Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Kandahar police chief survives suicide attack

KABUL, Afghanistan A suicide bomber slipped inside police headquarters in Kandahar in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday, detonating his cache of explosives and wounding one officer, the chief of the headquarters said.

No one but the attacker was killed by the blast, which occurred shortly after noon, Kandahar provincial police chief Gen. Abdul Razaq said.

According to Razaq's account, a bomber entered the station by claiming he was carrying a letter of complaint, which he told guards he was trying to deliver to police authorities.

Police initially said the bomber was 14 or 15 years old, but other witnesses said he was at least in his 20s.

The teenager managed to pass through checkpoints without the explosives being found, and was inside the police compound when an Afghan border policeman shouted at him, asking where he was headed, Razaq said. The attacker then immediately detonated the explosives.

Razaq's office was partially destroyed and the windows of his office were shattered.

A statement from Kandahar's provincial government said the attacker was actually inside the waiting room outside Razaq's office when he detonated the explosives.

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Brig. Gen. Abdul Razzaq, speaking to reporters in Kandahar City, rejected rumours that he had suffered serious injuries in the assault on the police headquarters.
The suicide bombing took place at 1pm when they were turning in weapons to Disbandment of Illegal Armed Group officials at the police headquarters, he said.
"An 18-year-old with an application in his hand entered the building in a hurry and tried to reach my office," the police chief said, adding the young man blew himself up after being identified by border police.
A border police official was slightly wounded in the blast, according to Gen. Razzaq, who said the bomber told security guards that he needed urgent help in the recovery of a woman kidnapped from his residence.
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Canadian military gear stolen on way home from Afghanistan

Runway at Kandahar Airport in southern Afghani...
Image via Wikipedia
Ten containers of Canadian military gear were stolen on their way home from Afghanistan and the equipment were replaced by rock and dirt, officials said Tuesday.

The containers were shipped on a chartered vessel and consisted of items such as tires, tools and tents, Chris Alexander, parliamentary secretary to Defense Minister Peter MacKay, told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The Defense Department has confirmed the theft, he added.

"There were no munitions of any kind in any of the containers being shipped back to Canada by sea on this route. All munitions have already been received in Canada via strategic air and sealift," Lt. Commander John Nethercott said in a statement.

The shipment was contracted to A.J. Maritime Company of Montreal and contained equipment from the Canadian base at Kandahar airfield, which was closed in November.

The company packed the equipment into shipping containers and loaded them in Afghanistan, which have been shipped through Pakistan recently. Among all the 660 containers, about 180 have arrived in Canada.


from globaltimes

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Nuclear scientist killed in Tehran car blast

from RT.com
TEHRAN: An Iranian nuclear scientist was killed and two people injured when a magnetic bomb attached to a car by a duo on a motorbike exploded outside a Tehran university on Wednesday, Iranian news agencies said.

The person killed was identified by several media as Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan, a scientist who worked on separating gases at the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, according to the website of a different university from which he graduated around a decade ago.

“This morning a motorbiker attached a bomb to a Peugeot 405, which exploded,” the deputy governor of Tehran province, Safar Ali Bratloo, was quoted as saying by the ILNA news agency.

The explosion occurred outside the east Tehran campus of Allameh Tabatai University, at its social sciences faculty.

Ahmadi Roshan was killed and the two wounded passengers were taken to hospital, Bratloo said.

Sharif University, Tehran’s elite technical university where the slain scientist had studied, said Ahmadi Roshan was specialised in making polymeric membranes used to separate gas. Iran uses gas separation to enrich uranium.

Three other Iranian scientists were killed in 2010 and 2011 when their cars blew up in similar circumstances. At least two of the scientists had also been working on nuclear activities.

One of the attacks occurred exactly two years ago, on January 11, 2010, killing scientist Masoud Ali Mohammdi.

The current head of Iran’s atomic organisation, Fereydoun Abbasi, escaped another such attempt in November 2010, getting out of his car with his wife just before the attached bomb exploded.

Those attacks were viewed by Iranian officials as assassination operations carried out by Israel’s Mossad intelligence service, possibly with help from US counterparts.

The latest blast comes amid extremely high international tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme, which the West and Israel believe conceals research to develop an atomic bomb.

Israel has threatened to launch air strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

The United States has said “all options are on the table” in terms of dealing with Iran — including military action.

Tehran, which has repeatedly denied that its nuclear programme is for anything other than peaceful purposes, has threatened to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz at the entrance to the Gulf if it is attacked. Twenty per cent of the world’s oil flows through that strait.

