Threat Matrix: October 2007

Previous Thread ^

[nwctwx]

Al Qaeda 'Re-Emerging' in Pakistan Sanctuaries

The U.S. military said Tuesday it expected Al Qaeda to continue its "re-emergence" in sanctuaries in Pakistan's tribal areas from where it supported attacks in Afghanistan.

Sanctuary was provided to Al Qaeda and Taliban rebels after Islamabad signed a peace deal with militants in a desperate attempt to quell the unrest in its federally administered areas in September 2006, a U.S. military official said.

The militants called off the deal in July this year after Pakistani security forces raided a radical mosque in Islamabad where rebels had massed. Dozens were killed in those raids. Full story...

	Pakistani Diplomat Defends Engagement with Tribal Leaders
	Al Qaeda Wants a Part of Afghan Talks
	Al Qaeda in Iraq Crippled by U.S. Strategy

Threat Matrix:
October 2007

September 2007

Threat Matrix Index

Theat Matrix Handbook

Theat Matrix 'BOLO'

Invaluable Tips

Preparedness

[Cindy]

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

http://www.jamestown.org/terrorism/news/article.php?articleid=2373692
“Tactical and Strategic Factors in Turkey’s Offensive Against the PKK”
by Andrew Mcgregor
(October 2, 2007)

###

RECAP:

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

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=mall
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=malls

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3455672,00.html

2 bomb blasts kill 1, injure 4 in western Turkish city
Published: 10.02.07, 11:15 / Israel News

[Cindy]

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=47646

“U.S. Africa Command Marks Startup of Initial Operations”
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2007

[Cindy]

NOTE: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=47658

U.S. Missile Defense System on Target, Generals Say

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2007 – The U.S. missile defense system intercepted a warhead during a test over the Pacific Ocean last week, boosting military officials’ confidence in the program’s ability to neutralize threats from missile-wielding nations like North Korea and Iran.

During a news conference at the Pentagon today, Air Force Lt. Gen. Henry A. “Trey” Obering III, director of the Missile Defense Agency, and U.S. Northern Command Commander Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr. discussed the successful Sept. 28 interception exercise. In a test designed to replicate a missile attack from North Korea, operators launched a warhead from Kodiak, Alaska. Land- and sea-based radars tracked the missile for 24 minutes before a 60-foot interceptor launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., flew for seven minutes and blasted the missile to bits.

“We think that this builds more and more confidence with respect to (the question), ‘Does the system work?’” Obering said. “The answer is yes.”

During the exercise, the target’s trajectory was monitored by radar onboard an Aegis-class ship floating southwest of the missile launch site using SPY-1 radar, and a separate ship located farther south and equipped with fledgling X-band radar technology. The Upgraded Early Warning Radar at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., also tracked the target as it flew south from Alaska.

Obering showed reporters video footage of what he called a “textbook success.” The montage displayed missile silos blooming open as the Orbital Boost Vehicle inceptor blasted off to meet the target. Infrared cameras captured the interceptor’s high-speed technicolor collision with the missile.

Renuart noted that the exercise also demonstrated successful coordination at U.S. Northern Command, where authority to engage the defense system resides. Officials there received ample time and adequate information from radars tracking the target, he said.

“It … allowed us to validate that the procedures we built up over time are, in fact, appropriate for the kinds of threats that this system is designed to defeat,” he said. “So from the operational perspective, the soldiers in the field, the system, the command-and-control capability, the integration of those information systems, it was also a very positive event for us, as well.”

Overall, the $100 billion program, which began in 1983 and has been tailored to offset North Korean and Iranian threats, has hit 30 of 39 missiles launched. The Sept. 28 exercise marks the system’s sixth successful interception in the nine tests conducted since 2001.

Obering said he thinks this most recent success will help counter arguments made by NATO partners that the system is unproven.

“I think it helps us in a very real way because, as I have conversations with our European partners and allies and NATO partners in the past, one of the questions I do get asked is, ‘Well, this system is not proven, (and) it doesn’t work, right?’” he said. “And I think this goes a long (way) to answering that question.”

Countering European criticism is strategically important as U.S. officials attempt to export the missile defense program to Poland and Czech Republic. Placing silos in these countries would help establish sound missile defense geometry against an Iranian threat, Obering said.

“It allows us to establish a track on those missiles, … generate a fire control solution of what we call a weapons task plan, launch the interceptor, and then engage that missile with lethal velocity,” he said. “You can’t just go up there and kiss these things; you have to hit them hard enough to destroy them.”

