Cypriot authorities were searching an impounded cargo ship on September 6 after being tipped off that the Syria-bound vessel was carrying an illicit stash of weapons.
Its bill of lading said it was carrying meteorological equipment. We have been informed that Interpol had information of its possible involvement in arms smuggling, Cyprus ports authority chairman Chrysis Prentzas told state radio.
State radio said metal pipes were found on board the Panamanian-flagged Grigorio 1 which could be the casing of a weapons system.
Something has been found which can be used for meteorological purposes but it can also have a military use and we are checking this out, a source close to the enquiry told AFP.
The ship anchored off the southern port of Limassol on Sept. 5 after leaving Egypts Port Said for Latakia in Syria and was immediately boarded by a special Cyprus police unit and explosives experts armed with a search warrant.
Police said the documentation did not match the description of the goods on the ship and that they were questioning the eight-man crew about the suspect cargo.
Cypriot newspaper Phileleftheros quoted unnamed officials as saying they were almost certain that some of the items on board were part of a missile launcher.
Report: US seeks to block missiles for Hizbullah
The Jane's Defense Magazine reported on Thursday that Israel and the United States have intensified efforts to prevent Hizbullah from replenishing its arms depots, which dried out during its 34-day war with Israel.
The magazine reported that on July 19, US intelligence satellites spotted Iranians "loading eight Chinese-designed C802 anti-ship cruise missiles and three launchers onto a transport aircraft at the military section of Mahrebad Airport outside Tehran for shipment to Hizbullah via Syria ."
On July 20, Turkish officials refused to allow the Iranian plane entry into Turkish airspace and the flight was cancelled.
Israel maintains that arms shipments bound for Hizbullah have been airlifted to Syria, but no further details have been given.
The magazine said these flights landed at three Syrian air bases the military section of the Mezze International Airport in Damascus, Nasiriya, 40 km from the Lebanese border and Qusayr, north of Damascus and 25 km from the Bekaa Valley.
Israeli aircraft destroyed most of the bridges and roads linking the two countries, but Israeli intelligence services believe ancient mountainous smuggling trails were used to transport arms to Hizbullah during the 34-day war.
Posted by: Captain America ||
09/07/2006 08:27 ||
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#1
naval, idiot. "Navel"s what you keeping picking lint out, gathering your insightful thoughts
Posted by: Frank G ||
09/07/2006 8:48 Comments ||
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#2
I dunno. Let's try blockading their navels with buckshot.
Posted by: Rob Crawford ||
09/07/2006 8:59 Comments ||
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JERUSALEM Local terror groups are working with Hezbollah to turn the Gaza Strip into the Palestinian version of south Lebanon by smuggling in heavy weaponry and rockets, building war bunkers and preparing for a large-scale confrontation with Israel, a senior terror leader in Gaza told WorldNetDaily.
"We learned from Hezbollah's victory that Israel can be defeated if we know how to hit them and if we are well prepared," said Abu Ahmed, northern Gaza leader of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades terror group. "We are importing rockets and the knowledge to launch them and we are also making many plans for battle."
South Lebanon is largely dominated by Hezbollah, which developed an arsenal of more than 10,000 rockets it used to launch daily attacks against Israel's northern communities during the group's 34-day confrontation with the Jewish state which ended last month. Israel says Syria and Iran provided Hezbollah with rockets and advanced weapons, including anti-tank missiles, for use during battles.
Yuval Diskin, director of Israel's Shin Bet Security Services, told the Knesset last month that since the Jewish state withdrew from Gaza, the Palestinians successfully have transferred from the neighboring Egyptian Sinai desert hundreds of tons of advanced rockets; anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles; rocket propelled grenades; raw explosives; rifles; ammunition and other heavy weaponry. Israel vacated the Gaza Strip one year ago. "If we don't move to counter this smuggling, it will continue and create a situation in Gaza similar to the one in southern Lebanon," Diskin said.
