'Chatter' Led to Increase in Threat Level, Suggests Attacks Could Be Imminent

THE WASHINGTON TIMES ^ | Tuesday, December 23rd, 2003 at 17:24:53 GMT | Audrey Hudson and Jerry Seper

[maquiladora]

The nation was put on high alert after officials intercepted phone calls and e-mail between al Qaeda and associates along with newly evaluated intelligence from sources suggesting multiple attacks are imminent, federal law-enforcement officials said yesterday.

Los Angeles and San Francisco are mentioned as potential targets, along with Washington and New York, authorities said. General targets include bridges, tunnels, nuclear power plants and dams.

The communication intercepts originated in several foreign countries and suggest that al Qaeda is seeking to repeat the attacks of September 11, using passenger or cargo jets hijacked from foreign airports to strike unidentified U.S. targets, the authorities said.

Homeland Security chief Tom Ridge on Sunday put the nation on Code Orange, or high alert to a possible terrorist attack that could "rival or exceed September 11."

However, President Bush yesterday said Americans should "go about their lives."

"Our government is doing everything we can to protect our country. American citizens need to go about their lives, but as they do so, they need to know that governments at all levels are working as hard as we possibly can to protect the American citizens," he said.

In addition to the calls and e-mail, new intelligence data was obtained from al Qaeda detainees. A captured Saudi cleric suspected of having ties to al Qaeda disclosed to Saudi authorities that the terrorist network was planning new attacks using aircraft against U.S. targets, officials said.

A separate FBI "Be on the Lookout" advisory to police agencies throughout the United States urged increased security efforts at potentially vulnerable sites.

Early yesterday morning, Mr. Bush convened the Homeland Security Council and was briefed on increased security activities. White House spokesman Scott McClellan said "extraordinary steps" were being taken to protect the nation.

Although airplanes are specifically mentioned in the "chatter" reviewed by intelligence operatives, officials say air travel is safe.

"We‘ve taken extraordinary steps to improve and strengthen aviation security, to improve and strengthen our border security, to make sure that our critical infrastructure is protected as well," Mr. McClellan said.

"There‘s close coordination between the federal government and states and local governments as well. I‘d say it‘s unprecedented cooperation," Mr. McClellan said.

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is under increased security, the National Guard was deployed to New York‘s airports, bridges and tunnels, and the National Park Service stepped up security on the Mall in Washington.

The State Department issued a warning worldwide that U.S. citizens abroad might be targeted by terrorists, including a note that "al Qaeda will strive for new attacks ... possibly involving nonconventional weapons such as chemical or biological agents."

[dirtboy]

Here's a third factor - if they do manage to gain control of the cockpit, the door is now armored and the passengers will not be able to intervene.

[Snowy]

I'm not kidding.....if they figure it out for themselves, that's one thing.

You have to remember that the carpet pilots think about this stuff non-stop. Also, revealing this information may help us (the good guys) by alerting those who would be able to thwart an attack.

[irish_lad]

Mr. Heymann put the cost of going to orange alert at $1 billion a week, with most of the burden on New York and Los Angeles.

Bullshit. No way it costs that much.

[musical_airman]

I can assure you, they are (the good guys) already thinking about it. They aren't just going to forget about a major airstrip/ port like that.

[baltodog]

Boy, I sure hope that they don't hit Bush's campaign headquarters that are RIGHT NEXT TO MECCA.
There are sure alot of Americans there in the headquarters RIGHT NEXT TO MECCA.
I heard somewhere that the most ripe target would be RIGHT NEXT TO MECCA.
So here's hoping that nothing happens RIGHT NEXT TO MECCA.
There are alot of Western businesses stationed RIGHT NEXT TO MECCA.
I don't think anything could screw us up more than an attack RIGHT NEXT TO MECCA.

[diamondjoe]

Some of that $1 Billion might include lost revenue, as well as direct costs.

[baltodog]

That last post was issued to all our muzzie "brethren".

[princess leah]

I just want to say one thing to any possible terrorist that might be "watching" this website: YOU'RE ON THE WRONG TEAM - THERE IS NO ALLAH - NO 72 VIRGINS - GOD ALMIGHTY IS THE SUPREME GOD and LAST, BUT NOT LEAST, YOU DIE IN YOUR BELIEF, YOU WILL GO DIRECTLY to HELL!

[maestro]

'Chatter' Led to Increase in Threat Level, Suggests Attacks Could Be Imminent

Start ringing all the church bells 24/7.....and, guarateed,...All the 'chatter' will cease!!!

[musical_airman]

I would like to follow that up with:

If you do anything to us ever again....THE ENTIRE MIDDLE EAST WILL BE A PARKING LOT!! WE CAN WIPE YOU OUT WITHOUT EVEN BREAKING A SWEAT! DON'T TRY OUR PATIENCE! WHERE'S SADDAM? oh yeah....WE HAVE HIM NOW!! WHO'S NEXT!! WHO WANTS SOME?!? WANNA HAVE YOUR HOME BE REFERRED TO AS "THE GLASS FIELDS OF THE MIDDLE EAST"? WE CAN, AND WILL KICK YOUR A$$ AND THEN YOU WILL CONTINUE TO GET YOUR A$$ KICKED IN HELL!!

Oh yeah,
Merry Christmas

[musical_airman]

;-D

[onyx]

Why not San Diego?

With our close proximity to the porous Mexican border as well as the ripe targets you mentioned, San Diego seems like a rich target, but we have a huge Muslim population residing here. Maybe they'll not wish to kill their own?

I've pinged two of our most brilliant to help me answer your question.

[baltodog]

ALL YOUR VIRGINS ARE BELONG TO US.

[AngieGOP]

You are correct on that one. Those monsters should hve been vaporized on 9/12.

[Wolfstar]

AQ terrorists in place as commercial pilots for int'l airlines. Remember Egyptair a few years ago?

Yet another case the Clinton administration completely muffed.

[missyme]

Geez, that's awful...I live in San Diego, rainy today but pretty mellow out there besides last minute shoppers...

[mewzilla]

Last I knew these alerts go out to over 30,000 LEOs. There's no way to keep that quiet. Besides, I'm beginning to agree with the folks who think all this sound and fury might just scare off the little blighters.

[BlueNgold]

The answer is rather obvious...(re: SD)
I posed the question more for general discussion and to highlight the lack of awareness of the media...

I am quite certain that the home of the 3rd Fleet is as secure as any city can be given the world we live in today. The presence of modern military detection equipment and defensive weapons do not rule out an attack, but they certainly limit the chances of success. Thanks again to Sen Feinstein for spearheading the gutting of Northern Cal's once significant military presence, and leaving in it's wake 3 major cities who are now absent an entrenched military presence and their innate defensive capabilties. The only reason I can see to avoid SF for the terrorists is that they may wish to spare their political allies.

[onyx]

The only reason I can see to avoid SF for the terrorists is that they may wish to spare their political allies.

Good point.

Feinstein gets a pass in the press, but in my opinion, she's as awful as Boxer, whom we are trying to defeat. Boxer is beyond obnoxious and she's incapable of original thought.