11:00 P.M.: Jack Shelby arrived at the Situation Room for the last presidential briefing of the night.
Jack had everyone’s undivided attention as he spoke. “In 1983, these Palestinians were involved in the murders of three young Jewish men who were orphans in the UK, and they assumed their identities. How they accomplished this is unknown at this time, but we believe the organization called the Muslims For Justice were involved in the killings. Under their new names they attended and graduated from British universities, then obtained student visas to the United States for furthering their education. Once here they married, established legitimate companies and became U.S. citizens.”
Jack looked around the room and could tell that the occupants were amazed at the cleverness of the scheme. He continued, “We’re sure the Muslims For Justice also financed the operations, but how that money was transferred to them has yet to be determined.”
Jack put a chart up on the screen showing a timeline from when the terrorists had entered the country. “What’s most disturbing is the fact that Abdul-Aziz al Hummos, posing as Howard Lieberman, not only became an FBI special agent, but his wife was the owner of MetroMax Security in Washington D.C. and he the owner of MetroMax South. With MetroMax South, he was able to obtain the contract for security at the two FEU nuclear reactor sites allowing the terrorists to take control. We’ve interrogated his ex-wife and we believe she was unaware of his past or his present intentions.”
Jack then gave the assessment developed by a CIA explosives expert on the containment domes. Jack pointed to the pattern of explosives that had been set on the structures dome, now projected on the LCD monitors as he spoke, “The pattern consists of six closely spaced explosives in the center, followed by three separate circles of explosives each six feet apart. If this were exploded in the proper sequence, it would cause the dome to collapse inward rather than just fragmenting. A secondary explosion, perfectly timed from within the containment building, would pulverize the collapsing dome sending thousands of radioactive particles into the atmosphere.”
The president and the chiefs of staff were astounded by the information. The president was visibly angry. “I haven’t seen one specific proposal that will end the hostage takeover and return the nuclear reactor sites to us. I believe our options are limited and it will take total cooperation of the Israeli government to defuse the standoff.”
As the President was preparing to leave the room he announced, “In the morning I’ll sign an executive order suspending all federally licensed firearms and explosives dealers. In addition, all their licenses must be reapplied for and we’re going to severely limit the number issued.” He then left the room.
CHAPTER 32
THE SIEGE, DAY TWO - DECEMBER 26
Tension ran high at the command post outside of Beekman Estates. Both Captain Brenner and Sheriff Patterson tried to convince Colonel Westall to abandon his assault on the community and to negotiate a release.
The colonel was adamant. “You saw the television footage with the wired explosives surrounding the hostages. Do you really think they’re going to release these people? Remember Beslan, Russia where three hundred twenty-three hostages, including one hundred fifty-six children, died during the siege? Those terrorists targeted children and had no mercy in killing them. It’s no different here.”
Sheriff Paterson tried to reason with the colonel. “What you say is true, but they’ve released some of the children, their mothers and the elderly. That’s a sign they’re willing to talk.”
“How stupid are you, Sheriff, to believe this was done out of compassion? They eliminated the hostages that needed the greatest care and kept the ones who are the easiest to control. Earlier tonight they killed two of my finest men without any hesitation. I’m not letting them get the upper hand.”
Sheriff Patterson just walked away. This man is not going to listen to reason and I’m wasting my time trying to convince him otherwise.
Sergeant Major Paxton had assembled the four platoons of forty men and the platoon leaders. “We’ll bring three of the platoons under the cover of darkness within striking distance of the clubhouse and fitness center from the east, west and north side. The buildings are in the middle of the community, but can reach the area in less than five minutes after breaching the wall. Once you’re over the wall a diversion by the fourth platoon at the main entrance should attract the attention of the terrorists. At that time you will rush the buildings. With our overwhelming numbers we should be able to secure both facilities.”
