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Posted on 06/01/2007 7:57:59 PM PDT by nwctwx
Hardworking FReeper Cindy, I cannot thank you enough. Great links!
BEIRUT, June 8 -- Lebanese security forces arrested eight people, in the center of Bekaa valley yesterday, who were preparing to detonate booby-trapped cars and bombs in different Lebanese towns, an official source said Friday. The source, requesting anonymity, told reporters the number of arrestees in this particular incident rose to 11, three of them have already confessed of their affiliation to Al-Qaeda terrorist organization.
The eight other arrestees are being interrogated, said the source, and once the questioning was over all information would be made public.
The state security directorate said yesterday it discovered and arrested a terrorist cell in the center of Bekaa. The terrorists possessed machineguns, light weapons, maps of different Lebanese areas, counterfeited identifications and devices used for counterfeiting, said the official source.
The terrorists confessed they had stuffed cars with explosives to detonate them in different areas. Three cars were discovered. Meanwhile, the Lebanese army said it was advancing and gradually controlling positions of the "terroists" in Nahr Al-Bared camp in northern Lebanon.
A military source told KUNA the army was "cleansing while advancing and was pursuing" the wanted people from Fatah Al-Islam faction. Confrontations in Nahr Al-Bared Palestinian refugee camp erupted on May 20 between militants from Fatah Al-Islam and the Lebanese army killing and wounding dozens from both sides.
http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=1752892&Language=en
Exhibit list alleges connections among 3 accused of terror plots (Ohio)
Friday, June 8, 2007
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Three Ohio men accused in separate terrorism plots were friendly enough to exchange calls and e-mails, take trips together and even use one another as personal references, newly released government records show.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office filed the exhibit list of 102 items in federal court ahead of the August trial of Nuradin Abdi, charged with plotting to blow up an unspecified, Columbus-area mall shopping mall. The alleged plot was not carried out.
The list includes references to meetings, phone calls and trips the government has previously alleged in various court filings. Put together, the exhibits provide one of the first comprehensive glimpses of the evidence federal prosecutors may present against Abdi.
Abdi, a Somali immigrant, sent e-mails in 2001 and 2002 to a man later convicted of trying to destroy the Brooklyn Bridge, according to the list filed late Thursday in U.S. District Court in Columbus. An e-mail on July 31, 2001, from Abdi to Iyman Faris showed Web sites for night vision equipment and anti-surveillance equipment, according to the list. Faris was sentenced in 2003 to 20 years in prison for a plot to topple the Brooklyn Bridge.
Abdi also called phone numbers for Christopher Paul, an Ohio man accused of joining al-Qaida and plotting to bomb European tourist resorts, and took a trip with him to Pittsburgh in September 2002. He also put Paul down as a personal reference on a 2001 job application. Abdi may have been an angry man but wasn’t involved in any terrorism conspiracy, his lawyer, Mahir Sheriff, said Friday. A message was left with the U.S. Attorney’s Office seeking comment.
http://www.bucyrustelegraphforum.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070608/UPDATES01/70608002
ON THE NET...
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1847390/posts
“U.S.S. Liberty [NSA declassified more documents on 40th anniversary]”
National Security Agency ^ | June 8, 2007 | NSA
Posted on 06/08/2007 8:33:53 PM PDT by Dajjal
That’s interesting.
THANK YOU Oorang.
Thank you P Galt.
I appreciate your readership.
http://www.bucyrustelegraphforum.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070608/UPDATES01/70608002
###
Adding 1 press release to post no. 402 by Oorang.
Note: The following text is a quote:
April 12, 2007
http://cincinnati.fbi.gov/doj/pressrel/2007/ci041207.htm
OHIO MAN INDICTED AND ARRESTED FOR CONSPIRING TO PROVIDE MATERIAL SUPPORT TO TERRORISTS
WASHINGTON – Kenneth L. Wainstein, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, Gregory G. Lockhart, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio and Timothy P. Murphy, Special Agent-in-Charge, FBI Cincinnati Division, announced today that an Ohio man has been indicted and arrested for conspiring to provide material support and resources to terrorists, conspiring to use a weapon of mass destruction (explosives) and providing material support and resources to terrorists.
Christopher Paul, a/k/a “Paul Kenyatta Laws,” a/k/a “Abdulmalek Kenyatta,” a 43-year-old U.S. citizen born in Columbus, Ohio, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Ohio yesterday. He was arrested late yesterday by FBI agents and is expected to complete his initial court appearance today in U.S. District Court in Columbus.
