Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb
Can France and Algeria find common ground on Mali?
Monthly Archives: December 2012
Germany
After a bag containing pipe bomb elements was found on a platform at Bonn’s central train station on Monday, police arrested two Somali men, Abdirazak B. and Omar D., known extremists already under surveillance. The pair were later released; police are now looking for other suspects.
Al Qaeda
Islamist extremist suspected after bomb found at Bonn rail station
Japan
Malaysia Tops Bribery Table
Afghanistan
Panetta, other US officials in Kabul paint rosy picture of Afghan situation
Syrian jihadists, including al Qaeda’s Al Nusrah Front, form Mujahideen Shura Council
The establishment of the Mujahideen Shura Council in Deir al-Zour is a step in the unification of jihadist groups in Syria. Syrian opposition groups rally around the Al Nusrah Front after the terrorist designation by the US.
Mali
In northern Mali, Islamists’ attacks against civilians grow more brutal
Netherlands
Netherlands ‘halal homes’ ignite religious row
Norway
An appeals court overturned the terrorism conviction of Mullah Krekar, sentencing him to less than three years in jail for issuing threats and intimidating witnesses. Krekar, who founded Ansar al Islam in Iraq and is on US and UN terrorist lists, has avoided deportation to Iraq for the past nine years.
United States
US and Philippine officials planned for an increase in the rotational presence of US forces in the Philippines. The military judge overseeing war crimes tribunals at Guantanamo prohibited public disclosure of information about locations where detainees had been held, the names of individuals involved in the process, and details of interrogation techniques.
United States
President Obama said the US will formally recognize the Syrian National Coalition as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people. The US added the Al Nusrah Front, an offshoot of al Qaeda in Iraq, to the terrorist list, and also blacklisted pro-Assad militias that kill civilians as part of a campaign of violence.
Pakistan
Drones violate sovereignty, but so do militants using Pakistani soil: Haqqani
Pakistan
Pakistan – Militants blow up girls’ school
United States
New York state’s top court rules gang activity is not terrorism
Pakistan
Security forces detained two “terrorists” and seized suicide vests during a raid in Lahore. “Militants” bombed a cell phone tower in the tribal agency of Mohmand.
Afghanistan
Security forces killed a Taliban commander and several fighters in Baghlan, and detained six suicide bombers, including three Pakistanis, in Paktika. President Karzai said the suicide attack that wounded the NDS chief was plotted in Quetta, and the government will provide evidence to prove it.
Syria
The US government added the Al Nusrah Front for the People of the Levant and two of its senior leaders to the list of global terrorists and entities. The US said Al Nusrah was formed and is commanded by al Qaeda in Iraq and its emir, Abu Du’a. Rebel groups across Syria rejected the US […]
Iran
Khartoum allowing Iran to establish a Red Sea base
Britain
UK military in talks to help Syria rebels
Egypt
In Egypt, Tahrir Square awash again in revolutionary fervor
Egypt
Pro-government and opposition protesters held rallies over Saturday’s referendum on a draft constitution. Gunmen attacked opposition protesters. Most judges have refused to oversee the referendum. Due to the shortage, the referendum will be held in two stages.
Muslim Brotherhood
Anger and an Arrest as a Leader of the Muslim Brotherhood Visits Brooklyn
Yemen
The deputy intelligence officer in Hadramout province was gunned down outside of his home in Mukalla. The military launched an offensive against al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula fighters in Marib.
2 Somali Islamists arrested in suspected pipe bomb attack at Bonn train station
Yesterday two known extremists were arrested after a bag containing explosive materials was found on a platform at the main train station in Bonn, Germany.
Al Nusrah Front
The rise of Syria’s ‘third army’, Jabhat al-Nusra
Somalia
Puntland security forces plan on attacking Shabaab strongholds in the Galgala mountains. Coca-Cola is reopening its factory in Mogadishu six years after closing due to insecurity.
Mali
The military junta that overthrew the government in March has forced Cheick Modibo Diarra, the prime minister, to resign. He was arrested while trying to flee to France. French officials called for the swift formation of a new government.
Morocco
Moroccans Fear That Flickers of Democracy Are Fading
Egypt
Allies of Egypt’s Morsi Beat Protesters Outside Palace
US adds Al Nusrah Front, 2 leaders to terrorism list
The US government called the Al Nusrah Front “a new alias” for al Qaeda in Iraq, and said Al Nusrah is under the direct control of the emir of the Iraqi terror group.