February 2009 Security News

Report Says Drug Trade in Mexico, Afghanistan, Threatens US National Security VOA 28 Feb 2009 -- A U.S. State Department report Friday said drug trafficking in Mexico and the opium trade in Afghanistan pose significant national security threats to the United States. Some progress against the drug trade was reported in both countries.
UK admits handing over Iraq prisoners to US for rendition IRNA 27 Feb 2009 -- UK government under pressure to hold inquiry into role in extraordinary rendition of terror suspects.
Britain Acknowledges Two 'Rendition' Cases VOA 27 Feb 2009 -- Britain admitted that 2 terror suspects captured in 2004 in Iraq were later surrendered to the US and transferred to a prison in Afghanistan.
Reporter Gets Firsthand Look at Controversial Guantanamo Detention Center VOA 27 Feb 2009 -- Pentagon report: No evidence that terrorist detainees at Guantanamo are being mistreated.
India Rejects Pakistani Naval Chief's Assertion on Mumbai Attackers VOA 27 Feb 2009 -- Indian government: No evidence terrorist attack on Mumbai carried out by gunmen who took sea route.
India asks Pak to bring perpetrators of Mumbai attack to justice IRNA 27 Feb 2009 -- India has reiterated that perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks should be brought to justice.
Naval Installations Exercise Solid Curtain Navy NewsStand 27 Feb 2009 -- Firefighting, rescue workers and security personnel reponded to all calls during Exercise Solid Curtain 2009.
Multinational Exercise to Test Interoperability in Caribbean AFPS 27 Feb 2009 -- An initiative aimed at boosting capacity among Central and South American security forces will get put to the test next week.
UK's top Palestinian charity cleared of any terrorist links IRNA 27 Feb 2009 -- Britain's top Palestinian charity has been cleared for the third time of any alleged links with so-called terrorist organisations.
Iran refutes US' unfounded, unacceptable claims IRNA 27 Feb 2009 -- Iran representative to UN: Dismissed claims of the US envoy to UN that Tehran tried to acquire the capacity to produce nuclear arms.
Mexico Sending Extra Troops to Besieged Border City VOA 27 Feb 2009 -- Mexican authorities: More troops and federal police deployed to Juarez to crack down on drug-related violence.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 27 Feb 2009 [PDF]
Century of war on drugs has brought problem 'under control' but fight goes on - UN UN News Centre 26 Feb 2009 -- World is winning its long battle against the illicit trade in narcotics but further efforts are needed.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 26 Feb 2009 [PDF]
India Files First Formal Cases in Mumbai Terror Attack VOA 25 Feb 2009 -- Indian authorities have charged the lone surviving gunman in Mumbai terror attacks with murder and waging war against India.
Thales and IGG form strategic partnership Thales 25 Feb 2009 -- Thales International Middle East - Abu Dhabi Branch, a subsidiary of Thales, a leading international electronics and systems enterprise addressing security, aerospace and defence markets worldwide, has formed a strategic partnership in the UAE, with IGG (International Golden Group PJSC), a well established company with its basis of operations in Abu Dhabi, one of the leading suppliers to the UAE Government, Armed forces and other Security agencies.
US Makes Hundreds of Arrests in Crackdown on Mexican Drug Cartel VOA 25 Feb 2009 -- US Attorney General Holder announced arrest of 755 people as part of campaign against a notorious drug cartel.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 25 Feb 2009 [PDF]
Pentagon: Guantanamo Conditions Humane VOA 24 Feb 2009 -- Pentagon review of conditions at the US detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba says the facility meets the standards for humane treatment of detainees required in the Geneva Conventions.
FBI Chief Says Tribal Areas of Pakistan, Afghanistan Are Top Terror Threat VOA 24 Feb 2009 -- Head of the FBI: Main threat of terrorism coming from the tribal areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
French Court Overturns Terror Suspects' Convictions VOA 24 Feb 2009 -- A French appeals court has overturned the convictions of 5 former inmates of the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
India to Charge Mumbai Attack Suspect VOA 24 Feb 2009 -- Indian police say the lone surviving gunman in the deadly Mumbai attacks will be formally charged in the case on Wednesday.
NEPAL: Bird flu returns IRIN 24 Feb 2009 -- Bird flu has reappeared in Jhapa District, nearly 500km south-east of the capital, Kathmandu, despite government efforts to control the deadly virus.
