the “lone wolf” threat june 17, 2009 - global incident map

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The “Lone Wolf” Threat

Supremacist groups are on the rise as they market themselves to middle America, according to the groups that monitor them. They are fueled by the debate over illegal immigration and a struggling economy. After years of worrying about the threat posed by radical Islamic terrorists, is the recent shooting attack on the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, which came soon after the murder of a prominent abortion doctor a signal that officials should be ratcheting up its concern about right-wing extremism? Points to consider: Within hours of the latest attack, blogs and social networking sites were buzzing with talk that the two incidents taken together confirm the rise of right-wing extremism in America. With hate groups on the rise the threat posed by lone wolves and small terrorist cells is more pronounced now than in past years according to watchdog organizations. They point to the recession, anti-immigration views and the election of the nation's first black president as key factors. Additionally, the Internet now gives extremists more access to information about bomb making and weapons training. A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) assessment of domestic extremism found approximately 2,400 white supremacist web sites; 72 blogs; 30 mailing lists; 213 user groups and clubs; and 25 online racist video games. These new technologies also make it easier for extremists to utilize the “leaderless resistance” or lone wolf concept, making it more difficult for law enforcement to detect or prevent an attack. Consider that, with the threat of al-Qaeda and other international terrorists dominating the headlines, it's important to remember that domestic terrorists and hate groups were considered the top threat on September 10, 2001. In many ways, that hasn't changed, though the attention to it has.

June 17, 2009

Leaderless Resistance The concept of "leaderless resistance," also known as the "lone wolf" theory, popularized by white supremacist Louis Beam consists of small underground cells that come together through ideology rather than formal organizations. In this strategy small groups (cells) and individuals fight an entrenched power through independent acts of violence and mayhem. The cells do not have any central coordination they are leaderless, and they do not have explicit communications with one another, which makes them resistant to informers and infiltration. Leaderless Resistance is a technique used by white supremacist, and has become the “de facto strategy” of the violent fringe of the animal rights and environmental activist movements.


Eco-Terror Threat An international eco-terrorist group is being investigated for threats against the chief executive of the Victorian Hazelwood power plant in Australia. Details of the letter were posted on the Earth Liberation Front (ELF) website. The letter warned the executive that he is being held personally responsible for the pollution from power plant, which ELF calls the world's worst polluter. Points to consider: The FBI regards the Earth Liberation Front as the most severe domestic terrorists in the United States. Its headquarters is in the United States, where this extremist group has a record of following up on threats. It now appears that they now clearly have international connections, boasting of causing $150 million destruction in their crusade to protect the environment, claiming to have committed attacks in 17 countries. Additionally, consider the timing of this threat. It comes in advance of the United Nations conference on global-warming to be held this December in Copenhagen. Consider that with the upcoming conference this may not be an isolated threat, and may be followed by similar threats or actions in other countries.

The Black Widows The stereotype of the suicide attacker used to be that of a young male, radicalized either by frustration, group recruitment and/or coercion. In recent years, a new phenomenon, the female suicide bomber, has been on the rise. This new breed of martyrs by virtue of their gender, have managed to bypass security checkpoints, by concealing explosive devices under their robes. Points to consider: The use of female suicide bombers initially was due to the obstacles faced by male attackers. But consider that the media impact of a woman's suicide is more powerful for its novelty, and makes a case for an increasingly grave situation and provokes more sympathy for the cause. Additionally, it is becoming increasingly clear that terrorists have a fertile breeding ground in communities of women struck by grief and loss. In Chechnya, for example, females execute the majority of suicide bombing campaigns, the most prominent group being The ”Black Widows”, or Shahidka, believed to have been established by the bereaved who had lost husbands and male relatives in the war with Russia.

