BEIJING, July 12 (Xinhuanet) -- A U.S. government analysis concludes that Al Qaeda has been the strongest it has ever been since just before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, media reported Wednesday.

    The report, a five-page threat assessment compiled by the National Counterterrorism Center, is titled "Al-Qaida Better Positioned to Strike the West," intelligence officials familiar with it said.

    It concludes that al-Qaida is "considerably operationally stronger than a year ago" and has "regrouped to an extent not seen since 2001," the official quoted the report as saying. "They are showing greater and greater ability to plan attacks in Europe and the United States."

    The group also has created "the most robust training program since 2001, with an interest in using European operatives."

    The report also speaks of "significant gaps in intelligence," so U.S. authorities may be ignorant of potential attacks.

    The five-page intelligence analysis remains classified and is prepared for senior U.S. policymakers.

    A senior intelligence official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the document has been in the works for roughly two years.

    This new report backs up warnings by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and other officials that al Qaeda remains a serious threat and that the United States is vulnerable despite the numerous security changes made since Sept. 11, 2001.

    Still, government officials said there is no specific, credible information that terrorist attacks on U.S. soil are imminent.

    Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said in a statement that it is no surprise al Qaeda has been able to reorganize and rebuild "given President Bush's stubborn dedication to keeping our overextended military mired in an Iraqi civil war."

    (Agencies)