KVSPARROW: A Shadow Wars Novel Read online

Epilogue

  Koha Ditore

  English Language Edition

  23 December 2011

  PRISTINA

  Gasmend Krasniqi

  Violence caused by organized crime shocked Kosovo yesterday. The Hollywood Club, a popular nightclub frequented by the international set, was the scene of several murders. The Kosovo Police Service reports that at 10:00PM a Caucasian male approached the entrance to the hallway leading to the offices of the club. Upon being stopped by club security personnel, the male stabbed the security guard in the neck, killing him. This act was witnessed by several patrons and bar staff. The male then entered the hall way and disappeared from view. Shortly thereafter, two explosions were heard. Police state that the explosions were caused by two hand grenades which were thrown into the office of the club owner, Enver Saddiqi. Saddiqi and two associates were killed in the explosions. The male suspect did not reappear and is presumed to have exited through a fire door. This door exits onto an alley where police found the body of another club security guard. Police state that they believe the attack was a result of a war between different organized crime factions. Saddiqi has long been rumored to have organized crime ties. Police do not have a good description of the suspect as the Hollywood Club is notoriously dimly lit. Witnesses stated the suspect was German since this was the language he spoke when ordering. Police do not have a suspect at this time but are vigorously pursuing all leads.

  .

  Austrian Times

  25 December 2011

  VIENNA

  Renate Klinghoffer

  Tragedy arrived today at a time more commonly associated with celebration. Eric Miller, 46, an employee of the US Embassy, was found dead in his residence. His body was discovered by friends who had arrived for a Christmas party. Miller had apparently fallen down his stairs and suffered severe injuries. The Coroner states death was caused by a broken neck although numerous other broken bones and injuries were contributory. Police are ruling out foul play as a cause. Miller had a blood alcohol content of .230, almost three times the legal limit in Austria. Although not characterized as a heavy drinker, friends did acknowledge that Miller was fond of parties and had been especially looking forward to this Christmas season. Miller is survived by his fiancé, Billjana Popovic. Ms. Popovic is employed at the Embassy where she worked together with Miller in the Consular section.

  Now and then I dream of Aferdita. The dreams are pleasant as are my memories of our time together. On other nights, my sleep is deep and undisturbed.

  ENDOP

  Glossary of Terms

  BOLO: Be On the Lookout for. This acronym is common in law enforcement and certain military elements of the US and Canada.

  CIA: Central Intelligence Agency. The primary US civilian intelligence collections, analysis and operations entity in the US Intelligence Community.

  Commando Bob: A disparaging reference to those who employ overly elaborate or unnecessary tactical procedures.

  CYA: Cover Your Ass

  Dangle: A penetration technique whereby a target organization is presented with what appears to be a useful intelligence source. In reality the source is “dangled” in order to penetrate the target or provide operational access to target organization personnel or facilities.

  DIA: Defense Intelligence Agency. The primary military intelligence collections, analysis and operations entity in the US Intelligence Community.

  DOD: Department of Defense

  Double Tap: The delivery of two rounds in extremely rapid sequence. Ideally the second round is fired immediately upon the weapon coming back into battery (i.e. the slide resetting on a semi-automatic or the cylinder locking on a revolver).

  ENDOP: End Operation. Verbal shorthand for the completion of a planned event.

  False Flag: An operational technique whereby the intelligence entity presents itself as having a different allegiance or composition than is the case. The Israelis for instance, are much more successful in recruiting Arab agents when those agents think they are working for European entities. A false flag thus increases recruitment and operational possibilities while adding another layer of misdirection if the operation is uncovered.

  GOSINT: Gossip Intelligence. Joking reference to the inclusion of innuendo to inform intelligence analysis.

  KISS: Keep It Simple Stupid

  KPS: Kosovo Police Service

  MUP: Ministarstvo Unutrasnjih Poslova. Yugoslav and later Serbian Internal Security Police.

  NOC: Non Official Cover. An officer of an intelligence organization, generally a case officer, who is living and working without diplomatic immunity. His or her actions are inherently illegal in the country where they are performed.

  OPSEC: Operational Security. The term is generally used in reference to keeping secret things secret. Loose lips still sink ships.

  OSCE: Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

  PIO: Public Information Officer

  RUMINT: Rumor Intelligence. See GOSINT above.

  SDR: Surveillance Detection Route. Counter surveillance pattern of travel designed to permit observation of possible surveillance operation.

  SOP: Standard Operating Procedures

  UCK: Ushtria Çlirimtare e Kosovës. The primary Albanian organization fighting for independence of Kosovo and protection of the Albanian population.

  UN: United Nations.

  UNMIK: United Nations Mission In Kosovo.

  UNSAT: Unsatisfactory

  USG: United States Government.

  UXO: Unexploded Ordinance.