Abu Ahmed said Diskin's assessment was accurate. "I think Diskin made those statements to try to distract the Israelis from their losses in Lebanon by focusing on another area, but he is right. We are turning Gaza into south Lebanon," the terror leader said.
Abu Ahmed said his group is receiving help from Hezbollah to import long-range rockets and train in guerrilla warfare tactics. "We have warm relations with Hezbollah, which helps with some of the training programs," Abu Ahmed said. "We don't have anything to be ashamed of that we are dealing with Hezbollah and that we are receiving training and information from them."
He said Hezbollah maintains cells in the Sinai. "The Sinai is an excellent ground for training, the exchange of information and weapons and for meetings on how to turn every piece of land into usable territory for a confrontation with Israel," Abu Ahmed said.
The terror leader said Palestinian groups are developing war bunkers inside Gaza similar to the underground Hezbollah lairs Israel found during last month's war in Lebanon. "Our preparations include the building of special bunkers. Of course we are taking into consideration that Gaza is not the same topography as Lebanon," Abu Ahmed said.
During its confrontation with Hezbollah, Israel destroyed scores of complex bunkers that snaked along the Lebanese side of the Israel-Lebanon border. Military officials said they were surprised by the scale of the Hezbollah bunkers, in which Israeli troops reportedly found war rooms stocked with advanced eavesdropping and surveillance equipment they noted were made by Iran.
Abu Ahmed said the most important "tool" in the "Palestinian resistance arsenal was rockets. He said his group learned from Hezbollah that Israel can be defeated with missiles. "We saw that with the capacity to bombard the Israeli population with hundreds of rockets every day we can change the strategic balance with Israel," he said.
Since Israel's Gaza withdrawal, Palestinian terror groups have been regularly firing rockets at nearby Jewish communities. The terrorists generally have fired three versions of Qassam rockets, improvised steel projectiles filled with explosives and fuel. Qassams can travel between one and five miles depending on the sophistication of the particular rocket.
Israel has noted improvements in Qassams, including rockets carrying double engines.
Israeli security officials say a large number of Katyusha rockets have been brought into Israel. Katyusha's can travel about 12 miles and can deliver large payloads. Hezbollah fired more than 2,000 Katyusha rockets into Israel in July and August, devastating many northern towns.
Last month, Islamic Jihad fired a Katyusha rocket into the Israeli Negev. It landed in an empty area. In June the group fired a Katyusha-like rocket that traveled about nine miles. "The Katyusha we fired (last month) shows we can have every weapon we need," said Abu Ahmed. "It is only a matter of a small period before Gaza is ready for war."
#7
This goes to show that the land for peace initiative is total crap. The loss of control of the Philadelphi border has led to massive smuggling, Hezbollah infiltration and a potential 2 - front war for Israel. Iran has effectively boxed in Israel by using Syria as a proxy army, Lebanon and Hezbollah in the North and Gaza in the West. If Israel gets any more bright ideas about conceding parts of the West Bank they will be effectively surrounded as the Negev is not a conducive area for retreat. With all of this deterrent strength and US political impotency Iran is securing a major victory here. A massive PR campaign needs to be launched as well as preparations to counter all of these threats. Similar to Binny's hit on Masood, Syria is going to have to be hit very soon. Issue is Israel will need a causi belli.
#8
Once again, the only solution to the problem is to end the status quo. Make it abundantly clear to the Gazans that for each and every attack they commit *or allow to be committed* against Israel, a small part of Gaza land adjacent to Israel will be confiscated (and paid to its owner for by eminent domain if necessary to soothe the "fairness" crowd.)
That land shall forever cease being part of Gaza. It will have an additional section of wall built around it, and it will be "no-man's land", used solely by the Israeli army as "military training area". It will be bulldozed flat, without buildings, crops, trees or any people permitted on it.
And under NO circumstances will it EVER be returned. Unauthorized entry into the area will be treated like unauthorized crossing of the existing wall.
