Threat Matrix: February 2008

Previous Thread ^

[nwctwx]

Is the U.S. Failing in Afghanistan?

It was malice in wonderland at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday as Bush Administration envoys insisted things are getting better in Afghanistan, while angry lawmakers from both parties cited facts and figures showing just the opposite. Even the senior Republican on the panel, Senator Richard Lugar, found the Administration's claims wanting. "I'm not sure that we have a plan for Afghanistan," he said.

Long seen as the "forgotten war" eclipsed by Iraq in U.S. priorities, Afghanistan is in the Washington spotlight this week with the release of three independent reports concluding that without a change in U.S. policy there, the erstwhile sanctuary of Osama bin Laden would remain a failed state. Read More

	Why the Taliban Feel Confident
	Top US Officer Lauds al-Qaida Death
	US Air Strike Signals al-Qaida Onslaught

Threat Matrix:
February 2008

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[Cindy]

Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3507981,00.html

Qassam lands in open area in southern Israel, no injuries
Published: 02.17.08, 21:36 / Israel News

A Qassam rocket fired from the Gaza Strip landed in an open area in the Merchavim Regional Council in southern Israel on Sunday evening. No injuries were reported and no damage was caused.

The Salah al-Din Brigades, the military wing of the Popular Resistance Committees, have claimed responsibility for the attack. (Yonat Atlas and Ali Waked)

[Cindy]

QUOTE:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1969529/posts?page=335#335

Thanks to TxFlake for the ping to this thread:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1971898/posts

McConnell: Hezbollah Threat ‘Serious’
Ap.google ^ | 02.17.08
Posted on 02/17/2008 10:58:49 AM PST by Perdogg

The U.S. intelligence chief said Sunday that internal Hezbollah groups or Syria may be to blame for the killing of a Hezbollah commander that has led the FBI to put domestic terror squads on alert in the United States.

Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell said the United States is still reviewing the case following the death last Tuesday of commander Imad Mughniyeh. Hezbollah blamed Israel and has pledged to attack Jewish targets worldwide in retaliation. That led the FBI last week to be vigilant for possible threats in the U.S. against synagogues and other potential Jewish targets.

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

335 posted on 02/17/2008 2:44:54 PM PST by Cindy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 334 | View Replies | Report Abuse ]
To: All
http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/site/html/search.asp?isSearch=yes&isT8=yes&searchText=T104&pid=167&sid=13&preview=

#

RECAP:

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/019991.php
(LOS ANGELES TIMES)

February 17, 2008
“FBI warns of possible Hizballah revenge in U.S.”

#

stepping back in time...

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/006343.php
(WASHINGTON TIMES)

May 25, 2005
“Hizballah in America”

336 posted on 02/17/2008 3:02:56 PM PST by Cindy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 335 | View Replies | Report Abuse ]
To: All; Jet Jaguar; SandRat; Dog; Ernest_at_the_Beach; Godzilla
Note: The following blog entry is a quote:

http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/5452.htm

Muqtada Al-Sadr Declares Three Days Of Mourning For Mughniya; Source: Mughniya Trained Mahdi Army, Assassination Squads

The Sadrist Shi’ites in Iraq, led by Muqtada Al-Sadr, have declared a three-day mourning period for Imad Mughniya.

An Iraqi security source said that Mughniya had entered Iraq via Iran, and had trained some 500 members of the Mahdi Army, which belongs to the Sadrists.

He added that he had also trained a number of squads in planning and carrying out assassinations within Iraq.

Source: Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, London, February 15, 2008

Posted at: 2008-02-15

337 posted on 02/17/2008 3:04:50 PM PST by Cindy

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=48994

Coalition Troops in Iraq Kill Two Insurgents, Capture 24

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2008 – Coalition forces killed two terrorists and captured 24 suspects today during operations to disrupt al Qaeda networks operating in central and northern Iraq, military officials said.

In Sharqat, coalition forces targeted the alleged founder of an insurgent group tied to the leader of the al Qaeda in Iraq network in Beiji. As coalition forces called for the occupants of a target building to come out, one man ran out of the building and was directed to stop. He continued toward the ground force’s position despite continued commands to stop and was killed. Two suspected terrorists were detained during the operation.

South of Kirkuk today, coalition forces captured an alleged associate of the terrorist network in the city. The suspect is linked to the alleged former leader of the assassination cell in Hawijah who was detained Jan. 10. Coalition forces detained four other suspected terrorists.

