[KYHAM] KEN Training for Feb. 10, 2003: A Terrorism Threat Update

[Ron Dodson]

By now everyone has heard that on Friday, Feb. 7th, the
Office of Homelansd Security raised the threat level for the
US from Elavated (Yellow) to High (Orange).  

Intelligence information that has been corrobated from
multiple sources confirm potential targets and timing of
simultaneous or near simultaneous attacks on U.S. soil and
in the Persian Gulf.  Intelligence officials believe the
Muslim holiday "Hajj" that starts next week and runs through
February 15 are key dates.  March and April may also be key
timeframes. 

A wide range of targets are possible including ventilation
systems, water supplies and food systems; symbols of power
including the Capitol and White House; railway systems;
financial areas and those which would cause economic loss;
hotels, apartments and large public buildings; public
venues.  Use of explosive devices, truck/car bombs are
possible.  And with the number of arrests in Europe there is
concern about use of chemical or biological agents.

While they do not advocate cancellation of any events or
plans for travel etc., there are a few things that we, as
amateurs can do to step up our readiness for any trouble
that may occur.

1. Check out our stations and equipment.  Make sure that we
are in good operating condition with regard to our radios
and equipment to include out transmission lines and antennas
and make preparations to do any needed repairs/improvements
that can be fit into our budgets.

2. Vigilance - If something does not look right, it may not
be!  All of us know what looks 'normal' for our daily areas
of work and movement.  So do our co-workers and
employees/staffs.  Encourage reporting of anything that
appears out of the ordinary to KSP or Sheriff and local
police for investigation.  Keep up to date on the news 
(meaning more than the ball scores!), don't be caught off
guard.

3. Readiness at home - This is a good time to review our
family disaster plans for points of contact in emergency and
other details.  The condition of our disaster supplies kits
and making sure we keep the tanks of our vehicles topped
off.  (Should any attack or the escalation of war with Iraq
occur, we need to be ready for attempts at price gouging at
the pumps and reporting of any noted activity to proper
authorities.)  

Should war with Iraq become a reality, threats from Iraqi
leadership have been made concerning the use of "suicide
squads" against US interests at home and abroad.  This,
coupled with the information on Al-Qaeda increasing their
activity in chemical warfare as evidenced by arrests of
suspected terrorists in Britain with the chemical agent
ricin, in France with cyanide compounds and in Spain with
other chemicals should make us aware that the threat is out
there.

This next couple of weeks, I will be presenting a review of
material to refresh your terrorism awareness.