Tennessee Man Federally Indicted for Politically Motivated Arson Under Joint Task Force Vanguard

Tallahassee, Florida – Ian Nathaniel Grice, 28, of Dixon, Tennessee, has been indicted in federal court for arson and interstate travel in aid of a racketeering enterprise. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charge.

Grice appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for September 21, 2026, at 8:30 am before United States District Court Judge Mark E. Walker in Tallahassee, Florida.

If convicted, Grice faces 5 years and up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the arson count. He faces up to 5 years’ imprisonment on the interstate travel in aid of a racketeering enterprise count.

The case is being investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Tallahassee Police Department, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Investigative and Forensic Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric W. Welch. 

An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. 

This case is part of the nationwide National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 initiative, which is a White House-directed, interagency effort to integrate federal, state, and local partners in protecting First Amendment rights while targeting individuals and organizations engaged in political violence and is led by the investigative and prosecutorial Joint Task Force Vanguard.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General.  To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.

Contact

United States Attorney’s Office
Northern District of Florida
USAFLN.Press.Office@usdoj.gov 

Florida Resident Charged with Attempting to Use Weapon of Mass Destruction

Defendant, Allegedly Inspired by ISIL, Attempted to Obtain Weapons and Explosives to Conduct Attacks

Harlem Suarez, also known as Almlak Benitez, 23, of Key West, Florida, was charged by a criminal complaint with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction against a person or property within the United States.

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer of the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro of the FBI’s Miami Field Office made the announcement.

“According to the complaint, Harlem Suarez, a self-professed ISIL adherent, knowingly attempted to use a weapon of mass destruction - a backpack bomb - in the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin.  “Stopping attacks on our homeland by those inspired or directed by designated foreign terrorist organizations is the highest priority of the National Security Division.”

“The top priority of the Department of Justice is to protect the security of the American people,” said U.S. Attorney Ferrer.  “The U.S. Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with the FBI, works tirelessly to advance this mission by continuing to thwart home-grown acts of terrorism.”

“There is no room for failure when it comes to investigating the potential use of a weapon of mass destruction,” said Special Agent in Charge Piro.  “The FBI and our local, state and federal partners work around the clock to prevent such catastrophic weapons from being used against our citizens.  Even so, we ask the public to be vigilant and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.”

According to the complaint, in April 2015, Suarez came to the attention of the FBI due to Facebook posts that contained extremist rhetoric and promoted the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization.

The complaint further alleges that Suarez told the confidential source that he wanted to make a “timer bomb.”  Suarez purchased components for this device, which was to contain galvanized nails, be concealed in a backpack and be remotely detonated by a cellphone.  Suarez intended to bury the device at a public beach in Key West and then detonate it.

On July 27, 2015, Suarez took possession of an inert device and was arrested.

Assistant Attorney General Carlin and U.S. Attorney Ferrer commended the investigative efforts of the FBI,  members of the South Florida Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives , U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), the Key West Police Department, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marc S. Anton and Karen E. Gilbert and Trial Attorneys Clement McGovern and Michael Dittoe of the Justice Department’s Counterterrorism Section.

A complaint is only an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Florida Resident Indicted for Attempting to Use Weapons of Mass Destruction

TAMPA, FL—United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Sami Osmakac (25, Pinellas Park) with attempting to use weapons of mass destruction and with possession of an unregistered machine gun. If convicted on all counts, Osmakac faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Osmakac that the United States intends to forfeit certain firearms and ammunition, which are alleged to have been involved in the commission of the offense.

According to the indictment, from at least as early as on or about November 18, 2011, and continuing until on or about January 7, 2012, Osmakac attempted to use weapons of mass destruction against persons and property in the United States. Additionally, on January 7, 2012, Osmakac possessed a machine gun without the firearm being registered to him on the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the FBI Tampa Division and the Tampa Joint Terrorism Task Force. It will be prosecuted by United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill and Assistant United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney, with assistance from Trial Attorney Clement McGovern of the Counterterrorism Section in the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.

Florida Resident Charged with Plotting to Bomb Locations in Tampa

TAMPA, FL—A 25-year-old resident of Pinellas Park, Fla., has been charged in connection with an alleged plot to attack locations in Tampa with a vehicle bomb, assault rifle, and other explosives, announced Robert E. O’Neill, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida; Lisa Monaco, Assistant Attorney General for National Security; and Steven E. Ibison, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Tampa Division.

