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Area: WoT Background    Non-WoT    Opinion        Politix   
Battle for Mosul On
Today's Headlines
Headline Comments [Views]
Page 1: WoT Operations
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Page 2: WoT Background
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Page 3: Non-WoT
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Page 4: Opinion
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Page 6: Politix
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4 13:43 Vast Right Wing Conspiracy []
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8 12:44 rjschwarz []
5 17:03 Abu Uluque []
6 13:33 Besoeker [1]
7 18:26 trailing wife []
4 11:50 SR-71 []
Afghanistan
Airstrike kill Haqqani and Al-Qaeda terrorist network members in Afghanistan
[Khaama (Afghanistan)] Two faceless myrmidons belonging to the Haqqani terrorist network the al-Qaeda network were killed in separate Arclight airstrikes in southeastern Ghazni province of Afghanistan.

The Ministry of Defense (MoD) said two faceless myrmidons belonging to Quetta council, normally referred to Taliban and Haqqani networks’ leadership councils, were also among those killed.

No further details were given if the Arclight airstrikes were carried out by the Aghan Air Force or the US forces based in Afghanistan.

MoD further added that the militats belonging to Haqqani network, al-Qaeda network, and the Quetta Council were among 13 killed during the operations.

According to MoD, the al-Qaeda terrorist network member killed in the Arclight airstrikes has been identified as Haroon.
Posted by: Fred || 10/18/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Haqqani Network


Taliban ambush Vice President Gen. Dostum’s convoy in Faryab
[Khaama (Afghanistan)] The Talibs ambushed the convoy of First Vice President General Abdul Rashid Dostum
...ethnic Uzbek warlord who distinguished himself fighting the Soviets and the Taliban. The story that he had a bad guy run over with a tank is an exaggeration. It was an armored personnel carrier...
in northern Faryab province as he is leading a counter-terrorism operation against the group in north.

The incident took place on Sunday as Gen. Dostum was on his way towards Ghormach district accompanied by a convoy of the security forces.

Gen. Dostum confirmed the attack and said the turbans were in police uniform and ambushed the convoy of the security forces.

The Talibs group has not commented regarding the report so far.

Gen. Dostum arrived in Faryab province last week after the Talibs launched a coordinated attack on Ghormach district and seized its control from the security forces.

The Talibs have intensified attacks on key northern provinces during the recent months as the group attempts to expand its insurgency activities in northern parts of the country.

The Talibs launched a coordinated attack on the strategic Kunduz city last week and managed to infiltrate into some parts of the city, including the central Kunduz city square.

Posted by: Fred || 10/18/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Taliban

#1  Whoa, a failed assassination attempt on the Dostum. Life Insurance policies cancelations are flowing outa Mutual of Gaza.

Posted by: Shipman || 10/18/2016 10:57 Comments || Top||

#2  You won't like him when he's mad. What are the odds inside info from his jealous rivals in the Gov't provided the route, timing for the ambush?
Posted by: Frank G || 10/18/2016 16:54 Comments || Top||

#3  Not the first time, third maybe?

IIRC, and I don't, I think one time the convoy killed all the ambushers, then Dostum came back to the area with troops and tanks to get anyone else.

I think he doesn't rank well on the west's pee wee herman rules of war, but he is out there getting shot at and killing bad guys.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 10/18/2016 17:08 Comments || Top||


Africa North
US airstrikes hit ISIS positions in Sirte
[AlArabiya] US aircraft hit ISIS targets with more 30 strikes over the last three days on the Libyan city of Sirte as pro-government forces push into its last militant-held districts, the US military said on Monday.

Libyan forces are close to ending a six-month campaign to liberate Sirte from ISIS, which took over the city more than a year after taking advantage of factional infighting that emerged after the fall of strongman Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

Forces mostly from nearby Misrata city are pushing ahead street by street, facing snipers and suicide bombers. They are helped by US air strikes since August and coordination with small teams of Western special forces on the ground.

On Sunday, Libyan forces recaptured the city’s Cambo area, and swept out tunnels used by militants to hide and prepare ambushes, and seized a field hospital. They found charred bodies of militants hit by air strikes.

A Reuters reporter at the scene said they also came across booby traps using grenades and rocket shells.

“At the moment, the forces are preparing to enter Ghiza Bahriya district,” Rida Essa, media official with the pro-government forces, said.

US aircraft carried out 36 strikes from Friday to Saturday mostly on enemy fighting positions but also on a car bomb, according to a US Africa Command statement on Monday.

The loss of Sirte would close down ISIS’s main stronghold in North Africa and its only base outside Iraq and Syria, just as the militant group comes under pressure in the Iraqi city of Mosul.

ISIS steadily imposed control on Sirte a year ago, and used the city as a base to launch attacks on oilfields and ports as well as to target checkpoints in nearby Misrata.

