Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

They died Sept. 26, in Pul-E Alam, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when an insurgent wearing a suicide vest detonated the device near their patrol. These Soldiers were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Schweinfurt, Germany.

Killed were:

Staff Sgt. Orion N. Sparks, 29, of Tucson, Ariz., and

Sgt. Jonathan A. Gollnitz, 28, of Lakehurst, N.J.

For more information, please contact the U.S. Army Europe public affairs office in Heidelberg, Germany at 011-49-162-271-6685.

ISAF Condemns ‘Despicable’ Suicide-bomber Attack

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, July 14, 2012 – The International Security Assistance Force condemned today’s "senseless and cowardly" suicide-bomber attack at a wedding in Afghanistan’s northern Samangan province that killed nearly 20 people, including a member of the country's parliament, and wounded dozens, military officials reported.

A suicide attacker blew himself up at the entrance to a wedding hall in Aybak, the province’s capital, officials said, noting the blast killed at least 19 people and wounded more than 43 others.

Ahmad Khan Samangani, a member of the Afghan parliament; Mohammad Khan, the provincial director of the National Directorate of Security; and Lt. Gen. Said Ahmad Samse were among those killed in the attack, officials said.

Regional Command-North is providing medical and surgical assistance to the injured, according to a RC-North news release issued today.

The International Security Assistance Force stated in a release issued today that it “strongly condemns this senseless and cowardly act of insurgent terror that resulted in the murder of innocent civilians. These despicable acts continue to disrupt peace and demonstrate an utter lack of respect for Afghan lives.”

“Once again the Taliban have murdered Afghans in cold blood with complete disregard for innocent life or to the sanctity of a wedding,” ISAF commander Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen stated in the release. “Their depravity clearly knows no bounds. The disgust of the Afghan people for these criminals only continues to grow.

“ISAF continues to stand with the noble people of Afghanistan and we offer our assistance in solving this crime,” Allen continued. “I offer my sincerest condolences and prayers to the family and friends who are suffering from the loss of their loved ones."

ISAF “remains committed to stopping acts of terror together with Afghan National Security Forces in order to build a secure environment that promotes lasting peace and a secure way of life for the Afghan people,” the command’s release said.

Virginia Man Accused of Attempting to Bomb U.S. Capitol in Suicide Attack

Explosives Had Been Rendered Inoperable by Authorities and Posed No Threat

WASHINGTON – A 29-year-old man residing in Alexandria, Va., was arrested today for allegedly attempting to detonate a bomb in a suicide attack on the U.S. Capitol Building as part of what he intended to be a terrorist operation.

 The charges were announced by Neil MacBride, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Lisa Monaco, Assistant Attorney General for National Security; and James W. McJunkin, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office.

 Amine El Khalifi, an immigrant from Morocco who is illegally present in the United States, was charged today by criminal complaint with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction against property that is owned and used by the United States.  He made his initial appearance today at 4:15 p.m. before Judge T. Rawles Jones Jr.  If convicted, El Khalifi faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

 The arrest of El Khalifi was the culmination of an undercover operation during which he was closely monitored by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF).  The explosives and firearm that he allegedly sought and attempted to use had been rendered inoperable by law enforcement and posed no threat to the public.

 “The complaint filed today alleges that Amine El Khalifi sought to blow himself up in the U.S. Capitol Building,” said U.S. Attorney MacBride. “El Khalifi allegedly believed he was working with al-Qaeda and devised the plot, the targets and the methods on his own.”

 “Today’s case underscores the continuing threat we face from homegrown violent extremists,” said Assistant Attorney General Monaco.  “Thanks to a coordinated law enforcement effort, El Khalifi’s alleged plot was thwarted before anyone was harmed.”

 “This individual allegedly followed a twisted, radical ideology that is not representative of the Muslim community in the United States,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge McJunkin. “He became known to the JTTF because of his stated desire to carry out attacks in the U.S., specifically, the U.S. Capitol building.  This arrest is the result of dedicated special agents, task force officers and intelligence analysts from the FBI and our partner law enforcement agencies that make up the JTTF.”

 According to the criminal complaint affidavit, in January 2011, a confidential human source reported to the FBI that El Khalifi met with other individuals at a residence in Arlington, Va., on Jan. 11, 2011.  During this meeting, one individual produced what appeared to be an AK-47, two revolvers and ammunition.  El Khalifi allegedly expressed agreement with a statement by this individual that the “war on terrorism” was a “war on Muslims” and said that the group needed to be ready for war.

