Threat Matrix: May 2008

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[nwctwx]

U.S. Wary Of Small Boat Terrorism

As boating season approaches, the Bush administration wants to enlist America's 80 million recreational boaters to help reduce the chances that a small boat could deliver a nuclear or radiological bomb somewhere along the 95,000 miles of U.S. coastline and inland waterways.

According to an April 23 intelligence assessment obtained by The Associated Press, "The use of a small boat as a weapon is likely to remain al Qaeda's weapon of choice in the maritime environment, given its ease in arming and deploying, low cost, and record of success."

While the United States has so far been spared this type of strike in its own waters, terrorists have used small boats to attack in other countries. Read More

	U.S. Confirms Somali Missile Strike
	Fight Al Qaeda's Plan, Not its Ideas
	FACTBOX: Major al Qaeda Leaders Killed or Captured

Threat Matrix:
May 2008

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Preparedness

[Cindy]

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=49794

“Pentagon Expects War Funding by Memorial Day”

By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 6, 2008

[Cindy]

http://covertradioshow.com/
http://www.longwarjournal.org

#

Note: The following blog entry is a quote:

http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2008/05/covert_radio_the_lon.php

Covert Radio & The Long War Journal
By BILL ROGGIOMay 6, 2008 4:49 PM

The Long War Journal is pleased to announce a partnership with Covert Radio, which is hosted by Brett Winterble. We will produce a weekly show to explore issues surrounding the War on Terror, or what we call The Long War. This week we take an in depth look at Iraq, the influence of Iran in the region, and the latest in over the horizon strikes in Somalia

#

Listen Here:

http://cdn4.libsyn.com/brettwinterble/CR5608.mp3

[Cindy]

Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3540354,00.html

2 Qassams land near Sderot, no injuries
Published: 05.06.08, 17:49 / Israel News

Two Qassam rockets were fired towards Sderot late Monday afternoon, the rockets landed outside the city.

No injuries were reported and no damage was caused. (Shmulik Hadad)

###

Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3540349,00.html

4 mortar shells land near border fence, no injuries
Published: 05.06.08, 17:39 / Israel News

Four mortar shells landed near the Gaza border fence late Tuesday afternoon. The shells landed in open areas, causing no damage or injury. (Shmulik Hadad)

[Cindy]

http://www.memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=subjects&Area=jihad&ID=SP191608

Special Dispatch Series - No. 1916
May 6, 2008 No. 1916

“Senior Iraqi Official: Terrorism in Middle East Can Be Eradicated Only With Regional Cooperation – But Syria, Iran Are Assisting the Terrorists”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “In an interview with the London daily Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, Iraqi National Security Advisor Dr.Muwaffaq Al-Rubai’i stated that terrorism in the Middle East could only be eradicated through regional cooperation, but that this goal could not be attained as long as Iran and Syria continued to support the terrorists. He added that despite Syria’s claims to the contrary, Iraq had definite information that ‘Izzat Al-Douri, former deputy to Saddam Hussein, was living in Syria and funding terrorist activities. Al-Rubai’i also said that the Mahdi Army was being run by Iran and is serving Iran’s interests.

The following are excerpts from the interview:”

[Cindy]

Note: Video included.

blog:

http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/7194.htm

“From MEMRI TV: Hamas TV Childs’ Puppets ‘Kuku the Bird’ and ‘Fufu the Chick’ Discuss Israel’s 60th Anniversary, Vow to Return to Tel Aviv, Haifa, Jaffa, and Other Cities in Israel and to ‘Defeat the Enemies of Allah’”

#

VIDEO CLIP:

http://www.memritv.org/clip/en/1759.htm

[MamaDearest]

Thats a lot of laptops. I wonder who has them.

Perhaps employees (who have these computers without State Department authorization to possess them - ie: theft) consider the computers an employment bonus with unlikely attempt for retrieval.

