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Locked on 06/01/2007 8:04:13 PM PDT by Admin Moderator, reason:
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Posted on 05/01/2007 8:52:12 PM PDT by nwctwx
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www.youtube.com/profile?user=MujahideenMedia
Looks interesting.
Thanks Velveeta.
Yep, we know they’re here and more are coming.
However, this was a nice up close and personal helicopter assault.
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://newyork.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel07/moneylaundering051107.htm
May 11, 2007
CALI CARTEL FRONT MAN PLEADS GUILTY AND IS SENTENCED ON MONEY LAUNDERING CHARGES
NEW YORK - Fernando Gutierrez-Cancino, a key participant in the Cali Cartel’s efforts to launder its vast cocaine proceeds, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 40 months in prison on money laundering charges, U.S. Attorney Michael J. Garcia for the Southern District of New York; Special Agent-in-Charge John P. Gilbride of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; and Director Adam J. Szubin of the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced today.
Gutierrez-Cancino was extradited from Spain to the Southern District of New York in March 2005. According to the indictment, filed in Manhattan federal court, other court documents, and Gutierrez-Cancino’s guilty plea and sentencing proceedings:
Gilberto Rodriguez-Orejuela and Miguel Angel Rodriguez-Orejuela, co-defendants of Gutierrez-Cancino, once controlled a powerful Colombian narcotics-trafficking organization based in Cali, Colombia (Cali Cartel). The Cali Cartel was involved in all aspects of the cocaine trade, including production, transportation, wholesale distribution, and money laundering. Between in or about 1982 and 1995, the Cali Cartel transported and sold tens of thousands of kilograms of cocaine and ultimately amassed an illicit fortune worth in excess of $1 billion.
In order to hide the Cali Cartel fortune from law enforcement detection and seizure, Gilberto Rodriguez-Orejuela, Miguel Angel Rodriguez-Orejuela and Gutierrez-Cancino invested the illicit fortune of the Cali Cartel in ostensibly legitimate companies, including companies involved in the production and sale of pharmaceutical drugs. Although the Rodriguez-Orejuelas and Gutierrez-Cancino were initially identified in Colombian public documents as partners in several of the companies, they attempted to conceal their continuing ownership and control of these companies from law enforcement authorities. As part of these efforts, the Rodriguez-Orejuelas and Gutierrez-Cancino arranged for their companies to be held under the names of family members or trusted associates.
On October 21, 1995, President William Jefferson Clinton-pursuant to the authority granted by, among other things, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (Sections 1701 to 1706 of Title 50 of the United States Code, signed Executive Order 12978, entitled “Blocking Assets and Prohibiting Transactions with Significant Narcotics Traffickers”-declared a national emergency based on the threat posed to the United States by significant narcotics traffickers centered in Colombia and applied economic sanctions against, among others, Gilberto and Miguel Rodriguez-Orejuela, and delegated the enforcement and the regulation of the economic sanctions to the OFAC. On that same date, OFAC applied economic sanctions against Gutierrez-Cancino.
Between October 21, 1995, and the date of the indictment, in an attempt to protect their assets and to evade OFAC sanctions, the Rodriguez-Orejuelas and Gutierrez-Cancino removed their names from companies that had been sanctioned by OFAC. In addition, after the companies were sanctioned by OFAC, the Rodriguez-Orejuelas and Gutierrez-Cancino established new or re-organized companies from the previously-sanctioned companies, which companies simply assumed the assets and continued to perform the services of previously-sanctioned companies and often maintained the same management and physical business locations. After the new or re-organized companies were formed, the Rodriguez-Orejuelas and Gutierrez-Cancino then named additional family members and trusted associates, who had not been sanctioned by OFAC, to manage the companies.
Gutierrez-Cancino pleaded guilty yesterday before the Honorable Alvin K. Hellerstein to money-laundering conspiracy as charged in count one of the indictment. He was sentenced this morning principally to 40 months in prison. In addition, under the terms of a plea agreement, Gutierrez-Cancino also agreed to forfeit his interest in more than $100 million worth of assets in Colombia derived from and traceable to the charged money-laundering crimes. Gutierrez-Cancino’s co-defendants, Gilberto and Miguel Rodriguez-Orejuela, both pleaded guilty to the same money laundering charges in November 2006, and were sentenced principally to 87 months in prison
“It is clear that large international drug trafficking organizations are as sophisticated as any business on earth, with complex systems not only to manufacture, transport and distribute their product, but also diversified methods to move and conceal their illicit profits,” U.S. Attorney Garcia said. “Narcotics laws, anti-money laundering statutes, and the controls on our banking system are all powerful law-enforcement tools we use to attack these cartels at every point in their business, and to deny traffickers access to the legitimate economy to launder their drug profits.”
