INTERNATIONAL SECURITY NEWS BRIEFS:
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U.S. starts aid airdrops into Haiti January 19, 2010
The US military begins airdrops of food and water into Haiti, as aid efforts gather pace a week after the devastating earthquake. Some 14,000 ready-to-eat meals and 15,000 litres of water were dropped north-east of the capital, Port-au-Prince, the US said.

Security fears in quake-hit Haiti January 16, 2010
Security concerns rise in Haiti's capital as distribution problems continue to hamper the supply of aid to desperate quake survivors. Days after the quake devastated Port-au-Prince, killing tens of thousands, there are some reports of gangs preying on residents and looting. Officials say thousands of prisoners are unaccounted for after the main prison was destroyed. Relief has been arriving, but little has moved beyond the jammed airport.

Vietnam police tear gas, beat Catholics over cross: priest January 7, 2010
HANOI (AFP) - Several Vietnamese Catholics were injured when police used electric prods and fired tear gas in a dispute over a crucifix, a priest said Thursday. . .He said parishioners had told him the police used electric prods, tear gas and stones against the crowd, two of whom were seriously injured and taken to Hanoi for treatment. . .The clash, as described by the priest, is one of the most serious incidents in a long-running series of church-state land disputes.

Shin Bet considers more airport security January 5, 2010

Middle East / N. Africa - Israel The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) is considering beefing up its teams of security guards stationed at Ben-Gurion Airport and on Israeli commercial flights, The Jerusalem Post has learned.

Third Western Yemen embassy shuts January 4, 2010
France follows the US and UK in shutting its Yemen embassy, after threats by a group linked to an alleged plane bomb plot.

U.S. toughens air screening rules January 4, 2010
Passengers flying to the US from or via 14 nations deemed a security risk face tougher screening, under new measures.

Volcanic ash disrupts Puerto Rican flights December 30, 2009
Caribbean air traffic is being snarled by a cloud of volcanic ash floating 10,000 feet above the island of Montserrat, forcing the cancellation of more than 60 flights in Puerto Rico. At least eight U.S. carriers have had their operations affected by the Soufriere volcano, which has been spewing ash for several weeks.

Full-body scanners could get boost from bombing incident December 29, 2009
Experts say full-body scanners could have detected the explosive smuggled aboard Northwest Flight 253, but privacy concerns have prevented deployment of the machines in Europe. That could change, however, as governments scramble to plug the hole that allowed Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab to board the plane with explosive chemicals hidden under his clothes.

Father warned about 'jet bomber' December 27, 2009
The father of a Nigerian man charged with trying to blow up a transatlantic jet had warned US officials about his son's views.

Malaysia urges focus on South China Sea piracy November 30, 2009

East Asia / Pacific - Malaysia Pirates attacks in the South China Sea are increasing and Malaysia has urged the bordering nations to work together to fight the threat, reports said Monday.

Syrian carrying $880,000, Hezbollah ring, 9/11 videos, stopped at Canadian border November 13, 2009
VANCOUVER � Don't cross the Canadian border with almost a million dollars that you fail to declare � especially when you also have a Hezbollah ring and a Palestinian scarf in your possession.

Spain calls for blockade of Somali pirate ports November 11, 2009
Spain wants EU naval forces to blockade three Somali ports used to launch pirate attacks against ships in the Indian Ocean, Defence Minister Carme Chacon said Wednesday.

Flights cancelled as Beijing blanketed in snow November 10, 2009
BEIJING - Nearly 70 flights were cancelled and more than 30 delayed at Beijing's airport Tuesday after the second major snow storm of the season blanketed the Chinese capital, airport officials said.

Pirates 'seize UK yacht couple' October 28, 2009
A couple who have gone missing while sailing in the Seychelles are feared to have been seized by Somali pirates.

Massive security at Asian summit in Thailand October 22, 2009

Thailand has mounted one of its biggest security operations in recent history with more than 36,000 military and police to prevent anti-government demonstrators from overrunning a summit of Asian leaders, an official spokesman said Thursday.

Terror groups gaining Western recruits October 19, 2009
German security services have been on high alert since last month, ... The agents provide guidance, money, travel routes and even letters of recommendation ...

Chinese ship hijacked in Indian Ocean: EU October 19, 2009
East Asia / Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa - China, Seychelles A Chinese bulk carrier was hijacked in the Indian Ocean on Monday, the EU's anti-piracy naval mission in the region reported, immediately launching an investigation into the incident.

