Monday, September 17, 2012

Terrorist attack on Kabul Pul-e-Charkhi prison foiled

Afghan intelligence forces arrested a Pakistani national in connection to terrorist attack on Kabul Central Pul-e-Charkhi prison.

Afghan Interior Ministry following a statement said the suspected militant was plotting attack on Pul-e-Charkhi prison and was arrested by interior ministry intelligence officers.

The source further added the detained individual was recognized as Tarifullah, resident of Peshawar and has confessed to his crime.

The arrested Pakistani militant said he was hired by mawlawi Rohullah in Taliban group a year ago  in Mardan Pakistan and was trained military and terrorist activities there.

He was a member of the Jamiat-e-Islam during the past 7 years and confirmed his role in key roadside bombings and attacks on coalition security forces in eastern Nangarhar province.

Afghan security forces arrested the suspected militant while he was looking to find out key areas in Kabul Pul-e-Charkhi prison in order to carry out and free Taliban militants.

from KHAAMA
By Sajad - Mon Sep 17, 3:00 pm

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Boko Haram Spokesman Reported Killed in Nigeria

Nigerian soldiers say troops have killed a man suspected of being a spokesman for the Islamist sect Boko Haram and arrested two of its field commanders.

A soldier who participated Monday in the operation in the northern part of the country told VOA that troops, acting on a tip, stopped a car at a checkpoint and killed the spokesman who used the alias Abul Qaqa.  However, there has been no official confirmation.

In March, Nigerian authorities claimed to have captured Abul Qaqa, but it turned out to be another member of the sect.

Boko Haram has been blamed for more than 1,400 deaths in Nigeria's central and northern regions, with statements issued to journalists on behalf of the group in the name of Abul Qaqa.

Gunmen associated with the sect have frequently carried out guerrilla attacks, including the killing of a family of four at point-blank range Sunday after they were herded into a room, and another group of six that was killed in front of their home.

Boko Haram has clashed frequently with the Nigerian central government. Its name means "Western education is sacrilege," and its adherents have advocated use of strict Sharia law across Nigeria.

from VOA News
September 17, 2012

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R.I.P. - Sergeant Gareth Thursby, Private Thomas Wroe (UK)

Sergeant Gareth Thursby and Private Thomas Wroe killed in Afghanistan

A Military Operations news article

16 Sep 12
It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Sergeant Gareth Thursby and Private Thomas Wroe, both of 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Duke of Wellington's) (3 YORKS) were killed in Afghanistan on Saturday 15 September 2012.

Sergeant Gareth Thursby (left) and Private Thomas James Wroe
[Picture: via MOD]
The two men were shot and fatally wounded by a rogue Afghan Local Policeman in Checkpoint Tora in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province.
Both men served proudly and in the highest traditions of The Yorkshire Regiment. They will never be forgotten.

Secretary of State for Defence Philip Hammond said:
"I was saddened to hear of this cowardly act by a man wearing an Afghan Local Police uniform, which has taken the lives of two brave British soldiers.
"All of our thoughts are with the families of Sergeant Gareth Thursby and Private Thomas Wroe. They gave their lives protecting Britain's national security, helping to make sure that Afghanistan never again becomes a haven for international terrorism."
 Sergeant Gareth Thursby, 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Duke of Wellington's)
Sergeant Gareth Thursby
[Picture: via MOD]
Sergeant Gareth David Thursby was born on the 21 September 1982. He attended South Craven School in Skipton before joining the British Army on 3 August 1999. After completing his training in early 2000, he joined 1st Battalion The Duke of Wellington's Regiment. His first deployment was to Kosovo in 2003 followed by Iraq in 2005. He passed the Section Commander's Battle Course to qualify for a posting to the Army Training Regiment in Pirbright as an instructor. Subsequently, he returned to the 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Duke of Wellington's) as a section commander. In October 2010 he was promoted to sergeant and assumed his role as a platoon sergeant in Alma Company.
Sergeant Thursby was deeply respected by all that worked with him and all that knew him. His professionalism and strength of character were his hallmark, as was his commitment to his men. His unswerving loyalty, moral courage and sense of duty were an example to all. He was 29 years old and is survived by his wife, Louise, and two children, Joshua and Ruby.
Sgt Thursby's wife, Louise, paid the following tribute to him:
"Gareth was the love of my life. He was an amazing husband and father, happy, full of life and kind hearted with a passion for his work and family. He was brave, hardworking, a loving husband who was a devoted father to his children. Our Hero."

