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Archive for August 25, 2008Trim Reaper: Streamlined Killer Drone Begins Combat Operations in IraqAugust 25, 2008 by Tim McDowell.
BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq — It looks more Star Wars than Iraq War, an unmanned aerial killer ready to fly its first combat mission in Iraq. But the MQ-9 Reaper is more than just a stunning sight — it may represent the future of combat aviation. The Reaper’s streamlined form stands out in its hangar in Balad Air Base in central Iraq, now the busiest in the world for the Department of Defense, with F-16s and cargo planes taking off and landing every few minutes. The Reaper looks like its predecessor, the Predator drone, which was originally built as a reconnaissance plane and is already widely in use in Iraq and Afghanistan in support of troops on the ground. But the Reaper was built with offense in mind. It can carry four Hellfire missiles (the Predator carries only two), and it is equipped with a pair of 500-pound laser-guided bombs.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,389962,00.html Posted in HLD | Print | No Comments » Kyrgystan: Boeing 737 Passenger Jet DownAugust 25, 2008 by Tim McDowell.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan — Emergency workers combed through the wreckage of a passenger jet Monday after it crashed outside Kyrgyzstan’s main airport, killing 65 people in an accident officials said was likely caused by technical problems. The Boeing 737 was headed to Tehran when it crashed Sunday near Bishkek’s Manas International Airport, government officials said. Twenty-five people survived the accident. The crew reported a technical malfunction only five minutes into the flight, and it crashed shortly after as it was heading back to the airport, Transport and Communications Minister Nurlan Salaimanov said. The plane burst into flames upon hitting a field about seven miles outside the airport. Government spokeswoman Roza Daudova said the crash was likely caused by a decompression on board the jet. The plane belonged to the Kyrgyz company Itek Air, which was banned from operating in European Union’s airspace because of failure to meet safety and aviation standards. The U.S. air base in the ex-Soviet republic of Kyrgyzstan supports operations in nearby Afghanistan, but Salaimanov ruled out terrorism as a cause of the crash. “Without a doubt, this was not a terrorist act,” Salaimanov told reporters Monday.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,409534,00.html
Posted in HLD | Print | No Comments » Georgia (Country threat level - 4):August 25, 2008 by Tim McDowell.
On 23 August 2008 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning: “This Travel Warning updates information on the current security situation in Georgia to include the return of U.S. Embassy eligible family members to Tbilisi, the resumption of visa services, and the status of roads within the country. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for Georgia issued August 12, 2008. The Department of State authorized the return of U.S. Embassy eligible family members to Tbilisi on August 23, 2008. However, since Russian troops remain in some parts of the country near Poti, Zugidi and Senaki as well as in the conflict zones, Embassy staff and family members will travel outside of Tbilisi only with the concurrence of the Regional Security Officer. The Department of State urges U.S. citizens in Georgia to exercise caution while traveling. “American citizens currently in Georgia are urged to continue to review their personal security situations to take appropriate action to ensure their safety. Given the recent upheaval in Georgia, American citizens should take precautions in case of an increase in violent crime. Private American citizens are encouraged to follow the precautions detailed below and to remain in close communication with the American Embassy in Tbilisi for more detailed information. “On August 10, 11, and 14 three Embassy-coordinated convoys departed Georgia for Armenia. There are no additional convoys currently scheduled at this time. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy suspended visa processing, but will resume visa services on August 27. The Peace Corps temporarily relocated trainees and volunteers to Armenia on August 11, however, the Peace Corps office in Tbilisi remains open for business. “American citizens in Georgia are advised to register with the Department of State on-line at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs or in person at U.S. Embassy Tbilisi so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. Travel in some parts of western Georgia remains unpredictable.” Posted in HLD | Print | No Comments » Russia / Georgia (Country threat levels - 3 / 4):August 25, 2008 by Tim McDowell.
On 25 August 2008 Russian lawmakers voted in favor of South Ossetian and Abkhazian independence and have called on Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to recognize the Georgian separatist regions as independent states. At this time, neither the U.N. nor Russia recognizes the regions as independent, and any effort by Russia to do so stands to increase diplomatic tensions. As of 25 August, Russian forces remain in some areas of western Georgia, including around the port of Poti, despite assertions by the United States and others that their presence is in violation of the cease-fire agreement, which calls for a return to pre-conflict positions. Although there have been no recent reports of fighting, Georgian officials have alleged that Russia was behind the 24 August bombing of a fuel train in central Georgia. The train reportedly struck a landmine and then exploded near an abandoned military base outside the city of Gori. At least 10 of the train tankers caught fire; however, emergency services were able to unhook other carts to stop further damage. The train line runs through Tbilisi to the Black Sea ports and is a major trade line for oil from Azerbaijan to the rest of Europe. No injuries or casualties were reported, and the railway has since reopened. The United States continues to send aid to Georgia. On 24 August, A U.S. navy warship arrived in the port of Batumi with humanitarian aid. Two more U.S. ships are expected to arrive in the same port within the next few days. Posted in HLD | Print | No Comments » Guatemala (Country threat level - 4):August 25, 2008 by Tim McDowell.
On 24 August 2008 a single-engine Cessna Caravan 208 aircraft crashed in El Puente, which is located approximately 24 mi/40 km east of Guatemala City. Reports indicate that the pilot reported mechanical problems shortly before 1540 UTC. The crash killed at least 10 people, including five U.S. humanitarian workers. The aircraft belongs to the Aeroruta Maya company. Posted in Blogroll | Print | No Comments »
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