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Ninevah Nightmares: 235 die
Today's Headlines
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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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Good morning
Posted by: Fred || 04/28/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  The new girl came ready to barter;
She might even throw in a garter:
"Ma'm'selle Kokopelli
Will fill up your belly!"
They drummed her right out of the Quarter.
Posted by: Zenobia Floger6220 || 04/28/2016 12:04 Comments || Top||

#2  Ma'm'selle Kokopelli went to the Big Rez
Wearing one garter and two tasseled Fez
The Dine' looked askance
A belagana with no pants?
But welcomed her home, The People says.
Posted by: JHH || 04/28/2016 14:28 Comments || Top||


Afghanistan
Talibunnies capture checkpoints in Baghlan province
Taliban captured several police check posts in Dahan-e-Ghori district of northern Baghlan province on Tuesday night and have reportedly surrounded the district.

Baghlan provincial council members accused government of negligence and said that the Taliban have increased their activities in Baghlan and neighboring provinces.

"After the collapse of the check posts in Dahan-e-Ghori, the Taliban have actually expanded their presence and in addition to that there [in Dahan-e-Ghor] there were two important check posts of police that the government has lost [to the Taliban] now," said Besmillah Batash, a member of Baghlan provincial council.

Recently President Ashraf Ghani declared the government's new stance against militants. Many however believe that there has been no change in the fight against insurgents, after the declaration of the stance.

Meanwhile residents of the district warned that the district might fall to the Taliban, if fresh troops are not deployed soon.

"Last night in fighting that took place in Dahan-e-Ghori, the militants captured Shahr-e-Now of Dahan-e-Ghori, Qala-e-Chahar Borja and the school," said Abdul Hafiz, a resident of the district.

"Unfortunately, the routes are closed and there are lots of problems. People are faced with many challenges and most of them have set up tents at the foot of the mountains," said Kamal, another resident of the district.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) meanwhile said that military operations against militants have increased by 15 percent.

"Over the past several days, our operations have increased and we had 15 percent hike in [the number of] operations and suppression of the enemy. One or two days ago, the president ordered security forces to eliminate the Taliban and put pressure on them, so that they will know that they are being followed by Afghan forces to every nook and cranny of Afghanistan," said Sediq Sediqqi, spokesman for the MoI.

Chief of Army Staff Qadam Shah Shahim, speaking at a ceremony to mark 8 Sawr, the 24th victory day of mujahidden against Dr. Najibullah's government, said: "We need political leadership's support in the fight against terrorist groups that no doubt we have that support. We also want continued financial, arms and equipment support of the international community that will help us in our national duty of defending independence of our country."

One resident of Kabul also urged the government to deliver on its promise of bringing security to Afghanistan.

"Every action has a reaction. We should take serious steps in response to terrorist activities of militants that are war and suicide attacks, so as to bring peace. If we are serous against these militants, it will also please our security forces," said Del Aqa Jalali, a Kabul resident.

Another concern with people is the decrease in operations against militants in Helmand. They believe that the Taliban are busy harvesting poppy crops, and that this is a good opportunity for the government to suppress them.
Posted by: badanov || 04/28/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Taliban


Taliban militants disguised as married couple arrested in north of Afghanistan
[Khaama (Afghanistan)] Two key Taliban group Lions of Islam were tossed in the clink
Drop the rosco, Muggsy, or you're one with the ages!
as they were escaping from Dahana-e-Ghori district in northern Baghlan province, disguised as married couple.
"I get to be the girl!"
According to the local security officials, the two Talibs were identified as Mawlavi Jumadin and Qari Juma Khan.
"No, I get to be the girl!"
Provincial security chief Gen. Ewaz Mohammad Nazari confirmed that the two Lions of Islam were involved in insurgency activities and were operating under the leadership of Majeed Akhundzada.
"You always get to be the girl! Why can't I be the girl?"
He said the two Lions of Islam had disguised as a couple and were arrested during a search operation of the Afghan cops.
"Because I got prettier legs!"
Gen. Nazari further added that the Lions of Islam were arrested hours after a shootout between the Lions of Islam and Afghan cops which left 5 Lions of Islam dead.
"You call those hippo hams legs?"
According to Gen. Nazari, the security situation is currently better in Dahana-e-Ghori district.
"At least my ass doesn't take up two camel humps!"
The Talibs group has not commented regarding the report so far which comes amid rampant Taliban-led insurgency since the group announced its spring offensive earlier last week.
"Hussy!"
This is not the first time the Taliban snuffies have been arrested as they had disguised in women’s dress to escape the Afghan cops raids.
"Slut!"
Earlier, a Taliban prisoner disguised in women’s dress and burqa in a bid to break jail in northern Jawzjan province of Afghanistan but was arrested by the security forces before he manage to pass through the final exit gate of the jail.
"Here, cutie! Lemme see that chin! My, but that's hairy! Stick 'em up!"
Posted by: Fred || 04/28/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under: Taliban

#1  "The Odd Couple" - Pashtun version.
Posted by: Pappy || 04/28/2016 17:29 Comments || Top||


Africa Horn
Al shabaab retakes town vacated by AU troops
Armed fighters from the Al-Qaeda linked Al Shabaab have re-seized Janaale town in southern Somalia, after the African Union forces who controlled the town for hours withdrew, residents said on Wednesday. The town is situated in Lower Shabelle region, some 110Km, south-west of Mogadishu.