Milan Bomber Had Accomplices, More Explosives - Police October 17, 2009
MILAN (Reuters) - The Libyan man who tried to bomb a Milan army barracks had suspected accomplices and the group had more explosives ready, police said on Tuesday.

Thailand to invoke security act to control 'Red Shirt' protests October 13, 2009

East Asia / Pacific - Thailand The Thai cabinet agreed on Tuesday to invoke a harsh internal security law for 10 days in central Bangkok to control mass rallies by anti-government "Red Shirt" protesters, the prime minister said.

U.S. troops aid Philippine rescue October 11, 2009
U.S. troops are drafted into Philippine relief operations, where some 600 people have died following two typhoons.

Foreigners advised to restrict movement October 8, 2009

South / Central Asia - Pakistan A number of foreign missions in Islamabad have advised their citizens to restrict their movement after a fresh threat of terrorist attacks in the capital, sources in the interior ministry and diplomatic circles told Dawn on Wednesday.

Cartels may target U.S. firms October 6, 2009
Americas - Mexico American interests could become targets of Mexico's drug cartels as Washington deepens its involvement in the war against drugs south of the border, according to a leading global intelligence and security corporation.

China number two in world for rabies deaths East Asia / Pacific - China September 28, 2009
BEIJING: China is second only to India worldwide in the number of people killed by rabies every year, the government reported, making the disease one of the nation's biggest public health threats. "China is one of the countries most severely affected by rabies, and in recent years the number of annual reported deaths from rabies has averaged around 2,400," the health ministry said in a statement on its website. "It is only inferior in number to India, and gives us the world's second-place ranking." The statement, issued to coincide with World Rabies Day on Monday, said rabies was among the top three infectious diseases in China.

China Bars Foreigners From Making Visits to Tibet East Asia / Pacific - China September 25, 2009
China has stopped issuing travel documents to foreigners seeking to visit Tibet, according to local tour operators, another indicator of the government�s skittishness over the coming anniversary of the Communist victory in 1949.

Australian attacked in Belgrade September 21, 2009
Europe - Serbia An Australian tourist has become the second foreigner in four days to be attacked in Serbia's capital, Belgrade.

U.S. Embassy in Honduras to stop issuing most visas August 26, 2009
Americas - Honduras The United States will stop issuing most visas on Wednesday at the U.S. Embassy in Honduras because the current government is standing by its refusal to sign an accord that would bring back overthrown President Manuel Zelaya.

Russia detains ship 'hijackers' August 18, 2009
The Russian navy arrests a group of eight people it says hijacked the Arctic Sea, the missing ship found off West Africa.

Bomb explodes at airline office in Argentina August 5, 2009

Americas - Argentina A bomb exploded early Tuesday at a Chilean airline office in Buenos Aires, causing moderate damage but no injuries, the airline and government news agencies reported.

Beyoglu, a safe place to go? July 22, 2009
Europe - Turkey After a German tourist was killed in broad daylight Monday morning on İstiklal, a crowded pedestrian street in Taksim, the question of safety in Istanbul�s Beyoğlu area has once again become the talk of the town.

Cartels now killing at will in Chihuahua July 16, 2009
Americas - Mexico The recent killings of a mayor, anti-crime activists and federal police point to an uneasy shift in tactics by drug cartels as the violence continues at an unstoppable pace across Mexico, officials said

Canada toughens its visa demands July 14, 2009
Canada has imposed visa requirements on travellers from Mexico and the Czech Republic after a big jump in refugee claims from these two countries.

Calderon's drug offensive stirs 'wasp nest' July 13, 2009
Americas - Mexico In the baddest precinct of Mexico's most violent city, Jose Manuel Resendiz is the law.The army officer packs two pistols and a semiautomatic rifle as he patrols the Delicias district of Ciudad Juarez, the bullet-scarred border city that is the emblem of Mexico's drug-war mayhem.

Travelers Face Limit of $630 on New Goods July 10, 2009
Europe - Russia Travelers might be restricted to bringing only 20,000 rubles ($630) worth of goods into Russia without paying customs duties under a government proposal aimed at bolstering crisis-hit customs revenues.

Swine flu sickens Argentine economy July 10, 2009

Americas - Argentina Normally the winter period in July is the most profitable time of year for children's theatre companies and cinema owners in Argentina. But swine flu has changed everything this year.

Hong Kong police investigate acid attacks June 9, 2009
East Asia / Pacific - Hong Kong, SAR Hong Kongers ventured out unafraid Tuesday, as police searched for suspects behind a third acid attack that injured 24 people in one of the city's most densely populated shopping districts. Nearly 100 people have been injured in the assaults so far.