“The once-powerful financial empire of the Cali Cartel is crumbling,” Director Szubin said. “Today’s plea agreement by Fernando Gutierrez-Cancino, a key financial associate of Cali Cartel leaders Gilberto and Miguel Rodriguez-Orejuela, builds on significant forfeitures and guilty pleas over the past year to deliver yet another heavy blow. It is also a vivid demonstration of the power of coordinated efforts by the Department of Justice, our law enforcement colleagues, and OFAC.”
“The Cali Cartel has been hit hard once again by law enforcement,” Special Agent-in-Charge Gilbride said. “Today’s plea agreement proves that DEA and our law enforcement partners have successfully weeded out the one person who fueled their profit, the money man. For decades, Fernando Gutierrez-Cancino laundered and managed the profit the Rodriguez-Orejuela brothers made from drug trafficking. Today, he faced the consequences of his actions.”
The charges in the indictment were the result of a joint Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation entitled “Operation Dynasty,” which involved the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the DEA, OFAC, the Colombian National Police (CNP), and the Colombian Fiscalia Money Laundering Section (CFMLS). The New York investigation was conducted as part of the New York OCDETF, comprised of law enforcement agencies including the DEA, New York City Police Department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Internal Revenue Service, Federal Bureau of Investigations and the New York State Police.
U.S. Attorney Garcia praised the investigative efforts of the DEA, OFAC, the CNP, the CFMLS, and the law enforcement agencies comprising the New York OCDETF.
Operation Dynasty is being prosecuted by the Office’s International Narcotics Trafficking Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Boyd M. Johnson III, Glen G. McGorty, and Kevin R. Puvalowski are in charge of the prosecution.
###
Note: If anyone has an update for these articles, please post them. Thanks.
#
(Note: Video included.)
http://miami.fbi.gov/pressrel/2007/mm20070502.htm
Miami Field Office
Federal Bureau of Investigation
16320 N.W. 2 nd Avenue
North Miami Beach, Florida 33169
May 2, 2007
SNIPPET: “The FBI and Hialeah Gardens Police Department are searching for two armored truck robbers who stole $1.8 million this morning. At 8:40 a.m. an armored truck operated by AT Systems pulled up to the EZ Check Cashing Store located at 8238 NW 103 rd Street, Hialeah Gardens, Florida. The driver parked the truck and a messenger got out with a bag containing $1.8 million currency to be delivered to the check cashing store. A subject approached the messenger and pointed what felt like a handgun to his back. The subject told the messenger in Spanish to walk over to a dark blue Mitsubishi, four door car, and throw the money in the back seat. A slight struggle ensued where the subject tried to take the gun away from the messenger. When he failed, he got into the car. Witnesses also saw a man sitting in the driver’s seat of the Mitsubishi. The messenger fired three shots as the car drove away.
If anyone witnessed the incident, they are urged to call the FBI at (305) 944-9101.”
###
Note: Includes a video and photos.
http://cbs4.com/topstories/local_story_122101749.html
May 3, 2007 6:13 pm US/Eastern
“Nearly $2 Million Stolen In Armored Car Heist”
Miami-Dade Crimestoppers: 305-471-TIPS
Art Barron
Reporting
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “(CBS4) HIALEAH GARDENS The search is on for a couple of brazen bandits who held up an armored car guard at gunpoint in broad daylight in Hialeah Gardens, and it was all caught on video.
CBS4.Com posted an enhanced look at one of the suspects.”
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=46017
“National Guard Responding to U.S. Wildfires”
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, May 14, 2007
http://www.westernresistance.com/blog/archives/003732.html
Blog
May 7, 2007
“UK: How Britain Encouraged Islamic Radicalism - Part 1 (of 4)”
“This article by Adrian Morgan (Giraldus Cambrensis of Western Resistance) appeared earlier today in Family Security Matters and is reproduced with their permission.”
