From:"Reiff, Darrell (MM) (FBI)" <dreiff@fbi.gov>
To:Southeast Florida Fusion Center <seffc@mdpd.com>, "bso_intel@sheriff.org" <bso_intel@sheriff.org>, "pbregionalfusion@pbso.org"<pbregionalfusion@pbso.org>, FusionCenter FL-CFIX <cfix@ocfl.net>, "Florida Fusion Center" <FFCenter@FDLE.state.fl.us>
Cc:"NCTC at Miami (miami@nctc.gov)"<miami@nctc.gov>
Subject:Counterterrorism Overnight News Articles for February 02-04, 2019
Date:Mon, 04 Feb 2019 18:13:23 +0000
Importance:Normal
Importance: Normal To the South Florida JTTF, and the Florida Fusion Centers, and the Private Sector Security Partners, The following list of overnight counterterrorism related news articles are intended for information only, and not as official FBI opinion: ## Saturday, 02 February 2019 ## NATIONAL ## 1. Great Lakes participating in anti-terrorism exercise [Daily Herald] - Naval Station Great Lakes will participate in an annual anti-terrorism force protection exercise, Feb. 4 to Feb. 15, officials announced Friday. - It is designed to enhance the readiness of Navy security forces and ensure seamless interoperability among the commands, other services and agency partners. - The exercise is not in response to any specific threat, authorities said. - Measures have been put in place to minimize disruptions within local communities and to normal base operations, officials said. - Advanced coordination is in place with local law enforcement and first responders. 2. FBI Brands KKK as Victims, Conducts 'Domestic Terrorism' Investigation into Leftist Organization ## [Newsweek] - An FBI "domestic terrorism" investigation into a leftist political organization that protested neo-Nazis described the Ku Klux Klan as a group that "consisted of members that some perceived to be supportive of a white supremacist agenda," The Guardian reported on Friday. - After violent clashes between neo-Nazis and counter protesters at a June 2016 neo-Nazi rally in Sacramento, federal authorities surveilled leftist group By Any Means Necessary (BAMN), whose members were present at the event. - The agency expressed concern about "conspiracy" and that the rights of white supremacists and KKK members could be impacted by BAMN actions, according to the report, obtained by transparency group Property of the People. The report noted BAMN's protests against rape, sexual assault and police brutality as a justification for opening the probe. ## 3. Are Terrorist Groups Using Bitcoin To Skirt Economic Sanctions? [Lars Larson] - Lars speaks with Yaya Fanusie, Senior Fellow with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, and a former counterterrorism analyst at the CIA about the potential issue bitcoin raises. - [Note: full radio interview embedded in the article.] 4. A deluge of drones fly over Super Bowl stadium, despite ban [AP] - The sky above the stadium that will host Sunday’s Super Bowl is being “inundated” with an alarming number of drones, raising the specter of injuries to tourists or others — or a possible collision with EFTA00162789 aircraft, the FBI said Friday. - Officers on Thursday confiscated a half-dozen drones that were flown near the stadium, FBI spokesman Kevin Rowson said Friday at the agency’s Atlanta field office. The cases will be referred to federal prosecutors for possible charges; the drone pilots could face jail time and fines, Rowson said. - The potential for terrorism is also a concern. - "When we look up into the air and see a drone flying in the air, we have no idea if it’s friendly, or if it’s someone who has nefarious plans and it’s weaponized," he added. - In recent days, multiple helicopters have been patrolling the air space above the stadium and surrounding area, often swooping below the tops of Atlanta’s downtown buildings as part of a massive security operation. ## 5. **MARTA using new stealth technology to scan Super Bowl visitors** [WSB-TV 2 Alanta] - As Super Bowl fans flood downtown Atlanta, MARTA police have begun using special enhanced technology to screen visitors from a distance. - The screening equipment, which scans each and every visitor to come through the station, was brought in to help MARTA police detect potential terrorist threats right around Mercedes-Benz Stadium. - Much like airport systems, the equipment scans people for dangerous or suspicious packages or devices. Color-enhanced imaging identifies threats in red. - "What you're seeing here is passive standoff detection equipment that allows us to look for suspicious packages or devices on individuals coming into our transit system as they make their way into Super Bowl," Green said. - MARTA Police Commander Maj. Aston Green said that's just the first step in securing a potential threat. ## INTERNATIONAL ## 1. IS-linked Media Group Establishes Presence on VK [SITE Intelligence Group] - An Islamic State (IS)-linked media group, Nashir News, created an official page on the Russian social media platform VK. - On January 31, 2019, Nashir News