 The affidavit alleges that El Khalifi sought to be associated with an armed extremist group, and on Dec 1, 2011, he was introduced by a man he knew as “Hussien” to an individual named “Yusuf,” who was, in reality, an undercover law enforcement officer.  Throughout December 2011 and January 2012, El Khalifi allegedly proposed to carry out a bombing attack. His proposed targets included a building that contained U.S. military offices, as well as a synagogue, U.S. Army generals and a restaurant frequented by military officials.

 During meetings with the undercover officer, El Khalifi allegedly handled an AK-47and indicated his desire to conduct an operation in which he would use a gun and kill people face-to-face.  He also allegedly selected a restaurant in Washington, D.C., for a bombing attack; handled an explosive as an example of what could be used in the attack; conducted surveillance to determine the best place and time for the bombing and purchased materials as part of the planned operation.

 On Jan. 7, 2012, “Hussien” informed El Khalifi that he was an al-Qaeda operative.  El Khalifi allegedly discussed the possibility that his planned bombing of the restaurant would be followed by a second attack against a military installation to be conducted by others who El Khalifi believed to be associated with al-Qaeda. The affidavit alleges that El Khalifi understood that his attack on the restaurant would be part of an al-Qaeda operation that would include both his restaurant bombing and the attack against a military installation.

 The affidavit alleges that on Jan. 15, 2012, El Khalifi stated that he had modified his plans for his attack.  Rather than conduct an attack on a restaurant, he wanted to conduct a suicide attack at the U.S. Capitol Building. That same day at a quarry in West Virginia, as a demonstration of the effects of the proposed suicide bomb operation, El Khalifi dialed a cell phone number that he believed would detonate a bomb placed in the quarry.  The test bomb detonated, and El Khalifi expressed a desire for a larger explosion in his attack.  He also selected Feb. 17, 2012, as the day of the operation, according to the affidavit.

 The affidavit alleges that over the next month, El Khalifi traveled to the U.S. Capitol Building on multiple occasions to conduct surveillance, choosing the spot where he would be dropped off to enter the building for the martyrdom operation, the specific time for the attack and the method he would use to avoid attracting the attention of law enforcement. El Khalifi also asked Hussien to remotely detonate the bomb he would be wearing on the day of the attack if El Khalifi encountered problems with security officers, and to provide El Khalifi with a gun that he could use during the attack to shoot any officers who might attempt to stop him.

 On February 17, 2012, El Khalifi allegedly traveled to a parking garage near the U.S. Capitol Building.  El Khalifi took possession of a MAC-10 automatic weapon and put on a vest containing what he believed to be a functioning bomb.  Unbeknownst to El Khalifi, both the weapon and the bomb had been rendered inoperable by law enforcement.  El Khalifi walked alone from the vehicle toward the United States Capitol, where he intended to shoot people and detonate the bomb.  El Khalifi was arrested and taken into custody before exiting the parking garage.

 This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Washington Field Office.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gordon Kromberg and Michael Ben’Ary of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, as well as Trial Attorneys Joseph Kaster and Courtney Sullivan from the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.

 The charges contained in the criminal complaint are mere allegations.  As in any criminal case, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Senior Leaders Condemn Insurgent Suicide Attacks

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force and ISAF Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2011 – WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2011 – Afghan President Hamid Karzai and senior U.S. military and diplomatic leaders in Afghanistan jointly condemned today’s terrorist attacks in Kabul and Mazar-e-Sharif that reportedly killed and wounded dozens of innocent Afghan civilians observing the Ashura religious festival, military officials reported.

“An attack against Ashura pilgrims on one of the holiest of days in the Islamic calendar is an attack against Islam itself, and we denounce and condemn these atrocities in the strongest of terms,” said Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, commander of the International Security Assistance Force. “Our prayers and deepest sympathies are with the families and loved ones of those innocent civilians killed or injured in today’s horrific attacks.”

NATO’s senior civilian representative in Afghanistan, Ambassador Simon Gass, said, "The attacks today in Afghanistan, on such an important religious day, are horrifying and to be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

“That men, women and children are killed and injured on Ashura is particularly tragic,” Gass continued. “Our prayers and condolences are with them all and their family and friends.”

“Just a few days ago,” Allen said, “20 scholars from prestigious Islamic religious centers around the world condemned violence under the name of Islam in Afghanistan and other countries.

“This insurgency, which wraps itself in a false veil of Islam, must know that killing innocent pilgrims will spell their own demise,” the general said. “Once again, I call on Mullah Omar to condemn this grotesque act of terrorism.”

