WEEKLY GLOBAL TERROR WATCH - WikiLeaks GLOBAL TERROR WATCH 17 ... Bali GEGANA disposed the package...

WEEKLY GLOBAL TERROR WATCH

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HIGHLIGHTSWEEKLY GLOBAL TERROR WATCH 17 – 23 Mar 2011

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEKIndonesia. Over the past week, several suspicious packages were found across Indonesia. Most packages were found not to contain any explosive materials. However, a bomb found in Bogor, W. Bank, did bear similarities to recent parcel bombs in Jakarta, while another found in S. Kalimantan was found to contain low-level explosives used to make firecrackers. POLRI had also reportedly ramped up security in major cities across Indonesia in the wake of the recent spate of bomb attacks, with bomb squad officers deployed to check suspicious packages. Additional armed personnel had also been deployed in major tourist areas of Bali, and regular checks on individuals and vehicles were conducted. POLRI's bomb squad had also been deployed in every international airport and seaport in Indonesia. TNI was also reportedly intensifying its intelligence and territorial command operations to anticipate internal and external threats, which included terror threats.

Thailand. RTA soldiers had reportedly launched an offensive to pressure militants in the Thai South. A RTA representative COL Banpot Poonpien was quoted as saying that the plan was to control movement of militants for one month from 15 Mar to 15 Apr 2011. He added that authorities were recently able to intercept transports of explosive materials and devices in a more frequent interval. Meanwhile, Yala provincial governor Krisda Boonrat said that the offensive had killed some core militant leaders. However, he expressed fear that militants could turn on local civilians for revenge.

Afghanistan. 12 NATO oil tankers caught fire as a result of an IED blast in Uruzgan province. Two people were also killed and six others were wounded in the blast. As of press time, no one claimed responsibility for the attack. Separately, the Associated Press highlighted in an article that there had recently been a spike in the number of assassinations in Afghanistan. Senior military officials predicted that insurgents would continue to use assassinations against political leaders and their followers to undermine the government. A joint report by the UN and the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission said that targeted killings of government officials were a “dominant feature of 2010”, stating that at least 140 government officials and 462 purported government supporters were killed in 2010.

Pakistan. Tribal leaders on 18 Mar 2011 announced that the tribes in North Waziristan were waging Jihad against the US and its allies, citing a US drone strike on 17 Mar 2011 that killed at least 40 civilians in North Waziristan as the reason for their anger. The head of the North Waziristan Peace Committee Malik Jalal Sarhadi Wazir said in a press conference that the tribes had allowed their youth to carry out suicide attacks on Americans in revenge. Wazir also stressed the need to expel US operatives from Pakistan and urged the media to avoid negative propaganda against the tribes.

Middle East. On 24 Mar 2011, Gaza militants fired a Grad rocket into an area south of Rishon-le-Tzion, near Tel Aviv, but apparently caused no casualties. This was the first time that a Gaza rocket had hit so far into Israel. Earlier, al-Quds Brigades' spokesman Abu Ahmad had said that the al-Quds Brigades had entered “a new phase” which entailed firing rockets at cities deep inside Israel. He added that there were no longer “red lines of resistance” as he claimed that Israel did not respect UN conventions and kept killing civilians. Meanwhile, an unnamed IDF source was quoted to have estimated the surge of confrontation with terror organisations in Gaza would last for the next few weeks. The IDF Southern Command had reportedly instructed residents who live near the Israel-Gaza border to stay on high alert, fearing that more rockets would be fired across the border.

Gulf of Aden. According to international piracy monitoring organisation Ecoterra International, as of 22 Mar 2011 at least 42 vessels remained under the control of pirates while at least 684 people remained hostages. Meanwhile, on 17 Mar 2011, EU NAVFOR reported that a group of 30 to 50 Somali pirates had successfully hijacked an Indonesia-flagged and -owned cargo vessel, the MV Sinar Kudus, about 592km NE of the island of Socotra in the Somali Basin. The pirates subsequently used it as a mother ship to launch another attack on a second vessel called the MV Emperor, but did not succeed in their hijack attempt.

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TABLE OF CONTENTSWEEKLY GLOBAL TERROR WATCH 17 – 23 Mar 2011

INDONESIA Developments Following Parcel Bomb Attacks in JakartaTerrorists Reverting to Old-School Communications: MinisterTerrorists Have Death List: AnalystIndonesian Militant Admits Receiving Funds for Aceh Terror CampDPR Deliberates Giving Arrest Powers to BINJakarta Book Bombs and Militant Decline

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THAILAND Violence in Thai SouthRTA Launches Offensive Against Militants in Thai SouthRTA Commander-in-Chief Wants Troop Withdrawal ReviewedDaily Helicopter Patrols Over Hat Yai to Avoid AttacksUN to Help Trace Terror FundsSoutherners Feel Unsafe

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PHILIPPINES Violence in the Southern PhilippinesAFP Criticises NPA for Use of IEDsU.S. Rewards Informants with US$70,000

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AFGHANISTAN & PAKISTAN

Violence in AfghanistanDeshu District Reclaimed from TalibanTaliban Assassination Proving EffectiveTaliban Unable to Negotiate Without Pakistan ApprovalTaliban May Take District: Nuristan GovernorAfghan, ISAF Forces Secure Northern KandaharProgress in Afghanistan Fragile: PetraeusTaliban Maintains Influence Over Afghan Population: LG BurgessTaliban Leaders Divided: NDSTaliban Rejects UN Human Rights ReportU.S. Surge Working: Staffan De Mistura450 Schools Remain Closed Due to Security ResaonsViolence in PakistanKhyber Pakhtunkhwa Government Bans Afghan-Bound Oil TankersTaliban in North Waziristan Threaten to End Peace DealNorth Waziristan Drone Strike Causes Tribal Jihad Against U.S.Best Way to End Pakistan's Support for Terrorist groups is to Win AfghanWar: McCainWe will Fight To the Finish: ZadariKarachi Situation to Improve Soon: Pakistani Interior Minister

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IRAQ Violence in Iraq 19

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TABLE OF CONTENTSWEEKLY GLOBAL TERROR WATCH 17 – 23 Mar 2011

MIDDLE EAST Violence in Middle East (Israel, Palestine and Lebanon)Israel Vows to Avenge Gaza Mortar BarrageExchange of Blows to End Gaza Unrest: Israel PMAl-Qassam Brigades Offer TruceHamas Seeking to Lower Tensions with IsraelIsraeli-Palestinian Violence Rising Amid Peace Talks Impasse: UNIDF Estimates Clashes with Gaza to Last WeeksAl-Quds Brigades to Hit Cities Deep Inside IsraelHamas Concerned About Fatah's Call for ReconciliationNetanyahu Slams Fatah-Hamas Unity EffortsArms Smuggling Threatens Balance of Power in Middle East: Israeli DyForeign MinisterHamas Digging Tunnels Along Border With Israel: IDFU.S. Considering Strategic Outreach to Hezbollah: ColumnistHezbollah Expresses Support for Arab Protesters

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MARITIME SECURITY (GULF OF ADEN &

WATERS OFF SOMALIA)

Cumulative Figures of Kidnapped Vessels in SomaliaIncidents and EventsOther Developments

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SPECIAL REPORT What Do the Uprisings in the Middle East Mean for Al-Qaeda? 27

NOW SHOWING Libyan Al-Qada Leaeder Comments on Libyan Unrest 29

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INDONESIAWEEKLY GLOBAL TERROR WATCH 17 – 23 Mar 2011

Terror Incident Charts

Developments Following Parcel Bomb Attacks in Jakarta

Suspicious Packages Found Across IndonesiaOn 18 Mar 2011, a packaged bomb was found in Bogor, W. Java, 2km away from President Yudhoyono's private residence. The bomb bore similarities to the recent parcel bombs sent to various targets in Jakarta. On 19 Mar 2011, POLDA Metro Jaya's bomb squads found and disposed of two suspicious packages found in different parts of Jakarta. However, no explosive materials were found inside the packages. Also on 19 Mar 2011, a suspicious package was found in Bali. A bomb squad from Bali GEGANA disposed the package and did not find any explosive materials in it. Separately, on 21 Mar 2011, a bomb squad from POLDA Metro Jaya was sent to examine a suspicious package at a building in S. Jakarta but did not find any explosive materials in it. Subsequently on 23 Mar 2011, a POLRI bomb squad disposed of another suspicious parcel in Banjarmasin, S. Kalimantan. The parcel contained low-level explosives used in firecrackers. Meanwhile, POLRI had on 18 Mar 2011 warned that more bombs were expected to be found in Jakarta.

POLRI Ramping Up SecurityOn 21 Mar 2011, Indonesian media reported that POLRI had also reportedly ramped up security in major cities across Indonesia in the wake of the recent spate of parcel bomb attacks (refer to WGTW 10 – 16 Mar 2011 for details), and bomb squad officers had been deployed over the weekend to check suspicious packages. Additional armed personnel had also been deployed in major tourist areas of Bali, and regular checks on individuals and vehicles were conducted. POLRI's bomb squad had also been deployed in every international airport and seaport in Indonesia. Furthermore, TNI was also reportedly intensifying its intelligence and territorial command operations to anticipate internal and external threats, which included terror threats.