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=47651

Coalition Raids Kill One, Net 10 Al Qaeda in Iraq Agents

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2007 – Coalition forces killed one terrorist and detained 10 suspects during a series of raids targeting al Qaeda in Iraq in central and northern Iraq today, officials reported.

— An armed terrorist was killed by coalition troops during a raid targeting al Qaeda in Iraq leaders in Kirkuk. Information found at the site enabled coalition forces to target and capture a suspected al Qaeda leader operating in Tamim province. The detainee is linked to explosively formed penetrator attacks on coalition forces and local car-bombing attacks.

— Coalition forces captured the alleged al Qaeda in Iraq leader in Muhmadiyah believed to be involved in weapons facilitation and attacks against coalition forces. Two other suspected terrorists also were detained.

— Intelligence gained during previous operations led coalition forces to Tarmiyah, where they captured three suspected terrorists, including an alleged associate of an al Qaeda in Iraq leader.

— Coalition forces east of Balad targeted an associate of al Qaeda in Iraq believed to be responsible for coordinating attacks against coalition and Iraqi security forces in Salah ad Din province. One suspect was detained.

— Coalition troops in Samarra targeted an associate of an al Qaeda in Iraq senior leader who was killed Sept. 10. Two suspected al Qaeda agents were detained.

“Every day we’re removing terrorists from the ranks of al Qaeda in Iraq,” said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman. “We will continue to pursue individuals who facilitate and conduct attacks against the Iraqi people.”

A citizen-provided tip yesterday led U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) troops to an enemy weapons cache southwest of Rushdi Mullah. The cache contained 53 82 mm mortar rounds, four 60 mm rounds, eight 80 mm rockets, 26 68 mm rockets, an OG-7V rocket, and 200 sticks of propellant. The weapons cache was destroyed.

In other recent operations, coalition forces detained five suspected insurgents and destroyed a car bomb during a Sept. 30 raid south of Baghdad. U.S. paratroopers with 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, teamed up with Iraqi soldiers to conduct the early-morning raid. The detainees are linked with recent attacks on an Iraqi army checkpoint.

The Iraqi troops detained the suspects after finding an AK-47 rifle with four fully loaded magazines, a shotgun, more than 500 meters of command wire, IED-making electronic components, and insurgent propaganda in the house where the suspects were found. The raid also netted a 5-ton truck being rigged as a mobile bomb. An explosives-detecting military dog detected explosives residue on the vehicle, and a coalition airstrike destroyed the vehicle.

Troop B Commander Army Capt. Donald Braman saluted the Iraqi soldiers’ performance. “The Iraqi army soldiers who are part of the scout platoon, after just three days of training, were just as good as our guys,” he said.

“Every time we go out and take the fight to the enemy, we disrupt them, make his life uncomfortable,” Braman continued. “The life of an insurgent isn’t an easy life. When they are on the run, they have to sleep in open fields, in canals. They get tired. As long as they know we are coming after them, they can’t sleep easy.”

Elsewhere, coalition troops discovered a weapons cache while conducting area searches south of Baghdad on Sept. 30. U.S. soldiers of Company A, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, found the cache in a buried plastic barrel. The cache contained a rocket-propelled-grenade launcher, seven rocket-propelled grenades, four Iranian hand grenades, an AK-47 rifle with four full magazines, more than 400 machine gun rounds, 20 mortar primers, a set of body armor and 13 RPG propellant charges.

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

[Cindy]

Previously...

DEFENSElink.mil (AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE): Washington - "AIRSTRIKE KILLS 20-PLUS TERRORISTS; IRAQIS NAB 34 SUSPECTS" (October 1, 2007)

[Cindy]

http://www.memri.org/saudiarabia.html

#

http://memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=countries&Area=saudiarabia&ID=SP173107

Special Dispatch Series - No. 1731
October 3, 2007 No.1731

“Saudi Mufti Issues Fatwa Prohibiting Saudi Youth From Engaging In Jihad Abroad”

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=michigan
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=detroit

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

#

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1905725/posts

Feds: Top U.S. Official Aided La Shish Scam
WXYZ.COM ^ | 10-2-2007 | WXYZ.COM

Posted on 10/02/2007 10:47:43 PM PDT by Westlander

A high-ranking official with the Detroit office of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (“ICE”), formerly known as the Immigration and Naturalization Service, and four other metro-Detroit men were indicted by a federal Grand Jury with multiple counts of bribery, conspiracy and extortion, United States Attorney Stephen J. Murphy announced today.

