Possible Al Qaeda hit list targets 40 Americans

According to an FBI intelligence bulletin obtained by CNN, militant websites associated with al Qaeda called upon 'lone wolf' agents to target and kill 40 prominent Americans at their homes.

The list has prompted the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security to issue an intelligence bulletin to law enforcement agencies across the US.

American officials, business, political leaders, think tank executives and contractors targeted on the hit list have been also been notified.

News of the hit list was came a day after Osama bin Laden's longtime deputy and al Qaeda founder, Ayman al Zawahiri, assumed command of the group.

As the No 2 leader of al Qaeda, al Zawahri helped plan the September 11 attacks and was responsible for arranging a safe haven for the group’s leaders.