Ep 3. The Terrorists Next Door: Operation Smokescreen

In Declassified: Untold Stories of American Spies season 3 episode 3, entitled "The Terrorists Next Door: Operation Smokescreen," viewers are taken back to the years after the September 11th attacks. The episode explores the FBI's efforts to infiltrate an Al Qaeda cell operating in California, which was planning a massive attack.

The episode recounts how the FBI received a tip-off about a group of Yemeni-Americans living in Lodi, California, who were reportedly engaged in suspicious activities. Agents suspected that the group's leader, a local imam named Shabbir Ahmed, was connected to Al Qaeda. The FBI launched an investigation, which eventually led to the deployment of an undercover agent known as "Haji" to infiltrate the cell.

Through interviews with former FBI agents, the episode sheds light on the challenges faced by the Bureau in gathering intelligence on potential domestic threats. In particular, the episode highlights how linguistic and cultural barriers can impede effective communication and how difficulty in differentiating between legitimate religious teachings and extremist rhetoric can complicate investigations.

As the FBI's investigation continues, "Haji" becomes enmeshed in the group's activities, including helping to conduct military-style training exercises in remote areas of California. Meanwhile, the FBI faces pressure to act fast, as intelligence suggests that the group is planning a major attack in the near future.

The episode features dramatic re-enactments of the FBI's efforts to thwart the plot. Viewers are taken inside a secret command center, where agents work around the clock to decode the group's encrypted messages and track their movements. The stakes are high, as the FBI knows that any misstep could result in a devastating terrorist attack on American soil.

As the story unfolds, viewers learn about the FBI's use of various techniques, including wiretapping, surveillance, and lie detector tests, to gain information about the group's plans. Ultimately, the investigation leads to the arrest and conviction of several members of the terror cell, including Shabbir Ahmed.

Throughout the episode, viewers gain insight into the often hidden world of counterterrorism, and the men and women who work tirelessly to prevent attacks on the United States. The episode is a testament to the bravery and dedication of the FBI, and the sacrifices made by those on the front lines of the war on terror. Overall, "The Terrorists Next Door: Operation Smokescreen" is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of one of America's most significant counterterrorism operations.