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Alert levels rise amid alleged plot
Source: Agencies |
September 10, 2011, Saturday
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Print Edition
US counterterrorism officials are chasing a credible but unconfirmed al-Qaida threat to use a car bomb on bridges or tunnels in New York City or Washington. It was the first word of an "active plot" timed to coincide with the commemoration of the terror group's September 11 attacks a decade ago that killed nearly 3,000 people.
Counterterrorism officials were investigating the threat, as police in New York and Washington said they would increase their already stepped-up staffing levels in light of the recent intelligence.
Law enforcement officials were pursuing three people who may be traveling to the US or who have recently entered the country, based on the detailed information received by the US intelligence community late Wednesday, officials said. The intelligence suggested that al-Qaida planned to car bomb one of the two cities that were hit 10 years ago.
New York Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said Thursday the police were beefing up security at bridges and tunnels, setting up vehicle checkpoints, doing bomb sweeps of parking garages, and towing more illegally parked cars.
New York City commuters were told to expect a show of force at two main railway stations, Grand Central and Penn Station, and at the Times Square subway station. Troops in camouflaged uniforms moved among the throngs at Penn Station, eyeing packages.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which owns the trade center site, was increasing vehicle checks at all crossings, increasing police presence at all facilities, and checking more bags at airports, bus and rail terminals.
A US official said the source of the terror tip indicated that al-Qaida's new leader, Ayman al-Zawahri, was involved in planning the plot. But the official also said that many in the intelligence community question that and other aspects of the source's information.
Security has been enhanced around the country in the weeks leading up to the 10th anniversary, a date officials have long known could draw an attack. Law enforcement officials have been particularly wary after information gleaned from Osama bin Laden's compound in Pakistan indicated that al-Qaida had considered attacking the US on this anniversary and other important American dates.
Officials have also been concerned that terrorists would see the anniversary as an opportunity to retaliate against the US for killing bin Laden in a military raid in May.
Counterterrorism officials were investigating the threat, as police in New York and Washington said they would increase their already stepped-up staffing levels in light of the recent intelligence.
Law enforcement officials were pursuing three people who may be traveling to the US or who have recently entered the country, based on the detailed information received by the US intelligence community late Wednesday, officials said. The intelligence suggested that al-Qaida planned to car bomb one of the two cities that were hit 10 years ago.
New York Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said Thursday the police were beefing up security at bridges and tunnels, setting up vehicle checkpoints, doing bomb sweeps of parking garages, and towing more illegally parked cars.
New York City commuters were told to expect a show of force at two main railway stations, Grand Central and Penn Station, and at the Times Square subway station. Troops in camouflaged uniforms moved among the throngs at Penn Station, eyeing packages.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which owns the trade center site, was increasing vehicle checks at all crossings, increasing police presence at all facilities, and checking more bags at airports, bus and rail terminals.
A US official said the source of the terror tip indicated that al-Qaida's new leader, Ayman al-Zawahri, was involved in planning the plot. But the official also said that many in the intelligence community question that and other aspects of the source's information.
Security has been enhanced around the country in the weeks leading up to the 10th anniversary, a date officials have long known could draw an attack. Law enforcement officials have been particularly wary after information gleaned from Osama bin Laden's compound in Pakistan indicated that al-Qaida had considered attacking the US on this anniversary and other important American dates.
Officials have also been concerned that terrorists would see the anniversary as an opportunity to retaliate against the US for killing bin Laden in a military raid in May.
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