WASHINGTON, May 26: The United States fears Al Qaeda is plotting a big attack inside the country or on US interests but has no plans to raise the terror threat level and no details on when , where or how it might occur, top officials said on Wednesday.

"Credible intelligence, from multiple sources, indicates that Al Qaeda plans to attempt an attack on the United States in the next few months," Attorney General John Ashcroft said at a news conference.

"This disturbing intelligence indicates al Qaeda's specific intention to hit the United States hard." Mr Ashcroft said al Qaeda - the group blamed for the Sept.11, 2001 hijack attacks - has declared that preparations for an attack on the United States were nearly complete.

In a news conference with FBI Director Robert Mueller, Mr Ashcroft said Al Qaeda may hope for a similar response to that which occurred after the March 11 train bombings in Madrid. Those attacks influenced Spain's election and led to the withdrawal of Spanish troops from Iraq.

"Al Qaeda may perceive that a large-scale attack in the United States this summer or fall would lead to similar consequences," ahead of the US presidential election, Mr Ashcroft said.

"Several upcoming events over the next few months may present especially attractive targets for such an Al Qaeda attack," said Mr Ashcroft.nd in Washington, the Group of Eight summit in Sea Island, Georgia in June, the Fourth of July holiday and the Democratic and Republican Party conventions in Boston and New York at the end of the summer, ahead of the November elections.

FBI Director Robert Mueller joined Mr Ashcroft and urged Americans to be particularly alert in the coming months.

WARNING: The US authorities on Wednesday warned the public about seven "armed and dangerous" Al Qaeda operatives suspected of planning an attack in the United States.