Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13787&Itemid=21
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20070905-13
September 5, 2007
2nd IA Soldiers capture confessed ‘key AQI financier’ in Nineveh
Multi-National Division – North PAO
MOSUL, Iraq – Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division captured a known key al-Qaeda in Iraq financier in Nineveh province, and his associate, Sept. 3, during an operation in Mosul.
Both men were positively identified as al-Qaeda in Iraq members by the 2-2-2 IA and one admitted to the arresting Soldiers that he is a key AQI financier and negotiates with families for the release of victims kidnapped by AQI for extortion.
Found in the suspects’ vehicle were funds totaling over 250 million Iraqi Dinar (in excess of $200,000 USD), as well as multiple IDs and correspondence.
“The capture of these men by the Iraqi Army, and loss of the financing they provided, will be felt by all those who profit from kidnapping and crimes against the people of Nineveh province,” said Lt. Col. Jeff Stewart, executive officer, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. “Our brothers in the Iraqi Security Forces have struck a blow directly against the terrorists and criminals who threaten Iraqi citizens and the rule of law.”
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September 5, 2007
Note: The following text (minus the phone number) is a quote:
http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1189012515699.shtm
DHS Announces West Coast Maritime Radiation Detection Project
Release Date: September 5, 2007
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) announced today the West Coast Maritime pilot program that will provide maritime radiation detection capabilities for State and local authorities in Washington’s Puget Sound and California’s San Diego areas. The three-year pilot program involves the development of a radiation detection architecture that reduces the risk of radiological and nuclear threats that could be illegally transported on recreational or small commercial vessels. The pilot will be conducted in close coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection.
“The West Coast Maritime pilot program addresses a potential threat pathway in the maritime domain,” said DNDO Director Vayl S. Oxford. “This project reflects the priority that the department has placed on balancing risk against all potential threats.”
DNDO anticipates investing roughly $10 million in the pilot program. The Puget Sound region and San Diego, with DNDO assistance, will leverage existing federal grant funding to support small vessel radiation detection programs and the procurement of recommended equipment.
DNDO expects to deploy non-intrusive, passive detection sensors, such as human-portable radiation detection equipment, mobile sensors, and fixed-position detectors. The goal of the program is to evaluate the efficacy and begin to facilitate the use of radiation detection equipment by local authorities and maritime partners as part of their routine operations in the maritime environment.
A small vessel is defined as any watercraft that is generally less than 300 gross tons. Small vessels include commercial fishing vessels, recreational boats and yachts, towing vessels, uninspected passenger vessels, or any other small commercial vessels involved in foreign or U.S. voyages. The definition distinguishes small vessels from large commercial vessels and yachts, generally 300 gross tons and over, that are subject to security regulations already put in place under the authority of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.
The West Coast Maritime pilot program is underway at Puget Sound, with initial assessment activities beginning in July, and will start soon in San Diego. DNDO will be working with maritime partners and local authorities in both areas to assess the geographic configurations of the ports to maximize detection and interdiction opportunities. Additional analyses for local partners will include a baseline survey of the existing radiological and nuclear detection architecture, a gap and risk assessment, and associated recommended actions to be developed in conjunction with maritime stakeholders. Maritime stakeholders will also receive guidance from DNDO on operational protocols, training, and exercises that support small vessel radiation detection capabilities.
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This page was last modified on September 5, 2007