September 2014 Security News

At UN meeting, tolerance and education highlighted as critical allies against terrorism UN News Centre 30 Sep 2014 -- The international community must act swiftly and concretely to confront the root causes of violent extremism, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, underlining the need to address terrorism through more comprehensive and holistic efforts.
RAF conducts first air strikes of Iraq mission UK MOD 30 Sep 2014 -- Royal Air Force Tornado GR4 aircraft have been in action over Iraq today in the fight against ISIL.
Airstrikes Against ISIL Require Patience, Precision, Official Says AFPS 30 Sep 2014 -- In ongoing efforts to degrade and destroy terrorist forces from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, the United States and partner nations have conducted another round of airstrikes against fixed and mobile targets in Iraq and Syria, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Adm. John Kirby said today.
First US Case of Ebola Diagnosed in Dallas VOA 30 Sep 2014 -- Doctors in Dallas, Texas say they have diagnosed the first case of Ebola in the United States. The patient, whose identity has not been revealed, arrived on a flight from Liberia earlier this month, but showed no signs of illness until a few days later.
UN Ebola Mission Kicks Off Amid Questions About Safety VOA 30 Sep 2014 -- As the Ebola outbreak in West Africa has worsened over the past months, countries from Cuba to Denmark to Britain have helped fight the disease. Now, it's the United Nations' turn.
UN: ISIL Advances Could Displace Thousands More in Syria VOA 30 Sep 2014 -- The U.N.'s humanitarian chief warned Tuesday that tens of thousands more people could be forced to flee Syria if Islamic State militants continue to make territorial gains.
Kurdish Forces in Iraq Advance Against IS Fighters VOA 30 Sep 2014 -- Kurdish fighters launched a series of attacks against Islamic State positions Tuesday in Iraq, supported by the Iraqi military and the U.S.-led coalition.
Ebola and the media - Nigeria's good news story IRIN 30 Sep 2014 -- When an Internet message announcing a salt water solution for Ebola went viral in July, many Nigerians were quick to take heed. Twenty people were hospitalized and two died, reportedly from an excessive intake of salt.
U.S., Partners' Airstrikes Hit ISIL in Syria, Iraq AFPS 30 Sep 2014 -- U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Syria yesterday and today using a mix of attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct 11 airstrikes.
British Combat Planes No Match for Islamic State Ground Attacks: Reports RIA Novosti 30 Sep 2014 -- Outdated and outnumbered British Royal Air Force (RAF) Tornado GR4 warplanes prove to have little to no effect on Islamic State (IS) militants fighting some 15,000 feet below in Iraq and Syria, the Telegraph reported Tuesday.
Syrian Ambassador: Bashar Assad Backs International Strikes Against IS Militants RIA Novosti 30 Sep 2014 -- Syrian President Bashar Assad has publicly announced his country's position on its readiness to work with any international efforts within the UN to eradicate Islamic State (IS) militants operating in the region and supports airstrikes against them, Syrian Ambassador to Russia Riad Haddad told RIA Novosti in an interview Tuesday.
Syrian Ambassador: Airstrikes Alone Insufficient in Destroying IS Militants in Syria RIA Novosti 30 Sep 2014 -- Syrian ambassador to Russia Riad Haddad on Tuesday told RIA Novosti that international airstrikes alone are not enough to destroy Islamic State (IS) militants operating in the Middle East and that Syrian ground troops would need to be used in order to completely eradicate them.
Iran: US needs to stop flow of ISIL funds instead of air strikes ISNA 30 Sep 2014 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for African and Arab countries Hossein Amir-Abdollahian called on the US to block flow of funds for the terrorist group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) instead of launching air strikes on Syria.
Military Action Not Enough to Defeat IS: Syrian Opposition Leader RIA Novosti 30 Sep 2014 -- Using military force against the Islamic State (IS) is not enough to destroy the extremist organization, Hadi Bahra, leader of a Syrian opposition group, told CNN on Tuesday.
Guantanamo Closure Delayed Due to Pentagon's Slow Review Process RIA Novosti 30 Sep 2014 -- Guantanamo Bay prison will remain open as long as detainees kept in the detention center await approval to be transferred or released from US Department of Defense custody, a task proving to be a lengthy process, AP reports.
In West Africa, UN launches strengthened response as Ebola shatters lives, orphans children UN News Centre 30 Sep 2014 -- Amid a climbing death toll and widespread panic, the Ebola outbreak continues to ravage West Africa leaving thousands of orphaned children in its wake, an official for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned today, as a fortified UN mission arrived in the region to confront and contain the growing crisis.
Turkish MPs to Vote on Military Action Against IS VOA 30 Sep 2014 -- Turkey has deployed tanks and armored vehicles to reinforce its border with Syria as the Turkish parliament prepares to authorize military action against Islamic State (IS) jihadists. But analysts warn these moves are being met with resistance as questions remain over what form military action would take.
Analyst: West Cannot Win Prolonged Fight With Islamic State VOA 30 Sep 2014 -- European officials are expected to meet next month to try to tackle an almost impossible question: As aerial bombardments rain down on Islamic State targets, how do we prevent Islamic State fighters with European passports from going back to Europe and retaliating?
Malaysia Struggles to Stop People Joining Jihad VOA 30 Sep 2014 -- Malaysian police have arrested three men at Kuala Lumpur International Airport they believe were headed to the Middle East to join Islamist militants in Syria. Authorities say militant groups like the so-called Islamic State have used social media to entice at least three dozen Malaysian Muslims to fight in what they call 'jihad' in Syria and Iraq. Counterterrorism police say they are deeply worried about what could happen when these militants return home.
Iran rejects reports on cooperation against ISIL in return for nuclear case ISNA 30 Sep 2014 -- Secretary of Iranian Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani rejected reports that the country is ready to battle the terrorist group of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in return for its nuclear case.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 30 Sep 2014 [PDF]
Head of new UN Ebola emergency response mission arrives in Ghana UN News Centre 29 Sep 2014 -- The head of the United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER) today joined an advance team deployed in Accra, Ghana, to ensure the rapid, effective and coherent action necessary to stop the outbreak, treat the infected, ensure essential services, preserve stability and prevent the spread of the deadly virus.
U.S., Partners Continue Airstrikes Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq AFPS 29 Sep 2014 -- U.S. and partner-nation military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria yesterday and today, using a mix of fighter and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct eight airstrikes, U.S. Central Command officials reported.
Airmen Deploy to Deliver Ebola Treatment Facility AFPS 29 Sep 2014 -- Airmen from the 633rd Medical Group here partnered with representatives from the U.S. Public Health Service on Sept. 26 to deliver a modular medical treatment center as part of the U.S. whole-of-government effort to support humanitarian relief operations in Ebola-stricken African nations.
US war against ISIL could cost up to $22 billion per year: Report Iran Press TV 29 Sep 2014 -- The US war against the ISIL terrorist group in Iraq and Syria may cost up to $22 billion per year, according a report released Monday by a Washington-based think tank.
Airstrikes Hit Islamic State Targets in Four Syrian Provinces, Iraq VOA 29 Sep 2014 -- U.S. jets and drones, along with Arab-allied planes, hit a staging area near a Syrian grain storage site, officials said Monday, one of 11 targets hit as part of the effort to rollback Islamic State battlefield victories.
Syria Calls for Global Effort to Fight Al Qaeda-Linked Militant Groups RIA Novosti 29 Sep 2014 -- The global community should bring together full international efforts to stand in the face of al-Qaeda-linked militant groups as their terrorist actions will not be limited within the borders of Syria and Iraq, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moualem said Monday.
Obama: ISIL Presents a Hybrid Threat AFPS 29 Sep 2014 -- The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant is a hybrid threat, President Barack Obama said last night on the CBS program "60 Minutes."
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 29 Sep 2014 [PDF]
US-led jets strike ISIL-held oil sites in Syria Iran Press TV 28 Sep 2014 -- US-led warplanes have reportedly hit oil refinery sites under the control of Takfiri ISIL militants in Syria in a bid to prevent the terrorists from selling oil.
US attacks ISIL in Syrian town near Turkish border Iran Press TV 28 Sep 2014 -- The US Defense Department says American-led airstrikes have targeted the ISIL terrorist group in northern Syria close to the border with Turkey.
US-Led Coalition Planes Hit IS Oil Sites In Syria, Iraq RFE/RL 28 Sep 2014 -- U.S.-led warplanes have hit more oil sites in Syria used by Islamic State (IS) militants as fighting by Iraqi security forces and insurgents also took place in Iraq's western Anbar Province.
US House Speaker: Congress Should Debate Authorization Against IS VOA 28 Sep 2014 -- As wave after wave of U.S. airstrikes target Islamic State militants, the speaker of the Republican-controlled House of Representatives says he would be willing to call Congress back into session to debate a formal, broad authorization for the use of military force. Legislators left Washington 10 days ago for a seven-week recess.
Obama: US Intel Underestimated Militants in Syria VOA 28 Sep 2014 -- U.S. intelligence agencies underestimated Islamic State activity inside Syria, which has become "ground zero" for jihadists worldwide, President Barack Obama said in a CBS television interview broadcast on Sunday.
President calls for cutting ISIL financial resources IRNA 27 Sep 2014 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has called for cut off of financial resources of the terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Daesh).
Iran ready to target Daesh in depth of Iraqi soil, commander IRNA 27 Sep 2014 -- Commander of Army Ground Force Brigadier General Ahmad Reza Pourdastan said here on Saturday that Iran is quite prepared to inflict blows on Daesh in the very depth of the Iraqi soil.
Islamic State Militants Change Tactics In Face Of US Airstrikes in Iraq RIA Novosti 27 Sep 2014 -- Islamic State militants are changing tactics wary of US airstrikes in Iraq, abandoning headquarters, using less cellphones, Al Arabiya reported Saturday.