~
http://www.westernresistance.com/blog/archives/003734.html
Blog
May 8, 2007
“UK: How Britain Encouraged Islamic Radicalism - Part 2 (of 4)”
This article by Adrian Morgan (Giraldus Cambrensis of Western Resistance) appeared earlier today in Family Security Matters and is reproduced with their permission.
~
http://www.westernresistance.com/blog/archives/003737.html
Blog
May 9, 2007
“UK: How Britain Encouraged Islamic Radicalism - Part 3 (of 4)”
“This article by Adrian Morgan (Giraldus Cambrensis of Western Resistance) appeared earlier today in Family Security Matters and is reproduced with their permission.”
~
http://www.westernresistance.com/blog/archives/003738.html
Blog
May 10, 2007
“UK: How Britain Encouraged Islamic Radicalism - Part 4 (of 4)”
“This article by Adrian Morgan (Giraldus Cambrensis of Western Resistance) appeared earlier today in Family Security Matters and is reproduced with their permission.”
UPDATE:
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=55691
“Staged gun attack ‘is beyond absurd’
‘The children were in that room in the dark, begging for their lives’”
Posted: May 14, 2007
5:00 p.m. Eastern
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “A teacher and an assistant principal at a Tennessee school have been suspended for about two weeks because they staged a gunman’s attack on their sixth-grade students for a “prank” or a “learning experience,” depending upon the explanation.
Officials with the school district in Murfreesboro told WND today that the decision was being described only as a “disciplinary action.”
“Director of Schools Marilyn Mathis has suspended lead teacher, Mr. Quentin Mastin, and assistant Principal, Don Bartch, for unprofessional conduct and neglect of duty due to actions taken with Scales Elementary School students on May 10, 2007 at Fall Creek Falls State Park,” said a terse statement given to WND by district spokeswoman Cheryl Harris.
“The suspension is without pay and will commence of May 14, 2007 and continue through the end of this school year ending June 1, 2007,” it said.”
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1833629/posts
http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=OTE5MDdhMzU5OTY2ZjcwODk5MGY0OTE4NmM3NDg1NmY=
May 11, 2007 7:20 AM
“Jihadi Chic
Ideology isn’t everything.”
By Jonah Goldberg
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “At the annual Cairo antiwar conference in Egypt, the hot panel discussion this year was “Bridge-Building Between the Left and Islam.” John Rees, a British Trotskyite, observed: “Where else can you sit down in a single evening and listen to senior people from Hamas, Hezbollah, the Muslim Brotherhood, people from the revolutionary left and the antiwar movement from around the globe?”
Gosh, it sounds great. I’m just sorry I missed the rollicking game of Pictionary between the Castroites and the jihadis afterwards.
Steven Stalinsky, executive director of the Middle East Media Research Institute, recently reported in the New York Sun on the growing alliance between elements of the hard left and the Islamist extremists. “The roster of Islamist-left alliances quietly grows every day,” Stalinsky writes. For example, “Massachusetts Institute of Technology linguistics professor Noam Chomsky praises Hamas and denounces America on Hezbollah’s Al-Manar television. London Mayor Ken Livingstone invites a leading Islamist, Sheikh Yosef Al-Qaradawi, who is known for supporting suicide attacks, to visit his city. And Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad “calls for a world without America even as he plays host to a Tehran peace conference” well attended by American members of the religious Left.
The aim of those “bridge-building” sessions in Cairo was, according to literature at the event, to address “the challenges and prospects facing the international antiwar and pro-intifada movements” and planning “strategy and tactics for bridging the gap and uniting Islamist and leftist ranks in the face of U.S. imperialism and Zionism.””
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=democrats
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=liberals
#
http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20070514-113732-7315r.htm
“Democrats inject water bill with Iraq war amendments”
By S.A. Miller
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
May 15, 2007
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Senate Democratic leaders yesterday injected the Iraq war debate into a $14 billion water projects bill, offering two troop-withdrawal amendments to help gauge Republican solidarity with President Bush.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada co-sponsored both amendments with fellow Democrats; one with Sen. Russ Feingold of Wisconsin that would restrict war funds to noncombat operations, and the other with Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan that would pull out troops if the Iraqi government does not meet policy benchmarks.”
http://www.rewardsforjustice.net/english/index.cfm?page=MullahOmar
“WANTED
Mullah Omar
Up to $10 Million Reward”
#
http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/016432.php
(AP)
May 14, 2007
“Taliban leader Omar says jihad continues”
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan
ON THE NET...