Jakarta Security Alert Level Not to be Raised Yet: KAPOLRIKAPOLRI GEN Timur Pradopo was quoted on 19 Mar 2011 as saying that POLRI would not raise Jakarta's security alert level yet, despite the recent spate of parcel bomb attacks. He added that POLRI would make the decision depending on how the situation developed, and called on the public not to worry. Separately, Presidential spokesman Julian Aldrin Pasha dismissed speculation that the bomb threats were targeted at President Yudhoyono, adding that security measures for Yudhoyono had not been stepped up.

POLRI Traces Identities of Parcel Bomb CouriersOn 22 Mar 2011 , KABAG PENUM MABES POLRI KOMBES Boy Rafli Amar said that POLRI had traced the identities and whereabouts of the couriers of the book parcel bombs sent to addresses in Jakarta. He also mentioned that the couriers would be arrested soon. Meanwhile, former chief of the National Intelligence Agency (BIN) GEN (ret.) A M Hendropriyono said that indications of the latest pattern in bomb attacks had been detected a year ago.

DENSUS 88 Orchestrated Parcel Bombs: BashirAbu Bakar Bashir on 17 Mar 2011 strongly denied that he was responsible for the recent spate of parcel bomb attacks in Jakarta, instead accusing DENSUS 88 for orchestrating the attacks. In addition, Bashir claimed that Islamic teachings did not

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Data from Janes Terrorism and Insurgency Centre

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Definition of the scale of attacks according to Jane's Terrorism and Insurgency CentreExtreme Attacks: An attack that causes (or is intended to or demonstrably capable of causing) more than 1,000 fatalities or more than 2,000 injuries, or that causes the entire destruction of

many buildings or the complete loss of a major facility.)Major Attacks: An attack that causes (or is intended to or demonstrably capable of causing more than 20 fatalities or more than 50 injuries; or significant structural damage to one or more

buildings or physical facilities; or mass disruption of activities for a large number of people.)Minor Attacks: Damaging attacks that cause death, injury, damage to property or significant disruption to activities, below the threshold of ‘major’ attacks.

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order Muslims to kill other human beings, and therefore refused to believe that a practising Muslim would be responsible for the attacks.

Terrorists Reverting to Old-School Communications: MinisterMENKOPOLHUKAM Djoko Suyanto on 18 Mar 2011 opined that terrorists were no longer relying on information technology to communicate with one another, preferring instead to rely on older and traditional methods of communicating which were less traceable. He added that terrorists now “communicate directly and very exclusively” and it was hard to identify the individuals. However, he expressed confidence that POLRI would be able to identify those behind the recent spate of parcel bombings in Jakarta, saying that POLRI had a “special method” for investigations.

Terrorists Have Death List: AnalystIn a report featured by Indonesian news magazine Tempo Interaktif on 18 Mar 2011, terrorist analyst al-Chaidar was quoted as saying that it was very likely that an organised terrorist group in the country had a list of people it wanted to kill. He added that the list probably included people the terrorists believed had defied Islam, including people associated with heretical beliefs, including Ahmadiyah, liberal Islam, Shiite Muslims, as well as non-Muslim foreigners.

Indonesian Militant Admits Receiving Funds for Aceh Terror CampA top Indonesian terror suspect Abu Tholut on 21 Mar 2011 told the S. Jakarta District Court that he had received Rp140 million (US$16,100) from key allies of Abu Bakar Bashir to run the al-Qaeda militant training camp in Aceh . Tholut further admitted he had used part of the fund to buy firearms and bullets. However, Bashir denied that he had ever met Tholut. He further claimed that he knew nothing about the Aceh training camp.

DPR Deliberates Giving Arrest Powers to BINThe DPR Commission I on 22 Mar 2011 decided to revive a controversial plan to give the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) the authority to arrest terror suspects without evidence, but only strictly for terror-related cases. Commission I chairman Mahfudz Siddiq however said that the commission had yet to come to an agreement with the plan, and would further discuss the issue. Meanwhile, BIN chief Sutanto said that the BIN recognised that the POLRI had the authority to arrest suspects, but insisted that it was not easy to coordinate with POLRI to perform the arrest and therefore argued that BIN personnel should also be given arrest powers.

Jakarta Book Bombs and Militant DeclineSource: Stratfor1, 16 Mar 2011

Three explosive devices were sent to two moderate Islamist politician-activists and a former counter-terrorism commander in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 15 Mar 2011. The shoddy design of the devices most likely highlights the decline of Indonesian militant capabilities.

The devices reportedly were placed inside hollowed-out books with an accompanying letter asking the target to write a foreword for the book. They apparently were set to detonate when the book was opened. Initial reports indicate the devices were quite crude. The books in which the devices were hidden had titles, such as "They Must Be Killed," that would have stood out to the target. In addition, at least one of the devices was found to be explosive due to wires protruding from the book.

Though crude, the devices still were dangerous. Two were safely defused, but the third exploded as a police officer and other security personnel worked to defuse it, costing one officer a hand and wounding three to four security personnel with shrapnel. This highlights the risks for police who fail to adhere to proper bomb disposal procedures. The officers involved should have evacuated the area, secured the perimeter around the device, begun questioning witnesses, and waited for a trained bomb squad to arrive to detonate the device, rather than attempt to defuse it themselves.

No individual or group has claimed responsibility yet, but the target set suggests Indonesian jihadists were responsible. Indeed, the incident bears the hallmarks of an Indonesian militant group, though a poorly trained lone wolf could be to blame. If in fact

1 http://www.stratfor.com/node/188258/analysis/20110316-jakarta-book-bombs-and-militant-decline

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a jihadist organization was responsible, the shoddy manner with which the bombs were made suggests a substantial decline in Indonesian militants' operational acumen.

Indonesia's main jihadist group, Jemaah Islamiya (JI), and its radical splinter group, Tanzim Qaedat al-Jihad, have a history of sophisticated suicide and car bomb attacks. In Oct 02, an attack in Bali killed 202 people, while in Aug 03 an attack at the Jakarta Marriot killed 12. Suicide bombings in 2005 claimed the lives of 26 at resorts in Bali. In addition, the Jakarta Ritz Carlton hotel and the Marriot came under attack two years ago by suspected JI operatives, killing seven.

The police have had some notable success in killing or arresting senior jihadist leaders, however. This has impacted the jihadists' operational ability. The ongoing trial of Indonesian cleric Abu Bakar Bashir, the founder of JI and an influential leader within the Indonesian jihadist movement, has garnered attention across Indonesia. Militants could have carried out the attack to show that they are still relevant, despite their leaders' being on trial. Authorities have thus been investigating whether these devices had any connection to the ongoing Bashir trial.

(Abridged from source)

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THAILANDWEEKLY GLOBAL TERROR WATCH 17 – 23 Mar 2011


Violence in Thai SouthTable 1: Violence in Thai South (17 – 23 Mar 2011)

Location/ Province

Date Type of Attack

Casualties Comments

Narathiwat 19 Mar Explosive Projectile

4 wounded Four paramilitary rangers were wounded when three M79 grenades were fired at their operation base Ban Aye Guete in Srisakorn district.

Narathiwat 21 Mar Armed Clash

2 killed Two RTA troops were killed in an armed clash with militants in Chanae district.

Narathiwat 23 Mar Roadside IED

- Militants detonated a roadside IED in Rueso district as a police pickup truck passed by, but caused no casualties.

Narathiwat 22 Mar Shooting 3 killed About 15 suspected militants stormed into a civilian home and shot dead three Muslim civilians, including two defence volunteers.

Pattani 18 Mar Ambush 3 killed A RTA soldier and two villagers were shot dead in separate ambushes by militants.

Pattani 18 Mar Militant Attack

1 killed A number of militants attacked an outpost of the Pattani Task Force 21 in a school in Yarang district, killing one soldier.

Yala 17 Mar Roadside IED

2 wounded Two civilians were wounded by the shrapnel of a roadside IED which was believed to be a targeting a RTA patrol unit passing by shortly before the attack in Muang district.

Yala 17 Mar Shooting 1 killed A group of suspected militants opened fire at villagers in Betong district and killed a man.

Yala 17 Mar Shooting 1 killed A suspected militant killed the owner of a grocery shop in Yarang district using a handgun.

Yala 19 Mar Armed Clash

2 killed Two suspected militants were shot dead in a clash with security forces in Bannang Sata district.

RTA Launches Offensive Against Militants in Thai SouthThai media on 20 Mar 2011 reported that RTA soldiers had launched an offensive to pressure militants in the Thai South. A RTA representative COL Banpot Poonpien was quoted as saying that the plan was to control movement of militants for one month from 15 Mar to 15 Apr 2011. He added that authorities were recently able to intercept transports of explosive materials and devices in a more frequent interval. Meanwhile, Yala provincial governor Krisda Boonrat said that the offensive had killed some core militant leaders. However, he expressed fear that militants could turn on local civilians for revenge.

RTA Commander-in-Chief Wants Troop Withdrawal ReviewedRTA Commander-in-Chief GEN Prayuth Chan-ocha had on 23 Mar 2011 ordered the RTA Region 4 to reconsider its troop withdrawal from Narathiwat's Rueso District. He had also reportedly ordered RTA Region 4 Commander MG Udomchai Thammasarorath to reconsider the withdrawal and instructed him to discern if Rueso district would remain safe in the long term.

