US raises security level to high in Washington

The United States raised the security alert level to high for financial institutions in Washington yesterday after new intelligence suggested a possible threat.

Intelligence suggested a threat against the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in Washington and the New York Stock Exchange, Department of Homeland Security chief Tom Ridge told a news conference.

He specifically mentioned concern about the Prudential building in New Jersey and the Citigroup buildings in New York City, as well as the Stock Exchange.

"The president made the final decision today, agreeing with the recommendation of (Homeland Security) Secretary Ridge to go ahead and raise the threat level," White House spokeswoman Erin Healy said.

She said the change came after US authorities received new intelligence within the past 72 hours, adding that Mr Bush had been briefed on the situation every day since Friday.

The IMF said it had already been alerted about the threat, a spokesman said.

"We have been advised by the US authorities of this possible threat and are taking all necessary precautions," said IMF spokesman Bill Murray.

Top federal and local law enforcement officials met in New York over the weekend to discuss new intelligence about a possible al Qaeda attack against major corporations or high profile buildings in Manhattan, a police source said yesterday.

The New York Police Department source told Reuters that increased intelligence "chatter" from overseas of a possible fresh attack of the city prompted meetings late Friday and early Saturday between NYPD chief Raymond Kelly and Pasquale Damuro, head of the FBI's office here.

"The intelligence is not specific but we are taking it very seriously," the source said, noting that the intelligence was deemed "credible."