Terrorist Threat Elevated- CNN - Phentermine.com

Ph@t · February 7th, 2003, 06:57 AM

President Bush will raise the national terrorism threat level Friday from an elevated risk of terrorist attacks to a high risk, sources have told CNN.

The national threat levels, developed after the September 11 attacks, are part of a color-coded system. Currently the level stands at elevated risk -- or yellow. High risk would be orange.

The threat level change is expected to be announced at a 12:30 p.m. EST news conference, government officials said. Both Attorney General John Ashcroft and Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge will be on hand.

In addition, the heads of the nation's military branches are considering raising security precautions at U.S. military bases across the United States.

"There is a large spike in threat reporting that shows al Qaeda cells are possibly close to attacks," a senior military official told CNN.

Earlier sources told CNN that U.S. government officials had recommended to the president that he raise the threat level, following several days of debate within the government about whether to take such an action.

Counterterrorism officials have said they are more worried about a possible terrorist attack due to several factors, including an increase in the so-called "chatter" level.

Worldwide chatter prompted the State Department on Wednesday to issue a new worldwide warning that cautions Americans to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings. The chatter concerned possible a chemical or bioweapons terror attack agains the United States. (Fear of chem-bio attack grows)

Meanwhile, the heads of the nation's military branches on Friday were considering raising security levels at bases across the country.

"There is a large spike in threat reporting that shows al Qaeda cells are possibly close to attacks," a senior military official told CNN.

The stepped-up chatter indicates a greater amount of intelligence coming in about a possible attack, especially by al Qaeda, the culmination beginning this weekend of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and the continuing confrontation with Iraq, according to officials.

On Wednesday, sources told CNN that the FBI is closely watching a "handful" of people believed to be Iraqi intelligence officers in the United States. There is also surveillance of at least several hundred Iraqi nationals living in the United States who are thought to be supporters of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

Also worrisome to U.S. officials is increased intelligence from a variety of sources in recent weeks suggesting a possible future attack in the United States that could include chemical or biological weapons.

The information does not single out any specific chemical agent or target, but officials said they are mostly concerned about the vulnerability of so-called "soft targets," such as apartment buildings, sports arenas and amusement parks.

Since the inception of the color-coded threat level system -- officially called the Homeland Security Advisory System -- in March 2002, the status has been yellow the whole time except for a short period around July 4 when it was raised to orange.

dandi · February 7th, 2003, 07:08 AM

Thanks for the info.
I haven't even listened to the news today.

Ph@t · February 7th, 2003, 07:10 AM

Sorry- here's just a little more.....

Information regarding possible chemical or bioweapons terror attacks has government officials increasingly concerned.

Officials said Thursday there is a an increased level of terror-related chatter but emphasized that this information is not specific in terms of material that could be used or about possible targets. There is increased concern, however, because similar information is coming in from a variety of sources, both domestic and international.

The State Department warned U.S. citizens around the world Thursday of the "heightened threat" of terrorist acts against Americans. The "worldwide caution" warned of suicide bombings, assassinations, and the "growing threat" of the use of chemical and biological agents.

Government officials said Wednesday they are concerned that al Qaeda, Iraqi agents or individuals could launch an attack coinciding with a U.S. strike against Iraq. There has been debate about putting out an alert warning or actually raising the national threat level, but the threat level will remain at yellow, or elevated, sources told CNN.

Officials later said they are most concerned about terrorists using ricin and sarin. Both are easily produced, and the items needed to produce them are easily attainable.

In the United Kingdom on January 5, seven men were arrested in a London raid where traces of ricin were discovered. It was the first in a series of terror-related arrests in the country.

There is also concern that smallpox and anthrax could be weaponized but officials note that those materials take some knowledge to work with and are harder to procure.

While there is no specific information regarding targets of a possible chemical or bioweapons attack, officials say their concerns are focused on "soft" targets in the United States.

These include hotels, shopping malls, schools, apartment buildings, amusement centers and sporting events. It would not include, for example, something like the Super Bowl or this weekend's NBA All-Star game, because the level of security would make the events a "hard" target.

