A senior member of Obama's campaign allegedly called the Canadian ambassador and told him that talk of scrapping NAFTA would be part of the campaign, but also said, "Don't worry, it's just campaign rhetoric" and "Don't take it seriously". CTV also reports that the Clinton campaign has indirectly contacted the Canadian government and made similar statements.
In NAFTA, Mexico is a far greater problem than Canada. Canada is not a third-world cesspool.
h/t: LGF
What kind of world are we living in when you have people running around with deadly toxins? Ricin in the quantity of a grain of salt is enough to kill you.
A substance found at a motel may be the deadly toxin ricin, but authorities said Friday they don't believe it was intended for a terrorist attack. Lab tests on the substance were pending and seven people were taken to hospitals as a precaution.
[...]
Police were called to the Extended Stay America Motel on Thursday and retrieved a package from the motel manager that was determined to be a chemical or controlled substance, Officer Ramon Denby said.
Two preliminary tests indicate it contained ricin, Denby said. Results from further tests by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a second local lab are expected later Friday, he said.
The man who brought the substance to the manager told police he found it in a suite and it did not belong to him, police Capt. Joseph Lombardo said at a news conference Thursday night. Lombardo did not identify the man.
Iraqi Police find more than 500 munitions in cache
BAGHDAD – Iraqi police manning a checkpoint near Jurf as Sakhr, Iraq, discovered a large weapons cache with more than 500 munitions Feb. 22.
The cache contained 240 60 mm mortars, 189 100 mm mortars, 107 fuses, three 82 mm rockets and two 88 mm mortars.
The IPs spotted three masked individuals digging approximately 250 meters from the checkpoint. The policemen yelled at men and moved toward the location. By the time they arrived at the site, the individuals had fled. Further investigation yielded discovery of three cache sites.
Soldiers from 3rd Platoon, Company A, and an explosive ordnance disposal team worked with the IPs to prepare the site for disposal. After the initial blast, approximately 60 more rounds of miscellaneous ordnance were unearthed.
Coalition forces kill 7 terrorists in firefight near Khan Bani Sa’ad
TIKRIT, Iraq – Multi-National Division – North Soldiers killed seven terrorists during a firefight east of Khan Bani Sa’ad, Iraq, in the early morning hours of Feb. 25.
Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division from Fort Lewis, Wash., were ambushed while conducting an operation to capture a known al-Qaeda in Iraq operative. When the Soldiers closed within 30 feet of the target house, they came under attack by small arms fire and grenades. Three MND-N Soldiers were injured in the initial attack.
The troops, shielding the wounded with their bodies, returned fire, killing three terrorists. A scout weapons team observed several more fighters fleeing the target house and engaged them with rockets, killing four.
Two suspected AQI were detained, including the targeted AQI member.
Coalition forces disrupt Special Groups criminal network, detain one suspect
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained a suspected Special Groups member during operations to disrupt criminal element networks early Wednesday in Baghdad.
Coalition forces were targeting Iranian-backed Special Groups criminal networks involved in attacks on Iraqi and Coalition forces.
Intelligence led ground forces to the target area where they detained one suspected criminal without incident. The suspect's identity is still being determined.
Coalition targets al-Qaeda in Iraq networks; one killed, nine detained
BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained nine suspects today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda operating in central and northern Iraq.
North of Tarmiyah, Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists including an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq leader involved in the facilitation of finances for the northern belt network. The network is responsible for the majority of car-bombing and improvised explosive device attacks in the area and is involved in extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and the facilitation of foreign terrorists. The suspect is reportedly directly associated with AQI's northern belt senior leader and obtains funds by selling vehicles.
During an operation southwest of Mahmudiyah, Coalition forces targeted an alleged associate of the southern belt AQI network believed to be involved in rigging house-borne improvised explosives devices. One terrorist was killed by supporting fixed-wing aircraft during the operation. As the ground force cleared the area, two suspected terrorists were detained without incident.
In northeast Mosul, Coalition forces captured two alleged associates of an AQI senior leader. The suspects are believed to be relatives of a senior AQI leader and involved in terrorist activity in the region. In addition to the wanted individuals, Coalition forces detained three other suspected terrorists on site.
BAGHDAD – Iraqi security forces, with U.S. Special Operations forces advising, detained nine suspected terrorists in separate operations Feb. 24 and Feb. 25.
In Al Hawad, south of Mosul, soldiers from 2nd Iraqi Army Division detained five suspected members of a terrorist cell Feb. 24. The suspects are believed to be responsible for improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces. According to intelligence reports, they are also allegedly involved in a campaign to intimidate Iraqi citizens.
