Osama plotted to attack US on 9/11 anniversary: FBI

From Himani Kumar
Chicago, May 15 (PTI) The authorities here and across
the US have stepped up security after clues emerged from the
materials seized from the Abbottabad compound that slain
al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden plotted to attack America on
the tenth anniversary of 9/11.
The authorities also tightened security as it feared
of counterattacks from al-Qaeda after the slaying of bin
Laden.
"There was no plan to attack anything or anyone" but
"This was his (Osama's) thought for the future. Maybe his
desires," Ross Rice, spokesman for the Chicago FBI told PTI.
In October last year, two explosive packages addressed
to Chicago-area synagogues and packed aboard cargo jets were
seized. The plot triggered worldwide fears that al-Qaeda was
launching a major new terror campaign.
Rice said that Chicago is on the radar line of
al-Qaeda because of its central location, big size,
infrastructure and tall buildings.
Earlier in 2001, during 9/11 there were rumoured
threats to attack the former Sears Tower, now Willis Tower.
"There was never a credible threat on the Willis
Tower," Rice explained.
Pakistani Intelligence reports have also revealed
that Pakistan was harbouring Bin Laden, despite Pakistan being
a US ally in the war on terror.
"In the wake of Osama Bin Laden's death, Department
of Homeland Security (DHS) has regularly shared information
with their federal, state, local, tribal and private sector
partners regarding the potential for unaffiliated individuals
to conduct retaliatory attacks in the homeland," Matt
Chandler, a DHS spokesman said in a statement.
"Although there are no credible threats or reporting
to indicate the active planning of such an attack, bin Laden's
death could inspire violent extremist followers or lone
offenders to attempt to conduct retaliatory attacks.
We have no credible information to suggest that a
specifically targeted plot is under way," Chandler added.
"Our security posture, which always includes a number
of measures both seen and unseen, will continue to respond
appropriately to protect the American people from an evolving
threat picture both in the coming days and beyond," Chandler
said.
"Our state, local, tribal, territorial, and private
sector partners play a critical role in identifying and
reporting suspicious activities and raising the awareness of
federal counter terrorism officials.
We encourage reporting of suspicious activity to
appropriate authorities and encourage our homeland security,
military, and law enforcement partners, as well as the general
public, to remain vigilant," Chandler added.
Bin Laden had been wanting to target power systems,
rail transit and water systems in a list allegedly written by
him, according to media reports, after the raid on the
Abbottabad complex, a military garrison town, revealed the
many items that belonged to him.
Because there was a threat to derail the rail transit
systems there were also additional announcements in recent
weeks to watch out for any incidents or suspicious activity at
train stations in Chicago that have been issued after bin
Laden's death.