Credible terrorist threat against our country: Obama

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has said there is "credible terrorist threat" against America after two suspicious packages, containing explosives material, were found in cargo jets originating in Yemen with two Jewish centers in Chicago-area being their destinations.

There has been a "credible terrorist threat against our country" Obama told reporters at a hurriedly convened White House press conference after he was briefed by his top intelligence officials and national security aid on the latest terrorist threat to the US.

Obama was first informed about it at about 10-35 pm on Thursday and has been updated on the developing plot throughout.

The Administration will not spare any efforts in investigating the origins of the suspicious package, he said.

Obama said agencies have "identified two suspicious packages bound for the United States, specifically, two places of Jewish worship in Chicago."

The packages were identified in Dubai and Britain, he said.

"Initial examination of those packages has determined that they do apparently contain explosive material," he said.

In his statement, Obama vows to take "whatever steps are necessary to protect our citizens of this type of attack," and he announces that there will be "additional screening" of some planes in Newark and Philadelphia.

More "protective measures" will be taken for "as long as it takes," he said.

Noting that Americans should know that authorities are "taking this threat very seriously," Obama said the American people should be confident we are not wavering in our resolve ...to root out violent extremism in all its forms.

The two packages have been identified and have been isolated, said the National Security Advisor Tom Donilon. Both the packages originated in Yemen.

"There were explosive materials in both the packages, which was intended and designed to do harm," he said, but said that the analysis of the explosives found is going on.

The US looking at all possibilities on who could be behind the terrorist attack.

Obama said the events of the last 24 hours underscore the necessity of remaining vigilant in the last 24 hours, coordinating with the friends and the allies.

Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism John Brennan said packages coming from Yemen would be carefully screened.