In Afghanistan operations yesterday:

-- A Haqqani network leader responsible for a recent car bomb attack was captured by a combined Afghan and coalition security force in the Pul-e ‘Alam district of Logar province.

The leader was responsible for the Dec. 2 car bomb attack in the Muhammad Aghah district, which killed a civilian and wounded nine others. One suspected insurgent also was detained.

-- A combined force captured a Taliban leader and a suspected insurgent in the Dehdadi district of Balkh province. The leader conducted attacks against Afghan forces.

-- A Taliban leader was captured by a combined Afghan and coalition security force in the Nawah-ye Barakzai district of Helmand province. The leader manufactured roadside bombs.

-- A combined force captured a Taliban insurgent and detained several suspects in the Qalat district of Zabul province.

-- In the Ghorak district of Kandahar province, a combined force detained several suspects during a search for a Taliban facilitator who distributes narcotics and roadside bomb-making materials.

-- A combined force seized bomb-making materials and detained several suspects while searching for a Taliban leader in the Khogyani district of Ghazni province. The leader directs insurgent operations in the district.

In Dec. 4 Afghanistan operations:

-- A combined force confiscated a weapons cache containing 31 pressure plates, 15 30mm rounds, nine recoilless rifle rounds, 15 pounds of explosives and electronic detonation devices in Helmand’s Kajaki district.

-- In Helmand’s Musa Qal’ ah district, a combined force seized a weapons cache containing 14 mines and one 105 mm casing with nine pounds of explosive material and metal fragments.

Coalition Commander Condemns Insurgent Attacks

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From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan, Nov. 8, 2011 – The commander of the International Security Assistance Force’s Regional Command North condemned yesterday’s insurgent suicide attack near the office of a local leader in Afghanistan’s Baghlan province.

Despite the holy days of Eid ul Adha, insurgents have recently conducted two suicide attacks on innocent civilians, German Army Maj. Gen. Markus Kneip said.

Yesterday’s attack occurred near the office of Mullah Allam, a member of the Loya Jirga. Security forces shot the insurgent as he was attempting to enter the office. The insurgent then blew himself up.

Six Afghan security force members were injured in the attack. ISAF medical teams provided treatment to the injured, which were transported to local medical facilities.

A Nov. 6 insurgent bombing occurred outside a mosque in Baghlan province. These attacks, Kneip said, came just days after Mullah Omar stated in his EID message that the Taliban should preach protection of civilian life, wealth and honor to mujahedin and promote virtue.

“These attacks display the lack of respect for the lives of innocent Afghans,” Kneip said. “Instead of celebrating, there are families who are mourning today. Our condolences go out to the families of the innocent victims killed and wounded in these horrible acts.”

Flournoy: Coalition Continues Progress in Afghanistan

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By Lisa Daniel

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2011 – Despite recent high-profile attacks, the international coalition is making significant progress in Afghanistan, the Pentagon’s top policy official said today.

Recent violence in Afghanistan, such as an Oct. 31 suicide bombing at a U.N. compound in Kandahar that killed 10 people and an Oct. 29 suicide bus bombing that killed 13 Americans in Kabul, reminded Americans that “bringing about a peaceful Afghanistan is far from complete,” Michéle Flournoy, undersecretary of defense for policy, said at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.

Such isolated attacks should not cause people to think that U.S. and NATO operations are “doomed,” Flournoy said. Events on the ground prove “momentum has shifted in Afghanistan and the strategy is working.”

Flournoy, a former term member of the council who just returned from her seventh trip to Afghanistan in two years, said the coalition is degrading the insurgency, building up Afghan forces, and holding territory.

A semiannual Defense Department report to Congress last week shows that violence decreased during the spring-summer fighting season this year for the first time in at least five years, Flournoy said. “This is the most sustained downturn in enemy-initiated violence, so far, in Afghanistan,” she said.

The improved security is making it increasingly hard for insurgents to hold ground, Flournoy said.

The insurgency continues to benefit from support in Pakistan, the undersecretary said, and corruption hinders reforms. But millions more Afghans have access to education, health care and political representation, she noted. Afghanistan’s gross domestic product has increased at about 12 percent each year in 10 years, and exports are up 30 percent since the Taliban were in power, she added.

“These statistics offer perspective and, I believe, hope, … with more and more Afghans seeing the extremist worldview as nothing but a dead end,” Flournoy said.

The United States and NATO have been successful in Afghanistan because of President Barack Obama’s decision in 2009 to surge coalition personnel, then build up Afghan forces, the undersecretary said. Afghan security forces are on track to meet both quantitative and qualitative goals, and increasingly take the lead in security and humanitarian operations, Flournoy told the group. Coalition forces are on the verge of transferring more territory to Afghan control, placing half the country’s population under Afghan security, she added.

