Two killed in bomb attack on Colombia police station

Two civilians were killed and seven police and soldiers wounded in a bomb attack on a Colombian police barracks in Orito, in the southern province of Putumayo, last night.

The dead are believed to be the wife and son of a police officer who is a resident at the base. The officer himself is said to be in a serious condition in hospital.

While some media sources have speculated that the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - People's Army (FARC-EP) 48th Front were responsible for the attack, the mayor of Orito said he was not willing to speculate on who was responsible adding that both left-wing guerrillas and right-wing paramilitary groups were active in the area.

Ethiopian Army seizes Somali town from radical Islamic militants

A 3,000 strong force of Ethiopian troops has crossed the border and seized the Somali town of Beledwayene from Al-Shabaab militants.

Ethiopian soldier

The assault came after the Somali government announced a fresh offensive against the militants and called on neighbouring countries to aid them "to liberate the tyranny of Al-Shabaab".

In a statement the Somali government said:

"We are officially requesting the international community and the neighboring countries like Ethiopia to stand on our shoulders and help the Somali people and their government for the historic operation to liberate the country from this brutal terror group"

The Somali National Army is also said to be engaged in fierce fighting with the militants in the Hiiraan disctrict.

Earlier the radical Islamic insurgents claimed that their fighters repelled three Ethiopian assaults on the city before eventually a "planned withdrawal" took place. "Mujahideen are now surrounding the city" reported the organisations press office.

The militants have also claimed to have killed 54 Ethiopian troops in the city but have not released any information on their own casualties. They also claimed that troops had shelled civilian areas of the city and that residents of Beledwayne had joined with them to fight against the Ethiopian and Somali forces.

Control of Beledwayne, a key commercial centre, has changed control numerous times in recent months as various insurgent groups have fought to gain control of it. The Al-Shabaab group currently controls most of southern Somalia.

Top IRA commander calls on Spanish government to act over ETA ceasefire

A former leading member of the Provisional IRA has called on the Spanish government to move quickly to secure a lasting peace in the Basque Country.

Seánna Walsh, a former Officer Commanding IRA prisoners in the notorious Long Kesh prison, writing in IRIS Magazine said the Spanish government was still wedded to the "old agenda of repression and denial".

Seánna Walsh reads a statement on behalf of the IRA's ruling Army Council in 2005 announcing that the organisation is ending its armed campaign

  In October of this year the Basque armed separatist group, Euskadi ta Askatasuna (ETA) announced that its armed campaign was over and that the struggle for Basque Independence would continue through purely peaceful political means. So far the Spanish government has refused to negotiate with the organisation

"The Spanish government must be made to recognise that the alternative to compromise is more of the same old cycle of conflict and war, repression and guerrilla warfare - indefinitely." said Walsh

He also added that a complete end to the military conflict and a move towards a political struggle can only happen when the Spanish government begin by granting concessions such as releasing sick prisoners, repatriation of prisoners to the Basque country and the formulation of a release programme for ETA and other political prisoners.

The release of prisoners would be a major step out of bloodshed and repression and into a new future, he said.

Five peacekeepers wounded in Lebanon bomb attack

Investigators are baffled as to who may have been responsible for a landmine attack which targeted a UNIFIL convoy earlier today.

“There are no suspects at all in the case. So far there have been no arrests, but there are many witnesses who have been giving their accounts on the case," a senior investigator said.

The blast seriously damaged a UN vehicle wounding six French peacekeepers, one of whom is said to be in a critical condition.

Lebanese militant groups who are active in the area have condemned the attack:

“Hezbollah and Amal condemn this criminal act … and call for an urgent investigation into the incident and efforts to find the perpetrators and punish them,” a joint statement from both organisations said.

Last May six Italian troops were wounded in a similar bomb attack. This is the most serious incident since January 2008 when two Irish peacekeepers were wounded in an attack while six UNIFIL troops died in 2007 when their vehicle triggered a booby trapped carbomb.

Dagestan leader killed in Gun Attack

A high ranking member of the pro-Russian government in the region of Dagestan has been killed along with his driver in a suspected separatist ambush.

Garun Kurbanov, head of Dagestan's analytical department and presidential press service, and his driver were killed in the republic's capital city of Makhachkala earlier this morning.


"Unidentified gunmen opened fire on Kurbanov's car at about 08:15 Moscow time (0415 GMT). According to preliminary reports, the official and his driver were killed," a spokesman of Dagestan's Interior Ministry was quoted by Interfax news agency as saying.

 Police have said a full investigation into the incident is underway

Israeli forces filmed abducting child

A video which shows Israeli soldiers kidnapping a Palestinian child has emerged.

The footage which was shot by a security camera shows Israeli troops and what are believed to be undercover police abducting the boy as he was out playing football and pushing him into the back of a car.

The incident took place in the Ras Al Amoud neighbourhood in East Jerusalem. The boy, who has been identified as 13 year-old Islam Jaber, was brought to a nearby detention facility where he was blindfolded and interrogated. The teenager also claims he was physically abused and beaten.

The family of the boy have said that they intend to bring criminal charges against the officers. According to the Palestinian government, an estimated 750 children (person under the age of 18) are kidnapped in Jerusalem and the West Bank by Israeli forces annually.

Government soldier killed in Davao

One Filipino soldier was killed and another wounded following a clash with communist New People's Army guerrilla's in Davao.

It is believed that an infantry unit engaged in a half-hour gun battle with the rebels in the Marilog district of the city. It is believed the troops were searchign the area after receiving information that a rebel recruitment team were in the district.

Government troops claim that they injured two rebels in the engagement. Two explosive devices were als made safe following the battle.

Two houses firebombed in Corsica

Two homes in Oletta in northern Corsica were destroyed by fire yesterday.

The houses, which were around 100 metres apart went up in flames at around 8am yesterday morning.

Nearly 20 firefighters from Bastia and Calvi, supported by police and soldiers, managed to bring the incidents under control and prevent them spreading to nearby buildings. However the two buildings were seriously damaged in the blazes.

Nobody was injured in the attacks as both of the houses were empty at the time of the blazes.

Police are know trying to determine how the fires begun however it is likely that the attacks were the work of arsonists.

Chechen Commander claims assassination

Top Chechen rebel commander Doku Umarov has claimed responsibility for the shooting dead of a a Russian Colonel in Moscow last month.

Yuri Budanov was shot dead at close range in a busy Moscow suburb as he walked near a local park. Budanov had been charged with war crimes for the rape and murder of a teenage Chechen girl in 2003 but had only served 6 years in prison.

