November 2015 Security News

US Tightens Visa Waiver Program After Paris Attacks VOA 30 Nov 2015 -- The United States tightened its visa waiver program Monday in the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks, adding new screening for travelers headed to the U.S. from 38 countries around the world who now are allowed to enter the country without a visa.
Europeans Back Tougher Action Against IS VOA 30 Nov 2015 -- Support is growing in European Union countries for more military action against the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq and for security services to be given greater access to personal communications data in order to combat terrorism.
Germany Shells Out €134 mln to Join Anti-Daesh Coalition Sputnik 30 Nov 2015 -- The German government is preparing to join the fight against Daesh (the Islamic State) and has estimated the cost at €134 mln ($142 mln) in 2016; German political scientist Alexander Rahr told Sputnik that Germany wants to show solidarity with neighboring France after the Paris terror attacks.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 30 Nov 2015 [PDF]
'ISIL Earned $800Mln From Selling Iraqi Oil, Gas on Turkish Black Market' Sputnik 28 Nov 2015 -- Security agencies estimate that the Islamic State terrorist group has gained some $800 million in revenues from selling smuggled Iraqi oil and gas on Turkey's black market over the past eight months, the leader of the State of Law Coalition party in the Iraqi parliament told Sputnik on Saturday.
West Africa cannot recover from Ebola epidemic on its own – senior UN health official UN News 27 Nov 2015 -- Following the flare-up of Ebola in Liberia 77 days after the outbreak was declared over, the region's top coordinator of the United Nations response to the epidemic said the three West African countries most affected by the deadly disease cannot recover from its ravages on their own.
IS Attacks Raise Odds of Closer International Cooperation VOA 27 Nov 2015 -- A new wave of Islamic State (IS) group terror attacks has exposed the vulnerability of countries across Europe and the Middle East, forcing governments to reconsider existing policies and raising the possibility of new alliances against the organization.
Serbian Arms Maker Says His Plant Made Guns Used In Paris Attacks RFE/RL 27 Nov 2015 -- The director of a weapons plant in Serbia has confirmed that at least two of the assault rifles used by Islamic militants during the Paris terrorist attacks on November 13 were manufactured by his company in the early 1990s.
EU Gun Dealers Go Dark, Sell Trafficked Firearms to Terrorists Sputnik 27 Nov 2015 -- As authorities in Germany confirm the arrest of a 34-year-old man, suspected of dealing in illegal weapons which have been linked to the November 13 Paris atrocities, questions are being asked about the extent of firearms trafficking in Europe.
At Paris Memorial, Hollande Vows to Crush 'Army of Fanatics' VOA 27 Nov 2015 -- French President Francois Hollande vowed Friday to crush the 'army of fanatics' who carried out this month's deadly terror attacks in Paris, as he presided over a national memorial service for the victims.
Report: IS Claims Bangladesh Mosque Attack VOA 27 Nov 2015 -- The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for an attack on worshippers at a Shi'ite mosque in northern Bangladesh that killed one and wounded three others, the U.S.-based monitoring organization SITE Intelligence Group said Friday.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 27 Nov 2015 [PDF]
France, Russia Agree to Exchange IS Intelligence VOA 26 Nov 2015 -- French President Francois Hollande said Thursday that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to exchange intelligence on the Islamic State militants and other extremist groups in Syria to maximize the effectiveness of their bombing campaigns.
Islamic State Unfazed by Losses in Iraq, Syria VOA 26 Nov 2015 -- Progress in the U.S.-led effort to beat Islamic State on its home turf in Iraq and Syria has led some to speculate the terror group may be growing desperate. But counterterror officials say that is not the case, and warn the recent spate of terror attacks is merely part of the group's evolution.
Hollande Urges Russia to Join Forces to Defeat Islamic State VOA 26 Nov 2015 -- French President Francois Hollande urged Russia to join world powers in creating a grand coalition to defeat the Islamic State militants who not only attacked Paris two weeks ago but control large areas of Iraq and Syria.
Jihadist Recruits: Misfits, Not Pious Conservatives VOA 26 Nov 2015 -- In the wake of the Paris attacks and the security scare in Belgium, European governments and radicalization experts are once again struggling to understand what is driving young European Muslims to join the Islamic State and carry out savage acts in their own countries, against fellow nationals.
Myths and Facts: Resettling Syrian Refugees US Dept. of State 25 Nov 2015
Obama: Security Professionals Working to Keep U.S. Safe AFPS 25 Nov 2015 -- As Americans begin Thanksgiving travel, President Barack Obama wants them to know U.S. counterterrorism, intelligence, homeland security and law enforcement professionals at every level continually monitor threats at home and abroad for their safety.
Africa's Sahel region can become hotbed for terrorist recruitment, UN official warns UN News 25 Nov 2015 -- Without international aid to improve education and jobs, the Sahel region of sub-Saharan Africa will become fertile ground for recruiting terrorists among its tens of millions of disadvantaged people, the top United Nations official for the region warned the Security Council today.
Somali Officials Warn of Attacks by al-Shabab Faction VOA 25 Nov 2015 -- Somali authorities in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland have warned of potential attacks by an al-Shabab splinter faction that recently announced allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) group.
UN Envoy Warns of Risk of Youth Radicalization in Sahel VOA 25 Nov 2015 -- The United Nations special envoy for the Sahel warned Wednesday that drug traffickers are increasingly working with terrorist groups in this expansive region across northern Africa.
IS Presence Shows Signs of Expanding in Bangladesh VOA 25 Nov 2015 -- Bangladesh's home minister says two Islamic State militants connected with the killing of a Japanese agricultural scientist near Dhaka have fled and crossed into India.
Georgian IS Fighters Threaten Homeland in Chilling Video VOA 25 Nov 2015 -- Georgian authorities are investigating a video allegedly produced by the Islamic State showing Georgian-speaking men in Syria issuing threats against their homeland.
Taiwan steps up security after Paris terrorist attacks CNA 25 Nov 2015 -- Minister of the Interior Chen Wei-zen (陳威仁) said Wednesday that the government has tightened its border controls and stepped up intelligence-sharing in the wake of the recent Paris terrorist attacks that killed nearly 130 people.
Defense ministry aware of ISIS video showing Taiwan's flag (update) CNA 25 Nov 2015 -- The Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Wednesday it will continue to monitor global conditions and respond cautiously after a Republic of China flag showed up in a newly released video by the Islamic State, the militant group also known as ISIS or ISIL.
Obama: 'No Specific and Credible' Threat to US VOA 25 Nov 2015 -- In the wake of attacks claimed by the Islamic State militant group in Paris, Beirut, and Tunis, U.S. President Barack Obama is reassuring Americans on the threat of terrorism over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Brussels Schools, Metro Reopen Under Heavy Guard VOA 25 Nov 2015 -- With armed police officers standing guard, schools and about half of the Brussels metro system reopened Wednesday, four days after the Belgian capital was locked down in the wake of the Paris terror attacks earlier this month.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 25 Nov 2015 [PDF]
Carter, French Counterpart Discuss Countering ISIL AFPS 24 Nov 2015 -- Defense Secretary Ash Carter began his meeting at the Pentagon today with the French defense minister by expressing his condolences over the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant's "horrific" Nov. 13 attacks on Paris, and he reiterated the U.S. commitment to strengthen shared efforts against the terrorists, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook told reporters.