If a subversive type or types took them, one by one, it opens the door to a case of domestic spying (and who knows what data could be mined from such a theft of 1,000 or more State Department computers?)

[MamaDearest]

Got mail threats? Call law enforcement, AG for help

Snippets: If an e-mailer threatens to kill you, don't answer. If you get such an e-mail, Hood advises you to call your local police or sheriff's department.........

[Cindy]

Thanks for pointing to that article, MamaDearest.

Good advice.

[Cindy]

ADDING to post no. 190:

Note: Photo included.

SNIPPET - QUOTE:

http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/alert/floyd_ed.htm

WANTED
BY THE FBI

UNLAWFUL FLIGHT TO AVOID PROSECUTION - MURDER OF A POLICE OFFICER, ROBBERY, CONSPIRACY

ERIC DESHAWN FLOYD

Aliases: Eric D. Floyd, Eric Floyd, Eric DeShann Floyd, DeShawn Eric Floyd, “Hasheem”

[Cindy]

US CERT.GOV
http://www.us-cert.gov

#

http://www.fbi.gov/page2/may08/wifi_050608.html

Headline Archives

“WI-FI SECURITY
Some Advice from the FBI”
05/06/08

#

http://www.fbi.gov/cyberinvest/protect_online.htm

“Cyber Investigations
How to Protect Your Computer”

[Cindy]

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/020908.php

May 6, 2008

“Michigan: Muslim community leader wants apology from McCain after being dropped from finance committee over alleged Hizballah ties”

[Cindy]

blog:

http://jubasucks.blogspot.com/2008/05/muslims-start-killing-christians-again.html

Saturday, May 03, 2008
“Muslims start killing Christians again in Indonesia”

###

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2008/05/03/maluku-clash-kills-3.html

Wednesday, May 7, 2008 3:15 AM

“Maluku clash kills 3”

Antara , Ambon | Sat, 05/03/2008 1:25 PM | National

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Widodo said at least three people of Horale village were killed, two others reported missing, and about 60 houses, a school building and three houses of worship were set on fire in the clash.”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Maluku province was ravaged by sectarian fighting between 1999 and 2001 that left at least 6,000 people dead.

The Malino peace accords which were signed by Muslims and Christians in 2002 ended the three years of fighting, but sporadic violence continues to erupt.”

[Cindy]

RECAP AND UPDATED:

WASHINGTON TIMES.com (UPI): "U.S. AIMS TO UNLINK ISLAMIC, TERRORISM" (May 7, 2008)

FRONTPAGE MAGAZINE.com: "KAFIR DREAMS" by Jamie Glazov (May 7, 2008)

AMERICAN THINKER.com: "STRATEGIC COLLAPSE IN THE WAR ON TERROR" by Joseph Myers (May 4, 2008)

INVESTIGATIVE PROJECT.org - IPT News: "INVESTIGATIVE PROJECT RELEASES GOV'T MEMOS CURTAILING SPEECH IN WAR ON TERROR" by Steven Emerson (May 2, 2008)

Link

Link

WASHINGTON TIMES.com: "D.C. ANTI-GANG EFFORT: CALL THEM CREWS INSTEAD" by David C. Lipscomb (April 30, 2008)

HOT AIR.com - blog (VIDEO) - New Jihad Watch: "WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE" [Robert Spencer, JIHADWATCH.org] (May 1, 2008)

COUNTERTERRORISM BLOG.org: "THE CONTINUING DEBATE OVER 'JIHADISTS' AS THE ENEMY" by Jeffrey Imm (April 30, 2008)

AMERICAN THINKER.com: "FLYING BLIND IN THE WAR ON TERROR" by Patrick Poole (April 30, 2008)

HUMAN EVENTS.com: "NO JIHADIS HERE!" by Robert Spencer (April 29, 2008)

INVESTIGATIVE PROJECT.org: "DANGEROUS WORD GAMES" by Steven Emerson (April 25, 2008)