Count one of the indictment alleges that, beginning in1989 and continuing through the present, Paul conspired to provide material support and resources, in the form of personnel (i.e. himself and others), training and equipment, to terrorists knowing that such support would be used in preparation for or in carrying out a conspiracy to destroy property overseas and murder and maim persons located outside the United States.
Specifically, the indictment alleges that, in approximately 1990 and 1991, Paul traveled to Pakistan and Afghanistan and received military-training at an al Qaeda training camp in Afghanistan. In approximately mid-1991, Paul allegedly joined al Qaeda and stayed at a guest house exclusively for al Qaeda members. Afterwards, he returned to the U.S. and taught martial arts at a mosque in Columbus. Over the next several years, he allegedly provided money and equipment from the U.S. to individuals overseas as part of the conspiracy. He also allegedly provided training to individuals in the U.S. in order that these individuals might be ready to fight violent jihad overseas.
On or about April 16, 1999, the indictment alleges, Paul traveled to Germany, where he provided explosives training to fellow co-conspirators and assisted them in recruiting new members. In addition, in 2004, 2005 and 2006, Paul stored a variety of items at residences in Columbus, including a laser range finder, night vision scope, books and literature on explosives, remote control items, and other survival gear. Beginning in 2006 and continuing thereafter, Paul allegedly conducted research on commercial flight simulator programs as well as remote-controlled boats and helicopters.
Count two of the indictment alleges that Paul conspired to use a weapon of mass destruction, namely explosives to be used as bombs, when, on or about April 16, 1999, he provided explosives training to co-conspirators in Germany in order to assist them in preparing to conduct attacks using explosives on targets in Europe and the United States.
Count three of the indictment alleges that between April 16, 1999 until about January 2000, Paul provided material support and resources to terrorists in the form of currency, personnel and equipment, knowing and intending that such support would be used in preparation for and in carrying out a conspiracy to destroy property and murder and maim persons located outside the United States.
“The indictment of Christopher Paul paints a disturbing picture of an American who traveled overseas to train as a violent jihadist, joined the ranks of al Qaeda, and provided military instruction and support to radical cohorts both here and abroad,” said Assistant Attorney General Wainstein. “Our persistence and determination in the pursuit of this case should serve as a strong warning to any American who considers joining forces with our enemy.”
“This case exemplifies the necessity of cooperation in order to fight terrorism,” said U.S. Attorney Lockhart. “The sharing of information was crucial to this effort.”
FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Murphy noted the cooperative effort of all the members of the Southern Ohio Joint Terrorism Task Force in conducting the four-year investigation which led to this indictment. The Southern Ohio Joint Terrorism Task Force is a multi-agency operation led by the FBI that includes agents and officers from 15 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The FBI case agent in the investigation is Special Agent Latisha Hartsough.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gary L. Spartis and Dana M. Peters of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Sylvia T. Kaser of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
Count one of the indictment carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, while count two of the indictment carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. Count three of the indictment carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
The public is reminded that an indictment is merely an accusation. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
###
June 7, 2007
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://sacramento.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel07/sc060707.htm
STOCKPILE OF WEAPONS SEIZED, OWNER INDICTED ON ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF FIREARMS CHARGES
FRESNO – United States Attorney McGregor Scott announced that the grand jury returned an indictment charging JOHN MCCARTNEY, 57, of Caliente, California, with two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, four counts of possessing a machine gun, three counts of unlawfully possessing a silencer and twelve counts of unlawfully possessing modified grenades.
Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bakersfield Police Department, and Kern County Sheriff’s Department worked together investigating this case.
According to Assistant United States Attorneys Kimberly Sanchez and Stanley Boone, who are prosecuting the case, on May 23, 2007, a Kern County Sheriff’s Deputy effected a traffic stop of MCCARTNEY destruction to members of our communities.”
Drew Parenti, Special Agent In Charge of the FBI, Sacramento Division, said “The FBI and our partners on the Joint Terrorism Task Force were pleased to work with the ATF in this important effort to protect the public.”
The defendant faces 170 years imprisonment, in addition to a mandatory minimum sentence of 35 years imprisonment and $5,250,000 in fines if convicted of these offenses. However, the actual sentence will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables, and any applicable statutory sentencing factors. He is scheduled to appear in court on June 8, 2007 for an arraignment.
