Threat Matrix: February 2008

Previous Thread ^

[nwctwx]

Is the U.S. Failing in Afghanistan?

It was malice in wonderland at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday as Bush Administration envoys insisted things are getting better in Afghanistan, while angry lawmakers from both parties cited facts and figures showing just the opposite. Even the senior Republican on the panel, Senator Richard Lugar, found the Administration's claims wanting. "I'm not sure that we have a plan for Afghanistan," he said.

Long seen as the "forgotten war" eclipsed by Iraq in U.S. priorities, Afghanistan is in the Washington spotlight this week with the release of three independent reports concluding that without a change in U.S. policy there, the erstwhile sanctuary of Osama bin Laden would remain a failed state. Read More

	Why the Taliban Feel Confident
	Top US Officer Lauds al-Qaida Death
	US Air Strike Signals al-Qaida Onslaught

Threat Matrix:
February 2008

January 2007

Threat Matrix Index

Theat Matrix Handbook

Theat Matrix 'BOLO'

Invaluable Tips

Preparedness

[Jet Jaguar]

BTTT

[Cindy]

Smiling...Yes. and thank you Jet Jaguar.

[Cindy]

http://www.terrortracker.co.uk
http://www.neildoyle.com

#

http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/Read.aspx?GUID=11EC764A-B7DE-4643-985D-30FD90BC60E8

“Symposium: Cyber Jihad”
By Jamie Glazov
FrontPageMagazine.com | Thursday, February 28, 2008

#

Previously...

http://frontpagemagazine.com/Articles/Read.aspx?GUID=1EAD9236-6379-4F84-A70E-9A6EEC92D57B

“Terror Base UK”
By Jamie Glazov
FrontPageMagazine.com | Monday, December 17, 2007

#

BOOK:

http://www.amazon.com/Terror-Base-UK-Inside-Secret/dp/1840189940/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197609493&sr=1-1

“Terror Base UK: Inside a Secret War”
by Neil Doyle

[Cindy]

RECAP:

http://www.centcom.mil/en/press-releases/293.html

“Successful operations target top Taliban leader”

PRESS RELEASE SNIPPET: “KABUL, Afghanistan (Feb. 21) – ISAF soldiers in support of Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan conducted successful operations that killed two Taliban leaders, Mullah Abdul Matin and his associate Mullah Karim Agha on Feb. 18 in Helmand Province.”

[Cindy]

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/us_world/2008/02/28/2008-02-28_al_qaeda_seeking_stealth_recruits.html

“Al Qaeda seeking stealth recruits”
BY JAMES GORDON MEEK AND KENNETH R. BAZINET
DAILY NEWS WASHINGTON BUREAU
Thursday, February 28th 2008, 4:00 AM

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “WASHINGTON - Al Qaeda is seeking to recruit Americans and Europeans who would be harder for intelligence agencies to detect, a top intelligence official told Congress Wednesday.

Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell told the Senate Armed Services Committee that Al Qaeda is “attempting to recruit those that could assimilate.”

The disclosure came as Al Qaeda’s second-in-command Ayman al-Zawahiri vowed revenge for the death last month of Abu Laith al-Libi, a top lieutenant of Osama Bin Laden.”

[Cindy]

http://www.truthusa.com/IRAN.html
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=france

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=nuclear

#

Note: The following blog entry is a quote:

http://www.thememriblog.org/iran/blog_personal/en/5757.htm

Khamenei Praises Ahmadinejad

In an address to Iran’s Assembly of Experts, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei expressed public support for Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and credited him for Iran’s political achievements in the nuclear issue.

Khamenei also condemned the previous parliament for supporting concessions in the nuclear issue.

Source: IRNA, Iran, February 26, 2008

Posted at: 2008-02-27

#

Note: The following blog entry is a quote:

http://www.thememriblog.org/iran/blog_personal/en/5754.htm

Iranian Ambassador To France: If More Sanctions, French Companies Will Be Harmed

Iranian Ambassador to France Ali Ahani warned that if France continued its “illogical” policy on Iran’s nuclear program, there would be economic consequences, and French companies would pay the price for any additional sanctions on Iran.

Source: Tehran Times, Iran, February 27, 2008

Posted at: 2008-02-27

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1977570/posts?page=3#3

#

Photo included.

