Threat Matrix: Daily Terror Threat

Threat Matrix: Daily Terror Threat

Thread Twenty-Six (Index)

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!

Details show extent of terror plot against U.S.
Full Story

We now know more about an alleged attack that triggered an increased national threat level last summer.

That's when U.S. officials said they had uncovered a plot targeting financial institutions. The plot involved bombs, banks and British nationals.

The detail was startling, the targets enormous. They included financial buildings in Washington, New York and New Jersey.

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

Threat Matrix's "TM'er" Tips

Link to Thread Twenty-Five

"Code Red Implications:
Code Red - Stay Home and Await Word."
From Tm'er and Freeper ~MamaDearest~

TM Terrorism Handbook

TM Code of Conduct

ExSoldier's Invaluable Tips

TM's 'Be on the Lookout'

Godzilla's Summaries

Threat Matrix Book List

Tracking the Chatter with TM

TM designed by: Ian Livingston

http://www.freecongress.org/commentaries/2005/050513.asp

"Border Security"

By Paul M. Weyrich
May 13, 2005

COMMENTARY SNIPPET: "We must control our country’s borders. Former Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Admiral James M. Loy appeared before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence in February to counsel the Committee about improving immigration control at our nation’s borders. He delivered a message that was not given wide media coverage but one that many Americans already knew. Admiral Loy said:

Recent information from ongoing investigations, detentions, and emerging threat streams strongly suggests that al-Qaeda has considered using the Southwest Border to infiltrate the United States. Several al-Qaeda leaders believe operatives can pave their way into the country through Mexico and also believe illegal entry is more advantageous than legal entry for operational security reasons.

Admiral Loy warned that the U.S.-Canadian Border has vast and difficult terrain that could provide good passageways for terrorists to sneak into our country and wreak havoc."

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1403504/posts

"L.A. Violence Crosses the Line [trans-border Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) street gang]"
Los Angeles Times ^ | May 15, 2005 | Chris Kraul, Robert J. Lopez and Rich Connell

Posted on 05/15/2005 6:03:04 AM PDT by John Jorsett

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "The gruesome murders were each more than 1,000 miles apart, an arc of bloodshed that spanned much of the North American continent.

On a rutty street near a crowded slum in Honduras, gunmen sprayed automatic weapons fire at a bus filled with Christmastime shoppers. Twenty-eight people, including six children, were killed.

In the woods near Dallas, an innocent 21-year-old man was shot in the head, his remains eaten by animals. His pants were pulled down, and police suspect that he may have been sodomized.

And near the banks of a quiet river in Virginia, a 17-year-old informant was hacked to death. She was four months pregnant and stabbed 16 times in the chest and neck.

The killings were similar not only in their brutality but also in their lineage: Authorities say all three incidents are tied to a single Los Angeles branch of Mara Salvatrucha, a street gang formed 20 years ago in the immigrant neighborhoods west of the downtown skyline.

Today, the gang's extreme violence, vast reach and increasing sophistication have made it a top priority at the highest levels of law enforcement and political leadership from Washington to San Salvador."

Note: The following post is an exact quote:
===

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1405415/posts

100 Israelis to testify in Florida trial of alleged Jihad fundraisers
Ha-aretz ^ | Wed. May 18, 2005 | By Roni Singer and Nathan Guttman, Haaretz Correspondents

Posted on 05/18/2005 2:20:34 AM PDT by FreeReporting

100 Israelis to testify in Florida trial of alleged Jihad fundraisers By Roni Singer and Nathan Guttman, Haaretz Correspondents

Some 100 survivors of terror attacks, relatives of those killed, police investigators, Magen David Adom paramedics, and ZAKA volunteers will testify in what American authorities regard as the most important terrorist trial in the United States since the September 11, 2001 attacks.

The group will be flown to Tampa, Florida early next month to serve as prosecution witnesses in the trial of four Arab-Americans accused of belonging to Islamic Jihad and raising funds to finance terror attacks, including some that took place in Israel.

The trial is due to start on June 6, with jury selection to begin this week.

The defense also plans to show the jury photographs and other documentation to show that Arian was a well-known Arab-American politician, friendly with major U.S. political figures such as former U.S. president Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush. If the FBI suspected the defendants of being terrorists, the defense will ask, why didn't they warn the political figures to stay away from Arian and the others?

(Excerpt) Read more at haaretz.com ...

