Terrorist Activities in Pakistan
Suicide Bombings
At least nine persons were killed and 31 others injured when a suicide bomber detonated his vehicle near a police patrol in a densely populated area of Hangu District on Mar 3. The deaths included three policemen who were targeted. The injured include 12 women and four children. The bomber was carrying some 300 kilograms of explosives in his vehicle and the blast caused 13 houses and shops to collapse. A suicide bomber killed 43 per-sons and injured another 52 others in an attack on a funeral prayer for the wife of a volunteer of Qaumi Lashkar (community tribal militia) in Adezai village on the outskirt of Peshawar, the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on March 9, reports Dawn. Sources said that the suicide bomber blew himself up soon after the prayers had begun. A bomb disposal official said about 8kg explosives and ball bearings had been used in the attack. It was the second suicide attack on the Lashkar, which has been fighting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants since 2008 in the village, about 35 km from Peshawar Cantonment. Peshawar SSP (Operations) Ijaz Khan confirmed that it was a suicide blast, but said it was not clear if the bomber was with the mourners or appeared there later. He said the Lashkar had been supporting law-enforcement agencies for three years in rural areas of Peshawar.
At least 31 army personnel were killed and 40 others injured when a 15 year old boy blew him-self up at the Punjab Regiment Centre in Mardan on Thursday, Feb 10. Western agencies said the Taliban had claimed responsibility for the attack. Acting district police officer Zishan Haider told journalists that the young suicide bomber wearing the uniform of Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Army School and College entered the parade area of the heavily-guarded centre and blew himself up. Eight to nine kilograms of explosives had been used in the attack.
Bomb blasts
A car bomb explosion at a gas station in Faisalabad District on March 8 killed at least 32 persons and injured 125 others, reported Daily Times. The attack took place close to the office of Inter Service Intelligence Agency but the building remained undam-aged. It was reported that explosives were planted in a car parked at the gas station. Meanwhile, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for attack. TTP spokesman, Ahsanullah Ahsan, said target of the blast was an office of the ISI. Ahsan said the blast was revenge for the killing of a militant by the security forces in Faisalabad in 2010. Later, lqbal Town Police arrested some suspected militants in Sherakot area of Lahore District in connection with the Faisalabad blast, reports Dawn.
At least four persons, including a Frontier Corps official, Niamatullah, and an employee of the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL). Javed lqbal, were killed in a remote con-trolled explosion followed by intense firing near Dera Murad Jamali in the Jaffarabad District on March 10, reports Daily Times. 18 persons also sustain injuries. The Baloch Republican Army claimed responsibility for the attack and vowed to continue such attacks in the future as well.
Attacks/Ambushes
Six officials of the Khasadar Force were killed and three others injured when their vehicle was ambushed by militants in Aalam Godar area of Bara tehsil (revenue unit) in Khyber Agency on Mar 3, reports Daily Times. The six personnel killed in the assault were identified as Islam GuI Malik Deen Khel, Mirab Jan Aka Khel, Noor Wali Zaka Khel, Noor Janan Qamar Khel, Abdul Wahid Aka Khel and Shakoor Satoori Khel.
Targetted Killings
The dead body of Dalochistan National Party (BNP) activist, Saeed Ahmed, was found near a seasonal river known as Kohshak Nadi in Khuzdar District on Feb 14. BNP Khuzdar chapter President, Aslam Gernagari, said that Ahmed was abducted some three months ago from Panjgur and since then he was missing. BNP announced a shutter-down strike in Khuzdar and adjoining areas on February 18 to condemn the killing of its party worker.
Unidentified militants on a motorcycle opened indiscriminate fire on a senior politician of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Mir Nawaz Khan, near Rax Cinema in Gilgit on Feb 26, reports Dawn. Mir Nawaz was also a senior advocate of Gilgit-Baltistan and known as an advocate of peace and was widely respected for his balanced and unbiased personality.