Since Gaddafi’s fall in a war in 2011, Libya has slipped steadily in the fractional fighting among brigades of former rebels who first battled the strongman and then turned against each another. ISIS profited from the security vacuum.

The Misrata forces leading the Sirte campaign back a UN-supported government in Tripoli that is trying to bring the rival factions together. But the Sirte campaign has also prompted moves by eastern commander Khalifa Haftar, who rejects the Tripoli government, to extend his influence.
Posted by: badanov || 10/18/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Islamic State


Military Tension in Libya
Cairo – Tension escalated in Libyan capital between Libyan factions hours after the U.N.-backed government seized a building used by parliament in Tripoli, proclaiming its own authority and demanding a new government in cooperation with the temporary government led by Abdullah al-Thani.

Sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that limited clashes erupted between militias of Chairman of the High Council of State Abdulrahman Asswehly and security of the Rixos Hotel where the Libyan Parliament currently meets.

A parliamentary official told Asharq Al-Awsat that he expects for the situation to escalate in the upcoming hours to regain control over the headquarters of the High Council of State, which is now under the control of militias of former PM Khalifa al-Ghowel’s internationally unrecognized government.

Asswehly threatened to take back the council and granted Ghowel 24 hours to evacuate the office. Yet, the official said that the council is well-secured against any break-in attempts.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that people are scared and anxious and war could erupt at any minute now. He added that militias of the U.N-supported government are deployed in certain areas of Tripoli, but they can’t do anything and the Rixos hotel is under control.

Members of Fayez al-Sarraj government said they had taken over the Rixos in the capital, where part of the U.N.-backed government is supposed to operate. The hotel was already controlled by an armed group loyal to them.

Few hours after the militias’ control, former PM Ghowel said that the presidential council had many opportunities to form a government and failed. He called for the formation of a new government.

“The presidential council was given several chances to form the government, but it fails… and has become an illegal executive authority,” Ghwail said in a statement late on Friday.

Ghwail called for a new administration to be formed by his former Tripoli government and its rival in the east, where hardliners also oppose the U.N.-backed administration. He said all institutions including banks, the judiciary and local authorities were under their jurisdiction.

Media bureau of Sarraj said that the presidential council discussed security situation in the country during its meeting.

The presidential council issued a statement saying that Minister of Interior al-Aref al-Khawaj presented a detailed report on the security situation as well as plans set to deal with violations.

“The seizure of the state council is an attempt to hinder the implementation of political agreement by a group which rejects this deal after it has proved its failure in managing the state,” the presidential council said in a statement.

U.N.-backed government posted images on social media of its presidential council and ministers holding a meeting in the main offices of parliament in a different part of Tripoli.

Thani’s government, loyal to the parliament, welcomed Ghwail’s suggestion for a joint government and called upon the parliament to decide on this request as soon as possible.

U.S. State department expressed its great concern about the developments in Libya, saying: “We are in true support for the U.N.-brokered Government of National Accord, which is the legitimate choice of the Libyans and Libyan political parties.”

Likewise, the European Union and United Nations warned of parallel institutions and ensured their support for the GNA government.
Posted by: badanov || 10/18/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Tunisians dismantle Jihadi cell
[AlManar] Tunisia has dismantled a ‘jihadist’ cell planning attacks including against security officials and a senior government official, a prosecution spokesman said Monday.

“The cell was targeting security officials and a figure holding an important position within the government,” Sofiene Sliti said.

Twenty-nine of the 62 alleged ‘jihadists’ were referred to trial under the country’s anti-terrorism law, Sliti said, while 20 others are on the run.

He said that seven other suspects were already behind bars for other offences while the last six members of the cell are awaiting trial.

Tunisian media said the cell had planned to target Interior Minister Hedi Majdoub, but his ministry and Sliti refused to comment.
Posted by: badanov || 10/18/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Africa Subsaharan
Niger Says Repelled Attack on Prison where 'Terrorists' Held
[AnNahar] Armed forces in Niger repelled a pre-dawn attack Monday on a prison where "terrorists", notably from neighboring Mali, are being held, the country's interior minister said.

Mohammed Bazoum said the prison in Koutoukale, about 50 kilometers (30 miles) northwest of the capital Niamey, came under attack at 4 am (0300 GMT). "The enemy was repelled, leaving behind several dead wearing boom belts," he said on social media.

The attack follows the kidnapping of a U.S. aid worker Friday, the first American captured in the west African nation.

The prison in Koutoukale is considered to be Niger's most secure jail, holding the country's most dangerous detainees, and notably jihadists from groups active in the Sahel desert area and from the Nigeria-based Boko Haram
... not to be confused with Procol Harum, Harum Scarum, possibly to be confused with Helter Skelter. The Nigerian version of al-Qaeda and the Taliban rolled together and flavored with a smigeon of distinctly Subsaharan ignorance and brutality...
Islamist group.

