Threat Matrix: November 2006

[Cindy]

http://www.ice.gov/pi/news/newsreleases/articles/061101miami.htm
November 1, 2006

"Trucking company director and employees arrested in fuel theft scheme"


Miami-

[Cindy]

http://michellemalkin.com/archives/006264.htm

"Jihad chic at the University of Penn."
By Michelle Malkin · November 02, 2006 08:03 PM

[all4one]

This needs to be widely distrubited to the U. of Penn alumni. I have a few architect, lawyer, and financial friends who are alum; to whom I will be sending this info. This is a jaw-droppingly disturbing display of insensitivity. Just where would one acquire the official Palistinian scarf...the local discount mart?!

Having the president of the University of Pennsylvania, Amy Gutmann posing with one of these jerks...SMILING...adds and additional disturbing element. I guess they are just trying to backpeddle now and say that they are just like any other "scary" Halloween costume...BULLHOCKEY!!! It is very easy to discern between Frankenstein, Dracula and a person who is dressing as someone who murders, maims and create chaos for innocents. To say that this is distasteful is an understatement.

[all4one]

No Public Threat From TMI Shutdown (PA - 11/2/06)

CHARLES SCHILLINGER - The York Dispatch

Three Mile Island nuclear power plant's reactor unexpectedly shut down this afternoon in response to a turbine tripping.

Neil Sheehan, a spokesman for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, said inspectors on site at the facility, just south of Harrisburg, are monitoring the actions the company is taking.

"It appears the shutdown was uncomplicated and was handled appropriately," Sheehan said. "They're now troubleshooting what exactly took place; but, at first blush, it appears to be pretty straight forward."

There's been no equipment or operator problems identified and no cause for concern for the public, he said.

It's been six years since the reactor at Three Mile Island last shut down unexpectedly. If a nuclear power plant has three or more unplanned shutdowns in a year, it could lead to additional oversight at the plant by the federal agency, Sheehan said....

Link to Full Article

Update - (But still no names):

Two Oceana Men Suspected in Explosives Theft (MI - 11/2/06)

HART — Two 22-year-old Oceana County men are being investigated for the theft of several explosive charges from a seismic test site in Ferry Township in Oceana County, according to a report from the Michigan State Police.

On Wednesday, a concerned citizen called in a tip to the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office, and detectives contacted the Michigan State Police. Troopers and detectives contacted the two suspects, who eventually turned over the explosives.

They may face charges in the incident.

Troopers are making arrangements to return the charges to Bay Geophysical of Traverse City, the company that had placed the charges in a field next to an asparagus farm. The men are accused of unearthing the eight, 150-gram Pentolite booster charges, nine electric cap detonators, and 10 feet of wire. Each booster charge was the equivalent of a half-stick of dynamite.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted troopers in their investigation and had offered a $5,000 reward.

Link to Article

[Velveeta]

Three years, my TM friends.
What an education!
Ian, thank you for keeping the threads running and thanks to you ALL for keeping watch and for your FRiendship.

God bless.

[Velveeta]

(I hope this isn't a duplicate post)

Men Apprehended in Connection With Outboard Theft Ring (CA)

NEWPORT BEACH- Police arrested two men Oct. 31 on suspicion of stealing 13 outboard motors off boats in Newport Harbor.
Newport Beach Police are holding Salah Adel Hijazi, 40, and Ahmad Adel Hijazi, 29, on $20,000 bail after an undercover sting operation led to the arrest, according to Lt. Bill Hartford.(snip)
http://www.thelog.com/news/newsview.asp?c=198288

[Velveeta]

(Montreal)

Parents warned of intruder at Pierrefonds school
Wants to 'speak with people about Allah'

Students at Beechwood elementary school in Pierrefonds were sent home yesterday with a letter warning them about a man who attempted to intrude on school grounds during the students' lunch hour on Tuesday, Wednesday and yesterday.

