MEXICAN NATIONAL SENTENCED FOR HIS ROLE IN CONSPIRACY TO ACQUIRE "STINGER" MISSILE AND OTHER MILITARY GRADE WEAPONS

PHOENIX – On August 22, 2012, David Diaz-Sosa, 27, of Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge James A. Teilborg to 25 years in federal prison, to be followed by five years supervised release. Diaz-Sosa entered a guilty plea on April 19, 2011, to all four counts of the superseding indictment, which are, conspiracy to acquire and export an anti-aircraft missile; conspiracy to possess unregistered firearms (machine guns) and transfer firearms for use in a drug trafficking crime; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In imposing the sentence, Judge Teilborg referred to the offenses as an "evil enterprise" that, "carried out to its ultimate conclusion," would put serious weapons in the hands of "bloodthirsty, ruthless, and savage gang members."

"With the confiscation of a significant quantity of methamphetamine and U.S. currency, this operation not only delivered a financial blow to a Mexican Drug Trafficking Organization, but it also prevented further cartel violence by keeping dangerous weapons out of their hands," said U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo. "I commend the ATF, the DEA, and the DCIS for their coordinated efforts in this case and pledge to continue to work with all of our law enforcement partners to bring to justice those involved in the illicit business of trafficking drugs and weapons."

"The ATF remains steadfast on the front line of violent crime and committed to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt criminal networks involved in the illegal trafficking and distribution of weapons and narcotics," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Thomas Atteberry. "Mexico based criminal organizations and drug cartels continue to look towards the United States and in particular the Southwest Border States as a source of supply for firearms and in this case military grade weapons of war such as; grenades, machine guns, and Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS). ATF is committed to keeping America safe along with our law enforcement partners to ensure that these dangerous weapons are kept out of the hands of those that would turn them against the United States. I wish to commend the leadership of U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo and his office in their prosecution of these criminals," stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Thomas Atteberry.

"This sentencing was a result of a highly successful joint investigative effort by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), ATF, DEA, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona," said Janice M. Flores, Special Agent-in-Charge of the DCIS, Southwest Field Office. "The DCIS is committed to protecting America from this type of activity, and this commitment combined with the courage and determination of the law enforcement agents involved prevented military-grade weapons, including anti-aircraft and anti-tank weapons, from falling into the hands of a Mexican drug cartel. I believe this speaks volumes and serves as a warning for those intent on committing this type of criminal activity that law enforcement will pursue these crimes relentlessly."

According to court documents, in late 2009, Diaz-Sosa, a weapons and narcotics broker, began negotiating the purchase of high-powered, military-grade weapons for the Sinaloa Drug Cartel, the oldest and largest of the Mexican Drug Cartels. Shortly after the weapons negotiations began, Diaz-Sosa arranged for the delivery of 4.5 pounds of methamphetamine to serve as a down payment for the weapons. A co-conspirator, Emilia Palomino-Robles, made that initial delivery on behalf of Diaz-Sosa. For approximately the next three months, Diaz-Sosa and his associates negotiated with undercover federal agents for the purchase of the following weapons:

•A Dragon Fire anti-tank weapon;

•Two AT-4s (an 84-mm unguided, portable, single-shot recoilless smoothbore weapon);

•A Law Rocket (a Light Anti-Tank Weapon);

•A Stinger Missile (a portable infrared homing anti-aircraft surface-to-air missile);

•Two Def Tech grenade launchers and a dozen 40 mm grenades;

•One M-60 machine gun;

•One .30 caliber machine gun; and

•Three cases of hand grenades.

As negotiations continued, Diaz-Sosa and his associates agreed to exchange both cash and methamphetamine as a final payment for the weapons. On February 17, 2010, Diaz-Sosa arrived at a pre-determined time and location to finalize the weapons exchange. After a brief conversation, and an exchange of over 11 pounds of methamphetamine, Diaz-Sosa and another associate were taken into custody by federal agents. Later that same evening, Palomino-Robles was arrested in possession of $139,900, which was determined to be an additional portion of the weapons payment.

On March 5, 2012, Palomino-Robles was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, to be followed by five years supervised release, for her role in the methamphetamine and weapons conspiracy.

The investigation leading to the convictions in this case was conducted by the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. The prosecution was handled by Josh Patrick Parecki, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix, and Robert J. Sander, Trial Attorney, Counterterrorism Section, National Security Division, Department of Justice.

Federal Jury Finds Dennis Mahon Guilty in Scottsdale Bombing Case

PHOENIX – Dennis Mahon, 61, of Davis Junction, Ill., was found guilty of the 2004 bombing of the City of Scottsdale Office of Diversity and Dialogue, and the injury to Donald Logan and other victims. Specifically, a federal jury in Phoenix found Dennis Mahon guilty of Conspiracy to Damage Buildings and Property by Means of Explosive, Malicious Damage of a Building by Means of Explosive, and Distribution of Information Related to Explosives. Daniel Mahon was found not guilty as charged in Count One of the superseding indictment. The case was tried before U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell. The defendant is being held after trial. Sentencing is set before Judge Campbell on May 22, 2012.

