Threat Matrix: Daily Terror Threat

Now I'm starting to understand. This is an interesting link that shows how the mileage and beam works that I found on the thread regarding the TN incident.

http://www.greatlandlaser.com/how.htm

http://www.tennessean.com/local/archives/04/12/63607019.shtml?Element_ID=63607019

"FBI investigating laser that hit plane leaving Nashville"

Associated Press

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "The FBI and other federal officials are investigating an incident yesterday in which a laser beam hit an airliner as it was leaving Nashville International Airport bound for Chicago.

The Transportation Security Administration and the FBI said United Airlines Flight 7136 was flashed by a laser while it was at about 3,000 feet. An FBI spokesman said the flight landed safely in Chicago."

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1312830/posts

"Media Files That Spread Spyware (Ben Edelman On WMP Installing 31! Programs On His PC Alert)"
Bendedelman.org ^ | 01/02/02 | Ben Edelman

Posted on 01/03/2005 1:51:12 AM PST by goldstategop

News.BostonHerald.com: "POLICE SEEK DOWNED PLANE" (ARTICLE SNIPPET: "A state police helicopter, local firefighters and police on the ground were searching early last night for a possible downed plane or some unidentified object that was spotted falling from the sky in Sherborn. Witnesses reported seeing a bright light fall out of the sky at around 5:30 p.m. in the area of Western Avenue and Maple Street in Sherborn.") (January 2, 2005) (Read More...)

This is an excellent link to an April, 2001 FAA report regarding the use of laser pointers. I saw this link on the thread regarding the TN incident. I'll put the abstract and some snipets here to give you an idea of what's in the report. The link for the full report follows but you'll need Adobe to read it.

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION. Laser pointers have been used for years to highlight key areas on charts and screens during visual presentations. When used in a responsible manner, laser pointers are not considered hazardous. While momentary ocular exposure to the light emitted by these devices can be startling to the observer and may result in temporary visual impairments, such exposures are too brief to cause any permanent ocular injury. However, as the availability of laser pointers has increased, so have reports of their misuse by some children and adults. In recent years, both the Food and Drug Administration and the American Academy of Ophthalmology have issued warnings concerning the possibility of eye injury from handheld laser pointers and recommended keeping these devices away from children. The purpose of this report was to investigate the illumination of aircraft by laser pointers in the National Airspace System. CASE REPORTS. From January 1996 to July 1999, the FAA's Western-Pacific region identified more than 150 incidents in which low-flying aircraft were illuminated by lasers. Laser pointers were used in the majority of these incidents, and there were several occurrences of visual impairment to the pilot. Representative examples of documented reports are presented that involved the illumination of civilian flight crew members by these hand-held devices.

CONCLUSIONS. Laser pointers have caused ocular injury and may compromise aviation safety when used to illuminate aircraft in critical phases of flight. The physiological effects of exposure to laser light and the regulation and classification of commercial laser products are discussed. The proper selection and use of these devices can minimize the threat of temporary incapacitation and eye injury.

Snipets:

1. (For the period January 1996 to July 1999) - Many of the reported incidents involved laser pointer illuminations of civilian transport, medical evacuation, law-enforcement, military, and private aircraft. Several incidents resulted in visual impairment (glare, flashblindness) of illuminated crew members. The survey suggests that helicopters are the most vulnerable to threat of laser pointer illumination, due to their relatively slow movement and low-altitude flight.

2. In August 1996, a police helicopter in Seminole County, FL, was illuminated by a red spot of light the size of a basketball, leading the pilot to believe a laser-sighted weapon was aimed at the aircraft. It was determined that the perpetrators were two local individuals shining a laser pointer into the trees, not realizing the light beam could reach the helicopter.

3. In June, 2000, a 15-year-old boy was booked into the Youth Service Center, Seattle, WA, for first-degree unlawful discharge of a laser, a felony, after reportedly flashing a laser beam at the King County Sheriff's helicopter, Guardian One. Shortly after 11 p.m., Guardian One was about 1,200 feet AGL just east of Renton when the laser illuminated the helicopter...

4. Green laser pointers are relatively new devices that emit a 532-nm beam of light. This wavelength is near the eye's peak sensitivity, resulting in exceptional visibility and brilliance...

5. The most serious recorded aviation incident occurred on October 29, 1997, when an Airworld Airbus carrying passengers enroute from Crete, was illuminated by laser light about two miles from Manchester Airport (England) at an altitude of 600 feet AGL. While the plane was in approach, the captain was forced to look away as a laser pointer illuminated the cockpit...

6. In the United States, there have been numerous reports of laser pointers illuminating aircraft in flight. The City of Los Angeles Department of Airports has reported several laser illuminations around their airports... Reports of laser incidents from the Sacramento, CA, and Tucson, AZ, areas have also been documented...

