Twelve police personnel killed, injured in suicide attack, south of Mosul

Nineveh (IraqiNews.com) Twelve police personnel were killed and injured in suicide attack in south of Mosul, a security source source from Nineveh said on Saturday.

“Five policemen were killed, while seven others were wounded as an attacker, wearing suicide belt, blew up himself targeting a checkpoint in al-Houd village, which links al-Qayyarah to Shirqat, south of Mosul,” Cap. Azhar Mohamed told BasNews.

“The bomber blew himself up while between security personnel,” he added. “The forces cordoned off the blast spot and transferred the wounded to hospital. Investigations on the accident were conducted.

Violence in the country has surged further with the emergence of Islamic State Sunni extremist militants who proclaimed an “Islamic Caliphate” in Iraq and Syria in 2014.

114 Iraqi civilians were killed, while 244 others were wounded as result of terrorism, violence and armed conflicts, according to a monthly release by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), issued on Wednesday.

Baghdad was the worst affected Governorate, coming in the first place with 177 civilian casualties (38 killed, 139 injured). Anbar province followed with 36 killed and 55 injured, and then Kirkuk with 18 killed and 33 injured.

The Iraqi capital has seen almost daily bombings and armed attacks against security members, paramilitary troops and civilians since the Iraqi government launched a wide-scale campaign to retake Islamic State-occupied areas in 2016.

The total figure marked a decline from last month’s, which reached more than 500 civilians. The victims went down from 196, while the injured decreased down from 381.

 

Source  :  Iraqi News

Four tribal fighters killed, injured in bomb blast, south of Mosul

Mosul (IraqiNews.com) Four tribal fighters were killed and injured in a bomb blast, south of Mosul, a security source was quoted saying.

“One personnel of the Tribal Mobilization Forces was killed, while three others were wounded as bomb, recently placed in Qayyarah, south of Mosul, exploded,” the source told Shafaq News on Sunday.

“The region was combed twice before, which means the bomb was planted recently,” the source, who asked to remain anonymous, added.

Twelve police personnel were reportedly killed and injured on Saturday as a suicide attacker blew up himself targeting a checkpoint in al-Houd village, which links al-Qayyarah to Shirqat, south of Mosul.

Violence in the country has surged further with the emergence of Islamic State Sunni extremist militants who proclaimed an “Islamic Caliphate” in Iraq and Syria in 2014.

114 Iraqi civilians were killed, while 244 others were wounded as result of terrorism, violence and armed conflicts, according to a monthly release by the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), issued on Wednesday.

Baghdad was the worst affected Governorate, coming in the first place with 177 civilian casualties (38 killed, 139 injured). Anbar province followed with 36 killed and 55 injured, and then Kirkuk with 18 killed and 33 injured.

 

Source :  Iraqi News

Central Bank of Iraq Auctions $161,772,579 on 12 November 2017

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) currency auction on November 12 registered $161,772,579 in sales, a -5.08% volume decline from the US $170,426,564 sold by Iraqi Dinar, credit and transfer at the previous auction held on November 9.

The latest auction was attended by 45 banks and 9 remittance companies. The same institutions attended the auction held on November 12 compared to the previous auction.

Data for the November 12 auction was made public by CBI Announcement Number 3568.

Dollar sales in the in the period January 1, 2017 to November 12, 2017 saw an increase of 0.13% compared to the sales of US $13.9 billion in the same period in 2016. The total amount of US currency sold by CBI in the calendar year 2016 was US $14.55 billion.

An analysis of the monthly dollar sales by CBI since January 2016 reveals highly fluctuating volumes. During the period from January 2016 to November 2017, sales of US dollars averaged US $1.75 billion per month. Peak volumes were reached in May this year when sales touched US $2.3 billion.

YEAR	MONTH	US DOLLAR SALES IN BILLIONS	INCREASE/(DECREASE) COMPARED TO THE PREVIOUS MONTH
2016	January	2	–
2016	February	2.09	4%
2016	March	1.95	-7%
2016	April	1.94	-0%
2016	May	2.09	8%
2016	June	1.8	-14%
2016	December	0.4	-78%
2017	January	2.2	450%
2017	February	2	-9%
2017	March	2.1	5%
2017	April	1.8	-14%
2017	May	2.3	28%
2017	June	0.6	-74%
2017	July	2.2	267%
2017	August	2.1	-5%
2017	September	1	-52%
2017	October	2.2	120%
2017	November	0.7	-68%

 

Source  :  Iraqi News

Sharjah Municipality cracks down on illegal bird sellers

The municipality also instructed the customers in the market not buy birds without certificates that clearly mention their owners.

