Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 3

PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

MEND Assures on Health of British Hostages, Releases Photos

The Movement for Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), penultimate Sunday, released pictures of two British hostages it has been holding for four months, and said it would continue to kidnap European and U.S. oil workers until its demands are met. MEND said that the two Britons were alive and well and attached what it said were recent pictures. It warned that it would hold them until Henry Okah, leader of MEND who is on trial for gun-running and treason, was released.

JTF Nabs Suspected Female Militant, 4 Others

A  suspected  14-year-old female militant and her four male colleagues, one of them a 48-year-old traditional chief, who recently established a militant camp at Apoi Village in Bayelsa State, have been rounded up by the Joint Task Force (JTF) on the Niger-Delta following a swoop on the militant den. Found with them are: one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), one Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG 7), one G3 rifle and some quantity of dynamites. Coordinator of the Joint Media Campaign Centre (JMCC), Operation Restore Hope, Colonel Rabe Abubakar confirmed the arrest.

Kidnapping, a Capital Offence in Abia

Governor Theodore Orji of Abia has signed the 2008 Abia Criminal Code Law that stipulates death penalty for kidnapping. Speaking after signing the law on Tuesday in Umuahia, Orji said it was to stop kidnapping for ransom. He said anyone caught and found guilty would not only die, but forfeit his property to the government.

Police Apprehend Kidnap Squad

Luck ran out on six ambitious youths of Isiala-Ngwa South LGA of Abia State, when their plan to start the year in a grand style was botched by the men of Abia Police Command. The state Commissioner of police, Mr. Edgar Tam Nanakumo said that following a tip off on the hideout of some suspected kidnappers, the command's arrested five suspects. The five suspects, all males, between the ages of 18 and 20, reportedly confessed during interrogation to the crime of kidnapping and armed robbery and also gave clues to where their weapons were hidden.

Gunmen Kidnap Ogoni Monarch

Unknown gunmen have kidnapped the paramount ruler of Pite community in Tai Local Council area of Rivers State, Samuel Nnee. His abduction came at a time the Ogoni people in Rivers State have resolved to confront perpetrators of violent crimes and kidnapping within the Ogoni axis. The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the incident, adding that it was yet to get full details on the motive behind the kidnap.

Nigeria Seeks Japanese Cooperation on Das Flaring

Federal Government has sought the assistance of the Japanese government in providing solution to gas flaring out in the country. Minister of Environment, Mr. John Odey, and the Japanese Ambassador expressed their willingness to collaborate in implementing a programme that would address the problems of environmental degradation. Under the initiative, expected to cover several sectors of the economy, including agricultural and industrial areas, Japan would provide funds and technical assistance to assist in tackling environmental pollution.

8,000 Militants Repent In Rivers

No fewer than 8,000 militants in Rivers State are reported to have dropped their guns and joined in preaching for peace, as at December, 2008. The Coordinator, Government House Prayer Group in Rivers State, Bishop Friday Nwator, who made this known, said the figure includes members of Ateke Tom’s Niger Delta Vigilante, who were living in his four destroyed camps in the state.

Amaechi  Wants More Funding for Intelligence Services

Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, has called for increased funding for intelligence services as the root of security in the country. Amaechi argued that any country that does not take its intelligence services seriously was bound to fail, as he underscored the need for those in the security services to be intelligently equipped in order to achieve fruitful results.

Staff of Total Abducted

The Deputy General Manager of Total, identified as Mr. Ikechukwu Alozie was abducted on Monday night in Port Harcourt. His abduction occurred few days after the wife of another top official of the company, Mrs. Bosede Ukana was kidnapped. Contact was yet to be made with the kidnappers as at press time.

JTF Kills Militant Commander in Rivers, Militants Threaten Retaliation

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in Rivers state, Tuesday, shot dead a militant commander, Tubotamuno Angoila, (aka Boy Chiki). The JTF authorities said that he was arrested but later shot dead in an escape bid, but the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) says Chiki was handcuffed and executed. MEND said it is prepared to resume its attack on military installations in retaliation, and declared every soldier on uniform in the Niger Delta as a target saying such killings by the security forces were becoming "a common practice”. In a related incident, the JTF in the State arrested three suspected militants said to be associates of the leader of the Niger Delta Vigilance Force (NDVF), Ateke Tom.

