Monthly Archives: December 2017

WEEKLY THREAT ROUNDUP 12-31-17

From AlertsUSA

 

A view of the newly developed intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-15 prior to the maiden flight on 28 November 2017 - ALLOW IMAGES

North Korea Preps New Satellite Launch May Involve Nuclear Test

 

December 30, 2017

 

On Dec 26th, the following related Flash SMS message was sent to AlertsUSA subscriber mobile devices:

12/26 – N. Korea is preparing to loft a new satellite into space, a move widely believed to be a continuation of weapons testing. More via email.

What You Need To Know

On 9 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 Tuesday, subscribers were informed of reports that N. Korea is preparing for a new satellite launch. The report comes just days after the North’s ruling party newspaper Rodong Sinmun reasserted the regime’s right to launch satellites and develop its space technology. In a commentary published on Monday and titled “Peaceful Space Programmes are Sovereign Countries’ Legitimate Rights”, the daily said Pyongyang’s satellite launches “absolutely correspond” with international laws concerning space development.

Most western intelligence services view such launches as a continuation of development activities for N. Korea’s ballistic missile and weapons programs.

At present, N. Korea has two satellites in orbit, both of which are formally registered with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. The most recent launch took place on February 7, 2016 as the United Nations Security Council was deciding on sanctions following a January 6, 2016 nuclear weapons test. The launch was also timed to celebrate the 74th birthday of the late leader Kim Jong-il on February 16.

Thus far in 2017, North Korea has successfully launched three intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of delivering warheads to most, if not all of the continental United States. The remaining technological hurdle they have not yet demonstrated clearing is the proper shielding of a warhead to enable it to functionally survive the rigors of reentry into the atmosphere. And herein rest the concerns of another satellite launch.

Readers are remind that on September 21, AlertsUSA subscribers were informed of a threat by N. Korea to conduct an atmospheric nuclear test over the Pacific.The threat was issued again on November 28th by a senior N. Korean official who indicated that an above-ground nuclear detonation or a “large scale hydrogen bomb” test was necessary for the DPRK to send a clear message to the Trump administration that it possesses an effective nuclear deterrent.

In the last week, western intelligence analysts have voiced speculation that N. Korea’s next satellite launch could in fact end up being a test of a hardened reentry assembly proved out with an atmospheric detonation of a nuclear or hydrogen warhead.

At present, no formal notices to mariners or aviators have been issued. Previous N. Korean satellite launches have been preceded by such notices highlighting impact and drop zones for spent stages and fairings. As a result of these notices, S. Korea has been able to recover rocket debris yielding significant intelligence value. For example, debris recovered from the Feb. 7, 2016, rocket launch revealed several foreign-sourced commercial components, including bearings with Cyrillic characters indicating Russian-origin, a Chinese infrared camera, and pressure transmitters manufactured in Britain.

To date, the United Nations Security Council has adopted eight major sanctions resolutions on N. Korea in response to the country’s nuclear and missile activities since 2006. Needless to say, another rocket launch, regardless of the intent, would be viewed as highly provocative.

Late this week, N. Korea announced there will be no change to it’s nuclear policy in 2018 and that it will continue to enhance its nuclear capabilities in the future declaring the communist state an “invincible” and “responsible” nuclear power.

AlertsUSA continues to monitor events on the Koren Peninsula 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.

 


 

AlertsUSA.com

OTHER SMS ALERTS FROM THIS WEEK
NOT DETAILED IN THIS NEWSLETTER ISSUE

12/23 – AlertsUSA monitoring response to shooting incident w/ injuries, Northgate Mall, Durham, NC. Mall complex under lockdown Add’l alerts as warranted.

12/23 – Multiple reports of shots fired, Aventura Mall, N. Miami. Heavy police presence. Avoid the area. Add’l alerts as warranted.

12/28 – AlertsUSA monitoring response to poss vehicular attack @ 5th Ave. & Pine St. in downtown Seattle. At least 4 injured before van crashed into store front.

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Security High for New Year’s Celebrations

 

December 30, 2017

 

Between Dec 27-29, the following related Flash SMS messages were sent AlertsUSA subscriber mobile devices:

12/27 – AlertsUSA monitoring ongoing response to an explosion in a busy Perekrestok supermarket in St Petersburg, Russia. Four confirmed injuries.

12/27 – New Islamic State video “Inside the Khilafah #6 – A Message To The Crusading Trump” calls on followers to carry out attacks in the U.S. See email for more.

12/27 – U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Russia have issued an emergency msg for U.S. citizens regarding the supermarket explosion in St. Petersburg. See email.

12/28 – US and EU police on high alert in run up to New Year’s celebrations due to heightened terror threat environment. See email for more info.

12/29 – Islamic State claims responsibility for St. Petersburg, Russia bomb blast that injured 10 people on Dec 27. Statement issued via ISIS Amaq News Agency.

What You Need To Know

Law enforcement across the U.S., Europe and Australia are on high alert with the approach of New Year’s Eve celebrations. Large public gathering in most major metropolitan areas will see increased police presence, high security zones and bag restrictions.

The annual New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square is is expected to draw approximately 1-2 million people. An area roughly 22 city blocks long and three long blocks wide will be sealed off from both vehicle and pedestrian traffic with cement blocks, sand-filled trucks and other vehicles blocking the streets leading into the area.

Revelers entering that secure zone will be screened at a dozen access points where they will pass metal detectors, vapor wake dogs and officers with portable radiation detectors. Large backpacks are not allowed. All small bags will be searched. Most will also experience a second round of security screening before entering spectator pens. Those who leave the pens are not allowed to re-enter.

Overly strict? Perhaps, but as broad-reaching political correctness continues to dominate the response to Islamic terrorism in most western nations, this is the result.

Readers are reminded that the extra precautions for New York follow two recent terrorist attacks in the city. On Dec. 11, four people were injured after a man detonated an improvised explosive device at the city’s busiest commuter hub near Times Square during rush hour. On Oct. 31, eight people were killed and a dozen more injured after a rented truck was intentionally plowed into pedestrians on a bicycle path near the World Trade Center. Times Square itself was targeted in May of this year by a car driven through crowds of pedestrians for more than three blocks before slamming into a metal barrier installed around the square’s plazas.

Readers are also reminded that the Islamic State and al Qaeda have issued multiple threats and calls to action for followers during the past two months (see this, this, this and this.)

This week, AlertsUSA subscribers were informed of new video from the Islamic State’s al-Hayat Media Center featuring an injured American jihadist fighter calling for attacks in U.S.. The speaker, who identifies himself as ‘Abu Salia from America,’ issues threats to President Trump, calls on “brothers with limbs or no limbs” to “get a knife” or “take advantage of the fact you can easily get a rifle or pistol” in the U.S., and to “answer the call, rise and strike.”

Still frame from Islamic State video - ALLOW IMAGES

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.

