Jan 3, 2012 ~ Jim's Military News

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

3 blasts rock Pakistan; appear to be unrelated

1/03/2012 10:12:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

Islamabad, Pakistan (CNN) -- Blasts in three cities across Pakistan occurred within minutes of each other on Tuesday, killing at least five people and wounding dozens, officials said.

In the first incident, a suspected suicide bomber detonated himself on a deserted road on the outskirts of the northeastern city of Gujrat, police said.

"It seems like he may have set the bomb off by mistake," said police official Mudassar Ali.

Minutes later, a second blast went off in a bustling market area in Peshawar in northwest Pakistan. The bomb was placed on a motorcycle in the basement of a commercial building, police said. It killed one and injured 23.

In the third incident, a car bomb exploded in a busy market area in a Landi Kotal, a town in Pakistan's tribal Khyber Agency, said Abdul Nabi, a government official.

Four people died and eight were injured in the explosion, said Nabi.

The Pakistan Taliban claimed responsibility for the blasts in Peshawar and Landi Kotal, a spokesman for the group, Insanullah Ihsan, told CNN.

A militant group called the Abdullah Azzam Bridgade worked with the Pakistan Taliban on the Landi Kotal attack, Ihsan said.

Tributes to Afghan blast policeman (+video)

1/03/2012 09:46:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

Tributes are being paid to an Afghan policeman who died in a joint operation to recover nearly a tonne of explosives, found in Helmand Province.

Around 280 British troops and 550 Afghan soldiers joined forces in the operation, which has been called "Winter Success".

In a separate find, 64 pressure plates, six bags of explosives, fourteen remote detonation controllers and other bomb components were found.
The troops gathered all of the explosive material together to be destroyed in a huge controlled blast in the Dashte, desert area.

a video from British Forces News:

One Afghan policeman was killed by an IED during the operation, which also saw insurgents cleared from an area in Nad-e Ali district, before new security checkpoints were put in place.
Afghan soldiers were mentored throughout by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)
"The policeman who died will be remembered as a very brave man. We have named one of the new police checkpoints in his honour," said Captain Haji Omar Jan, district chief of police for Nad-e Ali.
"This operation has provided security for the people of Nad-e Ali. Through our combined efforts we will provide a safe place for the people of Nad-e Ali to live.
"The removal of such a large amount of IEDs will keep our police, soldiers and civilians safer and more confident to go about their business. I am very thankful for the support from the Afghan National Army and ISAF on this successful operation and I hope to continue to operate in this way in the future."

a video from The Telegraph:

Pentagon vows carriers will remain in Gulf

1/03/2012 09:28:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

Image via Wikipedia

The Strait of Hormuz (red arrow)

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon on Tuesday answered an Iranian warning to keep U.S. aircraft carriers out of the Persian Gulf by declaring that American warships will continue regularly scheduled deployments to the strategic waterway.
George Little, the Pentagon press secretary, said the Navy operates in the Gulf in accordance with international law and to maintain “a constant state of high vigilance” to ensure the flow of sea commerce.

Earlier Tuesday, Iran’s army chief warned an American aircraft carrier not to return to the Gulf.

The Navy has said the aircraft carrier John C. Stennis and another vessel exited the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz a week ago. Iran has been holding naval exercises near the Strait at the mouth of the Gulf, which is a critically important passage for international oil supplies.
“The deployment of U.S. military assets in the Persian Gulf region will continue as it has for decades,” Little said in a written statement. “These are regularly scheduled movements in accordance with our longstanding commitments to the security and stability of the region and in support of ongoing operations.”
Fifth Fleet has long been headquartered in Bahrain.
Asked whether the U.S. intends to send naval reinforcements to the Gulf in response to Iranian talk of closing the Strait of Hormuz, Little did not answer directly but said, “No one in this government seeks confrontation over the Strait of Hormuz. It’s important to lower the temperature.”
Little reiterated that any closure of the strait would not be tolerated, but he declined to elaborate.
On Monday, Iran test-fired a surface-to-surface cruise missile as part of its naval maneuvers in the Gulf, prompting Iran’s navy chief to boast that the strait is “completely under our control.”
Asked about the significance of the missile test, Little said, “We are aware of reports of missile tests that are apparently tied to Iranian naval exercises that began in late December. They have the right to conduct exercises. The United States believes that the Iranian regime should devote its energy and resources to establishing friendly relations with countries in the Gulf region.”

Associated Press writer Pauline Jelinek contributed to this report.
By Robert Burns - The Associated Press

from NAVYTimes

Another 2 suicide bomber kills children in Kandahar today (+video)

1/03/2012 09:04:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

After the first suicide bombings, a double-attack kills dozens in Kandahar today.

On Tuesday evening, an improvised explosive device exploded without causing any injuries, said Zalmai Ayubi, spokesman for the Kandahar governor. But when police and locals gathered around the area of the blast, a suicide bomber on a motorcycle blew himself up near the crowd, he said.
Nine people -- including six police and three civilians -- were killed, according to Dr. Abdul Qayoom Pokhla, director of health department in Kandahar. Sixteen others were injured.