Each land confiscation will be a legal act, based on evidence of a given attack from all of Gaza, NOT just the land confiscated. And the Israeli government will clearly state to the Gazans, with EACH AND EVERY confiscation, EXACTLY WHY that land in particular was confiscated.
It will take HUNDREDS of future attacks for the Gazans to start suffering any major consequences from such confiscations. Before they would have to adjust for a significant decrease in living space.
But, if LAND is all they care about, then Israel must fight back by taking their LAND. Other methods, all the way up to ethnic cleansing, will not work.
#11
"We learned from Hezbollah's victory that Israel can be defeated if we know how to hit them and if we are well prepared," said Abu Ahmed, northern Gaza leader of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades terror group. "We are importing rockets and the knowledge to launch them and we are also making many plans for battle."
They apparently didn't catch the part about having someplace to run. Nasrallah had a hole in Syria and his "army" could flee acroos the Litani and beg the UN to intervene. The IDF (which hopefully will have learned from the Lebanese conflict) will clean out a Hamas trapped in Gaza.
#12
Moose, good plan. I would like to see the US take Gaza as a test grounds. However, we must give free hand to disciplining the Gazans without regard for human rights. When we find a terrorist, we torture the shit outta him and bury him with pig poop. Eventually, we would kill all of the men, free the women, and save the children. We could also get those farms up and running so the Gazans would earn a living and learn a trade. When Israel had control of it, they did not force change, but allowed the PLA to handle the day to day government. Big mistake. If Iraq has taught us anything, it's that muzzies are incapable of choosing progress over regress. The ONLY solution is to eliminate Islam.
#13
If Hamas, Hezbollah, et. al. start firing bigger rockets from Gaza, the Israelis should notify the Egyptians that one gate will be opened to evacuate all women and children and then the Israeli Defense Force will start at one end of Gaza and roll through to the other crushing all resistance (killing anyone who even looks like he might have evil thought). The Strip will be thoroughly inspected, all weapons destroyed, and anything related to the Lions of Islam confiscated. The rubble will be disinfected and the women and children allowed back in.
"We're preparing for war! Now with 50% more seething!"
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut ||
09/07/2006 19:49 Comments ||
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#17
#7: "This goes to show that the land for peace initiative is total crap."
It was only land for peace to the Israelis, RightWing. To the Arabs, it was land for promises. And they lied.
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut ||
09/07/2006 19:52 Comments ||
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#18
teh Paleos should declare war and suffer the immediate consequences. Let's get this shit over, and get on with burying the dead
Posted by: Frank G ||
09/07/2006 19:56 Comments ||
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#19
That land shall forever cease being part of Gaza. It will have an additional section of wall built around it, and it will be "no-man's land", used solely by the Israeli army as "military training area". It will be bulldozed flat, without buildings, crops, trees or any people permitted on it.
And under NO circumstances will it EVER be returned.
I've backed this idea from the instant I ever saw it. This represents the only non-violent solution with a glimmer of hope to succeed. Once the Palestinians find themselves crowded onto a postage stamp, they'll be a lot easier to take out with one bomb more tractable regarding some sort of peace settlement. No land given back, just a nice little peaceful parcel the size of a postage stamp.
These psychotic goons deserve a glaring reminder of the endless opportunities they've thrown away. Every time they look at a map of the fence and see it crenellated like a Medieval castle wall-top, they can ponder the wisdom of their intransigent hatred of Israel.
"We're preparing for war! Now with 50% more seething!"
Definite contender for a "Snark of the Day Award".
