Ruptly
"A special court in New Delhi has extended the custody of seven foreign nationals, including one US citizen and six Ukrainians, for 10 days over alleged links to insurgent groups in Myanmar. The accused, among them Matthew Aaron VanDyke, were presented before a court linked to India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA), which granted the extension after investigators sought more time to expand the probe. Proceedings were held at the agency’s headquarters, citing security concerns. According to the NIA, the group is suspected of supporting ethnic armed organisations in Myanmar by supplying weapons, drone technology and other equipment, as well as providing training. Authorities allege the network posed a threat to India’s national security. Investigators told the court the accused had travelled across multiple Indian cities, including Delhi, Lucknow and Kolkata, before allegedly entering sensitive border regions such as Mizoram and crossing into Myanmar, where they established contact with armed groups. The case has been filed under anti-terror provisions, including Section 18 (terror conspiracy) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, along with sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Officials said additional Indian and foreign suspects have emerged during the investigation. Authorities also claim the group may have facilitated the movement of drone consignments from Europe through India for use in insurgent operations. The arrest of VanDyke, who has described himself as a security analyst and filmmaker, has drawn particular attention. Investigators allege he acted as an instructor with experience in conflict zones, providing training in guerrilla tactics, drone warfare and advanced combat methods. The NIA said further custodial interrogation is needed to determine the scale of the alleged network, its international links and its operational reach across South and Southeast Asia. The Baltimore-born filmmaker rose to prominence after fighting with anti-Gaddafi militants in Libya in 2011, where he was captured and held for months before escaping. His story later became the award-winning documentary 'Point and Shoot', charting his transformation from traveller to combatant. He went on to found Sons of Liberty International, a group he describes as a non-profit providing military training. The organisation has operated in conflict zones, including Iraq and Ukraine, where VanDyke trained civilians and fighters in guerrilla tactics."
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