Federal authorities and law enforcement agencies are actively monitoring U.S. transportation and other key locations after a video was released from Al-Qaeda that reportedly threatened Western and Jewish targets.
The Transportation Security Administration said early this week that it is monitoring the potential threat, according to NewsNation.
"We are not aware of any credible threats resulting from this video to date," the TSA said. "Foreign terrorist organizations routinely highlight transportation modes during the holidays. TSA is operating at a high level of security and constant state of vigilance, as always."
TSA responds to a threat ahead of the holidays from an Al Qaeda affiliate calling for attacks against Jewish and Western targets. @EmNewsDC reports on the heightened threats amid the Israel-Hamas war. https://t.co/celzJJISnT pic.twitter.com/PyIagpzrMr
— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) December 31, 2023
James Smith, assistant director in charge of New York's FBI Field Office, told Fox News Digital that the FBI has been tracking potential terror threats since the War in Israel started.
"I would say overall that, yes, there are threats out there, but we are out there to protect the community day in and day out," Smith said.
The video was published in late December and opened with the Al-Qaeda logo and the Quran verse: "And fight in the way of Allah, you are not held responsible except for yourself ... and inspire the believers."
According to Atlas News, the video reportedly mentioned specific airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, British Airways, EasyJet, Air France, and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
News Nation reported that another video also refers to Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Shalom Bernacchi as potential targets.
In the video, the group refers to itself and its mission as “Open Source Jihad.”
"The TSA and DHS are in close and ongoing touch with all of our partners and will continue to monitor the situation and adjust security measures as and when necessary,” the statement from TSA said.
An FBI statement added that they also work with various agencies to respond to threats.
"We take all potential threats seriously and will work closely with our law enforcement partners to determine their credibility, share information, and take appropriate investigative action."
Before New Year’s Day celebrations in New York, the FBI and other agencies manned a command post to monitor the city’s events.
"Have a good time. Do not worry. We are there to protect you," Smith said before the celebrations.
"The only thing I'm asking is if you see something, say something. Tell the police officer at the corner or report something if you think something is wrong."
Photo Courtesy: @Pexels/Fernando Arco
Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner.
