Threat Matrix: March 2008

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[nwctwx]

Petraeus: Al Qaida Trying to 'Come Back In'

U.S. military officials said there will be no significant reduction in coalition troops in the Baghdad area as part of an effort to stop the Al Qaida offensive in northern Iraq.

They said Al Qaida was trying to reenter Baghdad and reverse its losses in 2007.

"Al Qaida is trying to come back in," U.S. military commander Gen. David Petraeus said. "We can feel it and see it, and what we're trying to do is rip out any roots before they can get deeply into the ground." Read More

	Militants Assert Themselves in Pakistan
	U.S. Optimistic about Afghanistan Reinforcements
	‘You Have to Rethink War’

Threat Matrix:
March 2008

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[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1991037/posts

“IDF deploys new anti-terror system around Gaza - remote control machine guns”
IMRA ^ | 3-24-08
Posted on 03/24/2008 6:35:23 PM PDT by SJackson

[Cindy]

Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3523178,00.html

IDF arrests Tanzim militant wanted for dealing weapons
Published: 03.24.08, 21:37 / Israel News

In a joint operation carried out by the IDF and Shin Bet on Monday, a wanted Tanzim militant was arrested near the West Bank city of Tulkarem.

The IDF claims the militant, 31-year old Faras Madwi, was dealing weapons. He was brought in for questioning by security forces. (Efrat Weiss)

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49346

Afghan, Coalition Forces Inflict Casualties, Disrupt Insurgents

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 23, 2008 – Afghan national security forces, assisted by coalition forces, killed more than a dozen insurgents March 21 when the combined force foiled a Taliban ambush in Afghanistan’s Oruzgan province, military officials said.

“The combined force was conducting a security patrol north of the Deh Rahwood district to demonstrate the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s commitment to secure remote areas in the province,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, coalition forces spokesman.

Insurgents in concealed fighting positions attacked the patrol with rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire, officials said. Afghan national security forces and coalition forces returned fire and advanced on the insurgent positions. Once the enemy fighting positions were located, close-air support was called in, eliminating the insurgents, officials said.

On March 20, five suspected terrorists were detained during two coalition operations to degrade insurgent activities in eastern Afghanistan, officials said.

Coalition forces searched compounds in the Andar district of Ghazni province targeting an insurgent with links to al Qaeda and foreign fighter facilitation operations. Coalition forces found and detained three individuals with suspected ties to the targeted insurgent, as well as al Qaeda and foreign fighter facilitation activities.

In a separate operation targeting a Taliban commander conducting anti-government operations in the Maywand district of Kandahar province, coalition forces found and detained two individuals with suspected ties to the targeted Taliban commander, officials said.

“Coalition forces continue to rout insurgent elements that threaten peace, stability and progress of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,” Belcher said.

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

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49352

Coalition Troops in Afghanistan Kill Two Insurgents

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 24, 2008 – Coalition forces killed two armed insurgents yesterday during an operation designed to degrade Taliban command and control networks in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province.

Coalition forces searched an area in the Kama district targeting a Taliban sub-commander responsible for facilitating anti-coalition activities. The targeted individual also is associated with roadside-bomb operations, officials said.

“Two insurgents armed with AK-47s, ammunition vests and hand grenades were discovered during the search for the targeted Taliban sub-commander,” Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a coalition forces spokesman, said. “The insurgents were killed when they posed a credible threat to coalition forces members attempting to detain them.”

Belcher added that troops took several precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the area’s residents.

“A weapon and several hand grenades were destroyed to protect civilians not engaged in hostilities in the area from possible harm, as well as prevent the items from being used by other insurgents,” he said.

(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49347

Coalition Forces in Iraq Kill 25 Terrorists, Detain Dozens

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 23, 2008 – Coalition forces in Iraq killed 12 terrorists today during an operation east of Baqouba targeting members of a suicide bombing network, military officials said.

The ground force was attacked with small-arms fire as it approached the targeted building. Responding to the hostile threat, coalition forces engaged five armed men, killing them, officials said.

The ground forces ordered the occupants to come out of the building. Some complied with the order, but others remained inside, according to officials. Coalition forces entered the building and were fired upon by several armed men. Seven more terrorists were killed in the engagement, and coalition forces detained five suspects on the scene.

