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Threat Matrix: June 2008
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Posted on 06/02/2008 12:04:34 PM PDT by nwctwx

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http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2031683/posts

US missile strike kills one in S Waziristan(Shhhhh I’m hunting a wascally wabbit)
dailytimes.com ^ | June 15, 2008
Posted on June 16, 2008 1:45:22 AM PDT by Dog

LAHORE/MIRANSHAH: One person was killed as unmanned US drones fired three guided missiles at a house in the Makeen area of South Waziristan on Saturday, a private television channel reported.

According to Express News, the drones fired three missiles at a house in a bid to target the hideout of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan chief Baitullah Mehsud. Locals have recovered one dead body from the debris of the house while more casualties are feared, it said.

Inter-Services Public Relations spokesman Maj Gen Athar Abbas said he could not confirm the attack or the casualties. Abbas told Daily Times that neither the political agent concerned or locals could confirm the incident, as there was no military presence in the area.

A local security official, asking not to be named, told AFP that “extremists tried to hit the drone with a rocket-propelled grenade”. “The place from where the grenade was fired was then struck by a missile fired by the unmanned drone killing one suspected militant,” the official said.

After the missile attack, the US drones made flights over the Shawal area of North Waziristan, where locals also fired at the planes.

Several missile strikes in the tribal belt this year have been attributed to the US-led coalition based in Afghanistan, killing a number of people.

The incident in Makeen comes just days after an airstrike by US-led coalition forces that had killed 11 Pakistani troops. US officials have said the coalition was legitimately targeting militants but has offered to conduct a joint investigation with Pakistan. daily times monitor/afp


561 posted on 06/16/2008 1:55:48 AM PDT by Cindy
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http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50215

Forces Kill, Detain Insurgents During Operations in Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 15, 2008 – Afghan National Army and coalition forces killed more than 15 insurgents yesterday in Kandahar province during a search for escaped prisoners from Kandahar City, military officials said.

The combined forces used precision air strikes to destroy the compound after insurgents attacked with small-arms fire, officials said.

More than 15 insurgents were killed and five suspects were taken into custody by the Afghan army. Officials were not able to confirm whether the insurgents or the five suspects in custody are escaped prisoners.

Troops also discovered a large cache of munitions and improvised explosive device components during the search.

Elsewhere, several militants were killed during a coalition forces operation yesterday in Helmand province targeting a Taliban leader and weapon’s smuggler.

Military officials said the target of the operation was a known militant leader in the Garmser district responsible for smuggling weapons into the area.

Coalition forces identified several different militant elements during the operation. Groups of armed militants maneuvered against and engaged the force. Coalition forces responded with small-arms fire, killing the militants.

On multiple occasions groups of militants engaged the force from defensive positions within separate compounds. Coalition forces responded with a combination of small-arms fire and air strikes, officials said.

During their search, coalition forces discovered multiple AK-47s, rocket-propelled grenades, ammunition vests and ammunition. Also discovered were several caches of narcotics, estimated to total 250 pounds, and a vehicle being used by the militants. The weapons, drugs and vehicle were destroyed.

(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 101 news releases.)


562 posted on 06/16/2008 2:08:27 AM PDT by Cindy
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Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50216

Coalition Forces, Iraqi Forces Capture Terrorists, Seize Weapons

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 15, 2008 – Coalition and Iraqi forces captured suspected terrorists and seized several weapons caches across Iraq during the past three days, military officials said.
In operations today:

–- Iraqi soldiers discovered a large weapons cache in the Rashid district of Baghdad. The cache consisted of scores of 122 mm rockets with fuses, components to make several hundred explosively formed projectiles, blocks of C-4 explosives, and sticks of TNT.

During operations yesterday:

–- Iraqi soldiers discovered a large explosives cache after an intelligence-driven raid on the western side of Mosul. The cache consisted of 80 mm mortar rounds, rocket-propelled grenades, RPG launchers, a 60 mm mortar tube with stand and various other munitions. The cache was found in a hotspot of indirect fires against the Iraqi security and coalition forces.

— Other Iraqi soldiers of the discovered a huge cache in Baghdad’s West Rashid district. The cache contained 90 rockets, nine mortars, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, 13 improvised mines, eight grenades, 16 rolls of detonation cord, 11 half-pound blocks of TNT, 32 blocks of C-4 explosive.

