New warning from FBI cites biochem threat

[BEER980]

New warning from FBI cites biochem threat
Feds advise security to be on alert for 'unusual powders, liquids, odors'
Posted: December 25, 2003
1:25 p.m. Eastern

By Paul Sperry
© 2003 WorldNetDaily.com

WASHINGTON – The FBI is warning law enforcement in a new security advisory to be alert for signs of a biological or chemical attack against the homeland by al-Qaida terrorists over the next few weeks.

Unexplained or unusual odors, such as the smell of "bitter almonds," are among "potential indicators of threats involving" weapons of mass destruction, according to the advisory issued earlier this week by the FBI counterterrorism division.

WorldNetDaily obtained a copy of the report labeled "law enforcement sensitive."

An earlier homeland security report, dated Nov. 21, said the terrorists have designed a "crude chemical dispersal device" fabricated from commonly available materials, which is designed to asphyxiate its victims, as WorldNetDaily first reported. The device can produce both cyanogen chloride gas and hydrogen cyanide gas, which gives off a bitter almond smell.

"These gases are most effective when released in confined spaces such as subways, buildings or other crowded indoor facilities," the closely held report said, adding that al-Qaida has shown a continued interest in targeting subways.

"Al-Qaida remains intent on using chemical or biological agents in attacks on the homeland," it said.

The new advisory, coming alongside an increase in the terror-threat alert to high, reiterates the concern over such weapons.

"The acquisition, production or theft of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear materials and subsequent dissemination is a top al-Qaida objective," the FBI warned this week.

To guard against such attacks, the agency is advising law enforcement and security personnel to be on the lookout for suspicious packages or containers, as well as "unusual powders or liquids," near air-intake systems or enclosed spaces. Discovery of unusual spray devices or bottles is also a priority.

In addition, it lists several odors which are tell-tale signs of a WMD attack.

"Smells may range from fruity/flowery to sharp/pungent, garlic/horseradish-like, bitter almonds, peach kernels and new-mown grass/hay," according to the FBI advisory.

U.S. intelligence has determined that al-Qaida plans to attack America again within the next few weeks, possibly around the New Year's holiday.

"Reliable sources suggest the possibility of attacks against the United States by early 2004," the FBI said. "Extremists abroad are anticipating near-term attacks that they believe will rival the terrorist attack of Sept. 11 in scope and impact."

The feds are also worried about al-Qaida using aircraft again in suicide attacks.

"Intelligence reports show that al-Qaida continues to develop plans to use aircraft as a weapon in suicide attacks, and continues to study countries to determine those that have the least stringent aviation security measures," the FBI report said.

"Operatives still at large view attacks on U.S. territory as a priority," it added.
Source

[Josephine96]

These Al Qaeda people wanna keep us on our toes don't they..

[BEER980]

Yes I have been working OT to drag this stuff in.

[stormraiser]

Thanks beer.

Here's another site, you may be aware of

http://www.homelandsecurityus.com/

And

http://www.stevequayle.com/

[BEER980]

Thanks but I have been aware of them for a long while now. You can never have too many sources.

[stormraiser]

Great. The men from those sites are on a local radio station at least once a week talking about this stuff. It's pretty scary at times, but it's good to be informed.

[streetsoldier]

I can only state that it's a VERY good thing Al Qaida hasn't discovered coppertop's used socks yet.

[Guest]

Don't believe it! If they're good enough for Annabelle, they can't be THAT toxic! (...old goat...)

[Stephanie]

Now guys, it's Christmas!! No fighting!!

[stormraiser]

Bill, thanks for the warning. We need to keep that one top secret.