Threat Matrix: April 2008

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[nwctwx]

Afghanistan to Ask NATO for Bigger Army

Afghan officials will go to the NATO summit in Romania Thursday with a request: pay to increase our national Army by 40 percent. A bigger Army, Afghan officials argue, will allow the US and other coalition members to scale back in the coming years.

This appeal comes amid pleas from the US and Canada for other NATO members to commit more to the Afghanistan mission, which many analysts say has floundered over the past year for lack of resources and a coherent strategy. France is expected to contribute another 1,000 forces and Germany is likely to make a bigger commitment.

But American and Afghan government sources with knowledge of the expected Afghan proposal say that an increase from the current authorization of 86,000 Afghan Army soldiers to 120,000 is the only way to create an enduring defense against a resurgent Taliban and elusive Al Qaeda operatives. Read More

	France May Send More Troops to Afghanistan
	Special Operations Increase Possible for Iraq
	Al-Qaeda Grooming Militants Who 'Look Western': CIA Chief

Threat Matrix:
April 2008

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[Cindy]

Yep, and they come in a variety of expertise and agendas.

[Cindy]

Why yes emailer, I do have an EDUCATION page on my conservative portal; and NO you aren’t the adminstrator — I am. So quit phishing.

In the junk mail.
Hit delete.

Gone.

#

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

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49601

Coalition Forces Detain 11 Suspects in Iraq Operations

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 17, 2008 – Coalition forces in Iraq detained 11 suspected terrorists today during countrywide operations targeting al-Qaida in Iraq leaders, military officials reported.

— In Mosul, coalition forces captured a wanted terrorist and also detained his suspected accomplice. The wanted terrorist in custody is linked to ordering assassinations, leading a bombing cell, overseeing attacks, and personally supervising car-bombing and suicide operations.

— In Baghdad’s Abu Ghraib sector, coalition forces detained a suspected car-bomb maker and six other suspects. Intelligence reports indicate the alleged bomb maker is associated with al-Qaida leaders in southern Baghdad.

— During an operation in Jalula, coalition forces detained an alleged explosives expert who facilitates the movement of foreign terrorists into Iraq.

— West of Beiji, coalition forces detained another suspected terrorist while targeting area al-Qaida leaders.

“Every capture of bombing-network leadership further degrades al-Qaida in Iraq’s ability to attack innocent Iraqis,” said Navy Cmdr. Scott Rye, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. “We continue to work closely with everyday Iraqi citizens and Iraqi security forces to identify these terrorists and bring them to justice.”

In other news from Iraq, criminals in Baghdad’s Sadr City sector launched two rockets toward a coalition facility yesterday. Instead, the rockets struck near a mosque in Rusafa, killing one civilian and wounding 10 other people. A house also was damaged during the attack.

“These criminal elements who insist on ignoring the rule of Iraqi law are certainly not working in the best interest of Iraqis,” said Army Col. Bill Buckner, a Multinational Corps Iraq spokesman. “We will continue our efforts to bring these criminals to justice.”

Elsewhere, Iraqi soldiers are taking the lead during Operation Marne Piledriver, a joint U.S.-Iraqi offensive that was launched in the Mahmudiyah area April 15.

“The Iraqi soldiers took (the) initiative from the start,” said U.S. Army Pfc. Nathan Krueger, who is participating in the counterinsurgency operation.

Piledriver’s focus is to remove insurgents while stimulating local economic growth and development, officials said. “The main effort of our portion of Piledriver is to develop multiple (economic) projects as well as solid governance in the area,” U.S. Army Capt. Ryan Mayfield said. “We are providing support to the Iraqi Army wherever they deem it’s needed.”

In other April 15 operations, Iraqi soldiers discovered a weapons cache during a patrol in Haw al-Askery. A tip from a local resident led the soldiers to search inside the trunk of a car. The hidden cache contained: 24 60 mm anti-personnel improvised explosive devices, six rocket-propelled grenades, and two AK-47 rifle magazines.

Iraqi soldiers supporting Operation Marne Piledriver uncovered five weapons caches in Mahmudiyah on April 15. The caches contained: two 155 mm artillery rounds, one oxygen tank rigged as an improvised explosive device, a rocket launcher, two oxygen tanks, two 82 mm mortar tubes, a 3-foot tube of homemade explosives, and multiple pressure strips. Iraqi security forces are targeting insurgents with the help of coalition forces.

