Publisher of `Offensive` Anti-Islam Book Arrested In Bangladesh
New Age Islam News Bureau
16 Feb 2016
Photo: Deadly clashes erupting between rival Taliban groups in Ghazni
South Asia
• Publisher of `Offensive` Anti-Islam Book Arrested In Bangladesh
• Deadly Clashes Erupting Between Rival Taliban Groups in Ghazni
• 44 Daesh Militants Killed In Nangarhar’s Achin District
• Dozens of Militants Killed In Afghanistan Operation
• Ismail Khan urges government to implement Mujahideen’s suggestions for security
• Atmar: Afghan Air Force needs more support from the U.S.
• Unknown armed men gun down religious scholar in Nangarhar
• Abdullah calls on Taliban to come to negotiation table
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Arab World
• Missiles in Syria Kill 50 as Schools; Hospitals Hit, Turkey Accuses Russia
• Kurds United Against Turkish Aggression
• Samples Confirm ISIL Used Mustard Gas in Iraq
• ISIL Executes Own Commanders In Iraq's Kirkuk
• Lethal Trade: EU Must Refuse Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia
• Kurdish Fighters Continue to Drive Militants Back From More Lands in Aleppo
• Syrian Kurds Storming Terrorist Stronghold on Border With Turkey
• Some 300 Militants, Trucks with Arms Move to Syria's Tel Rifat From Turkey
• No Ceasefire in Syria until 'Turks, Saudis & US Try to Achieve Own Goals'
• Syrian Kurds, Backed up by Russian Air Force, Liberate Strategic Aleppo City of Tel Rifat
• Syria calls on UN to condemn Turkish attacks on Kurds
• Assad warns Turkey, Saudi Arabia against ground incursion
• Syrian Army Pushing ISIL Back West of Aleppo's Internationally Known Kuweires Airbase
• Militant Groups Face More Defeats, Losses in Syria's Dara'a
• Aleppo Victories Prelude to Greater Triumph
• Syrian Army Continues to Advance against Militants Southwest of Damascus
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Mideast
• Palestinians Renovate Church at Jesus' Birthplace
• Iranian FM: Using Terrorists as Pawns Renders No Political Gain
• Erdogan Files Complaint over Slogans during Protest at Labour Union Congress
• Turkey blames Russia for Syria missile strikes, calls it ‘war crime’
• Top Security Official: Iran Trying Suspects behind Saudi Embassy Raid
• Turkey renews shelling of YPG targets on fourth day after attack from Syria
• Curfew declared in south-eastern town of Idil
• Turkish Army Shells Kurds in Syria near Border for Third Day in a Row
• Israeli officer filmed overturning Palestinian’s wheelchair
• Turkish official: Turkey, Israel close to deal on compensation over Mavi Marmara
• Turkey vows 'harsh reaction' as missiles hit Syria town
• Turkish warplanes ‘violate’ Greek airspace 20 times: State agency
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Pakistan
• Pakistan Agrees To Take Part in Saudi-Led ‘Multi-National Exercise’
• IS In No Part of Sindh, Says Qaim
• Pakistani among plane crew impounded in Zimbabwe
• ‘Wall of kindness’ emerges in Sahiwal
• Pakistani scientist develops device to enable early cancer detection
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Africa
• Al Qaeda Strengthening In Africa; Security Experts Say
• Obama Seeks $200M to Fight Growing Islamic State Influence in Africa
• New Libya cabinet proposed to replace dual governments
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Europe
• Majority of Muslim Nations Ignoring Threat of Extremism, Hammond Warns
• Report: German Police Raid Homes Linked To Islamic Group
• Belgium detains 10 in Islamic State recruitment investigation
• Russia asks UN Security Council to discuss Turkish shelling in Syria
• Merkel says supports some kind of no-fly zone in Syria
• Why Putin’s Strategy in Syria Wins Over and Over Again
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North America
• Americans and Dutch Train Senegal Commandos as Fears of Terrorism Grow
• An Arizona man is set for trial this week on terror charges linked to the Islamic State group
Compiled by New Age Islam Edit Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-world-news/publisher-`offensive`-anti-islam-book/d/106365
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South Asia
Publisher of `offensive` anti-Islam book arrested in Bangladesh
February 16, 2016
Dhaka: Bangladesh police have arrested and charged a publisher after Islamists in the Muslim-majority nation warned of violent protests over one of his books which they deemed offensive, an officer said Tuesday.
Police also shut down Shamsuzzoha Manik`s stall at the country`s book fair in Dhaka where he was selling copies of "Islam Bitorko" (Islam Debate), which includes a controversial chapter on sex and Muslims.
"There was a chapter entitled `Muslim Manosher Jouna Bikriti` (sexual perversion of the Muslim mind). The contents were offensive," said senior police officer Abu Baker Siddique.
"We got complaints from many people and we were worried that it could trigger a serious deterioration of law and order," he told AFP.
Manik was the translator and publisher of the book.
The 73-year-old`s arrest on Sunday comes amid mounting fears over freedom of speech in conservative Bangladesh, which has seen a series of killings of secular bloggers and publishers blamed on Islamist militants.
A small hardline Islamist group called Khelafat Andolon (Caliphate Movement) warned on Sunday that it would storm the month-long book fair unless Manik was arrested within 24 hours.
Police have charged Malik under the country`s tough Internet law with publishing material that hurts religious beliefs. He faces up to 14 years in jail if convicted.
Police arrested Malik, the owner of publishing firm Ba-dwip Prokashoni, at his home in the capital and raided his offices, seizing copies of the book.
"We`ve confiscated the book after we`ve found it can hurt religious sentiment of Muslims," Siddique said.
