Crime Watch – Weekly Newsletter for December 1-6, 2010

640 Pakistanis died in 37 suicide attacks this year

ISLAMABAD – At least 640 people were killed and 1,800 hurt in 37 suicide bombings across Pakistan this year, said a government report.

The report compiled by the Counter-Terrorism Wing of the Federal Investigation Agency states that the suicide attackers targeted security forces, public property, mosques and shrines, foreign diplomats, educational institutions, political leaders, and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Militants abduct government engineers in Manipur

IMPHAL – Four engineers of the Manipur public health engineering department and their driver were abducted by separatist militants in the state, police said here Sunday.

“Heavily armed Kangleipak Communist Party (Military Council) militants stopped the engineers’ vehicle and kidnapped them on (Imphal-Dimapur) National Highway 39 late Saturday,” a police officer told reporters.
“The engineers …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Decks being cleared for Assam separatists’ release

GUWAHATI – The decks are being cleared for the release of all top jailed leaders of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) as the government wants to pave the way for peace talks to end over three decades of insurgency in Assam.

As part of a government strategy, four top ULFA leaders were …. Original article  : Decks being cleared for Assam separatists’ release.

Six die in Pakistan suicide blast (Second Lead)

ISLAMABAD – At least six people were killed and 20 injured Tuesday when a suicide attacker targeted a police van in Bannu district in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The police mobile van was on patrolling duty around 8.45 a.m. when the suicide bomber approached the vehicle and blew himself up.
The dead include a …. Original source  : Six die in Pakistan suicide blast (Second Lead).

Suicide bombing kills at least six in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – A suicide bombing Tuesday killed at least six people, including a baby and a policeman, in north-western Pakistan, officials said.

The bomber blew himself up near a police van on patrol in a furniture market in the Bannu district of Khyber-Pakhtukhwa province.
Qazi Fayazuddin, a senior medical officer at the hospital in the …. Read the original article  : Suicide bombing kills at least six in Pakistan.

Terrorist arrested for Sri Lankan team attack in Lahore

LAHORE – A key terror suspect has been arrested for his involvement in the March 2009 brazen attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore that left six players injured and six escorting policemen dead.

Express Tribune Tuesday quoted police officials as confirming the arrest of Qari Abdul Wahab, alias Umar alias Farhan alias … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Terrorist arrested for Sri Lankan team attack in Lahore.

Two die in Pakistan blast

ISLAMABAD – At least two people were killed Tuesday when a powerful explosion tore through a police station in Bannu in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The blast took place at the police station near Melad Park in Bannu district, Geo News quoted sources as saying. The death toll may rise, police said.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Two die in Pakistan blast.

Taliban demands Pakistan minister step down

ISLAMABAD – The Taliban has demanded Pakistani Religious Affairs Minister Hamid Saeed Kazmi step down, a media report said Monday.

Kazmi told Dunya TV Monday Taliban militants had written a letter to him demanding he step down as a federal minister. They also threatened in the letter of dire consequences in case of non-compliance, he …. Read the original article  : Taliban demands Pakistan minister step down.

Six NATO soldiers killed in Afghanistan

KABUL – Six NATO soldiers were killed Monday when a man dressed in police uniform opened fire during a training session in eastern Afghanistan, reports Xinhua.

Six NATO soldiers and the attacker were killed, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said in a statement. A probe has been ordered.
The ISAF did … Read more >>.

Two suspected LeT militants nabbed in Thane

MUMBAI – Maharashtra Police’s Anti-Terrorist Squad has nabbed two suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives from a mall in Thane city, a senior official said Monday.

The arrests of the duo – both from Jammu and Kashmir – were made Nov 15 from the mall near Kapurbawdi area of the city, ATS chief Rakesh Maria said here.
The … Read more : Two suspected LeT militants nabbed in Thane.

