Report: N.Y. Men Under Heavy Surveillance in Terror Probe
September 30, 2009 by national
Filed under Homeland Security News
Additional associates of alleged terror suspect Najiabullah Zazi are under heavy surveillance, according to law enforcement officials in a Fox news report. Authorities have said three unnamed people traveled from New York City to suburban Denver over the summer and used stolen credit cards to help Zazi buy products containing hydrogen peroxide and acetone, common ingredients for homemade bombs. The three returned to New York at some point but haven’t been accounted for publicly, nor have the “others” who court papers say joined Zazi on a trip to Pakistan last year.
Investigators are said to still be looking for additional accomplices and expect to make more arrests according to one official who declined to discuss details as to when that might happen or how many additional suspects may be involved.
Officials add that the men under surveillance are no longer considered a threat because the plot was thoroughly disrupted. The report states that both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation continues.
Infiltration of al-Qaeda, Powerful New Weapon
September 30, 2009 by Homeland Security NTARC News
Filed under Featured
The Washington post details what is being called, “the most important new weapon in the Western arsenal”. That weapon is said to be the recruitment of spies inside al-Qaeda and affiliated organizations. “Human sources have begun to produce results,” Richard Barrett, head of the United Nations’ al-Qaeda and Taliban monitoring group, said Tuesday in the Post’s report. Barrett is the former chief of Britain’s overseas counter- terrorism operations.
HotAir.com say’s,
The real scoop here is that this isn’t a scoop. If you follow the news about U.S. airstrikes in Pakistan even casually, as we do at HA, you know that something unusual’s been going on over the past 18 months. Check out the graph Bill Roggio put together over the summer, then scroll down and examine the dates on which most of the big jihadi fish were caught. Virtually all of them are from January 2008 or later, and Roggio’s list doesn’t even include now-liquidated Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud, who was iced in August.[...]
Given all the above, I have no objection to intel agents leaking to WaPo that we have spies in place — surely AQ has figured that out by now — and frankly, I wish they’d do more of it as psyops to sow paranoia among the jihadist elite about turncoats in their midst. There are, reportedly, rifts inside Al Qaeda that a shrewd strategist could exploit.
From The Washington Post
Current and former senior U.S. officials, who spoke about intelligence matters on the condition of anonymity, confirmed what one former CIA official called “our penetration of al-Qaeda.” A senior administration official said that success had come “because of, first of all, very good intelligence capabilities . . . to locate and identify individuals who are part of the al-Qaeda organization.”
Director of National Intelligence Dennis C. Blair referred obliquely in an interview with reporters earlier this month to the use of spies, saying that “the primary way” that U.S. intelligence determines which terrorist organizations pose direct threats is “to penetrate them and learn whether they’re talking about making attacks against the United States.” News
Al Qaeda Wars Facebook App Pushes The Envelope
September 30, 2009 by Homeland Security NTARC News
Filed under Homeland Security News
Al Qaeda Wars, a new social game application available on Facebook in which players can become terrorists or counter terrorists, is apparently now available.
I say apparently because I don’t have any interest in checking it out. A quick visit to the website and a portion of the games description was enough for me to make my decision.
Players can complete missions, build a global network and participate in special Jihads that depict the total destruction, or prevent the destruction of, famous landmarks utilizing realistic flash effects. Among these landmarks are the Statue of Liberty, Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, Taj Mahal, and the Sphinx.
IMHO, anything that includes the opportunity to participate as a terrorist/jihadist, even in a virtual world, is in bad taste and not something I would choose to be involved with.
When I consider the lives that have been lost and torn apart at the hands of al Qaeda, I have a difficult time understanding the interest one might have in such a game and it’s depictions.
Having stated my opinion, what’s yours? Does something like this cross the line?
Petri Dishes Found in Bank Deposit Box Across From FBI
September 30, 2009 by national
Filed under Incident Reports
Petri dishes discovered in an overnight deposit box across the street from FBI headquarters have tested negative for any biological or chemical contaminants according to a report in the Washington Post. The petri dishes were taken to a lab in Baltimore for further testing. “They’ll continue the investigation if pertinent,” an FBI spokesman stated in the report. “We would always try to find out any information we could to help us determine who placed these disks in the overnight box.”
From The Washington Post
Someone slid a few petri dishes into the overnight deposit box at the Wachovia bank across the street from FBI headquarters, causing a false alarm and three hours of street closures Tuesday on Pennsylvania Avenue in the District.
A bank employee called police after a worker processing the morning’s take discovered the empty but sealed plastic dishes, according to District Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department spokesman Pete Piringer.
The workers were quarantined, and a hazardous materials team entered the branch. The team conducted several field tests, Piringer said, which all came out negative for any biological or chemical contaminant.
Plane Stolen from Idaho Airport, May Be Related To Canada Theft
September 30, 2009 by national
Filed under Incident Reports
In light of recent events, this story caught our attention. Authorities in North Idaho are reporting that sometime early Tuesday morning a small airplane was stolen from the Boundary County Airport. The Boundary County Sheriff confirms they received a report regarding the theft of a 2005 Cessna T182T aircraft around 7 AM Tuesday morning.
