World

Fizzled Terror Plot or ‘Dry Run’?

WASHINGTON – Authorities on three continents thwarted multiple terrorist attacks aimed at the United States from Yemen on Friday, seizing two explosive packages addressed to Chicago-area synagogues and packed aboard cargo jets. The plot triggered worldwide fears that al-Qaida was launching a major new terror campaign.

President Barack Obama called the coordinated attacks a “credible terrorist threat,” and U.S. officials said they were increasingly confident that al-Qaida’s Yemen branch, the group responsible for the failed Detroit airliner bombing last Christmas, was responsible.

Parts of the plot might remain undetected, Obama’s counterterror chief warned. “The United States is not assuming that the attacks were disrupted and is remaining vigilant,” John Brennan said at the White House.

One of the packages was found aboard a cargo plane in Dubai, the other in England. Preliminary tests indicated the packages contained the powerful industrial explosive PETN, the same chemical used in the Christmas attack, U.S. officials said. The tests had not been confirmed.

In the U.S., cargo planes were searched up and down the Eastern Seaboard, and an Emirates Airlines passenger jet was escorted down the coast to New York by American fighter jets.

No explosives were found aboard those planes, though the investigation was continuing on at least two.

Obama’s sobering assessment, delivered from the White House podium, unfolded four days before national elections in which discussion of terrorism has played almost no role. The president went ahead with weekend campaign appearances.

The terrorist efforts “underscore the necessity of remaining vigilant against terrorism,” the president said. While he said both packages that contained explosives originated in Yemen, he did not explicitly assign blame to al-Qaida, which is active in that Arab country and long has made clear its goal of launching new attacks on the United States.

Authorities in Dubai intercepted one explosive device. The second package was aboard a plane searched in East Midlands, north of London, and officials said it contained a printer toner cartridge with wires and powder. Brennan said the devices were in packages about the size of a breadbox.

While Obama didn‘t specifically accuse Yemen’s al-Qaida branch, Brennan called it the most active al-Qaida franchise and said anyone associated with the group was a subject of concern.

The radical U.S.-born Muslim cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, who now is in hiding in Yemen, is believed to have helped inspire recent attacks including the Fort Hood shooting, the Times Square bombing attempt and the failed Detroit airliner bombing last Christmas Day. Another American hiding in Yemen, Samir Khan, has declared himself a traitor and has helped produce al-Qaida propaganda.

Most of the officials spoke on condition of anonymity, citing the ongoing investigation.

Brennan later told reporters that the explosives “were in a form that was designed to try to carry out some type of attack,” but he provided no further details.

“The forensic analysis is under way,” he said, adding, “Clearly from the initial observation, the initial analysis that was done, the materials that were found in the device that was uncovered was intended to do harm.”

Intelligence personnel had been monitoring a suspected plot for days, officials said. The packages in England and Dubai were discovered after Saudi Arabian intelligence picked up information related to Yemen and passed it on to the U.S., one official said.

U.S. intelligence officials warned last month that terrorists hoped to mail chemical and biological materials as part of an attack on America and other Western countries using the mail. The alert came in a Sept. 23 bulletin from the Homeland Security Department and obtained by The Associated Press.

In the hours following the discoveries, Yemeni officials and Scotland Yard were investigating and the U.S. issued a 72-hour ban on all cargo from Yemen.

“As a precaution, DHS has taken a number of steps to enhance security,” the agency said in a statement. “Some of these security measures will be visible while others will not.”

U.S. authorities conducted searches of aircraft in Philadelphia, Newark, N.J., and New York City.

Since the failed Christmas bombing of a Detroit-bound airliner, Yemen has been a focus for U.S. counterterrorism officials. Before that attack, the U.S. regarded al-Qaida’s branch in Yemen as primarily a threat in the region, not to the United States.

The Yemen branch known as al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula has since become a leading source of terrorist propaganda and recruiting. Authorities believe about 300 al-Qaida members or cells operate in Yemen.

