April 2016 Security News

DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 29 Apr 2016 [PDF]
Kerry Hails Arab Efforts in Fight Against Terrorism VOA 28 Apr 2016 -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday praised countries in the Middle East for working to bring political and economic change in the region.
Counter-ISIL Effort Makes Gains in Iraq, Syria, Chairman Tells Senate Panel AFPS 28 Apr 2016 -- The U.S. military is addressing the transnational nature of the threat that the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant poses,but the most dangerous threat remains the core of ISIL in Iraq and Syria, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told the Senate Armed Services Committee today.
Carter Details U.S. Strategy to Accelerate ISIL's Defeat AFPS 28 Apr 2016 -- Moves made last year in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant have proved effective and U.S. officials have capitalized on that success to accelerate the counter-ISIL campaign, Defense Secretary Ash Carter told the Senate Armed Services Committee today.
US Cyber Commander Speaks at U.S. Naval Academy on Future of Cyber Operations NNS 28 Apr 2016 -- Adm. Michael S. Rogers, commander, U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), spoke at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, April 26, as part of the Cyber Lecture Series.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 28 Apr 2016 [PDF]
Bombing hits Turkey's Bursa, wounds several people Press TV 27 Apr 2016 -- A female bomber has set off her explosives in Turkey's northwestern city of Bursa, leaving at least 13 people injured, local media reports say.
IS at Weakest Point Since Start of Bombing Campaign, US Says VOA 27 Apr 2016 -- Efforts to squeeze the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria have put the self-declared caliphate on shaky ground, leaving the terror group in perhaps its most vulnerable state since the start of the U.S.-led bombing campaign, according to U.S. officials.
Paris Attack Suspect Abdeslam Charged With Terror Crimes VOA 27 Apr 2016 -- Salah Abdeslam, believed to be the last surviving member of the terror gang that killed 130 people in Paris five months ago, was formally charged in a Paris court Wednesday with murder, kidnapping, and using bombs and deadly weapons.
Hezbollah Develops New Skills in Syria, Posing Challenges for Israel VOA 27 Apr 2016 -- When Hezbollah first intervened on the side of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria, Israeli defense analysts saw the foray as a blessing – better to have their Lebanese arch-enemy entangled in a war in Syria. But there is increasing concern that Hezbollah is getting valuable battlefield experience in Syria, especially when it comes to large-scale, coordinated offensive operations, something the Shi'ite militia had little knowledge of before.
Paris Attack Suspect Appears in French Court VOA 27 Apr 2016 -- Nearly six months after the Paris attacks, top surviving suspect Salah Abdeslam appeared at a courthouse in the French capital, just hours after his extradition from Belgium.
India Urges Pakistan To Quickly Prosecute Militants For Air Base Attack RFE/RL 27 Apr 2016 -- India has urged Pakistan to make "early and visible" progress in prosecuting militants responsible for an attack on an Indian air base as the two sides resumed talks on April 26.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 27 Apr 2016 [PDF]
Daesh runs secret cells in UK, Germany and Italy: Clapper Press TV 26 Apr 2016 -- The Daesh (ISIL) terrorist organization is operating underground cells in Britain, Germany and Italy, and there is "evidence" they are plotting terror attacks against civilians in those countries, the US intelligence chief says.
India Pushes Pakistan to Clamp Down on Terrorism VOA 26 Apr 2016 -- India's top diplomat pressed his Pakistani counterpart on Tuesday to acknowledge and combat terrorism aimed at the Indian state, and to make "visible progress" on investigating violence.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 26 Apr 2016 [PDF]
Release of Classified Pages on Foreign 9/11 Support Imminent VOA 25 Apr 2016 -- Nearly 15 years after terrorists hijacked four passenger jets and crashed them into the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon outside Washington, D.C., and a farm field in Pennsylvania, 28 pages detailing foreign support for the attackers could soon be made public.
46 Malaysian nationals fighting for Daesh in Syria: Police Press TV 22 Apr 2016 -- The Malaysian federal police force says nearly four dozen citizens of the Southeast Asian country are currently fighting alongside members of the Takfiri Daesh militant group in Syria.
Pakistan captures Qaeda financier blacklisted by UN Press TV 22 Apr 2016 -- Pakistani security officials have arrested a senior al-Qaeda member who has been on the United Nations Security Council sanctions list since 2012.
INTERVIEW: Ahead of Baku Forum, UN official spotlights 'soft power' approaches to counter violent extremism UN News 22 Apr 2016 -- As the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) prepares for an upcoming global conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, the head of the UN body has stressed the need to leverage 'soft power' to curb the rise of violent extremism and prevent conflict.
