U.S. Raises Security Alert Level

'Orange' Alert is Second-Highest Threat Level

A day before the anniversary of the terrorist attacks, the U.S. government on Tuesday raised its nationwide terrorist threat level to "orange," the second highest condition of possible threat.

Attorney General John Ashcroft and Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge told reporters in a televised press conference that there are "specific and credible" threats against U.S. interests around the world.

Domestic security precautions like increased vehicle inspections at federal buildings or traffic-diverting barriers would be implemented, Ridge said.

Ashcroft said that "symbols of American power and authority" like embassies, military facilities and national monuments were likely targets. He also added that transportation and energy sectors could be possible targets.

The elevation to a "high condition" of threat, under the plan developed by the Office of Homeland Security requires that federal, state and local law enforcement groups coordinate their security efforts. An elevated threat may prompt the moving or cancellation of public events, but federal officials urged Americans not to change their plans for commemorating the Sept. 11 anniversary.

Ridge said people should not change their plans because of this alert, nor was the government calling for any public events to be cancelled.

Ashcroft also said these threats are mainly directed overseas – specifically in Southeast Asia -- where cells of al Qaeda have been amassing explosives since January in preparation for an attack to coincide with the anniversary.

In addition to the threat in Southeast Asia, Ashcroft said that terrorists in the Middle East may be planning a suicide attack, or attacks against U.S. interests in the region.

Because of the threat, the United States has closed its diplomatic missions in Indonesia – the world’s most populous Islamic country -- Malaysia and Cambodia until further notice.

The U.S. ambassador to Indonesia, Ralph Boyce said that his embassy was closed because of a "specific threat against our embassy," the Associated Press reported.