Residents said that Ugandan troops serving with AMISOM and a unit of SNA abandoned the town and other nearby settlements on Tuesday. Afterwards, gun totting Al-Shabaab militants arrived without meeting resistance.

After Janaale seizure, Al-Shabaab commanders have addressed the local people, and urged them to work with the jihadist movement, according to local residents who spoke to Radio Shabelle by phone.
Or else...
Posted by: Steve White || 04/28/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: al-Shabaab


Africa North
3 conscripts dead, 8 policemen injured in North Sinai roadside bombing
[AlAhram] The bomb detonated on the side of the road as a security vehicle was passing by.

Three conscripts were killed and eight coppers injured on Wednesday when an improvised explosives device went kaboom! in North Sinai’s El-Arish, a source in the governorate’s security directorate told state news agency MENA.

The bomb detonated on the side of the road as a security vehicle was passing by.

The source added that the injured were transferred to El-Arish Military Hospital.
Posted by: trailing wife || 04/28/2016 00:00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis (IS)


17 die in smuggling case
Tripoli, 27 April 2016:

Three alleged Libyan people smugglers, 14 Egyptians and two Syrians have perished in attacks in Bani Walid that started yesterday.

The Libya Herald has been told by Bani Walid councillor Abdulsalam Ajaj that the killings were triggered by a row over money.

“It is clear that the Egyptians failed to pay the smugglers’ fees when they reached the Bani Walid transit point, ” said Ajaj, “The smugglers refused to take them further and forcesd them to stay for a night or two somewhere in the middle of the desert. At some point the migrants grew angry and fought with the three smugglers and murdered them”.

Ajaj said the migrants then drove off in the smugglers’ vehicle. But they were stopped at a police checkpoint and taken to a migrant detention centre in Bani Walid. It was there that they were found by armed relatives of the dead Libyans, said Ajaj, and sixteen of them were killed.

UNSMIL chief Martin Kobler today condemned all the murders. “I strongly deplore these terrible killings” he said, “and call on those with authority on the ground in Bani Walid to ensure that the incidents are investigated and to prevent any further killings”.
Posted by: badanov || 04/28/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Arabia
27 Yemeni soldiers die entering Mukalla
ADEN: At least 27 Yemeni soldiers were killed in a government offensive, backed by Saudi-led forces, which drove Al-Qaeda militants out of a key southeastern city, military officials and medics said Wednesday.

Life, meanwhile, was returning to normal in the port city, residents said.
More than 60 other soldiers were wounded in the operations that began at the weekend and saw government forces recapture Mukalla, the provincial capital of Hadramawt, the officials said. The city had been held by Al-Qaeda for over a year.

Recapturing Mukalla was part of a wider counter-offensive against the extremists launched by pro-government forces last month after a year in which they had focused their firepower on Shiite Houthi rebels who control the capital.

Government troops were backed by special forces from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as coalition air strikes, the Arab coalition said, claiming 800 militants were killed in the offensive.

Life began to return to normal Wednesday in Mukalla, a city of some 200,000 people, as shops and government offices reopened, residents said.
Staff at Mukalla airport and its port also returned to work for the first time since April last year, when militants of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) took over, officials in the city said.
Posted by: badanov || 04/28/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: al-Qaeda in Arabia


Europe
Terror suspect Abdeslam appears in French court after extradition
[CNN] Terror suspect Salah Abdeslam appeared in a Gay Paree courtroom Wednesday but declined to address the charges against him, saying he was exhausted due to his transfer from Belgium earlier in the day.
It's about a four hour drive, and he was relaxing in the passenger seat the entire time. Not to mention it's a trip he's done several times recently. I suspect a ruse.
After Belgium turned the 26-year-old suspect over to French authorities early Wednesday, elite French military police flew him to La Belle France.
Flying makes it a considerably shorter trip, and in the company of the MPs he would have got to skip security, the lucky duck.
He was then handed over to authorities and taken to the Palais de Justice in central Gay Paree to appear before the investigating magistrate, CNN's French affiliate BFM-TV reported.

His next hearing has been set for May 20, according to his French attorney, Frank Berton.

The Belgian-born French citizen, who is charged with participation in terrorist murder and taking part in the activities of a terrorist organization, will be held in solitary confinement under maximum security conditions, French Justice Minister Jean-Jacques Urvoas told news hounds.
Allowing him to relax without stressful distractions...
"A dedicated surveillance team of skilled agents, trained for detention of dangerous individuals, will be in charge of him," he said, according to BFM.

Marcel Duredon, a union representative at Fleury-Merogis Prison in the southern suburbs of Gay Paree, confirmed to CNN that Abdeslam would be held at that institution.

