Crime Watch – Weekly Newsletter for January 1-3, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Judge Sen’s case with enlightened reason: Academicians
NEW DELHI – Expressing shock at the Chhattisgarh court’s judgment on rights activist and doctor Binayak Sen, academicians across the country and abroad issued a statement Monday condemning the life sentence and said that his case must be judged with “enlightened reason”.
Raipur district and sessions court Dec 24 sentenced Sen to life imprisonment …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Judge Sen’s case with enlightened reason: Academicians.
Pakistan food aid programme halted after suicide attack
WASHINGTON – A UN agency has temporarily shutdown its food aid programme in Pakistan’s restive tribal region after a suicide bomb attack on one of its posts killed 46 people.
The Wall Street Journal reported Monday that the World Food Program (WFP), which has four ration distribution centres in Bajaur tribal region to feed up …. Source : Pakistan food aid programme halted after suicide attack.
Six militants killed in Pakistan drone attack
ISLAMABAD – At least six militants were killed in a fresh drone attack in Pakistan’s North Waziristan tribal region Monday, official sources said.
The US unmanned aircraft fired four missiles at a car at about 9 a.m. in Shair Tala, 15 km from Mir Ali town, killing six militants, Online news agency reported quoting official … Read more : Six militants killed in Pakistan drone attack.
Maoists torch houses of three CPI-M supporters in West Bengal
KOLKATA – Armed Maoists torched houses of three supporters of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) in two villages of West Midnapore district in West Bengal late Sunday night, police said.
Two Maoists along with some members of the pro-rebel People’s Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCAPA) activists raided the Bachurkhoire and Nubasai villages and set … Read more »».
Little evidence on who planned, killed Benazir: Pakistani daily
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has “little conclusive evidence about who planned or perpetrated the assassination” of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, a leading Pakistani daily said.
An editorial in the Dawn Monday said: “…Benazir Bhutto fell victim to an organised terrorist attack after a rally in Rawalpindi`s Liaquat Bagh, it is difficult not to juxtapose the … Read more >>.
Four Turkish engineers kidnapped in Afghanistan
KABUL – Four Turkish engineers and their driver were kidnapped Sunday in southeastern Afghanistan, an official said.
Unknown gunmen abducted the engineers in Patan, a district in Paktia province, which borders Pakistan.
“Four Turkish engineers working with a border police unit were kidnapped along with their Afghan driver and have been taken away to an …. Read the original article : Four Turkish engineers kidnapped in Afghanistan.
US drone attack counter-productive: Pakistani PM
ISLAMABAD – Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Sunday condemned US drone attacks in the country’s restive northwest, terming them counter-productive in the fight against terrorism.
Gilani said that the drone attacks were increasing Pakistan’s problems instead of solving them and asked the US to provide the drone technology to Pakistan so that it could …. Source article on Gaea Times at : US drone attack counter-productive: Pakistani PM.
UN chief slams Pakistan suicide attack
NEW YORK – UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon slammed a suicide bombing in Pakistan which killed 46 people at a food distribution centre, according to an overnight statement Sunday.
“He unequivocally condemns this abhorrent act of terrorism aimed at innocent people,” said the statement from Ban. He sent his “heartfelt condolences” to Pakistan.
A suspected … Read more >>.
Toll in Pakistan suicide attack rises to 46
ISLAMABAD – At least 46 people were killed and around 100 injured in Saturday’s suicide bombing carried out by a suspected female attacker in Pakistan’s restive tribal region, a government official said Sunday.
The bomber detonated her explosives in a crowd receiving food at a distribution centre run by UN World Food Programme (WFP) in … Original article on : Toll in Pakistan suicide attack rises to 46.
CRPF trooper killed in Chhattisgarh Maoist attack
RAIPUR – A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) trooper was killed Sunday in an attack by Maoists in the jungle areas of Chhattisgarhs restive Bastar region, police said.
The killing was reported from Konta area in Dantewada, some 480 km south of capital Raipur.
