The Al Qaeda is  planning to 'hit the United States hard' in the next few  months, US Attorney General John Ashcroft has said.

Speaking to the press at Washington on Wednesday night, Ashcroft also named seven individuals associated with Al Qaeda who 'pose a clear and present danger to America'.

He asked the Americans to help the government in looking for the seven 'dangerous' Al Qaeda associates who 'all are sought in connection with possible terrorist threats in the United States'.
 
"Credible intelligence, from multiple sources, indicates that Al Qaeda plans to attempt an attack on the
United States in the next few months," Ashcroft said. "This disturbing intelligence indicates Al Qaeda's specific intention is to hit the US hard."

Beyond this intelligence, he said, Al Qaeda's own public statements suggest that it is almost ready to attack the United States.  Just after New Year, Al Qaeda announced openly that preparations for an attack on the US were 70 per cent complete. 

After the March 11 attack in Madrid, an Al Qaeda spokesman announced that 90 per cent of the arrangements for an attack on the US were complete, according to Ashcroft.

The Madrid railway bombings, he said, were perceived by Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaeda to have advanced their cause.

Al Qaeda may perceive that a large-scale attack in the United States this summer or fall would lead to similar consequences.