earth liberation front arsonists for global warming · acts of terrorism, including arson,...

Distribution: This message is intended exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, You are hereby notified that any disclosure, dissemination, copying or distributing of this transmission is strictly prohibited. This is intended for the intended recipient only. The material in this document is taken from multiple sources and is analyzed for significance to first responders. The recommendations are an opinion of the writer and should be evaluated by the reader for relevance. Any questions should be referred to: [email protected]

Arsonists for Global Warming

The clandestine eco-terror group Earth Liberation Front (ELF) has resurfaced recently. Their published guidelines for action Are: “To inflict maximum economic damage on those profiting from the destruction and exploitation of the natural-environment. To reveal, and educate the public about the atrocities committed against the earth and all species that populate it, and engage in “economic sabotage and guerrilla warfare to stop the exploitation And destruction of the natural environment.” Points to consider: ELF is a loosely knit organization of eco-radicals who say they are protecting the environment through their actions. Be aware animal rights and environmental extremists do more than demonstrate. They also use physical assaults, intimidation, vandalism, harassment, theft, arson and terrorism. Made up of secretive independent cells spread across the United States and Europe with no centralized leadership, groups like ELF, and the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) are both deeply committed to their cause and their adherence to the “leaderless resistance” model which makes them difficult to infiltrate. In recent years the FBI has increased its attention on these groups, which they estimate have caused over $110 million in damage since 1979. During the past two decades attacks have escalated. There is an upswing," said Laura Similar, a FBI spokeswoman in Los Angeles. "What's really concerning is the tactics that are being used. Previously it was non-violent, mostly harassment or vandalism. Now we're seeing the increased use of incendiary devices to target individuals. Consider that during the past twenty years, radical environmental and animal rights activists have claimed responsibility for hundreds of crimes and acts of terrorism, including arson, bombings, and vandalism, causing millions in damages. Recently they must be considered as suspects in Canada, where two fires in five months have destroyed controversial upscale townhouse project, in Mississauga. Additionally, consider that the United Nations conference on global-warming is to be held this December in Copenhagen, which may spur threats or actions from these environmental activists, and pose a significant domestic terror threat.

July 1, 2009

Regions most affected:

• Asia a

Earth Liberation Front ELF was founded in the U K in 1992, spread to the rest of Europe by 1994. It is now an international movement with attacks reported in 17 countries. It is widely regarded as the Animal Liberation Front’s (ALF) younger sister, because of the relationship and cooperation between the two movements. Using the same “Leaderless Resistance” model, as well as similar guidelines to the ALF. ELF sympathizers have said that the eco-defense group goal is to take the profit motive out of environmental destruction by causing economic damage to businesses through the use of direct action.

July 1, 2009


Al-Qaeda is Evolving During its heyday, al-Qaeda in Iraq had ties to the terror group's leadership with an eye to expanding beyond Iraq's borders to a broader jihadist effort against the west. Now officials, suggest that the terror group is evolving to one more heavily dependent on local militants who are less committed to broader jihadist goals. Points to consider: Intelligence reports and internal communications suggest that al-Qaeda is suffering from a lack of volunteers, but that could change if some of those prisoners make their way back into the al-Qaeda fold. Intelligence officials said that the U.S. is concerned about the impending transfer of thousands of jailed militants from U.S. to Iraqi control, and whether al-Qaeda loyalists could be released.

Report: Let Cell in Mumbai Aided Terrorists A recently leaked British Broadcasting Company (BBC) special report, which will be shown on BBC television, concluded that the 10 terrorists who attacked Mumbai on November 26 were directed on police movements minute-by-minute via mobile phones, routed over the internet. The investigative report, surmises that these instructions seem too detailed, and likely spotters on the ground, were feeding back information to Pakistan. Points to consider: The conclusions in the report are not shared by authorities, who believe that Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) in Pakistan was gathering their information from live feeds of news reports. Consider that one of the seven signs of terrorism is surveillance someone recording or monitoring activities. This may include the use of cameras (either still or video), note taking, drawing diagrams, annotating on maps, or using binoculars or other vision-enhancing devices.

Banned Militant Groups Expand Militant groups banned in Pakistan after the 2002 attack on India’s parliament are reported to be once again expanding their operations and recruitment in Pakistani-run Kashmir, according to a government report. Points to consider: The detailed report submitted to the region's government finds that three banned groups: Harkatul Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) are actively planning to open madrassa’s, or Islamic schools in the city of Muzaffarabad. Consider that their presence raises questions about the Islamabad government's pledge to end the activities of the radical Islamist organization, Be aware that Pakistan has launched multiple operations against militants in the past, which critics say they have been pursued half-heartedly, and ended with a truce that left the militants in control. Be aware that with the immense international pressure being applied to Pakistan by the US and its allies, failure now could potentially further embolden the militants, and potentially lead to future attacks against the west.

