Chertoff: Al Qaeda Adapting And Rebuilding

White House To Analyze Terror Group's Capabilities For Future Attacks On U.S. Soil

(CBS/AP)  The head of Homeland Security said Thursday that al Qaeda is rebuilding, but had no specific information the terror group was plotting a new attack on U.S. soil.

"They continue to adapt and rebuild," Michael Chertoff told CBS's The Early Show. "The message, again, for us is we have to continue to be vigilant."

Chertoff, however, added that security officials "don't have any specific information about an attack against the homeland in the near future."

Chertoff's comments follow the latest threat assessment from U.S. counterterrorism analysts who say al Qaeda has used its safe haven along the Afghan-Pakistan border to restore its operating capabilities to a level unseen since the months before Sept. 11, 2001.

A counterterrorism official familiar with a five-page summary of the document — titled "Al Qaeda better positioned to strike the West" — called it a stark appraisal. The analysis will be part of a broader meeting at the White House on Thursday about an upcoming National Intelligence Estimate.

The official and others spoke to The Associated Press on condition they not be identified because the report remains classified.

The findings suggest the network that launched the most devastating terror attack on U.S. soil has been able to regroup despite nearly six years of bombings, war and other tactics aimed at dismantling it.

Meanwhile, An American Airlines flight from Los Angeles to London was
diverted to New York after the flight crew reported what they thought was a suspicious person on board. Officials have interviewed the person and sources told CBS News there is no connection to any terror plot.

The threat assessment the White House will review focuses on the terror group's safe haven in Pakistan and makes a range of observations about the threat posed to the United States and its allies, officials said.

Counterterrorism officials have been increasingly concerned about al Qaeda's recent operations. This week, Chertoff said he had a "gut feeling" that the United States faced a heightened risk of attack this summer.

Asked to clarify the phrase, Chertoff told The Early Show his comments were based on "an informed opinion."

Still, numerous government officials say they know of no specific, credible threat of a new attack on U.S. soil.

The counterterrorism official, paraphrasing the report's conclusions, said Al Qaeda is "considerably operationally stronger than a year ago" and has "regrouped to an extent not seen since 2001. They are showing greater and greater ability to plan attacks in Europe and the United States."