Threat Matrix: December 2007

Thank you for the stolen rifles update MamaDearest.

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15858&Itemid=21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20071215-03
December 15, 2007

Iraqi Security Forces, Coalition Forces detain 27 suspected al-Qaeda in North Babil

Multi-National Division – Center PAO

NORTH BABIL, Iraq – A joint raid Dec. 7 resulted in the detention of 27 suspected al-Qaeda terrorists in a building in north Babil that was suspected to be an al-Qaeda safehouse where members planned attacks against local citizens, Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces.

The raid was conducted by the Iraqi Army and Soldiers with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), currently attached to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

Intelligence indicated that the al-Qaeda members operating out of the building included high-value individuals.

The raid was conducted by an air assault.

As the Soldiers moved from the helicopter, they received direct small-arms fire from the direction of the building.

Coalition Forces returned fire and eventually captured the suspects, including one suspect who attempted to flee and hide in a ditch before being captured.

That individual turned out to be one of the high-value targets.

“The Iraqi Army did a fantastic job in clearing the objective area,” said Capt. George Morris, commander of Co. B, 2-502nd Inf. Regt.

“There is no place to hide,” said Lt. Col. Kane Barksdale, commander of 1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery, 4th BCT, 3rd Inf. Div., the battalion task force that 2-502nd Inf. Regt. is tasked under.

“For my area of operation, this was a great success,” Barksdale said, adding that much of the success of the mission was owed to intelligence reports from Concerned Local Citizens.

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Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15861&Itemid=21

Press Release A071215a
December 15, 2007

Coalition forces disrupt al-Qaeda operations; four terrorists killed, 18 detained

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition forces killed four terrorists and detained 18 suspects during operations Friday and today targeting al-Qaeda in central and northern Iraq.

North of Muqdadiyah Friday, Coalition forces targeted alleged associates of an al-Qaeda in Iraq leader responsible for a large terrorist group operating in the northeast Diyala River Valley region. Intelligence reports indicate the targeted individuals are associated with a group recently involved in several fire fights with Coalition forces. The presence of the wanted individuals was confirmed in the target area and supporting aircraft engaged the time-sensitive target, killing three terrorists and destroying a vehicle. Secondary explosions erupted from the vehicle after it was engaged, indicating explosives were likely stored in it.

Coalition forces conducted an operation northeast of Muqdadiyah today, targeting an alleged senior facilitator for al-Qaeda in Iraq. Four suspected terrorists were detained during the operation and one man was killed when the ground forces perceived him as a hostile threat and engaged him.

In Baghdad today, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in extremist activity in the Arab Jabour area, and a close associate of the terrorist network in the region. In addition to the wanted individual, the ground force detained two suspected terrorists on site without incident. West of the city, Coalition forces captured a wanted individual believed to be involved in an improvised explosive device network in the region. Reports also indicate the wanted individual is associated with an al-Qaeda in Iraq member involved in the media and weapons facilitation network in the city.

Two suspected terrorists and another wanted individual were detained by Coalition forces today during an operation west of Tarmiyah. The wanted individual is believed to be involved in improvised explosive device attacks in the area, and is a close associate of individuals recently detained by Coalition forces for their involvement in the network north of Baghdad. The network is responsible for car-bombing and improvised explosive device attacks in the area, as well as being involved in extortion, intimidation, weapons trafficking and the facilitation of foreign terrorists.

Farther north in Hawija, Coalition forces detained seven suspected terrorists today while targeting an alleged associate of the al-Qaeda network in the Salah ad Din province.

“We remain vigilant and determined to dismantle al-Qaeda in Iraq,” said Maj. Winfield Danielson, MNF-I spokesman. “Iraqi and Coalition forces’ disruption of their operations impedes their ability to attack innocent Iraqis.”

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Cindy's Note: And the choir said, "Thank God for those 'agents.' Amen.

