-
30 June 2002
New FBI Alert Said To Warn Of Threat Tied To 4th July
NEW YORK CITY: The New York Times was reporting on Sunday that federal authorities have issued a classified alert to state and local law enforcement agencies warning them of the possibility of a terrorist attack in the United States around the Fourth of July holiday. The message from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, like others issued in recent weeks, was not made public because intelligence analysts concluded that the threat was too vague to justify a public warning.
The message, which was disseminated on Wednesday, said: "The FBI possesses no information indicating a specific and credible terrorist threat related to the July 4 Independence Day time frame. However, the political and cultural significance of this date warrants increased vigilance." The intelligence reports related to the Fourth of July have been assembled from multiple sources, among them foreign security services, the electronic monitoring of suspected terrorists and interviews with al-Qaeda operatives arrested overseas in recent days and those in detention at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba...
-
14:00CDT - 21 June 2002
FBI issues New Advisory About Potential Fuel Tanker Threat
WASHINGTON, June 21 -- MSNBC and the Associated Press are reporting that the FBI is alerting local law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for terrorists who may be plotting to use fuel tankers in attacks against Jewish neighborhoods and synagogues, a federal law enforcement official reportedly said.
Officials said the FBI had prepared an advisory to police and law enforcement officers around the country on the possible threat, citing "uncorroborated information" it had received. An official, who asked not to be identified, said the warning was sent out to local police agencies today.
Source: http://www.msnbc.com/news/770549.asp?0dm=C13RN
ERRI analysts said that the advisory follows a potentially emerging pattern of terrorism incidents in Afghanistan, Israel, and Tunisia, all involving explosives and fuel tankers.
-
19:00CDT - 11 June 2002
CBS News Reporting New Terrorist Advisory Concerning Yemeni Nationals
NEW YORK: An INS memo obtained by CBS News directs agents at U.S. airports, borders, and ports to do: "A complete and thorough search of all baggage" carried by Yemeni travelers and make "An inventory of all effects." Only those carrying diplomatic passports are exempt.
The memo specifically orders agents to look for "...large sums of currency, thermos bottles, night vision goggles or devices." It warns, "under no circumstances will an inspecting officer open a thermos bottle." Law enforcement officers, in a raid of a house containing a number persons described as "Yemeni nationals," discovered dozens of thermos bottles, some rigged with batteries and wiring. Authorities say these components "could have been used in manufacturing bombs." Anyone with additional information concerning similar thermos bottles should not take any action on their own and should contact their local law enforcement agency or the FBI at the earliest opportunity.
-
09 June 2002
U.S. Coasts & Waterways: The U.S. Coast Guard told its units over the weekend to be on the lookout for possible acts of terrorism targeting the nation's shores and waterways. "Based on information received across the U.S. Government, there is a credible threat to maritime interests from swimmers and divers," Lt. Scott Casad of the Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Puget Sound said in a release. He said the Coast Guard had told local port officials and maritime business owners to be on guard for suspicious activity. The Coast Guard reportedly sent out a warning to all its units late on Friday night, Cmdr. Jim McPherson, a Coast Guard spokesman told the Reuters news service. People who see suspicious marine activity are asked to contact the Coast Guard's national response center at (800) 424-8802, he said.
New Al-Qaeda WMD Threat
INTERNET: One of the most ominous new threats concerning Weapons of Mass destruction being against the U.S. appears on the al-Neda website and claims to be from an Al Qaeda spokesman, Sulaiman bu Ghaith, according to Fox News. The website says the U.S. has killed thousands of people in Iraq, the Palestinian territories, Afghanistan, and other places. Specifically, it reads: "We have the right to kill four million Americans, including one million children," and it says, "we have the right to fight them by chemical and biological weapons so they catch the fatal and unusual diseases Muslims have caught due to U.S. chemical and biological weapons." Source: FoxNews
-
08 June 2002
FBI Reportedly Issues Subway Alert
WASHINGTON: It is being reported that the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued on Thursday a terror alert warning of a potential nerve gas attack against subway systems in the United States. According to KYW-TV in Philadelphia, the FBI issued the alert to state and local law enforcement officials cautioning that al-Qaeda supporters in the U.S. may use poison gas in subway systems in New York, Washington, and other major cities before or during the fourth of July holiday. The alert stated: "This activity is allegedly intended to bring America to its knees on its Independence Day." Few other official details were made available at the time of this report...
