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Home , 2002 Mombasa attacks, Dulmatin, Mansour district, Maulvi Omar, Musa Qala District

March 2008 . Vol 1 . Issue 4

Recent Highlights in – AP, February 14 February 16, 2008 (): Sabah al-Janabi, the leader of an anti-al- Terrorist Activity February 14, 2008 (THAILAND): Qa`ida Awakening Council in Juruf According to Xinhua, quoting Thailand’s Sakher village near Hilla, said that 100 February 13, 2008 (): The Nation newspaper, two men were members of his anti-al-Qa`ida group Three Afghan government soldiers killed on their way to a rubber plantation have handed in their resignations to were killed after a bomb exploded next by suspected insurgents in Narathiwat the U.S. military. The reason, according to their convoy in district, Province. They were targeted by M-16 to al-Janabi, is due to “organized Helmand Province. One of the convoy’s assault rifle fire. – Xinhua, February 14 assassinations by the coalition forces.” vehicles was destroyed during the Speaking about an incident earlier in explosion. – AFP, February 13 February 14, 2008 (): A new the day in which he claimed three of posting on Islamist web forums by the his Awakening Council members were February 13, 2008 (AFGHANISTAN): head of the Islamic State of Iraq, Abu killed by gunfire from a U.S. helicopter, An Italian soldier was killed by `Umar al-Baghdadi, called for major “It was the third incident in a month. gunfire in Sarobi district, Paktika attacks on Israel and suggested that We have lost 19 men while 12 have been Province. A Taliban spokesman claimed Iraq should become a “launching pad” injured because of coalition attacks.” – credit for the attack. – AFP, February 13 to take over Jerusalem. During the AFP, February 17 30-minute audiotape, al-Baghdadi calls February 13, 2008 (AFGHANISTAN): for “opening new fronts to ease the February 16, 2008 (): Coalition forces killed at least four American and Jewish pressure off the A suicide car bomber rammed his suspected Taliban fighters in Uruzgan Palestinians while bolstering the fronts explosives-laden vehicle into an Province. A handful of Taliban fighters in Iraq and Afghanistan.” The leader election office, killing at least 37 people were also detained during the operation. also chastised Palestinian elements that in Kurram Agency in the Federally – The Canadian Press, February 13 are working within the state system, Administered Tribal Areas. According saying that jihad makes “no distinctions to initial reports, most of the victims are February 13, 2008 (PAKISTAN): Two between the infidel Jews and the from the Pakistan People’s Party. – AP, people were killed when an 8-10 car renegade Palestinians...between [Israeli February 16 election campaign convoy was hit by a Prime Minister Ehud] Olmert and his roadside bomb in the Swat valley in Swat criminals and [Palestinian President February 17, 2008 (AFGHANISTAN): District, North-West Frontier Province. Mahmoud] Abbas and his gang.” He Approximately 80 people were killed The election team was preparing for the also criticized the Hamas leadership, after a suicide bomber detonated his February 18 general elections. – Reuters, describing them as those who “betrayed payload in the middle of an outdoor dog February 13 the nation and turned against the blood fighting competition on the outskirts of the martyrs.” – AP, February 14 of Kandahar. Authorities believe that February 13, 2008 (PAKISTAN): the target of the attack may have been Purported spokesman February 14, 2008 (GERMANY): Abdul Hakim Jan, a local anti-Taliban Maulvi Omar told Reuters that Pakistan’s Authorities arrested a German citizen militia leader. He was killed in the Taliban movement would not attack the of Pakistani descent who is suspected of attack. – AP, February 17 country’s general elections on February providing financial and logistical support 18, stating, “Our central leadership to al-Qa`ida. The suspect, identified as February 17, 2008 (IRAQ): Three have decided that as we have nothing Aleem Nasir, was suspected of “making people were killed after a female suicide to do with the elections, therefore there four trips between April 2005 and June bomber detonated her explosives vest would be no attacks from our people. 2007 to Pakistan’s border region with while being pursued by security forces Neither do we support the process of the Afghanistan to deliver at least $5,850 in in ’s district. – Reuters, election nor do we have any opposition cash,” according to an Associated Press February 17 to it and if any attack takes place before report. The report quoted prosecutors or on election day, our mujahid won’t in the case who stated that the suspect February 17, 2008 (IRAQ): A car be involved in it.” Omar also denied also brought “binoculars, night-vision bomb detonated in , killing involvement in the disappearance of goggles and radios—to al-Qaida members one policeman who was examining Pakistan’s ambassador to Kabul, Tariq in positions of responsibility.” It is also the vehicle. The bomb was exploded Azizuddin, stating, “We have no links alleged that the suspect recruited into remotely. – AP, February 17 with it. We don’t know anything about