US Faces Continued "Persistent Threat" 6 Yrs after 9/11

While the world remembers the tragic events of September 11^th 2001, on the sixth anniversary of the Twin Towers' destruction at the hands of al-Qaeda, prominent figures within the US security sector have warned that America can still be regarded as a potential target. This is despite the fact, they add, that, should any such terrorist action take place, the US is more ready to rise in retaliation than before.

Their fears are highlighted just days after a new video featuring the leader of al-Qaeda, Osama bin Laden, was released. In it, he pledges heightening the level of conflict currently taking place in Iraq.

The Department of Homeland Security's Head, Michael Chertoff, stated: "While we have successfully raised our barrier against terrorist attacks, the fact remains that we are still a nation at risk. " He added: "We continue to face a persistent threat to our homeland over the next several years."

Mr Chertoff's comments were made during a congressional hearing on Monday 10^th September - the purpose of which was to discuss how to confront "...the terrorist threat to the homeland six years after 9/11."

While he acknowledged the vigilant role played by authorities in respect of attacks led by Al-Qaeda, there remained, he added, a significant danger posed by terrorist groups or individuals within the US - including those acting autonomously. "While no one can guarantee we will not face another terrorist strike in the next six years, if we allow ourselves to step back from the fight, if we allow our progress to halt, if we don't continue to build the necessary tools to stay ahead of terrorist threats, then we will most certainly suffer the consequences", he stressed.

Regarding his visions for measures by which the terrorist threat could be further thwarted, Mr Chertoff suggested introducing new regulations into the general aviation sector. Under his proposal, light aircraft inbound to the US would be obliged to submit detailed and in-depth information to US authorities, regarding all those on board, before leaving again. This, said, Chertoff, would "...help us prevent private aircraft from being used to bring potentially dangerous people or weapons into the United States"

A further measure outlined by Mr Chertoff is one that should be fully implemented by the end of 2008. This one refers to sea freight, which, he re-affirmed, would be scanned on an individual basis.

The Homeland Security Head's comments were echoed by the Director of National Intelligence - Michael McConnell. In respect of both Hezbollah and al-Qaeda - to his mind, the two prime sources of concern - he stated that the US could expect to "face a persistent and evolving terrorist threat over the next three years."

"We judge that the United States currently is in a heightened threat environment", he added.

Al-Qaeda, he suggested, is still the core threat. However, on the basis of it viewing the US as a direct threat, the Hezbollah group would also be capable of attacking.

Quizzed by politicians in respect of al-Qaeda's relative strengths in 2001 and 2007, Mr McConnell affirmed that "they have regained a significant level of their capability but (are) not as strong" as they were six years ago.

In the works of the FBI's head, Robert Mueller: "Perhaps the gravest danger the United States faces is complacency as the years since 9/11 pass." He tied this in with the threat of new waves of terrorist groups emanating from Europe, trained by al-Qaeda. "The biggest concern we have is those coming in from Europe, who may have been trained and be inserted by core Al-Qaeda or undertake attacks in the US without the planning or financial backing of core Al-Qaeda", he said.

The US National Counterterrorism Centre's Director, John Reed, described the United States as being "safer than we were on September 11, 2001, but...not safe". He added:"Nor are we likely to be for a generation or more."

"There are many battles yet to be fought and setbacks are certain to come along the way."

The Department of Homeland Security was established in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 - intended to protect the US against future terrorist acts.

Source - Security International's US Correspondent