Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 1

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Three Ex-Militants Killed In Navy, Pirates Clash

Three persons suspected to be former members of the Bakassi Freedom Fighters (BFF) have been killed in a clash with the Navy in the Little Kwa River in Cross River State. The Navy also arrested a former aide to BFF leader, Gen. Franklin and recovered two AK-47 rifles and one speed boat. The Commanding Officer of NNS Victory, Cmdr. Gabriel Adebayo, said that his men were attacked while on routine patrol in the creeks and they had to respond with gunfire. He said that the bodies of the slain were carted away by their people. Adebayo said the arrested suspect was also found to be carrying an amnesty identity card. He expressed concern over rising cases of lawlessness by some people, who had been granted amnesty, recalling that on December 23; about 15 pirates attacked a vessel,carrying traders from Malabo.

Two Suspected Cultists Die In Cross River

A cult group has allegedly killed two youths in Ugep, Yakur LGA of Cross River State, during an initiation. It was gathered that the two men were believed to have been murdered in a violent initiation ceremony that was held for new members on Sunday. One of the bodies was picked on the road and taken to an undisclosed mortuary by the police. The victim was identified as Igbor Igbor (27) and was the only son of his parents. The body of the second victim is believed to have been buried in a concealed grave in the forest. The Chairman of the council, Mr. Ubi Eta, ordered the police to unmask the perpetrators.

Human trafficking: Police arrest medical doctor in Enugu

The police in Enugu have arrested a medical doctor, identified as Chike Uzoma for alleged child trafficking and defilement. At least five girls, ages between 12 and 17 years, in varying stages of pregnancy were rescued when policemen raided his clinic. The Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amarizu (DSP), who confirmed the arrest on Wednesday, explained that Uzoma had confessed to defiling the girls and selling off babies. He stated that the suspect would soon be arraigned once the court resumed, adding that investigation into the case was still ongoing. The PPRO explained that the rescued girls pointed out the doctor as the person responsible for their pregnancies.

Police Kill 6 in Akwa Ibom Bank Robbery

Six members of an armed robbery gang that stormed the Ikot Abasi branch of a bank were shot dead by the Akwa Ibom state police command, while three policemen were injured. The state police commissioner, Mr. Walter Rugbere, also said that arms used by the bandits were also recovered, but robbers made away with undisclosed money found on the bank counter. He was, however, happy that none of his men lost their lives and that part of the loot was recovered. Two of the robbers lost their lives as they got drowned in the Ikot Abasi river as they attempted to escape, while an indigene of the area suspected to be a member of the gang and who using his motorcycle to do surveillance while their operation lasted was also apprehended by youths in the Town and handed over to the police.

Thugs Invade Onitsha Beer Depot, 5 Injured, 2 Arrested

Five persons were severely wounded and two arrested in Onitsha, Anambra State following on Tuesday when suspected thugs invaded a beer depot and attacked the workers. According to source, the thugs, numbering over 50, allegedly stormed the scene on a tip-off and held everybody hostage. Trouble was said to have started when a man residing near the depot, simply identified as Ifeanyichukwu, and his son, arrived the depot and accused the depot proprietor of allowing his customers to block the way to his own compound, thus prompting him to invite the thugs.

Rivers Police Smash Two Armed Robbery Gangs

The Rivers State Police have smashed two separate armed robbery gangs that operated during week. A group raided the House of Mr. Olaka Wogu, a member in the House of Representatives, while another gang robbed a woman who had gone to withdraw huge amount cash from a bank along Rumuola road, Port Harcourt. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abu, said that the first gang was intercepted by the police after a tip-off and the driver of the stolen vehicle was arrested, while the car valuables were recovered. In the second incident the gang that blocked a woman who had gone to withdraw cash engaged the Police in a gun battle and the police gunned down one of the suspects, and the cash was recovered intact.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

Crude Evacuation Kills Two in Warri

Two persons have died as a result of health hazards allegedly suffered from oil spillage arising from the evacuation of stolen crude from two seized vessels anchored at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) jetty in Warri. Natives of Ogbe-Ijoh and NPA communities in Warri South-West and Warri South have raised alarm over the ecological devastation in their communities as result of the evacuation of the stolen crude, while several families who are mostly peasant fish farmers are faced with starvation caused by the destruction of farmlands and waterways. The communities in a petition to the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, faulted the professional competence of the people that carried out the evacuation, stating that their negligence was responsible for the devastation.

