April 2007

At Least three Dead in Mall Shooting in Kansas City, MO

Last Edited: Sunday, 29 Apr 2007, 19:03 PM CDT

Three Dead in Ward Parkway Mall Shooting

KANSAS CITY, MO: At least three people are dead after a gunman fired shots in Ward Parkway Mall at 86th and Ward Parkway in Kansas City, Mo. around 15:30 p.m. on Sunday. Two citizens and the gunman are among the dead.

According to KCMO Police, the two dead citizens were shot in the parking lot of the mall, and the gunman died inside the mall. There are other reports of two more wounded at the shopping center, and an officer who was shot at a gas station and another dead body on E 93rd Street in KCMO.

This article continues at: http://www.myfoxkc.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=3060847&version=34&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1

[ERRI analyst note: The identity, nationality, and motive of the gunman are NOT presently known. An intensive investigation is said to be underway at the time of this report. More official information will be transmitted to our readers, as circumstances may warrant...]

17 Ambulance Response - Turkey Building Collapse

12:03 p.m. EDT, April 26, 2007

Multi-Story Building Collapse Reported in Istanbul, Turkey

ISTANBUL, Turkey (CNN) -- Crowds of rescuers descended upon the debris of a multi-story apartment building that collapsed in Istanbul Thursday, frantically trying to remove the crumbled concrete to find any survivors.

A reporter on the scene said the rescuers could hear voices from the debris.

Residents reported evacuating the building after hearing a crack in the roof, but some went back inside before it collapsed, Istanbul Governor Muammer Guler told CNN Turk.

At least 17 ambulances had arrived on the scene, located in the Sirinevler neighborhood of Istanbul, but there were no reports of anyone being pulled from the debris.

The building was at least six stories, which pancaked on top of each other. Story continues at: http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/04/26/istanbul.building/index.html

Additional Reference:

BUILDING COLLAPSE RESCUE

By Clark Staten, EMT-P I/C
Asst. Chief Paramedic, Chicago Fire Dept. (ret.)
Former Chairman, National Society of EMS Administrators
Former Chairman, Emergency Management Committee, National Assn. of EMTs

Can Be found at: http://www.emergency.com/bldgclps.htm

"Dirty Bomb" Plotters Plead Guilty in U.K.

17:03, Wednesday April 25, 2007 (London Time)

'Radiation' Bomb Plotters Guilty

LONDON, ENGLAND: Four men accused of being part of a plot to plant dirty "radiation" bombs in Britain and "kill as many people as possible" in terror attack in the US have pleaded guilty.

Dhiren Barot was jailed last year Junade Feroze, 31, Mohammed Zia Ul Haq, 28, Abdul Aziz Jalil, 34, and Omar Abdul Rehman, 23, pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to conspiracy to cause an explosion or explosions likely to endanger life.

All four are accused of conspiring "together with Dhiren Barot and other persons unknown".

Barot, 34, an Indian-born convert to Islam, was sentenced to life last November and told he must serve at least 40 years in jail.

He had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to murder after the same court was told he had plotted terrorist outrages in Britain and the US.

The plot involved exploding limousines packed with explosives and radioactive material in underground car parks in Britain and blowing up landmark buildings in the U.S.

Article continues at: http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30100-1262698,00.html

BREAKING NEWS: Gunman and Hostage Dead in Houston

17:22 CDT - 20 April 2007

Two Dead (Including Gunman) at Johnson Space Center Building #44

HOUSTON, TX: It has been announced that the suspected gunman and one other person are dead following a hostage incident within building #44 at the Houston Johnson Space Center. One other person, believed to be hostage, is being treated by Houston Fire Dept. paramedics at the time of this report. A police spokesman said that they believe that the gunman killed himself just prior to the assault by HPD SWAT personnel. Upon dynamic entry, the purported gunman was found to be deceased, apparently of a self-inflicted gun shot wound to the head.

Police have reportedly called for the medical examiner and HPD homicide detectives to come and work with the FBI to investigate the scene of the shooting on the second floor. A major investigation will now undoubtedly ensue, with federal, NASA, and local law enforcement officials participating. EmergencyNet News will bring you additional official details as they are released. Watch Emergency.Blog for the news as it happens...

Special Houston Police Units; Action Underway?