In a video which only appeared yesterday, Umarov is shown sitting alongside another rebel commander in what are assumed to be the mountains of southern Chechnya. In claiming responsibility for the assassination Umarov says:

"I am addressing you today about a joyous occasion: yesterday, on June 10, Allah by his will brought us a great celebration, punishing one of the sadists, the reprobate, the killer Budanov,"


"The same fate, the same revenge awaits the others," he added.

Doku Umarov is Russia's most-wanted man and is one of the most wanted people on the planet. So far, Russia has claimed to have killed him at least 17 times - although on each occassion such claims have proven to be false. He is suspected of ordering the Moscow Airport Bombing and the Moscow Train Bombings.

However Russian security forces have noted that there has been defections within the ranks of the Chechen Rebels and say that the long delays between attacks and subsequent claims of responsibility show that Umarov and his group are cut off from much of the world.

13 Soldiers & 5 Rebels dead in Kurdistan attack

13 Turkish troops and 5 members of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) were killed in a clash in Silvan last week, it has emerged.

The attack took place in a heavily forested mountainous area of northern Turkey. According to reports on Turkish television, some of the soldiers and rebels were killed when a Turkish warplane bombed the forest following the initial surprise attack hitting fighters on both sides. At least seven other Turkish troops were wounded.

Turkish ground troops and war planes are currently combing the mountains for the rebel unit although it is believed that they have already crossed back into the safety of Iraqi Kurdistan, where they operate an autonomous government and have their own police force. Members of the Turkish opposition have called for a retaliatory raid into northern Iraq in response to the killings although the government has so far avoided such a move saying it will press on with it's democratic programme.

FLNC threat to criminal gang following murder of activist

In a press conference in the hills around Charles-Pierri a heavily armed group of around 30 FLNC fighters issues a statement in response to the June 29th murder of Corsica Libera Executive member Philippe Paoli. It is the first time since May 2004 that the clandestine organisation has called a major press conference.

A resident of Charles-Pierei, Paoli (41) was driving his morotbike in broad daylight near South Folelli, when he was gunned down by unknown individuals who pulled up alongside him on another bike. Paoli was a life long nationalist and in 2005 he was sentenced to five years in prison for terrorism related offences.

Four armed men sat behind a table in the woods of northern Corsica, one held in front of him a typed statement from the leadership of the FLNC which he read to the assembled press.

"As the national movement is poised to wrest significant political progress, the killing by a criminal gang of our activist Philippe Paoli darkens the political life of our country. Philippe was a long-time militant of our organization, he participated in the active and ongoing struggle with all of the Corsican people. He was an activist and an exemplary man.

"Those who carried out this act did not measure its scope or its consequences.

"Our organization will face this aggression while maintaining the political strategy that will enable our people to achieve significant progress.

"The chaos facing Corsica today is the result of the policy pursued by the French state. Our people must rely solely on their own forces to face this challenge.

"Only by resolving the national question can this harmful situation be brought to a close.

"It is with a project of national emancipation and giving our people all the privileges due to them that we will open new horizons.

"We will never abandon what we started May 5, 1976. The policy defined almost 40 years ago based on the fundamental rights of our people remains our guiding principle. Philip's death makes us sad. It is unjust and inexplicable. But it strengthens our resolve,

"On behalf of ther FLNC we express condolences to the wife, children and extended family of Phillipe".


Corsica's national newspaper Corse Matin noted:

Many had thought that the FLNC was in decline, that it was becoming increasingly irrelevant. Meanwhile, the images speak for themselves. It is neither in the press conference prepared hastily, nor in the economy of means.It is in the unit of men in hooded jackets and black uniforms, theatrical masks designed to hide their facial features. Armament exhibited to show that the "strike force" is still there. The message is clear. "

FARC launching major offensive in Colombia

 A Police Station in Corinto which was destroyed in a FARC attack last week

FARC guerrilla's are believed to be in the process of launching a major offensive this summer.

According to reports, rebel activity in the south-west of the country is at an all time high. Since January the organisation has been responsible for 1,115 attacks. The attacks have included gun battles, carbombings, sniper attacks, mine attacks rocket attacks.

Security forces have also claimed that the FARC's tactics are changing with "hit and run" attacks being preffered over the more traditional forms of combat generally associated with the organisation. Large FARC armies now appear to operate in smaller units of around 30 fighters.

FARC has also begun to carry out far more undercover operations in cities using activists disguised as civilians and the government seems unable to cope with the situation. Last year more than 2,500 government troops were killed or injured by the rebels.

Observers have also claimed that the targetted assassinations of key FARC leaders are having a counter productive effect as they are replaced by younger, more militant leaders. Thus removing any chance of negotiations.

Fierce fighting in Chechnya

It has been reported that there is fierce fighting between government troops and rebels in the forests around the Chechen town of Vedano.

Local residents have claimed that th enumber of casualties among Russian Police and Soldiers is far higher than what is being reported with some claiming to have seen around a dozen troops either killed or injured.

Chechen rebels have said that casualties among their own forces are unclear at this point although they are believed to be "light".

8 Injured in Corsica bomb attack

Eight people have been injured after suspected Corsican separatists detonated a bomb in an apartment block in the island's capital Ajaccio.

It is understood the bomb consisted of a gas canister packed with explosives which was placed against the hallway door of an apartment on the first floor. The explosion caused extensive damage to two apartments and resulted in lumps of metal and debris landing in the street below, damaging a number of vehicles. At least one of those injured in the blast was a child although none of those are said to be in a serious condition.

Police spokesperson Thomas Pison described the attack as "very worrying" and added that "two apartments, one of which was occupied at the time, had been completely blown away". If somebody had of been in the living room or on the balcony of the apartments they most likely would have been killed.

The motivations behind these attacks are still unknown although two bars in the same neighbourhood were destroyed in separatist bomb blasts earlier this year.

The attack has been condemned by Patrick Strzode, the French Prefect of Corsica.

Rebels clarify Russian Propaganda

Chechen rebels have denied reports that 17 of their fighters including their Commandar Doku Umarov, had been killed in a Russian airstrike.

Speaking to the rebel alligned Kavkaz News Agency, a spokesperson said that only 6 rebels had been killed in the airstrike while 2 rebels along with 2 Russian Secret Service members, one police officer and one soldier had been killed in gun battles in the nearby town of Upper Alkun.

