Friday, June 15, 2012

Explosion in a market kill 11 people in Kandahar province

Districts of Kandahar. Panjwai is shown in dar...
Districts of Kandahar. Maroof is on the right side (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
According to local authorities in southern Kandahar province at least 11 people were killed following an explosion in this province.

The officials further added the incident took place on Friday at Maroof district in a local market.

A provincial governor spokesman Jaweed Faisal confirming the report said the incident took place after a motorcycle packed with explosives went off in a market at Maroof district, killing 11 people and injuring 11 others.

No group including the Taliban militants have so far claimed responsibility behind the incident.

from KHAAMA
By Sajad - Fri Jun 15, 2:27 pm
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Al Shabab Attacks Somali, Ethiopians Forces in Yurkud,Gedo Region

YURKUD (Sh.M.Network)- A witness says Al shabab fighters have launched an attack on Somali and Ethiopian troops in Yurkut village which locates near the border between Bay and Gedo regions of southwestern Somalia.

The fighting broke out when Al shabab fighters armed with heavy and small weapons ambushed a convoy of vehicles carrying Somali and Ethiopian forces in Yurkud village, sparking face-to-face confrontation.

Residents in the two nearest villages say they heard explosions and gun fire which they believe to be an indication of heavy fighting erupted in Yurkud on Thursday afternoon.

“The fighting is now over and (the Al Shabab) have been heavily repelled during the attack and many of their fighters were killed by the coalition forces,” said Isac Gees-dheer, ASWJ official who gave an interview to Shabelle Media.

Shabelle Media cannot independently confirm the casualties of the warring sides, but ASWJ claims victory.

Somali government and Al shabab are yet to comment on the battle. Yurkut is a key position on the supply line for Ethiopian forces in Bay and Gedo region of southwestern Somalia.

Al shabab which merged Al Qaeda early this year continues to carry out attacks on Ethiopian, AMISOM and Somali troops despite the group was pushed out from several towns they controlled in south and central Somalia.

from Shabelle
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Yemeni army retakes third al-Qaida-held town

An army tank is driven on a road near the southern Yemeni city of Zinjibar June 14, 2012 (REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah)
The Yemeni army entered the southern city of Shuqra on Friday after al-Qaeda militants pulled out, the third bastion of the extremist group to fall in the south of Yemen in one week, a local official said.
“The army has entered Shuqra after al-Qaeda fighters fled towards Azzan,” some 110 kilometers (70 miles) northeast of the coastal city, said the official asking not to be identified.

Shuqra was the last major stronghold of al-Qaeda in Abyan province to fall to government forces, which launched an all-out offensive last month that had already resulted in the recapture of the towns of Jaar and Zinjibar.

Earlier on Thursday, a local Yemeni official and residents said Islamist militants were seen fleeing from the advancing Yemeni army.
Thousands of soldiers backed by tanks and war planes launched an offensive last month and were joined by local tribesmen opposed to the militants.

The United States has provided training and other support, including drone strikes, concerned its Islamist foes have gained a new foothold in the Middle East.

Their advance has fuelled fears about al Qaeda’s presence in a country next to Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter, and close to shipping lanes.
In Sana’a, the Yemeni Interior Ministry warned that Islamist militants could resort to attacks following its defeat in southern Yemen and said it was beefing up security in the capital and other cities against such attacks.

“Security forces have warned that al-Qaeda, in light of the humiliating defeat, could resort to terrorist operations to take revenge for the great victory achieved by the armed forces in destroying the dens of terror in Jaar and Zinjibar,” it said in a statement.

Ansar al-Sharia had earlier said it would seek to spread the war across Yemen after it was forced to abandon the towns, according to the SITE Intelligence Group which monitors militant websites.

from Al Arabiya
Last Updated: Fri Jun 15, 2012 11:03 am (KSA) 08:03 am (GMT)

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ANSF and Australian SOTG neutralise suicide bomb network and capture key insurgents

Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) and Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) personnel have detained several key insurgents during counter-insurgency missions in May, including a number of suspected insurgent commanders.

Force elements also detained persons of interest who are believed to be responsible for a suicide bomb attack in Tarin Kot on 20 May 2012, in which two coalition soldiers were killed and eight others wounded.

Special Operations Task Group Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel J said these insurgents were likely involved in a range of activities throughout the province.

“The insurgents detained are suspected of being experienced improvised explosive device builders – including suicide bombs – and facilitators. One was also likely involved in the procurement of materials for explosive device production,” Lieutenant Colonel J said.

