| This thread has been locked, it will not receive new replies. |
|
Locked on 01/02/2007 7:29:45 PM PST by Sidebar Moderator, reason:
locked - new thread http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1761584/posts |
Posted on 12/01/2006 8:36:14 PM PST by nwctwx
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_940.html
Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520
This information is current as of today, Thu Dec 21 2006 03:28:51 GMT-0800.
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
December 19, 2006
This Travel Warning is revised to strongly advise Americans against travel to the Central African Republic and to provide an update on the security situation. It supersedes the Travel Warning for the Central African Republic issued October 20, 2006.
American citizens are strongly advised not to travel to the Central African Republic (CAR) until further notice. Active rebel movements continue in the northern and northeastern regions of the country. In northern prefectures from Ouham to Gribingui, rogue army troops and robbers are also active, making road travel dangerous even with an armed escort. Many civilians have died or been wounded in attacks by these elements. The Central African government is unable to guarantee the safety of visitors to any part of the country including the capital.
U.S. citizens already in the Central African Republic should contact the American Embassy in Bangui at once to verify their locations and contact points (see below). They should avoid travel outside the capital unless absolutely necessary and exercise caution at all times, particularly at public gatherings.
In Bangui, tensions are high due to unpaid civil servant salaries and skirmishes between government forces and opposition groups. There are approximately 300 peacekeeping troops from neighboring member countries of the Economic and Monetary Union of Central Africa (CEMAC) that move in and out of the capital. CAR security forces, sometimes with French military assistance, staff checkpoints throughout the city. Some crimes are perpetrated by uniformed CAR security and military personnel. Two World Health Organization physicians were murdered by unidentified assailants on the outskirts of Bangui in April 2006.
Outside the capital many areas are lawless; rebel groups are active in the western, northern, northeastern, and southeastern provinces. The U.S. Embassy advises its personnel to take a CAR military escort when traveling outside the capital, particularly near the borders with Chad, Sudan, and Cameroon. The Central African Republic held peaceful elections in March 2005, but the country’s economic and security situations have not improved markedly. The rebels wish to overthrow the constitutionally-elected president and seek new elections.
The U.S. Embassy in Bangui has just two American officers and can provide only limited emergency services to U.S. citizens.
U.S. citizens in the CAR are strongly urged to register on the State Department’s web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Bangui. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.
The U.S. Embassy in the CAR is located at Avenue David Dacko, B.P. 924, Bangui; tel. (236) 61-02-00; fax (236) 61-44-94. For additional information on safety and security in the CAR, contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde, Cameroon, at telephone (237) 223-4014, (237) 223-0512, or 223-0581; fax (237) 223-0753; web site http://yaounde.usembassy.gov/. Americans may also obtain updated information from the American Embassy in N'djamena, Chad, at telephone (235) 51-70-09, 51-92-33 or 51-90-52; fax (235) 51-56-54; web site http://ndjamena.usembassy.gov/.
U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's most recent Consular Information Sheet for Central African Republic and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, which are located on the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on safety and security is also available at 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers from other countries, on 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).
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_929.html
Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520
This information is current as of today, Thu Dec 21 2006 03:29:57 GMT-0800.
ALGERIA
December 20, 2006
This Travel Warning is being updated to alert Americans to recent terrorist attacks in Algeria. The threat from terrorism in many areas continues to pose a significant security risk. This supersedes the Travel Warning issued on November 22, 2006.
The Department of State urges U.S. citizens who travel to Algeria to evaluate carefully the risk posed to their personal safety. Sustained small-scale terrorist attacks including bombings, false roadblocks, kidnappings, ambushes, and assassinations occur, primarily in rural and remote sections of the country. Additionally, there were three terrorist attacks against police stations and military barracks in the eastern suburbs of Algiers in October 2006, and a bomb attack targeting a bus transporting foreign workers of a U.S. company in the western part of the city in December 2006.
The Department of State cautions those U.S. citizens who travel to Algeria, especially the mountainous northern regions and the southern regions near Tamanrasset, despite this Travel Warning, to use reputable local agents and tour guides who are able to make reliable security arrangements.
The Government of Algeria requires U.S. Embassy personnel traveling outside the Wilaya of Algiers or to the Casbah within Algiers to seek permission and to have a security escort. Travel to the military zone established around the Hassi Messaoud oil center requires Government of Algeria authorization. U.S. government personnel are permitted by the Embassy to move freely in many areas in the center of Algiers, but are required to maintain prudent security practices. Travel by personnel to areas of the city outside this zone requires prior coordination with the Embassy’s regional security office. American visitors are encouraged to contact the Embassy’s Consular Section for the most recent safety and security information concerning travel in the city of Algiers.
The Department of State cautions Americans who reside or travel in Algeria to take prudent security measures while in the country, including making provisions for reliable and experienced logistical support. This support should include being met upon arrival and accompanied for the duration of the visit. Visitors should ensure that tour operators and host organizations perform all notifications and coordination with Algerian police and security officials during their stay. Visitors to Algeria are advised to stay only in hotels where adequate security is provided. All visitors to Algeria should remain alert and adhere to prudent security practices such as avoiding predicable travel patterns. Overland travel between major cities should be avoided.
