Pakistani officials say two bomb blasts at a training center for local security forces in the country’s northwest have killed at least 80 people and wounded scores of others. TRhe Pakistani Taliban claim the attack is to avenge the killing of Osama bin Laden.

Local police say two suicide bombers used at least one motorcycle packed with explosives in an early morning attack in the town of Charsadda. The bombers detonated outside a regional base for Pakistan’s Frontier Constabulary, a security force that receives U.S. funds to combat extremists near the Afghan-Pakistan border.

Italy's foreign minister says he expects the International Criminal Court to issue an arrest warrant for Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi by the end of May as the North African country's anti-government opposition received major political boosts from abroad.

Franco Frattini said Thursday that after the warrant is issued it would be impossible for Gadhafi to go into exile because the international community would then be obliged to pursue him.

With the death of Osama bin Laden, Russia is reaching out to Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asia in an effort to keep Islamic radicalism out of Russia’s southern flank.

Russia and Pakistan pledged Thursday to work together to fight terror as the Kremlin welcomed Pakistan’s president for his first major foreign visit after the killing of Osama bin Laden.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari was quoted telling Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, "Our countries are very close neighbors, we are located in the same region, and although we do not share borders, our hearts beat in unison.”

Both formations of Movement for Democratic Change have rejected this week's call from Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF demanding elections be held in 2011 saying many issues must be resolved to ensure the next ballot is free and fair.

ZANU-PF spokesman Rugare Gumbo told reporters on Wednesday following a meeting of the party's politburo that elections would be held “without fail” this year just as soon as the new constitution still in the drafting process has been adopted.

A combined Afghan and coalition security force detained several suspected insurgents while searching for a Taliban leader during a security operation in Murghab District, Badghis province yesterday.

The Taliban leader facilitates weapons and improvised explosive devices throughout the district. He also plans and conducts attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

Soldiers assigned to 1st Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment, 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, hindered Taliban activity in the Mazgarey Mountain Range during operation Gryphon Hold, April 25-27, 2011.

The squadron operation was spearheaded by Charlie Company, with its long range surveillance assets. Alpha and Bravo troop, elements of Bravo Troop, 4th Squadron, 70th Armored Regiment, 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and 720th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company also participated to ensure Taliban forces could not deter clearing operations in the mountains of Nawa Valley.

Stealthy, methodical and deadly -- these traits have come to symbolize the Marine sniper community and what scouts/snipers have come to survive by. These traits also enable the Marines to accomplish their mission proficiently, save Marines’ lives, and eliminate enemy threats.

Sgt. Jeremy C. Lattimer grew up in the quiet town of Ashtabula, Ohio a far cry from the battle hardened Helmand Province in Afghanistan.

Nevertheless, from a young age it was apparent that Lattimer had a passion for the military with a mindset that would benefit not only him but also the Marines he would one day lead and earn him the Bronze Star with combat distinguishing device, the fourth highest award given for acts of bravery.

MORE ALLEGATIONS OVER PROJECT GUNRUNNER
An ATF whistleblower interviewed on Fox News unleashed new allegations regarding Project Gunrunner.
http://www.sofmag.com/more-allegations-gunrunner-scandal