According to Pakistani security officials, at least 2 people were killed and 27 others were injured following a bomb explosion in the eastern city of Lahore in Pakistan’s Punjab province on Tuesday.
The officials further added the incident took place after a bomb went off at the main railway station Lahore city.
A senior Pakistani police official Aslam Tareen said, the explosion took place after a bag full of explosives went off near one of the counters at the railway station. He also said around 6-8 kilograms of explosives were packed inside the bag.
He also added security officials have launched probes to find out how the bag was taken to the railway station despite tight security and several scanners.
In the meantime a health official said at least 5 individual who were injured following the explosion are in a critical health condition.
This comes at least 13 people were killed and more than 50 others were injured after a teenager suicide bomber below himsself near a religious procession of Shi’ite Muslims in this city at the beginning of 2011.
No group has so far claimed responsibility behind today’s explosion.
According to local officials in southern Helmand province at least 20 militants were killed following a joint military operation which was launched a week back in Helmand’s Washir district.
Provincial governor spokesman Daud Ahmadi said, at least four Taliban leaders including Taliban’s district chief for Washir was also killed during the operations.
He also added Taliban’s military representative Mullah Abdullah, Taliban district chief for Washir Mullah Sur Gul, Mawlai Abdul Haq, Mullah Asadullah and Mullah Abdul Khaliq were among those killed during the operations.
Local officials also said at least 10 militants were also injured following the military operations in this district.
He also said the militants were killed on Monday at Fulad area in Washir district.
Washir district located in northern regions of Helmand province is considered to be one of the volatile regions in this province where militants are frequently carrying out insurgency activities.
A pool of blood is pictured next to a damaged car after a bomb exploded
in Damascus in this handout released by Syria's national news agency
SANA April 24, 2012. REUTERS Photo
A car bomb exploded in central Damascus on Tuesday, wounding three people, state television reported, blaming an "armed terrorist group".
"An armed terrorist group detonated the car bomb near the Yelbugha complex in the Marjeh district of Damascus, wounding three people and causing damage to nearby buildings," the television said.
The blast came as the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said violence across the country killed nearly 60 people on Monday, despite a fragile ceasefire that went into effect April 12.
The Syrian capital has been the scene of several car bombs in recent months that have mainly targeted security installations.
Seals of The Provinces of Thailand (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Three civilians, including a three-year-old boy, and five soldiers were wounded by a bomb explosion on a road in Narathiwat's Tak Bai district on Tuesday.
Police said a patrol from Narathiwat Task Force 36 was the target of the bomb, which was in a black bag left in a push cart in front of a cemetery of Ban Taba in tambon Che He of Tak Bai district.
As the patrol was passing the spot on a vehicle the bomb was detonated with a remote control.
The explosion wounded five soldiers, one seriously.
Three villagers passing by on two motorcycles were also injured. They were two women and a three-year-old boy, who was seriously wounded.
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Three suspected members of the Islamic Boko Haram miltia sect were shot dead while trading fire with Nigerian troops operating in the northeastern city of Maiduguri, a seinor officer said Tuesday.
Col. Victor Ebhalem, the Field Operations officer of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Borno state, told Xinhua that the "Boko Haram terrorists" were killed in a shootout Monday night while trying to flee after robbing local residents.
Ebhaleme said the days of the sect "are numbered" as government forces were stepping up their crackdown on the Boko Haram militia.
"We strongly believe that their end is in sight. Some of them have now resorted to armed robbery and other forms of criminality, but we will surely fish them out," he added.
KABUL (PAN):
Two notorious drug smugglers, who sent drugs to regional and other
foreign countries from Afghanistan, have been arrested, an interior
ministry official on Monday.
The pair smuggled more than one tonne of drugs to foreign countries
on a monthly basis, counternarcotics deputy minister at the ministry,
Baaz Mohammad Ahmadi, said.
The traffickers were arrested at Abdul Haq square two days back,
after they were chased by for a long time intelligence operatives, he
said, identifying the detainees as Bakhtawar and Gul Hazrat.
“Bakhtarwar sends drugs from Nangarhar to Kunduz with the help of Gul Hazrat. Bakhtawar also owns a wedding hall,” he said.
He said the detainees were among the top ten smugglers on the
ministry’s list. Five on the list had already been arrested over the
past four months, he said. "Some of them have been sentenced to 20 years
in prison," he said.
He identified the convicted smugglers as Essa, Musa from Nirmoz, Sarwar from Helmand, Bahauddin and Amanullah from Nangarhar.
Afghan and NATO-led international coalition security forces detained Taliban and Haqqani Network leaders following joint military operations at Logar, Paktia and eastern Nangarhar province.
