Threat Matrix: October 2008

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[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=92819

YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: India (Assam) Bomb Blasts
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
South / Central Asia - India
30 Oct 2008

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WARDEN MESSAGE: KOLKATA, INDIA HOLIDAY WARNING
U.S. Consulate Kolkata released the following Warden Message on October 30, 2008:

A series of explosions occurred in the northeastern Indian state of Assam on October 30, 2008. At least 47 people are reported dead with the number expected to climb. The explosions started at approximately 11:30 am in Assam’s state capital, Guwahati, where blasts occurred at the Ganeshguri, Dispur, Panbazar and Fancy Market areas. Blasts occurred also in Barpeta, Bogaigaon and Kokrajhar in western Assam north of the state capital. Many of the attacks targeted busy market places and government offices. Local authorities have imposed a curfew in Guwahati following riots which broke out after the blasts. Assam’s international borders with Bhutan and Bangladesh have been sealed. American citizens residing in or visiting Assam should avoid the areas affected by the blasts. U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to Assam without permission from the U.S. Consulate in Kolkata.

All Americans traveling or residing in India are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, remain aware of their surroundings, monitor local news reports, avoid crowded places, and take appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. If unattended packages are spotted, American citizens should immediately exit the area and report the packages to authorities.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Americans are also encouraged to read the Country Specific Information for India, available on the Embassy’s website at http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov, and also at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. For additional information, please refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” found at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. citizens may contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the Embassy or the Consulates General for further information:

— The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata is located at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kolkata, India 700071 and can be reached by telephone at +91-33-3984-2400, by fax at +91-33-2282-2335 or via e-mail at consularkolkata@state.gov. The Consulate’s Internet home page is located at http://kolkata.usconsulate.gov.

— The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is located at Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021; telephone +91-11-2419-8000; fax +91- 11-2419-8407. The Embassy’s Internet home page address is http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov.

— The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay) is located at Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, 400026, telephone +91-22-2363-3611; fax +91-22-2363-0350. The Internet home page address is http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov.

— The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras) is at 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006, telephone +91-44-2857-4000; fax +91-44-2811-2027. The Internet home page address is http://chennai.usconsulate.gov.

[Cindy]

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=92818

YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Accra, Ghana Measles Outbreak
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
Sub-Saharan Africa - Ghana
30 Oct 2008

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_2198.html

Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

This information is current as of today, Thu Oct 30 2008 16:27:52 GMT-0700 (PDT).

CONGO, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE

October 30, 2008

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo-Kinshasa), and recommends against all travel to North Kivu province. This replaces the Travel Warning dated July 23, 2008 to note the deterioration in the security situation in North Kivu.

Conditions within certain regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly in the east, remain dangerous. Official personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa are restricted from travel to North Kivu unless the travel is for official business and has been specifically authorized by the Embassy. On October 29, 2008, all U.S. Government personnel who had been present in the city of Goma relocated temporarily to the Rwandan town of Gisenyi, directly across the border. American citizens should avoid travel to Goma and surrounding areas, and those who are there are urged to depart. Fighting between armed rebels, Congolese military forces, and U.N. peacekeeping troops has increased in the province of North Kivu and continues in the provinces of South Kivu, Orientale, northern Katanga, and sporadically in Bas Congo. Armed groups as well as active duty and demobilized Congolese troops in parts of the country are known to pillage, carjack, and steal vehicles, kill extra-judicially, rape, kidnap, and carry out military or paramilitary operations. Government soldiers, as well as rebel fighters expected to be demobilized as a result of ongoing peace processes, remain a security concern. Travelers are frequently detained and questioned by poorly disciplined security forces at numerous roadblocks and border crossings throughout the country.

Travelers to the DRC frequently experience difficulties at the airport and other ports of entry, such as temporary detention, passport confiscation, and demands by immigration and security personnel for unofficial “special fees.” Visas are not available at ports of entry. All resident foreigners, including Americans, are required to register at the office of the Direction General de Migration (DGM) in the commune of their place of residence. Border closures of 24-48 hour durations can occur without much advance notice.

Enforcement of aviation safety standards in the DRC is uneven, with frequent incidents and crashes. The U.S. Embassy has prohibited official travel by U.S. government employees and contractors on all DRC-owned and operated commercial airlines due to safety and maintenance concerns. International flights on foreign-owned and –operated carriers are not affected by this notice.

American citizens should avoid all public demonstrations and areas where crowds have gathered, exercise caution, and closely monitor local and international news from reliable sources. Radio Okapi broadcasts in French on 103.5 FM at 0700, 0800, 1200, and 1800 as well as “flash” updates throughout the day. English-language news can be found on BBC at 92.7 FM. In times of emergency, the Belgian Embassy operates a French-language radio broadcast system at FM 98.8. Changes in security conditions may occasionally restrict the travel of U.S. Mission personnel.