 


 

The Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Pennsylvania (SSBN 735) transits the Hood Canal as the boat returns to its homeport at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Wash., following a routine strategic deterrent patrol Dec. 27, 2017. Pennsylvania is one of eight ballistic-missile submarines stationed at the base, providing the most survivable leg of the strategic deterrence triad for the United States. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amanda R. Gray) - ALLOW IMAGES

World News Roundup

 

December 30, 2017

 

Other Developments We Are Following

AMERICAS

Is the U.S. Military Ready for a War with North Korea?
Here’s All The Sweet Gear Soldiers Will Rock Downrange In 2018
Donald Trump demands China does more to reign in North Korea
US says Romanians hacked Washington DC police cameras
Officials: Nearly half of Puerto Rico clients without power
Mexico confronts surge in violence against women
Navy Seeks Better Sleep For Crews w/ New Rest Guidelines, Special Glasses
The Top Leaks, Hacks, And Exposed Secrets Of 2017
Venezuelans protest over pork shortages during Christmas
Don’t Raise a New Year’s Toast for Defeating ISIS Just Yet
The Next Revolution In Military Affairs: How America’s Military Will Dominate

EUROPE

The beginning of the end for German Chancellor Angela Merkel?
Russia calls ongoing strain with US a major disappointment
Record number of Irish passports issued as Brexit vote spurs demand
1987 papers reveal ‘MI5 plot to kill Irish PM Haughey’
Former SS ‘bookkeeper of Auschwitz’ to start jail sentence after appeal fails.
Russia accuses US of violating arms control treaty
Russia Is Getting More Confident About Infiltrating UK Territories
In Europe, deaths outnumbered births among Christians in 24 of 42 countries
The KGB Playbook for Infiltrating the Middle East
Russia Will Retaliate After U.S. Supplies Lethal Weapons To Ukraine
Russia’s presidential election: What you need to know

MIDDLE EAST

Is Anyone Listening To Protests In Iran?
Egypt attack: Twelve die as gunmen hit Coptic Christians
As guns fall silent, Russia to shape Syria’s political endgame
Syrian refugees in Turkey reluctant to return home
Syrian offensive against Kurds would be a ‘mistake’: Mattis
Israeli military strikes Gaza Strip after rocket fire
Tanzania threatens to shut churches after Magufuli criticism
Former football star George Weah wins Liberian presidential election
Turkey detains 75 Islamic State suspects
US ready to partner with Pakistan to defeat terrorists: Tillerson.
For the Russian Military in Syria, Old Habits Die Hard

ASIA

Russian tankers fueled North Korea via transfers at sea
North Korea: South seizes ship amid row over illegal oil transfer
After Trump criticism, China denies selling oil illicitly to North Korea
At least four North Korean defectors potentially exposed to radiation
Taiwanese President Announces Defense Spending Boost to Counter China
China brings People’s Armed Police under control of top military chiefs
Chinese military launches website to get national security tip-offs
Nine jailed in Vietnam for ‘attempt to overthrow state’
China’s Uighurs work to fend off pull of jihad
Australia on heightened alert during Russian military exercise in Indonesia
Pakistan Warns Trump Against Unilateral Moves in Country

 


 

Travel Security Update

The U.S. Dept. of State is the authoritative federal source for information on the security situation at travel destinations worldwide. With tensions rapidly increasing in most regions, readers planning international travel, even to such common destinations as Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean Islands, are strongly encouraged to do a little research on the security situation well prior to departure.

Latest USGOV Travel Alerts and Warnings

Pakistan
12/07/2017

Honduras
12/06/2017

N. Korea
11/09/2017

Togo
11/07/2017

Niger
10/24/2017

Cyclone Season
10/24/2017

Venezuela
10/23/2017

Sudan
10/19/2017

Syria
10/18/2017

DR Congo
10/16/2017

Mauritania
10/12/2017

Cameroon
10/02/2017

Europe
11/16/2017

Worldwide Caution

12/06/2017

The Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) provides several resources to enhance the safety and security of the U.S. private sector abroad. Additional information can be found on OSAC.gov

Mariners and U.S. citizens considering maritime travel should also review information at the websites of the National Geospatial Agency, the Maritime Security Communications with Industry Portal, and the U.S. Coast Guardfor information related to maritime and port security globally.

Additional Sources of Travel Guidance

Canada Dept. of Foreign Affairs

Australia Dept. of Foreign Affairs

UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office

 


 

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Via: threatjournal

4 Types of Homemade Cheese – Getting back to Basics

Without a doubt, life is made tastier by cheese. We put it on everything from burgers to macaroni and kids love it. We mix it in sauces to add flavor and texture and we eat it plain as a snack. It’s a great source of calcium and protein and most kids will eat cheese even when they won’t eat many other foods.

However, if SHTF, cheese is quickly going to a hot commodity because it’s not something that keeps for long. This is when your skills as a cheese maker will come in handy.

The history of cheese is a long one; some say cheese has been around for as long as 10,000 years! It started when somebody noticed that the milk that they stored in their vessel (a calf stomach) turned into a hard block. Some brave soul decided to taste it and found out that it was delicious. Thus cheese was born. Find out more about preserving milk here.

Cheese recipes have often been passed down from generation to generation, along with the cultures that are necessary to make the cheese. Some are extremely easy to make and don’t require a culture but the tastier and more advanced cheeses do. Before we get started, you need to understand some basic cheese-making ingredients.

4 Types Of Homemade Cheese

Rennet

Rennet is derived from the stomach lining of ruminate animals, namely the fourth stomach of calves. It’s an enzyme that helps the baby animal to digest its mother’s milk. There are also vegetable rennets, microbial rennets that are derived from mold and genetically engineered rennets that are made by injecting cow DNA into plants.

Rennet, or more specifically chymosin, the enzyme in rennet, separates the curds from the whey during the cheese-making process. Milk would curd on its own but by the time that happens, the milk is sour. Rennet allows you to make curds quickly from sweet milk. Most European cheeses are made with rennet while most cheeses made in the US are made using different products.

There are several cheeses, including Mozzarella, cottage cheese and cream cheese that don’t require rennet. This is because you can substitute vinegar, lemon juice or citric acid to create the curd. The difference between rennet and another acid is that rennet slowly curdles the cheese and vinegar or citric acid does it quickly. To get the flavor or texture you need for aged cheeses, you need rennet.

Cheese salt

You’ll often see recipes that call for cheese salt. Cheese salt is just flakey, non-iodized salt. Salt is used in cheese for both flavor and preservation but don’t ever used iodized salt because it damages the bacteria that you need to make the cheese.

If you don’t have cheese salt, you can use regular Non-iodized salt or kosher salt. It’s all a matter of how quickly you want the salt to dissolve. Cheese salt is always best, though because it’s flakey and dissolves quickly.

Calcium Chloride

If you’re using milk that’s been pasteurized and stored cold to make your cheese, you need to use calcium chloride to make your curds firm. This is because calcium in store-bought or pasteurized milk slowly becomes soluble and won’t form a firm curd on its own. Exceptions include cheeses that are stretched, such as mozzarella or provolone because the stretch depends on the calcium leaving the curd.

Cheese Culture

Cheese cultures are good bacteria produced from milk that eat away the bad bacteria by feeding on the lactose in the milk. This is necessary in order to encourage coagulation and help develop the flavor of the cheese. You can buy starters from either local specialty stores or online. There are two basic starters: mesophilic and thermophilic.

Mesophilic culture is used in low-temperature cheeses. This includes the majority of cheeses including chevre, cheddar, cottage cheese, brie, sour cream, Colby blue cheese, feta and many others. Sometimes you can sub vinegar or citric acid, such as when you’re making cottage cheese. For aged, harder cheeses, culture is required.

Thermogenic culture is used in recipes that require higher heat and can be heated to 130 degrees F. It’s used to make yogurt and Italian cheeses such as mozzarella, parmesan and provolone. It’s also used to make other softer cheeses such as Swiss and Monterey Jack.

There are several varieties of both of these cultures that you can purchase and come in freeze-dried packets. You have to keep them frozen until you use them. You can make your own starters by saving part of the original starter but they only last a few days in the fridge before the bacteria are no longer effective so you either have to freeze them or use them.

You can also make them from scratch. I found these recipes on cheeseforum.org:

Meso starter:

Start with:

  • 2 cups fresh store bought cultured buttermilk.

Directions:

  • Set the buttermilk in its container on kitchen counter with lid cracked to relieve pressure and allow to reach 21 C/70 F room temperature to ripen and increase the bacteria population density. After 6-8 hours the buttermilk should be much thicker like fresh yogurt and sourer than at start. If not thick enough, let sit for a few more hours.
  • Use as per cheese making recipes and pour remainder into a full sized very clean ice cube tray and put into your freezer.
  • Once frozen, remove the cubes and put into a clean sealed labeled container or plastic freezer bag to reduce contamination and freezer burn.
  • The resulting ice cubes are each ~30 ml/1 ounce of mesophilic starter. Add cubes (thawed) to your recipe as required.

