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ºÚÁϳԹÏÍøland Security Director Tom Ridge said Tuesday that this week's terror warning was caused by a wide range of intelligence information, but was not related to an article claiming that Osama bin Laden has made strides toward obtaining a crude radiological weapon, CNN reported.

Ridge also told USA Today that he is developing a permanent system to warn of the varying levels of threats. The system, which he hopes to have finalized next year, would likely be based on the U.S. military’s existing threat condition structure and would hinge on better coordination among intelligence agencies.

On Monday, Ridge issued the third warning about possible terrorist attacks since Sept. 11. No specific dates or targets were mentioned, but intelligence information, along with the convergence of Ramadan, Hanukkah and Christmas, forced the government to issue the alert, CNN said.

Ridge said that the United States must be prepared for any and all eventualities, and he urged people to report any suspicious activity. While he is satisfied with security upgrades at nuclear facilities, ports and water systems, he said there is a long way to go before a system is developed that provides nearly total security.

During the previous two terror alerts, no major incidents were reported. As a result, Ridge warned citizens about being complacent, saying that it is not yet time to back off, news services reported.