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THAILANDWEEKLY GLOBAL TERROR WATCH 17 – 23 Mar 2011

Daily Helicopter Patrols Over Hat Yai to Avoid AttacksThai newspaper The Nation on 18 Mar 2011 reported that security forces had implemented daily helicopter patrols over Hat Yai district, Songkhla province, to guard against terror attacks by militants. In addition, security operations are underway in parallel to the airborne patrols, with more road checkpoints across the city manned by increased numbers of civil defence volunteers. The checkpoints are set up along most routes from Pattani province. These security measures were reportedly made in response to intelligence which claimed that militants were planning to extend violence beyond the three southernmost province into Songkhla.

UN to Help Trace Terror FundsThailand's Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) SEC-GEN POL-COL Seehanat Prayoonrat on 22 Mar 2011 revealed that AMLO was working with the UN to trace suspected funding of insurgent activities in the Thai South. This came after the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee raised concerns that some donations from the Middle East might be going towards the Muslim insurgency in the Thai South. Seehanat also reported that about Bt1 billion (US$33 million) was donated by groups based in the Middle East each year. Nevertheless, Seehanat insisted that there had never been any clear reports of international non-profit agencies in Thailand supporting terrorist activities.

Southerners Feel UnsafeSource: Bangkok Post2, 22 Mar 2011

While most of the country watched the politicians in Bangkok and two crises abroad, there was a small but telling demonstration in the deep South. Around 300 residents of isolated Rueso district of Narathiwat province set up a showpiece tent village to protect a small army outpost. The villagers were dramatising a protest against the government's decision to tear down the outpost and withdraw the soldiers stationed there. There is a strong belief in parts of the South that the government is staging some troop withdrawals to claim a false victory against the violent insurgents. The villagers said the troops make them safer, and demanded that they stay.

Such protests are rare and should be heeded. Provincial governor Thanon Vetchakornkamont properly met with the leaders of the rally. He promised to pass on their demands to army commander Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha. The villagers' protest should also be heard by PM Abhisit Vejjajiva and by his DPM for security, Suthep Thaugsuban.

It was Abhisit who announced last month that several areas of the three southernmost provinces were so secure that he had ordered troops to be pulled out. There never has been any attempt to apprise the public of the details of this decision. The villagers who staged the protest, and others in the South and in Bangkok, believe that the presence of the army is what has kept the small and violent gangs away from districts like Rueso. The argument, then, is whether the self-styled separatists and insurgents will stay away when the villages are no longer so closely guarded.

The Rueso district villagers said that the soldiers in "their" outpost were effective. They had always got along with the local population and never had caused rifts. This alone is noteworthy in the region. Some in the South, and many analysts in Bangkok, hold that the army is partly or largely responsible for the violence in the region. Some believe that if the tight security apparatus in the three southern provinces was disbanded, the insurgents would have no cause for which to fight, and there would be a greater chance of peace. Grassroots voices such as those at Sunday's protest in Rueso say the opposite, dramatically.

There is no easy solution to the increasingly violent and terrifying attacks by small but dangerous gangs. It is reasonable to expect Abhisit to justify his decision to remove the army from certain districts in the South. In the face of Sunday's protest in Rueso, it is really mandatory that the prime minister re-examine and more carefully analyse the move.

It is certainly clear that the southern gangs pose a great threat to life and limb in the deep South. At the same time, Abhisit is correct to study whether it is possible to reduce dependence on the military. Balancing these two duties is not simple, and the prime minister must revisit such decisions often.


2 http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/227900/southerners-feel-unsafe

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PHILIPPINESWEEKLY GLOBAL TERROR WATCH 17 – 23 Mar 2011


Violence in the Southern Philippines

Table 2: Violence in the Southern Philippines (17 – 23 Mar 2011)Location/ Province

Date Type of Attack

Casualties Comments

Basilan 21 Mar Abduction - Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) militants abducted a Filipino man who worked for a wealthy trade in Lamitan city. They subsequently freed the man when pursued by AFP troops in Tuburan town.

Davao del Norte

19 Mar Militant Attack

2 killed4 wounded

About 40 New People's Army (NPA) militants disguised as AFP troops barged into a police compound in Panabo city, killing two police personnel and wounding four other workers. A NPA militant was also wounded during the attack. The militants fled after an AFP detachment from a nearby camp arrived to reinforce the police.

Davao del Sur

23 Mar Militant Attack

2 killed4 wounded

Two AFP soldiers were killed and four others were wounded when a landmine planted by the New People's Army (NPA) exploded in Santa Cruz.

Negros Oriental

16 Mar Armed Clash

3 killed1 wounded

Three suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) were killed while another was wounded in an armed clash with AFP troops in Santa Catalina.

Sulu 19 Mar Abduction - Suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) militants kidnapped three crew members of a fishing boat in Sulu province and called their company to demand a ransom. The boat's captain and two other crew members were fishing when ASG gunmen aboard a motor boat approached and abducted them at gunpoint.

AFP Criticises NPA for Use of IEDsAFP public affairs chief LTC Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos on 18 Mar 2011 denounced the continued use of IEDs by the the New People's Army (NPA) in their operations, as it violated the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). According to Burgos, the use of IEDs by the NPA had apparently resulted in civilian deaths, therefore violating the CARHRIHL which stated that innocent civilians should not be harmed. Burgos also accused the NPA of victimising civilians who had nothing to do with the NPA's armed struggle.

U.S. Rewards Informants with US$70,000The US government on 18 Mar 2011 rewarded some US$70,000 to Filipino informants who helped AFP troops track down and eventually kill a wanted Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) militant linked to the spate of terrorism and kidnappings of US citizens in the Philippines. The militant, Suhod Tanad-jalin, was listed in the USPACOM's list of wanted militants and was killed by AFP troops in Basilan province in Feb 2011.

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Data from Janes Terrorism and Insurgency CentreMar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb

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AFGHANISTAN & PAKISTANWEEKLY GLOBAL TERROR WATCH 17 – 23 Mar 2011

Terror Incident Charts (Afghanistan and Pakistan)

Violence in AfghanistanTable 3 : Violence in Afghanistan (17 – 23 Mar 2011)

Location/ Province

Date Type of Attack

Casualties Comments

Baghlan 19 Mar Military Operation

7 killed ISAF forces killed seven Taliban militants in Borka district.

Baghlan 19 Mar Search Operation

Numerous killed

Afghan and ISAF forces killed numerous militants and detained one militant in Burkah district.


- Afghan and ISAF forces detained several militants in Baghlan-e Jadid district.


1 killed Afghan and ISAF forces killed one militant and detained two others in Burkah district.

Balkh 21 Mar Search Operation

- Afghan and ISAF forces detained an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan leader in Sholgarah district.

Eastern Afghanistan

19 Mar IED Attack 1 killed An ISAF soldier of unspecified nationality was killed in an IED blast in eastern Afghanistan.

Farah 22 Mar IED Attack 2 killed5 wounded

Two civilians were killed and another five were wounded in an IED blast in Qal'ah-ye Kuhna village, Gulistan district.

Helmand 16 Mar Roadside IED

1 killed A UK soldier died from wounds inflicted in roadside IED blast in the Nahr-e Saraj district.

Helmand 17 Mar Search Operation

- Afghan and ISAF forces detained a Taliban leader and numerous other militants in Kajaki district.

Helmand 17 Mar Military Operation

2 killed ISAF forces killed two militants in Reg-e Khan district.


- Afghan and ISAF forces detained a Taliban IED facilitator in Lashkar Gah district.


30 killed8 wounded

Afghan and ISAF forces killed 30 militants and wounded eight others in the second day of an on-going military operation in Reg-e Khan Neshin. 38 militants were also detained.


- Afghan and ISAF forces detained nine Taliban officials in Kajaki district, including the Taliban financial chief for the district.


Several killed

Afghan and ISAF forces killed several militants in Nahr-e Saraj district.

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Major AttacksExtreme Attacks

Pakistan

AfghanistanMicro AttacksMicro Attacks

Extreme Attacks

Afghanistan

PakistanMajor Attacks

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Helmand 18 Mar Armed Clash

1 killed A militant was killed by ISAF forces in Nahr-e Saraj district.

Helmand 18 Mar Air Strike 2 killed Two militants were killed in an ISAF air strike while deploying an IED in Marjah district.


Several killed

ISAF forces killed several militants in an armed clash in Kajaki district.


Numerous killed

ISAF forces killed numerous militants in Reg-e Khan district.


1 killed Afghan and ISAF forces killed one militant in a clash in Sangin district.


Several killed

Afghan and ISAF forces killed several militants in a clash in Sangin district.


1 killed A militant was killed in a clash with an Afghan and ISAF combined patrol in Nad Ali district.


2 killed Afghan and ISAF forces killed two insurgents in Nowzad district.

Herat 16 Mar Roadside IED

2 killed3 wounded

Two ANA soldiers were killed and three others were wounded when their convoy hit a roadside IED in Bakwa district.

Kandahar 18 Mar Shooting 1 killed A security guard was shot dead in a drive-by shooting in Kandahar city.

