Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Nigerian troops, sect engages in fierce gun battle in northern state

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Local police authorities said the Boko Haram sect engaged soldiers in a fierce gun battle on Wednesday evening in the Nigeria's northeastern city of Maiduguri.

Residents claimed a soldier was killed at Gwange, a suburb and one of the flash-points, at about 5 p.m. local time while some were injured in an attack launched against the soldiers by the sect members. The gun battle lasted for about two hour.

"The soldiers were angry and they decided to chase some suspects into the area and started firing several shots. My neighboring was hit by stray bullet and as I am talking to you now, he is lying in his pool of blood," Idris, one of the residents of Gwange, said in a phone chat with Xinhua reporter in Maiduguri.

Xinhua reporter in the restive city said he saw five patrol vehicles with soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force, the federal troops established by the Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan to quell the Boko Haram insurgences which have claimed over 2000 people since 2009 when the sect first launched its offensive in some northern cities of the country.

The popular Lagos street which leads to the scene of the gun battle was condoned off as soldiers took over the entire road stretching about 2 kilometers and leading to major federal institutions in the country; the University of Maiduguri and its teaching hospital (UMTH).

Motorists and residents returning homes along the area were turned back by angry soldiers while many residents in other parts of the city scurry home for safety.

There was no official report from JTF.

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R.I.P. - Senior Aircraftman Ryan Tomlin


A Military Operations news article

14 Feb 12
It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Senior Aircraftman Ryan Tomlin, of 2 Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment who was killed on the 13 February 2012.


SAC Tomlin was taking part in a partnered patrol to reassure and interact with the local population in the Western Dashte area on the edge of Nad-e Ali district in Central Helmand Province when he was fatally wounded by small arms fire from an insurgent attack. He was evacuated by air to the field hospital at Camp Bastion where sadly he succumbed to his wounds.
Senior Aircraftman Ryan Tomlin, 21, from Hemel Hempstead was born on 29 May 1990. He joined the Royal Air Force in October 2008, completing his Trainee Gunners Course in April 2009 before moving on to the Phase One Field Gunners Course. He was selected to join 2 Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment, based at Royal Air Force Honington, in June 2009.
He arrived at an incredibly busy time for the Squadron and launched straight into Afghanistan pre-deployment training. Ryan completed his first tour in Afghanistan in 2010 as a specialist driver on a rifle flight (the RAF Regiment equivalent of a platoon), defending Kandahar Air Base. After returning from this successful deployment, he showed promise and desire to develop new skills.


He deployed on a second tour to Afghanistan with No. 3 RAF Force Protection Wing at Camp Bastion in October 2011. From the start of the tour, he and his section supported Squadron operations out on the ground around Bastion with great skill and determination, often deploying for several days at a time through the harsh Helmand winter.


A highly professional and skilful gunner who achieved all he set out to do in his three years in the Royal Air Force Regiment, Senior Aircraftman Tomlin became one of the rising stars of his squadron and regiment, and showed great potential for what promised to be the brightest of futures.

He leaves behind his mother and father, Diane and Kevin, and a sister, Michelle. The thoughts of all in 2 Squadron and No. 3 Force Protection Wing are with them at this most difficult of times.
The family of SAC Tomlin said:
“Ryan loved and lived life to the full. He gave his life at a very young age doing the job he loved. Ryan will be sorely missed by his family and friends and everyone who loved him. We will remember his cheeky grin and great sense of humour. Ryan will be forever young and never forgotten. Our true hero and shining star.”

