Weekly Security Report Weekly Report week 29 week 29
PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS
Police Kill One, Arrest 2 in Umuahia
The Abia State police command has killed one and arrested two members of a five-man gang of kidnappers, who allegedly kidnapped a lecturer, Professor Paul Nwabeke, from his residence, penultimate week. The Police Commissioner, Edgar Nanakumo, said the suspects allegedly forced themselves into the residence of the lecturer and put him in the booth of his Mercedes Benz car. The police boss, who said efforts of the kidnappers were aborted when the villagers chased the suspects and blocked all the roads leading to the village.
Bonny Cult Group Embraces Amnesty
The Okoloma Ikpangi cult group in Bonny, Rivers State has accepted the Federal Government’s amnesty. Papi, leader of the local militia confirmed the acceptance, saying that they decided to take their destiny into their own hands when they could no longer accept the collaboration of the chieftaincy institution in Bonny with the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) management. The secretary of Okoloma Ikpangi, Mr. Dawari Brown appealed to the people of Bonny for pardon and urged the Federal Government to release two of their commanders that were arrested, as that would encourage them to drop their arms and embrace the amnesty fully.
Police Hunt for Killers of Bank Manager in A'Ibom
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, Mr. Gabriel Ngban has said the Police was searching intensely for the killers of a branch manager of Ecobank Plc, Mr. Sampson Edet, who fell to the bullets of gunmen suspected to be assassins. This comes after Mrs. Nneka Michael Bush, an SSS official, who was kidnapped recently, regained her freedom, after the sum of ten million naira allegedly changed hands with the kidnappers.
MEND Vows to Continue Armed Struggle after Expiration of Ceasefire
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has welcomed the release of its leader, Henry Okah, by the Federal Government, but maintains that the armed struggle will continue unabated until all other conditions that led to the agitation are met. MEND’s spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, said “the group considers Okah’s release as a step towards genuine peace and prosperity, provided Nigeria is open to frank talk and deals sincerely with the issues once and for all” and has declared a 60 days cease-fire. The group also said that it hoped that “the hundreds of other men and women languishing in detention over the Niger Delta issue will also be set free.”
Okah Released from Detention
After months in detention, and undergoing trial on a three-count charge of treason, treasonable felony and conspiracy, the leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Henry Okah, on Monday regained freedom. He was granted amnesty by the Federal Government as part of efforts to bring a lasting peace to the Niger Delta region. Okah, however, said that his release may not translate to a definite end to the “oil war” in the Niger Delta, saying the crusade was bigger than individuals.
10 More Militants Accept Amnesty, Surrender Weapons
Ten militants have surrendered their arms in Ukanafun LGA of Akwa Ibom State, in response to the amnesty granted to the militants by President Yar'Adua. Mr. Udom James Ebetor, alias General, who led the other nine members of the Supreme Council of Niger Delta State, (SUCOND), in surrender of arms, claimed that the group had about 500 members, but others were skeptical of the sincerity of the Federal Government. Explaining that most of the weapons used by the group were not imported but manufactured within their camp, Ebetor called on the FG to tap their knowledge and experience for the local provision of arms and ammunitions.
Catholic Bishop Abducted in Imo
The Catholic Bishop of Okigwe Diocese, Imo State, Rt. Rev. Samuel Amatu, was reportedly kidnapped at the weekend by unknown armed men. The Catholic Bishop was said to have been kidnapped in his diocese and the abductors are demanding millions of naira as ransom. Imo State Police Command spokesman, Mr. Linus Nwaiwu, confirmed the incident. Reports of his whereabouts remained unknown.
Two Arrested for Student’s Murder
The Police in Ebonyi have arrested two persons for allegedly murdering a 21-year-old student. The deceased, identified as David Unya, was a senior secondary school student of Ugwuegu Community Secondary School in Afikpo North LGA of the state. David was said to have died on June 18, 2009 after a gang of five boys had reportedly attacked him at his residence. Two of the attackers were later arrested by the police. The suspects are Kingsley Ibe (17) and Christopher Isu (19). Kingsley denied the masterminding the killing of the victim but admitted to being part of the party that had attacked David at his home.
Groups Decry Niger Delta Crisis
Northern Union (NU) and Igbo Peoples Action Congress have condemned the lingering crisis in the Niger-Delta, which is fast spreading to other parts of Nigeria. While welcoming the Federal Government's amnesty package to militants, the groups attributed the prolonged crisis to the dishonesty of some leaders who are only interested in advancing their business fortunes. NU expressed regrets that appeals for an end to the conflict have not yielded positive result, with the continuation of attacks by the militant groups.
