Tag Archives: Islamic State

How the Press Covers Israel; How the Press Covers France

November 16, 2015Alex VanNess

Over the past several days, Israeli [French] police have conducted more than 150 raids on Palestinian homes [potential terrorist locations], following a deadly attack last week that killed 129 settlers’ [innocent civilians].

Many international leaders, governments, and organizations called on Israel to end this cycle of violence [issued statements of mourning and solidarity with France, in response to the terrorist attack]. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu [President Francois Hollande] vowed Monday to forge a united coalition capable of defeating the jihadists at home and abroad.

The cycle of violence [French response to terrorist] has been non-stop as Israel [France] moves ahead in its hunt for alleged attackers [members of the terrorist sleeper cell] that carried out last Friday’s attacks. Since the [terrorist] attack, the Israeli [French] military has launched excessive airstrikes on the Palestinian homes [Islamic State territories].

The Center for Security Policy’s Middle East and North Africa Briefing

November 13, 2015Center for Security Policy

The Middle East and North Africa: National Security and a Secure Freedom Strategy to respond to the threats posed by the Islamic State and the Global Jihad Movement.

Pete Hoekstra, Shillman Senior Fellow, Investigative Project on Terrorism; Former Chairman, U.S. House Intelligence Committee; Author, Architects of Disaster: The Destruction of Libya (2015)
Elliot Chodoff, Major in the IDF Reserves; Counter terrorism expert; Partner, Lecturer, and Political and Military Analyst at Hamartzim Educational Services
Jim Hanson, Executive Vice President, Center for Security Policy, Author, Cut Down The Black Flag: A Plan To Defeat The Islamic State (2015)

Moderator: Frank Gaffney, President & CEO, Center for Security Policy.

Watch the Live Stream here:

Kurdish forces launch operation to retake Sinjar in Iraq from the Islamic State

November 12, 2015John Cordero

Backed by US air cover, Kurdish militias have launched an operation to retake the strategic town of Sinjar, located about 60 miles west of Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city, which has been controlled by the Islamic State for over a year. For the moment, the operation is focused on taking control of Highway 47, a key supply route for IS stretching from the Syrian border.

Although Kurdish militias such as the YPG, PYD, and the Peshmerga affiliated with the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq have held the line against IS, the involvement of the PKK in this latest offensive complicates matters, as Turkey is adamant that no US assistance be given to the terrorist group. In fact, the recent Turkish elections, which gave President Erdogan’s AKP a clear majority in parliament, seem to have given a green light to Turkey’s plans to put down the Kurdish insurgency waged by the PKK inside Turkey for good.

Although beset by recent setbacks in Syria, IS has had plenty of time to prepare for the Kurdish offensive in Sinjar and a forthcoming operation in Mosul. The Caliphate may have a hard time resupplying and reinforcing its troops in Iraq if the Kurds succeed in holding Highway 47, as the Syrian army backed by Russian air cover applies pressure on one side and the Kurds with American air forces on the other.

Iraqi army troops, which surrendered Mosul last year without a fight to IS, are also preparing an offensive to retake Ramadi, a majority Sunni city in Anbar province west of Baghdad. Iraqi Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi claims that Iraqi army forces in coordination with Shia militias have surrounded the city and are planning to attack soon. The role of Sunni tribes and whether they will back IS or stay out of the fight remains unclear.

For the moment, US forces are reported to be in an advisory role and not involved in ground operations. The Sinjar operation is ongoing and while the Kurdish forces are making progress, IS has proven to be a resilient enemy that is willing to fight to the death and come back from heavy losses.

Turkish elections have potential to alter the balance of power in the Middle East

October 28, 2015John Cordero

Turks head to the polls once again this upcoming Sunday to determine the composition of their parliament. At stake is the direction Turkey will take both internally and externally, with the main domestic concern being unemployment and the principal foreign policy issue being the Syrian civil war.

This election comes after Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) failed to secure a majority for the first time in 14 years, and was unable form a coalition government after the original June 7 elections.

