At least two Palestinian Authority Arab terrorists are dead in Gaza following a targeted, surgical air strike on a vehicle by fighter pilots of the Israeli Air Force.
One of the two dead was a senior operative who had coordinated numerous attacks against Israeli civilians.
Both were members of a terrorist cell belonging to the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades organization, according to the IDF, who added the cell had been planning to infiltrate Israel's border to carry out another attack.
A Gaza Health Ministry official was quoted by the Bethlehem-based Ma'an news agency as saying that five bystanders were also wounded in the blast, but the report has not been confirmed.
The IDF subsequently issued a statement saying that the operation had been a joint Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet)-IDF operation conducted by IAF aircraft . The two terrorists, joined by a third operative from an allied terror group, had been targeted while they were in a vehicle at a public garden near Gaza City.
"The cell was planning western border attacks against Israeli civilians and security forces," explained the IDF spokesperson.
Atzam Tzubhi Ismail Batash, 43, was a senior operative and head of the "Army of the Faithful" unit of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades organization.
Batash, the specific target of the attack, was the mastermind of the planned attacks to be carried out across Israel's western border -- and he was the one who had coordinated terrorists and directing their activities in past attacks.
"An accurate strike was identified," the IDF spokesperson added, noting that a surgical strike had been carried out with little collateral damage.
Jund al Khilafah, or Soldiers of the Caliphate, a Kazakh terror group based in eastern Afghanistan and Pakistan's tribal areas, confirmed that five of its fighters were killed during a clash with police in southern Kazakhstan on Dec. 3. From the statement released by the group, which has been translated by the SITE Intelligence Group:
On Saturday, the third of December ... the apostate forces of the Nazarbayev regime attacked a headquarters where five of the lions of the al Zahir Baibars Battalion were gathered from Jund al Khilafah, may Allah grant them glory, in the village of Boraldai. Then, the attacking forces surprised the lions of Islam, and the heroes stood to them while demonstrating patience, anticipating the divine reward, being certain of Allah's promise, and longing to meet Him. They sent two of them to their ominous fate and killed them... and as a result, the forces of treachery surrounded the location and bombed it for four hours with various shells, which led to the martyrdom of the five brothers ...
Jund al Khilafah also said it was "ready to be killed in the thousands in order to support this religion, and losing our lives in a cheap price that we offer for this cause," and threatened Russia for calling for "the repression of the Kazakh people."
Jund al Khilafah has claimed credit for two attacks in Kazakhstan this fall, and has also released two videos of attacks against ISAF forces in Khost province, Afghanistan. For more information on the Jund al Khilafah, see LWJ report, Kazakh jihadi leader seeks restoration of Islamic caliphate.
QUETTA: Up to 29 trucks were set ablaze after a rocket attack Thursday on a NATO trucking terminal in Quetta, officials said.
Pakistani police say as many as 20 trucks were ablaze after a rocket attack on a NATO trucking terminal in the southwestern city of Quetta in Baluchistan Province.
Senior police official Malik Arshad said unknown gunmen fired bullets and a rocket at the NATO oil tankers and the ensuing blaze engulfed 15 to 20 vehicles.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack, but the Taliban have in the past said they carried out similar attacks to disrupt supplies for the more than 130,000 U.S.-led international troops fighting in Afghanistan.
There were no immediate reports of casualties.
Most supplies and equipment required by foreign forces in Afghanistan are usually shipped through Pakistan, although U.S. troops increasingly use alternative routes through Central Asia.
China and Russia are apparently chomping at the bit to get a look at the American spy drone that went down over Iran. But if Iranian officials are to be believed, all they have to do is fire up YouTube to get a glimpse. On Thursday, an Iranian news site quoted military sources as saying that Russia and China have already asked Iran to view the remains of an American RQ-170 stealth spy drone that recently crashed in Iran.
China and Russia are apparently chomping at the bit to get a look at the American spy drone that went down over Iran. But if Iranian officials are to be believed, all they have to do is fire up YouTube to get a glimpse.
On Thursday, an Iranian news site quoted military sources as saying that Russia and China have already asked Iran to view the remains of an American RQ-170 stealth spy drone that recently crashed in Iran. The site — Nasimonline.ir, known to be close to Tehran’s conservative Islamic Coalition Party — is also broadcasting footage of Iranian military officials inspecting what authorities claim is an intact RQ-170.
The video shows the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Aerospace Forces Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh touring the aircraft, which is decked out in the anti-American costume de rigueur of a U.S. flag with skulls on it. Hajizadeh says that Iran was able to down the drone because “collected intelligence and precise electronic monitoring revealed that this aircraft intended to infiltrate our country’s airspace for spying missions.” Exactly how Iran went about downing the plane, he’s a little vague on, saying only that it “fell into the trap of our armed forces and was downed in Iran with minimum damage.”
Caveats apply. When it comes to news out of Iran — particularly relating to military feats — the history of official blarney and balderdash makes a healthy dose of skepticism a necessary ingredient.
