Hi there, !
Today Thu 07/13/2006 Wed 07/12/2006 Tue 07/11/2006 Mon 07/10/2006 Sun 07/09/2006 Sat 07/08/2006 Fri 07/07/2006 Archives
Rantburg
531718 articles and 1856011 comments are archived on Rantburg.

Today: 86 articles and 555 comments as of 15:54.
Post a news link    Post your own article   
Area: WoT Background    Non-WoT    Opinion    Local News       
Shamil breathes dirt!
Today's Headlines
Headline Comments [Views]
Page 1: WoT Operations
20 00:00 muck4doo [1] 
9 00:00 SR-71 [1] 
9 00:00 Frank G [] 
2 00:00 Bright Pebbles [1] 
9 00:00 john [] 
4 00:00 Greaper Ebbavinter9241 [] 
16 00:00 bombay [1] 
4 00:00 Inspector Clueso [] 
2 00:00 JohnQC [] 
13 00:00 john [] 
7 00:00 6 [] 
0 [] 
5 00:00 JohnQC [] 
4 00:00 Besoeker [1] 
6 00:00 N guard [] 
4 00:00 Anonymoose [] 
0 [1] 
9 00:00 trailing wife [1] 
2 00:00 buwaya [] 
8 00:00 6 [] 
1 00:00 ryuge [] 
1 00:00 Inspector Clueso [] 
3 00:00 Danielle [1] 
12 00:00 Wheang Spavirong9833 [1] 
Page 2: WoT Background
6 00:00 Frank G []
2 00:00 Mike []
6 00:00 Captain America []
6 00:00 bigjim-ky [1]
13 00:00 Wheang Spavirong9833 [2]
8 00:00 Jotch Thruter9873 []
4 00:00 6 []
3 00:00 Unique Battle [1]
24 00:00 Wheang Spavirong9833 [2]
2 00:00 DarthVader []
5 00:00 Wheang Spavirong9833 []
5 00:00 DMFD []
8 00:00 twobyfour []
1 00:00 john []
0 []
6 00:00 6 []
1 00:00 Sock Puppet of Doom []
5 00:00 Old Patriot []
0 []
0 []
23 00:00 Sock Puppet of Doom []
4 00:00 6 []
0 []
0 [1]
5 00:00 6 []
6 00:00 Captain America []
2 00:00 john []
Page 3: Non-WoT
0 [2]
2 00:00 bigjim-ky []
1 00:00 Barbara Skolaut []
5 00:00 Wheang Spavirong9833 []
24 00:00 john []
9 00:00 DMFD []
0 []
12 00:00 6 [1]
8 00:00 bigjim-ky []
0 []
0 []
3 00:00 john []
6 00:00 mcsegeek1 []
10 00:00 6 []
Page 4: Opinion
12 00:00 Mike []
5 00:00 ed [1]
22 00:00 SR-71 [1]
17 00:00 anonymous2u []
4 00:00 Nimble Spemble [1]
1 00:00 6 []
9 00:00 RD []
12 00:00 mcsegeek1 []
45 00:00 Wheang Spavirong9833 []
1 00:00 Wheang Spavirong9833 []
Page 5: Russia-Former Soviet Union
0 []
7 00:00 DanNY [1]
11 00:00 RD []
3 00:00 Rambler []
9 00:00 GK [1]
3 00:00 xbalanke []
10 00:00 bigjim-ky []
2 00:00 Broadhead6 []
2 00:00 Nimble Spemble []
3 00:00 Oldspook [1]
2 00:00 Xbalanke []
Afghanistan
Coalition Forces Kill 40 Taliban in Afghan Raid
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan — Afghan and U.S.-led coalition forces killed more than 40 suspected Taliban militants in raid on a compound in southern Afghanistan on Monday, a coalition spokesman said. One Afghan army soldier was killed and three coalition troops wounded in the fighting near Tarin Kot, the capital of Uruzgan province, 110 miles north of Kandahar, said Sgt. Chris Miller.

The coalition soldiers were in stable condition, he said, declining to give their identities or nationalities. It wasn't immediately clear if there had been airstrikes and if the coalition had recovered the bodies of the dead militants. The fighting follows heavy clashes in neighboring Kandahar province over the weekend that killed at least 19 militants and a Canadian coalition soldier.

On Sunday night, suspected Taliban militants ambushed an Afghan army convoy in Shinkay district of southern Zabul province, wounding one soldier. Two militants were arrested after a 20-minute gunbattle and the army was hunting for more rebel fighters, said Mohammed Raziq Khan, the army commander for the province. Also in Shinkay, a roadside bomb seriously wounded two Afghan police late Sunday on the main highway leading to the provincial capital, he said.
Posted by: Steve || 07/10/2006 09:40 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  40 is their magic number. They like it when it comes out an even 40 I think.
Posted by: Flaiting Angoluting1299 || 07/10/2006 9:46 Comments || Top||

#2  It's a big number in the Bible, too. 40 day flood, 40 years in the wilderness, etc.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 07/10/2006 10:02 Comments || Top||

#3  Makes sense, 19 is half of 40 with a large enough universe.
Posted by: 6 || 07/10/2006 10:15 Comments || Top||

#4  The fighting follows heavy clashes in neighboring Kandahar province over the weekend that killed at least 19 militants

Dang, newbies threw me off the truth.
Posted by: 6 || 07/10/2006 10:16 Comments || Top||

#5  Tarin Kot Math 6r
Posted by: RD || 07/10/2006 11:02 Comments || Top||

#6  How does this fit with Michael Yon's contention that while Iraq is definitely in the Win column, Afghanistan is in his opinion a future loss? (Thanks, Alaska Paul!) I applaud every death, capture or painful temporary disablement of those who would impose there hate filled ideology on innocent bystanders, but I'm losing the big picture perspective. Or can we be satisfied simply to deny Al Qaeda and its associates a place to settle and expand while we defeat them elsewhere?
Posted by: trailing wife || 07/10/2006 11:27 Comments || Top||

#7  How does this fit with Michael Yon's contention

It's a target rich environment.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 07/10/2006 11:31 Comments || Top||

#8  TW, it seems Yon is correctly pointing out the obvious impact or regional issues (Pakistant and the opium trade) that present very significant obstacles to long term success in Afghanistan. Sure we can play whack-a-mole with these guys, but there are literally millions of them in the tribal reqions who would be willing to take one in the gut for old allah-baby. Unless we get serious with the Pak's our Afghan adventure remains in jeapordy.

But don't get me wrong, offing 40 of these swine at a clip is good stuff. Just need to add a couple of zeros onto that number.
Posted by: remoteman || 07/10/2006 14:10 Comments || Top||

#9  Well if they can claim Jerusalem because the profit saw it in a drug-induced dream I guess they can claim anything....
Posted by: CrazyFool || 07/10/2006 14:13 Comments || Top||

#10  The string of news stories about large numbers of Taliban getting their 72 white rasins virgins may mean that we are starting to follow Ralph Peter's advice - kill, don't capture.
Posted by: Rambler || 07/10/2006 14:50 Comments || Top||

#11  Remember, our little Afghan adventure is NATO organized, with all the Old Europe rules and fops and dandies. Even so, all is not lost and I remain hopeful that the elected government can prevail.
Posted by: Chuck Simmins || 07/10/2006 16:15 Comments || Top||

#12  Another 40 Talibs killed? An endless supply of these nitwits keep coming over from our vaunted ally, Pakiwakkiland. Since the areas from whence these creatures derive is considered by Pakwackland to be "lawless" and semi-autonomous, how is Jesus's's'szzzzz' name is it a violation of Pak sovereignty if say for example, a number of B-1 and B-2 bombers occasionally dropped their payload unto the maddrasses and villages that churn out these sh*tbags?
Posted by: Lancasters Over Dresden || 07/10/2006 16:17 Comments || Top||

#13  On a follow up to the above, does international law apply to a lawless region? If a tree falls ....
Posted by: Lancasters Over Dresden || 07/10/2006 16:18 Comments || Top||

#14  Lancasters,
I think the reason you are seeing 40 getting flammed
at a sitting is that they are down to conscripted farmers and school kids now. Their spring offensive was somewhat less than sucsessfull and now we(the coalition) have gone the extra step of going up into the mountains to harry them where they live and screw their goats.
Posted by: bigjim-ky || 07/10/2006 16:59 Comments || Top||

#15  Do these guys hole up by themselves in some isolated area, or do they head back to their homes and families? If we could make their lives miserable enough that they couldn't store away enough food to make it through the winter, it may well reduce the problem quite a bit. Especially if we could track them back to their mud huts.
Posted by: grb || 07/10/2006 18:40 Comments || Top||

#16  I think Yon is dead on, and trying to raise the alarm. Not sure on future failure, but he's saying it will be soon, unless something is done about it now.
Posted by: bombay || 07/10/2006 22:08 Comments || Top||


Canadian soldier, 15 militants killed in Afghanistan
A Canadian soldier and 10 militants were killed on Sunday in fierce fighting near an opium-rich Taliban stronghold in southern Afghanistan, the military said. The battle took place in Zharew district of the southern Kandahar province, which abuts the Panjwayi area. Canadian and Afghan troops have been battling militants in the area since early Saturday in support of Operation Mountain Thrust, a region-wide offensive targeting Taliban strongholds. Canadian military spokesman Maj Marc Theriault said Cpl Anthony Boneca was killed during a “combined coalition-Afghan operation” early on Sunday.

Several hours later, “intense close quarters” fighting broke out nearby, leaving at least five Taliban militants dead and two Canadian soldiers slightly wounded, said another coalition official, A coalition patrol found the bodies of 10 militants on Sunday killed in a coalition air strike in Panjwayi, the military said in a statement. Two Canadian troops were reported wounded in Panjwayi violence on Saturday.

Afghan soldiers also arrested four suspected Taliban members, including a local leader identified as Mullah Nazar, in southern Uruzgan province, the Afghan Defence Ministry said in a statement. The troops also confiscated a quantity of explosives and Iranian and Pakistani checks valued at $300,000.
Posted by: Fred || 07/10/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  If Daily Times wants free press credentials, they need to stop referring to terrorists as "militants."
Posted by: Anginens Threreng8133 || 07/10/2006 2:25 Comments || Top||

#2  NYT sez the checks are no good...everyone knows that.
Posted by: Inspector Clueso || 07/10/2006 2:59 Comments || Top||

#3  At least they stopped calling them "freedom fighters"
Posted by: john || 07/10/2006 6:27 Comments || Top||

#4  What's a good euphamism for "drug producers?"