Public Health concerns also pose a hazard to U.S. citizen travelers due to outbreaks of deadly viruses and other diseases, which can occur without warning and often are not rapidly reported by local health authorities. Information on personal protection for international travelers, including children, can be found at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel.

U.S. citizens who travel to or remain in the DRC despite this Travel Warning are strongly urged to register with the Embassy in Kinshasa or through the State Department’s travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at 310 Avenue des Aviateurs; the Consular Section entrance is located on Avenue Dumi, opposite Saint Anne’s Residence. The Embassy’s 24-hour phone number is 243-81-225-5872; callers within DRC should dial 081-225-5872. All Embassy telephone numbers are cellular phones as landlines are unreliable. The Embassy website is http://kinshasa.usembassy.gov.

U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State’s Country Specific Information for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Worldwide Caution, both located on the Department’s Internet website at http://travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on safety and security is available toll-free at 1-888-407-4747 from within the United States and Canada, or at regular toll rates at 1-202-501-4444 for callers outside the United States and Canada, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

[Cindy]

http://www.truthusa.com/IRAN.html
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/hezbollah
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/hizballah
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/hezbullah

#

http://counterterrorismblog.org/2008/10/us_should_establish_threat_fin.php

“U.S. Should Establish Threat Finance Cells to Monitor Hezbollah’s Worldwide Activities”
By Andrew Cochran
(October 30, 2008)

[Cindy]

http://www.truthusa.com/IRAN.html
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/hezbollah
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/hizballah
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/hizbullah

#

http://counterterrorismblog.org/2008/10/us_should_establish_threat_fin.php

“U.S. Should Establish Threat Finance Cells to Monitor Hezbollah’s Worldwide Activities”
By Andrew Cochran
(October 30, 2008)

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/hp1244.htm

October 30, 2008
HP-1244

Three LIFG Members Designation for Terrorism

Washington, DC—The U.S. Department of the Treasury today designated three members of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) under Executive Order 13224, which targets terrorists and the financial, technological, or material support networks of terrorists.

“LIFG, along with other al Qaida affiliates, seeks to exploit our globalized world, raising funds in Europe for transfer to terror cells operating in North Africa,” said Adam Szubin, director of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. “To combat such transnational threats, the power and reach of the U.N.’s counterterrorism authorities are needed more than ever to shut down financiers of bloodshed wherever they may be.”

LIFG officially announced its formation in 1995 among Libyans who had fought Soviet forces in Afghanistan and the Qadhafi regime in Libya. The LIFG is believed to have participated in the planning of the May 2003 Casablanca suicide bombings, and LIFG has been linked to the 2004 Madrid attacks.

Since the late 1990s, many LIFG members have fled Libya for various countries, particularly the United Kingdom. In early November 2007, Ayman al-Zawahiri announced the LIFG had become an official affiliate of al Qaida. The LIFG was named a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) in the annex to E.O. 13224 on September 23, 2001 and was added to the UN 1267 Committee Consolidated List of individuals and entities associated with al Qaida or the Taliban on October 6, 2001.

These three individuals were also recently added to the UN 1267 Sanctions Committee’s Consolidated List of individuals and entities associated with Usama bin Laden, al Qaida and the Taliban. All UN member states are obligated to freeze the funds and other assets of listed individuals and entities included on the List and to apply other sanctions, including a travel ban and an arms embargo. The United States implements this asset freeze through E.O. 13224.

Identifying Information

MAFTAH MOHAMED ELMABRUK

AKAs:
Muftah Al Mabrook
Mustah ElMabruk
Maftah El Mobruk
Muftah El Mabruk
Elmobruk Maftah
Al-Mabruk Muftah Muhammad Al-Fathali
Al-Mabruk Al-Fathali
Al-Hajj ‘Abd Al-Haqq
Al Hajj Abd Al Haqq
Al Haj Abd Al Hak
Haj ‘Abd Al-Haq

DOB: 01 May 1950
POB: Libya
Nationality: Libyan

As of January 2007, Elmabruk was a U.K.-based LIFG member and active in LIFG financial matters in the U.K. Elmabruk has been involved in fundraising activities on behalf of the LIFG for several years. Elmabruk attended various training camps in Afghanistan in the mid-1980s to early 1990s.

ABDELRAZAG ELSHARIF ELOSTA

AKAs:
Abdelrazag Elsharif Al Usta
‘Abd al-Razzaq Sharif
‘Abd Al-Razzaq Al-Sharif Al-Usta
Abu Mu’awiya
‘Abd Al-Mulay

DOB: 20 June 1963
POB: Soguma, Libya
Nationality: British

As of January 2007, Elosta was a U.K.-based LIFG member and LIFG leadership figure. In January 2005, Elosta maintained funds for the LIFG in the U.K, for various LIFG-related purposes.