Turkey’s Parliament consists of 550 seats, a minimum of 276 of which are necessary for a party to form a government. In the June elections, AKP failed to secure a majority, with only 258. The People’s Democratic Party (HDP), affiliated with Turkey’s Kurdish community, saw their representation increase to 80 MPs from the previous 40, when they fielded individual candidates, thanks in part to picking up anti-AKP protest votes. None of the AKP’s rivals would consent to a coalition government, hence the need for the upcoming elections.

The AKP’s drop in political support has stemmed largely from the authoritarian behavior of former Prime Minister and current President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Under Erdoğan, the AKP has successfully transformed Turkey from a secular NATO ally to an increasingly Islamist government which is openly aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood, supports Hamas, and has been credibly accused of supporting al Qaeda in Syria and the Islamic State. The AKP has also demanded amending the Turkish constitution to enable additional powers for the President (currently Erdoğan, who was Prime Minister since the AKP achieved Parliamentary majority in 2002).

While the AKP continues to enjoy substantial support, its base has been eroded by corruption scandals and the Syrian war, which has proved disastrous for Turkish foreign policy. Erdoğan’s inaction during the Islamic State siege of the Syrian border town of Kobani, during which the Kurdish YPG militia prevailed even after Ankara ignored their requests for assistance, drove many religious Turkish Kurds to support the HDP.

After first courting them via peace talks with the PKK and religious rhetoric, his self-defeatist policy of focusing on Kurds as a threat to national security at the expense of the Islamic State and the other jihadist factions in Syria directly led to the AKP losing their parliamentary majority in June and to the PKK picking up their weapons after a two-year cease-fire and the collapse of peace talks.

This Sunday’s elections represent a bet by Erdoğan that the Turkish people will prefer a restoration of the old order and hand AKP a majority in parliament. John Hannah writes that “the terrorist threat from the PKK will re-emerge, putting at risk civil order, national security, and even Turkey’s territorial integrity. Indeed, Erdoğan has more or less explicitly said that all of these dangers would have been avoided if only the Turkish public had chosen more wisely in the elections.” Rising unemployment, depreciation of the lira, and widespread protests are held up by the President as evidence of what happens when the AKP does not have its majority.

If the AKP once again fails to clear the majority threshold, a prospect that seems very likely, expect Turkey to continue its factionalism along ideological lines: the Islamists, the secular Kemalists, the Kurds, and the Conservatives. The seculars are ideologically opposed to the AKP’s platform, while the Kurds feel betrayed and used for political points by Erdoğan.

The AKP’s only hope to form a coalition government may lie with the conservative Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), which opposes peace talks with the PKK. Instead of calling for yet another election, Erdoğan may have to swallow his pride and enter into a coalition, which may at least temporarily check his neo-Ottoman revival project.

China plans future, Venezuela oil company investigated, IS plot in Minnesota, Bangladesh attack…

October 26, 2015John Cordero

China leaders meet to plot course in Taiwan, South China Sea, and US relations

The Chinese Communist Party’s Central Committee is beginning a 4-day meeting in Beijing to plot out the next five-year plan. Among the highlights is a proposal to permit the international trading of Chinese currency, the renmimbi. These discussions come as the status of Taiwan is once again in the news. Beijing Politburo member Yu Zhengsheng issued a warning to Taipei that “maintaining no changes to the position that Taiwan is part of China is a sacred mission for all the sons and daughters of China.” Taiwanese elections are scheduled to take place in January and the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party is currently leading in the polls.

Relations with the US over the sovereignty of the South China Sea continue to be tense, despite assurances from Chinese PLA Navy Admiral Wu Shengli that US-China naval relations are “the best in history.” Shengli was speaking to US Navy officers who last week were welcomed aboard China’s only aircraft carrier. As the Chinese artificial island buildup increases, President Obama has authorized the Navy to sail within the 12 nautical mile internationally recognized boundary of the islands.

US launches investigation into CITGO parent company, Venezuelan state-owned PDVSA

Allegations of kickbacks, bribery, and money laundering of drug proceeds at state-owned oil company Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) are being investigated by federal law enforcement agencies. PDVSA is the parent company of CITGO, which operates three refineries in Louisiana, Texas, and Illinois, as well as licensing of gas station franchises throughout the US. Former PDVSA chief Rafael Ramirez, who is now Venezuela’s ambassador to the UN and thus protected under diplomatic immunity, dismissed the claims as “attacks by enemies of the people.”