Kandahar 18 Mar Search Operation

- Afghan and ISAF forces detained a Taliban facilitator and several militants in Kandahar district.

Kandahar 19 Mar Militant Attack

- Militants torched 13 vehicles and tied up security guards in the 4th district of Kandahar city. There were no casualties.


2 killed Two people were killed when militants opened fire at their car in Daman district.


4 killed3 wounded

Militants attacked a security company near Arghandab district, killing four people and wounding three others.


- Afghan and ISAF forces detained a Taliban facilitator and two other militants in Daman district.


- Afghan and ISAF forces detained a Taliban facilitator and four other militants in Ghorak district.

Khost 16 Mar Search Operation

- Afghan and ISAF forces detained a Haqqani leader and two other militants in Sabari district. Separately, three other militants were also detained in the same district.

Khost 16 Mar Roadside IED

2 killed3 wounded

Two people were killed and three policemen were wounded when a police vehicle hit a roadside IED in Khost city.


- Afghan and ISAF forces detained a Haqqani leader and two other militants in Bak district.


- ISAF forces detained several militants in Bak district.

Khost 20 Mar Explosive Projectle

4 wounded Two ISAF soldiers and two ANA soldiers were wounded in a hand-grenade attack in Domanda district.

Khost 20 Mar Explosive Projectle

2 wounded Two Afghan policemen were wounded in a hand-grenade attack on a police post in the Khalbisat area.

Khost 20 Mar Roadside IED

2 killed4 wounded

Two ANA soldiers were killed and four others were wounded when their vehicle hit a roadside IED.


- Afghan and ISAF forces detained a Haqqani leader in Sabari district.


- Afghan and ISAF forces detained a Haqqani facilitator in Bak district.

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Khost 23 Mar Shooting 3 killed4 wounded

ISAF forces killed two militants and wounded two others during an operation. A nearby Afghan child was also killed while two other civilians were also wounded.

Kunar 16 Mar Armed Clash

10 killed ISAF forces killed more than 10 militants near a combat outpost in Shigal wa Sheltan district.

Kunar 17 Mar Armed Clash

Several killed1 wounded

Several militants were killed and one was wounded in a clash with an ISAF patrol in Shigal wa Sheltan district.

Kunar 17 Mar Air Strike 6 killed Six militants were killed in an ISAF air strike in Shegal district.

Kunar 17 Mar Explosive Projectile

- Three rockets were fired at a convoy carrying the governor of Kunar in Shegal district. No casualties were reported.

Kunar 22 Mar Military Operation

Several killed

Afghan and ISAF forces killed several militants in Bar Kunar district.

Logar 19 Mar Military Operation

7 killed5 wounded

Afghan and ISAF forces killed seven Taliban militants and wounded five others on the Kabul-Logar highway. Two Taliban militants were also detained.

Logar 19 Mar Armed Clash

10 killed ISAF forces killed at least 10 militants and detained two others in a armed clash in Pul-e Alam district.

Logar 19 Mar Search Operation

- Afghan and ISAF forces detained a militant in Baraki Barak district.

Nangarhar 18 Mar Search Operation

- Afghan and ISAF forces detained a Taliban facilitator in Chaparhar district.

Nangarhar 19 Mar Air Strike 2 killed2 wounded

Two civilians were killed and two others were wounded in an ISAF air strike in Khogani district.

Sar-e Pol 17 Mar Abducted 1 abducted Militants abducted seven employees of a local construction firm in northern Sar-e Pol.

Sar-e Pol 17 Mar Search Operation

1 killed Afghan and ISAF forces killed one militant and detained several others in Sayyad Valley district.

Southern Afghanistan

19 Mar Shooting 3 killed Two ISAF soldiers of unspecified nationalities and an Afghan security guard were shot dead in southern Afghanistan.

Uruzgan 17 Mar IED Attack 2 killed6 wounded

Two people were killed and six others were wounded in an IED blast targeting NATO oil tankers. 12 oil tankers caught fire as a result.

Uruzgan 18 Mar Military Operation

2 killed Afghan and ISAF forces killed two militants in Shahid-e Hasas district.

Uruzgan 18 Mar Military Operation

1 killed A militant was killed by an ISAF patrol in the Knod valley of Shahid-e Hasas district.

Uruzgan 22 Mar Suicide Attack

1 killed A suicide bomber riding a motorcycle detonated his explosives in Deh Rawad district. There were no casualties except the bomber himself.

Wardak 16 Mar Search Operation

- Afghan and ISAF forces detained a Taliban leader in Jaghatu district.

Wardak 17 Mar Search Operation

- Afghan and ISAF forces detained two militants in Nerkh district.

Wardak 20 Mar Armed Clash

1 killed Afghan and ISAF forces killed one militant in a clash in Nerkh district.

Wardak 21 Mar Armed Clash

1 killed1 wounded

A Taliban militant was killed, another was wounded and detained by ISAF forces in Saydabad district.

Wardak 22 Mar Abducted 1 killed Militants abducted and subsequently killed an ANA soldier in Saydabad district.

Zabul 17 Mar Search Operation

- Afghan and ISAF forces detained several militants in Qalat district.

Zabul 22 Mar Suicide Attack

1 killed9 wounded

A suicide bomber riding a motorcycle detonated his explosives in Qalat city, wounding nine civilians.

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NATO Oil Tankers attacked in UruzganTolo TV reported that on 16 Mar, 12 NATO oil tankers caught fire as a result of an IED blast in Uruzgan province. Two people were also killed and six others were wounded in the blast. No one claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

Deshu District Reclaimed from TalibanBBC Online quoted Helmand's Dy provincial governor on 16 Mar 2011 as saying that the Dishu district was re-captured from the Taliban after numerous clashes. He added that Afghan and ISAF forces had taken the district centre, Bahramcha, in a joint operation. Taliban spokesman Qari Mohammad Yusof Ahmadi acknowledged that fighting had been going on in Bahramba for three days and claimed that 17 military vehicles were destroyed and dozens of casualties inflicted while only five Taliban militants were killed and two others injured in the clashes. However, he did not admit that the Taliban had lost control of the area. While the Taliban had been evicted from a number of districts in Helmand by NATO forces, it appeared their hold on the districts was tenuous as the Taliban were still able to maintain a presence in the outlying areas, from which they could launch ambushes, IED bombings and sniper attacks.

Taliban Assassination Proving EffectiveOn 22 Mar 2011, the Associated Press highlighted in an article that there had recently been a spike in the number of assassinations in Afghanistan. While the ISAF had repeatedly cited the recruitment and training of Afghanistan's civil society and security forces as a key requirement for the withdrawal of international troops, the Taliban was thwarting those efforts with a sweeping assassination campaign that had killed scores of local government officials. In that respect, the Taliban's campaign had proven effective, leaving many Afghans deeply demoralised. Senior military officials predicted that insurgents would continue to use assassinations against political leaders and their followers to undermine the government. In Feb 2011, a joint report by the UN and the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission said that targeted killings of government officials were a “dominant feature of 2010”, stating that at least 140 government officials and 462 purported government supporters were killed in 2010. Dy USFOR-A Commander LG David Rodriguez had also predicted previously that the Taliban would employ more indirect tactics, such as the use of “assassination hit teams” (refer to WGTW 1 – 9 Feb 2011 for details). However, an official with the Afghan Government Media and Information Center Sediq Sediqqi said that while the assassinations of government officials were regrettable, they were not an insurmountable obstacle, in which he claimed that it was “not difficult to fill these positions”.

Taliban Unable to Negotiate Without Pakistan ApprovalThe New York Times reported on 16 Mar 2011 that it was not possible for Taliban leaders to negotiate or attend peace talks in Afghanistan or Pakistan as the Pakistan's Directorate for Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) would not let them do so. The article noted that some senior Taliban leaders had tried unsuccessfully to negotiate with the Afghan government without Pakistan's approval. These Taliban leaders were detained and even killed by Pakistani security forces to press them to continue fighting. Hajji Qar Mohammed, a senior tribal leader in Quetta who was reportedly close to the Taliban, was quoted as saying that the Taliban would not attend peace talks in Pakistan or Afghanistan. The reason was that in Pakistan, the ISI did not allow Taliban leadership to talk freely, while in Afghanistan, the Taliban leadership did not trust Karzai's administration enough to engage them in talks.

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Fig 1: Map of Helmand Province; Dishu District is marked with a red star

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Taliban May Take District: Nuristan GovernorPajhwok quoted the governor of Nuristan province as saying that the Taliban could overrun the Barg-e Matal district. He said that the central government had promised to send a 50 strong police brigade and warned that control of the district would be lost if the reinforcement was not carried out. He also added that the provincial council was in talks with tribal elders to curtail the threat posed by the militants.

Afghan, ISAF Forces Secure Northern KandaharISAF reported on 22 Mar 2011 that Afghan and ISAF forces secured a remote region of Khakrez district in Kandahar during an operation on 19 Mar 2011. Seven suspected militants were detained for additional questioning. The article noted that prior to the operation, militants had been using the region as a hub for movement through Kandahar.

