April 14, 2020

The National: Yemen's Houthi Rebels Violate Ceasefire 241 Times In Two Days, Saudi Coalition Says <[link removed]>

“The Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen’s internationally recognised government accused Houthi rebels of breaking a ceasefire on Monday. The insurgents breached the truce, which came into effect last Thursday, 241 times over the past 48 hours, the coalition said. It said the rebels "used ballistic missiles along with light and heavy weaponry," a coalition statement read. Yemen's army, along with the coalition, is adhering to the ceasefire, applying “self-restraint and are reserving their legitimate right of self-defence to respond to attacks on the front lines," the coalition said. The Saudi-led truce, scheduled to last two weeks, began on April 9 at 12pm and was intended to help Yemen fight off the coronavirus pandemic, officials said. The country reported its first case of the disease on April 10. The coalition said the truce could be extended if conditions are met. Yemen’s government called on the rebels to stop their “brutal crimes” against civilians. “The militias need to show their serious intentions towards peace and they need to realise that their arrogance will only bring more destruction and bloodshed,” Prime Minister Moeen Abdul Malik said. “This is all in favour of an Iranian-backed project that aims to sabotage Yemen,” he said.”

Voice Of America: Extremists In Northern Mozambique Declare Goal Of Caliphate <[link removed]>

“A shadowy Islamist group that has terrorised northern Mozambique for more than two years has suddenly become more brazen, unmasking its fighters and openly declaring its goal of turning the gas-rich region into a caliphate. In recent weeks, the jihadists have seized government buildings, robbed banks, blocked roads and hoisted their black-and-white flag over towns and villages across Cabo Delgado province. “We want everyone here to apply Islamic law,” a Kalashnikov-wielding group member told terrified residents in a video that appeared to have been shot in Mocimboa da Praia after a recent attack.  Mocimboa da Praia is where the militants staged their first attack, back in October 2017. Until recently, the identity of the assailants had remained unclear and their declared intentions unknown. But the latest videos, the jihadists no longer bother covering their faces. “We don''t want a government from unbelievers, we want a government from Allah,” the group member added, speaking in the local Kimwani language to residents rounded up for a rally. For more than two years the jihadists mainly targeted isolated villages, killing more than 700 people, according to the French aid group MSF, and displacing at least 200,000, according to a local Catholic archbishop, Dom Luiz Fernando.”

United States

The Hill: Poll Finds Americans See Infectious Diseases, Terrorism, Cyberattacks As Top Threats <[link removed]>

“Americans rank the spread of infectious disease, terrorist attacks and cyberattacks as the top national security threats, a study released by the Pew Research Center on Monday found. Pew researchers found that 79 percent of those surveyed ranking the spread of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, as the top threat to the country. More than 70 percent of those polled identified cyberattacks from other countries and the spread of nuclear weapons as major threats. Concerns around threats from global warming, the economy and global poverty were also cited as national threats by those polled. The results were compiled based on calls throughout March with 1,000 American adults, with the calls taking place as COVID-19 spread throughout the world and became a pandemic. The researchers saw a noted spike in those polled identifying infectious diseases as a top threat as the month went on. “Worries about both the threat of infectious diseases and the condition of the global economy rose after President Donald Trump declared a national emergency on March 13,” the researchers noted. The researchers found generational and political-party gaps in those who identified certain issues as major threats.”

Syria

Kurdistan 24: Anti-ISIS Forces Arrest 4 ISIS Cells In Syria With Coalition Support <[link removed]>

“Anti-terror units of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) arrested four Islamic State cells in an operation that included air support from the Coalition, the Kurdish-led forces said on Monday. The SDF’s Coordination and Military Operations Centre said on Twitter that its troops, “with air support from the international coalition,” carried out two operations against Islamic State cells in the last 72 hours, arresting four elements of the active cells in Deir al-Zor province. Myles B. Caggins III, Spokesman for the US-led Coalition, formally known as Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Resolve (CJTF-OIR), confirmed to Kurdistan 24 that the coalition offered air support during the SDF operation. “These raids against known ISIS militants indicate the competence and commitment of the SDF's anti-terror commandos,” he said. “The Coalition continues to support the SDF for anti-ISIS operations by sharing intelligence and providing eyes-in-the-sky, while we all face the challenge of preventing the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).” According to a monthly report the Syria-based Rojava Information Centre (RIC) published on April 7, March saw decreases across the board – “in terms of (ISIS) attacks, (SDF) raids, deaths, and arrests – suggesting COVID-19 has distracted SDF and ISIS alike.”

