[Ugnet] AL QUAEDA OPENS FIRST OFFICAIL TWITTER ACCOUNT
Al Qaeda Opens First Official Twitter Account Move seen as bid to halt division among jihadists over Syrian rebel split An official al Qaeda website that is restricted to members of the terrorist group opened its first Twitter account this week in what U.S. officials say is an effort to resolve a major split over Syrias Islamist rebels. The Shamukh al-Islam website, used as an official clearing house for al Qaeda members to communicate and issue propaganda statements, started its first Twitter account on Tuesday. The first posts on the account focused on divisions between two al Qaeda rebel groups in Syria, al Nusra Front and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The account, @shomokhalislam, issued 29 tweets, followed one account, and attracted 1,532 followers as of Friday afternoon. U.S. officials said among its followers are several high-profile digital jihadists. Counterterrorism analysts view the new account as another indicator that terrorist groups are stepping up their use of social media over traditional Internet sites. The official al Qaeda account also highlights the view among Islamists that Twitter is fast becoming an essential tool for online jihad, or holy war. Weve seen terrorist groups make increasingly effective use of social media, particularly Twitter and Facebook, in recent years, said Patrick Poole, a counterterrorism expert. Not only is this important for propaganda purposes but also recruitment. The new account also is expected to be a major intelligence target for foreign governments tracking al Qaeda through its online devotees. Unlike the closed website, Shamukhs Twitter postings and members are public. Shamukh al Islam postings that were made public on other jihadist websites have been important indicators of al Qaeda activity. The site is considered one of two official media outlets for al Qaeda central, the Islamist terror group now led by Ayman al Zawahiri. The emergence of the new Twitter account comes as jihadists are facing a major split, both online and on the ground, over divisions between al Nusra and ISIL, according to officials. The Arabic-language account initial tweets included statements that decried the split between the Syrian rebel groups and promised a neutral stance an indication of significant divisions within al Qaeda. Counterterrorism analysts said in the past the web forum appeared reluctant to embrace Twitter but now accepts that micro-blogging is a key element for jihadism. The split in al Qaeda could be good news for western security services that have been battling the terror group since the 1990s. It is hoped the divisions will render the group less effective and limit its ability to conduct deadly attacks and bombings. However, the main benefit will be to foster ideological divisions. Al Qaeda is seeking to overthrow non-Islamist governments and replace them with those that impose strict Sharia law. The use of violencebombings, shootings, assassination, and other attacksis a hallmark of the group. The split over Syria first emerged in April when the leaders of the Iraqi al Qaeda group, Islamic State of Iraq, announced its merger with al Nusra Front in Syria. That prompted al Zawahiri to issue a statement a month later denying the merger and announcing the appointment of a mediator to try and bridge relations. ISIL leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi then issued an audio message that rejected al Zawahiris decree and stated that the merger would continue. The split opened yet another front in the civil war in Syria. The battle lines now include Syrian government forces against three opposition rebel factions, al Nusra, ISIL, and the more secular but still Islamist Free Syrian Army. A translated tweet from the new account included a reference to an earlier statement from Shamukh that stated: Obviously extremely serious challenges and state of dissension at this very sensitive juncture. Other messages noted divisions among brothers into three camps: those who are staying silent on the Syria division; those that favor al Nusra; and those supporting ISIL. The rival al Nusra and ISIL members in the past asked online administrators to remove postings from each others faction. To address the problem, the administrator for the Twitter account said both it and the web site would remain neutral. Members also were warned that voicing hostility toward either al Nusra or ISIL would lead to account suspension. It is not known why Twitter has not suspended the Shamukh account, as it did to the Somali al Qaeda affiliate Al Shabaab during the recent attack in Nairobi, Kenya. The Twitter account also sought to promote unity between the warring factions and to provide jihadists with trusted statements and information. Shamukh al Islam is one of two official al Qaeda web sites that are closed to non-members. The second is Al Fida. Another unofficial al Qaeda-related website is Ansar al-Mujahidin, which has been shut down
[Ugnet] Classic Congolese Forever More
Classic Congolese music forever more @ Classic Congolese Music Odiya The Liberal Manifesto UgandaPlays OdiyaTalks Acoli Sensation Classic Congolese Music World Folk Music Festival ___ Ugandanet mailing list Ugandanet@kym.net http://kym.net/mailman/listinfo/ugandanet UGANDANET is generously hosted by INFOCOM http://www.infocom.co.ug/ All Archives can be found at http://www.mail-archive.com/ugandanet@kym.net/ The above comments and data are owned by whoever posted them (including attachments if any). The List's Host is not responsible for them in any way. ---
