Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 29 January 2024

These updates are shared to help raise the situational awareness of Faith-Based organizations to best defend against and mitigate the impacts from all-hazards threats including physical security, cybersecurity, and natural disasters.

Drone Attack on U.S. Service Members in Jordan

Three U.S. troops were killed and at least another 34 wounded Saturday night in a drone attack on their living quarters in northeast Jordan near the Syrian border, the U.S. Central Command reported. Iran has claimed that any accusations of their involvement are “baseless”, while the White House prepares for their response.

Analyst Comments:

Of note is the fact that according to DOD officials, the drone arrived at the same time as a returning U.S. drone – and as a result elements of the defense system were turned off. Organizations may want to use this as motivation to examine what blind spots they have in their own security systems. What areas may not be covered by security cameras? What increased risks does the organization have when staff may be down to a skeleton crew over holiday periods. Not all vulnerabilities can always be mitigated, but it is important to continually assess our operations to understand when and how we are most likely to be attacked, both from physical and cyber threat actors.

Also see:

• Statement from President Joe Biden on Attack on U.S. Service Members in Northeastern Jordan Near the Syria Border
• Statement From Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III on an Attack Against U.S. and Coalition Forces in Northeastern Jordan Near the Syria Border

Two Assailants Open Fire in Istanbul Church

Yesterday morning, two individuals with suspected ties to ISIS infiltrated the Italian-run Santa Maria Church in Istanbul, Turkey during morning church service. At least one individual was killed when a bullet struck his head, and more were injured. Turkish minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed on X that both gunman have been captured by authorities.

Analyst Comments:

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has developed the Physical Security Performance Goals for Faith-Based Communities to help faith-based communities mitigate the threat of targeted violence and prepare for potential incidents. These goals provide readily implementable, cost-effective solutions and resources to help faith-based communities reduce risk and enhance resilience.

Also see:

• Over 40 people detained in Istanbul after church shooting, including Russian citizen
• Istanbul church attack: Assault on Christians is ‘treason’, Turkish MP says

Police Arrest Teen Said to Be Linked to Hundreds of Swatting Attacks

For more than a year, the FBI has been hunting the person whom experts say is one of the most prolific swatters in American history. Law enforcement now believes they have finally arrested the person responsible. A 17-year-old from California is allegedly the swatter known as Torswats, according to sources familiar with the investigation. The teenager is currently in custody and awaiting extradition from California to Seminole County, Florida. The Florida State Attorney’s Office tells WIRED that he faces four felony counts. Seminole County, located in central Florida, had two high-profile swatting incidents within the last 12 months, including one targeting a mosque and another targeting a courthouse. Todd Brown, a spokesperson for Florida’s Office of the State Attorney in the 18th Circuit, confirmed the charges against the teen and his extradition. Brown says he will be prosecuted as an adult under Florida law. WIRED is withholding the 17-year-old’s name because he is a minor.

Analyst Comments:

The FBI formed a national online database in May of last year to facilitate information sharing between hundreds of police departments and law enforcement agencies across the country pertaining to swatting incidents. Members are encouraged to quickly contact local law enforcement if they feel they or their organization have been a victim of swatting.