Friday, February 7, 2003
HOMELAND INSECURITY
Highest alert since 9-11
U.S. warns of imminent potential for terror using bio-chem weapons
Posted: February 7, 2003
2:00 p.m. Eastern
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=30924
© 2003 WorldNetDaily.com
WASHINGTON – Citing special intelligence warning of a "high risk" of terrorist attack, Bush administration officials today raised the national terror alert from yellow, or "elevated," to orange, or "high."
"This call ... is based on our knowledge and conviction that heightened awareness and readiness deters terrorism and saves lives. Each of us, in our own ways, can contribute to the security of our nation, our families and our communities," Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said in a news conference announcing the decision this afternoon.
Attorney General John Ashcroft said the decision was based on an increase in intelligence pointing to a possible attack around the Muslim holy period of the Hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to the holy Saudi city of Mecca, which takes place next week.
U.S. intelligence officials say they have intercepted a steadily rising number of conversations among suspected members and sympathizers of Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida network. They say some reports suggest Hajj attacks.
Ashcroft said the recent reports from al-Qaida leaders emphasize planning for attacks on apartment buildings and other "soft" or lightly guarded targets.
The recent arrests of the ricin poison plotters in London also demonstrate al-Qaida's interest in carrying out chemicla, biological and radiological attacks.
"Historically, the intelligence community has indicated that al-Qaida might also seek economic targets, including the transportation and energy sectors, as well as symbolic targets and symbols of American power," Ashcroft said.
The State Department yesterday similarly issued a new worldwide terror alert warning citizens of the high potential for use of chemical and biological weapons.
The State Department said it was issuing the new warning "to remind U.S. citizens of the need to remain vigilant due to a heightened threat of terrorist actions that may target civilians, including the possibility of attacks by non-conventional weapons."
The government urged Americans to be prepared for emergency evacuations.
"We are not recommending that events be canceled. Nor do we recommend that individuals change domestic or work or travel plans. ... We ask that Americans continue their daily work and leisure activities with a heightened awareness of their environment and the activities occurring around them," he said.
Ridge called on ordinary citizens to get informed and "arm" themselves with facts to be better prepared to protect themselves by checking the department's website,
Ridge also urged parents to come up with a contact plan so that, if a terror event occurred, family can get in touch with one another.
The increase in the threat-level condition triggers the nation's homeland security advisory system, which alerts all local, state and federal law enforcement officials and agencies and fire, emergency, health and public safety personnel.
Ridge said said federal agencies will be taking the following protective measures:
increase security personnel at points of entry
limit points of entry and exit
enhance identification checks
restrict travel around federal facilities and airports The secretary added that medical and public health communities would also be taking precautions, but did not offer specifics.
FBI Director Robert Mueller announced his agency was fully mobilized to respond to the increased threat through joint terrorism task forces, which he said were working "24 hours a day, following up on information we may have received."
Homeland Security Department officials say the level of concern is now at its highest since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks – in part because of the impending war with Iraq.
The worldwide caution issued by the State Department is the first issued since Nov. 20 and it specifically mentioned the possibility of "attacks by non-conventional weapons."
The five-point color scale of risk was developed after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. The highest alert level is red. It represents a "severe" level of risk.
The threat condition designation alert has remained yellow since September. It was last raised to "high" on Sept. 10, and remained at that level for two weeks to coincide with the anniversary of the terror attacks.
