Threat Matrix: June 2007

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[nwctwx]

British Intelligence: Al-Qaida Expanding
-Full Story-

British intelligence officials said they believe that al-Qaida has a secure base in Pakistan's Waziristan region and is planning terrorist operations.

The group is reaching out to Muslims in North Africa, The Telegraph reported. Last year, the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat, an Algerian terrorist group, merged itself into al-Qaida, a move announced by Osama bin Laden's chief lieutenant, Ayman al-Zawahiri, in a tape promising action against the "apostates" in the Algerian government and "the treacherous sons of France."

Al-Qaida is also believed to be planning expansion into Lebanon and Syria, the newspaper report said.

	U.S. Battles al-Qaida in Baghdad
	U.S. Terror Expert Says Nuclear Risk Low
	Is North African Militant New Face of al-Qaida?

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[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=globaljihad
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=hamas
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=internet
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=turkey

#

http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/html/hamas_mt240607e.htm

Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center
at the Israel Intelligence Heritage & Commemoration Center (IICC)
June 22 , 2007

“Hamas announced its intention to launch a Turkish version of its Website in the near future, the site’s eighth language. It is part of the organization’s efforts to upgrade its Internet network, one of the most important weapons in its battle for hearts and minds”

[Cindy]

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html

Printer friendly version Email
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Mon Jun 25 2007 03:37:24 GMT-0700.

Worldwide Caution

April 10, 2007

[Cindy]

PERSECUTION.ORG
http://www.persecution.org

[Cindy]

http://www.truthusa.com/IRAN.html
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=iran

#

Note: The following post is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1855754/posts

Iran’s Hormuz fleet includes more than 1,000 heavily armed speedboats
WorldTribune.com ^ | 22 June, 2007

Posted on 06/24/2007 10:05:54 PM PDT by Salem

WASHINGTON — Iran has expanded its naval presence in the Straits of Hormuz, the passage for an estimated 40 percent of global crude oil shipments.

Space shuttle photo of the Straits of Hormuz [ZOOM]. NASA-Johnson Space Center
The U.S. Navy has determined that Iran has amassed a fleet of fast patrol boats in the 43-kilometer straits. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, responsible for strategic programs, leads the effort.
At this point, officials said, IRGC has deployed more than 1,000 FPBs in and around the straits. The vessels, armed with cruise missiles, mines, torpedoes and rocket-propelled grenades, are up to 23 meters in long and can reach a speed of 100 kilometers per hour.

“This marks the implementation of Iran’s swarm program, where dozens of armed speed boats attack much larger naval vessels from all sides,” an official said.

In 2005, IRGC developed its swarm doctrine following Teheran’s assessment that the United States was considering an air strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Officials said the swarm doctrine was designed to exploit the slow pace of U.S. aircraft carriers and destroyers in the shallow waters of the Gulf.

“Iran still states that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps will employ swarming tactics in a conflict,’’ U.S. Office of Naval Intelligence spokesman Robert Althage said.

IRGC swarming tactics envision a group of more than 100 speedboats attacking a target, such as a Western naval vessel or a commercial oil tanker. They said 20 or more speedboats would strike from each direction, making defense extremely difficult.

The Navy, with at least two carrier groups in the Gulf, has been developing counter-measures to an Iranian swarm attack. These include using minesweepers, unmanned aerial vehicles to monitor Iranian speedboats and the deployment of weapons that could blast Iranian speedboats at standoff range. Such exercises have been conducted over the past few months.

“We have devised various tactics and other ways of coping,” U.S. commander Vice Adm. Kevin Cosgriff said. “You just don’t get 1,000 or 500 or even 20 of anything under way and tightly orchestrated over a large body of water to create a specific effect at a specific time and specific place. They have their own challenges.’’

[Godzilla]

placemark

[nw_arizona_granny]

Thank you for the ping.

This appears to be the month for videos, they have been busy.

[NautiNurse]

Staph infections rampant

As many as 1.2 million hospital patients are infected with dangerous, drug-resistant staph infections each year, almost 10 times more than previous estimates, based on findings from a major new study.

