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Al Qaeda incapable of 9/11-style attacks

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 14:40:59 GMT

Al Qaeda's core organization is likely incapable of carrying out another mass-casualty attack on the scale of September 11, 2001, according to the US intelligence and counterterrorism officials.

US government experts also believe that the likelihood of an attack using chemical, biological, atomic or radiological weapons over the next year was not high, said Robert Cardillo, deputy director of US National Intelligence.

Cardillo and other US officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described these assessments on a conference call with journalists billed as an opportunity for government experts to voice their assessments of al Qaeda's potency a year after the killing of Osama bin Laden in a US commando raid.

Cardillo said the al Qaeda "core" organization that bin Laden created has suffered strategic setbacks due to the outbreak of "Arab Spring" protests and rebellions in Islamic countries, which have not spread great sympathy for al Qaeda's hardline and violent brand of Islam.

More worrying to US counterterrorism officials and their allies abroad is the possibility of home-grown extremists, or "lone wolves," who are radicalized over the Internet or in small cells, but who also now are being given encouragement by media outlets connected to al Qaeda and its affiliates.

While they were unwilling to declare that al Qaeda was on the brink of "strategic defeat," the US officials did say they believed the central organization founded by bin Laden simply was not capable today of marshalling the kind of resources and planning that went into the deadly suicide airplane hijackings of September 11, 2001.

The officials said that the United States regards four al Qaeda spinoffs or affiliates as still posing threats of greater or lesser degree to US interests.

Most deadly, the officials said, was Yemen-based al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), which US officials believe was behind unsuccessful but imaginative attempts to attack continental US targets over the last 18 months using airplane-borne bombs stashed in a passenger's underwear and in photocopier ink cartridges.

Al Qaeda in Iraq, which arose in the wake of the 2003 US invasion to oust Saddam Hussein, remains a potentially lethal presence in that country and may be expanding its activities into neighboring Syria, though officials did not indicate they believe it poses much of a threat to US interests outside that region.

US officials said they regarded al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), an affiliate based in North Africa, as largely a criminal organization engaged in kidnapping Westerners for ransom. But they said they were concerned such tactics could evolve into more spectacular kidnappings intended to win publicity for militant causes.

US officials said that after a period in which their struggle became a magnet for disillusioned Islamic youths in both the United States and Europe, al Qaeda's Somali affiliate, al Shabaab, has seen a measurable falloff in Western recruiting and support.

On balance, a counterterrorism official said, it was "clear we've made progress towards defeating al Qaeda the organization," though elements of both the ideology and the organization certainly remain, including "a number of active networks in the United Kingdom."-Reuters

Security technology focus for airport expo

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 14:40:59 GMT

The latest technology and innovative solutions for airport as well as enhanced constituent service security will be under the spotlight at an upcoming airport exhibition Dubai.

Airport Show 2012 will be held under the patronage of Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman of Emirates Airline and Group.

It will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center from May 22 to 24 with the participation of over 178 exhibitors and thousands of visitors from over 60 countries.

Airport Show 2012 will also focus on more efficient operations and to meet the ever-increasing volume of passengers and cargo.

Mohammed Ahli, director general of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), said: "No matter how sleek and contemporary its architecture and design, an airport is always going to be judged by its security, service standards and the capability to handle peak periods and irregular operations.”

“For the airport operators, it’s crucial to alleviate these concerns by adopting innovative technology. Airports are seeking to improve security, find new ways of streamlining efficiencies, creating new loyalty solutions and offering enhanced services."

Internationally-renowned technology services companies from over 28 countries, including Germany, France, China, Denmark, Switzerland, UK and the US to name a few, will be displaying a wide range of innovative airport security products at the show.

Mohamad Bader-Eddin, show director at Reed Exhibitions Middle East, organizers of the show, said: “As the airport operators are working towards increasing security, productivity and profitability of their facilities, there is immense business growth potential for the companies.”

“Most of the GCC airports are in a fast-paced, multi-billion dollar expansion mode, requiring deployment of the cutting-edge and futuristic products and solutions to handle the phenomenal growth.”

The Airport Show, he said, will be an ideal platform for the airport operators to explore the current and future products and services in terms of airport security while providing convenient networking opportunities for both the key government officials and decision-makers and the technology companies.

Georges Hannouche, Arab world's leading aviation expert and CEO of Bayanat Airports- one of the exhibitors at the show this year, said one of the key challenges that airport operators face was finding a way to provide robust and effective security measures that can prevent and identify the full spectrum of threats while ensuring passenger satisfaction, legislative compliance and seamless infrastructure functioning.

According to IATA projections, the UAE, Kuwait and Jordan will be among the top 10 fastest growing countries, with the UAE projected to rank 7th for handling over 82.3 million international passenger by 2014.

The capacity of the UAE airports will be increased to handle 250 million passengers by 2020. Dubai International alone is expected to spend $8 billion in the capacity expansion. Dubai is expected to handle about 98 million passengers by 2020.

A report by Frost & Sullivan said US$86 billion will be spent by Middle East airports in expansion plans until 2025. According to the Middle East Airport Security Market Assessment report, the spending in this sector is estimated to reach US$57.7 million by 2015.

Brig. Pilot Ahmed bin Thani, head of Airports Security, Dubai, said: "The security is now part of the solution and not just part of the problem. In today’s complex global environment, establishing and maintaining safety and security throughout the airport is the single most important management priority.”

