Threat Matrix: April 2007

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=northkorea
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=nkorea

Note: The following post is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1826387/posts

North Korea demonstrates new ballistic missile
Itar-Tass ^ | April 28, 2007

Posted on 05/01/2007 2:18:54 AM PDT by HAL9000

SEOUL, April 28 (Itar-Tass) - North Korea has displayed a new ballistic missile capable to hit targets on the U.S. Island of Guam, the South Korean Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported on Saturday referring to a South Korean government source having access to U.S. satellite images.

A military parade in Pyongyang on Wednesday featured three new missile systems, including the medium-range missile that can travel 2,500 to 4,000 kilometres, and thus is capable of reaching the U.S. territory of Guam.

All three new models are ground-to-ground missiles. The South Korean Defence Ministry has made no comments on the report as of yet.

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/04/20070430-3.html

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 30, 2007

Loyalty Day, 2007
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

White House News

America was founded by patriots who risked their lives to bring freedom to our Nation. Today, our citizens are grateful for our Founding Fathers and confident in the principles that lead us forward. On Loyalty Day, we celebrate the blessings of freedom and remember our responsibility to continue our legacy of liberty.

Our Nation has never been united simply by blood, birth, or soil, but instead has always been united by the ideals that move us beyond our background and teach us what it means to be Americans. We believe deeply in freedom and self-government, values embodied in our cherished documents and defended by our troops over the course of generations. Our citizens hold the truths of our founding close to their hearts and demonstrate their loyalty in countless ways. We are inspired by the patriotic service of the men and women who wear our Nation’s uniform with honor and decency. The military spouses and families who stand by their loved ones represent the best of the American spirit, and we are profoundly grateful for their sacrifice. Our country is strengthened by the millions of volunteers who show deep compassion toward their neighbors in need. All citizens can express their loyalty to the United States by flying the flag, participating in our democracy, and learning more about our country’s grand story of courage and simple dream of dignity.

The Congress, by Public Law 85-529, as amended, has designated May 1 of each year as “Loyalty Day.” This Loyalty Day, and throughout the year, I ask all Americans to join me in reaffirming our allegiance to our Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 1, 2007, as Loyalty Day. I call upon the people of the United States to participate in this national observance and to display the flag of the United States on Loyalty Day as a symbol of pride in our Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.

GEORGE W. BUSH

# # #

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_936.html

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

This information is current as of today, Tue May 01 2007 03:25:21 GMT-0700.

YEMEN

April 30, 2007

This Travel Warning updates security information for Yemen. This supersedes the Travel Warning for Yemen issued October 13, 2006.

The Department of State continues to strongly urge U.S. citizens to consider carefully the risks of traveling to Yemen. The security threat level remains high due to terrorist activities in Yemen, and U.S. citizens in Yemen should exercise caution and take prudent measures to maintain their security: maintain a high level of vigilance, avoid crowds and demonstrations, keep a low profile, vary times and routes for all travel, and ensure travel documents are current. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa advises American citizens in Yemen to exercise particular caution at locations frequented by foreigners countrywide and at restaurants and hotels frequented by expatriates. Americans who believe they are being followed or threatened while driving in urban centers should proceed as quickly as possible to the nearest police station or major intersection and request assistance from the officers in the blue-and-white police cars stationed there.

The Department remains concerned about possible attacks by extremist individuals or groups against U.S. citizens, facilities, businesses, and perceived interests. On December 5, 2006, a lone gunman opened small arms fire outside of the U.S. Embassy compound during the early morning hours. The assailant, wounded by host-nation security personnel and subsequently arrested, was the sole casualty. On February 3, 2006, 23 convicts, including known affiliates of al-Qa’ida, escaped from a high-security prison, in the capital city, Sanaa. Among the al-Qa’ida associates were individuals imprisoned for their roles in the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole and the 2002 attack on the French oil tanker Limburg. In the weeks following the escape, some prisoners voluntarily turned themselves in to authorities; to date however, some escapees remain at large. Two of the escapees were killed in vehicle-based suicide attacks on oil facilities near Mukalla and Marib on September 15. Those attacks were followed by the arrest the next day in Sanaa of four suspected Al Qa’ida operatives, who had stockpiled explosives and weapons.

