Threat Matrix: Daily Terror Threat - Thread 6

Voice of America ^ | 01 Apr 2004 | Nick Simeone

[thecabal]

Link to Thread 5

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US Promises to Punish Those Responsible for Gruesome Iraq Attacks

The top U.S. official in Iraq says Wednesday's gruesome attacks on four American civilians whose burned bodies were put on display in the town of Fallujah will not go unpunished.

"It's going to be deliberate, it will be precise and it will be overwhelming," U.S. General Mark Kimmitt said, speaking to reporters in Baghdad. He warned insurgents in the town of Fallujah to be prepared for U.S. forces to strike back following Wednesday's killing of four American contractors by a frenzied mob that dragged their charred bodies through the streets.

Televised footage of the act has provoked outrage from Americans in the United States and led U.S. administrator in Baghdad Paul Bremer to issue a warning.

"Their deaths will not go unpunished," he promised.

The White House blamed the attacks on supporters of Saddam Hussein. The remains of the four were to be turned over to the U.S. military.

A day after the attack, three American soldiers were injured in another attack near Fallujah, this time when their Humvee struck a roadside bomb.

[liberallyconservative]

Thanks for getting us started.

[smiley]

High noon...public square.....public hanging...

[Velveeta]

Bookmarked. Thank you Cabal!

[appalachian_dweller]

This should be a review for most of us that have been here, but for those new to the thread(s)....Be Prepared:

1. Learn about the natural disasters that could occur in your community from your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter. Learn whether hazardous materials are produced, stored or transported near your area. Learn about possible consequences of deliberate acts of terror. Ask how to prepare for each potential emergency and how to respond.

2. Talk with employers and school officials about their emergency response plans.

3. Talk with your household about potential emergencies and how to respond to each. Talk about what you would need to do in an evacuation.

4. Plan how your household would stay in contact if you were separated. Identify two meeting places: the first should be near your home—in case of fire, perhaps a tree or a telephone pole; the second should be away from your neighborhood in case you cannot return home.

5. Pick a friend or relative who lives out of the area for household members to call to say they are okay.

6. Draw a floor plan of your home. Mark two escape routes from each room.

7. Post emergency telephone numbers by telephones. Teach children how and when to call 911.

8. Make sure everyone in your household knows how and when to shut off water, gas, and electricity at the main switches. Consult with your local utilities if you have questions.

9. Take a first aid and CPR class. Local American Red Cross chapters can provide information. Official certification by the American Red Cross provides “good Samaritan” law protection for those giving first aid.

10. Reduce the economic impact of disaster on your property and your household’s health and financial well-being.

• Review property insurance policies before disaster strikes—make sure policies are current and be certain they meet your needs (type of coverage, amount of coverage, and hazard covered—flood, earthquake)

• Protect your household’s financial well-being before a disaster strikes— review life insurance policies and consider saving money in an “emergency” savings account that could be used in any crisis. It is advisable to keep a small amount of cash or traveler’s checks at home in a safe place where you can quickly gain access to it in case of an evacuation.

• Be certain that health insurance policies are current and meet the needs of your household.

11. Consider ways to help neighbors who may need special assistance, such as the elderly or the disabled.

12. Make arrangements for pets. Pets are not allowed in public shelters. Service animals for those who depend on them are allowed.

If you have a disability or special need, you may have to take additional steps to protect yourself and your household in an emergency. If you know of friends or neighbors with special needs, help them with these extra precautions. Hearing impaired may need to make special arrangements to receive warning. Mobility impaired may need assistance in getting to a shelter. Households with a single working parent may need help from others both in planning for disasters and during an emergency. People without vehicles may need to make arrangements for transportation. People with special dietary needs should have an adequate emergency food supply. Find out about special assistance that may be available in your community. Register with the office of emergency services or fire department for assistance, so needed help can be provided quickly in an emergency.

Create a network of neighbors, relatives, friends and co-workers to aid you in an emergency. Discuss your needs and make sure they know how to operate necessary equipment.

Discuss your needs with your employer.

If you are mobility impaired and live or work in a high-rise building, have an escape chair. If you live in an apartment building, ask the management to mark accessible exits clearly and to make arrangements to help you evacuate the building. Keep extra wheelchair batteries, oxygen, catheters, medication, food for guide or hearing-ear dogs, or other items you might need. Also, keep a list of the type and serial numbers of medical devices you need.