The letter, signed by school principal Marlene Kotler, described the man as "dressed in Middle Eastern clothing" and "wanting to speak with people about 'the word of Allah.' "(snip)

http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=82c882eb-eda5-4729-96a5-d65682734ec7&k=20779

[Godzilla]

placemark

[all4one]

Local Police Holding Possible Terrorist - Police Say the Suspect Possessed a Fake Social Security Card (PA - 11/3/06)

By Amy Buckman

November 3, 2006 - Police in Upper Darby are holding a man on 7 counts of theft, deception and forgery. But detectives are continuing their investigation into the suspect because they have a lot of questions about the case... including whether the alleged thief might be a terrorist.

On Wednesday afternoon, workers at the Commerce Bank on Garrett Road called Upper Darby police. They were suspicious about a customer. He'd withdrawn 87-hundred dollars cash that morning and had come back to take another 97-hundred dollars out of the same account. The man had a New Jersey driver license, credit cards, and what appears to be a doctored Pakistani passport.

It looked as if new pages have been glued into the cover. He also had what police say is a fake social security card. All were in the name of Shahid Batti. But the man in the bank didn't look like the man on the documents.

When detectives began questioning the suspect, they found more pieces that just didn't add up. The recently opened bank account was in the name of the Batti Trading Company, but the address for that company is an empty storefront in the 64-hundred block of Market Street.

Finally, the suspect admitted he wasn't Batti. He told them he was Raza Hussain of Brooklyn, New York and he gave them his birth date - January 1, 1962. As a routine matter, they ran that information through the FBI's Terrorist Screening Center. The name didn't come up, but the birth date did as belonging to a man on the Terrorist Watch List.....

Link to Full Article

Police: Identity Theft Ring Disrupted (IL - 11/3/06)

JOLIET, Ill. (AP) -- Ten hotel workers were arrested Thursday in what police said was an identity theft ring that involved thousands of stolen credit card numbers nationwide.

The four-month investigation netted more than 150 stolen credit cards used by visitors to book rooms in Joliet and Romeoville, both near Chicago, authorities said.

The ring involved workers, managers and at least three owners at two Holiday Inn Express franchises, three Super 8s, a Ramada and a Budget Inn, police said.

Police said they believe their informant, who faces unrelated charges, bought more than 10,000 credit card numbers used by hotel guests in the Joliet area over the past six years.......

Link to Full Article

[all4one]

3 Charged In Beheading Of Schoolgirls In Indonesia (11/3/06)

(AP) JAKARTA, Indonesia Three Muslim men have been charged in the beheadings of three Christian girls in an Indonesian province fraught with sectarian tension, and the suspects could face death sentences if convicted, lawyers said Friday.

The three men -- Hasanuddin, Lilik Purnomo and Irwanto Irano -- are being charged under Indonesia's harsh anti-terrorism law for their roles in the girls' deaths and wounding of a fourth in Central Sulawesi province in 2005, a statement from the attorney general's Office said.

Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim nation, with 90 percent of its 220 million people practicing a moderate form of the faith. Central Sulawesi has a roughly equal number of Muslim and Christians.....

Link to Full Article

[Cindy]

NOTE: The following text is a quote:
---

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1162.html

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Fri Nov 03 2006 12:39:01 GMT-0800.

Russian Federation

October 02, 2006


This Public Announcement reminds American citizens traveling or living in Russia that there remains a heightened potential for terrorist actions, including attacks against civilians. This situation is likely to continue for some time. This supersedes the Public Announcement of April 4, 2006 and expires on March 31, 2007.

Acts of terrorism including bombings and hostage taking have occurred in Russia over the last several years. Bombings have occurred at Russian government buildings, hotels, tourist sites, markets, entertainment venues, schools, residential complexes, and on public transportation including the subway and scheduled commercial air flights. Hostage taking incidents have included a raid in 2004 on a school that resulted in horrific losses of life of children, teachers, and parents. In October 2005, 200-300 gunmen attacked police and military facilities in a city in the North Caucasus region.