Dutch Court To Take On Shell Nigeria Cases

Royal Dutch Shell and its Nigerian unit will face compensation demands in a Dutch court for alleged damage caused by oil spills in Nigeria after the court ruled on Wednesday that it was competent to handle the cases. Environmental group, Friends of the Earth, Netherlands and four Nigerians want to sue Shell and Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, in a district court in The Hague on charges of oil spills in Nigeria. Shell had asked for a ruling on whether the Dutch court had jurisdiction over SPDC’s Nigerian activities, but the court rejected a claim of incompetence.

One Feared Killed As Delta Community Peace Meeting Turns Bloody

One person was on Wednesday killed in a fresh intra-ethnic crisis in Irri, Delta State. The victim, identified as Eferare, was allegedly killed by a mob at the venue of a peace meeting called to resolve the impasse. The State Police spokesman, Charles Muka, confirmed that a youth leader was killed in the community but refused to give details of the incident. The Irri crisis has claimed about three persons, including a girl from the neighbouring Oyede community and another from Oleh community. Trouble was said to have started a few months ago when a faction loyal to the community leadership declared itself the winner of the youth election. A supremacy battle ensued during which three persons were abducted and four others arrested by the group and handed over to the police.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Killing of Policemen: CP Reads Riot Act To Transport Unions

The Osun State police commissioner, Mr. John Moronike, has warned transport unions in the State to desist from acts that could lead to breakdown of law and order. The warning comes after a bloody clash between commercial transport operators, which resulted in the death of two policemen and burning down of some police stations. The police boss warned that the command would no longer tolerate killing of policemen and burning down of police stations. According to him, the mob burnt a police van and attempted to snatch a gun from a mobile policeman. The police boss, however, cautioned the media to always cross check their facts before publishing or broadcasting. He disclosed that the State CID had commenced investigation into the incident.

Fire Guts AIT

Fire, Tuesday, gutted the Lagos office of the Africa Independent Television (AIT) station (AIT), Alagbado, destroying some of its facilities worth millions of naira. The fire outbreak, which is the third to be experienced by AIT, razed the building housing the dome, master control room, newsroom and the library. The cause of the inferno was unknown at the time of filing this report, while the company's Corporate Affairs Manager, Mr. Johnson Onime said until investigations are carried out, he would not be able to say whether the incident was an act of sabotage or due to electrical fault. No life was lost, but some members of staff sustained injuries.

Robbers Raid Bank, Kill Two

A gang of armed robbers attacked an Intercontinental Bank branch along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Tuesday. Two persons, including a policeman, were reportedly shot dead in a gun battle that ensued after the robbery. An eyewitness said that the robbers, numbering about 15, besieged the bank at about noon for their operation. It could not be confirmed the amount of money that was stolen from the bank. When contacted, the Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Police Command, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi, said he had not received an official statement on the robbery from the police.

Ex-Bank Chief Dies in Kwara Hotel Room

Former Managing Director of the defunct Trade Bank Plc and immediate Past President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Mr. Samuel Ereola Kolawole, was on Monday, found dead in a hotel room in Ilorin, Kwara State. Kolawole, who lodged in the hotel on Sunday night with a friend, who is being detained by the police, allegedly developed some health problems hours after checking into the hotel. The friend reportedly raised alarm, which attracted members of staff of the hotel and Kola was quickly rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead. Kwara state Police Public Relations Officer, Ezekiel Daboh, said the command was still awaiting details of the incident.

Man Arrested With 64 Bags Of Indian Hemp

Men of the Lagos State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a 34-year-old man, Jacob Obong, with 64 bags of Indian hemp. Obong, who claimed to be a sound engineer, was arrested on Wednesday with the substance weighing 530.35kg at his Lagos residence. The suspect hails from Eket in Akwa Ibom State. He claimed that he started the illicit business in his bid to raise enough money to replace the obsolete equipment in his studio.

Man Arraigned for Assaulting Housewife

The police in Lagos on Wednesday arraigned a 29-year-old security man, Tunji Banji, for allegedly engaging in a love affair with a housewife, Ramotu Yusuf and assaulting her in the process. The prosecutor, Inspector Augustine Orji, alleged that Banji had been having an affair with Ramotu since 2008 but assaulted the woman on Christmas Day because she resisted his advances. The accused allegedly beat up the said Ramotu, bit her in the face and inflicted other injuries on her body. Orji said the security man conducted himself in a manner likely to cause the breach of the peace by having an affair with another man’s wife.