U.S. Attorney Murphy was joined in the announcement by Thomas M. Frost, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago, Illinois office of the Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General, and Andrew G. Arena, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit, Michigan, office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Named in the Superseding Indictment were:

ROY M. BAILEY, age 54, of Romulus, Michigan, ANTONIO IVEZAJ, age 39, of Milford, Michigan, TALAL KHALIL CHAHINE, age 52, formerly of Plymouth, Michigan, MOHAMAD ARZOUNI, age 59 of Dearborn Heights, Michigan; and MOHAMMAD BAZZI, age 61, formerly of Detroit, Michigan.

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

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1905707/posts

“Feds scout spots to build border fencing (Exclusive Pics)”
Signs On San Diego ^ | 10/2/2007 | Leslie Berestein

Posted on 10/02/2007 9:50:19 PM PDT by Ladycalif

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=hamas
http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/site/html/search.asp?isSearch=yes&isT8=yes&searchText=T86&pid=104&sid=13&preview=
http://memritv.org/subject/en/95.htm

#

http://memri.org/bin/articles.cgi?Page=subjects&Area=jihad&ID=IA39307

Inquiry and Analysis Series - No. 393
October 5, 2007 No.393

“Hamas Children’s Magazine Al-Fateh Encourages Terrorism, Glorifies Martyrdom”
By C. Jacob*

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “The Hamas children’s magazine Al-Fateh is published biweekly in London, and is also posted online at www.al-fateh.net. It began publication in September 2002, and its 108th issue was released in mid-September 2007.

The magazine, which features stories, poems, riddles, puzzles, etc., includes incitement to jihad and martyrdom and glorification of terrorist operations and of their planners and perpetrators, as well as characterizations of Jews as “murderers of the prophets” and laudatory descriptions of parents who encourage their sons to kill Jews. In each issue, a regular feature titled “The Story of a Martyr” presents the “heroic deeds” of a mujahid from one of the organizations who died in a suicide operation (including operations against civilians) or who was killed by the IDF.

The magazine also includes illustrations of figures (including child warriors) who embody the ancient Islamic ethos of jihad and martyrdom, presenting them as role models. These include the magazine’s titular character, Al-Fateh (”The Conqueror”) - a small boy on a horse brandishing a drawn sword (see Illustration No. 1 below) - as well as children carrying guns (Illustration No. 2), and photos of Hamas fighters launching Qassam rockets (Illustration No. 3).

Some issues feature stories with martyrdom themes, including characters who express a wish to die in battle and meet the virgins of Paradise, and parents who rejoice at their son’s death in a jihad operation and celebrate by uttering cries of joy and handing out sweets.

The following are excerpts and illustrations from the magazine:”

[Cindy]

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

#

Note: The following blog entry is a quote:

http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/3093.htm

In Algeria, Public Prosecution Seeks Prison Sentences For TV Staffers In Showing Of Danish Cartoons Depicting Muhammad

Algeria’s public prosecution is demanding a five-year prison sentence for former Canal Algerie TV director Lutfi Chriett and for former Channel 3 director Houria Khatir, on charges of “harming the Prophet.”

In May 2006, both channels showed the Danish cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad, in the context of a report on the demonstrations that they had sparked.

The prosecution also demanded a three-year prison sentence for six other individuals involved in producing the broadcasts.

Source: El-Shorouq El-Yawmi, Algeria, October 1, 2007

Posted at: 2007-10-02

[Cindy]

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

#

http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/3095.htm

“Algerian Security Forces Arrest 11 In Assassination Attempt On Algerian President”

(”Source: El-Shorouq El-Yawmi, Algeria, October 1, 2007; El-Khaber, Algeria, October 2, 2007”)

[Cindy]

Fyi:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/10/20071002-2.html

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 2, 2007

“Memorandum for the Secretary of State
Presidential Determination No. 2008-1”

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/10/20071002.html

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 2, 2007

Message to the Senate of the United States

White House News

With a view to receiving the advice and consent of the Senate to ratification, I transmit herewith the Protocol of 2005 to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation (the “2005 SUA Protocol”) and the Protocol of 2005 to the Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf (the “2005 Fixed Platforms Protocol”) (together, “the Protocols”), adopted by the International Maritime Organization Diplomatic Conference in London on October 14, 2005, and signed by the United States of America on February 17, 2006. I also transmit, for the information of the Senate, the report of the Department of State with respect to the Protocols.