[Ugnet] Rwanda: Les prostituées décimées par le Sida et la clandestinité
Rwanda: Les prostituées décimées par le Sida et la clandestinité (Icicemac 27/09/2013 - 06:33) Rwandan prostitutes often forced into unprotected sex , are the first victims of AIDS. Fearing the rigors of the law that often grow underground, they can not enforce their rights . Today, more than half of Rwandan prostitutes are infected with HIV / AIDS, according to a study published in September by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre ( RBC ) , a center for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections. National average , it is however only 3 % of the population aged 15 and 49 years. In Rwanda, we count about 16,000 prostitutes known as such and numerous clandestine . The rate of the highest prevalence is in the city of Kigali where 56% of prostitutes are infected , while in the eastern province , they are 33%. For Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana , head of RBC care , high prevalence of HIV / AIDS among prostitutes is due to sex they often struggle to protect. When a prostitute is found in a shop to buy a condom , it is frowned upon by the entourage. So, often prostitutes end of unprotected sex , said a woman who sells her body in Remera , Kigali. Sometimes men offer more money for sex without condom. Since we are looking for money, you can not refuse , she adds . Prostitution is illegal in Rwanda . The Rwandan Penal Code punishes the different forms of prostitution with imprisonment from three months to seven years and a fine of 5 million Frw ( nearly $ 8,200 ) . The women hide for this job . As prostitution is fought in Rwanda , women who live are forced to export to neighboring countries , especially Uganda and Burundi , reflects this activist human rights . According to him, many, many prostitutes across the border during the weekends and go at the beginning of the week. On the other hand, they perform their work without any sexual desire to be recognized , he says . Chosen or forced prostitution in their own country , however , few have openly declared . Those who recognize sex workers and believe that much of their comrades working underground. Among them , many officials and students. A study by Transparency - Rwanda , published in early October 2012, also shows that the gender-based corruption is widespread in the workplace. The results of this study show that 43.3% of women seeking employment and 29.10 % of women or girls secretaries are forced to give their employers at their place of prostitution travail.Légaliser to save other women come to life at night in many hotels and nightclubs to get clients. The leaders of the hotels have long lists of names with pictures and contacts clandestine prostitutes they offer to customers who request it reflects Jolie Gikondo . Working underground causes us a lot of losses , yet a woman says Kabuga . Our clients often refuse to pay us and we do not know how to claim our rights because we are not recognized by law. For some Rwandans, including some prostitutes, it would be better formalize prostitution to limit sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV / AIDS. It's a job like any other , must let us work and put some order . For example, giving us maps , we regularly review , we accept pay taxes like other people who trade , etc. . Because we can not completely eradicate prostitution , said a woman Matimba , the a district of Kigali housing many prostitutes . A position for the moment down the Rwandan culture and law. For Dr. Aphrodis Kagaba , Director of Health Development Initiative ( HDI ) , legalize the oldest profession in the world could help practitioners to come out of isolation and to fight for their rights Thé Mulindwas Communication Group With Yoweri Museveni and Dr. Kiiza Besigye Uganda is in anarchy Kuungana Mulindwa Mawasiliano Kikundi Pamoja na Yoweri Museveni na Dk. Kiiza Besigye Uganda ni katika machafuko ___ Ugandanet mailing list Ugandanet@kym.net http://kym.net/mailman/listinfo/ugandanet UGANDANET is generously hosted by INFOCOM http://www.infocom.co.ug/ All Archives can be found at http://www.mail-archive.com/ugandanet@kym.net/ The above comments and data are owned by whoever posted them (including attachments if any). The List's Host is not responsible for them in any way. ---
Re: [Ugnet] {UAH} Gen. Sejusa And Col. Ogole Former War Antagonists, Meet
Barigye
When you see Tinyefunza now talking to Samson Mande you already have a
solution, they are going to be like an Amoeba. Self-destruct. Do you
really in your poor mind see those two working together after Museveni has
been thrown out? Do you see Tinyefunza and Ogole working together after
Museveni has been thrown out? Samson Mande and Mugisha Muntu will look so
closely at each other, and whoever blinks first will be shot by the other
for they treated each other very terribly. Betty Kamya is going to fail to
work with any one for as soon as Museveni is driven out she will fail to
shut up, and Betty Kamya unlike Getrude Njuba in Luwero, she is too old to
inseminate, so who really needs her in the bigger picture after Musevenis
departure? Look this is good just let it take its course.