Another insurgent commander is suspected of direct involvement in targeting Afghan Government officials.

Lieutenant Colonel J said the removal of these alleged insurgent commanders was a significant result.

“The unrelenting pressure of Afghan National Security Force and Special Operations Task Group operations in recent months has continued to degrade insurgent leadership, which has lowered insurgent morale and willingness to fight,” he said.

“By removing key leaders from their positions of command we are continuing to disrupt insurgent networks, which is reducing their effectiveness and making Uruzgan Province safer,” Lieutenant Colonel J said.

“We are likely to see the halting of operations and a reduction in the frequency of insurgent attacks because of the loss of these commanders.”

from Australian DoD
14 June 2012
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June 15., 2012. - ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force killed Haqqani commander Eid Mohammad and multiple insurgents during an operation in Sharan district, Paktika province, today.

Eid Mohammed coordinated and personally conducted attacks against coalition and Afghan forces while also providing weapons to Haqqani fighters throughout the region.

As Afghan and coalition troops approached Eid Mohammed’s location, the Haqqani commander and armed insurgents maneuvered to attack them. The security force engaged and killed Eid Mohammad and multiple insurgents. No civilians were harmed in the exchange.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

North

An Afghan and coalition security force killed multiple insurgents during an operation to capture a Taliban commander in Warduj district, Badakhshan province, today. The commander serves directly under the Taliban shadow governor for Badakhshan and coordinates attacks throughout the province. As the security force approached the Taliban commander’s suspected location, they were attacked with small-arms fire. The force returned fire, killing multiple insurgents. Explosive materials were seized in the operation.

East

In Charkh district, Logar province, Afghan and coalition security forces captured a Taliban commander, today. The commander was responsible for the purchase and distribution of weapons, explosives and ammunition to Taliban insurgents throughout the region. In addition he served as a Taliban information officer, responsible for acquiring reports on insurgent attacks and providing this information to senior Taliban leaders. The security force detained several suspected insurgents and seized one AK-47, one pistol and multiple AK-47 magazines as a result of this operation.

An Afghan-led security force, supported by coalition troops, conducted an operation to capture a Haqqani leader in Sabari district, Khost province, today. The Haqqani leader commands an improvise explosive device cell which conducts attacks throughout the region. The security force detained two suspected insurgents and seized one rifle and small-arms ammunition during the operation.

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June 14., 2012. - RC-East operational update

BAGRAM, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces killed five insurgents during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, June 14.

Kunar province
Afghan National Army soldiers and coalition forces killed four insurgent during a small arms engagement in Darah Ye Pech district.

Wardak province
Afghan National Army soldiers and coalition forces killed one insurgent during a small arms engagement in Sayyidabad district.


Operations in RC-East are still ongoing.

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R.I.P. - Sgt. 1st Class Barett W. McNabb

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

            The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

            Sgt. 1st Class Barett W. McNabb, 33, of Chino Valley, Ariz., died June 12, in Khakrez, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when he was attacked by an enemy improvised explosive device.

            McNabb was assigned to the 562nd Engineer Company, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

            For more information related to this release, the media may contact the I Corps public affairs office at 253-477-3048 or 253-370-9861.

---
by KING 5 News
NWCN.com
Posted on June 14, 2012 at 3:46 PM
Updated today at 3:46 PM


The Pentagon announced Thursday that Sgt. 1st Class Barett W. McNabb, of Chino Valley, Ariz., died June 12, in Khakrez, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when he was attacked by an enemy improvised explosive device.

Barett was assigned to the 562nd Engineer Company, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

"Sgt. 1st Class McNabb was an inspirational and highly motivated leader who always put the needs of his Sappers [engineer Soldiers] before his own,” said 1st Lt. Robert Gold, executive officer of the 562nd Engineer Company.

“Always quick with a joke and a smile, McNabb's personality could light up the darkest place. McNabb was the true embodiment of what it means to be a Sapper and will be missed by all of his fellow Sappers in the 562nd Engineer Company," Gold said.

