Threat Matrix: February 2008

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[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

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[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/train/
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/trains/
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/trainstation/

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http://deepbackground.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/03/04/729103.aspx

“Government warns of terror threat to trains”
Posted on Tuesday, March 04, 2008 2:08 PM PT
Filed Under: Terrorism
By Jim Popkin, NBC News Senior Investigative Producer

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “In a bulletin released Friday to U.S. law enforcement officials, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is warning of “continued strong terrorist interest” in targeting mass transit systems in the U.S. The 10-page threat assessment, labeled “Unclassified/For Official Use Only” and obtained by NBC News, cautions that the “U.S. mass transit and passenger rail systems are vulnerable to terrorist attacks because they are accessible to large numbers of the public and are notoriously difficult to secure.” Previous rail attacks in Madrid, London and Mumbai “could inspire terrorists to conduct similar attacks in the United States,” the report adds.
However, the authors of the intelligence analysis make clear that there are no known, immediate dangers. “At this time, there is no credible intelligence regarding specific plans by any extremist groups or individuals to perpetrate an act of terrorism against the U.S. mass transit system,” they write.”

[Cindy]

www.al-farooq.net

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http://memriiwmp.org/content/en/report.htm?report=2526

“Islamist Website Allegedly Under Pressure From U.S. Intelligence”
No. 1860 - March 5, 2008

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17432&Itemid=21

Press Release A080304a
March 4, 2008

Three terrorists killed as Coalition targets al-Qaeda in Iraq networks

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces killed three terrorists Monday during operations to disrupt al-Qaeda networks operating in central Iraq.

East of Baghdad Monday, Coalition forces targeted a legacy al-Qaeda in Iraq leader for the Bizayz terrorist network, which operates east of Khan Bani Sad. The suspect reportedly commands a large group of terrorists in the region and is believed to be the brother of the alleged AQI facilitator who was detained March 2 for his involvement in the terrorist networks in Baghdad (see MNF-I press release A080302b, “Coalition captures IED facilitator near Baghdad, 19 other suspects detained,” dated March 2, 2008).

Intelligence reports led Coalition forces to a location where the targeted individual was believed to be operating. The assault force observed three terrorists in the target vehicle, which was leaving the area. Coalition forces attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver failed to comply with instructions or heed warnings. The assault force eventually fired on the vehicle to stop it. The three terrorists were killed, and the vehicle was destroyed as a result of the engagement.

An Iraqi civilian received minor injuries during the course of operations. He was treated on site and transported to a military medical facility for further care.

“The Multi-National Force - Iraq sincerely regrets when any innocent civilian is injured, and we take every precaution to protect civilians and engage only hostile threats,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “Al-Qaeda in Iraq continues to target civilians. Their corrupt, Taliban-like ideology and indiscriminate violence cannot be tolerated, and Iraqi and Coalition forces will continue to disrupt their networks in an ongoing effort to improve security across Iraq.”

- 30 -

[Cindy]

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html

Worldwide Caution

January 17, 2008

[Godzilla]

Some interesting news on the Israeli front that I’m still mulling over. There was a fair sized demonstration by arabs in Israel that led to some moderate rioting. Some commentators are suggesting that this is the start of another intifada. I think it is too early to tell, however such a coordinated tactic is what I would expect IF the Hezzies and Hamies are going to launch (no pun intended) another rocket war on Israel.

[Cindy]

“...this is the start of another intifada.”

OPINION:

In all honesty, I think it’s close.

One thing I can for sure...global jihad — another day.

[Cindy]

http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/site/home/default.asp

05/03/2008
“Monthly list of Information Bulletins issued by the Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center at the IICC,
February 2008”

SNIPPET: “During February 2008, the ITIC posted 67 Bulletins in six languages. Two prominent event were analyzed: the death of Imad Fayez Moughnieh and the latest round of escalation of Hamas rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip into Israel.”

[Cindy]

Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3515498,00.html

LAW rocket found in Tel Aviv apartment
Published: 03.05.08, 21:01 / Israel News

An anti-tank LAW rocket was found Wednesday in an apartment in northern Tel Aviv. The rocket was seized following an intelligence report given to the Tel Aviv District Police.

A police sapper was called to the scene; the rocket was taken for destruction. (Avi Cohen)

###

Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3515460,00.html

2 Qassam rockets land in western Negev; none injured
Published: 03.05.08, 19:20 / Israel News

Two Qassam rockets fired from the northern Gaza Strip Wednesday landed near a chicken coop in a kibbutz within the Sdot Negev Regional Council.

No injuries or damage were reported.(Shmulik Hadad)

[Cindy]

ON THE INTERNET:

http://off-topic.internet-haganah.com/

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/ireland/
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1963607/posts?page=1417#1417

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More Details:

http://osint.internet-haganah.com/archives/001332.html
(GUARDIAN.co.uk, March 2, 2008)

March 03, 2008
“MI5 TARGETS IRELAND’S AL-QAEDA CELLS”

[Cindy]

http://www.mi5.gov.uk/
http://www.mi5.gov.uk/output/Page311.html

#

https://www.mi5.gov.uk/output/Page18.html
“How you can help”

[nwctwx]

My computer at home has been busted, just got the part I needed yesterday and did not get it to work till late last night... will have March up today, sorry for any trouble.

[Cindy]

No problem and thanks nw.