“When a CRPF contingent was on a search drive, a bullet …. Read the original article : CRPF trooper killed in Chhattisgarh Maoist attack.
Explosives, bullets found in Bangladesh
DHAKA – Bangladesh authorities have seized explosives, bullets, hand grenades and propaganda material allegedly left behind by Indian militants in a village on this country’s northeastern border with India, a media report said Sunday.
The seizure Saturday by the Bangladesh Border Guard came a week after the discovery of about 13,000 bullets.
The seized items … Read : Explosives, bullets found in Bangladesh.
US drone strike kills seven in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD – An unmanned US aircraft Tuesday fired four missiles into two compounds in Pakistan’s tribal region near the Afghan border, killing seven people, security officials said.
The attack raised the death toll to 25 from drone airstrikes within 24 hours against suspected Taliban and Al Qaeda hideouts.
An intelligence official said the drone fired … Read : US drone strike kills seven in Pakistan.
Chidambaram visits Gadchiroli to review security
MUMBAI – Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram Tuesday visited the Maoist stronghold of Gadchiroli district in eastern Maharashtra to review the security scenario and discuss development plans for the area, an official said.
Chidambaram was accompanied by Maharashtra’s Home Minister R.R. Patil and Director General of Police D. Sivanandan.
Chidambaram met Gadchiroli District Collector …. Source : Chidambaram visits Gadchiroli to review security.
Partial response to shutdown call in West Bengal
KOLKATA – The first day of a 48-hour shutdown called by the pro-Maoist People’s Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCAPA) in West Bengal’s three western districts Tuesday evoked partial impact, police said.
“The shutdown was observed in the Junglemahal areas (Maoist affected forested areas of West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura), but there were no untoward …. Source : Partial response to shutdown call in West Bengal.
Toll in Nigeria blasts reaches 80
ABUJA – The toll in the Christmas eve bomb blasts that rocked Nigeria’s restive Jos city has reached at least 80, the authorities said Monday.
According to Xinhua, the number of people injured in the attacks has crossed 100, Al Hassan Danjuma Aliu, the north central zonal manager at the National Emergency Management Agency, said …. Read the original article : Toll in Nigeria blasts reaches 80.
Morocco arrests six men suspected of planning attacks
RABAT – Moroccan police have arrested six men suspected of planning to carry out attacks in Morocco and overseas, the interior ministry said Monday.
“A six-strong terrorist network involved in cybernetic terrorism was recently dismantled,” according to Morocco’s state news agency MAP.
The ministry, which released a statement to MAP, did not specify when the …. Original article : Morocco arrests six men suspected of planning attacks.
Nationwide terror alert sounded
NEW DELHI – The home ministry Monday issued a nationwide terror alert after intelligence inputs suggested that cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Agra, among others, might be targets of terror attacks in the coming days.
The red alert comes days after Mumbai Police said four men of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) group had entered the city … Read : Nationwide terror alert sounded.
UN probe of Benazir assassination flawed: Zardari
ISLAMABAD – Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari Monday said the UN probe into the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto has certain flaws in it.
“We decided to go for the probe by UN to ensure impartiality,” he said while addressing a gathering marking the third death anniversary of Bhutto in Nodero, her ancestral … Read : UN probe of Benazir assassination flawed: Zardari.
Bangladesh crackdown puts pressure on ULFA chief
SHILLONG – The crackdown on the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) in Bangladesh will force its elusive leader Paresh Baruah to rethink his intransigent stand, a top official said Monday.
“Baruah is under tremendous pressure because of the crackdown by Bangladeshi authorities. He will give up some day,” Inspector General of Border Security Force …. Original source : Bangladesh crackdown puts pressure on ULFA chief.
Secret UN maps show Afghan security worsening
WASHINGTON – The Afghan security situation has deteriorated this year, secret UN maps have revealed, countering the US government’s assessments of military progress since the surge of additional American troops began a year ago, a media report said.
The Wall Street Journal said it has accessed two confidential “residual risk accessibility” maps, one compiled by … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Secret UN maps show Afghan security worsening.
