Violence Drops in June Amid High-Profile Attacks: New Report Reveals Trend

July 2, Pakistan – Although there were multiple prominent assaults, Pakistan saw a reduction in total anti-government violence and associated security events throughout June, as reported by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), a research organization based in Islamabad.

As per PICSS—a research institute based in Islamabad that tracks terrorism, anti-government violence, and associated security developments—184 militants were eliminated during actions conducted by Pakistan’s security agencies, making up the biggest portion of the overall 262 deaths.

In contrast, 52 civilians and 26 members of the security forces died throughout the month.

The injury report indicated that 63 civilians, 50 members of security forces, 18 individuals from pro-government peace committees, and three militants sustained injuries.

In comparison to May, the number of casualties within Pakistani security personnel fell by 62 percent, whereas civilian losses decreased by 27 percent. The death toll from terrorists also saw a reduction of 32 percent.

Of those who were hurt, PICSS reported a 43% drop in injuries sustained by security personnel, a 57% fall among ordinary citizens, and a 67% decline involving militants.

PICSS reported a 50% decrease in abductions, with 27 individuals taken in June as opposed to 54 in May. Meanwhile, Pakistani authorities detained at least 27 alleged extremists throughout the same period.

The count of terror incidents also decreased, dropping from 128 in May to 108 in June, which represents a decrease of approximately 16 percent.

Nevertheless, PICSS mentioned, the nation still encountered "high-impact assaults, comprising at least four suicide bombings."

Three instances involved car bombs used for suicide attacks, including an "important assault" aimed at the Sindh Rangers in Karachi on June 27, resulting in the death of three law enforcement officers.

In May, the nation experienced six suicide attacks, among them four instances involving vehicles used as bombs. When providing a provincial analysis for June, PICSS noted that Balochistan saw a "marked drop" in terrorist activities. The region reported 49 incidents in June, down from 71 in May, reflecting a 31% fall. Similarly, the tribal areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, previously known as FATA, also showed a decrease, recording 17 attacks in June versus 22 in May, indicating a 23% reduction.

Nevertheless, the remainder of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa experienced a "modest growth," according to PICSS, as the province reported 37 incidents in June versus 32 in May, marking a 16% increase. On June 9, six members of the Frontier Corps (FC) were killed and four others wounded when they responded to an effort by militants to seize a checkpoint in the Hassan Khel region of Peshawar, reports indicated. Eight insurgents were eliminated during countermeasures.

The think tank noted that Sindh also experienced a rise in terrorist activities, with four incidents documented in June as opposed to just one in May.

"Only one incident occurred in Punjab, whereas no violent attacks were recorded in Islamabad, Azad Kashmir, or Gilgit-Baltistan," stated PICSS.

The document also included data from the first half of 2026: 2,166 deaths, comprising 1,442 militants, 404 non-combatants, 307 military personnel, and 13 individuals from government-aligned ceasefire groups.

An additional 1,137 individuals sustained injuries throughout this time frame, comprising 692 civilians, 281 members of security forces, 136 militants, and 28 participants from the peace council.

Three Years Before Murder: Killer of 'Weapons-Obsessed' Henry Nowak Wields Gun in Garden

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A video showing the "gun-loving" murderer of Henry Nowak holding a firearm in his backyard has come to light, revealing this occurred three years prior to the killing.

Vickrum Digwa, aged 23, is captured on camera wielding what is thought to be an air gun, along with another individual seen carrying an air rifle.

The video, shot in Southampton close to where Mr Nowak was killed, was captured by a neighbor following the sudden noise of 'loud gunfire' on October 18, 2022.

It happened less than three years prior to Digwa murdering Mr Nowak, who was 18, when the student was returning home after a night out in December 2025.

He pierced him six times using a big ritual knife, afterwards deceiving officers on-site by claiming that Mr. Nowak had made racist remarks and assaulted him physically.

Heart-wrenching body camera video showing police responding to the event has sparked public anger following its disclosure.

Mr. Nowak is heard pleading with the officers to summon an ambulance as he says, "I can't breathe" and "I've been stabbed"—to which one police officer responded, "I don't think you have, mate."

Digwa's falsehoods led to Mr. Nowak being taken into custody by officers and informed of his rights while he was critically injured on the pavement. The Hampshire Constabulary has expressed regret over detaining the young man.

After Digwa received a life sentence with a mandatory minimum of 21 years this week, inquiries into the murderer's fascination with arms have surfaced, as the Sikh community distanced itself from his family.

At trial, Nicholas Lobbenberg QC stated that Digwa was "proficient with arms, has been trained in their use, keeps them nearby at night, and looks up information about weapons online."

Digwa and his family belong to the Nihang Sikh community—a warrior group known for their expertise in handling swords, daggers, and various arms—but these tools are intended solely for defensive purposes.

And this newly released video indicates that Digwa wasn't only focused on ritualistic arms.

