Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 41

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Gunmen Abduct 3 in Owerri Church

Armed men, penultimate Sunday, stormed the Maria Assumpta Catholic Cathedral in Owerri, shooting sporadically before kidnapping three persons. The firing caused confusion within and outside the church premises, as people scamper for safety. An eye witness said the hoodlums, who operated in three vehicles, first attacked a Hummer Jeep but the driver escaped with a flat tyre, adding that when they lost their target, they quickly kidnapped a woman that was buying a newspaper at the news stand. It was feared that some people at the vicinity were hit by stray bullets, while armed members of the anti-terrorist squad of Imo State Police Command took over the area.

Abducted Female Corps Members Regain Freedom

Four female members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who were kidnapped by unknown gunmen from River state in September, regained freedom on Wednesday following a joint operation by the police and the military in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Rivers State Police Command, Rita Inoma-Abbey, confirmed the development. Inoma-Abbey did not, however, reveal if the perpetrators were apprehended or some persons were arrested in connection with the incident. Five female corps members were kidnapped on September 16, 2010 but one managed to escape same day, leaving four others.

FG Deploys 2,000 Soldiers to Abia

President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered the deployment of over 2000 soldiers to Abia State and environs in a bid to rid the state of criminals. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Hafiz Ringim, said, who is already in Abia state, added that the police have over 1000 Police detectives sniffing around for intelligence information, to assist the soldiers in the bush with. More than 50 suspects have been arrested in connection with current crime wave in Abia State, the new General Officer Commanding, 82 Division of Nigeria Army, Major-General Sarkin Yarkin Bello, has said. Major-General Bello also said that many brands of exotic cars, motorcycles, arms and ammunition were recovered from criminals’ hideouts in Abia South senatorial zone of the state. He also disclosed that valuable documents and photographs that could aid the operation were also recovered from the kidnappers’ hideouts.

IGP in Abia over Insecurity

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Rafiz Ringim, was in Umuahia, the Abia State capital. His mission was to express the Federal Government’s sympathy to the residents of the South-East state over the siege laid on their communities by criminals and to make the state too hot for the hoodlums to operate. The IGP said the Federal Government was not unaware of the effort of the state government to clear the state of criminals. Ringim said that the successes recorded so far in the onslaught were the beginning of good things to come in the state. Ringim said that the purpose of his stay in the state was to ensure that unrepentant criminals were annihilated.

Arrested Suspects Claims Murder of Soboma George

An ex-militant, Emmanuel Gladstone, otherwise known as Tommy and his gang are allegedly responsible for many deaths and kidnappings recorded in the Niger Delta. Tommy, who also claims to have murdered Soboma George, an ex-militant that was recently killed in Port Harcourt, says he served under George. George was murdered on August 24 by a four-man gang. Gladstone was recently captured by police operatives in Ondo State and has confessed to his part in the murder. Gladstone also spoke on how things went awry between him and George, and what necessitated the killing. He said his group decided to part ways with Soboma after they failed to kill River state governor, Rotimi Amaechi at a function in Port Harcourt.

51 Students Renounce Cultism at OKOPOLY

Fifty-One students of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko in Anambra State have renounced cultism. They ex-cultists also publicly destroyed their supreme temples after brief prayers. The Director of Anti-Cult Squad on campus, Abdullahi Khaki, disclosed that his squad was constituted in 2001, under the then Rectors, Professor Uba Nwuba, adding that the squad was responsible for fishing out cult members during their initiations and other cult activities on campus.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

JTF Tightens Security around Oil Facilities

The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) has beefed up security around oil facilities, following the bomb explosions during the independence anniversary celebrations, allegedly detonated by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND). Sources disclosed that additional security would also be extended to major government facilities in the Niger Delta. JTF’s spokesman, Col. Timothy Antigha, dismissed any possible alarm in the region. He said there was nothing to fear as the task force had always been up and doing in ensuring security in the region. Antigha assured oil multinationals and people of the region not to entertain any fear of attacks.

