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Homeland Security


December 2002 Security News

  • YEMEN/U-S SHOOTING VOA 31 Dec 2002 --Authorities in Yemen say they are trying to determine whether the man responsible for the fatal shooting Monday of three American missionaries acted alone or is linked to a larger terrorist network.
  • Daily Press Briefing Department of State 30 Dec 2002 -- Welcome back, everybody, to the State Department for this, our final planned briefing for the calendar year of 2002. So, in advance, let me wish you all a very happy, healthy and safe New Year celebration and we will reconvene here next year.
  • RUSSIA/CHECHNYA VOA 28 Dec 2002 -- The search continues for victims of a bomb attack in the breakaway Russian region of Chechnya that destroyed a Chechen government administration building. At least 40 people are dead and more than a hundred injured.
  • AUSTRALIA/AD CAMPAIGN VOA 28 Dec 2002 -- Australian Prime Minister John Howard is unveiling a government advertising campaign advising the public how to look out for potential terrorists. The campaign begins as the country is in a heightened state of alert, after bombings in Bali in October, in which many Australians were killed.
  • RUSSIA/CHECHNYA BLASTS UPDATE VOA 28 Dec 2002 -- The search for survivors at a building destroyed by a bomb attack in the breakaway Russian region of Chechnya is over. The deadly attack killed at least 55 people and injured more than a hundred others.
  • FRANCE/SUSPECTS VOA 28 Dec 2002 -- French police say several recently arrested terrorist suspects were planning attacks against Russian interests in France. Authorities believe the suspects intended to use a chemical device. Four men most recently arrested are charged with being part of a criminal conspiracy.
  • BURMA DRUGS: ERADICATION, PT 1 VOA 27 Dec 2002 -- Burma -- long one of the world's major sources of illegal narcotics -- says it has a plan to eradicate the drug trade in a little more than a decade. The United Nations is providing some assistance, but the projects are hindered by limited funding. Poverty seems to be a major factor in this complex issue.
  • EDITORIAL: CRACKING DOWN ON TERRORISTS VOA 27 Dec 2002 -- An editorial reflecting the views of the United States Government
  • EDITORIAL:PAKISTAN AND WAR ON TERROR VOA 27 Dec 2002 -- An editorial reflecting the views of the United States Government:
  • EDITORIAL: FREEDOM HOUSE SURVEY VOA 27 Dec 2002 -- Despite threats posed by international terrorism, respect for political rights and civil liberties continues to increase around the world. That is the conclusion of Freedom House, the New York-based group that has been surveying progress toward freedom for three decades.
  • BURMA DRUGS: SANCTIONS?, PART 3 VOA 27 Dec 2002 -- In the last two years, Burma's military government has engaged in U-N-sponsored dialogue with the democratic opposition, easing tensions and some restrictions on political dissent. While there has been no real progress on political reform, the fact that there is dialogue has prompted the international community to re-examine the policy of sanctions as a means to foster democratic transition. Some activists say isolating Burma is making it more difficult to address humanitarian issues -- and international drug trafficking.
  • RUSSIA/EXPLOSIONS UPDATE VOA 27 Dec 2002 -- At least 40 people are dead and some 70 injured after two explosions in the breakaway Russian region of Chechnya. Chechen rebels who are fighting for independence appear to be responsible for the blasts.
  • U-S REACT-CHECHNYA VOA 27 Dec 2002 -- The State Department has condemned the apparent terrorist attacks in Chechnya's capital, Grozny, with Secretary of State Colin Powell expressing U-S condolences in a telephone call to Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov.
  • BURMA DRUGS: WA, PT. 2 VOA 27 Dec 2002 --Law enforcement agencies for decades have been fighting drug trafficking from northern Burma - an area wracked by poverty and war. Only recently has there been any progress, namely in reducing opium production. This is due in part to recent peace agreements with ethnic rebels.
  • YNDR: SOUTHEAST ASIA/TERRORISM VOA 26 Dec 2002 -- In Southeast Asia, the specter of international terrorism has evolved during the past year from warnings by a few lone voices into an undeniable threat.
  • RUSSIA/REVIVAL VOA 25 Dec 2002 -- A Russian woman bought a theater ticket on Tuesday. The seemingly ordinary act was noteworthy because the woman was a hostage in the Moscow theater seige, and the ticket was the first sold for the revival of the play "Nord-Ost" that was on stage that terrible night in October.
  • RUSSIA/HOSTAGES VOA 24 Dec 2002 -- A Russian court Tuesday began considering a law suit brought by victims of the Moscow hostage crisis, who are seeking compensation from the city of Moscow.