FBI Issues Kayak Alert
LOS ANGELES: After some suspicious incidents in California, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has reportedly issued a terror alert involving Kayaks. The alert says a kayak distributor told the U.S. Coast Guard that several men of Middle Eastern descent attempted to buy four kayaks last month. They reportedly wanted only a specific type of kayak, which has an 850-pound load capacity. The alert added that the same men tried to buy kayaks before that at the same distributor. That distributor is near to the port of Los Angeles. Concerns have been raised about using the low-profile kayaks, packed with explosives, for an possible assault on ships or waterfront facilities.
-
09:00CDT - 02 June 2002
Newspaper Report Says Al Qaeda Warns U.S. "To Get Ready For Attack"
EGYPT: According to a report in the pan-Arab newspaper al-Hayat on Sunday, a statement from an al-Qaeda spokesman warns the United States to get ready for another terrorist attack. The paper quoted al-Qaeda spokesman Sulaiman bu Ghaith as saying in a statement: "What is coming to the Americans will not, by the will of God, be less than what has come. So beware, America. Get ready. Get prepared. Put on the safety belt." Bu Ghaith, a Kuwaiti-born national who emerged as an al-Qaeda spokesman after the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington, said al-Qaeda would continue to hit Americans, Jews and their targets, either "individuals or institutions." 
He cited what he described as America's anti-Muslim policies in countries such as Somalia, Sudan, Indonesia and the Philippines as a reason for targeting the United States. He also complained Israel had acted against the Palestinians for 50 years with "American blessing." ERRI counter-terrorism analysts said today that similar warnings have been sent to either London or Egyptian Arab-newspapers and have preceded virtually all Al-Qaeda attacks on American targets, within varying time frames.
-
12:30CDT/13:30EDT - 24 May 2002
Additional Terrorist Advisories...
WASHINGTON, DC: According to FOXNews and the Associated Press, in a bulletin sent to state and local law enforcement agencies, the FBI reportedly warned that "various terrorist elements have sought to develop an offensive scuba diver capability." A U.S. law enforcement official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the warning came from interviews with detainees and documents recovered in terrorism investigations. Officials declined to offer more details of the potential threat. The scuba warning, which the FBI emphasized was based on uncorroborated and unsubstantiated information, cautioned that while "there is no evidence of operational planning to utilize scuba divers to carry out attacks within the United States, there is a body of information showing the desire to obtain such a capability."
Warning Of Possible Terror Attack On Rail And Transit
WASHINGTON: Law enforcement officials said on Thursday that the U.S. Department of Transportation has issued a warning about possible terrorist attacks on rail and transit systems across the nation. The department's warning was sent out on Wednesday and was based on unconfirmed and uncorroborated information. One law enforcement official said: "It involves rail and transit systems ... and is about possible attacks." A source speaking on condition of anonymity said such attacks most likely would involve explosives.
The Department of Transportation consulted the FBI before issuing the warning, but the FBI did not put out a matching alert or advisory to law enforcement officials across the country. A DoT spokesman said that although the general threat was made against subway systems and no particular cities were targeted, the department decided to expand its advisory to include rail systems across the country as well. The department is not advising the rail and transit systems to take any special precautions as part of its warning other than to maintain heightened awareness. Review ERRI reference: February 28, 1998: DOT REPORT SAYS U.S. TRANSIT SYSTEMS VULNERABLE TO TERRORIST THREAT
-
18:00CDT - 21 May 2002New York City Given Landmark Warning
NYC, NY (EmergencyNet News) -- According to law enforcement sources, the City of New York has been warned about the possibility of terrorist attacks on major landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and the United Nations. The advisory is reportedly based on uncorroborated information that was developed from interviews with detainees and has not been independently confirmed. NYC Police Commissioner Raymond The threat did not mention any specific date or time for a possible attack.
