Al Qaeda likely to target political, economic US establishments: NIE report

The National Intelligence Estimate (NIE), a consensus view of all 16 US spy agencies, has warned that al Qaeda has regenerated its capability to strike the US.

Washington, July 18 : The National Intelligence Estimate (NIE), a consensus view of all 16 US spy agencies, has warned that al Qaeda has regenerated its capability to strike the US.

According to NIE, the militant outfit has got a safe haven in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan.

The NIE report said that there were only a handful of individuals in the US having ties with al Qaeda since 9/11 attacks, but "we judge that the terrorist organisation will intensify its efforts to put operatives here."

"Al Qaeda will continue to enhance its capabilities to attack the homeland through greater co-operation with regional terrorist groups. Of note, we assess that the organisation will probably seek to leverage the contacts and capabilities of al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI)," the report said.

Al Qaeda's association with AQI helps it to energise the broader Sunni extremist community, raise resources, and to recruit and indoctrinate operatives, including for attacks on the US, the Daily Times quoted the report, as saying.

The report assess that al Qaeda is likely to target prominent political, economic, and infrastructure with the goal of producing mass casualties, significant economic aftershocks, and fear among the US population.

NIE said that the group is proficient with conventional small arms and improvised explosive devices, and is innovative in creating new capabilities and overcoming security obstacles.

The report warned that the US would continue to face a persistent and evolving terrorist threat over the next three years, and added that the main threat comes from Islamic terrorist groups and cells.

ANI