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The skyline of north London has been covered by military helicopters and jets securing the G20 summit, the threat made by the Pakistani Taleban that an "amazing attack" is being organised against the US will worry many in London security chiefs. Editor-in-Chief
John Kaponi
The G20 summit of world leaders begins today to address the serious economic meltdown which has enveloped the economies of all the major economies of the globe, but a new security concern will occupy the minds of many of the heads of state in London.
The warning by the Pakistan Taleban leader that an attack would be launched against Washington that "would amaze the world" will be taken seriously by the security services here in London and in Washington. The US have placed a $5 million bounty for the capture of the head of the Pakistani Taleban Baitullah Mehsud and have ranked him as one of the most dangerous individuals to US security, following his acceptance of the murder of seven Pakistani police in Lahore this past week.
The US Government describe Mehsud:
"Baitullah Mehsud is a key al-Qa’ida facilitator in the tribal areas of South Waziristan in Pakistan. Pakistani authorities believe that the January 2007 suicide attack against the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad was staged by militants loyal to Mehsud. Press reports also have linked Mehsud to the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and the deaths of other innocent civilians.
In addition, Mehsud has stated his intention to attack the United States. He has conducted cross-border attacks against U.S. forces in Afghanistan, and poses a clear threat to American persons and interests in the region."
The big worry is the potential of consolidation amongst the "Taleban forces" of Afghanistan and Pakistan that would pose an even greater risk to the UK and US and NATO forces fighting the Islamic extremists. Intelligence reports have indicated that Mehsud has formed a "Council of Mujahdin" that would be able to launch attacks against the US and allies in Afghanistan.
The potential for a sustained campaign against the West in Europe and North America is becoming more and more likely, and it will be down to the effectiveness of the securtity services here in London and other capitals to make sure that intelligence is shared and operations are undertaken to defeat these terrorists.
Moreover the G20 will be focusing on a "global economic stimulus" but with the leaders of key nations all around a table an agreement on how to combat Islamic extremism is a no-brainer. To have economic stability we need to know we have safe and secure environment to do this.
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