Threat Matrix: May 2007

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[nwctwx]

U.S. Seeks Closing of Visa Loophole for Britons
-Full Story-

Omar Khyam, the ringleader of the thwarted London bomb plot who was sentenced to life imprisonment on Monday, showed the potential for disaffected young men to be lured as terrorists, a threat that British officials said they would have to contend with for a generation.

But the 25-year-old Mr. Khyam, a Briton of Pakistani descent, also personifies a larger and more immediate concern: as a British citizen, he could have entered the United States without a visa, like many of an estimated 800,000 other Britons of Pakistani origin.

American officials, citing the number of terror plots in Britain involving Britons with ties to Pakistan, expressed concern over the visa loophole. In recent months, the homeland security secretary, Michael Chertoff, has opened talks with the government here on how to curb the access of British citizens of Pakistani origin to the United States.

	How the Plot Came Together
	Briefing on Release of 2006 Country Reports on Terrorism
	Iran to Tell Coalition Forces to Leave Iraq at Summit in Egypt

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[Cindy]

UPDATE:

SNIPPET - QUOTE:

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=68239

you are here: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Karachi Demonstrations Update
Consular Affairs Bulletins
South / Central Asia - Pakistan
14 May 2007

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Related Reports
12 May 2007
Warden Message: Violent Karachi Demonstrations
8 May 2007
Warden Message: Pakistan Terrorist Threat
6 May 2007
Karachi Protesters Riot Over Power Outages
4 May 2007
Warden Message: Pakistan NGO Security Threats
10 Apr 2007
Worldwide Caution Public Announcement
U.S. Embassy Islamabad issued the following Warden Message on May 14, 2007:

The Embassy would like to update Warden Notice no.15 (2007) regarding demonstrations in Karachi, some of which have turned violent. Violence continues in Karachi, with an additional seven people confirmed killed on Sunday. The funerals for these seven will be held on May 14; in the past, funeral processions have sometimes sparked incidents of violence. In addition, a general strike has been called, and the Sindh government declared Monday a public holiday for mourning. The security situation in Karachi may remain unstable for an unspecified period of time. We remind American citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance, to be aware of local events, and to bolster their personal security practices until the situation in the city stabilizes.

The Embassy would like to remind the American citizen community of the need to stay alert, to be aware of your surroundings, to reduce travel to minimum acceptable levels, and to act self-defensively at all times. We remind American citizens that threats, protests and demonstrations may occur throughout Pakistan without prior notice or warning and to avoid all demonstrations and protests.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html and the Pakistan Consular Information Sheet http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_992.html and Travel Warning 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, 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).

Contact information follows for all four posts in Pakistan:”

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=68241

you are here: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Galway Water Contamination
Consular Affairs Bulletins
Europe - Ireland
14 May 2007

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4 May 2007
Warden Message: UK General Travel Precautions
10 Apr 2007
Worldwide Caution Public Announcement
30 Jan 2007
Ireland 2007 Crime & Safety Report
30 Dec 2006
Warden Message: Hussein Death Sentence Demonstrations Possible
U.S. Embassy Dublin released the following Warden Message on May 14:

Galway – “Boil Water Notice”

According to RTE News, numerous people in the Galway area have been sickened by cryptosporidiosis since March 2007. This illness causes diarrhea and results from ingesting the cryptosporidium parasite which commonly appears in fecal matter. Drinking water is a possible transmission route, although testing thus far at the water treatment plant has failed to detect the presence of the cryptosporidium parasite.

As a precautionary measure, the Galway County Council and Galway City Council issued a “Boil Water Notice” to water users in certain areas. Please visit the website of the Galway City Council (http://www.galwaycity.ie/NewsFlash/WaterContamination/ ) and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre at (http://www.ndsc.ie/hpsc/A-Z/Gastroenteric/Cryptosporidiosis/Factsheet/ ) for details on how to protect yourself from possible contamination. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre recommends boiling drinking water for one minute to make the water safe to drink.

For further information, please contact either the Galway City Council or Galway County Council directly by dialing (353) (91) (536400) or by sending an e-mail to this address: water.concerns@galwaycity.ie.

To obtain Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) travel notices, you may dial the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) from within the U.S., or 1-404-639-3534 from overseas, or visit their website at http://www.cdc.gov/travel .