White Supremacist Arrested Twin brothers were arrested recently following the search of their Davis Junction, Illinois home, where authorities recovered assault weapons, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and white supremacist material. Points to consider: The brothers are accused of executing a 2004 bombing on the behalf of the White Aryan Resistance, that injured a diversity director in Scottsdale, Arizona, authorities said. Consider that the Southern Poverty Law Center in 2008 which tracks extremists groups reports that there are 926 active groups in the U.S., up more than 4% from 2007, and more than a 50% increase since 2000, and the number of hate groups operating in the US has continued to rise. Consider the significance of the numbers 14 and 8 to these extremists. The number "14" is the white supremacist shorthand for "the 14 words," a racist credo authored by one of the godfathers of the neo-Nazi movement, David Lane, and "88" being the numeric code for the eighth letter of the alphabet, indicating "HH," or "Heil Hitler."


The Rickshaw Bomb At least 62 people were killed and another 150 people wounded by a bombing in a crowded Sadr City, Iraq market recently. The improvised explosive device (IED) was hidden beneath fruit and vegetables. Points to consider: An improvised explosive device (IED) can be almost anything with any type of material and initiator. It is a “homemade” device that is designed to cause death or injury by using explosives. IED’s can be produced in varying sizes, functioning methods, containers, and delivery methods. Consider that the ever-present fruit or vegetable stand arouses little suspicion, making it a not uncommon means of deploying an IED.

Guns and IED Discovered at Domestic Dispute Police were investigating a domestic dispute recently, and arrested an Annsville man when the state police found guns and an improvised explosive device (IED) at his upstate New York home. Points to consider: Police are unsure of how the suspect attained many of the weapons and what his intentions were, and raises some concerns. The items removed include bulletproof vests, two semi-automatic assault rifles that are illegal in New York State, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and the IED, which contained screws and nails.

Stolen Radioactive Source A soil density tester containing radioactive material has been stolen from a Krazan and Associates Engineering Co. vehicle in Bakersfield, CA recently. Points to consider: Consider that the radioactive material inside the density tester could be used in a radiological dispersal device (RDD). A RDD is a device constructed to spread radioactive materials using conventional explosives or other means. A “dirty bomb” is one type of a RDD that combines a conventional explosive, such as dynamite, with radioactive material. The responses to radiological emergencies, our senses (e.g. smell or sight) may not be able to detect hazardous levels of the material. Therefore, the initial response is often carried out based on secondary indications of the hazards such as labels, signs or placards indicating the presence of a hazardous material, and readings from specialized instruments.

Train Collision A pre-dawn crash occurred in China’s Hunan province recently, when a train going from the provincial capital Changsha to the southern city of Shenzhen collided with another Shenzhen-bound train killing 3 people and injuring 60 others. Points to consider: The cause of the accident is under investigation, and is considered the worst train crash in China since 1997, when 126 people were killed in Hunan. Consider that in the wake of last week’s horrific DC Metro crash it is important to understand railroading today is the safest of all modes of American transportation and, train accidents are at one of their lowest levels ever. Be aware that mass transportation accidents do happen and can have a profound effect on first a responders operation. Recognize that these tragic incidents, highlights the potential for mass casualty incident that is present in our aging rail system. Prior to commencing operations, size-up is crucial in evaluating hazards, tactics, and available resources.

Rocky Face Train Derailment Fifteen railroad cars overturned recently on the CSX tracks in Rocky Face, Georgia. Fortunately there were no hazardous materials on the train, which was carrying only lumber and cottonseeds. Points to consider: Trains are the primary means of moving the estimated 1.7 million carloads of hazardous materials each year. The potentially deadly cargo is transported using our countries 140,000-mile U.S. rail system. In 2008, there were 21 train accidents in which some form of hazardous material released. Be aware that chlorine, anhydrous ammonia, and the highly flammable ethanol are common contents carried in tank cars. Trains also haul radioactive substances, though that's less common. Since they're widely used and can vaporize so quickly, chlorine and anhydrous ammonia are considered among the greatest risks. Consider the potential if a chlorine tanker were to be damaged near a populated area, it could release a poisonous gas cloud placing thousands of people at risk.


