July 2008

Beijing faces daunting security task for Olympics

Athletes will be front-and-centre as the world focuses on Beijing for the Olympics but billions have already been spent behind the scenes to ensure potential security threats don't materialize. In an unusual move, China's secretive government has co-ordinated a major collaborative effort with other countries to develop a strong security front for the Games. Still, it's an impossible task to protect athletes from more than 200 countries, heads of state, corporate VIPs and spectators from every possible scenario, says a consultant with U.S.-based private security firm GardaWorld. "The fact of the matter is that you can't completely secure an event like this so there is a risk that something could happen," Ray Mey, who spent 23 years working for the FBI, told CTV.ca. "Will it happen? Probably not. But can it happen? Yes." (CTV, 25 July 08)

Was Alleged al-Qaeda Attack a Failed Attempt to Occupy the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul?

The July 9 attack on the U.S. consulate in Istanbul refocused international attention on al-Qaeda’s Turkish branch. Three attackers and three police officers died in the ensuing gun battle. Unlike al-Qaeda’s trademark bomb attacks, this assault took the form of a gun battle. If it was indeed carried out by al-Qaeda, it would have been a rare instance of the organization engaging in a gun battle outside of the “jihad zones” of Iraq and Afghanistan.....(Jamestown Foundation, 23 July 08)

Data security meets disco fever

Here's a travel advisory: The next time you find yourself in a foreign city at night with nothing to do, take my advice: rent a movie in your hotel room. Don't go to discos. And if you do go out, don't bring a smart phone with you. A high-ranking UK official got Shanghai'd in Shanghai last January, possibly compromising the cyber security of the British government. Out partying at a disco in the Forbidden City, he went home with an attractive Chinese national. He woke up with a smile on his face, but the girl and his Blackberry were missing. Downing Street claims it suffered "no compromise to security" in the incident. China hotly denies its spies are involved. Right. I believe them. But with the Beijing "high-tech" Olympics coming up in a few weeks, this hasn't made anyone feel safer about cyber security in China. (TechWorld, 24 July 08)

New Olympic airport security and anti-terrorism manual

 Nineteen Chinese airports have stepped up their security measures for the Olympics. These include Beijing's Capital International Airport, all airports in the Olympic co-host cities, and those in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Tibet. All passengers are now checked for explosives at airport entrances, before actually entering the terminal. Airport staff and people collecting or seeing off passengers are also subject to the new checks. The new airport procedures coincide with the publication of an “anti-terrorism manual” explaining to locals “39 dangerous situations, including “an explosion, shooting, hijacking and chemical or nuclear attack,” according to China Daily.The manual, published by the Ministry of Public Security urges Chinese people to stay calm if they see a suspicious package and send a text message and photo to the police before moving away from the area. (BizChinaUpdate, 23 July 08)

EU threatens Visa requirement for US diplomats

In the latest salvo of the EU-US tug-of-war over visa requirements, the European Commission has announced that it will begin requiring visas from US diplomats in 2009 if there is no progress in negotiations. In a report released Thursday on "visa requirements in breach of the principle of reciprocity," the European Commission is proposing "retaliatory measures" that would force US diplomats to secure visas before entering EU countries. The report listed the United States among four countries – including Japan, Panama and Singapore – that had made no progress on reciprocity since the Commission's last report on the matter in September 2007. (Der Spiegel, 23 July 08)

Bus blasts not linked to Olympics

Chinese police investigating two deadly bus explosions in a southwestern city have not found any links between the blasts and next month's Olympic Games, officials said Tuesday. The explosions Monday on two public buses in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, had heightened fears of terrorism with less than three weeks to go before the opening of the Beijing games. "We have not found evidence that links it to the Beijing Olympics, but we continue to make efforts to find out the truth," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said. Two people were killed and 14 wounded in the explosions on bus route 54, which police said were deliberately set. One blast shattered windows and tore a gaping hole in the side of the bus. (Seattle Times, 23 July 08)

