On the day it was confirmed Canadians will be taking part in a major new offensive to remove Taliban extremists from Kandahar province, one soldier was injured in the area.
The commander of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), Maj.-Gen. Ton Van Loon, confirmed on Saturday that the troops will play a "very important role" in hunting for Taliban fighters, telling reporters this after making a surprise visit to two of Canada's operating bases in southern Afghanistan.
His comments came as a Canadian soldier was seriously injured Saturday after stepping on a landmine while on a foot patrol in the same area where NATO forces were launching the operation. Pte. Frederic Couture of the Van Doos, the Royal 22nd Regiment based in Valcartier, Que., was airlifted to Kandahar airfield and is in stable condition, a military spokeswoman said. His age and hometown in Canada were not immediately available.
The British-led mission will see Canadian troops operating from the bases they've established in the Panjwaii district, west of Kandahar city, but "there would also be movement involved," the general said, although he would not provide details or say when the mission would begin.
Afghan army taking part
Van Loon said the Canadians will continue working with the Afghan National Army as they try to separate hardline members of the Taliban from the civilian population. The army will play a key role as it tries to convince locals to support NATO and to turn their backs on the Taliban, Van Loon said.
The offensive, entitled Operation Falcon's Summit or Baaz Tsuka in the Afghan language was billed in a NATO news release as a show of strength and a demonstration of the coalition's ability to combat and defeat the Taliban.
NATO consulted with tribal elders and district leaders before embarking on Operation Baaz Tsuka, which was planned with the help of Afghan security forces, Van Loon told reporters on Friday. "Those people contemplating joining the Taliban should listen to their tribal elders and choose the way of peace, not destruction," he said.
I give it a 95 for the solid beat, clear melodic and butt-thumpin' lines of demarcation.
by Abdullahi Hassan, Mogadishu, and Rob Crilly, Nairobi
Lol. Note who's where.
ARMS are flooding into the city by sea and air, mosques are filled with a call to jihad and foreign fighters are arriving by the planeload: Mogadishu is once again braced for war.
For 15 years Somalia has been kept in near-constant anarchy by warlords intent on carving their own personal fiefdoms. Now the powerful Somali Islamic Courts Council, which restored a transient peace to the capital and seized much of the south of the country, is on a collision course with the near-impotent official interim government and its Ethiopian backers that could suck the entire Horn of Africa into conflict.
The Classic African Shithole converted into the Classic Islamic Shithole. A very short trip.
Everywhere there are signs that the Islamists are preparing their supporters for battle. Vans with loudhailers patrol the citys muddy streets, calling the faithful to join the coming war against Ethiopia. Friday prayers were dominated by sermons extolling the virtues of jihad as imams read from scripts prepared by the leaders of the Islamic council.
Residents say foreign fighters have been arriving at the airport, while diplomatic sources in neighbouring Kenya say the Islamist movement is equipping itself with anti-aircraft missiles to combat Ethiopias helicopter gunships.
Residents fear the onslaught of Ethiopias military might. Maryan Elmi, who has a seven-year-old daughter, spoke for many mothers when she said: Our civil war was fought on the ground but this war will bring the Ethiopian air force. People want to flee but to where nobody knows. I am worried for my daughter.
Tensions between the Islamic council and the countrys non-existent fragile interim government mounted last week. Islamist forces have encircled the dusty government seat of Baidoa where militias loyal to President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed have dug in alongside thousands of Ethiopian troops.
"The Islamic leadership, accused by the United States of being in league with Al-Qaeda, has set an ultimatum of Tuesday for the Ethiopians to leave Somalia or face attack."
The Islamic leadership, accused by the United States of being in league with Al-Qaeda, has set an ultimatum of Tuesday for the Ethiopians to leave Somalia or face attack. Peace talks are due to take place this week in Khartoum but neither side has confirmed that it will attend.
That'll make for a short meeting.
In the past few days two heavy transport planes arrived under cover of darkness at Mogadishu airport from central Asia, according to sources in the city.
Let's see. Iran is sorta central in Asia. So's Pakistan.
A cargo ship has docked at the nearby port of Merka, believed to be carrying troops from Eritrea, which backs the Islamic council. This is all part of the build-up to war but what is really worrying the international community is the sophistication of the weaponry, said a western diplomatic source.
