Al Qaeda threat ‘most serious in years’

The al Qaeda threat that closed US embassies in the Middle East is the most serious in years and the “chatter” among suspected terrorists is reminiscent of what preceded the Sept 11 attacks, a US lawmaker who is briefed on intelligence said.

The State Department closed 21 embassies and consulates and issued a worldwide travel alert warning Americans that al Qaeda may be planning attacks this month, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa.

“There is an awful lot of chatter out there,” said Senator Saxby Chambliss, the top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee.