Threat Matrix: Daily Terror Threat

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http://www.centcom.mil/CENTCOMNews/News_Release.asp?NewsRelease=200511109.txt

NEWS RELEASE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894
November 24, 2005
Release Number: 05-11-109

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

U.S. PATROLS FIND BOMBS BEFORE THEY CAN DETONATE

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Task Force Baghdad Soldiers saw numerous small victories over the terrorist effort in east Baghdad Nov. 22.

Around 9:30 a.m., elements of 1st Battalion, 64th Armor discovered a roadside bomb in a pile of trash. An explosives ordnance disposal team was called to the scene and conducted a controlled detonation of the device.

At noon, another roadside bomb was spotted by elements of 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry. An EOD team was called to the site and transported the device to another location.

Looking for terrorist activity, elements of the 2nd and 3rd battalions of the 2nd Public Order Brigade searched numerous homes in Zafaraniya as part of a joint operation with 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery.

“The POB units have gotten very comfortable with cordon-and-search missions. They acted very professionally and are pretty much operating on their own,” said Capt. Jason Pelletier, commander of A Battery, 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery.

During the joint operation, one local resident turned over a bag of 59 hand grenades and 10 feet of explosive detonating cord.

At about 5:30 p.m., 3/7 Cav. responded to a tip from a local citizen and secured a roadside bomb before it could be used against Iraqi civilians, Iraqi Security Forces or Coalition Forces. An EOD team removed the device to another location.

THIS STORY HAS ACCOMPANYING PHOTOGRAPHS. TO RECEIVE THE PHOTOS, E-MAIL THE CPIC PRESS DESK AT cpicpressdesk@iraq.centcom.mil.

Cutline:
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Elements of the 2nd and 3rd battalions of the 2nd Public Order Brigade and U.S. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery prepare to search homes in Zafaraniya Nov. 22. (U.S. Army photo)

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- A roadside bomb is rendered safe by a Coalition Forces explosives ordnance disposal team Nov. 22. This device was discovered by elements of 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry operating in east Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo)

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS RELEASE, CONTACT THE TASK FORCE BAGHDAD PUBLIC AFFAIRS PLANS AND OPERATIONS NCO, SGT. FIRST CLASS DAVID ABRAMS AT: DAVID.ABRAMS@ID3.ARMY.MIL.

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http://www.centcom.mil/CENTCOMNews/News_Release.asp?NewsRelease=200511110.txt

NEWS RELEASE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894
November 24, 2005
Release Number: 05-11-110

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JAYSH AL-MUJAHIDEEN TERRORIST LIEUTENANT AND PROPOGANDA CHIEF CAPTURED

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Acting on multiple intelligence sources and tips from concerned citizens, Coalition forces raided a suspected Jaysh al-Mujahideen terrorist safe house in Abu Ghurayb, west of Baghdad, Oct. 23.

Captured during the raid was Ahmad Ni’mah Khudayyir Abbas (aka. Abu Shihab), a recently identified Jaysh al-Mujahideen lieutenant who oversaw the propaganda cell and who commanded several mortar and improvised explosive device cells.

Abu Shihab, as the propaganda chief for the Jaysh al-Mujahideen media cell operating in the Baghdad area, initially recorded videos and digitized them to compact disc for distribution to various Jaysh al-Mujahideen and al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist groups. These videos would then be downloaded to various Jihadist web sites as propaganda against Iraqi security and coalition forces.

Additionally, the videos would be used to recruit terrorists and foreign fighters, as well as to provide information on potential targets for other terrorists. As his skills and terrorist connections developed, he began directing and coordinating media operations throughout the Baghdad area for Jaysh al-Mujahideen.

Abu Shihab’s multi-media and organizational skills propelled him to the highest tier within Jaysh al-Mujahideen. Once he became a lieutenant to the Emir of Jaysh al-Mujahideen, he assumed responsibility for a myriad of terrorist duties. Besides overseeing Jaysh al-Mujahideen media operations, Abu Shihab was responsible for the coordination of weapons, explosive purchases and the distribution of money to different terrorist cells, as well as the official record keeping of the organization’s terrorist activities.