And from where does Eritrea get its weapons?
Doctors and nurses have been sent to the front line, which in some places is no more than 30 miles from the governments stronghold. Food and AK-47 assault rifles are being collected for the militiamen who have streamed out of Mogadishu towards Baidoa.
The United States has pitched itself firmly behind the interim government as the best way of halting the spread of militant Islam. Jendayi Frazer, the US assistant secretary of state, spelt out the position last week: The top layer of the courts is extremist to the core. They are terrorists and they are creating this logic of war.
Sheikh Abdurahim Ali Muddey, a spokesman for the Islamic council, said Americas accusations were an attempt to divide the group. I assure you that we have only one motive and that is we need our country safe and at peace, he said.
This month America secured backing for a UN security council resolution to deploy African peacekeepers in defence of the government, despite concerns by Britain that the move could provoke a pre-emptive strike by the Islamists. The fear is that war could engulf the region because Ethiopia and Eritrea have lined up on opposing sides. Syria, Iran, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have been named by the UN as sending military or financial aid to the Islamist movement.
Matt Bryden, a consultant with the International Crisis Group, said diplomacy was running out of time. If we dont make the Khartoum talks work then I dont think we have much chance of avoiding all-out confrontation, he added.
NEW YORK (AP) - The NBA has another ugly scene to recover from. This one involved its leading scorer and happened in its most famous arena.
Denver's Carmelo Anthony and the other nine players on the court at the time were ejected for fighting during a wild brawl between the Nuggets and Knicks, triggered in part by a New York team that felt it was being shown up on its home floor.
#5
Let's see. Iran is sorta central in Asia. So's Pakistan.
So is Russia. Most of the weapons are originating there, and being shipped through third parties, but Russia is the big exporter.
I still say one good ARCLIGHT strike down through central Mogadischu would put an end to the entire war. It'd be kind of hard on Mogadischu and fluffy bunnies, though.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
12/17/2006 5:15 Comments ||
Top||
#6
Oongowa! Drums in jungle, say natives restless Tarzan.
#7
an A-10 run through the technicals might diminish the Islamic Fervor
Posted by: Frank G ||
12/17/2006 8:00 Comments ||
Top||
#8
Is it wishful thinking to hope this evolves into a War that brings in Christians from around the world to protect Ethopia?
Posted by: Charles ||
12/17/2006 11:38 Comments ||
Top||
#9
Charles, the answer is Yes.
Posted by: Mark Z ||
12/17/2006 13:45 Comments ||
Top||
#10
I just want Santa to fly in undetected and practice them clusterbombs for effect thingies.
It can't be too hard to find the Army of Islamic Jihadies in the sand. Find 'em, finger 'em, clusterfuck 'em, and forget 'em.
Louis Oelofse | Kamina, Democratic Republic of Congo - 12 December 2006 07:17
Christmas came early on Monday for a group of 35 South African Air Force soldiers based in Kamina in the south-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
They were the first group to be visited by top-ranking officers from the South African National Defence Force who are on a goodwill tour to troops deployed beyond South Africa's borders. Led by Lieutenant General Rinus Jansen van Rensburg, the group included several other generals and high-ranking officers on a mission to boost morale during the festive season.
It seemingly worked, with the officer commanding the South African troops, Lieutenant Colonel Reg Schickerling, eagerly opening presents brought by the visiting generals. The gifts included camping chairs, one of which he promptly sat on, to loud applause from his troops. "We appreciate your unselfish service in unstable conditions," Jansen van Rensburg later told the troops, applauding them for being "peacemakers".
The soldiers are deployed in the DRC as part of the United Nations peacekeeping operation in the country. The South Africans fly air support for the Indian peacekeepers with whom they share the former Belgium Air Force base.
"We also fly medevacs to the UN field hospital operated by the Jordanians," said Major Francois Benade, one of the South African pilots. He said the unit has a very busy schedule over the festive season, including moving the Indian troops in and out of the field of operations and bringing them supplies. "Sometimes we fly more than 48 hours a month."
It was the first time the goodwill tour, which normally only visits the big cities, included one of the smaller deployments. As part of the celebrations the crew of the chartered flight that brought the high-ranking visitors donned Christmas hats and served the troops Christmas dinner and a Christmas cake.
