Threat Matrix: March 2007

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[nwctwx]

Senior Taliban leader held in Pakistan
-Full Story-

Pakistani security forces have captured a high-ranking Taliban leader in the southwestern city of Quetta, a senior security official and Taliban sources said late Thursday

The capture of Mullah Obaidullah Akhund marked the first Pakistan arrest of a senior leader of the Islamist militia since it was driven from power in Afghanistan in 2001 when thousands of its fighters fled into Pakistan.

The security official and Taliban sources said Akhund, the third most senior member of the Taliban's 10-member leadership council, was arrested late on Monday, hours after a surprise visit to Pakistan by U.S. Vice-President Dick Cheney.

	Pakistan Denies bin Laden in Country
	Al-Qaida Grows Stronger in Pakistani Safe Havens
	Taliban Commander Mullah Dadullah: Usama bin Laden is Alive

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[Cindy]

Almost a year later and that article is still a good read.
Thank you callmejoe.

[Cindy]

ADDING 1 link to your post 736, freeperfromnj.

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Note: The following text is a quote:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_929.html

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

This information is current as of today, Tue Mar 13 2007 13:04:14 GMT-0700.

ALGERIA

December 20, 2006

This Travel Warning is being updated to alert Americans to recent terrorist attacks in Algeria. The threat from terrorism in many areas continues to pose a significant security risk. This supersedes the Travel Warning issued on November 22, 2006.

The Department of State urges U.S. citizens who travel to Algeria to evaluate carefully the risk posed to their personal safety. Sustained small-scale terrorist attacks including bombings, false roadblocks, kidnappings, ambushes, and assassinations occur, primarily in rural and remote sections of the country. Additionally, there were three terrorist attacks against police stations and military barracks in the eastern suburbs of Algiers in October 2006, and a bomb attack targeting a bus transporting foreign workers of a U.S. company in the western part of the city in December 2006.

The Department of State cautions those U.S. citizens who travel to Algeria, especially the mountainous northern regions and the southern regions near Tamanrasset, despite this Travel Warning, to use reputable local agents and tour guides who are able to make reliable security arrangements.

The Government of Algeria requires U.S. Embassy personnel traveling outside the Wilaya of Algiers or to the Casbah within Algiers to seek permission and to have a security escort. Travel to the military zone established around the Hassi Messaoud oil center requires Government of Algeria authorization. U.S. government personnel are permitted by the Embassy to move freely in many areas in the center of Algiers, but are required to maintain prudent security practices. Travel by personnel to areas of the city outside this zone requires prior coordination with the Embassy’s regional security office. American visitors are encouraged to contact the Embassy’s Consular Section for the most recent safety and security information concerning travel in the city of Algiers.

The Department of State cautions Americans who reside or travel in Algeria to take prudent security measures while in the country, including making provisions for reliable and experienced logistical support. This support should include being met upon arrival and accompanied for the duration of the visit. Visitors should ensure that tour operators and host organizations perform all notifications and coordination with Algerian police and security officials during their stay. Visitors to Algeria are advised to stay only in hotels where adequate security is provided. All visitors to Algeria should remain alert and adhere to prudent security practices such as avoiding predicable travel patterns. Overland travel between major cities should be avoided.

American citizens in or traveling to Algeria are also urged to register and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Algeria at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Algiers or on our travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/. The Embassy is located at 4 Chemin Cheikh Bachir El-Ibrahimi, B.P. 408 (Alger-Gare) 16000, in the capital city of Algiers. The Embassy can be reached at telephone [213] (21) 691-425; [213] (21) 691-186; or fax [213] (21) 693-979. U.S. citizens who require emergency services may telephone the Embassy at [213](21) 691-255.

U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Algeria, and the current Worldwide Caution and Middle East and North Africa Public Announcements, which are available on the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov. American citizens may also obtain updated information on travel and security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444.

[Cindy]

ADDING 1 link to your post freeperfromnj.

Note: The following text is a quote:
https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=64816

you are here: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Threat to Commercial Aircraft in Algeria
Consular Affairs Bulletins
Middle East / N. Africa - Algeria
12 Mar 2007

Printer Friendly Email Article
Related Reports
20 Dec 2006
Travel Warning: Algeria
20 Dec 2006
Algeria Travel Warning
20 Dec 2006
Private Sector Response to Algeria Attacks
10 Dec 2006
Warden Message: Algiers Passenger Bus Attack
22 Nov 2006
Travel Warning: Algeria
U.S. Embassy Algiers distributed the following Warden Message on March 12, 2007:

There is information that extremists may be planning to conduct an attack against a commercial aircraft carrying Western workers in Algeria. At this time, there is no additional information available as to the specific carrier or the timing of this attack. Algeria remains under a Travel Warning: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_929.html .

