Threat Matrix: Daily Terror Threat - Thread Twenty-Two

[nwctwx]

Threat Matrix: Daily Terror Threat

Thread Twenty-Two (Index)

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Google News : Google Images : News Hotlinks

The Threat Matrix

The title refers to a daily report given to the president of the United States detailing the most serious terrorist threats against the country. To tackle those threats, the government has formed a top-notch task force to infiltrate the terror cells and cut off the danger.

"Every morning, the president receives a list of the top ten terrorist threats - this list is known as the threat matrix."

We here at FR are trying to be in conjunction with the daily reports around the world that involve threats. We try to provide a storehouse of information that takes hours of research.

YOU be the judge and get informed!

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Connect these dots, now
Full Story

"We should have secured the Mexican border."

That could be the pitiful lament we hear from negligent U.S. officials if Al Qaeda pulls off an attack on the United States using weapons of mass destruction smuggled across our southern frontier.

Were that horrendous event to happen, leaders in the administration and Congress would be justly hit with the same question that was perhaps unjustly cast at them and their predecessors after the unprecedented Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks: Why didn't they connect the dots?

Related:
Bordering on Nukes?
'Bin Laden has fatwa for nuclear attack'
Jihadists Anticipate Imminent Nuclear Strike Against U.S.

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"I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat."

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Threat Matrix "TM'er" Tips	Link to Thread Twenty-One "Code Red Implications: Code Red - Stay Home and Await Word." From Tm'er and Freeper ~MamaDearest~	Cindy's Links of Interest
TM Code of Conduct		ExSoldier's Invaluable Tips
TM's 'Be on the Lookout'		Godzilla's Summaries
Threat Matrix Book List		Arabic Image Links

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is an exact quote:
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December 20, 2004

Jeremy Reynalds
P O Box 27693
Alb., NM 87125-7693
Tel: (505) 400-7145
www.joyjunction.org

 
Tortured for the Lord
 
     While Americans gear up to celebrate Christmas and enjoy God's blessings, numerous Christians in China are carrying their cross for Lord. In His Name they are tortured, jailed, detained, tortured, fined or separated from their families.

 

     The Committee for Investigation on Persecution of Religion in China's (CIPRC) Chief Secretary John Lee sent this compelling and yet tragic story of the torture that four Christian evangelists suffered because of preaching the gospel.

 

     Lee explained by e-mail how his organization obtained the account. He wrote, "God has moved many brave Christians in China in interviewing and collecting the persecution cases. Then they smuggle these reports to us in the United States. In the past several years, we have received thousands and thousands of the bloody cases. (But) we have lost many people because of this."

 

     Lee added, "Due to the nature of our ministry, our organization has become the target of the Chinese Communist Party's ‘secret force' in the U.S. They tried various means to stop us, such as stalking, intimidating, etc. But ‘The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'"

 

     With that in mind, Lee wrote, "What should we do when knowing what have happened to our brothers and sisters? Where is our own cross? ‘Jesus said, ‘And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.'" (Luke 14:27)

 

A Tragic Story

 

     According to the account from CIPRC, on Feb. 23 2003 four Christians were arrested and brutally tortured by police from Boli County, in China's Heilongjiang Province.

 

     Four policemen led by Weidong Sun from Chenxi Police Station drove two cars to Xiuying Chen's home, and arrested  Dan Deng, 38, an evangelist who rented a room there. There the police waited for three other Christians coming to meet Deng. They were Qingshan Qi, 29, Shengbin Man, 23, and Jiyan Cheng, 49.
 
     At the police station, Sun and other officers surrounded Qi. Without any warning, Sun grabbed Qi's hair and pushed his head between Sun's thighs. The other two officers then kicked him in the back with leather shoes before slapping him on the face and kicking him on the ground for more than a half hour. Then they searched Qi, seizing 400 RMB ($50) and a variety of possessions. The police then demanded that Qi tell them the names of other Christians and where they met.

 

     When Qi kept silent, the officers forced him into an excruciatingly painful posture known as  "motorcycle-riding" – where the upper body is bent forward and one's legs are stretched out. Officers then kicked Qi in the back between 50 and 60 times.

 

     After about an hour, Sun took a chair and sat in front of Qi, saying, "I will see how long you can bear. I swear to make you confess!" Then with one hand holding Qi's right arm, he used his other hand to hold a cigarette lighter and repeatedly burn Qi's palm.
  
