Saudi Arabia is cooperating fully with German authorities investigating the Magdeburg market attack suspect, Taleb al-Abdulmohsen. However, a sense of frustration exists within the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as they claim to have repeatedly warned Germany about al-Abdulmohsen’s extremist views prior to the incident. The Saudis assert they sent four official diplomatic communications (“Notes Verbales”) to German intelligence agencies and the foreign ministry, but received no response.
This intelligence lapse is complicated by several factors. Al-Abdulmohsen was granted asylum in Germany in 2016, following Chancellor Angela Merkel’s decision to open Germany’s borders to a large influx of migrants. Al-Abdulmohsen, originally from Saudi Arabia, was a unique case, having renounced Islam, a punishable offense in his home country. He had left Saudi Arabia at age 32 and was active on social media, identifying himself as a psychiatrist and founder of a Saudi rights movement advocating for ex-Muslims. The Saudis allege he was involved in human trafficking, with their Ministry of Interior possessing a substantial file on him. Reports also suggest Saudi dissidents abroad, including in Germany, have been subject to surveillance by Saudi agents.
The German authorities have acknowledged shortcomings in their handling of al-Abdulmohsen’s case, including the failure to adequately secure the Magdeburg market, allowing the attack to occur. While they defend the market’s layout and cite an ongoing investigation, the prior warnings from Saudi Arabia raise serious questions about intelligence sharing and assessment.
A further layer of complexity is the delicate relationship between Saudi Arabia and the West. While considered an ally, Saudi Arabia has a problematic human rights record. Despite recent social reforms under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, such as allowing women to drive and opening entertainment venues, a simultaneous crackdown on political and religious dissent has occurred. This context makes Germany’s apparent disregard for Saudi intelligence warnings even more significant.
The case highlights the challenges of international intelligence cooperation, particularly when dealing with information from countries with differing political and social systems. It also raises questions about asylum procedures and the assessment of potential security threats within migrant populations. The Magdeburg attack underscores the need for improved communication and collaboration between nations to prevent future tragedies.
About the author
Ferry Services Resume After Six Weeks of Disruption, But Delays Hit Holyhead Reopening
Ferry services to and from Holyhead Port have resumed after being disrupted for over six weeks due to damage sustained during Storm Darragh in early December. The storm caused significant damage to terminals 3 and 5 at the Welsh port, with terminal 5 operating on a temporary basis upon reopening. The Irish Ferries ship WB Yeats arrived in Dublin Port from Holyhead this morning, marking the resumption of services. However, the initial restart was not without problems. Ger Hyland, President of the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA), reported a three-hour delay for the second ferry from Dublin to Holyhead due to an electrical fault at the port. Hyland expressed concern about the port's readiness, citing the large backlog of freight on the Welsh side. He emphasized the potential for "huge disaster" for the haulage sector, passengers, and Ireland's imports […]
Conor McGregor Named in Civil Lawsuit Alleging Sexual Assault at NBA Finals
Conor McGregor, the mixed martial arts fighter and former UFC champion, is facing a civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault at the Kaseya Center (formerly FTX Arena and American Airlines Arena) in Miami during the NBA Finals on June 9, 2023. The plaintiff alleges that McGregor assaulted her in a bathroom at the venue and is seeking unspecified damages from both McGregor and the Miami Heat Limited Partnership, the arena's ownership group. McGregor has denied the allegations through a spokesperson, dismissing them as a "shakedown." While the Miami Police Department initiated an investigation following a report filed on June 11, 2023, the Florida State Attorney’s Office declined to file criminal charges in October 2023. This declination does not preclude the pursuit of a civil suit, which has a different standard of proof than criminal proceedings. The lawsuit also details […]
Hollyoaks ‘Bad Boy’ Paul Danan Dies at 46
