Twelve people were killed in an al-Qaeda militant attack on a security checkpoint yesterday in Aden, Yemen, according to the country’s Defense Ministry. Four Yemeni security force members and eight al-Qaeda militants are among the dead. Four additional people were wounded, including two al-Qaeda fighters and two members of the security force.
Al-Qaeda has been present in Yemen for several years, but gained traction last year when movements across the country called for the ouster of leader Ali Abdullah Saleh. Officials, who were unauthorized to speak to the press, spoke of the attack on the condition of anonymity.
- Ahmed Al-Haj. “Yemen: 12 killed in militant attack in south” ‘ Associated Press, April 14, 2012
- Mohammed Hatem. “Yemen Says 12 Killed in Latest Fighting Between Al-Qaeda, Army” ‘ Bloomberg News, April 14, 2012
Iran nuclear negotiations continue
Nuclear negotiations between Iran and six other nations, continued yesterday and have made progress, according to diplomats. The meeting is the first time Iran has met with world powers in over a year. When the meeting broke for lunch, a diplomat warned of premature optimism, however. The diplomat also mentioned the possibility of reaching common ground in the future.
Iran continues to insist that the development of a nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened a preemptive strike, saying that his country would be threatened by Iran achieving nuclear capability. Although U.S. President Barack Obama has not eliminated the possibility of using military force against Iran, he has expressed desire for a diplomatic solution instead.
- Associated Press. “Iran nuclear negotiations: Talks ‘progressing well’” ‘ The Times of India, April 14, 2012
- Roy Gutman. “After ‘constructive’ talks on Iran nuclear program, hopes rise for diplomacy” ‘ The Miami Herald, April 14, 2012
US Secret Service agents relieved in light of alleged misconduct
Approximately twelve members of the United States Secret Service, including agents, were relieved from their duties after allegations of misconduct, reportedly involving prostitution. The agents were serving in Colombia preceding a visit by President Barack Obama. Despite the incident, however, the agency claims that security for the President was never compromised.
All questions directed to the White House pertaining to the matter have been redirected to the Secret Service. President Obama is visiting Colombia to participate in the Summit of the Americas, where he plans to discuss issues including trade policy.
- “Secret Service agents relieved of duty in Colombia amid alleged misconduct” ‘ CNN, April 14, 2012
- Donovan Slack, Josh Gerstein, Carrie Budoff Brown. “Secret Service scandal rocks Obama trip” ‘ Politico, April 14, 2012
Severe ‘life-threatening’ weather forecast for Midwestern US
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Storm Prediction Center issued a high risk warning on Friday for parts of several U.S. states, with Oklahoma and Kansas expected to be the most impacted by severe weather. Accuweather meteorologist Paul Walker told ABC News that the weekend “should be particularly dangerous” and that the issuance of a warning two days prior to severe weather is unusual.
Officials in Kansas and Oklahoma are urging residents to watch the situation and make emergency plans with their families.
- Alyssa Newcomb. “Forecasters Warn of Violent,’ Life-Threatening’ Storms for Midwest” ‘ ABC News, April 14, 2012
- Sean Murphy. “‘Life-threatening’ storms feared for Midwest” ‘ The Sacramento Bee, April 14, 2012
Antarctic emperor penguin population approximated from space
Scientists from the United States, United Kingdom and Australia used satellite imagery to approximate the Antarctic population of emperor penguins at approximately 600,000, nearly double that of previous estimates. The scientists used high resolution imagery to ensure the ability to distinguish between shadows, excrement and the penguins themselves. They also found approximately 238,000 breeding pairs of penguins in Antarctica. Two-decade-old studies estimated this number to be between 135,000 and 175,000.
Although the population estimate is higher than before, their numbers may decline in the coming years if current climate trends continue, according to researchers. Researcher Phil Trathan said “Current research suggests that emperor penguin colonies will be seriously affected by climate change.” The species, which only occupies Antarctica, is currently listed as “least concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
- Alex Morales. “Penguin Count Doubles as Satellite Sees Birds” ‘ Bloomberg News, April 14, 2012
- Jonathan Amos. “Emperor penguins counted from space” ‘ BBC News, April 13, 2012