Iraq

Kurdistan 24: Iraqi Forces Clash With ISIS Remnants In Rural Kirkuk <[link removed]>

“Iraqi forces on Monday reported casualties on both sides during clashes with remnants of the so-called Islamic State in rural areas to the south of the disputed Kirkuk province. This is yet another incident involving operatives of the terrorist organization, which appears to have grown more active over the past two weeks. An Iraqi soldier was killed, and two others were wounded during the exchanges, according to a statement from the Iraqi military communications center, the Security Media Cell (SMC). It noted that the security forces, backed by Iraqi air forces support, had killed “a number of” Islamic State members. The confrontation occurred in the al-Shai Valley, a patch of territory that is characterized by rough terrain and—despite repeated combing operations Iraqi forces have conducted—remains a hideout for remnants of the terrorist organization, from where they plan future attacks on nearby areas. The SMC said that the security forces engaged the Islamic State militants after detecting a hiding place for “terrorists.” It did not provide further details but indicated that the operation was “still ongoing” at the time of the statement’s release and would. Islamic State sleeper cells have continued to carry out insurgency-style attacks even over two years after Baghdad declared a victory over the group after it lost all its territorial holdings in the country.”

Turkey

Asharq Al-Awsat: Turkey Thwarts Infiltration Of 5 'Terrorists' From Syria <[link removed]>

“Turkish security services thwarted the infiltration of five “terrorists” from Syria to the Mardin border state in southeastern Turkey. “The armed forces and Gendarmerie Command squads in Mardin province launched technical and physical surveillance upon receiving intelligence from the National Intelligence Organization (MIT),” read a statement by the Mardin governor’s office. According to the statement, the MIT warned that five terrorists would cross from Syria to carry out a bombing in Turkey. Security forces intercepted them as they were trying to illegally enter the Senyurt neighborhood in Kiziltepe district near the Syrian border. They managed to escape, leaving behind all the material they were going to use in their attacks. Fifteen kilograms of explosives, 9,200 Syrian pounds ($18), four SIM cards, nine batteries, three improvised and six electronic detonators were found among other materials, the statement added. Turkish security forces had raised the alert level along the border areas following a terrorist operation targeting Turkish forces at Dogubayazit town, near the Gurbulak border gate with Iran, on March 31. The attack damaged a natural gas pipeline and halted gas flows from Iran to Turkey, and left 30 Turkish soldiers dead and destroyed 30 armored vehicles.”

Afghanistan

Reuters: U.S., Taliban Officials Meet To Discuss Prisoner Release Dispute: Taliban Spokesman <[link removed]>

“The chief U.S. negotiator and the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan held talks on Monday with Taliban officials in Doha on a prisoner release dispute that helped stall U.S.-led peace-making efforts, a Taliban spokesman said. The discussions, held despite the global coronavirus pandemic, followed some movement on prisoner releases, with Kabul freeing some 300 insurgent detainees and the Taliban releasing a first batch of government prisoners. The dispute over the size and pace of the releases, an increase in Taliban violence and other issues have stalled the U.S.-led effort to end America’s longest war and decades of strife in Afghanistan. Suhail Shaheen, a spokesman for the Taliban office in Doha, said on Twitter that U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad and U.S. Army General Scott Miller met with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, a co-founder of the insurgent movement and its chief negotiator. The sides discussed the “complete implementation” of a Feb. 29 U.S.-Taliban deal for a phased U.S. troop withdrawal “as well as delay in the release of prisoners,” Shaheen said. He added that “violations of the agreement and other issues and ways of their solutions were also discussed.”

Pakistan

The New York Times: Pakistan Summons Indian Official To Protest At Cross-Border Shelling <[link removed]>

“Pakistan on Monday summoned an Indian official to protest over cross-border shelling from its neighbour that it said had killed a child and wounded four civilians. India and Pakistan have accused each other of mortar and artillery shelling along the de facto border known as the Line of Control (LoC) that divides the disputed Kashmir region. The sporadic exchanges began on Saturday. The two South Asian nuclear powers both claim the Kashmir region in full, but rule only parts, and often accuse each other of breaching a 2003 ceasefire pact by shelling and firing across the LoC. The Pakistani foreign ministry said in a statement that Islamabad had summoned an Indian ministry official to lodge a protest over ceasefire violations by Delhi. Kashmir remains divided between the two countries since they won independence from British rule in 1947. The neighbours have fought two of their three wars over Kashmir. India said at the weekend that Pakistani shelling had killed three civilians, while the Pakistani foreign ministry said Indian firing had killed the child and wounded four others. “This year, India has so far committed 749 ceasefire violations to date,” the ministry said, and it condemned the targeting of innocent civilians.”