Abdeslam, the only survivor of the group of men accused of carrying out the November 13 attacks in Gay Paree, was Europe's most wanted man before he was captured last month in Brussels after a shootout with Belgian authorities.

Abdeslam's French attorney, Frank Berton, told BFM that his client "won't stay silent" and said he planned to mount a "defense based on explanation."

"Obviously the line of defense will be to explain things, especially his rather fast radicalization, to explain his acts, what happened moments before the Bataclan attack, what happened at the Stade de La Belle France," he said, referring to two targets in the Gay Paree attacks.

"He has to tell us about his journey and his role."

Abdeslam had to be judged "for what he did, not for what he didn't do," Berton said.

"He has to be judged for what he did, and not for what he represents as the last survivor. He shouldn't carry the burden of acts which are not his."

Sven Mary, Salah Abdeslam's Belgian lawyer, downplayed his client's alleged role in the terror attacks, describing Abdeslam as "more of a follower than leader" and as "smart as an empty ashtray," according to Libération newspaper.

Aline Le Bail-Kremer, a spokeswoman for the French Association of Victims of Terrorism whose cousin was among those killed in Gay Paree, said the extradition was "very important and very emotional."

She said families were desperate for answers, but there was also "a strong risk of disappointment." While Abdeslam has claimed he's prepared to talk, they have doubts about how honest his account will be, she said.

Seeing justice take its course was the most important thing, she said.

"It's a necessary step to continue an essential work of mourning."

Samia Maktouf, a lawyer for the families of 16 of the 130 attack victims, echoed her views.

"It is a first step to knowing the truth. Today, the families are looking to know what happened on November 13, and even though we don't trust Salah Abdeslam to tell the truth, we're still hoping," she said. "It's a kind of relief for them to know he's here."

Last week, Belgian authorities charged Abdeslam with attempted murder over a shootout with police in Brussels days before his capture.

Four coppers were maimed in the March 15 shootout in the Brussels suburb of Forest.

The runaway was captured three days later in Molenbeek, another district of the Belgian capital, in a shootout during which he was shot in the leg.

It ended his four months on the run. Four days later, a terror cell struck at the Brussels Airport and a metro station in the city, killing 32 people.

Investigators have said the same ISIS network carried out the Gay Paree and Brussels attacks.

Abdeslam was born in Brussels and lived there before the Gay Paree attacks.
Posted by: Fred || 04/28/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Islamic State


The Grand Turk
Suicide bomb attack in Turkey's Bursa wounds 13
A woman splodydope suicide bomber detonated herself on April 27 in the Marmara province of Bursa, wounding thirteen people, according to officials. The attack occurred at around 5.25 p.m. near the Ulu Cami, a mosque which is at the center of the province.

“According to initial examinations, seven people were wounded and transferred to nearby health institutions,” The Bursa Governor’s Office has stated.

It also added that examinations of the security forces on the attack were ongoing. Firefighters and health teams were deployed to the scene following the attack as shops nearby were damaged.

Health Minister Mehmet Müezzinoğlu said that thirteen people were wounded in the attack and their condition was not critical.

Turkey has faced consecutive suicide bomb attack organized by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in recent months.
Posted by: Steve White || 04/28/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


India-Pakistan
2 die in Panjgur district
[Dawn] GWADAR: Two suspected militants were killed and another was wounded in an operation carried out by security forces in the mountainous area of Prome in Panjgur district on Tuesday. A helicopter provided cover to the forces conducting the operation.

According to sources, an intelligence agency infor­med security forces about the existence in Kanti Klug area of a camp being run by the banned Baloch Republican Army.

Security forces started the operation which led to a gunbattle between troops and militants, an official said.

During the exchange of fire lasting several hours, two suspected militants were killed and another was wounded and taken into custody.

Arms and ammunition, including three Kalash­ni­kovs, five 7mm rifles, hundreds of live rounds and two pistols and wireless sets and motorcycles were seized from the camp which was destroyed by security forces. The arrested suspect is being interrogated by special investigation teams.
Posted by: badanov || 04/28/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Iraq
"I've been shot!': A bumbling ISIS fighter's final moments
Not exactly "Band of Brothers"
Posted by: Frank G || 04/28/2016 11:54 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Islamic State

#1  I love a happy ending.
Posted by: DarthVader || 04/28/2016 12:18 Comments || Top||

#2  I'd expect even the Call of Duty kids could do better. Wow, everything just shoved in, no organization, nothing proper to to hand and I'm amazed their little pipe bomb launcher didn't kill them all.
Posted by: Silentbrick || 04/28/2016 12:25 Comments || Top||

#3  Abu Abdullah, you blockhead.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 04/28/2016 13:07 Comments || Top||

#4  I couldn't tell. Was Abu Abdullah the idiot or the moron?
Posted by: gorb || 04/28/2016 17:52 Comments || Top||

#5  It was either Abu, or his other brother Abu.
Posted by: SteveS || 04/28/2016 18:07 Comments || Top||

#6  It could have been Mohammed, Mamoud, or Moe.
Posted by: Bigfoot Stalin7808 || 04/28/2016 18:10 Comments || Top||

#7  Combat sucks. If you already suck, square the suck.
Posted by: Whiskey Mike || 04/28/2016 22:29 Comments || Top||


8 ISIS troops die in airstrikes in Salahudddin
(IraqiNews.com) Salahuddin – Media officials with the Ministry of Defense announced on Wednesday the killing of eight ISIS elements, including two suicide bombers, during an aerial bombardment northwest of Thurthar.