“Dubai Airports have proved to be successful in utilizing the best of technology that enhanced its performance and capabilities. Airport Show is very important platform for the decision-makers to explore the latest technology for enabling a better future." – TradeArabia News Service

Iran unlikely to make bomb says Israel army chief

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 06:16:05 GMT

Israel's military chief said he does not believe Iran will decide to build an atomic bomb and called its leaders "very rational" - comments that clashed with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's assessment.

Lieutenant-General Benny Gantz's remarks, in an interview published on Wednesday in the left-wing Haaretz newspaper, drew little attention in Israel on its annual remembrance day for fallen soldiers, when political discourse is suspended.

But they will add fuel to an internal debate on the prospects of Iran weaponising its uranium enrichment programme and the wisdom and risks of any Israeli military strike to try to prevent Tehran from becoming a nuclear power.

"Iran is moving step-by-step towards a point where it will be able to decide if it wants to make a nuclear bomb. It has not decided yet whether to go the extra mile," Gantz said. But, he said, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could opt to produce nuclear weapons should he believe that Iran would not face reprisal.

"In my opinion, he will be making a huge mistake if he does that and I don't think he will want to go the extra mile," Gantz said. "I think the Iranian leadership is comprised of very rational people. But I agree that such a capability in the hands of Islamic fundamentalists, who at some moments may make different calculations, is a dangerous thing."

Israel, believed to have the Middle East's only nuclear arsenal, has not ruled out military action against Iran should economic sanctions fail to curb its nuclear programme, saying all options were on the table.

Last week, in a speech during Israel's Holocaust remembrance day, Netanyahu said: "Today, the regime in Iran openly calls and determinedly works for our destruction. And it is feverishly working to develop atomic weapons to achieve that goal."
Tehran denies seeking the bomb, saying it is enriching uranium only for peaceful energy purposes and that its nuclear programme is a threat to no one.

Speaking on CNN on Tuesday, Netanyahu said he would not want to bet "the security of the world on Iran's rational behaviour." A "militant Islamic regime", he said, "can put their ideology before their survival."

The portrayal of Iran as irrational - willing to attack Israel with a nuclear weapon even if it means the destruction of the Islamic Republic in retaliatory strikes - could bolster a case for pre-emptive bombing to take out its atomic facilities.

Netanyahu had already been stung at home by his former spymaster, Meir Dagan, who said that such an Israeli strike on Iran would be a "ridiculous" idea.

Shannon Kile, a nuclear proliferation expert at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, said Gantz's description of Iranian leaders as rational was "quite an interesting turnabout."

"Hopefully, it is going to reduce the incentives for any sort of pre-emptive or preventive military action, at least for the time being," Kile said.

The United States has also not ruled out military action as a last resort. But many allies of Washington, and even some senior US officials, fear such an attack could ignite a broader war and only temporarily halt Iran's nuclear advances.

Gantz's assessment appeared to be in step with the view of the top U.S. military officer, General Martin Dempsey. He said in a CNN interview in February he believed Iran was a "rational actor" and it would be premature to take military action against it. - Reuters

GCC police force under study

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:50:32 GMT

Representatives of GCC Interior Ministries met yesterday (April 24) to study the establishment of a GCC police force.

Chairman Major-General Mohammed bin Saleh Al Shehri said he considered the meeting an extension of discussions at the 30th GCC Interior Ministers forum in the UAE last December, which included recommendation to study the proposal to establish a GCC police force.

Maj-Gen Al Shehri pointed out that the meeting was being held under exceptional security circumstances and the current developments and major transformations the world and the region in specific is experiencing.

The talks continue today.

Meanwhile, the Joint Peninsula Shield Forces Command will launch a training exercise at the command-and-staff level under the title 'Loyal Islands' on Sunday and Monday.

The drill will test harmony and liaison between land, air and naval units of the Joint Peninsula Shield Forces and their capability to implement specific missions and major operations. – TradeArabia News Service

UN panel expands Iran sanctions list

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 11:08:35 GMT

A UN Security Council committee has expanded its Iran blacklist to include two Iranian individuals and one firm for attempting to skirt UN sanctions by shipping arms to Africa in 2010, the US envoy to the United Nations said.

'The individuals listed today helped plan a weapons shipment - intercepted by Nigeria in 2010 - in violation of existing UN sanctions,' US Ambassador Susan Rice said in a statement.

'Both individuals and this company are tied to the Qods Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the group that directs Iranian support for terrorism and extremism worldwide,' she said.

According to the UN Iran sanctions committee website, the newly sanctioned individuals include Azim Aghajani, member of the IRGC elite Qods Force, and Ali Akbar Tabatabaei, whom it describes as a 'senior officer responsible for IRGC Qods Force operations.'

The sanctioned firm is the Behineh Trading Company, which the sanctions committee list describes as 'one of the two Iranian companies that played key roles in Iran's illicit transfer of arms to West Africa and acted on behalf of the IRGC Qods Force as the shipper of the weapons consignment.'

One council diplomat told Reuters on condition of anonymity that the new blacklistings, which were proposed by Britain last month, were the first additions since the council adopted its last sanctions resolution on Iran in June 2010.