An activist of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), identi-fied as Arsalan, was killed by unidentified assailants in Ramzan Kanta area situated at Ghass Mandi under Ran chore lane within the limits of Eidgah Police Station in Karachi on Feb 28. An activist of Dawat-e-lslami (DI), identified as Abdul Razzak, was killed in an incident of target killing in Taiser Town within the lim-its of Surjani Police Station in Karachi on Mar 2, reported Daily Times. Razzak was busy teaching at a seminary in the premises of Faizan Kabeer Mosque at Taiser Town when two armed assailants appeared and opened fire on him killing him on the spot. An employee of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) was shot dead and another injured in an incident of fir-ing in the Panjgur District on March 2.
A Policeman, identified as Saleem Khan, and his friend were shot dead in Orangi Town area of Karachi on Mar 3, reported Dawn.
An activist of Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) was shot dead in an incident of target killing near Jauhar-e-More in Karachi on Mar 3, reports Daily Times.
Pakistan
Pervez Musharraf held accused in former PM Benazir Bhutto murder case
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on February 7 named former President Pervez Musharraf as an accused in an interim criminal charge sheet in Benazir Bhutto assassination case of December 27, 2007, reports Daily Times. The HA also submitted the interim challans of former City Police Officer Saud Aziz and former Rawal Town Superintendent of Police Khurram Shehzad in Anti-Terrorism Court with record of Benazir Bhutto’s mobile phone that was recovered from them a few days ago. It was reported that Musharraf’s name was included in investigation report in the light of what the two Police officials, Aziz and Shehzad, told investigators. The counsel claimed that both the police officials were complying with Musharraf’s orders. Saud Aziz, in his statement, claimed that the order to change security in-charge of Benazir Bhutto was given by Musharraf and the crime scene was washed on his orders soon after the incident.
Three would-be women suicide bombers arrested in FATA
Security Forces arrested three would-be women suicide bombers along with five other people after a raid on a house in Khar tehsil (revenue unit) area of Bajaur Agency in Federally Administered Tribal Areas on February 9, according to Daily Times. Official sources said that the local political administration received information that women suicide bombers were present in a house in Sadiqabad area of Khar to carry out acts of terrorism in the agency. The security forces, accompanied by the political authorities, raided the house and arrested six people, including three women. One of the arrested women bomber, the authorities said, was ready to carry out a bombing.
TTP demands death for US consulate Raymond Davis
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on February 13 demanded that the Government execute Raymond Davis, suspected to be an undercover spy agent, who shot dead two persons on January 27, suspected to be Inter Services Intelligence agents or hand him over to them, reports Daily Times. “We demand that the Pakistani Government hang Raymond Davis or otherwise hand him over to us. We will decide his fate,” TTP spokesman Azam Tariq said. The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) also warned the Government on Feb 15 that it would punish any move to release Raymond Davis.
Pakistan test fires Babar cruise missile
Pakistan successfully test-fired its nuclear-capable Hatf-7, or Babur, cruise missile as “part of a process of validating the system,” a government statement said on Feb 17. The test was witnessed by Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman Gen. Khalid Shamim Wynne, who said the launch would “go a long way in consolidating Pakistan’s strategic deterrence capability and further strengthening national security.” The country’s “resolve and commitment to continue its strategic program will remain paramount.”
The missile reportedly flew approximately 370 miles. Its range is reported to be 470 miles, which, analysts have said, would allow for the missile to be launched deep inside Pakistani territory and reach major cities in neighboring India. The range is politically significant because the missile was developed with an eye to defending Pakistan against India’s indigenously developed BrahMos cruise missiles.
US fears terrorists might provoke India, Pak conflict
US Defence Secretary Robert Gates worries about the future of Pakistan, fearing that terrorist groups might try to provoke a conflict between India and Pakistan to destabilise the country. “I worry a lot about Pakistan. It has huge economic problems… They have a serious internal terrorism threat that is seeking to destabilise Pakistan itself.” he said at a hearing of a Senate committee on Feb 17. “And I worry that some of those terrorists might try and provoke a conflict between Pakistan and India,” Gates said adding, “I think that there’s a lot to be concerned about with Pakistan.” Noting that terrorist sanctuaries still exist in Pakistan, Gates praised Islamabad for moving troops from its border with India.