Reps Raise Question over N26.4bn NDDC Funds
A total of N26.4billion unspent fund from the 2008 budget of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is said to be missing from the 2009 budget proposal of commission. The House of Representatives Committee on NDDC said the Commission ought to have brought forward the left over funds to bring its revenue profile to N128.5billion as against the initial N96.4 billion submitted to the National Assembly. Chairman, House Committee on NDDC, Hon. Nicholas Mutu (PDP Delta), said his Committee also identified some unlawful practices in the execution of the previous year’s budget. He therefore warned that it will no longer accept the practice where the Commission makes such changes on its annual budget without approval from the National Assembly.
BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS
FG Reject MEND’s Ultimatum on Withdrawal of Troops
The Defence Minister, Major-General Godwin Abbe (rtd), has frowned at the ultimatum given by the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) that the Federal Government should withdraw the military Joint Task Force (JTF) from the Niger Delta. Abbe said the decision withdrawing the JTF would be taken by the FG when the condition was perceived to be conducive, but welcomed the 60 days ceasefire declared by MEND and urged all militants to take advantage of the amnesty offered by FG. But the ceasefire was threatened as MEND claimed that the military authorities were moving troops to attack them. But the spokesman of JTF, Colonel Rabe Abubakar, said that they were mindful of the amnesty terms and would not do anything to rock the boat.
Kidnappers Seize 70-Yr-Old Woman in Delta
A 70-year-old woman, Mrs. Igoru Eruvbedede, has been kidnapped in the riverine community of Uduophori, Patani LGA of Delta State. Mrs Eruvbedede was kidnapped from her home by three armed men, with a ransom of N20 million being demanded. One person was left injured after the incident. It was revealed that the kidnappers believed the son of the kidnapped woman, Mr. Jerry Eruvbedede, who is the chairman, Board of Directors of the Delta State Council of Arts and Culture, is wealthy and could pay the demanded ransom.
10,000 Militants Targeted for Amnesty
About 10, 000 militants in the Niger Delta could benefit from the amnesty offered by the federal government aimed at ending the crisis in the region. The chief coordinator of the Amnesty Implementation Committee, Air Vice Marshal Lucky Ararile, has disclosed. Ararile also announced that the federal government has budgeted N200 million to feed the targeted 10,000 militants that will turn up to lay down their arms at the 50 to 60 camps spread across six Niger Delta states, during the disarmament and demobilisation part of the programme, which would last for 60 days, after which the reintegration programme, Ararile said. He further said that a few militants have already surrendered their arms.
LAGOS AND ENVIRONS
Naval Men Burned to Death as Militants Attack Atlas Cove
At least three naval personnel were killed as the Atlas Cove Jetty in Lagos was blown up on Sunday night by members of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND). The major manifold of the jetty, which supplies 35 per cent of Nigeria’s petroleum products, was destroyed. The naval men, including the Officer In-Charge (OIC) of the base, Joseph Aweh, were burnt to death, while the armoury was completely destroyed. Several other persons sustained injuries. A source said the death toll could be as high as five. But this attack may not lead to a crippling fuel crisis as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has assured that the situation was under control. The attack hit only the submarine pipeline system and is expected to affect only two ships berthing weekly.
Chief Judge Sets Free Inmates Awaiting Trail in Ibadan
Reprieve came the way of 100 persons awaiting trial at the Agodi Prison, Ibadan, Oyo state as they were set free recently by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Badejoko Adeniji. Justice Adeniji ordered that some of them be flogged, according to the nature of the offences they committed and advised them to desist from terrorizing members of the society and urged the jobless ones among them to try and engage themselves in meaningful activities.
Three Killed in Ogbomosho as Two-Storey Building Collapses
Three people were feared dead on Friday in Ogbomoso, when a two-storey building under construction collapsed. The three were construction workers in the building.Several other workers were also injured. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Miss Olabisi Okuwobi, confirmed the incident.
Police Arrest 3 Suspected Fraudsters
Police in Oyo State have smashed a fraud syndicate in their Ibadan shrine where many hapless Nigerians have been duped. There are also fears that the syndicate might have been involved in ritual killings, as some of the objects recovered from the shrine were stained with fresh blood. The prime suspect, Alhaji Kudus Majiyagbe, and two others, Akeem Banji and Taiwo Ademola, described by the Police as his apprentices are currently in the prison custody.
