Terrorist developments put the world on alert

Threats of terrorism echoed around the world Friday: As Spaniards found a bomb on a rail line, U.S. officials warned of attacks on transportation this summer and expanded an ID program to tourists from close allies.

SPAIN: Inspectors found a partly assembled bomb on a high-speed rail line linking Madrid and Seville. It had 26 pounds of the same kind of explosive used in the March 11 attacks that killed 191 in Madrid. Officials think the inspectors may have interrupted the bomber at work.

UNITED STATES: Federal counterterrorism officials put out a nationwide bulletin, warning law enforcement and transportation officials that terrorists may target trains and buses in major U.S. cities this summer, using bombs hidden in bags or luggage. And officials expanded a program that requires foreigners to be fingerprinted and photographed before entering the United States to include millions of travelers from some of America's staunchest allies, including Britain, Japan and Australia.

MALAYSIA: Four jailed men said a string of attacks against churches and other targets in Southeast Asia - including bombings in Bali that killed 202 people - was inspired by Osama bin Laden.

POLAND: Warsaw issued an alert for terrorist attacks using small jets.

World and national headlines

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times 490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 Contact the Times | Privacy Policy Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright