Threat Matrix: April 2008

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[nwctwx]

Afghanistan to Ask NATO for Bigger Army

Afghan officials will go to the NATO summit in Romania Thursday with a request: pay to increase our national Army by 40 percent. A bigger Army, Afghan officials argue, will allow the US and other coalition members to scale back in the coming years.

This appeal comes amid pleas from the US and Canada for other NATO members to commit more to the Afghanistan mission, which many analysts say has floundered over the past year for lack of resources and a coherent strategy. France is expected to contribute another 1,000 forces and Germany is likely to make a bigger commitment.

But American and Afghan government sources with knowledge of the expected Afghan proposal say that an increase from the current authorization of 86,000 Afghan Army soldiers to 120,000 is the only way to create an enduring defense against a resurgent Taliban and elusive Al Qaeda operatives. Read More

	France May Send More Troops to Afghanistan
	Special Operations Increase Possible for Iraq
	Al-Qaeda Grooming Militants Who 'Look Western': CIA Chief

Threat Matrix:
April 2008

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[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18466&Itemid=128

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080414-11
April 14, 2008

Criminals fire three rockets, damage school (Baghdad)

Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD – Criminals fired three rockets in eastern Baghdad at approximately 2:45 p.m. April 14.

Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers’ from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division reported an Iraqi Police officer was killed and a school was damaged from the impacts.

“We are fighting against criminals who continue to violate the ‘rule of law,’” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman for 4th Infantry Division and MND-B.

“These criminals fire indiscriminately without any thought to innocent Iraqi civilians. They have no respect for human life nor the infrastructure to create a better way of life for the Iraqi children.”

-30-

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18474&Itemid=128

Press Release A080415a
April 15, 2008

Coalition detains alleged AQI leader, three other suspects in Mosul

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces captured a reported al-Qaeda in Iraq leader and detained three additional suspected terrorists during operations in Mosul Tuesday.

In a precision operation in Mosul, Coalition forces captured an alleged AQI leader. The suspect is believed to be in charge of an illegal terrorist court system in the area, and is also suspected of involvement in a local bombing cell.

Also in Mosul, Coalition forces targeted a terrorist responsible for kidnappings, assassinations and the movement of suicide bombers. The ground force cleared three separate locations, detaining three suspected terrorists.

“Al-Qaeda in Iraq continues to reject the rule of law established by the Iraqi government,” said Cmdr. Scott Rye, MNF-I spokesman. “The Iraqi people do not embrace the terrorists’ extremist values and criminal behavior, and we continue to work closely with Iraqi citizens and security forces to identify and capture those who ignore the rule of law.”

- 30 -

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18475&Itemid=128

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080415-06
April 15, 2008

Iraqi DBE discover anti-tank mines after attack from dismounted insurgents
Multinational Division – North PAO

TIKRIT, Iraq – The Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement discovered a cache of anti-tank mines after taking small arms fire from an unknown number of terrorists, April 14.

The Department of Border Enforcement soldiers returned fire in self-defense, driving the terrorists toward the Iranian border. More than 160 anti-tank mines were found after the terrorists broke contact.

The Iraqi Department of Border Enforcement in northern Iraq includes more than 8,700 agents and covers nine points of entry. The Department of Border Enforcement is responsible for patrolling the border and conducting other assigned law enforcement duties.

The Department of Border Enforcement in northern Iraq is part of the overall 150,000-person Iraqi Security Force.

-30-

[Cindy]

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18476&Itemid=128

Press Release A080415b
April 15, 2008

Coalition forces detain 18 suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists

BAGHDAD – Coalition forces detained 18 suspected terrorists Monday and Tuesday during operations targeting the al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist network in the Tigris River Valley and northern part of the country.

Coalition forces analyzed intelligence from several sources to develop a series of operations targeting key links in the AQI network west of Samarra. Ground forces conducted eight missions there Monday and Tuesday and detained 12 suspected terrorists.

In Bayji Tuesday, Coalition forces captured an alleged weapons facilitator also believed to work with an AQI leader who directs attacks in the area. The ground force detained two additional suspected terrorists.

