International Briefs


Counter-terror centre

BISHKEK: Kyrgyzstan’s defence ministry on Thursday unveiled plans for a joint US-Kyrgyz counterterrorism centre where Washington will help train the Central Asian republic’s special forces. News of the facility in the southern town of Batken is likely to anger Moscow, which has been wary of a growing US military presence in ex-Soviet Central Asia.

Cleric’s call

DUBAI: Fugitive US-Yemeni cleric Anwar Al-Awlaqi on Thursday appealed to American Muslims to stand up against their nation. “To the Muslims in America, I have this to say: How can your conscience allow you to live in peaceful co-existence with a nation that is responsible for the tyranny and crimes against your own brother and sisters,” the said in a message.