Threat Matrix: December 2007

Prayer for my pastors son who has organized a missionary group over there. There name is “Dusty Feet”. Our church had gathered money for Pastor Appreciation to send he and his wife to see the work there son is doing.

They just got back on Saturday and it is turning into a nightmare, lots of people getting killed. They are trying to get there son Nate back sometime this week. They work
in the Kibera slum in Nairobi, in the middle of this mess.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,319148,00.html

Kenyan Police Battle Opposition After Kenyan Elections

Monday, December 31, 2007

Dec. 31: Police officers beat opposition supporters during riots in the Kibera slum in Nairobi.

NAIROBI, Kenya — Police fired tear gas and bullets Monday as they struggled to contain tens of thousands of opposition supporters accusing President Mwai Kibaki of stealing his re-election. The death toll in the demonstrations and ethnic clashes rose to at least 125 people, police and witnesses said.

Three police officers said they had orders to shoot to kill, while opposition supporters said they would risk death to protest what they called a stolen election.

The vote ignited smoldering resentment between Kenya’s two largest tribes, with supporters of Raila Odinga, a Luo who officially came in second, clashing with members of Kibaki’s Kikuyu. The head of Kenya’s Red Cross said many of the dead were killed in ethnic violence across the country.

The Kikuyu comprise the largest ethnic group in Kenya, and are frequently accused by other tribes of monopolizing business and political power.

snip..

Here is a link for Nate, my pastors son and Dusty Feet.

Prayers for all that are there.

http://dustyfeetonline.com/home07.html

Thank you for the opinion=-analysis, Godzilla.

I added a link to it here:

http://truthusa.com/a/index.php?topic=1521.0

A blessed New Year to you.

OPINION:

I agree with your assessment, Godzilla.

Thank you dryman’s wife.
I’m glad Nate is coming back home to the USA.
I will pray for him and Dusty Feet.

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Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_923.html

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

This information is current as of today, Mon Dec 31 2007 13:14:34 GMT-0800 (PST).

KENYA

October 18, 2007

This Travel Warning is being issued to remind American citizens to consider carefully the risks of travel to Kenya at this time and updates information on safety and security concerns. This supersedes the Travel Warning of February 6, 2007.

The Department continues to recommend that private American citizens in Kenya evaluate their personal security situation in light of continuing terrorist threats and increasing incidents of violent crime. Terrorist acts may include suicide operations, bombings, attacks on civil aviation, and attacks on maritime vessels in or near Kenyan ports. Violent criminal attacks, including armed carjacking, kidnappings, and home invasions/burglary, can occur at any time and in any location, and are becoming increasingly frequent, brazen, vicious, and often fatal. In January 2007, two family members of a U.S. Embassy employee were killed by armed carjackers. Kenyan authorities have limited capacity to deter and investigate such acts.

U.S. citizens should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate and random attacks on civilian targets in public places, including tourist sites and locations where foreigners are known to congregate, as well as commercial operations associated with U.S. or other foreign interests.

American citizens in Kenya should remain vigilant, particularly in public places frequented by foreigners such as clubs, hotels, resorts, upscale shopping centers, restaurants, and places of worship. Americans should also remain vigilant in residential areas, schools, and at outdoor recreational events, and should avoid demonstrations and large crowds.

Americans who travel to or reside in Kenya despite this Travel Warning are encouraged to register through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi. The U.S. Embassy is located on United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya; telephone (254) (20) 363-6000; fax (254) (20) 363-6410. In the event of an after-hours emergency, the Embassy duty officer may be contacted at (254) (20) 363-6170. The Embassy home page is http://kenya.usembassy.gov.

Updated information on travel and security in Kenya may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information please consult the Consular Information Sheet for Kenya, the East Africa Public Announcement, and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, which are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov.

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

#

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/019387.php
(AKI)

December 31, 2007
“Somalia: Hundreds of jihadists advance on Baidoa”
Jarail, 31 Dec.

#

Previously...

“Somalia: Rise and Fall of an Islamist Regime”
Robert Spencer
(Fall, 2007)

http://www.securityaffairs.org/issues/2007/13/spencer.php

http://truthusa.com/a/index.php?topic=1521.0

#

blog:

http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2008/01/the_state_of_jihad_2.php

“The State of Jihad: 2007”
By BILL ROGGIO
January 1, 2008 2:10 PM

Note: The following post is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1946444/posts

Israel taking Bin Laden’s threats seriously

afp.google.com ^ | 12.31.07
Posted on 12/31/2007 12:36:35 PM PST by Perdogg

Israel is taking seriously a threat issued by the head of the Al-Qaeda network Osama Bin Laden in which he vowed the “liberation of Palestine,” a government spokesman said on Monday.

