MORE ON THE REPORTED TERROR PLOT – AT 8:59 A.M. ET:  Brian Ross, at ABC, is developing the story of the reported terror plot linked to the 9-11 anniversary.  From ABC News:

U.S. authorities are scrambling to sort through information that the CIA developed in the past 24 hours indicating that at least three individuals entered the U.S. in August by air with the intent to launch a vehicle-borne attack against Washington, D.C. or New York around the anniversary of 9/11, according to intelligence officials.

Officials say the alleged terror plot was initiated by new al Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden's successor, who had pledged to avenge bin Laden's death earlier this year in a U.S. raid.

Intelligence and law enforcement officials told ABC News that at least one of the individuals is a U.S. citizen and one official said that two of the individuals may have had U.S. documentation -- whether green cards or passports was unclear.

The threat was described as specific and credible by federal officials. "Al Qaeda has shown an interest in important dates and anniversaries. In this instance it is accurate that there is credible, specific but unconfirmed information," said Janice Fedarcyk, FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the New York office, at a Thursday evening press conference.

And...

Although authorities said they had not yet identified the suspects, they are looking at multiple names of individuals who entered the U.S. after mid-August. The operatives are believed to have embarked on their journey to the U.S. from the tribal areas of Pakistan, according to two senior officials. One official said the route may have taken them through Dubai.

The information on the plot was "very specific " said one official, adding " It seems like the information has been worked for a while." A second and third official confirmed the specifics of the possible plot added that a declassified bulletin is expected to be issued shortly.

COMMENT:  We've noticed in the last few days that some "sophisticates" in the press have been downplaying terror warnings, pointing out that there have been no large-scale attacks on the U.S. since 9-11.  They are so wrong.  Some attacks have been foiled.  No doubt others have been discouraged.  Our regular attacks on Al Qaeda have disrupted the organization.  But an individual or small group can still get through. 

I'd take the warnings seriously, then hope the authorities remain on the case and that the potential terrorists back down.  But I'd point out to the "sophisticates" of the press that no newspaper column ever stopped a terrorist attack.

September 9, 2011