In Balad, Iraqi special operations forces detained a suspected terrorist Feb. 25 in an operation targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq activities. The suspect is believed to be responsible for improvised explosive device attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces, as well as weapons trafficking in the region.
In Kubaysah, an Iraqi special weapons and tactics team detained three suspected terrorists in an operation to halt an insurgent cell believed to be responsible for attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces.
ANA commandos arrest suspected insurgents in Khowst
KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army commandos from the 203rd Kandak, assisted by Coalition forces, arrested 17 suspected insurgents near Tirzaye and Sabari Districts, Khowst Province, Feb. 24.
Intelligence, provided by Afghan citizens, led the combined force to several compounds suspected of housing the militants. The detainees are suspected of being members of the Taliban, operating as facilitators in the emplacement and detonation of improvised explosive devices in Khowst.
Elsewhere, the Afghan National Army’s 201st Kandak, assisted by Coalition forces, responded to a report of an IED placed along a well-traveled road in Tarin Kowt, Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan.
Afghan National Police secured the area to protect the civilian population and the ANA moved in to verify the location and type of IED. The ANA destroyed the IED in place.
Of course the settlement means they neither accept or reject wrongdoing. You would think companies doing business in state sponsors of terror would face a much harsher penalty. I don't have an account at Key Bank so at least they didn't use my money.
A unit of Midwest regional bank KeyCorp will pay $200,000 to settle allegations that it violated regulations barring transactions with Iran.
Key Bank NA allegedly violated the Iranian transactions rules between 2002 and August 2004, the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control said last week.
The government said Key Bank "acted without an OFAC license or outside the scope of its license by operating accounts for an entity and a person located in Iran," and did not voluntarily disclose the matter.
Key, which did not admit or deny the allegations related to a "single customer relationship," paid the fine in December, company spokesman Bill Murschel said Monday.
"Along with all major banks, Key has significantly enhanced its policies, procedures and training in the area of anti-money-laundering in recent years, which includes transactions which fall under OFAC-related regulations," he said.
Apparently, an errant missile fired from a drone at a target in Afghanistan, struck a terrorist safe house in Pakistan. Hey, mistakes happen. We would never violate Pakistan's sovereignty. *cough*
A missile struck a house in a Pakistani region known as being a safe haven for al Qaeda early on Thursday, killing 10 suspected militants including foreigners, intelligence officials and residents said.
The attack took place near Kaloosha village in the South Waziristan tribal region on the Afghan border.
"The blast shook the entire area," said resident Behlool Khan.
A security official said he believed the missile was fired by U.S. forces who are operating in neighboring Afghanistan, and the house that was hit belonged to a Pashtun tribesman, Sher Mohammad Malikkheil, also known as Sheroo, who was known to have links with militants.
Coalition forces disrupt terrorist operations; three killed, 25 detained
BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained 25 suspects Saturday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda operating in central and northern Iraq.
Coalition forces conducted an operation east of Samarra in Karwi Saturday targeting an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq associate of the Baqouba suicide bombing network. The suspect is reportedly associated with two terrorists killed during operations Feb. 10 and 16 for their involvement in weapons facilitation and ties to the AQI network in the Hamrin Mountains.
When Coalition forces arrived in the area, they were fired on by a man matching the description of the wanted individual. Responding in self-defense, Coalition forces engaged the terrorist, killing him. As they continued to clear the area, they observed several other enemy personnel nearby, and a supporting helicopter engaged, killing two additional terrorists. Once the area was secure, the ground force confirmed the first terrorist killed was the wanted individual. In one of the target buildings, Coalition forces discovered what appeared to be an improvised explosive device manufacturing facility. The IED materials and several vehicles found on site were destroyed to prevent future use for terrorist attacks. Coalition forces also detained seven suspected terrorists.
South of Samarra today, Coalition forces captured an alleged associate of an AQI network operating in al-Anbar province. Reports indicate the suspect is connected to an AQI leader associated with numerous senior terrorists operating both inside and outside Iraq, and who is involved in AQI media and propaganda operations.
Intelligence reports led Coalition forces to an area in Mosul believed to be a possible safe haven for a group of foreign terrorists involved in recent attacks on Iraqi and Coalition forces. The location is also reportedly connected with a suspect detained Feb. 19 for his association with a senior-level facilitator in the city. During the operation, the ground force cleared the area and detained four wanted suspects on site.