And 48,000 to 119,000 hospital patients a year may be dying from methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, far more than previously thought, the study suggests.

[Cindy]

http://www.rewardsforjustice.net
http://www.fbi.gov

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=scuba
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=scubadivers

#

Thanks to Calpernia for the ping to this thread and article:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1855848/posts

~

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.underwatertimes.com/news.php?article_id=64810251370

FBI Issues Scuba Industry Alert Over Requests For Specialized Training, ‘Nefarious Activity’

The FBI issues an advisory for the scuba industry to be on the alert for possible ‘nefarious activity’

Underwatertimes.com News Service

Washington, D.C. (Jun 22, 2007 16:51 EST) The purpose of this advisory is to provide situational awareness to the scuba industry regarding behavior that may indicate an individual(s) is involved in nefarious activity.

The following threat indicators, taken in isolation, generally reflect legitimate recreational and commercial activities. In combination with other information, they can indicate possible links to criminal behavior. Please note, the below indicators are not an all inclusive list, these indicators represent a baseline that could possibly indicate suspicious behavior.

Training Indicators

Requests for specialty training, including odd inquiries that are inconsistent with recreational diving. These may include:

Requests to dive in murky water or sewer pipes.
Inquires about procedures such as diver towing.
Requests to learn advanced skills associated with combat swimming, including:

Use of re-breathers and diver propulsion vehicles (DPVs).
Deep diving.
Conducting kick counts.
Receiving extra navigation training.
Requests for advanced diver training by applicants from countries where diving is not a common recreational activity. Similarly, training sponsored by groups or agencies such as religious organizations, cults, associations, or charitable agencies not normally associated with diving.

Potentially Suspicious Equipment Purchases or Rentals

Volume purchasing inquires related to Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs) and Diver Propulsion Vehicles (DPVs). SDVs are very expensive vehicles normally used for specialized military purposes, and usually are not available to recreational divers. Efforts to purchase DPVs, the more commonly available civilian counterpart to SDVs, could be associated with extending the range or payload capacity or a combat swimmer team.

Other Indicators:

Paying cash for diving instruction.
Refusal or reluctance to provide personal information.
Recipients are requested to report suspicious or criminal activity to their local FBI Office.

[Cindy]

RECAP and stepping back in time...

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.fbi.gov/page2/aug04/preventterror080204.htm

PREVENTING TERRORIST ATTACK:
How You Can Help.

08/02/04

This is a message that bears repeating, no matter where you live in the world: Your assistance is needed in preventing terrorist acts.

It’s a fact that certain kinds of activities can indicate terrorist plans that are in the works, especially when they occur at or near high profile sites or places where large numbers of people gather—like government buildings, military facilities, utilities, bus or train stations, major public events. If you see or know about suspicious activities, like the ones listed below, please report them immediately to the proper authorities. In the United States, that means your closest Joint Terrorist Task Force, located in an FBI Field Office. In other countries, that means your closest law enforcement/counterterrorism agency.

Surveillance: Are you aware of anyone video recording or monitoring activities, taking notes, using cameras, maps, binoculars, etc., near key facilities/events?

Suspicious Questioning: Are you aware of anyone attempting to gain information in person, by phone, mail, email, etc., regarding a key facility or people who work there?

Tests of Security: Are you aware of any attempts to penetrate or test physical security or procedures at a key facility/event?

Acquiring Supplies: Are you aware of anyone attempting to improperly acquire explosives, weapons, ammunition, dangerous chemicals, uniforms, badges, flight manuals, access cards or identification for a key facility/event or to legally obtain items under suspicious circumstances that could be used in a terrorist attack?

Suspicious Persons: Are you aware of anyone who does not appear to belong in the workplace, neighborhood, business establishment or near a key facility/event?

“Dry Runs”: Have you observed any behavior that appears to be preparation for a terrorist act, such as mapping out routes, playing out scenarios with other people, monitoring key facilities/events, timing traffic lights or traffic flow, or other suspicious activities?