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=globaljihad
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=jihad
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=beheading
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=schools
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=school
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=thailand
#
Note: The following post is a quote:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1833713/posts
Extremists burn books, then classrooms (Then murders, beheadings...More Muslim Mayhem in Thailand)
Bangkok Post ^ | 15 May 2007 | Waedao Harai and Muhammad Ayub Pathan
Posted on 05/15/2007 12:29:49 AM PDT by Cornpone
Militants torched a school in Bannang Sata district on Sunday night, after breaking into its library to burn books. The attack took place less than two days before the new school year begins tomorrow.
It was the second arson attack on Ban Gasod school in less than two months, police said yesterday. The school, located in tambon Bannang Sata, was first attacked in early April, when three of its classrooms were destroyed by fire.
Nattakran Chantrakul, deputy director of Yala’s Education Zone 2, said up to 25 schools, out of 71 under his jurisdiction, have been set ablaze to date.
Mr Nattakran said Bannang Sata district sustained the biggest loss, with 18 schools having been attacked. Yaha district followed with six schools, and Kabang district with one. Ban Banglang school in Bannang Sata district was the worst-hit, having been attacked eight times already.
Mr Nattakran said authorities have provided tents for these schools to use as makeshift classrooms.
Meanwhile, a married couple was shot dead early yesterday in a longon orchard in Bannang Sata district. The slain man, Prapan Polrak, 38, was also beheaded by the attackers who made off with his .38 calibre pistol, police said. His wife was identified as Chadakan, 30.
In neighbouring Kabang district, two rubber tappers, identified as Luesor Hayeewani, 46, and Mahamu Samae, 41, were shot dead in a pre-dawn attack yesterday.
In Narathiwat, Ban Dorhae villagers in Sungai Padi district yesterday joined hands with security officials and local teachers to set up three tents for use as makeshift classrooms following the burning of the village school on Saturday night.
In another incident, ambushers shot dead a Muslim man identified as Kolae Panoh, 19, in Sungai Padi district on Sunday night.
Meanwhile, Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin has assigned deputy army chief Gen Saprang Kalayanamitr to review the cash compensation scheme for families of soldiers killed in insurgent attacks. In general, the compensation rate is one million baht for a commissioned officer, and 500,000 baht for a non-commissioned officer.
PERSECUTION.ORG
http://www.persecution.org
#
http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2007/s07050079.htm
Monday, May 14, 2007
“Women Believers Face Opposition”
Gospel for Asia
For Immediate Release
SIKKIM, INDIA
#
stepping back in time...
http://www.gfa.org/women-missionaries-beaten-by-fanatics
“02/06/2007: Women Missionaries Beaten by Fanatics”
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Four women serving as Gospel for Asia missionaries in Haryana, India, were severely beaten in their home on Sunday. Two GFA pastors were also injured in the attack, which was carried out by radical Hindu groups.”
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1833708/posts
“The Coming Great Divide in American Political Culture”
American Thinker ^ | May 15, 2007 | J.R. Dunn
Posted on 05/15/2007 12:05:56 AM PDT by neverdem
COLUMN SNIPPET: “Michael Barone’s occasional forays into sociology are always a pleasure to come across. Like the rest of his work, they are concise, well-researched, original, and always marked by clarity. Barone goes where the data takes him, and never seems to have an agenda or an ideological ax to grind.
All this is true of his latest such piece, “The Realignment of America” which appeared in the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, May 8. While going through recent census estimates, Barone discovered a pattern until now overlooked: the old coastal cities, or “Coastal Megalopolises” are steadily becoming dominated by immigrants, while at the same time native Americans are repopulating the thriving heartland cities.
Since 2000, Barone tells us, New York City has seen “a domestic outflow of 8% and an immigrant inflow of 6%”. Boston, LA, Washington, and San Diego show similar turnovers. The total outflow of native-born Americans from these cities amounts to 650,000 a year.