Private Thomas James Wroe
[Picture: via MOD]
Private Thomas James Wroe, 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Duke of Wellington's) Private Thomas James Wroe was born in Huddersfield on 27th June 1994. He joined the British Army on 5th September 2010 and attended the Army Foundation College at Harrogate. On 11 November 2011 he completed his training and joined 3 YORKS. He was assigned to 3 Platoon, Alma Company as a Rifleman and completed demanding pre-deployment training, including qualifying as a Team Medic. Private Wroe spent several weeks working and training with the Battalion Rear Operations Group in the United Kingdom until he turned 18 years, deploying to join the rest of his Company on Operation HERRICK 16 on 1 July 2012.
Private Wroe was an outstanding example of a Yorkshire Regiment soldier. Even in the short time he had been with his Company he had shown himself to be enthusiastic, articulate and highly capable. He followed a strong family tradition of service in the Battalion and already had aspirations to attend a Junior Non-Commissioned Officer cadre. His quick witted sense of humour made him popular with all. Private Wroe was 18 years old and is survived by his parents, Michael and Claire and sister Demi, from Holmfirth, West Yorkshire.
Thomas's family paid this tribute:
"Our son Thomas was a brave young soldier, who is loved by his family, girlfriend and friends. We can't believe you have been taken so soon from us. You will always be in our hearts for ever and ever. You would light up the room with your smile and bubbly personality. Our world will be a duller place without you. We are so proud of you son, on all you achieved and we are grateful for every special thing you gave us. We will always love you Tom."
 READ MORE: http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/SergeantGarethThursbyAndPrivateThomasWroeKilledInAfghanistan.htm
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8 Afghan women killed in NATO airstrike in Eastern Afghanistan

Local authorities in eastern Laghman province of Afghanistan on Sunday announced, a number of Afghan women were killed following NATO airstrike in this province.

Provincial governor spokesman Sarhadi Zwak confirming the report said at least 8 Afghan women were killed and 7 others were injured following NATO air raid in Noorlam area at Alingar district on Saturday night.

Mr. Zwak further added the incident took place while Afghan women were collecting wood from the mountainous region in Alingar district.

Laghman province is one of the volatile region in eastern Afghanistan where militants have increased their insurgency activities. A number of insurgents have been killed following NATO airstrikes in this province during the recent months.

According to NATO-led coalition security forces insurgents are frequently carrying out attacks against the Afghan and NATO troops using the mountainous regions in this province.

In the meantime a number of local residents in Alingar district on Sunday demonstrated against the NATO airstrike and urged to probe the incident.

The demonstrators gathered near the provincial governor compound with the dead bodies of the Afghan women and accused NATO and provincial governor for the civilians casualties.

District Development Chief for Alingar Haji Noor Mohammad Khan said they want trial for the assailants who killed the Afghan women.

Provincial governor spokesman Sarhadi Zwak said they have informed NATO officials, Provincial governor administration and local security officials of the incident.

He said the operation was carried out without informing Afghan security forces however NATO officials denied the reports and said only insurgents were killed following the airstrike in Alingar district.

A NATO spokesman said coalition security forces were following a group of insurgents and were killed during the airstrike.

Meanwhile provincial governor spokesman Sarhadi Zwak said Laghman governor has sent a delegation in the area to probe the incident.

from KHAAMA
By Sajad - Sun Sep 16, 9:05 pm

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ISAF Release:

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan – The International Security Assistance Force has sent a joint incident assessment team to gather facts about a coalition forces operation in Laghman province yesterday which resulted in several Afghan civilian casualties.