Presently, there is no specific indication that American institutions or citizens are targets but there is a general risk of American citizens being victims of indiscriminate terrorist attacks. American citizens in Russia should be aware of their personal surroundings and follow good security practices. Americans are urged to remain vigilant and exercise good judgment and discretion when using any form of public transportation. When traveling, Americans may wish to provide a friend, family member, or co-worker a copy of their itinerary. Americans should avoid large crowds and public gatherings that lack enhanced security measures. Travelers should also exercise a high degree of caution and remain alert when patronizing restaurants, casinos, nightclubs, bars, theaters, etc., especially during peak hours of business.

The North Caucasus region is of special concern. Due to continued civil and political unrest throughout much of the Caucasus region, the Department of State already warns U.S. citizens against travel to Chechnya and all areas that border it: North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya, and Kabardino-Balkariya. U.s. government personnel are generally prohibited from traveling to these areas, and American citizens residing in these areas should depart immediately as the safety of Americans and other foreigners cannot be effectively guaranteed.

American citizens living in Russia or traveling there for even a few days are strongly urged to register with the embassy or nearest consulate general. Registration will allow the embassy to provide direct information on the security situation as necessary. Registration is done on-line and can be done in advance of travel. Information on registering can be found at the embassy web site, www.usembassy.ru, or at the Department of State's Consular Affairs website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs.

As the department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its consular information program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=57788

you are here: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Moscow November 4 Protests
Consular Affairs Bulletins
Europe - Russia
3 Nov 2006

The Embassy has been informed by officials from the Moscow Central District Public Safety Office of possible unsanctioned demonstrations in downtown Moscow in connection with the Saturday, November 4, 2006 "Day of Consent and Reconciliation."

As specific locations for the protests are unknown, the Embassy strongly recommends Americans to stay away from downtown areas on Saturday, November 4, and if possible, to postpone unnecessary travel to avoid a chance encounter. The number of protesters could range as high as 15,000. The Militia reports that demonstrations could target non-Russians. Acts of violence are possible and can not be ruled out.

The Militia are aware of the potential problems and will take extra measures to avoid or immediately suppress any acts of violence when they occur. In Moscow, the Militia has specifically warned foreigners to avoid Sportivnaya metro station and Luzhniki Stadium on November 4th. Other areas frequently targeted by such groups include Pushkin Square, Lubyanskaya Square, Izmailova Park, Gorky Park, Poklonnaya Gora (Victory Park), Kutuzovsky Prospect and the VVTs Exhibition Center.

If you encounter a threatening crowd, remove yourself from the situation as quickly as possible and/or seek Militia assistance. If possible, carry a cellular phone with you.

American citizens in Russia should always be aware of their personal surroundings and follow good security practices. U.S. citizens are urged to remain vigilant and exercise good judgment and discretion when using any form of public transportation. When going via train, plane or bus, travelers may wish to provide a friend or coworker a copy of any travel schedule. Travelers should also exercise a high degree of caution and remain alert when patronizing restaurants, casinos, nightclubs, bars, theaters, etc., especially during peak hours of business.

American citizens living in Russia or traveling there are strongly urged to register with the Embassy or nearest Consulate General. Registration will allow the Embassy to provide direct information on the security situation as necessary. Information on registering with the Embassy can be found at the Embassy web http://www.usembassy.ru or at the Department of State's Consular Affairs website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/abroad_registration.html

The Embassy's American Citizen Services Unit can be reached during business hours at (495) 728-5577. In case of an after-hours emergency, please call (495) 728-5000.