  • INDONESIA/PAPUA/US VOA 24 Dec 2002 -- Indonesian authorities have agreed in principle to allow U-S officials to help investigate the killing of two American teachers working in the restive province of Papua. The investigation has stalled in recent months.
  • HEDA BAYRON VOA 24 Dec 2002 -- At least four people have been killed, including a town mayor, by a bomb in the southern Philippines.
  • BRITAIN/TERRORISM VOA 24 Dec 2002 -- Seven men have been charged with terrorism offenses during a brief court appearance in Edinburgh, Scotland.
  • EDITORIAL: HAMAS FINANCIERS ARRESTED VOA 23 Dec 2002 -- U.S. authorities have indicted Mousa Abu Marzook [ah-boo mahr-zook], a senior leader of Hamas, and his wife for violating laws prohibiting fund raising for terrorist groups. Marzook and his wife are now fugitives.
  • SE ASIA TERRORISM VOA 21 Dec 2002 -- Australia has joined the United States and Britain in issuing renewed warnings to its citizens about possible terrorist attacks during the Christmas holiday season in Indonesia. The warnings are becoming commonplace in Southeast Asia.
  • PAK/ATTACK VOA 21 Dec 2002 -- In Pakistan, a bomb explosion on a bus has killed two people and injured at least eight others.
  • YEMEN/QAIDA VOA 21 Dec 2002 -- Two people have been killed and others injured in a shootout between Yemeni security officials and suspected al-Qaida members thought to have been involved in an attack on a French oil tanker two months ago.
  • FRANCE/TERROR VOA 20 Dec 2002 -- In France, the Interior Ministry says four people who were arrested earlier this week were planning one or more terrorist attacks in the near future.
  • The Milstein Lecture: Remarks prepared for delivery by Robert S. Mueller, III, Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI 19 Dec 2002 -- With the end of the year upon us, it is a good time to take an accounting of where we are in our mission to protect our country against terrorism. And, given the events of 9/11 and the inspirational leadership that we have all seen from New Yorkers since that terrible day, there is no better place for us to take stock than here in New York City.
  • PAKISTAN/ARRESTS VOA 19 Dec 2002 -- Authorities in Pakistan have detained nine people who are suspected of having links with the al-Qaida terrorist network.
  • YRNDR: IMMIGRATION/SECURITY VOA 19 Dec 2002 -- The U-S Congress late in its last session approved the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, which not only handles coordinate domestic security operations, it also takes over the responsibilities of the Immigration and Naturalization Services the I-N-S.
  • FRANCE/TERROR VOA 19 Dec 2002 -- French police searching an apartment where four suspected terrorists were arrested Monday have allegedly found electrical components that could be used to make bomb detonators.
  • YEARENDER: THE WAR ON TERRORISM VOA 19 Dec 2002 -- Americans head into the new year having moved on from the September 11th attacks of a year ago but still living in the shadow of terrorism, frequently reminded that the threat of new attacks remains ever present.
  • EUROPE/U-S VOA 19 Dec 2002 -- European Union justice ministers have endorsed a key agreement for exchange of information with the United States on crime and terrorism suspects.
  • Iranian Detentions VOA 19 Dec 2002 -- Iranian-Americans in Los Angeles are angry about the arrests of some Iranian nationals by U-S immigration officials. Thousands of protesters took to the streets Wednesday, saying hundreds of Iranians were detained in the city early in the week. The detainees were responding to a registration order, imposed as an anti-terrorist measure.
  • MEXICO/KIDNAP VOA 18 Dec 2002 -- A visit to Mexico by former New York City mayor Rudolph Giuliani has been thrown into doubt following warnings that Colombian rebels may be planning to kidnap the former mayor.
  • WTC/DESIGNS VOA 18 Dec 2002 -- Seven teams, including several of the world's most influential architects, unveiled nine designs today [Wednesday] for rebuilding the site of New York's 110-story World Trade Center, destroyed in last year's terrorist attacks.
  • U-S/TERRORISM/ARRESTS VOA 18 Dec 2002 -- The leader of an Islamic militant group, his wife and five workers at a U-S based computer company, have been indicted on charges of money laundering and selling equipment to governments sponsoring terrorism.
  • Daily Press Briefing December 17 - Transcript U.S. Department of State 17 Dec 2002 -- Saudis Asked to Register With the INS, Cooperation with US Anti-Narcotics Efforts.
  • PRESS BRIEFING BY CHAIRMAN OF MONITORING GROUP ON SANCTIONS AGAINST AL QAEDA, THE TALIBAN AND ASSOCIATES United Nations 17 Dec 2002
  • CQ JORDAN/ARRESTS VOA 14 Dec 2002 -- Jordan has arrested two men suspected of gunning down a U-S diplomat over a month ago in Amman. Jordanian officials say (Saturday) the men are part of the al-Qaida terrorist group.