Kidnappers Abduct Company Boss in Ondo
Kidnappers struck on Tuesday in Ondo State, taking away the Managing Director of Ore/Irele Oil Palm Company, Mr. Richard Awofisayo, to an unknown destination. Police sources said the Kidnappers shot intermittently to jolt away people in order to pave way for their mission. As at the time of filing this report the whereabouts of the victim according to the Division Police Officer in the area Mr. Abu Olanipekun is yet to be known.
Lagos Traditional Ruler Arrested
A traditional ruler, Oba Gbolahan Timson, the Jagunmolu of Shomolu/Bariga, was on Wednesday arrested in his palace by a team of anti-riot policemen. Confirming the arrest, the commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Mr Hakeem Odumosu, alleged that Timson was parading himself as an Oba, whereas he had not been given the staff of office. He also claimed that the traditional ruler was terrorising people in his domain with members of Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), a Yoruba militia group.
Security Beefed Up At Airports
To avert a possible attack on any of the nation’s airports after penultimate Sunday’s bombing of oil installations at Atlas Cove, Takwa Bay, Lagos, by the. Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Tuesday beefed up security at the airports. Confirming the development, FAAN Managing Director, Mr. Richard Aisuebeogun, said security at the nation’s gateways was of utmost concern to the authority. Aisuebeogun expressed concern over the evolving security challenges in some parts of the country.
Court Orders Detention of Foreign Ship Over Illegal Bunkering
A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the detention of a foreign-flagged vessel for allegedly lifting 10,000 litres of petroleum products, within the Nigerian coastal waters, to the Ibafon petroleum products jetty in Apapa, Lagos. The vessel, MT Makhambet, was alleged to have contravened the relevant sections of the Coastal and Inland Shipping Act of 2003 (Cabotage) by conveying petroleum products within the country's territorial waters.
Magistrate Orders Arrest Of DPO over Ogundeji’s Murder
The magistrate at the Lagos State Chief Magistrate’s Court, sitting in Yaba, Mr. M.K.O. Fadeyi, has ordered for the arrest of ACP Johnson Adenikan, the then Divisional Police Officer at the Idimu Police Division for his failure to appear before him. He gave this order yesterday after the police counsel, Mrs. Ezenwa, told the court that the phone numbers of the former DPO were no longer responding and that she had reported the situation to the Commissioner of Police, Legal Department.
Attempt to Smuggle 78kg of Amphetamine to South Africa Foiled
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has foiled an attempt by a drug trafficking group to unlawfully export 78 kilogrammes of substances suspected to be amphetamine to South Africa from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) are a group of substances comprised of synthetic stimulants, including amphetamine, methamphetamine, methcathinone and ecstasy-group substances. They stimulate the central nervous system. ATS manufacture has been reported in more than 60 countries worldwide since 1990.
GENERAL
Nigeria Loses Gas Market
Faced with the dwindling supply of gas from Nigeria, foreign consumers have turned their search to relatively peaceful countries, mostly the Middle East and Russia, to run their plants. Nigeria has reportedly failed to meet its obligation to both existing and prospective customers of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) due to insecurity in the Niger Delta. It was gathered that with reduction in supply to the Nigeria LNG company by major gas producers, especially Shell, which production capacity has gone down by about 35 per cent, foreign buyers are unwilling to place fresh orders for the country's gas.
Crude Oil Traders Kick against Price Raise by NNPC
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has jolted crude oil traders with an increase in the premium price for Nigerian bonny light crude for the month of July. Traders across the world have expressed concern over the development, saying the increase was above the traditional premium of 10 cent per barrel. The NNPC's action hit the market early this week and projections by buyers were jolted by the sudden price adjustment for on-the-spot transactions.
NDLEA Destroys 85 Hectares of Cannabis Farm in Ondo State
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Monday advanced its drug supply control efforts with the destruction of two cannabis plantations in Ilado Camp forest in Ondo State. The exercise brings the total cannabis farm land destroyed in the state since January 2009, to 85 hectares, with the arrest of 65 males and 9 females. Ondo State tops the list of major cannabis source states, including Edo, Delta, Ekiti, Osun, Oyo and Ogun. NDLEA State Commander, Mr Gaura Shedow, said that the Agency will step up its regular enlightenment campaign programmes in the state, to sensitize local farmers on consequences of cannabis cultivation.
