Al Shabaab Associate Pleads Guilty in Manhattan Federal Court to Conspiring to Support and Receive Military-Type Training from a Foreign Terrorist Organization

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Janice K. Fedarcyk, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”); and Raymond W. Kelly, the Police Commissioner of the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced that MOHAMED IBRAHIM AHMED pled guilty today to conspiring to provide material support to and receive military-type training from al Shabaab, a terrorist organization based in Somalia. The U.S. Department of State has designated al Shabaab as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. AHMED pled guilty before U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “Mohamed Ibrahim Ahmed traveled a long way from his home in Sweden to Somalia, where he took up the cause of al Shabaab, a deadly terrorist organization and sworn enemy of the United States and its people. Protecting Americans from the threat of terrorism both at home and abroad is the highest priority of this office, and today’s plea is yet another victory in that fight.”

FBI Assistant Director in Charge Janice K. Fedarcyk said: “The guilty plea entered today, by a man so dedicated to a known terrorist group that he traveled to Somalia to train with al Shabaab and give them financial support, emphasizes the need for continued vigilance in the fight against terrorism worldwide. The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners here and abroad to thwart would-be terrorists.”

NYPD Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said: “This plea is important to the ongoing efforts by the NYPD and federal partners to deter terrorist organizations and their followers, who continue in their attempts to put New York City and the United States at risk.”

According to the superseding information filed today in Manhattan federal court and prior court filings:

In early 2009, AHMED left his home in Sweden and traveled to Somalia in order to support and receive military-type training from al Shabaab. Al Shabaab has used violent means to destabilize the government of Somalia and to force the withdrawal of foreign troops from the country. The group has recruited foreign fighters to join in its “holy war” in Somalia, resulting in men from other countries, including the United States, traveling there to engage in violent jihad. Al Shabaab has also made numerous public statements demonstrating its intent to harm the United States.

While in Somalia, AHMED contributed approximately 3,000 Euros to al Shabaab, received training and instruction with respect to bomb-making and bomb-detonation, and purchased an AK-47 rifle, additional magazines, and two grenades. AHMED subsequently provided the rifle and magazines to an al Shabaab military commander.

AHMED, 38, a native of Eritrea and a lawful resident of Sweden, was arrested in Nigeria in November 2009. On March 6, 2010, AHMED was transferred to the custody of the United States and subsequently transported to the Southern District of New York for prosecution.

AHMED pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization (al Shabaab) and one count of conspiracy to receive military-type training from a Foreign Terrorist Organization (al Shabaab). He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Castel on November 2, 2012 at 11:30 a.m.

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York-based Joint Terrorism Task Force—which principally consists of special agents of the FBI and detectives of the New York City Police Department. He also expressed gratitude to the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Security Division, the Office of International Affairs, and the U.S. Department of State for their extraordinary assistance in the case. Mr. Bharara also thanked the Governments of Sweden and Nigeria for their assistance in this matter.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin Naftalis, John P. Cronan, Rachel P. Kovner, and Christopher LaVigne are in charge of the prosecution.

Albanian National Arrested En Route to Fight Jihad Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Support Terrorists

Agron Hasbajrami, an Albanian citizen and resident of Brooklyn, pled guilty today in United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York before the Honorable John Gleeson to attempting to provide material support to terrorists. At sentencing, Hasbajrami faces up to 15 years in prison. As a condition of his plea, Hasbarjrami has agreed to be deported from the United States.

The guilty plea was announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Janice K. Fedarcyk, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office; and Raymond W. Kelly, Commissioner, New York City Police Department.

According to court documents, Hasbajrami attempted to travel to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan (the FATA) for the purpose of joining a radical jihadist insurgent group. In addition, Hasbajrami sent over $1,000 in multiple wire transfers abroad to support terrorist activities in Pakistan and Afghanistan. In pursuing his goal of fighting jihad, Hasbajrami exchanged e-mail messages with an individual in Pakistan who told him that he was a member of an armed group that had murdered American soldiers. In order to preserve the secrecy of their communications, Hasbajrami and the individual used multiple e-mail addresses to disguise their correspondence. In one e-mail message, Hasbajrami stated that it was difficult to ask for money from fellow Muslims because they became apprehensive “when they hear it is for jihad.” In another e-mail, Hasbajrami stated that he wished to travel abroad to “marry with the girls in paradise,” using jihadist rhetoric to describe his desire to die as a martyr.

On September 5, 2011, Hasbajrami purchased a one-way airline ticket to travel to Turkey the following day. Based on Hasbajrami’s e-mail communications, he intended to travel from Turkey to the FATA to join a jihadist group. On September 6, 2011, Hasbajrami was arrested at an international departures terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York. At the time of his arrest, Hasbajrami was carrying a tent, boots, and cold-weather gear. Following his arrest, a search of Hasbajrami’s residence revealed, among other items, a note reading, “Do not wait for invasion, the time is martyrdom time.”

