New York City is nation's #1 terrorist target, say officials

by: jim kouri | published: 02 20, 2012

The recent international bombings and bomb plots occurring throughout the Middle East, North Africa and Asia within the past few days are being analyzed this week by U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies including the New York City Police Department's Intelligence Division. A number of these plots are believed to be connected to Iran and its major terrorist proxy Hezbollah, especially those targeting Israel and Israeli interests in other countries.

"It's no secret that whenever there's a terrorist bombing or other large-scale attack in any country throughout the world, within hours you'll see New York detectives on the scene observing and reporting facts to One Police Plaza in Manhattan," says former undercover police officer Iris Quinones.

"This is how we stay on top of information on terrorist groups, bomb-makers, weapons of mass destruction and identifying individual terror suspects," she said.

"Like it or not, New York is the nation's number one target for Islamic terrorists. It's the home base for many law enforcement and government agencies and the media center of the country," said Mike Snopes, a former detective and military intelligence officer.

The NYPD said it is increasing security at synagogues and other Jewish institutions after talks between President Barack Obama and Israeli officials about a possible attack to prevent the Iranians from constructing a nuclear weapon.

The city has invested millions of dollars in state-of-the-art equipment and vehicles. For example, as reported in the Examiner, the New York City Police Department's acquisition of new, high-tech equipment will help police officers keep the city safe from terrorists: the NYPD’s Harbor Unit now possesses unmanned underwater drones to help bomb technicians and emergency services unit officers to detect suspected underwater explosives.

Iran Blamed for Bomb Plots by Israeli Government Israeli officials blamed three bomb plots this week on Iranian terrorists — including one who blew off his own leg with a botched grenade toss in Bangkok.

Tuesday's blast in Thailand followed the bombing of an Israeli diplomatic car in New Delhi, where four people were wounded on Monday.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday blamed the Iranian-backed terrorist group Hezbollah for two attacks against Israeli embassies in India and Georgia, according to a Law Enforcement Examiner source in the Israeli National Police, who requested anonymity.

“Iran is behind these attacks,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.

Last month, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper told Congress that Iranian leadership was more inclined to strike directly at the United States over real or perceived U.S. actions that threaten their regime.

The U.S. and Iran have been at odds since the ouster of the Shah of Iran during the Carter Administration. Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad lambastes the United States and Israel on s daily basis as his nation develops nuclear weapons and long-range missiles.

Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee Rep. Peter King (R-L.I.) said if they decide to attack, the city would be the bull's eye. “New York is the No. 1 target,” King said. “New York has all the targets that terrorists want.”

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