“I commend ATF, the Postal Inspection Service, and the Scottsdale Police Department for their dedication and perseverance throughout the course of this investigation and prosecution,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ann Birmingham Scheel. “I also commend our prosecution team for their tremendous efforts in securing today’s conviction. Crimes motivated by bias and hatred continue to be a reality in our culture. This case shows that we will do all within our power to work with our law enforcement partners not only to prevent hate crimes, but also to vigorously prosecute those who commit them.”

“The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) is committed to aggressively pursuing hate-fueled acts of violence,” said Thomas Atteberry, ATF Special Agent in Charge. “Today’s verdict makes clear that such acts of violence will not be tolerated by the good people of Arizona. I commend the tenacity of the ATF agents that led this investigation for eight years, culminating in a verdict of guilt upon Dennis Mahon. We will continue to use every tool in our arsenal to put criminal hatemongers on notice – no matter how long it takes – they are not beyond our reach. I want to especially thank the leadership of the US Attorney’s Office and recognize the cooperative efforts of our investigative partners; the United States Postal Service and the Scottsdale Police Department.”

“The guilty verdict handed down today by the jury brings to close a long, thorough investigation into a vicious crime,” said Pete Zegarac, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Phoenix Division. “The parcel bomb was meant to cause harm and destruction to its victims, but it ultimately brought destruction to Dennis Mahon. The collaborative investigation between Postal Inspectors, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Scottsdale Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office has ensured that Dennis Mahon will no longer be free to send bombs to others.”

The evidence at trial showed that a bomb detonated at the City of Scottsdale Office of Diversity and Dialogue on February 26, 2004, causing injury to Donald Logan, Renita Linyard, and others. The evidence also showed that Dennis Mahon had specific knowledge of how the bomb, addressed to Donald Logan, was constructed. The evidence further showed that Dennis Mahon conspired with other individuals on behalf of the White Aryan Resistance to promote racial violence.

A conviction for Counts One and Two carries a maximum penalty of 40 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both. A conviction for Count Three carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment. In determining an actual sentence, Judge Campbell will consult the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing ranges. The judge, however, is not bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the United States Postal Service; and the Scottsdale Police Department. The prosecution was handled by John Boyle and Michael Morrissey, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

Pentagon Memorial Will Show Americans 9/11's Cost, Former Chairman Says

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Sept. 5, 2008 - The Pentagon Memorial will be a place of remembrance, dedication and learning, a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Retired Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers said he hopes the memorial – to be dedicated Sept. 11 – will become a learning experience for all Americans.

The general, who retired in 2005 after 42 years of service, said the memorial has much in common with the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

"Almost every American who goes to Hawaii visits the Arizona Memorial and learns about the surprise attack at Pearl Harbor," Myers said during a recent interview.

In the days after the attacks at the Pentagon, New York and Pennsylvania, many Americans pointed to the surprise attack at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, as the only comparable disaster to confront the United States. The Arizona Memorial remembers the more than 2,500 sailors and Marines killed aboard that ship in the attack.

The Pentagon Memorial can serve the same function, Myers said. The memorial can tell generations not yet born of the innocent men, women and children violent extremists killed in the attack on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. The memorial illustrates the extent of the sacrifices on that day, Myers said.

Myers added his hope that for future generations, the threat of violent extremism "will be a thing of the past – like slavery and other 'isms' because the international community took it seriously and worked together to eradicate it."

The official painting of Myers hanging in the Pentagon has, in the background, a painting of the Pentagon after the plane crashed into it. Myers' term as chairman will forever be tied to that event. He was the vice chairman on that fateful day, but President Bush had nominated him to be chairman.

"I was on Capitol Hill getting ready for my confirmation hearings when the first plane crashed into the Twin Towers," Myers said. "Once the second tower was hit, we knew it was an attack, and headed back [to the Pentagon]."

On the way back to the building, Myers received word that the Pentagon itself had been hit. "We came across the 14th Street Bridge, and all this black smoke was boiling up from the Pentagon," he said. "And you're thinking, 'Is this a dream or a bad movie I'm watching?' because it was very surreal."

The National Military Command Center in the Pentagon was up and running, and Myers ran against the stream of people evacuating the building to reach it.

"We still didn't know what was happening, or what more was going to happen," he said. "We needed to know who did this and what's next."

The intelligence agencies soon informed Pentagon leaders that al-Qaida was responsible for the attacks. "We were trying to anticipate what was the next event and how we could mitigate that," Myers said.

"Tragedy can bring out the best and the worst in folks," Myers said, "and that day it brought out the best in many, many people. Everyone who could help was helping."

