Hi there, !
Today Sun 12/04/2016 Sat 12/03/2016 Fri 12/02/2016 Thu 12/01/2016 Wed 11/30/2016 Tue 11/29/2016 Mon 11/28/2016 Archives
Rantburg
531692 articles and 1855967 comments are archived on Rantburg.

Today: 63 articles and 185 comments as of 12:38.
Post a news link    Post your own article   
Area: WoT Background    Non-WoT    Opinion        Politix   
'IS-linked' Ohio university attacker lived in Pakistan for 7 years: NYT
Today's Headlines
Headline Comments [Views]
Page 1: WoT Operations
1 20:21 Skidmark [] 
3 17:08 Pappy [] 
0 [] 
3 16:17 swksvolFF [] 
0 [] 
0 [] 
0 [] 
0 [2] 
0 [] 
0 [2] 
0 [] 
0 [] 
0 [] 
0 [] 
0 [] 
0 [1] 
0 [1] 
2 17:11 Pappy [] 
3 15:16 Bobby [] 
0 [] 
0 [] 
0 [] 
0 [] 
0 [] 
Page 2: WoT Background
7 22:34 newc []
0 []
0 []
0 []
2 08:26 Procopius2k []
0 []
10 20:21 Pappy []
0 []
Page 3: Non-WoT
6 22:21 Barbara []
1 18:44 Procopius2k []
3 18:43 Procopius2k []
4 16:59 swksvolFF [1]
0 [1]
2 19:26 mossomo []
11 23:27 gorb [1]
4 14:45 Frank G []
5 23:28 gorb []
2 10:40 Skidmark []
8 23:46 KBK []
0 []
1 04:54 M. Murcek []
14 20:30 AlanC [2]
0 []
0 []
2 09:10 Frank G []
6 15:31 Barbara []
10 21:44 james [1]
1 02:46 Fluper Click1940 []
3 16:46 Raj [1]
Page 4: Opinion
13 22:38 newc [1]
3 13:36 Vast Right Wing Conspiracy []
0 []
Page 6: Politix
1 20:35 AlanC []
1 16:42 Raj []
6 15:43 Pappy []
7 13:27 Frank G []
23 23:56 KBK []
9 21:43 Procopius2k [1]
8 23:44 gorb []
Good evening
Posted by: Fred || 12/01/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  We know curtains are not our friends.
Sometimes it's because of what they conceal,
other times because of what they reveal.
Posted by: Skidmark || 12/01/2016 20:21 Comments || Top||


-War on Police-
Gunman dead after shooting that killed Washington police officer
[FOXNEWS] A Washington police officer died late Wednesday after being shot several times while responding to a domestic violence call, officials said, adding that the suspect was shot and killed after an 11-hour standoff.

Police said rescuers freed a girl and boy who the unidentified gunman had used as human shields inside the home where he was holed up.

The killer was shot at approximately 3:30 a.m. Thursday, Pierce County Sheriff's Department front man Ed Troyer said, adding that the gunman refused to surrender during negotiations.

The male officer, who has not been named, was shot with a gun inside the home. The officer was pronounced dead at 9:13 p.m. local time after undergoing emergency surgery at Tacoma General Hospital.

He was the 132nd officer to die in the line of duty this year, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. More than 60 of the 132 were shot to death. At least eight were responding to reports of domestic disturbances.
Posted by: Fred || 12/01/2016 12:34 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Versus how many killed in the military, I wonder?
Posted by: Bobby || 12/01/2016 13:12 Comments || Top||

#2 
From local news

"We negotiated through the night. Negotiations failed. We went in. Took one of the kids when we had a chance and (the suspect) grabbed the other kid. One of our officers felt he had a shot. He took it," said Det. Ed Troyer, Pierce County Sheriff's Department spokesman.

There was a procession and people and officers lining the streets when the officers body was transported from the Hospital to the Morgue during the night.

About a hundred people came to honor the fallen officer during a procession that left the hospital and went to the medical examiner's office. There was also a large police presence at Tacoma General Hospital, and a chaplain arrived several hours after the officer was transported for surgery.
Posted by: CrazyFool || 12/01/2016 13:22 Comments || Top||

#3  Versushow many killed in the military, I wonder?

Based on quick numbers crunching, military deaths from KIA and homicides from 1996 to 2015 average around .1% of total personnel. I don't have numbers for law enforcement.
Posted by: Pappy || 12/01/2016 17:08 Comments || Top||


Afghanistan
Militant involved in rocket attack on Bagram airfield arrested
[Khaama (Afghanistan)] A Taliban bully boy involved in rocket attack on Bagram airfield was jugged
Keep yer hands where we can see 'em, if yez please!
by the Afghan intelligence operatives.

The Afghan intelligence, National Directorate of Security
...the Afghan national intel agency...
(NDS), said the suspect has been identified as Maruf son of Taj Mohammad and was involved in various terrorist activities including rocket attack on the largest US base in Bagram.

NDS further added that Rauf is the brother of Mawlavi Bashir, the former shadow deputy governor of the Taliban for Parwan.

The Afghan intelligence operatives confiscated 3 mortar rounds, 2 BM1 rockets, and 5 rounds of RPG7 rockets from the detained krazed killer, NDS said.
Posted by: Fred || 12/01/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under: Taliban


ISIS militants suffer heavy casualties in Afghan forces operations
[Khaama (Afghanistan)] The loyalists of the Islamic State
...formerly ISIS or ISIL, depending on your preference. Before that al-Qaeda in Iraq, as shaped by Abu Musab Zarqawi. They're very devout, committing every atrocity they can find in the Koran and inventing a few more. They fling Allah around with every other sentence, but to hear the pols talk they're not really Moslems....
of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group suffered heavy casualties during the ongoing operations in eastern Nangarhar
The unfortunate Afghan province located adjacent to Mohmand, Kurram, and Khyber Agencies. The capital is Jalalabad. The province was the fief of Younus Khalis after the Soviets departed and one of his sons is the current provincial Taliban commander. Nangarhar is Haqqani country..
province of Afghanistan.