Eight killed, 50 injured in Iraq suicide blasts
RAMADI – At least eight people — including four policemen — were killed and 50 injured Monday in two suicide attacks near a government compound in the city of Ramadi.
The first blast came from a suicide bomber in a car near the Ramadi government compound, around 110 km west of Baghdad, Aswat al-Iraq news …. Source article : Eight killed, 50 injured in Iraq suicide blasts.
NATO says Afghan war to escalate in 2011
KABUL – A senior officer of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said Monday that the war in Afghanistan would escalate in 2011 as the coalition pursues militants.
“There is no end to the fighting season; we need to keep pressure on the Taliban all over the country,” ISAF spokesman Brigadier General Joseph Blotz …. Source : NATO says Afghan war to escalate in 2011.
Indian origin man charged with Britain terror plot
LONDON – Nine people, including a man of Indian origin, have been charged with conspiracy to cause explosions and plotting terror attacks in Britain, a media report said Monday.
The suspects, who were arrested a week ago during a series of dawn raids by police, will appear in a London court Monday, the Daily Telegraph …. Source article : Indian origin man charged with Britain terror plot.
Karnataka put on high alert over year-end terror threat
BANGALORE – Police and paramilitary forces in Karnataka, particularly in the coastal areas, have been placed on high alert following warnings of possible terror strikes in the coming days, Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa said here Monday.
“A high alert has been sounded in the state, especially in coastal districts following advice from the central … Read : Karnataka put on high alert over year-end terror threat.
Maoist damage rail tracks, NMDC shipments at halt
RAIPUR – Iron ore shipments by NMDC Ltd, India’s largest iron ore producer and exporter in the public sector, were halted Monday from its key mines in Chhattisgarh after Maoists damaged rail tracks, police officials said.
“The iron ore transportation has been stopped since Monday early hours as the tracks have been damaged by Maoists, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Maoist damage rail tracks, NMDC shipments at halt.
18 killed in Pakistan drone attacks
ISLAMABAD – At least 18 suspected militants were killed in a series of missile strikes by US drones in North Waziristan, Pakistan’s restive tribal region, a media report said Monday.
“The first drone fired missiles in Sher Tala area of Spinwam and killed six suspected militants,” Geo TV reported.
The second attack Monday afternoon fired …. Read the original article : 18 killed in Pakistan drone attacks.
Six killed, 45 injured in suicide blasts in Iraq
RAMADI – At least six people – including four policemen – were killed and 45 injured Monday in two suicide attacks near a government compound in the city of Ramadi.
The first blast came from a suicide bomber in a car near the Ramadi Government Compound, around 110 km west of Baghdad, Aswat al-Iraq news …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Six killed, 45 injured in suicide blasts in Iraq.
Pakistani cop moves court to reclaim ransom paid to Taliban
ISLAMABAD – A policeman has moved the Peshawar High Court against the police department to get back Rs.500,000 that his family paid to the Taliban for his release from captivity.
Head Constable Pir Jamal petitioned the court against the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Department for reclaiming the ransom money, Daily Times reported Wednesday.
He said …. Source : Pakistani cop moves court to reclaim ransom paid to Taliban.
Pro-Maoist shutdown hits parts of three Bengal districts
KOLKATA – Normal life was thrown out of gear in parts of three Maoist-affected West Bengal districts Wednesday, the second day of the 48-hour shutdown called by the pro-rebel Peoples’ Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCAPA).
The tribal group is protesting the arrest of its leaders.
No buses moved on the roads in Junglemahal …. Source article : Pro-Maoist shutdown hits parts of three Bengal districts.
Basque terrorists jailed for 515 years
MADRID – Two members of the Basque separatist movement ETA have received prison terms of 515 years each for a car bomb attack that killed a policeman, according to the verdict published Tuesday.
Judges at the National Court in Madrid said the pair detonated the car bomb outside a paramilitary Civil Guards barracks in May …. Source : Basque terrorists jailed for 515 years.
