Terrorist threats

Spain: ETA Bombings on Beaches; Police Dismantle Top Terrorist Cell

Date: July 23rd, 2008 |

Four bombings claimed by the Basque militant group ETA hit tourist beaches in northern Spain July 20, causing one injury and no deaths. The bombings occurred in Loredo and Noja, halfway between Santander and Bilbao. Poor weather kept most tourists off the beaches that day. The incidents follow ETA’s pattern of attacking tourist areas more [read more]

Morocco: Officials Say They Thwarted Terrorist Attacks on Tourist Hotels

Date: July 16th, 2008 |

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Authorities said they foiled a terrorist plot to attack tourist hotels this summer when they arrested 11 extremists linked to al-Qaida in May. The arrests reportedly represented the fourth terrorist cell to be broken up in Morocco this year, and an intelligence official said they expected to dismantle another three or four before the year [read more]

Switzerland and Austria: Euro 2008 Soccer Tournament June 7-29

Date: May 21st, 2008 |

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Switzerland and Austria will host the Euro 2008 soccer tournament June 7-29, and because it is a major sporting event that is expected to draw 5 million fans, concerns have surfaced about possible terrorist attacks. Posts have appeared on Islamist web sites calling for attacks on the tournament, but Swiss authorities have stated that they [read more]

China and Tibet: Lockdown in Lhasa; Interpol Worries about Attacks in Beijing

Date: May 1st, 2008 |

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The Chinese government announced a lockdown on the Tibetan capital of Lhasa from May 1 to June 20 to prevent any disruption of the Olympic torch parade through Tibet. Residents of surrounding counties have been ordered not to enter the city, including farmers who would normally come to Lhasa to sell their produce, and all [read more]

Egypt: Manhunt for Terrorists in Sinai

Date: April 10th, 2008 |

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Security forces have set up roadblocks and checkpoints in Sinai following reports that two terrorists plan to bomb a tourist site in the region. Egyptian intelligence reported that the two entered Egypt from Sudan and were traveling in a truck packed with explosives. Police were patrolling in large numbers and concentrating on the road leading [read more]

Thailand: Possible Cease-Fire in Troubled South?

Date: July 23rd, 2008 |

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After four and a half years and some 3,000 deaths, a glimmer of hope for a resolution of the Muslim insurgency in southern Thailand appeared via a spokesman claiming to represent all of the main militant groups. He announced a unilateral cease-fire and claimed that anyone who continued the violent struggle would be considered a [read more]

Indonesia: Police Thwart Terrorist Attack

Date: July 10th, 2008 |

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Despite Indonesia’s success in bringing terrorists to justice and thwarting attacks before they occur, the threat of terrorism lingers as indicated by the recent arrests of 10 suspected terrorists who reportedly placed bombs in a popular tourist café in Bukittinggi, Sumatra, only to call off the attack because too many Indonesians would die. They decided [read more]

India: Bombs in Jaipur

Date: May 14th, 2008 |

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A coordinated series of seven bomb blasts occurred in Jaipur, Rajasthan May 13 killing some 80 people. The explosions within the ancient walled city came a few minutes apart beginning at 7:30 p.m. and were placed with the intent to kill as many people as possible. One was planted near the Hanuman temple and timed [read more]

North Africa: Possible Terror Attacks

Date: May 1st, 2008 |

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Algeria warned its neighbors that al-Qaeda is planning high-profile attacks aimed at industrial installations to destabilize local governments. Tunisia is believed to be a main target because of its friendly relations with the U.S. and its success against terrorists. Algeria’s oil installations in the Sahara are also considered vulnerable. The warning followed the Algerian army’s [read more]

Yemen: Attacks on Foreign Residences, U.S. Embassy Prompt Departure of Embassy Personnel

Date: April 10th, 2008 |

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The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa has ordered the departure of non-emergency staff and their families from Yemen following a series of violent incidents, most recently the April 6 attack on the Hadda residential compound in Sanaa where many foreigners live and the March 18 mortar attack on the U.S. Embassy. Three explosive rounds were fired [read more]