The Taliban killed five Afghan security guards in Wardak and two ISAF soldiers in the south. A member of the Afghan security forces killed three ISAF civilian trainers in Herat. Two members of the high peace council in Zabul defected to the Taliban.
There have been two other green-on-blue attacks resulting in casualties this month.
Norwegian Justice Minister to strengthen terror legislation
Iran said it broke up two assassination cells responsible for killing Iranian nuclear scientists. Iran added a new batch of enriched uranium to a research reactor in Tehran.
More than 25 Iraqis were killed in bombings and attacks throughout the country. Islamic State of Iraq leader Abu Bakr al Baghdadi said al Qaeda would target Iraqi officials in a wave of assassinations.
Several Iranian diplomats were reportedly deported for spying and providing support to al Qaeda. The commander of an air force brigade in Hadramout was wounded in an IED attack near his home.
Syria rebels’ gains in Damascus surprise even them
Civilian Deaths in Afghan North Almost Equal Insurgent Deaths: Commander
Kunar Shelling Puts Afghanistan-Pakistan Relations Under Strain
As Syria conflict rages, China hews to ‘non-interference’ principle
Damascus chaos strikes fear in Assad’s Alawite bastion
Kidnapped Libya Olympic committee chief released
Israel alert for attacks abroad, eyeing Olympics
Rebels announced the launch of an offensive to “liberate” the city of Aleppo. Rebel fighters from rural areas converged on the city. Government counterattacks drove rebel forces out of several strongholds in Damascus. So far this month, 2,750 people have been killed in Syria. The US abandoned efforts for a diplomatic solution.
Al-Qaida: We’re returning to old Iraq strongholds
Gunmen near the Sinai town of al-Arish blew up a major pipeline carrying natural gas to Israel and Jordan; the pipeline has been attacked 15 times since early 2011. A gunman in Sinai fired across the border at an Israeli military bus carrying troops; no injuries were reported.
Muslim protests in Addis Ababa continue
The government asked the US to turn over videotapes of psychiatric interviews with Guantanamo detainee Omar Khadr before Canada will decide whether to allow his repatriation. If transferred to Canada, Khadr could be paroled as early as 2013. A psychiatrist said Khadr was unrepentant and would likely continue to serve al Qaeda.
Yemenis left with mixed feelings after government troops oust Islamists
Indonesia Turns Blind Eye as Religious Tensions Rise
Allen talks cooperation after ‘Salala tragedy
Afghan Taliban lash two men in public
The group is named after a top al Qaeda leader and senior lieutenant to Osama bin Laden. A video released by the group implores Turkish jihadists to fight in Syria.
Qaedat al-Jihad claims responsibility for Bulgaria suicide attack
The Taliban killed four civilians in an IED attack in Nangarhar, and four more in a rocket attack in Kunar that was launched from Pakistan. Six Taliban fighters and three policemen were killed in clashes in Nimroz. The US has transferred 2,353 prisoners from the Bagram detention center to Afghan control.
Pakistan to requisition bin Laden plot
Insurgents killed an Iraqi soldier in Baghdad and a Peshmerga fighter in Kirkuk. One of Vice President Khudayr al Khuzaie’s bodyguards was gunned down in Baghdad.
Government forces staged counterattacks against rebel-held districts of Damascus. Heavy fighting broke out in Aleppo. Rebel forces seized a second of three border crossings between Iraq and Syria. Refugees flooded into Lebanon. The UN Security Council extended its monitor mission for 30 days.
Police in Puntland captured a Yemeni who was transporting weapons and explosives. Shabaab forces abandoned the town of Burhakaba. The deputy director of the finance ministry was gunned down in Mogadishu.
Former Rebel Leader in Yemen Fills a Leadership Gap in Taiz