France
President Hollande said France would pull its troops out of Afghanistan at the end of 2012, two years ahead of schedule. He said a “residual” number of troops would stay to provide training and help return equipment.
Yearly Archives: 2012
Indonesia
A crowd of 600 Muslims threw plastic bags filled with “urine and dirty water” at 100 Christians who were gathering at a church in Bekasi, a Jakarta suburb. Leaders of the Islamic Defenders Front have been seeking to intimidate Christians in the area.
Afghanistan
Pakistan – NATO restoration means agitation for opposition
Pakistan
Pakistan – Trend of suicide increased by 24 percent this year
Afghanistan
The Taliban killed two US soldiers in a rocket attack and three civilians in a mortar attack in Kunar. Security forces killed seven Taliban fighters as they were planting an IED in Wardak.
Iran
The UN’s nuclear monitoring agency said its Director General would visit Iran on Sunday, indicating progress has been made in negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. Iranian oil production has dropped 12% due to international economic sanctions. A further drop is expected by July when additional sanctions will take effect.
Iraq
Insurgents killed five people in a bombing at a pet market in Baghdad. Security forces detained five al Qaeda in Iraq fighters in Wasit.
Yemen
Yemeni troops killed 11 al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula fighters in the south. More than 160,000 Yemenis have been displaced from Abyan due to fighting. Abu Musab al Zarqawi’s nephew is fighting alongside Ansar al Sharia.
Somalia
Omar Hammami released the first part of his autobiography, which detailed his path to jihad and fighting in Somalia. An Ethiopian general said his country’s forces would take control of Kismayo. A military tribunal in Hargeisa sentenced 17 people to death for killing three policemen.
Al Qaeda
Al-Qaeda in Iraq founder’s nephew is militant in Yemen
Germany
Think Tank Criticizes Germany’s Role in NATO
Afghanistan
Afghan Helpers Feel Threatened By Withdrawal of German Troops
Bahrain
A diplomatic row has developed over a proposed union between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Iran denounced the proposal while Bahrain warned Iran against meddling in its internal affairs. Iranians and Bahraini Shiites rallied against the proposal.
Omar Hammami on drone strikes
The American jihadist commander in Somalia said US airstrikes do not impact Shabaab’s fight against the Somali government and have not caused rifts between “the global element of this Jihaad from the local element.”
Al Qaeda
Counterterrorism expert sees much to be done
Omar Hammami releases part 1 of autobiography
The American commander in Shabaab says he is “still alive and well (by May 16 2012)” and details his life, including his radicalization and fighting in Somalia up until he joined Shabaab.
Al Nusrah Front
Ban Ki-moon says Al-Qaeda behind Damascus bombings
IAEA
Iran may seek tactical gain with UN nuclear deal
Norway
Anjem Choudhary, an Islamist linked to the banned British groups Islam4Uk and Muslims Against Crusades, said that Muslims might take hostages in order to free imprisoned cleric Mullah Krekar. A court recently handed Krekar a five-year sentence for issuing death threats to public officials.
United Kingdom
Extremist cleric Abu Qatada, whom Britain has been trying to deport to Jordan for the past 10 years, is seeking freedom on bail. A judge said that if the deportation process drags on much longer, Qatada will be released to house arrest.
Afghanistan
Six policemen, a civilian, and four Taliban fighters were killed during a suicide assault in Farah. The Taliban assassinated a senior police commander in Kunduz. The US added a Taliban financier who has funneled money to both al Qaeda and the Taliban, and a Haqqani Network operative who serves as a top aide to Badruddin […]
Al Qaeda
US Redefines Afghan Success Ahead of NATO Conference
Afghanistan
In Chicago: Zardari, Obama, Karzai to discuss Taliban peace talks
India
Pakistan – LeT threatens to blow up Attari Integrated Checkpost
Yemen
US drones killed two al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula fighters in Hadramout. The military claimed it ejected AQAP from Lawdar, Modia, and Al Wadea. A senior Southern Movement leader is urging his followers to fight AQAP.
Somalia
Shabaab and government forces clashed in Garbaharey; two civilians were killed and Shabaab poisoned wells in the town. Three soldiers were killed after Somali troops fought amongst themselves.
Taliban kill 6 Afghan policemen, civilian in suicide assault in Farah
A four-man suicide assault team struck the governor’s compound in Farah City.
Nigeria
A man claiming to be a Boko Haram spokesman said the group is prepared to talk to the government. Police found bombs in two schools in Kano hours after the schools were attacked by Boko Haram.
Lebanon
Lebanese City Drawn Into Syrian Conflict
Libya
With state weak, Libyans look to God for help