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March 11, 2010 - 19:56

Bali Bomber Dulmatin Killed in Indonesia

By William Tucker

On March 9 Indonesian security forces killed Dulmatin, a leader of Jemaah Islamiyah and the mastermind behind the 2002 Bali nightclub bombing. Dulmatin's death was confirmed by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono a day later. This successful raid by Indonesia's elite counterterrorist unit detachment 88 is one more in a string of arrests and killing of Jemaah Islamiyah operatives. Dulmatin was certainly a big fish (the U.S. had a 10 million dollar bounty on his head), but while Jemaah Islamiyah is being ripped apart a new group called al-Qaeda Indonesia is just getting started. Two weeks ago a video surfaced on the internet from the new group requesting that all Indonesian Islamist groups should cooperate in the fight to implement Sharia. The connection of this new group to bin Laden's al-Qaeda or the threats against shipping in the Malacca Strait is unknown at this time.

March 4, 2010 - 23:45

Singapore Warns of Terrorist Threat to Malacca Strait

By William Tucker

Singapore Navy Patrol.jpgEarlier today the Singapore Shipping Agency stated that terrorists are looking to attack oil tankers and other ships of significant value transiting the Malacca Strait. The warning was issued by the Singapore Navy Fusion Centre when they "received an indication that a terrorist group is planning attacks on oil tankers in the Malacca Straits." The report goes on to say that, "This does not preclude possible attacks on other large vessels with dangerous cargo."

Threats to shipping in the Malacca Strait are not new, nor are these threats solely in the domain of terrorism. In the late 90's piracy was a major concern which generated significant attention from regional powers such as China and Japan. The Malacca Strait is a important transit point for cargo and oil tankers moving Middle Eastern crude to energy hungry powers of the far east. A 2006 study estimated that 15 million barrels of oil transit the strait per day.

Photo: Singapore Navy patrol on the Malacca Strait
Credit: Associated Press

February 24, 2010 - 22:02

Gaza's 'Green Prince'

By William Tucker

It has been revealed that Mosab Hassan Yousef, the son of Hamas co-founder Sheikh Hassan Yousef, turned on his father's organization and spied for Israel. According to the Times Online, the junior Yousef had become disenfranchised with the spate of suicide bombings and offered his services to Shin Bet. According to Israeli sources, the intelligence Yousef provided put several members of Hamas in jail and prevented numerous suicide bombings. Much of Yousef's exploits will be detailed in his forthcoming book, Son of Hamas, which should help shed some light on the inner workings of Hamas.

Getting people inside terrorist or criminal organizations is not an easy task and sometimes, though most intelligence officers won't admit it, luck plays a crucial role. This is very much evident in Yousef's case. From a counterintelligence standpoint it seems that Hamas's internal security suffered a major failure and I for one am curious as to why.

The Times Online article is here

February 21, 2010 - 21:46

Another Taliban Leader Apprehended

By William Tucker

Fox News is reporting that Mulvi Kabir, the former Taliban governor in Afghanistan's Nangahar Province, and a key figure in the Taliban regime was recently captured in Pakistan. Coming on the heels of the capture of Mullah Baradar one could reasonably assume that Baradar has given up information on the location of several leading Taliban members. In fact, in the last week several high ranking Taliban have been captured. Additionally, Muhammad Haqqani, the son of the infamous Jalaluddin Haqqani, was killed in a U.S. drone strike in North Wazirastan. If the capture of Baradar is directly responsible for the flurry of recent activity then we it would follow that the more recent arrests could impact operations at the lower end of the spectrum thus making U.S efforts in Afghanistan more fruitful.

February 20, 2010 - 00:21

IAEA Believes Iran Working on Nuclear Weapon

By William Tucker

On Thursday, the IAEA issued another report on Iran's nuclear program which contained language that is far harsher than anything released in the recent past. This most recent report confirms Iranian claims of enriching uranium to 20 percent and also states that Iran is working on a missile delivery system. The suspicion of modifying a missile with the intention of carrying a nuclear payload was first leaked to the Associated Press back in October 2009, but this is the first time the IAEA has come out and publicly confirmed that finding. Now that these findings have been made public we can expect many of the larger western nations to push for increased sanctions in the very near future, but there is still no guarantee that they will pass the UN Security council.