“The defendant reached across the ocean from Brooklyn to Pakistan, seeking out terrorists in the hopes of becoming one. Once he found what he sought, he pledged his money, his energy, and the end of his own life to the goal of spreading terror abroad. As this case demonstrates yet again, law enforcement in New York and across the United States has the vigilance, capability, and skill to catch terrorists before they strike,” stated United States Attorney Lynch. “We will continue to bring to justice those who intend to harm Americans and hold them accountable for their actions.”

FBI Assistant Director in Charge Fedarcyk stated, “The defendant has admitted to attempting to provide material support to terrorists, but this entailed much more than the money he wired overseas. If not for his arrest, he would have traveled to Pakistan to wage jihad and aim to kill American soldiers. Our mission includes not only preventing acts of terrorism here but also preventing would-be terrorists from going abroad to harm Americans.”

“The plea demonstrates that Brooklyn is no place from which to launch terrorist aspirations without the good chance of being captured and prosecuted,” Police Commissioner Kelly said. “Vigilance paid dividends again.”

The government’s case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Seth D. DuCharme and Matthew S. Amatruda, with assistance provided by Trial Attorney Courtney Sullivan of the DOJ Counterterrorism Section.

Accused al Shabaab Leader Charged with Providing Material Support to al Shabaab and al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula

PREET BHARARA, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, JANICE K. FEDARCYK, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and RAYMOND W. KELLY, the Police Commissioner of the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced today that AHMED ABDULKADIR WARSAME, aka “KHATTAB,” aka “FARAH,” aka “ABDI HALIM MOHAMMED FARA,” aka “FAREH JAMA ALI MOHAMMED,” has been indicted on charges of providing material support to al Shabaab and al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (“AQAP”), two designated foreign terrorist organizations, as well as conspiring to teach and demonstrate the making of explosives, possessing firearms and explosives in furtherance of crimes of violence, and other violations.

WARSAME, a Somali national in his mid-20s, was captured in the Gulf region by the U.S. military on April 19, 2011, and was questioned for intelligence purposes for more than two months. Thereafter, WARSAME was read his Miranda rights, and after waiving those rights, he spoke to law enforcement agents for several days. Warsame arrived in the Southern District early this morning, and was arraigned before U.S. District Judge COLLEEN McMAHON in Manhattan federal court earlier today.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney PREET BHARARA said: “As alleged, Ahmed Warsame was a conduit between al Shabaab and al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula—two deadly terrorist organizations—providing material support and resources to them both. Protecting Americans from the threat of terrorism both here and abroad is, and always will be, our number one priority.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge JANICE K. FEDARCYK said: “This defendant is charged not only with providing material support to two notorious terrorist organizations, but with using automatic weapons and explosives to commit violence in the name of their ‘cause.’ The mission of the FBI is to protect innocent lives not just in the United States, but everywhere the law permits us to.”

NYPD Commissioner RAYMOND W. KELLY said: “Capturing and bringing Warsame to justice is a body blow to any al Qaeda affiliate that aspires to fill the vacuum of a diminished al Qaeda central. I want to congratulate our military and the NYPD detectives and FBI agents whose collaborative work on the Joint Terrorism Task Force helps to protect New York and the rest of the nation from terrorism on a daily basis.”

According to the indictment unsealed today in the Southern District of New York:

From at least 2007 until April 2011, WARSAME conspired to provide and provided material support to al Shabaab, resulting in the death of at least one person. He allegedly fought on behalf of al Shabaab in Somalia in 2009 and provided other forms of support to the terrorist organization, including explosives, weapons, communications equipment, expert advice and assistance, and training. In addition, WARSAME is alleged to have possessed and used destructive devices, machine guns, and an AK-47 semiautomatic assault weapon in Somalia in furtherance of crimes of violence.

The Indictment further alleges that from about 2009 until April 2011, WARSAME conspired to provide, and provided material support to AQAP, in the form of money, training, communications equipment, facilities, and personnel. While he was in Yemen in 2010 and 2011, WARSAME allegedly received explosives and other military-type training from AQAP. In addition, he allegedly possessed and used grenades and an AK-47 semi-automatic assault weapon in Yemen in furtherance of crimes of violence.

According to the charges, WARSAME also worked to broker a weapons deal with AQAP on behalf of al Shabaab. He is also charged with conspiring from about 2009 until April 2011 to teach and demonstrate the making of explosives, destructive devices and weapons of mass destruction, and to distribute such information to others.

Al Shabaab was designated by the U.S. Department of State as a foreign terrorist organization in February 2008. AQAP was so designated in January 2010.

