Weekly Security Report Weekly Report week 9 week 9
PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS
Two Policemen Felled by Robbers in Bayelsa
Two police constables were on Thursday shot dead and some civilians wounded when armed bandits raided a bank in Amassoma, Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State. The slain policemen and private security guards attached to the bank put up resistance but were over-powered by the suspected bandits. The bandits carted away a substantial amount of money. The state Commissioner of Police, Onuoha Uka Udeka, confirmed the incident.
Kidnappers Abduct Two in Port Harcourt
There was a spate of kidnap incidents in the city of Port Harcourt as a 50 year old man, Ayobanmi Adebare, and one Edith Sergeant, 34, were penultimate Sunday kidnapped by unknown persons. Both were taken from their separate residences and nothing has been heard from their captors. Police Public Relations Officer in Rivers State, Mrs. Rita Abbey confirmed the kidnaps but assured that they were on top of the situation as they have mobilized their personnel to track the kidnappers.
Akwa Ibom Will Continue Fighting Kidnapping -Akpabio
The Akwa Ibom state government has pledged its commitment to fight Kidnapping to a stand still in the state, following the recurring kidnap cases and other security situation in the State. The State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, noted that he was not relinquishing efforts at putting an end to all forms of insecurity in the state. He encouraged the people to take up the challenge to join the government in the fight and urged traditional, socio-cultural, religious and political institutions to pay close attention to issues of security in their environment and the state, as well as notify the appropriate authorities with information that border on security issues. Meanwhile over 30 suspected kidnappers awaiting trial, according to the state Police Commissioner, Walter Rugbere.
Enugu Monarch Detained over Kidnapping in His Domain
The traditional ruler of Ehandiagu community in Nsukka LGA of Enugu State, Igwe Donatus Eze, has been detained by the police over allegations of involvement in kidnapping in his domain. Governor Sullivan Chime had, on February 5, handed down a one-week ultimatum to the monarch to ensure that one Anayo Ugwuanyi, who had been kidnapped for about three weeks then, be released. The community has been embroiled in crisis, which has occasioned shootings, kidnappings and other forms of crimes since 2008.
Amaechi Warns against Abandoning Amnesty
Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Tuesday, said Nigeria will be exposed to a worse spate of anarchy and economic sabotage if the backlog of allowances of ex-militants who embraced the Amnesty offered by the FG remains unpaid.
Shell Laments Harsh Business Environment in Niger Delta
Incessant disruption of the operations of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in the Niger-Delta has become a major source of concern for the company and the NNPC. Out-going Executive Vice-President of Shell Africa, Miss Ann Pickard, said that the SPDC has managed to stay afloat in Nigeria by the grace of the generous financial lifeline recently offered by international Shell Group. Pickard, who is proceeding on transfer to Australia, spoke while leading her successor, Mr. Ian Craig, on familiarisation visits to some states in the Niger-Delta, where the company's investments are located.
BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS
Kidnappers Demand N50m Ransom for Ex-LG Boss
Kidnappers of the former Chairman of Ndokwa–East LGA, Mrs. Mary Chidi, have demanded N50 million as ransom from the family for her release. Chidi was kidnapped from her residence, penultimate Friday, while receiving sympathizers over the death of her son who was buried recently. Police Public Relations Officer, Charles Muka, confirmed this development.
17 In Court for Illegal Oil Bunkering
About 15 Nigerians and two Ghanaians were on Monday arraigned in a Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta State by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over illegal oil bunkering. The suspects who were arraigned on a two-count charge were, however, denied bail by the trial judge, who ordered that they be remanded in prison custody till March 9, 2010. The 17 were arrested by the Joint Task Force (JTF) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The EFCC, had in the course of investigation, discovered the suspects and their vessel MT B EXCEL were carrying 724 metric tones of substance suspected to be crude oil. Rather than berth at the NPA Warri where the vessel was booked for, the vessel was diverted to another destination, which turned out to be Shanoni creek where the bunkering took place.
