WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security ramped up its efforts to protect soft targets from terrorist attack this year, intelligence analysts said.
During the holidays, the effort has included more visible security at places like train stations, the Los Angeles Times reports. Just before Christmas, riders on the Washington Metro were subjected to random checks.
The department has issued bulletins to state and local law enforcement warning of the possibility terrorists could target religious gatherings, sports matches and parades.
Rick Nelson of the Center for Strategic and International Studies suggested al-Qaida affiliates are trying "to expand their repertoire" because their leadership in Pakistan is under pressure. As a result, he said, they are turning to attacks that are easy to carry out even if they are less dramatic than the destruction of the World Trade Center or the London Transport bombings.
The al-Qaida affiliate in Yemen puts out an online magazine in English that encourages U.S. residents to plan attacks. Suggestions include driving a truck into a crowded place or shooting into a restaurant.
