The Terrorist Round-up for 6/13/06

6/13/06

[Straight Vermonter]

	U.S. specialist Christopher Saenz, from the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment look to the landscape during a patrol outside the village of Musa Quala, Helmand Province, south Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)
	U.S. Army Pfc. Matthew J. Mongiove, assigned to the 10th Mountain Division, provides security for the Canadian Mobile Training Team in Spin Boldak, Afghanistan. (U.S Army photo by Sgt. Andre' Reynolds)
	U.S. soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment sleep at a forward operating base outside the village of Musa Quala, Helmand Province, south Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd)
	White House Press Secretary Tony Snow, left, and White House Counselor Dan Barlett, ride in a military helicopter wearing helmets and flak jackets for a trip from Baghdad International Airport to U.S. Embassy in the Greenzone in Baghdad, Iraq. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
	A picture released by the US Marines shows a Marine escorting a suspect under suspicion of planting an Improvised Explosive Device on a roadway traveled by Coalition Forces and Iraqis to a nearby detention facility in the town Haqlaniyah, west of Baghdad.(AFP/USMC-HO/Sgt. Roe F. Seigle)
	U.S. Army soldiers discuss tactics and strategy during a night of counterinsurgency raids in the town of Husiniyah, Iraq. The soldiers are with Easy Company, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. (DoD photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Larson, U.S. Navy.) (Released)

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Iraq - Large Map

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Iraqi PM Announces Security Crackdown

Iraqi security forces planned to deploy tens of thousands of soldiers in Baghdad Wednesday as part of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's ambitious plan to crack down on security in the capital, a top Iraqi police official said.

The prime minister said late last month that he had a plan to restore order for the capital's 6 million residents, who have suffered the most from suicidal killers, roadside bombs and sectarian death squads. But he was hamstrung for weeks by political infighting.

With new defense and interior ministers finally in place, al-Maliki said in a news release dated Monday but released Tuesday that he would be ready to formally unveil his plan within the next two days.

The Shiite prime minister said the plan will include securing roads into and out of Baghdad, banning people from carrying weapons and implementing a 9 p.m.-6 a.m. curfew, but he did not provide more details.

Maj. Gen. Mahdi al-Gharrawi, the commander of public order forces under the Interior Ministry, told The Associated Press that the plan would launched at 6 a.m. Wednesday, with 75,000 Iraqi and multinational forces deployed in Baghdad. He said it would be the biggest operation of its kind in Baghdad since the U.S. handed over sovereignty to Iraq in June 2004.

Revenge for al-Zarqawi killing

He also warned insurgents were likely to step up activity ahead of the security crack down and as revenge for last week's death of al-Qaida in Iraq leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. He said the ground forces could call in air cover if needed.

"We are expecting clashes will erupted in the predominantly Sunni areas," he said. "The terrorists will escalate their violence especially during the first week as revenge for the killing of al-Zarqawi."

He also said "Baghdad is divided according to geographical area and we know the al-Qaida leaders in each area."

Iraqis have complained of random violence and detentions by Iraqi forces, especially the police, which are widely believed to have been infiltrated by so-called sectarian death squads, and the government has indicated it plans to introduce a single uniform to distinguish legitimate forces.

Al-Gharrawi said there were plans for such a uniform in the coming days.

"There will be a special uniform with special badges to be put on the vehicles as a sign that it belongs to our forces," he said, adding the prime minister would decide when to end the crackdown.

Iraqi army Brig. Jalil Khalaf also said the plan would include more checkpoints and raids against suspected insurgent hideouts. "The terrorists cannot face such power," he said.

More..

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Iraqi Forces Hunt Zarqawi Aides

< snip >

A police official from the northern oil hub of Kirkuk confirmed the arrest of seven members of the Mujahideen Shura council, a group of militant organisations led by Al-Qaeda.

The seven men had fled from Baquba after the killing of Zarqawi.

Captain Shakhwan Mahmud of the police said a joint US-Iraqi air assault surrounded a house in Kirkuk and arrested seven members of the council led by Al Qaeda in Iraq.

On Friday Abbas al-Mufraji, described as an aide to Zarqawi, was also arrested in security sweeps south of Baquba, an officer in the Iraqi army said.

Twenty-three other suspected followers of the Al-Qaeda leader were also picked up in sweeps throughout the villages south of Baquba.

Caldwell said Zarqawi's death on Wednesday led to a number of operations on against his men.

"There were certain personnel that we have been watching and monitoring that coalition forces had made the decision not to take down, because they had given key indicators at different points of time where Zarqawi might be -- so they were monitored, watched and tracked," Caldwell said.

"When Zarqawi went down, that enabled us to go in and conduct those operations," he said.

More..

