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Fear of chem-bio attack grows
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Information regarding possible chemical or bioweapons terror attacks has government officials increasingly concerned. Officials said Thursday there is a an increased level of terror-related chatter but emphasized that this information is not specific in terms of material that could be used or about possible targets. There is increased concern, however, because similar information is coming in from a variety of sources, both domestic and international. The State Department warned U.S. citizens around the world Thursday of the "heightened threat" of terrorist acts against Americans. The "worldwide caution" warned of suicide bombings, assassinations, and the "growing threat" of the use of chemical and biological agents. Government officials said Wednesday they are concerned that al Qaeda, Iraqi agents or individuals could launch an attack coinciding with a U.S. strike against Iraq. There has been debate about putting out an alert warning or actually raising the national threat level, but the threat level will remain at yellow, or elevated, sources told CNN. Officials later said they are most concerned about terrorists using ricin and sarin. Both are easily produced, and the items needed to produce them are easily attainable. In the United Kingdom on January 5, seven men were arrested in a London raid where traces of ricin were discovered. It was the first in a series of terror-related arrests in the country. There is also concern that smallpox and anthrax could be weaponized but officials note that those materials take some knowledge to work with and are harder to procure. While there is no specific information regarding targets of a possible chemical or bioweapons attack, officials say their concerns are focused on "soft" targets in the United States. These include hotels, shopping malls, schools, apartment buildings, amusement centers and sporting events. It would not include, for example, something like the Super Bowl or this weekend's NBA All-Star game, because the level of security would make the events a "hard" target. Overall, officials say, threat information is pouring in from worldwide sources. In the last 15 months, the FBI has pursued more than 3,000 terror threats. Heightened concern prompted the FBI to prepare for two contingencies. Agents have been instructed to pack three days of clothes and personal items for a short deployment, and a bag for at least a one-month deployment, sources said. The FBI will deliver a National Threat Assessment to Congress next week which will describe how al Qaeda continues to adapt and will say that a major concern is the threat of chemical and biological agents. The State Department issued its warning Thursday because of increased fears of terror attacks abroad. "Private Americans should remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and exercise caution," the notice said. "The Department of State reminds Americans that U.S. citizens and interests are at a heightened risk of terrorist attacks." Warnings are often issued for travel in specific countries. Thursday's global travel warning replaces a worldwide caution issued in November. The warning says that because of tightened security within the United States, terrorists may target U.S. interests overseas, focusing on "softer targets." Those targets include places where Americans and Westerners are known to congregate -- such as clubs, restaurants, schools, places of worship, hotels and beaches -- where security is not as tight."
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