Deploying Assets: Have you observed abandoned vehicles, stockpiling of suspicious materials, or persons being deployed near a key facility/event?

If you answered yes to any of the above...if you have observed any suspicious activity that may relate to terrorism...again, please contact the Joint Terrorist Task Force or law enforcement/counterterrorism agency closest to you immediately. Your tip could save the lives of innocent people, just like you and yours.

Link: FBI War on Terrorism

[Cindy]

RECAP...

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.fbi.gov/page2/april07/wmd041107.htm

WMD PREVENTION
It’s Your Call

04/11/07

It’s a serious issue: chemical, biological, and radiological/nuclear materials—what we call weapons of mass destruction or WMD—being used to attack the U.S.

The threat is real. The anthrax attacks of 2001 killed five Americans and terrorized the nation. And al Qaeda has openly pursued WMD and would likely use any weapons they build or buy against our nation.

Our top priority, as with all forms of terrorism, is prevention: making sure such WMD attacks never get off the ground. But how do we protect a country as large as ours with just 13,000 agents and many other investigative responsibilities?

One important answer, in addition to our national and international investigative and intelligence work: through outreach and education.

“We obviously don’t have the resources to be everywhere,” says Special Agent Jeffrey S. Muller, chief of our WMD Countermeasures unit. “With our outreach programs and the partnerships we’ve developed over the years, we don’t have to be.”

Muller’s unit—part of our new Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate—focuses on preventing agro-terrorism, bio-terrorism, chemical terrorism, and the use of nuclear and radiological weapons. Much of its work involves teaching companies and others what they need to know to help prevent WMD attacks.

That outreach takes place largely at the local level: each of our 56 field offices has a WMD coordinator who has built relationships across government and private industry. We also attend national conferences, association meetings, and trade shows for different manufacturing and trade groups to explain our role in preventing terrorist attacks and how organizations can help. And we send our agents to universities to make students and faculty aware of how they are possible targets for attack and potential recruiting and training sites for terrorists.

What specific kinds of information do we offer? One example: a vulnerability assessment for at risk businesses and organizations (such as chemical plants) to point out potential security weak spots and suspicious warning signs.

A few questions we might ask to see if you’re being targeted for attack or for the theft/purchase of raw materials that could be used for WMD:

Are you getting phone calls asking about your use of security guards, your operating hours, and your total number of employees?
Have you any gotten bomb threats lately (they could be security probes)?
Is someone taking pictures of your facilities? Watching with binoculars? Taking notes?
Are people fishing around for information about your products but can’t explain what they’re going to use them for?
Are potential customers unaware of basic safe handling practices for dangerous materials and willing to pay cash for large orders?
Do customers want delivery to a non-operating facility or other suspicious location?
In the business of prevention, relationships are invaluable. “What I’d say to you is this: if you’re in a sensitive industry and haven’t been contacted already, please reach out to your local field office, ask for the WMD coordinator, and get a relationship in place,” says Muller. “The worst time to make that first phone call is when something bad has already happened.”

Resources:

WMD Homepage
WMD Directorate
WMD Threats: How We Respond

[Cindy]

sehadetvakti.com

#

http://www.internet-haganah.com/harchives/006109.html

25 June 2007
“AGITPROP - glorious video and images of Uzbek mujahedeen”

[Cindy]

Ping to post no. 1171

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=tunnel
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=tunnels

#

Note: See graphic.

http://internet-haganah.org/hmedia/25jun07/falling_on_head.gif

http://www.internet-haganah.com/harchives/006106.html

25 June 2007
“TECH - ‘How do I dig a tunnel without falling on my head?’”

“Gotta love machine translations...”

[Cindy]

http://internet-haganah.org/hmedia/27apr07/27apr07-salafy_forums.html

#

Note: See graphic.

http://www.internet-haganah.com/harchives/006104.html

25 June 2007
“AGITPROP - jihadi nuclear wet dreams”

“Image from the Tajdeed forum, thread # 52459”

[Cindy]

http://sfir-arabicsource.blogspot.com/2007/06/24-6.html

#

Note: See graphic.

http://www.internet-haganah.com/harchives/006103.html

25 June 2007
“AGITPROP - Hakaymah stands up for Hamas
Evidently the AQ Home Office in Waziristan likes Hamas more than they like the Jaish al-Islam.”