Gyaneshwari accident: CBI submits charge sheet

KOLKATA – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Monday submitted its charge sheet to a court in the May 28 Gyaneshwari Express accident, holding the pro-Maoist tribal Peoples’ Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCAPA) responsible for the crash in which 148 people were killed.

The CBI, which took over the case from the state police’s Criminal …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Gyaneshwari accident: CBI submits charge sheet.

Drone victim in Pakistan demands compensation from US

ISLAMABAD – A resident of North Waziristan, affected by US drone attacks in Pakistans tribal region, has sent a legal notice to US Defence Secretary Robert Gates and CIA chief Leon Panetta for Rs. 500 million in compensation for the deaths of two of his family members.

Addressing a press conference here Monday afternoon, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Drone victim in Pakistan demands compensation from US.

Pakistani drone victim demands compensation from US

ISLAMABAD – A US drone attack victim in Pakistan’s North Waziristan tribal region has sent a legal notice to US Defence Secretary Robert Gates and CIA chief Leon Panetta demanding compensation worth Rs.500 million.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad Monday afternoon, the complainant Karim Khan said that “a drone attack at his house … Read more : Pakistani drone victim demands compensation from US.

Kandhamal people fear Maoist attack

BHUBANESWAR – People in parts of Orissa’s communally sensitive Kandhamal district remained indoors Monday fearing a Maoist attack, two days after the rebels blew up an ambulance killing all its five occupants in the area, police said.

The landmine blast took place Saturday night in a hilly and forested area near Brahmanigaon village, some 350 … Original source on Gaea Times at : Kandhamal people fear Maoist attack.

Plot to bomb Pakistani PM’s rally foiled

ISLAMABAD – A plot to bomb a public rally of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in Pakistan’s Sindh province has been foiled following the arrest of two militants, an official said.

The prime minister addressed several gatherings of people and party workers in the country Tuesday to mark the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party’s 44th foundation …. Read the original article  : Plot to bomb Pakistani PM’s rally foiled.

Wisconsin High School Hostage Taker Dies

MARINETTE, (GaeaTimes.com)- Samuel Hengel, the 15-Year old student who held 23 students and their teacher hostage at the Marinette High School in Wisconsin has died due to the self inflicted wounds on Tuesday. The authorities have revealed that the motive behind the teenager’s decision to take the students and teacher hostage has not been … Read : Wisconsin High School Hostage Taker Dies.

John Skelton Underwent Severe Depression

MORENCI (GaeaTimes.com)- John Skelton had tried to commit suicide as he was undergoing severe depression. This has been the claim made by his sister Linda Ford. 40 year old Linda Ford believes that his brother is being subjected to a mental harassment by the police investigators. She has strictly come up to say that no …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Three Missing Michigan Boys Unlikely To Be Alive

MORENCI (GaeaTimes.com)- Police have declared that the three Michigan boys who have been missing since Thanksgiving day are unlikely to be found alive. 9 year old Andrew, 7 year old Alexander and the 5 year Tanner had gone missing from the small Michigan town of Morenci since the 25th of November. Their father John Skelton … Original source on Gaea Times at : Three Missing Michigan Boys Unlikely To Be Alive.

‘US diplomats harassed in Pakistan for backing India’s n-programme’

WASHINGTON – Pakistan’s security services harassed US diplomats in Islamabad, delayed visas, clogged customs clearance and sabotaged security contracts as punishment for American support for Pakistan’s civilian government and India’s nuclear programme, suggest leaked US diplomatic cables.

In a briefing to FBI director Robert Mueller ahead of a visit to Pakistan, US embassy officials in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : ‘US diplomats harassed in Pakistan for backing India’s n-programme’.

WikiLeaks: Diplomats fear Pakistan’s nukes may fall into terrorist hands

WASHINGTON – American and British diplomats fear Pakistan’s nuclear weapons programme could lead to fissile material falling into the hands of terrorists or a devastating nuclear exchange with India, the latest cache of US embassy cables released by WikiLeaks suggest.