Immigration Arrest Benin National for Human Trafficking

The Ogun State Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service has arrested a Beninoise, Agbonesi Azui, for alleged human trafficking. Azui was found with six teenagers, who have been trafficked from the Republic of Benin. Azui is the second Beninoise to be arrested for trafficking in a week. The command recently mounted a manhunt for a farmer and an operator of commercial motorcycle in Abeokuta, Tosu Babatunde, who fled the country after his two wives and a trader were arrested in connection with the trafficking of three teenage Beninoise. The Comptroller of Immigration Service, Ogun State Command, Mr. Abdulmumini Adbulmalik, said 10 suspected traffickers had been arrested in the state this year.

GENERAL

NNPC Donates Traffic Control Device to Police, Others

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, has donated electronic hand held traffic control device to the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Commission and the Federal Fire Service in Abuja to mitigate carnage on Nigerian roads. The Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo who made the donation at the flag-off of the 2009 Health, Safety and Environment Week of the corporation, expressed the commitment of the corporation to ensuring safe roads for staff and other road users. The Inspector General of Police, Ogbonnaya Onovo commended the NNPC for donating the devices to the Police and other incidence agencies and assured of their readiness to rid the road of accidents.

Kutigi Inaugurates New CJN

The outgoing Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Idris Kutigi, has inaugurated Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu as the new CJN at the main courtroom of the Supreme Court in Abuja on Wednesday. Kutigi administered the oath of office on Katsina-Alu. Speaking after administering the oath on Katsina-Alu and the President of the Court of Appeal, Isa Salami; Kutigi said that the controversy over who should be the appropriate authority to administer the oath between him and President Yar’Adua was unnecessary. Some Senior Advocates of Nigeria had said that Kutigi would be breaching convention by swearing in Katsina-Alu as the new CJN, arguing that the power is vested only on the President of Nigeria and it would amount to an illegality if Kutigi, in his official capacity as the CJN, swore in his successor.

Onovo Places State Commands On Red Alert

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ogbonna Onovo, on Tuesday ordered all State Commands to be on the alert due to fears that the Bauchi crisis may spread to other states. Onovo also urged parents not to allow "disgruntled elements in the society" to involve their children in religious wars. He added that the "Nigeria Police Force in collaboration with other security agencies restored normalcy to Bauchi town, following the mayhem that trailed the disagreement between leaders of ‘Kala-Kato’ sect, Mallam Badamosi and some former disciples.

Police Parade Rapist, Fake National ID Card Printers

The Kaduna State police commissioner, Mr. Tambari Mohammed, on Wednesday paraded some suspects for various offences. One of the suspects, Maitama Ali, according to him, was arrested for defiling a five-year-old girl. The suspect was said to have lured the little girl into his room, where he defiled her. Two others, said to be security men were arrested for stealing a goat. The suspects, who were security men at Oando filling station, Gonigora, allegedly stole the goat, belonging to the Director of Sharon petrol station, Gonigora, Kaduna State. Also arrested by the police were four others, who were alleged to have printed fake national identity cards.

Expert Advocates DNA Technology To Fight Crime

A Lagos-based medical practitioner and DNA expert, Dr. Kola Afolabi, has advocated the use of DNA technology in crime fighting in the country, saying that the use of forensic evidence in resolving crime is the most effective way to tackle crime. Dr. Afolabi noted that DNA technology had proved to be a tool in the fight against crime in developed countries, adding that DNA evidence could identify suspects and exonerate the innocent. According to him, the DNA evidence has the ability to determine the truth even 20 years after an offence was committed. He, however, said without the understanding of the DNA technology many of the crimes committed in the country would remain unresolved.

FG to Buy Full-Body Scanners for Airports

After the foiled attempted bombing of a United States-bound plane on Christmas day by a Nigerian, Umar Farouk AbdulMuttalab, the Federal Government has said it will now go for 3-D full body scanners at the nation’s airports. The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr. Harold Demurin, unfolded the new security arrangements at the airports, saying strict compliance is demanded at all times. According to the new security measures, no person including crew members should be allowed to board an aircraft without passing through all aviation security screening procedures. Demurin also said liquids, gel and aerosol should not be allowed on board aircraft without compliance with the approved requirements. Government has also threatened to suspend the operations of any airline that failed to abide by any of these security measures.