al-Qa`ida another individual living in that.” Azizuddin disappeared while Germany. – AP, February 16 February 18, 2008 (AFGHANISTAN): in Pakistan’s tribal Khyber region on An estimated 35 civilians were killed February 11. – Reuters, February 13 February 15, 2008 (IRAQ): Two suicide after a suicide car bomber targeted a bombers targeted Shi`a worshippers, convoy of Canadian armored vehicles February 14, 2008 (): killing at least three, in , patrolling the Afghanistan-Pakistan Philippine authorities claimed to have Ninawa Province. The attack targeted border area. Four Canadian soldiers foiled a plot by the Group worshippers at the Shaykh Juwad were injured during the attack. – and to assassinate the mosque. – AP, February 15 National Post, February 19 country’s president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and to bomb foreign embassies. March 2008 . Vol 1 . Issue 4

February 18, 2008 (AFGHANISTAN): February 19 Baghdad and Diyala Province. – UPI, Speaking in Brussels, NATO military February 20 commander General John Craddock February 19, 2008 (IRAQ): Suspected warned that the Taliban will likely al-Qa`ida fighters killed a family that February 20, 2008 (MOROCCO): reduce the number of conventional was involved in resisting al-Qa`ida’s According to Morocco’s official news attacks due to persistent failure presence in Ba`quba. According to agency, authorities recently foiled an and instead increase the number authorities, “They killed the 60-year- Islamist terrorist plot to kill Jews, of “irregular, asymmetric” attacks, old man, his wife, their son Mustafa, cabinet ministers and army officers such as suicide bombings and other 18, and a 35-year-old neighbor” after in the country. The cell, which was in “sensational” operations. – Financial entering their home. It is believed that possession of a large amount of weapons, Times, February 20 the family recently joined an Awakening allegedly raised funds through petty Council. – AFP, February 20 crime and robbery in Europe. More February 18, 2008 (AFGHANISTAN): than 30 people have been arrested in NATO and Afghan forces killed two February 19, 2008 (IRAQ): Iraqi soldiers connection with the cell, and authorities regional Taliban commanders in killed two Saudis and one Algerian allege that the group had links to al- Helmand Province. The commanders suspected of al-Qa`ida involvement. Qa`ida. – AP, February 21 were identified as Mullah Abdul Matin The raid came after information was and Mullah Karim Agha, and it is gathered during an interrogation of a February 20-21, 2008 (AFGHANISTAN): believed that the two were responsible local al-Qa`ida leader. The information Afghan authorities neutralized a for several suicide bombings in the led authorities to an al-Qa`ida hideout terrorist cell in by province. – AP, February 21 in , where the Algerian and arresting 10 of its members. It is believed Saudis were discovered. – AFP, February that the cell was responsible for a series February 19, 2008 (AFGHANISTAN): 20 of recent bombings in the province that A was remotely detonated have killed more than 100 people. The in Kandahar, killing one civilian. February 19, 2008 (KYRGYZSTAN): arrests occurred in Kandahar city and Authorities believe that the missed The Kyrgyz government announced that Arghandab district. – AP, February 21 targets were two Afghan National Police it had discovered and apprehended a trucks that passed by the explosives- group of al-Qa`ida operatives operating February 21, 2008 (PHILIPPINES): The laden vehicle. – National Post, February in the country. The last of the suspects Philippine military is trying to confirm 19 was detained on February 15, according reports that top Jemaah Islamiyah to reports. – Reuters, February 19 operative Umar Patek was wounded February 19, 2008 (PHILIPPINES): The during a gun battle with government Philippine military announced that they February 20, 2008 (IRAQ): The U.S. troops on Tawi-Tawi on January 31. It is have discovered the body of who they military announced that it doubted the same gun battle that the government believe is top Jemaah Islamiyah bomb reports that the two women suicide believes killed Dulmatin, another top JI expert Dulmatin, who is suspected of bombers that struck Baghdad in operative. Authorities, in conjunction involvement in the . February had Down syndrome. The with the FBI, are still determining The body was discovered in a shallow women, however, had sought psychiatric whether the body discovered is indeed grave on Tawi-Tawi Island, and the FBI treatment, but it is unclear what their Dulmatin. – Philippine Star, February 21 is involved in testing DNA from the conditions were. – Washington Post, body to confirm whether it is Dulmatin. February 21 February 22, 2008 (IRAQ): A suicide – AFP, February 19 bomber killed at least four people February 20, 2008 (IRAQ): A suicide after detonating his explosives at the February 19, 2008 (IRAQ): The American bomber detonated his explosives in entrance of the al-Rahman mosque in Forces Press Service announced that the a market in Muqdadiya, 30 miles Falluja, Anbar Province. – Gulf News, U.S. military will soon launch Operation northeast of Ba`quba. Approximately