Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 31

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

NAPTIP Rescues 51 Victims of Trafficking

The National Agency for Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and other Related Matter (NAPTIP) said on Sunday that it had arrested four suspected human traffickers and rescued 51 victims on the Oron waterways in Akwa Ibom State. NAPTIP’s Zonal Head, Mr. Peter Essien, explained that the 51 victims were from five African countries, including Nigeria. He added that the agency had secured six convictions, while 15 cases are currently pending in court and 24 under investigation. A non-governmental organisation, Victims of Persecutions, has urged NAPTIP to investigate the kidnapping of a 10-year-old orphan, Kelechi Alamezi, in Abuja. Alamezi was freed in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, while her alleged kidnapper, Chinyere Ewua, was allegedly seeking a buyer.

Gunmen Kill Pregnant Woman, Four Others in Abia

Suspected, penultimate Sunday, invaded Ihie Community in Ugwunagbo LGA of Abia State killing five persons, including a pregnant woman and her 18-year-old daughter. The hoodlums also set ablaze several buildings, forcing residents to flee. An eye witness said that the gunmen, numbering about eight, after murdering their victims, shot sporadically as they fled to an unknown destination. It was gathered that the hoodlums only came to commit for to kill the victims as they were said to have left after shooting their victims without demanding for anything else. Another witness revealed that the victims were all relations of leaders of the village youth organization and that the youth body had warned suspected criminals to desist from their nefarious activities, making the “bad” boys to flee the village.

Man Kills Wife over Money

A 52-year-old palm-wine tapper has allegedly murdered his 40-year-old wife in Awka North LGA of Anambra State. The man said his marriage, blessed with 6 children, was peaceful until 13 years ago when the deceased woman left his house with the sum of N89, 000 given to her by him, to co-habit with another man said to be her lover in the village. He said he was enraged after he suffered from an accident and his wife, who had returned to live with him again, stole the little money he had saved and absconded again. In the process, he gave her machete cuts that led to her eventual death. The Commissioner of Police, Mr Philemon Leha, who confirmed the incident, said accused would be arraigned in court soon.

27 Policemen Die Battling Kidnappers

Abia state Commissioner of Police, Jonathan Johnson, on Tuesday, said the command had lost at least 27 officers in the last six months in the fight against kidnappers and other criminal elements in Obingwa LGA. Parading 11 kidnapping suspects, including two policemen, Johnson said Obingwa, Obehie and Ugwunagbo had remained the notorious hotbeds of criminalities in the state. He said the vast land mass of Obingwa makes speedy progress in routing the criminals difficult. He added that the people were not cooperating with the police since kidnapping had become a community business.

Man Sells Month-Old Daughter

A 37-year-old man, Izuchukwu Onyekwere, has been arrested in Rivers State for selling his 42-day-old baby for N100, 000. Onyekwere was said to have connived with a nurse, one Chioma Chima to sell the baby without the knowledge of the child’s mother, Chinwe Iwu, who was delivered of the baby on June 4. Chinwe alleged that after delivery, she was told by the nurse that the baby was dead. Suspecting foul play, Chinwe quickly reported to the police. Iwu was arrested and she confessed that Onyekwere connived with her to sell the baby. Onyekwere confessed that he sold the baby to one Juliet in Warri because he could not raise the money to take care of the baby. River state Commissioner of Police, Sulaiman Abba, said both suspects would remain in custody while investigation continues.

Gunmen Attack Sylva’s Aide, Kill One

Senior Special Assistant to Bayelsa State Governor on Conflict Resolution, Michael Wenibowei, Tuesday evening, escaped death when unknown gunmen attacked his residence and killed his bodyguard, injuring another aide. Eyewitnesses said the gunmen might have kept surveillance on their target given the swiftness of the operation. No arrest has been made.

Criminals Disguise as Pastors to Rob Victim –Police Warn

Criminals in Rivers State, now clothe themselves in religious wears, clutching the Bible and visit residential houses, pretending to be preachers only to dispossess their victims of their belongings, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, Rita Inoma-Abbey. She added that the bandits also disguise as fumigators, agents of the state revenue board or officials of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, to rob their unsuspecting victims. This is coming as two would-be kidnappers, who attempted to elicit the support of two soldiers to kidnap the daughter of the chairman of a market union, were arrested. But the soldiers informed the police and father of the girl, following which they played along with the kidnappers only for suspects to be arrested at the premises of the girl’s father.