The charges are only allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Note: The following text is a quote:
June 7, 2007
http://sacramento.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel07/sc060707a.htm
PORTERVILLE MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO BEING A FELON
IN POSSESSION OF FORTY-FIVE FIREARMS
FRESNO- United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced today that TALAL ALI CHAMMOUT, 48, of Porterville, pled guilty this afternoon before United States District Judge Oliver Wanger to being a felon in possession of forty-five firearms.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.
According to Assistant United States Attorney Stanley A. Boone, who is prosecuting this case, CHAMMOUT admitted to possessing forty- five (45) separate firearms including three AK 47’s, one TEC 9, and one Mini 14. The defendant admitted that on December 7, 2006, he purchase five (5) Beretta pistols for $1,000 believing the firearms were stolen government property. He also admitted that on December 10, 2004, he purchased two sets of night vision goggles, one small arms protective insert, two chemical suits, two ballistic vests, one set of lower torso fragmentation armor and four pairs of hot weather combat boots, all of which he believed had been stolen from the United States government.
Sentencing is set for August 27, 2007 before Judge Oliver Wanger. The conviction carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine. However, the actual sentence will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables, and any applicable statutory sentencing factors.
Note: The following text is a quote:
June 6, 2007
http://losangeles.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel07/la060607usa.htm
FIFTH FAMILY MEMBER PLEADS GUILTY IN SCHEME TO EXPORT U.S. DEFENSE ARTICLES TO CHINA
SANTA ANA, Calif. – The fifth member of a Southern California family who conspired to export United States defense articles to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has pleaded guilty to acting as an agent of the PRC. Rebecca Laiwah Chiu, 63, of Downey, pleaded guilty late Tuesday night to failing to register as a foreign agent. On the first day of a trial in U.S. District Court, Chiu admitted that she operated within the United States under the control of the government of the PRC.
Chiu is the fifth and final defendant to be convicted for participating in a scheme to obtain sensitive military technology and to illegally export the material to the PRC.
The other defendants previous convicted in this case are:
Chi Mak, 66, of Downey, who is Chiu’s husband and a former engineer for defense contractor Power Paragon, was at the center of the conspiracy and was
convicted at trial;
Chi Mak’s brother, Tai Mak, 57, of Alhambra, who pleaded guilty on Monday;
Tai Mak’s wife, Fuk Heung Li, 49, also of Alhambra, who pleaded guilty on Monday; and
Tai Mak’s son, Yui “Billy” Mak, 27 of Alhambra, who pleaded guilty last Friday, June 1, 2007.
An investigation by the FBI and Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) revealed that co-conspirators from the PRC provided Chi Mak with “tasking lists” that requested specific defense information, including sensitive areas of U.S. Naval research concerning nuclear-powered submarines. The lists contained instructions for Chi Mak to participate in seminars and then compile the information he obtained at the seminars onto computer disks. Chi Mak collected technical information about the Navy’s current and future warship technologies, some of which constituted defense articles. This included information that was sensitive and subject to restriction regarding its distribution, storage and handling. Chi Mak and his wife copied the information intended for the PRC onto CD-ROM disks, which were then given to Tai Mak. Billy Mak then encrypted the defense data onto a CD-ROM disk in preparation for surreptitious delivery to the PRC. This CD-ROM was found hidden in luggage on Oct. 28, 2005 when Fuk Li and Tai Mak attempted to board a flight to the PRC at Los Angeles International Airport. Tai Mak and Fuk Li were arrested at the airport, while Chi Mak and Chiu were arrested at their home. Billy Mak was charged and arrested last year.
“This counterintelligence investigation, worked in partnership with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security, resulted not only with a trial conviction of Mr. Chi Mak on all charges, but also guilty pleas from the remaining four defendants who’ve admitted to charges that include failing to register as an agent of a foreign government, as well as violating export control laws,” said Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI in Los Angeles J. Stephen Tidwell. “This case exemplifies the FBI’s vision and tenacity in its commitment to protecting America’s crown jewels, many of which can be found in Southern California, and should send a warning to those who would endeavor to compromise national security.”
Chi Mak was found guilty by a federal jury last month of conspiracy, two counts of attempting to violate export control laws, failing to register as a foreign agent and making false statements to federal investigators. Chi Mak is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Cormac J. Carney on September 10, at which time he faces a maximum possible sentence of 45 years in federal prison. Chi Mak has been in jail since his arrest.