In addition the cache contained five complete EFP improvised explosive devices, 213 EFP bodies, an unmanned aerial vehicle, six electronic timers, two passive infrared switches, 500 pounds of ball bearings, 100 toggle switches, 88 fuses, nine 12-volt batteries, 10 camera flashes, eight digital timers with magnets, 200 CDs, 100 flyers, two mortar aiming stakes, 12 digital timers, and an odometer.

“Taking such an enormous amount of weapons and munitions out of the hands of militants and extremists severely degrades their ability to harm the citizens of Iraq and the Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman, Multi-National Division - Baghdad and the 4th Infantry Division.

Earlier in the day, Iraqi soldiers confiscated 14 AK-47 assault rifles, a Siminov sniper rifle, and a heavy machine gun in the Kadhamiyah district of Baghdad.

The same day, an Iraqi civilian turned over a weapons cache to soldiers of the 25th Infantry Division’s 2nd Brigade. The cache consisted of 17 mortar rounds of Soviet origin and in serviceable condition.

The “Sons of Iraq” citizens security group turned in a complete 82mm mortar system in West Rashid to soldiers of the U.S. 4th Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, at approximately 6:50 p.m. June 14. The system was in operable condition and believed to have been used for indirect fire attacks against Coalition Forces and the Iraqi populace.

— Iraqi National Police and coalition soldiers of Multi-National Division – Baghdad seized weapons caches throughout Baghdad in separate operations.

Soldiers of the U.S. 101st Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team found four buried improvised explosive devices in the Kadamiya district of Baghdad.

U.S. Soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, seized three rocket propelled grenades and 30 pounds of homemade explosive in the Baghdad’s West Rashid district. Meanwhile, Iraqi policemen seized 27 AK-47’s, three assault rifles, a Mauser rifle and a 60 mm tube with bipod north of Baghdad.

In the New Baghdad district of Baghdad, soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division’s 4th Brigade found a weapons cache consisting of eight AK-47 magazines, an AK-47 assault riflt, a backup battery system, a rocket propelled grenade round, a grenade, an 82 mm mortar encased in concrete and body armor.

In June 13 operations:

–- Iraqi soldiers uncovered a large weapons cache in the Khadamiya district of Baghdad. The cache contained 30 sets of body armor, improvised explosive devices, explosively formed projectiles, 107 mm rockets, rocket-propelled grenades, sticks of C-4 explosives, 120 mm mortar rounds, 82 mm mortar rounds, 81 mm mortar rounds, 60 mm mortar rounds, mortar tubes, anti-personnel mines, pounds of homemade explosives, and various wires, fuses and detonation cords.

–- Local citizens’ tips led Iraqi and coalition forces to sizeable weapons caches over the last two weeks in and around the city of Balad.

“The items found in these caches could have been used in future small-arms fire, indirect fire or improvised explosive device attacks,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Hauerwas, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division executive officer. Anti-tank grenades, rocket-propelled grenade rounds, sniper rifles and 10,000 light machine gun rounds were among the seized weapons.

–- Iraqi Army and Multinational Division - Baghdad soldiers seized numerous weapons throughout Baghdad including nearly 500 AK-47 rifles.

–- Soldiers of the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division’s 4th Brigade Combat Team, acting on a tip from the “Sons of Iraq” citizen security group, seized scores of 60 mm mortars in the Rusafa district of Baghdad.

The combat team’s soldiers also detained a suspected criminal leader in the Karadah security district of Baghdad. The criminal was highly sought after and suspected of leading more than 2,000 “special group” militants. Military officials said the suspect is believed to be a high-ranking member of an outlaw organization directly responsible for roadside bombs, murders, kidnappings, and rocket and mortar attacks.

(Compiled from Multinational Division and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)


563 posted on 06/16/2008 2:15:33 AM PDT by Cindy
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To: All

PERSECUTION.ORG
http://www.persecution.org

###

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2008/s08060090.htm

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Egypt Copts Call on President for Protection

By Jeremy Reynalds
Correspondent for ASSIST News Service
DALLAS, TEXAS (ANS) — Egypt’s Coptic church is calling on President Hosni Mubarak to guarantee Christians’ safety after a violent attack on a monastery in which four Copts were injured.

According to a story reported by the AFP News Service, the Coptic Ecclesiastical Council called on Mubarak to stop “more armed attacks on monks,”and “insults to the cross,” said a statement carried by Egypt’s press on Sunday.