The provincial police commandment said the murderous Moslems suffered casualties during the operations in Pacher Agam district as the Afghan forces raided the hideouts of the terror group in Kargar Khel, Azar Khel, and Musa Khel areas.

The provincial security officials further added that the dead bodies of at least 8 of the murderous Moslems were left in the area besides several weapons were confiscated by the Afghan forces.

This comes as the Ministry of Interior (MoI) said Tuesday at least 25 loyalists of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group were killed during the joint military operations of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF).

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) said "Afghan National Defense and Security Forces launched a joint clearance operation in the Pachiragam district of eastern Nangarhar province."

The statement further added "As a result of this joint operation, 21 ISIS bad boyz were potted and 11 other ISIS hard boyz were maimed."

The clearance operation still continues in insecure villages of Pachiragam district, MoI said, adding that four ISIS bad boyz were potted during an air raid in the Ghazi Khil village, Pachiragam district of eastern Nangarhar province.

Posted by: Fred || 12/01/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Islamic State


162 arrested in Kabul over murder and other criminal activities
[Khaama (Afghanistan)] At least 162 individuals were tossed in the calaboose
Yez got nuttin' on me, coppers! Nuttin'!
in connection to murder and other criminal activities in capital Kabul
...the capital of Afghanistan. Home to continuous fighting from 1992 to 1996 between the forces of would-be strongman and Pak ISI/Jamaat-e-Islami sock puppet Gulbuddin Hekmayar and the Northern Alliance, a period which won Hek the title Most Evil Man in the World and didn't do much for the reputations of the Northern Alliance guys either....
, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) said.

The suspects were arrested during the operations of the police forces in the past two weeks.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) said at least 4 people were arrested in connection to two separate armed robbery cases and 27 others were held in connection to 15 various robbery incidents.

MoI further added that 4 suspects were arrested in connection to 8 murder incidents while 23 suspects were arrested over smuggling and sale of illicit drugs.

Seven more people were arrested over land grabbing, 2 suspects were held over kidnapping charges, and 2 more individuals were arrested for attempted murder and threatening the capital residents to death.

According to MoI, 2 individuals were arrested over rape charges, 3 were held over looting, and 7 others were arrested over 5 different violent incidents involving the beating of individuals.

The ministry also added that 88 others were arrested over various other criminal activities including pick pocketing, smuggling and trade of alcoholic beverages, and forgery.

Posted by: Fred || 12/01/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Taliban


MoI releases picture of teenage bomber arrested in Sharana city of Afghanistan
[Khaama (Afghanistan)] The Ministry of Interior (MoI) released the picture of the jacket wallah who was locked away
Book 'im, Mahmoud!
in Sharana city, the historic provincial capital of southeastern Paktika
...which coincidentally borders South Wazoo...
province of Afghanistan.

MoI said the suicide bomber was arrested during a special military operation conducted by the special forces of the Afghan National Police (ANP) late on Tuesday evening.

The ministry further added that the bomber was arrested from a guesthouse and a suicide kaboom vest was confiscated.

The bomber has been identified as Abdul Bari son of Akhtar Gul who is originally a resident of Machlagho village in Ahmadabad district.

No further details were given regarding the potential target of the suicide bomber but the local officials earlier said the suicide bomber has confessed he was trained in the neighboring Pakistain.

Afghan forces foiled suicide attack in Sharana city

[Khaama (Afghanistan)] The Afghan cops foiled a suicide kaboom in Sharana city, the bustling provincial capital of southeastern Paktika
...which coincidentally borders South Wazoo...
province.

According to the local security officials, a would-be jacket wallah was tossed in the calaboose
Please don't kill me!
before he manage to detonate his suicide attack vest.

Provincial police chief Khalilullah Ziayi said the would-be suicide bomber was identified and was arrested earlier today.

Ziayi further added that the would-be bomber is believed to be around 18-year-old and is originally a resident of the same province.
Posted by: Fred || 12/01/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Taliban


Afghan forces clear strategic Pacher Agam district of ISIS militants
[Khaama (Afghanistan)] The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) cleared the strategic Pacher Agam district of the loyalists of Islamic State
...formerly ISIS or ISIL, depending on your preference. Before that al-Qaeda in Iraq, as shaped by Abu Musab Zarqawi. They're very devout, committing every atrocity they can find in the Koran and inventing a few more. They fling Allah around with every other sentence, but to hear the pols talk they're not really Moslems....
of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group.

The provincial police commandment in a statement said at least 17 loyalists of the terror group were killed or maimed during the latest counter-terrorism operations.

The statement further added that the dead bodies of numerous ISIS bandidos holy warriors were left in the area and several weapons and ammunition belonging to the terror group were confiscated.

At 13 ISIS bandidos holy warriors were killed and 4 other were maimed during the operations, the statement said, adding that 6 Improvised Explosive Device (IED) were also discovered seized by the Afghan forces.

The statement also added that the Afghan forces rescued at least two civilians who were kept as hostage by the loyalists of the terror group.

Posted by: Fred || 12/01/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Islamic State


Explosions heard in Kabul amid reports 2 rockets landed in key diplomatic area
[Khaama (Afghanistan)] At least two kabooms were heard in Kabul
...the capital of Afghanistan. Home to continuous fighting from 1992 to 1996 between the forces of would-be strongman and Pak ISI/Jamaat-e-Islami sock puppet Gulbuddin Hekmayar and the Northern Alliance, a period which won Hek the title Most Evil Man in the World and didn't do much for the reputations of the Northern Alliance guys either....
city earlier tonight amid reports two rockets landed in Shash Darak diplomatic area of the city.