The aircraft, with tail number N2183P, is a white and blue fixed wing single engine aircraft. It is believed the aircraft was taken from the airport around 5:45 Tuesday. They’re not sure in what direction the plane was flown from the airport.
Boundary County Airport Manager Dave Parker said the aircraft was worth $340,000 and described it as the “best plane at the airport.” He suspects the person who stole the aircraft may have been hiding out in a hangar all day Monday before taking the plane.
Authorities are working to confirm if the theft is related to several similar break-ins at the airport across the Canadian border in Creston, British Columbia. In those cases someone stole firearms, attempted to steal a plane only to find the battery was dead and stole a car and rammed it through a gate.
The Boundary County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the theft along with the Border Patrol.
via Source.
Surviving Disaster – How To Survive A Home Invasion
September 29, 2009 by national
Filed under Emergency Preparedness
Home invasions are on the rise. A difficult economy and increased surveillance and security at many businesses is causing criminals to look elsewhere to perpetrate their crimes and sadly they see peoples homes and residences as much easier and less risky targets.
The result… An epidemic of violent home invasions across the country. This is Part 1 of a 2 part Post
Home invasions are among the most insidious of crimes, shattering the sense of safety and security for children and families for many years after the crime, often for a lifetime. With the rise in these types of crimes it’s important to learn what you can do to safeguard your home and family.
In a recent episode of Spike TV’s Surviving Disaster, host Cade Courtley shows how to fight back if escape is not an option. Watching this episode you will learn how to get out of hand restraints, devise a plan for escape in a life-threatening hostage scenario and how to protect your home and your family when you are the one in danger.
Watch this 11 minute clip, or click the the link to watch the full episode online.
Surviving Disaster – How To Survive A Home Invasion.
Related Post Surviving Disaster premieres on Spike TV
New York Terror Plot Suspect, Zazi Pleads Not Guilty
September 29, 2009 by national
Filed under Homeland Security News
As expected, alleged New York terror suspect Najibullah Zazi has pleaded innocent to charges he and other plotted to carry out a terror attack in New York, earlier this month.
From The New York Daily News
Under super-heavy guard, the Afghan immigrant accused of hatching a plot to bomb New York pleaded not guilty to terrorism charges Tuesday in Brooklyn Federal Court.
As three U.S. marshals hovered, Najibullah Zazi was ordered held without bail on charges of attempting to launch a large-scale massacre with explosives made out of beauty supplies.“Good morning, Mr. Zazi,” the judge said after Zazi was led in wearing handcuffs and the blue prison uniform over an orange T-shirt – and matching orange sneakers – that high profile federal inmates wear.
“Good morning,” Zazi replied.
via Read Full Article.
Napolitano Emphasizes Shared Responsibility for Readiness and Resilience
September 29, 2009 by national
Filed under Homeland Security News
Secretary Janet Napolitano today marked the conclusion of National Preparedness Month by delivering a speech emphasizing America’s shared responsibility for preparedness and stressing the important role that individuals play in building a national culture of readiness and resilience.
“When families are prepared—when communities stand together and stand tall—so does our nation,” said Secretary Napolitano. “United, we send a powerful message to those that seek to do us harm: we cannot be broken, we are America—strong and resilient.”
Secretary Napolitano delivered the speech at the American Red Cross Hall of Service in front of more than 300 volunteers and employees representing the Red Cross, DHS Citizen Corps, and local and regional emergency management agencies from around the National Capital Region—as well as employees of DHS and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
“America’s history is not written by the tragedies that have befallen us, but by how we responded to them,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Since our earliest days, every time we have been challenged or have seen tragedy, Americans have shown a sense of purpose and resilience.”
During her remarks, Secretary Napolitano recognized Citizen Corps and Red Cross volunteers who donate their time and energies to train others in critical readiness and emergency response skills while contributing to a culture of preparedness.
“We should measure our nation’s security not just by the borders we strengthen and the laws we enforce, but also by the strength and resilience of the communities we build,” said Secretary Napolitano.
Secretary Napolitano’s remarks on preparedness today build on previous speeches outlining her approach to counterterrorism, delivered in New York City in July, and border security, delivered in Texas in August—and reflect her commitment to ensuring readiness and resilience among all citizens.
Report – Giant Bunker-buster Bomb Fast-tracked To Dec. 09
Debkafile is reporting that the U.S. has fast-tracked to December 2009, the target-date for producing the first 15-ton super bunker-buster bomb (GBU-57A/B) Massive Ordinance Penetrator, which can reach a depth of 60.09 meters underground before exploding. DEBKAfile’s military sources report that top defense agencies and air force units were also working against the clock to adapt the bay of a B2a Stealth bomber for carrying and delivering the bomb.
According to Debka, The U.S. has ordered the number of bombs rolling off the production line increased from four to ten – a rush job triggered in May by the discovery that Iran was hiding a second uranium enrichment plant under a mountain near Qom – a discovery which prompted this week’s international outcry.