American citizens in or traveling to Algeria are also urged to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Algiers. Americans can obtain updated information on travel and security in Algeria at the Consular Section or on our travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ . For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov/ , where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Algeria Consular Information Sheet and other Public Announcements and Travel Warnings can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada; or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Embassy is located at 4 Chemin Cheikh Bachir El-Ibrahimi, B.P. 408 (Alger-Gare) 16000, in the capital city of Algiers. The Embassy can be reached at telephone [213] (21) 691-425; [213] (21) 691-186; or fax [213] (21) 693-979. U.S. citizens who require emergency services may telephone the Embassy at [213](21) 691-255.

[Cindy]

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1147.html

Consular Information Sheet

Please click on this link to read important information you should see before you travel abroad

This information is current as of today, Tue Mar 13 2007 13:14:26 GMT-0700.

Jamaica

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http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cricket_world_cup/cricket_world_cup_3119.html

"Cricket World Cup Fact Sheet"

---

NOTE: The following text is a quote:

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=64851

you are here: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Jamaica Cricket Security
Consular Affairs Bulletins
Americas - Jamaica
13 Mar 2007

Printer Friendly Email Article
Related Reports
25 Jan 2007
Cricket World Cup Public Announcement
6 Dec 2006
Warden Message: Jamaica Malaria Outbreak
5 Dec 2006
Warden Message: U.S. Embassy Kingston Relocating December 18
11 Oct 2006
Worldwide Caution Public Announcement
U.S. Embassy Kingston released the following Warden Message on March 13:

As the Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007 begins this week, concerns have been raised over traffic congestion, large crowds of fans, and potential incidents of crime. CWC matches are scheduled to be played at Sabina Park stadium in Kingston on March 13, 15, 17, 19, 21 and 23, and April 24, 2007. Matches are expected to begin around 9:00 AM and will continue for most of the day. Jamaican officials may utilize plans for traffic control and crowd control, including restricting areas of vehicular traffic, implementing busing options to/from Sabina Park stadium, and restricting personal items that may enter the stadium grounds. The Embassy offers a few suggestions on how to handle this situation:

Crowds/Congestion/Traffic:


Learn where areas of congestion may occur. Be alert to news and radio announcements of street closings and areas of particular congestion and plan to avoid such areas as much as possible.
Expect heavier traffic than usual throughout Kingston on match days. Plan travel times accordingly. Plan your driving routes before beginning your travel, to include one primary route, and at least one alternate route in case of traffic.
Avoid large crowds and gatherings whenever possible.
Advise any personnel/visitors planning to travel to/through/from Jamaica on dates of matches of the problems expected. Suggest having them arrive or depart on different dates.
Consider shopping for food, drink and essentials before matches begin to avoid having to venture outside during match dates.
Always drive with your vehicle windows up and doors locked.
Consider topping off your vehicle's gas tank. Ensure that your vehicle is in good working condition to avoid breakdowns.
Consider placing bottled water, and some snacks inside your vehicle in case of heavy traffic.

If you plan to attend any of the CWC matches, consider the following additional security suggestions:


Travel in groups and with friends, whenever possible. Groups are less likely to be confronted than individuals traveling alone.
Consider returning home during daylight hours. Incidents of crime tend to increase after dark.
When inside the stadium, consider your location, and plan a primary and alternate route out of the stadium. Establish a rally location, where you would meet your friends if you become separated.
Exchange cellular telephone numbers with persons traveling with you in order to communicate if you become separated.
Consider advising a friend or coworker of your plans for the match (including transportation method, and times you plan to go and return), in case you run into difficulties.
Don't wear expensive or flashy clothing or jewelry. Carry only items that you are willing to give up, if confronted. Don't carry more money than you are willing to lose. Separate your money and valuables in various pockets to decrease the chances of their being stolen.
Never resist an armed robber. Comply with demands, slowly relinquish the valuables demanded, and seek police assistance afterwards.


American citizens in Jamaica who require emergency assistance can contact the Embassy at (876) 702-6000.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet website at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found. Up to date information on safety and security can be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except on U.S. federal holidays.

[Cindy]

http://www.e-prism.org
http://www.sofir.org

===
===

http://www.sofir.org/sarchives/005945.php
(E-PRISM.ORG)

13 March 2007
"Factors Facilitating the Rise of Radical Islamism and Terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa"
By Moshe Terdman – PRISM*

[Cindy]

http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/speeches/pistole030707.htm

John S. Pistole
Deputy Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation

National Fusion Center Conference
Destin, Florida

March 7, 2007


SPEECH SNIPPET: "A question I frequently hear is, “What exactly constitutes intelligence? How can you define it?” Simply put, it is information: vital information about those who want to harm us. But as you know, nothing is ever that simple. There is a world of difference between information and knowledge.

