Threat Matrix: November 2007

Note: The following text is a quote:

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, Thu Nov 22 2007 02:15:01 GMT-0800 (PST).

Worldwide Caution

October 09, 2007

This Public Announcement updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests overseas. This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated April 10, 2007.

The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. Current information suggests that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings.

Ongoing events in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East have resulted in demonstrations and associated violence in several countries. Americans are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning.

In August 2006, British authorities arrested a significant number of extremists engaged in a plot to destroy multiple passenger aircraft flying from the United Kingdom to the United States. The September 2006 attack on the U.S. Embassy in Syria and the March 2006 bombing near the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan illustrate the continuing desire of extremists to strike American targets.

Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests. Examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas and locales where Americans gather in large numbers, including during holidays. In August 2007, two bombs exploded almost simultaneously at an amusement park and a restaurant in India, killing at least 42 people. In June 2007, two unexploded car bombs were discovered in London. Financial or economic targets of value may also be considered as possible venues; the vehicle-based suicide attack on an oil facility near Mukalla and Marib in Yemen in September 2006 and the failed attack on the Abqaiq oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia in late February 2006 are such examples.

In the wake of the August 2006 plot against aircraft in London, numerous terrorist attacks on trains in India in 2006, the July 2005 London Underground bombings, and the March 2004 train attacks in Madrid, Americans are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems. In addition, extremists may also select aviation and maritime services as possible targets. In June 2007, a car was driven into the main terminal at Glasgow International Airport and burst into flames. The car bomb failed to detonate.

U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. For additional information, please refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” found at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada or, outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004029035_bombthreat22m.html

“Physician pleads guilty in Sea-Tac bomb threats”
By Christine Clarridge
Seattle Times staff reporter

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http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/340624_bombthreat22.html

Last updated November 21, 2007 10:42 p.m. PT

“Guilty plea in Sea-Tac bomb threat case”
By BRAD WONG
P-I REPORTER

Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3474323,00.html

Earthquake of 5.1 magnitude shakes southern Iran

Published: 11.22.07, 08:41 / Israel News

Southern Iran was hit by a 5.1 magnitude earthquake early on Thursday, a day after a quake struck the oil-rich southwest of the country, injuring 30, an official Iranian news agency said.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties of Thursday’s quake which occurred at 0344 GMT near the port city of Bandar Lengeh in Hormozgan province, IRNA news agency said. (Reuters)

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

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http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3474326,00.html

“Iran says will hold atomic talks with EU in Nov
Islamic Republic’s chief nuclear negotiator says will meet Javier Solana in London on November 30 to discuss country’s nuclear program, IAEA’s report”

Reuters
Published: 11.22.07, 08:59

placemark

http://truthusa.com/a/index.php?topic=1185.0

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More photos:
http://www.noticierodigital.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=293590

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Discussion:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1929333/posts

“Venezuelan ladies defy military garrison (pics)”
Noticiero Digital (Spanish) ^ | 11/22/07
Posted on 11/22/2007 9:41:02 AM PST by cll

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15407&Itemid=21

Press Release A071122a
November 22, 2007

Coalition forces target al-Qaeda propaganda, foreign terrorist networks; one killed, 10 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained 10 suspects Thursday during operations targeting al-Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq.

Coalition forces targeted al-Qaeda propaganda cells during operations in Samarra. As the ground force approached the targeted building, they called for the building’s occupants to come out, but no one complied. One individual took a defensive position by the door and engaged Coalition forces. Responding in self-defense, the ground force returned fire, killing the terrorist. While securing the area, the ground force detained two suspects and found a weapons cache, which was safely destroyed by a Coalition air strike.

During operations in Hawija, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be the foreign terrorist leader in Arab Jabour, and who is allegedly associated with senior terrorist leaders in the Southern Belt. During the operation, the wanted individual identified himself to the ground force and was subsequently detained, along with one other suspect.

In other operations in Mosul, Coalition forces targeted a northern al-Qaeda in Iraq security leader, believed to be involved in kidnappings and assassinations. Coalition forces detained two suspected individuals during the operations. Coalition forces also detained four suspects during operations targeting associates of a former al-Qaeda media leader near Khan Bani Sad.

“Iraqi and Coalition Forces are continually hitting al-Qaeda, disrupting their networks, diminishing their manpower pool, and limiting their ability to strike innocent Iraqis,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman.

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http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=28011_Lets_Give_Them_a_State!&only

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http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1195546698787&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Nov 22, 2007 12:37 | Updated Nov 22, 2007 12:39
“Ton of explosives found on Gaza border”
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
RAFAH, Egypt

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Egyptian police discovered a ton of explosives hidden in an underground cache on the border with the Gaza Strip during a search for smuggling tunnels, a security official said Thursday.

The cache was discovered behind a school in the sparsely populated Ahrash region near the border town of Rafah, the official added on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the press.

The discovery comes just two days after Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak announced that Egypt was doing everything it could to search for tunnels used to smuggle weapons and contraband to terrorists in the Gaza Strip, following Israeli and US criticism.