During two operations in Mosul today, coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists while targeting associates of foreign terrorists and weapons facilitators.

“These captures represent another step forward in disrupting the al Qaeda networks operating in northern Iraq,” said Navy Cmdr. Scott Rye, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. “As terrorists move their operations, we will follow. Al Qaeda will find no safe haven in Iraq.”

Coalition forces killed an armed suspect during an assault on a suspected finance network for Iranian-trained “special groups” today in the Suwayrah area, south of Baghdad, military officials said. Upon arrival to the target area, coalition forces were engaged by an armed suspect. Coalition forces returned fire, killing the suspect. Large amounts of Iraqi currency were found on site.

Also in Baghdad today, coalition forces captured an alleged senior level car-bomb facilitator for al Qaeda in Iraq networks throughout Baghdad and north to Tikrit. Reports indicate the detainee was a former leader for the network in Karkh and was involved in the abduction of an Iraqi intelligence officer last spring. The suspect is believed to be a direct associate of senior al Qaeda leaders throughout Baghdad and the surrounding area. Coalition forces detained another suspect without incident.

In another operation conducted in western Baghdad today, coalition forces detained three suspected terrorists, including a person linked to the transport of improvised explosive device and car bomb supplies in northern Iraq.

Also today, seven more suspects were detained during coalition operations in Baqouba and southwest of Samarra.

“Iraqi and coalition forces are on the offensive against al Qaeda in Iraq,” said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. “We’re finding the
places they hide and disrupting the supply of weapons they use for vicious attacks against innocent Iraqis.”

Also today, the alert action of Iraqi soldiers prevented a suicide bomber from reaching her intended target in Baghdad’s Rusafa sector. As a result of their quick reaction, officials said, the only death resulting from the aborted attack was that of the female suicide bomber.

Two Iraqi citizens were injured in the blast. The attempted attack took place when a woman, who appeared to be a beggar, was noticed having a bulky protrusion around her midsection, said Iraqi Army Col. Fahdel, 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division. Alert Iraqi soldiers quickly realized her intent and ordered her to raise her hands, said Fahdel. At that time, she raised one of her hands, but had an object with wires attached concealed in her other hand.

Sensing the potential danger, the soldiers fired three rounds. The woman staggered back to a nearby shop, where the blast detonated. It is unknown whether she detonated the blast herself or if it was detonated by another source. The soldiers’ quick action prevented the potential loss of a large number of civilian lives.

In yesterday’s operations:

— In Mosul, coalition forces captured an alleged al Qaeda leader involved in the network on the east side of the city. Reports indicate the suspect is associated with several senior leaders in the area, including a judge of a terrorist illegal court system, and the radical Taliban-like spiritual advisor for the al Qaeda in Iraq networks in the city. The ground force detained one suspect in addition to the wanted individual.

— In another Mosul operation, coalition forces detained nine more suspected terrorists. In one of the target buildings, the ground force discovered what they assessed to be an IED materials cache. Once the area was clear and secure, coalition forces destroyed the explosive materials to prevent future use for terrorist attacks.

— U.S. troops killed two terrorists during raids to disrupt al Qaeda operations northeast of Samarra near the Hamrin Mountains.

— Members of the Sons of Iraq citizens’ security group delivered two suspected terrorists to U.S. soldiers posted in Baghdad’s East Rashid sector. The citizens had seized the suspects because they were carrying homemade explosives, which were later safely destroyed. Meanwhile, U.S. soldiers on patrol found a penetrator-type mine and 10 60 mm mortar rounds. Three men were detained during the incident.

In Feb. 15 operations:

— Two terrorists detonated suicide vests, killing three Iraqi civilians and one Iraqi policeman outside a mosque in Tal Afar. Sixteen Iraqis were injured during the prayer-time explosion. “Our condolences go out to the families of those who lost loved ones in this senseless act,” said Army Maj. Gary Dangerfield, a U.S. military spokesman. Information from the city’s mayor indicates the damage and loss of life would have been much greater if the terrorists had been able to detonate their vests inside the mosque.