Edo Lawmakers Impeach Speaker
The Edo State House of Assembly, Monday, went into a rowdy session as some lawmakers purportedly impeached the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Zakawanu Garuba and his deputy. Trouble started when Garuba adjourned plenary in spite of a pending point of observation raised by a lawmaker, Bright Omokhodion. His failure to recognize Omokhodion resulted in hot argument and the seizure of the mace by some members, leading to a brawl in which tear gas and axes were used freely by the lawmakers. Three lawmakers were injured. The Speaker was whisked away by his security aides, but 13 lawmakers reconvened, and impeachment him. Omokhodion on Wednesday emerged as the new Speaker. A restraining order from the court had stopped the Police from sealing off the assembly pending the determination of the substantive suit. Garuba maintains that he remains the speaker.
LG Boss, Others in EFCC Net over N233m Contract Scam
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), penultimate Friday, arrested Joseph Ayegbeni Ugheoke, chairman of Etsako Central LGA in Edo state and arrested its Chairman, and three others. The arrest came on the heels of a petition alleging conspiracy, forgery, abuse of office, embezzlement and diversion of public funds as well as money laundering against the Ayegbeni and members of his family. It was alleged that the chairman awarded various contracts worth over N130 million to a company, knowing that the company did not have the capacity to carry out such contracts. The Spokesman for the EFCC, Femi Babafemi, confirmed the arrest.
Delta Challenges Oil Firms on Community Development
Delta State government has urged oil firms to follow the new world's constitutional codes on partnership and to embark on new ways of empowering oil-bearing communities instead of merely building classroom blocks and offering scholarships. The state Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Bello Bibobra Orubebe, said the key issue in the Niger Delta is the polluted environment as a result of oil exploration, which would take a long time to clean. He said oil firms must make deliberate efforts to save the environment. The commissioner warned that the oil firms can no longer "push the oil-bearing communities aside" and continue exploiting oil, adding that the state government would not tolerate it.
NDDC Cautions Contractors on Abandoned Projects
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has cautioned contractors against abandoning projects in oil-producing communities. The communities had complained of a large number of NDDC abandoned projects. Delta State Commissioner on the NDDC Board, Emma Ogidi, said that there were plans for the contractors to return to finish all abandoned projects. Ogidi, however, expressed worry over non-protection of NDDC projects in the communities and tasked the leaders to ensure that their youths protect the projects. Earlier, chairman of the host communities, Musa Odili, said the Ndokwa nation, which plays host to many oil companies with no record of violence, has suffered so much neglect.
LAGOS AND ENVIRONS
12 Policemen Nabbed at Illegal Road Blocks
Twelve policemen were, penultimate Thursday, paraded by the X-Squad Section of the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) Lagos, for various offences ranging from illegal road block extortion and harassments of motorists and commuters. According to the Assistant Commissioner for Police in charge of the station, Okeanife I. Chibuike, the arrest of the erring policemen were in line with the anti-corruption posture of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ogbonna O. Onovo, against personnel of security agencies while discharging their duties. He stated further that during the recent operation carried out in some parts of Lagos, the sum of N12, 000 was recovered from the suspects.
Dipo Dina: Police Nab Suspects
The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of zone II, comprising Lagos and Ogun states, Mr. Azubuko Udah, on Wednesday disclosed that the police had arrested an unspecified number of persons in connection with the murder of the late Dina Dipo. The late Dino, who was the Ogun State gubernatorial candidate of the Action Congress party in the April 2007 elections, was shot dead by unknown gunmen in January, with the gunmen zooming away in his car, which is yet to be recovered.
Lagos Councils Donate APCs to Police
Ten Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) have been donated to the police by the 20 LGAs and 37 Local Council Development Areas in Lagos state. Governor Babatunde Fashola, who presented the vehicles, said the development would further boost government’s commitment to fight crime to a standstill. He attributed the reduction in cases of crime in the state to the collaboration of the private sector, which he said has been most impactful.
GENERAL
Seven Policemen Arrested for Extra-Judicial Killings
Seventeen security officers are reported to have been arrested in connection with extra-judicial killings caught on video obtained by Al Jazeera in February. The footage shows officers killing unarmed men, who were bound and forced face-down on the street, in the aftermath of clashes with members of a Muslim group, Boko Haram, in the north last year. An estimated 1,000 people were killed in the crisis in Borno, Yobe, Kano and Bauchi states in July and August of 2009. The police and military repeatedly denied that civilians had been killed by their personnel.