* * *

The indictment charges WARSAME with nine separate counts:

■Count One: Conspiracy to provide material support to al Shabaab, causing death;

■Count Two: Providing material support to al Shabaab, causing death;

■Count Three: Use, carrying, and possession of firearms (machine guns and destructive devices) in furtherance of crimes of violence (in Counts One and Two);

■Count Four: Conspiracy to provide material support to AQAP;

■Count Five: Providing material support to AQAP;

■Count Six: Use, carrying, and possession of firearms (machine guns and destructive devices) in furtherance of crimes of violence (in Counts Four and Five);

■Count Seven: Conspiracy to teach and demonstrate the making of explosives;

■Count Eight: Conspiracy to receive military-type training from AQAP; and

■Count Nine: Receiving military-type training from AQAP.

If convicted, WARSAME could face a mandatory sentence of life in prison. The maximum sentences for each of the charges is reflected in the below chart.

Mr. BHARARA praised the extraordinary investigative work of the JTTF, which principally consists of agents from the FBI and detectives from the NYPD. He also thanked the Department of Defense, the National Security Division of the Department of Justice, and the other agencies that provided assistance.

This case is being handled by the Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, with assistance from the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys BENJAMIN NAFTALIS and ADAM S. HICKEY are in charge of the prosecution.

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

Forensic Science in Homicide Investigations

Editor's Note: Much of the discussion will be applicable to the investigation of terrorist incidents.

On December 17, 2009, Conversations with American Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a discussion with Vernon J. Geberth, NYPD (ret.) on Forensic Science in Homicide Investigations.

Program Date: December 17, 2009
Program Time: 1700 hours, Pacific
Topic: Forensic Science in Homicide Investigations
Listen Live: www.americanheroesradio.com/forensic_science_homicide_investigations.html

About the Guest
Vernon Geberth is a retired lieutenant-commander of the New York Police Department. As the commanding officer of the Bronx Homicide Task Force, his investigators handled more than four hundred murder investigations every year. Vernon Geberth is recipient of over sixty awards for bravery and exceptional work during twenty-three years of service. He has personally investigated, supervised, assessed, researched and consulted on over eight thousand homicides.

Vernon Geberth has master's degrees in both psychology and professional studies, is a graduate of the FBI's National Academy. Over the past twenty-five years, he has taught over 50,000 police officers his comprehensive course in Practical Homicide Investigation.

Geberth’s book, Practical Homicide Investigation has been referred to as the "Bible of Homicide." His subsequent works, “The Practical Homicide Investigation Checklist and Field Guide” and “Sex-Related Homicide and Death Investigation: Practical and Clinical Perspectives,” demonstrate his professional ability and subject matter expert command over homicide investigations. In addition to his own works Geberth has been an editor in over forty other textbooks. He has devoted his life to the study of murder and was the first law enforcement professional to devise standard guidelines and protocols for proficient death inquiries. Currently he is president of P.H.I. Investigative Consultants, Inc., a New York-based corporation that provides state-of-the-art instruction and consultation regarding homicide investigations to police officers.

About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is Police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. American Heroes Radio brings you to the watering hole, where it is Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.

About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in Law Enforcement, public policy, Public Safety Technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in Law Enforcement.

Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
www.americanheroesradio.com/forensic_science_homicide_investigations.html

Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530

CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- November 19, 2008

[U.S.] Official [Thomas Fingar]: Terrorism, water shortages likely
“The number of terrorist attacks will likely decline by 2025 but they will be more deadly, a top U.S. intelligence officer predicted Tuesday, citing projections from a report on global trends to be made public this week. Al-Qaida's reputation for violence against Muslims will hurt its ability to recruit, but a bulge in the number of young people in the Middle East means it will have a larger pool to recruit from, said Thomas Fingar, deputy director of national intelligence, […] [who also noted] increasingly lethal conventional weapons and the possibility that biological weapons will get into terrorists hands. Fingar was citing projections contained in the report, Global Trends 2025, to be released Thursday. The fourth of its kind since 1997, the report is meant to help presidential administrations think strategically […].” (Associated Press; 18Nov08; Pamela Hess) http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iWra334WQqQlGMmqHFyPpDZ79C7wD94HKD480

Doctors, EMTs trained to respond to chemical, biological weapons [FL]
“The bus that previously carried Patti Labelle and Greg Allman to their concert appearances is parked in Gainesville this week on a much less glamorous but potentially more vital mission.[…] The 1999 bus is now owned by the Emergency Medicine Learning and Resource Center. With the specialized gear that the Orlando firm has installed, the bus is now a $3.5 million rolling classroom. […] Eric Dotten, clinical programs coordinator for the center, said he brought the bus to Gainesville under a $450,000 contract with the Florida Department of Health. The contract calls for the bus to visit the entire state over several months. ‘We're are providing training on how to deal with what may be the next weapons of mass destruction, things like ricin and small pox that could be used in biological warfare,’ Dotten said.” (The Gainesville Sun; 19Nov08; Karen Voyles)
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20081119/NEWS/811192987/0/NEWS05