Since January 2007, the Government of Yemen has been battling al Houthi rebels in and around the northern governorate of Saada. While foreigners have not been targeted, hundreds of soldiers and civilians have been killed in the ongoing violence. U.S. citizens traveling in Yemen should be aware that local authorities occasionally place restrictions on the travel of foreigners to parts of the country experiencing unrest. In addition, the U.S. Embassy itself often restricts travel of official personnel to the tribal areas north and east of Sanaa, such as the governorates of Amran, Al Jawf, Hajja, Marib, Saada, and Shabwa. Travelers should be in contact with the Embassy for up-to-date information on such restrictions.

U.S. citizens who remain in or travel to Yemen despite this Travel Warning should register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa and enroll in the warden system (emergency alert network) in order to obtain updated information on travel and security in Yemen. This can be done online prior to arrival in Yemen at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs .

The U.S. Embassy is located at Dhahr Himyar Zone, Sheraton Hotel District, P.O. Box 22347. The telephone number of the Consular Section is (967) (1) 755-2000, extension 2153 or 2266. The fax number is (967) (1) 303-175. The after hours emergency number is (967) (1) 755-2000 (press zero for extension) or (967) 733213509. From time to time the Embassy may temporarily close or suspend public services for security reasons. Emergency assistance to U.S. citizens during non-business hours (or when public access is restricted) is available through Embassy duty personnel.

Current information on travel and security in Yemen may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. U.S. citizens should consult the Consular Information Sheet for Yemen, the Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement, and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement on the Department’s Internet site at http://travel.state.gov . Up-to-date information on security conditions can also be accessed at http://usembassy.state.gov/yemen/citizen_services.html .

NOTE: The following text is a quote:

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=67541

you are here: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Sanaa Crowds Likely May 1-4
Consular Affairs Bulletins
Middle East / N. Africa - Yemen
30 Apr 2007

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Related Reports
28 Apr 2007
Warden Message: Yemen Demonstration
10 Apr 2007
Worldwide Caution Public Announcement
2 Mar 2007
Warden Message: Southern Sana’a Fighting Ends
1 Mar 2007
Warden Message: Southern Sanaa Gunfire
27 Feb 2007
Yemen 2007 Crime & Safety Report
U.S. Embassy Sanaa issued the following Warden Message on April 30, 2007:

The U.S. Embassy has information that a campaign to collect signatures in support of the Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem is planned in various locations in Sanaa from May 1 through May 4, as follows:

May 1 – Al Madina Hall, Shumaila Market
May 2 – Bab al-Yemen
May 3 – Tahreer Square
May 4 – 70-Meter Park

The campaign is expected to last from the early morning through the late evening at each location. While it is expected to be peaceful, this event may attract large crowds, and Embassy staff have been advised to avoid this area due to congestion and road blockages.

Current information on travel and security in Yemen may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada, or, from outside the United States and Canada, 1-202-501-4444. U.S. citizens should consult the Travel Warning for Yemen, the Consular Information Sheet for Yemen, the Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement, and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement on the Department’s Internet site at http://travel.state.gov. For the latest health information for travelers overseas, please call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636) or visit www.cdc.gov/travel.

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2007/s07040156.htm

ASSIST News Service (ANS) - PO Box 609, Lake Forest, CA 92609-0609 USA
Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net — E-mail: danjuma1@aol.com

Monday, April 30, 2007

Missionary School Headmaster Brutally beaten in Rajasthan
Fact Finding Team of the All India Christian Council Will Visit Jaipur

By Madhu Chandra, Regional Secretary, All India Christian Council
Special to ASSIST News Service

RAJASTHAN, INDIA (ANS) — On April 22, 2007, a Christian school Headmaster cum Pastor was mercilessly beaten in the capital of Rajasthan, a northwestern Indian state known as “The land of kings.”

The incident took place in full daylight and less than half a kilometer away from the Rajasthan Chief Minister’s residence and was fully covered by local television cameras. Mr. Walter Massey was shown bleeding from the face and head while inside his house. Masked Sangh Parivar fanatics repeatedly beat him with sticks and iron rods. He was admitted at the emergency ward of Sawai Man Singh Medical College Hospital at Jaipur. He suffers with severe external and internal injuries.

About 20 to 25 Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council) and Bajrang Dal activists forcibly entered Mr. Massey’s house and vandalized property. His wife, Mrs. Joyce, and their children watched helplessly.