The leaked cables contain warnings that Pakistan is rapidly building its nuclear stockpile despite the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : WikiLeaks: Diplomats fear Pakistan’s nukes may fall into terrorist hands.

Plot to blow-up Pakistani PM’s rally foiled

ISLAMABAD – Pakistani security officials have arrested two militants and unearthed a plot to carry out a bomb blast at a public rally of Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani in Sukhur district of Sindh province, media reports said Wednesday.

The prime minister addressed several gatherings of people and party workers in the country Tuesday to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Ugandan court sets free 18 suspects in World Cup bombings

KAMPALA – A court in the Ugandan capital Kampala Tuesday dismissed charges against 18 suspects in the July bombings that killed more than 70 World Cup fans who were watching a televised match.

The court said it did not find adequate proof to continue the prosecution of the 18 for their alleged involvement in the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Ugandan court sets free 18 suspects in World Cup bombings.

Meghalaya chief minister confirms ISI’s presence

SHILLONG – Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma Tuesday admitted that the Garo Hills region in the state was being used as a corridor by rebel groups and operatives of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) for anti-India activities.

“We cannot deny that we have a problem,” he said adding that the movement of these anti-national elements was …. Source  : Meghalaya chief minister confirms ISI’s presence.

Monday’s police shootout deaths in Srinagar questioned

SRINAGAR – Following claims that three men killed by police in Srinagar Monday were “innocent youth”, the Jammu and Kashmir Police Tuesday said the trio was functioning as “a Jaish-e-Muhammad module” and was involved in the killing of two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers in Pattan on Nov 10.

Ruling National Conference (NC) MP …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Monday’s police shootout deaths in Srinagar questioned.

Taliban militants planning attack on Karachi arrested

ISLAMABAD – A plan to launch a terror attack on Karachi was foiled Tuesday with the arrest of four Pakistani Taliban militants, police said.

Anti-terrorism police from the criminal investigation department (CID) arrested the four Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan militants who were planning to target sensitive areas, police offices and shrines. They were also planning attacks on … Read more »»».

Bangladesh-origin Briton denies terrorism charges

LONDON – A Bangladesh-born computer expert in Britain, alleged to have offered himself as a suicide bomber, appeared in court Tuesday and denied terrorism charges, a media report said.

Rajib Karim, 31, of Newcastle upon Tyne, who works for British Airways, appeared via videolink at the Old Bailey Court in London where he pleaded not [..] Read the original article: here.

Amnesty to separatists: Asom Gana Parishad divided

GUWAHATI – Assam’s main opposition Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) is bitterly divided on the issue of granting amnesty to jailed separatists as a party MP Tuesday opposed the proposal made by his colleague.

Former chief minister and senior AGP leader Prafulla Kumar Mahanta has demanded a “general amnesty” for all the jailed separatist leaders in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Amnesty to separatists: Asom Gana Parishad divided.

Maoists killed 62 civilians, 11 cops in November: Chidambaram

NEW DELHI – The Maoists killed 62 civilians and 11 security personnel in several states in November, union Home Minister P. Chidambaram said Tuesday.

There were 135 incidents of Maoist violence in the month, Chidambaram said in his ministry’s report for November released at a press conference here.
“The Left-wing extremists (Maoists) continue to wage … Read more : Maoists killed 62 civilians, 11 cops in November: Chidambaram.

Mizoram postpones return home of refugees from Tripura

AIZAWL/AGARTALA – The Mizoram government announced it was suspending taking back of tribal refugees from six relief camps in Tripura, claiming obstacle from a section of the refugees and suspected militants, officials said Tuesday.

“Our state government has decided to suspend the ongoing repatriation of Reang refugees from six relief camps in Tripura in the …. Source  : Mizoram postpones return home of refugees from Tripura.

Ronni Chasen’s Murder Suspect Commits Suicide

LOS ANGELES (GaeaTimes.com)- The murder case of Hollywood celebrity publicist Ronni Chasen took a brand new twist on Wednesday when a person known as the ‘person of interest’ in the murder committed suicide. According to Beverly Hills police authorities, the man, whose identity has not been released as yet, took his own life by …. Source article  : Ronni Chasen’s Murder Suspect Commits Suicide.