Govt ready for talks with those who lay down arms: Gilani
Prime Minister Yousaf Gilani on February 25 reiterated the Government’s resolve to continue pursuing a policy of three-Ds (dia-logue, development, deterrence). assuring talks with those Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants who are ready to surrender their arms to local political agents, reports Daily Times. “We are ready to hold talks with them (TTP) and bring them into mainstream society,” the PM said, and clarified that the Government would not enter a dia-logue with those TTP who had been working on foreign agenda. “It should be a priority for all of us to control these two menaces by showing unity,” PM Yousaf Raza Gilani said while speaking in the National Assembly. He urged all the political parties to unite against terrorism which, he said, had adversely affected the country’s economy.
Foreign powers involved in Balochistan situation: Gilani
Prime Minster Gilani on Feb 28 said that there was solid evidence that foreign elements and powers were involved in aggravating the situ-ation in Balochistan, reports Daily Times. Delivering policy statement in the National Assembly on the law and order situation in Balochistan, the PM said, “We have started the process (of compensation for Baloch people) and coming generations will complete it.” He said leaders like Haribyar and Brahamdagh had taken political asylum in Europe and one Allah Nazar was promoting extremism and giving instructions to the miscreants. He said the war in Afghanistan had provided an opportunity to the Baloch youth to get military training in neigh-bouring countries, which was fuelling terrorism in the province.
Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti assassinated in Islamabad
Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs. Shahbaz Bhatti, was assassinated in the limits of the Industrial Area Police Station in Islamabad in Punjab on March 2, reported Daily Times. It was reported that the Federal Police’s squad was missing at the time of the incident. Unidentified militants opened fire on Bhatti and man-aged to escape. However, pamphlets from the Punjab Chapter of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were found from the place of the incident that stated “anyone who criticises the blasphemy law has no right to live-.
98 per cent terrorists released by the judiciary due to lack of evidence
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Minister for Information Mian Iftikhar Hussain on March 7 said that 98 per cent terrorists. arrested after hectic efforts and sacrifices of law enforcement agencies, are released by the judiciary owing to lack of evidence, reports Dawn. He appealed to the courts to award capital punishment to all arrested terrorists as they became more dangerous for society after release. He was addressing the oath taking ceremony of the newly elected office-bearers of Peshawar Press Club in Chief Minister’s House. “The government and law enforcement agencies are fighting militancy in an organised manner but now it is up to judiciary to award exemplary punishment to terrorists arrested during operations,” he minister said. He added that Government increased the number of Police personnel from 40,000 to 80,000 and also provided them with heavy weapons. He said that Government was spending a huge amount on security to protect peple of the province. He also appreciated role of media in the war against terrorism.
SC directs Balochistan Govt to contact spy agencies
The Supreme Court on Tuesday, Mar 8 directed the Balochistan government to contact intelligence agencies regarding the case pertaining to missing persons. The Court further said that the Inter-Services Intelligence and other intelligence agencies were answer-able to the Balochistan government as well as to the courts. During the hearing, Chief Justice lftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry remarked that despite the law and order situation in the province, authorities had failed to apprehend significant number of suspects involved in target killings and kidnappings for ransom. The Chief Justice directed Chief Secretary Balochistan to submit within four weeks a report regarding the local government .elections and the missing lawyers.
Regional
Bangladesh —Internal Dynamics
Bangla Bhai’s aide arrested from Natore District
Police arrested an aide of Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh top leader Siddikul Islam (ala Bangla Bhai) from Sadhanpur in Natore Saddar sub-district of Natore District in the night of February 28, reports Daily Star. The arrestee, Sahadat Hossain was one of the main associates of Bangla Bhai. Bangla Bhai along with JMB ‘supre-mo’ Shaekh Abdur Rahman and four other top militant leaders was executed in 2007 for killing two judges in Jhalakathi.
Four militants killed
Four militants were killed in by the Rapid Action Battalion in Kushtia, Pabna and Bagerhat Districts on February 28 and March 1, reports Daily Star. Two unidentified militants were killed in the Sunderbans near Beki canal under Sharankhola sub district of Bagerhat District in the afternoon of February 28. The RAB personnel conducting a drive in the Sunderbans came across an empty boat in the canal and recovered firearms from it. The militants who were hiding in the forest opened fire on the RAB personnel, prompting them to fire back which triggered a battle. Later, the RAB personnel recovered two bullet-hit dead bodies from the incident site along with three firearms, eight bullets, 12 cartridges, three sharp weapons, and a cell phone from the boat.
