Threat Matrix: September 2007

The Birth of al Qaedastan

In the year 2016, the world may find itself gloomily marking September 6 as the tenth anniversary of the creation of the Islamic Emirate of Waziristan. The Emirate received de facto recognition when the Taliban used the name on the ceasefire agreement they signed with Pakistan on that day in 2006. If things go terribly wrong in the coming decade, they could come to rule a mountainous fragment of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The Emirate would be a nightmare state: Osama bin Laden as sultan, Ayman al Zawahiri as vizier, and Mullah Omar the spiritual leader. An economy built on smuggling and heroin. Primary export: terrorism. Welcome to ‘Al Qaedastan’.

Analysts say the rise of a terrorist state straddling the rugged area between Pakistan and Afghanistan is now viable. The reason is a number of troubling trends. One, the revival of a Taliban firmly in the control of Al Qaeda. Two, the seeming inability of either Kabul or Islamabad to defeat the new threat militarily. Three, and the most striking, the Taliban’s systematic supplanting of the traditional tribal leadership in the area. Full story...

	Lebanon: Tiny Country, Big Threats
	Islamist Web Site Explains 'How to Join Al Qaeda'
	The Ongoing Hunt for Osama bin Laden

Threat Matrix:
September 2007

August 2007

Threat Matrix Index

Theat Matrix Handbook

Theat Matrix 'BOLO'

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Preparedness

Quebec arrest, alleged Austrian plot linked
Sep 13, 2007

MONTREAL — The RCMP says it has arrested a 35-year-old Quebecer in connection with a threat to bomb targets outside Canada. The Mounties said today Said Namouh was arrested in Quebec yesterday.

Earlier, Austrian officials said a man arrested in Quebec was the fourth suspect in connection with an online threat against Austria and Germany. They said three alleged Al Qaeda sympathizers — two men and a woman, all Austrian citizens in their 20s and of Arab origin — were arrested in connection with a video that surfaced in March threatening to attack Germany and Austria unless the two countries withdrew their personnel from Afghanistan.

The arrest was made in the Mauricie region of Quebec, Austrian Interior Ministry spokesman Rudolf Gollia said. Austrian and Canadian authorities have worked together closely for several weeks, Gollia said, adding that it appeared the man was planning to leave Canada.

Senator Colin Kenny, chairman of the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence, confirmed the arrest and said police would charge the man later today. "The individual who was arrested in Mauricie is going to be charged with conspiracy," Kenny said.

Excerpted

http://www.thestar.com/News/World/article/256378

http://www.google.com

A few more details...

http://www.foxnews.com/photoessay/photoessay_2339_images/0913071620_M_labeet_shawn.jpg

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,296702,00.html

“Manhunt Under Way After Gunman Shoots 4 Florida Police Officers, Killing 1”
Thursday, September 13, 2007

CUTLER BAY, Fla. —

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Police described Labeet as a black male with a shaven face and short hair. Authorities said he left his Honda near a canal. Police found facial hair in his apartment, indicating he shaved his face.

The suspect purchased three high-powered weapons in March, police said.”

http://www.amw.com/fugitives/case.cfm?id=48678

“Four Miami-Dade Officers Involved In Shootout”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Police say one of the suspects in the shooting is 25-year-old Shawn Sherwin Labeet. He is described as a heavyset black man. He was driving a white Honda Civic with a black hood, but has since abandoned that vehicle, which has been found by police. Labeet had a long beard, but may have shaved it by now.”

http://www.truthusa.com/IRAN.html

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=47428

ranian-Made Mortar Likely Used in Recent Attack, General Says

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2007 – A mortar that killed a coalition servicemember and injured 12 when it detonated earlier this week at a coalition operating base likely was manufactured in Iran, a spokesman for Multinational Force Iraq said yesterday. (Video)

“Our explosive ordnance experts assessed (that) it is consistent with the rockets of Iranian origin we have seen used in other attacks,” Army Maj. Gen. Kevin Bergner told reporters during a briefing in Baghdad.

The general said experts matched distinctive markings on mortar fragments collected Sept. 11 from the impact site to unfired Iranian-made 240 mm rockets recovered in August. Such munitions are unique to Iranian manufacturing facilities, he added.

Bergner alleged that operatives of Jaysh al-Mahdi, the militant arm of radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, launched the 240 mm mortar from western part of Baghdad’s Rashid district. “(This) is a weapon these groups have received from Iranian groups in the past and recently used in other attacks against coalition forces,” he said.

“We know that some of the elements of Jaysh al-Mahdi rely on Iranian sources of funding, training and weapons like this,” he continued. “Unfortunately, (Iran’s) support is continuing to undermine the security and stability of Iraq at an important moment when some here are trying to reduce the violence and improve security.”

The mortar attack occurred in defiance of Sadr’s pledge on Aug. 24 to suspend offensive operations against coalition forces and citizens. Though coalition forces have seen a reduction in attacks previously associated with Sadr’s followers, some members, like the perpetrators of the mortar attack, are “disrespecting Sadr’s commitment by continuing attacks,” Bergner said.