Al-Qaeda Leaving for Somalia, and Yemen Under mounting pressure in their sanctuaries, Islamist militants have responded with a wave of bomb attacks in Pakistani cities. Additionally, al-Qaeda fighters, and a handful of its leaders, are said to be leaving the Tribal Areas of Pakistan and moving to Somalia and Yemen. Points to consider: Some aides to President Obama, view this as a victory, attributing the moves to intensified drone attacks. But there are other possible explanations. Consider that the growth of the jihadist campaigns in both Somalia and Yemen, which may now have some of the same appeal for militants, that Iraq did after the US military campaign there in 2003. Additionally, the terrorist groups in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia are said to be now communicating more frequently, and apparently trying to coordinate their actions, according to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Consider that emergence of these potential new safe havens, from which al-Qaeda and its affiliates could plan, train, and launch new attacks against the west

Universities of Terror In a research paper titled, “Terrorism in the United Kingdom”, a security think tank's chief has warned that we may face a new generation of terrorists more dangerous than the semi-trained "amateurs" we have seen. Michael Clarke, of the Royal United Services Institute in the UK, said recent years might seem like a "golden age" of successes against violent extremism. He argued that convicts in jails could turn them into "universities of terror". Points to consider: Consider that in 2005, Robert Mueller, Director of the F.B.I. told the Senate Intelligence Committee "prisons continue to be fertile ground for extremists who exploit both a prisoner's conversion to Islam while still in prison, as well as their socioeconomic status and placement in the community upon their release." Be aware that Richard Reid (the shoe bomber) became a radical Islamist while in a UK prison, and Jose Padilla who planned to explode a “dirty bomb” was radicalized while in prison.


Nuclear Saber Rattling North Korea said it will "weaponize" its plutonium stocks, and views any US-led attempts to "blockade" it as an "act of war", the state media recently said. Points to consider: North Korea is thought to possess enough reprocessed plutonium for between six and eight nuclear weapons, however analysts say they have not yet mastered the technology to make a nuclear warhead small enough to place on a missile. These assumptions have lead to the speculation that North Korea wants to build dictator Kim Jong Il's reputation within the country and coax the new U.S. President to provide more financial aid and reduce pressure on disarmament. Consider another possibility: that Pyongyang's nuclear knowledge could be passed to other states, creating a potential revenue source from selling nuclear technology or material. Additionally, consider a study by the U.S.-based Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis think tank that estimated the cash strapped Pyongyang earns $1.5 billion a year from weapons sales.

Mortgage Delinquencies Hit Highest Rate Since 1972 Delinquencies and foreclosures have risen despite aggressive federal efforts to curb foreclosures by getting homeowners into more affordable mortgages. Nearly 1 in 8 of the nation's home mortgage holders were behind in their payments in the first quarter, the most since at least 1972. Points to consider: The problems are spreading, more than 12% of residential mortgage loans are delinquent or in some stage of foreclosure. The states hit hardest by the real estate bust are: California, Florida, Arizona and Nevada, which account for 46 percent of new foreclosures in the country. Consider that, abandonment of property is the most striking indication of neighborhood decline, and fire is intertwined with abandonment as both a cause and undesired side effect.

Nitro-methane Interstate 10 in San Antonio, TX was closed recently, after an accident involved a tractor-trailer carrying 75 barrels of nitro-methane, which resulted barrels containing the hazardous liquid rolling down the freeway. Points to consider: Consider that the explosive and shock-sensitive liquid nitro-methane (UN1261) is used widely in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, explosives, fibers, coatings, and also finds use as a racing fuel. Shock and heat sensitive, nitro-methane is thermally unstable, and reacts violently with a broad range of materials. Contact with organic bases (amines), acids, and some metal oxides such as lead pigments, may markedly increase its sensitivity to detonation by shock. Do not use dry chemical fire extinguishers containing sodium or potassium bicarbonates on nitro-methane fires. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 129.

