December 2009 Security News

Background Briefing by Senior Administration Official, 12/31/09 The White House 31 Dec 2009
Obama Discusses Airline Attack With Intelligence Officials VOA 31 Dec 2009 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has been briefed on early reports about last week's aborted airline terror attack. The president has received a report on how a Nigerian man suspected of terrorist links boarded a U.S.-bound jetliner and allegedly tried to bomb it.
National Guard Provides New York Security Support AFPS 31 Dec 2009 -- As New Yorkers and visitors gear up for New Year’s Eve celebrations, National Guard soldiers and airmen will remain on duty in support of homeland security missions across the state.
Funds Help Nations Develop Counterterrorism Capabilities AFPS 31 Dec 2009 -- The United States does not have the desire, resources or will to be the world’s policeman.
India asks Pakistan to dismantle terror infrastructure IRNA 31 Dec 2009 -- India Thursday asked Pakistan to dismantle terror infrastructure on its soil which is being used to launch attacks on India.
Swine Flu death toll in India raises to 919 IRNA 31 Dec 2009 -- With four more persons succumbed to Swine Flu in India, the countrywide toll raised to 919, it was reported on Thursday.
Obama Receiving Report on Airline Attack Probe VOA 31 Dec 2009 -- President Barack Obama is receiving a preliminary report Thursday on how a young Nigerian man allegedly boarded a U.S.-bound jetliner with explosives for an attempted Christmas Day attack last Friday.
US Embassy Issues New Year's Eve Attack Warning for Indonesia's Bali VOA 31 Dec 2009 -- The United States Embassy in Jakarta has warned Americans that an attack may occur on the resort island of Bali on New Year's Eve.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 31 Dec 2009 [PDF]
Frustration And Radical Ideology May Have Motivated Nigerian Suspected Bomber, Professor Says VOA 30 Dec 2009 -- The suspect in the attempted bombing, Farouk Abdul Mutallab, is in his early twenties. Was there anything his family or community could have done to stop his actions? Did his family or friends do enough to help and shield him from extremists views?
US Ponders Full Body Airport Screening After Foiled Airline Bomb Plot VOA 30 Dec 2009 -- Last week's foiled airline bombing plot by a Nigerian man who hid explosives in his clothing has renewed debate in the United States as to how extensive and invasive passenger screening should be at U.S. airports. A few major airports already possess machines that can take detailed, full-body images, but Congress has not mandated widespread use of the technology.
U.S., Yemen study targets for possible retaliation strike RIA Novosti 30 Dec 2009 -- The U.S. and Yemen are now studying possible targets in the Arab state for a potential retaliation strike on Al-Qaeda facilities in the country, CNN said on Wednesday citing two senior defense officials.
Obama blames "systematic failure" for Christmas air incident RIA Novosti 30 Dec 2009 -- U.S. President Barack Obama said on Wednesday "a mix of human and systematic failures" was to blame for the failed Christmas Day bombing of the U.S.-bound plane with some 300 passengers.
Dutch to Use Full Body Scanners for US Bound Flights VOA 30 Dec 2009 -- The Dutch Interior Minister says that all passengers flying to the United States from the Netherlands will have to pass through a full body scan. The move comes in the wake of last week's incident involving the Nigerian man who was able to pass through security in Amsterdam with explosives in his underwear and successfully boarded an airplane for Detroit.
Yemeni Forces Clash with al-Qaida Militants VOA 30 Dec 2009 -- Yemeni security officials say forces have clashed with al-Qaida militants in western Hudaydah province.
Obama Vows To Fix 'Systemic Failures' In U.S. Security RFE/RL 30 Dec 2009 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has blamed "human and systemic failures" for allowing a would-be bomber onto a plane bound for the United States on Christmas day.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 30 Dec 2009 [PDF]
UN health chief cautions H1N1 may not be conquered until 2011 UN News Centre 29 Dec 2009 -- The moderate impact of the H1N1 pandemic is the “best possible health news of the decade,” but the head of the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) today warned that more people – particularly in the southern hemisphere – could become sick this season and that it would be premature to say the health risk is over.
H1N1 Influenza Pandemic to Last Another Year VOA 29 Dec 2009 -- The director-general of the World Health Organization, Margaret Chan, predicts the H1N1 swine flu virus is likely to continue circulating around the world for another year. She warns nations must remain vigilant because the H1N1 virus could mutate into a more dangerous form.
Obama: 'Systemic Failure' Permitted Foiled Airline Attack VOA 29 Dec 2009 -- U.S. President Barack Obama said Tuesday that a "systemic failure" in security allowed the attempted Christmas Day attack on a Northwest Airlines flight. Mr. Obama said information that could have prevented the would-be bomber from boarding the plane did not get the attention it deserved.
Airliner Attack Reminder of Long Struggle Against Terrorism VOA 29 Dec 2009 -- U.S. government officials, members of Congress and terrorism experts say Americans should brace for a long struggle against al-Qaida in the wake of Friday's failed bomb attack on a U.S. jetliner that landed safely in Detroit, Michigan.
Obama Vows to Disrupt and Dismantle Terrorists in Wake of US Plane Incident VOA 29 Dec 2009 -- U.S. President Barack Obama says the United States will use every element of its national power to thwart and defeat enemies seeking to launch terror attacks. Mr. Obama's remarks came in the wake of Friday's foiled bomb attack on a U.S. airliner.
Web Posts Suggest Terror Suspect was Lonely, Depressed VOA 29 Dec 2009 -- Internet postings believed to have been written by the Nigerian man accused of trying to bomb a U.S. airliner suggest that he was lonely and depressed.
