the “lone wolf” “lone wolf” a campaign of fear and ...furthermore bruce riedel, a former cia...

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The “Lone Wolf” A Campaign Of Fear And Intimidation

Central Intelligence Agency director Leon Panetta recently said that the US is bracing itself for a terrorist attack by an Al-Qaeda “lone wolf” within the next few months. The intelligence chief fears that extremists already have hidden agents, or “sleepers cells”, living in the US ready to carry out an atrocity, including what are known as “clean skins recruits,” with few or no known links to extremists. Points to consider: Coinciding with the first anniversary of President Barack H. Obama’s election, Osama bin Laden issued two new audiotapes vowing further attacks. In these new recordings, there is a relentless, systematic drive to promote al-Qaeda's, transnational ideology that resonates with a segment of young Muslims worldwide. Al-Qaeda's traveling ideology rests on two interrelated claims: first, the West, particularly the US and UK, are waging a crusade against Islam. Secondly, they say it is the personal duty of every Muslim to join in jihad against the enemies of Islam. This global jihad transcends socioeconomic and educational barriers, bridging the divide between class, space and recruitment techniques. Many times, using Internet chat-rooms, which have now become regular meeting place for Islamist extremists. Activities in these chat-rooms range from recruitment to planning attacks. This activity in cyber space poses serious and complex challenges; officials say at least part of the indoctrination of the "underpants bomber", who attempted to blow up a transatlantic airliner, is believed to have taken place in cyber-space. Consider that experts say the U.S. is experiencing what countries like the U.K. have gone through several years ago," said Sajjan Gohel, director of international security at the Asia-Pacific Foundation, a research organization in London. "The worry for the U.S. is there will be a similar blow-back of homegrown terrorism." Furthermore Bruce Riedel, a former CIA official had said "We've known for several years that Al-Qaeda and its allies have put a high priority on recruiting assets in the Pakistani communities in the United States, and the United Kingdom, and a recruit with a US, British or Canadian passport is a gold mine for them.”

February 10, 2010

“Lone Wolf” A “lone offender” or “Lone Wolf” is someone who commits violent and/or non-violent acts in support of some group, movement, or ideology, but does so alone, outside of any command structure. While the lone wolf's actions are motivated to advance the group's goal, the tactics and methods are conceived and directed solely by the lone wolf, without any outside command or direction. Lone-wolf terrorism poses a particular problem for officials, as it is considerably more difficult to gather intelligence on lone wolves, compared to conventional

Regions most affected:

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Officials Seek US Born Imam The Nigerian suspect in the failed Christmas Day airline bomb plot has provided authorities with valuable information on the New Mexico-born Anwar al-Awlaki, and the al-Qaeda network that operates there. Al-Awlaki is radical Yemeni preacher who preached to both the Fort Hood shooting suspect and two of the 9/11 hijackers. Points to consider: Although officials say there was no evidence yet of an organized terrorist network operating in the US, they say homegrown terrorism is a growing threat. In particular, officials have become increasingly concerned of the influence of inspirational figures and the potential that they could motivate individuals toward violent extremism. One such person is Anwar al-Awlaki, an eloquent cleric who has shown the ability to recruit internationally. Consider that according to a January 2009 intelligence report, approximately 11% of the visitors to al-Awlaki's radical website were in the US. and in December 2008 US Customs and Border Protection agents intercepted a computer disk full of lectures sent to an Islamic publishing house in Denver.

Man Arrested For Selling Official Uniforms Online FBI agents filed search warrant affidavit’s recently investigating a Tijuana, Mexican Craigslist advertisement, offering U.S. Border Patrol uniforms for sale. Points to consider: FBI agents recently raided a Bellingham, Washington apartment belonging to a retired border agent, after an FBI agent claiming to be a customer purchased several items from the man, including; FBI uniform shirts, pants and a jacket bearing a Border Patrol badge patch. Consider the potential that terrorists organizations could take advantage of gaping holes in America’s defenses, and utilize a tactic has been employed may times overseas where official identification, uniforms, or vehicles are used to gain access to sensitive facilities for purposes of planning or carrying out attacks.