Note: The following text is an exact quote:
===
===

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/2005/05/006200print.html

May 17, 2005

Al-Qaeda still using the fear factor

"Fear is still the factor Al-Qaeda," from the Stop the Presses Department via the StarOnline, with thanks to Nicolei:

ISLAMABAD: Being big in al-Qaeda is clearly not what it used to be, but the fear factor is.
While al-Qaeda's ability to inspire like-minded Islamist groups has grown, its own core members haven't succeeded in carrying off a major overseas attack since Sept 11, 2001....

"The inner core of al-Qaeda is intact, but as a group it's been degraded. Its survival depends on associated groups," said Rohan Gunaratna, a Singapore based security analyst and author of Inside al-Qaeda: Global Network of Terror.

"Linked to al-Qaeda" has become a catch-all phrase to describe any group that carries out an attack, and either declares admiration for Osama, announces a hitherto unheard of or distant affiliation to al-Qaeda, or has bona fide ties....

Whether or not there is an actual link is unimportant. The ideological connection is all-important.

Posted at May 17, 2005 07:36 AM

Note: The following text is an exact quote:
===
===

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_932.html

Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

This information is current as of today, Wed May 18 2005 03:32:29 GMT-0700.

SAUDI ARABIA

May 17, 2005

This Travel Warning updates recommended security precautions and reminds U.S. citizens of ongoing security concerns in Saudi Arabia. It supersedes the Travel Warning issued December 7, 2004.

Due to concerns about the possibility of additional terrorist activity directed against American citizens and interests, the Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia. The United States Mission in Saudi Arabia remains an unaccompanied post as a result of continued security concerns. Non-emergency employees and all dependents of the U.S. Embassy Riyadh and Consulates General Jeddah and Dhahran were ordered to leave the country on April 15, 2004. An armed attack on the U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah occurred on December 6, 2004, resulting in casualties among the non-American staff and damage to consulate facilities. Although counter-terrorism efforts have succeeded in diminishing terrorist capabilities in Saudi Arabia, terrorist groups continue to target housing compounds and other establishments where Westerners may be located. Saudi Government facilities are also targets. In addition to car bombs and armed assaults involving multiple gunmen against such facilities, terrorists have used ambush attacks to kidnap and/or assassinate individual Westerners.

American citizens who choose to visit or remain in Saudi Arabia despite this Travel Warning are strongly urged to avoid staying in hotels or housing compounds that do not apply stringent security measures including, but not limited to, the presence of an armed guard force, inspection of all vehicles, and a hardened security perimeter to prevent unauthorized vehicles from approaching the facility. American citizens are further advised to exercise caution and maintain good situational awareness when visiting commercial establishments frequented by Westerners or in primarily Western environments; keep a low profile, varying times and routes for all required travel; and ensure that travel documents and visas are valid. American citizens are also advised to exercise caution while driving, entering or exiting vehicles.

U.S. citizens who travel to or remain in Saudi Arabia despite this travel warning are strongly urged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh or the Consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, in order to be included in the Mission’s warden network. Updated travel and security information for Saudi Arabia is issued periodically via the warden network.

From time to time, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Saudi Arabia may restrict the travel of official Americans or suspend public services for security reasons. In those instances, the Embassy and Consulates will keep the local American citizen community apprised through the Warden System and make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Warden messages can be found on the U.S. Embassy Riyadh website: http://riyadh.usembassy.gov.

Updated information on travel and security in Saudi Arabia may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S. or Canada or on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For additional information, consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Saudi Arabia, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, and Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement at http://travel.state.gov.

Note: The following text is an exact quote:
===
===

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_2508.html

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Wed May 18 2005 03:34:54 GMT-0700.

Burma (Myanmar)

May 17, 2005

This Public Announcement is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to security concerns in Burma. This Public Announcement regarding Burma expires on August 31, 2005.

In light of increasing incidents of bombings, and the possibility of additional attacks in the capital of Rangoon and other locations, the Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Burma exercise extreme caution in public places and be alert to their surroundings.

On May 7, 2005, three large bombs exploded simultaneously in Rangoon, at two crowded shopping areas frequented by foreigners and at a trade center, reportedly killing at least twenty people and wounding several hundred others. On April 26, 2005, an explosive device detonated at a busy market in Mandalay, reportedly killing at least two people. Both events were a significant departure in terms of targeting and level of sophistication from other bombings that have occurred in recent years.