Mali Arrests Suspected Planner of Radisson Attack VOA 22 Apr 2016 -- Authorities in Mali have arrested a Mauritanian man suspected of planning multiple deadly assaults on Malian hotels last year.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 22 Apr 2016 [PDF]
Critical Infrastructure Vulnerable to Attack, NSA Leader Says AFPS 21 Apr 2016 -- Strong dependence on industrial control systems, or ICS, is a serious vulnerability for industry, the National Security Agency's deputy director said here yesterday.
Homeland Defense 'Sacred Responsibility,' Says Nominee to Head Northcom, NORAD AFPS 21 Apr 2016 -- "Defense of the homeland is a sacred responsibility and the No. 1 mission of the Department of Defense," Air Force Gen. Lori J. Robinson told a Senate panel today during her nomination hearing to become commander of U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command.
Australia Unveils $220 Million Strategy to Boost Cyber Defenses VOA 21 Apr 2016 -- Australia says it is building up its capability to thwart cyber crime. Prime minister Malcolm Turnbull recently unveiled his $220 million Cyber Security Strategy, aimed at boosting the nation's defenses against online assaults by hackers on individuals, businesses and governments.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 21 Apr 2016 [PDF]
Obama, Saudi King Agree on 'Inclusive Approach' to Mideast Conflicts VOA 20 Apr 2016 -- President Barack Obama and Saudi Arabia's King Salman agreed on the importance of "an inclusive approach to de-escalating regional conflicts" during a two-hour closed meeting Wednesday in Riyadh.
US, GCC Defense Leaders Focus on Islamic State, Iran VOA 20 Apr 2016 -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter has called on Gulf Cooperation Council nations to engage more in the fight against Islamic State and continue to work with the U.S. to counter Iranian "malign and destabilizing" activities.
Allies briefed on latest OSCE Cyber Confidence Building Measures NATO 20 Apr 2016 -- On 18 April, NATO's Cyber Defence Committee was briefed by Ambassador Daniel B. Baer, Permanent Representative of the United States to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), on the latest set of cyber "Confidence Building Measures," adopted by the OSCE in March 2016.
Saudi 9/11 legislation hits roadblock in US Congress Press TV 20 Apr 2016 -- Legislation allowing Americans to hold the Saudi ruling family accountable in US courts for any role in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks has encountered significant obstacles in the US Congress.
More Daesh terrorists sent to Europe: Belgium Press TV 20 Apr 2016 -- Belgian officials say there are signs that more Daesh-linked terrorists have been sent to Europe after bombings killed 32 people in Brussels last month.
France Considers Longer State of Emergency VOA 20 Apr 2016 -- France's leftist government announced plans Wednesday to extend for another two months the state of emergency put in place after November's terrorist attacks in Paris to cover two major international sporting events, as experts warn of fresh threats facing Europe.
US Supreme Court Awards $2 Billion in Damages for Iran-Sponsored Terrorism VOA 20 Apr 2016 -- The U.S. Supreme Court says Iran must pay nearly $2 billion in frozen assets to American families of people killed by Tehran-sponsored terrorism.
Obama, Salman meet in Riyadh amid 9/11 controversy Press TV 20 Apr 2016 -- US President Barack Obama has met with Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on a trip aimed to mend increasingly strained ties with the long-time Middle Eastern ally.
US Supreme Court upholds ruling to seize Iranian assets Press TV 20 Apr 2016 -- The US Supreme Court has upheld Congress and President Barack Obama's actions to hold Iran financially responsible for the 1983 bombing that killed 241 Marines at their barracks in the Lebanese capital city of Beirut.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 20 Apr 2016 [PDF]
World drug problem: UN adopts new framework for policies to 'put people first' UN News 19 Apr 2016 -- The United Nations today adopted a new framework putting people at the centre of global policies on drug control, which the head of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) says can help promote the "urgent, united and concerted action we need."
IS Seeks Biological, Nuclear Materials, Counterterror Officials Warn VOA 19 Apr 2016 -- European counterterror chiefs warned at a London conference Tuesday that Islamic State militants are seeking to secure biological and nuclear materials to build rudimentary weapons of mass destruction.
9/11 Bill That Angers Saudi Arabia Finds Support in Congress VOA 19 Apr 2016 -- One day before President Barack Obama is to arrive in Saudi Arabia, U.S. senators of both parties indicated varying levels of support for legislation that has infuriated Riyadh and drawn criticism from the White House.
