al-Qaida planning 'spectacular' attack warns FBI

The FBI has warned that al-Qaida is likely to attempt a “spectacular” attack intended to inflict large-scale casualties and damage the US economy.

The warning was circulated to law enforcement officials despite a lack of specific credible evidence. It has not led the Bush administration to raise the terrorist threat level above code yellow, or “elevated,” which is the middle of a five-point scale of risk developed after the 9/11 attacks.

Yet, there is clearly worry that the danger is growing because of increased “chatter” picked up through intelligence channels, the continuing US showdown with Iraq and the recently revealed taped warnings believed to be from al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden.

“Sources suggest al-Qaida may favour spectacular attacks that meet several criteria: High symbolic value, mass casualties, severe damage to the US economy, and maximum psychological trauma,” the FBI alert says.

“The highest priority targets remain within the aviation, petroleum, and nuclear sectors as well as significant national landmarks,” it adds.

The FBI bulletin, which is sent weekly to law enforcement officials around the country, contains no information about the time, place or method of a possible attack. But it warns that terrorists appear to be aiming for the maximum possible harm.

Federal authorities have previously issued warnings for those specific industries and national landmarks in general, but the FBI bulletin is unusual because of the dire language it uses.

White House spokesman Scott McClellan said that although the terrorism risk level is not being raised for now, “We are taking additional precautions to meet the threat.”

In recent weeks, the FBI has issued warnings about possible attacks on US railways and on the energy industry, as well as a more general warning about heightened risk during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which started on Wednesday and ends on December 5.

“We’re especially sensitive to timeframes which might be thought by the enemy to be a time when they might want to make a statement,” said Attorney General John Ashcroft.

The recent nightclub bombing in Bali, Indonesia, the assault on Marines in Kuwait, and the attack on a French oil tanker near Yemen – as well as the US strike on a car carrying suspected terrorists, also in Yemen – are described by several law enforcement officials as actions that point to an increased threat.