the evolving threat the battle against the lone wolf2011/01/26 · consider that the vehicle borne...

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The Battle Against The Lone Wolf

Rep. Peter Hoekstra, a top representative on the House Intelligence Committee said last year that lone terrorists in plots indicate a change in strategy by terrorist’s abroad, and part of a growing serious threat to U.S. security. Points to consider: Analysts have been warning for several years that the terrorist threat is changing, taking on the same pattern seen in the UK where a person from an immigrant community returned to their home country for terrorist training, then returned to Britain to attack. Al-Qaeda and its spinoffs have been working hard to recruit operatives who can operate inside the US creating a new generation of terrorists. This group is looser; its operations are more decentralized and harder to find. Former National Intelligence Director Dennis Blair predicted that small and disparate groups of terrorists and individuals radicalized by militants over the Internet will be major challenges for the U.S. intelligence community in coming years, Consider that the “brass ring" to which terrorist organizations aspire is to attack the U.S. homeland. Osama bin Laden may be in hiding, but experts believe that his organization remains fully capable of, and determined to kill large numbers of Westerners and disrupt the global economy by orchestrating attacks worldwide, or by recruiting local groups to do its dirty work. These groups maintain a link of sort with bin Laden, either through Internet Web sites, through messengers, or traveling to the border area between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Consider that in his book “Leaderless Jihad”, Dr. Marc Sageman, a former CIA officer, argues that, "the present threat has evolved from a structured group of al-Qaeda masterminds controlling vast resources and issuing commands to a multitude of informal groups trying to emulate their predecessors by conceiving and executing operations from the bottom up. These “homegrown wannabes” form a scattered global network, a “leaderless jihad." Once they have been recruited, indoctrinated and prepared, their lust for "martyrdom" that permeates the middle and lower levels of al-Qaeda make those terrorists difficult to deter.

January 26, 2011

The Evolving Threat The core of al-Qaeda is under the constant pounding from the CIA's Predator drone campaign, prompting Security officials to warn that Pakistani groups have gradually begun to broaden their targets, using propaganda, focusing on links, real or imagined, between India, Israel and the U.S. Groups such as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), whose attacks had previously been confined to the Indian subcontinent, are now emerging as a deadly threat to the west. Consider that analyst’s fear that these among others Pakistani jihadis are now spreading their operations across the Atlantic, recruiting U.S. citizens to their cause just as Britons were in the past.


IED Called Domestic Terrorism The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has called a recent improvised explosive device (IED) in a backpack found along the route of Spokane, WA’s Martin Luther King Jr. march, a possible case of domestic terrorism. Points to consider: The black Swiss Army backpack containing the device has been shipped to an FBI lab in Quantico, Va., for analysis. According to officials it was found with wires protruding from it, filled with some form of shrapnel, fitted with a remote detonator and positioned so that the blast would have been directed at the crowd of marchers. The FBI described the device which was neutralized at the scene, as an "improvised explosive device" (IED), with what they said was a "very lethal design" capable of inflicting "multiple casualties." Consider that although Federal officials do not yet have any suspects or know the motive they noted that there is a history of white supremacist and anti-government activity in the Northwest region with the Aryan Nations the most visible of the groups.

Dozens Killed In Twin Bombings Suicide bombers detonated two vehicles packed with explosives at the northern and the southern entrances to the holy Shiite shrine city of Karbala recently, killing at least 45 people and injuring at least 150 others. Points to consider: Consider that the vehicle borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) is called the “Trojan Horse of Terror”. It arouses little suspicion, making it a not uncommon means of deploying explosives. This tactic has been used indiscriminately against many targets including first responders. Furthermore be aware that terrorists target two types of targets: symbolic items of the country, and places with large numbers of people. Events of this type should be considered significant targets of terrorism because they are so strongly connected with a countries culture, has the potential for mass casualties, and would reap huge national and international media attention.

Security Level Raised After Airport Attack Security has been heightened at all of Russia's transportation centers, after a recent explosion, rocked Moscow’s Domodedovo airport. Officials say the blast, which hit the baggage claim area of the airport's international arrivals hall, killed at least 35 people and injured more than 100 others.