U.S. soldiers walk with their Afghan translator near the scene of a suicide attack in Kandahar, south of Kabul, Afghanistan, Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012.

Today results of the "trio" bombings: 12 dead (4 ANP, 8 civvies). 35 wounded (10 ANP, 25 civvies). 4 dead, 6 wounded are children.

really sad day....

a news report video from British Forces News:

Al Qaeda brokers new anti-US Taliban alliance in Pakistan and Afghanistan

1/03/2012 03:21:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

By Bill Roggio - January 3, 2012 - LWJ

One of al Qaeda's top leaders has reached out to the most powerful Taliban commanders along the Afghan-Pakistani border to create a new alliance to battle the US and NATO forces in Afghanistan.
The new alliance, which is called the Shura-e-Murakeba, consists of four major Taliban groups that operate in Pakistan's tribal areas. The four groups that make up the alliance are the Movement of the Taliban in Pakistan, which is led by Hakeemullah Mehsud and his deputy, Waliur Rehman Mehsud; Hafiz Gul Bahadar's group; Mullah Nazir's group; and the Haqqani Network. Each leader has appointed a deputy to represent them on the council.
The members of the Shura-e-Murakeba agreed to cease attacks against Pakistani security forces, refocus efforts against the US, and end kidnappings and other criminal activities in the tribal areas.
The deal was brokered by senior al Qaeda leader Abu Yahya al Libi as well as by Sirajuddin Haqqani, the operational leader of the Haqqani Network, and Mullah Mansour, a senior Taliban leader who operates in eastern Afghanistan. An al Qaeda leader known as Abdur Rehman Al Saudi was also involved in the negotiations. Mullah Omar, the overall leader of the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan, is said to have dispatched Siraj and Mansour to help negotiate the agreement.
The meetings took place over the course of the past two months, according to reports from the region. One of the first meetings was said to have been held in Azam Warzak in South Waziristan, an area under the control of Mullah Nazir, on Nov. 27. Another meeting was reported to have taken place in Datta Khel in North Waziristan on Dec. 11. Over the past weekend, pamphlets were distributed in North Waziristan announcing the creation of the Shura-e-Murakeba.
"All Mujahideen, local and foreigners, are informed that they should desist from killing and kidnapping for ransom innocent people and cooperate with this committee in curbing crimes. If any Mujahid is found involved in unjustified killings, crimes and other illegal activities he will be answerable to Shura-i-Murakbah and will be punished in accordance with the Shariah law," the statement said, according to Dawn.

Read more and the full article:
http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2012/01/al_qaeda_brokers_new.php#ixzz1iPATYNKr

Arab League Calls for End to Gunfire in Syria

1/03/2012 03:18:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

The Arab League's Secretary General Nabil al-Arabi has called for an end to gunfire in Syria as tanks and army forces are withdrawing from the cities, BBC reported.

Nearly 60 Arab League monitors went to Syria last week to end crackdown of anti-government protesters .
Meanwhile, some Arab countries and activists inside Syria have said that the monitors should leave Syria because they are not doing too much.

Despite, the presence of the monitors, snipers are present around the cities to target the protesters.

This comes as activist groups claim that at least 20 people were killed on Monday in the city of Homs.

Since the arrival of the monitors, nearly 390 people have been killed.

The UN says that more than 5,000 people have been killed since the start of the riots in March.

Read more: http://tolonews.com/en/world/4880

Afghan Taliban confirm ‘initial’ agreement of opening office in Qatar

1/03/2012 03:16:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

KABUL: The Afghan Taliban said on Tuesday that they have reached a preliminary agreement to set up a political office in the Gulf nation of Qatar, and asked for the release of prisoners held at the Guantanamo Bay military prison by the US.

“We are right now ready…to have a political office overseas, in order to have an understanding with the international (community), and in this regard we have reached an initial understanding with Qatar and relevant sites,” spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in an emailed statement.

The Taliban office is seen by Western and Afghan officials as key to moving forward with secretive attempts to reach a negotiated end to a decade of war in Afghanistan.

Suicide bomber kills 4 children, 1 police in Kandahar

1/03/2012 12:36:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

A suicide bomber detonated his explosives near an Afghan police checkpoint in Kandahar province on Tuesday afternoon, official said.

Four children were killed and 16 others were wounded in Kandahar suicide attack, Rahmatullah Atrafi, a police official said.

Kandahar suicide bombing official casualty toll: 5 dead (1 police, 4 kids) - 17 wounded (7 elder civvies, 6 kids, 4 police)

from TOLONEWS:

A suicide bomber detonated his explosives near an Afghan police checkpoint in southern Kandahar province on Tuesday afternoon, local official said.