Department of Defense Press Briefing by Secretary Hagel and Gen. Dempsey in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 26 Sep 2014 -- Presenters: Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin E. Dempsey
US Airstrikes Pound Islamic State Targets VOA 26 Sep 2014 -- American fighter jets, drones and other aircraft pounded Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria on Friday as Britain, Denmark and Belgium joined the U.S.-led coalition fighting the group.
Anti-ISIL Campaign Will Take Time, Dempsey Says AFPS 26 Sep 2014 -- The campaign against the ISIL terror group will be persistent and sustained and will take time, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said at a Pentagon news conference this afternoon.
Hagel: Defeating ISIL is Long-term Endeavor AFPS 26 Sep 2014 -- Defeating the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant will require a long-term commitment by the United States and its allies on many fronts and will not be achieved by airstrikes alone, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told reporters today.
Ebola: UN mission readies to start work as virus death toll surpasses 3,000 UN News Centre 26 Sep 2014 -- The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) today said it is intensifying its cooperation with a wide range of partners trying to accelerate work on experimental therapies and vaccines as it announced that Ebola has now sickened more than 6,500 and killed more than 3,000.
Obama: U.S. to Lead on Global Health Security Challenge AFPS 26 Sep 2014 -- With Ebola spreading in West Africa at an alarming rate, President Barack Obama today hosted top government and military officials along with experts in public health and proposed a series of steps aimed at protecting people from that and other infectious diseases.
Hagel: DoD to Begin Safety Testing for Ebola Vaccine Candidate AFPS 26 Sep 2014 -- The Defense Department has made critical contributions to the fight against the deadly Ebola outbreak in West Africa, and today Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel described additional ways the Pentagon is helping in the broader battle against infectious disease outbreaks of the future.
Remarks at Global Health Security Agenda Summit US Dept. of State 26 Sep 2014
Remarks by the President at Global Health Security Agenda Summit The White House 26 Sep 2014
FACT SHEET: Global Health Security Agenda: Getting Ahead of the Curve on Epidemic Threats The White House 26 Sep 2014
Anti-ISIL Airstrikes Continue in Iraq and Syria AFPS 26 Sep 2014 -- U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Iraq and Syria, using a mix of fighter, attack and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct 10 airstrikes yesterday and today.
Britain Joins Fight Against IS Militants in Iraq VOA 26 Sep 2014 -- U.S. fighter jets, drones and other aircraft continued to pound Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria late Thursday and early Friday as Britain's parliament voted to join the military campaign against the militant group.
British Lawmakers Approve UK Airstrikes Against ISIL in Iraq RIA Novosti 26 Sep 2014 -- The British parliament voted on Friday in favor of UK airstrikes against ISIL (Islamic State) militants in Iraq as part of the international effort to curb the advance of the fundamentalist group across the Middle East.
Prime Minister: Denmark Joins International Anti-IS Campaign in Iraq RIA Novosti 26 Sep 2014 -- Denmark has joined the US-led international coalition to combat Islamic State (IS) militants in Iraq, Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt said Friday.
Spain, Morocco arrest 9 suspected militants linked to ISIL Iran Press TV 26 Sep 2014 -- Spain's Interior Ministry says Spanish and Moroccan police have arrested nine suspected members of a militant group linked to ISIL terrorists.
3,000 Europeans joined ISIL: EU official Iran Press TV 26 Sep 2014 -- The EU's anti-terrorism chief, Gilles de Kerchove, has acknowledged that more than 3,000 European citizens have joined ISIL terrorist group fighting in Syria and Iraq.
Militants In Afghanistan, Pakistan Claiming Allegiance To IS RFE/RL 26 Sep 2014 -- Amid fears the Islamic State (IS) extremist group could expand to Afghanistan, there are already signs that some militants in the region are eager to claim affiliation with the group.
Up to 50,000 Militants Fighting in IS Ranks: Russia's Security Council RIA Novosti 26 Sep 2014 -- Up to 50,000 militants are currently fighting within the ranks of Islamic State (IS) terrorist groups, and this number is growing as extremists from a number of states including the CIS are joining them, Russian Security Council secretary Nikolai Patrushev said Friday.
FBI Identifies IS Militant Who Beheaded US Journalists RIA Novosti 26 Sep 2014 -- The FBI has identified a masked, knife-wielding Islamic State militant who features as the presumed executioner in videos of the beheading of two American journalists, James Foley and Steven Sotloff, but has declined to reveal the person's name or nationality, Reuters reported on Thursday, quoting FBI Director James Comey.
Behind Islamic State's Battlefield Gains, Battle-Hardened Chechens VOA 26 Sep 2014 -- Among the legions of foreign fighters who have turned the Islamic State into the world's most dangerous terrorist organization, the Chechens stand out.
Sources Describe Final Days of Al-Shabab's Godane VOA 26 Sep 2014 -- It was shortly after 5:30 p.m. September 1, when Ahmed Abdi Godane and his bodyguards stopped their car along a road near Sablale, in Somalia's Lower Shabelle region.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 26 Sep 2014 [PDF]
G-7 Foreign Ministers' Joint Statement on Ebola US Dept. of State 25 Sep 2014
Obama Urges Countries, Organizations to Do More to Fight Ebola AFPS 25 Sep 2014 -- The Ebola outbreak in West Africa is a health crisis that threatens regional and global security, and if it's not stopped, it could cause a humanitarian catastrophe across the region, President Barack Obama said today at a United Nations meeting on the epidemic.
UN chief to leaders: 'The world can and must stop Ebola – now' UN News Centre 25 Sep 2014 -- "The world can and must stop Ebola – now," Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told world leaders gathered at a special meeting held today at the United Nations to speed up the global response to the outbreak that has evolved from a public health crisis into a threat to peace and security.
As host of UN hub against Ebola, Ghana calls for cooperated efforts to halt outbreak UN News Centre 25 Sep 2014 -- We cannot afford to let fear keep us away, the President of Ghana today told the United Nations General Assembly calling for a sustained, coordinated international effort to stem the outbreak of the Ebola virus which he calls a "disease of isolation."
Arab Militaries Lead Third Round of Syria Strikes VOA 25 Sep 2014 -- Military teams from two Arab countries led the United States in a third round of airstrikes against the Islamic State Thursday, targeting militant-held oil facilities in northeastern Syria.
Department of Defense Press Briefing by Rear Adm. Kirby in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 25 Sep 2014 -- Presenter: Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby
Tanker aircrews help in fight against ISIL AFNS 25 Sep 2014 -- With 16 KC-135 Stratotankers on its installation, Airmen from MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, waste no time when answering the call to defend the nation -- even when there is little to no notice. As these planes can be seen and heard overhead, one has to wonder where in the world they are flying.
G-7 Foreign Ministers' Statement on Joint Action to Fight the Terrorist Organisation ISIL/DAESH US Dept. of State 25 Sep 2014
FBI Chief: Khorasan Plot May Still Be Alive VOA 25 Sep 2014 -- Terrorist plots against the United States and Europe may still be in the works despite this week's airstrikes against the al-Qaida cell known as Khorasan. FBI Director James Comey told reporters in Washington Thursday he is 'not confident at all' that attacks by U.S.-led coalition disrupted Khorasan's plans.
Rouhani: West's 'Strategic Blunders' Caused Middle East Extremism VOA 25 Sep 2014 -- Iran's president is placing heavy blame on Western countries for the rise of extremism in the Middle East, citing colonialism and what he called 'strategic blunders.'
Iran Leader Blames West for Islamic State's Rise VOA 25 Sep 2014 -- Iran's president is placing heavy blame on Western countries for the rise of extremism in the Middle East, citing colonialism and what he called 'strategic blunders.'
Sierra Leone quarantines 1m amid Ebola outbreak Iran Press TV 25 Sep 2014 -- Sierra Leone has ordered the quarantine of over a million more people in different areas to contain the deadly Ebola virus.
Sierra Leone Isolates 3 More Areas in Response to Ebola VOA 25 Sep 2014 -- Sierra Leone's government has placed three more districts under isolation as it tries to fight an outbreak of Ebola.
Obama: Ebola Threat to 'Regional, Global Security' VOA 25 Sep 2014 -- Continuing White House efforts to combat the outbreak of Ebola in Africa, U.S. President Barack Obama warned a summit of world leaders in New York on Thursday that the disease is becoming 'a growing threat to regional and global security.'
Coalition Aircraft Disable ISIL Refineries in Syria AFPS 25 Sep 2014 -- Ten fighter aircraft from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates joined six U.S. jets yesterday in attacks on oil refineries in eastern Syria controlled by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, the Pentagon press secretary said today.
Joint Staff Director: Arab Nations Bring Professionalism to ISIL Fight AFPS 25 Sep 2014 -- Arab countries are bringing a great deal of professionalism and pride to their activities over Iraq and Syria, the director of the Joint Staff said here this week.
Pentagon: ISIL will 'change and adapt' following airstrikes Iran Press TV 25 Sep 2014 -- The Pentagon anticipates that the ISIL terrorist group will "adapt and change" in response to US airstrikes in Syria.
US airstrikes hit ISIL oil sites in Syria Iran Press TV 25 Sep 2014 -- Fresh US airstrikes struck oil refineries and fields used by the ISIL terrorists in Syria, killing 19 people overnight and early Thursday.
U.S., Coalition Forces Hit IS Targets In Syria Again RFE/RL 25 Sep 2014 -- Activists say U.S.-led air strikes have targeted Syrian oil installations held by the militant Islamic State (IS) group overnight and early on September 25, killing nearly 20 people.
US Airstrikes Target IS-seized Oil Refineries VOA 25 Sep 2014 -- U.S. forces and those from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates conducted 13 airstrikes in eastern Syria as part of an operation against the Islamic State group, Wednesday.
France to Pursue Islamic State Militants Despite Beheading VOA 25 Sep 2014 -- France vows to continue its aerial assault against Islamic State jihadists, striking targets Thursday in Iraq, despite the brutal slaying of a Frenchman by Islamist terrorists. The French government is tightening security at home amid fears the Jihadist offensive is spreading to new countries.
