Anti-aircraft missiles deployed around Washington

Jeep-mounted Stinger anti-aircraft missiles were on patrol around the nation's capital yesterday in an increased alert against possible terrorist attack.

The nation's threat alert was raised last week to "orange," the second-highest level, due to reported threats from multiple sources with strong ties to al Qaeda. The extremist group is blamed by the United States for the September 11, 2001, attacks on America.

The defence officials, who asked not to be identified, told Reuters that heat-seeking Stinger missiles - weapons that can be fired from the shoulder - had been deployed in mobile "Avenger" systems on Jeeps also carrying firing and guidance units. Each is operated by a two-member crew.

The officials refused to say exactly where or how many units had been deployed this week, but some were protecting the Pentagon. The sprawling Defence Department headquarters was struck by a hijacked airliner on September 11, 2001.