Threat Matrix: September 2008

ADDING 2 links to post no. 241.

http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2008/09/letters_from_al_qaed.php

“Letters from Al Qaeda leaders show Iraqi effort is in disarray”
By BILL ROGGIO
September 11, 2008 3:43 PM

Thanks to Nick Grace for pointing to the additional links:

http://www.defenddemocracy.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11782255

“INTERCEPTED LETTERS FROM AL-QAEDA LEADERS SHED LIGHT ON STATE OF NETWORK IN IRAQ
Tony Badran”
09/12/2008

http://www.defenddemocracy.org/images/stories/aqi_leadership_letters_sept_08.pdf

KEY corps commanders of Pakistan's 600,000-strong army issued orders last night to retaliate against "invading" US forces that enter the country to attack militant targets.

The move has plunged relations between Islamabad and Washington into deep crisis over how to deal with al-Qa'ida and the Taliban What amounts to a dramatic order to "kill the invaders", as one senior officer put it last night, was disclosed after the commanders - who control the army's deployments at divisional level - met at their headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi under the chairmanship of army chief and former ISI spy agency boss Ashfaq Kayani.

Leading English-language newspaper The News warned in an editorial that the US determination to attack targets inside Pakistan was likely to be "the best recruiting sergeant that the extremists ever had", with even "moderates" outraged by it.

Mexico detained 12 alleged terrorists since 9/11, but says none linked to any plot against US

Snippets: Mexico says it has arrested 12 people on terrorism charges in the years since the Sept. 11 attack on the U.S., but an official said none were linked to Muslim extremist groups like al-Qaida nor were any planning to strike in the United States.

  Officials from both nations say there hasn't been any sign of the southern U.S. border becoming an entry point for terrorists, as had been feared after the suicide jetliner hijackings that struck New York and Washington.

  The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because she wasn't authorized to be quoted by name, said those detained had links to Basque militants in Spain or were involved in radical domestic activities in Mexico.

Pressed to discuss the 12 peopled arrested, the Mexican official would say only that five were Spaniards linked to the Basque separatist group ETA and that seven were Mexicans detained in domestic cases.

 YouTube bans terrorism training videos

The popular video-sharing site YouTube has moved to purge terrorists training films and other videos that extremist groups might use to attract new members, an imperfect process that will rely on users to report objectionable videos.

It's sort of like the post Sept. 11 advice — if you see something, say something. It's nearly impossible to vet every video when 13 hours of new video are uploaded every few minutes.

A quick search on Google-owned YouTube on Friday, one day after the new policies were posted, turned up several videos on how to make bombs using, for instance, such household items as toilet bowl cleaner and tin foil.

In addition to barring terror training videos, the new YouTube community guidelines include bans on videos that incite others to commit violent acts, videos on activities such as how to make bombs and footage of sniper attacks. Previously, it had policies in place against showing people "getting hurt, attacked or humiliated," banning even clips OK for TV news shows.

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

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51150

Coalition Troops in Iraq Kill Two Enemy Fighters, Capture 11 Others

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2008 – Coalition forces killed two enemy fighters and captured 11 others during a series of operations conducted in and around Baghdad and in western and northern Iraq today, military officials said.

Coalition troops captured two terrorists affiliated with the Kataib Hezbollah network in New Baghdad. The network is linked to Iran’s Quds Force.

Coalition forces killed two al-Qaida terrorists during an air strike near Qara Tappa, northeast of Baghdad, and three suspected al-Qaida terrorists were captured by coalition forces during operations south of Baghdad.

West of Baghdad in Ramadi, coalition forces detained five suspected terrorists, and an al-Qaida bomber-cell leader was captured by coalition forces during an operation in Kirkuk in northern Iraq.

In yesterday’s operations:

— U.S. soldiers detained four suspects during an operation in Baghdad’s Rashid district.

— U.S. and Iraqi soldiers posted in Baghdad found several weapons caches. The caches contained mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, improvised explosive devices, hand grenades, a pistol, machine-gun ammunition, fuses, IED-making materials, communication gear and tank rounds.

— Coalition forces captured an alleged al-Qaida leader in Beiji. The detainee is linked to several local attacks, including a Sept. 8 attack that killed two Iraqi policemen and wounded four others.