17:00 CDT - 20 Apr 2007

BREAKING NOW: More Shot Fired in Building #44

HOUSTON, TX: Additional shots have been reportedly been fired at the Johnson Space Center and a paramedic team and stretcher have been seen entering the affected building. No immediate information or confirmation of what is going on at present within the NASA communication/engineering building is presently available to our watchdesk. It would appear that some sort of tactical solution may be underway by Houston authorities. One long-time ERRI police analyst said that "an assault" may be taking place at the time of this report and a dramatic conclusion to this incident could be occuring. Watch Emergency.Blog for additional updates as circumstances warrant....

  16:15 CDT - 20 April 2007

More Police Special Units Dispatched to Building 44 at Johnson Space Center (JSC)

HOUSTON, TX: It is still not known if there are any injuries at the scene of the Johnson Space Center incident, but no ambulances have been seen entering nor active near the affected building. It is believed that Police Hostage/Barricade Negotiators are on the scene at Building 44 and that the Houston SWAT team has assumed leadership of this still on-going incident. According to federal authorities, President George Bush has been briefed on the situation in Houston.

Multiple marked and unmarked police vehicles have been seen in the vicinity of the NASA communication/engineering building, including the recent arrival of police armored car. Other specialized police equipment, and at least two ambulances are also being noted near the scene. The FBI is reported to also be on the scene.

It is not presently known if the barricaded gunman has any hostages, nor what his motive might be in entering the NASA building. The type or number of weapons that the suspect might have is also not presetly clear.

Houston police, within the past few minutes, say that they have a employee report that at least two shots were previously fired during this incident. A HPD spokesperson (police captain) said negotiators have not, so far, been able to speak with the suspect. The police also announced that they believe that the gunman is armed with at least "one handgun."

The situation in Houston at the JSC continues at the time of this report. Watch Emergency.Blog for additional updates as circumstances warrant....

Report of "Man With a Gun" at Houston NASA Space Center

14:55CDT - 20 Apr 2007

Secondary Reports From the Scene Suggest "Barricaded" Man on 2nd Floor

HOUSTON, TX: Largely unconfirmed reports are rapidly coming in to the EmergencyNet News Watchdesk that a man is now barricaded on the second floor of Building 44 at the Johnson Space Center. The actual tactical situation is not presently clear, but numerous NASA security personnel and Houston police are now on the scene and have surrounded the affected building. Additionally, EMS personnel and at least one fire vehicle have responded to the scene. The Houston SWAT team has also reportedly been sent to the incident.

There are officially unconfirmed reports of "shots fired" within building 44. The situation is being called "dynamic" and "very fluid," at the time of this report. There are still no reports of injuries or deaths at the time of this report. There are also no official reports of hostages being taken at this time.

Preliminary description of possible assailant: White male, 50's, jeans and grey shirt, number/types of weapon(s) unknown

EmergencyNet News *FLASH* Report

14:20 CDT - 20 April 2007

Report of Man With a Gun At NASA Space Center

HOUSTON, TX: James Hartfield with NASA says their internal security got a report of a person with weapon on the Johnson Space Center grounds at building 44, which is a communication/engineering building. Houston police have been called to the scene. The building has been evacuated. The veracity of this "situation report" is not presently clear.

At this time, there are no reports of any injuries. A search of the affected building is underway. An intense investigation is underway at the time of this report, and parts of the Space Center have been "locked down."

Watch this page for more official information as circumstances warrant...

-- Source/Reference: KTRK-TV, ABC Channel 13, can be found at: http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=local&id=5229508

Showing Video Validates Mass Murder's Delusions

April 19, 2007

Shooter Was Trying to Attempt Immortality, Showing Clips Validates His Delusions, Psychiatrist Says
Concerns Raised That Tapes May Encourage Others...

The videos of Seung-hui Cho, the man who fatally shot 32 people at Virginia Tech on Monday and then killed himself, shouldn't have been released because they don't offer the public any greater understanding of the gruesome crime, said Michael Welner, a forensic psychiatrist and ABC News consultant, on "Good Morning America" today.

"If anybody cares about the victims in Blacksburg and if anybody cares about their children, stop showing this video now. Take it off the Internet. Let it be relegated to YouTube," Welner said. "Showing the video is a social catastrophe."

