Washington – U.S. intelligence analysts have concluded al-Qaeda has rebuilt its operating capability to a level not seen since just before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, The Associated Press has learned.
The conclusion suggests that the network that launched the most devastating terrorist attack on the United States has been able to regroup along the Afghan-Pakistani border despite nearly six years of bombings, war and other tactics aimed at crippling it.
Still, numerous government officials say they know of no specific, credible threat of a new attack on U.S. soil.
A counterterrorism official familiar with a five-page summary of the new government threat assessment called it a stark appraisal to be discussed at the White House today as part of a broader meeting on an upcoming National Intelligence Estimate.
The official and others spoke on condition of anonymity because the secret report remains classified.
Counterterrorism analysts produced the document, titled “Al-Qaeda better positioned to strike the West.”
The document focuses on the terrorist group’s safe haven in Pakistan and makes a range of observations about the threat posed to the United States and its allies, officials said.
Al-Qaeda has created “the most robust training program since 2001, with an interest in using European operatives,” the official quoted the report as saying.
At the same time, this official said, the report speaks of “significant gaps in intelligence,” so U.S. authorities may be ignorant of potential or planned attacks.
Counterterrorism officials have been increasingly concerned about al-Qaeda’s recent operations. This week, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said he had a “gut feeling” that the United States faced a heightened risk of attack this summer.
John Kringen, who heads the CIA’s analysis directorate, said he wouldn’t attach a summer time frame to the concern. In studying the threat, he said he begins with the premise that al-Qaeda would consider attacking the U.S. a “home-run hit” and that the easiest way to get into the United States would be through Europe.
Chertoff’s “gut feeling” about an increased terrorist risk did not send law enforcement officials scrambling for increased security, although authorities said Wednesday his remark emphasized the need for vigilance.
“Not to contradict any other statement, but it doesn’t matter the time of year,” said Miami- Dade police Lt. Nancy Perez. “We must remain on alert 365 days a year.”
Chertoff made the comment Tuesday to the editorial board of the Chicago Tribune, telling the newspaper he based his assessment on earlier patterns of terrorists in Europe and intelligence he would not disclose.
“Summertime seems to be appealing to them,” Chertoff said.
In New York, the nation’s No. 1 terrorist target, the state chief of homeland security said security had already been ramped up in the wake of attacks in London and Glasgow. Michael Balboni said he anticipated a “busy summer season in terms of threats,” adding there was nothing specific indicated.
“We have to keep our vigilance high,” Balboni said. “This is simply to say, ‘Don’t fall asleep at the switch.’ That includes the public. We can’t rely only on the police officer on the corner.”
In Los Angeles, police had already tightened security at airports, financial districts and Hollywood nightclub areas after the European attacks. Deputy Chief Michael Downing, commanding officer of the LAPD’s Counterterrorism Criminal Intelligence Bureau, said he understood Chertoff’s suspicions.
“That’s what police work is,” he said. “The art of policing is instincts. If your instinct tells you something, you prepare, prevent, protect and pursue.”
In Chicago, law enforcement officials said they interpreted Chertoff’s statement as a reminder to remain wary during the summer season of outdoor festivals and other large events.
“The message is precautionary,” said Chicago Police Department spokeswoman Monique Bond. “It’s a reminder.”
But House Homeland Security Committee chairman Bennie Thompson of Mississippi took Chertoff to task over the remarks.
“Words have power, Mr. Secretary. You must choose them wisely – especially when they relate to the lives and security of the American public. What color code in the Homeland Security Advisory System is associated with a ‘gut feeling’?” Thompson said in a letter to Chertoff. “Are the American people supposed to purchase duct tape and plastic sheeting because of your ‘gut feeling’?”
