Superbowl XL - Is this the target Al Qaeda has been waiting for? "the American Hiroshima?” (VANITY)

Let’s assume for the moment that the latest audiotape of Bin laden is not, as many have opined, simply an attempt to make himself relevant as he sees the methodical dismantling of his Al-Qaeda terrorist network. Instead, let’s assume for the moment that there is something to his bravado. That he isn’t just bluffing. But that the long-feared worst-case scenario has been achieved by his cohorts: that Al-Qaeda now has in its possession a dirty bomb. And more importantly, that this bomb is now in the targeted geographical location awaiting simply the designated hour for its detonation. Is that an unrealistic assumption? If only it were.

Notice that I didn’t say that the bomb was already in the United States. Because on Feb. 6, 2006 it won’t have to be in the US in order to kill 10’s of thousands of Americans while the whole world is watching. For on that date, Superbowl XL will take place in Detroit, MI at the new home of the Detroit Lions, Ford Field. What has yet to garnish any media attention is the fact that this will be the first time since 9/11 that such a high-profile event with such a concentration of Americans will take place so close to one of our borders.

Ford Field is located less than 2,300 yds from Canada. The Expo Center which will host the NFL Experience for families and children, is located directly on the riverfront, less than 700 yds from the Canadian shore. Windsor hotels and casinos will be jammed packed with thousands of American tourists from every state. The tunnel and bridge connecting the two countries will be at a crawl, cars and buses bumper to bumper along their entire stretch. The game itself will be broadcast live around the world. Even our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan will be tuning in.

Do we even need to pose the question whether Al-Qaeda would see this as a perfect target? There are indications that previous Superbowls may have been unsuccessfully targeted. During the 2003 Superbowl in Houston a Continental flight (CO 1519) from DC to Houston was cancelled at the last minute due to intercepted chatter mentioning the flight number. The plane was due to arrive in Houston mid-way through the third quarter. The 2002 Superbowl in New Orleans was completely swept for bombs, although this was not reported until later.

And then recently, on October 1, 2005, an Oklahoma University student blew himself up outside the UO stadium which was packed with 84,000 fans. The act was ruled a suicide unrelated to terrorism, although a secondary device was exploded by authorities and his apartment was found loaded with explosive chemicals known to be used by Al-Qaeda. The student, Joel Hinrichs , also had been active at the Norman, OK mosque also frequented by other known terrorists. And his roommate, from Pakistan, had purchased an airline ticket to Algeria. The roommate was interviewed and released. http://www.homelandsecurityus.com/site/modules/news/article.php?storyid=16

Then on Dec. 23, 2005 three Algerian terrorists were arrested in Italy. The Turkish Press reported that plans to blow up US stadiums and other targets were found in their possession. http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?id=93048 Is there a possible connection between the bombing in Oklahoma and these arrests? It seems probable.

One theory is that Hinrichs actually was in the process of arming a bomb with the intention on killing hundreds along with himself, but that the bomb accidentally detonated. Another theory is that he unknowingly was used as a guinea pig by this terrorist cell as a trial run in preparation for a much larger-scale attack.

And then there is the continued search for Adnan El Shukrijumah, who is thought to be to the next terrorist attack on US soil, what Mohammed Atta was to 9/11. He is thought to be the one organizing the whole operation. The Washington Times reported the following in 2003:

A key al Qaeda terrorism suspect was in Canada looking for nuclear material for a "dirty bomb," The Washington Times has learned. Adnan El Shukrijumah is being sought by the FBI and CIA in connection with a plot to detonate a dirty bomb — a conventional explosive laced with radioactive material. According to an FBI informant, El Shukrijumah was spotted last year in Hamilton, Ontario, posing as a student at McMaster University, which has a 5-megawatt research reactor. U.S. officials believe El Shukrijumah, whose photograph was posted on the FBI's Web site in March, was in Hamilton trying to obtain radioactive material…….U.S. intelligence officials said earlier this year that al Qaeda planned to detonate a dirty bomb inside the United States, a plot directed by Mohammed. According to the officials, the al Qaeda members were sent to North America and assigned with making the bomb from materials acquired there, rather than trying to smuggle conventional explosives and radioactive material into the United States.

According to World Net Daily: “Adnan el Shukrijumah, a trained nuclear technician and accomplished pilot, has been singled out by bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri to serve as the field commander for the next terrorist attack on U.S. soil, a nuclear event that is known among al-Qaida planners as "the American Hiroshima”….At McMaster, where they may have enrolled under aliases, el-Shukrijumah and his associates reportedly wasted no time in gaining access to the nuclear reactor and stealing more than 180 pounds of nuclear waste for the creation of radiological bombs.” http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=46158

El Shukrijumah is still on the loose, and his whereabouts are unknown. But he is thought to be either in Florida or, get this, Canada.

If he indeed is in Canada, and if he has succeeded in his mission to assemble a dirty bomb, then the only thing stopping him from detonating it is the arrival of the designated hour. He also is an accomplished pilot who successfully high-jacked a plane in Mexico in 2004. And guess where he got his training? That’s right, Norman, OK.

So now, back to Bin Laden’s message. The following are excerpts from the actual transcript. He repeatedly indicates the imminency of an attack. Especially troubling is the phrase, “days and nights will not go by.” I am not an authority on Arabic, but this phrase seems to indicate something is going to happen soon…very soon.

In fact, reports indicate that the defeat and devastating failure of the ill-omened plan of the four - Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, and Wolfowitz - and the announcement of this defeat and working it out, is only a matter of time, which is to some extent linked to the awareness of the American people of the magnitude of this tragedy.

Days and nights will not go by until we take revenge as we did on 11 September, God willing

And then he specifically references our boastful dependence on “modern weapons” which he contends will ultimately cause us to “lose the war.”

"Do not be deluded by your power and modern weapons. Although they win some battles, they lose the war."

Then twice he indicates that our defenses have been breached and that the operation is well underway.

"On the other hand, the mujahideen, praise be to God, have managed to breach all the security measures adopted by the unjust nations of the coalition time and again." "As for the delay in carrying out similar operations in America, this was not due to failure to breach your security measures. Operations are under preparation, and you will see them on your own ground once they are finished, God willing."

Then he concludes with this almost Messianic phrase as if it is directed at a specific chosen person.

"We will remain patient in fighting you, God willing, until the one whose time has come dies first. We will not escape the fight as long as we hold our weapons in our hands."

Is Bin Laden referring to Adnan El Shukrijumah? Is it possible that his “time has come” and that Bin Laden’s message is intended to not only take advance credit for the attack, but also as a message to El Shukrijumah to proceed with it?

It is very possible, even probable, that the real reason for no attack on US soil since 9/11 is that they have been patiently awaiting the right timing to pull off the perfect sequel to 9/11. No one knows what that “perfect sequel” would be for Al-Qaeda. But no one would argue against the probability that an event like the Superbowl would be near the top of the list. Six years ago Detroit was named as the host for the Superbowl. Since then Al-Qaeda terrorists have been in Ontario, stolen nuclear waste, and have disappeared. Their leader is an accomplished pilot and has already successfully high-jacked a small plane. His mission to attack the US with nuclear weapons, specifically dirty bombs, is a very real threat.

Unfortunately, for whatever reason the vast majority of Americans and Canadians have no idea who he is and the threat he poses. I believe that his name, picture and the video of him http://www.amw.com/fugitives/video_photos.cfm?id=27869 needs to be broadcast in both countries wherever possible. The White House and The Department of Homeland Security have often said that the greatest defense against terrorism is an alert and informed community. It is important that the word of this potential threat be spread with the hopes that El Shukrijumah could be apprehended before his mission is accomplished. Whether it be the Superbowl in Detroit or some other target.

Thanks for the comment. And I too make wisecracks about it from time to time. It doesn't seem real that we are even discussing this scenario. But it is our reality. I just came across the testimony of Sam Nunn last summer before the 9/11 commission regarding the Threat of a Nuclear Attack. They aren't very reassuring.

