Washington: Yemen-based American-born Al-Qaeda suspect Anwar Al Awlaki has been described as 'the most dangerous man in the world' by an intelligence research specialist attached with the New York Police Department’s counter-terrorism division.
According to Fox News, this assessment is based on Awlaki’s longstanding links to terrorism, his 'proven track record of radicalising Muslims', his suspected involvement in planning and encouraging attacks such as 9/11, the 7/7 and 7/21 transatlantic plots, the Fort Hood shooter, the Times Square attempted bomber, the underwear bomber and more.
His ongoing propaganda campaign through DVD’s , web postings and the online magazine 'Inspire' is also being cited as a factor for this identity.
The NYPD presentation in Saudi Arabia was one of many regular briefs with private security officials who are members of the 'SHIELD' program, considered a 'force multiplier' by NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly.
Kelly has described the 7000 SHIELD participants as extra eyes and ears for police, an important part of the 'protection protocol' involving large offices and corporations across the city where the department can quickly spread the word about watches, alerts and potential threats including mail bombs and suspicious packages.