Vigilance against terrorism vital in person, online

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. – Some security threats may have changed form, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic. While the threats may seem less visible, it remains vital to be vigilant in real life and online for signs of potential terrorism.

August is Antiterrorism Awareness Month, and a reminder that “terrorism is an enduring, persistent threat to our nation and our Army both in the homeland and abroad,” said Bill Fedak, Fort Campbell’s installation antiterrorism officer.

While everyone must be vigilant year-round, the focus on antiterrorism in August is intended to further understanding of the threats and build heightened awareness for members of the Army community, Fedak said.

“Preventing terrorism or acts of violent extremism does not require special training,” he said. “If you ‘See Something, Say Something’ means everyone is a sensor for law enforcement.”

Reporting suspicious activity or unusual behavior and activities could prevent attacks of various sorts. Complacency or delayed reporting of suspicious activities could give a culprit the opportunity to carry out acts that could endanger Army critical assets – from people to infrastructure and sensitive information.

COVID-19 presents new threats
The COVID-19 pandemic that led to so many people working remotely also opened avenues for those looking for new ways to carry out scams, obtain information and potentially disrupt work or safety precautions online.

“A first for many, teleworking was conducted by many Americans, including many in the military and other government personnel, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” Fedak said. “This achieved social distancing intent of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention while attending to productivity requirements of industry and government. Unfortunately, this environment also introduced a host of possibilities for nefarious cyber actors to attempt phishing operations with the aim to gain access to private networks being used in many teleworking homes across the nation.”

He stressed the importance of maintaining the same vigilance when working from home as you would in your regular workplaces. That means not opening unknown URLs that pop up on screens, not opening emails from unknown parties and following security routines used when working online, regardless of location.

“The threat of terrorist attack and exploitation by violent extremists against our homeland and communities is real,” Fedak said. “Directed against our Army, whether successful or not, would demonstrate the conspirator’s ability to strike at the heart of our American values. The strength and efforts we direct toward security and awareness is the backbone of our prevention and protection, and reflects the strength of our nation as a whole.”


What to look for
Fedak said in addition to those who draw “twisted inspiration from foreign terrorist organization propaganda” there are violent domestic extremists who may be motivated by personal grievances or ideologies that they may keep hidden.

By watching for comments on social media that promote harm or violence against any individual or group, others can help law enforcement detect potential problems. Reporting posts that promote criminal, extreme or terrorist acts could be the key to stopping these acts from taking place.

“Historically, investigators have found that some people who were enamored with previous attackers’ manifestos and online ramblings made their affection known to others around them prior to carrying out their own attack,” Fedak said. “In these cases, indicators should have been reported to authorities. When in doubt, report it anyway. Go with your gut and be on the safe side.”

In an age of masks, it is still important to be on the lookout for people who seem out of place. Be on the lookout for unfamiliar people in secure areas or areas they should not be in, those asking security-related questions or loitering, he said.

Watch for unauthorized photography of military facilities, sensitive areas or access control points, notice unattended briefcases, suitcases, backpacks or packages and unattended vehicles left in parking lots, no-parking zones or in front of important buildings, Fedak said.

For information about how to report suspicious activity, visit https://www.dhs.gov/how-do-i/report-suspicious-activity or https://www.dhs.gov/how-do-i/report-suspicious-activity