Statement by the President on Preliminary Information from his Ongoing Consultation about the Detroit Incident The White House 29 Dec 2009
Press Background Briefing By Senior Administration Official The White House 29 Dec 2009
Press Briefing by Denis McDonough, Deputy Assistant to the President and National Security Council Chief of Staff The White House 29 Dec 2009
Guard Members Respond to Holiday Storms AFPS 29 Dec 2009 -- More than 100 National Guard soldiers and airmen responded over the holiday and through the weekend to support callouts by governors in four Midwest states hit by severe winter weather.
Ashura Procession Bombing Puts Focus On Karachi RFE/RL 29 Dec 2009
Germany tightens airport security after Nigerian terrorist plot IRNA 29 Dec 2009 -- A spokeswoman for the German interior ministry said security measures at airports across the country have been stepped up in the wake of the recent apparent attempt to set off an explosion on a US flight from Amsterdam to Detroit.
Obama Says U.S. Will Pursue Plane Attackers RFE/RL 29 Dec 2009 -- U.S. President Barack Obama spoke publicly for the first time on December 28 about the attempt to blow up a U.S. airliner on Christmas Day, vowing that the United States "will not rest" until it finds everyone responsible for the attack.
Obama pledges aggressive response to terror attacks RIA Novosti 29 Dec 2009 -- U.S. President Barack Obama pledged on Monday a harsh response to terrorist attacks following a failed attempt by a Nigerian national to blow up a plane carrying close to 300 passengers on Christmas.
UN-backed container-profiling project leads to seizure of drugs, counterfeit goods UN News Centre 29 Dec 2009 -- Latin American port authorities are seizing more drug consignments and counterfeit goods along container routes thanks to a United Nations-backed initiative that is showing growing success after its inception six years ago.
Airline Bombing Suspect Spent Months in Yemen in 2009 VOA 29 Dec 2009 -- Authorities in Yemen say the Nigerian man accused of trying to destroy a U.S. jetliner last week lived in Yemen for months, and was in the country as recently as this month.
African Group with Al-Qaida Ties Says it Kidnapped Italian Couple VOA 29 Dec 2009 -- Italy says it will not negotiate with an al-Qaida group that has claimed responsibility for kidnapping two Italians in Mauritania. The North African al-Qaida branch known as al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb said on Sunday that it was behind the recent kidnapping of an Italian couple in Mauritania.
Pakistani President appeals for calm and restraint IRNA 29 Dec 2009 -- Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has appealed all sections of society for calm and restraint and urged people of Karachi not to be provoked by “most reprehensible act of terror on solemn occasion of an Ashura Day procession in Karachi, Monday.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 29 Dec 2009 [PDF]
Obama: U.S. Will Strengthen Defenses, Pressure Extremists AFPS 28 Dec 2009 -- In addition to strengthening defenses, the United States will seek out those who wish Americans harm “anywhere they are plotting attacks against the U.S. homeland,” President Barack Obama said in Hawaii today.
Official Lauds Yemeni Government for Taking on al-Qaida AFPS 28 Dec 2009 -- The Yemeni government deserves praise for taking on the al-Qaida threat in that country, a Defense Department official said here today.
Statement by the President on the Attempted Attack on Christmas Day and Recent Violence in Iran The White House 28 Dec 2009
Obama: US Doing Everything to Protect Americans VOA 28 Dec 2009 -- U.S. President Barack Obama says those responsible for the attempted Christmas Day attack on an American airliner will be held to account. In his first public comments on the incident, Mr. Obama also outlined additional steps to improve air safety.
Suicide Bomber Hits Pakistani Shi'ites in Karachi, Killing 30 VOA 28 Dec 2009 -- Pakistani officials say a suicide bomber has struck a Shi'ite Muslim religious procession in the southern city of Karachi, killing 30 people and wounding dozens of others.
Ask The Expert: Will Yemen Become A Major Al-Qaeda Sanctuary? RFE/RL 28 Dec 2009
Another Nigerian passenger causes panic on U.S. flight RIA Novosti 28 Dec 2009 -- U.S. special forces have been put on alert as a result of the suspicious conduct of a 30-year-old Nigerian passenger onboard a Delta Airlines plane, the Fox News channel has reported.
Security Heightened; Obama to Speak on Airline Incident VOA 28 Dec 2009 -- Airport security in the United States and elsewhere has been tightened since Friday when a Nigerian man allegedly tried to blow up a U.S. airliner.
Nigeria Orders Increased Airport Security after Failed US Plane Bombing VOA 28 Dec 2009 -- The Nigerian government has enhanced security checks at its airports after a young Nigerian man tried to blow up a U.S. airliner.
Bomb attack on Muharram procession kills 20 in Pakistan IRNA 28 Dec 2009 -- At least 20 people were killed in a bomb attack on Muharram procession in the Pakistani city of Karachi on Monday, a provincial minister said.
10 killed in Pakistan’s Kashmir suicide blast: TV IRNA 28 Dec 2009 -- At least 10 people were killed and several others were injured in a suicide bomb attack at the gate of a military hospital in Pakistani controlled Kashmir on Sunday, reports said.
Suicide bomber kills 20 in Pakistan RIA Novosti 28 Dec 2009 -- At least 20 people were killed and dozens injured in Karachi on Monday when a suicide bomber attacked a Shiite Muslim procession, Pakistan's Aaj TV reported.
Suicide bombing kills at least 10 in Pakistan RIA Novosti 28 Dec 2009 -- At least 10 people have been killed and dozens injured in a suicide bombing in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani-administered Kashmir, Pakistan's Aaj TV has said.
