U.S. intercepted al Qaeda communications
The terrorism threat that prompted the U.S. government to close nearly two-dozen embassies and consulates surfaced when intelligence analysts intercepted electronic communications between top al Qaeda leaders, CBS News' Bob Orr has learned.
Al Qaeda chief Ayman al Zawahiri and Nasir al-Wuhayshi, the leader of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), were discussing "something big," sources say. It's rare for veteran al Qaeda leaders to break operational security by openly discussing possible plots, and the interception stunned U.S. officials.
Sources confirm for CBS News that the intercepted electronic conversation occurred between the top leadership of core Al Qaeda in the tribal areas of Pakistan and the head of Yemen based al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula Nassir al-Wuhayshi
One source said that the tone of the conversation was serious and had a sense of urgency, reports CBS News senior investigative producer Pat Milton.
The source said the sense of the directive from al Qaeda leadership was pushing for AQAP to move forward with an attack. The source said that the urging was to have the attack coincide with the conclusion of Ramadan and to ensure that it was a "big" attack.
However there were no specifics discussed, making it unclear whether AQAP was being urged to execute a plot already in the works or to develop one and then carry it out.
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- U.S. still on edge in face of uncovered terror plot
AQAP, the most active and charged among the al Qaeda network, "is of particular concern" to the U.S., White House spokesman Jay Carney said Monday. The affiliate, he said, "has demonstrated both an interest in and a willingness to attempt serious attacks on the United States, our allies and our people."
AQAP been battered by drone strikes. Deputy commander Saed al-Shihri was killed earlier this year, CBS News Orr reports. But, counter-terrorism officials warn AQAP remains dangerous and capable of inflicting serious damage.
While the U.S. intercepted the communications, the intelligence remains incomplete, leaving it unclear what the planned attack may entail. American embassies and consulates will remain closed in 19 Middle Eastern and African countries through Saturday.