Myers said he remembers the emotions and feelings he had that day, but he's finding as he travels around the United States that many people have forgotten.

"The further away you get from any tragedy, you tend to forget – you put it out of your mind," he said. "In some ways, it's our defense mechanism. I think since the United States has not been attacked on its own soil since that day, you can become a little bit complacent about it.

"That's one of the values of memorializing the innocent men, women and children who lost their lives here," he continued. "It reminds the nation what happened and the extent of what happened."

Myers said Americans are focused too much on the near fight – Iraq and Afghanistan. "There's a broader issue of violent extremism that needs to be dealt with," and that fight requires an international strategy, he said.

"It's not unlike after World War Two when communism was gaining a foothold in many countries ... and it looked like the world was going in a way that was against our best security interests," the general said. "We need an effort and a strategy that works against these extremists and with our friends and allies."

The country needs a good public discourse on the threat of global extremists, Myers said.

"The next president is going to have to take this seriously and explain to the American people why it is important," he said. "He's going to have to bring both sides of the American political system together on this one issue. If we don't, the probability goes way up that there will be more 9/11s."

The problem is global and is not going away, the general said. Other nations are going to have to admit violent extremism is a threat and make common cause with each other to combat it, he said.

"You have to ask, how do we get to the point that men and women don't want to join jihad?" he said. "I think you can develop a strategy to work your way down to that, but it's going to take decades."

CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- June 25, 2008

Duct tape, Biohazard labs, and Q fever
“Every once in awhile we read about a breech in the security of biomedical laboratories. Sometimes these are serious, such as when the Ebola like Marburg virus outbreak in German lab workers that killed seven people in 1967. But many barely make the front pages. The latest outbreak from biomedical laboratories occurred at the esteemed CDC laboratory in Atlanta last year, when several people came down with Q fever.” (Blogger News Network; 25June08; Nancy Reyes)
http://www.bloggernews.net/116394

Morphotek to develop bio-warfare therapy
“The U.S. Defense Department has contracted Morphotek Inc. to further develop antibody therapies for soldiers exposed to microbial biological weapons. Pennsylvania-based Morphotek was awarded $1.7 million in funding support to continue development of biologic-based monoclonal antibody therapies. Officials say the therapies are an effort to develop therapeutic mAbs to treat diseases threatening soldiers when exposed to biological warfare pathogens.” (UPI; 24June08) http://www.upi.com/Security_Industry/2008/06/24/Morphotek_to_develop_bio-warfare_therapy/UPI-16741214324946/

Smiths Detection Launches Smart Trigger for Biological Agent Detection
“Smiths Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, today announced the launch of SmartBio(TM) Sensor (SBS), a real-time detector for biological agents or airborne toxins. SBS provides a visual or audio alarm when a bio-threat is detected and classifies the agent by threat category.” (Centre Daily; 25June08) http://www.centredaily.com/business/technology/story/677860.html

Training course on implementation of CWC concluded
“A training course on implementation of Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) was concluded here on Wednesday. The two-day course, which was organized by the National Committee for Banning Chemical, Biological and Poisonous Weapons (NCBCBPW) in cooperation with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), aimed at elaborating capabilities of 30 participants of customs employees on dealing with chemical substances used in chemical weapons industry.” (Saba News; 25June08) http://www.sabanews.net/en/news157529.htm

Opening Address at the Global Biological-Chemical Training Event [Patricia A. McNerney, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, International Security and Nonproliferation]
“I want to join in thanking each of you for taking the time to participate in this important training conference. I know that many of you have traveled a great distance to be here today, and that each of you has an essential role to play in further promoting chemical and biological safety and security. I applaud your interest and proactive collaboration. I also thank our local hosts in Thailand, who continue to provide an invaluable resource for these regional events, as well as our Embassy staff and technical trainers, without whom this event would not be possible.” (State Department; 24June08) http://www.state.gov/t/isn/rls/rm/106214.htm

Cell’s inner workings described
“He lived in Luton, north of London. Other than that, Mohammed Junaid Babar knew him only as ‘Q.’ Babar, a key witness in the Khawaja terrorism trial, testified yesterday that in the summer of 2003 this man, known only by an initial, sent young Islamic radicals to Pakistan on ‘fact-finding missions.’ […] There were also lessons in poisoning, with Babar keeping ‘a little seed’ of ricin in his house.” (Winnipeg Sun; 25June08; Donna Casey) http://winnipegsun.com/News/Canada/2008/06/25/5978691-sun.html

Tests for poison leave Bangladeshi lawyers hooked
“The visiting Bangladeshi attorneys were certainly kept entertained when they arrived to observe proceedings in the Ennis conspiracy to murder trial in the Central Criminal Court. As the trial of Sharon Collins and Essam Eid entered its sixth week, the jury heard details of interviews with the two accused, laboratory tests for ricin poison, as well as ‘disputed charges’ on an American Express credit card registered to Clare businessman PJ Howard.”
(Herald; 24June08)
http://www.herald.ie/national-news/courts/tests-for-poison-leave-bangladeshi-lawyers-hooked-1420233.html