Obama, Hollande Review Anti-ISIL Campaign AFPS 24 Nov 2015 -- The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant's Nov. 13 terror attacks in Paris represented an assault on all liberal democracies and all nations must cooperate to destroy ISIL, President Barack Obama said at the White House today.
Obama: U.S., France 'United' Against Terror RFE/RL 24 Nov 2015 -- U.S. President Barack Obama said the United States and France 'stand united' against terrorism, adding that the Islamic State militant group and its ideology 'pose a serious threat to all of us.'
Obama Directs Security Team to 'Intensify' Anti-IS Efforts VOA 24 Nov 2015 -- In a meeting Tuesday with his National Security Council, U.S. President Barack Obama called for increased coalition airstrikes against the Islamic State.
State of Emergency Declared in Tunisia After 12 Killed in Bus Attack VOA 24 Nov 2015 -- At least 12 people were killed in Tunisia's capital Tuesday when an explosion hit a bus carrying members of the country's elite presidential guard, the Interior Ministry said.
Competing Claims of Responsibility for Mali Hotel Attack VOA 24 Nov 2015 -- Malian authorities have asked the public for help in identifying two gunmen killed in the terrorist attack that killed 21 people at a Bamako hotel Friday, amid conflicting claims of responsibility from multiple jihadist groups active in Mali.
Al-Shabab Official Threatens Pro-Islamic State Fighters VOA 24 Nov 2015 -- For months, a struggle has brewed within Somali militant group al-Shabab over whether to shift loyalties from longtime ally al-Qaida to Islamic State.
Remarks by President Obama and President Hollande of France in Joint Press Conference The White House 24 Nov 2015
U.S. Warns Travelers Of 'Increased Terrorist Threats' RFE/RL 24 Nov 2015 -- The United States has issued a rare worldwide travel alert warning its citizens of 'increased terrorist threats' following the November 13 Paris attacks, claimed by Islamic State (IS) militants, that left 130 people dead.
U.S. Urges Allies To Step Up Efforts Against Islamic State RFE/RL 24 Nov 2015 -- The United States is pushing for greater contributions from its allies in the fight against Islamic State (IS) militants following a string of terrorist attacks claimed by the extremist group.
IS Group Claims Sinai Hotel Attack That Killed 4 VOA 24 Nov 2015 -- Islamic State militants claimed responsibility Tuesday for killing a judge, two policemen and a civilian in a suicide bombing at a hotel in the northern Sinai Peninsula, a jihadist stronghold.
Homeland Security Defends US Refugee Security Vetting VOA 24 Nov 2015 -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is defending its ability to screen refugee applicants following the deadly attacks in Paris, and officials there say that state governors who want to refuse Syrian refugees on security grounds have unfounded fears.
Hollande Goes to White House Seeking Cooperation Against Militants VOA 24 Nov 2015 -- French President Francois Hollande's push to get world powers to work more closely together to fight Islamic State militants comes to Washington Tuesday as he meets with U.S. President Barack Obama.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 24 Nov 2015 [PDF]
Obama, Hollande to Meet in Wake of Paris Attacks VOA 23 Nov 2015 -- Less than two weeks after the deadly attacks in Paris, U.S. President Barack Obama welcomes his French counterpart, Francois Hollande, to the Oval Office for talks that are expected to go beyond America showing solidarity for its oldest ally - a grieving France.
US Pushes for More Support in IS Fight, Big Increases Called Unlikely VOA 23 Nov 2015 -- The U.S. has vowed to work with its allies to ramp up efforts to destroy the Islamic State following a string of attacks outside the group's base in Syria and Iraq, but a significant amount of additional aid from European partners is 'unlikely,' a U.S. defense official told VOA.
Mali: UN Police help Mali Government probe of deadly terrorist attack UN News 23 Nov 2015 -- United Nations police are providing Mali with support and technical expertise in the investigation of Friday's deadly terrorist attack on the Radisson hotel in Bamako, the West African country's capital.
Europe's Most Wanted Man Eludes Massive Dragnet VOA 23 Nov 2015 -- Suspected Paris attacker Salah Abdeslam evaded a massive manhunt Sunday night involving raids in Brussels and its suburbs, but security forces Monday were also focusing on towns in eastern Belgium, suggesting police fear Europe's most wanted man might be trying to flee to neighboring Germany.
Britain's Cameron to Seek Parliamentary Approval for Airstrikes Against IS VOA 23 Nov 2015 -- British Prime Minister David Cameron offered France new assistance Monday for its airstrikes against Islamic State insurgents in Syria and said he would ask the British parliament later in the week for approval to join the fight against the jihadists.
Readout of the Plenary Meeting of the Global Coalition to Counter-ISIL US Dept. of State 23 Nov 2015
Belgium Detains Five More Suspects RFE/RL 23 Nov 2015 -- Police in Belgium have conducted more raids, detaining five more people as they continue their hunt for a fugitive suspect in the Paris attacks.
Cameron Says UK to Develop Emergency Action Plan in Case of Terror Attacks Sputnik 23 Nov 2015 -- UK Prime Minister David Cameron said that the United Kingdom will soon have rapid response operational brigades that can quickly strengthen law enforcement in case of a terrorist attack.
Europe's Most Wanted Man Evades Manhunt VOA 23 Nov 2015 -- Suspected Paris attacker Salah Abdeslam evaded a massive manhunt Sunday night involving raids in Brussels and its suburbs, but security forces Monday were also focusing on towns in eastern Belgium, suggesting police fear Europe's most wanted man might be trying to flee to neighboring Germany.
Hollande, Obama to Focus on Islamic State and Syria VOA 23 Nov 2015 -- French President Francois Hollande will meet Tuesday with U.S. President Barack Obama as part of a multi-nation tour seeking to spur action against Islamic State militants and push for a political settlement to Syria's civil war.
Mali Attackers Threaten International Involvement VOA 23 Nov 2015 -- When armed gunmen barged into the Radisson Blu in Bamako last week it was not just an attack on a luxurious hotel in the Malian capital. The target the attackers chose symbolizes regional and international interests in Mali, a move that threatens foreign investments, stability and peace.
Kerry Says He Has 'No Doubt' IS Will Be Defeated VOA 23 Nov 2015 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Monday there is a united front against the Islamic State (IS) group and that he is absolutely convinced the militants will be defeated.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 23 Nov 2015 [PDF]
Global Coalition Will Destroy ISIL, Obama Tells Asia-Pacific Region Partners AFPS 22 Nov 2015 -- President Barack Obama reconfirmed U.S. and allied commitment against terrorism around the globe, including the Asia-Pacific region, during a speech today at the U.S.-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and East Asia summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
IRGC Cmdr: Iran monitors Daesh terrorists by intelligence dominance IRNA 22 Nov 2015 -- Iran monitors Takfiri groups by intelligence approach, says the IRGC commander, stressing that the ISIL terrorists have no possibility to operate in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Main Paris Attack Suspect Remains at Large, After 16 Arrests in Brussels VOA 22 Nov 2015 -- Belgian prosecutors say police in Brussels arrested 16 suspects in terror raids Sunday, but they say top Paris massacre suspect Salah Abdeslam was not among those detained.
Europe High on Alert to Possible Terrorist Risks People's Daily 22 Nov 2015 -- Just one week after the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris, the Brussels region, which houses the headquarters of the European Union (EU), raised Saturday the terror threat level to 'maximum.'