Suicide Bomber Hits Pakistani Shi'ites in Karachi, Killing 20 VOA 28 Dec 2009 -- Pakistani officials say a suicide bomber has struck a Shi'ite Muslim religious procession in the southern city of Karachi, killing 20 people and wounding dozens of others.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 28 Dec 2009 [PDF]
U.S. to review air transportation security RIA Novosti 27 Dec 2009 -- U.S. President Barack Obama has ordered a complete review of the air transportation security control system following a recent incident, a White House spokesman said Sunday.
Nigerian national charged with attack on U.S. passenger plane RIA Novosti 27 Dec 2009 -- A 23-year-old Nigerian man has been charged with attempting to destroy a Northwest Airlines aircraft on Christmas Day, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a statement.
US to Review Security Procedures After Detroit Airline Incident VOA 27 Dec 2009 -- The Obama administration is reviewing U.S. terror monitoring procedures after a Nigerian man attempted to blow up an airliner as it approached the city of Detroit. Administration officials say the suspect's name had been entered into a U.S. security database, but had not been added to a "no-fly" list.
No Security Threat in New Incident on US Plane VOA 27 Dec 2009 -- A U.S. law enforcement official says an unruly passenger was detained Sunday when a Northwest Airlines flight landed in Detroit, Michigan, but he was later declared as not a security threat.
Pakistani Officials: US Men Planned to Attack Sites in Pakistan VOA 26 Dec 2009 -- Pakistani officials say five American men recently arrested in Pakistan had planned to attack sites in that country, including possibly a nuclear plant.
Nigerian Charged with Trying to Blow Up Airliner VOA 26 Dec 2009 -- U.S. authorities have charged a Nigerian man with trying to blow up a plane on its descent into the city of Detroit on Friday. The man, who comes from a prominent Nigerian family, was read the charges in a hospital Saturday, where he is being treated for burns.
Mihmanparast: Saudis not yet taken any action to identify Laden’s daughter IRNA 26 Dec 2009 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said here Saturday that Saudi Arabia has not yet taken any action in connection with identity of the daughter of al-Qaeda leader, Bin Laden.
Security Heightened At U.S. Airports After 'Bomb Attack' RFE/RL 26 Dec 2009 -- Security measures have been stepped up at U.S. airports after a Nigerian man with suspected Al-Qaeda links allegedly tried to blow up a U.S. airliner in an apparent Christmas Day terrorist attack.
U.S. plane terror suspect was on intelligence 'watch-list' — senator RIA Novosti 26 Dec 2009 -- A self-proclaimed terrorist detained at Detroit airport after allegedly trying to blow up a plane has appeared on a U.S. intelligence agency's "watch-list", the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Homeland Security Committee told CNN.
Passenger arrested at U.S. airport, claims terrorist links RIA Novosti 26 Dec 2009 -- U.S. intelligence officials arrested a passenger who was reportedly trying to blow up a plane after it landed at Detroit airport, American television said on Saturday.
US Calls Explosion on Airplane 'Attempted Act of Terrorism' VOA 26 Dec 2009 -- The United States is increasing security for air travel across the country after a Nigerian man set off a small explosion aboard a flight bound for the U.S. city of Detroit. White House officials are calling it "an attempted act of terrorism."
Nigeria Launches Investigation into Airline Incident VOA 26 Dec 2009 -- The Nigerian government says it has launched its own investigation into the apparent attempt by a Nigerian man to ignite an explosive device aboard an international flight bound for Detroit.
Attempted Terrorist Attack on Airliner Sparks New Concerns About al-Qaida VOA 26 Dec 2009 -- The White House is calling a small explosion aboard an international flight bound for the U.S. city of Detroit "an attempted act of terrorism." Counterintelligence officials say a Nigerian engineering student tried to blow the plane up shortly before it landed. Senior U.S. lawmakers are now expressing concerns about possible links between the attack and the al-Qaida terrorist network.
U.S. Says Flight Incident Terrorism Related VOA 25 Dec 2009 -- U.S authorities say an incident Friday involving a small explosion on a flight from Amsterdam to the U.S. city of Detroit was "an attempted act of terrorism."
Nine swine flu deaths in Pakistan prompt fear IRNA 25 Dec 2009 -- The death of at least nine people from H1N1 influenza since May 2009 has led to rising public fear and concern, and experts are calling on the government to introduce more preventative measures.
Pakistani police get 10-day time to question 5 Americans IRNA 25 Dec 2009 -- A court in Pakistan Friday sought a 10-day time to question five American men over terrorism charges, who believed to have gone missing from Washington D.C. area last month, and were arrested earlier this month, court officials said.
Iran Confirms Bin Laden’s Daughter Is At Saudi Embassy RFE/RL 25 Dec 2009 -- Iran has confirmed that a daughter of Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden has recently turned up at the Saudi Embassy in Tehran seeking permission to leave the country.
Pakistan Remands Suspected American Militants for More Questioning VOA 25 Dec 2009 -- Investigators in Pakistan are getting more time to question five young Americans suspected of trying to join a militant group.
PAKISTAN: Nine swine flu deaths prompt fear IRIN 24 Dec 2009 -- The death of at least nine people from H1N1 influenza since May 2009 has led to rising public fear and concern, and experts are calling on the government to introduce more preventative measures.
