PRELUDE TO ATTACK – AT 9:56 A.M. ET:  There were indications before the Paris attacks that something big was coming.  From Catherine Herridge, the chief intelligence correspondent for Fox News (and a fine reporter): 

ISIS claims of responsibility for Friday’s Paris massacre are being reviewed by US intelligence analysts Sunday morning, with a focus on the English-language version, which is delivered in American-accented English, Fox News has been told. It is now clear the plot included a rollout of ISIS propaganda, which was prepared in advance, including threats directed toward the Russian people, Rome, London and Washington DC.

Separately, Fox News has learned that four credible, ISIS-linked social media accounts began sharing messages 72 hours before the Paris attack, including images of weapons, the Eiffel tower, as well as blessings for the attackers’ mission. A military intelligence source says the social media traffic is now seen as evidence the three teams had gone operational.

The translations include “God bless you in your mission” and “Support the deployment,” as well as a reference to our “sister,” suggesting an operative, or member of the support team was a woman.

Meanwhile, FBI Director James Comey has told field offices across the country to intensify surveillance on ISIS suspects, hoping to prevent violence in this country. Before the attack, Comey confirmed there are 900 active ISIS investigations, spread over all 50 states.

COMMENT:  Even if the social media posts had prompted governments to increase their alert status, it's unlikely the attack could have been prevented.  Apparently, the attackers never communicated by electronic means, and went entirely undetected.  The attacks of 9-11 in the United States, some 14 years ago, also went undetected.  Despite all the improvement in intelligence techniques since 9-11, it's obvious that at least some terror groups are still one step ahead. 

November 16, 2015