===
===

http://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=57787

"Warden Message: St. Petersburg November 4 Protests"
Consular Affairs Bulletins
Europe - Russia
3 Nov 2006

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:
---

http://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=55612

you are here: Home > Reports > Safety and Security Reports > Report
Assaults on U.S. Students Studying in Russia
Safety and Security
Europe - Russia
5 Oct 2006

Printer Friendly Email Article
Related Reports
Today
Warden Message: Moscow November 4 Protests
Today
Warden Message: St. Petersburg November 4 Protests
2 Oct 2006
Public Announcement: Russian Federation
25 Aug 2006
Hate Crime and Skinhead Violence in Eastern Europe
22 Aug 2006
Russian Plane Crashes in Ukraine
OSAC Constituents reported the following:

Overview:
In the last week, OSAC has received reports of three separate assaults on American university students studying abroad in Russia. Although the reports are unrelated and differ in modus operandi, OSAC constituents report that there is a heightening sense of insecurity among American university programs operating in Moscow and St. Petersburg. This report is an update to and can be read in conjunction with the OSAC report Hate Crime and Skinhead Violence in Eastern Europe.

Incident Descriptions:

August 2006: Around midnight, an American student was assaulted by a gang of youths on Kazanskaya Street in St. Petersburg city center directly next to the Kazansky Cathedral. The student had dark features resembling a Caucasian (someone from the Caucasus Region) and was not wearing religious attire or symbols. At the time of the attack, the student and his blond-haired friend were leaving a bar and rushing to the metro. As they approached Nevsky Prospect, the student reported that a group of about 15 young men dressed in regular street attire and without shaved heads approached them. Even though there were other people on the street, the group approached and punched the darker-haired student. The student fell to the ground and the group punched and kicked him for 3-4 minutes. Bystanders did not intervene and his blond-haired companion was not targeted. The young men involved reportedly yelled "Blacks out of Russia" during the incident and did not attempt to rob the student. The student realized later that one attacker was wearing a white t-shirt with a black cross, a white supremacy symbol.

September 2006: An American student walking with an American companion in Moscow was attacked by a group of teenagers. One of the teenagers struck the American in the chest with his elbow. The American then outran the group and escaped further harm. The targeted American was white with dark features, and his companion reported she thought she saw the attackers making a Nazi sign with their hands. The attackers, however, did not make any racial comments and did not resemble skinheads or neo-Nazis. Based upon the student's and the attackers' physical appearances, the student and OSAC contact believe that this was not a racially-motivated crime but a legitimate case of teenage hooliganism, as teenage hooligans often attack other young, white teenage males.

September 2006: On a Sunday night at 9:00 pm, an Asian-American student began walking home from an internet café on Nevsky Prospect. While walking, the student noticed a group of four young men behind him. Out of concern, and because he was still on a street full of people and cafés, the student stepped to the side and let the group pass by. All of the men where in their early twenties and were dressed in normal street clothes and none had shaven heads. Once the group passed, the student began to walk again. The group looked back from time to time. Once the student entered the first street without cafés or Kiosks, three or four more youths arrived and the two groups eventually sandwiched the student. Luckily, the student happened to be at his front door when this occurred and as he had a keypad lock, was able to enter swiftly. As he rushed inside the door, one youth jabbed an 8-inch kitchen knife at the student's throat, missing and hitting his hooded sweatshirt. The student was able to push closed the door and enter his apartment safely.

Significance for the U.S. Private Sector in Russia:

These are the first three incidents of hooligan and skinhead violence reported to OSAC that involved American university students in Russia over the past year. However, as similar assaults have targeted racial and religious minorities of other nationalities, these students were most likely not targeted because of their nationality but because of their physical appearance.

In addition, the OSAC constituent who reported the third attack believes that the student's attackers were "on the hunt," and were specifically roaming the streets looking for someone to victimize. After consulting with an expert on hate crimes, this constituent believes that only one man attacked the student with a knife because it was an initiation ritual and that there is a possibility that this and other groups are coming from the outskirts into the city center to target minorities. This could be one possible explanation as to why the third group of attackers tried to inflict significantly more harm than in the first two attacks. If this is the case, this phenomenon may be an important new trend, as the majority of past attacks occurred in the outskirts of the city where there are fewer students associated with American university programs and employees of American businesses residing.

