June 2012 Security News

AF deploys remaining MAFFS to fight fires AFNS 30 Jun 2012 -- Beginning Saturday, June 30, eight military C-130 aircraft, each equipped with the U.S. Forest Service's Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) will be operating out of Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., to assist with firefighting efforts in the Rocky Mountain Region.
Federal Agencies Partner to Combat Western Wildfires AFPS 30 Jun 2012 -- The U.S. Forest Service, Department of the Interior, Department of Defense, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other federal organizations continue to ramp up efforts to protect life, public safety and aid in community recovery in response to devastating wildfires in Colorado and other western states.
More firefighting aircraft activated for Colorado effort AFNS 29 Jun 2012 -- Beginning June 30, eight military C-130 Hercules aircraft, each equipped with the U.S. Forest Service's Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, will be operating out of Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., to assist with firefighting efforts in the Rocky Mountain region.
Commander to Oversee Colorado Wildfire Response AFPS 29 Jun 2012 -- A National Guard dual-status commander has been recently appointed to support wildfire response and relief efforts in Colorado, according to Defense Department and National Guard officials.
Hasan Trial Set for Aug. 20 as Judge Denies Continuance AFPS 29 Jun 2012 -- The trial of an Army psychiatrist accused of killing 12 soldiers and a civilian employee here in a Nov. 5, 2009, shooting rampage that left 30 others injured will start as scheduled Aug. 20, a military judge ruled today.
AU Asks UN to Designate LRA a 'Terrorist Group' VOA 29 Jun 2012 -- The African Union's special envoy on the Lord's Resistance Army says despite some progress in weakening the roving rebel group's operations, it remains extremely dangerous. Speaking Friday, Francisco Madeira urged the U.N. Security Council to designate the LRA as a terrorist organization.
Member States renew commitment to strengthening UN counter-terrorism strategy UN News Centre 29 Jun 2012 -- The General Assembly today wrapped up its third review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy by renewing its unwavering commitment to boost cooperation to combat the scourge and emphasizing the need to support its victims.
Experts Warn Congress of Terrorist Influx into Mali VOA 29 Jun 2012 -- A U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs subcommittee held a hearing on the threat of Islamist terrorists in northern Mali.
More Firefighting Aircraft Activated for Colorado Effort AFPS 29 Jun 2012 -- Beginning tomorrow, eight military C-130 aircraft, each equipped with the U.S. Forest Service’s Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, will be operating out of Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., to assist with firefighting efforts in the Rocky Mountain region.
U.S. Paves Way for African Counter-Drug Cooperation, Success AFPS 29 Jun 2012 -- Last October, when U.S. Africa Command was garnering unprecedented international attention during its campaign to protect Libyan civilians from Moammar Ghadafi’s violent crackdown against a rebellion, the command achieved another, less headline-dominating victory.
US Ambassador to Kenya Announces Resignation VOA 29 Jun 2012 -- The U.S. ambassador to Kenya, Scott Gration, has announced his resignation, citing differences with Washington. The sudden decision leaves many questions unanswered.
KENYA: Mombasa steels itself for attacks IRIN 29 Jun 2012 -- Following three grenade attacks in recent months and a US 'terror' alert, residents of the coastal Kenyan city of Mombasa are bracing themselves for the possibility of future attacks; local leaders are working towards better disaster preparedness and improvements in the emergency services.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 29 Jun 2012 [PDF]
Panetta Commends Jacoby for Northcom Fire Assistance AFPS 28 Jun 2012 -- In an afternoon call to the commander of U.S. Northern Command, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta commended Army Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr. for leading the Defense Department's effort to support the fight against Colorado's raging wildfires.
Army National Guard fights Colorado fires on ground, in air Army News 28 Jun 2012 -- As Colorado continues to fight wildfires throughout the state, the Army is actively offering resources to state, local and federal officials, as well as displaced residents.
Readout of Secretary Panetta's Call with U.S. NORTHCOM Commander Gen. Chuck Jacoby on Defense Department Support to Fighting the Waldo Canyon Fire DoD 28 Jun 2012 -- BSecretary Panetta received an update today from U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) Commander Gen. Charles H. Jacoby on the status of Defense Department support to the wildfires impacting Colorado Springs and the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Assembly President stresses need for strong resolve, action to defeat terrorism UN News Centre 28 Jun 2012 -- The resolve of Member States to implement the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is strong, but it requires action and results if the international community is to defeat this global scourge, the President of the General Assembly said today.