RECAP AND UPDATE:

JIHAD WATCH.org (AP): Santa Ana, Calif. - "'Be careful (brother), there are agents everywhere looking for (Al-Qaida) recruiters or any other threat to national security'" (December 15, 2007)

US DOJ.gov: Washington - "TWO PLEAD GUILTY TO DOMESTIC TERRORISM CHARGES OF CONSPIRING TO ATTACK MILITARY FACILITIES, JEWISH TARGETS" (December 14, 2007)

JIHAD WATCH.org (AP): "'This incident is the first in a series of incidents to come in a plight to defend and propagate traditional Islam in its purity'" (December 14, 2007)

LAS VEGAS SUN (AP): "GUILTY PLEAS SEN IN CALIF. TERROR CASE" (December 14, 2007)

Link

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

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http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/019172.php
(AP)

“Azerbaijan: 15 convicted of ties with Iran passed US, British, Israeli secrets”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “BAKU, Azerbaijan - Azerbaijan’s security agency said Saturday that the 15 people convicted this week of treason and sedition had passed information on US, British and Israeli activities in the ex-Soviet republic to Iranian intelligence.

The Court for Grave Crimes on Monday sentenced members of the “Said Group” to lengthy prison sentences in a case that highlighted Azerbaijan’s concern over the influence of neighboring Iran.

In a statement released Saturday, the National Security Ministry revealed new details about the group, which allegedly passed to Iranian agents details on Western embassies, companies, pipeline operations and employees operating in Azerbaijan in 2005-2006.
Two members of the group met repeatedly with Iranian agents in Tehran and other cities where they received training, equipment, maps and instructions, more than $10,000 in funding, the ministry said.

The 15 were arrested in January on suspicion of crimes including plotting to forcefully seize power, treason, organizing a criminal group, possession of weapons and drugs, and counterfeiting.”

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Previously...

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/019097.php
(REUTERS)
December 11, 2007

“Azerbaijan sentences 15 jihadists for coup attempt”
(BAKU, Dec 10, 2007)

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Previously...

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/018605.php

October 29, 2007

“US embassy targeted by Azerbaijan Methodists — no, wait...
...it was “a radical Islamic group.” Oh, will the Islamophobia never end?”

SNIPPET: “”US embassy targeted by Azerbaijan terror,” by Aida Sultanova for Associated Press:

BAKU, Azerbaijan - The U.S. and British embassies suspended operations Monday in Baku, where the government said it thwarted a radical Islamic group’s plot to conduct a “large-scale horrifying terror attack” against diplomatic missions and government buildings.”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “National Security Ministry spokesman Arif Babayev told The Associated Press that the radical Islamic group had planned to launch a “terror attack against several government structures in Baku and the U.S. Embassy.””

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

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http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071216/FOREIGN/91073427/1001

“General says U.S. looking for fight”
By Mike Eckel
December 16, 2007

MOSCOW (AP) —

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Among the issues that have most undermined Russian-U.S. relations in recent years is a U.S. plan to put elements of a missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic — former Warsaw Pact members that have joined NATO.

Russia has claimed the system will be used to spy on Russian missile and military forces; Washington says it will help defend Europe from a potential missile attack from Iran.”

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Previously...

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

http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewForeignBureaus.asp?Page=/ForeignBureaus/archive/200712/INT20071213b.html

“Iran, Russia Agree on Timetable to Complete Iranian Reactor”
By Julie Stahl
CNSNews.com Jerusalem Bureau Chief
December 13, 2007

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Jerusalem (CNSNews.com) - Russia and Iran have agreed on a timetable for completing the Iranian nuclear reactor at Bushehr, which has been at the center of the international controversy over Iran’s nuclear program, a Russian official said on Thursday.

“The difficulties with the Iranian client are resolved, and we have an agreement on the timetable for the construction,” said Sergei Shmatko, the head of the company that has contracted to build the nuclear plant. He said more details would be released later.”

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/12/20071214-6.html

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 14, 2007

Text of a Letter from the President to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate

White House News
December 14, 2007

Dear Madam Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)

I am providing this supplemental consolidated report, prepared by my Administration and consistent with the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148), as part of my efforts to keep the Congress informed about deployments of U.S. combat-equipped Armed Forces around the world. This supplemental report covers operations in support of the war on terror and Kosovo.

