Report: Islamic Terror Rising as Al-Qaeda Fades
15 December 2009
, The Associated Press, 15 December 2009
EXCERPT: "Targeted by drone strikes in Pakistan, al-Qaida is losing ground and financing even as attacks by Islamist groups are on the rise, according to a report obtained by The Associated Press. Attacks by Islamist militant groups on civilian targets in Afghanistan are on track to increase by 15-20 percent this year over last year's totals, said the...
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UK to Buy 22 Chinooks to Support Troops
15 December 2009
, Financial Times, 15 December 2009
EXCERPT: "Britain said on Tuesday it was buying 22 Chinook military helicopters to increase air support for its troops in Afghanistan. The first 10 new Chinooks, made by Boeing, will be completed by 2013 and the order will increase the Chinook fleet size to 70 from 48, the ministry of defence said in a statement. Bob Ainsworth, defence secretary, is...
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Eight Killed, 40 Injured in Kabul Blast
15 December 2009
Eight Killed, 40 Injured in Kabul in Suicide Car Blast, Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, 15 December 2009
EXCERPT: "A suicide car bomber has killed at least eight people and injured 40 in central Kabul. Afghan officials say the bomber appeared to be targeting the home of Ahmad Zia Mas'ud, President Hamid Karzai's former first vice president and the brother of slain Afghan mujahedin commander Ahmad Shah Mas'ud. Karzai, speaking at...
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ICRC Visits Prisoners Held by Taliban
15 December 2009
ICRC Visits Prisoners Held by Afghan Taliban, BBC News, 15 December 2009
EXCERPT: "Representatives from the International Red Cross (ICRC) have paid their first visit to prisoners held by the Taliban in Afghanistan, officials say. The organisation said its officials twice visited three members of the Afghan security forces who are being held in Badghis province. The ICRC regularly visits prisoners of war around the world to check on...
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