French Air Forces Strike Islamic State Targets in Iraq: Paris RIA Novosti 25 Sep 2014 -- French jets on Thursday hit Islamic State (IS) militants positions on the territory of Iraq, French government spokesman Stephane Le Foll said.
UK police nab 9 'terror suspects' in London raid Iran Press TV 25 Sep 2014 -- UK police say they have arrested nine men, reportedly including a Muslim preacher, in a London raid, accusing them of involvement in suspected terror acts.
Iraqi Prime Minister Says IS Plans Terrorist Attacks in France, US: Reports RIA Novosti 25 Sep 2014 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi said Thursday that the Iraqi intelligence had uncovered the Islamic State (IS) militants' plans to carry out a series of attacks on subways in Paris and some US cities, Reuters reported.
French Foreign Minister: Beheading of French Hostage by IS-Linked Militants 'Infamy' RIA Novosti 25 Sep 2014 -- French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius has condemned the execution of a French hostage carried out by Algerian jihadists linked to the Islamic State (IS) group in an interview to France Info radio Thursday.
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman Taking Measures to Prevent MERS-CoV Outbreak Ahead of Hajj RIA Novosti 25 Sep 2014 -- The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Oman are taking all necessary precautionary measures ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca to prevent the spread of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
UN rights chief condemns 'brutal' killings by ISIL of women politicians in Iraq UN News Centre 25 Sep 2014 -- The United Nations human rights chief today condemned the recent brutal, cold-blooded slaying by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) of human rights defender Sameera Salih Ali Al-Nuaimy, as well as the continuing detention, sexual exploitation and sale of hundreds of women and girls in areas captured by the militant group.
President expresses concern about globalized terrorism IRNA 25 Sep 2014 -- President Hassan Rouhani on Thursday expressed concern about the globalized terrorism and questioned the world leaders whether they have been united against the extremists?
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 25 Sep 2014 [PDF]
Explainer: What Is The Khorasan Group? RFE/RL 24 Sep 2014 -- Islamic State (IS) militants may have stolen the headlines recently, but when a U.S.-led coalition launched air strikes at targets inside Syria this week, a lesser-known extremist group jumped to the fore.
Security Council high-level summit tackles growing threat of foreign terrorist fighters UN News Centre 24 Sep 2014 -- Responding to an unprecedented flow of foreign terrorist fighters and the growth of facilitation networks fuelling conflicts around the world, the United Nations Security Council today adopted a resolution to resolutely address this growing threat to international peace and security.
'We will triumph over terrorism,' Nigerian President tells UN Assembly UN News Centre 24 Sep 2014 -- Even though the United Nations Charter underlines the imperative to "save succeeding generations from the scourge of war", Goodluck Jonathan, President of Nigeria told the General Assembly today that the world continued to witness the ravages of war and human suffering, at times manifested as a "vicious and aimless" insurgency with "agonizing consequences."
Remarks by the President at U.N. Security Council Summit on Foreign Terrorist Fighters The White House 24 Sep 2014
Obama: U.N. Will Mobilize Countries to Fight Ebola Outbreak AFPS 24 Sep 2014 -- In a speech this morning before the United Nations Security Council summit on foreign terrorist fighters, President Barack Obama likened this distant yet urgent problem to another remote but rising global threat -- the Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa.
Sierra Leone Restricts Cross-Border Movement, Intensifies Army Patrols VOA 24 Sep 2014 -- Sierra Leone has intensified army patrols and restricted cross-border movements along the borders with Guinea and Liberia as part of the government's efforts to contain the Ebola disease, according to Col. Michael Samura, spokesperson for Sierra Leone's army.
U.S., Partner Nations Conduct 13 Strikes Against ISIL in Syria AFPS 24 Sep 2014 -- U.S. military forces and partner nations, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, attacked Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria today, using a mix of fighter and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct 13 airstrikes against 12 ISIL-controlled modular oil refineries in remote areas of eastern Syria near Mayadin, Hasakah, and Abu Kamal and an ISIL vehicle near Dayr az Zawr, also in eastern Syria, U.S. Central Command officials reported.
Britain Edges Closer to Military Action Against IS VOA 24 Sep 2014 -- British Prime Minister David Cameron has recalled parliament so lawmakers can debate taking military action against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria. Despite being Washington's closest ally in Afghanistan and Iraq, Britain has stopped short of joining the coalition of countries carrying out airstrikes, led by the United States. British lawmakers will debate the issue Friday.
Netherlands to Contribute 6 Fighter Jets to Mission Against IS in Iraq RIA Novosti 24 Sep 2014 -- The Dutch government has decided to send six F-16 fighter jets to Iraq to help the US-led international coalition in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group, Deputy Prime Minister Lodewijk Asscher said Wednesday.
US Using Stealth Aircraft in Syria to Avoid Detection by Country's Air Defense RIA Novosti 24 Sep 2014 -- The use of fifth generation US stealth F-22 Raptor fighters against the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organization in Syria could be explained by the United States' fear of Syrian air defense forces, military experts told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.
Australian Air Force Jets, Personnel Arrive in UAE, Preparing Anti-IS Operations RIA Novosti 24 Sep 2014 -- Royal Australian Air Force fighter jets and personnel have arrived to the United Arab Emirates to take part in operations against the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organization, Australian Associated Press reported Wednesday.
IS Fighters Advance in Syria Despite US Strikes VOA 24 Sep 2014 -- U.S. planes pounded Islamic State (IS) positions in Syria for a second day on Wednesday, but the strikes did not seem to slow the militants' advance in a Kurdish area where fleeing refugees told of villages burnt and captives beheaded.
Philippine Militants Threaten to Kill Two Germans Over Berlin Supporting Anti-IS Coalition RIA Novosti 24 Sep 2014 -- Philippine militants from the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have threatened to kill two German captives held since April should Germany continue to support US-led operations targeting Islamic State (IS) militants, a statement published by the SITE Intelligence Group Wednesday said.
US Drones Tracking Bin Laden Operated from Germany Without Berlin's Consent: Reports RIA Novosti 24 Sep 2014 -- American drones, used for hunting down al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, were operated from NATO's Ramstein Air Base in Germany without the knowledge of the German government, German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung reported Wednesday, citing US military officials, who took part in the operation.
Designations of Foreign Terrorist Fighters US Dept. of State 24 Sep 2014 -- As part of the effort to counter the threats posed by foreign terrorist fighters, the Department of State has designated ten individuals and two groups as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT) under Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, which imposes sanctions and penalties on terrorists and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism.
Mid-east, Gulf leaders strive for international response to terrorism in Syria UN News Centre 24 Sep 2014 -- Taking the podium today at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, leaders from the Gulf and Middle East regions called for a collective strategy to contain and address extremists in Iraq, Syria and other parts of the world, while also calling for international efforts to reconstruct Gaza.
Analysts: Despite Criticism, Russia Likely to Benefit From Islamic State Airstrikes VOA 24 Sep 2014 -- Russia loudly and quickly condemned the U.S-led airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Syria this week, but Moscow in fact may stand to benefit from weakening the militants, analysts said.
FACT SHEET: Comprehensive U.S. Government Approach to Foreign Terrorist Fighters in Syria and the Broader Region The White House 24 Sep 2014
Iraqi Prime Minister Backs Anti-IS Cooperation Among Washington, Arab Countries RIA Novosti 24 Sep 2014 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi welcomed the cooperation between the United States and their Arab allies in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group in an interview with television channel CNN.
Remarks by President Obama in Address to the United Nations General Assembly The White House 24 Sep 2014
Obama Asks All Nations to Join Fight Against ISIL AFPS 24 Sep 2014 -- President Barack Obama was blunt during his speech to the United Nations General Assembly today: "The terrorist group known as ISIL must be degraded, and ultimately destroyed."
Obama: 'Reject Cancer of Violent Extremism' VOA 24 Sep 2014 -- President Barack Obama on Wednesday called on the world 'to join him in an effort to degrade and ultimately destroy' Islamic State militants.
Obama Calls For End To 'Network Of Death' RFE/RL 24 Sep 2014 -- Addressing the UN General Assembly, U.S. President Barack Obama has called on the world to help destroy the Islamic State (IS) militants' 'network of death' and to stand up for Ukraine's sovereignty against Russia's 'aggression.'
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 24 Sep 2014 [PDF]
Defence Secretary discusses ISIL threat UK MOD 23 Sep 2014 -- Mr Fallon met with allies in Saudi Arabia yesterday and Bahrain today to discuss regional security and international co-ordination to counter ISIL ahead of this week's United Nations General Assembly.
Transcript: Department of Defense Press Briefing on Operations in Syria by Lt. Gen. Mayville in the Pentagon Briefing Room DoD 23 Sep 2014 -- Presenters: Lieutenant General William Mayville, director of Operations J3 and Press Secretary Rear Admiral John Kirby
Background Conference Call on Airstrikes in Syria The White House 23 Sep 2014
DoD Official: Successful Syrian Strikes Only the Beginning AFPS 23 Sep 2014 -- Successful U.S. military and partner nation strikes last night against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL, were only the beginning of the fight to degrade and defeat the brutal terrorist group, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Adm. John Kirby said today.
Spokesman: Airstrikes Intended to Disrupt, Degrade ISIL AFPS 23 Sep 2014 -- Airstrikes conducted overnight were intended to disrupt the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant's ability to lead and control its forces, Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby said today.
US: Syria Won't, Can't Stop Militant Safe Havens VOA 23 Sep 2014 -- President Barack Obama on Tuesday hailed the coalition of Arab states that joined U.S. forces to pound Islamic State targets in Syria, calling it a sign that Middle Eastern people were "standing up for the peace and security that the people of the region and the world deserves."
Mixed Arab World Reaction to US Strikes VOA 23 Sep 2014 -- Arab world reaction to the U.S.-led airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Syria, carried out Tuesday with participation or support from Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, has been mostly positive with some nuances.
