Militants capture several Kurdish towns
BEIRUT – Islamic State militiamen backed by tanks defiantly advanced Thursday in Syria, capturing more than 20 Kurdish villages as the international community strains to assemble a coalition that might destroy them.
The gains highlighted the plight of Syria’s Kurds, who have been some of the most successful against the Islamic extremists. But unlike U.S.-backed Iraqi Kurds, they seem largely on their own in a devastated country where the enemy’s enemy is not necessarily a friend.
The main Kurdish force in Syria, known as the People’s Protection Units or YPK, is viewed with suspicion by mainstream Syrian rebels and their Western supporters because of perceived links to President Bashar Assad’s government.
Australia terror plot raises new questions
CANBERRA, Australia – The Islamic State plot to carry out random beheadings in Sydney alleged by police is a simple and barbaric scheme that has shaken Australians. But terrorism experts Friday questioned whether the ruthless movement had the capacity or inclination to sustain a terror campaign so far from the Middle East.
Police said they thwarted a plot to carry out beheadings in Australia by Islamic State group supporters when they raided more than a dozen properties across Sydney on Thursday.
Two of the 15 suspects detained by police were charged Thursday, officials said. Nine others were freed before the day was over.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott conceded it was difficult to safeguard the Australian population against such attacks.
Mexico police vow to stop looters
LOS CABOS, Mexico –Federal police on Thursday vowed to crack down on lawlessness and restore order in the hurricane-stricken resort area of Los Cabos after looting emptied store shelves and unnerved residents who worried their homes could be next.
Enrique Galindo, national commissioner of the Federal Police, said seven people, two of them carrying firearms, were detained on suspicion of attempted looting. He said police would aggressively enforce the law.
There were reports of gunfire overnight, and residents in Los Cabos lit large bonfires to try to protect their neighborhoods as they faced a fourth day without power or running water following the blow from Hurricane Odile. Police announced they would stop and question anyone on the streets after nightfall to make sure they had legitimate business at that hour.
Associated Press