Brussels To Remain On Highest Alert Over 'Imminent Threat' RFE/RL 22 Nov 2015 -- Brussels will remain on its highest alert level on November 23, because of a 'serious and imminent' threat of coordinated, multiple attacks, the country's prime minister said.
Brussels Schools Will Be Shut Monday Over High Terror Threat Sputnik 22 Nov 2015 -- All schools in Brussels will be shut down Monday, Prime Minister Charles Michel said Sunday.
Brussels Remains on Highest Alert as Police Seek Paris Attack Suspects VOA 22 Nov 2015 -- Belgium is maintaining its highest alert level for the capital on Monday and closing schools amid a 'serious and imminent' threat of terror attacks, Prime Minister Charles Michel said Sunday following a national security council meeting.
Obama's Message on Terror: 'We Do Not Succumb to Fear' VOA 22 Nov 2015 -- U.S. President Barack Obama delivered a strong message against terrorism Sunday at the closing of the annual meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the adjoining East Asia Summit.
Suspected Leader of Pro-IS Al-Shabab Faction Reported Killed VOA 22 Nov 2015 -- A top al-Shabab official believed to be the leader of a pro-Islamic State faction has been shot dead in an ambush in southern Somalia according to local residents
Mali Searches for 3 Suspects Believed Connected to Hotel Attack VOA 22 Nov 2015 -- Malian authorities searched Sunday for at least three suspects they believe are connected to Friday's deadly jihadist attack on a luxury hotel in the capital Bamako that killed 19 people.
President Xi condemns Mali hotel attack, vows intl anti-terrorism co-op People's Daily 21 Nov 2015 -- Just one week after the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris, the Brussels region, which houses the headquarters of the European Union (EU), raised Saturday the terror threat level to 'maximum.'
Two terrorist teams arrested by Intelligence Ministry Press TV 21 Nov 2015 -- Intelligence officers arrested two terrorist teams in eastern and northwestern border areas in addition to seizure of considerable amount of explosives, weapons and ammunition, Intelligence Ministry said on Saturday.
Obama: Stricter Refugee Process No Safer VOA 21 Nov 2015 -- U.S. President Barack Obama reiterated his opposition Sunday to calls for increasing barriers for accepting Iraqi and Syrian refugees that he said would not make the country any safer and effectively end the refugee program 'for people who desperately need it.'
IRGC chief: Daesh attempts against Iran thwarted Press TV 22 Nov 2015 -- The chief of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says all attempts by the Takfiri terrorist group of Daesh against Iran have been thwarted.
Brussels Under Highest Security Alert Amid Fears Of 'Paris-Like' Attack RFE/RL 21 Nov 2015 -- The Belgian capital, Brussels, is under its highest security alert - 'imminent threat' - because of 'quite precise information about the risk of an attack like the one that happened in Paris,' the country's prime minister says.
Brussels at Highest Terror Alert After 'Precise' Attack Information VOA 21 Nov 2015 -- Heavily armed security forces patrolled the streets and subways were closed in Belgium's capital Saturday, as the government warned of a risk of attacks similar to the multiple terrorist actions in Paris that killed 130 people eight days ago.
Obama: Mali Hotel Attack Stiffens US Resolve to Combat Terrorism VOA 21 Nov 2015 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has condemned what he called the 'appalling' terrorist attack at a hotel in the capital of Mali that left at least 21 people dead, and he vowed "relentless" pursuit of the killers.
Ban warns of 'misplaced suspicions' of Muslim refugees, migrants after terror attacks UN News 20 Nov 2015 -- As last week's terrorist attacks in Paris and Beirut continue to reverberate round the world with calls to restrict refugee and migrant movement in the name of security, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today warned against "misplaced suspicions" about refugees and migrants, especially Muslims, who can help fight violent extremism.
Coalition Efforts Against ISIL US Dept. of State 20 Nov 2015
Mali: UN condemns 'horrific' terrorist attack on hotel in Bamako UN News 20 Nov 2015 -- Condemning the "horrific" terrorist attack at the Radisson hotel in Bamako which killed an unknown number of civilians and injured many more, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has noted that the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) has been assisting the authorities in the handling of this crisis.
Twenty-eight terrorists killed in 56-day hunt in Xinjiang People's Daily 20 Nov 2015 -- Xinjiang police have succeeded in disbanding a terrorist group after 56 days of fighting and fleeing during a manhunt in the far West Chinese region.
One new confirmed case in previously Ebola-free Liberia Press TV 20 Nov 2015 -- Liberia's health authorities have reported one confirmed case of Ebola infection in the previously Ebola-free West African country.
Hostage crisis at Mali hotel over, 27 killed: UN sources Press TV 20 Nov 2015 -- Several hours of hostage crisis at a hotel in the Malian capital, Bamako, has come to an end, with UN peacekeepers saying they have seen 27 dead bodies at the site.
FBI Director: No 'Credible Threat' To U.S. After Paris Attacks RFE/RL 20 Nov 2015 -- The director of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) says that there is no 'credible threat' of a terrorist attack in the United States similar to those carried out by Islamic State (IS) militants in Paris last week.
China Says 28 Foreign-Led 'Terrorists' Killed In Hunt For Xinjiang Mine Attackers RFE/RL 20 Nov 2015 -- Chinese state media say police have killed all but one of 29 alleged 'terrorists' suspected in an attack at a coal mine that killed at least five police officers in the far western Xinjiang region, home to the predominantly Muslim and ethnically Turkic Uyghurs.
Russian Lawmakers Call For Stepped-Up Measures Against Terror RFE/RL 20 Nov 2015 -- A rare, joint session of the Russian legislature has called for tighter security measures and harsher punishments for terrorism-related activities as part of an effort to 'confront the terrorist threat in Russia and beyond.'
UN Confirms 29 People Killed in Mali Siege, Including 2 Attackers Sputnik 20 Nov 2015 -- The death toll from the Mali hotel hostage situation has risen to 29, including two militants, according to the United Nations.
EU Tightens Border Controls in Aftermath of Paris Attacks VOA 20 Nov 2015 -- The European Union tightened control of its perimeter borders Friday in the aftermath of last week's deadly Paris attacks, including new checks on the passage of Europeans returning to the formerly passport-free zone.
Belgium Promises to Revamp Security While Bridling at Criticism VOA 20 Nov 2015 -- The Belgian government admitted this week it had lost control of a rundown Brussels district linked to a series of terror attacks in Belgium and neighboring France, including those last Friday in Paris.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 20 Nov 2015 [PDF]
Refugee Screening Process US Dept. of State 19 Nov 2015
US Senators Warn Terrorists Could Exploit Visa Waiver Program VOA 19 Nov 2015 -- Amid furor in Washington over the admission of Syrian refugees, senators of both parties say that the easiest path for foreign terrorists to enter the United States is the visa waiver program.
Obama: Islamic State Cannot Be Defeated Without Syria Agreement VOA 19 Nov 2015 -- U.S. President Barack Obama said Thursday efforts to defeat the Islamic State group will not succeed until there is a political agreement in Syria, and that he does not believe a settlement should leave President Bashar al-Assad in power.
Officials: Ringleader Behind Paris Attacks Killed in Raid VOA 19 Nov 2015 -- France confirmed the suspected ringleader of last week's Paris attacks was killed in a police raid Wednesday, and officials said he has been implicated in four of six foiled attacks in the country this year.