At the same time, cities such as Orlando, Charlotte, Phoenix, and Tampa have had dramatic leaps in native-born population, in all cases exceeding 10%, and in that of Las Vegas approaching 20%. So while the coastal cities remain static in population numbers despite the turnover, interior cities are booming.
What does this mean for our political culture? Barone touches on the question, noting that “The economic divide in New York and Los Angeles is starting to look like the economic divide in Mexico City and São Paulo”, but doesn’t go much further. But if the process continues, the implications will be profound.
If Barone is correct - and there’s no reason to believe he isn’t - then we’re headed for an even more serious social schism between the heartland and the coastal metropolises. The heartland (along with smaller cities and towns on the coasts) will be comprised of melting-pot Americans, the coastal cities a bewildering melange of immigrants from all points of the compass, topped with an exceedingly thin layer of ultra-wealthy natives.
Miami, as it has been for the past thirty years, can serve as an example, with these differences: the Cubans represented a single homogeneous group; they had very good reasons - hatred of Fidelista communism above all - to appreciate American society; and they already understood American culture. This will not necessarily be the case with the new arrivals. Above all, PC and multiculturalism have removed all reason for immigrants to adapt to their new country.
With no particular pressure to fit in, the new immigrants will cling to their traditions, worldviews, and customs, many conflicting with ours and with those of other immigrant groups. NYC’s asinine decision to establish a madrassah in Brooklyn is only the opening wedge - now all hundred-odd ethnicities residing in New York will demand the same treatment, and they will get it. The result will be Babel.”
###
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1833665/posts
“The Anger Of The Left”
Townhall.com ^ | May 15, 2007 | Thomas Sowell
Posted on 05/14/2007 9:09:51 PM PDT by jazusamo
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
COLUMN SNIPPET: “Often it is an exercise in futility even to seek to find a principle behind the anger. For example, the left’s obsession with the high incomes of corporate executives never seems to extend to equally high — or higher — incomes of professional athletes, entertainers, or best-selling authors like Danielle Steel.
If the reason for the anger is a feeling that corporate CEOs are overpaid for their contributions, then there should be even more anger at people who get even more money for doing absolutely nothing, because they have inherited fortunes.
Yet how often has the left gotten worked up into high dudgeon over those who inherited the Rockefeller, Roosevelt or Kennedy fortunes? Even spoiled heirs like Paris Hilton don’t really seem to set them off.
If it is hard to find a principle behind what angers the left, it is not equally hard to find an attitude.
Their greatest anger seems to be directed at people and things that thwart or undermine the social vision of the left, the political melodrama starring the left as saviors of the poor, the environment, and other busybody tasks that they have taken on.
It seems to be the threat to their egos that they hate. And nothing is more of a threat to their desire to run other people’s lives than the free market and its defenders.”
“Thomas Sowell is a senior fellow at the Hoover Institute and author of Basic Economics: A Citizen’s Guide to the Economy.”
http://www.memri.org/jihad.html
#
http://memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=subjects&Area=jihad&ID=SP158607
Special Dispatch Series - No. 1586
May 15, 2007 No.1586
“Islamist Websites Monitor No. 100”
#
http://memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=subjects&Area=jihad&ID=SP158407
Special Dispatch Series - No. 1584
May 14, 2007 No.1584
“Hamas TV Insists on Continuing Inciting Children TV Show”
SNIPPET: “The following are excerpts from a report on the Al-Aqsa TV children’s show in addition to excerpts from the show from May 11, 2007.
To view this clip, go to http://www.memritv.org/search.asp?ACT=S9&P1=1446 “
NOTE: The following text is a quote:
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_2918.html
Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520
This information is current as of today, Tue May 15 2007 02:57:29 GMT-0700.
EAST TIMOR
May 11, 2007
This Travel Warning is being updated to inform Americans of heightened security concerns in East Timor and to warn American citizens to defer travel to East Timor at this time. Americans currently in East Timor should evaluate carefully their safety and security in light of this Travel Warning. This supersedes the Travel Warning issued on March 2, 2007.