The incident took place in first district of Kandahar city when a motorbike suicide bomber detonated his explosives near a police checkpoint, killing four children and wounding 16 others, Rahmatullah Atrafi, Provincial police department security chief said.
The victims were taken to a nearby hospital in the city, he added.
No group including the Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Afghan Special Forces not ready for night raids: Officials

1/03/2012 12:30:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

Officials in the Ministry of Defense of Afghanistan on Monday said, Afghan Special Forces are not capable of receiving responsibilities for the night time military operations.

The officials further added, Afghan Special Forces are still facing of lack of capability in respect intelligence and night time air operation.

This comes as the night time military operations by NATO troops have been the main issue between the Afghan government and NATO officials in Afghanistan.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai recently emphasized that a long term strategic cooperation agreement with the United States of America will be signed subject to an immediate halt to night time raids by NATO troops.

In the meantime Afghan and NATO officials are struggling to hand over the responsibilities of night time military operations to Afghan special forces, which seems to be more time consuming since the Afghan special forces are not fully capable to independently conduct the operations.

Afghan Defense Ministry spokesman Gen. Zahir Azimi also said, Afghan Special Forces are not currently capable to hand over the night military operations.

Gen. Azimi said, night time military operations are currently being conducted jointly by Afghan and NATO troops. Afghan Special Forces require more time to be fully prepared for handing over the night raids responsibilities from the foreign troops.

He said, Afghan Special Forces lacks the capability of conducting night time air raids and are still having difficulties to pinpoint the exact targets of the militants by using intelligence tactics.

Gen. Azimi also said militant suspects houses are inspected by Afghan troops during the night military operations.

This comes as the issue of house inspection by foreign troops has been one most sensitive issue in conducting night time military operations. NATO troops have been criticized for the violation of Afghan culture during the house inspections.

NATO officials in the meantime emphasize for the effectiveness of the night time raids to tackle militants but growing objections by Afghans in southern and eastern regions have urged the Afghan government to oppose night time raids by foreign troops.

ISAF detain Taliban commander in Baghlan province

1/03/2012 12:27:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

International Security Assistance Force officials following a press release on Tuesday announced to seize drugs and detain Taliban leader in various operations across the country.

ISAF officials following a press release on Tuesday said, combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered two drug caches while conducting a routine patrol in Panjwa ‘i district, Kandahar province, yesterday.

The first cache consisted of approximately 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms) of marijuana. The second cache consisted of approximately 330 pounds (150 kilograms) of marijuana and approximately 110 pounds (50 kilograms) marijuana seeds.

Security forces destroyed all drugs and seeds on site without incident.

In the meantime, Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader during an operation in Baghlan-e Jadid district, Baghlan province in a separate operation in southern Afghanistan. The leader operated a roadside bomb making cell in Baghlan-e Jadid and directed attacks against Afghan forces.

ISAF officials also said, Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation in search of a Taliban leader in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province. The leader distributes explosives and plans roadside bomb attacks in Nahr-e Saraj district. One suspected insurgent was detained during the operation.

Meanwhile, Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani facilitator during an operation in Nadir Shah Kot district, Khost province. The facilitator coordinated direct fire and roadside bomb attacks against coalition forces.

Explosion injures 2 Afghan police in Uruzgan

1/03/2012 12:25:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

According to local authorities in southern Afghanistan, at least 2 Afghan National Police service members were injured following a roadside bomb explosion in southern Uruzgan province.

The officials further added, the incident took place around 4:00 pm local time at Herawood district of southern Uruzgan province after an Afghan National Police vehicle struck with a roadside bomb.

Uruzgan provincial governor media office following a statement said, the two injured police members were taken to the hospital for the treatment.

No group including the Taliban militants have so far claimed responsibility behind the incident.

Taliban group frequently use Improvised Explosive Device and roadside bombs as the weapon of their choice to target Afghan and NATO troops.

Jan. 03., 2012. - ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update

1/03/2012 12:22:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 3) — A combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered two drug caches while conducting a routine patrol in Panjwa ‘i district, Kandahar province, yesterday.
The first cache consisted of approximately 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms) of marijuana. The second cache consisted of approximately 330 pounds (150 kilograms) of marijuana and approximately 110 pounds (50 kilograms) marijuana seeds.
Security forces destroyed all drugs and seeds on site without incident.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

North
An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader during an operation in Baghlan-e Jadid district, Baghlan province, today. The leader operated a roadside bomb making cell in Baghlan-e Jadid and directed attacks against Afghan forces.

South
An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader during an operation in the Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province, today. The leader coordinated direct fire attacks in the upper Gereshk Valley and placed roadside bombs along various routes in the area. One additional suspected insurgent was detained during the operation.
An Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation in search of a Taliban leader in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province, today. The leader distributes explosives and plans roadside bomb attacks in Nahr-e Saraj district. One suspected insurgent was detained during the operation.

East
An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani facilitator during an operation in Nadir Shah Kot district, Khost province, today. The facilitator coordinated direct fire and roadside bomb attacks against coalition forces.