Latest Update On Syria Bomb Attacks

February 22, 2016 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Russia has said bomb attacks which killed at least 140 people in Syria were aimed at "subverting attempts" to reach a political settlement. Russia's foreign ministry condemned the "atrocious crimes of extremists". Sunday's attacks hit the Shia shrine of Sayyida Zeinab, south of Syria's capital Damascus, and the city of Homs.

Russian Violation Of Turkish Airspace No Accident Nato Reports

October 6, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Russia's violation of Turkish airspace over the weekend "does not look like an accident", Nato has said.

Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Russia had not provided "any real explanation" of the violation, which "lasted for a long time."

Russia says Saturday's incursion was brief and due to bad weather. It is examining claims of another violation.

Turkey's army also says an unidentified fighter jet locked its radar on to eight of its jets on Monday.

Theresa May Unveils Reform On Uk Asylum

October 6, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Home Secretary Theresa May has unveiled a reform of the UK's asylum rules during an uncompromising speech to the Conservative Party conference.

Mrs May pledged to reduce the numbers claiming in Britain while taking in the "most vulnerable" refugees from conflict zones around the world. She also said high migration made a "cohesive society" impossible.

Her speech was criticised by business groups, with the Institute of Directors attacking its "irresponsible rhetoric".

Net migration into the UK currently stands at a record high, reaching 330,000 in the year to March.

Tougher Penalties For War Memorial Thefts

October 6, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Thieves who steal metal plaques from war memorials or damage monuments during the course of a theft face tougher penalties under new guidelines for judges in England and Wales.

The Sentencing Council also recommends harsher punishments when an item of great sentimental value is stolen.

Historic England welcomed the move, saying the value of heritage "can't be judged in pounds and pence". More than 91,000 offenders were sentenced for theft last year.

Heart Attack Cause Of American Airlines Pilot Death

October 6, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

The pilot who collapsed and died on an American Airlines overnight flight from Phoenix to Boston has been identified.

Cpt Michael Johnston, 57, was flying the plane with 147 passengers and five crew on board when he "passed away while at work", the airline said.

The first officer took over and made an emergency landing in Syracuse.

Hotel Attack In Aden Kills 15

October 6, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Attacks in Aden on a hotel used by Yemen's prime minister and two military installations have killed 15 Saudi-led coalition troops and pro-government fighters, Emirati state media say.

Explosions rocked the Qasr hotel, the headquarters of the UAE's forces in the city and a camp early on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Khaled Bahah and members of his government escaped unharmed.

The UAE blamed rocket-fire from Houthi rebels, but Islamic State (IS) said suicide bombers were responsible.

Police Hunt For Driver Of Pick Up Truck That Killed PC

October 6, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

A manhunt is continuing for the driver of a stolen pick-up truck that struck and killed a police officer as he attempted to stop the vehicle.

PC David Phillips, 34, died from internal injuries after he was hit by a Mitsubishi Challenger which was being pursued by police on Monday.

An image of the vehicle, which was stolen during an earlier burglary, has been released.

Merseyside Police said it was treating Mr Phillips' death as a murder.

Oregon Community College Gunman Left Behind A Manifesto

October 6, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

The man accused of killing nine people at a community college in Oregon left behind a manifesto detailing his grievances, US media report.

Chris Harper Mercer opened fire on Thursday inside a classroom at Umpqua Community College and then killed himself when police arrived.

A police source told the Associated Press that Mercer complained in the document about not having a girlfriend. He also wrote that everyone else was "crazy" and that he was the sane one.

12 High Court Judges Suspended In Ghana

October 6, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Ghana has suspended seven of 12 High Court judges implicated in allegations of bribery stemming from a documentary made by an investigative journalist.

The seven had a case of "misbehaviour" to answer, an official statement said.

Journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas says he has nearly 500 hours of video evidence on tape, showing judges alleging asking for bribes and demanding sex.

Twenty-two lower court judges have also been suspended. Some of the judges have denied the allegations. Mr Anas' documentary has shocked the nation, and has been shown to packed houses at cinemas in the capital, Accra.

Libya's Parliament Votes To Extend Its Term

October 6, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Libya's internationally recognised parliament has voted to extend its term beyond 20 October.

The move could complicate efforts by the UN and Western powers to bring an end to the country's protracted political stalemate.

The parliament's spokesman said it was still supporting UN-sponsored talks that resumed in Morocco this week. Libya has had two rival parliaments and governments, backed by rival militia groups, since last summer.