Iraqi and Coalition forces conducted an operation Tuesday in Kirkuk targeting an individual believed to conspire with foreign terrorists and support the AQI propaganda network, detaining one suspect.

“We continue to use the information we get from each operation to further target al-Qaeda in Iraq and the terrorists who carry out its brutal attacks,” said Cmdr. Scott Rye, MNF-I spokesman. “We’re systematically dismantling the network from the top and bottom.”

- 30 -

[Cindy]

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html

“Worldwide Caution”
January 17, 2008

SNIPPET: “This Worldwide Caution updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests throughout the world. American citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.”

[Cindy]

blog:

http://mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/192287.php

April 14, 2008
“To Our Fans on Ekhlaas”
(April 14, 2008)

[Cindy]

ON THE INTERNET:

www.ekhlaas.org
www.ekhlaas.org/forum/

#

memriiwmp.org/content/en/more_islamist_web_status.htm?param=IStatus

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2001778/posts

“Taking on the Tamil Tigers”
National Post ^ | 2008-04-15 | (editorial page)
Posted on April 15, 2008 4:34:03 AM PDT by Clive

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2001771/posts

#

http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=54048

“Germany searching for 2 alleged terrorists
Men reportedly plotting attack on troops downrange”

By Nancy Montgomery, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Tuesday, April 15, 2008

HEIDELBERG, Germany

###

QUOTE:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2001771/posts?page=5#5

I’m unable to find any photos/poster for the suspects.

Here is an additional article link:

http://www.focus.de/magazin/kurzfassungen/focus-saarlaender-islamist-machte-vor-abreise-aus-deutschland-andeutungen-auf-anschlag_aid_294549.html

FOCUS Magazin > Kurzfassungen
12.04.08, 06:55 | Artikel merken

“FOCUS: Saarländer Islamist machte vor Abreise aus Deutschland Andeutungen auf Anschlag”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Per E-Mail kündigte er den Ausbildern im Mai 2007 an, seinen „Jungen in den Kindergarten“ zu schicken. Gemeint ist offenbar Breininger, den „Kindergarten“ werten Ermittler als Synonym für ein Kampftraining.”

5 posted on April 15, 2008 4:46:54 AM PDT by Cindy
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies | Report Abuse]
To: All; Jet Jaguar
stepping back in time...

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1891316/posts

“Germans Arrest 3, Thwart ‘Imminent Threat’”
AP via CBS News ^ | Sept. 5, 2007
Posted on September 5, 2007 12:05:48 AM PDT by james500

6 posted on April 15, 2008 4:53:28 AM PDT by Cindy

[Cindy]

BTW, Thanks to Jet Jaguar for starting the “Germany searching for 2 alleged terrorists...” thread.

#

http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/iju
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/islamicjihadunion

[Unrepentant VN Vet]

bttt

[Godzilla]

placemark

[jer33 3]

Thanks, Cindy. There is no consistency in application of the visa laws. A few families have had to leave the field and others remain with no problems.

[drymans wife]

This makes me want to puke!!!

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,351313,00.html

Reports: Carter Hugs, Kisses Hamas Official in West Bank Meeting

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

RAMALLAH, West Bank — Jimmy Carter reportedly hugged — and kissed — a Hamas leader Tuesday in the West Bank on a Mideast visit that will culminate in a meeting with the terror group’s exiled leader in Syria later this week.

Carter’s embrace of Nasser Shaer, a senior Hamas politician, at a closed-door reception organized by Carter’s office was reported by several news outlets Tuesday. Carter has been widely criticized over the trip by both U.S. and Israeli officials, who have listed Hamas as a terror organization.

Carter also laid a wreath at the grave of Yasser Arafat, whom he praised as a man who fought for “just causes” in the world. The Bush administration and many Israelis blame Arafat for the breakdown of peace talks seven years ago and the violence that followed.

“He gave me a hug. We hugged each other, and it was a warm reception,” Shaer told The Associated Press. “Carter asked what he can do to achieve peace between the Palestinians and Israel ... and I told him the possibility for peace is high.”

“Carter has weight and respect, and I hope he’ll have a role and effect on the Palestinian problem,” Shaer said, according to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

snip..