“In the past eight months we have found 186 tons of explosives,” said Mubarak on Tuesday in a joint press conference with Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.””

News:

Al Qaeda attacks the Awakening; Senior al Qaeda leaders killed, captured

News:

BBC: Tehran paper attacks Ahmadinejad ( the paper is close to Iran's supreme leader,)

Thank you for this post, Ernest.

GWOT/Global jihad — another day.

Thank you for the ping.

I’m thankful for so many blessings today and one of them is not being ruled by Ahmadinejad or Hillary.

A blessed Thanksgiving to you Ernest.

MEFORUM.org - THE MIDDLE EAST FORUM - Volume XIV: Number 4: "SHOULD MUSLIMS INEGRATE INTO THE WEST?" by Uriya Shavit (Fall 2007)

November 19, 2007

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://dallas.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel07/gangsent111907.htm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2007

THREE OPERATION “FISH BOWL” DEFENDANTS SENTENCED
TO LENGTHY FEDERAL PRISON SENTENCES

FORT WORTH, Texas — Three defendants who were convicted at trial in July for their role in a crack cocaine distribution organization in the “Fish Bowl” area of Fort Worth, were sentenced today to substantial prison sentences, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas.

U.S. District Judge Terry R. Means sentenced Detroit Hines, a/k/a “Li’l Nut,” 28, to life plus five years in prison. He was convicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine, two counts of distribution of crack cocaine and three firearms offenses.

Louis E. Moody, Jr., a/k/a “Youngsta,” 33, and Derrick Woodard, a/k/a “Li’l Millet,” 27, were each sentenced to 240 months (20 years) in prison. Moody was convicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine and one count of distribution of crack cocaine. Woodard was convicted of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine.

The Fish Bowl Initiative, was a joint investigation between the Fort Worth Police Department and the FBI that began in Spring 2005. The investigation focused on a well-organized, hierarchical, crack and powder cocaine distribution network of various sets of the Crips Street Gang, who operated in an area of southeast Fort Worth, commonly known as the “Fish Bowl.” Some members of these sets committed numerous violent offenses in Fort Worth including homicides, aggravated assaults and drive-by shootings.

On May 9, 2006, 38 Crips Street Gang members and associates connected with the drug trafficking operations in the Fish Bowl were indicted on federal crack and powder cocaine distribution charges. Subsequently three additional gang members were indicted on drug and gun charges. All but one defendant has been sentenced, with an average sentence of more than 15 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Roper praised the excellent cooperative investigative work of the Fort Worth Police Department and the FBI’s gang unit. These defendants were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Michael Worley.

Note: The following text is a quote:

November 15, 2007

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://losangeles.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel07/la111507usa.htm

TASK FORCE TARGETS MS-13 GANG, INCLUDING LEADER OF LOS ANGELES FACTION
16 GANG MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATES ARRESTED ON FEDERAL NARCOTICS, IMMIGRATION CHARGES

Capping a two-year investigation, federal, state and local law enforcement authorities this morning took into custody a total of 26 members and associates of the MS-13 gang, arresting the gang’s No. 1 “shot caller” in the Los Angeles area, as well as top leaders of several cliques of the gang.

Oscar Chacon, the top member of MS-13 in Los Angeles, was arrested pursuant to a federal criminal complaint that accuses him of participating in a narcotics transaction in which approximately one-quarter pound of methamphetamine was sold, as well as five other deals involving smaller quantities of methamphetamine. The narcotics conspiracy charge against Chacon carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life without parole.

Chacon is one of 16 defendants arrested today on federal charges, and most of those defendants face mandatory minimum sentences of at least five years in prison. Two other defendants were previously arrested on federal charges, and two more federal defendants are already are in custody on unrelated charges. A total of 26 defendants face federal charges contained in four indictments, 13 criminal complaints and one criminal information. Six of the federal defendants are considered to be fugitives.

In addition to the federal cases unsealed today, authorities today arrested three defendants on state charges, one was taken into immigration custody, and six were taken into custody for parole and probation violations. State authorities are still seeking to take 21 into custody on criminal charges and probation violations.

This investigation was conducted by the Los Angeles Metropolitan Task Force on Violent Crime, which is comprised of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles County Probation Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The task force received the assistance of parole officers with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the United States Marshals Service and the United States Bureau of Prisons.

Additionally, officers with the Salvadoran PNC (Policia Nacional Civil) are in Los Angeles in support of today’s operation as part of a continuing cooperative effort with the FBI’s MS-13 National Gang Task Force. Additionally, PNC members observed today’s operation in furtherance of the Officer Exchange initiative between the PNC, the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. This participation is one of the results of an FBI-sponsored Gang Summit held earlier this year.
“We are committed to using all of the resources at our disposal to identify, prosecute and incarcerate gang members who prey upon our communities,” said United States Attorney Thomas P. O’Brien. “This crackdown on MS-13 is the latest in a series of gang cases that my office has brought recently, and there will be more such cases in the near future. With the support of our federal, state and local law enforcement colleagues, we will have a significant impact in gang-infected neighborhoods in Southern California.”