Security sources confirmed that the rockets landed between Pul-e-Mahmood Khan area and Shash Darak but no casualties have been reported so far.

A security official in the Ministry of Interior confirmed that the rockets landed in the vicinity of Maslakh area in Shashdarak and the area has been cordoned off by the security forces.

Posted by: Fred || 12/01/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Taliban


Africa Horn
Shaboobs regrouping in Somalia to ‘attack Kenya’
Al-Shabaab terrorists are regrouping in Jedahaley, Somalia, and plan to attack the country, police have warned.

Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet has also revealed that some of the attackers were hiding in small groups pretending to be herders around Hida and Dambala in Somalia while plotting to sneak into the country.

“The possible targets for the attacks include security personnel and establishments along the border as well as the passenger service vehicles plying the routes along the border,” he said.

The terror group had changed tact, said the police boss, and had split into smaller groups and infiltrated the country especially along the borders of Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Lamu counties. In the coast region, he said, police were also closely monitoring the terrorists as they make efforts to return to the Boni forest.

“The militants are known to take advantage of the ongoing rains to infiltrate the country through the general areas of Kolbio and close to Hulugho area in Garissa County,” Mr Boinnet said.

Security has been heightened in the country to avert any attacks, and police have also appealed to the public to continue cooperating with them and remain vigilant, said Mr Boinnet.

Intelligence also shows that Islamic State still continued to target the youth for online recruitment but police said measures had been put in place to stop radicalisation.

Police also warned that Al-Shabaab could exploit the tension between the Degodia-Matan and Degodia-Jirail sub-clans residing within a disputed area between Wajir West and Eldas sub-counties.

“The county security teams are alert and we call upon the local leaders to help us in preventing unnecessary clashes and seek a lasting solution to their disputes,” he said.

UPSURGE OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY

In the south Coast, police said they had dealt firmly with the recent upsurge of criminal activity that targeted traders and boda boda riders by deploying more specialised security personnel, engaging the local leadership and enhanced patrols.

To mitigate the tension between the Pokot and Marakwet, and the Turkana and Pokot communities, police said apart from enhanced law enforcement, they were also using alternative dispute resolution mechanism.

“We equally encourage members of the public to embrace community policing,” he said.

Mr Boinnet outlined the measures police had put in place across the country to deal with other crimes.

In the South Coast police said that they had dealt firmly with the recent upsurge of criminal activity that targeted traders and boda boda operators by deploying more specialised security personnel, engaging the local leadership and enhanced patrols.

“We equally encourage members of the public to embrace community policing that will provide the tourist industry the tranquility it deserve to thrive,” he said.

To mitigate the tension between the Pokot and Marakwet, and the Turkana and Pokot communities, police said apart from enhanced law enforcement, they were also using alternative dispute resolution mechanism.
Posted by: Steve White || 12/01/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: al-Shabaab


Africa North
Libyan Army launches new attack on Benghazi
Benghazi, 30 November 2016

The army has this morning launched a major assault on the Ganfouda terrorist enclave in Benghazi. At least 20 tanks are reported to have been attacking from the west while LNA forces appear to be pressing forward all around the perimeter while naval vessels bombard from offshore.

The assault, which began this morning in torrential rain, has seen an unknown number of casualties. Among the injured is the 298 Tank Brigade’s commander brigadier-general Naji Al-Moghrabi.

The LNA says that it has destroyed the terrorists’ only tank and has captured at least six militants. It is claiming that it now controls more than 90 percent of Ganfouda.

Roads cleared for wounded as Benghazi assault continues

From early this morning, police cleared the roads of traffic between the front line at Ganfouda and Benghazi Medical Centre to give ambulances an unrestricted run as the Libyan National Army began it major assault on the terrrosit enclave.

At least 24 soldiers were wounded in today’s fighting including the commander of the 298 Tank Brigade and one man is known to have been killed. Tomorrow the roads will remain cleared and Benghazi municipality has declared that all schools and most government offices will be shut.

Today the army claimed to have destroyed the only tank in the hands of the terrorists. Pictures were posted of social media of the tank being struck by a rocket propelled grenade and then burning. Later shots showed soldiers posing beside the burnt-out hulk. It is thought that this tank was captured from the army during fighting in Garayunis in July.

The military have also repeated a long-standing warning that it would sink any outside vessel that tried to reach the Ganfoud enclave.

The army is maintaining a tight control on details of its operations but it appears that several areas of the Ganfouda district, including a large customs pound with containers has been overrun.

There are no details for the number of terrorists nor civilians killed and injured in the fighting. There were reports that six militants had been captured early today but no pictures nor further information has appeared.

It has been a prime concern of both UNSMIL and NGOs including Human Rights Watch that civilians trapped in the terrorist enclave were at risk from the fighting. Benghazi Revolutionaries’ Shoura Council published photos of a child killed in an air raid and a month ago a group shot of children holding up signs saying they were not getting enough to eat.

The army has always maintained that it was prepared to let civilians leave the area provided that they could be searched to confirm their identities. This the BRSC and its IS and Ansar Al-Sharia terrorist allies apparently refused to permit. The International Criminal Court has also latterly involved itself saying that it would be watching for war crimes committed against civilians.
Posted by: badanov || 12/01/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Africa Subsaharan
Nigerian troops advancing into major Boko Haram enclave -- Buratai
[PREMIUMTIMESNG] The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has said that troops have commenced advancing into Sambisa Forest, one of the major enclaves of Boko Haram
... not to be confused with Procol Harum, Harum Scarum, possibly to be confused with Helter Skelter. The Nigerian version of al-Qaeda and the Taliban rolled together and flavored with a smigeon of distinctly Subsaharan ignorance and brutality...
terrorists.

