FBI Director Rejects Trump's Claim On Obama Wiretap

March 6, 2017 / By Armoured Cars / In security

FBI director James Comey has rejected Donald Trump's claim that his predecessor, Barack Obama, ordered a wiretap of his phone before he was elected US president, US media say.

Mr Comey reportedly asked the US justice department (DOJ) to publicly reject Saturday's allegation, according to the New York Times and NBC. He is said to have asked for this because the allegation falsely insinuated that the FBI broke the law. The DOJ has not commented.

Four Missiles Fired From North Korea

March 6, 2017 / By Armoured Cars / In security

North Korea has launched four ballistic missiles towards the Sea of Japan.

Three of them fell into Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) after flying some 1,000km (620 miles), in what PM Shinzo Abe called a "new stage of threat". They were fired from the Tongchang-ri region, near the North's border with China, the South Korean military said.

The type of missile is unclear but the North is banned from any missile or nuclear tests by the UN.

Thirteen Potential UK Terror Attacks Thwarted Since 2013

March 6, 2017 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Security services have prevented 13 potential terror attacks since June 2013, the UK's most senior counter-terrorism police officer has revealed.

Assistant commissioner Mark Rowley also said there were 500 live counter-terror investigations at any time. He disclosed the figures as he launched an appeal, Action Counters Terrorism, for the public to report suspicions.

Allies Recapture The Ancient City Of Palmyra From IS

March 3, 2017 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Syrian government forces and their Russian backers have completely recaptured the ancient city of Palmyra from so-called Islamic State (IS) militants, the two allies say.

The army and other pro-government forces were reported to have entered deep into the city after IS pulled out. It ends the second occupation of Palmyra by the jihadists.

The first time they controlled the area, the militants destroyed some of its most celebrated monuments.

IS fighters were driven out in March last year, but managed to retake the city, its world famous ruins and the surrounding area.

London Building Site Workers Uncover WWII Bomb

March 3, 2017 / By Armoured Cars / In security

An unexploded World War Two bomb has been found on a building site in north-west London.

The 500lb (227kg) device was discovered in The Avenue, Brondesbury Park, shortly before midday.

All homes within a 200m radius and a nearby nursery school were evacuated after police and fire crews were called to the scene.

The site will not be made safe until at least Friday afternoon, Brent Council has warned. It has set up a centre for people who are unable to return home.

An Army bomb disposal team is working to make the bomb safe.

Swedish Government To Reintroduce Conscription

March 2, 2017 / By Armoured Cars / In security

The Swedish government has decided to reintroduce military conscription - a move backed by the country's MPs.

The decision means that 4,000 men and women will be called up for service from 1 January 2018, a defence ministry spokeswoman said.

They will be selected from about 13,000 young people born in 1999, who will be asked to take psychological and physical tests, Marinette Radebo said.

Sweden, a neutral country, is worried about Russia's Baltic military drills.

Police Cutbacks Could Put Public At Risk

March 2, 2017 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Some police forces are putting the public at risk by rationing their response as they struggle with cutbacks, the police standards watchdog has warned.

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary said some forces are "downgrading" 999 calls, in order to justify responding to them more slowly.

HMIC's report found that most of the 43 forces in England and Wales were providing a good service. But that others have let victims down.

The inspectors said there are now too few detectives and in some areas an erosion of neighbourhood policing.

Two People Accidentally Shot & Injured By French Police Sniper

March 1, 2017 / By Armoured Cars / In security

A French police sniper has accidentally shot and injured two people during a speech by President Francois Hollande in western France.

The shot was fired as the officer moved position on a roof about 100m (328ft) from a tent where Mr Hollande was speaking in the town of Villognon.

The bullet went through the canvas of the tent, where drinks were being made. It passed through a waiter's thigh and lodged in another person's calf. The injuries were not life-threatening.

Mass Murderer Breivik's Human Rights Not Violated

March 1, 2017 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Norwegian authorities have not violated the rights of mass murderer Anders Bering Breivik, an appeals court ruled on Wednesday.

The court overturned the ruling of a lower court which had said Breivik was being kept in inhumane conditions.

He had argued that being kept away from other prisoners for 22 to 23 hours a day breached his human rights.

The right-wing extremist killed 77 people in July 2011. Breivik's lawyer said he would appeal the verdict. "Breivik is not, and has not, been subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading treatment," the appeals court wrote in its verdict.

Australian Citizen Arrested On Terror Charges

February 28, 2017 / By Armoured Cars / In security

A man suspected of trying to advise the so-called Islamic State on missiles has been arrested in Australia.

Haisem Zahab, 42, was arrested at Young, in rural New South Wales, on Tuesday, PM Malcolm Turnbull said.

Police allege the electrician was helping to develop a long-range guided missile, and designing a laser device to warn of incoming munitions used by forces in Iraq and Syria. The arrest did not relate to a planned attack in Australia, Mr Turnbull said.