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Business Insider
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Insider
U.S. backs Nigeria after arrest of high-profile al-Qaeda-linked terrorists
The United States has commended the Nigerian government and its security forces following the arrest of two high-profile terrorists linked to the al-Qaeda affiliated group, Ansaru. The U.S. commended Nigeria for arresting two Ansaru leaders tied to al-Qaeda. The arrests are considered progress in combating terrorism and contributing to regional stability. U.S.-Nigeria collaboration remains crucial to countering extremist threats effectively. Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara'a) and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda) were captured in a coordinated security operation, a move Washington described as a significant step forward in Nigeria's fight against terrorism and violent extremism. The U.S. Mission in Nigeria emphasized that the arrests reflect the country's growing capacity to counter extremist networks while contributing to broader regional stability. The mission stated, ' We commend the Nigerian Government and security forces on the successful arrest of wanted #Ansaru leaders, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara'a) and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda). This is a significant forward in Nigeria's fight against terrorism and extremism.' Washington's praise for Nigeria aligns with its wider counterterrorism strategy across Africa. Since the early 2000s, the United States has prioritized combating al-Qaeda and its affiliates on the continent, providing intelligence support, training, and security cooperation to African nations facing jihadist threats. By neutralizing Ansaru's leadership, Nigeria has struck a meaningful blow against al-Qaeda's influence in West Africa, complementing U.S. efforts to prevent the spread of extremism and protect regional stability. Tracing Ansaru's past threats Ansaru, formally known as Jamaat al-Ansar al-Muslimeen fi Bilad al-Sudan, resurfaced in Nigeria in 2020 after nearly seven years of dormancy. The group, which is aligned with al-Qaeda, re-emerged dramatically on January 15, 2020, when it claimed responsibility for an ambush that killed six Nigerian soldiers escorting the Emir of Potiskum in Kaduna State. This marked Ansaru's first claimed attack in Nigeria since 2013 and signaled its renewed operational presence, particularly in northwestern Nigeria. Following this, Ansaru claimed three additional attacks between February and August 2020, using al-Qaeda-linked propaganda channels such as al-Hijrah to broadcast its activities and signal its return to the global jihadist movement. According to the Nigerian government, these two men have been on the country's most-wanted list for years. They jointly orchestrated multiple attacks targeting civilians, security forces, and critical infrastructure. Their operations include the 2022 Kuje prison break, the assault on the Niger uranium facility, the 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp in Katsina, and the May 1, 2019, kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba (Magajin Garin Daura). Although its resurgence was still tentative, the group sought to exploit Nigeria's deteriorating security landscape, especially the widespread banditry in the northwest, the communal violence between Fulani herders and farmers, and the broader spread of jihadist violence across the Sahel. These conditions provided Ansaru and, by extension, al-Qaeda, new opportunities to reassert influence and expand their networks in Nigeria. However, the recent arrest of Ansaru's top leaders by Nigerian security forces marks a significant blow to the group, demonstrating the government's growing capacity to counter extremism and restore stability in the region.
Hindustan Times
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
As Iran threatens retaliation, US Embassy issues travel warning in Saudi Arabia
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Saudi Arabia issued a travel alert on Sunday, urging American personnel and citizens to avoid visiting military installations in the region amid escalating tensions following U.S. airstrikes on Iran. Americans in Saudi Arabia are urged to avoid military sites amid rising tensions.(UnSplash) 'Given reports of regional hostilities, the U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia has advised its personnel to exercise increased caution and limit non-essential travel to any military installations in the region. We recommend American citizens in the Kingdom do the same,' the alert stated. The advisory also urged travelers to review recent security alerts and plan accordingly. 'The U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia continues to monitor the regional situation. We encourage all travelers to review our most recent Security Alerts, review any travel plans in case of disruptions, and make appropriate decisions for themselves and their families. At this time, U.S. Mission staffing and operations are unchanged, and consular services continue as normal," it added. "We advise all U.S. citizens to maintain a personal safety plan. Crises can happen unexpectedly while traveling or living abroad, and a good plan helps you think through potential scenarios and determine in advance the best course of action." Also Read: Israel Iran war LIVE: US issues 'worldwide caution' alert for Americans; UNSC holds emergency meet The alert follows Saturday evening's announcement by President Donald Trump that the U.S. had carried out strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. 'We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "Congratulations to our great American Warriors. There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE! Thank you for your attention to this matter,' he added. Meanwhile, a New York Times report on Sunday cited U.S. military and intelligence sources who said Iran-backed militias may be preparing to target American bases in Iraq and possibly Syria in retaliation.