According to a statement released by International Security Assitance Force, Afghan and coalition security force detained two insurgent leaders during an operation in Pul-e ‘Alam district, Logar province, today.
One of the leaders was from the Haqqani network and the other was a leader in the Taliban network.
The Haqqani leader directed roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces throughout Pul-e ‘Alam and Baraki Barak districts. He also provided weapons, ammunition, and explosives to insurgents in the area.
The Taliban leader coordinated attacks against Afghan and coalition troops in Baraki Barak district as well. The security force detained two additional insurgents as a result of this operation.
The source further added, in Zurmat district, Paktiya province, an Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban leader during an operation today. The leader organized suicide bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces throughout the district. He also served as a Taliban judge. While implementing Taliban law, he ordered beheadings and other punishments for Afghan civilians living in the area. The security force detained several additional insurgents as a result of this operation.
Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban facilitator and explosives expert during an operation in Baraki Barak district, Logar province, ISAF said adding that the facilitator coordinated roadside bombings against Afghan and coalition security forces throughout the district.
In a separate operation at Shinwar district, Nangarhar province, a Provincial Response Company advised by coalition forces detained a Taliban leader and improvised explosive device expert during an operation, yesterday. The leader was responsible for transporting and emplacing IEDs throughout the province, as well as attacks against ANSF and coalition forces. Several additional insurgents were also detained during the operation.
Anti-government armed militant groups yet to comment regarding the reports.
Afghan defense ministry officials following a statement on Tuesday announced at least 4 Afghan national army soldiers were killed and injured in southern Kandahar province.
The source further added the incident took place in Shahwalikot district of southern Kandahar province after armed militants opened on Afghan national soldiers killing, at least 1 service member and injuring 3 others.
Afghan national army soldiers seized some weapons, ammunitions and explosives during military operations at eastern Paktia province, the statement added.
In a separate operation at eastern Khost province Afghan army soldiers seized 1 heavy machine gun, 8 landmines, 8 boxes of heavy machine gun ammos.
In the meantime Afghan interior following a press release announced at least 8 Taliban militants were killed and 16 others were detained following military operations by Afghan police forces during the past 24 hours.
According to Interior Ministry officials the operations were conducted jointly by Afghan police, Afghan army, Afghan intelligence and coalition security forces at Kabul, Nangarhar, Parwan, Kunduz, Helmand and Logar provinces of Afghanistan.
Anti-government armed militant groups yet to comment regarding the operations.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Joseph H. Fankhauser, 30, of Mason, Texas, died April 22 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
For additional background information on this Marine, news media representatives may contact the 1st Marine Logistics Group public affairs office at 760-763-7795.
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A McAllen family is in mourning after their only son was killed while serving overseas in Afghanistan.
U.S. Marines Staff Sgt. Joseph Henry Fankhauser was killed over the weekend.
Department of Defense officials confirmed that 30-year-old Fankhauser died during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Fankhauser died while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
He
was assigned to 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics
Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Fankhauser,
who went by the name "Joe," served four tours of duty in Iraq and was
serving his second tour in Afghanistan at the time of his death. Sources told Action 4 News that Fankhauser received a Purple Heart for his service overseas.
Funeral arrangements for the fallen Marine are pending.
Action
4 News has learned that Fankhauser's wife lives in California, his
mother lives in Central Texas and his father lives in McAllen.
Although Fankhauser attended Sharyland High School, he later graduated from a high school in Central Texas.
Family and friends are leaving their condolences, pictures and memories of Fankhauser on a special Facebook memorial page.
Fankhauser is the 44th Rio Grande Valley servicemember to be killed overseas.
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - The United States Marine Corps mourns the loss of one of its own.
Staff
Sgt. Joseph H. Fankhauser, 30, of McAllen, Texas, died April 22, in
support of combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He was
an explosive ordinance disposal technician assigned to 7th Engineer
Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group.
Fankhauser enlisted in the Marine Corps June 19, 2000. This was his
fifth combat deployment. He deployed to Iraq in 2004, 2006 and 2007 and
to Afghanistan in 2011.
His awards include the Purple Heart
(second award), Combat Action Ribbon (second award), Sea Service
Deployment Ribbon (seventh award), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (second
award), Iraq Campaign Medal (third award), Marine Corps Good Conduct
Medal (third award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on
Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal,
National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation (second award),
Presidential Unit Citation-Navy, NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan.
The
Marines and sailors of 1st Marine Logistics Group mourn the loss of
Staff Sgt. Fankhauser. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family.
-USMC-
BAGRAM, Afghanistan –Afghan and coalition forces killed two insurgents
and captured three suspects in eastern Afghanistan during operations
throughout the past 24 hours, April 23.