Weekly Update: DHS Response to COVID-19

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its committed workforce cross more than a dozen offices. For months, DHS has taken on the challenges presented by COVID-19 and continues to remain focused on security and safety for the American people. The Department and its components continue to prove its resiliency in the face of adversity to ensure a safe, secure, and prosperous Homeland for the American people. “The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a noticeable shift in our nation’s cyber risk,” said CISA Director Christopher Krebs.  “At CISA, we’ve changed our posture to reflect this new risk environment.  For example, with more Americans working and learning at home, we’ve developed a number of resources that both individuals and organizations can use to improve their cybersecurity.  As malicious cyber actors continue to target organizations involved in the COVID-19 response, including vaccine research and development, we’ve issued joint alerts with our international partners and stand ready to support incident response.  And with the 2020 election quickly approaching, we’re working with election state and local officials to better understand and manage risks associated with changes in the way many Americans will vote this fall.  This is a big undertaking, so we’re also strengthening our team at CISA, bringing top cybersecurity experts on board to support the response to COVID-19 threats.  We all have a role to play here, and CISA will continue to do our part, working with our partners across government and industry as the nation responds to the COVID-19 pandemic.” Below is a list of some of DHS’s efforts against COVID-19 last week: Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Strengthening the Team. On July 22nd, CISA announced the addition of two top cybersecurity experts to support the agency’s COVID-19 response, with more to come.  The agency is taking advantage of hiring authorities granted in the CARES Act, which allows agencies to hire staff to temporarily support the COVID-19 response, therefore bolstering their efforts. Making Elections More Resilient. On July 22nd, CISA released two guides to support state and local election officials as they shift toward voting environments that are different than Americans are used to. The Cyber Incident Detection and Notification Planning Guide for election security helps jurisdictions effectively recognize and respond to potential cyber incidents, and the Innovative Practices and New Solutions Guide shares ideas and practices for election administrators to consider. The agency continues to provide support and resources to all 50 states and thousands of local jurisdictions. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)   Coordinating Deployment of Federal Personnel to Support States’ Efforts. FEMA continues to lead the operational coordination for the federal interagency response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of July 23rd, there are over 32,600 federal personnel deployed across the country from FEMA, CDC, HHS, DoD and National Guard to support state, local, tribal and territorial COVID-19 response efforts. FEMA and our interagency partners are constantly tailoring staffing and resources across agencies, always ensuring we can provide support when and where it’s needed most. Providing Critical Funding and Personal Protective Equipment. As of July 25th, FEMA has obligated $8.7 billion in support of COVID-19 efforts, including funding for PPE, temporary medical facilities, Title 32 National Guard troops, Crisis Counseling, Public Assistance Category B Emergency Protective Measures and other critical commodities. As of July 26th, FEMA and HHS have coordinated the delivery of 105.1 million N95 respirators, 159.3 million surgical masks, 16.5 million face shields, 139.4 million gloves, 68.4 million surgical gowns and 6.2 million coveralls. Supporting Administration’s COVID-19 Testing Strategy. FEMA continues to source and procure testing material – specifically, testing swabs and transport media – to support the White House Coronavirus Task Force and the Administration’s Testing Blueprint. As of July 25th, FEMA has procured and delivered more than 41.7 million swabs and 32.8 million units of media. The FEMA-sourced material will be provided to states, territories, and tribes for a limited duration to help increase testing capacity in support of their individualized plans. Protecting our Nation’s Nursing Homes. On July 22nd, FEMA completed the second shipment of all PPE except face shields to 15,440 nursing homes. Face shields are currently in the delivery process and will reach all nursing homes over the next three weeks. To date, FEMA has shipped over 30,200 packages of medical supplies to nursing homes in 53 states and territories. FEMA coordinated two shipments totaling a 14-day supply of personal protective equipment to all 15,440 Medicaid and Medicare-certified nursing homes to supplement existing efforts to provide equipment to nursing homes. Providing Full Federal Reimbursement for States’ National Guard Forces. As of July 26th, 23,618 National Guard troops have activated in T-32 duty status and 302 troops have activated in State Active Duty status to help with testing and other response efforts. To date, President Trump has approved 50 National Guard requests for federal support for the use of National Guard personnel in a Title 32 duty status through August 21st. For those states and territories that are approved under these criteria, FEMA executed a fully reimbursable mission assignment to the Department of Defense, including reimbursement for pay and allowances of