There was no comment from Ba-dwip, but the head of state-run Bangla Academy which holds the book fair every year supported the arrest.
"We`ve asked publishers not to showcase such controversial books in the fair stalls which would hurt people`s religious sentiments. It was an unforgivable crime," academy director general Shamsuzzaman Khan told AFP.
Some publishers and secular authors last year fled the country in fear of attack over their work. Others are too scared to speak out against what critics say is an erosion of freedom of speech and the rise of religious extremism.
Last year police shut a stall at the fair of another publisher, Rodela, following similar complaints on a book about the life of the Prophet Mohammed.
zeenews.india.com/news/world/publisher-of-offensive-anti-islam-book-arrested-in-bangladesh_1856207.html
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Deadly clashes erupting between rival Taliban groups in Ghazni
Feb 16 2016
2170Deadly clashes have been erupting between two rival groups of Taliban in central Ghazni province of Afghanistan, officials said on Tuesday.
The provincial governor said that one group belongs to Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour and the other one to Mullah Mohammad Rasoul.
According to Mohammad Aman Hamim, the clashes which started in the jurisdiction of Nawa District earlier this morning have so far left 27 militants killed.
Head of the Provincial Council of Ghazni also reported clashes between the followers of Mullah Mansour and Mullah Rasoul.
Khaliqdad Akbari said both groups clashed in Muqur District last night leaving several killed and wounded.
Fractions happened in Taliban after the group’s Supreme Leader was confirmed dead last year.
The two major groups formed after the news is Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour’s group and Mullah Mohammad Rasoul.
Another group has also announced its split from the main group under the leadership of Mullah Obaidullah in Paktika province however it does not have as many followers as Mullah Mansour and Mullah Rasoul.
khaama.com/severe-clashes-erupting-between-rival-taliban-groups-in-ghazni-3-killed-27-wounded-4582
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44 Daesh militants killed in Nangarhar’s Achin District
By KHAAMA PRESS - Tue Feb 16 2016,
General Fazal Ahmad Shirzad, Police Chief of Nangarhar and Brigadier General Mohammad Nasim Sangin who is commanding the Afghan National Army in the area said 44 militants have been killed and 18 others wounded in the operation so far.
While talking to a press conference in the area on Monday, the operation commanders said that several villages have been cleared of militants and security forces recovered large number of weapons and ammunition belonging to the terrorist group of Daesh during the operation.
Meanwhile, 13 militants have been killed in an internal clash Karkani area of Achin District.
Fighters of the Islamic State (IS) which also goes by its Arabic name ‘Daesh’ and others belonging to Taliban group came across in the area on Sunday and opened fire on each other.
Eight other militants were killed in the clash.
Nangarhar has become the battle ground of Taliban and Daesh where they have announced ‘Jihad’ against each other.
Loyalists of Daesh are former members of Taliban. They separated ways with Taliban after the Islamic State (IS) militant group which is also known by its Arabic name ‘Daesh’ came into shape.
The two sides have fought in a number of Afghan provinces but the most deadly clashes have been erupting in Nangarhar province.
Achin, Haska Meena and Bati Kot are among the districts of Nangarhar where both sides have killed/beheaded dozens of each other’s fighters.
Due to the tense situation and continued clashes between the two groups, hundreds of families have been forced to leave their homes in those areas.
khaama.com/44-daesh-militants-killed-in-security-operation-in-nangarhars-achin-district-4578
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Dozens of militants killed in Afghanistan operation
February 16, 2016
Over 30 militants, including commanders from Khyber Agency, were killed in military action in Afghanistan on Monday. Official sources were unable to confirm the toll till the filing of this report.
Sources in the tribal areas told The Express Tribune that at least 10 of the militants killed belonged to banned group Lashkar-e-Islam, while one was from the Islamic State also known as Da’ish.
TTP bases in Afghanistan: Evidence mounts on Afghan origin of Badhaber attack
They shared that the militants were killed in US-led allied troops’ action in Bandar area of Deh Bala district in Nangarhar, Afghanistan.
Some of the slain militants were identified as Haji Mohammad, Malak Shamal, Commander Mohammad Wali, Zakir Qambarkhel and Malik Inzar Gul.
The identity of the others is yet to be ascertained.
Sources said Gul hailed from Malik Din Khel clan and he was associated with Da’ish.
tribune.com.pk/story/1047661/dozens-of-militants-killed-in-afghanistan-operation/
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Ismail Khan urges government to implement Mujahideen’s suggestions for security
Feb 16 2016
Ismail-KhanMohammad Ismail Khan, a prominent Jihadi leader and former Minister of Energy and Power has urged government to get the assistance of Mujahideen for security.
While talking to a gathering in western Herat province, Ismail Khan said that government has failed to maintain security and therefore it should adopt changes in the rankings of security institutions.
Government’s strategies have failed in maintaining the security, there for it should listen to Mujahideen, Ismail Khan said in the presence of several former Mujahideen and residents of Herat.
The former Jihadi leader did not go into specifics but warned government that the situation would worsen if it does not implement a draft presented by the Mujahideen.
This comes as another prominent Jihadi leader Abdul Rab Rasoul Sayaf made a similar suggestion in Kabul.
Sayaf said that government should not marginalize Mujahideen when it comes to national defense and interests but give them a larger role.
khaama.com/ismail-khan-urges-government-to-implement-mujahideens-suggestions-for-security-4580
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Atmar: Afghan Air Force needs more support from the U.S.
Feb 16 2016,
AtmarAfghanistan’s National Security Adviser (NSA) says that Afghan Air Force needs further assistance from the United States.