7. The danger from laser pointer illumination is the visible beam hitting an aircraft's windshield, which can scatter light and completely obliterate a pilot's forward vision. In low-level flight, such as that of emergency medical or police helicopters, this type of exposure can substantially increase the risk of accidents due to temporary visual incapacitation, startle effects, spatial disorientation, or the loss of situational awareness...

http://www.hf.faa.gov/docs/508/docs/cami/0107.pdf

Thank you Teri.
That was interesting.

My apologies if this has already been posted...

Web video teaches terrorists to make bomb vest
Chilling video offers
step-by-step suicide vest instructions
By Lisa Myers & the NBC investigative unit

Posted in a militant Islamic chat room three days ago, a stunningly detailed 26-minute video on how to make a sophisticated suicide bomb vest, along with a demonstration of its kill range, using a mannequin.

Titled "The Explosive Belt for Martyrdom Operations," the video obtained by NBC News demonstrates how to make an explosive vest that would be tough to detect, mostly from common off-the-shelf materials.

"The most disturbing thing about this video is that it exists," says NBC analyst and retired military intelligence officer Lt. Col. Rick Francona.

He says the video would be extremely valuable to any terrorist.

"Every military commander in Iraq and Afghanistan should be aware of this," says Francona. "This video shows someone how to more effectively attack American troops."

Experts believe the video was made by a Palestinian group.

"The video was accompanied by a note that explained it was there for the purposes of aiding the brothers, the fighting brothers, in cities in central Iraq," says NBC terror analyst Evan Kohlmann.

Specifically, the note mentioned wanting to help fighters in Fallujah, Ramadi and Mosul, though there's nothing to tie this to Tuesday's attack. The person who posted the note and video on the Internet called himself "terrorist007."

NBC News will not reveal most details, but the video demonstrates each step of bomb making:

select a fabric and sew the vest;
mix explosives;
arrange shrapnel to kill victims in a large radius;
attach a detonator.
In one demonstration, a would-be bomber is told where to stand in a bus for maximum carnage. "Notice that the shrapnel has greatly penetrated all of the seats," says an Arabic voice on the video, translated by NBC News.

Another demo shows a vest that causes lethal wounds 30 yards away.

"I was startled by the amount of damage that such a small amount of explosives with the ball bearings could do," says Francona.

It's a chilling reminder of the sophistication and cold-blooded determination of terrorists.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6746756/

slightly OFF TOPIC:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1312835/posts

"At last, women lash out at hip hop's abuses"
New York Daily News ^ | 1/03/05 | Stanley Crouch

Posted on 01/03/2005 2:09:53 AM PST by kattracks

Lasers Pointed at Planes (Trenton, NJ - 1/2/05)

TRENTON, NJ-January 2, 2005 — Several people are questioned about two incidents in which laser beams were aimed at aircraft flying over Morris County. But no arrests have been made so far.

Both aircraft were targeted by the lasers this week in the vicinity of Teterboro Airport. On Wednesday night, a pilot preparing to land the jet saw three green laser beams about eleven miles from the airport.

And on Friday, a Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police helicopter was hit by a laser.

No injuries were reported in either incident. They remain under investigation by state and federal authorities.

Link to Article

FBI: Laser Beams Aimed Into Cockpits 6 Times Recently (12/30/04)

Laser Beams Could Temporarily Blind Pilots

UPDATED: 2:51 PM EST December 30, 2004 WASHINGTON -- An FBI official said there have been six recent incidents involving laser beams being aimed into cockpits of commercial airliners.

A federal law enforcement official said the bureau is investigating one such report in Cleveland and two in Colorado Springs, Colo., as well as three others.

The first three took place on Monday, and all planes involved landed safely. There's no word on when or where the other three incidents occurred, although the official indicated they all happened over the last four days.

In the Cleveland incident, authorities say a laser beam was directed into the cockpit of a commercial jet traveling 300 mph at more than 8,500 feet. The plane arriving from Washington, D.C., was about 15 miles from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport when the beam appeared. An FBI agent said it remained for several seconds, like the plane was being tracked.

The FBI is investigating whether it was a prank or whether there was another motive. Authorities said the laser had to have been fairly sophisticated to track a plane traveling at that altitude.

The FBI believes the laser beam prankster used a laser beam that is common to the construction industry, according to Cleveland TV station WEWS. It is relatively powerful, and is generally used to mark or level job sites before construction begins.

A recent memo sent to law enforcement agencies said there's evidence that terrorists have explored using lasers as weapons. But authorities said there is no specific intelligence showing al-Qaida or other groups might use such weapons in the United States.