“Brought to you by: al-Fajr Media Center”

#

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L24692318.htm

“Militant calls for attacks on targets in Egypt”
24 Jun 2007 14:14:08 GMT
Source: Reuters

DUBAI, June 24 (Reuters)

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_2124.html

Printer friendly version Email
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Mon Jun 25 2007 13:48:40 GMT-0700.

Venezuela

June 22, 2007

This Public Announcement is being issued to alert American citizens planning travel to Venezuela for the Copa America tournament (June 26 to July 19, 2007) to continuing serious security concerns and possible changes to official entry requirements during that period. This Public Announcement expires July 20, 2007.

U.S. citizens contemplating travel to Venezuela should carefully consider the risks to their safety and security. Violent crime, including express kidnappings, has increased in Venezuela, particularly in major cities and along the border with Colombia. In Caracas, violent crime has become an everyday occurrence.

In June, an American citizen was kidnapped in front of her Caracas apartment. Many Americans resident in Caracas, including many embassy employees, were victims of assault, armed robbery, theft, break-ins, or express kidnappings. The murder rate in Caracas is one of the highest in Latin America. Carjackings are frequent and often result in murder. Armed robberies occur in broad daylight throughout the city, including areas generally presumed safe and frequented by tourists. Americans planning to travel to Venezuela for Copa America should be aware of uncertainties in availability of tickets for the games, an issue which has sparked local protests. Political marches and demonstrations are frequent in Caracas. Americans are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn violent.

Notice has appeared in the “Official Gazette” that travelers entering Venezuela during the Copa America tournament should present proof of vaccination against yellow fever and German measles. The Ministry of Popular Power for Health recently clarified that the notice is a recommendation and not mandatory. Vaccination kiosks will be set up in international arrival terminals to provide vaccinations to travelers who do not present proof of immunization. The Ministry has not made a detailed announcement about vaccination requirements, but travelers should monitor their website at http://www.mpps.gob.ve/ms/index.php for further developments. Travelers also may direct inquiries to the Venezuelan Embassy at 1099 30th St. N.W., Washington D.C. 20007, tel: (202) 342-2214. The Embassy of Venezuela’s web site is http://www.embavenez-us.org . Travelers also may contact the Venezuelan consulates in New York, Miami, Chicago, New Orleans, Boston, Houston, San Francisco, or San Juan for information.

The U.S. Government remains concerned about the heightened threat of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. Any large-scale public events like the Copa America, therefore, could be the focus of terrorist acts or other forms of violence. U.S. citizens planning to attend matches or participate in other large-scale public gatherings during the Copa are advised to use caution and stay alert to their surroundings at all times. Practicing personal safety measures can effectively reduce the risk of being a victim of violent crime or extortion.

In light of the circumstances, U.S. citizens are advised to consider the risks before traveling to Venezuela. American citizens already in Venezuela should monitor regularly the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov , where the current Consular Information Sheet for Venezuela, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, and other travel information can be found. Up-to-date information on security also can be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada. Callers outside the United States and Canada may call a toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are answered from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

All Americans in Venezuela are urged to register either online at https://travelregistration.state.gov, or by phone or in person directly with the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Registering gives U.S. citizens access to updated information on travel and security within Venezuela and makes it easier for the Embassy to contact citizens in case of emergency. Security updates are e-mailed to all registered Americans with an e-mail address.

The U.S. Embassy is located at Calle F con calle Suapure, Urb. Colinas de Valle Arriba. The 24-hour telephone number is (58) 212-975-6411. The U.S. Embassy website is http://caracas.usembassy.gov/ . In the event of an after-hours emergency, please call the above number and ask to be transferred to the duty officer.

[Cindy]

NOTE: The following text is a quote:

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3262.html

Printer friendly version Email
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Mon Jun 25 2007 13:51:16 GMT-0700.