The sale of CITGO was floated by Ramirez in August of last year, but after receiving multiple offers, the Venezuelan government decided against it. A Bloomberg analyst has valued it at $ 8 billion, which would give some relief to the cash-strapped Maduro regime, which faces upcoming parliamentary elections coupled with depleted currency reserves and a 160 % inflation rate. News of the American probe into Venezuela’s most important economic asset is likely to put further pressure on the regime’s financial situation.

IS claims responsibility for bombing Shiite Muslims in Bangladesh

Three bomb attacks killed one and wounded dozens during a Shia Muslim holiday Saturday. The attack took place during a morning procession in Dhaka. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, releasing a statement on their apparent social media account claiming, “Soldiers of the Caliphate in Bangladesh were able to detonate explosives in a temple of polytheists in the city of Dhaka, during the holding of the polytheist rituals.”

IS has also taken credit for the recent killings of Italian and Japanese tourists in Bangladesh earlier this month.

However, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, claims domestic opposition is responsible for the recent surge in violence. Opposition groups in the region include Jamaat-e-Islami and the Bangladeshi National Party.

5 Somali-Americans indicted for IS conspiracy overseas

Five Somali-Americans, who were already charged with conspiring to aid the Islamic State have now been charged by a federal grand jury for “conspiracy to murder overseas.” According to US Attorney for Minnesota, the five men, three of whom have pleaded guilty, were charged in February for allegedly planning to travel to Syria.

Both Minneapolis and St. Paul have one of the largest Somali communities in the United States and this is not the first incident in which young Somali-Americans have attempted to join terrorist organizations; they have previously been recruited to join al-Shabaab in Somalia and jihadi groups in Syria. According to a September report, about 1/4^th of all Americans charged with ties to the Islamic State are from Minnesota, a large majority of whom are Somali-Americans.

Other stories we’re following:

Moscow to permanently station troops in the Arctic by 2018

Russian submarines operating closely to undersea cables concern US officials

Maldives VP arrested in connection with plot to assassinate President

Two bomb blasts leave 42 dead in northern Nigeria

Congo voters vote on referendum to amend constitution for presidential third term

Argentina elections result in runoff, government backed candidate in second place

Western-back Syrian rebels to refuse any Russian military assistance

John Kerry: Israel, Jordan agree to reduce tension

2 policemen, 7 IS killed in shootout in Turkey, according to police officials

White House: General Allen, US appointed anti-IS campaign leader, to step down

Russian Foreign Minister: Kremlin wants Syria to prepare for parliamentary, presidential elections

Yemeni forces, backed by Saudis, gain territory after battling with Houthis

US Defense secretary: US to increase raids against IS

44 killed in southern Pakistan suicide bombing

US, Saudi Arabia agree to increase support for Syrian rebel forces

Russia has deployed special-ops forces to Syria, according to Western and Russian officials

South Korean navy fires shots at North Korean vessel at maritime border

Russian offensive, Iraq prepares to fight IS, Iranian missiles, South China Sea tensions…

October 14, 2015John Cordero

Threat Information Office Headlines 10-14-15

Russia on the offensive in Syria as Nusra front calls for revenge

Air strikes continue in what is now increasingly a proxy war in Syria between the US and Russia. Reports indicate that Russian strikes have been focused on the western region of the country, targeting primarily rebel forces, some with US backing. The US-led coalition is concentrating its air strikes in the eastern region, which is mostly held by the Islamic State. In Hama, CIA-trained rebel forces have been using anti-tank TOW missiles against Syrian army troops, which are supported by Russian air forces. CENTCOM spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren said that in Aleppo, the Russian strikes may help IS in their bid to take control of Syria’s second largest city.

Currently, Aleppo is divided between Syrian government forces, rebel groups, and IS. The Syrian army is conducting ground operations to seize control over the whole city, supported by Russian air cover, Hezbollah brigades, and Iranian army troops, which have recently arrived. In response, Nusra Front leader Abu Muhammad al-Julani released an audio message calling for “mujahideen in the Caucasus” to launch attacks against Russia.