ABDULBASIT ABDULRAHIM

AKAs:
Abdul Basit Fadil Abdul Rahim
Abdelbasit Abdelrahim
Abdullah Mansour
Abdallah Mansour
Abdulbasit Fadil Adbulrahim Mahoud
‘Abdallah Mansur
Abdel Bassit Fadil Al Zawy
‘Abd Al-Basit Fadil Al-Zway
‘Abd Al-Basit Fadhil Al-Zawi
Abu Basir
Abou Bassir

DOB: 02 July 1968
POB: Gdabia, Libya
POB: Ajdabiyah, Libya
Nationality: British

As of January 2007, Abdulrahim was a U.K.-based LIFG member. In January 2005, Abdulrahim was one of the most important LIFG members working on LIFG finances in the U.K., where the greatest amount of funding for the LIFG originated.

Abdulrahim joined the LIFG in 1993 while living in Saudi Arabia and was responsible there for the LIFG Islamic Jurisprudence Committee. During this time, Abdulrahim received material assistance for the LIFG from Saudi supporters, and tasked individuals to obtain material assistance for the LIFG.

-30-

[Cindy]

October 30, 2008

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2008/October/08-nsd-969.html

Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Provide Material Support to Terror Organization

Aided Tamil Tiger Terrorists in the Attempted Purchase of Surface to Air Missiles, Night Vision Devices, Machine Guns and State of the Art Firearms

BALTIMORE, MD — U.S. District Judge Catherine C. Blake sentenced Haniffa Bin Osman, age 57, a citizen of the Republic of Singapore, today to 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and money laundering, announced United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein said, “Haniffa Bin Osman conspired with others to provide material support to the Tamil Tigers, a designated foreign terrorist organization, and attempted to illegally export arms, including state of the art firearms, grenade launchers, night vision devices, surface to air missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. We will use all available legal tools to prevent terrorism, including undercover operations targeting people who attempt to obtain military weapons in violation of American law.”

According to the plea agreement, from April to September 29, 2006 Osman conspired with Haji Subandi, Erick Wotulo and Thirunavukarasu Varatharasa to provide state-of-the-art firearms, machine guns and ammunition, surface to air missiles, night vision goggles and other military weapons to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (Tamil Tigers) operating within Sri Lanka, to be used to fight against Sri Lankan government forces. The conspirators contacted an undercover business in Maryland about the sale of military weapons, requesting price quotes and negotiating the purchases. Subandi sent an itemized list of 53 military weapons, including sniper rifles, machine guns and grenade launchers that he wanted to acquire for the Tamil Tigers. Subandi advised the undercover business that Osman would inspect the weapons for the Tamil Tigers. Wotulo also advised that the chief of Tamil Tigers requested that he and Osman travel to Baltimore to meet with the undercover agents.

In July 2006, Osman met with undercover agents in Baltimore and stated that the weapons were for the Tamil Tigers from Sri Lanka. Osman said that he was not a Tamil Tigers member but was helping them obtain weapons. The agents showed Osman a number of weapons, ammunition and night vision devices.

While in Baltimore, Osman discussed the illegality of the transfer of the arms to the Tamil Tigers and provided navigational coordinates for a delivery in the Indian Ocean. Osman stated that if the first transfer of the weapons were successful, the second order could be worth as much as $15 million. Osman also inquired about pricing for unmanned aerial vehicles, and test-fired several weapons, including machine guns and sniper rifles. Osman discussed the commission he would receive for the arms sale and stated that Varatharasa would inspect the weapons and travel on the boat which was to carry the weaponry to the delivery point. He also raised the possibility that members of the Sea Tigers, the Marine Unit of the Tamil Tigers, would also escort the weapons to their final destination.

On August 1, 2006, Osman told the undercover agents that the Tamil Tigers wired a deposit of $250,000 as a down payment for the purchase of the weapons. Indeed, the next day $250,000 was wired from Malaysia to an undercover bank account in Maryland. Later that month Osman requested that the undercover business provide photographs and technical specifications for surface to air missiles.

Osman arrived in Guam on September 26, 2006 and inspected various machine guns, sniper rifles and ammunition. He also inspected two surface to air missiles and agreed to communicate with others within the Tamil Tigers about the availability and pricing of the missiles. After the inspection was completed, Osman agreed to arrange for the transfer of additional monies into an undercover bank account in Maryland as further payment for the arms and munitions. On September 28 an additional $452,000 was wired from Malaysia to the undercover account in Maryland as a further down payment on the $900,000 worth of weapons ordered by the Tamil Tigers.

On September 29, 2006, Wotulo arrived in Guam and met with Osman and undercover agents to discuss the ship-board loading of the arms and munitions. They also discussed current and future sales of weapons to the Tamil Tigers with undercover agents. They were then arrested.

