Posted on 05/16/2002 8:48:17 PM PDT by Dallas
The Federal Aviation Administration issued 15 warnings, known as information circulars, last year before the Sept. 11 terror attacks. Federal law prevents the Transportation Department from releasing the texts of the circulars, but the agency summarized the warnings in response to revelations Thursday that President Bush and the airline industry were warned in advance of the threat of hijackings.
The warnings are now issued by the new Transportation Security Administration, which has taken over aviation security from the Federal Aviation Administration and the airlines.
The warnings are:
January -- U.S. airlines were warned of violence against American citizens and interests due to continuing Middle East violence.
March -- Airlines that fly to Middle Eastern countries were warned of threats from suspected terrorists in those nations.
April -- Two advisories gave airlines updates about possible threats against Americans and encouraged them to "practice a high degree of awareness."
June -- Airlines flying to Middle Eastern countries received additional information about terrorist activity.
June -- Airlines were warned about increased violence in Israel.
June -- Airlines were told about the case of Ahmed Ressam, convicted of explosives smuggling, lying to customs officials and planning to commit acts of international terrorism. He was trained in terrorist camps financed by Osama bin Laden and was in charge of the failed plot to detonate a suitcase bomb at the Los Angeles International Airport during the millennium celebrations, U.S. officials said.
June -- Airlines were warned that extremist groups may target U.S. interests.
July -- Airlines received an update of the terrorist plot directed at Los Angeles airport.
July -- Airlines received information about a weapons system that terrorists could use against civil aviation.
July -- Airlines and airports received two warnings of possible terrorist threats in the Middle East. One warning specifically mentioned bin Laden, a government official said.
August -- Airport security personnel were told about ways to disguise weapons. National Security adviser Condoleezza Rice said the warning mentioned the possible use of cell phones, key chains and pens as weapons.
August -- Aviation security personnel received another update on violence in Israel and threats to Israeli civil aviation. Airlines were told to review the State Department's guidance on traveling to the Middle East.
August -- Airlines serving Spain were warned about recent bombings conducted by separatist groups in that country.
Copyright © 2002, The Associated Press
Oh, that's right--it was the American Museum Council.
What was I thinking?
"The FAA issued 15 warnings, known as information circulars, ..... Federal law prevents the Transportation Department from releasing the texts of the circulars, ..."
How about in cuniform?
Warning! Your life is in danger, but I can't tell you from what because then I'd have to kill you for security reasons.
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