The problem we face is not a lack of information, but rather a flood of it. It’s like trying to sip water from a firehose. Our job is to wade through a river of unrelated and often indecipherable data, and to determine what is important, and who needs to know it.

But how do we turn all that raw information into valuable knowledge? How do we turn a name, a phone number, or an ATM receipt into a comprehensive understanding of our threat environment? How do we transform it into actionable intelligence that helps us prevent a terrorist attack?

That’s where the fusion centers come in."

[freeperfromnj]

TSA increases security at Orlando, other airports

Orlando Business Journal - 2:01 PM EDT Tuesday, March 13, 2007

In the wake of recent employee security breaches at Orlando International Airport, the Transportation Security Administration has announced the first in a series of airport employee security operations, now underway at Orlando, Tampa International, Miami International, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International and Luis Munoz Marin International in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The TSA has deployed 160 transportation security officers, aviation security inspectors, federal air marshals and other personnel at these five airports to increase employee and passenger security.

The TSA will conduct additional operations in other regions in the coming weeks and on months on an unannounced basis......

http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/stories/2007/03/12/daily14.html?from_rss=1

[Cindy]

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/015633.php

March 13, 2007
"Bomb in Potato Chips Bag Discovered"

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http://www.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/0/78e67193719c8890c225729c003239e7/Body/0.82?OpenElement&FieldElemFormat=jpg

http://www.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/getstory?openform&78E67193719C8890C225729C003239E7

"Bomb in Potato Chips Bag Discovered"

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "Lebanese internal security forces said in a communiqué published by local newspapers on Monday that they have thwarted an explosion attempt in the southern port city of Sidon.

The police communiqué said the assailant carrying the bomb in a potato chips bag was arrested at 8 p.m. Sunday.

It said the 200-gram TNT bomb was set to explode at 9:30 pm the same day.

The explosive was defused by an ISF expert, the statement added.

Agence France Presse quoted police sources as saying the suspect was a Palestinian and identified him as Walid Moustafa.

It said Moustafa was arrested shortly after he left the Ein el-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon."

Beirut, 12 Mar 07, 11:10

===
===

Off-Topic, but interesting...

http://rawstory.com/news/dpa/Authorities_discover_sophisticated__02272007.html

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Note: The following text is a quote:

http://osint.internet-haganah.com/archives/000872.html

March 09, 2007

Authorities discover "sophisticated" explosives in south Lebanon

Tuesday February 27, 2007

Beirut- Lebanese security forces Tuesday seized 31 pieces of what they called "sophisticated" explosives near Ain el-Hilweh Palestinian camp in southern Lebanon. "The seized explosives were electro-chemical detonators which can be timed for a prolonged period reaching 124 days," a police statement said.
The find followed a tip-off that a terrorist group was planning to smuggle sophisticated explosives out of the camp in order to use them in terrorist actions.

Posted on 09 March 2007 @ 15:09 GMT

===
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Note: Photos

stepping back in time...

http://internet-haganah.com/harchives/005454.html

05 February 2006
"al-Qaida, the next generation"

[Palladin]

Holy Potato Chips, Batman!

[Godzilla]

Holy Potato Chips, Batman!

Brings a whole new meaning to the phrase "bet you can't eat just one".

[Cindy]

LOL!

We were doing potato chip headlines here, too.

[Cindy]

PHOTOS included:

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=24785_The_Incredibly_Strange_Training_Session_of_the_Fatah_Security_Forces_Who_Stopped_Living_and_Became_Hamas&only

Tuesday, March 13, 2007
"The Incredibly Strange Training Session of the Fatah Security Forces Who Stopped Living and Became Hamas"


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PHOTOS included:

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=22730_The_Return_of_the_Incredibly_Strange_Palestinian_Security_Officer_Training_Session_That_Wouldnt_Die&only

Monday, September 25, 2006
"The Return of the Incredibly Strange Palestinian Security Officer Training Session That Wouldn't Die"

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=3355

Soldiers Uncover Four Caches, Detain 13 Suspects in Iraq

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2007 – Coalition soldiers uncovered four caches of ordnance and explosive materials and detained 13 suspected terrorists in Iraq on March 11, military officials reported.
Members of the 10th Mountain Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team discovered three caches during security patrols.

-- Soldiers from Troop C, 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, found 11 57 mm anti-aircraft rounds, three rocket-propelled-grenade projectiles, a 122 mm artillery round, five 120 mm artillery rounds, three 60 mm mortar rounds, two 81 mm mortar rounds and one 105 mm artillery round north of Baghdad in the village of Kuresh.

