White House: "On the run" al Qaeda poses "ongoing threat" to U.S.
8/6/2013 12:25:23 PM
Though al Qaeda remains largely "on the run," White House press secretary Jay Carney said echoing remarks by President Obama last October, the United States does face "an ongoing threat" from the militant Islamic group and its affiliates, including an imminent plot against American diplomatic posts in the Middle East and other Muslim countries.
Intelligence over the weekend picked up signs of the terrorist plot, prompting the U.S. government to close nearly two-dozen embassies and consulates. Carney said the threat seems to emanate from al Qaeda of the Arabian Peninsula - also known as AQAP - as well as target that region. Adding "it could potentially be beyond that," and that plots could continue through the end of August, he hedged questions about a direct threat to the U.S. homeland.
"We face an ongoing threat from al Qaeda and its affiliates," Carney said. "There are individuals and organizations out there that are focused on doing the United States and the American people harm, as well as doing harm to our people."
Intelligence over the weekend picked up signs of the terrorist plot, prompting the U.S. government to close nearly two-dozen embassies and consulates. Carney said the threat seems to emanate from al Qaeda of the Arabian Peninsula - also known as AQAP - as well as target that region. Adding "it could potentially be beyond that," and that plots could continue through the end of August, he hedged questions about a direct threat to the U.S. homeland.
"We face an ongoing threat from al Qaeda and its affiliates," Carney said. "There are individuals and organizations out there that are focused on doing the United States and the American people harm, as well as doing harm to our people."