Islamic terror groups still pose a threat to Beijing Olympic Games

The Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) poses a real threat to the Beijing Olympics because investigations point out that it has been plotting terror attacks on venues, a senior Chinese security official has said. "It's not imaginary. We have been focusing on the ETIM and it has been labelled a terrorist group not only by our country, but also by the international community," Ma Zhenchuan, director of the security command of the Beijing Games, said."Intelligence reports show the group has been planning to carry out terrorist attacks during the Games," Ma told China Central Television (CCTV), stressing that his command had already worked out detailed counter-terrorism plans. Police in Kashgar in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region said last week that they had busted 12 wings of trans-national terrorist groups, including the ETIM and the Hizb-e-Tahrir, this year. Earlier this month, the public security bureau in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang, held a press conference to announce that five "terrorist groups" which were hatching plots to attack Games venues had been smashed and 82 people detained.
Police have destroyed 41 bases where Islamic militants used to get training, too, the bureau said. Ma, however, warned that thwarting the ETIM does not mean safety because it is just a part of the terrorist threat to the Olympics."We have been cooperating with the security authorities of all participating countries" to thwart any plot to disrupt the Games. (Beijing News, 21 July 08)

US cyberspying fears hang over Beijing Olympics

US paranoia about Chinese computer hackers has created a diplomatic dilemma about whether or not to warn visitors and business people traveling to next month's Beijing Olympics about cyber-security risks. Last month the department of Homeland Security privately warned government and key private-sector contacts of the cyber-security perils facing overseas travelers from foreign governments. Spying techniques outlined in the advisory, which wasn't made public, included copying the contents of laptop hard disks at border crossing or in hotel rooms and "loading spyware" onto BlackBerry mobile devices, the Wall Street Journal reports. The advisory does not single out any country, but the timing of the alert, two months before the Beijing Olympics and shortly after allegations emerged that a US Commerce secretary's laptop was hacked during a December trip to China, are noteworthy. (The Register, 21 July 08)

5 South Koreans kidnapped in Mexico

An official from South Korea's spy agency says five South Koreans have been kidnapped in Mexico.The official from the National Intelligence Service said Tuesday that the victims, four men and one woman, were seized by unidentified men in Mexico. The official did not give further details and asked not to be named because he was not authorized to speak to the media. (AP, 22 July 08)

China anti-terror manual to enlist Beijing residents

Having deployed surface-to-air missiles, readied a 100,000-strong anti-terrorism force and instituted a series of security checkpoints, Beijing is adding Chinese residents as another layer in its shield to protect Olympics venues against possible attack.  Security officials are publishing a new "anti-terrorism manual" to educate Chinese about possible threats and instructing them how to respond in the event they are captured or encounter a threat…The security-obsessed government has identified a possible terrorist attack as the biggest potential threat to the successful hosting of the Games, which run from August 8-24, and it has widely publicized its security preparations……(Reuters, 18 Jul 08)

US Embassy warns its citizens in Jordan to avoid site of shooting attack

The U.S. Embassy has advised its citizens to avoid the site of a shooting attack near a famed historic spot in Jordan's capital.  The embassy said in a warden message Thursday that Americans visiting Jordan must maintain a high level of security caution, particularly in crowded areas, restaurants, hotels, clubs and shopping centers.

A young Palestinian gunman shot and wounded six people outside the Roman amphitheater in downtown Amman on Wednesday before shooting himself in the head……(AP, 17 Jul 08)

Israel warns of abduction of Israeli travelers in Egypt's Sinai

The Counter-Terrorism Bureau of Israeli National Security Council Tuesday issued a warning that terror cells in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula were planning a kidnapping attack on Israeli citizens. The Counter-Terrorism Bureau urged the Israelis traveling in the peninsula to leave immediately. "Terror cells are devising for some time now the kidnapping of Israelis in Sinai, and may execute an abduction attack very soon,"…..(Xinhua, 15 Jul 08)

Molotov cocktail thrown at US Consulate General in Japan, no one injured

An assailant threw a homemade firebomb into the U.S. consulate compound on the southern Japanese island of Okinawa, home to most of the American troops based in Japan, but nobody was injured in the attack, police said.