Sami Osmakac, a naturalized U.S. citizen who was born in the former Yugoslavia (Kosovo), was arrested Saturday night. He is charged in a criminal complaint in the Middle District of Florida with one count of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction (explosives) and is scheduled to make his initial appearance today at 2:00 p.m. EST, in federal court, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Anthony Porcelli, in Tampa. If convicted, Osmakac faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The arrest of Osmakac was the culmination of an undercover operation during which Osmakac was closely monitored by law enforcement officials for several months. The explosives and firearms that he allegedly sought and attempted to use were rendered inoperable by law enforcement and posed no threat to the public.

“The perseverance and diligence of law enforcement caused this investigation to conclude in a successful manner,” said U.S. Attorney O’Neill. “I would like to commend them for their hard work. This investigation was also predicated, in part, by assistance from the Muslim community. I would like to thank them as well.”

“The facts as alleged in this case underscore the need for continued vigilance both at home and abroad. Thanks to a coordinated law enforcement effort, this alleged plot was thwarted before anyone was harmed,” said Assistant Attorney General Monaco. “I applaud the many agents, analysts and prosecutors who worked together to ensure this matter was resolved safely.”

“The Tampa FBI Division has always considered its relationships with regional community groups throughout Central and Southwest Florida extremely important. In this case, we are grateful for the Muslim community’s continued support. This incident clearly demonstrated how citizens can help law enforcement keep our neighborhoods and our nation safe,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven Ibison.

According to the complaint affidavit, in Sept. 2011, the FBI received information from a confidential human source (CHS) indicating that Osmakac had asked for al Qaeda flags. In November 2011, Osmakac and the CHS discussed and identified potential targets, in Tampa, where Osmakac intended on carrying out violent attacks. Osmakac allegedly asked the CHS for help in obtaining firearms and explosives for the attacks. The CHS indicated that he/she knew someone who might be able to provide firearms and explosives and introduced Osmakac to an undercover FBI employee.

The complaint alleges that Osmakac met with the undercover FBI employee, in person, on Dec. 21, 2011, and stated that he wished to acquire an AK-47-style machine gun, Uzi submachine guns, high capacity magazines, grenades and an explosive belt. In a subsequent meeting, Osmakac allegedly provided the undercover FBI employee with a $500 down payment for an AK-47, multiple homemade explosive grenades and the explosive belt.

According to the complaint, Osmakac also asked the undercover employee whether he/she could build bombs that could be placed in three different vehicles and detonated remotely, near where Osmakac would conduct a follow-up attack using the other weapons he requested. The undercover employee said he/she could possibly provide explosives for one vehicle. Osmakac also allegedly said that he wanted an explosive belt constructed to kill people.

During a subsequent meeting with the FBI undercover employee on Jan. 1, 2012, Osmakac allegedly described his attack plans by stating that he wanted to obtain a hotel room; park the vehicle with the bomb in it at his target; leave the area; detonate the car bomb; and then retrieve the weapons and explosives from the hotel room. Among Osmakac’s alleged bomb targets were night clubs in the Ybor City area of Tampa, the operations center of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Ybor City and a business in the South Tampa area of Tampa.

The complaint alleges that, as part of the second portion of his planned attack, Osmakac told the undercover FBI employee that, after the car bomb was detonated, he wanted to use the explosive belt to “get in somewhere where there’s a lot of people” and take hostages. He allegedly stated that he would then make demands of the FBI to release some prisoners. According to the criminal complaint, when discussing law enforcement officers that might respond to the scene, Osmakac allegedly stated, “once I have this . . . they can take me in five million pieces” in an apparent reference to the explosive belt that would be attached to his waist.

During the Jan. 1st meeting, the undercover FBI employee noted that Osmakac could change his mind and back out of the plot. According to the complaint, Osmakac immediately shook his head in the negative and stated, “We all have to die, so why not die the Islamic way?”

On Jan. 7, 2012, FBI agents arrested Osmakac after he took possession of the explosive devices and firearms that had been rendered inoperable by law enforcement. The complaint alleges that, shortly prior to his arrest, Osmakac made a video of himself explaining his motives for carrying out the planned violent attack.

This investigation is being conducted by the FBI Tampa Division and the Tampa Joint Terrorism Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Sweeney from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, with assistance from Trial Attorney Clem McGovern of the Counterterrorism Section in the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.

