Next terrorist attacks: buses?

Posted 16/11/2011

The TSA is warning that buses, easier to attack then airplanes, might be targeted during the upcoming holiday season.

The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) is warning police departments in Washington, DC, to be wary of attacks.

“The announcement reminds law enforcement officials that bus attacks are more common than attacks against the airline industry, with more than 725 bus attacks from 2004 through 2009,” said Fox News.

Information about the new threat comes from a TSA bulletin called 'Terrorist Concerns Regarding Mass Transit Bus Systems' that was obtained by Fox News.

“It's something that we've seen in reporting over time that terrorists around the world clearly are interested -- because of the accessibility, the open architecture -- both of buses and rail,” Transportation Security Administration Director John Pistole told reporters.

Intelligence recovered at Osama bin Laden's compound shows the Al Qaeda leader considered using buses to ram into buildings in the United States, Fox News reported.

“He always felt that he wanted to leverage his targets,” Chuck Pfarrer, author of “Seal Target Geronimo,” told the cable network.

Suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices have been used on buses by terrorists.

However, the TSA says the Al Qaeda affiliate in Yemen 'advocates the use of vehicle ramming attacks against crowds, buildings and other vehicles.'

Security officials said there are no indication terrorist groups have immediate plans to attack buses.

Nonetheless, the TSA bulletin warns that terrorist groups could be trying to recruit employees or 'insiders' who work in the bus, train and airline industry.

By David Wilkening


 

Originally published 15 Nov 2011 at: http://rss.feedsportal.com/c/398/f/5923/s/1a1bb314/l/0L0Stravelmole0N0Cstories0C1150A260A0Bphp0Dmpnlog0F1/story01.htm