Operation Phantom Fury--Day 362 - Now Operations River Blitz; Matador--Day 257

Insurgents Will Keep Fighting Until Elections, General Says

By Samantha L. Quigley - American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2005 – Despite a relatively uneventful constitutional referendum in October, insurgents in Iraq have not given up, and officials expect more violence leading up to scheduled December elections, a senior military official said at a news conference in Baghdad today.

"We're fighting our way to the elections," Army Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, a spokesman for Multinational Force Iraq, said. "I've told you ... that the insurgency didn't go away. But let it be known, at the end of the day on the 15th of December, there's no doubt in anybody's mind that there'll be elections conducted in a safe and secure environment for the people of Iraq."

In the run-up to the Iraqi referendum, insurgent attacks averaged 90 a day. In the past week, that number dropped to about 81 per day, Lynch said. He said the attacks will increase as Jordanian terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi works to achieve his goal of derailing democracy in Iraq. Coalition and Iraqi forces will increase operations to prevent these attacks, he added.

More and more, Iraqi security forces will lead operations, Lynch said. More than 120 Iraqi army and police battalions are in the fight, with 30 percent of those battalions able to take the lead on security operations. Iraqi forces have planned, led and conducted more 1,300 recent operations, he said.

Roughly 211,000 members of the Iraqi army and police are trained and equipped, Lynch said. The current 111,000 Iraqi police are well over half of the anticipated full force of 195,000.

The Iraqi Defense Ministry created a localized unit, known as "Desert Protectors," in Anbar province. The Iraqi army unit will complete training shortly. "They've got amazing access to intelligence," Lynch said. "These are the people of al Anbar saying 'We want to be part of evicting the insurgents from our province,' and they joined to be used in their province."

Coalition officials have established a counterinsurgency academy in Taji. The academy will use lessons learned from the war to teach counterinsurgency techniques to coalition and Iraqi company commanders and above.

Finally, coalition attack aircraft took out an insurgent command-and-control bunker discovered near Ramadi, where an AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter crashed Nov. 2, Lynch said.

10th Mountain Division's Medic Training Pays Off in Iraq

Training in a civilian hospital emergency room prior to deployment helped prepare Army medics for treating injured soldiers and civilians in Iraq.

U.S. Army medics from 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry treat and evacuate Iraqi soldiers and civilians Oct. 11, 2005, in the Khadra area in western Baghdad after terrorists detonated a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device in the area. (U.S. Army photo)

By U.S. Army Spc. Carlos Caro - 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Nov. 3, 2005 — Thanks to the time they spent training in a Syracuse, N.Y., emergency room, U.S. Army medics from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division were a little better prepared to respond to the trauma of bomb attacks in Baghdad.

Not all victims are fellow soldiers, either.

"Many evacuees are civilians seriously wounded by insurgent attacks," said U.S. Army Capt. Doug Herrmann, a medical officer with D Company, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry. "Because of their quick actions, these medics saved many lives."

During their first two months in Iraq, 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry medics treated and evacuated more than 20 seriously-injured patients.

Despite their accomplishments, the soldiers remain humble and dedicated to their task.

"We're just doing what we can to save lives," said U.S. Army Sgt. Paul Roberts. "The medics are doing a great job supporting the mission. I'm very proud of these soldiers."

Responding to terrorist attacks isn't always easy, said Hermann. However, the medics geared up for these kind of missions long before deploying to Operation Iraqi Freedom 3.

"One of the most important programs was trauma training at University Hospital in Syracuse," Hermann said. "In an unprecedented program, University Hospital opened its doors to the 1-87 Infantry Medical Platoon. There, the medics experienced trauma care in the emergency room. They also received professional instruction from emergency room physicians and nurses."

This training gave medics excellent preparation for their duties in Iraq, said Herrmann, adding, "They worked with the staff of University Hospital and the Staff Judge Advocates office of 10th Mountain Division to develop this program. It started because of a commitment from the [1st Battalion, 87th Infantry] leadership to ensure our medics had every advantage possible to prepare them for deployment to combat."

Hermann said he sought out University Hospital because it is the premier trauma center in central New York.

"Now that this is an established division program, I am confident that other medical platoons across 10th Mountain Division will benefit from it as much as [1st Battalion, 87th Infantry] did," he noted. "University Hospital is committed to supporting our troops in a tangible way."

Now that they have a couple of months' experience in Baghdad's combat zone, the medics said they're glad they went through the training during their pre-deployment preparation.

