Car Bombs Kill 18 in Southern Iraq

Street cleaners remove debris on the road after a car bomb exploded in Diwaniya province, 150 km (95 miles) south of Baghdad, April 29, 2013.

Car bombs have exploded in predominantly Shi'ite areas of central and southern Iraq, killing at least 18 people and wounding more than 50 others.
Two of the blasts Monday happened in Amarah, 300 kilometers southeast of Baghdad.  Officials say those bombings killed at least nine people.

Deadly bombings also hit Diwaniyah, Karbala and Mahmoudiya.

Iraq has seen a surge in violence in the past week that has left at least 180 people dead.

It began last Tuesday when government troops raided a Sunni protest site in the central town of Hawija.  Clashes there left 53 people dead and were followed by unrest in western and northern Iraq.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has appealed for calm and dialogue, urging Iraqis in a televised address Thursday "not to remain silent" about what he called efforts by terrorists to drag the country back toward a sectarian civil war.

The violence is the deadliest in four months of protests by Iraq's minority Sunnis, who have been demanding Mr. Maliki's resignation.

They accuse his Shi'ite-led government of marginalizing the Sunni community and unfairly targeting its leaders for prosecution and arrest.

from VOA News
April 29, 2013

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Nigeria: JTF Kills Top Boko Haram Commander in Combined Operation

The military Joint Task Force (JTF) in Borno State, Operation Restore Order, Friday , killed a top commander of the Boko Haram sect, Mohammed Chad, in Maiduguri, the state capital, during a joint special operation with the men of the State Security Services (SSS).
Chad, who had been on the wanted list of the JTF, was said to have been killed in the Ruwan Zafi ward of the town at about 3am on Friday.

The killed Boko Haram commander was said to be a successor to one Ba'ana Assalafi, a Boko Haram commander who was killed during a shoot-out with security agencies in Sokoto last March

Military sources in the state fingered Chad as the mastermind of the multiple attacks and killings at Sanda Kyarimi Secondary School, Maiduguri where a teacher was shot dead and three female students were injured on March 18.

The JTF spokesman in the state, Lt. Col Sagir Musa, confirmed Chad's killing in a statement made available to newsmen yesterday.

"This special operation led to the death of a notorious Boko Haram terrorist, aka Mohammed Chad, an indigene of Marte, Borno State that has been on the wanted list of the

JTF. Intelligence indicated that he was involved in the planning and execution of many terror attacks in and outside Borno State.

"The killed suspected commander, is also believed to be the successor to Ba'ana Assalafi, a key Boko Haram commander that lost his life during a shoot out with security agencies in Sokoto," Sagir said in the statement

Cripple, 3 Others Remanded for Alleged Gang Rape - Adibe Emenyonu

A cripple and three other persons have been remanded in prison custody by an Oredo Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Benin City for allegedly gang-raping a 22 year old girl.

The accused persons , Saturday Enabulele(28), Moses Okoeki(18), Osasumwen Enina (17) and Junior Odubu(20), were also alleged to have on April 13 at 9 Akugbe Street, Siluko Road, Benin City, beat up the girl, tore her pant, shirt and skirt and dipped their fingers into her private part and consequently filmed her with a camera phone.

Apart from filming the victim's nudity and showing same to people, the prosecution further alleged that the accused persons and others now at large collected the girl's Nokia handset and wallet containing the sum of N10,000.

They pleaded not guilty to the 12-count charge brought against them and the trial Chief Magistrate, Peter Edo Asemota, had to remand them in prison custody in view of the prevalent rate of the offence within the court's jurisdiction. Hearing was adjourned to May 7.

from allAfrica/This Day
By Michael Olugbode, 28 April 2013

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Suicide Bomber Kills 8 in NW Pakistan

A police officer collects evidence from the site of a bomb blast on University Road in Peshawar, Apr. 29, 2013.

Pakistani police say a suicide bomber killed at least eight people and wounded 45 others in the northwestern city of Peshawar, as violence in Pakistan spikes ahead of the country's elections May 11.

