Weekly Security Report Weekly Report week14 week14
PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS
JTF Defends Presence in N’Delta
The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) has defended its continued presence in the Niger Delta region, in reaction to recent comments by a Niger Delta activist, Mr Tony Uranta that peace can only return to the region if the security outfit returns to the barracks. The spokesman of JTF, Lt. Col Timothy Antigha said Uranta’s argument that JTF should be pulled out of the Niger Delta failed to take cognizance that “some renegade militants admitted publicly that several thousands of assault rifles, anti-aircraft guns and rocket propelled grenade launchers and other military grade weapons were not submitted to the amnesty committee”. Antigha pointed out that the security outfit was an instrument of peace in the region which had been severally commended by the people.
Bayelsa Monarch Abducted in Rivers
The Ibenanaowei of Ogboin Clan in the Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State, HRH Owei Dele-Ere, was penultimate Sunday, kidnapped by unknown gunmen around the Rumuji area of Rivers State. The gunmen were said to have been trailing him in their black jeep and after overtaking his car started firing shots into the air, causing a stampede in the area. The residents and other road users fled the area, while they made away with their victim. It is not clear if they have contacted his family for a ransom.
Gunmen Abduct Provost in Enugu
The provost of the Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu, in Isi-uzo LGA of Enugu State, Professor Ben Mba, was on Tuesday, abducted by unknown gunmen. The abductors, who were over six in number, reportedly shot the police orderly and the driver of the provost before their victim was whisked away with his official vehicle, while three of the suspected kidnappers followed in a white Toyota bus. The abductors were, however, not so lucky, as Isi-Uzo policemen at Ikem laid ambush and shot the Toyota bus, while the vehicle carrying the provost escaped. Police Public relations Officer (PPRO), Ebere Amarizu, confirmed the incident, saying that over 192 calibres of different ammunition were recovered from the kidnappers’ bus, promising to make further arrests and rescue the provost.
13-Year-Old Commits Suicide in Enugu
A 13-year-old girl, Chinenyerem Okonkwo, on Tuesday, allegedly committed suicide at her relative’s apartment in Enugu State. Okonkwo was living with her relative, Mrs Lovett Ejiofor, before her mysterious death. A neighbour urged the police to investigate the death of Chinenyerem thoroughly and wondered how a 13-year old-girl would commit suicide. The Police Public Relations Officer of the Enugu State command, Mr Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the alleged suicide.
Aggrieved Ex-Militants Lament Non-Inclusion in Amnesty Programme
Aggrieved ex-militants in the Niger Delta are preparing for a show- down with the Federal Government over their non-inclusion in the FG amnesty programme. The coordinator of the programme, Mr. Kingsley Kuku had recently declared that the Federal Government had shut the door on amnesty. Some of the affected ex-militants from Bayelsa said it was hard for them to believe Kuku’s statement after they had surrendered their arms to the Joint Military Task (JTF). Members of aggrieved group led by its Chairman, Julius Joseph, frowned at what it described as the deceitful nature of the FG by accepting their arms and refusing to include them in the amnesty programme.
Gunmen Kill Govt House Director in Uyo
Unidentified gunmen, on Wednesday in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State, shot and killed a Director of Administration in the office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Bassey Udo Ema, along Ikot-Ekpene-Ikpa road. This followed a similar incidence that occurred along Oron road where a personal assistant to a member of the state House of Assembly was shot and killed by unidentified gunmen. Ema was shot in his official Toyota car but his driver was, however, spared. Efforts to reach the driver on phone proved abortive. The state Commissioner of Police Mr. Felix Uyanna, who confirmed the incidence on phone, said details of Ema’s death were still sketchy.
Firm Donates Patrol Vehicles to Anambra Police
A Lagos-based company, Kunech International Limited, on Tuesday, donated seven patrol vans equipped with communication gadgets to the Anambra state police command. The chairman and chief executive officer of the company, Chief Ugochukwu Nsofor, said the move was his company’s response to an appeal by the police for support. He added that it was the duty of every Nigerian citizen to join hands with the police to fight crime. The state Commissioner of Police, Muhtari Ibrahim, thanked Kunech for the gesture and pointed out that the police cannot succeed without the active support of from the community. The commissioner also said the police direly needed information on suspicious movements and criminal hideouts.