WikiLeaks: Pakistan spy chief shared intelligence with Israel post 26/11

WASHINGTON – Pakistan and Israel have no diplomatic ties but a year after 26/11 Islamabad shared intelligence information with Israel regarding possible terrorist attacks against Jewish and Israeli sites in India, according to a leaked US diplomatic cable.

The head of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency, Ahmad Shuja Pasha, told the then US ambassador Anne … Read this article on Gaea Times at : WikiLeaks: Pakistan spy chief shared intelligence with Israel post 26/11.

Shahbaz Sharif tipped off LeT after 26/11: WikiLeaks cable

LONDON – Pakistan opposition leader Nawaz Sharif’s brother and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif “tipped-off” the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) about impending UN sanctions after the terror group attacked Mumbai in November 2008, reveals a US cable exposed by WikiLeaks. The tip-off helped the outfit to clean out its bank accounts before they could be raided.

The … Read : Shahbaz Sharif tipped off LeT after 26/11: WikiLeaks cable.

Maoist anniversary hits traffic in Orissa districts

BHUBANESWAR – Vehicular traffic was hit in parts of Orissa as Maoist guerrillas Thursday began weeklong anniversary celebrations of their military wing People’s Liberation of Guerilla Army (PLGA), police said.

Private and public vehicles were not plying in many areas of the worst Maoist-hit districts of Malkangiri, Gajapati and Rayagada, a senior police …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Spain takes down ring that forged documents for terrorists

Madrid, Dec 2 (IANS/EFE) Spanish and Thai authorities mounted a joint operation to dismantle a cell that produced false travel documents for groups linked to Al Qaeda, officials said here Wednesday.

Seven people were arrested in Barcelona and three others in Thailand, the Spanish interior ministry said.
The group stole passports and other travel documents … Original source on Gaea Times at : Spain takes down ring that forged documents for terrorists.

Spain detains seven over Al Qaeda collaboration

BARCELONA – Spanish police have detained seven people in connection with Islamist terrorism, it was confirmed Wednesday.

The detainees were suspected of cooperating with Al Qaeda and related organisations. Two of the group’s flatmates were also held on charges of residing illegally in Spain, police said.
They were arrested in the Barcelona area late Tuesday …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Spain detains seven over Al Qaeda collaboration.

New York nears completion of anti-terror shield of tunnels, bridges

NEW YORK – Construction of a $250-million shield intended to protect New York’s tunnels and bridges against terrorist attacks was nearing completion, media reports said Wednesday.

The four-year-old project was aimed at thwarting bomb explosions that would damage the vast network of tunnels, subways and bridges in New York City and surrounding states and threaten … Read more : New York nears completion of anti-terror shield of tunnels, bridges.

Maoists kill CPI-M supporter in Bengal

KOLKATA – Suspected Maoists Wednesday gunned down a Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) supporter in West Bengals Purulia district, police said.

Bikas Mondal, 22, was fatally shot by a gang of four suspected Maoists at Kumardi village, Purulia Police Superintendent Sunil Chowdhury said.
Bikas was returning home this (Wednesday) evening riding on his motorcycle when …. Original article  : Maoists kill CPI-M supporter in Bengal.

After 26/11, Zardari told US Pakistan will retaliate if India attacks

WASHINGTON – In the wake of 26/11 terror attacks, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari told the US that Islamabad would retaliate if India attacked, but assured that it would not permit non-state actors to dictate state policy, leaked US diplomatic cables reveal.

Asserting that many in the West did not understand the importance of Kashmir … Original article on : After 26/11, Zardari told US Pakistan will retaliate if India attacks.