Wing Commander Jason Sutton OBE, Commanding Officer, No. 3 RAF Force Protection Wing, said:
“Senior Aircraftman Tomlin was one of the finest men on my wing and his loss has come as a terrible blow to all of us, especially his comrades on his beloved 2 Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment. Bright, gifted and an absolute master of his craft, he had the complete trust of those who had the privilege of serving alongside him. When the task was hard, he would immediately rise to the challenge. When those around him were weary, he was the one to lift their spirits, and when the enemy threatened, he was the first to be ready to fight. In our grief, we take comfort that he fell doing the job he loved, protecting his mates and the Afghan National Army soldiers we work to support in our shared task of building a better future for Afghanistan.
“Senior Aircraftman Tomlin had the brightest future ahead of him, and his loss has deprived the Royal Air Force Regiment of one of its very best. In continuing our mission here to protect air operations and the people who work at Camp Bastion, we will strive to do justice to the fine example he set. His loss is deeply felt by us all, but our grief can never be deeper than that of Diane and Kevin and their family, with whom our thoughts and prayers are with at this most difficult time. He will never be forgotten. Per Ardua.”

Flight Lieutenant David Martin, Deputy Squadron Commander, 2 Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment, No. 3 RAF Force Protection Wing, said:
“Professional, experienced and extremely popular, Senior Aircraftman Tomlin was one of the best gunners in 2 Squadron. He excelled at everything he did and he epitomised the Royal Air Force Regiment spirit in every way. He was hugely respected by his peers and he frequently mentored the younger members of the Squadron. Joining the Squadron in 2009, Senior Aircraftman Tomlin soon proved to be an exceptional marksman, displaying an excellent flair for fieldcraft.
“Senior Aircraftman Tomlin enjoyed banter within his close knit section, always remaining upbeat and lifting the spirits of those around him. Already an experienced gunner with a tour in Afghanistan to his name, on this tour his confidence grew quickly in just a few short months. He was depended upon time and again to provide vital surveillance and reconnaissance and long range fire support to his colleagues when needed. Indeed, I witnessed at first hand his quick thinking and calm professional manner during a meeting with village elders when he and his colleagues successfully fought off an insurgent attack.
“Senior Aircraftman Tomlin was fatally wounded whilst on an important engagement patrol, reassuring villagers and improving the lives of local Afghan people. He loved his job, he was a pleasure to command and I am honoured to have known him. Senior Aircraftman Tomlin clearly possessed an exceptionally bright future and the Squadron is devastated by the loss of a brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family and friends – we will never forget him. Nunquam Non Paratus.”

Corporal Thomas Vardy, Section Commander, 2 Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment, No. 3 RAF Force Protection Wing, said:
“I first met Ryan when I was posted to 2 Squadron in October 2009. I know it’s not fair to have favourites, but I took an instant liking to Ryan. He was young, enthusiastic, funny and had knowledge beyond his years.
“I had the privilege not only of having Ryan on the same flight, but on my section. He was my driver for six months on his first tour of Afghanistan in early 2010. I particularly remember haranguing him on his birthday because it was 10 o’clock in the morning and he still had his night sight on his weapon.
“Ryan was very keen and a good soldier. He was a constant source of morale and nothing got him down. I’m certain he would have had a very successful career.
“It was clear that Ryan was very close to his family and friends as he made every effort to go back home to Hemel Hempstead at weekends. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends and they should be extremely proud of him.
“It’s hard to put into words how much you are going to miss someone. Ryan wasn’t just one of my team, he was my friend. Nobody had a bad word to say about him and it was difficult to put him down. If you were having a photo, he would be in the background messing around. When he got excited the decibels went up and he talked too fast, but that was just Ryan.
“Ryan will be sorely missed and never forgotten. Your smile will stay with me forever.”
Senior Aircraftman Robert Zuccolini, Signaller, 2 Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment, No. 3 RAF Force Protection Wing, said:
“Ryan Tomlin always had morale to give out. You would never find him in a bad mood and he would never put you in one. I had the privilege and honour to go through basic training with him. Ryan was always someone who could get you through the tough times. He was a ‘Rock Ape’ through and through and passed out with his regimental brothers with pride.
“After spending a few months in 2 Squadron doing driver training and getting to grips with squadron life, we all went into pre-deployment training getting ready for Kandahar. It was new to us all but no-one seemed worried, especially Ryan. He couldn’t wait for the operational bonus at the end! During the tour, Ryan proved himself to be an outstanding soldier and a true friend.
“As a close friend of Ryan, I feel privileged to have known someone as talented, funny and outgoing who would always be there for you, who you could lean on, count on no matter what.
“Every gunner is my brother and 2 Squadron, RAF Regiment has just lost a family member.“Nunquam Non Paratus”
Lance Corporal Robert Banister, 2 Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment, No. 3 RAF Force Protection Wing, said:

