Threat Matrix: Daily Terror Threat - Thread Twenty-Eight

[nwctwx]

Threat Matrix: Daily Terror Threat

Thread Twenty-Eight (Index)

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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!

Terrorists could be just getting started
Full Story

New York City and Washington. Bali, Indonesia; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Istanbul, Turkey; Madrid, Spain. And now London.

When will it end? Where will it all lead?

The experts aren't encouraged. One terrorism researcher sees the prospect of "endless" war. Adds the man who tracked Osama bin Laden for the CIA, "I don't think it's even started yet."

Related:
Terrorists' aim is to end western civilisation, says ex-Mossad head
Understanding the enemy, a different type of war
Al Qaeda answers CIA's hiring call

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

TM Terrorism Handbook	Link to Thread Twenty-Seven "Code Red Implications: Code Red - Stay Home and Await Word." From Tm'er and Freeper ~MamaDearest~	Arabic Links and Resources
TM 'Be on the Lookout'		ExSoldier's Invaluable Tips
Threat Matrix Book List		Godzilla's Summaries
Tracking the Chatter with TM		TM Code of Conduct

Threat Matrix HTML designed by: Ian Livingston

[freeperfromnj]

I was flying back from vacation out of Florida this past weekend. There was a terrible lightening storm which delayed us about 3 hours. Airline wouldn't let the plane crew and baggage handlers on the tarmac until storm passed. I couldn't believe passengers were actually complaining because the plane didn't take off on time.

[Velveeta]

Looks like it crashed on landing.

FOX news showing smoke billowing from plane.

Prayers up for the passengers.

(How are you feeling, btw?)

[nwctwx]

I was just posting in the main thread... I am surprised they would allow planes to land with storms like that around the area. There are Severe watches up throughout northern New England, and the extension of that is near Toronto right now.

[Rutles4Ever]

Any SAM threats recently?

[nwctwx]

I'm doing much better lately... hope it lasts. ;)

I was out of town this weekend (Weather conference!). I was busy winding down from that yesterday, and only checked into FR this morning... was an interesting experience, I got to meet Paul Kocin from The Weathe Channel.

Here are some pictures I took (not for dial-up):
http://www.easternuswx.com/bb/index.php?showtopic=43448

Anyway, I should be around more often till school starts at the end of the month.

[Cindy]

Thanks nw and I tend to agree with your assessment of the situation.

[Velveeta]

I don't know of any specific SAM threats, but I've been out of town and not up to speed.

[Velveeta]

Glad to hear you're doing better.

The pics were great!

Excellent photographs, really.
You even picked up beads of sweat on Paul Kocin. LOL

[Velveeta]

Oh, No!

Secondary explosion on the Toronto plane

[Cindy]

Note: Thanks to abu afak for the ping to this thread:
===

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1455623/posts

"The Way of the Ostrich"
Dawn.com (Pak's biggest English Daily) ^ | 8/2/05 | Irfan Husain

Posted on 08/02/2005 2:28:55 PM PDT by abu afak

[JellyJam]

State Department issues worldwide terror caution

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans around the world remain under threat of attack from al-Qaida and groups associated with the network headed by Osama bin Laden, the State Department said Tuesday.

Current information suggests attacks are planned in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, the department said in a statement designed to heighten vigilance.

The bombings last month in London and in March 2004 in Madrid are a reminder that terrorists may strike at public transportation systems, the department said. And, it said, extremists also may select aviation and marine services as targets.

Turmoil in Iraq is likely to pose a potential trigger for violence against Americans, and elections scheduled for next month in Afghanistan may also spark anti-American action, the statement said.

In issuing the worldwide caution, the department said its purpose was to bring information on a continuing threat up to date. The last worldwide caution was issued in March.

[Cindy]

Thanks to Jellyjam for the heads up.

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

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Tue Aug 02 2005 15:16:06 GMT-0700.

Worldwide Caution

August 2, 2005

This Public Announcement updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests overseas. This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated March 8, 2005 and expires on February 2, 2006.

The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. Americans are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning. Ongoing events in Iraq have resulted in demonstrations and associated violence in several countries; such events are likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Nation-wide elections in Afghanistan scheduled for mid-September may also trigger violent anti-American actions.

Current information suggests that al-Qa’ida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics to include assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings. Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests. The latter may include facilities where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit, including residential areas, business offices, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels and public areas.

In the wake of the July 2005 London bombings and the March 2004 train attacks in Madrid, Americans are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems. In addition, extremists may also select aviation and maritime services as possible targets.