Antibiotics hit guts longer than thought
“A new study reveals that a common antibiotic [cipro] disrupts normal bacterial levels in the digestive tract of healthy adults for longer than previously thought. Six months later, in fact, some beneficial types of bacteria were still wiped out or remained at levels lower than before the drugs were taken. ‘You don't want to be giving readers the impression that we shouldn't be using antibiotics (when needed),’ said Dr. David Relman, senior author of the study, which was published Tuesday in the journal PLoS Biology. ‘But […] we do overuse antibiotics.’ Dr. Relman, an infectious-diseases specialist at Stanford University and the Veteran Affairs Hospital at Palo Alto, Calif., conducted the study with a team of colleagues. Funding for the work came from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the U.S. National Institutes of Health.” (The Canadian Press; 19Nov08; Helen Branswell) http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081119.wantibiotics1119/BNStory/Science/home

Man [Bergendorff] gets prison in ricin case
“An unemployed graphic designer was sentenced Monday to three and one-half years in federal prison for possessing enough of the deadly toxin ricin to kill hundreds of people. […] U.S. District Court Judge Robert C. Jones told Bergendorff that he needed to understand the severity of crime as he imposed a sentence five months longer than what prosecutors recommended. […] The sentencing brought an end to a dramatic saga that raised fears Bergendorff had poisoned himself while plotting a biological attack on tourists or unsuspecting gamblers in Las Vegas, home to nearly 138,000 hotel rooms. (The Salt Lake Tribune; 17Nov08; Oskar Garcia; Source:
Associated Press)
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_11009970

DOD releases summary of chemical ‘demilitarization’
[the following is an excerpt from a DoD press release] “Chem-Demil-ACWA (Chemical Demilitarization-Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives) –The SAR [Selected Acquisition Report] was submitted to reflect schedule delays of greater than six months. Specifically, the Pueblo ‘Begin Operations’ milestone slipped 23 months from January 2015 to December 2016, and the Blue Grass ‘Begin Operations’ milestone slipped 49 months from January 2017 to February 2021. DoD is currently evaluating the cost impacts of these schedule slips. […] Specifically, the Pine Bluff Explosive Destruction System (PBEDS) Complete Operations milestone slipped 34 months from December 2008 to October 2011, pending the ongoing technology selection process. There were no cost changes.” (Department of Defense; 17Nov08)
http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=12353

More security for US-bound private planes
“Closing what he called the last major vulnerability for bringing a weapon of mass destruction into the U.S., Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff announced new rules for screening passengers and crew members on private aircraft bound for America. Starting in about a month, at least one hour before takeoff general aviation pilots will have to submit the names and other information about every person on board a flight to the U.S. The goal is to keep terrorists from using a private plane to smuggle a dirty bomb or nuclear weapon into the U.S. and detonate the weapon over a major city. Requiring that information be sent one hour before takeoff gives officials more time to screen passengers and crew against intelligence databases that list suspected terrorists. Private aircraft have not undergone the intense screening given to U.S.-bound cargo and commercial flights, leaving general aviation flights vulnerable, Chertoff said at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.” (Yahoo News; 17Nov08; Eileen Sullivan; Source: Associated Press) http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081117/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/aviation_security

NYPD opens new counterterrorism nerve center
“The setting could pass for a high-tech trading floor: men […] studying a steady stream of video and data on floor-to-ceiling monitors. […] The tenants — counterterrorism officers with the New York Police Department — have transformed the space into the new nerve center for an ambitious plan to protect lower Manhattan from terrorist threats. The center quietly began operating earlier this month, the first phase of a $100 million project sparked by the Sept. 11 attack that destroyed the World Trade Center. […] The command center eventually will also receive data from devices designed to detect any radiological and biological threats posed by cars and trucks crossing through the neighborhood on Canal Street or entering the 16 bridges and four tunnels serving Manhattan. About a million vehicles drive onto the island every day.” (Associated Press; 19Nov08; Tom Hays) http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h49OPk_I2Q6PaaLCyyqGw4MCAHnQD94HICEG0

New report calls nuclear Terrorism serious risk
“A new report says the world still faces a serious risk that terrorists could obtain a nuclear bomb and urges President-elect Barack Obama to make reducing that risk a top priority of U.S. security policy and diplomacy. The new report, called ‘Securing the Bomb 2008,’ says major progress has been made to reduce the danger of nuclear Terrorism. The report warns, however, there are still major gaps in these efforts and says the risk of terrorists acquiring a nuclear weapon remains unacceptably high. […] The report details a series of events around the world in recent years it says highlights the risk of poor security at nuclear installations. [Report author and Harvard] Professor Bunn says the Obama administration should appoint a senior White House official, with direct access to the President, to supervise all efforts focused on preventing nuclear Terrorism. (Voice of America; 19Nov08; Meredith Buel) http://voanews.com/english/2008-11-19-voa1.cfm