— Iraqi National Police and U.S. troops discovered two weapons caches during a joint mission north of Baghdad. The total amount of ordnance discovered included 112 rocket-propelled grenade launchers; three white-phosphorus mortars; 16 82 mm mortars; six blasting caps; an improvised blasting cap; 13 hand grenades; 10 120 mm mortar propellant bags; 1,000 rounds of small-arms ammunition; an 81 mm mortar and a rocket. The rocket was destroyed on site.

— Soldiers with the 82nd Airborne Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team captured a key special groups criminal leader in Baghdad’s Shaab neighborhood. U.S. intelligence sources said the detainee is linked to a series of area kidnappings and murders. The suspect also is believed responsible for weapons smuggling operations and the November bombing of a coalition outpost as well as the killing of an Iraqi police official.

— Tipped off by an Iraqi citizen, U.S. soldiers found a substantial weapons and ammunitions cache in northwest Baghdad. The cache contained 80 81 mm mortar rounds, 38 120 mm mortar rounds, 33 107 mm rockets, a 60 mm mortar round, 500 anti-aircraft rounds, 50 rocket sleds and components, 30 hand grenades, 10 rocket-propelled grenade rounds, five RPG launchers, five mortar tubes, seven new AK-47s, five MP5 submachine guns and 150 200-round belts of 7.62 mm ammunition. “These were weapons ready to be used against the Iraqi people,” said Army Lt. Col. Steve Stover, a U.S. military spokesman. “Countless lives were saved because one concerned Iraqi citizen tipped
off coalition forces about this cache.”

— Attack helicopters responded to a small-arms fire attack on coalition forces near the town of Jurf al-Sukr. The helicopters engaged one structure with rockets. The incident is under investigation.

— Members of the Sons of Iraq citizens’ group handed over a suspected special groups criminal to U.S. soldiers posted in Baghdad’s West Rashid sector. The suspect was taken to a coalition forces’ detention facility for questioning.

In Feb. 13 operations:

— Iraqi and U.S. Special Forces troops detained seven suspected al Qaeda terrorists during a Baghdad-area operation. The detainees are linked to multiple improvised-explosive device attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces. A former insurgent provided information about terrorist groups operating in the area.

— Iraqi forces discovered a large weapons cache and delivered it to coalition troops. The munitions were collected by Iraqi civil defense employees from the towns of Numaniyah, Suveira and Aziziyah. The cache contained more than 2,000 pieces of munitions, including a 107 mm rocket, 14.5 mm rounds, 82 mm rounds, 155 mm rounds, 100 mm rounds, hand grenades, 130 mm rounds and 30 meters of fuse-fire cord.

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

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=48995

Coalition Troops in Afghanistan Detain Four Insurgents

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2008 – Four suspected insurgents were detained yesterday by coalition troops in Afghanistan during an operation to disrupt Taliban leadership networks in Zabul province, military officials said.

Coalition forces performed a search of compounds in Qalat district targeting a Taliban leader linked to anti-government operations in the area. While conducting their search, coalition forces found and detained four individuals with suspected links to insurgent networks, including one identified as a mid-level Taliban leader. The detained individuals will be questioned on their involvement in Taliban operations as well as other illegal activities.

“Coalition forces are systematically depleting the Taliban’s cadre of experienced leaders to the benefit of the Afghan people and the positive progress of Afghanistan,” said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a coalition forces spokesman.

In other news, Afghan citizens have supplied information leading to the recovery of several weapons caches during the past week in Nangarhar province’s Kot and Khogyani sectors.

The largest cache was discovered Feb. 14 near Shamakalay Village, Khogyani district. This cache included a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, eight rocket-propelled grenade rounds, five rocket-propelled grenade boosters, two hand grenades, a mortar fuse and a stockpile of 25 mm ammunition.

Another weapons cache was found Feb. 12 in Kailoaghu, Khogyani district. This cache consisted of two anti-personnel mines, a hand grenade, and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher in good condition.

Afghan security forces, assisted by coalition forces, found a suspected insurgent weapons cache near Laghurji Village, Kot district, Feb. 8. That cache contained 10 anti-tank mines, three 60 mm mortar rounds and two 82 mm mortar rounds.

(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 82 news releases.)

[Cindy]

The “youths” are at it again:

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

#

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/019994.php

February 17, 2008

Danish Muslims riot, burn cars over Motoons; cops blame “unusually mild weather”

Yes, I can see their point. Mild weather always makes me want to burn cars and vandalize schools. “Suspected Danish cartoon rioters torch cars,” from Reuters (thanks to JE):

GANGS of rioters set fire to cars and garbage trucks in northern Copenhagen after demonstrators evicted from a youth centre earlier in the year tried to occupy a new building.