Yemen: 34 al-Qaida Suspects Killed in Air Strike VOA 24 Dec 2009 -- Yemeni TV says government forces have killed 34 suspected al-Qaida members in a dawn airstrike on rugged terrain 650-kilometers east of the capital Sana'a. Security sources say the al-Qaida operatives were meeting when the strike took place.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 24 Dec 2009 [PDF]
Obama Taps Winnefeld to Head Northcom, NORAD AFPS 23 Dec 2009 -- President Barack Obama has nominated Navy Vice Adm. James A. “Sandy” Winnefeld Jr. to be the next commander of U.S. Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command.
Russia's top sanitary official predicts second wave of swine flu in spring RIA Novosti 23 Dec 2009 -- Russia's top sanitary official said the country should prepare for a second stage of swine flu epidemic, which could break out in spring.
Bin Laden's son uncovers countries where his relatives live RIA Novosti 23 Dec 2009 -- More than 20 Osama bin Laden's relatives, including wives, children and grandchildren, live in Saudi Arabia, Iran, Syria and Qatar, the terrorist's son told the Ash-Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper.
India Says At Least 12 Possible Terror Attacks Thwarted in 2009 VOA 23 Dec 2009 -- Speaking in the capital, Indian Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram said "12 or 13 potential terrorist attacks" have been foiled in 2009. And, that any one of them could have led to a repeat of last November's siege of Mumbai, blamed on Pakistani militants, in which more than 160 people died.
NY Times: Closure of Guantanamo Prison Will Take Longer Than Expected VOA 23 Dec 2009 -- The New York Times newspaper says the Obama administration may not be able to close the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and transfer terrorism suspects held there until 2011 at the earliest.
Hundreds Attend Public Hearing on Plan to Transfer Guantanamo Detainees to US Prison VOA 23 Dec 2009 -- While many residents in the area support the move because of the jobs they hope it will bring, many across the state oppose any plan to house detainees on U.S. soil. The hearing in the town of Sterling, Illinois, offered a chance for the public to hear from officials on the plan.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 23 Dec 2009 [PDF]
Libyan freed after six years of detention in UK IRNA 22 Dec 2009 -- Cageprisoners human rights group has welcomed the freeing of a Libyan national detained under Britain’s terrorism laws for the past six years.
3 killed as bomber targets press club in Pakistan: police IRNA 22 Dec 2009 -- A suicide bomber Tuesday blew himself up at the gate of the press club in the northwestern city of Peshawar in an apparent move to target journalists, police said.
Suicide Bomber in Pakistan Kills 3 at Peshawar Press Club VOA 22 Dec 2009 -- Pakistani officials say a suicide bomber has blown himself up outside a press club in the northwestern city of Peshawar, killing three people.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 22 Dec 2009 [PDF]
Guard Responds to Record Northeast Snowfall AFPS 21 Dec 2009 -- National Guardsmen in seven states were called to duty over the weekend after a record snowfall blanketed the Northeast.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 21 Dec 2009 [PDF]
U.K. police expect Mumbai-style terror attack on London - media RIA Novosti 20 Dec 2009 -- The British police have warned businesses in London to expect a Mumbai-style terrorist attack on the capital, The Times reported on Sunday.
H1N1 Vaccines Crucial To Fleet Readiness Navy NewsStand 18 Dec 2009 -- Commands and medical clinics throughout U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) continue to execute a strategy of information awareness and vaccination of personnel to fight against the H1N1 flu.
Mumbai Attacks Suspect Retracts Confession in Court VOA 18 Dec 2009 -- In a surprising development, the only suspect put on trial for last year's terror attacks in Mumbai has retracted his confession.
UN ombudsman to review list of terrorist suspects RIA Novosti 18 Dec 2009 -- An ombudsman is to consider the removal of terrorist suspects from the UN list of Al Qaeda and Taliban members.
Muslim Leaders Grapple with How to Protect Their Youth VOA 18 Dec 2009 -- In the United States, Muslim leaders are trying to create a safe haven for young people to learn Islam's lessons about peace.
Hackers Steal US-South Korea Military Secrets VOA 18 Dec 2009 -- S. Korea's military: Computer hackers who may be from N. Korea have gained access to a secret plan to defend the peninsula if war breaks out.
World Health Organization Says H1N1 Spreading in Afghanistan VOA 18 Dec 2009 -- Years of warfare have wrecked Afghanistan's health care system.
WHO says number of swine flu deaths worldwide exceeds 10,000 RIA Novosti 18 Dec 2009 -- The number of swine flu deaths worldwide has exceeded 10,000, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 18 Dec 2009 [PDF]
Experts Concerned US Homegrown Terrorism is On The Rise VOA 17 Dec 2009 -- Arrest of 5 American men in Pakistan triggered concern about whether the US has become complacent about homegrown terrorism.
UN sanctions against Al-Qaida amended UN News Centre 17 Dec 2009 -- UNSC authorized the creation of ombudsperson to help with removing individuals and entities from the list of those subject to sanctions.
Yemen: Strikes Foil Planned al-Qaida Attacks VOA 17 Dec 2009 -- Witnesses say civilians were also victims of the government actions.
IMU's Reportedly Slain Leader Not Listed Among Dead RFE/RL 17 Dec 2009 -- The banned Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan's (IMU) official "Shahid" (martyr) list does not include IMU leader Tohir Yuldash.
H1N1 Pediatric Vaccine Recalled for Low Potency, Not Safety AFPS 17 Dec 2009 -- Some supplies of a pediatric version of the H1N1 vaccine have been voluntarily recalled because they are slightly less potent than the manufacturer indicated.
Talk of Swine Flu Parties Goes Viral VOA 17 Dec 2009 -- Ttalk in the news and on the Internet suggests some people might actually be seeking exposure at get-togethers dubbed "swine flu parties."
