US News

Security warnings abroad but no heightened terror alert in US after bin Laden’s death

WASHINGTON — The US State Department issued security warnings to citizens abroad Monday following Usama bin Laden’s death, but American authorities did not issue a specific terror alert in the US.

“Given the uncertainty and volatility of the current situation, US citizens in areas where recent events could cause anti-American violence are strongly urged to limit their travel outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations,” the State Department said in a travel alert.

It added that US embassy operations would continue to the “extent possible,” though some facilities might temporarily close. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) later said during a press briefing, “All of our embassies around the world have been put on alert status — and rightfully so.”

CIA director Leon Panetta warned in a message to Agency employees released Monday that al Qaeda would attempt to hit back as a result of bin Laden’s death.

“Though bin Laden is dead, al Qaeda is not. The terrorists almost certainly will attempt to avenge him, and we must — and will — remain vigilant and resolute,” Panetta said. “But we have struck a heavy blow against the enemy. The supposedly uncatchable one has been caught and killed.”

But US Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said that the death of bin Laden would not prompt authorities to issue a heightened terror alert within US borders.

She said in a statement that while officials remain “at a heightened state of vigilance” to protect the country from violent extremism, “the Department of Homeland Security does not intend to issue an NTAS [National Terrorism Advisory System] alert at this time.”

Napolitano implemented the new NTAS program last month to replace the much-derided color-coded alert system, promising to give more detailed information about credible terror threats facing the US and recognizing an “elevated baseline” of vigilance.

“I have been clear since announcing NTAS in January that we will only issue alerts when we have specific or credible information to convey to the American public,” her statement added.

Nonetheless, major US cities stepped up security Monday, with New York City police commissioner Ray Kelly warning that while there was “no information indicating a specific threat to New York City, members of the service are reminded to remain alert in the aftermath.”

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said its facilities remained fully operational but that “out of an abundance of caution,” security was tightened Monday.

“In light of the events that are unfolding, the Port Authority has directed its police to increase its presence at all Port Authority facilities, including the World Trade Center site, and to coordinate with local, state and federal law enforcement as required,” it said in a statement.

Washington, D.C., Metro Transit Police said customers were “likely to see an increase in uniformed officers in the system … as a precautionary measure.”

Los Angeles police said they were stepping up intelligence monitoring, and police in Philadelphia were reported to be on heightened alert, checking on mosques and synagogues every hour.