20 Arrested over Onitsha Clash
The police in Onitsha have arrested 20 people in connection with a recent clash by members of a traders’ union. Irate youths had at the weekend invaded the glass market located at Nwokedi/Sanniez/Okwei Streets in Onitsha, and allegedly smashed glasses and car windscreens worth over N15 million. The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Emeka Chukwuemeka, who confirmed the arrests, however, said he was yet to be briefed on the number of people arrested. Chukwuemeka disclosed that Biafran currencies and identity cards belonging to some members of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra were recovered from the suspects. But MASSOB’s Deputy National Director of Information, Mr. Chris Mocha, said his members were not involved in the clash.
Judge Warns Naval Officer over Threat to Life of Plaintiff
A Federal High Court in Calabar has cautioned Navy Captain Ibrahim Chomoko of the Eastern Naval Command for allegedly threatening the lives of Mr. Joe Etene and his lawyer, Mr. Wodah Ogar, over the case instituted by Etene against the Navy. Etene had dragged the Navy to court seeking redress as he alleged that he was assaulted and beaten to a state of coma by some naval ratings. Justice Ademola granted the pleas of Etene and awarded the sum of N150m as damages against the Navy. However, not satisfied with the judgment, the Navy took the matter to the Court of Appeal. Etene’s Lawyer alleged that Chomoko, after the sitting at the Appeal Court on June 28, 2011, threatened to beat up his client.
BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS
Mob Sets Suspected Robbers Ablaze in Warri
Two suspected armed robbers were on Friday set ablaze by an irate mob after an alleged failed attempt to rob a man in Warri, Delta state. Eye witnesses said the two men had trailed a man returning from a bank and pounced on him in an attempt to dispossess him of the cash he just withdrew. The scuffle apparently drew the attention of a bystander who immediately alerted others, resulting in a gathering of neighbours who apprehended the suspected robbers and subsequently beat them into coma before setting them ablaze. Police Public Relations Officer, Charles Morka, who confirmed the incident, explained that the command was not happy about the resort to jungle justice. He urged the residents to allow the law to take its course anytime a suspect is arrested.
Robbers Kill 2 in Attack on Police Station
At least two policemen were recently killed and several others wounded when a gang of armed robbers launched an attack on the police station at Kwale, Delta State. Details of the attack were still sketchy but security has been beefed up at the station. Apart from the killing of the policemen, some unspecified number rifles and ammunition were carted away by the hoodlums. Also commercial banks in the town have remained closed to their customers for fear of being attacked again.
NDLEA Arrests 82 Suspects in Edo
The Edo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr Fred Ezeorah said in Benin on Monday that that some 17,869kg of cannabis sativa, ten vehicles of various brands and two motorcycles used in drug peddling in the state have been seized by his command in the last six months. The agency also disclosed that it arrested 82 suspects and secured the conviction of 21 persons to various terms of imprisonment. Ezeorah said that efforts were being made to ensure that drug peddlers had no hiding place in the state.
12 Injured in Delta Youth Clash
Twelve persons, on Tuesday, sustained varying degrees of injuries as two opposing youth groups clashed at Jeremi in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State, over alleged marginalisation of Otughievwen clan by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). It was gathered that a group comprising youths and women had gathered at the Utorogun gas plant operated by SPDC to protest alleged marginalisation when suddenly another youth group emerged and descended on those protesting. It was learnt that the pro and anti-protesters engaged in a free for all fight which led to the destruction of the temporary office of Uvwieughievwen National Development Council.
EDSG Proposes Death Penalty for Kidnappers
Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has proposed a Bill to the House of Assembly seeking death penalty for convicted kidnappers to the menace of the crime in the state. The state governor, disclosed this on Tuesday, noted that the offence of kidnapping is as serious as that of armed robbery because the instruments of armed robbery are present in every act of kidnapping.
LAGOS AND ENVIRONS
Police Arrest Four NURTW Members in Oyo
Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of four wanted members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), in the state. According to the State Commissioner of Police, Baba Adisa Bolanta, the four union members were arrested at the Iwo road interchange where the last bloody clash that led to the death of scores of people took place. Bolanta was optimistic that they would give useful information that would lead to the arrest of their leader, Auxiliary. He vowed that he would make sure that the two union leaders believed to have been involved in the orgy of violence in the state were arrested.
