August 30, 2004 Bulletin

Small terrorist group takes credit for downing Russian planes, raises concerns worldwide

According to the Russian news organization Izvestia, responsibility for the downing on 24.8. the two Russian passenger airliners TU-134 and TU-154 was taken by a not well known Islamic terrorist group, The Islambuli Brigades, reports 'Izvestia". al Qaeda has also taken responsibility for the attack, which raises questions about the lengthening shadow of the organization into small and obscure terrorist groups in far reaching parts of the world.

The Islambuli announcement was published in Arabic by one of the Islamic Internet Websites: "By the grace and will of Allah, our fighters dealt the first blow to the Russian foe. Further attacks will follow."

"Our fighters, succeeded in hijacking two enemy aircrafts, despite difficulties in the early stage of the operation," continues the announcement, "five of our fighters operated in each aircraft." No further details were given.

The Russian officials refused to make any comment on the "Brigades' ":statement: "We do not comment on such statements, especially when their authenticity. is doubtful," said a Federal Security Bureau official.

The practice of taking 'credit' for terrorist events that kill innocent civilians in the name of Allah has long been a hallmark of terrorist organizations whose strategy is built on the death and suffering of others whom they perceive to be their enemy.

The spreading reach of terror activities, combined with growing concern over American's porous borders, lax immigration policies, and general lack of preparedness, leaves American interests at home an abroad increasingly vulnerable.

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