Maybe Afghan pharmers.
Posted by: Anonymoose || 07/10/2006 8:46 Comments || Top||


Afghan mosques raided
Afghan police officers have raided mosques across the volatile southern city of Kandahar and arrested more than 100 people sleeping in compounds, according to Afghan officials. The arrests appeared to be the first large-scale raids of mosques carried out by the country's U.S.-backed government and immediately set off a backlash from Afghan religious leaders. Two clerics in Kandahar condemned the raids, saying they resulted in the arrest of innocent people following a longstanding Afghan tradition of travelers being allowed to spend the night in mosques. The men requested anonymity, fearing reprisal from the government.

Police officials said they had received intelligence that unidentified men were meeting in mosques in Kandahar, which experienced a sharp increase in suicide bombings this spring. "Some strange people stay the night at mosques, having meetings," said the Kandahar police chief, Said Aziz Ahmad Wardak.

Crowds gathered Friday and Saturday outside police headquarters in Kandahar, he said, but they remained peaceful while waiting for the prisoners to be released. Local religious leaders also met with police officials after the raids. Wardak denied it was Afghan tradition to allow travelers from other regions to stay in mosques, and he called on local clerics to halt the practice. "This is not part of tradition in Kandahar," he said. "A mosque is not a restaurant."
Posted by: Fred || 07/10/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  "A mosque is not a restaurant."

Restaurant, no.

Ammo dump, yes.
Sniper's nest, yes.
HQ/CnC center, yes.
Human shield rally point, yes.
Recruitment center, yes.

But we don't serve no hummus.
Posted by: Canuckistanian || 07/10/2006 0:15 Comments || Top||

#2  Young Militants Club of Afghanisan

Now all we need is a turbaned version of the village people ...
Posted by: crosspatch || 07/10/2006 0:43 Comments || Top||

#3  There were reports last month of mosque-incitement of jihad terror. Taliban mullahs should be treated as war criminals.

Muslims: your preachers are nothing but a bunch of society-destroying, parasites, who are incapable of doing productive work. Think of the Taliban revival as a human-termite infestation, and deal with those bugs.
Posted by: Anginens Threreng8133 || 07/10/2006 6:00 Comments || Top||

#4  Now all we need is a turbaned version of the village people ...

"Young taliban, there's no need to feel down.
I said, young taliban, pick your gun off the ground.
I said, young taliban, 'cause you're in a new town
There's no need to be unhappy.

Young taliban, there's a place you can go.
I said, young taliban, when you're short on your ammo.
You can stay there, and I'm sure you will find
Many ways to have a good time.

It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
It's fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.

They have everything for you men to enjoy,
You can hang out with all the boys ..."
Posted by: Steve || 07/10/2006 10:00 Comments || Top||

#5  9.8
Posted by: 6 || 07/10/2006 10:17 Comments || Top||

#6  Afghan police officers have raided mosques across the volatile southern city of Kandahar

How about proclaiming that any mosque found containing explosives, Taliban propagnada or suspects (including pro-jihad clerics) in voltaile Kandahar will be made volatile?
Posted by: JFM || 07/10/2006 11:13 Comments || Top||

#7  Good idea JFM,

blow up ANY explosives or arms found in a "mosque" in situ.
Posted by: Bright Pebbles || 07/10/2006 12:24 Comments || Top||

#8  Yeah, make 'em skip holy commotion and go straight to lunch.
Posted by: 6 || 07/10/2006 13:20 Comments || Top||

#9  You misspelt launch , 6 dear.
Posted by: trailing wife || 07/10/2006 15:03 Comments || Top||


Afghan blast kills Spanish soldier
A soldier in the Spanish army serving with the Nato-led force in Afghanistan has died of wounds received in an explosion. The incident took place near Farah in the west of the country, the Spanish defence ministry said on Saturday. "The soldier Jorge Arnaldo Hernandez Seminario died after the explosion which happened as his vehicle was passing," a ministry statement said. The dead man had Peruvian nationality.

Two Canadian soldiers meanwhile were injured, one seriously, on Saturday in clashes with the Taliban near the southern city of Kandahar, Canadian officials said. The two were hurt in separate incidents during battles some 30km west of Kandahar, in joint operations with the Afghan national army, a military spokeswoman said. One of the soldiers was taken by helicopter to a hospital at the Kandahar airfield. "He is in serious condition and is expected to be transferred to Landstuhl Regional Medical Centre in Germany for further treatment," spokeswoman Holly Apostoliuk said. The second Canadian soldier received a minor injury during battle.
Posted by: Fred || 07/10/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Rest in peace, Senor Jorge Arnaldo Hernandez Seminario of Peru, with our thanks.
Posted by: trailing wife || 07/10/2006 12:51 Comments || Top||

#2  Thats a Spanish Horse-Grenadier of @1805. Nice picture- where did you get it ?
Posted by: buwaya || 07/10/2006 14:55 Comments || Top||


Africa Horn
Heavy fighting resumes in Somali capital
MOGADISHU - Heavy fighting resumed on Monday in Mogadishu as Islamic militia attacked to dislodge gunmen loyal to warlord Abdi Hassan Awale Qeydiid, who repositioned his fighters after fleeing deadly weekend clashes, witnesses said.
Rival sides pounded each other with heavy rounds of artillery, mortar and rocket in the south of the Somali capital, with terrified civilians fleeing the area as stray rounds landed on non-military targets, witnesses said.

Residents in the nearby K4 neighbourhood said stray morter shells had landed from the battlefield in 6-Piano and Mogadishu Gaheyr University. “Two morter shells that were fired from Qeydiid position have landed in K4 area. His militia were responding to attacks by the Islamic courts who want to dislodge him,” said Ahmed Ismail, a resident in the area. “A stray round has injured one person here,” added Muslima Ali, also a resident.

On Monday, hospitals and rival militia sources said at least 39 people were killed, up from Sunday’s figure of 21 dead and nearly 100 wounded. The deaths included 18 civilians, 15 Islamist militia and six warlord fighters.

The Islamists, who control swathes of southern Somalia, routed US-backed warlords from the capital on June 5 and have been entrenching Sharia law.
Qeydiid, alongside warlord Hussein Aidid -- also deputy prime minister in the transitional government --spurned several calls to surrender and give up their weapons, dismissing the Islamists as as a bunch of stooges paid by foreign terrorists to impose Islamic theocracy in the nation of around 10 million people.
Posted by: Steve || 07/10/2006 09:46 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  8-piano was such a nice place. Quiet, very quiet.
Posted by: 6 || 07/10/2006 10:19 Comments || Top||

#2  Looks like the warlords need a mastermind. Islamic Courts have plenty of those in 5.5-Piano.
Posted by: Inspector Clueso || 07/10/2006 10:50 Comments || Top||

#3  I thought the era of peaceful and blissful living under the glorious auspices of the Shari'a legal system was going to put an end to this. Silly me.
Posted by: Lancasters Over Dresden || 07/10/2006 16:20 Comments || Top||

#4  Does the mainstream media have an inability to quit using the term US-backed militia? I thought the connection to the CIA was tenuous at best?
Posted by: Greaper Ebbavinter9241 || 07/10/2006 16:26 Comments || Top||


21 killed as Islamists rid capital of warlords
Somali Islamic fighters on Sunday declared "absolute" victory over the remaining warlords in the lawless capital Mogadishu after deadly clashes that claimed at least 21 lives, marking the end of the notorious warlords' rule in the Indian Ocean city. "We have absolutely won the fighting that started in Mogadishu this morning. We now control the whole city after we seized the last territory from warlord Qeydiid," said Sheikh Mukhtar Robow, the deputy secretary of defence for the Islamic courts.

Fighters allied to the Supreme Islamic Council of Somalia ousted their rivals loyal to warlord Abdi Hassan Awale Qeydiid, who alongside warlord Hussein Aidid had refused to surrender and handover their weapons to the Islamists, who routed the other warlords from the capital on June 5. At least 21 people were killed, including civilians, in deadly artillery duels in southern Mogadishu, while dozens were wounded and taken to the capital's Medina and Banadir hospitals, doctors, witnessess and fighters said. Witnesses said warlords' fighters fled from their positions, which they had held for many years, as Islamic fighters on battlewagons — pickup trucks mounted with machineguns — established base, marking the end of warlords’ rule in the lawless capital.

Sporadic gunfire could be heard as the vanquished militiamen fled for safety led by Qeydiid himself, according to an AFP correspondent. Aidid, also deputy prime minister in the transitional administration, was in the seat of government in Baidoa, about 250 kilometres northwest of the capital. The two warlords spurned several calls to surrender and give up their weapons, dismissing the Islamists as stooges paid by foreign terrorists to impose Islamic theocracy in the nation of around 10 million people.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred || 07/10/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  They are warlords, as was the "prophet" who started their plunder cult.
Posted by: Anginens Threreng8133 || 07/10/2006 2:28 Comments || Top||

#2  So, I guess that makes them Holy War Lords.
Posted by: Steve || 07/10/2006 8:48 Comments || Top||

#3  Hoo-wah!!!! Now that the US-backed warlords are gone, it makes it a lot easier to "declare absolute victory" over the Islamists that control the whole city. Expensive precision-guided missiles or even risking our troops is not even necessary now. Annihilate the entire lot.
Posted by: Danielle || 07/10/2006 11:18 Comments || Top||


Britain
July 7 ringleader linked to Tel Aviv suicide bombers
MOHAMMAD Sidique Khan, leader of the July 7 bombings, collaborated with two other British suicide bombers to recruit young Muslims for training camps in Afghanistan four years before he carried out his terror attacks in London.

Fresh evidence has been uncovered linking Khan to Omar Sharif and Hanif Asif, who killed three people and injured 50 in 2003 with a suicide attack on a bar in Tel Aviv.

According to a witness who has not yet spoken to the police, the men wanted to indoctrinate young Muslims and take them abroad for further training.

Kursheed Fiaz, a businessman who runs an information technology company in Manchester, had four or five meetings with Khan who was initially accompanied by Sharif and later by Asif.

The close link between the two groups of suicide bombers suggests Britain’s Islamic terror network may be more tightly knit than previously thought.

It also raises questions as to whether Khan may have been involved in the Tel Aviv bombing. Israeli police have confirmed that Khan visited Israel on February 19, 2003, two months before the attack.

Accompanied by a group of British tourists and a woman said to be his wife, Khan spent only 24 hours in the country. Israeli authorities have investigated the trip but have been unable to establish whether it might have been a “dry run” or reconnaissance mission for the bombers.