February 16, 2010 - 00:30

Iran, the Bomb, and the Israeli Red Line

By William Tucker

Authors note: I wrote this article in early October 2009. My purpose in posting it here is to give some background information on the Iranian nuclear standoff. As things move to a crisis point I will post relevant information here.

The vast majority of information available to the public on the Iranian nuclear program has been speculative at best and contradictory at worst. Perhaps the most confusing document came out in late 2007 in which the U.S. intelligence community declared that Iran had halted work on a nuclear weapons program and instead was wholly focused on energy production. It was my contention at the time that this statement was not one made in fact, but rather published for reasons of political expediency. At the time the Bush administration was struggling to come up with a strategy for a deteriorating situation in Iraq and was looking to Iran for help stabilizing the situation. Though this attempt failed the ensuing troop surge managed to bring a tense stability to Iraq and by extension a means by which the U.S. could begin to draw down the troop presence. Because of a recent revelation by the Obama administration this previous analysis holds true.

Continue reading "Iran, the Bomb, and the Israeli Red Line" »

February 6, 2010 - 00:25

The Fate of Hakimullah Mehsud

By William Tucker
Whenever the U.S. carries out a drone strike in Pakistan's restive border areas rumors are quick to follow. Such is the case with the current leader of the Pakistani Taliban Hakimullah Mehsud. The U.S. struck two sites in Northern Waziristan on the 13th and 14th of January targeting the TTP leader only to have Mehsud release two audio tapes confirming his survival, but the rumors of his death still continue. Unfortunately, the U.S. and Pakistan do not have reliable intelligence assets in the area leaving the answer to the questions of known terrorist leaders' welfare elusive. As Professor Hesterman pointed out in her post on January 22nd, the intelligence gap is well known. This gap forces those of us that rely on open sources to wait for confirmation from the Taliban as to the current status of Mehsud.

hakimullah-mehsud_232561s.jpg

June 16, 2009 - 10:40

The Blog@ Homeland Security

DHSsq.jpgWith hopes to provide an "inside-out view" of what is done every day in the world of homeland security, the DHS launched a new site The Blog @Homeland Security.

December 31, 2008 - 07:52

Al Qaeda is Eyeing MySpace, Facebook, Friends Reunited, PalTalk

By Shelley Smith
Originally published Feb. 2, 2008

Great Britain's Security Service MI5 requested its British troops to remove personal details of themselves off popular social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace and Friends Reunited due to discovering that they were being monitored by Al-Qaeda operatives. In the January, 2008 Free Republic article, 'Al-Qaeda eyes MySpace Pages', Gordon Thomas writes about the concern expressed by the MI5 chief Jonathan Evans in a document titled 'Personal Security'. Evans asks for security service personnel to be aware of the monitoring and gathering of personal details that can be formed into intelligence used to launch terrorist attacks against their colleagues, or family members.

Though access to many of these social websites may be for members only, all one needs to register is an e-mail address. Al-Qaeda operatives are using hundreds of false accounts to access personal information. And what are they finding?

Thousands of military and security personnel who have posted detailed information about themselves, their careers, personal pictures and family members, date of birth, locations of where they are living, photos of colleagues and weapons.

In the United States Islamic extremists are utilizing technology. Radical Muslims are attempting to bring Islamic religious law into the United States and had murdered a New Jersey man and his family. Others have been victims by operatives systematically tracking individuals through PalTalk.com and other websites. An individual who lives overseas had his computer hacked to obtain his photograph, his real name and the city where he lives, while other individuals are having their personal information being exchanged through extremist websites in order to facilitate harm. With this new wave of activities it is important to maintain OPSEC.