Wikileaks Founder Julian Assange accused of Rape and Sexual Molestation

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com) — Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder is a new name in the Interpol’s wanted list as he is charged with accusations of rape and sexual molestations. He is badly wanted by the Sweden authorities.
His crime surfaced on the month of august when two Swedish women filed a case against him. The … Read more »»».

Militant leads to big arms haul in Kashmir

NEW DELHI – A huge haul of arms and ammunition was recovered from Jammu and Kashmir following information given by a Hizbul Mujahideen militant who was arrested here last month, Delhi Police said Wednesday.

The arms were recovered Nov 25 from a cave in Richbagla forest of Rajouri area, additional deputy commissioner of police …. Original source  : Militant leads to big arms haul in Kashmir.

Manipuri separatist leader Meghen nabbed in Bihar

IMPHAL – One of Indias most wanted separatist leaders, Rajkumar Meghen, chief of the outlawed United National Liberation Front (UNLF) in Manipur, has been arrested, police said Wednesday.

Sleuths of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Tuesday arrested Meghen from near Motihari in Bihars East Champaran district when the rebel leader was trying to cross over …. Original source  : Manipuri separatist leader Meghen nabbed in Bihar.

Pakistan nukes may fall into terrorist hands, fear US diplomats

WASHINGTON – Pakistan’s nuclear weapons programme could lead to fissile material falling into the hands of terrorists or a devastating nuclear exchange with India, reveals the latest WikiLeaks cache of US embassy cables that also portray “scepticism that Pakistan will ever cooperate fully in fighting extremist groups” as an insurance against New Delhi.

The leaked … Read more »».

3,200 Taliban killed in Afghanistan in 90 days

LONDON – Secret operations of British and US troops have led to the death of nearly 3,200 Taliban militants in just around 90 days in Afghanistan, a media report said Wednesday.

British Special Air Service (SAS) and Special Boat Service (SBS) personnel, US Delta Force units, Afghan Special Forces Tiger Teams and troops from other … Original source on Gaea Times at : 3,200 Taliban killed in Afghanistan in 90 days.

Zahra Clare Baker Raped Before Murder?

HICKORY (GaeaTimes.com)- The Hickory Police said that the court documents which stated that the murdered Australian girl Zahra Clare Baker might have been raped before she was raped and dismembered. The information were unsealed by a judge in the US state of North Carolina, the media outlets reported. The 10 year old girl’s …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

India must help us fight piracy, terror: Ethiopian Dy PM (Interview)

NEW DELHI – Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn has sought India’s help and a more pro-active role in addressing the twin problem of terrorism and piracy in the east African region, calling it a serious global issue.

Desalegn, on a five-day visit to India since Tuesday, said the problem was particularly serious in Sudan …. Source article  : India must help us fight piracy, terror: Ethiopian Dy PM (Interview).

Al Qaeda wanted to attack Saudi capital

Riyadh, Dec 3 (IANS/AKI) The Al Qaeda wanted to carry out a terrorist attack in this Saudi Arabia capital, a former leader of the terrorist outfit has said.

Muhammad al-Awfi, a Saudi Arabian, said in an interview to the Arabic satellite TV channel Al-Arabiya: “Our efforts were concentrated on recruiting young Saudis, because we wanted … Read more >>>.

High alert in Telangana as Maoists make a comeback

HYDERABAD – Police went on high alert in north Telangana Friday as Maoists returned to the region after lying low for several years, killing three people and abducting another three since Thursday.

Police forces, including personnel of the elite anti-Maoist Greyhounds, began combing operations Friday in Eturanagaram forests of Warangal district and also in Karimnagar, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : High alert in Telangana as Maoists make a comeback.

`WikiLeaks exposed pettiness of Pakistani leaders’

ISLAMABAD – The WikiLeaks’ revelation has exposed the “pettiness of a number of national leaders” of Pakistan, said a leading Pakistani daily that added “there is a whole set of lessons to be learnt” from the US cables.

An editorial in the Dawn Friday said: “The world has perhaps never before been provided with such … Read more >>.