“This case demonstrates the cooperative and relentless efforts of U.S. law enforcement agencies to pursue terrorist organizations and their illicit supporters.” said Scot Rittenberg, Acting Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Baltimore. “ICE will continue to do everything we can to keep sophisticated U.S. weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists.”

“Terrorist organizations continue to seek a sophisticated range of military-grade weaponry and equipment from transnational dealers which can be utilized in furtherance of violent campaigns,” said James R. Ives, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “Individuals who knowingly provide support to these groups fuel global insecurity; they are as culpable as those who use the illicit weapons and equipment to carry out vicious attacks. The results of this investigation are indicative of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s commitment to working with the Department of Justice and law enforcement partners to bring criminals seeking to profit from illegal munitions sales to justice.”

Thirunavukarasu Varatharasa, age 38, a citizen of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 57 months in prison for the conspiracy and attempted arms exportation.

Subandi, age 71, a citizen of the Republic of Indonesia, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 37 months in prison for conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, money laundering and attempted exportation of arms and munitions.

Wotulo, age 60, a citizen of the Republic of Indonesia, and a retired Indonesian Marine Corps General, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 30 months in prison for the conspiracy and money laundering.

Founded in 1976, the Tamil Tigers has advocated the violent overthrow of the Sri Lankan government, employing acts of violence, including suicide bombings, against both civilian and military targets. Approximately 200 such attacks have been attributed to the Tamil Tigers to date. The Tamil Tigers relies heavily upon supporters throughout the world to raise and launder money, acquire intelligence and purchase military use technology. The U.S. Department of State designated the Tamil Tigers as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in1997. As such, the Tamil Tigers cannot legally raise money or procure operational equipment in the United States.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein praised the investigative work performed by U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Baltimore City Police Department. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland James G. Warwick, who prosecuted the case.

###

08-969

[Cindy]

October 30, 2008

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2008/October/08-crm-971.html

Roy Belfast Jr. A/K/A Chuckie Taylor Convicted on Torture Charges

Conviction Is First Under Torture Statute

WASHINGTON – A federal jury in Miami today convicted Roy M. Belfast Jr. of crimes related to the torture of people in Liberia between April 1999 and July 2003, the Department of Justice and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced.

Belfast, 31, a/k/a Chuckie Taylor, Charles Taylor Jr., Charles Taylor II and Charles McArther Emmanuel, was convicted of five counts of torture, one count of conspiracy to torture, one count of using a firearm during the commission of a violent crime and one count of conspiracy to use a firearm during the commission of a violent crime. Belfast, the son of former Liberian President Charles Taylor, was charged in a November 2007 superseding indictment with torture, conspiracy to commit torture, using a firearm during a crime of violence and conspiracy to use a firearm during a crime of violence.

Belfast, who was born in the United States, was alleged to have been a commander of an armed security force in Liberia during his father’s administration. According to trial testimony, Belfast commanded a paramilitary organization known as the Anti-Terrorist Unit that was directed to provide protection for the Liberian president and additional dignitaries of the Liberian government. Between 1999 and 2002, in his role as commander of the unit, Belfast and his associates committed forms of torture including burning victims with molten plastic, lit cigarettes, scalding water, candle wax and an iron; severely beating victims with firearms; cutting and stabbing victims; and shocking victims with an electric device.

“Today’s conviction provides a measure of justice to those who were victimized by the reprehensible acts of Charles Taylor Jr. and his associates,” Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey said. “It sends a powerful message to human rights violators around the world that, when we can, we will hold them fully accountable for their crimes.”

“This is the first case in the United States to charge an individual with criminal torture. I hope this case will serve as a model to future prosecutions of this type. I also hope today’s verdict helps those who were victims of torture in Liberia rest a bit easier, although nothing can erase the physical and mental scars that resulted from the punishments they endured.” stated U.S. Attorney R. Alexander Acosta.

“This historic conviction is the culmination of extensive efforts by many to bring Charles Taylor Jr. to justice for his crimes,” said Julie L. Myers, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for ICE. “The United States has always been a place of refuge and freedom from oppression for millions. We must never deny safe haven to those with a genuine and legitimate fear of persecution. But we must also ensure that those who come here seeking freedom and the rule of law do not have to fear that their persecutor may become their neighbor.”

“The crimes for which Mr. Belfast has been convicted represent some of the most horrific acts imaginable,” said Arthur M. Cummings III, Executive Assistant Director, FBI National Security Branch. “I’d like to personally thank our Washington Field Office agents and our partners at ICE who worked tirelessly to uncover the facts in this case and expose these deplorable crimes.”

Belfast was prosecuted under a statute that criminalizes torture and provides U.S. courts jurisdiction to hear cases involving acts of torture committed outside the United States if the offender is a U.S. national or is present in the United States, regardless of nationality.