The Yemeni government has stepped up counterterrorism operations, with help from the U.S. military and intelligence officials. Mohammed Shayba, general-director of the state airline’s cargo department, said the government is conducting an investigation.

“Those in charge are in constant meetings and they are investigating and taking the issue seriously,” he told The Associated Press.

Comments (59)

1 2
  • Pelicans View
    Posted on October 30, 2010 at 7:27am

    Why is no one saying it? The broadcast networks and even Fox, keep asking the question; ”
    Is the terrorist plot an attempt to sway U.S. elections?” Let me think…
    1. – The explosives were allegedly ‘aimed’ at Jewish synagogues in Chicago.
    2. – The Obama administration’s quick thinking averted the tragedy and protected Chicago citizens.
    3. – Obama’s policies toward Israel have adversely affected the democratic Jewish vote once counted on.
    4. – There is an extremely tight senate race in Illinois for Obama’s vacated seat (very embarrassing).
    5. – Obama is travelling to Illinois this weekend to stump. (Let‘s see if he mentions his great ’save’).
    6. – The intelligence community acted on a “credible tip’ for this successful threat intervention.
    7. – Everyone believes that a Yemenese terrorist suddenly found his conscience, and tipped the CIA.

    Oops…that last one will require another sip of Kool-aid.

    Report Post » Pelicans View  
  • lockness
    Posted on October 30, 2010 at 6:23am

    Thanks for reminding me about how this administration likes to distract us from what they are really doing. I, too, think it is strange or coincidental that these so called explosive devices were all headed for Chicago and to Jewish centers. We know where BO’s American roots are from and how he hates Israel. I also think this is their October surprise. Too bad it isn’t working. BO’s true colors are known and their not red, white and blue.

    Report Post »  
  • Bob_R_OathKeeper
    Posted on October 30, 2010 at 5:25am

    The, “Kansas City Shuffle”

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dlc9pPeS2Q0

    Report Post » Bob_R_OathKeeper  
  • AmericanMutt
    Posted on October 30, 2010 at 4:33am

    I’m sorry, but this is waaay too “convenient” and way too vague. I think that this is our “October Surprise”. UPS’s tracking protocols are so stringent that there is no way that there can be any “unaccounted for” packages. The timing of this “incident” reeks of having been precisely planned: Get everyone talking about this in the last news cycle of the week before mid-terms, make obama look like he’s on top of everything, fully in charge and personally protecting America. Then pound it into the sheeple’s heads all weekend to scare them into voting Dem on Tuesday.

    Targets in Chicago?? Puh-leeze! obama might as well have just hand-delivered these worthless imitation “bombs”.

    And don’t forget to stress how obama plans to “stare the danger in it’s face” by staying in a house across the street from a Synagogue! (Oh, yeah – and the next day – today – obama’s back on the campaign trail, wasting taxpayer money and spewing more lies to roust his moocher base. If this were an actual emergency, he wouldn’t even THINK of joyriding around the country in a plane…)

    BS!!

    Every single bomb plot, environmental disaster, financial crisis, etc., etc., etc. that has arisen since obama was swept into office has come as a complete surprise to this administration, has caught them totally off guard, and has either been resolved/thwarted by someone other than them or has failed to be resolved or has addressed by this administration in a manner that has actually made matters worse!

    I hope to God that the Citizens of The United States of America are not stupid enough to buy this crap.

    Report Post » AmericanMutt  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on October 30, 2010 at 5:04am

      AmericanMutt: “Get everyone talking about this… make obama look like he’s on top of everything, fully in charge and personally protecting America. Then pound it into the sheeple’s heads all weekend to scare them into voting Dem on Tuesday.”

      Terrorists always try to destabilize elections in target countries. So the plots and threats are typical terrorist MO.

      Most of what you say about Obama is true, but anyone who believes Obama has handled our national security effectively is going to vote Democratic anyway. It’s the economy.