WHO: Premature to Call Swine Flu Pandemic Over VOA 17 Dec 2009 -- The World Health Organization says it is too soon to call the H1N1, Swine Flu pandemic over.
Mexico Drug Cartel Chief Killed VOA 17 Dec 2009 -- One of Mexico's most-wanted drug gang leaders has been shot dead.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 17 Dec 2009 [PDF]
Jones: Pending Detainee Transfer Resolves Security Issue AFPS 16 Dec 2009 -- The planned transfer of fewer than 100 detainees to a little-used Illinois prison resolves “a national security issue of the highest order.”
India tightens regulations for entry of foreign nationals IRNA 16 Dec 2009 -- New Delhi has revised its regulations pertaining to the entry of foreign nationals holding long-term Indian tourist visas.
WHO Confirms 14 Swine-Flu Cases In Tajikistan RFE/RL 16 Dec 2009 -- A World Health Organization (WHO) official has said there are 14 swine-flu cases in Tajikistan.
Northrop Grumman to Develop UK Cyber Security Test Range for Evaluation of Threats on Large Scale Networks Northrop Grumman 16 Dec 2009 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) is a principal member of the BT team selected by the UK Technology Strategy Board to develop a cyber test range for the research and testing of cyber security threats on large scale networks
Violent Drug War Continues in Mexico VOA 16 Dec 2009 -- As 2009 comes to a close, drug-related violence in Mexico continues to rage along the border with the United States.
AFRCC Airmen aid in Arizona search for 55 stranded people AFNS 16 Dec 2009 -- Airmen at the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center aided local and state first responders while searching for several missing individuals stranded near Flagstaff, Arizona.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 16 Dec 2009 [PDF]
NORAD Flight Exercise Planned for Washington, D.C. DoD 14 Dec 2009 -- North American Aerospace Defense Command will conduct exercise flights Dec. 15 in the skies over the National Capital Region (Washington, D.C.).
US Buying Prison for Guantanamo Detainees VOA 15 Dec 2009 -- President Obama has ordered the purchase of a state prison to house some terror suspects now being held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Rural Illinois Prison Expected to House Guantanamo Detainees VOA 15 Dec 2009 -- Top administration officials say the acquisition of the Thomson Correctional Center will help achieve the goal of closing the Guantanamo detention center.
Some Guantanamo Detainees to Move to Illinois Prison AFPS 15 Dec 2009 -- President Obama's administration plans to transfer a limited number of detainees held at the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to a prison in rural western Illinois.
Some Guantanamo Inmates to Move to Stateside Prison VOA 15 Dec 2009 -- Obama administration official: Federal government is to acquire a state prison in rural northern state of Illinois to house about 100 detainees from US facility at Guantanamo Bay.
Pakistani President for national counter terrorism strategy IRNA 15 Dec 2009 -- Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari here Monday called for preparation of a national counter terrorism and extremism strategy.
Scientist addresses global 'swine flu conspiracy' RIA Novosti 15 Dec 2009 -- British epidemiologist: worried by close links between WHO officials and pharmaceutical companies over swine flu.
Armenia's First Swine Flu Deaths Confirmed RFE/RL 15 Dec 2009 -- Armenia's Health Ministry today confirmed that two people have died of swine flu.
560,000 people vaccinated on first national immunization day CNA 15 Dec 2009 -- Some 560,000 people were vaccinated against influenza A (H1N1) on the first day of a national free inoculation program in Taiwan.
Mississippians inoculate against H1N1 flu virus at Q-West Army News 15 Dec 2009 -- Mississippi Army National Guard members began receiving vaccinations for the H1N1 flu virus at Contingency Operating Location Q-West, Iraq
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Works to Immunize Against Flu Navy NewsStand 15 Dec 2009 -- Beneficiaries have been arriving by the hundreds at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and its branch clinics since the facilities started administering H1N1 flu vaccines.
Crime Lab Casts Net Ahead of Cyber Criminals AFNS 15 Dec 2009 -- Public fascination with forensic detectives and virtual reality may be partly responsible for the high level of interest garnered by DoD contest to solve cyber crimes.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 15 Dec 2009 [PDF]
Taiwan records two more deaths from H1N1 CNA 14 Dec 2009 -- Two more Taiwanese people have died from swine flu, bringing the death toll from the virus to 35 since the outbreak began earlier this year.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 14 Dec 2009 [PDF]
Georgia reports first lethal case of swine flu RIA Novosti 13 Dec 2009 -- A 27-year-old man died in a Georgian hospital after he was diagnosed with A/H1N1 virus, becoming the first citizen of the former Soviet state to die of swine flu, the health minister said.
Pakistani forces unearth bombers’ training center IRNA 12 Dec 2009 -- Pakistani security forces have unearthed a training center of suicide bombers in the country’s South Waziristan tribal region, IRNA reported on Saturday.
BIMSTEC adopts convention to combat terrorism, insurgency IRNA 11 Dec 2009 -- The seven-nation BIMSTEC grouping Friday adopted a convention to combat terrorism and insurgency, a step that is expected to add teeth to India's action against militancy, particularly in its north east.
Global swine flu death toll rises to some 9,600 - WHO RIA Novosti 11 Dec 2009 -- Some 800 people died from the À/H1N1 virus in the first week of December, bringing the death toll to 9,596, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a statement on Friday.
US: Top al-Qaida Leader Killed in Pakistan VOA 11 Dec 2009 -- U.S. officials say a top al-Qaida leader has been killed in a drone attack in restive northwestern Pakistan.
