2012: New Year's Honours for Service personnel and Defence civilians

119 UK Service personnel have been granted state honours by Her Majesty The Queen in her annual New Year's Honours list.

48 civilians have also been honoured either for work in the Ministry of Defence or in other aspects of UK Defence.

The full Defence New Year's Honours list for 2012 is below:

ROYAL NAVY

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As Knight Commander
Vice Admiral Paul LAMBERT CB
APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST HONOURABLE ORDER OF THE BATH
As Companions
Vice Admiral Philip Andrew JONES
Major General Jeremy Hywel THOMAS DSO Royal Marines
APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE
As Commanders
Captain Paul ABRAHAM
Captain Steven DAINTON
Surgeon Rear Admiral Lionel John JARVIS QHS
Commodore Robert Joseph THOMPSON
As Officers
Captain Robert Stuart ALEXANDER
Commander Simon Phillip ASQUITH
Commander Michael Robert James MALTBY
Captain Dean George MOLYNEAUX
Commodore John Keith MOORES
Commander Peter Nicholas OLIVE
Captain Jonathan Patrick PENTREATH
As Members
Warrant Officer 1 (Abovewater Warfare Tactical) Gerard Maurice BURNS Warfare Specialist
Chief Petty Officer Coxswain (Submarines) Martin FARR
Lieutenant Commander Lee HAZARD
Lieutenant Commander Andrew Michael LEAVER
Lieutenant Commander Mandy Sheila McBAIN
Lieutenant Commander Stuart Charles William MILLEN
Warrant Officer 1 (Abovewater Warfare Tactical) Nicholas PAYNE Warfare Specialist
Acting Lieutenant Colonel Richard Joseph REARDEN Royal Marines
Major Derek Bryan STAFFORD Royal Marines
Warrant Officer 2 Robert TOOMEY Royal Marines
Commander Noel John WHEATLEY Royal Navy Reserve (Sea Cadet Corps)
Colour Sergeant Matthew John WILKINSON Royal Marines
Major Dean Ashley WILLIAMS Royal Marines
Lieutenant Commander Richard Hugh WITTE Royal Marines
QUEEN'S VOLUNTEER RESERVES MEDAL
Chief Petty Officer (New Entry Instructor) David Henry GIBSON Royal Naval Reserve

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ARMY

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APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OFTHE MOST HONOURABLE ORDER OF BATH
As Knight Commander
Lieutenant General Mark Francis Noel MANS, CBE,
late Corps of Royal Engineers
As Companions
Major General Nicholas John CAPLIN,
late Army Air Corps
Major General Clive CHAPMAN,
late The Parachute Regiment
Major General Patrick Claude MARRIOTT, CBE,
late The Queen's Royal Lancers
PROMOTIONS IN AND APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OFTHE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE
As Commanders
Colonel Andrew Dutton MASON, OBE,
late The Parachute Regiment
Brigadier Nicola Patricia MOFFAT,
late Adjutant General's Corps(Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
Brigadier Richard Edward NUGEE, MBE,
late Royal Regiment of Artillery
Brigadier Thomas Norman O'BRIEN, TD ADC, DL
late The Royal Logistic CorpsTerritorial Army
Colonel David Charles RICHMOND,
late The Royal Regiment of Scotland
Major General David Anthony Hirst SHAW,
late Royal Regiment of Artillery
As Officers
Colonel Anthony Gareth BEX,
The Royal Logistic Corps
Lieutenant Colonel Robaird James BOYD,
The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment
Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan David BRYANT,
Army Air Corps
Colonel Mark BYERS,
Royal Army Medical Corps
Colonel Jane Elizabeth DAVIS, QVRM TD DL,
late Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, Territorial Army
Lieutenant Colonel Adam Guy DAWSON, MC,
The Parachute Regiment
Acting Colonel Anthony Ian DENISON,
Middlesex and North West London SectorArmy Cadet Force
Lieutenant Colonel Simon David ETHERINGTON,
The Royal Anglian Regiment
Colonel Hugo Murray FLETCHER,
late The Parachute Regiment
Lieutenant Colonel Sebastian Giles HEATH, MBE,
Royal Regiment of Artillery
Acting Colonel Andrew Grahame MACLEAN, MBE,
Royal Regiment of Artillery
Lieutenant Colonel Russell Alexander MILLER,
Intelligence Corps
Colonel Ian Edward PROSSER,
late Adjutant General's Corps (Royal Military Police)
As Members
Warrant Officer Class 2 Paul Richard ADDENBROOKE,
Coldstream Guards
Major Toby Paul BARNES-TAYLOR,
Grenadier Guards
Major Richard Mark COATES,
The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
Captain Victoria Anne GREER (nee CURRIE),
Intelligence Corps
Captain John Barrie ELMS,
The Mercian Regiment
Lieutenant Colonel Andrew William FIELD,
The Mercian Regiment
Warrant Officer Class 2 Antony Edward GAUL,
Royal Army Physical Training Corps
Warrant Officer Class 2 Barry John GRASS,
Adjutant General's Corps (Royal Military Police)
Captain David Brian HALL,
The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment Territorial Army
Major John Anthony HARKER,
The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment
Captain Steven John HARRIS,
The Rifles
Major Andrew HAWKINS, QGM,
The Royal Logistic Corps
Acting Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Francis Reaveley JAMES,
Grenadier Guards
Lieutenant Colonel Marc Stephen LAWSON,
Adjutant General's Corps(Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
Lieutenant Colonel Russell LEE,
Royal Regiment of Artillery
Major Mark MARTIN,
Royal Regiment of Artillery
Major Clive Ronald Alfred MILES,
The Royal Regiment of Scotland
Corporal Lee MULLEN,
Corps of Royal Engineers
Lieutenant Colonel Richard John Sydney REID, TD,
Royal Army Medical Corps
Acting Lieutenant Colonel Peter John ROWELL,
Corps of Royal Engineers
Major Thomas James SALBERG,
Corps of Royal Engineers
Major Fiona Jane SCOTTER,
Corps of Royal Engineers
Captain Makand SINGH,
The Royal Logistic Corps Territorial Army
Corporal Kevin Phillip THOMPSON,
Corps of Royal Engineers
Major Edward James TROWBRIDGE,
Adjutant General's Corps(Educational and Training Services Branch)
Warrant Officer Class 2 Neil Wilson WALTON,
The Royal Logistic Corps Territorial Army
Major Steven Gilbert WEMYSS,
The Royal Regiment of Scotland
Warrant Officer Class 2 Matthew WHITFIELD,
Royal Corps of Signals
Lieutenant Colonel Sheldon WILD, BEM,
The King's Royal Hussars
Warrant Officer Class 2 Andrew Gordon WOOTON,
Corps of Royal Engineers
ROYAL RED CROSS
SECOND CLASS
Major Helen Elizabeth PURVIS,
Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps,Territorial Army
QUEEN'S VOLUNTEER RESERVES MEDAL
Captain David Paul BOLLAND,
General List Territorial Army
Warrant Officer Class 2 John Edward COLLINS,
Royal Corps of Signals Territorial Army
Brigadier Joseph Gerard d'INVERNO, TD,
late The Royal Highland Fusiliers Territorial Army
Warrant Officer Class 2 Richard John HOLDING,
Adjutant General's Corps(Royal Military Police) Territorial Army
Lieutenant Colonel Iain David LEVACK, TD,
Royal Army Medical Corps, Territorial Army