The U.S. Embassy in Dublin is located at 42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, tel: (353) (1) 668-8777 and fax: (353) (1) 668-8056. You may also reach the Embassy after hours in an emergency at (353) (1) 668-9612. For further information and answers to many frequently asked questions, please visit Embassy Dublin’s Internet homepage at http://dublin.usembassy.gov .

[Cindy]

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070514/65432430.html

Russia
“Update: Senior railroad official wounded in Daghestan blast”
11:34 | 14/ 05/ 2007

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “MAKHACHKALA, May 14 (RIA Novosti) - A senior railroad official was seriously wounded in a car-bomb explosion in the Republic of Daghestan in Russia’s troubled North Caucasus region, the local transportation police said Monday.

Omari Alilov, head of the logistics department of the Makhachkala branch of the North Caucasus Railroad, was hospitalized with serious injuries after his car exploded near the railway station in the capital, Makhachkala.”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Daghestan borders Chechnya in the west, and the oil-rich Caspian Sea in the east. A 2.7-million predominantly Muslim patchwork of at least 30 different ethnic groups and languages, it has been seen by many as the softest target for terrorist recruiters and ideologues.”

[Cindy]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6652655.stm

Last Updated: Monday, 14 May 2007, 06:13 GMT 07:13 UK

“Russia cafe blast leaves 10 dead”

SNIPPET: “Ten people have been killed in an explosion at a cafe in the Russian city of Orsk, emergency officials say.”

[Cindy]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070513/wl_afp/colombiarebelshostageprisoners_070513031201

“Colombia offers to free jailed FARC guerrillas”
Sat May 12, 11:12 PM ET
BOGOTA (AFP)

[Cindy]

Note: The following alert-brief is a quote:

http://www.icc-ccs.org/main/all_piracy_al.php

http://www.icc-ccs.org/main/piracy_al.php?newsid=18

Pirates targeting ships not calling at Somalia
15 May 2007

Heavily armed pirates are subjecting vessels to violent attacks while in international waters

The attacks have been targeted towards vessels not calling at Somalia.

Vessels, not calling at Somalia, are advised to steer at least 200 NM clear of Somali waters at all times.

[Cindy]

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

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

Weekly Piracy Report
9-15 May 2007

The following is a summary of the daily reports broadcast by the IMB’s Piracy Reporting Centre to ships in Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Ocean Regions on the SafetyNET service of Inmarsat-C from 9 to 15 May 2007.

ALERT

Chittagong anchorage, Bangladesh
Forty seven incidents have been reported since 28.01.2006. Pirates are targeting ships preparing to anchor. Ships are advised to take extra precautions.

The 2006 Annual IMB Report on Piracy and Armed Attacks against Ships is now published. Please see the end of this page to order.

Suspicious crafts

18.04.2007: 2320 LT: Entrance Cartagena Colombia.
A container ship, while disembarking her pilot on the port side noticed, on radar, one unlit suspicious boat approaching from the stbd side at high speed. The master alerted the crew. The boat came very close to the vessel (about 10 m from the hull). On seeing the alert crew on ship’s side, the boat retreated and disappeared into the darkness. The master informed the Centre to alert other vessels calling Cartagena, Colombia.

Recently reported incidents

10.05.2007: 1830 LT: Posn 03:18.0N - 123:33.0E, Indonesia.
A small-unidentified craft followed a bulk carrier, underway, at a distance of 2.5 miles. The small craft had its search light on and aimed at the stern and bridge preventing the crew from identifying the craft. The craft closed to eight cables and contacted the ship via VHF Ch 16 informing they were an Indonesian navy patrol boat. They asked the ship to slow down and asked what type of cargo was onboard. The master asked the craft to illuminate herself for identification. The craft replied that they only wanted to know what type of cargo was onboard. The master refused to slow down as he suspected a piracy attack. The master raised the alarm. The crew mustered and took anti-piracy measures. The craft closed to about six cables, then slowed down, and moved away.

10.05.2007: 0300 LT: Belawan Anchorage Posn 03:55.35N - 098:46.79E, Indonesia.
Five robbers armed with knives and crowbars boarded a product tanker using hooks and via the anchor chain. They broke the padlock to the paint store and stole ships stores. The duty AB noticed the robbers and informed the Duty Officer who raised the alarm and sounded the ships whistle. All crew mustered. The robbers jumped over board and escaped in a speedboat. The timely action of the crew prevented the robbers from further stealing ship property. No injuries to crew.

09.05.2007: Posn 05:01.03N - 118:21.13E, 3BSP 4 berth, Lahad Datu Port, Malaysia.
Several stevedores stole ship’s property at night during discharging operations. Master reported to agents but no action taken.