     Later that day,  Cheng was dragged into a room and put onto a "tiger" chair. There her legs were tightened, her left hand was tied to the chair's low back while her right hand was attached to the upper back portion of the chair. Then the police officer forced her right arm down, making her scream in pain. When another officer saw that this wasn't having the desired effect, he started slapping her face for a while.

 

     Then another policeman came and continued the torture. Lifting Cheng's clothes and starting from her breast and working on down, he pressed  his fingers between her ribs. This caused such extreme pain she felt her heart was going to come out of her body.

 

     The torture continued with a different officer – this one using a needle. He stuck the needle into Cheng's knee between her bones a number of times and twisted it brutally. Then he started to poke her arms with the needle. Cheng's legs were covered with bruises. Finally, the officer poked the needle through her upper lip.
 
     Man was also beaten up. One policeman bashed his nose and followed that by grabbing his hair and smashing his head onto the wall. Sun pushed Man's head against the corner of a steel cabinet, and then forced him to assume a posture known as  "airplane-driving." Another officer kicked Man on the back between 30 and 40 times for about an hour. The police confiscated his money and possessions. He was beaten again twice before being sent to the detention center.
 
     Deng was interrogated for eight hours the next morning. He was brutalized so badly that his face was deformed.
 
     Around 6:00pm the same day the police sent all the evangelists to the county North Jail. On March 10 they were transferred to the county detention center.
 
     Qi was bailed out by his family at 4000 RMB ($500). He was released at about midnight on March 10.

 

     Cheng was half dead from the torture before being released at midnight the same day.

 

     Man was detained for 48 days. On April 12 his family bailed him out for 800 RMB ($100).

 

     Deng was assigned to cook at the detention center but escaped and nobody knows where she is now.
 
     According to CIPRC, the group was founded in 2000 in New York. Its objectives are to reveal the plight that the Chinese house church Christians have suffered, and to call on believers in the free world to help their brothers and sisters in the persecuted church.

 

     For additional information about CIPRC go to http://www.china21.org

[Cindy]

OFF TOPIC:

http://www.alighthouse.com/ofchristmas3.htm
"THE SANDS OF CHRISTMAS"

http://www.alighthouse.com/back2.htm
"CHRISTMAS MEMORIES FILL MY HEART"

[Cindy]

ON THE NET...

http://ribaat.org/

[Cindy]

http://frontpagemagazine.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=16374

"Stanford's Islamist Threat"
By Alyssa A. Lappen
FrontPageMagazine.com | December 21, 2004

[SlowBoat407]

http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=79573&ran=104721

Oceanfront hotel is evacuated after reported chlorine leak
Virginian-Pilot

Normally I'd blow something like this off, but there was something odd about the circumstances beyond a simple accident.

[ExSoldier]

Even having to spend months decontaminating, say Wall Street, the Port of Los Angeles, the neighborhood around the Chicago Board of Trade, and the Port of Galveston could set off a world economic downturn.

With a dirty bomb and not a nuclear blast, especially during the winter time, I'm not too certain there would be that problem. DECON efforts might be greatly aided by the strong winds and moisture ever present this time of year around major targets. I think IIRC we're talking about stuff like cesium or strontium or maybe cobalt type particles and not gamma radiation as would be produced by a blast.

All that stuff settles but is displaceable. I think it might be more of an irritation, especially if we reacted as such and didn't make a major thing out of it. If we can keep the press in this country from getting histrionic, we can sort of thumb our noses at the AQ and go on, it might have a severe reverse psychological impact on them.

[ExSoldier]

Even having to spend months decontaminating, say Wall Street, the Port of Los Angeles,

Wow lots of real estate there. Just How much nuclear material would be required to coat that much area? How much of a BLAST to spread it around? How likely to move it all into position without being detected? I'm not worried about a dirty bomb. But a real NUKE? You bet.

[Velveeta]

Murdered Teacher Was Relative Of Palestinian Candidate (New Orleans)
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/4012354/detail.html

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Portland may pull out of FBI task force (Oregon)

The incoming City Council, which is split on a terrorism accord, may be the first nationwide to back out of it
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1103633987274570.xml

[Velveeta]

Seafarers becoming new target of international terrorists
http://www.smh.com.au/news/Opinion/Seafarers-becoming-new-target-of-international-terrorists/2004/12/21/1103391767879.html?oneclick=true

[Velveeta]

Found on Timebomb2000:

[Brking]12/21. 9:04am IRS building Dekalb County GA being evacuated now.
http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/showthread.php?t=133116

[bored at work]

Dekalb???