Defence Recovers Landmines in Abia

Many unexploded mortar bombs buried in trenches during the Nigeria Civil War have been recovered in Uzuakoli, Bende LGA of Abia state by the Humanitarian De-miners from the Ministry of Defence. Mr Bala Yakubu, the leader of the group, said that the scanning of some selected areas became necessary because Nigeria made use of both conventional and locally made landmines during the civil war. Yakubu said that 11 selected LGAs suspected to have landmines and other explosive remnants of war would be scanned. He said that the landmines had the potential to continue to kill civilians after conflicts as landmines buried in the ground could last as long as 200 years waiting patiently to be detonated accidentally by innocent people.

Auto Crashes Kill 89 in Anambra in 6 Months

Eighty-nine lives were lost in 224 road accidents in Anambra State between January and June this year, the sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Ayobami Omiyale, has said. Omiyale said the figure was lower than 104 deaths recorded in 215 accidents within the same period last year. He said of the 224 accidents, there were 96 injuries compared to 169 injuries recorded last year within the same period.

21 Persons, Arraigned for Kidnapping in Awka

Twenty-one persons accused of complicity in the kidnap of two Chinese nationals at Nnewi in 2007 were on Wednesday arraigned at the Federal High Court in Awka, on seven count charges of felony and treason. Among the 21 accused is a Nnewi-based motorcycle spare part giant, Chief Pius Ogbuawa who was accused of harbouring and providing assistance to the other 20 accused persons. The entire 21 accused were present, and all pleaded not guilty. Counsel to Ogbuawa, Mr. B. S. Nwankwo, urged the court to grant his client bail on compassionate ground as he had just returned from India where he underwent a major surgery. But this was opposed by Mr. Osigwe, prosecuting counsel. Presiding Judge, Justice Peter Olayiwole adjourned the matter to August 5, 2010 and remanded all accused in prison custody.

Port Harcourt Refinery Resumes Production

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has announced that the Port Harcourt refinery has resumed production following the successful recovery of most of its crucial products’ pipelines. The Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Engr. Austen Oniwon, disclosed that 60 per cent of petroleum products were presently being transported through the pipelines, noting that it was made possible by the stability in the Niger Delta region occasioned by the post amnesty programme. "For the first time in a long while the nation's three refineries are operating simultaneously, Oniwon said.

MEND Threatens Fresh Attacks

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has threatened fresh attacks on oil facilities in the Niger Delta over what it’s alleged ‘slow pace of action by the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan in tackling the problems of the oil region”. MEND, which said it always preferred dialogue to armed conflict, has confirmed that though there has been some indirect contact with government, it would not waste its time and energy on what it described as “aimless talks, which avoid the sore issue of resource control.”

Rivers Police Nab Suspected Pipeline Vandals

The Rivers State Police Command has announced the arrest of 10 suspected pipeline vandals who were also linked to adulteration of petroleum products. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Rita Inoma-Abbey, said the suspects were caught with a tanker loaded with the adulterated petroleum products, while the driver was arrested on Wednesday, near the Okrika Sandfill. She disclosed that they would soon be charged to court after extensive investigations.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

NSCDC Nabs Adulterated Petroleum Products Dealers

Men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), penultimate weekend, intercepted a truck loaded with adulterated petroleum products and arrested the owner at the Asaba Bridge Head. Delta State Commandant of the NSCDC, Musa Andekin warned illegal bunkerers to hands off the business, as his men were prepared to chase them into their holes. Barely a week later the NSCDC again intercepted another truck and arrested three suspects at Otu-Jeremi, Ughelli South LGA with products worth about N1.3 million.  Other things concealed in the truck include a pumping machine and hoses.

