New York on high alert after Osama’s killing

NEW YORK: Law enforcement officials said Monday they are bracing for attacks at U.S. installations around the world over the next few weeks in retaliation for Osama bin Laden’s death.In New York, the Police Department ordered all officers to be on high alert beginning Sunday night for some kind of terrorist response.“While there is no information indicating a specific threat to New York City, members of the service are reminded to remain alert in the aftermath,”Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said in a message to all commands.By coincidence, Sunday was the one-year anniversary of the botched terror attack on Times Square – a date that would already prompt extra vigilance.Vincent Cannistraro, former CIA counter-terror chief, said the U.S.will be on high alert, but he doubted any complex plots were in the works.“I don’t think it will be any kind of organized retaliation. (Al Qaeda)is too fractured. You already have people who commit suicide attacks. I think you’ll see a continuation of that,” he said.Around the world, the United States put its embassies on alert, and warned Americans abroad of possible Al Qaeda reprisal attacks.A senior Obama administration official said there also may be a heightened homeland threat, saying “Al Qaeda may try to respond to violently avenge bin Laden’s death.”“There is no doubt that Al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us,” President Obama said in his Sunday night address.“We must and we will remain vigilant at home and abroad. – APP