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Seven Qaeda ‘terrorists’ killed in Iraq

The US military said seven “terrorists” linked to Al Qaeda leaders in Iraq were killed during an air strike on Monday near the restive Iraqi city of Baquba. The strike also left two children dead.

“Coalition forces killed seven terrorists, wounded three, and detained an additional two terrorists during a raid in the vicinity of Baquba,” the military said in a statement. “The targeted terrorists have been linked to previous coalition operations and had ties to senior Al Qaeda leaders across Iraq. Intelligence also indicates this particular terrorist cell is involved in the facilitation of foreign fighters in the area.”

The military said coalition forces received enemy machine gun fire from a rooftop upon arriving at the objective. “Two other individuals with AK-47s had been seen fleeing that area just prior to the assault. Coalition aircraft supporting the ground force immediately suppressed the enemy fire, killing seven.” It said there were numerous women and children on the scene.

More..

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Coalition forces kill 1, detain 23 terrorists in Ramadi

Coalition forces killed one suspected terrorists and detained 23 others June 12 during coordinated morning raids north of Ramadi.

The forces were targeting reported terrorist activity in the area, to include the reported use of an elementary school for an improvised explosive device and suicide bomber training facility. Several of the detainees have been identified as terrorists by Iraqis.

Coalition forces secured several buildings during the raids and located multiple weapons in each building. The weapons were destroyed on site. One terrorist was killed during the assault.

These terrorists continue to place women and children in potentially deadly situations. Several non-combatants were present during the raids, but none were injured and they were returned to their homes once the troops ensured the area and buildings were secure.

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Afghanistan & Pakistan - Large Map

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Canadians continue anti-Taliban sweep west of Kandahar; 12 rebels killed Monday
JOHN COTTER

Canadian troops continued their sweep through a Taliban haven west of Kandahar on Tuesday, a day after 12 insurgents were killed in fierce fighting in the area.Soldiers from the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry battle group slowly worked their way through a lush green belt of trees and grape vineyards that stand in stark contrast to the surrounding sun-baked moonscape.

As the infantry moved forward, methodically searching mud buildings for Taliban, armoured vehicles stood watch, ready to offer support.

Cdn. troops battle Taliban in 'The main event'

"The only way to really do this is on foot," said a soldier.

The Edmonton-based battle group has been fighting for weeks to deny the area to the Taliban.The greenbelt and nearby Highway 1 make it easy for insurgents to infiltrate the area and nearby Kandahar City, the provincial capital.

On Monday, two Canadians were wounded by small arms fire in a fierce battle only a few kilometres away. One was in serious and other in fair condition in hospital at the Kandahar base. Their identities have not been released.

Troops then called in artillery and an air strike to soften up the position. A British Harrier aircraft swooped in and dropped a 450-kilogram bomb on a compound, scoring a direct hit. When the dust settled 12 Taliban had been killed and eight wounded. Other military aged men fled the area.

On Monday night, Taliban guerrillas ambushed a police vehicle on the highway near Forward Patrol Base Wilson, prompting the Canadians to light up the sky with mortar illumination flares.

Tuesday morning, Canadian forces took a suspected member of the Taliban into custody. Military officials say he tested positive for gunpowder residue. He also had a large amount of Pakistani money and suspected blood stains on his clothes. He was to be transferred to Kandahar for questioning.

The eight Taliban who were wounded Monday were in the custody of Afghan National Security Forces.

The current sweep is the latest in a string of clashes between coalition forces and insurgents throughout southern Afghanistan.

On Thursday, coalition and Afghan troops reportedly killed 10 insurgents outside a village in the Deh Rawod district in Uruzgan province north of Kandahar.

Last Monday, coalition forces claimed more than 30 Taliban were killed in a firefight in the nearby western Arghandab district of Zabul province. No Afghan or coalition soldiers were reported injured.

The ongoing clashes with Taliban west of Kandahar are becoming a fact of life for soldiers in the battle group, who have been on the job in Afghanistan since January. Despite the violence, harsh climate and primitive living conditions, troops say they believe they are making a difference.

"Things are gradually changing, but it is a slow process," said a non-commissioned officer catching some shade from the heat. "But this isn't going to happen in two years. It could be five or 10."

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Afghan Citizens Report Weapons Cache, Bombs to Authorities

Afghan citizens turned in a sizable weapons cache in Bak, Khost province, on June 10, Combined Forces Command Afghanistan officials reported today.

Cases of anti-aircraft rounds, a mortar system and rocket-propelled-grenade rounds were turned over to coalition forces.

Another concerned citizen reported a homemade bomb in Khost's Del Pori Village to the Afghan National Police. A coalition explosives team destroyed the bomb in place.