The new evidence — to be broadcast on a BBC2 programme on Tuesday — could also prove useful to police in Britain. Anti-terror squad detectives have been attempting to build a profile of Khan, the ringleader of the four London suicide bombers who killed 52 people on three Underground trains and a bus last year.

According to the official government report into the London bombings, Khan had a westernised upbringing but his outlook began to change in 2003 when he made friends with a group of radicals from Leeds and Huddersfield. Previously apolitical, he became enraged about Muslim suffering around the world after watching hardline Islamic videos.

But Fiaz’s account suggests that he may have become radical much earlier. Fiaz says he was contacted by Khan in the summer of 2001. Khan had taken a job as a primary school assistant in Beeston, Leeds, a few months earlier.

Fiaz, 46, is originally from Jhelum in northern Punjab, where Asif’s father also grew up. It is thought Asif may have recommended Fiaz to Khan as an influential businessman.

According to Fiaz’s account, Khan came to his office seeking to spread “Dawa” — a form of evangelical preaching that is common in the Islamic world. It is mostly benign but can also be an essential step in the development of a young militant.

Khan was accompanied by Sharif and an unidentified man. Sharif, then aged 25, had recently returned from studying Arabic in Damascus.

Fiaz, whose account will be broadcast on Tuesday, says Khan asked whether he employed any young people who wanted to learn the ways of Islam. When Fiaz pointed out that his employees were already good Muslims, Khan said: “We need to teach them certain things,” but did not elaborate.

Fiaz allowed Khan to instruct his nephews and some other young men. The instruction ended when Fiaz’s nephews became suspicious of Khan and his friends. “They said in order to enhance (the training) that they would have to take these people to Pakistan, Syria, Afghanistan. My nephews and one or two of the younger lads pulled me up and said, ‘What’s this about Afghanistan?’” At the time Afghanistan was still ruled by the Taliban.

When Fiaz quizzed Khan about the trips, “that’s when I got a bit wary”.

Fiaz added: “We got the impression they were looking for some gullible people. Youngsters . . . that would fall for whatever they were trying to preach or practise.”

During the exchange, Khan revealed he had already been to Afghanistan but claimed he had been visiting mosques and shrines. It was to be the last of Khan’s preaching sessions at Fiaz’s office.

In October that year Sharif and Asif are believed to have travelled to Afghanistan where they fought alongside the Taliban against the American-led invasion forces.

A month later Sharif returned to Lahore, Pakistan, where he stayed with Ali Qureshi, an administrator for Al-Muhajiroun, the Islamic extremist group with a strong following in the UK.

According to Qureshi, Sharif was inconsolable. “He would cry, ‘Allah, you are annoyed with me, and that is why you have not granted me martyrdom.’ He would pray . . . that he may be granted martyrdom.

“His friends that accompanied him in the Afghan war told us while they were here that he had attempted to commit suicide there two or three times and they managed to forcibly stop him.”

He was to achieve his “martyrdom” 18 months later, after he and Asif travelled to the Middle East and agreed to be suicide bombers for Hamas, the Palestinian terrorist organisation.

Asif’s bomb exploded outside the Tel Aviv bar but Sharif’s device failed to go off. His body was found in the sea a few days later. The cause of death was drowning.

Sharif had been a follower of Omar Bakri, the former Al-Muhajiroun leader in Britain, now in exile in Lebanon.

Last week Bakri said Sharif had attended his study circles in Derby in the months before he died but denied radicalising him. Bakri denies ever knowing Khan.

Fiaz says he was “shocked” when he heard the news about Sharif and Hanif. Last week he gave a written explanation of why he had failed to report his encounters with the bombers to the police.

“After the Tel Aviv bombing, Omar and Hanif were dead and I didn’t attach any significance to Sidique Khan. I had no idea who Sidique was until after his face appeared in the papers following the 7/7 bombing. Given the time that had elapsed since I first met him, I didn’t see the significance of the connection.”

He is now likely to be interviewed by Scotland Yard’s anti-terrorist squad.
Posted by: john || 07/10/2006 06:37 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Caucasus/Russia/Central Asia
Shamil officially titzup!
Publication time: Today at 20:07 Djokhar time

The representative of Military Council of State Defense Council Majlisul Shura of CRI Abu Umar has reported to Kavkaz Center news agency that the vice-president of CRI, the Military Amir of Mujahideen of Caucasus, Abdallah Shamil Abu-Idris became a Shaheed (insha Allah).
"Shaheed" is Arabic for "dead meat"...
The Chechen commander died as a result of a accidental spontaneous explosion of a cargo vehicle with explosives on July 10, 2006, in Ekazhevo village, Ingushetia. Three other Mujahideen became Shaheeds (insha Allah) together with him.
"Mahmoud! Put out that see-gar! Y'want us to spontaneously [KABOOM!]?"
The representative of Military Coucil has not reported any other details. At the same time he denied all claims of Russian side about a "special operation" against Shamil Basayev as a result of which ostensibly, the Chechen commander die.
"Nope. Nope. Never happened. Din't need no 'special operation.' He dunnit hisself!"
"There is no any special operation took place. Shamil and other our brothers became Shaheeds (insha Allah) of Allah's own will (swt).
"Yup. Allen decided to call 'em all home! It wudn't even dynamite! It wuz... It wuz... It wuz a thunderbolt!"
The Supreme one has his own plan and decision.
"Hmmm... Himmler's looking lonely again. Maybe I'll send him Basayev to talk to..."
And about the special operation, Mujahideen will show how it should be carried out ... ", - the representative of Military Council of of State Defense Council Majlisul Shura of CRI stated.
"Yeah! They're really gonna get it this time!"
Let's remind that earlier occupation command has reported about an explosion in Ekazhevo and death of 4 Mujahideen. Only after 9 hours after the first news, kafirs have claimed of death of vice-president of CRI, the military Amir Shamil Abu-Idris. The representative of Ingush puppet militia has claimed that three of four Mujahideen have been unidentified and one of them is probably Shamil Basayev. The reason of explosion was a careless use of an explosive.
As it so often is...
Later on Russian side began to report all over again about 5 then 8, and then 12 ostensibly killed Mujahideen. Thus invaders have explained that as a result of huge explosion all other bodies "have been reduced to fragments and have literally disappeared".
"Yep. Looks a lot like strawberry jam over there. We took 'em down to the morgue in jars!"
Representatives of puppet Ministry of Internal Affairs specified that at night from July 9 to 10, in 2 kilometers from village Ekazhevo of Nazran district of Ingushetia, a powerful explosion was occurred. The militiamen, who had arrived at a place, found out a burned down lorry and four bodies.
Posted by: Fred || 07/10/2006 13:36 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  I recommend Baseyev for both a fat lady AND a Dumfart, if what they say is remotely true.
Posted by: eLarson || 07/10/2006 13:47 Comments || Top||

#2  accidental spontaneous explosion of a cargo vehicle
Uh...OK. Happens all the time. In Paleostan.
Posted by: Spot || 07/10/2006 13:48 Comments || Top||

#3  "As coroner, I must aver / I thoroughly examined him / And he's not only merely dead / He's really, most sincerely dead!"
Posted by: Steve || 07/10/2006 13:58 Comments || Top||

#4  Green/Red wire reminder pamphlets and no smoking signs...Looks like a job for OSHA.
Posted by: Inspector Clueso || 07/10/2006 14:13 Comments || Top||

#5  It really sux to be you when you go titzup and you don't even get the brass brassiere.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 07/10/2006 14:14 Comments || Top||

#6  Claims processors at Mutual of Ekazhevo could not be reached for comment.
Posted by: Seafarious || 07/10/2006 14:41 Comments || Top||

#7  Shamil officially titzup!

InshallaBURTON!
Posted by: RD || 07/10/2006 14:49 Comments || Top||

#8  Burial in pig carcass to follow ?

Posted by: john || 07/10/2006 15:19 Comments || Top||

#9  Latest new on FOX, shows truck blown up full of explosive, was going to be used against the upcoming G8 Summit.
Posted by: Jesing Ebbease3087 || 07/10/2006 15:32 Comments || Top||

#10  So the G-8 Summit dodges another bullet! Truck bomb went prematurely KABOOM!
Posted by: Lancasters Over Dresden || 07/10/2006 15:46 Comments || Top||

#11  accidental spontaneous explosion of a cargo vehicle with explosives. I wonder when the "rest of the story" will be heard or if there is a rest of the story. I wonder if this guy had a little help to get on his way to the virgins.
Posted by: JohnQC || 07/10/2006 15:47 Comments || Top||

#12  Seems to be a lot of unstable explosives used by the allenists with results like this quite often.

Am I bad person for wanting more, faster?
Posted by: Sock Puppet of Doom || 07/10/2006 16:02 Comments || Top||

#13  Heh, like I said in another thread, the russians were incredibly lucky that Shamil had incredibly incompetent technicians.

If "allah" really took him, the symbolism is necessarily significant: Died via a car bomb, the islamist terror weapon of choice in Iraq, and decapitated (the islamist method of execution of choice) by that same explosion.
Posted by: Ptah || 07/10/2006 16:04 Comments || Top||

#14  Him's lookin purdy neat
It's a shame that him won't keep,
But summer's getting on
and We're running outta ice.
Posted by: 6 || 07/10/2006 16:29 Comments || Top||

#15  Can recall the musical,
but it was by the
BoomTown Ratz.
Posted by: 6 || 07/10/2006 16:30 Comments || Top||

#16  was Jack Bauer involved?
Posted by: liberalhawk || 07/10/2006 17:33 Comments || Top||

#17  Lol, liberalhawk.

Sure as hell wasn't Putty or his FSB. Buncha really lousy liars.

Pure. Dumb. Luck.

It happens - and far more often than the Russians can find their dicks in the dark.
Posted by: Wheang Spavirong9833 || 07/10/2006 17:50 Comments || Top||

#18  Though the Russian side of ops against the militant terrorists has not been quite stellar, it seems to me that attrition due to Russian attacks and due to pressure on financiers has brought down the level of boom boom tech help, just like with the Paleos. Good news.
Posted by: Alaska Paul || 07/10/2006 18:27 Comments || Top||

#19  nice thing is you can use his beard to hang his skull from a hook as a urinal
Posted by: Frank G || 07/10/2006 19:00 Comments || Top||

#20  more fun then em wack a moel
Posted by: muck4doo || 07/10/2006 23:18 Comments || Top||


Russia's terrorist no.1 Basayev killed in south Russia operation
MOSCOW, July 10 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's security chief said Monday that Shamil Basayev, Russia's most wanted terrorist for a string of attacks that claimed hundreds of lives, had been killed in southern Russian. Nikolai Patrushev, head of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), said 41-year-old Basayev, who claimed responsibility for the 2004 Beslan school siege and the 2002 Moscow theater attack, had been killed during the night in the North Caucasus republic of Ingushetia. "Basayev and a number of militants were eliminated in Ingushetia last night," Patrushev told President Vladimir Putin.