#20
Hamass learned nothing. The Hezbollocks had land to retreat to, and hilly, difficult-to-negotiate terrain that wasn't exactly ideal for the use of artillery. Gaza is as flat as a pancake, loong and narrow, and perfect tank and artillery terrain. All Israel has to do is pull up several thousand artillery pieces (I hope the US supplies MLRS to Israel, with lots of reloads), and start smashing. Israel could destroy everything over six inches high, and bounce the rubble. To "clear" those bunkers, just spray an area with gasoline, let it seep into all the niches and crevices. then ignite it with willie pete. Won't have to worry about "rescuing" the paleostains - there won't be any left. If Israel finds Hezbollocks training sites in the Sinai, nuke 'em, and threaten Cairo or Aswan if there's a repeat.
"Lessons learned" my a$$.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
09/07/2006 21:23 Comments ||
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#21
#19 Zen - Thanks! :-D
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut ||
09/07/2006 22:12 Comments ||
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#22
Always a pleasure, Barbara. You have one of the highest SRFs (Snark Reliability Factor), at this entire board.
According to a panel of Israeli experts, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani is for Israel the "best" of the potential 2008 US presidential candidates. Giuliani was followed by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Arizona Senator John McCain and New York Senator Hillary Clinton. The eight-man panel was assembled by the Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz, and will continue to rate the potential candidates every month for the next year.
Giuliani enjoyed a particularly strong relationship with the Jewish state during his time as mayor. That bond further strengthened following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. While the panel believes Giuliani would be most sympathetic to Israel, it sees Clinton as the candidate that would most vigorously press for a peace settlement between Israel and the Palestinians.
As an interesting side note, the experts feel none of the leading candidates are likely to order future military action against Iran over its nuclear program.
Posted by: Captain America ||
09/07/2006 1:06 Comments ||
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#4
As an interesting side note, the experts feel none of the leading candidates are likely to order future military action against Iran over its nuclear program.
Knowing Israeli politics, several will stand up. Let's see if they get elected when the time comes.
#5
Like Americans at this point, Israelis respond to the familiar names, especially of the candidates for a country half way round the world. More interesting to me would be a panel of those Israelis feel would be the worst candidates for American president. As for their own politicians, I suspect the next government elected will be the one Israeli think will win the war against Hizb'allah and Iran.
#7
No, bk, Mayor Giuliani was New York City's leader on 9/11, which was quite enough responsibility. Little baby W., as you so cleverly put it, took charge of the rest of the country.
Moderators, is this that stupid Oregon bk again? Or has the original gone feral on us?
Staff from the Palestinian prime minister's office went on strike Wednesday, joining a widespread work stoppage by civil servants demanding overdue salaries from the Hamas-led government. The strike was especially embarrassing to Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas, who has been leading opposition to the walkout. Hamas accuses the rival Fatah party of orchestrating the strike, which has emerged as a formidable challenge to a government already embattled by international sanctions and widespread anarchy. Without the foreign funds, the government has been unable to pay regular salaries to its 165,000 workers for months, instead handing out small, sporadic stipends.
Posted by: Fred ||
09/07/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
I'll fire up the movie theater popcorn machine, and pop into the O Club storeroom for extra supplies. Bring your own bowls and help yourselves, y'all!
An Islamic Jihad (Holy War) militant was shot dead by Israeli forces in the northern West Bank city of Jenin on Wednesday afternoon, security sources and witnesses said. They said that Muhahed al-Sabe, 26, commander of Islamic Jihad's armed wing Saraya al-Quds in northern West Bank, was killed in gunbattle with members of Israel's undercover elite forces.
According to the sources, the Israeli forces withdrew from the area after clashing with more Palestinian militants. Before the withdrawal, about 25 military vehicles stormed the city to provide cover for the elite forces. There was no word on more casualties.
Al-Sabe spent three years in an Israeli prison and was released last year. Israel accuses him of being behind a number of attacks against Israeli soldiers in the West Bank. In another development, Palestinian medics said that five Palestinian militants were wounded when an Israeli army aircraft fired one missile at a group of militants east of the city of Khan Younis in southern Gaza Strip.
Earlier on Wednesday morning, two Palestinians, a militant and a 16-year-old boy, were killed in the area by Israeli soldiers backed by tanks and bulldozers, security sources said.