This is the eighth time that Russian Security Forces have claimed to have killed Doku Umarov. Kavkaz however reported that the leader, who is one of the most wanted people on the planet, was safe and well. Reports that his wife had been killed were also denied by the rebel command who said that she continues to command the Martyr Brigade Riyad-us-Saliheen. They did confirm however that one of the dead fighters was a female.

Rebel sources also confirmed the death of long time fighter Emir Supyan (pictured). Supyan had been an active fighter for the last 17 years and had taken part in both the first and second Chechen wars along with the four sieges and battles for Grozny. Rebels described his death as a great loss.

Cars belonging to Prison Wardens torched in Corsica

Two cars have been seriously damaged after they were set alight in the worn of Vescavoto last night.

The cars belonged to prison officers who worked in Borgu jail. Graffiti on a nearby pillar read "Wardens first warning". Police said they believe the motivation for the attack was linked to a "control operation" which was carried out against a number of cells in the prison. Borgu prison consists of common criminals along with members of outlawed separatists groups.

An investigation into the incident has been entrusted to the Criminal Investigation Brigade of the gendarmerie.

Police Officer killed by IRA Dissidents

Small splinter groups which have broken away from the mainstream Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) have been blamed for the death of a young PSNI officer in Omagh, County Tyrone in Northern Ireland.

At about 4pm yesterday the young constable, who had only graduated from college three weeks ago, was killed when an under-car booby trap bomb exploded beneath his vehcile as he left for work. While no group has yet claimed responsibility suspicion has fallen on three small breakaway IRA groups who operate in the north with the main suspects being Óglaigh na hÉireann (ONH). The group has previously used under car booby traps against police officers with a PSNI member losing his legs in a similar attack last year.

The attack has been condemned by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams who said these groups would not undo the recent progress made in the peace process. Gerry Adams' Sinn Féin party is considered the political wing of the mainstram Provisional IRA which called an end to it's violent campaign in 2005. The Provisional IRA killed more than a thousand members of the British Security forces in Northern Ireland between 1970 and 1997.

A peace process which was signed in 1998 was supported by the overwhelming majority of people in Ireland, north and south, however small groups of hardline IRA members broke away claiming the peace process did not achieve enough.

Bomb defused outside Northern Ireland courthouse - another found

 
A 50kg car bomb has been defused outside a courthouse in the Northern Ireland border city of Derry.

The bomb was packed into a beer keg and left in a stolen car outside the building last night. It appears to have failed to detonate. Police (PSNI) spokespersons have described the device as "viable". A warning was phoned in at around 6.45pm last night saying that a bomb would explode outside the courthouse. The area was subsequently evacuated.

The PSNI have said that they expect that either the "Real IRA" or "Óglaigh na hÉireann" will claim responsibility. Both of these dissident republican groups broke from the mainstream IRA after it called an end to it's military operations in 2005 in order to concentrate on democratic politics. The elected member of the government for the area, Sinn Féin MLA spokesperson Martina Anderson, a former IRA prisoner who spent 12 years in prison for bomb attacks in prison condemned the attack.

In the last few minutes the PSNI has confirmed that a second device is under investigation in Belfast.

Friendly fire incident in Dagestan

A member of Russia's elite anti-terrorist squad has been wounded in a friendly fire incident in the village of Gubden in Dagestan.

According to initial reports a Russian soldier attempted to stop a car being driven by an undercover soldier at around 11.40am yesterday morning. When the vehicle did not slow down the soldier opened fire with a sub-machine gun, hitting the specialist in the arm.

The injured soldier was taken to a nearby hospital where his condition is described as stable.

Libyan Rebel Commander admits Al-Qaeda links

Libyan Rebel Leader Abdel-Hakim al-Hasisi has admitted that many members of his forces have previously fought against coaliton troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In an interview with Italian newspaper Il Sole 24, al-Hasisi confirmed that a large proportion of his forces consisted of  Islamic fundamentalists and Al Qaeda operatives along with members of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) of which al-Hasisi was previously a commander. Speaking to the newspaper al-Hasisi said that his fighters were good patriots and muslims while adding: "members of al-Qaeda are also good Muslims and are fighting against the invader". In 2007 US forces captured LIFG documents in the town of Sinjar in Afghanistan which revealed that thousands of Libyan fighters had crossed into Iraq & Afghanistan to fight alongside insurgents.

During the interview al-Hasisi also admitted that he had personally fought against US forces in Afghanistan before being captured in the Pakistani border area of Peshwar by Pakistani security forces before being handed over to the US. He was released in 2008.

The revelations will come as an embarrasment to US, British and French forces who had earlier dismissed claims by Gaddafi that the rebels consisted of, or where supported by, Al-Qaeda members and Muslim fundamentalists. It could also place their support for the rebellion in jeopardy.

Meanwhile there have been reports that rebel units have raided Libyan Military bases in the east of the country and managed to acquire a number of heavy weapons including anti-aircraft guns and surface-to-air missiles, some of which are reported to have been smuggled out of the country.

FARC attack police station in Nariño

 At least one soldier has been killed and other members of the security forces injured after the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) attacked a police station in Nariño.

The attack occured in the rural area of Rosario. It is reported that the rebels launched an explosive device, thought to be a mortar, at the base. It exploded on impact killing one soldier. The station has been seriously damaged and the local Police Commander has announced that the location of the station will be moved to avoid a repeat attack.

In a separate incident in Cauca, a police station came under fire from rebels using shoulder fired rocket launchers. There were no injuries.

10 killed as situation in Palestine worsens

 
Nine Palestinians and an Israeli have been killed over the course of the last 48 hours.

Following the deaths of two Palestinians in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza last week, Hamas authorised a retaliatory rocket barrage of three military bases along the border, injuring an Israeli soldier. The next day, March 19th ,two Palestinian teenagers were shot dead  by Israeli soldiers. Both teenagers were unarmed when they were shot.

On Monday Israel carried out a sustained series of airstrikes and incursions which so far have killed 9 people, including at least 2 children, and wounded 18. According to initial reports, a grandfather and his two grandsons were killed while out playing football after an Israeli tank opened fire on them. Israeli airstrikes also targeted Hamas security compounds and police training schools.

Today, in what appears to be response to the attacks, a bomb exploded at a bus stop in central Jerusalem killing one person and wounding around 30 others. While not claiming responsibility for the attack, militant group Islamic Jihad called for Palestinians to make efforts to "respond to the crimes against our people".