1:30 A.M.: The terrorist snipers used night vision goggles to track every movement of the advancing soldiers. The three pickup trucks with machine guns were sitting inside garages of homes that had access to the golf course. Word of an impending attack was sent out to the three cell members. Iyad al-Ibrahim was operating the computer-controlled ANFO canisters.
Nasih, Abdul-Aziz and Rashad rushed to join Iyad at the computer. The reports from the snipers were coming in with sightings of the advancing soldiers who had breached the walls and were gathering to cross the expanse of the golf course. As they proceeded to cross the open ground, the terrorist spotters called out a number that corresponded to the soldiers’ position in relationship to a canister location.
Upon receiving the first coordinate, Iyad sent a signal from the computer to the underground canister, firing the projectile into the air, where at six feet high it exploded and sent hundreds of ball bearings at a velocity of three thousand feet per second, hitting the soldiers over their entire bodies. The Teflon-coated ball bearings ripped through their ballistic helmets and armored vests mortally wounding the men.
Within seconds of the first explosions the platoon leaders yelled, “Mines, fall back.”
Before the men had a chance to retreat several more of the canisters were fired. The platoons were in full retreat when the pickup trucks came roaring down on the golf course. They swung the vehicles around and the operators of the machine guns opened fire. When the firing stopped only a handful of men who breached the wall were left of the original one hundred twenty. There were no wounded, for the firing of the canisters and the machine guns had killed all that had been hit.
Inside the makeshift command center the Colonel Westall, Sergeant Major Paxton, Captain Brenner and Sheriff Patterson were listening to the radio reports of the carnage from the platoon leaders. The normally beet-red colonel was pale white. He had just sacrificed almost sixty percent of the men under his command. Walking to the back of the office, he slumped into a chair.
Sheriff Patterson and Captain Brenner watched as Sergeant Major Paxton went to the Colonel’s armored personnel carrier.
The visibly shaken sergeant major radioed in, “SOUTHCOM, SOUTHCOM this is Fast Response Team Two. We have taken heavy casualties in a hostage rescue attempt.”
There was a pause before the radio responded. “Rescue attempt? Who authorized a rescue attempt? What are your casualties?”
Only then did Sergeant Major Paxton realize that Colonel Westall had breached protocol and issued the assault without obtaining clearance from command headquarters.
“We are still assessing but it looks like we have lost ninety percent of the one hundred twenty men who attempted the rescue.”
There was no response for almost thirty seconds before the radio crackled to life.
“Tell your remaining men to stand down and await further orders.”
4:00 A.M.: A UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter landed in a church parking lot a mile away from the hostage scene with a brigadier general, two colonels and military police. They were whisked to the makeshift headquarters by waiting police cars and promptly relieved Colonel Westall of his command, with the M.P.’s taking the colonel away in handcuffs.
7:05 A.M.: Dawn broke through the thin cirrus clouds over Beekman Estates. Jeff Grossman looked around at the hostage scene he was now a part of. I’m anxious to find out about the explosions and gunfire I heard last night. I can only speculate what has transpired and
I fear for our lives.
During the explosions, the terrorists watching over them positioned themselves to detonate the charges inside the building. Some of the terrorists were chanting phrases from the Qur’an and it was apparent to all that these men were ready to die for Allāh.
Jeff touched his forehead. I’m weak from hunger. I haven’t eaten since early yesterday, and I’m not thinking clearly. He tried to lie down to keep from becoming nauseated when one of the terrorists came over.
“Get up and put on your clothes.”
Like the other hostages, Jeff had been required to strip naked and he was grateful for having at least a pair of pants and a shirt to wear.
Jeff was taken outside the auditorium where his fully clothed cameraman was already waiting, standing alongside Nasih and Iyad.
Nasih said. “Take your cameraman and go with Iyad in the pickup truck. You’ll be filming the results of the attack that took place last night. When you’re done I’ll speak about this to the world.”