Anti-Bomb Squad Screen Muslim Worshippers in Lagos
Motorists heading for the Nasrullahi-l-Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) camp on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, last week Sunday, were subjected to screening by men from the anti-bomb squad of the Nigeria Police. The anti-bomb experts were joined by a number of regular policemen to beef up security at the monthly prayer session of the Muslim organisation. It was learnt that some faithful at the prayer ground were caught unawares by the development, as the anti-ballistic experts frisked all vehicles moving in and out of the camp at two different points. The development was in connection with a bomb blast at the police headquarters in Abuja, recently.
200 Killed in Oyo NURTW Violence -Report
A faction of the proscribed Oyo State Council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, led by Alhaji Lateef Akinsola (a.k.a Tokyo), has disclosed that the leadership crisis rocking the union has so far claimed over 200 innocent lives. The faction made its position known in a memorandum it submitted to the judicial commission of enquiry set up by Governor Abiola Ajimobi to probe the protracted crisis. The faction’s secretary, Alhaji Lekan Aleshinloye, said the faction compiled evidence that showed that the killings and destruction of property associated with the violence unleashed by members of the union were not merely an intra-union conflict. He alleged that the immediate past state government had more than a passing interest in the crisis.
Policemen Accused of Killing Man in Custody
A middle aged man identified as Baba Wasiu was allegedly tortured to death by some policemen in Lagelu LGA of Oyo State. Baba Wasiu was reportedly arrested at his residence in Ibadan, last week Sunday, by policemen but he later slumped and died in custody. A witness alleged that the deceased was tortured to death by the policemen. The Deputy Police Public Relations Officer (DPPRO), Femi Okanlawon, denied that the deceased was tortured to death. He added that the police command is investigating the circumstances that led to the death of the middle-aged man immediately he was released from police station.
2 Corps Members, 3 Others in Ogun Robbery Attacks
Robbers, on Wednesday, attacked a bank in Ewekoro LGA of Ogun State, killing two members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The robbers further attacked a petrol station in and allegedly killed three persons. The robbers were said to have shot sporadically into the air, leaving several people to scamper for safety, while some others were injured in the process. The bandits allegedly held members of staff and customers hostage for several minutes and later carted away millions of naira from the bank. It was learnt that one of the deceased corps members was working at the bank, while the other came on a visit.
Ogun Governor Plans Security Fund
Worried by the rising wave of insecurity in Ogun State, the state Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, on Thursday disclosed plans to set up a security trust fund to complement the activities of security operatives in the state. The trust fund, according him, will provide facilities and enhanced remuneration for security operatives. Amosun explained that stakeholders in business and public concerns would be expected to voluntarily contribute to the fund. The governor, who lamented that the rate of insecurity in the state had reached an alarming rate, warned that his administration would not condone any act of criminality in the state.
Police Arrest Man for Stabbing Wife to Death
The police have arrested a man, Akolade Arowolo, suspected to have killed his banker wife, Titilayo, penultimate Friday. Akolade was arrested last weekend at their residence in Lagos. Akolade allegedly stabbed his banker wife to death, due to his frustration of being jobless. Titilayo’s friend had revealed how Titilayo severally complained about her strained marriage since her husband lost his job.
GENERAL
COAS Warns Nigerians to Beware as Gift Items May be Parcel Bombs
Against the backdrop of bomb explosions in the country by Boko Haram members, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Azubuike Ihejirika, has warned Nigerians to beware of gift items they receive during special or auspicious occasions as this could be avenues for terrorists to perpetrate their dastardly acts. Ihejirika explained that there were so many types of bomb or explosives that Nigerians were not aware of, which they should be cautious about. They include liquid bombs, several which can be put on gift items, parcel bombs and others. He warned that Nigerians should not only be vigilant, they should ask questions when someone no matter how close is sending them on errands, as some people can innocently become couriers of explosive materials for terrorists without knowing.