“For Ryan Tomlin; “Together we stand as warriors, brave and bold.“We stand in the face of danger, we conquer our fears and prevail victorious.
“To those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, may the spirit of the fallen live on in the heart of the warrior.”

Secretary of State for Defence Philip Hammond said:

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Senior Aircraftman Ryan Tomlin. The tributes of his colleagues in 2 Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment speak of a popular member of the unit and a confident, respected gunner. My thoughts at this time are with his family and loved ones.”


(c) MoD

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Troops capture Abu Sayyaf leader in southern Philippines

English: Political map of the Zamboanga Penins...
Image via Wikipedia
Philippines, with Zamboanga Peninsula in red, ...
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COTABATO CITY, Philippines, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- State security forces captured a leader of the Al Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf group in southern Philippines, police said Wednesday.

Felicisimo Khu, Jr., regional police director for Western Mindanao, said the suspect, Abdulhan Ussih, 28, was arrested by members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group on Tuesday night around 6:00 p.m., local time at his hideout in the southern city of Zamboanga.

Khu said Ussih, a sub-commander who has been on an arrest warrant for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, has a 77,283 U.S. dollars bounty on his head.

The Abu Sayyaf is a militant group founded in the 1990s and has perpetrated a number of high-profile attacks, including kidnapping, bombing and beheading. The Philippine military estimates the group, which has links with external terrorist organizations such as al- Qaida, at less than 400 members.

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Police officer killed in Nigeria twin blasts

Deutsch: Politische Karte Nigerias (Bundesstaa...
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KADUNA, Nigeria, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Double explosions on Tuesday rocked northern Nigeria's Kaduna State, killing a policeman and injuring an unknown number of persons.

The dead policeman who was attached to the Anti-bomb Squad was part of the police team that raced to the scene after the first explosion occurred earlier.

Tuesday's explosions occurred barely a week after the militant Islamic sect, the Boko Haram, launched a suicide bombing attack on military formations in Kaduna.

The double explosions also took place barely 24 hours after a senior government official in an official car of the Kaduna State Government was shot by soldiers manning the gates to government House seat of the state governor.

The soldiers had mistaken the senior government official for a suicide bomber.

The dead policeman in Tuesday's explosions who was yet to be identified was said to be combing the vicinity of the first explosion close to the pedestrian bridge leading to the Sultan Bello Mosque for more explosives when he saw a polythene bag and in an attempt to verify the content, the object inside the bag exploded and tore him into shreds.

The first explosion had occurred at about 11:33 a.m local time close to the Angwan Sarki Market opposite the busy Kaduna State Transport Authority motor park, while the second explosion that killed the Anti bomb squad police officer went off at about 12:17 p.m local time close to the Sultan Bello Mosque still in Angwan Sarki in Kaduna North Local Government Area. A Xinhua reporter in the state said the explosions created panic amongst residents of the area who ran for dear lives to take refuge.

Traders at the nearby Angwan Sarki Market were forced to close their shops while schools and financial institutions around the area also shut down abruptly, he added. State police spokesperson Aminu Lawan confirmed the incident, saying the policeman whose identity he could not immediately confirm was killed while sweeping the scene of the first blast for more bombs.

The police spokesman however said investigations into the incident had already been launched by the police.

Meanwhile, a combined team of heavily armed policemen and soldiers has cordoned off the area, causing traffic jam.

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2 Haqqani Network leaders detained in Khost province

A Haqqani Network leader was detained following a joint military operation by Afghan and coalition security forces at eastern Afghanistan.