Contaminated Water Claims 27 in Ebonyi

About 27 children aged between one and 10 years were on Wednesday reported dead in Ndiagu-Anagu, in Ikwo LGA of Ebonyi state following suspected outbreak of cholera. The state government has however attributed the deaths to contaminated water suspected to have been taken by the toddlers and said it was working on a solution, while it advised on proper hygiene level.

JTF Arrests Four Suspected Militants

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF), Wednesday, ambushed and arrested four suspected militants at Opoko in Khana LGA of Rivers State. But the suspects denied being criminals as the leader, Barikpoa Nwinam, a leader of the armed gang popularly known as ECOMOG, claims that he uses his gang to fight criminals including kidnappers and armed robbers in the area.

Rivers Monarchs Task Amaechi on Security

Traditional rulers in Rivers State have appealed to the government to urgently take measures to guarantee safety of lives and property in the state. The appeal came in a reaction to the abduction of the monarch of Kpite community in Ogoni land, Samuel Nnee, on Monday.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Gunmen Kill Two JTF Soldiers

The Joint Task Force (JTF) has disclosed that it lost two of its men in an attack by gunmen at Bomadi, Delta State, penultimate weekend. Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre (JMCC) of the JTF, Col. Rabe Abubakar, confirmed this. But MEND claimed that the soldiers were killed by friendly fire. While leaders of Bomadi urge the JTF to investigate further before drawing conclusion. The Chairman of Izon Elders Council, Chief Bare Etolor said information at his disposal indicated that one of the dead soldiers was shot by another soldier at a checkpoint when the soldier on a commercial bike asked the bike man not give the N20 requested. But just as he made to leave, the soldier on duty at the checkpoint fired at him, thus an exchange of fire between both soldiers.

Fears over MEND’s Threat to Resume Offensive

Fresh tension enveloped the Niger Delta region on Thursday after the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta called off the ceasefire it declared last year to protest the renewed onslaught on the militants in the region by the Joint Task Force. Although the authorities of the JTF’s Operation Hope, on Thursday, said there was no cause for alarm, the management of the oil majors and service companies adopted some precautionary measures in response to the threat by the militant group. The JTF has warned MEND and other militant groups to reconsider their plan to resume hostilities as JTF is prepared to crush any threat to peace.

JTF Destroys 300 Illegal Refineries, Arrests 120 Suspects

Joint Military Taskforce (JTF) says it destroyed more than 300 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta in 2008. It had also seized three ships loaded with crude oil and arrested more than 120 economic crimes suspects. Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre of JTF, Lt.-Col. Rabe Abubakar, disclosed this at Effurun, Delta. Abubakar also said 44 barges, 50 wooden boats, 58 tankers and 56 surface tanks were impounded. According to him, the JTF killed 10 armed robbery suspects at various points in the area.

Custom Operative Kills Bus Conductor

Vehicular movement and business activities at the toll-gate in Asaba, Delta state were brought to a stand still over the alleged killing of one Arinze Nwanchukwu, a bus conductor by a custom officer. Members of the state's chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) blocked the expressway leading to Onitsha for close to three hours in protest against the killing. Sources said that the luxury bus was suspected to be conveying contraband goods, which necessitated the checking of luxury buses, but the bus, with no plate number resisted being stopped, this made the custom official aim at the tire but unfortunately the bullet went in a different direction and killed the bus conductor. The state Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Mr. Charles Muka said, the case will be properly investigated and the suspect prosecuted.

Itsekiri Woman Leader Escapes Abduction

The crisis rocking the Itsekiri ethnic nationality assumed a worrisome dimension, penultimate Sunday, with a failed attempt to abduct Mrs. Rita Lori-Ogbebor by unknown gunmen. The ethnic group has been thrown into crisis over leadership tussle in Warri South West LGA. It was gathered that the she escaped being abducted when armed youths, who rode in two speedboats, attacked her boat on her way to Ajigba. Mrs. Lori-Ogbebor confirmed the attack.