Posted by: Fred ||
09/07/2006 00:00 ||
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By MOHAMMED DARAGHMEH Defying Israeli objections, Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams met with a Hamas legislator in the West Bank on Wednesday and advised Israel and the Palestinians to solve their problems using the Northern Ireland formula negotiations. Adams, whose Irish Republican Army-linked Sinn Fein party is the major representative of Northern Ireland's Catholic minority, said ahead of his trip he wants to inspire parties in other conflicts following the agreement to end decades of fighting in his land.
Israeli officials boycotted Adams because of his intention to meet Hamas members. Hamas, which controls the Palestinian parliament, is sworn to Israel's destruction and has rebuffed international demands to recognize Israel and renounce violence. Visiting Ramallah, the Palestinians' West Bank administrative capital, Adams met with several Palestinian lawmakers including Ayman Daraghmeh of Hamas. He spoke by telephone to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, a member of the moderate Fatah Party, who is traveling in the Gulf.
At a news conference, Adams urged Israel and the Palestinians to negotiate a two-state solution to their conflict and said Israel must talk to the Palestinian leadership. "I think it is right that the occupation of the Palestinian territories should end and I think it's right that there should be dialogue and an end to the conflict," he said. Israel must "understand that the strategic interest of Israel and the prosperity and the security and freedom of Israel is interlocked into them upholding the rights and the freedom and the security of the Palestinian people," he said.
Posted by: Fred ||
09/07/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
Negotiation only works when both parties are working in good faith, as well you know from your own experience, Mr. Sinn Fein ass. Please go to Hell, and take your platitudinous advice with you.
#7
Adams... said ahead of his trip he wants to inspire parties in other conflicts following the agreement to end decades of fighting create an Irish version of Hudna in his land.
GAZA CITY - Life in the Gaza Strip has become miserable and dangerous after six months of fiscal and political crisis, John Ging, the head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, told AFP in an interview.
Every day seems to get worse. The prospects are very bleak because we have seen nothing in six months but deterioration, he said. All the elements of a civilised existence are falling apart: there is a lack of food, no electricity, no salaries, the public services are crumbling.
There is a solution to this, but I'm betting that John can't think of it, let alone the Paleos.
Tens of thousands of civil servants have only been partially paid for the last six months, affecting the livelihoods of around one million people -- a quarter of those living in Gaza and the West Bank.
The living conditions of the 1.4 million people living in Gaza, one of the most densely populated places on earth, have deteriorated sharply owing to the cut in Western aid, Israeli closures and Israels ongoing offensive in Gaza. Life in Gaza is miserable and dangerous. There have been more than 200 killed during the last couple of months, among them 44 children, said Ging.
Since March, Ging says the UN has added another 100,000 people to the number benefiting from food aid, an increase of 15 percent to a total of 830,000.
Posted by: Steve White ||
09/07/2006 00:00 ||
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#1
"Gaza miserable and dangerous"
Other news: water wet, fire hot.
A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.
Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing
the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.
Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence
over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has
dominated Mexico for six years.
Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No
trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
JERUSALEM Local terror groups are working with Hezbollah to turn the Gaza Strip into the Palestinian version of south Lebanon by smuggling in heavy weaponry and rockets, building war bunkers and preparing for a large-scale confrontation with Israel, a senior terror leader in Gaza told WorldNetDaily. 
An Islamic Jihad (Holy War) militant was shot dead by Israeli forces in the northern West Bank city of Jenin on Wednesday afternoon, security sources and witnesses said. They said that Muhahed al-Sabe, 26, commander of Islamic Jihad's armed wing Saraya al-Quds in northern West Bank, was killed in gunbattle with members of Israel's undercover elite forces. 
Defying Israeli objections, 
GAZA CITY - Life in the Gaza Strip has become miserable and dangerous after six months of fiscal and political crisis, John Ging, the head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, told AFP in an interview.
