November 2019 Security News

Suspect Shot Dead After London Terror Attack Had Ties To Pakistan RFE/RL 30 Nov 2019 -- The man suspected of stabbing two people to death in an attack in London was previously imprisoned on terrorism offenses and had allegedly planned to start a "terrorist military training" center in Pakistan, British authorities say.
London Attacker Had Been Convicted on Terrorism Charges VOA 30 Nov 2019 -- British security officials said police are not looking for any more suspects in the stabbing attack in London Friday that killed two people and left three victims in the hospital.
Mexican President Slams Trump's Cartel Terror Designation Plan as 'Foreign Intervention' Sputnik 30 Nov 2019 -- President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Friday that Mexico had not been invaded for more than a century and he would not permit another foreign intervention amid US President Donald Trump's recently announced plan to designate drug cartels based in Mexico as terrorist groups.
Mexico says won't allow US armed intervention over cartels Press TV 29 Nov 2019 -- Mexico says it bluntly objects to any potential cross-border armed operations targeting the country's soil by the United States after the latter vows to blacklist the Mexican drug cartels.
Violence in DR Congo Ebola hotspot leaves people 'caught in crossfire' UN News 29 Nov 2019 -- Attacks on communities in an Ebola outbreak hotspot in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have sparked a humanitarian crisis and threatened aid distribution, the UN said on Friday, amid reports of serious civil unrest.
London Police Kill Man, Declare Terrorist Incident on London Bridge VOA 29 Nov 2019 -- British police say two stabbing victims have died in addition to a knife-wielding attacker who was confronted and killed Friday on London Bridge, in an attack police are treating as an act of terrorism.
Assailant in the Netherlands Stabs Three in Street Attack VOA 29 Nov 2019 -- An assailant in the Netherlands has stabbed three people on a busy shopping street in The Hague.
Armed groups kill Ebola health workers in eastern DR Congo UN News 28 Nov 2019 -- Deadly night-time attacks by armed groups have once again claimed the lives of frontline healthworkers helping to confront the deadly Ebola virus in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.
Brooklyn Man Arrested for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS US Dept. of Justice 27 Nov 2019 -- Zachary Clark Allegedly Disseminated ISIS Propaganda and Bomb-Making Instructions in an Effort to Incite Acts of Terrorism and Violence In New York City and Elsewhere
Violence Forces DRC Ebola Responders Out of Critical Areas VOA 26 Nov 2019 -- More than one-third of the United Nation's Ebola responders in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo city of Beni were relocated Tuesday amid growing insecurity in the area, while the other responders remained to help combat the deadly outbreak.
Courage of terrorism survivors underlines 'urgency' of UN Investigative Team's work in Iraq UN News 26 Nov 2019 -- The leader of the special UN Investigation Team probing crimes committed by ISIL terrorists in Iraq, said on Tuesday that the courage being demonstrated by survivors coming forward "serves to underline the urgency" they need to carry on with their work.
UN Investigators Work to Prosecute Islamic State Terrorists VOA 26 Nov 2019 -- "I found myself under a pile of dead bodies," begins the somber Yazidi man named Kachi, speaking of the day Islamic State fighters terrorized his village in Iraq. "When I opened my eyes, I saw three of my brothers. They were next to me, they were dead. So were my nephews and cousins."
Hawaii National Guard in Guam for Vigilant Guard 2020 exercise Army News 22 Nov 2019 -- The Hawaii National Guard participated in the final Vigilant Guard disaster response exercise of the year in Guam in late November.
NY, NJ National Guard troops train for disaster response Army News 22 Nov 2019 -- Six hundred New York and New Jersey National Guard Soldiers and Airmen demonstrated during a two-day training exercise Nov. 15-16 that they're ready to handle disasters.
Ebola in DR Congo: New transmission chain risks reversing major gains UN News 22 Nov 2019 -- Amid multiple deadly attacks on civilians by armed groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), an Ebola death "unlinked to any chain of transmission" risks reversing major gains against the epidemic, which is now down to just a handful of cases, a top UN medic said on Friday.
