Threat Matrix: July 2007

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Threat Matrix:
July 2007

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US Steps Up Security Following Attack in Britain

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff made appearances on several television talk shows.

He told ABC's This Week program there is no indication of a linkage between the events in Britain and any specific attacks on the United States. "We do not have, at this point, specific, credible intelligence that there is an attack, a particular attack, focused on this country," he said.

But at the same time, speaking on CNN's Late Edition program, Chertoff said U.S. authorities are concerned about the threat of terrorism, especially in the coming months. "We have had a number of al-Qaida leaders quite publicly talking about how they want to carry out their threats against the West. So, given that and given the history that we have had over past summers, with attacks in Britain, I think we were clearly focused on this as a possibility," he said. Full story...

	More United Kingdom Attacks Possible
	More US Air Marshals on Flights to Europe
	Officials: Car Bomb Plot Bears al Qaida's Trademark

[Cindy]

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=46725

“Pace Vows U.S. Will Track Down Those Responsible for Attacks on Troops”

By Linda D. Kozaryn
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 13, 2007

[Cindy]

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=46724

“Al Qaeda Grows in North Africa, Defense Secretary Says”

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 13, 2007

[Cindy]

Fyi Only.

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/07/20070713-4.html

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
July 13, 2007

Message to the Senate of the United States

White House News

TO THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES:

I transmit herewith for Senate advice and consent to ratification the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (the “Convention”), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on April 13, 2005, and signed on behalf of the United States of America on September 14, 2005. As of July 3, 2007, 115 countries have signed the Convention and 23 have submitted their instruments of ratification or accession. The Convention entered into force on July 7, 2007. I also transmit for the information of the Senate a report of the Department of State with respect to the Convention.

The Convention imposes binding legal obligations upon States Parties either to submit for prosecution or to extradite any person within their jurisdiction who commits terrorist acts involving radioactive material or a nuclear device as set forth in Article 2 of the Convention, threatens or attempts to commit such an act, participates as an accomplice, organizes or directs others to commit such an offense, or in any other way contributes to the commission of such an offense by a group of persons acting with a common purpose, regardless of where the alleged act took place.

States Parties to the Convention will also be obligated to provide one another legal assistance in investigations or criminal or extradition proceedings brought in respect of the offenses set forth in Article 2, in conformity with any treaties or other arrangements that may exist between them or in accordance with their national law. The recommended legislation necessary to implement the Convention will be submitted to the Congress separately.

This Convention is important in the campaign against international terrorism. I recommend, therefore, that the Senate give early and favorable consideration to this Convention, subject to the understandings and reservation that are described in the accompanying State Department report.

GEORGE W. BUSH

THE WHITE HOUSE,

July 12, 2007.

# # #

[Cindy]

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/07/20070713-1.html

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
July 13, 2007

“President Bush Participates in Video Teleconference with Iraq Provincial Reconstruction Team Leaders, Embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team Leaders, and Brigade Combat Commanders”

Roosevelt Room

[Cindy]

UPDATE:

Note: The folloiwng text is a quote:

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/017365.php

July 13, 2007

Australian doctor charged with terrorism offense
UK Jihad Doctors’ Plot Update. “Haneef charged with terrorism offence,” from Australia’s ABCNews (thanks to JE):

Gold Coast-based doctor Mohammed Haneef has now been charged with a terrorism offence.
The 27-year-old has been in Australian Federal Police (AFP) custody since his arrest almost a fortnight ago over alleged links to the recent UK terrorism plots.

He has been charged with recklessly supplying a mobile phone sim card to a terrorist....

Posted by Robert at July 13, 2007 7:17 PM

[Cindy]

ttp://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=turkey
http://www.memri.org/turkey.html

#

http://memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=countries&Area=turkey&ID=IA37207

Inquiry and Analysis Series - No. 372
July 13, 2007 No.372

“The Upcoming Elections in Turkey (1): General Background”
By R. Krespin*.

[Cindy]

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

#

UPDATE:

Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3425158,00.html

US man convicted of pipeline, energy attack plan

Published: 07.13.07, 21:31 / Israel News

A Pennsylvania man was convicted on Friday of plotting to blow up US oil pipelines and energy installations and of attempting to enlist al-Qaeda militants on the Internet to help carry out his plan. Michael Curtis Reynolds, 49, faces a maximum 57 and a half years in prison.

Reynolds was accused of scheming to attack the Alaska and Transcontinental pipelines and other energy installations to prompt a US withdrawal from Iraq. His attorney said he had been attempting to communicate online with purported Islamist militants to expose them and not because he had any intention of working with them. (Reuters)

[callmejoe]

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/881689.html

Last update - 03:05 14/07/2007
U.S. issues warning to citizens against traveling to Israel, PA
By Reuters (excerpt)

The United States issued a fresh travel warning for Israel and the Palestinian territories on Friday to include American journalists and aid workers after a spate of violence and political instability.