Maoists blow up police post in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – Maoists blew up a police post in Orissa’s Keonjhar district during the weeklong anniversary celebration of their military wing, People’s Liberation of Guerilla Army (PLGA), police said Friday.

About 20-30 rebels Thursday night blasted the abandoned police post at Banspal village using a landmine when nobody was inside, state’s inspector general of police …. Source article  : Maoists blow up police post in Orissa.

US freezes assets of three Pakistani terrorists

WASHINGTON – The United States has slapped sanctions against three of Pakistan’s most wanted terrorists associated with Lashkar-e Jhangvi (LJ) and Jaish-e Mohammed (JEM) held responsible for deadly attacks in India, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The three terrorists designated Thursday by the US Treasury Department were LJ senior leader Amanullah Afridi, LJ chief operational commander Mati …. Read the original article  : US freezes assets of three Pakistani terrorists.

WikiLeaks: US, Britain decided to play safe after 26/11

WELLINGTON – Diplomats from five countries, including the US and Britain, decided not to get “sucked into the blame game” being played by India and Pakistan after the 26/11 Mumbai attack, according to a leaked US diplomatic cable.

The Dec 2008 document released by WikiLeaks is about the international response to a series of deadly … Read : WikiLeaks: US, Britain decided to play safe after 26/11.

Pakistani university closed over militant threats

ISLAMABAD – A university here in the Pakistani capital was closed for three days Thursday after it reportedly received threats from militants, Xinhua reported.

The National University of Modern Languages (NUML) was closed after receiving an advisory from the Crisis Management Cell of the interior ministry, an official said.
A large number of foreign students …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

My father’ll fight for free Manipur till death: rebel leader’s son

GUWAHATI – One of India’s most wanted separatist leaders Rajkumar Meghen, chairman of the outlawed United National Liberation Front (UNLF), would continue to fight for independence of the northeastern state of Manipur until his last breath, his son Mei Chinglen said Thursday.

“I would simply say he would fight until his last breath for the …. Source article  : My father’ll fight for free Manipur till death: rebel leader’s son.

39 Al Qaeda militants captured in Iraq

BAGHDAD – Thirty-nine suspected Al Qaeda militants, including the outfit’s leaders in Iraq’s western province of Anbar, have been captured by security forces, a media report said Thursday.

“Iraqi security forces have captured 39 Al Qaeda members and their leaders who ran terrorist operations in Anbar province,” Interior Minister Jawad Bolani said in a televised … Read more : 39 Al Qaeda militants captured in Iraq.

Army apologises to Omar for shootout statement

JAMMU – The Indian Army has apologised to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for a statement that a shootout had occurred in Srinagar earlier this week because of the state government’s insistence on thinning out troops in the city, an officer said.

The army’s Northern Command chief, Lt. Gen. B.S. … Read more : Army apologises to Omar for shootout statement.

Lack of cohesion led to 26/11: Navy chief

NEW DELHI – Navy chief Admiral Nirmal Verma Thursday said India has come a long way to secure its maritime boundaries, post the 2008 Mumbai terror attack which was a result of lack of cohesion between intelligence and security agencies other than the navy and the Coast Guard.

One of the reasons why the 26/11 … Read more : Lack of cohesion led to 26/11: Navy chief.

Jeffrey David Kirby’s Trial Begins

SANTA ANA (GaeaTimes.com)- Jury selection continued on Monday and on Tuesday the trial of the man charged in the deadly crash of Charles Lewis Jr.’ Ferrari in Newport Beach. Jeffrey David Kirby, is accused of crashing his car into the Ferrari driven by Tap Out clothing line co-founder Charles “Mask” Lewis Jr. back …. Original source  : Jeffrey David Kirby’s Trial Begins.

Sorry, we blew up ambulance: Maoists

BHUBANESWAR – Maoist guerrillas issued a public apology Saturday for having blown up an ambulance and killing five “innocent” people in Orissa’s Kandhamal district last month.

