Sudan: Mali Militants On 200 Vehicles Arrive in Kutum, North Darfur - Sources

Kutum — Multiple sources assert that 200 Land Cruisers with Islamist militants from Mali fleeing the hostilities in their country have arrived in Kutum, North Darfur, in the past 10 days.
They told Radio Dabanga on Monday the groups are stationed in three different areas around Kutum, adding they are "inciting a state of fear and terror" among citizens.

The first group can be found just one kilometer north of camp Kassab for displaced, the second in Jebel Mari, seven or eight kilometers northeast of Kutum, and the third in Sijana, about 10 kilometers north of Kutum, sources affirm.

Upon arriving in Kutum, the militants' vehicles were covered with thick green tarps and they were carrying heavy artillery, eyewitnesses pointed out.

Some of the alleged Malian militants have "long beards, wear outfits resembling those found in Western Sahara and black shawls". Witnesses added a number of them speak French and most do not speak Arabic.

These groups go shopping at the Kutum market on a daily basis and use sign language to purchase goods, considering they do not speak the local language. They were last seen at the market on Monday and eyewitnesses claim they use Francs (savah), a currency mostly used in western African countries, while others use US dollars.

Displaced living in Kassab told Radio Dabanga they do not feel safe to leave the camp to collect firewood or to fetch water due to the presence of militants from Mali nearby.

Civilians are urging local and federal authorities to expel these groups from Sudan and keep them away from the country. They further urged the UN and international organizations to intervene.

"Syrian pilots, Malian fighters"

A Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) leader accused the Sudanese central government of using pilots from Syria and militants from Mali in Darfur, when speaking at a seminar in Cairo, Egypt.

According to Abubakar Hamid Nour, the Syrians are piloting Antonov airplanes and shelling Darfur.

He added that Khartoum has "succeeded" in distorting the reality of the conflict in Darfur, depicting it as a "war between the Arabs and the black" and that Darfur armed movements are anti-Islam.

Nour is also accusing the former Sudanese foreign minister Mustafa Osman Ismail of distorting facts and portraying an unrealistic image about the nature of the conflict in Darfur during previous tours in Arab countries.

from allAfrica/Radio Dabanga (Hilversum)
11 February 2013

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Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula denounces "crusader" French in Mali

Bamako, Mali (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

(Reuters) - The Yemen-based offshoot of Al Qaeda urged Muslims to sacrifice themselves and their money to help fend off what it called the "Crusader war" in Mali, according to a statement posted online on Tuesday.

France intervened in Mali last month to check a push south towards the capital Bamako by Islamist forces who seized control of the north of the country in the confusion that followed a military coup in March 2012.

Their surprise advance pushed Mali to the forefront of U.S. and European security concerns, with fears the Islamists would turn the country into a base for international attacks.

Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) compared the French intervention to what it called the "Zionist occupation of Palestine".

The group said supporting Muslims in Mali was "a duty for every able Muslim, to offer himself or his money, each according to his ability."

Formed in 2009, AQAP has carried suicide attacks on Yemeni government installations and military targets in Yemen. It was also behind a December 2009 plot to blow up a US airliner as it approached Detroit and a 2010 plan to send bombs hidden in computer printers on two cargo aircraft.

Former CIA director David Petraeus has described AQAP as the "most dangerous regional node in the global jihad".

The Mali offensive by French troops, which began last month, has pushed Islamist insurgents out of their strongholds in the north. But the militants launched a surprise raid in the heart of the Malian town of Gao on Sunday.

The brazenness of the rebel raid, which followed successive blasts by two suicide bombers at a northern checkpoint, was a surprise to the French-led military operation, which had so far faced little real resistance from the Islamists.

from REUTERS
DUBAI | Tue Feb 12, 2013 7:36am GMT
(Reporting by Ali Abdelatti in Cairo, writing by Sami Aboudi, Editing by WIlliam Maclean and John Stonestreet)

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In Several Joint Clearance Operations, 11 Armed Taliban Killed (Feb.12.2013.)

Publish Date: Feb 12, 2013

In Several Joint Clearance Operations, 11 Armed Taliban Killed

Counterterrorism:

During the past 24 hours, Afghan National Police, Afghan National Army, NDS and Coalition Forces launched six joint clearance operations in Kapisa, Kandahar, Zabul, Uruzgan, Maidan Wardak and Paktiya provinces.

As a result of these operations, 11 armed Taliban were killed, two wounded and nine others were arrested by Afghan National Security Forces.

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

During the same 24 hour period, Afghan National Police discovered and defused three different types of mines and 450 mine fuses in Faryab, Herat and Helmand provinces.

 

Crimes:
The 101 Kabul Zone National Police detained five suspects accused of murder, theft and drug trafficking in the 3rd, 5th, 6th and 16th Districts of Kabul-City.