AFP said the move follows a land dispute involving a historic monastery which turned violent on May 31, leading to the death of a Muslim man who was reportedly attacking the monastery.

Four Copts, including two monks, were injured in the attack on the Abu Fana Monastery near the southern city of Minya.

AFP said that officials have tried to downplay the incident, saying it was a personal rather than sectarian issue.

The clashes broke out when the monastery began building a wall around neighbouring property after receiving final approval earlier this year.

AFP reported that Muslim residents of the area claim the agricultural land on which the wall is being built is theirs, and that the structure damages their vital crops.

According to AFP, Egypt’s Copts — the largest Christian community in the Middle East — account for an estimated six to 10 percent of the country’s 76 million inhabitants. They complain of systematic discrimination and harassment.

AFP said that tensions often run high between Egypt’s Muslim and Christian communities in an increasingly religious society dominated by Sunni Muslims.


564 posted on 06/16/2008 2:25:01 AM PDT by Cindy
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Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20451&Itemid=128

Press Release A080616a-218
June 16, 2008

Mosul bombing cell disrupted

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces in Mosul captured two wanted men and detained an additional nine al-Qaeda in Iraq suspects during operations Monday.

An alleged bombing cell leader in the city was captured with five suspected associates. The wanted man is also believed to manufacture bombs and target Iraqi and Coalition forces providing security for Iraqi citizens.

Coalition forces captured a wanted man with alleged ties to AQI senior leaders and four additional suspects. Two of the suspects were injured when they jumped from the roof of the target building in an attempt to evade Coalition forces. Another suspect, who was armed, received minor injuries when he was detained by Coalition forces. All three suspects were treated on the scene by a Coalition forces medic and transported to a military medical facility.

“Coalition forces and our Iraqi partners are continuing efforts to uncover and disrupt terrorist bombing networks in the Mosul area and throughout Iraq,” said Navy Lt. David Russell, MNF-I spokesman.

- 30 -


565 posted on 06/16/2008 2:38:49 AM PDT by Cindy
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Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20450&Itemid=128

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080616-03
June 16, 2008

Iraqi Army, U.S. Soldiers capture militant in Muthanna
Multi-National Division – Baghdad

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers captured a militant with ties to al-Qaeda in Iraq in the Rusafa security district of eastern Baghdad June 15.

Iraqi Army Soldiers from the 1st Brigade, with support from the 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light), conducted a clearance operation in the Muthanna area and captured a criminal linked to AQI.

The target of the operation was a mosque security guard suspected of being involved in several improvised explosive device and explosively formed projectile attacks, murders and kidnappings.

“This militant abused the sanctuary and sanctity of a mosque to disguise his evil intent and activities,” said Maj. Joey Sullinger, a spokesperson for MND-B. “[Criminals] have no shame in the extent to which they will go to carry out attacks against innocent Iraqi civilians and security forces.”

-30-


566 posted on 06/16/2008 2:41:07 AM PDT by Cindy
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http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20452&Itemid=128

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
PRESS DESK
BAGHDAD, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com
703.343.8790

Press Release A080616b-217
June 16, 2008

Coalition forces destroy AQI hideout

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces dealt a blow to al-Qaeda in Iraq operations recently, clearing a former safe haven used for various terrorist activities near Tikrit during a four-day operation that ended June 13.

The area, about 180 kilometers north of Baghdad, was suspected of being used for senior AQI leader meetings, foreign fighter training and as a staging site for terrorist bombers. Coalition forces also safely demolished an AQI detention facility that was discovered in the same area.

Three suspected terrorists were detained during operations, including a wanted man with alleged ties to a weapons distributor. Coalition forces also detained a suspect who was discovered to have a high-power sniper rifle and ammunition hidden in his home. The rifle and munitions were destroyed in a safe manner.

“In operations like this, Iraqi and Coalition forces are chipping away at al-Qaeda in Iraq’s supply routes and hiding places, disrupting their networks and denying AQI the ability to inflict indiscriminate violence on the people of Iraq,” said Navy Lt. David Russell, MNF-I spokesperson. “Terrorists and criminals alike will be allowed no rest and no safe haven.”

