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All I have is a date, and that was alluded to, although in a very cryptic fashion, in several previous issues of Voice of Jihad. I have no clue (other than some educated guesses based on other information in the issues of Voice of Jihad and Al Battar, as well as various posts on the Arabic forums) as to what or where. I really do not want to frighten people unnecessarily.

By the way, on the Al Khobar attacks this weekend, you might want to look at my article, published on May 15 at NEIN at http://www.homelandsecurityus.com/May2004/battar10.asp. (I'll be posting the information from issue 11 of Al Battar later tonight or tomorrow.)

15 May 2004 - Summary & Analysis “Kidnapping & Hostage Taking” Excerpted from Camp al Battar, Issue 10

Issue Theme: Military Science: “Kidnapping & Hostage Taking”
Written by: Hajab Abdel Aziz Abu Al Moqrim (from Al Battar, Issue 10)

This issue of Camp Al Battar, Al Qaeda’s online training magazine, is a continuation of detailed training of terrorists and militants in the practical and detailed concepts of kidnapping and hostage taking. This specific chapter is written in the form of a textbook style lesson that explains the methods of carrying out kidnappings of multiple targets, which is an extension of a previous article on the process of kidnapping a single target. Al Battar provides exceptionally extensive and detailed instructions on the proper techniques to be employed in the various kidnapping scenarios, from surveillance of specific targets to the disposition of the hostages.

It is important to note that the acts of global terrorism that have been performed over the last several months have followed the pattern established by each release of this manual. For example, issue 9 of Camp al Battar have addressed the methodical assassinations of public figures; within thirty days of the release of that issue, the world saw the assassination of Akhamd Kadyrov, President of Chechnya, pictured at left. The kidnapping of Thomas Hamill, an American contractor working in Iraq and pictured below, was kidnapped 9 April 2004 in a scenario that closely mirrored the detailed instructions of kidnapping individuals that were contained in an issue of al Battar released close to the time the kidnapping. It is incumbent upon the recipient of this analysis to understand that the latest series of terrorist events has closely followed the contents of these publications. By being aware of the topics within these publications, the reader has an increased awareness of the military style planning and is in a better position to defend against possible acts of terrorism as identified in each of these publications. Although the above examples illustrate events that have taken place outside of the United States, we caution the reader to be aware of the closing statement contained in this issue, which appears to refer to the possible activation of sleeper cells in the US and other countries:

“The ones who believe and emigrated and will fight for Allah's sake with their money and their souls to the utmost degree and they are willing. Their lord grants them mercy and satisfaction in their lives and paradise for them after they finish their task. They will be immortal in paradise and Allah has for them a great reward.”

Background: About Al Battar

Until the US invasion of Afghanistan put a screeching and explosive halt to the process, a would-be terrorist had to travel halfway around the world to get “state of the art” training in the training facilities operated by Al Qaeda.

Those training facilities have been effectively destroyed, and although replacements have sprung up in various locations, most notably Saudi Arabia, these training centers cannot handle the volume of students that Al Qaeda must process in order to continue its quest for worldwide domination.

The masterminds behind Al Qaeda, just like many major corporations, made a decision last fall to expand their training operations onto the internet with the launch of a monthly magazine called Al Battar.

Al Battar derives its name from the Sword of the Prophets. The original Al Battar is an ancient relic that is said to have originally belonged to King David of Biblical fame, and was used to cut off the head of Goliath, and was later taken as booty in battle by the Prophet Mohamed. Islamic traditions claim that this sword will be used by Jesus when he returns to earth to defeat Dajjal, the Islamic Anti-Christ. This sword, which is currently located in the Topkapi Museum in Istanbel, is inscribed in Arabic with the names of the prophets revered by Islam: David, Solomon, Moses, Aaron, Joshua, Zechariah, John, Jesus, and Muhammad.

In an effort to maintain the tradition of victory that is associated with the phrase Al Battar, the authors go into extensive detail each month, providing explicit directions in a wide range of topics that are essential for the well-prepared Mujhad, or warrior.