Alcohol, Drugs Killed 2.5m Users in 2010 -Report
A consultant in the Department of Psychiatry, University Teaching Hospital (UTC), Ado Ekiti, Dr L.O. Oluwole, has said that about 2.5 million people died of alcohol and other dangerous drugs out of 190 million estimated consumers of the dangerous drugs last year. He gave the indication Wednesday in Ado Ekiti while delivering a lecture to commemorate the 2011 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. He said drug abuse accounted for over 3.8 percent of the death being recorded across the globe yearly. Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) of the hospital, Dr Deji Ajayi, expressed fear that unless the trend is curbed in earnest, the gradual depletion of the Nigerian workforce is imminent, especially among the active population.
Lightning Kills 12 in Gombe
Twelve farmers were killed and nine others critically injured when thunder struck in Gelengu village in Balanga LGA of Gombe State during a heavy downpour on Tuesday. Malam Umar Ahmed, Nigeria Red Cross Disaster Coordinator in charge of Gelengu, said that the victims were on their farms when the rain started, adding that the rains started with a heavy storm, the victims scampered for shelter when the thunder struck. He said that some of the victims died in the process while others sustained injuries. The Red Cross official added that the injured were receiving medical attention at the Primary Health Care Centre.
Party Chieftain Advises FG on Closure of Illegal Refineries
The Federal Government has been advised to take a second look at the closure of illegal refineries with a view to giving the operators the licence to fast-track local processing of crude oil. A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State, Mr Monday Osaigbovo, who gave the advice in Asaba, on Wednesday, said the illegal refineries, when given approval by the Federal Government, would create jobs for the teaming population, especially in the Niger Delta region where such outfits were located.
Police Arrest Four Suspected Robbers in Makurdi
Police in Makurdi have arrested four robbery suspects who had engaged in inter-state robbery. The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Alaribe Ejike, said the suspects were arrested in Gboko. He noted that they had admitted committing the crime across state borders. The police spokesman said items recovered from them included one Kalashnikov riffle; one live .9mm ammunition; one expended 7.62 ammunition; five locally made pistols; one English made pistol; 10 live cartridges; three expended cartridges; five knives; three handsets, as well as charms. Ejike said that investigation was still in progress and assured the public that the command was combat ready to protect life and property of the people of the state.
Senate Summons Security Chiefs
The Senate on Tuesday expressed worries over the June 16 bomb blast at the Police Headquarters in Abuja and resolved to summon the nation’s security chiefs to get details of the remote and immediate causes of the dastardly act. This followed the passage of a motion sponsored by Senator Eta Enang. Enang urged his colleagues to condemn in its entirety the bomb blast and others that have led to the death of scores of people across the country. He also urged the Senate to commiserate with the families of the victims of the bomb blast. Enang further urged the Senate to raise an investigative committee to unravel the root cause of the terror act.
UK Agents Reveal Al-Qaeda Plans to Operate from Nigeria
British spy chiefs said at the weekend that they had uncovered a plot by Al-Qaeda to make Nigeria their headquarters from where they could carry out attacks on Europe. It was reported that Prime Minister David Cameron had been alerted by the spy chiefs on the determination by the terrorist group to make Nigeria a base for plotting terror attacks on the West.
NLC, TUC Issue 14-Day Ultimatum over Minimum Wage
Leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), on Thursday, handed down a 14-day ultimatum to governments and private sector employers to implement the N18000 new minimum wage or face nationwide strike. The leaders of both bodies decried the reluctance and attempt at reneging on the minimum wage agreed by stakeholders and signed into law by President Goodluck Jonathan. Speaking on behalf of the unions, President of NLC, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, said labour would not succumb to the blackmail of the masses to accept an increase in fuel prices, saying: “Any attempt to increase the prices of petrol in the guise of deregulation will be resisted.
Army Fixes 80 Armoured Tanks for Security Operations
The Nigerian Army has refurbished 80 abandoned armoured tanks in various state of disrepair in readiness for its security operations of maintaining law and order in synergy with other security agencies. The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Azubuike Ihejirika, who disclosed this, said the army deployed troops to tackle ethno-religious crises, cross border banditry, kidnapping, illegal oil bunkering, criminal militancy and in recent times, the Boko Haram. The army chief assured Nigerians that the Nigerian Army would utilise a more robust and integrated military approach to finding a lasting solution to the Boko Haram menace.
ICPC Reiterates Determination to Fight Corruption
The Acting Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), Rosemary Abang-Wushishi has restated the commission’s determination to eliminate corruption in the nation’s public institutions. She noted that providing efficient and quality service to Nigerians would be elusive should the environment be contaminated by the scourge of corruption, “as has become the lot of many public institutions in the country today.” She said corruption has left in its trail, the despoliation of much cherished personal and moral values, as well as national assets which are now very difficult to replace.