Points to consider: Although details remain sketchy this latest attack is believed to be the work of a pair of suicide bomber who detonated their explosives possibly contained in luggage among thousands of travelers who had gathered in the baggage collection area. According to investigators the bomb had the equivalent power of 11-lbs of TNT and was packed with metal objects to maximize potential damage. The terrorists chose a crowded area where security is normally lacking in most airports anywhere in the world, and where people wait for those passengers to arrive. The blast left behind a bloody chaotic scene with many of the victims reportedly having bolts, nails, and ball bearings imbedded in them. Three suspects are being sought, believed to have accompanied a man and woman carrying a suitcase into the baggage claim area at the crowded airport terminal. Consider that no group claimed responsibility for the attack but Russia is battling a Muslim insurgency in the North Caucasus, and previous terror attacks have targeted other transportation centers in Moscow, with repeated attacks on the Moscow’s subway and Russian trains, but this bombing is the first involving a Russian airport since 2004. Furthermore, be aware that terrorists have long sought to disrupt aviation, and since many of recent attempts have failed at least partly because of heightened security, experts say, it makes sense that terrorists would launch attacks on a relatively unprotected zone of an airport. Additionally, airports are iconic targets, that offer militants the opportunity to kill large numbers of people gathered in one place, and are difficult to defend where a medium size explosion will wreak maximum damage.

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Ambulance Used In Attack A suicide bomber rammed an ambulance packed with explosives into an Iraqi security headquarters in Baquba recently, targeting the office of the Force Protection Service (FPS), killing 13 people and wounding more than 60 others. Points to consider: Consider that in today’s threat environment, the potential exists for the use of cloned or official looking vehicles to bypass security and gain access to a secure area for terrorist activities or an actual terrorist attack.

Coordinated VBIED Attacks Recently at least ten people were killed and more that 30 others injured in Bagdad in an apparent coordinated attack, when car bombs exploded in five different neighborhoods in the Iraqi capital. Points to consider: Officials say the attacks showed the hallmarks of al-Qaeda, following a "blueprint" used by al-Qaeda linked groups. Police said at least two of the cars used were taxis whose bombs were detonated when police officers approached, suggesting that the explosives were set off remotely. The use of taxis “is a new technique,” said a bomb squad officer, noting that cabs draw less attention than private cars at checkpoints or when parked on the street. Consider that the vehicle borne explosive device (VBIED) has become a weapon of choice for terrorists worldwide. Terrorists have used cars, trucks or even bicycle bombs indiscriminately against many targets including first responders. Emergency personnel should always maintain a “situational awareness” of their surroundings, and should remember that secondary devices are a favorite terrorist tactic, often planned to detonate shortly after emergency personnel arrive on scene, targeting the responders.

Car Bomb Kills Police Officer A car bomb exploded Mexico’s central state of Hidalgo recently, killing a police commander and injuring three other officers as they were examining the car after receiving a tip when it exploded. Points to consider: Consider that Mexico today, is a country ravaged by a brutally violent power struggle between drug cartels and authorities. Northern Mexico is at the center of a nearly four-year-old war involving rival drug gangs vying for smuggling routes into the US. According to various estimates Mexico’s drug trade generates $8-billion to $30-billion annually, providing the motivation for the “drug war”. Consider that as Mexico’s largely narcotics fueled violence escalates, experts say the country’s crime cartels have resorted to using one of jihadist terrorists’ most lethal weapons, the vehicle borne explosive device (VBIED). According to a US law enforcement sources, “this a clear escalation of the violence, raising the bar to a level of violence that Mexico has not seen yet, reminiscent of Colombia, and what the military is running into in Iraq and Afghanistan," in some regions, particularly along the border.

VBIED Attack On Police Station At least 17 people were killed and more than 20 others injured when a suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden pick-up truck into a police station compound in Pakistan’s Bannu district.