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- September 17, 2008

Biological Warfare
“Recently it has been observed that a sharp rise in chronic kidney disease
(CKD) among farming communities in the North Central province of Sri Lanka. Local medical researchers have come up with several possible risk factors for the disease, including high groundwater fluoride content in some affected areas, leaching of heavy metals such as cadmium from agricultural chemicals into water sources, exposure to inorganic pesticides and fertilizers, and usage of aluminum vessels to store drinking water. […] Dr. Channa Jayasumana of Rajarata University has put forward a rather different hypothesis for CKD. Dr. Jayasumana and his team has observed a higher number of chronic kidney disease patients from villages located adjacent to so called Eelam territory in Sri Lanka. Furthermore he claims that bioterrorism could be the causative factor for CKD in the North central and Eastern regions.” (Lanka Web; 16Sep08; Akila
Weerasekera)
http://www.lankaweb.com/news/items08/160908-3.html

FBI Director to testify on Anthrax Case
“During congressional testimony today, FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III said evidence collected in the agency's investigation of former Army scientist Bruce E. Ivins is strong and backs up their theory that he is the lone culprit behind the 2001 anthrax attacks. ‘There was a clear identification of the anthrax in the letters back to […] the vial in Dr. Ivins' laboratory,’ Mueller said [he went on to say] ‘[…] we traced all of that anthrax and eliminated any other persons who may have had access or utilized that access as a suspect.’ Mueller also said the FBI is in discussions with the National Academy of Science to conduct an independent review of the government's investigation into Ivins.” (Washington Post; 16Sep08; Derek Kravitz) http://voices.washingtonpost.com/washingtonpostinvestigations/2008/09/fbi_director_set_to_testify_ab.html

Collaborative software initiative releases citizen-centric public health application and community
“Collaborative Software Initiative, the company that brings like-minded organizations together to work collaboratively on software at a fraction of the cost, announces the launch of TriSano(TM), a public health application and community. TriSano(TM) is an open source, citizen-focused surveillance system for infectious disease management. It is designed so that it can be expanded to cover environmental hazards, bioterrorism, and outbreak management. TriSano(TM) allows local, state and federal entities to track, control and ultimately prevent illness and death.” (PR Newswire; 16Sep08)
http://sev.prnewswire.com/computer-electronics/20080916/AQTU07416092008-1.html

[$3.8 million federal] Bioterror grant [for Advanced Life Sciences Holdings Inc.]
“A $3.8 million federal grant to Advanced Life Sciences Holdings Inc. will help finance the Woodridge-based firm's efforts to extend the uses of a new antibiotic to find bioterrorism. The funding from the Department of Defense will enable the biotech firm to test its antibiotic, cethromycin, against tularemia, plague and melioidosis, three pathologies thought to be likely bioterror weapons. Advanced Life Sciences has moved cethromycin into late-stage development for treating community-acquired pneumonia and has had some success in testing the antibiotic as a treatment for people who have inhaled anthrax spores. The federal government is looking for antibiotics that are effective against multiple potential bioterror weapons […] The company hopes that cethromycin can fill that role.”
(Chicago Tribune; 15Sep08)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-mon-notebook-alloys-argonne-sep15,0,4809839.story

GE Security to provide next-gen chemical-biological identifier to first responders
“GE Security, Inc. […] today announced its recently introduced StreetLab Mobile device will soon be capable of identifying biological as well as chemical substances. The biological identification upgrade will be available in the fourth quarter 2008. StreetLab Mobile is a portable, user-friendly, handheld device that reliably identifies a broad range of substances in liquid, powder and solid forms. Using Raman spectroscopy for data capture and analysis, StreetLab Mobile consumes little or no substance sample and makes it easy for the operator to understand and share results.” (Earth Times; 15Sep08) http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/ge-security-to-provide-next-gen-chemical-biological-identifier-to-first-responders,539658.shtml

Anthrax suspect [Bruce Ivins] made unusual requests in will
“Some unusual requests have been found in the last will and testament of Dr. Bruce Ivins, the man suspected of the 2001 anthrax attacks that killed five people and made 17 others sick. In his will signed and dated in March 2007, Ivins states he has ‘strong wishes’ to be cremated and to have his ashes scattered or spread on the ground. If his family does not follow his wishes, Ivins writes he will give $50,000 to Planned Parenthood of Maryland. […] The Justice Department now believes he is the ‘only’ person responsible for the 2001 anthrax attacks. Federal officials say the most striking evidence is the flask where the anthrax spores came from. They say Ivins was the only one who had access to that flask.” (Your 4 State; 15Sep08; Kaitlin McCarthy)
http://your4state.com/content/fulltext/?cid=30441