Court Sentences 3 to Death for Murder

A Benin High Court presided over by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Cromwell Idahosa, has sentenced to death by hanging, three persons for the murder of a Benin Chief, Sunday Ahanon. Late Eson of Benin, Chief Ahanon, was murdered by gunmen in November 2005. Three others charged in the case were discharged and acquitted for lack of strong and credible evidence, linking them to the crime. Justice Idahosa held that there was sufficient evidence linking Messrs Felix Osadolor, Ogbemudia Omoruyi and Oluwafemi Aihevba with the murder.

Women Threaten to Cripple Gas Plant Project

Ugborodo women in Warri South-West LGA of Delta State have warned that they would wreak havoc on the Escravos Gas Plant project, should government fail to enter into dialogue with the leadership of the community on some issues of under development. The women, who had occupied the project site for hours, vacated the site following the intervention of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan. Leader of the women, Mrs. Mercy Olowu, lamented that there was no electricity in the communities but at night “Chevron facility would glow with light.

15 Suspected Cultists, Kidnappers Arrested in Delta

The Delta State Police Command has arrested 14 suspected cultists and two kidnappers in Warri. According to reports, two rival cult groups were having a clash when police countered them and arrested the 14 persons. Seven machetes and two battle axes were recovered from them. Also, luck ran out of a gang of kidnappers who demanded a ransom of N10 million from their victims at Aladja on Monday. However, following a joint combing of the area by police and vigilance group, the victims were rescued from their hide out, unhurt and two suspects nabbed. Police Public Relations Officer, Charles Muka, confirmed the reports, adding that efforts were on to apprehend other members of the gang.

Delta Assembly Swears-in New Member

Acting Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Basil Ganagana, on Wednesday swore in Mr. Kingsley Philips, as member representing Ika South constituency three months after an Appeal Court nullified the election of Mr. Martins Okonta, who was there. Ganagana, before the swearing-in, explained that the refusal of the Assembly to swear in Philips before now was due to the fact that Okonta had filed a notice of appeal at the Supreme Court and has also filed a motion for stay of execution at the Court of Appeal. Ganagana further stated that Okonta’s lawyer contended that the position of the law is that no action should be taken until the Court of Appeal gives further directives.”

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

7 Die, 3 Injured in Lagos

Seven persons lost their lives in separate incidents in Lagos state penultimate weekend. Four roadside traders were killed when a trailer ran over them along Old Ojo Road. The trailer driver, currently in Police custody, was said to have been driving at top speed when he lost control and ran into the traders as he was being chased by Policemen after he had ran over a jeep and left its occupant injured. In another incident, two persons died when their car said to be moving at high speed, somersaulted repeatedly along Ajah-Epe Expressway. A female cleric also lost her life at Apapa when an electrical pole fell on her. She was rushed to the hospital, where she was later confirmed dead. The State Police spokesman, Frank Mba, confirmed the incidents.

Police Arrest Robbers with Bombs, Rocket Launchers

Men of the Ogun State Police Command on Monday arrested some suspected armed robbers and recovered two rocket launchers, five units of bombs and four dynamites and other 'instruments of war' from them. The police acted on information that armed robbers, who had reportedly killed three persons and two policemen in Idiape and Bakatari, all in Ibadan, Oyo State, before the interception and seizure. Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi confirmed on Tuesday said 115 loaded ammunitions and 145 expended ones were part of the exhibits recovered from the hoodlums. He listed other weapons recovered from the robbers as four dynamite, One AK 47 riffle, 1,000 live ammunitions and charms of all sorts. Police in Oyo state had arrested two injured suspects in the siege.

24 Arrested as Police Shoot Driver Dead at Checkpoint

A Lagos-based commercial driver was on Tuesday gunned down by a police officer in Egbeda, triggering instant pandemonium and riots in the area. In the ensuing violence and commotion, men of the Lagos State Police Command deployed to the scene to restore law and order arrested 24 persons, who were alleged to have taken the law into their hands by attacking a police patrol team. Spokesman of the Lagos State Police Command, Mr. Frank Mba (SP) confirmed that the police officers involved in the incident would be dealt in accordance with the law, if found wanting. Mba added that the arrested persons seriously injured a policeman and partially damaged the police vehicle, and that the case was under investigation.

