Threat Matrix: October 2008

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[nwctwx]

FBI Warns of Potential Terror Attacks

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security today issued an analytical "note" to U.S. law-enforcement officials cautioning that al-Qaida terrorists have in the past expressed interest in attacking public buildings using a dozen suicide bombers each carrying 20 kilograms of explosives.

Authors with the U.S. Office of Intelligence and Analysis added that they have "no credible or specific information that terrorists are planning operations against public buildings in the United States." The FBI and DHS analysts said they were releasing the note because "it is important for local authorities and building owners and operators to be aware of potential attack tactics."

According to the note obtained by NBC News, a "recently discovered audio recording of al-Qa‘ida training sessions conducted several years ago provides instruction to potential suicide terrorists on seizing a publicly accessible building and damaging or destroying it with explosive charges." Read More

	Is al-Qaida Winning the Battle?
	Al-Qaida Calls U.S Economic Crisis a Win
	Pakistan Insists no Deal Made with U.S. on Strikes

Threat Matrix:
October 2008

September 2008

Threat Matrix Index

Theat Matrix Handbook

Theat Matrix 'BOLO'

Invaluable Tips

Preparedness

[Cindy]

You’re very welcome fanfan.

[Cindy]

Note: The following good news text is a quote:

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22987&Itemid=128

Press Release A081015a-001
October 15, 2008

UPDATE: Al-Qaeda in Iraq’s number two leader killed

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A terrorist killed by Coalition forces during an operation in Mosul on Oct. 5 has been positively identified as Abu Qaswarah.

Abu Qaswarah, also known as Abu Sara, was the al-Qaeda in Iraq senior leader of northern Iraq. A Moroccan native, Abu Qaswarah had historic ties to AQI founder Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and senior al-Qaeda leaders in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Abu Qaswarah took the role of the senior AQI emir of northern Iraq in June 2007. He was al-Qaeda in Iraq’s second in command and AQI Emir Abu Ayyub al-Masri’s senior operational leader.

Significant intelligence collected in the hunt for Abu Qaswarah led Coalition forces to a building in Mosul that served as a key command and control location for AQI. Upon entering the building, forces were immediately fired upon. Coalition forces returned fire in self defense, leading to the death of five terrorists. It was later determined that one of the five was positively identified as Abu Qaswarah.

Abu Qaswarah was a charismatic AQI leader who rallied AQI’s northern network in the wake of major setbacks to the terrorist organization across Iraq. He was responsible for organizing and leading AQI efforts in northern Iraq, including operations against Iraqi and Coalition targets in Mosul. Abu Qaswarah oversaw the failed attempt to destroy the Mosul Civic Center during the Holy month of Ramadan – an attack that could have killed hundreds of innocent Iraqis.

A foreign terrorist who trained with al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, Abu Qaswarah directed the movement of foreign terrorists into northern Iraq. Such foreign terrorists have been responsible for multiple suicide attacks against Iraqi civilians in the northern cities of Tal Afar and Mosul. Abu Qaswarah reportedly killed foreign terrorists who wanted to return to their home countries instead of carrying out attacks against Iraqi citizens.

Abu Qaswarah’s death will cause a major disruption to the AQI network, as he played a significant role in tying numerous al-Qaeda links together in order to conduct terrorist activities in Iraq. His death will significantly degrade AQI operations in Mosul and Northern Iraq, leaving the network without a leader to oversee and coordinate its operations in the region.

“Abu Qaswarah is another example of how al-Qaeda in Iraq has been forced to rely on foreign terrorists to carry out their vicious attacks on the Iraqi people as well as Coalition and Iraqi forces,” said Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, Multi-National Force-Iraq spokesman. “The Iraqi people do not want them here, and Coalition and Iraqi forces will continue to work together to weed them out of the country. Terrorists who bring radical and fanatic Islam into Iraq commit murderous acts against the people of Iraq and have no place in the future of Iraq.”

-30-

[Godzilla]

Ssssssh, theres no AQ in Iraq, don’t cha know.

[Cindy]

Hezbollah, too.

