July 2012 Security News

Briefing on the Country Reports on Terrorism 2011 US Dept. of State 31 Jul 2012
U.S. Report Says 2011 A 'Landmark Year' In Battle Against Terrorism RFE/RL 31 Jul 2012 -- The United States says 2011 was a "landmark year" in the global fight against terrorism.
Fact Sheet on the National Strategy for Biosurveillance The White House 31 Jul 2012
Reserve aerial firefighting aircraft return to Colorado AFNS 31 Jul 2012 -- A favorable fire outlook has prompted the U.S. Forest Service to allow the 302nd Airlift Wing's two Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130 Hercules to return.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 31 Jul 2012 [PDF]
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 30 Jul 2012 [PDF]
MYANMAR: Opium farmers need alternative livelihood support IRIN 27 Jul 2012 -- Upwards of 90 percent of the opium poppies in Myanmar’s northern region are grown in Shan State, even though farmers are aware that they grow an illicit crop.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 27 Jul 2012 [PDF]
Military Judge Fines Hasan for Contempt AFPS 26 Jul 2012 -- A military judge here ruled that an Army psychiatrist accused in a November 2009 shooting rampage is in contempt for his failure to comply with an order to appear in court clean-shaven and within Army grooming standards.
Al-Qaida Role in Syria Should Not be Exaggerated AFPS 26 Jul 2012 -- While there may be some extremists among the Syrian rebels, al-Qaida is not establishing a strong footprint in the country.
Iran, Israel Trade Accusations Over Bulgaria Bombing RFE/RL 26 Jul 2012 -- Iran has called Israeli allegations that it was responsible for suicide bombing of a bus carrying Israeli tourists in Bulgaria "baseless."
Iran’s UN Envoy Says Israel behind Bus Blast in Bulgaria RIA Novosti 26 Jul 2012 -- Iran’s UN envoy Mohammad Khazaee said that it was Israel that plotted and carried out a terrorist attack on an Israeli tourist bus in Bulgaria last week.
Swedish Court Finds Uzbek Couple Not Guilty In Shooting Of Cleric RFE/RL 26 Jul 2012 -- A court in Sweden has found a couple from Uzbekistan not guilty of charges that they helped carry out an assassination attempt on a prominent Uzbek cleric living in exile in the Scandinavian country.
Cybercom Chief: U.S. Unprepared for Serious Cyber Attacks AFPS 26 Jul 2012 -- Commander of US Cyber Command: The United States is not adequately prepared for a serious cyber attack.
Highly Skilled People Are Key to Cyber Defense, Leaders Say AFPS 26 Jul 2012 -- Having the right people in the right places with the right training is the best defense against any attack.
General says ARCYBER progresses, prepares for cyberspace future Army News 26 Jul 2012 -- The Army's top cyberspace warrior told Congress that the work of the Army Cyber Command adds to national security.
Partnership Agreement Signed between United States Department of State and Pasadena Police Department in California US Dept. of State 26 Jul 2012
Cameron Says Olympic Security Is Top Priority RFE/RL 26 Jul 2012 -- British Prime Minister David Cameron says that measures to protect the Olympics constitute the biggest security operation in Britain's peacetime history.
PM thanks military personnel for Olympics role UK MOD 26 Jul 2012 -- During a visit to HMS Ocean, which is moored on the Thames, Prime Minister David Cameron paid tribute to all the military personnel on duty over the Olympic period.
Armed Forces helping deliver Olympics security UK MOD 26 Jul 2012 -- Taking the lead for security on British soil is of course the responsibility of the police.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 26 Jul 2012 [PDF]
US Senators Examine Iranian Involvement with Terrorism VOA 25 Jul 2012 -- Iran’s support for terrorists around the world will grow further if it acquires nuclear weapons.
Al-Qaida Affiliate Claims Iraq Attacks VOA 25 Jul 2012 -- Al-Qaida's affiliate in Iraq has claimed responsibility for the deadliest day of violence to hit the country in more than two years.
Al-Qaeda Claims Responsibility For Bloody Day Of Iraq Violence RFE/RL 25 Jul 2012 -- Al-Qaeda militants have claimed responsibility for a series of attacks that killed and wounded hundreds of people in Iraq.
Russia Hits Out at West’s ‘Chilling’ Syria Stance RIA Novosti 25 Jul 2012 -- Russia accused Western powers of encouraging terrorism over their refusal to condemn the suicide bombing that killed Syria’s defense minister last week.