38 Killed in Bauchi Riot

The Bauchi State Police Command said it has arrested 20 suspects and rescued 16 persons after religious violence claimed the lives of 38 people in the state. State Secretary of the Nigeria Red Cross, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar, said that at least 1000 persons were displaced. Crisis erupted in Zango area on Monday when members of a sect known as Kala-Kato went on the rampage demanding the release of its leader. The State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Atiku Yusuf Kafur, said the force recovered all sorts of dangerous weapons.  According to him, trouble broke out when the sect members held a preaching session the previous night and made ‘derogatory statements’ and expressed views regarded by the wider Muslim community as heretical and blasphemous. He, however, said that the situation is now under control.

Ex-Commissioner, Police Sergeant Killed By Robbers

Former Sokoto State commissioner for Health, Alhaji Abubakar Zake Amale Tambuwal, and a Police Sergeant, who was orderly to Sokoto State Grand Khadi, were killed by armed bandits, penultimate weekend. Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mohammed Umar, who confirmed the incidents, said suspected robbers opened fire at the vehicle carrying Sokoto the Grand Khadi; Tambuwal, his orderly and four others, killing the sergeant and Tambuwa. Umar said the armed robbers made away with the service pistol of the late sergeant while the Grand Khadi escaped unhurt. No arrest has been made.

FG Releases Post-Amnesty Plan

The Federal Government has released the post-amnesty plan for the disarmament, re-integration and rehabilitation of ex-militants in the Niger Delta to their former commanders for ratification. But, the leader of the Niger Delta Vigilante Force, Mr. Ateke Tom, has denied knowledge of this. It was gathered that the Minister of Defence and Chairman, Presidential Sub-Committee on amnesty, Maj.-Gen. Godwin Abbe (rtd.), presented the plan to representatives of the former fighters, penultimate Tuesday on behalf of President Yar’Adua. The ex-militant leaders were directed to study the post-amnesty framework and make contributions to the document for ratification by January 5, 2010.

Nigeria’s Oil Exports to Rise in February

Following the Federal Government’s amnesty for repentant militants in the Niger Delta, Nigeria plans to export about 1.7 percent more of its 14 biggest crude types a day in February compared with the previous month, loading schedules indicate. Shipments of Nigeria’s 14 biggest crude grades will average about 1.965 million barrels a day, or a total of 55 million barrels, according to plans. Production is rising as the country restores output shuttered by militant attacks earlier last year. In January, exports are scheduled to average 203,226 barrels a day.

Civil Defense Vows Not to Recruit Candidates With Criminal Record

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) will not recruit any one with a criminal record, the Corps Commandant General Dr. Ade Abolurin has said. He made the comment while addressing officers and men of the Corps in Abuja in preparation for the final screening exercise for staff into the junior cadre. He tasked the personnel to be transparent in whatever assignment they embark upon. Abolurin said the Corps intends using the platform provided by government to contribute to the growth of the nation and to ensure reduction of unemployment among the youths.

INTERNATIONAL

Israel Raises Alarm on Al-Qaeda to Abduct Israelis in Nigeria, Togo

The Israeli government’s counter-terrorism unit warned its nationals on Wednesday against travelling to some African countries in which, it said, Al-Qaida planned to abduct Israelis. The Counter-Terrorism Bureau in a travel advisory said the warning was relevant to Ivory Coast, Togo, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Mali and northern Nigeria. It said that Al-Qaeda had been gaining momentum in northern Africa, noting that the terrorist organization had already abducted Austrian, German and Canadian nationals from the region.

Woman Defaced By Suitor

A Pakistani woman, Fazeelat Bibi, 22, now lives in fear after she had her face mutilated by a rejected suitor. Fazeelat's cousin, Sher Mohammed, wanted to marry her but her family refused because her eldest sister was already married into their family and she was not happy. But 6 weeks after the rejected proposal, Fazeelat, along with her brother and father, were attacked by five people, including Sher Mohammed, who sliced off her nose and slashed her ear, vowing that if he couldn’t have her, then no one would. Police have arrested three of her five assailants. Two have already been tried and convicted. Their sentence: to be subjected to the same mutilation as Fazeelat. They are also to serve life in prison and pay a fine equivalent to $8,300 in accordance with the Pakistani Penal Code.

