Turkey attacks Kurds; US Navy finally addresses Chinese agression; IS vies for influence over al Shabaab

Threat Information Office headlines 10-27-2015

Turkey attacks American allied Kurdish YPG forces

A crucial US ally in the fight against the Islamic State, the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) said that their positions in northern Syria were shelled by the Turkish Army yesterday. Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu confirmed the strikes, saying that Ankara had warned the Syrian Kurds not to cross west of the Euphrates River. The YPG seized control of most of northern Syria from IS after fierce battles over the summer, but is regarded by Turkey as the Syrian branch of the PKK, an outlawed Kurdish terrorist group that has waged a separatist insurgency in Turkey for decades.

While Turkey accepts that the US backs the YPG in its fight against IS, it is adamant that the Kurds not be allowed to establish an autonomous regime in Syria similar to the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq; hence its drawing of a red line at the Euphrates, which will prevent a contiguous zone of Kurdish control on the other side of the Turkish border.

Third Israeli victim of Palestinian terrorist attack on bus dies

An American school principal who was stabbed and shot in the head by Palestinian attackers approximately two weeks ago has died. Richard Lakin is the latest victim of the ‘knife intifada’ that has targeted Israeli civilians via knife, shootings, and car assaults. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised a swift and strong response to the attacks, and has pointed out that the Islamic Movement in Israel bears responsibility for the latest wave of violence.

Islamic Movement head Sheikh Raed Salah was sentenced yesterday to 11 months for his conviction on a incitement to violence charge dating back to 2007, when he gave a speech calling for ‘the defense of al-Aqsa against the Zionist aggression.” In court last week, he also stated that “in spirit and blood we will defend al-Aqsa.” The Islamic Movement is divided in two factions, with one participating in the Knesset and the other refusing engagement, having established links to Hamas since the first intifada in 1987.

China forcefully denounces US Navy patrol in South China Sea within 12-mile limit of artificial islands

After being stonewalled by Chinese President Xi Jinping during the state visit two weeks ago, President Obama authorized the US Navy to conduct patrols within the 12-nautical mile limit of the artificial islands China has constructed in the South China Sea. The destroyer USS Lassen sailed in international waters in the Spratly Archipelago, which China claims as its sovereign territory but is not recognized by any other nation or international maritime law.

In response, China has accused the US of a “deliberate provocation.” Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said that “China will firmly react” and cautioned that the US Navy patrol will only increase Beijing’s determination to speed up construction on the artificial islands.

Al-Shabaab determined to stop Islamic State expansion into East Africa

Signs of division are appearing in the Somalian al-Qaeda affiliate, al-Shabaab, as the Islamic State ramps up its recruiting efforts of low-level fighters. While some reports state that a faction has pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leadership is steadfast in its commitment to al-Qaeda and pledge to Ayman al-Zawahiri.

For the moment, Al-Shabaab continues its terror campaign in the Somalian countryside against the multi-national AMISOM forces along with plotting against neighboring Kenya.

Other stories we’re following:

Russia spending $ 4 mil/day to back Assad, half of what US spends daily to combat IS

IS claims Shia mosque bombing in Saudi Arabia

Saudi prince arrested in Beirut airport in connection with multi-million dollar drug bust

Russia considered abandoning INF nuclear treaty in 2007, former SecDef Gates says

Bangladesh police arrest 4 in connection with killing of Italian aid worker, deny IS link

China accuses West of promoting a ‘color revolution’ amongst its troops

NATO studying making maritime ballistic missile defense a routine training op for all members

Evangelical church demolished in Sudan, law prevents construction of new one

Financial Action Task Force removes Sudan from money-laundering list

Congo-Brazzaville announces voters approved third term for President Sassou

Three Seleka leaders kidnapped in C.A.R.