Obama slams 9/11 bill against Saudi Arabia Press TV 19 Apr 2016 -- US President Barack Obama has condemned legislation allowing victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks to hold the Saudi ruling family accountable in US courts.
Belgium Suspects More IS Recruits to Return to Europe VOA 19 Apr 2016 -- Belgian authorities say they have evidence to suggest more Islamic State recruits are looking to return to Europe.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 19 Apr 2016 [PDF]
Daesh Income Drops 30% Amid Territorial Loss, Infrastructure Damage Sputnik 18 Apr 2016 -- The Daesh jihadist group's income fell by nearly a third since mid-2015 as the group has been losing its territory and suffering damages to its infrastructure amid US-led coalition airstrikes and a Russian aerial campaign against Daesh in Syria, a report revealed.
Colombia: UN office expands alternative development strategy to eliminate illicit crops UN News 18 Apr 2016 -- As part of an initiative providing assistance to family farms that depended on illicit crops for income, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has announced that hundreds of personnel and visitors can now purchase alternative development products on the premises of its central office in Bogota, Colombia.
Officials Dismiss Islamic State Claims of Fighters in Bangladesh VOA 18 Apr 2016 -- The latest claim by the Islamic State (IS) that it has launched a new front in Bangladesh and its local fighters are gearing up to launch attacks on India and Myanmar has been dismissed by the government in Dhaka, which says the militant group has no presence in the South Asian nation.
White House: Obama Unlikely to Sign 'Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act' VOA 18 Apr 2016 -- Despite calls from victims' families, the White House says President Barack Obama likely would not sign legislation that could allow countries like Saudi Arabia to be sued for any role officials may have played in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on U.S. soil.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 18 Apr 2016 [PDF]
Detainee Transfers Announced DoD 16 Apr 2016 -- The Department of Defense announced today the transfer of Ahmed Umar Abdullah Al-Hikimi, Abdul Rahman Mohammed Saleh Nasir, Ali Yahya Mahdi Al-Raimi, Tariq Ali Abdullah Ahmed Ba Odah, Muhammed Abdullah Muhammed Al-Hamiri, Ahmed Yaslam Said Kuman, Abd al Rahman Al-Qyati, Mansour Muhammed Ali Al-Qatta, and Mashur Abdullah Muqbil Ahmed Al-Sabri from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Obama Sides with Saudis, Opposes Bill to Release 9/11 Findings Sputnik 16 Apr 2016 -- The Obama Administration has been lobbying Congress to block a bill that would allow Saudi Arabia's government to be held accountable in American courts for any role it played in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
US Transfers 9 Yemeni Inmates From Guantanamo VOA 16 Apr 2016 -- Nine Yemen nationals have been transferred to Saudi Arabia from the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as the Obama administration pushes to close the controversial facility despite strong opposition from congressional Republicans.
Rice Details U.S. Whole-of-Government Approach to Defeating ISIL AFPS 15 Apr 2016 -- President Barack Obama's national security advisor spelled out America's whole-of-government strategy against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant during a speech at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, yesterday.
5 Arrested in Britain Terror Probe VOA 15 Apr 2016 -- British police have arrested five people on suspicion of preparing terrorism attacks. Authorities say the arrests are part of an investigation involving Belgium and France.
Leaked Memo Says Ghana Terror Threat 'Real' VOA 15 Apr 2016 -- West Africa has been on high alert following recent terror attacks on hotels in Mali, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast. And now in Ghana, a leaked security document says Ghana and Togo are the next targets of the al-Qaida affiliate that claimed responsibility for the previous attacks. Ghanaian President John Mahama has told the nation not to panic.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 15 Apr 2016 [PDF]
Daesh calls Muslim Brotherhood 'apostate' Press TV 14 Apr 2016 -- The Takfiri Daesh terrorist group has branded Muslim Brotherhood, a leading transnational Sunni movement, as "apostate."
More 'concrete steps' needed by nations to counter terrorism, Ban tells Security Council UN News 14 Apr 2016 -- Speaking at an open debate on countering terrorism, United Nations Secretary-General today called on Member States to take more concrete steps to stop fundraising through the smuggling of oil and gas, the illicit trade of cultural artefacts, kidnapping for ransom and donations from abroad.
Turkey Proposes Anti-Terrorism Body at OIC Summit VOA 14 Apr 2016 -- Turkey's president has called for closer cooperation among Western and Muslim counties in the fight against terrorism, as he urged the leaders to tackle the problem from the security and financial fronts.