Sharjah Municipality launched a campaign to crackdown on illegal traders selling birds in the market, especially the ornamental ones.

The municipality swooped down on the birds market after receiving a number of complaints about proliferation of illegal bird sellers who come from outside the UAE and do not obtain licence or own shops in the market, an official said.

Inspections were carried out to ensure verification of official documents and invoices that should be handed over to the bird’s buyer during the time of its purchase. The municipality also instructed the customers in the market not to buy birds without certificates that clearly mention their owners.

“The documents that confirm ownership of the seller of the bird are important. If the seller doesn’t comply with the rules, he exposes himself to a legal question, especially when the birds are stolen,” the municipality official said, adding the workers in the market should also abide by these rules.

He stressed that it is not permissible to buy a bird without the identity papers and invoices presented by the owner. These certificates or papers must include the name and telephone number of the bird’s owner.

He said that the municipality obliges the workers in the market to sell according to the documents and certificates. He warned them against any sale without obtaining the required documents. “The violators will face hefty fines and their business will be suspended,” he pointed out.

He said a number of complaints have been received at the municipality about illegal bird sellers. They sell the birds cheaper than the ones in the market, affecting the business of those who own shops and run the business legally.

The municipality, represented by the veterinary services department, has tightened its noose on birds market. It ensures that the bird being sold at the market is free of diseases and its sale is not banned in the country. The municipality conducts continuous inspection visits to the shops in the market to ensure compliance with the requirements of the trade, in addition to the commitment to hygiene on the premises.

The municipality carries out periodical checks in the birds market. Veterinarians are permanently deployed there during the morning and evening hours to ensure that traders and shops comply with the norms set by the municipality to maintain public health.
Stolen birds sold for Dh800

Sharjah criminal court is currently hearing a case of an Asian who was arrested by police for stealing birds from a villa close to where he was working as a construction worker. The accused came to the birds market and sold the stolen birds for Dh800.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

 

Source  :  The Khaleej Times

RTA enhances training for truck drivers to curb accidents

It involves a five-hour training on manoeuvres

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has started theoretical and practical training on driving articulated heavy trucks skills as part of its efforts to reduce trailer-related accidents.

“By the end of this year, the practical training will start with a five-hour training on manoeuvres, which will be generalized to relevant driving institutes,” said Aref Al Malik, director of drivers training and qualification at RTA’s licencing agency

The manoeuvres include ensuring firm coupling of trailer and truck, parking the trailer in designated places especially reverse parking skills, and driving an eight-ton articulated trailers on highways among other relevant manoeuvres that ensure high degree of vigilance and attention while driving.

“This initiative reflects RTA’s endeavours to ensure the safety of road users, be it trailer drivers or pedestrians as driving such articulated trailers requires special skill to safeguard against any road traffic accidents,” Al Malik underlined

“Phase I of this initiative began with intensifying theoretical training which required adding one training hour to raise the awareness about driving such vehicles,” he added.

 

 

Source  :  The Khaleej Times

Emirates flags off Dubai Airshow with big-bang Dh55b order

Airline announces mega-order for 40 Boeing 787s at the start of the biennial Dubai Airshow

Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, today announced a $15.1 billion (Dh55.4 billion) commitment for 40 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners.

In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, signed the agreement with Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Kevin McAllister on the opening day of the 2017 Dubai Airshow.

Sheikh Ahmed said: “Emirates’ orders today will be delivered from 2022, taking the airline well into the 2030s. Some of these will be replacements so that we maintain a young and efficient fleet, and others will power our future network growth. We see the 787 as a great complement to our 777 and A380 fleet, providing us with more flexibility to serve a range of destinations as we develop our global route network.”

“It has always been Emirates’ strategy to invest in the most advanced and efficient aircraft, and today’s orders reflect that. Today’s announcement is also speaks to our confidence in the future of aviation in the UAE and the region.”

McAllister said: “We are excited that Emirates has selected the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner to power its fleet expansion and future growth. This is an airplane that will set a new benchmark for operating economics in the commercial aviation industry when it enters service next year. Emirates’ endorsement of the 787 Dreamliner extends our long-standing partnership and will sustain many jobs in the United States.”

Emirates is evaluating engine options for its Dreamliner order.

