~ Lawmaker says: “An immediate threat to the United States comes from terrorist groups operating with impunity in ungoverned territories in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia. I am deeply concerned there will be an attack by a foreign terrorist or foreign-inspired homegrown terrorist on U.S. soil this year.” ~

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-Venice), Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence, today issued the following statement:

“The al-Shabaab bombing in Uganda on Sunday is a stark reminder of the threat we face, and chilling evidence that yet another terror group has expanded its attacks to other countries after aligning with al-Qaeda.

“Al-Shabaab is a regional al-Qaeda affiliate – much like AQAP in Yemen and a multitude of militant groups in Pakistan. Let’s not forget that al-Shabaab, now estimated to have between 3,000 and 7,000 members, recruited approximately 20 young men from the United States between September 2007 and October 2009. At least one became a suicide bomber.

“An immediate threat to the United States comes from terror groups operating with impunity in ungoverned territories in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia. I am deeply concerned there will be an attack by a foreign terrorist or foreign-inspired homegrown terrorist on U.S. soil this year.

“Mass casualty attacks on innocent civilians continue to be the terrorists’ goal. Al-Qaeda’s newly published ‘Inspire’ English-language magazine – now available online -- could spur more recruitment and attacks in the West.

“Our intelligence community and law enforcement agencies have demonstrated vastly improved capabilities to prevent and disrupt attacks -- as the recent Zazi indictment shows. Through careful intelligence work, U.S. officials were able to link Zazi to one of the most dangerous al-Qaeda terrorists, Adnan el-Shukrijumah, a nuclear technician who has sought radiological materials.

“In addition to preventing attacks from abroad, our counterterrorism resources should be focused on hardening ‘soft’ targets – such as schools, malls, hotels, restaurants, mass transit and subways -- and improving America’s resiliency.

“I applaud the efforts of the Department of Homeland Security to launch public awareness campaigns such as ‘See Something Say Something’ in New York and ‘iWatch’ in Los Angeles.

“U.S. citizens must continue to remain vigilant against this growing and evolving threat.”