Mohammad Hanif Atmar told US’s Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence Marcel Lettre on Monday that his country has played a key role in suppressing terrorism in Afghanistan and the region.
However, he expressed concern over the raise of the phenomenon.
“At the time, the threat of terrorism is increasing in the region and the world, Air Force of Afghanistan needs further training and equipment from the United States.” Atmar said.
He added that Afghanistan is ready to prepare a list of its needs and submit it to the United States.
The DoD official assured Atmar about his country’s continued support with Afghanistan.
Lettre said the United States supports policies of the government of Afghanistan for peace and stability and in the meantime it will consider further equipping Afghan Air Force.
khaama.com/atmar-afghan-air-force-needs-more-support-from-the-u-s-4579
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Unknown armed men gun down religious scholar in Nangarhar
Feb 16 2016
Unknown gunmanUnknown armed men have gunned down a religious scholar in Jalalabad city, capital of eastern Nangarhar province.
Spokesperson for the governor of Nangarhar said Mawlawi Ahmad Shah attended a religious class in a mosque in Angor Bagh area yesterday.
According to Ataullah Khogyaand, when the religious scholar came out of the mosque he came under armed attack and lost his life.
Motive behind the incident is unknown but Khogyani said that security agencies have launched an investigation into the incident.
Nangarhar had been among the comparatively safe provinces of Afghanistan but it is now going through some of its worst security.
khaama.com/unknown-armed-men-gun-down-religious-scholar-in-nangarhar-4579
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Abdullah calls on Taliban to come to negotiation table
By KHAAMA PRESS - Tue Feb 16 2016,
AbdullahChief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah has called on Taliban to come to negotiation table saying that they can’t reach to their hopes through war.
While talking to a gathering organized to celebrate the withdrawal of Red Army from Afghanistan, CEO Abdullah said the National Unity Government (NUG) has been trying to reach to a durable peace in Afghanistan.
He said if Taliban have a concept or ideology they need to come and talk as they cannot get anything with killing and violence.
Sibghatullah Mojaddedi, former President of Afghanistan and a Jihadi leader who also participated the gathering said that the main factor of the instability in Afghanistan is Pakistan.
Full report at: khaama.com/abdullah-calls-on-taliban-to-come-to-negotiation-table-4578
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Arab World
Missiles in Syria kill 50 as schools, hospitals hit, Turkey accuses Russia
16 February 2016
Turkey yesterday accused Russia of an "obvious war crime" after missile attacks in northern Syria killed scores of people, and warned Kurdish militia fighters there they would face the "harshest reaction" if they tried to capture a town near the Turkish border.
An offensive supported by Russian bombing and Iranian-backed Shiah militants has brought the Syrian army to within 25km of Turkey's frontier. The Kurdish YPG militia – which Turkey regards as a hostile insurgent force – has exploited the situation, seizing ground from Syrian rebels to extend its presence along the border.
Almost 50 civilians were killed when missiles hit at least five medical facilities and two schools in rebel-held areas of Syria yesterday, according to the United Nations, which called the attacks a blatant violation of international law.
Full report at: themalaysianinsider.com/world/article/missiles-in-syria-kill-50-as-schools-hospitals-hit-turkey-accuses-russia#sthash.spncksDv.dpuf
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Kurds United against Turkish Aggression
16 February 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- A senior Syrian Kurdish legislator warned Turkey and Saudi Arabia against military adventures in Syria, saying intervention will unite the Kurdish communities against the aggressors.
"Turkey wants to build a base for terrorist groups, including al-Nusra Front, Ahrar al-Sham and other outfits which are affiliated to al-Qaeda and supported by Ankara. To this end, Ankara wants to create a buffer zone in Northern Syria," Omar Ousi, also chairman of the National Initiative of Syrian Kurds, told FNA on Monday.
He said in the event of any military strikes by Saudi Arabia and Turkey, the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) will not hesitate to retaliate.
"The aggression will unite the Kurds against the aggressors in which Turkey will be the biggest loser in the region," Ousi said.
His remarks came after Saudi Arabia and Turkey raised the possibility of sending ground forces to Syria.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941126000812
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Samples confirm ISIL used mustard gas in Iraq
February 15, 2016
Islamic Staten Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militants attacked Kurdish forces in Iraq with mustard gas last year, the first known use of chemical weapons in Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein, a diplomat said, based on tests by the global chemical weapons watchdog.
A source at the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) confirmed that laboratory tests had come back positive for the sulfur mustard, after around 35 Kurdish troops were sickened on the battlefield last August.
The OPCW will not identify who used the chemical agent. But the diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity because the findings have not yet been released, said the result confirmed that chemical weapons had been used by ISIL fighters.
Full report at: todayszaman.com/diplomacy_samples-confirm-isil-used-mustard-gas-in-iraq_412375.html
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ISIL Executes Own Commanders in Iraq's Kirkuk
February 16, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Several senior commanders of the ISIL were executed by their own comrades in the city of Kirkuk in Northern Iraq, media reports said.
At least five senior commanders, including a former colonel of the Iraqi army, were executed in al-Huweija town for trying to escape from the ISIL, the Arabic-language Sumeria news channel quoted an unnamed informed source as saying on Tuesday.
The executed ISIL commanders were captured few days ago while they were trying to flee from Hamrin mountainous region.
"The ISIL abandoned the dead bodies of their comrade without even allowing their families to bury them," the source added.
In a similar incident earlier this month, the ISIL terrorist group executed 43 of its own militants on charges of leaving the battlefields and escaping war against the Syrian army.