The incident occurred as ISAF conducted an airstrike on a large group of armed individuals showing hostile intent in a rugged part of the province. While the airstrike killed several insurgents, the ISAF action also resulted in the unintentional deaths of a number of Afghan civilians.

Coalition forces take civilian casualties seriously and will conduct a complete assessment of the incident.

ISAF offers its sincerest regret to the families.

----
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44 Taliban militants killed in Afghan raids

KABUL, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- 44 Taliban militants have been killed in military operations in different Afghan provinces, the Interior Ministry said Monday.

"Afghan National Police (ANP), Afghan army and intelligence agency in collaboration with the NATO-led coalition forces launched seven operations in Kunar, Nangarhar, Kunduz, Wardak, Logar, Paktia and Helmand provinces, killing 44 armed Taliban insurgents and detaining 20 others within the past 24 hours," the ministry said in a statement.

The statement did not disclose if there were any casualties on the side of security forces.

The Taliban insurgents, who have been waging insurgency of more than one decade, have yet to confirm the death toll.

The Afghan forces and some 130,000 NATO-led coalition troops have intensified cleanup operations against insurgents recently.

from XINHUA
2012-09-17 13:37:24

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Taliban insider attacker killed in NATO airstrike in Kunar

Afghan and coalition forces today confirmed the death of the Taliban insurgent behind the May 11 insider attack that killed one coalition service member.

NATO-led International Security Assistance Force following a statement on Monday announced, the insurgent, known as Mahmood, was killed in an Afghan and coalition airstrike in Bar Kunar district, Kunar province, Saturday. The successful strike was the result of Afghan and coalition efforts to track down and find insurgents involved with insider attacks.

Also killed in the strike were more than a dozen armed insurgents, including several Taliban leaders operating in the region. A post-strike assessment determined no civilians were harmed and there was no damage to any civilian structures.

The source further added, Afghan and coalition forces today confirmed the death of Asadullah, an al-Qaida-associated facilitator, during a security operation in Asadabad district, Kunar province, Saturday.

Asadullah was positively identified during an Afghan and coalition security operation and engaged with a precision airstrike after it was determined no civilians were in the area. Asadullah supported operations of terrorist networks, organizing and conducting attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the Watahpur Valley. He is also believed to be behind an Aug. 8 suicide attack. A post-strike assessment determined no civilians were harmed and there was no damage to civilian structures.

ISAF following the statement also added, Afghan and coalition forces today confirmed the death of Mullah Jalal, the Taliban leader for Ghaziabad district, Kunar province, during a security operation Saturday. The security force positively identified Mullah Jalal during the operation in northeastern Kunar and, after determining no civilians were in the area, engaged him with a precision airstrike.

Mullah Jalal is suspected of controlling all Taliban activity in Ghaziabad and, prior to his death, issued plans to increase attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces. He also met frequently with other Taliban senior leaders to discuss strategies against the local Afghan forces. At the time of the airstrike, Mullah Jalal and multiple armed insurgents were preparing attacks on nearby Afghan security forces. Several of the armed insurgents were also killed during the operation. A post-strike assessment determined no civilians were harmed and there was no damage to civilian structures.

In a separate operation, Afghan and coalition security force killed Rashid, a Taliban attack specialist, during a security operation in Sayyidabad district, Wardak province, ISAF said following the statemetn adding that as the security force approached Rashid’s location, the attack specialist and several armed insurgents fired upon the Afghan and coalition troops. The security force returned fire, killing Rashid and several other insurgents. No civilians were harmed in the exchange.

Rashid, also known as Zubair, is believed to have planned and conducted several ambush-style attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in recent months. He had been known to use mortars, heavy machine guns and mines to conduct these ambush attacks. At the time of his death, the Rashid was involved in attempting to acquire additional weapons to support further insurgent attacks in the region. The security force also detained one suspected insurgent and seized several assault rifles as a result of this operation.