Now sit, watch and learn !
EM
On the 49th
Thé Mulindwas Communication Group
With Yoweri Museveni and Dr. Kiiza Besigye Uganda is in anarchy
Kuungana Mulindwa Mawasiliano Kikundi
Pamoja na Yoweri Museveni na Dk. Kiiza Besigye Uganda ni katika machafuko
From: ugandans-at-he...@googlegroups.com
[mailto:ugandans-at-he...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Allan
Sent: Sunday, September 29, 2013 6:44 PM
To: U-A-H
Subject: Re: {UAH} Gen. Sejusa And Col. Ogole Former War Antagonists, Meet
EM,
How do we get rid of Museveni and his gang of thieves?
On Sun, Sep 29, 2013 at 3:31 PM, Herrn Edward Mulindwa mulin...@look.ca
wrote:
For some unknown reason I thought he was dead already. Next time I am in
London I am going to look him out.
EM
On the 49th
Thé Mulindwas Communication Group
With Yoweri Museveni and Dr. Kiiza Besigye Uganda is in anarchy
Kuungana Mulindwa Mawasiliano Kikundi
Pamoja na Yoweri Museveni na Dk. Kiiza Besigye Uganda ni katika machafuko
From: ugandans-at-he...@googlegroups.com
[mailto:ugandans-at-he...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Gwokto La'Kitgum
Sent: Sunday, September 29, 2013 6:08 PM
To: ugandans-at-heart
Subject: Re: {UAH} Gen. Sejusa And Col. Ogole Former War Antagonists, Meet
EM,
Dude is freaking gone beyond expiry date. So if him, why should we want
Museveni gone? They shouldnt be posting his picture along with the youthful
Sejusa. That will scare more shit out of natives.
___
Gwokto La'Kitgum
Even a small dog can piss on a tall Building, Jim Hightower
On Sun, Sep 29, 2013 at 6:01 PM, Allan barigye.ru...@gmail.com wrote:
Museveni abewo pakalast!
On Sun, Sep 29, 2013 at 2:49 PM, Herrn Edward Mulindwa mulin...@look.ca
wrote:
At the rate some of these people are hunting down to be in power, they are
soon going to go to Saudi Arabia and Akokoro to consult with Iddi Amin and
AMO. Is Ogole still talking a solution to Uganda politics at that age?
So if they can be in opposition for life why shouldnt Museveni be in state
house for life? Geez
EM
On the 49th
Thé Mulindwas Communication Group
With Yoweri Museveni and Dr. Kiiza Besigye Uganda is in anarchy
Kuungana Mulindwa Mawasiliano Kikundi
Pamoja na Yoweri Museveni na Dk. Kiiza Besigye Uganda ni katika machafuko
From: ugandans-at-he...@googlegroups.com
[mailto:ugandans-at-he...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Rehema Uganda
Sent: Sunday, September 29, 2013 11:58 AM
To: Ugandans at Heart (UAH) Forum
Subject: {UAH} Gen. Sejusa And Col. Ogole Former War Antagonists, Meet
Uganda: Gen. Sejusa And Col. Ogole, Former War Antagonists, Meet
Special To The ...September 28,2013
http://www.blackstarnews.com/sites/default/files/styles/news-detail-page/pu
blic/field/image/TinyeAcholi2.jpg
Gen. Sejusa left, shown with Col. Ogole
[Exclusive]
Former antagonists in the Luweero war that brought the National Resistance
Movement to power, General David Sejusa and Colonel John Ogole, have been
meeting in London over several months and have agreed to work together to
end the current oligarchy in Kampala.
Sejusa was a top commander in the NRA rebels while Ogole led the charge to
defend the government on the field of battle. These two war veterans have
been leading their respective teams drawn from inside Uganda and those
living in exile.
General Sejusa is one of the leaders of Free Uganda, a newly-formed Ugandan
liberation platform that has set out to unify and mobilize the various
forces, political organizations and individuals opposed to the Gen. Yoweri
Museveni dictatorship.
The two former antagonists wouldn't provide the details of their discussions
at this time; both Gen. Sejusa and Col. Ogole confirmed meeting and burying
the hatchet for the sake of Uganda.
