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Burma-Myanmar: Burma signs cease-fire with Karen National Union (KNU) rebels
Burma’s government signed a cease-fire agreement Thursday with ethnic Karen rebels in a major step toward ending one of the world’s longest-running insurgencies and meeting a key condition for better ties with the West.
The talks between officials and Karen National Union leaders were part of efforts by Burma’s new, nominally civilian government to seek international legitimacy through democratic reforms after years of military repression.
Wednesday, 11 January, 2012
Colombia: Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels willing to reopen talks
Colombia’s main leftist group suggested on Monday it is willing to reopen talks with the government.
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known as the FARC, has been at war with the state since the 1960s. While severely weakened in recent years, the guerrilla group has continued to carry out kidnappings and attack security forces.
In a statement, the FARC said it would be interested in addressing certain issues at a “hypothetical negotiating table.” It called on the government of President Juan Manuel Santos to speak to such subjects as privatization, deregulation and the degradation of the environment.
Monday, 9 January, 2012
Pakistan: Bodies of 10 soldiers recovered from Orakzai, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility
The bullet-riddled bodies of the missing 10 were found dumped in Dabori town of the tribal area.
One security official said 23 soldiers were attacked in the late-night attack by up to 100 heavily armed militants.
“They killed 13 soldiers and took away 10. The bodies (of the 10) were found in Dabori today,” said another source on condition of anonymity.
Burma-Myanmar: Army offensive against Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) in Hpakan forces more people to flee
A recent offensive by Burmese government forces against the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) in the Hpakan jade mining area in the west of Kachin state, has forced hundreds of local villagers to flee for their safety, according to refugees in the area.
An estimated 300 people have taken shelter in a Kachin Baptist church in Lawng Hkang town, with others seeking refuge in a nearby Catholic Church or with friends, our source said.
Earlier this week the KIO enacted a complete ban on all public travel along the Hpakan jade mining road due to the ongoing conflict with the Burmese army.
Saturday, 7 January, 2012
Somalia: Havy fighting erupts in Gedo and Lower Juba regions between TFG KDF ASWJ and Ras Kamboni forces against al-Shabaab
Heavy fighting broke out late on Friday in Gedo and Lower Juba regions as the allied forces from the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), Kenyan Defense Forces (KDF) and the pro-government militias of Wal-jamaca (ASWJ) and Ras Kamboni fighters battled with the militant group al-Shabaab.
According to local residents, the first round of the attacks occurred in Dhamase village of Gedo region when the Islamist group ambushed KDF and TFG forces traversing the region.
The al-Shabaab fighters claimed victory over the attacks.
Friday, 6 January, 2012
Israel: Thousands of US troops are being deployed to Israel
Without much media attention, thousands of American troops are being deployed to Israel, and Iranian officials believe that this is the latest and most blatant warning that the US will soon be attacking Tehran.
Tensions between nations have been high in recent months and have only worsened in the weeks since early December when Iran hijacked and recovered an American drone aircraft. Many have speculated that a back-and-forth between the two countries will soon escalate Iran and the US into an all-out war, and that event might occur sooner than thought.