National Infrastructure Protection Center Security Information Update-Beginning Of Ramadan Information Bulletin 02-009 November 6, 2002
http://www.nipc.gov/publications/infobulletins/2002/ib02-009.htm NIPC Information Bulletins communicate issues that pertain to the critical national infrastructure and are for informational purposes only. The Islamic holy month of Ramadan begins on 11/06/02 and continues through 12/05/02. A period of reflection and spiritual discipline, Ramadan is observed by Muslims around the world, including those in the United States. Al-Qaeda and sympathetic jihadists may view Ramadan as having religious incentives and symbolic and operational advantages for conducting terrorist attacks. Nonspecific intelligence reporting also indicates al-Qaeda may strike this Ramadan. Information indicates that al-Qaeda appears increasingly willing to grant lower-level operatives greater autonomy and to rely on local jihadists--groups that may be more likely to time attacks to symbolic dates and events. In recent weeks, several terrorist attacks--including the bombing of a French oil tanker off the coast of Yemen, firearms attacks against U.S. Marines in Kuwait, multiple bombings in the Philippines, and the bombing of a nightclub district in Bali, Indonesia--have been attributed to al-Qaeda or sympathetic groups. Al-Qaeda has attempted to execute attacks during the Ramadan time period in the past, including the thwarted millennial plots in December 1999 and the aborted attack against the USS Sullivans in January 2000. Disrupted plots to attack U.S. Naval ships and the U.S. Embassy in Singapore in late 2001 also may have been timed for Ramadan. Recipients should remain alert to possible attacks throughout this time frame. Recipients should also remain alert to possible acts of violence against Muslim and Arab targets in the United States during Ramadan. In the aftermath of the 09/11/01 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, there was an increase in hate crimes against Muslims and Arabs, as well as against mosques and other Islamic and Arab sites throughout the United States. Increased religious and social activities at mosques and Islamic cultural centers during Ramadan may attract added attention to these sites. Due in part to the lack of specificity of method, location, and timing, the Homeland Security Advisory System threat level will remain at Yellow (Elevated) at this time. The NIPC encourages individuals to report information concerning suspicious activity to their local FBI office, http://www.fbi.gov/contact/fo/fo.htm, the NIPC, or to other appropriate authorities. Individuals can reach the NIPC WATCH AND WARNING UNIT at (202) 323-3205, tol1 free at 1-888-585-9078, or by email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] IWS INFOCON Mailing List @ IWS - The Information Warfare Site http://www.iwar.org.uk
