FBI Distributed Through the NLETS Communications System

On October 23, the FBI distributed through the NLETS communications system, an intelligence update warning state and local law enforcement of recent reporting that al-Qa’ida is targeting the U.S. railway sector.  Information from debriefings of al-Qa’ida detainees as of mid-October indicates that the group has considered directly targeting U.S. passenger trains, possibly using operatives who have a Western appearance.

This threat communication followed one issued on October 9, by the FBI, the Office of Homeland Security and other federal agencies, warning of heightened operational intensity on the part of al-Qa’ida and loosely affiliated terrorist organizations.

The U.S. Intelligence Community continues to assess that al-Qa’ida plans to attack targets that they believe would be readily recognized as representing U.S. economic interests. Additional information suggests operatives may try a variety of other attack strategies, such as destroying key rail bridges and sections of track to cause derailments or targeting hazardous material containers.  Recently captured al-Qa’ida photographs of U.S. railroad engines, cars, and crossings heighten the intelligence community’s concern of this threat.

The attack of the French oil tanker off the coast of Yemen and additional information from al-Qa’ida detainees suggest plans exist to continue attacks against the global petroleum sector.  According to this information, al-Qa’ida plans to weaken the petroleum industry by conducting additional sea based attacks against large oil tankers and that such attacks may be a part of more extensive operations against port facilities and other energy-related targets including oil facilities and nuclear power plants.

In addition, the U.S. Intelligence Community continues to receive general threat reporting on such sectors as, the airline and maritime industries, financial sector and government facilities and installations.

The United States Government, working with state and local law enforcement, the railway industry, and other sectors, has begun the immediate implementation of additional protective measures including increased presence of law enforcement officers, increased surveillance of critical areas and improved physical protections.

The Department of Transportation security staff, the TSA and the Federal Railroad Administration have worked closely with the American Association of Railroads (AAR) to review the current threat data for rails and to implement enhanced rail security measures.  AAR represents North American freight rails as well as Amtrak. On Tuesday, AAR and DOT held a security briefing for members’ law enforcement chiefs about the current threat information and coordinated implementation of enhanced security measures. Amtrak has increased patrolling of its facilities and trains and all freight rails implemented additional security measures.  Other DOT components, including the United States Coast Guard, Federal Transit Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have implemented additional security measures as well.

The FBI Counterterrorism Division has urged state and local law enforcement to discuss appropriate measures for their respective communities with their designated joint terrorism task force and to continue to take all prudent steps to detect, disrupt, deter, and defend against potential attacks against critical infrastructure and installations.

The National Infrastructure Protection Center of the FBI has contacted the private sector Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs) that represent various sectors of the economy.  A primary NIPC mission is to issue warnings regarding threat conditions to private sector ISACs and the owners and operators along with appropriate guidance on additional protection measures to be taken.

The Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Assurance has contacted key energy infrastructure facilities and is working with them to enhance the security environment to deter and/or disrupt potential attacks.

The Environmental Protection Agency has contacted the American Chemistry Council, Chlorine Institute, American Petroleum Institute, Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufactures Association, National Association of Chemical Distributors, the Fertilizer Institute and CropLife America.  These organizations are communicating with their members and recommending additional security precautions.

Due to the lack of specificity of method, location, and timing, the Homeland Security Advisory System threat level will remain at yellow (elevated), at this time.