US raises terror alert level

ON the eve of the September 11 anniversary, the US last night raised the terror alert level for the first time to Code Orange, signalling a high danger of attack.

A government official said the threat that prompted the increased alert involves credible information about threats to US embassies overseas.

"As a result of new information we have received, the threat level is increasing from yellow to orange. It's a nationwide alert," said another official.

Code Orange is the second highest alert below Code Red and is introduced when there is a "severe risk of terrorist attacks".

When Code Orange is announced the following instructions are given:

Assign emergency response personnel and preposition specially trained teams.

Monitor, redirect or constrain transport systems.

Close public, government facilities.

Increase or redirect personnel to address critical emergency needs.

US intelligence officials have been saying since the weekend there has been an increased amount of chatter among al-Qaida sympathisers.

Officials said there was no specific threat against targets in the US, but the government opted to raise the alert level because of an increase in communications what the intelligence community calls "chatter" among suspected terrorists.

Attorney General John Ashcroft said Americans should remain "alert but defiant in the face of this new threat".

Homeland Security Tom Ridge, speaking of the threat at home, said "specific protective measures" would be taken by federal agencies. These would likely include more barriers around federal buildings and more inspections.

Americans should use their common sense and be more alert to possible threats, Ridge said. "Be wary and be mindful," Ridge cautioned.

Anti-aircraft missiles mounted on Humvee jeeps were ordered into Washington yesterday and US air force jets are patrolling the skies on a round-the-clock basis.

And Vice President Dick Cheney was moved out of Washington for the night. The FBI issued a warning to operators of computer networks, utilities and transport systems to be wary during the anniversary of the suicide hijackings that levelled the World Trade Centre and damaged the Pentagon, killing almost 3,000 people.

An official said that while the threat pertains to embassies overseas, the administration has not ruled out that interests in America could be targeted.

US embassies in Malaysia and Indonesia were ordered closed because of specific threats about potential terrorist activities.

Since the administration created a five colour coded threat system in March, the government had kept the warning at code yellow, signifying an elevated condition of alert and a significant risk of terrorist attacks.

Code Orange is one step up.

Aides said there was no specific threat against Cheney, but the anniversary has produced a heightened buzz in the intelligence community and officials want to protect the continuity of government in case of an attack.

Cheney returned to the White House yesterday but his immediate schedule is under review, aides said.

US military bases and diplomatic missions worldwide also are on high security alert for the week.

And US navy officials in Bahrain issued a warning to shippers following unconfirmed reports that al-Qaida may be planning attacks on oil tankers.

"While the US Navy has no specific details on the timing or means of the planned attacks, and there are no indications than an attack is imminent, the threat should be regarded seriously," said an advisory from the Navy's Maritime Liaison Office in Bahrain.

It said shipmasters should exercise extreme caution when travelling through strategic choke points such as the Strait of Hormuz or Bab-el-Mandeb, or sailing in traditional high-threat areas such as along the Horn of Africa and other confined waters.

White House press secretary Ari Fleischer said the threat of attacks has US officials on a "higher sense of guard".

"As the anniversary approaches, our concerns increase and that's based on information that we've obtained. That's also based on historical facts about what anniversaries mean. Anniversaries can be occasions, not always but can be occasions, for terrorists to attack again. We're cognisant of that, we're vigilant about that," Fleischer said.

The State Department issued a worldwide caution urging Americans to remain especially vigilant this week.

President George W Bush, his hand over his heart, appeared to fight back tears as the national anthem played and America's week of remembrance began. "Our emotions run deep, but our resolve runs deeper," first lady Laura Bush said from her husband's side a Concert for America 2002 Washington to be broadcast tomorrow .

"One year ago, we were attacked because of who we are and what we believe. But out of the evil done that day has come good," the president said.

Bush said his most painful memories remain those from his visit to Ground Zero just days after the attacks, when he met with hundreds of the victims' family members.

"There was a lot of bloodlust," Bush recalled for another TV programme being broadcast today.

"People were, you know, pointing their big old hands at me saying, 'Don't you ever forget this, Mr President. Don't let us down'."

Bush also said that some Defence Department officials worried the commander in chief might retaliate with knee-jerk, and ineffective, cruise missile strikes.

"There's a lot of nervous Nellies at the Pentagon," he said, adding that Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld convinced him early on of the need for an all-out war.

In a similar retrospective TV interview Vice President Dick Cheney said he probably owes his life to the Flight 93 passengers who are believed to have fought back against their hijackers.

Those passengers "saved my life and that of all of us who were at the White House complex that day. I think about it periodically - if it hadn't been for what they did, that I might not be here today," Cheney said.