Peter Brust, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI in Los Angeles, stated: “The collective efforts of agents and officers at every level of government which culminated in dozens of arrests today gave power to the voices of law-abiding citizens who have been held hostage in their own homes and neighborhoods. By significantly disrupting the MS-13 criminal enterprise in Los Angeles, those arrested can no longer exist in anonymity and wield their self-proclaimed power without fear of law enforcement intervention.”

Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13, is a transnational gang composed primarily of immigrants and descendants of immigrants from El Salvador and is thought to number approximately 10,000 members. The gang has established itself in a number of cities across the United States. There are a number of MS-13 “cliques” in the Los Angeles area, primarily east of downtown Los Angeles.

“Partnership between federal, state and local agencies is crucial in dealing with the gang problem,” said Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton. “Today’s operation is an example of what law enforcement working together can accomplish to address what I call the number one problem facing our city - gangs.”

Robert Schoch, special agent in charge of the ICE Office of Investigations in Los Angeles, stated: “This operation is another prime example of what can be accomplished when federal, state, and local agencies join forces to attack the crime and violence perpetrated by organized street gangs. ICE wants to send a clear message that we will deal strongly with those who ignore our laws and place our neighborhoods at risk. This operation is proof we are making good on that pledge.”

Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley commented: “Once again in Los Angeles County we are going after the worst sort of criminals in the most constructive way by the use of cooperative federal-state investigations and prosecutions.”

According to City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, whose prosecutors assisted federal authorities in the investigation: “The MS-13 gang is a significant threat to the public safety of all Angelenos. Law enforcement agencies must observe jurisdictional boundaries, but MS-13 gang members do not. MS-13 is a transnational gang with a strong presence in the United States and Central America This puts a premium on federal, state and local cooperation. Working together, we aim to eradicate the MS-13 gang.”

placemark

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=russia
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=bus
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Thanks to RDTF for the ping to this thread.

Note: The following post is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1929473/posts

5 Die As Bus Explodes in Russia (near Beslan)
Breitbart ^ | Nov 22, 2007 | SERGEI VENYAVSKY, AP
Posted on 11/22/2007 7:58:56 PM PST by RDTF

ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia (AP) - A passenger bus caught fire and exploded in Russia’s troubled North Caucasus Thursday, killing at least five people and wounding 12, emergency and police officials said.

Investigators said they considered terrorism the likely cause. The incident took place in the North Ossetia region which is plagued by violence from feuding criminal groups, remnants of Chechen separatist fighters and other militant groups that target government and police. But authorities did not point to any specific group that is suspected.

The bus traveling from the southern city of Pyatigorsk was near a police post on the administrative border of North Ossetia when the fire broke out, said Oleg Ugnivnenko, a spokesman for the regional Emergency Situation Ministry. The explosion happened shortly after.

The RIA-Novosti news agency, citing an unnamed law enforcement official, said the blast may have been caused by an explosive device in the road.

However, a duty officer for the North Ossetia Interior Ministry told The Associated Press that the device had been planted on the bus, possibly while it was parked near a police post awaiting a sweep by officers. The officer asked not to be named since he was not authorized to speak to the media.

One child was among the five killed and 12 people were hospitalized with burns and shrapnel wounds. A total of 19 people, including two drivers, were on the bus.

North Ossetia is next to violence-wracked Chechnya. Beslan, in North Ossetia, was the site of a 2004 school hostage seizure that resulted in the deaths of more than 330 people.

-snip-

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

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1929473/posts

Missing radioactive material worries officials (Canada)
Thursday, November 22, 2007

OTTAWA -- A record number of low-level radioactive materials, the kind terrorists could fashion into dirty bombs, have gone missing in Canada this year, raising concerns about the effectiveness of federal controls over nuclear materials.

News of the jump in thefts and lost material coincides with an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) meeting in Europe at which nuclear counter-terrorism specialists were told this week of an almost fourfold increase in nuclear smuggling since 2006, a further indication al-Qaeda-inspired radicals may be trying to obtain radioactive material for a bomb.

Highly enriched uranium and plutonium, the essential ingredients for a nuclear bomb, remain obvious concerns. But officials are also worried about nuclear material in millions of radioactive sources, typically in measuring and analytical equipment used in medicine, industry, agriculture and research, that could be extracted and spewed into the air using conventional high explosives. The primary intent would be to panic a population rather than inflict mass causalities.

As of Wednesday, 26 radioactive sources have been reported lost and stolen so far this year in Canada, compared to 15 last year and a dozen in 2005 and previous recent years, according to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, the federal nuclear regulator. Fourteen devices this year remain missing, twice as many as last year when six were not recovered and almost three times the five still missing from 20

Excerpted

http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=7b29113c-86ab-4a83-9638-808af19d0584&k=84784

Thank you A_D.

A special thanks to all members of the military and coalition troops who work tirelessly to keep the US and other nations free. Also a special thanks to those who work with the terminally ill, those who work to teach our children respect and good values on their path to adulthood, those who donate their time and effort in volunteerism and assisting the nation's elderly and disabled. Thanks to all the good, caring individuals on FR who take from their own valuable time to keep us informed and share their knowledge with the rest of us.

“The average American is so unaware."

Understatement!