WHO: Spike in Violence in DRC Threatens Progress Made in Ebola Fight VOA 22 Nov 2019 -- The World Health Organization warns escalating violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo's North Kivu and Ituri provinces is threatening to reverse major gains made in bringing the region's Ebola epidemic to an end.
Militant Group Vows Retaliation Following Indian Court Ruling VOA 21 Nov 2019 -- Following a ruling by India's Supreme Court over a land dispute between the country's majority Hindus and minority Muslims, a Kashmir-based militant group, with alleged ties to al-Qaida, has vowed retaliation and urged Muslims in the country to stand up against the decision.
Islamic State Staggers in Afghanistan, but Survives VOA 21 Nov 2019 -- One of the Islamic State's most feared affiliates has suffered a significant setback, though U.S. officials caution reports that the terror group was "obliterated" are overblown.
Australian Bank Accused of Millions of Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing Breaches VOA 21 Nov 2019 -- Australia's second-biggest bank, Westpac, has been accused of 23 million breaches of anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing laws.
With Daesh Gone, Taliban Once Again Tops List of Deadliest Terrorist Groups Sputnik 22 Nov 2019 -- Deaths caused by terrorist attacks around the world fell dramatically in the last few years, but with the world's largest terrorist group, Daesh, removed from the equation, Afghanistan's Taliban once again tops the list as the world's deadliest non-state organization.
Counter ISIS Finance Group Leaders Issue Joint Statement US Treasury 20 Nov 2019 -- On November 19 and 20, the Counter ISIS Finance Group (CIFG) convened its 56 member states and observers to discuss the ongoing global efforts to counter ISIS financing. This was the twelfth meeting of this group co-chaired by the United States, Italy, and Saudi Arabia. The CIFG, established in January 2015 as one of five working groups within the Global Coalition to Counter ISIS, is a broad international group formed to degrade and ultimately defeat ISIS.
Chicago Man Charged with Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS US Dept. of Justice 19 Nov 2019 -- A Chicago, Illinois, man has been arrested on a federal complaint charging him with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). The complaint and arrest were announced by John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security at the U.S. Department of Justice John R. Lausch Jr., United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; and Emmerson Buie, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the FBI.
Baghdadi Death Unlikely to Impact Daesh Ability to Rebuild - Pentagon Inspector General Sputnik 19 Nov 2019 -- The death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi will have little impact on the Daesh* terrorist group's ability to rebuild, a Pentagon watchdog agency revealed on Tuesday.
Treasury Designates ISIS Financial, Procurement, and Recruitment Networks in the Middle East and South Asia US Treasury 18 Nov 2019 -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated two Turkey-based Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) procurement agents and four ISIS-linked companies operating in Syria, Turkey, and across the Gulf and Europe for providing critical financial and logistical support to ISIS.
US Slaps Sanctions on 5 Entities, 4 Individuals in Turkey, Afghanistan and Syria Over Daesh Links Sputnik 18 Nov 2019 -- Last month, US President Donald Trump announced that Daesh* leader al-Baghdadi died during a US raid on his hideout in Syria.
Trump's Border Wall Could Again Become Obstacle in Last Minute Budget Talks VOA 18 Nov 2019 -- During his run for the presidency in 2016, Donald Trump found a surefire method for changing the mood at his political rallies. Whenever he sensed that he was losing the crowd, he told the editorial board of the New York Times, "I just say, We will build the wall!' and they go nuts."
Anti-terror measures against youngsters' online posts 'linked to spike in child detention globally' UN News 18 Nov 2019 -- More than 5.4 million children are detained around the world, rights experts said on Monday, highlighting "aggressive" State counterterrorism measures for the spike in youngsters held for alleged links with armed conflict or national security concerns based on their social media posts.
U.S. Designates ISIS Facilitators in Advance of Counter ISIS Finance Group Meeting US Dept. of State 18 Nov 2019 -- Today, the United States sanctioned nine individuals and organizations who were providing material support to the terrorist group ISIS in the Middle East and South Asia.
India Accuses Pakistan of Running a 'Terrorist Industry' Sputnik 17 Nov 2019 -- The move comes just days after India accused Pakistan of having 'terrorist DNA' during a UNESCO conference. The nuclear armed nations have been embroiled in a serious conflict since February when Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed killed 42 Indian soldiers.