The Department of State advises U.S. citizens of the continued heightened security concerns in East Timor and warns them to defer travel to East Timor at this time. Americans currently in East Timor should carefully evaluate their safety and security in light of the unstable situation and potential for violent civil unrest. On February 27, the Government of Indonesia temporarily closed its border with East Timor while the International Stabilization Force (ISF) conducted operations against dissident military leader Alfredo Reinado. The Government of Indonesia, acting in coordination with the Government of East Timor, has intermittently closed the border during the presidential election period and is expected to do so again until the conclusion of the June 30 parliamentary elections. The Government of Australia has advised its citizens against travel to East Timor, and warns that Australians and Australian interests may be specifically targeted. Attackers could indiscriminately target foreigners, including Americans. The Australian travel advice can be viewed at http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/East_Timor .
After the collapse of civil order in April and May 2006, international troops and police arrived. The security situation improved, but serious security concerns remain:
Indiscriminate communal violence continues throughout the country. Gang-related violence occurs often in Dili, and Americans risk intentional or inadvertent injury. Stone-throwing attacks on vehicles are frequent, and have affected American citizens on several occasions.
Several areas of Dili have become sites of chronic security incidents, particularly the areas around the camps for internally displaced people (IDPs). Americans are advised to avoid these areas and check with the U.S. Embassy regarding other areas of concern.
More public demonstrations are possible because of East Timor’s 2007 presidential and parliamentary elections.
Sexual assaults against foreign nationals have occurred and may increase in the current environment. Female travelers are advised to exercise particular caution and to avoid travel alone on foot or in taxis, especially at night and in unfamiliar or isolated areas.
Criminals continue to operate illegal checkpoints in some areas of Dili, frequently stopping taxis and minibuses in order to extort money from drivers and passengers; in some cases, East Timorese are identified for more violent targeting. American citizens are advised against using taxis or minibuses for transportation.
The international airport in Dili continues to operate normally, but Americans who travel to East Timor despite this Travel Warning should check the status of flights and security in the area prior to commencing travel.
U.S. citizens in East Timor should exercise extreme caution and maintain a high level of security awareness while moving about in Dili; be alert to the potential for violence; and avoid demonstrations, large gatherings, and areas where disturbances have occurred. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
Americans in East Timor should immediately register at the Embassy and obtain all recent messages sent to the American community in East Timor. The U.S. Embassy in Dili can be reached at 670 332-4684 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. local time or the duty officer outside business hours at 670-723-0949. The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenida de Portugal in the Pantai Kelapa area. U.S. citizens living in or traveling to East Timor can also register through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov .
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 Cautions, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found. Travelers should also consult the Department of State’s latest Consular information Sheet for East Timor. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada. Callers outside of the United States and Canada may call 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).
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3234.html
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Tue May 15 2007 02:59:52 GMT-0700.
Zimbabwe
May 11, 2007
This Public Announcement informs U.S. citizens of security concerns in Zimbabwe and advises them to carefully consider the risks of travel to Zimbabwe. This Public Announcement is valid until July 31, 2007.
In response to growing public protests against deteriorating conditions in Zimbabwe, the Government has authorized its security forces to suppress any and all dissent by whatever means deemed necessary. Political leaders at the highest levels of the Zimbabwean government are condoning the security forces’ use of violence, including lethal force, against anyone the Government perceives as an opponent. Security forces increasingly are using force against protestors and civilians, often without provocation. The security forces increasingly are acting with impunity. The Government publicly has defended its right to treat individuals roughly, including those in custody, and has warned of more such abuses. A particular concern is the Government’s use of youth militia to suppress dissent. The so-called “Green Bombers” who have perpetrated some of the worst offenses, are undisciplined, and often are under the influence of drugs.
While heavily-populated urban areas remain the focal point for the Government’s crackdown, the Embassy is receiving reports that indiscriminate state-sponsored violence has spread to rural areas, including tourist, hunting, and safari areas. American citizens in Zimbabwe who choose to remain should minimize travel within the country and, to the extent practicable, avoid public places and gatherings. The Government makes frequent use of road blocks to enforce order. Road blocks can be particularly dangerous, and extreme caution should be used when approaching them. When instructed by police or other security officials to stop at a roadblock, comply with these instructions. Travelers are advised to carry a mobile phone or other means of communication.