Security services reported earlier in the day that a group of militants had been killed preparing for a terrorist attack when their explosive-laden truck blew up. And it later transpired that Basayev had been traveling in an accompanying car.

A local police source said, "Basayev's body was found by FSB officers after a car wired with explosives blew up. The convoy included three cars with militants, one of which was Basayev." "The terrorist was decapitated by the explosion, but from characteristic traits, it was suggested that the body was none other than Shamil Basayev," the source said. After initial examinations, the terrorist's identity was confirmed, he said.

Russian television channel NTV said no civilians had been hurt in the explosion, which was equivalent to more than 100 kilograms (220 lbs) of TNT, as it had occurred at midnight. The channel said the security service had "helped" blow up the truck.
Although Russian authorities have reported Basayev's death several times in the past, there appears to be complete certainty that this time they have got their man. A senior security official said DNA tests would be carried out to eradicate any doubts.

"Even though special forces are 100% sure that Basayev has been killed, his death will be confirmed. The terrorist's remains will be brought to a medical laboratory, where an analysis will be carried out," the source said.

The DNA test will take around a week, he said.

Additional from Times OnLine: "Shamil Basayev's death has been announced before but there seems to be no doubt about it this time. The FSB has formally announced it and they have shown brief footage of his body, lying on his back, the right arm bandaged and bloodied. It was recognisably him - he had a thick black beard as he has had since the early 1990s when he first became involved in the Chechen movement."
Let the Fat Lady know she's up next


Additional from Interfax: Basayev's killing was the fallout of a Kamaz truck explosion in Ingushetia this morning, said Ingush Deputy Prime Minister Bashir Aushev, who is responsible for the republic's law enforcement agencies. "There were several motor cars with militants next to the Kamaz truck, including Basayev," Aushev told Interfax on Monday. Basayev's killing has been in the works for a very long time, he said.

Basayev's body has been identified by body parts, he said. "After the explosion, body parts were collected. Basayev was identified through the body parts. As far as I know, he was identified by the head," Aushev said. "All his characteristic features are there," Aushev said.

The militants had arrived in Ingushetia to collect arms, he said. "The militants were at the very top of the terrorist structure responsible for sabotages. They were the most notorious figures in illegal armed groups," he said. No law enforcement official was killed in the operation, he said. "Two civilians were injured but there is no threat to their lives," he said.

Besides Shamil Basayev, 12 more militants were killed in Monday's sweep operation in Ingushetia, a Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) official told Interfax. "Twelve more militants were killed along with Basayev. Some of them have already been identified," he said.
Posted by: Steve || 07/10/2006 12:02 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  I hope it was at least as painful as Zark's.
Posted by: Xbalanke || 07/10/2006 12:11 Comments || Top||

#2  "After the explosion, body parts were collected."

Seems such an appropriate conclusion to lives like his.

"Twelve more militants were killed along with Basayev"

How can they tell? With this crowd you can't even just count the feet and divide by two.
Posted by: glenmore || 07/10/2006 12:37 Comments || Top||

#3  This teaches us that when in convoy with a truck full of explosives, keep a respectful interval.
Posted by: Anonymoose || 07/10/2006 12:49 Comments || Top||

#4  How can they tell? With this crowd you can't even just count the feet and divide by two.

No, you count brain cells and divide by two.
Posted by: grb || 07/10/2006 13:17 Comments || Top||

#5  Here's hopin'.
Yer 72 sturgeons: order up!
Posted by: Spot || 07/10/2006 13:31 Comments || Top||

#6  #3 This teaches us that when in convoy with a truck full of explosives, keep a respectful interval.
Posted by Anonymoose 2006-07-10 12:49

I think it is more like avoid explosives-laden convoys, period! Unless of course you're the strike pilot in an A-10.
Posted by: Lancasters Over Dresden || 07/10/2006 15:42 Comments || Top||

#7  Second-best news I've heard all day. I wish I could drink right now.
Posted by: Jackal || 07/10/2006 16:42 Comments || Top||

#8  Reminds me of the old story about the bombing that killed six bad guys. The investigator found a seventh penis not related to the six corpses.
Posted by: john || 07/10/2006 20:15 Comments || Top||

#9  LOL Spot!
Posted by: Frank G || 07/10/2006 21:34 Comments || Top||


Another five militants killed along with Basayev - Aushev
(Interfax) - Another five militants were killed along with Chechen warlord Shamil Basayev in a sweep operation in Ingushetia, Ingush Deputy Prime Minister for Security Bashir Aushev told Interfax. "A total of six militants were eliminated. Basayev was among them," he said. The militants were reportedly collecting weapons in Ingushetia, Aushev said.

Second verse, same as the first, only different...
Up to ten militants were killed in Ingushetia - minister
(Interfax) - About ten militants were killed along with warlord Shamil Basayev during the carefully planned sweep operation in the Ingush village of Ekazhevo, Ingush Interior Minister Beslan Khamkhoyev told Interfax. "There was a powerful explosion. Everyone in its range was smeared. Four bodies belonging to militants are already in the morgue. According to the latest information, the total number of militants killed might reach ten," he said.
Posted by: Fred || 07/10/2006 10:20 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Shamil Basayev DEAD!!!

FAT LADY SING!!!

For all those poor school kids I hop this is true.
Posted by: RD || 07/10/2006 10:58 Comments || Top||

#2  Oh! Let's go!
Steve walks warily down the street
With his brim pulled way down low
Ain't no sound but the sound of his feet
Machine guns ready to go

Are you ready hey are you ready for this?
Are you hanging on the edge of your seat?
Out of the doorway the bullets rip
To the sound of the beat yeah

Another one bites the dust
Another one bites the dust
And another one gone and another one gone
Another one bites the dust
Hey I'm gonna get you too
Another one bites the dust
Posted by: Bright Pebbles || 07/10/2006 11:42 Comments || Top||


Basayev's body identified - Ingush vice premier
(Interfax) - The body of Shamil Basayev, who was eliminated during Monday's special operation in Ingushetia, has been identified, Ingush Deputy Prime Minister Bashir Aushev told Interfax. "Fragments of the bodies of two militants were found on the scene of the explosion. Basayev's body has been identified through some of the fragments, including his head," Aushev said.
Toldja he was in the truck...

Basayev's case will be closed - prosecutor
(Interfax) - The investigation into the case of Chechen terrorist Shamil Basayev will now be closed, due to his death, said Russian Prosecutor General Yuri Chaika. "A procedural decision to close the criminal case, due to the death of the defendant will be made after all medical and legal tests on the individual's identification," Chaika said in Rostov-On-Don on Monday.

From RIA/Novosti...
Wrap: Russia's terrorist no.1 Basayev killed in south Russia operation
Security services reported earlier in the day that a group of militants had been killed preparing for a terrorist attack when their explosive-laden truck blew up.
Heh heh. Called that one, didn't I?
And it later transpired that Basayev had been traveling in an accompanying car. A local police source said, "Basayev's body was found by FSB officers after a car wired with explosives blew up. The convoy included three cars with militants, one of which was Basayev."
Being the head cheese, Shamil wouldn't have been riding in the truck...
"The terrorist was decapitated by the explosion, but from characteristic traits, it was suggested that the body was none other than Shamil Basayev," the source said.
"He's got a peg leg, a beard, and a hat, Volodya. I think it might be Shamil!"
After initial examinations, the terrorist's identity was confirmed, he said.
"Dr. Quincy! Take a look at this!"
"Goddamn, Sam! It looks like Shamil's nose!"
Russian television channel NTV said no civilians had been hurt in the explosion, which was equivalent to more than 100 kilograms (220 lbs) of TNT, as it had occurred at midnight. The channel said the security service had "helped" blow up the truck.
Posted by: Fred || 07/10/2006 10:08 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  ulululu?
Posted by: Seafarious || 07/10/2006 10:50 Comments || Top||

#2  I'm waiting for the announcement on Kavkaz. But it's looking good so far...
Posted by: Fred || 07/10/2006 10:58 Comments || Top||

#3  YES! be true!
Posted by: RD || 07/10/2006 10:59 Comments || Top||

#4  "Basayev's body has been identified through some of the fragments, including his head," Aushev said.

Well that's a good sign. I'd still like to see Putty holding that head up on Russian TV.
Maybe he'll wear his Super Bowl ring, since it's a special occasion...
Posted by: tu3031 || 07/10/2006 11:05 Comments || Top||

#5  I'm reminded of an old Moms Mabley routine. Moms was on some talk show (I think it was Dick Cavett) ragging on her dear departed husband.

CAVETT: But, Moms, can't you say anything good about the dead?

MOMS: He's dead; that's good!
Posted by: Mike || 07/10/2006 11:24 Comments || Top||

#6  ulululu!
Posted by: Seafarious || 07/10/2006 13:26 Comments || Top||

#7  *Up a third from Seafarious, in close harmony* ululululu
Posted by: trailing wife || 07/10/2006 15:17 Comments || Top||

#8  That's Basayev's toenail. I'd recognize it anywhere.
Posted by: ed || 07/10/2006 17:42 Comments || Top||

#9  Found his head? He was wearing a suicide belt in case of capture? He set it off, or it went off in sympathy.
Posted by: john || 07/10/2006 20:20 Comments || Top||


Invaders report of death of Shamil Basayev
From Kavkaz Center...
Occupation command reports of death of Chechen Republic Ichkeria's vice-president Shamil Basayev. No details have been reported. Referring to FSB, the Russian mass-media reported that Basayev dead during a certain special operation in Ingushetia. Earlier there was information about an explosion of a cargo vehicle KAMAZ in village of Ekazhevo, as a result of which 4 Mujahideen were dead. The Chechen command has not give any comments and statements yet.