National Guard personnel serving in a Title 32 duty status in fulfillment of the FEMA mission assignment. Science and Technology (S&T) Driving Evidence-Based Policymaking. On July 22nd, the DHS Science and Technology Directorate updated its Master Question List (MQL), and does so weekly to compile available research on operationally-relevant questions to aid decision makers in the COVID-19 response. The MQL is a quick-reference guide covering what is known about the virus, what additional information is needed, and who may be working to address these fundamental questions. New entries include: Respirator decontamination methods appear to maintain filtration efficiency after repeated decontamination cycles. According to 3M, several decontamination methods, including vaporous hydrogen peroxide, moist heat, and UVC, are capable of decontaminating N95 respirators for 10-20 cycles without loss of fit or filtration efficiency. Research reported in Aging Medicine suggests there is evidence that younger and older individuals have longer COVID-19 incubation periods, creating a U-shaped relationship between incubation period length and patient age. The Lancet reported that a randomized clinical trial of remdesivir found no significant clinical benefits, though the trial ended early and there were differences in the treatment vs. placebo patient populations. A study published in Science surmised that undetected cases can lead to elevated risk of re-emergence after restrictions are lifted, highlighting the need for robust testing strategies. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Keeping Americans Safe While Ensuring Continuity of U.S. Travel and Commerce. Between July 19th and July 25th, TSA screened more than 4,622,736 passengers, who have all reached their destinations safely. TSA officers are required to wear facial protection and gloves while on duty at the checkpoint and the agency continues to follow CDC guidance to protect Americans, its workers, and the nation’s transportation system, in support of air travel and all other modes of transportation. Ready to Ensure Safety During the Summer Travel Period. On July 22nd, TSA Administrator Pekoske visited Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) in Georgia to thank TSA employees for their hard work and dedication during the pandemic. He hosted an all-employee town hall from ATL and spotlighted the agency’s “Stay Healthy. Stay Secure” campaign which outlines significant airport checkpoint modifications implemented to contain the spread of COVID-19, comply with CDC guidelines, and support healthy and secure summer travel. United States Coast Guard (USCG) Monitoring Vessels that Pose a Risk to Public Health. As of July 24st, the USCG is tracking 65 cruise ships moored, at anchor, or underway in vicinity of a U.S. port, or with potential to arrive in a US port, with 14,123 crewmembers. This includes an estimated 209 American Citizens crewmembers dispersed among 37 vessels.  The Coast Guard is working with the CDC based on its extension of the No Sail Order for cruise ships, which permits the off-loading of crewmembers following submission of a plan to the CDC.” Reservists. As of July 24nd, the USCG has recalled and deployed 356 Reservists in support of COVID-19 operations. They are activated to serve in numerous types of roles, including work in IT support, medical clinics, PPE warehouses, command centers and other incident management roles, notably assisting federal partners such as HHS, and supporting state emergency operations centers on behalf of FEMA. It’s the Coast Guard mission to fulfill our civil and military responsibilities to protect America’s security, prosperity, and other national interest. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Keeping the Public Safe from COVID-19-related Fraud. ICE’s Operation Stolen Promise (OSP) targets fraudulent activity stemming from the pandemic. The initiative combines ICE’s Homeland Security Investigation’s (HSI) expertise in global trade investigations, financial fraud, and cyber investigations with robust private and public partnerships to disrupt and dismantle this criminal activity and strengthen global supply-chain security. As of July 23rd, as part of OSP, the agency has made 53 criminal arrests, analyzed 50,848 COVID-19-related domains, seized more than $ 7,025,343 million in illicit proceeds, disrupted 42 instances of illicit activity, sent 1,205 leads to domestic and international field offices, executed 75 search warrants and made 911 COVID-19-related seizures to include prohibited test kits and pharmaceuticals, counterfeit masks and more.COVID-19-related seizures to include prohibited test kits and pharmaceuticals, counterfeit masks and more. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Welcoming New U.S. Citizens in the COVID environment. On July 23rd, USCIS Deputy Director for Policy Joseph Edlow delivered congratulatory remarks to new U.S. citizens at a naturalization ceremony in Philadelphia. His remarks were livestreamed at 21 field offices across the nation conducting ceremonies for 211 candidates. Naturalization ceremonies now incorporate social distancing and other safety precautions that protect the health and safety of applicants and USCIS staff. Since resuming in-person services on June 4th, USCIS has naturalized approximately 100,000 new citizens over the past month and anticipates completing nearly all postponed administrative naturalization ceremonies by the end of July.  Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Getting American Citizens Home Safe. As of July 25th,CBP had referred 487,705 travelers at the 15 funneling airports to CWMD for enhanced health screening.