Russia Says U.S. Tries To Justify Terrorism RFE/RL 25 Jul 2012 -- Russia says the United States' failure to condemn the July 18 bomb attack, which killed Syria's top security officials, meant Washington was justifying terror.
Overall picture of coca cultivation in Colombia remains stable – UN agency UN News Centre 25 Jul 2012 -- The area used to cultivate coca in Colombia has risen three per cent in 2011 over the previous year.
Colorado Reserve C-130s, crews continue aerial fire fighting AFNS 25 Jul 2012 -- Two MAFFS-equipped C-130 Hercules from the Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift Wing moved operations to Boise, Idaho, to continue to provide aerial fire fighting support.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 25 Jul 2012 [PDF]
Bulgaria Says Identity Of Burgas Suicide Bomber Still Unknown RFE/RL 24 Jul 2012 -- Bulgaria's prime minister says the Bulgarian authorities are still unable to confirm the identity of the suicide bomber who killed five Israeli tourists and a Bulgarian bus driver last week.
Iraq Attacks Cloud Debate over Syria Intervention VOA 24 Jul 2012 -- Bomb attacks across Iraq killed more than 100 people Monday, prompting fears that extremist groups could be making a comeback just months after the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country.
Extra 1,200 Service personnel to provide security for Olympics UK MOD 24 Jul 2012 -- The Ministry of Defence is deploying an additional 1,200 members of the Armed Forces to provide resilience and flexibility as the busiest period of the London 2012 Games approaches.
Britain Calls 1,200 More Troops for Olympics VOA 24 Jul 2012 -- Britain's government has decided to deploy 1,200 additional troops to protect venues at the London Olympics, after a private security firm failed to supply enough guards.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 24 Jul 2012 [PDF]
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 23 Jul 2012 [PDF]
Al-Qaeda Supporter Admits Plot to Blow Up Pentagon, U.S. Congress RIA Novosti 21 Jul 2012 -- A U.S. citizen of Bangladeshi descent has pleaded guilty to plotting to attack the U.S. Pentagon and the Congress headquarters with the explosives-laden remote-controlled model airplanes, BBC reported on Saturday.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 20 Jul 2012 [PDF]
Top AF scientist: 'Airmen key to cyberspace success' AFNS 19 Jul 2012 -- The chief scientist of the Air Force outlined the service's future on cyberspace and Airmen's role during the Air Force Association's monthly breakfast in Arlington, Va., Tuesday.
Netanyahu Blames Hezbollah, Iran for Bulgaria Bombing VOA 19 Jul 2012 -- Israel is mourning after a suicide bomber in Bulgaria killed five Israelis in an attack on a tourist bus Wednesday. Israel's leader is talking tough.
IR Iran rejects the Zionist regime's claim IRNA 19 Jul 2012 -- Foreign Ministry spokesman, Ramin Mehmanparast, strongly rejected the recent allegations by Zionist regime's officials on attributing the explosion of a bus carrying Israeli tourists in a Bulgarian airport.
Iranian armed forces to establish cyber defense headquarters IRNA 19 Jul 2012 -- Deputy Chief of Staff in Mobilization Force and Defense Culture Affairs Brigadier Seyyed Mas'oud Jazayeri here Wednesday evening informed about near future establishment of armed forces cyber defense headquarters.
Bulgaria Blames Suicide Bomber For Burgas Attack; Iran Denies Role RFE/RL 19 Jul 2012 -- Officials in Bulgaria are blaming a suicide bomber for an attack on a bus of Israeli tourists that left at least seven people dead and say they are working with U.S. law-enforcement and intelligence services to determine who was responsible.
Iran Rejects Israeli Accusations over Bus Blast Links RIA Novosti 19 Jul 2012 -- Iran rejected Israeli claims of Tehran's involvement in Wednesday's bus blast in Bulgaria which killed six Israelis, Iran's Al-Alam TV channel reported on Thursday, quoting Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast as saying.