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ROYAL AIR FORCE

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APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OFTHE MOST HONOURABLE ORDER OF BATH
As Knight Commander
Air Marshal Kevin James LEESON CBE
As Companions
Air Vice-Marshal Michael John HARWOOD CBE
Air Vice-Marshal Christopher Brian MORRIS
APPOINTMENTS TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST HONOURABLE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE
As Commanders
Air Commodore Richard John ATKINSON
Group Captain Nicholas BRAY
Group Captain John GLADSTON MBE DFC
As Officers
Group Captain Julian David BALL
Wing Commander Adrian Stewart FROST
Wing Commander Brian JAMES
Wing Commander Iain LUNAN
Wing Commander Patrick Keiran O'DONNELL
Wing Commander Simon Andrew PATERSON
Group Captain Peter James Murray SQUIRES
As Members
Squadron Leader Mark John BEARDMORE
Squadron Leader Mark Edward BIGGADIKE
Warrant Officer Russell Jeremy COPPACK
Squadron Leader Graem Michael CORFIELD
Squadron Leader Christopher John FORD
Squadron Leader Michael David HALE
Squadron Leader Neil HOPE
Squadron Leader Terence Jeffrey HORSLEY
RAF Volunteer Reserve (Training)
Warrant Officer Nicola Vincenza HUTCHINSON
Warrant Officer Brent Thomas INGLIS
Squadron Leader Joanne Louise LINCOLN
Flight Sergeant Simon John NORRIS
Squadron Leader Michael George OXFORD QCVS
Master Aircrewman Dean William Edward PENLINGTON
Squadron Leader Gerard Jeffery SHEPPECK
Squadron Leader Paula Simone WILLMOT
QUEEN'S VOLUNTEER RESERVES MEDAL
Flight Lieutenant Stephen John DUDDY Royal Auxiliary Air Force
Sergeant Stephen STEWART Royal Auxiliary Air Force

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CIVILIANS IN DEFENCE

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COMMANDERS OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (CBE)
Professor Philip SUTTON,
Director of Science & Technology, Fareham
Dr Andrew Oliver TYLER,
Defence Equipment & Support, Beckington
QUEEN'S POLICE MEDAL (QPM)
Miss Wendy Lorraine BENSON
Ministry of Defence, Hook
OFFICERS OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (OBE)
David James ASHMAN
For voluntary service to SSAFA Forces Help, Sandwich
Dr Andrew BAXTER
Ministry of Defence, Salisbury
Richard BRUNWIN
For services to ex-Servicemen & Women, London
David COTTERILL
Ministry of Defence, Sevenoaks
Mrs Trudy Anne COUCHMAN
Ministry of Defence, Chatteris
Lt Col Anthony James DAVIES MBE
For services to the Armed Forces, Tunbridge
Dr Martin John Francis FOWLER
Ministry of Defence, Winchester
Dr Richard John GRAHAM
Met Office, Cullompton
Martyn GREENAWAY
Ministry of Defence, London
Raymond Lazare HAZAN
For services to Blind Ex-Service Men and Women, London
Gareth JONES
Ministry of Defence, London
John RICHARDSON
Ministry of Defence, London
MEMBERS OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (MBE)
Mrs Monique Avril BATEMAN
For services to Naval families, Haselmere
Ms Mary BINGHAM
Ministry of Defence, London
Keith BROWN
For services to the Defence Industry, Andover
Laurence BROWN
Ministry of Defence Police, Wooton Bassett
Philip BURNS
For services to the Defence Industry, Barrow-in-Furness
Kevin Derek CAPON
Ministry of Defence, Wilton
Wg Cdr David John CHIVERS RAF Rtd
For voluntary service to the Air Training Corps, Tiverton
Garry Stephen CUNNINGHAM
Ministry of Defence, Chippenham
David George EMERY
For voluntary service to the Royal Naval Association, Stoke-on-Trent
Major Martin James EVERETT TD
For services to the Royal Welsh Regimental Museum, Chepstow
Ms Pamela FLORA
Ministry of Defence, Guttersloh
Brian GRANT
For services to the Defence Industry, Helensburgh
James HARVEY
Ministry of Defence, London
Peter HOLLINS
For voluntary service to the Royal Navy Museum, Gosport
Wg Cdr Martin Richard HOOKER RAF Rtd
Ministry of Defence, Brandon
Mrs Alison LEWIS
Ministry of Defence, Andover
Mrs Yvonne MARR
For voluntary service to the Royal British Legion Scotland, Stonehaven
Mrs Sally-Rose Alice McFERRAN
For services to SSAFA Forces Help, Colchester
Sqn Ldr Herbert Nevil MOTTERSHEAD DFC
For voluntary service to the 158 Squadron Association, Ashbourne
Stephen John NICHOLSON
For services to St John Ambulance in Bedfordshire, Bedford
Mrs Rowena Dorothy PATRICK
For voluntary service to the Burma Star Association, Ash Vale
Major Sylvia Ann PARKIN TD JP DL
Campaign Director SABRE, Tettenhall
Christopher PARRY
United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO), Merriott
Michael Alan PIGOTT
Ministry of Defence, Hemel Hempstead
Mrs Mary ROBINSON
For voluntary service to the British Red Cross Society, Hexham
Mrs Susan ROSS
Ministry of Defence, Devizes
Philip James ROWE
For voluntary service to the British Red Cross Society, Castle Cary
Mrs Michelle SALTER
For voluntary service to SSAFA Forces Help, Yexham
Inderpal SUMAL
Ministry of Defence, London
Nigel Patrick TRUSCOTT
For voluntary service in the St John Ambulance, Jersey
Mrs Eileen Mary VIVIANI
Ministry of Defence, Moreton-in-Marsh
Mrs Maureen WATKIN
For voluntary service to St John Ambulance, Wolverhampton
William Edward WEBBER
For voluntary service to the Royal British Legion, South Molton