A bit more detail from Baku Today...
Basayev was killed in an overnight operation by Russian special forces in the southern Russian province of Ingushetia in the volatile North Caucasus bordering Chechnya, where Russia is engaged in its second war against Chechen rebels in the past 11 years, Interfax and RIA Novosti said Monday. FSB chief Nikolai Patrushev reportedly announced the news but an FSB spokesman contacted by AFP said he was in a meeting with President Vladimir Putin and declined to confirm the information. The news agency quoted Patrushev as saying that Basayev was among a group of militants killed as they prepared to carry out an unspecified "terrorist act" in Ingushetia designed to compromise the Kremlin in the run-up to the Group of Eight summit later this week in Saint Petersburg. The agency reports said Putin had congratulated "all members of the special services who planned and executed this operation."
I'm wondering if Shamil might have been one of the four bad guyz in that truck...
Posted by: Fred || 07/10/2006 09:35 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  yipee skippee!
Posted by: Jesing Ebbease3087 || 07/10/2006 10:09 Comments || Top||

#2  Let us prey.

Posted by: 6 || 07/10/2006 10:24 Comments || Top||

#3 
Stumpy is DeD!





Posted by: RD || 07/10/2006 11:06 Comments || Top||

#4  Let'see Shamil the Schlimeel explain his way out of this one. Accordian request: Roll out the Barrel!
Posted by: Inspector Clueso || 07/10/2006 15:02 Comments || Top||


4 militants dead as terrorist blast goes wrong in south Russia
(RIA Novosti) - Four militants, including a close associate of Chechen warlord Doku Umarov, were killed when their truck packed with explosives blew up in southern Russia, security services said Monday. The terrorists were on their way to carry out a major terrorist attack in Russia's North Caucasus republic of Ingushetia but they blew themselves up by accident, the Federal Security Service said. "A truck with explosives, weapons and militants exploded, and four militants were killed," the service said. "One of the militants in the truck has been identified as Tarkhan Ganizhev, a close associate of warlord Doku Umarov," the representative said, adding that the other three militants remained to be identified.

Umarov, 42, a successor to slain separatist leader Aslan Maskhadov, has claimed responsibility for a string of bloody attacks in Russia, including an armed raid on Ingushetia in June 2004 in which police said militants attacked 19 police precincts and prisons in the North Caucasus republic. The security official said Ganizhev had a nickname of Tarella and coordinated several gangs operating in Ingushetia. Like Umarov, he helped carry out the 2004 attack on Ingushetia, and was also involved in the kidnapping of Ingush President Murat Zyazikov's father-in-law. The security service said he had been wanted on several charges, including banditry and hostage taking, and added that the truck had been escorted by three cars. "The explosion was so powerful that only some fragments of the truck were left intact," he said.

From AFP...
No details on the special operation that resulted in Basayev's death were immediately available. Russian media earlier however reported that four suspected Chechen militants were killed while they were sitting in two separate passenger cars beside a truck laden with explosives that blew up during a special operation in Ingushetia. The reports said one of the four militants was related to Doku Umarov, the new leader of the self-styled Chechen rebel "government".
Posted by: Fred || 07/10/2006 09:33 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  4 militants dead as terrorist blast goes wrong right in south Russia

That's better.
Posted by: xbalanke || 07/10/2006 17:50 Comments || Top||

#2  That is better. Thanks for the correction X.
Posted by: JohnQC || 07/10/2006 17:56 Comments || Top||


Chechen warlord Basayev 'killed'
The most wanted Chechen rebel warlord, Shamil Basayev, has been killed, Russian media report.
How many times does this make?
Basayev was killed in a special operation overnight in Ingushetia, near Chechnya, Russia's FSB security service chief Nikolai Patrushev said.
Memo: This time, cut off his head and drive a stake through his heart.
President Vladimir Putin said Basayev's killing was "deserved retribution" for terror attacks, including the 2004 mass hostage-taking at a school in Beslan. Basayev, a key Chechen rebel commander, was blamed for dozens of major attacks. The September 2004 attack on a school in Beslan, in the North Caucasus, led to at least 331 deaths. It triggered outrage in Russia and other countries, as many women and children were among the victims.
48 hour rule or dead body on tv

MOSCOW, Russia -- Shamil Basayev, the rebel Chechen warlord believed to have masterminded the deadly school siege in Beslan and many other terrorist attacks, has been killed, the head of the Federal Security Service said Monday.

FSB head Nikolai Patrushev told Russian President Vladimir Putin that Basayev was killed overnight in Ingushetia, the ITAR-Tass news agency reported, according to The Associated Press. Basayev was planning a terrorist attack in southern Russia to coincide with Russia hosting the Group of Eight summit of world leaders this weekend, reports said.
Posted by: Steve || 07/10/2006 09:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Rot in hell you sick fuck.
Posted by: JerseyMike || 07/10/2006 9:26 Comments || Top||

#2  Hope this is real. Congrats Russia!
Posted by: liberalhawk || 07/10/2006 9:40 Comments || Top||

#3  Hasn't he been dead before? Maybe we need the '24 hour rule' to apply here?
Posted by: JAB || 07/10/2006 9:47 Comments || Top||

#4  Just checked again. Still no photos of the corpse. Maybe they're waiting for the frame to be made up. Hopefully the vulture can stay up and the fat lady will follow.
Posted by: JAB || 07/10/2006 11:09 Comments || Top||

#5  I doubt we'll see photos of the corpse if he was sitting in a truckload of dynamite when she blew...
Posted by: Fred || 07/10/2006 11:12 Comments || Top||

#6  Would have liked to see him captured alive by the Russians.

I guess one can Hope.
Posted by: RD || 07/10/2006 11:17 Comments || Top||

#7  I'm feeling Better!
Posted by: Basayev || 07/10/2006 11:19 Comments || Top||

#8  Hasn't he been dead before?

This time they ran a stake through his heart and then exposed the corpse to the sun.
Posted by: JFM || 07/10/2006 11:55 Comments || Top||

#9  A year or two after Beslan I ragged on Russian Special Forces for failing to extract retribution for Beslan. I now stand corrected and wish to give credit where credit is due.
Posted by: MarkZ || 07/10/2006 12:31 Comments || Top||

#10  Now they know which team to send to Iraq to TCB for those diplos.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 07/10/2006 12:34 Comments || Top||

#11  Doesn't look like a team did him in: More like a "transportation work accident", accompanied by the fender of the truck his car was following decapitating him after the truck ran too fast over a speed-bump or some such thing...

This is ironic on all kinds of levels: a truck packed with explosives ready to blow is a truck-bomb, thus he got killed by the very same tool used to murder innocent Iraqis.

And on top of that, he was DECAPITATED. no need to explain here the facination Islamists like him have with decapitating others, and he got decapitated himself.

No kudos seem to be in order: The ruskies were incredibly lucky that this terrorist's "technicians" were incredibly inept.
Posted by: Ptah || 07/10/2006 13:35 Comments || Top||

#12  Doesn't look like a team did him in:

Depends on how you define "accident"

The channel said the security service had "helped" blow up the truck.

Perhaps they wrote the instruction manual or slipped them a already ticking clock.
Posted by: Steve || 07/10/2006 14:45 Comments || Top||

#13  It almost sound like the Ruskies found those responsible for the Baghdad diplomatic kidnapping. Coincidence or a connection?
Posted by: john || 07/10/2006 20:25 Comments || Top||


Home Front: WoT
TSA/HPD allow possible bomb carrier on Plane
Houston police and the federal Transportation Security Administration disagree over who is responsible for allowing a man with what appeared to be bomb components board an aircraft at Hobby Airport last week.
Guess security is a hobby as well

Although the FBI eventually cleared the man of wrongdoing, police officials have transferred the officer involved and are investigating the incident while insisting that the TSA, not police, has the authority to keep a suspicious person from boarding a flight.

"Our job is not to be the gatekeepers," police Capt. Dwayne Ready said. "That burden falls squarely on the airline and TSA to make that final decision.
I do believe it's in their job description
"We are looking at our role in the situation to make sure our policies were adhered to," he said. "During follow-up, we are finding that there simply was not a material threat."

TSA spokeswoman Andrea McCauley said screeners have the authority to stop people from going beyond the checkpoint to the boarding areas, but they rely heavily on local police. "It's just agencies talking with each other," Ready said, downplaying the disagreement.

McCauley and Ready would not comment about the June 26 incident, but a confidential TSA report obtained by the Houston Chronicle details a dispute between screeners and a police officer on duty at the airport. The report states that a man with a Middle Eastern name and a ticket for a Delta Airlines flight to Atlanta shook his head when screeners asked if he had a laptop computer in his baggage, but an X-ray machine operator detected a laptop.
"Warning, warning, danger, Will Robinson, danger!"
A search of the man's baggage revealed a clock with a 9-volt battery taped to it and a copy of the Quran, the report said. A screener examined the man's shoes and determined that the "entire soles of both shoes were gutted out." No explosive material was detected, the report states. A police officer was summoned and questioned the man, examined his identification, shoes and the clock, then cleared him for travel, according to the report.

A TSA screener disagreed with the officer, saying "the shoes had been tampered with and there were all the components of (a bomb) except the explosive itself," the report says.
I'd say the screener has a point
The officer retorted, "I thought y'all were trained in this stuff," TSA officials reported.

The report says the TSA screener notified Delta Airlines and talked again with the officer, who said he had been unable to check the passenger's criminal background because of computer problems. The incident gained enough attention at higher levels of the TSA that the FBI was asked to investigate. The TSA issued a statement saying its screeners "acted in accordance with their training and protocols."

FBI Special Agent Stephen Emmett in Atlanta said agents there investigated the passenger. "It was looked at and deemed a non-event," Emmett said, declining to give further details.
And if the FBI sez there's no threat.....oh, wait...
Meanwhile the officer involved in the dispute, J.O. Reece, has been transferred to a desk job, "the same place they send officers who are relieved of duty," said Chad Hoffman, attorney for the Houston Police Officers Union. Hoffman said Reece doesn't understand why he was transferred "when it seems clear from the onset of the investigation that he didn't have probable cause to detain anybody and that his actions were consistent with the law and HPD policy."
Sure. This is why you don't use law enforcement methods to fight terrorists.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 07/10/2006 12:25 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1 
Dry run? Anyone? Bueller?

-M
Posted by: Manolo || 07/10/2006 13:24 Comments || Top||

#2  a clock with a 9-volt battery taped to it and a copy of the Quran
Enough right their to hold, dog-bark, humilitate and expell.
Posted by: 6 || 07/10/2006 13:39 Comments || Top||

#3  And gutted out shoes?!

What does it take to stop someone?
Posted by: SLO Jim || 07/10/2006 13:57 Comments || Top||

#4  Maybe it was special agent Emmett's undercover test muzzie.
Posted by: Inspector Clueso || 07/10/2006 14:16 Comments || Top||

#5  Test run, for sure. this ought to be good news for the Islamic Crusaders.
Posted by: Bobby || 07/10/2006 17:05 Comments || Top||

#6  "During follow-up, we are finding that there simply was not a material threat."