"The benefit of the University Hospital emergency room training was that all of the medics had the opportunity to experience live trauma treatment in a controlled setting," said U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Singer. "That's much better than having to experience your first live trauma in combat. The ER training helped better prepare us for the real deal."

In Iraq, the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry medics have already been faced with treating multiple combat wounds.

"The training at the hospital helped me get over the initial shock of seeing real traumatic injuries," said U.S. Army Pfc. William Pickett, who is on his first deployment. "The first time I had to treat a casualty, I just reacted as I've been trained.

"It was pretty weird being shot at while trying to treat someone," he added.

Afghan Interior Ministry reforms rank, pay structures

More than 230 general officers gather at the Afghan Ministry of the Interior for the announcement of the reform process to reduce the number of field grade and general officers in the MOI and Afghan National Police. The process is designed to make the MOI and ANP more efficient and effective. (Photo by Army Col. Paul Calbos, Office of Security Cooperation-Afghanistan)

November 03, 2005

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Afghanistan 's Ministry of the Interior is improving its ability to provide safety and security for the people of Afghanistan by dramatically rearranging its command structure.

With the assistance of the German Police Project Office and the Office of Security Cooperation-Afghanistan, the MOI is reorganizing its rank and organizational structure and that of the Afghan National Police to produce a more efficient and streamlined force, with clearer chains of command and communication.

"We want to increase the capabilities of our force to create a secure environment for Afghan families, businesses and communities," said Yousuf Stanizai, MOI spokesman. "Having too many general officers undervalues the meaning of rank and can damage the discipline within an organization. This is something we want to avoid."

Currently, the number of field grade and general officers outnumber police sergeants by a ratio of almost 3-to-2. "There's a gross surplus of senior officers in the MOI and ANP, creating an almost reverse pyramid organization," explained Army Col. Paul Calbos, chief of OSC-A's Police Reform Directorate Ministry Reform Division. "By downsizing the number of these positions, the ministry will become a more organized, efficient and streamlined organization, with proper command and control."

The general officer and field grade ranks are being thinned in a three-phase process designed to select the most competent, qualified and honest officers for each position. The first phase involves the selection of the 31 highest ranking positions in the MOI and ANP.

A concurrent process of pay reform within the ANP will result in significant salary increases for almost all members of the police force. So although some members may not maintain their current rank, if they remain on the force they will be making substantially more money, explained Air Force Maj. Jeffrey DeJoannis, deputy chief in the PRD Ministry Reform Branch.

Senior members of Afghanistan 's Ministry of the Interior examine the files of applicants for the highest positions in the MOI and Afghan National Police. The files review was the first step in the vetting process, and was used to examine each candidate's education, experience, personal history and character. (Photo by Army Col. Paul Calbos, Office of Security Cooperation-Afghanistan)

Selection of the "Top 31" is a four-step process, with each step designed to further narrow down the field of officers. All of those interested in one of the 31 positions first had to submit an application. Next, a files review transition board examined each candidate's education, variety and depth of experience, personal history and character. The board consisted of seven senior officers from the MOI; Ambassador Rudolf Schmidt, formerly the German special representative for Afghan Security Sector Reform; and Ray Fitzgerald, director of OSC-A's PRD.

Next, each candidate was given a written exam to assess his knowledge of the law and legal procedures, his analytical abilities, management style and ethics.

Finally, the remaining candidates were interviewed by members of a selection board consisting of Interim Minister of the Interior Zarar Ahmad Moqbil, MOI chief of staff Lt. Gen. Sayed Mohammad Qudussi, special adviser to the MOI Gen. Ghulam Ghaws Naseri, Schmidt and Fitzgerald. The board then made three recommendations for each of the 31 positions.

Moqbil made the final selections based on recommendations from the board and forwarded the list to Afghan President Hamid Karzai for final approval. An announcement of the MOI's "Top 31" is expected shortly.

Selection of the "Top 31" was executed over a two-month period, and all general officers from one star to three were able to compete for these leadership positions. "The process was carefully managed to ensure fairness and impartiality," said Air Force Lt. Col. Ernie Martinez, PRD Ministry Reform Branch chief.

The second phase of rank reform will select 86 remaining general officer positions. This process will closely mirror the first phase selection process, with applications, interviews, file reviews and exams. This phase will be more decentralized than the first, however, with MOI and ANP leadership traveling to regions throughout Afghanistan to meet with the applicants.