THE WAR ON TERROR

Since September 24, 2001, I have reported, consistent with Public Law 107-40 and the War Powers Resolution, on the combat operations in Afghanistan against al-Qaida terrorists and their Taliban supporters, which began on October 7, 2001, and the deployment of various combat-equipped and combat-support forces to a number of locations in the Central, Pacific, European, and Southern Command areas of operation in support of those operations and of other operations in our war on terror.

I will direct additional measures as necessary in the exercise of the U.S. right to self-defense and to protect U.S. citizens and interests. Such measures may include short-notice deployments of special operations and other forces for sensitive operations in various locations throughout the world. It is not possible to know at this time the precise scope or the duration of the deployment of U.S. Armed Forces necessary to counter the terrorist threat to the United States.

United States Armed Forces, with the assistance of numerous coalition partners, continue to conduct the U.S. campaign to pursue al-Qaida terrorists and to eliminate support to al-Qaida. These operations have been successful in seriously degrading al Qaida’s training capabilities. United States Armed Forces, with the assistance of numerous coalition partners, ended the Taliban regime and are actively pursuing and engaging remnant al Qaida and Taliban fighters in Afghanistan. The total number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan is approximately 25,900, of which approximately 15,180 are assigned to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. The U.N. Security Council authorized the ISAF in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1386 of December 20, 2001, and has reaffirmed its authorization since that time, most recently, for a 12-month period from October 13, 2007, in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1776 of September 19, 2007. The mission of the ISAF under NATO command is to assist the Government of Afghanistan in creating a safe and secure environment that allows for continued reconstruction and the exercise and extension of Afghan authority. Currently, 37 nations contribute military and other support personnel to the ISAF, including all 26 NATO nations.

The United States continues to detain several hundred al-Qaida and Taliban fighters who are believed to pose a continuing threat to the United States and its interests. The combat-equipped and combat-support forces deployed to Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in the U.S. Southern Command area of operations since January 2002, continue to conduct secure detention operations for the enemy combatants at Guantanamo Bay.

The U.N. Security Council authorized a Multinational Force (MNF) in Iraq under unified command in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1511 of October 16, 2003, and reaffirmed its authorization in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1546 of June 8, 2004, U.N. Security Council Resolution 1637 of November 8, 2005, and U.N. Security Council Resolution 1723 of November 28, 2006, set to expire on December 31, 2007. Under Resolutions 1546, 1637, and 1723, the mission of the MNF is to contribute to security and stability in Iraq. These contributions have included assisting in building the capability of the Iraqi security forces and institutions as the Iraqi people drafted and approved a constitution and established a constitutionally elected government. The U.S. contribution to the MNF fluctuates over time depending on the conditions in theater as determined by the commanders on the ground; the U.S. contribution to the MNF is approximately 159,529 U.S. military personnel.

In furtherance of our efforts against terrorists who pose a continuing and imminent threat to the United States, its friends and allies, and our forces abroad, the United States continues to work with friends and allies in areas around the globe. These efforts include the deployment of U.S. combat-equipped and combat-support forces to assist in enhancing the counter-terrorism capabilities of our friends and allies. United States combat-equipped and combat-support forces also continue to be located in the Horn of Africa region.

In addition, the United States continues to conduct maritime interception operations on the high seas in the areas of responsibility of all of the geographic combatant commanders. These maritime operations have the responsibility to stop the movement, arming, or financing of international terrorists.

NATO-LED KOSOVO FORCE (KFOR)

As noted in previous reports regarding U.S. contributions in support of peacekeeping efforts in Kosovo, the U.N. Security Council authorized Member States to establish KFOR in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1244 of June 10, 1999.

The original mission of KFOR was to monitor, verify, and when necessary, enforce compliance with the Military Technical Agreement (MTA) between NATO and Serbia (formerly the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia), while maintaining a safe and secure environment. Today, KFOR deters renewed hostilities and, with local authorities and international police, contributes to the maintenance of a safe and secure environment that facilitates the work of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).

