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Africa North
Algeria foils Qaeda attempt to attack foreign ships sailing in the Mediterranean
2012-01-25
Posted by:Mike Ramsey

#2  IIRC NET > BRIT EX-PM BLAIR? = allegedly signed a secret deal agreeing to hand over the major Brit Base at GIBRALTAR to Spain.

Iff true, then AL-QAEDA may have the advantage as the Spanish Navy is known to be one of the smallest + weakest in NATO-EU = EUROZONE. The impetus is on econ-troubled Spain + Madrid = Spanish Navy to modernize + change its ways.

* ION QAEDA, WORLD NEWS > AL-QAEDA-IN-IRAQ SAYS US WITHDREW TO SAVE FUNDS [save $$$], as due to looming econ collapse.

* FREEREPUBLIC > RADICAL CLERIC OMAR BAKRI MOHAMMAD THREATENS SYRIA [Baby Assad + Alawi' Regime] WID A WAVE OF SUICIDE BOMBS.

AQ + hardline Salafi Muslim Groups, other aligned prepping to wage war on Assad.
Posted by: JosephMendiola   2012-01-25 22:10  

#1  Algerian security foiled a terrorist al-Qaeda [in the Islamic Maghreb] plot to carry out suicidal attacks on U.S. and European ships in the Mediterranean from the eastern coasts of Algeria... [O]ne of the suspects, called H. Rabeh and currently detained by Algerian authorities, got in touch with a man nicknamed Abbie, wanted by authorities, and who is known for his activities in illegal immigration. Abbie provided Rabeh with detailed information about prices of boats and locations from which they can carry out the operation and which are basically centered around the Algerian east coast.

East coast of Algeria is at one of several possible shipping chokepoints in the western Med, and was possibly AQIM's best option. The Straits of Gilbraltar and the coastal area around Oran are more likely to be patrolled.

The other possibles are on the Tunisian coast, but there isn't as likely a support infrastructure in place as there is in Algeria.

Libya can be discounted in this instance. Too much open water and the shipping lanes are farther offshore.
Posted by: Pappy   2012-01-25 17:55  

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