The Molotov cocktail fell in the garden inside the compound and burned itself out, Okinawan police official Yasuhiko Yoshinaga said. He declined to give further details.  A local resident told police that a person driving a black motorbike fled the scene after the attack…..(AP, 14 Jul 08)

China vows to boost Olympic security

China vowed Sunday to step up security for the Beijing Olympics, warning of an unprecedented threat to the Games amid reports that two "terrorists" were executed in the mainly Muslim far northwest.  With up to 80 heads of state expected to attend the August 8 opening ceremony, China said it was faced with a "huge responsibility" to defend its own people, Olympic athletes and visiting dignitaries. Rioting and looting in Tibet this year and recent police battles with "terrorist groups" in far northwest Xinjiang region were evidence of real threats to sabotage the Games……(AFP, 13 Jul 08)

China warns of Muslim terrorist threat ahead of Olympics

China insisted on Thursday it faced a serious terror threat in its Muslim-majority far northwest ahead of the Olympics, as it announced 82 "suspected terrorists" had been detained there this year.  The 82 belonged to five groups that "allegedly plotted sabotage against the Beijing Olympics," the official Xinhua news agency reported, citing the police chief in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang region that borders Central Asia……(AFP, 10 Jul 08)

Beijing Olympics: spies embedded in tickets

The Chinese Olympics committee has confirmed that if you buy a ticket for the opening or closing ceremony of the games, your pass will be fitted with a barcode-like microchip that contains your personal details. According to the blog Danwei, the chip measures 3mm2 and is 50 microns thick. Despite its size, the minuscule piece of technology, developed by Beijing's Tsinghua University, contains the holder's photo, passport number, street address and email address. (The Observers, 9 July 08)

Georgia and South Ossetia are teetering on the brink of war

Yesterday the tensions in the zone of the Georgia – South Ossetia conflict got so much fueled that they were about to result in a military confrontation. In response to the detention of four Georgian military by South Ossetian security officers Tbilisi threatened to use force when freeing those “kidnapped.” The strain was taken off as Tskhinvali decided to release the captives, though a high combat readiness level was declared in South Ossetia. Both Russia and the USA are worried about the explosive situation in Georgia. Moscow has put the question of the situation in the region for discussion in the UN Security Council, and Washington has urged to change the format of the peace-keeping mission in Abkhazia, putting the blame on Moscow. (Kommersant, 9 July 08)

3 Police and 3 Gunmen Die in Attack on U.S. Post in Turkey

A group of unidentified gunmen opened fire on Turkish security guards outside the United States Consulate in Istanbul on Wednesday, the Turkish authorities said, and at least three police officers and three assailants were killed. Officials said that a fourth assailant escaped. The late-morning attack was the first on a diplomatic mission in the city since 2003 when 62 people were killed in assaults on the British consulate, a bank and two synagogues. While the motives behind this attack were not immediately clear, Turkish officials described the gunmen as terrorists.....(New York Times, 10 Jul 08)

June 2008

China to use unmanned security drones at Olympics

China plans to use unmanned security drones to patrol the skies over the Olympic sailing venue of Qingdao, state media reported Friday.  The drones were tested for the first time during a drill Wednesday in Jinan, the capital of eastern Shandong province, according to the official Xinhua News Agency. They are intended to scout out suspicious activity and transmit photos and videos back to a command station.  During the drill, two armed police personnel piloted the aircraft by remote from a location more than 50 yards away……(AP, 4 Jul 08)

U.S. Embassy reopens for normal operations

The U.S. Embassy in Colombo, which has been closed to the public since June 25 after a suspicious powder was found, will reopen for normal operations Tuesday, according to a press release issued by the U.S. Embassy in Colombo. An investigation determined that the powder found in the Visa section of the complex did not pose a danger……(Tamil Net, 30 Jun 08)

UAE dismisses British and US warnings of attacks

The president of the United Arab Emirates downplayed warnings issued by the British and US embassies to their citizens in the UAE to be on their guard against terror, in remarks reported on Sunday. "We respect the right of each state to take precautions to protect its citizens," Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan said in an interview published in local newspapers. "But we think that the (warnings) were no more than the normal practice followed by embassies in dealing with any piece of information or rumour they receive, no matter how true it may be,"…..(AFP, 29 Jun 08)