"I think that's very important for the viewing audience to understand. This is not him.These videos do not help us understand him. They distort him. He was meek. He was quiet. This is a PR tape of him trying to turn himself into a Quentin Tarantino character," Welner said. Welner believes that instead of offering insight, these videos merely offer validation of [the killers]delusional behavior. -- Article continues at: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/VATech/story?id=3056168&page=1

Gunman's Manifesto Sent to NBC News

18 April 2007 - 19:00CDT

Gunman sent package to NBC News
"When the time came, I did it," says the message mailed by the gunman between shootings

By Alex Johnson, MSNBC

"I just think that at this time people should use more energy to pray for EVERYONE involved in this situation, including the gunman and his family. This is an extremely sad situation for all and it should be an eye opener for all that it is time for our WORLD to change and I believe that the first place for this is in all our hearts."

Sometime after he killed two people in a Virginia university dormitory but before he slaughtered 30 more in a classroom building, Cho Seung-Hui mailed NBC News a large package including photographs and videos Monday morning, boasting, "When the time came, I did it. I had to."

Cho, 23, a senior English major at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, killed 32 people in two attacks before taking his own life.

Article continues at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18169776/

Additional References/LINKS:

Picture Gallery from MSNBC - http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18183171/displaymode/1107/s/2/

Virginia Tech gunman Cho Seung-Hui's "multimedia manifesto":

http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm?f=00&g=925bc281-ce20-439e-9682-8cc58066b2bf&p=hotvideo_m_vatech&t=c3556&rf=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18169776/&fg=

Several College Campuses Have been Evacuated/Shut Down Due to Threats

14:30CDT - 18 April 2007

Bomb Threats and Other Suspicious Activity Reported on Other Campuses

CHICAGO, IL: In what may be a spate of "copycat" or hoax incidents, four or more college campuses have been evacuated or shut down due to threats in the past 24 hours. The Emergencynet News Watchdesk is currently monitoring two other incidents involving potential campus threats. Other threats/evacuations were reported in regard to schools in Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona and Tennessee on Tuesday. So far, all of the incidents have turned out to be unsubstantiated.

One ERRI senior crisis management experts said today that this series of unfounded incidents are a "sick and disrespectful response" to the terrible tragedy that occurred at Virginia Tech. "This is not the time for playing pranks or engaging in other adolescent behavior...tensions are already high on a number of college campuses and these incidents can contribute to a 'climate of fear' that is not healthy for America's students," ERRI CEO and senior analyst Clark Staten said today. "These hoaxes need to end now and those who may feel that they might want to carry out some sort of copycat incident should seek professional mental health care immediately," Staten added.

EmergencyNet news is monitoring this emerging trend closely and we will bring you additional details as circumstances may warrant...Watch Emergency.Blog for more details if/when they become available.

Suspected Gunman Identified by Virginia Authorities

17 Apr 2007 - 09:00CDT

Gunman Identified; Believed to Be Student and Resident Alien

BLACKSBURG, VA: The gunman suspected of carrying out the Virginia Tech massacre that left 33 people dead was identified Tuesday as a senior English major from South Korea, the Associated Press reported today. Police identified the gunman in the classroom attack as 23-year-old Cho Seung-Hui (pronounced Choh Suhng-whee). Cho held a green card ? meaning he was a legal, permanent U.S. resident ? and had been in the United States since 1992, federal officials said. Police did not offer a motive for the mass murder, but said that they were investigating an "unusual" note that was left behind by the gunman before he carried out the assault at Norris Hall.

According to unidentified LE sources, ballistics tests show one gun was used in both sets of shootings, Virginia State Police said. And, two law enforcement officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because the information had not been officially announced, said Cho's fingerprints were found on the two guns believed used in yesterday's rampage. The serial numbers on the two weapons had been filed off, officials also said. Investigation of the incidents continues at the time of this report...