UN and Middle East partners condemn 'brutal attack' on Israeli tourists in Bulgaria UN News Centre 19 Jul 2012 -- The United Nations and its diplomatic partners in the search for peace in the Middle East today strongly condemned yesterday's deadly bombing attack on a bus carrying Israeli tourists in Bulgaria.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 19 Jul 2012 [PDF]
Royal Navy Merlins arrive at Yeovilton for Olympics duties UK MOD 18 Jul 2012 -- Royal Navy Merlins from 814 Naval Air Squadron have arrived at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in preparation for their key role in contributing to maritime security operations in support of the Dorset Police.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 18 Jul 2012 [PDF]
USS Nicholas Brings Home 4 Tons of Drugs from Operation Martillo NNS 17 Jul 2012 -- Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate USS Nicholas (FFG 47) delivered more than four tons of cocaine and marijuana to Naval Station Mayport, Fla., seized from drug interdictions conducted in support of Operation Martillo, July 17.
Report Says Terrorist Regrouping in Indonesia VOA 17 Jul 2012 -- There has not been a major terrorist attack in Indonesia since the Bali bombings in 2002, but that does not mean the threat does not linger. An International Crisis Group report suggests terrorists are regrouping in increasingly sophisticated ways.
Olympic Security: A 'Humiliating Shambles' VOA 17 Jul 2012 -- The head of the private firm in charge of security at the London Olympics has said he is sorry and deeply disappointed that his firm has failed in its commitment to provide full security for the Games. Nick Buckles answered questions put to him by members of parliament on Tuesday.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 17 Jul 2012 [PDF]
Analysis: Carrot or stick? - Nigerians divided over Boko Haram IRIN 16 Jul 2012 -- How to deal with Boko Haram violence splits Nigeria: in the north, the centre of bombings and shootings by the Islamist extremists, there is an almost universal demand for dialogue, while in the south the prevailing attitude is that there can be no negotiation with 'terrorists' until they end the insurrection that has killed more than 1,000 people since 2009.
New UN campaign highlights financial and social costs of transnational organized crime UN News Centre 16 Jul 2012 -- The annual turnover of transnational organized criminal activities such as drug trafficking, counterfeiting, illegal arms trade and the smuggling of immigrants is estimated at around $870 billion, the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said today, as part of a campaign aimed at raising awareness of the issue's financial and social costs.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 16 Jul 2012 [PDF]
Uzbek Man Sentenced Over Obama Plot RFE/RL 14 Jul 2012 -- An Uzbek man has been sentenced in the United States to more than 15 years in prison for plotting to kill President Barack Obama.
At Least Five Killed In Nigeria Suicide Attack RFE/RL 14 Jul 2012 -- At least five people have been killed in a suspected suicide bomb attack outside a mosque in northeast Nigeria.
At Least 10 Police Officers Injured In Turkish Bomb Attack RFE/RL 14 Jul 2012 -- At least 10 police officers have been injured by a roadside-bomb explosion in eastern Turkey.
London Olympics Security Contractor Can't Fill Jobs VOA 14 Jul 2012 -- A private firm contracted to provide security at the 2012 London Olympics has apologized to Olympic officials for failing to provide all the personnel it had promised.
FSB Kills Elderly Uzbek ‘Extremist’ in Saratov RIA Novosti 13 Jul 2012 -- A 60-year-old Uzbekistan native was shot dead by Federal Security Service operatives for resisting arrest on extremist charges.
Olympics airspace restrictions to begin UK MOD 13 Jul 2012 -- Extra airspace restrictions around London and the South East, designed to ensure a safe and secure London 2012 Olympic Games, will begin on Saturday 14 July.
HMS Ocean opens to public ahead of Olympics duties UK MOD 13 Jul 2012 -- After the training exercises earlier this year, HMS Ocean is returning to London for a key role supporting the police in providing security to the Olympic Games.
Elrod, Coast Guard Disrupt Drug Flow in the Caribbean NNS 13 Jul 2012 -- USS Elrod with embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment team recovered 91 packages of marijuana.
Navy Supports Colorado Wild Fires through NELPO Program NNS 13 Jul 2012 -- Navy emergency preparedness liaison officer deployed to the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region VIII Response Coordination Center in Denver in support of the Colorado Wild fires.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 13 Jul 2012 [PDF]
Pastor Blames Islamic Extremism for Nigeria Violence VOA 12 Jul 2012 -- The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria blames growing insecurity in his country on Islamic extremists who he said aim to create an Islamic state.
Sambo Dasuki - New Face of Nigerian Security VOA 12 Jul 2012 -- Nigeria’s new national security adviser Colonel Sambo Dasuki took up his post late last month and has been touring the north, calling on leaders to reach out to Boko Haram contacts and convince them to accept peace talks.