That process will continue until Afghan forces are in control of security for the whole country in 2014, Flournoy said, but that will not end U.S. involvement.

“We have no intention of abandoning Afghanistan,” Flournoy said. “We have done that before, with terrible consequences.”

As the United States draws down troops in Afghanistan, the U.S. focus increasingly will turn to economic growth, including cataloging the country’s mineral wealth and partnering with Silicon Valley, Calif., technical entrepreneurs on incubators, she said. “The [histories] of our two nations have become very intertwined,” Flournoy said. “We share the common core goal of disrupting and defeating transnational terrorist networks that emanate from that region.”

16 Coalition Personnel Killed in Afghanistan Attacks

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2011 – A car bomb smashed into an International Security Assistance Force convoy in Kabul today killing 13 coalition personnel, NATO officials said.

 Five of the dead are service members, and eight are ISAF civilian employees. The attack injured several Afghans and coalition personnel as well as innocent Afghan civilian.

News reports out of Kabul say the Taliban took credit for the car bomb attack, and reports indicate the car ran into what is popularly called a Rhino -- essentially an armored bus.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta was informed of the convoy attack soon after it happened. “His heart goes out to those who were killed and wounded, and to their families,” said Pentagon Press Secretary George Little. “Continuing our aggressive pursuit of the enemy will honor their sacrifice, and he is determined that the United States – working closely with our Afghan and NATO partners – will do precisely that.”

A second attack in southern Afghanistan took the lives of three more coalition personnel and wounded others when a man wearing an Afghan National Army uniform shot the soldiers.

ISAF Commander U.S. Marine Gen. John R. Allen condemned today’s terrorist attacks.

“I am both saddened and outraged by the attacks that took place today against coalition forces and the people of Afghanistan,” Allen said in a written release. “The enemies of peace are not martyrs, but murderers. To hide the fact that they are losing territory, support and the will to fight, our common enemy continues to employ suicide attackers to kill innocent Afghan fathers, mothers, sons and daughters, as well as the coalition forces who have volunteered to protect them.”

Allen also mentioned a suicide attack launched by a young girl who walked into a building housing the National Directorate of Security, Afghanistan’s internal intelligence service, in the eastern province of Kunar. The girl killed herself and wounded several NDS personnel.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed and injured in today’s attacks,” Allen said. “Their sacrifices will be honored and the enemy will be held to account.”

ISAF Condemns Killing of Kandahar’s Mayor

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, July 27, 2011 – The International Security Assistance Force joined Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai in condemning today’s killing of Kandahar City Mayor Ghulam Haidar Hamedi, military officials reported.

Initial reports indicate Hamedi was killed by a suicide bomber in Kandahar, the largest city in southern Afghanistan. One other person was reported to have died in the blast.

“Mayor Hamedi was a strong leader and voice for a terror-free and progressive Afghanistan, and we extend our sympathies to his family and friends at this sorrowful time,” said Navy Rear Adm. Vic Beck, the ISAF’s director of public affairs.

“We will work with our Afghan partners to bring to justice those responsible for this despicable killing,” Beck added.

In Afghanistan news yesterday:

-- An Afghan-led force killed two insurgents and confiscated enemy weapons during a security operation in the Qush Tepa district of Afghanistan’s Jowzjan province. While the force pursued the insurgents, one of them attempted to engage the force with his AK-47 rifle. The security force returned fire, killing the individual. A second insurgent was killed after he displayed hostile intent toward the force. The security force confiscated a machine gun, an AK-47 rifle, grenades, and a chest rack.

-- An Afghan-led security force killed one insurgent and detained one suspect while targeting a Taliban leader in the Qal’ah-ye Zal district of Kunduz province. The leader is responsible for planning, coordinating and conducting attacks throughout the Imam Sahib district. The primary targets of his attacks are Afghan government officials and Afghan security forces. During the operation, the security force encountered one insurgent, armed with a pistol. The force fired at the man, killing him.

-- In the Shah Joy district of Zabul province, a combined Afghan and coalition force captured a Taliban leader and several of his associates. The leader was involved in conducting roadside bomb attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. He also moves roadside bomb material along Highway 1.

-- An Afghan-led force captured a Taliban facilitator and two of his associates during an operation in the Zharay district of Kandahar province. The detained facilitator was responsible for constructing and emplacing roadside bombs.