Bomb defused at hotel in Corsica - Trucks firebombed

A bomb has been defused at a hotel and two dumper trucks have been firebombed in Corsica.

In the first incident an explosive device has been defused at the Belambra beachfront hotel in Propriano. The device took several hours defuse and a large police presence was deployed in the area. The device consisted of a gas canister attached to a small explosive charge and was left on the grounds of the hotel. It is believed it may have been abandoned. Several years ago the same hotel was seriously damaged in bomb attack

Meanwhile two council dumper trucks which were being used in construction work were torched on the outskirts of Casalabriva. The cabins of the truck were firebombed in the early hours of the morning. There has been repeated attacks on government owned vehicles since the beginning of the year.

Corsican Mayor killed in gun attack

The Mayor of Santa Andrea di Cotonu, Dominique Domarhci has been killed in a gun attack outside his home in northern Corsica.

Domarchi, who is a close friend of the President of the Corsican Territorial Community (PCTA) Paul Giacobbi was blasted at close range as he returned home from the Town Hall, where counting is underway following Saturday's local council elections. It is believed that Domarchi was ambushed by a number of gunmen in his driveway at around 1.20am on Monday morning. He was shot a number of times with various different weapons according to police.

Domanchi had been mayor of the small northern Corsican town, with a population of around 250 people, for twenty-seven years. He was a close adviser to Paul Giacobbi, the PCTA of Corsica.

Local police said they are still trying to establish a motive and claimed it was too early to speculate whether this was a political assassination. A post mortem will be carried out on his body on Tuesday.

US soldiers pose for pictures with murdered civilians

A US Army "kill-team" who hunted down and murdered civilians at random took trophy photographs of themselves posing with the bodies, it has emerged.

The photo's, which were published by a German publication, show US soldiers grinning with the corpses of murdered Afghan civilians. Five US soldiers are currently facing charges of murder after it emerged that they had frequently organised attacks on civilians. There is enough evidence to implicate the soldiers in at least three murders however there is suspicions that they may have been involved in many more. The team, who were based in Kandahar province, often shot and killed innocent civilians in random but pre-meditated attacks. After killing their victims the soldiers would dump weapons or shovels next to the bodies and claim that they had engaged Taliban fighters who were laying landmines or improvised explosive devices.

The three photographs published by Der Spiegel show three seperate incidents with took place in January, February and May of 2010. Below are two photographs. They show two US soldiers with the body of Gul Mudin, who was murdered on the 15th of January 2010. The first soldier is Private First Class Andrew Holmes from Idaho while the second shows Corporal Jeremy Morlock from Alaska.

In September of last year Morlock described in chilling detail to a War Crimes Tribunal how his unit would kill Afghans "for fun" and then chop of body parts to keep as souvenirs. Morlock also admitted to the Tribunal that he and his unit had ordered an Afghan man to stand still in a ditch before killing him with a grenade.


During the trial one of Morlock's lawyers said that while Morlock might be "physically responsible" for his crimes, including actions depicted in the photograph, "the people who are morally responsible are the American leaders who have us in the wrong war at the wrong time."

Coalition casualties mount in Afghanistan

Four more coalition troops have been killed in Afghanistan over the past 24 hours as the situation in the south of the country continues to deteriorate.

According to the Internationa Security Assistance Force (ISAF) one soldier was killed in an improvised explosive attack in the east of the country. His nationality has not been released.

Meanwhile, a British soldier who was wounded in a bomb attack in the Helmand Province earlier this week died of his wounds in the Queen Elizabeth NHS hospital in Birminghm, England, yesterday.

And in a third incident, two ISAF troops were killed in a gun attack in southern Afghanistan. The ISAF has refused to comment on the incident however it is understood that a security guard opened fire on troops, killing two and wounding others. The nationalities of the dead soldiers have not been released.

In the last 83 days, (since the beginning of the year) 90 coalition troops have been killed.

2010 was the deadliest year for coalition troops since the initial invasion of 2001. 709 troops were killed last year and thousands were wounded.

Five police officers and three civilians killed in FARC attacks

Five police officers and three civilians have been killed in separate rebel attacks in Colombia.

In the first attack, which took place at dawn in the north-western town of Sardinata, three police officers were killed and three others injured when rebels fired bombs crafted from gas cylinders at the police station. The subsequent explosions caused the walls to cave in, killing and injuring those inside.

The local police commander said he was confident that the attacks were carried out by the Marxist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels.

In a second attack in nearby San Calixto, three civilians were killed when a similar bomb was fire at a police station. It missed striking a nearby residential area. It is also beleived that one of those killed was a child.

Two police officers were also killed in a gun battle with rebels on the border with Ecuador while five soldiers suffered injuries after their convoy was blasted with explosive devices.

Colombia has been a in a state of war between government forces and leftist-guerrilas since 1964.

Two police officers killed in Dagestan

Two members of the the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) have been killed in Dagestan.

In the first incident a captain of the FSB was found shot dead outside Makhachkala. The officers body was found on the slopes of Tarki-Tau mountain. He had been shot twice in the head and two bullet casings were found at the scene.

In a separate incident in Makhackala, a police officer was shot dead after his car was fired on by an unidentified individual using an automatic pistol. One suspect has been arrested.

Hamas responds to Israeli airstrikes

The military wing of Hamas, along with other groups, have fired over 50 rockets and mortars into Israel in response to the killing fo two of it's members earlier in the week by an Israeli airstrike.

The Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigades said that it's units carried out most of the attacks and that they were directed against four Israeli military bases located on the border. In a statement the group said it's forces fired at least 33 shells in co-ordinated attacks along the Israeli-Gaza border. According to Israeli sources, two soldiers were wounded by shrapnel.

Hamas said that the attacks were a direct response to recent Israeli airstrikes which killed two of their members.

Hamas rarely carries out such attacks although other groups such as Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) continue to fire rockets into Israel.

Unarmed militants killed in Gaza airstrike

Two unarmed members of Hamas's military wing have been killed and two others wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a security forces training facility in central Gaza.

Israel said the attack was in response to a rocket and mortar which were fired into Israel by militants earlier in the day. Neither of the militant attacks caused any injuries or damage.

Hamas has ceased carrying out rocket attacks on Israel and it's security forces have clamped down on other groups which are continuing such activities. Groups like Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine have carried out rocket and mortar attacks on Israel in recent months.

Hamas has confirmed that the two dead men, aged 25 and 27, were active members of the groups military wing and had been involved in succesful attacks on Israeli military forces.