Authorities say Monday's attack was carried out by a man on a motorbike and targeted the convoy of a senior official, who had left the scene just prior to the explosion.  The blast damaged a passing police vehicle and passenger bus.

Among the dead is the son of prominent Afghan cleric Qazi Amin Waqad.  The cleric is a member of Afghanistan's High Peace Council, which is working to bring the Afghan Taliban to peace talks with the government in Kabul.

Reports say the Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for Monday's attack, making it the latest in a wave of political violence that has killed dozens of people since April 11.  Most of the attacks have targeted candidates from secular parties opposed to the Taliban.

On Sunday, three Taliban bomb attacks in northwest Pakistan killed at least nine people at political campaign offices.

Two more Taliban bomb blasts Saturday targeted secular parties in Pakistan's largest city of Karachi.  At least three people died in those attacks.

The May 11 elections will mark the first time a Pakistani civilian government has served a full term and passed government leadership on to a new civilian administration.

from VOA News
April 29, 2013

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ISAF cargo plane crashes in Bagram

Map of Afghanistan with Parwan highlighted (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

CHARIKAR (PAN): An International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) cargo plane crashed in central Parwan province on Monday afternoon, officials said.
The aircraft went soon after takeoff from the US main military base in Bagram at about 4pm, the district police chief, Col Zmarai Nasiri, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

He linked the incident to a technical fault, saying further details were awaited.

In response to an emailed query from Pajhwok, the ISAF media office confirmed the crash. “At 15:30 hours, a civilian cargo aircraft crashed on Bagram Airfield immediately after takeoff.”

Emergency responders were currently on the scene, it said, adding there was no sign of any insurgent activity in the area.

Meanwhile, the Taliban claimed shooting down the plane. The group’s spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said all those on board the plane were killed.

from Pajhwok
By Farid Tanha Apr 29, 2013 - 17:00

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In Several Joint Clearance Operations, 37 Armed Taliban Killed (Apr.29.2013)

Publish Date: Apr 29, 2013

 
Counterterrorism:
In past 24 hours, Afghan National Police conducted several joint clearance operations with the cooperation of Afghan National Army, NDS and Coalition Forces to clean some of the areas from terrorists and enemies of peace and stability of Afghanistan.

The operations were conducted in Nangarhar, Baghlan, Kandahar, Zabul, Maidan Wardak, Ghazni and Paktika provinces, as a result 37 armed Taliban were killed, 13 wounded and 11 other armed Taliban were arrested by Afghan National Security Forces.                                                                                     

Also, during these operations, Afghan National Police discovered and confiscated some amount of light and heavy round ammunitions and IEDs.

Counter Crimes:
The 101 Kabul Zone National Police detained four suspects accused of theft in the 7th and 10th Districts of Kabul-City.

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Apr. 29., 2013. - ISAF Joint Command Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Haqqani leader during an operation in Nadir Shah Kot district, Khost province, today.

The leader has operational control over a group of insurgent fighters responsible for ambush attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in Nadir Shah Kot district. He has engaged in assassinations against Afghans who work with the local government, and is in charge of acquiring and emplacing improvised explosive devices throughout the region.

The security force also seized an AK-47 and a pistol as a result of the operation.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

North

Afghan and coalition security forces confirmed today the death of an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader, Haji Hafiz, during an operation in Burkah district, Baghlan province, April 9. Hafiz was in charge of a cell of insurgent fighters responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He and his subordinates engaged in improvised explosive device operations and facilitated the movement of weapons to other insurgent groups in the region.

ANA Special Forces of the 5th Special Operations Kandak and Afghan Local Police detained three insurgents and destroyed an IED in the vicinity of Tash Guzar village, Imam Sahib district, Kunduz province, yesterday. After the Afghan force safely disposed of the IED, they noticed four suspicious men near where the IED was emplaced. ALP detained three of the men while one man fled the area. All three detainees tested positive for homemade explosive residue.

South

Afghan Provincial Response Company Zabul, enabled by coalition forces, killed four insurgents during a cordon and search operation in search of a Taliban facilitator in Daychopan district, Zabul Province, yesterday. Following the operation security forces seized one AK-47, one Markarov pistol and several IED making components. All seized items were destroyed on site.