-- In the Ghorak district of Kandahar province, an Afghan-led force detained two suspects during a security operation. The operation targeted an insurgent responsible for providing a safe haven for Taliban leadership throughout the Ghorak and Sangin districts.

-- A combined Afghan and coalition force detained several suspects while searching for two Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin leaders in the Nerkh district of Wardak province. The leaders direct enemy fighters in attacks against Afghan and coalition security forces.

-- In the Ab Band district of Ghazni province, an Afghan-led force detained two suspected insurgents during a security operation targeting an Islamic Movement Uzbekistan facilitator. The facilitator collaborates with Taliban members and senior leaders of the IMU.

-- A combined Afghan and coalition patrol discovered a weapons cache in the Giro district of Ghazni province. The security force seized 220 12.7mm rounds of ammunition and improvised explosive device components.

Father of Would-Be Suicide Bomber Convicted of Obstructing Terrorism Investigation

Mohammed Wali Zazi, the father of convicted terrorist Najibullah Zazi (“Najibullah”), was found guilty today by a Brooklyn federal jury of destroying bomb-making materials and conspiring to obstruct the federal investigation into Najibullah’s and his co-conspirators’ terrorist plot to attack the New York City subway system.

The verdict was announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; James F. Yacone, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Denver Field Office; Janice K. Fedarcyk, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office; and Raymond W. Kelly, Commissioner, New York City Police Department.

Testimony and evidence at trial, as well as other court documents in this and related cases, established that a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of New York began investigating Najibullah’s plot to detonate improvised explosive devices in the New York City area in September 2009. The investigation by the grand jury and the Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed that Najibullah had sent e-mail messages to a contact in Pakistan seeking key ingredients for constructing a bomb, and had then rented a car in Denver, Colorado, and driven toward New York City. On September 11, 2009, while Najibullah was in New York City, the FBI conducted a covert search of his car and discovered handwritten bomb-making notes. Also on September 11, a Queens imam, who had been asked by authorities for information about Najibullah, tipped off the defendant and Najibullah about the investigation. Najibullah then returned to his home in Colorado.

After Najibullah returned to Colorado, his family members, led by the defendant Mohammed Wali Zazi, attempted to derail the federal investigation that was moving quickly to gather information about the plotters and the plot. For example, when asked about his relationship with the Queens imam who had tipped off the family about the investigation, the defendant lied to the FBI, claiming that he had no idea who the imam was—even though he had known the imam for years and had just engaged in a lengthy telephone call with him about the terrorist investigation. The defendant also lied about his relationship to Najibullah’s co-conspirator, Amanullah Zazi. Finally, the defendant directed family members to destroy Najibullah’s chemicals and other bomb-making materials so that the FBI would not find them.

When sentenced on December 2, 2011, the defendant faces a maximum of 20 years in prison on each of the two counts of conviction. Eastern District of New York Assistant U.S. Attorneys will also prosecute the defendant separately for visa fraud in the Southern District of New York.1

The defendant is the third individual to be convicted of attempting to obstruct the investigation in the Eastern District of New York into Najibullah’s and his co-conspirators’ terrorist plot. On January 8, 2010, Najibullah’s cousin, Amanullah, pleaded guilty to obstructing justice and aiding Najibullah and others in the receipt of al Qaeda training, and on January 22, 2010, Najibullah’s uncle, Naqib Jaji, pleaded guilty to obstructing justice.

“This defendant sought to conceal one of the most serious terror plots in recent times. He also enlisted others to help him spin his web of lies and to destroy key evidence. Had the plot not been thwarted, it would have left Americans at grave risk,” stated United States Attorney Lynch. “Just as we and our partners in law enforcement will vigorously prosecute those who plot terrorist attacks, we will also seek out and bring to justice those who obstruct the government’s investigations into those plots.” Ms. Lynch expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the federal and state law enforcement personnel who took part in the investigation.

“Mohammed Wali Zazi may have been under no legal obligation to assist investigators. But he lied to them, impeding the investigation and obstructing justice. Being uncooperative is one’s prerogative. Obstructing justice is a crime,” said FBI New York Assistant Director in Charge Fedarcyk.

NYPD Commissioner Kelly stated, “One of the reasons for New York’s safety in the decade since 9/11 was manifested in today’s verdict. The collaboration between NYPD detectives and FBI agents, and the prosecutors’ pursuit of justice in the case, has once again demonstrated the importance of that partnership.”

The government’s case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Berit Berger, Andrew E. Goldsmith and Melissa Marrus of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, and Trial Attorney Courtney Sullivan of the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, with assistance provided by Trial Attorney William Narus of the Counterterrorism Section.

