The US government has issued a new warning of possible terrorist attacks. The announcement put its citizens on a state of high alert for the third time since 11 September.
Homeland Security Chief, Tom Ridge, said American intelligence and law enforcement agencies had picked up a higher quantity of threats, leading to the latest alert.
He described these threats as "unspecific but credible", saying they point to more terrorist attacks against America or American interests abroad. Intelligence officials believe the threats are coming from Osama Bin Laden's al Qaeda network.
As Bin Laden and al Qaeda leaders run out of places to hide in Afghanistan, it is feared they may direct further attacks against America soon.
Once again, the FBI is putting 18,000 law enforcement agents on highest alert and warning people to be vigilant. A similar warning has been issued twice before.
But Tom Ridge says the activities and threats being monitored have now reached a level above the norm, and everyone, including President George W Bush, feels the public should be informed of this.
