Study Lists San Diego County As Terrorism Hot Spot

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A detailed 34-page report by the University of Maryland defines hot spots of terrorist attacks as "areas experiencing more than the average number of events."

Global security expert Glen Winn told 10News the San Onofre nuclear power plant, the U.S.-Mexico border and the major military presence are a few of the reasons the San Diego area is considered a hot spot for terrorism.

"When you look at all of that and you're looking at what the bad guys might be looking at as far as terrorism, San Diego will pop right up on top of the list for sure," said Winn.

This study on terrorism hot spots in the United States covers from 1970 to 2008. During that time, there were 27 terrorist incidents in San Diego County. Four of those occurred between 2000 and 2008.

Winn said the reason there are not more terrorist attacks in the area is because of San Diego's vigilance, awareness and preparedness.

"When you see the amount of activity as far as policing and patrolling, the prevention methods are all in place," said Winn.

Specific incidents involving terrorists in San Diego include the following: in 2001, the first of the 9/11 hijackers to enter the United States – Khalid Almihdhar and Nawaf al Hazmi – rented apartments in Clairemont while taking flight lessons at Montgomery Field.

In 2003, the Earth Liberation Front or ELF, a domestic eco-terrorist group, burned down a UTC-area condominium complex.

In 2008, San Diego's federal courthouse was bombed. The explosion shattered several windows, but no one was hurt.