I don’t put much stock in the threat of major attacks on symbolic dates. Operational factors dictate the timing of attacks in most cases. These alert periods, with their increased security, can also diminish the attacker’s chances of success. But overwhelmed travel networks, huge crowds, and the emotional impact of a holiday attack may prove to be too tempting a target to pass up. That fear appears to be spreading through Europe’s law enforcement and intelligence communities this year:
“The threat is at its highest level,” said the official, who spoke anonymously.
“All [security] services are on tenterhooks, and it’s not just us [in France]. Work is under way everywhere, but nothing concrete is emerging.” Those fears were echoed in Britain, already on edge after the alleged failed plot to bring down airliners over the Atlantic in August.
Home Secretary John Reid said last weekend it was “highly likely” terrorists would attempt to mount an attack over the holiday period.
Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller, the head of MI5, has said her agents are tracking almost 30 terrorist plots involving 1,600 suspects, and that at least five major plots had been thwarted since the 2005 bomb attacks in London.
Hopefully, these fears aren’t tied to unconfirmed reports of radioactive material smuggled through Albania. We’re also expecting a Christmas message from al-Qaeda:
A new video message by al-Qaeda’s second in command Ayman al-Zawahiri will be released in the coming days, according to a report posted on Islamic fundamentalist websites Monday. The video was made by the al-Sahab company which has produced other messages by the terrorist network, says the report. The new message will reportedly focus on the “truth about the fight between Islam and unbelievers.” According to some Islamic forum users al-Zawahiri will also discuss relations between the West and Islam after the historic trip of Pope Benedict XVI to Turkey on 28 November-1 December.
Europe isn’t alone. There are also concerns about Indonesia. The latest warden message on the U.S. Embassy Jakarta website warns Americans to keep a low profile:
The U.S. Embassy reminds Americans in Indonesia of the continued serious security threat to Americans and other westerners in Indonesia. In recent years terrorist attacks have occurred in Jakarta and elsewhere during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season. The Embassy urges Americans to remain vigilant about security at all times.
Terrorist attacks could occur at any time and could be directed against any location, including those frequented by foreigners and identifiably American or other western facilities or businesses in Indonesia. Such targets could include but are not limited to places where Americans and other Westerners live, congregate, shop or visit, including hotels, clubs, restaurants, shopping centers, identifiably western businesses, housing compounds, transportation systems, places of worship, schools or public recreation events. Terrorists in Indonesia have most often directed attacks at specific buildings or locations. The possibility exists that individual Americans could be targeted for kidnapping or assault.
The Embassy urges Americans in Indonesia to evaluate carefully the security implications of their daily activities, and to consider the level of security provided when choosing venues for holiday celebrations, religious services, and recreation and travel. Americans should observe vigilant personal security precautions at all times, be aware of their surroundings, and vary the routes and times of their daily activities.
Torpedo Attack? South Korean Ship Sinking After Suspected Attack by North Korea
This is a developing story but here’s the initial Reuters alert: A South Korean naval vessel with more than 100 aboard was sinking on Friday in waters near North Korea...
Operation Gratitude Kicks Off Holiday Drive
The next couple of weeks, before you’re buried by holiday activities, is a great time to take a couple of minutes and do something for the troops: Volunteers are in...
Iran: Europe Indebted to Muslims
Iran has serious self-confidence issues: Expediency Council Chairman Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said here Wednesday that undoubtedly, Europe owes its scientific development to Muslims scientists especially Iranians. “Unfortunately, the world of...
Honor Killings on the Rise – In London
Straight from the Crown Prosecution Service: Honour crimes in London are on the increase, with police recording four a week since last summer. They believe an honour killing is being...
Young People of America…Rise Up and Rebel!
That’s the title of an Wharton County Junior College professor’s essay that appears on a Venezuelan news site and Indymedia: Just over 50 years ago it was No Gun Ri....