distributed a link to its VK page on Telegram. Created on Jan. 30, the page has 21 followers and 50 photos posted to it. The page replicates content from Nashir News Telegram channels, primarily consisting of communiques, photo reports, and infographics from the group. - IS’ official media arms had previously launched VK accounts in August of 2014. The platform was the group’s intended point of release for its September 2014 video showing the beheading of Steven Joel Sotloff, though the production was obtained by the SITE Intelligence Group before the group published it. ## 2. Toronto man pleads guilty to trying to join ISIS [Global Canada Canada] - A Toronto man admitted Friday he traveled to Turkey in 2014 to join the so-called Islamic State. - At a court appearance in Toronto, Pamir Hakimzadah pleaded guilty to leaving Canada to participate in the activity of a terrorist group. - "The purpose of Pamir’s trip was to enter Syria via Turkey. There he intended to join a terrorist group known as ISIS or Daesh," according to an Agreed Statement of Facts. - He faces a possible 10-year sentence. The case returns to court on Feb. 26. - Before leaving for Syria, the 29-year-old former Ryerson University engineering student “exhibited increasingly radical Islamic beliefs,” according to the statement of facts. 3. Jihadist Suggest Attacks on Tourists, Religious Temples in Dubai [SITE Intelligence Group] EFTA00162790 - To take advantage of "white-collar recession" in Dubai, and to "avenge" Muslims, a jihadist suggested attacks on tourists and churches, synagogues, and Buddhist temples in the Emirati city. - - In a subsequent post, Abdul Latif explained that Dubai in particular is suffering an economic downturn at all levels, and posted a link to a YouTube video about the possibility of Dubai facing a crisis. ## 4. France might repatriate IS terrorists [Pittsburg Post-Gazette] - France is in discussions about repatriating Islamic State fighters and their families, a policy shift prompted by the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria. - The French government confirmed this past week that French jihadists detained in Syrian camps may be returned to France. - “We are exploring all options in order to prevent these potentially dangerous individuals from escaping or dispersing,” Jean-Yves Le Drian, France’s foreign minister, told reporters. “If the forces detaining these French fighters decide to deport them to France, they would be immediately handed over to the judicial authorities. - “These individuals voluntarily joined a terrorist organization that is fighting in the Levant, has committed attacks in France and is continuing to pose a threat to us.” - The French government wouldn't confirm how many people may be repatriated, but French media reports, citing government sources, have placed the figure between 120 and 130. 5. Pentagon draft report warns ISIS could regain territory in months without military pressure: report [The Hill] - A forthcoming Pentagon assessment is expected to warn that ISIS could regain lost territory in Syria within months without continued U.S. pressure, according to multiple reports. - NBC News reported Thursday that a draft of the Defense Department Inspector General's Quarterly Report about Operation Inherent Resolve warns that ISIS could regain territory within six to 12 months. - One U.S. official told CNN that some military and intelligence officials have concerns that ISIS could regain territory even sooner. - The Pentagon report is expected to be released next week. The Defense Department Inspector General's office told The Hill it does not comment on drafts. - The reported warning comes as the Pentagon continues to follow President Trump's December order to withdraw from Syria. ## 6. Guilty plea in terrorism case [CBS8 Canada] - Pamir Hakimzadah pleaded guilty to leaving Canada to participate in the activity of a terrorist group, contrary to section 83.181 of the Criminal Code. The maximum penalty is 10 years imprisonment. Sentencing will occur at a later date. - On October 22, 2014, Mr. Hakimzadah left Canada and travelled to Istanbul, Turkey with the intention of entering Syria to join the Islamic State. He was detained by Turkish officials before he could enter Syria and was deported back to Canada. He was subsequently charged with the offence following an RCMP investigation. - Mr. Hakimzadah is the fifth person convicted of leaving Canada to participate in the activities of a terrorist group contrary to s. 83.181 since it came into force on July 15, 2013. The section was added to deter persons from leaving Canada to attend terrorist training camps or engage in other terrorist activity abroad. - The Public Prosecution Service of Canada is responsible for prosecuting offences under federal jurisdiction in a manner that is free of any improper influence and that respects the public interest. The EFTA00162791 PPSC is also responsible for providing