Firefighters continue to battle Colorado Springs blaze AFNS 28 Jun 2012 -- Firefighters continued to battle several fires that burned into the evening hours in Waldo Canyon near here June 27.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 28 Jun 2012 [PDF]
Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System crews eager to fight fire another day AFNS 27 Jun 2012 -- Members of the 731st Expeditionary Air Squadron arrived during the early morning hours of June 27 to prepare the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130 Hercules for another day of aerial fire-fighting.
Vandenberg sends 'hot shots' to Colorado wildfire front lines AFNS 27 Jun 2012 -- Vandenberg Air Force Base officials deployed the only Defense Department wildland firefighting asset at 2 p.m. June 27 in support of the wildland firefighting efforts in Colorado Springs, Colo.
NORTHCOM continues fire suppression efforts AFNS 27 Jun 2012 -- Four Defense Department C-130 Hercules equipped with U.S. Forest Service Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems under the command and control of U.S. Northern Command are helping to put out fires in Colorado at the request of the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho.
Wildland fire fight presents operational, personal challenges AFNS 27 Jun 2012 -- The flightline here roared to life June 26 as the engines of four C-130 Hercules cranked up to begin day two of Modular Airborne Fire Fighting missions in Colorado.
At seminar, UN top officials call for new approaches on countering appeal of terrorism UN News Centre 27 Jun 2012 -- Untied Nations top officials today called for new approaches to address global terrorism and foster dialogue among nations.
Ethiopia Convicts 24 of Terrorism VOA 27 Jun 2012 -- An Ethiopian court has convicted 24 people, including a prominent writer and an opposition leader on terrorism-related charges. Rights groups have condemned the verdict as an assault on the opposition.
Mumbai Attack Suspect Confirms State Support, India Says VOA 27 Jun 2012 -- Indian officials say a man arrested last week on suspicion of helping plan the 2008 Mumbai attacks has confirmed there was 'state support' in the deadly assault.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 27 Jun 2012 [PDF]
Press Conference on launch of '2012 World Drug Report' United Nations 26 Jun 2012
UN: Amphetamine Trafficking, Usage Up in Asia VOA 26 Jun 2012 -- The United Nations, in its latest global report on drug use and trafficking, says Asia is facing increasing trafficking and use of amphetamine type stimulants as well as a revival in the production of opium in Burma and Laos. A senior U.N. official says the illicit production and abuse of drugs is a growing regional problem.
UN anti-drugs chief: fighting crime and illicit drug trade must be on development agenda UN News Centre 26 Jun 2012 -- Highlighting the impact of drug abuse around the world, the head of the United Nations anti-drugs office today said that countering transnational organized crime and illicit drugs must become an integral part of the development agenda.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 26 Jun 2012 [PDF]
'New AFNIC' offers cyber advantage AFNS 25 Jun 2012 -- 'Cyber Innovation. Mission Success.' This is how the 'New' Air Force Network Integration Center officials sum up what their organization provides to the Air Force and other mission partners.
Colorado reserve unit called in to fight wildland fires AFNS 25 Jun 2012 -- The Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing here received word June 24 that it was tasked to provide Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, or MAFFS, support to the ongoing Colorado wildland fires.
Guard Wing Activates to Aid Firefighting Effort AFPS 25 Jun 2012 -- Two Wyoming Air National Guard C-130s and crews equipped with the U.S. Forest Service's Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System will arrive at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colo., today to support wildland firefighting efforts in the Rocky Mountain region.
Mumbai Attack Suspect Arrested in India VOA 25 Jun 2012 -- Indian officials say police have arrested a suspect involved in coordinating the 2008 terrorist attacks on the city of Mumbai that killed 166 people.
Nigerian President Seeks 'New Tactics' Against Boko Haram VOA 25 Jun 2012 -- Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan says the government needs 'new tactics' against militant Islamist sect Boko Haram, which he accuses of trying to destabilize Nigeria.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 25 Jun 2012 [PDF]
Brother Says Jailed Doctor 'Disgraced' By U.S. After Helping Find Bin Laden RFE/RL 24 Jun 2012 -- The brother of a Pakistani doctor who was jailed after allegedly helping the CIA track down Osama bin Laden says the United States has "disgraced" his brother and put his family under "severe stress."
Report: US Diplomats Harassed in Pakistan VOA 22 Jun 2012 -- An internal State Department report says American diplomats in Pakistan are facing "deliberate, willful and systematic" harassment.
UN independent expert calls for greater protection of rights of terrorism victims UN News Centre 22 Jun 2012 -- Independent UN human rights expert called for the adoption of a single international legal framework setting out the rights of such victims and the corresponding obligations on States.