Police Officer wounded in Moscow

A member of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has been shot and wounded in Moscow.

The attack took place outside the Concert Hall on Tsvetnoy Boulevard following a play by a Chechen Performance group. As a patrol car passed by the building a gunman opened fire with an automatic pistol, hitting the vehicles driver in the thigh. The injured officer was taken to a nearby hospital and treated for his injuries.

The gunman is understood to have fled the scene in a stolen vehicle which was recovered a short distance away.

Reports of skirmishes in Dagestan

At least seven Russian police officers have been wounded in a rebel attack on a government building in Rabbanikala, it has emerged.

A government spokesperson said that the building came under attack from gunmen armed with automatic weapons at around 11.15pm last night. After an initial burst of fire the rebels withdrew leaving a car packed with explosives outside the building. It exploded a few seconds later causing substantial damage to the building and destroying a number of nearby police vehicles. There were no fatalities.

In a separate incident, the Russian Military claims that it's forces killed three rebels in a shootout at a checkpoint outside Shamilkala. Rebels have claimed that they have "no knowledge" that any of their fighters were involved in the incident and said they believed that Russian forces may simply have fired on a car at random - killing three young male occupants. The Russian Military claims it's forces were fired on from the vehicle.

Rebels claim responsibility for assassinations

Dagestani separatist rebels have claimed responsibility for the shooting dead of a military official and a politician.

In the first incident Lieuteneant-Colonel Magutdin Urdikhanov was shot in the chest on the outskirts of the village of Khalil in the Tabasaran district of the country. He died of his wounds a short time later. According to initial reports Urdikhanov was attached to the Internal Security Unit of the Interior Ministry.

In a separate attack, Alibulat Gasanov, a member of the People's Assembly was seriously wounded in an assassination attempt in the Kaytag region of the province. His brother, who was driving the car, died at the scene. It is unclear whether or not Gasanov has survived however a rebel news site is claiming that he has since died of his injuries. It is also unclear how the car was attacked although local media has claimed that it was attacked by gunmen.

Truck-bomb kills 11 troops

A truck-bomb has killed 11 Iraqi troops and wounded dozens at a base in the Diyala province.

It is understood that a roadside bomb was detonated as soldiers passed the truck which was parked outside the Kanaan army headquarters, around 70km's east of Baghdad. A second car-bomb which was left at the scene was defused. Contrary to earlier reports the security forces have said they do not believe that the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber and believe that the bomb may have been detonated remotely.

Army officials said that a building at the base was destroyed in the attack and another seriously damaged. It is believed that up to 30 other soldiers were wounded in the attack which comes just days after 7 soldiers and a policeman were killed in gun and bomb attacks in the city Mosul.

This month has seen attacks by Iraqi rebels increase and the capacity of security forces to deal with the threat has been questioned.

Italian soldiers car firebombed

A car belonging to a Commander at La Cove Siniscola Barracks in Sardinia has been firebombed.

The Ford Galaxy was parked outside the barracks when unknown individuals carried out an arson attack which completely destroyed the vehicle.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Insurgents step up attacks in Iraq

Seven Iraqi soldiers and a policeman were killed in seperate attacks in Iraq as rebel groups step up their campaign.

In Mosul, seven soldiers were ambushed and killed by gunmen as they left their base in a minibus. It is understood that two cars pulled up in front of the vehicle, blocking it's path. Four armed gunmen then jumped out and fired into the bus with automatic weapons killing seven soldiers and seriously wounding the driver.

Later in the day, on the outskirts of Mosul, a police officer was killed by a sticky-bomb which was attached to his personal car. He was off-duty at the time.

Chechen Rebels claim responsibility for Moscow blasts

Chechen Separatist rebels have claimed responsibility for three bomb attacks in Moscow over the last three days.

On Wednesday a nailbomb exploded outside the Academy of the Federal Security Service (FSB) damaging a number of vehicles and buildings in the area. And yesterday two crude devices exploded at the rear of a set of apartment blocks in Moscow knocking out windows up as far as the ninth floor. There were no injuries in any of the attacks.

Today a rebel run news site has stated that it's members were responsible for the attacks which it described as a carefully planned "sabotage operation". It went on to say that the apartment blocks were targeted because they are used to house members of the FSB.

In claimimng responsibility the Riyadus Salikhin Martyrs Brigade (RSMB) said:

"We intend to continue striking facilities and places where the [FSB] criminals gather"

Unionist candidates home bombed

 
The home of a Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) candidate in the upcoming Northern Ireland elections has been bombed.

An explosive device, believed to have been a pipe-bomb was thrown through John Smyth's bedroom window early this morning. It exploded on his bed causing moderate damage. Mr. Smyth was downstairs on his computer when the attack was carried out. He believes that had he been in his bed he would almost certainly have died.

A motive for the attack is unclear but the Antrim area is one of the most staunchly loyalist parts of Northern Ireland and there is a strong possibility that loyalist paramilitaries or drugs gangs may have been responsible.

So far no group has claimed responsibility.

Suspected ETA Military Chief arrested in France

French authorities have detained a man who they believe is one of the top commanders in the Basque separatist organisation ETA.

Alejandro Zobaran Arriola was among four people arrested on the Dutch-French border by French police. All four are suspected memebrs of ETA while Arriola is believed to be the current Military Commander of the armed organisation. According to local media, a number of firearms along with ETA documents were found in a building that was raided.

ETA called a permanent ceasefire in January and has called for negotiations with the Spanish government. This has been refused and has lead to fears that the group may call off it's cessation and launch further attacks on Spanish targets.

The majority of the Basque Country is located in Spain with a smaller part in southern France. ETA usually targets members of the Spanish security forces along with infrastructure and commerical targets.

India kills top separatist

The Indian Military has calimed that it's forces have killed a top Kashmiri rebel.

According to police Commander Sajjad Afghani and one of his bodyguards were killed in a gun battle with Indian police on the banks of the river Dal Lake outside the capital Srinagar.


Afghani is believed to have been the mastermind behind the 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament which left 6 police officers, five rebels and a civilian dead.

Police Officer killed in Dagestan

A police officer has been shot dead by rebels in Dagestan, it has been claimed.

While Russian security forces have so far failed to comment on the incident, A news agency linked to rebel groups has claimed that a Russian police officer who also worked in provinces tax and revenue offices, named as Zalkipri Sheykovnear, was killed in a drive-by shooting today.

