 |
| Twisted ... Ayman al-Zawahiri |
OSAMA Bin Laden's twisted successor is feared to have ordered an atrocity on tomorrow's tenth anniversary of 9/11 — to cement his control over al-Qaeda.
Ayman al-Zawahiri, 60, believes pulling off his own Twin Towers-style spectacular in America will see off rivals plotting to seize the leadership.
New York and Washington were on maximum alert last night after intelligence experts uncovered a truck bomb threat.
The FBI's Janice Fedarcyk said: "Al-Qaeda has shown an interest in important dates and anniversaries.
"In this instance it is accurate that there is credible, specific but unconfirmed information."
Fanatics
Egyptian surgeon al-Zawahiri was Bin Laden's loyal lieutenant and seen as the brains behind al-Qaeda.
He seized control during a power struggle after Bin Laden was shot dead by US Navy Seals at his Pakistan hideout in May.
But his hold is far from secure and he is under threat from even more violent factions who want to launch indiscriminate attacks.
US officials are said to have confirmed that al-Zawahiri is behind the current alert.
Their information suggests vehicles could be used to blow up bridges and tunnels as America honours the 3,000 killed a decade ago with vigils at New York's Ground Zero, Washington and Pennsylvania.
Police and the FBI are said to be trying to trace three suspects, including one US citizen, who recently entered the country.
Notes found in Bin Laden's lair after his death mentioned an anniversary outrage — possibly targeted against trains.
The new threat emerged from internet "chatter" and eavesdropping on suspects under surveillance.
New York police commissioner Raymond Kelly immediately ordered vehicle checkpoints around Manhattan with extra focus on bridges, tunnels and public transport.
Security was stepped up at landmarks and all illegally parked cars were ordered to be towed away.
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said he would continue to take the subway to work. He added: "The best thing we can do to fight terror is to not let it intimidate us.