Ukraine Detains Top Islamic State Commander RFE/RL 15 Nov 2019 -- Ukraine's main security agency says it has arrested a key figure in the Islamic State (IS) extremist group.
Suburban Chicago Man Charged with Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS US Dept. of Justice 15 Nov 2019 -- The leader of a Chicago-area street gang has been arrested for allegedly attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).
Secretary Michael R. Pompeo At the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Small Group Ministerial US Dept. of State 14 Nov 2019
Joint Communique by Ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS US Dept. of State 14 Nov 2019 -- The following is the text of a Joint Communique by Ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.
Special Representative for Syria Engagement and Special Envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Ambassador James Jeffrey and Coordinator for Counterterrorism Ambassador Nathan Sales US Dept. of State 14 Nov 2019
US, Allies Split Over Fate of IS Foreign Fighters VOA 14 Nov 2019 -- The United States and other members of the coalition to defeat the Islamic State failed to reach consensus on what to do with captured foreign fighters, one of several issues threatening to reverse gains made against the terror group in Syria and Iraq.
US Vows to Stay in the Lead vs. Islamic State VOA 14 Nov 2019 -- The United States is promising not to abandon the fight to eradicate the Islamic State terror group, while pushing allies to take more responsibility for foreign fighters and for rebuilding Iraq and Syria.
Missouri Man Sentenced for Providing Material Support to Terrorists US Dept. of Justice 14 Nov 2019 -- Ramiz Zijad Hodzic, aka Siki Ramiz Hodzic, 45, of St. Louis County, Missouri, was sentenced to 96 months in prison for conspiring to provide material support to terrorists and providing material support to terrorists. Hodzic appeared today before Judge Catherine D. Perry.
Press Briefing by Acting CBP Commissioner Mark Morgan The White House 14 Nov 2019
Security Stymies Effort to End Ebola in Congo VOA 13 Nov 2019 -- The World Health Organization says that dangers posed by armed groups in two eastern Democratic Republic of Congo provinces are impeding progress in the battle to stop the spread of the deadly Ebola virus. Latest reports put the number of confirmed Ebola cases at 3,287, including 2,193 deaths.
Moscow Accuses U.S. Of 'Hunting' Russians After Israel Extradites Suspected Hacker RFE/RL 13 Nov 2019 -- The Russian Embassy in Washington says it has lodged a formal diplomatic protest after Israel extradited a Russian national to the United States, where he is suspected of stealing more than $20 million from U.S. consumers through credit card fraud.
UK Labour Party Has Reportedly Experienced 'Sophisticated and Large Scale Cyber Attack' Sputnik 11 Nov 2019 -- The UK Labour party said that it has experienced a "sophisticated and large scale cyber attack" on its digital platforms, according to the Evening Standard.
New Details Link Businessman, Ex-Soldier To Alleged IS Terrorist Attack In Tajikistan RFE/RL 12 Nov 2019 -- One of the suspected attackers who raided a Tajik border crossing in a reported Islamic State (IS) attack last week had previously served as a soldier where the deadly assault took place, sources close to the investigation say.
EU Approval of First Ebola Vaccine is Game Changer VOA 12 Nov 2019 -- This week the European Commission gave approval to a Ebola vaccine – an act that the World Health Organization calls landmark moment for global health and a likely game-changer in the battle against this deadly disease.
Al-Qaida Gaining Strength as World's Focus Remains on IS VOA 11 Nov 2019 -- Despite major setbacks in recent years, the al-Qaida terror group seems to remain resilient and is slowly rebuilding its capabilities in many conflict-ridden countries around the world, while the world's focus is on the Islamic State (IS), experts warn.
Chances Growing Captured Islamic State Fighters Will Return to Battlefield VOA 08 Nov 2019 -- U.S. counterterrorism officials are increasingly worried Islamic State fighters captured as the terror group's caliphate collapsed in Syria will find their way back to the battlefield.
Purported IS Attack Killed More Tajik Border Guards Than Dushanbe Admits RFE/RL 08 Nov 2019 -- Sources in Tajikistan have told RFE/RL that the number of Tajik security officers killed in a November 6 attack by Islamic State (IS) extremists is seven -- five higher than authorities in Dushanbe have officially admitted.