Nigerian authorities submitted an official complaint to the Iran sanctions committee about the arms it seized. Tehran said at the time it was a legitimate trade deal with Gambia.

The weapons Nigeria confiscated in the seizure included 107mm rockets, designed to attack static targets and used by armies to support infantry units.-Reuters

Iran army says 'copying US drone'

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 11:08:35 GMT

Iran's military has started to build a copy of a US surveillance drone captured last year after breaking the software encryption, Iranian media reported on Sunday.

General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of the Revolutionary Guards aerospace division, said engineers were in the final stages of decoding data from the Sentinel aircraft, which came down in December near the Afghan border, Mehr news agency reported.

Iran said the unmanned aircraft was shot down, but Washington disputes that and says the security systems mean Iran is unlikely to get valuable information from the Lockheed Martin Corp drone.

'The Americans should be aware to what extent we have infiltrated the plane,' Fars news agency quoted Hajizadeh as saying. 'Our experts have full understanding of its components and programmes.'

Iran's military regular announces defense and engineering developments, but some analysts are skeptical as to how reliable those reports are.

The RQ-170 Sentinel has been widely used since 2010 in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It played a role in the capture of Osama bin Laden last year, analysts say.

An Iranian defense official said recently that Tehran has received numerous requests for information on the craft and that China and Russia have shown most interest.

The loss of the plane sparked some concerns that sophisticated technology could fall into the hands of countries developing their own unmanned planes. The main worry centers on the special coatings on the craft's surface.-Reuters

Dubai conducts big maritime drill

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:53:08 GMT

Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), which is responsible for regulating, supervising and co-ordinating all aspects of maritime sector in Dubai, conducted its first ever multiple jurisdiction table top exercise and ship board evacuation.

Annoucing the success, DMCA said its cruise ship emergency response task force had hosted the first cruise sector mass casualty table top exercise and drill last week.

The task force was set up by the DTCM and DMCA in September 2011 to address the challenges presented by the introduction of ever larger cruise ships to the UAE waters and help ensure the safety of cruise ships arriving in Dubai besides reinforcing Dubai’s preparedness to deal with potential maritime accidents.

The task force, which comprised federal and local emergency responders, including the cruise industry, the Dubai Tourism, Commerce and Marketing Authority and coordinated by the DMCA, focused on how best to organize and respond to a multiple casualty event aboard a cruise ship in port or in near coastal waters, given that such a situation would require a significant amount of communication and coordination across public and private sector operations.

The tabletop exercise, taken from real-life occurrences, simulated multiple casualties aboard a cruise ship outside of Port Rashid in Dubai, said the DMCA statement. Costa Cruise Lines’ Favolosa volunteered to participate in the exercise.

Captain Abdulla Al Hayyas of DMCA, acting as the control cell leader, was aboard the ship ensuring alignment of the ship’s command and shore-side command center. The ship successfully evacuated over 800 crew members in less than thirty minutes.

The exercise contained simulated events that involved several jurisdictions and required active participation and communication from both public and private sector entities.

The other organizations that took part in the drill were National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority, Dubai Police and Dubai Rescue Police, Dubai Civil Defense, Favolosa, DTCM, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Ambulance Department, Dubai Ports Authority, Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, Abu Dhabi Department of Transport, Dubai Ports World and Abu Dhabi Port’s Company.

DMCA executive director Amer Ali said, "It is crucial that all of us are always prepared to respond decisively and promptly to any emergency situation. The regular tabletop exercises that we organize are therefore part of our continuing efforts to improve our emergency procedures and ensure a fluid working relationship between government and private entities during emergencies."

"The most recent exercise and drill demonstrated Dubai’s preparedness to deal with such eventualities," he added.-TradeArabia News Service

Bahrain embassy in London targeted

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:44:40 GMT

Bahrain's Foreign Ministry said last night two "terrorists" had climbed onto the roof of the Bahrain Embassy in London at 1.30 pm local time.

Latest reports said that British police were still dealing with them.

Meanwhile, foreign Under-Secretary Abdulla Abdullatif said all members of the diplomatic corps were safe and well.

Work at the embassy continued until 4pm despite the abnormal circumstances following the presence of security personnel, he told a news conference.

"Work will resume as normal (on Tuesday); we will not allow terrorists to disrupt it," Abdullatif said, according to a report in our sister paper Akhbar Al Khaleej. - TradeArabia News Service

Turkey to buy two F-35s in 2012

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 11:10:08 GMT

Turkey, which said in February it intended to buy 100 of Lockheed Martin's F-35 fighter jets, will buy only two this year, and will decide each following year how many planes it will order, Defence Minister Ismet Yilmaz told Reuters.

The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin Corp remain upbeat about the future of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, a radar-evading warplane, but the project has been hit by delays and rising costs.

Turkey, Italy, England, Netherlands, Canada, Australia, Norway and Denmark are among partners to the United Sates in the project.

"Delays in the JSF Project stem from an ongoing development process for the planes, and Turkey has decided to order two planes in 2012 due to these delays," Defence Minister Ismet Yilmaz told Reuters in written comments.

"We will evaluate and decide each year the order size within this frame," Yilmaz said.

Yilmaz had told the parliament in February that Turkey planned to buy 100 F-35s in total, but other partners had reduced orders due to rising costs and delays in the project.

The US had postponed its order for 179 F-35s by five years, and England is to decide on the order in 2015.