Afghan police also discovered a homemade bomb in Arghandab, Zabul province. The police and coalition forces removed the device, ensuring the safety of civilians on the road.

In Nishgam, Kunar province, a homemade bomb exploded near a civilian truck. The driver was not injured and his truck suffered only minor damage.

Three extremists attacked Afghan National Police officers when they arrived to assist the driver. The police were able to repel the attackers.

"There continues to be a steady flow of Afghan citizens taking responsibility for their own safety and security by denying insurgents the opportunity to disrupt their lives," Army Lt. Col. Paul Fitzpatrick, Combined Joint Task Force 76 spokesman, said.

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Afghan battle continues after Cdn. soldiers shot

Canadian soldiers continued a major campaign against the Taliban in southern Afghanistan Tuesday as two soldiers remained in a serious condition in hospital.

The two Canadian soldiers were shot Monday during a fierce gun battle involving coalition troops and Taliban militants in in the volatile Panjwai district.

After undergoing initial surgery at the main coalition base in Kandahar, both men had more surgery overnight.

Details of their conditions are not known, but it's understood they are not stable enough to be moved to the U.S. military hospital in Landstuhl, Germany. They have not been identified.

CTV's Steve Chao, reporting from Kandahar, said both soldiers were shot during one of the biggest gun battles since coalition troops arrived in the country.

"This was a major operation," Chao said, adding that the fighting began Sunday night after coalition forces learned that Taliban fighters were gathering in a nearby village. "They (the coalition forces) were sweeping through some villages and it was during one of these sweeps that they came under fire."

Chao said 12 suspected militants were killed in the battle and eight were wounded.

The operation, which includes Afghan police, continued Tuesday, with soldiers searching mud huts and trenches in a Panjwai village about 30 kilometres west of Kandahar.

Military commanders say not since 2001, when the Taliban fell, have soldiers in Afghanistan been under such heavy attack.

But rather than a growing insurgency, officials say they're simply pushing remaining insurgents out.

"The coalition is moving into areas now that hasn't seen a coalition presence in years or months, and I think the fighting is a function of that effort," Canadian forces spokesman Lt. Mark MacIntyre told CTV News.

Earlier this month, Lt.-Col. Ian Hope, commander of the Canadian battle group, said coalition forces had broken the back of Taliban forces in the area after bitter fighting in Panjwai.

Hope said operations would continue throughout the summer with coalition troops, including British and American forces, attacking Taliban strongholds.

Canada has around 2,300 troops in Kandahar.

Since the Sept. 11, 2001, suicide attacks, 16 Canadian soldiers and one diplomat have been killed in Afghanistan.

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Israel & Palestinian Territories  - Large Map

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Air Strike Kills 9 in Gaza

Nine people, including two militants and two children, have been killed in the northern Gaza Strip in the deadliest air strike this year by the Israeli military in the Palestinian territory, witnesses and medical sources said.

The casualties occurred when a rocket hit a car carrying three members of the Islamic Jihad militant group as it was travelling on Salaheddine Road, the main thoroughfare dissecting the coastal strip, just north of Gaza City.

Two of the militants were killed as a result, Hammudeh al-Wadyeh, 25, and Shawqi al-Saiqali, who was also thought to be in his 20s. The third man was injured.

Previously sources had indicated that five of those killed were Islamic Jihad members.

Seven other people, including two children, were killed and 20 injured as a result of the strike.

The Israeli army told AFP that the military had carried out an operation against a vehicle that was transporting militants, who were getting ready to fire rockets into Israel.

A spokeswoman said the car "was loaded with Katyushas," referring to the Russian-made rocket launcher.

Separately, one person was reported by witnesses to have been injured in a second air strike near Beit Lahiya, also in northern Gaza. The Israeli military did not confirm carrying out the second attack.

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India & Kashmir  - Large Map

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Top Hizb militant among three arrested in J-K

Security forces have arrested a top Hizbul Mujahideen militant and two over ground workers from Rajouri and Doda districts of Jammu and Kashmir since on Sunday night and recovered some arms, ammunitions and cash from them, officials said.

Acting on specific information, troops raided a bus stand in Rajouri and arrested a top Hizb miltiant Gulazar Ahmed, even as he was trying to escape.

From him the troops recovered one pistol, three magazines and four grenades, they said adding that he was sent to the joint interrogation centre.

Troops also arrested two over ground workers Mohmmad Farooq at Sarna area of Bhaderwah Tehsil in Doda district and Gulam Hassan from Rajdhani in Rajouri district on Sunday night.

Troops recovered one revolver and Rs 10,000, from the workers who have also been sent for the interrogation, they said.

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Three terrorists killed in separate J&K encounters

Three terrorists, including two belonging to the Lashker-e-Taiba, were killed and an Army jawan injured in separate encounters in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, official sources said.