"Heavily armed holy warriors again attacked this high security prison. They were unable to get near the jail because a shootout broke out with soldiers who are guarding it," a source in the security services told AFP.

On October 30, 2014, an gang set several detainees free when they attacked a jail at Ouallam, 100 kilometers north of Niamey.

The civilian prison in the capital itself was attacked in June 2013 by an gang, leaving at least two warders dead. The assailants made off with 22 "terrorist" prisoners, including Boko Haram fighters.

They also freed a high-profile criminal from Mali, Cheibane Ould Hama, who had been convicted of the murders of four Soddy Arabia
...a kingdom taking up the bulk of the Arabian peninsula. Its primary economic activity involves exporting oil and soaking Islamic rubes on the annual hajj pilgrimage. The country supports a large number of princes in whatcha might call princely splendor. When the oil runs out the rest of the world is going to kick sand in the Soddy national face...
n nationals near Niger's border with Mali, as well as killing an American in Niamey in 2000.
Posted by: trailing wife || 10/18/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  "Heavily armed holy warriors again attacked this high security prison. They were unable to get near the jail because a shootout broke out with soldiers who are guarding it," a source in the security services told AFP.

Niger please.
Posted by: Crusader || 10/18/2016 0:13 Comments || Top||

#2  Move them to a more secure location - 6 feet under (or 1.82 meters under).
Posted by: Procopius2k || 10/18/2016 16:36 Comments || Top||

#3  #1 - LOL!!
Posted by: Frank G || 10/18/2016 16:46 Comments || Top||


Arabia
Yemeni army forces pound Sa’dah
Riyadh, Taiz, Aden – The Yemeni army and resistance forces succeeded in advancing in Sa’dah (the stronghold of Houthis militia) and besieging Mica 101 affiliated to Houthis.

Colonel Mehran Al-Qabati told Asharq al-Awsat that the army and resistance forces advanced in Sa’dah province for more than 15 kilometers vertically and 45 kilometers horizontally. He added that Mica 101 is now under siege and that the “Yemeni army and resistance forces sacrificed two martyrs and five injured during these operations.”

Qabati affirmed that the army and resistance are determined to enter Sa’dah and attack the militias in their stronghold. “They have come to our territory without having the right to; we taught them a lesson they will never forget and we insist on repeating this in Sa’adah.

Qabati also denied spread rumors that battalions were sent to Sa’dah, stressing that the striking force leading current operation to defeat the rebels are enough.

Moving to Bihan, in the east of the country, Houthi and Yemen’s former President Ali Abdullah Saleh militias renewed on Saturday and Sunday the random bombing on villages and citizens’ houses, following their failure to break through the army and resistance forces.

Moving to Taiz, a military source told Asharq al-Awsat that conflicts intensified in all battlefronts namely in the eastern one where the Houthi and Ali Abdullah Saleh militias are bombing without any consideration of children and women.

Moreover, the national army in Taiz announced commencement of national resistance factions’ integration with the national army forces in Taiz, declared a military source to Asharq al-Awsat.
Posted by: badanov || 10/18/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Houthis


Caucasus/Russia/Central Asia
Russian Student who Followed IS Lover to Syria Faces 'Terrorist' Trial
[AnNahar] Police in bullet-proof vests guard a military court for the terrorism trial of Varvara Karaulova, a slim 20-year-old with braided hair who clutches a page of handwritten notes.

Karaulova was studying philosophy at the renowned Moscow State University when she tried to enter Syria last year after falling in love online with an Islamic State
...formerly ISIS or ISIL, depending on your preference. Before that al-Qaeda in Iraq, as shaped by Abu Musab Zarqawi. They're very devout, committing every atrocity they can find in the Koran and inventing a few more. They fling Allah around with every other sentence, but to hear the pols talk they're not really Moslems....
fighter.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: trailing wife || 10/18/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Islamic State

#1  "Why it was her -- I can't say."


Because stupid should be painful.
Posted by: Skidmark || 10/18/2016 9:34 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
Three FC personnel gunned down in Quetta
Three Frontier Corps personnel were gunned down in Quetta's Sabzal Road area on Friday.

According to police sources, suspected militants opened fire at the FC men. Two men died on the spot, whereas the third succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital. The bodies were shifted to a nearby hospital.

The attackers escaped unharmed.

Police and a large contingent of FC arrived at the spot shortly after the incident and investigations into the attack have started.

There has been no claim of responsibility for the attack.

Posted by: badanov || 10/18/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


3 die in Karachi blast
KARACHI: An explosion in Liaquatabad area of the metropolis claimed three lives, including a woman and two children, and injured 10 on Monday.