Currently, there are 24 NATO nations contributing to KFOR. Ten non-NATO contributing countries also participate by providing military personnel and other support personnel to KFOR. The U.S. contribution to KFOR in Kosovo is about 1,498 U.S. military personnel, or approximately 10 percent of KFOR’s total strength of approximately 15,251 personnel.

The U.S. forces have been assigned to the eastern region of Kosovo. For U.S. KFOR forces, as for KFOR generally, maintaining a safe and secure environment remains the primary military task. The KFOR operates under NATO command and control and rules of engagement. The KFOR coordinates with and supports UNMIK at most levels; provides a security presence in towns, villages, and the countryside; and organizes checkpoints and patrols in key areas to provide security, to protect minorities, to resolve disputes, and to help instill in the community a feeling of confidence.

In accordance with U.N. Security Council Resolution 1244, UNMIK continues to transfer additional competencies to the Kosovo Provisional Institutions of Self-Government, which includes the President, Prime Minister, multiple ministries, and the Kosovo Assembly. The UNMIK retains ultimate authority in some sensitive areas such as police, justice, and ethnic minority affairs.

NATO formally continues to review KFOR’s mission at 6-month intervals. These reviews provide a basis for assessing current force levels, future requirements, force structure, force reductions, and the eventual withdrawal of KFOR. NATO has adopted the Joint Operations Area plan to regionalize and rationalize its force structure in the Balkans. The UNMIK international police and the Kosovo Police Service (KPS) have full responsibility for public safety and policing throughout Kosovo. The UNMIK international police and KPS also have begun to assume responsibility for guarding patrimonial sites and established border-crossing checkpoints. The KFOR augments security in particularly sensitive areas or in response to particular threats as needed.

I have directed the participation of U.S. Armed Forces in all of these operations pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct U.S. foreign relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive. Officials of my Administration and I communicate regularly with the leadership and other Members of Congress with regard to these deployments, and we will continue to do so.

Sincerely,

GEORGE W. BUSH

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http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/defense/

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Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/12/20071215.html

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 15, 2007

President’s Radio Address
In Focus: Defense

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. In a time of war, America’s top priority should be to ensure that our troops on the front lines get the funding they need. So beginning in February, I submitted detailed funding requests to Congress to fund operations in the war on terror. Congress has had months to pass this funding. Unfortunately, with just days to go before members leave for their Christmas vacation, they still have not come through with these funds.

This week Congress considered a defense authorization bill. An authorization bill is a pledge to spend money. Under such a bill, Congress will make a promise to fund our troops in combat. But a congressional promise — even if enacted — does not pay the bills. It is time for Congress to provide our troops with actual funding.

The stakes are high for our men and women on the front lines. Our troops are striking blows against the terrorists and extremists in Iraq and Afghanistan — and these funds are critical to their continued success. The funds I have requested include money to carry out combat operations against the enemy. They include money to train the Iraqi and Afghan security forces to take on more responsibility for the defense of their countries. They include money for civilian agencies deployed in the field with our military to help build local governments and create jobs. And they include money for intelligence operations to protect our troops on the battlefield.
Congress has had plenty of time to consider the emergency funds our troops need. Time is running out. And Pentagon officials say that continued delay in funding our troops will soon begin to have a damaging impact on the operations of our military. Congress’ responsibility is clear: They must deliver vital funds for our troops — and they must do it before they leave for Christmas. Our men and women on the front lines will be spending this holiday season far from their families and loved ones. And this Christmas, they deserve more than words from Congress. They deserve action.

Thank you for listening.

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, Sun Dec 16 2007 02:52:09 GMT-0800 (PST).