Progress in Afghanistan Fragile: PetraeusSpeaking to the Royal United Services Institute military think tank in London on 23 Mar 2011, ISAF commander GEN David Petraeus warned that while ISAF troops in Afghanistan were on course to complete their security role by 2014, the progress could easily be reversed. He added that Afghan President Hamid Karzai's goal of having Afghan police and soldiers protecting the nation by the end of 2014 was achievable. In addition, he further reported that some 5,000 militants had laid down arms or were moving towards doing so. Meanwhile, Petraeus also reportedly stated that he was not worried about military resources having to be diverted from Afghanistan to Libya.

Taliban Maintains Influence Over Afghan Population: LG BurgessOn 17 Mar 2011 Asian News International quoted LG Ronald Burgess, Director of the US Defense Intelligence Agency, as telling the US Senate Armed Services Committee that although the Taliban had taken “tactical losses”, they continued to maintain influence over “much of the local population, especially outside urban areas”. He added that while US forces attained tactical victories against the Taliban, including the removal of several of their key leaders, the Taliban's operational capacity did not appear to be affected.

Taliban Leaders Divided: NDSTolo News reported on 16 Mar 2011 that the Afghanistan's National Directorate of Security believed that there were serious differences among Taliban leaders and fighters within Taliban's leadership council. Lotfullah Mashal, an NDS spokesman, was quoted as saying that these differences between Taliban leaders and their fighters had made the Taliban step up suicide attacks in cooperation with the al-Qaeda network in a bid to conceal their defeat in Afghanistan. He said that the increase in suicide attacks in the north, and especially in Kunduz, was a sign of Taliban's “failure and panic”. He also added that there were differences in opinion between low and high level Taliban leaders within Taliban's Quetta Shura, Haqqani network and Taliban's council in Peshawar.

Taliban Rejects UN Human Rights ReportAfghan Islamic Press reported on 16 Mar 2011 that the Taliban denied reports that the UN had given them a copy of their report on human rights before publishing it (please refer to WGTW 3 - 9 Jan 2011 for details). Furthermore, Taliban

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Fig 2: Map of Nuristan Province; Barg-e Matal District is boxed in red

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spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told Afghan Islamic Press that all reports and claims published in the report were untrue. He accused the UN as being a tool of the US, and that it was trying to blame the Taliban for human rights violations while hiding ISAF's “cruel acts”. He denounced the UN report as an effort to defame the Taliban.

U.S. Surge Working: Staffan De MisturaAFP quoted UN Special Representative to Afghanistan Staffan de Mistura as saying that the US-led surge of troops in Afghanistan was proving successful. He acknowledged that the violence in Afghanistan looked “very bad” but added that the Taliban was attacking away from areas where they were being pressured. He also stressed that a political solution had to be negotiated to attain success and offered UN support for efforts at reconciliation in Afghanistan.

450 Schools Remain Closed Due to Security ResaonsAccording to Education Minister Farooq Wardak, 450 schools had remained closed due to security reasons, mostly in the southern region where Taliban militants were active. Meanwhile, Afghan President Hamid Karzai on 23 Mar 2011 urged the Taliban to refrain from targeting schools and torching school buildings, denouncing attacks on school as cowardly acts. He further described attacks on schools as “an enmity within the country”.

Violence in PakistanTable 4 : Violence in Pakistan (17 – 23 Mar 2011)

Location/ Province Date Type of

Attack Casualties Comments

Balochistan 17 Mar VBIED Attack

1 killed3 wounded

One Pakistani soldier was killed and three others were wounded in VBIED blast in Quetta.

Balochistan 17 Mar Roadside IED

3 killed7 wounded

Two Pakistani soldiers and a civilian were killed while seven other people were wounded in a roadside IED blast in Naseer Abad district.

Balochistan 17 Mar Militant Attack

1 killed1 wounded

Militants opened fire on four NATO oil tankers, killing one cleaner, wounding another and setting fire to the tankers in Mastung district.

Balochistan 21 Mar Militant Attack

9 killed2 wounded

Militants opened fire at a National Highway Authority and Frontier Works Organisation camp in Gwadar district resulting in nine people being killed and two others being wounded.

Balochistan 23 Mar Explosive Projectile

6 killed17 wounded

At least four people including two traffic policemen were killed and 17 others were wounded in a rocket attack in Quetta, which was reportedly carried out by Baloch separatist militants.

FATA 16 Mar Armed Clash 11 killed 10 militants and one Pakistani security personnel were killed when militants attack a

security convoy in the Ghaljo area of Upper Orakzai.

FATA 16 Mar Search Operation 1 killed Pakistani security forces killed a militants supporter and detained three other

militants in the Kishangarh area in the Frontier Region Peshawar.

FATA 17 Mar Drone Strike

41 wounded12 wounded

At least 41 people were killed and 12 others were wounded in a US drone strike in Data Khel, N. Waziristan.

FATA 18 Mar Roadside IED 4 wounded Four Pakistani soldiers were wounded when their vehicle hit a roadside IED in

Khyber Agency.

FATA 18 Mar Roadside IED 4 wounded Four Pakistani soldiers were wounded when their vehicle hit a roadside IED in the

Khyber Agency,FATA 21 Mar IED Attack 2 killed Two would-be suicide bombers were killed in an IED blast in the Gurhwali area.FATA 21 Mar Execution 1 killed Militants beheaded a religious scholar in Landi Kotal, Khyber Agency.

FATA 21 Mar Shooting 4 killed Militants shot dead four people in North Waziristan, accusing them of being US spies.

Herat 16 Mar Roadside IED

2 killed3 wounded

Two ANA soldiers were killed and three others were wounded when their convoy struck a roadside IED in Bakwa district.

Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa 18 Mar Military

Operation 5 killed Pakistan security forces killed at least five militants in the Matta region of Swat Valley.

Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa 18 Mar Military

Operation Five killed Pakistani security forces killed at least five militants in an operation in Swat Valley.

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Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 21 Mar Armed

Clash 5 killed Pakistani security forces killed five militants when they tried to escape the custody of the soldiers.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 23 Mar Roadside

IED 11 wounded Nine policemen and two civilians were wounded in a roadside IED blast in Darsamund village in Hangu district.


IED1 killed2 wounded

A cart driver was killed and two passers-by were wounded in a roadside IED blast in Peshawar.


IED 6 wounded Six policemen were wounded when their patrol was hit by a roadside IED blast in Hangu district.

Sindh 16 Mar Shooting 1 killed A civilian was shot dead by militants near Risala police station in Karachi,

Sindh 16 Mar Militant Attack 1 killed The body of a young man was found at a garage near Sacchal police station in

Karachi.

Sindh 16 Mar Shooting 1 killed A civilian was killed in a drive-by shooting in the Kharadar neighbourhood of Karachi.

Sindh 16 Mar Shooting 1 killed A storekeeper was shot dead by militants at Mauripur road, Karachi.Sindh 16 Mar Shooting 1 killed A civilian was killed in a drive-by shooting on Karimabad bridge, Karachi.Sindh 16 Mar Shooting 2 killed The bullet-riddled bodies of two civilians were found in Nishtar road, Karachi

Sindh 19 Mar Explosive Projectile 5 wounded At least five people were wounded when militants threw a grenade at an office in

Nank Wara area, Karachi.

Sindh 19 Mar Explosive Projectile 5 wounded At least five people were wounded in a grenade attack on the office of a political

party leader in the Nanak Wara area of Karachi.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government Bans Afghan-Bound Oil TankersDaily Times reported that on 16 Mar 2011, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government banned the entry of Afghanistan-bound oil tankers carrying oil for NATO troops. A government official added that NATO oil tankers were not allowed to enter Peshawar or even stay in the suburbs due to “security reasons”. The article noted that the decision was made in the wake of increasing attacks on Afghanistan-bound NATO oil tankers in Pakistan.

Taliban in North Waziristan Threaten to End Peace DealDawn reported on 20 Mar 2011 that Hafiz Gul Bahadur, a Taliban commander, threatened to end a peace deal with the government if US drone strikes were not brought to an end. Bahadur's spokesman added that the three-year-long peace agreement was being compromised as people in N. Waziristan were being continuously targeted with drone strikes.

North Waziristan Drone Strike Causes Tribal Jihad Against U.S.Dawn reported on 18 Mar 2011 that Tribal leaders announced that the tribes in North Waziristan were waging Jihad against the US and its allies, citing a US drone strike on 17 Mar 2011 that killed at least 40 civilians in North Waziristan as the reason for their anger. The head of the North Waziristan Peace Committee, Malik Jalal Sarhadi Wazir, denounced the drone strike as “barbaric” and urged tribesmen to stand up to the US. He said in a press conference that the tribes had allowed their youth to carry out suicide attacks on Americans in revenge. Wazir also rejected reports of al-Qaeda and Taliban havens in FATA, claiming that the US administration itself had endorsed the presence of 70% of the top al-Qaeda leadership in Afghanistan. He also stressed the need for expelling US operatives from Pakistan and urged the media to avoid negative propaganda against the tribes. Meanwhile, Pakistan lodged a strong protest with the US on the issue and announced that it was pulling out a of trilateral meeting with Afghanistan and the US scheduled later in Mar 2011.