Mr. Buratai said this on Tuesday in Abuja while unveiling packs of bottle water provided through private initiative in appreciation of troops fighting the Lions of Islam in the region.

According to the Army Chief, the advancement is an onslaught to finally flush out remnants of gunnies from the forest and rescue all those kidnapped in that area.

He added: "This year (2016), the whole Army Headquarters will be moving into the North East to celebrate Christmas and New Year with our troops.’’

Mr. Buratai described the bottle water initiative for free distribution to troops as "quite historic and the first of its kind.’’

He said: "The scheme involves branding 50cl bottle water with the image of the Nigerian soldier.

"It has the Nigerian army logo and that of stakeholders and partners from the private sector with the words: Thank you for your service.’’

According to him, the initiative seeks to appreciate the efforts of Nigerian troops actively engaged in the defence of our dear nation.

Posted by: Fred || 12/01/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Boko Haram


India-Pakistan
Eight killed in Tirah air strikes
[DAWN] LANDI KOTAL: At least eight suspected forces of Evil were killed when air force planes hit their positions in the Tirah valley of the Khyber tribal region on Tuesday.

According to official sources, the strikes were carried out in the Kukikhel
...a tribe of primitives inhabiting Khyber Agency. They are a branch of the Afridi tribe. Traditionally they have been migratory, tromping between Jamrud and the Rajgal valley with the seasons. The tribe has had mustache-cursing relationships with several other tribes, including the Zakkakhel and Kambarkhel, and with the Mullagori. They make welcome most anyone with a turban and automatic weapons, but every once in awhile they get together a tribal lashkar to mollify the government...
locality, near the Afghan border.

Several suspected hideouts of forces of Evil were destroyed, the officials said.

There was, however, no word about the identity of those killed in the air strikes or their affiliation with any bad boy group.

The outlawed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistain and Mangal Bagh
...a former bus driver, now head of the Deobandi bandido group Lashkar-e-Islam and the Terror of Khyber Agency...
’s Lashkar-e-Islam
...a group of Islamic bandidos infesting Khyber Agency. It's headed by a former bus driver....
had a strong presence in the area.

The forces claimed to have flushed out forces of Evil from the tribal region as a result of Operation Khyber-2, which had been wrapped up on June 15 last year.

But the government had made it clear that air strikes would continue in the region if it got reports of infiltration from Afghanistan.

Posted by: Fred || 12/01/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Lashkar-e-Islam


Iraq
The Beatings Will Continue: Iraqi Edition

Water, food supplies dwindle in Mosul

(Reuters) The United Nations issued a fresh warning on Wednesday about the humanitarian situation in eastern Mosul where the U.S.-backed Iraqi army is locked in heavy fighting with Islamic State militants.

More than six weeks into the offensive against Islamic State’s last major city stronghold in Iraq, the army is trying to dislodge militants dug in among civilians in the eastern districts, the only side Iraqi troops have been able to breach.

“The situation in eastern Mosul city close to the front lines remains fraught with danger for civilians. Mortar and gunfire continue to claim lives,” the U.N. humanitarian coordinator’s office said. “The limited supplies of food and water are running out, amid concerning reports of food insecurity emerging from the city.”

Water was cut to 650,000 people – or 40 percent of total residents in the city when a pipeline was hit during fighting – a local official said on Tuesday.

With winter setting in, aid workers say a full siege is developing around the city and poor families are struggling to feed themselves as prices rose sharply.

The longer the conflict drags on, the more civilians will suffer as they are also exposed to violence from the militants bent on crushing any opposition to their rule.

Deputy U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Kate Gilmore said on Wednesday there were reports that Islamic State, which has killed residents it suspects of collaborating with the Iraqi army, shot dead 27 civilians in public in Mosul’s Muhandiseen Park last week.

Three weeks ago at least 20 people were killed and their bodies displayed, as if crucified, at road junctions in the city for passing information to “the enemy”.

CLOSING IN FROM THE WEST
The capture of Mosul, the largest city under control of Islamic State in both Iraq and Syria, is seen as crucial towards dismantling the caliphate which the militants declared over parts of the two countries, after sweeping through Sunni populated northern and western Iraqi provinces in 2014.

Iraqi government and Kurdish forces surround the city from the north, east and south, while Popular Mobilisation forces – a coalition of Iranian-backed Shi’ite groups – are trying to close in from the west.

Last week Popular Mobilisation fighters cut the supply route to Mosul from Islamic State-held territory in Syria, driving up food prices in the city.

With the last supply route cut off, basic commodity prices in Mosul could double “in the short term”, said a humanitarian worker, who declined to be identified.

Some 100,000 Iraqi government troops, Kurdish security forces and mainly Shi’ite militiamen are participating in the assault on Mosul that began on Oct. 17, with air and ground support from a U.S.-led international military coalition.

Iraqi forces moving from the east are trying to advance to the Tigris river that runs through Mosul’s centre, in the biggest battle in Iraq since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

WINTER FAVOURS MILITANTS
The Iraqi military estimates there are 5,000-6,000 insurgents in Mosul, resisting the advancing troops with suicide car bombs and sniper and mortar fire that also kill civilians.

Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, believed to be somewhere near the Syrian border, has told his fighters there can be no retreat from the city.

Some 74,000 civilians have fled Mosul and nearby areas so far, and the United Nations is preparing for a worst-case scenario in which more than a million people are made homeless as winter descends and food shortages set in.

The winter’s cloudy skies favour the militants, Iraqi officers told Reuters in eastern Mosul on Wednesday.

“When the weather is like this they take advantage,” said Maan al-Saadi, a commander of the elite Counter Terrorism Service (CTS), which is fighting inside the city as it advances from the east.

“The main goal for CTS is the river,” said Sami al-Aridhi, referring to the Tigris that cuts Mosul in two, about 3.5 kilometres (2 miles) away. “The federal police and the army will deal with the western part of the city,” he said.

