Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 26

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

2 Policemen, 2 Others Killed in Anambra

Two policemen attached to a commercial bank in Onitsha, Anambra State, were on Monday shot dead by armed robbers. Also shot dead during the robbery operation were a bank staff and a commercial motorcycle operator. The incident occurred when the robbers numbering about 12, trailed the bank vehicle, shooting indiscriminately at the bank vehicle until their bullets allegedly pierced the driver’s skull. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at Inland Police Station, Onitsha, Mr Cyril Ntomchukwu confirmed the incident.

JTF Nabs 9 Suspected Militants

Joint Military Task Force (JTF) on Tuesday, begun a cordon and search operation in Nembe area of Bayelsa State, where the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) last week attacked some soldiers. Spokesman of the JTF, Colonel Rabe Abubakar, claimed that the nine suspected militants arrested in Nembe, were masterminds of last week’s attack on soldiers at Obioku Community. JTF said it recovered 142 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, six empty magazines and two dane guns, as well as a speed boat, during a cordon and search exercise.

MEND Blows Up Agip Pipeline

A major pipeline, which delivers crude oil to the Brass export terminal belonging to Nigerian Agip Oil Company, was, penultimate Friday blown up at the Nembe creek in Bayelsa state. The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) claimed responsibility for the attack.

Two Militants Accept Amnesty, Surrender Arms to Okiro

Barely 24 hours after President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua granted amnesty to them, two militant leaders in Bayelsa State, Commander Lagosman Jackson a.k.a Commander Gbiri, and General Africa have declared their readiness to lay down their arms. The militants said the decision was based on the proclamation of amnesty granted by the President and appealed to other militant leaders to accept the amnesty and stop hostilities in the region. Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro on Friday witnessed the first surrender of arms from a militant, Solomon Ndigbara also known as "Osama Bin Laden” at Yeghe in Gokhana LGA of Rivers State. Weapons handed over include three AK47 rifles, three Self Loading Rifles, three pump Action Rifles, one P-Baretta and 1000 rounds of live ammunition as well as 13 cartridges.

Kidnappers Besiege Akwa Ibom

Gunmen in Akwa Ibom state, last weekend, killed two brothers whose names were given as Obong Emmanuel Ekpenyong and his younger brother, Mathias Ekpenyong, at Ewet Village Sand beach. Sources said that over five gunmen took Obong Ekpenyong, captive in their vehicle, and shot the Mathias, who had challenged them. The elder Ekpenyong’s corpse was later discovered metres away from the Ewet Sand beach. While a 70-year-old father of a politician, was also abducted in the State. Commissioner of Police, Mr Walter Rugbere, confirmed the reports. These occurred as men of the Rivers state Police command, engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun duel at the Njemanze waterfront and succeeded in freeing one Dr Imoh Abasumo, said to have been kidnapped weekend.

Eni Declares Force Majeure on Brass River Exports

Italian oil giant, Eni, has declared force majeure on exports from its Brass River terminal located in Brass Island of Bayelsa State. The oil and gas company had said last Friday that an attack on its Ogoda Manifold-Brass Terminal pipeline halted production of around 33,000 barrels of oil and 2 million cubic metres of gas per day.

Three Students Arrested for Kidnapping, Attempted Assassination

Three students of the Imo State University (IMSU), who allegedly engage in kidnapping and assassination, have been arrested by the State Security Service (SSS). They were reportedly nabbed while negotiating to collect the sum of N3million payment for the assassination of a wealthy lady. The Director of the Imo State Command of the SSS, Mr. Abudu Salami, disclosed that the arrest was aided by the escape of the victim held hostage at a village in Mbaitoli LGA.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Port Harcourt, Warri Refineries Shut Down as Militants Continue Attacks

A prolonged petroleum products scarcity seems to be on the way, with the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Wednesday, announcing that it shut the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries. The shutdown followed unrelenting militant attacks on oil facilities, especially pipelines in the Niger Delta. NNPC also said that Kaduna Refinery would be shut soon due to the destruction of the pipeline that supplies it crude oil. The Technical Assistant to the Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC, Mr. Gabby Meheux, disclosed this.

Shell Suspends Operations in Delta and Bayelsa States

The threat by militants to cripple Nigeria’s oil export is gradually being actualised as Shell has suspended its entire operations in the Western Niger Delta, covering Delta State and parts of Bayelsa State, reports indicate. Shell had in 2006 pulled out of the area but later launched a gradual re-entry programme, culminating in the re-opening of its 450,000 barrels per day Forcados export terminal. But owing to the renewed attacks in recent times, Shell last week abandoned its re-entry programme and suspended its operations as well as all community development projects in the area. While the Federal Government has moved to douse claims by militants that the amnesty offer to them was a “Greek Gift”.