Papua New Guinea

June 22, 2007

This Public Announcement is being issued to alert Americans to the possibility of violence in connection with upcoming national elections in Papua New Guinea. Americans traveling to or residing in Papua New Guinea should consider these risks in making their plans. This Public Announcement expires on August 15, 2007.

Papua New Guinea’s national elections will take place from June 30 to July 10, 2007, with final results likely to be announced in early August. The period surrounding the elections is likely to be volatile, which may affect the security situation. Election-related violence, mainly between opposing clans and political groups, may occur in the Highlands region. Provinces of particular concern include Southern Highlands (where violence accompanied the 2002 national elections), Enga, Western Highlands, Chimbu, and Eastern Highlands provinces. Election-related violence is also of concern in Port Moresby and Lae, particularly in the settlement areas.

Polling is scheduled to take place in each of the Highlands provinces as follows:

• Southern Highlands - June 30
• Enga - July 3
• Western Highlands – July 6
• Eastern Highlands and Chimbu provinces - July 9

Polling in all other provinces will be staggered throughout the eleven days of voting. Given the multiple polling sites, local law enforcement authorities may face challenges in providing adequate security.

Americans could inadvertently be caught up in violence directed at others. We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. This can include large public gatherings, polling places, and counting centers.

Americans living or traveling in Papua New Guinea are encouraged to register and update their contact information at the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby. Registration may be done on line, and can be done in advance of travel. Information on registering can be found at the Department of State’s Consular Affairs website: https://travelregistration.state.gov. The U.S. Embassy is located on Douglas Street, adjacent to the Bank of Papua New Guinea, in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The Embassy’s telephone number is (675) 321-1455; after hours duty officer telephone number is (675-683-7943); fax (675) 321-1593. The Embassy’s telephone number is (675) 321-1455; after hour’s duty officer telephone number is (675-683-7943); fax (675) 321-1593.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov , where the current Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, and health-information resources can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

[Cindy]

http://www.memritv.org
http://www.memri.org/jihad.html

#

Note: Includes Video:

http://memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=subjects&Area=jihad&ID=SP163407

Special Dispatch Series - No. 1634
June 26, 2007 No.1634

Islamist Websites Monitor No. 115
“Al-Qaeda Deputy Ayman Al-Zawahiri Calls on Hamas to Enforce the Shari’a in Gaza; Urges Mujahideen to Attack Zionist Interests Throughout the World”

#

http://memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=subjects&Area=jihad&ID=SP163307

Special Dispatch Series - No. 1633
June 26, 2007 No.1633

“Fears in PA: Gaza May Turn into Taliban-Style Emirate”

[Cindy]

This is a very serious situation and I thank you for this post here, Nauti Nurse.

[Mossad1967]

http://www.breitbart.com/print.php?id=070625232254.etwt6z5u&show_article=1

********************************************
Iranian forces crossed Iraqi border: report

Jun 25 07:23 PM US/Eastern

Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces have been spotted by British troops crossing the border into southern Iraq, The Sun tabloid reported on Tuesday.
Britain’s defence ministry would not confirm or deny the report, with a spokesman declining to comment on “intelligence matters”.

An unidentified intelligence source told the tabloid: “It is an extremely alarming development and raises the stakes considerably. In effect, it means we are in a full on war with Iran — but nobody has officially declared it.”

“We have hard proof that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps have crossed the border to attack us. It is very hard for us to strike back. All we can do is try to defend ourselves. We are badly on the back foot.”

The Sun said that radar sightings of Iranian helicopters crossing into the Iraqi desert were confirmed to it by very senior military sources.

In response to the report, a British defence ministry spokesman said: “There is evidence that explosive devices used against our troops in southern Iraq originated in Iran.”

“Any Iranian link to armed militias in Iraq either through weapons supply, training or funding are unacceptable.”

Britain has about 7,100 soldiers in Iraq, most of whom are based in the southern city of Basra and surrounding areas, though the government has pledged to reduce that to between 5,000 and 5,500 this year.

Could be something to keep a close eye on!!!