Security was boosted in major US cities ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Twin Towers attacks on 11th September 2011. While not detailing it, officials have referred to the receipt of a "specific, credible threat" that might involve either Washington DC or New York.
Describing the threat as "uncorroborated", Michael Bloomberg - the Mayor of New York - has nonetheless said more robust security measures will be applied to tunnels, bridges and public transport facilities, while President Obama has urged for general anti-terror efforts to be multiplied.
A 9/11 service was held on Sunday, at the site where the Twin Towers once stood, and the attendee list included both Obama and George W. Bush - US president at the time of the attacks.
Information on the perceived 2011 US terror threat was provided at a media event involving Mayor Bloomberg, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly and FBI representative Janet Fedarcyk. "Al-Qaeda has shown an interest in important dates and anniversaries", Ms Fedarcyk explained, adding: "In this instance, it is accurate that there is credible, specific but unconfirmed information."
One news source, ABC, has said information was picked up by intelligence organisations referring to three figures that had recently entered the United States and sought to carry out an attack involving vehicles, to mark the 9/11 anniversary. It added that, in the minds of officials, these figures could have originated from Afghanistan and routed through Iran while journeying to the US.
"As we always do before important dates like the anniversary of 9/11, we will undoubtedly get more reporting in the coming days", Homeland Security representative, Matt Chandler, stated.
"Sometimes this reporting is credible and warrants intense focus, other times it lacks credibility and is highly unlikely to be reflective of real plots under way. Regardless, we take all threat reporting seriously, and we have taken, and will continue to take all steps necessary to mitigate any threats that arise.
"We continue to ask the American people to remain vigilant as we head into the weekend."
See also:
High Alert Security Boost After Bin Laden Death
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