[Diana the Huntress]

Saw that programme-—horrified that the Beeb could even send a reporter there, and pretend that everything was hunky-dory.

[Cindy]

Thanks for your feedback Diana.

There’s nothing normal about about being a suicide bomber - homicide bomber - human bomb. It’s evil, it’s criminal and it’s a waste of life.

[Unrepentant VN Vet]

bttt

[Cindy]

Thank you Unrepentant VN Vet.

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/muslimbrotherhood

#

http://frontpagemagazine.com/Articles/Read.aspx?GUID=CAFABF4A-BB54-4131-9D4E-77AC45B29AD0

“Ohio State and the Muslim Brotherhood”
By Patrick Poole
FrontPageMagazine.com | Wednesday, October 15, 2008

[Cindy]

It’s all about flying those planes...still.

###
###

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/023113.php
(BBC NEWS, October 14, 2008)

October 15, 2008
“UK Muslims stage protest over being questioned at airports”

###
###

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/023112.php
(AP)

October 15, 2008
“Turkey: jihadist tries to fly plane into mausoleum”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “ANKARA, Turkey: An Islamic militant has been convicted for a second time of planning to crash a plane into the mausoleum of the founder of modern Turkey.”

#

Previously...

http://jihadwatch.org/archives/004388.php
(TURKISH WEEKLY)

December 21, 2004
“Turkish jihad leader Kaplan: My Defence is Jihad”

#

Previously...

http://www.jihadwatch.org/archives/002773.php
(EXPATICA)

August 7, 2004
“Germany stages raids on radical Islamic cleric’s followers”

[Cindy]

This BREAK TIME is dedicated all of us who are not jihadis.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGaTfGHELV4

“Let’s go fly a Kite”

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/thailand
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/madeinchina
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/china
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/rdx
http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/teargas

#

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2106583/posts

Thai Police Used Chinese-Made “Explosive” Tear Gas(lethal crap:too much RDX)
Nasdaq ^ | 10/14/08
Posted on October 15, 2008 4:51:07 PM PDT by TigerLikesRooster

Thai Police Used Chinese-Made “Explosive” Tear Gas

(RTTNews) - Thai investigators have concluded that Chinese-made tear gas canisters used by the police during an anti-government protest rally last week contained a powerful explosive, possibly RDX - a substance that is used as a major component in many military explosives, media reports said.

Evidence collected by the forensic team led by Porntip Rojanasunan, Justice Ministry’sCentral Institute of Forensic Science director, revealed that tear gas canisters imported from China contained explosive components as wounds found on the body of a dead victim matched with the size of the tear gas canisters.

The team said that the presence of RDX could explain why three people were killed and several others had limbs and feet blown off.

Surasee Kosolnawin, National Human Rights Commissioner, who chaired the agency’s fact-finding subcommittee, said among the six types of tear gas used in last Tuesday’s crowd dispersal, RDX was found in three of them and all were imported from China.

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

[Cindy]

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=92018

YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Thailand Issues Security Guidance
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
East Asia / Pacific - Cambodia, Thailand
15 Oct 2008

[Cindy]

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=92020

YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Cambodia Issues Security Guidance
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
East Asia / Pacific - Cambodia, Thailand
15 Oct 2008

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/saudiarabia

#

NOTE: The following text is a quote:

https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=92021

YOU ARE HERE: Home > Reports > Consular Affairs Bulletins > Report
Warden Message: Saudi Arabia Security Reminder
CONSULAR AFFAIRS BULLETINS
Middle East / N. Africa - Saudi Arabia
15 Oct 2008

Printer Friendly Email Article
RELATED REPORTS
17 Sep 2008
WARDEN MESSAGE: SAUDI ARABIA SECURITY REMINDER
13 Aug 2008
WARDEN MESSAGE: RIYADH REPORTS NON-SPECIFIC THREAT TO WESTERNERS
U.S. Embassy Riyadh issued the following Warden Message on October 15:

The Embassy would like to remind American citizens in Saudi Arabia of ongoing security threats.

