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Pakistani militants vow to storm U.S. base
WorldNetDaily ^ | 10.23.01 | msnbc

Posted on 10/23/2001 1:39:52 PM PDT by callisto

Pakistan struggles to contain protests  
Southern city tense as militants vow to march on U.S. base

JACOBABAD, Pakistan, Oct. 23 —  Police erected blockades and sandbag bunkers across the southern city of Jacobabad on Tuesday, girding for mass demonstrations after Islamic militants vowed to storm a Pakistani air base being used to support U.S. military personnel.

MORE THAN 100 people had been arrested and 14 injured by midmorning after a protest inside Jacobabad, site of Shahbaz Air Base, though the unrest was not widespread. Most shops were closed and many streets were deserted except for police, army and paramilitary troops.
       Islamic militants summoned by Jamaat-e-Islami, Pakistan’s largest and most influential religious party, vowed to seize the base Tuesday afternoon. The party had vowed to marshal thousands of supporters.
       It wants to expel U.S. personnel supporting the U.S.-led military campaign designed to root out terrorist installations in Afghanistan belonging to Osama bin Laden, top suspect in the Sept. 11 terror attacks on the United States.

Most roads to the city have been blocked and patrolled for days to prevent mass entry, though some were reported open Tuesday. During the morning, about 200 militant Muslims appeared inside the city, chanting anti-government slogans, as well as “Osama is our hero” and “U.S. should stop atrocities on Afghanistan.” They made no immediate move toward the base three miles away.

Police rushed them with batons, ordering them to disperse. Nearly all were arrested, according to an Associated Press photographer on the scene who said at least five protesters appeared to have been injured by batons.

Two more small groups of demonstrators — one of 25 people, the other of about 15 — were arrested shortly afterward when they started to march toward the base. Authorities said they had been hiding in houses and were emerging sporadically.

On Monday, violence marked the opposition as two U.S. helicopters came under fire in Pakistan as their crews attempted to retrieve the wreckage of another helicopter that had crashed during a covert weekend commando raid, the Pentagon said Tuesday.

The retrieval crews were transporting a Black Hawk helicopter that had crashed, killing two Rangers Friday, the same night that more than 100 special forces raided an airfield and a Taliban compound in southern Afghanistan. Officials have said the Black Hawk was at the ready to swoop into Afghanistan to rescue any special forces that might get into trouble.

The retrieval crew Monday returned fire and left the area, also leaving behind the Black Hawk wreckage it was trying to pick up, said Lt. Col. George Rhynedance, a Pentagon spokesman.

He said the small-arms fire was believed to have come from a small radical group that he did not further identify.

MILITANT LEADER THREATENS OUSTER

The leader of Jamaat-e-Islami, Qazi Hussain Ahmed, who was barred from attending Tuesday’s protest, threatened to lead a march on the capital Islamabad to oust the military government.

“I warn (President Gen. Pervez) Musharraf to withdraw support for the United States. Otherwise our members and those from other religious parties will mount a march on Islamabad to oust his government,” Ahmed told his supporters in Jacobabad by telephone from Mansehra in northwestern Pakistan.

“This government has handed over Jacobabad air base to the enemies of Islam,” he said.

Shahbaz air base in Jacobabad is one of at least three being used by the U.S. military as part of Pakistan’s pledge to provide the United States with non-combat logistical support for its strikes on Afghanistan.

“We don’t want to fight in the streets but if Musharraf’s government falls, the policy will automatically change,” Ahmed said.

EARLIER ARRESTS

Earlier, Jacobabad Police Chief Akhtar Shah said authorities had also arrested about 100 activists since Sunday to prevent air-base-related demonstrations. The militants claim to have thousands more ready.

“We will reach the air base at any cost,” said Maulana Abdul Hafeez Bajarani, a Jamaat-e-Islami spokesman in Jacobabad.

On Tuesday, all roads leading to Jacobabad were blocked — some with barbed wire barricades and felled trees — virtually shutting down the city, witnesses said.

But witnesses said some people were still trickling into the town, renowned as the hottest in Pakistan and where the most common means of transport is still a horse or donkey-pulled cart.

