Summary of ERRI/EmergencyNet News Reports Concerning Terrorism Threat Levels 
23/24 Oct 2000 to 31 Oct 2000

14:00CST - 31 Oct 2000 

U.S. Forces in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia on Highest Alert Status

Washington, DC (EmergencyNet News) -- EmergencyNet News has learned that U.S. military forces in both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have now been placed on "Threatcon Delta," the highest possible terrorism alert status. The change in status reportedly follows continuing threats against U.S. personnel and facilities, according to Pentagon and State Dept. officials. The change in alert status follows previous terrorism advisories in regard to several other countries in the Mid-East and Asia.

EmergencyNet News continues to monitor events in the Mid-East and will provide additional details as they become available... 

EGYPT:

U.S. Department Of State Issues Public Announcement

On 27 October, the U.S. Department of State issued the following Public Announcement for Egypt: "Given the recent events in the Middle East, and the increase in terrorist threat reporting in the region, the Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens exercise caution in considering travel to Egypt as well as other areas in the region. The possibility exists that extremist groups may be planning terrorist acts in Egypt and in other areas of the region. The Department of State urges Americans to be vigilant and exercise good security practices. American citizens should avoid large crowds and demonstrations, maintain a low profile, and take appropriate steps to reduce their vulnerability."

INSTANT 23:00CDT - 24 Oct 2000

ERRI Issues Secondary Terrorism Alert

Chicago, IL (EmergencyNet News) -- Additional reports continue to come in of terrorist threats being directed against U.S. personnel and facilities in both the Mid-East and Asia. 

Emergency Response & Research Institute (ERRI) counter-terrorist analysts say that the current threat level appears to be as high as that during the Persian Gulf war.  As stated in a previous terrorist advisory, and in a recent editorial concerning an anticipated transition in tactics, it is believed that militants may be presently attempting to target American troops, bases, embassies, or citizens in several countries. 

It should also be noted that, given the state of preparedness of official U.S. government forces and facilities, that militants may also attempt to target corporate or other organizations closely associated with the United States...particularly in the Mid-East or Asia.  Americans overseas are urged to use great caution, avoid crowds, vary their travel routes and be constantly aware of their surrounding. Unusual occurrences or possible surveillance of U.S. forces, facilities, or citizens should be reported to authorities at the earliest opportunity. Non-essential travel to the Mid-East and parts of Asia is not recommended at this time. 

EmergencyNet News continues to monitor events in the Mid-East very closely and will provide additional updates as circumstances warrant...

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INSTANT 09:30CDT - 24 Oct 2000

U.S. Troops On Alert In Mideast

A senior Defense official said on Monday that U.S. forces in Turkey and two small Persian Gulf states have been placed on a heightened state of alert because of new indications of terrorist threats in the region. The move as described as precautionary. The unnamed official said: "The reason it was done was the receipt of specific threats against U.S. forces in those areas, but from sources whose credibility is unknown."

The heightened state of alert is for U.S. troops in Bahrain, Qatar and the Incirlik air base in southern Turkey. The move was made over the weekend. Bahrain is headquarters for the U.S. Central Command's naval forces and for the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet. The Incirlik air base in Turkey is headquarters for the U.S. and British air patrols that are enforcing the "no fly" zone over northern Iraq. There is only a limited U.S. military presence in Qatar, with a small number of Air Force personnel stationed there.

The U.S. forces have reportedly been placed on THREATCON Delta. Delta measures primarily focus on manning adjustments and procedural changes. THREATCON Delta applies in the immediate area where a terrorist attack has occurred or when intelligence has been received that terrorist action against a specific location or person is likely. Once in Delta, nonessential operations will cease in order to enhance the security and response posture.

In a related note, U.S. Army General Tommy R. Franks, the commander in chief of Central Command, is due to testify before Congress on Wednesday -- along with other military and Defense Department officials -- on the Cole tragedy.

ThreatCon "Delta" Definition:

"THREATCON Delta: Since the transition to THREATCON Delta is immediate, Delta measures should primarily focus on manning adjustments and procedural changes. THREATCON Delta applies in the immediate area where a terrorist attack has occurred or when intelligence has been received that terrorist action against a specific location or person is likely. The security force manning level is usually peaked in Charlie; therefore, Delta’ s additional manning will usually come from an augmentation force. Once in Delta, nonessential operations will cease in order to enhance the security and response posture. Normally, this THREATCON is declared as a localized condition." 

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*FLASH* 20:00CDT - 23 Oct 2000

U.S. Forces Move To Higher ThreatCon Level

Washington, DC (EmergencyNet News) -- According to a number of well places sources, U.S. forces in the Mid-East have been placed on a high state of alert following concerns that "a terrorist attack on U.S. persons or facilities is imminent." U.S. intelligence officials have confirmed that they have increased the security awareness level of U.S. forces in Turkey, Qatar, and Bahrain following "specific threats," allegedly involving forces allied with alleged terror mastermind Usama Bin Laden. Few other details as to the nature of the threat were immediately available. EmergencyNet News continues to monitor events in the Mid-East very closely and will provide additional updates as circumstances warrant..

16 Oct 2000: EmergencyNet OPINION/EDITORIAL: The Mid-East Crisis; A Transition in Tactics??

11:30CDT - 12 Oct 2000: Chicago Institute Issues World-Wide Terrorist Alert

Intifada 2000: Click here for a Series of "Real-Time" EmergencyNet News Reports Concerning Major Civil Unrest in the West Bank/Gaza Strip/Jerusalem -- 28 Sep 2000 to 24 Oct 2000

© EmergencyNet News Service, 2000. All rights reserved, but may be redistributed to bona-fide law enforcement, emergency service, military, and government agencies. Other usage without permission is prohibited.

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