American citizens who choose to visit Saudi Arabia are strongly urged to avoid staying in hotels or housing compounds that do not apply stringent security measures and are also advised to maintain good situational awareness when visiting commercial establishments frequented by Westerners. American citizens also are advised to keep a low profile; vary times and routes of travel; exercise caution while driving, entering or exiting vehicles; and ensure that travel documents and visas are current and valid.

American citizens are reminded to keep their registration up-to-date. See https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ for registration information.

You can also review earlier Warden Messages at http://riyadh.usembassy.gov/service/advisories-for-americans-in-ksa/warden-messages.html.

General Inquiries: RiyadhACS@state.gov

Registration Inquiries: RegistrationRID@state.gov

ACS Website: http://riyadh.usembassy.gov/service.html

[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/mexico

#

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html

Travel Alert

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs
This information is current as of today, Wed Oct 15 2008 17:07:51 GMT-0700 (PDT).

Mexico

October 14, 2008

This Travel Alert updates security information for U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico. It replaces the Travel Alert for Mexico dated April 14, 2008, and expires on April 14, 2009.

While millions of U.S. Citizens safely visit Mexico each year, including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business, increased levels of violence make it imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one is a victim of crime. Common-sense precautions, such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas, avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, and exercising prudence in where one visits during the evening hours and at night, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.

Violence Along the U.S. - Mexico Border

Mexican drug cartels are engaged in an increasingly violent fight for control of narcotics trafficking routes along the U.S. - Mexico border in an apparent response to the Government of Mexico’s initiatives to crack down on narco-trafficking organizations. In order to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed military troops in various parts of the country. U.S. citizens should cooperate fully with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.

Some recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have taken on the characteristics of small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic weapons and, on occasion, grenades. Firefights have taken place in many towns and cities across Mexico but particularly in northern Mexico, including Tijuana, Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez. The situation in northern Mexico remains fluid; the location and timing of future armed engagements cannot be predicted.

A number of areas along the border are experiencing rapid growth in the rates of many types of crime. More than 1,600 cars were reportedly stolen in Ciudad Juarez in the month of July 2008, and bank robberies there are up dramatically. Rates for robberies, homicides, petty thefts, and carjackings have all increased over the last year across Mexico generally, with notable spikes in Tijuana and northern Baja California. Cuidad Juarez, Tijuana, and Nogales are among the cities which have recently experienced public shootouts during daylight hours in shopping centers and other public venues. Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, Tijuana, and along Route 15 between Nogales and Hermosillo.

The situation in Ciudad Juarez is of special concern. Mexican authorities report that more than 1,000 people have been killed there this year. U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their surroundings while traveling in Ciudad Juarez, avoid isolated locations during late night and early morning hours, and remain alert to news reports. A recent series of muggings near the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez has targeted applicants for U.S. visas. Visa and other service seekers visiting the Consulate are encouraged to make provisions to pay for those services with something other than cash.

U.S. citizens are urged to be alert to safety and security concerns when visiting the border region. Criminals are armed with a wide array of sophisticated weapons. In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles. While most of the crime victims are Mexican citizens, the uncertain security situation poses risks for U.S. citizens as well.U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico are urged to contact the consular section of the nearest U.S. consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance. Contact information is provided at the end of this message.

Crime and Violence Throughout Mexico

While the largest increase in violence has occurred near the U.S. border, U.S. citizens traveling elsewhere in Mexico should also exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in some violent attacks, demonstrating the heightened risk in public places. In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped across Mexico and many cases remain unresolved. U.S. citizens who believe they are being targeted for kidnapping or other crimes should notify Mexican officials and the nearest American consulate or the Embassy as soon as possible. U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll (“cuota”) roads, which are generally more secure. U.S. citizens are encouraged to stay in well-known tourist destinations and tourist areas of the cities with more adequate security, and provide an itinerary to a friend or family member not traveling with them. U.S. citizens should avoid traveling alone, and should carry a GSM-enabled cell phone that functions internationally. Refrain from displaying expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.