The officials said in a statement obtained by IraqiNews.com, “The Iraqi Army Aviation conducted an aerial strike resulting in the destruction of a booby-trapped vehicle, carrying two suicide bombers, northwest of Thurthar,” adding also that, “Two booby-trapped vehicles were destroyed in the same area, resulting in the death of six ISIS elements that were inside them.”
Posted by: badanov || 04/28/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Islamic State


Iraqi forces seize munitions cache in Diyala
(IraqiNews.com) Diyali – On Wednesday, Diyali Police Command announced seizing a cache of weapons during a raid operation east of Baqubah.

The spokesperson for Diyali Police, Colonel. Ghaleb al-Atiyah, said in a statement obtained by IraqiNews.com, “Security forces belonging to the Emergency Police conducted raid operations in the village of al-Abaa on the border with Ashbiliya near the vicinity of Mandeli (90 km east of Baqubah),” noting that, “[The operations] resulted in the seizure of a cache of gear containing two mortar shells and two Katyusha rockets.”

“The operation was based on accurate intelligence,” he also added.
Posted by: badanov || 04/28/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Ninevah Nightmares: 235 die
35 ISIS troops die in artillery strike

(IraqiNews.com) Nineveh – On Wednesday, a source in Nineveh Liberation Operations Command announced killing 35 ISIS fighters in an artillery shelling targeted their gathering south of Mosul (405 km north of Baghdad).

The source said in a statement followed by IraqiNews.com, “A force from Nineveh Liberation Operations Command shelled a gathering belonging to ISIS in Khayata village in Qayyara District (60 km south of Mosul), killing 35 ISIS militants.”

The source, who requested anonymity, added, “The security forces continue to target ISIS headquarters in Qayyara District.”

200 Bad Guys die near Qayyarah District

(IraqiNews.com) Nineveh – On Wednesday, Nineveh Liberation Operations Command announced liberating an “important” village in eastern Qayyarah District south of Mosul, while indicated to the death of 200 ISIS militants.

The Command said in a statement received by IraqiNews.com, “The 15th brigade of Nineveh Operations Command started to cleanse al-Mahana village in eastern Qayyarah from the ISIS gangs,” adding that, “The precise air strikes and artillery bombardment that lasted for more than 30 minutes, resulted in the killing of more than 200 ISIS militants, as well as destroying four car bombs and four rocket launchers.”

The statement continued, “The security forces managed to liberate al-Mahana village completely.”
Posted by: badanov || 04/28/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under: Islamic State


Anbar Antics: 36 die

17 ISIS Bad Guys die in airstrike in Heet

(IraqiNews.com) Anbar – The leadership of al-Jazeera and al-Badiya Operations in Anbar Province announced on Wednesday, that 14 ISIS fighters including three snipers were killed in an aerial bombardment conducted by the international coalition aviation in western Heet.

The commander of al-Jazeera and al-Badiya Operations, Maj. Gen. Ali Ibrahim Dabon, said in a press statement followed by IraqiNews.com, “This morning the international coalition aircraft bombed ISIS gathering in the southern axis of al-Doulab area in western Heet District, killing 14 ISIS militants, including three snipers.”

Dabon added, “The air raid also resulted in the destruction of a weapons and missiles cache, as well as detonating a car bomb.”

ISIS rocket artillery hits residences near Ramadi

(IraqiNews.com) Anbar – The leadership of al-Hashed al-Shaabi in Anbar Province announced on Wednesday, that the so-called ISIS bombed a residential compound in Baghdadi District west of Ramadi with 50 Katyusha rockets, while pointed out that the bombing resulted in casualties.

The intelligence officer of al-Somoud brigade in al-Hashed al-Shaabi Nazim Aljughaifi said in a press statement obtained by IraqiNews.com, “ISIS launched 50 Katyusha rockets on a residential compound in al-Baghdadi west of Ramadi,” noting that, “The preliminary information indicated that the shelling had resulted in casualties.”

Noteworthy, Joint Operations Command announced in 28th of December 2015 the liberation of the city of Ramadi in Anbar Province from the ISIS control, while raised the Iraqi flag over its government building.

19 ISIS troops die in airstrikes near al-Doulab

(IraqiNews.com) Anbar – On Wednesday, a source in the army’s 7th brigade announced, that 19 ISIS members were killed and others were wounded in an air strike carried out by the US-led coalition west of Ramadi.