[Cindy]

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49177

“Commander Foresees Growth of Special Operations Forces”

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2008

[Cindy]

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49179

“Newly Returned Soldiers to Begin Training for Next Deployment”

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

FORT BLISS, Texas, March 5, 2008

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49183

Afghan Forces Inflict Losses, Detain Local Taliban Leader

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2008 – Afghan national security forces, advised by coalition forces, killed several insurgents March 2 after a failed Taliban ambush 30 kilometers northeast of Gareshk district in Helmand province, military officials reported yesterday.

The combined force was conducting a reconnaissance patrol when a group of insurgents engaged them with small-arms fire, rocket-propelled grenades and mortar fire. The combined force immediately returned accurate small-arms and machine-gun fire. The large group of insurgents attempted to outmaneuver the combined force and moved into a trench line.

Moments later, the combined force fixed the insurgents in their position and used precision munitions to kill the Taliban insurgents who were trying to reinforce the enemy positions.

In other recent operations, Afghan and coalition forces captured seven insurgents Feb. 28 in Surkhagan village during an air assault mission in Zabul province, officials said.

During the mission, Afghan National Army and coalition forces infiltrated several compounds and cave complexes in search of insurgents and bomb-making facilities and material. They found three car bombs, bomb-making materials, storage facilities, ammunition caches and insurgent fighting positions. The combined force called in precision air strikes that destroyed the cave complex, fighting positions and the ammunition storage areas.

Afghan army leadership conducted a shura, or consultation, with the villagers to assure them the area is safer now because the insurgents were captured, which officials said helped to neutralize the bomb threat.

“The ANA mission’s success degraded the insurgents’ ability to fight, neutralized the (car bombs) and disrupted future insurgent attempts to disrupt peace,” said Army Capt. Vanessa R. Bowman, a coalition spokeswoman.

In other news, Afghan and coalition forces have positively identified a Taliban leader detained during a Feb. 25 joint operation in Ghazni province as Mullah Shabir.

Shabir is believed to have provided intelligence, logistical support and improvised explosive devices to Taliban forces. He also is believed to be responsible for recent rocket attacks throughout Ghazni province, officials said.

The joint operation was conducted based on information received through a program that offers Afghan citizens financial compensation for information that leads to the capture of enemy personnel or the recovery of weapons. It also serves as a means for Afghan citizens to directly and anonymously participate in the effort to rid the country of insurgents, illegal weapons and explosives, officials said.

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

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/china/

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http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49190

“Lack of Information About China’s Military Spending Concerns Gates”

By Sgt. Sara Moore, USA
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2008

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1980976/posts

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http://kob.com/article/stories/S367486.shtml?cat=0

Posted at: 03/04/2008 05:27:42 PM
Updated at: 03/04/2008 05:30:05 PM
By: Chris Ornelas KOB-TV, and Joshua Panas KOB.com

“National Guard to be pulled from border patrol”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Border patrol officials said that won’t happen until December, but state officials said that’s not stopping the feds from pulling the plug early.

State officials said the feds are not saying what’s behind the early withdrawal of guard troops from across the country.

The state said the withdrawal leaves the New Mexico border vulnerable.”

[Cindy]

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49182

“Coalition Continues Pressure on Al Qaeda Leaders”

By Sgt. Sara Moore, USA
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2008

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49185

Coalition Disrupts Al Qaeda in Iraq Operations, Detains 22 Suspects

American Forces Press Service

BAGHDAD, March 5, 2008 – Coalition forces detained 22 suspects today during operations to disrupt al Qaeda networks operating in northern and central Iraq.

In the western part of Ninevah province, coalition forces detained two suspects, one of them an alleged associate of al Qaeda networks in northern Iraq. He reportedly is responsible for the facilitation of finances to networks throughout the Mosul area and is associated with several senior-level foreign terrorist facilitators.

In Mosul, coalition forces captured another alleged associate of the wanted individual. The Mosul suspect reportedly is connected to foreign terrorist facilitation and smuggling networks in the city. Three suspected terrorists were detained in Mosul in addition to the wanted individual.

Also in Mosul, two suspects were detained in an operation targeting an alleged al Qaeda in Iraq associate involved in attacks against coalition forces and connected to Abu Yasir al-Saudi, also known as Jar Allah, the Saudi al Qaeda in Iraq leader killed by coalition forces Feb. 27.

During coordinated operations in Samarra, coalition forces captured an alleged facilitator involved in the city’s al Qaeda in Iraq network. The suspect reportedly is associated with two leaders in the network involved in terrorist military and administrative operations. In addition to the wanted man, the ground force detained two suspects during the operations.

In Baghdad, coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists during operations targeting an alleged associate of the senior al Qaeda in Iraq leader for Baghdad’s southern belt and a financial facilitator with direct ties to senior terrorist leaders in the Baghdad area.

West of the Hamrin Mountains, in Albu Bakr village, coalition forces conducted an operation that began March 2 and ended yesterday, targeting an al Qaeda in Iraq propaganda cell and meeting location. The ground force detained eight suspected terrorists and discovered a cache of weapons and military equipment, including military-style assault vests and equipment belts, signal rockets, grenades, machine-gun magazines, various ammunition and anti-aircraft rounds.

“These operations demonstrate the pressure Iraqi and coalition forces continue to apply against al Qaeda networks in central and northern Iraq,” said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. “Iraqi citizens want a future free from al Qaeda’s indiscriminate violence, and we are working with the Iraqi security forces to help them achieve it.”

(From a Multinational Force Iraq news release.)