Last week's Sudanese aerial bombardment in and around the Jebel Moun area in western Darfur has displaced an estimated eight thousand people into neighboring Chad. Huddling in bleak conditions near the border town of Birak, the newly arrived refugees are again witness to more fighting as bombs continue to fall nearby. Aid workers, fearing for their safety, have yet to reach the victims, though the UNCHR is currently trying to make an assessment.
Foreign aid workers currently shelter some 500,000 Darfur refugees but fear more will arrive as the persecutions continue. To compound the misery, rebel factions attempted to overthrow President Idriss Deby three weeks ago and further destabilised the already fragile country. Chadians themselves are seeking refuge in neighbouring Cameroon.
The toD verdict: The growing escalation of violence within Chad is creating a logistical nightmare for aid workers attempting to protect refugees from Sudan and the Central African Republic. Now with the current influx of refugees from Darfur, the situation is dire. Deby is relying on the French to secure and maintain his 18-year rule but rebel factions continue to pose a threat. Armed rebels pass freely between Chad and Sudan and are known to target both civilians and aid workers. Thanks to Khartoum's reluctance to prevent further attacks by the Arab Janjaweed militia it armed, and despite the deployment of the African Union Mission in Sudan in 2004, the security situation in western Darfur will continue to deteriorate as the proxy war between Chad and Sudan worsens. However, last Thursday, the first 50 soldiers of the Irish Army Ranger Wing landed in N'Djamena as part of the 3,700 European Union (EUFOR) peacekeeping force in Chad. The Irish soldiers, who will eventually number 450, were sent to the turbulent area bordering Sudan. It is hoped their presence will help secure a path for aid workers to reach the latest victims of Sudan's brutal repression.Keep up to date with the latest developments and sharpest perspectives in a world of strife and struggle.
Sign up to receive toD's daily security briefings via email by clicking here
US to expand presence in Pakistan
Citing undisclosed Pentagon and State Department Officials, an article in Monday's The Boston Globe claims the United States will deploy 30 US counterinsurgency trainers and build a coordination center on the Afghan border near the Khyber Pass and another in Torkham. Already, US military activity in the Korengal Valley has cost the lives of 100 American soldiers. A Defence Department official told the Globe the centers will act as intelligence liaison points between Afghan, Pakistani, and American officials. However, it is unclear how the US will manage to coordinate such efforts given Pakistan's desire to talk with suspected militants. Meanwhile, Afghani governor Asadullah Khalid narrowly escaped a bomb blast that killed three policemen in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar.
Recent crackdowns on Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood backfires
Having secured 20% of the vote in the 2005 parliamentary elections, the Muslim Brotherhood's resolve is strengthening in face of President Mubarak's continued attempts to break apart the organisation. In 2006, Mubarak's regime arrested 140 students and members of the Brotherhood, charging them with money laundering. However, all indictments have since been dropped and all students released. Senior Brotherhood members and leaders were then immediately rearrested. Their fate rests upon a military tribunal due to release a verdict today. In the meantime, hundreds of intellectuals and politicians from various parties have signed petitions denouncing the state's unjust treatment of the Brotherhood. The crackdown is also drawing condemnation among ordinary Egyptians, many of whom are becoming more sympathetic to the Brotherhood's cause. It is feared Mubarak's harsh measures will solidify the more extremist elements within Egypt's society.
Pakistani army takes Swat Valley
Since November, the snow-peaked mountains that cradle Pakistan's Swat Valley have been the scene of intense fighting between Pakistan's army and the infamous Mullah Fazullah (also known as "Mullah Radio" for his vociferous, illegal broadcasts) and his militants. Considered to be one of Pakistan's largest military operations since the advent of the US led "war against terrorism", the army told the Associated Press it "cleared" 90% of the militants from the region. Fazullah, however, remains at large probably in hiding in the area.
More bloodshed for Iraqi pilgrims
Death tolls from Sunday's attack against Iraqi Shia pilgrims near Iskandariyah is now 52. But the bloody toll is on the rise. Yesterday two car bombs in the Karada district in southeast Baghdad killed four pilgrims and wounded another nine. Hundreds of thousands of Shia Muslims are currently on pilgrimage to the holy city of Karbala. The pilgrimage commemorates the death of Iman Hussen, grandson of the Prophet Mohammed.
Armenian post-election protest continue
Thousands protesting Armenian's presidential post election results continue to gather in the capital Yerevan. Police officials have arrested numerous political figures and government officials who joined the protest yesterday against president-elect Serzh Sarkisian. Former President Ter-Petrosian is disputing election results and tensions continue to rise as protesters refuse to disband. Pro-Sarkisian supporters are organising a counter-demonstration today near the protestors.