      Report Post »  
  • kryptonite
    Posted on October 30, 2010 at 4:13am

    Obama’s goal is to desensitize America. More attacks are coming our way, and Obama, the reactive appeaser, wants us to learn to live with jihad. This jerk once stated that we are one of the largest Muslim countries in the world. Was that stupidity or was it one of those rare moments when Obama voices his real intentions? Regardless, his lame public statements fail to make anyone feel safer. “A credible terrorist threat.” Duh.

    Report Post »  
  • Bob_R_OathKeeper
    Posted on October 30, 2010 at 4:11am

    No to “Dry Run”. No because it was found and would eventually be found, negating that target or targets because now there will be added security. This is an attempt to get us looking at aircraft, don’t be fooled. The scary thing is that this was predicted by so many people. Be vigilant.

    Report Post » Bob_R_OathKeeper  
  • jzs
    Posted on October 30, 2010 at 3:30am

    God help us! The game is afoot. Red State has reported that the Obama is using this incident of failed terrorism to declare Marshal Law! He is to announce the new government mandatd measures on Sunday. This foiled plot, so called, has been exposed by American patriots as a ploy by the administration to invoke absolute tyranny by planting bombs to fool American citizens into accepting the governmens orders!

    Thanks to Red State, who has an inside source, we know what will happen on Sunday. Marshall Law will be declared to “protect” US citizens. Gun ownership will be banned under the assumption that if you own a gun, you may use it to protect Muslims from being sent to reeducation camps. As if! Anyone who resists will be declared a Muslim sympathizer and themselves be sent to FEMA camps (the real motive).

    Arm yourselves! If you aren’t already prepared, immediatly go to the store and buy 10 cases (at least) of water. If you have access to a 55 gallon drum, fill it! Fill your bathtub too and don’t worry about the algae stuff. Buy at least 100 cans of food, empty the store if you have to.
    But mostly, go buy guns. If you’re prepared to take a stand, lock and load. Another strategy is to bury the guns (wrapped in a plastic bag of course) and wait for the moment to counterattack!
    The ******** have declared their intentions and are making their move. Let’s be prepared my friends. Many of the military will refuse to subjigate Americans to Obama’s deranged attempt to create a Marxist society, so welcome and feed those Godly warriors!

    When the time comes, do what you must to protect our American way of life. I’m not suggesting violence. I’m all about peace on Earth. I‘m not advocating putting a bullet in the head of Satan’s minion and scattering their brains on the wall and floor. I’m just saying that the forces of Evil will destroy our country and everything we hold dear, and kill your kids, unless you stand with God and do the right thing.

    Report Post » jzs  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on October 30, 2010 at 4:35am

      JZS said: “Red State has reported that the Obama is using this incident of failed terrorism to declare Marshal Law!”

      That is ludicrous. Obama can’t declare martial law using FAILED terrorism as a pretext. If I were you, I’d be more concerned about voter fraud and voter registration fraud.

      Report Post »  
    • OneRepublic4us
      Posted on October 30, 2010 at 9:35am

      Obama isn’t planning anything other than a trip to Mumbai. That’s why he was looking so bummed out the other day. This crap might interfere with an apology tour or vacation.

      Report Post » OneRepublic4us  
  • jzs
    Posted on October 30, 2010 at 3:27am

    God help us! The game is afoot. Red State has reported that the Obama is using this incident of failed terrorism to declare Marshal Law! He is to announce the new government mandatd measures on Sunday. This foiled plot, so called, has been exposed by American patriots as a ploy by the administration to invoke absolute tyranny by planting bombs to fool American citizens into accepting the governmens orders!

    Thanks to Red State, who has an inside government source, we know what will happen on Sunday. Marshall Law will be declared to “protect” US citizens. Gun ownership will be banned under the assumption that if you own a gun, you may use it to protect Muslims from being sent to reeducation camps. As if! Anyone who resists will be declared a Muslim sympathizer and themselves be sent to FEMA camps (the real motive).