Pakistani Official Says 5 Americans Will Not Be Deported VOA 11 Dec 2009 -- Pakistan's interior minister says five young Americans arrested in Pakistan's Punjab province this week on suspicion of trying to join militant Islamist groups will not be immediately deported.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 11 Dec 2009 [PDF]
Torture still rife 25 years after adoption of treaty banning it, UN experts warn UN News Centre 10 Dec 2009 -- Although 146 States of the 192 Member States of the United Nations ratified or acceded to the international convention outlawing torture, the practice is still rife worldwide 25 years after the treaty’s adoption, the UN Committee against Torture warned today.
Guardsmen in Two States Respond to Winter Storm AFPS 10 Dec 2009 -- As the first major winter storm of the season continues to drop snow and ice throughout the Midwest, elements of the Iowa and Wisconsin National Guard are ready to assist state and local authorities in responding to emergency calls.
Swine flu toll across India reaches 655 IRNA 10 Dec 2009 -- With the four more persons died due to swine flu in India, nationwide toll in the pandemic reaches 655.
Pakistan Arrests Five Americans, Terror Link Probed RFE/RL 10 Dec 2009 -- U.S. and Pakistani officials say five foreign nationals have been arrested in Pakistan and are being investigated for possible links to extremist groups.
5 American Men Arrested in Pakistan VOA 10 Dec 2009 -- Pakistani officials say five American men arrested in Pakistan recently are being investigated for alleged links to extremist groups. Family members and U.S. authorities have been searching for five missing U.S. students from the Washington, D.C. area since their disappearance in late November.
Police in Pakistan Link 5 US Nationals to al-Qaida VOA 10 Dec 2009 -- Police in Pakistan say five American nationals they arrested this week in an eastern town have told interrogators they arrived in the country to join "jihad" or a holy war.
India to Request Interrogation of Mumbai Terror Attack Suspect VOA 10 Dec 2009 -- India is expected to eventually request extradition of an American citizen charged in Chicago with alleged involvement in planning last year's terror attack on Mumbai. India is preparing its own criminal case against the 49-year-old man.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 10 Dec 2009 [PDF]
Anti-A/H1N1 Flu Campaign Intensified KCNA 09 Dec 2009 -- New Influenza A/H1N1 broke out in some areas of the DPRK amid the growing of its victims worldwide.
Sikorsky Aerospace Maintenance Hosts Rollout Ceremony for U.S. Customs & Border Protection Agency UH-60 A-A to L Recapitalization Aircraft Sikorsky 09 Dec 2009 -- Sikorsky Aerospace Maintenance, a Sikorsky Aerospace Services company, today rolled out the first U.S. Customs & Border Protection Agency (CBP) UH-60 A-A to L recapitalization aircraft at its Chase Field Operations Center in Texas.
DoD News: NORAD Flight Exercise Planned for Washington, D.C. Has Been Postponed DoD 09 Dec 2009 -- The North American Aerospace Defense Command and its geographical component, the Continental United States NORAD Region (CONR) exercise scheduled to begin later tonight in the Washington D.C. area will be postponed 24 hours due to weather.
DoD News: Norad Flight Exercise Planned for Washington, D.C. DoD 09 Dec 2009 -- North American Aerospace Defense Command will conduct exercise flights Dec. 10 in the skies over the National Capital Region (Washington, D.C.). The flights will take place beginning around midnight and continue into the early morning hours.
Iraqis Say Al-Qaeda Suspected After Bombs Kill 127 RFE/RL 09 Dec 2009 -- Iraqi officials say Al-Qaeda militants are suspected of involvement in a series of up to five vehicle bomb attacks in the capital, Baghdad, that are reported to have killed at least 127 people and wounded more than 500 others.
UN-backed anti-drug centre opens in Central Asia to curb flow of Afghan heroin UN News Centre 09 Dec 2009 -- A United Nations-backed intelligence sharing centre for Central Asian countries on the front line of the battle against drug trafficking from Afghanistan opened in Kazakhstan today, just a day after Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Security Council called for greater global cooperation in the war on narcotics.
North Korea Confirms Swine Flu Infections, South Vows Speedy Aid VOA 09 Dec 2009 -- North Korea has confirmed for the first time that it has found cases of the H1N1 flu virus. South Korea is treating the issue as a matter above politics, saying it is ready to send unconditional aid to help fight the outbreak.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 09 Dec 2009 [PDF]
Al-Qaida Remains Dangerous, Mullen Says AFPS 08 Dec 2009 -- Al-Qaida remains a danger, and the area along the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan is the epicenter of global Islamic extremism, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said at the Foreign Press Center here today.
As drug trafficking undermines peace and security, UN calls for global measures UN News Centre 08 Dec 2009 -- The Security Council today called for greater international cooperation in fighting drug trafficking, with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon terming it a leading threat to global peace and security.
A look at terrorist, suicide attacks in Pakistan in last two months IRNA 09 Dec 2009 -- The list of the terrorist, suicide attacks in Pakistan in last two months:
10 dead, twenty-five injured in two bomb explosions in Lahore IRNA 08 Dec 2009 -- At least 10 people were killed and over 40 others seriously injured including women and children in 2 bomb explosions in Moon Market, Iqbal Town, Lahore Monday evening.
Death toll from Pakistan’s twin blasts reaches 49 IRNA 08 Dec 2009 -- Death toll from twin blasts in the Pakistani eastern city of Lahore reached 49, officials said Tuesday.