Those who are not disabled should learn who in their neighborhood or building is disabled so that they may assist them during emergencies. If you are a care-giver for a person with special needs, make sure you have a plan to communicate if an emergency occurs.

You may need to survive on your own for three days or more. This means having your own water, food and emergency supplies. Try using backpacks or duffel bags to keep the supplies together. Assembling the supplies you might need following a disaster is an important part of your disaster plan. You should prepare emergency supplies for the following situations:

A disaster supply kit with essential food, water, and supplies for at least three days—this kit should be kept in a designated place and be ready to “grab and go” in case you have to leave your home quickly because of a disaster, such as a flash flood or major chemical emergency. Make sure all household members know where the kit is kept.

Consider having additional supplies for sheltering or home confinement for up to two weeks.

You should also have a disaster supply kit at work. This should be in one container, ready to "grab and go" in case you have to evacuate the building.

A car kit of emergency supplies, including food and water, to keep stored in your car at all times. This kit would also include flares, jumper cables, and seasonal supplies.

Stocking water reserves should be a top priority. Drinking water in emergency situations should not be rationed. Therefore, it is critical to store adequate amounts of water for your household. Individual needs vary, depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet, and climate. A normally active person needs at least two quarts of water daily just for drinking. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people need more. Very hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed. Because you will also need water for sanitary purposes and, possibly, for cooking, you should store at least one gallon of water per person per day.

Store water in thoroughly washed plastic, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal containers. Don't use containers that can break, such as glass bottles. Never use a container that has held toxic substances. Sound plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles, are best. You can also purchase food grade plastic buckets or drums. Containers for water should be rinsed with a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts water) before use. Previously used bottles or other containers may be contaminated with microbes or chemicals. Do not rely on untested devices for decontaminating water.

If your water is treated commercially by a water utility, you do not need to treat water before storing it. Additional treatments of treated public water will not increase storage life. If you have a well or public water that has not been treated, follow the treatment instructions provided by your public health service or water provider. If you suspect that your well may be contaminated, contact your local or state health department or agriculture extension agent for specific advice.

Seal your water containers tightly, label them and store them in a cool, dark place. It is important to change stored water every six months.

If activity is reduced, healthy people can survive on half their usual food intake for an extended period or without any food for many days. Food, unlike water, may be rationed safely, except for children and pregnant women.

You don’t need to go out and buy unfamiliar foods to prepare an emergency food supply. You can use the canned foods, dry mixes and other staples on your cupboard shelves. Canned foods do not require cooking, water or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener.

Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is fairly cool. To protect boxed foods from pests and to extend their shelf life, store the food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.

Replace items in your food supply every six months. Throw out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented, or corroded. Use foods before they go bad, and replace them with fresh supplies. Date each food item with a marker. Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in front.

Food items that you might consider including in your disaster supply kit include: ready-to-eat meats, fruits, and vegetables; canned or boxed juices, milk, and soup; high-energy foods like peanut butter, jelly, low-sodium crackers, granola bars, and trail mix; vitamins; foods for infants or persons on special diets; cookies, hard candy; instant coffee, cereals, and powdered milk.

You may need to survive on your own after a disaster. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it may take days. Basic services, such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones, may be cut off for days, even a week or longer. Or you may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you.

You probably won’t have the opportunity to shop or search for the supplies you’ll need. Your household will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes.

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and for each vehicle. The basics for your first aid kit should include:
– First aid manual
– Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
– Assorted sizes of safety pins
– Cleansing agents (isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide)/soap/ germicide
– Antibiotic ointment
– Latex gloves (2 pairs)
– Petroleum jelly
– 2-inch and 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6 each size)
– Triangular bandages (3)
– 2-inch and 3-inch sterile rolled bandages (3 rolls each)
– Cotton balls
– Scissors
– Tweezers
– Needle
– Moistened towelettes
– Antiseptic
– Thermometer
– Tongue depressor blades (2)
– Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
– Sunscreen.

It may be difficult to obtain prescription medications during a disaster because stores may be closed or supplies may be limited. Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications. Be sure they are stored to meet instructions on the label and be mindful of expirations dates—be sure to keep your stored medication up to date.

Extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lens.

Have the following nonprescription drugs in your disaster supply kit:
– Aspirin and non-aspirin pain reliever
– Anti-diarrhea medication
– Antacid (for stomach upset)
– Syrup of ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the poison control center)
– Laxative
– Vitamins.

It will be important to assemble these items in a disaster supply kit in case you have to leave your home quickly. Even if you don't have to leave your home, if you lose power it will be easier to have these item already assembled and in one place.

Tools and other items:
– A portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries (also have a NOAA weather radio, if appropriate for your area)
– Flashlight and extra batteries
– Signal flare
– Matches in a waterproof container (or waterproof matches)
– Shut-off wrench, pliers, shovel and other tools
– Duct tape and scissors
– Plastic sheeting
– Whistle
– Small canister, A-B-C-type fire extinguisher
– Tube tent
– Compass
– Work gloves
– Paper, pens, and pencils
– Needles and thread
– Battery-operated travel alarm clock

Kitchen items:
– Manual can opener
– Mess kits or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
– All-purpose knife
– Household liquid bleach to treat drinking water
– Sugar, salt, pepper
– Aluminum foil and plastic wrap
– Re-sealing plastic bags
– If food must be cooked, small cooking stove and a can of cooking fuel

Sanitation and hygiene items:
– Washcloth and towel
– Towelettes, soap, hand sanitizer, liquid detergent
– Tooth paste, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorants, comb and brush, razor, shaving cream, lip balm, sunscreen, insect repellent, contact lens solutions, mirror, feminine supplies
– Heavy-duty plastic garbage bags and ties—for personal sanitation uses—and toilet paper
– Medium-sized plastic bucket with tight lid
– Disinfectant and household chlorine bleach
– Consider including a small shovel for digging a latrine

Household documents and contact numbers:
– Personal identification, cash (including change) or traveler's checks, and a credit card

– Copies of important documents:
birth certificate, marriage certificate, driver's license, social security cards, passport, wills, deeds, inventory of household goods, insurance papers, immunizations records, bank and credit card account numbers, stocks and bonds. Be sure to store these in a watertight container.

– Emergency contact list and phone numbers
– Map of the area and phone numbers of places you could go
– An extra set of car keys and house keys.

One complete change of clothing and footwear for each household member. Shoes should be sturdy work shoes or boots. Rain gear, hat and gloves, extra socks, extra underwear, thermal underwear, sunglasses.

Blankets or a sleeping bag for each household member, pillows.

Remember to consider the needs of infants, elderly persons, disabled persons, and pets and to include entertainment and comfort items for babies, children, elderly, and pets. Entertainment: books, games, quiet toys and stuffed animals.

It is important for you to be ready, wherever you may be when disaster strikes. With the checklists above you can now put together an appropriate disaster supply kit for your household:

A disaster supply kit kept in the home with supplies for at least three days; it is unlikely that food supplies would be cut off for as long as two weeks, consider storing additional water, food, clothing and bedding other supplies to expand your supply kit to last up to two weeks.

A work place disaster supply kit. It is important to store a personal supply of water and food at work; you will not be able to rely on water fountains or coolers. Women who wear high-heels
should be sure to have comfortable flat shoes at their workplace in case an evacuation requires walking long distances.

A car disaster supply kit. Keep a smaller disaster supply kit in the trunk of you car. If you become
stranded or are not able to return home, having these items will help you be more comfortable until help arrives. Add items for severe winter weather during months when heavy snow or icy roads are possible—salt, sand, shovels, and extra winter clothing, including hats and gloves.

The only thing not covered in the above is firearms for self defense. This should b e carefully considered by each individual. It is a great responsibility. Remember that firearms are just tools, and tools in the wrong hands are more of a liability than an asset.

[freeperfromnj]

Bookmarking new thread. Thanks!

[CyberAnt]

Level the whole stinking town!!

[freeperfromnj]

ITALY MAKES 'MANY' ARRESTS IN TERROR SWEEP

PERUGIA, Italy, April 1 (UPI) -- Police in central Italy said Thursday a series of raids had resulted in "many" terror-related arrests, Sky News reported.

