Threat Matrix: March 2008

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49281

Afghan, Coalition Troops Detain 11, Repel Militant Attack

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 14, 2008 – Afghan and coalition security forces teamed up this week to repel an enemy attack and seize nearly a dozen suspected insurgents, military officials said.

Afghan and coalition security forces detained 11 suspected militants during a March 12 operation that targeted extremist activities in Khowst province, officials said.

The combined Afghan-coalition force seized the 11 suspects during a sweep of compounds in the Tanai district. The detainees are linked to foreign fighter operations, as well as bomb-making and weapons-facilitation activities. The detainees will be questioned about their alleged involvement in these illegal activities, officials said. The Afghan-coalition force also found a number of bomb-making materials, hand grenades, small arms, ammunition and ammunition vests.

Afghan and coalition security forces “are rallying against militants who use weapons and explosives to harm innocent Afghan civilians and Afghanistan’s security forces,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a coalition forces spokesman.

In other news, Afghan security forces and coalition advisors defeated an enemy attack and found a weapons cache during action near Surksang in Zabul province March 11.

The Afghan troops were attacked by a large group of insurgents that employed small-arms, heavy-machine gun and recoilless-rifle fire. The Afghans returned fire and called in close-air support to defeat the enemy. After pursuing the retreating militants, the Afghan forces found a weapons cache consisting of a recoilless rifle, three heavy machine guns and two other weapons.

“The cache was found as a result of the insurgents’ hasty retreat,” said Army Capt. Vanessa R. Bowman, a coalition spokeswoman.

The insurgents regrouped and began to direct 82 mm recoilless-rifle rounds and small-arms fire at the combined forces. The Afghan troops responded with direct fire and air strikes, eliminating the threat. Afterward, the troops discovered a recoilless rifle and a motorcycle wired to a bomb.

In addition, Afghan security forces, advised by coalition forces, disposed of an enemy weapons cache containing improvised explosive devices during a March 10 operation in Oruzgan province, officials said. A local citizen found the cache was and told the provincial police chief. The police chief then notified Afghan soldiers.

The Afghan soldiers formed a security ring while an Afghan police bomb squad searched for more explosives. One suspicious canister was identified, and the police destroyed it in place.

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

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

Thanks to libertyrocks for the ping to this thread.

Note: The following post is a quote:

Man Wakes From Ricin Coma (Las Vegas ricin case)
Fox5News, Las Vegas ^ | March 14, 2008
Posted on 03/14/2008 2:56:45 PM PDT by Deo volente

LAS VEGAS — The central figure in a hotel ricin scare last month has emerged from a coma, FBI agents said Friday...

...While he has become cognizant, federal agents said, Von Bergendorff is still in critical condition. Police are questioning him at the hospital, trying to determine why he had so much of the poison.

(Excerpt) Read more at fox5vegas.com ...

Wowser...someone has some explaining to do. -Cindy

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,338012,00.html

“Oops: Errant National Guard Bomb Drops on Oklahoma Apartment Complex”
Friday, March 14, 2008

March 14, 2008

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Investigators are trying to figure out why the dummy bomb traveling at about 600 mph dropped on Isbell’s apartment complex. The 22-pound non-explosive practice bomb mistakenly fell from an Air National Guard jet, police said Friday.”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “The pilot thought he had dropped the BDU-33 bomb, equipped with a dummy warhead, over a field in Kansas during a routine training mission out of Tulsa, on Thursday.”

http://www.memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=subjects&Area=jihad&ID=SP187108

Special Dispatch Series - No. 1871
March 14, 2008 No. 1871

“Abu Yahya Al-Libi Rejects Sayyed Imam’s ‘Document of Right Guidance,’ Urges Mujahideen to Continue Jihad”

SNIPPET: “On March 9, 2008, Islamist websites, including Al-Ikhlas, posted an Al-Sahab video featuring an address by Al-Qaeda commander in Afghanistan Abu Yahya Al-Libi, titled “I Am Not in the [Business] of Deception, and No Imposter Will Deceive Me: A Reply to Document of Right Guidance.” The address is a response to a book recently published by Sayyed Imam, a prominent jihadist scholar currently imprisoned in Egypt, titled Document of Right Guidance for Jihad Activity in Egypt and the World (see MEMRI Special Dispatch No. 1826: http://www.memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=archives&Area=sd&ID=SP182608 ).