“We take seriously the threats of Al-Qaeda just as we take seriously threats by all terrorist organisations,” Mark Regev told AFP.

“We have observed Al-Qaeda activities near Israel, notably in Lebanon, Jordan and in the Sinai” peninsula of neighbouring Egypt, he said.

(Excerpt) Read more at afp.google.com ...

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, Mon Dec 31 2007 14:04:48 GMT-0800 (PST).

ISRAEL, THE WEST BANK AND GAZA

July 13, 2007

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=48546

Coalition Troops in Iraq Capture Insurgent Leader

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 31, 2007 – Coalition forces in Iraq today captured a suspected insurgent leader during operations to disrupt criminal networks in the Husseiniyah area, military officials reported.

The detainee reportedly is a terrorist recruiter for Karbala province. He also allegedly facilitated terrorists’ training in constructing roadside bombs, as well as operational and computer security.

A large amount of U.S. currency was seized during the operation.

“Coalition and Iraqi security forces are disrupting and dismantling the networks that threaten the ability to provide safety and security for the Iraqi people,” said Navy Capt. Vic Beck, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman.

Earlier, coalition forces killed six terrorists and detained 14 suspects during anti-al Qaeda operations in central and northern Iraq that began Dec. 29 and ended yesterday.

Coalition forces swept the Muqdadiyah area yesterday and targeted alleged associates of insurgents killed during Dec. 29 operations. Coalition forces killed two armed suspects who fired on them.

Coalition forces found two weapons caches, including 10 rifles, eight grenades, four military-style assault vests with 20 loaded magazines, 1,000 rounds of ammunition, and rocket propellant. One of the armed men was wearing a suicide vest. Seven suspected terrorists also were detained during the operation.

Farther north in Mosul yesterday, coalition forces detained six suspected al Qaeda terrorists.

North of Muqdadiyah on Dec. 29, coalition forces targeted associates of the al Qaeda network operating in the northeast Diyala River Valley. One armed terrorists was killed early during the operation.

Coalition forces then continued on and were engaged by enemy fire. The ground force returned fire, killing three more terrorists. While clearing the area, the ground force discovered numerous weapons, including several machine guns, military-style assault vests and magazines, improvised explosive devices, and a rocket-propelled-grenade launcher and rounds. In addition to the weapons, coalition forces safely destroyed a vehicle used for terrorist activity.

Also, coalition forces captured a wanted individual during a Dec. 29 raid west of Mahmudiyah. The detainee reportedly is a leader in the city’s al Qaeda cell who also established a training center for female suicide bombers in Yusufiyah.

“Iraqi and coalition forces are focused on clearing and holding areas where terrorists think they can hide,” said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. “Together, we are disrupting terrorist operations and working to improve safety and security for Iraqi citizens.”

In other Dec. 29 Iraq operations, coalition forces killed three terrorists and detained 34 suspects during operations targeting al Qaeda in central and northern Iraq.

— North of Tikrit, coalition forces targeted an associate of the al Qaeda network in Kirkuk province. The targeted individual was reported to be a terrorist financial and supply specialist. When coalition forces arrived in the operations area they called for the suspects to come out of a building. The coalition force was then fired upon, and air support was called in. Three terrorists were killed during the engagement. As the ground force cleared the area, they found a suicide belt and vest and numerous weapons.

— In another operation north of Tikrit, coalition forces captured an individual believed to be a member of the al Qaeda network. The detainee also is allegedly associated with the al Qaeda cell in Samarra. Six other suspects also were detained during the operation.

— West of Tarmiyah, coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be a close associate of the al Qaeda in Iraq senior leader north of Baghdad. The network is responsible for the majority of car-bombing and improvised-explosive-device attacks in the area, as well as being involved in extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and facilitating foreign terrorists. The ground force detained 21 other suspected terrorists during the series of operations. Coalition forces also destroyed one building believed to be used as a safe house for terrorist operations.

— In Mosul, coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists during an operation targeting al Qaeda in Iraq. In the past few weeks, coalition forces have detained three wanted individuals and more than 26 suspected terrorists associated with the al Qaeda network in Mosul. “Terrorists have no safe haven in Iraq,” said Navy Cmdr. Ed Buclatin, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. “We will continue our operations to hunt down al Qaeda in Iraq’s leaders and operatives and to foil their attempts to destabilize the country.”