The early morning raids took place in Perugia, which is home to a university for foreign students. The city was recently identified by the interior ministry as one of five Italian cities at risk from attack by militant Islamists.

http://interestalert.com/brand/siteia.shtml?Story=st/sn/04010000aaa01710.upi&Sys=siteia&Fid=WORLDNEW&Type=News&Filter=World%20News

[TexKat]

Thanks thecabal for the new thread.

Israeli raid sows fear at Bethlehem mental hospital

By Cynthia Johnston

BETHLEHEM, West Bank (Reuters) - When a gunbattle ended after an Israeli army raid on a Bethlehem mental hospital on Thursday, a schizophrenic Palestinian patient stepped out on a ledge and threatened to jump.

"We brought him down. We talked to him slowly, calmly and gently," a doctor said. "The situation now is that all the patients feel fear...They are in shock."

It was a jarring introduction to the Middle East conflict for Bethlehem's Hospital for Psychological and Mental Illness, which had been spared during numerous Israeli incursions into the West Bank city during a 3-1/2-year-old Palestinian uprising.

Witnesses said Israeli soldiers battled for an hour against Palestinian gunmen holed up in the hospital, which lies about two km from the famed Manger Square in the town revered as Jesus's birthplace.

The army said militants had been meeting in the compound to plan attacks against Israelis. Troops surrounded the hospital before dawn and called on the gunmen to surrender, but the army said militants opened fire from inside. Twelve men, mostly militants from the al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades that make up Palestinian President Yasser Arafat's Fatah faction, were arrested, witnesses said.

Despite witness accounts, Moussa Abu Hamid, director of Palestinian hospitals, denied gunmen had taken refuge in the hospital. He said six nurses were among those detained by Israel. No casualties were reported.

At the hospital, a sprawling complex lined with palm trees and well-manicured shrubs, nurses tried to comfort patients suffering from illnesses such as schizophrenia and depression.

"What I hear is that it affected them a lot. They are agitated," said Adel Eissa, administrative director of the hospital. "There is no justification for this. But who will listen? They (the Israelis) say it is self-defence."

PATIENTS CONFUSED

One schizophrenic patient, asked how he felt about what happened, could say little more than "good morning" and complain he could not get juice because of the destruction.

Another trembled as he spoke about an Israeli army jeep that came close to his building, but said he was not afraid.

"We were feeling bad," said a third patient who said he was awakened by shooting and watched the raid from a window. "We are not used to seeing soldiers here."

Israeli fire left gaping holes in walls in the administrative section of the hospital and chunks of plaster and glass shards littered the corridors.

In one room, ceiling panels had collapsed onto an examination table. On the roof, water dripped from storage tanks pierced by gunfire.

Doctors said they were still confused about what had happened, saying soldiers prevented them from leaving their sleeping quarters to reach patients during the raid.

"The soldiers surrounded our building and we couldn't get out," said one doctor, who declined to give his name. He now fears that the condition of some patients could deteriorate.

"We heard some shots and some explosions, and then there were more and more. We didn't know what was happening, he said.

Asked if there were militants in the hospital, he said he did not know.

"We didn't see anybody," he said. "Maybe there was somebody who was wanted, but they didn't need to destroy the hospital."

(Additional reporting by Dan Williams)

[CyberAnt]

"It's going to be deliberate, it will be precise and it will be overwhelming"

However, I wouldn't have "warned the insurgents" - I would have been silent and let the insurgents assume we were not going to respond. Then .. when you do respond .. in the manner described up above .. it has a greater effect. It also doesn't tell your enemies to be prepared for your attack - that was stupid!

[TexKat]

Kashmir rebels explode bomb to stress poll boycott

SRINAGAR (Reuters) - Suspected Muslim rebels detonated a bomb in the city council building of Srinagar on Thursday saying it was a warning to the people of the troubled region to boycott India's national polls this month.

Police said one person suffered minor wounds after the bomb exploded in a toilet of Srinagar Municipality, damaging the heavily-guarded building located in the heart of the city.

An unidentified militant called local newspaper offices in Srinagar and said the blast was a signal to those who planned to participate in the elections, to be held in five stages between April 20 and May 10.

Thursday's blast follows several calls by militant groups as well as moderate separatist politicians to boycott polls to elect a new Indian government.