Mr. Robert Massey, a neighbor, rushed to the local police station and told authorities about the intruders. By the time the police forces reached the spot, the culprits had run away.

According to Mrs. Joyce, her husband has been threatened by VHP activists to close down the church that was running in his house.

Speaking to Headline Today, a national TV channel, Mr. Anil Panilwal, City Superintendent of Police, said he didn’t know if Hindutva forces were involved but steps are being taken to identify the culprits.

Union Minister of State for Home, Mr. Prakash Jaiswal, has condemned the attack. He has appealed to the Rajasthan state government to set up an enquiry and punish all those involved in the crime.

Speaking to Headlines Today, VHP State General Secretary, Mr. Virender Singh, has denied the hand of the VHP in the attack. But he refused to condemn such attacks. “Why was he beaten up? That reason must be clear,” said Mr. Singh.

Mrs. Tehmina Arora, General Secretary of the Christian Legal Association, said that the attack on Pastor Massey whether or not the VHP and Sangh Parivar were behind this attack, they have been shown to be behind other attacks in the state. She condemned Mr. Singh’s party for propagating a hate campaign against Christians, which leads to these type of attacks.

Mr. Panilwal told the All India Christian Council (AICC) that some of the intruders and culprits have been identified and steps have been taken to arrest them. He is meeting senior police officials to pursue further action.

The All India Christian Council has set up a fact finding team to be led by Dr. John Dayal, Member of the National Integration Council and AICC Secretary General.

After the BJP came in power in Rajasthan, the attack on Christian minorities has increased. Emmanuel Ministries at Kota was targeted when its founder and Archbishop MA Thomas and his son, Dr. Samuel Thomas, were issued non-bailable warrant due to alleged sales of the controversial book “Haqeekat”.

The state BJP government passed an anti-conversion bill in 2006, which the state governor refused to sign into the law. Many believe it violates the fundamental rights given in the Indian Constitution.

Headline Today reported that, since the BJP came to power, nearly 200 missionary institutions have been shut down and Christian minorities are living in fear of attach from fanatic groups.

** You may republish this story with proper attribution.

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11706&Itemid=128

Iraqi Security Forces raid lands suspected death squad leader
Monday, 30 April 2007
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070430-17
April 30, 2007

Iraqi Security Forces raid lands suspected death squad leader
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

Baghdad – Iraqi Special Operations Forces detained Sayyid Sallih Al-Jezzaani, an individual believed to the leader of a rogue element of the Jaysh Al-Madhi (JAM) militia in the Basrah area, as a result of a raid launched on 30 Apr.

The Iraqi SOF initiated the raid with coalition forces present as advisors. Al-Jezzaani offered no resistance while being captured. He was found equipped with body armor and a weapon. Seven other suspicious individuals were also detained during the operation.

As Iraqi and coalition forces arrived in the district of Al-Abilla in Basra, enemy forces fired rocket propelled grenades and detonated improvised explosive devices on the assault force. No fire was returned as the assault force proceeded to their objective.

Al-Jezzaani is alleged to be linked with death squad activities and attacks against coalition forces in Basrah. Additionally, he is responsible for providing insurgents with funding and weapons and assisting in the recruitment of new militia members. He is also linked to the Feb. 2007 murder of two Iraqi interpreters working with coalition forces.

No Iraqi or coalition forces were injured during this operation.

-30-

Teen charged in stabbing

By JON WILLING, SUN MEDIA

Hassan Al-Khazaali’s handprints are seen on a mural on display yesterday at Elizabeth Wyn Wood school. Hassan, 17, inset, was stabbed to death at a west-end gas station Saturday night. (JON WILLING, SUN)

Two confused and worried parents dropped off their son at the Ottawa courthouse yesterday morning not knowing why police wanted to take the 19-year-old into custody.

But as it became apparent that detectives wanted to question the young man in connection with the stabbing death of 17-year-old Hassan Al-Khazaali, Marzea Fizeeli couldn’t believe the events that were unfolding.

“We don’t know yet what’s going on,” the mother told the Sun at the family’s home last night just before homicide detectives announced a charge in the case.

Safeolah Fizeeli has now been charged with second-degree murder. He will appear in court this morning.

Marzea Fizeeli said the teen hasn’t been in trouble with the law before, as far as she knows. She added there has been no real change in her son’s demeanour in the past few days.