Iraq also launches operations against IS, but US concerned over cooperation with Russia

Seeking to retake territory lost to Islamic State last year, the Iraqi army has begun launching air strikes against IS as well. While there have been recent successes, including the killing of IS second-in-command Fadhil Ahmad al Hayali in a US strike, the Islamic State remains in control over much of Anbar province. The Iraqi army has announced that it is prepared to wage battle for control of the provincial capital, Ramadi, after slowly gaining ground throughout the surrounding countryside.

While this is a welcome development, the US is wary over the intelligence-sharing alliance Iraq has entered into with Russia, Syria, Iran and Hezbollah. The US shares intelligence with Iraq as well, raising concerns about what may be passed on to Russia and the other alliance members. Based in Baghdad, the coordination center reportedly provided information that led to an airstrike on a convoy suspected of carrying IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. While by all accounts he was unhurt, the sharing of information between Iraq and Russia will continue, as Vladimir Putin has been invited to assist Baghdad in conducting airstrikes in Iraq, a prospect highly unwelcome in Washington.

Iran showcases missile capability

An Iranian state TV station aired footage of underground tunnels loaded with ready-to-fire long and medium-range missiles today. According to the broadcast, this underground facility is one of hundreds of underground bases throughout the country. Iran is currently allied with the Syrian army and Hezbollah in the fight against Syrian rebels.

The US State Department has announced that Washington will address Iran’s missile test on Sunday, which is considered a violation of a UNSC resolution, at the United Nations. State Department and White House spokesmen have attempted to differentiate between the missile test violation and Iran nuclear deal. On Tuesday, White House spokesman Josh Earnest announced that countries could be more proactive in stopping the flow of ballistic missile technology to Iran, saying the effort “requires international cooperation” with Gulf allies.

Tensions Rise in South China Sea

The Obama administration is prepared to send Navy vessels to patrol the man-made islands constructed by China in the South China Sea. Apparently, the Pentagon has given Obama a number of options on how to carry out this operation—i.e. the amount of armament and distance from the islands. According to the US, which historically refused to take sides in territorial disputes in the South China Sea, man-made islands are not considered sovereign territory under international law.

Ever since US officials publicized this strategy, China’s response has been firm, as they are developing military facilities in some of the islands, though China has announced that the construction is legal and essential to safeguard sovereignty.

Meanwhile, China has shot down rumors that it intended to send military ships and its aircraft carrier to Syria to fight alongside Russia.

Other stories we’re following:

Putin criticizes lack of US cooperation in Syria

US and Russian aircraft fly within miles of each other in Syria

Israeli army deployed across cities to counter Palestinian knife attacks

Taliban withdraws from Kunduz, remain on outskirts

Turkish PM warns both US and Russia over Kurd support

Suicide bombing kills 7 in northern Nigeria

Uganda begins withdrawal from South Sudan

Abu Sayyaf releases hostage video in southern Philippines

Iran missile test, IS convoy attacked, Turkish bomb blasts, Syrian rebel training…

October 13, 2015John Cordero

Iran tests long-range missile in defiance of UN resolution

This past Sunday, Iran announced that it had successfully test-fired a long-range ballistic missile. While no information was given in regards to its range or operational capabilities, Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan claimed that it is the first locally developed missile that can be controlled until it reaches its target. While the terms of the P5+1 nuclear deal do not bar Iran from developing such weapons, UN Security Council resolution 2231 forbids them from doing so. The White House has stated that it is analyzing the information collected from the test and will refer the matter to the Security Council if a violation is found.

Seeking to increase their strategic deterrence capability, Iran will very likely continue to develop and test missiles that have the potential to reach Israel. Although the military advances trumpeted by the IRGC cannot be independently verified, it is worth remembering that they claim to have developed a missile with a range of 1,250 miles, which covers Israel and US military installations in the region.

Iraqi Air Force attacks IS convoy believed to have al-Baghdadi present

In the latest of a series of attempts to capture and/or kill IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the Iraqi Air Force is claiming an attack on a convoy headed to Kerabla, a border town in Western Iraq’s Anbar province, where he was believed to be traveling. The airstrike reportedly killed eight IS commanders, with IS denying that al-Baghdadi was harmed in any way. An anonymous US official in Baghdad also stated there was no indication that the Islamic State’s Caliph was hurt.