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Dec. 31., 2011. - ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan (Dec. 31) — A combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered several small weapons caches while conducting routine patrols in La’lpur district, Nangarhar province, yesterday. The weapons caches consisted of one anti-tank mine, 25 sticks of dynamite, over 1,000 rounds of small arms ammunition, one fragmentation grenade, one bolt action rifle and IED making materials, including detonation cord and time fuses.

The security forces destroyed the caches on site without incident.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South
Coalition security forces discovered a weapons cache during a routine patrol in Arghandab district, Kandahar province, yesterday. The cache consisted of 38 recoilless rifle rounds, eight rocket propelled grenade warheads, 38 RPG boosters and17 120 mm mortar rounds. The security force destroyed all weapons on site without incident.

An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader during an operation in Zharay district, Kandahar province, today. The leader planned ambush and roadside bomb attacks against Afghan forces in the Zharay district. Multiple suspected insurgents were detained during the operation.

East
An Afghan led and a coalition supported security force captured a Taliban leader during an operation Gardez district, Paktiya province, today. The leader conducted roadside bomb attacks throughout the area. The security force seized weapons and ammunition, and detained multiple suspected insurgents during the operation.

Read More

Son of infamous al Qaeda family killed by Ethiopian forces

Abu al Bara'a Abdul Aziz bin Attash, a son of a notorious al Qaeda family, has been killed by Ethiopian forces in Somalia near the Kenyan border, according to a biography posted on the al Fida' forum. The SITE Intelligence Group has translated the posting, which details Abu al Bara'a's life.

By Thomas Joscelyn, December 30, 2011, LWJ

Abu al Bara'a Abdul Aziz bin Attash, a son of a notorious al Qaeda family, has been killed by Ethiopian forces in Somalia near the Kenyan border, according to a biography posted on the al Fida' forum. The SITE Intelligence Group has translated the posting, which details Abu al Bara'a's life.
Abu al Bara'a was one of 10 sons in the bin Attash family, at least five of whom served al Qaeda, the Taliban, and their allies. The history of the bin Attash family's jihad is outlined in leaked Joint Task Force-Guantanamo (JTF-GTMO) files, as two of the bin Attash brothers are currently detained at Guantanamo. The two bin Attash brothers in detention are Walid Muhammad Saleh (also known as Khallad) and Hassan Ali, both of whom swore bayat (oath of allegiance) to deceased al Qaeda master Osama bin Laden and were involved in al Qaeda's international terrorist operations.
A third bin Attash brother, Hussam, was "killed in Kabul, [Afghanistan] while working with the Taliban in 1997," according to a leaked JTF-GTMO memo. A fourth brother, Hussayn, was killed in Kandahar, Afghanistan after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
In addition, the patriarch of the family, Muhammad Saleh bin Attash, was imprisoned in Saudi Arabia. The details of the senior bin Attash's arrest and detention are not included in the leaked JTF-GTMO files. However, it appears that senior al Qaeda detainees in US custody thought he was a close associate of Osama bin Laden.

From Khalden training camp to Somalia
Abu al Bara'a traveled to Afghanistan in 1997 to join his brothers in al Qaeda's training courses. Abu al Bara'a was less than 20 years old at the time, according to the jihadist forum posting translated by SITE. Some of the details of the training are contained in leaked JTF-GTMO files.
Like his brothers Hassam and Hassan Ali, who is held at Guantanamo, Abu al Bara'a was trained at the Khalden camp, which was operated by top al Qaeda operatives Abu Zubaydah and Ibn Sheikh al Libi. Zubaydah is detained at Guantanamo, and al Libi committed suicide in a Libyan prison in 2009. Al Libi seems to have been an especially important figure for the bin Attash family. While in custody, according to a JTF-GTMO file, Khallad described al Libi as being "like a father to most of the bin Attash boys" and "very close to their mother."
...
Read more: http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2011/12/son_of_infamous_al_q.php#ixzz1i4Qs6r3u

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AQAP kills Houthi military commander

In addition to al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula's increasing activity in southern Yemen, the terror group has also been conducting operations against the Shia Houthis in the northern province of Sa'ada. In a statement released on jihadist websites, AQAP claimed it killed a Houthi military commander. An excerpt of the statement, which has been translated by the SITE Intelligence Group, is below:

Image via Wikipedia

Two definitions of the Arabian Peninsula

 By Bill Roggio, December 30, 2011 1:48 PM, Threat Matrix - LWJ

 

In addition to al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula's increasing activity in southern Yemen, the terror group has also been conducting operations against the Shia Houthis in the northern province of Sa'ada. In a statement released on jihadist websites, AQAP claimed it killed a Houthi military commander. An excerpt of the statement, which has been translated by the SITE Intelligence Group, is below:

Your brothers penetrated their fortifications and camps, and two days ago, the left side of the mujahideen front advanced towards the center of the city of Kataf, and they are 500 meters away from it. This city is about 25 kilometers away from the center of Damaj and after it is Khaniq, then Dmaj. Your brothers were able to kill the [Shi'ite] military commander Abu Ali al-Hakim with a sticky device that was fastened to his vehicle while he was in a restaurant. This [Shi'ite] swore a day before his killing that he would attack al-Bariq Mountain (a mountain directly overlooking the center) and enjoy the women of Damaj, may Allah shame him.

AQAP has been targeting the Shia in the north for years, often with the support of the Yemeni government, which seeks to crush the Houthi rebels. In November 2010, an AQAP suicide bomber killed 17 people, including a top Houthi leader and his son.
In early Decemebr, AQAP officially declared war on the Houthis. Ibrahim Suleiman al Rubaish, al Qaeda in Arabian Peninsula's Mufti, issued the announcement and called the Shia a "virus" on the Sunni people. Rubaish was held at the Guantanamo Bay detention facility before he was released in 2006.