Overall, officials say, threat information is pouring in from worldwide sources. In the last 15 months, the FBI has pursued more than 3,000 terror threats.

Heightened concern prompted the FBI to prepare for two contingencies. Agents have been instructed to pack three days of clothes and personal items for a short deployment, and a bag for at least a one-month deployment, sources said.

The FBI will deliver a National Threat Assessment to Congress next week which will describe how al Qaeda continues to adapt and will say that a major concern is the threat of chemical and biological agents.

The State Department issued its warning Thursday because of increased fears of terror attacks abroad.

"Private Americans should remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and exercise caution," the notice said. "The Department of State reminds Americans that U.S. citizens and interests are at a heightened risk of terrorist attacks."

Warnings are often issued for travel in specific countries. Thursday's global travel warning replaces a worldwide caution issued in November.

The warning says that because of tightened security within the United States, terrorists may target U.S. interests overseas, focusing on "softer targets." Those targets include places where Americans and Westerners are known to congregate -- such as clubs, restaurants, schools, places of worship, hotels and beaches -- where security is not as tight."

MD2004 · February 7th, 2003, 07:30 AM

NO PLEASE don't flame me - because I am not saying this is what has happened but it is just a thought........I often wonder if this came out all of the sudden because the offical white house polls have shown that there are a lot of Americans that do not support war with Iraq - and this warning came out in an effort to 'encourage' those people sitting on the fence to support the war? I know many of you will think this is ludicrous - but the thought crossed my mind....of course I am worried now much more than I was last night about the thoughts of chemical/biological attacks on US soil. I today fully support war - unlike yesterday when I said 'I support the government's decisions and our troops' Just a thought

slowfoot · February 7th, 2003, 07:34 AM

*not a flame whooooooooop not a flame whoooooooop* But I don't think this is a ploy to get fence sitters on board. Like the war/no war issue, our government can't win either way. Heads would roll if the call wasn't made to heighten security and something happened, but if nothing happens folks will think it's part of a political agenda.

I'll err on the side of safety and well being.

Ph@t · February 7th, 2003, 08:29 AM

Either way, don't feel better knowing that our police forces and our country is keeping their eyes and ears opened? I sure do! And mine are! Call me paranoid... but I take what the government has to say pretty serious.

lil_kydarlin · February 7th, 2003, 08:43 AM

Thanks for the information. I haven't had a chance to watch the news either. I'm oblivious to the whole world. This does nothing to comfort me in the fact that my friend is getting ready to be deployed or that my sister is getting married Valentines day, her future husband is graduating today from the FBI academy. My cousin is a Federal Marshall who provides flight security. I feel slightly safer because I live in a rural area where there isn't much to target, but I'm still worried.

lil_kydarlin · February 7th, 2003, 09:47 AM

I believe terrorism has already hit home- undirectly- and I hate to say this but- it's our own people! I don't know about where everyone else lives, but here gas prices SKYROCKETED ystrdy after Bush's speech! The cheapest grade went from $1.44 a gal to $1.63, the others $1.73 and $1.83. This happened on 9/11 after the attacks, rumors were spread that gas would become extremely hard to get and the gas stations HAD to raise prices in order to try to make their supplies last longer- but of course, due to the rumors EVERYONE (and I have to admit I fell for it) swarmed every gas station here and several of them sold every drop they had that day! A few days later- prices were back to normal. (and I felt like a dope). If this is not a form of terrorism- what is? If gas prices stay this high or more likely get even higher it can devastate the economy. People won't be able to afford to go to work. They aren't going to waste gas to go out to eat, shop or anything that isn't neccessary. Prices in stores will get higher on everything because it will cost more to have them delivered. If it isn't neccessary the government NEEDS to do something to regulate these prices! (in my opinion)

dandi · February 7th, 2003, 09:51 AM

Where I live, I am surround by military bases.
I am right in the center of 3 military bases.
I am like Phat I take the what the government says seriously. I have a real good friend in Korea right now and I haven't heard from in a long time. He usually calls once a month.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

Ph@t · February 7th, 2003, 10:12 AM

LiL- I have to disagree with you on that one. If we're going to call people who rip others off terrorists, then hell, everybody is pretty much. I can go get phen from my doctor for 40$ a month but online I have to pay 100$. The list goes on and on and on. I think Americans use too much gas anyway! We should spend some money on trying to come up with more efficient transportation... more people should carpool too. And SUV's should be OFF the roads all together. Talk about ripping people off? They straight up hog gas!