Afghans free son of Pakistani Al-Qaeda suspect [Aafia Siddiqui]
“The 12-year-old son of an American-educated Pakistani woman whom U.S. authorities have linked to al-Qaeda has been handed over to Pakistani authorities in Afghanistan and is soon to be reunited with family in Pakistan, Afghan and Pakistani officials said Monday. […] According to a biography of high-value detainees released by the office of the U.S. National Director of Intelligence, Siddiqui married top al-Qaeda operative Ammar al-Baluchi shortly before he was arrested in Pakistan in April 2003 in connection with helping to plot the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. U.S. officials have alleged that Baluchi was a key assistant and relative of Khalid Sheik Mohammed, said to have been the central planner of the 9/11 attacks. Baluchi allegedly asked Siddiqui to assist another al-Qaeda plotter, Majid Khan, with gaining entry into the United States in 2002.”
(Washington Post; 16Sep08; Candace Rondeaux) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/15/AR2008091503011.html

Smiths Detection introduces advanced air monitoring system to detect and mitigate chemical threats
“Smiths Detection today announces the introduction of its next-generation Sabre Centurion II, air monitoring system designed to detect and identify Chemical Warfare Agents (CWAs) and Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs) in critical infrastructures. […] Centurion II uses Smiths Detection’s proven Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) technology and can be networked with up to 70 other detectors to provide a comprehensive threat detection system that is then programmed to control air handling systems to isolate and contain a potential threat.” (Earth Times; 15Sep08) http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/smiths-detection-introduces-advanced-air,540748.shtml

Smiths Detection announces hardened hand-held, simultaneous, trimode, threat detector “Smiths Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, today announces the launch of the Multi-Mode Threat Detector (MMTD), a portable device that can detect a range of explosives including the materials most commonly used in homemade bombs. The MMTD, a rugged, hand-held detector for explosives, chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial chemicals and narcotics, also features an optimized detection capability for peroxides, commonly used in Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The simultaneous dual-mode capability of the MMTD allows operators to detect a broad range of explosives and offers simultaneous one-sample analysis detection of explosives and narcotics.” (PR Inside; 15Sep08; David Olsen) http://www.pr-inside.com/smiths-detection-announces-hardened-hand-held-r807445.htm

[Sri Lankan] Govt. prepares for LTTE [Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam] chemical attack
“The government has put in place contingency plans for a possible chemical attack by the LTTE against the security forces fighting in the North. Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva, yesterday, instructed officials to immediately dispatch extra health staff, medicines and equipment to the North to face any contingencies that may arise in the event of a chemical attack on the security forces, said ministry spokesman W.M.D. Wanninayaka. […] Mr. Wanninayaka said that Prof. [Ravindra] Fernando [University of Colombo] had been tasked with giving a special training to medical and nursing staff on chemical and unconventional weapons attacks and medical emergencies arising from such attacks.” (Daily Mirror; 17Sep08; Sandun A Jayasekera)
http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=26547

Namibia: Parliament resumes work [including implementation of the CWC]
“The National Assembly resumes its session today after a nine-week winter break […] An Anti-Terrorism Bill is […] in the pipeline, while the legal drafters also prepared a Chemical Weapons Convention Bill.” (All Africa; 16Sep08; Brigitte Weidlich) http://allafrica.com/stories/200809160720.html

[Department of Homeland Security] give[s] $29 million to NYC for nuke security
“Federal Homeland Security officials are giving $29.5 million to the NYPD to develop a system to prevent a radiological or nuclear attack on New York City. The Department of Homeland Security is announcing the funding Tuesday as part of an experimental effort called Secure the Cities. […] [Rep. Peter] King [NY-R] says the program will put radiological detectors at roads leading into major cities.” (News Day; 16Sep08) http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--nuclearsecurity0916sep16,0,6367582.story

U.S. and Romania agree to equip border crossings to help prevent nuclear smuggling
“The U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and Romanian Frontier Police (FP) today announced an agreement to coordinate efforts to prevent nuclear smuggling by installing radiation detection equipment at multiple border crossings in Romania. The agreement signed today provides the framework for the two countries to work together to detect illicit shipments of nuclear and other radioactive material. […] The agreement will pave the way for NNSA to work collaboratively with the FP to install modern radiation detection systems at multiple border crossings, airports and seaports in Romania, as well as to provide related training on the use of this equipment.” (Financiarul; 15Sep08) http://www.financiarul.ro/2008/09/15/us-and-romania-agree-to-equip-border-crossings-to-help-prevent-nuclear-smugglins/