During operations in Tikrit and east of Hamim al-Alil, nine suspected terrorists were detained today while targeting associates involved in foreign terrorist facilitation for the Mosul AQI network. Also, Coalition forces detained four suspected terrorists during a multi-day operation Friday and Saturday northeast of Samarra near the Hamrin Mountains targeting an alleged AQI safe haven and meeting location.
Coalition forces target Baghdad, Diyala terrorist networks; one killed, four detained
BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained four suspects Saturday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda operating in central Iraq.
Saturday afternoon in Baghdad, Coalition forces killed a wanted terrorist and captured another wanted individual, both of whom were reportedly close associates of the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader for the networks operating in the city. During the operation, Coalition forces detained both individuals on site. One of the individuals then attempted to escape, lunging toward Coalition forces, who engaged the hostile threat, killing him.
In Baghdad today, Coalition forces captured an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq member involved in the planning of suicide attacks in the city. The suspect had reportedly arranged to receive a suicide vest in order to attack a group of Concerned Local Citizen recruits. Intelligence indicates the suspect is a close associate of several leaders involved in AQI networks throughout Baghdad. Information gained from this operation led Coalition forces to a nearby location, where they captured an alleged member of the city’s car bombing network, who is also believed to have been involved in attacks against CLCs.
During an operation east of Khan Bani Sad today, one suspected terrorist was detained at an alleged AQI meeting location associated with the suicide network in the Diyala River Valley. Nearby, Coalition forces directed a fixed-wing airstrike on a house assessed to be rigged with explosives.
Coalition forces capture Iranian-backed Special Groups facilitator, detain seven suspects
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces captured a suspected Iranian-backed Special Groups finance facilitator and detained six other suspected criminals early Sunday in the Suwayrah area, south of Baghdad.
The targeted individual was reportedly a finance leader for Iranian-affiliated Special Groups criminals and militias in Iraq’s southern provinces to include Najaf, Karbala, Babil, Wasit and Qadisiyah. He was also allegedly a mortar and rocket specialist who had trained in Iran. Reports indicate he was an associate of several other senior-level Special Groups criminal element leaders involved in attacks on Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition forces.
Intelligence led ground forces to the target area where they captured the wanted individual and the six other suspected criminals without incident. During the operation, Coalition forces also discovered large amounts of American currency.
Coalition Forces capture 4 key AQI leaders
BAGHDAD – Coalition Forces capture four suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders in the Baghdad Feb 24.
The suspects are accused of being associated with numerous terrorist attacks in the Baghdad area, to include vehicle-borne improvised-explosive attacks, suicide VBIEDs and suicide vest IED attacks.
A series of recent terrorist attacks is believed to have been actively targeting innocent Iraqi civilians and Sons of Iraq.
Coalition forces disrupt Taliban networks in Helmand
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Coalition forces conducted two operations to disrupt Taliban leadership networks in Helmand Province Feb. 23.
Coalition forces conducted a search of compounds in the Kajaki District targeting a Taliban leader responsible for conducting anti-government operations in the area. A number of insurgents were killed during the two operations when they employed small arms and hand-grenades against Coalition forces.
ANSF, Coalition forces clear enemy stronghold in Helmand
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Afghan National Security Forces, advised by Coalition forces, cleared Karez deh Baba and Kajaki in Helmand Province of insurgents and returned the area to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s control Feb. 20-22.
Before the fall of Musa Qaleh, insurgents used these villages and the surrounding area as part of a supply line to move weapons and drugs into the city. Insurgents were using the villages to launch attacks on Musa Qaleh and the upper Sangin Valley.
ANSF conducted operations to disrupt the insurgents’ ability to engage friendly forces with small-arms, rocket and indirect fire from the prepared fighting positions in the area in the first two days of fighting. Friendly forces also used precision air strikes.
The ANSF spoke with the local populace to ensure they understood the purpose of the mission to restore security and to improve the civil infrastructure in the area.
Other villagers said they will welcome ANSF and GIRoA’s leadership along with the security and stability they can provide. Villagers also provided crucial information about common insurgent practices and the locations of insurgent safehouses.
During the next day of fighting, ANSF-led forces deployed in smaller units when they observed insurgents moving into fighting positions to engage them. The ANSF rooted out the insurgents and cleared the position finding an improvised explosive device and a small arms cache.
The enemy reinforced different fighting positions and engaged with indirect fire when the ANSF-led force renewed their assault. They found another small-arms and ammunition cache and destroyed both with precision guided munitions.
