Senior Qaida leader, 3 people killed in Iraq's violence

BAGHDAD, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- A senior leader of al-Qaida militant group was killed in police operation in northern Iraq on Saturday, while three people were killed in separate gunfire and bomb attacks in the day, the police said.

Majeed Hassan Ali, also known as Abu Ayman, a local leader of self-styled Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) in the city of Mosul, was killed in an operation by the Iraqi police on a suspected safe house of the militants in Rufaila area in the city, an Interior Ministry statement said.

Based on intelligence reports, the troops surrounded the safe house and clashed with the militants during the raid, which also resulted in arresting 19 al-Qaida fighters, two of them Palestinians, the statement said.

The troops also seized roadside bombs, sticky bombs and dozens of bags of explosives, as well as a cache of weapons and ammunition, the statement added.

Mosul, some 400 km north of Baghdad, has long been a stronghold for insurgent groups, including al-Qaida militants, despite several military offensives by U.S. and Iraqi forces during the past years.

In a separate incident, gunmen opened fire from assault rifles on the house of a police officer in the town of Hawija, some 240 km north of Baghdad, killing a passer-by and wounding the officer, a local police source told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

In addition, a shepherd was killed in land mine explosion in Shwan area in northern the city of Kirkuk, some 250 km north of Baghdad, a local police source said.

Also in the day, a local Awakening Council group member was killed when a roadside bomb went off near a checkpoint manned by his group members in the town of Baiji, some 210 km north of Baghdad, the source added.

The Awakening Council group, or Sahwa in Arabic, consists of armed groups, including some powerful anti-U.S. Sunni insurgent groups which fought al-Qaida militants in the Sunni Arab areas after the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.

Insurgents continue daily attacks including suicide bombings across Iraq since the U.S. troops pulled out of the country earlier last month.

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Militants blow up a school in NW Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Some unidentified militants blew up a boys' school in Khyber tribal region of Pakistan, local media reported on Saturday.

According to a report by The News, militants blew up the school on late Friday night by using explosive materials in Bacha Mina area of Kyhber Agency, one of the seven volatile tribal agencies at Pak-Afghan border.

All the three rooms and a veranda of the school were destroyed by the blast while the boundary wall suffered minor damage.

It was the only government school built at the Torkham border in the 1980s after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. At the school, 95 percent children were from the Afghan refugee families residing in the border town.

This is not the first time when militants attacked an educational institution in the area.

According to official statistics, over 500 schools were destroyed by militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Federally Administrated Tribal Area of Pakistan since the U.S. invasion in Afghanistan, leaving tens of thousands of children without access to education.

In areas like northwest Pakistan, formal western style education is not an easy task partly due to the hold of orthodox religious scholars.

The literacy rate of northwest Pakistan (excluding Peshawar) is 22 percent, which is well below the nationwide rate of 56 percent. Only 35.8 percent of men and 7.5 percent of women in this area receive education, compared to a nationwide 44 percent of women.

Critics believe that after the attempts of sabotaging education system by the militants, the responsible authorities are not making any notable efforts to rebuild the education structure in the effected places.

However, the authorities are of the view that they don't have enough budget allocation for the uplift of education system in the effected areas as their immediate task is to maintain law and order situation and protect the lives of people in the troubled areas.

The number of destroyed schools rose to 64 in Khyber Agency on Friday when another government-run school was blown up by suspected militants.

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5 policemen killed in W. Afghanistan

Image via Wikipedia

KABUL, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Five Afghan policemen were killed Friday following a clash in the country's western province of Herat, a provincial police source said on Saturday.

"An unspecified number of armed insurgents laid an ambush against a unit of Afghan border police force in bordering district of Gulran late Friday triggering a clash that left five border policemen dead," a police official with the fast-reaction unit of border police in the province, Mohammad Saliman told Xinhua via phone.

He said a police vehicle was also damaged in the incident in the province 640 km west of capital Kabul.

No group claimed responsibility for the attack. Taliban insurgents have in the past been blamed for attacking the Afghan and NATO-led forces.