Abu Shihab was also in command of several terrorist cells in the Baghdad area, specifically mortar and IED cells. He admitted to conducting numerous bombings and mortar attacks against Iraqi security and coalition forces.

Abu Shihab admitted to being involved in the swindling of money from Iraqi citizens. He, as well as other Jaysh al-Mujahideen terrorists, would represent a local Baghdad charity they set up specifically to funnel donations to Jaysh al-Mujahideen.

One method of garnering donations from local citizens, according to Abu Shihab, was to stage pictures with children and young adults highlighting the “charity’s” name and logo in the background. The pictures would be shown to the Iraqis to solicit money supposedly in support of youth education and religious study; these donations would then be used to support terrorist operations in the Baghdad area.

The Jaysh al-Mujahideen terrorist organization, which is centrally controlled in Baghdad, also has terrorist cells in major cities in Iraq, to include Mosul, Fallujah, Ramadi; Jaysh al-Mujahideen is associated with al Qaeda in Iraq.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER at: cpicpressdesk@iraq.centcom.mil.

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http://www.centcom.mil/CENTCOMNews/News_Release.asp?NewsRelease=200511111.txt

NEWS RELEASE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894
November 24, 2005
Release Number: 05-11-111

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IRAQI, U.S. FORCES RESPOND TO CAR BOMB IN MAHMUDIYAH

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Security Forces and Task Force Baghdad Soldiers responded to a suicide car bomb attack in Mahmudiyah around 10:40 a.m. Nov. 24.

Initial reports indicate 18 Iraqi civilians and six security guards with Force Protection Services were killed in the terrorist attack at the Mahmudiyah Hospital and at least 30 other civilians were wounded. Four U.S. Soldiers were also wounded.

Task Force Baghdad civil affairs Soldiers were at the hospital conducting an assessment for upgrades to the facility when the car bomb detonated.

Task Force Baghdad officials said the target appears to have been the hospital, but the terrorist was unable to penetrate the security perimeter before detonating. Initial reports indicate there was no structural damage to the hospital.

Iraqi Army Soldiers and additional Task Force Baghdad Soldiers quickly arrived to secure the site and provide additional medical support.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS RELEASE, CONTACT THE TASK FORCE BAGHDAD PUBLIC AFFAIRS PLANS AND OPERATIONS NCO, SGT. FIRST CLASS DAVID ABRAMS AT: DAVID.ABRAMS@ID3.ARMY.MIL.

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I'D LIKE TO WISH ALL OF MY FRIENDS HERE AT TM A HAPPY AND BLESSED THANKSGIVING

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http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Nov2005/20051123_3433.html

Iraqi Soldiers Capture Insurgents, Disarm Roadside Bombs

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 23, 2005 – Iraqi army troops from the 3rd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, captured three insurgents Nov. 22 in Baghdad, military officials reported.
Officials said the military-aged suspects were apprehended after they threw a CD containing sniper video footage from their vehicle at a traffic-control point and tried to turn around and get away. Iraqi troops questioned the three men, who admitted attacking coalition forces in Baghdad, Fallujah and Najaf, officials said. The men and materials were taken into custody pending further investigation.

Elsewhere in Iraq, Iraqi troops from the 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division, discovered two roadside bombs Nov. 22 near Iskandariyah.

The first bomb consisted of a 130 mm round with a three-foot detonation cord. The second bomb was found in a pre-existing hole with wires protruding from a 152 mm round and two propane tanks. The bombs were neutralized, and no injuries or damages were reported.

Task Force Baghdad soldiers detained three suspected terrorists during an early-morning Nov. 22 raid in southern Baghdad. Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry, also found multiple passports along with an 82 mm mortar round while searching the house of the terror suspects.

A large amount of money and weapons were found when a joint Iraqi and U.S. force launched an offensive against a terrorist hideout near Bayji, Iraq, officials said today.

More than 30 suspected terrorists and a large cache of money, weapons and material were captured during the joint operation, which was launched Nov. 21 under the name of Operation Old Baldy. Participants in the operation included soldiers from 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division, and "Rakkasans" from the 101st Airborne Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team.

An air-assault mission was launched on Bayji Island, a 10-square-kilometer landmass splitting the Tigris River north of Tikrit, Saddam Hussein's hometown. The island has served as an isolated hideout for terrorists and criminals in the past, officials said.