The charges contained in the criminal complaint are mere allegations. As in any criminal case, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- November 24, 2008

Wouter Basson [South African germ warfare expert] hearing postponed
“A Health Professions Council of South Africa hearing on apartheid era germ warfare expert Wouter Basson was postponed without a date today. The hearing, held at a hotel in Pretoria, was postponed pending the outcome of an application by the defence. Basson’s legal team wants the Pretoria High Court to declare the manner in which the HPCSA has dealt with the matter ‘unlawful, unreasonable and unfair.’ The affidavit will be filed before the courts this week, after which the council will be able to file an answering affidavit. Basson, who was not at the hearing, faces six charges relating to his time as head of the apartheid government’s chemical and biological warfare project.” (The Times; 24Nov08; Source: Sapa)
http://www.thetimes.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=891334

War experts gave anthrax advice
“Warfare experts from the US and Germany gave advice on decontamination after an anthrax death in the Scottish Borders, a fatal accident inquiry has been told. UK authorities had so little experience of the disease they got international help after the incident in 2006, [when] Christopher ‘Pascal’ Norris […] died as a result of inhaling anthrax spores. […] Early investigations centred on Mr Norris's own home. […] His house was found to be clear of spores but some were found on drums […] where classes were held. […] [Ramsay] said they took advice from warfare experts in Germany and America before instructing US company Sabre to decontaminate the hall using chlorine dioxide gas in March 2007.” (BBC News; 24Nov08) http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/south_of_scotland/7746436.stm

[New anti-PS antibody drug] Bavituximab can cure lethal virus infections
“Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, Inc. yesterday reported the publication of data in Nature Medicine that supports the broad anti-viral potential of the company's novel anti-phosphatidylserine (anti-PS) antibody platform, showing that its PS-targeting drug bavituximab can cure lethal virus infections in animal disease models. Bavituximab is in clinical trials for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and in preclinical development for the treatment of viral hemorrhagic fevers under a contract worth up to $44.4 million with the bioterrorism program of the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). Bavituximab and other anti-PS antibodies are also being studied preclinically in HIV, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and other serious viral infections.” (RedOrbit; 24Nov08; Source: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center) http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1602483/bavituximab_can_cure_lethal_virus_infections/

Scientists build ‘roach motel’ for nasty bugs of the bacterial variety
“Scientists at the University of Florida and the University of New Mexico have created tiny microscopic spheres that trap and kill harmful bacteria in a manner the scientists liken to ‘roach motels’ snaring and killing cockroaches. The research could lead to new coatings that will disinfect common surfaces, combat bioterrorism or sterilize medical devices, reducing the devices’ responsibility for an estimated 1.4 million infection-related deaths each year. ‘The bacteria get in there, they get stuck, and then they get killed,’ said Kirk Schanze, a UF professor of chemistry and one of eight authors of the paper […] set to be published today in the debut issue of the American Chemical Society journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.” (University of Florida News; 24Nov08; Aaron Hoover) http://news.ufl.edu/2008/11/24/bacteria-motel/

State [TX] declares emergency [in 2007] to buy TB isolation booths that sit unused
“The [TX] state health department declared an emergency in August 2007 so it could immediately buy nine mobile units for isolating tuberculosis and other highly infectious patients without seeking bids from companies that sell the units. […] But nearly a year after the portable booths, which cost a total of $180,000, were delivered, they are sitting largely unused at health centers across the state. […] [The] justification for the emergency last year [was] that Texas was rushing to build the infrastructure and capacity for the ‘impending’ pandemic flu, to prevent the spread of TB (through droplets in the air) and to isolate patients in the event of a bioterrorism attack involving an unknown disease. A worldwide flu epidemic is predicted to occur someday, but no one knows when. […] Department of State Health Services spokeswoman Carrie Williams called the booths ‘a tool to help quickly control the spread of infectious diseases.’” (American-Statesman; 23Nov08; Mary Ann Roser) http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/11/23/1123tb.html

Diseases researched at new MU [Missouri University] laboratory
“In 2001, the scare was anthrax. In 2003, it was SARS, severe acute respiratory syndrome. And in 2005, it was bird flu. ‘It seems like odd-numbered years are pretty bad,’ joked Michael Kurilla, director of the office of biodefense research for the National Institutes of Health. ‘And we're about to enter 2009.’ Infectious diseases strike suddenly and can change quickly, leaving scientists scrambling to develop effective treatments. Staying one step ahead of disease is the goal of the new $18 million Regional Biocontainment Laboratory at the University of Missouri. There, scientists will study diseases including the plague, anthrax and ‘Q Fever’ in a safe, contained environment. Experts say the research will be essential in battling the next generation of diseases.” (Columbia Daily Tribune; 24Nov08; T.J. Greaney)
http://www.news-leader.com/article/20081124/NEWS01/811240363

[CA] Scientists identify blood component that turns [anthrax] bacteria virulent
“Scientists from the Scripps Research Institute [CA] have discovered the key chemical that signals Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium that causes anthrax, to become lethal. […] The Scripps Research scientists identified bicarbonate, a chemical found in all body fluids and organs that plays a major role in maintaining pH balance in cells, as providing the signal for Bacillus anthracis to unleash virulence factors. Without the presence of the bicarbonate transporter in the bloodstream, the scientists found, the bacteria do not become virulent. […] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that as many as 10 percent of all patients, or about 2 million people, contract hospital-acquired infections each year. These bacteria are often resistant to multiple antibiotics, making the problem a growing public health concern.” (Infection Control Today; 24Nov08; Source: Scripps Research Institute) http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/hotnews/component-turns-bacteria-virulent.html