prosecution-related advice to law enforcement agencies across Canada. ## 7. Quiapo Church beefs up security vs possible terrorism [The Philippine Star] - The Quiapo Church yesterday [1 February] beefed up its security and asked the faithful to exercise vigilance as a precautionary measure against possible terrorist attacks. - Quiapo Church parochial vicar Fr. Douglas Badong said they have increased their security in the wake of concerns that the church might be the next target following the deadly bombing of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu last Sunday. - Quiapo Church, or the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, is one of the most prominent Catholic churches in the country and has millions of devotees. Aside from its Sunday masses, it is also often filled up during Fridays. - “Right now we have intensified our K9 patrolling around the Quiapo Church... We have increased our security personnel who are conducting patrols twice or thrice more than their usual practice,” Badong said. - He added their security personnel would often look under the pews and check on those who are sleeping outside the church's premises. ## 8. IS' Naba Identifies 363 Casualties in 69 Attacks in Statistical Breakdown of Ops (Jan 24-30) [SITE Intelligence Group] - The Islamic State's (IS) al-Naba newspaper featured an infographic identifying 363 casualties in 69 attacks, in a statistical breakdown of IS operations for the week of January 24-30, 2019. - The infographic came in Issue 167, which was released on January 31, 2019. Notably, this is the second week that the IS' al-Hayat Media Center did not publish its video display of the data. - It detailed the spread of operations in Iraq, East Asia (Philippines), Khorasan (Afghanistan and Pakistan), Sinai, Somalia, Syria, West Africa (Nigeria), and Yemen. ## 9. At least 60 dead in Boko Haram attack: report [FOX News] - At least 60 people have been killed in an attack carried out by militant group Boko Haram this week, Amnesty International confirmed Friday. - The attack on the northwest Nigerian town of Rann took place Monday and marked one of the most lethal in the group’s at least 10-year history, targeting those who had already been displaced by the ongoing conflict in what Amnesty indicated “may amount to possible war crimes.” - The attack came two weeks after Boko Haram, a jihadist group that at one point aligned with ISIS, seized control of Rann and ran out Nigerian soldiers stationed there. ## 10. Jammu and Kashmir terrorists put woman’s ‘execution’ on social media [Times of India] - Terrorists shot dead a 25-year-old woman at point blank range in Jammu and Kashmir while filming the gruesome “execution” and circulated video on social media, police said here on Friday. - The victim has been identified as Ishrat Muneer, a resident of Dangerpora in Pulwama district, a police spokesperson said. Her body was recovered from Dragad area of Shopain district. - In the short video clip, the woman can be seen pleading for mercy with folded hands but the gunman shoots her twice. ## 11. **16-Year Old Terrorist Killed After Attempting to Stab Guard Near Jerusalem** [Jerusalem Post] - A teenage female terrorist was killed after attempting to stab security forces at the Za’ayem checkpoint near Ma’aleh Adumim on the outskirts of Jerusalem on Wednesday morning, according to a police spokesperson. - The teenager, 16, lived in Ramallah and was in 11th grade. - The terrorist approached the checkpoint with a knife and tried to stab one of the security guards. The guards opened fire and the suspect was killed. The security guards were not injured. EFTA00162792 - The police commander of the Jerusalem district, Maj.-Gen. Yoram Halevi, assessed the situation on the ground and heightened security in the area. ## 12. Netherlands coordinating with Syrian Kurds for return of ISIS females [Kurdistan24] - The Netherlands’ Minister of Justice and Security said on Friday his government was seeking options to cooperate with local authorities in Syria for the return of women accused of membership in the Islamic State and their children. - Minister Ferdinand Grapperhaus made the comments to Dutch state broadcaster NOS two weeks after a Dutch citizen died in a displacement camp in northern Syria’s Ain al-Issa from an illness, leaving two children behind. - Officials of the Democratic Autonomous Administration (DAA) for northeast Syria first thought she was a Sudanese citizen, based on previous remarks she had made when arriving at the camp. After her death, the DAA discovered she was a Dutch citizen. - The minister said he has been in contact with the local authorities to look into the possibility of returning women associated with the Islamic State to the Netherlands, but would not comment on the deceased woman specifically. ## 13. Somalia: American Forces Kill 24 Al Shabaab Terrorists in Somalia [AllAfrica] - Another airstrike by American forces targeting