Deadly gun battle rocks Acapulco June 8, 2009
Americas - Mexico Sixteen gunmen thought to be linked to drug cartels and two soldiers have been killed in clashes in the Mexican resort of Acapulco, officials say.

A look at world's deadliest air disasters June 2, 2009

French plane lost in ocean storm June 1, 2009
An Air France airliner carrying 228 people from Brazil to Paris vanishes over the Atlantic after a possible lightning strike.

In Venezuela, hundreds march for press freedom May 28, 2009

Hundreds of opponents of President Hugo Chavez marched in support of press freedom in Venezuela on Wednesday, two years after his government refused to renew the concession of an opposition-aligned television station.

Violence in India over guru's death eases May 26, 2009

South / Central Asia - India Tensions eased in the northern Indian state of Punjab on Tuesday, following widespread violence across the region after a Sikh guru was shot to death and another was wounded at an Indian temple in Vienna, Austria.

Venezuela seizes US pasta company May 18, 2009
Venezuelan officials accompanied by soldiers have seized "temporary" control of a US-owned pasta producer.
Venezuela says the plant, owned by the big US firm Cargill, had violated regulations on price controls intended to guarantee cheap food for the poor.
Swine flu: HK quarantines hundreds at hotel May 2, 2009
East Asia / Pacific - China Hundreds of tourists and employees were under quarantine in a downtown Hong Kong hotel Saturday after a Mexican guest tested positive for swine flu. With the outbreak on its doorstep, China suspended direct flights from the Latin American country.

Thai troops crack down on protesters April 13, 2009
East Asia / Pacific - Thailand Thai soldiers fired volleys of shots in the air to disperse protesters blocking key roads in Bangkok Monday, as the first show of force by the government since declaring emergency rule left 74 wounded.

Ship Captain Rescued From Somali Pirates Sunday, April 12, 2009
American sea Captain Richard Phillips was safely rescued Sunday from four Somali pirates, who had been holding him for days in a lifeboat off the coast of Africa, a U.S. intelligence official said.

Thai protests cancel Asian summit April 11, 2009
A summit of Asian leaders in Thailand is cancelled after anti-government protesters break into the venue.

Northern India tourist area hit by quake April 9, 2009
NEW DELHI, April 9 (UPI) -- A tourist district in northern India was hit by a 5.3-magnitude earthquake Thursday, injuring three people and damaging a number of buildings, officials said.

Somali Pirates Hijack Ship; 20 Americans Aboard April 8, 2009

Sub-Saharan Africa - Somalia Somali pirates on Wednesday hijacked a U.S.-flagged cargo ship with 20 American crew members onboard, according to the shipping company.

Massive Bangkok Protest Planned for April 8, 2009
On April 7, 2009, the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok issued the following Warden Message: This warden message alerts U.S. Citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand that perhaps as many as 100,000 or more protesters from the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (aka UDD or the �red shirts�) will congregate tomorrow, April 8, at Government House.Click here for full report

Powerful Italian quake kills many April 6, 2009
At least 90 people are believed dead and tens of thousands homeless after an earthquake strikes L'Aquila in central Italy.

Government warns of growing terrorism threat March 30, 2009
The government warned of a growing terrorist risk from chemical, biological and radiological weapons Tuesday and pinpointed al Qaeda in Pakistan as a key threat as it revamped its national security strategy. The government also said its updated counter-terrorism policy would focus efforts on trying to prevent young Muslims from being radicalised by violent Islamists, and involve ordinary Britons in tackling the threat.

In Drug War, Mexico Fights Cartel and Itself March 30, 2009
REYNOSA, Mexico � An army convoy on the hunt for traffickers rolled out of its base recently in this border town under the control of the Gulf Cartel � and an ominous voice crackled over a two-way radio frequency to announce just that.

B.C., Mexico team up to fight gangs March 24, 2009
British Columbia and Mexico plan to co-ordinate their fight against multinational gangs smuggling drugs across borders, B.C. Attorney General Wally Oppal said Monday. more...

UK plans comprehensive terror law March 22, 2009

Europe - United Kingdom The UK is planning an updated anti-terror strategy aimed at tackling the immediate threat of terrorism and the longer-term causes of extremism.

70,000 Asian children in sex tourism--NGO March 17, 2009
More than 70,000 children across Asia are being used by sex tourists, mainly in Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand, an independent expert said Thursday.