  • NY/FEMA/CHILDREN VOA 13 Dec 2002 -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA (fee-muh), has approved more funding for crisis counseling programs aimed at children still suffering from fears and other problems stemming from the September 11th terrorist attacks last year.
  • BUSH/SMALLPOX VOA 13 Dec 2002 -- President Bush is ordering members of the U-S military serving in dangerous parts of the world to be inoculated against smallpox, warning that hostile nations or groups could use the virus as a weapon of terror. Mr. Bush said he will be among those taking the vaccine, which will also be offered to health care workers.
  • KISSINGER-COMMISSION VOA 13 Dec 2002 -- In a surprise move, former U-S Secretary of State Henry Kissinger stepped down Friday as chairman of a panel investigating last year's New York and Washington terrorist attacks. He cited possible conflicts-of-interest with clients of his international consulting firm.
  • INDONESIA/BOMB SUSPECTS VOA 12 Dec 2002 -- Police in Indonesia are investigating possible connections between the terrorist attack in Bali two months ago and the recent bombing of a McDonald's restaurant in the city of Makassar.
  • U-S/SMALLPOX VACCINATION VOA 12 Dec 2002 -- The revival of smallpox inoculations in the United States brings back a vaccine considered the most dangerous of all. President Bush's decision to order its use in certain cases balances preparedness with caution.
  • STIMSON-IRAQ VOA 12 Dec 2002 -- The Washington Post Newspaper says U-S officials have received a report that Islamic extremists linked to al-Qaida recently acquired a chemical weapon in Iraq. Amy Smithson is the Director of the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Project at the Henry-L-Stimson Center in Washington.
  • SAF/ARRESTS VOA 12 Dec 2002 -- Eight of South Africa's most-wanted rightwing extremists have appeared in court after their arrests on charges related to a bombing spree last month. South African president Thabo Mbeki says rightwing extremists are in a very small minority.
  • COLOMBIA/NARCOTICS VOA 12 Dec 2002 -- The Bush Administration has defended its anti-narcotics efforts in Colombia in the face of congressional criticism. Local drug enforcement and police officials told a congressional panel (Thursday) that highly-addictive Colombian heroin is flooding into the United States.
  • Purdue Expert Counters Accusations of U.S. Agroterrorism Washington File 11 Dec 2002 -- A Purdue University expert says scientific research doesn't support a recent Serbian newspaper article accusing the United States of agroterrorism by introducing the western corn rootworm beetle into Yugoslavia during the early 1990s.
  • Lockheed Martin Breaks Ground For Test Center Supporting U.S. Coast Guard's Deepwater Program Lockheed Martin 11 Dec 2002 -- Lockheed Martin broke ground Wednesday, Dec. 11 at its Moorestown site for a state-of-the-art facility to develop, test and integrate assets and systems being produced to support the U.S. Coast Guard's Deepwater program.
  • Verga Clarifies DoD's Homeland Defense Role AFPS 11 Dec 2002 -- In defending the homeland, DoD has clear and defined responsibilities often very much separate from those of civil organizations, a senior Pentagon official noted here Dec. 10.
  • Daily Press Briefing VOA 11 Dec 2002 -- North Korea, Yemen, Terrorism, and Iraq.
  • Maritime, Land Security a Big Part of TSA Mission, Official Says AFPS 10 Dec 2002 -- Although airport security efforts get the headlines, securing the nation's ports, waterways, coastline and land assets is just as important a part of the Transportation Security Administration's mission, a senior TSA official said today.
  • Incompatible Info Systems Pose a Homeland Security Challenge, White House Info Czar Says AFPS 10 Dec 2002 -- Sorting through and integrating different computer information systems from the 22 agencies slated to comprise the new Department of Homeland Security presents "a challenge," the White House's chief Homeland Security information official said here.
  • Colombia acquires two EADS CASA CN-235 aircraft for maritime surveillance and drug traffic control EADS 09 Dec 2002 -- The Colombian Navy has just acquired two (2) EADS CASA CN-235-200 aircraft for patrol missions in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and for the fight against drug trafficking. They are equipped with specific sensors in accordance with the client's requirements. This contract was won after a selection approval period in which there was competition against other companies and their products.
  • The War on Terrorism and the Crisis in Iraq VOA 09 Dec 2002 -- For more than a year -- intelligence and law enforcement agencies around the world have focused on finding al-Qaida cells and arresting their leaders. But the threat posed by Osama bin Laden's terrorists remains very real.