February 23 Marne Grand Slam, aimed at attacking 10 people were killed in the blast. – leftover al-Qa`ida remnants southeast AFP, February 20 February 22, 2008 (IRAQ): Three of Baghdad. According to a UPI report, civilians were killed after a bomb, “The operation specifically involves February 20, 2008 (IRAQ): One woman concealed under a horse-drawn cart, clearing a peninsula that stretches into was killed after a suicide car bomber was remotely-detonated in Baghdad. – the Tigris River south of Salman Pak detonated his explosives in Tal Afar, AP, February 22 and then increasing U.S. troop presence Ninawa Province. – AFP, February 20 in the surrounding area to support the February 22, 2008 (IRAQ): Two local population.” – UPI, February 19 February 20, 2008 (IRAQ): The U.S. policemen were killed after an military released a report stating that explosives-laden car exploded in . February 19, 2008 (IRAQ): U.S. three individuals suspected of being The seemingly disabled vehicle was in soldiers detained six suspected al- leaders in al-Qa`ida in Iraq were killed the process of being towed into the local Qa`ida affiliated fighters in Baghdad or captured recently. One of the men police headquarters when the booby- and Samarra. One of the detainees is was identified as “Abu Karrar,” who trapped car exploded. – AP, February believed to have helped senior al-Qa`ida military authorities suspect is one of 22 leaders travel through Baghdad. – AP, al-Qa`ida’s leaders for operations in March 2008 . Vol 1 . Issue 4

February 22, 2008 (THAILAND): reward for his arrest. – AP, February 23 allegedly planned to bomb various Lukman B. Lima, the leader of the locations during the recent visit of separatist Pattani United Liberation February 23, 2008 (IRAQ): Suicide President George W. Bush. The arrests, Organization, warned the Thai bombers killed one of the senior which occurred in Dar es Salaam and government that failure to grant leaders of an Awakening Council in Arusha, included one suspect who autonomy to the provinces of Pattani, Falluja, Shaykh Ibrahim Mutayri al- authorities are certain was involved in Narathiwat and Yala would result in an Mohammedi. The shaykh was killed in the Paradise Hotel attack in Mombasa, escalation of the insurgency. Lukman is his home in an operation that allegedly Kenya in 2002. In total, five of the in exile in Sweden. – AP, February 22 involved five members of al-Qa`ida suspects are Tanzanian nationals, in Iraq, all of whom were killed in the while three are Arabs and one Asian. February 22, 2008 (AFGHANISTAN): A explosion. – BBC News, February 24 Authorities did not clarify the exact suicide car bomber attacked an Afghan date of the arrests. – The East African, army patrol in . There February 24, 2008 (PAKISTAN): Maulvi February 25 were no casualties other than the death Omar, the spokesman for Tehrik-i- of the assailant. – AP, February 22 Taliban, told reporters that the Taliban February 25, 2008 (IRAQ): Three movement in Pakistan is “looking for National Police officers were killed and February 22, 2008 (PAKISTAN): A dialogue with those who got elected” in nine wounded after a suicide bomber in roadside bomb killed at least 13 people in the country’s recent elections. Omar, a wheelchair detonated his explosives at Swat Valley in the North-West Frontier however, also said, “We want peace, a police station in Samarra. According to Province. Those killed were wedding but if they impose war on us, we will press reports, the bomber had arranged guests, and the dead included the bride, not spare them…We don’t want political a meeting between himself and Brig. her father and several children. – Voice parties to repeat the mistake which Gen. Abdul Jabbar Rabei Muttar. When of America, February 22 Musharraf committed and follow a path Muttar went to greet the wheelchair- dictated by the U.S.” – AP, February 24 confined bomber, he detonated his February 23, 2008 (PAKISTAN): Two explosives which were concealed under paramilitary soldiers and one policeman February 24, 2008 (IRAQ): At least the wheelchair seat. General Muttar was were killed after Islamist militants 50 people were killed after a suicide among the dead. – CNN, February 25 attacked a government checkpoint near bomber detonated his explosives among Peshawar. – AP, February 24 a large group of Shi`a pilgrims in February 25, 2008 (IRAQ): Four Shi`a Iskandariyya. The explosion occurred pilgrims were killed by a roadside bomb February 23, 2008 (AFGHANISTAN): when the group was gathered in a south of Baghdad. – AP, February 25 Seven Afghan guards were killed after refreshments tent while on their way to the vehicle in which they were traveling to celebrate the annual Arbain February 25, 2008 (PHILIPPINES): hit a landmine in . The festival. – Reuters, February 24; AP, Philippine marines killed an Islamic guards were providing security to a February 25 militant in the remote Tipo-Tipo town road construction company. – AFP, on Basilan Island. The firefight occurred February 23 February 24, 2008 (IRAQ): Three Shi`a after the marines encountered a group of pilgrims were killed after being attacked suspected Abu Sayyaf Group militants February 23, 2008 (AFGHANISTAN): by gunmen in Dora, a predominately while on patrol. – Philippine Inquirer, A suicide bomber detonated his Sunni neighborhood in Baghdad. – AP, February 26; philstar.com, February 26 explosives next to a police vehicle in February 24 , although there were no February 25, 2008 (AFGHANISTAN): fatal casualties other than the bomber. – February 24, 2008 (YEMEN): Yemeni The Taliban released a statement AFP, February 23 authorities announced that they foiled warning the four cell phone companies an attack on a crude oil pipeline in that operate in Afghanistan to cease February 23, 2008 (YEMEN): Jaber al- Marib Province and arrested a number operating every night between 5 PM Banna, a Yemeni-American and one of of the alleged perpetrators. – Reuters, and 7 AM. The Taliban stated that the FBI’s 26 most wanted terrorists, February 24 NATO and U.S. forces were tracking “appeared at a session of his trial in a the movement and location of their Yemeni court Saturday with bodyguards February 24, 2008 (MAURITANIA): fighters through cell phone signals, in and then walked free, apparently not A Mauritanian judge announced that addition to intercepting their cellular subject to any form of incarceration,” five Mauritanians and two Tunisians transmissions. If the companies fail according to the Associated Press. The have been charged for involvement in to cease operations between the time trial charged al-Banna and 22 other the February 2 attack on the Israeli period specified, the statement warns al-Qa`ida members for involvement Embassy in the country. It appears that that the Taliban will target “their in attacks on oil facilities. Al-Banna the men are not yet in custody, although offices, suboffices and tower stations.” is one of the 22 al-Qa`ida prisoners the judge expects their arrests shortly. – New York Times, February 26 who escaped from jail in Yemen in – AP, February 24 February 2006, only to later surrender February 25, 2008 (): to authorities. He was not, however, February 25, 2008 (TANZANIA): Somalia’s Youth Mujahidin Movement sent back to jail after his surrender. The Police in Tanzania are in the process (YMM) released an internet statement is offering a $5 million of interrogating nine suspects who claiming to have captured a strategic March 2008 . Vol 1 . Issue 4 town 15 miles south of Baidoa. The offer education and other benefits to February 26, 2008 (): statement claims that the YMM attacked children. The attack, which occurred Mohammed Hamid, who refers to the Dinsor military base in Bay Province, in the North-West Frontier Province, himself as “Usama bin London,” was and in the ensuing fight 300 government left three staff members dead. – CNN, convicted of operating terrorist training soldiers allegedly fled their positions. February 25 camps in England and of recruiting According to the statement, “We have Muslims to attend the camps. One of the driven out the apostate soldiers and February 26, 2008 (ALGERIA): men who attempted to bomb London’s have acquired many weapons, including Algerian security forces killed an al- public transportation system on July 21, four armored military vehicles.” – AKI, Qa`ida in the Islamic Maghreb leader 2005 had attended one of the camps. – February 25 in Legatha, which is 40 miles east of Washington Post, February 27 Algiers. The leader, who was identified February 25, 2008 (PAKISTAN): by the alias “Abdi Abdi,” was suspected February 26, 2008 (TUNISIA): A Surgeon General Lieutenant General of involvement in the September 12, Tunisian court sentenced 17 men to Mushtaq Baig was assassinated by 2006 bomb attacks on police stations prison terms ranging from 2-12 years a suicide bomber in Rawalpindi, the in Dergana and Reghaia, in addition to for creating a terrorist cell with links highest-ranking officer to be killed a June 2007 attack in Reghaia that left to al-Qa`ida in the Islamic Maghreb. in Pakistan’s fight against Islamist two police officers dead. – AP, February The men were all arrested in 2006. – militants that largely began almost 27 Reuters, February 27 two years ago. The attack occurred as the general’s vehicle was stopped in February 26, 2008 (ISRAEL): Major February 27, 2008 (IRAQ): The U.S. traffic on his way home from his office. General Amos Yadlin told the Knesset’s military killed two Saudi al-Qa`ida Seven others were killed in the attack, Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee militants in Mosul, one of which, including Baig’s bodyguard and driver. that al-Qa`ida operatives had slipped Abu Yasir al-Saudi, was believed to Witnesses report that the suicide bomber into the during the January have been behind the deaths of five ran up to the vehicle pretending to be a 23 border breaching incident on the U.S. soldiers on January 28. The two beggar. – guardian.co.uk, February 25 Egyptian border. – Jerusalem Post, foreign fighters were hit by a helicopter February 26 precision missile strike as they were February 25, 2008 (PAKISTAN): driving in the city. – AP, March 2 Pakistani authorities arrested Qari February 26, 2008 (IRAQ): At least Saifullah Akhtar on the suspicion that eight people were killed after a suicide February 27, 2008 (AFGHANISTAN): he