Propane Theft Raises Concern Augusta police are investigating the recent theft of 16 propane gas tanks from two Richmond County, Georgia businesses. Points to consider As of this time, no arrests have been made, but officials say that the thefts of the highly explosive tanks poses a threat and could be used for a variety of sinister purposes including drugs manufacturing or using the canisters as explosive devices.

LPG Tankers To be Allowed In Boston Harbor Despite concerns about the country the country of origin and their support of terrorists, the Coast Guard has decided to allow tankers from Yemen carrying liquefied natural gas begin arriving in Boston Harbor later this month.

Points to consider: Consider that in the past due to its explosive potential, al-Qaeda has specifically cited LNG as a desirable target. On land, most natural gas is transported by pipeline, but to ship it by sea, it first must be chilled into a liquid form that compresses the volume by 600 times. Security measures currently in place make LNG terminals and ships extremely hard targets for terrorists, but experts worry of an “inside job” from someone within the industry. LNG shipments often originate from politically unstable regions in this case Yemen, where the United States may be unpopular. Additionally U.S. mariners must undergo extensive terrorism background checks, including being vetted through the national driver register (NDR), but foreign seafarers are not.

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Extremism: Neo-Nazi Murder Squads The chilling face of extremism was revealed recently when two young neo-Nazis were arrested on suspicion of carrying out an explosives attack on a train in St Petersburg, Russia. Members of this same extremists group are also believed to have previously posted an Internet video of the deadly attack on a man from Ghana, who one of the 71 people killed last year by Russian Neo-Nazis. Points to consider: These neo-Nazis see themselves as hero warriors fighting for the rights of Russians in Russia, sound familiar? U.S. Anti-government Groups historically are motivated by a distrust of government and are now said to be especially angry. Experts warn that anti-government groups across the U.S. are a growing threat. A report by the Southern Poverty Law Center has found at least 50 new militia training groups in the past 2 years. Consider that arriving at a conclusive number of anti-government militia groups in the US is virtually impossible. By their very nature, these groups are secretive and reclusive. They often take great pains to simultaneously isolate themselves from parts of society they feel are corrupt or unacceptable, and spread their message of anti-government activism without compromising their security. Conservative estimates, say there are perhaps 200 groups in at least thirty states that meet the basic criteria of an anti-government militia cell. Their members typically share a number of characteristics. Most fundamentally is a profound mistrust of the American government in all its forms, ranging from; federal law enforcement agencies to local firearms ordinances.

Bomb Making Cache Discovered Portuguese police recently executed a search warrant seizing a half a ton of explosives, bomb-making equipment, fake license plates, detonators and maps at a house suspected of being used as a base by the Basque separatist group Esaki Ta Askatasuna or ETA, in Obidos. Points to consider: Although this discovery was in Portugal, consider that first responders are on the front lines in the battle against terrorist threats, having a key a role in our national security by identifying suspicious activities. It is recommended that responders be on the lookout for telltale signs of terrorist activities, or pre-incident indicators, including fundraising, equipment, recruiting, training, surveillance, and targeting. If observed each individual responders established Department protocols shall be strictly followed.

AQAP Leader Calls For More Attacks On The US Recently Said al-Shihri a former Guantanamo detainee and deputy leader of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) released an audio message calling for attacks against US interests everywhere. Urging Yemeni Muslims “to be must be united in this battle front and support the mujahedeen, and Muslims elsewhere in the Arabian peninsula to do the same and embrace jihad."

Points to consider: In the audio message posted on jihadist websites, Shihri a Saudi national and former “Gitmo” detainee who was released from the US military detention center at Guantanamo Bay in 2007 praised the flubbed underwear bomber attack calling it a "glorious invasion" that had been carried out in co-ordination with Osama Bin Laden. Consider that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton when asked about the audiotape said, “They are, unfortunately, a very committed, clever, diabolical group of terrorists who are always looking for weaknesses and openings and we just have to stay alert."