Friendly forces found approximately 400 pounds of ammonium nitrate that was destroyed in another insurgent safehouse.
The ANSF-led force eventually discovered the insurgents’ command center and a 100-foot deep interconnected tunnel system. The command center consisted of a series of caves and the tunnel was littered with spare ammunition and shell casings. The ANSF suppressed enemy forces in the immediate area before destroying the cave and tunnel system with precision guided munitions.
Stop spamming the poll for Barack Obama. You people are extremely lame. Last week we had idiot spamming the poll for Clinton, this week it's for Obama.
So just like last week, I will subtract those votes from Obama's total
Not only is this stupid in itself, but they were brothers-in-law. Its obvious they are not stable minded. Not because of the fight, but because they each support a Democrat.
Meet Jose Antonio Ortiz. The Pennsylvania man allegedly stabbed his brother-in-law in the stomach after the pair quarreled about their respective support of Democratic presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. According to cops, Ortiz, 28, stabbed Sean Shurelds last Thursday night in the kitchen of an Upper Providence Township home.
...the 41-year-old Shurelds, an Obama supporter, told Ortiz that the Illinois senator was "trashing" Clinton (apparently in regard to recent primary and caucus results). Ortiz, a Clinton supporter, replied that "Obama was not a realist." While not exactly fighting words, the verbal political tiff led to some mutual choking and punching. And, allegedly, a stabbing in the abdomen. Ortiz, pictured in the mug shot below, was charged with a felony aggravated assault count and two misdemeanors and jailed in lieu of $20,000 bail. Shurelds was flown to Hahnemann University Hospital, where he was admitted in critical condition.
Coalition forces target al-Qaeda networks; one terrorist killed, 20 suspects detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained 20 suspected terrorists Wednesday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda operating in central and northern Iraq.
West of Taji this morning, Coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an individual believed to be an associate of the Baghdad improvised explosive device and car bombing networks. Intelligence indicates he is a terrorist facilitator of materials, vehicles and suicide bombers for multiple terrorist cells throughout the city. The targeted individual is also allegedly an associate of a military leader in Abu Ghraib. During the operation, Coalition forces engaged and killed one armed terrorist. The ground force also detained two suspects.
During an operation in Sharqat, Coalition forces captured an alleged associate of the senior leader for the al-Qaeda in Iraq network in Mosul. Reports indicate the suspect is also connected with several other senior leaders in northern Iraq. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained five suspected terrorists.
In two operations in southeast Mosul today, Coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists while targeting the alleged senior leader for the network in Bayji and a suspected improvised explosive device cell leader for a network operating in the city.
During an operation in Bayji, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists this morning while targeting the suspected leader of an insurgent network associated with al-Qaeda in Iraq that operates outside of the city.
Also, during an operation Wednesday north of Tal Afar, three suspects were detained while targeting an alleged associate of al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leadership.
Coalition forces target al-Qaeda in Iraq networks; six killed, six suspects detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed six terrorists and detained six suspected terrorists Thursday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda operating in central and northern Iraq.
During an operation east of Khan Bani Sad today, Coalition forces targeted an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq associate involved in the suicide bombing and improvised explosive device network that runs from Baqouba to Baghdad and north to Mosul. Reports indicate the suspect is associated with Abu Karrar, the AQI leader also involved in the suicide bombing network who was killed during a Coalition forces operation Feb. 17.
As the ground force arrived in the area, they were engaged by enemy fire from what appeared to be an underground bunker. Fixed-wing aircraft was called to engage the threat, killing three terrorists. An additional two enemy personnel outside the building were engaged by a supporting helicopter, and both were killed. As the ground force continued to clear the area, they called for the occupants of one of the target buildings to come out. One individual refused to comply and moved toward two weapons in the building. Perceiving hostile intent, Coalition forces engaged and killed the terrorist. The ground force also detained two suspected terrorists and destroyed a vehicle in the area that contained a weapons cache.
Also today, Coalition forces detained one suspected terrorist during an operation in Baghdad, while targeting associates of an AQI network involved in the facilitation of materials, vehicles and suicide bombers to terrorist groups throughout Baghdad.
During an operation in Mosul Thursday, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists while targeting an alleged associate of a senior level foreign terrorist facilitator responsible for attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces in the region.
Iraqi, Coalition security forces detain 27, discover 4 caches in recent operations in Mosul
MOSUL, Iraq – Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces detained 27 suspects and discovered four weapons caches in the Ninewa Province in recent joint operations.
