Tight security as jittery US celebrates 4 July

Americans will celebrate 4 July today amid unprecedented security measures designed to calm a jittery nation and to counter a possible terror attack.

In Washington, a massive security operation has been put into place around The Mall, where hundreds of thousands of tourists and locals traditionally gather to watch fireworks. More than 3,600 police will be on duty, controlling 24 checkpoints. Up to 500,000 people are expected to gather for the event.

Overhead, fighter planes will be flying special patrols, as they will over New York and other big cities.

Wsshington's police chief, Terrence Gainer, said: "I don't think we should let the threat or the possibility [of terrorism] paralyse us. We owe it to our children and others to demonstrate that we know how to operate in an environment where the threats could be a little more today than they were several months ago."

Mr Gainer's comments sum up the mood of many in America, determined to celebrate this 4 July almost as an act of defiance to the terrorists who launched the attacks of 11 September and who – according to the intelligence community – could be planning further attacks. While law enforcement agencies have received no specific warning about 4 July, America's 226th Independence Day celebrations have long been identified as a likely target for terrorists.

Senior US officials told reporters yesterday that the intelligence services had intercepted more talk about an attack on or about 4 July, but there was still nothing specific or corroborated. Nevertheless an alert has been issued to all law enforcement agencies.

Under the command of the Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge, a White House coordination centre will keep open lines of communication with officials at each of nearly 2,100 celebrations across the country. The FBI is also requiring its 56 field offices to monitor events.

Despite the concern, the government has decided against increasing the "yellow" alert status, the middle of five levels. President Bush has urged people to be "joyous in their celebration and celebrate the fact that we're fortunate enough to be Americans".

In New York, which bore the brunt of last year's attacks, officials have been trying to allay public fears. "Anytime there's large numbers of people getting together, in the aftermath of 9-11, obviously we have to be alert," said Police Commissioner Ray Kelly. "But there's no specific information, no special intelligence that says this holiday is any different than any other holiday."

Although one survey said nine out of 10 people said their celebration plans had not been affected, the government is still urging caution. Police have said they would rather be alerted to suspicions that turned out to be a false than for a danger to be overlooked.

Americans living overseas have been warned to avoid large gatherings with other Americans, out of fear that such events could become targets. "Exercise caution, exercise vigilance, be careful, and have a good time," said a State Department spokesman, Richard Boucher.

* A Libyan man suspected of links to Osama Bin Laden's terrorist network went on trial yesterday charged with planning to smuggle arms and supply fake documents. Another seven people were detained after investigators heard them talking about wanting to "give their lives for Islam".