In addition, “Sons of Iraq” citizens security group members led U.S. soldiers and Iraqi policemen to a large, buried weapons cache in Tameem, a town east of Baghdad, April 14. The cache was found near the town’s police headquarters.

The cache contained: 389 82 mm mortar rounds, 96 125 mm tank rounds, 172 57 mm anti-aircraft rounds, 38 60 mm mortar rounds, 30 130 mm artillery rounds, 17 122 mm mortar rounds, 15 100 mm rockets, seven 155 artillery rounds, five 100 kg aircraft bombs, and four 120 mm mortar rounds. U.S. soldiers on the scene noted that although the munitions apparently had been buried for over a year, much of the ordnance could still be put to deadly use if it fell into the hands of insurgents.

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

[Cindy]

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/commissions.html
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=48930

#

Note: The followng text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49605

Charges Against 9/11 Mastermind, Co-conspirators Resworn

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 17, 2008 – Prosocutors in the case against the self-described mastermind behind the Sept. 11 attacks and five of his co-conspirators have amended the charge sheet against the detainees to further clarify their activities, a senior Pentagon official announced today.
The reswearing of charges involves the case against Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, more commonly known by his initials, KSM, and five others in connection with the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York, the Pentagon and Pennsylvania, Bryan Whitman, deputy assistant secretary of defense, told reporters.

The other defendants in the “9-11 case” are Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarek bin Attash, Ramzi Binalshibh, Ali Abdul Aziz Ali, Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi and Mohammed al Kahtani. All are detainees at the Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, detention facility.

The six were charged Feb. 11 with conspiracy, terrorism, murder in violation of the law of war, attacking civilians and civilian objects, intentionally causing serious bodily injury, destruction of property in violation of the law of war, terrorism, and providing material support for terrorism.

Mohammed, bin Attash, Binalshibh, and Aziz Ali also are charged with the substantive offense of hijacking or hazarding a vessel.

The charge sheet also named 2,973 people killed during the Sept. 11 attacks

In announcing the original charges, defense officials also announced their intent to seek the death penalty for all six defendants.

Army Col. Larry Morris, chief prosecutor for the Office of Military Commissions, decided to reswear the charges to add clarity, specify where the crimes occurred, and describe how they were committed, Whitman said today.

Reswearing charges generally occurs in light of new evidence or legal analysis developments as part of pretrial work before a case goes to court, Whitman said. It’s not an unusual practice, he said, and tracks with an established practice of filing superseding indictments within the federal court system, he said.
.
The next step in the 9-11 case is for Susan J. Crawford, the Office of Military Commissions’ convening authority, to refer the charges, Whitman said. He compared this procedure to an indictment rendered in a civilian court, with the convening authority reviewing the charges and supporting evidence to determine whether probable cause exists to refer the case for trial. Crawford also also must determine whether the case should be capital.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Thomas Hartmann, legal advisor to the convening authority, has completed his pretrial advice and provided it to Crawford as part of that process, Whitman said.

Related Sites:
Military Commissions
Related Articles:
Defense Department Seeks Death Penalty for Six Guantanamo Bay Detainees

[Cindy]

Well now, this is GREAT news!

#

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49606

Coalition Troops Detain Taliban Leader in Afghanistan

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 17, 2008 – Coalition forces in Afghanistan detained a Taliban commander and another suspected terrorist during operations in Zabul province April 15, military officials reported.

The detained terrorist is linked to illegal financial, foreign-fighter and roadside-bomb operations in the province’s Qalat district, officials said. Another suspected terrorist also was detained.

In other news, Afghan army commandos assisted by coalition forces captured a suspected Taliban leader in Khowst province April 14. The detainee is suspected of being a Taliban operative responsible for attacks against Afghan security forces.

The detainee also is suspected of providing housing and intelligence for suicide bombers. Afghan citizens tipped off coalition forces through a program that offers financial compensation for information leading to the capture of terrorists and other criminals or the recovery of weapons.

(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 101 news releases.)

[Cindy]

...and more GREAT news!