  • Nurses Prepare for Terrorism VOA 09 Dec 2002 -- Since the terror attacks of 9-11-2001, many U-S communities and hospitals have had to admit they might not be ready for a chemical or bio-terrorist attack. With that in mind, a team of medical professionals from St. Louis University's School of Public Health recently traveled to Israel to see the methods that country's health care system has developed in response to years of terrorism.
  • CQ KENYA/SUSPECTS VOA 09 Dec 2002 -- Police in Kenya are offering a substantial cash reward for information about two men suspected of taking part in last month's attacks in the coastal city of Mombasa.
  • Daily Press Briefing Department of State 09 Dec 2002 -- Terrorism
  • BANGLADESH/EXPOLSIONS VOA 07 Dec 2002 -- In Bangladesh, at least 15 people have been killed and scores injured in a series of bomb explosions at crowded movie theaters. The deadly blasts took place as Muslims celebrated the end of fasting month of Ramadan.
  • Plans Being Made to Protect U.S. Information Infrastructure Washington File 06 Dec 2002 -- Representatives from the U.S. communications industry are pushing a deadline to develop a list of recommendations to ensure the safety ofthe nation's information and communications infrastructure in theevent of terrorist attacks or disasters.
  • Text: U.S. and Canada Release Update on Border Security Initiatives Washington File 06 Dec 2002 -- On December 6, 2002, the White House released an updated report on U.S. efforts to work with Canada to implement a 30-point Smart Border Action Plan to enhance security along the border shared by both countries.
  • SPECIAL ENGLISH IN THE NEWS #562-Saudis Dispute Terror Critics VOA 06 Dec 2002 -- This week, the government of Saudi Arabia announced measures to prevent money from reaching terror groups. The Saudi government also disputed accusations that it has failed to do this in the past.
  • U-S/GUANTANAMO DETAINEES VOA 06 Dec 2002 -- A legal team is petitioning to allow men detained by the United States to consult with attorneys and see their families. The men are being held at a U-S-run facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The U-S government argues it can hold the men incommunicado for an indefinite period.
  • U.S. Customs Agents Part of Anti-terror Efforts in Le Havre, France Washington File 05 Dec 2002 -- The United States is grateful to the government of France "for aggressively implementing" the Container Security Initiative (CSI), Customs Commissioner Robert C. Bonner said December 3 as he announced the deployment of four American Customs officers to the French port of Le Havre.
  • U.S. Envoy to Austria Urges U.S.-European Leadership to Fight Terrorism Washington File 05 Dec 2002 -- The political, moral and economic costs of dealing with global terrorism are best shared on the widest possible basis, and the UnitedStates and Europe must continue their history of shared leadership tomaintain long-term peace and stability in the world, U.S. Ambassador to Austria W.L. Lyons Brown said December 3.
  • U-S/TURKEY THREAT VOA 05 Dec 2002 -- The United States warned its citizens Thursday of a possible terrorist threat in Turkey. The statement followed a visit to Turkey this week by a senior Pentagon official seeking Turkish support in the event of war with Iraq.
  • KENYA/U-S/TERRORISM VOA 05 Dec 2002 -- Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi says his country is doing everything it can to bring to justice those responsible for last week's suicide bombing in Mombasa.
  • AFGHANISTAN EXPLOSIVES VOA 05 Dec 2002 -- Afghan Authorities in Kabul, say they narrowly averted a deadly terrorist attack Thursday when they discovered explosives hidden in a mosque. The explosives were reportedly found just before special prayers were to begin for Eid Al-Fitr celebrations, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan
  • AUSTRALIAN PRE-EMPETIVE ROW VOA 05 Dec 2002 -- In answer to a reporter's question, Australian Prime Minister John Howard set off a firestorm of controversy this week when he sanctioned pre-emptive foreign strikes against terrorists. The Australian leader was echoing comments made just a few weeks earlier by President Bush that in this new, global anti-terrorism war, preemptive strikes are not only justified, they may sometimes be a necessity.
  • INDONESIA SUSPECT VOA 05 Dec 2002 -- Indonesian police have linked a terrorist suspect to the Bali bombing. Authorities say Ali Ghufron - also known as Mukhlas - also is thought to be the operational head of the militant Jemaah Islamiyah group..
  • ISRAEL/SHARON/AL-QAIDA VOA 05 Dec 2002 -- Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon says that members of Osama bin-Laden's al-Qaida network have begun operating in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. Israel believes last week's terror attacks in Kenya were the work of al-Qaida.
  • BUSH/EAST AFRICA VOA 05 Dec 2002 -- President Bush met with East African leaders at the White House Thursday to discuss the fight against terrorism.