"We believe we have to heighten awareness if we want to reduce the risk to our citizens and the world...We believe seing the danger is the first step to improving security; and that public understanding is essential if these challenges are to get on and stay on the front burner for policymakers.....In measuring the adequacy of our response to today's nuclear threats, on the scale of 1-10 I would give us about a 3..."

http://nti.org/c_press/testimony_nunn911commission_062705.pdf

The question is how do you help 65,000 football fans understand the real danger that they might be in, help prepare them to respond if something does happen, help inform them of the possible terrorists like El Shukrijumah so they might help spot him if he is in the area, without ruining the spirit of the whole event? Like another comment said, if they cause us to live in fear, they've won.

>>If an attack happens in Detroit during the Superbowl, it hits at multiple fronts. First, it would be broadcasted live. Second, it hits at something (Superbowl) very American. And third, if the attack is large enough, it hits American automobile industry.<<

"Adding on to your thought... fourth, it would hit the entertainment industry. I've not kept up with the half time performers so other than the Rolling Stones, I don't know who all will be performing but I imagine quite a few headliners. Big hit for entertainment?"

Both of you are right. And the obvious, the death toll would make 9/11 look like nothing. Although any sports event would be a devastating blow...the Superbowl carries with it that sense of invincibility that the Trade Towers conveyed.

I take it deadly seriously. I even posted a similar thread days ago (which ended up down the memory hole).

The Super Bowl would be a super target, granted.

I don't happen to be one of those who believe that by talking about it, we are "giving terrorists ideas" (the event would have been planned long ago).

I just don't happen to think that a dirty bomb exploded in Pluckistan would have the desired effect (why piss off the Canucks to attack the US?). Besides, the radiation effects two miles upwind would be minimal.

Possiblities:

Truck bomb. Used to devestating effect in OK City, Lebanon, Tanzania, etc. But also the most difficult to do (Ain't gonna be no unauthorized trucks within 3 miles of Ford Field).

Backpack bomb: OK, extremely difficult to detect (especially when you have 60,000 people waiting in line to go through security). But so it kills 80 people? Not really worth Osama's time, I would think.

Nerve gas: Could be deadly within the confines of an enclosed stadium. Would have to be several people involved (getting a large container through security would (I hope) be difficult, getting several smaller containers through, easier.) I call this one a possible. Do they have nerve gas? Other kinds of chemical agents? Don't know.

Biological agents: The easiest. Find 20 people, infect them with Ebola and give them tickets. But the effects would not be seen on prime time (which is what makes the Super Bowl an inviting target). Not much point in having a prime time audience for your terrror attack if the effects won't be seen for days later.

Plane crash: I ASSUME that Plucky authorities are working with the US to shoot down any unauthorized plane that gets within 50 miles of Detroit. I assume it. I don't know for sure that it's true.

I do agree that the bin Laden message was a precursor to an attack, and that the Super Bowl is an inviting target.

What we don't know is whether the people he was sending the message to are still operational (I assume that communications have been VERY limited to ensure that we don't intercept them).

It could also have simply been a "message in a bottle"... "Hey, if any of you guys are still out there, now would be a good time to attack!" (Again, sending human couriers back and forth between Canada and the Afghan-Paki border does not make for detailed communications).

My $.02...

Your welcome and thanks for the comment. I imagine that anyone who has been in a large stadium since 9/11 has thought to themselves at one time or another how such a venue makes so much sense as a target. What none of us knows is whether or not attempts have already been thwarted. My guess is yes. And yes, that UO incident was bizarre. It appears that law enforcement played dumb in order to follow the roommate back to the cell. Which could explain the 3 Algerians being arrested...but who knows??

Sorry, I did a search before posting but didn't find your thread. A couple of comments....there will be thousands of Americans in the stadium but also in Canada (or in between) so a bomb (nuclear, conventional, or with a chemical component) would be effective anywhere in the vicinity. BTW I read elsewhere that a chemical mixing truck and trailer was stolen from KY/TN and that truckers have been alerted to be on the lookout for a man who has been asking strange questions of chemical and fuel truck drivers. And lastly, the Canadian govt announced a few months ago that there were indications that Al Qaeda might be trying to obtain the deadly strain of the Bird Flu for use as a terrorist weapon. Good night!! Where does it end?!

