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Posted on 08/01/2007 10:32:19 PM PDT by nwctwx
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Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel07/bridge080207.htm
For Immediate Release
August 2, 2007
Washington D.C.
FBI National Press Office
(202) 324-3691
FBI Explains Role in Bridge Collapse Investigation; Warns About Possible Scams
The federal investigation is being led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The FBI is in a support role in this incident.
The FBI responded to the collapsed bridge to offer assistance and conduct any investigation necessary. Although it is early in the investigation, we have no reason at this time to believe there is any nexus to terrorism. The Minneapolis office of the FBI has provided special agents, its Evidence Response Team, and support in the command post. Additional Evidence Response Team assistance is being sent from FBI offices in Chicago and San Antonio. “We will provide whatever resources we have available if requested by the NTSB or the State of Minnesota,” said Special Agent Richard Kolko from Washington, D.C.
We would also like to share a public service message at this time. In recent history, tragic incidents such as 9/11, hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the Virginia Tech shootings have all prompted individuals with criminal intent to solicit for contributions for a charitable organization and/or a good cause. Consumers should consider the following:
Do not respond to unsolicited (SPAM) e-mail.
Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as officials soliciting via e-mail for donations.
Do not click on links contained within an unsolicited e-mail.
Be cautious of e-mail claiming to contain pictures in attached files, as the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.
To ensure contributions are received and used for intended purposes, make contributions directly to recognized organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.
Validate the legitimacy of the organization by directly accessing the recognized charity or aid organization’s website rather than following an alleged link to the site.
Attempt to verify the legitimacy of the non-profit status of the organization by using various Internet-based resources, which also may assist in confirming the actual existence of the organization.
Do not provide personal or financial information to anyone who solicits contributions: providing such information may compromise your identity and open you to identity theft.
http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/speeches/mueller080107.htm
Robert S. Mueller, III
Director
Federal Bureau of Investigation
“International Association of Bomb Technicians & Investigators Annual Conference”
Phoenix, Arizona
August 1, 2007
George Tenet has a chapter in his recent tell all book called “Threat Matrix.” It describes the actual document that is presented to the president and the intelligence that goes into it. He notes that there are many doomsday type of plots that never materialize and other assorted “clutter” that never amounts to anything either. At the same time he is quick to point out that even while some items are outlandish or seem to detract, they are often still important to see and discuss because they just might be something. In the process of culling and disregarding you also end up with some solid building blocks.
Now, this series of threads at FR is obviously not on par with the real thing in most ways simply because we mostly have open source material to work with but what we are doing here is rather similar in the end. Many posts might end up not being terrorism or even terrorism related in any way but that does not mean they should not show up here, at least in my opinion.
My personal interest in this thread is to try to do my own little part in this war, and if nothing else, I think I might be able to help inform people who might not be informed as much as they need to be. I strongly believe that many individual motives here are the same.
TM has had its ups and downs... one could probably point to certain periods where it was more “valuable” than others. As mentioned before, I think this has a lot to do with the variable nature of this threat we face. We can go long periods with no real news and then go into short month-long stretches where it seems to come nonstop. At times things may venture OT.
I have mentioned numerous times that I am also an administrator on what has become the internet’s premier weather discussion site for much of the United States. In my travels I have seen almost every topic stray OT in sections. This is normal... especially when you have people interacting with each other that have been interacting on this level for years in some cases. While it might be a hope to remain on topic all the time I don’t think it’s possible. It’s like being at work — how many folks actually spend all of their time doing what is in their job description? Is there no veering off topic from the task at hand?
I, and I suspect many others, can not thank Jim and his team enough for allowing us to use their website to create something that is important. Whether or not TM is “better” today than it was 3 or 4 yrs ago is not for me to decide. In the grand scheme my role here is less than many others who have helped keep us going even when nothing seemed to be on the radar.
When something pops up in the news TM generally comes to life with quite a few who know their stuff… If people decide not to post because of something someone on the thread did to annoy them then I guess it’s a shame we don’t get to use their brainpower as well.
That’s all I have on this issue, I will respond private messages.
“I, and I suspect many others, can not thank Jim and his team enough for allowing us to use their website to create something that is important.”
BIG DITTO.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=nitricacid
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=hydrogenperoxide
###
Note: The following news brief is a quote:
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3433172,00.html
Defense forces uncover dangerous chemicals near Bethlehem
Published: 08.02.07, 22:28 / Israel News
In a joint IDF-Shin Bet-Civil Administration operation in the Bethlehem area, dangerous, illegal chemicals were found on Thursday.