American citizens in or traveling to Algeria are also urged to register and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Algeria at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Algiers or on our travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/. The Embassy is located at 4 Chemin Cheikh Bachir El-Ibrahimi, B.P. 408 (Alger-Gare) 16000, in the capital city of Algiers. The Embassy can be reached at telephone [213] (21) 691-425; [213] (21) 691-186; or fax [213] (21) 693-979. U.S. citizens who require emergency services may telephone the Embassy at [213](21) 691-255.
U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Algeria, and the current Worldwide Caution and Middle East and North Africa Public Announcements, which are available on the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov. American citizens may also obtain updated information on travel and security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Thu Dec 21 2006 03:31:05 GMT-0800.
Worldwide Caution
October 11, 2006
You can download the new Zawahiri tape at http://www.lauramansfield.com/zawahiri_122006.wmv
Sorry about the low-res version.
London Braces for Attack; 'Miracle' If There Isn't
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1756875/posts
British intelligence and law enforcement officials have passed on a grim assessment to their U.S. counterparts, "It will be a miracle if there isn't a terror attack over the holidays in London," a senior American law enforcement official tells ABCNews.com.
"It is not a matter of if there will be an attack, but how bad the attack will be," an intelligence official told ABCNews.com.
Authorities say they are seeking at least 18 suspected suicide bombers...
I was just about to post that. Sounds like they're really expecting something. This is not the time for us to go soft in the middle east.
Re Jihadis in Ireland, post #998 ... this is frightening and VERY sad.
Is there nowhere that the cult of mohammed does not penetrate?
I'm sick, Ireland being the sacred soil of my paternal ancestors.
Hopefully a 'Miracle' occurs or Christmas and the New Year.
Okay. I looked back 3 days on the thread and did not see the following ... could have missed it, though.
Ports panel calls for security czar, U.S. standards
Tue, Dec. 19, 2006
By Jeffrey Gold
Associated Press
ELIZABETH, N.J. - A port security task force yesterday urged that the nation adopt mandatory security standards for cargo and that the president appoint a port security czar to coordinate the federal agencies that oversee the nation's 361 seaports.
Shippers should also pay a security fee that would be divided among the U.S. ports so they could install more security, according to the task force established by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, whose bustling docks are among the nation's busiest.
The suggestions were endorsed by Gov. Corzine, who visited a Port Elizabeth terminal to outline the findings. Behind him, giant cranes hoisted trailer-size shipping containers onto a massive cargo ship.
"It is more than these containers, it is that whole supply chain that exposes our society, and we need to make sure that we are doing everything that is possible," Corzine said.
The governor said a nationwide credentialing system for port workers is still needed. The report said a system currently being developed, featuring background checks, is close to implementation but that the maritime industry believes problems have not yet been resolved.
The task force, composed of government and business leaders, determined that an attack at or through any one port would likely disrupt operations nationwide, so it said each port should develop its own recovery plan so it could return to business as soon and "as efficiently as possible after a disaster."
"There's no question that the security issues and the enemies that we face are very sophisticated," said Richard Canas, director of the state Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, who appeared with Corzine. "Attacking our ports, frankly, means attacking our nation's economy."
"What we're trying to do is secure the cargo before it arrives to our ports," Canas said.
About 2.4 million of the 14 million containers entering the nation last year were handled at Port Authority docks, along with more than $132 billion worth of bulk cargo and cars.
Officials acknowledged that most antiterror attention since the 2001 attacks has been directed toward aviation. Indeed, the port authority - which had been based in the World Trade Center - also operates the region's three major airports.
Port security gained a higher profile in February amid an uproar when the Bush administration said a company based in the United Arab Emirates could acquire some U.S. port operations. Public pressure led the company to decide to sell the U.S. assets.
Recommendations of the task force, formed in March, were being sent to members of Congress and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The department plans to maintain a balance between proper screening - starting when U.S-bound cargo is loaded overseas - and ensuring that commerce is not strangled, spokesman Jarrod Agen said.
Its "risk management approach" not only utilizes U.S. personnel and technology
More here: http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/states/new_jersey/16271334.htm
Big thanks to you both, your efforts are greatly appreciated.
Dec. 20, 2006, 3:04AM
L.A. hospital reopens neonatal unit after deadly bacterium outbreak
By ALICIA CHANG
Associated Press
LOS ANGELES — A hospital where the deaths of two premature babies may be linked to a bacterial outbreak reopened its neonatal intensive care unit Tuesday night after two weeks of not accepting new patients.
More here: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/4415136.html
* * * * * * * * * * * *
The entire hospital should have been CLOSED DOWN....!!!