One of the major claims in Sayyed Imam’s book is that the jihad groups are currently weak and must therefore stop fighting the Arab regimes. Al-Libi rejects this claim and states that the book is intended to distract the mujahideen from waging jihad. He also questions whether Sayyed Imam really wrote the book and whether it reflects his views.

The following are excerpts from his address:”

###

Previously...

blog:

http://memriiwmp.org/content/en/blog_personal.htm?id=358
“Abu Yahya Al-Libi Eulogizes Abu Laith Al-Libi”
(Posted March 3, 2008)

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1969529/posts

QUOTE:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1969529/posts?page=393#393

http://www.truthusa.com/IRAN.html
http://memritv.org/subject/en/121.htm

Note: The following blog entry is a quote:

http://www.thememriblog.org/iran/blog_personal/en/6162.htm

Iranian Weekly: Our Determination In Nuclear Issue Weakening West’s Threats

The Iranian weekly Parto-e Sokhan, which is identified with Ayatollah Mesbah-e Yazdi, spiritual mentor to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, stated that the West’s threats against Iran were weakening due to Iran’s insistence on its right to nuclear technology.

The weekly also pointed to increased foreign investment in Iran in the past year as proof of the sanctions’ weakness.

Referring to the assassination of senior Hizbullah commander Imad Mughniya, the paper said that Israel’s achievement would be erased by a new Hizbullah operation against it.

Source: Parto-e Sokhan, Iran, March 5 and 12, 2008

Posted at: 2008-03-13

393 posted on 03/14/2008 7:22:01 PM PDT by Cindy

In the “entertainment” news:

http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&tab=wn&ned=us&q=Virtual+Jihadi&ie=UTF-8&scoring=n

More Details UPDATE:

http://www.bit-tech.net/news/2008/03/14/virtual_jihadi_game_exhibition_closed/

“Virtual Jihadi game exhibition closed”
Author: Joe Martin
Published: 14th March 2008

Previously...

blog:

http://blogs.pcworld.com/gameon/archives/006578.html

Monday, March 03, 2008 9:22 AM PT Posted by Matt Peckham
“’Virtual Jihadi’ Spins ‘Hunt for Bush’ with Suicide Bomber Angle”

UPDATING AND ADDING links to post no. 423:

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/020307.php
(RTT NEWS)

March 15, 2008
“Mumbai police: Jihadists intended to target stock exchange, atomic research center”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “(RTTNews) - The two suspected Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islamic terrorists gunned down in an encounter in Thane in Mumbai on Wednesday intended to target the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre-BARC and the National Stock Exchange-NSE, Mumbai police said on Thursday.

The Pune and Mumbai anti-terrorist units carried out the joint operation after intelligence reports emanated that two Islamic terrorists of Bangladeshi origin had crossed the border into India and entered the financial capital, Mumbai with a plan to strike at sensitive installations.

One of the dead militant gunned down on Mira Road in Thane, was identified as Mohammed Ali from the passport recovered at the site.

“It is a major success for us. We are investigating their links,” special inspector general of police and ATS chief Hemant Karkare said on Thursday, the 15th anniversary of the 1993 serial blasts that killed over 250 people in Mumbai. The Bombay Stock Exchange was among the 12 places where RDX-triggered bombs exploded on March 12, 1993. The 14-year trial wound up last July.

“We can say they were on a planned mission. Sensitive nuclear installations and the National Stock Exchange were some of their targets,” he said.
Karkare said fake Indian currency worth Rs. 10 lakh, 2kg explosives, suspected to be RDX, and two firearms, including a Smith and Wesson pistol, were seized from the militants. The seized fake currency, in thousand-rupee notes, will be sent to the Reserve Bank of India for analysis. The explosives have been sent for forensic tests.”

###

Previously...