UN Urges Vietnam to be Vigilant on Bird Flu VOA 24 Feb 2009 -- UN agencies urging Vietnam to be vigilant in its fight against bird flu after three new human cases were discovered this year.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 24 Feb 2009 [PDF]
Transcript: DoD News Briefing With Adm. Walsh From The Pentagon DoD 23 Feb 2009 -- Presenter: Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Patrick M. Walsh
Guantanamo Complies With Geneva Conventions, Admiral Says AFPS 23 Feb 2009 -- The detention facilities at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, meet all standards of humane treatment and are in compliance with Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, the vice chief of naval operations.
Freed Guantanamo Detainee is Back in Britain VOA 23 Feb 2009 -- Former British resident Binyam Mohamed has been released from the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, after 7 years of detention.
'Tortured' Guantanamo detainee back in UK IRNA 23 Feb 2009 -- UK resident Binyam Mohamed returned to Britain after being incarcerated at the US internment camp in Guantanamo Bay for more than four years.
US Supreme Court Turns Down Appeal of al-Qaida Member, a US Citizen VOA 23 Feb 2009 -- The U.S. Supreme Court has turned down the appeal of US citizen convicted of joining al-Qaida.
Police detain 3 people over deadly Cairo bombing RIA Novosti 23 Feb 2009 -- 3 people in custody over a Cairo bombing that killed a 17-year-old French girl and injured 24 other people.
3 Detained in Egypt Bombing VOA 23 Feb 2009 -- Egyptian police say they have detained at least three people for questioning about a bombing Sunday that killed a French teenager.
EADS Defence & Security to design the Abu Dhabi Police Security System for the Emirate EADS 23 Feb 2009 -- Today, a contract has been signed between Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters (GHQ) and EADS Defence & Security (DS) to prepare a plan for an integrated police security system solution for the Abu Dhabi Emirate.
India promises to respond to any information sought by Pakistan IRNA 23 Feb 2009 -- India promised to respond to any information sought by Pakistan in connection with probe into the Mumbai attacks.
Bomb Explodes in Spain's Basque Region VOA 23 Feb 2009 -- Police in Spain's Basque region say a bomb has exploded outside a local headquarters of the country's ruling Socialist party.
Pakistani Kidnappers Refute Reports of Death of American Hostage VOA 23 Feb 2009 -- Pakistani separatists holding UN official John Solecki hostage say he is still alive, refuting reports he had been killed.
UNHCR says no confirmation of reports of official's death IRNA 23 Feb 2009 -- UN refugee agency Monday: No conformation of local TV reports that abducted official has been killed in southwestern Pakistan.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 23 Feb 2009 [PDF]
Obama Backs Bush on Afghanistan Detainees VOA 21 Feb 2009 -- The Obama administration says detainees at the U.S. air base in Bagram, Afghanistan cannot use U.S. courts to challenge their detention.
US refuses Afghan detainees right to seek compensation IRNA 21 Feb 2009 -- The US justice department ruled that some 600 detainees at Bagram have no rights to seek compensation from the US government for keeping them in custody without substantive charges.
India to press Pakistan to cooperate to end cross-border terrorism IRNA 21 Feb 2009 -- India will press for concrete and sincere cooperation by Pakistan to end cross-border terrorism at the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Ministerial meeting in Colombo on Friday.
Britain Says US to Transfer Guantanamo Detainee to UK VOA 20 Feb 2009 -- The British government said the United States is to transfer a Guantanamo Bay detainee to Britain.
New bird flu case confirmed in Hong Kong RIA Novosti 20 Feb 2009 -- Tests confirmed that dead bird on the island of Tung Ping Chau, in Hong Kong, last week infected with H5N1 bird flu virus.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 20 Feb 2009 [PDF]
Fake companies, opium trade, trafficking routes contribute to drug problem – UN report UN News Centre 19 Feb 2009 -- The growing sophistication of organized drug gangs, combined with the emergence of difficult-to-control smuggling routes, and high opium harvests in Afghanistan are just some of the major threats highlighted in a new report released today by the United Nations drug watchdog.
U.S. Fleet Forces to Commence Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield '09 Navy NewsStand 19 Feb 2009 -- Navy shore installations and activities will participate in Exercise Solid Curtain-Citadel Shield '09.
National Guard Gears Up for 2009 Hurricane Season AFPS 19 Feb 2009 -- Local, state and federal leaders preparing for a 2009 hurricane season.