The local administration had called at least 2,000 additional police from nearby towns to tighten security and police set up at least 200 new checkpoints at entry points, witnesses said.

The military has mounted machine guns on homes of people living around the airport and they have been offered alternative accommodation — at government expense — if they want.

ONGOING PROTESTS

The radical Islamic group said police had arrested at least 1,100 supporters over the past two days; authorities say the number is far lower.

Other activists have gone into hiding, determined to avoid arrest until they make it to Jacobabad for the protest, Jamaat-e-Islami said.

• Bin Laden: Alleged targets, operations, and colleagues

On Oct. 14, Islamic militants fought running street battles with police in Jacobabad. One protester was killed as mobs fought to reach the air base.

Hundreds of activists were arrested before that rally as well, though most were freed afterward. Three leading Islamic clerics were placed under house arrest at the start of the campaign, another pre-emptive move to block opposition. One has since been released.

Musharraf has insisted for weeks that most of Pakistan is behind him, and protests — while loud and sometimes violent — have been scattered and have included only a sliver of Pakistan’s population.

“Yes, there are risks,” Musharraf said Monday on CNN.” “But I know that a vast majority of the country is supporting whatever decision I took.”

U.S. WARNED ON ATTACKS

Separately, Asian Muslim leaders warned the United States on Monday that if strikes against Afghanistan stretch into the the holy month of Ramadan, which begins in mid-November, it could inflame Islamic opinion across the globe and drive many moderates into the hard-line camp.

But U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld said the U.S. could offer no assurance. “There continue to be terrorist threats in the world,” he said.

Islamic religious and community leaders say attacks during the holiest month of the Islamic calendar, beginning in mid-November, would be unacceptable and would trigger big and potentially violent protests among the world’s billion Muslims.

“Moderate Muslim countries would not stand this,” Niti Hasan, secretary-general of the Council of Muslim Organizations of Thailand.

Whether it's seeking help in freezing suspect bank accounts or building a new military alliance, the United States is seeking support from around the globe.

Click above to find out where various countries stand in offering support.

European Union

The 15-nation alliance held an emergency summit on Sept. 22 and agreed to support a "targeted" military response by the United States.

Britain

Prime Minister Tony Blair has emerged as America's strongest international ally, reaffirming the special relationship between the two English-speaking countries. Britain has taken part in the airstrikes on Afghanistan while its special forces have reportedly been on the ground in the Central Asian nation.

France France has opened its airspace to U.S. military planes and indicated its willingness to offer troops and military hardware to the anti-terror campaign.

Germany Germany has supported the military campaign against targets in Afghanistan and the country's military is expected to make a contribution "shortly," the government said.

Russia

Russia has offered its airspace to humanitarian flights by the anti-terrorist coalition led by the United States and permitted the former Soviet states in Central Asia to offer air bases to U.S. forces. President Vladimir Putin also said Russia would intensify its support of Afghan opposition forces fighting the ruling Taliban regime.

China

Beijing has offered cautious support for the U.S. campaign, stressing that all measures should follow international law.

India

The government has offered support to the United States, including using its territory as a staging ground for attacks on Afghanistan. However, the government has been upset by Washington's courting of arch-rival Pakistan, which shares a border with Afghanistan.

Pakistan

The government of President Pervez Musharraf has given the United States permission to use its airspace and has promised to help with intelligence gathering and logistics. The decision has triggered widespread protests in the Muslim nation, where there is sympathy for Osama bin Laden, named by the United States as the main suspect in the Sept. 11 attacks.

Tajikistan

The former Soviet republic has offered to help the United States. It also received the approval of regional power Russia to offer use of its military facilities to the U.S.-led force expected to target Afghanistan.

Uzbekistan

The United States has accepted Uzbekistan's offer to use some military bases for its anti-terrorism campaign. Officially, the bases are only to be used for humanitarian and search-and-rescue missions although sources said they also could be used as a springboard for strikes by U.S. special forces.

Egypt

The government has vowed to work with the global community to fight terrorism but President Hosni Mubarak has warned of the dangers in targeting Afghanistan, citing the potential loss of civilian life.

Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf states

Saudi Arabia and the gulf states have pledged to work with the United States, especially in intelligence work. And under pressure from Washington, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, two of just three countries to officially recognize the Taliban, severed ties with the rulers of Afghanistan. But Saudi Arabia, host to an array of U.S. Air Force combat planes, has balked at allowing the United States use the combat operations center at Prince Sultan Air Base for attacks on Afghanistan.

Israel and the Palestinian Authority

Israel has offered to join the war on terrorism and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has expressed irritation over Washington's courtship of Arab nations that are hostile to Israel.

Iran

While criticizing the U.S. campaign, Iran has agreed to help any American military personnel who might end up in distress in its territory during operations in neighboring Afghanistan. Washington and Tehran have no diplomatic ties and the U.S. State Department has named Iran as a "sponsor" of terrorism. Iran shares a 580-mile border with landlocked Afghanistan and lies between it and the Persian Gulf, where many U.S. forces are located.

Jordan

Jordan's King Abdullah was the first Arab leader to visit the White House after the Sept. 11 attack and has expressed his willingness to help with the investigation. The monarch also sought, but did not receive, a commitment from the United States that it would not target an Arab country. There has been speculation in the Arab world that Washington would strike at Iraq during its war on terrorism, aggravating an already tense Middle East situation and launching a broader conflict.

Source: MSNBC research; The Associated Press

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.



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To: Cool Guy
LETS LIGHT EM ALL UP!

If only the fight for peace and justice were that simple. As I see it, the peace movement has three factions:

1. Those who think conventional weapons and fuel/air explosives will bring peace.

2. Those who favor tactical nuclear weapons.

3. Those who say nothing less than strategic nukes will solve the problem.

Personally I'm torn. While there is a place for option #1, it is definitely not enough alone. So the question is: What is the proper balance of all three options?

21 posted on 10/23/2001 2:08:18 PM PDT by LarryLied
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To: callisto
This rabble has volunteered for target practice....
22 posted on 10/23/2001 2:10:43 PM PDT by tracer
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To: callisto
Bring out the AC-130s.
23 posted on 10/23/2001 2:12:23 PM PDT by LibWhacker
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To: callisto
GOOD! Bring that trash on....but one word of advice...dont come to a gun fight with a pocket full of rocks!!!!! Semper Fi!
24 posted on 10/23/2001 2:18:33 PM PDT by TheGunny
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To: callisto
The range is hot! Take your weapons off safe and scan your sectors!
25 posted on 10/23/2001 2:24:53 PM PDT by PsyOp
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Comment #26 Removed by Moderator

To: callisto
Our guys might welcome some target practice.
27 posted on 10/23/2001 2:28:02 PM PDT by Copperhead61
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To: TheGunny
The enemy has a clear plan. Decapitate the nation by taking out the national news and fed. Also they are trying to create an energy shortage in NYC by taking out the Hess plant in St Croix. Did you know this refinery provides NYC with nearly 100% of her gasoline supplies. If they roll a bomb barge into the port in St Croix (not difficult) and disrupt the supply, NYC will grind to a halt. No buses no nothing. We are being attacked by a sophisticated enemy with a well thought out plan for our destruction. You can see our response escalating by the indiscriminate bombing of the Kabul center. Kabul will be a smoking hole in about 48 hours if my thinking correct. Islamabad is watching and taking notes. We could make Pakistan prostrate in about 24 hours. India is waiting.
28 posted on 10/23/2001 2:28:52 PM PDT by kingh99
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To: kingh99
were killing a lot of folks in Afghanistan now. And that's a good thing. this is the big one folks. For some reason the gov is hesitant to tell it like it is.
29 posted on 10/23/2001 2:30:14 PM PDT by kingh99
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To: The Magical Mischief Tour
I didn't see the post so I don't know what slur was used. But I think it's curious that racial slurs are unacceptable but it's perfectly okay to talk about killing these people (i.e., use them for live-fire exercises). Not that I disagree, I just think it's odd.

-bc

30 posted on 10/23/2001 2:32:06 PM PDT by BearCub
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To: kingh99
You know, for someone who's been here only six days, you seem to have a LOT of knowledge of the terrorists' plans.

Are you one of them, or are you just another guy listening to the little voices in your head?

