The U.S. raised its domestic terror threat level to orange (‘High’) Tuesday, a decision made in part because of a series of threatening messages found in recent e-mails. According to ABCNEWS, an FBI bulletin points to two recent e-mails intercepted by US intelligence.
One message, according to the bulletin, warns of “a possible devastating attack in the next 48 hours and urged all Muslims to leave all cities, especially Boston, New York and the commercial coastline.” A separate message targets Washington, and again points to possible attacks against New York and the nation’s beaches.
One message, according to the bulletin, warns of “a possible devastating attack in the next 48 hours and urged all Muslims to leave all cities, especially Boston, New York and the commercial coastline.” A separate message targets Washington and again points to possible attacks against New York and the nation’s beaches.
In addition, officials have concluded that cells of the al Qaeda network around the world have been activated and could strike in the US. Intercepted communications suggest that al Qaeda is planning more attacks on targets overseas and recently received intelligence warnings indicate that recent suicide bombings in Saudi Arabia and Morocco may be a precursor to a strike here.
“The US intelligence community believes that al Qaeda has entered an operational period worldwide, and this may include attacks in the US,” according to Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge. Referring to the danger of an attack here, a senior government official indicated, “There are a lot of bad signals out there.”
While there is not credible, specific information with respect to targets or method of attack, the use of tactics similar to those seen in recent terrorist attacks overseas include small arm equipped assault teams, large vehicle borne explosive devices, and homicide bombers.
These attacks underscore terrorists’ desires to attack soft targets. Weapons of mass destruction, including those containing chemical, biological or radiological agents or materials, cannot be discounted.
Officials believe that by mobilizing the nation’s security resources, they can discourage attacks by hardening targets and signaling vigilance. In New York City, patrols by uniformed police have been stepped up.
San Francisco’s Police Department planned to double-check “critical locations” during each shift and closely monitor public events with crowds, and in Los Angeles, police officials said they would activate a local response plan within 24 hrs.
In raising the national threat level, Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge encouraged governors and mayors to deploy additional police. An increased Law Enforcement presence is recommended across the country, particularly at public events.
Source: Dept. of Homeland Security; ABCNEWS; ERRI; CNN