Threat Matrix: July 2008

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July 30, 2008

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel08/stormworm073008.htm

FBI Warns of Storm Worm Virus

The FBI and its partner, the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), have received reports of recent spam e-mails spreading the Storm Worm malicious software, known as malware. These e-mails, which contain the phrase “F.B.I. vs. facebook,” direct e-mail recipients to click on a link to view an article about the FBI and Facebook, a popular social networking website. The Storm Worm virus has also been spread in the past in e-mails advertising a holiday e-card link. Clicking on the link downloads malware onto the Internet connected device, causing it to become infected with the virus and part of the Storm Worm botnet.

A botnet is a collection of compromised computers under the remote command and control of a criminal “botherder.” Most owners of the compromised computers are unsuspecting victims. They have unintentionally allowed unauthorized access and use of their computers as a vehicle to facilitate other crimes, such as identity theft, denial of service attacks, phishing, click fraud, and the mass distribution of spam and spyware. Because of their widely distributed capabilities, botnets are a growing threat to national security, the national information infrastructure, and the economy.

“The spammers spreading this virus are preying on Internet users and making their computers an unwitting part of criminal botnet activity. We urge citizens to help prevent the spread of botnets by becoming web-savvy. Following some simple computer security practices will reduce the risk that their computers will be compromised,” said Special Agent Richard Kolko, Chief, FBI National Press Office.

Everyone should consider the following:

Do not respond to unsolicited (spam) e-mail.
Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as officials soliciting personal information via e-mail.

Do not click on links contained within an unsolicited e-mail.
Be cautious of e-mail claiming to contain pictures in attached files, as the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.
Validate the legitimacy of the organization by directly accessing the organization’s website rather than following an alleged link to the site.
Do not provide personal or financial information to anyone who solicits information.

To receive the latest information about cyber scams, please go to the FBI website and sign up for e-mail alerts by clicking on one of the red envelopes. If you have received a scam e-mail, please notify the IC3 by filing a complaint at www.ic3.gov. For more information on e-scams, please visit the FBI’s New E-Scams and Warnings webpage.

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BLOG:

http://ddanchev.blogspot.com/2008/07/over-80-percent-of-storm-worm-spam-sent.html

TUESDAY, JULY 29, 2008
“Over 80 percent of Storm Worm Spam Sent by Pharmaceutical Spam Kings”

Posted by Dancho Danchez

Thanks to a special freepmailer for pointing to this article:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2053963/posts

Your Black Muslim Bakery ex-leader facing 3 years for store vandalism
San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 7/30/8 | Henry K. Lee
Posted on July 30, 2008 3:59:16 PM PDT by SmithL

OAKLAND — The former head of Your Black Muslim Bakery in Oakland and an associate of the now-defunct business pleaded no contest today to vandalism in connection with the trashing of two liquor stores in the city in 2005.

Yusuf Bey IV, 22, the son of the bakery’s late leader, Yusuf Bey, pleaded no contest to all eight charges against him, including vandalism, false imprisonment, hate-crime and civil-rights violations. He is expected to be sentenced to three years in state prison.

Bakery associate Dyamen Williams, 21, pleaded no contest to vandalism and could face up to a year in county jail.

On Monday, Kahlil Raheem, 27, and Donald Cunningham, 75, pleaded no contest to vandalism. Cunningham also pleaded no contest to a hate-crime enhancement.

The convictions stem from incidents Nov. 23, 2005, when a group of men affiliated with the now-defunct bakery vandalized New York Market at 3446 Market St. and a second establishment, San Pablo Liquor at 2363 San Pablo Ave., about 12 blocks away, police said.

The men, wearing suits and bow ties, demanded that the outlets - whose owners are Muslims - stop selling liquor to African Americans, authorities said.

Police initially arrested eight suspects. Two of them, Tamon Halfin and James Watts, pleaded no contest in 2006 to one count each of vandalism and were placed on five years’ probation. Prosecutors dismissed charges against Demetrius Harvey and Jamall Robinson.

Bey IV’s legal troubles are far from over. . . .