31 posted on 10/23/2001 2:32:26 PM PDT by Poohbah
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To: Poohbah
look's like you are not down with my assessment. Oh well. the facts speak volumes. everything is targeted against the eastern seaboard from what I've seen. The St Croix Hovensa Hess Story sealed the plan in my mind. Hess supplies NYC with her fuel. This is a well thought out attack. I think our gov't should get on the horn and lay out the enemy's obvious strategy. We need to take the offensive on all fronts.
32 posted on 10/23/2001 2:35:24 PM PDT by kingh99
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To: LarryLied
We have to first identify the problem before we start executing a solution. The war against terrorists or "war for Peace and justice" is not very clearly defined. If you do not have clearly defined objectives, we cannot tell when we have won or when the task is complete, not only that we wil not be in a position to make decision about the solution to the problem.

The "light em up" comment was made as my solution to what I think the problem is. Your definition of problem and my definition maynot be the same.

33 posted on 10/23/2001 2:35:50 PM PDT by Cool Guy
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To: callisto
"Ready on the left!"

"Ready on the right!"

"Ready on the firing line!"

"The line is hot, COMMENCE FIRING!"

34 posted on 10/23/2001 2:37:40 PM PDT by John R. (Bob) Locke
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To: callisto
Make our day you ignorant maggots.
35 posted on 10/23/2001 2:38:15 PM PDT by PRO 1
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To: dead
Angry fowl vow to storm duck blind.

Quote of the day, good sir!

36 posted on 10/23/2001 2:38:29 PM PDT by Poohbah
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To: callisto

Kill 'em all



let Maude sort 'em out.


37 posted on 10/23/2001 2:42:32 PM PDT by tomakaze
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To: callisto; Victoria Delsoul

Islamic militants summoned by Jamaat-e-Islami, Pakistan’s largest and most influential religious party, vowed to seize the base Tuesday afternoon. The party had vowed to marshal thousands of supporters.        

It wants to expel U.S. personnel supporting the U.S.-led military campaign designed to root out terrorist installations in Afghanistan belonging to Osama bin Laden, top suspect in the Sept. 11 terror attacks on the United States.

Something's rotten in Pakistan... Check out these links:

Suspected terrorist arrested with bio-suit in Frankfurt
This man is identified in the article as being a Turk.
However, Michael Medved has reported
that he is actually of Pakistani origin.

Kenyan Embassy bombers
had false Pakistani Papers

Pakistani linked to anthrax mailbox

Pakistani teen predicts
World Trade Center collapse in Brooklyn.

Former head of the CIA's ME counter terror operations
describes Pakistani link to OKC bombing.

I don't believe that the current Pakistani government is behind this. But clearly there is a well developed organization within Pakistan (where we know there is a strong al-Qaeda presence) that is very involved with the ongoing terrorist attacks on America.

Much of this takes place after Pakistan's detonation of atomic bombs in 1997. You can bet that both bin Laden and Hussein want to get their hands on Pakistan's nuclear arsenal (as many as 40 weapons), the "Islamic Bombs." Methinks that these Pakistan links were will known to President Bush and Co. when we made it our first priority to bring Pakistan into the coalition after the attack of 9/11. The military government there is very shakey.

Now think about this… Remember the weird items showing up at pro- bin Laden demonstrations in Pakistan? The giant pink inflatable crayon? The poster of bin Laden with Bert from Sesame Street?

I wish I had the links (does anyone have them?)… They seemed kinda comical at the time, although there was some speculation that the Bert poster could be some sort of al Qaeda signal to sleeper terrorists. All of this new trail leading back to Pakistan has me rethinking.

38 posted on 10/23/2001 2:43:18 PM PDT by Sabertooth
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To: My2Cents
"I mean, what has Islam actually contributed to the betterment of humanity and civilization?"

Well, there is Alhambra...


39 posted on 10/23/2001 2:44:32 PM PDT by Luis Gonzalez
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To: Sabertooth
Ah yes the Bert image. Could this be the signal to go after the children? The guy buying the candy? Seems plausible. They are trying to enrage us to the point of starting the revolution for them. B5stards.
40 posted on 10/23/2001 2:45:34 PM PDT by kingh99
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