In a notice that superseded a warning issued on Jan. 17, the State Department urged U.S. citizens to be mindful of security when considering travel to Israel, to defer trips to the West Bank and avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip.

“American citizens in the Gaza Strip should depart immediately, a recommendation that the State Department has maintained and renewed since the deadly roadside bombing of a U.S. Embassy convoy in Gaza on Oct. 15, 2003,” it said. . .

The travel warning said militant groups in Gaza continue to launch rockets against nearby Israeli towns and urged U.S. citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution” when going to restaurants, malls, places of worship and other public places.

“Israeli authorities are concerned about the continuing threat of suicide bombings,” it said. “The U.S. government has received information indicating that American interests could be the focus of terrorist attacks.”

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_922.html

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

This information is current as of today, Fri Jul 13 2007 17:46:10 GMT-0700.

ISRAEL, THE WEST BANK AND GAZA

July 13, 2007

This Travel Warning is being issued to update information on the general security environment in Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, and to reiterate threats to American citizens and U.S. interests in those locations. The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to remain mindful of security factors when considering travel to Israel and Jerusalem at this time. In addition, the Department of State urges U.S. citizens to defer travel to the West Bank and to avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip. This warning supersedes the Travel Warning issued January 17, 2007.

American citizens in the Gaza Strip should depart immediately, a recommendation that the State Department has maintained and renewed since the deadly roadside bombing of a U.S. Embassy convoy in Gaza on October 15, 2003. This recommendation applies to all Americans, including journalists and aid workers.

The Gaza Strip has witnessed considerable violence in recent months, both between Palestinian factions and between Israeli security forces and armed Palestinian groups. Similar incidents have also occurred in the West Bank. Violent demonstrations, kidnappings and shootings have also occurred in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Areas of violent conflict shift rapidly and unpredictably. Militants have continued to abduct Western citizens, and terrorist organizations have threatened attacks against U.S. interests. Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, violently assumed control over Gaza in June 2007, making the already dangerous security situation there even more precarious. The American International School in northern Gaza was the target of an attack on April 21, 2007.

Militant groups in Gaza persist in launching rocket attacks against nearby Israeli towns. The IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) often responds to such attacks. It also continues to carry out security operations in the West Bank, including targeted attacks and ground incursions, which have led to deaths and injuries to bystanders. Rocket fire from Lebanon , except for one recent incident, has ceased since the passage of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 in August 2006.

Some Americans and Europeans involved in demonstrations and other such activities in the West Bank have become involved in confrontations with Israeli settlers and the IDF. The State Department recommends that Americans, for their own safety, avoid demonstrations.

For safety and security reasons, U.S. Government American personnel and dependents are prohibited from traveling to any cities, towns, or settlements in the West Bank, except for mission-essential business or other approved purposes. For limited, personal travel, U.S. government personnel and family members are permitted to travel through the West Bank using only Routes 1 and 90, to reach the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge or the Dead Sea coast near Ein Gedi and Masada. They are also permitted to travel north on Route 90 from Allenby/King Hussein Bridge to the Sea of Galilee. All of these routes are for transit only, with stops permitted only at Qumran National Park off Route 90 by the Dead Sea. Each such transit requires prior notification to the Consulate General’s security office and must occur during daylight hours. U.S. Government personnel and family members are permitted both official and personal travel on Route 443 between Modi’in and Jerusalem without prior notification, during daylight hours only. Travel to the Gaza Strip by U.S. Government personnel is prohibited. The Department of State strongly recommends that private American citizens not travel to the Gaza Strip. Those in Gaza should depart immediately.

All travelers who enter or travel in the West Bank should exercise particular care when approaching and traveling through Israeli checkpoints and should expect delays and difficulties. Travelers should also be aware they might not be allowed passage through checkpoints.

Israeli authorities are concerned about the continuing threat of suicide bombings. The January 2007 bombing in Eilat, the April 2006 and January 2006 suicide bombings in Tel Aviv, the December 2005 suicide bombing in Netanya and a similar incident in Hadera in October 2005 are reminders of the precarious security environment. The threat of such attacks is ongoing. The U.S. Government has received information indicating that American interests could be the focus of terrorist attacks. For that reason, American citizens are cautioned that a greater danger may exist in the vicinity of restaurants, businesses, and other places associated with U.S. interests and/or located near U.S. official buildings, such as the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv and the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem .

American citizens are urged to exercise a high degree of caution and common sense when patronizing restaurants, cafes, malls, places of worship, and theaters, especially during peak hours. Large crowds and public gatherings should be avoided to the extent possible, and personnel should be alert to street vendors who sometimes aggressively harass tourists. American citizens should take into consideration that discos and nightclubs, as well as public buses, trains and their respective terminals are “off-limits” to U.S. Government personnel.

Violence between organized criminal elements sometimes occurs in areas frequented by foreigners and has occasionally resulted in death or injuries to bystanders. While American citizens have not been the target of such violence, they should be aware of their surroundings and follow common sense precautions to avoid it.

The State Department urges American citizens to remain vigilant while traveling throughout Jerusalem, especially within the commercial and downtown areas of West Jerusalem and the city center. Israeli security services report that they continue to receive information of planned terrorist attacks in and around Jerusalem . The last terrorist bombing in Jerusalem was on September 22, 2004. Spontaneous or planned protests within the Old City are possible, especially after Friday prayers. Some of these protests have led to violent clashes. The Old City of Jerusalem is off-limits to U.S. Government personnel and their family members after dark during the entire week and between the hours of 11 am and 2 pm on Fridays.

Americans in Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip are strongly encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv or the Consular Section of U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov . U.S. citizens who require emergency services may telephone the Consulate General in Jerusalem at (972) (2) 622-7250 or the Embassy in Tel Aviv at (972) (3) 519-7355.

As a consequence of the current limitations on official travel to the West Bank, and the prohibition on travel by U.S. Government employees to the Gaza Strip, the ability of consular staff to offer timely assistance to U.S. citizens is extremely limited, particularly in the Gaza Strip.

Current information on travel and security in Israel, Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada , or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. For additional and more in-depth information about specific aspects of travel to these areas, U.S. citizens should consult: the Consular Information Sheet for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza; the Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement; and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement. These are available on the Department’s Internet website at http://travel.state.gov . Up-to-date information on security conditions can also be accessed at http://usembassy-israel.org.il or http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov .

[Cindy]

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

###

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1865700/posts

“Putin’s children”
iht.com ^ | July 5, 2007 | Michael Hammerschlag

Posted on 07/13/2007 5:26:40 PM PDT by Tailgunner Joe

[Mossad1967]

It will happen both here at home and over there as well. TSWHTF no later than late September. It’s coming.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30200-1275184,00.html

Bounty Doubled On Bin Laden To $50m
Updated: 20:13, Friday July 13, 2007

The bounty on Osama bin Laden’s head has been doubled by the US Senate.
Senators decided on the increase to $50 million in the face of fears that al Qaeda is gaining strength.

***The congress and president know exactly what is coming. Unfortunately, they have absolutely no way of stopping it.***

[Cindy]

http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/pdf/itic_0707e.pdf

July 13, 2007

Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center
at the Israel Intelligence Heritage
& Commemoration Center (IICC)

“Monthly list of Information Bulletins
issued by the Intelligence and Terrorism
Information Center at the IICC
(June 2007)”

[Cindy]

Fyi Only.

IDF.il
http://www.idf.il

#

http://www.ynetnews.com

#

http://www.jpost.com

[Cindy]

http://www1.idf.il/DOVER/site/mainpage.asp?sl=EN&id=7&docid=63828.EN

“Upgrading the Emergency Storage Facilities”
Wednesday 11/07/2007 12:45

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Due to the stocktaking from the Second Lebanon War, the IDF has decided to put more equipment into the emergency stores of the military. This is to prepare them adequately for any future engagement.”

[Cindy]

ON THE NET...

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

#

www.alqassam.ps/arabic/

#

www.youtube.com/results?search_type=search_videos&search_query=alqassam&search_sort=video_date_uploaded&search_category=0&search=Search&v=

www.youtube.com/results?search_type=search_videos&search_query=hamas&search_sort=video_date_uploaded&search_category=0&search=Search&v=

[Cindy]

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

#

www.youtube.com/results?search_type=search_videos&search_query=lebanon&search_sort=video_date_uploaded&search_category=0&search=Search&v=

#

www.almanar.com.lb/

www.youtube.com/user/AlJazeeraEnglish

[Cindy]

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

#

www.youtube.com/results?search_type=search_videos&search_query=lebanon&search_sort=video_date_uploaded&search_category=0&search=Search&v=

#

www.almanar.com.lb/

www.youtube.com/user/AlJazeeraEnglish

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_3072.html

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

This information is current as of today, Fri Jul 13 2007 18:27:30 GMT-0700.