  • RAFAEL Introduces the BRITENING DIRCM Rafael 05 Dec 2002 -- In the face of the growing threat posed by surface to air missiles, as evident in the attack on an Israeli charter flight in Kenya on November 28, RAFAEL is offering advanced countermeasures to protect airliners from similar attacks.
  • Bush Says Al Qaeda Involved in Kenya Attacks Washington File 04 Dec 2002 -- President Bush says he believes that al Qaeda was involved in the November 28 terrorist attacks in Kenya on the Paradise Hotel near Mombasa, and the failed attempt to shoot down an Israeli-chartered airline as it took off from Mombasa airport.
  • TERROR SUSPECT/RULING VOA 04 Dec 2002 -- A federal court judge in New York has ruled it has the power to decide whether a man accused of plotting to explode a radioactive bomb was properly detained as an enemy combatant. Until that decision is made, the judge says, the accused has the right to see his lawyers.
  • INDONESIA ARREST VOA 04 Dec 2002 -- Indonesian police say they have arrested a top operative from the Jemaah Islamiyah militant group. Officials say he is one of several people arrested recently on suspicion of being involved in the October 12th bomb attack on Indonesia's Bali Island.
  • ARROYO JAPAN VOA 04 Dec 2002 -- Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo says that trade and investment from Tokyo are vital to the recovery and growth of Asia. Ms. Arroyo, who is on a state visit to Japan, also stresses the importance of joint action in fighting terrorism.
  • CQ BUSH/KENYA ATTACK VOA 04 Dec 2002 -- President Bush says he believes al-Qaida terrorists were responsible for last week's attack on an Israeli-owned hotel in Kenya. Kenyan authorities are holding more than a dozen people in connection with the attack which killed 16 people including the suicide bombers.
  • BUSH EAST AFRICA OVERNIGHT VOA 04 Dec 2002 -- President Bush meets with East African leaders at the White House Thursday to discuss security in the region, following last week's bombing of an Israeli-owned hotel in Kenya. President Bush believes al-Qaida terrorists were involved in that attack.
  • THAILAND US VOA 04 Dec 2002 -- Cooperation among Southeast Asia nations may have pushed back any immediate threat of new terror attacks since the October 12th bombing in Bali. The U-S ambassador to Thailand says travelers should continue to heed safety warnings.
  • ISRAEL/AMERICAN DEPORTED VOA 04 Dec 2002 -- Israel has deported an American citizen it suspected of channeling money to terrorists connected to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida terrorist network. The suspect is said to have spent time in Afghanistan.
  • NETHERLANDS/BOMBS VOA 04 Dec 2002 -- Police in the Netherlands are searching for bombs at 10 stores belonging to the Swedish-owned furniture retailer IKEA after explosive devices were found at two of them. All 10 stores have been shut down and their employees sent home until further notice.
  • POWELL/COLOMBIA VOA 03 Dec 2002 -- Secretary of State Colin Powell is enroute to (Eds: or has arrived in) Colombia for talks spanning two days with President Alvaro Uribe and other senior officials in Bogota.
  • ISRAEL/KENYA BOMB VOA 03 Dec 2002 -- A security official in Israel says Israeli intelligence had advance warning that the al-Qaida terror network was planning an attack in Africa and that Mombasa, Kenya was one of the likely targets. But the official is quoted as saying the warning was only general in nature and did not have enough detail to have prevented the suicide bombing of a resort hotel that claimed lives of 10 Kenyans and three Israelis.
  • RUSSIA/HOSTAGES VOA 03 Dec 2002 -- A group of former hostages and their relatives are seeking compensation from the city of Moscow for the October hostage crisis in the city.
  • SAUDIS TERRORISM VOA 03 Dec 2002 -- Saudi Arabian officials in Washington are responding to critics who say the Saudi government is not doing enough to prevent charitable contributions from winding up in the hands of terrorists.
  • Daily Press Briefing Department of State 03 Dec 2002 -- Saudi Arabia
  • Daily Press Briefing Department of State 02 Dec 2002 -- Yemen, East Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Terrorism, and Jordan.
  • AUSTRALIA U-N VOA 01 Dec 2002 -- Australian Prime Minister John Howard says his government is prepared to launch military strikes against terrorists in neighboring Asian countries. Mr. Howard believes international law should be changed to allow nations to carry out pre-emptive operations against extremists who plan to attack them.
  • US/TERRORISM VOA 01Dec 2002 -- U-S officials say the terrorist attacks last week in Kenya underscore the need to defend against the danger of further attacks. The warning comes as a new commission prepares to investigate last year's terrorist attacks in the United States.



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