"The ISIL arrested and killed 43 of its own members on charges of trying to escape to Iraq after the groups' failures in clashes with the Syrian Army and popular forces in the Eastern province," the sources said.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941127000622
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Lethal Trade: EU Must Refuse Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia
Tue Feb 16, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- It is good news to hear that some European Union countries like Belgium have decided to decline Saudi Arabia's request for military equipment and supplies amid mass execution of pro-democracy prisoners at home and the ongoing war on Yemen.
But for the arms embargo to succeed, other EU countries also need to follow suit, meaning they should end their industry of death and impose an embargo on all deliveries of military equipment and weapons to Saudi Arabia.
Otherwise, countries like Britain, which has so far sold close to $5 billion worth to the regime in the last year alone, will continue to be heavily implicated in the Saudi war crimes in Yemen.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941126001516
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Kurdish Fighters Continue to Drive Militants Back From More Lands in Aleppo
16 February 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Kurdish “People’s Protection Units” (YPG) continued to push back the militant groups in the Northern part of Syria's Aleppo province and entered a key village after several hours of fierce clashes.
The YPG fighters left no safe place for the militants in Kafr Naya East of Kafin and forced them to retreat from the village.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941126000725
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Syrian Kurds Storming Terrorist Stronghold on Border With Turkey
16 February 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Fighters from the Kurdish Self-Defense Forces have begun storming the city of Tel Rifaat besieged by terrorists and located approximately 12 miles from the border with Turkey in Syria’s Aleppo province, a source from the self-defense forces said Monday.
Tel Rifat is one of the insurgent group's last strongholds north of Aleppo.
On Sunday, the Lebanon-based Mayadeen TV said at least 350 Turkey-backed armed rebels had crossed into Syria from Turkey to support extremists fighting against Kurds near Tel Rifaat.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941126001439
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Some 300 Militants, Trucks With Arms Move to Syria's Tel Rifat From Turkey
16 February 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Some 300 militants and trucks with ammo rushed from Turkey to the Syrian city of Tel Rifaat in Aleppo but their attempt was disrupted by airstrikes, a source said. Kurdish forces have been storming the city, besieged by terrorists.
A group of approximately 300 militants with trucks laden with weapons attempted to break into the northern Syrian city of Tel Rifaat in Aleppo from Turkey, but most of the militants were killed, a source in the Kurdish self-defense forces said Monday.
“Reinforcements were sent to Tel Rifaat from Turkish territory. Around 300 militants and weapons. Airstrikes were conducted against the convoy heading out of Turkey on the Azaz-Tel Rifaat road. Most of the reinforcements were destroyed, some were able to reach the city,” the source told RIA Novosti.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941126001442
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No Ceasefire in Syria Until 'Turks, Saudis & US Try to Achieve Own Goals'
Tue Feb 16, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama discussed settling the Syrian crisis during a telephone conversation, the Kremlin press service said on Sunday.
According to the official statement, both Presidents positively assessed the results of the meeting of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) in Munich on February 11-12, Sputnik reported.
On Thursday, the ISSG adopted a final communique that called for humanitarian access to be provided swiftly to all besieged areas in Syria and set a one-week deadline for measures to be implemented to end hostilities in the country.
The news about the phone call between the two presidents came amid Turkey’s ongoing bombardment of Syrian Kurds and Saudi warnings that President Bashar Assad must be removed "by force" if the Syrian political process fails.
Radio Sputnik discussed the prospects for resolving the crisis in Syria with Ryan Dawson, a geopolitical analyst and author of the book ‘Welcome to the USSA: Corruption in the government and media’.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941126001429
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Syrian Kurds, Backed up by Russian Air Force, Liberate Strategic Aleppo City of Tel Rifat
February 16, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Kurdish forces known as the YPG, who have recently bonded with the government, prevailed over the terrorists in the highly strategic city of Tel Rifat in Northern Aleppo and captured the city Monday night.
The People’s Protection Units (YPG) who enjoyed the Russian air backup prevailed the terrorists' positions from the Western direction and shook hand with other Kurdish troops who entered the town from the North.
The YPG Kurds have recently bonded with the Damascus government. The Syrian army sent several arms cargoes to the YPG troops in the Northeastern province of Hasaka and trained the first group of Kurdish volunteer forces in the provincial capital city of Hasaka last week.
FNA battlefield dispatches said Monday night that heavy clashes are underway on the Eastern outskirts of the city as Ahrar al-Sham terrorists and groups of Al-Nusra Front - that have just arrived in Northern Aleppo via the Turkish territories - are retreating from their positions.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941126001563
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Syria calls on UN to condemn Turkish attacks on Kurds
15 Feb, 2016
Turkey says thousands of Syrians have massed on the Syrian side of the border seeking refuge in the past few weeks [AP]Turkey says thousands of Syrians have massed on the Syrian side of the border seeking refuge in the past few weeks [AP]
Damascus addresses UN over Turkey’s shelling of its northern territory as Kurdish fighters say they will not retreat.
Syria’s foreign ministry has condemned Turkey’s shelling of Kurdish fighters in northern Syria and sent two letters voicing its concern to the United Nations, Syrian state media reported.
“Turkish artillery shelling of Syrian territory constitutes direct support to the armed terrorist organisations,” the ministry told the UN Secretary General and the Security Council’s Chairman on Sunday.
In the past two days, Turkish forces have shelled Kurdish-held areas in Syria’s northern province of Aleppo, as it urged fighters with the Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG), the armed wing of the Syria’s Democratic Union Party (PYD), to leave areas it had captured there.
Full report at: ghanaclass.com/aljazeera-syria-calls-on-un-to-condemn-turkish-attacks-on-kurds/
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Assad warns Turkey, Saudi Arabia against ground incursion
February 15, 2016
Syrian President Bashar Assad is warning Turkey and Saudi Arabia that any ground incursion into Syria will have "global repercussions" and says sending in troops will not be a "picnic."