US Airstrikes in Syria Draw Praise, Concern in Congress VOA 23 Sep 2014 -- U.S. lawmakers are reacting to the first U.S. airstrikes on Islamic State targets in Syria, with a number of congressional leaders praising the action taken by President Barack Obama. But some members of Congress say the nature of the U.S. mission is shifting, and that Congress needs to debate and vote on authorization of a broader and more sustained military campaign against terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria.
US: Airstrikes not coordinated with Syria Iran Press TV 23 Sep 2014 -- The United States has not coordinated airstrikes against the ISIL terrorist group in Syria with Damascus, the State Department says.
Obama: US won't tolerate safe havens for ISIL Iran Press TV 23 Sep 2014 -- President Barack Obama says the United States will do "what is necessary" to eliminate ISIL following the US-led bombing campaign against the terrorist group in Syria.
50 US-led strikes carried out in Syria Iran Press TV 23 Sep 2014 -- The US and its allies have carried out at least 50 airstrikes against the Takfiri militants operating inside Syria, the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) says.
Pentagon to send warplanes, airmen to Middle East to fight ISIL Iran Press TV 23 Sep 2014 -- The US military will send a dozen A-10 combat jets and 300 airmen to the Middle East in early October for six months to help the fight against the ISIL terrorist group.
Jordan Admits Participating in Military Operation Against IS: Reports RIA Novosti 23 Sep 2014 -- Jordan took part in a military operation led by the United States against the extremist group Islamic state (IS) in Syria, Sky News Arabia channel reported Tuesday, citing Jordanian government representative Mohammed Mumin.
Syria Informed by the US Before Airstrikes Conducted RIA Novosti 23 Sep 2014 -- The United States briefed the Syrian envoy to the UN before it conducted the most recent airstrikes against the Islamic State in Syria, said the Syrian foreign minister on Tuesday, as reported by the AP.
UN health agency says Ebola infection rate to get worse Iran Press TV 23 Sep 2014 -- The World Health Organization has warned about a dramatic rise in the number of Ebola cases if all due measures are not taken to curb the epidemic.
DR Congo Ebola outbreak almost over: PM Iran Press TV 23 Sep 2014 -- The prime minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo says the outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus is "almost over."
Ban to convene meeting of world leaders on tackling Ebola outbreak UN News Centre 23 Sep 2014 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has announced he will convene a meeting of world leaders this week on a response to the Ebola outbreak as new studies warn of an exponential climb in the coming weeks unless swift action is taken to control the spread of the virus.
Remarks at the Global Counterterrorism Forum US Dept. of State 23 Sep 2014
On eve of Security Council summit, Ban calls for decisive action against terrorism UN News Centre 23 Sep 2014 -- Ahead of tomorrow's United Nations Security Council summit on foreign terrorist fighters, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is calling for decisive action in support of efforts to confront extremists.
Who Are the Khorasan? VOA 23 Sep 2014 -- With the U.S. beginning a military campaign against the Islamic State group, another band of Islamist militants has emerged as a direct threat to the security of the United States and Europe.
Bin Laden Son-in-law Gets Life Prison Term VOA 23 Sep 2014 -- A son-in-law of Osama bin Laden has been sentenced by a U.S. court to life in prison for his role as al-Qaida's spokesman after the 2001 terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people in the United States.
Obama Hails Joint US-Arab Strikes on Islamic State Targets in Syria VOA 23 Sep 2014 -- President Barack Obama on Tuesday hailed the coalition of Arab states that joined U.S. forces to pound Islamic State targets in Syria, calling it a sign that Middle Eastern people were "standing up for the peace and security that the people of the region and the world deserves."
Statement by the President on Airstrikes in Syria The White House 23 Sep 2014
Obama Says He'll Continue Building Support for Coalition AFPS 23 Sep 2014 -- President Barack Obama said today that he will use the coming days to build additional support for a coalition to confront the 'serious threat to our peace and security' posed by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists.
Obama Vows To Continue Fight Against Islamic State RFE/RL 23 Sep 2014 -- President Barack Obama has pledged to continue the fight against Islamic State militants following the first U.S.-led air strikes targeting the extremist group in Syria.
Ebola: As global response lags, UN warns 20,000 may be infected by November UN News Centre 23 Sep 2014 -- Unless efforts to control the Ebola outbreak in West Africa are ramped up, more than 20,000 people could be infected by early November, according to a joint United Nations study published today that predicts number of cases will climb exponentially.
CDC: Ebola Could Infect 1.4 Million by January VOA 23 Sep 2014 -- Between 550,000 and 1.4 million people in West Africa could be infected with the Ebola virus by January 20, 2015, according to a report issued on Tuesday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Airmen support firefighting efforts in California AFNS 23 Sep 2014 -- Two 146th Airlift Wing C-130 Hercules equipped with U.S. Forest Service Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems, or MAFFS, will be assisting with wildfire suppression efforts in California and the Northwest at the request of the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, U.S. Northern Command officials said in a news release issued Sept. 22.
As US Strikes Syria, China Sees Parallels at Home VOA 23 Sep 2014 -- As U.S. airstrikes began hitting targets of the Islamic State terrorist group in Syria, China says it supports international efforts to crack down on terrorism. Increasingly though, Beijing is seeing the fight against the Islamic State militants (IS) as an extension of its own efforts at home to battle what it says are religious extremists in its restive region of Xinjiang.
U.S. Military, Partner Nations Conduct Airstrikes in Syria AFPS 23 Sep 2014 -- U.S. military forces and partner nations, including Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, undertook military action against ISIL terrorists in Syria overnight, according to a U.S. Central Command news release.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 23 Sep 2014 [PDF]
US Launches Airstrikes in Syria VOA 22 Sep 2014 -- The United States and a group of Arab countries have carried out airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Syria.
U.S. Begins Airstrikes Against ISIL in Syria AFPS 22 Sep 2014 -- U.S. and partner nation forces have begun airstrikes inside Syria against terrorists from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Adm. John Kirby said in a statement today.
U.S. Military Conducts Airstrikes Against ISIL Near Kirkuk AFPS 22 Sep 2014 -- U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in Iraq today, using a mix of attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft to conduct four airstrikes near the city of Kirkuk.
Advance team of UN mission for Ebola response arrives in West Africa UN News Centre 22 Sep 2014 -- Laying the groundwork for the effective and coherent action necessary to stop the Ebola outbreak in West Africa that has sickened more than 5,800 people and killed some 2,800, an advance team of the United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response arrived today in Accra, Ghana to set up the operation's headquarters.
Anti-terror guidelines issued People's Daily 22 Sep 2014 -- China will punish people who verbally abuse or assault others they consider 'heretics' or 'religious traitors,' say new national guidelines that provide the first clear legal definitions for crimes connected with terror activities.
New clashes erupt at Syria-Turkey border Iran Press TV 22 Sep 2014 -- Clashes have once again erupted in Turkey's southern region of Morshid-pinar near Syria's border where a massive influx of Syrian Kurds has been fleeing the advancing Takfiri ISIL terrorists.
Kurdish fighters halt ISIL advance in northern Syria Iran Press TV 22 Sep 2014 -- Syrian Kurdish fighters say they have stopped the ISIL Takfiri militants' advance to the east of the town of Ain al-Arab, known as Kobani to the Kurds, in northern Syria.
Ankara Says More Than 130,000 Syrian Kurds Have Fled To Turkey RFE/RL 22 Sep 2014 -- Ankara says more than 130,000 Syrian Kurds have crossed into Turkey over the past two days as they flee an advance by Islamic State (IS) jihadists.
Kurds Battle IS in Syria as Refugee Wave Tops 130,000 VOA 22 Sep 2014 -- Kurdish fighters in northern Syria continue to defend a border town from Islamic State militants as the number of area residents fleeing to neighboring Turkey tops 130,000.
DoD Supports Firefighting Efforts in California AFPS 22 Sep 2014 -- Two Department of Defense C-130 aircraft equipped with U.S. Forest Service Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems and under the command and control of U.S. Northern Command will be assisting with wildfire suppression efforts in California and the Northwest Geographic Area at the request of the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, Northcom officials said in a news release issued yesterday.
ISIL releases new message, threatening US and its allies Iran Press TV 22 Sep 2014 -- The ISIL terrorist group has released a new, alarming audio message on the Internet, threatening to take violent action against the United States and its Western allies.
Australia May Introduce 'No-Go Zones' Amid Islamic State Threats: Review RIA Novosti 22 Sep 2014 -- A new anti-terrorism measure banning citizens from traveling to certain "no-go zones" will be introduced to the Australian parliament on Wednesday as a groundbreaking response to the rise of foreigners joining the Islamic State (IS) in Syria and Iraq, the Guardian reported on Monday.
IS Urges Followers to Attack Nations Forming Coalition Against Group: Reports RIA Novosti 22 Sep 2014 -- The Islamic State has released a message calling on its supporters to kill citizens of the countries involved in US operations against the jihadist group, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported Monday.
Newly-detected bird flu in Southeast Asia poses threat to animal health, people's livelihoods UN News Centre 22 Sep 2014 -- The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) today warned that a recently-emerged strain of avian influenza virus detected in poultry in Southeast Asia presents a new threat to animal health and livelihoods and must be closely monitored.
IS Urges Attacks on Citizens of Coalition Members VOA 22 Sep 2014 -- The Islamic State group urged its followers on Monday to attack citizens of the United States, France and other countries that have joined a coalition to destroy the militant group.
Kerry: Islamic State Group Threatens Entire Middle East VOA 22 Sep 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says Islamic State militants threaten the entire Middle East, and the international community can not allow that threat to go unchecked.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 22 Sep 2014 [PDF]
Three-Day Ebola Lockdown Registers 92 Bodies and 56 New Cases: Reports RIA Novosti 21 Sep 2014 -- Ninety-two bodies and 56 new cases of the Ebola virus have been found in Sierra Leone as the three-day lockdown, imposed by the country's government on September 19 comes to an end, Sky News reported Sunday, citing official reports.