House Approves Bill to Halt Syria, Iraq Refugee Plan VOA 19 Nov 2015 -- The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives voted Thursday to suspend President Barack Obama's plan to resettle 10,000 Iraqi and Syrian refugees in the United States in the next year, but he is promising to veto the measure if it passes the Senate.
Opportunistic IS Eyes Chemical Arsenal VOA 19 Nov 2015 -- Western officials, as well as allies in the Middle East, are trying to keep a close watch on what may be an ambitious and growing chemical weapons program by the Islamic State terror group.
White House Reiterates Vow to Close Guantanamo Prison VOA 19 Nov 2015 -- U.S. President Barack Obama is pressing ahead with his plan to close the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, which holds 107 suspected terrorists, many of whom have been there for more than a decade.
Clinton Calls for More Aggressive US Campaign Against IS VOA 19 Nov 2015 -- Former U.S. secretary of state Hillary Clinton, the leading candidate for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination, called Thursday for a more aggressive American campaign against Islamic State (IS) terrorism, including a more forceful U.S. aerial bombardment against militants and the use of more regional ground forces to retake lands in Iraq and Syria the insurgents have claimed.
Beijing Vows Justice After IS Executes Chinese National VOA 19 Nov 2015 -- China is condemning the Islamic State group's execution of a Chinese citizen and pledging to bring those who carried out the act to justice. However, analysts say the tragic death of Fan Jinghui, the first known Chinese captive to be killed by the group, will not change Beijing's overall approach to the ongoing conflict in Syria.
Rogers: Data Manipulation, Non-State Actor Intrusions are Coming Cyber Threats AFPS 19 Nov 2015 -- Two specific emerging challenges are among those that concern Navy Adm. Mike Rogers, commander of U.S. Cyber Command and director of the National Security Agency.
Daesh after developing chemical weapons: Sources Press TV 19 Nov 2015 -- The Daesh Takfiri terrorist group, which is wreaking havoc in Syria and Iraq, is seeking to develop chemical weapons, Iraqi and US intelligence officials say.
Paris attacks mastermind killed in police raid: Prosecutors Press TV 19 Nov 2015 -- The suspected Belgian mastermind of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris has been identified among the dead in Wednesday's police swoop in Saint-Denis commune, the Paris prosecutor's office says.
Daesh has no social incubator in Syria: President Assad Press TV 19 Nov 2015 -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has assured that there is no social breeding ground in his country for the Daesh terrorist group.
Suspected Mastermind Of Paris Attacks 'Died In Police Raid' RFE/RL 19 Nov 2015 -- French authorities say they have confirmed that the suspected mastermind of the November 13 Paris terrorist attacks was killed by police during a raid north of the French capital.
Candidate Clinton Says U.S. Must Take Lead To Defeat IS RFE/RL 19 Nov 2015 -- Laying out a hawkish vision for grappling with Islamic State militants, leading Democratic presidential contender Hillary Clinton has called for a U.S.-led no-fly zone over Syria and downplayed sending more American troops back to Iraq.
France Calls for Reform of Freedom of Movement Rules After Paris Attacks Sputnik 19 Nov 2015 -- The French government is calling on Brussels to tighten border controls and revise freedom of movement rules following the terror attacks in Paris on Friday 13 November.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 19 Nov 2015 [PDF]
Strange Bedfellows: Iran, Afghan Taliban Join Hands Against IS RFE/RL 18 Nov 2015 -- Iran once considered Afghanistan's hard-line Taliban as one of the greatest threats to its security. As the Taliban ruled most of Afghanistan in the 1990s, the hard-line Sunni regime persecuted the country's Shi'ite minority and created its own theocratic political system to rival the Shi'ite clerical regime in Tehran.
Ensuring 15,000 survivors have support they need is 'my priority number one' - UN envoy on Ebola UN News 18 Nov 2015 -- Transmission of Ebola has been stopped in Liberia and Sierra Leone, while Guinea is now treating a baby believed to be its last case, the United Nations Special Envoy on Ebola, Dr. David Nabarro, reported today, underscoring that his top priority is to make sure the thousands of survivors and their families across West Africa have access to the support they need.
Security Council condemns 'heinous, cowardly' murders of Chinese and Norwegian hostages by ISIL UN News 18 Nov 2015 -- Condemning in the strongest terms the 'heinous and cowardly' murder of Chinese citizen, Fan Jinghui, and Norwegian citizen, Ole Johan Grimsgaard-Ofstad, by the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL), the members of the United Nations Security Council today emphasized that such continued acts of barbarism "do not intimidate them, but rather stiffen their resolve."
Islamic State's Western Push Creates Bloody Payoff VOA 18 Nov 2015 -- As investigators and intelligence agencies try to unravel the plotting behind the bloody attacks in Paris, there is growing evidence the Islamic State terror group has been able to extend some degree of command and control well beyond the borders of its self-declared caliphate.
Obama: US Rhetoric Against Syrian Refugees 'Needs to Stop' VOA 18 Nov 2015 -- U.S. President Barack Obama is criticizing American politicians for opposing the resettlement of Syrian refugees, saying their rhetoric is contrary to American values and could become a recruitment tool for the militant Islamic State (IS) group.
U.S. House Speaker Wants Pause Of Syrian Resettlement RFE/RL 18 Nov 2015 -- ?he speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives said he would bring legislation to a vote this week ordering a pause in the U.S. settlement of Syrian refugees, amid a furious outcry from lawmakers in the wake of the Paris terror attacks.
Experts put to the test during NATO's largest annual cyber defence exercise NATO 18 Nov 2015 -- Around 600 cyber defenders from across the Alliance and partner nations are taking part in this year's "Cyber Coalition 2015" exercise which runs from 16-20 November at the Alliance's Cyber Range in Tartu, Estonia and at locations in other participating nations.
Daesh terrorists claim improvised bomb used in downing Russia plane Press TV 18 Nov 2015 -- The Takfiri Daesh terrorist group has released a photo that shows an improvised bomb it claims to have used to bring down a Russian passenger plane flying over Egypt's Sinai Peninsula in October.
Seven Arrested, Two Dead As French Police Raid Targets Alleged Mastermind RFE/RL 18 Nov 2015 -- Reports from a northern Paris suburb say at least two suspects sought in connection with the November 13 terrorist attacks in France have been killed and seven others arrested during a raid on an apartment.
New Russian Commission Set Up To Combat Terror Financing RFE/RL 18 Nov 2015 -- The Kremlin says President Vladimir Putin has set up an interdepartmental commission to combat terrorism financing.
Paris Official: Terror Cell Targeted in Raid Was Capable of New Attack VOA 18 Nov 2015 -- The suspected Islamist militants targeted in a Paris police raid early Wednesday were a terror unit capable of planning a new attack, Paris Prosecutor Francois Molins said.
Suspected Paris Attack Planner Has Proved Elusive VOA 18 Nov 2015 -- The Paris prosecutor said Wednesday it remains unclear whether the suspected 'mastermind' of last week's terrorist attacks was killed at the suburban Paris apartment building police raided in the pre-dawn hours in the belief he was holed up there.