East

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a number of insurgents during an operation in search of a Taliban leader in Bati Kot district, Nangarhar province, Sunday. The leader has operational control over a group of fighters responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also facilitates the acquisition and distribution of weapons to insurgents throughout Nangarhar province. The security force also seized IED-making material as a result of the operation.

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested one insurgent during an operation in search of a Taliban leader in Sayyidabad district, Wardak province, Sunday. The leader has operational control over a number of insurgent fighters responsible for multiple attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He has also served as an intelligence operative for the Taliban, monitoring coalition force movements and reporting on their activities to Taliban leaders, and has facilitated the movement of weapons to his fellow fighters.

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested two insurgents during an operation in search of a high-profile attack facilitator for the Taj Mir Jawad insurgent network in Gardez district, Paktiya province, Sunday. The TMJ facilitator is responsible for providing weapons and funding for his fellow insurgent fighters. He is currently gathering supplies and fighters for a future attack against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also seized one rifle and ammunition as a result of the operation.

West

Afghan Provincial Response Company Farah, enabled by coalition forces, arrested four men and seized 40 kg of opium at a vehicle search checkpoint near Qarya-i-Kalata village, Anar Darah district, Farah province, yesterday. During the search the security force also discovered one AK-47, four magazines with 100 rounds of ammunition, and one combat vest. All evidence collected and the four detainees are in the custody of the Afghan government.

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Apr. 29., 2013. - RC-East operational update

BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared two improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, April 28.

Nangarhar province
Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Shinwar district.

Paktika province
Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Sar Rowzah district.

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Al-Qaida gunmen assassinate military intelligence official in Yemen

ADEN, Yemen, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Masked gunmen of the Yemen- based al-Qaida offshoot shot dead a high-ranking military intelligence official in the southeastern province of Hadramout on Saturday, a government official told Xinhua.
About two masked gunmen riding a motorbike fired at Colonel Ahmed Abdul-Razzak, director of the military intelligence department in Hadramout province, the local government official said on condition of anonymity.

"Criminals of the al-Qaida terrorist group committed a criminal act and assassinated Col. Abdul-Razzak on a main road near his home in the coastal town of Mukalla," the government source said.

Yemeni security services have repeatedly blamed militants of the Yemen-based al-Qaida offshoot for a series of assassination attacks, mostly in the country's southern regions.

The Yemen-based al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), which emerged in January 2009, is considered the most strategic threat to the Yemeni government and its neighboring oil-rich Saudi Arabia.

The AQAP underscores the challenges faced by Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, who came to power after winning support from major Yemeni political forces in February 2012.

Hadi is tasked with restoring security and stability to Yemen and putting an end to the growing influence of al-Qaida that also threatens daily oil shipping routes in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

from XINHUA
Editor: Mu Xuequan
2013-04-28 00:41:20

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Senior police officer killed in Taliban assault

GHAZNI CITY (PAN): The deputy police chief of southern Ghazni province, Mohammad Hussain, was killed on Sunday in a bomb attack claimed by Taliban insurgents.

Two guards of the senior police officer were also killed and as many wounded in the roadside bombing that took place at 8am, the governor’s spokesman said.

Nabi Jan told Pajhwok Afghan News Hussain was on his way to Zankhan district, which came under rebel attack earlier in the morning. Security personnel have been sent to the scene.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, claimed Hussain was killed along with four senior government officials. The bomb attack marked the Taliban’s spring offensive codenamed “Khalid bin Waleed”, he said.

At least 11 policemen were killed as the militants stormed the Zankhan district headquarters, Mujahid said, but local authorities rejected his assertion as baseless.

from Pajhwok
By Saifullah Maftoon Apr 28, 2013 - 10:58

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Apr. 28., 2013. - ISAF Joint Command Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and a Taliban facilitator during an operation in Kandahar City, Kandahar province, April 28.

