ISIS ACES SOCIAL MEDIA – AT 8:03 A.M. ET:  American intelligence operatives are being overwhelmed by ISIS's use of social media.  The implications are serious.  From Fox: 

U.S. investigators are becoming overwhelmed trying to keep up with the social media barrage by U.S.-based supporters of the Islamic State -- with the latest information suggesting "US military bases, locations, and events could be targeted in the near-term."

The warning comes in a new, six-page bulletin obtained exclusively by Fox News. It warns law enforcement and specifically military personnel to be vigilant during upcoming national holidays and military events due to the "heightened threat of attacks by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)."

Sent one day before the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the joint bulletin -- from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security and National Counterterrorism Center -- advised there is no "credible" threat information targeting events on U.S. federal holidays. But it said, "we are aware of recent information suggesting US military bases, locations, and events could be targeted in the near-term."

While the FBI and other law enforcement agencies have given generic warnings in the past, this bulletin spelled out the heightened chatter and advised precautions that should be taken. The list of "observable behaviors" also points to so-called insider threats, and warns about individuals asking "unusual questions" about building maintenance or security procedures.

Importantly, it speaks to the sheer volume of social media activity by pro-ISIS users, and the challenge that poses for analysts and investigators.

COMMENT:  A few years ago not many people had heard of ISIS.  Now the group controls large land areas in the Mideast and is clearly threatening the United States.  It's easy to dismiss it as nuts, but it isn't.  ISIS operates carefully, and with a full understanding of modern media and its impact.  With its viciousness it is very intimidating.  More frightening than Al Qaeda.

May 27,  2015