Interfering with flight crews is a federal felony. Laser beams can distract or temporarily blind a pilot. A person who is convicted of the crime could face up to 20 years in federal prison.

Federal Aviation Administration regulations mandate that laser light shows must register their locations and the lights cannot be directed above 3,000 feet.

Link to Article

U.S. Air Flight #98 from Philadelphia to London Returns to Philadelphia (1/2/05)

This story is being reported by the local Philadelphia ABC news station. So far there is no story on their web site...or via Google to verify.

They are reporting that last night (1/2/05) U.S Air flight #98 was three hours into the flight to London, and then returned to Philadelphia for some unknown reason. They are saying that no additional information is being given at this time. I will update with additional info. as it is reported...unless of course this story just vanishes with no additional update.

This information was already posted in Thread 22, #4,148 so if the person who removes posts could please remove post #1,147 in this thread, I'd appreciate it. Thank you.

Thanks for the ping. I don't think I can afford to become a law reporter at this stage of my career:-)

Here's the story you're looking for:

Flight Diverted Back to Philly
PHILA. INT'L AIRPORT-January 3, 2005 — An US Airways flight bound for London from Philadelphia is back in the air this morning this after it diverted back to the city.
Flight 98 was scheduled to leave at 8:20pm Sunday but left over an hour behind schedule.

It was three hours into flight when it was diverted back to Philadelphia.

Flight 98 arrived at Philadelphia International around 2:27 am Monday, then took off again just minutes later.

There's no word from officials about the reason behind the diversion.

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/news/01032005_nw_planediverted.html

Thank you kindly Teri!

I always hate to post un-verified stories....but sometimes the info. is in the news and never shows-up in writing.

ALERT!

I'm not sure if this has been posted yet, but here it is:

Islamic Army In Iraq Threatens Attacks inside US: Website

The Islamic Army of Iraq, one of the main groups fighting US forces in the war torn country, has threatened to carry out attacks inside the United States in the year 2005, in a statement posted on their website Monday.

'This year will bring woes on America. The mujahedeen holy warriors have prepared big surprises for your sons outside America and a big surprise for you inside America,' said the statement.

'The mujahedeen will take the battle from inside our country (Iraq) to yours,' the statement said.

The shadowy Sunni Muslim group has claimed a number of attacks and killings of hostages in Iraq, including an Italian journalists and two Pakistanis.

Lat month it freed two French journalists held hostage in Iraq for four months.

/snip/

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1312927/posts

Islamic Army Threatens with Spreading War to US Lands

A primary organization fighting US forces in Iraq, the Islamic Army, threatened they would carry the war to the US in 2005.

A statement the organization posted on a website said, "2005 will be a disaster year for Americans. The first days of the new year will bring your children very big surprises, which have never prepared for them inside or outside the US."

http://www.zaman.com/?bl=hotnews&alt=&trh=20050103&hn=15274

Their threats sound more and more like bad movie scripts with the kind of portrayals CAIR hates. I'm tempted to stop worrying until they stop threatening. That's when it's going to get dangerous and creepy.

"Justice IG: Counterterror data sharing stalled"

Its going to take a lot longer to get the various intelligence databases compatable. They have to overcome years of rivalry, different database structures and myrads of legal hurdles in defining what data can be shared. It is going to be even bigger at the statigic level between the CIA, NSA and the rest under a new combined leadership.

01/03/2005 # 1
TerroristWarning.com Headlines 01/03/2005 # 1

TerroristWarning.com Terrorism Headlines 01/03/2005 # 1

National:

[San Francisco Chronicle] USA - Are our children terrorist targets?

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2005/01/02/EDGT0AJ7JN1.DTL

[Reuters] ARKANSAS - Residents Evacuated After Arkansas Plant Blast [ Series of blasts, hazardous materials plant ]

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=domesticNews&storyID=7218718

[Springfield News Sun] OHIO - Homemade bomb blocks churchgoers [ Registration site ]

http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/hp/content/news/stories/2005/01/03/SNS0103BombScare.html

[Seattle Times] WASHINGTON - Explosives found; ferry service halted [Old explosives]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002136441_explosives31m.html

[AP] NEW JERSEY - LASER AIMS AT NJ PLANE [ Editors note - running total - 8 Incidents since Christmas]

http://www.nypost.com/news/regionalnews/37446.htm

[OfficialWire] USA - Organized plot or stupid prank?