— In southern Iraq, coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists. In the Daghgharah area, coalition forces targeted a suspected terrorist leader and weapons trainer who allegedly specialized in rocket-propelled-grenade and mortar attacks against coalition forces. “Much progress has been made in the pursuit of criminal elements,” said Navy Cmdr. Scott Rye, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. “Yet, dangerous elements still exist. Iraqi and coalition forces remain committed to protecting the Iraqi people from these vicious criminals.”

In earlier operations:

— Iraqi soldiers discovered a large weapons cache in Mansour, a district in western Baghdad, Dec. 28. The Iraqi soldiers found two mortar tubes, 86 mortar rounds, five improvised rocket launchers, 10 rockets, two rocket-propelled-grenade launchers, seven RPG rounds, six hand grenades, and various bomb-making materials. “This was an independent operation by the Iraqi army soldiers from the 6th Iraqi Army Division,” said Army Lt. Col. Steve Stover, a Multinational Division Baghdad spokesman. “The recovery of these items is another indication the Iraqi security forces are increasing in capability. Taking these items away from the extremists is a good thing for the Iraqi people.”

— U.S. and Iraqi soldiers found three improvised explosive devices and a weapons cache during joint operations in Saydiyah on Dec. 27. During a house-to-house search, U.S. and Iraqi soldiers found an IED hidden behind a door, another IED between two houses, and a buried IED. Ten 120 mm mortars also were found in a courtyard. The captured munitions were safely detonated.

— Members of a concerned local citizen group seized a cache of munitions east of the city of Nijidat on Dec. 26. The cache contained: 23 rocket motors, two 82 mm mortars, four 81 mm illumination shells, a rocket-propelled grenade, a 115 mm high-explosive tank round, a 106 mm high-explosive anti-tank round and several other explosive items, including an artillery fuse. The local citizens group delivered the cache to Forward Operating Base Hammer, where Army Capt. Chas Cannon, commander of Battery A, 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, met with the group. “The (concerned local citizens) allow us to focus more on governance and economics,” Cannon said. “The fact we have help out there with security allows us to maintain our focus on essential services and the local Iraqi government.”

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)

Note: The following text (minus the photos) is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=48547

Afghan-Led Combined Force Arrests Suspected Taliban Leaders

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 31, 2007 – A combined Afghan element led by 203rd Commando Kandak conducted a series of raids throughout the Sabari district in Afghanistan’s Khowst province from Dec. 27-28.

On the first night, the combined force acted on credible intelligence to search an area of known insurgent activity near Zambar village.

Northern Sabari district has been a main insurgent safe haven in Khowst province for some time, U.S. officials said. Insurgents have used the Zambar village area to provide command and control for insurgent activities and as a staging area for improvised-explosive-device production.

During the operation, the force arrested a suspected major insurgent facilitator primarily associated with the Hizb-i-Islami Afghanistan terrorist organization and believed to have ties to the Haqqani network terrorist group, the Taliban and al Qaeda. He is suspected of directing IED attacks, antagonizing feuding tribes in the area, and facilitating other insurgent activities.

“Capturing this terrorist should significantly improve the security situation in Sabari district,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force 82 spokesman. “His arrest will help stabilize the area by eliminating an antagonist causing tribal conflicts in the region. Additionally, the IED cell under him will no longer have his level of guidance, logistical support or discrete cover to conduct IED attacks.”

Afghan National Police forces assisted by the army’s 203rd Commandos also arrested a suspected deputy Taliban commander during the operation. Evidence points to him being involved in several direct attacks in the Sabari district, and he was implicated in destroying the Zambar village school. In addition, according to reports, he was responsible for a number of IED attacks that killed several Afghan National Police officers.

Several other insurgents were captured, including a suspected insurgent responsible for providing financial support to IED cells in the Sabari district. Another suspected insurgent was implicated in stealing from Afghan government employees, transporting weapons, assisting IED-placement facilitators, and delivering terrorizing “night letters” to intimidate local villagers.

Another man detained Dec. 27 was suspected of facilitating an unsuccessful suicide-bomb attack on the governor of Khowst province Aug. 22. He also is suspected of coordinating several insurgent activities and successful attacks against Afghan National Police units.

The last suspected insurgent detained Dec. 27 is believed to be directly involved in attacks on various schools, police checkpoints and Afghan officials.