Ph@t · February 7th, 2003, 10:21 AM

*giving LIL a big ol' hug*

lil_kydarlin · February 7th, 2003, 10:27 AM

Sorry Phat, gotta stand my ground on this one. This difference being- gas is almost essential in this day and time. I live in a rural area, there are no buses or subways etc.. so to get to work, you have to drive. Granted car pooling is an option for some. People in general who rip people off is not my complaint. You (and I) CHOOSE to pay the price for phen. You don't HAVE to have it to survive and if you don't buy it the economy won't crash. This affects people's livelyhood and I just think that it's wrong that they are allowed to use an already horrific event to take advantage of people. JUST MY OPINION

lil_kydarlin · February 7th, 2003, 10:32 AM

Do agree with you on the fact we definetly should learn to conserve gas better. Fortunately I contribute- I drive a four cylinder economy car! big ol hug- back at ya!

February 7th, 2003, 07:08 AM	#2 (permalink)
dandi Silver Phenster Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 145 Lost Weight: 5 Current Weight: 160 Goal Weight: 115-120	Thanks for the info. I haven't even listened to the news today. Dandi

February 7th, 2003, 07:30 AM	#4 (permalink)
MD2004 Silver Phenster Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 378 Lost Weight: 0lbs Current Weight: 189 Goal Weight: 120	NO PLEASE don't flame me - because I am not saying this is what has happened but it is just a thought........I often wonder if this came out all of the sudden because the offical white house polls have shown that there are a lot of Americans that do not support war with Iraq - and this warning came out in an effort to 'encourage' those people sitting on the fence to support the war? I know many of you will think this is ludicrous - but the thought crossed my mind....of course I am worried now much more than I was last night about the thoughts of chemical/biological attacks on US soil. I today fully support war - unlike yesterday when I said 'I support the government's decisions and our troops' Just a thought Steph SW01-07-2003): 174 CW06-26-2003): 174.5 GW: 120 "Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." - Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

February 7th, 2003, 09:51 AM	#9 (permalink)
dandi Silver Phenster Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 145 Lost Weight: 5 Current Weight: 160 Goal Weight: 115-120	Where I live, I am surround by military bases. I am right in the center of 3 military bases. I am like Phat I take the what the government says seriously. I have a real good friend in Korea right now and I haven't heard from in a long time. He usually calls once a month. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!! Dandi

February 7th, 2003, 06:57 AM	#1 (permalink)
Ph@t Milkshake Phensta Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 8,834 Lost Weight: 30 lbs Current Weight: too much Goal Weight: 170	President Bush will raise the national terrorism threat level Friday from an elevated risk of terrorist attacks to a high risk, sources have told CNN. The national threat levels, developed after the September 11 attacks, are part of a color-coded system. Currently the level stands at elevated risk -- or yellow. High risk would be orange. The threat level change is expected to be announced at a 12:30 p.m. EST news conference, government officials said. Both Attorney General John Ashcroft and Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge will be on hand. In addition, the heads of the nation's military branches are considering raising security precautions at U.S. military bases across the United States. "There is a large spike in threat reporting that shows al Qaeda cells are possibly close to attacks," a senior military official told CNN. Earlier sources told CNN that U.S. government officials had recommended to the president that he raise the threat level, following several days of debate within the government about whether to take such an action. Counterterrorism officials have said they are more worried about a possible terrorist attack due to several factors, including an increase in the so-called "chatter" level. Worldwide chatter prompted the State Department on Wednesday to issue a new worldwide warning that cautions Americans to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings. The chatter concerned possible a chemical or bioweapons terror attack agains the United States. (Fear of chem-bio attack grows) Meanwhile, the heads of the nation's military branches on Friday were considering raising security levels at bases across the country. "There is a large spike in threat reporting that shows al Qaeda cells are possibly close to attacks," a senior military official told CNN. The stepped-up chatter indicates a greater amount of intelligence coming in about a possible attack, especially by al Qaeda, the culmination beginning this weekend of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and the continuing confrontation with Iraq, according to officials. On Wednesday, sources told CNN that the FBI is closely watching a "handful" of people believed to be Iraqi intelligence officers in the United States. There is also surveillance of at least several hundred Iraqi nationals living in the United States who are thought to be supporters of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Also worrisome to U.S. officials is increased intelligence from a variety of sources in recent weeks suggesting a possible future attack in the United States that could include chemical or biological weapons. The information does not single out any specific chemical agent or target, but officials said they are mostly concerned about the vulnerability of so-called "soft targets," such as apartment buildings, sports arenas and amusement parks. Since the inception of the color-coded threat level system -- officially called the Homeland Security Advisory System -- in March 2002, the status has been yellow the whole time except for a short period around July 4 when it was raised to orange.

