U.S. Officials Concerned about Connections Between AQAP and al Shabaab; CIA May Be Given Greater Role in Counterterrorism Ops in Yemen
While the government of Yemen began peace talks in Qatar with Yemeni Shia rebels, U.S. officials are increasingly concerned about connections between Yemen-based Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and al Shabaab in Somalia. “U.S. counterterrorism officials believe the two groups are working more closely together than ever,” reports The Wall Street Journal. The Journal quotes Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-MI) as saying that “[w]e get indications their goals are more in alignment in terms of attacking American and western interests and doing it in Europe and the [U.S.] homeland” (with the brackets in the original). According to The Washington Post, CIA analysts now believe that the threat from AQAP is even greater than than that posed by the battered but still dangerous heart of al Qaeda in Pakistan. The Obama administration is considering stepping up counterterrorism operations in Yemen, including an increased CIA role, potentially with armed drones, alongside the U.S. military. Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Reuters.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International has issued a report saying that “[t]he USA appears to have carried out or collaborated in unlawful killings in Yemen and has closely cooperated with Yemeni security forces in situations that have failed to give due regard for human rights,” according to Reuters.
Trial of Alleged Synagogue Bomb Plotters Begins, Defense Argues Entrapment
The trial of four people accused of attempting to bomb two synagogues in the Bronx and planning to fire missiles at planes at an Air National Guard base in New York began in Manhattan yesterday. The role of a government informant is expected to figure prominently in the case, and defense attorneys said at opening arguments yesterday that the men had been entrapped. CNN paraphrases the defense attorneys as saying that the informant, who was paid $100,000, “planned, funded, and directed the entire operation, seducing the poverty-stricken defendants with food, gifts, and promises of a significant payday.” Vincent L. Briccetti, who represents defendant James Cromitie, told the jury that the informant told Cromitie on the phone that “I can make you $250,000, but you don’t want it, brother,” The New York Times reports. The men – Cromitie, David Williams, Onta Williams, and Laguerre Payen – were arrested in May 2009 after they allegedly planted what they thought to be live bombs in front of two temples in Riverdale. New York Times, Daily News, CNN.
Attacks Kill 51 in Iraq
At least 51 people were killed in attacks across Iraq yesterday. “The withering two-hour assault in 13 towns and cities … was as symbolic as it was deadly, coming a week before the United States declares the end of combat operations here,” The New York Times reports.
General Rejects Allegations of Secret Detention Facilities
Spencer Ackerman, of Wired‘s Danger Room blog, was given a tour of the Parwan Detention Facility in Afghanistan, which is currently holding about 1,000 detainees and is scheduled to be transferred from U.S. to Afghan control next year. Rejecting reported allegations of secret detention facilities, Gen. Mark Martin said after the tour that “[t]here are no black sites,” and the Red Cross said that since last August the U.S. has regularly notified them of everyone arrested by the U.S. in Afghanistan, Danger Room reports. Among the concerns of human rights groups is the potential for abuse once control of Parwan is transferred to Afghanistan, although a U.S. Navy spokesperson said that the Afghan guards would be given 21 weeks of preparatory training before training with U.S. guards.
Defense Dept. Continues Planning for Construction Projects in Afghanistan
Defense Department plans for construction projects across Afghanistan continue, including three projects to expand air base facilities that are expected to cost $100 million each, The Washington Post reports. None of the those three projects is expected to be finished before the second half of next year.
Mayor Bloomberg, at Gracie Mansion Ramadan Dinner, Reiterates Support for Park51 Proposal
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg reiterated his support for the Park51 proposal at a Ramadan dinner last night. “This is a test of our commitment to American values. We have to have the courage of our convictions. We must do what is right, not what is easy,” he said at the dinner, which was held at Gracie Mansion, The Wall Street Journal reports. Sheldon Silver, speaker of the New York State Assembly and who represents the neighborhood of New York City where the community center and mosque would be built, said yesterday that he thinks “the sponsors should take into very serious consideration the kind of turmoil that’s been created and look to compromise,” according to the AP.
News stories compiled by the staff of the Center on Law and Security
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