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Posted on 01/02/2008 8:53:38 PM PST by nwctwx
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Yes, she was a remarkable woman and she endured much.
Thank you MamaDearest for checking up on the Crabbie
and the TMers.
You’re welcome Cindy and bless you for your wonderful prayer for Crabbie’s family. Signing off early tonight (sighing). See you here tomorrow!
I see the message now, MamaDearest.
Rest now, Crabbie - in the arms of our Lord.
This is so sad.
Prayers for Crabbie’s family and all who loved her.
Good night MamaDearest.
Rest well.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1958660/posts
“UN programme paid company linked to N. Korean weapon sales”
Straits Times ^ | 01/23/08
Posted on 01/23/2008 11:02:00 PM PST by TigerLikesRooster
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1958663/posts
“The Terrorist Roundup for January 24, 2008”
Posted on 01/23/2008 11:24:53 PM PST by Straight Vermonter
ADDING to post no. 869:
Note: All TMers please read this. Thank you.
http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/019680.php
#
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/01/23/spain.suspects/index.html
updated 4 hours, 16 minutes ago
“Suspects ‘planned Spanish suicide attacks’”
By Al Goodman
CNN Madrid Bureau Chief
MADRID, Spain (CNN) —
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “”Judge Ismael Moreno wrote that the suspects “had achieved human operational capacity and were very close to achieving full technical capacity with explosives, with the aim of using the those explosives for a jihadi terrorist attack, and it can be deduced that the members of the terrorist cell now broken up planned to carry out a series of suicide attacks last weekend, January 18 to 20, against public transport in the city of Barcelona.””
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “He added that police found nitrocellulose and mechanical and electrical elements that could be used to make one or more bombs.”
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Twelve men were arraigned Wednesday, but Moreno allowed two to go free. Those two — Pakistani nationals who had been arrested with the others — were released for lack of evidence, according to their court-appointed lawyer and a court source.”
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “The ministry on Saturday released photographs — which it said police shot immediately after the searches — showing what appeared to be timers, batteries, cables and ball bearings.”
NOTE: The following text is a quote:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html
Worldwide Caution
January 17, 2008
This Worldwide Caution updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests throughout the world. American citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated 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 including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings.
Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests. Examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas and locales where Americans gather in large numbers, including during holidays. In August 2007, two bombs exploded almost simultaneously at an amusement park and a restaurant in India, killing at least 42 people. In June 2007, two unexploded car bombs were discovered in London.
Americans are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems. Recent examples include multiple terrorist attacks on trains in India in 2006, the July 2005 London Underground bombings, and the March 2004 train attacks in Madrid. In addition, extremists may also select aviation and maritime services as possible targets, such as the August 2006 plot against aircraft in London, or the December 2006 bomb at Madrid’s Barajas International Airport. In June 2007, a vehicle was driven into the main terminal at Glasgow International Airport and burst into flames, but the bomb failed to detonate.
The Middle East and North Africa
Credible information indicates terrorist groups seek to continue attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East and North Africa. Terrorist actions may include bombings, hijackings, hostage taking, kidnappings, and assassinations. While conventional weapons such as explosive devices are a more immediate threat in many areas, use of non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents, must be considered a possible threat. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as public transportation, residential areas, and public areas where people congregate, including restaurants, hotels, clubs, and shopping areas.
On December 11, 2007, two vehicle-borne explosive devices were detonated at the UN headquarters in Algiers and the Algerian Constitutional Council. Three other suicide bomb attacks in July and September of 2007 in Algeria killed more than 80 people. In July 2007, suspected al-Qaida operatives carried out a vehicle-borne explosive device attack on tourists at the Bilquis Temple in Yemen, which resulted in the deaths of eight Spanish tourists and their two Yemeni drivers. There was a series of bombings in Morocco in March and April 2007, two of which occurred simultaneously outside the U.S. Consulate General and the private American Language Center in Casablanca. Additionally, an attack took place on the American International School in Gaza in April 2007. These events underscore the intent of terrorist entities to target facilities perceived to cater to Westerners. 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.
Potential targets are not limited to those companies or establishments with overt U.S. ties. For instance, terrorists may target movie theaters, liquor stores, bars, casinos, or any similar type of establishment, regardless of whether they are owned and operated by host country nationals. Due to varying degrees of security at all such locations, Americans should be particularly vigilant when visiting these establishments.
The violence in Iraq, clashes between Palestinians and Israelis, clashes between terrorist extremists and the Lebanese Armed Forces, and the violence in Pakistan following the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto on December 27, 2007 have the potential to produce demonstrations and unrest throughout the region. Americans are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning. In addition, the Department of State continues to warn of the possibility for violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests in the region. Anti-American violence could include possible terrorist actions against aviation, ground transportation, and maritime interests, specifically in the Middle East, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula, and North Africa.