Note: The following post is a quote:

Abbas: Armed ‘resistance’ not ruled out—I had the honor to fire the first shot in 1965
Jerusalem Post ^ | 2-28-08
Posted on 02/28/2008 4:52:13 AM PST by SJackson

PA President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday said that he does not rule out returning to the path of armed “resistance” against Israel and took pride in the fact that he had been the first to fire on Israel and that his organization had trained Hizbullah.

Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas. “I had the honor to fire the first shot.” Photo: AP

In an interview with the Jordanian daily al-Dustur, Abbas said that he was opposed to an armed struggle against Israel - for the time being.

“At this present juncture, I am opposed to the armed struggle because we can’t succeed in it, but maybe in the future things will be different,” he said.

The PA president also expressed pride both in himself and his organization, Fatah, for trailblazing the path of resistance.

“I had the honor of firing the first shot in 1965 and of being the one who taught resistance to many in the region and around the world; what it’s like; when it is effective and when it isn’t effective; its uses, and what serious, authentic and influential resistance is,” Abbas said.

“It is common knowledge when and how resistance is detrimental and when it is well timed,” he addad. “We (Fatah) had the honor of leading the resistance and we taught resistance to everyone, including Hizbullah, who trained in our military camps.”

[Cindy]

This is the breaking news briefs summary SNIPPET listed at this moment of posting. Keep an eye out for that word “Qassam” and wonder what you would hope the USA would do if we were hit by “Qassams” daily.

SNIPPET - Quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/home/0,7340,L-3089,00.html

Updates
Siren heard in Kfar Saba area due to municipal malfunction
(14:58 , 02.28.08)
Report: Ashkelon house suffers direct Qassam hit
(14:51 , 02.28.08)
Report: Qassam rockets land in Ashkelon
(14:47 , 02.28.08)
2 Qassam rockets land in Eshkol Regional Council; no injuries
(14:39 , 02.28.08)
Report: Palestinian killed in IAF strike in Gaza
(14:34 , 02.28.08)
Factory in Sderot’s industrial area suffers Qassam hit
(14:23 , 02.28.08)
Qassam barrage on Sderot: 70-year old woman suffers light injuries
(14:10 , 02.28.08)
29 militants killed in south Afghanistan
(14:01 , 02.28.08)
8 Qassams fired at Sderot; several suffer shock
(13:43 , 02.28.08)
Minister Herzog Okays aid to Sderot, Gaza vicinity
(13:26 , 02.28.08)
Qassam rocket lands near Sufa Crossing; no injuries
(12:54 , 02.28.08)
Magnitude 5.0 earthquake in southern Greece; no injuries, damage
(12:51 , 02.28.08)
Students from Sapir light memorial candles for Roni Yechiyah
(12:47 , 02.28.08)
Mofaz: Inconceivable that terrorism will dictate schedule to us
(12:41 , 02.28.08)
Jewish Agency: Students at Sapir College to receive scholarships totaling $1.7 million
(12:28 , 02.28.08)
S. Africa sees progress in Iran nuclear dispute
(12:23 , 02.28.08)
Shas minister: Call cabinet meeting immediately to discuss Qassam rocket fire
(12:06 , 02.28.08)
Agreement approved for completion of Heftziba project in Modi’in Ilit
(11:55 , 02.28.08)
Qassam lands in Sderot; several people suffer shock
(11:41 , 02.28.08)
Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades claim Qassam attack on Sapir College
(11:21 , 02.28.08)
Olmert: A nuclear N.Korea – a risk to rest of the world
(11:18 , 02.28.08)
Palestinians: IDF strike in Gaza kills son of senior Hamas operative
(11:11 , 02.28.08)
Man hurt in attack on Sapir College – part of Minister Dichter’s security detail
(10:47 , 02.28.08)
Qassam lands near Sapir College; one man lightly hurt
(10:32 , 02.28.08)
IDF strikes second Qassam cell in Gaza
(10:31 , 02.28.08)
US defense secretary urges Turkey to keep Iraq incursion short
(10:21 , 02.28.08)
Colombian rebels free 4 hostages
(09:53 , 02.28.08)
29 Taliban killed in clashes, bombing in southern Afghanistan
(09:28 , 02.28.08)
Report: Abbas does not negate resuming armed conflict with Israel
(08:59 , 02.28.08)
IDF strikes Qassam cell in northern Gaza
(08:49 , 02.28.08)
Border Guards arrest 32 Palestinians staying in Umm al-Fahm illegally
(08:35 , 02.28.08)
2 Qassams land in western Negev; no injuries
(08:15 , 02.28.08)
Report: IAF attacks in northern Gaza
(08:14 , 02.28.08)
9 Tamil rebels killed in northern clashes, Sri Lankan military says
(08:02 , 02.28.08)
Qassam lands in Eshkol Regional Council limits; no injuries
(07:29 , 02.28.08)
IDF nabs 12 wanted Palestinians in West Bank
(07:28 , 02.28.08)
5 gunmen killed by IDF fire in Gaza, Nablus
(07:02 , 02.28.08)
French climber nicknamed ‘Spiderman’ scales 42-floor in Brazil
(01:51 , 02.28.08)
Chad pledges inquiry into missing politicians
(01:48 , 02.28.08)
Iraqi family turns to Australian courts to sue over gunshot
(01:31 , 02.28.08)
Report: IDF launches strike in Gaza for 7th time in two hours
(00:54 , 02.28.08)
Israel files complaint with UN following Qassam barrage
(00:49 , 02.28.08)