NUPENG, PENGASSAN Threaten to Pull out Members over Insecurity

Leadership of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) have threatened to withdraw members from all the oil installations from the Niger Delta over growing insecurity. Leaders of the two unions pointed out that they would no longer tolerate a situation where oil workers are exposed to violent attacks and insecurity while performing their legitimate jobs without adequate protection from government and its agencies.

Urhobo Give SPDC, Govt Ultimatum on Devt

The Urhobo people of Ughievwen Kingdom in Ughelli South Council Area of Delta State have given the Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, the Federal and state governments up to February 28 to address the alleged marginalisation of the kingdom in terms of infrastructural development in the area or they would be compelled to take their destiny into their own hands. The Ughievwen Kingdom is the major host community to the SPDC Otorugun-Gas plant that supplies gas to major parts of the country.

CDHR Battles Police over Assault on Man, Attempted Murder

The Chairman, Delta State chapter of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Mr. Oghenejabor Ikimi, has demanded compensation from the police in the state over an alleged assault and attempted murder on one Mr. Emmanuel Naven, who was said to have been arrested by a police detective, Patrick, for an undisclosed offence. It was alleged that Patrick hit Naven on the head with an iron rod, which injured and made the victim to lose consciousness. When Naven came to, he discovered that his money (N60, 000), phone and some of his belongings were missing. He promptly went to the police station to demand his missing items, but was detained and subsequently bailed with N5, 000. The command’s spokesperson, Mr. Charles Muka, said the police would look into the matter

Oil Firms Defy Directive on Gas Flaring Deadline

Barely over two weeks after the expiration of December 31, 2008 deadline set to end gas flaring in the country, oil multinationals have allegedly defied the directive by continuously flaring gas at their various operational facilities. Although, the Senate on its part has stated that it would reject any move by the Federal Government to extend the December 31, 2008 deadline given to oil firms operating in the country to end gas flare. But the recent developments pose fresh insinuations that a new deadline may be earmarked to end the menace.

Gunmen Kidnap Benin Transporter, Demand N100m Ransom

About eight years after the Managing Director of Big Joe Motors, Mr. Joseph Osayande, died in the hands of suspected kidnappers in Benin City, his brother, Mr. Monday Osayande , who took over the management of the company, has again been kidnapped in Benin. Mr. Monday Osayande was reportedly kidnapped by two gun men on Tuesday. The kidnappers are demanding sum of N100 million as ransom for his release. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Alhaji Danlami Yar’Adua, confirmed the incident and assured that the police would arrest the kidnappers.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Police Kill Robbery Suspects in Police Uniforms

Armed Robbers who specialised in robbing passengers on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway were, penultimate Sunday, arrested by men of the Oyo State Police Command while on operation, one of the robbers was shot dead while another sustained serious gunshot injury. The Police Public Relations Officer, Bisi Okuwobi, said suspects wore self-made bullet-proof that looked like those of the police.

Baby Dies in Septic Tank

The body of a 15-month-old baby was found inside an open septic tank at Isolo, Lagos state, penultimate Saturday. The incident is reportedly the second in three weeks. The baby had reportedly strayed into the septic tank had been left unsealed for several years as several attempts to bring the landlord’s attention to it met brick wall. A teenager fell into same septic tank, but was quickly rescued and taken to the hospital.

Man with Fresh Human Skull Arrested

Anti-Robbery policemen in Lagos arrested a man, Francis Bassey, with a fresh human skull at the trade fair complex. Also recovered from him were several wraps of weed suspected to be Indian-Hemp.

Falana Criticizes Court Martial Over 28 Soldiers’ Trial

Lagos activist lawyer Mr. Femi Falana has criticised the court martial trying 28 soldiers for alleged mutiny for its handling of the trial. He condemned the refusal of the Brig.-Gen. Ishaya Bauka-led court martial for refusing to allow Gen. Bauka to give evidence on a statement credited to him in September 16, 2008 edition of ThisDay. The eight-man panel reportedly stormed out of the court room last Thursday following the insistence of Falana that Gen. Bauka should give evidence. Falana had argued that the statement had already pre-determined the judgment of the court martial, which he said would not favour the accused.