Al-Qaeda increases efforts to develop ‘dirty bomb’
“MI6 has issued a global priority warning to all security services that Islamic terrorists are now closer to obtaining material to create a ‘dirty bomb’ to launch against Western targets. […] [Osama bin Laden] has repeatedly said every ‘true Muslim must make it his duty to assist in all ways possible to find the next powerful weapon to destroy our enemies’.[…] MI6 fears there will be little ability [in Pakistan] to provide strong leadership against the new wave of Islamic extremism that al-Qaeda has launched across the country. Groups such as the newly formed Pakistan Taliban have proclaimed it is focusing on creating a ‘dirty bomb.’MI6 agents based in Islamabad fear the mounting instability in Pakistan will make it easier for them to do so.” (Epoch Times; 22Nov08; Gordon Thomas) http://en.epochtimes.com/n2/world/al-qaeda-develop-dirty-bomb-7569.html

CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD Terrorism.

State Officials Visit Balad for Overseas Voting Update

American Forces Press Service

Oct. 1, 2008 - A delegation of secretaries of state and chief election officials from Pennsylvania, California, Indiana, Mississippi and Florida visited here yesterday to receive updates on the voting process for servicemembers serving in Iraq. Delegation members said they visited Joint Base Balad to promote voting participation by servicemembers and learn about the installation's voting assistance program and servicemembers' overseas voting experience. The delegation also visited an installation post office and the military mail terminal here and received a briefing on overseas voting operations.

With responsibility for mail distribution in Iraq, the 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command individually tracks registrations and ballots from remote post offices in Iraq back to New York's John F. Kennedy Airport, where they are received for distribution.

At each stop, the delegation received an in-depth look at the voting processes and procedures provided to servicemembers deployed to Iraq.

"Servicemembers are already providing a valuable service for our country in defending our democracy," said Pennsylvania Secretary of State Pedro Cortes, president of the National Association of Secretaries of State. "That democracy cannot continue to stand if people do not participate in the electoral process. It's our most fundamental right of citizenship, and also our responsibility."

Cortes said he and his colleagues were impressed with the way and the 3rd ESC and voting assistance officers were making sure all servicemembers are aware of voting deadlines and requirements of their respective states.

"We are trying to inform the troops," said Army Maj. James Hess, plans and operations officer in charge for the 3rd ESC's personnel section. "No matter if they are in the States, or overseas, in remote sites or right here on Joint Base Balad, they still have the right to vote, and we are providing the opportunity and are dedicated to giving them the opportunity."

The overall message that Cortes and the delegation continuously stressed to servicemembers was the importance of voting and having their voices heard.

"I'm so delighted to be here in Iraq, and I want to wish our troops a great election time," Cortes said. "It's very important that you vote, so please make sure that you do."

CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- July 30, 2008

Universal Detection Technology Releases Corporate Update From Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
“It is unfortunate that we are living under the threat of terrorism and biological warfare. What's of greatest concern is the lack of proper preparation at various levels for dealing with a potential attack with these deadly agents. Consequently, we have intensified our efforts to address the growing need to protect our families and businesses.” (CNN Money; 29July08) http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0419949.htm

Slow to Pick Up The Pepper Trail
“Just after the Fourth of July, Cheryl Grubbs called her local health department in Cortez, Colo., to report that her husband had nearly lost his only kidney to a salmonella infection after eating several raw jalapeÒos and a sandwich with a tomato in it during a camping trip. By then, investigators had been searching for the source of a nationwide salmonella outbreak for more than two months; tomatoes were the prime suspect. Grubbs told three nurses her story and was transferred to the voice mail of a fourth. After hearing nothing for three days, she called the state health department in Denver.” (Washington Post; 30July08; Annys Shin)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/29/AR2008072902287.html

UCF professor develops vaccine to protect against black plague bioterror attack
“University of Central Florida researcher may have found a defense against the Black Plague, a disease that wiped out a third of Europe's population in the Middle Ages and which government agencies perceive as a terrorist threat today. UCF Professor Henry Daniell and his team have developed a vaccine that early research shows is highly effective against the plague. Findings of his National Institutes of Health and USDA funded research appear in the August edition of Infection and Immunity. The vaccine, which is taken orally or by injection, was given to rats at UCF and the efficacy was evaluated by measuring immunity (antibody) developed in their blood.” (EurekAlert; 30July08) http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-07/uocf-upd073008.php