State's Carson Says U.S. Supports a "Stable, Prosperous" Nigeria AFRICOM 12 Jul 2012 -- Assistant Secretary of State Johnnie Carson affirmed the United States' support for "a stable and prosperous Nigeria" while acknowledging significant remaining challenges.
Additional military support to Olympics security UK MOD 12 Jul 2012 -- Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has confirmed that an additional 3,500 military personnel will be deployed as part of the security arrangements for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Britain to Provide More Troops for Olympic Security VOA 12 Jul 2012 -- Britain says it is ready to provide extra military personnel to help secure the upcoming Olympic games, after a private contractor reported problems with fielding a large enough force.
RAF Pumas arrive in Ilford for Olympics role UK MOD 12 Jul 2012 -- RAF Puma helicopters have arrived at Ilford Territorial Army Centre as they prepare for a key role providing air security for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Not Just For The Military Anymore, Drones Set To Take Off RFE/RL 12 Jul 2012 -- In a few years' time, experts say, people will be less inclined to mistake UAVs hovering over cities like Moscow for UFOs.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 12 Jul 2012 [PDF]
Detainee Transfer Announced DoD 11 Jul 2012
Blast at Yemen Police Academy Kills 22 VOA 11 Jul 2012 -- Yemeni security officials say a suicide bomber has killed at least 22 people at a police academy in the capital, Sanaa.
Al-Qaeda Claims Fatal Yemen Suicide Bombing RIA Novosti 11 Jul 2012 -- The Yemeni branch of the al-Qaeda terrorist organization has claimed responsibility for an attack on a police academy in the capital Sanaa on Wednesday which killed at least 20 people.
Former Captain of USS Cole Critical of US Reaction VOA 11 Jul 2012 -- Commander Kirk is critical of the fact that the United States did not respond militarily to the attack on the Cole.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 11 Jul 2012 [PDF]
US Congressional Panel Examines Boko Haram Violence in Nigeria VOA 10 Jul 2012 -- A subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs held a hearing on U.S. policy toward Nigeria.
Boko Haram Warns Christians to Convert or 'Not Know Peace Again' VOA 10 Jul 2012 -- The Islamist militant group known as Boko Haram is now claiming responsibility for Sunday’s attack on a funeral that killed scores of people, including two prominent politicians.
ONR Sensor and Software Suite Hunts Down more than 600 Suspect Boats NNS 10 Jul 2012 -- A new sensor and software suite sponsored by the Office of Naval Research returned from West Africa after helping partner nations track and identify target vessels of interest.
NSA Chief: Cyber World Presents Opportunities, Challenges AFPS 10 Jul 2012 -- Technology has opened tremendous opportunities for the world, but also poses tremendous challenges.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 10 Jul 2012 [PDF]
Prosecutors decide against pursuing ex-official in H5N2 bird flu case CNA 09 Jul 2012 -- Taipei prosecutors decided not to indict a formal agricultural quarantine head and three other officials on charges of covering up outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza in Taiwan late last year.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 09 Jul 2012 [PDF]
DOD C-130 Crews Continue Western Wildfire Fight AFPS 06 Jul 2012 -- In 140 airdrop missions since they were called into action to battle fires in the Rocky Mountain region and other western locales, Defense Department C-130s equipped with the U.S. Forest Service's Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System have discharged more than 332,400 gallons of retardant as of early today, U.S. Northern Command officials reported.
MYANMAR: Coaxing farmers to grow tea, not opium IRIN 06 Jul 2012 -- Before opium, green tea was the cash crop of choice in Myanmar, and donors have tried for years to convince farmers to grow tea and other crops again. But these are less lucrative than opium poppies, the country's highest-earning crop, and few growers have been persuaded.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 06 Jul 2012 [PDF]
NORTHCOM spends 'Fourth' fighting blazes AFNS 05 Jul 2012 -- Six Department of Defense C-130 aircraft equipped with U.S. Forest Service Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems (MAFFS) and under the command and control of U.S. Northern Command are assisting in the efforts to control fires in the Rocky Mountain region and western United States at the request of the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise, Idaho.
Military C-130 Crews Continue Firefighting Efforts AFPS 05 Jul 2012 -- In 123 airdrop missions since they were called into action to battle fires in the Rocky Mountain region and other western locales, Defense Department C-130s equipped with the U.S. Forest Service's Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System had discharged more than 320,000 gallons of retardant as of early today, U.S. Northern Command officials reported.
