Al Qaeda Publication Cites Air Force Academy as Terrorist Target

An English-language online publication produced by al Qaeda has cited the US Air Force Academy as a desirable target for a terrorist attack, among an array of American and international facilities and institutions. The 40-page publication, released Aug. 16 on Twitter, includes photos of injured children, a list of past “Jihadi Operations,” and a shopping list and step-by-step instructions for making bombs, reported The Gazette newspaper of Colorado Springs, Colo. Academy officials released a statement saying: “We are aware that the Air Force Academy is mentioned in a recent online publication. We remain vigilant and maintain all appropriate protocols of a military installation to include force protection and being cognizant of existing and emerging threats.” They said the primary concern remains the security and safety of the cadets, our personnel,” and academy visitors. Other US targets listed by the terrorist publication include casinos and night clubs in Las Vegas, the Georgia Military College, Times Square in New York City, the General Atomics headquarters in San Diego, which directs remotely piloted vehicle production, oil tankers, and trains. Foreign targets include the British Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, and resorts frequented by Israeli, British, or American tourists.