Terrorists could pose as beggars, tourists, FBI warns
Associated Press
Feb. 27, 2003 01:45 PM
WASHINGTON - Al-Qaida operatives plotting U.S. attacks may
use sophisticated surveillance techniques that are difficult
for local security and police officials to detect, the FBI
cautions.
An FBI bulletin circulated this week to law
enforcement agencies nationwide says that al-Qaida operatives
are highly trained in surveillance methods ranging from using
hidden cameras to posing as beggars or
tourists.
"Al-Qaida operations have been characterized
by meticulous planning, a focus on inflicting mass casualties
and multiple, simultaneous suicide attacks," says the
bulletin, obtained Thursday by The Associated
Press.
Release of the bulletin coincided with the Bush
administration's decision to lower the nation's terrorism
threat level from orange, the second-highest level, to yellow,
the middle level on a five-point scale.
Yet officials
said the risk remains and the weekly bulletins help local
officials get a better idea of how to protect the areas they
cover.
The surveillance bulletin describes several
techniques al-Qaida is known to have used in the past to plan
bombings or other attacks.
Among the group's methods
are what is called "prolonged static surveillance," in which
people are "disguised as panhandlers, demonstrators, shoe
shiners, food or flower vendors, news agents or street
sweepers."
Police and security officials have also been
told to watch for:
Unusual or persistent
interest in security personnel, access controls, or perimeters
such as fences or walls.
An increase in
anonymous telephone or e-mail threats, which could be a way of
testing reaction.
Use of hidden still or
video cameras and sketchpads, especially in non-tourist
areas.
Use of multiple sets of clothing,
identification and the like.
Al-Qaida has also used
teams of two or three people doing surveillance together on
foot, as well as mobile methods including scooters, bicycles,
cars and trucks, boats and even small aircraft, the FBI
bulletin says.
The bulletin also says that the FBI has
no evidence to suggest that al-Qaida might plan a new attack
to coincide with this week's anniversary of the 1993 World
Trade Center bombing that killed six people and injured 1,000
others.
Al-Qaida, the FBI says, is "not known to use
anniversary dates as a factor in timing terrorist
operations."
---
On the Net:
FBI: http://www.fbi.gov/ |
 |
|
|
|