Police Arrest 4 over Alleged Murder of Student in Kogi
The Police in Kogi State have arrested members of a four-man gang who allegedly attacked and murdered Sadiat Mohammed, a secondary school student, in Ankpa LGA of the state. According to the police, members of the gang were said to have laid ambush for their victim and killed her over dispute over a mobile phone. It was learnt that the gang had already confessed to the killing of the 17-year-old girl and their involvement in other heinous crimes in the area. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the area, Mr. Ogbona, said the suspects had been moved to Abuja for further interrogations.
233 Get Nigerian Citizenships
Two hundred and thirty-three foreigners have become Nigerians with a charge on them to brace up for the challenges facing Nigeria,s emerging democracy. Minister of Interior, Godwin Abbe, while delivering an address at the formal presentation of certificates for Nigerian citizenship in Abuja on Monday, urged them to enjoy all the rights and privileges that come with being Nigerian citizens, but must do so within the limits of the law. He also called on them to fulfill their duties and responsibilities to the country. Eighty-three of the foreigners received Nigerian citizenship by naturalization, while 150 got it by registration.
PSC Recalls 1,588 Dismissed Officers
Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the recall of 1,588 of the 10,000 Police Officers who were unilaterally and without following due process rationalized by the Police before the inauguration of the Police Service Commission in April 2008. The Commission also approved the dismissal of five Police Officers and compulsorily retired 11 officers with three others reduced in ranks for various disciplinary offences ranging from dishonesty, negligence, insubordination, unnecessary exercise of authority and disobedience to lawful order.
Police Arrest 60 Suspects In Kano
The Kano State Police Command has arrested 60 suspected thugs. This was mentioned on Tuesday by the state police commissioner, Ibrahim Mamman Chafe, when he visited the thugs hide outs in the metropolis. He explained that the purpose of the tour was to identify their hide outs, and to keep them off the areas. Chafe has directed the Divisional Officers of the affected areas to take over the hide outs of the thugs, insisting that citizen must be allowed to enjoy their freedom of movement and that of living.
Customs Accuses Govt Officials of Frustrating Anti-Smuggling Efforts
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Thursday disclosed that top government officials, wealthy Nigerians and their families made their job of preventing smuggling of goods into the country difficult. The Comptroller of Customs (Export and Export) NCS Headquarters, Mr. Julius Nwagwu, stated this at the public hearing of the Joint Senate Committee on Industry and Agriculture on the Collapse of the Nigerian Textile Industry. The Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. John Akanya also alerted that his life was being threatened by persons who were opposed to the efforts being made by his organisation to stem the tide of fake products importation.
FG Opts For Management Contract for Refineries
The Federal Government has dumped the privatisation of the nations’ refineries, and rather opted for management contract arrangement instead. In this plan, the refineries will be contracted out to firms to manage and make returns to the government as against outright privatisation. This arrangement, a top official of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said, is the best for the refineries considering their present state of decay.
Okiro Queried over N1.2b Fee
The House of Representatives on Tuesday queried the Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, for paying N1.2 billion to a consultant for technology-aided recruitment services provided to the Police. The House recently passed a resolution condemning the online recruitment on the ground that many Nigerians were been shortchanged. The IG told the House the Police had a sharing arrangement of 60:40 of the proceeds of the exercise in favour of the consultant handling the project.
EFCC Nabs Fake AGF Impersonator
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested one Ikhuovi Joel for impersonating the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and duping some state governors and officials of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of several millions of naira. Joel, according to EFCC, wrote letters to the victims using the official letter head of the AGF requesting them to participate in a training organised by the AGF’s office and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). He asked them to pay training fees into two accounts where EFCC traced monies lodged by victims. EFCC’s Spokesman, Femi Babafemi confirmed his arrest.
INTERNATIONAL
Report Accuses Israelis of Using Palestinians as Human Shields
A report from an Israeli advocacy group based on what it says is the testimony of several unnamed Israeli soldiers accuses the Israeli military of intentionally putting Palestinian civilians at risk during its January operation in Gaza. The group said some of the 26 soldiers interviewed said they used Palestinians as human shields during the operation in Gaza, while others talked about destroying buildings even though the structures posed no direct threat. They also said that white phosphorus was used in densely populated areas and describe the rules of engagement as "permissive." The report has been dismissed by the Israeli military as slanderous.