On March 30, 2006, Belfast attempted to enter the United States with a passport obtained through false statements in his application and was arrested at that time. Belfast pleaded guilty on Sept. 15, 2006, to passport fraud and was sentenced on Dec. 7, 2007, to 11 months in prison for that conviction.

The charges of torture, conspiracy to commit torture and conspiracy to use a firearm during the commission of a violent crime carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years each. The charge of using a firearm during the commission of a violent crime carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 9, 2009.

The case was jointly investigated by ICE and the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen Rochlin and Caroline Heck Miller of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Chris Graveline of the Domestic Security Section of the Criminal Division. National Security Division Trial Attorney Brenda Sue Thornton and Criminal Division Attorneys John Cox and John-Alex Romano also provided assistance.

###

08-971

[Cindy]

October 29, 2008

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://sacramento.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel08/sc102908.htm

FBI arrests Sacramento man in sugar packet hoax mailings:
letters sent to Congressional Offices and media outlets

Late this afternoon FBI agents arrested Marc M. Keyser, 66, of Sacramento, California, and charged him with three counts of sending a hoax letter after he allegedly mailed over 120 packages containing a CD entitled “Anthrax: Shock & Awe Terror”. Attached to the CD was a sugar packet containing a white powdery substance and a label depicting an orange biohazard symbol and the words “Anthrax Sample”. The packages were sent to a number of addresses nationwide including: over 100 major media outlets across the country, the office of a national news magazine in Washington, DC, a Congressional District Office in Modesto, California, a newspaper in North Carolina and to at least two restaurants in the Sacramento-area.

Several of these packages have been collected and sent to the FBI Laboratory at Quantico, Virginia, for processing. At this point none of the contents have tested positive for bio-hazardous material. It is likely that many other mailings will be received over the next few days. Recipients of these mailings are advised to contact their local FBI office so that these packages can be collected and preserved for evidentiary purposes.

The arrest is not connected to another series of powder hoax mailings sent to financial institutions announced by the FBI last week.

Keyser was arrested at his residence without incident and is in custody at the Sacramento County Jail. He will make his initial appearance in federal court tomorrow at 2:00 p.m.

[Cindy]

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51730

“Office Readies Defense Department for Transition to Next Administration”

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2008

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51731

Coalition Forces Capture Wanted Men, Additional Suspects

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2008 – Coalition forces further debilitated al-Qaida in Iraq networks during operations yesterday and today, capturing four wanted men and detaining six additional suspects, military officials reported.

Today in Sadiyah, northeast of Baghdad, coalition forces captured a wanted man assessed to be associated with al-Qaida weapons and foreign terrorist facilitation networks in the region. One additional suspect was detained for further questioning.

Two more wanted men were captured by forces operating in Baghdad today. One of the men, believed to be an al-Qaida financier, surrendered to coalition forces and turned in his associate.

Forces in Mosul targeted al-Qaida’s communication lines yesterday. A wanted man believed to be an al-Qaida courier associated with multiple regional leaders was captured along with three suspects during the operation.

Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers detained two suspected criminals during combat operations yesterday in southern Baghdad’s Rashid district.

In the Jihad community, soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division’s Company C, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, detained and transported a suspected criminal to a nearby combat outpost. The suspect allegedly is responsible for indirect-fire and small-arms attacks, weapons trafficking and murder.

After receiving a tip from a local citizen, 4th Infantry Division soldiers from Troop C, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, detained a suspected criminal in the Abu
Tshir community. The patrol seized 81 mm mortar rounds, rocket-propelled grenades and rifles from his vehicle. The patrol returned with the detainee to a combat outpost for questioning.

In operations Oct. 28:.

— In an operation in Khatoon, an Iraqi special weapons and tactics team captured a suspected al-Qaida in Iraq cell leader believed to be responsible for planning and coordinating attacks against Iraqi security forces. He also is suspected of providing financial backing, logistical support, and safe haven for al-Qaida fighters in Khatoon.

— In Salamiyah, southeast of Mosul, Iraqi special operations forces arrested a suspected leader of an Islamic State of Iraq terrorist organization cell responsible for murdering many Iraqi police in Mosul. The suspect reportedly commands insurgents in the village.

— Acting on a citizen tip, Iraqi National Police officers seized a munitions cache in eastern Baghdad. The cache consisted of three 81 mm mortar rounds, three 60 mm mortar rounds, four RPG launchers, five RPG warheads, three RPG fuse assemblies, about 400 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition and a Dragonov sniper rifle.

— In Rashid, Iraqi special operations forces arrested a suspected criminal military cell leader on an Interior Ministry warrant.

In operations Oct. 27:

— The Iraqi SWAT team in Kut detained two suspected criminal cell members. One of the individuals is said to be a facilitator who supplies weapons and provides financial support and a safe house, officials said. The other individual is believed to be an active member of a sniper cell.

