"Plausible" al-Qaida threat to New York subway
"Plausible but unsubstantiated" report received of potential al-Qaida attack upon New York City subway
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Wednesday, 26, Nov 2008 07:50
There is a "plausible but unsubstantiated" report that al-Qaida could be planning to attack public transport systems in New York City, the US government has revealed.
A joint statement from the FBI and department of homeland security (DHS) said terrorist chatter had been intercepted discussing a possible attack upon subway or passenger rail trains.
"We have no specific details to confirm that this plot has developed beyond aspirational planning, but we are issuing this warning out of concern that such an attack could possibly be conducted during the forthcoming holiday season," the statement said.
The DHS said al-Qaida was understood to have discussed in September the prospect of attacks on New York transport systems.
Although the United States' national threat level will not be changed, New York commuters are likely to experience a massive increase in security up to and during the holiday season.
"We have no further information on the threat at this time," the FBI/DHS statement said.
"However, we are working closely with the US intelligence community, state and local law enforcement and homeland security officials to vet and corroborate this reporting, and will continue to investigate every possible lead. We'll provide updates as we obtain further information."