Opponents of bio-hazard lab in Triangle heckle feds
“Opponents of a proposed $450 million research lab took control of two public hearings Tuesday, making it clear to state and federal officials that efforts to build the project in Granville County would trigger a lengthy battle. The 520,000-square-foot lab -- about five times the size of a regular Wal-Mart -- would handle a wide range of pathogens that could be used as biological threats. About 10 percent of the lab would be set aside for viruses with no known cures.” (McClatchy News Service; 30July08) http://www.thetimesnews.com/news/lab_16134___article.html/opponents_security.html

White powder creates a scare at office building
“An envelope containing a white, powdery substance sent workers inside a South County office [St. Louis] building out into the heat Tuesday morning while federal and local officials investigated. Tests done in Jefferson City later determined that the substance was not dangerous, authorities said, but they did not immediately reveal what the substance was.” (St. Louis Post-Dispatch; 30July08; Carolyn Tuft) http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/laworder/story/3DA13D17F3913A9086257496000A7599?OpenDocument

Canada donates $209K worth of anti-biological warfare suits to RP
“A total of 300 modern suits that could be used in responding to possible biological and nuclear attacks by terrorist groups were donated Wednesday by the Canadian government to Filipino authorities. The suits, with a combined worth of C$209,425, could also be used in responding to calamities involving hazardous chemicals.” (GMA News; 30July08) http://www.gmanews.tv/story/110328/Canada-donates-209K-worth-of-anti-biological-warfare-suits-to-RP

Two Residents Taken to Hospital With Suspected Anthrax in Kyrgyz Southwest
“The press service of the Emergencies Ministry of the Kyrgyz Republic has announced that a 23-year-old resident of Nooken District has been taken to the infectious diseases department of the Kochkor-Ata territorial hospital with suspected anthrax. According to information from the press service of the Emergencies Ministry, the total number of people who were taken to hospital is 35, of which 28 have been discharged and seven are being given appropriate treatment.”(Red Orbit; 30July08) http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1501034/two_residents_taken_to_hospital_with_suspected_anthrax_in_kyrgyz/

Army: Mustard gas leaks at Blue Grass
“The Army said yesterday that a mustard gas leak had been detected inside a storage igloo at the Blue Grass Army Depot near Richmond. But the leak presents no danger to the community or the environment, the U.S. Army Chemical Materials Agency said. Richard Sloan, spokesman for the Blue Grass Chemical Activity, said the leak was ëvery small, very minute.” (Courier-Journal; 30July08; James R. Carroll)
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080730/NEWS01/807301095

Museveni aide ëbought chemical, bio weapons
“A Danish national appeared before a London court on Monday on charges of transferring chemical and biological weapons to Mr Ananias Tumukunde, an aide to President Museveni who has been in the custody of British authorities for several weeks on charges of money laundering.” (Daily Monitor; 30July08) http://www.monitor.co.ug/artman/publish/news/Museveni_aide_bought_chemical_bio_weapons_69027.shtml

Digger [slang: New Zealand and Australia military] advisers to help Pakistan
“Australia is prepared to send military advisers to Pakistan to help its Army in training for counter-insurgency warfare and stabilising the border with Afghanistan. Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon will today call for a more concerted international effort to combat Taliban insurgents based in Pakistan's tribal areas, including economic aid and providing its Army with the skills to conduct counter-insurgency campaigns as well as civil operations.” (The Australian; 30July08; Patrick Walters) http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24099496-31477,00.html

Hawaii, California troops train with island locals
“Hawaii and California National Guard troops are joining Big Island police and fire units for a week of training and exercises to deal with a terrorist attack or a major hazardous material release. This week's effort is designed to help the personnel respond to an act of terrorism involving chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear weapons, officials said.” (Sign on San Diego; 29July08) http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/military/20080729-1853-wst-trainingexercise.html

Careful science can help to fight terrorism
“Science and Technology are usually seen as western strengths in fighting terrorism. Counterterrorism depends on science ñ but, at the same time, science generates terrorist risks and could compound the problems terrorism creates. For a start, scientists, engineers and doctors have played a considerable role as terrorists since the mid-20th century. The high status of these professions may be partly responsible, as modern terrorists are drawn disproportionately from the better-educated sections of societies.” (Financial Times; 28July08; Richard Mottram and Clive
Cookson)
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0a5579ac-5ca3-11dd-8d38-000077b07658.html