The latest warning comes just one day before the start of ther annual "Fleet Week," a major maritime celebration expected to draw 6,000 naval personnel, and tens of thousands of spectators, to the city through the Memorial Day weekend. Kelly said Tuesday that the NYPD was working very closely with federal authorities regarding this issue and said the department was prepared for "any eventuality."
-
20 May 2002
FBI Director Warns of Suicide/Homicide Bombers in the USA
WASHINGTON, DC: According to a report today by the Associated Press, "walk-in suicide bombers" like those who have attacked public places in Israel will hit the United States eventually, FBI Director Robert Mueller said Monday. "I think we will see that in the future, I think it's inevitable," Mueller said in response to a question during a speech to the National Association of District Attorneys meeting in suburban Alexandria, Virginia.
ERRI's Sr. National Security analyst, Clark Staten, said, "We concur with Director Mueller's assessment...ERRI addressed this issue some time ago and reached a similar conclusion." "It is a natural progression of the tactics that we seen elsewhere in the world and several indicators would suggest that these kinds of attacks will come to the shores of America in the future...it is probably just a matter of time," Staten added.
US Vice President Predicts New Terror Attack
WASHINGTON: US Vice President Dick Cheney said on Sunday that it is "almost certain" al-Qaeda will carry out another terror attack on America. He said it was "not a matter of if, but when" the militants blamed for 9/11 would strike again. US security sources have indicated that al-Qaeda may be planning new attacks, and that these might involve planting bombs in apartment buildings. Senior officials quoted by the New York Times suggested that the new intelligence reports had yet to form a coherent picture.
Saying that the US had had "some success" in disrupting al-Qaeda's network, the vice president said: "We don't know if it's going to be tomorrow or next week or next year." US National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice said on Sunday that the US was on a far higher state of terror alert now than it was before the 9/11 attacks. The FBI over the weekend said members of Usama bin Laden's terror network had reportedly been "considering renting apartments in unspecified areas of the United States and then planting explosives."
-
19 May 2002
Enhanced Activity of Concern
WASHINGTON: U.S. officials have detected ''enhanced activity of concern'' in intelligence gathered in recent weeks and months about a possible new attack against the United States or U.S. interests abroad, a White House official said on Saturday.
The comments by the official, who asked not to be quoted by name, came as The New York Times reported on its Web site that U.S. intelligence agencies have intercepted a series of messages among al-Qaida operatives indicating that Osama bin Laden's network is attempting to carry out an attack as big as or bigger than the one on Sept. 11.
Quoting unidentified intelligence and law enforcement officials, the Times characterized the communications as vague but disturbing. The intercepted messages are so general that they have left President Bush and U.S. counterterrorism officials uncertain about the timing, location or method in this potential attack, the Times reported. ''There has been information of concern, enhanced activity of concern,'' the White House official told Reuters. -- Source: NYTimes and Reuters News Service
New Major Terror Threat Detected
WASHINGTON: Intelligence officials say they have intercepted information indicating that the al-Qaeda terror group could be planning new attacks -- and warn specifically that they may be planning to blow up apartment buildings. Intelligence specialists have said there has been an increase in the volume of messages between al-Qaeda cells, similar to that noted ahead of the 9/11 attacks. An FBI spokesperson said that members of the network had been "considering renting apartments in unspecified areas of the United States and then planting explosives."
The FBI said the information about potential apartment bombings was "non-specific" and "uncorroborated." She said: "We have no indication that this proposed plan went beyond the discussion stage. But in an abundance of caution, we notified our field offices and the Joint Terrorism Task Force last week." Local officials and apartment building managers and owners had also been informed...
-
24 Apr 2002
11:00CDT - 24 Apr 2002
Another Unconfirmed Zubaydah Statement Provokes Concerns At Shopping Malls
By C. L. Staten, Sr. National Security Analyst
Chicago, IL (EmergencyNet News) -- In what appears to be another unconfirmed threat by Abu Zubaydah, concerns are being raised about the possibility of terrorist bombings of heavily populated public gathering places. This threat is believed to relate to shopping malls, sporting events, and other places where large numbers of people gather. Few other official details were available at the time of this report, other than it is reportedly based on interrogation statements by senior Al-Qaeda lieutenant Abu Zubaydah. U.S. intelligence officials continue to say that while they are taking anything Zubaydah says "seriously," they are also unsure about the actual veracity of his pronouncements.
