Homeland Security

DATE=11/21/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-S/TERRORIST WARNING(S-O)

NUMBER=2-310115

BYLINE=MARY MOTTA

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The United States has warned that attacks on American soil and U-S interests abroad are more likely as terrorist violence increases and the Muslim holy month of Ramadan ends. From Washington, VOA's Mary Motta reports.

TEXT: The warning comes in the wake of four blasts in Istanbul over the last week which killed more than 50 people. A bulletin was sent to police and security personnel warning of "al-Qaida's continued desire" to plot "terrorist attacks".

The Homeland Security Department and FBI issued the public warning saying there is an increased risk of terrorist attacks on Americans at home and overseas. Officials said of particular concern is al-Qaida's continued interest in aviation, including using cargo jets to attack infrastructure such as bridges or dams "as well as targeting liquid natural gas, chemical and other hazardous materials facilities."

Also Friday, the State Department issued a "worldwide caution" for Americans traveling abroad, urging that they "maintain a high level of vigilance" for possible terrorist attacks. State Department officials say they are "seeing increasing indications that al-Qaida is preparing to strike U-S interests abroad."

Despite the recent warning, there has been no change in the United States' color-coded threat. Since May 30th, the terrorist threat has been rated as yellow, the midpoint on the five-level scale. (SIGNED)

NEB/MEM