Two terrorists were killed and an Army jawan injured in an encounter at Gosia colony in Nambalbal area of Pampore, 16 kms from Srinagar on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, the sources said.

They said the security forces, acting on a tip off, cordoned the locality to flush out militants hiding in a house.

The deceased terrorists have been identified as Abu Saqib and Abu Qasim, believed to be from Pakistan.

Describing the killing of the duo as a major success, the sources said they were members of the LET suicide squad and had planned an attack on a security convoy on the highway.

An unidentified terrorist was killed in an encounter with Army jawans during search operations at Magam village of Handwara area in Kupwara district early today, the sources said.

Meanwhile, a policeman guarding the house of Awami League leader Mohammad Ramzan was injured in a terrorist attack at Zainapora in Shopian area of Pulwama district on night.

The assailants managed to snatch the SLR rifle of the policeman and decamped from the scene along with two magazines and 22 rounds.

Ramzan, who unsuccesfully contested the 2002 Assembly elections, was not present at his home at the time of the incident.

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Russia - Large Map (Caucasus)

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Five arms caches found in Chechnya

Five arms caches belonging to members of illegal armed groups have been found in Chechnya during a search operation.

As Itar-Tass learnt at the Chechen Interior Ministry, a cache containing a Kalashnikov submachine-gun, a Kalashnikov machine-gun, four grenade launchers, as well as elements for making explosives and ammunition was found in the forest tract in the Oktyabrsky district of Grozny.

An earlier detained local resident, who was a member of the gang led by Arbi Yevmirzayev, disclosed the whereabouts of a cache with ammunition. It was situated in a deserted house in the outskirts of the village of Samashki.

Arms, ammunition, as well as three radio stations Kenwood were found in the forest not far from the village of Argun.

Arms and ammunition were found in a deserted house in the outskirts of the village of Tsentorvoi of the Nozhai-Yurt region.

A resident of the village of Kenkhi of the Sharoisky region voluntarily surrendered a RPK machine-gun, a submachine-gun, projectiles for an under-barrel grenade launcher and submachine cartridges which he discovered near the village.

During a special operation, a camouflaged shelter belonging to destroyed active member of illegal armed groups Asanbayev was found in the Vedeno region. A Kalashnikov submachine-gun, grenades, explosives and ammunition were seized there.

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Europe - Large Map

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al-Qaeda Trial Resumes in Germany

The trial of three Arab men, charged in connection with an alleged al-Qaeda plot to raise funds for militants and carry out a suicide attack was due to resume in Duesseldorf, northern Germany on Tuesday. The principal defendant is Mohamed K, believed to be a Syrian national, who German prosecutors allege was involved in the command of al-Qaeda and was in contact with the organisation's leader, Osama bin Laden.

Mohamed K is alleged to have recruited a stateless Palestinian, Yasser Abu S, and his brother, Isamel Abu S to carry out the planned suicide attack and to help raise money through dozens of false life insurance claims worth 1.3 million euros.

Mohamed K provided "logistical support" for al-Qaeda, and tried but failed to obtain nuclear materials, the prosecution alleges. Yasser Abu S, 32, was allegedly a member of al-Qaeda and apparently wanted to become a suicide bomber in Iraq, while his brother Ismail, 28 was allegedly an al-Qaeda supporter.

The three suspects are accused of 10 counts of fraud and 23 counts of attempted fraud, and of using the money they obtained to support international terrorism. Mohamed K. and Yasser Abu S. allegedly attempted to raise money by taking out an 800,000 euros life insurance policy on Yasser, who intended to fake a fatal traffic accident and use the money to fund terrorism, said an indictment released in December.

All three men deny all charges.

Mohamed K came to Germany as an asylum-seeker and began working there in 2002. He obtained German travel documents, enabling him to move freely around Europe before he was arrested in the German city of Mainz, near Frankfurt, in January 2005.

The trial which opened last month is expected to last several months. Its presiding judge, Ottmar Breidling, has already convicted several members of the al-Qaeda linked al-Tawhid terrorist group.

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Ansar al-Islam Plot Susupects go on Trial in Germany

Three Iraqis suspected of being members of the Kurdish al-Qaeda linked Ansar al-Islam terror formation were scheduled to go on trial on Tuesday at a court in Stuttgart, southern Germany, in connection with an alleged December 2004 plot to kill Iraq's then-prime minister, Ayad Allawi - a secular Shiite - during a visit to Germany. The three suspects were names as Ata A. R. , 31, of Stuttgart, Mazen A.H., 23, of Augsburg, and Rafik M.Y., 31, of Berlin.