"Bayji Island was a previously untouched area, and we wanted to send a clear message to the insurgents: There is no safe haven" in the Rakkasan area of operations, said Lt. Col. Randy George, commander of Task Force Leader.

George said the soldiers swept onto the island before dawn Nov. 21 in UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade. Over the next 36 hours, the Iraqi and American soldiers conducted searches of the island, uncovering stores of enemy weapons, including rocket-propelled grenades and improvised-explosive-device-making material.

"This operation instilled confidence in our Iraqi counterparts, and served to further strengthen our partnership with the Iraqi Army," said George, referring to the Rakkasan partnership with 4th Iraqi Army Division soldiers.

In other news, nine terrorists were captured after a Nov. 22 roadside bomb attack near Balad that wounded a soldier from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. The nine men were detained after two of them tested positive for explosives residue. The bomb was made from a 155 mm artillery round and was hidden alongside the road. The wounded soldier was taken to a local military medical facility. No report was available on the soldier's condition.

About 200 Iraqi army soldiers and 250 U.S. soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team attached to the 2nd Marine Division kicked off Operation Lions Nov. 22 in the Tammim area of southern Ramadi, officials said.

Operation Lions follows Operations Panthers and Bruins, both of which were conducted in different parts of Ramadi. "These operations involved Iraqi army and coalition forces clearing sections of the city in order to disrupt the insurgency and set conditions for successful elections on Dec. 15," a spokesman said.

"Terrorists operating in Ramadi continue to try and influence the local Iraqi citizens through murder and intimidation tactics," the spokesman said. "Terrorists linked to the Abu Musab al-Zarqawi network in Ramadi have vowed to prevent the local citizens from participating in the democratic process and exercise their right to vote."

Since Nov. 16, Iraqi and U.S. forces have killed 32 insurgents and seized and destroyed four large weapon caches. The caches included surface-to-air-missiles, rocket-propelled grenades, numerous rockets, mortar rounds, artillery rounds, hand grenades, landmines, small arms, small-arms ammunition and various IED-making equipment.

"The Iraqi army has been the main effort in many of our operations," said Col. John L. Gronski, combat team commander. "They continue to exhibit professionalism and resolve in securing their country."

Also, 84 detainees were released today from internment facilities after having their cases reviewed by the Combined Review and Release Board, officials said.

The Iraqi-led board, which was established in August 2004, consists of nine members -- two members each from the Ministries of Human Rights, Justice and Interior, as well as three senior officers from the multinational forces.

To date, the board has reviewed the cases of more than 21,700 detainees, recommending more than 12,000 individuals for release, officials noted.

In the air war, coalition aircraft flew 42 close-air-support missions Nov. 22, including support to coalition troops, infrastructure protection, reconstruction activities and operations to deter and disrupt terrorist activities, officials said.

An Air Force Predator, an advanced-concept technology demonstration aircraft, provided close-air support to coalition troops in contact with insurgents near Hit.

Officials said 10 Air Force and Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq.

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq, Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq, Task Force Baghdad, and U.S. Central Command Air Forces Forward news releases.)

Related Sites:
Multinational Force Iraq
Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq
U.S. Central Command Air Forces

A blessed Thanksgiving to you backhoe and bruce cw.

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http://www.truthusa.com/ThanksGIVING.html

...and to you and yours, Cindy.

I got stuck with fixing dessert for the family dinner, so they are getting peanut butter pie, a former specialty of Savannah's Pirate's House.

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http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_917.html

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

This information is current as of today, Thu Nov 24 2005 09:18:58 GMT-0800.

HAITI

November 22, 2005

This Travel Warning is being issued to warn American citizens of the continued dangers of travel to Haiti. Due to the volatile security situation earlier this year, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel and family members in May 2005. The Ordered Departure has now been lifted for non-emergency employees and adult dependents. Dependents under age 21 still are not permitted to travel to or remain in Haiti. In light of continuing instability, the Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Haiti at this time and urges American citizens to exercise caution and security awareness if they must travel to or reside in Haiti. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning issued May 26, 2005.