Tanker Truck Explosion A tanker truck hauling 8,000 gallons of ethanol crashed on a highway in Long Beach, CA, recently. The large quantity of ethanol in the truck fueled a huge fireball that enveloped the overpasses, weakening the elevated stretch of road. Points to consider: Ethanol (UN 1170) and ethanol-blended fuels (UN 3475) are in use in growing quantities in the United States. Today, there are more than 8 billion gallons of ethanol type fuel ethanol produced in the U S. Every day, tens of millions of gallons of this grain alcohol moves from bio-refineries to major population centers on both coasts. The fuel is transported in tanker trucks on congested highways, and railroads passing through cities. Consider that the addition of ethanol to gasoline presents some unique firefighting challenges. Traditional methods of fire fighting against hydrocarbon (gasoline) fires have been found to be ineffective against these polar solvent-type (ethanol-blended) fuels. While gasoline will tend to float on top of water, ethanol fuels are water-soluble and will tend to blend with the water. For this reason, the use of Alcohol-Resistant (AR) foam as a means of extinguishing an ethanol fire is recommended. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 127.


Hazmat Crew Contain Chemical Leak A plug on a 1-ton (160-gallon) chlorine tank was the cause of a chlorine leak recently at the Indiana American Water treatment facility, in Johnson County, Indiana. The counties 12-member hazmat team was able to stop the leak by affixing a protective cover designed specifically for that tank. Points to consider: Chlorine (UN 1017) is a greenish-yellow gas or a clear, amber colored liquid with a suffocating, pungent, irritating odor. Chlorine and water can be very corrosive. Corrosion of metal containers can make leaks worse. Although non-flammable, chlorine is a strong oxidizer and will support the burning of most combustible materials. Flammable gases and vapors can form explosive mixtures with chlorine. Chlorine can react violently when in contact with many materials and generate heat with possible flammable or explosive vapors. Chlorine gas is heavier than air and will collect in low-lying areas. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 124.

Chemical Spill Four Standard Aero employees, were taken to hospital recently after a break in a sulphuric acid line resulted in that chemical mixing with sodium hydrochlorite, and forming chlorine gas inside the Winnipeg, Canada business. Points to consider: Sulfuric acid (UN 1830) is a thick oily odorless liquid, but has a choking odor when hot. Considered highly corrosive, it will react with water to produce toxic and corrosive fumes. Vapors are heavier than air and will collect and stay in low areas. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook guide # 137.

Propane Emergency A Bedford, VA printing company was evacuated recently. A tractor-trailer accidentally clipped a pipe connected to a 500-gallon propane tank causing the flammable gas to leak. Firefighters used water spray to suppress the vapors while a hazmat team closed the valve stopping the leak. Points to consider: Propane (UN 1075) is odorless, tasteless, and colorless in its natural state; an odorant (ethyl mercapitan) is added similar to natural gas, so that leaks may be detected. Propane is easily ignited, heavier than air, therefore, it may collect in low areas or travel along the ground where an ignition source may be present. 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.

Formaldehyde Spill Anchorage Fire Department units responded to the scene of a reported chemical spill recently. A forklift had run over a formaldehyde container in the Alaska Airlines Cargo Hanger. Airport Police and Fire units cordoned off the area and assisted with evacuation of employees, while AFD hazmat technicians wearing special protective gear entered the building to contain and clean up the spill. Points to consider: Formaldehyde (UN 1198) is common to the chemical industry. It is well known as a preservative in medical laboratories, as an embalming fluid, and as a sterilizer. Its primary use is in the production of resins and as a chemical intermediate. Moderate fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame, vapors are heavier than air and may travel a considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back. Vapor-air mixtures are explosive. Toxic vapors are generated during decomposition in fire (formic acid). For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 132.


Ethanol Tanker Overturns A tanker truck carrying ethanol overturned in Midland, NC recently spilling 1,500 gallons of the highly explosive substance. Due to the potential danger of the hazardous fluid, nearby residents were evacuated from the area and road shut down. Points to consider: Ethanol (UN 1170) is a high-octane motor fuel. At its most basic, ethanol is grain alcohol, produced from crops such as corn. Unblended 100% ethanol is not used as a motor fuel; instead, a percentage of ethanol is combined with gasoline. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide #127.