Prior to this operation, it had been reported that al-Baghdadi was seriously injured in an US airstrike in March 18, where he was allegedly incapacitated due to spinal damage. The Islamic State has stressed that even if al-Baghdadi is captured or killed, the fight will go on.

Turkey conducting investigation as Islamic State blamed for Ankara blasts

The double bombing on Saturday that claimed over 85 victims at a Turk-Kurdish peace really in Ankara bears a strong resemblance to previous Islamic State attacks. Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has named the jihadis the primary suspects. However, some analysts believe there is little incentive for IS to conduct this attack, as Turkey’s vast borders with Syria are the main entry point for the foreign fighters the IS needs to replenish its jihadi ranks.

Instead, suspicion falls upon Turkish president Erdogan and his Islamist AK party which stands to benefit the most. By promising swift retribution, Erdogan hopes to lock in more voters for the upcoming run-off Parliament elections, while targeting his primary opposition, the union of anti-Islamist and Kurdish parties that blocked the AKP’s efforts at parliamentary majority in the most recent election.

Obama administration blames Congress for Syrian rebel training failure

The perceived failure of the Syrian rebel training program, which ultimately inserted 60 fighters into Syria at a cost of $ 590 million, was on stark display during President Obama’s interview on 60 Minutes. Seeking to put as much distance between himself and the project as possible, Obama said that from the start he didn’t think it would work. Defense Undersecretary for Policy Christine Wormuth also cast blame at Congress, saying that the way they wrote the bill only authorized the recruitment effort to go towards those who wanted to fight IS exclusively. Missing from Wormuth’s statement is the fact that this program is the administration’s policy, and thus the training program’s authorization reflected that.

On the ground, Kurdish rebel group YPG has announced an alliance with Sunni Arab groups located near the IS stronghold and de facto capital of Raqqa. The US was quick to announce weapons delivery to the Arab forces. In the past, YPG has been successful in countering IS advances in northern Syria, but will not receive weapons directly owing to Turkish concerns over Kurdish groups too close to their border.

Other stories we’re following:

Russian intervention divides Gulf alliance against Assad

US begins removing Patriot missiles from Turkey

IS seen growing in Afghanistan, draws closer to Kabul

IS believed to have captured US missiles in Iraq

Nusra Front calls for revenge attacks in Russia

Turkey warns US and Russia it will not accept Kurdish militias near its borders

IS kills top Iranian commander on Syria

Al-Qaeda training camps raided by US and Afghan forces

Boko Haram suspected of twin suicide bombings in Cameroon

Uganda announces troop exit from South Sudan

For the first time, China arrests hackers after US request

US Northern Command: North Korea capable of striking US with long-range missile

Navy third fleet seeks to ensure freedom of navigation in South China Sea

Terror Continues in Israel, Islamic State Executes 3, Rwanda Court Allows 3rd Term in Rwanda…

October 8, 2015Center for Security Policy

Terror stabbings targeting Israelis continue

Five more Israelis have been stabbed following a Palestinian terror attack that occurred Thursday. The assailant, who targeted several Israelis in a Tel Aviv neighborhood with a screwdriver, was shot dead. Israeli authorities are seeking to contain ongoing Palestinian unrest. The most recent attacks raise the number of incidents to ten since Saturday. The stabbing attacks began in the beginning of October when a Palestinian killed two Israelis in Jerusalem’s old city.

A second stabbing occurred in Jerusalem outside a police station. Special police captured the attacker, with one individual wounded.

Netanyahu has ordered a ban on visits to the Temple Mount by government ministers, worried that any high profile visits there could spark more violence. Netanyahu is likely concerned over the possibility of facing a third intifada that could lead to more casualties, particularly during a time when the U.S.-Israel relationship has been at one of its weakest periods.

The latest Israel-Palestinian conflict began three weeks ago when Palestinians barricaded themselves inside the Al-Aqsa mosque and began attacking police officers with stones, firebombs, and fireworks. Israel has increased security in Jerusalem, including setting up metal detectors at the entrance to Israel’s Old City. Jerusalem’s mayor, Nir Barkat, has recently spoken out, encouraging Israelis with gun licenses tocarry their weapons with them at all times. Barkat says that it is “imperative” that Israelis carry weapons, comparing it to a “military reserve on duty.” He has faced criticism following his decision to carry a rifle while visiting an Arab neighborhood in Jerusalem on Monday.