The footage of the drone released Thursday by Iran seems to show an intact aircraft that seems to roughly conform to the RQ-170′s dimensions and appearance. But it’s a little fishy for an aircraft that would have fallen hundreds or thousands of feet to appear without so much as a scratch on it, as this one does.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that the country showing off this footage is also the same one that once welded together oil drums in an attempt to convince the world it had gotten its hands on sophisticated Russian air-defense missiles. It could very well be that the drone on display is more of an Iranian propaganda diorama than the actual “Beast of Kandahar.”
However, Russia and China’s interest in inspecting shouldn’t be too surprising. Both countries lag behind the U.S. in stealth technology, recently debuting their own fifth-generation fighters, and are almost certainly happy to have a close-up look at how America sneaks its aircraft past radars. Moreover, China’s already fond of building knockoff versions of American drones, even without the benefit of wreckage sneak peeks.
Besides, history shows that, particularly when it comes to China and stealth aircraft, one man’s crash is another man’s treasure. This summer, Pakistan reportedly gave the Chinese a look at the remains of “Airwolf,” one of the stealth helicopters that crashed during the U.S. raid on Osama bin Laden’s lair in Abbottabad. China’s new J-20 fighter may have benefited from the country’s ability to scoop up parts of the stealth F-117 that was shot down over Yugoslavia in the late 1990s. Of course, if the pictures coming out of China are to be believed, Beijing already has a stealth drone. The RQ-170 would only be so much icing on the cake. Update: In case you had any doubts about whether to be cautious about Iran’s military claims, the official Iranian mouthpiece Fars News just published an article that serves as an excellent reminder. According to Fars, the Iranian military doesn’t even want to reverse engineer America’s stealth drone anyway. Why? They claim Iran made its own, better stealth drone years ago.
“Iran does not need this information as it manufactured a radar evading spy drone with both surveillance and bombing capabilities almost two years ago,” Fars boasts.
The claim is an apparent reference to the “Pehpad,” an allegedly stealthy drone which Iran says is designed to patrol its borders. Iran does have its own drones, but the claim that it has managed to leap ahead of countries like China to build a working stealth UAV is, needless to say, highly dubious. Update, 2:44 pm: The New York Times is carrying translated snippets from the video of the alleged RQ-170. Iranian officials claim the drone has an 85 foot wingspan, is three feet thick and stretches 15 feet from nose to tail. The drone, according to the video, contains “electronic surveillance systems and various radars.” Update, 2:55 p.m.: Spencer here, reporting from the Pentagon. Defense Department spokesmen George Little and Capt. John Kirby say that there’s a military-CIA team reviewing the Iran video, but would not say whether they think the drone on display is the RQ-170 or not. (Or, for that matter, whether it’s any U.S. drone.) The CIA declined comment. Update, 3:40 pm: CNN tweets that a U.S. official told reporter Chris Lawrence that there’s “no reason to believe the drone in the Iranian video is fake.”
KABUL, Afghanistan — A combined Afghan and coalition security force called for a precision air strike, Dec. 7, in Pech District, Kunar province, killing Taliban leader Ahmed Shah.
Prior to his death, Ahmed Shah planned attacks against Afghan government officials and security forces. He recently constructed a plan to increase attacks in Pech district, and provided a safe haven for 40 insurgent fighters.
Ahmed Shah was well-known in the Pech district for planning suicide operations in the Manogai area of the district. He used car bombs and multiple suicide bombers to carry out attacks.
As a senior Taliban member in Kunar province, Ahmed Shah led a delegation comprised of multiple insurgent leaders. In this role, he was responsible for equipping and leading subordinate Taliban insurgents in the province.
After ensuring no civilians were in the area, the security force called for the air strike.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
South
In Maiwand district, Kandahar province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a weapons cache during a patrol. The cache consisted of an undetermined quantity of explosives, 200 blasting caps, 50 rounds of machine gun ammunition and several battery packs. All items were destroyed and no civilians were harmed during the operation.
Also in Maiwand district, a combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a weapons and narcotics cache during a patrol today. The cache consisted of approximately 330 pounds (150 kilograms) of hashish, one improvised explosive device and five pressure plates. All items were destroyed at the scene and no civilians were harmed during the operation.
In Shah Joy district, Zabul province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a weapons cache during a patrol, today. The cache consisted of 10 rocket-propelled grenade rounds, two AK-47 rifles, approximately 27 pounds (12 kilograms) of explosive materials, one Afghan National Army uniform and various IED components. All items were destroyed at the scene and no civilians were harmed during the operation.
East
In Zurmat district, Paktiya province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a drug cache during a patrol, today. The cache consisted of a silo of hashish and crop of marijuana. The hash was in the cleaning process and once completed, it would yield nearly one ton of hashish. Both the crop and hashish were destroyed at the scene and no civilians were harmed during the operation.
In Uruzagan district, Tarin Kot province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a weapons cache during a patrol, today. The cache consisted of five RPG rounds, 13 82mm mortar rounds, 30 rounds of machine gun ammunition, one 105mm artillery round, five hand grenades, 440 rounds of small arms ammunition and various IED making components. All items were destroyed at the scene and no civilians were harmed during the operation.
The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
They died Dec. 3, in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Bliss, Texas.