MEND Threatens More Bombing

Threats of fresh bomb explosions heightened on Monday, as the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) said it would wreak more havoc should the Federal Government repatriate and put its leader, Henry Okah to trial over the October 1 bomb attack in Abuja. Spokesman of MEND, Jomo Gbomo, maintained that the group was responsible for the bombings. If Okah is repatriated, he contended, he would not get fair trial because he has always been blamed for what he is not involved in. Gbomo averred that MEND had made its point with the bombings in Abuja and would employ the same method of attack on military targets. This, he explained, would happen when the group declares resumption of hostilities. He, however, tendered apology to the families of those killed in the explosions, saying, it was not their intent to kill them.

JTF Urges Media Support for Peace in N’Delta

The Joint Task Force (JTF) has said that the media have a vital role to play in Government’s effort to achieve lasting peace in the Niger Delta. The new Commander of the JTF, Major-Gen. Charles Omoregie, stated this on Thursday. Omoregie succeeded Major-Gen Sarkin Yarkin Bello who is now General Officer Commanding, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, following a shake-up in the army. Omoregie promised that the JTF would assist journalists with necessary information to enable them do their job effectively, especially in the area of security.

FG must protect lives of Nigerians -Oshiomhole

Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has asked the Federal Government to live up to its responsibility of protecting lives and property in Nigeria. Oshiomhole stated this he received members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Edo State branch. The Governor, reacting to the plea by the Doctors for security, as they lamented the incessant kidnap of their members, said “this issue of kidnapping should be put at the doorsteps of the FG”.  He further lamented the FG’s refusal to allow states the right to have a state police and state security in order to contribute to the maintenance of peace and security. He however expressed his determination to tackle the problem by motivating and equipping the police in the state.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Ekiti Gets Digital Security System, as Police Gets 50 Vans

Ekiti State governor, Mr Segun Oni, has inaugurated the test running of a state-wide Integrated Security Alert System designed to trigger-off simultaneous alarms in major police and security formations in the state when crimes are committed. Speaking at the ceremony held in Ado-Ekiti, on Tuesday, Governor Oni, who called on the people of the state to always volunteer useful information on the activities of criminals to the police and other security agencies, noted that provision of vital information and intelligence reports to security agencies were important factors in crime prevention and detection. Governor Oni said that a Swift Response Squad (SRS) made up of mobile police men would patrol the state in 50 new patrol vehicles recently procured by the state government and were expected to respond rapidly to security alarm, and distress calls from members of the public.

Alleged Toxic Coast Ship Detained in Lagos

A ship, MV Vera D, alleged to be carrying three containers laden with toxic waste, has been detained at the Tin-Can Island Port in Lagos. It was gathered that officials of the National Environmental Standards and Regulatory Enforcement Agency (NASREA), revealed that the ship arrived on Tuesday morning from the U.S. It was learnt that the containers were brought in by a Lagos shipping agency and had toxic black and white television sets in it. On two occasions, the ships were sent to their ports of origins, after the contents were confirmed as e-wastes.

GENERAL

PENGASSAN Raises Alarm on Adulterated Diesel in Circulation

Oil workers under the aegis of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) have alerted the federal government and Nigerians to the circulation of adulterated diesel in the country. The union said that “some economic saboteurs” were behind the circulation of the adulterated diesel to enable them make huge profits. It therefore called on all relevant agencies of the government to investigate the situation without delay. PENGASSAN President, Comrade Babatunde Ogun, alleged that some marketers mixed products allocated to them by the NNPC before loading it into tankers for onward transport across the country.

Abuja Bombing: JRC Blames Dissident Elements of MEND

The Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC) has described Penultimate Friday’s bombing as “the handiwork of a son of the devil with active connivance of disgruntled dissident elements from one of the camps of a former MEND leader. Spokesperson of the JRC Cynthia Whyte, penultimate Sunday, condoled with “all men of goodwill and the entire citizenry on the callous and gruesome murder of about 12 people and the injury inflicted on many others.”  She said the Central Command of the Joint Revolutionary Council will soon confer with Mujahid Dokubo-Asari to arrive at a final decision on the matter.