The leader is believed to be responsible for coordinating assassinations, sniper ambushes and other attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in Kandahar City. He is known to direct the killing of Afghan National Army soldiers, recruits fighters for the insurgency, and uses his residence as a safe house for fighters operating in the region.

The facilitator is alleged to be responsible for housing and directing suicide bombers throughout Kandahar province. He also has a history of acquiring and distributing weapons to insurgent fighters, and planning RPG and small arms attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

North

During an operation in Burkah district, Baghlan province April 28, an Afghan and coalition security force arrested an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan facilitator. The facilitator is believed to be instrumental in procuring and distributing weapons and military equipment to IMU fighters in northern Afghanistan. He is also involved in assassination operations and attack planning, and has served as a bodyguard for senior IMU leadership.

An Afghan and coalition security force killed one insurgent during an operation in Archi district, Kunduz province, April 27. While conducting a presence patrol in the vicinity of a Afghan Local Police checkpoint that had been recently attacked, the security force was ambushed by a number of insurgents. Following the engagement security forces recovered one RPG launcher and one AK-47 with a mounted 40mm grenade launcher.

South

During an operation in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province April 28, an Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and two other insurgents. The leader is believed to be in charge of a cell of fighters responsible for planning and executing attacks against government officials in Helmand province. He has also facilitated the production and distribution of home-made explosive material for use in insurgent operations, and possesses experience working with improvised explosive devices. The security force also seized 10 pounds of opium as a result of the operation.

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and one other insurgent during an operation in Nad ‘Ali district, Helmand province, April 27. The leader is believed to have operational control over a cell of fighters responsible for IED and direct fire attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. At the time of his arrest, he was planning an attack utilizing IEDs. He has also facilitated the acquisition and distribution of weapons and money used to support insurgent operations.

Afghan and coalition security forces confirmed April 28 the arrest of a Taliban leader during an operation in Maiwand district, Kandahar province, April 26. The leader is alleged to have operational control over a group of fighters responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout Kandahar province. He has also served as a tactical advisor to senior Taliban leadership in the area, and coordinated insurgent logistics operations between different cells of fighters.

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Apr. 28., 2013. - RC-East operational update

BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security and coalition forces killed five insurgents, detained four suspected insurgents, discovered two weapons caches and found and safely cleared six improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, April 27.

Ghazni province
Afghan National Security Forces discovered one weapons cache and found and safely cleared three IEDs during operations during operations in the Ghazni district. The cache contained 22 small arms rifles.

Afghan National Security and coalition forces discovered one weapons cache, killed one insurgent and recovered IED making materiel, one rifle and one tactical vest during operations in the Qarah Bagh district. The cache contained five pounds of homemade explosive, three rocket-propelled grenades, multiple rounds of large caliber ammunition and one tactical vest.

Khowst province
Afghan National Security and coalition forces detained two suspected insurgents during operations in the Khowst district. The suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.

Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Tanai district.

Nagarhar province
Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED and detained two suspected insurgents during operations in the Bati Kot district. The suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.

Afghan National Security Forces killed two insurgents during operations in the Heserak district.

Paktika province
Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Sar Rowzah district.

Afghan National Security Forces killed two insurgents during operations in the Sharan District.

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4 ISAF personnel killed in Zabul plane crash

Districts of Zabul. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

QALAT (PAN): Four International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) personnel were killed in a plane crash in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, officials said.

The cause of the crash was under investigation, the NATO-led force said, adding initial reporting indicated there was no enemy activity in the area at the time of the incident.

In line with policy, ISAF neither revealed the victims’ nationalities nor the exact location but Afghan officials said the crash occurred in the Shahjoi district of Zabul province.

The chopper went down in Baghgi area in the afternoon due to some technical fault, the district’s administrative head, Mohammad Siddique, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

Brig. Gen. Rogh Lewanay, the provincial police chief, verified the crash. However, he had no information about casualties.

Last week, a fierce hailstorm damaged dozens of US military helicopters in southern Afghanistan. "A storm moved through southern Afghanistan April 23, causing damage to a number of coalition aircraft at Kandahar Airfield,” ISAF said.