[Cindy]

ICC-CCS.ORG - THE WEEKLY PIRACY REPORT - REPORT SNIPPET - QUOTE:

http://www.icc-ccs.org/prc/piracyreport.php

Weekly Piracy Report
19-25 February 2008

The following is a summary of the daily reports broadcast by the IMB’s Piracy Reporting Centre to ships in Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Ocean Regions on the SafetyNET service of Inmarsat-C from 19 to 25 February 2008.

ALERT

Chittagong anchorage, Bangladesh
The number of attacks has reduced since 2006. However, the area is still listed as a high risk area and mariners are advised to be cautious especially while approaching the anchorage and while at anchor at Chittagong

Nigeria
Violent attacks carried out by pirates on board vessels at anchor and vessel carrying out STS operations. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution in these waters.

Suspicious crafts

None reported
Recently reported incidents

21.02.2008: 0330 LT: 06:26.3N- 003:23.5E, Apapa berth no.12, Lagos, Nigeria.
Two persons managed to board a general cargo ship at berth in spite of armed navy guards being onboard. The robbers forced opened the forecastle door and stole ship’s stores. Duty watchman noticed the robbers and informed the guards. By the time the guards arrived forward, the robbers escaped in their speedboat.

21.02.2008: 2340 LT: 06:18.4N – 003:20.4E, Lagos anchorage, Nigeria.
Just before watch change over time the forward duty watchman heard the engine of a motor boat, approaching on the port side. He immediately alerted the others who commenced checking the port side. At the same time, the watchmen checked the starboard side realizing that the boat on the port side could be a decoy. The watchmen noticed four to five persons attempting to board the vessel via hooks attached to the starboard side deck. Duty officer raised alarm, watchman shouted at them, and the robbers slowly moved away.

[Godzilla]

placemark

[Godzilla]

Ashkelon Under Rocket Attack
Arutz 7 ^ | 2-28-08 | Hillel Fendel
Posted on 02/28/2008 8:24:57 AM PST by Nachum
(IsraelNN.com) A total of 24 people are hospitalized, mostly for shock, following the firing of more than 30 rockets and mortar shells from Gaza on Israel on Thursday. Among them are two with shrapnel injuries.
Among the rockets and mortar shells fired from Gaza on Israel on Thursday, eight long-range Grad rockets hit the coastal city of Ashkelon. The city's 100,000-plus rocket-besieged residents were told just last night (Wednesday) by Defense Minister Ehud Barak that there was no need to change the city's deployment plans.

This is not good, this is an escalation by Hamas. If Israel is smart, they will bring the hammer down hard.

[Godzilla]

Barak orders ‘Red Color’ alert system to be employed in Ashkelon
Published: 02.28.08, 21:03 / Israel News

Following repeated rocket attacks on Ashkelon, Defense Minister Ehud Barak has ordered that the ‘Red Color’ alert system be employed in the southern city.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3512793,00.html

[Cindy]

Thank you for those updates Godzilla.

[Cindy]

http://www.memri.org/syria.html
http://www.memritv.org/search/en/results/0/0/0/2/0/0/0/0.htm?k=syria
http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/site/html/search.asp?isSearch=yes&isT8=yes&searchText=T91&pid=109&sid=13&preview=
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=syria

#

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,333612,00.html

#

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_3036.html

Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

This information is current as of today, Thu Feb 28 2008 13:25:20 GMT-0800 (PST).