Southcom, Partners Prepare to Respond to Natural Disasters AFPS 22 Jun 2012 -- US Southern Command has entered this year’s hurricane season ready to provide timely, effective aid should another disaster strike the region.
Moscow to Patrol Forests With UAVs RIA Novosti 22 Jun 2012 -- Moscow's Forest and Environment Protection Department is to use unmanned air vehicles systems to patrol the forested areas in the city boundaries.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 22 Jun 2012 [PDF]
US Designates Boko Haram as Terrorists VOA 21 Jun 2012 -- The United States designated as terrorists three members of the Nigerian militant group Boko Haram.
US Puts 3 Boko Haram Members on Terrorist List VOA 21 Jun 2012 -- The United States has placed three members of the Nigerian militant group Boko Haram on its list of designated terrorists.
Reforms Improve DOD’s Security Clearance Process, Official Says AFPS 21 Jun 2012 -- Reforms in the personnel security clearance process have improved the speed and efficiency of background investigations and adjudications with a direct, positive impact on the Defense Department’s ability to carry out its mission.
Indonesian Court Sentences Bali Bomber to 20 Years VOA 21 Jun 2012 -- An Indonesian militant accused of helping build a car bomb used in the deadly 2002 Bali nightclub attacks that killed 202 people has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Bali Bomb Maker Sentenced To 20 Years In Jail RFE/RL 21 Jun 2012 -- A court in Indonesia has sentenced one of the alleged key figures in the 2002 Bali bomb attack to 20 years in jail.
Norway Killer's Prosecutors Ask for Insanity Ruling VOA 21 Jun 2012 -- Norwegian prosecutors trying confessed killer Anders Behring Breivik say they want him to undergo compulsory psychiatric treatment instead of prison.
UN Expert Calls for Compensation for Victims of Terrorism VOA 21 Jun 2012 -- The Special U.N. Investigator on Terrorism is calling for an international legally binding instrument to provide compensation, reparation, and support to all victims of terrorism.
Navy, Coast Guard seize $13 Million of Cocaine in the Caribbean NNS 21 Jun 2012 -- USS Elrod and embarked U. S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment , interdicted a suspected smuggling vessel, recovering more than 1,000 pounds of cocaine.
Doctors, Researchers on Lookout for New Flu Outbreak VOA 21 Jun 2012 -- Within the past 10 years, two serious pandemics have raised public health alarms around the world.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 21 Jun 2012 [PDF]
US Lawmaker Defends Hearings on American Muslims VOA 20 Jun 2012 -- A senior U.S. lawmaker held the fifth in a series of congressional hearings Wednesday on alleged radicalization within the American Muslim community.
Obama Invokes Executive Privilege in Congressional Investigation VOA 20 Jun 2012 -- President Obama invoked the rarely-used power in response to a request from Attorney General Eric Holder, who is involved in an 18 month investigation into "Fast and Furious."
Officials: Al-Qaida Leader Detained in Pakistan VOA 20 Jun 2012 -- Officials in Pakistan say an al-Qaida leader has been detained near the country's border with Iran.
'Important' Al-Qaeda Leader Captured Near Iran Border RFE/RL 20 Jun 2012 -- Pakistani security officials say they have arrested a suspected French militant of Algerian origin, whom they claim is an "important" Al-Qaeda leader.
Hostages at Toulouse Bank Freed, Suspect Detained VOA 20 Jun 2012 -- A gunman who took four hostages in a bank in Toulouse, France, has been arrested and his captives freed, after a six-hour standoff with police.
Toulouse Gunman Arrested RIA Novosti 20 Jun 2012 -- Police have detained a man who took four people hostage in a bank in the French city of Toulouse on Wednesday, the BFM TV channel reported.
Hostages Held in Toulouse Bank by 'Al-Qaeda Man' RIA Novosti 20 Jun 2012 -- A man claiming to be a member of al-Qaeda took four people hostage in a bank in the French city of Toulouse.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 20 Jun 2012 [PDF]
USS Nimitz Coordinates Counter Narcotics Seizure NNS 19 Jun 2012 -- The crew of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz coordinated efforts with USS Princeton, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 6, Helicopter Maritime Squadron 75, and the Mexican navy to retrieve 186 bales of marijuana.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 19 Jun 2012 [PDF]
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 18 Jun 2012 [PDF]
Pakistani Authorities Look For Safer Place To Incarcerate 'Bin Laden Doctor' RFE/RL 15 Jun 2012 -- Just weeks after a doctor who helped uncover Osama bin Laden's hideout was sentenced to a lengthy prison term in Pakistan, local authorities are looking for a more secure facility to house the divisive physician out of concerns for his safety.
