Threat Matrix: September 2007

FYI:

http://wtop.com/?nid=30&sid=1236178

“Metro Stations Closed This Weekend”
August 31, 2007 - 4:59am

Adam Tuss, WTOP Radio
WASHINGTON

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=globaljihad
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=internet

#

www.youtube.com/user/alkavkaz
www.alkavkaz.com

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=beslanmassacre
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=beslan

###
###

Thanks to a special freepmailer for pointing to this article:

blog:

http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2007/09/3-years-ago-today-terrorists-seize.html

Saturday, September 01, 2007
“3 Years Ago Today... Terrorists Seize Beslan School”

Wow, did they find the missing school buses in TX?

Note: See photo.

blog:

QUOTE:

http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/189223.php

August 30, 2007

Paper Bags: The Next Terrorist Weapon

To the troops in Iraq: beware of seedy young men carrying plain brown paper bags. No, it’s not porn in the bag. It’s a mortar.

From a short video showing the pair dropping the bag, firing the mortar from it, and then running like hell. I’m guessing the paper bag mortar isn’t exactly accurate.

I have not seen any updates regarding the buses being located.

I’ll check again tonight.

http://www.chron.com

This is still the latest article I can find:

http://www.kvue.com/news/state/stories/082807kvuebuses-eh.7ad3aa36.html

“School bus thefts raise security concerns”
09:35 AM CDT on Tuesday, August 28, 2007
By Jeff McShan / 11 News

Jeff McShan’s 11 News report

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “The Houston Police Department’s Criminal Intelligence Division, the FBI and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office are all concerned about a large number of school buses that have been stolen in the Houston area over the last several months.

Seventeen large, yellow school buses were stolen recently from various charter schools, business schools and private bus companies. Not one has disappeared from HISD.

Most, if not all, were taken from locations on Houston’s north side. One off west Tidwell, another from the Lopez bus company off Melrose and Berry streets.”

#

This article is unrelated to the above article:

In Maine, this school bus was found:

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=128175&ac=PHnws

“Stolen school bus found in gravel pit”
Blethen Maine News Service
August 18, 2007

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “WATERVILLE — Police are trying to find out who stole a small school bus from Waterville Junior High School early Thursday, drove it to Norridgewock and left it in a gravel pit.

“We have a few leads that we’re working on and we’re very much in hopes it will provide the identity of whoever took the darned thing,” Police Chief Joseph Massey said Friday.”

Thanks a bunch for the ping and for the great work you do for the thread!

MEMRI.ORG: “JIHAD AND TERRORISM STUDIES PROJECT”
http://www.memri.org/jihad.html

MEMRITV.ORG: “9/11”
http://www.memritv.org/subject/en/97.htm

http://www.rewardsforjustice.net
http://www.memritv.org

#

http://www.rewardsforjustice.net/index.cfm?page=Wanted_Terrorist&language=english
REWARDS FOR JUSTICE.net: “WANTED TERRORISTS”

#

http://www.rewardsforjustice.net/index.cfm?page=Bin_Laden&language=english
“Wanted
Usama bin Ladin
Up to $25 Million Reward”

http://www.memritv.org/subject/en/343.htm
Subject: “Osama bin Laden”

http://www.memritv.org/subject/en/366.htm
Subject: “Ayman al Zawahiri”

http://www.rewardsforjustice.net/index.cfm?page=Zawahiri&language=english
“Wanted
Ayman al-Zawahiri
Up to $25 Million Reward”

http://www.ready.gov
http://www.citizencorps.gov

#

http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1188576776209.shtm

“More Than 1,700 Organizations to Participate in Fourth Annual Homeland Security National Preparedness Month”
Release Date: August 31, 2007

#

RECAP:

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/08/20070830-4.html

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 30, 2007

National Preparedness Month, 2007
A Proclamation by the President of the United States

White House News

National Preparedness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of emergency preparedness and to encourage all Americans to better prepare their homes and communities for emergencies.

Protecting America’s homeland and citizens is the shared responsibility of the entire Nation. Individuals can prepare themselves and their families for emergencies by taking simple steps such as organizing an emergency supply kit, making a personal preparedness plan, becoming informed about different threats, and getting involved in preparing their community. These activities create a culture of preparedness and can help save lives.

My Administration continues to improve our Nation’s ability to prepare for emergencies. The Department of Homeland Security is working with other Federal, State, and local government organizations, as well as the private sector, to prevent, respond to, and recover from all types of emergencies. Together, Americans can significantly enhance the level of national preparedness to further safeguard our communities and secure our homeland.