1 The charges contained in the visa fraud indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

FBI Announces Identity of Transitional Federal Government Checkpoint Suicide Bomber

Donald E. Oswald, Special Agent in Charge of the Minneapolis Office of the FBI, today announces the identity of one of the two suicide bombers responsible for the suicide bombing attack at a Transitional Federal Government checkpoint in Mogadishu, Somalia on May 30, 2011. One suicide bomber has been positively identified as Farah Mohamed Beledi. Following the attack, the FBI obtained fingerprints of one of the bombers and forwarded them to the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Those fingerprints were compared against the known fingerprints of Beledi, and a positive match was made. The FBI is continuing efforts to identify the unknown suicide bomber.

Beledi, 27 years old, was indicted by a Federal Grand Jury in Minneapolis in July 2010. He is one of thirteen men from the Twin Cities who have been charged with terrorism offenses for traveling to Somalia and joining the designated terrorist organization al-Shabaab. Beledi was charged with, among other things, conspiring to and providing material support to al-Shabaab, and conspiring to kill, kidnap, maim and injure persons abroad. He is believed to have left Minnesota in October 2009 for Somalia. The men are part of an ongoing FBI investigation into al-Shabaab’s recruitment and radicalization of young Somali men in the Twin Cities.

The FBI’s primary role in this matter is to determine the identities of the suicide bombers and any connection they may have to United States persons, or any terrorist support or recruitment efforts occurring in the United States.

Forces Kill, Detain Insurgents in Afghanistan

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force and ISAF Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, March 18, 2011 – Afghan and coalition forces killed two insurgents yesterday in the Reg-e Khan district of Afghanistan’s Helmand province, military officials reported.

Troops spotted several insurgents setting up an enemy fighter position and requested close-air support to disrupt their activities.

In other operations yesterday throughout Afghanistan:

-- Security forces killed one insurgent and detained several other suspects while searching for a senior Taliban leader in Sar-e Pul province’s Sayyad Valley district. The Taliban leader is linked to trafficking foreign fighters and training suicide bombers in camps in northern Afghanistan.

-- Forces captured numerous insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader responsible for trade and smuggling operations in Helmand province’s Kajaki district.

-- In Zabul province’s Qalat district, troops detained several suspected insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader associated with weapons trafficking and foreign fighter camps. The Taliban leader is suspected of giving financial and logistical support to insurgents.

-- Afghan and coalition troops in Khost province’s Bak district captured a Haqqani network terrorist leader and two other insurgents suspected in bombing attacks in the area.

-- In Wardak province’s Nerkh district, troops detained two suspected insurgents while targeting a Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin terrorist group leader responsible for at least 20 fighters in the area.

In operations March 16:

-- Security forces killed several armed insurgents and wounded another who ambushed their patrol in Kunar province’s Shigal wa Sheltan district. Troops used close-air support to repel the attack.

-- Forces found several weapons and drug stockpiles throughout Afghanistan. They seized 6,600 pounds of hashish, 1,540 pounds of opium, eight land mines, an assault rifle, a rocket-propelled grenade, a rocket-propelled grenade booster, plastic explosives and assorted bomb-making materials.

NATO Condemns Suicide Attack in Afghanistan

Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Dec. 27, 2010 – NATO’s International Security Assistance Force joined Afghan President Hamid Karzai in condemning today’s insurgent suicide attack that killed at least one civilian in Kandahar City, military officials reported.

The attack also wounded at least six civilians and eight Afghan security force members, and resulted in substantial damage to a nearby mosque.

“This attack clearly shows how desperate insurgents are to prevent the Afghan people from governing their own stable and free country,” said Navy Rear Adm. Vic Beck, ISAF director of public affairs. “We offer our sincere condolences to the families of the murdered civilian, and wish for a quick recovery for all those wounded in today’s attack. We will continue to work with our Afghan counterparts to ensure that those responsible will be brought to justice.”

In other news, more than 10 insurgents were killed and others wounded by Afghan and ISAF forces during separate clearing operations in southern and eastern Afghanistan over the last 24 hours.

In Helmand province’s Musa Qal’ah district coalition forces spotted insurgents emplacing an improvised explosive device. After gaining positive identification, coalition forces engaged the enemy position with small arms fire, killing several insurgents.

In Kapisa province’s Tagab district insurgents engaged a combined patrol with small arms fire. After gaining positive identification, combined forces returned fire to the enemy position, killing and wounding numerous insurgents.

