Tajik Special Ops Team Seizes Afghan Drugs

DUSHANBE, December 13 (RIA Novosti) – Tajik special services seized some 500 lbs (226 kilograms) of drugs in a three-day operation against traffickers from Afghanistan this week.

A total of 388 lbs (176 kilograms) of hashish was seized in a raid on Monday against a group of Afghan traffickers in Tajikistan’s Panj district, 124 miles (200 kilometers) south of Dushanbe, a spokesman for Tajikistan's State National Security Committee said on Thursday.

A suspected drug trafficker was killed and several others were injured in the operation, Security Committee spokesman Nozir Buriyev said, adding a search for them is underway in neighboring districts.

Another Afghan citizen was detained in an operation in Kumsangir district, 112 miles (180 kilometers) south of Dushanbe, in which some 22 lbs (10 kilograms) of opium was seized.

Three other suspects were detained in another raid in Dushanbe, Tajikistan’s capital, and some 87 lbs (40 kilograms) of hashish was seized, Buriyev said.

More than 3 tons (6,000 lbs) of drugs have been confiscated by Tajikistan's special services since the beginning of 2012, he said.

Afghanistan is the world's leading producer of opium, the raw ingredient of heroin, and is "one of the most important countries worldwide in terms of cannabis resin production," according to the UN's 2012 World Drug Report.

from RIA Novosti
Rakhmatullaev Khushnud, 10:36 13/12/2012

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Policeman killed, rebel detained in Herat clash

HERAT CITY (PAN): One policeman was killed, a second injured and an armed rebel arrested as a result of a clash in the capital of western Herat province on Thursday, officials said.
The incident took place at around 7:30am in Biland Aab area, where a group of insurgents attacked the guards of Col. Abdul Rashid, an officer with the 606th Ansar police zone.

Police spokesman Col. Noor Khan Nekzad told Pajhwok Afghan News Abdul Rashid, who was inside his house, did not suffer any injuries in the clash, but his driver was killed.

Security guards of the provincial council head, who was passing the area, helped arrest one of the attackers, according to Nekzad. Two others have managed to flee.

Nekzad said the detainees were under investigations, and the incident was a result of personal enmity between the attackers and the police official.

from Pajhwok
By Stanikzai Dec 13, 2012 - 11:37

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Norway citizens join militants to fight NATO troops

According to reports several Norwegian citizens have joined militants groups based in Afghanistan and Pakistan to fight NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

Norwegian intelligence officials have confirmed the report and said the citizens fought on the side of insurgents and even shot at NATO-led international troops that have included Norwegian soldiers.

Lt Gen Kjell Grandhagen, who heads the military’s intelligence gathering unit (Etterretningstjenesten, also known as E-tjenesten) quoted by Newspaper Aftenposten confirmed that the unit “for several years” has followed the movements of Norwegians “who travel to Afghanistan and Pakistan to take part in armed battle or terror-related training.”

He said there were “very few cases,” but in a few of them, “Norwegians were directly tied to carrying out or attempting armed attacks against Afghan authorities and/or the (NATO-led) ISAF (International Security Assistance Force), where Norwegian soldiers are also involved.”

He did not disclose further information regarding when or where the attacks in Afghanistan were carried out or attempted.

According to the fresh reports obtained by Norwegian authorities an identified Norwegian Islamic man who, as late as a few weeks ago, is said to have participated in an attack targeted at ISAF soldiers in Afghanistan, Aftenposten reported.

Norway has been in the process of withdrawing its troops but around 200 remain and the government is evaluating requests from Afghan authorities that others return.

Norway has maintained around 500 troops on average in Afghanistan, a fraction of those supplied by countries like the US and Great Britain but still relatively large given Norway’s small population and overall military force. Many will remain, but in administrative and command roles, not engaged in active fighting.

The defense ministry’s operative headquarters (Forsvarets operative hovedkvarter, FOH) describes the move as from being active in the field, to a more “strategic” role. The plan will also reduce costs and “wear and tear” on the military at home in Norway.

from KHAAMA
By Sayed Jawad - Thu Dec 13, 11:56 am

Related articles

• Norway citizens join militants to fight NATO troops (khaama.com)