was involved in an October suicide bomber exploded on a bus near Mosul in A six-hour gunfight erupted in Helmand bombing attack on Benazir Bhutto and Ninawa Province. There are conflicting Province after Taliban militants her supporters, although the attack reports, however, as one account stated engaged a government team that was failed to kill Bhutto; she was later that the bomber detonated his explosives destroying opium crops in Marja assassinated in a separate suicide after being confronted by a soldier who district. According to the provincial bombing on December 27. Authorities had boarded the bus at a checkpoint. police chief, approximately 25 Taliban stated that Bhutto named Qari Saifullah – Reuters, February 26 fighters were killed during the battle, Akhtar as a suspect in the October including a Taliban commander known attack before her death. It is believed February 26, 2008 (AFGHANISTAN): as Mullah Naqeebullah. – AFP, February that Akhtar used to run al-Qa`ida’s Five policemen were killed after a 28 Rishikor training camp in Afghanistan bomb destroyed their vehicle in Khost during the rule of the Taliban. – AP, Province. – AFP, February 26 February 27, 2008 (THAILAND): A February 26 Thai soldier was killed after his patrol February 26, 2008 (AFGHANISTAN): vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb in February 25, 2008 (PAKISTAN): Police A suicide bomber attempted to kill Krongpinang district of Yala Province. arrested four militants in Lahore who coalition forces in Kandahar, but his – Bangkok Post, February 27 were suspected of plotting terrorist explosives detonated prematurely after attacks on foreign missions. The men he was hit by coalition gunfire. – AFP, February 27, 2008 (SINGAPORE): Mas are allegedly members of Lashkar-e- February 26 Selamat bin Kastari, a leading operative Jhangvi, an al-Qa`ida-linked militant of Jemaah Islamiyah, escaped from a group. Authorities claimed that one of February 26, 2008 (UNITED STATES): police detention facility in Singapore. the suspects, Fahad Munir, confessed to The Pentagon announced that charges Kastari was arrested by Indonesian involvement in the November 1 suicide against Ali Hamza Ahmad Sulayman police on that country’s island of Bintan bombing on a bus transporting military al-Bahlul, who is accused of creating in January 2006, and custody was personnel in Sargodha, which left eight propaganda videos for al-Qa`ida and given to Singapore, where he has been people dead. – AP, February 26 assisting Usama bin Ladin, have been detained ever since. Kastari was the finalized. The Yemeni faces a military leader of the Singaporean wing of JI. – February 25, 2008 (PAKISTAN): trial at the Guantanamo Bay naval base. Reuters, February 28 Approximately 12 militants attacked A trial date, however, has not been set. the offices of the non-governmental – AP, February 27 February 28, 2008 (PAKISTAN): A organization Plan, an aid group that house in Kaloosha village of South works with local communities to Waziristan Agency was destroyed by March 2008 . Vol 1 . Issue 4 a missile, killing approximately 10 with four female bar employees. – AP, leaders who have spoken publicly suspected Islamist militants, some of March 2 against certain al-Qa`ida tactics, whom were believed Arab in origin. especially suicide bombings and attacks Press reports speculated that the March 2, 2008 (PAKISTAN): A suicide that kill large numbers of civilians. In missile was possibly fired from a U.S. bomber killed at least 39 people on the the book, titled Exonerations, Zawahiri Predator drone and that the targets outskirts of Peshawar during a meeting says that “this message that I present were connected to al-Qa`ida. – Reuters, of tribal leaders. The leaders were to the reader today is the most difficult, February 28 attending a jirga with the intent to form if not the hardest I have written in my a “committee of locals” to oppose anti- life,” and argues that former jihadist February 28, 2008 (UNITED STATES): government militants. – Reuters, March ideologues who have come out publicly The U.S. Treasury Department 2 against al-Qa`ida’s violent tactics are announced that it had placed economic serving “the interests of the Crusader- sanctions on four individuals—Badran March 2, 2008 (AFGHANISTAN): Zionist alliance with the Arab leaders to Turki Hishan al-Mazidih, Ghazy Fezza According to local officials in Helmand drug the mujahidin and drag them away Hishan al-Mazidih, Akram Turki Province, gunmen destroyed a cell from the confrontation.” – AP, March 3 Hishan al-Mazidih and Saddah Jaylut phone tower in . The al-Marsumi—who are accused of attack was the third of its kind since a March 3, 2008 (AFGHANISTAN): facilitating the flow of weapons, money, February 25 Taliban statement warning Taliban fighters attacked a NATO and terrorist operatives and other materials four cell phone companies that operate Afghan military compound in Sabri from Syria into Iraq. – AP, February 28 in Afghanistan to cease operating every district, Khost Province. During the night between 5 PM and 7 AM. – RFE/ attack, the fighters fired on soldiers February 28, 2008 (IRAQ): Authorities RL, March 3 guarding the compound, and