Senate to Check Extra Judicial Killings
Senate President, David Mark, has said that it would also urgently put in place the necessary legislation that will rein in members of the security forces that engage in extra judicial killings. He said on Monday that it was high time Nigeria established an independent body to investigate complaints against members of the security agencies and death in custody. Meanwhile, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, has warned security agencies in the country that the era when their actions and inaction ran inimical to the rights of the citizens was over. He advised the security agencies to strike a balance between maintenance of order and obedience to the laws in the discharge of performing their duties.
President Yar'Adua Returns
President Yar'Adua returned to Nigeria in the early hours of Wednesday after three months' treatment in Saudi Arabia, but his condition yet to be known. He arrived on a Saudi plane at the presidential wing of Abuja airport. Meanwhile, Acting President Goodluck Jonathan has been directed by President Yar'Adua to continue to run the affairs of the state, according to presidential spokesman, Olusegun Adeniyi. Adeniyi said Yar’Adua’ returned to the country on Wednesday, is still on recuperation. After five days in the country, top government officials and Acting President Jonathan are yet to see Yar’adua as he remains shielded by his wife and close aides.
Police Commissioner Dismissed For Embezzling N16m
A Commissioner of Police with the Special Duty Unit, Mr. Sambo A. Mohammed has been dismissed from the force for embezzling over N16 million amongst other sundry offences. The dismissal of the affected officer was approved by the Police Service Commission (PSC) bordering on allegations of serious disciplinary offences ranging from gross misconduct to abuse of office. Mohammed, according to a statement by Ikechukwu Ani, Head, Press and Public Relations of the PSC, was found to have involved himself in embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, sabotage and abuse of office.
NNPC Seeks Military Assistance to Protect Pipelines
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has requested military assistance in protecting oil and gas pipelines from vandalism. The NNPC has also taken steps to evacuate wet condensate from Shell-operated facilities to the Warri Refinery to prevent the shutdown of gas plants. Shell had warned that if wet condensate estimated at 472, 000 barrels was not evacuated soon, it might be forced to shut down four gas plants in Utorogu, Ughelli, Oben and Sapele. Damaged pipelines have resulted in the inability of Shell to transmit condensate produced together with gas from these plants to Forcados export terminal.
Senate Amends Constitution
The Senate on Wednesday successfully altered sections 145 and 190 of the 1999 Constitution which would make it mandatory for the president and state governors to hand over to their deputies whenever they are travelling out of the country. The bill also empowers the national assembly to mandate the vice president or deputy governor, with 14 days of absence, to perform the functions of the president or the governor should they fail to write a written declaration. The bill adds that until the president transmits a letter to the National Assembly, that he is now available to resume his functions as president, the vice remains in acting capacity. The Senate also amended section 190 (1) in the same issue as relates to state governors.
Nigeria Military Produces Code of Conduct on Civilians' Protection
A two-week Economic Community of West African States (ECOWA) course for senior commanders in Peace Support Operations (PSOs) opened in Abuja on Monday at the National Defence College with the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Paul Dike, disclosing that Nigeria had produced a Code of Conduct for the military with specific reference to troops on how to protect civilians during peacekeeping. Dike said that a regional capstone exercise, codenamed "Ex (Exercise) COHESION", would hold next April in Benin Republic and the exercise will afford them the opportunity to evaluate the Eastern Battalion (of the ECOWAS Standby Force - ESF) led by Nigeria.
Ex-Governor Held over Alleged Fraud
Former Nasarawa State governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu, was on Monday morning arrested by operatives of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged reckless award of unexecuted contracts and looting of public funds to the tune of over N15 billion. Adamu is accused of granting phony contracts running into over N15 billion while in office. He was governor of the state from 1999 to 2007. Spokesman of EFCC, Femi Babafemi, confirmed the arrest of the former governor. He however declined further comments.
Jonathan Applauds Proposed Investment in Oil, Gas Sector
Acting President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday described as a welcome development, the proposed investment of 20 Billion Dollars in the Nigerian oil and gas sector by the Total Exploration and Production (E&P) of France. Jonathan said the proposed investment was an indication of the positive business environment in the Niger Delta, which was brought about by the amnesty programme of the Federal Government. The acting President made this observation while receiving the Group President of Total E&P France, Mr. Yves Louis Darricarrere, at the State House, Abuja. Meanwhile Jonathan has assured the Republic of Uganda of Nigeria’s support in developing the oil and gas sector of that country. He gave the assurance when he received a special envoy from Ugandan President in Abuja.
