FBI, Homeland Security warn of summer bomb plots...
POSTED AT 2:16 PM EST Friday, Apr. 2, 2004
Associated Press
Washington — Terrorists might try to bomb buses and rail lines in major U.S. cities this summer, a government bulletin issued to law enforcement officials says.
The FBI and Homeland Security Department sent a bulletin Thursday night saying terrorists could try to conceal explosives in luggage and carry-on bags, such as duffel bags and backpacks.
The bulletin cites uncorroborated intelligence as indicating that such bombs could be made of ammonium nitrate fertilizer and diesel fuel, similar to what was used to blow up the Oklahoma City federal building in April, 1995.
A senior federal law enforcement official, speaking Friday on condition of anonymity, said recent intelligence, coupled with the deadly March 11 commuter train bombings in Madrid, has increased the level of concern about a potential attack in the United States.
The bulletin did not specify a particular city that might be targeted.
Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups have “demonstrated the intent and capability” to attack public transportation with a variety of bombs, including suicide attacks, the bulletin says. Such attacks have occurred in Israel, Greece, Turkey, Spain and elsewhere.
I The warning follows by one day an FBI bulletin to state and local law enforcement agencies raising concern that terrorists might try to use cultural, artistic or athletic visas to slip into the United States undetected.
The new bulletin lists a number of suggestions for city transportation systems to enhance security. These include close monitoring of parking lots, removal of trash receptacles, limiting access points, improving lighting and beefing up overall law enforcement presence.
Barriers should be deployed at key points to prevent terrorists from parking a bomb-laden vehicle, possibly disguised as a delivery truck, close to entrances and exits.
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