Several Killed in Borno Attacks
At least 10 people were killed at the weekend Borno state in a series of attacks attributed to a radical Muslim sect, Boko Haram. An explosion near police barracks in Maiduguri killed at least five people and wounded 10 on Sunday evening. He also said three gunmen from the Boko Haram sect shot and killed four people in Maiduguri late on Saturday. Nwaogbo said a fifth person was shot dead Sunday. Also, members of the fundamentalist group, Boko Haram, were on the prowl at the weekend as they killed two brothers and another person in Maiduguri, Borno State, during an alleged house-to-house search for non-Muslims.
Army Patrols Abuja
Soldiers from the Army Headquarters have been drafted to all the entry points into the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to curtail Boko Haram members, who have threatened to unleash terror there. This is coming the authorities of the Nigerian Army are met to discuss ways of curbing the menace of the religious group and the current security situation in the country. Similarly, stiffer security measures are in place in all Army, Navy and Air Force barracks across the country as well as the Defence and Services Headquarters in Abuja, to forestall a recurrence of the bomb blast in some military barracks. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-General Azubuike Ihejirika, promised to unfold new strategies that would effectively end the growing security threats posed by the sect.
Cholera Kills 10 in Plateau
A cholera outbreak has killed 10 people in Plateau State over the past two weeks, according to Jacob Wongdem, the Permanent Secretary in the Plateau State Ministry of Health. He added that 370 people had also been infected by the disease, reported in Jos South, Jos North, Mangu, Shendam, Barkin Ladi and Pankshin LGAs. He attributed the outbreak to poor sanitary conditions and the consumption of contaminated fruits and unwashed vegetables. About 1,555 people died of cholera in Nigeria last year, according to the UN Children's Fund. Water and food contamination as well as poor sanitation were the likely causes of the outbreak, he said.
Court Grants Bail to Boko Haram Suspect’s Wife, Brother
A Magistrate Court in Bauchi State has granted bail to the wife of a Boko Haram suspect’s wife, Sa’adatu Nasiru Abubakar and the elder brother of the suspect, Haruna Garba, who were charged with treason. The presiding judge, Mr. Mohammed Mukhtar Abubakar, said that the charges on the police First Information Report (FIR) were linked to the principal suspect now at large not the present accused persons. The presiding judge said the charges upon the present accused were possession of prohibited fire arms, conspiracy to screen offender. All the three charges, if proved, would earn the accused 15 years imprisonment. The court at its discretion considered that bail was a fundamental right of the accused based on these charges.
1 Killed, Several Injured as Building Collapses in Nassarawa
One person was killed on Wednesday as a three storey building collapsed along the Abuja Keffi road in Mararaba, Karu LGA of Nassarawa State. An eye witness said one person died while several others were injured in the incident. Rescue operation by the combined team of men of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Civil Defence and Security Corps and the Nigerian Red Cross was carried out to rescue those trapped in the building.
NDLEA Destroys Hard Drugs in Kaduna
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Wednesday said it has destroyed about 11, 242 kilogrammes of hard drugs and 26 hectares of marijuana farms in Kaduna and Osun states. The 11, 242kilogrammes of hard drugs (11,178kg of cannabis, 65kg of psychotropic substances and five grammes of cocaine) were burnt in Zaria while the farms were destroyed in Osun state. Speaking in Zaria, the Chairman/Chief Executive of N DLEA, Ahmadu Giade, explained that the exercise was part of the agency’s efforts to control the consumption and importation of illicit drugs.
19 FRSC Officials Face Dismissal for Alleged Corruption
At least 19 officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) will be dismissed for corrupt practices. The Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Osita Chidoka, who disclosed this in Ibadan on Tuesday, said the officials were arrested by the surveillance team during official duty for collecting bribe from motorists and engaging in other misconduct. The FRSC boss said that they were already being tried for the alleged offences. He said the issue of corruption among officials of the FRSC had become paramount and warned that nobody would be spared in the war against corruption.