Demonstrations and Large Public Gatherings

Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and usually are peaceful. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate to violence unexpectedly. People have died during violent demonstrations, including an American citizen who was killed in Oaxaca in 2006. During demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are advised to remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas. Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution while within the vicinity of protests. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation. Therefore, U.S. citizens are advised to avoid participating in demonstrations or other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities. In a recent incident, a Mexican Independence Day celebration was the target of a violent attack. As is always the case in any large gathering, U.S. citizens should remain alert to their surroundings.

Further Information
For more detailed information on staying safe in Mexico, please see the Mexico Country Specific Information at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html. Information on security and travel to popular tourist destinations is also provided in the publication: “Spring Break in Mexico- Know Before You Go!!” at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/spring_break_mexico/spring_break_mexico_2812.html. For the latest security information, U.S. citizens 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. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers from Mexico, a regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department’s travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/.
For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at: ccs@usembassy.net.mx. The Embassy’s internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.

Consulates:
Ciudad Juarez: Avenida Lopez Mateos 924-n, telephone (52) (656) 611-3000.
Guadalajara: Progreso 175, telephone (52) (333) 268-2100.
Hermosillo: Avenida Monterrey 141, telephone (52) (662) 289-3500.
Matamoros: Avenida Primera 2002, telephone (52) (868) 812-4402.
Mérida: Calle 60 no. 338 k, telephone (52) (999) 942-5700
Monterrey: Avenida Constitución 411 Poniente, telephone (52) (818) 345-2120.
Nogales: Calle San José, Nogales, Sonora, telephone (52) (631) 311-8150.
Nuevo Laredo: Calle Allende 3330, col. Jardin, telephone (52) (867) 714-0512.
Tijuana: Tapachula 96, telephone (52) (664) 622-7400.

Consular Agencies:
ACAPULCO: HOTEL CONTINENTAL EMPORIO, COSTERA MIGUEL ALEMAN 121 - LOCAL 14, TELEPHONE (52) (744) 484-0300 OR (52) (744) 469-0556.
CABO SAN LUCAS: BLVD. MARINA LOCAL C-4, PLAZA NAUTICA, COL. CENTRO, TELEPHONE (52) (624) 143-3566.
CANCÚN: PLAZA CARACOL TWO, SECOND LEVEL, NO. 320-323, BOULEVARD KUKULCAN, KM. 8.5, ZONA HOTELERA, TELEPHONE (52) (998) 883-0272.
CIUDAD ACUÑA: OCAMPO # 305, COL. CENTRO, TELEPHONE (52) (877) 772-8661
COZUMEL: PLAZA VILLA MAR EN EL CENTRO, PLAZA PRINCIPAL, (PARQUE JUÁREZ BETWEEN MELGAR AND 5TH AVE.) 2ND FLOOR, LOCALES #8 AND 9, TELEPHONE (52)(987) 872-4574.
IXTAPA/ZIHUATANEJO: HOTEL FONTAN, BLVD. IXTAPA, TELEPHONE (52) (755) 553-2100.
MAZATLÁN: HOTEL PLAYA MAZATLÁN, PLAYA GAVIOTAS #202, ZONA DORADA, TELEPHONE (52)(669) 916-5889.
OAXACA: MACEDONIO ALCALÁ NO. 407, INTERIOR 20, TELEPHONE (52)(951) 514-3054 (52)(951) 516-2853.
PIEDRAS NEGRAS: ABASOLO #211, ZONA CENTRO, PIEDRAS NEGRAS, COAH., TEL. (878) 782-5586.
PLAYA DEL CARMEN: “THE PALAPA,” CALLE 1 SUR, BETWEEN AVENIDA 15 AND AVENIDA 20, TELEPHONE (52)(984) 873-0303.
PUERTO VALLARTA: PARADISE PLAZA, PASEO DE LOS COCOTEROS #1, LOCAL #4, INTERIOR #17, NUEVO VALLARTA, NAYARIT, TELEPHONE (52)(322) 222-0069.
REYNOSA: CALLE MONTERREY #390, ESQ. SINALOA, COLONIA RODRÍGUEZ, TELEPHONE: (52)(899) 923 - 9331
SAN LUIS POTOSÍ: EDIFICIO “LAS TERRAZAS”, AVENIDA VENUSTIANO CARRANZA 2076-41, COL. POLANCO, TELEPHONE: (52)(444) 811-7802/7803.
SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE: DR. HERNANDEZ MACIAS #72, TELEPHONE (52)(415) 152-2357 OR (52)(415) 152-0068.