LEBANON

June 14, 2007

This Travel Warning alerts American citizens to the ongoing fighting and political tensions in Lebanon and advises them of safety and security concerns. The Department of State continues strongly to urge that Americans defer travel to Lebanon, and that American citizens in Lebanon consider carefully the risks of remaining. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning issued on December 22, 2006.

This warning alerts U.S. citizens to the renewed threat of attacks against western and Lebanese government interests by the extremist group Fatah Al-Islam. Similar threats also were made by the militant groups Jund Al-Sham and Al-Qaeda. The Department of State remains concerned about the personal safety and security of American citizens as the fighting continues at the Nahr El-Barad refugee camp. Sporadic fighting also has occurred outside several other refugee camps. U.S. citizens who visit refugee camps in Lebanon risk becoming trapped during hostilities. On June 7, a bomb exploded in the town of Zouk Mousbeh, north of Beirut . This was the fifth small-scale bomb attack in greater Beirut in recent weeks and follows the June 7 discovery of explosives-laden vehicles in eastern Lebanon . Since May 20, explosions have occurred in the Beirut neighborhoods of Achrafieh and Verdun, the Beirut suburb of Sad Al-Bouchrieh, and the resort town of Aley . The possibility of related episodes of violence in popular districts of Beirut and other tourist areas in Lebanon remains high.

The Department continues strongly to urge that Americans defer travel to Lebanon , and that American citizens already in Lebanon consider carefully the risks of remaining. Americans who remain in Lebanon despite this Travel Warning are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance; take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness; confirm that passports and U.S. travel documents for themselves and for family members are up-to-date; and be alert to any deterioration of the security situation.

In a crisis situation, U.S. citizens are responsible for arranging commercial or private means of transportation to depart Lebanon . If evacuation is warranted, only when all other transportation options are unavailable will the U.S. government assist U.S. citizens in leaving a country. This service will be provided on a cost-recovery basis. The lack of valid travel documents will slow the U.S. embassy’s ability to provide assistance. Further information on the department’s role during emergencies is provided at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.html .

The Department of State considers the threat to U.S. government personnel in Beirut sufficiently serious to require them to live and work under strict security restrictions. These practices limit, and may occasionally prevent, access by U.S. Embassy officials to certain areas of the country. Unofficial travel to Lebanon by U.S. government employees and their family members requires prior approval by the department of state.

Landmines and unexploded ordnance pose significant dangers throughout southern Lebanon, particularly south of the Litani River, as well as in areas of Lebanon where civil war fighting was intense. More than a dozen civilians have been killed and over 100 injured by unexploded ordnance following the armed conflict in July-August 2006. Travelers should watch for posted landmine warnings and strictly avoid all areas where landmines and unexploded ordnance may be present.

The embassy is located in Awkar, near Antelias, Beirut, Lebanon . Public access hours for American citizens are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. however; American citizens who require emergency services outside of these hours may contact the embassy by telephone at any time. The telephone numbers are (961-4) 542-600, 543-600, and fax 544-209. American citizens may register with the embassy online by visiting https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs . Information on consular services and registration can also be found at http://beirut.usembassy.gov or by phone at the above telephone numbers between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday local time.

Updated information on travel and security in Lebanon may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. Additional details can be found in the Department of State’s Consular Information Sheet for Lebanon, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, the Middle East and North Africa public announcement and “A Safe Trip Abroad,” all of which are available on the Department’s Internet site at http://travel.state.gov .

[Cindy]

ON THE ‘NET:

www.youtube.com/results?search_type=search_videos&search_query=ahmadinejad&search_sort=video_date_uploaded&search_category=0&search=Search&v=

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLVhjDCcdaA

[Cindy]

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

#

YES, this is a good article from a good news source. (from the questions you were afraid to ask file). -Cindy

Note: The following post is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1865741/posts

Iranians arrest 14 squirrels for spying
Ynetnews ^ | July 13, 2007 | Dudi Cohen

Posted on 07/13/2007 6:49:24 PM PDT by West Coast Conservative

Iranian intelligence operatives recently detained over a dozen squirrels found within the nation’s borders, claiming the rodents were serving as spies for Western powers determined to undermine the Islamic Republic.

“In recent weeks, intelligence operatives have arrested 14 squirrels within Iran’s borders,” state-sponsored news agency IRNA reported. “The squirrels were carrying spy gear of foreign agencies, and were stopped before they could act, thanks to the alertness of our intelligence services.”

Iranian police commander Esmaeil Ahmadi-Moqadam confirmed the report, saying that a number of squirrels had been caught bearing foreign spy gear within Iran’s borders.

“I heard of this but I have no specific knowledge on the subject,” he said. He refused to give further details.

Recently, Iran has increased its efforts in combating espionage by the West. The use of rodents has not been documented in the past.