Thermo starter:

  • 2 cups fresh live/active store bought unflavored yogurt.

Use yogurt as thermophilic starter culture as per recipe.

  • Pour excess into a full sized very clean ice cube tray and put into freezer.
  • Once frozen, remove the cubes and put into a clean sealed labeled container or plastic freezer bag to reduce contamination and freezer burn.
  • The resulting ice cubes are each ~30 ml/1 ounce of thermophilic starter. Add cubes (thawed) to your recipe as required.

Water

It’s best to use filtered water in your cheese because some local waters contain ingredients that will prohibit the milk from turning to cheese.

The Chemistry of Cheese Making

Though it sounds like a daunting task, cheese making is a matter of simple chemistry. Milk is about 85% water; the rest is mostly proteins, minerals, fat, vitamins and lactose (milk sugar). When you add an acid, the milk turns into curd, a jelly-type substance. When you heat the acidified milk, the curd separates from the whey (the liquid). The curdling agent is actually a bacteria that eats lactose, which turns it to lactic acid and makes it curdle.

Heating, pressing and aging the curd separates out more of the whey, which makes the cheese sharper-tasting and harder. That’s why people with lactose intolerance often do OK with harder cheeses; there isn’t as much lactose in it.

What Milk to Use

They type of milk you use depends on the cheese but if you’re making starter, you need to use organic milk because if the cow was given antibiotics, those could have passed through into the milk and will prevent the good bacteria from forming that is the basis of the starter. Since that’s what the starter is all about, your starter won’t form. Learn more about raising animals for milk here and how to milk your cow or goat here.

I’ve also found a recipe to make cheese from powdered milk, which I’ll share in a bit. When choosing milk, go for non-homogenized, also called cream-top, if you can. It’s not critical but produces better results, especially if you’re new to the process. Usually, you’ll be better off using full fat milk unless the recipe calls for something different.

Regardless of what type of milk your recipe calls for, it can’t be ultra-pasteurized because the high heat denatures the proteins and will thus prevent curd from forming.

Homemade Cheese

Cream Cheese

  • 1 quart of cream (you can also use half and half)
  • 1 package (1/8 teaspoon) mesophilic starter
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  • Place cream in glass bowl.
  • Cover it loosely and let it set at room temperature for 8-12 hours or until it’s about the same consistency as yogurt. It may not be completely smooth but that’s alright.
  • Pour into cheesecloth and allow the whey (liquid) to drain for at least 12 hours. The more liquid you lose, the firmer the cream cheese will be.
  • Scrape out of the cheesecloth and add salt. This is when you’d also want to add herbs if you’d like to get fancy!
  • Refrigerate. It will get firmer as it chills.

Yield: you should get 1 ½ to 2 cups of cream cheese for each quart of cream that you use. You can double this recipe if you want. It makes a great gift!

 

Cottage Cheese

This recipe is super-simple and delicious!

Ingredients:

  • 1 gallon skim milk
  • 3/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half

Directions:

  • Place skim milk in large saucepan and heat slowly over medium heat to 120 degrees F.
  • Remove from heat and slowly stir in the vinegar.
  • Continue to stir for a minute or two as the curds separate from the whey.
  • Cover with a towel and let the mixture sit for about 20 minutes.
  • Pour into a colander lined with cheese cloth or a lint-free towel to drain off the whey. It takes about 5 minutes.
  • Gather the edges of the towel and rinse the curds under cold water for a couple of minutes until they are completely cool. Squeeze and squish the mixture as you do so.
  • Squeeze as much moisture from the curds as possible.
  • Put the curds in a bowl and mix in the salt, breaking up the curds into smaller cottage cheese-sized chunks.
  • If you want to eat it immediately, add the cream or half and half. If not, refrigerate the curds without the cream and add the cream immediately before serving.

Mozzarella Cheese

This recipe calls for rennet but there are some recipes out there for making it without. This one is delicious, though.

Ingredients:

  • 1 gallon whole cow or goat milk
  • 1 1/2 tsp powdered citric acid dissolved in 1/4 cup cool water
  • 1/4 tsp liquid rennet diluted in 1/4 cup cool water
  • 1 to 2 tsp cheese salt

Directions:

  • Pour the milk into a stainless steel pot and slowly heat on medium to 55 degrees F.
  • Slowly and thoroughly stir in the citric acid solution.
  • Heat the milk to 88 degrees F on low-medium heat until it’s the consistency of yogurt.
  • Gently stir in the rennet for about 30 seconds when it reaches 88 degrees F.
  • Without stirring, let it heat to 100-105 degrees F slowly. This should take 5-8 minutes. The curds will begin to form and pull away from the sides of the pot. The curds will look like shiny chunks of thick yogurt and the whey will be almost clear. If it’s not, cook it for a few more minutes.
  • Remove from heat and scoop the curds out into a bowl with a slotted spoon. Don’t discard the whey.
  • With your hands or a wooden spoon, gently press the cheese against the sides of the bowl to press out as much whey as possible.
  • Turn the heat back on under the whey and bring it to 175 degrees F.
  • Shape the curds into small balls, between the size of a large egg and a tennis ball. Dip each one into the whey using a large spoon or ladle for several seconds. Place the balls together back into a dry bowl.
  • Knead the cheese balls together like you do bread dough. It’s going to be really hot so you want to use heavy gloves or a spoon to do this. This distributes the heat throughout the cheese and is necessary because the cheese won’t stretch until it’s too hot to touch.
  • Repeat several times, adding the salt in after the second time until it’s smooth and pliable, sort of like dough. When it’s stretchy like taffy, it’s done. If the curds break up instead of getting stretchy, don’t panic. It’s just cooled too much and needs to be re-heated. Do this by either microwaving for 30 seconds or pouring hot water over them until they’re 135-145 degrees F again.
  • Roll the cheese into balls the size of tennis balls and it’s done! You can eat it immediately or store in the fridge for up to a week.

Cheddar Cheese

We all love cheddar! This recipe is simple and delectable.

Ingredients:

  • 2 gallons whole cow or goat milk
  • ⅛ tsp calcium chloride diluted in ¼ cup water (optional)
  • 1 packet direct-set mesophilic culture or ⅛ tsp bulk mesophilic culture
  • Rennet, dissolved in ½ cup cool water (choose one):
  • ½ tsp liquid animal rennet or
  • ¼ tsp double-strength liquid rennet or ¼ tablet vegetable rennet
  • 2 tbsp salt

Instructions:

  • Pour the milk into a large stainless steel pot and heat to 85 degrees F, stirring often. If you’re using the calcium chloride, stir it in as the milk is heating.
  • When the milk reaches 85 degrees F, remove from heat and add the culture and stir from the bottom to the top to ensure that it’s infused throughout the milk.
  • Cover and allow to ferment for an hour.
  • Add the diluted rennet, stirring in an up and down motion. This helps the rennet work its way through the milk so that you get the highest yield of cheese.
  • Let the cheese set for about an hour or until the curds start to separate from the whey. The curd will be pulling away from the top of the pot and the whey will be mostly clear and floating on top of the curd.
  • Use a knife to cut the curd into small (1/4 inch) cubes and let it set for 5 more minutes without stirring.
  • Over low heat, bring the curds to 100 degrees F, stirring frequently. The curds will shrink as it heats.
  • Once it’s reached 100 degrees F, continue stirring over low heat for the next 30 minutes. It’s important that the temperature stays at 100 degrees; if it gets hotter, remove from heat for a few minutes.
  • After warming and stirring for 30 minutes, remove from heat and allow the curds to settle to the bottom. This will take 20 minutes or so.
  • Pour the curds into a colander and allow to drain for 15 minutes.
  • Pour the curds back into the cheese pot and cut into 5 or 6 wedges and cover.
  • Fill your sink with water that’s 102 degrees F. Place the pot of curds into the water.
  • Keep the water at 102 degrees F and turn the chunks every 15 minutes or so for 2 hours. This step is important because it’s what makes your cheese cheddar and gives it that unique flavor.
  • After 2 hours, the chunks will be very firm and shiny. Remove them from the pot and cut into ½ inch cubes.
  • Place the curds back into the pot that is still sitting in the 102-degree F water and leave them there for another 10 minutes.
  • Stir gently with your fingers. Repeat this process twice more.
  • Remove the pot from the water and stir the cheese gently, adding the salt.
  • Line your cheese press with cheese cloth.
  • Wrap the cheese cloth around the cheese and press with 10 pounds of pressure for 15 minutes.
  • Remove the cheese from the press, unwrap it and flip it onto a fresh piece of cheesecloth.
  • Press at 40 pounds of pressure for 12 hours.
  • Remove cheese from press, unwrap and flip the cheese.
  • Rewrap in fresh cheese cloth and press at 50 pounds of pressure for another 24 hours.
  • Remove from press and allow cheese to air-dry for 2-3 days until it’s smooth and dry.
  • If it’s too big of a chunk for you to eat before it goes bad once it’s finished, cut into smaller chunks.
  • Paint with wax and store it in a cool area between 55 and 60 degrees F.
  • Allow it to age for at least 60 days. The longer it ages, the sharper it will be.

