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Never met Bin Laden, claims Pak-based terror leader Abdul Rehman Makki in video

Days after being blacklisted by the United Nations Security Council, Pakistan based terrorist leader Abdul Rehman Makki has released a video denying any links with Al-Qaeda or Islamic State.

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Abdul Rehman Makki

Days after being blacklisted by the United Nations Security Council, Pakistan based terrorist leader Abdul Rehman Makki has released a video denying any links with Al-Qaeda or Islamic State.

In the video, the deputy chief of proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), who is serving multiple sentences in Kot Lakhpat Jail in Pakistan’s Lahore, alleged that his listing was based on “disinformation and hearsay” spread by the Indian government.

Makki was jailed in 2019 along with his brother-in-law, LeT chief Hafiz Saeed and other top brass of the Jamaat ud Daawa (JuD) and LeT.

Makki, in the video, says that his connections with Osama Bin Laden, Ayman Al-Zawahiri or Abdullah Azam are based on “propaganda reports” and he’s never met these people.

However, Makki did not mention the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

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Makki claimed he considers the views and actions of Al-Qaeda and ISIS opposite of his own beliefs and denounces all kinds terrorism and violence perpetrated by them. However, he said, he believes in the “in the principal position of the Pakistani government regarding Kashmir.”

The terror leader lamented that the UNSC blacklisted him without a fair opportunity to respond to allegations or hearing his point of view.

He denied allegations against him for being a faculty member of Islamic University Islamabad in the 1980s where he was accused of meeting Al-Qaeda leaders or Afghan commanders

He said that he had not studied or taught at Islamic university and had never had any contact with Abdullah Azam, Ayman Al Zawahiri or Bin Laden.

The UNSC on Monday blacklisted Makki under its ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee also known as the UNSC 1267 Committee.

Makki, 68, is the brother-in-law of LeT founder and 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed.

“On 16 January 2023, the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999), 1989 (2011) and 2253 (2015) concerning ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida, and associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities approved the addition of the entry specified below to its ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions List of individuals and entities subject to the assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo set out in paragraph 1 of Security Council resolution 2610 (2021) and adopted under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,” the global body had said in a statement.

The statement by the 1267 committee added that Makki has held leadership positions within LeT and Jamaat–ud–Dawa (JuD).

The committee said the LeT has been responsible for or had involvement in prominent attacks, including the Red Fort Attack in which six terrorists stormed the Red Fort on December 22, 2000, and opened indiscriminate fire on the security forces present.

India had pushed a bid in the UN last year to blacklist Makki but the proposal was blocked by China.

Makki had already been blacklisted by the US and India under their respective anti-terror laws.

The terror leader is believed to be a close confidante of LeT chief Hafiz Saeed and is accused of raising funds and recruiting youth for planning and carrying out terror attacks in India, especially in the Kashmir region.

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Barron Trump, now towering at 6’9″, takes center stage at father’s inauguration

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Barron Trump, now towering at 6'9", takes center stage at father's inauguration

During the recent presidential inauguration, Barron Trump, the son of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, captured significant attention due to his impressive stature and growing influence. Now 17, Barron stands a striking 6 feet 9 inches tall and has taken on an advisory role within his father’s political campaign.

At the ceremony, President Trump took a moment to highlight Barron’s contributions, especially his insights into the youth electorate, which reportedly helped secure a substantial lead in that demographic. “Barron has a deep understanding of the youth vote, encouraging strategies that ultimately delivered us a 36-point lead among young voters,” stated President Trump during his speech.

Barron, who celebrated his first vote in the last November election, has been recognized not only for his height but also for his intellect and strategic thinking. His suggestion for his father to appear on the Joe Rogan podcast, which amassed over 50 million views, was a notable campaign triumph.

Born on March 20, 2006, Barron is the youngest child of Donald and Melania Trump and the only one among his siblings to have attended St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Maryland, following his earlier education at Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School in Manhattan. He is currently a freshman at New York University’s Stern School of Business.

His appearance at the inauguration not only highlighted his stature but also his growing importance in Trump’s circle, marking him as a significant figure in the current political landscape.