Al-Shabaab terrorists in Somalia has killed 24 militants. - The attack that occurred on Thursday in Shebeeley, Hiran Region comes barely two weeks after another deadly airstrike killed 52 terrorists in Jilib area, in the Middle Juba region. - According to the United States Africa command, the precision airstrike is part of a larger effort to support the Somali National Army as it increases pressure on the terrorist network and its recruiting efforts in the region. - After the 14 Riverside attack on January 15 that claimed 21 lives of them an American, the Al-Qaeda linked militants claimed responsibility saying they were revenging against the US for moving their embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. ## Sunday, 03 February 2019 ## NATIONAL 1. **TSA Officer Jumps to His Death at Orlando Airport** [AP News] - An officer from the Transportation Security Administration jumped to his death from a balcony inside Florida’s busiest airport Saturday, creating panic that brought some security checkpoints to a halt for hours, grounded flights and caused serious delays. - The airport tweeted that passengers who rushed past checkpoints were returned for a second examination out of an abundance of caution. Two airside terminals were closed to passengers during a security sweep, and all flights to and from the affected gates were stopped until security measures were reinstated, according to the airport. - 2. Flight Returns to LAX 3 Times for 3 Separate Problems [AP News] - Flight 33 took off and landed again twice on Saturday and a third time the jetliner pushed back from the gate and then came back. Each return was due to separate and unrelated faults with different systems. - Flight 33 is categorized as an extended-range operation because of the distance between LAX and Maui's Kahului Airport and require more safety precautions. More than 200 passengers were given hotel rooms and will be placed on other flights. ## 3. Cabin Pressure Issues Prompt Emergency Landing for Flight [AP News] - A Southwest flight from Hartford to Tampa turned around Friday night because several passengers complained of pain and discomfort. At least one passenger was bleeding from the ears. - The Federal Aviation Administration said the pilot of the Boeing 737 reported a possible pressurization issue and requested the landing. Southwest said it has removed the aircraft from service. EFTA00162793 ## 4. **2 Companies Refused Emergency Flight Before Fatal Crash** [AP News] - Two air-medical companies opted not to accept an assignment to transport a patient over concerns about the weather before a helicopter owned by a third Medevac Company crashed in southern Ohio, killing the pilot and two flight nurses. - 5. Six Drones Confiscated in Atlanta Ahead of Super Bowl [Reuters] - Authorities in Atlanta have confiscated six drones that violated a temporary order not to fly the devices in the area ahead of the NFL's Super Bowl on Sunday, federal officials said. - The Federal Bureau of Investigation in Atlanta said on Twitter on Friday that it had confiscated the six drones in the run-up to the game but did not provide details. ## INTERNATIONAL 1. **Man Arrested over Brisbane Airport Bomb Threat** [Khaleej Times] - A man who falsely claimed to have a bomb and menaced a woman with a knife forced the evacuation of Brisbane International Airport for more than two hours in an emergency that police described on Sunday as elaborate and terrifying. - Police ended the standoff late Saturday by shooting the 50-year-old man with non-lethal bean bag shotgun rounds and arresting him. There were no injuries reported, and police said the emergency was not related to terrorism. - 2. Why We Invited the Pope to the Arabian Peninsula [Politico] - This weekend, a historic meeting of faiths takes place in Abu Dhabi. This is how we fight extremism and promote tolerance. - The pope’s visit will send a strong signal across the region and world: People with different beliefs can live, work and worship together. Reverence, respect and compassion are core common values. Pope Francis travels to the Arabian Peninsula will be the first such visit for any pontiff. - 3. **2014 Khagragarh Blast Accused Held in Kerala** [Times of India] - The Kolkata Police special task force has arrested an Assam resident in Mallapuram, Kerala, for allegedly indoctrinating laborers from Bengal and Assam into joining terrorist activities. - Said Abdul Matin played a crucial role in the 2017 Bodh Gaya blasts and was handpicked to spread the terror network across India, especially in the south. 4. Iranian-Backed Militias Threaten US Forces in Iraq [Jerusalem Post]
Members of the Hashd al-Shaabi, the Iranian-backed Shi’ite militias in Iraq, warned US troops against“provocations” near Mosul in a video posted over the weekend. US troops on patrol in eastern Mosul were confronted by gunmen who monitored their movements and put an armored jeep across their path on a road.