Obama: Counter-ISIL Campaign Accelerates AFPS 14 Apr 2016 -- The campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant has accelerated, President Barack Obama said yesterday at the headquarters of the Central Intelligence Agency.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 14 Apr 2016 [PDF]
Pakistan's ISI suspected of funding attack on CIA outpost: Documents Press TV 14 Apr 2016 -- Pakistan's intelligence agency may have provided terror groups with the necessary funds to carry out a deadly attack on a US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) base in Afghanistan, newly declassified US State Department cables allege.
Obama at CIA headquarters to discuss US war on Daesh Press TV 13 Apr 2016 -- US President Barack Obama has paid a rare visit to CIA headquarters in the state of Virginia to discuss the country's alleged war on Daesh terror group.
Statement by the President on Progress in the Fight Against ISIL The White House 13 Apr 2016
Obama: US-led Coalition Has Momentum, Islamic State on 'Defensive' VOA 13 Apr 2016 -- U.S. President Barack Obama says the U.S.-led coalition has momentum and plans to keep that momentum in the fight against the Islamic State militant group.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 13 Apr 2016 [PDF]
US neither sincere nor serious in fight against terrorism: Leader ISNA 12 Apr 2016 -- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says certain powers, the US in particular, are neither sincere nor serious in the campaign against terrorism.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 12 Apr 2016 [PDF]
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 11 Apr 2016 [PDF]
Prosecutors: Brussels Attacks Had Planned to Hit France Again VOA 10 Apr 2016 -- Belgian prosecutors said Sunday the terror cell linked to the November attacks in Paris was planning a second attack in France, but last month decided to hit Brussels instead.
Man in the hat in footage of Brussels airport attack arrested Press TV 09 Apr 2016 -- Belgian authorities say they have arrested "the man in the hat" who was captured in CCTV footage along with the two bombers who carried out the recent deadly attacks in Brussels airport.
Paris Attacks Suspect 'Man in the Hat' at Brussels Airport VOA 09 Apr 2016 -- Belgium's federal prosecutor said Saturday that Paris attacks suspect Mohamed Abrini has admitted that he was the "man in the hat" seen accompanying two suicide bombers at Brussels Zaventem airport on March 22.
Islamic State Threat in Libya 'Almost Exaggerated' - for Now VOA 08 Apr 2016 -- Some U.S. and Western officials say Islamic State is having trouble entrenching itself in Libya despite a concerted effort over the past year, but they warn that the terror group's persistence will pay off if left unchecked.
Ban says Daesh spreading like cancer Press TV 08 Apr 2016 -- United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has described the ongoing crisis in Syria as a greenhouse for Takfiri militant groups, urging greater cooperation to prevent extremism and terror outfits that are now spreading "like a cancer."
At Geneva conference, Ban calls for global partnership to prevent violent extremism UN News 08 Apr 2016 -- The objective of extremists "is for us to turn on each other [and] our unity is the ultimate rebuke for that bankrupt strategy," Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, underscoring that the action plan he presented to the United Nations General Assembly in January contains concrete recommendations and could be the basis of a global partnership to defeat violent extremism.
2 Suspects Arrested in Connection with Paris, Brussels Attacks VOA 08 Apr 2016 -- Belgian authorities arrested a fugitive suspect wanted in connection with the November Paris attacks; the suspect is also linked to the deadly bombings in Brussels last month.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 08 Apr 2016 [PDF]
Daesh Oil Revenue Falls as Group Loses Rich Territory in Iraq Sputnik 07 Apr 2016 -- Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament stated that capabilities of the Daesh militant group to receive revenues from the illicit oil have declined, as the terrorists are losing control over the captured territories.
In Geneva, senior UN official urges all-inclusive approach to stop virulent spread of violent extremism UN News 07 Apr 2016 -- Violent extremism is an affront to the very purposes and principles of the United Nations, the Head of the world body's Geneva headquarters said today, urging government delegations and experts gathered there to back the comprehensive approach needed to proactively address the drivers of the scourge, including through support of the Secretary-General's action plan on the issue.
Belgium Issues New Appeal in Quest for Brussels Airport Suspect VOA 07 Apr 2016 -- Belgian prosecutors have issued a new appeal for help in finding the suspected third attacker in last month's deadly Brussels airport bombings.