Points to consider: The Pakistani Taliban has claimed responsibility for the vehicle borne explosive device (VBIED) attack, which collapsed parts of the building and a mosque inside the compound. VBIED’s commonly known as a car bomb can carry thousands of pounds of explosives and may be augmented with shrapnel to increase fragmentation. Consider that the increasing instability in Pakistan is a serious problem, and one that potentially has global consequences. According to Hassan Abbas, Fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, “there is an emerging consensus among foreign policy experts that the growing insurgency, militancy and growing anti-American sentiment poses the greatest security providing one more worry for the U.S. in terms of both available nuclear capabilities and terrorism, at a time when U.S. capabilities are stretched thin.


Explosives Found At Public Storage Recently the Walnut Creek police bomb squad safely detonated several pipe bombs found at Affordable Storage, public storage facility in Pacheco, CA, which were found by members of the Central Contra Costa Narcotics Enforcement Team during a drug raid. Points to consider:

Be aware that reports from multiple police investigations, has shown that terrorists and criminals have used commercial storage facilities, including self-storage units, to store explosives or other supplies prior to use. Consider that these facilities afford flexibility, and to some degree of cover to individuals engaged in preoperational activities, and can be used to hide explosives and other materials with limited risk of arousing suspicion.

Bus Bombing At least 4 people were killed and 15 others injured in Manila recently when a bomb placed underneath one of the seats in the passenger bus exploded on the crowded bus in the Philippine capital. Points to consider: Although no group has taken responsibility for the attack the explosion comes six years after a similar blast in Manila by the al-Qaeda linked Muslim rebel group, Abu Sayyaf that killed six people.

Deadly 24-Hours The National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund noted recently that 11 police officers were shot in a recent 24-hour period in 5 states nationwide, adding to the tragic total of 14 law officers that so far have been slain in the opening weeks of 2011. Points to consider: Two St. Petersburg, Florida, officers were killed and a deputy U.S. marshal injured after being shot while serving an arrest warrant on a St. Petersburg home. And police officials say they will reassess security measures after a 35-year-old gunman walked into Detroit's sixth precinct station, and opened fire, striking 4 officers, before return fire fatally wounded the assailant. Then two Kitsap County, Washington, sheriff's deputies were shot and wounded at a Port Orchard Walmart. And Indianapolis and Lincoln City, Oregon police officers were critically injured after being shot during traffic stops. Consider that according to a 2010 poll these deaths continue a grim pattern: in 2010 a law enforcement officer was killed every 53 hours in the United States. Preliminary information released by the Washington, D.C. based non-profit National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, found that the line of duty deaths of federal, state and local law enforcement officers rose 37 percent in 2010. Be aware that few people are aware of the hazards police officers face on a daily basis. While carrying out their day-to-day activities, police officers encounter some of the riskiest occupational hazards. Because of these dangers, officer must constantly be on guard.

Officer Saved By Vest Officers recently swept a wide area, looking for an alleged car burglar who shot of a San Fernando Valley California high school police officer.

Points to consider: Authorities said the officers bulletproof vest saved him, the bullet "did not penetrate the chest itself, but instead it bounced off the chest and caused a bruise to his chest," Dr. Stephen Jones, medical director of emergency services of Northridge Hospital Medical Center said. Consider that the array of benefits and advantages offered by bulletproof vests. Body armor is designed to stop the bullet from penetrating the body, which has made it popular safety equipment for police and military personnel in their day-to-day operations.


7.2 Magnitude Earthquake Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority recently mobilized to aid people affected by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck near Dalbandin southwest of Islamabad. Points to consider: More than 200 houses were damaged as a result of the earthquake in the southwestern province. Consider that the reality is these events can happen anywhere, no matter how unlikely or unpredictable, and it’s important to remain aware and prepared for the possibility of an emergency. When a disaster happens, rapid response saves lives. The faster and more coordinated emergency response efforts are, the more effective they can be. Because most first responders do not respond to large scale emergencies every day, it is important to stress that responding to emergencies is far more than knowing how to identify the signs and symptoms of traumatic injury or exposure to hazardous chemicals. Effective response requires a disciplined team in which each participating individual follows clear lines of communication and performs according to clearly assigned roles and directions.