then arrested an insurgent leader who led a drove a truck bomb into the compound, cell that recruited women for suicide March 2, 2008 (AFGHANISTAN): A detonating it inside. The number bomb operations. According to the U.S. Canadian soldier was killed after a of casualties were not immediately military, “The ringleader was a man convoy bringing supplies to an Afghan reported. – Reuters, March 3 trying to recruit women to carry out army outpost was hit by a roadside SVEST (suicide vest) bombings. The bomb. The attack occurred near an area March 3, 2008 (AFGHANISTAN): cell leader used his wife and another known as Mushan, 28 miles southwest Two NATO soldiers and two Afghan woman, to act as carriers of his next of Kandahar city. – Globe and Mail, civilians were killed after a suicide car SVEST attack.” The arrest occurred March 3 bomber targeted a government building near the town of Kan Bani Sad in Diyala in Yaqoubi district, Khost Province. – Province. – AP, March 1 March 2, 2008 (IRAQ): The U.S. military AP, March 4 announced that a car bomb killed at February 29, 2008 (PAKISTAN): A least four people in Samarra, including March 3, 2008 (SAUDI ARABIA): The suicide bomber detonated his explosives one child. – AP, March 3 Saudi Arabian government announced during a funeral for a slain police officer, that 28 al-Qa`ida suspects were killing at least 50 people in Mingora March 2, 2008 (IRAQ): A combined recently apprehended under suspicion of Swat District, North-West Frontier U.S.-Iraqi military operation targeted of planning to launch a “terrorist Province. – Chicago Tribune, March 4 an al-Qa`ida in Iraq cell that was campaign” inside the country. The involved with assassinations and group was part of the same plot that February 29, 2008 (PHILIPPINES): bomb attacks in Ninawa Province. involved an earlier set of 28 arrests in National police chief Director General The operation resulted in the killings December. According to the Interior Avelino Razon told reporters that of nine suspected insurgents, and the Ministry, there are now 56 suspected authorities had arrested three days capture of eight others. – AP, March 6; individuals part of the plot, and some earlier a foreigner involved in a plot to The Canadian Press, March 6 of them were in direct contact with al- assassinate President Gloria Macapagal Qa`ida’s senior leadership, including Arroyo and bomb foreign embassies March 2, 2008 (GLOBAL): Al-Qa`ida Ayman al-Zawahiri. According to the in the country. Little information was released a new video eulogy for their ministry, “They were instructed to revealed about the suspect, except that slain operative Abu Laith al-Libi, who rebuild the deviant organization and he has links to Jemaah Islamiyah and was killed by a U.S. Predator drone launch a terrorist campaign inside Saudi al-Qa`ida. The foiled terrorist plot was in Pakistan in late January. The new Arabia. Preparations for these criminal first revealed by authorities on February video, which was posted on jihadist web plans had reached advanced stages.” 14. – The Age, February 29 forums, displays the deceased body of – AFP, March 3 al-Libi. – AP, March 2 March 1, 2008 (PHILIPPINES): A bomb March 3, 2008 (): Abu exploded at a bar near a Philippine March 2, 2008 (GLOBAL): A new Dujana, one of the top Jemaah Islamiyah military camp on Island. U.S. troops book by al-Qa`ida second-in-command leaders in custody, told a court that he involved in the country’s counter- Ayman al-Zawahiri appeared on was involved in procuring weapons terrorism mission were present at the Islamist internet forums. In the 215-page and handling funds for the group. camp at the time of the explosion. Two book, Zawahiri attacks the “revisions” The operative said that he trained in Filipino soldiers were injured, along of a number of former radical Islamist Afghanistan and Pakistan in 1989. In March 2008 . Vol 1 . Issue 4 the 1990s, he was an instructor in the The operative was named as Pidas March 6, 2008 (PHILIPPINES): southern Philippines. According to Mohammad. – Philippine Star, March 4 Philippine authorities announced the Dujana, he became JI’s military leader arrests of two Arab militants who were in October 2005. – AP, March 3 March 4, 2008 (PAKISTAN): At least plotting to bomb the embassies of the four people were killed after two suicide United States, Israel and the United March 3, 2008 (SOMALIA): The U.S. bombers attacked a naval war college Kingdom in Manila. The men were Navy launched at least two Tomahawk in Lahore. According to an individual arrested last month during raids on the cruise missiles into southern Somalia in interviewed by the New York Times, island of Mindanao. – Reuters, March 6 an attempt to kill a “known al-Qa`ida “One suicide bomber was stationed terrorist.” The target was Saleh Ali outside the rear gate of the college… March 6, 2008 (ISRAEL): A single Saleh Nabhan, a Kenyan wanted by [he] exploded himself, probably to Palestinian gunman opened fire at the the FBI for suspected involvement in a make way for the second attacker. The Mercaz Harav religious seminary in terrorist attack on a hotel and airliner in gate was destroyed as a result of the Jerusalem, killing eight people. All Mombasa, Kenya in 2002. Furthermore, explosion. A naval vehicle was entering of the dead were rabbinical students. Kenyan authorities allege that Nabhan into the college at that time, and under – Bloomberg, March 6 was also involved in the 1998 U.S. that cover, the second bomber on a Embassy bombings in and Dar motorbike tried to enter the premises. March 7, 2008 (IRAQ): A car bomb es Salaam. It is not believed that he was He was challenged and he exploded exploded outside a Mosul police station, killed in the strike. – New York Times, himself near the transport shed, next to killing at least two Iraqi police officers March 4 the gate.” – New York Times, March 5 and one civilian. – AP, March 7