Lucky you. And passengers. And relatives. And friends. Etc. What about next time? I call this a failure.

I understand that mistakes are made, and that's understandable. But heads should roll here if they are trying to lay blame rather than looking for the problem/solution.

And what is this about not knowing whose responsibility it is or having some clear system in place to keep suspect passengers off a plane? Isn't that the whole point? I don't believe it. If I say "I have a bomb" in an airport even if I don't, I will be run off to jail without a second thought. Does this whole story mean that if I actually carry something that intentionally looks and smells like a bomb, even if it isn't, that somehow this is different? Bull$hit. They'll have to think faster than that to explain this away in my mind.
Posted by: grb || 07/10/2006 19:16 Comments || Top||

#7  What I wonder about is the guy with the rest of the components who did get on.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble || 07/10/2006 19:26 Comments || Top||

#8  At least it wasn't snakes ...
Posted by: DMFD || 07/10/2006 19:59 Comments || Top||

#9  What do you expect? TSA are the same former hamburger-flippers, now paid Federal salary scale wages and wearing fancy uniforms. Maybe they would improve with some gold braid.

The local cops are not much better. Good riddance to Mineta.
Posted by: SR-71 || 07/10/2006 21:54 Comments || Top||


India-Pakistan
Plane crashes in Pakistan; all 45 killed
A passenger plane slammed into a wheat field and burst into flames minutes after takeoff Monday in eastern Pakistan. All 45 people on board were killed, officials said. The Fokker F-27 twin-engine aircraft went down on the outskirts of the city of Multan minutes after taking off for Lahore, spiraling in the air before it hit the ground and bursting into flames, witnesses said. "All 41 passengers and four crew members on board the plane have died," said Iftikhar Babar, the district coordination officer for Multan, which lies about 400 miles southwest of the capital, Islamabad.

Malik Bashir, Pakistan International Airlines' station manager at Multan airport, said the cause of the crash was not yet known, but ruled out the possibility of a terrorist attack on the state carrier's plane. A PIA emergency department official who identified himself by a single name, Bashir, said the dead passengers were all Pakistani. They included two army brigadiers, two judges of the High Court in Lahore and the head of a state-run university in Multan. A female flight attendant who was pulled alive from the plane's wreckage died later at a hospital, airline security official Mohammed Iqbal said.

President Gen. Pervez Musharraf expressed grief over the crash and ordered an investigation to determine the cause, state-run Pakistan Television reported.

Chaudhry Bashir, a PIA spokesman, said the plane joined the airline's fleet in 1979. It had flown 49,100 miles and was due to be grounded on completing 55,900 miles. "No PIA plane can come on the runway before it is fully looked after for maintenance," he said.
What am I missing here? It joined the fleet in 1979. That's 27 years, or 1818 1/2 miles per year, or a little over four flights from Multan to Lahore per year. My truck is two years old and has nearly that many miles on it, though I seldom drive to Lahore. And there's too damned many Bashirs involved for my taste.
Bodies were taken to a morgue in Multan, where about 500 relatives, weeping and beating their chests in grief, gathered to claim the remains of loved ones. At least five bodies have been claimed by relatives but many were burned beyond recognition, said Dr. Gul Nawaz. Relatives were trying to identify the corpses from clothing and other belongings. Bashir said the plane took off normally for the flight to Lahore, the capital of eastern Punjab province. "Whatever happened to it was after takeoff," he said.
Posted by: ed || 07/10/2006 07:50 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Once again, the authorities don't know what happened but have already ruled out the possiblility of terrorism. Amazing - how do they do it?
Posted by: glenmore || 07/10/2006 8:07 Comments || Top||

#2  You should google the General Zia crash which almost certainly was terrorism.

Also the Cyprus Helios Air crash investigation where the plane flew on autopilot for three hours still hasn't come up with any answers a year later.
Posted by: phil_b || 07/10/2006 9:06 Comments || Top||

#3  Neither have hundreds of other investigations into air crashes. Why is terrorism now the no. 1 cause of all air crashes?
Aviation incidents due to mechanical problems are steadily increasing (and I'm not talking about airworthiness directives issued by manufacturers). None of this gets reported of course, because in most cases the problem is fixed in time. There was an article on this in the Canadian press recently.
Posted by: Pherert Ulaling7478 || 07/10/2006 13:31 Comments || Top||

#4  It had flown 49,100 miles and was due to be grounded on completing 55,900 miles.

The probably meant hours, not miles.
Posted by: Thinerong Grineter3941 || 07/10/2006 15:03 Comments || Top||

#5  I'm with Fred on the "too darn many Bashirs" angle.
Posted by: Seafarious || 07/10/2006 15:27 Comments || Top||

#6  PIA: Pray I Arrive or Perhaps I'll Arrive
Posted by: Lancasters Over Dresden || 07/10/2006 16:21 Comments || Top||

#7  Six words and a comma, Bugtis.
Posted by: 6 || 07/10/2006 16:36 Comments || Top||


Nuggets from the Urdu press
Who abused Pakistan!
According to Nawa-e-Waqt a citizen from Lahore had filed a petition at the Lahore High Court against an unnamed member of parliament of 1997 at the time of the election of president. The member had written on his ballot paper the slogan Pakhtunkhwa Zindabad and Pakistan Murdabad [Long live Pashtunistan and Death to Pakistan]. The petitioner demanded that the name of the member be revealed and he be punished for treason or the parliament be dissolved.

Amir Cheema spat on German’s face
Maulana Amir Hamza wrote in daily Pakistan that when Amir Cheema was being interrogated in Germany after being arrested for stabbing the editor of Die Welt, the German officer asked him questions disrespectful toward the Prophet PBUH. On this, Amir Cheema struggled with his handcuffs and the chair to which he was bound but threw his body on the insulter and then spat on his face (bootha).

Dr AQ Khan popular in Bangladesh
Quoted in Nawa-e-Waqt Justice (Retd) Javid Iqbal said after his tour of Bangladesh that nuclear scientist Dr AQ Khan was very popular in Bangladesh. The country had not been able to decide its ideology and identity, he said, but welcomed Pakistanis as their mentors (murshid). He said army was defamed in BD but it did not dare interfere in elections.

Akram Awan’s men killed
According to a Khabrain report from Jauharabad the great Naqshbandi leader with influence in the armed forces Maulana Akram Awan of Tanzimul Ikhwan in the Soan valley had another skirmish with a party for the possession of land. His two guards were killed in the firing while the opposing party fled the scene.

Great Maulana Yusuf Ludhianvi
Maulana Mujibur Rehman Inqilabi wrote in daily Pakistan that great Maulana Yusuf Ludhianvi was killed in 2000 by an unknown killer while he was going to the office of Alami Majlis Khatm Nabuwwat. Ludhianvi was a great attacker of the Qadianis and was taken from Sahiwal to Banuri Town seminary by the founder Maulana Yusuf Banuri and put in charge of publishing the journal Bayyanaat. Ludhianvi was a great admirer of the Sahaba too and counted among his pupils, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Mufti Muhammad Jameel (killed), Maulana Azizur Rehman, Maulana Azam Tariq (killed), Maulana Masud Azhar and Maulana Tariq Jameel.

Musharraf’s next tenure
According to daily Pakistan senator SM Zafar stated that Musharraf could be elected by the current assemblies as this was allowed by Article 41 of the Constitution. He said the president was allowed to wear two caps by parliament itself. Senator Khalid Ranjha said that president Musharraf would end his tenure on 15 November 2006, therefore, he would have to be re-elected 30 or 60 days before the last day, on 15 September or 15 October 2006. Justice (Retd) Malik Qayyum said that the Supreme Court should take suo moto note of this issue and decide the matter.

Irshad Haqqani’s verdict
Writing in Jang columnist Irshad Haqqani stated that 1) Musharraf could not stand for another presidential term while in uniform; 2) he could not be army chief and president under the 1973 Constitution; 3) after getting out of uniform Musharraf could not take part in elections for two years; 4) an assembly that has only two months to run cannot morally elect a president for another five years; 5) there was no precedent that one assembly elected two presidents; 6) that a presidential election would have to be an election as laid down in the Constitution, and not a vote of confidence. Official view expressed by federal minister Sher Afgan Niazi could not be accepted as full because he was an amateur legal expert.

What proof on 9/11?
According to Sunday Kirnain/Din Iranian President Ahmadinejad wrote to President Bush saying he had not yet seen proof about there being a genuine Al Qaeda attack on America on 11 September 2001. He also asked Bush to embrace Islam and reminded him that after Soviet leader Gorbachev refused to embrace Islam on the invitation of Imam Khomeini he lost power and the Soviet Union broke up. There were many insulting facts mentioned in the letter, like Bush sitting inside a toilet commode and jumping about like a monkey, picked up from the American press.

Resign from parliament!
Writing in Jang Irshad Haqqani stated that the opposition should resign en masse from parliament and the assemblies, to render the 2007 election without a legal and moral basis. This should be done because it was no use going to the Supreme Court for justice on past record. If all the opposition parties (ARD and MMA) resigned, only 140 members of the National Assembly would be left in the field. Thus only 42 seats would be left in the senate. After that the opposition should boycott the 2007 election. This would lead to a crisis that the government would not be able to face. But unfortunately MMA was not ready to go along as JUI(F) was neither willing to resign nor boycott the election. It was also not ready respond to the call of dharna by Qazi Hussain Ahmad. The dharna would be weak because it would be supported only by Imran Khan’s small and weak party.

Martyr Amir Cheema, one lakh kissers of hand
Columnist Javed Chaudhry said in Jang that one hundred thousand true believers went to street number 18 in Rawalpindi and between 3 May and 15 May and kissed the hands of Prof Nazir, the father of the martyr Amir Cheema who died in a German jail after punishing a blaspheming editor of Die Welt. The citizens of Rawalpindi first took a bath then did a wuzu after which they applied perfume to themselves. After that they went to street number 18 and kissed the hand of the old professor because he was the father of a martyr.

