FBI creates unit on weapons of mass destruction

WASHINGTON - The FBI has created a unit to study threats from weapons of mass destruction, its director Robert Mueller said today, in a sign of lingering US fears of a chemical, biological or nuclear attack.

Mueller said the creation of the unit was part of efforts to transform the agency that was widely criticised for failing to prevent the September 11 attacks.

"This is a reflection of the necessity of focussing our efforts on preventing a weapon of mass destruction or weapons of mass destruction (from) being utilised in the United States," he told reporters.

"I think it is fair to say that anyone who is concerned about the safety of this country and the future, their concern is weapons of mass destruction and particularly weapons of mass destruction in the hands of terrorists," Mueller said.

Although a number of al Qaeda's leaders have been killed or captured, Mueller said the group still has the capability to undertake an attack with weapons of mass destruction.

US security officials have long been concerned that terrorists might carry out an attack using a chemical, biological or nuclear weapon that results in mass casualties.

After the September 11 attacks, the FBI shifted its priority to preventing terrorist attacks. As part of its restructuring, it also sought to improve its intelligence-gathering abilities, adding analysts and upgrading its databases, Mueller said.

"We as an organisation ... have to change in response to the threats that we see. We needed to change somewhat dramatically in the wake of September 11," he said.

FBI officials said the WMD Directorate will study the consequences of an attack, increase US preparedness and coordinate the government's response to any attack.

It will be led by Vahid Majidi, a scientist formerly at the Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Mueller said the FBI had also created a new post, the third highest-ranking official at the bureau, who will function as its chief operating officer, dealing with budget and personnel issues.

(Additional reporting by Deborah Charles)

- REUTERS