Terror threat spurs security alert

Terror threat spurs security alert

US consulate in Chiang Mai under close watch

The government has ordered that security be beefed up for the US consulate in Chiang Mai following intelligence reports of a potential terrorist attack.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung says he has received information that al-Qaeda and Salafist terrorists had planned to launch a three-pronged attack on the US consulate in an operation codenamed "Billiard Ball" in the first half of February.

The terrorists, based in Algeria, would be equipped with small arms, grenade launchers and C-4 explosives provided by drug traders who are unhappy with the Chiang Mai consulate's role in drug suppression in the region, he said.

Mr Chalerm said latest intelligence reports revealed some members of the terrorist groups had now left Thailand.

It would be difficult for the terrorists to carry out the attacks now that security has been tightened, he said.

Mr Chalerm dismissed any links between these terrorists and insurgents in the far South.

He said he ordered Pol Lt Gen Suthep Dejraksa, the Region 5 Provincial Police chief, to beef up security at the consulate from last Wednesday.

This matter would not affect tourism in Chiang Mai and had nothing to do with the prime minister's scheduled visit to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai from today until Friday, Mr Chalerm said.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said yesterday that she had been briefed on the intelligence reports about the threat and had ordered police to step up security at the consulate.

She said the US embassy had not made any special security requests.

Police armed with HK33 rifles from the provincial police headquarters are reportedly on 24-hour security duty at the consulate.

A checkpoint has been set up in front of the consulate and no vehicles are allowed to park on the road in front of the consulate.

The Cobra Gold joint military exercise, involving troops from several countries including the US, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and Thailand, is now being held in Chiang Mai. It began last Monday and last until next Thursday.

A security source said that members of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY), members of a Salafist brigade and al-Qaeda terrorists had sneaked into the country to monitor the US consulate last year.

At least 26 Salafist terrorists were expected to take part in the attack on the US consulate, the source said.

Another source said police and soldiers in Chiang Mai are tracking down 15 people believed to be members of the Salafist group.

They are identified as Umar Al Khatib, who leads the operation, Burhanidin Jabir (of Eritrean nationality), Taib Kamal (Algerian), Abdalhadi al Tahir (Ethiopian), Yahya Aboulrazak Hamza (Syrian), Abdallah Al Kamil (Syrian), Abdal Baribelhaj (Algerian), Marwan Al Khatib and Umar Shihab (Yemeni), Khalil Al Qwaydir (Jordanian), Abdallah (Palestinian), Abdal Aziz Al Jalai (Sudanese), Harith Yusif (Afghan), Najmudin (Afghan) and Abdal Hakim (Somali).

Pol Lt Gen Suthep said the Provincial Police Region 5 had received information about the 15 suspected terrorists from the Special Branch Police.

Chiang Mai governor Thanin Suphasaen said security agencies are checking hotels to comb through the identities of their guests to see if any of them are suspects, while tight security is being enforced at spots where foreign visitors gather.

Walter Braunohler, US embassy spokesman in Bangkok, said he could not comment on security matters but added that the US consulate in Chiang Mai is open as usual and will take any necessary precautions.

He also thanked the Thai government for its support and cooperation.

Meanwhile, Phuket provincial police chief Pol Maj Gen Chote Chawalwiwat said the island province, popular with foreigners, has also gone on the alert following the reports of possible terrorist attacks in Chiang Mai.

Locals and business operators have been asked to keep an eye out for any suspicious people or movements, with security beefed up at Phuket international airport and other checkpoints.

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