Message (all regions)

September 10, 2002

Message from the FBI Counterterrorism Division, Washington, D.C.

National threat warning system-Homeland Security Advisory System threat level raised from yellow (elevated) to orange (high).

The U.S. Intelligence Community (USIC) has, within the past 24-hours, received information indicating that a senior Al Qaeda operative has established terrorist cells in several southeast Asian countries. These cells were reportedly formed to conduct vehicle bomb and other attacks on U.S. facilities on or near the first anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

The USIC has also recently received information indicating that one or more individuals in the Middle East are preparing for suicide attack(s) against U.S. interests, though we have no information specifying where these purported attacks might occur.

Reporting also indicates that lower-level Al Qaeda operatives and sympathizers view the September 11 time-frame as a suitable time to lash out in small strikes to demonstrate their worldwide presence and resolve.  Widely dispersed, unsophisticated strikes are possible.

Directly preceding the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the U.S. Intelligence Community observed similar patterns of threat reporting overseas, coupled with a lack of any specific threats suggesting attacks in the United States. Given these circumstances and patterns, the U.S. government has raised the Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS) threat level from yellow (elevated) to orange (high). Based on this threat condition, recipients should consider adopting the following general measures in addition to agency-specific protective measures implemented:

-- Coordinating necessary security efforts with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies or any National Guard or other appropriate armed forces organization;

-- Taking additional precautions at public events; and

-- Preparing to execute contingency procedures, such as relocating to an alternative site or dispersing their workforce.

Law enforcement agencies should concentrate their efforts on critical infrastructures that have reportedly been of interest to terrorists in the recent past, including the transportation and energy sectors, which terrorists have regarded as key to U.S. economic health. In addition, agencies should focus security efforts on symbolic sites, such as monuments and special events with large gatherings.

Any information pertaining to terrorist threats should be forwarded immediately to the nearest Joint Terrorism Task Force.