All articles tagged with #counter terrorism
The US conducted air strikes in Nigeria targeting terrorists, which could strengthen Nigeria's counter-terrorism efforts through improved intelligence and resources but also risk undermining sovereignty and causing political divisions if not properly managed.
Turkey detained 357 suspected IS members across 21 provinces in coordinated operations following recent clashes and threats, including attacks planned for the New Year, with ongoing efforts to combat terrorism linked to the group near Syria's border.
Two Iowa National Guard soldiers and one civilian were killed, and three others injured, in an attack in Syria during counter-ISIS operations, prompting condolences and support from Iowa officials.
A mass stabbing attack on a London-bound train in the UK resulted in 10 people hospitalized, nine with life-threatening injuries. Two suspects were arrested, and the incident is being investigated as a potential terror attack, with police support from counter-terrorism units. The attack occurred near Huntingdon station, causing major disruption and prompting a swift police response.
Counter-terror police arrested four individuals after a break-in at RAF Brize Norton, where activists from Palestine Action spray-painted military planes, claiming to have caused damage and disrupted operations. The incident has led to a government move to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist group, and prompted a security review of UK military bases. The activists evaded security measures, and the government emphasized that no aircraft operations were halted.
The UK counter-terrorism authorities have requested the removal of the pro-Palestinian shooter game 'Fursan al-Aqsa: The Knights of the Al-Aqsa Mosque' from Steam's UK store. The game's developer, Nidal Nijm, expressed frustration over the decision, citing double standards compared to other shooter games like Call of Duty. The game remains available in other regions, including the US, but has faced bans in Germany and Australia due to classification issues.
John Bolton, former national security adviser, criticized Sebastian Gorka, President Trump's pick for counter-terrorism chief, labeling him a 'conman' and unfit for the role. Bolton, who has opposed several of Trump's appointments, argues that Gorka's selection undermines counter-terrorism efforts. Gorka, known for his far-right views and controversial statements, has faced criticism from both Bolton and the Democratic National Committee for his qualifications and extremist positions.
Russia is suspected of plotting to send incendiary devices on planes, potentially targeting the U.S., according to sources. Four individuals in Poland have been charged with sending camouflaged explosives that detonated during transport in the U.K. The plot aimed to test parcel transfer channels to the U.S. and Canada. The U.K. and U.S. authorities are investigating, with no current active threat to U.S.-bound flights. The TSA has implemented additional security measures for cargo shipments.
An incendiary device hidden in a DHL package that caught fire in Germany was part of a suspected Russian sabotage plot targeting the UK, potentially as a dry run for similar attacks on the US and Canada. The device, concealed in shipments of massage pillows and erotic gadgets, was feared capable of downing a plane. Similar devices were found in Poland, leading to arrests. Authorities suspect Russia's involvement as retaliation for Western support to Ukraine, though Russia denies the allegations.
Russian security forces launched a "counter-terrorist operation" in parts of Nalchik and the Cherek district after a group of gunmen opened fire on them, according to local authorities and the National Anti-terrorist Committee. The situation is still developing.
A US counter-terrorism official and experts have warned that ISIS-K terrorists could exploit the chaos at the US-Mexico border to carry out an attack similar to the Moscow concert hall mass shooting. With a sharp rise in encounters with suspects on the FBI’s terror watchlist at the border, concerns about ISIS-K operatives slipping through undetected are growing. While experts believe Europe is more likely to be targeted, the porous US borders present a substantial terror risk, with fears that sympathizers already in the US may be preparing to conduct a terror strike on the group’s behalf.
The stabbing of Iranian TV presenter Pouria Zeraati in London has reignited concerns about the Iranian regime's aggressive activities against dissidents abroad. The attack, believed to be orchestrated by the Iranian regime, has prompted calls for stronger action to protect exiled journalists and activists. The incident underscores the ongoing threat posed by Iran to individuals critical of the regime, with critics urging the US and European officials to adopt clearer strategies in dealing with Iran's transnational threats.
The U.S. is exploring alternative options in West Africa for hosting American troops and supporting counter-terrorism efforts after Niger ordered them to leave following a military coup last year. The military junta in Niger revoked a military cooperation agreement with the U.S., impacting counter-terrorism operations in the region. The U.S. is now engaging in diplomatic channels to address the situation and is assessing all options while considering potential cooperation with other West African countries.
Russian security forces conducted a special operation in Ingushetia, killing six alleged militants after they opened fire on law enforcement in a residential building. Counter-terrorism emergency powers were introduced in the town of Karabulak, and the operation has ended, but the counter-terrorism operation regime remains in place. The identities of the militants are being established, and Ingushetia, a small region in Russia, has a history of battling armed insurgency by Islamist militant groups.
Turkish counter-terrorism police have arrested a Russian citizen working at a nuclear power plant under construction in Turkey's Mersin province on suspicion of ties to the militant group Islamic State. The suspect was found to be using a fake identity at the $20-billion Akkuyu nuclear plant, being built by Russian conglomerate Rosatom. This comes amid Turkey's recent detention of 147 people with suspected Islamic State ties across 33 provinces, following an attack at a Catholic church in Istanbul last month.