Emirates’ agreement includes conversion rights to switch the aircraft to 787-9s, offering the airline additional flexibility for its future fleet and global network. Emirates’ Dreamliners will be delivered in a mix of two and three-cabin class configurations, potentially seating between 240 and 330 passengers. These aircraft will be delivered in phases from 2022 onwards.

Today’s order comes on top of Emirates’ historic purchase of 150 Boeing 777X aircraft equipped with GE9X engines at the 2013 Dubai Air Show, to be delivered from 2020 onwards.

 

Source  :  The Khaleej Times

FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifying: Socceroos confident after Honduras and lavish flight

NOVEMBER 12 2017 – 9:07PM

Dominic Bossi

Australia did not get the away goal they desperately wanted in Honduras but they’re riding a wave of confidence heading into the second leg after a dominant performance away from home and an “unbelievable” recovery flight.

With the tie poised at 0-0 at the halfway stage of the play-off and the Socceroos’ hopes of reaching Russia remaining in the balance, the players are beaming with confidence having claimed a major morale victory and glowing from a lavish trip back to Australia.

They were unlucky not to have inflicted a rare qualification defeat upon Honduras at their intimidating home venue in San Pedro Sula having outplayed the Central Americans in the first leg. It didn’t deliver them an advantage strictly in terms of the result, but that matters little for a group of players who landed in Sydney knowing they are more than capable of dictating terms against Honduras despite having conditions against them.

The pitch at Estadio Olimpico was closer to a paddock than a playing surface. The temperature hot, humidity sapping and the atmosphere so loud the players couldn’t communicate with one another on the field.

“There are massive positives to take, there’s plenty of talk of Honduras being a tough place to go and get a result. I felt we were pretty comfortable throughout the game and that’s due to hard work and sticking to the plan and we could have got something more out of it and won it,” Australia defender Bailey Wright said.

Much of the confidence within the camp has to do with the incredible journey home that put the players on a chartered flight leaving immediately after full-time. The rear of the plane was turned into a physio’s room with massage tables fixed above the back seats. The timing of the flight gave the Socceroos an additional 24 hours in Sydney than Honduras – who are travelling on commercial airlines with several members travelling in economy. However, the conditioning team ensured Australia were all but adjusted to the time difference upon their arrival on Sunday meaning there will be almost no jet lag experienced by the players before the second leg in Sydney on Wednesday.

“It’s unbelievable, it’s top-level, you can’t ask for anything more. it’s going to give us every chance to prepare as best as we can,” midfielder Jackson Irvine said.

The trip cost approximately $900,000 which the Football Federation Australia paid about $250,000 more than commercial options. It’s understood FIFA contributed to travel costs for both teams.

“We’re lucky we get to travel like this. We’ve got great support around us as you can see, it’s a good bunch and it makes the journey a bit more enjoyable. We’re lucky we get great facilities like that,” Wright said.

The Socceroos will be aided by the return of three players who did not make the journey to Honduras with vice-captain Mark Milligan and Matt Leckie returning from suspension while Robbie Kruse was rested due a minor knee injury. The three stayed in Australia last week and trained prepared with Melbourne Victory’s physio and fitness coaches before joining the squad on Sunday.

All three are likely to start on Wednesday, adding to the Socceroos’ benefit in the turnaround between games.

“We’ve got three boys waiting for us back in Sydney as well. This puts you in the very best position you can possibly be come Wednesday night,” Irvine said.

 

Source :  The Canberra Times

Cattle farmers kick off two-year Australia/New Zealand SBAS trial

Cattle farmers in Queensland are among the first industry participants in the federal government’s trial of a Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) for the Australasian region.

In January, the Commonwealth announced a two-year project to trial a Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS), which uses space-based and ground-based aids to support the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).

Led by Geoscience Australia, the project aims to improve the accuracy, integrity and availability of basic GNSS signals, such as those currently provided by the Global Positioning System (GPS). The tests would evaluate the effectiveness and application in SBAS across 10 industries – agriculture, aviation, construction, consumer, maritime, mining, rail, road, spatial and utilities.

On Thursday, Federal Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Senator Matt Canavan was at CQ University in Rockhampton to officially kick off industry trials of SBAS.

CQUniversity is testing how SBAS, which offered navigational accuracy of around 10 centimetres in the horizontal plane, could improve cattle and sheep farm outputs in the agricultural industry.

The University said more accurately tracking the movements of cattle, sheep and other livestock would help with early disease detection and more efficient breeding programs.

Further, the use of virtual fencing through the use of a collar emitting audio cues (usually a simple beep), could help cut down on over-grazing and keep animals out of no-go zones such as riverbanks.

