US warned of summer terror attacks
Terrorists might try to bomb buses and rail lines in major US cities this summer, according to a government bulletin issued to US law enforcement officials.
The FBI and Homeland Security Department issued a bulletin saying terrorists could attempt 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 fertiliser and diesel fuel, similar to what was used to blow up the Oklahoma City federal building in April 1995, killing 168 people.
A senior federal law enforcement official 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 US.
The bulletin did not specify a particular city that might be targeted.
Al-Qaida and other terrorist groups have “demonstrated the intent and capability” to attack public transportation with a variety of bombs, including suicide bombers, the bulletin says.
Such attacks have occurred in Israel, Greece, Turkey, Spain and elsewhere.
The bulletin says that a “viable” explosive can be constructed of ammonium nitrate and diesel “that could be concealed in standard luggage.”
British police this week arrested nine people on suspicion of being involved in a possible terrorist plot that included the discovery of 1,000 pounds of ammonium nitrate.