Weapons school integrates cyber warfare AFNS 16 Jun 2012 -- Eight Air Force weapons officers completed the first cyber weapons instructor course at the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, 328th Weapons Squadron, June 16 here.
Japan Captures Fugitive Linked to Tokyo Sarin Gas Attack VOA 15 Jun 2012 -- The police official said Katsuya Takahash has been taken into custody following a manhunt that began in 1995.
Terror Trial of U.S. Embassy Shooter Starts in Bosnia RIA Novosti 15 Jun 2012 -- The gunman who opened fire on the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia in October last year and his two accomplices will go on trial in Sarajevo on terrorism charges.
Remarks by the President on Immigration The White House 15 Jun 2012
Secretary Napolitano Announces Deferred Action Process for Young People Who Are Low Enforcement Priorities DHS 15 Jun 2012
US Government Relaxes Illegal Immigrant Policy RFE/RL 15 Jun 2012 -- The U.S. government has announced that it will stop deporting illegal immigrants who came to the country as children and who do not pose a threat to national security.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 15 Jun 2012 [PDF]
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 14 Jun 2012 [PDF]
Guard Members Battle Western Wildfires AFPS 13 Jun 2012 -- Citizen-soldiers and airmen from five states are working alongside civilian first responders as they continue to battle wildfires in Colorado and New Mexico, according to National Guard officials.
Panetta: Sense of Urgency Needed to Defend Against Cyber Attacks AFPS 13 Jun 2012 -- The increasing threat of cyber attacks against the nation's computer networks requires a commensurate growth in resources dedicated to protecting them, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta told Congress today.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 13 Jun 2012 [PDF]
Yemeni Troops Recapture Southern Cities from Al-Qaida VOA 12 Jun 2012 -- Yemeni officials say government troops have recaptured two al-Qaida strongholds in the country's south after a month-long offensive against the militant group, which seized the areas more than a year ago.
Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming National Guards battling wildfires AFNS 12 Jun 2012 -- National Guard units are currently battling wildfires in parts of Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming, deploying approximately 180 Citizen Soldiers and Airmen on state active duty to assist local civilian first responders.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 12 Jun 2012 [PDF]
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 11 Jun 2012 [PDF]
NOAA armed for 2012 hurricane season AFNS 08 Jun 2012 -- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's chief of programs is "looking forward" to the 2012 storm season.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 08 Jun 2012 [PDF]
Secretary Clinton Opening Remarks at the Global Counterterrorism Forum US Dept. of State 07 Jun 2012
Clinton Wants Greater Coordination Against Africa, Middle East Terror VOA 07 Jun 2012 -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says terrorist threats in Africa and the Middle East demand greater international coordination of intelligence services and law enforcement.
25 Al-Qaeda Gunmen Killed In South Yemen RFE/RL 07 Jun 2012 -- Officials say Yemen's army has engaged in heavy gun battles with Islamist militants linked to Al-Qaeda near of the southern town of Jaar.
Baghdad Pins Security Hopes On 13,000 CCTV Cameras RFE/RL 07 Jun 2012 -- Iraq's fragile coalition government is pinning its hopes on a network of closed-circuit television cameras to show it can bring some measure of security to Baghdad..
Putin Proposes Anti-Terror Center in Shanghai Organization RIA Novosti 07 Jun 2012 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday proposed establishing an antiterrorism center within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
USS Nicholas Recovers Approximately 4,900 Pounds of Cocaine NNS 07 Jun 2012 -- USS Nicholas recovered 112 bales of cocaine, weighing approximately 4,910 pounds, during an interdiction off the Pacific Coast of Colombia in support of Operation Martillo.
Kazakh Border Guard Charged In Slayings RFE/RL 07 Jun 2012 -- A spokesman for the Kazakh Prosecutor-General's Office says a border guard has been charged with murder over the killings of 14 fellow border guards and a forest ranger.
Kazakhstan Massacre Survivor Takes the Blame RIA Novosti 07 Jun 2012 -- The only survivor of a May 30 border post massacre in southwestern Kazakhstan has confessed to killing all 15 victims - 14 border guards and one civilian.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 07 Jun 2012 [PDF]
White House: Elimination of al-Libi a Major Blow Against al-Qaida VOA 06 Jun 2012 -- The White House says the killing of al-Qaida's second-in-command has further degraded the organization's leadership.
