Afghanistan
The chequered tale of the Taliban ‘boy commander’
Monthly Archives: November 2012
Somalia
The Somali military killed a senior Shabaab commander and captured 16 fighters in Mogadishu, and detained 20 more fighters in Baidoa. “Gunmen” executed the chairman of the Bakara market traders group. The market has been a source of income for Shabaab.
Libya
The “Private Deterrent Force” has kidnapped a dozen men it accuses of being homosexual and has threatened to torture and execute them. The group is thought to be linked to the “extremist Nawasi militia group” that has also desecrated Sufi shrines in Tripoli.
Afghanistan
Mystery shrouds ‘rusted missiles of Afghan era’ recovered from Jalozai Camp
Another IMU ‘weapons facilitator’ captured in northern Afghanistan
Reports of raids against al Qaeda and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan have decreased over the past two months, but “that does not indicate there were no missions executed, just that there was not a release issued,” ISAF told LWJ.
Nigeria
A “large number of gunmen” attacked the Abuja SARS police base, freeing 30 detainees. All but five were recaptured, and police said two of the attackers were arrested.
Mali
Alberto Rodriguez Leal, 61, who was kidnapped in Mali in November 2011, appeared in a video asking France to comply with the demands of his captors, the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO). He is one of seven French hostages of a total of 13 people being held captive by Islamists in […]
Germany
A new government report on Afghanistan says that “hostile forces remain operational,” little progress has been made toward peace and stability, national reconciliation has not succeeded, and insider attacks are an increasing concern. Germany plans to spend $558 million per year until 2016 to improve Afghan living conditions and governance, and an additional $194 million […]
Spain
Authorities raided a company in Durango suspected of sending over a million dollars’ worth of dual-use energy machinery to Iran through Turkey in violation of international sanctions. Arrests were made and documents were seized, but the names and nationalities of those arrested were not disclosed.
Pakistan
Pakistan – Militant attack: Blast destroys shrine of 11th century saint
Pakistan
Pakistan – Muharram security breach: Blast targets mourners in D I Khan; 10 killed
Austria
Austria – Saudi-backed religious centre stirs controversy
Egypt
Egyptian armed forces deny deployment of US troops in Sinai
Al Qaeda
Notes from Afghanistan
Iraq
For the first time in eight years, there were no significant sectarian attacks during the Shia holiday of Ashura. Security forces detained 82 wanted men in Karbala and three al Qaeda fighters in Wasit.
Lebanon
Hezbollah warned it would fire thousands of rockets into Israel in any future war. The Lebanese Army arrested five Syrians found with explosives and suspected of planning an attack on a Shiite Muslim procession.
Syria
Rebels captured an air base near Damascus, destroying several helicopters and capturing 15 soldiers. Rebels had captured three other military bases earlier in the week along with large quantities of equipment and ammunition.
Egypt
Will Mursi’s Egypt become a new Iran?
Syria
Stalemate in Syria? Army short on loyalists, rebels short on guns
Hamas
Middle East shifts may weaken Iran’s influence with Palestinians
Egypt
Protesters clashed with police in Cairo for a third day over President Morsi’s grant of new powers. The Muslim Brotherhood called for demonstrations to show support for the president. Morsi said his new powers would be “temporary” and that he wanted dialogue. Egypt’s stock index fell 10%.
Egypt
Jama’a al-Islamiya leader: Islamists, regime may try to assassinate liberals
Afghanistan
Tragic violence against women on the rise in Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Georgia ready to train Afghan forces
Afghanistan
Classes Suspended After Student Dies in Kabul University Clash
Afghanistan
Insurgents Losing the Afghan War: Katz
Nigeria
A pair of Boko Haram suicide bombers killed 11 people in a complex suicide attack at a church on a military base in Kaduna. “Gunmen” killed three Christians in Kano.
Al Qaeda
White House Presses for Drone Rule Book
Egypt
Egyptian shares tumble over Morsi decree
Afghanistan
‘British Army chief risked soldiers’ lives,’ says US colonel