Sept 11 Anniversary: US Tightens Security Against Threats

As the Americans celebrate the 12th anniversary of the September 11 attacks today (Wednesday), the government of the United States has tightened security at strategic locations in Washington, DC, New York, Pentagon and New Jersey due to potential threats by al-Qaeda.

According to our correspondent who went round for news gathering, major areas where security has been heightened in these key States are some airports, the Amtrak Train Stations, Greyhound Bus Stations and some Metro Stations, especially in Pentagon and Washington, DC.

LEADERSHIP’s correspondent confirms the heavy presence of security operatives, both uniformed and plain-clothed, who have commenced a stop- and- search routine at some of the train stations since on Monday morning.

Some of these security operatives are using metal detectors, bomb detectors, sniffing dogs and other security equipment to screen passers-by in some of the airports, train, bus and metro stations.

When contacted by our correspondent, State Department’s Spokesperson, Ms. Marie Harf, said that she was not aware of any threats but another official of the office who pleaded anonymity confirmed that the United States had truly tightened its security due to intensifying debate over President Barack Obama’s plans to strike Syria.

The official added that there was every possibility for the extremists to use the opportunity of the Syrian issue to strike some cities in the United States before or on the 11th September, 2013, a day he referred to as a remarkable day in the lives of all Americans.

He also noted that there was a possibility for terrorists to hide under the vengeance of the killing of former al-Qaeda leader, Osama Bin- Laden, to make attacks on US facilities.

In a briefing at the New America Foundation yesterday, National Security Adviser to the administration of Barrack Obama, Ambassador Susan Rice, did not mention any potential threat but said that support for military action in Syria from the United Nations Security Council was “just not going to happen,” pushing back against those calling on the America to seek the backing of the world body.

Rice, the former Representative of the United States to the United Nations said the vetoes from Russia and China to take even small steps in the Syrian conflict were shameful.

She outlined the Obama administration’s case for military action in her speech Monday, arguing that failing to take action would embolden Syrian President Bashar Assad and leaders in Iran and North Korea, adding that for three years, even minor actions on Syria have been blocked by the Security Council.

She however argued that not taking action would increase instability in the region and could increase the risk chemical weapons wind up in terrorists’ hands and are used against the United States.


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