Operation “Able Danger” and the Suppression of Terrorist Information

“Able Danger" was a 1999-2001 U.S. Special Operations Command effort to use data mining and open-source information to track transnational terrorist networks, particularly al-Qaeda. The program became controversial after 9/11 when some members claimed it identified key 9/11 hijackers, including Mohamed Atta, in the "Brooklyn cell," but that this intelligence was ignored or suppressed by the Pentagon. Investigations have yielded conflicting accounts, with the Pentagon denying the existence of a pre-9/11 chart with Atta but acknowledging later versions, and some officials involved facing discipline for their claims.  

Able Danger program details 

Objective: 
To determine if data mining techniques and open-source materials could be used to create operational plans against terrorist groups, with an initial focus on al-Qaeda. 
Method: 
The program used data mining to find connections between open-source information (like news stories and court records) and classified data. 
Status: 
The initial program ended in January 2001 after delivering its report to the Joint Staff. 

The controversy and danger claims 

Identification of hijackers: 
Lt. Col. Anthony Shaffer and others claimed that Able Danger identified a cell that included Mohamed Atta and three other 9/11 hijackers, noting that the Pentagon ordered them not to brief the FBI three times. 
Pentagon's position: 
The Pentagon acknowledged that some employees recall a chart identifying Atta, but officials have stated that a pre-9/11 chart with the information did not exist, though later versions did. 
Destruction of records: 
The controversy is fueled by the destruction of many records, leading critics to question whether there was a cover-up. 
Dismissal of claims: 
The 9/11 commission dismissed the claims, while some individuals involved, like Shaffer, faced disciplinary action. 

Legacy 

Counterterrorism tools: 
The program's data-gathering methods and analysis techniques have been integrated into other U.S. government agencies for counterterrorism and other operations. 
Lingering questions: 
Despite official investigations dismissing the claims, the controversy persists due to conflicting testimonies, lack of documentation, and allegations of a cover-up.