Best Way to End Pakistan's Support for Terrorist groups is to Win Afghan War: McCainAsian News International quoted US Senator John McCain as telling the US Senate Committee on Armed Services that the most effective way to end Pakistan's support for terrorist groups would be to win the war in Afghanistan. ISAF Commander David Petraeus also agreed, noting that the “way to influence Pakistan” was to show that there could be a certain outcome in Afghanistan. McCain added that Pakistan's growing instability, insurgent safe havens and ties to terrorists in Pakistan's military and intelligence services were among the major challenges confronting the US.

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We will Fight To the Finish: ZadariXinhua quoted Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in parliament as saying that Pakistan would not back down but would continue to fight the militants “to the finish”. He also stressed that Pakistan must not be used as a base for terrorists to launch their activities against other nations and suggested a convening of political parties to review Pakistan's situation and find solutions to combat militancy. He also cautioned that the fight against militancy might be “long and bitter”, but Pakistan had no other option but to win against the militants.

Karachi Situation to Improve Soon: Pakistani Interior MinisterPakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik on 22 Mar 2011 said that the situation of unrest in Karachi would soon be improved, as elements involved in targeted killings had been identified. He added that Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari had ordered an operation against these elements and it would be initiated soon.

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IRAQWEEKLY GLOBAL TERROR WATCH 17 – 23 Mar 2011


Violence in IraqTable 5 : Violence in Iraq (17 – 23 Mar 2011)

Location/ Province

Date Type of Attack

Casualties Comments

Al-Anbar 23 Mar Roadside IED

2 killed Two policemen were wounded when a roadside IED target a police patrol went off in central Ramadi.

Al-Tamim 22 Mar Militant Attack

1 killed A member of the anti al-Qaeda Sahwa milita was murdered outside his home near Hawijah.

Babil 23 Mar Roadside IED

2 wounded Two policemen were wounded when a roadside IED targeting a police patrol went off in Mussayab.

Baghdad 17 Mar IED Attack 4 wounded Four civilians were wounded in an IED blast near a hospital in the al-Iskan area.

Baghdad 17 Mar Roadside IED

3 wounded Three civilians were wounded in a roadside IED blast near Uqba bin Nafeaa square in central Baghdad.

Baghdad 20 Mar Shooting 1 wounded MG Ahmed Obeidi, Commander of the 6th Iraqi Army Division, was wounded in a drive-by shooting on Palestine street.

Baghdad 20 Mar Shooting 1 wounded A Ministry of Electricity employee was wounded in a drive-by shooting in northeastern Baghdad.

Baghdad 20 Mar Shooting 1 killed A marketing director for Iraq's Ministry of Oil was killed in a drive-by shooting in Zayouna district.


1 killed4 wounded

A man was killed and four others were wounded in a roadside IED blast in al-Tahariyat Square.


6 wounded Six people, including three policemen, were wounded in a roadside IED blast in Karrada district.


3 wounded Three policemen were wounded in a roadside IED blast near al-Tahariyat Square.

Baghdad 20 Mar Explosive projectile

- Three mortar shells hit Baladiyat district. No casualties were reported.


3 wounded Three people were wounded when a Finance Ministry convoy hit a roadside IED in central Baghdad.

Baghdad 21 Mar IED Attack 1 killed3 wounded

One policeman was killed and three others were wounded when their patrol was hit by an IED blast in Rashid Camp street.

Baghdad 21 Mar IED Attack 2 wounded Two civilians were wounded in an IED blast at a liquor store in Karrada district.

Baghdad 22 Mar Shooting 2 wounded Two civilians were wounded when militants opened fire on their car.

Baghdad 22 Mar Shooting 1 killed MAJ Ahmad Abdul-Elah, affliated to Iraq's Interior Ministry, was shot dead on Palestine Street.

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IRAQWEEKLY GLOBAL TERROR WATCH 17 – 23 Mar 2011

Baghdad 22 Mar Shooting 1 killed A Police officer was shot dead in his car in Sadr city district.


2 wounded Two security guards were wounded when their convoy hit a roadside IED.


3 wounded Three people, including two soldiers, were wounded in a roadside IED blast in Zafraniyah district.

Baghdad 22 Mar IED Attack 1 killed3 wounded

A policeman was killed and three others were wounded in an IED blast in Karrada district.

Baghdad 22 Mar Shooting 2 killed Two policemen were shot dead by militants in separate incidents in Baghdad.

Baghdad 22 Mar VBIED 1 killed LTC Yussef Mohammad, from the Pakistan's Defence Ministry, was killed in a VBIED blast in Baghdad.


1 killed7 wounded

A roadside IED killed one civilian and wounded seven others when it exploded in Zaafaraniya district.


2 wounded A roadside IED wounded two civilians when it exploded on a highway in central Baghdad.

Baghdad 23 Mar Shooting 1 killed A government official was killed by armed men while driving his car in Sadr district.

Baghdad 23 Mar VBIED 1 killed A government worker was killed when an IED attached to his vehicle went off in Hurriya district.

Baghdad 23 Mar VBIED 1 killed A civilian was killed when an IED attached to his vehicle in Amiriya district.

Diyala 19 Mar Shooting 1 killed Militants disguised as soldiers shot dead a policeman outside his house in al-Maqdadiyah town.

Diyala 19 Mar Roadside IED

1 wounded A policeman was wounded while trying to defuse an roadside IED in Khanaqin town.

Diyala 19 Mar Search Operation

- A US-Iraqi joint force captured three suspected al-Qaeda leaders in Jumailat village.

Kirkuk 23 Mar IED Attack 7 wounded An IED .targeting a police brigadier general wounded two civilians when it went off in central Kirkuk. A second IED at the same area detonated and wounded five firemen who were trying to extinguish a fire caused by the first explosion.

Ninawa 17 Mar IED Attack 8 wounded Eight civilians were wounded in an IED blast at a market in al-Dawasa street, central Mosul.

Ninawa 20 Mar Explosive projectile

6 wounded Six civilians were wounded when militants threw grenades at police patrols in Mosul

Ninawa 21 Mar Roadside IED

2 wounded Two civilians were wounded in a roadside IED blast in eastern Mosul.

Ninawa 23 Mar Militant Attack

1 wounded Militants threw a hand grenade at a police patrol and wounded a civilian in Mosul.

Ninawa 23 Mar Shooting 2 wounded Gunmen wounded two off-duty policemen inside their vehicle in Mosul.

Salah ad Din

20 Mar Abduction 2 Abducted Two Turkish construction workers were abducted by militants near al-Sherqat town.

Southern Iraq

20 Mar Roadside IED

1 killed A US soldier was killed when his convoy struck a roadside IED in southern Iraq.

There were no updates for Iraq this week.

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MIDDLE EASTWEEKLY GLOBAL TERROR WATCH 17 – 23 Mar 2011

Terror Incident Charts (Israel, Palestine, Lebanon)

Violence in Middle East (Israel, Palestine and Lebanon)

Table 6: Violence in Middle East (17 – 23 Mar 2011)Location Date Type of

AttackCasualties Comments

Gaza City, Gaza

19 Mar Air Strike 5 wounded An IAF air strike on the neighbourhood of Zeitoun, on Gaza city's outskirts, wounded five people. The strike came after Israel reported that more than 50 mortar shells fired from Gaza landed in its territory.

Gaza City, Gaza

22 Mar Air Strike 4 killed IAF air strikes killed four al-Qassam Brigades militants in Zeitun neighbourhood, located in the outskirts of Gaza city.

Gaza City, Gaza

22 Mar Explosive Projectile

4 killed12 wounded

A shell fired by the IDF missed its target and landed in a Palestinian home in Shejaiya district, Gaza city. Four civilians were killed while 12 others were wounded.

Gaza City, Gaza

23 Mar Air Strike - The IAF launched an air strike in Gaza city in retaliation to rocket attacks on Israel. No casualties were reported.

Gaza 19 Mar Shooting 2 killed Two suspected Palestinian militants were shot dead by IDF troops as they approached the border with Israel.

Gaza 20 Mar Armed Clash

1 wounded Suspected militants fired an anti-tank missile at an IDF tank near the al-Bureij refugee camp, which was intercepted by the tank's Trophy defence system. The IDF subsequently responded with artillery fire which wounded on Palestinian.

Gaza 21 Mar Air Strike 19 wounded

The IAF launched several air strikes across several locations across Gaza, wounding at least 19 people, including four militants, seven children and two women.

Gaza 24 Mar Air Strike - The IAF struck several targets across Gaza, including smuggling tunnels along the Israel-Egypt border, a Hamas training camp in central Gaza and a power transformer. No casualties were reported.

Ashdod, Israel


- Gaza militants fired a Grad rocket into an open area in Ashdod but caused no casualties.

Ashkelon, Israel


- Gaza militants fired a Qassam rocket into Ashkelon, but caused no casualties.

Beersheva, Israel


1 wounded Gaza militants fired two Grad rockets into Beersheva, one of which wounded an Israeli civilian. Islamic Jihad's armed wing al-Quds Brigades claimed responsibility for the attack.

Eshkol, Israel


- Gaza militants fired a projectile into Eshkol Regional Council, but caused no casualties or damage.

Eshkol, Israel


- Gaza militants fired seven mortar shells into Eskhol Regional Council, but caused no casualties or damages.

