Al-Qaeda question (lives may be at stake here!)?

Question

My family is flying to Australia in mid-Dec (staying there for 7 days) but recent news have stated that Al-Qaeda terrorists may plant bombs there, and my Dad thinks it might be during Christmas! How credible is he?

And will Al-Qaeda strike during that period? I know we can't tell but just give me evidence and probability...

Thanks, much appreciated.

Answer 1

There was a rumor that AQ was going to attack shopping malls over the Christmas holidays. This information is not very credible.

If for no other reason - AQ is not going to continue an operation if they suspect that we know about it (since the operation will almost certainly fail).

Besides - our operations in Afghanistan and Iraq have virtually eliminated AQ's ability to launch sophisticated international attacks. (Their trained people all died in one of those two places.)

Answer 2

Given Australia's proximity to Indonesia any terrorist attacks planned against that nation would probably originate with cells of Jemma Islamiya. That group is older than Al Queda and its stated goal is to establish a single Muslim State out of Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and the southern parts of the Philippinnes. This is the group which carried out the attack on the resort areas on Bali Island that killed a number of Australians a few years ago.
What I have just related to you is also well known to Australian authorities. They have been quite alert and aggressive in preventing such attacks on the Australian continent. I wouldn't be too worried about this. But, if you do see something, say something. Vigilance is the keyword these days.

Answer 3

The U.S. Department of State has a website with travel warnings to other countries. Australia is not currently on there. So, it does not appear that there is a known threat to travel to Australia.

Al-Qaeda could be about anywhere. We can't let them disrupt our lives and we need to go on about our lives without fear.

Here is the site: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html

Answer 4

I didn't heard that Al-Qaeda terrorists will strike Australia during Christmas period...I heard this about European area.
But we don't have to change our lives because of fair which they induce to us - this is what terrorists expect.

Answer 5

Survival is a matter of limiting exposure. Airplanes, airports, train and bus stations or any form of mass transit are terrorist targets. City centers, malls, sports arenas, big night clubs or any where large groups of people present themselves as targets, are TARGETS! Avoid these places or at least limit your exposure to them. As for the timing of attacks, any time is the right time and the Christmas Holiday season with its peace on earth and good will and all of that? Lets all wave a red flag in front of the bull.....

Answer 6

The fact of the matter is no one except the perpetrators knows when or where an attack will take place. Any sort of speculation--especially speculation based on unfounded rumors--is a complete waste of time.

Remember that the terrorists are trying to disrupt our lives. If you alter your plans out of fear of a terrorist attack then you're making sure they succeed.

Answer 7

any enemies' biggest tool is the element of surprise. If it's advertised (or hear-say) that they'll hit at xmas, then it's just to set everyone's nerves on end. They're gonna hit whenever they want to, but use scare tactics in the meantime.

Answer 8

If you let terrorists change your life through mere threats and possibilities, then they've already won as far as you're concerned.

Try to be a sheepdog and not a sheep.

Answer 9

Where do you get your news? I don't recall anything about terrorism in Australia. BTW probability is 50/50. Either they do or they don't!!1

Answer 10

Do some research, site below has information on groups and security advice...

http://www.mipt.org/