168 Feared Killed as Plane Crashes in Iran
A plane crashed, Wednesday, in northwestern Iran. All 168 aboard were believed to be dead, according to Qazvin city Police Chief, Hossein Behzadpour. An Iranian newspaper had reported that the plane originated from Tehran and was headed for Yerevan, Armenia, but crashed 16 minutes after takeoff.
Earthquake Shakes New Zealand
A major earthquake struck off the coast of New Zealand's South Island, Wednesday night, rattling residents and prompting a tsunami warning that was later canceled. The 7.8-magnitude quake generated a small, 6-inch tsunami in Jackson Bay, on the west coast of South Island and a 2-inch tsunami reported in the Tasman Sea to the north of the epicenter, according to U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. Twenty minutes after the tremor, a 5.8-magnitude aftershock struck the same region. The warning center said the tsunamis that were generated "may have been destructive along coasts near the earthquake epicenter." There was no report of major damage.
Five Killed as Bridge Under Construction Fails in India
At least three cranes collapsed at a New Delhi metro rail construction site, Monday, a day after a subway bridge collapsed at the same location and killed at least five people. Monday's accident happened during clearing operations, injuring at least four people. Fifteen people were injured in Sunday's collapse of a partly built bridge, officials said. Sunday's bridge collapse occurred when a metal support gave way, Dayal initially said. There was no immediate explanation of Monday's crane collapse.
Bomb Explosion kills 9 in Pakistan
Nine people died in an explosion Monday morning in eastern Pakistan, hospital official said. Fifty to 60 people with injuries were taken to an area hospital, after the blast, which occurred in Mian Channu, south of the capital, Islamabad. Police found large explosives, including two suicide jackets and five or six rockets, buried under the rubble, said Kamran Khan, district police officer.
Obama Orders Review of Alleged Slayings of Taliban
United States President, Barack Obama, has ordered national security officials to look into allegations that the Bush administration resisted efforts to investigate a CIA-backed Afghan warlord over the killings of hundreds of Taliban prisoners in 2001. The inquiry stems from the deaths of at least 1,000 Taliban prisoners who had surrendered to the U.S.-backed Northern Alliance in late 2001. The fighters were in the custody of troops led by Gen. Abdul Rashid Dostum, a prominent Afghan warlord who has served as chief of staff of the country's post-Taliban army.
4 killed, 32 Wounded in Baghdad Church Bombings
Four people were killed and 32 wounded, when six Baghdad-area churches were bombed within 24 hours, officials disclosed. The bombs detonated within a 15-minute span, between 4:30 and 4:45 p.m. Sunday evening, a car bomb exploded outside a church on Palestine Street in eastern Baghdad just after 7 p.m., the official said. Four people died, and 21 were wounded.
Mexican State Awash in Violence
In recent days, Michoacan, the home state of President Felipe Calderon, has become a flashpoint of violence in Mexico's deadly war against drug cartels. Since Calderon went after the drug cartels shortly after coming into office in 2006, more than 10,000 people have died across Mexico, about 1,000 of them police. In the latest incident, 12 bodies of police officers were found on the side of a remote highway, said Monte Alejandro Rubido Garcia, technical secretary for Mexico's national Security Council. The bodies showed evidence of torture. The officers were "ambushed while they were off duty by an armed group. Rubido said the slain officers had been doing "investigative work" in one of the states most affected by the government's offensive against drug cartels.
Africans Protest in China
More than 100 Africans protested outside a police station in southern China on Wednesday afternoon following the reported death of an African merchant during a police raid. The incident reportedly occurred in China's Guangdong Province after police began checking the passports of Africans who were operating stalls at a shopping mall, protesters alleged. But the police denied the killing. Authorities said that they were conducting routine checks at the mall and a man was injured while running from police. Later, police found that another man had been critically injured after falling from the building and the injured were taken to a hospital.
Israeli Navy in Suez Canal
Two Israeli missile class warships have sailed through the Suez Canal 10 days after a submarine capable of launching a nuclear missile strike. This is likely in preparation for a possible attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. The development came as the head of Iran's nuclear agency, Gholam Reza Aghazadeh, Thursday, resigned, giving no reason. The deployment into the Red Sea, confirmed by Israeli officials, was a clear signal that Israel was able to put its strike force within range of Iran at short notice. Israel has strengthened ties with Arab nations who also fear a nuclear-armed Iran.