Preliminary ERRI analysis: The truthfulness of Zubaydah aside...visit your local mega-mall and you will quickly see the potential vulnerabilities and the apparent lack of effective security. This tactic of attacks on shopping centers has proved most deadly and effective in Israel, India, Russia, Colombia, the Philippines, and elsewhere, and could be quickly and easily implemented in this country...with probable mass casualty implications. In fact, this was one factor that prompted our much earlier (1997) warnings of the possibility of multiple simultaneous attacks within heavily populated businesses (such as large shopping malls) or on other commercial centers within the United States. Motivation: To spread panic and raise insecurity in Americans...
Analysts are thankful that this tactic so far has not been used in America...but, say that there is little to prevent it in the future. The problems with mall security are much like those previously experienced in some airports...minimum wage, security personnel with little or no training, few background checks, and probably no weapons. But, it should be noted that the problem is not the security officers themselves. It is a potential recipe for disaster, analysts say...a problem that probably will go unsolved in the near term due to a lack of funding for effective security in places where the public may gather.
The solution: greater commitment of corporate funding for better security forces, equipment, and preventive measures to protect high-profile buildings that are open to the public...and greater cooperation between public and private sector public safety and security systems. Once greater security is achieved and public confidence assured, America can move rapidly to greater economic growth. As always, questions, comments, or suggests concerning this report can be sent to: webmaster@emergency.com
WASHINGTON, DC: Abu Zubaydah is said to have plenty of reasons to lie to his American interrogators. After all, he's Usama bin Laden's top field commander and his knowledge of al-Qaeda operations could be devastating to the terror network. While mindful of his capacity for deception, U.S. officials are questioning him anyway in hopes of gleaning some truth from the wounded terrorist leader. A better source than Zubaydah's statements may be his notebook, found when he was captured in a joint Pakistani-U.S. raid on 28 March in Faisalabad, Pakistan. A defense official said it contains information that could indicate more terrorist attacks are in the works, but its implications aren't fully clear at this time.
U.S.DoS Advisory Concerning Potential Attacks on Americans or U.S. interests in the Mid-East and Persian Gulf -- See ERRI Counter-Terrorism Archives
-
22:00CDT - 22 Apr 2002
Zubaydah Says Al-Qaeda Can Build a Dirty Bomb...
(EmergencyNet News) -- In what appears to be another startling revelation from Abu Zubaydah, a captured senior al-Qaida field commander, Zubaydah says that Al-Qaeda has the capability to build a so-called "dirty bomb" or (RDD - Radiological Dispersal Device). U.S. intelligence sources tell EmergencyNet News that they remain uncertain about the authenticity of Zubaydah's statement, and that they think he may be engaging in some sort of "disinformation or misdirection." A U.S. official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity said: "We're aware that al-Qaeda has been interested in this for a long time. But it doesn't take much know-how to build a dirty nuke. Just because he's making the claim doesn't mean he's telling the truth."
The device would explode conventional high explosives to spread industrial, medical-grade or waste radioactive material into a populated area, in an effort to cause panic and provoke a widespread fear of exposure. Such a explosion, detonated by terrorists, could necessitate evacuation and decontamination of the area and probably disrupt a local economy for a period of time, officials said. The possibility of the use of such a device has been dismissed by some U.S. government and other scientists as "improbable," but other Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) experts, including ERRI analysts, say that they remain concerned about such a possibility.
Additional references:
08 Apr 2002--ERRI Special Report: Change in Terrorism Tactics Reported; Suicide Bombers Could Have Major Implications
ERRI Hazardous Materials Page
-
19 Apr 2002
13:00CDT/14:00EDT - 19 Apr 2002
Attorney General Issues Threat Advisory For N.E. Banks
(EmergencyNet News) -- The U.S. Department of Justice announced a few minutes ago that concerns have been raised about the possibility of physical attacks on U.S. financial institutions in the Northeastern United States. According to law enforcement sources, the threats are based on "unsubstantiated information" about "unspecified terrorist" action. The advisory named the states of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and Washington, D.C., as being potential targets of the threats.