COUNTERTERRORISM BLOG.org: "WHO IS AMERICA FIGHTING -- JIHADISTS OR EXTREMISTS?" by Jeffrey Imm (April 24, 2008)

JIHAD WATCH.org (AP): "'JIHADIST' BOOTED FROM GOVERNMENT LEXICON" (April 24, 2008)

JIHAD WATCH.org: "NEW STATE DEPARTMENT LEXICON FORBIDS USE OF THE WORDS 'JIHAD' OR JIHADIST'" (April 22, 2008)

Link

Link

[Cindy]

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

UPDATE:

Note: The following post is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2012370/posts

New disease outbreaks in China; 15,000 children infected
ap ^ | 5/9/08 | By HENRY SANDERSON, Associated Press Writer
Posted on May 7, 2008 2:24:26 AM PDT by Flavius

BEIJING - New outbreaks in China reported Wednesday put the number of children infected with hand, foot and mouth disease above 15,000 and the death toll has risen to at least 28 across the country.

(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...

[Cindy]

Small Update:

http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/features/?id=25690

First Published 2008-05-02, Last Updated 2008-05-02 15:20:18

“Bin Laden’s son denied British residency”
By Paul Schemm - CAIRO, Egypt

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Alsabah said the couple would appeal the residency rejection. “The decision can’t be based on media reports,” she said.

Britain’s Home Office, responsible for the country’s borders and immigration, declined to say anything about the application, saying it does not comment on individual cases.”

[Cindy]

Note: To read the entire report; click on the link below.

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

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

Weekly Piracy Report
29 April-5 May 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 29 April to 5 May 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

01.05.2008: 1605 UTC: 14:51.9N – 054:14.8E: Gulf of Aden.
Two speedboats crossed the bow of a bulk carrier underway. Alarm raised, crew mustered and evasive manoeuvres commenced. Both boats stopped for a while and then resumed chasing the vessel. Master contacted the coalition warship on VHF Ch. 16/72. The coalition warship crossed the ships stern and informed the master to continue on her passage, as there were no speedboats visible
Recently reported incidents

27.04.2008: 2145 UTC: Posn 06:05N – 001:17E, Lome, Togo.
Six armed robbers boarded a refrigerated cargo ship at anchor, via the forecastle. When spotted by crew, the robbers jumped overboard and escaped. Ship stores stolen.

30.04.2008: 2330 LT: Posn 02:22N – 104:24E, Malaysia
Six pirates, in a speedboat, armed with long knives and wearing masks boarded a tug towing a barge underway. Pirates entered the accommodation, stole personal and ship’s properties, and escaped. No injuries to crew.

29.04.2008: 2310 LT: Posn: 22:11.75N-091:44.8E: Chittagong anchorage Bravo: Bangladesh.
Eight robbers armed with sticks boarded a container ship at anchor from two boats. Alarm raised and crew mustered. Robbers jumped overboard and escaped without stealing anything. Authorities informed.

28.04.2008: 2203 LT: Posn 14:15.5N - 050:11.8E, Gulf of Aden.
A bulk carrier underway observed on radar three speedboats approaching at high speed. Alarm raised and anti piracy measures activated. All accommodation lights and navigations lights switched off. The boats continued to follow and slowly closed onto the vessel. Finally, to deter the pirates the chief officer threw wooden pallets and old garbage drums overboard in the path of the boats. This caused the boats to suddenly stop and abort the chase.

28.04.2008: 1110 UTC: Posn 12:38N – 049:43E, Gulf of Aden.
Pirates, in two speedboats, fired upon a bulk carrier underway using machine guns and RPG in an attempt to board the vessel. The master increased speed and carried out evasive manoeuvres. Due to the actions of the master and the high freeboard, the pirates were unable to board the vessel. The Piracy Reporting Centre informed the Coalition forces. A military aircraft dispatched. The boats moved away.

