KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Threats are made on an audiotape, and now the government says we're in a period of increased concern about terrorism. Justice Correspondent Kelli Arena has the details.</s>KELLI ARENA, CNN JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT: Investigators believe the voice on the tape belongs to Ayman al-Zawahiri, thought to be the number two ranking al Qaeda official and the organization's primary strategist. There are a number of dated references on the tape, including increased conflict with Iraq and the first anniversary of the American attack on Afghanistan, leading investigators to believe the tape was made as recently as July. Zawahiri threatens fresh attacks against the United States and claims Osama bin Laden is still alive. The new tape also references attacks on the U.S. economy, leading officials in New York City to tighten security. While no specific target is named, law enforcement sources say security at bridges, tunnels and other sensitive locations was increased. The tape, combined with the attack on U.S. marines in Kuwait, an explosion aboard a French tanker off the coast of Yemen, and a different audiotape, reportedly with the voice of Osama bin Laden also threatening new attacks, has led to a -- quote -- "period of increased concern," according to senior officials. As one source said, it is not clear which bits and pieces of these events are connected.</s>ARENA: The FBI, late last night, sent out an internal message to all of its field offices and state and local partners informing them of the new threats. FBI headquarters says that a senior al Qaeda detainee told them that the terror organization would only release such a statement after approving a specific plan for an attack. Now, again, there was no specific time, date, or location mentioned on the audiotape, nor has there been any intelligence gathered that is specific in nature -- Kyra, back to you.</s>PHILLIPS: Justice Correspondent Kelli Arena. Thanks, Kelli. TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Al Qaeda Threatens New Attacks