Follow-on operations Dec. 28 included clearing the Makhtab bazaar area in Sabari district, suspected of functioning as a base of operations and center for insurgent activities. The commandos searched the bazaar for weapons caches and suspected insurgent activities, and Afghan National Police elements detained several individuals suspected of criminal activity.

One detainee captured by the commandos during that mission is suspected of identifying locations for IED emplacement along roadways throughout the province and conducting car-bomb attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

Another person detained is suspected of being a former terrorist commander and financier for insurgent activities throughout the Sabari district. Finally, another suspected insurgent was detained for his alleged involvement in an October attack on the Khulbesat police station, in which one police officer was killed and four were injured.

“Detaining these individuals will likely cause a significant disruption of insurgent activities in Sabari district,” Belcher said.

The combined Afghan force conducted the two-day operation without a shot being fired. The 203rd Commando commander said he was impressed with the skill, professionalism and discipline of his forces throughout all phases of the operation. “I thought their performance was outstanding,” he said. “Their movement and flow through the buildings and their tactical considerations while clearing the compounds were very impressive. I was also impressed with the professional manner in which they handled the detainees.”

Several suspected insurgents were detained in the operation, which will have a significant effect in reducing attacks against Afghan forces and civilians.

“The commandos have improved their flexibility in transitioning from an aggressive operation, such as a raid, to taking a civil-actions role of protecting the rights of detainees under the Afghan constitution,” Belcher said.

A commando platoon sergeant thought that the combined force performed well during the operation. “I think we did a good job, and the mission was successful,” he said. “We were on time; we successfully captured the insurgents; and we had a successful mission. I’m happy about that.”

The actions of the commando units involved in the operation impressed all involved.

“Taliban extremists’ tactics are to plan and launch attacks from civilian areas then retreat to civilian areas to hide,” Belcher said. “Conducting operations such as these in civilian areas requires extensive training and planning. The fact that commando-led forces were able to detain several suspected insurgents hiding in civilian areas without firing a shot shows tremendous development in their ability to conduct complex operations and will go a long way in enhancing security in the Sabari district and throughout Khowst province.”

(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=48548

Al Qaeda Actions in Iraq Contradict Bin Laden’s Claims

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 31, 2007 – An audio tape released by Osama bin Laden yesterday purports that al Qaeda does not kill innocent civilians, but the terrorist network’s actions contradict this claim, a coalition spokesman said yesterday. (Video)

During a news conference in Baghdad yesterday, Navy Rear Adm. Gregory J. Smith, director of communications for Multinational Corps Iraq, told reporters that al Qaeda car bombings, suicide attacks and torture houses are evidence that the network targets innocent civilians, and belie conflicting messages the group avows.

“Al Qaeda’s extreme, Taliban-like ideology and deliberate disregard for human life has led to its rejection by the Iraqi people,” Smith said.

In a recorded message titled “The Way to Foil Plots,” bin Laden reportedly admonished Sunni Arabs who have undermined al Qaeda by embracing coalition security initiatives, The Guardian reported today. The terrorist chief allegedly urged al Qaeda operatives to turn against leaders in Anbar and other Iraqi provinces where cooperation with coalition forces is widespread.

In a rejection of extremist ideology, Iraqi tribal leaders and citizens have spurned al Qaeda and continue to drive terrorist members out of their communities, Smith said.

“The real plot foiled is al Qaeda in Iraq and bin Laden’s plot to turn Iraq and the region into a caliphate based on the radical Taliban ideology,” he said. “These actions by the tribes and volunteer citizens have become a central concern for al Qaeda, and bin Laden attempts to rationalize these setbacks but ignores the most relevant fact: that the tribes and citizens have rejected (al Qaeda in Iraq’s) ideology and hatred.”

Meanwhile, coalition and Iraqi security forces will continue to pursue and disrupt al Qaeda and prevent the group from reestablishing safe havens and operating bases in Iraq, Smith said.

Security efforts are being bolstered by an Iraqi court system that tried some 4,000 civil and criminal cases in 2007 and boasts more than 1,100 judges, prosecutors and examining magistrates in dozens of courts operating across the country.

An Iraqi court on Dec. 27 found Muhammad al Matyuti guilty of participating in bombings that killed some 500 Iraqis from the Yazidi tribe in August. Matyuti confessed to being a member of the Sinjar al Qaeda in Iraq network and an associate of Muhammad al Afri, the Yazidi-attack mastermind who coalition forces killed during a targeted raid in September, Smith said.

Economic stimulation also is aiding coalition forces in countering extremism in Iraq, Smith said. Earlier this month, Multinational Corps Iraq distributed micro-grants to several local Baghdad businessmen. With the loans, a market owner, butcher and street vendor were able to purchase equipment necessary to conduct their respective trades while stimulating local economies.