Islamic State kills 3 Assyrian Christian captives

IS jihadists have killed 3 Assyrian Christian captives; all part of a group of nearly 200 Christians captured in earlier in the year in northeastern Syria. The three men were killed late last month, but the news went unannounced until videos of their deaths were released this week. The men were supposedly killed two weeks ago on the Islamic holiday of Eid-al-Adha. IS abducted the Assyrian Christians in late February during conflict with Syrian Kurdish YPG militia in northeastern Syria.

IS has threatened to kill more of the hostages if their ransoms are not paid. The video released showed the three men in orange jumpsuits with one of the men announcing that IS will begin executing other prisoners if the militant’s demands are not met. Assyrian activists say IS has demanded a ransom of $100,000 for each of the captives.

Rwanda Supreme Court allows for Kagame to run for third term

Rwanda’s Supreme Court announced on Thursday that President Kagame could run for a third seven year term. This action blocked movement by the major opposition party to keep changes from occurring in Rwanda’s constitution. The motion for Kagame’s third run was made in July and was backed by parliament. Changes to the constitution must first pass through a referendum, although it is likely that they will fail. Kagame maintains control over the media and many aspects of public life and enjoys large popularity due to his work as a nation-builder following the 1994 genocide.

The opposition, Democratic Green Party, says that it will continue to push for strict constitutional term limits and that they are willing to appeal to the President. Kagame has not expressed explicit interest in running again, but has admitted that he is open to persuasion. International donors have criticized him for his suppression of dissent and any move to suppress the constitution. For years, Kagame had said that he would step down after two terms. However, recently he announced that term limits have nothing to do with democracy. The Green Party has been the only party to speak out and file suit against the third term.

Tensions with neighboring Burundi have increased as a Rwandan diplomat was recently expelled. Desire Nyaruhirira has been removed under the accusation of destabilizing the country. Last week, Burundi accused Rwanda of training rebels seeking to destabilize the country. About 70,000 Burundians are living in Rwanda following unrest. The Presidents were once on good terms, but this status changed in 2012, when the two disagreed over the M23 rebel group in the eastern D.R.C. The US has previously backed Kagame following his emergence as the face of a new generation of Africa leaders. They are now however warning that he faces instability and uncertainty if he pushes through with the planned changes to the constitution.

Navy will challenge Chinese territorial claims in South China Sea

The Navy is waiting to send a surface ship inside a 12-nautical-mile territorial limit that China claims for its man-made island chain. The action could take place within days but is awaiting final approval from the Obama administration. The plans for the warship have been rumored since May. It is assumed that the approval of the plan is imminent.

If approved it will be the first time since 2012 that the US navy has directly challenged China’s claim to the island’s territorial limits. The land reclamation project has been the focus on increasing tensions since reports began resurfacing in 2013. In September, David Shear, assistant secretary of defense for Asia- Pacific Security told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the US Navy had not steamed or flown within 12 nautical miles of the islands since 2012 before China’s island construction project began. An agreement was signed into effect last year that allows US forces to use Philippine military facilities has been a signature of the Obama administration’s relations with China.

Other stories we’re following:

No new cases of Ebola last week, first time since March 2014

AU peacekeepers head to SA for massive training exercise

Chinese to help boost African health services

Tunisian lawmaker escapes assassination attempt

Somalia fails to pay soldiers, war on Islamists threatened

Suicide bombers kill 17 in Northeast Nigeria

Brazil’s Rousseff loses legal battle, faces impeachment

Argentina says fugitive spy chief flew to US after prosecutor’s death

Mexico army boss will not allow questioning of the troops in student massacre

Syrian government extends Russian-backed offensive to regain territory in west

Around 23 Yemeni’s reportedly killed in Saudi-led rocket attack

Pentagon: some coalition aircraft rerouted to avoid encounters with Russian warplanes