Americans are reminded of the potential for spontaneous demonstrations and violent confrontations between armed groups. Visitors and residents must remain vigilant due to the absence of an effective police force in much of Haiti; the potential for looting; the presence of intermittent roadblocks set by armed gangs or by the police; and the possibility of random violent crime, including car-jacking and assault. Kidnapping for ransom remains a particular threat, with over 25 American citizens including children kidnapped over the past year. National elections have been scheduled for late 2005 and early 2006. These elections may become a stimulus for further social tension, which could include violence.

Travel can be hazardous within Port-au-Prince. Some areas are off-limits to embassy staff, including downtown Port-au-Prince after dark. U.S. Embassy personnel are under an embassy-imposed curfew and must remain in their homes or in U.S. government facilities during the curfew. The embassy has limited travel by its staff outside of Port-au-Prince and therefore its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Port-au-Prince is constrained. The UN stabilization force (MINUSTAH) is fully deployed and is assisting the government of Haiti in providing security. They have challenged violent gangs and have moved into some gang enclaves.

U.S. citizens who travel to or remain in Haiti despite this Travel Warning must remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and are strongly advised to register either online at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ or with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince. The Consular Section can be reached at (509) 223-7011, fax number (509) 223-9665, or e-mail address acspap@state.gov. Travelers should also consult the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet for Haiti and Worldwide Caution Public Announcement at http://travel.state.gov. American citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States or Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from overseas. In Haiti citizens can call 509/222-0200, ext. 2000.

Travelling today?

Here's the weather report:
http://www.weather.com

and from the CDC - Healthy Holiday tips:
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/spotlights/holiday_tips.htm

Well now that sounds wonderful backhoe.
I'm fixing the whole thing....it's one of those
all day cooking events.

Thanksgiving blessings to you freeperfromnj.
Have a great day!
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http://www.truthusa.com/ThanksGIVING.html

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,176646,00.html

"Jordan King Calls for All-Out War on Islamic Militancy"
Thursday, November 24, 2005

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "AMMAN, Jordan — Jordan's King Abdullah II urged his new prime minister Thursday to launch an all-out war against Islamic militancy in the wake of the triple hotel bombings earlier this month that killed 63 people."

Well now that sounds wonderful backhoe. I'm fixing the whole thing....it's one of those all day cooking events.

Luckily for me, my BIL's new wife likes to cook- and here's the recipe' for that pie:

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese ( softened )
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup peanut butter
1/4 to 1/2 cup condensed ( evaporated ) milk
1 (16 ounce) package frozen whipped topping, thawed ( dream whip, Kool whip )
2 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crusts

Directions

1 Beat together cream cheese and confectioners' sugar. Mix in peanut butter and milk. Beat until smooth. Fold in dessert topping.

2 Spoon into 2- 9 inch graham cracker pie shells, cover and freeze. ( I recommend just chilling )

Oh, does that sound good -- really good.

Happy Thanksgiving! I'm spending a quiet day at my parents' house.

OFF TOPIC...Thanks to F15 Eagle for pointing to this thread:
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http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1528024/posts

"Jazeera fury over 'U.S. bomb' memo"
CNN.Com - World ^ | Thursday, November 24, 2005; Posted: 12:32 p.m. EST (17:32 GMT) | CNN

Posted on 11/24/2005 10:08:26 AM PST by F15Eagle

Thanksgiving blessings to you and your family SlowBoat407.
Enjoy your day and eat - eat - eat.

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http://www.truthusa.com/ThanksGIVING.html

You are welcome.

It appears that there are more arrests than we will ever know.

I noted the other day that a female was called:

al-Qa'ada

Haven't googled with it as yet.

November 24, 2005 Anti-Terrorism News

Suicide Bombing South of Baghdad Kills 30
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/I/IRAQ_BOMB?SITE=FLTAM&SECTION=INTERNATIONAL
A car bomb exploded outside a hospital in a town south of Baghdad,
officials say.

Pakistani Is Convicted of Aiding al-Qaida
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2005/11/23/pakistani_is_convicted_of_aiding_al_qaida/
A federal jury deliberated for about five hours before finding Uzair
Paracha, 25, guilty of providing material support to terrorists and of
other related charges. The government accused Paracha of trying to help
Majid Khan, an alleged al-Qaida member, sneak into the country using
fake travel documents.