Read more: http://www.longwarjournal.org/threat-matrix/archives/2011/12/aqap_kills_houthi_military_com.php

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2 NATO troops, 4 civilians killed in Afghanistan bombings

KABUL, Afghanistan — Two NATO service members died Friday in roadside bombings in southern Afghanistan, while allied and Afghan forces killed three senior Taliban figures and captured 11 fighters and sympathizers, the alliance said.

Also Friday, a roadside bomb killed four civilians and wounded one in the Tirin Kot district of Uruzgan province, some 250 miles southwest of Kabul, the Interior Ministry said.

By Slobodan Lekic - The Associated Press

Read more:
www.navytimes.com/news/2011/12/ap-2-nato-troops-killed-in-afghanistan-bombings-123011

Related articles

• You: NATO soldier, 4 Afghan civilians killed as joint raids kill and capture Taliban commanders (washingtonpost.com)

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NATO helicopter crash in Northern Afghanistan

Friday, December 30, 2011 – According to local authorities in northern Afghanistan, a NATO-led International Security Assistance Force helicopter crashed in northern Sar-e-Pul province.

The officials further added, the incident took place on Thursday night in this province.

Sar-e-Pul provincial Security Chief Syed Janangeer said, the helicopter belonged to the special forces of the NATO troops and crashed in Sayad district of northern Sar-e-Pul province.

Mr. Janangeer further added, the helicopter crashed near the base of the NATO troops in the area due to mechanical problems while it was landing.

He also said, at least one pilot of the helicopter was injured during the incident.

In the meantime, Taliban militants group claimed that the helicopter was shot down by the fighters.

NATO-led International Security Assistance Force officials yet to comment regarding the incident.

Related articles

• NATO helicopter crash in Northern Afghanistan (khaama.com)

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Israel kills leader of al Qaeda-linked Army of Islam in Gaza airstrike

The Israeli Air Force killed the emir of the al Qaeda-linked Jaish al Islam, or Army of Islam, in an airstrike in northern Gaza. The airstrike is the latest by Israel that has targeted al Qaeda-affiliated terrorists in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli fighter-bombers killed Muaman Abu Daf, the leader of the Army of Islam, in a strike in the Zeitoun district in Gaza City today. Hamas, the terror group which runs Gaza, confirmed that Abu Daf was killed in the attack. Five other Palestinians were wounded. Members of the Army of Islam wrapped Abu Daf's body in the flag flown by al Qaeda in Iraq, Shabaab, and other al Qaeda affiliates in the Middle East.

Image via Wikipedia

By Bill Roggio, December 30, 2011, LWJ

The Israeli Air Force killed the emir of the al Qaeda-linked Jaish al Islam, or Army of Islam, in an airstrike in northern Gaza. The airstrike is the latest by Israel that has targeted al Qaeda-affiliated terrorists in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli fighter-bombers killed Muaman Abu Daf, the leader of the Army of Islam, in a strike in the Zeitoun district in Gaza City today. Hamas, the terror group which runs Gaza, confirmed that Abu Daf was killed in the attack. Five other Palestinians were wounded. Members of the Army of Islam wrapped Abu Daf's body in the flag flown by al Qaeda in Iraq, Shabaab, and other al Qaeda affiliates in the Middle East.
The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed the strike and said the Air Force "targeted a terrorist squad that was identified moments before firing rockets at Israel from the northern Gaza Strip."
"A hit was confirmed, thwarting the rocket fire attempt," the IDF said in a statement released on its website. "The aforementioned squad is responsible for the firing of rockets at Israel in the past number of days."
Today's strike that killed Abu Daf is the third by the Israeli Air Force against what the IDF refers to as "Global Jihad-affiliated terrorists," or Gaza-based groups linked to al Qaeda. On Dec. 27, the Israeli Air Force killed Abdallah Telbani, who was involved in a plot to attack Israel from the Egyptian Sinai as well as with rocket and IED attacks along the Israeli-Gaza border.
And on Dec. 28, the Israeli Air Force killed Rami Daoud Jabar Khafarna and Hazam Mahmad Sa'adi Al Shakr, two former Hamas members who were involved with "Global Jihad-affiliated terrorist" networks in Gaza. Khafarna and Shakr were members of a "squad" that "was previously known to the IDF due to its attempt in carrying out a terror attack on the Israel-Egypt border."
There are four main Salafist groups that operate in the Gaza Strip. All four groups have expressed their support for al Qaeda. Those groups are the Jaish al Islam, Jund Ansar Allah, Jaish al Ummah, and Jaish al Mu'minun. These groups have clashed with Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated terror group that rules Gaza and is supported by Iran and Syria. [See LWJ report, Israel kills 'Global Jihad affiliated-terrorists' in Gaza airstrikes, for summaries of the four terror groups.]

Read more: http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2011/12/israel_kills_al_qaed.php#ixzz1i4KWFrud

Related articles

• Israel kills leader of al Qaeda-linked Army of Islam in Gaza airstrike (longwarjournal.org)

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Powerful blast kills 9, injures 18 in Quetta

QUETTA: A powerful blast on Arbab Karam Khan Road near Raisani Chowk has killed nine and injured 18 people in Quetta, Geo News reported.

The blast ripped through a residential neighborhood outside the house of former federal minister Naseer Mengal's son Shafiq Mengal.

Many houses caught fire after the blast.

A senior police official, while talking to Geo News feared a sharp rise in the death toll.

Emergency was declared in the area in the wake of the blast, the bang of which was heard miles away. Such was the intensity of the explosion that most of the windowpanes in the nearby housing blocks and market place fell apart.

Ambulances are doing rounds between the hospitals and the blast site.

Firefighters also reached site of tragedy and were busy fighting flames.

Two of the injured are in critical condition, rescue sources told Geo News.

A shootout between unknown gunmen and police was also reported after the blast. Eyewitnesses say the armed men opened fire at police and media who arrived on the scene after the blast. Gunmen also manhandled a private TV channel's cameramen and broke his camera.