Afghan and ISAF forces also discovered several caches in eastern and southern Afghanistan. In Kandahar, Ghazni and Logar provinces, combined patrols found four weapons and IED components in caches in Panjwa’i, Bahram-e Shahid, Muhammad Aghah and Arghandab districts during separate clearing operations. The caches consisted of 1,600 .50-caliber rounds, 1,650 12.7 mm rounds, 12 chest racks, 11 pressure plates, 260 14.5 mm rounds, three rocket-propelled grenades, 200 7.62 mm rounds, 122 82 mm mortar rounds and several IED-making electrical components.

A combined patrol discovered a large weapons and IED components cache in Uruzgan province’s Chorah district consisting of 30 .50 caliber, 100 .50-caliber armor-piercing rounds, 500 7.62 mm rounds, four AK-47s, 30 9 mm rounds, two guns, three chest racks, one radio rigged for radio command device, six RPGs and two fuses. Initial reports indicate no civilians were injured and no damage was reported during the weapons clearing operations. The weapons were confiscated and will be destroyed.

In operations yesterday:

-- Several insurgents were targeted during a joint Afghan-ISAF vehicle interdiction operation in Helmand and Kandahar provinces. Numerous insurgents were killed in two separate incidents when they fled from their vehicles and attempted to engage the force. Several suspected insurgents were also detained during the operation. They were taken by Afghan authorities for processing and further questioning.

-- Coalition forces conducted a precision airstrike in Ghazni province targeting a suspected Taliban IED construction facility. Intelligence sources indicated that a compound frequented by a Taliban leader responsible for attacks on Afghan security forces in the Gelan district was likely being used as an IED-making facility in order to kill Afghan and coalition security force personnel. Recent reporting indicates his group was also making two suicide vehicle-borne IEDs to be used against coalition forces operating in the province. After careful planning to protect any civilians and property in the area, coalition forces conducted a precision airstrike on the compound.

-- In Kunduz province, Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Taliban leader for Chahar Darah and Aliabad districts, detaining three suspected insurgents. The targeted leader has connections to a Taliban explosives and weapons facilitator who is involved with producing and distributing IEDs and facilitates the movement of suicide bombers. The security force followed intelligence tips to the potential compound of the Taliban leader in Kunduz district. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compound peacefully before the joint security force cleared and secured the building. While securing the building, they found a child who had been injured during the clearing. The security force provided first aid to the child’s minor injury. After the area was secure, the security force conducted initial questioning at the scene before detaining three suspected insurgents.

-- In Nimroz province, Afghan and coalition forces detained six detainees during a joint security operation targeting a Taliban attack facilitator. Forces conducted the operation in search of the facilitator who moves munitions and IED materials within northern Nimroz for attacks against coalition forces and also facilitates the movement of materials to Taliban associates within Kandahar. Forces followed leads to a series of targeted buildings in Khash Rod district. The joint forces questioned the occupants of the location and conducted a search. The suspects were detained based on initial questioning. The security forces conducted the operation without firing their weapons.

In Dec. 25 operations:

-- Afghan and coalition forces detained eight suspects during three joint security operations targeting the Taliban network in Ghazni and Kandahar provinces. In Ghazni province, Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Taliban leader responsible for attacks on Afghan security forces in Gelan district, detaining two suspected insurgents during a security operation. The targeted Taliban leader receives early warning from fellow insurgents who watch Highway 1 and Afghan bases in order to conduct attacks on Afghan and coalition forces. He also focuses on IED and suicide bomber facilitation. Recent reporting indicates his group was making two suicide vehicle-borne IEDs to be used against coalition forces operating in the province.

The security force followed intelligence tips to the potential compound of the Taliban leader in Gelan district. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compound peacefully before the combined security force cleared and secured the building. After the area was secure, the security force conducted initial questioning at the scene before detaining two suspected insurgents.

In Kandahar, Afghan and coalition forces detained six detainees as they focused two operations on a Taliban attack facilitator. The security team conducted the operations in search of the facilitator who supplies, plans and reports attacks against coalition forces and has multiple affiliations with other insurgents. Forces followed leads to a series of targeted buildings in two areas of Zharay district. The joint forces searched the areas where, in one location, they discovered a 40-pound IED, 40 pounds of homemade explosives, 20 pressure plates used in the construction of IEDs, rockets and mortar rounds. Forces conducted a controlled detonation of the explosives at the site to ensure the safety of local residents. No women or children were injured or detained during these operations.