During these operations joint forces also rescued a hostage from an underground prison. These operations are part of Multi-National Division – North’s continuing pursuit of criminals in the area.
Coalition forces targets weapons facilitation, car-bombing networks; 14 detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 14 suspected terrorists Friday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda operating in central Iraq.
West of Samarra Friday, Coalition forces captured an alleged al-Qaeda in Iraq cell leader involved in the al-Jazirah network. The suspect allegedly commands a group of 10 to 15 terrorists who conduct attacks in the area.
Reports indicate the wanted individual’s two brothers are also associated with the al-Qaeda in Iraq network, one of whom was detained Feb. 12 for his involvement in weapons. The other brother is alleged to be an AQI executioner in the area. During the operation, the wanted individual identified himself to the ground force and was subsequently detained along with six other suspects.
During an operation in Tikrit today, Coalition forces detained two suspects to include an alleged AQI associate involved in weapons facilitation. The suspect is allegedly involved in the recent transfer of weapons from Bayji to Tikrit. Reports also indicate the suspect is connected to foreign terrorist safe houses and a large weapons cache found during a previous operation in the area.
Northwest of Tarmiyah today, Coalition forces captured another wanted individual who is believed to be involved in the Karkh AQI network. Reports indicate the suspect has been inactive for several months and recently resumed his role in an effort to rebuild the network after recent degradation by Coalition forces, including the capture of another senior Karkh network member Feb. 17. During the operation, the ground force detained two suspected terrorists in addition to the wanted individual.
Two additional suspects were detained in Baghdad today while targeting an associate of the AQI car-bombing network in the city.
Operation Red River nets 19 detainees in Sha’ab
BAGHDAD – Soldiers with Multi-National Division – Baghdad captured 19 suspected criminals during Operation Red River in Baghdad’s northeast Sha’ab neighborhood Feb. 21.
The operation consisted of a coordinated series of raids targeting a Special Group criminal cell operating in Sha’ab. The operation involving soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, raided multiple target houses. The operation lasted from shortly after midnight to just before sunrise.
The Special Group members targeted during the operation were identified by local residents, who resent the violence in their neighborhoods.
Coalition targets al-Qaeda networks operating in Mosul, 11 suspects detained
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces detained 11 suspected terrorists Friday and today during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda operating in Mosul.
During operations Friday in southeast Mosul, Coalition forces captured an alleged associate of several foreign al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders, who are believed to be responsible for recent attacks against the Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces in Mosul. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained two suspected terrorists. Upon securing the area, Coalition forces discovered a weapons cache consisting of 20 mortar rounds, which was destroyed to prevent future use by terrorists.
On the west side of the city Friday, Coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists, including an alleged associate of numerous foreign al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders in Samarra. Reports indicate the suspect moved from Samarra to support terrorist operations in Mosul due to Coalition and Iraqi Security Force success in disrupting the AQI leadership presence in the region.
In Mosul today, five suspected terrorists were detained during an operation targeting an associate of a senior-level foreign terrorist facilitator and AQI leader in the region.
Coalition forces detain five suspected insurgents in Zabul
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Five suspected insurgents were detained Wednesday during a Coalition forces’ operation in Zabul province to disrupt insurgent networks in the area.
Coalition forces searched compounds in the Qalat district targeting an insurgent associated with Taliban and foreign-fighter facilitators conducting anti-government activities.
Coalition forces found and detained five people, including the targeted insurgent, with suspected ties to insurgent networks while conducting their search. The detainees will be questioned on their involvement in insurgent operations as well as other extremist activities.
Off-Duty ANP detain five IED emplacers
MATUN DISTRICT, Afghanistan – Five off-duty Afghan National Police officers detained five people who were emplacing an improvised explosive device Feb. 17 on a road east of Khowst City, Khowst Province.
The officers, stationed at the Terezai District Center, were traveling in their own personal vehicles and civilian attire, when they noticed two men setting up the IED. The officers stopped their vehicles to question the suspects, who claimed they were placing the explosives to harm the Americans, rather than the ANP. Three other men, suspected of being lookouts, were detained as well.
The five detainees were taken to the district center for additional questioning, when another officer recognized one of the detainees. ANP went to the suspect’s family compound and detained six additional men for questioning.
Demolition experts successfully cleared the IED and its’ materials, while Afghan police secured the area, making the roadway safe for commerce and travel.
According to data collected by Coalition forces’ IED route clearance units, Afghan National Security Forces, partnered with Coalition forces, are finding, interdicting or receiving turned-in IEDs more often than these explosives are detonating on vehicles and people.