The multinational force said: “ISAF had already implemented actions to mitigate the effects of the storm and our forces continue to receive all necessary support."

Although ISAF did not give a specific number, a US news channel reported 50 helicopters had been harmed by the storm. “The damage was severe enough that the helicopters are grounded until they can be repaired,” Fox News said.

from Pajhwok
By Nasim Hotak Apr 27, 2013 - 18:11

---

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan – Four International Security Assistance Force service members died today as a result of a plane crash in southern Afghanistan.

The cause of the crash is under investigation, however initial reporting indicates there was no enemy activity in the area at the time of the crash.

It is ISAF policy to defer casualty identification procedures to the relevant national authorities.

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R.I.P. - Capt. Aaron R. Blanchard, 1st Lt. Robert J. Hess

DOD Identifies Army Casualties

            The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

            They died April 23, in Pul-E-Alam, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from enemy indirect fire.  The soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Aviation Battalion, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

            Killed were:

            Capt. Aaron R. Blanchard, 32, of Selah, Wash., and

            1st Lt. Robert J. Hess, 26, of Fairfax, Va.

            For more information please contact the Fort Drum public affairs office at 315-772-8286 or 315-523-4546.

---

from https://www.facebook.com/FIF.HOH

Capt. Aaron R. Blanchard, 32, of Selah, Wash. died April 23, in Pul-E-Alam, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from enemy indirect fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Aviation Battalion, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

Blanchard, an Apache pilot, joined the Marine Corps in January 2000, and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from January to September 2003. After separating from the Marine Corps and completing an ROTC program Blanchard was commissioned into the Army in June 2009. He completed pilot training at Fort Rucker, Alabama, and arrived at Fort Drum in September 2011. He deployed with his unit to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in April 2013.

Blanchard's awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the NATO Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Army Aviator Badge, the Navy-Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation, the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, four Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and two Rifle Expert Badges.

He also completed Marine Combat Training, Aviation Machinist Mate Courses, the Apache Aviator Qualification Course, the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course and the Aviation Officer Basic Course.

Blanchard is survived by his wife, two children, mother, father and two brothers.

---

1st Lt. Robert J. Hess, 26, of Fairfax, Va. died April 23, in Pul-E-Alam, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from enemy indirect fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Aviation Battalion, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.

Hess, a Blackhawk pilot, was commissioned into the Army in November, 2010. After completing pilot training at Fort Rucker, Alabama, he arrived at Fort Drum in November 2012. He deployed with his unit to Afghanistan in Support of Operation Enduring Freedom in April 2013.

Hess's awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the NATO Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Army Aviator Badge. He completed the Aviation Officer Basic Course, the Blackhawk Aviator Qualification Course, the Blackhawk M-Model Aviator Qualification Course, and the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course.

Hess is survived by his mother, father and brother.

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• RIP CPT Aaron R Blanchard, 1LT Robert J Hess (waronterrornews.typepad.com)

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5 killed, 61 wounded in bomb attacks in Iraqi capital

BAGHDAD, April 26 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and 61 others injured in four bombing attacks that hit the Iraqi capital of Baghdad on Friday, police said.

A bomb exploded at the entrance to the Qubaisi mosque in Shurta area southwest of Baghdad as worshipers were leaving the Friday prayers, killing four of them, a police source told Xinhua.

About 46 worshipers were injured in the blast and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, he added.

A civilian was killed and seven others were wounded when a car bomb exploded Friday evening in Sadr City area in eastern Baghdad, the source said.

Four people were wounded when a roadside bomb exploded in Dora district in southern Baghdad, he said.

Another bomb struck worshipers near Al- Razak mosque in Al Rashidiya area in northern Baghdad, wounding four of them, the source said earlier.

The Iraqi security forces have strengthened security procedures in the vicinity of mosques due to the bombings, he added.

Violence is still common in war-torn Iraq despite the dramatic decrease since its peak in 2006 and 2007 when the country was engulfed in sectarian killings.

from XINHUA
2013-04-27 03:06:03
Editor: Mu Xuequan

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Public uprising against Pakistani and Afghan Taliban in Kunar

Heavy clashes have been reported between local residents and Taliban militants in eastern Kunar province of Afghanistan on Friday.