Police Rescue 17 Kids from Traffickers

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have rescued about 17 children allegedly being taken on slavery mission to a town in Oyo State and arrested the suspected traffickers. According to the suspects, the kids were to be used for menial jobs in Ibadan and some unnamed persons were ready to engage them under agreement. The police are making efforts to reunite the kids with their families. Several dangerous weapons were recovered from the suspects.

Murder of Customs Officer: 63 Detainees Regain Freedom

A Lagos Chief Magistrate Court on Thursday set free 63 suspects arrested and detained over the murder of a Customs officer in Lagos last year. The order by the court followed the advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution, (DPP) that the accused persons had no case to answer as report revealed that the arrest of the suspects was based on suspicion which no matter how grave cannot ground a conviction in law.

Man Defiles 9 Years Old Girl

A 51-year-old man in Lagos is in the police custody for allegedly defiling a 9-year-old pupil. The suspect, James Akpan, a native of Akwa Ibom State, was said to have threatened to kill the girl if she told anyone as he covered her mouth before defiling her. But the victim told her parents as was in pains and could not stand erect. The victim was said to have been rushed to the hospital, where the doctor confirmed that she was raped. The suspect has blamed alcohol for his action.

Fire Guts PHCN's Office, Destroys Documents

Fire on Tuesday, gutted the sixth floor of the 13-storey building that houses the Lagos zonal office of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), destroying vital documents. The inferno was put out by the nearby Federal Fire Service Lagos. No life was lost.

Lagos Security Cameras Coming Soon

Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) of Lagos state has promised a safer Lagos, while awaiting the completion of the security and command centre that will house not only all the facilities but also heads of departments who would be in charge of the ambulances, traffic and Rapid Response Squad and so many of them and the launching of security cameras for crime control.

Bank Robbery in Ibadan, 2 Killed

After about three weeks of respite, suspected armed robbers returned to an Ibadan first generation bank on Wednesday, killing two people and carting away undisclosed amount of money, as the hoodlums terrorised the area and made straight to the bank undisturbed in an operation that lasted for about 15 minutes. Interestingly, policemen at a checkpoint less than 200 metres from the scene of operation were said to have fled the checkpoint in commercial motorcycles as people scampered in different directions to escape the robbers’ stray bullets.

GENERAL

Oando Acquires Agip’s Deepwater Blocks

Oando Plc has paid $197 million to Agip for a 15 per cent stake in two oil blocks – Oil Mining License (OML)-125 and OML-134. This makes Oando the first indigenous participating company in a producing deep offshore oil block. Head, Corporate Communications of Oando Plc, Niyi Olowola, said that OML-125 currently produces approximately 20,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil from the Abo field.

ATM: Nigerians Warned against Fraudulent e-mail

A new gimmick by Automated Teller Machines (ATM) fraudsters to get hold of the ATM Card Personal Identification Number (PIN) of Nigerians by asking the unwary to register their secret code online has been discredited by Interswitch. Interswitch warned Nigerians to disregard such mails asking them to register their card and pin number on a fictitious website.

FG Stops Sharing of Excess Crude Proceeds

The Federal Government of Nigeria has started the promised belt-tightening measures to adjust to the current realities of the global financial meltdown. The government said henceforth it would no longer withdraw from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) for sharing by the three tiers of government. The government also announced that, effective February, the amount for sharing amongst the Federal, state and local governments would be pruned down because of low income from oil sales.

Jos Crisis: Group Threatens Retaliatory Attacks

An Islamic group, the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid‘ah Wa Iqamatis Sunna on Tuesday, threatened a reprisal against any group or persons who attack Muslims in the country, warning that it would no longer tolerate the molestation of Muslims in the country. Meanwhile, the Northern Christian Elders Forum, appealed to the Federal Government to take practical steps to protect the lives and property of Nigerians.