Ata A. R. , Mazen A.H. and Rafik M.Y. are among 18 suspected members of Ansar al-Islam and al-Qaeda' in Iraq arrested by the German authorities since December 2004.

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Improved European Cooperation Is Helping To Connect The Dots On Terrorism Financing
By Victor Comras

The fruits of improved intra-European cooperation on terrorism-related investigations are starting to become more apparent, particularly in the area of combating terrorism financing. Coordinated investigations and improved information sharing are resulting in a significant increase in the number of terrorism financing related prosecutions. Last week's arrest by French and Swiss police of members of a North African terrorism financing network used to launder funds for the GSPC is a case in point. But, there is still a long way to go. EU Justice Commissioner Franco Frattini complained to the EU parliament last month that "The flow of information { on terrorism related issues} is still insufficient," EU countries, he said were still failing to adequately cooperate through Eurojust and were slow to process judicial requests. Further improvements were needed, he said, to enhance the exchange of information directly between police authorities in appropriate cases.

Mohamed Achraf

But, close cooperation between French and Swiss authorities led to the arrest June 6th of 7 suspects charged with laundering funds for the GSPC. French police, in cooperation with Swiss authorities, took into custody six individuals charged with laundering GSPC related funds generated from criminal activities outside of France. A seventh suspect was arrested in Switzerland. The group came to the attention of Swiss and French authorities following the May 12th arrest in Switzerland of 7 other suspects now charged with planning to down a El Al airplane. That case, in turn, was the result of an earlier investigation, began a year ago, into a series of thefts committed by a group of about dozen North African’s in and around Zurich. Members of the arrested group were believed tied to Mohamed Achraf, a Moroccan , who had been extradited to Spain in 2005 under a warrant charging his involvement in a conspiracy to bomb the L’Audience Nationale, Spain’s principal national criminal court.

Last month French police dismantled another GSPC financial network based in the south of France. In that action French authorities reportedly seized several million Euro’s at the residence of a local Iman of Algerian origin. The funds had ostensibly been gathered to support Algerian social assistance programs, but, in fact were being used to support terrorist recruitment, maintenance, and operational activities.

At a press conference in Paris last week, French Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy again underscored France’s determination to work together with other European countries and the United States to combat terrorism financing internationally. France, he said, was still being used as a principal money laundering and transit center for funds destined to the GSPC and other Islamic terrorist organizations. Since May 2002, he noted, the French Government has arrested 1,161 persons and charged 462 with terrorism related activities. At the same time Belgian authorities investigated some 10 148 reports during 2005 related to possible money laundering and terrorism financing. These reports resulted in some 25 terrorism financing cases being forwarded to the Belgium Procurer’s Office for criminal prosecution.

Earlier this year Gijs de Vries, the special Counter-Terrorism Coordinator appointed by the EU following the 2004 Madrid bombing provided his first-ever really up-beat report on terrorism cooperation between European agencies. He told a seminar in Brussels that

“For the first time European decision-makers are being provided with an integrated picture of the terrorist threat. SitCen's frequent contributions provide valuable input into the debates and policy-making in the Council. Police co-operation in the fight against terrorism has intensified in several respects, including through Europol. In 2005 Europol helped co-ordinate the breaking up of a European network of human smugglers (52 arrests), an international network of child pornographers (raids in 13 countries), and several international counterfeiting operations. Europol currently supports around 20 ''live' investigations in several Member States into Islamist terrorism and has actively supported British authorities after the 7 July 2005 attack. To facilitate police co-operation in crisis situations a network has also been created of the special intervention units in Europe's police forces.

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Africa - Large Map

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GSPC Gunmen Killed, Others Mull Surrender (Great story!)

The Algerian army killed five gunmen and destroyed 30 hideouts in east Algeria, while undertaking contacts with two armed groups to convince them to surrender.

Algeria's daily al-Khabar Monday quoted security sources as saying troops killed the gunmen and seized their arms in a major security operation conducted two days ago in which 30 of the last hideouts for the Salafist Group for Call and Combat were destroyed in the province of Boumedras, east of Algiers.

"The military operation was based on accurate information given to the army by repenting gunmen," the sources said.

The operation covered the main roads and axis used by the gunmen in their movements in the area. The sources said at least three gunmen preferred to surrender in order to benefit from general amnesty granted to repenting militants in line with President Abdel Aziz Boutefliqa's peace and national reconciliation pact.

The deadline to accept the pardon expires August 28.

The sources quoted repenting gunmen as saying that members of the Sakafi movement, one of Algeria's most feared armed groups, were suffering in remote mountainous hideouts from shortages of food and sickness.

"This state prompted many to consider surrendering to the authorities and benefiting from the amnesty before it expires," the sources added.