Five youths were arrested in the capital after 28 cars and 35 garbage trucks were burned, Copenhagen police duty officer Jakob Kristensen said.

Danish media said arrests in other towns brought to 29 the number of people police were holding.

Scores of cars and several schools have been vandalised or burned in the past week.

Police could give no reason, but said that unusually mild weather and the closure of schools for a winter break might have contributed.

Police arrested two Tunisians and a Dane of Moroccan descent on Tuesday for planning to kill a cartoonist who drew one of the cartoons printed in a Danish newspaper two years ago that roused a storm of protest in Muslim countries.

Fifteen Danish newspapers reprinted his drawing on Wednesday in protest against the alleged murder plot.

Several hundred Muslims gathered in central Copenhagen yesterday to protest against publication of the cartoon.

Posted by Robert at February 17, 2008 7:34 AM

[Cindy]

Note: Includes video.

blog:

http://hotair.com/archives/2008/02/17/video-dni-michael-mcconnell-takes-on-the-fisa-expiration/

“Video: DNI Michael McConnell takes on the FISA expiration”
POSTED AT 4:40 PM ON FEBRUARY 17, 2008 BY BRYAN

[milford421]

Thanks Oorang. Article is now posted.

[Cindy]

http://www.wtopnews.com/?nid=104&sid=1347030
(AP)

“LAX Passenger in Custody After Comment”
February 17, 2008 - 9:54pm
LOS ANGELES (AP)

#

http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_8290856

“Passenger’s joke about explosives forces LAX evacuation”
By Andrea Woodhouse, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 02/17/2008 06:40:24 PM PST

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “The unidentified man, who joked to another passenger about explosives in his checked luggage, was detained after he exited Southwest Flight 1182 from El Paso, Texas, Rodriguez said.

A Los Angeles Police Department bomb squad found no explosives after screening the man, his carry-on baggage and checked luggage, the spokesman said.

He is in custody and being questioned by federal authorities.”

[Cindy]

RECALLS.GOV
http://www.recalls.gov

#

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/Recall_005-2008_Release.pdf

“CALIFORNIA FIRM RECALLS BEEF PRODUCTS DERIVED FROM NON-AMBULATORY CATTLE WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF PROPER INSPECTION”

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2008

SNIPPET: “Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Co., a Chino, Calif., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 143,383,823 pounds of raw and frozen beef products that FSIS has determined to be unfit for human food because the cattle did not receive complete and proper inspection.
Through evidence obtained by FSIS, the establishment did not consistently contact the FSIS public health veterinarian in situations in which cattle became non-ambulatory after passing ante-mortem inspection, which is
not compliant with FSIS regulations.”

[TWhiteBear]

Man with training grenades arrested at Yakima airporthttp://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/news-36/1203293953319260.xml&storylist=orwashington

[Cindy]

Thank you TWhiteBear for the post.
I appreciate it.

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1972115/posts

“Maoists kill 13 police in India’s Orissa state”
Reuters ^ | Feb 16, 2008
Posted on 02/17/2008 9:40:42 PM PST by Tailgunner Joe

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “BHUBANESWAR, India (Reuters) - Hundreds of Maoist rebels in India’s eastern Orissa state attacked police stations in a district close to the capital, killing 14 people and looting weapons, police and officials said on Saturday.

All but one of the dead were police officers and there was no word of casualties among the Maoists. The other victim was a civilian.”

[Cindy]

More “youths” but a different part of the world this time...

Note: Video included:

blog:

http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/191291.php

February 17, 2008
“Video US Embassy In Belgrade Attacked After Kosovo Independence Win”

#

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=ebb_1203277087

VIDEO DESCRIPTION - Quote:

US Embassy Attacked After Kosovo Independence Win.
SEVERAL hundred protesters threw stones and flares at riot police protecting the US embassy in Belgrade today after Kosovo’s declaration of independence, witnesses said.

One policeman was injured during scuffles as riot police fought to keep the protesters, mainly hardline football fans, away from the embassy building, the witnesses said. One embassy window was smashed.

The protesters marched through the middle of the capital towards the US embassy chanting “Kosovo is Serbia” and anti-American slogans. They waved Serbian flags and vowed to protest “until Kosovo is returned to Serbia”.

