Threat Matrix: May 2008

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[nwctwx]

U.S. Wary Of Small Boat Terrorism

As boating season approaches, the Bush administration wants to enlist America's 80 million recreational boaters to help reduce the chances that a small boat could deliver a nuclear or radiological bomb somewhere along the 95,000 miles of U.S. coastline and inland waterways.

According to an April 23 intelligence assessment obtained by The Associated Press, "The use of a small boat as a weapon is likely to remain al Qaeda's weapon of choice in the maritime environment, given its ease in arming and deploying, low cost, and record of success."

While the United States has so far been spared this type of strike in its own waters, terrorists have used small boats to attack in other countries. Read More

	U.S. Confirms Somali Missile Strike
	Fight Al Qaeda's Plan, Not its Ideas
	FACTBOX: Major al Qaeda Leaders Killed or Captured

Threat Matrix:
May 2008

April 2007

Threat Matrix Index

Theat Matrix Handbook

Theat Matrix 'BOLO'

Invaluable Tips

Preparedness

[Cindy]

Thank you for the updated on Mohammed al-Qahtani, MamaDearest.

[Cindy]

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/x152399842

“$33,000 in pot found in off-campus apartment”
May 12, 2008 @ 11:04 PM
By CURTIS JOHNSON
The Herald-Dispatch

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “HUNTINGTON — A Marshall University student from Saudi Arabia has been charged with growing marijuana inside of an off-campus residence.

Mohand Moshand Alqahtani, 21, was incarcerated at 6:40 a.m. Sunday. The West Virginia State Police said they arrested Alqahtani at the apartment. It was located at the Village Apartment complex near 20th Street.

Alqahtani was charged with cultivation of marijuana, according to jail records and a State Police press release. His bond was $50,000.”

[Cindy]

from your post: “Hoekstra said it is “sad … that as we approach the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we are still debating how to define our enemy.””

BIG DITTO.

[MamaDearest]

You're welcome Cindy!

Whooping cough outbreak in E. Bay School

One more case of whooping cough has been diagnosed at the East Bay Waldorf School in El Sobrante, bringing the total number of people infected in a recent outbreak of the highly contagious lung disease at the school to 17.

Contra Costa Health Services officials closed the school Friday because of the outbreak, but allowed it to reopen today to students, faculty and staff members who could prove that they were symptom-free and taking antibiotics, according to Contra Costa Health Services.

No legit terror threat aimed at Indy 500

The Indianapolis 500 is an attractive target for terrorists, federal authorities said, but there has been no credible or specific threat aimed at the Memorial Day weekend race.

In an internal FBI/Homeland Security Department assessment released Monday to local police, officials said such sporting events, which attract hundreds of thousands of spectators, are attractive potential targets. The assessment said these popular events are inviting to terrorists because of the potential to inflict large numbers of casualties while the whole world is watching.

The assessment is supported by a congressional report, expected to be released this week, about the threat to mass gatherings. The report, written by the democratic staff on the House Homeland Security committee, finds that major events -- such as NASCAR races, the Super Bowl and presidential nominating conventions -- are all attractive targets to terrorists. The report also raised the potential for infectious disease outbreaks and other bioterror threats at such events.

[Cindy]

Yes, anywhere there is a large gathering of people; terrorists have historically taken an interest in — and that includes jihadis.

[Cindy]

ON THE INTERNET:

http://www.youtube.com/user/bomberfactory
“This account is suspended.”

#

www.youtube.com/user/BomberWorks2008

[Cindy]

Thanks to bd476 for sharing photos of some of the rescue tools (See China Earthquake thread).

#

Now for our Chinese lurkers; I am praying for you all.
How sad this earthquake incident is and the loss of life
is tragic.

[Cindy]

Here is the link that goes with post no. 467:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2014670/posts?page=726#726

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/lebanon
http://www.memri.org/lebanon.html

#

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080513/FOREIGN/22399908/1001

“Druze plead for U.S. help in Lebanon”
By Sara A. Carter
May 13, 2008

[Cindy]

Note: To view the complete report; please click on the link below.

#

ICC-CCS.ORG - THE WEEKLY PIRACY REPORT - REPORT SNIPPET - QUOTE:

http://www.icc-ccs.org/prc/piracyreport.php

Weekly Piracy Report
6-12 May 2008

The following is a summary of the daily reports broadcast by the IMB’s Piracy Reporting Centre to ships in Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Ocean Regions on the SafetyNET service of Inmarsat-C from 6 to 12 May 2008.

ALERT

Chittagong anchorage, Bangladesh
The number of attacks has reduced since 2006. However, the area is still listed as a high risk area and mariners are advised to be cautious especially while approaching the anchorage and while at anchor at Chittagong

Nigeria
Violent attacks carried out by pirates on board vessels at anchor and vessel carrying out STS operations. Mariners are advised to exercise extreme caution in these waters.