Israel Captures Key Islamic Jihad Militant
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,176614,00.html

(Belgium) How a Town Became a Terror Hub
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/23/AR2005112302432.html
Growth of terrorist organization, the Moroccan Islamic Combatant Group
in Belgium, known by its French initials, GICM.

Hong Kong officials say city is safe after report of terror threat
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayArticle.asp?col=&section=theworld&xfile=data/theworld/2005/November/theworld_November642.xml

Pakistan probes threat against China, Hong Kong hotels
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/subcontinent/2005/November/subcontinent_November842.xml&section=subcontinent
Pakistan is investigating a threat to carry out militant attacks
against hotels in Hong Kong and China; the threat carried the name of a
person who identified himself as Ali Rizvi

Fighting in Philippine south rages, soldier killed
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/theworld/2005/November/theworld_November646.xml&section=theworld
One Philippine soldier was killed as renewed fighting with suspected
Islamic militants with ties to Al Qaeda entered a second day on the
remote southwestern island of Jolo

France Presents Tough Anti-Terrorism Bill
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/F/FRANCE_TERRORISM?SITE=FLTAM&SECTION=INTERNATIONAL

Turkish Parliament to Investigate Possible State Ties to Bomb Attack
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,176598,00.html
Turkey's parliament voted Wednesday to investigate whether security
forces were behind a grenade attack in the largely Kurdish southeast

Terrorism: "Why Nigeria is Prime Target"
http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=34065

(Russia) Terrorist No. 1 Basayev cannot evade justice - FSB director
http://en.rian.ru/russia/20051124/42197468.html

Commentary: Border Threat of Smuggling Nuclear Device (my title)
http://www.krem.com/news/local/stories/krem2_112305_tsrnukes.2db5ae5.html
free registration site

Gunmen Kill Sunni Arab Sheik, Kin in Iraq
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/I/IRAQ?SITE=FLTAM&SECTION=INTERNATIONAL

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http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1528072/posts

Chinese hackers breach US military defences: Uncle Sam hacks back in counter attack...
Silicon.com ^ | November 24, 2005 | Tom Espiner

Posted on 11/24/2005 12:30:04 PM PST by billorites

Security experts have revealed tantalising details about a group of Chinese hackers who are suspected of launching intelligence gathering attacks against the US government.

The hackers, who are believed to be based in the Chinese province of Guangdong, are thought to have stolen US military secrets, including aviation specifications and flight-planning software.

The US government has coined the term 'Titan Rain' to describe the hackers.

Alan Paller, director of the SANS Institute, said: "From the Redstone Arsenal, home to the Army Aviation and Missile Command, the attackers grabbed specs for the aviation mission-planning system for Army helicopters, as well as Falconview 3.2, the flight-planning software used by the Army and Air Force."

The team is thought to consist of 20 hackers. Paller claimed the Chinese government was the most likely recipient of the information they intercepted.

He told an event at the Department of Trade and Industry on Tuesday: "Of course it's the government. Governments will pay anything for control of other governments' computers. All governments will pay anything. It's so much better than tapping a phone."

Titan Rain first came to public attention this summer, when the Washington Post reported that websites in China were being used to target computer networks in the Defense Department and other US agencies.

Time later reported that Titan Rain had been counter-hacked by a US security expert called Shawn Carpenter.

The attacks, which are ongoing, were particularly effective on the night of 1 November, 2004, said Paller, who outlined how the hackers first scanned then broke into US government computers.

At 22:23(PST) the Titan Rain hackers exploited vulnerabilities at the US Army Information Systems Engineering Command at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. A few hours later, at 01:19(PST), they exploited the same hole in computers at the Defense Information Systems Agency in Arlington, Virginia.

By 03:25(PST) they had hit the Naval Ocean Systems Center, a Defense Department installation in San Diego, California. Then at 04:46(PST) they struck again - this time at the United States Army Space and Strategic Defense installation in Huntsville, Alabama.

The UK is also under intelligence-gathering cyber attack from the far east, according to the National Infrastructure Security Co-ordination Centre (NISCC). The government body cannot name the countries concerned as this may "ruin diplomatic efforts to halt the attacks", NISCC director Roger Cummings said on Tuesday.