IS: Soda Can Bomb Took Down Russian Jetliner VOA 18 Nov 2015 -- The Islamic State group has released a photo of what it claims is the bomb that took down a Russian jetliner over Egypt's Sinai Peninsula last month and says it targeted the plane because of Moscow's aerial bombardment in Syria.
Norwegian, Chinese Hostages Killed, IS Says VOA 18 Nov 2015 -- Islamic State militants claim they've killed a Norweigian and a Chinese hostage after demanding ransom following the men's capture.
Parsing Putin: Russia Sends Signals To The West In Statement On Jet Attack RFE/RL 18 Nov 2015 -- A few hours after French President Francois Hollande called for Moscow and the West to fight Islamic State (IS) militants together in the wake of deadly attacks in Paris, Russia abruptly announced it was now certain a terrorist bomb blew a passenger jet to pieces over Egypt on October 31.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 18 Nov 2015 [PDF]
Joint Chiefs Chairman Warns Against Underestimating ISIL AFPS 17 Nov 2015 -- The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant is "a very sophisticated organization" and that "it would be a mistake to underestimate them," the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here today.
Carter: Recent Uptick in Iraq-Syria Fight Represents Taken Opportunities AFPS 17 Nov 2015 -- The Defense Department has ratcheted up its search for opportunities in Iraq and Syria to get at the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, and it will continue at that pace until ISIL is defeated, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said here last night.
In shadow of Beirut and Paris terror attacks, UN Security Council discusses root causes of conflict UN News 17 Nov 2015 -- The United Nations Security Council held an already scheduled debate on conflict prevention today amid added urgency fuelled by last week's terrorist attacks in Beirut and Paris, with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stressing that counter-terrorism must also tackle such root causes as bad governance, injustice and exclusion.
Obama: US Would Welcome Russian Focus on Islamic State VOA 17 Nov 2015 -- President Barack Obama said Wednesday the U.S. would welcome Russia shifting more of its efforts in Syria to confronting the Islamic State group instead of 'propping up' Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Seeds of Jihad Planted in the Balkans VOA 17 Nov 2015 -- Editor's note: VOA's Jeff Swicord visited Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo to examine radical extremism in the Balkans. This is the second of three parts.
Terrorism Key Issue in US Election in Wake of Paris Attacks VOA 17 Nov 2015 -- Last week's horrific terror attacks in Paris have thrust foreign policy and national security issues front and center in the 2016 U.S. presidential election campaign.
Obama Decries 'Offensive' Comments on Syrian Refugees VOA 17 Nov 2015 -- President Barack Obama said Wednesday that comments about Syrian refugees made by some U.S. politicians were 'offensive' and 'hysterical.'
President: Iran ready for security, intelligence cooperation with France to fight terrorism IRNA 17 Nov 2015 -- President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday that the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready for security and intelligence cooperation with France in campaign against terrorism.
Russia Confirms Bomb Downed Plane Over Egypt, Vows Retribution RFE/RL 17 Nov 2015 -- Russia's President Vladimir Putin vowed "vengeance" after the country's security chief confirmed that a "terrorist act" had brought down a Russian passenger plane over Egypt last month.
Russia Confirms A321 Brought Down by Terrorist Explosive Device Sputnik 17 Nov 2015 -- An explosion of the homemade bomb of up to 1kg of TNT equivalent was the cause of the A321 crash in Sinai, Russian Security Service (FSB) head Alexander Bortnikov said.
France Hunts 2nd Fugitive Linked to Paris Attacks VOA 17 Nov 2015 -- French officials said late Tuesday they are seeking a second fugitive directly involved in the Paris attacks.
Russia: Bomb Downed Passenger Jet; Putin Vows Vengeance VOA 17 Nov 2015 -- Russia concluded Tuesday that a bomb brought down one of its passenger jets over the Sinai Peninsula last month, with President Vladimir Putin vowing vengeance against those who carried out the attack.
Iran to crush any Daesh threat before it reaches border: Commander ISNA 17 Nov 2015 -- The commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Forces said any threat posed by the Daesh Takfiris will be crushed before it can even reach Iran's borders.
Fumbles, Mistakes Prompt Talk of Major French Intelligence Failure VOA 17 Nov 2015 -- In the wake of the Paris attacks, wary and overstretched European intelligence services are asking themselves what more they can do to prevent the kind of terrorism that struck the French capital.
Four Things That Will Likely Change After The Paris Terrorist Attacks RFE/RL 16 Nov 2015 -- The horrific terrorist attacks in Paris that killed at least 129 people and wounded hundreds of others could have a major impact on political and social issues in Europe and other Western countries.
France Requests Military Support From EU Allies RFE/RL 17 Nov 2015 -- France has made an unprecedented demand for military and other aid from its EU partners in the wake of the terror attacks in Paris.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 17 Nov 2015 [PDF]
Obama: U.S., Allies Will Redouble Efforts in Wake of ISIL Attacks AFPS 16 Nov 2015 -- The G-20 meeting in Antalya, Turkey, that ended today was supposed to address the economy. But the Nov. 13 terrorist attack on Paris changed that agenda, and President Barack Obama pledged today to redouble efforts against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
Concerns Raised by Obama's Vow Not to Change IS Strategy VOA 16 Nov 2015 -- President Barack Obama says it would be a mistake to deploy ground forces to defeat Islamic State militants, resisting calls at home and abroad for a more forceful U.S. strategy in the wake of Friday's terrorist attacks in Paris.
France Deploys Flagship Aircraft Carrier to Intensify Air Strikes Against Islamic State RFE/RL 17 Nov 2015 -- France's president ordered the country's flagship aircraft carrier to the eastern Mediterranean as Paris moved to intensify a bombing campaign against Islamic State militants in Syria in the wake of last week's terrorist attack in the French capital.
Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on Intelligence Sharing with France DoD 16 Nov 2015 -- "Over the past year, the United States has been working closely with the French military, intelligence, and security services to strengthen intelligence sharing to prosecute counter terrorism threats around the globe, specifically ISIL."
CIA Chief: US Has Not Underestimated IS VOA 16 Nov 2015 -- The United States has not underestimated the Islamic State group, CIA Director John Brennan said Monday.
Analysts: IS Militants Trying to Inflame West-Muslim Relations VOA, November 16, 2015 - Analysts say there is a highly dangerous, macabre logic to what Islamic State militants are trying to achieve, and warn that overreaction by Western governments and enraged citizens will aid the terrorists.
Living in an Ebola limbo: how long must refugees wait? IRIN 16 Nov 2015 -- How long should it take a country to reopen its border with a neighbouring state after that state has been declared free of a deadly and contagious disease?
France, Lebanon terror raids alarm to Iran, too: Intelligence minister ISNA 16 Nov 2015 -- Iran's Intelligence Minister Mahmoud Alavi said the recent terrorist attacks in France and Lebanon are also an alarm to the Islamic Republic, which should take action to exercise more vigilance.
North Atlantic Council condemns terrorist attacks in Paris, stands in solidarity with France NATO 16 Nov 2015 -- The North Atlantic Council, representing all NATO Allies, has strongly condemned Friday's terrorist attacks in Paris. In a statement issued on Monday (16 November 2015), the Council called the barbaric attacks "an attack on our core values of freedom, democracy, and human rights."
Obama admits Paris attacks 'terrible setback' in ISIL war Press TV 16 Nov 2015 -- US President Barack Obama acknowledged that the Paris attacks were a "terrible and sickening setback' in the fight against the Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group.