Ghazni province
A coalition airstrike killed two insurgents and wounded two others
carrying mortars rounds and AK-47s in Qarah district. The two wounded
were medically treated, detained and brought to a base for questioning.
Paktika province
Afghan Uniform Police detained a known insurgent and prior Taliban
commander in Mata Khan district. The individual is currently under
National Directorate of Security custody.
At least 10 people, including five local Taliban, have been killed
and dozens injured after hundreds of Taliban fighters loyal to Hafiz Gul
Bahadur and Sirajuddin Haqqani clashed with local anti-Taliban
tribesmen in the Shawa area of North Waziristan.
The fierce clash, which involved artillery and heavy weapons and
lasted more than a day, subsided around April 20 after Pakistan deployed
helicopter gunships to "disperse" the hundreds of militants, who were
about to overrun the besieged villages. Tensions continue, however, as
hundreds of heavily armed fighters from both sides remain dug in among
the rugged hills of Shawa. The roadway linking Shawa and Thal is still
cut off due to militant roadblocks, leaving dozens of wounded civilians
desperately stranded.
The clash began late on April 18 after Taliban fighters laid siege
against local Wazir Qabul-Miamai Khel* tribesmen loyal to Haji Shah
Mahmud and Malek Karim Khan. A spate of abductions and retaliatory
murders between the two sides earlier this month had prompted the
explosion of violence, pitting Hafiz Gul Bahadur's more dominant
Utmanzai Wazir (Madda Khel) Taliban militia against a cadre of former
Tehrik-e-Taliban members led by prominent Qabul-Miamai Khel tribal
leader Haji Shah Mahmud and his extended family: Malek Karim Khan, Sayed
Sattar, Rasheed Khan, and Jehanzab Khan.
Approximately two weeks ago, gunmen loyal to Sayed Sattar assassinated
a local Taliban commander named Haji Qadir Khan, a reported associate
of Sirajuddin Haqqani, in the nearby Thal Adda Masjid Bazaar area of
Hangu district. The killing was widely viewed as retribution for the
abduction and murder of two Qabul-Miamai Khel tribesmen last year; one
of those abducted was the son of Malek Karim Khan.
In retaliation for the killing of Haji Qadir Khan, as many as 1,200 heavily armed militants
launched a predawn assault against Almar village, targeting the home of
Sayed Sattar, and the Malik Shadam Khan village, where Malek Karim Khan
and his fighters were holed up with small arms, rocket-propelled
grenades, and heavy artillery. Three local tribesmen and a woman were
killed in the initial clashes, including a local tribal elder named
Gulbuddin who was trying to negotiate a ceasefire between the two sides.
The fighting also injured dozens of villagers, among them women and
children, The News reports.
Eight armed insurgents killed, one wounded and 15 others arrested by Afghan National Police
Counterterrorism:
During the past 24 hours, Afghan National Police, Afghan National Army,
NDS and Coalition Forces launched six joint clearance operations in
Kabul, Nangarhar, Parwan, Kunduz, Helmand and Logar provinces.
As a result of these operations, eight armed insurgents were killed,
one wounded and 15 others were arrested by Afghan National Police.
Also, during these operations, Afghan National Police discovered and
confiscated six AK-47 assault rifles with 11 magazines, one rocket
launcher with 48 rockets, one PKM machine gun, two hand grenades, 12kg
of explosive materials, one anti-vehicle mine and five boxes of heavy
round fuses.
Crimes:
The 101 Kabul Zone National Police detained four individuals accused of
murder, theft and using fake passports in the 3rd, 6th and 8th
Districts of Kabul-City.
KABUL, Afghanistan (Apr. 24) — An Afghan and coalition security force detained two insurgent leaders during an operation in Pul-e ‘Alam district, Logar province, today. One of the leaders was from the Haqqani network and the other was a leader in the Taliban network.
The Haqqani leader directed roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces throughout Pul-e ‘Alam and Baraki Barak districts. He also provided weapons, ammunition, and explosives to insurgents in the area.
The Taliban leader coordinated attacks against Afghan and coalition troops in Baraki Barak district as well. The security force detained two additional insurgents as a result of this operation.
In other ISAF news throughout Afghanistan:
South
In Dand district, Kandahar province, an Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation to detain a Taliban facilitator today. The facilitator distributes weapons to insurgents in Kandahar district for attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces. The security force detained multiple suspected insurgents as a result of this operation.
An Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation to detain a Taliban leader in Sangin district, Helmand province, today. The leader plans and supervises roadside bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces throughout the district. The security force detained multiple suspected insurgents as a result of this operation.