Sierra Leone Ends Ebola Lockdown VOA 21 Sep 2014 -- Sierra Leone has ended a three-day nationwide lockdown aimed at stopping the Ebola outbreak.
Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL Targets in Iraq AFPS 21 Sep 2014 -- U.S. fighter aircraft have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Iraq in recent days, U.S. Central Command officials reported today.
Iran rejects reports on Kuwaiti mediation for joining anti-ISIL coalition ISNA 21 Sep 2014 -- Iran rejected media reports that it has called on Kuwait to mediate for Iran's participation in the US-led so-called international coalition against the terrorist group of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
Australia to Adopt Tougher Anti-Terrorism Laws RIA Novosti 21 Sep 2014 -- New anti-terrorism legislation is set to be brought before Australia's parliament next week following the largest counterterrorism operation in the country, AFP reports citing George Brandis, the country's attorney general.
One Year After Mall Attack, Kenya Security Forces Face Same Challenges VOA 21 Sep 2014 -- Kenya's president says the country's troops must stay in Somalia to fight al-Shabab, the militant group responsible for last year's deadly assault on Nairobi's Westgate shopping mall.
Iran not to join US-led fight on ISIL: Zarif Iran Press TV 20 Sep 2014 -- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says Tehran will not team up with the US in its so-called coalition against Takfiri ISIL militants.
US Congressman Says 40 American Islamic State Fighters Returned to US RIA Novosti 20 Sep 2014 -- Up to 40 Americans who went to the Middle East to fight along Islamic State (IS) militants are believed to have returned to the US, warned Tim Bishop, the US Representative for New York's 1st Congressional District, Fox News reports.
IS Militants Release 49 Turkish Hostages VOA 20 Sep 2014 -- Turkey's prime minister said 49 Turkish hostages seized by Islamic State militants in Iraq in June have been freed.
Israel, the Quiet Partner in Fight Against Islamic State Group VOA 20 Sep 2014 -- As the U.S. builds an international coalition against Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq, Israel has a stake in the outcome of the fight but its role is restricted.
Turkish Hostages Seized In Northern Iraq Freed RFE/RL 20 Sep 2014 -- Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has announced that 49 Turkish hostages seized by Islamic State (IS) militants in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul have been brought safely back to Turkey.e
Military Response Begins as Troops, Equipment Reach Liberia AFPS 19 Sep 2014 -- The increased U.S. assistance President Barack Obama announced this week has begun to arrive in Liberia, one of the West African countries hardest-hit by the deadly Ebola virus disease outbreak, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said here today.
Sierra Leone orders three-day shutdown over Ebola Iran Press TV 19 Sep 2014 -- Sierra Leone has launched a three-day shutdown in order to prevent the further spread of the deadly Ebola virus in the country.
Ebola: joint UN assessment response team heads to Liberia UN News Centre 19 Sep 2014 -- Hours after the United Nations decided to establish an emergency health mission to tackle the West African Ebola outbreak, a joint disaster team is heading to Liberia to assess the response to the virus, while a senior UN health official said that a vaccine could be ready by the end of this year.
Liberia Ebola Fight Needs More Aid VOA 19 Sep 2014 -- An NGO on the frontlines of the West Africa Ebola outbreak says the scale-up of the international response comes none too soon. SIM USA says more beds, medical supplies and personnel are needed to stem the spread of the epidemic.
WHO Vows to Continue Ebola Fight Despite Guinea Murders VOA 19 Sep 2014 -- The World Health Organization says it will not be deterred in efforts to combat Ebola in Guinea and other West African countries by the killing of a team of educators trying to raise awareness of the disease in a village in Guinea.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 19 Sep 2014 [PDF]
Hagel Says ISIL Threats Real, Must Be Dealt With AFPS 18 Sep 2014 -- The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant poses a real threat to the countries of the Middle East and perhaps to Europe and the United States, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told the House Armed Services Committee today.
Acceleration Seen in Ebola Outbreak, Death Toll Exceeds 2,600 VOA 18 Sep 2014 -- At least 2,622 people have died in the worst outbreak of Ebola virus in history, which has so far infected at least 5,335 people in West Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.
Ebola's economic impact hits Sierra Leone citizens IRIN 18 Sep 2014 -- As the World Bank predicts billions of dollars could be drained from Ebola-affected countries by the end of next year, IRIN spoke to Freetown residents to gauge how the crisis was affecting their lives.
Australia Detains 15 During Counterterrorism Raids RFE/RL 18 Sep 2014 -- Australian police have staged a series of predawn counterterrorism raids and detained 15 people. The September 18 raids took place in Sydney, Brisbane, and Logan.
US Report: China Hacked Into Key US Defense Contractors Site VOA 18 Sep 2014 -- The U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee said a yearlong investigation found hackers associated with the Chinese government successfully penetrated the computer systems of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) at least 20 times.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 18 Sep 2014 [PDF]
Australia Thwarts 'Violent' Terror Plot, Arrests 15 VOA 17 Sep 2014 -- Australia has launched its biggest-ever counter-terrorism operation at homes and businesses in Sydney and Brisbane. Officials say 800 heavily armed police officers have taken part in the raids, in which 15 people have been arrested so far and one formally charged.
Homeland Security Secretary: ISIL's Foreign Fighters Pose Threat AFPS 17 Sep 2014 -- Social media has given terrorist groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant the ability to recruit Americans and others like never before, and the threat of Americans and others returning to their home countries from Syria to carry out terrorist attacks has become the chief issue of concern when he meets with his foreign counterparts, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said.
Turning away the Ebola dying IRIN 17 Sep 2014 -- A US announcement on 16 September to send 3,000 troops to help tackle the Ebola outbreak in Liberia was welcomed with relief by health workers, who are losing the battle to contain the disease.
Australia pledges USD 6.4 million to fight Ebola Iran Press TV 17 Sep 2014 -- Australia says it will provide an additional 7 million Australian dollars (USD 6.4 million) to contribute to the international campaign to contain the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa.
Liberian President Hopes US Ebola Pledge Will Spur Others to Help VOA 17 Sep 2014 -- Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf called a U.S. decision to deploy 3,000 troops to West Africa a 'significant moment'' in the battle against the worst Ebola outbreak on record and said she hoped it would spur other nations into action.
Ebola Deals Economic Blow VOA 17 Sep 2014 -- The World Bank Group warns that the West Africa Ebola crisis could deal a huge economic blow to Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone unless swift action is taken
Obama Vows No US Ground Troops to Fight IS in Iraq VOA 17 Sep 2014 -- President Barack Obama vowed on Wednesday the United States will not fight another ground war in Iraq, seeking to reassure Americans about the level of U.S. involvement after a top general suggested some combat troops could be deployed.
Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister: US-led Airstrike Campaign to Target Only Islamic State Sites RIA Novosti 17 Sep 2014 -- The US-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS) is ready to expand its strikes to Syria, but will 'under no circumstances' target any positions other than the extremist group's sites, Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister told Rossiya Segodnya International Information Agency.
Iraqi Deputy PM: West Unlikely to Cooperate With Syrian Government in Fight Against IS RIA Novosti 17 Sep 2014 -- Western countries are unlikely to cooperate with the Syrian government in the fight against the Islamic State (IS), Iraq's newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister told Rossiya Segodnya International Information Agency.
Kosovar Imams Arrested In Bid To Stem Militant Recruiting RFE/RL 17 Sep 2014 -- Fifteen influential Muslim leaders have been arrested across Kosovo in a crackdown targeting what authorities say is a recruiting network for Islamic State militants and Al-Qaeda's branch in Syria, the Al-Nusra Front.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 17 Sep 2014 [PDF]
USS Ingraham Intercepts 680 Kilograms of Cocaine in Eastern Pacific NNS 16 Sep 2014 -- USS Ingraham (FFG 61) with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49 Detachment 2 and U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) personnel intercepted 680 kilograms of cocaine illegally trafficked in the 4th Fleet Area of Responsibility Aug. 21.
VOA Special Report: IS Militants Draw Millions from Vast Sources VOA 16 Sep 2014 -- In terms of financing, the Islamic State militant group is more than a very well-oiled machine.
Obama to send 3,000 US troops to Africa to fight Ebola Iran Press TV 16 Sep 2014 -- The United States will expand its response to the Ebola crisis in Africa by assigning 3,000 American military personnel to the afflicted region to lead the effort.
Obama to Announce Africom Joint Force Command HQ in Liberia AFPS 16 Sep 2014 -- U.S. Africa Command will set up a Joint Force Command Headquarters in Liberia to support U.S. military activities and help coordinate expanded U.S. and international relief efforts to fight the West Africa Ebola outbreak, senior administration officials said on a call previewing President Barack Obama's visit today to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
US to Send 3,000 Troops to Liberia in Expanded Ebola Effort VOA 16 Sep 2014 -- President Barack Obama is to announce new measures Tuesday afternoon to help fight the worst-ever Ebola outbreak in West Africa, including sending 3,000 U.S. troops to the region.
U.S. Military Airstrikes Hit ISIL AFPS 16 Sep 2014 -- U.S. military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Iraq, employing attack and fighter aircraft to conduct two airstrikes Sept. 14 and yesterday in support of Iraqi Security Forces near Sinjar and southwest of Baghdad.
US could send advisors on combat missions in Iraq: Dempsey Iran Press TV 16 Sep 2014 -- America's top military officer General Martin Dempsey says US troops serving as advisors to local forces in Iraq could be sent to combat the ISIL terrorist group.
Dempsey Discusses Anti-ISIL Strategy at Senate Hearing AFPS 16 Sep 2014 -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff describes the strategy against ISIL as "an Iraq-first strategy, but not an Iraq-only one."
US Opens Door to Ground Troops in Iraq VOA 16 Sep 2014 -- The top U.S. military officer is leaving open the possibility that American ground troops could be deployed to Iraq to fight Islamic State militants.