[Velveeta]

Yuppa, duppa.

[SlowBoat407]

How far is that from Smyrna?

[tmp02]

If this package is "a hoax" I would think twice about the media's perspective that is relayed to their "subjects".

[Velveeta]

Suspicious Package at IRS Bldg.
http://11alive.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=56419

[all4one]

At Least 22 Dead In U.S. Base Attack (12/21/04)

Base Is Used By U.S. And Iraqi Troops

Dec 21, 2004 9:57 am US/Eastern BAGHDAD (AP) At least 22 people were killed and 50 wounded Tuesday in an attack at a U.S. and Iraqi base near Mosul in Iraq, a Pentagon official said.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that unknown assailants used rockets and mortars to attack a U.S. and Iraqi forward operating base in Mosul. The official said it was believed that dining hall at the base was struck.

It was unknown whether the casualties were U.S. or Iraqi personnel, the official said. The base is used jointly by the United States and Iraq.

http://kyw.com/news/topstories_story_356085119.html">Link to Article

[all4one]

Link to Full Article

Link for Iraq Article

[Velveeta]

20 miles

[Velveeta]

~Prayers~

[Godzilla]

Terrorism Summary 12/20/04

I apologize that this summary may seem a bit fuzzy. My recovery from surgery didn’t permit me to be as detailed in following some of the items as I would normally like. Let me know if you want on or off the Ping list.

12/20/04 Current National Homeland Defense threat level is YELLOW

1. Attack threat windows
12/20/04 Primary Window: October 29 - December 28, 2004. High concern over possible attack by al-Qaeda within 60 days of 29 Oct. OBL video. This is based upon an historical analysis of previous videos. Concern is also raised with the release of the 11/28/04 Zawahiri video tape.

Godzilla note - An interesting discussion regarding an individual identified as “German Guy” posting from the web site called “Rumormill”. Individual claims to have been a German BND intel guy. However transcripts provided by Freeper Milkncookies quickly indicated that he has a strong anti-Semitic slant to his views (believes 911 & Madrid were works of the Mossad). He has made claims that Houston as well as other cities in the US are to be hit on Dec 27th, and that it will be done by our CIA acting as AQ. Although German Guy sounds a lot like the nefarious ‘Aussie Bloke’, the date is in the current primary window and should be evaluated when the date comes and goes.

Another potential attack window is the Nov 24 - Jan 1 - Thanksgiving / Christmas Holiday season.
12/20/04 Secondary windows: No significant changes
January 20, 2005 - Presidential inauguration
Feb. 6 Super Bowl in Jacksonville, Fla.

2. Attack Indicators

11/23/04 The following post is being maintained for a historical track until Feb 23, 2005 - Godzilla
Threats of a nuclear attack continue to appear on some jihadi forums. I continue to monitor the ACSA "alert" regarding the prediction of a nuclear attack within the next 3 months. The credibility of this chatter and alerts is questionable, however, AQ has repeatedly stated it desires nuclear weapons, and there are concerns being raised again about nuclear material becoming available through either N. Korea, Iran or Pakistan.

3. Current Terrorist Operations

Iraq
12/15/04 AQ is trying once again to get a civil war started between the Sunni and the Shia (Shitte) sects – Godzilla
A bomb exploded at the gate to one of Shia Islam's holiest shrines on Wednesday, killing seven people and wounding 31 others, hospital officials said.

Iran
12/20/04 IRG forces have completed their second major exercise in 6 months in what appears to be an attempt to ward off any preemptive attacks by the US or Israel on their nuclear program.

N. Korea
12/20/04 More recycled reports about the removal of Kim’s paintings from key locations.

Israel
12/15/04 At the beginning of December, Washington warned Jerusalem and Cairo of a planned major al Qaeda attack in one of their cities - possibly even with chemical weapons. In addition, the Americans and the British warned Israel and Egypt to beware of large-scale maritime strikes in the Mediterranean, Gulf of Aqaba, the Red Sea or the Suez Canal. One possible method is the familiar one of suicides aboard speedboats crammed with explosives ramming merchant vessels and oil tankers; but another way could be to hijack vessels and scuttle them in the Suez Canal to block the international waterway.
www.debka.com

Phillipines
12/20/04 Reports that the leader of one of the major terror groups has been killed in an airstrike.