"It's very important for the newly-appointed leadership to travel out to the regions and provinces to put a face on the Afghan police reform and to promote the process to the entire country. They will be critical in the selection process since the generals they select will be responsible for the operations under their command and ultimately, the success of the entire reform process," Martinez said.

The third and final phase will select personnel for the ranks of samunyar (major) through samunwai (colonel).

"These are important reforms that will ensure that the highest qualified police officers meet the highest standards," Stanizai said.

By Air Force Capt. Dave Huxsoll - Office of Security Cooperation-Afghanistan Public Affairs

Najaf's New Stadium Opens with Tied Game

Soccer fans at the new Najaf Soccer statium were treated to some intense action at the opening game in Najaf's newly rebuilt stadium feeling secure in their security forces. (US Army Photo by SFC Kevin W. Reeves, 155th Brigade Combat Team, Public Affairs NCO)

November 03, 2005

FORWARD OPERATING BASE DUKE, An Najaf, Iraq -- An Najaf's soccer stadium was renovated as a project of the 155th Brigade Combat Team, a National Guard Unit from Mississippi. Task Force 198th Armor has control of the area and planning of operations and projects in the area.

Soccer is a major sport in Iraq. Like that of football in America, the fans will come from miles around for a good game. The fans did come. They came out by the thousands to see the opening game between the Najaf team and a team from Baghdad on October 31, 2005. They were not disappointed as the game was packed with intense playing and great action. The game ended in a one to one tie with no incidents of violence.

By SFC Kevin W. Reeves - 155th Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs NCO www.ngms.state.ms.us/155th

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:

Soccer fans at the new Najaf Soccer statium are treated to some local music played by a small group of men before the opening game at the new stadium. (US Army Photo by SFC Kevin W. Reeves, 155th Brigade Combat Team, Public Affairs NCO)

Soccer fans at the new Najaf Soccer stadium watch and cheer as baloons are released before the opening game in Najaf's newly rebuilt stadium. (US Army Photo by SFC Kevin W. Reeves, 155th Brigade Combat Team, Public Affairs NCO)

Soccer fans at the new Najaf Soccer statium watch and cheer as the ceremonial doves are released before the opening game in Najaf's newly rebuilt stadium. (US Army Photo by SFC Kevin W. Reeves, 155th Brigade Combat Team, Public Affairs NCO)

Soccer fans at the new Najaf Soccer statium were treated to some intense action at the opening game in Najaf's newly rebuilt stadium which ended in a 1-1 tie. (US Army Photo by SFC Kevin W. Reeves, 155th Brigade Combat Team, Public Affairs NCO)

Soccer fans at the new Najaf Soccer statium watch the intense action at the opening game in the newly rebuilt stadium. (US Army Photo by SFC Kevin W. Reeves, 155th Brigade Combat Team, Public Affairs NCO)

Soccer fans at the new Najaf Soccer statium cheer after the home team scored this tying goal in the opening game of the 2005 soccer season. (US Army Photo by SFC Kevin W. Reeves, 155th Brigade Combat Team, Public Affairs NCO)

Report: Elite Syrian troops have surrounded intel chief's office

SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM

Thursday, November 3, 2005

LONDON — Tensions are high in Damascus as Syrian special operations forces have surrounded the office of the nation's military intelligence chief, according to a media report.

The opposition Arab News Network satellite channel, owned by the uncle of Syrian President Bashar Assad, reported on Wednesday that elite Syrian troops have laid siege to the office of military intelligence chief Gen. Assaf Shawkat. The London-based ANN said the siege was meant to pressure Shawkat to surrender to Syrian authorities and undergo interrogation by United Nations investigators.

Shawkat is married to Bashar Assad's sister, Bushra and is regarded as the leading suspect in the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

The ANN report was not confirmed by any other source. ANN, led by Assad's uncle and deposed vice president Rifat, has been regarded as a leading media outlet for the Syrian opposition, Middle East Newsline reported.

The report capped a period of rising tension within the Syrian regime in 2005. Last week, Syrian opposition sources said the Assad regime was arming Alawi militias to prepare for the prospect of a civil war with the majority Sunni community.

In April 2005, Syrian opposition sources asserted that elite troops attacked air force facilities as part of fighting between forces loyal to Assad and those of a group believed led by the late Interior Ministry Ghazi Kanaan. In October, Kanaan was found dead of a gunshot wound which the regime said marked a successful suicide attempt.