Maoists damage rail tracks in Chhattisgarh
RAIPUR – Maoists targeted railway tracks in Chhattisgarh’s restive Bastar region for the second consecutive day Tuesday, causing the derailment of two engines and disrupting train services, police said.
“Maoists damaged rail tracks up to 52 metres in a forested pocket in Dantewada district near Bhansi railway station where two engines derailed,” Gaur Gopal, in … Read more : Maoists damage rail tracks in Chhattisgarh.
Chidambaram visits Maoist-affected Gadchiroli
GADCHIROLI – Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram Tuesday visited the Maoist stronghold of Gadchiroli district in eastern Maharashtra to review the security scenario and discuss development plans for the area, an official said.
“He (Chidambaram) was here to review security measures taken by the district police along with the CRPF,” said Gadichiroli Collector Atul Patney. …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Chidambaram visits Maoist-affected Gadchiroli.
Eight killed in Iraq
MOSUL – Eight people were killed, five of them police officers, in two separate incidents in the northern Iraqi province of Mosul Tuesday.
In the western part of Mosul, five Iraqi policemen were killed and three others wounded when a car bomb targeted their patrol.
Meanwhile, Iraqi security forces said they killed three gunmen and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Eight killed in Iraq.
US alarmed at thousands of Taliban, rebels missing in Pakistan
WASHINGTON – The US is alarmed over reports that thousands of captured Taliban insurgents and political separatists have disappeared into the hands of Pakistan’s police and security forces, and that some may have been tortured or killed.
According to the New York Times, a State Department report presented to the Congress last month had urged …. Original source : US alarmed at thousands of Taliban, rebels missing in Pakistan.
Chhattisgarh in spotlight, but for wrong reasons (2010 in Retrospect)
RAIPUR – It marked a decade of its formation, but 2010 was also a black mark year for Chhattisgarh that found itself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons – be it Maoists increasing their spread, killing 76 troopers in the worst attack in four decades of insurgency or a court sentencing rights …. Source article : Chhattisgarh in spotlight, but for wrong reasons (2010 in Retrospect).
Bomb blast outside court in Athens
ATHENS – A bomb exploded outside a court in the Greek capital Athens Thursday after an anonymous warning call, a police source and witnesses said.
The device was planted on a motorbike parked in front of the building in the city centre, according to unofficial reports from the police.
Witnesses reported seeing burning cars and … Read : Bomb blast outside court in Athens.
Explosion in Athens
ATHENS – A bomb blast took place at a court in central Athens early Thursday, a police source said.
Witnesses reported seeing burning cars and a cloud of smoke coming from the building.
There were no immediate reports of any injuries. A witness told reporters that the police evacuated the building before the explosion.
An …. Read the original article : Explosion in Athens.
Human intelligence aid drone attacks in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD – US drones are now having enhanced ability to hit targets in Pakistan’s mountainous North Waziristan tribal region, thanks to the effectiveness of “real-time (human) intelligence”, security officials have said.
The turnaround in information gathering for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in North Waziristan, once considered an intelligence black hole, could not have come … Read more : Human intelligence aid drone attacks in Pakistan.
Malik should’ve told Benazir not to look out, says top cop
ISLAMABAD – It was the responsibility of Rehman Malik, who was then in charge of Benazir Bhutto’s security and now is the country’s interior minister, to prevent the former prime minister from looking out of her vehicle, said a senior police official who has been arrested for her 2007 assassination.
Former Rawalpindi city police chief …. Original article : Malik should’ve told Benazir not to look out, says top cop.
Are Maoists losing ground in West Bengal?
KOLKATA – When Maoists derailed a train in West Bengal in May killing 148 people, the guerrillas appeared to be on the offensive. As 2010 draws to a close, however, the rebels seem to be on the backfoot, due mainly to killings and arrests of rebels by security forces.
While Lalgarh in West Midnapore was …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Suspicious parcel found at US Embassy to the Vatican: Report
ROME – Italian police bomb experts were dispatched Wednesday to investigate a “suspicious package” found at the US Embassy to the Vatican in Rome, news reports said.