Some 50 liters of 50% and 50 liters of 63% nitric acid were found in Bet Sahour near Bethlehem. The IDF reported that these substances were used to create explosives. (Efrat Weiss)
Sometimes we can get into personalities and not be concerned with the issue at hand.
I proudly wear my tinfoil hat.
My Pasteur use to be a State Trouper in Missouri, his job was to protect John Ashcroft when he was Governor here.
He got to know the man quite well as a “Devout man of God” and shows nothing but the utmost respect for him and our President.
He shares in his sermons, so much, about we do here.
He is stays in contact with him continually.
Correcting the last sentence in post no. 125
QUOTE:
Some 50 liters of 50% hydrogen peroxide and 50 liters of 63% nitric acid were found in Bet Sahour near Bethlehem. The IDF reported that these substances were used to create explosives
Thanks, Ian. You have just expressed in words what my thoughts have been.
You’re welcome Oorang.
Yes, and reminds of the week before September 11, 2001.
NOTE: The following text is a quote:
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=46914
Coalition Forces Capture Two Alleged Senior al Qaeda Leaders
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2007 – Coalition forces captured two alleged al Qaeda emirs, killed four terrorists and detained 21 suspected terrorists during Iraq operations over the past two days.
Last night, coalition forces captured the alleged al Qaeda sniper emir of Mosul. As the assault force entered two targeted buildings, a man approached the perimeter security element. Even after the ground forces used appropriate measures, the man continued to advance on the security element. Coalition forces, responding appropriately to the hostile threat, engaged the man and killed him, U.S. officials said.
Inside the targeted buildings, coalition forces detained the alleged emir, who was believed to be involved in a plot against the mayor of Mosul on March 9 and has allegedly claimed responsibility for at least one coalition death in the last month. The suspected terrorist allegedly supervised 10-15 operatives and has conducted kidnapping operations to bring in money for his own use. Ground forces on the scene detained one additional suspect and discovered a small cache containing body armor, weapons, a rifle sight manual, and extremist propaganda.
“The leaders of al Qaeda in Iraq should know we are continually targeting them and will not rest until we have captured or killed them,” said Army Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. “Every removal of a leader of al Qaeda at any level weakens the terrorist organization and strengthens coalition and Iraqi security force operations against it.”
In other operations today:
— In western Baghdad, coalition forces captured an alleged al Qaeda media emir tied to propaganda cells throughout Baghdad. During the raid, the ground forces found a large amount of U.S. currency and improvised explosive device-making materials. Two more individuals were detained for their ties to the suspected emir.
— Coalition forces targeted a media cell and its leader, also suspected of facilitating the movement of foreign terrorists, in a raid near Samarra this morning. A man in a tactical fighting position was killed by aircraft strafing. The ground forces found weapons on site and detained seven suspected terrorists during for their alleged ties to the foreign terrorist network and media cell.
— North of Karmah, coalition forces continued to target senior al Qaeda leaders in Anbar province. As the assault force approached the targeted buildings, coalition forces killed two terrorists armed with AK-47 rifles and using a woman as a human shield. The troops moved the woman out of the way before engaging the men. Four suspected terrorists were detained during the operation.
— A raid in Tarmiyah targeted a suspected al Qaeda terrorist who has close ties to the al Qaeda emir of Baghdad. The ground forces detained four suspected terrorists during the operation.
In operations yesterday, Iraqi security captured a suspected key al Qaeda leader in an early morning raid in Kirkuk. The targeted suspect is believed to be responsible for a July 16 car-bomb attack in Kirkuk that killed more than 85 civilians and injured more than 180. With U.S. Special Forces as advisors, the Iraqi security forces detained four suspects in addition to the primary target.
“This successful mission is another demonstration of the committment and resolve to stopping violent criminal elements and ensuring the safety of the population,” a senior U.S. Special Forces commander said.
Also yesterday, during a series of combined operations with Iraqi police, Iraqi army soldiers shot and killed three members of the Islamic State of Iraq terrorist organization, including its leader, the touted al Qaeda emir of Mosul. The troops, from 2nd Iraqi Army Division headquarters, were conducting cordon-and-search operations in northeastern Mosul when they spotted the suspect and two of his bodyguards in a pickup truck. The convoy gave chase and pulled the vehicle over. The men exited the pickup and began firing at the Iraqi soldiers. The Iraqi security element returned fire, killing all three.
“The Iraqi security forces are leading the way here in Ninewah province, unilaterally executing Provincial Governor Kashmoula’s security plan with incredible success,” said Army Col. Stephen Twitty, commander of 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.