Wednesday’s car explosion followed confirmation on Monday by the International Atomic Energy Agency that Iran had started uranium enrichment at a fortified underground bunker southwest of Tehran, in Fordo.

The United States, Britain, France, Germany and Italy have viewed that development with alarm, saying it was a violation of UN Security Council resolutions on Iran.

from DAWN

video report from news.sky.com:



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Suicide Bomber Attacks Kandahar Police Headquarters

A suicide bomber detonated his explosives at the police headquarters in Kandahar on Wednesday, the Afghan Ministry of Interior said.


The suicide bomber managed to gain entry to the hallway of the headquarters where he blew himself up.

The bomber killed only himself, the ministry added.

from TOLONEWS
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ISAF detain 4 militant suspects in Helmand province

International Security Assistance Force following a press release on Wednesday announced to detain at least four suspected insurgents and discovered several small drugs and weapons caches during a routine patrol in Reg-e Khan Neshin district, Helmand province.

The caches totaled approximately 660 pounds (300 kilograms) of various compounds used to manufacture homemade explosives, various improvised explosive device components and approximately 110 pounds (50 kilograms) of marijuana seeds.

In addition, the security force detained four individuals at the scene for further questioning about their connection to the drugs and weapons.

The source further added, a drug cache was discovered during a routine patrol by Afghan and Coalition forces in Panjwa‘i district, Kandahar province, yesterday. The cache consisted of approximately 440 pounds (200 kilograms) of hashish. The drugs were confiscated and destroyed without incident.

According to ISAF officials, Afghan and coalition security force discovered a weapons cache during a routine patrol in Shah Wali Kot district, Kandahar province. The cache consisted of seven rocket-propelled grenades, more than 4,500 rounds of small arms ammunition, and multiple miscellaneous improvised explosive device materials. The security force seized all items for destruction at a later date.

ISAF officials also announced to launch an operation in search of a Haqqani leader in Terayzai district, Khost province.

According to ISAF officials, the leader procures weapons, ammunition, coordinates the placement of roadside explosives and coordinates kidnappings throughout the area. The security force confiscated multiple rifles and detained one suspected insurgent.

In the meantime, a Taliban facilitator during an operation in Ghazni district, Ghazni province by Afghan and coalition forces, ISAF said in its press release.

The facilitator planned roadside bomb attacks and distributed heavy weaponry throughout Ghazni province. Multiple additional suspected insurgents were detained during the operation.
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At least 15 killed and injured in Kunar missile attack

According to local authorities in eastern Afghanistan, at least 15 people were killed and injured following a missile attack on Afghan National Army base at Mandakol in eastern Kunar province.

The officials further added, the incident took place around 1:00 pm local time on Tuesday.

Provincial public health administration chief Dr. Asadullah Fazli said, at least 14 injured individuals and 1 dead body have been taken to the provincial hospital.

Dr. Fazli further added, the deceased person is a member of the Afghan national army.

He also said, at least 2 Afghan civilians and 12 Afghan national army soldiers were among those injured during the incident.

An official of 201 Selab Afghan National Army commandments in eastern regions Mohammad Neman Atifi confirming the incident said, the exact number of people killed and injured during the incident is not clear.

No group including the Taliban militants have so far claimed responsibility behind the incident.
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Jan. 11., 2012. - ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 11) - A coalition security force detained four suspected insurgents and discovered several small drugs and weapons caches during a routine patrol in Reg-e Khan Neshin district, Helmand province, yesterday. The caches totalled approximately 660 pounds (300 kilograms) of various compounds used to manufacture homemade explosives, various improvised explosive device components and approximately 110 pounds (50 kilograms) of marijuana seeds.

In addition, the security force detained four individuals at the scene for further questioning about their connection to the drugs and weapons.
In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South
A combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a drug cache during a routine patrol in Panjwa'i district, Kandahar province, yesterday. The cache consisted of approximately 440 pounds (200 kilograms) of hashish. The drugs were confiscated and destroyed without incident.
In Shah Wali Kot district, Kandahar province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a weapons cache during a routine patrol yesterday. The cache consisted of seven rocket-propelled grenades, more than 4,500 rounds of small arms ammunition, and multiple miscellaneous improvised explosive device materials. The security force seized all items for destruction at a later date.

East
In Terayzai district, Khost province, an Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation in search of a Haqqani leader today. The leader procures weapons, ammunition, coordinates the placement of roadside explosives and coordinates kidnappings throughout the area. The security force confiscated multiple rifles and detained one suspected insurgent.
An Afghan led and coalition supported security force captured a Taliban facilitator during an operation in Ghazni district, Ghazni province, today. The facilitator planned roadside bomb attacks and distributed heavy weaponry throughout Ghazni province. Multiple additional suspected insurgents were detained during the operation.
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US drone attack kills four militants in Miranshah

MIRANSHAH: A US drone attack targetting a militant compound in the tribal area near the Afghan border killed four militants late Tuesday, security officials said.