Now you know how to make some of your favorite cheeses. I started with easy ones to give you confidence. Once you’re comfortable with these, move on to some fancier ones.

If you have any other suggestions or good cheese recipes, please share them in the comments section below!

 

Start now to make sure you are staying prepared.

 

This article has been written by Theresa Crouse for Survivopedia.

This nuclear-explosion simulator shows where radioactive fallout would go using today’s weather

image

(Missilemap)

  • Nukemap lets you simulate nuclear explosions on an interactive map.
  • A science historian created the tool years ago but recently updated it.
  • The new version uses real-time weather conditions to estimate a blast’s radioactive-fallout zones.
  • The new version can also export data to 3D mapping software like Google Earth.

Imagine a 150-kiloton nuclear bomb exploded in the city closest to you.

Do you know how the city, its surrounding region, and its inhabitants would be affected? If you can’t think of much more than “a lot of people would die,” you’re not alone.

“We live in a world where nuclear weapons issues are on the front pages of our newspapers on a regular basis, yet most people still have a very bad sense of what an exploding nuclear weapon can actually do,” Alex Wellerstein, a historian of science at Stevens Institute of Technology, wrote on his website, NuclearSecrecy.org.

To help the world understand what might happen if a nuclear weapon exploded, Wellerstein created an interactive browser app called Nukemap.

“Some people think they destroy everything in the world all that (sic) once, some people think they are not very different from conventional bombs,” he wrote. “The reality is somewhere in between.”

To illustrate that, Nukemap lets you build a hypothetical nuclear bomb and drop it anywhere on Earth. The software uses declassified equations and models about nuclear weapons and their effects — fireball size, air-blast radius, radiation zones, and more — to crunch the numbers, then renders the results as graphics inside Google Maps.

Preset options let you pick historic and recent blasts, including North Korea’s latest test explosion and Tsar Bomba, the most powerful nuclear device ever detonated. The tool can even estimate fatalities and injuries for a given weapon yield, altitude, and location.

The first version of Wellerstein’s tool came out in February 2012, but he upgraded it to version 2.5 this month. Users thus far have set off more than 124 million explosions in Nukemap.

Nukemap 2.5’s new features let you see where a cloud of radioactive fallout might drift based on local weather conditions. Fallout refers to the dirt and debris that get sucked up by a nuclear blast, irradiated to dangerous levels, pushed into the atmosphere, and sprinkled over great distances. The updated tool also lets you export your scenarios, load them into mapping software like Google Earth, and explore them in 3D.

“I hope that people will come to understand what a nuclear weapon would do to places they are familiar with, and how the different sizes of nuclear weapons change the results,” Wellerstein wrote on his site.

Picking a bomb and a target

We decided to test Nukemap 2.5 using its preset for the North Korean government’s underground test blast on September 3.

Some experts think that device, perhaps a thermonuclear bomb, yielded an explosion of roughly 150 kilotons’ worth of TNT. This was the country’s most powerful nuclear explosion to date — about 10 times as strong as the Hiroshima bomb blast of 1945, which caused some 150,000 casualties.

We started with San Francisco, since according to Missilemap — Wellerstein’s companion tool to Nukemap — the city is within the estimated range of Hwasong-14, North Korea’s newest and farthest-reaching intercontinental ballistic missile.

image

Misslemap 1.0/Alex Wellerstein

Blast effects

By default, Nukemap assumed a 150-kiloton-yield warhead would explode 1.03 miles above the city.

An aerial detonation maximizes a nuclear bomb’s destructive power by allowing the blast’s energy to spread. If a bomb were to detonate on the ground, the soil would absorb more of that energy.

image

Nukemap 2.5/Alex Wellerstein; Google Maps; Business Insider

The main effects of the nuclear blast display as four colored zones:

  • Fireball (0.56 miles wide): In the area closest to the bomb’s detonation site, flames incinerate most buildings, objects, and people.
  • Radiation (1.24 miles wide): A nuclear bomb’s gamma and other radiation are so intense in this zone that 50% or more of people die within “several hours to several weeks,” according to Nukemap.
  • Air blast (4.64 miles wide): This shows a blast area of 5 pounds per square inch, which is powerful enough to collapse most residential buildings and rupture eardrums. “Injuries are universal, fatalities are widespread,” Nukemap says.
  • Thermal radiation (6.54 miles wide): This region is flooded with skin-scorching ultraviolet light, burning anyone within view of the blast. “Third-degree burns extend throughout the layers of skin and are often painless because they destroy the pain nerves,” Nukemap says. “They can cause severe scarring or disablement, and can require amputation.”

Clicking the “radioactive fallout” option didn’t produce any exposure zones for this hypothetical explosion. A note toward the bottom of our Nukemap results explained: “Your choice of burst height is too high to produce significant local fallout.”

Casualties and radioactive-fallout zones

When we switched the height to “surface burst,” a very different picture emerged: The thermal and air-blast zones shrank, but the fireball nearly doubled in area, and the radiation zone nearly tripled.

We also enabled the new radioactive-fallout settings based on local weather. And to see the human effects, we ticked the “casualties” option, too.

image

Nukemap 2.5/Alex Wellerstein; Google Maps; Business Insider

Luckily, local winds in this hypothetical scenario were moving west-southwest, blowing most radioactive fallout into the Pacific Ocean. If a person were to stand outside in a 100-rad-per-hour zone for four hours, they would get 400 rads of radiation exposure, which is enough to kill 50% of people by acute radiation syndrome.

According to Nukemap’s casualty estimator, however, this blast would still kill about 130,000 people and injure 280,000 over the next 24 hours. The tool says this does not include radioactive-fallout effects, among other caveats.

“Modeling casualties from a nuclear attack is difficult,” it says. “These numbers should be seen as evocative, not definitive.”

Google Earth’s view

We were eager to try the export feature, but it appears to need some work.

For example, the fallout zone appeared in an area different from the in-browser calculation — almost due south of San Francisco, instead of west-southwest.

image

Nukemap 2.5/Alex Wellerstein; Google Earth

But it was still useful — in a gut-wrenching way — to see the size of a nuclear fireball (the yellow half-dome in the image below) in 3D as it related to a major city, engulfing entire neighborhoods.

image

Nukemap 2.5/Alex Wellerstein; Google Earth

You can create your own nuclear-blast scenario and explore Nukemap 2.5’s options here.

Wellerstein and others at Stevens Institute of Technology — based in Hoboken, New Jersey — are working on a related project, called Reinventing Civil Defense, which aims to “develop new communication strategies regarding nuclear risk that have high potential to resonate with a public audience.” The project was awarded a $500,000 grant and is expected to debut in 2019.

 

Start now to make sure you are staying prepared.