Nigeria Makes Some Progress in Preventing Bird Flu VOA 19 Feb 2009 -- Avian flu was detected in Africa 2006 when cases were confirmed at poultry farms in Nigeria.
UK Justice Secretary: MKO remains terrorist IRNA 19 Feb 2009 -- Jack Straw, British Justice Secretary: Mojahedin Khalq Organization is a terrorist group from the viewpoint of his government.
Int'l community urged to adopt constructive ways to control drugs IRNA 19 Feb 2009 -- The International Narcotics Control Board urged international community to adopt constructive approaches to control drugs.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 19 Feb 2009 [PDF]
US Court Reverses Ruling on Guantanamo Uighurs VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- A US appeals court overturned ruling that would have released a group of Chinese Muslims from the US prison at Guantanamo Bay.
Britain One-Step Closer to Expelling Radical Muslim Cleric VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- Britain's highest court has cleared the way for the expulsion of radical Muslim cleric, Abu Qatada.
Containers could be used to transport nukes: Indian Navy chief RIA Novosti 18 Feb 2009 -- India's Navy Chief Admiral Mehta: Cargo containers could be used to transport nuclear weapons.
Al-Qaida Says It's Holding 6 Western Hostages in Niger VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- Al-Qaida's North Africa branch says it is holding captive two Canadian diplomats and four Western tourists kidnapped in Niger.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 18 Feb 2009 [PDF]
Ops officials conduct new warfighter training AFNS 17 Feb 2009 -- Progress continues for the Air Forces Northern Distributed Mission Operations program as first individualized warfighter training event held.
Al-Qaeda gains strength, active in North Caucasus - envoy RIA Novosti 17 Feb 2009 -- Al-Qaeda has not become weaker, but gained in strength, while hundreds of similar extremist groups have emerged worldwide.
Former British Spy Boss Accuses Government of Exploiting Terrorism Fear VOA 17 Feb 2009 -- Former head of domestic intelligence agency accuses government of exploiting fear and restricting liberties.
Former Security Chief: UK exploiting terrorism to restrict liberties IRNA 17 Feb 2009 -- Former head of Britain’s MI5 accused the country's Labor government of exploiting the fear of terrorism to restrict civil liberties.
UK to widen definition of Muslim extremist IRNA 17 Feb 2009 -- The British government was reported to be considering plans that would lead to thousands more British Muslims being branded as extremists.
NEPAL: Avian influenza outbreak contained but risks remain IRIN 17 Feb 2009 -- The H5NI virus has been brought under control after a month-long outbreak in poultry in Jhapa district.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 17 Feb 2009 [PDF]
Ten Years After Terror's Arrival In Central Asia RFE/RL 16 Feb 2009 -- When Tashkent's central districts were rocked by bombings 10 years ago, terrorism was not a word commonly equated with Central Asia.
Australian Court Hears Case of Suspected Arsonist as Fires Continue to Burn VOA 16 Feb 2009 -- A court in Australia has released the identity of a man accused of lighting a fire in the southeastern state of Victoria.
India asks Pakistan to dismantle terror infrastructure on its soil IRNA 13 Feb 2009 -- India Friday asked Pakistan to dismantle terror infrastructure on its soil.
India terms Pak admission, actions a positive development IRNA 13 Feb 2009 -- India: Pakistan's admission of role of operatives based on its soil in Mumbai attacks a positive development.
Pakistan says part of Mumbai attacks planned in country IRNA 13 Feb 2009 -- Pakistan: Part of Mumbai conspiracy took place in country, however, there are indications that various countries used to carry out act.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 13 Feb 2009 [PDF]
Pakistan Says Mumbai Attacks Planned on Its Soil VOA 12 Feb 2009 -- Pakistan has for the first time acknowledged that attacks on the Indian financial capital of Mumbai were partly plotted on its soil.
Sanctions to prevent terrorism difficult but necessary UN News Centre 12 Feb 2009 -- Preventative sanctions against terrorist groups present legal issues, but have been recognized by courts as needed.
Arkansas Guard Supplies Generators to Ice-stricken School District AFPS 12 Feb 2009 -- Generators from the Arkansas Air National Guard enabled the school district to resume classes.
Oklahoma Guard Aids Community After Devastating Tornado AFPS 12 Feb 2009 -- Tornado season in Oklahoma started more than a month early Feb. 10, as a tornado struck the town of Lone Grove.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 12 Feb 2009 [PDF]
Lithuania Considers Taking in Guantanamo Prisoners VOA 11 Feb 2009 -- Lithuania said it is to hold talks with the US on accepting some of the inmates being held at the US military prison at Guantanamo Bay.