SYRIA

September 18, 2007

#

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_3072.html

Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

This information is current as of today, Thu Feb 28 2008 13:25:39 GMT-0800 (PST).

LEBANON

October 17, 2007

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://treas.gov/press/releases/hp834.htm

February 21, 2008
HP-834

Rami Makhluf Designated for Benefiting from Syrian Corruption

Washington, DC - The U.S. Department of the Treasury today designated Rami Makhluf, a powerful Syrian businessman and regime insider whom improperly benefits from and aids the public corruption of Syrian regime officials. This action was taken today pursuant to Executive Order 13460, which targets individuals and entities determined to be responsible for or who have benefited from the public corruption of senior officials of the Syrian regime.

“Rami Makhluf has used intimidation and his close ties to the Asad regime to obtain improper business advantages at the expense of ordinary Syrians,” said Stuart Levey, Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. “The Asad regime’s cronyism and corruption has a corrosive effect, disadvantaging innocent Syrian businessmen and entrenching a regime that pursues oppressive and destabilizing policies, including beyond Syria’s borders, in Iraq, Lebanon, and the Palestinian territories.”

Syria is well known for its corrupt business environment, which denies the Syrian people economic prosperity and other freedoms. The considerable role the Asad family, their inner circle, and the Syrian security services exert over the economy, coupled with the absence of a free judicial system and the lack of transparency, concentrates wealth in the hands of certain classes and individuals. In turn, these classes and individuals depend upon this corrupt system for their success and fortune. Syrians without these connections are unable to improve their economic standing, and suffer as a result of policies implemented by an unaccountable regime.

President George W. Bush issued E.O. 13460 on February 13, 2008 to take additional measures to address the threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States posed by certain conduct of the Government of Syria.

This new authority builds on E.O. 13338, which was issued by President Bush in May 2004, by targeting activities that entrench and enrich the Syrian regime and its cohorts thereby enabling the regime to continue to engage in threatening behavior, including actions that undermine efforts to stabilize Iraq. Corruption by the regime also reinforces efforts that deny the people of Syria political freedoms and economic prosperity, undercut peace and stability in the region, fund terrorism and violence, and undermine the sovereignty of Lebanon.

Pursuant to E.O. 13460, any assets that Makhluf holds under U.S. jurisdiction will be frozen, and U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in business or transactions with Makhluf.

Identifying Information

Rami Makhluf
AKAs: MAKHLOUF, Rami
MAKHLOUF, Rami Bin Mohammed
MAKHLOUF, Rami Mohammad
DOB: July 10, 1969
POB: Syria
Passport Number: Syrian, 98044

Rami Makhluf is a powerful Syrian businessman who amassed his commercial empire by exploiting his relationships with Syrian regime members. Makhluf has manipulated the Syrian judicial system and used Syrian intelligence officials to intimidate his business rivals. He employed these techniques when trying to acquire exclusive licenses to represent foreign companies in Syria and to obtain contract awards.

Makhluf is the maternal cousin of President Bashar al-Asad and through this relationship, Makhluf has become a focal point of Syria’s telecommunications, commercial, oil, gas and banking sectors. Despite President Asad’s highly publicized anti-corruption campaigns, Makhluf remains one of the primary centers of corruption in Syria.

Makhluf’s influence with certain Syrian government officials has led to his being able to control the issuance of certain types of profitable commodities contracts. His close business associations with some Syrian cabinet ministers have enabled him to gain access to lucrative oil exploration and power plant projects. Makhluf’s preferential access to Syrian economic sectors has led to complaints about him from members of the Syrian business community.

Makhluf is the brother of Syrian General Intelligence Directorate official Hafiz Makhluf, who was previously designated under E.O. 13441.

