EmergencyNet News Analysis

08/02/97 - 17:00CDT

ERRI "Threat Computer" Signals Concerns
of Terror Attack Against USA
By Paul Anderson, Metro Correspondent

Chicago, IL, August 2, 1997 -- An Emergency Response & Research Institute (ERRI) computer-generated terrorist threat analysis today indicated that the likelihood of a terrorist attack against the United States, or her allies, has substantially increased in the past few days. According to the ERRI "expert computer system," that does nothing but track terrorists and their weapons, tactics and strategies, a particularly troublesome time could come after Midnight on August 3rd, 1997.

According to Clark Staten, ERRI Executive Director, this latest estimate is based on a multitude of factors, including; the arrest of a possible terrorist cell and capture of explosives in New York City, a recent bombing atrocity in Jerusalem, current rhetoric by the Islamic Jihad and Hamas organizations, the upcoming trial of Ramzi Yousef in New York City, and previous threats by independent terrorist financier Osama Bin Laden of Afghanistan.

Staten said that CT experts in some localities are already taking such threats seriously, as indicated by stepped up security measures in New York City. According to NYC Mayor Rudy Guiliani, high risk targets like public buildings, synagogues, embassies, trains and buses, and other highly-visible, symbolic, places are reportedly being given additional scrutiny by police and security agents in coming days.

Staten said that the key August 3rd warning date is tied to a public threat already issued by Hamas, that another terror attack will be forthcoming, if all Palestinian prisoners aren't released by Israel. Mid-East experts say that, given the current political climate in Israel after last weeks bombing, it is unlikely that Israel will consider releasing any prisoners.

Steve Macko, ERRI risk analyst, said that ERRI is also currently analyzing possible links between Saudi-dissident Osama Bin Laden, or some other Islamic splinter group, and the alleged bombing plot in New York City (NYC). Macko said that the facts that are currently known in the New York City case have at least some of the earmarks of it being carried out by "stateless warriors," brought together just for this attack, and financed by independent sources. While the obvious reported connection to the bombers in NYC is to the Hamas organization, Macko said that ERRI is known for exploring alternative motivations for terrorist attacks.

"There are a number of 'red herrings' and much misinformation being circulated in regard to both the NYC bombers and those that carried out the disastrous attack in Jerusalem this past week," Staten said. "While it is certain that both situations are rooted in Moslem extremist movements that oppose the PLO/Israeli peace process, we want to keep an open mind as to the actual identity, motives, and methods of those perpetrating the acts...some of the facts just don't add up in regard to both acts being carried out by Hamas," the veteran analyst added.

"One of the obvious advantages of operating a totally independent research institute is the ability to examine non-mainstream theories that may not be high on the priority list of government agencies responsible for the investigation," Staten continued. "On several occasions, by being able to think-outside-the-conventional-box, we have been able to come up with rational explanations for otherwise irrational acts involving terrorism," Staten concluded.

Asst. FBI Director James Kallstrom said yesterday that the Joint Terrorist Task Force is engaged in a "global investigation" of any possible conspirousy involving the Jerusalem bombing and the NYC plot. Kallstrom indicated "no stone will be left unturned" in their round-the-clock examination of the facts surrounding both events, and he reassured the public that everything possible is being done to protect the public safety of the United States.

(C) Copyright by EmergencyNet News Service, 1997. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without permission.

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