Senator Canavan said further contracts were expected to be signed in the coming months covering 30 industry-based projects across 10 sectors.

“We know that working closely with industries like agriculture is the key to understanding what Australia can gain from investing in technologies that may improve positioning accuracy from the current five to 10 metres down to less than 10 centimetres,” Senator Canavan said in a statement.

The $12 million project to develop a “second generation” SBAS in Australia and involved industry participation from Lockheed Martin, GMV of Spain, Inmarsat and Land Information New Zealand (LINZ).

The initiative has also received $2 million in funding from the New Zealand government, while other countries in the region have shown strong interest in participating.

Under the trial, GMV has installed an SBAS testbed master station, which collects data from Geoscience Australia-operated reference stations and generates augmentation messages that corrects the accuracy of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) positional information.

That data is then sent via a Lockheed Martin uplink antenna at Uralla, New South Wales, to an Inmarsat geostationary earth orbit satellite. A receiver on a ground-based vehicle or aircraft then processes that corrected positional information.

The industry projects were being managed by the Australia and New Zealand Cooperative Research Centre for Spatial Information (CRC SI).

CRC SI SBAS program manager Julia Mitchell said on the Geoscience Australia website there had been 11 contracts signed so far with participants across Australia and New Zealand covering agriculture, resources, transport, construction, utility and spatial.

The list of industry participants can be found on the Geoscience Australia website.

The promised accuracy of SBAS has a number of applications in aviation, and not just the promise of cost-effective highly-accurate precision approaches for airports large and small, but also increasing airport capacity, Lockheed Martin Australia managing director for space Rod Drurytold media in July.

“You can stack aircraft a lot closer because you have more confidence in the precision and the accuracy that they’re receiving,” Drury noted.

Airservices Australia is just one of a number of Australian Government agencies observing the trial.

In its mature form the system would comprise “probably two or three” purpose-built ground stations across Australia, and a master control station. The Australian-developed SBAS promises not only greater accuracy than existing SBAS applications – the US Wide Area Augmentation System (or WAAS) typically provides better than one metre accuracy – but is a technology that could be easily implemented worldwide.

The trial would cover three SBAS technologies – first-generation SBAS that was turned on in June 2017, second-generation SBAS that was turned on in September 2017 and Precise Point Positioning, which was turned on in October 2017. It is the latter technology that provides navigational accuracy to within 10 centimetres.

Minister Canavan noted it was the first time anywhere in the world that second-generation SBAS signals have been transmitted.

Further, Australia was also the first country in the world to trial Precise Point Positioning corrections integrated into an SBAS service.

 

Source  :  Australian Aviation

Boeing establishes Australian sustainment for C-17A fleet

Boeing Defence Australia has completed all of the initial activities required to establish a local sustainment management program for the Royal Australian Air Force’s eight C-17A Globemaster heavylift transports.

This was achieved at the beginning of October, three months after contract signature, Boeing announced on Thursday.

“To have stood up a significantly enhanced sustainment capability in such a short period of time is an incredible achievement and a testament to the C-17 team’s complete dedication to supporting our customer’s needs,” Boeing Defence Australia Integrated Services and Support general manager Murray Brabrook said in a statement.

Boeing was awarded the Australian C-17 Sustainment Services Contract for an initial five-year term, with options out to the retirement of the type.

The contract includes the management of services, provision of integration, engineering and maintenance, and supplements Australia’s membership in the Boeing Globemaster III Integrated Sustainment Program.

 

Source  :  Australian Aviation

451 visa violators netted in crime sweep

JEDDAH — Security authorities have intensified their campaign to nab residency law violators in the holy city of Makkah.

Some localities of the holy city were cordoned off and suspicious places were raided by security forces comprising various divisions. The security teams were backed by the Saudi Electricity Company, the Civil Defense and Saudi Red Crescent Authority, besides citizen volunteers.

“We have arrested 451 expatriates who were found to be living in the country contravening the residency law,” said a statement issued by the regional police headquarters in Jeddah.

All those arrested were referred to the concerned authorities for further action, it stated.

Col. Aati Al-Qurashi, the provincial police spokesman, said police in the region would continue to conduct combing operations to nab violators and curb other offenses and crimes.

The security forces have been focusing on illegal expatriates who are scattered around the holy city including nearby mountains. Many of these violators indulge in illegal activities.

Last month, police conducted several raids and arrested scores of illegal residents in the holy city.

 

Source  :  Saudi Gazette