Military

DATE=10/29/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE= NEW TERROR THREAT (L)

NUMBER=2-282426

BYLINE=LAURIE KASSMAN

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S Attorney General John Ashcroft says there is credible evidence of a new terrorist threat. The U-S government is moving to a higher alert status as a result. V-O-A's Laurie Kassman has the details in our Washington bureau.

TEXT: Attorney General Ashcroft says the evidence does not specify how or where an attack would take place, but 18,000 law enforcement agencies have been put on high alert.

/// ASHCROFT ACT ///

The administration has concluded that, based on information developed, that there may be addition terrorist attacks within the United States and against U-S interests over the next week. The administration views this information as credible but unfortunately it does not contain specific information as to the type of attack or specific targets.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Ashcroft says all federal agencies have been advised. Attorney General Ashcroft says the administration decided to inform the public as a precautionary measure.

The head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Robert Mueller, says 18-thousand law enforcement agencies have been put on alert too.

/// MUELLER ACT ///

I believe it is advisable to alert law enforcement and local authorities as to what knowledge we have received. We are again asking them and through them and local communities to remain extremely vigilant. Doing so gives us a force multiplier that could well prevent another terrorist attack.

/// END ACT ///

This is the second terror alert in as many weeks. Mr. Mueller says increased security following the warning issued on October 11 may have helped avert an attack although he acknowledged it is difficult to say for sure. Mr. Mueller refuses to speculate about any links between the terror alerts and the discovery of more anthrax cases at post offices servicing government agencies. (Signed)

NEB/LMK/MAR