Latest news with #CounterTerrorism
Al Arabiya
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Israeli military says it captured ‘terrorist cell operated by Iran' in Syria
The Israeli military said on Wednesday it had captured a 'terrorist cell operated by Iran' in an operation in southern Syria.
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Two more arrested in terror probe of Palestine Action's reckless RAF Brize Norton vandalism
TWO more people have been arrested in a terror probe after Palestine Action's RAF Brize Norton vandalism. Counter Terrorism officers have arrested two more men after aircraft were damaged in Oxfordshire. 3 3 Two men, aged 22 and 24, both from London, were arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. The arrests, which took place this afternoon, come after damage was caused to two aircraft at RAF Brize Norton on June 20. On Thursday, a 29-year-old woman and two men aged 36 and 24, both from London, were also arrested in connection with this investigation. Video posted online at the time showed two yobs from Palestine Action vandalising Voyager aircraft at the base. In the clip, one protester can be seen moving towards an Airbus Voyager air-to-air refuelling tanker while on an electric scooter. The activist then appears to spray red paint into the rear of one of the aircraft's two engines. Moving the spout of the repurposed fire extinguisher around the rim of the jet engine, red paint can be seen sprayed deep into the aircraft. Then, a loud thumping sound loud thumping sound can be heard as the camera pans to the activist's scooter - also showing red paint on the tarmac next to the aircraft at the Oxfordshire base. It is unclear if this sound is what the group claims was "crowbar" damage to the aircraft or just another form of damage to the engines. The pair of activists can then be seen roaming free across the grounds of the airbase on electric scooters as they "evaded security". The MoD has slammed the "vandalism of Royal Air Force assets" in a scathing statement. Brize Norton is the largest RAF airbase and home to more than 6,000 military and civilian personnel as well as the UK's largest military aircraft. A spokeswoman for the ministry said: "Our armed forces represent the very best of Britain. "They put their lives on the line for us, and their display of duty, dedication and selfless personal sacrifice are an inspiration to us all. "It is our responsibility to support those who defend us." Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack as "disgraceful". In a post on social media condemning the UK's military action in the Middle East, Palestine Action referenced RAF flights over Gaza departing from the force's base - RAF Akrotiri - in Cyprus. It also claimed its activists had put the supply planes "out of service" while managing to "evade security and arrest". The Ministry of Defence has said it was working closely with the police, who are investigating. Enquiries are ongoing at this time.
The Guardian
23-06-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Australia news live: Mike Pezzullo's Iran warning; budget day in NSW, Queensland and ACT
Update: Date: 2025-06-23T20:44:34.000Z Title: Content: Former home affairs secretary, Mike Pezzullo, appeared on 7:30 last night, where he was asked what Australia should be worried about in terms of any potential Iranian retaliation. He said the home affairs minister, Tony Burke, his secretary and the counter-terrorism coordinator in home affairs would be working overtime with border agencies, investigative agencies and others to ensure that Australia is completely 'locked down' and any risk from sleep cells, sabotage or assassination is 'dealt with as best as they can'. While he warned against sensationalising, he said there was also a risk 'dirty bombs' could be constructed. He said: If any of that enriched uranium at whatever grade of enrichment has been secreted out of those facilities, particularly Fordow… [If that] is made available for the construction of a dirty bomb. In other words, a radiological dispersal device, that doesn't explode with nuclear effect but can spread dangerous radiological harm over a wide area, that gives you cancer and you die a slow and painful death – I would be more worried if the regime starts to fracture, and a more militant sub-faction decides we're not going to accommodate and do something say involving a dirty bomb. Update: Date: 2025-06-23T20:41:19.000Z Title: Welcome Content: Good morning and welcome to our live news blog. I'm Martin Farrer with the top overnight stories before Nick Visser picks up the reins. Former home affairs boss Mike Pezullo has warned about the risk of Iran using a 'dirty bomb' against Australia after the Albanese government backed US strikes on its nuclear facilities. Pezullo also told the ABC's 7.30 that the home affairs minister, Tony Burke, will be 'working overtime' to ensure that Australia is completely 'locked down'. We have more from Pezullo coming up, and there's sure to be more reaction after the Iranian retaliation against the US overnight. It's a busy day in state politics, with budgets being handed down in NSW, Queensland and the ACT. In NSW, the Minns government will claim that it has stabilised the state's post-Covid debt, while in Queensland the Crisafulli government is expected to promise that there will be no austerity despite concerns about the state's finances. More details shortly.
