U.S. On Alert For Terror Retaliation

U.S. officials are bracing for a possible terror attack associated with Saddam Hussein’s execution.But an advisory sent by the FBI and Homeland Security Department to local law enforcement agencies and intelligence community figures was routine and did not cite any specific threat.

“We currently have no credible, specific intelligence indicating any imminent threat against the Homeland or corroborating that individuals in the Baath party or others loyal to Saddam are prepared to carry out any activities in the United States,” said FBI spokesman Richard Kolko.

“As we have in the past, DHS (the Department of Homeland Security) and the FBI will continue to share our intelligence assessments with our federal, state, local, and private sector partners to keep them informed of relevant information that we receive,” Kolko said.

The bulletin also went to state homeland security advisers, federal departments and agencies, state emergency managers and state and local law enforcement agencies.

Intelligence and security officials in Europe, where several terror plots were thwarted this year, have cited a high risk of a terror attack by Islamic militants during the holiday travel season.