On Thursday, Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Walid Mualem said Damascus was prepared to cooperate with the UN probe of Hariri's death. Mualem, who did not cite Shawkat, said the Assad regime would enable UN investigators question senior Syrian officials.

Sydney Opera House, bridge likely targets-media

04 Nov 2005 - 04:02:42 GMT

Source: Reuters

CANBERRA, Nov 4 (Reuters) - Sydney's harbour bridge and Opera House are among a range of possible targets linked to intelligence about potential terror attacks in Australia, newspapers said on Friday.

Prime Minister John Howard has said Australia received intelligence this week about a "terrorist threat", but refused to give any details on Friday, saying to do so would compromise police and security agency investigations.

Australia, a staunch U.S. ally with troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, has never suffered a major peacetime attack on home soil. The country has been on medium security alert since shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

Sydney's Daily Telegraph newspaper said the Opera House, the harbour bridge, two of the city's oil refineries, the Australian stock exchange in Melbourne and Melbourne's main rail station were possible targets for extremists under police surveillance.

"The extremists are part of a Sydney-Melbourne alliance which planned to launch attacks in the country's biggest cities," the Telegraph said.

"Security agencies believe the home-grown terrorist cells have been stockpiling explosive and other material for attacks in the two cities," it said.

The Australian newspaper said police and security agencies had been monitoring since August 2004 a group known to be part of a web of Islamic extremists in the country, and had intercepted one person with a video of the Melbourne stock exchange building and a railway station.

Australia's parliament rushed through urgent amendments to anti-terror laws on Thursday to allow police to charge people in the early stages of planning an attack, but Howard said that did not mean arrests or an attack were imminent.

Howard said on Friday that authorities were watching a group of extremists in Australia and knew more about their intentions now than they did six months ago.

"I think there have been people in our community for some time who would want to do harm, who were pleased about the terrorist attacks in Bali and in London ...," Howard told Australian radio.

"They have been within our community now for some time. Not a lot (of people) ... a tiny minority," he said.

Police and security agencies raided a number of properties in Melbourne and Sydney in July, but Australia has not lifted its terror alert warning, which went up to the second level of medium after the Sept. 11 attacks.

AlertNet news

US Senate backs oil drilling in Alaskan refuge

04 Nov 2005

Source: Reuters

By Tom Doggett

WASHINGTON, Nov 3 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate on Thursday voted to allow oil drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), narrowly rejecting a Democratic attempt to strike the plan from a budget bill.

Drilling supporters said developing the refuge's 10.4 billion barrels of crude would raise $2.4 billion in leasing fees for the government, reduce U.S. reliance on foreign oil imports and create thousands of American jobs.

However, it remains far from clear whether a final version of a federal budget-cutting package can be approved by both chambers of Congress. The U.S. House of Representatives plan would open ANWR to drilling, but also aims to cut politically sensitive programs such as food stamps and Medicaid.

"This vote today sends a signal to OPEC and the rest of the world that America is serious about meeting more of its own energy needs. America will not let our consumers or our economy be held hostage to runaway global oil prices," said Republican Pete Domenici of New Mexico, who chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

U.S. President George W. Bush hailed the Senate for passing legislation that sets out a "common sense approach" to improving the U.S. energy situation.

"We can and should produce more crude oil here at home in environmentally responsible ways. The most promising site for oil in America is a 2,000 acre site in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and thanks to technology, we can reach this energy with little impact on the land or wildlife," Bush said in a statement issued in Mar del Plata, Argentina, where he was attending a 34-nation Summit of the Americas.

The United States has to import almost three out of every five barrels of oil it consumes, with total demand averaging about 20.5 million barrels a day this year.

ANWR is "the nation's single greatest prospect for future oil," said Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee.

Opponents said there was not enough oil in the refuge to lower gasoline prices by more than a penny per gallon, and what crude is there would not get to the market for at least a decade. They also warned drilling would threaten ANWR's habitat for migratory birds, polar bears, caribou and other animals.

"America wants a better energy plan than putting a sweetheart deal (for oil companies) in the budget," said Democrat Maria Cantwell of Washington, who was the main sponsor of the amendment to strike the drilling language.

"Let's not pollute one of the last great remaining wildlife refuges in America," she said, referring to more than 500 oil spills that occur annually on the nearby Alaskan North Slope.