    Arm yourselves! If you aren’t already prepared, immediatly go to the store and buy 10 cases (at least) of water. If you have access to a 55 gallon drum, fill it! Fill your bathtub too and don’t worry about the algae stuff. Buy at least 100 cans of food, empty the store if you have to. And last but not least, get guns and all the ammo you can afford. Brother, you’re going to need it.

    Buy guns. If you’re prepared to take a stand, lock and load. Another strategy is to bury the guns (wrapped in a plastic bag of course) and wait for the moment to counterattack!

    The ******** have declared their intentions and are making their move. Let’s be prepared my friends. Many of the military will refuse to subjigate Americans to Obama’s deranged attempt to create a Marxist society, so welcome and feed those Godly warriors!

    When the time comes, do what you must to protect our American way of life. I’m not suggesting violence. Like MLK, I abhor violence and death and killing your enemies with a point-blank shot to the head, scattering the brains of Satans army against the wall. I’m all about peace. I’m just saying that the forces of Evil will destroy our country and everything we hold dear, and kill your kida, then you, unless you stand with God and do the right thing.

    jzs  
  • pamela kay
    Posted on October 30, 2010 at 2:12am

    We could have a major crisis.

    Report Post » pamela kay  
  • panz
    Posted on October 30, 2010 at 2:03am

    Oh come on! If these guys wanted to kill Jews, why would they send bombs to Chicago? I would bet they could find Jews a lot closer than Chicago!

    It’s BS. Obama and his team of Keystone Cops couldn’t conduct an orchestra, and certainly didn’t foil a terror plot. Good grief. I can’t believe anyone even has to say that.

    Report Post » panz  
  • OldSoldier
    Posted on October 30, 2010 at 1:57am

    Your looking at this through the eyes of,what we have been told, are uneducated, untrained enemies. Look to the past for the answers. Military-style attacks are off the table. In there eyes, fantacy becomes reality. Here is a hint: While the world is looking on one direction, move to its flanks. Think people! They know we are looking at aircraft and shipping. We are looking for the threat coming from foreign soils. Look within!

    Report Post »  
    • Bob_R_OathKeeper
      Posted on October 30, 2010 at 4:01am

      This is exactly what I was thinking because a “dry run” would be eventually found, then that would negate that avenue because of the added security that will be added to the target, so this is an attempt to get us looking one way while being attacked somewhere else. This is too close to elections also and was predicted by so many people, something is really fishy.

      Report Post » Bob_R_OathKeeper  
    • staythecourse
      Posted on October 30, 2010 at 4:12am

      Bob…not only that it would “eventually be found” …but it sounds kinda too obvious??? They said it had wires hanging out side it and a “white powder” spilling from it when there should have been “black powder”.. It sounds like this was meant to be found.

      I agree with other posts. This feels very strange. What is even more strange is that the POTUS just continues on the campaign trail for the weekend instead of attending to the details and actually working instead of traveling and vacationing around the world. But then, he probably never has really been working since he’s been in office. He has his Czars and the Center for American Progress to do the work for him.

      p.s. still amazed that he can’t even do a twenty minute speech in India without teleprompters. Is this man for real???

      Report Post »  
  • A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
    Posted on October 30, 2010 at 1:46am

    I was actually thinking that the Chicago targets could make it seem like a Right Wing attack.

    Report Post »  
  • free2bme1961
    Posted on October 30, 2010 at 1:15am

    Somethings up. I don’t think it will be to the benefit of our country.

    Report Post » free2bme1961  
  • Red Neckerson
    Posted on October 30, 2010 at 1:08am

    Foiled democartic election ploy, to make them look tough in the war on terror.