"According to a study published by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in June 2004, there have been hundreds of 'laser-in-the-cockpit' incidents, many pre-dating the September 11, 2001 attacks"

http://www.baou.com/newswire/main.php?action=recent&rid=1972

[AP] NEW JERSEY - Person Questioned About Laser Beam, Planes

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050101/D87B2G180.html

[Daily Record] NEW YORK - Morris man was 'playing' with laser

"At one moment he was in the backyard playing with his daughter," said Longarzo, "and 10 minutes later 12 police cars descended and he was whisked away by authorities and interrogated until 4 a.m."

http://www.dailyrecord.com/news/articles/news2-laser.htm

[Sinclair Broadcast Group] TENNESSEE - Cockpit Laser [ New incident ]

"FBI spokesman says United Airlines Flight 7136 from Nashville to Chicago landed safely. The FBI and TSA say the flight was flashed by a laser while it was about 3,000 feet above ground"

http://www.wztv.com/cgi-bin/csNews.cgi?database=FOX%2017%20News%2edb&command=viewone&id=4634&op=t

[Star news services] USA - FBI: Terrorism not behind laser beam incidents [ Editors Note: there have also been incidents in Utah, Colorado, Texas and elsewhere]

"The FBI attributed eight incidents in the past 10 days to pranks or accidental acts that tagged aircraft in Ohio, Texas, Oregon and New Jersey"

http://www.indystar.com/articles/7/206638-9247-010.html

[Reuters/ MSNBC ] VIRGINIA - No Bomb Found in Scare at US Navy Base -MSNBC

"The caller indicated it was some sort of bioterror device that would kill everybody on the base,"

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=domesticNews&storyID=7209382

[IPS/GIN] USA - Rights groups probe charges of FBI spying in ‘terror war’

http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/article_1711.shtml

[Houston Chronicle] TEXAS - Wal-Mart video reviewed for clues on bomb hoax

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/2971267

[AP] MONTANA - Bomb scare prompts partial evacuation of Cheyenne mall [ false alarm ]

http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2004/12/30/build/wyoming/22-wyo-bomb.inc

[Washington Post] USA - Technical hurdles separate terrorists from bioweapons

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6767325/

[Times Argus] VERMONT - FBI gives contents of letter to paper [ Anthrax hoax ]

http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041231/NEWS/412310361/1002/NEWS01

[Baltimore Jewish Times] MARYLAND - FBI Probes Mysterious Death [Death of a young American Jewish terrorism expert]

http://www.jewishtimes.com/News/4417.stm

[WHO-TV] USA - Program trains volunteers to spot road terrorist activity [Highway Watch]

http://www.whotv.com/Global/story.asp?S=2748354

[WTHR 13] INDIANA - Downtown manhole explosion [ No injuries, cause under investigation]

"IPL spokesman said the explosion originated underground in an electrical transformer, and blew through the manhole"

http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=2751085&nav=9TaiUi7f

[KCBD-TV] TEXAS - Authorities Say Explosion At Lubbock Cotton Gin Caused By Makeshift Weapon [ Makeshift mortar launcher ]

http://www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp?S=2752338

[Houston Chronicle, Michelle Malkin] USA - Ah, yes, it was a very good year for all of the bad guys [ Excellent article on our terribly insecure borders and other anti-terror failures ]

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/editorial/outlook/2973036

[UPI] USA / NORTH KOREA - N. Korea challenges U.S. approach

"The danger of a nuclear war is growing on the Korean peninsula as the days go by, owing to the U.S. moves to stifle the (North Korea),"

http://www.washtimes.com/upi-breaking/20050102-123846-1239r.htm

[Annapolis Capital] MARYLAND - Truck crash spills radioactive material onto Route 50

http://www.hometownannapolis.com/cgi-bin/read/2005/01_02-39/FOR

[renewamerica.us] USA / IRAQ - Bin Laden's warning: obey or die

http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/stock/050102

International:

[News24] KUWAIT - Kuwait on high alert

http://www.news24.com/News24/World/News/0,,2-10-1462_1641927,00.html

[Interfax] RUSSIA - Chechen police placed on high alert

http://www.interfax.ru/e/B/0/28.html?id_issue=10737178

[AP] IRAQ - Guerrillas Carry Out Coordinated Assault, Ambush on U.S. Post in Mosul, Battle Kills 25 Gunmen, One American

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBU3J85D3E.html

[South Asia News ] INDIA - Sheikh Hasina Gets Life Threat Via Email [ Hikmat-ul-Jihad ]

http://www.expressnewsline.com/0205/fullstory0205-insight-Sheikh+Hasina+bangladesh-status-5-newsID-1005.html

[AP] SAUDI ARABIA - Saudi Police Hunt Suspects in Attack on State Security Forces

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBHHFW2D3E.html

[ITV] SAUDI ARABIA - 10 Suspected al-Qaeda militants killed in Saudi

http://www.itv.com/news/world_1299256.html

[news.scotsman.com] THAILAND / SRI LANKA - Thailand and Sri Lanka Travel Warning

http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3944948

[Gulf Daily News] SYRIA - Two Syrians to die for Damascus bomb attack

http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=100226&Sn=WORL&IssueID=27286