February 7th, 2003, 07:10 AM	#3 (permalink)
Ph@t Milkshake Phensta Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 8,834 Lost Weight: 30 lbs Current Weight: too much Goal Weight: 170	Sorry- here's just a little more..... Information regarding possible chemical or bioweapons terror attacks has government officials increasingly concerned. Officials said Thursday there is a an increased level of terror-related chatter but emphasized that this information is not specific in terms of material that could be used or about possible targets. There is increased concern, however, because similar information is coming in from a variety of sources, both domestic and international. The State Department warned U.S. citizens around the world Thursday of the "heightened threat" of terrorist acts against Americans. The "worldwide caution" warned of suicide bombings, assassinations, and the "growing threat" of the use of chemical and biological agents. Government officials said Wednesday they are concerned that al Qaeda, Iraqi agents or individuals could launch an attack coinciding with a U.S. strike against Iraq. There has been debate about putting out an alert warning or actually raising the national threat level, but the threat level will remain at yellow, or elevated, sources told CNN. Officials later said they are most concerned about terrorists using ricin and sarin. Both are easily produced, and the items needed to produce them are easily attainable. In the United Kingdom on January 5, seven men were arrested in a London raid where traces of ricin were discovered. It was the first in a series of terror-related arrests in the country. There is also concern that smallpox and anthrax could be weaponized but officials note that those materials take some knowledge to work with and are harder to procure. While there is no specific information regarding targets of a possible chemical or bioweapons attack, officials say their concerns are focused on "soft" targets in the United States. These include hotels, shopping malls, schools, apartment buildings, amusement centers and sporting events. It would not include, for example, something like the Super Bowl or this weekend's NBA All-Star game, because the level of security would make the events a "hard" target. Overall, officials say, threat information is pouring in from worldwide sources. In the last 15 months, the FBI has pursued more than 3,000 terror threats. Heightened concern prompted the FBI to prepare for two contingencies. Agents have been instructed to pack three days of clothes and personal items for a short deployment, and a bag for at least a one-month deployment, sources said. The FBI will deliver a National Threat Assessment to Congress next week which will describe how al Qaeda continues to adapt and will say that a major concern is the threat of chemical and biological agents. The State Department issued its warning Thursday because of increased fears of terror attacks abroad. "Private Americans should remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and exercise caution," the notice said. "The Department of State reminds Americans that U.S. citizens and interests are at a heightened risk of terrorist attacks." Warnings are often issued for travel in specific countries. Thursday's global travel warning replaces a worldwide caution issued in November. The warning says that because of tightened security within the United States, terrorists may target U.S. interests overseas, focusing on "softer targets." Those targets include places where Americans and Westerners are known to congregate -- such as clubs, restaurants, schools, places of worship, hotels and beaches -- where security is not as tight."

February 7th, 2003, 07:34 AM	#5 (permalink)
slowfoot The fire in your thighs. Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 2,950 Lost Weight: 0lbs	not a flame whooooooooop not a flame whoooooooop But I don't think this is a ploy to get fence sitters on board. Like the war/no war issue, our government can't win either way. Heads would roll if the call wasn't made to heighten security and something happened, but if nothing happens folks will think it's part of a political agenda. I'll err on the side of safety and well being.