Shivraj Patil Stresses need for intelligence sharing between countries
“Union Home Minister, Shri Shivraj V. Patil, inaugurated an International Seminar on Terrorism organised by the Asia Pacific Chapter of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi today. […] The Home Minister also stressed upon putting an end to the open sale of weapons and explosives in some countries and pointed out that training of Police personnel and development of innovative technologies were critical to combating Terrorism and threats from nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. […] Stressing on zero tolerance against Terrorism, the National Security Adviser [Shri M.K. Narayanan] emphasized that liberal democracy was the strongest answer to Terrorism.”
(Press Information Bureau, India; 15Sep08)
http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=42804

Defence to move to countering terror: [Attorney General] Robert McClelland
“In a speech to be delivered to the annual security in government conference in Canberra yesterday, Mr. McClelland said both the pace of technological change and emerging threats such as climate change pose formidable challenges for national security planners. ‘[…] I think we are seeing a further evolution and broadening of the national security agenda,’ Mr. McClelland said. ‘This is sometimes referred to as the all-hazards approach and is driven by the realisation that threats can come from directions that have not tended to be the focus of traditional national security.’ […] The nature of possible terrorist attacks had become wider and more unpredictable ranging from conventional explosives to radiological or biological weapons. […] Mr. McClelland said Australia needed to invest more in countering extremism in local communities as part of a broad national counter-Terrorism strategy.” (Australian; 16Sep08; Patrick Walters) http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24352261-5013871,00.html

Position paper of the People’s Republic of China at the 63rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly
“China has consistently placed importance on and supported international arms control and disarmament efforts and stood for comprehensive prohibition and thorough destruction of all weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) such as nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. […] China supports the purposes and objectives of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological Weapons Convention. China has fully and strictly fulfilled the obligations under the two Conventions, supported the enhancement of their universality, and called on countries that own or possess chemical weapons and countries that have abandoned chemical weapons in other countries to further intensify their work and speed up destruction of chemical weapons.” (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China; 16Sep08)
http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/zxxx/t512751.htm

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- September 10, 2008

XOMA [Ltd.] awarded $65 Million biodefense contract by NIAID [National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases] to advance drug candidates against botulism toxins into clinical trials “XOMA Ltd. today announced that it was awarded a $65 million multiple year contract from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to support XOMA's ongoing development of drug candidates towards clinical trials in the treatment of botulism poisoning, a potentially deadly muscle paralyzing disease. The contract is the third that NIAID has awarded to XOMA for the development of botulinum antitoxins and brings the program's total to nearly $100 million.” (Globe Newswire; 09Sep08)
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/news.html?d=149985

N[uclear]-deal could mother pharma innovations
“[…] the conclusion of the controversial nuclear deal with the US could spell a new era for India’s bio-technology and pharmaceutical companies. The deal is expected to open up access to critical genetic products and bio-materials, besides the latest technology to deal with them. This could help Indian laboratories boost research and companies discover new drugs, develop vaccines or create lucrative patents. […] ‘The same genetic product is used for making some vaccines as well as anthrax. A well defined dual use technology trade protocol would help import of such products by India’s bio-medical companies,’ [Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, chairman and managing director of Biocon] said, referring to items whose trade was restricted because of fears that civilian material could be diverted for military use.” (Hindustan Times; 09Sep08; Gaurav Choudhury & Suprotip
Ghosh)
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?sectionName=&id=3803b3f4-745b-449e-a987-91286bf19b03&&Headline=N-deal+could+mother+pharma+innovations&strParent=strParentID

Chemical warfare left its legacy
“More than 60 years after the last shots were fired in anger in the Pacific War Australian authorities admit that wartime clandestine activities at the Marrangaroo defence establishment on the outskirts of Lithgow were so secret that they are still not 100 per cent certain of what went on there or what sinister mysteries were left behind. […] Recently the Mercury revealed that defence authorities were moving to finally determine what was left behind at Marrangaroo and to decontaminate the site. At the weekend the Army and its civilian agents moved a step further in this process with briefing sessions […] On Friday the authorities met with NSW [New South Wales] Fire Brigade personnel from Lithgow and Sydney, Rural Fire Service, police (including anti terrorism officers), ambulance, Lithgow Hospital, Council and the Sydney West Area Health Service Counter Disaster Unit. On Saturday there was another session for Marrangaroo residents.” (Lithgow Mercury; 09Sep08; Len Ashworth)
http://lithgow.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/chemical-warfare-left-its-legacy/1266856.aspx