Read more from GEONEWS

Related articles

• Car Bomb at Politician's Home Kills 9 in Pakistan (foxnews.com)
• Nine killed in Pakistan car bomb attack (independent.co.uk)

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Dec. 30., 2011. - ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan (Dec. 30) — An Afghan led and coalition supported security force captured two Taliban leaders during an operation in Zharay district, Kandahar province, today. Both leaders planned attacks against Afghan forces and moved weapons and explosives to include rocket-propelled grenades throughout Zharay district. Multiple firearms were confiscated during the operation.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:
South
In the Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province, an Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader today. The leader was involved in multiple attacks against coalition forces and served as a judge for the Taliban. Two additional suspected insurgents were detained during the operation.
A combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a drug cache during a routine patrol in Panjwa‘i district, Kandahar province, today. The cache consisted of approximately 660 pounds (300 kilograms) of marijuana. The security force seized the drugs, which will be destroyed at a later date.

East 
An Afghan led and coalition supported security force captured a Haqqani facilitator during an operation in Sabari district, Khost province, today. The facilitator moved rockets and roadside bombs from Pakistan to Afghanistan. Multiple weapons were confiscated and three additional suspected insurgents were detained during the operation.
In Nerkh district, Wardak province, an Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban facilitator during an operation today. The facilitator supplied bomb making materials, acquired weapons and ammunition, and participated in attacks in the Maidan Shahr district.
An Afghan led and coalition supported security force captured a Taliban leader during an operation in Baraki Barak district, Logar province, today. The leader distributed weapons, specialized in the construction of roadside bombs, and conducted attacks against Afghan forces. Two additional suspected insurgents were detained during the operation.


West
An Afghan-led security force supported by coalition troops conducted an operation in search of insurgent leaders in Bakwah district, Farah province, earlier this week. As the combined force approached an identified enemy position, several insurgents opened fire. Assessing an immediate threat, the security force engaged the insurgents. Mullah Toyeb, a high-level insurgent leader, was killed along with insurgent commanders known as Iliyas and Delawar, as well as a number of additional insurgents.

Security forces also recovered several weapons, ammunition, rockets and bomb-making equipment from the scene. No Afghan or coalition forces were injured during the operation.

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R.I.P. - Captain Tom Jennings, Squadron Leader Anthony Downing

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Captain Tom Jennings, Royal Marines, who was killed in Afghanistan on 22 December 2011.

Capt Jennings died after the vehicle he was travelling in struck an explosive device whilst on an operation to the south of Kabul.
Squadron Leader Anthony Downing RAF, whose death was announced separately by the Ministry of Defence, had been travelling in the same vehicle.

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/CaptainTomJenningsKilledInAfghanistan.htm
 

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Squadron Leader Anthony Downing, who died on 23 December 2011 following an incident in Afghanistan.
He had been seriously wounded when the vehicle he was travelling in was caught in an explosion south of Kabul on Thursday 22 December. He was flown back to the UK where sadly, he died of his wounds at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. His family were with him when he died.
Captain Tom Jennings, Royal Marines, whose death was announced separately by the Ministry of Defence, had been travelling in the same vehicle.

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/SquadronLeaderAnthonyDowningDiesOfWoundsSustainedInAfghanistan.htm


Captain Tom Jennings, Royal Marines
Capt Jennings died after the vehicle he was travelling in struck an explosive device whilst on an operation to the south of Kabul.
Capt Jennings, aged 29, was a true leader, selfless in his professional approach serving those who were his responsibility. Dedicated and humble, he was an archetypal Royal Marine with a keen sense of humour even when faced with adversity. Whilst working with the Afghan forces that he partnered, he displayed empathy and a broad cultural understanding that ensured he was highly valued by the Afghans as well as his Royal Marine brothers.
He was devoted to his wife and their two young sons whose loss cannot be portrayed in words. The Royal Marines have lost a brother, they have lost their world.
Capt Jennings family have asked that their privacy is respected.


Squadron Leader Anthony Downing RAF
Known as Ant, 34-year-old Squadron Leader Downing was, by trade, an Engineering Officer in the Royal Air Force. He ran the last Nimrod Line Squadron before its disbandment.
His unassuming and modest demeanour belied a hugely professional officer and an extremely determined individual. His work in Afghanistan typified this as he had studied hard at the Defence School of Languages, Beaconsfield, coming top of his language course, and travelled to Tajikistan in his own time to further his studies. However, Ant was no book-worm and found the time to train for, and compete in, a series of Iron Man Triathlons and Ultra Marathons.
This physical and professional drive lent him a rare confidence, the sense of being comfortable in his own skin that made him an utterly charming individual with whom it was so easy to pass the time. This dynamic allowed him to interact effectively with the Afghans and his British colleagues alike.



http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/CaptainTomJenningsKilledInAfghanistan.htm


http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/MilitaryOperations/SquadronLeaderAnthonyDowningDiesOfWoundsSustainedInAfghanistan.htm

Related articles

• Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan explosion (sgt-jim.blogspot.com)

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R.I.P. - Petty Officer Stacy O. Johnson

DOD Identifies Navy Casualty

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

Petty Officer Stacy O. Johnson, 35, of Rolling Fork, Miss., died July 18, while supporting operations in Bahrain. Johnson was a master-at-arms assigned to Naval Security Force Bahrain.

For further information related to this release, contact Naval Support Activity Bahrain Public Affairs at 011-973-1785-4520.

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At least 30 people killed in Turkish Air Raid

Thursday, December 29, 2011 – At least 30 people have been reported killed following air raids by Turkish warplanes near a Kurdish village close to the with Iraq.

Mayor of Uludere in Sirnak province Fehmi Yaman said, “We have 30 corpses, all of them are burned. The state knew that these people were smuggling in the region. This kind of incident is unacceptable. They were hit from the air.”

According to local officials, drums of diesel carried by the group had exploded.

Turkish warplanes strike militant targets regularly in the region in their battle against Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) guerrillas, and have stepped up raids after a PKK attack in August.

In the meantime, a Turkish security official said, “There were rumors that the PKK would cross through this region. Images were recorded of a crowd crossing last night, hence an operation was carried out.”

The source further added, “We could not have known whether these people were (PKK) group members or smugglers.”

Turkish military launched an operation in northern Iraq in October after a PKK attack killed 24 soldiers in the town of Cukurca near the Iraqi border, the army’s biggest loss since 1993.

PKK fighters usually launch attacks on Turkish targets from their rear bases in northern Iraq.

