U.S. fears retaliation may bring more attacks

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

WASHINGTON, OCT. 5. Intelligence agencies have warned the Bush administration that the U.S. should brace itself for more terrorist attacks at home or abroad in the event of a military strike against Afghanistan, the Washington Post has reported.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Central Intelligence Agency and the Defence Intelligence Agency briefed lawmakers in a closed door session on Tuesday. One official was quoted as saying that there was a ``100 per cent chance'' of an attack on America should there be a military strike against Afghanistan. The warnings are based on real threat perceptions though there is also the possibility of disinformation with a view to discouraging the U.S. from attacking Afghanistan. Apparently, the Justice Department and the White House are considering how best to convey the message to the American people at a time when the administration has been telling people to get back to their routine.

Members of Congress, especially those in intelligence committees, have not commented on the briefing they have received from the intelligence agencies. But a ranking member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Mr. Richard Shelby, has warned of the possibility of a terrorist group hitting the U.S. again. ``You can just about bet on it. That's just something you have to believe will happen,'' Mr. Shelby told The Post. Law enforcement agencies are keeping a watch on all probable targets - economic, cultural, political and military. The September 11 attacks in New York and Washington were chosen as they represented the economic and military might of the U.S.

The security and intelligence agencies are increasingly worried about other forms of terrorism such as chemical and biological and authorities are keeping a watch on critical installations such as water and power plants.

The Bush administration is confident that Congress will finalise the Anti- Terrorism Bill that cracks down on terrorism. But key Democrats in the Senate have been assured that there is nothing in the Bill that violates civil liberties.

Focus has also turned on the visa issuing system throughout American missions overseas. Procedures will be tightened and authorities will be able to keep a track on foreigners through an identification system that will use digitised fingerprints.

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Section  : International
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