 

 

via:   americanmilitarynews

North Korea Begins Tests to Load Anthrax Onto ICBMs, Report Says

North Korea Begins Tests to Load Anthrax Onto ICBMs, Report Says

An unidentified rocket is displayed during a military parade marking the 105th anniversary of the birth of late North Korean leader Kim Il-Sung in Pyongyang on April 15, 2017. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un on April 15 saluted as ranks of goose-stepping soldiers followed by tanks and other military hardware paraded in Pyongyang for a show of strength with tensions mounting over his nuclear ambitions. / ED JONES/AFP/Getty Images) Photographer: ED JONES/AFP

North Korea has begun tests to load anthrax onto intercontinental ballistic missiles, Japan’s Asahi newspaper reported Tuesday, citing an unidentified person connected to South Korea’s intelligence services.

The report said the testing involves ensuring the anthrax survives the immense temperatures generated during re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. North Korea has a stockpile of between 2,500 tons to 5,000 tons of chemical weapons, and is capable of producing biological agents such as anthrax and smallpox, South Korea has previously said.

The Asahi report comes a day after the White House published its National Security Strategy, a document that said Pyongyang is “pursuing chemical and biological weapons which could also be delivered by missile.”

“North Korea — a country that starves its own people — has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons that could threaten our homeland,” the report said.

North Korea claimed it had completed its nuclear force after it fired a new Hwasong-15 ICBM in late November. South Korea assessed the missile — North Korea’s largest yet — could potentially fly 13,000 kilometers (about 8,000 miles) and reach Washington, though additional analysis was needed to determine whether it was capable of re-entry.

Read North Korea Begins Tests to Load Anthrax Onto ICBMs, Report Says on bloombergpolitics.com

 

 

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via:  finance.yahoo.com

WEEKLY THREAT ROUNDUP 12-17-17

From AlertsUSA

 

Port Authority Bus Terminal bomber Akayed Ullah - ALLOW IMAGES

New York Bomber: “I did it for the Islamic State!”

 

December 16, 2017

 

Between Dec 11 -14th, the following related Flash SMS
messages were sent to
AlertsUSA subscriber mobile devices:

12/11(a) – NYPD responding to reports of explosion at Port Authority Bus Terminal, 42nd St. and 8th Ave in Manhattan. More to come..

12/11(b) – FDNY confirms explosion. A, C and E lines closed. Surrounding area on lockdown. Check national media. Monitoring.

12/11(c) – Search underway across NYC mass transit system for additional explosive devices. Caution and vigilance urged if in crowded areas of the city.

12/11(d) – Security increasing at mass transit systems nationwide. Expect delays, possible bag checks and plan accordingly.

12/11(e) – Pro-Islamic State social media channels praising NYC attack, promising more to come flwg President Trump’s Jerusalem declaration. No claim of responsibility.

12/12 – Several new Islamic State propaganda posters threaten attacks in Washington DC, NYC and California. See email.

12/14 – Pro-Islamic State media org circulating new propaganda posters threatening revenge attacks in the U.S.. See your email for more info.

What You Need To Know

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.
Islamic State threat poster for Manhattan - ALLOW IMAGES

New York / Manhattan

The Arabic is a direct translation of the English statement.
Islamic State threat poster for Manhattan - ALLOW IMAGES

New York / Times Square

Arabic Translation:
You must fight them
O believer
O believer Catch them

Islamic State threat poster for Times Square - ALLOW IMAGES

Washington

Arabic Translation:
We will destroy your black house.
It’s the Promise of Allah and Allah doesn’t breach his promise

Islamic State threat poster for Washington - ALLOW IMAGES

California

Arabic Translation:
California will be in war soon
Islamic State threat poster for California - ALLOW IMAGES

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.

 


 

AlertsUSA.com

OTHER SMS ALERTS FROM THIS WEEK
NOT DETAILED IN THIS NEWSLETTER ISSUE

12/10 – Overnight: Protesters in Beirut, Lebanon attempt storming US Embassy. Tear gas & water cannons used to disperse crowd. Tension high across region. Monitoring.

12/13 – AlertsUSA is aware of the Penn State Monaca shooting. This was a murder suicide, w man shooting estranged wife. Campus locked down, but no active shooter.

12/15 – Dutch military police shoot suspect armed with a knife at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Partial evacuation underway. AlertsUSA monitoring…

AlertsUSA Service for Mobile Devices - ALLOW IMAGES

* Threat Info Direct to Your Mobile Device
* Get Away Early, Give Your Family Extra Safety.
* In Wide Use By Gov, 1st Responders, Travelers.
* 24/7/365 Monitoring. No Hype. Just the Bad Stuff.
* Issued Hours and Days before the MSM.
* On your Cell Phone, Tablet or Email.
* We Give The Clear Truth, Unlike the MSM.
* 15 Years in Operation!

We are NOT part of the government.
In fact, they are our customers!

 

 


 

Rocket Man with angry face - ALLOW IMAGES

Work Continues at N. Korea’s Nuclear Test Site

 

December 16, 2017

 

What You Need To Know

Analysis of recent commercial satellite imagery by researchers at the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies indicates ongoing tunnel work at North Korea’s Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site. These efforts are underway at the test facility’s West Portal, while the North Portal, where the last five tests were conducted, appears largely abandoned.

Following the September 3 detonation of what N. Korea claims was a hydrogen bomb (estimated yield of ~100 kilotons), the area around the Punggye-ri nuclear site has experienced multiple smaller seismic disturbances, many of which have been attributed to either tunnel collapses or a subsidence in the mountain.

On December 1, AlertsUSA notified subscribers of a shallow M2.5 seismic event in the area which occurred around the time of the DPRK threatening more tests. On November 28, a senior North Korean official told CNN’s Will Ripley that two steps are needed for N. Korea to achieve the goal of a strategic weapons capability. The first step is the “testing of a long range ICBM” capable of reaching the USA. The second step is an above-ground nuclear detonation or a “large scale hydrogen bomb” test. The official stated both steps are necessary for the DPRK to send a clear message to the Trump administration that it possesses an effective nuclear deterrent.”

 


 

Marines jump out of a KC-130J Hercules during air-delivery training at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 7, 2017. The Marines are assigned to Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Carlos Jimenez. - ALLOW IMAGES

World News Roundup

December 16, 2017

Other Developments We Are Following

AMERICAS

US Army may send larger deployments to Europe
Combat Mission Sets New B-52 Smart Bomb Record
10 Ways America’s Military Attacks, Defeats & Destroys Enemies in Battle
Mexican senate votes to keep troops in police role despite outcry
Venezuela first lady’s nephews jailed for drugs
Mexico enshrines army’s role in drug war with divisive law
Flood of Venezuelans are fleeing depressed country
DoD’s New Missile Can Kill Chinese and Russian Ships With Stealth, Precision
Boeing tapped to sustain Space-Based Space Surveillance system
Nuclear Deterrence In a New Age

EUROPE

Moscow senses Trump’s travails could be ending
Europe’s Leaders Watch Populism Rise
Europe Is Not Ready For the Next Migration Surge
EU to force firms to reveal true owners in wake of Panama Papers
NATO concerned Russian missile system breaks Cold War pact
EU leaders formally approve second Brexit phase
Putin looks for quick win, but voter apathy worries Kremlin
Russia’s Military Is Leaner, But Meaner
Russia could cut off internet to Nato countries, British military chief warns

MIDDLE EAST

Erdogan says Turkey seeking to annul Trump decision on Jerusalem at U.N.
White House signals Western Wall has to be part of Israel
Pentagon alarmed by uptick in close calls with Russia jets in Syria
US calls for global ‘coalition’ to counter Iran
Jerusalem: Three Palestinians killed in fresh clashes with Israel
Islamic Jihad pushes Hamas into a corner
Is America Negotiating with the Islamic State?
Video: South Sudan, a cursed land
Sahel force funding shows Saudi ‘serious’ on terrorism fight

ASIA

While world watches North Korea, China builds in the South China Sea
What Is The United States Doing In The South China Sea?
Tillerson urges long halt to North Korea weapons tests before any talks
China and Russia’s North Korea ties undermine peace efforts
China and South Korea united over North Korea threat
Japan imposes new sanctions on North Korea
China has warned Australia to keep out of the South China Sea dispute
Warning: U.S. military ‘poorly structured,’ vulnerable to China, Russia threats
Australia and China Spat Over Foreign Interference Escalates
South Korea, China Make Amends, But THAAD Dispute Lingers

 


 

Travel Security Update

The U.S. Dept. of State is the authoritative federal source for information on the security situation at travel destinations worldwide. With tensions rapidly increasing in most regions, readers planning international travel, even to such common destinations as Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean Islands, are strongly encouraged to do a little research on the security situation well prior to departure.