According to local authorities in eastern Kunar province of Afghanistan, the incident took place in Dangam district after local residents started resisting local and foreign Taliban militants in this district.

Provincail goveror Syed Fazlullah Wahidi confirming the report said efforts have been put in place by local tribal elders to reconcile between the local resident and Taliban militants.

He said, “Local residents started public uprising against the Pakistani Taliban militants and currently local tribal elders have organized a Jirga to end the violence.”

Local elders in Dangam are saying that the clashes between the local resident and Taliban militants took place after Taliban fighters were torturing two residents.

They also said that Taliban militants attacked the local residents while they gathered to discuss with the militants.

According to the local tribal elders, at least two Taliban suicide bombers have been killed and another one has been injured during the clashes, while four local residents have also been injured.

Local elders are also saying that clashes have ended however both local resident and Taliban fighters are prepared for another fight, which may take place any time.

from KHAAMA
By Meena Haseeb - 27 Apr 2013, 9:22 am

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6 people killed after Arab communities clash in northern Mali

BAMAKO, April 26 (Xinhua) -- A confrontation between two Arab communities left six people dead in northern Mali, local sources told Xinhua on Friday.

Each of the rival sides wants to position itself as the main Arab group in Thursday's clash in Anefis, 200 km north of the biggest northern town of Gao.

"This confrontation was due to the events that took place at Ber, where the Arab traders who are organized under the banner of the Arab Movement for Azawad (MAA) pushed out the members of the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) and injured two of their members.

"The MNLA fighters came to revenge against the peaceful Arab traders in Anefis as they were fleeing to Kidal. The reprisal attacks occurred under the watch of the Serval forces and the International Support Mission for Mali (MISMA)," another source said.

The sources said the MNLA had deployed its fighters in Anefis with about thirty vehicles.

from XINHUA
2013-04-26 19:56:40
Editor: Hou Qiang

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Would-be bomber shot dead in Kandahar

Map of Afghanistan with Kandahar highlighted (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

KANDAHAR CITY (PAN): A would-be suicide bomber was killed after sneaking into the Spin Boldak district of southern Kandahar province from Pakistan on Saturday, an official said.

Border police positively identified the bomber and shot him dead at 12.15pm, the governor’s spokesman Javed Faisal told Pajhwok Afghan News.

Police fired at the militant after he ignored warnings to stop, the official said. As a result of police firing, his suicide vest exploded, killing the suspect and wounding a woman and a girl.

from Pajhwok
By Bashir Ahmad Naadim Apr 27, 2013 - 13:36

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Taliban announce “Khalid bin Walid” summer offensive in Afghanistan

The Taliban militants group in Afghanistan on Sunday formally announced its summer offensive under the name of “Khalid bin Walid”.
According to a statement released by the Taliban group, the summer offensive “Khalid bin Walid” will be conducted under the supervision of Taliban military experts considering the current situation of Afghanistan.

The statement further added, special military tactics will be used to attack foreign military across the country including use of insider attacks by militants who are based inside the military institutions.

Taliban in its statement also added that diplomatic institutions and airfields will be the main targets of the Taliban fighters where coordinated attacks will be launched by Taliban fighters and suicide bombers.

The summer offensive under the code name of “Khalid bin Walid” will be launched on 28 April 2013, which is equivalent to the victory of Mujahideen against the communist government.

Taliban in its statement also urged to strictly prevent civilian casualties and called on ordinary civilians to prevent from commuting near the foreign troops military bases, residence and stop working for the foreign military.

Taliban also urged Afghan security forces to prevent serving under the current Afghan regime led by president Hamid Karzai in a bid to be safe from the Taliban fighters target.

from KHAAMA
By Sayed Jawad - 27 Apr 2013, 10:51 am

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Apr. 27., 2013. - RC-East operational update

BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security Forces killed two insurgents, and found and safely cleared one improvised explosive device during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, April 26.