Rebel sources claimed that he died instantly after being shot multiple times with automatic weapons outside the Muslim Spiritual Administration's building in the capital.

FARC shoot down police helicopter

 FARC guerrilla's have been blamed for shooting down a police helicopter in southern Colombia.

Four police officers and a civilian worker were killed when the helicopter, which was delivering money to a bank in the city of Caloto, was fired on. The helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing on a nearby football pitch where rebel gunman were waiting. All five aboard were subsequently killed in a fierce exchange of fire while a female passerby died after being hit by a stray bullet. The rebels then made off with an undisclosed amount of money.

According to Colombian News reports, two of the dead included the Commander and Sub-Commander of the city's police force. Regional Police Chief Orlando Pineda has called for more military backup in the area which has seen attacks by FARC guerrilla's increase dramatically over the last month. The Chief went on to blame FARC's 6th Front, which is attached to it's Western Bloc for the attack. The 6th Front is believed to be made up of around 130 fighters. Another FARC mobile-column made up of 50 fighters also operates in the area.

Chechen Commander appeals for new recruits

Chechen Rebel Commander and self-proclaimed underground President of the Chechen Republic, Doku Umarov, has called for more recruits to help drive the Russian Military from the northern Caucasus.

In a video which was released by the Kavkaz Center, Doku Umarov urges young people to join with his forces in the Caucasus Mountains. He also called on existing rebel units in Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan and Kabardino-Balkaria to "intesify operations to eliminate our enemies". He went on to say that rebel attacks would increase as the harsh Caucasian Winter came to an end.

The northern Caucasus has seen an increase in fighting between rebels and pro-Government forces in recent years, with violence in areas like Dagestan and Kabardino-Balkaria surpassing that of Chechnya. Describing the situation, Umarov said:

"Today there is a total war going on. It is not us who had declared it on Russia, it was Russia who declared it on us. When there is a total war, there are not peaceful people left. If total war has been declare on us, then Allah permits us to fight with them as they fight with us.

Therefore, today we have the right to fight against them the way they are fighting against us. I urge you, fight with them, destroy them."

Yes side confident of victory in Welsh referendum

Voting is complete in the Welsh Devolution Referendum and the Yes campaign are confident of a decisive victory.

Voters were asked the question:


"Do you want the Assembly now to be able to make laws on all matters in the 20 subject areas it has powers for?"

A Yes result would mean that the Welsh Parliament would no longer need the British Parliaments agreement on any bills which are passed. Turnout looks to be low with most areas reporting it at around 35%

Shots fired at police in Northern Ireland

 
An IRA splinter group is believed to have been responsible for a gun attack on a police patrol in Derry, Northern Ireland.

Shots were fired at the PSNI officers as they responded to a call regarding a stolen car in the Glen Road area of Derry at around 11pm tonight. A number of shots were fired although there are no reported injuries. It appears that dissident  republicans attempted to lure the officers into a trap.

Hostilities have all but ended in Northern Ireland were a devolved power-sharing government between Sinn Féin (the political wing of the mainstream IRA) and Ulster Unionists has been put in place. The majority of Irish Republicans have moved into democratic politics however a small number continue to use violence to further their aims.

In 2009 two British soldiers and Police Officer were killed by groups calling themselves the Real IRA (RIRA) and Continuity IRA (CIRA). They were the first deaths suffered by the army or police at the hands of republicans since the mainstream Provisional IRA called a ceasefire in 1997.

Gun attack on US soldiers in Germany

Two US soldiers have been killed and two more injured in a gun attack on their coach at Frankfurt Airport, Germany, today.

The attack, which occurred around 3.15pm, is believed to have been carried out by a lone gunman. Local media sources have identified the individual as a 21 year-old Kosovan man who worked at the airport. Following the shooting he ran into the lobby of Terminal 2 where he was arrested by German police.

The attack has been condemned by US President Barack Obama. It is understood that the soldiers had just arrived from London and where on their way to Afghanistan. It is believed that the bus was easily identified as a US military transport as it had Air Forcet license plates.

US soldiers have frequently been targeted in Europe over the course of the last 30 years. A far-left Communist group known as the Red Army Faction had been responsible for the deaths of six US soldiers and the bombing of a number of barracks in Germany.

US forces apologise for killings of nine children

The US Army has issued an apology after it emerged that it's helicopters had been responsible for gunning down nine children the mountains of eastern Afghanistan yesterday. One other young boy managed to escape.

The US Army confirmed that it's helicopter gunships opened fire on a group of people it believed to be insurgents. However, it has since emerged that the dead, who ranged from ages 9 to 15, were collecting firewood to heat their homes.

The one survivor, 11-year old Hemad, described what happened:

“We were almost done collecting the wood when suddenly we saw the helicopters come. There were two of them. The helicopters hovered over us, scanned us and we saw a green flash from the helicopters. Then they flew back high up and in a second round they hovered over us and started shooting. They fired a rocket which landed on a tree. The tree branches fell over me and shrapnel hit my right hand and my side. The helicopters couldn't see me as I was hidden by the branches. The helicopters shot the other boys one after another.”


This is the third incident in ten days that the US has been accused of murdering civilians.

Four suspected ETA members arrested

Four people have been arrested and a quantity of explosives have been seized in the Basque Country.

The Spanish government has claimed that a major operation targeting suspected ETA members is underway. The two men and two women were arrested in the northern town of Vizcaya earleir today. Up to 200kg of explosives were also seized.

ETA declared a permanent ceasefire in January however this has been rejected by the Spanish government who say they want the group to disband and hand over all of it's weapons.

Victims of ETA violence have called for a new pro-Independence political party to be banned as they believe the party is the new political wing of the armed group. However this has been rejected by the party who say they reject all forms of violence.

Guerrillas kill contractor in Kashmir

Kashmiri rebels have shot dead a military contractor in the town Kreeri today in Indian-administered Kashmir.

The police have identified the dead man as Nazir Ahmed Lone and said he was shot several times in the abdomen and head by a number of gunmen.

In a separate attack, two police officers and two civilians were wounded in a grenade attack in the Batmallo area of Srinagar city. All of the injured were taken to a local hospital. One of the injured, an assistant engineer in the Roads Department, was said to be in a critical condition.

Kashmir is a disputed territory with India, Pakistan and China all laying claim to the mountainous region. Kashmiri rebels wish to see the province become an independent state.

PKK announces end of unilateral ceasefire

 
The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) has announced that it's unilateral ceasefire with Turkey will expire tonight.