Olympic host Beijing to introduce subway security checks: report

Beijing subway passengers will be greeted by police officers carrying out security checks beginning on Sunday as part of an Olympic anti-terror drive, state media reported. Guns, ammunition, explosives and poisonous material will be the focus of the checks, Xinhua news agency said, citing an spokesman of Beijing's Mass Transit Railway Operation. The security campaign will be carried out until September 20, three days after the end of the Paralympics……(AFP, 27 Jun 08)

U.S. embassy in Venezuela says receives bomb threat

The United States Embassy in Venezuela received a bomb threat on Thursday, an embassy spokeswoman said, though the embassy has only closed the parking lot and not the embassy itself.  "Someone called in (a bomb threat) and said there was something in the parking lot. We are just checking the cars that are there," spokeswoman Robin Holzhauer said.  "People have not been able to come into that parking lot, but the embassy itself is open,"…….(Reuters, 26 Jun 08)

‘Terrorists may abduct British, American employees in Sindh’

The Interior Ministry has issued a warning that members of a terrorist group have entered Sindh and may kidnap British and American nationals working in the province for ransom, Geo News reported on Wednesday. The channel quoted ministry sources as saying that the terrorist group belonged to Waziristan and might kidnap British and American nationals working in Sindh…….(Daily Times, 26 Jun 08)

US Embassy in Sri Lanka closes temporarily after suspicious powder found

The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka announced its temporary closure Wednesday after a suspicious power was found on the premises. The powder, which was discovered Wednesday morning, will be sent for laboratory testing, the embassy said in a statement. The embassy will be closed to the public until it can be determined that the substance does not pose a risk to health or safety……(AP, 25 Jun 08)

Beijing gets ground - to - air defense

China has stationed a battery of ground-to-air missiles just 300 yards from a Beijing Olympic venue, the latest sign of tightening security with the games just 6 1/2 weeks away. The fenced-off military compound has been set up just south of the Olympic Sports Center Stadium, a venue for soccer and modern pentathlon. It's also within a half mile of the Water Cube and the Bird's Nest National Stadium, the $450 million showpiece venue of the games. At least two Hongqi 7 missile launchers were visible behind a 7-foot fence, with military hardware and vehicles hidden under camouflage netting……(AP, 25 Jun 08)

Billions more needed to secure US embassies

Despite an intensive $4 billion drive to protect U.S. embassies, at least 150 American missions abroad fall short of security standards put in place after deadly bombings, The Associated Press has learned. It will cost twice that amount to replace or renovate just the most vulnerable ones, according to documents the AP reviewed. The push to upgrade security began in earnest after bombings of the American embassies in Kenya and Tanzania a decade ago. The attacks killed 231 people, including 12 Americans. The security effort took on new urgency after strikes of Sept. 11, 2001, which led to government-wide vulnerability reviews……(AP, 22 Jun 08)

Euro Soccer Finals Are Terror Target

US and European security officials tell ABC News that they have identified threat information pointing to a possible terror attack in Austria or Switzerland during the ongoing European Championship soccer tournament. According to four security, law enforcement and intelligence officials from four separate agencies who were briefed on the matter there is a significant, ongoing concern over an Al Qaeda inspired attack at the Euro 2008 tournament -- possibly one conducted by Algerian terrorists. …..(ABC, 20 Jun 08)

Hong Kong says no evidence of Olympic terror risk

Hong Kong has no evidence to suggest it is a possible target for attacks during the Olympics, the government said, playing down comments from the city's immigration director of a terrorist threat. "Despite the risk inherent in large Olympic events, there is currently no intelligence to suggest that Hong Kong is likely to be a target for terrorism during the equestrian events," a government spokesman said in a statement released late Monday. "The terrorist threat level remains moderate."…..(AFP, 17 Jun 08)

Foreign Office raises terrorism threat to Dubai travelers

British holidaymakers heading to Dubai have been warned of an increased threat from terrorist attacks in the region. The warning came from the Foreign Office and applies to the United Arab Emirates as a whole. The alert, posted on the FCO website yesterday sees the terrorism threat raised from general to high, although the organization stopped short of advising travelers against visiting the country altogether……(Times Online, 17 Jun 08)