The Reuters news service is quoting an unnamed U.S. government official as saying that the threat was based "overseas" and it "related to the Al-Qaeda terrorist network." The official, however, also cautioned that "there may be no such plan afoot," Reuters said. ERRI analysts are closely monitoring these threats and will provide additional updates as circumstances warrant...
FBI statement on this advisory: http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel02/banks041802.htm
-
17 Mar 2002
Worldwide Caution - Public Announcement
The U.S. Government continues to receive credible reports that extremist individuals are planning additional terrorist actions against U.S. interests. Such actions may be imminent and include suicide operations. We have no further information on specific targets, timing or method of attack. We remind American citizens to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution.
Terrorist groups do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. The March 17 attack on worshippers at the Protestant International Church in Islamabad underlines the growing possibility that as security is increased at official U.S. facilities, terrorists and their sympathizers will seek softer targets. These may include facilities where Americans are generally known to congregate or visit, such as clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools or outdoor recreation events. Americans should increase their security awareness when they are at such locations, avoid them, or switch to other locations where Americans in large numbers generally do not congregate. American citizens may be targeted for kidnapping. In late January 2002, an American journalist was kidnapped and murdered in Pakistan.
U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may on occasion temporarily close or suspend public services to review their security posture and ensure its adequacy. In those instances, U.S. Embassies and Consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to American citizens. Americans are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.
The Department will continue to develop information about potential threats to Americans overseas and to share with them credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents. These documents are available on the Internet at
http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers may hear recorded information by calling the Department of State in Washington, D.C. at 202-647-5225 from their touch-tone telephone, or receive information by automated telefax by dialing 202-647-3000 from their fax machine.
This Public Announcement - Worldwide Caution supersedes the previous Worldwide Caution of February 1, 2002 to note the imminent threat of terrorist actions which may target civilians and include suicide operations. This Public Announcement - Worldwide Caution expires on August 17, 2002.
See
http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html
for State Department Travel Warnings
-
22:30CST - 13 Feb 2002
Advisory Issue Concerning Possible "Teddy Bear Bombs"
Los Angeles, CA (EmergencyNet News) --
The Cable News Network is reporting that a new alert has been issued concerning the purchase of Valentine's Day teddy bears, propane, and BB's, that could be use to fashion a very innocent looking improvised explosive device. The advisory was reportedly sent to more than 300 law enforcement agencies in the Southwest area of the United States. Investigators are said to be looking for a "clean-shaven male, possibly of Middle Eastern descent," who purchased several bears and other equipment at a WalMart store in Stevenson Ranch, California. EmergencyNet News is monitoring events concerning this advisory and will provide additional details if/when they become available...
-
21:00CST - 11 Feb 2002
New (Imminent?) Terrorism Advisory Issued By FBI
The FBI has issued a terrorism alert in regard to a possible imminent attack in America or on her interests in Yemen. According to law enforcement sources, a plot has been uncovered involving a Saudi-born Yemeni man, named Fawaz Yahya al-Rabeei. The suspect also reportedly uses several other aliases.
A FBI spokesman said, "recent information indicates a planned attack may occur in the United States or against U.S. interests in the country of Yemen on or about February 12, 2002." Any one with information about the whereabouts of Rabeei is urged to contact their nearest FBI office ASAP. Few other official details were immediately available. EmergencyNet News is monitoring events surrounding this advisory closely and will provide additional details if/when they become available...
Reference: http://www.fbi.gov/mostwant/seekinfo/temp021102.htm
-
04 Jan 2002
National Threat Alert Extended Till March
[Terror Group Reference: al-Qaeda]
WASHINGTON, DC: (EmergencyNet News) -- As was reported in the ERRI Midday Intelligence Summary on Thursday, federal authorities have extended the national terror alert until 11 March. The U.S. government said in a message sent on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Threat Warning System: "Based on the continuing high level of generalized threat information, the current terrorism threat advisory is being continued. The government continues to advise all law enforcement to remain on a high state of alert and to request that any suspicious or unusual activity be reported to the FBI." (See specific alert below on 02 Jan)
A senior FBI official said that authorities decided to extend the alert for several reasons, including a continued flow of daily intelligence about nonspecific threats that another attack is possible. Analysts maintain a strong belief that operatives of terrorist mastermind Usama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network will respond in some fashion to the U.S. action in Afghanistan. ERRI analysts said that it is no coincidence that the alert was extended through the Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City....which could be considered an attractive target by terrorists, foreign or domestic.