-- AP/Yahoo article continues at: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070417/ap_on_re_us/virginia_tech_shooting_148

Virginia Tech Attacks Mark Deadliest Mass Shooting in U.S. History

16 Apr 2007 - 22:00CDT - Summary/Continued Coverage

Attacks mark deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history
At least 33 killed at Virginia Tech (Including Gunman)

BLACKSBURG, VA: In a press conference tonight, Virginia Tech President Charles Steger gave a detailed timeline of the morning's tragic events. He said a 9-1-1 call reporting a shooting at a dormitory was made at approximately 7:15 a.m. While police were trying to assess what they first believed was a domestic dispute, they received a second 9-1-1 call, nearly two and a half hours later, that reported shootings on the opposite side of campus. According to the Virginia Police Chief Wendell Flinchum, officials have not definitively linked the two shootings.

Campus police have identified a person of interest who is not currently in police custody. Police say the person of interest is a male who knew the female who was killed in the original double homicide at the West Ambler Johnston Hall dormitory. Flinchum also said he is not a student and that he knew the female who was killed in the original double homicide.

Flinchum said they have ruled out the possibility of a murder-suicide in the first shooting, and that investigators have a preliminary identification of the shooter involved in the Norris Hall shooting. The police will not release the identity at this time. Two guns were recovered, a 9 mm pistol and a .22-caliber pistol. Crime scene processing is ongoing at both Ambler Johnston Hall and Norris Hall, at the time of this report... Excerpted from: ABCNews, http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=3045574&page=1

Gunman kills 32 at Virginia Tech before being killed

BY MICHAEL SNEED Sun-Times Columnist

Authorities were investigating whether the gunman who killed 32 people on the Virginia Tech campus in the deadliest shooting rampage in U.S. history was a Chinese man who arrived in the United States last year on a student visa.

The 24-year-old man arrived in San Francisco on United Airlines on Aug. 7 on a visa issued in Shanghai, the source said. Investigators have not linked him to any terrorist groups, the source said.

Police believe three bomb threats on the campus last week may have been attempts by the man to test the campus? security response, the source said. ERRI crime analysts said that they could not confirm Ms. Sneed's report with law enforcement officials in Virginia.

The exits to the buildings where the shootings occurred were chained by the shooter, the source said. Continues at: http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/343354,vatech041607.article

ERRI Preliminary Analysis:

Investigators gave no motive for the attack. The gunman's name was not immediately released, and it was not immediately known whether he was a student.

Law enforcement analysts at the Emergency Response & Research Institute (ERRI) said that the official and press information that has become available so far would seem to indicate some level of "premeditation" on the part of the shooter at the Virginia Tech disaster. One longtime crisis analyst said tonight, "The fact that the gunman brought multiple clips of ammunition to the scene and allegedly used chains to lock doors and prevent escape of the victims or the entry of responding law enforcement officers would appear to be part of a preconceived plot to carry out the shootings."

"Of course, there is much forensic and witness evidence to be gathered and analyzed before any kind of firm conclusions can be reached in this case, but it would increasingly appear that this was not simply a 'spur-of-the-moment' event that was the result of a 'crime-of-passion'...our preliminary assessment of the incident would suggest that the gunman intended to cause a mass murder at Norris Hall," the veteran observer concluded.

31 People Now Confirmed Dead at Virginia Tech

Posted at: 16 Apr 2007 - 15:00 CDT/16:00 EDT

31 People Now Confirmed Dead at Virginia Tech - Shooter Described As Young, Asian Male

In the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history, 31 people are now confirmed dead in a shooting that began this morning at Virginia Tech. Among the dead is the gunman who federal authorities describe as a young, Asian male who was "heavily armed and wearing a vest." The FBI and ATF believe two handguns were used by the lone gunman. It is thought that the gunman took his own life.... -- Source: http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=6375098&nav=menu368_1

Preliminary Facts From VT President; Two Separate Shooting Scenes

Statement From University President at Virginia Tech

As of: Monday April 16, 2007 13:49pm EDT

Here are some of the facts we know:

"The university was struck today with a tragedy of monumental proportions. There were two shootings on campus. In each case, there were fatalities. The university is shocked and horrified that this would befall our campus. I want to extend my deepest, sincerest and most profound sympathies to the families of these victims which include students There are 22 confirmed deaths.

At about 07:15 a.m. this morning a 911 call came to the University Police Department concerning an event in West Ambler Johnston Hall. There were multiple shooting victims. While in the process of investigating, about two hours later the university received reports of a shooting in Norris Hall. The police immediately responded. Victims have been transported to various hospitals in the immediate area in the region to receive emergency treatment.

