Oil Tanker Attacks?

[Annie]

It's been on the local news today:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4146600.stm

FBI warns of al-Qaeda truck bombs
Intelligence officials in the US have warned police agencies that al-Qaeda may be planning attacks using fuel tankers in major US cities.

The warning said fuel-laden vehicles could be hijacked and rammed into petrol stations to explode.

The cities of New York, Chicago and Los Angeles are reported to be major targets.

However, FBI officials have stressed that the information which led to the warning has not been substantiated.

The possible attacks are reported to be being planned to coincide with the fourth anniversary of the 11 September 2001 attacks.

"Attacks are planned specifically for New York, Chicago and Los Angeles," said the memo, issued on Wednesday to police authorities in Los Angeles.

It added that it was "unclear whether the attacks will occur simultaneously or over a period of time."

The memo adds that those planning to hijack the vehicles would probably be part of small al-Qaeda cells already present in the country.

 

[pegwinn]

How completely unprofessional. In order to make the best use of a fuel tanker as an improvised bomb, you need a drill, and a road flare, and some duct tape. Drill the hole, place the flare so the fire lit end is positioned correctly, tape in place. To detonate simply light the flare, place head firmly between legs, and kiss your........................

Placement of flare is intended to make use of fumes to create a fireball. Placement depends on make / model of tanker and the method used to drain it.

Couple pounds of C4 or Comp B will make the process real easy.

 

[MissileMan]

How completely unprofessional. In order to make the best use of a fuel tanker as an improvised bomb, you need a drill, and a road flare, and some duct tape. Drill the hole, place the flare so the fire lit end is positioned correctly, tape in place. To detonate simply light the flare, place head firmly between legs, and kiss your........................

Placement of flare is intended to make use of fumes to create a fireball. Placement depends on make / model of tanker and the method used to drain it.

Couple pounds of C4 or Comp B will make the process real easy.

I've always thought that a few divers with magnetic, shape charge mines could launch a simultaneous attack on several super tankers along the entire east coast, not to start fires, but to cause massive spills. The clean up would cost billions. There would be the added irony of our being hurt by our "thirst" for oil.