Gas Explosion Rocks Neighborhood One person was killed, and five others injured, by a gas explosion in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s Tacony neighborhood. The blast spawned a three-alarm fire causing dozens of people to be evacuated from nearby homes and businesses. Points to consider: Residents within a 2-block radius were evacuated for safety reasons after the Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) 12” gas main break, which subsequently exploded sending a fireball fifty feet into the air. 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. Always use meters to test for natural gas

Deadly Refinery Blast China's official Xinhua news agency reported that a recent explosion at Fushun Petrochemical Co. oil refinery in the Liaoning province, killed at least one person, left two missing and some 30 others injured. Points to consider: Responders need to be prepared for large-scale emergencies and be prepared to use the most effective techniques and extinguishing media. Consider fires involving large concentrations of dangerous substances, which can generate large amounts of smoke and toxic gases and may require special extinguishing methods. Prior to commencing operations, size-up is crucial in evaluating hazards, tactics, and available resources.

Dozens Killed In Bus-Tanker Crash A road accident recently resulted in at least 32 people to be killed in a blazing inferno when a bus carrying 45 passengers collided with an oil tanker on a Pakistani super-highway in the Southern Sindh province.

Points to consider: Be aware that first responders are widely recognized as having extremely dangerous and stressful occupations. They often encounter direct danger in situations that are unsafe, violent, and tragic. Consider that mass casualty incidents require a prompt response and implementation of both the individual Departments and community-wide disaster plans. Prior to commencing operations, size-up is crucial in evaluating hazards, tactics, and available resources. These incidents also create the need for expansion of the ICS to include a Medical Sector to decide where to set-up both triage and treatment areas.


Hazmat Called To Recycling Center The Savannah Fire Hazardous Materials Team was called to Southern Metals Recycling in West Chatham, GA recently to contain a chlorine leak caused when workers dismantled a cylinder without knowing it still contained chlorine. Points to consider:

Consider the variety of products commonly used in households: paints, solvents, oils, cleaners, wood preservatives, batteries, adhesives, and pesticides. Many of these products have hazardous characteristics such as poisonous, combustible, flammable or corrosive requiring proper disposal, but improper disposal can endanger the health of others especially; which can lead to explosions or poisonous gas being released.

Road Closed When Spill Discovered Firefighters were called to Morrow road in Sand Springs, OK after hydrochloric acid spilled from a transport truck Points to consider: Hydrochloric acid (UN 1789) is a colorless to light yellow liquid with a harsh pungent irritating odor. Depending upon concentration it may fume upon release. Its vapors are heavier than air and will collect and stay in low areas. It reacts with common metals to produce flammable hydrogen gas. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide #157.

Leak At Chemical Facility Nearby residents were ordered to stay inside with their windows closed after bromine leaked at Bio-Lab chemical plant in Adrian, Michigan, which produced a chemical cloud that drifted over the city. Points to consider: Bromine (UN 1744) is a dark red liquid or reddish-brown gas with a pungent (Strong.) odor. It is considered stable, but is incompatible with reducing agents, alkali metals, powdered metals, steel, iron, copper, organic materials. Said to be highly toxic by inhalation, ingestion or skin contact, causing severe burns. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 154.

Exit Ramp Closed After Chemical Spills The Utah Highway Patrol closed a downtown a Salt Lake City Interstate 215 exit ramp recently after sodium hydrosulfide leaked from a truck making a delivery to a local business. Points to consider: Sodium hydrosulfide (UN 2922) is a colorless to light-yellow corrosive and poisonous liquid that is used in paper pulping, manufacturing dyes and de-hairing animal-hides. It reacts with acids to release flammable and toxic gaseous hydrogen sulfide. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide #154.

Chemical Leak Closes Service Station The fire service closed Woodall Services, service station and established a 164-ft exclusion area around a truck carrying 1,100-gallons of nitric acid after it was found to be leaking some of its load near Sheffield, south Yorkshire UK.