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Extreme Attacks

Israel

LebanonPalestine

Micro Attacks

Major Attacks

Extreme Attacks

Israel

LebanonPalestine

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Jerusalem, Israel

23 Mar IED Attack

1 killed39 wounded

A civilian was killed and 39 others were wounded after a IED exploded at a bus station in central Jerusalem. The IED weights between 1kg and 2kg and was packed in a bag which was placed at the bus station.

Shaar Hanegev, Israel


- Four Kassam rockets landed and exploded in open fields in the Shaar Hanegev Regional Council, but caused no casualties or damages.

Tel Aviv, Israel


- Gaza militants fired a Grad rocket into an area south of Rishon-le-Tzion, near Tel Aviv, but apparently caused no casualties. This was the first time that a Gaza rocket had hit so far into Israel.

Israel 20 Mar Explosive Projectile

- Gaza militants fired two rockets which landed in southern Israel, one of them in Ashkelon. No casualties were reported.

Rmeish, Lebanon

22 Mar Abduction - IDF troops abducted two Lebanese shepherds from the outskirts of the village of Rmeish, which borders Israel.

Israel Vows to Avenge Gaza Mortar BarrageIn view of the barrage of mortar shells fired from Gaza into Israel on 19 Mar 2011 (refer to violence table above), Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said that he viewed seriously the “criminal attacks by Hamas on Israeli citizens” and vowed that Israel would take all necessary measures to defend its citizens. In addition, unnamed IDF officials had also warned that the latest escalation in rocket attacks might lead to assassinations of Hamas military wing leaders. Moreover, they added that the retaliatory air strike after the rocket attacks were merely “the first bullets” in Israel's response. Meanwhile, Israeli Dy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon on 21 Mar 2011 also issued death threats against Hamas leaders.

Exchange of Blows to End Gaza Unrest: Israel PMIsraeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on 23 Mar 2011 warned that it could take “an exchange of blows” to end spiralling violence along the Gaza border. However, he stressed that Israel would “aggressively and determinedly” defend its citizens. He added that Israel, like any other country, was not prepared to take continued missile fire on its cities and citizens. Meanwhile, Israeli Home Front Minister Matan Vilnai predicted that a military confrontation with Hamas was “only a matter of time”. In addition, Israeli Vice-PM Silvan Shalom also warned that the IDF might have to unleash a large-scale military operation in response to increased rocket attacks. Shalom's comments drew sharp rebuke from Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri, who accused Israel of escalating military strikes for political purposes and to achieve political goals, stressing that they would not “terrify Hamas or the Palestinian people”.

Al-Qassam Brigades Offer TruceHamas' armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, on 21 Mar 2011 offered a truce with Israel if Israel would stop the “escalation and aggression” against the Palestinian people. Both the IDF and Israeli government declined to comment on the statement. In a later statement, Hamas spokesman Taher al-Nunu said that the Hamas government was committed to preserve its informal truce with Israel, with the backing of other militant groups. However, another Hamas spokesman Ismail Radwan had on 19 Mar 2011 said that the recent mortar barrages came in reaction to IAF air strikes and warned Israel “not to test Hamas' response”.

Hamas Seeking to Lower Tensions with IsraelHamas spokesman Taher al-Nono on 23 Mar 2011 said that Hamas was seeking to reverse the recent spike in violence with Israel. He stressed that the goal of the Hamas government was to protect stability and restore peace along the border.

Israeli-Palestinian Violence Rising Amid Peace Talks Impasse: UNUN Assistant SEC-GEN for Political Affairs Oscar Fernandez Taranco on 22 Mar 2011 noted that violence and tension had increased between the Israelis and Palestinians over the past month as efforts to revive peace negotiations had remained at an impasse. He further commented that efforts to restart Israeli-Palestinian negotiations had produced “no visible result”. In addition, he reported that 111 Palestinians were injured and 217 arrested in Israeli security force operations over the past month, about half of them in east Jerusalem. Meanwhile in Gaza, 12 missiles and 55 mortar shells were fired at Israeli civilian areas.

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IDF Estimates Clashes with Gaza to Last WeeksIsraeli media on 23 Mar 2011 quoted unnamed IDF sources who estimated that the surge of confrontation with terror organisations in Gaza would last for the next few weeks. However, they noted that Hamas had no interest in a significant, long-term escalation of the situation. Meanwhile, the IDF Southern Command had reportedly instructed residents who live near the Israel-Gaza border to stay on high alert, fearing that more rockets would be fired across the border.

Al-Quds Brigades to Hit Cities Deep Inside IsraelAl-Quds Brigades'3 spokesman Abu Ahmad on 23 Mar 2011 said that the al-Quds Brigades had entered “a new phase” which entailed firing rockets at cities deep inside Israel. He added that there were no longer “red lines of resistance” as he claimed that Israel did not respect UN conventions and kept killing civilians.

Hamas Concerned About Fatah's Call for ReconciliationIsraeli newspaper Haaretz on 20 Mar 2011 quoted unnamed Palestinian sources who claimed that the recent barrage of mortar shells by Hamas was related to Hamas' concerns about Fatah's call for reconciliation and unity among Palestinian factions. Furthermore, the sources claimed that Hamas PM Ismail Haneya's invitation to Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas to travel to Gaza (refer to WGTW 10 – 16 Mar 2011) was issued without the approval of Hamas leaders in Damascus and its military wing the al-Qassam Brigades. Both the Hamas core leadership and al-Qassam Brigades saw Abbas' visit as a risk, as reconciliation could lead to elections which could jeopardize Hamas' control over Gaza.

Netanyahu Slams Fatah-Hamas Unity EffortsIsraeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on 17 Mar 2011 criticised unity efforts between the Palestinian Authority (PA) and Hamas, saying that the PA could not advocate peace with Israel and peace with Hamas at the same time, as Hamas called for the destruction of Israel. In addition, Netanyahu likened Hamas to the al-Qaeda, insisting that there would be no peace deal with Hamas just like how there would be no peace deal with al-Qaeda.

Arms Smuggling Threatens Balance of Power in Middle East: Israeli Dy Foreign MinisterIsraeli Dy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon on 16 Mar 2011 warned that arms smuggling into Gaza had increased dramatically in recent times to the point that they were “flooding” into the hands of terror groups, which he opined would threaten to upset military balance and undermine the regional stability in the Middle East and the southern Mediterranean rim of Europe. In addition, Ayalon also accused Iran and Syria of trying to boost capabilities of “non-state actors” to give them an edge over moderate regimes in the Middle East. Ayalon made these statements during a visit to Ashdod port, where the arms confiscated from MV Victoria were put on display (refer to WGTW 10 – 16 Mar 2011 for details regarding Israel's interception of the ship). He further revealed that Israel was examining evidence taken from the ship and would report the findings to the UN Sanctions Committee. Meanwhile, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that the arms smuggling incident reinforced Israel's need to enforce a naval blockade on Gaza.

Hamas Digging Tunnels Along Border With Israel: IDFThe Jerusalem Post on 21 Mar 2011 quoted unnamed IDF sources as saying that Hamas had been digging more tunnels in recent years along the border with Israel. However, the sources stated that the exact number of tunnels was unknown to the IDF. Meanwhile, the sources also reported that Hamas had split into five different regional brigades – north, Gaza City, central Gaza, Khan Younis and Rafah. In addition, the IDF believed that Gaza terror groups had made major improvements in their military capabilities, such as the addition of the Iranian-made Fajr-5 missiles that could reach Tel Aviv. The IDF further believed that Hamas was also working to improve its communication capabilities.

U.S. Considering Strategic Outreach to Hezbollah: ColumnistA columnist with The Washington Post, David Ignatius, on 18 Mar 2011 reported that US President Obama was apparently considering reaching out to the political elements in Hezbollah. Ignatius suggested that the recent turmoil in the Middle East might have influenced Obama's decision to accept recommendations to draw adversaries into a dialogue process. Meanwhile,

3 Al-Quds Brigades is the armed wing of Islamic Jihad.

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Ignatius also claimed that several US officials were expected to endorse dialogue with political elements of both Hezbollah and the Taliban in an upcoming intelligence report. However, White House spokesman Tommy Vietor also on 18 Mar 2011 stressed the US's unwavering no-contact policy with Hezbollah, denying allegations that a strategic outreach was considered.

Hezbollah Expresses Support for Arab ProtestersHezbollah SEC-GEN Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on 19 Mar 2011 said that Arab leaders cracking down on protesters should listen to their people before it is too late. He made the comments during a Hezbollah rally in Beirut, Lebanon, in support of the people of Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Yemen and Bahrain who rose up against their governments. He also criticised Bahrain's Sunni monarchy for bringing in troops from neighbouring Gulf countries to help face down Shiite-led protests there. Meanwhile, according to a US embassy cable dated 13 Aug 2011 which was revealed by WikiLeaks, Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa had warned senior US military figures that opposition groups in Bahrain were receiving training from Hezbollah in Lebanon.

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MARITIME SECURITY (GULF OF ADEN & WATERS OFF SOMALIA)WEEKLY GLOBAL TERROR WATCH 17 – 23 Mar 2011

Piracy Incidents Charts [Gulf of Aden (GoA), Waters Off Somalia (WOS)]

Cumulative Figures of Kidnapped Vessels in Somalia

According to international piracy monitoring organisation Ecoterra International, as of 22 Mar 2011 at least 42 vessels remained under the control of pirates while at least 684 people remained hostages.