The U.S. Department of Energy, Computer Incident Advisory Capability (CIAC), who conducts Cyber Security programs, has posted the latest Vulnerability Bulletins to share with U.S. interagency personnel.

Source:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1953538/posts

www.JihadWatch.com

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42633

http://www.ciac.org/ciac/bulletins/s-151.shtml

http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/27493/discuss


May 2, 2008 - 10:12

Global Security Brief

A daily, open source, around the world tour of international security-related news.

By Professor Joseph B. Varner

Continue reading "Global Security Brief" »

March 6, 2008 - 14:54

National Dragnet Nearly Complete

According to The Washington Post, a U.S. Justice Department information-sharing system called the National Data Exchange (N-DEx) is nearly complete.

Check out the full story.

The data system, which law enforcement authorities hope will become a "one-stop shop" for information, will be accessible to the federal-law enforcement agencies like the FBI, and state fusion centers.

October 10, 2007 - 07:46

How Terrorists Are Using Freely Accessible Internet Services

From TAM-C Analysts



Google Earth

At least one jihadist Web site, focused on terrorism in Iraq, has published a link to Google Earth, suggesting that "all the mujahideen (jihad fighters) who want to coordinate [actions] in Iraq" use the service, "with the exact city or camp," to obtain aerial photographs.

TAM-C analysts and other intelligence centers have repeatedly warned of the dangers associated with open sources of intelligence and this hyperlinking by Iraqi jihadists confirms these warnings.

Israeli security officials have also indicated this week their frustration over Google Earth having released detailed aerial photos of Israeli territory, including sensitive security facilities. This is the first time that such images have been available to the general public, although the maps used by Google Earth are several years old. An Israeli security source quoted by Ynet news service called the Google Earth development "a gold mine for terrorists."

TAM-C's domestic / eco-terror analysts have also observed the use of Google Earth by eco-terror and Anarchist groups as they plan "direct action" activities.

YouTube

In a related novel use of free resources on the Internet, jihadists uploaded an instructional video on bomb-making to the open-access video-sharing Web site YouTube over the summer. According to reports from Strategic Forecasting, Inc (Stratfor)-a private intelligence agency-U.S. authorities instructed YouTube operators to remove the video, which was in the Arabic language, but the fact that it was uploaded to an open Web site such as YouTube indicated an intention to spread the information widely. The clip demonstrated how to construct a detonator for IEDs using a remote-controlled toy.

Stratfor reports also states that U.S. authorities have identified the instructor, whose face is not seen in the video, as a 24-year-old Egyptian who was attending the University of Southern Florida. The man, Ahmed Mohamed, was arrested by police in South Carolina on August 4, 2007 on charges of possession of a destructive device.

According to the New York Times, in part as a result of the above-mentioned YouTube video, U.S. Transportation Security Administration officials will be increasing scrutiny of airline passengers carrying remote-controlled toys.



For more intelligence research and analysis such as this, visit www.terrorresponse.org

July 30, 2007 - 15:23

Actionable Intelligence Round Up

By Aaron Richman

This Intelligence report includes information from open and closed intelligence sources. Not all information is able to be verified; however, the TAM-C is actively evaluating the reporting to establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible link to terrorism.


Continue reading "Actionable Intelligence Round Up" »

July 26, 2007 - 15:42

North Africa

By Aaron Richman

Tam-C native Arab language miners have come across a threat made by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) on Algeria and Morocco.

Continue reading "North Africa" »

July 23, 2007 - 10:56

Actionable Intelligence Roundup

This Intelligence report includes information from open and closed intelligence sources. Not all information is able to be verified; however, the TAM-C is actively evaluating the reporting to establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible link to terrorism. For more information about these intelligence briefings, visit


Continue reading "Actionable Intelligence Roundup" »

July 10, 2007 - 13:43

Actionable Intelligence Roundup

This Intelligence report includes information from open and closed intelligence sources. Not all information is able to be verified; however, the TAM-C is actively evaluating the reporting to establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible link to terrorism.