-30-

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/hp845.htm

February 28, 2008
HP-845

Treasury Designates Members of Abu Ghadiyah’s Network
Facilitates flow of terrorists, weapons, and money from Syria to al Qaida in Iraq

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of the Treasury today designated four individuals facilitating and controlling the flow of money, weapons, terrorists, and other resources through Syria to al Qaida in Iraq (AQI), including to AQI commanders.

gSince the fall of Saddam Husseinfs regime, Syria has become a transit station for al Qaida foreign terrorists on their way to Iraq,h said Stuart Levey, Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. gAbu Ghadiyah and his network go to great lengths to facilitate the flow through Syria of money, weapons, and terrorists intent on killing U.S. and Coalition forces and innocent Iraqis.h

Todayfs action was taken pursuant to Executive Order 13224, which targets terrorists and those providing financial or material support to terrorism. Any assets these designees have under U.S. jurisdiction will be frozen, and U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in business or transactions with the designees.

Identifier Information

BADRAN TURKI HISHAN AL MAZIDIH
AKAs: Al-Mazidih, Badran Turki al-Hishan
Abu Ghadiyah
Al Mezidi, Badran Turki Hishan
Hishan, Badran Turki
Hisham, Badran al-Turki
Al-Turki, Badran
Al-Shafbani, Badran Turki Hisham al-Mazidih
Abu eAbdallah
Abu Abdullah
Shalash, Badran Turki Hayshan
Abu eAzzam
DOB: 1977
Alt. DOB: 1978 or 1979
POB: Mosul, Iraq
Residence: Zabadani, Syria

Syria-based Badran Turki Hishan Al Mazidih, also known as Abu Ghadiyah, runs the AQI facilitation network, which controls the flow of money, weapons, terrorists, and other resources through Syria into Iraq. Former AQI leader Abu Musfab al-Zarqawi appointed Badran as AQIfs Syrian commander for logistics in 2004. After Zarqawifs death, Badran began working for the new AQI leader, Abu Ayyub Al-Masri. As of late-September 2006, Badran took orders directly from Masri, or through a deputy.

Badran obtained false passports for foreign terrorists, provided passports, weapons, guides, safe houses, and allowances to foreign terrorists in Syria and those preparing to cross the border into Iraq. Badran received several hundred thousand dollars from his cousin Saddah „Ÿ also designated today „Ÿ and used these funds to support anti-U.S. military elements and the travel of AQI foreign fighters. Badran has also been using AQI funds for his personal use.

As of the spring of 2007, Badran facilitated the movement of AQI operatives into Iraq via the Syrian border. Badran also directed another Syria-based AQI facilitator to provide safe haven and supplies to foreign fighters. This AQI facilitator, working directly for Badran, facilitated the movement of foreign fighters primarily from Gulf countries, through Syria into Iraq.

GHAZY FEZZA HISHAN AL MAZIDIH
AKAs: Hishan, Ghazy Fezzaa
Abu Faysal
Shlash, Mushari Abd Aziz Saleh
Abu Ghazzy
DOB: 1974 or 1975
Residence: Zabadani, Syria

Ghazy Fezza Hishan Al Mazidih is Badranfs cousin and a member of his AQI facilitation network. As of March 2006, Ghazy was Badranfs gright-hand man.h As second-in command, Ghazy worked directly with Badran, managed network operations, and acted as the commander for Badranfs AQI network when Badran traveled. As of late-September 2006, Ghazy and Badran were planning to facilitate an AQI attack against Coalition forces and Iraqi police in Western Iraq. Ghazy and Badran planned to use rockets to attack multiple Coalition forces outposts and Iraqi police stations, in an attempt to facilitate an AQI takeover in Western Iraq.

AKRAM TURKI HISHAN AL MAZIDIH
AKAs: Al-Mazidih, Akram Turki Hishan
Abu Jarrah
Abu Akram
Al-Hishan, Akram Turki
DOB: 1974 or 1975
Alt. DOB: 1979
Residence: Zabadani, Syria

Akram Turki Hishan Al Mazidih is Badranfs brother and a member of his AQI facilitation network. As of early 2006, AQI leaders Akram and Badran directed AQI operations near Al Qafim, Iraq. In late-November 2006, Akram smuggled weapons from Syria for use in Iraq. As of late-September 2005, Akram acted on behalf of AQI by ordering the execution of AQIfs enemies. Akram also ordered the execution of all persons found to be working with the Iraqi Government or U.S. Forces, and at least one of Akramfs orders resulted in the execution of two Iraqis in Al Qafim, Iraq.