— In Baghdad, Iraqi soldiers captured a suspected Kataib Hezbollah militant said to have ties to an improvised rocket builder and facilitator. The individual is believed to be responsible for a rocket-assisted mortar attack on a joint security station in July. The suspect’s cell also reportedly participated in RPG attacks in April and June. Kataib Hezbollah, also known as Hezbollah Brigades, is a terrorist group believed to receive funding, training, logistics and material support from Iran to attack Iraqi and coalition forces using what the military calls “explosively formed penetrators,” or EFPs – roadside bombs designed to pierce armor-hulled vehicles – and other weapons such as rocket-assisted mortars.

— Baghdad National Emergency Response Brigade captured a suspected facilitator for the militant Kataib Hezbollah’s improvised rocket-assisted mortars cell.

— Iraqi special operations forces captured six suspected al-Qaida in Iraq cell members northwest of Mosul in Barzan. The cell members are suspected of bombing the Barzan police station earlier this month and attacking the Badoush Prison in March 2007.

— A Tal Afar SWAT team captured four suspected al-Qaida members in the village of Ibrat Najar. The individuals are suspected of providing supplies to other al-Qaida terrorists in Mosul. Three Katusha rockets were found north of the village and were destroyed.

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

[Godzilla]

Published: 10/30/08, 11:01 AM / Last Update: 10/30/08, 11:18 AM “Iranian Nuke Scientist: Weekend Quake was a Nuclear Test” by Hillel Fendel

Total bovine excrement. The epicenter is on the coast - hardly the place they'd want to test - where all the world could detect it.

[Godzilla]

Marc M. Keyser, 66, of Sacramento, California

This guy is a nut job - self proclaimed expert on terror.

[Cindy]

“Total bovine exrement.”

Thanks Godzilla.

So the Iranian government was lying again— propaganda, another day.

Sometimes I feel these guys are just plain incapable of telling the truth.

[Cindy]

Well now, that makes Mr. Keyser our STUCK ON STUPID and IDIOT ALERT award winner today.

[Cindy]

THIS IS A FACT: There are many Iranians in Iran and Iranian-Americans here in America that DO NOT HATE US.

#

http://www.truthusa.com/IRAN.html
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/iran

#

http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/globaljihad
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/suicidebombers
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/suicidebomber
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/homicidebombers
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/homicidebomber
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/humanbombs
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/humanbomb

####

http://www.memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=countries&Area=iran&ID=SP209808

####

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/Page/IndexParMult&cid=1145961369337

Special Dispatch Series - No. 2098
October 30, 2008 No. 2098

“Khamenei: “The Iranian People’s Hatred for America Is Profound”; Larijani: America Should Beware of Our Martyrdom-Seekers”

####

The following threat is just another example of thuggish global jihad propaganda on the part of the Iranian government:

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1225199610409&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Oct 30, 2008 14:52 | Updated Oct 30, 2008 15:23
“Iran threatens US with suicide bombers”
By THE MEDIA LINE NEWS AGENCY

SNIPPET: “”America should be aware not to put its huge body on top of the suicide bombers’ explosive devices,” Larijani said.

On the same day, Khamanai said the differences between Iran and the US were far beyond differences of opinion.

“The Iranian people hate the US… “

####

http://www.themedialine.org/news/news_detail.asp?NewsID=23108

“Iran’s Al-Quds Octopus Spreads its Arms”
Written by Yaniv Berman
Published Monday, October 27, 2008

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “As the West anxiously scrutinizes every development in Iran’s nuclear program, it seems the land of the ayatollahs has another frightening weapon in its arsenal that some experts believe may be equally dangerous – the Al-Quds Force (QF).

Operating out of the Iranian parliament’s – and even the president’s – reach, the clandestine QF answers directly only to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah ‘Ali Khamanai.

Very few people know how much is spent on the QF’s annual budget, which is estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars. Iranian legislators are not allowed to examine the QF’s expenses, nor are they expected to vote on its appropriations.

While President Mahmoud Ahmadi Nejad is doing his best to gain the support of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), to which the QF is subordinate, the president has no formal control over QF activities abroad. “

[Cindy]

QUOTE:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2120499/posts?page=2#2

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

###

http://washingtontimes.com/news/2008/oct/30/trouble-to-the-south/

Editorials - OpEd

“WHETZEL: Trouble to the south
Vigilance needed in Caribbean”

Howard Whetzel
Thursday, October 30, 2008

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Iranian Hezbollah has set up training camps in Venezuela. It is expected that these “trainers” will then expand their operations, reported to be drug and weapons smuggling, and money laundering, to the countries Iran has established diplomatic relations with in the region.”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Mr. Chavez is expanding narcotics and weapons smuggling in the region, utilizing his friends Hezbollah. We know from his actions, or inaction against drug traffickers in Venezuela, that he is not only supporting this activity but also receiving funding from them. His purchase from the Russians of weapons and weapons production rights clearly demonstrates his intentions. We need to shut this down before it becomes, as has often been stated, a “clear and present danger.” We cannot afford to allow Iran to establish a foothold in our region, lest we will surely pay a price.”

