Several Navy SEALS who were accused of torturing a terrorist have all been acquitted.

This report is republished with permission of STRATFOR

By Ben West and Scott Stewart

Faisal Shahzad, the first suspect arrested for involvement in the failed May 1 Times Square bombing attempt, was detained just before midnight on May 3 as he was attempting to depart on a flight from Kennedy International Airport in New York. Authorities removed Shahzad, a naturalized U.S. citizen of Pakistani descent, from an Emirates Airlines flight destined for Dubai. On May 4, Shahzad appeared at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in Manhattan for his arraignment.

Authorities say that Shahzad is cooperating and that he insists he acted alone. However, this is contradicted by reports that the attack could have international links. On Feb. 3, Shahzad returned from a trip to Pakistan, where, according to the criminal complaint, he said he received militant training in Waziristan, a key hub of the main Pakistani Taliban rebel coalition, the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Authorities are reportedly seeking three other individuals in the United States in connection with the May 1 Times Square bombing attempt.

Investigative efforts at this point are focusing on identifying others possibly connected to the plot and determining whether they directed Shahzad in the bombing attempt or merely enabled him. From all indications, authorities are quickly collecting information on additional suspects from their homes and telephone-call records, and this is leading to more investigations and more suspects. While the May 1 attempt was unsuccessful, it came much closer to killing civilians in New York than other recent attempts, such as the Najibullah Zazi case in September 2009 and the Newburgh plot in May 2009. Understanding how Shahzad and his possible associates almost pulled it off is key to preventing future threats. Read the rest of this entry »

Press Release:

Barrett REC7 Now in 5.56 NATO and 6.8 SPC

Barret REC7

Barrett continues to expand this product line by adding the popular 5.56 NATO chambering cartridge to the lineup. The much-anticipated addition has caught the attention of many law enforcement customers. Many improvements have been made to the REC7 line, with many new enhancements included. The most visual changes are the Daniel Defense free-float rail system and Magpul® MOE® six-position stock.

The Barrett Enhanced Piston-specific Bolt is made from 9310 steel and is nickel-Teflon® coated. Along with the new extractor, these features increase durability. Each bolt is proofed and magnetic-particle tested to guarantee reliable performance. Machined from 8620 steel, the nickel-Teflon coated anti-tilt bolt carrier features an integral piston strike face.

The patented chrome-lined, forward venting, fluted gas block increases reliability by eliminating carbon buildup in the gas cylinder. The 17-4 stainless piston is the strongest on the market, and is easily accessed for cleaning without removing the handguard. The two-position (suppressed/unsuppressed), nitride finish gas plug is corrosion-resistant and easily manipulated with gloves. The gas block acts as an extended rail, providing ample space for mounting optics and accessories.

The REC7 rifle’s forged 7075 aluminum upper and lower receivers are type 3 hardcoat anodized. The lower houses a dependable mil-spec single-stage trigger. The Magpul enhanced trigger guard allows easy access to the trigger in cold weather or with tactical gloves. The upper supports a free-floating, 16-inch hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel with M4 feed ramps machined into both the receiver and the barrel extension. Each barrel is proofed and magnetic-particle tested for quality assurance. A mil-spec A2 flash hider protects the muzzle.

The REC7 rifles now include two 30-round magazines, either Magpul PMAG® 5.56 NATO or Barrett 6.8, three rail covers and tactical soft case. A right-hand, single-point Burnsed sling loop is angled for charging handle clearance.

Barrett REC7 in 5.56 NATO