White House Confirms Death of Al-Qaida’s Second-in-Command AFPS 06 Jun 2012 -- The U.S. government has confirmed the death of Abu Yahya al-Libi, the second in command of al-Qaida.
Bomb Targets US Embassy Office in Libya VOA 06 Jun 2012 -- An explosion outside the U.S. mission in Libya's eastern city of Benghazi caused no injuries.
Southcom Program Plugs Science, Technology Gaps AFPS 06 Jun 2012 -- A little-known office here at the U.S. Southern Command headquarters is making a big impact by identifying technical capabilities to support the mission, and lacking them, helping develop new ones.
U.S. Treasury Designates 'Brothers Circle' Transnational Criminal Organization RFE/RL 06 Jun 2012 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury has designated the Eurasian crime syndicate known as the "Brothers' Circle" as a significant transnational criminal organization.
Russian Police to Turn Birdies on Protesters RIA Novosti 06 Jun 2012 -- Breaking new ground in crowd control, Russian riot police ordered new trucks equipped with non-lethal guns that are to fire giant shuttlecocks at unruly protesters.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 06 Jun 2012 [PDF]
US Drone Strike in Pakistan Kills Al-Qaida No. 2 VOA 05 Jun 2012 -- U.S. officials say a drone strike in northwestern Pakistan that killed al-Qaida's second in command, Abu Yahya al-Libi, is "a significant blow to the terror group."
U.S. Confirms Death Of Al-Qaeda No. 2 RFE/RL 05 Jun 2012 -- The White House has confirmed the death of Al-Qaeda's second-in-command, calling it a "major blow" to the terror network.
Al-Qaeda Second in Command Killed - U.S. RIA Novosti 05 Jun 2012 -- Al-Qaeda’s second in command, Abu Yahya al-Libi, is dead, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said.
US Drone Strike in Pakistan Targets Al-Qaida No. 2 VOA 05 Jun 2012 -- U.S. officials say a drone strike in northwestern Pakistan targeted al-Qaida's second in command.
U.S. Drone Strike Said To Target Al-Qaeda Leader In Pakistan RFE/RL 05 Jun 2012 -- Reports say a U.S. drone strike has targeted a senior Al-Qaeda leader, but it was unclear whether he was among those hit.
EU, Pakistan establish counterterrorism body IRNA 05 Jun 2012 -- Pakistan and the EU have agreed to establish a joint body anti-terror body.
Statement by the Press Secretary on the President Signing the Border Tunnel Prevention Act of 2012 The White House 05 Jun 2012
Statement by the Press Secretary on the 2012 National Level Exercise The White House 05 Jun 2012
China Studies US to Revamp Police Force VOA 05 Jun 2012 -- China is spending more than ever before in an attempt to upgrade its domestic police force.
Kazakhs Question Surviving Border Guard On Checkpoint Deaths RFE/RL 05 Jun 2012 -- A Kazakh border guard has been found alive after going missing for days after 14 fellow border guards and a forest ranger were killed in a mysterious incident at a checkpoint along the Kazakh-Chinese border.
Kazakhstan Border Post Massacre Survivor Arrested RIA Novosti 05 Jun 2012 -- The sole survivor, of a massacre in which 14 border guards died in Kazakhstan last week, has been arrested in possession of his commander's gun.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 05 Jun 2012 [PDF]
Four Jailed In Denmark Over Plot Linked To Muhammad Cartoons RFE/RL 04 Jun 2012 -- A Danish court has sentenced four men to prison for plotting attack on a newspaper in revenge for publication of cartoons purporting to portray the Prophet Muhammad.
Day Of Mourning Announced For Slain Kazakh Border Guards RFE/RL 04 Jun 2012 -- President Nursultan Nazarbaev has announced a national day of mourning in Kazakhstan in honor of 14 border guards slain last week under mysterious circumstances.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 04 Jun 2012 [PDF]
Terrorism-Crime Nexus a Growing Concern, DOD Official Says AFPS 01 Jun 2012 -- The convergence of crime, terrorism and insurgency and its threat to U.S. national security is a growing concern for the Defense Department, whose role in the fight began in the 1980s and continues to evolve, a senior defense official said today.
Report: Obama Knew of Cyber Attacks on Iran VOA 01 Jun 2012 -- A prominent U.S. newspaper says U.S. President Barack Obama has been orchestrating secret, sophisticated cyber attacks on Iran's main nuclear facility.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 01 Jun 2012 [PDF]

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June 2012 Security News