-30-


567 posted on 06/16/2008 2:42:48 AM PDT by Cindy
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To: Cindy; GMMAC; Clive; exg; kanawa; conniew; backhoe; -YYZ-; Former Proud Canadian; Squawk 8888; ...
Thanks for the ping, Cindy.

Ping to post #545.


568 posted on 06/16/2008 5:48:49 AM PDT by fanfan ("We don't start fights my friends, but we finish them, and never leave until our work is done."PMSH)
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To: Cindy; All
The incident in Makeen comes just days after an airstrike by US-led coalition forces that had killed 11 Pakistani troops.

Expect more agressive targeting of AQ/Taliban in Pakistan now that the new gov't is taking a hands off to the border areas.

569 posted on 06/16/2008 9:44:34 AM PDT by Godzilla (I'm not suffering from insanity, I'm actually enjoying it.)
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To: fanfan

You’re welcome fanfan.


570 posted on 06/16/2008 2:26:45 PM PDT by Cindy
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To: Godzilla

OPINION:

I agree Godzilla.


571 posted on 06/16/2008 2:27:21 PM PDT by Cindy
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To: All

ADDING to post no. 560:

Posting these link here for archival purposes only.

#

http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/legaljihad

#

http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/letters/story.html?id=a5618506-66f2-4393-9743-cd6e3d53e945

#

Note: The following post is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2026723/posts

FreeRepublic Posts Introduced Into Evidence Against Mark Steyn
June 5, 2008
Posted on June 5, 2008 3:13:11 PM PDT by AJFavish

Interviewed by Hugh Hewitt today, Mark Steyn said that posts from FreeRepublic were introduced into evidence in the Canadian proceeding against him.

#

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2026698/posts

“But we were getting along so well!”
MCLEANS Online ^ | 06.05.08 | The one and only Mark Steyn
Posted on June 5, 2008 2:29:33 PM PDT by knews_hound

#

http://www.macleans.ca/

http://www.macleans.ca/canada/opinions/article.jsp?content=20080604_84794_84794

“But we were getting along so well!
Geez, these days I don’t seem able to step out of the house without committing a hate crime”
MARK STEYN | June 4, 2008 |

OPINION - SNIPPET: “The charge levelled against Maclean’s by the Canadian Islamic Congress is that, in publishing an excerpt from my book, this magazine exposed Muslims to “hatred and contempt.” Alas, at the first day of the Great Maclean’s Show Trial at the British Columbia “Human Rights” Tribunal, the well of my book excerpt’s “hatred and contempt” pretty well ran dry in the first hour. So Faisal Joseph, counsel for the plaintiff Mohamed Elmasry, was forced to bus in a huge pile of miscellaneous generic “hatred and contempt” from all kinds of other sources.”


572 posted on 06/16/2008 2:44:37 PM PDT by Cindy
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To: All

This is posted here for archival purposes.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/88_say_free_speech_is_good_but_only_53_oppose_ban_on_hate_speech

“88% Say Free Speech is Good, But Only 53% Oppose Ban on Hate Speech”
Monday, June 16, 2008


573 posted on 06/16/2008 2:51:33 PM PDT by Cindy
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OPINION: Huh? The OIC seems to be doing the job already.

http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/oic/
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2024913/posts?page=473#473

#

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/021421.php

June 16, 2008

“Iran Supremo: Islam should have seat on Security Council”

SNIPPET: “And he calls for unity among all the Muslim countries. In Sunni Islam, that unity under a caliphate is a prerequisite for lawful offensive jihad.”

#

IRIB NEWS.ir
Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting

http://www.iribnews.ir/Full_en.asp?news_id=255409&n=12

2008/06/16
“A UN seat must be given to Islamic world”

05:08:59 È.Ù

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “The IR Leader highlighted the recent achievements of the Islamic countries in scientific and technological fields, notably the Islamic Republic of Iran’s access to peaceful nuclear energy, adding “Although the enemies of the Islamic world know that the IRI’s nuclear activities are peaceful by nature, they oppose it because the Iranian nation’s achievement is notable and progressive.”

Ayatollah Khamenei said a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council should be given to Islamic countries.

“The Islamic world despite having many facilities suffers lack of sufficient power to defend itself. To resolve the issue it should take practical steps to put aside phony hurdles and leave behind geographical, ethnic and religious differences.”