The PKK had initially agreed to a ceasefire until June, when Turkey's General Elctions will be held. But in a statement issued to the Firat News Agency the guerrilla organisation said that it's units would now move to a position of defence and retaliation, however they would not carry out offensive military actions. It also stated that it would attack Turkish military units which it believed were preparing to carry out an attack.

The ceasefire, which was declared in August, was formulated to give Turkey's ruling AKP party space to address Kurdish grievances in relation to autonomy and language. Today the PKK said that it had attempted to build peaceful dialogue with the Turkish state but that they had not responded. It also claimed that the Turkish military had killed 40 PKK fighters during the period of the ceasefire.

The group appealed to the international community to put pressure on the Turkish government to enter into dialogue.

Communist Rebels kill 3 soldiers

 
Three Filipino soldiers have been killed and four others injured in an ambush by Maoist Rebels in the remote Ifugao region of the northern Philippines.

According to a military spokesperson the soldiers were on their way to the remote village of Caoayan to help in the reconstruction of buildings damaged by a typhoon when they were attacked by New People's Army (NPA) gunmen. Following a five minute gun battle the rebels withdrew. The spokesman said he was unable to confirm whether or not there were any casualties on the side of the insurgents. The spokesman also identified the Commander of the rebel unit as a man named Casimiro Binayan.

The encounter is the first clash between the government and the guerrillas since the ending of a one week ceasefire on the 21st of February following a week of peace negotiations in Norway.

Suspicous device causes security alert in Cornwall

A security alert is underway after a suspected incendiary device was found on a beach in Newquay, Cornwall.

A number of buildings, including a restaurant owned by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, have been evacuated.

The police bomb squad is currently on the scene.

In 2007 a Cornish separatist group calling itself the Cornish National Liberation Army threatened to bomb restaurants owned by Jamie Oliver and another English celebrity chefs. Cornish nationalists have been responsible for a number of arson attacks on English owned holiday homes and frequently remove or destory English or British flags which are flown in the region.

Republicans triple represenation in Irish Parliament

Irish Republicans have more than tripled their representation in the south of Ireland's Parliament following a groundbreaking general election.

Sinn Féin, which for many years was seen as the political wing of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (I.R.A.), increased it's representation from four to thirteen seats. Recounts in two other areas could see it gain as many as 15 in the 166 seater southern Parliament. The party gained 10.05% of the vote with a number of first time candidates elected as well as well known veterans such as ex-I.R.A Hungerstriker Dessie Ellis (pictured).

Sinn Féin, which is the largest party in Northern Ireland, has until now failed to gain a significant foothold in the south. Support for the centrist government party Fianna Fáil almost completely collapsed with conservative Fine Gael becoming the largest party, although failing to gain an overall majority. They are expected to form a coalition government with the centre-Left Labour Party who also made significant gains. Smaller leftist parties and independents also increased their representation.

The results (so far with 13 seats still to be confirmed due to recounts) are:

Fine Gael - 70 seats
Labour  Party - 36 seats
Fianna Fáil - 18 seats
Sinn Féin - 13 seats
Socialist Party - 2 seats
People Before Profit - 2 seats
Workers Action Group - 1 seat
Independnets - 11 seats

Senegalese soldier killed by rebels amid calls for referendum

A Senegalese soldier has been killed and two others wounded following a clash with separatist rebels in Casamance.

According to the military, an army patrol was attacked by members of the Casamance Movement of Democratic Forces (MFDC) in a remote region of the disputed territory. A subsequent gun battle lasted nearly five hours before the rebels withdrew. A Senegalese Army Officer said he believed that the MFDC also suffered casualties. The fighting took place near the Gambian border and north of the regional capital Ziguinchor.

The attack brings to 16 the number of Senegalese soldiers killed in rebel attacks since the beginning of the year. Earlier this month, the Senegalese government rejected calls from separatists for a referendum on independence. The slow pace of progress since the 2004 ceasefires has resulted in MFDC units carrying out sporadic attacks on government forces.

Gun battle in Chechnya - 2 Rebels killed, claims Russia

The Russian security forces claim to have killed two rebel fighters in a gun battle in Chechnya.

According to media sources, the battle took place in the town of Yandi in the Nockchicho province of the republic. The battle is reported to have lasted around two hours. Pro-Russian Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov has said that the rebels were ambushed by elite anti-terrorist units.

Russian security forces and the local police have not disclosed any information as to whether their forces suffered any casualties.

Bomb explodes in Kizilyurt

A bomb has exploded at the home of a member of the pro-Russian Dagestani government in the town of Kizilyurt. There have been no reports of injuries, separatist rebels are suspected.

Meanwhile also in Kizilyurt, a man, named locally as Ruslan Atayev, was shot dead by Russian Security forces at a checkpoint in the town. Police claimed that the man was an armed rebel and had opened fire at the checkpoint however this has been denied by separatists who said that he was not known to them. No further details have been released

Rebels launch assault on city - 12 Russian Troops wounded

 
A large contingent of rebel fighters have launched a raid on the city of Nalchik in Kabardino-Balkaria in the northern Caucusus.

According to Russian media, at least 10 groups of rebels, each consisting of about 5 fighters, hit Russian Army and Polcie targets across the city within the space of two hours.

Police and military installations across the city were raked with machine gun fire while others were hit with anti-tank rockets. The interior ministry has announced that 12 members of the security forces were wounded. Rebels have claimed that they killed a number of police officers and soldiers although Russian Security Forces have denied this. It is believed that the rebels used a number of hijacked vehciles to launch the attacks.

On the same night, two police installations in outlying towns, one located in the neighbouring province of Ingushetia, were bombed.

The head of security for the city, Arsen Kanakov, has described the incident as a "co-ordinated attack on the city intended to cause destabilization".

Rebel sources have said that the raid was carried out by 5 teams of fighters with a further 5 units providing backup. They also claimed that all of their fighters escaped without injury.

Bomb attack targets house in Saint-Florent, Corsica

A bomb has exploded at a holiday home belonging to a French couple in the town of Saint-Florent in northern Corsicsa.

According to investigators, the explosive device was placed inside the building. It exploded in the early hours of the morning causing moderate damage. The villa was unoccupied at the time of the blast. There has been no claim of responsibility but Corsican separatist groups are suspected.

Corsica has seen a surge in bomb attacks since late November. Earlier this week a large blast seriously damaged a hotel in the nearby town of San Nicolao.