Arizona Woman Arrested for Attempting to Provide Material Support to Al Qaeda

John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, Michael Bailey, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona, Jill Sanborn, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, and Sean Kaul, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Phoenix Field Office, announced that on July 22, 2020, Jill Marie Jones was arrested for attempting to provide material support to al Qaeda, a designated foreign terrorist organization.

According to the criminal complaint, the defendant was in communication with two FBI undercover employees, one of whom she believed to be a member of al Qaeda.  During her conversations with the purported al Qaeda member, Jones agreed to send the employee money to purchase scopes for rifles that would be used by al Qaeda to kill American soldiers. In May 2020, Jones gave the purported al Qaeda member $500 using a prepaid gift card.

The communications with the undercover employees also revealed Jones’ desire to travel overseas to assist al Qaeda.  Thereafter, Jones purchased tickets to fly overseas to join al Qaeda in Afghanistan, but due to airport closures, she changed her flights to go to Turkey instead.  Jones planned to then travel on to Syria.  On July 22, 2020, Jones traveled to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport in Arizona to board a flight to begin her travel to join al Qaeda.  FBI agents arrested Jones after she checked in for her flight at the airport.

The prosecution is being handled by Lisa Jennis, Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Arizona and Katie Sweeten, Trial Attorney with the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. 

The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Forsyth Man Sentenced for Attempted Attack on the White House

Hasher Jallal Taheb, 23, of Cumming, Georiga, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for attempting an attack upon the White House. Taheb also planned attacks on the Statue of Liberty, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and a synagogue.

“Taheb planned to conduct a terrorist attack on the White House as part of what he claimed was his obligation to engage in jihad,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers.  “And that was just one of the iconic American landmarks he wanted to target.  Thanks to a tip from a member of the community and the work of the agents, analysts, and prosecutors responsible for this case, the threat posed by the defendant was neutralized and the defendant has now been sentenced for his planned terrorist attack.”

“Taheb painstakingly planned an attack on the White House that potentially jeopardized the lives of White House employees and visitors,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak.  “We are thankful to members of our community and our federal and state law enforcement partners who identified Taheb’s scheme and worked cooperatively to bring him to justice.”

“Because of a tip from the public, the FBI Atlanta Joint Terrorism Task Force and our law enforcement partners began a year-long investigation that resulted in Taheb's arrest and potentially saved many lives,” said Chris Hacker, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The phrase 'If you see something, say something' may seem trite, but our citizens are our eyes and ears in our communities, one of our most important weapons in fighting terrorism, and this case exemplifies that.”

According to the charges and other information presented in court: In March 2018, a member of the Atlanta community reported concerns about Taheb to a local law enforcement agency, which then contacted the FBI.  The community member specifically alerted law enforcement that Taheb had become radicalized and was making plans to travel abroad.

During an undercover operation conducted by the FBI, federal investigators learned in October 2018 that Taheb, in fact, applied for a passport and planned to travel overseas.  At the same time, Taheb had begun planning domestic attacks in the United States as part of his desire to engage in “jihad.”  His targets initially included the White House and the Statue of Liberty. Later in December 2018, Taheb broadened his prospective targets in the Washington, D.C. area, to include the Washington Monument, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and a synagogue.
During undercover meetings with Taheb in January 2019, Taheb produced sketches of the White House and described the types of weapons and explosives he intended to use in the attacks, including semi-automatic weapons, improvised explosive devices, an anti-tank weapon, and hand grenades.  FBI special agents arrested Taheb on Jan. 16, 2019, after Taheb arrived at a pre-arranged location where he expected to obtain semi-automatic assault rifles, explosive devices, and an anti-tank weapon.

Federal investigators searched Taheb’s computer following his arrest and found a video that he made.  In the video, Taheb addressed “. . . America, its allies, its president, and its people.”  He recounted his grievances with American policy and proclaimed that America would not see peace unless it changed its foreign policy as he was a man who loved death more than American’s love life.  He also encouraged other Muslims to fight.

Hasher Jallal Taheb has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mark H. Cohen to 15 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.  Taheb pleaded guilty to these charges on April 1, 2020.

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes the U.S. Secret Service. The Forsyth County Sheriff Office and Gwinnett County Police Department also provided assistance.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan K. Buchanan, Deputy Chief of the Violent Crime and National Security Section, and Matthew Carrico, Deputy Chief of the Organized Crime and Gangs Section, and Trial Attorneys Danielle Rosborough and B. Celeste Corlett of the Department of Justice National Security Division.

OIR Follows in Predecessors' Footsteps in Defeating ISIS, Official Says

July 23, 2020 | BY Terri Moon Cronk , DOD News

The Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve coalition has achieved great success in its mission to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, the deputy commander of CTJF-OIR said in a live satellite feed from Baghdad.

