US has flight numbers of specific hijack targets

NewsMax ^ | 12.23.03 | NBC

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U.S. Has Flight Numbers of Specific Hijack Targets

Intelligence gathered by Homeland Security and Defense Department officials that caused terror alert levels to be elevated on Sunday included specific airline flight numbers targeted for hijacking by al Qaeda as well as the names of airports involved in the plot.

"U.S. intelligence agencies had gathered detailed information about the plan, in which they said al Qaeda operatives would hijack foreign airliners and fly them into targets in the United States," reported NBC News late Tuesday. "In some instances, the intelligence is so detailed as to include specific flight numbers," the network said.

"Federal air marshals, who usually fly only on domestic flights, are now boarding international airlines into those airports," NBC revealed.

U.S. officials said the highly detailed intelligence includes the name of at least one East Coast airport : New Jersey's Newark International, where incoming flights are being closely watched.

In addition to large urban centers like New York and Los Angeles, al-Qaeda is also believed to be targeting Las Vegas, according to the network's sources. Las Vegas is the nation's No. 2 vacation destination and is scheduled to host a number of large conventions and trade shows beginning next month.

Surface-to-air missiles have been deployed by the Pentagon to many of the cities most likely to be targeted.

[stylin_geek]

I had this same discussion, and pointed out that Hillary stood in the middle of the Senate floor, brandishing a newspaper, asking "what he knew, and when he knew it." Other Dems have pretty much said the same thing. Now, what happens if we have this good intelligence, and the terrorists succeed anyway? (I used Hillary's name on purpose, because I know the person I was speaking to admires Hillary)
Plus, even if tourist travel is hurt, because people are afraid to travel because of these threats, shouldn't government allow its citizens to be able to make that choice? Or, should it always be "government knows best?"

[Yaelle]

I don't think it is possible to hijack an airplane in the USA any more. Not unless you used some sort of gas to subdue the passengers.

However, if it is true as reported that Al Quaeda guys have infiltrated the pilot/crews of foreign airlines, it is still possible for an incoming plane from one of those airlines to enter the country, veer off target, and crash into a building.

[lainde]

ping

[FastCoyote]

"I suggested that on a recent thread. I was informed that the Mafia is no longer involved in Las Vegas. Sure."

I am caught up in fighting the last of the "quasi" mafia here in Las Vegas. I am in the process of informing and there is actually some risk to my life. What is left is sort of the "Keystone Cops" mafia, centered around mayor Oscar Goodman, bought politicians, political consultants and a couple topless bar owners. Not as fearful as the old days, but still capable of harm. Actually, the one topless joint owner going to jail already is probably the cleanest of the lot

[Lazamataz]

I would splash any non-US flag aircraft that approaches within 200 miles of a US ADIZ.

I assume you mean if they approach without identifying/acting normal.

Otherwise, I suggest more egg nog, less rum. ;^)

[Lazamataz]

I am caught up in fighting the last of the "quasi" mafia here in Las Vegas. I am in the process of informing and there is actually some risk to my life.

Ay, you're a good citizen, hah?
So, ..... What was your name and address again....?

[Poohbah]

I would splash any non-US flag aircraft that approaches within 200 miles of a US ADIZ.

Wow. If I'm to take your word at face value, you'd splash every foreign-flag aircraft within 400 miles of US shores.

That's not a very good idea.

[Lazamataz]

If the pilot is AQ, and on final at 300 feet, and veers into a target (terminal), who you gonna call?

[nicmarlo]

Don't forget to add the required, "my sources tell me...."

[Poohbah]

Would you proceed with your plan to hijack Flight 317 if you believed that the FBI would be waiting for you. Methinks not. I think discouraging the al Queda by letting them know that they have been intercepted/infiltrated is the goal. The leak was on purpose.

Strategery:

1. Detain an al-Qaeda operative.

2. When intelligence arrives from another source, drop him off in front of an al-Qaeda safehouse, warmly shake his hand, and stuff a big roll of money into his shirt pocket.

3. al-Qaeda takes care of the rest.

[Jim Noble]

That's not a very good idea

OK, I'll make an exception for BA.

[Jim Noble]

I assume you mean if they approach without identifying/acting normal

No, I would really ban foreign flights if the info re: AQ pilots is really true.

I might except BA, but that's it.

[Lazamataz]

No, I would really ban foreign flights if the info re: AQ pilots is really true.

More egg nog. Less rum.

Hell, you'd even be keeping our boys on liberty out of the country!!!

[alrea]

Send out the mob :)

Under the Clinton Administration it became illegal to recruit criminals for National Defense.

[Fzob]

Can't we keep this stuff secret so we can actually catch the terrorists?????????

Disinformation can be a very powerful ally

[nhoward14]

Raising the terror alert level should be sufficient for adults to know the government is aware of soemthing serious and trigger the decision process. Specific information is not necessary.

[smith288]

If we actually knew the flight numbers wouldnt a task force be enacted to catch any terrorist boarding that flight? Handcuff them and take them away.

I take this as poker. They will need to decide whether to call and bluff or go on with their plan or to cancel and try their luck another day.

[nhoward14]

I don't feel NBC is interested in being a propaganda mouthpiece for the government, so they wouldn't knowingly run a story with disinformation in it. If it is disinformation, the Dubya is a genious at getting NBCCBSABCCNN to do his bidding when they make terrible pains to be "independent."

[smith288]

Reword my butchered sentence:

I take this as poker against the terrorists. They will need to decide whether to call our bluff and go on with their plans or to cancel and try their luck another day.

[smith288]

All the White House would have to do is tell NBC "Shhh...dont tell anyone but we have ALL the flight numbers... remember, Shhhhh"

Then NBC will report the info... Voila! Disinfo.