Symbolic attack by Al Qaeda affiliates feared on first death anniversary
The US authorities Thursday reiterated their warnings that the terror threat to Americans worldwide would increase with the first anniversary of the killing of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden approaching.
"The Department of State believes there is an enhanced potential for anti-American violence given the death of Osama Bin Laden in May 2011," the official joint statement by the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Northern Command said.
In a reminder sent out on Wednesday, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security pointed out that on May 1, 2011 Osama was killed in a raid on his Pakistan enclave at Abbottabad.
The bulletin says Al Qaeda or its spinoffs would view an attack "on this anniversary as a symbolic victory."
Federal authorities are urging local law enforcement to be vigilant, at the same time they have tried to reassure that there is "no indication of a credible threat or plots against the US linked to the May date.
The US officials see threat in the emerging Al Qaeda affiliates across the world whether in Yemen or Somalia or any other country.
In the past six months, counterterrorism officials have seen an increase in intelligence about potential threats from the group, the Associated Press news agency reported an unidentified intelligence official as having said.
There is apprehension that the terror group "intends to advance plots along multiple fronts, including renewed efforts to target Western aviation," according to a joint intelligence bulletin circulated.
Other Al Qaeda affiliates, including al-Shabaab in Somalia, have pledged to avenge bin Laden's death. But intelligence officials have not seen signs of current plots against the U.S. Still, officials urged law enforcement to be on the watch.
Authorities frequently issue similar advisories ahead of notable events and anniversaries.
The heightened sense of security was also seen overseas, with the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan also releasing a fresh security warning to Americans in that country.
The embassy said on its website Thursday that its employees would be restricted from visiting restaurants and markets in Islamabad, the capital, for the next two weeks.
Source: The Asia News.Net
- 569 reads