30 Argentine tourists taken hostages in Brazilian hostel March 17, 2009

Americas - Brazil A group of armed men attacked a hostel Monday by a well-known beach in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro, taking some 30 Argentine tourists hostages for three hours, said police.

Project to get elephants off the mean streets of Bangkok March 13, 2009
The Nation - Thailand's English news
In honour of National Thai Elephant Day yesterday, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) announced a new project aimed at reducing the number of elephants on Bangkok streets.

Terrorists put name to bank bombs March 12, 2009

Europe - Greece The Revolutionary Struggle terror group, best known for a rocket-propelled grenade attack on the US Embassy in January 2007, yesterday claimed responsibility for two bombs planted outside branches of Citibank earlier this week and last month.

Violent spillover from Mexico is focus of House hearing March 12, 2009
CNN International - USA
In recent weeks, the United States, Canada, France, Italy and Germany have issued alerts about travel to Mexico. "The situation in Ciudad Juarez is of

In Mexico�s drug wars, fears of a U.S. front March 9, 2009

Americas - Mexico Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, made the trip to confer with Mexican leaders about the Merida Initiative, a three-year plan signed into law last June to flood the U.S.-Mexican border region with $1.4 billion in U.S. assistance for law-enforcement training and equipment.

As Guns Go South, Drugs - and Violence - Go North March 8, 2009
Buzzle - Costa Mesa,CA,USA
Last year Phoenix police received 366 kidnap-for-ransom reports, a figure they ... America, he said, was ready to provide the kind of "intelligence support, ...

Mexico increases airport security after robberies March 3, 2009

Americas - Mexico More than 800 federal and local police have been assigned to improve security in and around Mexico City's international airport after a series of armed robberies against travelers who excay.

Facing Counterfeiting Crackdown, Beijing Vendors Fight Back March 2, 2009

East Asia / Pacific - China Any tourist who has stepped foot in this city�s famous Silk Street Market can testify that it is home to some of the wiliest, most tenacious vendors who ever tried to palm off a fake handbag on a na�ve foreigner.

Sweden probes 'anti-US' attacks February 27, 2009

Europe - Sweden Three supermarkets have been destroyed and a fourth damaged in central Sweden in what police say might have been a series of anti-American arson attacks.

College students warned about Mexico travel February 26, 2009
PHOENIX - The U.S. State Department and universities around the country are warning college students headed for Mexico for some spring-break partying of a surge in drug-related murder and mayhem south of the border.

US report highlights human rights problems in Bulgaria February 25, 2009
Sofia Echo - Sofia,Bulgaria
During 2008 there was an increase in ransom kidnappings involving wealthy .... Turkey, the Czech Republic, Poland, Macedonia, Kosovo, and Western Europe. ...

Swedish Media Report Possible threats to U.S. Interests February 24, 2009
On February 24, 2009, the U.S. Embassy Stockholm issued the following Warden Message :

On 02-19-2009, the U.S. Embassy was notified that there were reports on Stockholm Radio P4 regarding possible threats to American interests. A reporter on the radio apparently stated that individuals were passing out leaflets in Ronna, S�dert�lje encouraging the public to make Molotov Cocktails and use them on shops selling American products.

Deadly Australian bushfires flare February 23, 2009
East Asia / Pacific - Australia More Australian residents have been forced to flee their homes as renewed bushfires destroyed at least one house and injured three firefighters.

Hundreds turn out to protest gang violence in Metro Vancouver February 23, 2009
Americas - Canada Hundreds of people, including politicians and police, showed up at a rally in a suburb of Vancouver to protest gang violence in Metro Vancouver.

British tourists robbed in Brazil February 20, 2009

Americas - Brazil British tourists were among a group who were held hostage for several hours during a robbery at a hostel in Brazil. The raid took place at the SambaVilla hostel in the Lapa area of Rio de Janeiro and was the second hostel in the city to be held up in a week. . .

British, French nuclear subs collide in Atlantic February 16, 2009
Europe - France, United Kingdom Nuclear-armed submarines from Britain and France collided deep under the Atlantic Ocean earlier this month, causing damage to both vessels but releasing no radioactivity, a British official said Monday.

France's role in Holocaust legally recognized February 16, 2009
The Times of India
PARIS: France's top judicial body on Monday formally recognized the nation's role in deporting Jews to Nazi death camps during the Holocaust - but effectively ruled out any more reparations for the deportees or their families.

Middle East / N. Africa
Travel Alert: Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf
On February 11, 2009, the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Alert:

This Travel Alert is being updated to warn Americans about heightened security concerns in and around the Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf...