China appoints Olympic terror expert

China has appointed a top terrorism expert to a leading public security post following a series of alleged plots against this summer's Beijing Olympics, an official notice said Monday. Yang Huanning, 51, has worked for years in central government bodies dedicated to battling opponents in the restive western regions of Xinjiang and Tibet, according to his resume posted on official Web sites…….(AP, 16 Jun 08)

Britain raises threat alert for UAE

Britain has warned its nationals traveling to the United Arab Emirates of a "high threat from terrorism," raising its alert for the Gulf Arab trade hub that is home to large community of British expatriates. The British Embassy in Dubai declined to specify what had prompted the change, saying that threat alerts were continually being reviewed based on a variety of information. The previous level referred to a "general threat from terrorism."…..(Reuters, 16 Jun 08)

US citizens warned on travel in Djibouti

The U.S. Embassy in the tiny port nation of Djibouti, a key U.S. ally in the Horn of Africa, warned American citizens against traveling near the border with Eritrea after the two countries exchanged fire. At least nine Djiboutians were killed and more than 60 injured in fighting this week, State Department spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos said, condemning Eritrea's "military aggression" toward Djibouti…….(AP, 12 Jun 08)

US Embassy urges caution to citizens

The United States embassy on Tuesday urged Americans living in Pakistan to avoid areas of demonstrations and exercise caution. A ‘Demonstration Alert’ issued in connection with the lawyers’ long march, which started on June 9, cautioned Americans to “stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times”……(Daily Times, 11 Jun 08)

Pak to provide additional security to diplomats

The Pakistan government on Thursday called in additional security forces to provide protection to diplomats in the capital in the wake of a suicide car bombing outside the Danish Embassy. Rehman Malik, the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Interior Affairs, issued instructions for additional Frontier Constabulary personnel to be placed at the disposal of the Islamabad police for providing security cover to diplomats……(Times of India, 6 Jun 08)

U.S., British diplomats attacked in Zimbabwe

U.S. diplomats and British colleagues were attacked as they tried to investigate political violence in Zimbabwe, American officials said Thursday. The U.S. ambassador reportedly blamed the incident on President Robert Mugabe's government. "Police put up a roadblock, stopped the vehicles, slashed the tires, reached in and grabbed telephones from my personnel, and the war veterans (Mugabe's supporters) threatened to burn the vehicles with my people inside unless they got out and accompanied police to a station nearby," Reuters quoted U.S. Ambassador James McGee as saying……(MSNBC, 5 Jun 08)

Al-Qaida threatens Norway

Terrorist organization al-Qaida, which has claimed responsibility for Monday’s bombing of the Danish Embassy in Pakistan, now is making threats against Norway as well. Al-Qaida's leader in Afghanistan, Mustafa Abu al-Yazid, reported in a written bulletin Thursday that it carried out the terrorist attack on the Danish Embassy in Islamabad. The bombing killed eight persons, injured 35 and also caused extensive damage in the area. The blast blew out windows at the Norwegian Embassy, which is located just a few hundred meters from the Danish overseas mission…..(Aftenposten, 5 Jun 08)

Six embassies under threat

Norway's embassy in Pakistan remained closed on Tuesday, following Monday's terrorist attack on the nearby Danish Embassy. Foreign Ministry officials believe the threat of attack on five other Norwegian embassies is also high, and security measures are being further increased.  Newspaper Aftenposten reported Tuesday that an internal list at the Foreign Ministry identifies six Norwegian embassies where the threat of terrorist attack is viewed as especially high. They include the embassy in Islamabad plus the embassies in Afghanistan, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Algeria and the Palestinian region at Al-Ram…….(Aftenposten, 3 Jun 08)

US advocates caution in light of Danish Embassy blast

The United States Embassy on Monday urged Americans living in Pakistan to avoid the site of the blast that occurred at the Danish Embassy in Islamabad, following the explosion of a large bomb in the area. In a Warden Notice released on its website, the US reminded “all Americans to use extra precautions when traveling throughout the city”. The embassy recommended that Americans defer all non-essential travel to Pakistan. It also recommended to all American citizens that they should vary their routes and times, avoid areas where Westerners are known to congregate, and maintain a low profile….(Daily Times, 3 Jun 08)