Worldwide Caution

October 09, 2007

PERSECUTION.ORG
http://www.persecution.org

http://www.gilroydispatch.com/news/contentview.asp?c=231735

“Alleged stalker’s case delayed four days”

Dec 14, 2007
By Christopher Quirk

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “If convicted on both charges, Gonzalez-Raygoza could spend two years in jail and be fined $10,000. He is scheduled to appear in a San Martin court to enter a plea at 9 a.m. Monday”

Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3483004,00.html

Philippines says kills top Abu Sayyaf militant

Published: 12.16.07, 08:45 / Israel News

Philippine troops killed a senior Islamic militant wanted by the United States after they raided his safe house in the restive south of the archipelago, officials said on Sunday.

Mobin Abdurajak, a leader of the Abu Sayyaf group, was wanted for kidnapping 21 people from the Malaysian resort island of Sipadan in 2000. The victims were freed after a ransom was paid. “The neutralization of Abdurajak is part of our campaign to eliminate the Abu Sayyaf terrorists,” regional navy chief Rear Admiral Emilio Marayag said. (Reuters)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7146550.stm

Last Updated: Sunday, 16 December 2007, 04:47 GMT

“Guatemala shoot-out kills eight”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Eight people have died in a four-hour gun battle between police and thieves in a suburb of Guatemala City.

An armed gang had robbed a jeweller in a shopping centre, killing a security guard who tried to stop them.”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Police suspect the gang had been behind a series of similar robberies in the area.”

Note: Includes video and photos.

blog:

http://michellemalkin.com/2007/12/15/the-wreath-laying-at-arlington-cemetery/

“The wreath-laying at Arlington Cemetery”
By Michelle Malkin • December 15, 2007 09:20 PM

SNIPPET: ““We make it our business to Never Forget.”

God bless Morrill Worcester and all the volunteers who make this happen every year–so that we Never Forget the sacrifices of those who lay beneath the wreaths.”

placemark

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1940308/posts

“Coddling a cop-killer”
NY Daily News ^ | December 16 2007
Posted on 12/16/2007 8:48:18 AM PST by knighthawk

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

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http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/019182.php
(REUTERS)

December 16, 2007

“’Jews, go back, because we have already dug graves for you’”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “GAZA, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Hamas threatened to launch a new uprising against Israel on Saturday when hundreds of thousands of Islamist supporters rallied in Gaza City to mark the group’s 20th anniversary.

“Our people are capable of launching a third and a fourth intifada until the dawn of victory rises up,” said Khaled Meshaal, the group’s exiled leader, in a speech recorded on Friday at his base in Damascus.

The Tiny Minority of Extremists™ is larger than the Times’ estimate in this story also:

The central square in Gaza City was awash with green flags and dozens of armed, masked men from the group’s military wing patrolled in a crowd estimated at between 300,000 and 500,000.

Hamas leader in Gaza, Ismail Haniyeh, said the movement was growing more popular because of its stance against the United States and Israel.

“Today is the day of Jihad, resistance and uprising,” Haniyeh said.”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “In another speech to the rally, senior Hamas official Mushir al-Masri warned Israel to expect many casualties if troops invade the coastal territory in an attempt to stop almost daily rocket firing by militants into Israel.

“Jews, go back, because we have already dug graves for you,” Masri said. Israel carries out regular raids on Gaza and has killed dozens of militants in the past month.”

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=28282_BBC_Exposes_Muslim_Undercover_Researchers&only

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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml;jsessionid=P4JD2BORAZ5TNQFIQMGCFFOAVCBQUIV0?xml=/opinion/2007/12/15/do1501.xml

“Newsnight told a small story over a big one”
By Charles Moore
Last Updated: 9:01am GMT 15/12/2007

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Previously...

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=27743_Video-_Saudi_Hate_Literature_in_British_Mosques&only

You just can’t make this stuff up — really.

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http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/019184.php
(DAILY RECORD.co.uk)

December 16, 2007
“Accused jihadist: We were hunting Loch Ness Monster”

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/business/data-breach.html

“Dealing with a Data Breach”

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http://threatswatch.org/rapidrecon/2007/12/2007-the-year-of-the-data-brea/

“2007 - The Year of the Data Breaches”
by Jay Fraser
(December 15, 2007)