Libya
Libyan and US officials discussed the possible provision of US technical support to Libya’s Air Force. The UK is sending a warship to Libya in April to showcase security equipment.
Monthly Archives: February 2013
Mali
Islamist gunmen, some disguised as women, infiltrated into Gao from across the Niger River. French and Malian troops fired at militants holed up in the mayor’s office. A MUJAO spokesman said the group has been ordered to “liberate Gao.” A car bomb exploded in Kidal near barracks housing French and Chadian troops, killing the driver […]
Tunisia
The ruling Islamist Ennahda party plans to pick a hardliner to replace outgoing Prime Minister Jebali, who resigned a few days ago. A Tunisian TV report claimed that opposition leader Chokri Belaid had been assassinated by a Salafist cell.
United Kingdom
A court found Birmingham residents Irfan Naseer, Irfan Khalid, and Ashik Ali guilty of planning to execute a massive terror attack in England. The three al Qaeda-linked ringleaders plotted to use eight suicide bombers to cause more “carnage” than the 7/7 London bombings. Naseer and Khalid as well as four accomplices had traveled to Pakistan […]
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The case for kicking terrorists off Twitter
China
Chinese cyberspies have hacked most Washington institutions, experts say
Iran-backed terror cell exposed in Nigeria
Nigerian authorities announced the arrest of three members of an Iranian-backed terror cell that was planning attacks on US and Israeli interests.
Cyprus terror suspect admits Hezbollah membership
In Cyprus, Lebanese-Swedish dual citizen Hossam Taleb Yaacoub admitted to being a member of Hezbollah and helping the terror group in Europe.
Iran
ECB faces US pressure over Iran
Bahrain
The head of public security said Iran’s Revolutionary Guards were responsible for setting up a terrorist cell in Bahrain. The cell allegedly planned to assassinate public figures and attack government buildings, but was broken up and its members arrested on Feb. 17.
Syria
Saudi Arabia, Qatar press for more help to Syrian rebels
Lebanon
A former Lebanese minister and two Syrian Intelligence officers were indicted for plotting a wave of bomb attacks in Lebanon. The plots were allegedly instigated by the Syrian government.
Syria
SNC Cites Hezbollah Role in Syria
Afghanistan
Jirga to Decide on Kabul-Washington Security Pact
Syria
Fighting between government and rebel forces ground on around Damascus and Aleppo airport. Arms shipments to the rebels slowed. President Assad declared: “We are sure we will win.” The rebel Syrian Free Army issued an ultimatum to Hezbollah to stop its attacks in Syria or face retaliation in south Lebanon.
Ex-Guantanamo detainee reportedly killed in Syria
Slimane Hadj Abderrahmane, an ex-Gitmo detainee, has reportedly been killed while fighting in Syria. Abderrahmane was allegedly a member of an al Qaeda-linked group prior to his detention in late 2001. Authorities at Guantanamo deemed him a “high” risk to the US and its allies.
Sweden
Malmö mayor concerned about Islam-critical show
Egypt
Jama’a al-Islamiya and 13 other Islamist parties announced the formation of “armed squads” that they say will help the police “fight vandals, thugs and groups like the Black Bloc.” A court ruled that policemen will be allowed to grow beards ending a de facto ban imposed during the reign of Hosni Mubarak.
Palestinian Territories
Palestinian human rights groups slammed Hamas’ recent decision to reduce the sentences of two Salafi jihadists charged with kidnapping and murdering an Italian national. A Hamas spokesman denounced the coalition deal between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni.
Somalia
African Union and Somali forces battled Shabaab fighters in Janaale. Shabaab claimed it killed 25 “kuffar invaders” and lost three of its own fighters.
Algeria
The Interior Ministry refused to license the Free Awakening Front, the country’s first Salafist party, which had sought to hold its founding convention on Feb. 16. The Id Amenas gas facility, the site of last month’s terrorist assault, will partially reopen starting next week.
Cameroon
French special forces arrived from their regional base at N’Djamena in Chad to assist with the investigation into the kidnapping of seven French tourists, all family members including four children, on Feb. 19. Of all the nations, France currently has the most citizens being held hostage, with a total of 15 in Africa.
China
China floods Iran with cheap consumer goods in exchange for oil
Germany
The government approved the deployment of some 330 troops to Mali; up to 180 of them will participate in the European Union training mission. Two Iranian men were charged in Frankfurt state court with smuggling dozens of German-made motors to Iran for its Ababil III drone, which is used for both surveillance and attacks.
Denmark
Two Somali brothers from Aarhus are accused of collaborating to arrange and finance the older brother’s stay at a Shabaab training camp in Somalia. The older brother spent several months at a Shabaab camp near Mogadishu until early 2012. The suspects have been in custody since May 2012.
Mali
Divided Nomads Cloud Mali Mission
France
Mali an Unexpected Mission for French Defense Minister
Chechen commander leads Muhajireen Brigade in Syria
Omar al Chechen is a key leader in the Muhajireen Brigade, a jihadist group that fights alongside the Al Nusrah Front for the People of the Levant against the regime of President Bashir al Assad.
North Korea
North Korea posted another propaganda video on YouTube. It shows President Obama and US troops in flames, and ends with a simulation of a nuclear test.
Al Qaeda
Pakistan announces operation after bombing, but is it just for show?