Inferno Engulfs Homes After Train Derails At least 16 people have been killed and 34 others injured after a freight train carrying liquefied petroleum gas derailed and exploded just before midnight in Viareggio, Italy 220 miles north of Rome. The exact death toll is unclear as 300 firefighters search for survivors through the rubble of homes, which collapsed or burned, killing residents as they slept. Points to consider: Rail cars filled with hazardous material may be the single biggest threat from a derailment or act of sabotage related to the nation's railroads, and once again illustrates the vulnerability of our transportation system. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) (UN 1075) is a flammable gas, and may burn with an almost invisible flame in bright light. In concentrated amounts and in uncontrolled conditions, Liquefied petroleum gas has the potential to create a fire or an explosion. It is stored under pressure, is heavier than air, so any significant leak will move downwards and stay on the ground. LPG will accumulate in any low-lying area such as depressions in the ground, drains or pits. . Be aware that pressure in a container can build up due to heat, and it may rupture (BLEVE) if pressure relief devices should fail to function. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 115.

Hazardous Truck Fire Recently a tractor-trailer carrying hazardous materials caught fire in Lima, Ohio. The trailer contained sealed drums of potassium hydroxide, a chemical with many industrial applications. Fortunately the fire did not involve the trailer, but I-75 was shut down, and the material off-loaded to another truck. Points to consider: Potassium Hydroxide (UN 1813), commonly called Lye is an odorless, white or slightly yellow caustic compound of strong alkaline chemical dissolving readily in water, giving off much heat and forming a caustic solution. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 154.

Chemical Spill at Marysville School Emergency crews responded to a chemical spill at Marysville, CA Public Schools maintenance building recently. The building was evacuated, as a HAZMAT team together with an environmental company cleaned up the hydrochloric acid spill. Points to consider: Hydrochloric acid (UN 1789) is a colorless to light yellow liquid with a harsh pungent irritating odor. Depending upon concentration it may fume upon release. Its vapors are heavier than air and will collect and stay in low areas. It reacts with common metals to produce flammable hydrogen gas. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide #157.

Chemical Discovery Leads to School Evacuation Narromine High School in Australia was evacuated recently after staff discovered an old crystallized picric acid bottle in a lab storeroom. The chemical could be explosive, so an HAZMAT was called to the school to dispose of the chemical. Points to consider: The picric acid was said to be crystallized due to its age, making it very unstable and very explosive. Picric acid can be a useful laboratory reagent; however, dry picric acid is a shock-sensitive explosive capable of releasing energy on a level similar to dynamite. In a confined area such as a lab, the force of a picric acid explosion could be devastating; due to its unstable nature, dry picric acid is forbidden from being transported in the U.S. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 113.


Work Van Accident An appliance repair van loaded with volatile chemicals crashed into the back of a transit bus recently, sending nine people to hospitals. Police shut down a busy Florida road when they discovered that the van contained chemicals and gases, including chlorine, nitrogen and propane. Points to consider: Accidents involving trucks carrying hazardous materials are one of the most common HAZMAT incidents. Unfortunately, some trucks containing hazardous materials may not have placards, because the quantities of material being transported do not require a placard. First responders should assume any commercial truck or van involved to contains hazardous materials.

Lost at Sea A shipping container washed up on Camps Bay, South Africa beach recently. The container was one of the twenty-one containers washed overboard from the vessel Safmarine Meru. Three of the containers that washed overboard are tanks containing the hazardous chemical cresylic acid. Points to consider: Consider that ninety-percent of the worlds trade is transported by the ship, with approximately 13 million shipping containers arriving at U.S. ports each year. Containers greatly facilitate the shipment of cargo in bulk, but at the same time they are extremely vulnerable to a variety of traditional and non-traditional threats. Cresol (UN 2076) is brownish liquid with a phenol-like odor. The acid is used among other things in disinfectants and household cleaners. It is considered a corrosive, and toxic by ingestion, inhalation and in contact with skin. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 153.

Chemical Reaction Fire crews were called out to the Procter and Gamble plant in Albany, GA recently after plant employees noticed a pallet of Sodium Hydrosulfite smoldering. Firefighters with the assistance of P&G employees moved the pallet containing the chlorine product outside where firefighters watered it down. Points to consider: Sodium hydrosulfite (UN 1384) is a versatile chemical that's used in the manufacture of a variety of products. Reactive with acids, moisture, and may undergo hazardous decomposition, condensation or polymerization. It may react violently with water to emit toxic gases or it may become self-reactive under conditions of shock or increase in temperature or pressure. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 135.

Hazmat Accident Snarls Commute An overturned tractor-trailer carrying 150-gallon containers hexaflourozirconic acid resulted in the exit ramp from I-476 to I-76 in Conshohocken, PA to be closed recently. Points to consider: Hexafluorozirconic acid (UN 3264) AKA dihydrogen hexafluorozirconate, and fluorozirconic acid is a light green highly corrosive liquid. It is incompatible with acids, oxidizing agents, contact with acids releases hydrogen fluoride For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 154.

Fireworks Can Ruin Festivities Many Americans throw caution to the winds and break out the fireworks each year on the Fourth of July. Points to consider: As first responders know all too well, explosives, including small sparklers that burn at 2,000 degrees or illegal M-1000’s often add a devastating conclusion onto an otherwise festive holiday. Consider that in 2008, 7,000 Americans were treated for firework-related injuries, with 400 losing their eyesight and seven dying.