It wasn't possible to immediately confirm whether Dr. Kizza Besigye, a
former fighter and now leading opponent of the Museveni regime, attended
some of the meetings.
In the past Dr. Kizza Besigye has publicly confirmed meeting with Colonel
Ogole. Recently, Dr. Besigye also confirmed meeting General
Re: [Ugnet] [Ugandacom] RE: {UAH} Gen. Sejusa And Col. Ogole Former War Antagonists, Meet
Matek
What is it you are thinking? The sentence is straight sir.
EM
On the 49th
Thé Mulindwas Communication Group
With Yoweri Museveni and Dr. Kiiza Besigye Uganda is in anarchy
Kuungana Mulindwa Mawasiliano Kikundi
Pamoja na Yoweri Museveni na Dk. Kiiza Besigye Uganda ni katika machafuko
From: uganda...@yahoogroups.com [mailto:uganda...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf
Of matek
Sent: Sunday, September 29, 2013 8:48 PM
To: ugandacom; voice-of-uganda
Subject: Re: [Ugandacom] RE: {UAH} Gen. Sejusa And Col. Ogole Former War
Antagonists, Meet
and Betty Kamya unlike Getrude Njuba in Luwero, she is too old to inseminate
GWEE mutaka ...you man ..what do you mean bettymkamya is too old to
inseminate? are you thinking what i am thinking?
mk
On Mon, Sep 30, 2013 at 10:57 AM, Herrn Edward Mulindwa mulin...@look.ca
wrote:
Barigye
When you see Tinyefunza now talking to Samson Mande you already have a
solution, they are going to be like an Amoeba. Self-destruct. Do you
really in your poor mind see those two working together after Museveni has
been thrown out? Do you see Tinyefunza and Ogole working together after
Museveni has been thrown out? Samson Mande and Mugisha Muntu will look so
closely at each other, and whoever blinks first will be shot by the other
for they treated each other very terribly. Betty Kamya is going to fail to
work with any one for as soon as Museveni is driven out she will fail to
shut up, and Betty Kamya unlike Getrude Njuba in Luwero, she is too old to
inseminate, so who really needs her in the bigger picture after Musevenis
departure? Look this is good just let it take its course.
Now sit, watch and learn !
EM
On the 49th
Thé Mulindwas Communication Group
With Yoweri Museveni and Dr. Kiiza Besigye Uganda is in anarchy
Kuungana Mulindwa Mawasiliano Kikundi
Pamoja na Yoweri Museveni na Dk. Kiiza Besigye Uganda ni katika machafuko
From: ugandans-at-he...@googlegroups.com
[mailto:ugandans-at-he...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Allan
Sent: Sunday, September 29, 2013 6:44 PM
To: U-A-H
Subject: Re: {UAH} Gen. Sejusa And Col. Ogole Former War Antagonists, Meet
EM,
How do we get rid of Museveni and his gang of thieves?
On Sun, Sep 29, 2013 at 3:31 PM, Herrn Edward Mulindwa mulin...@look.ca
wrote:
For some unknown reason I thought he was dead already. Next time I am in
London I am going to look him out.
EM
On the 49th
Thé Mulindwas Communication Group
With Yoweri Museveni and Dr. Kiiza Besigye Uganda is in anarchy
Kuungana Mulindwa Mawasiliano Kikundi
Pamoja na Yoweri Museveni na Dk. Kiiza Besigye Uganda ni katika machafuko
From: ugandans-at-he...@googlegroups.com
[mailto:ugandans-at-he...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Gwokto La'Kitgum
Sent: Sunday, September 29, 2013 6:08 PM
To: ugandans-at-heart
Subject: Re: {UAH} Gen. Sejusa And Col. Ogole Former War Antagonists, Meet
EM,
Dude is freaking gone beyond expiry date. So if him, why should we want
Museveni gone? They shouldnt be posting his picture along with the youthful
Sejusa. That will scare more shit out of natives.
___
Gwokto La'Kitgum
Even a small dog can piss on a tall Building, Jim Hightower
On Sun, Sep 29, 2013 at 6:01 PM, Allan barigye.ru...@gmail.com wrote:
Museveni abewo pakalast!
On Sun, Sep 29, 2013 at 2:49 PM, Herrn Edward Mulindwa mulin...@look.ca
wrote:
At the rate some of these people are hunting down to be in power, they are
soon going to go to Saudi Arabia and Akokoro to consult with Iddi Amin and
AMO. Is Ogole still talking a solution to Uganda politics at that age?
