Posted on 12/05/2003 6:59:23 PM PST by Destro
Thu 4 Dec 2003
5:58pm (UK)
Security Stepped Up Around Britain's Albanian Embassy
"PA"
Police erected high concrete blocks near the British embassy in the Albanian capital today as part of efforts to prevent terrorist attacks.
Cranes installed massive blocks almost eight feet high at the entrance to the embassy in Tirana’s diplomatic quarter. The blocks were placed so that cars would not be able to speed into the embassy grounds.
“These are steps undertaken in the context of the recent security measures from police to prevent any terrorist attack,” police spokesman Florian Serjani said.
Blocks would also be erected near other embassies located in the same compound, including the German, French and Bulgarian embassies, and at the Italian Embassy, which is located in another part of the city, Serjani said.
Albania increased security around government and other public buildings following recent attacks in Turkey, fearing that Albania, too, could become a terrorist target.
Police claim they prevented an attack last month when they arrested two suspected Albanian terrorists who allegedly had remote-controlled explosive devices police said had been meant to be used in Tirana.
Albania, a small, predominantly Muslim country which emerged from decades of communist isolation in 1990, was one of the most vocal backers of the Anglo-American campaign in Iraq.
It has 71 peacekeeping troops stationed in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul.
Last time terrorists were caught in Tirana, they were Islamic Jihad with Egyptian connections. They were extradited to Cairo and executed.
Albania, a small, predominantly Muslim country which emerged from decades of communist isolation in 1990, was one of the most vocal backers of the Anglo-American campaign in Iraq.
A great ally, offered up its territory for bases and training immediately after 9-11 and our Navy & Marines used it when Vieques was shut down. Was one of the original eight European countries signing the letter of support to the USA for going into Iraq.
It has 71 peacekeeping troops stationed in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul.
Been there since April, attached to the 101st Airborne--have had at least one WIA. Are sending over another force shortly and also have troops assisting us in Afghanistan.
Destro, your perceptive powers amaze me. The Albanians have gone to great length to diguise their true nature as jihadists, yet you have managed to see right through their smokescreen--that Albanian Orthodox Prime Minister they elected, the secular government, the cooperation with the US in all facets of the war on terror, the visits by Powell and Rumsfield to thank Albania for its help in Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. military exercises and training events they host. While everyone in a military or civilian position of responsibility in the Bush administration sees Albania as a good friend and ally, Destro has identified the true nature of the perfidious Albanians.
A misconception about terrorists is that they are always out hidden in some remote area or the "badlands". Most of the time, they are found in areas with lots of people, near well travelled roads, and reasonably close to airports. All those people and all that movement makes their comings and goings and other activities much less noticeable. In the hinterlands, while Andy and Barney may not be the most professional law enforcers, they know their county and they immediately pick up on new people and unusual activity.
Meanwhile embassies and Western organizations are on alret in Albanian and Bosnian Muslim areas of the Balkans...I guess al-Qaeda has plenty of places to hide an operative or 2 amongst the white slavers and heroin smugglers.
That America's foreign policy establishment chose to ally with Albania as a destabilizing element to the Balkans is well known.
Q: This place is swarming with the enemy now -- when will they hit us?
A: Only when they want to ring up a spectacular body count from a postmodern "Night of the Long Knives".
Dry is good and wind is better...
The road where the British Embassy is located is a narrow street sealed off only by a pair of guards at both the North and South end. They are seldom attentive and do not check IDs of those wandering past the checkpoint. At nights when a big football match is on the telly they often knock back a few rakis and let their minds roam before the evening nap...
Unlike the American Embassy on the rruga Durres the Brit Embassy is not under constant surveillance by the Islamic entente and the layout of the street prevents a suicide bomber from getting a long running start to detonate an F=MA-boosted car bomb. However internal security is weak and as late as 1999 infiltration through the grounds was possible from the (then) Kosovo Embassy.
Within the mosques of Tirana extremely accurate range cards targeting the American and British embassies have been circulated during the past few months. This is probably more of a propaganda ploy than a realistic attempt to initiate a mortar/breaching operation against these facilities. However Islamic entente communications in the last few months have indicated a likely indirect fire attack against Western embassies in the Balkans.
These are impossible to interdict without superior intelligence work. No counter-battery fire available in the Capital...
A trio of Western hangouts in Tirana have also been under Islamic entente surveillance during the past few weeks: France 98, the Stephens Centre, and the Amsterdam Restaurant. Each of these spots have heavy Western ex-pat traffic on the weekends and are open to both direct fire and suicide bombing attacks. When the alert level is raised, additional friendly eyes need to scope out these locations before the usual weekend gatherings.
Millions will die in the Third World War...
Albania is friendly to America and Britain and has a very capable internal security apparat. However bitter political maneuvering in advance of the Socialist Party Congress and probable early elections next year have initiated a disconnect at certain levels within the security framework. There are holes open now that did not exist in the summer.
Mr Nano's block is ringed with the best anti-sniper and counter-terrorism teams in Albania -- of course he has reason to worry. However for the rest of the capital the landscape shows one huge soft target wedged around the hardened US Embassy.
The Islamic entente unlikely to make a move in Albania until they are ready to force a decision. They know where every Westerner lives and while they won't try and penetrate the Ridge, they can hit anywhere else anytime they want to...
The forces of freedom on the move. Europe trembles.
Mr. D's home away from home while in Tirana.
Mr. D, always the international man of mystery, keeps his back to the camera as he briefs Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano...
Just before he greets US Secretary of State Colin Powell on a state visit to Albania.
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