SubscribeHomeland Security to test high-tech buoys
May 6, 2008
“The federal government is preparing to test high-tech buoys adapted from Cold War-era Navy technology that could act as an offshore early warning system against a terrorist attack by sea.
Finding boats that aren’t supposed to be heading for U.S. shores is a difficult task in vast, sometimes dangerous seas. Much of the surveillance is done by aircraft and satellites, which is very expensive work, Homeland Security spokeswoman Amy Kudwa says. ” (USA Today)
To stave off terror, feds issue safety strategy for boaters
April 28, 2008
“As boating season approaches, the Bush administration wants to enlist the country’s 80 million recreational boaters to help reduce the chances that a small boat could deliver a nuclear or radiological bomb somewhere along the country’s 95,000 miles of coastline and inland waterways.” (AP)
Iran agrees to address nuclear arms allegations
April 23, 2008
“Iran has agreed to clarify intelligence alleging that it studied how to design nuclear bombs, a gesture the U.N. nuclear watchdog chief on Wednesday called a “milestone”.
Tehran has previously denied the reports but declined to address them in detail.” (Reuters)
No signs of Qaeda at US-Mexican border
April 14, 2008
“Authorities have seen no signs of al Qaeda trying to insert operatives into the United States from Mexico, but the militant group has considered doing so, a U.S. intelligence official said on Friday.
The comments by Charles Allen, Homeland Security undersecretary for intelligence and analysis, could undercut one argument by advocates in and out of government for get-tough tactics to fight illegal crossings at the southern U.S. border — that they are needed to fight terrorism.” (Reuters)
Intelligence officers call al Qaeda nuclear threat real
April 3, 2008
“Two high-level government intelligence experts testified Wednesday that al Qaeda is intent on attacking the United States with a nuclear weapon but has not developed a nuclear device.
In a hearing, Charles Allen, chief intelligence officer for the Homeland Security Department, said there is no doubt that al Qaeda wants a nuclear weapon.” (GovExec)
A look inside Al Qaeda
April 2, 2008
“If Al Qaeda strikes the West in the coming months, it’s likely the mastermind will be a stocky Egyptian explosives expert with two missing fingers.
His alias is Abu Ubaida al Masri. Hardly anyone has heard of him outside a select circle of anti-terrorism officials and Islamic militants. But as chief of external operations for Al Qaeda, investigators say, he has one of the most dangerous — and endangered — jobs in international terrorism.” (LA Times)
Nuclear fuses sent by mistake
March 28, 2008
“First, the Air Force mistakenly flew armed nuclear warheads in a B-52 bomber over three states and then yesterday officials disclosed another mishap — fuses for Minuteman nuclear missiles were shipped to Taiwan instead of the batteries they ordered.” (Washington Times)
Airlines blast plan to fingerprint foreign fliers
March 17, 2008
“Airlines are protesting a government plan that would require them to take fingerprints of foreign travelers as they fly out of the USA, saying it could create massive lines at airport check-in counters.
Congress has required that the 33 million foreigners a year coming into U.S. airports be fingerprinted when they arrive and leave the country but did not specify who should take the prints.” (USA Today)
Anti-terror rules for trains rapped
March 14, 2008
“New anti-terrorism rules aimed at stopping companies from sending railway cars packed with toxic chemicals through cities may still leave large populations vulnerable, according to members of Congress and security experts.” (USA Today)
US Capitol evacuated, no threat: Homeland Security
March 13, 2008
“The US Capitol building was partly evacuated Wednesday after a plane violated its airspace, but there was no imminent threat, a spokeswoman for the Homeland Security Department said.” (AFP)