Al Qaeda suspect blows self up in Mauritania clash

[Robb]

Source: Reuters (Africa)

NOUAKCHOTT (Reuters) - A suspected member of al Qaeda's north African wing blew himself up in southern Mauritania on Saturday after security forces cornered him, according to army and national guard sources.

A second suspect was captured alive in the incident in the remote Brakna region, near the border with Senegal, they said.

(snip)

The two were believed to have been among several members of al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) who entered Mauritania from Mali in three vehicles a week ago with plans to launch attacks in the capital Nouakchott.

(snip)

One of the vehicles exploded on the outskirts of Nouakchott on Wednesday during a clash with Mauritanian soldiers, killing three suspected militants and injuring several soldiers.

Read more: http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE71503F20110206

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French media seem to be paying more attention to this part of the world than our own, FWIW.

[cutlassmama]

1. Darwin Award.

[Robb]

2. Technically, only if he hasn't had children already.

[Trajan]

3. These guys go out in spectacular fashion ....

like Roman Candles ....

[uppityperson]

4. at least he only blew himself up. that is the best way to do it, kill yourself first

before trying to kill others.

[sufrommich]

5. Good for him. Bravo. nt

[benld74]

6. Achmed the Dead Terrorist - Jeff Dunham - yiyiyiyiyiyiyiyiyiyiyiyi BOOM!

[On the Road]

7. It Sure Sounds Like

Al Qaida has been hounded to the ends of the earth. That is one of the most remote and godforsaken places on the planet:





http://iguide.travel/Mauritania/Introduction

[muriel_volestrangler]

8. Not really 'hounded' - it's been a Muslim country for many centuries

and Al Qaeda's aim is to unite all Islamic countries. They also claim that, since Spain was a country with Muslim rulers for several centuries, it ought to be Islamic too. So Al Qaeda will go anywhere they want to be part of the Caliphate. It's not just Glenn Beck who goes on about a new Caliphate - so does bin Laden.

[On the Road]

9. That is True,

but if the headlines were about arrests in Cairo and Istanbul, it would show an organization surviving despite massive anti-terrorist efforts all over the world. Instead they have a agent in an unbelievable desolate, remote area, and even he gets apprehended. At least anedoctally that what it says to me.