Sources privy to the police reported that it was a grenade blast while injured locals were being shifted to nearby hospital by rescue teams.

The blast took place outside a shrine. Rescue teams reached the scene and shifted the injured to a nearby hospital.

Security forces cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the incident.
Posted by: badanov || 10/18/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


2 Pakistani soldiers killed in cross-border fire from Afghanistan
[Khaama (Afghanistan)] At least two Pak soldiers were killed in cross-border fire along the Duran Line and another soldier was maimed, the Pakistain officials have claimed.

According to the local media reports, citing the official sources, the incident took place in Angor Adda area of South Wazoo tribal region.

The sources further added that a check post belonging to the Pak soldiers was attacked by the unidentified gunnies with light and heavy weapons.

The soldiers killed in the attack have been identified as Idrees Khan and Arshad who were belonging to the 56 Punjab
1.) Little Orphan Annie's bodyguard
2.) A province of Pakistain ruled by one of the Sharif brothers
3.) A province of India. It is majority (60 percent) Sikh and Hindoo (37 percent), which means it has relatively few Moslem riots....

Regiment.

According to the reports, the Pak soldiers responded to the firing in Barmal district of Paktia province which resulted into the ceasefire.

Posted by: Fred || 10/18/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Pakistain Proxies


Iraq
Baghdad Bomb and Bullet Bulletin: 10 die

ISIL Suicide Bombing Kills 10 People South of Baghdad

[al-Manar] A suicide car bomb attack claimed by the ISIL group and targeting an Iraqi army checkpoint south of Baghdad Monday killed at least 10 people, security and medical sources said.

The blast in Yusufiya, a frequently targeted area just south of the capital, also left at least 17 people wounded, an interior ministry official said.

A medic at the nearby Mahmudiyah hospital said at least four soldiers were among those killed in the blast.

It came just hours after Iraqi forces launched an offensive to retake second city Mosul, in the north of the country, from ISIL.
Posted by: badanov || 10/18/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under: Islamic State


The Beatings Will Continue: Iraqi Edtion


ISIS converts Mosul mosques into military barracks

(IraqiNews.com) Nineveh – Iraqi media outlets reported on Monday, that the Islamic State converted the mosques of Mosul into military barracks and prevented prayers inside them.

Al Sumaria News stated, “The ISIS gangs prevented prayer in a number of Mosul mosques, in order to convert them into caches of weapons and military barracks for its members to protect them against the air strikes of the international coalition and Iraqi Air Force.”

“The ISIS gangs are using mosques as headquarters for their criminal operations in order to use the attacks of security forces on the mosques as a media event,” Al Sumaria added.

The Islamic State in Mosul is started to collapse after large numbers of its members escaped due to the start of the battle to liberate the city.

ISIS families flee Mosul amid intense aerial bombing

(IraqiNews.com) Nineveh – More than 43 targets belonging to ISIS and the group’s defenses in the Mosul Dam axis were destroyed by air strikes and artillery shelling in Nineveh causing the families of ISIS members to flee from the city, Al Sumaria reported on Monday.

Al Sumaria stated “Today, aircraft of Iraqi Air Force and the international coalition air force bombarded more than 43 targets belonging to ISIS in Nineveh, completely destroying its headquarters, barracks and weapons caches.”

“Members of the ISIS started to shave their beards and get rid of the Afghan uniform,” Al Sumaria added. “The defense lines of ISIS terrorist gangs collapsed in the axis of Mosul Dam after the security forces started the battle to liberate the city,” Al Sumaria explained.

Iraqi media outlets also revealed that the families of the ISIS members fled from the city of Mosul toward Nawran village, west of Bashiqa, due to the intense artillery shelling of the Iraqi army and Peshmerga forces on their headquarters.

Meanwhile, al-Hashd al-Shaabi militia started to remove sand berms from al-Shoura axis after destroying 16 military barracks belong to the ISIS.

ISIS executes 2 in Iraq
Part of the Kalifate Kubs F*cking Asshole merit badge program
[ARA News] DUHOK – Child soldiers of the Islamic State (ISIS), also known as Cubs of the Caliphate, appeared in a new propaganda video shooting two men on charges of spying for the US-led coalition in Iraq.

ISIS released a new video on Monday, showing two child soldiers executing tow alleged spies.

The radical group accused the two men of spying “for crusaders and their allies” in Iraq, in reference to the US-led coalition and allied Kurdish and Iraqi forces.

The two young men appeared in the video in orange jumpsuits, kneeling in front of the two members of the so-called Cubs of the Caliphate.

The child soldiers then shot the victims in the head.