For the last decade, sporadic anti-government insurgent activity has occurred in various locations, such as attacks in border areas that targeted a natural gas pipeline, a power station, and a crowded bus, as well as bombings in Rangoon that targeted family members of senior military officials. Several small devices exploded in downtown Rangoon in 2003, killing one, and similar events occurred in Rangoon in early 2004 and in early 2005 causing injuries and slight damage, respectively.

U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to consult the Consular Information Sheet for Burma, and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, located at http://travel.state.gov/. For further information, U.S. citizens may also contact the Department of State toll-free at 1-888-407-4747, or, if calling from overseas, 1-202-501-4444.

Americans living or traveling in Burma are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/. Americans without internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy. The Embassy is located at 581 Merchant Street, Rangoon. The Consular Section telephone number is (95-1) 250-240, fax (95-1) 250-642, email consularrangoo@state.gov, website http://rangoon.usembassy.gov. The after-hours emergency number is (95-1) 370-965.

Note: The following text is an exact quote:
===
===

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1164.html

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Wed May 18 2005 03:38:03 GMT-0700.

Malaysia

May 17, 2005

Public Announcement updates and reiterates the Department of State's ongoing concern about the safety of American citizens, especially those contemplating travel along the east coast of the Malaysian state of Sabah and overland travel into southern Thailand. This supersedes the November 8, 2004 Public Announcement and expires on November 12, 2005.

There are indications of continued planning of kidnappings, including of foreigners, in eastern Sabah's coastal areas. Several kidnappings and piracy incidents have occurred in this area, most recently in March 2005. The terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), based in the southern Philippines, has been responsible for some of these incidents; other incidents have been attributed to unidentified criminals. Because of this, American citizens should exercise caution when visiting the coastal areas of eastern Sabah. While there has been increased security presence, there are extensive open waters between the Sabah mainland and Island. Emergency assistance may not always be available.

The United States Government has designated Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. JI is an extremist group linked to al-Qaeda and other regional terrorist groups, such as the ASG, and has cells operating throughout Southeast Asia. Extremist groups in the region have demonstrated the capability to carry out transnational attacks in locations where Westerners congregate. Terrorist groups do not distinguish between official and civilian targets.

Americans who travel overland from Malaysia to Thailand should be aware of the Department of State's safety and security advice for Thailand, which can be found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1040.html

Americans planning to travel to Malaysia are encouraged to register and update their contact information at https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens should consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Malaysia and the Department of State's most recent Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, both available at http://travel.state.gov. Americans planning to travel to eastern Sabah should also contact the U.S. Embassy before departure by telephone at (60-3) 2168-5000, or by e-mail at klconsular@state.gov. Up-to-date information on security conditions may be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and, from overseas, 202 501-4444.

PERSECUTION.ORG
http://www.persecution.org

===
===

Note: The following text is an exact quote:
---

http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/s05050065.htm

ASSIST News Service (ANS) - PO Box 2126, Garden Grove, CA 92842-2126 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net -- E-mail: danjuma1@aol.com

Monday, May 16, 2005

HIDDEN FACES OF THE PERSECUTED
Open Doors Impacts Suffering Women Worldwide

For Immediate Release

OPEN DOORS USA
Jerry Dykstra, Media Relations Coordinator
Phone: 616-915-4117
E-mail: JerryD@odusa.org

SANTA ANA, CA (ANS) -- When you think of those being persecuted for their faith, who comes to mind? Quite possibly you think of pastors in prison. Evangelists tortured. Bold leaders who are beaten for their faith.

But there’s something missing in this picture. All the faces possibly belong to men. If so, that image is incomplete.

The reality is that well over half of those with limited or no religious freedom today are made up of wives, mothers and daughters. But their faces are often unseen, their voices rarely heard.

Yet these women are also arrested, imprisoned and tortured. Many, whose husbands have been locked up or martyred, are left behind to raise fatherless children in cultures that despise them. Some are illiterate, unskilled and unable to find work.

The plight of women is especially difficult in the Muslim World. Women who become Christians are abandoned by their families and may even be murdered by male relatives.

In Africa, women may be raped, mutilated and sold as slaves. In the State of the World’s Mothers 2005 report, Africa was listed as the worst continent to be a mother or child.

In China, the wives of evangelists often struggle alone while their husbands are away for months at a time. Or in jail.