ISIS judge gunned down in Raqqa
Dere go duh judge
[ARA News] Raqqa – Unidentified gunmen assaulted the Islamic State’s (ISIS) Sharia Court in Raqqa city, killing a handful of jihadists and Abu Amina al-Halabi, the presiding judge.

While the gunmen’s allegiance is still unknown, ARA News can confirm that their primary target was the court’s Qadi, a religious judge.

“At least seven ISIS members were killed in the attack, including al-Halabi, who served as the chief of Sharia court in Raqqa city,” media activist Abdulkarim al-Yousef told ARA News.

ISIS militants responded to Wednesday’s assault, clashing with the gunmen as they tried to withdraw though Raqqa’s southern suburbs.

“Three of the gunmen were killed in the clashes, and two others were arrested by the Islamic State’s al-Hisba police force,” al-Yousef reported.

Al-Halabi was known for issuing uncompromising verdicts against those who violated the Islamic State’s puritanical rules.

Local residents told ARA News that the Qadi had an infamous reputation within Raqqa for torturing, decapitating and stoning residents.
Posted by: badanov || 12/01/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under: Islamic State


Iraqi forces destroy ISIS unit in Diyali
Diyala (IraqiNews.com) Commander of Tigris Operations, Major General Mazhar al-Ezzawi announced on Wednesday, that his forces destroyed a unit belonging to the Islamic State group, and dismantled two improvised explosive devices, northeast of Baqubah.

Ezzawi said in a press statement, “Today, forces from Tigris Operations carried out raids in the gardens of the areas of al-Zour and al-Makhisa, resulting in the destruction of a unit belonging to the Islamic State grouo (ISIS), as well as dismantling two improvised explosive devices.”

“Tigris Operations continues executing an extensive strategy to pursue ISIS sleeper cells in Diyala,” Ezzawi added. “The [Tigris] Operations also made important achievements in the previous months,” Ezzawi explained.

Tigris Operations succeeded in the previous months to destroy many units belonging to the ISIS in different areas of Diyala.
Posted by: badanov || 12/01/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under: Islamic State


Anbar Antics


Iraqi militiaman dies in Fallujah in booby trapped residence

Anbar (IraqiNews.com) A shia soldier was killed in the explosion of his booby-trapped house, south of Fallujah district, Alsumaria News reported on Wednesday.

The Iraqi media outlet stated, “One of al-Hash al-Ashaeri members, while entering his house in Amiriyah Fallujah, was killed when the house exploded, killing him immediately.”

“The member of al-Hashd al-Ashaeri did not know that his house is booby-trapped. Security forces rushed to the area of incident and transferred the body to the forensic medicine department,” Alsumaria added.

Amiriyah Fallujah district is controlled by security forces and tribal fighters, while members of the Islamic State group tried to attack the district several times, but their attempts were foiled by security forces.
Posted by: badanov || 12/01/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Islamic State

#1  I thought all houses in Fallujah were traditionally decorated with booby-traps? It's very Islamic
Posted by: Frank G || 12/01/2016 14:34 Comments || Top||

#2  Happy Ramadan - infidel!
Posted by: Pappy || 12/01/2016 17:11 Comments || Top||


Mosul Offensive News
Iraqi forces clear 3 areas in Mosul

Nineveh (IraqiNews.com) Iraqi anti-terrorism forces cleared three areas in Mosul from Islamic State militants on Wednesday, a senior apparatus leader said.

Abdul Wahab al-Saedi said in statements that the forces, part of the Iraqi army, “completed the liberation of al-Qadisiya, Dawrat al-Mahrouq and al-Abbadi northeast of Mosul.”

A source in Nineveh said that the anti-terrorism forces also killed on Tuesday an ISIS suicide bomber and destroyed his booby-trapped vehicle east of the city. The source added that the suicider was on his way for an attack on military forces in al-Zohour district.

Iraqi government forces, backed by tribal militias and US-led fighter jets, have been on a major campaign since mid October to liberate Mosul, ISIS’s last strategic bastion in Iraq. Forces have been successfully recapturing villages around Mosul and aim to storm the heart of the city and isolate the whole province of Nineveh to fully trap militants inside. ISIS fighters, on the other hand, have reportedly responded with occasionally shelling the liberated areas.

26 ISIS Turbans die in Iraqi artillery attack

Nineveh (IraqiNews.com) Federal police forces killed 26 Islamic State militants in Mosul on Wednesday, the Defense Ministry media reported, while four civilians were either killed or wounded in an ISIS shelling of one district.

The War Media Cell said the forces bombarded a group haven near Tal al-Romman village, destroying two booby-trapped cars that tried to stymie the advancement of forces.

Also in Mosul, one civilian was killed and three others wounded as ISIS shelled al-Bakr district, Shafaaq website quoted sources as saying, adding that the victims fell when a mortar missile landed on their home.

Iraqi forces, supported by tribal militias and US-led air forces, have been on a major campaign to liberate Mosul since mid October.

Earlier on Wednesday, anti-terrorism forces reportedly liberated three neighborhoods in Mosul.

Army forces said earlier this week they became in control of 50 percent of the eastern section of Mosul.

Iraqi forces capture 2nd area in Mosul

Nineveh (IraqiNews.com) Media officials with the Ministry of Defense announced on Wednesday liberating the 2nd area of Hayy al-AKhaa in the city of Mosul, and raising Iraqi flag over its buildings.

The officials said in a press statement, “Today, Anti-Terrorism forces managed to liberate the 2nd area of Hayy al-Akhaa, and raised Iraqi flag over its buildings,” adding that, “Security forces inflicted heavy material and human losses on the members of the Islamic State group during the liberation operation of the neighborhood.”