The rebels issued a statement which was received by some mediapersons in Phulbani town, the district headquarters of Kandhamal.
Communist Party of India-Maoist Orissa unit secretary Sabyasachi Panda alias …. Read the original article  : here.

Yemen offered US ‘open door’ to attack Al Qaida: WikiLeaks

LONDON – Yemen secretly offered US troops unrestricted access to its territory to attack Al Qaida hideouts in the country, the US diplomatic cables leaked by whistleblower Wikileaks has revealed.

Yemen President Ali Abdullah Saleh told Barack Obama’s deputy national security adviser, John Brennan, in September 2009: “I have given you an open door on … Original source on Gaea Times at : Yemen offered US ‘open door’ to attack Al Qaida: WikiLeaks.

Top Maoist leader arrested in West Bengal

KOLKATA – One of the seniormost Maoist leaders in West Bengal was arrested along with his three associates by the city polices Special Task Force Friday night, a top police officer said Saturday.

Sudip Chongdar, more popularly known as Kanchan alias Batas, secretary of the state unit of the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist), was … Original source on Gaea Times at : Top Maoist leader arrested in West Bengal.

Disney Town Resident Kills Himself

MIAMI (GaeaTimes.com)- The town Celebration built by Disney witnessed a second violent death just after few days of its first murder in 14 year history. Celebration resident Craig Foushee barricaded himself on Thursday in his home for more than 14 hours and fired shots at police. However, the eyewitnesses said that the police did …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Disney Town Resident Kills Himself.

CBP Arrested 2 Sex Offenders at Dellus International Airport

DULLES (GaeaTimes.com) — Two sex offenders have been arrested from Dulles International Airport by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
One of the 2 offenders was 46-year-old Kehipo Bolou, who was arrested Monday after he returned to the United States from Belgium. Bolou is charged with third-degree sexual abuse of a minor. He’s an Ivory … Read more : CBP Arrested 2 Sex Offenders at Dellus International Airport.

Police Arrests a Guy for Walking around Nude in St.Lucie

PORT ST.LUCIE (GaeaTimes.com) — No more fun time for Mr Warren “Nude” Stearns. Police has arrested this man on the charges of misdemeanor as one of the neighbor launched a formal complaint against him for walking nude outside his house.
A woman on Northwest Wolverine Road told Port St. Lucie police Aug. 3 she saw … Read more »».

Meghalaya deploys special anti-insurgency police team

SHILLONG – A 53-member Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team has been deployed in Meghalaya to conduct anti-insurgency operations, Home Minister H.D.R. Lyngdoh said Friday.

“The SWAT team is being deployed in Garo Hills to render quick and swift operation in the jungle against militants,” Lyngdoh told legislators in the assembly during question hour. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Meghalaya deploys special anti-insurgency police team.

Lockerbie bomber’s family to sue Britain

LONDON – Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has claimed that the family of released Lockerbie bomber is preparing to sue Britain for false imprisonment and medical neglect, it was reported here Friday.

Gaddafi said Thursday Abdulbaset al Megrahi remained “very ill” with prostate cancer following his controversial release by the Scottish government on compassionate grounds in …. Source  : Lockerbie bomber’s family to sue Britain.

Sri Lanka rejects war crimes video, UN calls for probe (Second Lead)

LONDON/NEW DELHI – Sri Lanka has described as “fake” a new video released by Britain’s Channel 4 News that allegedly featured its troops executing naked men and women, as the UN rapporteur sought a fresh probe.

The video, which was telecast Tuesday, shows Sri Lankan government troops executing civilians in the last few weeks of …. Source  : Sri Lanka rejects war crimes video, UN calls for probe (Second Lead).

I was not arrested in India, claims UNLF head

GUWAHATI – Chairman of the outlawed United National Liberation Front (UNLF) Rajkumar Meghen of Manipur Friday claimed he was not arrested in India but was handed over to Indian authorities after being kidnapped in Bangladesh Sep 29.

