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The FBI and the Homeland Security Department have issued a warning that al Qaeda may attempt to attack hospitals operated by the Veterans Affairs Department, according to an Associated Press report.

On Thursday, the FBI and DHS sent a bulletin to law enforcement officials nationwide alerting them to reports of "suspicious activity" at government-operated medical facilities across the country, including unspecified military medical facilities in Bethesda, Md., and Aurora, Colo.

"These facilities may be considered attractive targets due to their association with the military and a perception that such an attack may be more successful than an attack against traditional military targets, which generally maintain a more robust security posture," the bulletin said. The AP obtained a copy of the warning Friday.

The bulletin urged police and security personnel at VA facilities to remain vigilant. It indicated evidence of "possible reconnaissance activities" at federal medical facilities, which could include unusual interest in security measures or access points of buildings; operatives disguised as "panhandlers, shoe shiners, food or flower vendors"; discreet use of video cameras in areas not frequented by tourists; and individuals seen observing security drills or procedures.

In early July, Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said that intelligence reports continued to indicate that al Qaeda may launch a terrorist attack aimed at disrupting the November elections.

"This is sobering information about those who wish to do us harm," Ridge said at a news conference.

COMMENTS

• Dear Housekeeper, We should never underestimate the "enemy" whomever that is, but you don't burn down your house to protect it. If we let this fear destroy our Republic and constitutional freedoms in order to save the Republic than these "enemies" have won. A terrorists purpose is to change society or to reach some political end through terror. If you let this change occur or give the political result you will have given them a victory and reason to continue. Every librarian ordered by the FBI under the Patriot Act to divulge the reading habits of a US Citizen is a victory for Al Qaeda- and these little victories will destroy our Republic. GovExec.com reader Posted September 1, 2004 8:17 AM
• The people in this country are fortunate,they are protected by the resoures we have available to us.The ironic part is they, because of this protection,have become soft and extremly partial to the ones who look to destroy us,by under estimating the enemy you make him stronger.I learned that as a youth growing up in NYC,to think that a VA Hospital is off limits proves this.I notice that they are not laying in a hospital bed,like the man said, What Fools These Mortals Be. GovExec.com reader Posted August 30, 2004 5:34 PM
• We must get past the assumption that, "Nobody would do anything like that!" Yes, Muslim terrorists would perform such heinously abominable acts. Moral issues do not enter into the equation for terrorists. The only thing thing that limits their actions is technical ability. Rick Posted August 30, 2004 2:40 PM