The Department is concerned that extremists may be planning to carry out attacks against Westerners and oil workers on the Arabian Peninsula. Armed attacks targeting foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia that resulted in many deaths and injuries, including U.S. citizens, appear to have been preceded by extensive surveillance. Tourist destinations in Egypt that are frequented by Westerners were attacked in April 2006 resulting in many deaths and injuries, including Americans. Extremists may be surveilling Westerners, particularly at hotels, housing areas, and rental car facilities. Potential targets may include U.S. contractors, particularly those related to military interests. Financial or economic venues of value also could be considered as possible targets; the failed attack on the Abqaiq oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia in late February 2006 and the September 2006 attack on oil facilities in Yemen are examples.
East Africa
A number of al-Qaida operatives and other extremists are believed to be operating in and around East Africa. As a result of the conflict in Somalia, some of these individuals may seek to relocate elsewhere in the region. Americans considering travel to the region and those already there should review their plans carefully, remain vigilant with regard to their personal security, and exercise caution. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, kidnappings or targeting maritime vessels. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists to seek softer targets such as hotels, beach resorts, prominent public places, and landmarks. In particular, terrorists may target civil aviation and seaports. Americans in remote areas or border regions where military or police authority is limited or non-existent could also become targets.
Americans considering seaborne travel near the Horn of Africa or in the southern Red Sea should exercise extreme caution, as there have been several incidents of armed attacks, robberies, and kidnappings for ransom at sea by pirates during the past several years. Merchant vessels continue to be hijacked in Somali territorial waters, while others have been hijacked as far as 200 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia in international waters.
The U.S. Government maritime authorities advise mariners to avoid the port of Mogadishu, and to remain at least 200 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia. In addition, when transiting around the Horn of Africa or in the Red Sea, it is strongly recommended that vessels travel in convoys, and maintain good communications contact at all times.
Central Asia
The U.S. Government continues to receive information that terrorist groups in Central Asia may be planning attacks in the region, possibly against U.S. Government facilities, American citizens, or American interests. Elements and supporters of extremist groups present in Central Asia, including the Islamic Jihad Union (IJU), al-Qaida, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, have expressed anti-U.S. sentiments in the past and have demonstrated the capability to conduct terrorist operations in the region. Previous terrorist attacks conducted in Central Asia have involved improvised explosive devices and suicide bombers and have targeted public areas, such as markets, local government facilities, and, in 2004, the U.S. and Israeli Embassies in Uzbekistan. In addition, hostage-takings and skirmishes have occurred near the Uzbek-Tajik-Kyrgyz border areas.
Before You Go
U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.
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. and Canada or, outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
TERRORISM-INFO.org.il - INTELLIGENCE AND TERRORISM INFORMATION CENTER: "CROWDS OF GAZANS STREAMED INTO EGYPT AFTER THE BORDER FENCE WAS BREACHED. IT WAS PART OF A HAMAS PRESSURE CAMPAIGN TO OPEN THE RAFAH CROSSING IN CONTRAVENTION OF AGREEMENTS EGYPT IS A PARTY TO. THE OPEN BORDER ENABLES THE TERRORIST ORGANIZATIONS TO SMUGGLE OPERATIVES AND WEAPONS INTO THE GAZA STRIP." (January 23, 2008)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1958715/posts
“No Time Outs in the War on Terror”
Townhall.com ^ | January 24, 2008 | Ken Blackwell
Posted on 01/24/2008 5:15:07 AM PST by Kaslin
Oh no MamaD horrible news, I can’t believe it!
She fought for so long, I thought it was possible she beat it.
Sending prayers for her family and friends.
That is such sad news Mama, at least for those left
here to miss her.
Heaven is rejoicing though! !
Our loss, heaven’s gain.
Thanks for the update Cindy.
ANKARA, Turkey - Police raided two suspected safe houses of alleged al-Qaida militants overnight in southern Turkey, triggering a gunbattle that killed one policeman and four gunmen, a provincial governor said Thursday.
Five police officers and a passer-by were also wounded during the clash that lasted more than 12 hours in the southern city of Gaziantep. Provincial Governor Suleyman Kamci said 19 suspects were detained. Police seized explosives and guns at the houses, Kamci said.
Excerpted
http://www.pr-inside.com/clash-between-police-and-suspected-al-qaida-r403200.htm
Turkey: Police target nationalist gangs after failed coup attempt
24 Jan. 2008
Istanbul - Turkish police have arrested dozens of people, including former army officers, lawyers, journalists and religious leaders, allegedly involved in a planned coup d'etat against the government.
According to Turkish media reports, the suspects come from a nationalist organisation called Ergenekon and are alleged to have planned political murders and bomb attacks in a bid to replace the government in 2009. Thirty-three suspects linked to the Ergenekon operation, including retired general Veli Kucuk, were arrested on Tuesday. Controversial nationalist lawyer Kemal Kerincsiz, who filed lawsuits against Turkish writers and intellectuals, was also detained in the police swoop.