Two Customs Retirees Commit Suicide over Delayed Benefits

Two Nigeria Customs retirees have allegedly committed suicide after waiting in vain for two years for the payment of their retirement benefits. Alhaji Hassan Saleh, the Director, Customs, Immigration, and Prison Pensions Office (CIPPO), disclosed this. Saleh said a comprehensive data bank was being put in place to spell out the total monthly pension payment, arrears and periodic increments.

Kaduna, Port Harcourt Refineries To Be Sold Again

After voiding the sale of two of Nigeria’s premier refineries and ditching the privatization programme, the Federal Government is set to sell off the refineries to the private sector. The rethink may have been prompted by the continuing drain resources of government’s involvement in the importation of refined products as well the failure to keep the refineries at optimum production level. Mohammed Ibrahim, a member of the Oil and Gas Implementation Committee who disclosed this said this is part of the decision of the committee approved by the government.

Barkindo Replaces Yar'Adua at NNPC, Customs Gets New Chief

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) changed leadership on Tuesday. While the Acting Group Managing Director (GMD) of the NNPC, Abubakar Lawal Yar'Adua was removed and replaced with Alhaji Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo; the Comptroller-General of the NCS, Mr. Hamman Bello Ahmed retired after attaining the mandatory age to quit. He is replaced by Dr. Bernard-Shaw Nwadialo, as its Acting Comptroller- General.

N18b for N/Delta Ministry Projects

In fiscal 2009, the Ministry of the Niger Delta has only N18 billion to spend on new projects. This may have informed the bid by the House of Representatives to jack up the N50 billion allocated to ministry in the 2009 budget, which the lawmakers described as insignificant. The House has, therefore, liaised with the Presidency to ensure a healthy discussion of the matter.

NDLEA Arrests 106 for Drug Offences

Kogi State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in 2008 arrested over 106 suspects for drug offences. The command also impounded five vehicles including a bullion van used for carrying Indian hemp during the period. State Commander of the agency, Mr. Balla Musa Fagge, disclosed this during a briefing on the activities of the command last year. He said the command has evolved strategies to rid or significantly reduce the menace of hard drugs this year.

Drivers Attack FRSC Officials over Overloading

For attempting to enforce the law against overloading of passengers, scores of Road Safety Marshals on Monday incurred the wrath of commercial taxi drivers within the Kano metropolis. Hundreds of the protesting cab drivers vented their spleen by hurling stones on sighting the road marshals. It was learnt that the police had to intervene to save the road marshals, who had to flee to a nearby police station.

Drug Dealer to Bag 15-Year Jail Term – NDLEA

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Establishment (Amendment) Bill has prescribed a minimum of 15 years imprisonment without an option of fine for any person convicted of peddling hard drugs. Under the law that is being amended by the Senate, drug offenders are being convicted and sentenced to six months' imprisonment or an option of fine of N150, 000. The bill is awaiting the second reading.

Shell Commits To $13b. Trans Sahara Gas Project

The Royal Dutch Shell may have thrown its weight behind the multi billion dollar Trans Sahara gas project that is conceived to pipe Nigerian gas to Europe across the Sahara. The Saharan project, with capital costs estimated at $10 billion for the pipeline and $3 billion for the gathering centres, would send up to 30 billion cubic metres a year of gas to Europe via a 4,128 km (2,580 mile) pipeline from Nigeria, via Niger and Algeria, starting in 2015.

Yar'Adua, Others Honour Fallen Heroes

President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua on Thursday led Nigeria's top political and military leaders to the wreath-laying ceremony heralding the end of the 2009 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebrations (AFRDC). Highlight of this year's ceremony was the participation for the first time of a World War 11 veteran, Sgt. Baba Hassan Sokoto, in laying the wreath on behalf of Nigerian veterans.

FG Moves to Stabilize Economy, Naira Appreciates to N148

The Presidential Steering Committee on the Global Economic Crisis, constituted by President Umaru Yar’Adua last Tuesday, swung into action with its first meeting, mapping out strategies to mitigate the effect of the financial crisis on the Nigerian economy. Meanwhile, barely 48 hours after Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) declared that the Naira would stabilize, the currency gained N5.05 at the parallel market and Interbank Forex Market yesterday as it now sells for N148 to $1 from its previous day’s level of N153.05k.