Ark. military arsenal finishes weapons destruction [Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas]
“A simple message in white paint adorned the last VX nerve-agent land mine that rolled through a conveyor belt on its way to incineration at the Pine Bluff Arsenal – ‘LONG TIME COMING.’ With its destruction, central Arkansas became free from the danger posed by deadly nerve agents for the first time since the 1960s, when the weapons arrived at what was once the Army's second largest stockpile in the nation.” (Forbes; 23June08; Jon Gambrell, Associated Press) http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/06/23/ap5144643.html

Mescal veteran hopes his experience will help others
“When Charles 'Roy' Curtis of Mescal realized his hearing was failing, he made an appointment with a doctor at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System. But instead of getting fitted for hearing aids, doctors discovered Curtis had a lung tumor and is likely suffering effects of Agent Orange exposure.” (Benson News; 24June08; Terri Jo Neff) http://www.bensonnews-sun.com/articles/2008/06/24/news/news07.txt

SwRI [Southwest Research Institute] awarded grant to develop nerve agent antidote
“The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command has awarded a one-year, $1.3 million grant to the Southwest Research Institute to develop and test a nerve agent antidote that can be administered with an injection. The institute is currently in the fourth year of a six-year contract to develop and test the stability of a drug that reverses symptoms caused by exposure to a chemical warfare agent.” (San Antonio Business Journal; 24June08)
http://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/stories/2008/06/23/daily15.html

Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Protection
“Mark Seed, Subhash Anand, Baljinder Kandola and Robert Fulford review the use of impermeable, permeable and semi-permeable ensembles for military and police forces high-threat situations, with particular emphasis on permeable systems, discussing the selection of fibres, fabrics and laminates, as well as processes. The armed forces and emergency services face an array of extreme conditions that necessitates they use protective clothing. Broadly defined these include threats from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) materials. Moreover, in a hostile situation the clothing may also be expected to protect against ballistic impacts, shrapnel and slashing.” (Red Orbit; 25June08; Seed, et.al.) http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1448985/chemical_biological_radiological_and_nuclear_protection/

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- May 19, 2008

Anthrax scare forces evacuation of FBI building
“About 9:45 a.m., an employee was opening mail in a contained area. […] Inside [one] envelope, the employee noticed a white powder. […] All 120 employees of the FBI plus all the other businesses in the 13-story building at 257 E. 200 South were evacuated. Hazmat crews from the Salt Lake Fire Department collected the powdery substance into a sealed container and took it away for testing. […] The area where the mail was sorted was then sterilized before employees were allowed to return. The FBI was allowed back into the building about 12:35 p.m.” (Deseret News; 17May08)
http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700226699,00.html

Asleep at the Switch: It's an Emergency. We're Not Prepared.
“Even after Sept. 11, 2001, even after Hurricane Katrina, a Red Cross survey last year found that 93 percent of Americans aren't prepared for a major calamity -- a natural disaster, a pandemic or a terrorist attack. […] Readying the public for the likely emergencies of the 21st century may be one of the most complex social-education challenges the nation has faced. Americans have to prepare for a range of threats, many of which the government can neither describe nor predict.” (Washington Post; 18May08; John D. Solomon) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/16/AR2008051603735.html

County officials and volunteers drill with emergency equipment [Sierra Vista, Arizona]
“About 20 local volunteers learned how to turn 700 pounds of canvas, metal and plastic into an emergency shelter Saturday. […] County workers also practiced using new radio and other communications equipment while volunteers learned how to set up and take down the Base-X tent at the Fry Fire District on Saturday. […] A group of six volunteers, along with two Base-X trainers from Tucson, completed the full tent setup and breakdown in about one and a half hours. With enough practice, a well coordinated group could set it up in about 6 minutes, Myers said.” (The Sierra Vista Herald; 18May08; Laura Ory) http://www.svherald.com/articles/2008/05/18/news/doc482fcaab4a89f827217395.txt

Bioterror in Context
“William R. Clark, professor and chair emeritus of immunology at the University of California, Los Angeles, has been a research scientist for 30 years and has written a string of books for the general public. His latest, Bracing for Armageddon?, published by Oxford University Press in May, examines the science and politics of bioterrorism in the United States. […] His conclusion: We shouldn't be so worried. Although the United States will have spent $50 billion on defense against a bioterrorism attack by the end of 2008, Clark argues that we have much more to fear from natural pandemic outbreaks, such as the viruses causing SARS and H5N1 avian flu.” (Miller-McCune Magazine; 19May08; Matt Palmquist)
http://www.miller-mccune.com/article/355