Yilmaz also said the cost of an F-35 would be around $120 million for Turkey, much higher than a cost estimate of $40-50 million calculated in 2002. – Reuters

Bahrain feels safer than London, says British cop

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 06:46:33 GMT

The Briton hired to oversee reform of Bahrain's police force has written to the head of Formula One's governing body to calm security fears about next week's Grand Prix, saying he often felt safer living in the kingdom than in London.

John Yates, the former assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan police, told International Automobile Federation (FIA) president Jean Todt that he was aware of 'very real concerns' but feared those involved in the sport were being given a 'distorted picture.'

In the letter, dated April 11 and seen by Reuters, he said he was not an apologist for the crackdown that took place after last year's protest and could not deny troubles existed in the kingdom.

'The almost nightly skirmishes that take place in certain villages are a potential block on progress and are putting those involved in their policing and innocent members of the public in significant danger,' wrote Yates.

'However, in spite of how these events may be portrayed through the medium of Youtube and other outlets, their significance should not be overplayed.'

Yates declared the protests were not representative of the vast majority of Bahrainis. 'Along with my family, I feel completely safe. Indeed, safer than I have often felt in London.'

F1 team bosses, most of them British-based, are expected to discuss the situation with Todt and Formula One's commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone at this week's Chinese Grand Prix.

Both Ecclestone and Todt have been strongly supportive of going to Bahrain, the first in the Middle East to host a grand prix. An FIA spokesman said Todt was currently in Taiwan. - Reuters

Emgas holds workshop on bulk LPG safety

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 07:00:26 GMT

Emirates Gas (Emgas), a subsidiary of the Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc), recently conducted a bulk LPG installation safety workshop for Civil Defence officials of all Emirates in the UAE.

The objective of the workshop held at the Civil Defence Institute in Al Aweer was to update the officials with the latest on valves and accessories that enhance safety, based on improved technologies in LPG installations.

Several senior officials of Civil Defence attended the two-day workshop, where LPG hazards at utility points, their potential impact on community and the key factors to be considered in providing approvals for LPG installation were analysed and discussed in detail with case studies.

“In line with our CSR policy, Emgas partners with Government agencies such as Civil Defence, to exchange knowledge and expertise to make the community safer,” said Hesham Ali Mustafa, senior director – Enoc Gas marketing & general manager – Emirates Gas.

“Through this workshop, we share our insights on leveraging latest technology and practical safety requirements with Civil Defence in furtherance of safety regulations and compliance in the UAE. This is the key CSR activity of Emgas.”

Zaid Alqufaidi, managing director, Enoc Marketing said: “We emphasize the importance of safe bulk LPG installations at industrial facilities, hotels and other public places of special occupancies such as malls and households in view of their high hazard potential to the community at large. Emgas has a wealth of expertise and practical insights on LPG safety to share with others.”

Major Juma Al-Basata, director of Civil Defence Institute in Al Aweer said: “The workshop conducted by Emgas is a perfect example of how government entities from all Emirates should work in unison to promote safety in the UAE.”

“It is important that organisations, especially those involved in critical areas of operation, are prepared and equipped to handle emergency situations. Emgas demonstrated their area of expertise and provided practical insights on requirements in LPG safety at bulk LPG installations following the correct safety procedures. Overall the workshop was very helpful to the Civil Defence and Fire Fighting personnel.”

The workshop began with a lecture on LPG hazards at utility points such as hotels, malls and schools with safety videos reflecting the community impact of such incidents, and the key lessons on safety engineering aspects related to LPG storage, operations and maintenance that affect nearby buildings and residential areas.

The course dealt on topics from LPG properties to salient features of LPG tanks and accessories and highlighted the deviations in practice. The participants were given practical tips on the inspection of LPG installations. The participants also took part in a field tour for a detailed overview of the various safety aspects to be considered in bulk LPG installations. – TradeArabia News Service

Bahrain assures Formula One security

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 07:25:47 GMT

Security during Bahrain's Formula One race will be "low key and discreet" but will include contingency plans to deal with potential disruptions such as demonstrators invading the circuit, said an adviser to the kingdom's interior ministry.

John Yates, a former assistant commissioner in the London Metropolitan Police Service, said he had reviewed the plans ahead of the April 20 to 22 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.

He said authorities are aiming to provide adequate security that will keep fans safe but will not impinge on Bahrain's biggest sporting event.

Meanwhile, preparations for the event are underway with equipment for the race arriving in the country.

Officials have dismissed reports that the race could be cancelled due to the political situation in Bahrain, pledging security for team members.

"The race is going ahead - there is no doubt about that," said Bahrain International Circuit chief executive Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa. "We are ready and there is a plan in place to ensure the safety of the teams, officials and fans.

"There are several reports doing the rounds that are saying a lot of things which are baseless," Shaikh Salman told the Gulf Daily News, our sister newspaper on the sidelines of a meeting of the Bahraini French Business Club at the Golden Tulip Hotel last night. - TradeArabia News Service

US Navy deploys 2nd aircraft carrier in Gulf

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 07:25:47 GMT

The US Navy said yesterday it has deployed a second aircraft carrier, the nuclear-powered USS Enterprise, to the Gulf region amid rising tensions with Iran over its nuclear programme.