40 states financing Daesh terror group, says Russian president Press TV 16 Nov 2015 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin says financing for the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group comes from dozens of countries, including some G20 member states.
U.S. Transfers Five Guantanamo Detainees To U.A.E. RFE/RL 16 Nov 2015 -- The United States has released five detainees from Guantanamo Bay and transferred them to the United Arab Emirates.
Police Conduct Raids In France, Belgium After Devastating Paris Attacks RFE/RL 16 Nov 2015 -- French police have carried out more than 150 raids on suspected Islamists nationwide, while Belgian commandos besieged a home in Brussels but failed to find a key suspect in the November 13 attacks that killed at least 129 people in Paris.
Hollande Calls for Union to Crush Islamic State in Syria VOA 16 Nov 2015 -- France will step up its offensive in Syria, where Friday's shootings and suicide bombings in Paris had been planned, President Francois Hollande said Monday in a rare address to both houses of France's parliament.
Obama: No US Ground Troops to Fight Islamic State VOA 16 Nov 2015 -- U.S. President Barack Obama says the Paris attacks were a 'terrible and sickening setback' in the fight against the Islamic State but stressed that it would be a mistake to send American ground troops to the Middle East to fight the militants.
'Anonymous' Hackers Declare War on IS VOA 16 Nov 2015 -- The activist hacker network Anonymous said it is preparing to unleash waves of cyber attacks on the Islamic State group, following the attacks that killed 129 people last week in Paris.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 16 Nov 2015 [PDF]
Detainee Transfers Announced DoD 15 Nov 2015 -- The Department of Defense announced today the transfer of Ali Ahmad Muhammad al-Razihi, Khalid Abd-al-Jabbar Muhammad Uthman al-Qadasi, Adil Said al-Hajj Ubayd al-Busays, Sulayman Awad Bin Uqayl al-Nahdi, and Fahmi Salem Said al-Asani from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to the Government of the United Arab Emirates.
What We Know About Islamic State, Its Deadly Reach VOA 15 Nov 2015 -- The group behind the horrifying attacks in Paris has been spreading death and destruction in large parts of Iraq and Syria since 2013. The group, known alternately as Islamic State, ISIS, ISIL and Daesh, has become notorious for its brutality, including mass killings, abductions and beheadings.
Identified Paris Terrorist Had Security Profile VOA 15 Nov 2015 -- French police have named the first of seven dead terrorists who carried out three deadly simultaneous attacks Friday across Paris. One of them – a 29-year-old French national – was a known petty criminal who was radicalized five years ago, officials say.
Paris Attacks Raise Questions About US Security VOA 15 Nov 2015 -- Horrific terrorist carnage in Paris has refocused Washington's attention on the Islamic State (IS) group and its ambition to strike within the United States.
Obama at G-20: US to 'Redouble' IS Fight After Paris Attacks VOA 15 Nov 2015 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has vowed to help France in "hunting down the perpetrators" of Friday's Paris attacks and said he plans to 'redouble' efforts to eliminate the Islamic State group, known in Arabic as Daesh.
Iraq shares intelligence on militants terror attacks: FM Press TV 15 Nov 2015 -- Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Ja'afari says Baghdad has shared intelligence on the risk of militant attacks on France, the United States and Iran.
Obama pledges to "redouble efforts" to eliminate Daesh terrorist group Press TV 15 Nov 2015 -- US president Barack Obama and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have vowed to intensify efforts to wipe out the Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group even as they face criticism for backing terrorist networks in Syria.
OIC condemns Paris attacks, urges joint action on terrorism Press TV 15 Nov 2015 -- The world's top Muslim body has condemned the recent deadly attacks in Paris, calling for joint action against the scourge of terrorism.
4 Turkish policemen injured in Daesh bombing, report says Press TV 15 Nov 2015 -- A militant with the Daesh Takfiri terror group has injured four Turkish policemen in a blast in the southeastern part of the country, near the border with Syria.
French Police Issue Arrest Warrant For Suspect In Paris Attacks RFE/RL 15 Nov 2015 -- Police investigating a wave of terror attacks in Paris have issued an international arrest warant for a man they believe might have helped organize the deadly assaults with two of his brothers in Belgium.
G20 Leaders Gather In Turkey, To Discuss Fight Against Terror RFE/RL 15 Nov 2015 -- World leaders are gathering in southern Turkey on November 15 for a summit of the Group of 20 (G20) major economies expected to focus on the fight against terrorism.
Paris Suicide Bomber Used Bogus Syrian Passport to Reach France - Reports Sputnik 15 Nov 2015 -- Intelligence officials have reported that a Syrian passport belonging to one of the eight terrorists who carried out the Paris attacks was a fake, which was made in Turkey and then used for passage through Europe.
Nasrallah Denounces Paris Attacks, Vows to Counter Beirut Terrorist Acts Sputnik 15 Nov 2015 -- Hassan Nasrallah, the Hezbollah leader, has slammed the Paris attacks and promised to strike back against those behind the tragedy which took place in both the French and Lebanese capitals earlier this week.
At G20 Summit, Ban says response to terrorism 'needs to be robust, always within rule of law' UN News 15 Nov 2015 -- While the G20 Summit opened today in the Turkish city Antalya, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he will stress to world leaders that the global response to terrorism needs to be robust, but always within the rule of law and with respect for human rights.
Assad: Terror Experienced by Parisians Has Gone on in Syria for Five Years Sputnik 14 Nov 2015 -- Condemning Friday's Paris terror attacks and sending his condolences to the French people, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad noted that the attacks were reminiscent of the daily terror and turmoil faced by the Syrian people over the past five years through the country's violent civil conflict.
Readout of Secretary Carter's Call with French Minister of Defense Jean-Yves Le Drian DoD 14 Nov 2015
Zarif condoles French government, people on terrorist attacks IRNA 14 Nov 2015 -- Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif expressed condolences to the French government and nation on the terrorist attacks in Paris Friday night which claimed lives of scores of civilians.
President Rouhani strongly condemns Paris terrorist attacks IRNA 14 Nov 2015 -- President Hassan Rouhani strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in Paris which claimed lives of over 120 civilians.
Iran strongly condemns deadly terrorist attacks in France IRNA 14 Nov 2015 -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman on Saturday strongly condemned the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris that killed at least 100 people.
Iran's Rouhani condoles with France on terrorist attacks ISNA 14 Nov 2015 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani extended condolences to his French counterpart Francois Hollande over the recent terrorist attack and hostage taking in France and stressed comprehensive efforts to fight terrorism.
United Nations slams deadly terrorist attacks in Paris People's Daily 14 Nov 2015 -- The UN Security Council, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moonand President of the 70th session of the UN General Assembly Mogens Lykketoft on Friday condemned a series of terrorist attacks in Paris, which have reportedly killed at least 140 people.
Timeline: How The Paris Attacks Unfolded RFE/RL 14 Nov 2015 -- More than 120 people have been killed in multiple gun and suicide bomb attacks at city center restaurants and near a sports stadium in Paris, in what is France's worst-ever terrorist attack. Here's how events unfolded.
IS Supporters Praise Paris Attacks On Social Media RFE/RL 14 Nov 2015 -- Even before the Islamic State (IS) terror group claimed responsibility for the deadly Paris attacks that killed more than 120 people, its supporters took to Twitter to praise the carnage.