The so-called ‘Cubs of the Caliphate’ is a unit for child soldiers who fight in the ranks of ISIS. It has branches in every city controlled by ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

Children recruited by ISIS receive a Sharia course and a military training within a period of three months. Afterwards, the trained boys are spread across the ISIS-held territory in the region with different jihadi assignments.
Posted by: badanov || 10/18/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under: Islamic State


Battle for Mosul
Fighting for Mosul begins

(IraqiNews.com) Nineveh – General Commander of Iraqi Armed forces and Prime Minister, Haider al-Abadi, announced on Monday launching the battle to liberate Mosul from the ISIS grip, and pointed out that the security forces that will participate in the battle are Iraqi army, police and national police.

Prime Minister Haider Abadi said in a speech on state TV, “I announce today the start of the heroic operations to free you from the terror and the oppression of Daesh (ISIS).”

“We will meet soon on the ground of Mosul to celebrate liberation and your salvation,” Abadi added.

Abadi also called the people of Mosul to cooperate with the security forces, and emphasized that the battle will be handled by the Iraqi army and national police only.

Nearly 65,000 military personnel including Iraqi soldiers, Kurdish Peshmerga militia and Sunni tribal fighters were expected to participate in the offensive to liberate the city of more than 5,000 ISIS militants.

Kurds fling 4K into fighting near Khazer

(IraqiNews.com) Nineveh – The General Command of Armed Forces in Kurdistan Region announced on Monday, that the Peshmerga forces started Mosul offensive from Khazer axis, and emphasized that more than 4000 members of Peshmerga are participating in the offensive.

The Command said in a statement, “The Peshmerga started its attacks at 6 am on Monday from Khazer axis, east of Mosul, to liberate the villages of the areas within the battle to liberate Mosul.”

“More than 4000 Peshmerga fighters are participating in the offensive from three axes. The attack is taking place in coordination with the Kurdistan Region government and the Iraqi federal government,” the statement added.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced launching the battle to liberate Mosul from the ISIS grip, and pointed out that the security forces that will participate in the battle are Iraqi army, police and national police.

Kurd forces approach Bartella and al-Hamdaniya

(IraqiNews.com) Nineveh – The Kurdish Peshmerga forces approached the areas of Bartella and al-Hamdaniyah in eastern the city of Mosul, Al Sumaria reported on Monday.

The Iraqi media outlet stated, “The Peshmerga forces are now approaching the areas of Bartella and al-Hamdaniyah in eastern the city of Mosul to liberate them from the ISIS terrorist gangs.”

“The Peshmerga forces are continuing their advance amid heavy bombing and shelling on the strongholds of the ISIS in the previously mentioned areas,” Al Sumaria added.

Earlier today, General Command of Armed Forces in Kurdistan Region revealed, that more than 4000 Peshmerga fighters are participating in the battle to liberate Mosul, and announced that the Kurdish forces started their attack from Khazer axis, east of the city.

Iraqi forces capture 6 villages near Mosul

(IraqiNews.com) Nineveh – Joint Operations Command announced on Monday liberating six villages, east of Mosul (405 km north of Baghdad), from the control of ISIS during the liberation operation of the city that began at dawn today.

The Joint Special Operations Command said in a statement, “The army’s 9th armored division was able, today, to liberate the villages of Ibrahim al-Khalil, al-Adla, Kan Harami, Abbas Rajab and Jadida in al-Kawir axis, east of Mosul.”

“Military troops are advancing towards the village of balawat. Military Engineering forces are currently working to dismantle and remove improvised explosive devices and remnants of the terrorist group from al-Gwir-Mosul Road,” the command added.

Earlier today, Prime Minister, Haider al-Abadi announced the start of the battle to liberate the city of Mosul from the control of ISIS terrorist organization, and emphasized that only Iraqi forces will participate in the battle.

The ISIS took over the city of Mosul in Nineveh province in the tenth of June 2014, before extending its terrorist activities to other areas in Iraq, and committing many violations, genocides and crimes against humanity.

Kurd forces capture 3 villages

(IraqiNews.com) Nineveh – Iraqi media outlets reported on Monday, that Kurdish Peshmerga forces managed to re-capture three villages in Khazer area, east of Mosul, from the ISIS control.

Al Sumaria News stated, “The Peshmerga forces in Khazer axis managed to re-capture the villages of Badni al-Shaghera, Karbali and Basakhreya in Khazer area,” adding that, “These villages are uninhabited.”

“The security forces did not enter the villages yet in anticipation of the presence of explosives, and the military engineering brigades are working to dismantle explosive devices and bombs in the areas,” Al Sumaria added.

“The Peshmerga forces are advancing toward other villages in the area to liberate them from the ISIS grip,” Al Sumaria explained.

More than 4000 Kurdish Peshmerga fighters started their attack within the battle to liberate Mosul at 6 am today from Khazer axis, east of the city.

