Al-Qaeda the worst threat to US

McConnell says al-Qaeda is still trying to acquire WMDs

Al-Qaeda represents the most serious threat to US interests, followed by Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, the new US spy chief has said. Michael McConnell, who took over the leadership of the 16 US intelligence agencies earlier this year, was addressing a congressional committee.

He also said Iran and North Korea were of most concern to the US because there was a risk they could spread WMDs.

Iraq was “moving in a negative direction”, Mr McConnell added.

Mr McConnell, a retired admiral, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that al-Qaeda elements were still trying to acquire weapons of mass destruction.

“They continue to plot attacks against the homeland and other targets with the aim of inflicting mass casualties. Indeed, al-Qaeda, along with other terrorist groups, continues to seek chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons or materials.

“Al-Qaeda is also forging stronger operational connections that radiate outward from their camps in Pakistan to affiliated groups and networks throughout the Middle East, North Africa and Europe.”

He said Iran and North Korea still posed a threat of nuclear proliferation, despite the nuclear agreement recently signed with North Korea.