U.S. air strike on al-Qaeda hideout lays bare Pakistan's border weakness
“U.S. forces struck a suspected al-Qaeda hideout inside Pakistan Monday, exposing growing tensions between the allies over Pakistan's inability to deal with militants in its tribal regions. The attack, believed to have killed a top al-Qaeda chemical and biological weapons expert, came as Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani arrived in Washington in an effort to reassure Americans of his country's efforts to eradicate the militants based in Pakistan, who are believed to be feeding the rising insurgency in Afghanistan.” (Globe and Mail; 29July08; Saeed Shah, Graeme Smith)
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080729.wpakistan29/BNStory/Afghanistan/home

Nanotechnology At NASA Could Play Medical Role On Earth
“Nanotechnology-driven development could affect many areas of space exploration: it could create new materials that are stronger and self-healing, for example, or develop tiny rovers capable of driving, flying and taking measurements. Other applications in security, for example the sensor could be useful in detecting nerve gas or anthrax. It could also be used in environmental monitoring, which is why a partnership formed between Dr. Meyyappan's team and Early Warning, a company based in New York that develops systems to detect biohazards.” (U.S. Medicine; 29July08; Katie Leitch)
http://www.usmedicine.com/dailyNews.cfm?dailyID=399

CNS ChemBio-WMD terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.

CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- July 14, 2008

Iran denied using African monkeys for ‘secretive’ laboratory test
“An Iranian lab denied that Iran was using monkeys for biological weapons experiments, saying that the monkeys purchased from Africa were used for testing the safety of polio vaccines, Iran's English-language satellite channel Press TV reported Saturday. […] Abdolhossein Dalimi-Asl, head of the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute said that these monkeys have been purchased from a Tanzanian dealer for testing the safety of polio vaccines and the weight of such subjects is determined based on the World Health Organization guidelines. The Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute has been buying monkeys from Tanzania for scientific purposes since 1971, he added.” (Trend News; 13Jul08) http://news.trendaz.com/?show=news&newsid=1245991&lang=EN

[Vice President] Cheney Thought He Had Lethal Anthrax Dose [in October, 2001]
“Vice President Dick Cheney was convinced that he had been subjected to a lethal dose of anthrax, according to a new book. […] Jane Mayer, who authored ‘The Dark Side, The Inside Story of How the War on Terror Turned into a War on American Ideals,’ that the scare contributed to Cheney's insistence on hard-line tactics for fighting terror. […] On Oct. 18, 2001, a White House alarm went off indicating that sensors had detected dangerous levels of radioactive, chemical or biological agents. According to Mayer, anyone who had entered the White House situation room, including Cheney, had been exposed.” (ABC News; 14Jul08; Mark Mooney)
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=5368813&page=1

'Masters of Disaster' Rule Out Anthrax in Hate Mail [Okaloosa County, Florida]
“The yellow tape went up and the employees of Destin attorney Kevin Helmich were quarantined -- all for Johnson & Johnson's baby powder. The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, Okaloosa County EMS, Destin Fire Control District and the Hazardous Materials Technicians of Okaloosa County Special Operations Unit responded to a call from 4481 Legendary Drive on Wednesday morning. Office administrator Kelly Helmstetter was opening the mail as usual, when the unexpected happened. Battalion chief David Messerschmidt told The Log that when Helmstetter opened the letter -- with a pregnant coworker standing in the doorway -- white powder fell all over her dress.” (Red Orbit; 12Jul08; Jennifer Rich) http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1474900/masters_of_disaster_rule_out_anthrax_in_hate_mail/

Judge rejects leniency request for Moyer [Peoria, Illinois]
“A federal judge looked a Pekin woman square in the face Friday and told her she was out of chances after twice violating her probation for writing a threatening letter to President Bush two years ago. U.S. District Judge Michael Mihm flatly rejected a request for leniency and instead doubled what federal prosecutors sought to punish Jessica A. Moyer. […] Moyer wrote a letter in March 2005 to the president at the Pekin Public Library. In that letter, she criticized the country's involvement in the war and called the president several names. She then wrote: ‘Your time is almost through. Yes, that's right. That's a threat. I have enclosed some anthrax and I hope it is enough to kill you and if it is not, I can send someone to shoot you or something. You are not safe.’“ (Journal Star; 11Jul08; Andy Kravetz) http://www.pjstar.com/news/x875598203/Judge-rejects-leniency-request-for-Moyer

Gregg County [Texas] gets bioterrorism preparedness grant
“Gregg County commissioners on Monday accepted a more than $63,000 state grant to help ensure the county is prepared in the event of bioterrorism.”
(Longview News Journal; 14Jul08; Randy Ross) http://www.news-journal.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/07/15/07152008_gregg_comish.html