Police facilitated the arrest at the courthouse with the help of a lawyer. Detectives then took the teenaged accused to headquarters for questioning.

“We’re not seeking anybody else,” Const. Isabelle Lemieux said, adding investigators continue to look for witnesses.

Hassan became Ottawa’s third homicide victim this year when he died Saturday night after being stabbed multiple times at the Petro-Canada at Carling Ave. and Bayshore Rd.

Police confirmed that Hassan and Fizeeli knew each other and that the killing wasn’t gang-related.

The victim and the accused at one time attended the former Laurentian High School.

SILENT ON MOTIVE

Investigators were silent on the possible motive for the attack, although some of Hassan’s friends suggested a dispute at the gas station started over money or an MP3 player.

Friends and family gathered for Hassan’s funeral last night. A group of his friends suggested the stabbing took place over a trivial issue and that they knew the alleged killer.

They said they’re trying to raise $10,000 to transport Hassan’s body back to Iraq, which is planned for today.

“I feel really bad for (Hassan’s) mother,” one friend said. “One of Hassan’s brothers is really sick, too. It’s a lot for her.”

Eid Oudah, 37, a friend of the family, said Hassan’s father is an activist who travels back and forth from Iraq and was hit hard by the news.

About 30 people sat in a room silently with music playing in the background as they drank tea and ate food.

Classmates at the Elizabeth Wyn Wood Alternate Program school in Nepean learned about Hassan’s death during a morning assembly.

Hassan had been attending the school for just six weeks after studying at Woodroffe High School.

Debra Buffett-Riddell, co-ordinator of the program at Elizabeth Wyn Wood, said Hassan “was an incredible student,” adding he was “very motivated” and “very graceful.”

Students dedicated a mural project they worked on recently to Hassan’s memory.

A collage, which was packed with pictures of cars, hung on the mural. It was one of Hassan’s last pieces of work as a student.

At Woodroffe High School, students packed the offices of guidance counsellors.

Salwa Rabeha, 18, said Hassan was “just like my brother.”

Hassan said he wanted to be a businessman and eventually return to Iraq, Rabeha said. “I’m still in shock,” she said.

Police continue to ask anyone with information about Hassan’s death to call detectives at 613-236-1222, ext. 5493, or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-TIPS (8477).link

http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/Zoonosis/plague/index.html

http://cbs4denver.com/health/local_story_118114711.html

Apr 28, 2007 9:47 am US/Mountain

“Animal Plague Deaths In Denver Prompt Warning”

Jodi Brooks
Reporting

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “(CBS4) DENVER The Colorado Health Department is investigating several cases of bubonic plague killing animals in the heart of Denver.

All the animals infected have been found near the Denver Zoo in City Park.

As of Friday night, five squirrels and one rabbit had died.”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Since plague was rediscovered in the Colorado in 1957, state health officials said there have been 58 human cases, with nine of those cases being fatal.”

Additional Resources

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “For more information about the plague and to report a dead animal, you can call the state’s help hotline at (877) 462-2911.”

Thanks to a Special Freemailer for pointing to this thread and article:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1826522/posts

“Bubonic plague found in six dead squirrels near downtown Denver”
Examiner ^ | April 27, 2007

Posted on 05/01/2007 7:22:29 AM PDT by NYer

DENVER

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

THANKS to Ikez78 for the ping to this thread.
Note: The following post is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1826553/posts

“More Than Enough Evidence” What George Tenet really says about Saddam’s Iraq and al Qaeda.
The Weekly Standard ^ | 5-1-07 | Thomas Joscelyn

Posted on 05/01/2007 8:09:06 AM PDT by ikez78

GEORGE TENET’S JUST released book, At the Center of the Storm, has created quite a stir. Over the past few days, a myriad of news accounts have referenced various snippets of the former director of Central Intelligence’s self-serving collection of remembrances. But here is something you probably have not heard or read about Tenet’s book: it confirms that there was a relationship between Saddam’s Iraq and al Qaeda. And, according to Tenet, “there was more than enough evidence to give us real concern” about it too.

