Meaning: The quote refers to "Able Danger," a controversial and secretive military intelligence operation established in 1999 by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to identify and target cells of the terrorist organization al-Qaeda around the world. The aim of the operation was to gather intelligence on al-Qaeda operatives and their networks, with the ultimate goal of neutralizing and disrupting their activities. The quote specifically mentions the identification of five al-Qaeda cells worldwide, one of which was located in Brooklyn.

Able Danger operated under the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and involved a combination of military personnel, intelligence analysts, and data mining experts. The operation utilized advanced data analysis techniques and intelligence gathering methods to identify and track potential threats posed by al-Qaeda and its affiliates.

One of the key aspects of Able Danger was its use of advanced data mining and analysis tools to sift through vast amounts of information in search of patterns and connections that could reveal the presence of al-Qaeda cells and operatives. The operation reportedly utilized open-source data, intelligence reports, financial transactions, and other sources of information to build a comprehensive picture of the global reach and activities of al-Qaeda.

The identification of the al-Qaeda cell in Brooklyn mentioned in the quote is significant as it underscores the operational reach of the terrorist organization, even within the United States. The ability of Able Danger to pinpoint the presence of an al-Qaeda cell in a major American city highlights the serious nature of the threat posed by the organization and the importance of intelligence operations aimed at countering it.

The operations of Able Danger have been the subject of much controversy and debate, particularly in relation to its alleged early identification of some of the individuals involved in the 9/11 attacks. There have been claims that Able Danger had identified several of the 9/11 hijackers prior to the attacks, but that this information was not acted upon or shared with other government agencies.

The existence and activities of Able Danger came to public attention in the mid-2000s, leading to inquiries and investigations into its operations and findings. The controversy surrounding the operation has raised questions about the effectiveness of intelligence gathering and sharing within the U.S. government, particularly in the context of counterterrorism efforts.

The quote by Curt Weldon, a former U.S. Congressman, reflects the significance of Able Danger in the context of counterterrorism efforts and the identification of al-Qaeda cells. It draws attention to the proactive nature of the operation in targeting and taking out al-Qaeda terrorists, as well as the specific example of the cell identified in Brooklyn.

In conclusion, "Able Danger" was a top-secret military planning operation aimed at identifying and targeting al-Qaeda cells worldwide. Its use of advanced data analysis and intelligence gathering techniques was instrumental in identifying potential threats, including the presence of al-Qaeda operatives in locations such as Brooklyn. The controversy surrounding Able Danger has raised important questions about intelligence sharing and the effectiveness of counterterrorism efforts, making it a significant and complex chapter in the history of U.S. national security and intelligence operations.