New 'Scrubber' Speeds Removal Of Powerful Anthrax Clean-up Agent
“Researchers in New Jersey report discovery of a fast, efficient method for removing a powerful pesticide used to sterilize buildings and equipment following anthrax attacks. Their chemical ‘scrubber’ removes 99 percent of the pesticide following fumigation and could pave the way for its broader use in anthrax clean-up efforts, the scientists say. […] Bielski and Joyce documented the effectiveness of their removal method in experiments with an empty office trailer filled with air containing methyl bromide.” (Science Daily; 14Jul08) http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080714094453.htm

‘Powder mystery put to rest [Dodoma]
“The National Assembly yesterday clarified that at no point was the powder found in parliament building linked to witchcraft rituals. Deputy Speaker, Ms Anna Makinda said yesterday that the Speaker, Mr Samuel Sitta has been dismayed by some people and the media that blew the matter out of context. […] ‘it was decided that the matter be put to rest after it was discovered that the powder was not harmful to human beings,’ she said.” (Daily New Online; 12Jul08; Kilasa Mtambalike)
http://dailynews.habarileo.co.tz/magazine/?id=5837

Biological weapons 'greatest terror threat to UK'
“The Institute for Public Policy Research's (IPPR) national security commission, which is co-chaired by Lord Ashdown and Lord Robertson, is not due to reveal its initial findings until its interim report in October. […] Mr Kearns explained the real danger was not potentially-devastating technologies being acquired by terrorist groups but by individuals. ‘This is going to be a century-long thing, we're not talking about specific terrorist groups [we're talking about]... lone weirdoes with expertise - people who have very high-level knowledge skills and access to the right materials who could use it for devastating purposes,’ he continued.” (In The News; 11Jul08) http://www.inthenews.co.uk/news/science/biological-weapons-greatest-terror-threat-uk-$1231187.htm

Another Nerve Gas Leak At Blue Grass Army Depot [Kentucky]
“For those living near an Army depot where deadly chemicals are stored, ‘leak’ is the one word they never want to hear. Officials at Blue Grass Army Depot have confirmed that Sarin, an extremely toxic nerve agent, has been found leaking from a storage igloo, the same storage facility where another Sarin leak was discovered last August. The Army says that igloo has been continually filtered and monitored since the initial leak and poses no risk to the public.” (WKYT; 12Jul08; Denny Trease) http://www.wkyt.com/news/headlines/24752259.html

Poison Perfume and Dead Presidents
“‘A court forensic expert said Wednesday that former Chilean President Eduardo Frei Montalva was assassinated in January 1982,’ according to McClatchyDC.com. Medical officials had long asserted that infection after a simple hernia operation was the cause of death. Turns out ‘that a combination of toxins, including mustard gas, gradually administered to the former president ultimately killed him.’ […] The finger points to Eugenio Berrios, described as Chilean dictator ‘Augosoto Pinochet's Mad Scientist,’ and the regime's resident expert on lethal chemicals.” (Wired; 12Jul08; David Hambling) http://blog.wired.com/defense/2008/07/dead-presidents.html

Fabric Blocks Radiation, Chemical, Biological Hazards
“Ronald DeMeo places a radioactive wafer about the size of a silver dollar on his desk and waves a handheld Geiger counter over it. The machine chatters wildly, the numbers on the readout spin upward and visitors instinctively lean back. But when the Coral Gables doctor covers the disc, which is designed for materials testing and quite safe, with a thin piece of fabric, the numbers dive and the noise from the Geiger dips to a low growl. […] The patented fabric -- just slightly thicker than denim -- is embedded with metal particles and other compounds capable of blocking X-rays, low-energy gamma rays and other types of nuclear emission that might be found anywhere from a doctor's office to the site of a dirty bomb blast.” (Red Orbit; 14Jul08; Jim Wyss of The Miami Herald) http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1476735/fabric_blocks_radiation_chemical_biological_hazards/

Iran’s missile-rattling ups the ante
“Maj. Gen. Paul E. Vallely (U.S. Army, ret.), former deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Pacific and current co-chairman of the Iran Policy Committee (IPC), tells me. ‘They are currently fine-tuning their systems to include perfecting command-and-control, launching, tracking, trajectory, those kinds of things. They’ve yet to perfect putting a warhead on the Shahab, but they’re working toward full-capability, including nuclear, biological, and chemical.’ Dr. Jill Dekker, a bio-warfare expert and consultant to NATO, agrees. ‘Both Iran and Syria possess highly advanced chemical and biological weapons programs,’ says Dekker. ‘Syria’s chem program is more advanced than Iran’s, but both countries’ bio-programs have benefited from former Soviet labs and more recently from North Korea. And Iran has a very advanced bio program, which is highly imbedded in their pharmaceutical industry.’” (Canadian Free Press; 13Jul08; W. Thomas Smith Jr.)
http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/3945