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Civilians among 18 killed in Tagab

MAHMOOD RAQI (PAN): More than a dozen Taliban fighters were killed during an operation in the Tagab district of central Kapisa province, officials claimed on Tuesday. But a resident alleged six civilians were among the dead.

The ongoing operation was launched Monday night by Afghan and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) personnel in the Badarab area of the district, the town’s administrative head said.

Abdul Qudus Safi told Pajhwok Afghan News a dozen insurgents were killed and one injured detained by the security forces. He would not give further details of the swoop.

But a resident of Mirakhel area said on condition of anonymity that a local Taliban commander, Lal Said and eight of his associates were killed in the operation, which also claimed the lives of six civilians.

from Pajhwok
By Farid Tanha Feb 12, 2013 - 13:32

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Feb. 12., 2013. - ISAF Joint Command Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan and coalition security forces killed Taliban leader, Tor Jan, during an operation in Maiwand district, Kandahar province, on Monday.

Tor Jan, also known as Graan, was a Taliban leader and facilitator who organized attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He coordinated the use of improvised explosive devices, weapons and personnel for attacks in Maiwand district. The security force conducted a precision strike, killing him.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

North

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) leader in Khanabad district, Kunduz province, today. The leader allegedly facilitates distribution of weapons and assists in improvised explosive device emplacement operations in the district. He oversees the acquisition, transfer and delivery of IED materials and explosives to insurgents. The security force also detained one suspected insurgent and seized multiple firearms and ammunition as a result of the operation.

South

During a security operation, Afghan and coalition forces confirmed today the arrest of a Taliban leader in Maiwand district, Kandahar province, on Monday. The leader was believed to be directly responsible for the coordination of complex attacks. His subordinate fighters were linked to several attacks on Afghan and coalition forces in the district. He facilitated weapons and improvised explosive devices to insurgents operating in Kandahar province. During the operation, the security force also detained three suspected insurgents.

East

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in Andar district, Ghazni province, today. The leader was allegedly a direct attack leader with some logistical and command responsibilities. He was engaged in the arms trade involving weapons, rocket-propelled grenades and improvised explosive devices. He coordinated and executed attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. The security force also detained one suspected insurgent and seized a heavy machine gun with ammunition along with assault rifle ammunition as a result of the operation.

During a security operation, an Afghan and coalition force detained three insurgents in search of a Taliban leader in Khugyani district, Nangarhar province, today. The leader is believed responsible for planning and conducting attacks on Afghan and coalition forces. During the operation, the security force seized several assault-rifles with associated equipment and ammunition.

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Feb. 12., 2013. - RC-East operational update

BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces cleared three improvised explosive devices, discovered one weapons cache and detained eight suspected insurgents during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Feb. 11.

Logar province
Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared two IEDs in Baraki Barak district.

Ghazni province
Coalition forces found and safely cleared an IED in Gelan district.

Paktya province
Afghan and coalition forces discovered a weapons cache during an operation in Zurmat district. The cache contained 700 kilograms of homemade explosives, mortar rounds and IED making materials.

Nangarhar province
Afghan National Security Forces detained eight suspected insurgents following an IED attack in Khugyani district. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.

Operations in RC-East are ongoing.

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Staff Sergeant Clinton L. Romesha - Medal of Honor

On February 11, 2013, Staff Sgt. Clinton Romesha will receive the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions while serving as a Section Leader with Bravo Troop, 3d Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division during combat operations against an armed enemy at Combat Outpost Keating, Kamdesh District, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan on October 3, 2009.

Citation is here:  http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/romesha/citation.html

Here is the Team with several Silver and Bronz Star medals:
Red Platoon - 1st Platoon 
B Troop 3-61 Cavalry, 4th BCT, 4th 

Red Platoon, 3-61 Cavalry Regiment at Cop Keating

Members of Red Platoon, 3-61 Cavalry Regiment, including Staff Sgt. Clint Romesha (front row, second from right), pose for a picture just after arriving at Combat Outpost Keating, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan, 2009.

(Photo courtesy of 1st Lt. Brad Larson)

Bobdina's forum thread about the Silver Stars (from 2010 April) on ApacheClips board:
http://www.apacheclips.com/boards/showthread.php?7919-Silver-Stars-for-4-for-actions-at-COP-Keating

Official microsite : http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/romesha/index.html

----------

CBS video from today:

Related articles

• SSG Clinton Romesha to be awarded the M.O.H. in a few hours (blackfive.net)
• SSG Clinton Romesha to be awarded the Medal of Honor (thisainthell.us)
• U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Clinton L. Romesha to recieve the Medal of Honor (isaf.nato.int)

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Malian, French Forces Repel Islamist Assault on Gao

French and Malian soldiers are on high alert in the northern town of Gao, a day after Islamist militants launched an assault to retake the city they were forced out of two weeks ago.