“Though small in nature, micro-grants such as these are enabling thousands of businessmen and businesswomen to both maintain and expand their entrepreneurial spirit, providing not only a livelihood but essential services in their neighborhoods,” Smith said.

Though challenges to security loom in the new year, Smith said, such economic developments are leading to a brighter outlook in Iraq.

“Positive elements such as these are encouraging, as Iraqis continue to dedicate themselves to the building of their country from the bottom up,” he said. “2008 will have its own set of upturns and downturns, but we remain positive that the progress will continue as the new year unfolds.”

Well, it’s hate speech, but at least he is being forthright and honest. Jihad — another day.

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PAKISTAN
http://truthusa.com/a/index.php?topic=810.0

#

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/019399.php
(THE SUN.co.uk)

December 31, 2007
“Pakistani cleric: ‘We want Islamic law for all Pakistan and then the world. We would like to do this by preaching. But if not then we would use force.’”

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1946533/posts

#

http://www.reuters.com/article/gc04/idUSN3159264420071231

“Lockheed to supply 18 F-16s to Pakistan”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Lockheed Martin Corp LMT.N> was awarded a $498.2 million contract to supply F-16 aircraft to Pakistan, the Pentagon said on Monday, as Pakistani officials mulled whether to go ahead with a January 8 election after the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto.

Lockheed will sell 12 F-16C plus 6 F-16D planes to Pakistan under the contract, the Pentagon said in its daily list of defense contract awards. The Defense Department, which oversees sales of military weapons to foreign governments, did not say how soon the fighter jets would be delivered.”

Happy New Years All!!!!!

Thanks for your prayers.

I should tell you a bit more. Because my pastor and his
wife had a great valued sence of the world and what happens
in it.

My pastor is a retired Missouri State Trouper who in his tenure served as protection to John Ashcroft, then Governor.

He has known an seen alot. I think when it comes to our
children everything can seem great.

You’re very welcome, drymans wife.

I admire John Ashcroft very much.

Thank you, I do to.

I have always admired him. But now with my pastor and his stories, I get confirmation.

He is a devout man of God.

Just how many people do the have running around with “molotov cocktails”.

Ditto that thought here. Stating investigators don't believe the incidents are connected leaves a lot to the imagination. Do they have witnesses? Are there different delivery systems for the molotov cocktails? Is it more of the "nothing here - move along" school of thought?

Muhammad and Mrs. Jones

Snippets: Kenny Gamble is best known for being "the architect of the Philly Soul Sound." His catalog of hits includes "Me and Mrs. Jones" and he and longtime collaborator Leon Huff are slated to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next year. But Gamble is also the architect of a planned stealth Islamist enclave in Philadelphia where he is better known in Muslim circles as Brother Luqman Abdul Haqq.

Gamble has admitted that he intends to bring about the Muslim community in South Philadelphia through his "Universal Companies" and proclaims that his state and federally subsidized funded building endeavors are part of an Islamist blueprint, "We are not down here just for Universal-we are down here for Islam."

Gamble is also a member of the Majlis Ash Shura Council of MANA, the Muslim Alliance in North America, which is led by Siraj Wahhaj. MANA was created to support cop killer Al Amin. Siraj Wahhaj is perhaps most infamous as having been named as an unindicted co-conspirator in the first World Trade Center bombing in 1993 by Federal prosecutor Mary Jo White.

TB scare strikes W. Virinia hospital

Officials from City Hospital in Martinsburg say a screening conducted about a month ago revealed an employee working in the obstetrics unit had an active TB infection. They have compiled a list of nearly 900 patients and 60 staff members who were potentially exposed.

"We're talking about 880 patients," said Michael Groves, vice president of patient care services at the hospital. "We had to determine who they were, and compile a list of patients who were potentially exposed."

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/12/31/netherlands.arrests/index.html

updated 1:27 p.m. EST, Mon December 31, 2007

“3 held on Dutch violence fears”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “(CNN) — Dutch police raided five homes in Rotterdam early Monday, arresting three men suspected of planning an imminent act of violence, according to a spokeswoman for the Netherlands’ Justice Department.

Two of the suspects, aged 31 and 32, are Dutch-Moroccan and the third is a 39-year-old Sudanese man, spokeswoman Desiree Leppens told CNN.

She said special police forces conducted the raid after the Justice Department received information from General Intelligence and Security Services on the three men.”