March 3, 2008 (IRAQ): A suicide March 5, 2008 (UNITED STATES): March 8, 2008 (SAUDI ARABIA): car bomber killed at least 21 people Former U.S. Navy sailor Hassan Abu- Saudi Arabia’s top religious authority, in Baghdad’s Bab al-Mudham Jihaad was convicted by a jury of Grand Mufti `Abd al-`Aziz al-Shaykh, neighborhood. Reports state that the providing material support to terrorists warned Saudis against providing assailant targeted a neighborhood watch and disclosing classified information. financial support to “evil” groups, a group’s checkpoint. – AP, March 3 Abu-Jihaad, a U.S.-born citizen, is a likely reference to al-Qa`ida. According Muslim convert who was previously to the shaykh, “It is bad to give funds March 3, 2008 (IRAQ): A suicide known as Paul R. Hall. He could face 25 to just anyone who asks, and to parties bomber tried to drive an explosives- years in prison and will be sentenced on with shabby reputations or unknown laden minibus into the headquarters May 23. – CNN, March 5 backing. It’s even worse to give it to an of the Interior Ministry’s 4th Brigade organization that’s known for its evil in Baghdad’s eastern March 5, 2008 (AFGHANISTAN): and for hurting Islam and its followers.” neighborhood. Iraqi security forces, CENTCOM commander Admiral – AP, March 8 however, managed to prevent the vehicle William Fallon told the U.S. House from entering the compound, although Armed Services Committee that he does March 9, 2008 (UNITED KINGDOM): the vehicle still exploded and killed at not expect the Taliban to launch a spring According to media reports, “four British least two Iraqi soldiers. – AP, March 3 offensive this year. – AP, March 5 police officers are under surveillance after being identified as possible al- March 3, 2008 (IRAQ): Iraqi police March 5, 2008 (PAKISTAN): A Qa`ida spies…” It is believed that the announced that three officers were Pakistani court sentenced al-Qa`ida- operatives joined the police department killed after a car bomb exploded in linked militant Anwarul Haq to death to monitor potential terrorism raids by Shikaat, a town north of Baghdad. – AP, for his role in a 2006 that London’s Metropolitan Police. MI5 and March 3 left U.S. diplomat David Foy, and three investigators are watching the suspects other people, dead. The attack occurred in order to build up an effective case March 4, 2008 (AFGHANISTAN): One on March 2, 2006 outside the U.S. against them, and they have not yet policeman was killed in of Consulate in Karachi. – AFP, March 5 been arrested. – Fox News, March 9 Khost Province after a suicide car bomber attempted to destroy a government March 5, 2008 (PAKISTAN): Taliban March 9, 2008 (YEMEN): Jaber al- building. The explosion was detonated militants attacked another telecom Banna, a Yemeni-American and one of prematurely after Afghan guards fired tower in Afghanistan, making it the the FBI’s 26 most wanted terrorists, was at the vehicle as it was approaching its fourth attack on a cell phone tower since granted bail on his own recognizance target. – AP, March 4 late February. The attack occurred in and was free to leave the court. Al- southern . – Reuters, Banna previously appeared in court on March 4, 2008 (PHILIPPINES): March 6 February 23 and was not subject to any According to the Armed Forces of the form of incarceration at that time either. Philippines, in conjunction with a press March 6, 2008 (IRAQ): Two bombs – AFP, March 9 report quoting intelligence authorities ripped through a busy Baghdad and local officials, a Jordanian Jemaah shopping district, killing approximately March 10, 2008 (GLOBAL): Top al- Islamiyah operative is training Abu 68 people. The attack occurred in the Qa`ida operative Abu Yahia al-Libi Sayyaf Group members in bomb-making primarily Shi`a, middle class Karrada appeared in a new video posted on and sabotage techniques in Basilan. neighborhood. – AP, March 7 Islamist web forums. In the video, al-Libi March 2008 . Vol 1 . Issue 4 claims that the recent revisions by Sayyid tourists at a later stage.” – BBC News, Mohammed Taher al-Barqawi (also Imam, the former mufti of Egyptian March 10 known as Shaykh Abu Muhammad al- Islamic Jihad, was a forgery created by Maqdisi) after being in police custody the Egyptian security apparatus, which March 11, 2008 (UNITED KINGDOM): since 2005. Al-Maqdisi is considered is the “master of deception.” Al-Libi A British court sentenced Khalid Khaliq a mentor to now deceased al-Qa`ida in asked, “If the document