25 Killed as Boko Haram Attacks Beer Parlours in Maiduguri
Suspected members of radical Islamic group, Boko Haram, attacked beer parlours in Maiduguri, Borno state, killing 25 people and wounding 12 others. The police confirmed the attacks and fingered members of the group as being behind the attacks. According to the police, two men riding motorcycles threw bombs at beer gardens, which are popular nightspots for indigenes of the North-East state. It was gathered that the attacks occurred almost at the same time. Meanwhile, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has promised to continue exploring avenues for dialogue with Boko Haram despite the group’s reluctance to negotiate with the government.
Varsity Protests Posting of its Graduates to North
Authorities of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko in Ondo State have protested the posting of its graduates to states in the North for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). A statement by the Institution’s Public Relations Officer, PRO, Mr. Sola Imoru, said the “institution is still traumatised by the brutal killing of one of its alumni, who was posted to the North. The University notices with dismay, that some of its graduates were still posted to those violence-prone states, including Bauchi, where Adeniji was mercilessly hacked to death, without sufficient guarantee of their safety by the NYSC.
INTERNATIONAL
18 Killed in Attack at Kabul Hotel
Eight suicide bombers and 10 others were killed in an attack on a hotel on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack, officials said. Mohammad Zahir, chief of criminal investigations for Kabul police, said Wednesday morning that casualty figures could rise. The attack came on the eve of a news conference that was scheduled to take place at the hotel Wednesday to discuss the planned transition of security from international to Afghan forces. A spokesman for the Taliban, Zabiullah Mujahid, said in an e-mail that the suicide attackers entered the hotel after killing security guards at the entrance.
Several Injured Egyptians Clash with Police
Police fired tear gas, rubber bullets and pellets early Wednesday to break up a demonstration by relatives of those killed in Egypt's revolution. But despite the efforts of police, demonstrators maintained their positions in Cairo's Tahrir Square. Clashes between protesters and authorities left at least 26 officers injured, according to Alla Mahmoud, a spokesman for the Ministry of Interior. Police used tear gas on demonstrators well into Wednesday morning and fired on several men seen carrying swords and Molotov cocktails on side streets.
AU Panel Adopts Pact on Libya
The Africa Union’s High-Level Ad-hoc Committee on Libya on Wednesday adopted some proposals for a framework agreement on a political solution to the crisis in Libya as contained in the Committee Roadmap, which was adopted by the AU. A statement issued by the Information and Communications Department of the Commission, said the meeting was chaired by President Muhammed Abdelaziz of Mauritania. Meanwhile, the 19th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the AU has called for a more united, caring and integrated Africa.
Rockets Push Back Rebels from South of Tripoli
Libyan rebels who had advanced to within 80 km (50 miles) of Muammar Gaddafi's stronghold in the capital were forced to retreat on Friday after coming under a barrage of rocket fire from government forces. Rebel fighters who had been massing on a ridge near Bir al-Ghanam and preparing for an attack were now pulling back under fire from Russian-made Grad rockets. Libyan state television has reportedly aired videos of civilians killed or injured in NATO attacks since the Western military alliance began its air campaign in the crisis-hit North African nation. This comes as a recent report by the Center for Research on Globalization says the bombs and missiles that the US-led alliance has dropped on several Libyan cities contain depleted uranium.
Abducted French Journalists Return to France
Two French journalists held hostage by the Taliban in Afghanistan for 18 months have arrived in France. Cameraman Stephane Taponier and reporter Herve Ghesquiere were freed in circumstances that remain unclear. They were kidnapped with Afghan colleagues near Kabul in December 2009 while on assignment. Mr Ghesquiere said they were both in good health. The two Frenchmen, who were working for French state television network France-3, had become some of the longest-held Western hostages in Afghanistan.
NATO Kills Senior Haqqani Militant
NATO forces in Afghanistan say they have killed a senior militant they suspect of involvement in the attack on the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul. Ismail Jan died in an airstrike in the eastern province of Paktia on Wednesday, according to reports. He was a leading commander in the Haqqani network, which is linked to the Taliban and al-Qaeda. NATO and Afghan intelligence believe Haqqani members helped mount the hotel attack, which left at least 20 dead. There has so far been no independent confirmation of Ismail Jan's death.