The plea agreement between Chiu and the government calls for a sentence of three years in federal prison. Chiu, who is free on bond, is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Carney on October 29, 2007. Tai Mak pleaded guilty to conspiring to export defense articles, a crime that carries a maximum statutory sentence of 10 years in prison. Tai Mak, who has been in jail since he was arrested, is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Carney on October 1, 2007. Fuk Mak pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the attempted illegal export scheme. Fuk Mak, who is free on bond, is expected to receive a probationary sentence on October 1, 2007. Billy Mak, who is also free on bond, also pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the scheme and is expected to receive a sentence of probation on September 24, 2007.
This investigation was conducted jointly by the FBI and the NCIS, which received substantial assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1847406/posts
“Accused Letterman kidnap plotter escapes”
charlotte.com ^ | 06/08/07 | AP
Posted on 06/08/2007 9:36:18 PM PDT by TornadoAlley3
BUTTE, Mont
June 8, 2007
“Laptops, cell phones no longer allowed in federal building”
4:35 PM
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Marshals in other areas of the country have seen weapons disguised as cell phones. Other concerns are that court observers may transmit what witnesses are saying to other witnesses so that they can coordinate their stories. Most cell phones also are capable of taking photos, and cameras have not been allowed in the building in the past.”
http://www.careandhealth.com/Pages/Story.aspx?StoryID=3ff8dddb-c570-43f5-b4e9-746d206f5ca0
| Published on 08 June 2007 | Headlines |
“DHS Wants Cell Phones to Detect Chemical, Radioactive Material”
“American cell phones can already check e-mail, surf the Internet and store music, but they could have a new set of features in coming years: the Department of Homeland Security wants them to sense biological, chemical and radioactive material”
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Putting hazardous material sensors in commercial cell phones has been discussed in scientific circles for years, according to researchers in the field.
More recently, the idea gained support among government agencies, and DHS said publicly in May that it wants businesses to start coming up with proposals.
At the 2007 DHS Science and Technology Stakeholders Conference, S&T Director of Innovation Roger McGinnis outlined how the system could work.
Cell phone sensors would continually test the air for harmful compounds and digitally relay any information to a central monitoring system if they find anything amiss.
“It’s a great way to get millions of detectors out there,” McGinnis said.
Like the built-in GPS function many cell phones now offer, customers would have the option of turning the sensors off, McGinnis said.
S&T spokesman Christopher Kelly said the theoretical system’s strength would lie in the sheer number of sensors. The cell phone sensors might be less sophisticated than highly advanced ones some developers are fitting into hand-held models, but they would make up for it in what Kelly called “ubiquitous detection.”
If just one went off, it could be ruled a false positive, he said. But if several detected a harmful compound, emergency workers would know there was a problem, triangulate the phones’ location react to the situation.”
Listen Here:
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/images/video/multimedia.php?res=hi&v=637&1=1
~
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_511268.html
“Police hope voice will be recognized on Pittsburgh tunnel threat tape”
By Chris Togneri
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, June 7, 2007
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “State police Wednesday released a recording of a man who called in a bomb threat that prompted authorities to shut down three Pittsburgh tunnels.”
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=56100
“Another border agent due to start prison term
Judge, prosecutor the same as in Ramos-Compean case”
Posted: June 9, 2007
1:00 a.m. Eastern
© 2007 WorldNetDaily.com
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Another former U.S. Border Patrol agent is due to start a prison term on Monday – this man sentenced for a typographical error that he reported to authorities himself so that the situation could be corrected, according to a new report from Friends of the Border Patrol.
And the case bears similarities to the recent case involving two other Border Patrol agents – Jose Compean and Ignacio Ramos – sentenced to prison for shooting at a drug smuggler as he fled back into Mexico, leaving behind hundreds of pounds of drugs he’d brought into the U.S., said Andy Ramirez, chairman of the FOBP.
For example, the prosecutor who handled both cases against Ramos and Compean and Noe Aleman was U.S. Attorney Johnny Sutton, and the judge was Kathleen Cardone.
Sutton has been criticized for a number of his decisions in the Ramos-Compean case, including his choice to provide immunity to the drug smuggler and return him to the United States to help prosecute the law enforcement officers. And the judge, Kathleen Cardone, has been criticized for not allowing the jury to know that the incident involving the border agents was not the only drug-related incident involving the smuggler-turned-witness.