We will proceed to contact the families of victims as identities are available.

All classes are cancelled and the university is closed for the remainder of today. The university will open Tuesday at 8 a.m. but classes are cancelled. The police are currently staging the release of people from campus buildings.

Families wishing to reunite with the students are suggested to meet at the Inn at Virginia Tech. We are making plans for a convocation tomorrow (Tuesday) at noon at Cassell Coliseum for the university community to come together to begin to deal with the tragedy."

-- Source: VT University Statement by President Charles W. Steger

Update: Multiple "fatalities and injuries" Being Reported At Virginia Tech

11:25CDT - 16 Apr 2007

Multiple Fatalities Being Being Reported at Virginia Tech Campus

BLACKSBURG, VIRGINIA: Police chief Wendell Flinchum of the Virginia Tech Police, during a press conference, said that there are "multiple fatalities and injuries" shootings that have occurred at two separate locations today at the VT campus. Separate reports coming from medical sources at area hospitals say that at least 17 people are being treated for injuries associated with the incidents.

Conflicting reports concerning the assailant(s) suggest that he is either dead or currently in police custody. ERRI law enforcement analysts said that an intense investigation is presently underway on the campus and that there are often confusing and/or conflicting reports that are generated by various sources at the onset of an incident of this type.

If the preliminary reports coming in to our watchdesk prove to be true, this incident is likely to be the most deadly incidence of school violence in United States. One ERRI senior analyst said that it IS clear that an major tragedy has occurred today on the campus of Virginia Tech. Watch EmergencyNet News for continued updates as circumstances warrant...

Multi-Casualty Incident at Virginia Tech University

16 Apr 2007 - 10:30CDT

BREAKING NEWS

Multiple People Shot at Virginia Tech; At least One Dead

From the ERRI/EmergencyNet News Watchdesk

BLACKBURG, VIRGINIA: Multiple people have been shot today at the campus of Virginia Tech (originally Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College). Several ambulances and more than 10 police cars have responded to the incidents. Witnesses described the shootings as having happened during two separate occasions.

A notice on the Virginia Tech website has the following notice:

"University Advisory:
Gunman on campus; all classes canceled
04/16/2007, Updated 10:51 a.m.

In addition to an earlier shooting today in West Ambler Johnston, there has been a multiple shooting with multiple victims in Norris Hall. Police and EMS are on the scene. Police have one shooter in custody and as part of routine police procedure, they continue to search for a second shooter. All people in university buildings are required to stay inside until further notice. All entrances to campus are closed."

Early and largely unconfirmed reports say that at least 7 people have been shot and that there may be one or more fatalities may be involved in these incidents. A phased search/evacuation of the campus by armed police is said to be underway at the time of this report. The identity of the shooter(s) and motive for these attacks is not presently known. Watch EmergencyNet News for more official information as it becomes available...

© EmergencyNet News, 2007

More Suicide/Homicide Bombings in Morocco

Saturday, 14 April 2007, 13:39 GMT 14:39 UK

New explosion rocks Casablanca

Two suicide bombers have set off their explosives in the centre of Casablanca, reportedly killing themselves and injuring a woman passer-by. Saturday's blast comes days after three suicide bombers blew themselves up and a fourth was shot dead in the city. The three were wanted in connection with a 11 March bombing at an internet cafe in Casablanca.

Moroccan news agency MAP is reporting that the gang-leader of the cafe bombing was arrested on Saturday. The agency said the investigation into the ring-leader - who has not been identified - has also led to the arrest of his right-hand man and the discovery of hideouts where terrorists were making explosives.

BBC Arab affairs analyst Magdi Abdelhadi says the recent foiled suicide attempts in Morocco, coupled with recent explosions in neighbouring Algiers have raised fears of a new surge of radical Islamist violence in North Africa.

Article continues at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6555177.stm

Al-Qaeda and its allies pose a "very real threat" in North Africa

April 12, 2007

Algeria Attacks Show Al-Qaeda Threat in North Africa, U.S. Says

By Ed Johnson and Gregory Viscusi, Bloomberg

N.AFRICA: Terrorist bomb attacks in Algeria yesterday show al-Qaeda and its allies pose a "very real threat" in North Africa, the U.S. State Department said.