The previous neighbor of the family came to check out what was happening upon hearing gunfire, and subsequently recorded Digwa along with another individual holding weapons in their backyard.

The neighbor stated, "We heard gunfire, so we went out to check and found them firing weapons at a wooden target."

We submitted a complaint to the authorities, yet they informed us they were unable to take action since no similar complaints had been received from other neighbors.

Occasionally, we'd be subjected to much yelling and disputes, yet generally speaking, they maintained a peaceful presence as neighbors.

I rarely noticed him arriving or leaving, but I often saw him in the garden.

The Hampshire police could not locate any record of the event but found an air rifle during a raid at the residence where Digwa resided with his family, after Henry's killing.

Certain air guns may be lawfully possessed in the United Kingdom, although stronger models necessitate obtaining a permit from the authorities.

Gurpreet, Digwa's elder sibling who is 27 years old, along with the boys' father Mogha Singh, aged 52, face charges related to firearms after an assortment of weapons was reportedly found at their residence following Mr. Nowak's passing.

Kiran Kaur, Digwa's mother aged 53, will face sentencing on July 17 for helping an offender by removing and attempting to conceal the murder weapon.

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Afenifere Demands Halt to Terrorists in Military Integration

...Southwest Monarchs Call On Residents To Prepare For Personal Protection

Driven by the alarming actions of extremists within the country, especially in the Southwest region, the Ondo State branch of Afenifere, a Yoruba socio-political organization, has urged the federal government to halt the inclusion of converted militants into the national armed forces.

The group further called upon customary leaders and residents of the Southwest region to remain vigilant and prepare for self-protection against militants attacking local areas and abducting students and educators.

Afenifere noted that incorporating former terrorist groups into the system is imprudent and has shown to be harmful to counter-terrorism methods and approaches.

The group stated: 'We urge an end from now on to the misguided inclusion of terrorists in any form within the Nigerian military, as this action has demonstrated itself to be harmful and ineffective against our country's efforts in combating terrorism and defense planning.'

Encouraging traditional leaders in the Southwest to get their communities ready for defense, Afenifere called for efficient elimination of planned hegemonic military attacks on territory.

A statement issued together by the chairman and secretary, Chief Hon. Korede Duyile and Rt. Hon. Bakkita Bello respectively, stated: "Meanwhile, we urge all our community leaders to promptly implement defense strategies, frameworks, and institutions aimed at both thwarting and decisively eliminating the planned expansionist military attacks carried out by the raiders, referred to as bandits along with their local accomplices."

We urge the upright residents of Ondo along with others from the South-West states to remain constantly vigilant and prepared to take action in their own defence.

The group urged for the rapid recovery of the 42 students and seven teachers who were taken hostage in Oyo State by militants.

A statement says in part: "The Ondo State branch of Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-political group, condemns the tragic abduction of 42 students and seven educators on May 15, 2026, from Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota, which are situated within the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State."

Unfortunately, the lawless outlaws went so far as to behead one of the educators! We strongly reject and criticize their ongoing imprisonment in the harshest and most brutal living situations, along with extended intentional physical and psychological abuse beyond imagination.

We genuinely empathize with the impacted children and educators, along with their families, communities, and the government of Oyo State during this challenging period marked by lasting sorrow and provocative actions.

The action that has forced everyone impacted to endure mental and bodily suffering is not just considered abominable and wicked, but also a grievous offense against human dignity and rationality.

We ask for swift heavenly help and deliverance of everyone taken hostage by bandits in Oyo State, along with many others who are detained in Ondo State and different areas across Nigeria.

We further hope all those affected experience a quick healing from their wounds and emotional distress.

We value the attention from the federal government. We remember all the sincere individuals who have participated in the relief efforts. We praise each one of you.

We highly commend Governor Seyi Makinde for his bravery amidst these difficulties. We truly hope that the recent tragic kidnappings had not occurred.

Nevertheless, we can only wish that this unfortunate event serves as a reminder to all our Southwest governors about the continuous appeals, requests, and alerts issued by AFENIFERE in recent years. The leadership of Afenifere has consistently cautioned, often backed by evidence, regarding the looming disasters caused by the uncontrolled and unlimited entry of unwanted individuals, intentionally coming from various regions within Nigeria into the South-West.

Regrettably, our good intentions went unnoticed.

The Ondo State branch of Afenifere, despite the deeply distressing situation, emphasizes once again the urgent need for the creation of State Police forces, regional administrations, and defined constitutional responsibilities for local community leaders.

We also acknowledge the recent court decision and the sentence of execution by hanging for the terrorists who caused significant losses at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo in 2023.

We nevertheless urge swift trials and legal resolution of all cases related to terrorists, abductors, bandits, and other violent offenders.

We want to praise the security personnel, who keep dedicating their lives to safeguarding the community despite difficult circumstances.

We urgently request authorities at every level to provide essential resources needed for efficient monitoring, information collection, and strategic operations, with the aim of promptly and definitively halting the incursions of these terrible aggressors.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).