    Report Post »  
  • joseph Fawcett
    Posted on October 30, 2010 at 12:50am

    Has Obama apologized to the Yemans yet, if not then we should look for himd to do so. We in his opinion are such a horrible country and done such horrible things that it is for him to apologize to the world for us. This certainly would not have happened if he would just apologize to the poor down-troden Yemans, now would it. (if you don’t know I am not serious and am pis_ed off at Obama for the lame apologies that he made on the United States to the world.) We are (soon to be WERE, if we don’t change the direction in 4 days) the greatest nation on earth. We are great because of our freedom, others don’t like that and they will try to distroy it, one name comes to mind first – Obama, Second- Soros and all their pupet progressives. We need Regan back!

    http://www.josephfawcettart.com western artist

    Report Post » joseph Fawcett  
  • EAGLEMOM
    Posted on October 30, 2010 at 12:31am

    what consequences…. I doubt Yemen fears retribution from Obama, thats why AQAP is acting so boldly.

    Report Post »  
  • MajMac
    Posted on October 30, 2010 at 12:20am

    These latest incidents are either probes of our security procedures or feints to get us looking in the wrong direction.

    Report Post »  
  • felina g
    Posted on October 30, 2010 at 12:20am

    Keep yer eye on the other hand and think outside the box.

    Something stinks.

    Report Post »  
  • jzs
    Posted on October 30, 2010 at 12:17am

    The fact that all these terrorist attacks have been discovered shows how week Obama is on terrorism. He sides with the terrorists and he hopes they destroy us. Jeez, they’re all being convicted in civilian courtrooms instead of the proper way of military tribunals. True, so far they’ve all been convicted and sentenced to life, but a military tribunal would give them death like Bush would have if any had been tried under his watch. All Obama has done is tripled drone strikes in Afghanistan and Pakistan which has killed a bunch of civilians along with the terrorists. He must have zero Christian values to kill innocents – that’s not aggression against terrorists, that’s the anti-Christ showing his true colors.

    Report Post » jzs  
  • snowleopard3200 {mix art}
    Posted on October 30, 2010 at 12:15am

    I would say a dry run on this one – with one caveat extended. This very easily could be a decoy or two designed to make it appear the terrorists are incompetent (not all will be) while launching their real targets of attack by suprise. We relax our guard for a moment in catching and thwarting the “terrorists attack” on DC metro lines and the planes; then comes the main attack. Say from a LNG tanker coming into harbor, or nearby and then it detonates. Or an ‘accident’ where the Alaskan pipeline is destroyed in multiple areas.

    Not so crazy as it sounds, for an attack on Alaska would make people link it with Palin (even when blameless) and hurt a 2012 campaign.

    When we deal with these terrorists (hopefully, though I would doubt it under Obama) mark the cruise missiles with the phrase “This BUD is for you” and “Porky Pig”

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • capitalismrocks
    Posted on October 30, 2010 at 12:10am

    I’d say this was a combination of both real and dummy devices to throw off security, that while they might’ve focused on found devices, others might slip through. I’m also sure that devices were sent along different routes to see if one route may be less scrutinized then others…

    In the end I think the enemy truly shot themselves in the foot as now (FINALLY) cargo will be treated with security measures as passengers are and this has been a glaring security hole for quite some time that was never addressed, now it will be. Further, now Yemen is going to have to formally put up or shut up and either step in line against terror or face serious consequences….

    Report Post » capitalismrocks  
  • MissCherryJones
    Posted on October 30, 2010 at 12:07am

    Unfortunately, I think it’s a dry run. Regardless of who our president is, the radical “Muslims” still want to kill us. And they’ll continually try until they succeed.

    Report Post »  
  • jzs
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 11:59pm

    Okay Freedomofpeach, I think we got it. No need to post that same post a 10th time.

    jzs  
  • Speak without Fear
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 11:48pm

    Dry run……….Look for Obama to be in Indonesia…….mosque visitng when the next “dry run” happens.

    Report Post »  
    • overlumber
      Posted on October 30, 2010 at 8:11am

      No kidding! With all the airplanes in his travel group AND armored cars, too. hELLLLO, reality check. The GOOD news is that GOD will be here with us and not there with them!