Joint security forces, backed by Army Aviation and international coalition troops, continue liberating the city of Mosul from the ISIS control, after the offensive to liberate the city was launched in October 2016, by General Commander of Armed Forces Haider al-Abadi.

Iraqi forces capture 22 areas in Mosul

Nineveh (IraqiNews.com) Joint Operations Command announced on Wednesday the liberation of 22 neighborhoods located on the west side of Mosul.

The Command said in a press statement, “Troops of Federal Police continue search and cleanse operations of buildings and roads from IEDs in the southwestern axis of Mosul,” pointing out that, “Troops of the army’s 9th Armored Brigade and 3rd regiment of the 1st Brigade managed to advance into the areas of Hayy al-Eintsar, Jadida Mofty, al-Salam, Younis al-Sab’awi and Palestine, and continue to cleanse roads and buildings in these areas.”

“Anti-Terrorism forces managed to advance into the western side of the city, and started cleansing liberated areas, including the neighborhoods of al-Bakr and al-Zohour,” the statement explained. “The number of the IED cleansed areas reached 22 neighborhoods. Moreover, security forces hoisted the Iraqi flag over the buildings of sector 2, Hayy al-Akhaa after it was liberated from ISIS control.” the statement added.

Joint security forces backed by the Army Air Force and international coalition troops continue to liberate parts of the city of Mosul from ISIS control, after the offensive to liberate it was launched in October 2016, by General Commander of Armed Forces and Prime Minister, Haider al-Abadi.

Kurdish forces dismantle ISIS bombs in Bashiqa

[ARA News] Duhok – Iraqi Kurdistan’s Peshmerga forces have dismantled hundreds of landmines and explosive devices in Bashiqa city and its countryside over the past few days, military sources reported on Thursday.

The Kurdish Peshmerga secured the Bashiqa District northeast of Mosul on 6 November, after three weeks of heavy fighting against the Islamic State’s (ISIS) militants. The Peshmerga forces liberated the district after breaking through the ISIS defensive lines and encircling the capital of the district, Bashiqa city.

“After liberating Bashiqa city and the surrounding villages from ISIS terrorists, our special teams started clearing the area in order to secure the return of the displaced local civilians,” Peshmerga officer Izzadin Wanki told ARA News.

“Hundreds of improvised explosive devices and landmines have been dismantled during the last three weeks,” the Peshmerga official said, adding that clearing the district from ISIS leftovers is taking longer than expected “due to the large amount of explosives left behind by ISIS”.

According to Hassan Ramadan, a Peshmerga fighter, the Islamic State group resorts to planting landmines in order to impede the progress of its enemies.

“In every area where the terrorist group suffers a tight siege, its militants start to spread explosives and landmines all over that area. The main goal is to impede the advance of rival forces and to cause as many civilian casualties as possible once displaced people start to return home,” Ramadan told ARA News.

Kurdish forces had besieged Bashiqa city for two weeks. They kept up a protracted bombardment of the local ISIS headquarters until the final holdouts were forced to withdraw toward Mosul city. The US-led coalition provided an air cover to the Kurdish Peshmerga during the Bashiqa operation. Thousands of Peshmerga soldiers participated in the multi-prong offensive.

More than 30,000 civilians used to inhabit Bashiqa city, including Christians, Arabs, Kurds and Shiites. After the Islamic State’s invasion in August 2014, most of the inhabitants fled to the Kurdistan Region.
Posted by: badanov || 12/01/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Islamic State

#1  Are they eating the horses yet?
Posted by: Goober Wittlesbach5685 || 12/01/2016 6:46 Comments || Top||

#2  rats? Ratatouille?
Posted by: Procopius2k || 12/01/2016 8:28 Comments || Top||

#3  Flashback - Mosul, 2005:

Michael Yon Gates of Fire

Still a gripping story.
Posted by: Bobby || 12/01/2016 15:16 Comments || Top||


Baghdad Bomb and Bullet Bulletin


Bomb detonates in Zayouna area

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) Baghdad Operations Command announced on Wednesday, that an improvised explosive device exploded in Zayouna area, in eastern Baghdad.

The command said in a press statement, “An improvised explosive device exploded, at noon today, in the area of Zayouna in eastern Baghdad, inflicting material damage on two vehicles, without leaving any casualties.”

“Security forces cordoned off the area of incident and barred approaching it,” the statement added.
The capital, Baghdad, is witnessing a surge of violent acts, including car bombs and IEDs attacks, in addition to suicide attacks against civilians and security forces.
Posted by: badanov || 12/01/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:


Israel-Palestine-Jordan
Arab Israeli arrested for trying to join IS
[IsraelTimes] The police and Shin Bet announce the recent arrest of an Israeli citizen from the Arab town of Jaljulia for allegedly supporting Islamic State
...formerly ISIS or ISIL, depending on your preference. Before that al-Qaeda in Iraq, as shaped by Abu Musab Zarqawi. They're very devout, committing every atrocity they can find in the Koran and inventing a few more. They fling Allah around with every other sentence, but to hear the pols talk they're not really Moslems....
and planning to join the organization in Syria.

The suspect was a minor at the time the alleged offenses were committed.

Police say the arrest came after security forces received intelligence information indicating that the suspect intended to leave for Syria. The Sherlocks found that the suspect recently became more religious, and began to make contact with IS fighters in Syria. He allegedly told the fighters that he wished to join the organization there.
Posted by: trailing wife || 12/01/2016 02:27 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Islamic State

#1  The Sherlocks found that the suspect recently became more religious, and began to make contact with IS fighters in Syria

But IS has nothing to do with Islam. Obama said so
Posted by: Frank G || 12/01/2016 8:51 Comments || Top||

#2  When a murderer wants to hang out at the target end of the rifle range, so be it. We should encourage them to leave, trade citizenship for a bus ticket.
Posted by: rjschwarz || 12/01/2016 15:41 Comments || Top||

#3  Truss him, and drop him on a training camp. Everybody is happy.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 12/01/2016 16:17 Comments || Top||


Border Police bust gun trafficking ring
[IsraelTimes] Suspects allegedly smuggled and sold IDF weapons in West Bank; police say arms and ammunition used in terror attacks.