Hagel Explains President's Strategy to Destroy ISIL AFPS 16 Sep 2014 -- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel explained the military portion of President Barack Obama's strategy to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL to the Senate Armed Services Committee this morning.
Iran calls for strengthening Iraq, Syria to fight ISIL ISNA 15 Sep 2014 -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Countries Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said improving Syrian and Iraqi states is the best way to fight a terrorist group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
US Secretary of Defense Hagel Outlines Members of Coalition Against IS RIA Novosti 16 Sep 2014 -- The US-led international coalition to combat the Islamic State (IS, ISIL) jihadist group was announced by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel in a Tuesday morning hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Chinese lab team heads for Sierra Leone to curb Ebola epidemic People's Daily 16 Sep 2014 -- A 59-member Chinese laboratory team departed for Sierra Leone on Tuesday in the country's latest efforts to help West African countries to contain the Ebola epidemic.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 16 Sep 2014 [PDF]
UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting on Ebola crisis UN News Centre 15 Sep 2014 -- The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Thursday to discuss the Ebola outbreak that has gripped West Africa, the president of the 15-member body announced today.
Obama to Detail Robust US Response to Ebola Outbreak VOA 15 Sep 2014 -- President Barack Obama is set to outline his plan to boost the U.S. response to the Ebola outbreak that has killed more than 2,400 people in West Africa. The president travels to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta Tuesday for a briefing with health experts leading American efforts to stem the outbreak.
West Trades Accusations Over Hostage Ransoms VOA 15 Sep 2014 -- As world leaders meet in Paris to try to forge a common response to the threat posed by Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria, there is simmering tension over differing policies on paying ransoms. In the past month, the group has beheaded two Americans and one Briton. Both countries refuse to pay ransom money. There is uncertainty in the approach of some other European nations.
Supreme Leader: US claims about ISIS empty, biased IRNA 15 Sep 2014 -- Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Monday that US claims about forming a coalition to fight the Daesh terrorist group (ISIS) are 'empty' and 'biased'.
US seeks military presence in Mideast: Ayatollah Khamenei Iran Press TV 15 Sep 2014 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the US seeks to expand its military presence in the Middle East region by declaring war on the Takfiri ISIL terrorists.
Islamic State Threatens Entire International Community: Paris Conference on Iraq RIA Novosti 15 Sep 2014 -- The Islamic State (IS) militant group, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) or the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), presents a terrorist threat not only to Iraq but to the world community as a whole, a Monday statement from the International Conference on Peace and Security in Iraq says.
US Open to Future Talks With Iran on Fighting Islamic State VOA 15 Sep 2014 -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said he has rejected Obama administration requests for help in fighting against Islamic State militants in Iraq. U.S. officials say there is no military coordination with Iran but Washington is open to future talks on fighting the Islamic State.
Paris Meeting Promises 'Appropriate Military Aid' To Iraq RFE/RL 15 Sep 2014 -- Some 30 countries and organizations attending a Paris conference on Iraq have agreed to provide Baghdad with 'appropriate military aid' to combat the Islamic State (IS) militant group.
World's Top Diplomats Pledge Iraq Support VOA 15 Sep 2014 -- About 30 countries have pledged to support Iraq in its fight against Islamic State militants by 'all means necessary,' including military aid.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 15 Sep 2014 [PDF]
WikiLeaks Reveals Weaponized German Malware Used for Surveillance Around the World RIA Novosti 15 Sep 2014 -- WikiLeaks has released previously unseen copies of weaponized German surveillance malware, used by intelligence agencies around the world to spy on journalists and political dissidents, the organization said Monday.
Liberia Fires Officials for Not Returning to Fight Ebola VOA 14 Sep 2014 -- Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has fired 10 senior officials who defied an order to return to the country and help in the fight against Ebola.
Liberia sacks absent officials amid Ebola crisis Iran Press TV 14 Sep 2014 -- Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has dismissed 10 government officials over remaining 'out of the country without an excuse,' amid the nation's persisting Ebola crisis.
WHO releases Third Ebola Response Roadmap IRNA 14 Sep 2014 -- The total number of probable, confirmed and suspected cases in the current outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in West Africa was 4366, with 2218 deaths, according to the Third Roadmap the World Health Organization released on Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa.
Saudi Arabia Joined US in Training 5,000 Syrian Rebels: Pentagon RIA Novosti 14 Sep 2014 -- The US government has declared that it is planning to provide training for 5000 Syrian opposition fighters annually in order to battle IS militants, Washington Times reports.
ISIL future and Arab states' policy shift IRNA 14 Sep 2014 -- In light of ISILs various tactics of spreading terror among people to carry out ethnic cleaning in Iraq and Syria, regional and Arab countries have now realized that the terrorist ISIL group is an obvious danger, that can jeopardize the security of any country in the Middle East, noted Iran Daily on Sunday.
Around 100 French nationals involved with ISIL: Minister Iran Press TV 14 Sep 2014 -- French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve says around 930 French citizens are either fighting for the ISIL terrorist group in Iraq and Syria or planning to join the terrorists.
West Condemns Killing Of British Aid Worker By IS Militants RFE/RL 14 Sep 2014 -- Western allies have pledged an increasingly aggressive campaign against Islamic State militants after the group executed a British aid worker in Syria.
Security Council deplores 'heinous' murder of British aid worker by Islamic militants UN News Centre 14 Sep 2014 -- Members of the United Nations Security Council on Sunday strongly condemned the "heinous and cowardly" murder of David Haines, a British humanitarian aid worker, by the armed group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
British PM Vows Response to IS Militants after Beheading of Briton VOA 14 Sep 2014 -- In an emotional statement at 10 Downing Street, British Prime Minister David Cameron said Britain will hunt down those responsible for the death of British aid worker David Haines.
US Touts Coalition to Fight Islamic State VOA 14 Sep 2014 -- The Obama administration is expressing confidence in the formation of an international coalition to combat Islamic State radicals who control swaths of territory in Iraq and Syria. But congressional action in support of the effort is a matter of growing debate.
Syria militants 'reach truce' with ISIL Iran Press TV 13 Sep 2014 -- The so-called moderate armed opposition groups in Syria have reportedly signed a mutual non-aggression pact with the ISIL Takfiri terrorists.
Wide Array Of Countries Expected To Join Coalition Against Islamic State Militants RFE/RL 13 Sep 2014 -- As Washington vows to put together a broad coalition to fight Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria, the outlines of the new alliance are beginning to take shape.
Kerry Says Egypt Has Key Role In Fight Against IS RFE/RL 13 Sep 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says Egypt has a key role to play in countering Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria.
Kerry: Egypt Key Ally in Islamic State Battle VOA 13 Sep 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry Saturday hailed Egypt as an 'important partner' in the emerging coalition aimed at confronting the militant Islamic State group, while stressing that the need for Cairo's support would not lead Washington to ignore human rights concerns.
Uganda Foils 'Imminent' Al-Shabab Terror Plot VOA 13 Sep 2014 -- Ugandan authorities have foiled a planned imminent attack by the Somali militant Islamist terror group al-Shabab, the U.S. Embassy in Uganda said Saturday.
Welcoming boost in Ebola response, Ban urges greater global support to fight epidemic UN News Centre 12 Sep 2014 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed signs of solidarity in the fight against the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa and called on all countries and organizations to move swiftly to support the Governments of the countries affected.
DOD to Send 25-bed Hospital to Liberia in Fight Against Ebola Virus AFPS 12 Sep 2014 -- The Defense Department will transport a 25-bed hospital to Liberia in western Africa to help in the fight against the deadly Ebola virus there, Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm. John Kirby said today.
U.S. Airstrikes Continue Against ISIL AFPS 12 Sep 2014 -- U.S. military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Iraq, using attack aircraft to conduct two airstrikes yesterday and today in support of Iraqi Security Forces near the Mosul Dam and defending Irbil.
United States at War With ISIL Militants AFPS 12 Sep 2014 -- The United States is at war with the terror group ISIL, "in the same way we're at war and continue to be at war with al-Qaida and its affiliates," Pentagon press secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said here today.
Airlines Cut West Africa Flights, Delay Ebola Aid VOA 12 Sep 2014 -- The Ebola crisis in West Africa has closed borders and international airlines have cut flights to the area, but some say the measures aimed at controlling the outbreak also are holding up humanitarian aid deliveries.
WHO: Ebola Fight Needs More Workers VOA 12 Sep 2014 -- The head of the World Health Organization says more and better-trained medical workers are needed in West Africa to stop the growing outbreak of Ebola.
Ebola fight needs more medical staff: WHO Iran Press TV 12 Sep 2014 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for more international medical workers to battle the Ebola epidemic which has so far killed over 2,400 people.
Liberian Ebola burial teams stressed, traumatized IRIN 12 Sep 2014 -- As the Ebola death toll mounts in Liberia, burial teams are having to contend with physical risk and trauma as they take charge of safely burying the dead, often in the face of local anger.
Islamic State Tests Turkey-Iraqi Kurd Tie VOA 12 Sep 2014 -- Ankara's lack of support for Iraqi Kurds against the Islamic State militant group has cast a shadow over their otherwise close relationship.
Officials: US 'at War' With Islamic State Militants VOA 12 Sep 2014 -- United States officials declared on Friday that the country 'is at war with ISIL, in the same way that we are at war with al-Qaida and its al-Qaida affiliates all across the globe.'
France ready to help Iraq against ISIL: Hollande Iran Press TV 12 Sep 2014 -- French President Francois Hollande says his country is willing to step up military assistance against the Takfiri ISIL terrorists operating in Iraq.