Haz Mat Spill Closes I 40 Interstate 40 near the North Carolina-Tennessee border was closed recently after a truck accident resulted in a variety of chemical to spill, including toluene, polyethylene glycol, and polyethylene sorbitan. Points to consider: Every day, some 800,000 hazardous materials are shipped on the road, carrying everything from chlorine and gasoline to liquefied natural gas and radioactive material, according to a study by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Hazardous material (Hazmat) transportation trucks represent far more danger than any other truck in the event of an accident. Be aware that the Department of Transportation (DOT) uses an identification system (placards) to identify hazardous shipments. Additionally transporters carry shipping papers to identify the cargo being carried (Truck: bill of lading, Air: air-bill, Railroad: waybill, and Ships: cargo manifest).

1,000-Gallon Fuel Spill It happened at Spirit-Aero Systems in Tulsa, Oklahoma recently. The company uses large diesel generators, to supply power. A thousand-gallon fuel tank was brought in to supply those generators, but the asphalt underneath the trailer gave way causing the trailer to overturn spilling the fuel. Points to consider: Diesel fuel (UN 1993) vapors may be ignited rapidly when exposed to heat, spark, open flame or other source of ignition. When mixed with air and exposed to an ignition source, flammable vapors can burn in the open or explode in confined spaces. Being heavier than air, vapors may travel long distances to an ignition source and flash back. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 128.

Sodium Hydroxide Spill A tractor-trailer hauling 8,000 gallons of sodium hydroxide was involved in an accident resulting in the truck overturning and spilling its cargo on Route 137 in Knox, ME recently. Emergency responders closed the road, and filled sandbags to contain the caustic cargo from entering a nearby stream until a second tanker arrived to offload the remainder of the product. Points to consider: Sodium hydroxide (Lye) or caustic soda (UN1823) is often used as a drain or pipe cleaner. It is an odorless white solid or a clear to milky solution. It reacts with water or moisture to produce large amounts of heat, and reacts with some metals to produce highly flammable hydrogen gas. It can cause irritation to the skin on contact and is considered an inhalation irritant. For general operating procedures refer the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 154.

Science Building Chemical Explosion The Boston Fire Department (BFD) responded to explosion, caused by a chemical reaction at Boston University’s Metcalf Science building recently. The chemical reaction was apparently, caused by mixing two “incompatible” chemicals. Points to consider: Mixing incompatible chemicals can form an explosive mixture, and react violently when they come into contact with each other. Accidental contact of incompatible chemicals can lead to fire, explosion and/or the release of highly toxic substances. The magnitude of the problem usually increases with the quantity of chemicals. Prudent practice requires that incompatible chemicals be stored in separate locations to minimize the risk of accidental mixing.

Pipe Bomb Recently maintenance man in Mt. Washington, Ohio found a pipe bomb behind a dumpster at an apartment complex, which was safely detonated by the Cincinnati Bomb Squad. Points to consider: A first responder upon arrival should be to perform a size up. This is the first step in gaining control of the situation. If explosive devices are suspected or discovered all civilians and responders should be evacuated from the danger area. Be aware that premature detonation is a common hazard in construction of any homemade bomb, making unintentional detonation incidents common. Remember that upon the discovery of explosives the explosive device shall not be disturbed, and shall be assumed to be dangerous and possibly "booby trapped".


Eco-Terrorism Remains No. 1 Domestic Terror Threat http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,343768,00.html

Al-Qaeda http://www.cfr.org/publication/9126/

Terror Groups in India http://www.cfr.org/publication/12773/

LeT cell in Mumbai aided 26/11 terrorists http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/LeT-cell-in-Mumbai-aided-2611-terrorists-Report/articleshow/4713114.cms

White Supremacists Worried About Movement’s Image http://www.splcenter.org/blog/2009/06/12/white-supremacists-worried-about-movements-image/

The IED and VBIED Threat Smart Card http://www.fas.org/irp/doddir/army/ied‐smartcard.pdf

Training for Railroad Emergencies http://www.fireengineering.com/display_article/364394/25/none/none/Depar/Training-for-Railroad-Emergencies

"Dirty Bombs" http://www.cfr.org/publication/9548

PICRIC ACID HAZARDS http://www.cci.ca.gov/Reference/PICRIC.pdf

Jane’s Mass Casualty Handbook http://public-safety.ihs.com/handbooks/mass-casualty-prehospital.htm

Army Guide – Pipe Bombs http://www.army-guide.com/eng/article/article_895.html

earth liberation front arsonists for global warming · acts of terrorism, including arson,...

Documents