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Undercover agent was British.

Higgins86

Higgins86

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[SUP][/SUP]BBC News - Undercover agent in al-Qaeda bomb plot 'was British'


Looks like this was a pretty big operation involving quite a few countries, good work everyone involved. Have to say though its a little naughty of the US to be giving out this information as it looks like MI5 didnt want to comment publicy on this, just not Cricket
 
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Paralogic said:
This story alone would make a great Spooks season!

Spooks was a great spy drama from the UK that lasted, I think, for 5 seasons. If you like this kind of show, I highly recommend it.
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was a big fan back in the day
 
Higgins86 said:
was a big fan back in the day
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It wasn't that long ago. You sound like it was in early 20'th Century.

I don't mean to derail the thread to talk about a TV show but for the people that watched Spooks, the story line of the real event fits so perfectly to the show.
 
The agent was sent by al-Qaeda to attack a US-bound plane, but left Yemen and gave the device to US intelligence.

The US insists the bomb never posed a threat to the public.

Western passport-holders have long been seen as prime targets for militant groups seeking to plan attacks.

However, as well as reporting that the secret agent was a British citizen, NBC News in the US also says UK intelligence agencies were "heavily involved" in his recruitment.
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So was the agent doing some sort of drill and is a scapegoat? Looks like "threat" crafting to me.

Are agents trying to do terrorist stuff but when they get caught they say they where doing counter intel yet sent by AQ?

This doesn't make sense maybe someone can spell it out.
 
Bond strikes again...

piercebrosnan1.jpg
 
dirtpoorchris said:
So was the agent doing some sort of drill and is a scapegoat? Looks like "threat" crafting to me.

Are agents trying to do terrorist stuff but when they get caught they say they where doing counter intel yet sent by AQ?

This doesn't make sense maybe someone can spell it out.
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he was tapped up by MI5 and told to go to Yemen as part of an undercover investigation, he went to yemen received his orders and the bomb and then went straight to the CIA and gave them the inside scoop.
 
Higgins86 said:
[SUP][/SUP]BBC News - Undercover agent in al-Qaeda bomb plot 'was British'


Looks like this was a pretty big operation involving quite a few countries, good work everyone involved. Have to say though its a little naughty of the US to be giving out this information as it looks like MI5 didnt want to comment publicy on this, just not Cricket
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It seems Mr Panetta agrees, they're looking into where the leak came from...

" ...The BBC's Paul Adams, in Washington, says it is unorthodox for intelligence agencies to disclose details about each others' operations.
If true, the revelations about the undercover agent could raise eyebrows in UK intelligence agencies, he adds.
The US is conducting an inquiry into the leak of information, which Defence Secretary Leon Panetta said could hamper intelligence gathering.
"When these leaks take place, I can't tell you how much they damage our ability to be able to pursue our intelligence efforts," Mr Panetta told reporters at the Pentagon... "

BBC News - Undercover agent in al-Qaeda bomb plot 'was British'
 
Higgins86 said:
[SUP][/SUP]Have to say though its a little naughty of the US to be giving out this information as it looks like MI5 didnt want to comment publicy on this, just not Cricket
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I thought I read that the press got a hold of the story and forced them to release it earlier than they wanted.
 
AdamT said:
I thought I read that the press got a hold of the story and forced them to release it earlier than they wanted.
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That would be a real surprise - given the probable results of identifying the man as well as compromising western security operations just for a "scoop."

I'm disappointed the national identity of the agent has been released, sort of ruins the snide comments made by DP posters who continuously try to paint all muslims as evil and all British muslims as terrorists. What will they do now with all that pent up hatred?
 
Higgins86 said:
he was tapped up by MI5 and told to go to Yemen as part of an undercover investigation, he went to yemen received his orders and the bomb and then went straight to the CIA and gave them the inside scoop.
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Ya... That doesn't sound fishy at all.... Threat crafting IMO.
 
Wait... an Arab... probably a Muslim... helped foil an Al-Qaeda plot? I thought Muslims weren't doing enough against terrorism? Religion of peace and all that.
 
Manc Skipper said:
It seems Mr Panetta agrees, they're looking into where the leak came from...

" ...The BBC's Paul Adams, in Washington, says it is unorthodox for intelligence agencies to disclose details about each others' operations.
If true, the revelations about the undercover agent could raise eyebrows in UK intelligence agencies, he adds.
The US is conducting an inquiry into the leak of information, which Defence Secretary Leon Panetta said could hamper intelligence gathering.
"When these leaks take place, I can't tell you how much they damage our ability to be able to pursue our intelligence efforts," Mr Panetta told reporters at the Pentagon... "

BBC News - Undercover agent in al-Qaeda bomb plot 'was British'
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its a big problem because the only way we are going to beat these extremists is if more and more Muslims work with us. Problem now is why are you going to risk your neck if the media are going to tell the world where your from etc, just cant be happening
 
Yeah, this "leak" was unforgiveable. Since the guy was supposed to be a suicide bomber, there certainly was no chance of him returning to the cell in Yemen and gathering more intelligence, but that's not the point. The CIA now has this guy and his family in a safe house, because his identity has been compromised.

That is NOT okay.
 
DiAnna said:
Yeah, this "leak" was unforgiveable. Since the guy was supposed to be a suicide bomber, there certainly was no chance of him returning to the cell in Yemen and gathering more intelligence, but that's not the point. The CIA now has this guy and his family in a safe house, because his identity has been compromised.

That is NOT okay.
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Ya right. Dude is in indefinite detention and a scapegoat.
 
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