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Are Black-Market Cigarettes Funding Terror? The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) say they have not yet found firm links between tobacco and terrorism, but have traced money sent to a Middle Eastern country from cigarettes purchased on a Mohawk Indian reservation and then resold. Points to consider: As the international community clamped down on state-sponsored terrorism and pressured governments from financially supporting terrorist organizations these groups have focused on other means to finance their activities. Consider that terrorist groups require financial support in order to achieve their goals Consider the findings of a November 2008 study by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, in Washington, D.C. titled "The Money Trail: Finding, Following, and Freezing Terrorist Finances" which said in part: “Al-Qaeda has changed the way it raises and delivers money for terrorist activities, relying more on private donations or criminal activities, using informal transfer methods outside of the global financial system.”

Discovery Sparks Examination Of Security A male corpse in civilian clothes with no identification was discovered recently in the landing-gear compartment of Delta Airlines Flight 59 that had just arrived Tokyo’s Narita Airport from New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport. Points to consider: A Delta spokesperson said they had no information on where the man might have gotten aboard the Boeing 777 wide-body jet, but this discovery is a major concern. Consider that in today’s threat environment airport property is supposed to be secure and protected against intruders, so this type of security breach highlights a possible weak spot may spur a re-examination of U.S. aviation security. Additionally, Douglas R. Laird, a former Northwest Airlines Corp. security chief said, “If a person can gain access to get in the wheel well, a person can gain access to plant a device on the airplane.”

An Unintended Effect Of Pakistan’s Fertilizer Ban In November 2009 in an attempt to keep militants from obtaining bomb-making material, Pakistan imposed severe restrictions on the availability of ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate and calcium ammonium nitrate fertilizers. Opposition to the law is now spreading, threatening to complicate the West's new counterinsurgency strategy.

Points to consider: Be aware that Pakistani farmers have been using such fertilizers for decades and are completely dependent on them. Their lack of availability will greatly affect crop production which farmers not only to sell but also use to feed their own families. Consider the potential that this ban will lead to increased poverty, which has been tied to radicalization creating additional recruits for terrorist organizations. Moreover Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto had said "for democracy to really succeed and to put an end to extremism, we need to attack its root cause. The solution lies in focusing on the elemental needs that matter most to ordinary people: food, clothing, shelter, jobs and education."

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Serial Arsonist Sought In Plague Of Texas Church Fires Two more blazes have struck rural east Texas churches. These latest fires occurred on the same day the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced that last weeks fire in the Russell Memorial United Methodist Church in Wills Point was arson. Points to consider: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives believe a serial arsonist, either one person or a group is to blame for the rash of fires at these churches. Since January 1st, fires at seven east Texas churches and one in central Texas have been confirmed as arsons. Be aware that church fires are common, with the most common cause is found to be arson averaging 15-20 nationally. Consider that in the US we have more than 350,000 churches. Experts say motives for these crimes are as varied as the denominations they target. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the top reasons for torching a church include; covering-up of a burglary, vandalism, revenge racism, insurance fraud, and although less common, thrill-seeking. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives set up a hotline for tips: 888-ATF-FIRE.

“Ghost Ship” Fire Probed An investigation has been launched into the cause of a blaze on the Clemenceau, one of the so-called “Ghost Ships,” a former French Navy aircraft carrier in the process of being dismantled at the Able UK Ltd shipyards, in Graythorp, UK. Points to consider: Officials say that it is still unclear what started the fire, which originated in some cabling on the second deck of the massive ship where Able UK personnel have confirmed that burning equipment is used as part of the dismantling process. Consider that fire fighting aboard ships is different than fire fighting on land. The former requires different strategies because the environment is just not the same, even though the circumstances during which fire accidents can start off are basically similar.

