ONS: 26 January 2012

by TRG Alerts Admin on January 26, 2012

KEY STORYLINES

AFRICA: Nigerian militant group Boko Haram is increasingly expanding ties with militants across Africa
AMERICAS: Mexican soldiers held 11 Zetas members
ASIA: An Afghan suicide bomber attacked a NATO vehicle, casualties expected
EUROPE: British PM Cameron backed a possible FTA between Europe and the US
MIDDLE EAST: An ISIS report claimed Iran is incapable of producing nuclear weapon in 2012
TECHNOLOGY: Wikimedia Foundation and Orange joined forces to provide 70 million with free mobile access to Wikipedia in the Middle East North Africa region

TOP STORY

Around 20 soldiers infiltrated Taurama Barracks and placed commanding officer Brigadier General Agwi under house arrest.
Former Colonel Sasa declared himself defense chief following the mutiny.
The overthrow came after months of uncertainty over political leadership.
The rebels gave PM O’Neill a week to step aside, claiming support for formerly ousted PM Sir Michael Somare.
PM O’Neill refused to step down.
General Agwi was released following the arrests of approximately 15 soldiers.
Coverage: AFP, AP, AP-2

AFRICA

Region: Nigerian militant group Boko Haram established ties with Al-Qaeda and other Islamist groups in West Africa to increase its regional impact. (AFP)
Mali: Tuareg rebels and Malian troops clashed in Anderamboukane. (AFP)
Sudan, South: The Justice and Equality Movement selected Gibril Ibrahim to replace his brother Khalil, who recently died at the hands of government forces. (AFP)

AMERICAS

Region: Argentine President Kirchner blasted British PM Cameron, claiming he portrayed Argentina as “violent” in the dispute over the Falkland Islands. (AFP)
Region: Venezuelan President Chávez lauded trade with Colombia, and attributed a disastrous trade relationship to the former Colombian President Uribe. (DPA)
Mexico: In an investigation into espionage, lawmakers discovered recording equipment and microphones in their offices. (AP)
Mexico: Soldiers detained 11 Zetas gunmen, seven of whom are wanted for the murder of two soldiers. (EFE)

ASIA

Afghanistan: A suicide bomber attacked a NATO vehicle in Lashkar Gah, numerous casualties are to expected. (AFP)
Afghanistan: ISAF troops detained a Taliban commander in Helmand. (Xinhua)
Korea, South: The Defense Ministry announced its marines are conducting live-fire drills at Yeonpyeong Island, near the border with North Korea. (AP)
Pakistan: Nearly a dozen Baluch rebels attacked the paramilitary Frontier Corps post in the district of Dera Bugti, killing six soldiers. (AFP)
Pakistan: Security forces killed at least 20 militants in an attack near the border with Afghanistan. (AP)

EUROPE

Region: British PM Cameron backed a free trade deal between the EU and the US. (AP)
Region: German Chancellor Merkel addressed Germany’s exposure to criticism from financial markets over the possible Euro bailout, while British PM Cameron called it “tinkering.” (AFP)
Region: Ukrainian activists protested the arrival of a US Navy ship set to take part in military drills in the Black Sea. (AP)
Poland: The Ambassador to Japan Jadwiga Rodowicz-Czechowska confirmed that she signed an international copyright agreement in Tokyo. (AP)

MIDDLE EAST

Egypt: Authorities imposed a travel ban on four members of the International Republican Institute. (Reuters)
Iran: The Institute for Science and International Security reported that Iran is incapable of producing enough weapons-grade uranium to build a nuclear weapon by 2012. (Reuters)
Iran: An Iranian F14 crashed near the coast of the Persian Gulf, killing both crew members. (AFP)
Syria: Security forces stormed a restive area in the suburbs of Damascus, killing at least two. (DPA)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

Technology: Wikimedia Foundation and Orange announced a deal where they would provide 70 million people in MENA with mobile access to Wikipedia at no cost. (ReadWriteEnterprise)

WORLD

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (27JAN)

Cuba: Communist party holds conference on potential political and economic changes.
Pakistan: Political party Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islam-Fazal (JUI-F) to march in Karachi due to Muttahidda Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) stalemate.
Pakistan: Anniversary of CIA contractor Raymond Davis killing two Pakistanis in Lahore – 2011.
Yemen: Anniversary of protests beginning against President Saleh – 2011.