Obama Admits Systemic Failure Over Foiled Terror Attack, Orders Probe

United State President, Barack Obama, admitted that a systemic failure allowed terror attack suspect, Umar Farouk Mutallab, a known extremist to get onto the United States-bound plane with explosives. Obama said he considered the intelligence and security failures to be "totally unacceptable". The suspect had allegedly tried to detonate explosives in his underwear. There were nearly 300 people aboard the plane. A systemic failure has occurred when government has information on a known extremist and that information is not shared and acted upon. Obama demands to know why the warning, weeks ago, from Abdulmutallab's father did not lead to the accused being placed on a no-fly list. Meanwhile, a Yemen-based offshoot of al-Qaeda has claimed it planned the failed bombing, and Yemeni officials say the group could be planning more attacks.

Mexican Authorities Investigate Drug Lord's Slaying

A medical examiner and three employees were suspended Monday pending the outcome of an inquiry into whether they meddled with the body of a slain Mexican drug kingpin, a state prosecutor's office disclosed. Arturo Beltran Leyva, a drug trafficker known as "the boss of bosses," was killed on December 16 when Mexican navy commandos stormed a luxury condo where he was staying. Photos from the scene showed Beltran Leyva's body splayed on the ground, with his pants pulled down and his T-shirt lifted up to his shoulders. The body was covered in blood-stained $100 bills and Mexican banknotes. The images created controversy as it appeared that he intentionally had been placed in that position. Four members of the slain officer's family were killed earlier this month, apparently in retaliation.

Foiled Terror Attack: More U.S. Air Marshals Deployed to Airlines

The Department of Homeland Security has reportedly increased the number of air marshals on flights since a failed terror attack on a U.S. jetliner, a department official disclosed. A lone suspect, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, a Nigerian, allegedly tried to ignite an explosive device on a Northwest Airlines flight from Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Detroit, Michigan on Christmas Day. The device apparently failed to detonate and the suspect was subdued. The 23-year-old will appear in court on January 8. Abdulmutallab claimed to have extremist ties and said the explosive device was acquired in Yemen. Meanwhile, Nigerian passengers have been subjected to extreme security scrutiny.

Fresh Clashes in Tehran

Clashes erupted last weekend in the Iranian capital, Tehran, following anti-government protests, penultimate Sunday in which at least eight people died. The nephew of opposition leader, Mir Hossein Mousavi, was among those killed in the clashes, the worst violence since last June's controversial elections. According to Mousavi's website, Seyed Ali Mousavi was shot in the back as security forces fired on demonstrators, but the Police has denied being responsible for any of the deaths. They said three were accidents and that one person had been shot, but not by police. No further details were given. About 300 people were detained, police said. Those arrested include members of the banned opposition group, Mujahideen Khalq Organisation (MKO).

2 Dead Massachusetts Blazes

Authorities in Northampton, Massachusetts, are investigating a string of suspicious fires that killed two people, officials said Sunday. Five structures, in addition to many cars, burned in a fire that lasted about an hour, district attorney Betsy Scheibel said. Identities of the victims are being withheld pending autopsy results. A task force fire has been formed to investigate the circumstances under which the fires started, Scheibel said.

45 Killed in Indian Bridge Collapse

Rescuers have recovered 27 bodies from the debris of a partially constructed bridge, which collapsed into a river in western India, killing at least 45 labourers, an official said. Dozens of workers were presumed dead after being pinned under the rubble of the partially submerged bridge which gave way, penultimate Thursday, over the Chambal River. Senior police official, Rajeev Dasot, said that rescuers had shifted their focus from finding survivors to pulling bodies out of the mangled structure using heavy equipment. Dasot said at least 18 others known to be trapped under debris and in the deep river waters were believed to be dead. India’s national highway authority and the state government have launched an inquiry into the accident.

Secret Mobile Phone Codes Cracked

A German computer scientist has published details of the secret code used to protect the conversations of more than 4billion mobile phone users. Karsten Nohl, working with other experts, has spent the past five months cracking the algorithm used to encrypt calls using GSM technology. GSM is the most popular standard for mobile networks around the world. The work could allow anyone to eavesdrop on private phone conversations. Mr Nohl said that the work showed that GSM security was "inadequate". The GSM Association (GSMA), which devised the algorithm and oversees development of the standard, said Mr Nohl's work would be "highly illegal" in the UK and many other countries.

US CIA Officers Killed In Afghanistan Bomb Attack

Eight Americans reportedly working for the CIA have died in a bomb attack in Afghanistan. A bomber wearing an explosive vest entered Forward Operating Base Chapman in Khost Province, near Pakistan. A Taliban spokesman said one of its members, who worked for the Afghan army, carried out the attack. The bomber was said to be wearing a military uniform when he managed to breach security at the base, detonating his explosives belt in the gym. A further six Americans are reported to be wounded.  Reports say the base is used by provincial reconstruction teams, which consist of soldiers and civilians. In a separate incident, four Canadian soldiers and a journalist died in a roadside bomb attack in Kandahar. It was the worst fatal incident affecting Canadians in Afghanistan for more than two years.

