The latest report, which contradicts the previous rumor, states that Hakeemullah Mehsud died in Multan on Feb. 9 from wounds suffered in a US Predator strike in mid-January. The top Taliban spokesman maintains that Hakeemullah is alive.
Pakistan’s military sets Afghan terms
Ten Somalis were killed during shelling and gun battles in Mogadishu. The home of a Hizbul Islam official was attacked in Afgoye. The Somali government denied reports that one of its Army commanders defected to Shabaab.
Insurgents killed a civilian in Baghdad and another in Mosul. Security forces killed two al Qaeda fighters in Mosul, and detained 11 al Qaeda cell members in a region northwest of Baghdad and another in Fallujah.
Appeals court to go through banning cases before Iraq™s March election
The Taliban killed a US soldier and an unidentified Coalition soldier during attacks in the South and East. A US Predator unmanned aircraft crashed during takeoff in eastern Afghanistan. Russia ruled out sending troops to Afghanistan. ISAF warned civilians in Marja to remain in their homes, signaling the offensive will begin shortly.
Pakistan military ‘biggest obstacle’ to Afghan reconciliation with Taliban
Saudi Arabia defends al-Qaeda rehabilitation scheme
US Army closes in on south Afghan town
US enlists ex-foes for Afghan Army
Iran began enriching uranium for use in its medical reactor; the US and its allies pushed for tougher sanctions. Tehran announced plans to construct 10 new nuclear fuel plants.
In southern Afghanistan, even the small gains get noticed
Radical Islam casts shadow over Central Asia
Pakistani Taliban confirms Hakimullah Mehsud’s death
The Army, backed by tribal militias, is advancing on Taliban strongholds in the Mamond region.
Afghanistan – Locals flee ahead of major military offensive
Iran’s reformist leaders reject links to foreigners
Interview – NATO, Afghans to hold Taliban bastion “forever”
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad tours an Iranian centrifuge facility. On the eve of Iran’s celebration of the 31st anniversary of the country’s Islamic Revolution, tensions between the West and the Islamic Republic could hardly be greater. Over the last year, Iran and the United States have been playing a game of cat-and-mouse diplomacy over Tehran’s […]
America not in ‘direct contact™ with Taliban: Holbrooke
Security forces continued operations in the Mamond region in Bajaur. Police arrested six Taliban fighters thought to be plotting to kill Americans in Lahore. The Taliban attempted to assassinate a brigadier general in Islamabad, bombed a girls’ school and a health clinic in Mohmand, and attacked a military camp in Khyber.
Yemen al Qaeda urges jihad, wants Red Sea blocked
A senior Shabaab leader called for jihad against Kenya. A foreign Shabaab military commander was killed by his guards in Mogadishu. Shabaab fighters are reportedly withdrawing from districts in Mogadishu.
Gates: Iran™s nuclear program puts Middle East in danger
Al Qaeda’s affiliate in Somalia said Kenya is in its crosshairs as Kenya is training both Somali and Kenyan troops to battle the terror group.
Four al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb fighters and one soldier were killed during a clash in Tipaza province. Security forces detained eight suspected terrorists during a raid in M’sila province.
Security forces killed six al Qaeda fighters in Makhmour and detained six more north of Baghdad. Insurgents killed a civilian in an IED attack in Baghdad and detonated an IED in front of a hospital in Mosul.
President Karzai is considering a draft for the military. The Taliban killed two British soldiers in Helmand and two civilians in western Afghanistan. A district governor in Badghis province was arrested for supporting the Taliban.
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula’s deputy leader, Said Ali al Shihri, said the group’s leadership has survived US and Yemeni airstrikes, and is preparing further attacks. “We inform our brothers in Afghanistan that we are still alive and well and that we will respond to the Crusaders’ air raids and attacks,” Shihri said.
Police arrested three top leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood during raids. The deputy leader and two members of the Guidance Council, the Muslim Brotherhood’s top decision-making body, were detained. A fourth leader evaded arrest.