Gunmen Abduct Setraco Staff

A manager with Setraco Construction Company, Mr. Imohi Sunday, has been kidnapped by gunmen in Auchi headquarters of Estako West Local Government Area of Edo State. Imohi was said to have been abducted on Wednesday while driving into his residence at the Water Board Area of Auchi. Chairman of Setraco Construction Company, Alhaji Inu Umoru, confirmed the kidnapping but said no ransom had been demanded by the kidnappers.

Man Killed in Cold Blood by Policeman in Delta

A man, David Ukpokpo, was last weekend shot dead by a mobile policeman in the presence of his pregnant wife shortly after settling a dispute between a market woman and a resident at Effurun in Delta State. He succeeded in resolving the misunderstanding but was shot dead minutes after by some mobile policemen who were invited by the husband of the woman without finding out what exactly caused the dispute that had been settled before they arrived the scene. The mobile policemen fled the scene after committing the havoc.

Airforce Officer’s Son Nabbed for Robbery

An armed robbery suspect, Anthony Edet, 26, arrested in Benin City has claimed to be the son of a serving Airforce officer in Lagos. He was paraded alongside one Chidi Mogbolo aged 25 and both claimed to be students of a university in Edo state.The police said they were members of separate gangs of armed robbers believed to have been unleashing terror on residents of Ugbowo and Evbuotubu areas of Benin City. The said son of the Airforce Officer met his waterloo last Monday night while carrying out operations at about 1am alongside four others now at large.

Police Brutalise Journalists in Delta

Six journalists were, on Tuesday, brutalised by a team of policemen from the Delta State police command attached to the state Ministry of Lands and Survey Task Force on demolition of illegal structures. Irked by the bizarre incident, the acting chairman of the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Felix Igbekoyi, convened an emergency meeting and resolved that the force be placed on sanctions. This was the second time journalists in Asaba, the state capital, were made to experience the bitter taste of police brutality.

Militants Cripple Shell Flow Station

Just before the Thursday announcement of the presidential amnesty for militants, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) attacked a Shell pipeline in Rivers State and also warned Russia not to invest in the country’s oil sector. It claimed that its members attacked the Bille-Krakama pipeline in Rivers State on Thursday, after a visit by Russian leader Dmitry Medvedev who, on Wednesday, signed energy deals to build new export pipelines with Nigeria. Oil prices rose towards $70 a barrel on Friday following the attack on Shell’s.

Senate to Probe Military Operations in Delta

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream), Senator Lee Maeba, has hinted of the prospects of a Senate investigation into the ongoing military operations in the Niger Delta region. Maeba stated that the investigation would help to determine the impact of the operations on the production activities of oil producing companies.

FG Partners Delta on Security for River Niger Dredging

The Federal Government on Monday cited excuses by contractors and security concerns as reasons for the delay in the dredging of the River Niger. Delta state governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan revealed that his government had already put machinery in motion to constitute a special committee that would ensure that the anticipated security challenges were effectively tackled.

Delta State Govt Donates Vehicle to Police

It was applause and commendation from the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro, for the Delta State Government, as he received from the state government 37 vehicles donated to the force for crime busting. Governor Uduaghan while handing over the vehicles said, the gesture was in furtherance of the state government’s peace and security agenda. The vehicles include two Armoured Personnel Carrier  (APC) vehicles and 35   Hilux Pick-up Patrol vans.

N’Delta Indigenes Sue for N100bn Over Attacks

A Federal Government delegation led by the Minister of Interior, Brig-Gen. Godwin Abbe (rtd), and the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro, on Tuesday met with representatives of militant leaders in the Niger Delta in a move aimed at building confidence in the peace process, while indigenes of various communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State, have dragged the Federal Government to Court and are asking for N100 billion as compensation over the recent military onslaught. Meanwhile, the leader of Niger Delta People's Volunteer Force, Mujahid Asari Dokubo, was on Monday arrested by the State Security Service (SSS) at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, according to his lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

13 Killed as 45-Year-Old Building Collapses in Lagos

A 45-year-old two-storey building at Oyingbo, in Lagos Island LGA of Lagos state fell to the ground in the early hours of Sunday after a heavy downpour on Saturday.
13 persons have been confirmed dead while 30 others were said to have been rescued from the rubble through the combined efforts of rescue workers which include officials of the Lagos State Traffic Authority (LASTMA), Red Cross and the police. The injured persons were rushed to the Lagos Island General hospital. Victims were said to be mainly children and residents who were fast asleep during the downpour. According to sources, the collapsed building was originally planned and erected as a warehouse, but was converted to a two-storey residential building later. Lagos state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba, said he could not confirm any casualty figure yet as he was still expecting more information from the policemen on the ground.