The source said in a statement obtained by IraqiNews.com, “The international coalition aviation backed by the army’s 7th brigade managed to bombard three ISIS gatherings in al-Doulab area west of Heet (70 km west of Ramadi).”

The source, who requested anonymity, added, “The bombardment resulted in the killing of 19 ISIS members, as well as wounding others.”
Posted by: badanov || 04/28/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Islamic State


Baghdad bomb and Bullet Bulletin: 3 die

1 dead in bombing in western Baghdad

(IraqiNews.com) Baghdad – A source in the Iraqi Ministry of Interior announced on Wednesday, that eight people had been either killed or wounded in a bomb blast in western Baghdad.

The source said in a statement followed by IraqiNews.com, “This morning, a bomb exploded near a fruits and vegetables market in Amiriya area in western Baghdad, killing one person and wounding seven others.”

The source, who asked anonymity, added, “A security force rushed to the area and transferred the wounded to a nearby hospital for treatment and the dead body to the forensic medicine department, while cordoned off the area of the incident and barred approaching it.”

1 soldier dies in sniper attack

(IraqiNews.com) Baghdad – A source in the Ministry of Interior announced on Wednesday, that one soldier was killed and other one was wounded by a sniper fire in southern Baghdad.

The source said in a statement followed by IraqiNews.com, “This afternoon, a sniper targeted an army checkpoint in Arab Jabour area in southern Baghdad, killing one soldier and wounding one another.”

The source, who asked anonymity, added, “A security force rushed to the area and transferred the injured to a nearby hospital to receive treatment and the dead body to the forensic medicine department, while carried out a raid to search for the perpetrators.”

1 dead in bomb attack in southeast Baghdad

(IraqiNews.com) Baghdad – A source in the Iraqi Ministry of Interior announced on Wednesday, that 11 people had been either killed or wounded in a bomb blast southeast of Baghdad.

The source reported for IraqiNews.com, “This evening, a bomb exploded near a popular cafe in al-Kargholiya village in Nahrawan District southeast of Baghdad, killing one person and injuring ten others.”

The source, who asked anonymity, added, “A security force rushed to the area and transferred the wounded to a nearby hospital for treatment and the dead body to the forensic medicine department, while cordoned off the area of the incident and barred approaching it.”
Posted by: badanov || 04/28/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Israel-Palestine-Jordan
IDF arrests 2 Palestinians suspected of instigating violence
[IsraelTimes] Israeli army forces operating in the West Bank tossed in the slammer
Please don't kill me!
overnight two Paleostinians suspected of instigating riots and carrying out violent acts against Israeli civilians and security forces, the IDF said Wednesday.

One of the men was arrested in the West Bank city of Qalqilya, while the other was apprehended northeast of Hebron. The two were transferred to a security facility for interrogation.

In a separate operation on Wednesday, IDF soldiers discovered hidden ammunition and weapon parts during a raid in the West Bank village of Si’ir, north of Hebron. The ammunition and weapon parts were taken to a security facility for further examination.

On Tuesday, three Paleostinians from Nablus suspected of plotting a terrorist attack against Israelis were arrested overnight in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Jabel Mukaber, the Shin Bet security agency said. The joint police and Shin Bet sting operation nabbed the three, who were allegedly planning a terror attack in Jerusalem over the Passover holiday.

The Shin Bet said that the three had no weapons on their persons at the time of their arrest, but "expressed the intention to carry out a terror attack in the immediate future."

The three were all residents of the West Bank city of Nablus, but were located in an East Jerusalem apartment at the time of their arrest. It was not immediately clear if they were simply passing through the Jabel Mukaber neighborhood or had been illegally living there for some time. The suspects reportedly did not have an arrest record nor were they known members of a terrorist organization.
Posted by: trailing wife || 04/28/2016 00:00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Paleo siblings attack border guards, are shot dead
[IsraelTimes] Officers on scene shoot woman and her brother at flashpoint Qalandiya crossing in West Bank; man also found.

A Paleostinian woman and young man attacked border guards with a knife at the Qalandiya crossing in the West Bank on Wednesday, police said, and were bumped off by forces on the scene.

No Israeli forces were maimed in the incident, but the two assailants were killed in the attempted assault at the Qalandiya checkpoint, police said.

The man and woman, who were identified later as a sister and brother, arrived at the crossing and began walking towards the Border Police officers stationed at the checkpoint, which lies just south of Ramallah, a police spokesperson said.

"The officers called them to stop a number of times," according to a police statement.

Initially, the couple did stop and started walking away, but "suddenly" the two turned around, and the woman took a kitchen knife out of her purse. The Arab woman then "approached Border Police officers in guard posts with a knife in her hand," police said.

When she got closer, the woman "threw [the knife] directly at an officer, who was unharmed," police said.

"The officers and security guards worked quickly and shot at the terrorists, neutralizing them," a spokesperson said.

A butcher’s knife and a Leatherman-style multi-tool were also recovered from the man’s belt, police said.