Boko Haram Strikes: Kill 4 in Borno

Gun totting members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect on Wednesday evening in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital went on a killing spree leaving four dead. They first struck Alhaji Awan Ngala, an in-law of the state governor Ali Modu Sheriff, shooting him dead. Late Ngala was married to the sister of the governor. Soon after killing Ngala, who was a one time chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), they moved to the residence of the Speaker of Borno House of Assembly with intent to murder him but luckily, he was not at home, but they shot dead the two police guards on duty. After that, they moved to Tashar Kano and descended on the residence of a man whose identity was yet to be established who they also murdered before setting the house ablaze. Members of Boko Haram have had a running battle with the state since last year July, when they first struck.

Blame Security Lapses, not Henry Okah for Bomb Blast -MEND

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), claiming responsibility over the recent bombing in Abuja, said it “deeply regrets the avoidable loss of lives during our bomb attack in Abuja on October 1. The group said that the irresponsible attitude of the government security forces is to blame for the loss of lives as they had given 5 days prior notice which led to the harassment of Henry Okah in South Africa. MEND declared that Okah had never been involved in any MEND operations but was always blamed for every attack. Meanwhile, the Police have arrested one suspect in connection with the explosions. Two others - Chima Orlu and Ben Jessy - have been declared wanted. Police spokesman, Emmanuel Ojukwu, said the police had started investigation.

Woman Murders Step-Daughter over Missing N5

A 33-year-old wife of a police officer in London Ciki ward, in Maiduguri metropolis, Mrs. Amina Abubakar, was on Wednesday dragged before Justice Pindar Ngadda of the Maiduguri High Court for allegedly murdering her step-daughter over missing N5. Mrs. Amina was arraigned for culpable homicide, having allegedly killed a 10-year-old Aisha Abubakar. According to the police, the suspect had asked Aisha to hawk kerosene but she unfortunately lost N5 out of the sales that day. When the girl reached home and informed her step-mother, the suspect, out of anger, used her husband’s baton repeatedly on the deceased until she collapsed. The girl was rushed to the hospital, but died as a result of the injuries she sustained. The accused pleaded not guilty.

Suspected Islamists kill Islamic Cleric

Suspected Islamists on Saturday shot dead an Islamic cleric in Maiduguri, Borno state, police said. Two gunmen on a motorcycle shot dead Bashir Kashara at his house, along with one of his students. Kashara's fellow clergyman, Malam Babagoni said he was killed while giving a theology class to a student. The most likely suspect is the Boko Haram, an Islamic sect that launched an insurrection in the north last year. Kashara, a well-known Wahabi cleric in Maiduguri, ran a weekly Islamic radio programme in which he criticised Boko Haram's ideologies. At least 21 people have been killed by suspected sect gangs in recent times.

Cecilia Ibru Gets 18 Months Jail Term

Top Nigerian banker, Mrs Cecilia Ibru, has been given an 18-month sentence for abuse of office and mismanagement of depositors' fund, after she cut a deal with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) through plea-bargaining. Ibru, the sacked Chief Executive Officer of Oceanic Bank, was sentenced to 18 months in prison after she pleaded guilty to a three-count charge that replaced an initial 25-charge filed against her by the EFCC. Ibru also forfeited all assets and properties estimated at N191 billion, in addition to the jail term. The sentence, six months per count, will run concurrently, meaning she will end up serving only six months, minus the months for which she has been detained. The assets include 82 houses across Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Dubai, the United Arab Emirate (UAE) and company shares.

Bauchi Prison Torched by Inmates

Rioting inmates burned part of the Bauchi prison on Thursday, accusing the government of reneging on a promised amnesty. It was the same prison where some 750 inmates earlier had escaped after a jail break. More than 280 returned inmates accused Bauchi state Gov. Isa Yuguda of ignoring his promise to forgive them for their past crimes. Yuguda had promised 16 inmates a reprieve after they returned following a September 7 prison break engineered by a radical Muslim sect, Boko Haram. It was not clear if anyone was injured or escaped during the riots.