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

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

Note: The following news brief is a quote:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3575709,00.html

Spain warns of big attack by ETA separatists soon
Published: 07.31.08, 00:00 / Israel News

Authorities in Spain’s Basque Country fear separatist guerrilla group ETA will attempt a big attack soon and have ordered police to increase security measures, police said on Wednesday.

The rare warning, contained in an internal police memorandum later published on the police website, follows a spate of small bombings blamed on ETA at seaside resorts that are timed to hurt Spain’s tourism sector during its high season. (Reuters)

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

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cn.html
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1091.html
http://www.usmission.mg/comoros/consular/cmrwardmsg.htm
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/comoros

http://www.memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=countries&Area=egypt&ID=SP200408

Special Dispatch Series - No. 2004
July 28, 2008 No. 2004

“Investigation by Egyptian Daily Al-Ahram Finds Iranian Involvement, Shi’ization in Comoros Islands”

SNIPPET: “Recently, Iran has been showing increased interest in the Union of the Comoros, the island nation off Africa’s east coast. Historically, the inhabitants of this nation’s three component islands were mostly Shi’ite, until they were conquered by France in the mid-19th century; today, most residentsare Shafi’i Sunnis. Iran’s interest in the Union of the Comoros is supported by Comoros President Ahmad Abdallah Sambi, despite opposition from various elements in the country.

On May 1, 2008, the Egyptian daily Al-Ahram published an investigative article on Shi’ization in the Union of the Comoros. Following are translated excerpts from the investigation:”

UPDATE:

Note: The following blog entry is a quote:

http://www.thememriblog.org/iran/blog_personal/en/8836.htm

Iranian Embassy In Kuwait: No Nuclear Facilities At Al-Zarqan

The Iranian Embassy in Kuwait today denied yesterday’s report in the Kuwaiti daily Al-Siyassa that Iran was secretly constructing a nuclear reactor in the Al-Zarqan region of Iran (see MEMRI Special Dispatch No. 2006, “Kuwaiti Daily Reveals: Iran Building Secret Nuclear Reactor” ).

In its announcement, the embassy said that the news item was fabricated, that the sources of the information were hostile to Iran, and that the Al-Zarqan facility was a power station that had been there for 40 years.

Source: Al-Siyassa, Kuwait, July 30, 2008

Posted at: 2008-07-30

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Previously...

http://www.memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=countries&Area=iran&ID=SP200608

Special Dispatch Series - No. 2006
July 29, 2008 No. 2006

“Kuwaiti Daily Reveals: Iran Building Secret Nuclear Reactor”

Note: Photo included.

http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=33277

“Developing Nations Rally Around Iran”
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
By Patrick Goodenough, International Editor

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “(CNSNews.com) – The Iranian government looks anything but isolated this week, as Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad hosts delegates at a two-day gathering of the Non-Aligned Movement in Tehran. NAM represents 60 percent of the member states of the United Nations.

Delegates attending the 118-member Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) meeting include some 60 foreign ministers and representatives from 15 observer countries, according to Iranian officials. The

“Iran is your home,” Ahmadinejad told them.

Iranian officials have depicted their country’s hosting of the event as an indication of support for Tehran from NAM, whose members claim to pursue policies independent of major powers.

On Wednesday, delegates were expected to approve a communique demanding that the U.N. Security Council drop sanctions that have been imposed on Iran over its nuclear activities.”

http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/globaljihad
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/internet

Well, yes. of course....summer camp and bomb training...goes together like lemonade and the food poisoning. Global jihad — another day. (/sarcasm)

Note: Photo included.

http://www.ynetnews.com/PicServer2/02012008/1570905/JRL104_wa.jpg

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3575660,00.html

“Gaza summer camps teach kids to fire rockets”

SNIPPET: “Palestinian children on annual vacation can choose between Hamas or Islamic Jihad summer camps, both of which boast militia-style training, Koran classes, lessons on political prisoners”

Ali Waked
Published: 07.31.08, 01:45 / Israel News

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OFF TOPIC:

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3570150,00.html

“A laptop for every Palestinian child”

SNIPPET: “US-based pro-Palestinian organization asks for Israel’s help in distributing 1,000 laptop computers to Ramallah schools in order to improve Palestinian children’s learning techniques”

Itamar Eichner
Published: 07.20.08, 07:24 / Israel Activism

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “The project is led by Nick Negroponte, brother of US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte, former director of national intelligence. Its goal is to provide Palestinian students with tools that will help improve thought and independent study, in order to better their learning achievements and the status of their teachers.”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “The project is funded by the US State Department, and headed on the Palestinian side by top aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Sabri Saydem. Saydem has recently informed Israel of the organization’s request for assistance in distributing the computers.”