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Biden issues pre-emptive pardons in final hours to shield key figures from political prosecution

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In a dramatic and unprecedented move just hours before leaving office, President Joe Biden has issued a series of pre-emptive pardons to prominent figures who could face politically motivated charges under the incoming administration of Donald Trump. The pardons include former COVID-19 advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired general Mark Milley, and members of the U.S. House committee that investigated the January 6 Capitol attack.

Biden issued a statement on Monday, emphasizing the need to protect these individuals from potential “politically motivated prosecutions” that could be initiated once Trump assumes office. “These public servants have served our nation with honor and distinction, and they do not deserve to be the targets of unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions,” Biden said, asserting that he could not, in good conscience, remain inactive as these figures faced potential legal battles.

Among the key figures pardoned are Dr. Fauci, who became the face of America’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the Trump administration, Fauci’s clear and science-backed messages often put him at odds with the president and his allies, who criticized his approach. His prominence during the pandemic made him a frequent target for right-wing figures, including Elon Musk, who called for his prosecution.

General Milley, who served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Trump, was also granted a pardon. Milley had drawn Trump’s ire after making critical remarks about the former president and discussing his actions during the January 6 attack. Furthermore, Milley’s secret communications with his Chinese counterpart during the Capitol riot, aimed at reassuring China of the U.S. military’s stability, sparked a storm of controversy, with Trump calling for his execution on social media.

In addition to Fauci and Milley, Biden also pardoned members, staff, and witnesses associated with the House committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. These individuals, including former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney, faced significant personal and political threats as they uncovered the extent of Trump’s involvement in the violent attack by his supporters.

Biden’s decision to issue these pardons was framed as a protective measure for public servants who have been subjected to what he described as “baseless and politically motivated investigations” that, according to him, have caused undue harm to these individuals’ personal and professional lives. The pardons, however, were also accompanied by a statement clarifying that they should not be viewed as an admission of any wrongdoing.

Trump, who was set to be inaugurated on the same day, has repeatedly promised “retribution” against his political opponents. He has vowed to use the full extent of his power to prosecute those he sees as enemies, including members of the January 6 committee and figures who opposed his agenda during his presidency.

This move, just hours before the transfer of power, highlights the tension between Biden and Trump as the political landscape prepares for a new chapter. Biden’s actions signal a firm stance against what he perceives as politically motivated legal tactics and retribution, even as Trump begins his second term in office.

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Trump set for swearing-in as 47th President amid cold snap in Washington

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Former US President Donald Trump

Washington is bracing for the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States, scheduled for January 20, 2025, in the Rotunda of the US Capitol. This venue change, prompted by an unusually cold forecast, marks a departure from the traditional platform setup on the Capitol’s West Lawn.

Trump, who has overcome two impeachment trials, a felony conviction, assassination attempts, and an indictment for attempting to overturn the 2020 election results, is making a historic return to the presidency after defeating Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. Alongside him, JD Vance, the Vice President-elect, will be sworn in, setting the stage for a new chapter in American politics.

The inauguration ceremony promises to be a highly orchestrated event, reflecting both tradition and Trump’s unique approach to governance. The President-elect is expected to outline his administration’s priorities in his inaugural address, focusing on stringent immigration control, aggressive executive powers, and policies aimed at redefining America’s role globally.

Trump’s commitment to act swiftly on key issues was evident during his pre-inaugural celebrations, including a campaign-style rally and a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. His supporters are anticipating a series of executive actions on his first day in office, particularly concerning immigration and national security.

Despite the change in venue and the chilly weather, the inauguration is set to feature all the ceremonial pomp. However, the planned parade down Pennsylvania Avenue has been modified, with festivities moving to the Capital One Arena in downtown Washington, D.C.

This inauguration is not just a ceremonial transfer of power but a significant pivot point for U.S. policy and international relations. As Trump prepares to deliver his inaugural address, the nation and the world await the impact of his promised reforms and leadership style.

For global audiences and those in the U.S., the event will be covered extensively by major news networks and streamed online, ensuring that no one misses out on this significant political moment.

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