Agent Orange town in QLD [Innisfail, Queensland]
“The Australian Army tested chemical weapons on a town which now has deaths from cancer 10 times the state average. […] Agent Orange was sprayed extensively in Vietnam to defoliate the jungle and remove cover for North Vietnamese troops. It contains chemicals including the dioxin TCDD, which causes forms of cancer, birth defects and other health problems. Researcher Jean Williams found details of the secret Innisfail tests in the Australian War Memorial archives. […] Val Robertson, 74, said a high number of local people aged in their 40s were dying from cancer, about one a month for the last 12 months.” (Brisbane Times; 18May08; Matthew Benns & Frank Walker)
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/agent-orange-town-in-qld/2008/05/18/1211049013324.html?page=3

Australian state government to probe Agent Orange claims [Innisfail, Queensland]
“The government of Australia's Queensland state on Sunday said it will investigate claims that chemical weapons such as Agent Orange were tested there in the 1960s. Reports said that forest near Innisfail, a town on the country's far northeastern coastline, had been a testing ground for the defoliant at the start of the Vietnam War. […] The Sun-Herald reported that Australian defence scientists sprayed the toxic defoliant in rainforest near Innisfail in 1966. Foliage in the area, which is about 100 metres from the town's water supply, has never properly regrown, the paper said.” (Associated Foreign Press; 19May08) http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gStD_z96nL1krIceavbbOB3qkzqQ

Seeing Molecules Change Shape
“A faster, more powerful way to observe molecular shape changes over time has been developed by a team of spectroscopists. The microwave spectroscopy technique, devised by Brooks H. Pate and coworkers at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, and reported in Science (2008, 320, 924), should be applicable to studies of reaction dynamics in ‘radical intermediates, molecular complexes, and conformationally flexible molecules of biological interest,’ the researchers note. Such reactions are currently difficult or impossible to observe experimentally by any other way. […] Pate now hopes to develop CP-FTMW for other applications, such as detecting low-level chemical warfare agents in air. His group is also working on a version of a CP-FTMW instrument ‘that is less expensive, more compact, and doesn't require vacuum pumps,’ he says.” (Chemical & Engineering News; 19May08; Stu Borman) http://pubs.acs.org/cen/news/86/i20/8620notw1.html

South Oldham [Kentucky] Fire Department gets new equipment
“The South Oldham Fire Department has new equipment to help quickly identify chemicals including explosives, narcotics and chemical warfare agents. The department received the handheld instrument as part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program […].” (Courier Journal; 19May08)
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080519/ZONE09/80519014

China steps up battle against epidemics in quake zone: official
“The fight against contagious diseases is now a top priority after China's massive earthquake, with the rotting carcasses of millions of dead animals adding to the dangers, officials said Saturday. ‘Combating epidemics is the most urgent and the biggest task facing us right now,’ Wei Chao'an, vice minister of agriculture, told a press conference. […] China's top veterinarian, Li Jingxing […] said contaminated carcasses could trigger the spread of diseases like avian influenza, encephalitis B and rabies, while the earthquake may also heighten the risk of infection of anthrax or tetanus.” (France 24; 17May08; Charles Whelan) http://www.france24.com/en/20080517-china-steps-battle-against-epidemics-quake-zone-official

US unveils deals with Saudi on nuclear power, oil protection
“The White House announced major new co-operation agreements with Saudi Arabia yesterday as US President George W Bush made his second visit to the oil superpower this year. […] The White House said Saudi Arabia had also agreed to two global initiatives, one to combat nuclear terrorism and another to combat the spread of weapons of mass destruction.” (Gulf Times; 17May08)
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=218874&version=1&template_id=37&parent_id=17

New [Congressional] commission to study WMDs announced
“Over the next six months, a congressionally mandated commission will look at the government's myriad WMD programs to counter nuclear, biological and chemical arms capable of killing great numbers of people and make recommendations on how to coordinate them. The commission was created by a 2007 law in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.” (Arizona Daily Star; 17May08; Associated Press)
http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/239447

Navy's Monterey [California] school is lab for terror war
“One of the school's joint projects with Lawrence Livermore lab involves work on establishing a wireless network around San Francisco Bay, enabling Coast Guard boarding teams to transmit sensor data to scientists at the lab who can analyze spectrographs to determine whether ship cargo poses a threat. They are also experimenting with ‘drive-by detection’ methods to determine from a distance whether a vessel is carrying a nuclear device. Similar work is being done to deploy radiation detectors on the U.S.-Mexico border.” (San Francisco Chronicle; 18May08; Jim Doyle) http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/05/18/MN5K10HEKM.DTL

Guard team responds to mock emergency [Midwest City, Oklahoma]
“Men in Level A hazmat suits entered the former Target building on Midwest Boulevard and Reno on Thursday. They were accompanied by a machine courtesy of the Norman bomb squad that took X-rays, specifically to examine a backpack lying in one area of the former department store. But the men, members of a Norman-based Oklahoma National Guard unit, were not wearing the suits for their protection. They were training under the watch of United States Army North employees to prepare for an evaluation in June.” (The Sun, Oklahoma; 17May08; Eric Bradshaw) http://www.mwcsun.com/local/local_story_138230337.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.

CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- February 18, 2008

Nebraskans Prepared For Agroterrorism Attack
“Foreign intelligence shows American ag[ricultural] land is vulnerable to a terrorist attack. The FBI has pinpointed [f]oot and [m]outh disease as a prime method for targeting the food supply and the economy. That's why Saturday, 12 Northeast Nebraska counties participated in a disaster drill to deal with just that. ‘This region of the state has taken a very active approach in preparing for this,’ explains Nikki Weber, of the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency. The [f]ederal [g]overnment calls it a weapon of mass destruction: [f]oot and [m]outh [d]isease. An outbreak of the disease, which spreads quickly and causes large sores and weakness in hoofed animals, rendering them useless to producers, could shut down highways, and put thousands of family farmers in quarantine.” (KTIV.com, 16Feb08)
http://www.ktiv.com/News/index.php?ID=22594

Study looks at food terrorism risks
“Following the September 11 attacks, there has been a heightened awareness that the nation’s food supply could be at risk for possible attacks. With that awareness, there has been increased focus on the need to implement food security measures – especially at the borders – to protect the food supply. Arizona State University [ASU] Associate Professor William Nganje, along with four other ASU faculty members, recently received a grant for about $263,000 to study the economic impact of what could happen in the event of an agro terrorism attack. The study focuses on the transportation of imported produce coming through the border between Arizona and Nogales, Mexico, which is one of the busiest ports at the Southwest border.” (Land Line Magazine, 11Feb08) http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2008/Feb08/021108/021108-05.htm

Salazars, Udall [members of Colorado’s Congressional delegation] don't want hydrolysate leaving Pueblo
“Three members of Colorado’s Congressional delegation want to make sure the wastes from the destruction of chemical weapons here don’t leave the Pueblo Chemical Depot. Democrats Sen. Ken Salazar and Reps. John Salazar and Mark Udall introduced a bill Friday that would prohibit the secretary of defense from shipping hydrolysate at the Pueblo Chemical Depot off-site for treatment. Mustard agent hydrolysate is the diluted waste from the water neutralization process that will break down the 2,611 tons of the poison stored at the local base. Defense Department officials have indicated a preference for shipping it off-site for treatment, claiming it will save $150 million. However, a Colorado citizens advisory panel supports treating it at Pueblo Chemical Depot, claiming that the Pentagon is not considering other costs. […] The citizens advisory commission favors building a small sewer plant that would use bacteria to break down the caustic waste and then recycle the water back through the neutralization facility.” (The Pueblo Chieftain, 16Feb08, John Norton)
http://www.chieftain.com/metro/1203152639/5

Credit-card-sized platform for volatile compound analysis CAREER [Faculty Early Career Development Program] project goal
“Developing a credit-card-sized gas chromatography platform that can analyze volatile compounds within seconds is the next step for Virginia Tech College of Engineering researcher Masoud Agah, who has received a National Science Foundation (NSF) Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) Award to support his research. Agah, an assistant professor in the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and an affiliate member of the Department of Mechanical Engineering faculty, recently secured a five-year CAREER grant worth $400,000. This is the NSF’s most prestigious award for creative junior faculty who are considered to be future leaders in their academic fields. Gas chromatography is the primary technique used in a number of scientific, medical, and industrial settings to separate and analyze volatile compounds in gases, liquids, and solids.” (PhysOrg.com, 18Feb08, Virginia Tech)
http://www.physorg.com/news122559889.html

Mock drills at [Delhi] Metro stations expose chinks in security
“A car and motorcycle exploded, some men opened fire and tossed grenades and a 'chemical attack' took place - these were part of mock drills carried out at four stations of Delhi Metro Thursday morning to check preparedness of the agencies involved in security. The drills were carried out simultaneously at the Rajiv Chowk, Chawri Bazar, Rithala and Shastri Park stations around 6.15 a.m. under the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to evaluate the performance of the agencies deployed there. […] At the Chawri Bazar underground Metro station, which is one of the deepest in the city, a mock 'chemical attack' with poisonous gases was carried out to check the efficiency with which passengers were escorted out of the building.” (Yahoo! News India, 14Feb08, IANS) http://in.news.yahoo.com/indiaabroad/20080214/r_t_ians_nl_general/tnl-mock-drills-at-metro-stations-expose-b9e311f.html