In a related development, daily al-Fahr said Monday security authorities have been engaged in the past days in contacts through intermediaries with the remnants of two armed groups, the Zabarbar and Kadissiya, which are affiliated with the GSPC movement, to convince them to surrender.

The paper said the movement's imprisoned founder, Hassan Hattab, was convinced of the benefits of national reconciliation and is encouraging holdouts to accept the terms and lay down their arms.

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Southeast Asia - Large Map

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3 Indonesian Hardliners Control Jemaah Islamiyah--official

The al-Qaeda-linked militant group Jemaah Islamiyah is largely controlled by three Indonesian hard-liners who see terrorism as the best way to impose Islamic law across Southeast Asia, the country's intelligence chief said Monday.

Zulkarnaen, the alleged commander of Jemaah Islamiyah's militant wing, who like many Indonesians uses only one name, is working closely with explosives experts Abu Dujana and Zuhroni, said Syamsir Siregar, head of Indonesia's State Intelligence Agency.

"They see terrorism as the best way to achieve their goal," Siregar said at a parliamentary hearing, adding that Malaysian terrorist Noordin Top, believed to have orchestrated a series of bombings in Indonesia, takes orders from the others.

Jemaah Islamiyah is blamed for a series of bloody bombings and failed terror plots in Southeast Asia in recent years, including two strikes on Indonesia's resort island of Bali that killed more than 220 people, most of them foreign tourists.

Police said earlier this year that Dujana had taken over as the head of Jemaah Islamiyah, though terror experts have yet to determine his exact role within the group, saying it may be as an inspirational leader.

The exact role of Zuhroni, also known as Oni, was not immediately clear Monday.

Siregar said there are at least three factions within Jemaah Islamiyah, and that only Zulkarnaen's group sees terrorism as the primary instrument in winning the imposition of Islamic law across the region.

Others believe it should be a long-term military or spiritual struggle, he said.

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USA

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Suicide detainee 'had al Qaida link'

Three Guantanamo detainees who committed suicide have been identified by the US defence department after the deaths were initially denounced as a "publicity stunt".

Authorities say Yemeni Ali Abdullah Ahmed, 28, was a mid to high-level al Qaida operative with ties to key facilitators and senior membership.

Saudi national Yassar Talal Al-Zahrani, 21, was accused of being a front-line Taliban fighter involved in weapons purchases. Fellow Saudi Mani Shaman Turki al-Habardi Al-Utaybi, 30, was accused of being in a militant group. He had already been recommended for transfer to detention in another country.

The three hanged themselves using sheets and clothing, sparking new calls from human rights groups and foreign dignitaries that Guantanamo Bay should be closed.

[Straight Vermonter]

Let me know if you want on/off the terrorist roundup ping list

Proud member of the:

[Straight Vermonter]

Late in the day ping.

[Sundog]

Thanks for the ping. There is a great deal of good news here.

[Grampa Dave]

Thanks for the new data.

The picture below is an excellent summary of terrorism after Z Pig was killed in Iraq.

President Bush, left, extends his hand as he is greeted by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, right, during his surprise visit to the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, Tuesday, June 13, 2006

President Bush, left, extends his hand as he is greeted by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, right, during his surprise visit to the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, Tuesday, June 13, 2006

[PGalt]

Great summary, pics, news, maps, format. Outstanding work SV. Thanks.

[nw_arizona_granny]

a priceless photo of our President, thank you for sharing it.

[nw_arizona_granny]

Thank you for pinging me, good report today.

[Smartass]

FBI Request for Investigative Information

FBI Request for Investigative Information Relating to Veterans Affairs
Stolen Laptop

Distribution: This information is appropriate for public dissemination.

The FBI is currently working with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office
of the Inspector General (VA-OIG) and the Montgomery County Department of
Police (MCDP) to recover a stolen laptop computer and external hard drive
containing the personal identifying information of 26.5 million US veterans.
The identifying information is the property of the US Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA). The laptop computer and external hard drive were stolen from
a private residence in Montgomery County, Maryland, during the course of a
burglary on 05/03/2006. At this stage of the investigation, there is no
evidence that the suspect(s) responsible for the theft had any knowledge of
what information was stored on the hard drive. The joint investigation into
the identity of the subject(s) is ongoing. Much information pertaining to
this matter has been reported by multiple news organizations throughout the
past month.

At this time, the primary objective of the investigation is the recovery of
the laptop and external hard drive. The FBI is appealing to InfraGard
members for any information that may lead to the recovery of the laptop
and/or hard drive, and the data they contained. Anyone who can provide
information leading to the recovery of these items should call Crime Solvers
of Montgomery County at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). There is a cash reward of
$50,000 for information provided to the Crime Solvers tip line that leads to
the recovery of these items.

