordinate large-scale activities is significantly hampered, creating a leadership vacuum that is increasingly difficult to patch.

Regional security experts view this as a potential turning point for the terror infrastructure operating within Pakistan. The recurring, unexplained nature of these deaths suggests that the security bubble once enjoyed by these militants is rapidly disintegrating. As the organization grapples with the loss of a key commander, intelligence agencies and geopolitical analysts are closely monitoring whether this will lead to further fragmentation of the group or a recalibration of their future strategies.
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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Friday that it conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon, targeting what it described as militant infrastructure, even though a ceasefire had been announced. The Israeli Air Force said it struck military facilities in the Khirbet Salam and Tulin regions of southern Lebanon. According to the statement, these sites were allegedly being used by Hezbollah to plan and support attacks against Israeli forces and the State of Israel.

The IDF further stated that the strikes were carried out in response to rocket fire launched by Hezbollah toward the Shlomi area the previous night, suggesting that the operation was retaliatory in nature despite ongoing ceasefire discussions. The development comes amid reports that a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon had been extended for an additional three weeks. This followed talks reportedly involving senior officials from both countries and mediated discussions linked to the United States.

At the White House, former US President Donald Trump told reporters that representatives from Israel and Lebanon had agreed to extend the ceasefire. He also said that leaders from both countries were expected to visit the United States in the coming weeks to continue discussions. Trump expressed optimism about the situation, saying that a temporary halt in hostilities had been agreed upon, although he acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly involving Hezbollah. He emphasized hope that the ceasefire would continue, while noting the complexity of achieving lasting calm in the region.

Trump also announced that the ceasefire extension had been agreed upon and said the United States would assist Lebanon in strengthening its ability to counter threats from Hezbollah. He described the meeting between US, Israeli, and Lebanese officials as highly successful and “historic” in nature.

US Vice President JD Vance also commented on the development, calling the extension of the ceasefire a significant achievement. He credited Trump’s direct involvement in facilitating the agreement and described the step as an important move toward reducing tensions in the region.
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On the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, Hidayat Bhutto, UK and Europe Organiser of the World Sindhi Congress, strongly condemned the incident and accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism in a statement. Expressing grief, Bhutto told ANI, “We remember with profound sadness and unequivocal condemnation the innocent lives that were brutally taken, and the families whose lives have been forever marked by grief and loss.”

He said the attack highlights the ongoing threat posed by militant groups operating in South Asia, alleging that Pakistan’s support for non-state actors has played a major role in regional instability. According to him, “Pakistan's alleged role in supporting cross-border terrorism remains a persistent and deeply concerning factor in regional instability,” adding that multiple international reports have suggested such groups receive training, funding, and logistical assistance enabling attacks in India and Afghanistan.

Bhutto also referred to global terrorism assessments, noting Pakistan’s ranking in the Global Terrorism Index as evidence of deeper systemic concerns. He further pointed out remarks by Pakistani officials, including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, which have acknowledged past associations with militant organisations, increasing international scrutiny.

He warned that continued tolerance of such groups has fuelled cycles of violence and mistrust, weakened global counter-terrorism efforts, and allowed extremist networks to expand. Calling for action, Bhutto urged a firm and coordinated global response, stating that only a lawful, consistent, and accountable approach can dismantle these networks and prevent future attacks.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

As the two-week ceasefire window in West Asia approaches its end on April 22, India has brought back over 11 lakh passengers from the region through ongoing flight operations from multiple countries and alternative routes. According to Aseem Mahajan, Joint Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, shared during a press briefing in New Delhi on Monday, these evacuations have been carried out since February 28, with airlines continuing limited commercial services depending on airspace availability and safety conditions. He said that around 11,30,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India so far, and approximately 110 flights are scheduled from the UAE to India on the day of the briefing.

He further noted that flights are operating from Saudi Arabia and Oman to various Indian cities, while Qatar’s partially open airspace is allowing Qatar Airways to run around 10–11 flights to India. Bahrain has also kept its airspace open, and Gulf Air plans to resume limited services, including non-scheduled flights from Dammam in Saudi Arabia to India.

Mahajan added that Iran’s airspace remains partly open for cargo and charter flights, and Indian missions are helping citizens travel via Armenia and Azerbaijan. So far, 2,423 Indians, including students and fishermen, have exited Iran through these routes. He also mentioned that Iraq’s airspace is open with limited regional flights, while Kuwait’s airspace remains closed, with airlines like Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways operating non-scheduled flights from Dammam. Israel’s airspace is open with restricted operations, and India is assisting nationals in travelling via Jordan and Egypt.

The MEA said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia to ensure the safety and welfare of the large Indian diaspora. A dedicated control room is functioning round-the-clock in coordination with Indian missions to provide assistance and respond to queries. Special attention is also being given to Indian seafarers with support from local authorities.

Officials also noted that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval recently visited Saudi Arabia, where discussions focused on regional developments and strengthening bilateral ties. The ministry emphasized that continued engagement with countries in the region is vital to safeguard India’s strategic and economic interests amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from YoutubePIBIndia.

Since the beginning of March, three cabinet secretaries have either resigned or been removed from the US administration. Reports now indicate that additional officials may also be at risk of losing their positions. Jonathan Freedland discusses with MS NOW White House correspondent Laura Barrón-López why Donald Trump appears to be acting with greater decisiveness and severity in his second term.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Donald Trump has reportedly ordered a large-scale naval operation in the Strait of Hormuz following unsuccessful peace talks held in Pakistan. The operation is said to target ships moving through Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. In a related discussion, analysts including Stephen Zunes provided insights on the latest developments, as presenters Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman examined the situation.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

As thousands of U.S. troops and marines deploy to the Middle East, Iran accuses Washington of secretly planning a ground attack while publicly promoting ceasefire negotiations. Donald Trump has threatened to “destroy” Iran’s energy infrastructure, stated that he would “prefer to take the oil,” and suggested that U.S. forces could capture the country’s export hub on Kharg Island, all while claiming to be negotiating with a new “reasonable regime.” At the same time, Yemen’s Houthi forces have joined the conflict, raising the risk of further disruptions to the global economy.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Journalist and author of The Lasting Harm, Lucia Osborne-Crowley, discusses the grooming strategies used by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Speaking to Annie Kelly, Lucia emphasizes that Epstein isn’t unique or mysterious. “Viewing him as special distracts from the reality,” she says. “There are many others like him. These abuses occur in communities and institutions worldwide, following the same patterns repeatedly.”

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.