Paul Danan, best known for his role as Sol Patrick in the British soap opera Hollyoaks, has died at the age of 46, his management has confirmed. Danan portrayed the "bad boy" character on the Channel 4 show from 1997 to 2001 and subsequently became a familiar face on reality television. Independent Creative Management shared a statement with the PA news agency, expressing their sadness at Danan's passing and describing him as "a beacon of light to so many." They requested privacy for his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. Beyond Hollyoaks, Danan participated in the reality dating show Celebrity Love Island in both 2005 and 2006. He also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother (Channel 5) in 2017, where he was an early evictee and expressed hope that the show would revive his career. He frequently […]
Bandits Kill Three Telecom Workers in Kebbi State
Four people were killed in a bandit attack at a telecommunications construction site near the Nigeria-Niger border, Kebbi State police confirmed Saturday. The victims included three Airtel Communications employees and one local resident. The attack occurred on January 10 at approximately 8:47 pm in Gumki village, Arewa Local Government Area, where the workers were installing a surveillance mast for the Nigeria Immigration Service. The attackers, identified as suspected members of the Lakurawa bandit group, targeted the construction site. Kebbi State Police Commissioner Bello Sani and Immigration Service Comptroller Muhammad Bashir Lawali responded immediately to the incident, overseeing the transfer of victims' bodies to Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital in Birnin Kebbi. In response to the attack, the Police Commissioner has strengthened security in the area by deploying additional tactical teams specifically tasked with targeting the Lakurawa bandits. He also organized a […]
‘The Right Man Won’t Be Scared’, Dancer Kaffy Speaks on Love After Divorce
Popular Nigerian dancer Kafayat Shafau, known professionally as Kaffy, has addressed speculation about dating following her 2022 separation from Joseph Ameh. The dancer and author dismissed the notion that successful women intimidate potential partners, stating confidently that the right man will approach her without fear. "A man who knows what he wants goes for it," Kaffy explained in an interview with Saturday Beats. While acknowledging that women can be successful independently, she emphasized that wanting companionship is natural, though not desperate. "Any man who has me is blessed," she added, reflecting her strong sense of self-worth. Speaking about her separation from Ameh, Kaffy maintained a remarkably mature perspective. Rather than assigning blame, she described it simply as two people no longer being in agreement. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental well-being, especially as a parent, over staying in an […]
Road Rage Incident in Temiskaming Shores, Canada
A 37-year-old suspect from Englehart, Ontario, has been charged in connection with a road rage incident that took place in Temiskaming Shores. The alarming event, captured on the victim’s dash cam, shows a white Toyota Rav 4 intentionally chasing and eventually ramming into the victim’s vehicle. The incident occurred on December 30th at around 1 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 11 and Highway 65 in Temiskaming Shores. In a news release on Friday, the Temiskaming Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stated: "The Temiskaming Ontario Provincial Police is seeking assistance from the public in locating anyone having video/dash camera footage in relation to collisions and erratic driving" linked to this incident. Following the collision, OPP officers made several attempts to stop the suspect's vehicle, ultimately deploying a spike belt. This action successfully halted the vehicle, and the driver was arrested without […]
Related
“I Thought We Were in Hell”: Aid Worker Survives Russian Missile Strike on Ukrainian Hotel
An aid worker described surviving a Russian missile attack on a hotel in Ukraine as feeling like an "apocalyptic movie." Karol Swiacki, founder of Bournemouth-based Ukraine Relief, and his team were leaving dinner when caught in the attack on Kryvyi Rih overnight. The strike killed at least four people and injured 31, according to the city's regional governor. Kryvyi Rih is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's hometown. Zelensky is currently attending an EU emergency summit where he thanked European leaders for their "strong support." Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, Swiacki explained he had traveled to Ukraine to deliver supplies to shelters, orphanages, and schools. He has previously won a BBC award for his aid work in Ukraine. "We had a nice dinner together and were planning to go to a school in the morning," Swiacki told listeners. "We were about to […]
Florida Launches Criminal Investigation into Tate Brothers Amid Multiple Legal Challenges