NDLEA Intercepts N4b cocaine in Lagos, Arrests Suspects

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Monday, said it had intercepted a container load of substance suspected to be cocaine that arrived in Nigeria via the Tin Can Island and was cleared promptly. The attention of NDLEA operatives then became aroused and they trailed it to a warehouse where they demanded to know the content. The agent was said to have called a Chinese industrialist at Ibadan informing him that men of the Nigerian Customs were demanding for additional N4million and he promptly arrived with the cash. The Chinese, who was arrested, in turn called his partner-in-crime from Kano State. The partner also flew in immediately and was arrested as well.

Prophet Killed Inside Church

A 54-year-old prophet of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Messiah Parish, Meiran, in Lagos, Prophet Olusola Oluwatuyi, was on Tuesday shot dead in his church during a meeting with an alleged retired Police officer. According to eye witnesses, the deceased, had informed the church’s shepherd Evangelist,  Ojelade Oludayo of his meeting with the retired officer and one Mr. Olaifa and warned that he does not want to be disturbed. It was reported that some minutes after Olaifa left the meeting, leaving the retired Commissioner and the cleric behind, the sound of a gun shot was heard as the retired officer was seen hurrying out of the premises. When members rushed to the scene, they found Oluwatuyi in a pool of his own blood. The said retired officer has been arrested by the police.

2 Killed in Lagos Fuel Tanker Explosion

A tanker loaded with fuel had a flat tyre on motion, lost control, fell and exploded along Liverpool Bridge in Apapa Lagos on Wednesday. Commercial and social activities in and around Apapa, Lagos were abruptly brought to a halt as the tanker went up in flames burning its driver and motor boy to death. Eyewitnesses said the tanker had climbed the bridge at a high speeds. A combined team of Policemen and fire service officials were making frantic efforts to put off the inferno.

Police Arrest 3 for Roasting Apprentices’ Legs

The police in Lagos State have arrested a carpenter, Gbenga Rufai, and two others for their alleged involvement in the roasting of Lekan Dauda‘s legs over a missing N3,000. Rufai and his friends got into trouble after it was reported how Dauda, an apprentice with Rufai, was tortured and had his legs burnt by his boss and his friends over the missing money. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, had mandated the Divisional Police Officer in the area to investigate the case. A senior officer said that the suspects may be charged with attempted murder.

Woman Dies after Fight with Husband

A 27-year old pregnant woman, Ndidiamaka Okoli, Tuesday, collapsed and died a few minutes after a fight with her husband, Emmanuel Okoli at their Lagos residence. The relations of the deceased promptly reported to the police and Emmanuel was subsequently arrested and detained at the Ikotun division of the Nigerian police. It was learnt the couple had a disagreement which later resulted in a scuffle. Shortly after the fight, the woman was reported to have slumped and died. A source at the station confirmed the incident and said that the police have commenced investigation, while awaiting the autopsy report.

GENERAL

AIG Tasks Police on Kidnapping

The Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 12, Alhaji Mohammed Hadi has challenged the Bauchi State Police Command to intensify its security measures in order to fortify the state against all crimes. He urged them not to relent in their fight against crimes because perpetrators of crime are daily inventing modern ways of committing crime. He also warned the policemen not to associate with anything that could tarnish the image of the police, stressing that they should be loyal and committed to their duties. He further called on the public to always give relevant information to the police. Meanwhile, the Police High Command is planning new regulations against kidnapping and other related crimes. The plan will enable the police to take on-the-spot decision and action when suspected criminals are caught.

Jonathan, Others Mourn Bauchi Emir

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday expressed shock and sadness over the death of the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu, at the age of 77 in a message of condolence to the government and people of Bauchi State. Jonathan noted that the Adamu passed on at a time when his wise counsel was still needed by his people and the Nigerian nation. The President prayed Allah to grant repose to the soul of the late emir, and also give the people of Bauchi and all Nigerians the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, as Adamu was laid to rest.

