"Tidbits From TNT" Thursday Afternoon 5-6-2021

May 6

TNT:

Tishwash: Targeting a convoy of American forces with an explosive device in western Iraq

Today, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated targeting a convoy of American forces in Anbar Province, western Iraq.

An Iraqi security source told Alsumaria News: An explosive device targeted a logistical support convoy of the international coalition on the international highway leading to Anbar.

The provinces of central and southern Iraq have been witnessing for months continuous targeting by US forces, by improvised explosive devices, causing losses and damages. link

Tishwash: Foreign Minister: We are working to diversify the economic partnerships of Iraq

Today, Thursday, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fuad Hussein, stressed work to diversify economic partnerships for Iraq.

A statement by the ministry stated, "Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met in the Italian capital, Rome, a group of Arab and foreign media professionals, in the presence of the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to Italy, Safia Al-Suhail."

He added, "During the meeting, the most important results of the visit to Rome and the Vatican were reviewed, as well as his meetings with the Pope and officials in both Italy and the Vatican," he added.

The minister thanked "the historic visit of His Holiness to Iraq, following up on the results of the visit, discussing the topic of interfaith dialogue and encouraging religious tourism to the historic city of Ur, as well as discussing issues of common interest, and bilateral relations between Iraq and a metropolitan state of Vatican and Italy."

Hussein stressed "the importance of the media conveying the true picture of Iraq, which is in a stable security situation, and this is demonstrated by the historic visit of His Holiness the Pope, who visited many Iraqi cities, especially after the Iraqi lands that were seized by the terrorist organization ISIS were regained and defeated militarily."

According to the statement, "The minister discussed during the meeting the latest political and economic developments in Iraq and the Iraqi government's endeavor to overcome the financial difficulties that resulted from the drop in global oil prices, and the economic stagnation that most countries of the world suffer from due to the Corona pandemic, and the government's orientation towards strengthening the role of the private sector." And increase investments to support the Iraqi economy link

*************

Cutebwoy: The Taliban seize the second largest dam in Afghanistan

Shafaq News / The extremist Taliban movement seized the second largest dam in Afghanistan, after months of fierce fighting in their former stronghold in Kandahar province, according to official officials and the rebel movement, today, Thursday.

Local officials told AFP that the Dahla Dam, which supplies irrigation water to farmers through a network of canals, as well as drinking water to the state capital, is now under the control of the Taliban.

Taliban spokesman Qari Youssef told the agency, “We have captured the Dahleh Dam in Arghandab.”

Haji Ghalbuddin, the governor of the neighboring region, confirmed that the dam was under the control of the rebel movement.

“Our security forces requested reinforcements, but they were not able to get them,” he said.

The Taliban’s control of the dam comes after battles in neighboring Helmand province this week, just days after the US military officially began withdrawing its remaining forces in the country.

Turyalai Mahboubi, head of the water department in Kandahar, told AFP that the Taliban had recently warned Dahleh Dam employees not to go to their work.

An AFP correspondent in Kandahar said that last month, gunmen blew up a bridge linking the dam to the neighboring neighborhoods.

The United States built the Dahleh Dam about 70 years ago to provide irrigation water to the lands of about 7 provinces in Kandahar.

In 2019, the Asian Development Bank approved a $ 350 million grant to Afghanistan; To be used in part in the expansion projects of the dam.The surrounding area has witnessed violent battles in the past six months, but security officials announced, in April, that the area had been cleared.

The officials indicated at the time that, before their withdrawal, the Taliban had planted mines throughout the region, including between residential compounds.

In neighboring Helmand, thousands of people fled their homes after a large-scale Taliban offensive against government forces.

US warplanes provide air support to the Afghan forces, although their withdrawal has begun.

The United States was to have withdrawn all forces, on May 1, according to its agreement with the Taliban, last year, but Washington postponed this step, until September 11; What angered the rebels.

The withdrawal of foreign forces comes amid stalled efforts to reach a peace agreement between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

Arab and international AfghanistanTaliban

Mot: ~~~ Enjoying Retirement!!! --- Yet another Tip from Mot!! ~~~