4 more villages claimed captured near Mosul


(IraqiNews.com) Nineveh – Iraqi media outlets reported on Monday, that the Peshmerga forces managed to free another four villages in the axis of Khazar, north of Mosul, while emphasized that the Iraqi army started to advance from the eastern axis of Nineveh.

Al Mada Press stated, “Peshmerga forces launched their attack in the center of Khazer from three axes including Erbil-Mosul, Ain al-Safra Mountain and Wardak, where violent clashes took place between the Kurdish forces and ISIS militants.”

“Peshmerga forces were also able to liberate another four villages in Khazar axis including the villages of Badna al-Kobra, Khrabat al-Sultan,” Al Mada explained. “Iraqi army began to move from the eastern side of Nineveh toward its planned targets,” Al Mada added.

ISIS forced back in Mosul

(IraqiNews.com) Baghdad – al-Hashed al-Shaabi militia announced on Monday that ISIS militants evacuated their headquarters from the west side of Mosul and retreated to the east side of the city.

Al-Hashed al-Shaabi media said in a statement: “ISIS members evacuated their headquarters from mosques, churches and the state directorates on the west side of Mosul and pulled to the east side of the city.”

Earlier today, Prime Minister, Haider al-Abadi announced the start of the battle to liberate the city of Mosul from the control of ISIS terrorist gangs, and emphasized that only Iraqi forces will participate in the battle.

The ISIS took over the city of Mosul in Nineveh province in the tenth of June 2014, before extending its terrorist activities to other areas in Iraq, and committing many violations, genocides and crimes against humanity.

Fotos of beginning of Mosul operation

[AlManar] Iraqi forces have launched a campaign to retake Mosul, the self-declared capital and the last stronghold of the ISIL Takfiri group, the prime minister Haidar Abadi said Monday.

Mosul defenses collapse, ISIS troops break
Anvil, meet hammer
[AlManar] ISIL third defense line in Mosul collapsed during the past few hours, and scores of newly recruited terrorists escaped the battlefield as a number of field executions were recorded.

The takfiri group had established defense lines around Mosul where it deployed scores of recruits who were forced by ISIL to join its ranks.

The latest reports noted that the Iraqi army liberated a number of villages including Kbaybe, Makhlat, Shourouk and Hamyedeye in southeastern Mosul from ISIL terrorists.

Iraqi forces have launched a campaign to retake Mosul, the self-declared capital and the last stronghold of the ISIL Takfiri group, the prime minister said Monday.
Posted by: badanov || 10/18/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under: Islamic State

#1  Kurdish Peshmerga have halted their advance having achieved their objectives. Iraqi forces have moved forward of the Pershmerga positions and Iraqi Armor are being met with ISIS suicide car bombs.

Posted by: Jotle Dark Lord of the Nebraskans5692 || 10/18/2016 5:02 Comments || Top||

#2  Distraction by Obama?
Posted by: JohnQC || 10/18/2016 7:19 Comments || Top||

#3  Not sure if it's part of the Obama-legacy-to-do list, merely cleaning out the Oval Office in-box before January, set-dressing for the election, or just another example of the regime's impeccable timing.
Posted by: Pappy || 10/18/2016 8:36 Comments || Top||

#4  The Daily Mail has photos from international and local news agency feeds here.
Posted by: trailing wife || 10/18/2016 9:36 Comments || Top||

#5  Mother of all battles?
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 10/18/2016 9:44 Comments || Top||

#6  What happens after the fall of Mosul will be more interesting than its fall.

It's a microcosm of their regional politics. You have: Sunni Turkmen, Sunni Kurds, Saudi Arabian backed Sunni militias, Iraqi Shia army, Persian mercenaries, militias, Al Quds, Hezbollah, and Hamas are reported to be involved. Oh yeah - US SOF and other coalition partners, France - and the English I believe.

It will be interesting how it all shakes out.
Posted by: mossomo || 10/18/2016 16:46 Comments || Top||

#7  Hezbollah absolutely, but Hamas? I don't recall that.
Posted by: trailing wife || 10/18/2016 18:55 Comments || Top||

#8  It's a microcosm of their regional politics. You have: Sunni Turkmen, Sunni Kurds, Saudi Arabian backed Sunni militias, Iraqi Shia army, Persian mercenaries, militias, Al Quds, Hezbollah, and Hamas are reported to be involved. Oh yeah - US SOF and other coalition partners, France - and the English I believe

What could possibly go wrong with that???
Posted by: Sock Puppet of Doom || 10/18/2016 22:21 Comments || Top||


Israel-Palestine-Jordan
Gazan accused of spying for Israel sentenced to death
[IsraelTimes] Hamas, a contraction of the Arabic words for "frothing at the mouth",-run court says 54-year-old man will be hanged for allegedly providing Jewish state with information since 1987

Courts in the Hamas-run Gazoo Strip handed down three death sentences on Monday, including one for allegedly spying for Israel and two others for murder, authorities said.