Many officials also do not believe the case of shoe-bomb suspect Richard Reid was a coincidence, although they have not specifically tied any links between him and bin Laden. As has been previously reported, sources have said that French and British investigators believe Reid had contact with Zacarias Moussaoui, the first person indicted in the 9/11 terror attacks, and that Reid and Moussaoui may both have spent time at an al-Qaeda camp in Afghanistan.
-
2 January 2002
NATIONAL THREAT WARNING SYSTEM-TERRORIST THREAT ADVISORY; CALL FOR CONTINUED VIGILANCE.
BASED ON THE CONTINUING HIGH LEVEL OF GENERALIZED THREAT INFORMATION, THE CURRENT TERRORISM THREAT ADVISORY IS BEING CONTINUED FROM JANUARY 2, 2002 THROUGH MARCH 11, 2002. THE GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO ADVISE ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT (ed. note: and other Emergency Service agencies) TO REMAIN ON A HIGH STATE OF ALERT AND TO REQUEST THAT ANY SUSPICIOUS OR UNUSUAL ACTIVITY BE REPORTED IMMEDIATELY TO THE FBI. Source: "USFACIPC" (FEMA)
-
18 Dec 2001
U.S. Should Maintain High Alert Status
From ERRI/EmergencyNet News Watchdesk
It was reported on Monday that U.S. intelligence and law enforcement officials still believe the potential remains high for another terror attack although the Muslim holiday that prompted their most recent warning is passing. The high alert status issued earlier this month will remain in effect at least through the holiday season.
Law enforcement and intelligence sources say raw intelligence on potential threats is continuing to flow in on a daily basis. The information usually is not specific as to timeframe, potential targets or methods of attacks but makes clear terrorists sympathetic to the criminal Usama bin Laden are itching to strike. Officials added that the heightened state of security across the world is believed to have disrupted some suspected terrorists but they remain on the loose.
According to officials, there are no immediate plans to issue a new FBI warning. Officials say they just want to get the word out that the most recent warning is still in effect. One senior official said that the message from government over the holidays is "not to let down your guard one bit. There are terrorists whose plans might have been disrupted who remain at large and are looking for the opportunity."
-
Monday - 03 Dec 2001
ERRI **FLASH** REPORT
Monday, December 3, 2001 -18:00EST/17:00CST
UNITED STATES AUTHORITIES ANNOUNCE ANOTHER GENERAL SECURITY ALERT
From the ERRI/EmergencyNet News Watch Center
WASHINGTON (EmergencyNet News) - Citing possible threats of more terrorist attacks, probably around "important religious observations" this month, Homeland Security chief Tom Ridge late on Monday afternoon asked U.S. citizens to once again to be on high alert for suspicious activity.
Federal officials said the alert should continue at least through the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Ridge did not mention Ramadan specifically but said such threats had come up before around "important religious observations in other faiths." A U.S. official told the Reuters news agency that the threat was "al Qaeda related," referring to Islamic militants associated with Usama bin Laden. Ramadan's end, which can vary from country to country, will come to an end in mid-December. Other concerns have recently arisen in the counter-terrorism community concerning the possibility of a terrorist event(s) during the Christmas season in the USA.
Monday's warning was the third issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The agency issued two others on 11 October and 29 October. Ridge said U.S. officials did not have any specific information about an upcoming attack, but the large number of threats that have been received in the past few days prompted threat analysts to issue the alert.
ERRI continues to monitor the situation and will issue more information on this alert in tomorrow's "Threat Matrix" section of the ERRI Daily Intelligence Report. Get the latest news in your e-mail box: Click here to learn how to subscribe...
