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Government warns of possible transport plot
Washington, Apr 04: The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have sent a
Washington, Apr 04: The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have sent a "message of concern" to police agencies across the United States about an alleged plot against commercial transportation systems in major US cities this summer.
"We assess that buses and railways could be targeted," said the message from the FBI Counterterrorism Division in Washington. "The plot calls for the use of improvised explosive devices possibly constructed of ammonium nitrate and diesel fuel concealed in luggage and carry-on bags to include duffel bags and backpacks," the message said.
The "law enforcement sensitive" message obtained by CNN and some other news outlets was sent to all federal, state and local police agencies through the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, and was not designed as a public announcement. "Al Qaeda and other groups have demonstrated the intent and capability to attack public transportation with conventional explosives, vehicle-prone bombs and suicide bombers," the message said. The message reminded police that in addition to the recent Spain railway bombing, that bus bombings have been carried out in Greece, Israel and Turkey.
The message noted as well that this week in London, authorities seized a thousand pounds of ammonium nitrate and that eight British citizens of Pakistani origin were arrested on suspicion of being involved in terrorism. The Department of Homeland Security provided information of protective measures that could be taken to enhance facility security and passenger screening. The information was sent to all agencies including the Transportation Department and all state emergency managers. The information included suggestions for random passenger inspections and security sweeps of stations, along with careful inspection of luggage and carry-on items. The warning came on the same day investigators in Spain said they had discovered a bomb hidden under tracks used by a high-speed train that travels from Madrid to Seville. State radio quoted officials as saying the Spanish Civil Guard defused the bomb, and that it was made of the same type explosive used in the March 11 terrorist attacks on Madrid trains. Spain`s Interior Ministry, however, could not confirm those reports. The March 11 attack killed 190 people and wounded more than 1,400.
Bureau Report
The "law enforcement sensitive" message obtained by CNN and some other news outlets was sent to all federal, state and local police agencies through the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, and was not designed as a public announcement. "Al Qaeda and other groups have demonstrated the intent and capability to attack public transportation with conventional explosives, vehicle-prone bombs and suicide bombers," the message said. The message reminded police that in addition to the recent Spain railway bombing, that bus bombings have been carried out in Greece, Israel and Turkey.
The message noted as well that this week in London, authorities seized a thousand pounds of ammonium nitrate and that eight British citizens of Pakistani origin were arrested on suspicion of being involved in terrorism. The Department of Homeland Security provided information of protective measures that could be taken to enhance facility security and passenger screening. The information was sent to all agencies including the Transportation Department and all state emergency managers. The information included suggestions for random passenger inspections and security sweeps of stations, along with careful inspection of luggage and carry-on items. The warning came on the same day investigators in Spain said they had discovered a bomb hidden under tracks used by a high-speed train that travels from Madrid to Seville. State radio quoted officials as saying the Spanish Civil Guard defused the bomb, and that it was made of the same type explosive used in the March 11 terrorist attacks on Madrid trains. Spain`s Interior Ministry, however, could not confirm those reports. The March 11 attack killed 190 people and wounded more than 1,400.
Bureau Report