— Also in Beiji, coalition forces captured a wanted person linked to an al-Qaida bomber network that extends through the Tigris River Valley. Five additional suspects were detained.

In other news, Iraqi National Police seized two munitions caches and local “Sons of Iraq” citizen security group members turned in an assortment of ordnance during operations in Baghdad’s Rashid district Sept. 10. The caches contained an assortment of rockets. The Sons of Iraq turned six 60 mm mortar rounds.

On Sept. 9, U.S. soldiers and Iraqi police discovered Iranian-manufactured munitions during two separate operations. Acting on a citizen’s tip, U.S. soldiers discovered a weapons cache near the town of Salman Pak in Iraq’s Wasit province. The cache contained two shoulder-fired missiles, nine Iranian-made rockets, a mortar sight and a tripod. Near Hillah, Iraqi police found a buried weapons cache. The cache contained 24 blocks of Iranian-manufactured C4 explosive and two propane tanks that were in the process of being converted into improvised explosive devices. U.S. soldiers transported the contraband to a nearby base.

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

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51146

Coalition Targets Militant Commanders in Two Afghan Provinces

American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Sept. 12, 2008 – Coalition forces killed more than 10 militants and detained two others while targeting Taliban and Haqqani terrorist networks in eastern Afghanistan yesterday, military officials reported.

In the Tag Ab district of Kapisa province, coalition forces targeted a Taliban subcommander believed to have planned and coordinated roadside-bomb attacks. He also is wanted for facilitating the movement of foreign fighters into Afghanistan.

Coalition forces were engaged with small-arms fire from multiple groups of armed militants as they entered a compound. The force returned fire, killing the militants.

An operation in Khowst province netted a Haqqani militant wanted for coordinating attacks on Afghan, NATO and coalition forces in the Nader Shah Kot district. The militant also is suspected of providing intelligence to and coordinating with senior Haqqani commanders. A second suspected militant was detained during the operation as well.

(From a Combined Joint Task Force 101 news release.)

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22330&Itemid=128

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080912-08
Sept. 12, 2008

MND-B Soldiers find munitions caches, detain two SG criminals in Baghdad’s Rashid district

Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, Iraq – Multi-National Division –Baghdad Soldiers discovered a munitions cache and arrested two special groups criminals in Baghdad’s Rashid district Sept. 11-12.

At approximately 4:30 p.m. Sept. 11, two local citizens reported a munitions cache to Soldiers from Troop B, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, MND-B, in the Hadar community.

The Soldiers reported PKC ammunition and two 57 mm projectiles to an explosives ordnance disposal unit who disposed of the cache.

At approximately midnight, Soldiers from Company A, 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment., attached to the 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B, and Iraqi National Police from the 1st Battalion, 5th Brigade, 2nd INP Division, responded to small-arms fire in the Bayaa community.

The Soldiers detained two Special Groups criminals responsible for a drive-by attack on an Iraqi Police checkpoint and took them to a coalition forces base for processing.

No one was injured in the attack.

At approximately 8:30 a.m. Sep. 12, Soldiers from Troop A, 7th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Regt., 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B received a tip from an Iraqi policeman about a rocket system located in a building in the Zubaida community.

The Soldiers confirmed a metal container filled with explosives and reported the find to an explosives ordnance disposal unit who disposed of the device.

“These Soldiers do not tolerate criminal actions in the Rashid district,” said Lt. Col. Paul Hossenlopp, deputy commander, 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B. “We’re committed to making Baghdad a safer place to live.”

-30-

BLOG:

http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2008/09/us_hits_compound_in.php

“US hits compound in North Waziristan”
By BILL ROGGIO
September 12, 2008 11:32 AM

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “The US military conducted another airstrike inside Pakistan’s lawless tribal agencies. The target of the strike was an al Qaeda-linked group called Al Badar, which is run by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar.

Unmanned Predator aircraft launched several missiles in the early morning at a target in the village of Tol Khel on the outskirts of Miramshah, the administrative seat of North Waziristan. Twelve members of Al Badar (or Al Badr) were reported killed and 14 were reported wounded in the attack, according to AFP.