Tenet devotes an entire chapter to the question of Iraq’s ties to al Qaeda (Chapter 18, “No Authority, Direction, or Control”). Much of the chapter is used to vilify Douglas Feith, the former undersecretary of defense, and Vice President Cheney. Tenet claims, repeatedly, that Feith, Cheney, and others in the Bush administration exaggerated the intelligence on Saddam’s ties to al Qaeda. The former DCI says they “pushed the data farther than it deserved” and “sought to create a connection between Iraq and the 9/11 attacks that would have made WMD, the United Nations, and the international community absolutely irrelevant.” (In this vein, Tenet also erroneously claimed to have met Richard Perle on September 12, 2001. According to Tenet, Perle said “Iraq has to pay a price for what happened yesterday [September 11].” However, Perle was in France and, therefore, could not have met with Tenet. Perle denies the conversation took place at all.)

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

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=33012

Coalition Forces Kill Seven, Nab 21; Car Bomb, Weapons Destroyed

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2007 – Coalition forces killed seven suspected terrorists, detained 21 others, and destroyed a car bomb and weapons during operations in Iraq over the past two days.

Intelligence reports led coalition forces this morning to targets linked to senior al Qaeda leaders west of Taji. During an operation there, terrorists engaged ground forces with small-arms fire, military officials said.

Using appropriate self-defense measures, coalition forces engaged the armed men, killing five and detaining six suspects. Coalition forces found weapons and grenades, which they destroyed on site.

In a separate raid west of Taji this morning, coalition forces captured five suspected terrorists.

Elsewhere in Iraq today, coalition forces north of Samarra nabbed seven suspects with alleged ties to senior leaders in al Qaeda and detained two other suspects in Mosul.

“These operations will affect al Qaeda in Iraq’s ability to operate effectively against the people of Iraq and provide us with more information to disrupt their activities,” said Army Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesperson.

Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, discovered a car bomb today along a highway in northern Mahmudiyah. The Iraqi soldiers contacted U.S. troops from the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, who cordoned off the area and escorted the explosive ordnance disposal team to the site. The explosive ordnance team executed a controlled detonation of the car bomb. The incident is under investigation.

Near the Iraqi capital yesterday, coalition forces launched an early morning air strike, killing two insurgents as they attempted to set an improvised explosive device on a local street in the Kamiz al-Hajj neighborhood, 20 miles north of Baghdad. No civilians were injured during the air strike. Collateral damage was minimal due to the location and precision of the strike, U.S. officials said.

In Lutifiyah yesterday, soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, detained three suspected terrorists and discovered a weapons and ammunition cache during a routine combat operation.

While searching a house in the neighborhood, soldiers discovered the cache, which contained two hand grenades, two AK-47 assault rifles and four magazines. The suspected terrorists were detained for being in the house with the weapons and are currently being held for further questioning. The items were destroyed during a controlled detonation by an explosive ordnance team.

In Khalis yesterday, a suicide bomber attacked a funeral, killing about 16 local citizens and wounding at least 24 others.

“Al Qaeda will stop at nothing to inflict pain and spread hatred,” said Col. David W. Sutherland, senior U.S. Army officer in Diyala province. “This includes resorting to attacking a sacred event in the Islamic culture. This is recognized by the people in this province, and they will not be swayed in their efforts to achieve security.

“More and more, the people are turning to the Iraqi security forces with information as indicated by a 163 percent increase in Tips Hotline calls over the past two months,” he said.

The Iraqi army and police responded to the attack to provide medical care, security and recovery assets. Local ambulances transferred the wounded citizens to the Baghdad and Khalis hospitals.

“The first responders’ reaction was quick, organized, and efficient, and the city leaders did not need any coalition force support,” Sutherland said. “This is an indicator of the increased effectiveness of the local security forces working together.”

A car bomb detonated around 10 a.m. yesterday in the Karkh Security District of Baghdad, just outside Forward Operating Base Prosperity. Soldiers from Company B, 4th Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, quickly responded to the scene with Iraqi security forces and the Iraqi fire department.

Eyewitnesses told coalition and Iraqi security forces that a 15-passenger van drove onto an underpass leading into a traffic circle. The van came to a stop and the driver quickly exited, fleeing the scene as the vehicle detonated.

Five Iraqi civilians were wounded in the explosion. Three civilian vehicles also were damaged, and one coalition checkpoint suffered minor window damage but no injuries to personnel. The blast left a large hole in a paved section of the traffic circle. Iraqi and coalition forces cordoned off the area and secured the blast site.

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

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