Argentine Ex-Archbishop Gets 8 Years In Sex-Abuse Case, Court Reports

A former Catholic archbishop in Argentina has been sentenced to eight years in prison for sexual abuse of a seminary student in 1992, a court report said on Wednesday. Former Archbishop Edgardo Gabriel Storni "acted with total impunity" and there was enough proof to convict him, Judge Maria Amalia Mascheroni said in the sentencing. Storni resigned in September 2002, after news of the scandal broke.

Spain Raises Terror Alert, Warns Of Possible ETA Attack

The Basque separatist group ETA could be a planning a major attack or a high-profile kidnapping in Spain and the government raised its nationwide terrorism alert to “level two” Interior Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba said Monday. ETA is blamed for more than 800 deaths in its long fight for Basque independence. ETA, listed as a terrorist group by Spain, the European Union and the United States, has carried out high-profile kidnappings before. Some ended in death for the hostages, including a town councilman; while police rescued others, including a prison guard held hostage for nearly one and a half years.

Pastor Shoots Son Dead

After firing the first gunshot of his life on Christmas Day into his son's chest, pastor Kirk Caldwell dropped to the ground and cradled his 21-year-old child's dying body, according to court documents. He fired the shot at his son, Jordan Caldwell, after reports reached him that the son was brandishing dangerous weapons and threatening to use them on family members after he knocked down a girl on the road and stole her car. Pastor Caldwell had ordered his son to put down the knife he held but he refused and kept on advancing forcing the father to pull the trigger. Caldwell was taken into custody without incident and waived his rights, choosing to speak freely with police, the affidavit said.

Former Gitmo Detainees Investigated In Airline Bombing Plot

U.S. counterterrorism officials are investigating possible links between the attempted Northwest Airlines bombing and two former Guantanamo Bay prisoners who say they are leaders in an al Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group based in Yemen, U.S. officials said on Tuesday. The organization, al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, has claimed responsibility for the attempted bombing, and the alleged bomber, Umar Farouk AbdulMutallab, was in Yemen this month. The Defense Intelligence Agency report highlights former detainees who have carried out or are suspected of having carried out terrorist attacks after being released from the prison.

Iraqi Forces Defuse Bombs in Karbala

Iraqi security forces say they defused nine bombs in the city of Karbala as thousands of Shia Muslims gathered for a religious festival, the Ashura festival. Tight security was in place following large-scale attacks in previous years. More than 20,000 police were deployed across the city and marksmen were placed on many buildings. Shia Muslims had flocked to Karbala on Sunday for the final day of Ashura, which mourns the 7th Century death in Karbala of Imam Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. Although festivities passed peacefully in the city, Iraqi officials said five pilgrims were killed and 15 injured when a bomb blast hit a procession in Tuz Khormato, near Kirkuk in north-east Iraq on Sunday.

Kidnapped 5-year-Old Rescued

A 5-year-old girl abducted penultimate Friday, by a man outside her Phoenix home was rescued hours later by the police, after a patrol officer spotted the truck of the suspected kidnapper, Police Sgt. Andy Hill said. Hill identified the suspect as Larry Jon Ladwig, 45. Ladwig is also accused of molesting the girl during the abduction. Ladwig has been booked into jail for kidnapping, sexual molestation, aggravated assault on a police officer and felony flight. In a similar incident, Newburgh police are searching for 4-year-old Marc Anthony Bookal, who vanished from his own home. Authorities say the toddler was last seen Monday afternoon at his family’s apartment. Marc weighs 42 pounds and is 3-and-a-half feet tall. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Newburgh Police Department.

Iranian Troops Seize Iraqi Oil Field

America's top military officer has voiced concern about an incursion by Iran into Iraq that ended with Iranian soldiers seizing an Iraqi oil well. Officials from both countries have said they want a diplomatic solution. The Iranian troops are believed to have now left the Fakkah oil field, which is close to the Iranian border. Similar incidents have happened before along the border, which has never been properly defined since the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. The Iraqis said about a dozen Iranian soldiers had been involved in the incursion and that they had raised the Iranian flag over the oil field.