After the scuffles, protesters dispersed in nearby streets, while the police remained around the embassy compound.

(Added February 17, 2008)

[Cindy]

Well now, in even a different part of the world...

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

UPDATE:

Note: The following post is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1972126/posts

French Police Raid Housing Projects (VILLIERS-LE-BEL)
AP via Newsday ^ | 12:35 AM EST, February 18, 2008
Posted on 02/17/2008 11:11:39 PM PST by james500

Police raided housing projects Monday in a Paris suburb in a pre-dawn sweep aimed at finding rioters who led an outburst of violence here last year.

(Excerpt) Read more at newsday.com ...

[Cindy]

and a thread to follow these “youths”:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1972136/posts

“Young Russia protests against independent Kosovo near Serbian embassy”
Interfax.ru ^ | February 18, 2008
Posted on 02/18/2008 12:44:37 AM PST by HAL9000

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “MOSCOW. Feb 18 (Interfax) - About 50 members of the Young Russia movement protested against the unilateral recognition of independent Kosovo near the Serbian embassy in Moscow on Sunday.”

[Cindy]

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

#

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1972143/posts

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1203019394826&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

Feb 17, 2008 1:25 | Updated Feb 17, 2008 2:26
“Gunmen destroy Gaza Strip’s YMCA library, kidnap guards”
By KHALED ABU TOAMEH

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Sources in Gaza told The Jerusalem Post the attack was in response to the re-publication of cartoons “ridiculing” the Prophet Muhammad in a number of Danish newspapers last week.

The sources said at least 12 gunmen participated in the assault, the latest in a series of attacks on Christian figures and institutions.”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “One of the guards, Abdel Mu’ti Abu Khoussa, 52, said the attackers also stole computers and other equipment from the offices of the YMCA. Only some of them had masks on their faces, he said.

Issa Saba, secretary-general of the YMCA in the Gaza Strip, said all 8,000 books were destroyed. He said the gunmen also stole a vehicle belonging to the organization.”

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=israel
http://www.truthusa.com/IRAN.html

#

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3508166,00.html

“Israel will vanish soon, says Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander”
Published: 02.18.08, 12:18 / Israel News

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1969529/posts

#

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1969529/posts?page=342#342

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1972145/posts

#

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/955371.html

Last update - 08:00 18/02/2008

“Hezbollah: Revenge for Mugniyah killing to be ‘extremely costly’ for Israel”
By Yoav Stern and Barak Ravid, Haaretz Correspondents

Tags: Lebanon, Israel, Hezbollah

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “”It won’t be long before the conceited Zionists realize that Imad Mughniyah’s blood is extremely costly, and it makes history and brings about a new victory,” Hezbollah’s head of the southern Lebanon region, Sheikh Nabil Kauk, said Sunday at a memorial service for the arch-terrorist who was killed in a car explosion in Damascus last week.

Kauk, who spoke in Mughniyah’s home village, Tayr Debba, in south Lebanon, added that Israel was “standing on one leg of fear and trepidation, having become the hostage of its own act of stupidity.”

Kauk spoke at a ceremony attended by the Iranian ambassador to Lebanon, Hezbollah senior officials and representatives from the Amal terrorist group, Fatah and representatives from the Lebanese army.”

342 posted on 02/18/2008 2:52:39 AM PST by Cindy

[Cindy]

Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://www.ny1.com/ny1/content/index.jsp?stid=1&aid=78564

Father And Son Recovering After Double Shooting

February 17, 2008

A father is recovering in the hospital after he and his son were shot Saturday night in the Bronx.

Police say they were found in the back of their home on Olinville Avenue. The father was shot in the stomach and taken to Jacobi Medical Center where police say he is in stable condition. His son was shot in the leg.

Police say the two were followed home, bound with duct tape and robbed. No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.

[Cindy]

http://www.myfoxny.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=5805217&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1

“Westbury Club Scene of Shooting”
Last Edited: Monday, 18 Feb 2008, 5:40 AM EST
Created: Monday, 18 Feb 2008, 5:22 AM EST

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “WESTBURY, N.Y. — Police continue to investigate a deadly shooting outside of a Westbury, Long Island nightclub.

Officers say at least two people walked up to a car in the parking lot outside of the club La Boom and opened fire.”