[News Hounds] SYRIA - John Gibson to Syria: If You Don’t Do What We Want, Bombs Away! [ Editors Note: biased website]

http://www.newshounds.us/2004/12/31/john_gibson_to_syria_if_you_dont_do_what_we_want_bombs_away.php

[The Australian] ISRAEL - Gaza militants detonate bomb

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,11818467%255E1702,00.html

[AP] ISRAEL - Terrorist rocket kills Palestinian girl, injures brother in Gaza

http://web.israelinsider.com/Articles/Briefs/4704.htm

[BBC] UNITED KINGDOM - Suspicious object found in shop [ Incendiary device, Dissident republicans ]

"At least 16 devices have been discovered in Lisburn, Newry, Antrim, Londonderry, Newtownabbey and Ballymena."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/4135689.stm

[Radio Netherlands] NETHERLANDS - Fear of terrorism: the West's obsession in 2004

http://www2.rnw.nl/rnw/en/currentaffairs/region/westerneurope/ter041222

[New Kerala] CHINA - China on alert against possible flu pandemic

http://www.newkerala.com/news-daily/news/features.php?action=fullnews&id=53022

[The New Nation] BANGLADESH - Terrorist, 2 outlaw leaders killed in crossfire

http://nation.ittefaq.com/artman/publish/article_15035.shtml

[UNI] RUSSIA - Chechen ultras planning New Year terrorist attacks killed

http://www.deepikaglobal.com/ENG4_sub.asp?ccode=ENG4&newscode=87372

[Interfax] RUSSIA - No bomb found in Chechen House of Government

http://www.interfax.ru/e/B/0/28.html?id_issue=10737240

[Interfax] RUSSIA - Two militants detained in Chechnya

http://www.interfax.ru/e/B/0/28.html?id_issue=10736642

[RIA Novosti] RUSSIA - TWO MILITANTS ELIMINATED IN COURSE OF DETAINING OPERATION IN CHECHNYA

http://en.rian.ru/rian/index.cfm?prd_id=160&msg_id=5274194&startrow=1&date=2005-01-01&do_alert=0

[Korea Times] IRAQ - 3 Terrorist Suspects Arrested Near Zaytun Base in Iraq

http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/nation/200412/kt2004123017224411970.htm

[Inquirer News Service ] PHILIPPINES - 4 hurt in Cubao blast

"Four people were hurt following a sidewalk explosion in front of a bank in Quezon City's Cubao commercial district on Friday, New Year's Eve"

http://news.inq7.net/breaking/index.php?index=2&story_id=22892

[New Kerala] INDIA - IED blast rocks Anantnag; DIG among 17 injured:

http://www.newkerala.com/news-daily/news/features.php?action=fullnews&id=53641

[UNI] INDIA - Top commander among 3 killed, massive explosion at Anantnag

http://www.deepikaglobal.com/ENG3_sub.asp?ccode=ENG3&newscode=87344

[Express News Service] INDIA - Missing cables in S Delhi: MTNL says sabotage [ Phone cables stolen in 5 areas ]

http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=112308

[Xinhua] THAILAND - Insurgents burn schools, telephone boxes in Thailand [ Real bomb, fake bomb, 5 phone booths burned, 8 wounded, school arson]

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/01/content_2405019.htm

[AFP] INDONESIA - Restive Poso town enters New Year with two bomb blasts [ No injuries, damage ]

http://www.thejakartapost.com/detaillatestnews.asp?fileid=20050101162109&irec=9

[BBC] AFGHANISTAN - Two arrested over Afghan bombings

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4140515.stm

[The Australian] AUSTRALIA - Boat explodes on NSW south coast [ Cause unknown ]

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,11827497%255E1702,00.html

[Xinhua] COLUMBIA - 8 injured in Colombia's grenade explosion

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/01/content_2404752.htm

[21stCentury.com.cn] FRANCE - Large explosion kills 15 in France [Possible gas leak]

http://www.21stcentury.com.cn/article.php?sid=16895

[Voice of America] ZIMBABWE - Four Arrested in Zimbabwe Spy Plot

http://www.voanews.com/english/Africa/Zimbabwe/2004-12-31-voa18.cfm

[AP] PERU - Peru President Declares Emergency After Gunmen Seize Police Station, Demand His Resignation

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGB7P2KPG3E.html

[Reuters] PERU - Five Dead; Peru Police Siege Shootout Continues

http://olympics.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=7217760

[AP] IRAQ - Suicide Car Bomb Near Iraqi Prime Minister's Headquarters Kills 3, Injures 25

