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Alleged Al-Qaeda Operative Apprehended for Visiting UK Olympic Park

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By William Tucker

British officials have stated that a man of Somali origin broke an order issued by the UK’s Home Office barring him from visiting the Olympic Park. According to reports, the suspect broke the order on five separate occasions. Officials speaking with the media claim the suspect trained with late al-Qaeda operative Saleh Nabhan in Somalia until Nabhan’s death in 2009 at the hands of U.S. Special Forces. Nine other men have been barred by the Home Office from visiting the Olympic Park as they have been deemed a threat to the venue. All told, London has a large terrorist population, thus security for the event will be rather tight.

The 2012 Olympic Games are an international venue, and as such, a high priority target for al-Qaeda and other terrorist movements. That UK officials decided to arrest this individual this far in advance of the game’s opening shows that Britain isn’t taking any chances with security. Although the individual visited the park on five separate occasions, he was under surveillance at all times. It’s likely that the visits were allowed to continue so that law enforcement could check for patterns during each visit that may indicate the type of attack, or the likely targets. Additionally, security agencies would also be on the lookout for signs of a wider conspiracy. As the opening of the Olympics approaches, it is highly likely that similar stories will be reported.

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Al-Qaeda Operative Tied to 9/11 Attacks Captured in Pakistan

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By William Tucker

An al-Qaeda operative that has been tied to the 9/11 and Mumbai attacks has been captured in by Pakistani Authorities. The operative, Naamen Meziche, has been living in Iran, but was captured in Pakistan shortly after entering the country. Meziche has been involved in several plots and somehow managed to move around Germany although he was known to German authorities.

Meeting in the Middle: The Importance of a Broad Strategic View in National Security

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Edward J. Hagerty, Ph.D.
Program Director, National Security Studies at American Military University

Israel is rattling sabers and forcefully denouncing Iranian negotiations over its nuclear program as merely a stalling tactic, while Washington and its allies prepare to meet soon in further efforts to deter Iran from its nuclear goals.  Could there be a settlement at hand, or will an Israeli strike lead to a wider regional conflict?

Al-Qaeda Deputy Abu Yahya al-Libi Killed in Pakistan

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By William Tucker

Typically I prefer to wait for confirmation from both U.S. and al-Qaeda sources before discussing the reported death of a leader. Although most news outlets reporting on this story are quoting one unnamed individual, word just came from the White House they believe Abu Yahya was killed in a recent U.S. drone strike. The drone strike in question occurred early Monday morning in North Waziristan.

Suicide Bomber Hits Yemeni Military Parade

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By William Tucker

A suicide bomber dressed as a Yemeni soldier detonated his device in the midst of a paramilitary division that was rehearsing for tomorrow’s National Unity Day parade. The ministry of defense stated that over 90 were killed and a further 220 were wounded in the blast. There are reports that two other would be bombers were stopped before they could detonate their devices, but further information is not available.

CIA Disrupts AQAP Airline Plot

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By William Tucker

The Associated Press, claiming an exclusive, is reporting that the CIA disrupted another airline bombing plot that was supposed to be an improvement upon the failed attempt over Detroit in 2009. Like the previous attempt, this bomb was constructed to be worn in the carriers underwear, however the design was improved and reportedly did not contain any metal parts.

The Battle for Mali Continues

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By William Tucker

Units of the Malian military that supported the coup launched a new assault on loyalist forces today, seizing control of an anti-junta military base in the capital. Many of the loyalist forces have fled Bamako after a new decree was issued calling for the arrest of the remaining forces still loyal to the ousted President. The fighting between pro-junta and loyalist forces has remained confined primarily to Bamako.

Al-Shabaab Regrouping in Puntland

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By William Tucker

The counterinsurgency efforts run by the African Union and the Somali TFG have finally begun to have an impact on al-Shabaab’s ability to operate in Somalia. Al-Shabaab has been forced to rely on terrorist attacks against targets in Mogadishu as forces operating under the AU, or independently such as Kenya and Ethiopia, have forced the group from several of its strongholds in southern and central Somalia.

Despite airstrikes, AQAP remains viable in Yemen

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By William Tucker

The nation of Yemen has seen some rather significant political changes in 2012, but the most prominent is the resignation of long time strong man Ali Abdullah Saleh. Naturally, Saleh hasn’t completely been removed from the scene as he and his tribe still holds significant sway in Yemeni politics. That being said, Saleh’s resignation has largely overshadowed the continuous militant threat the nation faces.

Militant Groups Gain Ground in Northern Mali

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By William Tucker

Two weeks ago I stated the military led coup against the Malian government did not bode well for counterterrorism operations in North Africa. That now seems to be an understatement. The head of the Malian junta, Captain Amadou Sanogo, ordered the military to back off fighting in the northern city of Gao for fear of endangering the civilians in the city.