Monday, June 4, 2012

3 mine planters arrested and 2 civilians killed in Uruzgan province

Publish Date: Jun 04, 2012
Three mine planters arrested and two civilians killed in Uruzgan province

Afghan National Police arrested a mine planter while he attempted to plant explosive materials in a motorbike in the 3rd District of Farah City, capital of Farah province, yesterday.

In a separate report, Afghan National Police arrested two mine planters while they attempted to plant a remote control mine in the Madina village, Asad Abad City, capital of Kunar province, yesterday.

In the meantime, Afghan National Police discovered and defused a roadside mine in the main square of Khas Kunar District of Kunar province.

Additionally, an anti-vehicle mine which was placed by enemies of peace and stability hit a civilian vehicle in the Zab Manda region, Trinkot City capital of Uruzgan province, yesterday.

As a result, two civilians were killed and two others were wounded.

Afghan Ministry of Interior Affairs condemns this inhumane and cowardly act of the enemies of peace and stability and prays for a quick recovery of those injured and expresses its sincere condolences to the families of the victims.


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Yemeni army kills 15 al-Qaida militants in restive south

ADEN, Yemen, June 3 (Xinhua) -- A total of 15 al-Qaida militants were killed Sunday evening by the Yemeni army in the southern province of Abyan, a government official said.

The armed forces shelled an al-Qaida-held site near Jaar town in Abyan, killing at least 15 terrorists at the scene, the local government official told Xinhua on condition anonymity.

Scores of al-Qaida fighters fled their sites in western Jaar, as the armed forces advanced toward the besieged town, the government official said.

About eight army soldiers were critically injured during the confrontations with al-Qaida militants at the center of Abyan's capital Zinjibar, according to an army commander.

"Masked fighters of the al-Qaida group sneaked into our site and fired more than four grenades that seriously injured several soldiers," he said.

"Fierce fighting is still taking place between the two sides with explosions ranging out across Zinjibar's neighborhoods," he added.

The Yemeni government troops have waged an intensive military campaign, with support of the United States and Yemen's oil-rich neighbor Saudi Arabia, against several bastions of the al-Qaida terrorist group in Abyan province since last month.

The offensive aimed at recapturing several southern towns and cities seized by the Yemen-based al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) during last year's political chaos.

The Yemeni authorities promised to assemble reinforcements of the elite Republican Guards and counter-terrorism troops to push the al-Qaida militants out of Jaar town and Zinjibar, the two strongholds of the AQAP.

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British soldier killed during rescue operation in S. Afghanistan

LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The combined Afghan and NATO-led forces launched an operation against Taliban in Helmand province 555 km south of capital Kabul which led to the rescue of an Afghan police officer but a British soldier was killed during the operation, a local official said.

"Taliban militants kidnapped the deputy to a police checkpoint in Nahr-e-Saraj district on Sunday but today Afghan and NATO-led forces launched a rescue operation during which the kidnapped police officer named Abdul Wali was rescued but a British soldier was killed," advisor to the provincial governor Abdul Ali Shamsi told Xinhua.

He also said that another British soldier was injured and Abdul Ali is safe and sound.

However, he did not say if any militants were killed during the operation, saying the militants have fled the area.

More than 9,500 British soldiers have been stationed in Afghanistan with majority of them in Helmand province within the framework of NATO-led International Security Assistance Force ( ISAF) to help stabilize security in the conflict-ridden country.

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other sources said: "The Ministry of defence said the soldier from 3rd Battalion, the Yorkshire Regiment, was killed by small arms fire while on patrol in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province."
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3 civilians killed, 4 injured in Uruzgan blasts on Sunday

TIRINKOT (PAN): Three civilians were killed and four others wounded in two separate roadside bombings in central Uruzgan province on Sunday, an official said.

The first explosion occurred at around 3pm in Shali Nava area of Khas Uruzgan district, where a passenger bus struck a roadside bomb.

One civilian was killed and two others injured in the blast, police spokesman Fared Ayel told Pajhwok Afghan News.

A second explosion happened in the Zamanda area of Tirinkot, the provincial capital, where a passenger van hit a similar bomb. Ayel said two people were killed and as many injured.

