Osama bin Laden’s Death Isn’t Followed by U.S. Terrorism Alert

Almost a decade after the 9/11 terrorist attacks that left nearly 3,000 Americans dead, the president was able to announce significant news regarding the United States’ war on terror. The news of Osama bin Laden’s death spread across the country Sunday evening with President Barack Obama saying: “For over two decades, bin Laden has been al-Qaida’s leader and symbol, and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies. The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat al-Qaida.”

According to numerous reports, U.S. Special Operations forces raided a compound in Pakistan and after a firefight that lasted for much of the 40 minutes that the team was inside, it left with bin Laden’s body. Senior administration officials said no U.S. forces were harmed in the operation.

But officials throughout the country warned of a possible retaliation from al-Qaida. According to an NPR blog post, CIA Director Leon Panetta warned that "though bin Laden is dead, al-Qaida is not. The terrorists almost certainly will attempt to avenge him and we must — and will — remain vigilant.”

According to Reuters, Pakistan’s former military ruler Pervez Musharraf said, “It’s a very positive step, and it will have positive long-term implications.” He also cautioned that al-Qaida supporters may take revenge against the United States and Pakistan.

And Daniel L. Byman, director of research for the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution, wrote on the organization’s website that: “Counterterrorism efforts must continue, and in the short-term perhaps even increase. The risk of revenge attacks should lead to a focus on bolstering defenses in the short term.”

Despite the warnings, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not issue a National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) alert, the system that replaced the color-coded advisories. According to a statement, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said, “I have been clear since announcing NTAS in January that we will only issue alerts when we have specific or credible information to convey to the American public.”

Although a national alert has not been issued, CNNreported that elite military units are now on high alert. “A lot of guys got their security clearances elevated due to what happened last night,” said a Special Forces soldier identified as “Lamont.” He added that many soldiers have been called back overseas and his unit was scheduled for deployment as early as two weeks ago.

However, the U.S. State Department issued a travel alert on Sunday, May 1, cautioning U.S. citizens who travel and live abroad that there is “enhanced potential for anti-American violence given recent counter-terrorism activity in Pakistan.”

Is your emergency management or homeland security agency on alert or doing increased planning or preparation in response to the death of bin Laden? Please share your comments below or on Emergency Management’s Facebookpage.