This month is also an opportunity to pay tribute to America’s first responders who put themselves at risk for the safety of their fellow citizens. These brave police officers, firefighters, and emergency service personnel exemplify the compassion and commitment that help strengthen our country. We will be forever grateful for their service and sacrifice.

During National Preparedness Month, I encourage all Americans to get involved in their community’s preparedness efforts. Citizens may visit ready.gov and citizencorps.gov to learn more about emergency preparedness and ways to take action.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2007 as National Preparedness Month. I call upon the people of the United States to recognize the importance of preparing for potential emergencies and to observe this month by participating in appropriate events, activities, and preparedness programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.

GEORGE W. BUSH

# # #

RECAP:

MEMRI.org - Special Dispatch Series - No. 1702: "ISLAMIST WEBSITES HOSTED IN MINNESOTA ON HOW TO JOIN AL-QAEDA, FORM A JIHAD CELL, AND SELECT A WESTERN TARGET - '[Is] Assassinating the American Ambassador...Difficult For Someone Who Has Already Crushed America in Her Own Home?'" (August 31, 2007)

Thanks for the new thread!

RECAP:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=globaljihad
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=jihad

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=taliban
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=taleban

#

blog:

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=26866_Taliban-_We_Have_Found_This_Way_to_Be_Successful&only

“Taliban: ‘We Have Found This Way to Be Successful’”
Thu, Aug 30, 2007 at 5:15:42 pm PST

#

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070829/hostages_follow_070830/20070830?hub=TopStories

“Taliban vows more abductions as hostages freed”
Updated Thu. Aug. 30 2007 6:59 PM ET

CTV.ca News Staff

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “The seven remaining South Korean hostages taken captive last July by the Taliban have been released, and insurgents have vowed they will abduct more foreigners.

“We will do the same thing with the other allies in Afghanistan, because we found this way to be successful,” Taliban spokesman Qari Yousef Ahmadi told The Associated Press by phone on Thursday.

Twenty-three 23 South Koreans, all volunteers from a church group, were kidnapped by Taliban militants on July 19. Two of the male captives were later executed by gunfire.”

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=denmark
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=youths

#

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6974662.stm

Last Updated: Sunday, 2 September 2007, 05:14 GMT 06:14 UK

“Danish police clash with youths”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Danish Police have clashed with hundreds of rioting youths in the capital, Copenhagen.

Protesters threw stones and set cars ablaze. About 25 people were detained as police used tear gas to disperse the rioters in the Noerrebro district.

The unrest came as youths demonstrated to mark the six-month anniversary of the closure of a local youth centre.

Squatters running the centre were evicted from the building by an anti-terror squad on 1 March.

About 650 people were arrested in clashes between protesters and police before Ungdomshuset, or Youth House, was demolished on 5 March.”

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=russia
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=china

#

Thanks to a special freepmailer for pointing to these links:

http://english.eastday.com/eastday/englishedition/node20676/userobject1ai3082463.html

“Chinese commandoes arrive in Moscow for drill”
2/9/2007 10:06

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-09/02/content_6073602.htm

“Chinese commandoes in Moscow for anti-terror drill”
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-09-02 09:53

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “MOSCOW — A brigade of China’s armed police arrived here on Saturday for an anti-terrorism drill jointly held by China and Russia.”

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

FDA.GOV: “Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts”
http://www.fda.gov/opacom/7alerts.html

RECAP:

INVESTIGATIVE PROJECT.org (IPT News): "INDICTED USF STUDENT HAS TERROR PAST IN EGYPT" (August 31, 2007)

Tampa.FBI.gov: Washington - "TWO MEN INDICTED IN FLORIDA ON EXPLOSIVES CHARGES" (August 31, 2007)

Link

MICHELLE MALKIN.com - blog: "MYSTERY AT GOOSE CREEK UPDATE: FEDERAL GRAND JURY INVESTIGATES" (August 30, 2007)

MICHELLE MALKIN.com - blog: "MYSTERY AT GOOSE CREEK: WHO ARE THE ACCUSED PIPE BOMB BOYS?" (August 12, 2007, 1:51 pm)

TAMPA BAYS 10.com: Tampa, Florida - "PROSECUTOR: ISLAMIC STUDENTS HAD PIPE BOMBS" by Mike Deeson (ARTICLE SNIPPET: "She says she saw lot of traffic, a lot of people going back and forth, oxygen tanks being delivered UPS and Fed Ex deliveries and a lot going on.") (Last updated August 7, 2007)