Anti-government armed militant groups yet to comment regarding the reports.

from KHAAMA
By Sajad - Mon Sep 17, 11:38 am

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Seven killed in attack on Baghdad Green Zone

A resident stands next to his wounded son in a hospital after a bomb attack in Baghdad's Shula district. (Reuters)
A suicide bomber on Monday killed seven people when he blew his vehicle up at an entrance to Baghdad’s heavily secured Green Zone, which protects Iraqi government offices and the U.S. embassy, officials said.

The attacker drove to the entrance situated at the July 14 bridge across the Tigris River before triggering the explosives, security officials said.

Medics and security officials put the initial toll at seven dead and at least 24 people injured.

from AL ARABIYA
Monday, 17 September 2012 

---

from REUTERS:
BAGHDAD | Mon Sep 17, 2012 7:43am BST
(Reporting by Kareem Raheem and Ahmed Rasheed Writing by Sylvia Westall; Editing by Louise Ireland)


(Reuters) - A suicide car bomber killed four Iraqis and wounded 11 others close to an entrance to Baghdad's fortified Green Zone, where several Western embassies are located, three police sources said on Monday.

The central area, known officially as the International Zone, houses diplomatic missions including the U.S. embassy.

The blast was near Baghdad's July 14th suspension bridge which leads into the zone. Two of the four killed were soldiers, the sources said.

"Cars were lining up waiting to be searched at the checkpoint that leads to the Green Zone and suddenly a speeding car exploded nearby," said one police source whose patrol was stationed near the scene of the attack scene.

"Some people died inside cars and I saw two soldiers lying on the ground. We immediately closed the area," the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

The last attacks in the capital occurred on September 9 when a series of bombs in mainly Shi'ite Baghdad districts ended one of the bloodiest days of the year with more than 100 killed across the country.
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Sep. 17., 2012. - ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition forces today confirmed the death of the Taliban insurgent behind the May 11 insider attack that killed one coalition service member.

The insurgent, known as Mahmood, was killed in an Afghan and coalition airstrike in Bar Kunar district, Kunar province, Saturday. The successful strike was the result of Afghan and coalition efforts to track down and find insurgents involved with insider attacks.

Also killed in the strike were more than a dozen armed insurgents, including several Taliban leaders operating in the region.

A post-strike assessment determined no civilians were harmed and there was no damage to any civilian structures.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

East

Afghan and coalition forces today confirmed the death of Asadullah, an al-Qaida-associated facilitator, during a security operation in Asadabad district, Kunar province, Saturday. Asadullah was positively identified during an Afghan and coalition security operation and engaged with a precision airstrike after it was determined no civilians were in the area. Asadullah supported operations of terrorist networks, organizing and conducting attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the Watahpur Valley. He is also believed to be behind an Aug. 8 suicide attack. A post-strike assessment determined no civilians were harmed and there was no damage to civilian structures.

Afghan and coalition forces today confirmed the death of Mullah Jalal, the Taliban leader for Ghaziabad district, Kunar province, during a security operation Saturday. The security force positively identified Mullah Jalal during the operation in northeastern Kunar and, after determining no civilians were in the area, engaged him with a precision airstrike. Mullah Jalal is suspected of controlling all Taliban activity in Ghaziabad and, prior to his death, issued plans to increase attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces. He also met frequently with other Taliban senior leaders to discuss strategies against the local Afghan forces. At the time of the airstrike, Mullah Jalal and multiple armed insurgents were preparing attacks on nearby Afghan security forces. Several of the armed insurgents were also killed during the operation. A post-strike assessment determined no civilians were harmed and there was no damage to civilian structures.

An Afghan and coalition security force killed Rashid, a Taliban attack specialist, during a security operation in Sayyidabad district, Wardak province, today. As the security force approached Rashid’s location, the attack specialist and several armed insurgents fired upon the Afghan and coalition troops. The security force returned fire, killing Rashid and several other insurgents. No civilians were harmed in the exchange. Rashid, also known as Zubair, is believed to have planned and conducted several ambush-style attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in recent months. He had been known to use mortars, heavy machine guns and mines to conduct these ambush attacks. At the time of his death, the Rashid was involved in attempting to acquire additional weapons to support further insurgent attacks in the region. The security force also detained one suspected insurgent and seized several assault rifles as a result of this operation.