“Our Embassy in Algeria still facing terror threat”

Denmark’s Foreign Affairs Minister said the Embassy of his country in Algeria has received serious threats from Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. In a statement delivered to journalist on the wake of the suicide attack targeting Denmark Embassy in Islam Abad, Pakistan, Per Stig Moller mentioned Denmark has raised, to the top, security reinforcements around its embassies, including in Algeria……(El Khabar, 3 Jun 08)

Norway closes embassy in Islamabad after attack on Danish mission

Norway temporarily closed its embassy in Islamabad on Monday after a suicide bomb attack outside the Danish embassy in the Pakistani capital killed at least eight people, the Norwegian foreign ministry said……(Hindustan Times, 2 Jun 08)

China says Beijing Olympics faces security challenge

The Beijing Olympic Games will face bigger security challenges compared with previous games because of the threat of a terrorist attack, a top Chinese military official said on Sunday. Ma Xiaotian, deputy chief of general staff of the People's Liberation Army, told Reuters at the sidelines of a security conference in Singapore, that the development of "terrorism forces" has led to a greater security challenge for the Beijing games in August. "Given the situation of the expansion of international terrorism forces who are bent on destroying all things good, I think this year's Beijing Olympic Games will face bigger challenges compared to previous years."…..(Reuters, 1 Jun 08)

May 2008

Police say security assured at Euro 2008

Security services were put to the test ahead of Euro 2008 in the Swiss capital Berne on Wednesday and claimed operation Steilpass 08 was a great success.  The exercise involved 500 police, firemen, doctors and members of the public, and organizers said they felt convinced they could guarantee security in the canton during the tournament…..(Expatica, 29 May 08)

Terrorism and the Olympics

The reports of terror plots emanating this year from this Muslim region in the far west of China might seem fanciful: A foiled plot to blow up a plane; a cache of TNT to bomb the Summer Olympics; even a “violent terrorist gang” that planned to kidnap Olympic athletes. But these aren’t whispers on the Internet. They’re reports coming from the Chinese government…..(New York Times, 29 May 08)

London 2012 Olympics: 'Dirty bomb' warning

The London Olympics face the threat of being targeted by terrorists using "dirty bombs", according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. The agency claim that the threat of radioactive materials being unleashed at Olympic venues also exists for the Beijing Games, which open here on Aug 8. The IAEA are carrying out exercises in Beijing this week and Dr Anita Nilsson, their head of nuclear security, told the BBC that the agency were acting on intelligence that terrorists were actively seeking the components of a "dirty bomb."….(Telegraph, 21 May 08)

Euro 2008 and Terrorism

In 23 days the 2008 European soccer Cup (Euro 2008), this year hosted jointly by Austria and Switzerland, will kickoff. As for any event attracting large crowds and global attention in today’s age, authorities are worried about potential terrorist threats. The Euro Cup, in a way, presents the same security features of a Super Bowl, but it is held in 8 different cities over 3 weeks and with the participation of 16 national teams, making security planning significantly more complicated… On one hand major mediatic attention, the possibility of targeting large crowds (in and out of stadiums) and striking at Europe’s most cherished pastime make Euro 2008 a potential target for terrorists. Austria and Switzerland have a small presence of militants and sympathizers (even though in borderless Europe this has only limited relevance, as the threat could easily come from militants based in other European countries). Austria has recently dismantled its first homegrown network, which was running the German-language branch of the Global Islamic Media Front. The 2007 security report recently released by Swiss federal authorities clearly points to homegrown jihadist networks as “the most serious threat” to the country’s security. On the other hand, there is no reason to be alarmists. Not only is there no specific threat, but terrorists like surprises and easy targets and events such as Euro 2008 offer neither. Most of the plots described above, aside from the one targeting the 1998 World Cup in France, seem to have been either very abstract or very amateurish, often little more than just wishes……(Counterterrorism Blog, 15 May 08)