Assault weapons, ammunition, grenades and military-style assault vests discovered on site were safely destroyed. Military officials said six of the dead terrorists had shaved their
bodies, which is consistent with final preparation for suicide
operations.

Elsewhere, coalition forces continued to target the terrorist bombing network in southwest Baghdad this morning, capturing a suspected bombing facilitator who officials said allegedly specializes in the distribution of homemade explosives. After he identified himself as the targeted suspect, the suspect led coalition forces to four other wanted individuals, who also were
detained.

In Mosul today, coalition forces conducted a precision operation in which they captured an alleged terrorist leader suspected of carrying out attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces. In a nearby operation, ground forces detained three suspected terrorists while targeting associates of al Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders, officials said.

Meanwhile, coalition forces captured an alleged associate of al Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders and three other suspected terrorists this morning in Tikrit. On two occasions during the operation, officials said, vehicles sped toward the security perimeter. After using visual signals, coalition forces fired a warning shot. In one incident, the vehicle turned around and left; the other vehicle stopped, and the driver ran away. There were no injuries reported in either incident.

Elsewhere today, two coordinated operations in the Tigris River Valley targeted al Qaeda in Iraq’s propaganda network.

Northwest of Tikrit, coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists, and west of Samarra, six additional suspects
were detained, military officials said.

“Though Iraqi and coalition forces have captured and killed a
substantial number of terrorists in operations like these, al-Qaeda in Iraq is still lethal, and a tough fight remains ahead,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. “We are committed to this fight and to improving public safety and security for all Iraqis.”

In yesterday’s operations:

–- Near the Hamrin Mountains, coalition forces conducted an operation targeting weapons facilitators and associates of al Qaeda in Iraq leadership. Intelligence reports led the assault force to the targeted suspects’ location, where five individuals failed to comply with coalition forces’ instructions or heed warnings. Perceiving hostile intent, coalition forces engaged the armed men with small-arms fire, killing them. Secondary explosions from a vehicle following the initial engagement indicated explosives or weapons were inside.

–- West of Samarra, coalition forces killed an armed terrorist when he threw a grenade at them from a tactical position. On the scene, coalition forces found terrorist propaganda materials.

–- In Baghdad, ground forces captured a wanted individual believed to be associated with al Qaeda in Iraq’s media network. During a separate operation in eastern Baghdad, Iraqi National Police officers seized a munitions cache after receiving a tip from a citizen, military officials said.

–- North of Taji, coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists including an alleged al Qaeda in Iraq operative suspected of organizing bombing attacks.

–- During two operations in Mosul, coalition forces captured an alleged al Qaeda in Iraq terrorist leader who is believed to have recently moved up in the organization after coalition operations decimated terrorist leadership in the area, officials said. Eight additional suspects were detained,

–- In Biaj, coalition forces detained one suspected terrorist while targeting foreign terrorist facilitators.

In March 21 operations:

–- Near Karwi, coalition forces conducted an operation targeting an al Qaeda in Iraq explosives network. Eight suspected terrorists were detained, including one man who tried to hide his weapon on a child, officials said. On the scene, coalition forces discovered a building with more than 600 pounds of materials used to make explosives, and three vehicles and a boat that tested positive for explosives residue.

–- In Baqouba, coalition forces killed a suspected al Qaeda in Iraq member during an operation on a building where known operatives were believed to be hiding, officials said. The targeted individual was known to be an expert in booby-trapping houses with explosives, Army Lt. Col. Patrick Mackin of the 2nd Infantry Division’s 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team said. After the occupants of the building refused to exit after repeated tactical call-outs, supporting Apache helicopters fired rounds into the building, and close-air support by fixed-wing aircraft dropped three bombs on the building. “The danger that any assault on the building by coalition forces would be met with either a house-borne improvised explosive device or suicide vest explosion was probable and led to the ultimate decision to engage the building with precision munitions,” Mackin said.

In March 20 operations:

–- Six terrorists were killed in West Rashid after Iraq attack aviation assets responded to an indirect-fire attack on coalition forces.

