http://www.jihadwatch.org/2009/09/new-york-jihad-plot-authorities-know-of-three-distinct-teams-of-four-men-each.html
(ABC NEWS, September 21, 2009)
“New York jihad plot: Authorities know of “three distinct teams of four men each””
(Posted September 22, 2009 1:17 AM)
New York jihad plot: Authorities know of three distinct teams of four men each
That's why very early references to this plot referenced a "9/11 style" attack.
Multiple, simultaneous, geographically different attacks, an AQ trademark.