The general added that U.S. forces embrace Sadr’s dedication to isolating dissident Jaysh al-Mahdi members “who discredit his pledge of honor.”

“The multinational force will continue to support the government of Iraq in welcoming the pledge by Moqtada al-Sadr to stop attacks,” Bergner said. “And we will show restraint in dealing with his followers who uphold this commitment.

“However, Iraqi and coalition forces will not show the same restraint against criminals who continue to target civilians and security forces,” he said.

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=47430

Assassination Bolsters Resolve Against al Qaeda, Iraqi Spokesman Says

By David Mays
Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2007 – Today’s assassination of an influential Sunni leader whose followers have been helping fight al Qaeda in Iraq will only bolster the war on insurgents, a chief spokesman of the Iraqi government said today.

Ali Aldabbagh spoke with online journalists and “bloggers” via a conference call from Baghdad just hours after a roadside bomb exploded outside the farm of Abdul-Sattar Abu Risha, killing the sheik and two of his aides.

Sattar was a “very brave man” who “took the lead to protect the al Anbar and all the worst areas at a time when everybody was afraid and scared of even talking against al Qaeda,” Aldabbagh said.

Sattar led a group known as the Anbar Salvation Council. His followers sparked the so-called “Anbar awakening movement,” during which Sunnis committed to join with coalition forces to seek peace and prosperity in the region.

The sheik was among a group of tribal leaders who met with President Bush on Labor Day at Al Asad Air Base in Anbar province. Sattar also participated in the Ramadi Reconstruction Conference along with leaders of the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Division and Multinational Force West this spring.

“The time for dictatorship is gone, and we are welcoming the new dawn of democracy and freedom here,” the sheik said during the conference.

Sattar’s Abu Resha tribe and other Sunni tribes increasingly have turned to coalition forces to help crush al Qaeda insurgents in the region.

Aldabbagh said he spoke with several tribal leaders associated with Sheik Sattar shortly after today’s assassination. He said the killings “will not affect them, will not influence them” but will only motivate Sunnis in the region to fight even harder against al Qaeda insurgents.

“They have to continue in order to protect their region from any such terrorist groups,” he said.

(David Mays works in New Media at American Forces Information Service.)

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=47433

Five Terrorists Killed in Coalition Operations in Iraq

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2007 – Coalition forces killed five terrorists during operations today targeting al Qaeda leaders and operatives in central and northern parts of the Iraq.

Based on intelligence gathered in an Aug. 30 operation, coalition forces targeted an al Qaeda senior leader in Baqubah. Two armed men who attempted to maneuver against the assault force were killed when coalition forces fired in self-defense. When coalition forces called for the target building’s occupants to come out, the assault force saw a woman try to draw a pistol from a weapons belt she was wearing and fired in self-defense, killing her. Another woman was killed when she tried to retrieve and activate a grenade that dropped to the ground from underneath her clothes.

A fifth terrorist was killed as coalition forces targeted a senior al Qaeda leader in Baghdad believed to be involved in planning and executing car-bombing attacks against Iraqis and coalition forces. When an armed man emerged from that building and maneuvered against ground forces, the forces engaged and killed him. Two suspected terrorists were detained in the operation.

Elsewhere today, coalition forces in Mosul captured a wanted individual believed to conduct assassinations for al Qaeda. Forces detained three additional suspected terrorists in the raid.

In a separate operation that ended today, coalition troops teamed with Iraqi policemen and concerned local citizens to rid a major road of improvised explosive devices and al Qaeda cell members during a two-day operation in Tuwaitha. The mission’s purpose was to clear the route and to establish an Iraqi capability to keep the route safe for civilian and military traffic.

About 60 Iraqis volunteered for the mission. The volunteers met Army Capt. Brian Gilbert, commander of Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, currently attached to 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, at his company’s combat outpost at the outset of the operation.

After clearing the route, soldiers worked with volunteers and policemen from 1st National Police Brigade to establish checkpoints with blast protection. The checkpoints will be manned by national policemen and Iraqi civilian volunteers from the local concerned citizens group.

In operations yesterday:

— Iraqi army scouts with U.S. special operations forces as advisors conducted a helicopter raid near Taji that netted 12 suspected insurgents and destroyed a terrorist safe house that had been rigged to explode. When the assault team discovered a command detonation wire leading from an abandoned structure, the area was evacuated and close-air support destroyed the target with four laser-guided bombs. The targeted individuals are purportedly linked to the Lions of Islam martyr group and are suspected of improvised-explosive-device trafficking, facilitating foreign fighters and conducting murder and intimidation campaigns in the region.

— Iraqi security forces detained two suspected al Qaeda terrorists accused of emplacing improvised explosive devices. One suspect in Owejela village in Heychall is allegedly responsible for a Sept. 6 improvised-explosive-device attack on Iraqi security forces. A second suspicious individual was detained during the operation.