Jammu and Kashmir sends six lawmakers to the 545-member Lok Sabha.

Islamic insurgents fighting against New Delhi's rule in the region and separatist politicians have boycotted all elections held since the revolt began in 1989. They say elections only help legitimise Indian rule in the disputed region.

Election authorities reported a 44 percent voter turnout in state elections in 2002 despite a boycott call and threats by militants. Separatists say the figures were exaggerated and the boycott was total.

Separatist violence has continued in the Himalayan region this year despite a steady improvement in ties between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan, who have fought two of their three wars over Kashmir.

Opinion polls say the government of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, which launched a new bid for peace with Pakistan last year, is expected to easily win the elections.

[judicial meanz]

bookmark

[TexKat]

Ninth terror suspect arrested in British anti-terror raid

LONDON, April 1 (Xinhuanet) -- A ninth man has been arrested in southeastern England on Thursday as British police were continuing their counter-terrorist operation.

According to the Scotland Yard, the 27-year-old man was arrested in Crawley, West Sussex on Thursday afternoon. He was thefourth to be arrested in the town.

The suspect, arrested "on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism," was taken to a London police station to be interviewed by Anti-Terrorist Branch detectives, the police said.

The arrest came after British detectives have been given three more days by the courts to question eight other suspects held overalleged bomb plot.

The eight men, believed to be British citizens of Pakistani descent, were arrested on Tuesday in an anti-terror swoop in and around London.

More than 700 police officers participated in the raids reportedly to be the biggest since the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States in 2001.

Police also seized half a ton of ammonium nitrate fertilizer, often used as prime bomb-making material, when they were searching24 premises across southeastern England on Tuesday.

Police believed the suspects, some of whom were arrested near Heathrow and Gatwick airports, could have been planning a truck orcar bomb aimed at civilians.

British security sources said those arrested were "not thought to be al Qaida" or to have connections with foreign groups. But inquiries into their backgrounds continued as police began quizzing them. Enditem

[freeperfromnj]

FBI: TERRORISTS MAY ENTER U.S. WITH VISAS

By Curt Anderson
The Associated Press
4/1/2004, 2:55 p.m. ET

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials have received intelligence indicating terrorists might attempt to slip into the United States using cultural, arts or sports visas, according to the FBI.

The bureau issued a bulletin to 18,000 state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide warning about the potential misuse of P-visas, one of several types granted by the State Department for people visiting the United States for artistic, cultural or athletic purposes.

http://www.nj.com/newsflash/topstories/index.ssf?/base/politics-3/1080849844182890.xml

[Velveeta]

Cole Bomb Suspects Reportedly Face Trial

Associated Press
Posted on Thu, Apr. 01, 2004

SAN`A, Yemen - Eleven terror suspects involved in the bombings of the USS Cole and the French oil tanker Limburg will stand trial this month, a weekly newspaper close to Yemen's Defense Ministry reported Thursday.

In addition to the six militants suspected in the 2000 USS Cole bombing and five in the 2002 Limburg attack, 30 others suspected in different terror and sabotage attacks in Yemen will be tried, the September 26 paper said.

The paper did not give dates for the trials.

Yemeni officials declined to comment on the report, but the newspaper is seen as a mouthpiece for the Defense Ministry and has government connections. Its editor-in-chief is a presidential adviser and its managing editor is secretary of the president's press office.

Seventeen American sailors were killed when the USS Cole was bombed in October 2000 as it refueled in the southern port city of Aden. Two suicide bombers piloted a small boat laden with explosives alongside the destroyer and detonated it.

The bombing was blamed on the al-Qaida terror network.

In 2002, one Bulgarian crewman was killed in a suicide attack by a small boat on the Limburg while it was sailing off the Yemeni coast, spilling 90,000 barrels of oil into the Gulf of Aden.
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/world/8331338.htm

*****
Trial timed with attack on Yemen????

[Hegemony Cricket]

Bookmarking to the new thread.

Thanks, cabal, for a great new start!

GO USA! GO "W"! GO CONDI - kick some butt up at the commission!

[MamaDearest]

Thanks for the back-link references - how kool is that!

[null and void]

New thread? Did I miss anything?

[MamaDearest]

Your work here is amazing. Thank you Cabal!