Continue reading "Actionable Intelligence Roundup" »

July 5, 2007 - 11:59

Actionable Intelligence Briefing - July 2, 2007 to July 9, 2007

By Aaron Richman


This Intelligence report from the Institute of Terrorism Research and Response includes information from open and closed intelligence sources.

Not all information is able to be verified; however, the TAM-C is actively evaluating the reporting to establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible link to terrorism.


Continue reading "Actionable Intelligence Briefing - July 2, 2007 to July 9, 2007" »

June 25, 2007 - 08:12

Actionable Intelligence Briefing - June 25 to July 2, 2007


This Intelligence report from the Institute of Terrorism Research and Response includes information from open and closed intelligence sources.

Not all information is able to be verified; however, the TAM-C is actively evaluating the reporting to establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible link to terrorism.


Continue reading "Actionable Intelligence Briefing - June 25 to July 2, 2007" »

June 19, 2007 - 10:37

Counter-Terror Events and Alerts From Around the World

20 June 2007 London: Anti-war protests are scheduled for 10 AM in Parliament Square. This demonstration is a protest against possible future military actions aimed at Iran.
Peace Strike, the group sponsoring this event, has previously attempted to serve a citizen's arrest warrant on Great on Britain's PM Tony Blair. (Also see 23 June 2007)

22 June 2007 Quebec City: The GUERRE À LA GUERRE coalition has called for the disruption of military ceremonies that are to occur prior to the Afghanistan deployment of the Royal 22nd Regiment of Valcartier. The group has planned "a day of disruptive actions."

23 - 28 June 2007 London: An Anti-war Camp is scheduled to be conducted in Parliament Square. This unauthorized demonstration (no parade/demonstration permit has been obtained) is intended to influence incoming British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The focus of the demonstrations is the Trident nuclear submarine project, the war in Iraq, and the potential for conflict with Iran.

Peace Strike, the group sponsoring this event, has previously attempted to serve a citizen's arrest warrant on Great on Britain's PM Tony Blair. (Also see 20 June 2007). The unauthorized nature of this demonstration will likely produce street disorder as police take enforcement actions.

24 June 2007 Los Angeles: ANSWER is sponsoring a mass march for immigrant rights in Los Angeles. The theme is ". A strong and united movement for immigrant rights will bolster the overall struggle for civil rights and against racism." ANSWER events typically include mass civil disobedience.

27 June - 1 July 2007 Atlanta, GA: The United States Social Forum (USSF) is dedicated to opposing United States policies and actions within the country and abroad. They will be holding a conference in Atlanta to discuss various issues and to build an action calendar for the next year. The Forum includes "anti-imperialism" and anti-war groups. TAM-C analysts expect the USSF to focus attention on the Iraq war through legal demonstrations.

28 June - 3 July 2007 Glen Woods, Scotland: Protests targeting the Faslane Trident nuclear submarine base are scheduled. Billed as a "student camp", it will include protests and direct action.

29 June 2007 Montreal: Anarchy groups will be demonstrating their anger at the CN Railroad and their support of Indian activists who state that the railroad was built a stolen indigenous people's land.

30 June 2007 London: A Gay Pride parade is scheduled to start on Baker Street at 1 PM. This even will end with a rally in Trafalgar Square. Parade organizers expect anti-gay protests along the parade route .

30 June 2007 Leeds, UK: The World Development Movement will be holding a training/educational program at the University of Leeds. The program, aimed at anti-establishment groups from across the world, is entitled "Whose Rules Rule?" Although this is billed as an educational program, TAM-C analysts expect "anti-globalization" protests in the area.

30 June 2007 London: In preparation for protests at August's Climate Action Camp, British ecological activists are conducting a day of Non-Violent Direct Action (NVDA) training. The training is designed to help the activists prepare for confrontations with police and security personnel. At this time, protest leaders are being asked to use this training opportunity to conduct actual protests in the area of the construction of the International Olympic site that is being prepared for the 2012 Olympics. TAM-C researchers will continue to monitor this in an attempt to confirm that the protests will actually occur and to provide an exact location.

