New FBI warning cites biochem threat

world net daily ^ | 12/25/03

[knak]

Feds advise security to be on alert for 'unusual powders, liquids, odors'

Posted: December 25, 2003
1:25 p.m. Eastern

By Paul Sperry
© 2003 WorldNetDaily.com

WASHINGTON – The FBI is warning law enforcement in a new security advisory to be alert for signs of a biological or chemical attack against the homeland by al-Qaida terrorists over the next few weeks.

Unexplained or unusual odors, such as the smell of "bitter almonds," are among "potential indicators of threats involving" weapons of mass destruction, according to the advisory issued earlier this week by the FBI counterterrorism division.

WorldNetDaily obtained a copy of the report labeled "law enforcement sensitive."

An earlier homeland security report, dated Nov. 21, said the terrorists have designed a "crude chemical dispersal device" fabricated from commonly available materials, which is designed to asphyxiate its victims, as WorldNetDaily first reported. The device can produce both cyanogen chloride gas and hydrogen cyanide gas, which gives off a bitter almond smell.

"These gases are most effective when released in confined spaces such as subways, buildings or other crowded indoor facilities," the closely held report said, adding that al-Qaida has shown a continued interest in targeting subways.

"Al-Qaida remains intent on using chemical or biological agents in attacks on the homeland," it said.

The new advisory, coming alongside an increase in the terror-threat alert to high, reiterates the concern over such weapons.

"The acquisition, production or theft of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear materials and subsequent dissemination is a top al-Qaida objective," the FBI warned this week.

To guard against such attacks, the agency is advising law enforcement and security personnel to be on the lookout for suspicious packages or containers, as well as "unusual powders or liquids," near air-intake systems or enclosed spaces. Discovery of unusual spray devices or bottles is also a priority.

In addition, it lists several odors which are tell-tale signs of a WMD attack.

"Smells may range from fruity/flowery to sharp/pungent, garlic/horseradish-like, bitter almonds, peach kernels and new-mown grass/hay," according to the FBI advisory.

U.S. intelligence has determined that al-Qaida plans to attack America again within the next few weeks, possibly around the New Year's holiday.

"Reliable sources suggest the possibility of attacks against the United States by early 2004," the FBI said. "Extremists abroad are anticipating near-term attacks that they believe will rival the terrorist attack of Sept. 11 in scope and impact."

The feds are also worried about al-Qaida using aircraft again in suicide attacks.

"Intelligence reports show that al-Qaida continues to develop plans to use aircraft as a weapon in suicide attacks, and continues to study countries to determine those that have the least stringent aviation security measures," the FBI report said.

"Operatives still at large view attacks on U.S. territory as a priority," it added.

[Pro-Bush]

Bump/Ping!

WorldNetDaily obtained a copy of the report labeled "law enforcement sensitive." An earlier homeland security report, dated Nov. 21, said the terrorists have designed a "crude chemical dispersal device" fabricated from commonly available materials, which is designed to asphyxiate its victims, as WorldNetDaily first reported. The device can produce both cyanogen chloride gas and hydrogen cyanide gas, which gives off a bitter almond smell.

"These gases are most effective when released in confined spaces such as subways, buildings or other crowded indoor facilities," the closely held report said, adding that al-Qaida has shown a continued interest in targeting subways.

[Fitzcarraldo]

Maybe they should raise the alert status to red.

[greenwolf]

"Smells may range from fruity/flowery to sharp/pungent, garlic/horseradish-like, bitter almonds, peach kernels and new-mown grass/hay," according to the FBI advisory.

Obviously, by the time you smell this stuff, it is too late.

Long-term, it's not easy to see how we can defend against every possible variation of this sort of large-scale terror attack. The only thing which comes to my mind as any sort of an answer is that there needs to be some sort of a threat of overwhelming retalliation on the table which would register in the minds of the people involved. A couple of ICBMs pointed at Mecca and Medina might be a reasonable start...

[gonzo]

"...Smells may range from fruity/flowery to sharp/pungent, garlic/horseradish-like, bitter almonds, peach kernels and new-mown grass/hay," according to the FBI advisory..."

Well, that just about covers everything except Sarin. And if you smelled any of the above, you'd probably be choking your guts out............FRegards

[Husker24]

"Smells may range from fruity/flowery to sharp/pungent, garlic/horseradish-like, bitter almonds, peach kernels and new-mown grass/hay," according to the FBI advisory.

Well that about covers about half the smells out there in some way.

[Principled]

... there needs to be some sort of a threat of overwhelming retalliation on the table which would register in the minds of the people involved.

What will we do to france?

A couple of ICBMs pointed at Mecca and Medina might be a reasonable start...

What about france?

[Rome2000]

I thought Hatfill was under surveillance.

What if we were attacked by WMD and couldn't find out who to retaliate against?

Oh I forgot, it already happened and we did nothing.

[oceanview]

they will hit an urban area, a rural area, they will use planes, truck bombs, female suicide bombers, it will be xmas eve, new years eve, they will use chemicals, WMDs, they have pre-planted nukes, suitcase nukes, they will use cargo planes, foreign airlines and pilots.

at some point, when you have intelligence that covers every possible scenario, in reality, what do you really have?

[Koblenz]

A few years ago, those Japanese terrorists released Sarin in a subway and killed about 6 people. I've heard that causing widespread casualties with chemical agents isn't as easy as you'd think...

[Principled]

What if we were attacked by WMD and couldn't find out who to retaliate against?

We should put some folks on notice. They'll either say "whoa there big guy, let me show you we're not part of this" or they'll say, "we don't see any evidence of a terrorist plot here" and let the perps walk.

[chicagolady]

Forget the trouble with the chemical agents, It's the stamped I would be worried about!

[First_Salute]

"the homeland"

That would be the United States of America.

Look at Air Force One; along the sides, it says, United States of America.

Not Homeland Airways.

[ChefKeith]

The device can produce both cyanogen chloride gas and hydrogen cyanide gas, which gives off a bitter almond smell.

"These gases are most effective when released in confined spaces such as subways, buildings or other crowded indoor facilities," the closely held report said, adding that al-Qaida has shown a continued interest in targeting subways.

Geez, kinda like the stuff at Costco and Wal-Mart a while back...

[hershey]

Hopefully, we're kicking some French arse behind the scene. Interesting, too, that more details about the Air France mess are being leaked. French treachery, and double dealing are as plain as the nose on your face, but they've done it for centuries and doubtless see no reason to change. It's time we gave them a few.

[CyberAnt]

I think this latest "warning" is interesting in that Monsoor Ijaz was commenting on FOX that he wondered if the current "attacks" were just a trial run to see what security measures we had in place.

[little jeremiah]

"Smells may range from fruity/flowery to sharp/pungent, garlic/horseradish-like, bitter almonds, peach kernels and new-mown grass/hay," according to the FBI advisory.

IOW, everything except skunk and patchouli. And manure.

[Imal]

"Smells may range from fruity/flowery to sharp/pungent, garlic/horseradish-like, bitter almonds, peach kernels and new-mown grass/hay," according to the FBI advisory.

In other news, federal officials have issued an all-points bulletin for this woman:

[bluefish]

IOW, everything except skunk and patchouli. And manure

They didn't list those because everybody already knows all 3 are toxic. Especially patchouli.

[little jeremiah]

To tell you the truth, a faint whiff of skunk in the early morning air isn't bad, especially compared to most artifical perfume. Except I feel sorry for the poor skunk, usually deceased.