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Syrian jihadists, including al Qaeda's Al Nusrah Front, form Mujahideen Shura Council

picture from http://www.trackingterrorism.org

By Bill Roggio - December 12, 2012 - LWJ

On the same day the US government announced that al Qaeda in Iraq's Al Nusrah Front was a terrorist organization, Al Nusrah and nine other jihadist groups banded together in the Syrian province of Deir al Zour and formed a Mujahideen Shura Council.
The 10 jihadist groups, headed by the Al Nusrah Front, released a statement yesterday announcing the council's formation "on jihadist forums and pro-Syrian resistance social networking sites," according to the SITE Intelligence Group, which obtained and translated the message.
"The jihadi Islamic brigades in the city of proud Deir al Zour in the Levant of Islam and garrison announce the establishment of the Mujahideen Shura Council in Deir al-Zour," the statement said, according to SITE. The groups that joined the Mujahideen Shura Council in Deir al Zour are listed at the beginning of the statement, in the following order:

1. Al Nusrah Front
2. Al Ansar Brigades
3. Al Abbas Brigades
4. La Ilaha Ila Allah [There is No God but Allah] Battalion
5. Al Hamza Brigade
6. Al Sa'qah Brigade
7. Jund al Aziz Brigade
8. Izzuddin al Qassam Brigade
9. Abu al Qassam Brigade
10. Brigade of the Da'wa [Preaching] and Jihad Front

The Mujahideen Shura Council in Deir al Zour was formed to "unite the ranks of the jihadi brigades in the Cause of Allah, organize the efforts and the attacks against the soldiers of disbelief and apostasy, and distinguish the ranks of truth from falsehood," the group stated.
"We call upon our sincere mujahideen brothers all over the strong Levant to unite their ranks in groups, pure of the filth of suspicious groups and the infiltration of people who have no qualities or faith, in order to clarify their banner and purify their path," the statement continued.

Read more and the full report: http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2012/12/syrian_jihadists_inc.php#ixzz2EvsFoYyh

Related articles

• Syrian jihadists, including al Qaeda's Al Nusrah Front, form Mujahideen Shura Council (longwarjournal.org)
• 10 Al Qaeda Syrian 'Rebel' Groups Unite In Ominous, Powerful Coalition (patdollard.com)

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6 suicide bombers arrested in eastern Paktika province

KHOST (PAN): Six would-be suicide attackers were arrested by security forces in southeastern Paktika province on Tuesday, an official said.

The bombers were captured during a search operation in the Sultano village of Srawza district around 2 pm and explosive vests recovered from them.

Governor Mohibullah Samim told Pajhwok Afghan News one of the detainees hailed from Kandahar, three from Ghazni and one each from Maidan Wardak and Uruzgan provinces.

Samim said the militants planned to attack him, the provincial police chief and the National Directorate of Security head for Paktika. Five AK47 rifles, one rocket-propelled grenade and five explosive vests were seized.

from Pajhwok
By Hedayatullah Khostai Dec 11, 2012 - 19:33

---

from KHAAMA:
By Sajad - Tue Dec 11, 8:25 pm

According to local authorities in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan, Afghan security forces arrested 6 suicide bomber in Jani Khel district before they manage to attack their targets in this province.

Provincial security chief Dawlat Khan Zadran confirming the report said the arrested suicide bombers aged between 16 to 20 years old.

Mr. Zadran further added at least 3 of the suicide bombers are Pakistani citizens while the nationality of the other three are unknown.

He said the 6 suicide bombers were looking to attack government infrastructures in this province and were arrested by Afghan police forces.

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NATO drone crash in Helmand province of Afghanistan

According to reports a NATO-led International Coalition Security Forces drone crashed in southern Helmand province of Afghanistan on Wednesday.

The incident took place in Nava district early Wednesday. This comes as another NATO drone crashed in Pashtun Zarghoon district nearly two weeks back in western Herat province of Afghanistan.

Nawa district is among the volatile region in southern Helman province of Afghanistan where Taliban militants are actively operating and carry out insurgency activities.

According to the military stats revealed last month the U.S. had launched some 333 drone strikes in Afghanistan thus far in 2012. That made Afghanistan the epicenter of U.S. drone attacks. But it turns out those stats were off, according to revised ones released by the Air Force, there have actually been 447 drone strikes in Afghanistan this year. That means drone strikes represent 11.5 percent of the entire air war — up from about 5 percent last year.

...

from KHAAMA
By Sayed Jawad - Wed Dec 12, 10:18 am

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Dec. 12., 2012. - ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and detained three suspected insurgents during an operation in Ghazni district, Ghazni province, today.

The leader controlled a group of insurgents responsible for attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and oversaw the transportation of supplies and weapons to insurgents. At the time of his arrest he was involved in planning a suicide attack.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

North

In Kunduz district, Kunduz province, today, an Afghan and coalition security force arrested a local Taliban leader who purchased and distributed weapons and improvised explosive devices to insurgents. As a local leader, he controlled a small group of insurgents who emplaced IEDs in Archi district, Kunduz province.

