The US military said the Libyan conflict is “moving toward a stalemate” even though it estimates that US and NATO strikes have destroyed 30-40 percent of Gaddafi’s ground forces. The US plans to maintain two patrols of Predator aircraft above Libya, but weather caused two Predators sent yesterday to turn back.
Government forces reportedly shot protesters in several cities, killing 60, in the bloodiest day in the five-week uprising. Despite concessions by President Assad, thousands of protesters are demanding an end to his rule and the establishment of a democracy.
Source: US departs Pakistan base
The Islamic militants arrested yesterday for plotting to bomb a Catholic cathedral near Jakarta during Good Friday services planned to film the explosion and broadcast it, Indonesian police said. The 19 suspects, described as “all in their 30s and many of them university graduates,” include some who may have participated in previous attacks.
US ramps up airdrops to forces in Afghanistan
Iraq troop talks falter
The IMU ‘s senior leader in Afghanistan served as “a key conduit between the senior IMU leadership in Pakistan and senior Taliban leadership in Afghanistan.” He escaped from a Pakistani jail in 2010.
More than 300 Taliban fighters attacked an outpost in Dir from across the border in Kunar province. The Taliban reportedly beheaded five of the Pakistani troops.
The strike in the Mir Ali area is the first in more than a week, and took place just one day after Admiral Mullen completed a trip to patch up ties with Pakistan’s military.
Libyan rebels advance; US will deploy drones
Algeria starts implementing Bouteflika’s reforms
The targeted compound is “associated with Pakistan-based al Qaeda leadership.”
Loyal, secretive security forces keep Syria leader in power
Pakistani Pashtun tribe rises up against extremists
A new chance in Egypt for Islamic finance
The Taliban killed three policemen in Nangarhar and a French soldier in Kapisa. Special operations teams captured several Taliban and Haqqani Network fighters and commanders in Helmand, Kandahar, Khost, and Logar.
Pakistan – Like army, like nation
How the US military fell in love with ‘Three Cups of Tea’
Christian governor to resign in Upper Egypt amid protests
Sixteen Pakistanis were killed in a bombing at a gambling hall in Karachi; no group has claimed the attack. The US will provide Pakistan with 85 unarmed Raven UAVs.
Egypt Islamists defiant over Christian governor
Indonesia on top alert after bomb found near church
Insurgents killed a child in Samarra and a student in Mosul. Security forces detained 33 wanted men, including two Pakistanis and an Egyptian, in Basrah, and six insurgents in Kirkuk.
Ethnic militias fuel tensions in northern Afghanistan
Pakistan accuses US of ‘negative propaganda’
Mullen: Pakistan’s ISI spy agency has ‘militant links’
For threats of terrorism, two words will warn
Taliban fan fears of infiltration in Afghan forces
Police arrested 19 terror suspects involved in a plot to blow up a church over Easter weekend in Serpong; police found a massive bomb at the gas pipeline leading to the church. Police said Jemaah Islamiyah spiritual leader Abu Bakir Bashir may have masterminded the recent attacks in the country.
Twenty-one people were killed in fighting between Shabaab fighters and the pro-government Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jama’a in El Waq. Puntland security forces detained 10 people suspected of being involved in attacks in Bosaso.