SADDAH JAYLUT AL-MARSUMI
AKAs: Al-Marsumi, Safda Jalut Hassam
Jalout, Saddaa
Jaloud, Safdaa
DOB: 1955 or 1956
Citizenship: Syrian
Residence: Al Shajlah Village, Syria
Alt. Residence: As Susah Village, Syria
Alt. Residence: Baghuz, Syria

As of the spring of 2006, Saddah Jaylut Al-Marsumi, Badranfs cousin, was an AQI financier who worked with Badran and other AQI facilitators to transport several unidentified Syrian suicide bombers into Iraq on behalf of AQI. Saddah also facilitated the financing and smuggling of AQI foreign fighters from Syria into Iraq. As of early 2006, Saddah transferred several hundred thousand dollars to a hawala in Iraq, where Badran received the funds and used them to support anti-U.S. military elements and the travel of AQI foreign fighters.

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=iran
http://www.truthusa.com/IRAN.html

###

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/hp848.htm

February 28, 2008
HP-848

U.S. Treasury Department Statement on the FATF Public Statement on Iran

Washington - The U.S. Treasury Department today issued the following statement:

“The Financial Action Task Force’s statement on Iran today sends a clear message to governments and financial institutions worldwide that the threat Iran poses to the international financial system continues unabated. Not only has FATF reiterated its October statement expressing concern about Iran’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing deficiencies, the FATF has called upon its members to advise their financial institutions of this risk and urged all other countries to do the same.”

“Treasury commends FATF, as the premier standard-setting body for countering terrorist financing and money laundering, for its responsible action in response to Iran’s failure to institute an anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regime that meets international standards.”

Today’s FATF statement is available at:

http://www.fatf-gafi.org/dataoecd/16/26/40181037.pdf

The FATF statement from October 2007 is available at:

http://www.fatf-gafi.org/dataoecd/1/2/39481684.pdf

The Financial Action Task Force is an inter-governmental body whose purpose is the development and promotion of policies, both at the national and international levels, to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The thirty-four members of the FATF are: Argentina; Australia; Austria; Belgium; Brazil; Canada; China; Denmark; the European Commission; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; the Gulf Cooperation Council; Hong Kong, China; Iceland; Ireland; Italy; Japan; Luxembourg; Mexico; the Kingdom of the Netherlands; New Zealand; Norway; Portugal; the Russian Federation; Singapore; South Africa; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; Turkey; the United Kingdom; and the United States.

-30-

[Cindy]

Fyi Only.

#

http://www.chicagotribune.com
Note: Photos included.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-waukegan-explosion-webfeb29,0,7829128.story

“9 hurt in explosion at Waukegan mall
‘It lifted the roof off of the building, then set it down’”

By Andrew Wang and Lisa Black | Tribune reporter
3:13 PM CST, February 28, 2008

#

http://www.foxnews.com

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,333598,00.html
(AP)

“Explosion Rocks Illinois Shopping Plaza, Injures 9”
Thursday, February 28, 2008

WAUKEGAN, Ill. —

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “The explosion struck around lunchtime at the shopping center, located about 40 miles north of Chicago. The impact shattered windows and collapsed the roof of the plaza, which housed businesses including a cell phone shop, a tuxedo store and a hair salon.

Deputy Fire Chief Dan Young said authorities believe the incident was caused by a gas explosion. Officials were “99 percent” sure the rubble had been cleared, but they were still looking for one person who was unaccounted for, Young said.

In addition to the eight people sent to an area hospital, another person was treated at the scene, Young said.

Waukegan Police Chief Bill Biang told the Chicago Tribune “it appears to be a gas explosion at this time.” Crews from People’s Gas were on the scene to investigate.”

[MamaDearest]

You're welcome Cindy!

Female terror suspect detained - Jerusalem bombing averted

The Shin Bet has detained a Palestinian girl from a village near Jerusalem about three weeks ago on suspicion that she planned to carry out a suicide bombing in Jerusalem. The story was only cleared for publication Thursday.

Security officials suspect that the young woman sought to join Islamic Jihad in order to carry out the attack, which was already in planning stages.

Why Osama, Zawahiri & Co must be worried

In an effort to improve HUMINT collection, the US intelligence had been announcing from time to time since 9/11 huge cash rewards amounting to millions of dollars to anyone providing accurate information relating to bin Laden, al-Zawahiri and other important terrorists operating from the tribal areas. Till the end of last year, there were not many takers for these reward amounts. Since the beginning of this year, there are indications that these offers of huge rewards have started helping in HUMINT collection.

bin Laden, Zawahiri and co must be worried men.