Plane crash in NY state kills 50 February 13, 2009
Fifty people have died after a US passenger plane crashed into a house in Buffalo, New York state. The Continental Connection flight 3407 was five minutes from Buffalo airport when it came down at 2210 (0310 GMT). Officials said there were no survivors from the 45 passengers and four crew on board the flight from Newark. One person on the ground also died.

Mexican drug violence spills over into the U.S. February 10, 2009
The Gulf Cartel, based in Matamoros just south of the Texas border, is one of the most ruthless of the Mexican organizations that deal drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine and heroin. "He was shackled to a wall and one suspect had an AK-47. ... But El Paso remains one of America's safest cities, something Cuthbertson said is probably a result of the huge law enforcement presence in town, including thousands of Border Patrol and customs agents. ...
SignOnSanDiego.com - http://www3.signonsandiego.com/news/

6.0 quake rumbles in Peru February 9, 2009
A significant earthquake, measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale, occurred Monday near the coast of northern Peru, quake monitors said.The U.S. Geological Survey said the temblor took place at 9:09 a.m. at a depth of 6.2 miles. Its epicenter was 95 miles west of Chiclayo, 470 miles northwest of Lima and 475 miles south-southwest of Quito, Ecuador.CNN and Sky News said there were no immediate reports ...

Over 200 Americans killed in Mexico since '04 February 9, 2009
Americas - Mexico More than 200 American citizens have been killed since 2004 in Mexico's escalating wave of violence, amounting to the highest number of unnatural deaths in any foreign country outside military combat zones, according to the U.S. State Department.

Mexico sends more police to airport after assaults February 8, 2009
MEXICO CITY � Mexico has assigned 100 more federal police officers to the capital's airport following a series of assaults on travelers who exchanged money. Five of the victims have been foreigners, including a French scientist who was killed.

Doc's Talk: Gazans Tell How Hamas Used Them As Human Shields
By GS Don Morris, Ph.D.
iii) A correspondent for Italy 's Corriere della Sera talked to Gazans about rocket fire from the roofs of private houses and about Hamas operatives who sought shelter in a hospital. 3. In an article which appeared on ... In addition, during Operation Cast Lead, terrorists hid in hospitals and operated from within them, correctly assuming that the Israeli security forces would not enter medical institutions and would abstain from attacking hospitals. The New York Times ...
Doc's Talk - http://docstalk.blogspot.com/

Who do pirates call to get their cash? January 29, 2009
Last year alone pirate gangs were paid an estimated �35m from holding scores of ships and hundreds of crew members to ransom. But securing their release is ...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7847351.stm

Japan sends ships to fight Somali pirates January 28, 2009
Japan on Wednesday ordered its ships to join the international fight against pirates off the shores of Somalia a move that has drawn criticism from opposition lawmakers who fear it could draw the country into military operations prohibited by its pacifist constitution.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2009-01-28-japan-somalia-piracy_N.htm?csp=34

French strike to cause severe travel disruption January 28, 2009
Europe - France International and domestic air and rail travel will be severely disrupted in France on Thursday due to a nationwide strike to protest against President Nicolas Sarkozy's government, officials warned.
http://www.expatica.com/fr/news/local_news/French-strike-to-cause-severe-travel-disruption_49046.html

Maoists torch 11 cement trucks January 23, 2009
South / Central Asia - India
As many as 11 cement-laden trucks were set ablaze in Rohtas district and a mobile tower was blown up in Gaya by Naxalites early on Thursday during a bandh called by CPI(Maoist).
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Maoists_torch_11_cement_trucks/articleshow/4020032.cms

Namibia: Old Mutual Warns Against '419' Scams January 23, 2009
E-mails that have been circulating recently purport that certain individuals have received policy payouts from Old Mutual London worth millions of pounds, and that they are awaiting the transfer of funds to them.
http://allafrica.com/stories/200901230588.html

Thailand refuses to grant access to Myanmar boat people January 23, 2009
Thailand's prime minister Wednesday refused to grant UN experts access to 126 boat people from Myanmar, following allegations that the Thai army had left them to die on the open seas.
http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/etn/news_content.php?id=845418&lang=eng_news&cate_img=logo_world&cate_rss=WORLD_eng

Al Qaeda figure calls for attacks on Britain January 22, 2009
Europe - United Kingdom A prominent leader of al Qaeda called for attacks in Western countries particularly Britain in retaliation for Israel's offensive in Gaza, arguing that London was behind the creation of the Jewish state.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090122/wl_nm/us_qaeda_britain_threat;_ylt=AiuTAK3MewsC590aeptWmgV0bBAF

