Obama praises military for Somalia hostage rescue

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama on Wednesday praised U.S. Special Operations Forces who rescued two hostages, including an American aid worker, from pirates in Somalia during an early morning raid.

Obama said Jessica Buchanan, an American aid worker with the Danish Refugee Council, is “on her way home.” Buchanan and Dane Poul Hagen Thisted were kidnapped at gunpoint by Somali pirates in October.

“As Commander-in-Chief, I could not be prouder of the troops who carried out this mission, and the dedicated professionals who supported their efforts,” Obama said in a statement.

In a separate statement, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Buchanan and Thisted “have been transported to a safe location where we will evaluate their health and make arrangements for them to return home.” He said the two hostages were not harmed during the operation, and no U.S. troops were killed or injured.

“This was a team effort and required close coordination, especially between the Department of Defense and our colleagues in the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” Panetta said. Obama said he had approved the mission Monday.

On Tuesday night, Obama appeared to refer to the mission before delivering his State of the Union address. As he entered the House chamber in the U.S. Capitol, he pointed at Panetta in the audience and said, “Good job tonight.” The president did not mention the operation during his speech.

In his statement Wednesday, Obama said: “The United States will not tolerate the abduction of our people, and will spare no effort to secure the safety of our citizens and to bring their captors to justice. This is yet another message to the world that the United States of America will stand strongly against any threats to our people. AGENCIES

Rangers, police apprehend over 150 suspects in Karachi

KARACHI: Rangers and police conducted raids at offices of political and religious parties and other suspected areas in Karachi on Sunday, arresting more than 150 suspects.

Police say modern weapons were recovered from an office of a political party.

Rangers launched door-to-door search operation in Khada Market, Nayaabad, Daryaabad, Sango Lane and nearby areas.

Rangers’ commandoes also took part in the operation. More than 50 suspects were picked up in raids.

According to rangers sources, weapons were also recovered from the action.

Meanwhile, dozens of people held a protest against the operation in Lee Market and blocked traffic by erecting barricades. TrendPK

Several rounded up in Orangi operation

KARACHI: A number of suspects have been taken under arrest amid a joint search operation carried out by police and rangers in separate areas of Orangi Town on late Saturday, TrendPK reported.

During the operation, all the entry and exit points of Orangi Town remained cordoned off under the security of police and rangers.

Sources said that area women staged protest against operation and arrests.

Law enforcement agencies’ sources said arrested suspects have been transferred to unknown location for interrogation.

Meanwhile, at least 10 women have been reportedly injured in firing from security forces and the subsequent stampede.

Furious people pelted police mobile with stones to protest against firing on women. TrendPK

Karachi: 20 arrested in Rangers search operation

After a firefight between two gangs in Orangi Town that left three people dead, a limited scale search operation was conducted in the area.

Heavy contingents of Rangers cordoned off Sector C-1 of Orangio Town and conducted a door-to-door search operation.

The Rangers authorities said that the purpose of the operation was to recover illegal weapons that were being used in gang wars.

The Ranger abandoned the operation after arresting 20 suspects.

The locals protested against the operation and chanted slogans as well.

The violent mob attacked a police mobile van and not only damaged the van but also tortured four policemen.

Meanwhile, East district police arrested a political party activist, Hikmat Khan.

NATO troops kill six civilians in north – Afghan official

MAZAR-I-SHARIF: NATO troops killed six civilians during a night raid on a house in northern Afghanistan’s Sar-e Pul province late, the provincial governor told Reuters.

NATO disputes Afghan authorities over deadly raid

KABUL: The NATO-led force in Afghanistan disputed on Monday an accusation by the Afghan government that foreign forces had violated a security deal by conducting a night raid in Kabul that killed two guards last week.

Under the 2008 deal, Afghan authorities have to approve and lead all security operations in the Afghan capital. The Ministry of the Interior (MOI) said the rules had been ignored by foreign forces and that two senior Afghan policemen have been suspended over Friday’s raid.

But Brigadier General Josef Blotz, a spokesman for the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), said ISAF troops had coordinated with Afghan security forces.

“ISAF coordinated with Afghan security forces to move on an area of interest, so we followed the usual procedures and the operation was partnered,” Blotz said.

Pak Army to decide timeline of North Waziristan operation: Munter

US ambassador in Pakistan Cameron Munter said that Pak Army will decide timeline of operation in North Waziristan but US wants early start of military operation in the area. He said that military leadership has assured army operation in North Waziristan according to its resources.

Talking to media in Islamabad, he said that it was vital to wipe out Al-Qaeda and terrorist groups from Pakistan and Afghanistan. He said that US had no reservations over Pak-China civil nuclear pact but China should follow international supplier laws.

He said that current Pak government has to do a lot of work for the stability of the region. He said that US will further promote its military and security ties with Pakistan.

Karachi: 50 arrested during Rangers’ operation

Sindh Rangers have arrested atleast 50 more people during an operation on Mangho Pir Road Karachi, trendpk.Com reported on Wednesday. Local people protested against the operation while a person died and another got injured of firing by unknown gunmen.

Rangers’ operation continued on second consecutive day after the reports of terrorists’ presence in the area of Mangho Pir road. 50 people were arrested during the operation that continued for 2.5 hours whereas media was kept away from the operation. Some people protested against the operation and closed the shops. The protesters demanded immediate release of those arrested by Rangers. On the other hand a person died while another got injured in the same area of firing by some unknown gunmen. According to sources many of those who were arrested on Tuesday have been freed.

At least 26 miners killed in coal mine explosion; rescuers

BEIJING: An explosion at a coal mine in central China killed 26 miners who were working despite an order to halt production, officials said on Wednesday.

The death toll from the blast that struck on Tuesday evening at the operation in Henan province’s Mianchi County doubled after 13 more bodies were found, said an official from the Henan Administration of Coal Safety.

Another 20 miners managed to escape from the mine, the official said, adding that it was unclear why the mine had initially reported that only 33 miners were working underground at the time of the blast.

China’s coal mines are the world’s deadliest, with thousands of miners killed every year.

Most such accidents are usually blamed on a build-up of coal gas or methane ignited by sparks or open flames.

Massive demand for coal induces many producers to cut corners and sidestep

Karachi: 50 arrested during Rangers’ operation

Sindh Rangers have arrested atleast 50 more people during an operation on Mangho Pir Road Karachi, News Trends reported on Wednesday. Local people protested against the operation while a person died and another got injured of firing by unknown gunmen.

Rangers’ operation continued on second consecutive day after the reports of terrorists’ presence in the area of Mangho Pir road. 50 people were arrested during the operation that continued for 2.5 hours whereas media was kept away from the operation. Some people protested against the operation and closed the shops. The protesters demanded immediate release of those arrested by Rangers. On the other hand a person died while another got injured in the same area of firing by some unknown gunmen. According to sources many of those who were arrested on Tuesday have been freed.

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