Israel’s Border Police tossed in the clink
... anything you say can and will be used against you, whether you say it or not...
four members of an alleged cell on suspicion of weapons smuggling and trafficking, police said Wednesday.

According to the police, two of the men arrested, both residents of the southern West Bank city of Hebron,
...since it is Hebron, Hamas headquarters in the West Bank, we will just assume the gentlemen in question belong to that interesting organization...
acquired military grade weapons and ammunition used by the IDF and smuggled them to the West Bank, where they were subsequently sold to various sources, including the Paleostinian Authority.

The weapons and ammunition sold by the suspects were allegedly used in terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians and security forces. The police did not specify which shootings the weapons and ammunition were used in, or whether the guns and bullets used were supplied to the attackers by the Paleostinian Authority.

The police said that the two men from Hebron were arrested while illegally staying in Israel, while another two of the detainees are residents of Israel’s south.

The arrests were made Tuesday, police said.

Since a nearly year-long wave of terrorist attacks began in October 2015, Israeli security forces have carried out nightly arrests of Paleostinians in the West Bank possessing weapons and involved in gun running.

While many of the hundreds of weapons captured were army issue, others were improvised weapons built in illegal gun making workshops. Their street value is significantly less than higher quality guns such as a M-16 rifle, making them easier to acquire.

This year alone, the IDF has shut down approximately 40 of such workshops, which manufactured guns such as those used in the Sarona Market shooting attack in Tel Aviv in June, and which have became ubiquitous throughout the West Bank during the recent terror wave.
Posted by: trailing wife || 12/01/2016 02:27 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Hamas


Southeast Asia
Thai soldier killed, three injured by bomb blast
[Anadolu] One soldier was killed and three others were wounded Wednesday in an early morning explosion in Thailand's far South.

Police Lieutenant-Colonel Shinawat Wetayakorn of Yala police station said that the four were hit by a remote controlled bomb. He said, "The bomb was hidden on the roadside and triggered when six military officers on three motorcycles were passing by on a road in the Muang district of Yala. One died on the spot and three others were injured. We consider this attack to be the work of insurgents."

Monday's incident occurs after a series of violent incidents including the recent murder of an eight-month pregnant woman while she was buying groceries. This provoked indignation from authorities, Buddhists and Muslims alike. National Human Rights Commission member Angkhana Neelapaijit said, "It is a strong violation of human rights and moralities of every religion."

Around 200 people gathered at the site of the shooting on November 27 to denounce the "uncivilized and unacceptable acts."
Posted by: ryuge || 12/01/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Thai Insurgency


Two detained in foiled bombing near US embassy in Philippines
[SunStar] Police have two people in custody as persons of interest in a foiled bombing attack near the U.S. Embassy in Manila on Monday.

One of the persons of interest was identified as Rayson Kilala Sakdal, alias Rashid Kilala, a resident of Barangay Bagumbayan in Bulakan, Bulacan. Another person from Caloocan City was invited for questioning by MPD.

The improvised bomb found on Monday in a trash bin near the US Embassy and detonated by police has the same design as one used by Maute group, who members are facing charges for the September 2 bomb attack that killed 15 people in Davao City. The Maute group is alleged to have links to Daesh.
Posted by: ryuge || 12/01/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: Islamic State


Syria-Lebanon-Iran
Suspect Supplying Militants with Weapons Arrested in Majdal Anjar, Lebanon
[AnNahar] The Army Intelligence conducted a raid in the Bekaa town of Majdel Anjar and incarcerated
Drop the gat, Rocky, or you're a dead 'un!
a man suspected of providing his brother, affiliated to al-Qaeda linked Abdullah Azzam Brigades
... Leb's current al-Qaeda affiliate, named after a guy whose car the current head of al-Qaeda had boomed...
, with weapons, the National News Agency reported Wednesday.

The military arrested Omar H.Kh on charges of providing his brother, R.Kh., and affiliate of Abdullah Azzam Brigares with explosives and weapons, NNA said.

LBCI identified the man as Omar Hassan Kharroub, and his brother as Radwan.

Rawdan is the major suspect in the 2014 bombing attacks that targeted the Beirut area of al-Tayyouneh and the bombing in Dahr al-Baydar in the eastern Bekaa.

LBCI added that the army confiscated weapons, explosives and a surface-to-air missile.
Posted by: trailing wife || 12/01/2016 02:27 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under: al-Qaeda


Syrian rebels infighting in Idlib
[al-Manar] Media activists of the armed groups operating in Syria against the national military reported on Wednesday that clashes erupted between the militants of the so-called ‘Jaish Al-Sunnah’ group , in the city of Idlib as a result of disputes and disagreements among them.

Moreover, discontent among Idlib residents has emerged as clashes between the militants escalated due to frequent disagreements among them, activists said.

Worthy to note that earlier disagreements took place within the same group in light of raids targeting its leaders during the last month.
Posted by: badanov || 12/01/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:


37 Syrian rebel forces die fighting Syrian rebels
ARA News

Aleppo – The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced on Wednesday the death of at least 37 fighters from the Turkey-backed rebel group of the Euphrates Shield Brigade.

The pro-Turkey rebel fighters were killed during clashes with the Syrian Democratic Forces in the northern countryside of Aleppo.

“These Turkey-backed groups launched an offensive on the SDF-held town of Oulasha in an attempt to hit our security centre there. However, our forces were able to repel the attack after heavy clashes,” the SDF leadership said in a statement to ARA News.