Five Police Killed in Armed Robbery Attack in Ibadan

Five policemen were on Friday felled by dare devil armed robbers in Oyo state. The deceased policemen were escorting three vehicles which was said to have carried the cash meant for salaries of an Ibadan-based construction firm when the robbers opened fire on them. The State police chief, Baba Adisa Bolanta fought back tears as the lifeless bodies of five policemen were brought to the command. Bolanta vowed that the command would spare nothing in tracking down the armed bandits. The armed robbers also killed the driver of the vehicle conveying the large sum and the accountant of the construction company who was reported to be on the convoy during the attack.

Robbery Suspects, Impostor in Police Net

Police in Ogun State have nabbed some bandits, who, according to them, have been giving residents of the gateway state sleepless nights. They were alleged to have invaded Igbeba area and were dispossessing their victims of valuable items, when they were rounded up by the police operatives. Recovered from them were, locally made pistols, axe, charms and other dangerous weapons, according to the Ogun State Police Commissioner, Mr. Hashimu Argungu.

NDLEA Calls for Better Security at Lagos Airport

Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade, has charged security agencies at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) to be alert to the illegal activities of drug cartels. Giade, made the call following the findings from investigation on the cartels that specialise in cannabis smuggling through the conveyor belt. He urged security agents to work as a team and complement one another, noting that national security is not a one man affair.

Police Apprehend 4 Illegal Bunkerers in Lagos

Four members of a suspected illegal oil bunkering syndicate have been arrested by the police in Lagos State, while investigations have commenced on their activities. The illegal bunkerers were, on Sunday night, arrested by men of the Yaba Divisional Police Station during a routine patrol on the shore of the Lagos Lagoon. Other members of the gang jumped into the lagoon and escaped before the policemen could arrest them. The policemen recovered one empty Iveco tanker, two pumping machines and two hoses from the hoodlums.

GENERAL

President Grants Amnesty to Militants, JTF to Observe Sixty Day Ceasefire

Nigeria's President Umaru Yar'Adua, eager to resolve the Niger Delta crisis which has cut Nigeria's oil production by more than 25%, Thursday announced a 60-day amnesty for the country's oil militants, but with stringent conditions to be met by those willing to take the offer. He expressed the hope that all militants in the Niger Delta will take advantage of the amnesty and join in nation building. The amnesty offered would commence on August 6. The committee further stated that within the 60-day grace period ending October 4, the Joint Task Force in the area is expected to observe cessation of military action unless in self defence.

Royal Father Arrested for Arms Dealing

A traditional ruler in Plateau State has been arrested by the police for arms running. The Kanankur Longvel in Shendam LGA, Sule Sabo, was arrested after a search was conducted in his house and assorted fire arms were discovered buried in his compound and in another village in the district in Shendam. According to information gathered, the police got information of his dealing in arms when an arrested armed robber disclosed that he bought his gun from the traditional ruler. The Police Public Relation Officers in Plateau State, ASP Muhammad Lerama, confirmed this.

Four Suspected Drug Dealers Shot Dead

Four suspected drug dealers were shot dead during a clash with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kano on Wednesday. The incident occurred when the agency’s officials stormed the hideout of the suspects as part of activities to mark the United Nations Anti-drug Week. Sources said the clash was precipitated when the suspected launched an attack on the operatives, who were heading to the hideout.

Nigeria Misses OPEC Quota, as CBN Confirms Slide in Export

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), on Monday confirmed a drop in Nigeria’s crude oil export. This is as indications have emerged that Nigeria may find it difficult to meet its implied Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production quota of 1.67 million barrel per day (bpd), owing to recent shut-ins as a result of renewed unrest in the Niger Delta region. The country’s production level, which has hovered around 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) since last month, dropped to about 1 million bpd.