Al-Qa'eda 'is planning to attack Euro 2008'

Police in Switzerland have warned that al-Qa'eda sympathisers could be planning a terrorist strike on the Euro 2008 football championships. Islamic militants have called for terrorist attacks during the tournament next month in messages posted on jihadist websites, said police in Geneva. The championships in Switzerland and Austria start on June 7. The Swiss federal police spokesman, Juerg Buehler, told the newspaper La Liberte that the tournament "is a target cited by the Islamist terrorist network" on websites……(Telegraph, 17 May 08)

Qaeda claims attack on Italian embassy in Yemen

An al Qaeda-linked group claimed responsibility on Saturday for a failed mortar attack on the Italian embassy in the Yemeni capital Sanaa three days ago. "Al Qaeda Organization in the Arabian Peninsula - Yemen Soldiers Brigades - claims responsibility for the blessed operation ... on the morning of Wednesday April 30, 2008, (that attacked) the Italian embassy building in Sanaa with two mortar shells,"…It said the attack was aimed at expelling infidels from the Arabian Peninsula, home to Islam's holiest sites……(Reuters, 3 May 08)

April 2008

Denmark Evacuates Embassies over Prophet Cartoon Issue

The Danish Foreign Ministry announced this week that it has evacuated its staff from embassies in Algeria and Afghanistan because of threats after newspapers reprinted a cartoon depicting the Muslim prophet Mohammed.

Embassy employees in the Algerian capital, Algiers, and the Afghan capital, Kabul, would continue to work out of "secret locations" in those cities, and would be reachable by phone and email……(Cutting Edge, 28 Apr 08)

Interpol warns of attack at Olympics

The head of Interpol said Friday that there is a "real possibility" that the Beijing Olympics will be targeted by terrorists or that anti-China groups could attack athletes. China, whose Communist rulers value stability above all else, have come down hard on anyone they fear could upset the Games, from people protesting against the demolition of their houses for venues to the country's sometimes restless ethnic minorities. "An attempted act of terrorism is a real possibility and a real concern that all Olympic host countries have shared in recent years,"….(MSNBC, 25 Apr 08)

U.S. Embassy in Kabul Not Safe Say Former Managers

Two former employees of the private firm in charge of handling security at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul say they were fired after raising concerns about the safety at the embassy and for sharing their concerns with the State Department. They plan to file a lawsuit tomorrow alleging that their employer won the $187 million contract only after it significantly overstated its capabilities and the experience of its staff.…..(ABC, 23 Apr 08)

Europeans see higher terror threat

Al Qaeda's No. 2 leader Ayman al-Zawahiri said reprisals were possible in Denmark, Japan, Norway, and Sweden, in an audiotape released Tuesday. Coming in the wake of messages from Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in March, the comments have raised concerns about the potential for new attacks in the West. In some European countries, terror-threat levels have been elevated, with both Britain and Dutch leaders announcing in recent weeks that the potential for terror activity appeared to be increasing……(Christian Science Monitor, 23 Apr 08)

Denmark evacuates embassies in Algeria, Afghanistan

The Danish Foreign Ministry said Wednesday that it has evacuated its staff from embassies in Algeria and Afghanistan because of threats after newspapers reprinted a cartoon depicting the Muslim prophet Muhammad.

Embassy employees have been moved to secret locations in both countries' capitals but continue to work, Foreign Ministry spokesman Erik Laursen said. The announcement comes after Danish intelligence officials warned of an "aggravated" terror threat against Denmark since newspapers in the country in February of a cartoon depicting the Prophet Muhammad…..(AP, 23 Apr 08)

U.S. State Department Renews Lebanon Warning, Cites Tensions

The U.S. State Department issued a new travel warning for its nationals in Lebanon, citing political tensions and a threat of attack on American interests. “The Department of State continues to strongly urge that Americans defer travel to Lebanon and that American citizens in Lebanon consider carefully the risks of remaining,” it said in a statement posted on its Web site late yesterday. “The U.S. remains concerned about the threat of terrorist attacks against Western and Lebanese government interests in Lebanon.”….(Bloomberg, 22 Apr 08)