South Africa has about 1 400 troops deployed in the DRC, being one of the largest contributors to the UN force in the country.
The goodwill visitors left the DRC for Bujumbura in Burundi late on Monday to visit South African troops who are in the last weeks of their deployment as part of a UN peacekeeping force there.
#1
I always thought the Cape Castle was a fitting enough background for the Fish Eagle, but I suppose a tribal hut or roundel is more politically korrect.
More than 300 demonstrators were arrested in the Danish capital on Saturday after violent clashes between police and youths who were protesting against the planned closure of a youth centre in the city.
Several hundred demonstrators threw cobblestones, bottles and fireworks at police and erected blazing barricades made from Christmas trees, trash cans and bicycles, police said.
"It was extremely violent. It looked like a war zone and it's been many years since we last had to use tear gas on the streets," police spokesman Flemming Steen Munch told reporters.
Police responded with tear gas attacks and split the main crowd of demonstrators into several smaller ones using armoured cars. Groups of demonstrators walked towards the city centre smashing shop windows, leaving a trail of destruction.
The conflict over the youth centre has been brewing since 2000 when local government sold the building that houses the centre. Left-wing activist have been using the centre as a base since 1982.
The current owners have a court order to have the squatters evicted but the youths have sworn to protect the house and have repeatedly called for a political solution.
Danish media reported that at least four police officers and several demonstrators were injured in the clashes.
Posted by: Rob Crawford ||
12/17/2006 19:36 Comments ||
Top||
#5
This has less to do with Muslims and much more to do with squatters.
Left-wing activists have been using the Ungdom-shuset youth centre in the city's Nørrebro district building as a base since 1982 when it was first occupied by young squatters. They ultimately established their right to live there.
A Christian group bought out the property and finally is having them evicted after much legal wrangling and hand wringing.
When the news involves Odense on southern Zealand (Copenhagen's island), then think Muslim.
#7
You know the Left > running naked thru the Tulips wid someone elses money in laissez faire, Universalist oblivion = only they have the rights to do so, not anyone else.
no comment
Incoming Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Sunday he would support a temporary troop increase in Iraq only if it were part of a broader strategy to bring combat forces home by early 2008.
If the commanders on the ground said this is just for a short period of time, we'll go along with that, said Reid, D-Nev., citing a time frame such as two months to three months. But a period longer than that, such as 18 months to 24 months, would be unacceptable, he said.
The American people will not allow this war to go on as it has. It simply is a war that will not be won militarily. It can only be won politically, Reid said. We have to change course in Iraq.
President Bush is considering several options for a new strategy in Iraq, such as a proposal backed by Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., that would send tens of thousands of additional troops for an indefinite period to quickly secure Baghdad. There are about 134,000 U.S. troops in Iraq now.
That plan would run counter to recommendations by the bipartisan Iraq Study Group, which set a goal of withdrawing combat troops by early 2008 in support of more aggressive regional diplomacy.
Retired Gen. Jack Keane, a former Army vice chief of staff who is advising Bush to send an additional 30,000 to 40,000 U.S. troops, said it would take at least 1 1/2 years to secure Iraq.
It's impossible, Keane said, responding to Reid's suggestion that the troop surge be limited to two months to three months.
It will take a couple of months just to get forces in, he said.
Bush's former secretary of state, Colin Powell, said he was skeptical that any type of troop surge would be effective, noting that ultimately it is the Iraqis who must stand up and stop their growing sectarian violence.
It is the D.C. police force that guards Washington, D.C., not the troops that are stationed at Fort Myer. And in Baghdad, you need a police force to do that, Powell said. So, before I would add any additional troops or recommend it to a commander in chief, I'd want to make sure we have a clear understanding of what it is they're going for, how long they're going for.
Democratic Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts, who is on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said there would be widespread opposition by members of his committee if Bush proposes a troop increase.
We have to understand that there is absolute chaos that is taking place there. This country is falling apart, Kennedy said.
Regarding a temporary troop surge, Kennedy said, I respect Harry Reid on it, but that's not where I am.
Reid and Keane spoke on ABC's This Week, Kennedy appeared on Fox News Sunday, and Powell spoke on CBS' Face the Nation.