- 08 Oct 2001 - 16:00CDT
EmergencyNet News Special Report
ERRI Issues Threat Secondary Advisory; Emergency Service Forces To "Sustainable Levels of High Alert"
By Steve Macko, EmergencyNet News Managing Editor
Chicago, IL (EmergencyNet News) -- The Emergency Response & Research Institute today issued an updated threat advisory directed specifically at domestic Fire, Police, EMS, Medical and Disaster agencies. ERRI's senior national security analyst and retired emergency service chief, Clark Staten, said, "Our most current assessment would suggest that it is necessary at this time for all emergency service agencies in the United States to come to a heightened state of alert and make plans to sustain it for an, as yet, undetermined period of time...planning should also be well underway in all agencies to immediately respond in an expanded 'surge capability' should an actual terrorist event occur."
"There appear to be a great likelihood in the near term of revenge attacks by forces related to the Taliban or al-Qaeda organization...Mr. Bin Laden has already made the threat of an expanded Jihad...but, we would also caution that there may be attacks undertaken by other radical 'sympathizers' or other opportunistic groups or individuals who may hope to take advantage of what they perceive as anti-USA sentiments in various parts of the world, and in an attempt to further escalate this crisis," the veteran analyst added.
"We know of no specific threat, specific target, or specific tactic to be used against the United States or her allies at this time...our best advice would be to suggest that U.S. emergency/military/intelligence forces should 'expect the unexpected'," Staten added. "The scope of this advisory is both domestic and international and may include the possibility of multiple simultaneous attacks in multiple locations.. either domestically and/or in other countries," Staten concluded.
This threat advisory is in agreement and concurrence with a "TERRORIST THREAT ADVISORY UPDATE" issued yesterday for law enforcement officers by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), but it is intended to broaden the advisory to include U.S. Fire, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Medical, Emergency Management, and Disaster agencies. Staten said he believes that it imperative that all emergency agencies work together in a comprehensive way to address any potential issues concerning terrorist attacks within the United States.
Please consider this an addendum to our supplemental terrorism advisory issued on 22 Sep 01: Available on-line at: http://www.emergency.com/2001/terr-advisry-09-22-01.htm (below)
© Copyright, EmergencyNet NEWS Service, 2001 - All Rights Reserved. Further public redistribution/publication without permission is prohibited by law. Permission is granted for emergency, military, and other government agencies to reproduce this issue of our reports for internal training, discussion, or educational purposes.
- 22 Sep 2001 - 08:00CDT: Chicago "Think-Tank" Issues Supplemental Terrorism Advisory
- 10 Sep 2001: Worldwide Caution - Public Announcement -Dtd. September 7, 2001
-
20:30CDT - 23 June 2001
Terrorist Indicators and Warnings (I&W) Continue To Come In
Chicago, IL (EmergencyNet News) -- Indicators and warnings continue to come in with regard to a possible terrorist threats directed against the U.S. and her allies. The latest report comes from Pakistan, where the Arabic satellite television channel MBC says that they interviewed Usama Bin Laden and members of his staff.
During that interview an MBC correspondent was quoted by the Reuters news service as saying, "All of them affirm that the next two weeks will witness a big surprise. A severe blow is expected against U.S. and Israeli interests worldwide."
"There is a major state of mobilization among the Usama bin Laden forces. It seems that there is a race of who will strike first. Will it be the United States or Usama bin Laden?'' the correspondent said. The correspondent is apparently refering to a belief on the part of some of those close to Bin Laden that an airstrike on his camp in Afghanistan is imminent. This theory has reportedly caused Bin Laden and his entourage to flee Kandahar for the countryside in recent days. U.S. officials tell EmergencyNet News that they have no information concerning any military strike on Bin Laden.
In apparent contradiction to all of the threat reports of the past several days, Taliban spokesman Mohammad Osman Sheryar on Sunday called the MBC TV coverage "fake" and said that "Usama's [Bin Laden's] activities are 'under control' and that Bin Laden would never be allowed to use Afghan soil against any country."
- 29-31 May 2001: African Embassy Bombers Found Guilty; Terrorism Advisories Issued
- 18 May 2001: CHICAGO INSTITUTE ISSUES WORLDWIDE SUPPLEMENTAL TERRORISM ADVISORY
- 05 Mar 2001: Chicago Institute Issues World-Wide Terrorism Advisory