South

An Afghan and coalition security force arrested a Taliban leader and detained two suspected insurgents during an operation in Panjwa’i district, Kandahar province, today. The leader emplaced improvised explosive devices and coordinated attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

Yesterday, Afghan and coalition officials confirmed that the Taliban leader, Luqman, was arrested during an operation in Shahid-e-Hasas district, Uruzgan province, Dec 6.
Lugman controlled a group of insurgents who operated in the district and was directly involved in the acquisition of weapons.

East

An Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation in search of a Taliban leader in Andar district, Ghazni province, today. The leader acquires and distributes weapons to insurgents in the province, and is involved in planning suicide attacks. During the operation, the security force detained several insurgents and seized a large amount of ammunition.

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Dec. 12., 2012. - RC-East operational update

BAGRAM, Afghanistan - Afghan and coalition forces killed
12 insurgents, detained nine, located one weapons caches and cleared five improvised explosive devices during operations in eastern Afghanistan throughout the past 24 hours, Dec. 11.

Kapisa province
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces killed 12 insurgents and detained one during an engagement in Tagab district. The detained insurgent was transferred to a base for questioning.

Khowst province
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces found and safely cleared one IED in Sabari district. Afghan and coalition forces also found and safely cleared one IED in Sambari district.

Kunar province
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces found and safely cleared two IEDs in Sar Kani district.

Logar province
Afghan National Army soldiers detained two insurgents during an engagement in Charkh district. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.

Paktika province
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces detained six insurgents while investigating a weapons cache in Sar Rowzah district. The cache contained small arms and ammunition, suicide vests, grenades and one IED. The detained suspects were transferred to a base for questioning.

Parwan province
Afghan National Security Forces and coalition forces found and safely cleared one IED in Maiden Shahr district.

Operations in RC-East are ongoing.

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R.I.P. - Staff Sgt. Wesley R. Williams

DOD Identifies Army Casualty
            The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

            Staff Sgt. Wesley R. Williams, 25, of New Carlisle, Ohio, died Dec. 10 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, under control of the 7th Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

            For more information the media may contact the 7th Infantry Division public affairs office by calling 253-477-5602 or 253-477-0173/0174.  After 5 p.m. PST, call 253-477-5543, and ask for the 7th Infantry Division Public Affairs Officer on call.

---

from universityplace.patch.com:
By Brent Champaco
December 11, 2012

Assigned to the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, the 25-year-old died Monday in Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. Wesley R. Williams, 25, of New Carlisle, Ohio, died Dec. 10 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, under control of the 7th Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

According to unit records, Staff Sgt. Williams entered the Army in July 2005 and reported to Fort Benning, Ga., for Army Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training in Military Occupational Specialty 11B (Infantryman). He completed Airborne School in 2005, and received the Special Qualification Identifier of Parachutist. He was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment (SCR), Vilseck, Germany, in March of 2006. He deployed with 2nd SCR as a Radio Telephone Operator from August 2007 until October 2008. In February 2009, Williams was assigned to 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. He deployed to Iraq as a Rifleman from September 2009 to August 2010. He deployed to Afghanistan as a Squad Leader in November.

Staff Sgt. Williams’ civilian and military education includes a High School diploma (2005), Military Occupational Specialty 11B: Infantryman (2005), Airborne School (2005), and the Warrior Leaders Course (2011).

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal with four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd award), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Iraq Campaign Medal with two Campaign Stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon (Numeral “3”), NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, and Parachutist Badge.

On behalf of the entire Joint Base Lewis-McChord military and civilian community, we extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Williams.

-Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Related articles

• RIP SSG Wesley R Williams (waronterrornews.typepad.com)
• American Hero: Staff Sgt. Wesley R. Williams, 25, of New Carlisle, Ohio (gloucestercitynews.net)
• JBLM soldier killed by Afghanistan bomb (thenewstribune.com)

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Mauritanian terrorist surrenders to Algerian authorities

English: Locator map of the Adrar Province, Algeria, as in 2009.  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A terrorist claiming to be an emir surrendered to Algerian police in Timimoun, Adrar wilaya, ANI reported on Monday (December 10th). The Mauritanian national handed over his all-terrain vehicle loaded with small arms, including rocket launchers and machine guns.

He informed the police about the presence of a terrorist group in the region, which planned to attack and kidnap civilians during the holiday season. A large ANP operation was launched in the area.

from Magharebia
11/12/2012

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