Yemen

The Jerusalem Post: Houthi Death Sentences: Executing Journalists Or Targeting Peace? <[link removed]>

“While Yemenis have looked to international movements for a comprehensive cease-fire and preparation for dialogue to end a civil war and suffering, we were surprised by the Houthis’ death sentence for four of 10 journalists held since June 2015 and being tried on trumped-up charges. Illegal death sentences issued by the so-called Specialized Criminal Court refer to terrorism cases against journalists Abdelkhaleq Omran, Akram al-Walidi, Harith Hameed and Tawfiq al-Mansuri. It was a mock trial lacking justice and integrity, according to the defense attorney. The ruling is a provocation to Yemenis, and a blatant challenge to the international community in light of calls to end the war and bring peace. The rulings reflect not only the Iran-backed militia’s systematic, heinous crimes against society, but the lack of freedom of opinion and expression, and the liquidation of opponents, including journalists, to hide its crimes. They also reflect persistent efforts to torpedo any de-escalation and ceasefire, as well as negotiations for a comprehensive political solution, by using suffering Yemenis as a bargaining chip. Since the September 21, 2014, coup d’état by the Houthi militia, journalists and media outlets have been subjected to the widest of crackdowns and abuse campaigns. Its control of territory has turned these areas into large prisons with a single media voice.”

Libya

The New York Times: Forces Aligned With Tripoli Government Advance Along West Libyan Coast <[link removed]>

“Forces aligned with Libya's internationally recognized government seized two towns west of the capital Tripoli on Monday after heavy clashes and drone strikes, military sources and residents said. If held, the towns of Surman and Sabratha would represent a significant gain for forces trying to fight off a year-old campaign against Tripoli by rivals loyal to eastern-based commander Khalifa Haftar. It could also relieve some pressure for the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA), which has been struggling with water and power cuts in recent days on top of the loss of revenue from blockaded oil ports in the east. Libya has been split into rival factions based in Tripoli and the east since 2014, each with parallel sets of institutions. Over the past year fighting has escalated and drawn in greater foreign involvement as Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) attacked the capital. On Monday, residents and military sources from both sides said GNA-aligned forces had taken full control of Surman, about 60km (37 miles) west of Tripoli, and Sabratha, just west of Surman. The area has been a hub for migrant smuggling and Islamist militants in recent years. Videos circulating online showed dozens of GNA fighters shooting in the air near a roundabout in central Sabratha.”

Nigeria

The Christian Post: Nigeria: 4 Killed At Pastor’s Home In Jihadist Attack <[link removed]>

“The pastor of an evangelical church in north-central Nigeria and three members of his congregation, including a 10-year-old boy, were shot dead by radical Fulani herdsmen, according to a Christian persecution watchdog. The attack took place at the house of Pastor Matthew Tagwai of Evangelical Church Winning All in the village of Ngbra Zongo near the Miango area in Plateau State’s Bassa County on the night of April 7, according to Morning Star News. “The attack was carried out by armed herdsmen against the community,” an area resident, identified as Patience Moses, was quoted as saying. “Two other Christians … were also injured during the attack by the herdsmen, and they are currently being treated at a hospital at Dantako village.” The deceased pastor was 34. “This new attack, like the ones before it, is condemnable,” said the Rev. Yunusa Nmadu, Jr., ECWA general secretary, about the killing of Christians in Plateau state and northern Nigeria. “The continuing attacks on harmless and unsuspecting Christian communities without a concrete, strategic response from our duty-bearers to protect our people leaves much to be desired.”

Premium Times: Seven Travelers Killed In Suspected Boko Haram Attack Near Maiduguri <[link removed]>

“At least seven persons were on Sunday killed after suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked two vehicles traveling along Maiduguri-Damaturu highway, sources said. The attack took place on the outskirts of Auno, a village not more than 20km away from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. The victims were said to be travelling during the late hours when they came under attack. The government of Borno State had two weeks ago placed a movement restriction on all roads leading to and from the state, but the main highway to the state, popularly called Kano-Maiduguri road, still remained open to motorists. The state’s committee on COVID-19, led by the deputy governor, Umar Kadafur, on Sunday announced the shutdown of the remaining road. The new order is to come into effect Monday. A witness who was traveling out of Maiduguri said he saw at least seven bodies on the road just outside Auno village. “We just came across a scene of suspected Boko Haram attack here in Auno, and residents said the attack took place last night,” the source said. “From what I hurriedly counted there were seven corpses and I saw two vehicles that were set ablaze – a Toyota Hilux and a truck filled with bags of beans that are still smoking.”