Barett entered the military in 1999. This was his first deployment to Afghanistan.
---

Governor Lowers Flags in Honor of Chino Valley's Sgt. 1st Class Barett W. McNabb

Written by  Governor Brewer
 
Lowering Flags for Fallen Soldier Barett W. McNabb
 
“It is with a heavy heart that I ask you to join me in offering a prayer for a fallen Arizona hero. Sgt. 1st Class Barett W. McNabb, 33, of Chino Valley, Arizona, was killed Tuesday while serving his country in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. 1st Class McNabb was in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol. He was assigned to the 562nd Engineer Company, 2nd Infantry Division, based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, in Washington.
“On Thursday, we will commemorate Flag Day and reflect upon those who serve and sacrifice in the name of our Nation and its Stars and Stripes. Please keep Sgt. 1st Class McNabb in your thoughts, and offer a special prayer for him and his loved ones. Also, please pray for his fellow brothers and sisters in uniform as they continue to risk their lives in defense of the freedoms we hold dear.

“In honor of Sgt. 1st Class Barett W. McNabb, I have ordered that all State flags be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, June 14, 2012, as well as on the day of interment, for which services are pending. May we never forget his service.”


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At least 15 militants killed in Dir, Orakzai

ORAKZAI: At least six militants were killed by Pakistani forces, in an act of retaliation, at the Pak-Afghan border on Thursday, DawnNews reported.

Pakistani forces opened their fire after they were attacked by the militants from the other side of the border.

The incident took place in the mountain region of upper Dir area.

Meanwhile in Orakzai agency’s Mamuzai area, jet-bombing of the Pakistani forces killed at least nine militants and their hideouts were also demolished.

According to the sub-collector Hameed Khan, “Jet-bombing of the Pakistani security forces on suspected militant hideouts, at least nine militants were killed and six hideouts were destroyed in Mamuzai area of Orakzai.”

“Ninety two percent of Orakzai area is not under the control of the militants, ” security sources said.

from DAWN
4 hours ago
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Police officer among 4 injured in Ghazni blast

English: Map of the districts of Ghazni provin...
English: Map of the districts of Ghazni province of Afghanistan. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
KABUL (PAN): A district police chief was injured along with three of his guards when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb in southern Ghazni province on Thursday, an official said.

The Khwaja Omari district police chief, Ahmad Zia, was on a patrol in the Haji area when the blast ripped through his vehicle, injuring him and his guards, provincial police chief Brig. Gen. Zarawar Zahid told Pajhwok. The explosion extensively damaged the vehicle.

But Ghazni Civil Hospital Director Dr. Baz Mohammad Himmat said they had received five injured people, included a district police chief. Zia’s condition was out of danger, he added.

As usual, the Taliban asserted responsibility for the attack, saying that five policemen were killed -- a claim dismissed by security officials.

The incident came two days after a roadside bomb hit a police vehicle in the Khudadad area on the outskirts of Ghazni City, injuring five policemen.

In western Herat province, a dozen insurgents were detained during a joint security operation in Shindand district.

Police spokesman Col. Abdul Rauf Ahmad said the joint operation was conducted late on Wednesday night south of the district. The detainees included three commanders.

from Pajhwok

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Yemeni army kills 40 al-Qaida militants in restive south

ADEN, Yemen, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Yemeni army troops backed by pro-government militiamen have killed at least 40 al-Qaida militants in the southern province of Abyan on Thursday, the defense ministry said.

The army troops supported by dozens of pro-government militiamen attempted took control of a key site near Shakra, a coastal town on a major shipping route, after they launched a wide- scale attack on an al-Qaida stronghold in Abyan province, the country's defense ministry said in a text message obtained by Xinhua.

Battles for control of the Shakra coastal town, one of the last remaining al-Qaida strongholds in Abyan, killed about 40 al-Qaida militants, the ministry said.

"More than 300 members of the al-Qaida terrorist group suffer from a suffocating siege imposed by our brave soldiers that restricts all movement ... including land, air and sea space," the ministry added.

A military official told Xinhua anonymously that three soldiers were killed and 13 wounded in armed clashes with al-Qaida militants in Shakra town.

Fighting is going to continue overnight as the al-Qaida militants still hold small parts and neighborhoods in Shakra, the officer said.

Earlier in the day, scores of militants of the Yemen-based al- Qaida wing have withdrawn from Yemen's southern town of Shakra, which they overran a year ago, a Yemeni security official said.

The security official said that the al-Qaida militants along with several vehicles loaded with weapons have left Shakra, after the army drove them out of two other cities in Abyan.

On Tuesday, the Yemeni armed forces took control of Jaar and Zinjibar, two major al-Qaida strongholds in Abyan that had been under al-Qaida control for more than a year.

The Yemeni government troops have waged an intensive military campaign since last month, with support of the United States and Yemen's oil-rich neighbor Saudi Arabia, to uproot the al-Qaida militants from the southern regions.


from XINHUA
2012-06-15 03:34:11


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