Its deployment along with the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group marks only the fourth time in the past decade that the Navy has had two aircraft carriers operating at the same time in the Gulf, said Cmdr Amy Derrick-Frost of the 5th Fleet. – TradeArabia News Service

Seven policemen injured in Bahrain blast

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 07:25:47 GMT

Seven policemen were injured, three of them critically, when a bomb exploded in a terror attack in Bahrain’s Eker village late last night (April 9).

The policemen, who were patrolling in East Eker, emerged from their vehicle to clear the road, which was blocked by a palm tree and garbage bins, when the blast took place.

Sources told the our sister publication the Gulf Daily News (GDN) that as soon as three policemen tried to lift and remove the tree, a powerful explosion took place.

They fell back under the impact of the blast, while others a few meters behind, were also hurt. The seven were taken to hospital where three of the injured were reported to be in critical condition.

Sources said they had to undergo emergency surgery. The others were reported to be out of danger.

Following the explosion which took place around 7.17pm, policemen surrounded the village and began a search for culprits. Sources said there was no power inside the village and the whole area presented a deserted look.

Public Security chief Major-General Tareq Al Hassan confirmed on the Interior Ministry's official Twitter account that three policemen had been injured critically.

He said a hunt was ongoing to identify and arrest those responsible.

He said the bomb targeted policemen who were on duty at the entrance of the village that is witnessing daily rioting and vandalism.

He said initial information indicated that it was a home-made bomb connected with petrol.

A GDN photographer who went at the scene said the tree had been blown to smithereens and trees in the vicinity were also damaged. Sources told the GDN another device, reportedly a bomb, failed to explode. – TradeArabia News Service

Public bus set on fire in Bahrain

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 10:24:43 GMT

Saboteurs yesterday (April 7) set fire to a public transport bus operated by the CARS Transport Company in Bahrain.

Sources said the bus, running on Route 5 from Budaiya to Salmaniya, was stopped on Budaiya Highway at around 4pm and passengers were told to get off.

They said the hoodlums then doused the bus with petrol before setting it on fire.

CARS Transport Company general Manager Raja Ibrahim said he was aware of the incident but declined to comment further.

'We are co-operating with the police in its investigations.'

The Interior Ministry said on its Twitter account a public transport bus had been set on fire.

It said investigations were continuing and steps were being taken to apprehend the culprits.

Meanwhile, a private mini van was also set on fire on the Shaikh Salman Highway-Sehla intersection near the Riveira Hotel later in the evening. This led to police cordoning off the area and massive traffic jams leading all the way from Sehla to Manama. – TradeArabia News Service

Eurocopter to showcase at Morocco airshow

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 06:45:11 GMT

Eurocopter will mark its five decades of helicopter operations in Morocco’s homeland security, law enforcement, medical airlift, rescue and military mobility at this week’s Marrakech Air Show.

Eurocopter’s participation in the third biannual aerospace exposition at Marrakech Airport will include the presence of Eurocopter’s multi-role AS550 Fennec, which is equipped with rockets and a high efficiency 20 mm gun.

“This year’s Marrakesh Air Show underscores a 50-year relationship of Eurocopter and Morocco that has been based on a spirit of confidence and loyalty, with a full range of our products serving the Kingdom – from the cornerstone Alouette to the latest EC225,” said Loïc Porcheron, the Eurocopter vice-president for Middle East and Africa.

“Eurocopter stands ready to continue supporting Morocco’s evolving mission requirements over the long-term.”

The country’s largest Eurocopter fleet is operated by the Royal Moroccan Air Forces. Helicopters such as SA342 Gazelle and AS330 Puma are used for armed reconnaissance, troop transport to support and logistics.

The Royal Moroccan Navy operates AS565 Panther for search and rescue, coastal surveillance, and deployments at sea on frigates.

An inventory of helicopters from Gazelle to Super Puma family is flown by the Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie for a very large panel of missions from search and rescue, medical airlift and anti-crime to VIP transport. – TradeArabia News Service

Ministry warns tough action over illegal arms

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 06:45:10 GMT

Bahrain's Interior Ministry has warned residents against possessing unlicensed arms and ammunition and said violators can be given up to six months jail term.

The ministry in its statement said those found with unlicensed arms will face up to 15 years in jail and those with unlicensed ammunition up to five years.

Under the law, those who don't renew their licences face up six months in jail.

The ministry called upon those with unlicensed weapons or ammunitions to immediately approach the Licences Office at the General Directorate of Crime Detection and Forensic Science and get it licenced.

Meanwhile, the ministry said rioters yesterday clashed with police in several areas of Bahrain, including Samaheej, Burhama, Eker and Jidhafs after an opposition rally.

A police patrol vehicle was gutted in a Molotov cocktail attack in Samaheej, the Interior Ministry said.

A group of thugs also attacked cleaners on a garbage truck in Eker before stealing and burning their two trucks.

The ministry said on its official Twitter account that rioters broke from a group of demonstrators on Budaiya Highway and hurled Molotov cocktails, iron rods and rocks at police. They were taking part in an authorised rally but moved away from its route towards Burhama.

Bahraini policewomen had to earlier intervene and arrest protester Zainab Al Khawajah after she attacked a public employee while on duty, the Capital Governorate police director-general said.