Related articles

• At least 30 people killed in Turkish Air Raid (khaama.com)
• Turkish airstrike aimed at militants kills 35 Kurdish villagers (worldnews.msnbc.msn.com)
• Turkish air strikes kill 35 suspected Kurdish militants in northern Iraq (news.nationalpost.com)

Read More

Afghan Intelligence detain 2 Pakistani militants

Thursday, December 29, 2011 – Officials in Afghan Intelligence Department, National Directorate for Security announced to detain at least two Pakistani militant suspects in eastern Kunar province.

The Afghan Intelligence Department named the detained suspects as Mohsen Shah resident of Charasada at Peshawar Pakistan and Bashir also known as Ibrahim resident fo Qadam Khel at Mardan Pakistan.

The officials further added, the detained militants were involved in plotting insurgency activities in eastern regions of the country and the militants have confessed to their crimes during the preliminary stage of the investigations.

The militants said that they were hired by Qari Zafir a resident of Panjab in Pakistan and were trained for at least 40 days at training center in Miranshah.

The Intelligence officials also said, another criminal suspect was detained in the charges of forgery in the same province.

The detained suspect was named as Hedayatullah resident of Kamish district at eastern Kunar province.

According to intelligence officials, the suspect was struggling to exchange around USD 7,000 at Asadabad district of eastern Kunar province.

The suspect has also confessed to his crimes, the officials said.

Related articles

• Afghan Intelligence detain 2 Pakistani militants (khaama.com)

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R.I.P. - Sgt. Noah M. Korte, Spc. Kurt W. Kern, Pfc. Justin M. Whitmire

DOD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died Dec. 27, in Paktia, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit with an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.

Killed were:

Sgt. Noah M. Korte, 29, of Lake Elsinore, Calif.,

Spc. Kurt W. Kern, 24, of McAllen, Texas, and

Pfc. Justin M. Whitmire, 20, of Easley, S.C.

For more information related to this release, the media may visit http://www.forthoodpresscenter.com or contact the Fort Hood public affairs office at 254-287-9993 or 254-287-0106.

Related articles

• McAllen man killed in Afghanistan (mysanantonio.com)
• 3 Fort Hood Soldiers Die In Afghanistan Explosion (dfw.cbslocal.com)
• Southern California soldier killed in Afghanistan (latimesblogs.latimes.com)
• http://sgt-jim.blogspot.com/2011/12/3-nato-service-members-killed-in.html

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10 Afghan Policemen Killed in Helmand Blast

At least ten Afghan policemen were killed in a roadside bomb blast in southern Helmand province on Thursday, local officials said.

The incident took place in Nad Ali district when a police vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb, Dawood Ahmadi, a spokesman for the provincial governor said.

No group including the Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Insurgents use Improvised Explosive Devices to target Afghan and foreign troops, but the victims of such attacks are often civilians.
---
update:
meanwhile talibans claim responsibility in text message, and on tweeter

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Two ISAF members shot dead by ANA

ISAF release:
KABUL, Afghanistan – An individual wearing an Afghan National Army uniform turned his weapon against two International Security Assistance Forces service members in eastern Afghanistan today, killing both service members. ISAF is investigating the incident.

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


other sources:

- Taliban spokesman in an SMS to the media claimed responsibility of NATO soldiers killed saying it was their man in ANA uniform in Tagab.

- from taliban tweet account: "Breaking: 3 french terrorists shot dead by Afghan soldier inside Shamshad named base in Tagab district (Kapisa) at 06:30 am today."

update:
Thursday, December 29, 2011 – According to local governmental officials in southern Afghanistan, at least two NATO-led French troops were killed in eastern Afghanistan.

The officials further added, the incident took place after an individual who had disguised himself in Afghan Army uniform opened fire on French troops.

Taliban militants group fighting the Afghan government and International Coalition Forces claimed responsibility behind the incident.

The Taliban group following a statement said, Ibrahim the attack was carried out by a Taliban militant who had joined the Afghan army in eastern Kapisa province, with a purpose to carry out such an attack.

The statement further added, the Taliban fighter was killed and martyred during the cross fire with the invader troops.

Related articles

• 2 French soldiers killed in eastern Afghanistan (khaama.com)
• 2 NATO troops killed in eastern Afghanistan (khaama.com)
• Two NATO troops killed in Afghanistan (edition.cnn.com)
• Man in Afghan Army Uniform Kills 2 NATO Soldiers (nytimes.com)

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Dozens of militants killed and detained in Afghan operations

Thursday, December 29, 2011 – At least 2 militants were killed and 28 others were detained following Afghan National Security forces operations.

Afghanistan Ministry of Interior Affairs following an statement said, the operations were conducted jointly by Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police, Afghan Intelligence Forces in conjunction with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force during the past 24 hours.

The source further added, at least two militants were also injured during the military operations.

According to Afghan Interior Ministry officials, the military operations were conducted in Nangarhar, Kandahar, Helmand, Logar, Ghazni and Paktika provinces.

Afghan security forces also seized around 67,800 kilograms of Ammonium Nitrate, 4 AK-47 assault rifles, an RPG-7 rocket launcher, a PK-47 machine gun, 8 improvised explosive devices, 13 hand grenades, 3 pistols, 120 different weapons, 38 kilograms of explosives, 84 kilograms of opium during the operations.

Related articles

• Dozens of militants killed and detained in Afghan operations (khaama.com)

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Dec. 29., 2011. - ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan (Dec. 29) — A combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a drug cache during a routine patrol in Panjwa‘i district, Kandahar province, today. The cache consisted of approximately 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms) of hashish. The security force destroyed all the drugs on site without incident.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South
An Afghan led and a coalition supported security force captured a Taliban leader during an operation in Ghorak district, Kandahar province, today. The leader specialized in the construction of roadside bombs and coordinated attacks in the Sangin Valley. One additional suspected insurgent was detained during the operation.

East
In Gardez district, Paktiya province, an Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader during an operation today. The leader constructed bombs and planned attacks in the Gardez district. Multiple weapons to include firearms and combat knives were seized and two additional suspected insurgents were detained during the operation.

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Nigeria: Arabic School Attacked by Bomb

VOA News 28 December 2011
Police in southern Nigeria say assailants have thrown a bomb into an Arabic school, wounding seven people days after a string of deadly church bombings across the country.
Authorities in Delta state say the homemade bomb went off after it was thrown from a car late Tuesday. Six children were among the wounded.
The attack follows a string of four coordinated bombings Sunday that killed at least 39 people.
The radical Muslim sect Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the Christmas Day attacks.