-- Afghan and coalition forces detained a Haqqani network leader along with three suspected insurgents in a joint security operation in Khost province. The Haqqani leader operated in Sabari, Terayzai and Bak districts in Khost province. His group is responsible for recruiting suicide bombers to attack Afghan schools, district centers and coalition forces. He is also involved in the attempted kidnapping of Afghan army officers. Forces detained the facilitator at a targeted location in Sabari district. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call the occupants out of the buildings peacefully before conducting a search. After the area was secure, the security force conducted initial questioning at the scene before detaining the network leader and three suspected insurgents. No women or children were injured or detained during this operation. The security forces conducted the operation without firing their weapons.

In Dec. 24 operations:

-- Afghan and coalition forces detained a Taliban facilitator along with several suspected insurgents in a joint security operation in Logar province. The Taliban facilitator was involved in planning of attacks against the Afghan government and coalition forces in Kabul City. Forces detained the facilitator at a targeted location in Pul-e ‘Alam district. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call the occupants out of the buildings peacefully before conducting a search. The targeted individual identified himself to authorities during questioning, at which time he was detained. The other suspected insurgents were detained after questioning as well. No women or children were injured or detained during this operation. The security forces conducted the operation without firing their weapons.

-- Afghan and coalition forces detained several suspects and killed two armed insurgents during two combined security operations targeting Haqqani and Taliban networks in Khost and Logar provinces.

In Khost province, Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Haqqani leader for the province, detaining two suspected insurgents and killing two armed insurgents during an operation in Sabari district. The targeted insurgent is responsible for coordinating indirect fire and IED attacks targeting coalition bases in the area. Recent reporting links him to an indirect fire attack against coalition forces operating in the province. Intelligence reports led the security force to a compound in the district to search for the leader. As the security force arrived at the targeted location, armed insurgents threatened the security force resulting in two armed insurgents being killed. The force continued to secure the targeted compound where Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compound peacefully before the force cleared and secured the buildings. Afghan and coalition forces detained two suspects based on initial questioning at the scene. The force recovered multiple weapons to include a pistol, chest racks, AK-47 with ammunition, a machine gun with hundreds of rounds, a rocket-propelled-grenade launcher with boosters and ammunition and a recoilless rifle with rounds.

In Logar province, Afghan and coalition forces targeted a Taliban leader responsible for orchestrating attacks against coalition forces in Baraki Barak district, detaining two suspected insurgents during a security operation. The targeted Taliban leader is responsible for orchestrating IED attacks and direct- and indirect-fire attacks against coalition forces in Baraki Barak district. He is also the acting Taliban leader for the district and is linked to several IED attacks. The security force followed intelligence tips to the potential compound of the Taliban leader. Afghan forces used a loudspeaker to call for all occupants to exit the compound peacefully before the security force cleared and secured the building. After the area was secure, the force conducted initial questioning at the scene before detaining two suspected insurgents. No women or children were injured or detained during these operations.

-- ISAF confirmed that a senior Taliban leader was killed during a Dec. 13 airstrike in the Pasaband district of Ghor province. Shafiq, the targeted senior Taliban leader, was a facilitator of money and small arms who specialized in IED construction. He planned, coordinated and executed numerous IED and direct-fire attacks against Afghan and coalition forces. Multiple intelligence sources and tips from local citizens led ISAF to Shafiq’s location. Forces tracked him for several hours and as he was leaving a known insurgent location, he was engaged with a precision air strike while travelling on his motorcycle with another insurgent. Initial reports indicate there were no civilians harmed during the operation.

-- A combined Afghan-ISAF patrol killed two men during an operation in Kabul. After receiving a credible threat to attack the U.S. Embassy, ISAF coordinated with Afghan security forces to move on an area of interest. The force moved to the target area near an office building in downtown Kabul. Intelligence reports indicated there were two vehicles parked there that were thought to be loaded with explosives. The forces were instructed to approach the target area with caution and to announce their identities. A cordon was in the process of being established while other elements of the force moved to search the area on foot. As they moved towards the target area, they announced themselves and immediately received small-arms fire from the target area. The force returned fire, killing two of the shooters. A third armed person was seen running into the building nearby. The force used a non-lethal device to disorient any armed personnel inside. They cleared the building and secured 15 people, including two people who had been wounded. A medic assigned to the group treated the injured. The wounded were offered treatment at an ISAF facility but instead opted to be taken by Afghan security forces to a local hospital. As the force reached the roof, one man who had been among the initial shooters surrendered. A large number of weapons, including the small arms used by the men who fired on the patrol, were found during the operation. A high-ranking Afghan officer arrived and he personally vouched for those detained in the operation and they were subsequently released.