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

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49353

Coalition Troops in Iraq Kill Two Terrorists, Detain Eight Suspects

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 24, 2008 – Coalition forces in Iraq today killed two terrorists and detained eight suspects during operations targeting al Qaeda in Iraq operatives in the central and northern parts of the country, military officials said.

Coalition forces conducted two related operations in the Tigris River Valley. The ground force captured a suspected al Qaeda in Iraq member during an operation west of Samarra and detained another suspected terrorist during an operation in Tikrit. An armed man attempted to attack the coalition troops as they entered the target building in Tikrik. The coalition forces killed the armed terrorist.

During two operations on the west side of Baghdad, coalition forces captured an alleged associate of al Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders and five other suspected terrorists. Another wanted individual engaged the ground force with small-arms fire during the second operation. Coalition forces returned fire and killed the armed terrorist.

In other recent operations:

— Coalition forces killed an armed insurgent during operations yesterday targeting al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists in the Hamrin Mountains. The suspected terrorist refused to surrender despite warnings from coalition troops, who then engaged the armed man, killing him.

— Iraqi security forces advised by U.S. Special Forces troops detained six suspected militants during separate anti-insurgent operations March 22. In Baghdad, Iraqi special operations forces detained one suspected militant believed to be the leader of an improvised-explosive-device and explosively formed penetrator cell. One other suspect is being held for questioning. In the northern Hamrin Lake region, northwest of Jalula, Iraqi security forces detained a suspect linked to criminal activity in the region. Bomb-making material was found at the site. In Kut, an Iraqi special weapons and tactics unit detained three suspects linked to local criminal activities.

— U.S. soldiers detained a suspected terrorist March 21 in Baghdad, using information supplied from a weapons cache discovery that was made in March 2007. At that time, U.S. soldiers with the 1st Infantry Division’s 4th Brigade Combat Team seized a munitions cache in Baghdad’s West Rashid district. In January, more evidence turned up that linked the suspect to the weapons cache. “His capture shows two points,” said Army Col. Allen Batschelet, chief of staff for Multinational Division Baghdad. “Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers are here to protect the Iraqi people, and we will never cease in our efforts to bring terrorists and criminals to justice.” Evidence that links criminals and terrorists to previous acts of terrorism and violence generally comes to light two to three times a week, Batschelet said.

— Iraqi National Police officers seized a munitions cache after receiving a citizen tip in the New Baghdad district of eastern Baghdad. Police from 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Iraqi National Police Division, investigated the tip and uncovered seven 107 mm artillery rounds and 80 122 mm artillery rounds. U.S. soldiers transported the contents of the cache for disposal.

— A suspected al Qaeda in Iraq leader in Kirkuk and three other suspects were detained during a March 20 raid conducted by coalition forces in Kirkuk province. Iraqi citizens provided the information leading to the capture of the suspected al Qaeda leader and other suspects. The tips allowed soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team to conduct a raid to detain the suspects with minimal impact on Iraqi citizens. The detained suspect and his followers have conducted numerous acts of intimidation against the local populace since 2003. The suspect is believed to be the leader for roadside-bomb operations in Kirkuk province and is linked to the deaths of many innocent Iraqis. “The suspect has brought much fear and death to the people of Kirkuk and to his own people in Hawijah. No longer will it be possible for him to harm innocent civilians,” Army Col. David Paschal, commander of 1st Brigade Combat Team, said. “We will continue to hunt down the remainder of the terrorists and bring them to justice.”

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

[Cindy]

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

#

March 24, 2008

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2008/March/08_nsd_229.html

Chinese Agent Sentenced to Over 24 Years in Prison for Exporting United States Defense Articles to China

SANTA ANA, California – An engineer who conspired with family members to export United States sensitive military technology to the People’s Republic of China was sentenced today to 293 months in federal prison.

Chi Mak, 65, of Downey, a former engineer for defense contractor Power Paragon, orchestrated the conspiracy to obtain naval technology and to illegally export the material to the PRC. He was sentenced this morning by United States District Judge Cormac J. Carney, who also imposed a $50,000 fine.