Commenting on the agreement reached last week among the US, Russia and other world powers for a temporary cessation of hostilities in Syria, Assad said, "Cease-fires occur between armies and states, but never between a state and terrorists."
"They say that they want a cease-fire within a week. All right, who will talk to a terrorist organization if it refuses to cease fire? Who will punish it?' he asked.
Assad spoke in Damascus late Monday during a meeting with members of the Bar Association. The comments were his first since the agreement on Friday to bring about a temporary pause in fighting within a week.
todayszaman.com/latest-news_assad-warns-turkey-saudi-arabia-against-ground-incursion_412418.html
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Syrian Army Pushing ISIL Back West of Aleppo's Internationally Known Kuweires Airbase
February 16, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian Army troops and the National Defense Forces, in a fresh round of offensives on Tuesday, targeted the ISIL strongholds near the strategic Kuweires airbase and won back more lands in the region.
The Syrian pro-government forces pushed the ISIL militants back from their positions and strongholds in the village of Abu Dhana, Tal Abu Dhana and the Thermal Power Station in the Western part of Kuweires airbase.
The ISIL suffered a heavy death toll and its military equipment and vehicles also sustained major damage in the offensives.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941127000805
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Militant Groups Face More Defeats, Losses in Syria's Dara'a
February 16, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian Armed Forces hit the militant groups' positions and gathering centers heavily in different parts of the Southern province of Dara'a and inflicted major losses on the terrorists.
Scores of the terrorists were killed or wounded in the Syrian Army's offensive near the town of al-Yadoudah in Northwestern part of Dara'a.
In the meantime, the Syrian artillery opened fire at the militants' centers near the towns of Milhat al-Atash, al-Naima and al-Swara which claimed the lives of many terrorists.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941127000779
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Aleppo Victories Prelude to Greater Triumph
February 16, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- A senior Syrian government official underlined that the recent gains of the Syrian army and the popular forces in Aleppo province will soon give rise to a major triumph for the Damascus government.
"The recent wins of the Syrian army (and popular forces) in Aleppo province are an introduction to a final triumph in all battlefronts with the Takfiri enemy," Syrian Deputy Economy Minister Hayan Salman told FNA on Tuesday.
Salman, meantime, pointed to Saudi Arabia's declared intention for military intervention in Syria, and said, "If Saudi Arabia dares to send soldiers to Syria, it will receive the crushing response of the Syrian army and nation and the kingdom should then expect its soldiers to return home in coffins."
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941127000773
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Syrian Army Continues to Advance against Militants Southwest of Damascus
February 16, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian Army troops stormed the militant groups' strongholds in Western Ghouta and pushed the terrorist back from more lands in the region.
The Syrian army, in a several-hour fighting, drove the militant groups back from the region of al-Fusoul al-Rabe'ah (Four Seasons) near the city of Darayya, which also left several militants dead.
The Syrian Air Force, for its part, targeted the terrorist groups' concentration centers in the small town of Khan al-Sheih in the Southwestern part of Damascus province, leaving many terrorists dead or wounded.
On Monday, the Syrian air force hit hard the military positions and gathering centers of the militants in Damascus countryside.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941127000628
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Mideast
Palestinians renovate church at Jesus' birthplace
Feb 16, 2016
Syria attacks: Missiles kill 50 as schools, hospitals hit; Turkey accuses Russia
February 16, 2016
MANDATORY CREDIT This image taken from video provided by the Syrian activist-based media group Azaz Media Center, which has-been verified and is consistent with other AP reporting, shows people gathered around destroyed vehicles in Azaz, Syria Syria, Monday, Feb. 15, 2016. Turkey says Kurdish forces have been expelled from areas around the northern Syrian town of Azaz after a weekend of cross-border shelling.(Azaz Media Center,via AP Video)
Turkey on Monday accused Russia of an “obvious war crime” after missile attacks in northern Syria killed scores of people, and warned Kurdish militia fighters there they would face the “harshest reaction” if they tried to capture a town near the Turkish border.
Full report at: indianexpress.com/article/world/world-news/missiles-in-syria-kill-50-as-schools-hospitals-hit-turkey-accuses-russia/#sthash.WzgsGSGj.dpuf
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Iranian FM: Using Terrorists as Pawns Renders No Political Gain
February 16, 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif blasted certain states for making an instrumental use of terrorist and militant groups to obtain their political ends, cautioning that using terrorist groups as pawns for deeper political agenda could backfire.
"Using terrorists as pawns in politics and diplomacy is unprecedented. It could have dangerous consequences," Zarif told the Iran-based Arabic-language al-Alam news channel in Brussels on Tuesday.
He urged certain regional states to stay away from the illusion that they could use military force for political settlement in Syria.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941127000613
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Erdogan files complaint over slogans during protest at labor union congress
February 16, 2016, Tuesday
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has filed a complaint against protesters at a labor union congress, claiming that they had insulted him with their slogans, Turkish media reported on Monday.
A group of protesters chanted “The AKP [Justice and Development Party] will account to the public,” “Murderer Erdogan” and “Murderers out” during the congress of the Confederation of Revolutionary Workers' Unions (DISK) on Friday when Labor and Social Security Minister Süleyman Soylu entered the hall. The minister was forced to leave as the protesters continued to chant and shout.