CBS News
22-06-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Iran bombing becomes a major topic of discussion among NYC Democratic mayoral primary candidates
The New York City metropolitan area has the largest Jewish population outside Israel, so it is not surprising that the United States' bombing of Iran became topic number one Sunday for Mayor Eric Adams and the Democrats who want to replace him. What was surprising was the warning from Adams and others that the decision to bomb Iran could have repercussions nearly 6,400 miles away here in the five boroughs. Sleeper cells on the minds of the mayor and NYPD leaders The mayor is taking seriously warnings from Washington that Iran could activate sleeper cells here to seek retribution for the bombings. "You're always concerned about sleeper cells," Adams said. "We're going to ensure that we focus on sleeper cells." Rebecca Weiner, the NYPD's commissioner of intelligence and counter terrorism, told CBS News New York's Marcia Kramer her agency has been on alert for days. "We are doubling down on our efforts. We are doubling down, reaching out to partners internationally, federally, doubling down on all the monitoring that we are doing," Weiner said. The mayor said there are currently no credible threats and he wants the deputy commissioner to be proactive -- not reactive. Andrew Cuomo issues warning to New Yorkers The bombing became the top topic of discussion on the Democratic mayoral primary trail on Sunday. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo also warned of something happening here. "As a New Yorker, my natural instinct, as a former governor, former HUD secretary, New York should get ready for possible reprisal from Iran," Cuomo said. Like many of the other candidates, Cuomo took issue with President Trump ordering the attack on Iran without consulting Congress but supported the end result. "I think the world is a safer place without Iran having nuclear weapons, yes," Cuomo said. Other candidates take issue with Trump's decision making Queens Assemblyman and mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who has faced charges he has insufficiently supported the Jewish state, said of Trump's actions, "Today's unconstitutional military action represents a new, dark chapter in his endless series of betrayals that now threaten to plunge the world deeper into chaos. In a city as global as ours, the impacts of war are felt deeply here." "Deeply troubling. I mean, unconstitutional. It's going to escalate the risks of war and violence and death for Iranians, for Israelis and for Americans," City Comptroller Brad Lander said. "War Powers Act requires congressional approval, which he did not get." "They're concerned that this president has undergone a military strike without authorization of Congress. We all know that this decision is typically made by Congress, so once again this president is overstepping his boundaries and totally disregarding the constitution," City Council President Adrienne Adams said. With the primary just two days away, the candidates had full slates of appearances to get their voters to the polls. Early voting has been robust, but it will all come down to the turnout on Tuesday.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
With Razarudin set to retire, who are the frontrunners to succeed him as IGP?
KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 — Incumbent Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain is set to retire after serving out of his appointment contract, fuelling speculation as to who will succeed him. As a civil servant, Razarudin was initially slated for mandatory retirement in 2023, but had his tenure extended for two years on a 'contract after retirement' basis. With Razarudin due to step down on June 22, three contenders have emerged at the forefront of the nation's top cop post. Malay Mail takes a look at who these frontrunners are: Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay As the second-in-command, deputy IGP Ayob Khan is widely considered the leading candidate to succeed Razarudin. Deputy Inspector General of Police, Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, addresses the media during special conference at Bukit 23, 2024. — Picture by Raymond Manuel A native Kedahan, Ayob Khan graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and joined the force in 1991. He started out as an Assistant Superintendent in Bukit Aman's Special Branch in 1993 and worked his way up to become one of its most senior officers, leading the department's counter-terrorism division (E8) in 2016. As E8 principal assistant director, Ayob Khan made a name for himself where he was at the forefront of the hunt for the Islamic State (IS) militants in the country, leading crackdowns on the their domestic activities. In 2019, Ayob Khan also led several operations against individuals suspected of supporting the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) — a separatist and terrorist group that had been active in Sri Lanka until its official defeat in 2009. He was later promoted to Johor police chief and became the directors for both Bukit Aman's Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department and Criminal Investigation Department prior to his appointment as deputy IGP. Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim Azmi is currently serving as Bukit Aman's Internal Security and Public Order Department (KDNKA) director after having joined the force in 1987. Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim speaks to the press during the launching of the 90th Annual General Delegates Meeting of Koperasi PDRM Berhad at Seri Pacific Hotel. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin He has a Master's Degree in Business Administration from UiTM Shah Alam. Prior to his current posting, Azmi also previously served as Petaling Jaya police chief, Kuala Lumpur police chief and later Bukit Aman's Management Department director. He is also currently the chairman of Koperasi Polis Diraja Malaysia Berhad (KPDRM), a cooperative established primarily for the members of the Royal Malaysia Police aimed at providing various financial and social services to its members. Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail As Special Branch director, Mohd Khalid was only recently appointed to lead Bukit Aman's key intelligence agency in 2023. He previously served as a deputy director in the same department. As Special Branch director, Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail was only recently appointed to lead Bukit Aman's key intelligence agency in 2023. — Picture via Facebook/Polis Diraja Malaysia However, not much information is publicly available about him, except the fact that Mohd Khalid will not be the first Special Branch director to assume the IGP post. These include his predecessors, namely Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun and Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador who were appointed IGPs, a departure from conventional protocol where the deputy IGP usually takes over.