###

stepping back in time...

http://articles.latimes.com/2008/aug/27/world/fg-venezterror27

“Fears of a Hezbollah presence in Venezuela”

“The Lebanese Shiite militia, linked to deadly attacks in Argentina in the 1990s, may be taking advantage of Chavez’s ties with its ally Iran, terrorism experts say.”

By Chris Kraul and Sebastian Rotella
August 27, 2008

2 posted on October 31, 2008 2:13:32 AM PDT by Cindy

[Cindy]

US CERT.GOV
http://www.uscert.gov

#

http://www.darkreading.com/security/attacks/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=211800362

“New Phishing Attacks Target Legitimate Web Domain Owners
Phishing campaign could be fallout from pressure to shutter notorious registrar associated with spammers, cybercrime”
Oct 30, 2008 | 04:59 PM

By Kelly Jackson Higgins
DarkReading

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “A new brand of phishing attack now under way and aimed at legitimate Web site domain owners could be the result of efforts to shut down a notorious domain registrar popular among spammers and malware writers, security experts say.”

#

BLOG:

http://ddanchev.blogspot.com/2008/10/pseudo-email-marketing-tools-empowering.html

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2008
“Pseudo Email Marketing Tools Empowering Spammers”
Posted by Dancho Danchev

[Cindy]

RECAP and UPDATED:

FOX NEWS.com (AP): Camden, N.J. - "FORT DIX TERROR TAPES: PLOTTER CALLED FOR 'SUICIDE ATTACK' ON BUILDINGS" (October 30, 2008)

JIHAD WATCH.org (STAR-LEDGER): "FORT DIX JIHAD VIDEO DEPICTS GORY DECAPITATIONS AND JIHADI CELEBRATIONS" (ARTICLE SNIPPET: "An FBI language specialist, Gassan Hajjar, then described for jurors what happened next: Using a knife, the captors sliced off the hostages' heads, taking four to six minutes to complete the decapitations, he said. They held the severed heads aloft, placed them back on the bodies and celebrated.") (October 24, 2008)

FOX NEWS.com (AP): "JURORS IN FORT DIX TRIAL VIEW JIHADIST VIDEOS FOUND IN DEFENDANTS' HOMES" (October 23, 2008)

JIHAD WATCH.org (TELEGRAPH.co.uk): "FORT DIX JIHADIST: "They are the ones, we are going to put bullets in their heads, Allah willing."" (October 20, 2008)

NY DAILY NEWS.com: "OSAMA BIN LADEN 'INSPIRED' N.J. PLOT ON FORT DIX" by Owen Moritz (October 20, 2008, 9:12 pm)

JIHAD WATCH.org (AP): "POTENTIAL JURORS IN FORT DIX JIHAD CASE GRILLED ON WHETHER THEY THINK ISLAM TEACHES VIOLENCE" (October 7, 2008)

FOX NEWS.com (AP): Camden, N.J. - "POTENTIAL JURORS KEPT SECRET IN FORT DIX PLOT TRIAL" (September 29, 2008)

JIHAD WATCH.org (AP): Camden, N.J. - "FORT DIX JIHAD UPDATE" (September 29, 2008)

JIHAD WATCH.org: "PROSECUTORS IN FORT DIX JIHAD CASE CHALLENGE MOVE BY DEFENSE TO PURGE 'JIHAD' AND 'AL-QAEDA' REFERENCES" (July 19, 2008)

JIHAD WATCH.org (STAR LEDGER): "'SOUTH JERSEY MAN' GETS 20 MONTHS FOR SUPPLYING GUNS TO FORT DIX JIHADISTS" (April 1, 2008)

ADNKRONOS.com (AKI): New York - "TERRORISM: ETHNIC ALBANIAN KOSOVAR GETS 20-MONTH SENTENCE FOR PLOT" (April 1, 2008)

Philadelphia.FBI.gov - DOJ Press Release: Camden, New Jersey - "ABDULLAHU SENTENCED 20 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR SUPPLYING GUNS AND AMMUNITION TO ILLEGAL ALIENS" (March 31, 2008)

Link

COUNTERTERRORISM BLOG.org: "NEW NEFA FOUNDATION 'TARGET AMERICA' REPORT: 'THE FORT DIX PLOT'" by Evan Kohlmann (January 28, 2008)

Link (pdf)

JIHAD WATCH.org (AP): "NEW CHARGES IN FORT DIX JIHAD CASE -- ATTEMPTED MURDER" (January 15, 2008)