AGF Okays Trial of Ex-Ministers, Others over 17.5m Euro Bribery Scam

Two former ministers, an ex-top official of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and seven others are to be arraigned by the Federal Government over the Siemens 17.5million euro bribery scam. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had declared Edward Seidel and Gilbert Klaus, former managing directors of Siemens Nigeria, wanted over the scam. The move to try the suspects followed the conclusion of investigation and the approval of charges against them by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke. The AGF office has given the green light for the trial of six suspects in the Halliburton bribery. About 31 suspects were quizzed in connection with the scandal.

Police Get First Female DIG

History was made, on Tuesday, as the Nigeria Police got its first female Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) and second- in-command to the Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Ringim. The new second-in-command to the IGP, Mrs Ivy Okoronkwo, was among the seven new DIGs promoted by the Police Service Commission. Okoronkwo, who was until her promotion to the rank of DIG, was also the first female commissioner of police to command a state command in Ekiti State. Speaking while decorating the new DIGs, the Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, charged them to take their respective places on the police management team, which is the in house highest policy making organ seriously.

Woman Arraigned for Arranging Robbery on Ex-Husband

A middle-aged woman of Maiduguri, Halima Bukar, Wednesday, appeared before a Maiduguri High Court for allegedly conspiring with three others to rob her ex-husband, Malam Mohammed Jibril. Halima, alongside Abba Bukar, Luka Sule and Bashir Musa (now at large), armed with dangerous weapons, allegedly robbed Jibril of valuable items and cash. According to the police, the accused are being tried on two-count charge of conspiracy and robbery. The first accused in her confessional statement agreed to have planned the robbery attack against her ex-husband for divorcing her. When the charges were read, however, all the suspects pleaded not guilty.

Jonathan, Babangida Trade Words over Abuja Bomb Blast

The Independence Day bomb blast in Abuja that claimed at least 12 lives has become the subject of a row between President Goodluck Jonathan’s camp and former military president Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s. Gen. Babangida said it was wrong of Jonathan to have absolved MEND of complicity in the explosions as he demanded an inquiry into the explosions. But the Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation said Babangida was playing politics with the blood of innocent Nigerians. A MEND statement signed by Jomo Gbomo - the pseudonym used by the group to claim previous attacks on Nigeria’s oil industry - was emailed to the media, warning that the Eagle Square, venue of the celebrations, area should be evacuated an hour before the Abuja bombs went off.

Jonathan Appoints Azazi as National Security Adviser

Former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Andrew Owoye Azazi has been named National Security Adviser. His appointment came barely 72 hours after President Goodluck Jonathan hinted of changes in security structure, following the October 1 explosions in which 12 people were killed. Gen. Azazi (rtd) was an intelligence officer in his military days.  Presidential spokesman, Ima Niboro, on Monday said Azazi takes over from Col. Kayode Are (rtd), who held the forte in acting capacity following the resignation of the immediate past NSA, Gen. Aliyu Gusau, who is contesting for presidency in next year’s election. Gen.Azazi was commissioned into the army as an intelligence officer and rose to the Director of Military Intelligence (DMI).

SSS Interrogates Dokpesi over Abuja Bomb Blast

The IBB campaign group suffered a major setback on Monday as men of the State Security Services (SSS) arrested its Director-General and Chairman of Daar Communications, High Chief Aleogho Raymond Dopkesi. His detention is believed to be in connection with the twin bomb blast that almost marred Nigeria’s Golden Jubilee independence celebrations in Abuja Friday. Dokpesi was invited for interrogation following a Short Message Service (SMS) allegedly sent to the phone of one of the suspects in police custody, asking “if Dokpesi has paid the balance,” and another SMS “inviting another suspect to a meeting at the IBB campaign office.”