Jeff was very apprehensive as the truck left the road and crossed over the golf course. He strained to see what was ahead then turned, covering his eyes. They were then taken out to the truck to film the slaughter.
Ordered by Iyad to narrate, Jeff had to muster up all his courage trying to speak, his voice breaking several times. “I’m witnessing the bodies of dead American soldiers who were killed last night while attempting a hostage rescue. I’ve never seen anyone killed in combat and the scene is sickening. The golf course putting greens have turned crimson from the pools of blood. I haven’t any idea how many are dead. I can only pray for their souls.”
Completing the filming of the bodies strewn about the golf course, they returned to the clubhouse.
Nasih was neither gloating nor smiling. He spoke in an even and unwavering voice into the camera. “I’m showing the world this footage of American soldiers who died needlessly last night. We’ve made a simple request for the Zionist’s of Israel to honor. Our demand is for compensation and dignity for the Palestinian people whose homes and property was taken from them illegally. The blood of these soldiers lies directly on the hands of those who hold power in Israel. The United States must understand that we as martyrs for Allāh will not give in to the Zionists, and your support for them can only result in more death and destruction to your people and country.”
The White House
8:10 A.M.: In the Situation Room the video of the fallen soldiers was being viewed. There were repeated warnings from the broadcasting stations that the footage to be shown would be disturbing.
When the president saw the bodies of the dead soldiers he became enraged. “Who allowed this operation to be undertaken?”
General Knight addressed the issue. “Sir, this man had no authority to commence this action. He acted without contacting his senior officers and has been relieved of his command and will be court-martialed.”
The president was incensed. “How do we explain to the families and the spouses of the dead soldiers that we, the United States Armed Forces, are not responsible?” The room was silent until the president said, “Proceed.”
The multiple screens in the Situation Room displayed scenes of the evacuation in complete disarray.
The president’s Chief of Staff, Donald Kowal, spoke, “First, we’re addressing where the displaced are going to be housed and fed. Second, once the crisis is over, we’re addressing how to proceed with an orderly return to their homes. FEMA is responsible for coordinating both of these actions. We have instituted a contingency plan that spans three weeks, using military bases both active and closed along with additional civilian facilities.”
The issue of a massive military strike was brought up again.
General Knight spoke, “My staff knows I’m the first to use force to defuse a situation. I’ve seen too many cases of pussyfooting around or trying to please the world community, when only a show of strength was the deterrent. The North Korean nuclear reactor shutdown is an example of telling the enemy either comply or be destroyed. They got the message. But in this case the terrorists have nothing to lose and if given the slightest provocation, they would set off the explosives. The president and I have agreed that negotiations are the only solution.”
9:15 A.M.: The president tried to contact Prime Minister Itamar Harkavy in Jerusalem from the White House but was unsuccessful. He called several more times but without success.
“This is not a good sign,” the president said as he hung up the phone. “We have to buy time with the terrorists.”
The general suggested, “If we can isolate the three cell leaders and take them out it might demoralize the remaining terrorists and force them to surrender.”
“Risky,” said the president. “But it could be a plan of last resort.”
Beekman Estates
Nasih, Abdul-Aziz and Rashad were implementing their next move. They knew an attempt to locate and kill them had to be one of the strategies that the United States would invoke. Earlier in the day they abandoned Abdul-Aziz’s home in Beekman Estates, knowing it could be the focus of an attack. They were now operating out of an office in the clubhouse.
To communicate with the men at the FEU sites, satellite phones were used. These phones were selected because they utilized low-earth-orbiting satellites and unlike cell phones couldn’t be triangulated for a fixed position. The communication satellite had a five hundred plus mile range, making pinpointing the transmission impossible.
Nasih summoned Iyad to the office. “Bring the WAVW broadcast vehicle to the loading dock of the clubhouse. Switch the vehicle with the one that’s under camouflage. You know your orders and we’ll stay in touch.” The three cell members walked back to the loading dock and slipped into the false panels behind the driver’s seat of the bogus WAVW truck.