NATO prepared to send troops to Turkey following Russian violation of airspace

Israel: massive oil reserves found in Golan Heights

2 policemen shot in Karachi by unidentified bike riders

Russian has flown “intercept tracks” on US drones over Syria

Islamic State Claims Aden Attack, Tunisia Breaks up IS Cells, Iraqi Forces retakes territory near Ramadi…

October 7, 2015John Cordero

Islamic State claims deadly attack on Yemeni government and Emirati troops in Aden

The UAE was quick to blame Houthi rebels for yesterday’s attack in Aden, Yemen that targeted their headquarters and a hotel housing Yemeni government officials. But it turns out that Wilayat Aden-Abyan, an Islamic State affiliate in the region, has claimed responsibility for the rockets attacks as well as four other suicide car bombings. Initial reports stated that there were 15 dead, but that toll has increased to 22, and now includes Saudi soldiers.

IS, like AQAP , are staunch foes of both the Saudis and the Iranian backed Shiite Houthis. A successful IS operation in Aden against the Saudi-coalition may establish the Islamic State as a contender to AQAP’s jihadi supremacy in Yemen, especially if IS shows it is able to successfully transition from civilian soft targets like mosques to attacks against hardened government and military targets.

South Sudan rebel leader Riek Machar snubbed by White House

The ceasefire between Riek Machar’s rebel forces and President Salva Kiir’s government in South Sudan remains for now, after Machar’s meeting with National Security advisor Susan Rice was cancelled yesterday. Citing frustration with both sides, National Security Council spokesman Ned Price confirmed that the meeting would not proceed, urging Machar to adhere to the terms of the peace agreement signed in late August and return to Juba.

For his part, Kiir’s move to divide South Sudan into 28 provinces from the current 10 in contradiction to the ceasefire terms is a diplomatic counter to the pressure applied by the US to enter into a bad deal and weakened position.

As the main driver of South Sudan’s independence, the United States has an interest in stabilizing South Sudan. Violence has continued as both sides claim the other is guilty of breaking the ceasefire.

Tunisian Ministry: 3 IS cells broken up; 11 arrested for recruitment in Libya

11 suspected Islamic State recruits were arrested after Tunisian police broke up three IS recruitment cells reportedly involved in bringing fighters to Libya. The Tunisian Ministry of the Interior announced that the suspects intended to join IS in Libya. According to the Tunisian government, over 3,000 Tunisians have traveled to Syria, Iraq, and Libya to fight for IS.

IS has claimed responsibility for the killing of 21 tourists at the Bardo Museum in the capital of Tunis and another 38 at a beach resort. IS appears centered on targeting Tunisia’s tourism industry, in an effort to destabilize the economy.

Iraqi forces recapture IS-held areas outside of Ramadi

Iraqi forces have retaken several areas north and west of Ramadi, closing in on the Anbar provincial capital that the Islamic State seized back in May. Neighborhoods included Zankura, Albi Jleib, al-Adnaniyah, and Albu Risha. The US-led coalition involved 2,000 troops supported by air strikes. Since the start of October, a sum total of 27 air strikes have been carried out in the Ramadi region. A member of the provincial council announced, “if operations continue at this pace, I expect the liberation of Ramadi to be possible by the end of the month.”

The Islamic States’ seizure of Ramadi has proved problematic for the Iraq state, which has struggled tor retake the city. Ramadi serves as a gateway to the greater Baghdad area, which IS has used to launch a series of deadly attacks in and around the Iraqi capital.

Other stories we’re following:

US-trained rebel groups’ weapons depot destroyed by Russian airstrikes in Syria

Houthi leaders visit Tehran to receive arms shipments, according to sources in Sanaa

Iran’s Supreme Leader forbids further negotiations with US

EU to begin intercepting boats smuggling migrants in southern Mediterranean

Russia offers to resume talks with US over deconfliction in Syria

SecDef Carter: Russian violation of Turkish airspace not accidental, promises response

Violence continues in West Bank, sparking fears of new intifada

Top US commander in Afghanistan: IS present and growing

Australia stops conducting air strikes against IS in Syria, citing Russian intervention

Houthi rebels sign on to UN peace plan

Burkina Faso coup leader charged with threatening national security at military tribunal

Al-Shabaab threatens British peacekeepers arriving in Somalia

Nephew of Somalian president and another gov’t official killed in apparent al-Shabaab attack

Nigerian army battles Boko Haram, kills approx. 100

Cyberattacks increase in Asia, Iran Seeks Investment, Israel Breaks IS plot…

October 2, 2015Kyle Shideler

Hackers increase attacks on Southeast Asia

According to security provider FireEye, South-east Asia has become one of the most targeted areas in the world following recent hacking attacks on the government and several companies. Organizations in the region are on average, 45 percent more likely to be targeted than organizations elsewhere. Most of the information targeted by the hackers focuses on intelligence on border disputes and trade negotiations.