08.05.2007: 1015 LT: Posn 17:38.3N - 083:22E, Visakhapatnam Anchorage, India.
Seven robbers armed with knives boarded a tanker at anchor via the poop deck. Duty AB contacted the bridge and all crew went into the accommodation and closed all doors. Master raised the alarm. The robbers jumped over board and escaped with ship stores. Ship activated SSAS, informed port control and local agent. No one was injured

07.05.2007: 0200 LT: Posn 01:16.081S - 116:48.560E, Balikpapan Pertamina Jetty No. 2, Indonesia.
Three robbers armed with long knives boarded a loaded product tanker at berth via the forecastle while waiting for pilot to board. D/O noticed the robbers and raised the alarm, sounded the ship’s whistle and alerted the crew. The robbers jumped over board and escaped in a speedboat. No injuries to crew. Nothing was stolen.

[Cindy]

Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3400196,00.html

ortar shells land in open field in Negev

Published: 05.15.07, 12:37 / Israel News

Three mortar shells landed in an open field near one of the kibbutzim in local council Sha’ar Hanegev. No injuries or damage have been reported.

Security sources said that the shells were possibly fired as part of the infighting in the Gaza Strip. (Shmulik Hadad)

[Cindy]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6656933.stm

Last Updated: Tuesday, 15 May 2007, 09:43 GMT 10:43 UK

“Many killed in Pakistan bombing”
“Many people were wounded in the explosion”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “A powerful bomb blast in a hotel in the centre of the north-western Pakistani city of Peshawar has killed at least 24 people, police and officials say.

Latest reports say part of the hotel, the Marhaba, has collapsed, trapping people inside. The bomb is reported to have gone off in the lobby.

A number of the wounded have been taken for treatment. About 30 people are reported to have been injured.

Peshawar has seen many recent attacks, some causing serious loss of life.”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Mr Virk called the incident terrorism, but he has not named any suspects.”

[Cindy]

Off Topic, but fyi:

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=104&sid=1140799

“2 Commuter Trains Collide in Phila.”
May 15, 2007 - 2:06am

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “PHILADLEPHIA (AP) - A commuter train hit another one in a downtown tunnel at the beginning of the evening rush hour Monday, slightly injuring nearly three dozen people, a transit spokesman said.”

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Tue May 15 2007 03:53:22 GMT-0700.

Worldwide Caution

April 10, 2007

This Public Announcement updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests overseas. This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated October 11, 2006 and expires on October 9, 2007.

The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. Current information suggests that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics to include assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings.

Ongoing events in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East have resulted in demonstrations and associated violence in several countries. Americans are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning.

In August 2006, British authorities arrested a significant number of extremists engaged in a plot to destroy multiple passenger aircraft flying from the United Kingdom to the United States. The September 2006 attack on the U.S. Embassy in Syria and the March 2006 bombing near the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan illustrate the continuing desire of extremists to strike American targets.

Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests. The bomb attacks targeting buses carrying foreign workers in March 2007 and December 2006 in Algeria, a series of bombings in Thailand in May and September 2006 that targeted commercial and tourist destinations in the far south, and the bombings in the the Egyptian resort town of Dahab in April 2006 all illustrate how terrorists exploit vulnerabilities associated with soft targets. Additional examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas and locales where Americans gather in large numbers, including during holidays. Financial or economic targets of value may also be considered as possible venues; the vehicle-based suicide attack on an oil facility near Mukalla and Marib in Yemen in September 2006 and the failed attack on the Abqaiq oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia in late February 2006 are such examples.

In the wake of the August 2006 plot against aircraft in London, numerous terrorist attacks on trains in India in 2006, the July 2005 London Underground bombings, and the March 2004 train attacks in Madrid, Americans are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems. In addition, extremists may also select aviation and maritime services as possible targets.

U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. For additional information, please refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” found at http://travel.state.gov .

U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

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]

READY.GOV
http://www.ready.gov

[Cindy]

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

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1833756/posts

“Iraq “has become new epicenter for ‘holy war’ against West,” says terror expert”
AP ^ | May 15 2007

Posted on 05/15/2007 4:16:31 AM PDT by ASC2006

[Godzilla]

placemark

[Cindy]

http://www.truthusa.com/cindy3.html

http://www.nleomf.org/

QUOTE:

Tuesday, May 15
- Fly Flags at Half-Staff
- 26th Annual National Police Officers’ Memorial Day Services
- FOP/FOPA Wreathlaying Ceremony

Quote:

RESPECT.
HONOR.
REMEMBER.

