Looks like a test run to me.
I remember a whole lot of people making fun of a lady in a Florida HoJo's restaurant who overheard ME types talking about terrorist plans. She reported it, they were arrested, and had the cover story of being "medical students" conveniently in the Bahamas, if I have the details right.
In fact, if I recall correctly, there were people on this forum who thought she was overreacting. I didn't, and still don't.
I think all of these incidents are test runs.