Latest USGOV Travel Alerts and Warnings

Pakistan
12/07/2017

Honduras
12/06/2017

N. Korea
11/09/2017

Togo
11/07/2017

Niger
10/24/2017

Cyclone Season
10/24/2017

Venezuela
10/23/2017

Sudan
10/19/2017

Syria
10/18/2017

DR Congo
10/16/2017

Mauritania
10/12/2017

Cameroon
10/02/2017

Europe
11/16/2017

Worldwide Caution

12/06/2017

The Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) provides several resources to enhance the safety and security of the U.S. private sector abroad. Additional information can be found on OSAC.gov

Mariners and U.S. citizens considering maritime travel should also review information at the websites of the National Geospatial Agency, the Maritime Security Communications with Industry Portal, and the U.S. Coast Guardfor information related to maritime and port security globally.

Additional Sources of Travel Guidance

Canada Dept. of Foreign Affairs

Australia Dept. of Foreign Affairs

UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office

 


 

Threat Journal Subscription Button - ALLOW IMAGES

 

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WEEKLY THREAT ROUNDUP 12-9-17

From AlertsUSA

 

Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri superimposed over view of Jerusalem. - ALLOW IMAGES

Al Qaeda Issues Fresh Call for Attacks on U.S. USGOV Issues New Worldwide Caution

 

December 9, 2017

 

Between Dec 3-8, the following related Flash SMS
messages were sent to
AlertsUSA subscriber mobile devices:

12/3 – US embassies & consulates worldwide on heightened alert in anticipation of POTUS announcing US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. See email.

12/5(a) – Pro-Islamic State media org circulating propaganda poster threatening New Year’s Day attack(s) in Paris, France. See email.

12/5(b) – State Dept. issues security msg for US citizens in Israel. Warns of ‘Day of Rage’ on 12/6. Tied to forthcoming move of embassy to Jerusalem. See email.

12/6(a) – Large wave of new threats of attacks on US and interests abroad on ISIS & AQ social media in resp to upcoming Trump Jerusalem declaration. Vigilance urged.

12/6(b) – DHS warns Senate panel: “There is currently an elevated threat of Homegrown Violent Extremist lone offender attacks by ISIS sympathizers.” See email.

12/6(c) – POTUS announces official U.S. recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, directs Dept. of State to begin process of moving embassy.

12/6(d) – US Embassy Jordan suspends public services, USGOV employees and families limiting pub movements, incl school attendance, due to security concerns. See email.

12/6(e) – US Embassies across Europe warning of need for caution & personal security awareness noting Jerusalem recog may spark protests w poss violence. See email.

12/6(f) – USGOV issues new Worldwide Caution warning of cont threat of terrorism, violence, and criminal activity against US citizens & interests globally. See email.

12/7 – Al Qaeda formally calls followers to carry out attacks on America, Israel and “Crusader allies everywhere.” See email for more.

12/8 – AlertsUSA cautions anti-American/Israel protests are taking place in dozens of cities across Canada, EU and the ME. Low profile urged in the coming days.

What You Need To Know

On 15 occasions this week AlertsUSA subscribers were notified via SMS messages to their mobile devices regarding safety and security matters. Beginning last Sunday, AlertsUSA began warning subscribers that US embassies & consulates worldwide were on heightened alert in anticipation of President Trump’s formal announcement of U.S. policy recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the directive to begin the process of relocating the U.S. Embassy to the city from Tel Aviv.

The President’s announcement was made on Wednesday

From Sunday to the present, Islamic State and Al Qaeda-linked social media accounts have been on fire with threats of attacks on U.S. citizens and interests at home and abroad. US Embassies across Europe are warning American citizens of need for caution & personal security awareness noting that recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel will likely result in protests, many of which have already begun.

On Wednesday, the State Department issued a new Worldwide Caution warning of the continued threat of terrorism, violence, and criminal activity against US citizens & interests globally.

According to the warning statement:

“Terrorist groups including ISIS, al-Qa’ida, their associates, and those inspired by such organizations, are intent on attacking U.S. citizens wherever they are.

“Extremists may use conventional or non-conventional weapons to target U.S. government and private interests. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack to more effectively target crowds, including the use of edged weapons, pistols, and vehicles as weapons. Extremists increasingly aim to assault “soft” [ lightly protected ], targets, such as:”

  • high-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies
    demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
  • hotels, clubs, and restaurants
  • places of worship
  • schools
  • parks
  • shopping malls and markets
  • tourism infrastructure
  • public transportation systems
  • airports

“In multiple regions, terrorists, guerrilla groups, and criminals seek to kidnap U.S. citizens to finance their operations or for political purposes. The Department also remains concerned that terrorists could again seek to down aircraft using concealed explosives or hijack commercial flights.

On Thursday, AlertsUSA subscribers were also informed of a formal call by al Qaeda for followers to carry out attacks on America, Israel and “Crusader allies everywhere” (see this and this).

“The surest and shortest way to confront the aggression and arrogance of the Pharaoh of the age – America – is Jihad in the Way of Allah, by targeting its vital interests and the interests of its Zionist and Crusader allies everywhere. This is a simple equation; just as you kill us, you shall be killed; just as you bomb us, you too shall be bombed, and the one who initiates hostilities shoulders the blame.”

Also this week, AlertsUSA subscribers were informed of new Islamic State propaganda poster widely circulated on social media platforms threatening New Year’s Day attack(s) in Paris, France.


Islamic State Propaganda / Threat Poster for Paris
( Issued 12/05/2017 )

Islamic State Propaganda / Threat poster for Paris - ALLOW IMAGES

Readers are reminded that last week, AlertsUSA subscribers were informed of new propaganda / threat posters published by pro-Islamic State media groups for Times Square in New York City, a busy shopping street in Amsterdam, the Mormon Temple in San Diego, as well as London.

It is important to bear in mind 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. Thus, notification of the release of such posters should be duly noted and kept in mind if you live in or are traveling to those locations.

If you are traveling this holiday season, you would do well to familiarize yourself with latest State Department travel alerts and warnings, as well as maintain a high level of vigilance and situational awareness when in lightly secured public gathering places and events.

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.

 


 

AlertsUSA.com

OTHER SMS ALERTS FROM THIS WEEK
NOT DETAILED IN THIS NEWSLETTER ISSUE

12/5 – AlertsUSA monitoring response to shooting @ Graham-Kapowsin High School, SE Tacoma, WA. 2 students down, shooters at large. Add’l alerts as warranted.

12/7(a) – AlertsUSA monitoring response to active shooter situation, Aztec High School, Aztec, NM (NE of Farmington) Evac underway. Fatalities reported. Add’l alerts as warranted.

12/7(b) – 3 dead (2 students + shooter), 15 injured in the Aztec High School shooting incident reported earlier. Scene secure.

12/7 – Multiple people struck by car in Lower Manhattan (Broadway & Liberty) Driver in custody. Unknown if intentional. Developing situation…

AlertsUSA Service for Mobile Devices - ALLOW IMAGES

* Threat Info Direct to Your Mobile Device
* Get Away Early, Give Your Family Extra Safety.
* In Wide Use By Gov, 1st Responders, Travelers.
* 24/7/365 Monitoring. No Hype. Just the Bad Stuff.
* Issued Hours and Days before the MSM.
* On your Cell Phone, Tablet or Email.
* We Give The Clear Truth, Unlike the MSM.
* 15 Years in Operation!