U.S. University Response:

The universities affected by these incidents report that they feel a heightened sense of insecurity for their minority students and students with dark features who can be confused with the often-targeted Caucasians. One of the affected universities is arranging meetings with other American study abroad programs in St. Petersburg to draw their attention to the recent attacks and to collectively review their security posture.

[flutters]

Posting a link to this thread:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1731671/posts
Cameras at Texas-Mexico border go online

As part of the Virtual Neighborhood Border Watch Program, the State of Texas has been testing video surveillance cameras in different environments along the 1240 miles of Texas/Mexico border using the internet to transmit the images. The last stage of the test is to stress the system by providing public access to eight surveillance cameras.

Thank you for helping test this important capability.

[Cindy]

OPINION: I found it disturbing and sick.

[Cindy]

Updates appreciated on possible terrorist.

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=moussaoui

---

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1731798/posts


"First Video Of 9/11 Terrorist"
WNBC ^ | November 3, 2006

Posted on 11/03/2006 2:41:00 PM PST by West Coast Conservative

ARTICLE SNIPPET: "The video was shot as Moussaoui was being transferred to Supermax, a maximum-security prison in Colorado, where he will serve out his sentence of six life terms without the chance of parole.

He was combative in the tape, calling out "allah akbar," which translates to "God is great."

He has been combative since his capture.

At his sentencing, when U.S. Judge Leonie Brinkema sent Moussaoui to prison for life to “die with a whimper,” the convicted terrorist declared: “God save Osama bin Laden -- you will never get him.”"

[Cindy]

Thanks to Little Jeremiah for the ping to this thread:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1731654/posts

and this post:

Note: The following post is a quote:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1731654/posts?page=45#45

To: TejanoJim
From The Reporter Newspaper, Belize, October 27

www.belizenews.com


Iraqui Jihadists in Belize? Three men held in prison!


Friday, 27 October 2006

Three Iraqui men, believed to be Jihadists, have been detained at the Belize Western frontier with Guatemala because of tampered passports.

They are Mushtag Yusuf Hanna Bahu, 23 years, Danny Jiburil Mansur, 25 and Ala Jibrail Yusuf Hanna, 29.

The passports appeared to be genuine, but the photographs had been switched. Two of the men carried Greek passports while the other had a Cyprus passport.

The Iraquis have been remanded to the Hattieville prison to await trial on November 2.

Meanwhile arrangements are being made for them to be interrogated by the U.S. State Department which is interested in knowing more about them. The State Department personnel will be specially flown in.

The three Iraqui men travelled together and arrived at the Benque Viejo border on October 17 on a tourist bus from Guatemala City bound for Belize City. It appears they intended to travel overland through Mexico to the United States.

The Police Department, which was quick to report the apprehension of three Chinese nationals travelling with fake Belizean passports last week, has said not a word about the Iraquis, who have been in the country under detention for more than a week.

Immigration officials at the border said the three men appeared nervous and behaved in a furtive manner. That’s why they were singled out for special attention.

An inside report from the Hattieville Correctional facility say the men are refusing to eat and are refusing also to go to the bathroom. One source, unconfirmed, the men appear to be in considerable pain, but have not asked to see a doctor.

Concern in Belize that so many stolen Belizean passports could result in a security hazard for the United States does not seem to weigh heavily on the Musa Government.


45 posted on 11/03/2006 11:24:31 AM PST by ThirdMate
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies | Report Abuse ]

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=russia

"Russia: The Enemy"
military.com ^ | November 03, 2006 | Allan Topol

Posted on 11/03/2006 3:26:46 PM PST by Tailgunner Joe

[Cindy]

THANKS Velveeta for this post and link.

Updates appreciated.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1730468/posts?page=127#127