NAFDAC Raises Alarm as Kano Becomes Hub of Fake Drugs

An alarm was at the weekend raised by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) that Kano has assumed the position of a sanctuary where manufacturers of fake food and drugs carry out their heinous activities. The agency's Director of Enforcement, Mr. Hashim Ubale Yusufu, advised pharmaceutical dealers and other NAFDAC-regulated products to stay away from such illegal act. NAFDAC also discovered fake and counterfeit drugs valued at over N300 million at some warehouses in Kano.

Suspected Kidnappers of Canadian Lady Arrested

Men of the Kaduna state Command of the State Security Service (SSS) have arrested suspects in the abduction of the Canadian lady, Rotarian Ann Julie Mulligan, who regained freedom a month ago. The SSS director, Alhaji Ibrahim Likita Mashi, said that with the arrest of Mr. Loveday Nnaka Chinedu and Okukwe Ogwuzor, the dragnet of the SSS would soon catch up with the remaining three members of the gang still at large.

Okiro Tasks Policemen to Shun Corruption

A month to his retirement from office, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mike Mbama Okiro, has warned officers and men of the command of the dire consequences linked with corrupt practices. Okiro charged serving officers to shun corruption and any action that will smear their career.

Gasprom Will End Gas Flaring -Russian Envoy

Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Alexander Polyakov, said on Tuesday that the coming of oil giant, Gasprom, to Nigeria, would end gas flaring. Polyakov said this ahead of the visit of Russian President, Dmitry Medvedev, to Nigeria. Medvedev would be the first Kremlin leader to visit Nigeria since both countries established diplomatic ties nearly 50 years ago. The envoy said a major highlight of the visit was the coming of Gasprom, which would be expected to sign an important agreement with the NNPC.

FG Launches Emergency Ambulance Service

Minister of Health, Professor Babatunde Osotimehin, on Tuesday launched a revolutionary Emergency Ambulance Services initiative, to ensure that accident victims receive prompt attention. Osotimehin,   said this became necessary, in view of the need to strategically connect rescue operations to healthcare providers. In his speech, Corp Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission, Mr Chidoka Osita, welcomed the initiative, which he said will surely provide additional efforts to what they already had on ground.

Spain Supports Nigeria for UN Security Council's Seat

Nigeria's quest for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) received a boost on Tuesday as Spanish Prime Minister, Jose Luis Zapatero, expressed support for Nigeria. Zapatero, who formally began a state visit to Nigeria, said after bilateral talks with President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua at the Presidential Villa, Abuja that the restructuring of the UNSC was necessary to accommodate the presence of Nigeria in the body.

Naira Crashes Again

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), this week, sold $154 million at N146.76 to one US dollar at its forex auction as against last week’s rate of N146.70 per dollar. The regulator sold $134 million at N146.70 per dollar at its previous auction last week. According to reports, some oil companies also sold a certain amount of dollars to some  banks earlier this week, adding that demands  for the dollar is gradually building at the interbank market, where the naira was trading at N149.30 to the dollar.

Auto Crashes Claimed 128 Lives in Three Weeks -FRSC

Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) said about 128 people lost their lives and 15 others injured in various road traffic accidents that occurred on the nation's highways within three weeks. A statement by the out-going Acting Public Education Officer of FRSC, Ayodele Ajadi, said the commission is to embark on a nationwide clamp down on speed violation to reduce the rate of accident in the country. Focus will also be on wipers, tyre violation, functional brakes and other road vices such as dangerous overtaking, seat belt violation and over loading, among others.

INTERNATIONAL

Egyptian Business Man, Ex-Cop Faces Execution

An Egyptian court on Thursday confirmed the death sentences of a business tycoon and a former police officer convicted of killing rising Lebanese pop star Suzanne Tamim. The court sentenced to death real estate mogul Hisham Talaat Moustafa and former officer Muhsen el Sukkari last month. Tamim's body was found stabbed, with her throat slit, in her apartment in the United Arab Emirates in July 2008.

Rwandan Official Jailed for 30 Years over Genocide

A former Rwandan official was sentenced to 30 years in jail for his role in the death of "thousands of Tutsi refugees" in country's 1994 genocide, a court announced Monday. Callixte Kalimanzira, a top Interior Ministry official at the time, "lured" the refugees to Kabuye hill and helped "provide armed reinforcements" to attack and kill them, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda said in a statement. The court found Kalimanzira "guilty of genocide and direct and public incitement to commit genocide," it announced.

