News
Ridge Outlines Extra Security Measures
Published: Mar 18, 2003 - 01:12 PM
WASHINGTON (AP)--Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge on Tuesday said extra security at home will affect everything from the borders to the food Americans eat.
Ridge's comments came after the Homeland Security Department raised the national terror alert and announced a series of security measures. Many of the security measures, dubbed ``Operation Liberty Shield,'' were announced on Monday just as President Bush completed his speech giving Saddam Hussein and his two sons 48 hours to leave Iraq or face a U.S.-led invasion.
The administration raised the terror alert from yellow, or elevated, to orange, the second-highest level on a five-color scale. Counterterrorism officials said the decision was based on threats from several quarters: al-Qaida, Iraqi operatives and freelance terrorists.
Ridge told reporters in Washington on Tuesday there will be extra security at U.S. borders, ports, airports and railways. Also, governors have been asked to deploy the National Guard and other security officers at key sites.
Ridge also said security will increase at petroleum, chemical and nuclear facilities. In addition, steps were being taken to help protect financial networks.
The measures also mean more inspections of imported foods, and state and local health departments are being asked to report any unusual illnesses.
Meanwhile, people seeking asylum from Iraq and more than 30 other countries will be held for background checks.
AP-NY-03-18-03 1109EST
Copyright 2003, The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP Online news report may not be published, broadcast or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
The administration raised the terror alert from yellow, or elevated, to orange, the second-highest level on a five-color scale. Counterterrorism officials said the decision was based on threats from several quarters: al-Qaida, Iraqi operatives and freelance terrorists.
Ridge told reporters in Washington on Tuesday there will be extra security at U.S. borders, ports, airports and railways. Also, governors have been asked to deploy the National Guard and other security officers at key sites.
Ridge also said security will increase at petroleum, chemical and nuclear facilities. In addition, steps were being taken to help protect financial networks.
The measures also mean more inspections of imported foods, and state and local health departments are being asked to report any unusual illnesses.
Meanwhile, people seeking asylum from Iraq and more than 30 other countries will be held for background checks.
AP-NY-03-18-03 1109EST
Copyright 2003, The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP Online news report may not be published, broadcast or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