really reflects to 16 months in jail for possessing an al- Iraq leader Abu Mus`ab al-Zarqawi. its author’s belief, then why is the Qa`ida training manual. Khaliq was in Zarqawi and al-Maqdisi shared a cell block security apparatus keeping him behind personal contact with some of the July 7 between 1995 and 1999. - AP, March 12 bars?” - AP, March 11 London bombers. – BBC News, March 11 March 13, 2008 (NORTH AFRICA): A March 10, 2008 (PHILIPPINES/ March 11, 2008 (IRAQ): A bus traveling statement by al-Qa`ida in the Islamic INDONESIA): According to the from to was hit by a roadside Maghreb was posted on an Islamist Associated Press, “Philippine and bomb, killing at least 16 civilians. – AP, website, and the group declared that Indonesian police are planning to set up March 11 it would free two abducted Austrian a DNA databank to help rapidly identify tourists if all of AQIM’s jailed captured or slain members of the al- March 11, 2008 (PAKISTAN): Two operatives were released in Tunisia and Qaida-linked militant group Jemaah suicide car bombers drove an explosives- Algeria. The statement also included Islamiyah.” The proposed system would laden vehicle into Pakistan’s Federal six photographs of the two hostages as involve Interpol. – AP, March 10 Investigation Agency in Lahore, killing proofs of life. It is believed that the two approximately 17 people and largely tourists were kidnapped on February March 10, 2008 (IRAQ): A female destroying the building. – CNN, March 22. - AP, March 13 suicide bomber killed Thaer Saggban al- 11 Karkhi, a prominent Sunni Arab tribal March 13, 2008 (AFGHANISTAN): leader who led a neighborhood security March 11, 2008 (PAKISTAN): A suicide A suicide car bomber attacked a U.S. group in Kanaan, Diyala Province. The bomber drove a van into a house in an troop convoy in Kabul, damaging two bomber knocked on the door of the area of Lahore known as Model Town, armored vehicles. Although no coalition chief’s home, and then detonated her killing three people. – CNN, March 11 troops were killed in the attack, at explosives when he came to the door. least six civilians died in the blast. The In addition to al-Karkhi’s death, three March 11, 2008 (THAILAND): Suspected Taliban claimed responsibility. - Voice others were killed including the chief’s insurgents killed a local official in of America, March 13 niece. – Reuters, March 10 Saiburi district of Pattani Province. – TNA, March 11 March 13, 2008 (IRAQ): Iraqi March 10, 2008 (IRAQ): A suicide authorities announced that alleged al- car bomber targeted a hotel popular March 11, 2008 (SOMALIA): A roadside Qa`ida militants attacked the Benizad with foreigners and government bomb partially destroyed a Central village in Diyala Province, killing five officials in Sulaymaniyah Province. Bank of Somalia vehicle, in southern members of an Awakening Council and The Sulaymaniyah Palace Hotel was Mogadishu, killing two police officers. then beheading them. - AFP, March 13 damaged in the blast, and at least one – AFP, March 11 person was killed. – Reuters, March 10 March 13, 2008 (IRAQ): A suicide car March 12, 2008 (AFGHANISTAN): A bomber killed at least 18 people in March 10, 2008 (IRAQ): Five U.S. suicide car bomber targeted a NATO- central Baghdad’s Bab al-Sharji area. - soldiers were killed after a suicide led convoy in Kandahar, but failed to AFP, March 13 bomber targeted their foot patrol in cause casualties among the troops. One Mansour district of Baghdad. – Reuters, civilian, however, was killed in the March 13, 2008 (GERMANY): Abdelali March 10 attack. - Reuters, March 12 Miftah, a Moroccan charged for recruiting and smuggling fighters to al- March 10, 2008 (IRAQ): Three U.S. March 12, 2008 (AFGHANISTAN): A Qa`ida in Iraq, appeared in court today soldiers were killed by a roadside bomb roadside bomb blew up next to a vehicle and could be sentenced to five years in north of Baghdad. – AP, March 11 containing Romanian ISAF troops on prison if convicted. Miftah was arrested a road between Kandahar and Zabul in March 2007 in Sweden. - AP, March March 10, 2008 (TUNISIA): Al-Qa`ida Province. Three of the soldiers were 13 in the Islamic Maghreb released a wounded. - AFP, March 12 statement that claimed credit for the March 14, 2008 (UNITED STATES): kidnappings of two Austrian tourists March 12, 2008 (AFGHANISTAN): The Pentagon announced that a high- who disappeared from Tunisia in According to Nimroz Governor Ghulam level al-Qa`ida operative, Mohammad February. According to the statement, Dastagir Azad, Afghan and coalition Rahim, was now in U.S. custody at the tourists were abducted on February forces killed 41 Taliban militants who Guantanamo Bay. Rahim, who allegedly 22 and were seized in response to the were traveling through Helmand Province. helped Usama bin Ladin escape from West’s support for Israel. According - The Press Association, March 13 Afghanistan in 2001, was likely detained to al-Jazira, “The spokesman said in in the summer of 2007, although the the tape that the group will announce March 12, 2008 (JORDAN): The circumstances of his apprehension are its conditions for the release of the two Jordanian government freed Isam not clear. - AP, March 14