Vigilance must endure as Sept. 11 approaches Published Aug. 18, 2011 By Julian Santistevan Nellis/Creech Antiterrorism Office NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- As the 10-year anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks approaches, let this message serve as a reminder to remain vigilant. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigations/Homeland Security Joint Intelligence bulletin, there is no current indication that Al-Qaida, its affiliates or its allies are plotting attacks in the U.S. to coincide with the 10-year anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. Additionally, authorities have not yet detected any plots by homegrown violent extremists, or HVEs, to act on the anniversary. With that said, keep in mind that HVEs are capable of conducting attacks and may choose to do so at any point. The list of people who have grown up or lived in the U.S. for years and have self-radicalized to become affiliated with Al-Qaida has grown, and some of these people have planned or perpetrated attacks on U.S. soil. If fact, over the past few weeks, the following events have been publicized in the media: Fort Hood, Texas - A U.S. Army Soldier stationed in Kentucky went absent without leave and was arrested July 27, 2011, and indicted for allegedly plotting a bombing attack against Fort Hood. Fort Irwin, Calif. - Criminals stole 26 automatic rifles and one sniper rifle from the installation July 15, 2011. Oslo, Norway - July 22, 2011, an individual exploded a car bomb in the center of Oslo's political district, killing seven people, and then shot an additional 69 on the island of Utoya. These specific events, along with the continuous threats against U.S. military personnel, reinforce the idea that all Airmen, civilians and contractors need to remain vigilant and need to report any unusual activity to the proper authorities. Be on the lookout for suspicious activity and, if you see something, notify your supervisor and security forces personnel at Nellis Air Force Base, 702-652-2311, or Creech AFB, 702-404-3333, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, 9-1-1.