The security forces have said that this is the 20th bomb attack on the island since January 1st.

Russia admit soldier killed and others wounded in Kabardino-Balkaria

The Russian Military has admitted that one of it's soldiers has been killed and seven injured following a prolonged gun battle with separatists in the Elbrus region of Kabardino-Balkaria.

The popular skiing resort had been the scene of fierce clashes between rebels and security forces over the last week. Earlier Russian news agency's reported that five rebels had been killed in an ambush by members of Russia's Elite Anti-Terrorist Unit, this was later reduced to three before the statement was retracted.

Reports emerging from the area indicate that an attempt to ambush a rebel "mobile commando unit" failed. Rebels have stated that their forces managed to break through an attempted encirclement and safely return to base without suffering any fatalities. The rebels did not confirm whether any of their fighters had been injured.

A resident in the nearby village of Mardzhanoy said:
"We're in shock. Helicopters were flying, armored vehicles moved in . Strikes and shooting were heard. What kind of strikes they were, we can't tell, it is impossible to say for sure if you are present on the battle site. In the afternoon, a lot of military vehicles drove up into a valley". 

It has been reported that Russian forces used jets, helicopters, heavy artillery and mortars to bombard nearby rebel positions.

Nearby towns and villages are currently under military curfew and the movement of people and vehciles in surrounding areas has been heavily restricted.

Large Battle underway between rebels and Russian forces in Kabardino-Balkaria

There are reports of fierce fighting between insurgents and Russian security forces, including elite anti-terrorist units, in Kabardino-Balkaria in the northern Caucasus.

Rebel forces have confirmed that one of their "mobile units" is currently engaging Russian forces in the Elbrus district of the province. It is understood that the engagement began sometime yesterday. Information on what is taking place has been sketchy, Russian Forces say they have no stable communications due to adverse weather conditions - Elbrus is located high in the Caucusus Mountains and is a popular ski resort. Local residents have reported the use of fighter aircraft to bombard suspected rebel positions as well as heavy artillery and mortars.

Russian Forces initially claimed that they had ambushed and eliminated a squad of rebel fighters, this was quickly retracted and security forces have now claimed to have killed three fighters. They have also stated that three members of the elite anti-terrorist unit have been seriously wounded. Rebel forces have not confirmed any casualties. A local police officer has said that one Russian soldier was killed and six wounded.

Both rebel and Russian security forces frequently over-exaggerate each others losses while playing down their own. Media is banned from Chechnya and surrounding areas making independent verifications of casualties almost impossible.

Hotel bombed in northern Corsica

 Corsican separatists have been blamed for a bomb attack in the municipality of San-Nicolao, Corsica.

The Moriani-Plage is one of the oldest hotels on the island. It had been abandoned for many years but reopened last summer. It was undergoing extensive renovations recently and was empty at the time of the explosion, which occurred in the early hours of the morning.

The blast caused significant damage but no injuries. It has also emerged that a second unexploded device was found in the hotel by the ordinance disposal team. Investigators have not released any information about what kind of explosive device was used. So far no group has claimed responsibility but the Corsican National Liberation Front (FLNC) is suspected.

The head of the Criminal Investigation Bureau based in Ghisonaccia said that there had been a "significant" increase in bomb attacks in recent weeks and accused separatists of attempting to start a war on the island.

This is the 18th bomb attack on the island this year.

Quebec separatists to disrupt British royal visit

Québécois separatists have vowed to make the visit of British Royals Prince William and Kate Middleton to the province "as unpleasant as possible".

The Québécois Network of Resistance (RRQ) has vowed to disrupt the planned visit by the royal couple this summer. The small militant group, which is believed to have a national membership of around 500 people, supports independence for the French-speaking Quebec province from Canada. It has organised a number of direct action protests against the British monarchy including a protest and blockade of an armory in Montreal during the visit of Prince Charles. Scuffles subsequently broke out with police and security forces. The group also draws inspiration from the Quebec National Liberation Front (FLQ), a paramilitary group which engaged in gun and bomb attacks against what it described as "Anglo-Saxon Imperialism".

The RRQ said that it was in the process of setting up a "welcoming committee" to oppose the visit which is anticipated to take place in late June or early July to coincide with the Canada Day national holiday.

Opinion polls carried out by a local newspaper in the province found that 80% of people believed that the British Monarchy should be abolished while 60% opposed any royal visit.

Israel target Palestinian Militants

The Israeli Air Force has launched a missile attack against a unit of Palestinian fighters in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.

It is understood that a number of rockets were fired at the group who managed to escape uninjured. Hamas fighters have ceased firing rockets into Israel however, smaller groups such as Islamic-Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine continue to carry out rocket and mortar attacks.

Israel claims it only fires into Gaza in response to attacks on it's territory.

Dissident Republican group claims Arson attack

 A dissident Irish republican splinter group has claimed responsibility for an arson attack against taxi deport in the city of Belfast, it has emerged.

The splinter group, known as Óglaigh na hÉireann (Warriors of Ireland) claimed responsibility for the attack, which occured on February 7th. Two people were lightly injured when two masked men entered the depot and started a fire. In a written statement which was distributed throughout the area, the group claims, that a number of the taxi depot's employees were involved in drug dealing and that the owner had turned a blind eye to their activities. The owner, who is currently on holidays, has been threatened and told not to return to Ireland.

However, mainstream republican sources, including Gerry Kelly - an elected Sinn Féin MLA and ex-IRA prisoner, has said that the action was simply an attempt to extort money from the business owners. He has also called on the Republican Network for Unity (RNU) - which is considered to be the political wing of ONH - to publically explain the reasoning behind this attack.

Other sources have claimed that the larger Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) had been involved in the incident.

Galician nationalists to be charged over attempted car-bomb attack

Two Galician nationalists are to stand trial after they were arrested late last month on conspiracy charges, it has emerged.

The two men were stopped by a police patrol at a checkpoint near Pontevedra in the early hours of the morning. When the car was inspected it was found to contain a homemade explosive device. The car-bomb was made up of a five-litre can of petrol, six gas canisters and a number of fireworks attached to a detonator.

The names of those arrested have still not been released but it is understood that one of the men is under 18. They are both linked to the Galician nationalist movement and are believed to be members of Galician Resistance (REGA).

Since the beginning of the year REGA have been blamed for a bomb attack in Betanzos, four petrol bomb attacks on rival poltiicians offices and a failed bomb attack in Vigo.