The Senate voted 48 (yes) to 51 (no) on her amendment to remove the ANWR provision from the budget bill.

Lawmakers also voted, 83 to 16, to ban ANWR oil from being exported to China and other countries to ensure the crude stays in the U.S. market.

"There is no assurance that even one drop of Alaskan oil will get to hurting Americans," said Democrat Ron Wyden of Oregon, who opposed ANWR drilling but co-sponsored the oil export ban amendment.

The Senate also rejected, 48 to 51, another Cantwell amendment to stop ANWR oil production if the Alaskan government sued to get a bigger share of the leasing revenue, which the drilling plan splits 50-50 with the federal government.

When Alaska became a state, it kept 90 percent of the lease revenue from oil production and the government received 10 percent. Alaska's legislature has indicated it may sue to maintain the 90-10 split with the ANWR revenue.

Domenici said Cantwell's revenue-sharing amendment was a "back door attempt to kill ANWR" drilling.

ANWR sprawls across 19 million acres, about the size of South Carolina. Republicans have sought to pry open the refuge to energy exploration for more than two decades, while Democrats and environmental groups have argued that Congress should focus on stricter energy conservation measures.

Under both Senate and House drilling plans, the refuge's 1.5 million-acre coastal plain would be opened for energy exploration, but no more than 2,000 acres of the surface area could be covered by production and support facilities, such as airstrips and piers to hold up pipelines.

The close vote in the Senate on striking the ANWR provision may make it difficult for the chamber to accept in a final budget bill the House's proposal to open offshore waters to drilling where energy exploration is now banned.

The Senate is expected to approve its bill cutting federal spending by around $35 billion over five years. The House of Representatives' version seeks to slash more than $50 billion, and a floor vote has not yet been scheduled. The spending cuts are intended to help reduce the federal budget deficit.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N03317387.htm

AlertNet news

US to increase military activity in Pacific

From correspondents in Guam

November 04, 2005

US military activity in the Western Pacific will be stepped up after the relocation of 7000 US Marines from Okinawa, the US regional naval commander said.

Rear Admiral Charles J. Leidig, the commander of US naval forces for the western Pacific, declined to say how many of the 7000 marines to leave Okinawa would be moved to the US territory of Guam.

Reports have indicated the bulk of the relocated forces would go to the Pacific island.

Last week the United States and Japan announced US forces in Okinawa would be reduced by 7000 to 11,000 within six years as part of a reorganisation of the alliance between the two countries.

Mr Leidig said Guam and other nearby US territories, including the Northern Mariana Islands, were strategic locations in Asia Pacific region.

"You're going to see more training, whether in the sea or in the air, in the western Pacific region," he said.

"You're going to see increased military presence throughout the region. I'm working specifically on increasing the number of ships visiting the region," he added.

By December, Mr Leidig said the US military would release more details on the distribution of the relocated Marines.

"The announcement was that there would be 7000 Marines relocated from Okinawa to Guam, Hawaii and other locations... I can't give you any specifics at this point. There's a whole range of options and timelines," he said.

Guam's business community is expecting a major economic windfall from the move.

It has estimated the relocation would result in about $42 million in additional income tax alone for the territory's government.

"It will be a boon to Guam's economy, no doubt," Mr Leidig said.

Trial collapses of British soldiers accused of Iraqis murder

LONDON, Nov 3 (KUNA) -- A trial of seven British soldiers accused of murdering an Iraqi teenager, which has cost UK taxpayers an estimated ten million pounds, collapsed Thursday after a judge ruled there was insufficient evidence to secure a conviction.

The soldiers, all members of the Parachute Regiment, have been found not guilty of murder and violent disorder.

The soldiers were standing trial accused of murdering 18-year-old Nadhem Abdullah in an attack on a group of Iraqi civilians in al-Ferkah, 60 miles north of Basra, in May 2003.

Judge Advocate General Jeff Blackett today directed the military panel hearing the court martial in Colchester, Essex, southern England, to clear the seven defendants of all charges against them.

He said "In relation to all the defendants, after discarding the evidence that is too inherently weak or vague for any sensible person to rely on it, prosecution evidence taken at its highest is such that a reasonable jury or court martial board properly directed could never reach the high standard of proof required to be sure of the guilt of any defendant." "In those circumstances it is my duty to remove the case from the board now and direct that they return verdicts of not guilty to the charge of murder against all seven defendants," he added.