Death Toll Rises in Philippines Floods
The number of people that died from drowning due to a flash flood that swamped some parts of Philippines has risen to 25, while 15 remain missing, a military official said on Wednesday. Major Jacob Obligado, commander of the Army’s 10th Civil Military Operations Battalion, said many of the fatalities are children. Obligado said the flooding has affected about 25,000 families. Deputy Police Spokesperson for Davao region, Gretchin Cinco, said the Davao city government had provided food, clothing and bedding materials to some 20,000 families in various evacuation centres in the city.
Afghanistan Accuses Pakistan of Firing Rockets
Afghanistan's President, Hamid Karzai, has accused Pakistan of firing more than 450 rockets into Afghan territory. Karzai blames Pakistani forces for the attacks which have killed 36 people, including 12 children in the last 3 weeks. Afghan border officials say Pakistani Taliban have moved into the districts. President Karzai said he had raised the rocket attacks with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari at a regional anti-terrorism conference in Teheran on Saturday. The president said he had discussed the attacks with the Afghan NATO commander, Gen David Petraeus and US Ambassador Karl Eikenberry on Sunday. Meanwhile, an Afghan defence ministry spokesman warned that Afghanistan would retaliate if attacked.
Rebels Close-in on Gaddafi’s Stronghold
Fighting between forces loyal to Moammar Gaddafi and the opposition raged Monday just 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of Tripoli in a see-saw battle that has brought the rebels to the doorstep of the Libyan leader's stronghold. The fighting came the same day that judges at the International Criminal Court were to decide whether to issue warrants for the arrest of Gaddafi, marking the first time the judicial body has taken action while a conflict was ongoing. ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo has said he has evidence linking Gaddafi, his son Saif al-Islam and brother-in-law Abdullah al-Sanussi to crimes against humanity in their attempt to put down a months-long revolt.
UK Military Trainers Withdrawn from Pakistan
British military trainers working with security forces in Pakistan have been withdrawn at the request of the Pakistan government. The trainers, believed to number about 20, were working with Pakistan's frontier constabulary - a paramilitary force on the front line of the fight against the Taliban and al-Qaeda. The Ministry of Defence said it was due to "security concerns". But it added that the withdrawal was temporary. The United States has already had to bring home more than 100 military trainers.
Soldiers, Police Killed by Armed Gangs –Syrian Military
Syria's military spokesman says more than 400 members of security forces have been killed in the months-long unrest that has taken hold in the country. Maj. Gen. Riad Haddad said that 1,300 security personnel also were wounded, and that 300 soldiers, 60 security officials and 50 police died in the violence. He also has said 700 people, whom he described as terrorists, and their families had fled Syrian authorities for Turkey. Haddad offered no details about the killings of the security forces other than to blame the deaths on armed gangs. President Bashar al-Assad has faced growing criticism the international community over his government's violent clampdown on demonstrators.
France Provides Weapons to Libyan Rebels
France has confirmed it dropped arms to Berber tribal fighters in the mountains south-west of the capital, Tripoli in an effort to help them push on to Muammar Gaddafi’s forces. Also, Libyan rebels have captured a major complex of underground weapons bunkers from Gaddafi’s forces in the west of the country. Rebels said they had cleared remaining guards from the arms dump, located just south of Zintan, after NATO forces attacked the area. They have also received the first $100 million from a fund set up by international donors, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said. The National Transitional Council (NTC), the rebel leadership, received the money in the past week. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court’s top prosecutor has urged allies of Col. Gaddafi to help arrest him. African Union Commission chief, Jean Ping, says France's decision to air-drop weapons to Libyan rebels is dangerous and puts the whole region at risk.
Sudan, South Sudan Sign Security Agreement
The Government of Sudan and the Government of Southern Sudan on Wednesday signed a border security agreement. A statement on Thursday in Addis Ababa by Mr. Abibo Ngandu, the spokesman of the AU High-Level Implementation Panel said the agreement was facilitated by the Panel chaired by Mr. Thabo Mbeki, former president of South Africa. The Agreement on Border Security and the Joint Security Mechanism is another building block for ensuring stability and unhindered development along the common border between north and south Sudan. The UN has disclosed that at least 1,400 civilians have been killed in South Sudan this year. Kyung-wha Kang, the UN deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that the violence in the fledging country has been caused by internal conflict over “cattle and cattle-rustling.”