[Cindy]

Off Topic...

Rest in peace, Rev. Jerry Falwell.
http://www.falwell.com/

[Cindy]

RECAP...

http://www.rewardsforjustice.net
http://www.rewardsforjustice.net/english/index.cfm?page=Wanted_Terrorist

#

http://www.internet-haganah.com/haganah/internet.html
http://internet-haganah.org/hmedia/27apr07/27apr07-salafy_forums.html

#
http://www.memri.org/jihad.html
http://www.memritv.org/Search.asp?ACT=S5&P1=9
http://www.thememriblog.org/

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=68247

ou are here: Home > Reports > Safety and Security Reports > Report
Nipah Virus Kills Three In West Bengal
Safety & Security
South / Central Asia - India
15 May 2007

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10 May 2007
Warden Message: Chennai Traffic, May 11
10 Apr 2007
Worldwide Caution Public Announcement
31 Mar 2007
Nepalese Maoists Attack Indian Border Town
20 Mar 2007
Violent West Bengal Clashes
9 Mar 2007
Indian Terror Group Resumes Attacks
Virus Confirmed in Nadia District

The Nipah virus has been confirmed as the disease that killed three members of a family in early April in Nadia district (121 km from Kolkata), West Bengal. Initially thought to be a new strain of dengue, the blood samples have tested positive for Nipah virus at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune, Maharashtra. The deaths occurred over a span of fifteen days since early April in the district, which borders Bangladesh.

Previous Outbreaks

Nipah virus was identified in 1999 when it caused an outbreak of neurological and respiratory disease on pig farms in peninsular Malaysia, resulting in 105 human deaths and the culling of one million pigs. The virus has a high mortality rate. In a January 2005 outbreak in Tangail district, Bangladesh, 11 of 12 cases identified resulted in fatalities (92 percent mortality). The virus, although rare, is not new to West Bengal, killing 49 people in Siliguri district in the state in 2001.

Additional Deaths

Since the three deaths mentioned above, two further deaths have been reported - one of a relative who visited the family infected with the virus and another of a health worker in a hospital in the same district. It has not been confirmed whether these two deaths were caused by the Nipah virus. Subsequently, NIV Director Dr. Mishra informed a U.S. Embassy Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Officer that the other two deaths were not Nipah virus. Although the virus is known to be spread through infected fruit bats and pigs, i.e. from animal to animal and animal to human, human to human transmission cases have not been identified in this outbreak.

Local Officials Respond

District officials are on alert and a control room has been set up in Nadia to monitor the situation. Residents of Nadia and the neighboring districts have been advised to seek immediate medical advice if they develop influenza-like symptoms. Residents have also been told to avoid eating pork, as pigs, in addition to fruit bats, are potential carriers of this virus.

The Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) of Nadia district has stated that currently there are no new cases. Another Nadia district health official, Madan Basu, is reported to have said that blood samples taken from bats and pigs and even household pets (who are possible carriers of the virus) are being sent to the NIV in Pune for testing and that the district administration is keeping a close watch on the situation.

[Cindy]

ON THE NET..

http://www.recalls.gov
http://www.fda.gov/opacom/7alerts.html

[Cindy]

Note: The following post is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1834035/posts

Teens Arrested In Alleged School Massacre Plot
The Indy Channel ^ | 05/15/07

Posted on 05/15/2007 12:44:22 PM PDT by Abathar

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A teen accused of planning a massacre at Harrison High School in Colorado has been charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.

Prosecutors in Colorado Springs said the 17-year-old boy was being charged as a juvenile.

He was accused of plotting with a 16-year-old girl to shoot as many students as possible during a school-wide pep rally. The rally May 4 was canceled.

Police said the two 11th-graders had blueprints of the school, and the boy had instructions for making pipe bombs. The boy told police he was just curious about how to make them, and the blueprints were so he could find exits during fire drills.

“It was chilling,” Colorado Springs school resource officer Brian Strickland told the Colorado Springs Gazette. “There was no doubt something was in the planning stages.”

Both teens were charged with interference with an educational institution.

“(The girl) said their plan was to kill more than 33 students so it would be the biggest in history and so she would be famous,” Strickland wrote in his report. “She gave no specific reason as to why she wanted to kill numerous students, other than she just doesn’t like people in general.”