In an update on the coalition's operations, Air Force Maj. Gen. Kenneth P. Ekman emphasized that the success in defeating ISIS is built on the triumphs of predecessors and Iraqi and Syria partners. 

With ISIS no longer in control of physical territory, Ekman said the organization struggles to conduct coordinated activities, because Iraqi security forces find and destroy their hideouts and weapons caches. ISF efforts are enabled by coalition support, including advising, intelligence planning and precision airstrikes, he added. 

''The ISF continues to prove their capabilities as a cohesive force, even in complex operations,'' he said, citing how the Iraqi Joint Operations Command recently wrapped up the fourth phase of the Heroes of Iraq Campaign. They showed outstanding cooperation among the Iraqi army, Federal Police intelligence service and anti-terrorism troops in clearing ISIS hideouts in remote areas. 

''Wherever [ISIS] seeks sanctuary, the ISF will find them,'' Ekman said.

Progress also is evident in coalition reposturing, he said. 

''We are getting smaller. In the early days of the coalition, a broad network of bases was essential. We were battling ISIS in Mosul, Anbar and Abu Kamal ,'' he said, noting that the bases were used to foster U.S. relationships with the ISF and stage training and tactical capabilities. 

Now, more than six years later, the coalition has trained in excess of 250,000 ISF and has built strong relationships based on trust and mutual interests, the general said, adding, ''The ISF is doing things for itself — training forces and even developing training cadre that we used to do for them.'' 

On July 25, he added, ''we will take another step by handing over control of the base Besmaya to the Iraqis. Spain led the coalition effort in their training of 50,000 ISF since 2015. Their work is done there.''

So the coalition in Spain can depart — divesting equipment and facilities to include enhanced weapons ranges and mock-urban villages, valued at almost $5 million to the Iraqi government. 

Base transfers to include Besmaya reflect a shift to providing high-end advice and support at the operational command level. Because the Iraqis still need coalition help with planning, intelligence and surveillance capabilities and coalition airpower, OIR activated a military advisory group July 2 in Baghdad, Ekman said. 

The centralized location allows military advisors from 13 coalition nations to work alongside senior Iraqi officers to plan and execute operations against ISIS across all provinces in the country, he noted. 

''This approach has already proven its value in recent large-scale operations, to clear [ISIS] remnants,'' Ekman said. ''The ISF is already stronger than ISIS. Our high-level advising approach is moving our Iraqi partners to improve self-reliance. Together, we remain united and resolved to achieve the enduring defeat of [ISIS] and regional stability.''

After recently traveling to northeast Syria, the deputy commander highlighted the coalition's close partnership with the Syrian Democratic Forces and their success against ISIS. 

''They are capturing ISIS lieutenants, busting smuggling networks and denying [ISIS] territory, critical infrastructure and revenues. Overall, the SDF is a strong, capable force, and we are committed to partnership with them,'' Ekman said.

The general reminded reporters of the selfless service of U.S. troops. ''Yesterday, we lost one of our young warriors, who was conducting a security patrol in northeastern Syria,'' he said. ''On behalf of our commander, [Army] Lt. Gen. Pat White and the entire 82-member coalition, we send our condolences and prayers to the families of our fallen comrade.'' 

DOD Identifies Army Casualty

July 23, 2020

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The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

Sgt. Bryan Cooper Mount, 25, from St. George, Utah, died as the result of a vehicle rollover accident while conducting reconnaissance operations, July 21, 2020, in Eastern Syria. The incident is under investigation.

Mount was assigned to 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

For more information regarding Sgt. Bryan Cooper Mount, members of the media may contact Lt. Col. Michael Burns, Public Affairs Officer, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina at 910-432-6189, or by email at michael.j.burns34.mil@mail.mil.