Eight Hizb-ut Tawhid cadres arrested from Joypurhat District
Daily Star reports that eight Hizb-ut Tawhid cadres were arrested along with 68 Jihadi (holy war) books, 6,500 leaflets, 85 pieces of posters and 196 compact disks (CDs) in Joypurhat District on March 3. A team of RAB in Joypurhat District raided Khanjonpur village under Saddar Sub-Division and arrested the militants as they gathered for holding a meeting. RAB officials said the arrested cadres were engaged in collecting new members and expanding network in the District.
Counter Terrorism Bureau on cards
The Government of Bangladesh has planned to set up Counter Terrorism Bureau of Police and appoint an Inspector at each Police Station for investigating cases according to the Home Minister Sahara Khatun, reports Daily Star. She further stated that, the Government has also plans to set up gradually tourist Police, marine Police and campus Police.
Bombs recovered Meherpur District
Daily Star reports that, two powerful bombs were recovered from in front of a house at Naowdapara vil-lage in Gangni sub-division of Meherpur District on March 8. According to Police, locals found the bombs wrapped with scotch tape in an abandoned state in front of the house of schoolteacher Murad Ali. A Police Team of nearby Bamondi Camp went to the spot at midnight and recovered the bombs weighing about 4 kilogrammes.
JMB militant arrested along with arms and ammunition from Kushtia District
Daily Star reports, Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) militant, Ashikul Islam Saj;ad of Mollapara village (Kushtia District), was arrested from Bahadurpur village under Bheramara sub-district of Kushtia District on March10. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) recovered arms and ammunition along with organisational books and leaflets from the possession of the arrested militants. Following his confessional statement, RAB members took Sajjad to the remote char area (riverine sand and silt land-masses) of Kazipur sub-district of Sirajganj District and recovered a locally made LG, 10 bullets, 8 live bombs and a few training papers and documents from under the earth at Charburungi.
India — Internal Dynamics
Seven persons injured in bomb blast in Manipur
Kanglaonline reports that seven persons, including two traffic personnel, two non locals and a shop owner were injured on February 27 in a bomb blast in front of a hardware shop at Hatta in Imphal East District. People’s United Liberation Front (PULF) militants were suspected to be behind the blast, considering the domination of the area by Muslims and other extortion cases. The blast was said to have been targeted at a shop owned by one Mohammad Ali Mohammad of Bihar who was among the injured, adds Nagaland Post.
Three Policemen killed in Maoists landmine blast in Jharkhand
NDTV reports that three Policemen, including an Assistant Sub Inspector, a Head Constable and a Home Guard, were killed and four others injured in a land-mine blast triggered by the Communist Party of India-Maoist cadres in Chatra District on Feb 28. The explosion occurred when a jeep carrying seven Policemen, who were returning after a search operation, drove over the land-mine at Lakrai More in Tandua area. The Maoists also seized the weapons from the Policemen before escaping.
CPI-Maoist urges people to carry out militant war against private power plants
The Communist Party of India-Maoist have urged the people to carry out a militant war against the private power plants and extended solidarity to the non-cooperation movement of villagers, reports Times of India. The Maoists said in the name of development of Srikakulam District, people with power were encroaching systematically the villagers’ land with active connivance of the state Government. In a press statement released at Macchkund area on the border of Munchingput in Andhra Pradesh on March 1, Andhra-Odisha Border special zonal committee (AOBSZC) ‘secretary’ Bhaskar urged the villagers to fight for their rights.
LWE violence claims 2,632 lives in 2008-10
Times of India reports on March 8, that over 2,600 civilians and Security Force personnel were killed between 2008 and 2010 in several incidents of Left Wing Extremist (LWE) violence across the country, says Minister of State (Home Affairs) Gurudas Kamat. According to the information given by Kamat in Lok Sabha, out of the total of 2,632 casualties, including 1,799 civilians and 833 SF personnel, a highest of 1,003 was in 2010, followed by 908 in 2009 and 721 in 2008. Incidentally, there has been an increase in the number of incidents of economic targets by Communist Party of India-Maoist. Out of the 909 such attempts, a highest of 325 were on forest road, culverts 158 on telephone exchanges 135 on school buildings 127 on railways properties, 61 on panchayat (village level local self-Government institution) bhawans 33 to disturb electric supply by targeting poles and 18 on mining related projects among others in the last three years.
