Fifa Officials Arrested In Zurich On Corruption Charges

June 1, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Two criminal investigations into corruption at football's world governing body Fifa are under way, with seven top officials arrested in Zurich. The seven are among 14 indicted on corruption charges in a US inquiry, the US Department of Justice said. The second criminal case was launched by Swiss prosecutors into the bids for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, to be held in Russia and Qatar respectively. But Fifa says it plans to go ahead with an election for president as planned. Incumbent president Sepp Blatter, who is seeking a fifth term, was not one of the seven officials arrested. Fifa also said there would be no rerun of the World Cup bidding processes for 2018 and 2022. Prince Ali Bin al-Hussein of Jordan - Mr Blatter's rival for the Fifa presidency - said "we cannot continue with the crisis in Fifa". "Fifa needs leadership that governs, guides and protects our national associations."

Tunisian Soldier Carries Out Shooting Killing Seven

June 1, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

A Tunisian soldier has been shot dead after he killed seven of his colleagues at a military barracks in Tunis, according to the defence ministry. Ten others were wounded, one seriously, in the attack at a flag-raising ceremony at the Bouchoucha barracks. The man had family and psychological issues and was "forbidden from carrying arms", said ministry spokesman Belhassen Oueslati. He described the incident as an "isolated act, not a terrorist act".

Syria Conflict:Talks Between Uk & Russia To Resume

June 1, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Senior British and Russian officials are to resume efforts to find a solution to the crisis in Syria, David Cameron and Vladimir Putin have agreed.

The resumption of talks between security advisers was discussed by the leaders in a telephone conversation on Monday, Downing Street said.

President Putin had phoned Mr Cameron to congratulate him on winning the UK election, a spokeswoman added. They spoke for 30 minutes, with Syria and Ukraine dominating, she added. "Both leaders agreed that it is in the interest of both the UK and Russia to help find a solution to the civil war in Syria and particu…

Rebels Driven Out Of Southern City In Yemen

June 1, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Militiamen allied to Yemen's exiled government are reported to have driven Houthi rebels out of a southern city. Southern separatist fighters and Sunni tribesmen had regained control of Dhalea following heavy fighting on Monday, officials and residents said. It is the first major advance by the Houthis' opponents since Saudi-led coalition air strikes began in March.

Overnight, seven members of the same family were said to have been killed in an air strike in a northern village.

Washington Post Reporter Trial Begins In Iran

June 1, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

The trial of a Washington Post journalist detained in Iran for almost 10 months on charges that include "espionage" has opened in the capital Tehran behind closed doors. Jason Rezaian, a dual US-Iranian citizen, has been accused of passing information to "hostile governments". He defended himself in court, saying he had carried out his activities as a journalist, Iranian media reported. Mr Rezaian could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Operation To Push Out IS Begins In Anbar Province Iraq

June 1, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Pro-government forces in Iraq have formally launched an operation to drive Islamic State out of Anbar province. The announcement was made by a spokesman for the Popular Mobilisation (al-Hashid al-Shaabi), a force comprising dozens of Shia militias. He said the operation would see government troops and militiamen move southwards from Salahuddin province and seek to cut off IS militants in Ramadi.

Rebel Leader Roman Ruiz Killed By Armed Forces In Colombia

June 1, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

A commander of Colombia's largest rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), was among five rebels killed in a bombing raid on Monday, the Colombian military says.

The rebel, known as Roman Ruiz, led the 18th division of the Farc, which operates in north-west Colombia. The bombing was the latest in a series of attacks on the Farc by Colombian security forces. The two sides are holding peace talks but have not agreed a ceasefire.

Key Leader

Mafia Boss Arrested In Brazil After 31 Years On The Run

June 1, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

An Italian organised crime boss convicted for more than 20 murders has been caught in Brazil after 31 years on the run. Pasquale Scotti - a leading member of the Camorra, a Naples-based mafia-style crime gang - escaped from an Italian hospital in 1984. He was found in the Brazilian city of Recife, and police said his fingerprints confirmed his identity. He is now expected to be extradited to Italy in the next few days.

Ship In The North Sea Evacuated Amid Explosion Fears

June 1, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

A crew have abandoned a container ship a few miles off the German coast amid fears that its cargo of fertiliser could explode.

Fire broke out on Monday night in the hold of the Purple Beach, as it headed for the German port of Brake. Residents near Bremerhaven were told to keep windows and doors shut as a strong smell was reported in the area. Although the fire was initially put out, it started again on Tuesday prompting the crew to leave the ship.

Toxic Gas

WW2 Bomb Causes 20,000 People To Be Evacuated In Cologne

June 1, 2015 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Some 20,000 people in the German city of Cologne have been forced to leave their homes as authorities defuse a one-tonne bomb from World War Two. Schools and kindergartens - as well as the zoo - remained closed during the city's largest post-war evacuation. About 1,100 residents of a retirement and disability centre in the Riehl area were among those taken to safety. It is not unusual for unexploded bombs to be discovered in Germany. Allied bombers targeted Cologne in WW2.