Germany to deploy 40 paratroopers to Iraq Iran Press TV 12 Sep 2014 -- Germany is stepping up its campaign against the ISIL terrorist group by deploying about 40 paratroopers to Iraq to train Kurdish fighters battling the Takfiri militants.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 12 Sep 2014 [PDF]
Jeddah Communique US Dept. of State 11 Sep 201
Joint Press Statement With Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal US Dept. of State 11 Sep 2014
Ebola: UN will 'stay the course' in Liberia, peacekeeping chief says UN News Centre 11 Sep 2014 -- The United Nations will continue to stand by Liberia and its neighbours currently battling an "unprecedented" Ebola outbreak, the Organization's peacekeeping chief pledged today in Monrovia, spotlighting his mission to assess how the UN can further support the country.
Attack Aircraft Pound ISIL Targets Near Iraq's Mosul Dam AFPS 11 Sep 2014 -- U.S. military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Iraq, using attack aircraft to conduct two airstrikes yesterday and today near the Mosul Dam in support of Iraqi security forces.
PKK's Success in Battling Islamic State Could Boost Image VOA 11 Sep 2014 -- Thousands of Kurdish rebel fighters have joined the war against the Islamic State group in areas of Syria and Iraq, and they've become vital to the international community's battle against the powerful Islamist insurgency.
Syrian Refugees Express High Hopes for Obama's IS Plan VOA 11 Sep 2014 -- BUG: the mark does not exist in the description file
US Congressional Leaders Back Campaign Against IS VOA 11 Sep 2014 -- U.S. congressional leaders from both major political parties are expressing support for the strategy to defeat the Islamic State jihadist group, outlined by President Barack Obama. But some leading Republican lawmakers say they are concerned that the military action planned by the president may not be enough to eliminate the group, also referred to as "ISIL" and "ISIS."
Kerry to VOA: IS Represents Threat to Russia VOA 11 Sep 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and the U.S. administration are disappointed by Russia's initial reaction to President Barack Obama's speech on the Islamic State militant group Wednesday.
CIA: As Many as 31,000 Islamic State Fighters in Iraq, Syria VOA 11 Sep 2014 -- U.S. intelligence says the Islamic State militant group has between 20,000 and 31,500 fighters on the ground in Iraq and Syria.
Honesty of Intl coalition against Daesh under question: Afkham IRNA 11 Sep 2014 -- There are serious ambiguities in the real intention of an emerging so-called international coalition against the terrorist group of Daesh (also know as ISIS), Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maziyeh Afkham said on Thursday.
Kerry in Saudi Arabia for talks on ISIL Iran Press TV 11 Sep 2014 -- US Secretary of State John Kerry arrives in Saudi Arabia for talks with Arab leaders on how to fight ISIL amid doubts over the Obama administration's strategy to confront the terror group wreaking havoc in Iraq and Syria.
Kerry In Saudi Arabia To Rally Arab Support Against IS Militants RFE/RL 11 Sep 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and regional counterparts began talks September 11 in Saudi Arabia on forming a coalition to support a campaign against Islamic State (IS) jihadists in Syria and Iraq.
Iran Doubts Emerging Coalition Members Ready to Fight IS Militants RIA Novosti 11 Sep 2014 -- Tehran expressed doubts that the members of an emerging international coalition truly intend to fight radical Islamists in Syria and Iraq, Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported Thursday, citing Iranian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham.
Obama's IS Strategy Gets Mixed Reaction VOA 11 Sep 2014 -- President Barack Obama's proposed strategy for an expanded U.S. military effort against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria has drawn a mixed reaction from congressional lawmakers.
In Saudi Arabia, Kerry Seeks Anti-Islamic State Coalition VOA 11 Sep 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is in Saudi Arabia to meet with Arab leaders to form an international coalition against Islamic State militants. Kerry is following up on President Barack Obama's push to 'degrade and destroy' the group in both Iraq and Syria.
Obama Vows To Hit Islamic State RFE/RL 11 Sep 2014 -- U.S. President Barack Obama says he is prepared to attack the Islamic State in Syria as well as in Iraq, and that he will deploy hundreds of additional U.S. military personnel in an intensified campaign to "degrade and ultimately destroy" the militant group.
Obama to Expand Offensive against Islamic State Group VOA 11 Sep 2014 -- President Barack Obama proposed a substantially expanded American military campaign against Islamic State militants, vowing a "relentless effort" to wipe out the terrorists "wherever they exist," he told the nation Wednesday night.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 11 Sep 2014 [PDF]
Obama Announces Counterterror Campaign Against ISIL AFPS 10 Sep 2014 -- The United States will lead a broad coalition of nations to take the fight to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, President Barack Obama said in a nationally televised address tonight at the White House.
Analyst: Sunnis May be 'Achilles Heel' of IS VOA 10 Sep 2014 -- When the U.S. invaded Iraq in 2003 and disbanded Saddam Hussein's army, it left an unemployed pool of 400,000 armed men who were then quickly recruited by Sunni and Shi'ite extremists.
Background Briefing on Previewing Secretary Kerry's Trip to Jeddah US Dept. of State 10 Sep 2014
Statement by the President on ISIL The White House 10 Sep 2014
Background Conference Call on the President's Address to the Nation The White House 10 Sep 2014
FACT SHEET: Strategy to Counter the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) The White House 10 Sep 2014
Kerry in Iraq: 'Full Speed Ahead' for Coalition Against IS VOA 10 Sep 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says a new, more inclusive government in Iraq means it is 'full speed ahead' for an international coalition to fight Islamic State militants who control territory along Iraq's border with Syria. Kerry spent the day in Baghdad meeting with Iraq's new leaders.
Britain Considers Setting Up Military Bases in Persian Gulf to Fight ISIS: Reports RIA Novosti 10 Sep 2014 -- The British military are considering setting up three military bases in the Persian Gulf to fight the Islamic State (ISIS), The Times reported Wednesday, citing a source at the UK Ministry of Defence.
Kerry: International Coalition Will Defeat Islamic State RFE/RL 10 Sep 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says the international community will not idly watch the Islamic State (IS) militant group grow, naming Iraq as a key partner in the fight against the militant group.
White House: Islamic State Strategy Includes Support for Syria Opposition, Iraq VOA 10 Sep 2014 -- President Barack Obama will lay out his strategy to defeat the Islamic State group, also known as ISIL, which controls parts of Iraq and Syria, during a televised address to the nation at 9:00 p.m. EDT Wednesday (0100 GMT Thursday).
Kerry in Iraq: Global Coalition Would Defeat IS VOA 10 Sep 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, in Iraq to talk with the country's new government, predicted Wednesday that the international coalition Washington is seeking to build to defeat jihadists in Iraq and Syria would ultimately succeed.
IS Fighters Cause for Concern on 9/11 Anniversary VOA 10 Sep 2014 -- As Americans prepare to observe the 13th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, there are growing concerns that the militant group known as Islamic State could carry out attacks in the U.S. and Europe.
US Needs Broad Coalition to Fight IS Militants, Analysts Say VOA 10 Sep 2014 -- With President Barack Obama set to announce his strategy for battling Islamic State militants (also known as ISIL or ISIS) in Iraq and Syria, analysts say he will need to build a broad-based coalition of international and regional players to support those efforts.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 10 Sep 2014 [PDF]
'Merciless,' spread of Ebola in Liberia must be stopped in its tracks, Security Council told UN News Centre 09 Sep 2014 -- Liberia is facing its greatest threat since its years-long conflict, the Security Council was told today in a briefing that focused on the impact of the current Ebola outbreak in West Africa, which is responsible for at least 1,200 deaths in the country.
Ebola: Ban to convene high-level meeting at UN headquarters to scale-up crisis response UN News Centre 09 Sep 2014 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will convene leaders gathering in New York for the upcoming high-level segment of this year's United Nations General Assembly to highlight the urgent needs and required response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
WHO Tells Liberia to Increase Hospital Beds for Ebola Patients VOA 09 Sep 2014 -- The World Health Organization said Ebola treatment centers in and around Monrovia need to triple their capacity to 1,000 beds, because as more people become ill and they seek treatment, clinics are having to turn some patients away.
UN agency urges prosecution to end impunity for drug trafficking on high seas UN News Centre 09 Sep 2014 -- The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) hosted a special event on the rise of narcotics trafficking on maritime southern routes, particularly the Indian Ocean, advocating that drug traffickers caught in international waters be prosecuted.
US Judge Extends Sentence for Convicted al-Qaida Plotter VOA 09 Sep 2014 -- A U.S. man convicted of supporting al-Qaida will serve an additional four years in prison after a U.S. federal judge in Miami on Tuesday ruled the initial 17-year sentence was 'too lenient.'
Hagel Reaffirms Turkey's Pledge to Help Defeat ISIL AFPS 09 Sep 2014 -- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel yesterday held a series of meetings with government and defense leaders in Turkey's capital of Ankara to begin coordinating that nation's role in the NATO coalition forming to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL.
Obama Plans Prime Time Speech on Islamic State Threat VOA 09 Sep 2014 -- President Barack Obama is planning a prime time television speech Wednesday about his plan to combat the advance of Islamic State militants in the Mideast.
In Middle East, Kerry Seeks Coalition Against Islamic State VOA 09 Sep 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is traveling Tuesday to the Middle East, where he will discuss the situation in Iraq and the threat posed by Islamic State militants.
Israel sharing intelligence with US on ISIL: Report Iran Press TV 09 Sep 2014 -- Israel is sharing information gathered through espionage with the United States to "support" the airstrikes against the ISIL terrorist group in Iraq, according to a new report.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 09 Sep 2014 [PDF]
Ebola Map May Help Stop Future Outbreaks VOA 08 Sep 2014 -- Oxford University scientists have developed a map of areas where animals are likely to be infected with the Ebola virus and they say it's a first step toward predicting where future outbreaks might occur.
Comprehensive plan needed against ISIL terror: Rafsanjani Iran Press TV 08 Sep 2014 -- Chairman of Iran' Expediency Council Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani has called for a full-fledged international plan to prevent the Takfiri ISIL terrorists from committing more atrocious crimes.