3 heads found in ice box in northern Mexico January 21, 2009
Americas - Mexico Prosecutors say three heads were found in an ice box south of Ciudad Juarez, which lies across from El Paso, Texas. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090121/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_mexico_violence;_ylt=AsPvPCWkRY2xFcc2M8xy8U63IxIF

The Road to the Horizon: The 2009 Human Rights Watch Report is out. January 18, 2009
Succumbing to competing interests and credibility problems of their own making, they have let themselves be outmaneuvered and sidelined in UN venues such as the Security Council and the Human Rights Council, and in the policy debates ...
http://www.theroadtothehorizon.org/2009/01/2009-human-rights-watch-report-is-out.html

Women Against Shariah: Islamic rebels kidnap Red Cross workers in ...
Most were freed after payment of ransom but three were beheaded, including an American, and an American missionary was killed in a shootout between the kidnappers and the army. The Abu Sayyaf has also been blamed for the bombing of a ...
Women Against Shariah - http://womenagainstshariah.blogspot.com/

Dutch seek Somali pirates' extradition from Denmark January 15, 2009
AFP via Yahoo! News
The Netherlands has asked Denmark to extradite five pirates detained by the Danish navy in the Gulf of Aden while attacking a Dutch cargo vessel, the Dutch government said Thursday.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090115/wl_africa_afp/somaliapiracyshippingnetherlandsdenmark_20090115175206

2001 terror plot crushed in Bangkok Jan. 14, 2009
Bangkok Post - Thailand's English news
Jemaah Islamiyah terrorists planned to steal a plane at the Bangkok airport at Don Mueang and crash it into the Changi Airport but the plan was broken up when Thai authorities discovered key details.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asian/135861/2001-terror-plot-crushed-in-bangkok

Three Bodies Found Decapitated in Tijuana Jan.9, 2009

Americas - Mexico Three decapitated men were found early Friday next to a tomb in the northern Mexican city of Tijuana, after an anonymous comment about the location of the bodies was post on a news website.
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/americas/news/article_1452643.php/Three_bodies_found_decapitated_in_Tijuana_

World�s top 5 murder capitals January 08, 2009
Americas, East Asia / Pacific, Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa - Papua New Guinea, Russia, South Africa, Venezuela
The Washington DC-based Foreign Policy publication, in its edition last September, lists Port Moresby alongside Caracas (Venezuela), Cape Town (South Africa), New Orleans (USA) and Moscow (Russia) as cities where you have a very good chance of getting murdered. The Foreign Policy website (www.foreignpolicy.com), on which the listing is still available, says when it comes to brutal, homicidal violence, these five cities stand in a class of their own.
http://solomonstarnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5748&change=71&changeown=79&Itemid=26

FBI warns of cyber attack threat January 07, 2009
Sydney Morning Herald - Sydney,New South Wales,Australia
Cyber attacks pose the greatest threat to the United States after nuclear war and weapons of mass destruction - and they are increasingly hard to prevent, FBI experts say. . .
Evan Kohlmann, an investigator with Global Terror Alert, based in Washington, said websites and social networking tools already allow underground Islamist ...
http://news.smh.com.au/world/fbi-warns-of-cyber-attack-threat-20090107-7bot.html

Argentina's Deadly Yellow Fever Outbreak Spurs Mass Vaccination Jan.6, 2009
Americas - Argentina Argentina is mass-vaccinating people against yellow fever amid concern its first deadly outbreak of the disease in 42 years may spread from jungle areas to cities.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601124&sid=aKbfIEUciQ9M

Citizens seek new Nigeria in the new year January 03, 2009
The Guardian - Nigeria - Lagos,Nigeria
THE urgent imperative of a new and better Nigeria was the fulcrum of New Year messages across the country yesterday. From Senate President David Mark came a charge to Nigerians to renew their faith in Nigeria to facilitate the desired development of the country. ... if we must rescue the country from the hands of self-serving and bankrupt leaders who have impoverished the people and held them to ransom. ...
See all stories on this topic http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/news/article02/indexn2_html?pdate=010109&ptitle=Citizens%20seek%20new%20Nigeria%20in%20the%20new%20year

Caracas named 'murder capital of world' January 02, 2009
Americas - Venezuela At least 510 people were killed in Caracas, Venezuela, in December, giving support to a recent report that called the city the murder capital of the world.