The attacks in the capital, Algiers, killed at least 24 people and came a day after four suspected suicide bombers and a policeman died in Morocco as security forces raided a suspected terrorist cell in Casablanca.

Al-Qaeda is a "current and persistent'' threat in the region, department spokesman Sean McCormack told reporters in Washington yesterday, adding the U.S. stands with "the Moroccan and Algerian people and their governments in the struggle against extremism and violence.''

Islamic militants are becoming more active in North Africa, particularly in the Maghreb region of Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria where they have joined forces with al-Qaeda, the Texas- based risk advisory service Stratfor said in a report last month.

The Pentagon is planning a separate Africa command headquarters that is scheduled to open in October and said last month that al-Qaeda and other Islamic terrorist groups are using North Africa to recruit and train for future attacks. Article continues at: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=ahCkghBYWFRM&refer=home

References:

Please also see: "Tuesday, January 09, 2007 -- Foreign Terrorist Elements Captured or Killed in Somalia," which can be found at: http://www.emergency.com/archive/cat_intelligence.htm

DoS Middle East Digest - 10 Apr 2007 (Video)

Renewed State Dept. World-Wide Caution Notice

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

This information is current as of today, Tue Apr 10 22:31:56 2007.

Worldwide Caution -- April 10, 2007

This Public Announcement updates information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests overseas. This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated October 11, 2006 and expires on October 9, 2007.

The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. Current information suggests that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics to include assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings.

Ongoing events in Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East have resulted in demonstrations and associated violence in several countries. Americans are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning.

In August 2006, British authorities arrested a significant number of extremists engaged in a plot to destroy multiple passenger aircraft flying from the United Kingdom to the United States. The September 2006 attack on the U.S. Embassy in Syria and the March 2006 bombing near the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan illustrate the continuing desire of extremists to strike American targets.

Extremists may elect to use conventional or non-conventional weapons, and target both official and private interests. The bomb attacks targeting buses carrying foreign workers in March 2007 and December 2006 in Algeria, a series of bombings in Thailand in May and September 2006 that targeted commercial and tourist destinations in the far south, and the bombings in the the Egyptian resort town of Dahab in April 2006 all illustrate how terrorists exploit vulnerabilities associated with soft targets. Additional examples of such targets include high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas and locales where Americans gather in large numbers, including during holidays. Financial or economic targets of value may also be considered as possible venues; the vehicle-based suicide attack on an oil facility near Mukalla and Marib in Yemen in September 2006 and the failed attack on the Abqaiq oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia in late February 2006 are such examples.

In the wake of the August 2006 plot against aircraft in London, numerous terrorist attacks on trains in India in 2006, the July 2005 London Underground bombings, and the March 2004 train attacks in Madrid, Americans are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems. In addition, extremists may also select aviation and maritime services as possible targets.

U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. For additional information, please refer to ?A Safe Trip Abroad? found at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspend public services to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

-- Source: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html

They Made it...Royal Sailors & Marines Return Home

April 5, 2007

Iran hostages are back in Britain

The Royal Navy personnel detained at gunpoint by Iran arrived by helicopter at a Marine base in Devon this afternoon to be reunited with their families after flying back to Britain on a British Airways flight from Tehran.

As the first flight touched down in London, the Prime Minister contrasted his joy at the return of the 15 sailors and Marines with the "sober and ugly" reality of terrorism in Iraq -- which he said Iran was "backing, financing arming and supporting".

Article continues at the Times of London website: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1618003.ece

British Sailors/Marines Released By Iran

Wednesday April 04, 2007 - 11:00 CDT

British Captives Reportedly Freed

Ahmadinejad says 15 to be pardoned and freed as "gift to British people"

TEHRAN, IRAN: According to television reports emanating from Iran, the government there is freeing the 15 UK sailors and marines taken captive in the Shatt al Arab waterway incident 13 days ago as a "gift" to Britain. Some of the troops have been shown on Iranian TV speaking to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at his palace in the capital Tehran. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that the former hostages would be taken to Tehran airport and flown home within hours...

Australian Tsunami Threat Has Passed - Bureau of Meteorology

UPDATE: Australian Tsunami Threat Has Passed - Bureau

CANBERRA The threat of a tsunami hitting Australia's eastern coast from a severe earthquake earlier Monday near the Solomon Islands has passed, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology reported.