National survey shows lack of preparedness for a dirty bomb attack
“The Radiological Threat Awareness Coalition (R-TAC) today released a national survey on homeland security preparedness, showing that at least 81% of those polled said the threat of a ‘dirty bomb’ is serious, yet less than one third (32%) feel prepared for a terrorist attack. The national survey of public sentiment finds that a majority of likely voters would not know what to do in the event of a ‘dirty bomb’ attack, and have not taken steps to make themselves more prepared.” (PR Newswire; 09Sep08; Source: R-TAC)
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/09-09-2008/0004881883&EDATE=

Bulgaria casts doubt on London ‘poisoned umbrella’ killing
“Bulgaria is closing its probe into a Cold War killing, the murder of dissident Georgi Markov in London, but an investigator said no evidence existed to back up the theory that he was stabbed with a poison-tipped umbrella. Under Bulgarian law, the 30-year statute of limitations on the case expires on Thursday, the anniversary of Markov's death, but Sofia will continue to work with British police on their investigation into the case. […] British police are still eager to solve the murder. Bulgaria's closure of the case coincides with the release of communist-era secret police files by Bulgarian daily Dnevnik on Monday that identified Markov's suspected assassin as agent code-named ‘Picadilly.’ The files show how the agent underwent ‘special training’ from Bulgaria's notorious secret police, Darzhavna Sigurnost, and received two medals, several free holidays and $30,000 (17,000 pounds) after Markov's death, Dnevnik said. The files, which Dnevnik said were incomplete, unveiled that Markov's case was discussed with the KGB in Moscow. In the archives, Dnevnik said it had also found a secret agreement between Sofia and Moscow signed in 1972, under which the KGB was due to provide fast-acting poisons and devices for their delivery to the Bulgarian intelligence.” (Reuters; 08Sep08; Anna Mudeva)
http://africa.reuters.com/world/news/usnL8667285.html

In WMD report, U.S. gets a C [by the Partnership for a Secure America]
“The bipartisan Partnership for a Secure America gave the United States an overall grade of C. The government received in total three D's, eight C's and seven B's in areas such as sustaining support of foreign scientists and governments, integrating programs to prevent nuclear terrorism and strengthening multilateral law enforcement efforts. The group urged the next president to appoint a cabinet-level White House coordinator with the authority to direct counterproliferation plans, programs and funding ‘from day one.’ The panel was co-chaired by Lee H. Hamilton (D), former congressman and vice chairman of the 9/11 Commission, and Warren Rudman (R), former senator and co-chairman of a 2001 blue-ribbon commission on terrorism.” (Washington Post; 09Sep08; Spencer S. Hsu) http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/08/AR2008090802644.html?hpid=sec-nation

2 Vermilion County [Indiana] departments to merge following loss of funds
“In August, the last drum of deadly VX nerve agent stored at the Newport Chemical Depot just across the state line in Newport, Ind., was finally destroyed. Eliminating the VX meant eliminating the danger it posed to Indiana and Illinois residents, including people in southeastern Vermilion County, but it also meant the elimination of federal funds that were sent for years to the Vermilion County Emergency Management Agency to ensure that the agency and its volunteers were prepared to respond to a nerve-gas accident. Vermilion County has responded to the financial loss by merging the emergency management agency with the county's information technology department, a move county officials said will save money while joining two functions that are natural partners. The loss in federal funds of about $200,000 – money that was used for equipment, training, personnel and more – took effect last month.” (News-Gazette; 09Sep08; Tracy Moss) http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2008/09/09/2_vermilion_county_departments_to_merge_following_loss_of_funds

Hampton University [Hampton, Virginia] named biochemical attack resource site
“The Hampton Health District is facilitating a biochemical dispensing exercise from noon to 4 p.m., Sept. 19 at Hampton University. The purpose is to equip HU as a quick dispensing center (QDC) in the event of a biochemical attack in the city. […] In July and August, the Hampton Health District facilitated training drills that mocked the function of a QDC. Faculty from the university's schools of pharmacy and nursing, health physical education and recreation (HPER) departments, the HU Health Center and College of Education and Continuing studies participated, acting as patients and QDC officials.” (NBC; 09Sep08; Source: Hampton University)
http://www.wavy.com/Global/story.asp?S=8976925

NYPD transformed since Sept. 11 attacks with more surveillance, technology
“The largest police department in the United States, with about 37,000 officers, has spent tens of millions of dollars - much it from federal grants - on an array of high-tech security measures designed to thwart threats potentially more daunting than another attack on a downtown skyscraper. It's also assigned 1,000 officers to counterterrorism duty, including 10 detectives posted around the globe who collect and share intelligence. […] David Cohen, a former CIA official brought aboard after Sept. 11 to head the NYPD's intelligence division, said the department has identified more than a dozen serious plots against the city in the past seven years. These were either interrupted or abandoned, including some that haven't become public, he said.” (Associated Press; 09Sep08; Tom Hays) http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gLsqRicyXSSpdbiMfPWbvQ3VW6bQD933EM880

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