[Cindy]

http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&&oe=UTF-8&um=1&tab=bn&q=%22coffee+creamer%22&ie=UTF-8&scoring=d

#

http://www.thesouthern.com/articles/2008/10/13/local/26264044.txt

“Stolen truck trailer was filled with coffee creamer”
BY BECKY MALKOVICH, The Southern
Monday, October 13, 2008 11:18 PM CDT
WEST CITY -

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “An Internet search revealed dozens of Web sites extolling the virtues of coffee creamer as an explosive and included several videos displaying its volatility.

The 1999 white cargo trailer belonged to Parrish Trucking of Freeburg and had the number 3062 printed on the rear door.

Anyone with information is asked to call West City police at 435-6112 or the trucking company at (800) 486-3885.”

[Cindy]

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51520

“Marine Museum Honors Marines Who Served, Died in Beirut”

By Carol L. Bowers
American Forces Press Service

TRIANGLE, Va., Oct. 15, 2008

[Cindy]

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51523

“Network Works to Help Interagency Crisis Response”

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2008

[Cindy]

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51513

“Defeating Terror Cells Key to Terror Fight, Official Says”

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2008

###

More Details...

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=51512

Coalition Forces Kill al-Qaida in Iraq’s No. 2 Leader

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2008 – Coalition forces killed the second-ranking commander of al-Qaida in Iraq in a raid earlier this month, senior U.S. officials confirmed today.

Abu Qaswarah was killed in an Oct. 5 raid in the northern Iraq city of Mosul, Navy Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, spokesman for Multinational Force Iraq, said in a Baghdad news conference.

Four other insurgents also were killed in the attack on a building serving as an al-Qaida command and control center, Driscoll said. Qaswarah’ death “will significantly degrade” the terrorist group’s operations in Mosul and northern Iraq, the admiral said.

Qaswarah led al-Qaida in Iraq operations in northern Iraq, and he had ties to senior al-Qaida leaders in Pakistan and Afghanistan, Driscoll said.
Qaswarah, also known as Abu Sara, led AQI operations in northern Iraq since June 2007. A Moroccan native, Abu Qaswarah had historic ties to AQI founder Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and senior al-Qaida leaders in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Driscoll said.

Driscoll called Abu Qaswarah a charismatic AQI leader who rallied AQI’s northern network in the wake of major setbacks to the terrorist organization across Iraq. Most recently, Abu Qaswarah oversaw the failed attempt to destroy the Mosul Civic Center during the Holy month of Ramadan – an attack that could have killed hundreds of innocent Iraqis, Driscoll said.

Al-Qaida’s influence in the country has weakened in the past year, the admiral said. In the past quarter, violent attacks in Iraq have dropped by more than 77 percent over the previous quarter, he said. In Baghdad, violent attacks have dropped 90 percent.

“If you look at the numbers, security continues to improve. It’s showing a degree of durability in terms of lasting,” Driscoll said.

Driscoll credited the surge efforts, the increased numbers of Iraqis rejecting the extremists, and especially the much-improved capabilities of the Iraqi security forces for the drop in violence. The improved security has happened even as five U.S. brigade combat teams left Iraq and another 8,000 U.S. troops are slated to leave by the end of January 2009.

“This is a lot of combat power coming off the battlefield, but we’re seeing increased levels of security at the same time,” Driscoll said. “It’s because Iraqi security forces have grown by over 150,000 over this period, and they are demonstrating increased professionalism, increased capacity to support themselves and increased sophistication in how they conduct themselves.”

Driscoll warned, though, that the fight is far from over.

“Is the job done yet? No, it’s not done yet,” Driscoll said. “That’s why it’s still important that we focus on al-Qaida and continue to go after these networks and take them apart.

“It’s going to continue to be a fight here in Iraq until al-Qaida’s driven out,” Driscoll said.