“There is a continuing terrorist threat against U.S. subways and railways, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security said in a bulletin sent to law enforcement agencies Wednesday.” This from FoxNews.
“Recent intelligence indicates a continued terrorist interest in conducting attacks on U.S. subways and railways,” the bulletin said. “Although the FBI possesses no information indicating a specific threat to subways and rail systems in the United States, the potential for an attack cannot be ruled out.”
The FBI and DHS mention in the bulletin that Usama bin Laden’s Al Qaeda terror network has had a long-standing fascination with the 1995 sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway system.
“An attack on a subway or rail system could cause substantial loss of life, and would have an adverse impact on public confidence, resulting in massive economic loss,” the bulletin said. . . .
The FBI and DHS said that timetable and operating schedules are publicly available and therefore accessible by terrorists.
“Internet sites provide information regarding the location of critical rail assets for train command and control,” the agencies said.
“U.S. rail and subway systems play a vital role in urban public transportation and freight movement, carrying considerable economic resources. Attacks on rail systems require less planning, training and materials than attacks against large passenger aircraft or cruise ships, potentially increasing their attractiveness to a diminished Al Qaeda.”
The FBI warned law enforcement and security personnel to remain vigilant to potential pre-operational planning and for any attempts by individuals to bring explosives or chemical devices on a rail or subway system.