If you are a US Veteran discharged after 1975, please closely monitor your
bank statements and take recommended steps to protect yourself against
identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission has produced a booklet
entitled "TAKE CHARGE: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft". Its contents
are available at www.consumer.gov/idtheft or you can call 1-877-438-4338.
Additionally, the Department of Veterans Affairs will post updated
information about this matter for Veterans to www.firstgov.gov/veteransinfo
or call 1-800-333-4636.

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An assault team from B Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, conducted a raid on a possible suicide vehicle bomb workshop in Fallujah. The Marines searched the vacant garage in central Fallujah after receiving intelligence that the owner might be supporting insurgents to harm Coalition forces and innocent civilians.
Pic: Cpl Brian Reimers

11 June 2006

SFC “Lucky” sniffs for weapons and explosives while manning a traffic control point at the Sadr al Yusufiyah water treatment facility. PIC: SFC Class Doug Pfeffer

 

SSG Cruz, weapons squad leader, 2nd battaliom, 1st Infamtry regiment,172nd Stryker Brigade Combat team for Comiero, Puerto Rico stands with one of his Soldiers SPC West, stand outside the room door enjoying the day off after prior mission at Forward Operating Base Marez, Mosul. Pic: SPC Yolanda Moreno Leon

 

Before heading out for a long mission SSG Cruz looks for his Soldiers around the living quarters in Forward Operating Base Marez, Mosul. Pic: SPC Yolanda Moreno Leon

 

Getting ready as a weapon squad leader SSG Cruz gears up and makes communiations with the driver of the Stryker vehicle at Forward Operating Base Marez, Mosul. Pic:SPC Yolanda Moreno Leon

 

MG James D. Thurman, commander, Multi-Natioanl Division-Baghdad, talks to sheiks and Iraqi security force leaders during a meeting at the Babylon Iraqi police academy in Hillah. The leaders discussed the current state of the security sitaution in the Babil province, one of four provinces Thurman's forces command. (Pic: CPL Michael Molinaro

 

02 June 2006

An Iraqi boy takes a drink of water after a grand opening ceremony for a Reverse Osmosis Water Plant May 31 near Al Batha.
Pic: SPC Brian D. Jesness

 

Mohammed Al Thighe, Al Batha city council member, and Hardel Sabber, Al Batha water engineer oversee the offical opening of Al Fawaazi Reverse Osmosis Water Plant near An Nasariyah.
Pic: SPC Brian D. Jesness

 

Iraqi Army Soldiers exit a building just cleared, but continue to check the open areas around their sector.
Pic: SPC Cassandra Groce

 

27 May 2006

Master Sgt. Daisy Pardo, 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron Operation Location B detachment commander, and Hot Spot volunteer, organizes Bingo cards after a recent Bingo and variety night at the Big Top.
Pic: Master Sgt. Andrew Gates

 

Iraqi Army Soldiers form 2nd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division are on the move during the second phase of operation Lion in Quayarrah.
Pic: SPC Yolanda Moreno-Leon

 

Staff Sgt. Catherine Frazier, 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, guides Military Working Dog Rico around a vehicle during random security measures. Sergeant Frazier is deployed here from Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Pic: Master Sgt. Jon Hanson)

 

24 May 2006

SGT Liam Vernon and his wife, SPC Naomi Rodela, were reunited in Baghdad after Rodela volunteered to stay an extra year in Iraq to be with her spouse. Pic: lLT Talon Anderson

 

An Iraqi Army Soldier and a 4th Infantry Division Soldier engage in some friendly banter after the initial clearing of their area of operation for the mission. No Coalition Force Soldier patrolled without Iraqi Army Soldiers present.
Pic: SPC Cassandra Groce

 

A Chinook flies in a vehicle in support of a mission. Pic: SPC Cassandra Groce

  

Soldiers from the Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3/320th Field Artillery Regt. move to the main objective area during Operation Iron Triangle via ground convoy while a OH-58D Kiowa helicopter patrols the area from above.
Pic: Cpl. Jesse Dyer

 

Lance Cpl. Gary W. Clark, motor transportation operator, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, prepares to lift an Iraqi Army vehicle hit by a suicide vehicle bomber in western, Fallujah. Marines arrived at the scene to aid the Iraqi soldiers in clearing debris and two downed vehicles on the roadway.
Pic: Cpl. Brian Reimers

 

Cpl. Joseph E. Sherwood, a 29-year-old from Orlando, Fla., and Cpl. Paul Kozlowski, a 20-year-old from from Buoy, Md., both assinged to D Company, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalionn, make coffee before a day of conducting counterinsurgency operations. Working in direct support of 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, the Marines maintain security and stability in Gharmah, a farming town outside of Fallujah.
Pic: Cpl. Graham Paulsgrove