Ghazni province

Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Andar district.

Kunar province

Afghan National Security Forces killed two insurgents and recovered IED-making materials during operations in the Dangam district.

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Taliban Release Deminers After A Week Hostage in Kandahar

Districts of Kandahar.  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Taliban insurgents have released 10 deminers in southern Kandahar province on Saturday, after having held them hostage for a week, local officials said.

The deminers were taken hostage in Maiwand district of the province, while the deminers from Mine Clearance Cultivator (MCC) were busy clearing roadside mines in the district, provincial spokesman Jawid Faisal said.

"The deminiers have been beaten badly by the group [Taliban] and they were released today," Jawid Faisal said.

Last week, the 27 deminers were busy clearing mines in the district when they were surrounded by the Taliban. Seventeen other miners escaped from the area using one of their cars.

But 10 others were taken hostage by the Taliban.

The local officials had said that the deminers didn't inform the security forces while they were busy in the area.

Maiwand district is considered one of the insecure areas in the province where insurgents use improvised explosive devices to target the local security forces.

Written by TOLOnews.com
Saturday, 27 April 2013 11:55
Last Updated on Saturday, 27 April 2013 12:12
 

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• Taliban abduct 9 Afghan deminers in Kandahar province (sgt-jim.blogspot.com)

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Apr. 26., 2013. - ISAF Joint Command Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan – The Afghan 1st Company, 8th Special Operations Kandak, enabled by coalition forces, conducted their first cordon and search mission capturing an improvised explosive device-facilitator and detaining one insurgent in Tarin Kowt district, Uruzgan province, April 25.

The facilitator is believed to be a sub commander with ties to several mid-level Taliban insurgents and is known for attacks on Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan officials in Deh Rawud district.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

East

Afghan and coalition security forces confirmed April 26 the arrest of a Taliban leader, Naqibullah, during an operation in Pul-E Alam district, Logar province, Thursday. Nagibullah is believed to control a cell of fighters responsible for building and emplacing IEDs targeting Afghan and coalition forces. He also facilitates the movement of supplies, to include weapons and IED making materials, for the Taliban network in his area.

South

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban facilitator and one other insurgent during an operation in Kandahar district, Kandahar province, April 26. The facilitator believed to be a key link in weapons trafficking operations throughout Kandahar province. He has a history of acquiring and transporting rocket propelled grenade launchers, recoilless rifles, assault rifles, ammunition and other military equipment for use in insurgent operations. He has also participated in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a number of insurgents during an operation in search of a Taliban leader in Maiwand district, Kandahar province, April 26. The leader is believed to have operational control over a group of fighters responsible for a significant number of attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout Kandahar province. He has also served as a tactical adviser to senior Taliban leadership in the area, and has coordinated insurgent logistics operations between different cells of fighters. The security force also seized 75 pounds of narcotics as a result of the operation.

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and one other insurgent during an operation in Kandahar district, Kandahar province, April 19. The leader is believed to manage a network of Taliban informants throughout Kandahar province, gathering intelligence for the insurgent group’s use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He has also participated in public executions of Afghan officials, assisted in the facilitation of weapons to local fighters, and directly associated with Abdullah Wakil, the former ranking Taliban leader for Panjwa’i district who was killed during an Afghan and coalition operation March 31.

An Afghan and coalition security force killed two insurgents during an operation in search of a Taliban leader in Nawah-ye Barakzai district, Helmand province, April 25. The leader is believed to be involved in improvised explosive device operations and direct fire attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He is also known for kidnapping an Afghan National Security Force soldier, training subordinate insurgent fighters and coordinating the movement of ammunition and weapons to Taliban forces.

Afghan and coalition security forces confirmed today the death of a Taliban leader, Sher Zaman, during an operation in Nad ‘Ali district, Helmand province, April 23. The leader was directly responsible for purchasing and distributing IED components to other Taliban members for use in insurgent operations. He also participated in IED and small arms fire attacks against Afghan and coalition forces, and provided intelligence to senior Taliban leaders in Helmand province.