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGB32EWGI3E.html

[Channel News Asia] GLOBAL - Terror group Al Qaeda losing support of more Muslims: analysts

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/125434/1/.html

[Gulf Daily News] IRAQ / SAUDI ARABIA - Al Qaeda fighters 'are entering Iraq from Saudi'

http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=100412&Sn=WORL&IssueID=27289

[Pakistan Dawn] PAKISTAN - Two Turk Al Qaeda suspects extradited

http://www.dawn.com/2005/01/03/top8.htm

[The Sunday Times] GLOBAL - Al-Qaeda seeks toxins for biowarfare attack

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2089-1423188,00.html

[BBC] UNITED KINGDOM - Pipe bomb found in Londonderry

"outside the home of a party election worker in County LondonDerry"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/4142513.stm

[Chosun Ilbo] NORTH KOREA / PHILIPPINES - North Korea sold arms to Philippine rebels-paper [ 10000 rifles, small submarines ]

http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200501/200501030024.html

Terrorism Summary 01/03/04

This is the first summary of 2005! Media is still heavily focused upon the Christmas Tsumani/earthquake as it is now being referred to. The impact upon this region of the world in respect to the development of Islamic terrorism will be interesting because of the growth that was occurring in the region. Terrorists have already been trying to control the distribution of relief supplies. Expect more to come. We in the US are also past a significant window for a mass-casualty terrorist event now that the holidays are past. I am going to try to monitor other more specified threats in other parts of the world this year just to gauge the accuracy of the sources.

Let me know if you want on or off the Ping list.

01/03/04 Current National Homeland Defense threat level is YELLOW

1. Attack threat windows
01/03/04 Primary Window: January 20, 2005 - Presidential inauguration

01/03/04 Secondary windows:
Feb. 6 Super Bowl in Jacksonville, Fla.
11/23/04 This post is being maintained for a historical track - Godzilla
ACSA has predicted a nuclear attack within the next 3 months. This window ends approximately 02/23/05

2. Attack Indicators
01/03/05 There are no clear attack indicators for the US. Other regions of the globe have indicators as described in Current Terrorist Operations

3. Current Terrorist Operations

Al-Qa'ida / OBL
01/03/05 Discussions in the media analyzing OBL’s recent audio and videos suggest that he is becoming increasing concerned about being marginalized not by bombs but by ballot boxes. Recent pronouncements that it is not Islamic to vote are current indicators.

Iran
01/03/05 Continues to pursue nuclear weapon capabilities.

Iraq
12/30/04 Dec 30 (Reuters) - U.S.-led forces in Iraq have captured a senior member of the al Qaeda-linked network led by Jordanian militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in a raid in Baghdad, the Iraqi government said on Thursday. It said Fadil Hussain Ahmed al-Kurdi was captured along with two other suspected insurgents.
"Ridha was responsible for facilitating communications between al Qaeda and the Zarqawi terror networks as well as coordinating the movement of terrorists in and out of Iraq," a government statement said.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/MAR031022.htm

Indonesia
Monitoring - AQ attack watch through 02/15/05
Australia and Japan issue warnings on 15 Dec. over threat to a foreign hotel in Indonesia, hotel identified as Hilton Hotel in Jakarta. Uncertain if tsunami relief will impact terror plans. - Godzilla

1/2/05 The Indonesian military also said on Sunday it had killed three GAM -- the Free Aceh Movement -- separatists in north Aceh after they obstructed a humanitarian team, adding to claims from both sides accusing each other of initiating clashes this week.
"If there are attempts from GAM to disrupt the (aid) process that we're carrying out it is something I would regret. Although I have not received a detailed report," Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono told reporters.
http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=7218374

Kuwait
01/01/05 Monitoring - AQ attack watch through 03/15/05
US Embassy on 15 Dec.: Credible information that terrorist groups are developing near-term plans for attacks against unspecified targets in Kuwait.

Israel
1/2/04 Campaigning in the West Bank yesterday, former Palestinian Prime Minister and current presidential frontrunner Mahmoud Abbas vowed to protect and shelter wanted terrorists and defended recent appearances with members of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. ....snip....
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42206

Europe - General
12/23/04 Monitoring - AQ attack watch through 01/12/05
Several agencies have intercepted electronic communications pointing to Al Qaida's plans to launch a major attack over the next two weeks, Western intelligence sources said. The sources said Al Qaida was planning to use Islamic subcontractors to carry out major attacks against civilian targets in Europe. Al Qaida has been gathering assets in several European Union countries and Russia over the past two months, the sources said.