Christians in northern Nigeria have warned that increased violence could lead to a religious war. In other violence, gunmen shot and killed a young girl and her parents late Tuesday in a Christian-dominated village near the central city of Jos. Officials suspect the attack was carried out by Muslim tribesmen.
Jos is the site of frequent clashes between Christians and Muslims.
Boko Haram, whose name means “Western education in sinful” in the Hausa language, wants to establish a strict Islamic state in Nigeria. It does not recognize the government or the country's constitution.
The country of 150 million is about evenly divided between Muslims, who mostly live in the north, and Christians who dominate in the south.
Hundreds of others have died this year in bombings and shootings blamed on Boko Haram.

Related articles

• Nigeria: Arabic School Attacked by Bomb (waronterrornews.typepad.com)
• Islamic school attack in Nigeria's delta wounds 7 (mysanantonio.com)
• Seven injured in Nigerian Islamic school attack (ctv.ca)

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Russia Completes Tests of New ICBM

                                     Image via Wikipedia

December 28, 2011

Associated Press

MOSCOW -- A ballistic missile that is to be a cornerstone of Russia's nuclear arsenal has completed its rocky test program and will be commissioned by the military, President Dmitry Medvedev announced Tuesday during a meeting with military officers.
The Bulava ICBM, intended to arm a new generation of nuclear submarines, is a three-stage missile that can carry up to 10 individually targeted warheads at a range of 8,000 kilometers (5,000 miles).
The Bulava suffered a string of failures during tests that dragged on for years, raising doubts about the future of the most expensive military project in the nation's post-Soviet history. Several recent tests, however, have been successful, including last week's simultaneous launch of two Bulavas.


Russian officials have billed Bulava as a new-generation weapon, capable of dodging any potential missile defenses, thanks to its quick start and an ability to perform unusual maneuvers in flight. The Bulava would replace Soviet-built missiles approaching the end of their service lifetimes.
The Russian navy also has finished building the first of a new series of nuclear-powered submarines to be armed with the new missile, the Yuri Dolgoruky. Several other such submarines are under construction.

Related articles

• Russia Completes Tests of New ICBM (military.com)
• Russia Completes Tests of New ICBM (abcnews.go.com)

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Dec. 28., 2011. - ISAF Joint Command Evening Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan – A combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered an explosives cache during a routine patrol in Spin Boldak district, Kandahar province, today.

The cache consisted of nearly 12,000 pounds (5,454 kilograms) of homemade explosives. The security force destroyed all the explosives on site without incident.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South

A combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a drug cache during a routine patrol in Panjwa‘i district, Kandahar province, today. The cache consisted of large quantities of marijuana and hashish, totalling approximately 1,500 pounds (680 kilograms). The security force destroyed all the drugs on site without incident.

West

A combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a drug cache during a routine patrol in Murghab district, Badghis province, yesterday. The cache consisted of approximately 210 pounds (95 kilograms) of hashish. Afghan National Army troops seized the drugs and detained two suspects for questioning without incident.

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Gunmen assassinate development council chief in Helmand

Wednesday, December 28, 2011 – Unknown gunmen assassinated chief of the development council for Nawzad district of southern Helmand province.

According to local officials, Abdul Baqi chief of the Nawzad development was killed along with his son and grandson on Tuesday evening while he was on his way to his home.

Provincial governor media office officials said, Abdul Baqi and his son was killed on the spot while his grandson died of his wounds in Shorabak military hospital.

The officials further added, the gunmen managed to flee the area after opening fire on Abdul Baqi chief of the Nawzad development council.

According to reports, around 20 district development council members have been killed in insurgents attack at southern Helmand province during the past two years.

In the meantime, provincial governor for Helmand province Gulab strongly condemned the assassination of Nawzad district development council chief.

Related articles

• Gunmen assassinate development council chief in Helmand (khaama.com)

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Taliban commander killed in NATO troops operation

Wednesday, December 28, 2011 – According to local officials in southern Afghanistan, NATO-led International Security Assistance Force killed a Taliban commander in southern Helmand province.

Helmand provincial governor spokesman Daud Ahmadi confirming the report said, the Taliban commander Mullah Abdul Rahim was killed by coalition forces in Jazi area while he struggling to plant a roadside bomb.

Mr. Ahmadi further added, Mullah Abdul Rahim was recently elected as the commander of the Taliban militants in Nawzad district of southern Helmand province.

He was chosen as the commander of the Taliban to overlook Nawzad district following the assassination of Mullah Gulbuddin who was previously the commander of the Taliban group for the same region, Mr. Ahmadi said.

According to reports, a companion of the Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Rahim was also killed.

Related articles

• Taliban commander killed in NATO troops operation (khaama.com)

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3 NATO service members killed in Afghanistan

Image via Wikipedia

Wednesday, December 28, 2011 – NATO-led International Security Assistance Force officials following a press release on Wednesday said, at least 3 NATO service members were killed following a roadside improvised explosive device explosion.

The statement further added, the three NATO service members were killed following an explosion on Tuesday.

The statement did not provide further information regarding the exact location of the incident and identities of the deceased soldiers.

The NATO officials generally do not disclose the identity of the casualties, saying “It is ISAF policy to defer casualty identification procedures to the relevant national authorities.”

However, U.S. forces mostly have been stationed in the eastern part of the insurgency-hit country.

Related articles

• 3 NATO service members killed in Afghanistan (khaama.com)

Read More

Israel kills 'Global Jihad affiliated-terrorists' in Gaza airstrikes

The Israeli Defense Forces killed three al Qaeda-linked terrorists during two airstrikes in the Gaza strip over the past 24 hours.
During an airstrike today in the northern Gaza Strip, the IDF killed Rami Daoud Jabar Khafarna and Hazam Mahmad Sa'adi Al Shakr, both described as "Global Jihad-affiliated" terrorists, the IDF said in a press release on its website. The IDF uses the term "Global Jihad-affiliated terrorist" to describe members of Salafist groups linked to al Qaeda's network in the region. 