12 killed in blast in eastern Pakistan: rescue officials IRNA 08 Dec 2009 -- At least 12 persons were killed when a bomb blast ripped through an army area in the Pakistani eastern city of Multan on Tuesday, rescue team said.
Bomb Blasts Across Pakistan Kill More Than 70 Since Monday VOA 08 Dec 2009 -- Pakistani officials say since Monday, more than 70 people have died in bombings across the country. In the latest attack, police say a bomb blast near an intelligence office in the central city of Multan killed at least 12 people and severely damaged several buildings.
Al-Qaida Affiliated Groups Claim Responsibility for Kidnappings in West Africa VOA 08 Dec 2009 -- A terrorist group affiliated with al-Qaida is claiming responsibility for last month's kidnapping of three Spanish aid workers in Mauritania and a Frenchman in Mali.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 08 Dec 2009 [PDF]
Alert mission protects U.S. airspace, interests AFNS 07 Dec 2009 -- Shaw Air Force Base Airmen supporting the Operation Noble Eagle alert mission provide quick-reaction support to protect U.S. airspace and significant events like presidential movements and space shuttle launches.
Kazakh Health Officials Unveil Swine-Flu Vaccine RFE/RL 07 Dec 2009 -- Kazakh health officials today presented to the media Refluvac, a drug that they say vaccinates against the swine flu, RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reports.
US investigation agency team holds meeting with Indian counterparts IRNA 07 Dec 2009 -- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) team, which is here to share information on terror suspects David Headley and Tahawwur Rana, Monday held discussions with their Indian counterparts about the activities of the duo in the country.
Six killed, 30 injured in Session Court blast IRNA 07 Dec 2009 -- As many as six persons were killed and more than 30 people injured when a suicide bomber blew himself up in front of Session Court Peshawar on Monday, police said.
Explosions in Pakistan Hit Peshawar Court, Lahore Market VOA 07 Dec 2009 -- Police in Pakistan's eastern city Lahore say two explosions in a busy outdoor market have wounded at least 20 people.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 07 Dec 2009 [PDF]
U.S. Says No Trace Of Bin Laden For 'Years' RFE/RL 06 Dec 2009 -- Defense Secretary Robert Gates has said the United States has had no reliable information on the whereabouts of Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden in years.
Swine Flu Hits Gaza Strip VOA 06 Dec 2009 -- Health officials in the Gaza Strip confirmed the territory's first five cases of swine flu on Sunday.
Protesters Decry Decision to Use US Court for 9/11 Trial' VOA 05 Dec 2009 -- Protesters have gathered outside a federal courthouse in New York City to denounce the Obama administration's decision to try the five alleged plotters of the 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States in the civilian court system. Both survivors of Sept. 11 attacks and concerned New Yorkers at the rally say the terror suspects are war criminals and their trials should be held in military court.
40 killed, 80 injured in Rawalpindi mosque suicide attack IRNA 05 Dec 2009 -- At least 40 people martyred and more than 80 injured when suicide bombers stormed a packed mosque at Parade Lane in Rawalpindi .
Reports Fuel Speculation Over Bin Laden's Location RFE/RL 04 Dec 2009 -- The mystery over Osama bin Laden's whereabouts has taken a new turn, with multiple reports claiming the leader is not hiding in Pakistan.
US Secret Service Accepts Responsibility for White House Security Lapse VOA 04 Dec 2009 -- Director of the US Secret Service: Agency responsible for allowing unauthorized couple to attend a White House state dinner.
Deputy defense secretary outlines protections for information AFNS 04 Dec 2009 -- Deputy defense secretary: Information technology gains come at a cost.
India stresses global sharing mechanism to deal with terrorism IRNA 04 Dec 2009 -- India stressed the need for improved intelligence gathering and global sharing mechanism to deal with terrorism.
Russia to equip railways with antiterrorist attack detectors RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2009 -- A group of Russian scientists has developed detectors to prevent terrorist attacks on Russian railways.
Pregnant woman loses baby after getting H1N1 shot CNA 04 Dec 2009 -- Woman underwent emergency surgery to have her dead unborn baby removed, 7 days after she was vaccinated against influenza A(H1N1).
WHO puts number of global swine flu deaths at over 8,700 RIA Novosti 04 Dec 2009 -- At least 8,768 people have died of swine flu globally, the World Health Organization reported.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 04 Dec 2009 [PDF]
Pakistani PM says Osama bin Laden not in his country RIA Novosti 03 Dec 2009 -- Osama bin Laden is not in hiding in Pakistan, the country's prime minster said.
Blast Hits Iranian Pilgrims' Bus in Syria VOA 03 Dec 2009 -- Witnesses in Syria's capital say a blast hit a bus that had been carrying Iranian Shi'ite pilgrims.
Three dead in explosion in Syria RIA Novosti 03 Dec 2009 -- At least three people died in a blast involving a bus in the Syrian capital of Damascus.
Blast Hits Iranian Bus in Syria VOA 03 Dec 2009 -- Syrian officials say a massive explosion ripped through a bus carrying Iranian pilgrims in the capital, Damascus, killing at least three people.
Blast in Iranian bus in Syria IRNA 03 Dec 2009 -- An explosion in an Iranian bus on Thursday killed or wounded a number of people in Zeinabieh, a district near the Syrian capital.
India holds first ever "Global Security Conference" IRNA 03 Dec 2009 -- India will take center-stage globally, on security issues, with the commencement of the first ever “Global Security Conference."
Brown pledges more support for Pakistan's counter terror efforts IRNA 03 Dec 2009 -- PM Brown pledged more support for Pakistan’s counter terrorism efforts after holding talks with PM Gilani.