Suspicious crafts

04.05.2008: 1810 LT: 15:05.0N-051:13.0E: Gulf of Aden.
Two white speedboats chased a general cargo ship underway. Ship took evasive manoeuvres to prevent boats from getting closer. The two speedboats moved towards other larger vessels in the vicinity. Later, they returned with two more black speedboats, followed ship for a while, and then aborted the chase.
Recently reported incidents

10.05.2008: 0330 LT: Tin Can port, Lagos, Nigeria.
Robbers boarded a general cargo ship at berth. Alert crew, raised alarm and the robbers jumped overboard into their waiting boat and headed for another ship.

04.05.2008: 0050 LT: Monrovia port, Liberia.
Three robbers, armed with knives, boarded a container ship at berth. Robbers cut and stole reefer container electric cables. Robbers escaped when sighted by ship’s crew. Master tried to contact PFSO by VHF but no response.

10.05.2008: 1625 LT: 05:35N - 097:05E, Northern Sumatera, Malacca straits.
Pirates in military camouflage attempted to board a chemical tanker underway using a bamboo pole attached to a hook. Master raised alarm and alerted ships in vicinity. Pirates aborted the attempt and escaped in their blue hull speedboat.

02.05.2008: 0200 LT: 03:48.98.3N – 100:43.03.3E, 4 nm off Tanjung Sauh, Malaysia.
Two fishing boats and eight-crew were attacked and hijacked while the crew was resting. The boats were taken to an Indonesian island and all the crew were forced to jump overboard. A passing Indonesian fishing boat rescued the crew and handed them over to the Indonesian navy. All crew were repatriated to Malaysia safely after investigation.

04.05.2008: 2300 LT: 22:12.9N-091:45.0E: Chittagong anchorage Bravo, Bangladesh.
Three robbers armed with knives boarded a container ship from the stern whilst seven robbers remained in the boat. They broke open the padlock to a storeroom and stole ship’s stores. Alarm raised and robbers escaped in the waiting boat.

04.05.2008: 2215 LT: 01:00N-051:30E: Off Somalia.
Two speedboats chased a chemical tanker underway. Pirates opened fire on the tanker. Master took evasive manoeuvres and increased speed. Later, the boats aborted the chase. Ship continued her passage. No reported injuries to crew.

[Cindy]

http://www.investigativeproject.org/article/669

“The latest ‘Interfaith’ leader with terror ties”

by IPT
IPT News
May 12, 2008

[Cindy]

FRONTPAGE MAGAZINE.com: "CAIR: U.S., ISRAEL ARE THE TERRORISTS" by Joe Kaufman (May 13, 2008)

Link

[Cindy]

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/05/20080512-6.html

#

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/05/20080512-8.html

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 12, 2008

Statement by the President

White House News

I strongly condemn Hizballah’s recent efforts, and those of their foreign sponsors in Tehran and Damascus, to use violence and intimidation to bend the government and people of Lebanon to their will. The United States will continue to firmly support the Government of Lebanon, led by Prime Minister Siniora, against this effort to undermine the hard-fought gains in sovereignty and independence the Lebanese people have made in recent years. The international community will not allow the Iranian and Syrian regimes, via their proxies, to return Lebanon to foreign domination and control. To ensure the safety and security of the people of Lebanon, the United States will continue its assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces to ensure they are able to defend the Lebanese Government and safeguard its institutions.

It is critical that the international community come together to assist the Lebanese people in their hour of need. I plan to consult with regional leaders on my upcoming trip to the Middle East to coordinate efforts to support the Lebanese Government and implement U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1559 and 1701, among others, which seek to bolster Lebanon’s sovereignty against external efforts at destabilization and interference. The Lebanese people have sacrificed much for the sake of their freedom, and the United State s will continue to stand with them against this latest assault on their independence and security.

# # #

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/zimbabwe

#

Thanks to Clive for the ping to this thread:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2014986/posts

“Village Head Killed And 80 Homes Burnt By Zanu-PF Youth in Shamva”

SW Radio Africa (London) ^ | 12 May 2008 | Tererai Karimakwenda
Posted on May 12, 2008 4:17:04 PM PDT by vikingd00d

#

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2013916/posts

“900 tortured and assaulted in Zimbabwe”
National Post ^ | 2008-05-09 | Peter Goodspeed
Posted on May 9, 2008 10:03:58 PM PDT by Clive

[Cindy]

Very sad and IN THE U.S.A.:

http://www.sctimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080512/NEWS01/105120058

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http://hotair.com/archives/2008/05/12/dhimmi-watch-muslim-chases-service-animal-out-of-school/