#

blog:

Note: Photo included.

http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2008/04/_commander_ismail_im.php

“Bara bin Malek Front Commander killed in Pakistani shootout”
By MATT DUPEEApril 17, 2008 12:43 PM

PHOTO CAPTION: “Commander Ismail. Image obtained by The Long War Journal from CJTF-82.”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “A senior leader of a Taliban splinter group known as the Bara bin Malek Front, one of the most dangerous insurgent groups operating in northeastern Afghanistan, was killed during a blazing shootout with Pakistani police in the North Western Frontier Province earlier this week. Security forces opened fire on Mullah Ahmad Shah, better known as his nom de guerre Commander Ismail, after he failed to stop at a police check point near the Afghan border. Ismail was attempting to smuggle a kidnapped Afghan day laborer back to an insurgent hideout on the Afghan side of the border, according to Pakistani security officials who spoke with CBS. Taliban spokesman Zabibullah Mujahid also confirmed the killing of a top Taliban commander in the area according to the same report.”

[Cindy]

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/04/20080417-4.html

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http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49612

“Bush, U.K. Prime Minister Talk Tough on Terrorism”

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 17, 2008

[Cindy]

Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3533293,00.html

2 Qassam rockets land in south; no injuries reported
Published: 04.17.08, 23:58 / Israel News

Two Qassam rockets fired from the southern Gaza Strip landed in the Eshkol regional council.

No injuries or damages were reported in the attack. (Shmulik Hadad)

[Cindy]

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

#

Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3533291,00.html

Israeli bus stoned near Bethlehem; girl lightly hurt
Published: 04.17.08, 23:56 / Israel News

Two Israelis, a man and a girl, sustained light wounds after Palestinians stoned a bus traveling in the Bethlehem area.

The two were treated on the scene and later taken to hospital in Jerusalem. (Efrat Weiss)

[Cindy]

IN THE U.S.A. — JEWISH FEDERATION SHOOTING Trial Update:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1674001/posts

QUOTE:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1674001/posts?page=1164#1164

UPDATE:

Note: Photos included.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/359267_jewishfed17.html

Last updated April 16, 2008 11:24 p.m. PT

“Shooter came back to kill me, survivor says
Youngest Jewish Federation victim testifies”
By TRACY JOHNSON
P-I REPORTER

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Layla Bush was sprawled on the floor, bleeding and trying to count the gunshots she heard down the hallway to figure out how many rounds the gunman had left.

By the time she’d counted to about five, she realized she couldn’t move anyway. She wouldn’t be able to call 911, she told jurors Wednesday, and worse — the gunman had returned.

“He came back around, and at that point I saw him with both hands on the gun — taking more time to aim, it looked like to me,” she testified in King County Superior Court. “I believe he was trying to shoot to kill me.”

Bush took the witness stand Wednesday against Naveed Haq, a 32-year-old man accused of ranting about Jewish people and U.S. foreign policy as he walked the halls of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle and opened fire.

One woman was killed in the July 28, 2006, rampage in Belltown. Bush, now 24, was shot in the abdomen and again in the shoulder as she lay partially propped up against a bookcase, she told jurors. Four others were seriously wounded.”

###

Note: Photo included.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004355746_webhaq17m.html

Thursday, April 17, 2008 - Page updated at 12:44 PM

“Witnesses detail shooting at Jewish Federation”
By Natalie Singer
Seattle Times staff reporter

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “As witnesses in Naveed Haq’s trial told of the carnage that befell the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle nearly two years ago, attorneys for the defense and prosecution Wednesday worked to coax from them subtle details that could help decode for a King County jury the mood and mind-set of the shooter.”

1,164 posted on April 17, 2008 5:19:18 PM PDT by Cindy

[Cindy]

Note: Photo included.

http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2008/s08040100.htm

Thursday, April 17, 2008

“We will burn you like Graham Staines”

Gospel for Asia
For Immediate Release

“This Orissa church building was attacked by anti-Christian extremists in 2007.”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “ORISSA, INDIA (ANS) — Two young women from a Gospel for Asia Bible college were chased and threatened by 70 anti-Christian extremists after conducting a worship service in Orissa, India. Chunile Wyn and Preeja Sushan are student missionaries serving their internship in Orissa.

On Sunday, the extremists entered the building where the women were worshipping with 15 other believers. The radicals carried sticks and stones, but all the Christians escaped the church unharmed.

However, Chunile and Preeja were still in the building, and the anti-Christians surrounded them and shouted threats.

“We will burn you alive like Graham Staines and his children!” they shouted at the women. Graham Staines, an Austrailian missionary in Orissa, was burned to death in 1999. Religious extremists set fire to the vehicle Staines and his two young sons were sleeping in, killing them all.