The leader was detained during an operation in Bak district, Khost province.

ISAF following a statement on Wednesday said, the leader supplied insurgents with bomb-making materials, placed roadside bombs and directed fighters in attacks against Afghan forces.

Multiple suspected insurgents were detained during the operation.

In the meantime another Haqqani Network leader was detained Afghan forces during an operation backed by coalition security forces at eastern Khost province.

ovince, an Afghan-led and coalition-supported security force captured a Haqqani network leader during an operation today. The leader conducted roadside bomb and direct-fire attacks against Afghan forces in Khost district.

One additional suspected insurgent was detained during the operation.

In Nangarhar province Afghan and ISAF forces detained a Taliban leader at Shinwar district. The leader planned attacks and distributed weapons throughout the province. One additional suspected insurgent was detained during the operation.

In Achin district, Nangahar province, an Afghan Provincial Response Company detained one narcotics dealer during an operation Monday.

During the operation, the security force discovered approximately 226 pounds (103 kilograms) of narcotics and several firearms.

The narcotics and weapons were confiscated and will be destroyed at a later date.

from KHAAMA
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Feb.15., 2012. - ISAF Joint Command Morning Operational Update

KABUL, Afghanistan (Feb. 15) – An Afghan and coalition security force discovered a vehicle containing improvised explosive device components and weapons during an operation in Zharay district, Kandahar province, today.

During the operation, the security force stopped a suspicious vehicle. Before it could be searched, three insurgents exited the vehicle and displayed hostile intent. The security force engaged the immediate threat, killing the three insurgents.

A subsequent search found multiple IEDs and IED-making components. The vehicle also contained multiple firearms, six rocket-propelled grenades, ammunition, and numerous radio transmitters and receivers.

The weapons cache was confiscated and will be destroyed at a later date.

In other International Security Assistance Force news throughout Afghanistan:

North
An Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation in search of a Taliban leader in Khanabad district, Kunduz province, yesterday. The leader is responsible for attacks against civilians and Afghan forces in the region. During the operation, two armed insurgents displayed hostile intent toward the security force. The security force engaged, killing the two insurgents. One additional suspected insurgent was detained during the operation.

South
An Afghan and coalition security force discovered a drug cache during an operation in Reg-e Khan Neshin district, Helmand province, yesterday. The cache consisted of approximately 500 pounds (227 kilograms) of marijuana seeds. The cache was destroyed on site without incident.

In Panjwa’i district, Kandahar province, an Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban facilitator during an operation today. The leader conducted roadside bomb attacks in Zharay and Panjwa’i districts. The security force also seized 180 pounds (81.6 kilograms) of hashish and 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms) of opium. Multiple suspected insurgents were also detained during the operation.

An Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation in search of a Taliban leader in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand province, today. The leader conducts direct-fire and roadside bomb attacks against coalition forces throughout the area. Two suspected insurgents were detained during the operation.

East
An Afghan-led and coalition-supported security force captured a Haqqani network leader during an operation in Bak district, Khost province, today. The leader supplied insurgents with bomb-making materials, placed roadside bombs and directed fighters in attacks against Afghan forces. Multiple suspected insurgents were detained during the operation.

In Khost district, Khost province, an Afghan-led and coalition-supported security force captured a Haqqani network leader during an operation today. The leader conducted roadside bomb and direct-fire attacks against Afghan forces in Khost district. One additional suspected insurgent was detained during the operation.

An Afghan and coalition security force captured a Taliban leader during an operation in Shinwar district, Nangarhar province, today. The leader planned attacks and distributed weapons throughout the province. One additional suspected insurgent was detained during the operation.

In Achin district, Nangahar province, an Afghan Provincial Response Company detained one narcotics dealer during an operation Monday. During the operation, the security force discovered approximately 226 pounds (103 kilograms) of narcotics and several firearms.