Full report at: todayszaman.com/national_erdogan-files-complaint-over-slogans-during-protest-at-labor-union-congress_412437.html
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Turkey blames Russia for Syria missile strikes, calls it ‘war crime’
Reuters, Kiev/Beirut Feb 16, 2016
This still image from a video shows heavy smoke rising from a location said to be a Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)-supported hospital in Marat al Numan, Idlib, Syria. (Reuters Photo)
Turkey on Monday accused Russia of an “obvious war crime” after missile attacks in northern Syria killed scores of people, and warned Kurdish militia fighters there they would face the “harshest reaction” if they tried to capture a town near the Turkish border.
An offensive supported by Russian bombing and Iranian-backed Shia militias has brought the Syrian army to within 25 km (15 miles) of Turkey’s frontier. The Kurdish YPG militia -- which Turkey regards as a hostile insurgent force -- has exploited the situation, seizing ground from Syrian rebels to extend its presence along the border.
Full report at: hindustantimes.com/world/turkey-accuses-russia-as-missiles-hit-schools-hospitals-in-syria/story-J6KAaY9NiGob7IDgkASiOI.html
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Israeli officer filmed overturning Palestinian’s wheelchair
February 15, 2016
Israel says it has launched an investigation into a border police officer who was filmed tipping over a Palestinian in a wheelchair in the West Bank.
Justice Ministry spokeswoman Eden Klein said Monday that an investigation is underway.
The incident happened Sunday after Israeli forces shot and wounded a Palestinian woman who police said had pulled out a knife and tried to attack an officer.
Footage shot by a local resident shows the woman on the ground bleeding and officers ordering Palestinians to keep away. One officer flips over a Palestinian's wheelchair, dumping him on the ground.
todayszaman.com/latest-news_israeli-officer-filmed-overturning-palestinians-wheelchair_412416.html
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Turkish official: Turkey, Israel close to deal on compensation over Mavi Marmara
February 15, 2016
Talks between Turkey and Israel have reached the point at which both sides can now sign an agreement on compensation for the killing of 10 Turkish activists by Israeli commandos in 2010, a Turkish ruling party official said on Monday.
The erstwhile allies have stepped up efforts in recent months to restore a relationship that was severely damaged following the Israeli raid on a Turkish boat, the Mavi Marmara, which had been trying to breach a blockade on the Gaza Strip.
Ömer Çelik, a spokesman for Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), made the comment live on Haber Türk television station.
todayszaman.com/diplomacy_turkish-official-turkey-israel-close-to-deal-on-compensation-over-mavi-marmara_412412.html
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Turkey vows 'harsh reaction' as missiles hit Syria town
Feb 16, 2016,
Turkey on Monday accused Russia of an "obvious war crime" after missile attacks in northern Syria killed scores of people, and warned Kurdish militia fighters there they would face the "harshest reaction" if they tried to capture a town near the Turkish border.
An offensive supported by Russian bombing and Iranian-backed Shi'ite militias has brought the Syrian army to within 25 km (15 miles) of Turkey's frontier. The Kurdish YPG militia - which Turkey regards as a hostile insurgent force - has exploited the situation, seizing ground from Syrian rebels to extend its presence along the border.
Almost 50 civilians were killed when missiles hit at least five medical facilities and two schools in rebel-held areas of Syria on Monday, according to the United Nations, which called the attacks a blatant violation of international law.
At least 14 were killed in the northern town of Azaz, the last rebel stronghold before the border with Turkey, when missiles hit a children's hospital and a school sheltering refugees, a medic and two residents said. Missiles also hit a hospital in the town of Marat Numan in the province of Idlib, south of Aleppo.
Full report at: timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/Turkey-vows-harsh-reaction-as-missiles-hit-Syria-town/articleshow/51008198.cms
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Turkish warplanes ‘violate’ Greek airspace 20 times: State agency
AFP, Athens Feb 16, 2016
Turkish warplanes repeatedly entered Greek airspace on Monday, the state ANA news agency said, as Nato prepared to deploy ships to the Aegean Sea against migrant smugglers.
The Athens News Agency said six warplanes and a navy transport plane had carried out over 20 violations of Greek national airspace near the eastern and central Aegean islands.
Two of the planes were armed and mock dogfights occurred on two occasions when Greek fighters moved to intercept, the agency said. No live rounds were exchanged.
The incident occurred as a Nato naval group was to launch patrols in the waters between the two countries to deter people-smugglers facilitating the influx of hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants into Europe.
Albeit Nato allies, Greece and Turkey have a fraught history going back centuries and remain at loggerheads over territorial and airspace rights in the Aegean.
Full report at: hindustantimes.com/world/turkish-warplanes-violate-greek-airspace-20-times-state-agency/story-1Yoj7XbBiVU6V4n99nk8EN.html
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Paksitan
Pakistan agrees to take part in Saudi-led ‘multi-national exercise’
February 16, 2016
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday confirmed its participation in a ‘multi-national exercise’ on counter-terrorism being held in Saudi Arabia a day after Riyadh announced that it was holding ‘largest, most important military maneuvers’ ever staged in the region.
In a statement the Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said given Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s close fraternal ties, the two countries have cooperated in the field of defence for the past many decades.
Pakistan included in Saudi Arabia’s 34-state Islamic military alliance against terrorism
“This includes military exercises and intense training cooperation in various domains. Both countries have training exchanges in which trainers are sent to Saudi Arabia for multiple training areas and Saudi Armed Forces personnel also receive training in Pakistan,” Zakria explained.
He said it was against this backdrop that Pakistan was participating in a multi-national exercise on counter-terrorism in Saudi Arabia. “A small Pakistani defence contingent also remains stationed in Saudi Arabia under a bilateral arrangement,” Zakria added.
On Sunday, a Saudi Press News Agency (SPA) statement claimed that troops from around 20 countries, including Pakistan, were gathering in northern Saudi Arabia for “the largest, most important military maneuvres” ever staged in the region.