Soldiers sue over nerve gas guinea pigs
“A group of former Israeli army recruits are suing the government for compensation after it allegedly made them unwitting guinea pigs by testing them for nerve gas antidotes, a newspaper reported. The army claims the testing was carried out by volunteers. ‘We were laboratory rats for the army,’ Avi Yogev, 55, referring to a case dating back to 1971, told Yediot Aharonot newspaper. ‘We were guinea pigs for Tsahal (the army) and today we are paying the price. They told us we were participating in a secret project,’ Mr Yogev said, explaining that the soldiers were told during training that they had to participate or would not be allowed to serve in a combat unit. ‘They had us swallow pills. We suffered from vomiting and diarrhoea. It was not until years later that we discovered that they had given us medicine against nerve gas after having tested it on animals.’”
(The Daily Telegraph, 18Feb08, AAP)
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,23237341-5001028,00.html

Europe takes box scanning fight to US Congress
“Brussels will present a breakdown of costs the European Union will have to shoulder if the US implements its 100% container scanning law to the US Congress next month. The European commission is preparing what is expected to be a ‘massive’ estimate of the burden European companies will have to bear if the US insists all inbound boxes be scanned for radiation by 2012, as legislation foresees.” (Lloyd’s List, 18Feb08, Justin Stares)
http://lloydslist.com/ll/news/viewArticle.htm?articleId=20017506167

US/UK fight against nuclear threats
“Energy minister Malcolm Wicks has announced a new collaboration between the UK and the US that will address nuclear and radiological security threats. As part of the programme, an initial £2m will be invested in initiatives designed to secure high-risk nuclear and other radioactive materials and combat their illegal trafficking. ‘Our first joint initiative will be a new project to enhance long-term security of highly active spent radioactive sources in Ukraine and we are already in discussion with Ukrainian and the US about how best to move this forward,’ said Wicks.” (The Engineer Online, 18Feb08) http://www.theengineer.co.uk/Articles/304647/USUK+fight+against+nuclear+threats.htm

Scientists expanding ways to trace lost or stolen nuclear materials
“Like CSI [Crime Scene Investigation] detectives, scientists around the world are combining their skills in a new field of ‘nuclear forensic’ to combat the threat of atomic terrorism. ‘Nuclear terrorism is a global threat, not local or regional,’ said Anita Nilsson, director of the office of nuclear safety at the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Austria. […] Today, some 30 countries participate in the Nuclear Smuggling International Technical Working Group, which designs scientific techniques and processes for tracking down and tracing radioactive materials, said David Smith of the global security directorate at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The threat has changed from past years, Smith explained. Gross retaliation may not work with terrorists, so attention must turn to the supply of materials and keeping it in control.” (San Diego Union Tribune; 16Feb08; Randolph E. Schmid, AP) http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/nation/20080216-1348-nuclearsleuths.html

Study: Reactors pose terror risk; But others sharply disagree with conclusions of the Government Accounting [sic] Office
“A new report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office warns that on-campus nuclear research reactors — such as one at Oregon State University [OSU] — may be the target of sophisticated terrorists. The weaknesses of the facilities and consequences of an attack have been underestimated, the report says. […] The Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which governs 33 of America’s 37 research reactors, bristled at the report. And OSU officials insist that the university’s reactor […] is equipped with security safeguards that far exceed federal requirements. […] Eliot Brenner, director of public affairs for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, blasted the Government Accountability Office report. ‘This is a poor effort, and they ought to be embarrassed. It is unbalanced, misrepresents and excludes facts, and fails to acknowledge experts who disagree,’ he said.” (Corvallis Gazette-Times, 16Feb08, Kyle Odegard) http://www.dhonline.com/articles/2008/02/17/news/local/1aaa04_reax.txt

Bush Policies Undermine Science, Group Says
“The Bush administration’s persistent interference in the work of federal scientists has cut experts out of top-level discussions of bio terrorism and served to punish researchers who questioned one White House nuclear weapon initiative, a science watchdog organization said yesterday. During the first day of a major science conference here, the Union of Concerned Scientists issued a report accusing the executive branch of committing a host of abuses over the last seven years. Included among 17 distinct charges are allegations that federal officials misrepresented or simply fabricated scientific data, suppressed certain findings, and pressured scientists to change reports in favor of administration positions. ‘This interference in science threatens our nation’s ability to respond to complex challenges to public health, the environment and national security,’ states the report, Federal Science and the Public Good.” (Global Security Newswire, 15Feb08, Chris Schneidmiller) http://www.nti.org/d_newswire/issues/2008_2_15.html#091DB6EC
An introduction to the Union of Concerned Scientists report is available at http://www.ucsusa.org/scientific_integrity/restoring/federal-science.html