-- Soldiers from the squadron’s Troop A found a cache of bomb-making materials, including a detonation cord, two blasting caps, two hand-held radios, six washing machine timers, and assorted wires and batteries, southwest of the Baghdad airport.

-- Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, on a security patrol along the banks of the Euphrates River uncovered three 60 mm mortar tubes, one 82 mm round, two 60 mm rounds, 19 57 mm anti-aircraft rounds and two cans of linked 14.7 mm heavy machine gun rounds in Albu Faris, south of Baghdad.

In addition, soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, discovered seven 120 mm mortar rounds, 68 82 mm mortar rounds, 57 60 mm mortar rounds, 44 blasting caps, and one pound of TNT northwest of Mahmudiyah.

Explosive ordnance disposal teams destroyed the contents of all the caches.

Elsewhere in Iraq on March 11, Iraqi and U.S. troops detained six suspected terrorists during raids on houses known to be used by extremists. Military officials said they deemed the mission a success since no shots were fired and no one was injured.

"Operations of this nature continue to demonstrate that the impartiality and capability of the Iraqi security force is on the rise," said Army Lt. Col. Kevin Dunlop, commander, 3rd Combined Arms Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment. "We're seeing that as extremist activity on all sides is curtailed, the conditions are being set for improved economic activity, which should result in increasing employment and prosperity."

Iraqi soldiers also assisted U.S. soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division in capturing seven insurgents during a raid of an ice cream factory in Hilla, Iraq. The servicemembers uncovered an AK-47 assault rifle, more than 100 rounds of ammunition, money and other items of interest. The detainees are being held for questioning.

(Compiled from Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1800357/posts

"Airport taxi controversy: Why here? (MN)"
Garowe Online ^ | 3/12/07 | EMILY GURNON/Pioneer Press

Posted on 03/13/2007 3:23:12 PM PDT by ButThreeLeftsDo

[Cindy]

EVENT:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1800443/posts

[Cindy]

Adding to post no. 693:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1793738/posts?page=693#693

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UPDATE...

March 13, 2007

http://www.javno.com/en/world/clanak.php?id=26248

"Identity Of Arrested Bosnian In Pakistan Announced"

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "Nihad Cosic called the Bosnian Embassy in Islamabad and asked about getting a passport, because he lost his on his “illegal trip”

The embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Islamabad announced the identity of the person arrested in Pakistan, who says he is a Bosnia citizen – Nihad Cosic is in question.

Pakistani police forces arrested Nihad for the suspicion that he is connected with the Al-Qaida terrorist network, and that he was an instructor in their training camps."

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=iran
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=russia

===

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1800405/posts

"Teetering In Tehran"
IBD Editorials ^ | 13 Mar 2007 | Staff

Posted on 03/13/2007 4:50:44 PM PDT by Kitten Festival

[Cindy]

EVENT:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1800485/posts

[Oorang]

Pilots issue alert over lasers (Australia)
March 14, 2007

Airliner pilots issued an alert after a laser beam was aimed at several planes above the Sydney's northwest on Monday night. It is feared people with laser lights could endanger aircraft by shining the lights into cockpits and temporarily blinding the pilots on approach into the airport, News Ltd reports.

The Federal Transport Department said it had identified up to 20 laser incidents across Australia, including one on a Royal Flying Doctor plane.

Excerpted

http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Pilots-issue-alert-over-lasers/2007/03/14/1173722502654.html

Memo warns airport staff to be vigilant (MN)
March 12, 2007

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport has circulated an internal memorandum to the airport's management staff asking all employees to remain vigilant to terrorist threats.

Written by Lt. Shawn Chamberlain of the airport's aviation security division, the memorandum dated Feb. 12 outlines reasons why the airport "may be at a greater risk than other metropolitan areas or airports in our region."

Chamberlain cited the airport's volume of traffic and travel, its location near the Mall of America and Veterans Administration buildings, its closeness to the Canadian border and its employment of fewer security officers than other airports its size.

Excerpted

http://www.startribune.com/462/story/1050233.html

Army foils JI bomb attack in Maguindanao
March 13, 2007

Authorities believe they foiled a terror plot by Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) operatives with the discovery of an improvised powerful explosive device at a transport terminal in Maguindanao Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Julieto Ando, spokesman for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said an unnamed civilian alerted police and soldiers of the presence of an unattended suspicious-looking box, which turned out to contain an 81-mm mortal shell rigged with a battery-operated blasting mechanism attached to a cellular phone.

Excerpted

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=69980

[Cindy]

THANKS for the ping Oorang.
I appreciate it.

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http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1741897/posts?page=260#260