Full report at: tribune.com.pk/story/1047659/combating-terrorism-pakistan-agrees-to-take-part-in-saudi-led-drill/
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IS in no part of Sindh, says Qaim
February 16th, 2016
KHAIRPUR: Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has supported the federal interior minister’s belief that there is no presence of the militant Islamic State group, saying that its name is being used to terrify people.
Speaking to the media here late on Sunday evening, Mr Shah categorically stated that “the IS doesn’t exist in any part of Sindh”.
According to him, some banned outfits and terrorist organisations were using the name of the IS for their ulterior motives.
The chief minister was on a visit to his hometown to inaugurate several departments, including petroleum, mechanical, electrical and natural gas, as well as an auditorium and a mosque on the Z.A. Bhutto campus of the Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET).
In reply to a question, Mr Shah said that all issues relating to the education and health sectors pending before the Council of Common Interests (CCI) would be taken up in its upcoming meeting. He expressed his confidence that Sindh would strongly plead its case and continue to struggle for attaining its constitutional rights but all issues would be resolved amicably and without any confrontation with the Centre.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1239742/is-in-no-part-of-sindh-says-qaim
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Pakistani among plane crew impounded in Zimbabwe
February 16th, 2016
HARARE: Zimbabwean aviation authorities impounded a US-registered cargo jet, a senior official said on Monday, after a body later believed to be a stowaway and millions of South African rand were found on board.
The Herald, a state-run newspaper, reported that the MD-11 trijet was travelling from Germany to South Africa “with millions of rands”. At today’s exchange rate, 1 million rand is worth $62,500.
Authorities here learned the money belonged to the South Africa Reserve Bank.
Civil Aviation Authority general manager David Chawota said the plane had landed in Harare for refuelling. He said the jet, registered with Western Global Airlines, was impounded at Harare International Airport on Sunday. According to a website, Western Global Airlines is based in Estero, Florida.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1239758/pakistani-among-plane-crew-impounded-in-zimbabwe
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‘Wall of kindness’ emerges in Sahiwal
February 16th, 2016
SAHIWAL: The trend-setting ‘wall of kindness’ which first emerged in Iranian city Mashhahd in December last, has also been set up in Sahiwal after Karachi, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Lahore and Quetta.
The charity corner, set up by the activists of social organisation ‘Pursadaran-i-Husain’ at Tainkiwala Chowk on Feb 14, invites the passersby with a slogan: “Leave what you do not need” and “take it if you need”.
Abbas Zaidi, the man behind the wall idea, told Dawn the wall was like a place where people would leave their surplus clothes, food items and other usable items for the needy people who pick what they need.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1239811/wall-of-kindness-emerges-in-sahiwal
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Pakistani scientist develops device to enable early cancer detection
February 16th, 2016
A Pakistani electrical engineer based in the United States has developed a device that helps in detecting cancer early, which is one of the biggest factors in successfully fighting the fatal disease.
Samir Iqbal, an associate professor in the Electrical Engineering Department at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), detailed his team’s results in a recent Nature Scientific Reports paper called “Effects of Nanotexture on Electrical Profiling of Single Tumor Cell and Detection of Cancer from Blood in Microfluidic Channels.”
Iqbal completed his bachelor’s in electrical engineering from NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi. He went on to pursue his postgraduate studies in the US, where he completed his PhD from the University of Purdue in 2007.
Since then, Iqbal has been with the UTA and has received nearly $1.4 million in grants since his arrival.
Full report at: dawn.com/news/1239918/pakistani-scientist-develops-device-to-enable-early-cancer-detection
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Africa
Al Qaeda strengthening in Africa; security experts say
February 16, 2016
Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) claimed responsibility for the recent high profile attacks in West Africa.
The group which is linked to veteran jihadist Mokhtar Belmokhtar, claimed two hotel sieges in the Mali and Burkina Faso capitals in November and January that killed dozens.
The attacks may be a bid to compete with the Islamic State militia which now has a base in Libya.
Full report at: africanews.com/2016/02/15/al-qaeda-strengthening-in-africa-security-experts-say/
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Obama Seeks $200M to Fight Growing Islamic State Influence in Africa
February 16, 2016
US President Barack Obama is seeking $200 million in the 2017 budget to fight against a growing terrorism threat by the Islamic State (ISIS) in Africa, particularly in Libya and West Africa, Associated Press reported.
The Middle East-based ISIS militant group has expanded its influence in Africa by courting extremist from Nigeria to Somalia in its global expansion that has seen it establish a major hub in Europe and North Africa.
Reuters quoted an unnamed U.S. defense official saying “the marginal increase is on the order of about $200 million associated with North Africa”. Another official said the funds will also be directed to West Africa.
The US Pentagon, which has for several years been using secret drone attacks in Africa to fight Islamic Terrorism groups such as Al Shabaab in Somalia, is now seeking to expand its war against these extremists in Africa.
Full report at: afkinsider.com/119563/obama-seeks-200m-to-fight-growing-islamic-state-influence-in-africa/#sthash.OpvjXUF8.dpuf
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New Libya cabinet proposed to replace dual governments
15 February 2016
Libya has two rival governments, one in Tripoli, and the other about 1,000km (620 miles) away in Tobruk
Libya's internationally-backed presidency council has proposed a new cabinet for the country which has had two competing governments since 2014.
The proposed council will be put to a vote in parliament this week.
The BBC's Rana Jawad says Western powers hope that this will be Libya's future unity government.
The existence of two competing governments and the lack of stability has allowed militants and so-called Islamic State to operate.
