Crime Watch – Newsletter for November 3, 2010

Parasnath hills: A synthesis of peace and violence

GIRIDIH – They are home to Jain temples where pilgrims come to pay homage, but they are also a safe hideout for Maoist rebels. Jharkhand’s Parasnath hills are home to two contrasting worlds – one that spreads the word of peace and the other that walks the path of violence.

The hills, where 20 Jain …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Parasnath hills: A synthesis of peace and violence.

Over 100 dead in Baghdad blasts

BAGHDAD – More than 100 people were killed and at least 200 injured in a series of car bombings, suicide bombings and explosions from improvised devices that rocked the Iraqi capital Tuesday, security sources and witnesses said.

The blasts – 21 in all – targeted cafes, restaurants and popular markets. Eleven of them were car …. Read the original article  : here.

Yemen seeks US help to ease European flight curbs

SANA’A – Yemen Tuesday asked the US for help in convincing European countries to ease flight restrictions imposed in the wake of a foiled bomb plot involving US-bound parcels flown out from Sana’a, the Saba news agency reported.

Last week’s discovery of a pair of printer cartridges loaded with explosives on two cargo flights renewed …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Bomb found in package at Merkel’s office

BERLIN – A suspicious package intercepted Tuesday at German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s office was confirmed to contain explosives, media reported.

High-level security experts told the daily Berliner Morgenpost that the package contained an as yet unknown explosive mechanism that could have detonated.
Government spokesman Steffen Seibert said the package was spotted during a routine check … Read more >>.

Gunman sparks panic in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD – A gunman reported to be “mentally sick” opened indiscriminate gunfire from a car here Tuesday, triggering panic, a media report said.

The incident took place in F-11 Markaz area, Online news agency said. The man escaped.
…. Original source  : Gunman sparks panic in Islamabad.

Blast damages rail track in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – A powerful blast damaged a railway track near Pakistan’s Hyderabad city Tuesday, affecting train services to Karachi, a media report said. No casualties were reported.

Rail traffic was restored after repairs were carried out, Geo News said. The explosion took place in Tando Jam town.
Two blasts Monday had damaged rail tracks between … Read more : Blast damages rail track in Pakistan.

Series of bomb attacks target embassies in Athens (Second Lead)

ATHENS – A bomb exploded Tuesday outside the Swiss Embassy in Athens while Greek police later detonated a series of suspect packages addressed to at least four other embassies.

Swiss Embassy officials said the small bomb exploded after an individual on a motorbike threw a package into the embassy’s garden.
A parcel bomb addressed to …. Source article  : Series of bomb attacks target embassies in Athens (Second Lead).

Iran Plans to Execute Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani in Stoning Case

Human Rights Commission is warning Iran’s plan to execute a woman whose sentence to stoning has drawn international condemnation.
Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani awaiting a case in court for allegedly killing her husband. According to Mina Ahadi of the International Committees Against Execution & Stoning, Sakineh has managed to get international awareness that rises hope for … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Iran Plans to Execute Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani in Stoning Case.

Headley access given by US unprecedented: Menon

NEW DELHI – Days before US President Barack Obama’s visit here, National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon Tuesday downplayed the row over 26/11 intelligence sharing by the US pointing out that access given by Washington to the Pakistani-American terrorist David Headley was “unprecedented”.

“In India, (there is a debate on) how much did the US know …. Original source  : Headley access given by US unprecedented: Menon.

Australia, Britain warn of Philippine travel

MANILA – Australia and Britain Tuesday warned against travelling to the Philippines over fears of an imminent terrorist attack after a parcel bomb scare in the US.

“Reliable reports indicate that terrorist attacks may be imminent in Manila, including places frequented by foreigners, such as large shopping malls and convention centres,” the Australian travel advisory … Read : Australia, Britain warn of Philippine travel.

Yemen begins massive hunt for Al Qaeda bomb maker, cleric

SANA’A – Yemeni forces Tuesday launched a massive operation against hideouts of Al Qaeda in two provinces east of the capital Sana’a in a bid to capture a Saudi bomb maker and a US-born cleric wanted by Washington, a senior government official said.

The official told DPA the operation in the provinces of Marib and …. Source article  : Yemen begins massive hunt for Al Qaeda bomb maker, cleric.