Video surveillance to boost security on Moscow-Petersburg rail line RIA Novosti 03 Dec 2009 -- A railway linking Moscow and St. Petersburg will be equipped with a video monitoring system within five years.
Putin says Russia still faces terrorism threat RIA Novosti 03 Dec 2009 -- Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin: Russia still faced a threat from internal terrorism.
Parting shots: MEDDAC steps up H1N1 vaccinations Army News 03 Dec 2009 -- Fort Jackson's fight against H1N1 is in full swing, and all Soldiers are expected to be vaccinated by block leave.
Taiwan announces new rules to stem H1N1 infections at schools CNA 03 Dec 2009 -- Taiwan Ministry of Education announced new rule to partially replace the previous "325" guideline as part of the government's efforts to stem cluster infections of H1N1.
Hungary's Health Authority Warns Santa Claus Of Swine Flu VOA 03 Dec 2009 -- Hungarian health authorities have launched a national campaign warning Hungary's Santa Claus to avoid kissing children and shaking their hands to prevent spreading the swine flu virus.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 03 Dec 2009 [PDF]
Alleged Fort Hood Shooter Faces Additional Charges AFPS 02 Dec 2009 -- Thirty-two specifications of attempted premeditated murder were preferred today against Army Maj. Nidal M. Hasan.
Petraeus: Afghan 'Surge' to Target Terrorist Leaders AFPS 02 Dec 2009 -- Tens of thousands of additional U.S. forces slated for deployment to Afghanistan will be employed to target and eliminate terrorist leaders.
Raytheon Sells Second Advanced SUV-Based Radiation Detection System to Florida Raytheon 02 Dec 2009 -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) sold a second Mobile Nuclear Radiation Detection System, or MNRDS, to Florida's Department of Transportation.
New U.S. Afghanistan-Pakistan Strategy Aims To Take Fight To Al-Qaeda RFE/RL 02 Dec 2009 -- US President Obama reiterated key goal in Afghanistan and Pakistan during a high-profile speech.
US Homeland Security: Ports Are Top Concern VOA 02 Dec 2009 -- A top U.S. security official says more work is needed to ensure terrorists do not smuggle nuclear devices into the country.
Ukrainian Police Detain Alleged Terrorist From Turkey RFE/RL 02 Dec 2009 -- A Turkish citizen has been detained by Ukrainian officers in Kyiv for his alleged involvement in terrorist operations.
Medvedev sets deadlines for railway terror attacks investigation RIA Novosti 02 Dec 2009 -- Russian President Medvedev ordered action to prevent terror attacks on Russia's railways.
Kadyrov doubtful of Umarov's involvement in train bombing RIA Novosti 02 Dec 2009 -- Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov is doubtful that a bomb attack was carried out on orders from a wanted terrorist, Doka Umarov.
Islamist Militants Claim Responsibility For Deadly Russian Train Bombing RFE/RL 02 Dec 2009 -- Website linked to Chechen fighters: Received letter from Islamist militants who claim responsibility for bombing of a Russian train.
Russian rail blast involved Islamist tactics - investigators RIA Novosti 02 Dec 2009 -- Bomb attack that derailed a Russian express train last week bore the hallmarks of Islamist terrorism, a top investigator has said.
Russian express train blast almost hit second train RIA Novosti 02 Dec 2009 -- The bomb that detonated on a rail track as an express train was passing last week could have derailed two trains.
Scanners installed at Pak airports to avert swine flue outbreak IRNA 02 Dec 2009 -- Dr Liaquat Ali Bhutto: Thermal scanners are installed at 3 major airports of Pakistan to avert swine flue outbreak.
Vaccine donation shows Taiwan as `peace creator:' president CNA 02 Dec 2009 -- President Ma: Taiwan's offer to donate H1N1 vaccine to the World Health Organization has helped feature the country as a "peace creator."
Marines battle Taliban, IEDs and the flu USMC News 02 Dec 2009 -- Aside from the constant threat of enemy contact and roadside bombs, Marines throughout Afghanistan are taking an offensive posture against another potentially deadly enemy - the flu.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 02 Dec 2009 [PDF]
Obama Afghan Decision Has Far-Reaching Implications VOA 01 Dec 2009 -- President Obama's decision has far-reaching strategic implications for the global effort to defeat violent extremists like the Taliban and al-Qaida.
Terror suspects win UK court ruling on secret evidence IRNA 01 Dec 2009 -- Two men suspected of terrorism-related activities won ruling against government’s use of secret evidence to deny them bail.
Minsk Officials Say Flu Epidemic Is Over RFE/RL 01 Dec 2009 -- Health officials in the Belarusian capital, Minsk, say the flu epidemic is over in the city.
Afghanistan reports 843 swine flu cases RIA Novosti 01 Dec 2009 -- A total of 843 people are currently suffering from swine flu infection in Afghanistan, and 16 have died of the virus.
EURAFSWA Region Committed to Fight Against H1N1 Navy NewsStand 01 Dec 2009 -- Hospitals and clinics located throughout the Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia region continue to execute a strategy of information awareness and vaccination.
Team uses Afghan airwaves to counter flu misinformation AFNS 01 Dec 2009 -- Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team servicemembers took to the airwaves to combat misinformation about H1N1.
191 fresh cases of swine flu reported across India IRNA 01 Dec 2009 -- 191 fresh cases of Swine Flu were reported from many states in India raising the total number of the affected cases to 18,198 across the country.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 01 Dec 2009 [PDF]

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December 2009 Security News