Security News

Algeria crisis Hostages wife is so proud

janvier 24, 2013 / By Armoured Cars / In security

The wife of a British man killed in the Algeria hostage crisis has spoken of being « so proud » of her husband.

Sebastian John has been named by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as being one of the victims of the siege.

His wife, Nicola John, said the Loughborough University graduate was « the most amazing person… a fantastic husband, father, son and brother ».

Six UK nationals are thought to have been among 37 foreigners killed in the attack at the In Amenas gas plant.

Mrs John added: « There won’t be a moment that goes by where we won’t think of him.

« We are so proud of Sebastian for all he achieved in his life. He was taken away from us too early and in the most tragic circumstances.

London Helicopter Crash Passenger had concerns about weather

janvier 24, 2013 / By Armoured Cars / In security

A passenger due to be collected by a helicopter which crashed in central London had suggested the pilot delay taking off, it has been revealed.

Pilot Capt Pete Barnes and a pedestrian died when the helicopter hit a crane in Vauxhall on 16 January.

A report by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch shows the client had concerns about the weather and twice suggested take-off be delayed.

The pilot responded by saying he was already starting his engines.

The interim report into the crash also says evidence indicates the top of the crane on The Tower, St George Wharf, was obscured by cloud and details the final exchange between the pilot and the air traffic controller.

Hillary Clinton defends handling of Benghazi attack

janvier 24, 2013 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has angrily defended her handling of the raid on a US consulate in Libya, in back-to-back hearings on Capitol Hill.

Mrs Clinton lashed out at a senator who accused the Obama administration of misleading the public.

She took responsibility for security failures that led to the 11 September attack but said she had not seen requests for more security beforehand.

It was her last appearance at Congress as America’s top diplomat.

« Nobody is more committed to getting this right, » Mrs Clinton told the Senate foreign relations committee.

« I am determined to leave the state department and our country safer, stronger and more secure, » she added.

Mali conflict US begins French troop airlifts

janvier 24, 2013 / By Armoured Cars / In security

The US military has begun airlifting French soldiers and equipment to Mali to support their operation against Islamist militants.

Five US flights had already landed in the capital, Bamako, with more planned in the coming days, a spokesman said.

France began its intervention nearly two weeks ago with the aim of halting the militants’ advance south.

It plans to hand command of the operation to a West African force which has some 1,000 soldiers on the ground.

An estimated 2,000 French troops are currently in Mali, with 500 more expected.

Israel coalition talks begin after election deadlock

janvier 24, 2013 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Coalition talks have begun in Israel after near-complete general election results gave right-wing and centre-left blocs 60 seats each in parliament.

President Shimon Peres is expected to ask Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to attempt to form a new government.

His Likud-Beitenu alliance lost a quarter of its seats in the Knesset but remains the largest grouping with 31.

He has offered to work with the newly-formed Yesh Atid party, which shocked observers by coming second with 19.

However, its leader, popular former TV presenter Yair Lapid, has demanded reform of a law under which ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students can defer their military service. Religious parties in the current governing coalition are strongly opposed to any changes.