Maoists trying to forge links with ULFA
Assam Tribune reports that high-ly-placed sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs revealed on March 9 that the Maoist rebel groups are making efforts to establish tactical alliance with the hard line faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) headed by the ‘commander-in-chief of the outfit, Paresh Baruah.
Nepal —Internal Dynamics
Indian arms dealer arrested in Kathmandu
Police arrested an Indian arms dealer along with two Chinese and American pistols and ammunitions in Kathmandu on March 3, reports Kantipuronline. A special Police squad deployed by Metropolitan Police Crime Division (MPCD) arrested Hira Mishra a native of Sitamarhi District in Indian State of Bihar, from Sheshnarayan Village Development Committee (VDC) in Kathmandu while he was in search of potential arms customers.
Earlier, MPCD arrested two suspected arms dealers, Arun Kumar Gupta and Suresh Shah Kanu, of Birgunj city along with two pistols and ammunitions from Koteshwar District. Security Forces say the latest seizure of arms and ammunitions is a significant achievement in their effort to curb rampant arms trafficking.
Come clean on rights record says, US ambassador to Nepal
The US Government has publicly asked Nepal Army to come clean on its rights record, reported Kantipuronline. US Ambassador to Nepal Scott H. DeLisi called on the Army leadership to cooperate with civilian courts and authorities to hold accountable all its personnel who violated human rights and international law of war in the past.
The ambassador urged the Army not to condone individual failings. “If the Army protects these violators, then the perception becomes that it was not an individual who committed the violations, but the institution itself which condoned them. If there are failures or mistakes in judgment that raise questions about the Army’s commitment to human rights, they must be acknowledged and addressed – not hidden or covered-up with the belief that those who exercise power need not be accountable,” DeLisi said.
United Nations team neutralise landmines in Rolpa District
A United Nations (UN) mine action team on March 6 neutralised landmines planted in and around the Khumel based company ‘D’ of Devidatta Battalion during the Maoist insurgency in Rolpa District, reported Himalayan Times. Meanwhile, the battalion chief urged the people to remain cautious as there might still be some explosives. “We had shouldered the responsibility of disposing mines and bombs in 53 places across the country, of which we have completed our task in 43 places,” said Shyamhari Adhikari, a representative of the Mine Action Group.
Two militants killed in Rupandehi District
The Rupandehi Chapter of Janatantrik Tarai Madhes Mukti Party (JTMMP) ‘leader’, Kripa Kanta Sah, and one another militant identified as, Surya Prasad Shukla, from Siddharthanagar area of Mysore city in the State of Karnataka in India, were killed in Police action at Madhubani in Rupandehi District on March 5, reported Kantipuronline.
Sri Lanka —Internal Dynamics
Canada to ban LTTE assets
The Ca radian Government is mulling over the confiscation of all Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) banking and fund raising activities in Canada. Minister for External Affairs G. L. Peiris said on February 28 that Canada was already in the process of crafting the necessary legislation. The Minister said that Jason Kenny, a Canadian Minister had taken the lead in this respect.
LTTE international network continues its criminal activities
Sri Lanka on March 1 with deep concern noted that remnants of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam international network continued its criminal activities and its secessionist agenda, reports Colombo Page. Addressing the United Nations Human Right Council (UNHRC), Mahinda Samarasinghe. Minister of Plantation Industries cautioned that in several countries the LTTE net-work has engaged in criminal activities such as extorting money from the Tamil Diaspora. “I would hasten to strike a note of caution against being lulled into a sense of complacency as we have learned that the unlawful activities of the group [LTTE] continue to this day,” he said.