Molotov Cocktail Sparks Blaze Firefighters were called to a north Nashville, Tennessee duplex apartment recently. The responders quickly extinguished a fire, which started as the result of a homemade incendiary device. Points to consider: A Molotov cocktail (or petrol bomb) is a crude incendiary weapon consisting of a glass bottle semi-filled with flammable liquid, usually gasoline or alcohol. The mouth of the bottle has a cork or other type of airtight bung, and a cloth rag fixed securely around the mouth. The weapon is used by first soaking the rag in a flammable liquid immediately prior to using it, lighting the rag and throwing the bottle at the target. The bottle shatters on impact, spilling the flammable liquid, which is then ignited by the burning rag. Additionally, consider that arson is also a very difficult crime to solve; only 15% of arson cases are closed by arrest, and only 2% result in conviction. The biggest problem in solving arson is that evidence is destroyed immediately or altered significantly. Consider that the economic meltdown has taken a heavy toll worldwide. Historically, arson fires increase during times of economic crisis. Be aware that all first responders can contribute to arson investigations. Recognizing that any incident has the potential to be a crime scene, until otherwise determined, trying to preserve potential evidence that may be used by investigators.

Midair Collision Near Airport The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are jointly conducting an investigation into a deadly midair collision in Boulder, Colorado involving two small aircraft that resulted in three deaths.

Points to consider: Consider that experts have said that in recent years, the number of small aircraft accidents have raised significantly. The increase in small aircraft crashes is often attributed to the higher number of personal aircraft in the skies over the U.S. Additionally while large commuter aircraft must follow strict federal safety regulations, smaller aircraft are often allowed to follow more lax procedures involving maintenance, takeoff, flight, and landing. Furthermore, consider that emergencies involving aircraft require specialized procedures, which necessitates responders to undergo specific training and certification to prepare for all types of aviation-related incidents. These can include blown aircraft tires, fuel spills, fires and any other mechanical difficulties an aircraft might experience while on the ground or in the air.


Acetone Leak Closes I-70 A 4-mile stretch of I-70 in Madison County, Ohio was closed recently after a 6,900-gallon tanker was found to be leaking acetone onto the roadway. Points to consider: Acetone (UN 1090) is a clear, colorless, volatile liquid with a mint-like odor. Extremely Flammable Liquid and Vapor! Vapor may cause flash fire. Contact with strong oxidizers may cause fire. Sealed containers may rupture when heated. This material may produce a floating fire hazard, and is sensitive to static discharge. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 127.

Sodium Bi-Sulfate Spill The Colorado State Patrol closed US Highway 287 near Eads, Colorado recently after a truck overturned spilling its load of sodium bi-sulfate on the road. Points to consider: Sodium bi-sulfate (UN 3260) is described as colorless, odorless corrosive solid (crystals). Very hazardous in case of skin contact, stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage, incompatible with moisture, strong bases, calcium hypochlorite and sodium carbonate. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 154.

Tanker Rolls And Spills Oil A truck driver driving a waste oil tanker failed to reduce his speed on a rain-soaked access road to Loop 322 and rolled his rig near Abilene Regional airport in Abilene, TX. The truck cab was crushed, pinning the driver as oil fumes filled the air from the leaking tanker, forcing Abilene Firefighters to use the "jaws of life" to extricate the driver. Points to consider: Hazmat teams initially used shovels, then later a backhoe and dump trucks loaded with dirt, to erect earthen dams to contain the thick black liquid. Consider that generally accepted procedures entail that upon arriving at the scene of a vehicle accident with an entrapment, responders shall determine the best placement for the responding vehicles to ensure the protection and safety of all personnel operating on the scene. Additionally the incident commander should size up the situation to determine, the number and type of vehicles involved stability of vehicle(s), number of victims, and if hazardous materials are present.

