Washington ? Intelligence gathered by the U.S. government indicates al-Qaida terrorists have a keen interest in striking targets that are far from major cities, such as power plants, dams and even oil facilities in Alaska. The Pentagon said Tuesday it was broadening air patrols throughout the country.

In addition, the military is deploying surface-to-air missile systems in the Washington area and is considering locating more anti-aircraft systems in the New York City region, a defense official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Some of the intelligence “chatter” that led President Bush to put the nation on high “orange” alert for a terrorist strike dealt with threats against remote facilities, according to law enforcement and intelligence officials speaking Tuesday on condition of anonymity.

One specific threat, they said, was against oil facilities in Valdez, Alaska, where tankers load Prudhoe Bay oil destined for the continental United States. .

Other intelligence points to possible attacks in cities such as New York, Washington or Los Angeles, which have been targeted by terrorists before. Aircraft continue to be a favored al-Qaida method, particularly aircraft originating from overseas and those carrying cargo — both of which have less security than U.S. passenger aircraft.

Officials say there also seems to be interest in targeting holiday events that draw large crowds, such as college and professional football games and New Year’s celebrations and parades.

Americans across the nation are likely to notice increased air patrols as the government continues its response to Sunday’s decision to raise the nation’s terror threat level to orange, or high, the second-highest point, the Defense Department said. It marked the fifth time the level has gone above yellow, or elevated, since the five-point system was developed after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

Patrols of warplanes will increase “over select cities and facilities” in the coming days, said Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Myers said air defenses were put on higher alert in the Washington area and also at “different air bases throughout the country.”

Port Authority Police officers, bottom center, stand guard in New York's Port Authority bus terminal as holiday travelers walk by. Already tight security has been fortified at transportation and energy facilities nationwide in response to government warnings that al-Qaida could attack this holiday season.