U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. For additional information, please refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” found at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

[JellyJam]

Curious how this comes out before Aug. 8 ... just so the gov't can say they warned us.

[Cindy]

Actually the www caution has been in effect for a long time. The last update was March 8, 2005 and now it's been updated again.

As for the timing of the update; yep, that's interesting.

[Cindy]

ON THE NET...

http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?theme=31&content=4689
"DHS Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report"

[Cindy]

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

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_2500.html

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Tue Aug 02 2005 15:44:37 GMT-0700.

Libya

August 01, 2005


This Public Announcement is being issued to remind Americans of the current security situation in Libya and to provide contact information for the U.S. Liaison Office in Tripoli. The United States Department of State warns U.S. citizens traveling to Libya to exercise caution. This Public Announcement supersedes the Travel Warning for Libya issued December 28, 2004, and the Public Announcement issued May 6, 2005 and expires on November 1, 2005.

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.

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 June 2004, a U.S. Liaison Office opened in Tripoli. There is no consular officer included among the staff. At present, the Consular Section of the Liaison Office no longer operates out of the Belgian Embassy and is in the process of relocating. During this time public office hours are suspended. American residents in and visitors to Libya needing emergency assistance may contact U.S. personnel by telephone (091-220-0125) and email consulartripoli@yahoo.com).

Most U.S. economic sanctions on Libya were lifted on September 20, 2004. Technologies and goods on the Department of Commerce Export Control List must be licensed by the Department of Commerce for export to Libya.

Travelers should be aware that credit cards and checks drawn on U.S. banks generally are not accepted in Libya, and should be prepared to engage in cash-only transactions while in Libya.

Americans who travel or reside in Libya are strongly encouraged to register through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. Updated information on travel and security in Libya may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States, or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. Travelers should also consult the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet for Libya and the current Worldwide Caution and Middle East and North Africa Public Announcements, which are available on the Department's internet site at http://travel.state.gov.

[Lucy Lake]

UK Police guidelines when entering a Muslim household

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1455651/posts

[Velveeta]

Moscow's international post office evacuated

Moscow, Aug 3. (AP): The international post office in the Russian capital was evacuated on Tuesday after a high level of radiation was detected coming from a package, the Emergency Situations Ministry said.

The package was emitting radiation about 1.5 times higher than normal background level, said ministry spokeswoman Natalia Goncharova; she declined to give a specific figure.

A ministry team was sent to the post office, in southern Moscow, to investigate.

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/003200508030353.htm

[SlowBoat407]

All the warnings are for overseas, though. Europe is facing a deadline of August 18-20 for getting out of Iraq, but I believe the U.S. was cleared by spiritual authorities last year for "open season" attacks, so I'm still preparing for the August 5-8 window.

[nw_arizona_granny]

NIH worker charged with anthrax threat

Tuesday, August 2, 2005; Posted: 12:29 p.m. EDT (16:29 GMT)

http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/08/02/anthrax.threat.ap/index.html

MIAMI, Florida (AP) -- A Maryland woman who works at the National
Institutes of Health was arrested on charges she threatened Florida tax
assessors with anthrax after she lost a claim for tax relief.

Michelle Ledgister, 43, a quality control and assurance officer at the
agency's Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, was arrested
Monday and charged with spreading false information and making a hoax
under the Terrorism Prevention Act, the U.S. attorney's office said.

According to her arrest warrant, Ledgister left a threatening voicemail
message last month at the Broward County Property Appraiser's Office
after she lost a claim for tax relief on property she owns in Parkland.

Ledgister identified herself, said she worked for NIH and said, "You
guys now have anthrax spores once again, so do be careful," according to
the warrant.

A hazardous-materials team searched the building housing the assessor's
office, but found no evidence of anthrax.

Ledgister, who was arrested by FBI agents in Rockville, Maryland, faces
up to five years in prison if convicted. She was being held without
bond pending a court hearing Tuesday afternoon in Greenbelt, Maryland. It
could not be immediately determined if she has an attorney.

NIH spokesman John Burklow said Ledgister does not have access to
anthrax. Ledgister remains an NIH employee but Burklow couldn't say if she
faces discipline.

"An anthrax threat, even if a hoax, is a serious crime, which this
office will prosecute vigorously," U.S. Attorney R. Alexander Acosta said
in a news release.

Broward County is just south of Boca Raton, where one of the
still-unsolved anthrax mailings of fall 2001 killed an employee of tabloid
publisher American Media Inc.