I was not arrested here but kidnapped by the Bangladesh police on Sep 29 (2010) and then … Original source on Gaea Times at : I was not arrested in India, claims UNLF head.

Assassin on death row wants to be baptized a Sikh

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR – Balwant Singh, a terrorist who has been convicted for the assassination of former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh and is on a death row, has expressed his desire to be baptized a Sikh.

The terrorist, who is lodged in Chandigarh’s high security Burail jail, has sought this as his last wish before being … Read more >>.

ULFA’s ‘Mama’ released on bail, fifth to be set free

GUWAHATI – Septuagenarian separatist leader and political ideologue of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), Bhimkanta Buragohain, stepped out of Guwahati Central Jail Sunday after seven years in custody – the fifth top rebel leader to be released on bail in the past six months.

I am happy to be freed on bail … Read more : ULFA’s ‘Mama’ released on bail, fifth to be set free.

Greek police uncover hideout, nab suspected terrorists

ATHENS – Greek counterterrorism police Saturday raided a hideout in Athens belonging to a terrorist group, confiscating a cache of guns and explosives and arresting at least five people, media reports said.

Greek radio and television said three machine guns, seven handguns, grenades and 50 kilograms of explosive powder and 200 grams of TNT were …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Greek police uncover hideout, nab suspected terrorists.

50 rebels killed in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU – About 50 Islamist rebels have been killed and scores of others injured in fierce gun battles with the government troops in Mogadishu, reports Xinhua.

Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed said Saturday that about 50 fighters of the Al Shabaab group were killed in fighting in the past few days.
The … Read more >>.

Afghanistan, Pakistan stress joint efforts to fight terrorism

KABUL – Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Saturday described terrorism as the common enemy and called for joint efforts to overcome the menace, saying the peace in the region was in the interest of both the neighbouring countries.

“I am emphasising that a stable Afghanistan would benefit Pakistan, and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Five top Maoist leaders arrested in West Bengal (Roundup)

KOLKATA – In a major breakthrough, seven members of the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist), including five top leaders, were arrested in West Bengal over the past two days, police said.

Three top leaders and a Maoist supporter were nabbed from Maidan area in the heart of Kolkata, and another state committee member was …. Source article  : Five top Maoist leaders arrested in West Bengal (Roundup).

France against one country’s monopoly in space: Sarkozy

BANGALORE – French President Nicolas Sarkozy asserted that his country was against monopoly of one or two states in space ventures and favoured as many nations to be in the race for the conquest of space.

“We refuse to allow the space adventure to ever become the monopoly of one or two states (countries) and …. Source article  : France against one country’s monopoly in space: Sarkozy.

Top Maoist leaders arrested in West Bengal (Second Lead)

KOLKATA – In a major breakthrough, the city police’s Special Task Force arrested five top Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) leaders Friday and Saturday, a police officer said.

A huge cache of arms and ammunition, including foreign made improvised rocket launchers and state-of-the-art communication devices, was also seized.
“Sudip Chongdar (CPI-Maoist state secretary) and his … Original source on Gaea Times at : Top Maoist leaders arrested in West Bengal (Second Lead).

Baghdad Rocked By Bombings

BAGHDAD, IRAQ (GaeaTimes.com)- While Baghdad is still recovering from frightful accident of two buses carrying pilgrims which claimed more than 20 lives, an unexpected bomb blast killed at least 8 Iranian pilgrims and injured more than 45 people. The incident took place near Shiite Muslim shrine where suddenly bombs exploded and killed the Iranian …. Read the original article  : Baghdad Rocked By Bombings.

Jharkhand panchayat polls: 3,000 backed by Maoists win unopposed

RANCHI – The Maoists might not believe in the democratic process but close to 3,000 candidates supported by them – many of them their wives or kin – have been elected unopposed in the ongoing Jharkhand panchayat polls, sources said.

Heartening though this might be for the Maoists, the rebels have been caught in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Jharkhand panchayat polls: 3,000 backed by Maoists win unopposed.