Seven Policemen Killed in Colombian Rebel Attack

Marxist rebels killed seven police officers in a roadside ambush in southwestern Colombia, officials said. A top rebel leader also was believed to be killed in a separate attack, said army Gen. Gustavo Adolfo Ricaurte. The six police agents and a lieutenant died in a roadside blast on their return from inspecting the rebel stronghold, which the air force had bombed, said Cauca Gov. Guillermo Alberto Gonzalez.

Protesters Killed in Iran

At least 13 protesters were killed in Iran penultimate Sunday when the rioters set two petrol stations and a mosque ablaze following a disputed election result.The protests were sparked by disputed presidential elections, but have since escalated into Iran's most serious internal conflict since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has demanded an end to protest. Critics of the June presidential poll - which gave President Ahmadinejad a resounding 63 per cent of votes, compared with 34 per cent for Mir Hossein Mousavi, his nearest rival - say there is evidence of widespread vote-rigging.

Swine Flu Spreads, Death Toll Rises

Latest statistics from the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicate that the swine flu pandemic has continued to spread worldwide with a rising death toll. The WHO reported, penultimate Friday that the number of confirmed cases reached 44,287 and 180 deaths. The report suggests that the increase in cases occurred by more than 10 per cent in two days. The WHO report also indicates that the United States carries the heaviest burden with nearly half of the cases.

Crude Oil Prices Tumble

Crude oil prices fell more than $1 a barrel and gasoline tumbled the most in two months on speculation that supplies of the motor fuel will climb as refineries bolster output and imports gain. Gasoline inventories rose 3.39 million barrels to 205 million recently, the biggest increase since January, the Energy Department said on June 17. Crude oil for July delivery fell $1.82, or 2.6 per cent, to $69.55 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Suicide Bombers Attacks Russian Region Leader

A suicide car bomber drove into the convoy of the president of the troubled Russian region of Ingushetia on Monday, critically wounding the president and killing two bodyguards. Yunus Bek Yevkurov was the third top official to be wounded or killed in the region bordering Chechnya. The bombing was a sharp escalation of the attacks that have targeted police and government officials in the North Caucasus with growing frequency, and provided more evidence of their effectiveness. Ingushetia is home to hundreds of refugees from the wars in Chechnya, to the east, and is one of Russia's poorest regions.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Threatens Protesters

Iran's elite Revolutionary Guard-the most powerful security force-has threatened to crush any further opposition protests over the disputed presidential election, warning demonstrators to prepare for a "revolutionary confrontation" if they take to the streets again.

Somali President Declares State of Emergency over Insurgency

President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed of Somalia has declared a state of emergency as his UN-backed government struggles to quash a deadly Islamic insurgency. The move came as the African Union (AU) said it supported Somalia's plea for neighbouring countries to send troops to help fight Islamist insurgents. Somali lawmakers pleaded this weekend for immediate international military intervention. Nearly 126,000 people have fled their homes since May 7, according to the UN refugee agency. The United Nations says an estimated 3.2 million Somalis need food and other humanitarian aid.

7 Die in D.C Metro Crash

Seven people were killed in a rush-hour collision between two Metro trains in Washington on Monday, D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty said Tuesday. Fenty said 76 people were injured. A Metro statement said both trains were on the same track, headed in the same direction, south out of the Fort Totten station. The operator who was killed was on the trailing train, it said.

Coalition Troops Launch Assault on Taliban

Coalition troops launched a massive assault on a Taliban stronghold in southern Afghanistan and were able to push militants out of some areas, Coalition said in a statement. About 500 troops were involved in the operation, the NATO-led Security Assistance Force, announced Tuesday. The troops were able to secure three main crossing points in the area and will work to create checkpoints in an effort to stifle the movement of insurgents, the military release said.

Ethiopian PM Announces Plan to Step Down after 18 Years in Power

After 18 years in power, Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has declared his willingness to leave office, but is yet to give a deadline for his departure. Zenawi, a former Marxist rebel leader, has been in power since the 1991 after the overthrow of dictator, Mengistu Haile Mariam. He was returned to power in 2005 in a controversial parliamentary election victory by his coalition. He told the FT that his party now needed leadership that had not been part of the armed struggle for power.

Guard Kills Rival to Pakistan Taliban Leader

A gunman working as a guard, on Tuesday killed a rival of Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud. The murder, according to reports, came as the military prepares an offensive against Mehsud, who has been accused of a string of bomb attacks including the assassination of former Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto, in 2007. Separately, a United States (U.S.) drone aircraft fired a missile into a Mehsud stronghold in South Waziristan, killing six fighters, officials said. The murdered militant commander, known as Qari Zainuddin, had recently spoken out strongly against Mehsud and may have been about to mount a challenge against him.