Task Force Probes Shooting by Task Force

The Special Task Force (STF) in Plateau State has begun investigations into the death of a resident of Tashek Village in Riyom LGA, who was allegedly killed by a member of the STF. The deceased, Ayuba Davou, chairman of the vigilance group in the area, according to witnesses was allegedly shot thrice at about 1.00 a.m. by a member of the STF after a disagreement. Chairman of Riyom LGA, Samuel Wadkong, urged the villagers to remain calm. Spokesman of the STF, Lt. Col. Kingsley Umoh, confirmed the incident, adding that it was unfortunate.

500 Kidnappers in Police Net

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ogbonna Onovo, last weekend, disclosed that there were about 500 kidnapping suspects in Police cells across the country with many of them having confessed to the act and others caught in the act. Onovo also suggested the setting up of ‘Special Courts’ to try kidnappers and deter those planning to join. The IGP said that kidnapping and criminal trends like terrorism, trans-national and organized crimes and gunrunning were problems the police was struggling to deal with, noting that the Nigeria Police was blessed with the personnel to do the job if properly equipped. Onovo also warned politicians planning or strategizing to use the instruments of kidnapping to gag or influence voters in 2011, to think again as no culprit would be spared no matter the status.

Accident Claims 10 in Niger State

About 10 people were burnt to death and 16 injured when a loaded petrol tanker fell and caught fire at Suleja, Niger State. Property including stalls and vehicles were also destroyed by the fire. Officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC), the Fire Service, Civil Defence Corps and the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) assisted in rescue efforts. Eyewitnesses said that the incident occurred in the afternoon when the tanker, believed to have had a brake failure, rammed into a vehicle before falling on its side and bursting into fire.

Four Killed in Yobe Motor Crash

Four passengers, including a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, were killed on Monday in an auto-accident along the Damaturu-Potiskum road in Yobe State. Eyewitnesses said that the driver of the truck hit the bus coming from Aba, while trying to avoid an asphalt ridge on the road. Fatai Muraina, the driver of the crashed truck, said, that he could not control the truck immediately after he dogged the asphalt ridge. The remains of the dead passengers were deposited at the Damaturu Specialist Hospital.

Borno Police Tighten Security over Threats by Boko Haram

The Police have continued to beef up security in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, by embarking on “stop-and-search” of all vehicles and motorcycles, which ply the major entry points and strategic locations of the metropolis. The heightened security alert is a security measure taken by the police to ward off the alleged plan by the Boko Haram Islamic sect to mark the first anniversary of the death of its leader, Mohammed Yusuf. Yusuf was killed in July 2009 during sectarian crises that claimed 700 lives and property in Maiduguri. The state Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Abdu, said they were not taking chances anymore over the alleged planned anniversary of the Boko Haram sect, promising that as soon as they are satisfied with the stop-and-search, policemen at the check-points would be withdrawn.

Nigeria’s Crude Oil Reserves Drop

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has raised the alarm over the declining rate of Nigeria’s crude oil reserves, saying it has dropped by 1.6 billion barrels (4.79%) in one year. The drop is due to declining exploration activities and full field studies by oil companies operating in the country. DPR Director Mr. Wada Andrew Obaje made these known while briefing newsmen yesterday on activities of the Nigerian oil and gas sector in the second quarter.

INTERNATIONAL

Passenger Plane Crashes in Pakistan, 152 Killed

A passenger plane, Airblue flight, has crashed in hills north of the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, killing all 152 people on board. A huge rescue effort has been launched, police official, Sayed Subhan, said. The plane is thought to have left Karachi at 07.50, and officials said it lost contact with the control tower minutes before landing. Skies in Islamabad have been heavily overcast during the last couple of days. Initial reports said the flight originated in Turkey, but this has not been confirmed.

138 Drown in Congo Boat Mishap

Tragedy struck on Wednesday in Democratic Republic of Congo, as 138 people were feared killed when an overloaded passenger boat capsized in bad weather, Jolly Limengo, provincial inspector of police, disclosed. Meanwhile, the police arrested a journalist on criminal defamation charges in Kinshasa hours, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).  A CPJ statement said Pascal Mulunda, editor of weekly Le Monitor, was detained based on a complaint by an official with the Mining Ministry agency against Le Monitor and weekly Le Baromtre, newspapers for their June 23 story implicating him in overbilling in the agency's purchase of vehicles. Le Barometre Editor, Jeff Sale, who has gone into hiding, said he had received anonymous phone threats.