America still loves Musharraf
Columnist Hamid Mir wrote in Jang that a senior CIA officer Gary C Sherwin in his book First in Afghanistan had stated that Musharraf’s action against Al Qaeda was praiseworthy and that he was doing his best in Waziristan too, and it was wrong on the part of critics to doubt him. He however said that Osama bin Laden and Al Zawahiri were in Pakistan under protection of those who hated Musharraf. It was obvious that the Americans still thought Musharraf indispensable. But they wanted Musharraf to tie up with Benazir Bhutto. On the other hand, Ms Bhutto was toeing the American line and was wrong in thinking that she would succeed in her campaign against Musharraf without opposing America.
Posted by: Fred || 07/10/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  What's a wuzu?
Posted by: Flaigum Whelet4630 || 07/10/2006 5:02 Comments || Top||

#2  first took a bath then did a wuzu after which they applied perfume to themselves

I find that if one first does a wuzu and then takes a bath, a lot less perfume need be applied. Oh, and lighting a match seems to help too.
Posted by: Thinemp Whimble2412 || 07/10/2006 5:40 Comments || Top||

#3  Wuzu is a Wazoo wudoo, not to be confused with the voodoo yoodoo so well.
Posted by: ed || 07/10/2006 6:14 Comments || Top||

#4  Wuzu is the ritual washing that muslims perform before praying.

Posted by: john || 07/10/2006 7:03 Comments || Top||

#5  WaterPik not just for your teef.
Posted by: 6 || 07/10/2006 7:27 Comments || Top||

#6  WaterPik not just for your teef.

O-tay, 6, I did *not* need that mental picture!
Posted by: N guard || 07/10/2006 11:14 Comments || Top||


Govt claims killing 23 militants in Dera Bugti raids
Helicopter gunships and ground troops attacked armed tribesmen’s hide-outs in Balochistan, killing 23 fighters and wounding 15 others, an official said on Sunday. The security forces destroyed seven “terrorist training camps” in operations in the Sangsilla and Bamboore areas of Dera Bugti district that began late on Saturday and continued until Sunday, said provincial government spokesman Abdur Raziq Bugti. He said that the information of militant deaths and injuries was based on intercepted communications between the rebels. The security forces also seized a cache of long-range rockets during the raids, Bugti said. “As part of the government’s plan to wipe out terrorists, operations were conducted and we succeeded in killing and rounding up a large number of Bugti loyalists,” he said.

Bugti added that 50 rebels had surrendered to the government. “The loyalists of Nawab Akbar Khan are ditching him one by one. Earlier, his top commander Bangan Khan left him. Now, 50 more people have decided to give up armed struggle and support the government. We have no reports of what happened to the dead bodies. We got the information in communication intercepts from the insurgents.” Dera Bugti District Coordination Officer Abdul Samad Lasi said the bodies of the killed insurgents were in the custody of the local administration. He said the injured were being shifted to hospital for further treatment. “Once they are treated, legal action will be taken against them,” he said.

A tribal fighter denied the government claim that rebel tribesmen suffered casualties. Wadera Alam Khan said 17 security forces personnel had been killed.
Posted by: Fred || 07/10/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:


Iraq
Massacre as Shiite gunmen savage Sunni district in Baghdad
Masked Shiite gunmen rampaged through a tense neighbourhood of west Baghdad on Sunday, dragging Sunnis from their cars, picking them out on the street and killing at least 41 in a dramatic escalation of sectarian violence. Hours later, two car bombs exploded near a Shiite mosque in north Baghdad, killing 17 people and wounding 38 in what appeared to be a reprisal attack, police said.

Shiite gunmen blocked roads into Shiite neighbourhoods to guard against revenge attacks, residents said, as scattered clashes occurred elsewhere in the tense Iraqi capital. Sunni leaders expressed outrage over the killings, and President Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, appealed for calm, warning that the nation stood “in front of a dangerous precipice”.

The trouble started about 10:00am when several carloads of gunmen drove into the Jihad area along the main road to Baghdad International Airport, police and witnesses said. The gunmen stopped cars, checked passengers' identification cards and shot dead those with Sunni names. Masked gunmen wearing black clothing roamed through the streets, abducting Sunnis whose bodies were found later scattered throughout the religiously mixed neighbourhood, an interior ministry official said. US and Iraqi forces sealed off the area, and residents said American troops using loudspeakers announced a two-day curfew. Black smoke from burning tyres wafted through the streets.
Continued on Page 49
Posted by: Fred || 07/10/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  I would say that Mookie's days are numbered.
Posted by: crosspatch || 07/10/2006 0:09 Comments || Top||

#2  Just telling the Sunnis they are all future Iranians-, Islamists-, and Shias-in-transition/work-in-progress, whether the Sunnis like it or not. PC aymmetric "People's War/
Resistance" against America-West = Crusaders = also P/Deniable War for Iranian-centric, Shia-centric, etc. Regional then Global Iranian Empire.
Posted by: JosephMendiola || 07/10/2006 0:56 Comments || Top||

#3  It was brutal, but Shiites killed over a thousand Sunnis in February alone, after a mosque was blown up. Forget the cries of "civil war." Neither side could effectively group for extended battles. A bright side is that Sunnis are no longer able to effectively hamper most oil production and transmission. They are being pushed out of both Kurdish and Shiite production areas, which hold most Iraq oil. The current best case scenario is that the benefits of re-invested oil wealth will dampen belligerence. As for the civilian casualties, the Coalition policy of alliances with ethnic and sectarian movements, relieved them from the strict nation-building role of attempting to prevent all bloodshed. That could not have been done, and even attempting it would have induced perma-war.

The more I look at the Iraq situation, the more it becomes obvious that Clinton blew it in the Balkans, with his obsession against "ethnic cleansing." A Serb colleague at the time of the Kosovo intervention, told me that the Muslims would destroy all the Medieval Orthodox monasteries and cathedrals in Kosovo, and push out Serbs. That is exactly what they did, and they did it with Clinton peacekeepers looking the other way.
Posted by: Anginens Threreng8133 || 07/10/2006 5:51 Comments || Top||

#4  This violence actually seems 'restrained' - kind of like Hatfields & McCoys (on a larger scale) exchanging retaliations, unable to agree on who started it and thus unable to decide they're now 'even' and stop.

The other question is whether these are truly random executions just because of Sunni identity, or if they are summary executions 'for cause' (though with little concern for rigorous ID procedures.)
Posted by: glenmore || 07/10/2006 8:03 Comments || Top||

#5  Allan has interrupted the jihad against infidels to sort out some lingering social issues. Henceforth, all muzzies should be both sunni and shia. Once that social issue is solved, the killing of infidels can commence. Until then, popcorn and other treats will be made available.
Posted by: wxjames || 07/10/2006 8:20 Comments || Top||

#6  The al Jihad neighborhood is one of the worst in Baghdad in opposing the Colalition and the new Iraqi government. Much of it is dominated by the same folks that tried to turn Fallujah into a new Islamic state.

Today's WaPo reports that we found 11 bodies, not 40 plus. The original story came from AP and CNN. I'm trying to track the story at my blog, because I'm curious about CNN's accuracy..
Posted by: Chuck Simmins || 07/10/2006 9:03 Comments || Top||

#7  does anyone really think its a coincidence that this happens a few days after some Mahdi army bigwigs are arrested? This is Muqty, striking back the only way hes able. Time to keep the pressure on.
Posted by: liberalhawk || 07/10/2006 9:45 Comments || Top||

#8  Told you guys not to buy the "truce" crap, didn't I?
Posted by: mojo || 07/10/2006 9:50 Comments || Top||

#9  Can't help but think the situation would be improved with al-Sadr growing a 12.7mm third eye.
Posted by: Whineger Omeper1961 || 07/10/2006 9:50 Comments || Top||

#10  #1 I would say that Mookie's days are numbered.

Mookie should have disposed of sometime back, oh say, around the summer of 2003.
Posted by: Lancasters Over Dresden || 07/10/2006 16:24 Comments || Top||

#11  Liberalhawk may have it right. We've certainly turned our attention to some of Tater's worst underlings, or rogue spawn (as many of OMS local leaders seem to be) lately. MOD and MNF-I publicly state the B'dad operation is being tweaked, and the recent talk of taking on militias continues. Was unsurprised and dismayed when I heard actual force numbers would be REDUCED during this operation (both US and Iraqi) - seemed typical for this warfare-free style of war.

On a related point, this sort of sickening and horrific violence of course suddenly becomes an issue throughout the Arab world, while years of unimaginable depredations (pre- and post-liberation) directed against Shi'a passed with barely a peep from the same quarter. Remember, "civil war" is only a possibility when Sunnis die.

Posted by: Verlaine in Iraq || 07/10/2006 16:46 Comments || Top||

#12  Tater's covered by his buds in the ruling Shia coalition and half the Ministers. He'll be around longer than the commenters here, unless the Sunnis take him out. The government certainly won't do it.

His underlings may get bruised, now and then, but it's just for show, so far.

The time has come for Maliki. Will he rise above his sectarian roots? Will he throw off the Iranian yoke and fight for Iraq? All Iraq?

It's not looking good.
Posted by: Wheang Spavirong9833 || 07/10/2006 19:53 Comments || Top||


Israel-Palestine-Jordan
Terrorists Attempted to Fire Rocket into Israel from Samaria
Sources in the Palestinian Authority say that terrorists belonging to Al Magad Brigades have attempted to fire a rocket over the security barrier into Israel's pre-1967 borders from Samaria. According to PA sources, the terrorists attempted to fire the missile near Tulkarem, a city governed by the PA located on the outskirts of Samaria along Israel's densely populated coastal plain. The rocket blew up as it was being fired.
Posted by: Fred || 07/10/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  "We want to be beaten down like Gaza. Kill us!"
Posted by: Frank G || 07/10/2006 0:10 Comments || Top||

#2  The rocket blew up as it was being fired

Owwwwwwwww!
Posted by: Paleo Tard || 07/10/2006 0:48 Comments || Top||

#3  sounds like the NKors are working that foreign exchange deal again......(SSDD: Same Sh1t, Different Detontation)
Posted by: USN,Ret || 07/10/2006 0:53 Comments || Top||

#4  I can just hear it now "allah... BOOM!" No akbars ever passed the retards lips.

These "rockets" are pipe bombs with fins but even less safe.
Posted by: Sock Puppet of Doom || 07/10/2006 4:16 Comments || Top||

#5  Just for you Mr. Doom:
http://www.notworksafe.com/mediaVids/AllahCausedIt.wmv
Posted by: ed || 07/10/2006 6:15 Comments || Top||

#6  heh .. "wallla isa hockypuck"
Posted by: Sock Puppet of Doom || 07/10/2006 6:39 Comments || Top||

#7  The rocket blew up as it was being fired.