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/022014.php
(AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, July 30, 2008)

July 31, 2008
“U.K.: Syrian Muslim gets 7 years in prison for building bombs”

(ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Tabbakh, who denied the charge, claimed he had been making fireworks with the materials, for use at religious festivals.”)

LONDON

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7514364.stm

Page last updated at 14:48 GMT, Friday, 18 July 2008 15:48 UK

“Terror accused ‘tortured in past’”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “On Thursday, the court heard that speeches by al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden were found on Mr Tabbakh’s MP3 player.

A USB memory stick found at the defendant’s flat was said to contain links to computer sites showing terrorist attacks on coalition vehicle convoys in either Afghanistan or Iraq.

Similar information was found on his home PC.”

ARTICLE SNIPEPT: “The jury heard that as well as the bottles found at the flat, two bags containing small pieces of silver foil and two bags of fertiliser were found, along with handwritten notes on how to mix the materials together.
One of the notes read: “I pray that Allah would keep you safe and grant you success in the work for the sake of Allah.””

http://jihadwatch.org/archives/019301.php

December 24, 2007
“U.K.: Muslim charged with stockpiling bomb chemicals for inner spiritual struggle”

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

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2054152/posts?page=3#3

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=71076

“U.S. official: Iraqis told me WMDs sent to Syria
Former head of prisons says incarcerated ex-Saddam forces disclosed move”
Posted: July 30, 2008
11:20 pm Eastern

By Ryan Mauro
© 2008 WorldNetDaily

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Four of the prisoners – civilians attached to the Iraqi military – said they worked at the al-Muthana Chemical Industries site. They said the cargo included nitrogen mustard gas warheads for Tariq I and II missiles.

Bordenkircher said the stories of the military personnel and the civilians matched and did not contradict one another.

Bordenkircher also said prisoners confirmed al-Qaida had a presence in Iraq before Operation Iraqi Freedom began, specifically in Mosul and Kirkuk.

Iraqis under the command of Uday Hussein, one of Saddam Hussein’s sons, supported the al-Qaida elements in the country with training and providing safe harbor, they said.”

UPDATE:

Note: The following text is a quote:

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=88287

YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: India Offers Security Guidance Following Bombings
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
South / Central Asia - India
30 Jul 2008

Printer Friendly Email Article
RELATED REPORTS
26 Jul 2008
BOMBS TARGET AHMEDABAD
25 Jul 2008
WARDEN MESSAGE: BOMBINGS IN BANGALORE
25 Jul 2008
BOMB BLASTS IN BANGALORE
24 Jun 2008
INDIA SECURITY SURVEY
16 Jun 2008
WARDEN MESSAGE: EASTERN INDIA STRIKES CALLED

U.S. Embassy New Delhi issued the following Warden Message on July 30:

Several bombs were detected and diffused on Tuesday July 28, 2008 in Surat, Gujarat. The discovery of these bombs follows the Friday, July 25th Bangalore bomb blasts and those on Saturday, July 26th in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. These bombings have killed more than 50 people, and injured hundreds. Police are actively investigating bomb threats across the country, including in Kolkata and Chennai.

Americans traveling or residing in India are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, remain aware of their surroundings, monitor local news reports, avoid crowded places, and take appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. If unattended packages are spotted, American citizens should immediately exit the area and report the packages to authorities.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained 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. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Americans are also encouraged to read the Country Specific Information for India, available on the Embassy’s website at http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov, and also at http://travel.state.gov.