The threat is particularly high because most organizations in the region are not required to report or share information on attacks, which hampers efforts to plan defenses. Earlier in the week it was reported that the Chinese were behind the attacks, with Ge Xing, as the alleged leader. Researchers found eight different types of malware being used to break into different systems, and tracked all of Xing’s work to daytime hours, leading them to believe that the Chinese government hired him as a professional hacker.

FireEye’s report was released following the United States and China’s agreement last month to end commercial hacking. Security breaches have reportedly cost the global economy more than $400 billion dollars. Besides South East Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan stand as the most at risk with half of their organizations exposed to attacks. China has consistently claimed not to be involved with the hacking and complains of being victim to similar attacks.

Iran invites foreign investors to develop energy industry

Iran is invited foreign investors to develop its energy agency after sanctions ease in 2016 following the Iran Nuclear deal. Oil minister Rokneddin Javadi has announced that Iran will welcome all oil companies, including Americans to invest in Iran. Iran has been flooded by business delegations since the July 14^th deal in which the United States and Western allies agreed to remove economic sanctions which had heavily impacted oil production.

Javadi says that Iran needs foreign know-how to improve oil fields, pipeline, and refinery infrastructure. He continues on to explain that Iran did not keep the US from investing in Iranian oil, rather American policy’s “unjust limitations” prevented it. While U.S. companies are surely lining up to partake in Iranian business following the sanctions lift, they are still faced with human rights sanctions and other legal hurdles.

7 Israelis charged with contacting IS fighters in Syria and encouraging attacks

Seven Israeli Arabs were charged the first attempted IS plot on Israeli soil Thursday. The accused lived in northern Israel, which has traditionally been a hotbed of support for Islamist activity and support for Hamas. They are said to have been gathering intelligence on an Israeli Defense Forces base and a police station near Nazareth. Four of the seven are being charged with setting up an IS cell in Israel.

The indictment states that the group purchased weapons, made contact with IS in Syria, and started planning a shooting attack in Emek Valley. The plotters also reportedly had contact with a convicted Al Qaeda-linked terrorist, Ahmed Ahmed, presently serving a life sentence for murder, instructing them to acquire M-16 rifles, but the attackers were unable to acquire them. and instead prepared Molotov cocktails. One of the defendants admitted to also attacking a store that was selling alcohol in 2012. Three other Israelis were charged with assisting, but did not make allegiance to IS.

Nigerian City attacked; 1,600 killed in Boko Haram attacks since June; 80 Boko Haram fighters surrender

The Northeastern Nigerian city of Maiduguri was attacked on Thursday, by five young female bombers. Fourteen people including the girls died. People were waiting for evening prayer when the bombs struck the mosque. Officials say that the number of those who lost their lives is expected to rise. Some of the girls carrying out the attack were as young as nine. Amnesty International has estimated that since June 1,600 people have died in Boko Haram violence. The deaths in Chad, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Niger have occurred despite military advances against Boko Haram. Attacks similar to the bombing in Nigeria continue with insurgents using increased suicide bombings on “soft” civilian targets such as mosques.

The Nigerian army has been able to make more significant gains against Boko Haram, destroying rebel camps along the Northeast. On Thursday the army announced that 80 Boko Haram fighters surrendered to their troops in Bama, Borno state. The announcement followed the surrendering of 200 terrorists, among those being commanders, suppliers, and foot soldiers. The army predicts that Boko Haram will soon be defeated, but the militant groups ties with IS means that it is likely the group will only be pushed into neighboring countries. Boko Haram’s propaganda campaign has declined since the beginning of the year after culminating in their allegiance to Islamic State.