A doctor on duty in the provincial hospital, Izzatullah, confirmed receiving two dead bodies and as many injured people from the site of the second blast. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

from Pajhwok

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20 armed insurgents killed, 6 wounded and 13 others arrested by ANP



Publish Date: Jun 04, 2012
20 armed insurgents killed, six wounded and 13 others arrested by Afghan National Police

Counterterrorism:
During the past 24 hours, Afghan National Police, Afghan National Army, NDS and Coalition Forces launched four joint clearance operations in Nangarhar, Helmand and Maidan Wardak provinces.

As a result of these operations, 20 armed insurgents were killed, six wounded and 13 others were arrested by Afghan National Police.

Also, during these operations, Afghan National Police discovered and confiscated four rocket launchers, 13 different types of weapons, four suicide vests, 18 heavy rounds, 572 light rounds, nine different types of mines, three hand grenades, 270 kilograms of explosive materials and three motorbikes.

During the same 24 hour period, Afghan National Police discovered and defused 10 drums full of explosives and three mortar rounds as a result of security operation in the Sayedan village, Shahjoi District of Zabul province.

Working together the public and their police force can create a saver environment for all of us to live.
 
Crimes:
The 101 Kabul Zone National Police detained six individuals accused of murder and assault in the 2nd, 6th and 11th Districts of Kabul-City.
Working together, we can defeat criminals and create a safer more prosperous future.
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June 04., 2012. - ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation to detain a Haqqani facilitator in Khost district, Khost province, today.

The facilitator is an explosives expert who builds bombs for insurgents to use against Afghan and coalition security forces.

He is suspected of being responsible for the vehicle born explosive device used during the insurgent attack against Forward Operating Base Salerno, in Khost, on June 1.

During the operation, the Afghan and coalition security force detained multiple suspected insurgents.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South

An Afghan and coalition security force discovered a drug cache while on a routine patrol in Panjwa’i district, Kandahar province, yesterday.

The cache contained 317 kilograms (699 pounds) of hashish.

The security force destroyed most of the drugs at the site and turned the rest over to the Afghan Narcotics Police.

East

An Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation to detain a Taliban leader in Zurmat district, Paktiya province. The leader plans and conducts roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition troops throughout Gardez district. He is also an explosives expert who supervises the construction of remote control improvised explosive devices, and other types of bombs, for use by the insurgents under his control. During the operation, two groups of insurgents attacked the security force. The Afghan and coalition troops returned fire and requested a precision airstrike. A follow-on assessment of the area confirmed there had been no damage to civilian property and no civilians had been injured. The security force also confirmed multiple insurgents had been killed. As a result of the operation, the security force recovered a machine gun, multiple AK-47s, an RPG launcher, an RPG round, and several magazines of ammunition.

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Car bomb in Baghdad kills at least nine

(Reuters) - A powerful car bomb exploded outside a Shi'ite administration office in central Baghdad on Monday, killing at least nine people and wounding around 40 more, hospital and police sources said.

The blast targeted the Shi'ite Endowment office - a government-run body that looks after Shi'ite religious sites - damaging its headquarters and a nearby health administration office, police said.

Violence in Iraq has ebbed, but Sunni Islamist insurgents tied to al Qaeda are still potent. They often attack Shi'ite targets to try to stir up the kind of sectarian tensions that pushed the country close to civil war in 2006-2007.

(Reporting by Baghdad newsroom; Writing by Patrick Markey; Editing by Alessandra Rizzo)

BAGHDAD | Mon Jun 4, 2012 4:49am EDT

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US drones kill 15 in North Waziristan strike


The US carried out another drone strike in Pakistan's Taliban-controlled tribal agency of North Waziristan. The strike is the third in Pakistaniin three days, and the eighth in the two weeks since the US failed to get Pakistan to reopen the supply lines for NATO forces in Afghanistan.

The remotely piloted Predators or Reapers launched a pair of missiles at a compound in the town of Mir Ali, a terrorist hub in North Waziristan, according to AFP. Fifteen "militants" were killed in the strike, Pakistani officials told the news agency.

The target of the strike and the identity of those killed is not known. Pakistani officials said that several "foreigners" were among those killed, but the report was not confirmed. The term 'foreigners' is used by Pakistani officials to describe Arab members of al Qaeda or members of other regional jihadist groups based in Pakistan.

The US carried out two other strikes this weekend; both took place near Wana in South Waziristan. A Taliban commander loyal to Mullah Nazir, who has said he is a member of al Qaeda and is on good terms with the Pakistani government, was killed in the first of the two strikes.