Addax To Invest $1bn In Nigerian Projects This Year.

Despite dropping crude oil prices, Addax Petroleum Corporation, with a major presence in the Nigeria’s oil industry, is spending over $1 billion on upstream projects in Nigeria in 2009. The company had earmarked $1.6 billion for capital expenditure in 2009 out of which about $1.074 billion would be spent on Nigerian operations.

INTERNATIONAL

ECOWAS Leaders Sanction Guinean Junta

Leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), penultimate weekend, have to the military junta in Guinea that they will not brook the slightest deviation from democratic principles, but is willing to support sincere moves to ensure the emergence of a democratically elected government in Guinea within one year. They also barred the military leaders from attending meetings of all decision-making bodies of the ECOWAS.

267 Feared Dead In Indonesian Ferry Mishap

A search operation is under way after a ferry carrying about 267 person sank in stormy seas in central Indonesia, officials say. An agency spokesman said 18 people have been rescued alive, but there were fears that scores of others would be found dead. Rescue efforts were, however, hampered by high waves and nightfall. Many are still missing.

Sri Lanka Fights to Finish off Tamil Tigers

Sri Lankan troops fought toward the shrinking strongholds of the Tamil Tiger rebels on Monday, the military said, saying it had killed at least 24 rebels after a series of confrontations on Saturday in the small north eastern wedge of jungle, which is all that is left of the Tigers' self-proclaimed state.

Taliban Commander Killed In Afghanistan

Australian Special Forces have killed a Taliban commander involved in recruiting suicide bombers and foreign fighters in Afghanistan, Australia's Defence Ministry said penultimate Sunday. Mullah Abdul Rasheed was a "primary" facilitator of series of attacks using improvised bombs against foreign forces in the southern province of Uruzgan, the ministry said in a statement.

Obama Promises New Tack On Iran, Middle East

President-elect of the United States, Barack Obama says the U.S. will take a new approach to dealings with Iran under his leadership, as he was concerned about Iran's support for Lebanese Shia party, Hezbollah and its nuclear programme. Obama also said he planned a special team to deal with conflict in the Middle East and repeated his promise to close the Guantanamo Bay prison camp, but suggested it might not happen within his first 100 days in office. This is just as President Bush warned that there are still threats of Terror attacks on Americans.

Costa Rica Digs For Quake Victims

Rescue workers dug into collapsed hillsides searching for bodies and possible survivors two days after a strong earthquake killed 20 people. 40 people are reported missing from the 6.1-magnitude quake. Colombia and the United States sent military helicopters to help the Costa Rican government.

Drowned Somali Pirate Floats With $153,000 Ransom Share

The body of a Somali pirate who drowned just after receiving a huge ransom, washed onshore on Monday with $153,000 in cash, as the spokesman for another group of pirates promised to soon free a Ukrainian arms ship. Five pirates drowned on Friday when their small boat capsized after they received a reported $3 million ransom for releasing a Saudi oil tanker.

Nepalese Journalist Butchered

A Nepalese journalist, Uma Singh, 26, who reported on women’s rights and criticizing the dowry system was hacked to death in her room, a media rights group said Monday. Also on Sunday, a group of men left a cross on the door of another journalist, telling her it was her turn next. In recent months, the number of attacks on journalists in Nepal has shot up, with a record of 284 incidents last year.

Bombs Hit French Synagogue

Two petrol bombs have been thrown at a synagogue north of Paris, police have said. No injuries were caused, but a restaurant next door to the synagogue was damaged.
The incident came amid tensions in France over the violence between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.  French officials have been keen to stress to Jewish and Muslim community leaders that the unrest in Gaza should not lead to violence in France.

Seven Killed in Baghdad Bombings

Bombers staged a series of attacks across Baghdad on Monday, mainly targeting Iraqi security forces, killing no fewer than seven people and wounding more than 30, police said. Three soldiers were burned to death inside the truck and four civilians were wounded. Near Sha'ab stadium in eastern Baghdad a bomb struck a police patrol, wounding seven people including three policemen.