Pointing to the enemies’ plots to sow discord among Muslims especially by inciting Shii-Sunni difference, Ayatollah Khamenei said, “Unfortunately some politicians, intellectuals and Alims in the world of Islam have fallen into this trap. They should know that the only solution to make a powerful Islamic world is practical and willing unity and cooperation among the Islamic countries.””

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Meanwhile, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was also present in the meeting.”


574 posted on 06/16/2008 3:02:53 PM PDT by Cindy
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To: Godzilla

bttt


575 posted on 06/16/2008 3:56:11 PM PDT by Unrepentant VN Vet ("...deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed... ")
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To: All

http://www.truthusa.com/IRAN.html
http://www.memri.org/iran.html
http://www.thememriblog.org/iran
http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/site/html/search.asp?isSearch=yes&isT8=yes&searchText=T90&pid=108&sid=13&preview=

http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/ahmadinejad
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/yazdi

#

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3556591,00.html

“What drives Ahmadinejad?
Iranian president wants to set stage for appearance of Shiite messiah”

Jonathan Halevi and Ashley Perry
Published: 06.17.08, 00:43 / Israel Opinion

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Shiite Iran is striving to attain the position of regional superpower en route to becoming a significant nuclear power on the international stage. Iran openly challenges the West in its attempt to eject the Americans and British from Iraq and attain hegemony in the Persian Gulf region, supported among other, by its military program, massively built up in recent years. The Iranian leadership talks of a “New Middle East” in response to the West, which would be an Islamic Middle East in the mold of the Iranian inspired Islamic revolution.

Iran’s political aspirations are driven by a deep religious zeal. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad repeatedly pledges “the imminent and evident liquidation of Israel,” as a code word for the messianic fervor he shares with his spiritual mentor, Ayatollah Mohammad Taghi Mesbah Yazdi, one of the more radical ayatollahs, who subscribes to diplomatic and military activism to advance the global Islamic revolution spearheaded by Iran.”


576 posted on 06/16/2008 3:59:04 PM PDT by Cindy
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Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20481&Itemid=128

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080616-10
June 16, 2008

Al Hillah SWAT team captures suspected Special Groups
criminal

Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BALAD, Iraq – Al Hillah Special Weapons and Tactics team captured a suspected Special Groups criminal in its area, approximately 95 kilometers southeast of Baghdad June 13.

The ISWAT conducted an operation to capture the suspected criminal leader, who reportedly planned and conducted attacks against the Al Hillah Regional Embassy Office, ordered killings of Americans in Al Hillah and the assassinations of key leaders in the ISWAT.

The criminal is also suspected of improvised explosive attacks and indirect fire attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces, weapons trafficking and document forgery.

It is alleged that he has direct links with highly sought-after Special Groups criminals leaders, financiers and has personal knowledge of the movement of lethal arms through the Al Hillah area.

“This operation is expected to disrupt Special Groups criminals operations and logistical support in the Babil Province,” said Lt. Col. Neil Harper, a spokesman for Multi-National Corps – Iraq.

-30-


577 posted on 06/16/2008 4:12:06 PM PDT by Cindy
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Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20491&Itemid=128

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080616-16
June 16, 2008

MND-B Soldiers detain Special Groups criminal leader
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers detained a suspected Special Groups criminal leader in the Kamaliyah neighborhood of Baghdad’s New Baghdad security district June 16.

The detained criminal leader is suspected of personally emplacing and detonating improvised explosive devices targeting both Iraqi Security and Coalition forces.

“Each militant swept off the streets of Baghdad represents a step in the journey to peace and stability in Iraq,” said Maj. Joey Sullinger, spokesperson for MND-B. “Removing [this criminal] from circulation will enable Iraqis to live a little safer.”

-30-


578 posted on 06/16/2008 4:13:09 PM PDT by Cindy
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Note: The following post is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20493&Itemid=128

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080616-17
June 16, 2008

IA Soldiers discover several weapons caches in Sadr City

Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army Soldiers seized several weapons in the Sadr City district of Baghdad June 16 during continuing security operations.

Iraqi Army Soldiers with the 3rd Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division, discovered a weapons cache at about 4 a.m. The munitions included a rocketpropelled grenade launcher, two RPG rounds and a locally made rocket launcher.

A short time later, the same unit discovered 30 37 mm rounds, a box containing PKC machine gun and AK-47 ammunition, a couple of 155 mm rounds, a couple of 130 mm rounds, 122 mm rounds and a few armored vests.

