Faced with new threats of terrorist attacks in the United States during high-profile events, such as the upcoming presidential election, Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge yesterday announced the formation of a government task force to better coordinate security efforts.
Intelligence officials do not have “specific, credible threat information” pertaining to a particular event, “but we do have common sense,” Mr. Ridge told the National Association of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas.
The new task force, comprising representatives of nine Cabinet-level agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Transportation and Energy, will interact daily and focus on improving the nation’s readiness against an attack. They will work closely with mayors, governors, first responders and the private sector.
They also will coordinate the implementation of security measures for infrastructure, such as bridges, rail lines and energy plants, and surrounding air travel, hazardous materials shipments, and chemical facilities.
“With so many symbolic gatherings in the next few months, we must be aggressive. These targets of opportunity for the terrorists are opportunities that can’t be missed to tighten our security,” Mr. Ridge said.
Mr. Ridge cited several events holding “symbolic opportunities for the terrorists to try to shake our will” for which there will be increased protection: dedication of the World War II memorial in Washington; International Monetary Fund meetings; the Group of Eight summit in Georgia; Fourth of July; political conventions in Boston and New York; elections and holidays.
The increase in security will not raise the threat level, which stands at “yellow” for heightened alert.
Officials are particularly concerned about security along the nation’s railways after the terrorist attack on Madrid’s commuter trains in March, which killed 191 persons and wounded 1,800.
Former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, whose party lost an election just days after the bombing, has warned President Bush that there will be an attempt by terrorists to attack before the U.S. presidential election. National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice has confirmed that the White House is taking the threat seriously.
Mr. Aznar also shared the warning with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and British police yesterday arrested 10 persons of Iraqi Kurd and North African origin suspected of being terrorists. Press reports said the group may have been planning to bomb a shopping center.
In New York City, police are conducting surprise security inspections on subway cars before entering tunnels or crossing bridges, and the National Guard is assisting state police in guarding Grand Central and Penn Station.
Rep. Christopher Cox, California Republican and chairman of the House Select Committee on Homeland Security, said the new task force emphasizes the need to be prepared for a terrorist attack at every level of government.
“The analysis of our best terrorism experts indicates that al Qaeda remains a serious, active, long-term threat to the American homeland,” Mr. Cox said.
“We must also continue to seek better intelligence on terrorist motivations, intentions and capabilities. The pressing need for tactical or actionable intelligence is the common thread that runs through all our counterterrorist efforts, including [the Department of Homeland Security’s] programs to prepare, protect and respond,” Mr. Cox said.
The task force also will include representatives from the Departments of Agriculture, Health and Human Services, Interior, Justice, Treasury, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
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