Hydrogen Sulfide Incident Three workers were taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital after hydrogen sulfide fumes overcame them recently. The workers were doing routine repair work when one of the crewmen dropped a tool into the hole and tried to retrieve it about 25 feet below the surface. The man was overcome with hydrogen sulfide fumes and became unconscious. Two other workers made consecutive attempts to rescue him and were also rendered unconscious by the fumes. Points to consider: Hydrogen sulfide, commonly known as sewer gas, is a colorless, flammable, extremely hazardous gas with a “rotten egg” smell. Hydrogen sulfide is heavier than air and may travel along the ground. It collects in low-lying and enclosed, poorly ventilated areas, and can be toxic in high concentrations. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 117.

Methyl Acetate Spill Approximately 35 gallons of an adhesive, called methyl acetate leaked from a 55-gallon drum at Evergreen Packaging in Clinton, Iowa recently. The Davenport hazmat team responded to the spill, evacuated the building and cleaned up the spill. Points to consider: Methyl Acetate (UN 1231) is a colorless liquid with a fruity characteristic "ester" odor. It is used as a solvent in fast drying paints such as lacquers, and also a solvent for waste film in the production of cellulosic adhesives. Methyl acetate is extremely flammable, readily forms explosive mixtures with air, has a low flash point and wide explosion limits. It is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, strong acids, nitrates, and may be moisture sensitive. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 129.

Hydrogen Peroxide Spill Seven people were taken to the hospital recently after a hydrogen peroxide spill in the Yale School of Nursing building in New Haven, CT. Custodians tried to disperse the fumes from the spill with fans, which instead sent the noxious odor throughout the building Points to consider: Hydrogen peroxide (UN 2015) is a clear, colorless liquid that is considered a strong oxidizer. Contact with combustibles may cause fire. Although it is considered non-combustible, on decomposition it releases oxygen, which may intensify fire. For general operating procedures refer to the Emergency Response Guidebook, guide # 143.

Homemade Explosive Found in School Locker Custodians were cleaning out lockers after school was released, in Ellensburg, Wash, and found a homemade explosive device made out of the cardboard tubing of a paper towel in one of the lockers. Because it was homemade, the police EOD weren't comfortable in transporting it, so they detonated it. Points to consider: The most important rule with explosives remains: Do not disturb it. Evacuate the area immediately and ensure that no one reenters the area. Establish an initial "exclusion area". You can adjust the size of the area, if needed, considering the type of explosive, the physical size of the package and the surrounding area Additionally, premature detonation is a common hazard in construction of any homemade bomb, making unintentional detonation incidents common. Remember that upon the discovery of explosives devices at any operation the appropriate agencies shall be notified promptly.


Militant Extremists in the United States http://www.cfr.org/publication/9236/

The Threat of Eco-Terrorism http://www.fbi.gov/congress/congress02/jarboe021202.htm

Animal rights terrorism http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-trull18-2008aug18,0,1625747.story

FEMALE SUICIDE BOMBERS http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/PUB408.pdf

Pursuing al-Qaeda in Horn of Africa http://english.aljazeera.net/focus/2008/08/200881983642167910.html

Prisoner Radicalization: Assessing the Threat in U.S. http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/journals/261/prisoner-radicalization.htm

Nuclear Weapons Program http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/dprk/nuke/index.html

Nitro methane http://www.3dchem.com/molecules.asp?ID=259#

The Hazards of Propane http://www.state.nj.us/dca/dfs/ffh1060x_ch03.pdf

Formaldehyde http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/formaldehyde/recognition.html

METHYL ACETATE http://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/1217.pdf

the “lone wolf” threat june 17, 2009 - global incident map

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