30 June 2007 Multiple Locations: Racist organizations are mourning the death of David Lane, the founder of the militant group, The Order, who died in prison. Racist organizations are attempting to organize a Global Day Of Remembrance And Protest For David Lane. Locations with active "White Nationalist" groups should prepare for protests and counter protests surrounding this event.

6 - 8 July 2007 Iceland: A summer of international dissent and action against infrastructure improvement in Iceland will begin 6 July 2007. These protests are aimed at the improvement of roads and the construction of a power plant that will enable the growth of industry in the island nation.

19 - 23 July 2007 Los Angeles: Animal Rights 2007, the animal rights movement's annual national conference will be taking place in Los Angeles. Speakers include representatives of extremely militant AR organizations − from SHAC (Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty) to SPEAK (the organization currently trying to shut down Oxford University's research lab [currently under construction]).

TAM-C analysts expect street demonstrations throughout this period. However, organizers are planning for demonstrations on 23 July 2007. Likely targets are UCLA's animal research labs.

Actionable Intelligence Briefing - June 18 to June 25 , 2007


This Intelligence report from the Institute of Terrorism Research and Response includes information from open and closed intelligence sources.

Not all information is able to be verified; however, the TAM-C is actively evaluating the reporting to establish its accuracy and to determine if it represents a possible link to terrorism.


Continue reading "Actionable Intelligence Briefing - June 18 to June 25 , 2007" »

June 5, 2007 - 15:48

How You Can Take Part in the Security Industry's Growing Job Market

Global security is a huge market – in excess of $100 billion and made up of tens of thousands of businesses. How can you be part of this exciting industry – and launch a rewarding career? Jeffrey T. Fowler, program manager for security management at American Military University, provides tips and insights for entering and succeeding in the field.

Continue reading "How You Can Take Part in the Security Industry's Growing Job Market" »

December 6, 2006 - 07:21

Iraq Report: Conditions 'grave and deteriorating'

released a statement following his meeting with the Wednesday, saying that the report "gives a tough assessment on the situation in Iraq" and that he plans to "take every proposal seriously."

Calling the "grave and deteriorating" in their report, the group cautions that there's no clear path to success in this situation, but there's definite room for improvement.

Click here to read the report: The Way Forward
Watch or listen to congressional testimony on the report.
(source: C-SPAN)


Some recommendations found in the report:

  • By the first quarter of 2008, all combat brigades not necessary for force protection could be out of Iraq
  • A renewed commitment to a "two-state solution for Israel and Palestine
  • Iraq's neighbors should be brought to together for a regional conference

    The much-anticipated report from the 10-member, nonpartisan group is receiving mix sentiments around the blogsphere. Everything from "Where's the Outrage?" to "How an Advisory Commision Should Have Been Conducted"

    Let us know your thoughts. Discuss it here.

  • November 15, 2006 - 13:13

    The Need for Better Human Intelligence

    By John Cote MSSI, CPP

    The problem with the United States intelligence system is that we have grown to dependant on technological assets. What started with the Church Committee hearings of the 1970’s and continued with the president Jimmy Carter believing the CIA was an organization out of control. Carter cut the capability by some 50 percent.

    Continue reading "The Need for Better Human Intelligence" »

    October 14, 2006 - 11:58

    A Few Thoughts on the National Intelligence Estimate

    by Mike Harbert

    For the last couple of weeks, since portions of the most recent National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) were leaked to the New York Times and Washington Post, politicians and talking heads in the media have been finding ways to use the information to further bolster their positions.

    Continue reading "A Few Thoughts on the National Intelligence Estimate" »

    September 28, 2006 - 15:42

    Bush to Declassify Part of NIE Intelligence Report

    President Bush said it is naive and a mistake to think that the war with Iraq has worsened terrorism, disputing a national assessment by his own administration. He said he is declassifying part of that report.

    Continue reading "Bush to Declassify Part of NIE Intelligence Report" »