Describing few incidents in some countries where the authorities have arrested the LTTE cadres engaging in unlawful activities, the Minister said the complete removal of Emergency Regulations in Sri Lanka must be considered cautiously. “Against this backdrop clarion calls for complete roll back of our emergency regulations must be considered,” he said adding that the Sri Lanka has taken extensive measurements since the end of the conflict to repeal nearly 80 per cent of the provisions in the Emergency Regulations. The bare minimum that remains are required as safeguards against such ongoing unlawful activities of the LTTE, the Minister told the HRC. He said the Sri Lankan government is continuing to closely monitor the situation in order to repeal the remaining provisions of the Emergency Regulations in a manner that does not compromise national security. Sri Lankan authorities will be the best to make that judgment to conclude the Emergency Regulations in an appropriate and timely manner, he added.
“Govt must investigate its war crimes, else risks international probe”, warns US
Government of Sri Lanka on its own must investigate the killing thousands of civilians in the final months of its separatist war with the LTTE or else may risk an international probe into the alleged war crimes, said Robert O. Blake. Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South, and Central Asian Affairs of the US State Department said in as interview to the AFP news agency Colombo Page reported on March 1.
Arms and ammunition recovered in the North
Sri Lanka Army reports that troops on their search and clear operations in Manttai Monarawewa, Kokkuthuduvai Nallur, Mullattivu, Lakbone and Kinnady areas in the North recovered 33 Anti-Personnel Mines (APMs), one hand grenade and one Rocket Propeller Grenade (RPG) on March 10.
Also, troops at Entry Exit point in Omanthai recovered 200 gm of C-4 explosives, 15 feet long detonator code and two electric detonators left unattended under the rear seat of a bus.
Meanwhile, de-mining groups recovered 193 APMs and one RPG from Vankalal. Mahilankulam, Periyathampanai Sinnapandivirichchan, Periyapandivirichchan and Kokkutuduwai areas.
Tamil Nadu Police chief denies LTTE presence in the State
The Director General of Police of Tamil Nadu, Letika Saran on March 10 dismissed Sri Lankan Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne’s allegation that the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam had three secret training camps in the State close to its border with Kerala as baseless, reported The Hindu. “There are no LTTE camps in Tamil Nadu. The press reports appearing in this regard are baseless and devoid of any reality,” Ms. Saran said in a press release. Referring to Mr. Jayaratne’s remarks in the Sri Lankan Parliament that the LTTE was behind the attack on the Mahabodhi temple in Chennai, Ms. Saran said the LTTE had no role in it. “The Mahabodhi temple in Chennai was attacked by the sympathisers of Sri Lankan Tamils, and the real accused have been arrest-ed. The LTTE has no role in this affair and their very presence in Tamil Nadu is denied,” She added.
International
Three arrested over Moscow bomb
The brother and sister of the alleged suicide bomber who killed 36 people at Russia’s busiest air-port have been arrested for helping him, along with a third accomplice, Russian media said Feb 9. Officials have said 20-year-old Magomed Yevloyev from Ingushetia, in the Muslim North Caucasus, was the bomber who struck Domodedovo airport on January 24. Also detained was Akhmed Aushev, a resident of the village. Ali-Yurt, southeast of Ingushetia’s biggest city Nazran. Interfax said the trio was being sent to Moscow where they would be questioned.
Mubarak resigns, hands over power to military
Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak resigned and handed control to the military on Friday, Feb 11 after 29 years in power, bowing to a historic 18-day wave of pro-democracy demonstrations by hundreds of thousands of Egyptians. Several hundred thousand protesters massed in Cairo’s central Tahrir Square exploded into joy, cheering and waving Egyptian flags. Fireworks, car horns and celebratory shots in the air were he4rd around the city of 18 million in joy after Vice President Omar Suleiman made the announcement on nation-al TV just after nightfall. Mubarak had sought to cling to power, handing some of his authorities to Suleiman while keeping his title. But an explosion of protests Friday rejecting the move appeared to have pushed the military into forcing him out completely. Hundreds of thousands marched throughout the day in cities across the country as soldiers stood by, besieging his palace in Cairo and Alexandria and the state TV building.