Chinese military steps up counter-terrorism preparations for Olympics
“Chinese troops are to step up anti-terrorism training to ensure the security of Beijing's Olympic Games in August, a senior military officer has said. ‘This year poses a challenging test. We have scheduled massive training programs before the Olympics to better prepare against any possible threat,’ an officer from the General Staff Headquarters of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) was quoted as saying. The officer, who refused to be identified, said the troops participating in Olympics security were focusing on biochemical and nuclear threats, as well as emergency rescue operations.” (China View, 18Feb08, Xinhua) http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-02/18/content_7622174.htm

UK government forced to publish Iraq dossier draft
“An early version of a British dossier of prewar intelligence on Iraq did not include a key claim about weapons of mass destruction that became vital to Tony Blair's case for war, the newly published document showed Monday. The 2002 document insisted Saddam Hussein's regime had acquired uranium and had equipment necessary for chemical weapons, but does not contain a claim that Iraq could launch weapons of mass destruction within 45 minutes -- an allegation crucial to Blair's push to back the 2004 U.S.-led invasion that later was discredited. Campaigners allege that the 45-minute claim was inserted into later drafts of the document on the orders of Blair's press advisers, who were seeking to strengthen the case for invasion -- a claim the government has strongly denied.” (CNN International, 18Feb08, AP) http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/02/18/iraq.dossier.ap/

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.

Exercises Test Crisis Response Coordination

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service


Oct. 17, 2007 - As some 15,000 federal, state and local officials test their ability to respond to terrorist attacks in Oregon, Arizona and Guam during the largest-yet "TOPOFF" exercise, U.S. Northern Command is fine-tuning its own procedures for supporting a civilian-led response to a potential threat or crisis. Servicemembers and civilians from U.S. Army North kicked off Vigilant Shield 2008 on Oct. 15. The weeklong national-level exercise involves federal, state and local agencies across the United States and Guam.

Vigilant Shield is running concurrently with TOPOFF 4, the fourth in a series of congressionally mandated Department of Homeland Security exercises that involves top officials at all government levels, as well as representatives from the international community and the private sector. TOPOFF, short for "top officials," tests their effectiveness in working together as they respond to a simulated crisis.

The TOPOFF scenario began yesterday with mock coordinated "dirty bomb" attacks in Oregon, Arizona and Guam, with massive casualties and widespread contamination. Some 15,000 participants, including members of the National Guard, responded.

As Portland, Ore., officials were responding to the "blast site" -- a mockup of a major city bridge, complete with demolished cars, piles of rubble and actors posing as blast victims -- 22 members of the Oregon National Guard's 102nd Civil Support Team lent hazardous materials expertise to the effort.

"We will work together with first responders to see what the risk to the public is and what the dangers are," said Army Lt. Col. Steven Ferrell, team commander. "We do this in support of the first responders; we never take charge but instead take a supportive role."

Ferrell said the National Guard is helping ensure first responders in Oregon are as trained as possible for a large-scale disaster.

Meanwhile, about 200 Oregon Guardsmen who make up a joint task force are providing local authorities any supplemental resources they might need. "That could include anything from coordinating troop movements to assist evacuation efforts to providing logistical support, such as power generators or transporting water and supplies," said Army Lt. Col. Robert Mouw, deputy commander of 82nd Brigade Troop Command.

Mouw said the task force is "ready to respond to any mission the governor may give us."

As the scenario unfolded in Portland, officials in Guam were confronted not just with a radioactive bomb detonation at Cabras Island, but also an aircraft needing to make an emergency landing because it had hydraulic problems and an engine fire.

Guam's homeland security advisor, Dennis J. Santo Tomas, activated the Guam National Guard's 94th Civil Support Team along with the fire department, police, Department of Public Health and Social Services, Guam Homeland Security and the Office of Civil Defense.

Gov. Felix P. Camacho said Guam's geographic isolation and proximity to many international trouble spots make it critical that the territory be prepared to respond to threats to the safety of its people. "We will test our response capabilities, strengthen preparedness and learn what needs to be improved by simulating an actual situation," he said. "This exercise will be very valuable to responding to a real-life situation."

Meanwhile, Arizona is the first state to conduct a functional TOPOFF exercise – essentially a tabletop exercise focusing on coordinating decision making and communications during a simulated disaster. State officials said the exercise will serve as a model for future TOPPFF exercises.

As TOPOFF 4 runs its course through Oct. 19, U.S. Army North is conducting Vigilant Shield at its Fort Sam Houston, Texas, headquarters and in Portland and Mesa, Ariz. Using various homeland defense and civil support scenarios, the command is testing its own procedures for working with other participants in responding to a potential threat or crisis.

Brig. Gen. Francis Mahon, Army North deputy commander, explained that local and state governments would be the first responders to an emergency situation, followed by federal agencies. Army North, NORTHCOM's Army component, would support capability gaps, when asked by agencies leading the response.

Mahon called the exercise important to building national preparedness that lay groundwork for coordinated disaster responses. It's "a great opportunity for all of us to work together now, prior to a crisis," he said.