Posted by: Frank G ||
12/17/2006 15:50 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[7 views]
Top|| File under:
#3
The American people will not allow this war to go on as it has. It simply is a war that will not be won militarily. It can only be won politically, Reid said.
"In order to win politically, we must surrender militarily."
Posted by: Rob Crawford ||
12/17/2006 17:54 Comments ||
Top||
#7
Hay FOBBITS your about to get some company. Besoeker you should stake out your ground now before the REMFs come and demand some space.
Posted by: 49 Pan ||
12/17/2006 19:19 Comments ||
Top||
#8
Proving that Harry Reid is an idiot who thinks Americans are just as stupid as he, Reid said The American people will not allow this war to go on as it has. It simply is a war that will not be won militarily. It can only be won politically. We have to change course in Iraq.
Harry you dickwad, that should read the macaca media will not allow this etc., etc.
Just because you, Harry and your pals in the macaca have framed the war in such a way doesn't mean the American people have eaten your ball of shit. Buy a clue.
Three suspected Islamist militants were killed on Saturday in two separate gunbattles in Indian-held Kashmir (IHK), army and police officials said.
In the first incident, two militants were killed as they crossed from Pakistan into IHK near Krishna Ghati in Punch district, approximately 240 kilometres northwest of Jammu, confirmed Lt Col SD Goswami, an army spokesman in Jammu. He said that soldiers on a pre-dawn patrol of the border district had spotted the two militants sneaking into the Indian side in the forested mountain area. A gunfight erupted and the two men were killed, he added.
Elsewhere in IHK, a suspected militant was killed in a gunbattle in Gool, around 100 kilometres north of Jammu, said local police officer, JL Sharma.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/17/2006 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[1 views]
Top|| File under:
QUETTA, Pakistan - A group of about 22 rebels downed arms and surrendered on Saturday to authorities in Pakistans restive southwestern province of Baluchistan, officials said. A total of 22 tribesmen belonging to Marri tribe have surrendered with weapons and explosives in the town of Sibbi, a security official told AFP. They surrendered unconditionally and have promised to live peacefully, he added. The rebels had been hiding at three fugitives camps known as Karmo Wadh, Haftpur and Bangan and had been taking part in anti-state activities, he said.
A rebel commander said that the group had surrendered arms after realising that their tribe had been fighting for a unrealistic cause. We were mislead by our people that our nation will get independence and that there will be prosperity, but that never happened, leader Wadera Tawwakal Marri told AFP.
Posted by: Steve White ||
12/17/2006 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[1 views]
Top|| File under:
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Violence in Palestinian Authority escalates Sunday afternoon: Mortar shells fired at Palestinian president's Gaza City office; several people injured. Meanwhile, Hamas says Fatah's takeover of several government offices is a 'military coup' The stockings are hung by the chimney with care
PA tension at its highest: An explosion took place Sunday afternoon near the office of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Gaza City. Went to WalMart this morning. They were out of Wiis and popcorn. Everybody must be loading up for the special Christmas Eve candle rocket show.
Palestinian security sources reported that several mortar shells were fired at the offices in the Gaza Strip and that six people were injured five security officers and a 45-year-old passer-by. The Palestinian president was in Ramallah and the time and was not hurt. Got to save something for the big day.
In the afternoon, Palestinian sources reported that gunmen opened fire at a procession organized by the Fatah movement in the northern Strip. Be careful. You'll shoot your eyes out.
The demonstration, which was held in support of Abbas, turned into a show of force by dozens of Fatah activists and supporters. Eyewitnesses reported that three people were injured by the fire. You were warned.
Meanwhile, about 4,000 gunmen from the Presidential Guard and the al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades took over the Transportation and Agriculture Ministries in Gaza. Hamas referred to the incidents as a "military coup," and Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud al-Zahar demanded that the offices be evacuated.
Prime Minister Haniyeh responds to Abbas' speech, declares Hamas won't take part in early elections. Meanwhile, new poll shows Haniyeh, Abbas tied in presidential race
Plus, some added info to the Fatah camp raid
Gunmen attacked the convoy of the Palestinian foreign minister and raided a training base for an elite security forces unit Sunday, stepping up factional violence over a decision by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to end nine months of Hamas rule and call early elections.
Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said Hamas would boycott the vote. In one symbolic attack, Abbas' empty residence came under fire. brave warriors of Hamas shooting up an empty house
The foreign minister, Mahmoud Zahar, escaped unharmed damn after the attack on his convoy, which unleashed a ferocious battle between Hamas and Fatah gunmen that raged for more than an hour in Gaza City. During the fighting, which left a 19-year-old woman dead, Hamas gunmen fired at Abbas' empty Gaza City residence.
Earlier in the day, dozens of gunmen raided a training camp of Abbas' Presidential Guard near the residence, killing a member of the elite force. During the funeral procession for the guardsman, Fatah supporters fired into the air, drawing a similar response from nervous Hamas militiamen. "gun sex for everyone!"
By mid-afternoon, the fighting calmed down and Abbas' forces appeared to have the upper hand. But Hamas gunmen opened fire at a Fatah political rally where tens of thousands of people were marching in support of Abbas. Three people were wounded.
Posted by: Frank G ||
12/17/2006 10:42 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[1 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
But Hamas gunmen opened fire at a Fatah political rally where tens of thousands of people were marching in support of Abbas. Three people were wounded.
#2
which unleashed a ferocious battle between Hamas and Fatah gunmen that raged for more than an hour in Gaza City = 1 fatality. Such are the paleo Lions of Islam.
#3
Where is world condemnation for needlessly endangering innocent Palestinian civilians? Where are the shouts of, "Quagmire!"? Where are all the human shields?
GAZA, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Unidentified gunmen on Sunday stormed a training camp in Gaza used by the presidential guard, a U.S.-backed force loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, killing one of the officers, a security source said.
The attack was the first of its kind against the elite Palestinian force, made up of about 3,500 security men. They're the mostest elitesty force in Paleostine.
Hamas's armed wing was not immediately available for comment. Reloading, I hope.
The Palestinian security source said dozens of gunmen raided the camp, set several tents ablaze and engaged in a gunbattle with several presidential guards, killing one of them. Several people from both sides were wounded, the source said.
Dozens of members of Abbas's force rushed to reinforce the guards inside the camp and the gunmen fled, he said. The gunmen had donned uniforms often used by Hamas militants, the source added. But it couldna been Hamas. Nope.
Abbas on Saturday called for parliamentary and presidential elections to be held as soon as possible. Hamas accused Abbas of launching a coup. Months of factional violence has raised fears of civil war.
#1
"Gunmen raid camp of force loyal to Abbas, kill 1"
It's a start....
But when are they going to get serious about this>
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut ||
12/17/2006 0:36 Comments ||
Top||
#2
Barbara - you're talking about the kings of "spray and pray". Their objective is not to kill each other, but to look ferocious in combat. That's why the taliwhacker/NATO statistics are always so lopsided - we train our soldiers to actually SHOOT AT THE ENEMY. That's something quite foreign to Arab armies.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
12/17/2006 5:18 Comments ||
Top||
#3
"we've been attacked, your Eliteness!"
Posted by: Frank G ||
12/17/2006 8:02 Comments ||
Top||
#4
I suspect that they are actually "aiming" away from the other guys altogether. If I don't shoot them then they won't shoot me, and we all get to look ferocious.
#6
Isn't there some sort of "smart ammunition" we can send them so they actually end up killing each other? As the cartoon vulture was heard to say; "Patience, my ass ..."
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called Saturday for elections to end his violent standoff with Hamas - a gamble that Palestinians will back him as he seeks to weaken the Islamic militants, avoid civil war and keep momentum for peace overtures with Israel. Hamas accused Abbas of trying to topple its government, promised to block the elections and urged supporters to take to the streets. "This is a real coup," said Foreign Minister Mahmoud Zahar, a Hamas hard-liner.
Later Saturday, in Gaza, thousands of Hamas supporters marched in protest and 18 Palestinians were wounded in clashes between the two political camps. "Where y'goin', Mahmoud?"
"We're protestin'!"
"Good idea! I'll get my gun!"