“We will never know the full extent of the damage that Mr. Mak has done to our national security,” Judge Carney wrote in a “Statement of Reasons” filed in conjunction with today’s sentencing. “A high-end...sentence will provide a strong deterrent to the PRC not to send its agents here to steal American military secrets.”

Chi Mak was found guilty by a federal jury in May 2007 of conspiracy, two counts of attempting to violate export control laws, failing to register as an agent of a foreign government and making false statements to federal investigators. He has been in jail since his arrest.

“This lengthy prison sentence ensures that Chi Mak will never again steal American military secrets for the benefit of another nation,” said United States Attorney Thomas P. O’Brien. “Chi Mak betrayed the United States and endangered our national security, as well as the brave men and women of our armed forces.”

Kenneth L. Wainstein, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, stated: “Today’s 24-year sentence is a fitting punishment for an American citizen who was convicted of working clandestinely on behalf of China in an effort to steal critical information about the U.S. Navy’s current and future warship technologies. His prosecution demonstrates our ongoing resolve to use the criminal justice system to protect America’s military secrets.”

An investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service revealed that co-conspirators from the PRC provided Chi Mak with “tasking lists” that requested specific defense information, including information relating to sensitive areas of U.S. Naval research concerning nuclear-powered submarines.

The lists contained instructions for Chi Mak to participate in seminars and then compile the information he obtained at the seminars onto computer disks. Chi Mak collected technical information about the Navy’s current and future warship technologies, some of which constituted defense articles. This included information that was sensitive and subject to restriction regarding its distribution, storage and handling.

Chi Mak and his wife, Rebecca Laiwah Chiu, copied the information intended for the PRC onto CD-ROM disks, which were then given to Chi Mak’s brother, Tai Mak. Yui “Billy” Mak, who is Tai Mak’s son, encrypted the defense data onto a CD-ROM disk in preparation for surreptitious delivery to the PRC. This CD-ROM was found hidden in luggage on October 28, 2005 when Tai Mak and his wife, Fuk Heung Li, attempted to board a flight to the PRC at Los Angeles International Airport. Tai Mak and Fuk Li were arrested at the airport, while Chi Mak and Chiu Mak were arrested at their home. Billy Mak was charged and arrested seven months later.

“The sentence imposed by the judge in the case of Chi Mak reflects the seriousness with which the federal government views Mr. Mak’s criminal actions,” said Salvador Hernandez, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI in Los Angeles. “The FBI remains committed to investigating cases involving the theft of U.S. technology and proprietary information, the compromise of which have the potential for severe consequences to our nation’s security.”

After Chi Mak was convicted at trial, his four co-conspirators pleaded guilty. Tai Mak, of Alhambra, and Rebecca Chiu, of Downey, are scheduled to be sentenced in April and May, respectively. Chi Mak’s sister-in-law, Fuk Li, and nephew, Billy Mak, were previously sentenced to time served and now fact deportation back the PRC.

This investigation was conducted jointly by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, which received substantial assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

###

08-229

[celtic-cat]

Just had a news alert on local DC station. They have found the body of an older man, possibly was a scientist, in NW DC who had some cyanide near or on the body. The hazmat crews are on scene and the Terrorism Taskforce is also on scene.

I checked the local news websites for links, but nothing is up yet.

Will try to keep you posted.

[celtic-cat]

Aha, found a link:

http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0308/506146.html

[Velveeta]

So glad you’re back!
You were missed.

[Oorang]

You’re welcome Cindy.

[Oorang]

Thanks for the info and link celtic-cat.

[Oorang]

Thanks for the info and ping Joe.

__________________________________

Nasrallah: The Zionist entity can be wiped out of existence
25/03/2008

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Monday told tens of thousands of supporters in Beirut that Israel could be eliminated and that the prowess of its army had been exaggerated by "Zionist-American propaganda." "The Zionist entity can be wiped out of existence," Nasrallah said in his address via video link, referring to Israel. "Our nation is stronger now than ever before," he added.

Nasrallah's speech was broadcast live at a rally marking the end of the 40-day mourning period for slain Hezbollah military chief Imad Mughniyah, who was assassinated in a car bombing in Damascus last month.

The Lebanon-based guerilla group Hezbollah has repeatedly blamed Israel for the assassination of the group's second in command, but Israel has categorically denied any involvement.