In the first case, "the military court in Gazoo decided upon death by hanging for the convict, 54, on charges on spying for the Israeli occupation," a court source said.

The court said the man had allegedly been linked to Israel since 1987 and had provided a large amount of information to the Jewish state since then.

The case was held behind closed doors and the defendant was referred to only by the initials E.A.

Another alleged spy was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

In Gazoo, accusations of spying for the Jewish state are often brutally punished. During the 2014 war between Israel and Hamas, 18 alleged collaborators were rubbed out in public by Hamas forces.
Posted by: trailing wife || 10/18/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Hamas

#1  *SNORT*

wrong one. try again
Posted by: Frank G || 10/18/2016 7:13 Comments || Top||


Hamas test-fires long-range rocket into sea off Gaza
[IsraelTimes] Terror group often conducts trial launches to improve range, accuracy; latest comes less than 2 weeks after twin strikes on southern Israel

The Paleostinian terror group Hamas, the well-beloved offspring of the Moslem Brotherhood, fired at least one long-range missile into the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of the Gazoo Strip on Monday morning, in what appeared to be a weapons test.

The booms of detonations could be heard in communities in southern Israel that border the Hamas-ruled territory, Channel 2 reported.

The jihadist group regularly fires rockets as it works to improve its rocket range and accuracy, a little over two years after it last fought Israel. In June, it test-fired dozens of short-range rockets inside Gazoo, with Israeli sources estimating that at least 30 projectiles were launched.

Monday’s test comes some 10 days after two projectile strikes in two days from Gazoo on nearby Israeli population centers. The first attack -- in which a rocket hit a street in the city of Sderot -- caused some damage to nearby homes and cars, but no injuries. Three people were hospitalized for anxiety following the strike.

The following day, a mortar shell fired from the Strip landed in an open area in the southern Eshkol region. There were no injuries or damage reported from the shell, according to the IDF.

The army responded with a massive bombing campaign in the Gazoo Strip, targeting strategic Hamas positions in the north and south of the enclave.

While Hamas initially warned that it would not "sit idly by" if Israel continued Arclight airstrikes on its installations, the group reportedly sent a message to Israel calling for calm and saying the terrorist group was not interested in a further escalation of tensions.

Israel says it holds Hamas responsible for any attacks emanating from Gazoo and routinely responds to such launches with strikes against Hamas targets.
Posted by: trailing wife || 10/18/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Hamas

#1  I read "sea of Gaza"

I wuzza hopern that the moat with sharks with frickn lasers had already been built and reaallly widened
Posted by: Frank G || 10/18/2016 7:15 Comments || Top||

#2  Are we sure it wasn't aimed at Tel Aviv?
Posted by: Bobby || 10/18/2016 12:42 Comments || Top||


Southeast Asia
94 Abu Sayyaf rebels 'neutralized' so far
[Gulf Today] At least 94 Abu Sayyaf militants have been "neutralized," meaning they were killed, in the first 100 days of President Duterte's administration, according to the Philippines' top military commander.

General Ricardo Visaya reported that aside from the 94 killed, 17 other rebels were captured and 21 surrendered which he attributed to an intensified search and destroy operation against the Abu Sayyaf on Duterte's orders. He said, "Three other leaders were also killed but were not identified as their bodies were dragged away by their fleeing comrades and were believed to have been buried in locations under the customary Muslim practice and traditions."

Visaya reported that the military also launched 44 combat operations against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, a breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which opposed the peace agreement signed by the government and the MILF.

Meanwhile, the unilateral ceasefire declared by the Philippine government and the communist New People's Army is holding while their representatives hold peace talks in Oslo, Visaya said.
Posted by: ryuge || 10/18/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Abu Sayyaf

#1  Heck, they can do that count in a week and two weekends in Chicago without even trying.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 10/18/2016 16:37 Comments || Top||


Bangkok car bomb plot foiled
[Bangkok Post] Police arrested a man at a rented room in Bang Sao Thong district on Monday on suspicion of planning to detonate three car bombs in Greater Bangkok late this month. The man's identity has not been revealed.

His arrest followed a search by police, soldiers and local officials acting on information that car bombings were being planned at a shopping center, a parking area and a location frequented by tourists in Greater Bangkok between October 25 and 30.

Police seized phones, wires and four boxes of bomb components from the suspect's room. Sources said two other men from Narathiwat province
seemingly a link to the insurgency in Thailand's far South
had rented the room but left it with rucksacks last Wednesday. Authorities were searching for them.