In light of the current circumstances, U.S. citizens are advised to consider the risks before traveling to Zimbabwe at this time. American citizens already in Zimbabwe should monitor regularly the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Consular Information Sheet for Zimbabwe, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, and other travel information can be found. Up to date information on security also can be obtained by emailing consularharare@state.gov or calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada. Callers outside the United States and Canada may call a toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are answered from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
All Americans in Zimbabwe are urged to register either online at https://travelregistration.state.gov or by phone or in person directly with the U.S. Embassy in Harare. Registering gives U.S. citizens access to updated information on travel and security within Zimbabwe and makes it easier for the Embassy to contact citizens in case of emergency. Security updates are e-mailed to all registered Americans with an e-mail address.
The U.S. Embassy is located at 172 Herbert Chitepo Ave. The 24- hour telephone number is (263) 4-250-593; fax (263) 4-590-593. The U.S. Embassy website is http://harare.usembassy.gov/ . In the event of an after-hours emergency, please call the above number and ask to be transferred to the duty officer.
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1165.html
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Tue May 15 2007 03:02:14 GMT-0700.
Middle East and North Africa
May 14, 2007
This Public Announcement is being updated to alert Americans to ongoing security concerns in the Middle East and North Africa, including ongoing violence in Iraq. U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement issued on November 20, 2006 and expires on November 20, 2007.
Credible information indicates terrorist groups seek to continue attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East and North Africa. Terrorist actions may include bombings, hijackings, hostage taking, kidnappings, and assassinations. While conventional weapons such as explosive devices are a more immediate threat in many areas, use of non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents, must be considered a possible threat. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as public transportation, residential areas, and public areas where people congregate, including restaurants, hotels, clubs, and shopping areas. The September 2006 attack by assailants used improvised explosives, gunfire, and vehicles laden with explosives on the U.S. Embassy in Syria. A bombing targeting a bus transporting foreign workers of a U.S. company in Algeria took place in December 2006. There was a series of bombings in Morocco in March and April 2007, two of which occurred simultaneously outside the U.S. Consulate General and the private American Language Center in Casablanca. Additionally, an attack took place on the American International School in Gaza in April 2007. These events underscore the intent of terrorist entities to target facilities perceived to cater to Westerners. Potential targets are not limited to those companies or establishments with overt U.S. ties. For instance, terrorists may target movie theaters, liquor stores, bars, casinos, or any similar type establishment, regardless of whether they are owned and operated by host country nationals. Due to varying degrees of security at all such locations, Americans should be particularly vigilant when visiting these establishments.
The violence in Iraq and the clashes between Palestinians and Israelis have the potential to produce demonstrations and unrest throughout the region. In addition, the Department of State continues to warn of the possibility for violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests in the region. Anti-American violence could include possible terrorist actions against aviation, ground transportation, and maritime interests, specifically in the Middle East, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula, and North Africa.
The Department is concerned that extremists may be planning to carry out attacks against Westerners and oil workers on the Arabian Peninsula. Armed attacks targeting foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia that resulted in many deaths and injuries, including U.S. citizens, appear to have been preceded by extensive surveillance. Tourist destinations in Egypt that are frequented by Westerners recently have been attacked resulting in many deaths and injuries, including Americans. Extremists may be surveilling Westerners, particularly at hotels, housing areas, and rental car facilities. Potential targets may include U.S. contractors, particularly those related to military interests. Financial or economic venues of value also could be considered as possible targets; the failed attack on the Abqaiq oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia in late February 2006 and the September 2006 attack on oil facilities in Yemen are examples.
Americans considering seaborne travel near the Horn of Africa or in the southern Red Sea should exercise extreme caution, as there have been several incidents of armed attacks and robberies at sea by pirates in the last year. Military action by U.S. and allied navies in several subsequent incidents resulted in the capture or death of pirates threatening international commerce. No U.S. citizens have been hurt in these attacks. When transiting around the Horn of Africa or in the Red Sea near Yemen, it is strongly recommended that vessels travel in convoys, and maintain good communications contact at all times.
On occasion, the travel of official personnel at embassies and consulates is restricted because of security concerns, and these posts may recommend that private U.S. citizens avoid the same areas if at all possible. Services to U.S. citizens in countries abroad may be affected if employees’ movements are restricted. If this happens, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. In case office hours are reduced, U.S. citizens in need of emergency assistance should telephone the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate before visiting in person.
In addition, U.S. citizens planning to travel to the Middle East or North Africa should consult the Department of State’s country-specific Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement and other information, available on the Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov . Up-to-date information on security conditions can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S. and Canada and, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
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