Ethiopian Police Arrest Suspect in Death of US Diplomat VOA 11 Feb 2009 -- Police in Ethiopia have arrested a suspect in connection with the apparent murder of a junior US diplomat.
IAI’s ELTA Systems Group Awarded $65 Million in Contracts for Homeland Security Systems in 2008 Israel Aerospace Industries 11 Feb 2009 -- Israel Aerospace Industries’ ELTA Systems Group (IAI/ELTA) was awarded $65 million in contracts for Homeland Security (HLS) systems in 2008, from various customers worldwide.
S. Korea Arranging Japanese Meeting with Ex-N. Korean Terrorist VOA 11 Feb 2009 -- S Korean officials arranging meeting between Japanese family and former N Korean spy, convicted of blowing up an airliner.
VIETNAM: Second case of human avian influenza as bird infections spread IRIN 11 Feb 2009 -- Vietnam's second human avian influenza case this year has been confirmed by health authorities.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 11 Feb 2009 [PDF]
Yemen Denies Freeing Al-Qaida Suspects VOA 10 Feb 2009 -- Yemen's government has denied reports that it released a large group of al-Qaida suspects from prison last week.
Al-Qaida Commander Threatens India in Video Message VOA 10 Feb 2009 -- al-Qaida leader has appeared in a video message warning India that it could face additional terror attacks similar to siege on Mumbai.
US Envoy, Pakistani Officials Discuss Counterterrorism VOA 10 Feb 2009 -- US special envoy Richard Holbrooke held talks with Pakistani leaders seeking new ways to tackle extremism and al-Qaida.
Somaliland Official Says No US Residents Being Held as Terror Suspects VOA 10 Feb 2009 -- Officials in the breakaway republic of Somaliland say reports it is holding US residents are not true.
Mexican City on US Border Rocked by Drug Violence VOA 10 Feb 2009 -- Mexico's ongoing war with drug smuggling cartels claimed more than 5,300 lives last year.
USS Vella Gulf Assists Distressed Dhow Navy NewsStand 10 Feb 2009 -- The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf assisted a fishing vessel in distress while conducting counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 10 Feb 2009 [PDF]
Yemen to Release About 170 al-Qaida Suspects VOA 09 Feb 2009 -- Yemeni officials releasing about 170 detainees with suspected ties to al-Qaida, 2 weeks after al-Qaida said it would use Yemen as base.
Integcomm, EADS Defence & Security and Saab Grintek Technologies have been selected to equip the Eastern Cape province of South Africa with the latest state-of-the-art TETRA technology EADS 09 Feb 2009 -- Integcomm has won a close-to-a-billion rand contract to build a digital command-and-control network for the South African Police Service (SAPS), in the Eastern Cape.
Operational weather squadron picks up new responsibilities AFNS 09 Feb 2009 -- The 15th Operational Weather Squadron will assume responsibilities for Aviation Weather Center and Storm Prediction Center.
Coast Guard Marks Acquisition Milestones AFPS 09 Feb 2009 -- The Coast Guard's acquisition directorate has marked a number of positive milestones in delivering new assets and capabilities to the field.
India to seek Dhaka's cooperation in combating terrorism IRNA 09 Feb 2009 -- External Affairs Minister Mukherjee seeking Dhaka's cooperation in combating terrorism and improving trade and investment ties.
Polish foreign minister confirms Pole's execution in Pakistan RIA Novosti 09 Feb 2009 -- Polish FM Sikorsky: A video showing the execution of a Polish contractor by Pakistani militants appears to be genuine.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 09 Feb 2009 [PDF]
Vietnam Reports Second Human Case of Bird Flu VOA 08 Feb 2009 -- Health officials in Vietnam say a 23-year-old woman has tested positive for a deadly strain of bird flu.
Egypt Reports New Bird Flu Case VOA 08 Feb 2009 -- Egypt's Health Ministry says an 18-month-old boy has contracted the bird flu virus - the 55th such case since the first outbreak of the disease in the country in 2006.
Judge Dismisses Charges Against USS Cole Suspect at Guantanamo AFPS 06 Feb 2009 -- Charges against an accused terrorist being held at the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, were dismissed yesterday by the judge who oversees the military commissions system, Defense Department officials said.