Points to consider: Nitric acid (UN 2031) is a colorless, yellow, or red, fuming corrosive liquid with an acrid, suffocating odor. It will react with water or steam to produce heat and toxic, corrosive and flammable vapors. Fuming nitric acid (UN 2032) is concentrated nitric acid that contains dissolved nitrogen dioxide. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 157.

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Train Carrying Hazardous Materials Derails Hwy 2A near Innisfail, Alberta, CA was closed recently after sixteen cars in a 96-car Canadian Pacific Railway train derailed including five that contained anhydrous ammonia, which fortunately did not leak. Points to consider: Anhydrous ammonia (UN 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.

Hazmat Called To Fire Scene Firefighters quickly extinguished a fire at BASF Corp. in Suffolk, VA recently but hazardous materials specialists and the Fire and Rescue crews remained on the scene to monitor a hazardous material situation involving acrylonitrile. Points to consider: Acrylonitrile (UN 1093) is a clear colorless or slightly yellow highly flammable liquid with a pungent odor. Ingestion or inhalation can be fatal. Considered unstable and light sensitive, it is incompatible with acids, bases, oxidizing agents, amines, and bromine. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 131P.

Hotel Evacuated After Meth Materials Found The Arvada Fire Department’s hazardous materials team was called to Wheat Ridge, Colorado’s Ramada Inn recently after housekeeping staff found the remnants of a methamphetamine (Meth) laboratory while cleaning a vacant room. Points to consider: Drug processors are secretive and wily, which is why many are now using the cover of a motel room to make the drug. Methamphetamine is synthesized in these clandestine drug labs from common household products, over-the-counter medications, solvents; metals and strong acids. First responders are at risk for numerous health problems when they come in contact with clandestine meth labs during the course of their duties. Production methods involve numerous chemical reactions that can cause fire, explosion, and release of toxic gases and waste, thereby making these labs potential hazardous waste sites.

Fire Crews Handle “Tricky” Extrication A ¼ mile exclusion zone was put in place for public safety around an accident scene in Spittals roundabout in Huntingdon, UK recently, as fire crews worked to free a trapped driver from the cab of his truck that was involved in a collision with a gasoline tanker which was leaking its flammable cargo as a result of the accident.

Points to consider: Be aware that first responders are widely recognized as having extremely dangerous and stressful occupations. They often encounter direct danger in situations that are unsafe, violent, and tragic. Furthermore 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.


The Internet has been called a “crucial front” in the battle against terrorism. It has become a powerful tool for terrorists, who use online message boards and chat rooms to share information, coordinate attacks, spread propaganda, raise funds, and recruit. William Paterson Australia's top counter-terrorism envoy has compared the Internet to breeding and recruiting ground for terrorist organizations. Mr. Patterson continued by saying “More troubling is that governments have yet to figure out a way to combat or purge this hi-tech approach to spreading terror.” Consider that some extremists who post and support radical ideologies and perspectives have long used these social networking sites because of their ease of anonymous communication. The proliferation of extremist websites is a huge challenge to governments because the Internet is accessible, low-cost, immediate, portable, unregulated and global. These are all highly useful features for terrorist organizations. Additionally, the number of English-language sites sympathetic to al-Qaeda has risen from about 30 seven years ago to more than 200 recently. The Internet has become their propaganda and recruitment tool, data source, fund raising tool, and means to transfer knowledge such as bomb making as well as a means for transferring funds and for operational planning. Bruce Hoffman, a Georgetown University professor had commented on the subject saying “people have become self-radicalized with the aid of the Internet and commit violence without having to cross borders to reach their targets. Such cases appear to be growing, with most of them involving people who have no direct ties to overseas terror networks. Al-Qaeda leaders have encouraged this trend of self-radicalization through voluminous messages on the Web”, Hoffman said. Finally, consider the theory that the war on terror is fundamentally a war of ideas. If true then al-Qaeda’s direct access to such a large community of online jihadist sympathizers is a bad sign, and should be viewed as a major concern as a present and future threat.

the evolving threat the battle against the lone wolf2011/01/26 · consider that the vehicle borne...

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