- The Hashd are also called the Popular Mobilization Units and are a group of militias that have grown in the last several years in response to the ISIS attack on Iraq in 2014. The PMU claim the US is creating insecurity in the area. - 5. Ten Killed in Colombia Clash with FARC Splinter Group [France 24] - Colombia's armed forces clashed Saturday with FARC dissident rebels, killing 10 from the group that split from the 2016 peace process. - Army Special Forces and police launched an operation in Caquetá department, in which a longtime group leader Rodrigo Cadete, 52, was killed. - 6. Central African Republic, 14 Armed Groups Reach Peace Deal [AP News] - A peace deal has been reached between the Central African Republic government and 14 armed groups after their first-ever direct dialogue aimed at ending years of conflict, the United Nations and African Union announced on Saturday. - The peace deal represents rare hope for the impoverished, landlocked nation where interreligious and intercommunal fighting has continued since 2013. EFTA00162794 7. Official: 3 Charged in France in Strasbourg Attack Probe [AP News] - A French judicial official says three people detained over the investigation into the Christmas market attack in Strasbourg that left five dead have been handed preliminary terrorism charges. - The judicial official, who isn’t authorized to speak publicly about the investigation, wouldn’t name the three. - 8. Suicide Car Bomb Explosion in Somalia Leaves Casualties [Reuters] - A suicide car bomb exploded outside a military base for Ethiopian soldiers in southern Somalia on Saturday, leaving an unspecified number of casualties. - Islamist group al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the assault and said it had killed 16 Ethiopian soldiers, although the claim could not be independently verified. - 9. Eight Dead as Philippine Soldiers Clash with Abu Sayyaf Militants [Reuters] - Philippine troops killed three suspected Abu Sayyaf militants and suffered five fatalities during a firefight on a remote southern island. - The clash with more than 100 members of the Abu Sayyaf group broke out in the town of Patikul in the Sulu province as troops pursued those behind a church attack on Sunday. ## Monday, 04 February 2019 ## NATIONAL 1. The Terror Threats That Worry Homeland Security in NJ [NJ 101.5] - The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness has released a new terrorism threat assessment report. “We’re really looking at the homegrown violent extremist as our No. 1 highest threat,” said Jared Maples, the state's Homeland Security director. - He said several domestic terror groups are also on their radar. “Ideologies like anarchist extremists and militia extremists, sovereign citizens, white supremacists, anti-Semitic," he said. "A lot of those domestic terrorism issues have really risen to the forefront over the past calendar year." And there are concerns about overseas groups, including Al Qaeda and ISIS. ## INTERNATIONAL 1. Non-Bailable Warrants Against 2 Pak Army Majors For Mumbai Terror Attacks [NDTV] - A session’s court in Mumbai has issued no-bail warrants against two Pakistan Army officials - Major Abdul Rehman Pasha and Major Iqbal - in connection with the 11/26 Mumbai terror attacks case. - Both Iqbal and Pasha are listed as wanted accused in the charge sheet filed by the Mumbai Police's crime branch. - 2. Bus Carrying Iranian Pilgrims in Iraq Comes Under Attack [MSN] - The bus carrying Iranian Shiite pilgrims was travelling from Samarra to Baghdad when it was targeted about 30 miles north of Baghdad by unidentified gunmen. - Seven Iranian passengers were wounded and taken to hospital, including one woman in serious condition. - 3. Israel Honors Two American Heroes Who Helped Foil Jerusalem Terror Attack [World Israel News] - During a May 2017 terrorist attack in Jerusalem, Simche Czin and Mordechai Lichtenstadter - both Jewish residents of NY, came upon an assailant stabbing policeman Naaman Fares. Their actions saved the officer. - Czin and Lichtenstadter were presented with a Civil Exemplary Decoration by Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Ron Dermer and Police Attaché Commander Yitzhak Almog at a ceremony at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. - 4. **IS Eyes Southeast Asia as Next Terrorism Hotspot** [Channel News Asia] - For ISIS, the