      Report Post »  
    • bulldawg
      Posted on October 30, 2010 at 8:34am

      Neither, look at the pictures. What has been said for the last year, don’t watch the hand in view, watch the one in his pocket. If you expect a plane might just might be carrying a bomb, do you park the plane next to the terminal, no you park it on the taxiway until you know for sure it’s not a bomb. This is all smoke and mirrors. http://www.weeklyrepublic.com

      Report Post » bulldawg  
  • BMartin1776
    Posted on October 29, 2010 at 11:26pm

    Could go either way! They may have been testing to see if explosives would be detected. Question is what was the quantity of explosives; enough to kill 1 or 2 or kill 6-10? If it was small quantity then IMO it was a dry run.

    Yemen… what do you expect? Dont forget USS Cole was hit there!
    BHO wants says to be vigilant but wont even say it was AQ behind this. Who else does this? Who else tries to use planes as delivery vehicles to kill? Ft Hood, Panty Bomber, Failed NYC bombing, Marine Recruiting Station…. do you feel safe under BHO?

    http://www.savingtherepublic.com

    Report Post » BMartin1776  
    • untameable-kate
      Posted on October 29, 2010 at 11:35pm

      No

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
    • snowleopard3200 {mix art}
      Posted on October 30, 2010 at 2:14am

      No I do not feel safe under him. Do you think (however unlikely he would authorize it) that a combined Special Forces Op’s could be used to permanently shut down these terrorists locations when found out? Not just by a direct raid on them, but like they used first in Afghanistan with the Spec Op’s going in to co-ordiante the air and missile strikes.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Psychosis
      Posted on October 30, 2010 at 3:36am

      if we took the gloves off our military they would be in the stone age and we would have our men and women back…………..wait they are in the stone age. hit them hard put the fear into them, and keep the big stick in view, and i promise they will think twice. its like having a kid. he will push and push and if all you do is say now jonny stop that…..he will keep doin it. but if jonny gets the discipline that affects his posterior he thinks twice about stepping out of line. TALK SOFTLY BUT CARRY A BIG STICK………….where we have failed is in implementing the big stick

      Report Post » Psychosis  
    • staythecourse
      Posted on October 30, 2010 at 4:03am

      I find it amazing the POTUS is going about the campaign trail as if nothing has happened. I don’t know if he knows it but his job is to protect and defend the United States against all terrorist both domestic and foreign. … and it is just campaign business as usual???? I really don‘t get it And I certainly don’t get why the American people should be footing the bill for all of his travel and campaigning. How come the DEMs aren’t doing it. He shouldn’t be strutting around the country. He should be paying attention to protection of our country and protection of our borders and protection of our citizens.

      The timing of this whole thing interesting. Glenn always says when distracted by one thing…. pay close attention to what else is going on. So… what else IS going on? There is a lot of noise about election fraud. PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT IS GOING ON THAT IS NOT BEING TALKED ABOUT NOW THAT ALL THE NEWS IS ABOUT THE BOMB THREAT.

      Report Post »  
    • Polwatcher
      Posted on October 30, 2010 at 10:14am

      It is looking more like a dry run to scare the world. They are probably going to celebrate in Yemen tomorrow. Otherwise, with all the technology involved in the bombs, one of them would have been wired with booby trap and there would be at least some smoke.

      Report Post »  
    • mizflame98
      Posted on October 30, 2010 at 11:43am

      A shark usually bumps its intended victim before sinking its teeth into it. I think this is a dry run to test our security and complacency.

      Report Post » mizflame98  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on October 30, 2010 at 11:59am

      BMART1776, how did they detect the bombs ? do really believe
      they are checking every package ? And if they are , then again I ask
      why not just stop the package as soon as it is inspected ?
      why put it on the plane ?
      Reason and logic will lead us to the truth.
      who gains from this event ? the Muslims ? Obama ? the state of Israel ? Christians ?
      CIA ? supporters of the patriot act ? the company that makes scanning machines ?
      Who ?

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
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