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. For additional information, please refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” found at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. citizens may contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the Embassy or the Consulates General for further information:

— The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is located at Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021; telephone +91-11-2419-8000; fax +91-11-2419-8407. The Embassy’s Internet home page address is http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov.

— The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay) is located at Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, 400026, telephone +91-22-2363-3611; fax +91-22-2363-0350. The Internet home page address is http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov.

— The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras) is at 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006, telephone +91-44-2857-4000; fax +91-44-2811-2027. The Internet home page address is http://chennai.usconsulate.gov.

— The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata (Calcutta) is at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071; telephone +91-33-3984-2400; fax +91-33-2282-2335. The Internet home page address is http://kolkata.usconsulate.gov.

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/022002.php
(GULF-TIMES.com)

July 30, 2008
“India: Almost 2 dozen bombs found, defused in Gujarat”

Previously...

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/021960.php
(REUTERS)

July 27, 2008
“Jihad group claims credit for India blast”

Previously...

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/021955.php
(REUTERS)

July 26, 2008
“India: Second serial bombing in two days”

Previously...

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/021946.php
(TIMES OF INDIA)

July 25, 2008
“Serial bombings in Bangalore, regional jihadist groups suspected”

Previously...

http://jihadwatch.org/archives/020999.php
(CNN-IBN)

May 13, 2008
“Seven serial bombs in NW India: at least 50 dead, 150 injured”

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21530&Itemid=128

Press Release A080730a-265
July 30, 2008

Coalition forces target al-Qaeda leaders

BAGHDAD – Iraqi and Coalition forces detained a dozen suspected terrorists during operations targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq leaders in the central part of the country Tuesday and Wednesday.

Surveillance teams monitored several suspected associates of an AQI leader northwest of Samarra and conducted two operations to target them Wednesday. As Coalition forces arrived in the area, they received small arms fire but were unable to determine the source. Moving closer to the target building, they observed four individuals involved in suspicious activity and perceived hostile intent. The force engaged them, killing two men and a woman, and wounding another woman. A third man who was detained on site admitted to working with explosives. The injured woman, who was treated on site and taken to a military medical facility, was determined to be an Iraqi civilian. Coalition forces did not find any weapons with the five individuals. The incident is under investigation.

In the other operation in the area, Coalition forces detained six suspects and discovered two rifles.

Iraqi and Coalition forces continued to target AQI elements in the Hamrin Mountains region Tuesday, detaining a wanted man and two additional suspects. The wanted man is reportedly tied to AQI leaders in the area.

Iraqi and Coalition forces detained two suspected terrorists during an operation in Kirkuk Tuesday targeting the leader of a bombing cell.

-30-

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21532&Itemid=128

Press Release A080731a-081
July 31, 2008

Coalition forces capture suspected Kata’ib Hezbollah associates in east Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Coalition forces captured two suspected criminals associated with Kata’ib Hezbollah Thursday morning in east Baghdad.

Based on intelligence information, Coalition forces targeted the location of an individual suspected of being a part of a propaganda cell for Kata’ib Hezbollah. This propaganda cell is suspected of making videos of attacks on Coalition and Iraqi forces, which are then used to raise funds and resources for additional attacks against Coalition forces and Iraqis.

Coalition forces approached the targeted individual’s residence, where they entered the structure and detained the two suspected criminals.

- 30 -

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21533&Itemid=128

Press Release A080731b-266
July 31, 2008

Coalition operations striking al-Qaeda bombing networks (Bayji,Baghdad)

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists, including a wanted man allegedly involved in planning suicide bombings for al-Qaeda in Iraq, during operations Thursday in central and northern parts of the country.

Using information from operations Jul. 23 and 24, Coalition forces conducted a precision operation and captured a wanted man in Bayji, about 160 kilometers south of Mosul. The man is assessed to be involved in an AQI bombing network in the Tigris River Valley, moving suicide bombers around the area and helping plan suicide attacks.

In Baghdad, Coalition forces captured a wanted man believed to be a liaison between various AQI networks. Two additional suspects were detained in the operation.

Coalition forces in Mosul detained one suspected terrorist while targeting AQI leaders in the city.

-30-

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