THREAT LEVEL RAISED TO ORANGE!!!!

[bfez1]

Homeland Security official tells NBC News that the terrorist threat level will be raised later today to Orange. Official says the decision will be formally made at an 11 a.m. Dept. of Homeland Security conference call and announced around 1 p.m.

[mf_dolphin]

Here we go.....everyone stay aware on your surroundings when out and about. I don't think Saddam is going down without trying to raise as much hell as he can on the way out. Wouldn't be surprised to see all the terrorist groups active when they think our attention is on Iraq. That's probably why North Korea chose this time to rattle their sabers....

[Amanzi]

I could not agree with you more MF about Korea's timely decision to start there own nonsense. I really do feel for president Bush at this time. He does have a lot on his plate. And yes if everyone takes the time to be aware of there own surroundings and be alert it could help prevent tragedy.

[BreinLa]

not surprised at all about raising the level. Yesterday was one of those days, seemed like every 5 mins there was Breaking News, of course I watch CNN, FOX and MSNBC all day

MSNBC just announced that the reason for this is because of an increase of chatter about terroists attacks (increased intelleigence). No specific targets mentioned. Also, Military to meet today about troops abroad.

[southerngale]

Everyone stay on alert and watch for any strange behavior. So many threats come in every single day without them raising the threat level so that lets you know the significance of this one. Hopefully by warning the public, if something is planned, we can stop it before it happens. I am amazed at how many plots we've uncovered since 9/11

AL-QAEDA IS TARGETING "SOFT" TARGET INTERESTS, SUCH AS COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS, ENERGY, FINANCIAL, AND TRANSPORTATION SECTORS...

[Stephanie]

President Bush does have alot on his plate!

Other potential targets are apartments and hotels. I work at the Tropicana casino in Atlantic City

[wx247]

Ditto on all of the advice from everyone else. I know that Ridge and Ashcroft both referred to the end of an Islamic holiday called Rajj (pardon the spelling). Anyone know when that ends?

The coment about apartments and hotels surprised me as well.

Stay abreast of everything!

Be safe,
Garrett :o

[cycloneye]

Stay on alert for anything suspisious in your area and I am not surprised for this upgrade to orange because as the war with Iraq is every day more close the terrorists are preparing a massive retaliation for that.

It is a very scary moment for all of us but we have to live our lives without caving in with fear because living in fear is already a victory for those cowards.

[streetsoldier]

It's called the hajj; the time appointed once a year in which a Muslim, at least once in his life, makes a pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Mecca. Having done so, for the rest of his life he carries the honored titile of hadji, or "pilgrim".

Al Qaida and other terror organs make use of this time, when so many of the "faithful" are on the move, to strike with (heretofore) impunity. Since 9-11, however, this is not the cake-walk it once was...hence the "orange" alert.

[chadtm80]

Anyone hear if sadam replied to the presidents speech??

[cycloneye]

Chad I haved looked everywhere to see if there was an official response to Bush speech but I can't find any so far.

[Rainband]

Just got home. I am not suprised that the level was raised. I think they know more than they are saying from what msnbc says but I am glad they aren't telling us :o If we knew all they did we'd probably freak out Everyone stay safe and be vigilant.

[M2]

Hajj ends around the middle of February, Wx247. No, Bush's press conference and Colin Powell's were not broadcast in Iraq, but some of the people will eventually find out via other communication means. You can be sure Saddam himself listened in somehow.... This could be a potentially dangerous time. Stay safe everyone. Be vigilant, be prepared.

M2