ROFL! I almost spewed my chicken parm all over my screen - literally.
Posted by: Xbalanke || 07/10/2006 12:15 Comments || Top||

#8  Justa another CATO, keep moving.
Posted by: 6 || 07/10/2006 16:39 Comments || Top||


Gaza roundup...
Car carrying Hamas men in Gaza explodes
A car carrying Hamas operatives near Gaza City was hit by an explosion on Sunday night, wounding two people, witnesses and Palestinian health officials said. The cause of the blast was not immediately known. The IDF had no immediate comment.

Kassam lands in Sderot; early warning system failsA Kassam rocket was fired from northern Gaza toward Sderot on Sunday night. The "Red Dawn" warning system did not activate, however. Security officials estimated that the rocket landed in Sderot's Ben Gurion neighborhood, and no one was wounded. Police were on their way to the scene.

IDF hits Islamic Jihad warehouse in northern Gaza
IDF aircraft struck a firearms storage facility in Zaitun in the northern Gaza Strip. According to Palestinian and media reports, the warehouse belonged to the Islamic Jihad.

IDF artillery firing shells into southern Gaza
IDF artillery fired shells into southern Gaza late Sunday night. According to reports, the fire was directed at terror operatives in the area.

APC catches fire in north; thought to be accident
An IDF armored personnel carrier caught fire in a base near Rosh Pina on Sunday. The cause of the fire was thought to be an accident. Fire fighting teams were trying to extinguish the flames.

Two Kassam rockets launched, land in Gaza Strip
Two Kassam rockets were launched at Israel on Sunday, although they failed to reach their target and fell within the Gaza Strip. There were no reports of people wounded by the failed attack, Army Radio reported.

IAF strike kills Hamas man, wounds 7 bystanders
An IAF aircraft fired a missile Sunday toward a car carrying members of a Hamas rocket squad in Gaza. The IDF confirmed the death of one terrorist. Seven bystanders were wounded in the attack, according to a Palestinian Health Ministry spokesman.
Posted by: Fred || 07/10/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Fred, these roundups that you've been posting recently are great. Thanks!
Posted by: ryuge || 07/10/2006 19:27 Comments || Top||


Prosecutor seeks death penalty for Rishawi
The State Security Court (SSC) prosecutor on Sunday asked the military tribunal to hand eight people the death sentence for their part in the Amman hotel bombings last November. Only one Iraqi woman, Sajida Rishawi, was arrested in connection with the attacks, while the remaining seven defendants — including the late Abu Mussab Zarqawi — are being tried in absentia on the same charges, which included plotting terrorist acts and possessing explosives with illicit intent. Zarqawi’s Al Qaeda in Iraq group claimed responsibility for the triple hotel bombings that killed 60 people last year. “These defendants have become a scourge that has spread destruction, corruption and death in our country,” the prosecutor said during his closing argument yesterday. “The best way to defend Jordan is to get rid of them and hand them the punishment they deserve, execution,” the prosecution added.
Hear! Hear! Bravo! [Clap! Clap! Clap!]
The defendants used explosive belts that contained a huge number of ball bearings to cause a high number of casualties, injuries and damages to the targeted properties, the prosecution said.
They deserve the same mercy and human consideration they extended to their victims.
Also during yesterday’s 60-minute session, Rishawi retracted her previous confession, claiming that she was subjected to physical and mental torture to admit to being part of the plot to attack the hotels. She also denied any knowledge of the plan by her husband, Ali Hussein, and two other Iraqi men to execute suicide bombings of the three major hotels. Within days of her marriage to Hussein, Rishawi entered Jordan with her husband but “did not know the reason for the visit,” she told the court. She told the court that when she asked Hussein why, “he told me we are here for few days and we will return to Iraq soon.”
"Now, go ahead and put this girdle on, honey..."
"There's dynamite stiched into it!"
"... and we'll go down to the hotel and you can hop on top of a table and pull this here cord..."
"Hokay. And then what'll happen?"
"It's a surprise."
"Oh. I like surprises."
Posted by: Fred || 07/10/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  I think "6" said it best yesterday:

"arabs lie to themselves, to others, to their olive trees and to their pet rocks."
Posted by: Inspector Clueso || 07/10/2006 3:14 Comments || Top||


Southeast Asia
Bali bombers death date set


THE three Bali bombers on death row will be executed by firing squad at the end of the month, according to the Denpasar prosecutors office.

Burn in Allahs hell

Lawyers for Imam Samudra, 36, Amrozi bin Nurhasyim, 43, and Ali Ghufron, alias Mukhlas, 46, had not lodged expected appeal documents, clearing the way for execution within weeks.
Bali's Denpost newspaper today quoted officials as saying time had run out for the men convicted over the 2002 truck bomb blasts at the Sari Club and Paddy's Bar that killed 202 people, including 88 Australians.

The reported execution timetable could not be immediately confirmed by AAP today.

"We waited, but they have not been lodged," the paper quoted an unidentified official in the prosecutor's office as saying about the three men's appeals.

"It seems that by the end of July – to be exact July 30 – the execution will be done.

"We are just awaiting the orders of the attorney-general's office."

Lawyers for the three had promised to lodge appeals in May, basing their applications on the fact that anti-terrorism laws used to convict them were brought into force after the attacks.

In 2003 Indonesia's constitutional court ruled the use of retroactive legislation was illegal.

Indonesian Attorney-General Abdul Rahman Saleh has ruled the three, who have refused asking for presidential clemency, will be executed on the remote prison island of Nusakambangan off southern Java, dubbed "Indonesia's Alcatraz".

A spokesman for the Attorney-General refused to confirm the execution timetable, saying only that preparations for the firing squad have begun.

"What is clear is that it will be Nusakambangan, but we don't know the exact place yet," he told AAP.

Denpasar prosecutor Wayan Suwila also refused to confirm July 30 for the executions and said authorities might be trying to pressure lawyers to lodge their requests for Supreme Court judicial review, thereby halting the process as the appeals are considered.

"The impact of saying things like that would be too vast," he said.

"Maybe, just maybe, this is a tactic to provoke the lawyers."

The three bombers were moved to Nusakambangan last October on security grounds after Balinese incensed by triple suicide bombings rioted outside their Denpasar prison and demanded their immediate execution.

Balinese community leaders have demanded the trio be executed on the island where they committed their crimes.

Executions in Indonesia are carried out at dawn by hand-picked paramilitary police at a secret location, usually a patch of forest or a beach.

Meanwhile, the radical cleric jailed and later released for giving his blessings to the Bali bombings, Abu Bakar Bashir, is reportedly planning to join one of Indonesia's largest Islamic political parties.

The conservative Partai Persatuan Pembangunan (United Development Party) of former vice president Hamzah Haz has invited Bashir to become a member, the Indo Pos newspaper reported,

"The PPP is a party based on Islam, which is the same path followed by Ustadz (honoured teacher) Abu Bakar Bashir," the party's central Java branch head KH Thoyfoer said.

Bashir was released from jail on June 14 after serving a total of four years, including a sentence for involvement in the first Bali bombings.
Posted by: Oztralian || 07/10/2006 06:01 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Still time for a breakout...
Posted by: Howard UK || 07/10/2006 7:13 Comments || Top||

#2  Pirates of the Celebes Sea! (Is that Johnny Depp on the right?;)
Posted by: Spot || 07/10/2006 8:02 Comments || Top||

#3  ...will be executed on the remote prison island of Nusakambangan off southern Java, dubbed "Indonesia's Alcatraz".

To be redubbed Bangitybang Island.
Posted by: Inspector Clueso || 07/10/2006 10:01 Comments || Top||

#4  Drown them in Liquid Pork fat
Posted by: Bright Pebbles || 07/10/2006 13:36 Comments || Top||

#5  What, no endless appeals? No ACLU? No handwringing liberals? You mean they actually have punishment (gasp)?
Posted by: JohnQC || 07/10/2006 17:36 Comments || Top||


Good morning...
Space Shuttle Cleared to Return HomeMassacre as Shiite gunmen savage Sunni district in BaghdadAbbas sends envoys to talk to MashaalGaza roundup...Prosecutor seeks death penalty for RishawiSupport for Korea resolution fadesNuggets from the Urdu pressWill Murtha’s Iraq stance hinder his re-election bid?
Posted by: Fred || 07/10/2006 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Mom? Is that you?
Posted by: Captain America || 07/10/2006 0:07 Comments || Top||

#2  I gotta catch a train....
Posted by: CrazyFool || 07/10/2006 0:22 Comments || Top||

#3  OK! OK! Martha..

Ya gotta believes me Baby, Can't you see,
I can't help it 'cause Ima weasel.. You Know your the only one I Loves Baby, I need you so much DON'T SHOOT!


Posted by: RD || 07/10/2006 1:10 Comments || Top||

#4  Isn't that the Lionel Lines Blue Train? I'll be back in the smoking car, brandy and cigars, etc. Join me there Helen.
Posted by: Besoeker || 07/10/2006 1:58 Comments || Top||



Who's in the News
86[untagged]

Bookmark
E-Mail Me

The Classics
The O Club
Rantburg Store
The Bloids
The Never-ending Story
Thugburg
Gulf War I
The Way We Were
Bio

Merry-Go-Blog











On Sale now!


A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.

Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.

Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has dominated Mexico for six years.
Click here for more information

Meet the Mods
In no particular order...
Steve White
Seafarious
tu3031
badanov
sherry
ryuge
GolfBravoUSMC
Bright Pebbles
trailing wife
Gloria
Fred
Besoeker
Glenmore
Frank G
3dc
Skidmark

Two weeks of WOT
Mon 2006-07-10
  Shamil breathes dirt!
Sun 2006-07-09
  Hamas gov't calls for halt to fighting
Sat 2006-07-08
  Lebanese Arrested In Connection With New York Plot
Fri 2006-07-07
  Somali Islamists:death for Muslims skipping prayers
Thu 2006-07-06
  UN divided over missile response
Wed 2006-07-05
  Israel destroys Palestinian Interior Ministry building
Tue 2006-07-04
  NKors fire Taepodong fizzle
Mon 2006-07-03
  Paleoterrs issue ultimatum
Sun 2006-07-02
  Binny sez will take fight to America
Sat 2006-07-01
  66 killed in car bombing at Baghdad market
Fri 2006-06-30
  IAF strikes official Gaza buildings
Thu 2006-06-29
  IAF Buzzes Assad's House
Wed 2006-06-28
  Call for UN intervention as Paleoministers seized
Tue 2006-06-27
  Israeli tanks enter Gaza; Hamas signs "deal"
Mon 2006-06-26
  Ventura CA port closed due to terror threat

Better than the average link...



Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
54.162.124.193
Help keep the Burg running! Paypal:
WoT Background (27)    Non-WoT (14)    Opinion (10)    Local News (11)    (0)