Mar 19, 2:41 PM EST
U.S. Tightens Security at Brink of War
By CURT ANDERSON
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Bush administration delivered a grim message to the American public Wednesday as the government continued to take steps it said would help fortify the United States against retaliatory terror attacks if war breaks out in Iraq.
"On the brink of war with Iraq, Americans should be prepared for what we hope will be as precise, short a conflict as possible, but there are many unknowns and it could be a matter of some duration," spokesman Ari Fleischer said. "We do not know."
The message came after President Bush met with New York officials to discuss efforts to prepare the nation for potential terrorism. The president warned Monday that terrorists might retaliate for a U.S. attack on Iraq.
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg met with Bush to pitch for more money to help the city prevent a terrorist attack and respond to any that occurs. The mayor emerged from the Oval Office with Homeland Defense Secretary Tom Ridge and described their meeting as "very productive," though "no figures, no final determinations have been made."
As the countdown to possible war continued, the government continued to implement "Operation Liberty Shield," which was launched Monday night. Under the plan, the government has tightened security at sites including airports, nuclear power plants and even cattle feedlots.
The plan goes far beyond the government's previous responses to threats of terror because officials believe war with Iraq increases the possibility of attacks on U.S. soil or against U.S. interests abroad. It also envisions close cooperation among federal, state and local governments, as well as private businesses such as chemical plants and banks.
Some states had already adopted the plan. Rhode Island Gov. Don Carcieri announced Tuesday that his state increased security at T.F. Green Airport and the state's ports, bridges and reservoir. Security has also been beefed up at state government buildings.
Some areas had adopted their own plans to supplement the federal one.
The 36,500-officer New York Police Department, the nation's largest, began formulating Operation Atlas in recent weeks as war with Iraq grew more certain. The operation arose from fears that during a conflict the city could become a target for retaliation by terrorists.
The plan, which could cost more than $5 million a week, is "the most comprehensive terror prevention program our city has implemented," Bloomberg said.
Ridge said Americans could help by staying vigilant and prepared while avoiding panic.
"There is bound to be misinformation. Don't react to rumors. We will strive to get the facts out there as fast as we can," Ridge said Tuesday.
The nation's terror alert status was raised from "elevated" to "high" Monday night after President Bush said the U.S. military was ready to attack Iraq unless Saddam Hussein and his sons left the country by Wednesday night U.S. time.
Intelligence and law enforcement officials believe the al-Qaida terror network, while weakened, and its sympathizers remain the primary threat to mount terror attacks against America. There also is uneasiness about Iraqi agents or surrogate groups, as well as individual extremists or others.
Part of the homeland security plan requires that anyone seeking political asylum in the United States from 33 countries with known terrorism presences, including Iraq, be detained for background checks.
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On the Net: Homeland Security Department: http://www.dhs.gov
FBI: http://www.fbi.gov
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