Officials: Bin Laden Seeks Zarqawi Help in United States

Feb. 28, 2005 — -- U.S. officials say they have recently uncovered communications from Osama bin Laden to the man behind many of the attacks in Iraq -- Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.

In the communiques, a counterterrorism official said, bin Laden "suggests" Zarqawi might be able to help al Qaeda by attacking inside the United States.

Two other sources said the information was actually delivered to Zarqawi by Ayman al-Zawahiri, bin Laden's deputy, but that the message was clearly from bin Laden.

The communications did not mention any specific targets. And, the official cautioned: "Let's face it. Zarqawi has his hands full in Iraq right now." Indeed, just last week one of his top lieutenants was captured.

But senior officials say it is a significant discovery -- and a clear message for Zarqawi to attack inside the United States.

Officials at the Department of Homeland Security were concerned enough about the message last week to alert state homeland security advisers around the country. The department's bulletin said in general terms that al Qaeda wanted to be "expanding operations outside of Iraq." It advised law enforcement officials to remain vigilant.

Senior U.S. officials say there are no plans to raise the nation's threat level.