Rail Workers Overcome by Fumes Fears of a hazardous material incident were raised recently after unidentified fumes in a railcar overcame four men. The workers were taken to a local hospital and a Hazmat team called and identified the chemical involved as methyl ester, an oil-based compound used in cutting operations. Points to consider: The incident remains under investigation, but investigators said a concentration of the compound's fumes caused a lack of oxygen inside the car, which resulted in hypoxia in which their brains were deprived of adequate oxygen supply.

Chemical Spill On Highway 403 Hazardous materials crews have been called out after a tractor-trailer overturned, spilling barrels containing hypochlorite solution and sodium hydroxide on Highway 403 in Duplin County, NC.

Points to consider: Hypochlorite solution is commonly known as bleach and is commonly mixed with sodium hydroxide, or lye. Consider that hypochlorite solution (UN 1791) is a colorless to light greenish yellow corrosive liquid with a slight chlorine-like odor. It is reactive with reducing agents, combustible materials, organic materials, metals, and acids. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 154. Furthermore, sodium hydroxide (Lye) or caustic soda (UN1823) is often used as a drain or pipe cleaner. It is an odorless white solid or a clear to milky solution. It reacts with water or moisture to produce large amounts of heat, and reacts with some metals to produce highly flammable hydrogen gas. It can cause irritation to the skin on contact and is considered an inhalation irritant. For general operating procedures refer the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 154.


Hydrochloric Acid Spill A Hazmat crew from the Billings Fire Department was called to a possible chemical spill after a passer-by reported a chemical smell and haze in the air. The firefighters found the spill coming from an 8,000-gallon tank containing hydrochloric acid that had sprung a leak at a nearby fertilizer plant, spilling an estimated 2,000 gallons of the acid. Points to consider: Firefighters properly neutralized the acid and made sure the material was properly removed and the scene cleared. Consider that hydrochloric acid UN 1789 (aka: Hydrogen chloride solution or Muriatic acid) is a colorless to light yellow liquid with a sharp pungent irritating odor. Depending upon concentration may fume upon release. Vapors are heavier than air and will collect and stay in low areas. Hydrochloric acid reacts with common metals to produce flammable hydrogen gas

Hazmat Spill Closes I-10 Interstate 10 near Baton Rouge, La was closed recently after a tractor-trailer began leaking ethylhexanol onto the roadway. Points to consider: Ethylhexanol is a clear, colorless, neutral liquid with a characteristic odor. It is miscible with most common organic solvents, but its miscibility with water is very limited. It is stable, combustible, and incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids. For instance, it readily forms esters with various aids.

Relief Valve Results In Ammonia Leak A pressure valve opened to release excessive pressure in a tank filled with anhydrous ammonia at the Arctic Ice company plant in College Park, Georgia recently releasing the toxic gas and forcing evacuations of nearby buildings. Points to consider: Anhydrous ammonia (UN 1005) has a strong, pungent odor and may be shipped or stored as a compressed gas or cryogenic liquid. It produces a toxic, visible or invisible gas cloud that is lighter than air but may hug the ground when cool. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 125.

Fuel Spill Closes Highway A five-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 56 was closed in western McPherson County; Kansas recently after a tanker skidded out of control on a slick highway and rolled over into a ditch spilling 8,000 gallons of gasoline and ethanol.

Points to consider: Gasoline (UN 1203) is highly flammable colorless to yellow liquid which may be dyed to a range of colors. Vapors are heavier than air and will collect in low areas. Initial operations may include, removal of all ignition sources, and the application of foam to large areas of spilled liquid to control vapors. For general operating procedures, refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide #128. Additionally, ethanol (UN 1170) and ethanol-blended fuels (UN 3475) are in use in growing quantities in the United States. Today, there are more than 8 billion gallons of ethanol type fuel ethanol produced in the U S. Every day, tens of millions of gallons of this grain alcohol moves from bio-refineries to major population centers on both coasts. The fuel is transported in tanker trucks on congested highways, and railroads passing through cities. Consider that the addition of ethanol to gasoline presents some unique firefighting challenges. Traditional methods of fire fighting against hydrocarbon (gasoline) fires have been found to be ineffective against these polar solvent-type (ethanol-blended) fuels. While gasoline will tend to float on top of water, ethanol fuels are water-soluble and will tend to blend with the water. For this reason, the use of Alcohol-Resistant (AR) foam as a means of extinguishing an ethanol fire is recommended. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 127.