9 Muslim Passengers Removed From Jet January 02, 2009
Others on Flight Say a Remark Was 'Suspicious'
Officials ordered nine Muslim passengers, including three young children, off an AirTran flight headed to Orlando from Reagan National Airport yesterday afternoon after two other passengers overheard what they thought was a suspicious remark.

Bali tourists on alert for high waves from cyclone Billy December 29, 2008
"The Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG) has warned all tourists visiting Bali to stay alert because cyclone Billy may be bearing waves up to 3-and-a-half meters high to the southern coastline. kompas.com reports."

Coffee bar explosion injures one in Kunming December 24, 2008
East Asia / Pacific - China A man was seriously injured on Wednesday in an explosion at a coffee bar here in southwest China's Yunnan Province, police and witnesses said.

Brazil flooding subsides after stranding motorists December 24, 2008
Americas - Brazil Traffic returned to normal Tuesday in the industrial city of Sao Paulo, Brazil, a day after flooding from a strong rainstorm stranded hundreds of motorists.

Pirates release Yemeni cargo ship December 03, 2008
Somali pirates have freed a Yemeni cargo ship captured 10 days ago without a ransom, says a minister.

Thai airport protests called off December 02, 2008
Thai anti-government protesters agree to end their occupation of Bangkok's airports, letting thousands of tourists leave.

Pirates Attack Cruise Ship Off Somali Coast December 01, 2008

Middle East / N. Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa - Somalia, Yemen A luxury cruise ship carrying dozens of British passengers has been attacked by pirates in the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Somalia, en route to Oman. The Oceania Nautica was fired at during its 32-day voyage from Rome to Singapore. more...

East Asia / Pacific - Japan
Japan rocked by major earthquake July 16, 2007
An earthquake has struck central Japan, killing at least seven people, flattening buildings and triggering a fire at a nuclear power plant. Hundreds of people were injured when the 6.8-magnitude tremor struck the Niigata area.

Europe - Italy
U.S. Embassy warns tourists of Naples waste July 10, 2007
The US embassy in Rome has warned American tourists that they may face health risks if they travel to Naples, because of the city's rubbish crisis. The streets of the southern Italian city have been strewn with rotting waste since May.

Europe - Germany, Greece
Greek jet makes emergency landing April 23, 2007
A Greek aircraft carrying MEPs has made an emergency landing in Germany's Munich airport following a bomb threat, German and Greek officials have said.

Europe - Russia
Lockdown for foreigners at Moscow school April 19, 2007
A leading Moscow university ordered its foreign students on Thursday to remain in their dormitories for the next three days because of fears of ethnic violence before Adolf Hitler's birthday this weekend, students said.

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Sub-Saharan Africa - Tanzania
Tourists attacked in Tanzania Mar. 22, 2007
Nairobi - Two US tourists and their Tanzanian guide were shot and wounded by robbers in northern Tanzania.

East Asia / Pacific - Philippines
Cargo ships sinks in Philippines Mar. 21, 2007
A cargo ship sank in the northern Philippines on Wednesday, leaving one crewman dead and five missing, the coast guard said. Thirteen others were rescued. The Panamanian-registered ship MV Unicorn Ace sank about 80 miles off Curimao in Ilocos Norte province, which is about 250 miles north of Manila, said Amado Lorenzana, a coast guard officer.

East Asia / Pacific - China
Security tight in China riot town Mar. 15, 2007
Zhushan City, China: Security is tight in a town in central China following riots that involved as many as 20,000 people.

Sub-Saharan Africa - Nigeria
Lagos Carjacking Highlights Increased Risk Mar. 6, 2007
An employee of an American organization and her personal driver were victims of a carjacking outside her Lagos office compound. She reported being told by the carjackers that they were going to kill her, and that they knew she was American.

Americas, East Asia / Pacific, Middle East / N. Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa - Canada, China, Egypt, Kenya, Somalia
Canadian Passport Has No Shield Mar. 2, 2007
The lure of "home'' is powerful. But a Canadian passport is no guarantee that citizens won't come to grief when they venture into perilous realms.

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Europe - United Kingdom
Terror threat to Britain worst since 9/11 Feb. 26, 2007
London, Britain: The threat of a terrorist attack in Britain by home-grown Islamists is at its highest since the September 11, 2001 attacks, a newspaper said, citing a secret government report.

Europe - Germany
Couple suspected of threatening to derail trains Feb. 24, 2007
Berlin, Germany: To the relief of the German railways, a couple who threatened over a two-week period to derail trains have been arrested on extortion charges, police in Berlin said Thursday.