Nepal Emerging as Major Hub of Foreign Terrorists - US State Department Report Sputnik 08 Nov 2019 -- A US State Department report has said that the security apparatus of Nepal needs upgrading in terms of human resources, technology, and existing laws, a media report said, adding that it lends credence to those consistently raising questions about the matter, especially over airport security.
Daesh Terrorists Pose Bigger Immediate Threat Than al-Qaeda – UN Team Sputnik 08 Nov 2019 -- In late October, US President Donald Trump said that Daesh leader al-Baghdadi had been killed in a US operation in Idlib, Syria. The Daesh terrorist group reportedly confirmed the death of its leader on 31 October.
Suspected North Korean Hackers Took Aim at Indian Space Agency – Report Sputnik 08 Nov 2019 -- The attack allegedly occurred during the much-awaited Chandrayaan-2 moon mission that was launched in September. However, one of the officials claimed the mission's failure had nothing to do with purported North Korean hackers.
MAC warns Taiwan schools of possible computer hacking by China CNA 07 Nov 2019 -- The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), the nation's top policymaking body on China, on Thursday warned schools in Taiwan of the need for stricter cyber security practices after it was confirmed that computer systems at a local university were hacked, alleging the attacks were carried out by China.
National Guard Disrupts Cyberattacks Across U.S. DoD News 07 Nov 2019 -- The National Guard is ready to mobilize its cyberdefenses in case of a potentially devastating domestic attack.
Russia: Daesh setting up base in Afghanistan to target ex-Soviet countries Press TV 07 Nov 2019 -- Russia says the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group is establishing a base in Afghanistan to target ex-Soviet countries, days after the group's leader was declared dead following a raid by US troops.
Daesh Branches in Afghanistan Plan Expansion to CIS Territory - Russian Security Service Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- According to the head of the FSB, terrorists understand that they have suffered a defeat in Syria and Iraq and are therefore deploying their remaining forces outside the Middle East, creating new zones of instability in Asia and Africa, and forming a sleeper cell network in Europe.
U.S. Department of State Terrorist Designation of Amadou Kouffa US Dept. of State 07 Nov 2019 -- The Department of State has designated Amadou Kouffa as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) under Executive Order 13224, which imposes sanctions on foreign persons who have committed, or pose a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism.
Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Diplomatic Security Michael Evanoff And Ambassador Nathan A. Sales, Coordinator for Counterterrorism On the State Department's Rewards for Justice (RFJ) Program US Dept. of State 07 Nov 2019 -- Remarks by Michael T. Evanoff, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, and Nathan A. Sales, Acting Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights
US Offers Up to $6Mln for Info About Al-Qaeda Leaders in Arabian Peninsula - State Dept. Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- The United States has offered up to $6 million in rewards for information about two senior al-Qaeda* terrorist group leaders, the State Department announced in a release.
US Takes Notice as More Islamic State Branches Back New Leader VOA 06 Nov 2019 -- The latest wave of endorsements for new Islamic State leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi has U.S. intelligence officials taking notice.
U.S. Security Leaders Warn About Russian, Iranian Interference In 2020 Polls RFE/RL 06 Nov 2019 -- Top U.S. intelligence and law enforcement officials have joined together to warn Americans about attempts by Russia, Iran, and other foreign "adversaries" to interfere with next year's presidential election.
Reported Attack In Tajikistan Could Have Broad Implications For Central Asia RFE/RL 06 Nov 2019 -- A deadly attack on a Tajik border post reported early on November 6 is disturbing for many reasons, including the fact Tajik officials are blaming the so-called Islamic State (IS) militant group for the assault that authorities say left at least two security servicemen and 15 militants dead.
Seventeen Killed In 'Islamic State Attack' On Tajik Border Post RFE/RL 06 Nov 2019 -- Militants of the Islamic State (IS) extremist group have attacked a border post in Tajikistan, killing a border guard and one police officer, Tajik authorities say.
Mexico's President Dismisses Trump's Suggestion About Waging War on Drug Cartels VOA 06 Nov 2019 -- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador reiterated his opposition Wednesday to a suggestion from U.S. President Donald Trump that Mexico wage war against its drug cartels after suspected gang members massacred nine U.S. women and children in the northern part of that country.