The Protocols are an important component in the international campaign to prevent and punish maritime terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and promote the aims of the Proliferation Security Initiative. They establish a legal basis for international cooperation in the investigation, prosecution, and extradition of those who commit or aid terrorist acts or trafficking in weapons of mass destruction aboard ships at sea or on fixed platforms.

The Protocols establish the first international treaty framework for criminalizing certain terrorist acts, including using a ship or fixed platform in a terrorist activity, transporting weapons of mass destruction or their delivery systems and related materials, and transporting terrorist fugitives. The Protocols require Parties to criminalize these acts under their domestic laws, to cooperate to prevent and investigate suspected crimes under the Protocols, and to extradite or submit for prosecution persons accused of committing, attempting to commit, or aiding in the commission of such offenses. The 2005 SUA Protocol also provides for a ship-boarding regime based on flag state consent that will provide an international legal basis for interdiction at sea of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems and related materials, and terrorist fugitives.

I recommend that the Senate give early and favorable consideration to the Protocols, subject to certain understandings that are described in the accompanying report of the Department of State.

GEORGE W. BUSH

THE WHITE HOUSE,

October 1, 2007.

# # #

[Cindy]

RECAP:

ICC-CCS.ORG: THE WEEKLY PIRACY REPORT
http://www.icc-ccs.org/prc/piracyreport.php

[Cindy]

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

#

blog:

http://michellemalkin.com/2007/10/02/jihadi-sniper-lee-malvo-pulls-media-stunt-with-abc-news/

“Jihadi sniper Lee Malvo pulls media stunt with ABC News”
By Michelle Malkin • October 2, 2007 09:37 PM

[Cindy]

http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/Read.aspx?GUID=BBF53188-3AD2-490D-8427-30600668EE15

“Homeland Security’s Islamist Payday”
By Joe Kaufman and Beila Rabinowitz
FrontPageMagazine.com | Wednesday, October 03, 2007

[Cindy]

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

#

http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20071003/NATION/110030088/1001

“Merger opens U.S. defense to China”
By Bill Gertz
October 3, 2007

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “The announced merger follows a July computer attack on the Pentagon that U.S. intelligence officials say involved Chinese military hackers. The hackers were detected breaking into Pentagon computers, including an e-mail system close to Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates.

“Huawei is up to its eyeballs with the Chinese military,” said a defense official concerned about the deal. Huawei was founded in 1988 by a Chinese military officer and got its start building military communications networks.

A second official said the deal comes as the Pentagon has mounted an aggressive effort to thwart large numbers of computer intrusions from Chinese hackers and spies.

“And now we are proposing to sell the PLA a key to our front door. This is a very dangerous trend,” the official said, referring to the People’s Liberation Army, as the Chinese military is called.”

[Cindy]

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

#

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1905659/posts

“Mystery Ingredient in Chinese Product Could Hurt You”
The Pocono Record ^ | October 2, 2007 | By Beth Brelje

Posted on 10/02/2007 6:58:20 PM PDT by JACKRUSSELL

[Cindy]

Note: Please check the latest recalls here:

RECALL.GOV
http://www.recall.gov

[Cindy]

blog:

http://www.theaviationnation.com/category/airport-security-screening/

http://www.theaviationnation.com/2007/10/02/tsa-threat-from-remote-controlled-toys/

“TSA: Threat From Remote Controlled Toys”
(October 2, 2007)

From Arab News last January:

Sri Lanka Customs Impose New Ban
Mohammed Rasooldeen, Arab News

COLOMBO, 9 January 2007 — In view of the current security situation, Sri Lanka has imposed a ban on the import of remote control toys to the island, a senior official of the Sri Lankan Customs told Arab News yesterday. “Sri Lankan expatriates living abroad and foreign visitors will not be allowed to bring in remote control toy helicopters and airplanes through the Colombo International Airport,” the custom official said, pointing out that some of these toys are being used by terrorists in claymore mine attacks against the government soldiers and civilians.

#

blog:

http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9788191-7.html?tag=cnetfd.mt

October 1, 2007 5:12 AM PDT
“PET detects ‘Mother of Satan’”
Posted by Mark Rutherford