http://www.globalincidentmap.com/map.php


Hazmat Team Responds To Wreck The Wilmington Fire Department's hazardous materials team was called to the scene of a truck crash recently after a box truck overturned on N.C. 403, spilling its contents, which included sodium fluoride, hydrated lime and nine 150-pound chlorine gas cylinders. Points to consider: Hydrated lime is an odorless white or grey-white granular powder. It will react violently with water, releasing sufficient heat to ignite combustible materials. Due to the potential for violent reaction and release of heat t is incompatible with the following: acids, reactive fluorinated compounds, reactive brominated compounds, reactive powdered metals, organic acid anhydrides, nitro-organic compounds, reactive phosphorous compounds. Furthermore, chlorine gas is heavier than air, with strong irritating bleach like odor. It is a corrosive and irritating to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Chlorine is an oxidizer and may explode or accelerate combustion if in contact with reducing agents. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 124. Additionally, sodium fluoride (UN 1690) is described as odorless white crystals. Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage, burning may produce hydrogen fluoride vapors, and reacts with acids to form hydrogen fluoride. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 154.

Hazardous Crash In Livermore A driver traveling the wrong way on Interstate Highway 580 near Livermore, California caused a crash that involved two big-rigs. The accident resulted in a hazardous material response when it was discovered that one of the trucks was carrying 42,000 pounds of selenium a hazardous material being transported from the shell oil refinery in Martinez. Points to consider: Selenium is an unregulated gray, odorless solid, or yellow liquid. Stable under ordinary conditions of use and storage, insoluble in water. It is incompatible with strong oxidizers, strong acids, and a wide range of other materials. Additionally, vanadium is a grey or grayish white odorless solid. It is reactive with oxidizing agents, violent reaction possible with bromine trifluoride, chlorine, lithium, and oxidants.

Worshipers Overcome At Church Service Thirty-four people were treated recently for carbon monoxide poisoning apparently caused by a blocked chimney at the Hessel Valley Lutheran Church in Sugar Grove Township, Pennsylvania. Points to consider: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly, colorless, odorless, poisonous gas, produced by the incomplete burning of various fuels. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure. Consider that Statistics show, on average, about 170 people in the United States die every year from CO, and with the lingering effects of winter, responders should be aware to its hazards.

Connecticut Gas Explosion Officials have launched a criminal investigation into the massive explosion that rocked the Kleen Energy Systems LLC plant in Middletown, Connecticut and reportedly shaking houses at least 10 miles away. The blast resulting in multiple deaths and dozens others injured. Officials said the plant was under construction and had not yet opened and was in a "testing phase."

Points to consider: Officials said at the time of the explosion workers were purging the gas lines in the 620-megawatt plant, which primarily uses natural gas. Consider that natural gas (UN 1971) is extremely flammable and forms flammable mixtures with air. It will burn in the open or be explosive in confined spaces. Its vapors are lighter than air and will disperse. It has no color, odor, or taste, leaks are usually detected due to the additive mercaptan, which gives it a distinctive “rotten egg” odor, but the additive can be filtered out by the soil. Responders should be aware that natural gas leaking up through soil may-be scrubbed of the mercaptan odor, leaving the gas odorless and undetectable without a combustible gas meter.