Read more: http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2012/06/us_drone_kill_15_in.php#ixzz1wodUE4XT
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Nigeria: Suicide Bombers Kill 15, Injure 43 in Bauchi Churches

No fewer than 15 people were killed and over 42 seriously injured yesterday after a bomb blast which occurred at the Harvest Field Church of Christ in Yelwa area of Bauchi metropolis in Bauchi State.

Confirming the incident, the chairman of the state emergency operation team, Muhanad Inuwa Bello, told LEADERSHIP that the explosion happened at about 9:15 in the morning.

He said the injured victims were taken to Abubakar Tafawa Ballewa Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) for medical attention, while the dead bodies had been deposited in the mortuary.

According to him, no one has claimed responsibility, but it is suspected that the suspect died while planting the explosive.

A suicide bomber riding in a Honda Civic car was said to have attempted to force his way into Living Faith Church, Yelwa, hitting a barricade.

The commissioner said: "A lone suicide bomber in a Honda Civic attempted to force his way into the iron barricade at the entrance of Living Faith Church, Ungwan Angas, Yelwa, Bauchi, but was denied entry.

Recounting the incident in an interview with NAN, a Living Faith Church pastor, Mr. Johnson Elogu, said the suicide bomber forced his car into a group of worshippers.

He said: "At about 9.20 in the morning when those who attended the first service came out of the church, we heard a blast that shook the entire church building.

"People started running helter-skelter for their lives. I managed to come out only to discover that it was a case of suicide bombing.

"Several persons died while others were seriously injured and had been taken to the hospital."

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday asked Nigerians not to despair in the face of the continuing gruesome murder of innocent Nigerians by terrorist groups in bomb attacks like the one launched on a church in Bauchi State.

Presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, in a statement quoted the president as appealing to all Nigerians, especially those who occupy leadership positions, to fully support the federal government and security services in the fight against terrorism.

Jonathan said he believed strongly that no patriotic Nigerian should stand aloof while enemies of the nation wage a wicked war against innocent citizens.

The statement made available to LEADERSHIP reads in part: "President Jonathan conveys sincerest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the bombing and has directed federal medical and emergency services to do everything possible to assist the survivors.

"While the recurrence of a heinous attack on a place of worship is most regrettable, the president urges Nigerians not to be disheartened by it.

"Rather, he urges Nigerians and friends of the country to be comforted by the knowledge that the significant reduction in the frequency of such attacks in recent weeks is a clear indication of the increasing effectiveness of measures that have been put in place by the security services to combat the evil of terrorism.

"President Jonathan assures Nigerians that the armed forces and security services will continue to implement proactive counter-terrorism measures and intensify efforts to totally eradicate the scourge of mindless terrorism from the country."

In the same vein, the Bauchi State government has condemned the attack on the church, describing it as callous.

Chief press secretary to Governor Isa Yuguda, Mr. Ishola Michael, said such act was not in the best interest of the state and the country.

He said the government received the news of the incident with shock and disbelief, noting that the perpetrators were cowards.

He urged all those with grievances to embrace dialogue, stressing the need for people to embrace peace.

from allAfrica
Leadership (Abuja)

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Malian rebels quit accord signed with al Qaeda affiliate

By


Less than a week after Tuareg rebels belonging to the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) merged with the al Qaeda-supported Ansar Dine (Defenders of Faith) Islamist group and signed an accord to create the Islamic Republic of Azawad in northern Mali, leaders from the MNLA have publicly revoked their support for the accord.

Ansar Dine fighters fly al Qaeda's banner in Northern Mali in late April 2012. (Source: PanAfrican News Wire)
"The political wing, the executive wing of the MNLA, faced with the intransigence of Ansar Dine on applying sharia in Azawad and in line with its resolutely secular stance, denounce the accord with this organization and declare all its dispositions null and void," read a written message attributed to senior MNLA political leader Hama Ag Mahmoud on June 1. Other senior political MNLA officials, including Magdi Ag Bohada, have also disavowed the accord.

Discord between the MNLA and Ansar Dine occurred almost immediately after both parties signed the agreement on May 26 that established an independent Tuareg state in northern Mali reinforced by the imposition of sharia.

Senior MNLA members have long been uneasy with Ansar Dine's harsh interpretation of Islam and desire for a strict version of sharia law. "We want sharia similar to that in Mauritania or even Egypt. This point must be clarified," Ibrahim Ag Assaleh, an MNLA official in the northern city of Gao, told Reuters three days after the accord was signed. The MNLA has also strongly disagreed with Ansar Dine about what types of punishments should be implemented against those accused of committing a crime, specifically the amputation of hands.