Some targets in Western Europe include NATO headquarters in Brussels, a railroad hub packed with holiday travelers and Istanbul, Turkey. Other leading al-Qaida targets include Moscow or St. Petersburg. The sources said al-Qaida cells in Europe are flushed with operatives that fought the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq.
http://www.geostrategy-direct.com/geostrategy-direct/

Africa - General
12/31/04 Militant groups, including al-Qaida, are exploiting lawless areas in the seven-nation Horn of Africa region to hide, recruit and train members and possibly plan attacks. The head of the region's US-led anti-terrorist force, Major General Samuel Helland, said they were using the fact there was a lot of ungoverned space in the area. "Because of (this) . . . it's very easy for a terrorist organisation to establish a presence . . . It's very easy for them to train, equip, organise and use the facilities that are present to gain a foothold," he said.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,11798861%255E663,00.html

Thailand
01/01/05 Monitoring - AQ attack watch through 01/31/05
Thai intel has reportedly warned about terrorist threats in Bangkok during the latter part of Dec. and early Jan.

12/23/04 Monitoring - AQ attack watch through 12/31/05
Terrorists are plotting attacks next year at tourist resorts across Thailand, according to documents found in the house of a fugitive leader of the country's Islamic insurgency, a senior security official said. The documents show that in 2005, the militants plan to attack "soft targets" such as the tropical beach resorts of Pattaya and Phuket, which draw tourist from around the world.

This area was among the hardest hit as a result of the tsunami of Dec 26, 2004. Based upon the following news item, I suspect that they were planning for an early January 2005 attack scenario. Strongly suspect the tsunami has disrupted those plans. Must continue watch carefully. Godzilla

01/03/05 Thousands of troops and police have been deployed in Thailand's three southernmost provinces in case of violence on the January 04 first anniversary of a Muslim separatist revolt. "We deployed thousands of security officers," General Sirichai Tanyasiri, head of the Southern Border Provinces Peace Building Command, told AFP. …snip…
Security officials have said Islamic militants in the south of the mainly Buddhist nation are planning major attacks in the southern provinces and the capital Bangkok around January 4.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/125454/1/.html

Saudi Arabia
12/28/04 Monitoring - AQ attack watch through 02/28/05
Call for attacks on oil infrastructure in Iraq and Gulf region by Osama bin Laden

Pakistan
12/31/04 The administrator of South Waziristan, Mr Asmatullah Gandapur, was injured in an explosion apparently caused by militants, a government official said on Thursday.
http://www.dawn.com/2004/12/31/top13.htm

United States
01/03/05 The Islamic Army of Iraq, one of the main groups fighting US forces in the war torn country, has threatened to carry out attacks inside the United States in the year 2005, in a statement posted on their website Monday.
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/focusoniraq/2005/January/focusoniraq/_January15.xml&section=focusoniraq

4. Attack method.
11/23/04 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. However, aircraft are also still in the mix. 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 at least 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.

1/2/05 The international pursuit of Osama Bin Laden has not stopped his Al-Qaeda network from seeking to build weapons of mass destruction, senior US officials said last week. Recent intelligence indicates that the group is turning its attention to chemical and biological weapons.
Despite severe technical obstacles to the launch of terrorist biowarfare, Washington believes Bin Laden has become convinced that only a WMD attack would be sufficient punishment for the US-led invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. The overwhelming bulk of the evidence we have is that their efforts are focused on biological and chemical weapons, said John Bolton, undersecretary of state for arms control. Intelligence services in Egypt and Israel confirmed that Al-Qaeda had stepped up its efforts to acquire toxic materials as a result of the war in Iraq.
Experts believe Al-Qaeda still lacks the laboratory access and scientific skills to produce weapons. But some of the administration ‘s scientific advisers have warned that the necessary technology is rapidly spreading. Some of it is even taught at undergraduate level. Not all scientists believe a group such as Al-Qaeda will ever master biowarfare technologies. The main fear is that a rogue scientist may be prepared to sell his expertise.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2089-1423188,00.html

5. Personnel
01/03/05 Nothing significant to report.

6. Significant meetings canceled:
01/03/04 No new cancellations.

7. Security in specific cities
01/03/04 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.
01/03/04 No significant changes except that the USS Lincoln and escort ships are currently in the Indian Ocean (Java Sea) to provide support to humanitarian operations in the region following the Sumatra tsunami.

