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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Terrorists Up to Dangerous New Tricks Next 5 Years: US

Report predicts increase in homegrown terrorists, growing danger of biological attack

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(Newser) – The number of homegrown Islamic militants in the US is expected to increase sharply over the next 5 years, according to a Homeland Security assessment obtained by AP.  A pool of "terrorist wannabes" will be recruited online and used to carry out attacks, including sophisticated cyberattacks for which al-Qaeda currently lacks the expertise, experts believe.

The assessment warns that foreign terrorists may also seek to enter the US by posing as refugees. The threat of chemical, biological and nuclear attacks remains the department's highest priority, and officials predict that the danger will increase as terrorists gain expertise. "The other side is going to continue to learn more about doing things," director Michael Chertoff warned earlier this month.

US Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff delivers a lecture entitled 'Managing Risk: A Global Imperative' to an audience of students in London earlier this month.
US Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff delivers a lecture entitled 'Managing Risk: A Global Imperative' to an audience of students in London earlier this month.   (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Intelligence officials predict that terrorists will try to carry out a destructive biological attack in the US within the next 5 years.
Intelligence officials predict that terrorists will try to carry out a destructive biological attack in the US within the next 5 years.   (Shutter Stock)
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Youthful, internet-savvy extremists might apply their online acumen to conduct cyber attacks rather than offer themselves up as operatives to conduct physical attacks. - Homeland Security assessment

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Shannonals
Dec 27, 08 3:28 PM CST
If Homeland Security can assess a increase in terrorist cells, than they should be able be able to shut them down Reply
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