Summer Lovin': Terror Style
From Yahoo News:U.S. officials have obtained new intelligence deemed highly credible indicating al-Qaida or other terrorists are in the United States and preparing to launch a major attack this summer, The Associated Press has learned.From My Way News:
The intelligence does not include a time, place or method of attack but is among the most disturbing received by the government since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, according to a senior federal counterterrorism official who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Tuesday.
Of most concern, the official said, is that terrorists may possess and use a chemical, biological or radiological weapon that could cause much more damage and casualties than a conventional bomb.
Attorney General John Ashcroft and FBI Director Robert Mueller are due to hold a 2 p.m. news conference at FBI headquarters on Wednesday to give details of the threat, the officials said.From WorldNetDaily:
One law enforcement official said Mueller and Ashcroft would announce an FBI "be on the lookout" bulletin and give specific information about individuals the FBI is seeking.
"It's more investigatory...there's nothing to do with infrastructure protection," the official said.
The Department of Homeland Security has no plans to raise the color-coded terror alert level, which is currently set at "yellow" for an "elevated" risk of attack, officials said.
Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge has warned since April of potential threats in the United States over the summer, including during this week's Memorial Day holiday weekend.
Other events seen as vulnerable are the Group of Eight summit in Savannah, Georgia next month, the Fourth of July holiday and the Democratic and Republican national conventions toward the end of the summer.
Al-Qaida has operatives currently within the United States who are preparing to mount a major terrorist attack on America this summer, according to government intelligence deemed to be highly credible.
The prediction was made public after a study by the International Institute of Strategic Studies revealed that despite the elimination of many top terror leaders – President Bush says two thirds of al-Qaida's leadership has been killed or captured – the terror network responsible for 9-11 still has a functioning leadership and over 18,000 potential terrorists in its global network, reports Fox News.
Matt's Chat
Please note that there is no actionable intelligence at this time. Remember that should something happen. Because there will be another 9/11 Commission and we'll go through all that crap again.My advice: Don't change your plans. If you were going to go somewhere, go. If we give in to these fearmongering press, the terrorists win. And who wants that?
Mark's Remarks
While I tend to discount the fearmongering press liberal elite, still, this does give one some pause. Now, while I am NOT in favor of shutting up the doors and getting out the saranwrap and duct tape, I do think we need to be on guard. Notice anything suspicious? Report it immediately. And remember, there is not a shred of actionable intel here, as Matt said. All we are getting is something might happen. So, what do we do? Obviously there will be increased security at the Group of 8, as well as the D and R conventions. And we use the benefits of the Patriot Act to investigate and find out more information. Other than that, live your lives as you would. Bask in the glory of freedom, but be ever watchful. Don't forget that terror can strike, but at the same time, do not let it paralyze you in fear.