26.04.2008: 1518 LT: CCT3, Chittagong port, Bangladesh.
Robbers boarded a vessel, preparing to berth, while crew was busy at the mooring stations. As soon as the crew spotted the robbers, the alarm was raised. The robbers jumped overboard and escaped. Port control informed immediately but no action taken. Ship’s stores stolen. Port control informed but no action taken.

25.04.2008: 0020 LT: Posn 01:31N – 104:24.5E, Malaysia
Six pirates armed with guns boarded a tanker underway. Pirates ordered the master to reduce speed. They checked the type of cargo the vessel was carrying. The pirates stole personal effects of crew before escaping.

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19141&Itemid=21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080507-03
May 7, 2008

Iraqi Army Scouts discover three AQI weapons cache sites in al-Karmah

Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army Scouts with 1st IA Division, advised by U.S. Special Operations Forces, discovered three weapons cache sites in al-Karmah, approximately 27 miles northwest of Baghdad, on May 6.

IA conducted an operation in the area to find and recover al-Qaeda in Iraq weapons caches in the area.

Three separate caches were found containing a total of 24,000 .50 caliber rounds, 50 mortar rounds of various sizes, and 2,000 gallons of nitric acid, a substance used to make homemade explosives.

The mortar rounds were destroyed on-site by a Coalition forces explosive ordnance disposal team and the nitric acid was taken off-site for disposal.

This operation resulted in the destruction of a significant amount of AQI munitions and explosive making materials. The destruction of this material will help reduce attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces in the area.

-30-

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19142&Itemid=21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080507-04
May 7, 2008

Iraqi Army detains mid-level al-Qaeda in Iraq leader in Kirkuk province; detain six other suspected terrorists

Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained a suspected midlevel al-Qaeda in Iraq leader and detained six others in Kirkuk province, May 5.

Soldiers with 15th Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division conducted an operation in Kirkuk province, approximately 150 miles north of Baghdad, to detain the suspected AQI leader and disrupt AQI activities in Kirkuk province.

The suspect was reportedly leading an effort to consolidate and reorganize AQI in the province and has been focusing on improvised explosive device attack coordination, foreign fighter facilitation, and planning the murder of Sons of Iraq members.

While capturing the suspect, IA also detained six other suspected terrorists.

The detention of all of these suspects will likely disrupt AQI activity in the region and possibly yield information on other AQI leaders in Kirkuk province.

-30-

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19143&Itemid=21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080507-05
May 7, 2008

Iraqi Special Operations Forces detain seven Special Groups criminals in Sadr City

Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO

BAGHDAD – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained seven suspected Special Groups criminals in and around the Sadr City area of Baghdad, May 6.

The Special Groups network in the area is reportedly responsible for coordinating the supply of explosively formed penetrators into Baghdad and attacking Coalition and Iraqi Security force vehicles with EFPs and small arms fire. Special Groups are also linked to firing rockets into the International Zone.

ISOF conducted operations in the area to reduce Special Groups criminal activity and bring improved security to the residents of Sadr City.

The network reportedly uses mosques in Sadr City as cover for criminal activity.

Some of the reported uses of mosques by these Special Groups criminals include; as headquarters for operations, as holding facilities for their kidnapping victims, as interrogation places for captured Sons of Iraq, and as launching points for their attacks against Iraqi and Coalition forces.

These operations demonstrate the capability and determination of the Government of Iraq and ISOF to remove criminal elements from Sadr City and other areas of Baghdad.

“Iraqi Security and Coalition force efforts to stop the violence these criminals inflict on Iraqi citizens continue in earnest,” said Cmdr. Ed Buclatin, MNF-I spokesman.

“We are working with the elected government to help provide a more secure future for the Iraqi people.”

-30-

[Cindy]

Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3540499,00.html

IDF strikes gunmen in Gaza
Published: 05.07.08, 07:21 / Israel News

An IAF strike against Palestinian gunmen has been reported in southern Gaza. The army said forces identified hitting their target. (Ynet)