#116 Sarah Adams (AKA Superbad) - CIA Targeter Tracks Down #1 Enemy of Benghazi Attacks
Jun 10, 2024
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Former CIA Targeting Officer, Sarah Adams, discusses terrorist alliances, TikTok use for trafficking, NGO roles in illegal crossings, tracking terrorists in Afghanistan, and the complexities of terrorism post-Benghazi. The podcast delves into the crisis in Libya, relationships among extremist groups, brain health promotion, exploitation of the US justice system by terrorist families, and ethical concerns surrounding terrorist funding.
CIA uncovering terrorist groups' financial networks underscores need for enhanced oversight.
Complex dynamics between Al-Qaeda and ISIS reveal strategic alliances to avoid confrontation.
US unknowingly funding terrorist organizations highlights flaws in post-conflict financial management.
Inadvertent channeling of funds to Taliban raises concerns over misuse in military causes.
Financial entanglements pose challenges in tracking funds and mitigating extremist influences globally.
Al-Qaeda's shift towards political reform movement complicates traditional views on terrorist organizations.
Deep dives
Mortar Team Identification
The investigation uncovers the identity of the mortar team responsible for the Benghazi attack, led by Mohammad Al-Gurabi within the Rafal Al Sahati Brigades. Al Qaeda embeds members in various groups like 17 February Martyrs Brigade, tying together the consulate attacks and the CIA Annex attack.
FBI Witness Ties to Mortar Team
The FBI witness against Ahmed Abu Qatala, involved in the fake mastermind trial, has familial ties to five members of the mortar team. The FBI delays action despite the witness's involvement of family members in the mortar team, contributing to a complex and concerning situation.
US Government's Role and Actions
The US government's mishandling of terrorist suspects and investigations, including bringing a known criminal into America, obstructing justice for past crimes in Libya, and misleading narratives around terrorist involvement display a pattern of incompetence and flawed approaches.
Ongoing Threat and Ignored Risks
The captured senior terrorists like Hashim Abu Sidra in charge of Sahel operations in Africa raise concerns over the billion-dollar business aspects of terrorist organizations, potential weapon sourcing from Libya, and the presence of US-origin weapons linked to attacks in Pakistan, highlighting ongoing threats and overlooked risks.
Funding Terrorist Organizations
Various terrorist groups around the world, including the Haqqani network and Boko Haram, are acquiring new weapons through an extensive trade network, sourcing materials from countries like Serbia, Ukraine, and Turkey. The Haqqani network was observed purchasing heavy machine guns and artillery shells with connections to Libya, a hotspot for arms deals with a considerable influx of new weaponry.
Al-Qaeda's Activity in Libya
Al-Qaeda in Libya has adopted a business-centric approach, refraining from attacks within the country and instead focusing on funding and supporting other extremist groups globally. Under the leadership of Abdel Hakeem Bel Hodge, also known for restructuring the organization and aligning with the Libyan government and the US, Al-Qaeda in Libya has transformed its image into a political reform movement.
ISIS and Al-Qaeda Dynamics
ISIS and Al-Qaeda exhibit complex interactions, with Al-Qaeda supporting ISIS with weaponry in Afghanistan. The interplay reveals strategic alignments to avoid confrontations, particularly seen in Libya. With Al-Qaeda's pivot towards political facades and structural shifts helmed by key figures like Abu Muhammad al-Mazri, the dynamics within terrorist organizations continue to evolve.
US Funding Controversy in Afghanistan
US funding mechanisms in Afghanistan have stirred controversy, especially with revelations of financial support inadvertently benefiting terrorist groups. The misallocation of funds meant for counterterrorism efforts led to unintended consequences, such as US dollars intended for combating ISIS being rerouted and ending up funding AQIM in Africa, showcasing systemic issues in financial management post-conflict resolution.
Implications of Funding Terror Groups
The intricate web of financial transactions unintentionally supporting terrorist organizations raises concerns about accountability and transparency in post-conflict funding distribution. The linkages between US funds and extremist activities highlight the challenges in effectively monitoring and controlling financial flows, particularly when originating from government reserves.
Undermining Counterterrorism Efforts
The inadvertent channeling of funds from government reserves into the hands of terrorist organizations, coupled with the complexities of global arms trades, underscores the critical need for enhanced oversight and scrutiny in financial operations to prevent unintended consequences jeopardizing global security. Addressing these financial entanglements is crucial in fortifying counterterrorism measures and safeguarding against extremist influences.
Future Security Implications
The exposure of financial mismanagement and inadvertent support to terrorist groups serves as a stark reminder of the intricate challenges in post-conflict financial governance. As efforts to combat terrorism face complexities in fund tracking and allocation, stringent measures and international collaboration are imperative to mitigate the risks posed by financial channels aiding extremist activities and safeguard global security interests.
Taliban's Control of Billions
The US unknowingly siphoned $3.5 billion to the Taliban government, managed by four overseers in Switzerland. Concerns arise over possible nepotism in the selection of one Taliban representative.
Misuse of Funds for Terrorism
Funds of $40 million per week, intended for humanitarian aid, are diverted by the Taliban. These funds are used for Taliban military causes and NGOs are coerced to have Taliban members on their boards.
ISIS Dollars and Al-Qaeda Connections
The last delivery from the airplane funds was directed to top Al-Qaeda leaders like Saif al-Adil. An intricate network reveals the flow of money supporting Al-Qaeda's military operations and ties with affiliates like TTP and IMU.
Sarah Adams (call sign: Superbad) is a former CIA Targeting Officer and author of Benghazi: Know Thy Enemy. Adams served as the Senior Advisor for the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on Benghazi. She conducted all-source investigations and oversight activities related to the 2012 Libya terrorist attacks and was instrumental in mitigating future security risks to U.S. personnel serving overseas. Adams remains one of the most knowledgeable individuals on active terrorism threats around the world.
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