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At least 140 dead in blasts in Nigeria's Kano (+video)

more infos about that article from friday evening: Explosions hits northern Nigerian Kano city by Boko Haram
Death toll continues to rise in northern city after a series of co-ordinated attacks targeting police and state offices.

A series of bombings and attacks claimed by the radical Islamist group Boko Haram has left at least 140 dead and many more injured in northern Nigeria's largest city, a witness has told Al Jazeera.
Maude Gwadabe, a journalist in Kano, said victims from the attacks on Friday were taken to different hospitals or treatment centres.

He said: At least 140 people died. The Red Cross and Nigerian emergency services have collected the victims and brought them to one hospital [Murtala Central Hospital], and indeed, hospital officials say 140 people were killed."

In a statement released on Friday, Boko Haram said the blasts were revenge for the recent arrests of its members in Kano.

"We are compelled to write this letter to inform Kano residents of this development," wrote Abubakar Shekau, the group's leader.

A Nigerian Red Cross spokesman said: "Many agencies are involved in the evacuation of corpses from the streets,"  the source said on Saturday under condition of anonymity, because he was not authorised to speak publicly following Friday night's attacks.

"From our tally, we have 121 so far," he said.

Gunfire continued to echo through some areas of Kano on Saturday, despite a strict curfew imposed on Friday night which will remain in place until further notice, local officials said.

The attacks were a co-ordinated series of explosions and gunfire, some of which targeted police.

from Al-Jazeera

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• Boko Haram and the Rest of Us in Nigeria (nigerianvoice.wordpress.com)
• Boko Haram unleash terror on Kano City, many feared dead (ogala.wordpress.com)
• Multiple bomb explosions rock Kano: Zonal Police headquarters, several police stations, Immigration office hit (saferafricagroup.com)

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Communist Terrorists Kill 12 Indians

Police in eastern India say suspected Maoist rebels have triggered a landmine blast, killing at least 12 police officers and wounding at least two.

Authorities say the Maoists targeted a police vehicle in a densely forested region in Jharkhand state Saturday.

National leaders say the 40-year-long Maoist insurgency in India is the country's biggest internal security threat.

Maoists have infiltrated more than 20 Indian states. They say their violent tactics are justified because they are campaigning for jobs and land for the poor. VoA

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4 suicide bombers shot dead in Paktika province

According to local authorities in eastern Afghanistan, at least four suicide bombers were shot dead by Afghan Police before they reach their target in eastern Paktika province.

The officials further added, the suicide bombers were struggling to target a police check post in Nawi Ada area at Bermal district of eastern paktika province.

Provincial police chief Dawlat Khan Zadran confirming the report said, the four suicide bombers were shot dead after they were recongized by Afghan Police forces.

Mr. Zadran further added, the suicide bombers were equipped with suicide vests and guns.

He also said, the dead bodies of the militants are still at the scene of the incident and have not been identified yet.

In the meantime a spokesman for the Taliban militants group Zabiullah Mujahid said, their fighters stormed a NATO based killing several NATO and Afghan soldiers.

from KHAAMA

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R.I.P. - French Army CWO Fabien Willm

43-year-old French Army Chief Warrant Officer Fabien Willm was one of four French soldiers killed on 20th January 2012 by an Afghan National Army soldier. He and his colleagues were killed while they were participating in a physical training workout at Gwan Base in southern Kapisa. 15 other French soldiers were injured in the attack.

CWO Willm joined the French Army in 1986 as a student NCO, he was assigned the following year at 93rd Mountain Artillery Regiment (93e RAM) where he began his career as a gunner.

Since August 2009, he served as Senior Technician in the same regiment. He was married with one child.

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R.I.P. - French Army CWO Denis Estin

45-year-old French Army Chief Warrant Officer Denis Estin was one of four French soldiers killed on 20th January 2012 by an Afghan National Army soldier. He and his colleagues were killed while they were participating in a physical training workout at Gwan Base in southern Kapisa. 15 other French soldiers were injured in the attack.