The female assailant was identified as 23-year-old Maram Salih Hassan Abu Ismail, based on an ID card found at the scene. The male attacker was later identified as Ibrahim Saleh Taha, 16, her brother. Both were said to be residents of Surif, a village in the central West Bank.

Qalandiya and the adjacent crossing between the West Bank and Israel have been frequent hotspots of conflict in the recent wave of violence that has rocked Israel since September.

Last week, IDF troops clashed with Paleostinian residents of the city while carrying out a demolition order for the home of a terrorist who killed 23-year-old Shlomit Krigman in a January attack. Two soldiers were lightly injured in the scuffle when rocks were thrown at troops.
Posted by: trailing wife || 04/28/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Good. Yank that family tree out by the roots
Posted by: Frank G || 04/28/2016 8:47 Comments || Top||

#2  Wait a minute. She threw her knife at the guard and THEN he shot her? So strictly speaking, the guard shot an unarmed woman.

I'm surprised the headline didn't emphasize tis.
/sarcasm
Posted by: Rambler in Virginia || 04/28/2016 9:57 Comments || Top||


Southeast Asia
Three killed in clash with Maoist militants
[Inquirer] Three people were killed in a clash between troops and communist militants in a remote area of Davao del Sur on Monday. Police chief Robert Caraoa said soldiers were conducting foot patrol in Barangay Astorga when they encountered New People's Army militants under Commander Jasmin of the Front Committee 51. A militant, a soldier, and a civilian were killed in the battle.
Posted by: ryuge || 04/28/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Commies


Philippine president says Abu Sayyaf plotted to kill him
[Gulf Today] The Philippine president said on Wednesday that Abu Sayyaf rebels may have plotted to kill him and kidnap boxing star Manny Pacquiao. President Benigno Aquino III said the insurgents also wanted to explode bombs in metropolitan Manila to try to get funding from the Daesh group but the plans were uncovered and troops have reduced the militants ability to inflict harm.

Aquino promised "to devote all my energies" to ensure that the rebels would be "at the very least ... a very seriously degraded problem" for his successor.

Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the hostage beheading, a senior military officer who led operations against Abu Sayyaf has been relieved of his command. Military spokesman Restituto Padilla announced the removal of Brigadier General Alan Arrojado as the commander of the Army’s 501st Brigade based on Midanao's island province of Sulu.

Padilla insisted that Arrojado's removal was not connected with the killing of Canadian national John Ridsdel whose decapitated head contained in a plastic bag was thrown by two motorcycle-riding men near the provincial capitol building in the town of Jolo, Sulu late on Monday night. He said that Arrojado has "overstayed" in his position, explaining that he had remained as the 501st Brigade commander for over two years.

Helped by helicopter gunships, the military continued their operation against the Abu Sayyaf with "no let-up" on orders of President Aquino until the Ridsdel killers have been arrested. Reliable sources said that Philippine security forces faced a dilemma because, in the ongoing campaign, they have to consider the safety of more than twenty people held hostage by the militants.

Earlier, Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau who condemned Ridsdel's beheading as a "cold-blooded murder" confirmed that he continues to hold talks with Aquino on the possibility of co-operation in going after the killers. Trudeau said, "The discussions I had with President Aquino and are continuing to have with our allies in the Philippines is the need to bring these criminals to justice and to do whatever we can to express that we are very concerned about the security of Canadians. But, at the same time, we will not pay ransom."
Posted by: ryuge || 04/28/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Abu Sayyaf


Two bombs injure 13 in southern Thailand
[Bangkok Post] Two bombs hidden in motorcycles wounded 13 people in Narathiwat province on Monday while two rubber traders were killed in a gun battle in Yala province as violence continued across Thailand's far South.

In Narathiwat, one bomb detonated near the Muang district police station and the other exploded in front of a shop, as bomb-ordnance officers sealed off the areas. Police said 13 people were injured, including five police officers and a young girl.

An eyewitness said he saw a man parking a motorbike in front of his house before leaving on another motorcycle. He said he called police, but the bomb went off a minute later. The two explosions occurred only a minute apart.

Elsewhere, two rubber wood traders were killed in a gun attack in Yala's Muang district Monday morning. As the victims were delivering rubber-tree timber to a school, they were followed by a group of men in a pickup truck. While overtaking the jeep, the men in the truck opened fire at the traders, causing them to lose control and skid off the road, hitting a power pole. The two were riddled with bullets and died at the scene.
Posted by: ryuge || 04/28/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Thai Insurgency


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
U.S. Kills ISIS Operatives Linked to Europe Attacks
[Daily Beest] As the self-proclaimed Islamic State trumpets its global terrorist campaign, U.S. special operations forces have quietly killed more than three dozen key ISIS operatives blamed for plotting deadly attacks in Europe and beyond.

Defense officials tell The Daily Beast that U.S. special operators have killed 40 "external operations leaders, planners, and facilitators" blamed for instigating, wplotting, or funding ISIS’s attacks from Brussels and Paris to Egypt and Africa.

That's less than half the overall number of ISIS targets that special operators have taken off the battlefield, one official explained, including top leaders like purported ISIS second-in-command Haji Imam, killed in March.

