FBI warns of al-Qaeda rail attacks

Key bridges or sections of track may be targeted

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation says it has specific information indicating that the country's railway network might be targeted by al-Qaeda operatives.

The FBI warned law enforcement agencies on Wednesday that al-Qaeda members might attack key bridges or sections of track, or target containers of hazardous materials.

The warning was based on information from captured al-Qaeda suspects and documents which had recently been found showing locomotives, rolling stock and railway crossings, the bureau said.

The FBI has issued a number of less specific warnings about possible al-Qaeda threats inside America since the 11 September attacks last year.

Derailments

Attack strategies considered by Osama Bin Laden's network could include the destruction of key rail bridges and sections of track to cause derailments, the FBI said.

A French oil tanker off the coast of the Yemen was attacked recently

Targeting containers with hazardous materials was said to be another possibility.

American officials also warned of possible attacks against the international oil industry, citing the case of the French oil tanker attacked off the coast of Yemen earlier this month.

A spokesman for the Office of Homeland Security said the government was addressing the threats, and action was being taken to improve protection for the American railway network.

Spokesman Gordon Johndroe urged Americans to continue to use trains.