Al Khawajah was arrested and will be referred to the Public Prosecution after disobeying orders not to stand in a restricted area in front of the Interior Ministry's main entrance on Thursday night and assaulting a public employee while on duty, he said.-TradeArabia News Service

Yemen troops ground jets over air chief's sacking

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 06:45:10 GMT

Members of Yemen's air force shut down the capital's airport on Saturday, stopping all flights in protest at the sacking of their commander, a half brother of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, an aviation official said.

Military vehicles full of soldiers turned passengers away from Sanaa airport and prevented flights from taking off or landing, witnesses said. The action is a challenge to President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi who replaced Saleh earlier this year.

On Friday Hadi sacked the air force head in a reshuffle intended to prise key military posts from Saleh's allies and restructure the armed forces, which split during the uprising against Saleh's rule, with some units openly siding with protesters.

Protests demanding the resignation of the air force commander, General Saleh al-Ahmar, earlier this year brought several airports to a standstill. Hadi on Friday shifted him to be assistant to the defence minister.

The airport's closure highlights the challenges Hadi faces in restructuring Yemen's army, upsetting the entrenched interests of Saleh's associates as well as those of a powerful general, Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, some of whose allies were also sacked in Friday's shake-up.

General Ali Mohsen turned against Saleh early last year along with a chunk of the armed forces, sparking sporadic open combat on the streets of Sanaa with loyalist troops and tribal miltiamen that threatened to push the country into civil war.

A committee tasked with demilitarising Sanaa was on Saturday dismantling checkpoints set up by the warring factions in the western part of the city, to enforce a withdrawal of armed tribesmen and troops from the streets by the end of the week. Previous such efforts have failed.

Hadi faces a sectarian rebellion in Yemen's north and an emboldened wing of al Qaeda concentrated in the south, which is also home to a separatist movement seeking to revive a socialist state Saleh united with the north in 1990.

Yemen's state news agency had been hacked on Saturday, apparently by southern secessionist sympathisers. Instead of the usual news feed, there were pictures of southern leaders and the former state's flag.

'Your turn has come all major Yemeni websites. If we do not see the southern flag waving above Yemeni sites we will eventually destroy them,' read a statement posted on the site.

Some southerners accuse northerners of usurping their resources and discriminating against them.

They want no part in the united Yemen envisaged by neighbouring Saudi Arabia and the US who threw their weight behind the power transfer plan under which Saleh left office after months of anti-government demonstrations that paralysed the impoverished state.-Reuters

100 jet fighters taking part in Bahrain drill

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 06:45:09 GMT

One hundred jet fighters from 10 friendly countries will be taking part today (April 8) in a major military exercise organised by the Bahrain Defence Force.

Basic Liaison Drill 2012 is one of the Royal Bahraini Air Force's (RBAF) training schemes in collaboration with other countries to maintain security and stability in the Gulf.

The drill aims to enhance competence of pilots and technicians in air forces as well as support and manoeuvre units.

This year's drill is the biggest since 1988.

RBAF held a preparatory meeting with representatives of participating countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, the US and host country Bahrain.

Preparations were reviewed alongside combat readiness aspired to be achieved.

The BDF stressed resolve to continue upgrading its weaponry and its affiliates' capabilities according to international standards and in line with the continuous directives of BDF General Command officials, including Commander-in-Chief Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. – TradeArabia News Service

Bahrain parks to close early

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 06:45:09 GMT

New restrictions have been put in place in public parks and gardens across the centre of Bahrain to prevent disturbances caused by late night gatherings.

It means the parks will now be open from 7am to 10pm from Saturday to Wednesday and until 11pm on Thursday and Friday, effective from this week.

However, they will not be implemented in the Central Governorate's three walkways - Al Estiqlal, A'ali and Isa Town, which are not fenced and can be used 24/7.

The Central Municipal Council initially agreed on a set opening time of 10am, but this sparked a heated debate among councillors, who argued it was too late as some residents used the parks to train or jog.

They also urged some parks to take into consideration regular habits of people using the facility and be more flexible in their timings.

"Most complaints are not with opening timings, so I don't see any logic in having the opening hours at 10am, 7am would be fine," said Central Municipality director-general Dr Mohammed Hassan. "Especially since there are many people practising sports or training early in the morning at parks and gardens and by 10am it would be too late.

"The closing timings are a problem, considering that security guards don't close gates until everyone leaves at night and that is what needs to be changed."

Residents have complained of noise and disturbances caused by youngsters using the parks late at night, despite the presence of security guards.

"Coming up with specific timings is a popular demand, which after the councillors' approval will be implemented next week, as we end noise and disturbances from people, especially youths, using our facilities late at night," said Dr Hassan.

Council services and public utilities committee chairman Ahmed Al Ansari welcomed the country's youth to use the parks and gardens, but urged them to go elsewhere for socialising at night.

"Parks and gardens are open for the convenience of everyone, including families and youths," he said.

"But when youths think they are alone in the area and start creating noise and disturbances late at night, then closing timings have to be introduced.

"Bahrain is full of places youths can go to at night after closing hours and I don't think that parks and gardens are the only places available for socialising." – TradeArabia News Service

Giant armoured vehicle unit opens in RAK

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:28:45 GMT

Top armoured vehicle maker Streit Group has announced the opening of the 'world's largest privately-owned armoured vehicle facility' at Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE which has a capacity to produce 400 vehicles per month.

Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, on Wednesday inaugurated the new facility located at the Technology Park of Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ).

Speaking at the launch, Sheikh Saud said, 'To have the world’s largest privately-owned armoured vehicle facility is an achievement for the UAE and Ras Al Khaimah. We have always believed in putting our best efforts towards supporting our local economy, by attracting big businesses and investments to the UAE.'

Streit’s growing portfolio includes personal protection vehicles, cash-in transit vehicles, heavy-duty cash-in-transit trucks, law-enforcement vehicles and vehicles for military tactical units.

Armouring can also be provided for existing civilian platforms such as custom-built luxury sedans and SUVs.

SG’s expansion plan is divided into three consecutive phases, of which the main production facility, occupying 1.4 million sq ft, has been completed at a cost over Dh80 million ($21.7 million) – making it one of the biggest investments of its kind at RAK FTZ.

SG, which has been operating from RAK FTZ since 2005, started with a 150 sq m warehouse facility at Technology Park, and today, has grown to develop the world’s largest armoured vehicle facility.

Part of the Phase I of the development, the new facility boasts a hitech design and houses full range amenities for research and development, manufacturing, testing, training, and storage of the armoured vehicles in a single complex.

The second and third phase, estimated at over Dh120 million cumulatively, will include a glass factory, pre-fabrication facilities, expansion of the employee accommodation facility, fuelling stations, helipad, and support manufacturing. These facilities are expected to be completed by 2014.

The new facility, can produce and test 40 different models of armoured vehicles for commercial, semi-military and military use, has a total capacity to manufacture 250 armoured vehicles per month under normal loads, said a top company official.

The production capacity can be raised to 400 units, when required, remarked Guerman Goutorov, CEO of Streit Group.

We are delighted with the inauguration of our new facility, and the support that the RAK leadership has offered in our operations,' he stated.

'The emirate offers a range of public services, such as: easy access to transport infrastructures like ports and airports, flourishing community, cost-effective housing facilities and access to other support services,' Goutorov added.

'With our new facility, Streit is looking to further penetrate the market for armoured vehicles in the UAE and the region by leveraging superior engineering and world-class design to create the products known for its safety and endurance,' he said.

According to him, the group aims to achieve Dh150 million worth of sales over the next five years.

The new facility currently employs 400 people, and the staff strength is expected to increase to over 2,000 as the new facilities come online and the output expands.

The new facility will help us offer a wide range of production options for various uses in the region, and help us cater to large orders and customisations with minimum lead time,' said Goutorov.

'We are looking to expand the use of semi-military vehicles, for instance for ferrying aid staff and relief supplies to conflict areas, and are also looking to introduce a new range of Military Police vehicles,' he added.

In his comments, free zone CEO Oussama El Omari said: “The launch is ample testimony to the growing importance of RAK FTZ as a strategic hub for industries across multiple sectors, with top companies choosing the free zone, thanks to our investment-friendly regulations and transparent policies.'

'We look forward to a mutually-beneficial partnership with Streit Group in the years to come,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service

Street violence in 20 Bahrain villages

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:28:44 GMT

Street violence in Bahrain continued yesterday (April 4) with saboteurs going on the rampage in at least 20 villages across the country, burning tyres and pouring oil on key highways.

Thick black smoke filled the sky throughout the morning as anti-government protesters attempted to prevent people from going to work.

Police were forced to intervene with tear gas as masked youths blocked roads with burning tyres, water tanks, bricks, wooden frames and street garbage bins.

They also poured oil on roads, causing traffic disruption in 20 villages.

Among the areas worst affected were Hamad Town, Budaiya, Jidhafs, Demistan, Shahrakan, Manama, northern Sehla, Sanabis, Muqaba, Jid Ali, Qurah, Dair, Mahooz, Naim, Sitra, A'ali, Nuwaidrat, Burhama and Ma'ameer.

Protesters linked to an anonymous online group calling itself the Coalition of February 14 Youth Revolution, claimed responsibility for the disruption.

They held banners calling for the release of opposition figure Abdulhadi Al Khawaja, who was earlier convicted of being part of a 21-man plot to forcibly overthrow the monarchy and having links to a foreign terrorist organisation.

A Bahraini taxi driver said he was given a warning letter by management after he was unable to pick up a customer in Sanabis as a result of the disruption.

"My job is at risk due to the games these youths are playing on the roads almost everyday and this is not acceptable," said the 50-year-old.

"I got a warning from my management for not picking up the customer, who was waiting for me. I couldn't reach the destination because of the blockades. I tried all the routes and they were all blocked and I was stuck in traffic for several minutes."

Another Sitra resident was also left fuming as a result of the chaos.

"I was stuck in traffic for almost an hour due to the closure of all the roads," said the 40-year-old Indian. "I left home at around 7am to reach my office in Manama at 8am, but I reached at 9am. I had to leave the road I was driving on and take another road heading to the highway, but it was also completely blocked." – TradeArabia News Service

BAE signs Saudi-Eurofighter deal

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:17:32 GMT

British defence contractor BAE Systems said a contract to build 48 Typhoon aircraft in Britain for the Saudi Arabian air force had been signed but changes to the price of the deal had yet to be agreed.

BAE had expected changes to the terms of the deal to be signed off in 2011, but it warned in January this year that talks over proposed adjustments to the final assembly of the last 48 of the 72 Typhoon aircraft would continue into 2012 and could hit 2011 profit.

