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FBI: Al Qaeda operatives may target U.S. railroadsState of alert remains at "yellow," or "elevated"
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The FBI is warning state and local law enforcement officials that al Qaeda terrorists may be planning to target railroads in the United States, including passenger trains and trains carrying hazardous materials.
According to an FBI statement, the warning was prompted by information obtained from al Qaeda detainees in mid-October, as well as recently captured al Qaeda photographs of railroad engines, cars and crossings. The information indicates that the group has considered targeting U.S. passenger trains, possibly using operatives with a Western appearance, the FBI said. But no specific targets were mentioned, and the overall state of alert remains at the "yellow," or "elevated" level. The FBI said additional "protective measures" have been implemented along railroads, "including increased presence of law enforcement officers, increased surveillance of critical areas and improved physical protections." Amtrak has increased patrols of its facilities and trains, and freight railroads have also stepped up security, the FBI said. The FBI said the information suggests that terrorists could try a number of "attack strategies, such as destroying key rail bridges and sections of track to cause derailments or targeting hazardous material containers." On Tuesday, security chiefs from U.S. railroads received a briefing from the Department of Transportation, and the Environmental Protection Agency contracted organizations representing chemical and petroleum companies, the FBI said.
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