Al Qaeda Infiltrates Syria Via Iraq – Iraqi FM RIA Novosti 05 Jul 2012 -- Members of the world's No.1 terrorist organization Al Qaeda infiltrate Syria via Iraq to carry out terrorist attacks, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said on Thursday.
Six Arrested Over London Olympic Terror Plot RIA Novosti 05 Jul 2012 -- Five men and a woman were arrested on Thursday in London on suspicion of taking part in terrorist activity in an on-going Scotland Yard operation in the run-up to the 2012 Olympic Games, the British police said.
British Police Nab Six in Anti-Terror Raids VOA 05 Jul 2012 -- LONDON -- Police arrested five men and one woman on suspicion of preparation, instigation, or commission of acts of terrorism in the east, west, and north parts of the city early Thursday.
UN Concerned About Rising Terror Threat in Mali VOA 05 Jul 2012 -- The United Nations has expressed concern about the growing terror threat in northern Mali and has asked member states to help identify terrorist suspects.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 05 Jul 2012 [PDF]
Firefighting C-130s placed on operational hold AFNS 03 Jul 2012 -- In what officials describe as 'a prudent measure,' all military C-130 aircraft equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System have been placed on operational hold after one of the aircraft crashed Sunday, July 1.
Combined Forces Confirm Death of al-Qaida Leader AFPS 03 Jul 2012 -- Afghan and coalition forces today confirmed the death of Hanzallah, an al-Qaida leader who operated in Afghanistan.
France Arrests Man Suspected of Terrorist Ties VOA 03 Jul 2012 -- French authorities say they have arrested the administrator of an extremist website who is suspected of playing a role in recruiting and financing for al-Qaida and other terrorist groups.
Ground-based air defence systems to protect Olympic sites UK MOD 03 Jul 2012 -- The Government has confirmed that ground-based air defence systems will be deployed at six sites in and around London for the duration of the 2012 Olympic Games.
NC Guard Identifies Airmen Killed in C-130 Crash AFPS 03 Jul 2012 -- North Carolina Air National Guard officials released the names of four crew members killed when their C-130 cargo plane equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire-Fighting System crashed July 1.
MAFFS-equipped C-130s resume operations AFNS 03 Jul 2012 -- The commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command announced that the C-130 Modular Airborne Fire-Fighting System fleet will resume operations.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 03 Jul 2012 [PDF]
USS Nicholas, Coast Guard Team Intercept Drug Shipment Worth more than $6 Million NNS 02 Jul 2012 -- USS Nicholas with an embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment Team employed airborne use of force to stop a vessel suspected of transporting illegal drugs, June 19 in support of Operation Martillo.
Obama Calls Firefighting Airmen Heroes AFPS 02 Jul 2012 -- President Barack Obama released a statement calling the airmen battling wildfires in the Rocky Mountain region “heroes who deserve the appreciation of a grateful nation.”
Firefighting C-130s Placed on Operational Hold After Crash AFPS 02 Jul 2012 -- In what officials describe as “a prudent measure,” all military C-130 aircraft equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System have been placed on operational hold.
Crashed firefighting-equipped C-130 from North Carolina ANG AFNS 02 Jul 2012 -- The North Carolina Air National Guard - and indeed the National Guard across all of North Carolina and the country - is grieving.
MAFFS-equipped C-130 crashes in South Dakota AFNS 02 Jul 2012 -- At approximately 6 p.m. MDT July 1, a Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System equipped C-130 aircraft supporting firefighting missions crashed in the southwest corner of South Dakota.
Guard Responds to Weather Damage, Wildfires AFPS 02 Jul 2012 -- National Guard soldiers and airmen are responding to damage left behind by severe weather and destructive wildfires in several states across the U.S.
DHS-IAIP Daily Open Source Infrastructure Report 02 Jul 2012 [PDF]
More Aircraft Arrive to Combat Western Wildfires AFPS 01 Jul 2012 -- Eight Department of Defense C-130 aircraft equipped with U.S. Forest Service Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems now are assisting in multi-agency efforts to control wildfires in Colorado and other western states, according to a U.S. Northern Command news release update issued today.
Some Firefighting C-130s to Redeploy from Colorado to Wyoming AFPS 01 Jul 2012 -- Starting tomorrow, four of the eight Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130 military aircraft presently stationed at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., to combat wildfires in Colorado and other western states will begin operating out of the Wyoming Air National Guard's base in Cheyenne.

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July 2012 Security News