'Unverified' Terror Threat Prompts NYPD Caution

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August 10, 2007 11:31 PM

Despite its apparent unreliability, an Internet report of a possible terrorist attack on New York City published by a private, Israel-based counterterrorism Web site has prompted police to increase deployment of sensors around Manhattan, officials said Friday night.

New York Deputy Police Commissioner Paul J. Browne stressed that the threat was "unverified" and that the department's increased vigilance was "strictly precautionary."

The FBI and DHS confirmed they have "no credible information" of a specific, imminent threat to New York City, although they cautioned that "al Qaeda remains intent on attacking the West, especially the United States."  A DHS official said this latest report was believed to be part of an al Qaeda propaganda campaign, and he expected to see more of such reports in the days approaching the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

The alleged al Qaeda threats were reported on the DEBKAFile Web site Friday, which the NYPD characterized as "often unreliable." Based on "a rush of electronic chatter on al Qaeda sites," the site reported an alleged al Qaeda threat naming New York, Miami and Los Angeles as potential targets of an attack.

One alleged al Qaeda Internet post noted by DEBKAFile said attacks would be carried out "by means of trucks loaded with radioactive material" in "America's biggest city and financial nerve center."

The likelihood of an actual imminent threat is slim to none, multiple intelligence sources say. Nonetheless, New York counterterror and emergency services increased their presence on Manhattan streets. The resulting calls from media, a spike in police scanner traffic and the rapid spread of rumors prompted the police to issue a statement.

The NYPD announced it had "increased deployment of radiological sensors" on police cars, boats, helicopters and personnel, and set up vehicle checkpoints around the city.

There have been no reports of increased police measures in Miami or Los Angeles.