France Hunts IS Accomplices, Fearing Fresh Attacks VOA 14 Nov 2015 -- French authorities raced Saturday to identify the perpetrators of what President Francois Hollande has called an 'act of war' against his country, fearing organizers of the sophisticated assaults may be planning more attacks.
French Authorities Fear More 'Soldierly' Assaults VOA 14 Nov 2015 -- Witnesses say the assailants who struck Paris late Friday evening were well-trained and calm and likely rehearsed their coordinated attacks across the French capital, prompting French counterterrorist officials to believe they were veterans of the Syrian civil war or had been trained by experienced jihadists.
World Reacts With Anger, Resolve Toward Paris Terrorism VOA 14 Nov 2015 -- Across the globe, news of the terrorist attacks in Paris brought reactions of horror and anger, and many government leaders called for stepped-up efforts to counter extremists.
In Middle East, Paris Attacks Harden Views on Foreign Intervention VOA 14 Nov 2015 -- As Paris reels and the death toll mounts, some Egyptians are calling for a renewed global commitment against Islamic State militants, while others say failed international policies in Syria and Iraq are largely responsible for the group's existence.
Islamic State Claims Paris Attacks That Killed 129 RFE/RL 13 Nov 2015 -- The Islamic State extremist group has claimed responsibility for the attacks in Paris which killed 129 people and wounded dozens of others.
More Than 100 Dead in Paris Terror Attacks VOA 13 Nov 2015 -- Terrorists staged multiple simultaneous attacks in Paris Friday night, killing scores of people with automatic gunfire and explosions.
Over 120 People Killed In Paris Attacks RFE/RL 13 Nov 2015 -- French President Francois Hollande has declared a state of emergency after multiple bomb and shooting attacks in Paris left at least 120 people dead.
On the Attacks in Paris US Dept. of State 13 Nov 2015 -- Press Statement by John Kerry, US Secretary of State
UN condemns 'despicable' terrorist attacks in Paris UN News 13 Nov 2015 -- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the United Nations Security Council have condemned the "despicable' terrorist attacks carried out today in various locations in and around Paris, and Mr. Ban has demanded the immediate release of the numerous individuals reportedly being held hostage in the Bataclan theatre.
Statement by the President on the Situation in Paris The White House 13 Nov 2015
Readout of the President's Call with President Francois Hollande of France The White House 13 Nov 2015
Readout of the President's Call with President Francois Hollande of France The White House 13 Nov 2015
Statement by Vice President Biden on the Situation in Paris The White House 13 Nov 2015
Statement from Secretary of Defense Ash Carter on the Paris Attacks DoD 13 Nov 2015
Deadly Attacks Rip Paris VOA 13 Nov 2015 -- French officials say gunmen have opened fire and set off explosions in several places in the capital, Paris, and have taken hostages at the city's Bataclan concert hall.
Security Council strongly condemns terrorist attacks in Beirut suburb UN News 13 Nov 2015 -- The United Nations Security Council has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on 12 November in the Beirut suburb of Burj al-Barajneh that killed at least 43 and injured more than 200 people.
US Military 'Reasonably Certain' Airstrikes Killed 'Jihadi John' VOA 13 Nov 2015 -- The U.S. military says it is 'reasonably certain' that it killed 'Jihadi John,' the notorious British Islamic State militant who appeared in videos depicting the murder of Western hostages, in an airstrike in Syria.
US attacks on Syrian oil fields on the rise: White House Press TV 13 Nov 2015 -- The United States claims that Washington and its allies have expanded the extent of their airstrikes on Syrian oil fields only to disrupt Daesh (ISIL) terrorists' money flow.
US claims to have hit Daesh cutthroat 'Jihadi John' Press TV 13 Nov 2015 -- Mohammed Emwazi, the notorious Daesh (ISIL) terrorist also known as 'Jihadi John,' has been killed in a US airstrike in Syria, reports say.
IS's 'Jihadi John' Said Killed In U.S. Strike RFE/RL 13 Nov 2015 -- The BBC has quoted a senior British military official who says there is a 'high degree of certainty' that a British militant known as 'Jihadi John' was hit by a U.S. drone strike in the Islamic State (IS) stronghold of Raqqa, Syria.
Military support to the fight against Ebola comes to a close UK MOD 13 Nov 2015 -- The final military personnel deployed on Operation Gritrock have returned home to the UK.
More British Snooping Powers Needed to Keep ISIL Terrorists Off the Street Sputnik 13 Nov 2015 -- Britain's top prosecutor thinks the public should tolerate more surveillance to enable authorities to jail returning Islamic State jihadis. However, the UK government's current attempts to update state security is facing strong opposition from critics who say they are devoid of strong safeguards.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 13 Nov 2015 [PDF]
Statement by NSC Spokesperson Ned Price on Today's Terrorist Attacks in Beirut, Lebanon The White House 12 Nov 2015
Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on Airstrike in Raqqa, Syria DoD 12 Nov 2015 -- 'U.S. forces conducted an airstrike in Raqqa, Syria, on Nov. 12, 2015 targeting Mohamed Emwazi, also known as 'Jihadi John.'
Lebanon: top UN officials condemn attack in Beirut suburb, call for terrorists to be brought to justice UN News 12 Nov 2015 -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and his Special Representative in Lebanon, Sigrid Kaag, have strongly condemned the terrorist attack today in the Beirut suburb of Burj al-Barajneh.
Islamic State Claims Twin Suicide Blasts in Beirut VOA 12 Nov 2015 -- The Islamic State is claiming responsibility for twin suicide bombings in a Beirut suburb Thursday, killing at least 41 and wounding more than 200.
Daesh bombings hit security post in Beirut suburb, 41 killed Press TV 12 Nov 2015 -- More than 40 people have reportedly been killed and dozens of others wounded after two large explosions claimed by the Daesh Takfiri militants rocked a security post in the Borj al-Barajaneh area in a southern suburb of Lebanon's capital, Beirut.
At Least 37 Killed in Twin Suicide Blasts in Lebanese Capital VOA 12 Nov 2015 -- Lebanese officials said at least 37 people were killed and nearly 200 wounded in twin suicide blasts in a predominantly Shi'ite suburb in Lebanon's capital, Beirut.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 12 Nov 2015 [PDF]
Congress Restricts Guantanamo Detainee Transfers VOA 10 Nov 2015 -- Days before the Obama administration is expected to issue a long-awaited plan to close the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the Republican-led Congress ruled out a key provision for such a plan to go forward.
In Saudi Arabia, UN chief calls fighting terrorism with heavy-handed tactics counter-productive UN News 10 Nov 2015 -- Speaking in a region that has been torn apart by violent extremism, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told Arab and South America leaders in Saudi Arabia today that heavy-handed tactics in fighting terrorism only add fuel to the fire.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 10 Nov 2015 [PDF]
'90 Percent' Certainty Russian Plane Downed By Bomb RFE/RL 09 Nov 2015 -- An official with the investigation into the crash of a Russian airliner in Egypt has said it was likely caused by a bomb.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 09 Nov 2015 [PDF]
Afghan Taliban Splinter Group's New Chief Backs Islamic State 'Brothers' - But Only Abroad RFE/RL 08 Nov 2015 -- The new leader of an Afghan Taliban splinter faction has offered words of support for Islamic State (IS) and Al-Qaeda militants, but says that they are not welcome to operate in Afghanistan.