Al Badar is a Kashmiri terrorist group supported by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. The group “is reported to have training camps in the Manshera area of North West Frontier Province (NWFP) in Pakistan, Kotli and Muzaffarabad,” according to the South East Asia Terrorism Portal. Kashmiri terrorist groups have flocked to the Northwest Frontier Province and have actively participated in operations against Coalition forces in Afghanistan.

Hekmatyar runs the Hezb-i-Islami Gulbuddin, a radical Taliban-linked faction fighting US forces in Afghanistan. He has close links to al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden, as well as the Inter-Services Intelligence, Pakistan’s military intelligence agency.”

Note: The following text is a quote:

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=90382

YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Honduras Child Kidnappings
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
Americas - Honduras
12 Sep 2008

Printer Friendly Email Article
RELATED REPORTS
4 Aug 2008
WARDEN MESSAGE: HONDURAS NATIONWIDE PROTESTS
8 Jul 2008
WARDEN MESSAGE: HONDURAS TOXIC GAS LEAK
4 Jun 2008
WARDEN MESSAGE: TEGUCIGALPA, HONDURAS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CLOSED TO COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT
29 May 2008
WARDEN MESSAGE: HONDURAS ISSUES HURRICANE WARNING
13 May 2008
WARDEN MESSAGE: HONDURAS NATIONAL PROTESTS, MAY 14
U.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa issued the following Warden Message on September 12:

A child from the international community was kidnapped from his home by armed intruders earlier this week. Fortunately, the child was safely recovered and is back with his family. Although the child was not a U.S. citizen and this incident does not appear to reflect specific targeting of Americans for kidnapping, protecting the welfare of our children is every parent’s priority.

The Embassy reminds Americans to take appropriate precautions to minimize the threat of kidnapping by following good personal security practices, including guarding your personal information and ensuring visitors to your home are well-known to you. Teaching your children good security practices is also of paramount importance.

We recommend that you take time to review the following security steps to reduce the risks of crime against your children:

Teach children never to admit strangers into the home.
Teach children emergency phone numbers, including the Embassy’s emergency number. Program emergency numbers into their cell phones if they have one. Make sure younger children know their name, address, and phone number.
Caution teenagers about “blind dates” or meeting anyone they do not know.
Teach younger members of your family not to open mail or packages that show up at your residence.
Teach young children how to answer the telephone so that they do not give out personal information, such as home address, absence of adults, etc.
Teach children how to say no to strangers.
Teach children to exit the house in case of emergency.

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. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review “A Safe Trip Abroad” found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/safety, which includes valuables security information for those both living and traveling abroad.

In addition to information on the internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on safety and security by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. 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 living or traveling in Honduras are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Honduras. 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.

The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenida La Paz in Tegucigalpa; telephone (504) 238 5114, after hours telephone (504) 236 8497; Consular Section fax (504) 238 4357; E-mail: usahonduras@state.gov Web page: http://honduras.usembassy.gov

Thanks to Veleeta for the heads up here and the ping to the FR thread and thanks to Kyla Starr for the additional link:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2081231/posts

QUOTE:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2081231/posts?page=20#20

Metrolink Train Collides Head-On With Freight Train

A Metrolink train collided head on with a freight train in Chatsworth just before 4:30 this afternoon, causing one of the cars on the Metrolink train to turn over on its side. The train was heading west at the time. According to a live report on KCBS there are 20-25 people who are injured, and of them 10 are critically injured and 3 require extrication. Emergency personnel are on the scene right now.
http://laist.com/2008/09/12/metrolink_train_collides_headon_wit.php

20 posted on September 12, 2008 5:18:02 PM PDT by Velveeta (Never forget)

QUOTE:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2081231/posts?page=22#22

NBC739 in San Diego has a live video stream. It is pretty graphic though as it is raw video.

http://www.nbcsandiego.com/videostream/11724377/detail.html

22 posted on September 12, 2008 5:19:52 PM PDT by KylaStarr (..keeping watch)

Violent MS-13 gang invading Arizona

Mike Scioli with the Border Patrol said members of MS-13, well-known for being ruthless, are coming to Arizona because its position on the border makes it a hot spot for drugs and human smuggling.

``Murdering someone is not a concern to them, it's a cost of doing business almost," Scioli said. ``Just their initiation to get into the gang is pretty aggressive."