Despite the public statements by MNLA leaders renouncing their support for the accord, armed Ansar Dine militiamen continue to patrol the streets of northern Mali's population centers, including Gao, Kial, and Timbuktu, enforcing sharia no matter how unpopular the new restrictions have become among residents who have long observed moderate Islamic values and customs.

Local Tuaregs have protested against Ansar Dine's attempt to enforce a strict dress code, the prohibition of alcohol and smoking of cigarettes in public, and the closure of cinemas. According to The New York Times, Ansar Dine militiamen have defaced the shrine of a 15th-century Sufi saint, music has been banned from the radio, and the black flags of Ansar Dine, which mirror those of al Qaeda, have been draped around the urban environs of northern Mali. These and other unpopular restrictions have forced many residents to flee northern Mail since the MNLA and Ansar Dine consolidated power in the region around a month ago.

The United Nations estimates that more than 160,000 Malians have fled to the neighboring countries of Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and Niger, and more than 140,000 residents have been displaced in Mali itself since the Malian government collapsed in late March.

The current political crisis between the MNLA and Ansar Dine has prompted senior members of Ansar Dine, including its leader and former MNLA spokesman Iyad Ag Ghali, to travel back to Gao from an undisclosed location in an attempt to salvage the May 26 accord. Some members of Ansar Dine believe the voice of dissent among the MNLA is restricted to the movement's political wing, and view the crisis as a minor, if not irrelevant, development.
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4 Afghan soldiers killed, 16 injured in militants attacks

Afghan defense ministry officials following a press release on Sunday announced at least 20 Afghan national army soldiers were killed or injured following roadside bomb explosions and militants attack during the past 24 hours.

The source further added four Afghan national army soldiers were killed following roadside bomb explosions at Maidan Wardak, Kandahar, Farah and provinces of Afghanistan and 16 others were injured.

Afghan defense officials following the statement also added Afghan army soldiers seizes some weapons, ammunitions and explosives including 3 improvised explosive devices during the operations.

Afghan army seized 5 AK-47 rifles, 4 Rocket Launchers along with 13 of missiles and 3 hand grenades from Orgu district of north-eastern Badakhshan province.

In a separate operation at Andar district of eastern Ghazni province Afghan national army soldiers seized 2 AK-47 rifles along with a motorcycle used by militants, while 2 AK-47 rifles, 1 Rocket Launcher were seized from Pul-e-Khumri city of northern Baghlan province.

from KHAAMA
By Sajad - Sun Jun 03, 3:50 pm
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65 school girls poisoned in north-eastern Takhar province

Districts of Takhar Province
Districts of Takhar Province (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
According to local authorities in north-eastern Takhar province at least 65 school girls were poisoned at Farkhar district in this province.

Provincial governor spokesman Mustafa Rasooli said the students were taken to hospital for treatment purposes and a number of them discharged from the hospital.

In the meantime local officials said at least 4 suspects including a Pakistani woman have been detained in connection to the poisoning of school girls in this province.

This is the 6th time that the schools have been poisoned in north-eastern Takhar province recently. The school girls were on Sunday poisoned at Nahid Shahid high school at Farkhar district.

No group including the Taliban militants have so far claimed responsibility behind the poisoning of school girls however there are fears of militants groups behind the incident who oppose girls’ education in the country.

from KHAAMA
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Suicide car bombing kills five tribal fighters in south Yemen

SANAA/ADEN, June 4 (Xinhua) -- A suicide bomber drove an explosive-laden vehicle into a tribal checkpoint in Yemen's southern province of Abyan on Monday, killing at least five tribal fighters, a local security official told Xinhua.

"Five tribesmen at a checkpoint on a main road outside Lauder town in Abyan were killed when an al-Qaida suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into them," the official said anonymously.

The bomber was also killed, while two other pro-government tribesmen were wounded, he added.

"All of the victims are tribal militiamen who were involved in fighting alongside the army forces against the al-Qaida group last month," he said.

A witness told Xinhua that "a car with one driver coming from the al-Qaida seized city of Shakra was exploded on the main road that links Lauder town."

The Yemeni government troops have waged an intensive military campaign, with the support of the United States and Yemen's oil- rich neighbor Saudi Arabia, against several bastions of the al- Qaida terrorist group in Abyan province since last month.

The offensive aimed at recapturing several southern towns and cities seized by the Yemen-based al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula during last year's political chaos.

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