Noise In Last Second Of Doomed Russian Plane Recorder RFE/RL 08 Nov 2015 -- The head of an investigation committee says a noise can be heard in the last second of the cockpit voice recording from the Russian jet which crashed in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula one week ago.
Russia Repatriates 11,000 Tourists From Egypt RFE/RL 08 Nov 2015 -- Russia flew home some 11,000 Russian tourists from Egypt on November 7 and an even larger number is expected to leave on November 8.
Britain, Russia Fly Citizens Home from Egypt After Deadly Crash VOA 08 Nov 2015 -- European holidaymakers are leaving the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh by the thousands following an airline disaster that killed hundreds of Russian tourists at the end of October.
Sierra Leone Declared Ebola-Free VOA 07 Nov 2015 -- The World Health Organization has announced that Sierra Leone is officially free of the Ebola virus, now that 42 days have passed without any new infections.
Ebola virus transmission has been stopped in Sierra Leone - UN health agency UN News 07 Nov 2015 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) today declared that Ebola virus transmission has been stopped in Sierra Leone, as 42 days – two Ebola virus incubation cycles – have now passed since the last person confirmed to have the disease had a second negative blood test, and pledged continued support to the country towards the recovery of essential health systems.
Sierra Leone has successfully beaten Ebola, WHO says Press TV 07 Nov 2015 -- Sierra Leone has successfully overcome the outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus, which ravaged the African country for a year and a half, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.
Sierra Leone has successfully beaten Ebola, WHO says Press TV 07 Nov 2015 -- Sierra Leone has successfully overcome the outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus, which ravaged the African country for a year and a half, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.
Russian Plane's Black Boxes Point To Midair Bomb Attack RFE/RL 07 Nov 2015 -- International news media are reporting that black boxes from the Russian plane that crashed in Egypt last weekend indicate the plane came to a sudden, violent end in a midair explosion.
Russians Leave Egypt Resort With Hand Luggage Only RFE/RL 07 Nov 2015 -- Russians leaving Egypt are only being allowed to carry hand luggage onboard, and their other luggage is to be delivered later.
Ebola virus transmission has been stopped in Sierra Leone - UN health agency UN News 07 Nov 2015 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) today declared that Ebola virus transmission has been stopped in Sierra Leone, as 42 days – two Ebola virus incubation cycles – have now passed since the last person confirmed to have the disease had a second negative blood test, and pledged continued support to the country towards the recovery of essential health systems.
Egypt: Mystery Noise Was Last Sound from Doomed Jet VOA 07 Nov 2015 -- Despite increasing indications that a bomb destroyed a Russian passenger airliner last week high over the Sinai Peninsula, the head of Egypt's investigation team says no definite conclusions have been reached.
Grounding of Russian Flights to Egypt Supports Bomb Theory VOA 07 Nov 2015 -- Tens of thousands of Russians are trying to return home after Moscow suspended all flights to Egypt, a top tourist destination for millions, on increasing evidence that a bomb caused the crash of Metrojet Flight 9268 over the Sinai on October 31. All 224 people on board were killed when the passenger jet disappeared from radar minutes after reaching cruising altitude.
Sierra Leone Declared Ebola-Free VOA 07 Nov 2015 -- The World Health Organization has announced that Sierra Leone is officially free of the Ebola virus, now that 42 days have passed without any new infections.
Captagon: 'Breaking Bad' in Saudi Arabia VOA 06 Nov 2015 -- When authorities at Beirut's international airport confiscated two tons of the amphetamine Captagon on board a private jet belonging to a Saudi prince last week, it focused attention on an issue rarely discussed: drug abuse in Saudi Arabia.
CYBERSAFE Team Conducts Initial Pilot at SPAWAR NNS 06 Nov 2015 -- A multi-disciplined Navy audit team conducted a CYBERSAFE initial pilot at the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) during the week of Nov. 2-6.
Republicans Warn Obama Not to Close Guantanamo on His Own VOA 06 Nov 2015 -- President Barack Obama may be finalizing plans to close down the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Russia To Suspend Flights To Egypt Following Sinai Plane Crash RFE/RL 06 Nov 2015 -- Russia has suspend?d passenger flights to Egypt in the wake of the plane crash last week that killed 224 people, mostly Russian citizens.
Putin Halts Russian Flights to Egypt VOA 06 Nov 2015 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin suspended all of his country's commercial flights to Egypt Friday as new evidence emerged suggesting that a bomb could have brought down the Russian jetliner that crashed into the Sinai Peninsula last weekend, killing all 224 people aboard.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 06 Nov 2015 [PDF]
US Charges 4 with Funding al-Qaida, Awlaki VOA 05 Nov 2015 -- The United States has charged four men with conspiring to travel to Yemen to provide thousands of dollars to the late U.S.-born al-Qaida leader Anwar al-Awlaki in an effort to support violent jihad against U.S. military personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world.
Evidence Suggests Islamic State Bomb Downed Russian Plane RFE/RL 05 Nov 2015 -- Evidence now suggests that a bomb planted by the Islamic State (IS) group is the likely cause of a Russian airliner's crash over Egypt's Sinai peninsula, U.S. and European security sources said on November 4.
Moscow Angry It Was Not Handed Intelligence On Plane Crash RFE/RL 05 Nov 2015 -- Moscow has responded furiously to suggestions by U.S. and British officials that a Russian airliner that crashed over Egypt may have been brought down by a bomb.
Putin's Dilemma: How To Respond If A Bomb Caused Sinai Air Crash RFE/RL 05 Nov 2015 -- Mounting evidence that an onboard bomb brought down the Russian jet that crashed on Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, killing 224 people, poses a tough new dilemma for President Vladimir Putin: how to respond. If the theory of a terrorist attack is borne out, it will look like exactly what Islamic State militants have said it was: swift and deadly retaliation for Russia's military operation in Syria.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 05 Nov 2015 [PDF]
US-Led Coalition Aims to Target ISIL Financing, Foreign Fighters Sputnik 04 Nov 2015 -- A steering group of the 65-nation US-led coalition against ISIL met in Brussels and approved targeting the terror group's financing, message and foreign fighters joining it, the US Department of State said in a media note on Wednesday.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 04 Nov 2015 [PDF]
Turkish Election Outcome May Aid Fight Against IS, Analysts Say VOA 03 Nov 2015 -- Some analysts say Sunday's landslide election victory for Turkey's ruling party could help in the regional fight against Islamic State militants.
Pakistan Bans Media Coverage of Terror-linked Charity VOA 03 Nov 2015 -- Pakistan has banned media coverage of Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), an Islamist charity accused of planning the three-day terror siege of the Indian financial capital of Mumbai in 2008 and declared a terrorist organization by the United Nations.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 03 Nov 2015 [PDF]
DISA Director Highlights Need for Resilient Infrastructure AFPS 02 Nov 2015 -- The Defense Information Systems Agency is looking to build a more resilient infrastructure that helps resist cyberattacks, the agency's head told an industry briefing today.
How Islamic State Got a Foothold in Eastern Afghanistan VOA 02 Nov 2015 -- Members of the Shinwari tribe in the Nangarhar province of Eastern Afghanistan – many of whom are now displaced – opened their homes earlier this year to people they thought were in need.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 02 Nov 2015 [PDF]

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November 2015 Security News