CWO Estin had served with the French Army for over 28 years. Born in December 1966, he joined the Parachute Artillery Regiment in November 1984. He quickly distinguished himself as a natural leader with highly professional qualities. he was promoted to Sergeant in May 1987. He attended the national school for non-commissioned officers and was appointed Sergeant 1st Class in July 1988.

In 1993 he was posted to 68 Artiller Regiment of Africa as a Warrant Officer.

August 2009 he joined the elite 93rd Mountain Artillery Regiment as a communications specialist. During his long career he served in Central African Republic in 1986 and 1994, Chad in 1996, Martinique in 1999, Bosnia in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2004 and 2009. He deployed on this mission to Afghanistan in September 2011.

He was married with two children.

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R.I.P. - French Foreign Legion Staff Sergeant Svilen Simeonov

34-year-old French Foreign Legion Staff Sergeant Svilen Simeonov was one of four French soldiers killed on 20th January 2012 by an Afghan National Army soldier. He and his colleagues were killed while they were participating in a physical training workout at Gwan Base in southern Kapisa. 15 other French soldiers were injured in the attack.

SSgt Simeonov, a Bulgarian national, joined the Foreign Legion in September 2001 and completed his intial training with the 4th Foreign Regiment at Castelnaudary. At the time of his death he was serving with the 2nd Foreign Engineers Regiment. He was trained as a Firefighter, a combat Engineer and Minesweeper.

Promoted to Corporal in 2004, he quickly rose through the ranks becoming a Sergeant in 2005 and Staff Sergeant in 2009. He served in French Guiana in 2004, Cote d'Ivoire and Afghanistan in 2007 and also served in Djibouti three times. He deployed to Afghanistan on this mission in September 2011.

He leaves his wife and one child.

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R.I.P. - French Army Sergeant Geoffrey Baumel

27-year-old French Army Sergeant Geoffrey Baumel was one of four French soldiers killed on 20th January 2012 by an Afghan National Army soldier in Kapisa. 15 other French soldiers were injured in the attack.

Sgt. Baumel joined the Army in September 2006 and served with the 93rd Regiment of Mountain Artillery (93e RAM) as a mechanic. He was born in Echirolles in November 1984. During his service, he deployed to Guyana in 2008 and was promoted to Brigadier (Sergeant) on 1st October 2010.

He deployed to Afghanistan in September 2011 as part of a Mentoring and Advisory team involved in training the Afghan Army. He and his colleagues were killed while they were participating in a physical training workout at Gwan Base in southern Kapisa.

He leaves his partner and one child.

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Jan.20., 2012. - ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 21) – A combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a drug and weapons cache during an operation in Now Zad district, Helmand province, Thursday.

The drug cache consisted of approximately 880 pounds (400 kilograms) of opium, 220 pounds (100 kilograms) of heroin and 4,400 pounds (2,000 kilograms) of acetic anhydride. The improvised explosive device cache contained IED-making materials including 132 pounds (60 kilograms) of explosive chemicals, numerous pressure plates and main charges.

The security force also confiscated multiple anti-personnel mines, mortar rounds, weapons and ammunition.

Several suspected insurgents were detained during the operation.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South
A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban facilitator during an operation in Maiwand district, Kandahar province, today. The facilitator operated a bomb-making cell and emplaced explosives throughout Maiwand and Zharay districts. He was responsible for multiple attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. Several suspected insurgents were detained during the operation.

In Sangin district, Helmand province, an Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban facilitator during an operation today. The facilitator distributed explosives to insurgent fighters in Helmand and Kandahar provinces. The security force seized approximately 200 pounds (90 kilograms) of opium and detained multiple suspected insurgents during the operation.

East
An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Haqqani Network leader during an operation in Khost district, Khost province, today. The leader conducted roadside bomb and direct-fire attacks against Afghan forces throughout Khost province. One additional suspected insurgent was detained during the operation.

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Explosions hits northern Nigerian Kano city by Boko Haram

photo by Ibrahim M.B

KANO, Nigeria, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Three different heavy explosions on Friday hit Nigeria's northern city of Kano, a police spokesperson told Xinhua.