Residents who hid in their homes during the hours-long attack Sunday, cautiously entered the streets still littered with corpses.

Authorities report the crossfire killed three civilians and wounded at least 10 others, but it is still unclear how many soldiers or militants died.

Heavy gunfire and explosions resounded Sunday through the Saharan town, the largest in northern Mali, as the combined government force, complete with French helicopter gunships, fought the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa.

Clashes were ongoing for days in areas just outside the city.  Saturday and Friday suicide bombers attacked an army checkpoint near the entrance to Gao.  The two suicide blasts were the first in Mali.

The Malian military said the bomber in Saturday's attack was a young Arab man and the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa claimed responsibility.

The militant group seized control of Gao in April and had ruled the city until the arrival of French and Malian forces last month.  Military officials have said some elements of the group remain in the Gao area, and other fighters are hiding in the surrounding desert.

The group is a splinter faction of al-Qaida's North African wing which, in loose alliance with the home-grown Malian Islamist group Ansar Dine, held Mali's main northern towns of Timbuktu and Gao for 10 months until the French-led offensive drove them out.

from VOA News

February 11, 2013

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2 ANA soldiers killed in Faryab rocket attack

Districts of Faryab. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

MAIMANA (PAN): Two Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers were killed and a third was injured when insurgents fired rockets at their base in the Ghormach district of northern Faryab province, an official said on Monday.

One attacker was killed and a second was injured when the troops retaliated on Sunday, Gen. Noor Mohammad Hamid, the first brigade commander at 209th Shahin Military Crops, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

But acting district chief for Ghormach Asal Khan put at three the number of ANA soldiers killed. He said two others were injured in the rocket fire that came at a time the Afghan soldiers were busy offering prayers.

Two attackers and a local policeman were injured during the ensuing clash that took place along the Ghormach highway, the official said.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed injuries to only one fighter, claiming four ANA soldiers were killed and one of their vehicles destroyed in the rocket attack.

Elsewhere, two armed rebels were detained in northern Kunduz province, police spokesman, Syed Sarwar Husaini, said.

The pair was apprehended in Gortipa area on the outskirts of Kunduz City, the provincial capital, during a security operation that lasted two days, he said. Six landmines were seized.

from Pajhwok
By Pajhwok Report Feb 11, 2013 - 15:47   

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Feb. 11., 2013. - ISAF Joint Command Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces confirmed today the death of Taliban leaders, Afshin and Ismail, during a security operation in Baraki Barak district, Logar province, Sunday.

Afshin was directly affiliated with the Dec. 24, 2012 attack in Baraki Barak district that killed an American service member and the Dec. 28,
2012 attack that killed an Afghan National Army soldier. Prior to his death, Afshin was believed planning an attack on Afghan and coalition forces. He also coordinated and executed attacks utilizing heavy weapons, mines and small-arms fire.

Ismail was the deputy Taliban leader for Baraki Barak district during the winter months. He issued guidance on direct and indirect fire as well as improvised explosive device attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He financed the acquisition of IED-making materials, rockets and ammunition for heavy weapons.

During the operation the security force also seized multiple hand grenades, and assault-rifle with associated gear and ammunition.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout
Afghanistan:

South

During an operation, an Afghan and coalition security force detained four insurgents in search of a Taliban senior leader in Maiwand district, Kandahar province, today. The leader allegedly coordinates complex attacks and facilitates weaponry to include rockets, mortars, rifles and multiple types of improvised explosive devices.

East

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader in Sayyidabad district, Wardak province, today. The leader is believed to organize, facilitate and conduct IED attacks along Highway 1 in the district. He is thought to oversee the acquisition and distribution of IED components to insurgents for emplacements targeting Afghan and coalition forces in the area. The security force also detained two suspected insurgents and seized a firearm as a result of the operation.

During an operation in Ghaziabad district, Kunar province, Sunday, Afghan and coalition forces killed two armed insurgents. During the operation, the security force observed two armed individuals engaged in insurgent activity and engaged them with a precision strike, killing both.

Related articles

• Senior Taliban leaders Afshin and Ismail killed in Logar (khaama.com)

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Feb. 11., 2013. - RC-East operational update

BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces detained two insurgents and cleared four IEDs during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Feb. 10.

Wardak province
Coalition forces found and safely cleared an IED in Jalrez district.

Khowst province
Afghan and coalition forces found and safely cleared two IEDs in Spera district.

Afghan National Security Forces found and safely cleared an IED in Bak district.

Afghan and coalition forces detained two suspected insurgents who were attempting to cut through the perimeter fence of a base in Khowst district. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.

Operations in RC-East are ongoing.

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