The proposed changes -- such as the creation of a maintenance facility in Saudi Arabia, the addition of new capability to some aircraft and the formalisation of price changes -- could affect the price of the deal.

The Salam deal to build a total of 72 aircraft was signed in 2007 and is worth around 4.5 billion pounds ($7.21 billion), with the first squadron of 24 already delivered to the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF).

'The contract for the final assembly of 48 Typhoon aircraft in the UK has now been signed and final assembly has commenced at our Warton facility, discussions are ongoing with regard to the creation of a maintenance facility in Saudi Arabia and the formalisation of price variations,' BAE said in an email sent to Reuters on Tuesday.

'In terms of ... conversion to Tranche 3 and formalisation of price escalation, good progress has been made with budgets approved in December 2011 through the royal decree. Negotiations on price escalation will continue into 2012.'

Conversion of the jets to a Tranche 3 variant will see new missile and radar technology added to the Typhoon.

The Saudi royal decree, which was signed off at the end of 2011, releases some 1.5 billion pounds ($2.40 billion) on top of the existing Salam programme commitment for a series of enhancements, BAE said.

Saudi Arabia's Defence Minister Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz is due to meet British Prime Minister David Cameron and Defence Secretary Philip Hammond in London later on Tuesday. Saudi Arabia is a key Arab ally and a major buyer of British-made defence equipment.

Prince Salman is responsible for securing multi-billion dollar arms purchases, which have been used to cement Saudi Arabia's ties with the West. He is also seen as a possible candidate to one day rule the conservative Islamic kingdom.

Earlier this year two Western defence sources said Saudi Arabia, which placed a $29.4 billion order for new Boeing F-15 jets in late 2011, was in the early stage of talks to increase its Typhoon order by as many as 48 aircraft.

Earlier this year BAE said talks with Saudi over changes to its order for 72 Eurofighter Typhoon jets would continue into 2012. The delay hit its earnings last year, which fell 7 percent. - Reuters

Jet fighters from 10 countries for Bahrain drill

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:44:45 GMT

More than 100 jet fighters from 10 countries are taking part in an upcoming drill being organised by Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), making the event the biggest since 1988.

US Air Force jet fighters yesterday (April 1) landed at Isa Airbase to take part in the 2012 Basic Liaison Drill, which will be held from April 8 to April 18.

This is part of periodic training exercises the BDF has been organising for 25 years with the participation of air force from friendly countries, including the US as a permanent participant since the exercise was first launched.

The drill includes joint exercises among participants to consolidate co-operation in maintaining security and stability in the Gulf. – TradeArabia News Service

CAE sells $90m contract simulators, devices

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:44:45 GMT

Global leader in modeling, simulation and training for civil aviation and defense, CAE, has sold seven full-flight simulators and training devices at contracts worth a total of more than $90 million at list prices.

The company announced that it has sold an ATR72-500 to Air Algerie in Algeria; a Boeing 737NG to Emirates-CAE Flight Training (ECFT) in Dubai; two Airbus A320 FFSs for the new Interglobe-CAE joint venture airline training centre in Delhi; an Embraer ERJ-190 to Zhuhai Flight Training Centre (ZFTC) in Zhuhai, China; plus two FFSs to undisclosed customers.

It also sold CAE Simfinity(TM) Integrated Procedures Trainers (IPTs) to ECFT and ZFTC, an A320 Airbus Procedures Trainer (APT) for the new Delhi training centre, plus a CAE Simfinity Virtual Simulator (VSIM) to ZFTC, as well as simulator updates and spares to various customers.

The contracts bring the total number of the company’s FFS sales in fiscal year 2012 to 37, nearly a third more than last year.

"Our simulator sales this past year reflect our global reach, in all regions of the world. Approximately 60 per cent of the orders received this fiscal year come from Asia and Australia, 16 per cent from the Middle East and Africa, 16 per cent from the Americas and 8 per cent from Europe," said Jeff Roberts, CAE's group president, civil simulation products, training and services.

The CAE 7000 Series ATR72-500 FFS will be delivered to the Air Algerie training centre in Kouba, Algeria in 2013. The simulator will feature the new third-generation CAE Tropos (TM) 6000 visual system, a statement from CAE said.

The Boeing 737NG simulator and IPT will be deployed at the recently announced new ECFT airline training centre in Dubai's world-class commercial park, Dubai Silicon Oasis.

The training centre will open in the third quarter of 2012 with anchor customer flydubai. The airline has signed a previously announced multi-year exclusive training services agreement with ECFT for Boeing 737NG training. Emirates-CAE Flight Training is a joint venture between Emirates Group and CAE.

CAE has sold two CAE 5000 Series A320 FFSs with third-generation CAE Tropos-6000 visual systems and an APT for installation at the joint venture of InterGlobe Enterprises and CAE.

The FFSs and the APT will be ready for training by the end of 2012 at the new training centre in the National Capital Region, Delhi, the statement said.

The CAE 7000 Series ERJ-190 FFS, IPT and VSIM will be delivered in 2013 to ZFTC in Zhuhai. ZFTC is a joint venture of China Southern Airlines and CAE, and is the largest independent commercial aviation training centre in China, currently operating 16 FFSs. – TradeArabia News Service