— An Iraqi army reconnaissance unit in Taji detained a suspect linked to improvised explosive device attacks on Iraqi and coalition forces in Taji and Hor al Bosh, including a July 20 attack.

In other news from Iraq this week, Iraqi security forces killed three suspected al Qaeda terrorists and detained 80 others during a three-day cordon-and-search operation that ended yesterday. The operation targeted al Qaeda operations in the Hamrin Ridge and Diyala River Valley area in eastern Iraq. The detainees include four suspected al Qaeda terrorist cell leaders.

Enemy fighters engaged elements of Iraqi security forces and U.S. Special Forces soldiers in three separate attacks with small arms and machine-gun fire. In one engagement, Iraqi and U.S. Special Forces called in precision aerial fires to suppress a dozen enemy fighters maneuvering against them resulting in one enemy killed. In a second engagement, Iraqi forces returned small-arms fire, killing two other enemy fighters. One enemy fighter was wounded. Iraqi forces also seized 40 AK-47 assault rifles and machine-gun ammunition.

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

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=47434

Afghan Forces Kill 45 Terrorists in Battle

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2007 – Afghan national security forces advised by coalition forces killed more than 45 Taliban insurgents today in a battle in Afghanistan’s Oruzgan province and detained 10 suspected militants in Helmand province.
“On the eve of the holy month of Ramadan, the enemies of Afghanistan have shown they will shun peaceful coexistence in favor of attacking government forces,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. He said that today’s actions and the Afghan forces’ improved tactics mean “insurgents will have no safe place to hide within the borders of this country.”

The engagement in Oruzgan province started when insurgents in Aduzay village, in Deh Rawood district, attacked a combined Afghan security force and coalition patrol with rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire. The Afghan-led force returned fire and called for coalition close-air support after confirming the enemy was drawing large amounts of reinforcements from areas across the Helmand River.

Meanwhile, in the Garmser district of Helmand province, Afghan forces detained 10 individuals for questioning because of suspected involvement in militant activities. A small cache of small arms, ammunition and a grenade was found at the site and destroyed.

(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)

Thank you Special Freepmailer for pointing to Rusty’s article here.

NOTE TO ALL: If you have lost loved ones in war, are a child, have health issues or mental problems; please don’t click here. Thank you.

Note: To read more and/or to click on the hypertexted links, click on this link below.

http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/189366.php

September 13, 2007

“Al Qaeda Releases Another Maj. Troy Gilbert Desecration Video”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “A new English subtitled video released by al Furqan on behalf of the Islamic State of Iraq, an al Qeda front group, claims to show the body of Major Troy Gilbert. The Jawa Report has obtained a copy of the video.

I think there’s a Geneva Convention violation here, but don’t expect any protest from the usual suspects.

Gilbert was killed when his F-16 crashed near Karma, approximately 20 miles NW of Baghdad on Nov. 27 2006. The al Qaeda front group claimed that it had downed Gilbert’s F-16, but the cause of the crash remains unknown.

The day after the crash a gruesome video showing Gilbert’s body being disrespected by what were described as “locals” by the MSM emerged. The video shows the remains of the plane being stepped on in a sign of disrespect.”

Note: If you are a jihadi; jihadi wannabe, or a jihad supporter; put down your guns, set aside your dope and porn, quit typing and read this please. Thank you.

http://truthusa.com/a/index.php?PHPSESSID=101f4f0d726c1d27522bf1edd7228f7f&topic=339.0

Jihad is evil.

You can turn your life around.

It is not too late.

Open your minds.

Think.

Open your hearts.

Love.

Every day you live if a gift of
life from God.

Live life.

Do the right thing.

Turn your back on evil.

Jihad is evil.

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/09/20070912-1.html

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 12, 2007

Message to the Congress of the United States

White House News

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:

Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act, 50 U.S.C. 1622(d), provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. Consistent with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register the enclosed notice, stating that the emergency declared with respect to the terrorist attacks on the United States of September 11, 2001, is to continue in effect for an additional year.

The terrorist threat that led to the declaration on September 14, 2001, of a national emergency continues. For this reason, I have determined that it is necessary to continue in effect after September 14, 2007, the national emergency with respect to the terrorist threat.

GEORGE W. BUSH

THE WHITE HOUSE,

September 12, 2007.

# # #

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/09/20070912-2.html

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 12, 2007

Notice: Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Certain Terrorist Attacks

White House News

Consistent with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency I declared on September 14, 2001, in Proclamation 7463, with respect to the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center, New York, New York, the Pentagon, and aboard United Airlines flight 93, and the continuing and immediate threat of further attacks on the United States.

Because the terrorist threat continues, the national emergency declared on September 14, 2001, last extended on September 5, 2006, and the powers and authorities adopted to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond September 14, 2007. Therefore, I am continuing in effect for an additional year the national emergency I declared on September 14, 2001, with respect to the terrorist threat.

This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.

GEORGE W. BUSH

# # #

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