 

Cpl. Joseph E. Sherwood, a 29-year-old from Orlando Fla., assigned to Company D, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, scans a berm for anything unusual during patrol. Working in direct support of 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, the Marines maintain security and stability in Gharmah, a farming town outside of Fallujah.
Pic: Cpl. Graham Paulsgrove

 

15 May 2006

An Iraqi army soldier from the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade 5th Iraqi Army Division walks through the village of Tahrir on an Iraqi army lead patrol.
Pic: SSG Mark Wojciechowski

 

Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division secure an area after a walk through the village of Tahrir in Diyala Province.
Pic: SSG Mark Wojciechowski

 

An Iraqi army soldier from the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade 5th Iraqi Army Division stands ready in the village of Tahrir on an Iraqi army lead patrol.
Pic: SSG Mark Wojciechowski

 

Iraqi Army Brig. Gen. Essa (center) hands out toys to children at a refugee camp here. He commands the Iraqi army's 1st Brigade, 5th Division.
Pic: SPC Lee Elder

 

SSG Logan Reiser (right) handles things as the daytime battle captain for the Tactical Command Post. 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team. Pic: SPC Lee Elder

 

11 May 2006

Sandstorm in Baghdad.
Pic: SFC Lilia Wensink

 

07 May 2006

Iraqi children watch soldiers from the 1st Division of the Iraqi Army patrol the streets of Habbaniyah. Patrols like this have become commonplace throughout the Al Anbar province as Iraqi soldiers work towards independent operations without U.S. assistnce. "The Iraqi soldiers are 20 times better than when we first started working with them in January," said GySgt. Michael McDaniel, a Los Angeles native assigned to the Militray Transition Team responsible for advising the 1st Division. Pic: lLT Robert Shuford

 

Iraqi children in the town of Habbaniyah crowd around Iraqi soldiers as they and out toys and candies during a patrol. During the patrol Iraqis mingled with the locals and attempted to give something to every child who asked for something but ran out of prizes before the patrol was complete. Iraqi patrols are becoming commonplace in many areas of the Al Anbar province as U.S. forces continue to hand over more area of responsibility to the Iraqi Army. Pic: lLT Robert Shuford

 

A young Iraqi girl peeks out from her gate as Iraqi soldiers patrol pass her house in Habbaniyah. Iraqi patrols are becoming more common as the Iraqi Army increases its capabilities. Habbaniyah is located between Fallujah and Ramadi and has been a holding spot for many terrorists. Pic: lLT Robert Shuford

 

An Iraqi soldier passes out pro-military stickers to a local child in the town of Habbaniyah. Patrols by Iraqi soldiers have become more common in many parts of the Al Anbar province as Iraqis work toward independent operations. Patrols like this are conducted daily with Marine advisors assigned to Military Transition Teams who assist Iraqis troops when needed with things like fire support and logistics. Pic: 1LT Robert Shuford)

 

Iraqi soldiers joke around with their Marine advisor, Capt. Jonathan Bonar, before stepping off on a patrol though the town of Habbaniyah. Marines like Bonar are assigned to Military Transition Teams, or MiTTs, and are responsible for advising and training Iraqi soldiers who they live and operate with. A typical MiTT has 10-15 U.S. service members deployed for a year and are part of the U.S. effort to create an independent Iraqi army. Pic: 1LT Robert Shuford

 

04 May 2006

An injured Iraqi policeman gives a “thumbs up” to his co-workers after a ceremony in which wheelchairs were presented to wounded Iraqi policemen at the Baghdad Police Directorate headquarters.

Pic: SPC Rodney Foliente

 

02 May 2006

The HVAC shop is responsible for more than 500 environmental conditioning units they ensure military members stay cool on Ali Base.
Pic: MSG Jon Hanson

 

The HVAC shop is responsible for more than 500 environmental conditioning units they ensure military members stay cool on Ali Base.
Pic: MSG Jon Hanson

 

Iraqi Army Soldier move through a shoot house clearing rooms at the Al Kindi training facility. This is part of a seven day training course, were IA Soldier are taught advanced marksmanship and tactics by Iraqi non-commissioned officers.
Pic: SPC L.C. Campbell

28 Apri

[Cindy]

Thanks Smartass for the ping.

ON THE NET...

http://www.fbi.gov

http://www.firstgov.gov/veteransinfo

[bitt]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v204/potlatch/CasaD-Ice.gif

hey Cindy, how do I post links? I only know nasty pictures...

[bitt]

thanks smartass

you're a pal...

[Valin]

Latenight Bump

[Deetes]

BUMP

[Dinah Lord]

Morning after bump...

Cheers - Dinah