The alarm follows last week’s explosions of parcel bombs at the Swiss and Chilean embassies, and the discovery and deactivation of a similar device at the Greek embassy …. Original source : Suspicious parcel found at US Embassy to the Vatican: Report.
Five arrested for alleged plan to attack Danish newspaper
COPENHAGEN – Five people have been arrested on suspicion of planning an attack on the Danish newspaper that in 2005 published controversial caricatures of the Muslim prophet Mohammed, the Danish secret service PET said Wednesday.
The PET said that an armed “attack against the Copenhagen offices of the Jyllands-Posten” had been imminent.
Four suspects were … Read : Five arrested for alleged plan to attack Danish newspaper.
Two Afghan army soldiers, four insurgents killed
KABUL – Two Afghan soldiers and four suspected Taliban fighters have been killed in Afghanistan, officials said Wednesday.
“Two national army soldiers were martyred and another was injured in a suicide bombing,” the defence ministry said in a statement.
The bombing took place in the south-eastern province of Paktia Tuesday, it said, without giving further …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Hospitalised Maoist commander arrested
RANCHI – A Maoist commander who was undergoing treatment at a hospital on the outskirts of Ranchi for the past few days was arrested Wednesday, police said.
According to a police officer, Sanjay Yadav was arrested from a hospital in McCluskieganj town, some 55 km from Ranchi.
Sanjay is wanted in several cases, the …. Read the original article : here.
Buddhadeb hits back at ‘far from impartial’ Chidambaram
KOLKATA – West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has strongly objected to union Home Minister P. Chidamabaram’s use of a “nasty” word to describe Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) workers and attacked the Trinamool Congress for organising meetings with Maoist outfits.
The chief minister also admitted that the situation in the state was not a …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Benazir assassination plot hatched at brigadier’s home: report
ISLAMABAD – The plot to assassinate former prime minister Benazir Bhutto in 2007 was hatched at the official residence of an army brigadier, a fresh probe report has disclosed in a dramatic revelation.
The new probe conducted under the interior ministry’s supervision has also found the role of nine men, including the army brigadier, …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Former Maoist child soldiers learn to shoot – with camera
KATHMANDU – It was not a desire to change the world but his grinding poverty that made Nar Bahadur Sunuwar join the underground Maoist guerrillas when he was only 12.
Living in a village in northern Nepal’s almost inaccessible Humla district that was four days’ trek away from the district headquarters and had …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Bomb blast at Athens nightclub
ATHENS – A bomb exploded outside a closed nightclub in Athens early Friday but no one was injured, officials said.
The blast caused slight damage, according to fire brigade officials.
Media reports said police were assuming that the criminal underworld was behind the blast.
… Original source on Gaea Times at : Bomb blast at Athens nightclub.
Pakistan to contest US court notices to ISI officials
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Thursday said it will challenge in court a US lawsuit accusing officials of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of providing material support for the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008, Xinhua reported.
“The government of Pakistan has taken a firm decision to strongly contest the suit filed against the ISI, its present and past … Read more »».
Rights activist Kannabiran dead
HYDERABAD – Eminent human rights activist and lawyer K.G. Kannabiran passed away here Thursday after a brief illness. He was 82.
He is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters.
The last rites of Kannabiran were performed Thursday night at Maredpally in Secunderabad.
Andhra Pradesh Panchayat Raj Minister K. Jana Reddy and Maoist … Read : Rights activist Kannabiran dead.
Online Al Qaeda magazine provided bomb tips to terror suspects
LONDON – Nine men arrested in Britain on terrorism charges last week found inspiration and bomb-making instructions in an English-language online magazine published by Al Qaeda, a media report said Thursday.
The revelation, relayed by British newspapers, provided the first purported link between the nine British-based suspects, some of Bangladeshi origin, and an anti-Western terrorism …. Original source : Online Al Qaeda magazine provided bomb tips to terror suspects.
