Some of the first information gathered from Osama bin Laden’s compound suggested that Al-Qaeda was planning to attack US trains during the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. However, counter terrorism officials feel that the plan did not reach initial stages and no recent intelligence to an active plot.

According to sources, the plan to launch another attack on the US during the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attack was proposed by February 2010. This was revealed in a handwritten note by a joint FBI and Homeland Security bulletin circulated to law enforcers nationwide last Thursday. The plan was to tamper with an undisclosed US rail track so that a train would fall off a valley or bridge. The bulletin had the mark “for official use only.”

This was the first widely circulated intelligence released from the raid this week from Osama bin Laden’s compound in Pakistan. After the death of the Al-Qaeda leader and four of his men, the SEALs Team Six confiscated several computers, DVDs, and documents from bin Laden’s Pakistani home which US officials think had served as his hiding place for the last six years.

Another intelligence information showed Osama’s plan to launch large scale attacks in major cities during anniversaries and holidays. However those plans were just ambitions, according to the US official who chose to be anonymous due to intelligence matters. The FBI and Homeland Security alerted local officials about clips or spikes missing from train tracks, packages left on or near the tracks as well as other signs that a train could be under attack.

According to Homeland Security spokesman Matt Chandler, the uncovered plots are based from initial reports which could be misleading or inaccurate and subject to change. However, the government will not issue a terror alert because of these reports. An official from the Association of American Railroads confirmed that they have received warnings from the Federal government and is sharing information throughout the railroad network. Spokeswoman Patricia Reilly said that they are always ensuring the safety and security of the system.

The United States have foiled previous plots targeting rails, such as the planned blow up of the New York City subway system in 2009. On Monday, the FBI and Homeland Security issued warnings to law enforcement officials nationwide saying that the killing of Osama bin Laden could trigger retaliatory attacks in the US and terrorists not yet identified by intelligence officials could be operating inside the country. The American transportation sector remains an attractive target for terror attacks.

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