Weekly Update: DHS Response to COVID-19

The Department of Homeland Security remains vigilant against the COVID-19 virus and continues to lead the national response to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on American citizens and workers. As the nation transitions to a phased approach of reopening the economy the Department and its components remain steadfast in their commitment to ensure a safe, secure, and prosperous Homeland for the American people.  “The U.S Coast Guard, as the lead federal agency in the maritime domain, continues to ‘stand the watch’ through the ongoing global pandemic” said Capt. Alexander Foos, Chief, Office of Reserve Policy and Requirements Integration (CG-R5). “The USCG has recalled and deployed 342 reservists since the beginning of the pandemic. They are activated to serve in numerous types of roles, including work in IT support, medical clinics, PPE warehouses, command centers and other incident management roles, notably assisting federal partners such as HHS, and supporting state emergency operations centers on behalf of FEMA. It’s the Coast Guard mission to fulfill our civil and military responsibilities to protect America’s security, prosperity, and other national interest.” Below is a list of some of DHS’s efforts against COVID-19 last week: United States Coast Guard (USCG) Monitoring Vessels that Pose a Risk to Public Health. As of July 18th, the USCG is tracking 67 cruise ships moored, at anchor, or underway in vicinity of a U.S. port, or with potential to arrive in a US port, with 14,382 crewmembers. This includes an estimated 244 American Citizens crewmembers dispersed among 37 vessels.  The Coast Guard is working with the CDC based on its extension of the No Sail Order for cruise ships, which permits the off-loading of crewmembers following submission of a plan to the CDC. Contact Tracing. On July 15th, the Coast Guard formalized its Contact Tracing Program, in order to keep their workforce and families safe. Contact Tracing is a 100-year-old proven scientific method to track, slow and even stop the spread of an epidemic or outbreak. It protects the Coast Guard’s readiness to carry out their critical missions.  Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Issuing Cyber Alerts to Protect Against Malicious Actors. On July 16th, CISA along with the UK’s National Cyber Security Center, Canada’s Communications Security Establishment, and the National Security Agency, released a Joint Cybersecurity Advisory to expose malicious cyber actors using a variety of tools and techniques to target organizations involved in COVID-19 research and vaccine development. Since the onset of the COVID pandemic, CISA alongside our government and industry partners across the globe, have been on the watch – identifying threats, helping organizations protect themselves, and responding to any incidents. For the specific malware tools mentioned in the advisory, the malwares are identified to be used by various advanced persistent threat groups and CISA released analysis reports to help network defenders identify, mitigate and protect against these threats.   Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Coordinating Deployment of Federal Personnel to Support States’ Efforts. FEMA continues to lead the operational coordination for the federal interagency response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of July 20th, there are 2,275 FEMA personnel, 26,449 DoD and National Guard personnel and 406 HHS personnel deployed across the country to support state, local, tribal and territorial COVID-19 response efforts. FEMA and our interagency partners are constantly tailoring staffing and resources across agencies, always ensuring we can provide support when and where it’s needed most. Providing Critical Funding and Personal Protective Equipment. As of July 17th, FEMA and HHS have obligated $135.9 billion in support of COVID-19 efforts. As of July 15th, FEMA and HHS have coordinated the delivery of 103.1 million N95 respirators, 159.3 million surgical masks, 17.2 million face shields, 139.4 million gloves, 68.4 million surgical gowns and 6.1 million coveralls. Supporting Administration’s COVID-19 Testing Strategy. FEMA continues to source and procure testing material – specifically, testing swabs and transport media – to support the White House Coronavirus Task Force and the Administration’s Testing Blueprint. As of July 19th, FEMA has procured and delivered more than 41 million swabs and 32.1 million units of media. The FEMA-sourced material will be provided to states, territories, and tribes for a limited duration to help increase testing capacity in support of their individualized plans. Protecting our Nation’s Nursing Homes. As of July 18th, FEMA has shipped 29,191 packages of medical supplies to nursing homes in 53 states and territories. FEMA coordinated two shipments totaling a 14-day supply of personal protective equipment to all 15,400 Medicaid and Medicare-certified nursing homes. The shipments will supplement existing efforts to provide equipment to nursing homes. Providing Full Federal Reimbursement for States’ National Guard Forces. As of July 19th, 25,405 National Guard troops have activated in T-32 duty status and 312 troops have activated in State Active Duty status to help with testing and other response efforts. To date, President Trump has approved 50 National Guard requests for federal support for the use of National Guard personnel in a Title 32 duty status through August 21. For those states and territories that are approved under these criteria, FEMA executed a fully reimbursable mission assignment to the Department of Defense, including reimbursement for pay and allowances of National Guard personnel serving in a Title 32 duty status in fulfillment of the FEMA mission assignment.   