The previously unpublished number provides a rare glimpse into the U.S. counterterrorist mission that is woven into overall coalition efforts to defeat ISIS, and which is credited with crippling ISIS efforts to recruit foreign fighters and carry out more plots like the deadly assault on Paris that killed 130 last fall.

As proof of the campaign's overall success, Pentagon officials this week said the influx of foreign fighters into Iraq and Syria had dropped from up to 2,000 a month last year to just 200, and the overall size of ISIS from a high estimate of 33,000 a year ago to between 19,000 to 25,000 fighters.

The U.S. strikes have picked up pace since Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced the deployment of special operations forces to northern Iraq last December, under the unwieldy moniker of "Expeditionary Targeting Force," the officials said. The spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to describe the special operations mission publicly.

The officials expect that tempo to rise as the newly expanded special operations advising team inside Syria also grows from 50 to up to 300, as President Obama announced in Germany on Monday.
Posted by: Besoeker || 04/28/2016 04:36 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Islamic State

#1  I wonder when they will begin reporting the domestic exterminations? Anybody think we'll see a pre-election cleanup surge? I expected more when they up-armored local police.
Posted by: Skidmark || 04/28/2016 10:02 Comments || Top||


Syrian rebel factions slug it out in Aleppo
[ARA News] ALEPPO – Battles renewed between the western-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Islamist rebels in Syria’s northern province of Aleppo, during which heavy weapons have been used, local sources reported on Wednesday.

Activists and military sources confirmed that casualties on both sides amid progress by Islamists on several fighting fronts.

Speaking to ARA News, media activist Walid al-Sheikh, based in the town of Sheikh Issa in Aleppo province, said that the Islamist factions of Ahrar al-Sham and the Levant Corps along with other Islamist groups launched a major offensive on positions for the SDF forces on the outskirts of the towns Tell Rifaat and Ain Daqna where both sides exchanged mortar shelling and local-made artillery.

Al-Sheihk pointed out that the rebel groups also launched an offensive on al-Burad area, taking control of the town of Ain Daqna after clashes with the SDF.

“Islamist rebels seek to take control of al-Bailouniya hill which overlooks the town of Tell Rifaat,” the source told ARA News, pointing out the battles continue amid attempts by Islamists to storm the SDF-held town of Tell Rifaat.

In the meantime, the SDF leadership accused the Islamist rebels of trying to open the way before the radical group of Islamic State (ISIS) to advance in the region at the expense of the Kurdish-Arab alliance [SDF].

“There is a hidden agreement between ISIS and al-Qaeda-offshoot al-Nusra Front pushing ISIS towards areas held by the SDF affiliated group of al-Thuwar Army (Jaish al-Thuwar) after Islamist rebels delivered areas to ISIS,” Munir Nasser, a fighter in the SDF ranks, told ARA News.

“Islamist rebels asked civilians to move to the stable areas in northern Aleppo, while the Nusra Front’s leadership has tactically decided to deliver the towns of Marea and Azaz to ISIS,” a rebel spokesman from al-Thuwar Army said in a statement on Wednesday.

Two weeks ago, the SDF forces tried to break into the town of Sheikh Issa adjacent to the town of Marea in northern Aleppo, but the Islamist rebels were able to deter the offensive, forcing the SDF fighters to retreat towards the town of Tell Rifaat.

However, after the Kurdish forces and SDF allies have cut off the Azaz-Tel Rafaat road subsequent to fierce clashes with militants of Nusra Front and the Islamic Movement Ahrar al-Sham, “the SDF became able to make larger gains against the Islamists in the northern countryside of Aleppo,” according to Kurdish military sources.
Posted by: badanov || 04/28/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Salafists


ISIS troops take more villages in northern Syria
[ARA News] ALEPPO – Subsequent to fierce clashes with Syrian rebel groups, militant fighters of the Islamic State (ISIS) were able to seize control of several areas in the northern province of Aleppo, killing a number of rebels during the fighting, local and military sources reported on Wednesday.

Local activists confirmed that ISIS has been attempting to regain the villages and towns that have recently fallen to the rebels.

Speaking to ARA News in Aleppo, rebel spokesman Saleh al-Zein said that ISIS terrorists carried out Wednesday a major offensive on the villages and towns fell to rebel groups during the past few days in Aleppo suburbs.

“The terror group has taken over the towns and villages of Dudyan, Yahmoul, Jarez, Telil al-Hisin and al-Fayrouziya on the Syria-Turkey borderline following rebels’ withdrawal due to the ISIS-led intensified rocket fire on their headquarters in the area,” al-Zein reported.

The source pointed out that ISIS carried out two car bomb attacks on the entrance of the Dudyan town and in the vicinity of Tel Hussein village, causing the rebels heavy losses in manpower and equipment.

“Backed by Turkish artillery bombardment, rebel groups of the Sham Corps and the 1st regiment Squad and the Sultan Murad Brigade responded to the ISIS-led offensive, targeting the group’s strongholds in the areas surrounding the strategic towns of al-Raee, Qasajik, al-Bal and Dudyan with mortars and hell cannons, causing direct injuries among ISIS ranks,” al-Zein told ARA News.