AU Okays More Troops for AMISOM

African Union (AU) leaders, at the end of a three-day summit in Kampala, Uganda, agreed to send extra troops to in Somalia. AU forces propping up Somali government troops launched an offensive against Islamist rebels in Mogadishu on Monday, killing about 11 people, mainly fighters, officials said. The attack was to repulse the Al Shabaab militants from two locations from where they fired mortars at government sites. However, the leaders were still grappling with whether to completely change the mandate of the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), currently tasked with protecting the fragile Somali government from the Islamist rebels, to enable troops launch pre-emptive strikes. The Ethiopian foreign minister urged the immediate deployment of the additional forces.

US, India Sign Terror Pact

India and the United States (US) have pledged closer security ties to combat terrorist threats. This comes a day after the US military's top officer warned extremists could try to stage fresh attacks on India. The India-US Counter Terrorism Cooperation Initiative, signed by officials of both countries, calls for closer cooperation between their commando and Special Forces. The Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, said he feared extremists would attempt another operation similar to the 2008 Mumbai attacks to force India into armed retaliation against its Pakistan. India said the pact also aims to increase "exchanges between coast guards and the navy on maritime security" and establish procedures to undertake joint investigations.

Bomber Kills 7 in NW Pakistan

A Taliban suicide bomber struck Monday near the home of a Pakistani provincial minister whose only son was recently killed by the militants, officials said. Seven people were killed and 25 wounded. Mian Iftikhar Hussain, information minister of Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa province and an outspoken critic of the Taliban, was the apparent target. The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility for the bombing, saying their goal was to kill Hussain because his political party is allied with the United States. The suicide bomber was on a motorcycle and was rushing toward the minister's home when intercepted by security officials, but he quickly detonated his explosives, senior police official Liaquat Ali Khan said.

Lancashire Nurse Stabbed to Death at Car Park

Detectives were questioning a man on Monday after a nurse was stabbed to death in a hospital staff car park in Lancashire. Jane Clough, 26, from Barrowford in Nelson was attacked as she walked to her car outside Blackpool Victoria Hospital on Sunday night, Lancashire Police said. A 30-year-old man, from Preston, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Monday morning, in Barrowford, and remains in custody, police confirmed. Police believe the victim may have been known to her attacker, Detective Chief Inspector Neil Esseen.

19 Killed at German Love Parade

Survivors of a stampede at a free dance music festival in Germany, Love Parade in which 19 people were killed have blamed organisers for the deaths. The mayor of Duisburg, Adolf Sauerland, said that 340 people had been injured. The head of a major police union, Rainer Wendt, said that his organisation had warned a year ago that Duisburg was “too narrow, too small to manage the masses of people.” Police had reportedly closed the exit to the tunnel and were telling those trying to get in to turn around when panic broke out. Eyewitnesses claim they tried to warn police before the stampede occurred that the tunnel that had just once entrance in an old railway yard, but said the authorities ignored their warnings.

NATO Denies Involvement in Alleged Afghan Civilian Deaths

NATO said Tuesday its investigation into a rocket strike that the Afghan authorities say killed 52 civilians found no evidence that its forces were involved. President Hamid Karzai said Monday that a rocket attack on a residential compound in the southern province of Helmand was carried out by NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). The attack by a helicopter gunship, penultimate Friday, killed 52 people, he said. NATO has consistently denied its forces were responsible for the incident. A joint ISAF-Afghan government investigation had not revealed ISAF involvement in the deaths of civilians in Regey. Karzai said the Afghan National Security Council (NSC) investigation found "a rocket launched by NATO/ISAF troops" hit a house in Sangin on Friday "leaving 52 civilians dead.