UN closes some offices in Yemen, citing security concerns

The United Nations has put up blast walls around its main headquarters and closed some of its offices in Yemen because of security concerns in the country, U.N. and Yemeni officials said Sunday. The changes, which include pulling out some nonessential staffers, follow an attack earlier this month on a housing complex for Western diplomats in Yemen's capital and a mortar attack last month on the U.S. Embassy…..(AP, 20 Apr 08)

Dutch embassy in Pakistan shifted to hotel after anti-Quran film raises security fears

The Netherlands has shifted its embassy in the Pakistani capital to a luxury hotel because of security worries following the release of a film criticizing Islam. The film by right-wing Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders has triggered street protests in Pakistan and other Muslim countries and calls for a boycott of Dutch goods…..(AP, 17 Apr 08)

US Envoy to Iraq Says New Embassy Ready

U.S. diplomats will begin moving into the mammoth new, heavily fortified embassy in Baghdad next month after long delays in the $736 million project _ and not a moment too soon. Increasing rocket attacks on the Green Zone have killed four Americans in recent weeks and have embassy staff wearing body armor and ducking for cover. U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker said Friday that construction is complete at the Vatican-sized compound and that although not all buildings have yet been certified for final occupancy, transition to the facility from the less-protected location in a Saddam Hussein-era palace should start at the end of May……(AP, 11 Apr 08)

Philippines: Tight security at embassies amid terrorism fears

Foreign embassies are under increased surveillance in the Philippines’ capital Manila, as security forces fear a terrorist attack. Makati City police director superintendent Gilbert Cruz said that the embassies of the United Kingdom, Israel and Australia in particular were facing increased scrutiny and protection. “The added regular police patrols in the embassies will complement the existing security arrangements, which include the embassies' own guards and Philippine Marines personnel,”…..(AKI, 11 Apr 08)

US, Australia warn of terror attacks in RP

The US and Australian embassies warned Wednesday their citizens of the threat of terrorist attacks in the Philippines. In Zamboanga City, a plot to bomb a bus was foiled after police and troops recovered a US-made grenade rigged to the vehicle……(ABS-CBN, 4 Apr 08)

Palau Leader Stranded at Manila Airport

The president of the Pacific nation of Palau was briefly stranded in the Philippine capital when a U.S. airline refused to allow him aboard a flight without being frisked, officials said Thursday. Adding a bizarre twist to the incident, the Continental Airlines flight that Palau President Tommy Remengasau would have boarded was targeted by a bomb threat called in to police and was forced to turn back. No bomb was found. Police would not say whether the two incidents might be linked…..(AP, 3 Apr 08)

Belarus wants U.S. embassy staff cut to seven

Ex-Soviet Belarus, at odds with the United States over sanctions and human rights, said on Wednesday it had asked Washington for a new staffing cut of more than 50 percent at its Minsk embassy. The U.S. ambassador left Belarus last month at the urging of authorities and the reduction is the second demanded by Minsk, which wants sanctions against Belarus dropped -- mainly measures against national oil products firm Belneftekhim. Deputy Foreign Minister Viktor Gaisyonok said Belarus had told Washington it wanted each side to have a diplomatic staff of seven. The earlier cut left staff at the Minsk embassy at 17……(Reuters, 2 Apr 08)

Dutch embassy damaged in Indonesia protests

About 50 students broke into a Dutch consulate compound in Indonesia Wednesday to protest a film by a Dutch lawmaker that many Muslims consider anti-Islamic. The protesters tore off the gate of the embassy in the city of Medan and ripped down a flag, said Dutch Embassy spokeswoman Gonneke de Ridder. Local television carried pictures of police dispersing and rounding up demonstrators……(CNN, 2 Apr 08)

US Embassy Warns of Possible Kidnappings

The U.S. Embassy warned its citizens Tuesday that "extremist elements" planned to kidnap Americans and other foreigners in a southern Philippine city where U.S. counterterrorism troops have been deployed. "Extremist elements may be planning to kidnap Americans or other foreigners at hotels or other public places in the Zamboanga city area," it said in an e-mail……(AP, 1 Apr 08)

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