We are NOT part of the government.
In fact, they are our customers!

 

 


 

A Navy Super Hornet receives fuel from an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker over Afghanistan, Dec. 7, 2017. Navy aircraft conducted precision airstrikes against Taliban narcotic targets in Helmand province. Air Force photo by Jeff Parkinson. - ALLOW IMAGES

World News Roundup

 

December 9, 2017

 

Other Developments We Are Following

AMERICAS

US is losing ground on technology superiority
Trump, Mattis turn military loose on ISIS, leaving terror caliphate in tatters.
US Navy Sends Deep Water Experts to Find Plane, Sailors
Newly Revealed Experiment Shows How F-35 Could Help Intercept ICBMs
California fires stretch from north of Los Angeles to San Diego County
Congress puts confidence in new A-10 wings
Congress Eager for Results of Air Force’s Light Attack Aircraft Demo
Analyst: With ballooning costs for a smaller Navy, can it really afford 355 ships?
DoD wants 12 month procurement time for major weapons programs, official
Army Says These New Weapons Will Help America Win Its Next War

EUROPE

Russia Says It’s Ready For Talks With U.S. On Key Arms-Control Treaty
Russia DENIES being source of radioactive cloud across Europe
Two Lean Years: Russia’s Budget for 2018-20
U.S. presses Russia to comply with nuclear missile treaty
Protests in Ukraine raise specter of another uprising.
Britain moves to restore carrier strike capability with warship commissioning
Briton jailed for 10 years for joining Islamic State.
Catalan independence supporters in Brussels demand EU attention
Ukraine – biggest obstacle to normal Russia ties, says Tillerson.

MIDDLE EAST

Palestinian president says U.S. can no longer broker peace
Israelis Will Pay for Trump’s Jerusalem Gambit
Violence rises between Israeli troops, Palestinians
Despite furor over Jerusalem move, Saudis on board with U.S. peace efforts
Tillerson tell Saudis to be measured in Yemen action
‘Worst attack” on UN peacekeepers in recent history: 14 dead
How Nigeria Can Win Its Bloody War With Boko Haram
In Greece, Turks tell of lives full of fear in Recep Erdogan’s Turkey
Chronicler of Islamic State ‘killing machine’ goes public
Israel Declares ‘Air Superiority’ for the Next 40 Years in Middle East

ASIA

North Korea: War is inevitable
China Prepares Refugee Camps at Border with N. Korea
DPRK Says U.S. Declared War, Trying to Invade With ROK and Japan
Three Military Ideas for Dealing With North Korea
Russia says ready to exert influence on North Korea
Japan to purchase offensive missiles capable of striking N. Korea
Pakistan air force chief order: Shoot down US drones
‘Samurai sword’ attack leaves three dead at Tokyo shrine
China warns of imminent attacks by “terrorists” in Pakistan
China’s navy puts on show of strength for N. Korea and U.S alliance

 


 

Travel Security Update

The U.S. Dept. of State is the authoritative federal source for information on the security situation at travel destinations worldwide. With tensions rapidly increasing in most regions, readers planning international travel, even to such common destinations as Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean Islands, are strongly encouraged to do a little research on the security situation well prior to departure.

Latest USGOV Travel Alerts and Warnings

Pakistan
12/07/2017

Honduras
12/06/2017

N. Korea
11/09/2017

Togo
11/07/2017

Niger
10/24/2017

Cyclone Season
10/24/2017

Venezuela
10/23/2017

Sudan
10/19/2017

Syria
10/18/2017

DR Congo
10/16/2017

Mauritania
10/12/2017

Cameroon
10/02/2017

Europe
11/16/2017

Worldwide Caution

12/06/2017

The Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) provides several resources to enhance the safety and security of the U.S. private sector abroad. Additional information can be found on OSAC.gov

Mariners and U.S. citizens considering maritime travel should also review information at the websites of the National Geospatial Agency, the Maritime Security Communications with Industry Portal, and the U.S. Coast Guardfor information related to maritime and port security globally.

Additional Sources of Travel Guidance

Canada Dept. of Foreign Affairs

Australia Dept. of Foreign Affairs

UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office

 


 

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WEEKLY THREAT ROUNDUP 12-3-17

From AlertsUSA

 

Still frame from Islamic State video released this week entitled 'Flames of War II' - ALLOW IMAGES

Islamic State Threatens New Attacks in U.S. and European Cities

 

December 2, 2017

 

Between Nov 27th and Dec 2, the following related Flash SMS
messages were sent to
AlertsUSA subscriber mobile devices:

11/27 – New ISIS propaganda poster in circulation on social media shows Santa overlooking Times Sq. w/ case of dynamite at his side along with threat. See email.

11/29 – New 58 min English lang ISIS video entitled ‘Flames of War II’ rallies followers to martyrdom and ongoing attacks against the West. See email for more + link.

11/29 – Islamic State media arm circulating new propaganda poster threatening Christmas season attack on San Diego, CA Mormon Temple. See email.

12/1 – German police confirm discovery of explosives within suspicious package following evacuation of Christmas market in central Potsdam. AlertsUSA monitoring..

12/1 – Pro-Islamic State media group circulating propaganda poster threatening attack in Amsterdam, Netherlands. See email.

12/1 – Controlled detonation of of suspicious pkg in Potsdam Christmas market completed. Device rptd to have contained contained nails and was left near childrens carousel.

12/2 – New Islamic State propaganda poster threatens Christmas attack in London. See email.

What You Need To Know

On seven occasions this week AlertsUSA subscribers were notified via SMS messages to their mobile devices regarding new threats by the Islamic State. Beginning Monday, AlertsUSA subscribers were informed of a new propaganda / threat poster published by an Islamic State’s media arm and widely circulated over social media platforms showing a figure dressed as Santa Clause overlooking a crowded Times Square with a case of dynamite at his side along with the threat;

“We meet at Christmas in New York… Soon.”

This was followed on Wednesday by the Islamic State’s release of a horrific new hour long video with English narration entitled ‘Flames of War II’ which references past attacks for which they have claimed responsibility ranging from Nice, France to Las Vegas, positions battlefield losses of Raqqah and Mosul as tests for true believers and the purification of jihad’s ranks, threatens President Trump, and ultimately the raising the Islamic State flag over the White House.

Two additional propaganda / threat posters were also published by the Islamic State later in the week carrying threats of attack on both a busy shopping street in Amsterdam, as well on the Mormon Temple in San Diego, California. [Late Addition: Another was issued early Saturday morning threatening an attack on London.]

It is important to bear in mind that 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. Thus, notification of the release of such posters should be duly noted if you live in or are traveling to the locations specified therein.

The four posters we reported on this week are shown below:

New York / Times Square
Islamic State Propaganda / Threat poster - New York / Times Square - ALLOW IMAGES

Amsterdam
Islamic State Propaganda / Threat poster - Amsterdam - ALLOW IMAGES

San Diego Mormon Temple
Islamic State Propaganda / Threat poster - San Diego Mormon Temple - ALLOW IMAGES

London
Islamic State Propaganda / Threat poster - London - ALLOW IMAGES

On Friday, AlertsUSA subscribers were also notified of the evacuation of a Christmas market in the German city of Potsdam near Berlin following the discovery of a nail-packed bomb in front of a pharmacy near a children’s carousel. This incident is significant as just under one year ago, Germany experienced one of it’s worst terror attacks when a Tunisian asylum seeker intentionally drove a large cargo truck through a busy Christmas market, killing 12 and injuring 56. The truck’s original driver was found shot dead in the passenger seat. The Islamic State claimed responsibility.

Readers are reminded that not only are end of year holidays wonderful times of thanks, worship and celebration with friends and family, they are also, with growing regularity, a prime time for angry Muslims / Islamists to carry out terrorist attacks in the West.

