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Sunday, July 08, 2007
Downer sounds terrorism alert - Indonesia
July 09, 2007 12:00am
Downer Sounds Terrorism Alarm
CANBERRA: Australinans have been told to stay away from Indonesia
because of an imminent terrorist attack against Western interests in
Bali or Jakarta. Security agencies detected a sudden rise in "chatter"
between known terrorist groups late on Saturday night.
The chatter, picked up by Australian electronic intercepts, indicated an attack - linked to the recent arrest of Jemaah Islamiah leader Abu Dujana - was to take place.
"These attacks could take place at any time and could be imminent," the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade warned. "Australians should consider this information carefully when considering travel to Indonesia."
Australia's electronic spying agency, the Defence Signals Directorate, closely monitors phone calls and radio traffic inside Indonesia. Australian Federal Police agents in Indonesia have access to the intercepts and other material.
It is understood Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer was shocked when he saw the latest intelligence material and decided to go public, despite potential damage to relations with Indonesia. Indonesia always complains when Australians are warned to avoid their country, but after the two Bali bombings and attacks in Jakarta the Government is taking no chances...
Article continues at: http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22039852-662,00.html
Edited on: Sunday, July 08, 2007 10:59.10
Categories: Counter-Terrorism, Intelligence, Political/Diplomatic/Economic