Afghanistan
Counterinsurgency operations by allied forces have netted many killed taliban and leaders. Potentially have captured some high level leaders in the taliban.

Australia / Indonesia
Indonesia has a very high potential for an attack by New Years – Godzilla
12/17/04 Indonesian police said they had found two separate collections of bombs as they imposed a major alert following foreign warnings of an impending terrorist strike.
The discovery came as police were being deployed across Indonesia in a huge security operation after Australia said terrorists may be plotting to strike in the run up to Christmas, specifically naming the Hilton hotel chain.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200412/s1268040.htm

12/15/04 The Australian government warned that it had received specific intelligence suggesting an imminent terrorist attack in Indonesia, possibly targeting a Hilton hotel.

Also at
http://www.cnn.com/aol/story/2004/12/15/cnn_asiapcf_australia.terror.html

Terrorists struck churches in Indonesia on Christmas eve 2000 killing 19, some of the threat indicators in the media suggest a similar timing – Godzilla

Saudi Arabia
12/16/04 Demonstrations were held in various locations in Saudi Arabia organized Al-Islah headed by Saad Al-Faqih. Although they were held, they were substantially smaller than anticipated and Saudi Security was very heavy, expecting significant violence. Later in the day Osama bin Laden bitterly criticized the Saudi regime in an audiotape posted on an Islamic Web site on Thursday. He called for anti monarchy protests in the kingdom.The speaker, in calm and even tones, accused Saudi rulers of "violating God's rules," a common theme of bin Laden, who accuses Saudi rulers of being insufficiently Islamic and too close to the "infidel" United States.
Among other things, the most concerning aspect of this OBL audio is the call to attack the Saudi oil infrastructure as a means to strike against both the ruling family as well as the US.

The demonstrations were largely a flop and another major embarrassment to AQ and OBL who is trying to fix his eyes on the removal of the Saud family from power. The timed audio release was suppose to encourage and inflame his followers and begin a popular uprising some have likened to the overthrow of the Shah of Iran in the 80’s. This failure suggests that OBL may not be in very good touch with the outside world – Godzilla

Kuwait
12/16/04 The U.S. Embassy on Wednesday warned Americans in Kuwait of possible terror attacks and urged them to exercise caution.
In a message e-mailed to American citizens, the embassy said "it has credible information that terrorist groups are developing near-term plans for attacks against unspecified targets in Kuwait."
http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=2696989

Italy
12/15/04 These are the same group that posted NUMEROUS threats last spring/summer. One concerning aspect is that there is that it appears that they are making sure Italy is warned as AQ terrorists have been looked down upon by some imans because of the failure to give proper warning – Godzilla
This is the last warning of the Italian nation (Abu Hafs al-Masri Brigades)
As that you get rid of the lacking Berlusconi the efficiency or will burn actual Italian, that it a clear equalization we put it between your hands so that we leave our responsibility, and the one who warns is excused.
via an Internet site.

Netherlands The flashpoint for Euro-Islamic tensions continues to be active - Godzilla
12/15/04 Muslims have borne the brunt of politically-inspired violence as the extreme right in the Netherlands flexed its muscles in retaliation at the murder of filmmaker Theo van Gogh in November.
The researchers noted a sudden rise in racist and extreme right-wing violence in the Netherlands in November, the month Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh was shot dead in Amsterdam. A Muslim man, with Dutch and Moroccan nationality, has been arrested for the murder.
http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=19&story_id=15088&name=Violence+flares+as+Dutchextreme+right+strengthens

England
12/15/04 All anti-terrorist units have been put on high alert following the theft of 10 large propane gas canisters from a warehouse in Shepherd's Bush in west London. Scotland Yard's senior detectives suspect that the theft could have been masterminded by Al-Qaeda, and terrorists linked to the dreaded outfit could be planning a massive gas bomb blast in London.
A senior detective was quoted saying on Sunday night: "This is a very serious situation. It is enough explosive material to cause large devastation and loss of life." The canisters, each containing 47kg (103lb) of gas, were stolen last weekend.
The theft has the detectives recall that two years ago, Al-Qaeda terrorists had driven a truck loaded with propane gas bottles into a Tunisian synagogue, killing 14 German tourists. They have also tried to use small gas canisters as grenades hidden in children's toys."
http://www.hindustantimes.com/onlineCDA/PFVersion.jsp?article=http://10.81.141.122/news/5983_1150511,00430005.htm