Germany probes killings of US airmen
German police were investigat-ing whether a gunman who shot dead two US airmen in an attack on their bus at Frankfurt airport had links to “terrorist” organisations or was acting alone. The 21-year-old man from Muslim-majority Kosovo in southeastern Europe cried “Allahu Akhbar” (“God is Greatest”), reports quoted witnesses as saying, before opening fire in the bus out-side one of Europe’s busiest air-ports on Feb 2. Police seized and arrested the alleged gunman in the terminal building, reportedly still with large amounts of ammunition and his handgun.
In Bahrain uprising there’s no turning back
Bahrain’s ruling dynasty and an anti-regime movement are locked in a deepening standoff, and both sides agree there is no turning back as protesters continue to hit the streets in their thousands. The Shia-led opposition said it wants to join the dialogue proposed by Crown Prince Salman following deadly protests, but only after the government resigns. An official said on Mar 4 the government’s patience has its limits.
A string of popular uprisings against regimes across the Arab world has spilled over into the majority Shia kingdom of Bahrain, a strategic US ally that is just a boat ride from Iran. Since Feb 14, thou-sands of mainly Shia protesters have daily taken to the streets of the capital Manama, home of the US Fifth Fleet, to demand the fall of the Sunni al-Khalifa dynasty which has ruled unchallenged for 200 years. They are also calling for major reforms to end what they say are decades of oppression and rights deprivation.
Thailand says southern unrest worsening
Violence is escalating in Thailand’s insurgency-hit deep south, the Thai government has said following a string of bomb and gun attacks in the Muslim-majority region. “I concede that the violent unrest is increasing but our officials are determined to work to their utmost ability to resolve the problem, Tawin Pleansri, secretary general of the National Security Council, told reporters on Mar 8.
Violence appears to have intensified recently, with a series of bomb attacks in the region, including one in January which killed nine people. An unusually bold attack a week earlier on a military base left at least four soldiers dead. Authorities say the militants appear to have changed their tactics, focusing on more violent attacks.
Critics accuse the government of failing to address the grievances of Thailand’s Malay Muslim minority, including alleged abuses by the military and a perceived lack of respect for their ethnic identity, language and religion.
Government offices torched in Mexico
Authorities in southern Mexico say assailants doused three government offices with gasoline and set them ablaze. Guerrero state police say no one was in the offices, which were all housed in the same building in the state capital of Chilpancingo. A police statement issued Mar 8 says the fire destroyed documents and computer equipment at offices of the health department, the interior department and a federal government health insurance program. A motive for the attack has not been determined.
Sudan army, rebel clash kills 17
Darfur rebels attacked a Sudanese army supply convoy in the insurgents’ mountainous Jabel Marra stronghold, leaving at least 17 people dead, the military said on Mar 10. No one was immedi-ately available for comment from the rebels group named by the military — a faction of the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) loyal to Abdel Wahed al-Nur which walked out of peace talks in 2006 and has refused to return.
| Current Threat Levels : | ||
| City/Region | Threat Level | |
| Islamabad | Level 2 | ** |
| Karachi | Level 2 | ** |
| Lahore | Level 2 | ** |
| Punjab | Level 2 | ** |
| Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | Level 3 | *** |
| Peshawar | Level 2 | ** |
| Quetta | Level 2 | ** |
| Upper Balochistan | Level 3 | *** |
| Lower Balochistan | Level 2 | ** |
| Upper/ Rural Sindh | Level 2 | ** |
| Gilgit and Northern areas | Level 3 | *** |
| Tribal Areas, Close to Afghan border | Level 3 | *** |
| Index to Threat Level Perceptions | |
| Threat Level 1 No threat to foreigners although there may be isolated incidents involving petty crime. No security precautions are required. | * |
| Threat Level 2 No specific threat to foreigners, however because of the overall general law & order situation, some security precautions are advised, especially if traveling. | ** |
| Threat Level 3 Indicates that law and order situation is cause for concern and travel should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Foreigners should rehearse plans for evacuation. | *** |
| Threat Level 4 Indicates complete breakdown of civil administration and law and order leading to possible anarchy. All foreigners remain indoors and confined to their own city. Families and staff not required to be evacuated retaining only a skeleton staff. | **** |
| Threat Level 5 Indicates complete breakdown of law and order, enemy action/hostilities, invasion/ occupation by enemy | ***** |