Also, according to a recent report, three times more women were killed on average in some tsunami-devastated countries than men and the scarcity of females has led to reports of forced marriages and rape. In 2005, ministering to these persecuted women is one of the four key goals of The Lighthouse Project – Open Doors’ bold initiative for its 50th anniversary year.

Open Doors – an international ministry which supports and strengthens Christians persecuted for their faith – seeks to provide literacy classes for women, open new safe houses to provide refuge, equip women who are leaders and much more.

Another way of helping suffering women is by equipping them with vocational skills. Through indigenous crafts, they can earn a living and keep their families together. For example, some persecuted women in Vietnam have learned to make purses. Open Doors USA recently purchased those purses and the entire shipment was quickly sold here. Open Doors also helps by teaching sewing and tailoring skills so the women can support themselves.

“An alarming percentage of women are abused, belittled and allowed no voice in their home and communities merely because of their gender and their faith,” says Dr. Carl Moeller, president/CEO of Open Doors USA. “Yet these women are not without hope. Joining hands together we can help change their lives through teaching vocational skills, counseling and educating families and supplying them with resources to overcome oppressive cultural influences. The Lighthouse Project is an exciting initiative that will strengthen persecuted women and equip them for greater ministry.”

Open Doors USA also partners with women’s church groups in the United States to support their sisters in Christ through various projects. One group of women from Saddleback Church (Lake Forest, CA) encouraged persecuted women during a trip to Chiapas, Mexico this spring and another group from the church will visit later this month.

An estimated 200 million Christians worldwide suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Christ, with another 200 to 400 million facing discrimination and alienation. Open Doors, celebrating 50 years of service to the Persecuted Christians in 2005, serves and strengthens the those suffering in the world's most difficult areas through Bible and Christian literature distribution, leadership training and assistance, community development, prayer and presence ministry and advocacy on behalf of suffering believers. To partner with Open Doors, call toll free at 888-5-BIBLE-5 (524-2535) or go to our USA web site at www.odusa.org. To request a complimentary six-month subscription to our monthly newsletter Frontline Faith, call 888-5-BIBLE-5 or register on-line.

(For more information of to set up an interview, contact Jerry Dykstra at 616-915-4117).
** You may republish this story with proper attribution.
Send this story to a friend.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1405422/posts

"Uzbekistan - Uzbek rebel leader says his group intends to build Islamic state"
Associated Press | May 18, 2005

Posted on 05/18/2005 2:51:19 AM PDT by HAL9000

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "The leader of a group of rebels claiming to control this Uzbek border town said Wednesday that he and his supporters intend to build an Islamic state and are ready to fight if government troops attempt to crush their revolt.

"We will be building an Islamic state here in accordance with the Quran," Bakhtiyor Rakhimov told The Associated Press while leaning down from the back of a horse.

Tense but confident, the bearded 42-year-old farmer, wearing a traditional Uzbek embroidered black-and-white skull cup, snapped his fingers as he gave orders to an assistant. It was unclear how many people he commanded, but there was no sign of any government officials in the town of about 20,000.

"The town is in the hands of people. People are tired of slavery," he said as he kept an eye on two roads converging at an intersection in Korasuv.

However, Uzbek Interior Minister Zakir Almatov shrugged off the militant's claims."

Military wife confronted - was her fear 'unreasonable'?

(snippet)Picture a young woman going about her daily errands. She leaves a local business, crosses the parking lot to her vehicle, unlocks it and slips in, but suddenly she can't close the door. A man has slipped up the side of her vehicle and shoved a Bible into the doorjamb to prevent her from closing the door. Obviously startled, she looks at this man who has noticed her husband's dogtags hanging from her rearview mirror. He asks her if they are hers. Her apprehension grows as this man speaks with a heavy Middle-Eastern accent. She tells him they belong to her husband. He glares at her, "He has killed people in my country" and starts mumbling to her in a foreign language. She is now terrified because she can't close the door and leave and she can't exit her car without hitting him with her door. She tries to squeeze out and he suddenly chucks the Bible at her, striking her saying "You're going to need that."

She flees into a nearby business and calls the local police. They arrive, take her statement (she's shaking and crying so bad she can hardly sign the paperwork), locate and arrest the man. They cannot question him because he refuses to even say he understands his Miranda rights.

He is currently in custody and other agencies are being called in.

He obviously targeted this woman because of her connection to the US military and this happened yesterday.

http://darleen.redstate.org/story/2005/5/17/21361/2935

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.