ACTIVITY REPORTS Location/Sector Homeland Security Subject Possibility of "Forest Jihad"? Description Firefighters and homeowners aren't the only ones keenly watching Australia's massive wildfires, responsible for killing at least 173 people in the southern part of the continent. Terrorism experts suspect Muslim extremists are watching closely, and taking note of the devastation. While Australian authorities have revealed no evidence linking the wildfires to extremists, terrorism experts say the large death toll, the huge swath of destruction and the massive financial blow to the country are proving to Islamic terrorists that arson can be a highly effective - and simple - tool of holy war. In November, an extremist Web site called on Muslims to launch a "forest jihad" in Australia, Europe, Russia and the United States. The posting, which quoted imprisoned Al Qaeda terrorist Mustafa Setmariam Nasar, said setting forest fires was legal under "eye-for-an-eye" Islamic law. "Scholars have justified chopping down and burning the infidels' forests when they do the same to our lands," the posting read. "Forest fires track well with the latest discussion trends seen in the Al Qaeda forums - easy to do, big impact, low security risk, high media coverage," said Al Qaeda expert Jarret Brachman. "The fact is that the Al Qaeda ideology is starting to branch out to more of an 'anyone, anywhere, anytime, anyhow' approach." Brachman, author of "Global Jihadism: Theory and Practice," said "forest jihad" fits well in the growing interest among terrorists to establish "Al Qaeda armies of one." According to Brachman, this approach has several benefits for terrorists, including more overall acts of violence and additional opportunities to become involved in new geographical areas. It also means less operational control for Al Qaeda's senior commanders. Additional Notes Jihadist attacking natural resources could instill new terror ideas in other areas like the food supply chain. Also, these wildfires could cause a regional strain on resources and availability for other responses. This article is a reminder to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity. ACTIVITY REPORTS Location/Sector Homeland Security Subject Possibility of "Forest Jihad"? (continued) Description Wildfire Impacts on the United States • The Federal Government annually spends billions of dollars to suppress wildfires. • Wildfires increase the potential for flooding, debris flows, and landslides. • Smoke and other emissions contain pollutants that can cause significant health problems. • Short-term effects: destruction of timber, forage, wildlife habitats, scenic vistas, and watersheds • Long-term effects: reduced access to recreational areas; destruction of community infrastructure This map shows locations that experienced wildfires greater than 250 acres, from 1980 to 2003.