Office of Operations Coordination (OPS)  Ensuring Departmental Continuity of Operations (COOP) during COVID-19. OPS continues to lead efforts to ensure that the Department implements strategies and capabilities to ensure continuity of operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and capture strategic lessons learned for future planning. On July 16th, OPS held a working group to  advance the Department’s planning efforts and communications capabilities to ensure the continuation of critical DHS operations to protect the security and health of the America people in response to any increased impact from COVID-19 or other threats/hazards. Science and Technology (S&T) Driving Evidence-Based Policymaking. On July 17th, the DHS Science and Technology Directorate updated its Master Question List (MQL), and does so weekly to compile available research on operationally-relevant questions to aid decision makers in the COVID-19 response. The MQL is a quick-reference guide covering what is known about the virus, what additional information is needed, and who may be working to address these fundamental questions. New entries include references to an observational study, reported in Clinical Infectious Disease, that within the US, each day of delay in emergency declarations and school closures was associated with a 5 to 6 percent increase in mortality, and a modeling study suggests that healthcare workers are primarily at risk from droplet and inhalation exposure, with greater risk while in closer proximity to patients. Additionally, a study conducted by USARMRIID and published in medRxiv, indicated that at room temperature (71.6°F), SARS-CoV-2 remains detectable on currency for up to 24 hours, on clothing for up to 4 hours, and on skin for up to 96 hours. Persistence is reduced with warmer temperatures (98.6°F), and enhanced at colder temperatures (39.2°F). Transportation Security Administration (TSA)  Keeping Americans Safe While Ensuring Continuity of U.S. Travel and Commerce. Between July 12th and July 18th, TSA screened more than 4,655,279 passengers, who have all reached their destinations safely. TSA officers are required to wear facial protection and gloves while on duty at the checkpoint and the agency continues to follow CDC guidance to protect Americans, its workers, and the nation’s transportation system, in support of air travel and all other modes of transportation. Ready to Ensure Safety During the Summer Travel Period. On July 14th, TSA Administrator Pekoske visited Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina to thank TSA employees for their hard work and dedication during the pandemic.  He also spotlighted the agency’s “Stay Healthy. Stay Secure” campaign which outlines significant airport checkpoint modifications implemented to contain the spread of COVID-19, comply with CDC guidelines, and support healthy and secure summer travel. United States Secret Service (USSS) Combating COVID-19 unemployment fraud. The U.S Secret Service continues to expose fraudulent activity related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and remains committed to combating COVID-19 unemployment fraud. On July 9th, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana announced the arrest and charges of a mother and daughter for COVID-19 related unemployment fraud.  This case was the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Ft. Branch, Indiana Police Department. The Secret Service will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to investigate and arrest criminals who attempt to defraud the critical COVID-19 relief programs and the American taxpayer. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Keeping the Public Safe from COVID-19-related Fraud. ICE’s Operation Stolen Promise (OSP) targets fraudulent activity stemming from the pandemic. The initiative combines ICE’s Homeland Security Investigation’s (HSI) expertise in global trade investigations, financial fraud, and cyber investigations with robust private and public partnerships to disrupt and dismantle this criminal activity and strengthen global supply-chain security. As of July 16th, as part of OSP, the agency has made 51 criminal arrests, analyzed 50,429 COVID-19-related domains, seized more than $6.9 million in illicit proceeds, disrupted 42 instances of illicit activity, sent 1,182 leads to domestic and international field offices, executed 70 search warrants and made 881 COVID-19-related seizures to include prohibited test kits and pharmaceuticals, counterfeit masks and more.COVID-19-related seizures to include prohibited test kits and pharmaceuticals, counterfeit masks and more. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Getting American Citizens Home Safe. CBP continues to collaborate on a daily basis with the Department of State (DOS) to facilitate the safe travel of American citizens currently abroad to return home. CBP also works closely with DOS and foreign consulates to review 212(f) National Interest Waiver requests. This week, CBP coordinated with an air ambulance service for the repatriation of a US Citizen and her Guatemalan husband (a COVID-19 positive patient) who was traveling to the US for medical care. The flight from Guatemala City, Guatemala to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport arrived on July 13th.