There were no reports of significant sea level rises from Willis Island meteorological station about 500 kilometers east of far north Queensland, though some rises of 20 centimeters to 30 centimeters were observed on Queensland's east coast.

Australian Government, Bureau of Meteorology
National Meteorological and Oceanographic Centre

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST
TSUNAMI BULLETIN CANCELLATION

Issued at:

01:50 pm EST on Monday 2 April 2007
01:20 pm CST on Monday 2 April 2007
11:50 am WST on Monday 2 April 2007

TSUNAMI THREAT ENDED

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) in Hawaii detected an undersea earthquake earlier today near the Solomon Islands.

The earthquake was also detected by Geoscience Australia.

Based on sea level gauge data and other reports there is no longer expected to be a tsunami threat to the Australian mainland or islands.

Small surges in sea level height and minor abnormal currents have been detected along the Queensland coast.

The situation will continue to be monitored. However, no further bulletins will be issued for this event unless the threat level changes.

The earthquake occurred at 20:40 UTC 01 April 2007 at Latitude 8.6 South, Longitude 157.2 East, with magnitude 8.1

UTC Time Zone conversion:
EST = UTC + 10 hours
CST = UTC + 9.5 hours
WST = UTC + 8 hours

SOURCE: http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDYTSU05.shtml

Tsunami/Earthquake ADVISORY - Solomon Islands Vicinity

TSUNAMI BULLETIN NUMBER 003
PACIFIC TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER/NOAA/NWS
ISSUED AT 2239Z 01 APR 2007

THIS BULLETIN IS FOR ALL AREAS OF THE PACIFIC BASIN EXCEPT ALASKA - BRITISH COLUMBIA - WASHINGTON - OREGON - CALIFORNIA.

NOTE: AREAS TO THE NORTH OF THE SOLOMON ISLANDS SHOULD NOT BE SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTED

A TSUNAMI WARNING AND WATCH REMAIN IN EFFECT ...

A TSUNAMI WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR: SOLOMON IS. / PAPUA NEW GUINEA / VANUATU / NEW CALEDONIA / NORTHEASTERN AUSTRALIA / TUVALU / KIRIBATI / FIJI /

A TSUNAMI WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR: KERMADEC IS / NEW ZEALAND /

FOR ALL OTHER PACIFIC AREAS, THIS MESSAGE IS AN ADVISORY ONLY.

AN EARTHQUAKE HAS OCCURRED WITH THESE PRELIMINARY PARAMETERS

ORIGIN TIME - 2040Z 01 APR 2007
COORDINATES - 8.6 SOUTH 157.2 EAST
LOCATION - SOLOMON ISLANDS
MAGNITUDE - 8.1

MEASUREMENTS OR REPORTS OF TSUNAMI WAVE ACTIVITY

HONIARA -- 15CM -- ZERO-TO-PEAK OBSERVED AT 21:37 GMT

EVALUATION

SEA LEVEL READINGS INDICATE A TSUNAMI WAS GENERATED. IT MAY HAVE BEEN DESTRUCTIVE ALONG COASTS NEAR THE EARTHQUAKE EPICENTER AND COULD ALSO BE A THREAT TO MORE DISTANT COASTS. AUTHORITIES SHOULD TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION IN RESPONSE TO THIS POSSIBILITY. THIS CENTER WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR SEA LEVEL DATA TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT AND SEVERITY OF THE THREAT....

BULLETINS WILL BE ISSUED HOURLY OR SOONER IF CONDITIONS WARRANT. THE TSUNAMI WARNING AND WATCH WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

THE JAPAN METEOROLOGICAL AGENCY MAY ALSO ISSUE TSUNAMI MESSAGES FOR THIS EVENT TO COUNTRIES IN THE NORTHWEST PACIFIC AND SOUTH CHINA SEA REGION. IN CASE OF CONFLICTING INFORMATION... THE MORE CONSERVATIVE INFORMATION SHOULD BE USED FOR SAFETY.

CITIZENS IN AFFECTED AREA SHOULD MONITOR LOCAL NEWS AND EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR FURTHER INFORMATON...