India presses Myanmar for action against insurgent groups
NEW DELHI – India Thursday conveyed its concerns to Myanmar at activities of insurgent groups operating on their border and sought to strengthen intelligence sharing mechanism with the energy-rich country.
Home Secretary G.K. Pillai met Myanmar’s Deputy Minister for Home Affairs U. Phone Swi for the 16th round of home secretary-level talks.
Issues …. Original source : India presses Myanmar for action against insurgent groups.
No night move for trains in Maoist-hit areas till Jan 6
KOLKATA – The restrictions on movement of passenger trains during night in Maoist-affected areas of West Bengal, Orissa and Jharkhand will continue till Jan 6, the South Eastern Railway said here Thursday.
“In view of security reasons, running of passenger trains on Kharagpur-Adra, Chakradharpur-Rourkela and Kharagpur-Tata section will continue to remain suspended up to Jan …. Original article : No night move for trains in Maoist-hit areas till Jan 6.
Roadside bomb kills 10 Afghan civilians
KABUL – At least 10 Afghan civilians were killed and several injured Thursday in a roadside bombing in the southern province of Helmand, officials said.
The bomb triggered by militants went off in a crowded area of the Nahr-e-Saraj district and killed more than 10 people, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said.
Daoud …. Read the original article : Roadside bomb kills 10 Afghan civilians.
US streamline watch list database to thwart terror
WASHINGTON – Now a single tip about a terror link will be enough for inclusion in the watch list for US sleuths who have also evolved a quicker system to share the database of potential terrorists among screening agencies.
The master watch list of individuals with suspected links to terrorism is used to screen people …. Original source : US streamline watch list database to thwart terror.
Suspects in Denmark hearing deny plot to attack newspaper
COPENHAGEN – Three men arrested in Denmark on suspicion of planning an attack on a Danish newspaper denied the allegations when their remand custody hearing opened Thursday outside Copenhagen.
Prosecutor Lykke Sorensen said they were suspected of terrorist crimes and firearms offences, noting that a submachine gun and a handgun had been seized by police.
…. Source article on Gaea Times at : Suspects in Denmark hearing deny plot to attack newspaper.
ULFA chairman gets freed on bail
GUWAHATI – Arabinda Rajkhowa, chairman of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and one of India’s most wanted fugitives, was Thursday freed on bail, a year after he was captured by Bangladesh and handed over to Indian authorities in Assam.
A special TADA court Thursday gave the verdict after the government prosecutor gave … Original article on : ULFA chairman gets freed on bail.
Taliban’s top-ranking leader killed in Afghanistan
WASHINGTON – A top-ranking Taliban leader, who was trained in Pakistan and involved in making improvised explosive devices, suicide vests and anti-aircraft weapons, has been killed by the NATO troops in Afghanistan’s restive Kinduz province.
Afghan police and the provincial governor said the coalition forces killed Mullah Bahador, the Taliban’s ’shadow governor’ in the province, …. Source : Taliban’s top-ranking leader killed in Afghanistan.
21 killed, 43 injured in Church bombing in Egypt (Fourth Lead)
ALEXANDRIA – At least 21 people were killed and 43 injured when a car bomb went off outside a church in the northern city of Alexandria, according to official estimates Saturday.
Witnesses said that a car that was parked outside the church exploded around 20 minutes after midnight, targeting Coptic Christians who were attending the … Read : 21 killed, 43 injured in Church bombing in Egypt (Fourth Lead).
Three US drone strikes kill 12 in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD – Three US missile strikes Saturday killed 12 suspected militants in Pakistan’s restive tribal region, security officials said.
The attacks took place in the Mandi Khel area of the North Waziristan tribal district along the Afghan border, a haven for Taliban and Al Qaeda rebels.
A Pakistani intelligence official said on condition of anonymity …. Original source : Three US drone strikes kill 12 in Pakistan.
Two suspected militants held in Bhopal
BHOPAL – Two suspected militants belonging to Kashmir have been arrested here, police said Saturday.