Britain Declares Pakistan Innocent in Mumbai Attack

Britain's Foreign Minister David Miliband said on Tuesday that he believed the Pakistan state did not direct the Mumbai attacks, contradicting accusations from the Indian government that state agencies were involved. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said last week the Mumbai attacks must have had support from some of Pakistan's official agencies. Islamabad has denied this, blaming the raid on "non-state actors."

Insurgents Attack Somali Presidential Palace

Islamic insurgents fired mortar rounds at Somalia's presidential palace and clashed with government forces on Wednesday, leaving at least five civilians dead a day after Ethiopian troops handed over security duties. The violence underscored fears that Somalia could collapse into further chaos following the Ethiopians' departure, with extremists moving to seize power from the country's weak U.N.-backed government. Government soldiers retaliated after yesterday's attack on the palace, and some of their mortar rounds hit the capital's largest market of Bakara, said Farah Mumin, a salesman at the market who said he saw three civilians killed and nine others wounded.

Israeli Forces Edge into Gaza City, Rockets from Lebanon hit Israel

Israeli forces edged into the Gaza Strip's most populous area, penultimate Sunday, killing more Palestinians, raising the death toll above 900. Medical officials said about half of the Palestinian dead were civilians. Hamas says it would not consider a ceasefire until Israel ended its assault and lifted a Gaza blockade, as Israel says any truce must ensure that Hamas cannot rearm. Thirteen Israelis have been killed, official Israeli figures showed. While Rockets fired from Lebanon struck near the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona, but there was no immediate sign the incident would escalate into wider violence. Meanwhile, Iran has appealed to the Nigerian Government to prevail on Egypt to open its borders to humanitarian aids. Egypt has since the war refused to open its borders to any country to come to the aid of the Palestinians for fear of terrorist.

Bin Laden Urges Jihad against Israel over Gaza

Al-Qaeda chief, Osama bin Laden, has reportedly urged Muslims to launch a jihad against Israel and condemned Arab governments as allies of the Jewish state in a new message aimed at harnessing anger in the Middle East over the Gaza offensive. Bin Laden spoke in an audiotape posted yesterday on Islamic militant website where al-Qaeda usually issues its messages. It was his first tape since May. The authenticity of the tape could not be independently confirmed, but the voice resembled that of Bin Laden in previous messages.

Mumbai Attacks Trigger 124 Arrests in Pakistan

Pakistani authorities said on Thursday that it had closed five training camps run by Lashkar-e-Taiba; the group blamed for the Mumbai attack, and arrested 124 of its leaders. Tension between nuclear-armed neighbours Pakistan and India has been simmering since the late November attack in which gunmen killed 179 people in Mumbai. India has become increasingly frustrated with what it sees as Pakistan's lack of action in response, while Pakistan is angered by an Indian suggestion Pakistani state agencies were involved Pakistan condemned the attack, denied involvement and offered cooperation to India in the investigation.

U.S. Plane Goes Down, Passengers Safe

A United States (U.S.) passenger plane taking off from LaGuardia Airport, New York to Charlotte, North Carolina, on Thursday went down after a failed bid to gain altitude. The plane, an Airbus A320 Flight 1549, is believed to have struck a bird in its upward trajectory. Without gaining altitude, it glided on for about three minutes before it hit the Hudson River. Miraculously, the plane with about 148 passengers stayed on the water, floating, before rescue ships arrived.

Sudanese Islamist Leader Arrested Over War Crime Call

Sudanese Islamist leader Hassan al-Turabi has been arrested after calling on President Omar al-Bashir to hand himself in to face war crimes charges. The veteran opposition leader is the most high-profile Sudanese figure to say the president should go to The Hague to face charges over Darfur. Turabi's son said he was worried for the health of his 76-year-old father. International Criminal Court (ICC) judges are deciding whether to issue an arrest warrant for Bashir. The head of national intelligence recently said foreigners in Sudan could be attacked if an arrest warrant is issued for the president.