Full report at: bbc.com/news/world-africa-35577299
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Europe
Majority of Muslim nations ignoring threat of extremism, Hammond warns
Monday 15 February 2016
The UK foreign secretary, Philip Hammond, has accused a majority of Muslim nations of either ignoring the threat of Islamic extremism altogether or turning a blind eye to what is going on in their mosques, schools or prisons.
Hammond said Islamic leaders had to lead the fight against extremism in their countries, but tackling extremism by security measures alone was simply dealing with the symptoms of a disease.
“While the west is facing a security problem, the Islamic world is facing an existential challenge,” he said. “Fundamentalism and moderate Islam are incompatible and only one of them can survive.”
Full report at: theguardian.com/politics/2016/feb/15/phiip-hammond-islamic-extremism-munich-security-conference
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Report: German Police Raid Homes Linked to Islamic Group
Feb 16, 2016
German police have raided several homes linked to an Islamic extremist group in the northern city of Bremen.
The dpa news agency reports that the raids early Tuesday follow a decision by the city-state's top security official banning the group Islamischer Foerderverein Bremen.
It is considered the successor to a previously banned extremist organization whose members had fought for the Islamic State group in Syria.
Authorities planned to hold a news conference about the raids later Tuesday.
abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/report-german-police-raid-homes-linked-islamic-group-36966173
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Belgium detains 10 in Islamic State recruitment investigation
February 16, 2016
Belgian police raided homes in Brussels on Tuesday and detained 10 people on suspicion of operating a recruitment ring for militant group Islamic State.
Belgian police find Paris attack fugitive’s fingerprint, belts in flat
“Our investigation points to several persons having left for Syria to join Islamic State,” Belgium’s federal prosecutors said in a statement.
Prosecutors said they had seized computer equipment and mobile phones.
Brussels police detain two in raids linked to Paris attacks – prosecutor
Belgium has one of the highest per capita rates of participation in militant groups such as Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.
tribune.com.pk/story/1047843/belgium-detains-10-in-islamic-state-recruitment-investigation/
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Russia asks UN Security Council to discuss Turkish shelling in Syria
February 16, 2016
The United Nations Security Council will on Tuesday discuss Turkey's shelling of targets in Syria at the request of Russia, which has voiced concern about Turkish military attacks on Russian-backed Kurdish militia fighters, according to an email exchange.
Turkey shelled Kurdish YPG positions for a third straight day to try to stop its fighters from seizing Azaz, just 8 km (5 miles) from the border. Ankara fears the YPG, backed by Russia, are trying to secure the last stretch of around 100 km along the Syrian border not already under its control.
Full report at: todayszaman.com/diplomacy_russia-asks-un-security-council-to-discuss-turkish-shelling-in-syria_412428.html
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Merkel says supports some kind of no-fly zone in Syria
February 15, 2016,
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a newspaper interview released on Monday that she favoured establishing some sort of no-fly zone in Syria to protect an area where refugees could be safe from attack.
"In the current situation, it would be helpful if there was an area there in which none of the warring parties carry out attacks by air - so a type of no-fly zone," she told the Stuttgarter Zeitung newspaper in response to a question.
It would also be helpful, she said, if supporters and opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad came to such an agreement. But it would not be possible to negotiate with the Islamic State movement, she added.
Full report at: todayszaman.com/latest-news_merkel-says-supports-some-kind-of-no-fly-zone-in-syria_412415.html
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Why Putin’s Strategy in Syria Wins Over and Over Again
16 February 2016
TEHRAN (FNA)- Roland Lombardi, an independent consultant on Middle East issues, explained why Russia is playing some of the strongest cards in the Middle East and is likely to score a strategic victory in the region.
In his recent piece for The Atlantic, political analyst Dominique Tierney assumed that no matter what will be the outcome of the Syrian war – the situation will not get better.
Commenting on the article, Lombardi told Atlantico that Tierney’s point of view is biased and lacks credibility.
Full report at: en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941126001437
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North America
Americans and Dutch Train Senegal Commandos as Fears of Terrorism Grow
FEB. 15, 2016
ST.-LOUIS, Senegal — On a hazy afternoon last week, about two dozen Senegalese commandos dressed in dark green camouflage uniforms landed their black Zodiac boats on a sandy beach and clambered ashore, their M-16 rifles at the ready.
Within minutes, they were walking stealthily in small groups through low scrub brush to sneak up on their target several hundred yards away: the village lair of an Algerian terrorist financier they had been hunting for days. Moments later, shots rang out and a hooded, handcuffed man was hustled from his hide-out to the awaiting boats.
In truth, the raid was simulated: The shots were blanks, the terrorist an American airman playing a bad guy. But the threat recreated in this training exercise at an abandoned beach resort here has become increasingly and unsettlingly real, Senegalese officials say.
Continue reading the main story
Full report at: nytimes.com/2016/02/16/world/africa/americans-and-dutch-train-senegal-commandos-as-fears-of-terrorism-grow.html?_r=0
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An Arizona man is set for trial this week on terror charges linked to the Islamic State group
Feb. 15, 2016,
PHOENIX (AP) — Halfway through 2014, three Arizona men were falling under the sway of the Islamic State group, authorities say.
The trio watched videos depicting violence by jihadists, tried to get pipe bombs, planned an attack at a Prophet Muhammad cartoon contest in Texas last year and researched travel to the Middle East so they could join Islamic State fighters, investigators say.
Two of the men brought semiautomatic rifles and an Islamic State flag to the May 3 contest featuring cartoons deemed offensive to Muslims and died in a shootout with police before hurting anyone attending the event in suburban Dallas.
Full report at: usnews.com/news/us/articles/2016-02-15/trial-to-start-in-is-linked-charges-in-texas-cartoon-contest
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