US, S/Korea Drop Anti-Sub Bombs in Military Drills

U.S. and South Korean naval ships fired artillery and dropped anti-submarine bombs off South Korea's east coast Tuesday, the third day of high-profile military manoeuvres intended to warn North Korea against any aggression. The dramatic show of force comes four months after a South Korean warship sank in the waters off the Koreas' west coast, killing 46 sailors. An international team of investigators determined that a North Korean submarine fired a torpedo that sank the ship, but the North denies involvement. On Tuesday, both Koreas and the U.S. marked the 57th anniversary of the signing of the armistice against the backdrop of the military drills. North Korea has strongly protested the exercises as a provocation.

France Declares War against al-Qaida after Slaying of French Man

France has declared war on al-Qaida, and matched its fighting words with a first attack on a base camp of the terror network's North African branch, after the terror network killed a French aid worker it took hostage in April. The declaration and attack marked a shift in strategy for France, usually discrete about its behind-the-scenes battle against terrorism. Prime Minister Francois Fillon said Tuesday that France is at war with Al Qaeda, a day after President Nicolas Sarkozy announced the death of 78-year-old hostage Michel Germaneau. The humanitarian worker had been abducted April 20 or 22 in Niger by al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, and was later taken to Mali, officials said.

Khmer Rouge Jailer Sentenced to 19 Years for Murder, Torture

A United Nations (UN)-backed tribunal in Phnom Penh has sentenced the Khmer Rouge's chief jailer to 35 years for overseeing the deaths of up to 16,000 people – the first verdict involving a senior member of the “killing fields” regime that devastated a generation of Cambodians. More than three decades after the ultra-communist Khmer Rouge killed a quarter of Cambodia's population while trying to turn the country into a vast agrarian collective, Dutch is so far the only person to face justice. The group's top leader, Pol Pot, died in 1998 and four other senior Khmer Rouge leaders are awaiting trial for their part in the deaths from execution, starvation, medical neglect and slave-like working conditions.

Police Find 8 Human Heads in Mexico

Eight human heads have been found in four locations outside the northern Mexican city of Durango. The victims were men believed to have been aged between 25 and 30, the local prosecutor's office said. Police found the heads after anonymous tip-offs, but had not identified the victims or found the bodies, the Durango state prosecutor's office said. The state of Durango has been the scene of clashes in recent months between the rival Gulf and Sinaloa drug cartels. Police received tip-offs that two human heads had been dumped on three roads out of Durango. State prosecutors have accused officials at a prison in Gomez Palacio of releasing inmates to carry out drug-related killings.

Liberia Celebrates 163 Years of Independence

Africa’s oldest republic, Liberia, has marked 163 years of independence with its Information Minister, Cletus Sieh, scoring President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf high for turning around the country after years of bloody war. The minister said that after five years of significant improvement, Liberians “are thankful for electing President Sirleaf.” In Washington, D.C., thousands of Diaspora Liberians and friends of Liberia marked the 163rd independence anniversary on the grounds of the Liberian Embassy. Patrick Nimely Sie-Tuon of the U.S.-based Liberia Human Rights Campaign said there were some reasons to be concerned about Liberia’s seeming stability.

Helicopter Crash, Bombing Claims 11 Live in Iraq

A sandstorm crashed an Iraqi military helicopter on Wednesday, killing its five-man crew, while a Baghdad bombing claimed the lives of six people, officials said. Defense Ministry spokesman, Maj. Gen. Mohammed al-Askari, said the helicopter was flying to provide air protection to Shiite pilgrims travelling by road to the holy city of Karbala, when it crashed in the sandstorm. The crash is under investigation, al-Askari said.

80-Year-Old Nun Killed in as Bomb Detonates Near Church

An 80-year-old nun has died in an explosion at an Orthodox Christian church in southern Ukraine, which injured at least eight other people, officials say. The blast in the city of Zaporizhzhya is believed to have been caused by a homemade explosive device, detonated close to the church. It came towards the end of a visit to Ukraine by the Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill I which has attracted protests by right-wing nationalists. A spokesman for the regional interior ministry, Olexandre Volkodav, said a team of investigators was at the scene.