JIHAD WATCH.org (REUTERS): "ACCUSED FORT DIX JIHADISTS DENIED BAIL, BUT NOT OPPORTUNITY FOR PRISON DAWA" (January 4, 2008)

JIHAD WATCH.org (AP): "FORT DIX ATTACK PLOT SUSPECTS PROMOTING JIHAD IN JAIL" (December 12, 2007)

Video - Link

ICE.gov: Camden, N.J. - "ABDULLAHU ADMITS SUPPLYING GUNS AND AMMUNITION TO ILLEGAL ALIENS INVOLVED IN PLOT TO ATTACK FORT DIX" (November 2, 2007)

US DOJ.gov/usao/nj - Press Release: "ABDULLAHU ADMITS SUPPLYING GUNS AND AMMUNITION TO ILLEGAL ALIENS CHARGED WITH PLANNING ATTACKS ON MILITARY PERSONNEL" (October 31, 2007) (pdf)

Link (pdf)

JIHAD WATCH.org (AP): Mount Laurel, New Jersey - "FEDS: FORT DIX BASE PLOT SUSPECT THREATENS FBI" (June 19, 2007)

WASHINGTON TIMES.com (AP): Camden, New Jersey - "6 FORT DIX SUSPECTS ENTER NOT-GUILTY PLEA" (June 15, 2007)

Newark.FBI.gov - DOJ Press Release: Camden - "FIVE INDICTED IN PLOT TO KILL SOLDIERS AT FORT DIX; SIXTH CHARGED WITH AIDING THE POSSESSION OF WEAPONS" (June 5, 2007)

"www.usdoj.gov/usao/nj/press/files/pdffiles/duka0605rel.pdf"

"www.usdoj.gov/usao/nj/press/files/pdffiles/Indictment0605.pdf"

JIHAD WATCH.org (AP): Mount Laurel, N.J. -"FORT DIX SUSPECT APPLIED FOR POLICE JOBS" (May 23, 2007)

FRONTPAGE MAGAZINE.com: "THE 'PRO-AMERICAN' TERRORISTS" by Julia Gorin (May 22, 2007)

OSINT.INTERNET-HAGANAH.com (AP, May 17, 2007, Camden, NJ): "SUSPECT DENIED BAIL IN FORT DIX CASE" (May 18, 2007)

JIHAD WATCH.org (THE STAR-LEDGER): "FORT DIX JIHAD SUSPECT ASKS FOR QUR'AN" (May 11, 2007)

JIHAD WATCH.org (AP): Camden, New Jersey - " FORT DIX SUSPECTS ARE ALL DENIED BAIL" (May 11, 2007)

CNS NEWS.com: "TERROR-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION LINK HIGHLIGHTED IN THWARTED NJ PLOT" by Kevin Mooney (May 11, 2007)

CNS NEWS.com: "FBI LACKS EVIDENCE TO CHARGE FOUR OTHER JIHADISTS" by Kevin Mooney (May 10, 2007)

JIHAD WATCH.org (MSNBC): "FORT DIX JIHAD PLOTTERS RECRUITED THROUGH INTERNET" (May 9, 2007)

INTERNET-HAGANAH.com: "INTERNET"

MEMRI.org: "JIHAD AND TERRORISM STUDIES PROJECT"

FOX NEWS.com: "BROTHERS CHARGED IN TERROR PLOT LIVED ILLEGALLY IN U.S. FOR 23 YEARS" (May 9, 2007)

ADNKI.com (AKI): Belgrade - "TERRORISM: U.S. ARMY BASE PLOT 'CONFIRMS EXISTENCE OF WHITE AL QAEDA' BALKAN EXPERTS SAY" (May 9, 2007)

Google - Search Term: "WHITE AL QAEDA"

Google - Search Term: "WHITE AL QAIDA"

CHRONICLES MAGAZINE.org: "KOSOVO BLOWBACK REACHES AMERICA" by Srdja Trifkovic (May 8, 2007)

FRONTPAGE MAGAZINE.com: "BALKIN MUSLIM GRATITUDE" by Julia Gorin (May 9, 2007)

DEFENSElink.mil (AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE): Washington - "SIX ARRESTED FOR PLOTTING TO KILL SOLDIERS AT FORT DIX, N.J." by John J. Kruzel (May 8, 2007)

Newark.FBI.GOV - DOJ Press Release: Camden, N.J. - "SIX INDIVIDUALS CHARGED WITH PLOTTING TO MURDER U.S. SOLDIERS AT NEW JERSEY MILITARY BASE" (May 8, 2007)

FBI.gov: "ATTACK FOILED Undercover Probe Busts Terror Plot" (Note: Includes Additional Links) (May 8, 2007)

THE SMOKING GUN.com: "FORT DIX TERROR PLOT FOILED FBI: New Jersey jihadists targeted servicemen at Army base" (May 8, 2007)