New anti-terror drive in US
2003-03-18 20:03
Washington - Warning anew of the possibility of terrorist attacks against the United States, Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge on Tuesday outlined a plan to enhance security nationwide.
Ridge said tighter security at airports, rail stations and ports is part of what has been dubbed Operation Liberty Shield. The government, he said, would also temporarily detain some asylum applicants.
"We have taken these actions because intelligence reporting indicates that while al-Qaeda and those sympathetic to their cause are still the principle threat.
Iraqi state agents, Iraqi surrogate groups, other regional extremist organisations and ad-hock groups or disgruntled individuals may use this time period to conduct terrorist attacks against the United States and our interests either here or abroad," Ridge told reporters at a briefing.
On Monday night, the department of homeland security raised the terror threat alert level from yellow to orange, a move that followed President Bush's ultimatum to Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein that he leave Iraq or face military action.
In a statement released on Monday night, Ridge said intelligence officials believe terrorists will attempt multiple attacks against US and coalition targets worldwide if the United States leads a war against Iraq.
Operation Liberty Shield includes:
Temporary flight restrictions over some US cities
Heightened inspection of imported foods
Governors asked to increase states' security
More security in transportation hubs
FBI will use 5 000 agents in event of war
Monitoring internet for signs of attack
Some seekers of political asylum may be detained
More patrols of US ports and waterways
The statement said reports from intelligence sources - some of them highly reliable - suggest the al-Qaeda network probably would claim it is acting on behalf of the Muslim world and Iraqi people rather than the regime of Saddam Hussein.
In a conference call on Monday evening between CIA officials and the nation's governors, officials said the intelligence community believes there is a near certainty of attacks that would involve mass casualties with maximum economic, psychological and symbolic impact.
Intelligence officials believe al-Qaeda is in the final stages of planning a large-scale attack overseas, officials said in the conference call.
The CIA said it believes al-Qaeda will rationalise the use of chemical, biological or radiological weapons based on the large number of casualties the United States may inflict in its military campaign.
Buildings, subways, and enclosed areas are at particular risk, the CIA said, and Iraqi sleeper agents proficient in assassination, kidnapping, and bombing is a concern.
The nation was last put on the orange level February 7 because of increased "chatter" among suspected terrorist cells and the then-approaching Muslim Hajj.
No incidents occurred, and the level was lowered to yellow nearly three weeks later.
Plan to detain asylum applicants
One aspect of Operation Liberty Shield involves detaining asylum applicants from nations where al-Qaeda members and sympathisers and other terrorist groups are known to have operated.
Calling it a "reasonable and prudent temporary action," homeland security department officials said the applicants would be detained while they are being processed.
Airports
Border protection and increased security at airports and railways, and greater road security are also planned.
Homeland security called for temporary flight restrictions over certain US cities, including Washington and New York, though the Federal Aviation Administration told CNN it had not yet issued those rules.
New airport measures
Because of the higher threat level, the transportation security administration, which is in charge of security at the nation's airports, announced four new measures Monday night.
The TSA is ordering airports to conduct random inspections of vehicles, increase canine patrols, and increase the overall law enforcement presence in and around airports.
The agency will also be putting up temporary signs inside airports asking the public to be aware of the increased threat level and to report unattended bags and suspicious behaviour.
The Coast Guard will protect offshore petroleum sites near large coastal population centres, and security is being increased at chemical facilities, nuclear power plants, key electrical grids, bridges and subways.
Diseases and food security
Operation Liberty Shield will also increase monitoring of diseases and food security, homeland security said.
The agriculture department is alerting food producers to step up their security - such as inspecting all vehicles and escorting all visitors - and is helping monitor feedlots, stockyards, and import and storage areas.
Imported food will also come under increased scrutiny by the department of health and human services, which is asking health departments and medical care providers to report unusual diseases or disease patterns.
"In the meantime, as on the other occasions when the national threat level has been increased, we encourage members of the public to continue their daily work, family and leisure activities with a heightened awareness," Ridge said.