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November 8, 2003
Al-Qaeda Air Cargo Attack Warning
Al-Qaeda may use cargo aircraft from other countries to mount attacks on U.S. targets like nuclear plants, bridges and dams, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesman says. The agency responsible for monitoring terrorist threats to the United States issued that advisory to law enforcement officials Friday night. Air cargo security is laxer than air passenger travel. Pilots aren't allowed to carry guns and there are no armed marshals on flights. The government has come under criticism for not doing more to increase cargo flight security, especially after a New York man packaged himself in a crate and was shipped to his parent's home in Dallas. The current terrorism alert level in the U.S. is yellow, which indicates an elevated risk. However, the U.S. closed its diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia Friday, citing credible warnings of an imminent terrorist threat. It also warned that militants in Afghanistan could kidnap U.S. journalists there to use as bargaining chips to force the release of Taliban and other prisoners currently being held by the U.S.
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