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Counterterrorism Expert WarnsKeep Your Guard Up During EasterLAEDC Homeland Security Spokesperson Elsa Lee, who contributed to the OnTrac LAEDC Rand Corporation Homeland Security Study, said "For those who are making last minute travel plans, security is even more critical, because their mind is focused on just making it to the destination. Los Angeles, CA The FBI and Department of Homeland Security has sent out warnings this week saying there is uncorroborated information pointing to possible attacks on buses and trains, specifically, near major U.S. cities. CNN is reporting that a bomb found under high-speed rail tracks in Spain today (Friday) appears to be made of the same explosives used in last month's deadly Madrid train attacks, Interior Minister Angel Acebes said. Trains were halted on the Madrid-Seville route Friday after investigators found the bomb in a bag near the town of Villaseca de la Sagra, in Toledo province south of Madrid, officials said Easter Sunday (April 11, 2004) is a busy travel holiday and one of your priorities should be security planning according to the experts. It's so easy to overlook if it's not something people are in the habit of doing. But Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) spokesperson and Counterterrorism Expert Elsa Lee warns to keep alert, even while you're on vacation or traveling during the holidays. "For those who are making last minute travel plans, security is even more critical, because their mind more than likely is focused on just making it to the destination" said Lee. "As for vacation planning it should include security. For example: families traveling overseas should have a three phase action plan. One for pre travel, a second plan while traveling, and a post travel action plan." The FBI and Homeland Security agencies issued these warnings to law enforcement and security personnel throughout the country. "The plot calls for the use of improvised explosive devices possibly constructed of ammonium nitrate (fertilizer) and diesel fuel concealed in luggage and carry-on bags to include duffel bags and backpacks," states the warning, titled, "Subject: Alleged Plot Against Major U.S. Cities in the Summer of 2004." The recent railway attacks in Madrid used plastic explosives concealed in backpacks. The Spain deadly terrorist bombings last month has sparked renewed congressional interest in the nation's only study on threat to a rail system released on the anniversary of 9-11 last year. The study, to see what we've learned since 9-11, was commissioned and published in cooperation with the Orange North-American Trade Rail Access Corridor (OnTrac) Joint Powers Authority and the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC). The study was completed as part of the environmental review process for the Alameda Corridor East strategic rail system that goes through Placentia, California. "Southern California has become the nation's primary gateway for two-way international trade," said Executive Director Christopher Becker, of OnTrac. "The Alameda Corridor East rail lines moved about $116 billion in goods based on the manufacturer's value in 2000. The street value was much higher for these products. The street values of rail cargo traveling on the Alameda Corridor East in 2000 were $166 billion." The study revealed what America has learned since 9-11, and what Homeland Security should address in the near future. The study findings could become a model for California and the rest of the nation. "The disruption cost of shutting down the Alameda Corridor East represents a $414 million disruption value each day that it is shut down," said LAEDC Director of Public Policy, Greg Freeman. "The same 10-day disruption would therefore be $4.1 billion. An attack of 30-days duration would see a $12.4 billion disruption cost and go to $24.8 billion if the shutdown of the strategic corridor lasts for 60-days." During terror raids in London this week, officials found and seized 1,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate. A group of eight British citizens of Pakistani origins were arrested on suspicion of being involved in possible terrorist attacks. Elsa Lee is one of the few Americans who comprise the United States true-to-form counterterrorism experts. Lee is CEO, President, and founder of Advantage SCI, LLC (www.advantagesci.com) based in Redondo Beach, CA serving government and private industry clients globally. She has 23 years of public and private sector experience in anti-terrorism operations, counterespionage investigations, threat and vulnerability assessments, and information systems security in the United States, Asia, Central America, and Europe. Lee offers tourists and travelers these international safety and security tips: During pre-travel, a family member or companion should conduct a quick scan of news for that region, identify where hospitals are located, make a note of the address and phone number to the nearest US Embassy, and if possible, have an idea of where the police stations are located. Plan to take only the bare essentials. Leave your valuables and non-prescription medications at home. Take clothing that allows you to blend in with the local environment and that does not immediately identify you as an American. You don't know where the terrorist sympathizers are these days so you don't want to become a target or victim of terrorist or criminal activity by showing your patriotism in uncharted territory. Give a copy of your itinerary to a friend or family member and make arrangements to check back in with them when you return from your trip. Let them know when to worry and at what point they should consider taking some form of action. Visit the Department of State website for a travel advisory about the region you're visiting. While in the military, Lee served in the Defense Intelligence Agency, the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), U.S. Army Europe, the Pentagon, U.S. Army Intelligence Center & School, and the Defense Nuclear Agency and is a member of the FBI Los Angeles Infraguard. Edited by Dave Shultz |
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