Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16828&Itemid=128
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080204-11
February 4, 2008
Night raids apprehend eight extremists
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers arrested eight suspected extremists during ongoing operations in the Rashid District Feb. 1 and 2.
“Raiders,” from Troop C, 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, MND-B, detained three men thought to be members of a Sunni extremist improvised-explosive device cell during a raid in Doura, Feb. 1.
During a raid in the early hours of Feb. 2, the “Black Lions” of Company B, 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th IBCT, arrested three alleged special group cell members — one believed to be a cell leader from Rusafa.
Soldiers from Company A, 1st Bn., 28th Inf., captured a suspected special group cell members thought to be involved with weapons trafficking during a morning raid in Aamel. In Doura that morning, Soldiers from Troop B, 1-4 Cav. Regt., arrested a man believed to be involved in an al Qaeda IED cell.
All detainees were taken to Coalition Detention Facilities for further questioning.
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NOTE: Click on the link below to read the full report.
ICC-CCS.ORG - THE WEEKLY PIRACY REPORT - REPORT SNIPPET - QUOTE:
http://www.icc-ccs.org/prc/piracyreport.php
Weekly Piracy Report
29 January-4 February 2008
The following is a summary of the daily reports broadcast by the IMB’s Piracy Reporting Centre to ships in Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Ocean Regions on the SafetyNET service of Inmarsat-C from 29 January to 4 February 2008.
ALERT
Chittagong anchorage, Bangladesh
The number of attacks has reduced since 2006. However, the area is still listed as a high risk area and mariners are advised to be cautious especially while approaching the anchorage and while at anchor at Chittagong
Nigeria
Violent attacks carried out by pirates on board vessels at anchor and vessel carrying out STS operations. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution in these waters.
Suspicious crafts
None reported
Recently reported incidents
01.02.2008: 0315 UTC: Berth Tin Can No.4, Lagos port, Nigeria.
Three robbers boarded a container ship at berth. Robbers broke into forward paint locker. Duty officer raised alarm and the robbers escaped in a waiting boat. Nothing stolen.
31.01.2008: 1955 LT: 12:01.8S - 077:11.8W Callao anchorage, Peru.
Four robbers armed with long knives boarded a bulk carrier at anchor. The robbers tied up the duty crew, stole their personal belongings, broke into the bosun store, stole ship’s stores and escaped. Master tried to contact port authority via VHF, no response.
31.01.2008: 0615 LT: 03:12N – 008:36E, 15 NM SW Off Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea.
10-armed persons in military clothing boarded a cement carrier underway. The intruders identified themselves as Nigerian rebels and only demand food. After nearly six hours onboard, the intruders disembarked into speedboats where another five accomplice were waiting. No injury to crew or any damage to the ship.
30.01.2008: 0145 LT: Abidjan inner anchorage, Ivory Coast.
Two robbers boarded a bulk carrier at anchor. They stole ship’s stores and escaped. Port authorities informed.
27.01.2008: 2105 LT: Agadir port, Morocco.
Three persons in divers’ suites, without cylinders, swam to a container ship at berth. Ship’s watchmen saw the divers and raised the alarm. The suspected robbers swam to another berth and escaped. Master informed port control. The port police arrived one hour after reporting.
02.02.2008: 0030 LT: 05:09N – 106:51E, South China Sea.
Two unlit white-hull speedboats about five meters long approached a bulk carrier underway. Master raised alarm, crew alerted, fire hoses activated, and zig-zag course commenced. Fortunately, the sea swell conditions prevented the boarding. After seven hours of following, the pirates aborted the attempt
01.02.2008: 1510 LT 12:55N - 051: 23.6E, 65 nm North Northeast of Somali coast (Cape Raas Caseyr), Gulf of Aden.
The officer on watch on a tanker, underway, sighted a small wooden with four men on board approaching the ship. Master informed, alarm raised, accommodation locked down, fire hoses rigged and fire pump started. The boat approached on the port side at a distance of 60 meters and signalled the ship to stop. Master started taking evasive action by commencing a zig - zag course. The pirates started firing at the vessel’s accommodation. The ship continued zigzagging and activated the fire hoses. Pirate boat followed the ship for about 6 miles and aborted the attempt at 1530 hrs. No damage to the ship expect for bullet marks. Informed ships in the vicinity via VHF
01.02.2008: 1400 UTC: 12:57N – 051 24E Gulf of Aden.
An unknown number of Somali pirates have attacked and hijacked a tug and take its six crew as hostage. Owners are in contact with the crew. All the crew are safe. Negotiations for their safe release are in progress. Further details are awaited.
01.02.2008: 0140 UTC: 04:00N – 099:35E, Malacca straits.
Six small craft were in close vicinity of an oil tanker underway. Master took evasive manoeuvres to avoid the closing boats. The heavy rain and bad weather may have prevented the boats closing onto the vessel. Ship activated anti-piracy measures and continued on her voyage without further incident.
29.01.2008: 0415 LT: Pulau Laut anchorage, Indonesia.
Four robbers, armed with knives, boarded a bulk carrier at anchor. Duty crew confronted them but that did not stop the robbers from stealing stores. 2/O raised alarm, ship’s whistle sounded and crew mustered. 14 crewmembers went forward. Seeing the crew, the robbers jumped into the water and escaped in a 30m long speedboat. Port authorities asked to be called after one hour when contacted by the ship.
29.01.2008: 0830 UTC: 06:00.8N - 082:01.9E, Sri Lanka.
Pirates approached a yacht underway. Crew fired shots in the air and the pirates aborted the attempt. The pirates attempted to attack the yacht twice, at 0830 and 1100 UTC.