Mediterranean union wants to rid Mideast of WMD
“The leaders of 43 nations from Europe, the Middle East and North Africa have launched a Union for the Mediterranean, a brainchild of French President Nicolas Sarkozy that aims to improve cooperation in the region with practical projects that parallel efforts toward Mideast peace. […] Nearly all of the 43 nations sent a president or prime minister to the summit. […] In a final declaration, Israel, Syria and the Palestinians along with countries across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa agreed to ‘pursue a mutually and effectively verifiable Middle East Zone free of weapons of mass destruction.’ The summit declaration also condemned ‘terrorism in all its forms’ and announced six major projects, from a common university and easier travel visas for students to depolluting the Mediterranean sea and promoting solar power.” (Associated Press; 14Jul08; Angela Charlton) http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iAkOZStYXZmgvjv2pwHJenHcOCwAD91TGD600

Security beefed up in Beijing to ensure safe Olympics
“With the Olympics just around the corner, final preparations are under way here and in surrounding areas to deal with possible threats, including terrorism. […] To ‘mobilize the enthusiasm of the masses in maintaining public security, as well as to control and eliminate hidden dangers to the Olympic Games,’ residents who report substantial information on major threats from July 10 to October 31 would get rewards of 10,000 yuan (US$1,460) to 500,000 yuan. […] The firefighters could be called on to help deal with terrorists who used nuclear or chemical weapons and explosives, he said. The bureau had also organized 46 counter-terrorist drills in Olympic venues and subway stations, he noted.” (China Daily; 14Jul08)
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/2008-07/14/content_6844122.htm

‘Kuwait ready to tackle N[uclear]-radiation in case of war’
“Assistant Undersecretary for Medical Emergency Technique Dr Khaled Al-Sahlawi says the ministry has enough active iodine to ward off the harmful effects of radiation leakage into the country within the first 72 hours. Al-Sahlawi affirmed the ministry has various units in charge of several stages of prevention and cure in case of biological and chemical warfare.” (Arab Times; 13Jul08; Dhuha Barqawi)
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/client/pagesdetails.asp?nid=19716&ccid=9

'Serious' video games aid training for real world emergencies
“This 'virtual' crisis, used in training for emergency services workers, is part of a so-called ‘serious game’, an emerging niche in the video game industry. The game ‘Triage Training’, developed in Coventry, central England, by a subsidiary of the Blitz Game group is aiming to be as realistic as possible. […] It is cheaper to do training in the virtual world. […] They plan to test the British capital's readiness in response to a dirty bomb explosion. ‘On the plus side, it's very much cheaper and cost-effective to do the training in the virtual world,’ Wortley said, noting that shutting an entire city centre down in real life would cause chaos.” (Macau Daily Times; 13Jul08; Lucie Godeau of AFP)
http://www.macaudailytimesnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13064&Itemid=33

City [San Francisco, California] at risk seeks security funds
“An aerosol anthrax attack in downtown San Francisco that could expose 330,000 people, killing 99 percent of those who are untreated. […]A 10-kiloton nuclear warhead dropped on a major city in the Bay Area, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and the evacuation of 500,000 people. Each horrific outcome is being considered by local officials, according to Vicki Hennessey, acting executive director of the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management, the agency in charge of overseeing The City’s emergency plans as well as the regional effort to secure and spend federal Homeland Security dollars earmarked for urban cities. In May, the region submitted to the federal government its wish list of $112 million worth of emergency preparation needs — from personnel to equipment — and is expected to hear how much funding it received this summer. “ (Examiner; 14Jul08; Will Reisman) http://www.examiner.com/a-1486315~City_at_risk_seeks_security_funds.html

Terrorism is hard [Book Review of Risk: The Science and Politics of Fear]
“His second move is somewhat more protracted, involving an interesting discussion of the Aum Shinrikyo ‘doomsday’ cult in Japan. Here was an organization that had an extraordinary amount of money at its disposal, several well-equipped labs and as many as 100 highly-trained scientists, working full-time, dedicated exclusively to the task of figuring out how to inflict mass casualties upon the Japanese population, in an attempt to provoke an apocalyptic war. Nevertheless, over the course of 17 different attacks, using a range of biological and chemical weapons, they never managed to kill more than a few dozen people. The most ‘successful’ was the 1995 sarin nerve gas attack in the Tokyo subway, which killed 12 people and severely injured another 42. Many people found this attack terrifying, yet for Gardner, it was also strangely reassuring. After all, it would be difficult to imagine circumstances more propitious for the success of a terrorist plot […] Yet they came nowhere near accomplishing their ends.” (The Ottawa Citizen; 12Jul08; Joseph Heath)
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/observer/story.html?id=b327c240-1b26-4825-b4ce-ded51b38f1e6

CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.