Africa

All Africa: Kenya: Four Al-Shabaab Killed, Police Reservists Hurt In Wajir Gunfight <[link removed]>

“Four suspected Al-Shabaab militants have been killed in a gun battle with police reservists in Wajir. During the Monday morning shootout in Kakabey - between Qarsa and Ausmudule in Wajir County - an unknown number of police reservists were injured. Wajir County Police Commander Thomas Ngeywa confirmed the incident which happened at around 10am. Mr Ngeywa said that the police reservists were on routine patrol in the area when they came into contact with the Somalia-based ragtag militia. The area is about eight kilometres from the Kenya-Somalia border. “Earlier today we received reports that some of our police reservists who were on routine patrol encountered an unknown number of suspected Al-Shabaab militants in Qarsa area before a gun fight ensued resulting in casualties,” said Mr Ngeywa. But he could not confirm the number of reservists who were injured, saying a security team had been dispatched to the area to ascertain what transpired. “I cannot confirm the number of casualties at the moment but we are aware that four militants were gunned down, “said Mr Ngeywa. Unconfirmed reports indicated that two police reservists were critically injured during the gun fight.”

Germany

RFI: Holocaust Memorial Sites Fight New Threat From Far Right <[link removed]>

“From swastikas sprayed on the walls to Hitler salute selfies, far-right provocations are a growing problem at the sites of former Nazi concentration camps in Germany. Museum directors have sounded the alarm over a spike in incidents, which include visitors writing messages of Holocaust denial in the guestbook and challenging tour guides on the facts of the genocide. “Messages glorifying Nazism or demanding the camps be reopened for foreigners have become more common,” Volkhard Knigge, museum director at the former Buchenwald concentration camp in eastern Germany, told AFP. “There have always been incidents at memorial sites, but we have noticed an escalation due to the far right's breaching of language taboos,” he said. At Buchenwald, where 56,000 people died between 1937 and 1945, the number of reported incidents has doubled since 2015. Right-wing extremists have also been known to take smiling selfies in front of furnaces used to cremate victims and leave stickers glorifying their fellow revisionists, Knigge said. More recently, a growing number of tour guides have been interrupted by extremists propagating revisionist theories. Uwe Neumaerker, director of Berlin's Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, said that his museum faced similar problems.”

Daily Sabah: Every Other Right-Wing Extremist Crime Unsolved In Southwest Germany <[link removed]>

“The police in Germany’s southwest solve more right-extremist crime but cannot solve every other case, according to Interior Ministry data shown to dpa. As stated in the data, the crime-solving rate in the southwest was 47.6% last year, compared to 39.4% in 2018. The average crime-solving rate for all crimes in 2018 is 60.8%. The police recorded an almost 10% rise in right-wing motivated crimes last year – from 1451 in 2018 to 1596 in 2019. Many of these crimes are so-called propaganda offenses such as smearing on swastikas, said a spokesman for the Interior Ministry. It is essential to note that the crime statistics only include crimes registered by the police – many cases remain unreported. In the state of Baden-Württemberg, there were 10 politically motivated crimes again asylum centers in 2019. Seven of these were identified as right-wing acts. The solving rate for right-wing extremist violent crimes, of which there were 40 in the previous year, was significantly higher, at 77.5%. The primary goal is to prevent an attack in Baden-Württemberg – regardless of the motive, the Interior Ministry said. Most of the unsolved crimes are the ones that have a generally low solving rate such as crimes involving damages on properties.”

Australia

The Canberra Times: Queensland Terrorism Suspect Faces Court <[link removed]>

“An alleged Queensland terrorism sympathiser will have to wait to learn if he will be extradited to NSW to face trial. Alaa Adam Atwani, 28, is charged with attempting to provide support to a terrorist organisation in 2014 after allegedly trying to send his brother video-editing software. An order to extradite him was suspended in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday ahead of an application to review the decision.”



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The Counter Extremism Project - United States
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