Jigawa Police to Arraign Traffic Warden, Others over Driver's Death
The Jigawa Police Command has promised to charge to court a road traffic warden who allegedly killed a tractor driver, Mohammed Jazuli. The incident was said to have triggered the recent violence in which some churches were allegedly torched. The Police Public Relations Officer, Abdul Jingiri who disclosed this on Tuesday, said the warden and the 13 people were already in the custody of the police. It was learnt that the tractor driver was beaten to death by a group of traffic wardens. But for the timely intervention of the Emir of Kazaure, Alhaji Najeeb Hussaini Adamu, there would have been a bloody riot in Kazaure, as some youths took to the street, accusing the traffic wardens of extra judicial killing, and decided to move to the area with the highest concentration of churches and set them ablaze.
NYSC Redeploys Corp Members from Crisis-Prone States
To guarantee the safety of corps members, the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Marahasu Tsiga, has disclosed that the commission has begun the redeployment of corps members out of from crisis-ridden states. Tsiga, who spoke against the backdrop of the recent crisis in Plateau State, maintained that no corps member would be posted to crisis prone states or where the NYSC cannot guarantee their safety.
INTERNATIONAL
Coalition Forces Battle Talibans in Afghan Town
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and Afghan forces have continued to face "determined resistance" from the Talibans, who on Monday, rejected President Hamid Karzai's latest call for peace. Donor nations backed his plans for peace talks with those militants who renounce violence and pledged hundreds of millions of dollars to persuade fighters to lay down weapons. The Taliban have repeatedly turned down Karzai's peace proposals, saying foreign troops should leave Afghanistan first. NATO confirmed that about 27 civilians were killed in an air strike in southern Afghanistan on Sunday, the governor disclosed. Gen Stanley McChrystal, the NATO commander in Afghanistan, had introduced tougher rules of engagement to minimise civilian casualties.
Int’l Bodies Want Niger's Military Junta to Plan Elections
The African Union (AU), with its "zero tolerance" of those taking power by force, has suspended Niger for the violent overthrow of President Mamadou Tandja. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had late last year suspended the country when Tandja sacked the parliament and extended his tenure. The United Nations (UN) and the European Union have also condemned the coup and appealed for calm and respect for human rights. The military rulers said they overthrew Tandja to restore democracy. Col. Djibrilla Hima Hamidou assured diplomats from the UN, AU and ECOWAS that the military would restore civilian rule "as soon as possible" and establish a new constitution. The junta has appointed a civilian, Mahamadou Danda, to be prime minister until the elections, while opposition has called for Mr Tandja to be tried for high treason because of his decision last year to scrap limits on the presidential term in office, which went against a ruling by the Supreme Court.
Over 35 Die in South Sudan Ethnic Fighting
A fresh outbreak of fighting has claimed dozens of lives in south Sudan's Lakes state. Major General Kuol Diem Kuol, of the southern Sudan Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA) said on Tuesday that more than 35 civilians and soldiers were wounded in the clashes between tribes which also pitted tribes against the military since Thursday. Fighting began after the Gok Dinka people were attacked by rival Rek Dinka, with the Gok Dinka then trying to break into a weapons store in Cueibet to retrieve guns collected in a disarmament campaign, he said. Clashes between rival ethnic groups in south Sudan are common, often sparked by cattle rustling and disputes over natural resources. Others are in retaliation for previous attacks.
Cote d'Ivoire's Opposition to Join New Government
In a move that could end nearly two weeks of deadly protests after the president dissolved the previous one, Cote d'Ivoire's opposition coalition has agreed to participate in a new government. Djedje Madi, general secretary of a coalition of opposition parties, said that they had received the assurances that they needed from President Laurent Gbagbo to join a new government. However, he added that the opposition maintained its standing call for protests to put pressure on the president to follow through on his promises. At least seven people have been killed during protests in cities across the country in the last week. The protests began when Gbagbo dissolved the government claiming the electoral commission committed fraud.
