US lists 5-yr terror threats

The terrorism threat to the US over the next five years will be driven by instability in the Middle East and Africa, persistent challenges to border security and increasing internet savvy, says a new intelligence assessment. Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attacks are considered the most dangerous threats that could be carried out against the US.

But those are also the most unlikely as it is difficult for al-Qaida and similar groups to acquire the materials needed to carry out such plots, according to the internal Homeland Security Threat Assessment for the years 2008-2013.

The al-Qaida terrorist network continues to focus on US attack targets vulnerable to massive economic losses, casualties and political "turmoil," the assessment said.

Terrorists will continue to try to evade border security measures and place operatives inside the US to carry out attacks, the 38-page assessment said. It also said that they may pose as refugees or asylum

seekers or try to exploit foreign travel channels such as the visa waiver program.

self-identified Muslim 'terrorist wannabes' who aspire to carry out violent acts." AP