Syria
Government forces renewed their attack on the city of Homs with artillery bombardments; 35 people were reported killed. Heavy fighting continued around the city of Latakia. Syrian opposition groups picked a new leader.
Monthly Archives: June 2012
Yemen
The military said three al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula fighters were killed during shelling outside of Jaar. A Yemeni official also claimed five AQAP fighters were killed in a drone strike on June 7; the report has not been confirmed.
Somalia
Shabaab retook control of El Bur after Ethiopian and Somali forces withdrew from the town. Pirates released a Greek owned ship after receiving a $4 million ransom.
Boko Haram suicide bomber, gunmen attack churches in Nigeria
In Jos, a suicide bomber attempted to ram his explosives-laden car into a church, while in Biu, gunmen opened fire inside another church.
Al Qaeda media chief laments deaths of 2 Pakistani clerics
Ustad Ahmand Farooq said the deaths of two clerics associated with radical, jihadist-linked madrassas are “harder for us to bear than the news of the martyrdom of our own brothers.”
Afghanistan
Obama Increases Pakistan Drone Strikes as Relations Sour
Afghanistan
Taliban close schools to mourn civilian deaths
Al Qaeda
Hope of a new dawn in Somalia as hundreds flee Islamists’ ranks
Nigeria
A suicide car bombing outside a Christian church in Jos killed at least five people and wounded dozens more. Gunmen attacked a church in Biu Town in Borno state, killing one worshiper and wounding several others. Boko Haram is suspected in both attacks.
New details emerge about complex attack on FOB Salerno
Seven civilians were killed inside the wire, while the blast caved in the base’s dining facility and PX.
United States
Leaks drip with confusion
North Korea
N. Koreans convicted of trying to steal rocket technology from Ukraine
Free Syrian Army
Syria rebels gaining ground, strength
Bangladesh
7 Die in Sectarian Riots in Myanmar
Pakistan
Pakistan – Foreign intelligence agencies behind Balochistan situation: Justice Javed Iqbal
Pakistan
War against terrorism; Pakistan to follow its own timeline: FO
Afghanistan
US, Pakistan beginning to look more like enemies
Al Qaeda
Al Qaeda Offshoot Offers Camels for Obama’s Head, Hens for Hillary Clinton’s
Egypt
Sexual assault march in Egypt attacked by mob of men
Afghanistan
The Taliban killed four French soldiers in a suicide attack in Kapisa, two Afghan soldiers in Helmand, an ISAF soldier in the east, and a tribal leader in Nangarhar. Security forces killed 11 Taliban fighters. General Allen said that ISAF will no longer target homes in airstrikes.
Yemen
Ten al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula fighters and three Yemeni soldiers were killed in fighting outside of Jaar in Abyan province. AQAP still controls the town after one month of fighting.
Lebanon
The crisis in Syria is reopening Lebanon’s old war divisions
Iran
The UN’s nuclear inspection agency failed to reach an agreement with Iran over access to sites suspected of being used for testing nuclear weapon components. The failure dims prospects for higher level talks over Iran’s nuclear program scheduled for later this month.
Russia
In Its Stance on Syria, Russia Takes Substantial Risks
Syria
Syria rebels gaining ground, strength
Syria
For the first time, intense fighting erupted in the capital of Damascus. The Syrian army shelled the town of Deraa, killing 17. Homs was also shelled. Russia said it might might back Assad’s departure, but would not support foreign intervention.
Somalia
The Kenya Defense Force said that it will not negotiate with Shabaab to release two government employees who were kidnapped in Somalia. Prime Minister Mohammed denied that the government cannot account for more than $130 million in foreign aid.
Taliban suicide bomber kills 4 French soldiers
The Taliban claimed credit for the suicide attack. “Foreign fighters” are known to operate in the area.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan – No more air airstrikes on civilian houses: Allen
Afghanistan
Sar-e Pul Security Chiefs Sacked over Jail Break