“At least 37 members of the so-called Euphrates Shield Brigade were killed during the clashes, and four others were taken captive,” the SDF said, adding that their forces were prepared to face any such offensives by the Turkey-backed groups in northern Syria.

This comes just few days after the Kurdish-led SDF shelled Turkish Army camps in northern Aleppo Governorate, destroying at least three military vehicles.

SDF troops have been trading mortar and small arms fire with Turkish forces and Turkey-backed rebels for weeks.

Last week, Turkey and its allies renewed their campaign to capture the Manbij Subdistrict in northern Aleppo. They advanced into the villages of Ilan, Qart Weran and Nassir but withdrew after fierce clashes.

Repeated Turkish attacks on Syrian Kurds

On November 7, Turkey’s military shelled headquarters of the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) –a leading force within the SDF– in Syria’s northeastern Hasakah Governorate. Military sources and local activists reported that the Turkish Army also hit adjacent Kurdish fighting positions in Ain Diwar village, in Derik District. Scores of YPG fighters were wounded in the hour-long bombardment and massive material damage was reported.

“The [ruling Justice and Development Party] and its allies are trying to hit the Kurdish forces in Syria in support of Islamic State terrorists,” a YPG officer told ARA News. The YPG’s leadership said the Turkish bombardment on Ain Diwar continued for one hour, halting after the YPG returned fire. “Our forces responded to the attack by launching several shells, targeting the source of the fire. Only then did the Turkish offensive stop,” they said.

On November 19, at least 12 Kurdish members of the SDF were killed under attacks by Turkey-backed rebels in northern Syria. Supported by Turkey’s military forces, Syrian rebels of the Euphrates Shield Bridges reportedly bombed YPG headquarters near the Qereh Dagh town in Aleppo Governorate.

Dilovan Mirkhani, a media activist accompanying the YPG forces in Aleppo Governorate, said that the Turkish offensive was aimed at impeding the YPG progress against ISIS. “Turkey’s military and their allied Euphrates Shield rebels have repeatedly targeted the YPG positions in a bid to undermine the Kurdish advance against ISIS in northern Syria,” Mirkhani told ARA News. “However, the YPG and other factions of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) remained committed to the fight against ISIS and continued their military operations on different fronts, including northern Aleppo.”

On November 20, Turkish forces launched air raids and artillery strikes on Sunday evening, targeting the Syrian Democratic Forces’ (SDF) positions near Manbij city. The SDF sustained a handful of casualties and their local headquarters was damaged.

On November 21, clashes broke out between the SDF and Turkish forces, participating in the Euphrates Shield Operation. The fighting continued for nearly two days, as combatants traded mortar and small arms fire. The Turkish protracted artillery and mortar barrage killed at least five SDF fighters and wounded several others. Furthermore, Turkey-backed rebels fought to dislodge the SDF from Manbij’s western countryside, employing small and medium weapons.

Battle for al-Bab

In the meantime, the battle for the ISIS-held al-Bab city expanded, as both Turkey-backed rebels and Syrian Democratic Forces rushed towards the city.

While the Kurdish-led SDF want to secure the city in order connect the Afrin and Kobane canton administrations, Turkey’s main goal in northern Syrian is to prevent Kurdish contiguity. These objectives are irreconcilable.

Colonel John Dorrian, a coalition spokesman, called on the SDF and Turkey last week, telling them to coordinate their operations against the Islamic State. “We believe that all of the operations in Syria against Daesh should be coordinated, very closely, between all the parties that are involved,” he said.

According to the coalition’s spokesman, deconfliction measures are in place to prevent the SDF and Turkey-backed rebel forces from “converging in a way that would be unhelpful.”

However, tensions have escalated from words, to artillery duels, to close quarters combat, without any direct intervention by the US-led coalition.
Posted by: badanov || 12/01/2016 00:00 || Comments || Link || [0 views] Top|| File under:



Who's in the News
32[untagged]
8Islamic State
4Taliban
3Govt of Pakistan
2Moslem Colonists
2Sublime Porte
2Lashkar e-Taiba
2Hamas
1Thai Insurgency
1al-Qaeda
1al-Shabaab
1Boko Haram
1Commies
1Govt of Iran
1Houthis
1Lashkar-e-Islam

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
Thu 2016-12-01
  'IS-linked' Ohio university attacker lived in Pakistan for 7 years: NYT
Wed 2016-11-30
  ISIS claims responsibility for Ohio State attack
Tue 2016-11-29
  Iranian small boats train weapons on US Navy Helicopters
Mon 2016-11-28
  Ohio State Stabbing: Somali Refugee (stabber) Killed
Sun 2016-11-27
  Iraq's parliament passes law legalising Shia militias
Sat 2016-11-26
  Fidel Castro dies aged 90
Fri 2016-11-25
  Suicide truck bomb kills about 100 in Iraq, mostly Iranian pilgrims
Thu 2016-11-24
  Wayne State University police officer dies after being shot in head
Wed 2016-11-23
  ISIS ‘resisting till their last breath’ in Sirte, Libya
Tue 2016-11-22
  ISIS claims responsibility behind Kabul mosque bombing that left 32 dead
Mon 2016-11-21
  Turkey’s Erdogan warns NATO on sheltering ‘terrorist’ plotters
Sun 2016-11-20
  Three Pakistani Men Apprehended in U.S. at Arizona Border
Sat 2016-11-19
  Taliban shadow governor among 11 killed in North of Afghanistan
Fri 2016-11-18
  Haftar forces claim victory in Benghazi
Thu 2016-11-17
  Final 3 Minnesota men sentenced in Islamic State case

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.
54.226.68.181
Help keep the Burg running! Paypal:
WoT Background (8)    Non-WoT (21)    Opinion (3)    (0)    Politix (7)