Al-Qaeda Cell Infected with Bubonic Plague - Update: Possible Chem or Bio Weapon

The Osama bin Laden affiliate in North Africa, al-Qaeda in the Land of the Islamic Maghreb or AQLIM, lives in camps and caves while plotting their terrorist activities and, apparently, they don't live alone. It seems their dwellings are also infested with carriers of the bubonic plague.

Reportedly, 40 al-Qaeda terrorists have died horrible deaths so far.

Now al-Qaeda chiefs fear the plague has been passed to other terror cells -- or Taliban fighters in Afghanistan.

One security source said: “This is the deadliest weapon yet in the war against terror. Most of the terrorists do not have the basic medical supplies needed to treat the disease.

“It spreads quickly and kills within hours. This will be really worrying al-Qaeda.”

Black Death comes in various forms.

Bubonic Plague is spread by bites from infected rat fleas. Symptoms include boils in the groin, neck and armpits. In Pneumonic Plague, airborn bacteria spread like flu.

It can be in the body for more than a week -- highly contagious but not revealing tell-tale symptoms.

The epidemic was first noticed at cave encampments east of Algiers which had to be turned into mass grave sites as the terrorists fled. The particular group is led by terror boss Abdelmalek Droudkal who fears that he will lose members as they surrender to authorities to escape the Black Death.

Perhaps I can be criticized for not demonstrating an appropriate level of compassion for the sufferers of the Black Death, but it's pretty much okay with me when terrorists quit breathing.

From Opinion Bug


[Update 1/20/09]

Ace reports that the al-Qaeda deaths were likely caused by an Oops! associated with a chemical or biological weapon.