Incidents and Events

Somali Pirates Hijack Indonesia-Flagged Vessel

On 17 Mar 2011, EU NAVFOR reported that a group of 30 to 50 Somali pirates had hijacked an Indonesia-flagged and -owned cargo vessel, the MV Sinar Kudus, about 592km NE of the island of Socotra in the Somali Basin. The pirates subsequently used it as a mother ship to launch another attack on a second vessel called the MV Emperor. The MV Sinar Kudus reportedly had a crew of 20 Indonesians on board and was on its way to Suez from Singapore when it was attacked. EU NAVFOR spokesperson Paddy O'Keneddy stated that the attack on the second vessel, the MV Emperor, was unsuccessful, as the mother ship was repelled by armed force.

Pirates Attack Merchant Vessel in Somali Basin

Marisk reported that on 21 Mar 2011 at 0846hr GMT (1646H), pirates on two skiffs and a supporting mother ship attacked a merchant in the Somali Basin, approximately 1000km east of Mogadishu, Somalia. The attack took place at the position 03:47N 053:33 E. The vessel managed to evade the attack.

Pirates Attack Merchant Vessel in GoA

Marisk reported that on 22 Mar 2011 at 1401hr GMT (2201H), pirates attacked a merchant vessel in the GoA at the position 13:10N 049:06E. The vessel however managed to evade the hijack attempt.

Other Developments

Somali Pirates Lower Ransom

Reuters on 17 Mar 2011 reported that Somali pirates were lowering ransom demands so that they could increase the turnover of ships they had hijacked. A pirate said that they had changed their modus operandi so that they functioned like “modern business deals”, having realised the importance of turning over ships at a faster rate so they could capture even more. However, another pirate said that they would not lower the

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Data from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Piracy Reporting Centre

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ransom for bulk ships as they brought in more money. Meanwhile, Reuters also reported that pirates were now holding ships for an average for 150 days, with ransom payments reaching nearly US$10 million.

Puntland Government Calls For Using Force to Release Danish Hostages

Neptune Maritime Security on 19 Mar 2011 reported that the semi-autonomous state of Puntland in Somalia had called for the use of force to release Danish hostages in the hands of Somali pirates (refer to WGTW 10 – 16 Mar 2011 for details regarding an earlier rescue attempt which failed). Puntland's Home Security Minister Yusuf Ahmed Kheyr said that his security forces were determined to free the hostages as quickly as possible. He added that Somali pirates had become accustomed to bringing hostages to regions in Puntland, and called on the international community to help Puntland authorities uproot pirates from its territory.

Negotiations to Release Danish Hostages in Somalia Bound to Fail

International piracy monitoring organisation Ecoterra International on 21 Mar 2011 quoted unnamed sources close to the elders of the Somali pirates holding the Danish hostages as saying that the present negotiations between a Danish delegation in Bosasso, Somalia and the hostage takers were bound to fail. The sources said that the fact that the Danish delegation was working closely with the Puntland government, whose armed forces had earlier attempted a failed rescue attempt, made it impossible for the hostage takers to trust the Danish delegation. Meanwhile, the ransom demanded was also reportedly much higher than expected by the Danish negotiators.

Somalia Cancels Security Contractors

Neptune Maritime Security on 19 Mar 2011 reported that authorities in the semi-autonomous state of Puntland had decided to suspend a contract with private security firm Saracen International to train an anti-pirate militia. According to the report, the deal was apparently suspended due to pressure from the US and UN, neither of which were enthusiastic to see a private army of pirate hunters. Both parties were also worried that a private militia might violate the UN's 1992 arms embargo on Somalia.

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SPECIAL REPORTWEEKLY GLOBAL TERROR WATCH 17 – 23 Mar 2011

What Do the Uprisings in the Middle East Mean for Al-Qaeda?

Source: Michael W. S. Ryan, James, The Jamestown Foundation4, 17 Mar 2011

There are currently two arguments about what the recent uprisings across the Middle East mean for al-Qaeda. The optimists argue that non-violent revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt have stripped al-Qaeda's narrative of its power. The pessimists counter that al-Qaeda is far from finished and will wait for the dust to settle, disappointment to set in, and the revolutionary spirit to turn bitter before it takes advantage of countries weakened by revolution. Perhaps, a better approach to this question is to be found in al-Qaeda's strategic literature and its traditional relationship to each country in question.

Al-Qaeda represents a revolution within Islam. Its strategic literature recounts that Bin Laden commissioned a series of detailed regional studies to inform him about the best approach to jihadist revolution based on the facts of each case. Several years before 9/11, these studies were distributed among Bin Laden's top advisers. From this knowledge base, al-Qaeda's leadership framed a flexible and opportunistic regional strategy that assigned operational priorities to countries based on the likelihood of success and the extent to which "global jihad" against the United States could be advanced by al-Qaeda's involvement.

According to al-Qaeda strategist Abu Bakr Naji, the idea behind the movement's prioritization was to avoid expending resources, even in important countries, without a clear return. For example, Egypt, with almost 25% of the population of all the Arab League countries combined, has always been extremely important for al-Qaeda. Nevertheless, Mubarak's Egypt is the prime example of a country in which al-Qaeda operations were considered too difficult. Internally, al-Qaeda used Egypt for lessons learned during the disastrous jihadist campaigns during the 1990s when other jihadist groups were virtually destroyed by Egyptian security forces.

Tunisia has been like a smaller version of Egypt for al-Qaeda. It was ruled by a strong central government, aided by powerful security forces. Tunisia experienced incidents of jihadist terrorism over the years, but al-Qaeda considered it an appropriate area for agitation and propaganda, rather than a target for its own operations. It was not considered a priority target for al-Qaeda.

After 9/11, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan were top priority countries in which al-Qaeda's leadership arranged for jihadist networks to be funded and manned for guerrilla warfare. Al-Qaeda currently has well-established networks in Yemen and Pakistan. Non-Arab Pakistan marches to its own beat; its grave problems after the Arab uprisings are no different from before. Yemen has been influenced by the uprisings, but al-Qaeda's local impact is negligible in comparison to powerful tribal and sectarian forces. Saudi Arabia has witnessed Shiite demonstrations and there are serious concerns that these could spread, but al-Qaeda exerts no influence on Shiite communities.

Libya was never a priority country for al-Qaeda. Its indigenous Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) did ally itself to al-Qaeda in 2007, but was defeated by Gaddafi's forces and by 2009 was essentially out of combat. The West supports the opposition and appears to be trying to calibrate its response to avoid doing too much or too little, either of which could help al-Qaeda's narrative. The ultimate outcome in Libya is difficult to gauge at this time, but so far, events there have not played to al-Qaeda's advantage.

4 http://www.jamestown.org/single/?no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=37661&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=228&cHash=cdd25ca121dd187b640fc943c3cf6c18

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SPECIAL REPORTWEEKLY GLOBAL TERROR WATCH 17 – 23 Mar 2011

Even if one factors in Jordan, Iraq, and Algeria, it appears that al-Qaeda is in approximately the same position now as it was before the uprisings, with its regional appeal declining and its networks under severe pressure everywhere. This conclusion does not diminish the importance of uprisings across the Arab world. The significance of these uprisings, however, should not be judged using al-Qaeda as a metric; each has its own internal logic and history. In the end, if only the Egyptian and Tunisian revolutions prove successful, a major part of the Arab world will have unfurled the banner of modernization and democracy in a culturally acceptable model, which could become a new beacon for a large part of the Arab Middle East. In the meantime, local forces in places that experienced uprisings will continue to trump al-Qaeda's transnational narrative. In the longer term, if none of these uprisings improve the lot of their people, al-Qaeda, an organization still capable of doing great damage, will be looking for new opportunities.


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NOW SHOWINGWEEKLY GLOBAL TERROR WATCH 17 – 23 Mar 2011

Libyan Al-Qada Leaeder Comments on Libyan Unrest

Source: Jamestown5, 17 Mar 2011

Libyan al-Qaeda leader Abu Yahya al-Libi had on 12 Mar 2011 released a video entitled "To Our People in Libya", in which he claimed that al-Qaeda created the conditions allowing for revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. Al-Libi also denounced the West for its support of “the Pharaoh Hosni Mubarak” and “the tyrant Ben Ali,” claiming that Western nations care only for their own interests without regard for Muslims enduring dictatorship. Citing four decades of mistreatment at the hands of the Qaddafi regime, al-Libi accused Libyan leader Gaddafi of using the Libyans “as a testing ground for his violent, rambling and disgusting thoughts." In conclusion, he asserted that only Shariah rule could save Libyans and other Muslims living under the rule of Western-backed dictatorships, adding that jihad was the only solution. [Comments: There were no videos with English subtitles.]

5 http://www.jamestown.org/programs/gta/single/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=37659&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=26&cHash=fb7284f71e797f36984df8fd4a4cc8d6

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WEEKLY GLOBAL TERROR WATCH - WikiLeaks GLOBAL TERROR WATCH 17 ... Bali GEGANA disposed the package...

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