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Sep. 17., 2012. - RC-East operational update

BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces killed three insurgents and cleared eight improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Sept. 16.

Ghazni province
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces killed an insurgent during an engagement in Ghazni district.

Kapisa province
Afghan National Army soldiers and coalition forces found and safely cleared an improvised explosive device in Tagab district.

Afghan National Army soldiers and coalition forces killed two insurgents during engagements in Tagab district.

Khowst province
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces found and safely cleared three improvised explosive devices, two in Gurbuz district and one in Khowst district.

Laghman province
Afghan National Army soldiers and coalition forces found and safely cleared an improvised explosive device in Alisheng district.

Paktika province
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces found and safely cleared an improvised explosive device in Zerok district.

Paktiya province
Afghan National Army soldiers and coalition forces found and safely cleared an improvised explosive device in Dzadran district.

Wardak province
Afghan National Army soldiers and coalition forces found and safely cleared an improvised explosive device in Sayyidabad district.

Operations in RC-East are still ongoing.

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R.I.P. - Lance Corporal Duane Groom (UK)

A British soldier who was killed in Afghanistan on Friday when his vehicle hit a roadside bomb has been named as Lance Corporal Duane Groom from The Queen's Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards.

The Ministry of Defence said the 32-year-old, who was born in Suva City, Fiji, was protecting his Afghan and British colleagues as they extracted from a successful operation when he was killed in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province.

Lieutenant Colonel James Bowder, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, said: "Lance Corporal Groom was an outstanding soldier in every respect. Tough, keen, and unflappable, he was utterly committed to his fellows and the cause.

"We are all tremendously proud of what he achieved during his time in the regiment, and particularly out here in Afghanistan where he contributed so much.

"His many friends and the broader battlegroup will never forget this most talented of men. Moreover, we are determined to finish the mission that he so bravely helped to start.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends outside the regiment at this most difficult of times."

L/Cpl Groom joined the British Army in 2007. Having completed his combat infantryman's course, he moved to Nijmegen Company, Grenadier Guards, where he participated in public duties and ceremonial tasks at royal palaces.

Two years later he joined 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, training in Kenya before deploying to Afghanistan in September 2009 with The Queen's Company.

He also took part in the Infantry Skiing Championships in early 2011 and attended a Junior Non-Commissioned Officer Cadre in January 2012.

Newly-promoted, he deployed to Afghanistan for his second tour of duty in April as a member of the Operations Company for Combined Force Nahr-e Saraj (North).

As well as working with his parent company, for seven weeks of the tour he provided force protection for British military advisors to the Afghan National Army. He was performing this role when he was killed.

Corporal Joe Roligadra, 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh, said: "I have known Duane since I was 14 and he was always like a big brother to me.

"He was the sort of person who always had your back covered in good times and in bad times. We have been through a lot together before we joined the Army and he was always very decent and generous to me.

"The loyalty that he showed me was over and above that of normal brotherhood. I remember that when things got rough he would always tell 'Joe, everything is going to be okay,' and he always shared everything he had with me.

"He was a caring and honest person and was full of life; when growing up in Fiji together I always used to say that he had 'the best smile in paradise'.

"The more I think about him, the more I miss him. He was the perfect brother that I had always wished for.

"We always planned to join the British Army together and although we ended up in different regiments, he loved his new job and soldiering was everything to him.

"He loved it because it restored the virtues in life that we had lost and had always hoped to regain. He was the best friend, brother and soldier ever, and I will miss a true and great person."

Secretary of State for Defence, Philip Hammond, said: "I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Lance Corporal Duane Groom and my thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.

"Lance Corporal Groom was a dedicated solider and well-respected serviceman, and his loss is a great tragedy.

"Lance Corporal Groom gave his life protecting Britain's national security; his efforts will not be in vain, and he will not be forgotten."
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