(Story continues below)
Sutton could not be reached by WND for a comment on the FOBP report.”
To read the entire text, click on the top link below.
Note: The following SNIPPET is a quote:
https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=69338
you are here: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Italy Protests, June 8-10
Consular Affairs Bulletins
Europe - Italy
7 Jun 2007
Printer Friendly Email Article
Related Reports
8 Jun 2007
Security Advice for Rome Protests
10 Apr 2007
Worldwide Caution Public Announcement
1 Mar 2007
Warden Message: Vicenza Anti-American Protest March 1
15 Feb 2007
Warden Message: Vicenza February 17 Protest Update
7 Feb 2007
Warden Message: Vicenza Anti-U.S. Demonstration February 17
U.S. Embassy Rome released the following Warden Message on June 7:
According to local authorities, protests are likely during the June 8–10 visit of U.S. President Bush to Rome. Large numbers of activists are expected to participate in protests in Italy on Saturday, June 9. A planned demonstration will take place on June 9 at Piazza del Popolo in Rome. Another planned demonstration on June 9 will pass through much of Rome’s center, beginning at 1500 in Piazza della Repubblica, traveling along Via dei Fori Imperiali to Piazza Venezia, onto Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, and concluding at Piazza Navona. The full route of the demonstration is available at the Embassy’s internet website: www.italy.usembassy.gov. Other spontaneous demonstrations at locations throughout the country, including near the U.S. Embassy in Rome, consulate facilities in Milan, Florence, and Naples, U.S. military installations, and U.S.-affiliated commercial enterprises, are also possible. To avoid becoming targets of opportunity, Americans should avoid the demonstrations, bearing in mind that violence may erupt. There will also likely be traffic flow disruptions and significant police activity in the area of the demonstrations. Italian authorities are enhancing security measures in anticipation of the protests. U.S. citizens should monitor local media and the Embassy website for updated information on the planned demonstrations.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/business/20070608-103242-1006r.htm
“Passport backlog prompts a waiver”
By Jen Haberkorn
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
June 9, 2007
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Americans flying to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean will not need a passport this summer to return to the United States.
The departments of State and Homeland Security reversed the passport requirement — which went into effect in January — because of extraordinary waits for passports. The requirement will go back into effect Sept. 30.”
ON THE NET...
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%22white+al+qaeda%22&btnG=Search
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%22white+al+qaida%22&btnG=Search
#
RECAP:
http://www.adnki.com/index_2Level_English.php?cat=Politics&loid=8.0.412776154&par=0
“TERRORISM: U.S. ARMY BASE PLOT ‘CONFIRMS EXISTENCE OF WHITE AL-QAEDA’ BALKAN EXPERTS SAY”
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Belgrade, 9 May (AKI) - The arrest of four ethnic Albanians, a Jordanian and a Turk in the United States on Tuesday on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack at the United States army base in Fort Dix, New Jersey, confirms the existence of a “white Al-Qaeda”, Balkan terrorism expert Darko Trifunovic told Adnkronos International (AKI) on Wednesday. Trifunovic said the arrests showed “white Al-Qaeda at work.” He compared the Fort Dix plot to a February attack in Salt Lake City when a Bosnian Muslim youth, Sulejman Talovic went on a shopping mall shooting rampage. Six people including Talovic were killed another four were injured in the attack.
Trifunovic, a professor at Belgrade University’s Faculty of Security Studies, was the first to develop a theory of “white Al-Qaeda”, which he said was introduced to the Balkans during 1992-1995 civil war in Bosnia when thousands of ‘mujahadeen’ from Islamic countries came to fight on the side of local Muslims. Many mujahadeen have remained in the country, and are believed to been indoctrinating local youths with radical Islam and even operating terrorist training camps, Trifunovic said, quoting western and Balkans intelligence sources.
Al-Qaeda has adopted a new tactics of using white European youths for terrorist attacks, “because of their non-Arabic appearance,” Trifunovic told AKI. “The strategy is to indoctrinate or poison the hearts and minds of youngsters to psyche them up for the future terror operations,” Trifunovic said.
“And that is exactly what is now happening in the United States,” he added.”
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Sat Jun 09 2007 04:42:12 GMT-0700.
Worldwide Caution
April 10, 2007
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