The extremists eventually let the women out of the church, but then chased them through the streets until the girls found a phone booth. Chunile and Preeja called their Bible college, and a pastor came to protect them. By the time he arrived, the extremist crowd had dispersed, leaving only threats that the women must never come back to their village.

Chunile and Preeja request prayer that they can continue their internship without fear. They also ask for prayer that the anti-Christians will realize Christ’s love for them and stop hindering the Gospel. Also lift up the district pastor in this area, that he will be able to stand strong and encourage the local believers.”

[MamaDearest]

Chunile and Preeja request prayer that they can continue their internship without fear. They also ask for prayer that the anti-Christians will realize Christ’s love for them and stop hindering the Gospel. Also lift up the district pastor in this area, that he will be able to stand strong and encourage the local believers.”

If only each of us reading this thread offer even one small prayer for them..................(sighing).

[Cindy]

ON THE INTERNET:

http://www.swahl.com/up/m126/swahlcom_70f00.gif
www.ekhlaas.org/forum/showthread.php?t=140577

http://www.swahl.com/up/m125/swahlcom_c9a10.gif
www.ekhlaas.org/forum/showthread.php?t=140338

[Cindy]

Thanks to Domestic Church for the ping to this thread:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2003212/posts

“Militant Web site: al-Qaida’s No. 2 to release new statement soon”
AP via IHT ^ | April 18, 2008
Posted on April 17, 2008 5:59:21 PM PDT by james500

[Cindy]

Yes and I will pray for them.

[Cindy]

Thanks to Jet Jaguar for the ping to this thread:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2003308/posts

“Maupin’s parents told son’s captors are in U.S. custody”
Stars and Stripes ^ | April 18, 2008 | Stars and Stripes
Posted on April 17, 2008 9:55:18 PM PDT by Jet Jaguar

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2003330/posts

“The Terrorist Roundup for April 18, 2008”
4/18/08
Posted on April 18, 2008 12:05:04 AM PDT by Straight Vermonter

[Cindy]

ADDING on to post no. 876.

Thanks to STARWISE for starting this thread.

Note: The following post is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2003322/posts

Suspects in Maupin’s Death Get Death Sentence
Local12.com ^ | 4-18-08
Posted on April 17, 2008 11:17:16 PM PDT by STARWISE

The father of Staff Sergeant Matt Maupin says two of his suspected killers face the death penalty in Iraq.

However, Keith Maupin says that is for crimes against the Iraqi people, and not his son’s death.

Maupin was taken captive outside Baghdad four years ago.

His parents went to Washington Thursday for new information on the investigation.

According to Keith Maupin, the Pentagon says the military is looking for at least six other suspects.

Maupin says the stability provided by last year’s troop surge gave a tipster enough confidence to disclose the location of Matt’s remains.

“There’s a lot of trust that’s got to be involved, and it took them about a year to be able to build that trust to where somebody walks up and says, ‘I think they buried him over there,’” said Keith Maupin.

“And that’s where it was. He’s been gone for awhile, and I can tell you this much, we’re not going to get all of Matt. Some of Matt will be in Iraq forever.”

A visitation for Maupin will take place Saturday, April 26th at the Union Township Civic Center in Clermont County.

The funeral is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 27th at Great American Ball Park.

[Cindy]

RECAP and UPDATED:

YNET NEWS.com: "IDF KILLS RESTAURANT POISONING MASTERMIND" (Published April 18, 2008, 07:54)

JIHAD WATCH.org (WorldNetDaily.com): "JIHADISTS IN FOILED TEL AVIV POISONING PLOT HAD BEEN RELEASED IN OLMERT AMNESTY" (April 15, 2008)

TERRORISM-INFO.org.il - INTELLIGENCE AND TERRORISM INFORMATION CENTER (IICC): "The Israeli security forces exposed two Palestinians from Nablus who admitted they planned to poison the food in the restaurant in Ramat Gan where they worked illegally." (April 13, 2008)

YNET NEWS.com: "SHIN BET THWARTS MASS RESTAURANT POISONING Two Palestinian employees detained mere days before they planned to lace food at Ramat Gan grill bar with tasteless, odorless toxin" (Published April 10, 2008, 16:38)

Link

[Cindy]

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

#

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/020706.php

JIHAD WATCH.org (AP): “MOTOON RAGE STILL SMOLDERING”
(April 17, 2008)