Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Oh great....

Serious terrorism threat.


According to this article: "Islamist militias in Libya took control of nearly a dozen commercial jetliners last month, and western intelligence agencies recently issued a warning that the jets could be used in terrorist attacks across North Africa.

"Intelligence reports of the stolen jetliners were distributed within the U.S. government over the past two weeks and included a warning that one or more of the aircraft could be used in an attack later this month on the date marking the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against New York and Washington, said U.S. officials familiar with the reports.

“There are a number of commercial airliners in Libya that are missing,” said one official. “We found out on September 11 what can happen with hijacked planes.”

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Be safe and vigilant, folks.

9 comments:

  1. And prayers up.

    A. McSp

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  2. Personally, I believe this is another example of the Homeland Security Industrial Complex creating mountains out of molehills to justify their budgets and their intrusiveness - another 9/11 style attack is unlikely for several reasons and even if it did happen, these aircraft almost certainly would not be involved.
    Why won't another 9/11 style attack happen?
    1. Once word got out about the hijackings, people started to fight back. The most significant action in the 'War on Terror' happened over Somerset PA on 9/11. For other examples, look at what happened to the Shoe Bomber and the Underwear Bomber.
    2. The US has significantly increased their air surveillance abilities since 2001. An airliner off of its route and out of communication WILL be shot down before it can be a threat. Note that this means a threat to a major city or facility; those living in rural areas will not receive such protection - fortunately, they won't need it since terrorists are after body counts.

    Why won't these aircraft be a threat?
    1. Judging from the pictures, some are regional airliners the size of a business jet - they can't reach the US without a long flight involving numerous refueling stops in countries that pay close attention to transiting aircraft (the typical route for aircraft transiting between that area and the US is through Europe, Iceland or Greenland, and canada).
    2. Any air traffice leaving Libya is being closely watched and tracked by both the US and other countries.
    3. Since 2001, the US has closely watched international arrivals to the US; if you look in the news, every month airliners divert to Ireland or Canada, or are escorted by fighter aircraft to a US airport, often Boston, over security concerns. AS mentioned above, the government is now willing to shoot down a suspicious aircraft if necessary.
    4. Since this airline isn't flying right now (probably), any aircraft showing up from it will be looked at closely, and in addition they will have trouble getting landing spots and refueling without an existing and recognized support system in place.
    5. The most basic - we don't know if these aircraft are flightworthy, and if they are do their new 'owners' have pilots for them? I have not seen anything on how long these aircraft have been sitting or went without maintenance. Photos of the airport show significant damage and men walking on the aircraft, likely causing more damage. Middle and Near East armed forces of any type, let alone a loose militia, have a very poor record of maintenance and training for any kind of technology more advanced than a pickup truck, let alone a modern jetliner.

    In summary, as I said above, I don't believe these aircraft increase the terrorism threat level the United States faces - but I can virtually guarantee they will be used in attempts to increase US activities in the region and to increase budgets for Homeland Security related agencies and activities.

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    Replies
    1. Meanwhile, last month, Obama changed by decree a law that was in effect since 1983. Libyans can now attend flight school and attend "Nuke" schools. Keep the faith, nothing to see, not.

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    2. One problem with your analysis.
      The gvt is at war with its citizens.
      Coup coup ca-choo

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  3. One thing I have noticed over the years: whenever someone says such and such won't ever happen or such and such WILL happen and gives lots of reasons and "facts" to back them up, just the opposite happens! But it's a moot point anyway, because they're not talking about those stolen jet liners being a threat to the USA, they're worried about them being a threat to North Africa.

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  4. "U.S. officials"? When was the last time our government told us the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? Welcome to the Police State.
    Montana Guy

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  5. good points jonathan...but....

    last month obama, by executave order, removed the ban on libians recieving flight training in the U.S. (source..todays michael savage radio show)

    1+1=????

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  6. Facts are useless to paranoid delusionals who already have a plan for the end of the world they so greatly yearn for.

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  7. I'm curious, whats so paranoid and delusional about believing a entity that openly and continuously states their desire to destroy and harm you in any possible, and has also repeatedly demonstrated the willingness to do the same?

    Do these aircraft represent a threat to the US proper? No. Do they represent a threat to US interests in the region? YES. The level of threat is arguable, but the threat exists. Reportedly, the Egyptians are concerned enough about what is happening in Libya (in toto) that they are massing troops on the Egypt / Libya border looking for all the world as if they are "going in."

    Is it paranoid to think that if the Islamists get their hands on some WMD that they would use it? NEWS FLASH...Modern Islamist govts have demonstrated they will use WMD on their enemies. With that in mind, is it delusional to believe that ISIS wouldn't hesitate to do the same?

    Anon confuses homesteading and self sufficiency, coupled with a healthy rational outlook on our current state of affairs with a desire for the "end of the world." Obviously Anon has forgotten or was never exposed to Aesop's Ant & Grasshopper story.

    TT

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