In other operations this week, Iraqi security forces and U.S. Special Forces soldiers detained four suspected Shiia extremists who are believed to be linked to the Jaysh al-Mahdi militia in Baghdad on July 31. The suspects are allegedly responsible for engaging in death squad killings of innocent civilians in the Baghdad area. They also allegedly are connected to a terrorist network responsible for emplacing improvised explosive devices and participating in criminal activities aimed at undermining legitimate elected officials, U.S. officials said.
While conducting a dismounted patrol in an area outside of Falahat on July 30, Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers found a large weapons cache consisting of 155 Russian-made 57 mm mortar rounds.
“This is an extremely significant find, which will keep weapons out of the hands of al Qaeda operatives who would have used them in attacks against innocent Iraqi civilians, coalition forces and Iraqi security forces,” said Army Lt. Col. Peter Andrysiak, deputy commander of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. “Since establishing a patrol base here, our troopers have found seven caches within the past month. Two of those caches were found with the help of local neighborhood watch volunteers who are fed up with sectarian violence and want to keep their community safe for the sake of their families.”
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq, Multinational Corps Iraq and Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Arabian Peninsula news releases.)
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=46921
Iraqi Court Sentences Snipers to Death for Terrorist Acts
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2007 – Three Iraqi snipers were convicted and sentenced to death last week after confessing to the deaths of at least two coalition soldiers and the shootings of nine others, a senior law official in the region said today.
Army Col. Mark S. Martins, staff judge advocate with Multinational Force Iraq, said the conviction is part of “small, measured steps” that the Iraqi government is making to establish confidence in Iraqi law. Martins spoke from Iraq via a phone conference with online reporters and “bloggers.”
Convicted in Iraq’s central criminal court July 22 were Jasim Husayn Nabeer and Muhammed Sabeh Latif. Mustafa Hussayn was convicted July 25. The three were self-proclaimed members of Jaysh al-Islami, or the Army of Islam, and confessed to acting as a sniper cell for the group. Nabeer confessed to eight sniper shootings recorded on a recovered terrorist propaganda video.
Nabeer and Latif were convicted of the shootings, and Hussayn was convicted of driving the sniper car. A panel of three investigative judges presided over the case, Martins said.
The three were arrested by 6th Iraqi Army Division troops in October after a two-month shooting spree primarily in the Baghdad neighborhoods of Ameriyah and Azamiah. They were captured while driving a van they had modified for sniper missions. Forces recovered two sniper rifles, a silencer, ammo, hand grenades and money.
The van had a hidden compartment to stash the weapons, as well as a porthole in the rear of the van that allowed the shooters to fire from a concealed position. A video camera and a mount were also recovered. The camera contained a recording of a recent sniper operation by the three, Martins said.
While the rule of law is not yet prevailing in Iraq, such trials are evidence that the government is making progress under the latest troop surge effort, Martins said.
“The trial that was concluded is an important component to the progress Iraq is making in restoring confidence in the rule of law. It’s a small step. Small measured steps are being taken, holding individuals accountable in courts under the law, following the evidence where it leads,” he said.
“As the surge of operations targets extremists and expands into former terrorist safe havens, Iraqi law enforcement and the central criminal court of Iraq are investigating and prosecuting accused terrorists and criminals,” he added. “There are some dramatic developments happening in Iraq in the rule of law.”
ADDING 2 linkS to post no. 24:
(http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1875105/posts?page=24#24 ):
http://www.memri.org/jihad.html
http://memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=subjects&Area=jihad&ID=SP167307
Special Dispatch Series - No. 1673
August 3, 2007 No.1673
“Islamist Websites Monitor No. 126”
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/08/20070802-1.html
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 2, 2007
“Executive Order: Blocking Property of Persons Undermining the Sovereignty of Lebanon or Its Democratic Processes and Institutions”
###
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/08/20070802.html
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 2, 2007
“Message to the Congress of the United States”
A radioactive device is missing from an oil pipeline construction site in Wisconsin. Police say it's one of a number of items stolen but the most dangerous. The theft happened sometime early Tuesday morning, and it's significant enough to get the state and the FBI involved in the investigation.
"The lock had been cut off of the door, trailer been ransacked. There was lots of things missing," George Thornton says. One of the things missing is called a masterminder. "It's the size of a two-pound coffee can ... handle on the top," Adams County Emergency Management Coordinator Jane Grabarski says. Investigators want to get their hands on it because it's radioactive.
