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Did U.S. Dodge Lone-Wolf Attack On The Grid?
Precision strike on fiber optics, generators called ‘domestic terror’
WND
WASHINGTON – Was a sniper attack on a power station’s transformer in San Jose, Calif., last year a prelude to future, perhaps larger, terrorist attacks on the vulnerable U.S. grid system?
That appears to be the consensus emerging from the attack that included a professional cutting of fiber optic lines and then shooting AK-47 rounds into the transformer of a PG&E Metcalf substation in San Jose.
The goal apparently was to cause the coolant to drain and the substation’s transformers to burn up and create a major blackout in the area.
In the attack, one or two individuals went down manholes at the suburban San Jose facility and cut fiber cables that knocked out 9-1-1 and land-line service to the power station.
In addition, they fired more than 100 7.62mm x 39mm rounds into about 10 transformers, damaging a number of them.
The idea was to cause cooling oil to leak out and force the transformers to overheat and shut down, if not burn up altogether. Depending on their size, larger transformers are imported and are specially designed, which means they are not easily replaced. Some take up to three years to swap out under normal circumstances.
The attack last year did not affect the electrical flow, owing in part to the fact that it occurred at night, demand was low and emergency workers were able to respond to prevent any major shutdown.
However, the attack took place a day after the April 15, 2013, Boston Marathon bombing by suspects from the Russian North Caucasus, which prompted federal investigators to get involved.
There is a large community of Chechen and North Caucasus immigrants in the San Jose area.
Reposted with permission