BLOG-ARTICLE SNIPPET: "On Monday evening, Dec 18, 2006, the Irish State-owned RTE 1 TV, on its flagship current affairs investigative program, "Prime Time", after the main 9-9.30 PM evening news, broadcast a 1-hour report on the Jihadi risk within Ireland. It quoted from intelligence reports, both police [Garda ] and military [G-2] sources, and interviewed on-air recently retired US experts, such as John Brennan, 2004-05 chief of their National Counter-Terrorism Center, and Dan Coleman, ex-FBI OBL Unit, as well as many Muslim figures in Ireland. The program research seemed very thorough, balanced and comprehensive in range, and led substantial weight to the extremely disturbing conclusions which emerged.
No doubt the IRA are providing safe houses and training.
No one is safe! :(
I nearly forgot to thank you for the pings, Cindy!
No doubt they are thicker than thieves, IT.
You can be sure of it - the most well organised terrorist group in the world has to have links with AQ, but the usual suspects here on FR don't want to hear it!
Weren't the 'RA the first with the car bomb?
BEIRUT - Lebanese police found and confiscated large quantities of explosives, detonators and timers in houses owned by members of a pro-Syrian group in north Lebanon on Thursday, security sources said.
They said police had also moved to encircle some offices of the Syrian Social Nationalist Party in Beirut after making some arrests in the northern Koura province.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L21356484.htm
Sharp Chile Cop Spots Bomb
Santiago de Chile, Dec 21 A homemade explosive device placed in the facade of the State Defense Council s building in this capital was defused by the Special Police Operations Group (GOPE).
According to a report from Cooperative Radio station, the bomb was made of a five-kilo gas cylinder full of gunpowder and accompanied by a timer. The explosive device was found early Thursday by a policeman who guarding the building, who immediately called the (GOPE). The police force is investigating the incident, but none political organization has so far claimed responsibility for the action.
http://www.plenglish.com/article.asp?ID=%7B886380DB-AEF3-4489-9651-338D3B5A9FD9%7D&language=EN
Peru- 2 arrested for possessing more than 1000 dynamite cartridges
21 December, 2006
2 people were arrested as they attempted to smuggle more than 1000 dynamite cartridges into Lima on a bus which departed from the central Andean town of Cabana, Ancash. The explosives were packed in boxes and stored in the cargo area of a bus which was full of holiday season travelers.
Rosa Anita Vivar, 28, claimed the boxes were filled with ceramic products but upon inspection, Peruvian authorities revealed the actual contents of the boxes. With Vivar's cooperation, Luis Alberto Garcia, her accomplice, was later arrested in the port city of Chimbote as he attempted to board the bus he believed Vivar was traveling on. To illustrate the importance of the seizure, authorities informed that car bombs which were frequently set off during Peru's terrorist period, needed just 50 dynamite cartridges to be effective.
I believed they did, but I did a quick search and found this:
Tomgram: Mike Davis on the History of the Car Bomb
Vehicle bombs thereafter were used sporadically -- producing notable massacres in Saigon (1952), Algiers (1962), and Palermo (1963) -- but the gates of hell were only truly opened in 1972, when the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) accidentally, so the legend goes, improvised the first ammonium nitrate-fuel oil (ANFO) car bomb. These new-generation bombs, requiring only ordinary industrial ingredients and synthetic fertilizer, were cheap to fabricate and astonishingly powerful: they elevated urban terrorism from the artisanal to the industrial level, and made possible sustained blitzes against entire city centers as well as the complete destruction of ferro-concrete skyscrapers and residential blocks.
So, they kinda were!
The Health Department says a canister containing radioactive material is missing somewhere in Western Australia. The radioactive substance is used by the mining industry to search for minerals, oil and gas. It was due to be transported from Perth to Dampier in the state's north-west last month but did not arrive.
The Health Department says there is no suggestion the canister was stolen and it could be on the side of the road somewhere between Perth and Dampier.
The Health Department's acting director general, Simon Towler, says people should stand at least five metres away from the canister because it emits low radiation and the risk is higher if it is tampered with. "We believe it would be very difficult to open. If you were to be exposed to it for any substantial period of time, like any radiation, that would be when there is a significant risk," he said.
"It is appropriate that people take care if they discover the device. "If you are exposed to any form of radiation you can in fact become quite sick over time. "The radiation is dependent on time and exposure, you can get skin damage, quite often you can get damage to the bone marrow."
ISTANBUL, Turkey: A Kurdish Islamic militant group with reported ties to al-Qaida is re-emerging in Turkey after six years underground — and has started issuing vague but worrying threats, authorities say.
Turkish Hezbollah's rise parallels developments across the broader Muslim world, where the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Lebanon are believed to have served as powerful recruiting tools for radical Islamic groups.
Turkish Hezbollah, which takes its name from the better-known Lebanon-based Hezbollah but has no formal links to it, was largely eradicated six years ago when its leader was killed and more than 6,000 of its members were arrested in a massive police crackdown.
Like the Lebanese Hezbollah, the Turkish group allegedly is backed by Iran.
Turkish authorities now say they are witnessing a rise in its activities, but they are proceeding cautiously out of fears that in today's charged atmosphere, a harsh crackdown could inspire even more young Muslims to join its ranks.
Excerpted
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/12/21/europe/EU_GEN_Turkey_Islamic_Terror.php
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.