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| Britain |
| Al-Qaeda planning attacks on UK military bases |
| 2004-10-31 |
| Al-Qa'eda terrorists are planning attacks against British military bases, according to a classified intelligence document. The document, which is understood to have been produced jointly by MI5, Special Branch and military intelligence specialists, states that there is a "substantial" threat against military bases from international terrorist organisations. The report, entitled Security Update September 2004, adds that there is a "severe" threat - the second highest level - facing the Government Security Zone, which includes Horse Guards Parade, Wellington Barracks on Birdcage Walk, close to Buckingham Palace, and the Royal Guardrooms in Buckingham Palace itself. The document, which has been distributed to all military garrisons in the United Kingdom and is marked "restricted", states: "Credible reporting continues to indicate that AQ [Al-Qa'eda] and associated terrorist groups, intend to attack Western targets globally. Targeting against UK and US interests, both at home and abroad, remains a priority for AQ . . . the UK remains a high priority for AQ planning for terrorist attacks and [AQ] will employ a variety of attack methods to breach physical security measures . . ." The document also warns service personnel that there is a "real" threat against identifiable servicemen and advises against the wearing of uniform in public "especially in the vicinity of home or while travelling on public transport". It adds that the risk to servicemen is even "more pertinent in London". |
| Posted by:Dan Darling |
| #2 I wrote an exercise scenario while I was stationed at RAF Alconbury that involved an attack by 40 Iranian militants using conventional and chemical weapons. It scared my boss so badly (depending on US/British response, casualties ranged from 30% to 85% of the military, and 40%-70% of civilians living on or near the base) he wouldn't let it be used, but a copy was given to the British base commander. I hope he did something about the problems I noted the "Iranians" exploiting. That was almost 20 years ago, but I'm sure that there are still problems at many British and dual-use bases. |
| Posted by: Old Patriot 2004-10-31 9:50:14 PM |
| #1 "...[L]ast week, on September 9, a man of Arabic appearance was stopped on the footpath around Thorney Island by a member of the barrack guard. It had been reported to the guard that he had been asking questions at the civilian sailing club about access to the island. When questioned he gave his name and an address in West Sussex, which is being followed up. He was then shadowed until he left the island at which time Op Wideawake was called." Well that shouldn't be happening. If the guard doesn't have the authorisation to detain those suspected of involvement in terrorist activities, the Police should have been called in. Possible cell scout turns up, gets challenged, gives a quite possibly false address, and is allowed to shuffle off into the evening?! Crazy! That man needed a thorough shakedown. |
| Posted by: Bulldog 2004-10-31 9:27:13 AM |