The narcotics and weapons were confiscated and will be destroyed at a later date.
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Balochistan rocked by another dead leader’s body, blasts

QUETTA: The inferno in Balochistan intensified on Monday. As the flames leapt higher, more bodies were discovered and explosions continued to claim innocent lives.

The day began with the discovery of a body dumped near Turbat – mutilated and shot 30 times in the head and chest.
The body was of Baloch Republican Party (BRP) leader Sangat Sana – missing since December 8, 2008. Sangat had been whisked away from the Kolpur area in Bolan.
More horrors would follow.

A remote-controlled explosion on a motorcycle ripped through a security checkpoint in Dera Murad Jamali later in the day. Security personnel escaped with their lives, but two children were killed.
Security personnel, however, would not escape another attack – this time near Chattar in Nasirabad district. Two personnel of the Balochistan Constabulary (BC) were killed and two others sustained injuries when a group of armed men ambushed a check post.
Later, almost as if to even things out, yet another ‘missing’ person’s body was found near Mand.

Sana’s body
Official sources said that Sana’s body was found near Murgab by some passers-by, who informed the nearby Levies station. The body was shifted to the Turbat District Headquarters Hospital, where locals identified the deceased.

“The victim received over 30 bullets on his chest and hands,” an official of the Turbat police revealed.

Balochistan Levies said they have launched an investigation into the incident. But clearly Sana’s family don’t buy into it. Sana’s father has joined the hunger strike underway outside the Karachi Press Club.

Meanwhile, another missing person’s body was found near the Mand area by the region’s Levies force on a tip-off. The body was identified as Zardad, son of Akbar Khan, a resident of Kohistan, who was a fund collector for local religious seminaries in Mand.
In the aftermath of Sana’s killing, the BRP, Baloch National Movement (BNM) and Baloch Students Organisation announced a three-day shutterdown strike and a four-day mourning period in protest.

Explosion, check post attack
Official security sources said that unidentified persons fitted explosives on a motorcycle and parked it at the main road near Bakra Mandi in Dera Murad Jamali. The device was detonated when a police patrol van passed by the area.

As a result, two children walking in the area, reportedly aged between 10 to 12 years, died on the spot. The police vehicle was also destroyed in the attack. “It was a remote-controlled blast and police have launched a manhunt in the area,” a senior police official stated.

The Baloch Republican Army, a banned militant outfit, claimed the responsibility for the attack. A spokesperson of the BRA, who identified himself as Sarbaz Baloch, called reporters from an undisclosed location and said that the organisation had planted the remote control device.
DM Jamali police said the target of the attack was the police van that was patrolling the area and investigations have been launched.

In the other incident, near Chattar in Nasirabad district two personnel of the BC were killed and two others sustained injuries when a group of armed men ambushed a check post.
According to officials, a group of men armed with automatic weapons encircled a check post set up by the BC in the Shahenshah Kundi area and opened fire at the personnel manning the check post.

As a result, BC Sub-Inspector Wahid Bhaksh and Constable Baddar Uddin received multiple bullet wounds and died on the spot while two others were critically wounded. There was no report of causalities on the part of the attackers. No group had claimed responsibility for this attack till this report was filed.

(Read: Saving Balochistan)

Published in The Express Tribune, February 14th, 2012.
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Seven killed, two injured in Turbat gun-attack

The attack left five workers on the spot, while two others failed to recover from their injuries and passed away in Turbat Hospital. —File photo by Reuters
TURBAT: A gun-attack in the Turbat region of Balochistan killed seven people and injured two others, DawnNews reported on Tuesday.

According to security officials, 12 men were working on restoring a road in Turbat Municipality, when unidentified gunmen opened fire at them.

The attack left five workers on the spot, while two others failed to recover from their injuries and passed away in Turbat Hospital.

Banned nationalist outfit Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) has claimed responsibility for carrying out the attack.

The attackers, who fled the scene, also set fire to three vehicles belonging to the road-works team.
An earlier attack (January 12) in the same area killed 14 FC personnel.
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