Russia
12/15/04 Russian secret services have helped expose an Al Qaida network in the south of Russia, the head of the Federal Security Service (FSB) Nikolai Patrushev said on Wednesday.
"There are about 10 Al Qaida members in the Russian North Caucasus. The FSB plans to neutralize their activity," ITAR-TASS news agency quoted Patrushev as saying. He named the main Al Qaida operation man in the region, Abu Hafs, who succeeded another warlord, Hattab, who was earlier killed by federal troops. He added that another Al Qaida member, Abu Muskhab, had been detained and was giving "very valuable evidence".
During the last year, the FSB has neutralized over 200 gunmen including warlords Abu Al Walid, Ruslan Gelayev and others, Patrushev said. Over 900 gunmen were arrested on suspicion of terrorist activities, and over 20 hostages were freed in Chechnya.
http://www.mosnews.com/news/2004/12/15/russqaida.shtml

United States
12/20/04 Nothing significant to report.

4. Attack method.
12/20/04 No real change in the preferred method of choice of AQ which are bombs - the bigger the better. With the exception of 9/11, car/truck bombs have been widely used. There are special concerns regarding the use by terrorists of the following types of vehicles:

1. Uhaul type cargo trucks.
2. Gasoline / Propane supply / tanker trucks.
3. Emergency vehicles (ambulances, police cars, fire trucks)

Current alerts out for two stolen fuel/tanker trucks, a stolen crop duster and about a hundred propane tanks. It is uncertain if the thefts are linked to terrorism at this time, however they could be adapted for use in a terrorist attack.

5. Personnel
12/20/04 Nothing new to report.

6. Significant meetings canceled:
12/20/04 No new cancellations.

7. Security has been heightened in specific cities
12/20/04 NYC is at a locally declared ORANGE where it had been since. 9/11/01.

GENERAL: Ongoing work to upgrade security at sea ports and airports.

8. Military operations.
12/20/04 Carrier Battle Groups
Deployed
CVN-75 Truman 20 Nov 2004 - Relieves Kennedy
CVN-72 Lincoln 29 Nov 2004 - Pacific Ocean
CVN-73 Washington 01 Dec 2004 - Atlantic Ocean
Surge Ready
CVN-70 Vinson 02 Oct 2004 - Ends COMPTUEX
CVN-68 Nimitz 20 Nov 2004 - Completes TSTA/FEP

9. Dept of Homeland Scty. / State Department
12/17/04 Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520
This information is current as of today, Fri Dec 17 2004 15:27:10 GMT-0800.
INDONESIA
December 17, 2004
This Travel Warning updates security threat information for Indonesia, alerts American citizens to security concerns during the December and January holiday period, and reminds travelers of the ongoing terrorist threat for Indonesia. The Department of State continues to recommend that Americans defer all non-essential travel to Indonesia. This warning supersedes the September 13, 2004, Travel Warning for Indonesia.
The Department urges Americans who choose to travel to Indonesia despite this Travel Warning to observe vigilant personal security precautions; to remain aware of the continued potential for terrorist attacks against Americans, U.S. or other Western interests in Indonesia; and to register with U.S. Embassy Jakarta, U.S. Consulate General Surabaya or the U.S. Consular Agent in Bali. Registration facilitates the U.S. Mission's contact with Americans in emergency situations. Americans in Indonesia should maintain a low profile, vary daily routines, avoid crowds and demonstrations, and keep abreast of local news and developments that may affect the security situation.
The Department reminds Americans that the terrorist threat in Indonesia continues and may increase over the December-January holiday period. Reports indicate that terrorists are planning attacks against a wide variety of targets. These attacks could occur at any time and could be directed against any location, including those frequented by foreigners and identifiably American or other western facilities or businesses in Indonesia. Bombings have occurred in the past during the Christmas/New Year's period.
....snip.....
http://travel.state.gov/travel/indonesia_warning.html

10. Suspicious Domestic Incidents Not Currently Linked to Specific Terrorism Attempts
12/20/04 Still on the lookout for the crop duster, tanker trucks and propane reported missing earlier this fall. Reporting the theft of the items tend to generate more interest than recovery, these items may have been recovered and news reporting just hasn’t reached the radar.