However, ISIS jihadis were able to advance in the region despite the Turkish bombardment on the group’s locations near the Syrian-Turkish border.

ARA News could not verify the death toll among ISIS insurgents.

Two weeks ago, ISIS was able to seize control of the strategic town of al-Raee in northern Aleppo subsequent to fierce battles with rebel fighters.

If Syrian rebels were able to capture the villages of Soran, Ahtimlat and Doabak, they could easily fortify their presence in Aleppo province, which may lead to retaking the strategic town of al-Raee from ISIS on the Turkish-Syrian border, according to military sources.

Rebel factions are now launching hit and run attacks on ISIS militants in the key town al-Raee, amid continuous attempts to cut the group’s supply lines in the bordering towns with Turkey.
Posted by: badanov || 04/28/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Islamic State


ISIS troops hit Syrian rebels with chemical weapons
[ARA News] HASAKAH – At least 15 fighters from the western-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were wounded on Tuesday in a chemical attack by the radical group of Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria’s northeastern province of Hasakah, medical sources reported on Wednesday.

The SDF leadership confirmed that several shells containing chemicals dropped on their positions in the vicinity of Shaddadi city [60 km south of Hasakah city] northeastern Syria.

The SDF Media Centre issued Wednesday a statement, obtained by ARA News, saying: “On April 26, ISIS terrorists pounded our fighters’ positions in the Taqa village near Shaddadi with mortar shells containing toxic chemicals.”

“15 fighters of the SDF have been injured and suffered suffocation by toxic gases,” the SDF leadership added.

A Medical source in Hasakah told ARA News that investigations confirmed the SDF fighters have been exposed to an attack by chemical agents.

The SDF forces include the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) along with Arab and Christian groups. Backed by the U.S.-led coalition, the SDF alliance is mainly focused on fighting ISIS, al-Qaeda and other Islamist groups in northern Syria.

The hardline group has used chemical weapons in earlier attacks against the Kurdish forces of the YPG in Syria and the Peshmerga in northern Iraq.
Posted by: badanov || 04/28/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Islamic State


Russian warplanes attack Syria field hospital, kill 30
[AA.TR] At least 30 people were killed and 62 others were maimed Wednesday when a Russian warplane targeted a field hospital in Aleppo’s al-Sokkari neighborhood, a civil defense official said.

Ibrahim Hajj Ibrahim, a civil defense official in Aleppo, told Anadolu Agency that the attack on Quds hospital left scores dead and injured, including medical staff, women and kiddies. He feared the corpse count may rise further.

Ibrahim added that the rescue teams who rushed to the attacked hospital were also targeted in another air raid.

On Tuesday, at least 18 people were killed and more than a dozen others injured in Russian Arclight airstrikes in Syria’s northern Aleppo province, according to a Syrian civil defense official.
Posted by: Fred || 04/28/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Govt of Syria

#1  Queue the HRW and International Outrage™ in 5...4...3..

nevermind, it wasn't us, so
*crickets chirping*
Posted by: Frank G || 04/28/2016 8:49 Comments || Top||

#2  Women and kiddies at a Quds field hospital?

Color me skeptical. Possibly human shields...
Posted by: CrazyFool || 04/28/2016 9:11 Comments || Top||

#3  Great demonstration of the differential strategy.

Surgical 'knock first' strategic targeting to minimize collateral damage supporting COIN vs. open strikes against soft targets.
Posted by: Skidmark || 04/28/2016 10:10 Comments || Top||



Who's in the News
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Two weeks of WOT
Thu 2016-04-28
  Ninevah Nightmares: 235 die
Wed 2016-04-27
  Turkish artillery shells missile launchers, kills 11 ISIL militants
Tue 2016-04-26
  Islamist militants behead Canadian man in Philippines
Mon 2016-04-25
  Top Taliban leader killed in a special military operation in north of Afghanistan
Sun 2016-04-24
  Islamist militants suspected in slaying of professor in Bangladesh
Sat 2016-04-23
  Mali arrests suspected criminal mastermind of hotel terror attack
Fri 2016-04-22
  U.S. Ups Pressure on IS with first B-52 Bomber Strike
Thu 2016-04-21
  Taliban military commission chief killed in Afghan intelligence operatives raid
Wed 2016-04-20
  Chotoo gang surrenders to Army, releases hostages
Tue 2016-04-19
  Hundreds wounded in Kabul suicide attack
Mon 2016-04-18
  Ivory Coast Attacks 'Number Two' Arrested in Mali
Sun 2016-04-17
  Dozens of Hezbollah militants 'accidentally' killed in chemical attack
Sat 2016-04-16
  UK police arrest 5 in terror probe
Fri 2016-04-15
  Sharia police preacher faces terrorism charges
Thu 2016-04-14
  SSS announces arrest of another ‘top Boko Haram terrorist’

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