Wisconsin Freight Train Derailment A Union Pacific train traveling from Chicago to St. Paul, Minnesota, derailed recently piling 24 cars of the 113-car train on top of each other in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. Fortunately no one was injured and none of the hazardous materials aboard the train spilled. Points to consider: Recognize that this incident highlights the kinds of hazards carried on our national rail system. Consider that railroads carry 105,000 carloads of toxic chemicals and 1.6 million carloads of other hazardous materials each year. Although the recent derailment appears to have no link to terrorism, it illustrates the vulnerability of our transportation system.

Moosehead Brewery Ammonia Leak The Saint John Fire Department Hazardous Materials Unit responded to an anhydrous ammonia leak at Moosehead Breweries in St. John, NB, Canada recently, sending two workers to the hospital. Points to consider: Anhydrous ammonia (1005) is a colorless cryogenic liquid or gas that is very corrosive to body tissues, reacting with body moisture on contact. It has a strong, pungent odor and may be shipped or stored as a compressed gas or cryogenic liquid. It produces a toxic, visible or invisible gas cloud that is lighter than air but may hug the ground when cool. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 125.

Propane Leak Causes Evacuation Emergency responders evacuated nearby Elk Mills, MD residents from their homes recently as the result of a leak from a 1,000-gallon propane tank. Points to consider: Propane (UN 1075) is odorless, tasteless, and colorless in its natural state; an odorant (ethyl mercapitan) is added similar to natural gas, so that leaks may be detected. Propane is easily ignited, heavier than air, therefore, it may collect in low areas or travel along the ground where an ignition source may be present. Be aware that pressure in a container can build up due to heat, and it may rupture (BLEVE) if pressure relief devices should fail to function. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 115.

Two Are Hospitalized After Chemical Spill A 5-gallon bucket of formic acid spilled in a Phoenix, Arizona textile cleaning building sending two women to the hospital with respiratory problems recently. Points to consider: Formic acid, AKA: Methanoic Acid; Hydrogen Carboxylic Acid; Aminic Acid. (UN1779) is a clear, colorless pesticide with an irritating pungent odor. Vapors are heavier than air and will collect and stay in low areas. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 153.

Fatal Gas Leak The Davis County Health Department is investigating a recent fatal phosphine gas exposure at a Layton, Utah home. It is believed the cause of the deadly gas, was aluminum phosphide pesticide pellets that had been placed in the front yard by an exterminator.

Points to consider: Hazmat crews continue to monitor the levels of phosphine gas inside the home, as officials try to determine how the pesticide poison, used to kill rats, moles and other rodents made its way inside the house. Be aware that aluminum phosphide tablets, pellets, bags and dust react with moisture from the air, acids and many other liquids to release hydrogen phosphide gas. Mild exposure by inhalation causes malaise, moderate poisoning causes weakness, and severe poisoning can be deadly.


Growing Up bin Laden A chilling yet fascinating view from bin Laden’s wife and son http://www.buffalonews.com/185/story/948617.html

Generation Jihad Young British Muslim unrepentant on views http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8500782.stm

The Emergency Response Safety and Health Database http://www.ehso.com/ehso3.php?URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bt.cdc.gov/agent/abrin/erc1393-62-0pr.asp


This packed, weeklong conference provides a platform for hundreds of agents to learn together and discuss counter terror operations and developments in the homeland security field. This year's conference features an exciting lineup of some of the top experts in the country. Participants will have the opportunity to network with fellow professionals and over 10 experts in the field presenting on key topics. The Exhibit Hall will showcase the latest technologies to all participants. Systems, tools and equipments used to prepare and react to any incident will be on display and ready for testing on site. Some areas of focus for the conference: • Evolution of Mass Hostage Siege Tactics • Protecting Large Gatherings from Sporting Events to Casinos • Victimizing Innocent Citizens – The Attack in Mumbai, India • Psychological Impact and Implications to the First Responder Community • Meet with leading suppliers providing the tools you need to stay safe!

the “lone wolf” “lone wolf” a campaign of fear and ...furthermore bruce riedel, a former cia...

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