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Apr. 26., 2013. - RC-East operational update

BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan National Security and coalition forces detained four suspected insurgents and found and safely cleared seven improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours April 25.

Ghazni province

Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared two IEDs during operations in the Ghazni district.

Khowst province

Afghan National Security and coalition forces detained two suspected insurgents during operations in the Khowst district. The suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.

Nangarhar province

Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Bati Kot district.

Paktika province

Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared three IEDs during operations in the Wazah Khwah district.

Paktiya province

Afghan National Security and coalition forces detained two suspected insurgents during operations in the Zormat district. The suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.

Wardak province

Coalition forces found and safely cleared one IED during operations in the Sayyidabad district.

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6 Afghan police officers shot dead by their comrade in Takhar

Districts of Kunduz. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

At least 6 Afghan local police officers were shot dead in a suspected insider attack in northeastern Takhar province of Afghanistan on Thursday night.
According to local authorities in Takhar province, the incident took place after the local police officers including thier commander were poisoned and shot dead.

Khwaja Ghar district governor Mullah Omar confirming the refport said the incident took place in Mullah Quli Shahrwan area located between Dasht-e-Archi district of Kunduz province and Khwaja Ghar district of Takhar province, while the local police officers were sleeping.

Mr. Omar further added the police officers were initially poisoned by one of their comrade and were later shot dead.

He said investigations have been started in this regard and no suspect has been arrested so far.

According to Mullah Omar the local police officers belong to Kunduz province.

Several Afghan security forces have been shot dead by their comrades during insider attacks across the country however yesterday’s incident in Takhar province was the firs such attack in this province.

from KHAAMA
By Sayed Jawad - 26 Apr 2013, 10:32 am

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17 killed in Iraqi clashes, attacks

BAGHDAD, April 25 (Xinhua) -- At least 17 people were killed on Thursday in separate clashes and attacks in Iraq, sources said.

At least nine gunmen were killed in the city of Mosul, some 400 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, when Iraqi security forces carried out an operation to retake several districts which had been under the control of insurgents since late Wednesday night, a local police source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

The troops also captured 13 suspects and seized some weapons and ammunition, while clashes were still underway in parts of the city after the troops regained some areas, the source said.

In Iraq's eastern province of Diyala, at least three militants were killed and 10 others wounded when security forces backed by two helicopters involved in fierce clashes with militants in villages surrounding the town of Qara-Tappa, some 160 km northeast of Baghdad, Rahim al-Bieji, head of the town council, told Xinhua.

"The town council's members and the security leaders in Qara- Tappa held an urgent meeting to discuss the clashes after the increasing emergence of the al-Naqshabandiyah organization during the past 24 hours in many villages surrounding the town," al-Beiji said.

"The militants are trying to seize the town by cutting the roads to prevent the military reinforcement from the nearby city of Jalawlaa," a security source in Qara-Tappa told Xinhua.

"The reinforcement troops have been engaged in fierce battles with the militants in three areas close to the villages of Hudhaifa and Kashkol in east and south of Qara-Tappa," the source said.

In Iraq's central province of Salahudin, unidentified gunmen shot dead a soldier in an attack on an army patrol in the eastern part of the provincial capital city of Tikrit, some 170 km north of Baghdad, a local police source said anonymously.

Two more soldiers were wounded by a mortar attack on their checkpoint near the city of Yathrib, some 80 km north of Baghdad, the source said.

Elsewhere, gunmen using silenced weapons shot dead two members of anti-al-Qaida Sunni paramilitary group, also named Awakening Council group, in central the city of Fallujah, some 50 km west of Baghdad, a local police source said.

Also in the city, gunmen assaulted a police checkpoint in al- Askari district, killing two policemen and wounding another, the source said.

Thursday's violence came two days after clashes erupted between Iraqi security forces and anti-government Sunni protesters in Hawijah, after hundreds of security members backed by helicopters stormed a sit-in by Sunni Arabs in the city, which sparked further clashes across Iraq between the Sunni tribes and the security forces.

from XINHUA
 2013-04-25 21:58:46

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