Universal Detection Technology Comments on Threat of Bio-Terrorism

June 7, 2006
Worries of bio-terrorist attacks by 'Lone Wolf' cells mount

LOS ANGELES -- Universal Detection Technology, a developer of early-warning monitoring technologies designed to protect people from bio-terrorism and other infectious health threats, commented today on the creation of a new bio-terror panel by the National Counter Proliferation Center (NCPC).

The purpose of the new panel is to bridge the gap between the scientific and intelligence communities on emerging bio-terrorism threats by providing information to federal agencies about developments in biotechnogy. The NCPC was established in 2005 as part of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

"These are very sensitive times as far as the threat of terrorism with biological weapons in concerned. It is clear that authorities are not taking chances and are taking necessary measures to counter such attacks and to reduce possible casualties. As a private player in the field of bio-terror detection, we are happy to see such vigilance," said Amir Ettehadieh, UDTT's Director of Research and Development.

During testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security on May 4, 2006, Charles Allen, Chief Intelligence Officer of the Department of Homeland Security, stated that the intelligence community is becoming increasingly concerned about "lone wolf" terrorist cells with training in biosciences and the capability to create a crude but effective biological weapon. In a written statement he added, "We are especially concerned that small, loosely affiliated cells or individuals within the US could conduct biological attacks. Such groups or individuals may not be affiliated with Al-Qaeda but merely subscribe to its ideology."