Indian Space Agency Was Alerted to Cyber Attack Ahead of Failed Lunar Mission - Reports Sputnik 06 Nov 2019 -- The lander of India's second lunar probe, Chandrayaan-2 lost contact with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)'s earth station minutes before its scheduled soft-landing on the Moon's South Pole on 7 September, crushing the country's hope of making space history.
Joint Statement from DOJ, DOD, DHS, DNI, FBI, NSA, and CISA on Ensuring Security of 2020 Elections DoD 05 Nov 2019 -- Attorney General William Barr, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan, Acting Director of National Intelligence Joseph Maguire, FBI Director Christopher Wray, U.S. Cyber Command Commander and NSA Director Gen. Paul Nakasone, and CISA Director Christopher Krebs today released the following joint statement:
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Plotting July 4th Attack in Cleveland as Part of Plot to Provide Support to Al Qaeda US Dept. of Justice 05 Nov 2019 -- A Maple Heights man pleaded guilty to crimes related to his plot to launch a terrorist attack in Cleveland on Independence Day. The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General of National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman for the Northern District of Ohio, and Special Agent in Charge Eric B. Smith for the FBI Cleveland Field Office.
Trump Wants Mexican Drug Cartels 'Wiped Off the Face of the Earth' VOA 05 Nov 2019 -- President Donald Trump says Mexican drug cartels must be "wiped off the face of the Earth," after suspected gang members massacred nine U.S. women and children in northern Mexico.
After Three Presidential Rejections, Indian State Passes Controversial Anti-Terror Law Sputnik 05 Nov 2019 -- Two key features of the anti-terror law -- intercepted telephone conversations and admissibility of confession made before a police officer investigating a case -– will now be considered as evidence.
South Korean Firm Claims North Korean Hackers Behind Cyber Attack on Indian Nuclear Plant Sputnik 05 Nov 2019 -- With the recent controversy over an alleged Israeli spyware-attack via WhatsApp on several Indian political leaders, social activists and journalists still in the news, speculation about a malware attack on an Indian nuclear plant has come to the forefront, raising questions about cybersecurity in India.
First-ever U.S.-Taiwan cyber exercises open in Taipei CNA 04 Nov 2019 -- The first-ever international cyber exercises co-hosted by the United States and Taiwan that opened Monday hope to combat the growing number of global cyberattacks, especially those from North Korea and China.
Ebola emergency chief decries new attacks on frontline staff, after DR Congo worker death UN News 04 Nov 2019 -- Security measures for staff helping to fight health emergencies need to be stepped up urgently, a UN health agency top official said on Monday, after a frontline Ebola epidemic community worker was reportedly stabbed to death at his home in northeast Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Britain's MI5 Lowers Terrorist Threat Level VOA 04 Nov 2019 -- Britain's intelligence agency, the MI5, downgraded the country's terrorist threat level from "severe" to a "substantial" on Monday.
Smugglers Cutting Through Trump's 'Virtually Impenetrable' Border Wall VOA 03 Nov 2019 -- Smuggling gangs in Mexico are cutting through the "virtually impenetrable" wall President Donald Trump is building along the U.S.-Mexico border to keep migrants and drugs out of the country, but Trump says he is not concerned.
US once again claims Iran backing terrorism IRNA 02 Nov 2019 -- US Department of State once again repeated its baseless claims that Iran is supporting terrorism.
US grounds Chinese-made drones over security concerns Press TV 01 Nov 2019 -- The US Department of The Interior has grounded its fleet of hundreds of Chinese-made drones over national security concerns, amid a growing technology tension between the two world powers.
U.S. State Department: Iran Remains 'World's Worst State Sponsor Of Terrorism' RFE/RL 01 Nov 2019 -- Iran remains "the world's worst state sponsor of terrorism," funding international terrorist groups and engaging in "its own terrorist plotting" around the globe, particularly in Europe, a new report by the U.S. State Department says.
Counterterrorism Coordinator Ambassador Nathan Sales On the Release of the Country Reports on Terrorism 2018 US Dept. of State 01 Nov 2019

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November 2019 Security News