FG to Create 1m Jobs in Six Months

The Federal Government is set to generate one million jobs in six months, just as it approved N10.2 billion ($6.8 million) for disbursement to 30 participating states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the terms and conditions offered by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to the Federal Government. The approval to disburse was sequel to a memo presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) by the Minister of Finance, Dr. Olusegun Aganga. Meanwhile, Council has approved the memo presented by the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Mr Chukwuemeka Worgu, for the adoption of the National Action Plan on Employment Creation as a strategic working document to be incorporated into national development plans.

INTERNATIONAL

Envoy Insists Pakistan will Tackle Terrorists

Gunmen in Pakistan opened fire on oil trucks bound for NATO forces in Afghanistan, setting some 20 vehicles on fire and killing three, police said on Monday. The attack came shortly after Pakistan's ambassador to the United States vowed his country would go after terrorists on its soil. The police said five people were wounded in the attack. Bin Yamin, a deputy police chief, said eight gunmen entered the area on Monday and told the people near the trucks to run away and that most did. Then they opened fire. The tankers were parked in the vicinity of an oil refinery where they were going to go to pick up fuel for NATO forces in Afghanistan. Pakistan halted the convoys after officials blamed cross-border NATO fire for the deaths of three Pakistani soldiers.

Installation Complete to Rescue Trapped Miners

Rescue workers have completed the installation of steel tubing to reinforce the path that will be used to bring 33 trapped miners to the surface. The work was the final step before the extraction of the miners can begin, Mining Minister Laurence Golborne said Sunday. If all goes according to plan, the first of the miners could be pulled from the mine by Wednesday, he said. But the health and safety of the miners remained the top priority, he added.

Officials Hope to Rescue Miners by Weekend

Engineers drilling to reach 33 trapped miners in Chile say the men might be rescued as early as this weekend. The head of one of the drilling operations, Pedro Buttazzoni, said his drill had only 160m (524ft) further to go to reach the men. However, the man overseeing the entire operation has been more cautious about the timetable for their rescue. The miners have now been trapped underground for two months, longer than any previous group. Mr Buttazzoni said his team expected to break through to the miners in 3-4 days. The men were trapped by a rock fall at the mine near Copiapo on 5 August. Rescuers had almost given up the search when they located the miners 17 days later.

Nine Arrested in France’ Anti-Terror Raids

Police in France have arrested nine people and seized guns and ammunition in anti-terrorism raids, officials say. The arrests were made in the cities of Marseille and Avignon, according to reports. The raids come as security sources in some Western countries warn of a plot to attack public targets in Europe. However, police have not said if there is a link between the latest arrests and the warnings. In a separate operation, French police also arrested three men after finding their numbers in the mobile phone of a man arrested in Italy at the weekend, the agency said. The man arrested in Naples was allegedly carrying a bomb-making kit. Officials said that the two sets of arrests were not linked. Details of an alleged al-Qaeda plot against European targets first emerged in the US media and were later confirmed by European security sources.

N/Korea's Nuclear Threat is Dangerous –South Korea

The threat posed by North Korea's nuclear program has reached an "extremely dangerous level," an adviser to South Korea's president said in comments published Wednesday. It was not clear whether the comments by Kim Tae-hyo, President Lee Myung-bak's deputy national security adviser, were based on new, recent intelligence. They followed a report last week by the Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security that satellite images from Sept. 29 showed new construction activity in the area surrounding North Korea's nuclear reactor. North Korea, which has active nuclear and missile programs, conducted underground atomic tests in 2006 and 2009, drawing tough international sanctions in response.

Taliban, Afghan Govt in Secret Talks to End War

Secret talks aimed at ending the war in Afghanistan have begun between representatives of the Taliban and the government of Afghan President Hamid Karzai. It is believed for the first time that Taliban representatives are fully authorized to speak for the Quetta Shura, the Afghan Taliban organization based in Pakistan, and its leader, Mohammad Omar. Omar's representatives have shunned negotiations in the past, insisting that all foreign troops withdraw first. However, it was reported that its sources said the Quetta Shura has begun to talk about a comprehensive agreement that would include participation of some Taliban figures in the government and the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops.