February 7th, 2003, 08:29 AM	#6 (permalink)
Ph@t Milkshake Phensta Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 8,834 Lost Weight: 30 lbs Current Weight: too much Goal Weight: 170	Either way, don't feel better knowing that our police forces and our country is keeping their eyes and ears opened? I sure do! And mine are! Call me paranoid... but I take what the government has to say pretty serious.

February 7th, 2003, 08:43 AM	#7 (permalink)
lil_kydarlin Silver Phenster Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kentucky Posts: 482 Lost Weight: 0lbs Current Weight: 150 Goal Weight: 120	Thanks for the information. I haven't had a chance to watch the news either. I'm oblivious to the whole world. This does nothing to comfort me in the fact that my friend is getting ready to be deployed or that my sister is getting married Valentines day, her future husband is graduating today from the FBI academy. My cousin is a Federal Marshall who provides flight security. I feel slightly safer because I live in a rural area where there isn't much to target, but I'm still worried.

February 7th, 2003, 09:47 AM	#8 (permalink)
lil_kydarlin Silver Phenster Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kentucky Posts: 482 Lost Weight: 0lbs Current Weight: 150 Goal Weight: 120	I believe terrorism has already hit home- undirectly- and I hate to say this but- it's our own people! I don't know about where everyone else lives, but here gas prices SKYROCKETED ystrdy after Bush's speech! The cheapest grade went from $1.44 a gal to $1.63, the others $1.73 and $1.83. This happened on 9/11 after the attacks, rumors were spread that gas would become extremely hard to get and the gas stations HAD to raise prices in order to try to make their supplies last longer- but of course, due to the rumors EVERYONE (and I have to admit I fell for it) swarmed every gas station here and several of them sold every drop they had that day! A few days later- prices were back to normal. (and I felt like a dope). If this is not a form of terrorism- what is? If gas prices stay this high or more likely get even higher it can devastate the economy. People won't be able to afford to go to work. They aren't going to waste gas to go out to eat, shop or anything that isn't neccessary. Prices in stores will get higher on everything because it will cost more to have them delivered. If it isn't neccessary the government NEEDS to do something to regulate these prices! (in my opinion)

February 7th, 2003, 10:12 AM	#10 (permalink)
Ph@t Milkshake Phensta Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 8,834 Lost Weight: 30 lbs Current Weight: too much Goal Weight: 170	LiL- I have to disagree with you on that one. If we're going to call people who rip others off terrorists, then hell, everybody is pretty much. I can go get phen from my doctor for 40$ a month but online I have to pay 100$. The list goes on and on and on. I think Americans use too much gas anyway! We should spend some money on trying to come up with more efficient transportation... more people should carpool too. And SUV's should be OFF the roads all together. Talk about ripping people off? They straight up hog gas!

February 7th, 2003, 10:21 AM	#11 (permalink)
Ph@t Milkshake Phensta Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 8,834 Lost Weight: 30 lbs Current Weight: too much Goal Weight: 170	giving LIL a big ol' hug

February 7th, 2003, 10:27 AM	#12 (permalink)
lil_kydarlin Silver Phenster Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kentucky Posts: 482 Lost Weight: 0lbs Current Weight: 150 Goal Weight: 120	Sorry Phat, gotta stand my ground on this one. This difference being- gas is almost essential in this day and time. I live in a rural area, there are no buses or subways etc.. so to get to work, you have to drive. Granted car pooling is an option for some. People in general who rip people off is not my complaint. You (and I) CHOOSE to pay the price for phen. You don't HAVE to have it to survive and if you don't buy it the economy won't crash. This affects people's livelyhood and I just think that it's wrong that they are allowed to use an already horrific event to take advantage of people. JUST MY OPINION

February 7th, 2003, 10:32 AM	#13 (permalink)
lil_kydarlin Silver Phenster Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kentucky Posts: 482 Lost Weight: 0lbs Current Weight: 150 Goal Weight: 120	Do agree with you on the fact we definetly should learn to conserve gas better. Fortunately I contribute- I drive a four cylinder economy car! big ol hug- back at ya!