The two, who were held on the New Year’s eve, had come to Bhopal recently, a police official said.
“The two suspected militants have been arrested but we cannot give more details in this regard,” Senior Superintendent … Read : Two suspected militants held in Bhopal.
Suspected US drone strike kills six in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD – A US missile strike Saturday killed six suspected militants in Pakistan’s restive tribal region, security officials said.
The attack took place in the Mandi Khel area of the North Waziristan tribal district along the Afghan boarder, a haven for Taliban and Al Qaeda rebels.
A Pakistani intelligence official said on condition of anonymity …. Source article : Suspected US drone strike kills six in Pakistan.
ULFA chairman Rajkhowa released from jail
GUWAHATI – Arabinda Rajkhowa, chairman of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and one of India’s most wanted fugitives, was released early Saturday from jail here. He said the outfit was ready for unconditional peace talks but a formal decision would be taken once all jailed leaders are freed.
Rajkhowa was released on …. Source article on Gaea Times at : ULFA chairman Rajkhowa released from jail.
ULFA chairman released from jail
GUWAHATI – Arabinda Rajkhowa, chairman of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), was Saturday released from the Guwahati Central Jail.
Rajkhowa, who was Thursday granted bail by a special TADA court, said the ULFA is ready for unconditional peace talks but wants the outfit to stay united.
Rajkhowa, 54, was captured from Dhaka … Read more >>.
Church bombing in Egypt claims seven lives (Third Lead)
ALEXANDRIA – The number of dead in a bombing outside a church in the northern city of Alexandria ranged up to seven, according to official estimates.
The attack Friday evening targeted Coptic Christians who were attending the New Year’s Eve mass at the church.
While security sources earlier said that 10 people had been
killed, …. Read the original article : Church bombing in Egypt claims seven lives (Third Lead).
Ten killed in explosion outside church in Egypt (Second Lead)
ALEXANDRIA – At least 10 people were killed and six injured Saturday in a blast outside a church in the north Egyptian city of Alexandria, according to witnesses and security sources.
Witnesses said that a car that was parked outside the church exploded shortly after midnight and that ambulances were moving the victims to nearby … Read more >>>.
Ten killed in Egypt church explosion (Lead, Changing dateline)
ALEXANDRIA – At least 10 people were killed and six injured Saturday in a blast outside a church in the north Egyptian city of Alexandria, according to witnesses and security sources.
Witnesses said that a car that was parked outside the church exploded in the early hours of Saturday and that ambulances were moving the …. Original article : Ten killed in Egypt church explosion (Lead, Changing dateline).
Many dead in Nigerian bomb attacks
NAIROBI/ABUJA – A series of new bomb attacks, including on the market in the Nigerian capital of Abuja where New Year is usually celebrated, claimed a number of lives Friday evening.
The BBC reported at least 11 dead, citing military officials. Nigerian television reported about 30 deaths.
The other target of the bombing was a …. Source article : Many dead in Nigerian bomb attacks.
Three killed in Egypt blast
CAIRO – At least three people were killed and 11 wounded in an explosion near a church in Egypt’s Alexandria city, hospital sources told Xinhua early Saturday.
… Read more : Three killed in Egypt blast.
Bomb explosion hits Nigerian capital
ABUJA – A bomb explosion hit a busy market near army barracks in the Nigerian capital Abuja, Xinhua reported Saturday.
At least 11 people were killed in the explosion Friday so far, according to reports. However, police said they could not confirm the toll at this stage.
Police said the bomb was planted in an …. Original source : Bomb explosion hits Nigerian capital.
Suspected US drone attack kills four in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD – A suspected US unmanned drone
aircraft Friday fired three missiles into a vehicle in Pakistan’s tribal region along the Afghan border, killing at least four alleged militants, a security official said.
The airstrike took place in the Ghulam Khan village in the district of North Waziristan, a known hotbed of Taliban and Al …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Cameron urges British Muslims to help fight extremism
LONDON – British Prime Minister David Cameron Friday warned that the terrorist threat in Britain is ‘as serious as it ever has been’ and urged the Muslims in the country to help fight extremism, a media report said.