9. Dept of Homeland Scty. / State Department
12/29/04 Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520
This information is current as of today, Thu Dec 30 11:16:59 2004.
LIBYA
December 29, 2004
This Travel Warning is being issued to update the security information in Libya. Libya remains on the U.S. Government’s State Sponsors of Terrorism List. The United States Department of State warns U.S. citizens traveling to Libya to exercise caution. This Warning supersedes the Travel Warning for Libya issued June 28, 2004.
The U.S. lifted restrictions on the use of U.S. passports for travel to Libya in February 2004. While Libya has taken steps to cooperate in the global war on terrorism, the Libyan Government remains on the U.S. Government €™s State Sponsors of Terrorism List. Although Libya appears to have curtailed its support for international terrorism, it may maintain residual contacts with some of its former terrorist clients.
Recent worldwide terrorist alerts have stated that extremist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in the region. Therefore, any American citizen who decides to travel to Libya should maintain a strong security posture by being aware of surroundings, avoiding crowds and demonstrations, keeping a low profile, and varying times and routes for all required travel. In light of these security concerns, U.S. citizens are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.
....snip.......

12/30/04 PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Thu Dec 30 11:19:11 2004.
December 29, 2004
This Public Announcement is being reissued to remind Americans of the continuing potential for terrorist actions against U.S. citizens in East Africa. This supersedes the Public Announcement of June 29, 2004, and expires on June 28, 2005.
The Department of State believes there remains the threat of future terrorist attacks in East Africa. Travelers to East African destinations should carefully review their plans accordingly.
The potential for future threats against civil aviation continues throughout the East Africa region. Seaports may also be targeted.
Supporters of Al-Qaida and other extremists are active in East Africa. Americans in the region must remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and exercise caution. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, or kidnappings. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists to seek softer targets such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, American commercial interests, western-oriented shopping centers, places of worship, hotels, schools, outdoor recreation events, resorts, beaches, and planes. Americans in remote areas or border regions where military or police authority is limited or non-existent could also be targets of attacks or kidnappings.
....snip......

10. Suspicious Domestic Incidents Not Currently Linked to Specific Terrorism Attempts
Until some arrests are made, it is difficult to determine if the lasering of aircraft is the work of pranksters or terrorists. The post Christmas clustering of events point to the pranksters. Powerful lasers are available for relatively low costs, so there are many possibilities. If the incidents continue at its current pace now the holidays are over, then there may be more sinister motives at work. At latest count, there have been approximately 8 incidents since Christmas.

Numerous bomb threats / suspicious packages or articles, have been posted on TM over the past year. Many have been lead to conclude that many of these are tests by terrorists to evaluate LEO response measures as well as to drain resources and alertness for the real thing. I am beginning to suspect that threats made against transportation hubs are such a test.

1/2/05 An airline on approach to the Nashville airport has had it's cockpit targeted by a green laser. The plane was about 6 miles out and at 3000 feet when the incident occurred. The plane landed safely and no one was injured.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1312707/posts

1/2/05 The attorney of a Lake Parsippany resident questioned by authorities about his suspected use of a laser light said Saturday her client was in the "wrong place at the wrong time." "At one moment he was in the backyard playing with his daughter," said Longarzo, "and 10 minutes later 12 police cars descended and he was whisked away by authorities and interrogated until 4 a.m.".....snip....
http://www.dailyrecord.com/news/articles/news2-laser.htm

01/01/05 A laser beam was aimed at a police helicopter Friday - one of several incidents involving aircraft across the country in the past week - and federal authorities were questioning someone who had been at a house where they said the light had originated. Officials said no one was hurt when the laser hit the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police helicopter as it flew over an area where a similar incident occurred Wednesday.
Soon after, Port Authority officials and the FBI went to a Parsippany home where they had tracked the laser beam and were questioning a person there in connection with both incidents, said Steve Coleman, an authority spokesman. No charges had been filed as of late Friday night, Coleman said.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050101/D87B2G180.html

12/30/04 An "all clear" has been issued in the security threat involving two HRT buses outside Naval Station Norfolk late this morning. The threat appears to have been a hoax, an HRT spokesman said.
Norfolk police, FBI, NCIS, Navy Special Forces Bomb Squad, and other agencies responded to a vague security threat involving an HRT bus outside Naval Station Norfolk late this morning. A Navy spokesman said Norfolk police had received an anonymous phone call warning them that an HRT bus posed a threat. The caller referring to a bus warned that someone "was going to die.''" ...snip.....
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/dp-news-busthreat,0,4870928.story?coll=ny-leadnationalnews-headlines

12/30/04 Six commercial airliners in the past four days have had their cockpits illuminated by laser beams while attempting to land, a government official told CNN Wednesday. The incidents have happened "all over the place" and in "kind of odd places," the official said without elaborating. None of the flights was affected.
On November 22, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security sent an intelligence bulletin to police agencies to alert them that terrorist groups have shown an interest in using laser beams to try to bring down airliners.
http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/12/29/laser.plane/index.html

01/03/04 LEOs are still looking for stole tankers, propane tanks and a crop duster that could potentially be used for terrorist attacks - Godzilla

Terrorism Summary 01/03/04

Ooooops Terrorism Summary 01/03/05! Duh.