Once the men were in place, Iyad brought the vehicle to the front entrance. He went to the hostage area and told the WAVW driver to get dressed.
Iyad gave him strict instructions. “You’re going to take the truck off the premises. When questioned you’ll state there’s an electrical problem with the vehicle and you must take it for repair. Your two co-workers are being held and you must return in an hour or they’ll be executed.” He marched the driver to the bogus vehicle.
The driver didn’t notice the difference in the vehicles until he sat in the seat. “Hey, this isn’t my truck!”
Iyad placed his rifle muzzle under the driver’s chin. “You’re absolutely right, this isn’t your truck. Raise up your ass and feel the seat. Lumpy? That’s because it’s wired with explosives. One wrong word or move and you’ll be joining the soldiers you saw earlier today. You’re carrying a very special cargo and we’ll be watching your every move. You’ll exit the community; give your excuse for leaving, and then drive east on Yamato Road. At Federal Highway you’ll go south until you reach the shopping center on Federal and Fifth Avenue. There you’ll park behind the shopping complex. Any questions?”
The driver shook his head no and drove to the entrance. After exiting he was stopped by law enforcement. He explained to the officers about the electrical problem and that he must return in an hour. They did a quick search of the truck, and not seeing anyone, they let him through the maze of police cars. He headed east on Yamato Road. As he neared the Military Trail intersection he was startled by a voice from behind him.
“If for one second you deviate from the instructions, you’ll be killed.”
The driver did exactly as told. The roads and the plaza were deserted. He drove the vehicle to the rear of the complex. From behind the false panels the three cell members emerged. Checking to see if there was anyone around, they exited the vehicle. Taking the driver with them they walked south one-third mile to N.E. 14th Street where Nasih had his boat moored.
The Phoenix Rising
11:15 A.M.: The yacht, already fueled, was ready to launch. The tuna tower had been removed weeks before, allowing the boat to safely pass under the drawbridge at Palmetto P
ark Road without need for the bridge to be raised. It was only another mile to the Boca Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean.
With the WAVW driver below with mouth taped and hand cuffed, the men removed the mooring lines and The Phoenix Rising left its berth. Heading out of the Boca Inlet, the yacht looked like dozens of other boats trying to escape from South Florida.
Nasih turned the yacht towards the northeast. He pushed the throttles to their maximum, feeling the vessel shake as the powerful diesels roared to life. The Phoenix Rising lurched forward as if released from a hidden grasp. Nasih set the GPS coordinates to 27°31’26” N, 79°15’58” W. He calculated he could cover the first part of the trip of ninety-four miles in two hours forty-five minutes. At that time he would be sixty miles north of Grand Bahama Island at the Matanilla Shoal, ironically almost due east of the Florida Ridge nuclear reactor site. Upon reaching the first destination, he then set his GPS to coordinates 27°44’18” N, 76°34’04” W, which was another one hundred sixty-four miles east and would take five hours to cover.
The wind was coming in from the west as the cold front settled in. But the forecast was due to change. Change for the better, as far as Nasih was concerned, if the negotiations broke down. The waves were only two to three feet high and the yacht plowed forward effortlessly. They were on constant lookout for U.S. military ships or planes, but they saw none.
The Flight
As the three cell members were making their escape, so were hundreds of thousands of Florida residents. These were the ones who had waited until the major highways had less traffic. Others who had waited didn’t believe that the threat of nuclear fallout was real or that the United States Military would have a solution. As television stations gave additional in-depth coverage of the situation and how powerless law enforcement and the military were, in preventing the catastrophe, they also began their exodus from the area. The clincher for most was the broadcast from Beekman Estates of the botched hostage rescue and the bodies of the dead soldiers. The U.S. government pleaded with the stations not to air the footage, but the stations felt it was their duty to let the public know the ruthlessness of the terrorists and the danger they were exposed to.
The Third Cell Page 41