During the trial Martin Heslop, the prosecuting lawyer, told the court that Abdullah was an "innocent" teenager who died after being subject to a gratuitously violent attack during which the paratroopers used their rifle buts, helmets, fists and feet.

Judge Blackett said that the Iraqi witnesses had admitted using the case to obtain money from the British Army.

"They frequently spoke of fasil' or blood money and compensation to what were patently exaggerated claims," he said.

During the trial, the Judge said it became clear that the main Iraqi witnesses had exaggerated and lied about the alleged incident.

"Had the Iraqi witnesses turned out to be credible, then the case would have been stronger," he said.

Judge Blackett commiserated with Nadhem's family over his death, but said it would have been "a miscarriage of justice to blame these seven defendants collectively for that death."

U.S. calls for immediate release of jailed Iranian activist

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 (KUNA) -- The United States calls for the immediate and unconditional release of jailed Iranian activist Akbar Ganji as well as his immediate access to medical assistance and legal representation, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said on Thursday.

Over the past week the United States has received reports that the health of Ganji is at serious risk, McCormack said during a department briefing.

"This is consistent with his wife's charge in late October that Iranian authorities are continuing to beat Ganji, and similar non-governmental organizations report that he was abused even while hospitalized following his August 2005 hunger strike," McCormack said.

Ganji has spent more than five years in prison due to his peaceful advocacy for free speech and democracy, McCormack said, and his imprisonment and any inhumane treatment are serious violations of fundamental human rights. "Ganji is one of many courageous Iranians, like Ahmed Batabi, Hoda Savair, Taki Rahmani, and Reza Alajani, who have challenged the clerical regime's repressive policies and who have suffered dire consequences for their efforts to advance the democratic aspirations of the Iranian people," McCormack said.

The United States calls on the international community to continue to press for the release of all political prisoners in Iran, he added.

November 03, 2005

Public compensation to Tal Afar citizens, very successful

(TFF Press Release)

MOSUL, IRAQ (November 2, 2005) – In the aftermath of the recent surge to remove terrorists from the Al Sarai neighborhood in Tal Afar, the Iraqi government has compensated citizens for their sacrifice and assistance.

Soldiers from 3rd Iraqi Army Division, under the direction of the Iraqi government, distributed 27,136 payments totaling 4,070,400,000 Iraqi dinars in three days to Tal Afar citizens. Security provided by Iraqi Security Forces allowed successful implementation of these payments. Remaining funds of 429,600,000 dinars are expected to be distributed today. Security Forces continue to improve safety throughout Tal Afar.

“Before the military operations, people could not walk freely in the streets and things were going very hard. Now, the security situation is very good and I am really optimistic. I honestly have to say we still have some disturbances around, but they are few and we are insistent clearing them with the good efforts of the ISF and the cooperation of the people. As for the reconstruction, we are working on the maintenance of water and electricity, cleaning and paving the streets,” said Tal Afar Mayor Najim Abdullah Al-Jubouri.

The government of Tal Afar is committed to providing a safe, secure environment where citizens can flourish.

http://www.strykernews.com/

President warned of another attack

Friday, November 04, 2005

By Shahzad Malik

ISLAMABAD: Intelligence agencies have warned the government that banned jihadi outfits are planning to make another assassination attempt on President General Pervez Musharraf.

According to intelligence reports submitted to the Interior Ministry, the Lashker-e-Jhangvi and Jamiatul Furqan (formerly Jaish-e-Mohammad) are trying to “cultivate” a relative of the president who is not on good terms with him or against his policies, sources told Daily Times. The report says if this scheme fails, the terrorist groups, which have so far been unable to penetrate the tight security around Gen Musharraf, could target close relatives or friends of the president.

In light of the intelligence reports, the Interior Ministry has asked the home secretaries of the four provinces and the chief commissioner of Islamabad to collect the particulars of the close relatives and friends of the president and submit them to the ministry, the sources added. The authorities have also been directed to brief the relatives and friends of Gen Musharraf and warn them to be extra careful about their personal security. Meanwhile, the police have been asked to tighten security all round.

Law-enforcement agencies are investigating four suspected terrorists of Lashker-e-Jhagvi who were arrested in Rawalpindi. They were allegedly planning to carry out a terrorist attack in the near future, the sources said. The accused - Aurangzeb, Izhar Wali, Amir Abbasi and Shah Rais – are also being investigated for links with those who were involved in the two attacks on Gen Musharraf in 2003.

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