Explosion Kills, Injures 108 in China
A chemical plant explosion early Wednesday in Luoyang, China, killed a factory worker and hospitalized 108 others, seven of them seriously, state-run media said.The blast and ensuing fire were reported at 2 a.m. (6 p.m. GMT) at Luoran Ct. Ltd., according to the Xinhua news agency, which cited local government sources.Luoyang is in eastern central China's Henan province.
Gunmen Kidnap French Security Advisers in Mogadishu
Two French advisers helping the Somali government with security were kidnapped in Mogadishu on Tuesday morning, according to the French Foreign Ministry. Eyewitnesses said a group of gunmen stormed into Mogadishu's Sahafi hotel, which is frequented by foreigners, and seized the two French citizens. Somali government officials confirmed that about 10 gunmen forced their way into the hotel, but had no details on the reported kidnapping.
Cleric Calls for Release of Iran's Post-Election Detainees
One of Iran's most powerful clerics, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, has called on the Iranian government to release those people arrested following last month's disputed presidential election. Rafsanjani backs reformist Mir Hossein Moussavi, the opposition candidate who challenged hard-line President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the disputed June 12 vote. After weeks of silence, Rafsanjani has become increasingly vocal in opposing the brutal crackdown on demonstrators who protested election results.
Climbers Die on Japanese Mountains
Ten climbers have died on two mountains in northern Japan, police said Friday. The cause of their deaths was not available. The area has experienced heavy rain and gusty winds in the past two weeks due to a persistent area of low pressure. The storm system has also brought flooding to North and South Korea, she added.
Court Acquits Former Pakistani Prime Minister
Pakistan's high court, Friday, acquitted former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, of hijacking charges. Attorney General Latif Khosa confirmed the decision. The Supreme Court banned Sharif from holding public office based on a criminal record dating back to the late 1990s. Sharif, then as prime minister, refused to let an airliner carrying his dismissed military chief, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, and 200 other passengers land in Pakistan, and was deposed by the military in a bloodless coup, before the plane was allowed to touch down. Musharraf later went on to become Pakistan's president. An anti-terrorist court convicted Sharif of hijacking and treason. He was sentenced to life in prison. Separately, Sharif was also convicted of corruption charges that year.
Roadside Bomb Kills 7 in Southern Afghanistan
At least seven people were, killed, Friday, in a roadside bombing in a southern Afghan border town, Afghan officials said. The Interior Ministry spokesman said seven people were killed and he blamed the Taliban for the attack, which occurred in Kandahar province's Spin Boldak near the Pakistan border.
Hotel Bomb Blasts Kill 8 in Indonesia
Suicide bombers who checked in as guests, detonated their bombs in American luxury hotels in Indonesia's capital on Friday, killing eight people and wounded more than 50, investigators said. The bombings ended a four-year lull in terror attacks on civilian, Western targets in that country. The blasts at the J.W. Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels, located side-by-side in an upscale business district in Jakarta, blew out windows and scattered debris and glass across the street.
Dozens Killed as AU, Somali Forces Fight Insurgent
Several people have been reportedly killed in Mogadishu after African Union (AU) peacekeepers directly intervened to support government forces fighting Islamist insurgents. AU spokesman, Bahoku Barigye, said peacekeepers were drawn into the fighting by a direct threat to their positions as the insurgents advanced into north Mogadishu. The 4,300 beleaguered peacekeepers defend themselves when attacked but generally try to avoid being drawn into the conflict to preserve their neutrality.
2 U.S. Marines killed in Afghanistan
Two U.S. Marines died Monday during a "hostile incident" in southern Afghanistan, the U.S. military said Tuesday. Their deaths come as almost 4,000 Marines and sailors, along with several hundred Afghan security forces, are working to clear Taliban militants from population centers in the Helmand river valley, in the south of the country.
Deposed Honduran President, Zelaya, Gives Ultimatum
Deposed Honduran President, Jose Manuel Zelaya, on Monday gave the interim government that ousted him an ultimatum, saying that if ongoing negotiations do not restore him to power, he will consider the talks failed and resort to other means. The statement puts pressure on the next round of mediation between the two sides, expected to take place Saturday in Costa Rica. Zelaya demanded that the resolutions passed by the Organization of American States and United Nations calling for his return as president, be carried out. Since the June 28 military-led coup, Zelaya and interim Honduran President Roberto Micheletti have drawn hard stances. Both claim that the democratic process is on their side.