Two missiles hit a compound on the outer skirts of Miranshah, in the North Waziristan region, killing four, one official said.

The attack triggered a fire in the building and flames could be seen from the roof of houses in Miranshah, five kilometres away, residents reported.

The drone attack and the casualties were confirmed by two other security officials.

The strike was the first since US-Pakistan relations plunged to their lowest level after the November 26 helicopter strikes on a border checkpost killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.


Pakistan rejected the results of the military coalition's investigation into the incident and said the strikes had been a deliberate act of aggression, leaving relations floundering between the US and Pakistan

from geonews

 
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U.S Coast Guard ship renders aid to Iranian mariners

By U.S. Fifth Fleet Public Affairs, US Naval Forces Central Command



ARABIAN GULF (January 10, 2012) — A U.S. Coast Guard ship, assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 55, rendered aid to six Iranian mariners from a distressed vessel in the North Arabian Gulf.

At approximately 3:00 a.m. local time, Island-Class Patrol Boat USCGC Monomoy (WPB-1326) operating in the area; when it was hailed by flares and flashlights from the Iranian cargo dhow, Ya-Hussayn.  The dhow’s master requested assistance from Monomoy indicating the engine room was flooding and deemed not seaworthy.

Monomoy immediately launched their small boat and approached the Ya-Hussayn.  Two persons were rescued from the vessel, and four from a life raft tied off to the dhow’s stern.
The six Iranian mariners were transferred from the dhow to Monomoy.  They were provided water, blankets, and halal meals.  Halal meals are in accordance with Islamic law and are stored aboard U.S. Coast Guard ships to provide to Muslim mariners in distress.
An Iranian mariner greets a U.S. Coast Guardsmen, assigned to U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Monomoy (WPB-1326). (from centcom.mil)

An emergency medical technician from Monomoy treated an injured crew member.  Fortunately, his injuries were not serious and there was no requirement for him to be medically evacuated.
Boatswain Mate 2nd Class Emily Poole, Monomoy’s medic, expressed her sentiments about assisting mariners at sea.  “Saving lives is the last thing you expect to do at 0300 while patrolling in the Northern Arabian Gulf, but being in the Coast Guard, that’s what we are trained to do.”

A civilian interpreter aboard Monomoy provided the initial contact with the Iranian Rescue Coordination Center to report the status of the Ya-Hussayn and coordinate the transfer of the Iranian mariners from Monomoy to shore.  Civilian interpreters are routinely embarked on USCG vessels operating within the Arabian Gulf.

The master of the Iranian vessel, who also spoke with the Rescue Coordination Center, was appreciative for the assistance to his crew and grateful for the efforts to get them home.
Hakim Hamid-Awi, the owner of the Ya-Hassan stated, “Without your help, we were dead. Thank you for all that you did for us.”  The Iranian mariners wished the best for the Captain and crew.
At approximately 4:30 p.m., the six mariners were transferred by rigid hull inflatable boats from Monomoy to the Iranian Coast Guard vessel Naji 7.

The Captain of the Naji 7, via translator, said, “Sends his regards and thanks to our Captain and all crewmembers for assisting, and taking care of the Iranian sailors. Wishes us the best, and thanks us for our cooperation.”
Monomoy departed the area to continue its mission.

U.S. Navy Capt. Edward Cashman, Commander of Task Force 55, commended Monomoy’s actions.  “Monomoy displayed exceptional skill and professionalism during the night time rescue at sea.  Monomoy’s presence in the Northern Gulf and the effective coordination of the rescue proves again the value of Coalition Maritime Security Operations."

Monomoy is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
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R.I.P. - Pfc. Dustin Paul Napier

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Pfc. Dustin P. Napier, 20, of London, Ky., died Jan. 8 in Zabul province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained from enemy small-arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

For more information please contact the U.S. Army Alaska public affairs office at 907-384-2072.

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An Alaska-based soldier was killed in Afghanistan, the Defense Department announced Tuesday.
Pfc. Dustin P. Napier, 20, of London, Ky., died Sunday in Zabul province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained from enemy small-arms fire.
Pfc. Dustin Paul Napier was killed in the city of Qalat in Afghanistan's Zabul province.
He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, at Fort Wainwright, Alaska.