MS-13 comes from El Salvador and has an estimated 100,000 members throughout Latin America and the United States. Many of the gang's founding members had experience or training in guerilla warefare in El Salvador. It's one of the fast-growing gangs in the world.

Scioli said the presence of MS-13 gang members is making federal agents along the U.S.-Mexico border nervous.

``It's not uncommon for a single agent to run into a group of 10 to 13 people and make the arrest alone, on his own, with backup maybe a half-hour away," he said.

Border Patrol agent assaulted near Casa Grande

An illegal immigrant who is an active member of the gang MS-13 was apprehended Thursday around 5 p.m near Nogales, said Scioli. He was transported to the Nogales Detention Center where he was fingerprinted and held. Checks through the Integrated Automated Fingerprint identification System — a database detailing prior arrests at the local, state, and federal level — revealed that he was in fact an active member of MS-13. The man, from Zacatecas, Mexico, was processed for removal.

Girlfriend of MS-13 member sentenced to 46 months in prison for involvement in RICO conspiracy

The RICO charge to which Cortez pleaded guilty charged that she and others involved in the MS-13 gang conspired to participate in a pattern of racketeering activity in the Nashville metropolitan area, including murder, attempted murder and witness tampering. In addition, the indictment stated that in approximately August 2006, Cortez transported a .22-caliber rifle at the direction of her boyfriend and MS-13 member Manual Marquez that she knew was to be used by Marquez and other members of MS-13 to attack and possibly kill rival gang members. The indictment further stated that on or about Sept. 6, 2006, Cortez provided false information to a Nashville Metropolitan Police Department detective who was investigating an MS-13 shooting of a rival gang member on Sept. 4, 2006. Cortez lied to the detective to protect MS-13 gang members who were involved in that shooting. Cortez later instructed another witness to the shooting to change his telephone number and to otherwise avoid contact with detectives. Finally, at the request of MS-13 leader Escolastico Serrano, Cortez agreed to photograph the victim of the attempted murder on Sept. 4, 2006, so that MS-13 members could locate and kill him.

Candidates and media ignoriing angry voters over immigration

Snippets: Both candidates, while doing nothing to stop the invasion during their entire U.S. Senatorial careers, voted to give amnesty to 20-30 million illegal aliens in the June 2007 vote—with no idea of the ultimate number or the cost to American taxpayers. Both voted to double legal immigration from 1.2 million annually to over 2.4 million each year. Obama nor McCain promote any kind of a plan for defense of our borders from further illegal migration into the United States.

Whether the latest triple killing by illegal alien Francis Hernandez, with 16 prior arrests, in “Sanctuary City” Denver—or—millions of Americans displaced from their jobs by illegal aliens—or—rapes, auto theft, forged documents, fraudulent home mortgages, anchor babies, our paying for illegal alien children’s educations, horrific prison costs of convicted illegal felons—the media succeeds daily in burying anything and everything concerning illegal immigration.

Thanks to Liberty Rocks for the ping to this thread.

Note: The following post is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2081313/posts

Radical Muslims warn of another 9/11
Telegraph (UK) ^ | 13 Sep 2008 | Duncan Gardham
Posted on September 12, 2008 6:52:38 PM PDT by Mount Athos

One speaker at the meeting, held on the anniversary of the attacks in America, told the assembled crowd that the West should “listen to the warnings.”

The most incendiary speech was delivered by Saiful Islam, from Luton, Bedfordshire, who praised Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda for their “courage” in retaliating against the “dictatorship and oppression” of the West.

He said: “The blame of 9/11 belongs to no one but the American government. They are the terrorists. [...]

Mr Islam warned that unless British and American troops were withdrawn from “Muslim lands” they would be to blame for the consequences, saying the West would “never achieve security until our own lands achieve security”.

“Wake up. Withdraw. Listen to the warnings. Muslims will stand side to side, not just al Qaeda.[...]

He spoke against mainstream bodies like the Muslim Council of Britain, who condemned the September 11 and July 7 attacks, accusing them of “selling their souls to the devil”.

Mr Choudary talked about the black “flag of Sharia” flying over Downing Street by 2020, saying 500 people a day were converting to Islam.

He laughed that Muslim families in places like Whitechapel and Bethnal Green in east London were having “10 or 12 children each”

(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...

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