East
In Zurmat district, Paktiya province, an Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban leader during an operation today. The leader organized suicide bombings and other attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces throughout the district. He also served as a Taliban judge. While implementing Taliban law, he ordered beheadings and other punishments for Afghan civilians living in the area. The security force detained several additional insurgents as a result of this operation.
An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban facilitator and explosives expert during an operation in Baraki Barak district, Logar province, today. The facilitator coordinated roadside bombings against Afghan and coalition security forces throughout the district.
In Shinwar district, Nangarhar province, a Provincial Response Company advised by coalition forces detained a Taliban leader and improvised explosive device expert during an operation, yesterday. The leader was responsible for transporting and emplacing IEDs throughout the province, as well as attacks against ANSF and coalition forces. Several additional insurgents were also detained during the operation.
Finally, a Provincial Response Company, along with additional Afghan security forces and coalition advisors, conducted an operation to disrupt insurgent weapons trafficking and secure transportation routes in Achin district, Nangarhar province, yesterday. During the operation the combined forces discovered a weapons cache consisting of five recoilless rifles, eight rocket-propelled grenades, a quantity of small arms ammunition and several IED components. All of the materials were destroyed on site.
Lebanese terror leader Abdel Ghani Jawhar detonated himself accidentally
in Syria, raising questions about the kind of company the rebels are
keeping
By Aryn Baker and Rami Aysha/Beirut from globlaspin
Abdel Ghani Jawhar
When one of Lebanon’s most wanted terrorists kills himself while
planting a bomb it is cause for at least some sort of grim celebration.
But when the chief bomb-maker of the country’s most notorious terror
group self detonates while helping rebels fight in Syria, it is cause
for concern.
TIME has learned that Abdel Ghani Jawhar, one of the leaders of the
Sunni fundamentalist terror group Fatah al-Islam, died in the Syrian
city of Qsair on Friday night. The founding cleric of Fatah al Islam,
Sheikh Osama al Shihabi, confirmed Jawhar’s death to TIME with a quote
from the Koran: “‘We are for God and to him we return.’ We as Mujahideen
are used to being killed and if God wants to give those killed dignity
he gives them martyrdom. This is the path of righteousness.”
This is not the first time that Jawhar is thought to have been
killed; several previous death announcements have been retracted over
the years. News of his death has been relayed by multiple—and
unrelated—sources in both Syria and Lebanon. According to a fellow
fighter, who goes by the nom de guerre Abu Ali, Jawhar had been
preparing an explosive device to be used against the Syrian army, which
had been attempting to enter the rebel-dominated town not far from
Homs. As Abu Ali narrated the tale over Skype, the sound of bombs and
explosions could be heard in the background. Jawhar’s bomb went off
prematurely, says Abu Ali. “He was killed directly. We wanted to send
his body back to Lebanon but we couldn’t because it was torn into
pieces.” Instead Jawhar’s fellow fighters were forced to bury what was
left of him in a neighboring garden because it was impossible to reach
the graveyard during heavy fighting.
According to Abu Ali and another fellow fighter, Jawhar arrived in
Qsair two weeks ago with a group of 30 Lebanese fighters. While many
were members of Fatah al-Islam, they were not traveling under the terror
group’s banner. Instead they called themselves mujahideen,
holy warriors seeking to help fellow Muslims under attack by the Syrian
regime. Jawhar, an explosives expert and a charismatic commander, sought
to train fellow fighters how make bombs. In the short time he had been
in Qsair, says Abu Ali, he was able to set up dozens of improvised
explosive devices destined for members of the Syrian security forces.
“His aim was to make a tour in all the districts of Syria to teach the
fighters on how to fight a guerrilla war.”
For his efforts, Abu Ali calls Jawhar a hero and a martyr. For Syrian
rebels seeking international assistance in their battle to force Syrian
President Bashar Assad out of office, it’s a public relations headache.
The Free Syrian Army, as well as other Syrian resistance groups, has
long sought to downplay regime accusations that the rebels are aligned
with Islamic fundamentalists and pro-al-Qaeda groups. While Fatah
al-Islam has denied any association with al-Qaeda, there are links
between the group and individual members. The implication that an
al-Qaeda affiliated group is helping Syrian rebels build bombs and
foment a guerrilla war could radically alter perceptions in the West,
bringing to a halt discussions of arming the rebels and establishing a
no-fly zone. “The death of Jawhar on Syrian soil emphasizes the fears of
the international community that if they gave weapons to the Syrian
rebels they will end up in the hands of radical groups,” says Lebanese
University professor and Fatah al-Islam expert Talal Atrissi. “The
Syrian opposition will be embarrassed from the fact that such a man is
fighting alongside the rebels.”
Washington Time
Kabul Time
London Time