region has all the ingredients needed to become its next cauldron of violence: Porous borders, existence of logistical bases, weak regimes, poor enforcement measures and disenchantment | EFTA00162795 | | :--- | :--- | This is a simple Markdown document with no headings or paragraphs. It contains just one line of text. among marginalized Muslims. - The region already has had a taste of ISIS-style terror in recent years. In 2016, ISIS-linked militants launched a gun and bomb assault in the center of Jakarta, killing several people. Last Sunday (Jan 27), a Roman Catholic cathedral on the island of Jolo in southern Philippines was bombed as worshippers gathered for mass. ## 5. Jewish Kurd Militant Arrested in Turkey [124] - Dawood Baghestani is a senior member of the Kurdish Communities Union, a coalition of organizations that include groups with alleged links to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a radical left-wing and nationalist militant outfit considered a terrorist group in Turkey. - According to the regional chief prosecutor, Baghestani was arrested in connection with PKK activities in the province. ## 6. Syria Says US-led Coalition Hit Its Forces In The East [AP News] - The spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition Col. Sean Ryan said their partner forces acted in “self-defense” after coming under fire from the western side of the Euphrates River. - U.S.-led coalition forces, with their local Kurdish-led partners, are battling the remnants of Islamic State group on the eastern banks of the Euphrates, while government troops and allied forces are now positioned on the other side after dislodging IS from there. ## 7. Five Abu Sayyaf Members Surrender Over Philippine Church Bombing [Reuters] - A senior Abu Sayyaf operative (Kammah Pae) and four members of the militant group believed to be behind the deadly bombing of a church in the southern Philippines surrendered to authorities over the weekend. - Kammah Pae, is believed to have aided an Indonesian couple in the Jan 27 suicide attack, gave himself up to government troops. ## 8. Colombia's ELN Rebels Free Three Helicopter Hostages [Reuters] - The men - Maxwell Joya, Carlos Quiceno and Julio Diaz - were taken hostage by the National Liberation Army (ELN) on Jan. 11, in the Hacari area of northeastern Norte de Santander province. - The rebels said they burned the helicopter and taken the nearly $550,000 in cash they found aboard. Local media reported the chartered helicopter was hired to securely transport the cash. - 9. Egypt Hosts Palestinian Groups, Urges Calm With Israel [Reuters] - The head of the Islamist militant group Hamas, which runs the Gaza Strip, led a delegation to meet with Egyptian security officials in Cairo. The leader of a smaller Gaza-based faction, Islamic Jihad, also headed to Cairo. - Egypt is trying to prevent an escalation in violence between Hamas and Israel, after months of tension along the Israel-Gaza border. Cairo is driven by its interest to avoid a new war in Gaza and in improving the living conditions of Gaza residents. ## 10. Taliban to Take Part in Intra-Afghan Talks in Moscow [ABC] - The two-day meeting in the Russian capital starts Tuesday, is seen as another step in a process aimed at resolving Afghanistan's 17-year war, a process that has accelerated since the appointment last September of U.S. peace envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad. - The Taliban will participate in Moscow designed to bring together prominent Afghan figures, including former President Hamid Karzai, opposition figures and tribal elders, but no Kabul government officials. ## 11. Car Bomb Kills at Somalia Shopping Mall [Reuters] - A car bomb exploded at a shopping mall in Mogadishu’s Hamarweyne district, a busy area with shops and restaurants. The attack is believed to have been carried out by the Islamist group al Shabaab. - Al Shabaab frequently carries out bombings in Mogadishu and other parts of Somalia against government and other targets. The group is trying to remove the Western-backed central government and establish its own rule based on its strict interpretation of sharia law. EFTA00162796 Thanks, Darrell Reiff FBI Miami Division Intelligence Branch South Florida JTTF Southeast Florida RDSTF Southeast Florida Fusion Center 754-703-2688 (desk) 305-218-3064 (cell) dreiff@fbi.gov EFTA00162797