Gambari Warns Security Council over Peace Process in Darfur

The peace process in Darfur has reached a critical point, with the security situation deteriorating, just as prospects for a negotiated settlement have slightly improved, a senior United Nations official, Ibrahim Gambari, disclosed and urged all parties to the conflict to step up efforts to reach a deal. Gambari, the head of the joint African Union-UN peacekeeping mission in Darfur, said that the Government of Sudan is demonstrating renewed commitment to negotiations, and the leaders of most armed opposition movements are either participating in or are expressing an interest in participating in the talks.

Floods Worsen in Chine, Leave Thousands Stranded

Flooding in China, this year, is recorded as the worst in over a decade, as the flood-prone Yangtze River Basin has seen 15 per cent more rain than in an average year. Floods caused by heavy rains in north-eastern China on Wednesday stranded thousands of residents without power. Floods, this year, has killed at least 823 people, with 437 missing, and have caused tens of billions of dollars in damage. Also, about 12 people died and over 300 were injured by a powerful explosion triggered when a chemical pipeline ignited in eastern China, Wednesday. The blast occurred in Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu province, and caused heavy damage to the surrounding area, reports said. Many hospitals had almost exhausted their blood stocks and local residents rushed to mobile collection vehicles to donate blood.

Mexican Drug Lord Killed in Battle with Military

The Mexican government says security forces have killed Ignacio "Nacho" Coronel, a top member of the powerful Sinaloa drug cartel. Coronel was believed to be the right-hand man of Joaquin "Shorty" Guzman, Mexico's most-wanted drug lord. The security forces say Coronel died in a shoot-out with an elite army group near the western city of Guadalajara. Nacho Coronel, who was known as the "King of Crystal" for his control over the production and smuggling of methamphetamine, was widely tipped as Guzman's likely successor to head the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico City.

French Woman Charged for Killing Babies

French prosecutors said Thursday they charged a woman with murder after she admitted giving birth to and smothering eight babies over a 17-year period. The woman, Dominique Cottrez, said she hid the pregnancies and deaths from her husband, prosecutor Eric Vaillant said. Cottrez is overweight and was able to conceal the pregnancies, he said. Cottrez, with two grown children, said she killed the babies because she did not want to have any more children and did not want to see doctors for contraceptives. A couple gardening in their backyard found two babies' bodies in sealed plastic bags and called police. Cottrez admitted that six others were concealed in their garage. Cottrez had psychological problems from her first pregnancy, and did not want any more children.

Priest Stabbed to Death in Church

An 80-year-old Roman Catholic priest was found stabbed to death in his church in Oaxaca, southern Mexico. The Rev. Carlos Salvador Wotto was found in the church office Wednesday night with several stab wounds and bound hands and feet, according to police. Wotto had been the parish priest at church for eight years. Authorities were investigating and no motive was immediately given. Wednesday's homicide was the second recent incident in the state of Oaxaca involving a priest. The Rev. Martin Octavio Garcia Ortiz from the town of San Jose del Progreso was abducted June 19 in a dispute over a local mine. State police rescued Garcia and then arrested him for the deaths of two officials who were shot after an anti-mine rally. Garcia said he was tortured by his pro-mining abductors and was hospitalized.

July, Deadliest Month of for US Troops in Afghan

Three U.S. service members were killed in blasts in Afghanistan, bringing the toll for July to at least 63 and making it the deadliest month for American forces in the nearly 9-year-war. A NATO statement on Friday said the three died in two separate blasts in southern Afghanistan on Thursday. NATO commanders had warned that casualties would rise as the military force ramps up the war against the Taliban, in their southern strongholds in Helmand and Kandahar provinces. A total of 104 international service members died last month, including 60 Americans.

Couple Wanted in US Woman's Death Deported to Panama

A U.S. couple was deported in shackles Thursday from Nicaragua to Panama, where they face charges of killing two Americans and questioning in the disappearances of 5 other people. Authorities identified the suspects as William Cortez and his wife, Jane. The couple was arrested in Nicaragua, and prosecutors said they had apparently preyed on residents of the scenic coastal Bocas del Toro region in what President Ricardo Martinelli called "one of the first cases of serial murders" in the Central American country. The pair was caught Monday by Nicaraguan soldiers at the border with Costa Rica after they identified themselves with false names.