Sub-Saharan Africa - Guinea
Guinea Airport Situation Feb. 14, 2007
This warden message is being issued to update American citizens regarding information on Air France flights out of Guinea. A flight left Guinea for Paris yesterday. We believe Air France will try to operate flights to Paris starting Thursday, February 15 to Sunday February 19, 2007.

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South / Central Asia - Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan Earthquake Preparedness Feb. 13, 2007
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: The U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan would like to remind American Citizens that Kyrgyzstan is located in a seismically-active zone.

East Asia / Pacific - Philippines
Hundreds flee as clashes erupt in Philippine south Feb. 12, 2007
MANILA, Philippines (Reuters) - Hundreds of people have fled a village in the southern Philippines after troops stormed a Muslim rebel base, hunting for dozens of prisoners who escaped from jail earlier this month, the rebels and officials said on Monday.

East Asia / Pacific - China
Buddhist beheaded in Thai south Feb. 9, 2007
A 72-year-old Buddhist rice miller was beheaded in Thailand's rebellious Muslim south on Thursday in an apparent retaliation for a bomb attack on a village tea shop owned by Muslims, police said.

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Oil workers targeted as Nigeria violence grows Feb. 5, 2007
Port Harcourt, Nigeria: Thousands of foreign workers and their families have left Africa's top oil producer since a faceless new militant group launched unprecedented attacks about a year ago on the places where they work, live and relax.

Sub-Saharan Africa - Cameroon
Safety and Security
Cameroon Carjackers Target Toyota SUVs 1/31/07
U.S. Embassy employees have been briefed on the frequency of carjackings involving high-end Toyota sport utility vehicles to include the Land Cruiser and Land Cruiser Prado

Europe - Netherlands
North Sea Airborne Chemical Danger 1/30/07
U.S. Consulate General Amsterdam issued this warning to U.S. Citizens traveling to and residing in the Netherlands that the Consulate has been informed that a ship fire west of Amsterdam is releasing large amounts of Hydrogen-Cyanide and Carbon-Monoxide into the air, which is blowing east towards Amsterdam and north towards Beverwijk and Zaanstad.

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East Asia / Pacific - Australia
Magnitude 6.7 earthquake strikes off Australia's Macquarie Island
SYDNEY, Australia (AP): A magnitude 6.7 earthquake rocked the coast of Australia's remote Macquarie Island Tuesday, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

United Kingdom plans for tougher immigration controls.
Britain: The government says its long-term aim is to be able to identify everyone entering and leaving Britain. It will also make ID cards compulsory for foreign nationals.

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Deadly Australian bushfires flare February 23, 2009 East Asia / Pacific - Australia More Australian residents have been forced to flee their homes as renewed bushfires destroyed at least one house and injured three firefighters.

Hundreds turn out to protest gang violence in Metro Vancouver February 23, 2009 Americas - Canada Hundreds of people, including politicians and police, showed up at a rally in a suburb of Vancouver to protest gang violence in Metro Vancouver.

Caracas named 'murder capital of world' January 02, 2009 Americas - Venezuela At least 510 people were killed in Caracas, Venezuela, in December, giving support to a recent report that called the city the murder capital of the world.

Bali tourists on alert for high waves from cyclone Billy December 29, 2008 "The Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG) has warned all tourists visiting Bali to stay alert because cyclone Billy may be bearing waves up to 3-and-a-half meters high to the southern coastline. kompas.com reports."

United Kingdom plans for tougher immigration controls. Britain: The government says its long-term aim is to be able to identify everyone entering and leaving Britain. It will also make ID cards compulsory for foreign nationals.

Deadly Australian bushfires flare February 23, 2009
East Asia / Pacific - Australia More Australian residents have been forced to flee their homes as renewed bushfires destroyed at least one house and injured three firefighters.

Hundreds turn out to protest gang violence in Metro Vancouver February 23, 2009
Americas - Canada Hundreds of people, including politicians and police, showed up at a rally in a suburb of Vancouver to protest gang violence in Metro Vancouver.

Caracas named 'murder capital of world' January 02, 2009
Americas - Venezuela At least 510 people were killed in Caracas, Venezuela, in December, giving support to a recent report that called the city the murder capital of the world.

Bali tourists on alert for high waves from cyclone Billy December 29, 2008
"The Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG) has warned all tourists visiting Bali to stay alert because cyclone Billy may be bearing waves up to 3-and-a-half meters high to the southern coastline. kompas.com reports."

United Kingdom plans for tougher immigration controls.
Britain: The government says its long-term aim is to be able to identify everyone entering and leaving Britain. It will also make ID cards compulsory for foreign nationals.