So if they can be in opposition for life why shouldnt Museveni be in state
house for life? Geez
EM
On the 49th
Thé Mulindwas Communication Group
With Yoweri Museveni and Dr. Kiiza Besigye Uganda is in anarchy
Kuungana Mulindwa Mawasiliano Kikundi
Pamoja na Yoweri Museveni na Dk. Kiiza Besigye Uganda ni katika machafuko
From: ugandans-at-he...@googlegroups.com
[mailto:ugandans-at-he...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Rehema Uganda
Sent: Sunday, September 29, 2013 11:58 AM
To: Ugandans at Heart (UAH) Forum
Subject: {UAH} Gen. Sejusa And Col. Ogole Former War Antagonists, Meet
Uganda: Gen. Sejusa And Col. Ogole, Former War Antagonists, Meet
Special To The ...September 28,2013
http://www.blackstarnews.com/sites/default/files/styles/news-detail-page/pu
blic/field/image/TinyeAcholi2.jpg
Gen. Sejusa left, shown with Col. Ogole
[Exclusive]
Former antagonists in the Luweero war that brought the National Resistance
Movement to power, General David Sejusa and Colonel John Ogole, have been
meeting in London over several months and have agreed to work together to
end the current oligarchy in Kampala.
Sejusa was a top commander in the NRA rebels while Ogole led the charge to
defend the government
[Ugnet] REHEMA UGANDA YOU HAVE AN EMAIL DIRECTLY FROM THE CLERIC HIMSELF.
Saudi cleric says women who drive risk damaging their ovaries http://www.reuters.com/ Description: ReutersReuters 8 hours ago RIYADH (Reuters) - A conservative Saudi Arabian cleric has said women who drive risk damaging their ovaries and bearing children with clinical problems, countering activists who are trying to end the Islamic kingdom's male-only driving rules. A campaign calling for women to defy the ban in a protest drive on October 26 has spread rapidly online over the past week and gained support from some prominent women activists. On Sunday, the campaign's website was blocked inside the kingdom. In an interview published on Friday on the website sabq.org, Sheikh Saleh bin Saad al-Lohaidan said women aiming to overturn the ban on driving should put reason ahead of their hearts, emotions and passions. Reuters earlier wrongly identified him as Sheikh Saleh bin Mohammed al-Lohaidan, a member of the Senior Council of Scholars, one of the top religious bodies in the birthplace of Islam. By contrast, Sheikh Saleh bin Saad al-Lohaidan, the person quoted in the sabq.org report, is a judicial adviser to an association of Gulf psychologists. His comments reflect the extent of opposition to women driving among some conservatives in Saudi Arabia. If a woman drives a car, not out of pure necessity, that could have negative physiological impacts as functional and physiological medical studies show that it automatically affects the ovaries and pushes the pelvis upwards, he told Sabq. That is why we find those who regularly drive have children with clinical problems of varying degrees, he said. He did not cite specific medical studies to support his arguments. The ban on women driving is not backed by a specific law, but only men are granted driving licences. Women can be fined for driving without a licence but have also been detained and put on trial in the past on charges of political protest. Sheikh Abdulatif Al al-Sheikh, the head of the morality police, told Reuters a week ago that there was no text in the documents making up sharia, or Islamic law, that barred women from driving. King Abdullah has pushed some cautious reforms aimed at expanding women's freedoms in Saudi Arabia, including opening more employment opportunities for them, but he has not addressed the issue of driving. (Reporting by Angus McDowall; Editing by William Maclean and Kevin Liffey) Thé Mulindwas Communication Group With Yoweri Museveni and Dr. Kiiza Besigye Uganda is in anarchy Kuungana Mulindwa Mawasiliano Kikundi Pamoja na Yoweri Museveni na Dk. Kiiza Besigye Uganda ni katika machafuko image001.jpg___ Ugandanet mailing list Ugandanet@kym.net http://kym.net/mailman/listinfo/ugandanet UGANDANET is generously hosted by INFOCOM http://www.infocom.co.ug/ All Archives can be found at http://www.mail-archive.com/ugandanet@kym.net/ The above comments and data are owned by whoever posted them (including attachments if any). The List's Host is not responsible for them in any way. ---
Re: [Ugnet] {UAH} Ma-news ya leo in Iraq
Allan Barigye
Edward Pojim s liability is only limited to removing Sadam Hussein from
power not what happens after his exit. Isnt it strange that as soon as
Sadam Hussein left office they stopped to post anything out of Iraq? Have
you heard from NyarOnyango lately? No because her drama ended after Sadams
exit. How about Ssenkindu? Same thing. But here is the juice of the matter,
they not only isolate themselves when people start to die , they actually do
not even want you to post these reports. Yes I have been attacked as man
that snoops in very terrible websites to post nonsense that is anti-west. So
if we were in Ugandan and you posted this piece, Edward Pojim s brother out
of Makindye would have visited you to force you to your demise. Now they
are itching for Syria. Go figure. There is a Baboon that is an MP in
Zimbabwe that has stated today that Libya has the best economical growth in
Africa today.