JIHAD WATCH.org (CHARLESTON NEWS AND COURIERS): Goose Creek - "SOUTH CAROLINA: 2 MUSLIMS CHARGED WITH FELONIES IN EXPLOSIVES SCARE" (Agusut 6, 2007)

FOX NEWS.com (AP): "SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE CHARGE 2 STUDENTS WITH HAVING SEVERAL PIPE BOMBS NEAR NAVY BASE" (August 6, 2007)

RECAP:

JIHAD WATCH.org (LA TIMES.com): "CALIFORNIA MUSLIM PLEADS GUILTY TO POLOT TO SELL UZIS TO IRAN" (ARTICLE SNIPPET: "A West Hills man has pleaded guilty to an audacious plan to buy as many as 100,000 Uzis in the United States and sell them to officials in Iran's government. Under a plea agreement reached this week, Seyed Mostafa Maghloubi, 49, acknowledged that he tried to obtain submachine guns and night vision goggles and ship them to Iran, in violation of U.S. laws prohibiting such transactions.") (August 31, 2007)

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=gang
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=gangs

#

(Photos included)

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.ice.gov/pi/news/newsreleases/articles/070830chicago.htm

August 21, 2007

58 gang members arrested in ICE-led multi-agency operation
CHICAGO - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents here, in close partnership with local law enforcement officers, arrested 58 Mexican nationals with ties to violent street gangs in the northern and northwest suburbs this week in the largest local dragnet targeting foreign-born street gang members.

These are the latest arrests under an ongoing national ICE initiative called “Operation Community Shield,” in which ICE partners with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to address the public safety threat posed by transnational street gangs. Such law enforcement partnerships are essential to the success of the initiative and help ensure officer safety during the operations.

The multi-agency operation targeted foreign national gang members and gang associates in the northern and northwest suburbs, including the communities of Waukegan, Mundelein, and Round Lake. All those arrested this week are Mexican men who were targeted for their affiliations with violent street gangs such as the Latin Kings, Sureño-13s, and the Latin Lovers, among others. Of the 58 arrested, 37 are illegal aliens and 21 are U.S. permanent residents whose previous criminal convictions render them eligible for deportation.

Nationally, ICE agents have arrested more than 5,000 members from more than 500 different gangs under Operation Community Shield. Locally, ICE agents in Chicago have made more than 275 arrests since the Operation Community Shield was established in February 2005.

“Street gangs pose a growing public safety threat to communities throughout this area,” said Elissa A. Brown, special agent in charge for the ICE Office of Investigations in Chicago. “We will not tolerate violent gang activity in our cities, and will use all of our law enforcement tools to thwart criminal efforts of gangs such as the Latin Kings. Operation Community Shield shows how ICE works with our law enforcement partners to dismantle these criminal organizations and help protect our communities.”

The U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force, Lake County Sheriff’s Department, and the Waukegan and Mundelein Police Departments assisted ICE in the enforcement effort, which began Sunday night and concluded Wednesday.

Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran added: “I commend ICE’s efforts in working with local law enforcement to rid our streets of one of our biggest public safety threats - that being street gangs.”

One of the men arrested by ICE agents earlier this week was Edgar Rodriguez-Tovar, a 23-year-old Sureño-13 member. Arrested Aug. 26 in Round Lake, Rodriguez-Tovar is an illegal alien from Mexico. He has prior criminal convictions for aggravated discharge of a firearm and aggravated battery. He remains in ICE custody pending deportation to Mexico.

ICE agents also arrested Mario Vargas-Hernandez Aug. 26 at his Waukegan residence. Vargas-Hernandez, 34, is a member of the Latin Kings with gang tattoos confirming his membership. Vargas-Hernandez, an illegal alien, has a burglary conviction and numerous arrests for unlawfully using a weapon, possessing a firearm, battery and aggravated assault. He remains in ICE custody pending removal to Mexico.

Some of the crimes associated with the gang members arrested during this local operation include: aggravated battery, possessing a controlled substance, armed violence, possessing a firearm, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, drunken driving, mob action and burglary.

Six of those arrested had active warrants for their arrest and will be turned over to local authorities to face criminal charges. After those charges are resolved, they will be transferred back to ICE for deportation. Three of those arrested are being presented to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for federal prosecution for re-entering the United States after having already been deported, which is a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. ICE will process the remainder of those arrested for deportation.

— ICE —