Biden vows to end US practice of torture IRNA 07 Feb 2009 -- US Vice President Joe Biden pledged his country's commitment to end the practice of torture following massive international condemnation over the past several years.
Charges Dropped in Guantanamo Terror Trial VOA 06 Feb 2009 -- Pentagon officials say a U.S. military judge has dropped charges against a Guantanamo Bay detainee accused of participating in the deadly 2000 attack on the USS Cole in Yemen.
India urges UN to ensure that Pak fulfills commitment to end terror IRNA 06 Feb 2009 -- India urged the UN to ensure that Pakistan fulfills commitment to end terrorism emanating from its soil.
India slams Islamabad for terrorists hold public meeting in PoK IRNA 06 Feb 2009 -- India slammed Pakistan for allowing a congregation of banned terror outfits in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.
UN chief announces commission to probe murder of Benazir Bhutto IRNA 06 Feb 2009 -- UN Secretary General Ban announced a commission to probe the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhhtto.
Baghdad soon to close MKO file - official IRNA 06 Feb 2009 -- Iraqi National Security Advisor al-Rubai: Iraqi government will close dossier of the terrorist Mujahideen Khalq Organization.
CIA Director Nominee Outlines Goals, If Confirmed VOA 06 Feb 2009 -- President Obama's choice to head the CIA appeared before the Senate, where he outlined his agenda for the agency if confirmed.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 06 Feb 2009 [PDF]
Indian Official Links Pakistan's Spy Agency to Mumbai Attacks VOA 05 Feb 2009 -- India's foreign secretary says Pakistan's spy agency is linked to planners of the Mumbai terrorist attacks.
Miliband defends keeping alleged US torture evidence secret IRNA 05 Feb 2009 -- Foreign Secretary Miliband defended the non-disclosure of US intelligence in the case of alleged CIA torture.
5 Sudanese Charged With Killing US Diplomat VOA 05 Feb 2009 -- Five Sudanese men have been formally charged with murdering a U.S. diplomat and his driver last year.
US Diplomat Found Dead in Ethiopia VOA 05 Feb 2009 -- The U.S. State Department says one of its diplomats has been found dead in his home in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa.
Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Sets Sights on Mission Navy NewsStand 05 Feb 2009 -- Marine Corps Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team, Central Command plays vital role in supporting both fleet and fighter.
Kentucky Guard Delivers Meals, Water to Storm Victims AFPS 05 Feb 2009 -- Kentucky National Guard troops delivering record numbers of meals and bottled water as part of ice storm relief effort.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 05 Feb 2009 [PDF]
UN to Investigate Assassination of Former Pakistani PM VOA 04 Feb 2009 -- UN announced establishment of a commission to investigate the 2007 assassination of Pakistan's former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.
Hong Kong Confirms New Bird Flu Outbreak VOA 04 Feb 2009 -- Officials in Hong Kong say several birds there have tested positive for the deadly strain of bird flu.
Elmendorf officials prepare for possible volcano eruption AFNS 04 Feb 2009 -- People throughout Elmendorf Air Force Base are preparing for the possibility of volcanic ash fall.
Chinese girl recovers from bird flu RIA Novosti 04 Feb 2009 -- A three-year-old Chinese girl, diagnosed with bird flu in January, has become the youngest person in China to recover from the disease.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 04 Feb 2009 [PDF]
Navy Admiral to Lead Review of Guantanamo Detention Facility AFPS 03 Feb 2009 -- SecDef Gates has selected Navy admiral to lead an assessment of US detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
India Still Awaiting Word from Pakistan on Mumbai Terror Probe VOA 03 Feb 2009 -- India's patience with Pakistan appears to be wearing thin.
Pakistan Intensifies Search for Kidnapped UN Official VOA 03 Feb 2009 -- Pakistani authorities say they are questioning about a dozen people in connection with the kidnapping of a UN refugee agency official.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 03 Feb 2009 [PDF]
Indiana Guard Sends Humvees to Winter Storm Recovery Effort AFPS 02 Feb 2009 -- The Indiana National Guard provided 100 Humvees to the Kentucky National Guard to aid in relief efforts after crippling storm.
California Guard Gets Green Light for New Airborne Firefighting System AFPS 02 Feb 2009 -- A long-anticipated upgrade to the modular airborne firefighting system was approved for operational use.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 02 Feb 2009 [PDF]

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list

Homeland Security

February 2009 Security News