Australia to Impose Tough Visa Checks to Fight Terrorism
Australia intends to impose tougher visa checks on people from countries considered at high risk for terrorism as part of a 69 million Australian dollar ($62 million) counter-terrorism plan. The new visa requirements, which include mandatory collection of fingerprints and facial imaging data for visa applicants from 10 countries, would help keep terrorists from evading detection, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said. Under the plans, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship would begin collecting the fingerprints and facial images this year, and cross-check them with immigration and law enforcement databases in Australia and overseas, the report said. It does not name which countries would be subject to the new requirements.
Afghan Immigrant Admits Bomb Plot, Al Qaeda Training
An Afghan immigrant has pleaded guilty to plotting a suicide bomb attack on New York City subways with Al Qaeda training. Najibullah Zazi, 25, according to reports, also admitted that he had received bomb making and weapons training from Al Qaeda in Pakistan's Waziristan region bordering Afghanistan. Zazi pleaded guilty to conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction, conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country and providing material support to Al Qaeda. The guilty pleas - termed an agreement between prosecutors and the defence - came after federal investigators threatened to jail his mother for an immigration offense.
Algeria Recalls Envoy from Mali
In protest over its decision to set free four suspected Islamist militants wanted by Al Qaeda in exchange for sparing the life of a French hostage, Algeria has recalled its ambassador from Mali. The group's North African wing, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) had said it would execute hostage Pierre Camatte unless the Malian authorities released the four. Algeria, which has for years been fighting Islamist insurgents, is fiercely opposed to any deals being struck with AQIM to secure the release of foreign hostages. On Monday, Mauritania said it was withdrawing its ambassador, also in protest at the release of one of the four.
Ex-Cop Admits Guilt in Katrina Bridge Shooting Cover-Up
A former New Orleans police lieutenant pleaded guilty on Wednesday to obstruction of justice in connection with the police shootings of civilians in the days after Hurricane Katrina and court documents unsealed with the plea suggest that other officers will be indicted in the case. Former Lt. Michael Lohman was convicted of "conspiring with a group of New Orleans police officers to obstruct justice by engaging in a cover-up of the true circumstances surrounding the shooting, U.S. Attorney Jim Letten of the Eastern District of Louisiana said at a news conference. Two civilians were killed and four were wounded in the shootings on the Danziger Bridge on September 4, 2005, days after Hurricane Katrina roared ashore on the Gulf Coast.
Gambari Promises to Reinstate Peace in Darfur
The Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the African Union, Ibrahim Gambari, on Monday reaffirmed his commitment to help bring peace to Sudan's strife-torn Darfur region and enhance the security of civilians in the area. Gambari's remarks came during his first visit with Darfur's internally displaced persons (IDPs) since taking up his post as the head of the joint UN-AU peacekeeping mission, known as UNAMID, in January. He reaffirmed his commitment and support to help bring peace to Darfur where at least 300,000 people are estimated to have died and another 2.7 million more have been displaced in over six years of fighting between the Government and various armed groups.
India Wants Action from Pakistan Terror
India has said that any meaningful relationship with Pakistan would require immediate crack down on "terrorism," as the rivals prepared for their first official talks since the November 2008 Mumbai attacks. India blamed the attack on Pakistan-based militants. Both nations announced the resumption of talks on February 12, but a day later, a bomb blast ripped through a packed restaurant in the western Indian city of Pune, killing 15 people and leading some opposition politicians to call for the foreign secretaries' meeting to be put off. The Indian government reacted swiftly to the Pune bombing, saying the resumption of four-year-old peace talks broken off after the Mumbai killings would still go ahead.
Eight Pirates Apprehended for Attack on Vessel
Eight suspected pirates were apprehended after a counter-piracy task force foiled an attack on a vessel in the Gulf of Aden, the USS Farragut, US 5th Fleet spokesman, Lt. Cmdr. Corey Barker, disclosed on Monday. The 5th Fleet is part of multinational Combined Task Force 151, aimed at combating piracy in the Gulf of Aden and nearby waters. The Tanzanian-flagged MV Barakaale 1 came under attack in the gulf and alerted other vessels in the region by radio. An SH-60B Seahawk helicopter, from the Farragut, was dispatched to the vessel, and apprehended the suspects, it said. Rear Adm.