Head Of Al-Azhar Calls Islamic State Militants 'Criminals' RFE/RL 08 Sep 2014 -- The head of Egypt's Al-Azhar, Sunni Islam's highest seat of learning, says Islamic State militants are 'criminals' who serve a 'Zionist' plot to 'destroy the Arab world.'
New UN Rights Chief: Protect Women, Children From IS Threat VOA 08 Sep 2014 -- The new U.N. Rights Chief is describing the crimes against ethnic and religious groups by the Islamic State militant group as unprecedented barbaric behavior. His remarks came at the opening of the three-week Rights Council session in Geneva.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 08 Sep 2014 [PDF]
Sierra Leone lockdown won't contain Ebola: MSF Iran Press TV 07 Sep 2014 -- Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) says a proposed nation-wide lockdown in Sierra Leone will not help control the spread of the Ebola virus.
Liberia Struggles to Find, Isolate Suspected Ebola Cases VOA 07 Sep 2014 -- The Ebola caseload continues to grow in Liberia's capital, Monrovia, even as more people accept the disease and try to stay safe. Health workers are struggling to identify and isolate the sick before they can infect others.
AL boss: Form a united front against ISIL Iran Press TV 07 Sep 2014 -- Arab League chief, Nabil al-Arabi, has called for a united front against the Takfiri ISIL militants, urging a comprehensive "military and political" confrontation with the terrorist group.
US not serious in fighting ISIL terrorists: Iran's Zarif Iran Press TV 07 Sep 2014 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarf says the United States has not been serious in its fight against the ISIL Takfiri militants.
Obama To Announce Strategy Against 'Islamic State' Militants RFE/RL 07 Sep 2014 -- seizing the town of Barwana from militants about 10 kilometers south of the dam.
Obama to Outline Strategy Against IS Militants VOA 07 Sep 2014 -- U.S. President Barack Obama says he will soon outline his 'game plan' for dealing with the threat posed by Islamic State militants.
Sierra Leone to impose Ebola lockdown Iran Press TV 06 Sep 2014 -- Sierra Leone, one of the West African countries worst hit by the Ebola outbreak, will impose a four-day lockdown in a bid to contain the spread of the disease, an official says.
Sierra Leone Orders Ebola Lockdown VOA 06 Sep 2014 -- Authorities in Sierra Leone are ordering people to stay at home for three days this month as part of an effort to stop the spread of the Ebola virus, which has killed more than 2,000 people in West Africa.
Indian Muslims Reject al-Qaida Call for Jihad VOA 06 Sep 2014 -- Al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri's announcement that a newly launched wing would "liberate Muslims from injustice and oppression" in India has triggered a furious response from Indian Muslim community leaders.
Islamic State Group Claims to Behead Second Lebanese Troop VOA 06 Sep 2014 -- Islamic State militants say they have beheaded a second Lebanese soldier after his failed attempt to escape captivity.
Remarks at Top of Meeting on Building an Anti-ISIL Coalition Co-Chaired by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, U.K. Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, and U.K. Defense Secretary Michael Fallon US Dept. of State 05 Sep 2014
USS Ingraham, USS McClusky Disrupt 486 Kilograms of Cocaine NNS 05 Sep 2014 -- Sailors and Coastguardsmen disrupted a shipment of approximately 486 kilograms of cocaine in the international waters in the Eastern Pacific Ocean in August.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 05 Sep 2014 [PDF]
UN health agency convenes meeting to weigh Ebola therapies, vaccines UN News Centre 04 Sep 2014 -- The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) began a two-day meeting in Geneva to discuss potential Ebola therapies and vaccines in response to "intense public interest in, and demand for, anything that offers hope of definitive treatment."
Ebola Experts Discuss Possible Cures, Vaccines VOA 04 Sep 2014 -- Nearly 200 experts on Ebola are meeting in Switzerland to discuss possible cures and vaccines for the deadly disease, as the number of cases in West Africa continues to rise.
India puts major cities on alert amid al-Qaeda threats Iran Press TV 04 Sep 2014 -- India has declared a state of high alert in several regions after al-Qaeda announced launching of a new branch in South Asia.
Al-Qaeda Opens Wing in South Asia Fearing ISIS Advance RIA Novosti 04 Sep 2014 -- Al-Qaeda has established a branch in the Indian subcontinent, hoping to attract local Islamic extremists amid the Islamic State (ISIS) militant group's rapid advance in the Middle East.
Obama, Cameron: Countries Will Not be Intimidated by Militants VOA 04 Sep 2014 -- President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron say their countries will not be intimidated by 'barbaric killers.' Their comments come after Islamic State militants killed two American journalists.
India on Alert After Al-Qaida Announces Local Branch VOA 04 Sep 2014 -- Al-Qaida has launched a group in the Indian subcontinent, targeting India, Myanmar and Bangladesh. But security analysts see India as the main target.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 04 Sep 2014 [PDF]
WHO Calls for Coordinated Response to Fight Ebola VOA 03 Sep 2014 -- The United Nations World Health Organization is calling for a coordinated global response to combat the growing Ebola outbreak affecting parts of West Africa.
Saudi Arabia arrests 88 on terror charges Iran Press TV 03 Sep 2014 -- Saudi Arabia has arrested 88 people on charges of planning to carry out terrorist attacks both in the country and abroad.
Security Council to spotlight 'growing, dangerous' threat of foreign terrorist fighters - current President UN News Centre 03 Sep 2014 -- During its tenure as President of the United Nations Security Council, the United States will convene a summit meeting on September 25 to focus international attention to the "growing and dangerous phenomenon" of foreign terrorist fighters, according to Ambassador Samantha Power.
US Looking for Broader Coalition to Combat Islamic State VOA 03 Sep 2014 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is leading diplomatic efforts to build an international coalition against Islamic State militants responsible for killing civilians across Syria and Iraq.
Obama: US Not Intimidated by Beheadings VOA 03 Sep 2014 -- President Barack Obama says the United States will not be intimidated by the beheading of a second American journalist, and vowed to build a coalition to 'degrade and destroy' the Islamic State extremist group.
US Health Official Warns 'Window of Opportunity' to Combat Ebola Closing VOA 03 Sep 2014 -- The director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Tom Frieden, warned that the Ebola outbreak in West Africa will worsen in coming weeks "significantly." Frieden said a "massive" global response is needed now to combat what he calls the world's first Ebola epidemic.
British Nurse Recovers as Ebola Threat Grows in W. Africa VOA 03 Sep 2014 -- A British nurse infected with Ebola has recovered and been released from a London hospital, even as health experts warn the virus' threat is growing in West Africa and requires a 'massive' global response.
Mistrust of government spurs Ebola spread IRIN 03 Sep 2014 -- Decades of corruption, deep-rooted mistrust of government and weak public services in Liberia have hastened the spread of the Ebola virus, and much more needs to be done to bridge a communication gap between government and citizens, say civil society groups and analysts.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 03 Sep 2014 [PDF]
Islamic State Video Shows Beheading of US Journalist Sotloff VOA 02 Sep 2014 -- An Internet video uploaded Tuesday by Islamic State purports to show the beheading of U.S. journalist Steven Sotloff.
Video Purports To Show Beheading Of Second U.S. Journalist RFE/RL 02 Sep 2014 -- A video released online purports to show the beheading of U.S. journalist Steven Sotloff by Islamic State (IS) militants.
US State Department to Determine Authenticity of US Journalist Sotloff Execution Video RIA Novosti 02 Sep 2014 -- US Intelligence community is trying to determine the authenticity of a video of US journalist Steven Sotloff, execution by the Islamic State (IS) militants that appeared online today, US State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said Tuesday.
Seizing militant passports problem for UK: Deputy PM Iran Press TV 02 Sep 2014 -- British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has acknowledged that seizing the passports of suspected ISIL militants returning from Iraq and Syria could be in violation of international law.
Nusra Front Demands Removal from UN Terror List VOA 02 Sep 2014 -- Fiji's military commander said al-Qaida-linked militants in Syria have made a set of demands they want fulfilled before they release a group of 45 Fijian U.N. peacekeepers.
Saudi Arabia Arrests Suspected Al-Qaida Cell Members VOA 02 Sep 2014 -- Police in Saudi Arabia have arrested 88 men - half of whom are Saudis - and are suspected to be part of an al-Qaida terrorist cell operating in the kingdom.
Philippines Foil Bomb Plot Aimed at Airport, Chinese Targets VOA 02 Sep 2014 -- Philippine police have arrested three men who were planning to carry out bomb attacks, apparently in protest at what they view as Manila's "soft" stance toward China.
Ebola response must be based on ‘scientific evidence, not on fear,’ urge top UN officials UN News Centre 02 Sep 2014 -- Misinformation about Ebola can only exacerbate an already fragile situation, said United Nations officials.
Obama Urges West Africans to Take Ebola Precautions VOA 02 Sep 2014 -- President Barack Obama has joined the fight against Ebola, recording a message for West Africans on how to avoid and treat the deadly disease.
Ebola Mutation Possible, But Has Not Occurred - CDC Director RIA Novosti 02 Sep 2014 -- The high rate of Ebola infections in West Africa and the length of time the outbreak has lasted increase the likelihood that the Ebola virus could become more transmissible through genetic mutations, said CDC Director.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 02 Sep 2014 [PDF]
UK Considers Temporary Ban on British-Born Jihadists Returning Home RIA Novosti 01 Sep 2014 -- The decision regarding a temporary ban preventing British jihadists from re-entering the United Kingdom will be announced by Prime Minister David Cameron.
WHO: First Ebola Case in Senegal Is 'Top Priority Emergency' VOA 01 Sep 2014 -- The World Health Organization said it is treating as a "top priority emergency" Senegal’s first confirmed case of Ebola and has sent personnel to Dakar.
Liberia’s West Point: Life After Ebola Quarantine VOA 01 Sep 2014 -- Residents of Liberia’s West Point neighborhood are jubilant now that the government has lifted a10 day-old quarantine of the densely populated borough of the capital, Monrovia.

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September 2014 Security News