In his New Year’s message, the prime minister said that police and security officers were working ’round …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Cameron urges British Muslims to help fight extremism.
Maoists begin week-long protest against Sen conviction
RAIPUR – Security was heightened across Chhattisgarh as a ‘protest week’ called by Maoists against the conviction of rights activist Binayak Sen began Sunday, police said.
Anticipating attacks on civilians and government installations during the Jan 2-8 protest week, security has been stepped up in and around government buildings.
Also, policemen have been deployed …. Source : Gaea News Network.
Three women among five Maoists killed in Orissa gunfight
BHUBANESWAR – At least five Maoists, including three women, were killed in a fierce gunfight with the police in Orissa’s Jajpur district early Sunday, officials said.
Police personal and two teams of the anti-Maoist Special Operations Group raided a Maoist camp in the forested area of Jajpur district, some 100 km from here, late Saturday. … Read : Three women among five Maoists killed in Orissa gunfight.
Obama condemns deadly bombings in Egypt, Nigeria
WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama condemned as “outrageous” the separate bombing attacks that took place Saturday in Egypt and Nigeria that left at least 47 people dead.
“The United States extends its deepest condolences to the families of those killed and to the wounded in both of these attacks, and we stand with the …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Obama condemns deadly bombings in Egypt, Nigeria.
Jubilation as ULFA chairman Rajkhowa walks out of jail (Second Lead)
GUWAHATI – Arabinda Rajkhowa, chairman of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), may have led a violent insurgency spanning more than three decades in Assam, but the scene was of utter jubilation Saturday as he stepped out of jail on bail and addressed a series of public meetings on way to his ancestral … Read more >>>.
Writing to Buddhadeb was Chidambaram’s duty: Pranab
KOLKATA – Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee Saturday said his cabinet colleague and Home Minister P. Chidambaram’s letters to West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee were part of the former’s duty to write to states where the law and order situation deteriorates.
“What is the controversy in this issue? Union home minister has given a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Writing to Buddhadeb was Chidambaram’s duty: Pranab.
Mobile calls take Varanasi blast trail to Mumbai
LUCKNOW – Two calls received by a particular cell phone in Varanasi’s Dashawamedh Ghat area are believed to have provided major leads to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) probing the Dec 7 blast in the holy city. Two people were left killed and 30 injured in the blast.
NIA and Intelligence Bureau (IB) are … Read more >>.
ISI hired Headley to spy on India, Mumbai attacks: report
WASHINGTON – Pakistani-American terror convict David Coleman Headley was recruited by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence agency to spy on India and to plan the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that left 166 dead, including US and Israeli citizens, a media report said Saturday.
Now, for the first time, there is a detailed inside account of how the … Read more : ISI hired Headley to spy on India, Mumbai attacks: report.
A Pakistani village where New Year is mourned
ISLAMABAD – It was once a place full of cheer and laughter. But exactly a year after a New Year suicide bombing, Shah Hassan Khel in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has turned into a ghost village with nearly every family having lost a family member or a friend.
A suicide bomber blew himself in Shah … Read : A Pakistani village where New Year is mourned.
US failed to get Pakistani Army chief to target Taliban
WASHINGTON – All efforts by US officials to convince Pakistani Army chief Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani to attack the Taliban’s safe havens in Pakistan have failed so far and the US intelligence believe he is unlikely to change his mind anytime soon.
Kayani, who has more direct say over the country’s security strategy than its …. Source : US failed to get Pakistani Army chief to target Taliban.
Two Kashmiri militants held in Bhopal
BHOPAL – Two militants belonging to Kashmir have been arrested here, police said Saturday.
The two were held on New Year’s Eve Friday night from Tailaya police station area of Bhopal.
“Both were wanted in Kashmir and were involved in terrorist activities in Bandipora in Jammu and Kashmir. We have contacted Jammu and Kashmir … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Two Kashmiri militants held in Bhopal.