Obama warned of assault

Top security officials in the United States and Britain fear a "spectacular" assault from terrorists linked to the Al-Qaeda during the presidential transition in Washington, a news report said on Saturday. The US President-elect, Mr Barack Obama, is being given ominous advice from leaders on both sides of the Atlantic to brace himself for an early assault from terrorists, the Times newspaper said.

The Bush administration has been defined largely by the 9/11 attacks, which came within a year of his taking office. General Michael Hayden, director of the CIA, on Thursday acknowledged that there were dangers during a presidential transition when new officials were coming in and getting accustomed to the challenges. The UK daily reported that in Britain security officials say there is genuine concern that Al-Qaeda will attempt a "spectacular" in the transition period.