Hamas' landslide election in January parliamentary elections split the Palestinian leadership into two camps. One, led by Abbas, seeks peace with Israel; the other, led by Islamic Hamas militants, is sworn to the Jewish state's destruction. The infighting has often degenerated into convulsions of violence, and this week, tensions reached their highest peak in years. Abbas tried to end the power struggle by bringing Hamas into a more moderate coalition with his Fatah Party, but the Islamic group refused to pay the price he demanded - recognizing Israel and renouncing violence. "We have a crisis. We have an authority with two heads. So what do we do? Bullets or ballots?" asked Saeb Erekat, an aide to Abbas. "Abu Mazen said ballots," he said, using Abbas' nickname. I'm betting on bullets. And car booms.
Across the West Bank and Gaza, streets were largely deserted as everyone watched Abbas' 90-minute address, peppered with criticism of Hamas. "The streets are largely deserted, Mahmoud!"
"Yes. It's quiet."
"Too quiet."
British Prime Minister Tony Blair urged the international community to support Abbas, while State Department spokesman Edgar Vasquez said it was "an issue for the Palestinian people to decide through a peaceful political process." Russia asked the Palestinians to try to maintain unity.
Abbas said a unity government was still the best option, but that he had despaired of persuading Hamas to enter into a coalition with Fatah. The Hamas government has drawn crushing international sanctions over its militantly anti-Israel stand, but has refused to recognize Israel, the West's condition for resuming aid. "I ... decided to call for early presidential and parliament elections," Abbas said from his West Bank headquarters, after outlining months of failed coalition talks. "Let us return to the people, to hear their word, and let them be the judge."
His aides said they expected the vote to be held by the summer. In coming days, Abbas is to meet with the Central Election Commission to hear how much time it will need to prepare. Once he issues a formal decree calling for elections, the ballloting must take place within three months.
In an immediate step toward parliamentary and presidential elections, Abbas announced he has appointed new Fatah leaders. Fatah officials said the party's younger leaders, who had long clamored for a role in decision-making, would now be given a chance. Fatah's old guard had refused to step aside, a key reason the movement remained in disarray after its election defeat. Abbas also said he has revived the Palestine Liberation Organization negotiating department, signaling he would pursue peace talks with Israel.
Posted by: Fred ||
12/17/2006 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[4 views]
Top|| File under:
#1
And by 'early elections', we mean killings and general mayhem. I wonder if they have any of that tasty Red-On-Red Popcorn Seasoning at the Rantburg PX? Mmmm, spicy!
NABLUS, West Bank - Israeli troops shot and killed a Palestinian terrorist gunman during a raid in the occupied West Bank town of Nablus on Saturday, local medical officials said.
An Israeli army spokesman said troops had come under attack by local terrorists residents who threw makeshift explosive devices at them during an arrest raid in the town and that they had identified hitting one of three terrorists gunmen they had spotted. Medical officials said 19-year-old Amin Makhlouf died of his wounds at a local hospital. He was identified as a terrorist member of Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, an armed wing of President Mahmoud Abbass Fatah faction. They're the 'moderates', right?
Posted by: Steve White ||
12/17/2006 00:00 ||
Comments ||
Link ||
[1 views]
Top|| File under:
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.
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.
The Werld just needs lots more Big Hugs. 
Louis Oelofse | Kamina, Democratic Republic of Congo - 12 December 2006 07:17 
Three suspected Islamist militants were killed on Saturday in two separate gunbattles in Indian-held Kashmir (IHK), army and police officials said. 
QUETTA, Pakistan - A group of about 22 rebels downed arms and surrendered on Saturday to authorities in Pakistans restive southwestern province of Baluchistan, officials said. A total of 22 tribesmen belonging to Marri tribe have surrendered with weapons and explosives in the town of Sibbi, a security official told AFP. They surrendered unconditionally and have promised to live peacefully, he added. The rebels had been hiding at three fugitives camps known as Karmo Wadh, Haftpur and Bangan and had been taking part in anti-state activities, he said.
GAZA, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Unidentified gunmen on Sunday stormed a training camp in Gaza used by the presidential guard, a U.S.-backed force loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, killing one of the officers, a security source said.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called Saturday for elections to end his violent standoff with Hamas - a gamble that Palestinians will back him as he seeks to weaken the Islamic militants, avoid civil war and keep momentum for peace overtures with Israel. Hamas accused Abbas of trying to topple its government, promised to block the elections and urged supporters to take to the streets. "This is a real coup," said Foreign Minister Mahmoud Zahar, a Hamas hard-liner. 
