On 10 occasions this week AlertsUSA subscribers were notified via SMS messages to their mobile devices regarding safety and security matters. Most important for this report, on Monday AlertsUSA subscribers were some of the first in the nation to learn of reports of an explosion at the Port Authority Bus Terminal located at 42nd St. and 8th Ave, just off Times Square in Manhattan.
In this incident, 27-year-old Akayed Ullah, a Bangladesh national who came to the U.S. in 2011 on an F43 family immigrant visa, attempted to detonate a pipe bomb constructed of black powder and matches using a detonator constructed of Christmas lights and a 9-volt battery. As the device was poorly assembled, the result was only a partial detonation. A total of five people were injured in the attack, with the bomber himself sustaining the worst of the injuries in the form of burns to his hands and torso.
The explosion occurred in a crowded passageway linking the 8th Ave and 42nd street mezzanines. Had the device detonated correctly, the effects would likely have been catastrophic.
Depending on which news source you read, the bomber's justification for the attack ranges from anger at Christmas-themed posters hanging in the transport hub, to U.S. and Israeli actions concerning the Palestinians and Jerusalem.
Peeling back the layers of political correctness, all of these explanations for the suspect's actions are fundamentally based on the teachings of Islam. Even the most cursory study of the subject will show that Islam views itself as the only true religion. As such, one of its goals is the eradication of what is seen as the false and misplaced practice of all other religions.
The Koran and Hadiths, as well as scores of Islamic scholars, very openly and clearly teach that it is the obligation of all Muslims to fight against unbelievers and unbelieving nations. (Download the free AlertsUSA Threat Journal report 'Deadly Verses' to see for yourself).
To this end, a criminal complaint filed in federal court on Tuesday quoted the suspect telling investigators, "I did it for the Islamic State."
Readers are reminded that on November 27, AlertsUSA subscribers were notified of an Islamic State propaganda poster in circulation on social media sites showing a figure dressed as Santa Claus overlooking Times Square with a box of dynamite at his side, along with the words; We meet at Christmas in New York.... soon.
Over the last two weeks, AlertsUSA subscribers have also been notified of new threats of holiday attacks on cities across the U.S. and Europe, including New York, Washington, San Diego, London, Paris, Berlin and Amsterdam.
AlertsUSA again warns that many, but not all, attacks by the Islamic State in Western countries have been preceded by the release of propaganda posters and other public threats. Caution and vigilance are urged if you live in or are traveling to these locations, and in particular, during the end-of-year holidays.
The five posters we reported on this week are shown below:
New York / Manhattan
James P. O'Neill is the name of the current Police Commissioner of
New York City, to whom the kneeling figure bears a close resemblance.
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New York / Manhattan
The Arabic is a direct translation of the English statement.
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New York / Times Square
Arabic Translation:
You must fight them O believer
O believer Catch them
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Washington
Arabic Translation:
We will destroy your black house.
It's the Promise of Allah and Allah doesn't breach his promise
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California
Arabic Translation:
California will be in war soon
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AlertsUSA continues to monitor the overall domestic and international threat environment, and will immediately notify service subscribers via SMS messages of new alerts, warnings and advisories or any developments which signal a change the overall threat picture for American citizens as events warrant.