Paris Attacks Suspect to Remain in Belgium for Several Weeks VOA 07 Apr 2016 -- The main suspect in the 2015 terror attacks in France, Salah Abdeslam, will be detained in Belgium for several more weeks before being extradited to France.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 07 Apr 2016 [PDF]
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 06 Apr 2016 [PDF]
Turkey Posts $14M Reward for Wanted IS Militants VOA 05 Apr 2016 -- Facing blistering internal criticism over its failure to halt a wave of terrorist attacks, the Turkish government on Tuesday set a reward of $14 million for information leading to the arrest of Islamic State suspects in at least four recent suicide bombings.
U.S. Cyber Command Chief Testifies on Challenges, Security Initiatives AFPS 05 Apr 2016 -- Over the past year U.S. Cyber Command has continued building capability and capacity and made progress in building its 133-team cyber mission force, all while operating at an increased tempo, Navy Adm. Michael S. Rogers told a Senate panel today.
Terrorist Designation of Salah Abdeslam US Dept. of State 05 Apr 2016 -- The Department of State has designated Salah Abdeslam as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under section 1(b) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, which imposes sanctions and penalties on foreign persons that have committed, or pose a serious risk of committing, acts of terrorism that threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States.
Possible Push to Elevate US Cyber Command in Fight vs IS VOA 05 Apr 2016 -- Washington's top cyber warrior said Tuesday that the time has come to elevate the status of U.S. Cyber Command, arguing the move would make efforts more effective against a variety of threats, including the Islamic State (IS) terror group.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 05 Apr 2016 [PDF]
Detainee Transfers Announced DoD 04 Apr 2016 -- The Department of Defense announced today the transfer of Salem Abdu Salam Ghereby and Omar Khalif Mohammed Abu Baker Mahjour Umar from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to the Government of Senegal.
US Sends 2 Guantanamo Prisoners to Senegal VOA 04 Apr 2016 -- The U.S. released two inmates from its Guantanamo Bay detention center in Cuba on Monday, sending them to the west African nation of Senegal.
New Ebola Flare-up in Liberia VOA 04 Apr 2016 -- Health officials in Liberia say a five-year-old boy has tested positive for Ebola just days after his mother died of the virus.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 04 Apr 2016 [PDF]
One killed in Saudi police car bomb explosion Press TV 03 Apr 2016 -- A Saudi national has been killed after a booby-trapped police vehicle exploded in the kingdom's central city of al-Dalam, local media report.
All-win nuclear security architecture needed People's Daily 03 Apr 2016 -- At the fourth and final nuclear security summit in Washington, world leaders have reached consensus on pushing ahead with a more robust global nuclear security architecture, vowing to make continued endeavors to tackle the threat of nuclear terrorism.
Xi urges strict supervision, prompt response to counter nuclear terrorism People's Daily 02 Apr 2016 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called for strict source control and enhanced supervision over nuclear materials and quick emergency response to battle nuclear terrorism worldwide.
Most of EU militants in Iraq, Syria from 4 states: Study Press TV 01 Apr 2016 -- Four European Union member states have been branded as the largest source of European militants fighting in Syria, a new study suggests, warning governments that they put more efforts to prevent deadly terror attacks by people returning from the conflict zones in the Middle East.
Ebola: UN health agency reports new case in Liberia, as experimental vaccine used in Guinea UN News 01 Apr 2016 -- Lab results confirmed a new case of the Ebola virus in Liberia, the United Nations health agency today announced, while an experimental vaccine against the virus is being used in parts of Guinea to contain the latest flare-up of the virus in that country.
Russia Grievances Push North Caucasus Exiles to Join IS VOA 01 Apr 2016 -- The North Caucasus diaspora in Europe is a predominantly Muslim community of several hundred thousand people scattered across the continent. Hundreds of its members have gone to the Middle East to fight in the ranks of the Islamic State (IS). While most of them have wound up as cannon fodder for the terrorist group, some have risen to top positions in the IS hierarchy.
India, Pakistan Make Progress on Pathankot Terror Attack Probe Sputnik 01 Apr 2016 -- Agreements have been reached on an investigation into the Pathankot airbase attack between Indian and Pakistani investigators, top sources said after Thursday's meeting in New Delhi.
Defence Secretary announces £40m Cyber Security Operations Centre UK MOD 01 Apr 2016 -- The Defence Secretary announced the new centre on a visit to MOD Corsham. In a move to further strengthen the UK's cyber defences, the Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has announced that over £40 million will be spent on a new Cyber Security Operations Centre (CSOC). The preferred location for the centre will be at MOD Corsham.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 01 Apr 2016 [PDF]

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April 2016 Security News