Content Summary

This issue of Camp Al Battar consists of 40 pages, with the primary focus of the publication giving practical and detailed instruction on the process of kidnapping and hostage taking of groups of people for various purposes, including but not limited to ransom and political idealism. The “lesson” provides specific instructions on how to conduct preliminary investigation and surveillance of the intended targets and the conveyances from which they will be taken (e.g. tour busses, airplanes). The lesson also outlines preparation for the kidnapping, such as preliminary observation of the route, the location of intended takeover, and the destination of the targets.

The article describes surveillance of certain specific location, such as national landmarks and buildings where tour groups commonly visit, and also extends into areas such as truck stops and rest stops when specifically targeting motor vehicles and buses. With regard to aircraft, the text describes the various levels of security at airports, and references the overall poor security that reportedly exists in airline lounges at airports.

Groups of individuals that could be considered enviable targets were identified as groups traveling for corporations, tours, and contracting groups traveling in caravans. There are references to previous issues that identified political motorcades as targets as well, to the extent of addressing security of such groups. Also, the text outlined surveillance of an intended destination and the security in place at that location. There was a significant focus on providing instructions on methods of establishing and utilizing effective pretexts and subterfuge to fool security at such locations. Impersonation of both governmental and non-governmental personnel for the purpose of gaining access to restricted locations was also detailed, with the pros and cons of each pretext identified.

The initial portion of the article detailed the preparation and strategy for the takeover and control of the conveyance and the passengers. The following portion of this article or detailed lesson specifically identified the different compartmentalized groups or cells that will take part in the kidnapping, with particular emphasis on limited knowledge between groups to avoid the possibility of compromising the operation if caught and subjected to interview and interrogation.

The text described the necessary traits of those involved in the actual kidnapping; it is necessary for those who control the hostages to be psychologically and physically strong to avoid unnecessary emotion and to overpower anyone who might attempt heroic acts. The use of deadly force to the extent it is necessary at the time of takeover was discussed, as was the emphasis on being adept at hand-to-hand combat skills.

As outlined in the text, the importance of separating the hostages into different groups for control purposes was detailed. It was recommended that the young and older men are kept separate from the women and children. The hostages should be carefully monitored, and the persons in charge of each group must avoid close contact and avoid any sexual inclination to the women. All contact with the hostages must remain depersonalized and detached.

The article outlined the process of transporting the hostages from the place of kidnapping to a safer location, and described the most suitable location for the storage of hostages as anywhere that would not draw attention. Urban and rural areas are cited as desirable, or houses in areas that would not draw attention by the presence of unknown people. The overall key, according to the text, is to blend into the surroundings if it is not possible for complete seclusion.

When transporting hostages, the lesson stated that it is important to insure that they have no idea of their destination or current location, which can be accomplished through blindfolds, drugs or the use of agents to temporarily incapacitate the hostages.

The text also described using ambulances as a practical conveyance when transporting single or few hostages. If the destination is a house or dwelling for safekeeping, it should be one with multiple exits if rapid escape is necessary. There is detailed discussion about possible rescue attempts and the use of flash grenades and other weapons used by rescuing authorities.

The issue of negotiation with government bodies and law enforcement was discussed in detail. It was state that the authorities will likely not give into the demand of the kidnappers, stall, and employ many tactics to secure the release of the hostages. To establish the serious intent of the kidnappers, the article stated that killing a hostage for show is sometimes necessary and desirable. In that event, select someone who might represent a danger to the operation, but leave the most important person or dignitary for last. During the negotiation, if food is sent in for the hostages, the text suggests that the oldest and youngest hostages retrieve the food and that it is taste-tested before being eaten to insure that it has not been tampered. If the plan allows for the exchange of any hostage for any purpose, young children and women should be the first allowed to leave, as young children will rarely recall important details when debriefed.

In addition to the actual act of hostage taking and the maintaining of hostages, the text describes the possible outcomes of the hostage scenario. In summary, the article suggests that the ultimate disposition of the hostages is unimportant. They can be killed without reservation if it is necessary.