Excerpted
http://www.nbc15.com/news/headlines/8859237.html
Sri Lanka's police arrests two bus passengers on suspicion of transporting 700 detonators
08/02/2007
Sri Lanka's Defense Ministry said the country's police found 700 detonators in a passenger bus which was traveling from the northern town of Vavuniya to the capital - Colombo.
The detonators were concealed in a bag of corn, an official at the ministry's information center said on condition of anonymity in line with policy. He said police stopped the bus after a tip-off in Nochchiyagama of Anuradhapura district, about 160 kilometers (100 miles) northeast of Colombo. Two passengers were arrested on suspicion they may have been transporting the devices for separatist Tamil Tiger rebels, he said.
Excerpted
http://english.pravda.ru/news/world/02-08-2007/95607-sri_lanka-0
Algeria kills Maghreb Qaeda bomb mastermind
ALGIERS, Aug 2 2007
Algerian security forces have killed the mastermind of suicide bombings including a triple attack in Algiers in April that claimed 33 lives, a government-run newspaper reported today.
Rachid Sid Ali, a military adviser to the al Qaeda Organisation in the Islamic Maghreb, was killed on July 30 in the troubled Kabylie region east of Algiers, El Moudjahid said. He was killed along with his aide Haroun El Achaachi ''thanks to the help of the local population of Iboudranene'' village near Kabylie's main town of Tizi Ouzou, the daily added, citing a security source.
Excerpted
http://www.deepikaglobal.com/ENG4_sub.asp?ccode=ENG4&newscode=5049
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1875399/posts
“Sleepless On Death Row”
dansargis.org ^ | August 2, 2007 | Dan Sargis
Posted on 08/02/2007 1:34:58 PM PDT by Dr.Syn
That’s an eye-opener Oorang.
Thanks for those links.
______________________________
Behind the Indoctrination and Training of American Jihadis
August 2, 2007
On July 26, a former Washington, DC cab driver and resident of Gwynn Oak, Maryland was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for providing material support to a terrorist group. Ohio-born Mahmud Faruq Brent, 32, admitted to attending training camps run by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT, Army of the Pure) in 2002, a Pakistani-based jihadi group established during the 1980s campaign against the Soviets in Afghanistan.
After training at various locations in Pakistan, Brent returned to the United States, residing in Baltimore when he was arrested in August 2005. Brent told Tarik Shah—who pleaded guilty to conspiring to provide material support to al-Qaeda—that he had been up in the mountains training with the mujahideen [1]. Through Shah, Brent's training is linked to other cases of Americans who attended LeT-run camps in Pakistan.
After Shah's arrest, he agreed to record conversations with Brent in cooperation with the FBI. In Shah's cell phone, along with Mahmud al-Mutazzim, another name Brent used, was the contact information for Seifullah Chapman, who also knew Brent (Dawn, July 26). Chapman, a former Marine, was part of the "Virginia Jihad Group," another informal network convicted of terrorism-related charges stemming from their training in Pakistan. He was sentenced in 2005 to a 65-year prison term.
As disturbing as these cases are individually, collectively they demonstrate an even more troubling trend of radicalized American Muslims—bound by Salafi ideology—receiving training overseas and returning to the United States for potential future operations.
Excerpted
http://www.jamestown.org/terrorism/news/article.php?articleid=2373588
The Threat of Islamic Radicalism to Greece
Aug. 2. 2007
Al-Qaeda and affiliated Islamist terrorist organizations have extended their reach to many countries in Europe, including Greece (To Bhma, April 20). The war on terrorism has turned Greece into a key entry and transit point for Islamic fundamentalist networks. This is partly due to Greece's long and porous coastal borders and proximity to the Middle East, making it a potential source for terrorist infiltration to many Western countries.
French intelligence sources dating back to the pre-9/11 period claim that organized networks of radical Arab groups that have operated in Greece in the past have been used by al-Qaeda affiliates and other fundamentalist networks (To Bhma, April 22). Greek intelligence reports as far back as 1993 have informed European and U.S. intelligence agencies on the activities of radical Islamic networks.
The establishment and expansion of Islamic communities throughout Greece suggest that the country is rapidly evolving as a logistical and recruitment base, with terrorist networks becoming increasingly able to provide financial support for recruitment and propaganda purposes. The nature of transnational organized crime in Greece is fairly heterogeneous, with many Middle Eastern and pro-Islamic groups using the country as a hub [1]. All of these factors demonstrate that Greece is susceptible to Islamist terrorist infiltration.
Excerpted
http://www.jamestown.org/terrorism/news/article.php?articleid=2373590
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