Oil Rises Above $83

Oil prices rose above $83 a barrel on Wednesday in Asia amid rising global stock markets and a weakening U.S. dollar. Benchmark oil for November delivery was up 30 cents to $83.12 a barrel at late afternoon Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Oil prices broke out of a year-long $70 to $80 trading range last week as global stocks rallied and the U.S. dollar fell. Most Asian and European stock markets rose Wednesday while the euro gained to $1.3856 from $1.3832 on Tuesday. The dollar fell to 83.04 yen from 83.25 yen.

China, US Defense Chiefs to Resume Military Ties

China and the United States will resume high-level defense talks next week, signaling a warming of relations since Beijing broke off military ties early this year. Chinese Defense Minister General Liang Guanglie and U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates will talk in Hanoi, Vietnam, while they attend a security forum of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Beijing broke off military contacts early this year to protest the U.S. sale of arms to Taiwan, which China regards as a breakaway province. Gates also is expected to further defense discussions by visiting China.

Police Planned Killing Ecuador's President –Recordings Show

Rogue national police who held Ecuador's president captive for 11 hours last week talked about killing him, according to an audio recording. President Rafael Correa has called the last week’s police uprising an attempted coup, a characterization supported Wednesday by Jose Miguel Insulza, the secretary general of the Organization of American States. Police had taken to the streets to protest government austerity measures they said would limit bonuses and compensation. Correa had gone to meet with some of the protesters but was surrounded by a heckling crowd that jostled him and hurled insults. Someone then fired a tear gas canister at Correa and a man was seen on video punching the president and trying to yank his gas mask off. Correa was led away and taken to a hospital, where he was held until the military liberated him hours later.

500 Teachers Dismissed for Impregnating Pupils

More than 500 teachers in Kenya have been dismissed after being implicated with impregnating girls in primary schools, the country’s Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has said. The revelation by the TSC Chairman Ibrahim Hussein, on Wednesday, also puts teachers on notice that besides losing their jobs they will also face criminal proceedings in courts after the Commission moved to involve the police. Last year, Mr Hussein said 600 teachers had their names struck from the TSC register for impregnating their pupils. But the chairman took issue with some parents, who have been a stumbling block in the disciplining of errant teachers by opting to settle such cases outside courts. Mr Hussein, however, called on parents to ensure that the affected girls are allowed to go back to school so that their education is not curtailed.

Pakistani Deaths Could Have Been Averted –Panel

A top U.S. diplomat apologized to Pakistan after a panel determined that better communication could have averted the deaths of two Pakistani border guards, who were victims of a coalition helicopter attack last week. Anne W. Patterson, the U.S. ambassador to Pakistan, apologized to Pakistan on behalf on the American people "for the terrible accident." She promised that the United States "will coordinate" with Pakistan to prevent such incidents. The incident spurred a major headache for the coalition, Pakistan's closure of the main land route for NATO supplies heading from Pakistan to Afghanistan. ISAF said two border forces were killed and four others were wounded, penultimate Thursday. Pakistani military sources initially said three died and stood by that number again on Wednesday. The incident began when ISAF troops saw what it believed was a group of insurgents attempting to fire mortars at a coalition.

Japan Joins US, British Warning on Europe Terror Threat

Japan issued a travel alert for Europe on Monday, joining the United States and Britain in warning of a possible terrorist attack by al-Qaeda or other groups. The Foreign Ministry in Tokyo urged Japanese citizens to be cautious when using public transport or visiting popular tourist sites. European authorities in Britain, France and Germany tightened efforts to keep the public safe after warnings by officials that the terrorism threat is high and extra vigilance is warranted. But European authorities were struggling to get hold of the message about the threat and the counterterrorism efforts they are leading. Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said Germany has no concrete evidence of an imminent attack and that security forces are vigilant due to an ongoing "high abstract danger" of the terror threat.