Excerpted

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/967830.html

[Oorang]

When is Eqypt going to come help us build a border fence?!?

US To Help Egypt Build Border Fence
March 22, 2008

Cairo, Egypt - The United States has announced that it is planning to help Egypt build a border fence along the Gaza-Egypt border. Washington transferred $23 million worth of special aid to the North African nation as part of its assistance in locating smuggling tunnels.

Over the past few months, smuggling between Gaza and Egypt has garnered more attention in light of the Israeli economic blockade on the small Mediterranean strip of land. Israel is calling on Egypt to improve its crackdown on Palestinian smuggling, which the Jewish state says allows weapons to enter Gaza that are then used against southern Israel.

The planned fence between Egypt and Gaza will employ technology directed at preventing the fence from being damaged. This is in response to Palestinian militants who blew a hole in the current wall between the two nations that allowed hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to flock into Egypt late January and early February.

The American Army Corps of Engineers plans to send teams to Egypt to help push forward the border fence plans. No timetable has been given yet as to when the wall will be constructed

While building the wall, the Americans also hope to help Egyptian security forces locate and destroy smuggling tunnels into Gaza Israel has welcomed the move, saying that American participation will help end the movement of weapons into Gaza.

http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7010409049

[jersey117]

Thanks Vel. I’m happy to be back. I took a much needed, self-imposed break — although I’ve been a regular daily TM lurker. You all have been doing a wonderful job here and, as always, it has been an invaluable resource.

[Cindy]

Thanks for the ping and heads up, Celtic-Cat.

A few more details UPDATE:

http://www.nbc4.com/news/15697495/detail.html

“Man Found Dead Of Apparent Cyanide Poisoning”

POSTED: 11:24 pm EDT March 24, 2008
UPDATED: 11:31 pm EDT March 24, 2008

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “WASHINGTON — Part of a D.C. neighborhood was blocked off on Monday evening after authorities found that a man had killed himself with cyanide.

Several rescue workers were taken to a nearby hospital.

Emergency responders said that around 4:40 p.m., they were called to the 4300 block of 36th Street NW because a woman was concerned that she had not seen her neighbor. The woman had a key to the man’s home, so she let the firefighters, paramedics, a police officer and herself in to check on the neighbor.

They found the man dead with vials of cyanide around him. Realizing that cyanide is considered harmful and can be hazardous, they left the house and called in HAZMAT teams.

Eight people – the neighbor, a police officer and six firefighters – were transferred to a local hospital. They were all found to be OK.”

[Cindy]

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

#

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1991109/posts?page=3#3

Thanks to Good Old Days for the ping to this thread:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1991109/posts

“Train Blocks Chili Avenue (Chili N.Y.)”
http://www.rnews.com/Story_2004.cfm?ID=59527&rnews_story_type=18 ^ | 03/24/08

###

Note: This news brief includes comments that follow the article.

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080324/NEWS01/80324063

“Disabled train blocking Chili Avenue”
GARY MCLENDON • STAFF WRITER • MARCH 24, 2008

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “A disabled train blocked Chili Avenue this evening near Suburban Propane as well as Old Chili Scottsville Road, south of Chili Avenue.”

[Velveeta]

Everyone needs a break every now and again. :-)

[Cindy]

Note: The following blog entry is a quote:

http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/6395.htm

Mubarak Won’t Attend Damascus Summit

Sources in the Egyptian leadership have said that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has decided not to attend the upcoming Arab League summit in Damascus, slated for the end of this month, in light of Syria’s involvement in Lebanon.

The sources added that in the 24 hours Egypt will be consulting with Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the UAE in order to coordinate their level of representation at the summit, and at its conclusion Mubarak will decide whether he will send Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmad Nazif or Foreign Minister Ahmad Abu Al-Gheit as his representative to the summit.

Source: Al-Masryoon, Egypt, March 23, 2008

Posted at: 2008-03-24

[Cindy]

Thanks to justiceseeker93 for the ping to this thread:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1990593/posts

“Barak: Hizbullah threats must not be taken lightly”
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3522827,00.html ^
Posted on 03/24/2008 6:07:15 AM PDT by jhpigott