By Bill Roggio, December 28, 2011

The Israeli Defense Forces killed three al Qaeda-linked terrorists during two airstrikes in the Gaza strip over the past 24 hours.
During an airstrike today in the northern Gaza Strip, the IDF killed Rami Daoud Jabar Khafarna and Hazam Mahmad Sa'adi Al Shakr, both described as "Global Jihad-affiliated" terrorists, the IDF said in a press release on its website. The IDF uses the term "Global Jihad-affiliated terrorist" to describe members of Salafist groups linked to al Qaeda's network in the region.
Both Khafarna and Shakr were previously members of Hamas prior to joining the unnamed Salafist group. Khararna "is known to have taken part in firing rockets at Israel," while Shakr "has planted and detonated explosive devices against IDF soldiers, along the border with the Gaza Strip."
The terrorists were members of a "squad" that "was previously known to the IDF due to its attempt in carrying out a terror attack on the Israel-Egypt border."
Today's airstrike followed another yesterday that killed Abdallah Telbani in Gaza city. Telbani was also described as a "Global Jihad-affiliated terrorist," and was involved in a plot to attack Israel from the Egyptian Sinai as well as with rocket and IED attacks along the Israeli-Gaza border, according to Reuters.
There are four main Salafist groups that operate in the Gaza Strip. All four groups have expressed their support for al Qaeda. Those groups are the Jaish al Islam, Jund Ansar Allah, Jaish al Ummah, and Jaish al Mu'minun. These groups have clashed with Hamas, the Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated terror group that rules Gaza and is supported by Iran and Syria.
Additionally, al Qaeda in the Sinai and its military arm, Ansar al Jihad, which announced its formation last week, are now operating in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula [see list below]. Al Qaeda in the Sinai has been establishing ties with the Gaza-based Salafist groups and is seeking to coordinate operations, a US intelligence official told The Long War Journal.
Security in the Sinai Peninsula has deteriorated since the popular uprising last winter that resulted in former President Mubarak's ouster. Hundreds of Islamists, many from Ayman al Zawahiri's Egyptian Islamic Group, have been freed from prisons, and some are thought to have returned to support terror groups.
Al Qaeda in the Sinai is also thought to have been involved in a series of attacks in August near the Israeli resort town of Eliat that killed eight Israelis, as well as bombings against a natural gas pipeline between Israel and Egypt.

Read more: http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2011/12/israel_kills_global.php#ixzz1hsiq234y 

Related articles

• Israel kills 'Global Jihad affiliated-terrorists' in Gaza airstrikes (longwarjournal.org)
• Rocket hits southern Israel after IDF Gaza strikes (jta.org)
• Israel 'will launch significant Gaza offensive sooner or later' (guardian.co.uk)

Read More

Dec. 28., 2011. - ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan (Dec. 28) — A combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a drug cache during a routine patrol in Spin Boldak district, Kandahar province, today. The cache consisted of approximately 660 pounds (300 kilograms) of opium. The security force destroyed all the drugs on site without incident.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South
An Afghan led and coalition supported security force captured a Taliban leader during an operation in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province, today. The leader conducted roadside bomb attacks in Helmand province. One additional suspected insurgent was detained during the operation.

East
A combined Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation in search of a Taliban leader in Gardez district, Paktiya province, today. The leader coordinates attacks against Afghan forces in the Gardez district. Multiple suspected insurgents were detained during the operation.

Read More

before you jump in: Mullah Omar and the FBI List

read it before jump in :)
today many tweets came out: Mullah Mohammad Omar removed from the FBI's Most Wanted List
Alex took his time and ran around some circles:

---
Storified by Alex Strick v L

Rumours spun out of control on twitter when it was suggested that Mullah Mohammad Omar had been removed from the FBI's Most Wanted Terrorists list.

1. Pakistani blogs and media outlets appear to be the main source for a rumour that quickly picked up steam among twitter users, many of whom were Afghan journalists. See here, for example, with the Pakistani newspaper Express Tribune's story:
2. • 
     
   • 
     
   FBI removes Mullah Omar's name from list of most wanted terrorists

   In the past, US offici­als have held about half a dozen meetin­gs with repres­entati­ves of Mullah Omar. The Unites States Federal Bureau...

   

   Tribune
3. The initial spark this morning seems to have been a tweet by @RatebNoori:
4. • 
     
   • 
     
   “

   Flash: Mullah Omar's name deleted from FBI's most wanted list. t.co/84yahgKE@@wanted-grou...

   Rateb Noori

   8 hours ago

   
   
5. This was retweeted and then repeated by numerous Afghan users, many of whom didn't reference a news report or the FBI's list.
6. • 
     
   • 
     
   “

   RT @RatebNoori Flash: Mullah Omar's name deleted from FBI's most wanted list. t.co/UafaM3Bk @wanted-group-listing

   Ehsanullah Amiri

   8 hours ago

   
   
7. • 
     
   • 
     
   “

   Flash: #FBI remove #Mulla Omar name from black list.

   Parwiz Shamal

   8 hours ago

   
   
8. • 
     
   • 
     
   “

   Mullah Omer is no more a Top Wanted Fugitive by the FBI.

   Mustafa KAZEMI

   8 hours ago

   
   
9. • 
     
   • 
     
   “

   The 2nd green light for Taliban: FBI removes Mullah Omar from its most wanted list.

   Ehsanullah Amiri

   8 hours ago

   
   
10. This then picked up steam as others started retweeting, googling, and finding the original Pakistani media stories.
11. • 
      
    • 
      
    “

    Urgent: Taliban not our enemy lets remove Mullah Omar from Black list FBI t.co/f3ha3Wki

    Sharifullah Sahak

    8 hours ago

    
    
12. Some journalists questioned the story.
13. • 
      
    • 
      
    “

    Wait What? RT @AmiriEhsan: RT @RatebNoori Flash: Mullah Omar's name deleted from FBI's most wanted list. t.co/zTuykreN

    Subel Bhandari

    8 hours ago

    
    
14. I used archive.org's Wayback Machine to check whether he had ever been on the list. I had a hunch that he hadn't ever been on that list. There was only one previous snapshot of the page, made on 14 May 2011, but Mullah Mohammad Omar wasn't on the list then.
15. • 
      
    • 
      
    “

    @RatebNoori well, this is that same page in May 2011, and he's not on the list t.co/X44w0EhO

    Alex Strick v L

    8 hours ago

    
    
16. It was at this point that Tolo News, one of the biggest Afghan television stations, seems to have gone with the story.

Read more/full story and for updates:

  http://storify.com/strickvl/mmo-and-the-fbi-s-most-wanted-terrorists-list

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