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/020283.php
(INDO-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE)

March 13, 2008
“India: Police in Mumbai on alert for sleeper cells of jihadists”

http://www.satp.org
TERRORISM UPDATE

Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/detailed_news.asp?date1=3/14/2008#10

Pakistan

Al Qaeda and Baitullah Mehsud prime suspects in Lahore suicide attacks
A meeting of security agencies on March 13 named al Qaeda and pro-Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud as the prime suspects in the twin suicide attacks in Lahore on March 11, according to Daily Times. Sources privy to the meeting said representatives of intelligence agencies, the Federal Investigation Agency, Punjab Police and the Crime Investigation Department said Lahore was being targeted because it housed the regional headquarters of various security agencies. Investigators said at the meeting that Lahore was not a new target as intelligence had arrested 48 suspects including seven would-be suicide bombers from the provincial capital and seized 640 kilograms of explosives before Muharram.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Police on March 13 arrested 15 more suspects in connection with the bombings. Police also conducted several raids in southern Punjab, sources said.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1205420688158&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Mar 14, 2008 15:23 | Updated Mar 14, 2008 18:57
“Terrorists fire 7 Kassams at W. Negev”
By JPOST.COM STAFF

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Meanwhile, 30 batteries containing sulfuric acid were discovered on a Palestinian truck at Tapuah Crossing, south of Nablus, in a joint IDF, Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and Civil Administration operation overnight Thursday.

Israel has outlawed the possession of sulfuric acid in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip due to its use in the manufacture of weapons and explosives.

The army said that security forces would continue to operate against the transfer of prohibited substances into the Palestinian territories.”

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/03/20080314-7.html

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 14, 2008

Statement by Deputy Press Secretary Tony Fratto on Partisan House Bill

Today, the House of Representatives took a significant step backward in defending our country against terrorism and passed a partisan bill that will please class-action trial lawyers at the expense of our national security. Their bill would make it easier for class-action trial lawyers to sue companies whose only “offense” is that they are alleged to have assisted in efforts to protect the country after the attacks of September 11. These companies already face multibillion-dollar lawsuits, but even the status quo — which our intelligence professionals have said is undermining our ability to get cooperation from the private sector — is better than the alternative proposed in the House bill, which would preserve these lawsuits and give trial lawyers more weapons to attack companies for doing their patriotic service. The good news is that the House bill will be dead on arrival in the Senate and, in any event, would be vetoed by the President if it ever got to his desk.

The House bill is not a serious effort to move the legislative process forward, nor is it a serious effort to protect our national security. It is a partisan bill designed to give the House Democratic leadership cover for their failure to act responsibly and vote on the bipartisan Senate bill. The President trusts that Senate leaders, who have acted in a far more bipartisan and responsible way than their colleagues in the House, will see the House bill for the political ploy that it is, reject it, and send back to the House the strong bill the Senate has already passed.

# # #

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

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7297901.stm

Note: The following post is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1986050/posts

Priest hurt in faith-hate attack
BBC ^
Posted on 03/15/2008 2:28:05 AM PDT by Axlrose

A priest has been attacked in the grounds of his church, in what police described as a “faith-hate” crime. Canon Michael Ainsworth, 57, was injured by two Asian youths at the church, in Tower Hamlets, east London.

Canon Ainsworth said a third youth watched as he suffered cuts, bruises and black eyes in the assault at the church of St George-in-the-East.

The youths also jeered at the priest for being a churchman in the attack on Wednesday night, the Met Police said.

An appeal for witnesses has been made.

http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2008/s08030083.htm

Friday, March 14, 2008

“GFA Bible College Comes Under Attack”

Gospel for Asia
For Immediate Release

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “SRI LANKA (ANS) — Militants attacked 10 students from Gospel for Asia’s Sri Lanka Bible College March 2 and are now campaigning to have the Bible College shut down.

The students were on their way to Sunday worship service at a GFA-related church when the attackers ambushed them, covered their faces and beat them up. They dragged one of the students into a van, where the radicals trampled and kicked him.

All of the students were admitted to the hospital for treatment. GFA leaders in Sri Lanka filed complaints with the police, which are cooperating in the investigation.”