Miami Herald
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
US Grows Defense Partnership Next Door to China
The United States has transferred a third coast guard ship to Vietnam, as the former foes expand their defense partnership amid China's growing threats in nearby disputed waters. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese defense and foreign ministries for comment by email. In 1995, the U.S. and Vietnam-former adversaries during the Vietnam War, which ended in 1975-normalized diplomatic relations. Following Washington's lifting of an arms sales ban in 2016, Hanoi acquired military equipment from its new partner, including training aircraft. The bilateral defense cooperation comes against the backdrop of tensions in the South China Sea, where overlapping sovereignty claims by countries such as Vietnam and China, as well as the strong presence of the Chinese coast guard, continue to heighten friction in the region. The U.S. Mission to Vietnam announced on Wednesday that the former U.S. Coast Guard ship USCGC Mellon has been transferred to Vietnam as the high-endurance cutter CSB 8022. The ship arrived in Ninh Hoa, south-central Vietnam, the same day following a trans-Pacific voyage that began in Seattle, with stopovers in Hawaii and Guam. The Vietnam Coast Guard received CSB 8020-formerly USCGC Morgenthau-in 2017 and CSB 8021-formerly USCGC John Midgett-in 2020. All three ships were transferred under a defense cooperation memorandum of understanding, according to the U.S. Mission. "Through this cooperation, the United States and Vietnam is enhancing the development of maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and humanitarian and disaster relief abilities, and supporting capacity to protect sovereignty," the U.S. Mission said in a statement. The former U.S. Coast Guard vessels were built as Hamilton-class cutters designed for extended maritime operations, each weighing over 2,700 tons and having a range of 10,000 miles-the approximate straight-line distance between New York and Melbourne, Australia. This class of cutter is capable of conducting a wide range of missions, including search and rescue, defense operations, and law enforcement. The Mellon was once armed with missiles, torpedoes, and sonar, but all were later removed, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The recent transfer of the coast guard ship comes as the U.S. and Vietnam celebrate the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. However, an American aircraft carrier canceled its planned visit to Vietnam and transited toward the Middle East amid the Iran-Israel conflict. U.S. Chargé d'Affaires in Vietnam Courtney Beale said in a statement on Wednesday: "The United States and Vietnam respect each other's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political system, and remain firmly committed to supporting our shared vision of peace and stability, and of prosperity and security in the Indo-Pacific." The U.S. Mission to Vietnam said on its website: "The United States and Vietnam are trusted partners with a friendship grounded in mutual respect that has developed since the normalization of diplomatic relations on July 11, 1995. U.S.-Vietnam relations have become increasingly cooperative and comprehensive, evolving into a flourishing partnership that spans political, economic, security, and people-to-people ties." The U.S. is expected to continue its defense cooperation with countries in the South China Sea, including the Philippines, its mutual defense treaty ally. Whether Washington will provide additional military equipment to boost Vietnam's capabilities remains to be seen. Related Articles Iran Rules Out US Talks Unless Israel Halts StrikesHow to Watch Saudi Arabia vs United States: Live Stream CONCACAF Gold Cup, TV ChannelIran Threatens To Close Strait of Hormuz: What Would Happen?Former Spy Chief: 'Good Case' for US To Strike Iranian Nuclear Site 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