“Dhimmi watch: Muslim chases service animal out of school”
POSTED AT 12:32 PM ON MAY 12, 2008 BY ED MORRISSEY

SNIPPET: “A student teacher who uses a service dog for his epilepsy has had to leave his position early after a Muslim student harassed the animal, and worse. Tyler Hurd needs the dog for his protection and for emergency supplies for first-aid responders, but apparently Technical High School in St Cloud believes that Hurd’s needs are secondary to providing a dog-free zone for its Muslim students. Hurd says he feels threatened by the action, as well he should — because the student threatened to kill the dog:”

[Cindy]

Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3542760,00.html

IDF attacks Qassam launchers in Gaza; Hamas operative killed
Published: 05.13.08, 14:02 / Israel News

A Hamas operative was killed in an IDF strike in central Gaza. According to the IDF, forces hit a cell of Qassam launchers.

Palestinian sources reported that a few operatives were injured near southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Younis during the strike. According to them, the strike hit a cell of gunmen from the Izz al-Din al-Qassam, Hamas’ military wing. (Hanan Greenberg, Ali Waked)

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19325&Itemid=21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080512-12
May 12, 2008

Multiple caches discovered, seven suspected AQI detained in
Mosul

Multi-National Division – North PAO

MOSUL, Iraq – Iraqi Army and Coalition force Soldiers discovered four weapon caches and detained seven suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq members during operations in Mosul, May 12.

The caches consisted of more than a dozen pipe bombs, improvised explosive devices, mortar rounds, a mortar fuse, multiple circuit boards, over 200 pounds of explosives, detonators, several blasting caps, fuses and a timer.

Seven suspected AQI members were also detained in a house where one of the caches was discovered.

“This operation in Mosul continues to show the resolve of the Iraqi people as they continue to take the lead in contributing to a safer Iraq,” said Maj. Peggy Kageleiry,spokesperson for Multi-National Division – North.

-30-

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19330&Itemid=21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080513-02
May 13, 2008

Raiders conduct clearing operations, net weapons cache and detainees (Baghdad)

1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers conducted clearing operations that netted a weapons cache and seven detainees, suspected of attacks on Coalition forces and Iraqi civilians, in the West Rashid district of southern Baghdad May 10-11.

At approximately 5:30 p.m. May 10, in the Bayaa neighborhood, soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, detained a suspected criminal wanted for attacks against Coalition forces and the killing of innocent Iraqi citizens

At approximately 12:11 a.m. May 11, soldiers from Co. A, 1-22 IR, seized two rocket-propelled grenades, a hand grenade and a high-explosive anti-tank round while conducting a combat patrol in the al-Amil neighborhood.

Soldiers from Company B, 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, attached to the 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., detained three suspected criminals while conducting point-specific operations in the al-Risalah neighborhood May 11.

Soldiers from Co. C, 4-64 AR, attached to the 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., detained three known criminals while conducting clearing operations in the al-Risalah neighborhood May 11.

“Information from concerned Iraqi citizens greatly contributed to the finds made by Iraqi Security Forces and the Raider Brigade,” said Maj. Dave Olson, spokesman for 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “The Iraqi citizens are a powerful source in stopping the violence.”

-30-

[Cindy]

http://www.truthusa.com/IRAN.html
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/lebanon

###

Note: The following blog entry is a quote:

http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/7332.htm

Lebanese Minister: Iranian Ambassador Active Partner In Political Leadership Of Battle In Lebanon

In an interview in the Saudi daily ‘Okaz, Lebanon’s Youth and Sports Minister Ahmad Fatfat accused Iran’s ambassador to Beirut of active participation in the political leadership of the battle in Lebanon.”

Source: ‘Okaz, Saudi Arabia, May 13, 2008

Posted at: 2008-05-13

###

http://israel.internet-haganah.com/

http://israel.internet-haganah.com/archives/001388.html
(GUARDIAN.co.uk)

May 13, 2008
“ANOTHER JOINT LAF/HIZBALLAH OPERATION”

###

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO2LN5c6M-A
(MEMRITV.org)

“Future TV back on the Air”
(Added May 13, 2008)

[Cindy]

Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3542953,00.html

2 Qassam rockets land south of Ashkelon; none injured
Published: 05.13.08, 20:48 / Israel News

Two Qassam rockets were fired from northern Gaza Thursday, landing south of the Ashkelon Coast Regional Council.

No injuries or damage were reported. (Shmulik Hadad)

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Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3542939,00.html

Qassam lands in Ashkelon Coast Regional Council; none injured
Published: 05.13.08, 20:05 / Israel News

A Qassam rocket fired from northern Gaza landed in the Ashkelon Coast Regional Council Tuesday. No injuries or damage were reported. (Shmulik Hadad)