[drymans wife]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,351326,00.html

Plane Crashes in Populated Neighborhood in Congo, Dozens Killed

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

KINSHASA, Congo — A Congolese jetliner carrying around 85 people failed to take off Tuesday from an airport in this eastern town, crashing at high speed into a busy market neighborhood at the end of the runway, officials said.

Casualty figures varied widely. An airline official said 60 people had survived, but local officials said dozens of bodies were pulled from the wreckage, though it was unclear if they had been passengers or not.

Employees at the aid agency World Vision, which has an office less than half a mile from the crash site, said the plane “failed to leave the ground,” plowing instead “through wooden houses and shops in the highly populated Birere market.”

The plane appeared to have been “totally flattened” by the impact, said Rachel Wolff, a U.S.-based spokeswoman for the international aid organization who has been in contact with her colleagues in Congo.

snip..

[drymans wife]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,351326,00.html

Plane Crashes in Populated Neighborhood in Congo, Dozens Killed

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

KINSHASA, Congo — A Congolese jetliner carrying around 85 people failed to take off Tuesday from an airport in this eastern town, crashing at high speed into a busy market neighborhood at the end of the runway, officials said.

Casualty figures varied widely. An airline official said 60 people had survived, but local officials said dozens of bodies were pulled from the wreckage, though it was unclear if they had been passengers or not.

Employees at the aid agency World Vision, which has an office less than half a mile from the crash site, said the plane “failed to leave the ground,” plowing instead “through wooden houses and shops in the highly populated Birere market.”

The plane appeared to have been “totally flattened” by the impact, said Rachel Wolff, a U.S.-based spokeswoman for the international aid organization who has been in contact with her colleagues in Congo.

snip..

[LucyT]

Democratic National Convention Protestors Get Special Training
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2002027/posts

[Cindy]

Very sad, drymans wife.

(Thanks for the Carter update. He’s building his legacy — of hate for the history books.)

[MamaDearest]

Smugglers cross borders by dozens

"Border Patrol agents usually see anywhere from 15 to 20 illegal immigrants in one group as they attempt to cross the border. But on many occasions, agents have seen groups as large as 80.

Florida illegal alien arrests

Snippets: During the two-week operation, which concluded last Friday, ICE deportation officers located and arrested 332 immigration violators: (147) in Miami-Dade, (104) in Broward and (81) in Palm Beach, said DRO Director Michael Rozos.

Of those arrested, 300 were immigration fugitives, aliens who have ignored final orders of deportation. The remaining 32, were immigration violators who are amenable to removal and who have been convicted of various crimes.

No waiting list for illegal aliens needing organ transplants

"Ana Puente was an infant with a liver disorder when her aunt brought her illegally to the U.S. to seek medical care. She underwent two liver transplants at UCLA Medical Center as a child in 1989 and a third in 1998, each paid for by the state. But when Puente turned 21 last June, she aged out of her state-funded health insurance and was unable to continue treatment at UCLA. This year, her liver began failing again and she was hospitalized at County-USC Medical Center. In her Medi-Cal application, a USC doctor wrote, "Her current clinical course is irreversible, progressive and will lead to death without another liver transplant." The application was denied.

The county gave her medication but does not have the resources to perform transplants. Late last month Puente learned of another, little-known option for patients with certain healthcare needs. If she notified U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that she was in the country illegally, state health officials might grant her full Medi-Cal coverage. Puente did so, her benefits were restored and she is now awaiting a fourth transplant at UCLA.

Illegal workers?

"A number of Filipino nationals working on the construction of the Westar Energy peaking plant outside Emporia may not be legally authorized to work on the project, and a state legislator wants to find out if they are. Rep. Candy Ruff, D-Leavenworth, is attempting to verify the work status of about 100 welders and pipefitters brought in by Overland Contracting, a subsidiary of Black & Veatch and a contractor on the Emporia Energy Center project.

Ruff said she heard from Kerry Brandt, a member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 533 in Kansas City, Mo., that Filipino workers had been brought in by OCI after it laid off 40 American workers who were doing the same jobs for higher wages."

[Cindy]

“Special training...”

I’ll take a look.

Thanks LucyT.