Another bombing suspect, Tanmichi Totayong, who was arrested in Bangkok last week said he and the two other men had hidden plastic pipes and detonation caps above ceiling tiles in the rented room in Bang Sao Thong. During a search there Monday morning, authorities the objects were not found. Authorities believe they had been moved or destroyed.
Posted by: ryuge || 10/18/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Thai Insurgency


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Syrian regulars cut rebels' MSR in Ghouta
[al-Manar] Syrian army troops launched a surprise attack on the strongholds of the terrorist groups along their main supply route in Western Ghouta, and took full control over the strategic road.

The terrorist groups suffered a heavy death toll and retreated from regions near the road connecting Khan al-Sheih to al-Zakiyeh.

Military sources said that the liberation operation of Khan al-Sheih will be accelerated after the cut-off of the road to al-Zakiyeh.

The Syrian army’s artillery units and fighter jets played a crucial role in the army soldiers’ advances in Western Ghouta.

Reports said earlier today that Syrian army troops hit hard the positions of Fatah al-Sham (al-Nusra) Front in the town of Khan al-Sheih in Western Ghouta, and pushed the militants back from a residential neighborhood.

Syrian soldiers, backed up by artillery units, drove back Fatah al-Sham from several residential complexes in the Northeastern side of al-A’azam mosque following several hours of fierce clashes.

According to initial battlefield reports, tens of Fatah al-Sham’s members were killed or wounded in the clashes.

Syrian artillery units, for their part, shelled Fatah al-Sham’s centers in al-Husseiniyah, al-Khazrajiyah, Harfa-Beit Jin crossroad, al-Taybeh, al-Zakiyeh and al-Wa’areh.

A base of Fatah al-Sham in Khan al-Sheih was also targeted and destroyed in Syrian airstrikes. Reports said all the militants at the base were killed in the air raid.

Syrian military planes also dropped surrender-now leaflet over Khan al-Sheih, urging them to lay down arms and join peace plan.
Posted by: badanov || 10/18/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: al-Nusra


ISIS attacks military base in Homs
[ARA News] Homs – Militant fighters of the Islamic State (ISIS) launched on Monday an offensive on a Syrian army base in the central Homs Governorate, activists reported.

ISIS militants bombed headquarters of the Syrian army forces in the Huwesis District in eastern Homs, killing and wounding dozens of soldiers.

“ISIS militants, stationed near the Sawan Hill, shelled a major Syrian army base in eastern Homs. The group used heavy artillery in the attack,” media activist Khalid al-Abdullah told ARA News.

More than 35 army soldiers were reported dead and dozens more wounded in the offensive.

Subsequent to the attack, Russian warplanes launched several airstrikes on ISIS fighting positions in Huwesis, killing at least 20 ISIS militants.

“The Russian air cover helped the Syrian regime’s army forces to regroup and secure their base against infiltration by ISIS, while medical teams arrived to the area to treat the wounded,” al-Abdullah reported.

The ISIS radical group has recently brought military reinforcements to the eastern countryside of Homs in a bid to protect its final positions in the governorate.
Posted by: badanov || 10/18/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under: Islamic State



Who's in the News
36[untagged]
8Islamic State
2Hamas
2Houthis
2Taliban
1Govt of Pakistain Proxies
1al-Nusra
1Haqqani Network
1Thai Insurgency
1Abu Sayyaf
1Moslem Colonists
1Govt of Iran
1Govt of Iraq

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Two weeks of WOT
Tue 2016-10-18
  Battle for Mosul On
Mon 2016-10-17
  Three Attackers Killed in Myanmar as Violence Persists
Sun 2016-10-16
  Dozens Killed and Injured in Explosion at Major Shadady’s Funeral
Sat 2016-10-15
  Egyptian army kills over 100 ISIS militants in response to deadly terror attack
Fri 2016-10-14
  Dozens dead after Turkish border bombing attack
Thu 2016-10-13
  Negotiations to surrender east Aleppo under way
Wed 2016-10-12
  Deadly small plane crash near Connecticut aerospace factory may have been was intentional
Tue 2016-10-11
  German Police Arrest Syrian Refugee Suspected of Plotting Attack
Mon 2016-10-10
  U.S. Navy Ship Comes Under Fire Near Yemen
Sun 2016-10-09
  Islamic State launches first operation in Algeria
Sat 2016-10-08
  Nine Al Qaeda, LJ militants held in North Karachi
Fri 2016-10-07
  Planned Hezbollah terror attacks in Haifa thwarted, six arrested
Thu 2016-10-06
  Russians say hospitals are legitimate targets
Wed 2016-10-05
  34 die in bomb attack on wedding in Hasakah
Tue 2016-10-04
  US kills veteran al-Qaeda leader in Syria drone strike

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