I think that's closer to the case. What's left is on the run, but would regroup if we stopped chasing.
Cruz ships have a significant patrol zone around them in Key West. I presume it's the same everywhere. I'm guessing that an attack is still possible, just more difficult, leaving terrorist to look elsewhere.
The SA-7 thing has always been a big issue, and more so now. I think dozens were recently captured in Afghanistan. Ends of runways are now being patrolled as well, and I heard of an incident of people stopped and taking pictures in Miami. I have even less confidence in these patrols. They can't always be there in time to stop it, and they can't completely cover all the vantage points, just the best ones.
About the end of the runway SA-7 attack. How can our security patrols stop a couple of guys pulling up in a pickup truck, popping out a SA-7, and firing it at a jet taking off or landing? They don't have to be on airport grounds, they can sit in one of the many neighborhoods along the flight line. There's no way we can have enough security patrols to prevent that. The area is too large.
I've been baffled by the lack of SAM attacks on airliners for years. It seems so simple. What have I missed?