State police spokesperson Musa Mogaji confirmed the incidents to Xinhua in Kano, the state capital, saying heavy casualties are feared, but did not give the number.

A Xinhua reporter in the state said the explosions were recorded at the zone one police headquarters, Zaria road police station and the Palm center police station.

Security sources in the state who also confirmed the blasts said it is believed to have been carried out by the Boko Haram sect, but could not confirm the figure of casualties at this stage.

There is no immediate claim of responsibility from any group.

Nigerian National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) spokesperson Yushau Shuaibu confirmed to Xinhua in a text message that there was an explosion at a police office in Sharada area of Kano.

The attack came barely few days after the escape of the alleged mastermind of the 2011 Christmas day bombing in Madalla, a suburb of north central Niger State.
KANO, Nigeria, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Three different heavy explosions on Friday hit Nigeria's northern city of Kano, a police spokesperson told Xinhua.

State police spokesperson Musa Mogaji confirmed the incidents to Xinhua in Kano, the state capital, saying heavy casualties are feared, but did not give the number.

A Xinhua reporter in the state said the explosions were recorded at the zone one police headquarters, Zaria road police station and the Palm center police station.

Security sources in the state who also confirmed the blasts said it is believed to have been carried out by the Boko Haram sect, but could not confirm the figure of casualties at this stage.

There is no immediate claim of responsibility from any group.

Nigerian National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) spokesperson Yushau Shuaibu confirmed to Xinhua in a text message that there was an explosion at a police office in Sharada area of Kano.

The attack came barely few days after the escape of the alleged mastermind of the 2011 Christmas day bombing in Madalla, a suburb of north central Niger State.

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One American kidnapped in Nigeria

LAGOS, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- The police in southeast Nigeria's Delta State on Friday said an American citizen have been kidnapped by yet to be identified gunmen killing his mobile police escort in the process.

State police spokesperson Charles Muka disclosed this to Xinhua on phone, saying a manhunt have been launched for the kidnappers.

A Xinhua reporter in the state said the victim, Ock Greg, an engineer, was waylaid and abducted at Deco road, close to Olodi Primary school compound in the Oil-City of Warri by the gunmen at about 10:15 a.m. local time amidst sporadic shootings that led to the killing of the police escort.

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CH-53 squadron confirms 6 dead in Afghanistan

Six Marines assigned to a CH-53D squadron in Afghanistan died in a helicopter crash Thursday, their squadron commander said Friday in an online Facebook message.

Lt. Col. Mark Revor, commander of Marine Helicopter Squadron 363, out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii, said the families of the dead already had been notified. Their names will be released within a day, Revor said.


“With deep sorrow I have to confirm the news stories that you probably have already heard,” he said. “Last night we lost six members of the squadron during… combat operations.”

In a subsequent Facebook message, the squadron announced that families of Marines in the squadron were invited to meet Friday night in the chapel on base in Hawaii. The meeting is open only to HMH-363 families.

Revor’s announcement came one day after the helicopter crashed in Helmand province. The International Security Assistance Force announced the crash Thursday night, saying that six ISAF service members had been killed, and initial reports indicated there was no enemy activity in the area.

The Taliban took credit for shooting down a helicopter near Helmand’s Musa Qala district, although it called it a Chinook.

Reps. Colleen Hanabusa and Mazie Hirono, both D-Hawaii, released statements saying they were aware of the crash.

“The loss of the six U.S. Marines in yesterday’s crash in Afghanistan comes as tragic news for our island community and our nation,” Hirono said. “We owe them and all of our brave servicemen and women a debt of gratitude for their dedication to our country.”

HMH-363’s “Red Lions” deployed to Afghanistan in August, replacing Hawaii’s HMH-463. The squadrons have performed medium-lift missions, ferrying troops and equipment around the battlefield.

Releated news: http://sgt-jim.blogspot.com/2012/01/helicopter-crashes-in-southern.html

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