Insurgents Attack British Embassy, Oil Company in Yemen

Two separate attacks on foreign interests in Yemen Wednesday left one French national dead and several others wounded, officials said. The first attack happened on a vehicle east of the capital carrying five British Embassy staff. One person inside the vehicle was hurt along with at least two people outside the car, the British Foreign Office said. The second attack took place at the Sanaa office of the Austrian oil and gas company OMV, when a security guard opened fire. A French citizen, who worked for the company was shot and killed. Eyewitnesses and security officials at the scene said they believed it was a rocket attack on the embassy vehicle. The incident is under investigation, Gen. Yahya Saleh, director of Yemen's Counterterrorist Unit, said. The gunman was apprehended and police were investigating, the company said.

5 Germans Killed in Drone Strike

Pakistani intelligence officials confirmed Tuesday that five German nationals were killed in a drone strike in northwest Pakistan a day earlier. The Germans were among 11 suspected militants killed Monday. Three others were foreigners whose nationalities were not disclosed. The rest were Pakistanis. There were no immediate comments from Germany. The strike happened in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan, the officials said. Missiles struck a building that held the eight, who are believed to have been members of the group Jihad al Islami, the officials said. The strike comes after the US issued a warning that terror attacks were being plotted against Europe. European intelligence officials said Monday that a group of jihadists from Germany were at the heart of the plots.

UN Releases Human Rights Report on Congo

The United Nations issued a report on Friday detailing human rights violations such as killings and rapes over a 10-year period in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The draft report documents crimes against humanity throughout the Congo between 1993 and 2003. "Tens of thousands of people were killed, and numerous others were raped, mutilated or otherwise victimized during the decade," the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights said. The report, which had been previously leaked, accuses Rwandan forces of committing atrocities. It notes the involvement of at least 21 armed Congolese groups in serious human rights violations and the military operations of eight other states inside Congo. The report is designed to find ways "to deal with the legacy of these violations.

Asian Floods: Death Top Hits 100

Helicopters dropped food to isolated villages and security forces helped search for survivors as the number of people killed by floods and landslides across Asia climbed Wednesday to more than 100. Three-quarters of the deaths were in eastern Indonesia, where days of torrential downpours caused tons of mud and debris to crash into hillside villages, damaging hundreds of homes. In central Vietnam, where at least 26 died, helicopters helped deliver food and water to people in villages cut off by high water. Dortheis Sawaki, heading local relief operations, said 75 bodies had been pulled from the mud and the wreckage of crumpled homes, but dozens more were still missing. Another 90 people were hospitalized, many with broken bones.

25 NATO Fuel Tankers Attacked in Pakistan

Gunmen torched more than two dozen tankers carrying fuel to NATO troops and killed a driver Wednesday, the sixth attack on convoys taking supplies to Afghanistan since Pakistan closed a key border crossing almost a week ago. Pakistan shut down the Torkham crossing along the fabled Khyber Pass last Thursday after a NATO helicopter attack in the border area killed three Pakistani troops. The closure has left hundreds of trucks stranded alongside the country's highways and bottlenecked traffic heading to the one route into Afghanistan from the south that has remained open. In Washington, Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said an investigation of the helicopter attack was expected to be concluded soon. The U.S. has supply routes through other countries into Afghanistan, and Morrell emphasized that the Torkham closing had not caused fuel problems for NATO troops.

5 Afghan Children Killed in Kandahar Blasts

President Hamid Karzai condemned the "enemies of Afghanistan" on Wednesday after a series of roadside bombs in southern Kandahar city killed nine people, including five children. Bombs targeting a police vehicle ripped through an intersection Tuesday night, the Interior Ministry said, killing nine and injuring 30, including many police officers. The attack occurred a day after four officers died in coordinated bombings also aimed at police. Control of Kandahar, the Taliban movement's birthplace, is seen as key to reversing Taliban momentum in the war. Afghan and NATO forces are engaged in a major operation to improve security in and around Kandahar to keep insurgents from staging attacks inside the city. However, Taliban militants are fighting hard against U.S. and Afghan forces as they push into areas long held by insurgents.