WASHINGTON (voa) – A published report says the ongoing probe of the al-Qaida terrorist network suggests the group may have a wider presence in the United States than previously believed.
The Washington Post says in its Sunday edition the FBI is conducting more than 150 separate investigations of individuals and groups in the United States with possible ties to al-Qaida.
The newspaper quotes FBI officials as saying some of the targets are under electronic surveillance while others are being watched by undercover agents.
The Post says federal authorities are uncertain exactly how many al-Qaida operatives and sympathizers may be in the United States. However, it says FBI agents have identified four or five active cells since the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.
Some counterterrorism experts say the large number of investigations suggests the al-Qaida presence is far broader than previously known.
Hundreds of people have been detained in the United States and abroad for questioning about the September attacks, but only a handful are believed to have ties to al-Qaida.
Officials are seeking to uncover terrorist cells that could be planning to stage more attacks in the United States. Senior U.S. officials have made clear that preventing another terror attack is their main priority.