Killed were:
Sgt. 1st Class Clark A. Corley Jr., 35, of Oxnard, Calif.,
Spc. Ryan M. Lumley, 21, of Lakeland, Fla., and
Spc. Thomas J. Mayberry, 21, of Springville, Calif.
For more information the media may contact the First Armored Division public affairs by email at Dennis.r.swanson4.mil@mail.mil or by phone at 915-744-8404.
noticed by Blackfive, words by Brandon at kitup.military.com video by 2004vmc from youtube
"Here’s a great working dog video with a guy that lost both his feet and is back at work. “I am still rocking! For those who haven’t heard, I was blown up, with my MWD, Axe, Feb 17th of this year. I lost both of my feet, and was back to work in July. …”
If there’s any doubters out there about the bond between man’s best friend, this video is living proof. Also, look how happy that dog is after the sky dive!
Enjoy-
Brandon"
Women are to be allowed to serve on submarines for the first time in the Royal Navy's history, the Secretary of State for Defence Philip Hammond announced today.
The decision comes following an 18-month review conducted by the Royal Navy looking at the legal, operational, health, social, technical and financial issues of allowing women to serve on submarines.
Women had previously been excluded from submariner roles due to concerns about higher levels of carbon dioxide in a submarine atmosphere being a risk to female health. But recent research by the Institute of Naval Medicine showed that these risks were unfounded and that there were no medical reasons for excluding women from service on submarines.
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said:
"I am pleased that women will now have the same opportunity to serve on board our submarines, carrying out vital tasks maintaining Britain's defences around the clock, across the world.
"The Royal Navy has always been at the forefront of innovation, and this decision represents another step in its distinguished tradition of recognising the contribution of its people and making the very best use of the talent from which it can recruit."
The first female submariners are expected to take up their posts towards the end of 2013. Initially this will be a small number of female officers - volunteers who will begin training next year for service on the Vanguard Class of Trident submarines. The first female ratings will be recruited and trained from 2014.
Women will also be able to serve on Astute Class submarines from 2016 when the necessary modifications to on-board accommodation have been made.
The Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Charles Montgomery, said:
"Our primary objective in the Royal Navy is maintaining our operational effectiveness both now and in the future.
"This carefully considered decision will allow the Submarine Service to draw on the widest range of talent and skills of our people - those in service and those yet to join. It will therefore enable us to further consolidate our operational success, and it will give our women the same opportunities as men to enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career in the Submarine Service."
Currently, more than nine per cent of Royal Navy personnel are female, approximately 3,420. Women have been serving on board Royal Navy ships since 1990.
Thursday, December 08, 2011 –
According to local authorities in southern Afghanistan, at least 8 people were injured following a roadside bomb explosion in southern Uruzgan province.
The officials further added, the incident took place late Wednesday afternoon in Herawood district of southern Uruzgan province with an aim to target the district intelligence chief Ghulam Moeuddin.
According to security officials, the incident took place after explosives packed in a motorcycle went off in a market in this district.
District police chief for Herawood Gen Omer confirming the incident said, Ghulam Moeuddin and two of his bodyguards were injured following the incident.
In the meantime a spokesman for Uruzgan provincial police chief Farid Ayel said, at least five civilians were also injured during the incident.
No group including the Taliban militants have so far claimed responsibility behind the incident.
Taliban militants group frequently used improvised explosive device and roadside bombs to target Afghan and coalition forces.
KABUL, Afghanistan — In Zurmat district, Paktiya province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a drug cache during a patrol today.
The cache consisted of approximately 10,000 pounds (4545 kg) of hashish. All of the drugs were destroyed at the scene, and no civilians were harmed during the operation.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
North
Today, a combined Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation in search of an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader in Chahar Darah district, Konduz province. The leader trains insurgents to construct and use roadside bombs in attacks. Additionally, he recruits suicide bombers and plans attacks throughout Chahar Darah district. The security force also detained multiple suspected insurgents during the operation.
In Nad ‘Ali district, Helmand province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation in search of a Taliban leader today. The leader directs a roadside bomb attack cell in Nad ‘Ali district and conducts attacks against coalition forces. He is also involved in multiple kidnappings in the area. The security force detained multiple suspected insurgents during the operation.
East
Today, A Haqqani facilitator was captured during an operation led by a combined Afghanand coalition security force in Pul-e ‘Alam district, Logar province. The facilitator coordinated roadside bomb attacks against coalition forces and supplied Haqqani fighters for attacks in Pul-e ‘Alam district. One additional suspected insurgent was detained.
A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani leader during an operation in Bak district, Khost province, today. The leader conducted mortar, rocket, grenade and small-arms attacks in Bak district. The security force confiscated multiple weapons and detained four additional suspected insurgents during the operation.
A combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a weapons cache while conducting a patrol in Khost district, Logar province, yesterday. The cache consisted of 10 82 mm rounds, two anti-personnel mines, one rocket-propelled grenade, 100 rounds of machine gun ammunition and one RPG motor. All of the items were destroyed and no civilians were harmed or property damaged during the operation.
Washington Time
Kabul Time
London Time