Florida's attorney general, James Uthmeier, has initiated a criminal investigation into British-American influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate, who recently arrived in the state from Romania, where they previously faced rape and human-trafficking charges. Uthmeier announced that investigators have issued search warrants and subpoenas as part of a "now-active" inquiry. The brothers are simultaneously confronting a civil lawsuit from a woman alleging coercion into sex work and subsequent defamation, which they categorically deny. Andrew Tate, a 38-year-old former kickboxer known for his controversial online presence and appearance on the UK's Big Brother, and his 36-year-old brother Tristan are currently navigating multiple legal challenges across different jurisdictions. The brothers' lawyer, Joseph McBride, responded critically to the investigation, stating that the attorney general had "thrown ethics law out of the window" by publicly taking a side in an ongoing Florida lawsuit. McBride characterized […]
Political Tensions Rise in Rivers State Following Supreme Court Ruling
Recent developments in Rivers State have sparked significant political tension, with Ijaw groups expressing strong opposition to potential moves against Governor Siminilayi Fubara. The Ijaw National Council (INC) and Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) have strongly condemned a recent Supreme Court judgment that reinstated Martins Amaewhule-led members of the Rivers State House of Assembly and nullified local government elections. The groups warned that any attempt to impeach Governor Fubara could lead to severe consequences, including potential shutdown of oil operations in the Niger Delta. Ijaw Groups' Position INC President Professor Benjamin Okaba emphasized the historical political contributions of Ijaw people in Rivers State. The group argues that undermining Fubara's tenure would have significant implications for national peace and economic stability. They have pledged to defend the governor "with every pint of blood in their veins" and view the Supreme Court ruling […]
US Considers Ukraine Minerals Deal Amid European Peace Initiatives
President Trump indicated that a minerals investment deal with Ukraine remains possible despite recent tensions, while European leaders propose new peace initiatives for the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The potential agreement would help offset America's substantial aid to Ukraine since Russia's invasion. The deal's prospects became uncertain following a contentious Oval Office meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskiy. Trump, expressing displeasure with Zelenskiy's recent comments about the war's duration, still described the minerals agreement as "a great deal for us." European leaders are responding to what they view as a significant shift in U.S. policy. After Zelenskiy's abrupt White House departure, White House national security adviser Mike Waltz emphasized the need for Zelenskiy to show regret and willingness to engage in peace talks. Some Republican leaders, including Representative Brian Fitzpatrick and Senate Republican leader John Thune, are working to revive the […]
Zelenskiy Emphasizes Need for US Support in Diplomatic Efforts to End Russia-Ukraine War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy affirmed on Monday that Kyiv is committed to intensive diplomacy to swiftly end the three-year conflict with Russia, emphasizing his hope for continued US support in securing peace. The statements came three days after Zelenskiy's White House meeting with US President Donald Trump, reportedly ending in tense exchanges. Zelenskiy's comments highlighted the urgency of diplomatic solutions and the critical role of US backing in these efforts. Trump had suggested his patience with the Ukrainian leader was wearing thin following an AP report quoting Zelenskiy saying the end of the war was "very, very far away." This comment came during Zelenskiy's attendance at a weekend meeting with European allies focused on developing a settlement plan, which occurred shortly after the contentious White House meeting. "It is very important that we try to make our diplomacy substantive to […]
Border Shootout Kills Afghan Guard As Truck Crisis Worsens During Ramadan
At least one person has died as Pakistani and Afghan security forces exchanged fire at the Torkham border crossing, the main transit point between the two countries that Pakistan closed last month over a disputed construction project. Afghanistan's Ministry of Interior Affairs confirmed Monday that one security force member was killed and two injured during overnight clashes at the crossing. Two Pakistani security officials, speaking anonymously to Reuters, reported that members of their forces were also wounded in the confrontation. The violence erupted on Ramadan's first working day, when food imports from Pakistan typically surge into Afghanistan. Approximately 5,000 trucks carrying essential goods are now stranded on both sides of the border in harsh winter conditions. This conflict threatens to worsen Afghanistan's economic crisis, where millions face hunger and roughly half the population requires humanitarian assistance to survive, according to […]
Be the first to leave a comment