London car bomb plot: More than being reported; larger plot, U.S. at risk

Investigative report by Douglas J. Hagmann, Director & Sean Osborne, Associate Director, Military Affairs

30 June 2007: The two bomb-laden vehicles found and safely rendered harmless in London yesterday were part of a much larger operation that had nothing to do with nightclubs as targets. The bombs that were constructed were indeed modeled after the specifications detailed in the al Qaeda manual presented by terrorist Dhiren BAROT, and were merely two of several other vehicles of the same (or similar) high-end types chosen specifically over other models that were to be pre-positioned and detonated during an upcoming event at or near Trafalgar Square, at a time when the anti-personnel aspects of the bombs would have been most effective. The bombs were likely to be detonated not SIMULTANEOUSLY, but in multiple waves - in a more insidious and psychologically effective fashion. Further, there could be as many as six-(6) vehicles involved in this plot, with at least 2 (or perhaps 3) of these vehicles still being sought. Also, the much-publicized entry on an Arabic language forum that referenced the bombing of London had nothing to do with the recent events. Lastly, the planning and execution of this very well-funded operation has implication for targets inside the United States. This, according to a well-placed law enforcement source from London speaking with the Northeast Intelligence Network, and substantiated by a secondary law enforcement source in the U.S.

"Security for events inside the U.S. as we enter into a holiday week will be ramped up according to 'very specific findings' from the investigation in London. Targets were - or are not limited to the U.K.," added both law enforcement sources speaking on strict condition of anonymity.

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