Ding Dong. Ding Dong. We have a totally STUCK ON STUPID award winner today. And the winner is:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1986062/posts

“Iran’s bad behavior blamed on Bush”
Washington Times ^
Posted on 03/15/2008 3:33:51 AM PDT by Sub-Driver

“Iran’s bad behavior blamed on Bush”
March 15, 2008
By Rowan Scarborough -

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Sen. Barack Obama’s most senior military adviser says President Bush is to blame for Iran’s bad behavior.

The assessment from an interview with retired Air Force Gen. Merrill McPeak provides a glimpse into how an Obama administration would deal with Iran.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has called repeatedly for the destruction of Israel, is pursuing nuclear weapons in the opinion of some national security experts, and his Revolutionary Guard is training Iraqis to kill American military personnel in Iraq.

Earlier this month, Mr. Ahmadinejad said of Israel, “the world powers established this filthy bacteria, the Zionist regime, which is lashing out at the nations in the region like a wild beast.”

In the view of Gen. McPeak, the most-senior retired officer to back Mr. Obama’s presidential run, Iran’s behavior is a reaction to Mr. Bush’s tough talk.”

Well, starting off today looking at the “entertainment” news:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1986321/posts

Note: Photo included:

http://www.alarabiya.net/files/image/large_51828_46971.jpg

http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2008/03/15/46971.html

“Ends ‘sinful’ life ging to join Mujahideen brothers
Retired Kuwaiti pop star joins al-Qaeda”
DUBAI (AlArabiya.net)

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “A retired Kuwaiti superstar singer has recently the left the Gulf emirate for Afghanistan to join ranks with al-Qaeda and Taliban forces in fighting foreign troops there, according to a press report published Saturday.

Hussein al-Ahmad, who was until recently one of the Gulf’s most famous pop stars, decided to join “his Mujahideen brothers in Afghanistan to support Islam and fight alongside his fellow Muslims in al-Qaeda”, reported Kuwaiti daily Al-Rai Saturday.”

http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/rhodeisland/
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/ri/

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3519383,00.html
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/964442.html

IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA...

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://off-topic.internet-haganah.com/archives/001352.html

March 15, 2008

US: MOLOTOV COCKTAIL THROWN INTO HOME OF JEWISH AGENCY ENVOY

YNET - Yael Branovsky - 03.15.08, 21:12
A Molotov cocktail was thrown Saturday into the home of a Jewish Agency envoy residing in Rhode Island in the north-eastern United States. The envoy, who was home at the time, was immediately evacuated to a nearby hotel following the incident.

The incident took place at 2 am (local US time) when a Molotov cocktail was throw through the living room window of the envoy’s apartment. He was in a different room at the time, and was therefore not injured. The Molotov cocktail set a nearby yard on fire, but firefighters dispatched to the scene easily extinguished the flames.

The FBI as well as local Rhode Island police personnel are investigating the incident. This is the first time that a Jewish Agency envoy is attacked in this fashion.

The Chairman of the Jewish Agency, Zeev Bielski, spoke to the envoy following the incident in order to show his concern and support.

Bielski noted that the Jewish Agency would assist the envoy in every possible fashion, and would work closely with the Foreign Ministry and American law enforcement agencies in order to thoroughly investigate the incident.

The Jewish agency has hundreds of envoys worldwide that engage in all manner of educational, Zionist and PR endeavors. The agency furthermore organizes numerous solidarity rallies with Israel, including a recent rally following the shooting attack on the Mercaz Harav yeshiva in Jerusalem.

Ha’aretz adds:
Two Molotov cocktails was thrown at the home of the Jewish Agency’s representative at Brown University in the United States on Saturday, causing no injuries. The motive behind the attack is not yet known.

The two explosives were hurled into the Hillel delegate’s home in Providence, Rhode Island. One landed in the living room without exploding and was taken for fingerprint analysis. The second hit an external wall, igniting a fire in the yard.

Federal Bureau of Investigation detectives and local police were investigating the incident.

Amos Hermon, head of the Jewish Agency task force on anti-Semitism stressed that while authorities had not yet reached a conclusion on the attack’s motives, radical left-wing groups were increasing anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian activity on U.S. campuses.

Posted on 15 March 2008 @ 21:00 GMT

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