U.S. Congress Proposes Selling Oil Reserves

Some United States congress men have filed a bill that would require the government to tap the nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserves to counter rising oil prices. They said their legislation would direct the Department of Energy to sell 70 million barrels of more expensive light, sweet crude and replace it with cheaper heavy crude, reports indicated, Tuesday. By mandating a release of oil into the market, legislators want to try and shake some speculators out of the market.

Woman Slain in Iran Post Election Crisis

The young woman, who last weekend, emerged as a powerful symbol of opposition to the Iranian government embraced life in many ways. Neda Agha-Soltan, 26, rose to prominence within hours after a crudely shot video documenting her final moments was uploaded to the Web shortly after she died Saturday from a single gunshot wound to the chest. Since Saturday, the Iranian government has sought to minimize the impact of her death. Much about her remains unclear.

New Directive Restricts U.S. Airstrikes in Afghanistan

The new U.S. commander in Afghanistan plans to issue a directive that will restrict the use of U.S. airstrikes in areas where civilian casualties might be a risk, his spokesman disclosed. Gen. Stanley McChrystal will issue the classified directive by the end of this week to tell troops that they have the right to defend themselves when they are under fire, but that they must consider the possibility of casualties when firing into an area where there might be civilians. There is growing opposition in Afghanistan to airstrikes that have killed a number of civilians. Previously, airstrikes have been called occurred in populated areas where commanders were not able to determine whether civilians were present.

Michael Jackson Dies at 50

Pop singer, Michael Jackson, is dead. He reportedly died of a heart attack on Thursday in a Los Angeles hospital. Music lovers and fans around the world have been mourning his death, and sending the condolences over the internet.

N' Korea Threatens to Wipe out United States

North Korea threatened on Wednesday to wipe the United States off the map as a U.S. destroyer was tailing a North Korean ship suspected of transporting illicit weapons to Myanmar in what could be the first test of U.N sanctions passed to punish the nation for an underground nuclear test last month. The ship, accused of transporting banned goods in the past, is believed bound for Myanmar, according to South Korean and U.S. officials. North Korea has said it would consider interception a declaration of war.

Obama Warns North Korea over Threat to U.S

With North Korea reportedly getting ready for a long-range missile test, United States (U.S), President Barack Obama, has warned the communist state and said America was prepared for any threat the secretive and unpredictable regime might pose. Japanese media have reported Pyongyang appears to be preparing for a long-range test around July 4 and Defence Secretary Robert Gates has ordered additional protections for Hawaii in case a missile is launched over the Pacific Ocean. North Korea has said that it was "nonsense" to say the country was threatening the United States and warned that it was prepared to strike back if attacked.

9 killed in Baghdad Attacks

Violence in Iraq surged again Thursday, leaving nine people dead and dozens wounded, including several U.S. troops, authorities said. The assaults followed a major blast that killed 72 people and injured about 135 others at a Baghdad market on Wednesday and a deadly blast in the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk on Saturday that killed 80 people. The spike in violence precedes a looming deadline for the United States to withdraw combat troops from Iraqi cities and towns, a move spelled out in the American bilateral agreement with Iraq. By June 30, security responsibilities will be left to Iraqis and U.S. forces are to remain only as trainers and advisers.

Bodies of Air France Captain Found

Search crews have recovered the bodies of the flight captain and a steward from the Air France flight that crashed off the coast of Brazil. The two flight members are among the victims that have been identified, Air France said in a statement Thursday. About a dozen victims have been identified among roughly 50 bodies recovered from the crash of Flight 447, which killed 228 people on June 1. Crews continue to search for bodies, wreckage and flight-data recorders that apparently rest deep on the ocean floor. Data from the recorders may be crucial in helping investigators determine what caused the plane to crash.

British Troops 'Clear Taliban Stronghold

Troops conducting one of the British military's largest operations in Afghanistan have cleared a Taliban stronghold in the South and are encouraging villagers to return, an officer said on Thursday. About 350 British troops working with Afghan forces had "pushed the Taliban out of one of their strongholds," Richardson said. There had been some engagements that had caused fatalities to the insurgents but none to the troops, he said, without giving figures. The Afghan Defence Ministry reported Wednesday that troops had killed 25 "terrorists" in days of operations in the area.