We may, of course, be going about this the wrong way (forgive my having worked in PR for awhile and thus learning to think outside the box about media coverage). Attacking the Super Bowl itself may not be as important as the fact that 100 million Americans will have their TVs turned on and tuned to one channel.

Osama is smart enough (and watches enough CNN) to realize that the networks would cut away to any terrorist attack anywhere in the US - taking 100 million viewers with them.

He may (repeat "may") also be smart enough to realize that a good part of the anti-terrorist resources of the US are going to be focused on Detroit. Might be a good time to attack Chicago... or Miami... or...

At the risk of "tipping off" the enemy:

Future Super Bowl Locations

Super Bowl XLI, South Florida -- Feb. 4, 2007 (CBS)
Super Bowl XLI will be the record-tying (New Orleans) ninth Super Bowl played in the Miami area. Super Bowl XLI will be the fourth Super Bowl played at Dolphins Stadium. The other five Miami Super Bowls were played at the Orange Bowl.

Super Bowl II -- Green Bay 33, Oakland 14
Super Bowl III -- N.Y. Jets 16, Baltimore 7
Super Bowl V -- Baltimore 16, Dallas 13
Super Bowl X -- Pittsburgh 21, Dallas 17
Super Bowl XIII -- Pittsburgh 35, Dallas 31
Super Bowl XXIII -- San Francisco 20, Cincinnati 16
Super Bowl XXIX -- San Francisco 49, San Diego 26
Super Bowl XXXIII -- Denver 34, Atlanta 19
Super Bowl XLII, Glendale, Ariz. -- Feb. 3, 2008 (FOX)
Super Bowl XLII will be played in a new stadium that is currently under construction in Glendale, Ariz. The site of the 2008 Super Bowl was decided at the owners' meetings in Chicago on Oct. 29-30, 2003.

Super Bowl XXX -- Dallas 27, Pittsburgh 17
Super Bowl XLIII, Tampa, Fla. -- Feb. 1, 2009 (NBC)
Super Bowl XLIII will be the fourth Super Bowl in Tampa, and the first one since 2001, when the Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants, 34-7, in Super Bowl XXXV. The first Super Bowl in Tampa was held in 1984, when the Los Angeles Raiders beat the Washington Redskins, 38-9, in Super Bowl XVIII.

Super Bowl XVIII -- L.A. Raiders 38, Washington 9
Super Bowl XXV -- N.Y. Giants 20, Buffalo 19
Super Bowl XXXV -- Baltimore 34, N.Y. Giants 7
Super Bowl XLIV, South Florida -- TBA, 2010 (CBS)
The Super Bowl will return to the Miami area in 2010, when it will surpass New Orleans for the most Super Bowls. It will be the fifth Super Bowl played at Dolphins Stadium.

http://www.superbowl.com/features/futuresites

U.S. government restrictions on air and river traffic as well: "DETROIT (Jan. 26, 2006) -- Federal authorities announced restrictions on air and river traffic during the Super Bowl.

A temporary flight restriction will be in effect within a 30-mile radius of Ford Field on game day, Feb. 5, from 4 p.m. ET until midnight, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

Scheduled commercial and cargo flights will be allowed in and out of Detroit Metropolitan Airport in the suburb of Romulus, and general aviation will be allowed to use some local airports, but traffic will be restricted at Detroit City Airport, the FAA said.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Coast Guard said it will enforce a security zone along the Detroit waterfront of the Detroit River that will be off limits to all vessels from 8 a.m. on Jan. 31 until 8 a.m. on Feb. 6. The zone covers 1 mile from Joe Louis Arena to north of the Renaissance Center and extends 300 yards from shore.

Authorities will monitor and board vessels that come close to the security zone on the river, which separates Detroit from Windsor, Ontario.

The Coast Guard is coordinating local, federal and Canadian maritime security efforts around the Super Bowl."

http://www.superbowl.com/news/story/9190135

(Did you also notice that thread # ending in 666?)

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