If you are traveling this holiday season, you would do well to familiarize yourself with latest State Department travel alerts and warnings, as well as maintain a high level of vigilance and situational awareness when in lightly secured public gathering places and events.

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.

 


 

AlertsUSA.com

OTHER SMS ALERTS FROM THIS WEEK
NOT DETAILED IN THIS NEWSLETTER ISSUE

11/26 – AlertsUSA monitoring response to active shooter at New York’s Galleria at Crystal Run mall. At least two causalities. Add’l alerts as warranted.

11/26 – Alert level for Bali’s largest volcano, Agung, raised to 4 (highest) over potential for explosive eruption. Ash impacting air travel, Denpasar Airport closed.

11/28 – AlertsUSA monitoring rpt of active shooter, downtown Reno. Police close 2nd & 4th Aves, Commercial St. & Virginia St. Avoid area. Add’l alerts as warranted.

11/29 – AlertsUSA monitoring Capital Hill lock down involving HAZMAT response. No further info at this time.

11/29 – Lock down lifted on Capital Hill. All clear given.

AlertsUSA Service for Mobile Devices - ALLOW IMAGES

* Threat Info Direct to Your Mobile Device
* Get Away Early, Give Your Family Extra Safety.
* In Wide Use By Gov, 1st Responders, Travelers.
* 24/7/365 Monitoring. No Hype. Just the Bad Stuff.
* Issued Hours and Days before the MSM.
* On your Cell Phone, Tablet or Email.
* We Give The Clear Truth, Unlike the MSM.
* 15 Years in Operation!

We are NOT part of the government.
In fact, they are our customers!

 


 

The new Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile fired this week by North Korea - ALLOW IMAGES

New N. Korea ICBM Capable of Striking Entire U.S.

 

December 2, 2017

 

Between Nov. 28 and Dec 1, the following related Flash SMS
messages were sent to
AlertsUSA subscriber mobile devices:

11/28(a)- S. Korean military reports DPRK ballistic missile launch. No tracking info yet. AlertsUSA monitoring…

11/28(b) – DPRK missile launched from South Pyongan Province located N and W of Pyongyang. Japan’s J-Alert warning system activated.

11/28(c) – S. Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff DPRK rpts missile flew eastward, still in flight as of a few min ago signaling high trajectory.

11/28(d) – Japanese gov indicates DPRK missile flew for more than 30 min, crashing at sea within Japan’s exclusive economic zone (200 nmi from the coast).

11/28(e) – Defense Sources: Missile was ICBM class, launched from Sain-ni, flew 53 min to altitude of 2485 mi & ~1000 mi downrange, crashed in Sea of Japan. See email.

11/28(f) – DPRK officials tells CNN reporter Will Ripley for second time that country is planning atmospheric nuclear detonation. See email for more info.

11/28(g) – DPRK special news broadcast moments ago claims successful test of Hwasong-15 ICBM “which can reach all of the mainland US.”

12/1 – Shallow M2.5 seismic event just recorded in the vicinity of N. Korea’s Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site. Monitoring..

What You Need To Know

On Tuesday, AlertsUSA subscribers were some of the first in the nation to learn of North Korea’s latest ballistic missile launch. In this latest test, the new missile, referred to as the Hwasong-15, flew both high enough (approximately 2700 miles) and long enough (approx. 54 min) to demonstrate that it was fully capable of delivering a nuclear payload to anywhere in the United States and beyond. In addition, one of the more disturbing aspects of this demonstration was the fact that the massive ICBM was launched from a mobile platform just outside of Pyongyang.

Following the launch, N. Korea’s formal statement indicated that the Hwasong-15 could be armed with a “super-large heavy nuclear warhead” and is capable of striking the “whole mainland” of the United States. The report went on to say that N. Korean leader Kim Jung Un declared that the country had now finally realized the great historic cause of completing the state nuclear force.

Also on Tues, AlertsUSA subscribers were informed of statements by a senior N. Korean official that the country has two final steps remaining to achieve the goal of a strategic deterrent. The first step is the “testing of a long range ICBM” capable of reaching the USA. The second step is an above-ground nuclear detonation or a “large scale hydrogen bomb” test. The official indicated that both steps are necessary for the DPRK to send a clear message to the Trump administration.

 


 

A Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off from the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima as part of Combined Composite Training Unit Exercise in the Atlantic Ocean, Nov. 24, 2017 - ALLOW IMAGES

World News Roundup

 

December 2, 2017

 

Other Developments We Are Following

AMERICAS

Is Donald Trump Getting Ready to Attack North Korea?
At Pearl Harbor, first attack siren test in decades raises ‘goose bumps
Venezuela Welcomes All Tourists Crazy Enough to Go There
No lawyer for detained American accused of fighting with IS
Should the US help fight terrorism in Africa’s Sahel?
U.S. military to indefinitely delay ban on cluster bombs
US nuclear stockpile is world’s second largest
The USAF Is Rebuilding WW II-Era 40mm Shells for AC-130U Gunships
Air Force Eyes Next-Gen Electronic Warfare
MQ-9 Reapers Heading to Florida as Air Force Expands Drone Fleet

EUROPE

Russia calls U.S. threat to destroy North Korea a ‘bloodthirsty tirade’
New S-400 missile battalion to beef up Moscow air defense
Russia already preparing military withdrawal from Syria: agencies
Russia’s Expanding Footprint: From Sochi to the Sahel –
Kremlin: US trying to turn oligarchs against Putin
Russia Isn’t Going Away in Ukraine
Why the U.S. shouldn’t send arms to Ukraine
Ukraine’s Poroshenko says NATO, EU referendums to be held soon
Kremlin sides with plan to ban US media from Russian parliament
Former Catalan leaders appear before supreme court in Madrid
High-Technology Set to Dominate Russia’s Rearmament Program

MIDDLE EAST

White House considering recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital soon
Syrian government negotiator quits Geneva talks, says may not return
Syrian government using banned Soviet-made cluster bombs
Nigeria puts fortress towns at heart of new Boko Haram strategy
EU, African leaders back migrant evacuation plan in Libya as summit closes
Saudi and Iran trade insults at conference on ‘positive agenda’
Saudi Arabia ‘intercepts another Houthi missile’
Turkey seeks arrest of ex-CIA officer Fuller over coup plot
Israeli soldier stabbed to death in ‘terror attack’
Saudis say thousands of arms seized at Yemen border since 2016
The Future of Incirlik Air Base

ASIA

Seoul says DPRK puts Washington in range, but needs to prove critical tech
Seoul: Naval blockade against North Korea not discussed
Nuclear tests or corn harvests? Making sense of North Korea satellite imagery
Kim Jong-nam was holding antidote when poisoned by VX nerve agent.
ROK’s “Decapitation Unit” Will Take Down North Korean War Leadership
Which countries have diplomatic relations with North Korea?
Rising China Signals Historic Power Transition
Singapore on edge as Islamic State circles
Gunmen attack agriculture institute in Pakistan, killing 12.
China’s Navy Inducts 2 More Sub Killer Stealth Warships

 


 

Travel Security Update

The U.S. Dept. of State is the authoritative federal source for information on the security situation at travel destinations worldwide. With tensions rapidly increasing in most regions, readers planning international travel, even to such common destinations as Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean Islands, are strongly encouraged to do a little research on the security situation well prior to departure.

Latest USGOV Travel Alerts and Warnings

N. Korea
11/09/2017

Togo
11/07/2017

Niger
10/24/2017

Cyclone Season
10/24/2017

Venezuela
10/23/2017

Sudan
10/19/2017

Syria
10/18/2017

DR Congo
10/16/2017

Mauritania
10/12/2017

Cameroon
10/02/2017

Cuba
09/13/2017

Kenya
09/13/2017

Haiti
09/12/2017

Europe
11/16/2017

Worldwide Caution

09/14/2017

Additional Sources of Travel Guidance

Canada Dept. of Foreign Affairs

Australia Dept. of Foreign Affairs

UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office

 


 

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