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Suicide assault team kills 7 Afghans in the east

Districts of Paktika ProvinceImage via Wikipedia

A suicide assault team killed seven Afghans during an attack on a government compound in the eastern Afghan province of Paktika today. The Taliban claimed credit for the attack.

The three-man suicide assault team, which was armed with suicide vests, rocket launchers, and assault rifles, infiltrated the provincial center in Sharan, the capital of Paktika, and attacked the telecommunication center, the governor's office, and the headquarters of the National Directorate of Security. The Taliban fighters battled Afghan police and soldiers for six hours before all three were killed. Three policemen and four government workers were killed during the fighting.

Taliban spokesman Zahibullan Muhajid claimed credit on the terror group's website, Voice of Jihad, for the "martyr operation" in Paktika.

"Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate, armed with explosive vests and heavy and small arms, stormed the department of telecommunication in the capital of Paktia province on Wednesday morning," the Taliban statement read. "After taking positions in the strategic points within the facility, began targeting the intelligence department, governor house and other government buildings."

The Taliban claimed that "a large number of the puppet soldiers officers and officials were killed and wounded."

Today's terror assault was likely carried out by the Haqqani Network, the Taliban subgroup that dominates operations in the southeastern provinces of Paktika, Paktia, and Khost.

Read more: http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2012/01/suicide_assault_team_11.php#ixzz1j6asULoM
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35 Pakistanis killed in blast in Khyber market (+video)


Terrorists killed 35 people and wounded scores more in a car bombing today at a market in the Jamrud area of Pakistan's contested tribal agency of Khyber.

"The total number of deaths in the blast is 35 while 69 people were wounded, and of them the condition of 11 is critical," a senior official in Khyber told AFP. The blast is thought to have been caused by a bomb placed in a van parked at the market.

Today's bombing takes place as the Pakistani military has been battling the Taliban and their rivals, the Lashkar-e-Islam, in Khyber. On Jan. 1, the Pakistani military killed Qari Kamran, a senior Movement of the Taliban in Pakistan commander in the northwestern district of Nowshera, along with 11 fighters during a military operation in Khyber.

The Taliban have promised to avenge the death of Kamran, and in turn have executed 25 Pakistani paramilitary Frontier Corps troops who were captured in late December 2011 in the settled district of Tank and the tribal agency of Arakzai.

Pakistani security officials are said to want the Taliban to abandon the tribal agencies of Khyber and Arakzai, but are willing to cede the five other agencies (North and South Waziristan, Kurram, Mohmand, and Bajaur) to the Taliban in exchange for a peace agreement, according to The Express Tribune.

Read more: http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2012/01/35_pakistanis_killed.php#ixzz1j6Zez4dn


video from guardian.co.uk:



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Jan. 10., 2012. - ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 10) – An Afghan National Army led and coalition supported security force conducted an operation in search of a Taliban leader in Charhar district, Balkh province, today.

The leader plans attacks against Afghan forces and directs insurgents in the placement of bombs throughout the Balkh province.

The security force captured more than 30 suspected insurgents and killed seven insurgent fighters during the operation.

Insurgents used rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire to engage the security force. They also used Afghan civilians as human shields.

The security force seized multiple caches consisting of homemade explosives, pressure-plate bombs, weapons and ammunition. The caches were destroyed on site without incident.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

South
A combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban commander during an operation in Musa Qal’ah district, Helmand province, today. The leader organized multiple insurgent cells and directed attacks against Afghan forces throughout Musa Qal’ah and Nahr-e Saraj districts. The security force confiscated bomb-making materials and detained two suspected insurgents.

In Panjwa’i district, Kandahar province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader during an operation today. The leader was responsible for multiple attacks in Zharay district. Multiple suspected insurgents were detained during the operation.

A combined Afghan and coalition security force discovered a drug cache during a routine patrol in Panjwa‘i district, Kandahar province, yesterday. The cache consisted of 1,100 pounds (500 kilograms) of marijuana. The drugs were confiscated and destroyed without incident.

East
A combined Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation in search of a Taliban leader in Baraki Barak district, Logar province, today. The leader coordinates attacks against Afghan government officials. One suspected insurgent was detained during the operation.

In Behsud district, Nangarhar province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban facilitator during an operation today. The facilitator distributed weapons and coordinated attacks throughout Nangarhar province. The security force seized multiple weapons and bomb-making materials during the operation.

A combined Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation in search of a Haqqani network leader in Sabari district, Khost province, today. The leader procures weapons and coordinates attacks in Khost province. The security force seized multiple firearms and detained two suspected insurgents during the operation.
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