All this urgency indicates that the Obama administration has been preparing military muscle to back up the international condemnation of Iran’s concealed nuclear bomb program, its sanctions threat and his willingness to join the negotiations with Iran opening on Oct. 1 in Geneva. Tehran may have to take into account a possible one-time surgical strike against its underground enrichment facility as a warning shot should its defiance continue. In particular, the world powers this week demanded that Iran open up all its nuclear facilities and programs to full and immediate international inspection. Failure to do so could bring forth further US military action.
This report has not been confirmed by U.S. sources
Tsunami Warning Issued After 8.3 Pacific Ocean Earthquake
September 29, 2009 by Homeland Security NTARC News
Filed under Incident Reports
Fox News reports a tsunami warning was issued for several islands after a strong earthquake struck in the Pacific Ocean, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The 8.3 -magnitude quake shook about 120 miles southwest of American Samoa, the USGS reported. The tsunami warning was issued for New Zealand, American Samoa and other Pacific islands, Reuters reported. In addition, a tsunami watch was issued for Hawaii, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Federal Agents Identify Alleged Terror Plot Accomplices
Investigators have reportedly identified at least 3 alleged accomplices of the Najibullah Zazi, the man accused of plotting a major terrorist attack on New York City.
According to an Associated Press report, which cites a law enforcement source, a federal indictment mentions at least three people helping Zazi buy peroxide and acetone in suburban Denver from beauty supply stores.It’s alleged that those chemicals were going to be used to make explosives.The whereabouts of the accomplices or any of the bomb-making materials they procured is still unclear.
Federal agents and NYPD detectives working the case know the identities of three New Yorkers they believe are involved in some way, the AP reports.
DHS Secretary Napolitano To Give Major Preparedness Speech
September 29, 2009 by national
Filed under Homeland Security News
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano will deliver a major speech on national preparedness today at 2:00pm ET. The speech will be streamed live at www.dhs.gov.
In the speeech Secretary Napolitano will thank all of our Citizen Corps volunteers, the Ready Campaign, national partners, and the thousands of others in the National Preparedness Month Coalition for all their hard work.
She’ll also challenge our country to see preparedness as a shared responsibility, and urge Americans to build a year-round culture of readiness and resilience in our communities.
Digital Fingerprints Detail Alleged Terror Suspects Trail
Details from the digital fingerprints left behind by alleged terror suspect Najibullah Zazito provided much of the evidence authorities needed to make the arrest according to an article on ZDnet. The report explains how the FBI was able to use the digital path left behind to track down the evidence that ultimately led to Zazi’s indictment.
From ZDnet
As you read the indictment and order for permanent detention you can almost picture the various connected databases and monitoring techniques at work. Simply put, Internet surveillance and information technology sleuthing played a big role in the Zazi case. FBI agents arrested Zazi in Colorado.
Jeffrey Knox, an assistant U.S. attorney, tells the tale in the permanent detention document.
Here’s a look at the key linchpins where IT crossed paths with detective work.
The Customs databases…Zazi flew from Newark Liberty International Airport to Peshawar, Pakistan on Aug. 28, 2008. Something triggered in a database, given that Zazi, 24, was going to Peshawar, known as a terrorism hotbed.
Pakistan email accounts…
Here’s where the surveillance kicked in. Knox notes in the order for detention:
Zazi is associated with three email accounts (”Email Account 1,” “Email Account 2″ and “Email Account 3″) that were active during his time in Pakistan. One of the accounts is directly subscribed to Zazi, and all three accounts contain slight variations of the same password. The government will establish at trial that these accounts were used in furtherance of Zazi’s efforts to manufacture explosive devices. Among other things, during a consent search of two of the three accounts, agents found jpeg images of nine pages of handwritten notes containing formulations and instructions regarding the manufacture and handling of different kinds of explosives. Based on email header information, these images had been emailed to Email Accounts 2 and 3 in early December 2008, while Zazi was in Pakistan. As discussed below, the same notes were transferred onto Zazi’s laptop computer in June 2009.
Customs databases again…
Zazi flew back to the U.S. via JFK International Airport in Queens on Jan. 15, 2009.
You are your Internet search history..
Homeland Security Launches Final Phase of National Dialogue – QHSR
September 28, 2009 by national
Filed under Homeland Security News
It’s live! The third and final phase of the National Dialogue on the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR) began today, and will run through next Sunday, October 4th. Over 26,000 people nationwide have participated in the discussion on Homeland Security policy and strategy, but even more are needed. The QHSR is now nearly finished, and the DHS wants your feedback on the final goals, objectives, and outcomes.
Your participation will help impact homeland security operations and policy from the federal to the local level for the next four years.
In this final phase of the Dialogue, you can:
- Read and review the final goals, objectives, and outcomes developed by DHS for each of the four mission areas
- Submit your feedback on the final products of each mission area
- Rate, comment, and tag others’ responses to ensure the best ideas “rise to the top”
I’ll be participating in a Department of Homeland Security Blogger’s Round Table on Wednesday to discuss this final phase and I’ll post additional comments after the meeting. In the meantime I want to encourage each of our readers to get involved. This is your last chance to make your voice heard, don’t miss this opportunity.