And yes youre right it is a white Baboon.
EM
On the 49th
Thé Mulindwas Communication Group
With Yoweri Museveni and Dr. Kiiza Besigye Uganda is in anarchy
Kuungana Mulindwa Mawasiliano Kikundi
Pamoja na Yoweri Museveni na Dk. Kiiza Besigye Uganda ni katika machafuko
From: ugandans-at-he...@googlegroups.com
[mailto:ugandans-at-he...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Allan
Sent: Sunday, September 29, 2013 9:38 PM
To: U-A-H
Subject: {UAH} Ma-news ya leo in Iraq
BAGHDAD (AP) -- Suicide bombings tore through a Shiite mosque south of
Baghdad and the relatively safe Kurdish area in the north Sunday as a wave
of attacks killed at least 46 people across Iraq, officials said.
A surge in sectarian violence in recent months has heightened fears that
Iraq is becoming a new battlefield, nearly two years after U.S. forces
withdrew from the country. A period of calm after the pullout had raised
hopes for a measure of normalcy in Iraq, but tensions have spiked amid Sunni
anger over perceived mistreatment from the Shiite-led government. More than
4,500 people have been killed since April.
The deadliest assault occurred when an attacker blew himself up inside a
Shiite mosque during a funeral in a former insurgent stronghold south of
Baghdad, prompting city administrators to criticize Iraqi security forces
for failing to protect the people. At least 25 people were killed and 40
wounded in Musayyib, about 40 miles (60 kilometers) south of Baghdad,
according to Mohammed al-Khafaji, who heads the town's security committee.
He announced a three-day mourning period in the town.
Musayyib Mayor Qassim Raheem said the bomber was linked to al-Qaida in Iraq
and took advantage of large crowds at a funeral for victims of a roadside
bombing.
The security forces don't have sufficient intelligence, and they don't have
enough experience, al-Khafaji said.
In northern Iraq, twin suicide car bombs killed at least six Kurdish troops
and wounded 30 others in a rare attack in Irbil, the capital of Iraq's
largely peaceful self-ruled northern Kurdish region.
The first blast targeted a checkpoint leading to a downtown complex housing
the Interior Ministry and other security agencies. As rescue crews and
bystanders gathered at the scene, another bomber driving an ambulance
attacked the area, the governor of the surrounding province of the same
name, Nawzad Hadi, said, giving the casualty toll. Regional Health Minister
Raikot Hama Rasheed confirmed the figures.
Gunmen then tried to storm the area, prompting a gunfight with security
forces that left at least three attackers dead, he added.
The attack bore the hallmarks of al-Qaida in Iraq, which typically carries
out complex attacks and suicide bombings, but the extremist group is not
known to have a large presence in the Kurdish region. Sunday's attack was
only the third major foray into the area by insurgents since a 2007 suicide
truck bomb hit the Interior Ministry, killing 14 people, and a 2004 twin
suicide attack killed 109.
Security forces sealed off the area, making it difficult to ascertain the
level of damage inflicted on the Interior Ministry and nearby buildings, but
a Kurdish local TV station showed black smoke billowing near one building as
fire engines and ambulances rushed to the scene.
In other violence, a car bomb ripped through a vegetable market in the
northeastern Baghdad suburb of Hussainya, killing five civilians and
wounding 14, a police officer said.
Another bomb exploded near a Sunni mosque as worshippers were leaving
services on the outskirts of Baqouba, a city north of Baghdad that saw some
of the worst fighting in the years after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that
ousted Saddam Hussein. At least five people were killed and 17 wounded in
that attack, a police officer and a medical official said.
Gunmen also opened fire on a Baqouba checkpoint manned by Sunni militiamen,
killing one and wounding three, police said. Members of the militias, known
as Sahwa, joined U.S. troops in the war against al-Qaida at the
