Syrian Grand Mufti Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun threatened to “activate suicide bombers in Europe and the U.S. – if NATO or the United States bombed Syria or Lebanon.” This was in 2011 – with all the talk recently of President Obama taking unilateral military action against Syria for a chemical weapons attack – this issue of suicide bombers inside the U.S re-surfaced as an issue and national security concern.
The following is an open letter sent to Congressman Bilirakis of Florida in 2011 regarding foreign media reports indicating that there are suicide bombers here in the U.S.
Needless to say I never got a formal response from the Congressman on this issue.
October 13, 2011
Dear Congressman Gus Bilirakis,
Less than 13 hours ago the Syrian Grand Mufti Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun threatened to “activate suicide bombers in Europe and the U.S. – if NATO or the United States bombed Syria or Lebanon.”
It should be noted that he made his threats against the United States publicly.
His comments were carried live on Memri TV, NBN and SFP TV to an audience at the time of around 100,000 people.
“We will prepare martyrdom seekers who are already among you, if you bomb Lebanon or Syria.” he said. “I say to every Arab and every human being: do not think that the people will not commit martyrdom in France, Britain or the US, will be Arabs and Muslims. They will be the new Jules Jammal or a new Muhammad Al- Durrah. They will all be like the righteous (of the past)…”(source: “Syrian regime threatens to activate suicide bombers in Europe and the U S” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGo9zoju4ig).
The Grand Mufti of Syria is considered by many as one of the most powerful and influential people in Syria. He is also a religious fanatic.
He holds considerable sway over decisions made in that country.
Thousands of Shia Muslims have pledged their personal allegiance to this man. His threats are not to be taken lightly.
In a letter addressed to the Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, I suggest the national terrorism “threat level” be raised in light of the Grand Mufti’s recent statements that “suicide bombers are present in the United States.” Attached to that letter was background information on Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun, including his address and location information, known associates and his published itinerary over the next 6 day.
Included with that information is a list of his most prominent supporters in Hamas and Hezbollah – both designated “terrorist organizations” by the U.S. State Department.
In another letter addressed to key U.S. Congressional leaders I suggested that the Grand Mufti be placed on the “terrorism watch list” and efforts be made to coordinate his “kill or capture” should he travel to a neutral or friendly country anywhere in the middle east or Europe.
Without a doubt, this man poses a serious threat to national security.
If what he says is true, he could very easily cause the deaths of American citizens by simply ordering the activation of suicide bombers inside the United States and Europe.
As such, he is a very dangerous man.
Should suicide bombers attack the United States the Grand Mufti should be held personally responsible for their actions.
Sincerely
Robert Tilford
Cc: U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Cc: Federal Bureau of Investigation