Third Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division Soldiers also confiscated a 30 liter steel container full of PKC and 5.56 mm ammunition at approximately 6 a.m.

An hour later, Soldiers uncovered another cache, containing RPG-7 antipersonnel rounds, RPG-7 anti-armor rounds, RPG propellants, an RPG launcher, an SPG rocket, a set charger, a remote detonator, four electrical detonators, a flash bang grenade, a hand grenade, around 330 feet of detonation wire, several full AK-47 magazines and multiple 82 mm mortar pressure devices.

Approximately 9 a.m., Soldiers found RPG-7 rounds, rocket tubes, 60 mm rounds, about 100 feet of wire, nearly a dozen full AK-47 magazines, initiation devices, radios, radio chargers, more than a dozen hand grenades and an improvised explosive device.

“Since May 20, the Iraqi Army has diligently seized weapons and munitions caches daily,” said Col. Allen Batschelet, chief of staff for Multi- National Division – Baghdad and the 4th Infantry Division. “The numbers of deadly weapons seized will lead to a secure and safe city.”

-30-


579 posted on 06/16/2008 4:14:39 PM PDT by Cindy
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To: All; JellyJam

June 16, 2008

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2008/June/08-ag-540.html

Businessman Sentenced for Supplying Indian Government with Controlled Technology

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Parthasarathy Sudarshan, 47, the owner of an international electronics business, was sentenced today in the District of Columbia to 35 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to illegally export controlled electronic components to government entities in India that participate in the development of ballistic missiles, space launch vehicles, and fighter jets.

The sentencing was announced by Patrick Rowan, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security; Jeffrey A. Taylor, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia; Joseph Persichini, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, FBI Washington Field Office; Darryl W. Jackson, Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement, U.S. Department of Commerce, and Julie Myers, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

On March 13, 2008, Sudarshan, a resident of Simpsonville, South Carolina, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to the felony charge of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Export Administration Regulations; and to violate the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Sudarshan was sentenced today by the Honorable Ricardo Urbina.

According to court documents filed by the government, Sudarshan did business as Cirrus Electronics (”Cirrus”) and held himself out to be Cirrus’ CEO, Managing Director, and President and Group Head. Cirrus has offices in Simpsonville, South Carolina, Singapore, and Bangalore, India. Among the recipients of U.S. technology in this case were the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), an enterprise within the Department of Space of the Government of India, and Bharat Dynamics, Ltd. (BDL), an enterprise within the Ministry of Defence of the Government of India.

The U.S. government has determined that VSSC participates in India’s space launch vehicle program and that BDL participates in India’s development and production of ballistic missiles. As such, both VSSC and BDL are on the Department of Commerce’s Entity List and exports of U.S.-origin commodities to these entities are restricted and require prior authorization in the form of a license from the Department of Commerce.

Between 2002 and 2006, Sudarshan acquired electrical components with applications in missile guidance and firing systems in the United States for VSSC and BDL. In particular, in the case of at least two U.S. vendors, Sudarshan and others at Cirrus provided the U.S. companies with fraudulent certificates that claimed that the end-users of these electrical components were non-restricted entities in India, when, in fact, the items were for VSSC. There were no export licenses for any of the shipments to VSSC and BDL. To further conceal from the U.S. government that goods were going to entities in India on the Department of Commerce Entity List, Sudarshan would route the products through its Singapore office and then send the packages on to India.

In addition to supplying VSSC and BDL with components, Sudarshan acquired microprocessors for the Tejas, a fighter jet under development in India. The microprocessors were necessary for the navigation and weapons systems of the Tejas. Because the microprocessors are on the U.S. Munitions List, the State Department must license any export of the products. On two occasions in 2004 and 2006, Cirrus caused the shipment of a total of 500 microprocessors to the Aeronautical Development Establishment, an enterprise within the Ministry of Defence of the Government of India responsible for the development of the Tejas. There were no licenses for these shipments.

This investigation was conducted by the FBI; the Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement; and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jay I. Bratt and Anthony Asuncion. Assistant U.S. Attorney Max Cauthen of the District of South Carolina and Senior Trial Attorney Clifford I. Rones of the Counterespionage Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division also provided assistance on the case.

###

08-540


580 posted on 06/16/2008 4:18:34 PM PDT by Cindy
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