Excerpted
http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Security/?id=1.0.1806161685
The Port of Astoria remained on heightened alert this morning, although authorities have decided the threat that triggered the alarm poses little danger. And in response, the U.S. Coast Guard is ramping up vessel security operations this week.
Interim Astoria Police Chief Alan Oja said representatives of law enforcement, the Port and the U.S. Coast Guard met Tuesday to discuss the threat: a message left on a Port office answering machine that was reported Monday morning. "We talked about it, and while this threat is not terribly credible, you still just don't ignore things like that," Oja said.
At this point, authorities have decided the call did not originate in Astoria. Oja said the message was left by a man and included some mention of a barge or boat, but the warning was more along the lines of "hopefully you guys are smart enough to figure things out." It didn't threaten a specific target, and it didn't set a time or a location. "There wasn't a whole lot of substance to the call," he said, calling it "very nonspecific." Even so, community members may have noticed an increased presence of Coast Guard boats on the Columbia River, visibility that will likely increase.
"We cannot afford to take any discovery, however minor, about this stuff and not consider it seriously," said Capt. Peter Troedsson, commander of Coast Guard Group Astoria. "We take the actions we think are appropriate and try to keep our awareness up." Those actions include a "surge" in vessel security operations in the Port area, said Lt. j.g. Adam Davenport, a pilot at Air Station Astoria and public affairs officer for the Group.
Random law enforcement boardings - when Coast Guard crews board vessels to check for compliance with various laws and regulations - are part of normal operations. But the number of boardings will climb as Cape Disappointment and Astoria crews are joined by personnel from Portland, San Francisco and New York, along with specially trained teams from the Coast Guard's Deployable Operations Group. "To increase the presence on the river, we need more people to do that," Davenport said. "The low-credibility threat is not raising our maritime security condition. But due to the threatening phone message, we're using it as an excuse to train." The additional enforcement teams are scheduled to stay through the weekend, he said.
http://www.dailyastorian.com/Main.asp?SectionID=2&ArticleID=48542
Huntington – The FBI has joined an investigation into the theft of electronic equipment after break-ins at several transmitting towers in Charleston. According to a Huntington TV station, ten break-ins at three separate sites (Garfield, North Charleston, North Gate Business Park) resulted in the loss of a radio receiver/transmitter (repeater) and frequency counter.
Charleston police asked the FBI to enter the investigation after they learned the stolen equipment could possibly be used to jam emergency frequencies. Thieves took only the specified equipment leaving other items untouched. Anyone with information about the break-ins should call (304) 348-6480.
http://www.huntingtonnews.net/local/080124-rutherford-localequipmentstolen.html
Undercover Op Leads To Cell Phone-Triggered Bomb
Improvised Explosive Device Offered For Sale To Undercover Officers
January 23, 2008
SAN JOSE, Calif. - San Jose and Santa Clara police chiefs announced Wednesday the results of a massive sting operation in their cities. Operation Meltdown, as the joint effort was called, netted investigators hundreds of criminals, tons of stolen copper, dozens of stolen cars and weapons, and in one case, homemade bombs.
A Fremont man was arrested in October as part of Operation Meltdown. He is accused of trying to sell the officers improvised explosive devices capable of being denoted remotely by a cell phone. During a news conference at San Jose Police headquarters Wednesday morning, police showed a video, recorded by hidden camera, of the suspect demonstrating the technology to officers by detonating a bomb for them.
(at Link)VIDEO: Raw Video Of Copper Wire Bust | VIDEO: Copper Investigation Leads To Dozens Of Arrests | SLIDESHOW: View Images
Excerpted
http://www.nbc11.com/news/15120478/detail.html?rss=bay&psp=news
Stowaways Found at Dulles International Airport
Jan. 24, 2008
Law enforcement sources told ABC News of a security breach that raises major questions about the ability of foreign governments to secure airplanes.
Two Ethiopian maintenance workers apparently stowed away in the ceiling of a trans-Atlantic flight that landed at Dulles International Airport, outside Washington, D.C., at 7 a.m. Wednesday.
The 17-hour flight was an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Addis Ababa, with a stopover in Rome. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokeswoman Lynn Hollinger, Ethiopian Airlines officials contacted CBP at about 9 a.m. Wednesday, reporting that the two stowaways claimed to have made the journey while hiding in an overhead luggage compartment.
The compartment was located above the ceiling of the kitchen galley, out of sight of passengers. Hollinger said the two men were both wearing Ethiopian Airlines uniforms, including identification badges. A contract security guard discovered them after the passengers disembarked.
The stowaways were taken by ground crews to a CBP inspection area at the airport, where they were interviewed by customs agents. They are seeking asylum and are currently in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody. The discovery of the stowaways has security officials asking if people can stow away on a plane, how easy would it be to place a bomb on a plane.
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