Over 42 Feared Dead as Mudslide Washes Madeira
if(location.hostname.indexOf( 'edition.' ) > -1) {document.write('February 22, 2010 -- Updated 1449 GMT (2249 HKT)');} else {document.write('February 22, 2010 9:49 a.m. EST');} Portugal declared three days of national mourning from Monday amid fears the death toll from devastating floods and mudslides in Madeira could rise above 42. Search teams have been working to find more victims after floodwaters caused by heavy rains swamped the capital Funchal, unleashing a torrent of mud that swept away homes, roads and trees. At least 120 people were injured. Rescuers were still hunting for other people believed missing. Authorities said the about 250 people had been evacuated to military bases and other safe locations.
Indian Troops in Gun Battle with Militants in Kashmir
An Indian army officer and two troopers were killed on Tuesday as Indian security forces battled militants in the northern Kashmir town of Sopore. Farooq Ahman, the Inspector General of Police for the Kashmir zone, said at least one militant was killed and an Indian was wounded, but there could be more casualties. Kashmir is a mountainous area divided into regions administered by Pakistan and India. Indian forces are in constant fights with militants seeking independence for the area. A senior police officer said the firefight erupted after Indian troops surrounded two houses in Sopore, on a tip-off that heavily armed militants were holed up there.
US Renews Travel Alert to Mexico over Rising Crime Wave
The United States has renewed a travel alert to Mexico, citing increased violence in the country. The alert, issued penultimate Sunday, by the State Department is in effect until August 20. More than 16,000 people have died in Mexico since President Felipe Calderon declared war on the drug cartels shortly after assuming office in December 2006. A number of areas along the border continue to experience a rapid growth in crime, with robberies, homicides, petty thefts and carjacking increasing during the past year nationwide, the alert says. The alert reports notable spikes in Chihuahua, Sinaloa, and northern Baja California.
Eritreans Protest against UN Sanctions
Hundreds of Eritreans in Australia, Switzerland, the United States (U.S) and the UK on Monday launched protests against United Nations (UN) sanctions on their country, describing the sanctions as illegal and an insult. The UN said Eritrea backs Islamist rebels in neighbouring Somalia - claims the government denies. The sanctions, which place arms embargo on Eritrea, travel bans and asset freezes on businesses and senior government officials was imposed in December after intensive lobbying by Eritrea's neighbouring countries and regional blocs. Crowds of Eritreans gathered on the streets of the Australian capital Canberra to demand an end to the measures.
Turkey Arrests 50 Officers over Alleged Coup Plot
More than 50 high-ranking military commanders have been detained by the police for allegedly plotting to overthrow the Islamic-rooted government of Turkey. Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc said Turkey was going through a normalisation process. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the crackdown was carried out solely on the orders of prosecutors. The military's image had already been tarnished by allegations it was secretly planning to depose Erdogan's elected government for undermining secularism in this predominantly Muslim but officially secular country. The military denies any such plan.
Israeli Soldiers, Palestinians Clash in West Bank
One Israeli soldier wounded after a deadly clash in the West Bank town of Hebron with Palestinians. The violence came a day after Israel's prime minister enraged Palestinians by adding a disputed Hebron shrine to Israel's list of national heritage sites. Meanwhile, Israel's air force has introduced a fleet of huge pilotless planes that can remain in the air for a full day and could fly as far as the Persian Gulf, putting rival Iran within its range. While the head of Iran's nuclear programme said Iran would soon begin construction on two uranium enrichment facilities deep inside mountains to protect them from possible attack. Israel considers Iran a strategic threat because of its nuclear programme, and has hinted of possible military strike if world pressure does not halt its nuclear efforts.
US Military Pilots Killed in Iraq Helicopter Accident
Two U.S. Army pilots died Sunday in a helicopter accident in Iraq. The aircraft "made a hard landing" near an airfield on a U.S. base in northern Iraq, a military statement said. There were no enemy forces present, and no hostile fire was reported. Meanwhile, at least 10 Sunni worshippers were wounded Sunday when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives outside a Sunni mosque, police said. Its imam has urged people to respect the Iraqi security forces and the law, and had issued a fatwa to forbid attacking Iraqi police and army, police officials said. Iraq security forces believe al-Qaeda in Iraq was behind the attack.