The Rest Is Classified: Episode 65. Terror Strikes London: The Forgotten Attack (Ep 4) Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Rest Is Classified
• Hosts: David McCloskey (former CIA analyst turned spy novelist) and Gordon Corera (veteran security correspondent)
• Description: Delves into the secretive world of spies, espionage, and covert operations, unraveling real-life spy stories and intelligence secrets.
• Episode Title: Terror Strikes London: The Forgotten Attack (Ep 4)
• Release Date: July 15, 2025

1. Breaking News and Immediate Aftermath

Initial Report of the Explosion: The episode opens with breaking news about an explosion outside Liverpool Street Station in London. David McCloskey introduces the immediate chaos and uncertainty following the incident.

• David McCloskey [02:27]: "Breaking news we're getting from the PA Newswire that there's been reports of an."
• Jonathan Evans [02:31]: "Explosion outside Liverpool street station."

Potential Fatalities and Public Reaction: Jonathan Evans provides a grim outlook on the possibility of fatalities, emphasizing the resilience of Londoners despite the tension stemming from the recent July 7 bombings.

• Jonathan Evans [02:37]: "Most Londoners actually are not going to be afraid by this. I think they're going to continue their daily business."

2. Reflections on Past Attacks and Continuation of Threats

Aftermath of July 7th Bombings: David McCloskey and Jonathan Evans reflect on the seven deadly bombings that occurred two weeks prior, highlighting the ongoing threat and pressure felt by MI5.

• David McCloskey [03:21]: "We were already feeling under the Kosh and worried. They got wave after wave to the throw at us. Can we cope? Are we running out of troops?"

Definition Clarification: To aid American listeners, they clarify the term "under the cosh," meaning being under significant pressure.

• David McCloskey [03:54]: "What does it mean to be under the cosh?"
• Jonathan Evans [03:56]: "Under the cosh is under pressure."

3. The July 21, 2005, Attempted Bombings

Details of the Attack: On July 21, a second attempt to bomb London nearly succeeds. Multiple suicide bombings were planned but failed as the devices didn't detonate properly.

• David McCloskey [04:00]: "And then all of a sudden we have another, I mean, nearly successful. Attack, close run thing."
• Jonathan Evans [04:06]: "Multiple attempted suicide bombings in London on July 21. The bombs have kind of fizzled, not gone off."

Manhunt Strategies: Evans discusses the methods used by MI5 to track down the bombers, including the utilization of communications data and contact chaining, drawing parallels to techniques revealed in the Snowden disclosures.

• Jonathan Evans [05:10]: "MI5 was collected bulk phone records from the phone companies in order to be able to do data analysis."

4. Tracking the Bombers: The Role of Surveillance and Data Analysis

Recovery and Identification: Post-attack, MI5 recovered non-detonated devices and crucial identification material from the bombers' abandoned bags, aiding in the identification and subsequent manhunt.

• Jonathan Evans [06:06]: "They've got material from the bombs and from the devices and the rucksacks, which of course have not exploded, which they can recover and use."

Use of CCTV and Operational Security: Surveillance footage played a pivotal role in tracking the bombers, despite their attempts at operational security.

• Jonathan Evans [07:17]: "They have CCTV and photos that they can sort of start to use to get an id."

5. The Mistaken Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes

Operation Chaos and Misidentification: In the chaotic pursuit, an innocent Brazilian electrician, Jean Charles de Menezes, was mistakenly identified as a bomber and fatally shot by police.

• Jonathan Evans [14:22]: "Before we even talk about who this guy actually is, I mean the seven shots into the head at point blank range feels, I mean, is that procedure?"

Procedure and Aftermath: Evans explains the "Kratos" procedure, intended for dealing with potential suicide bombers by targeting the brainstem to prevent any chance of triggering a bomb.

• Jonathan Evans [14:31]: "There is a procedure called Kratos... you have to shut their nervous system down."

Realization of Mistake: It was later confirmed that de Menezes was unconnected to the bombings, leading to widespread shock and controversy.

• Jonathan Evans [17:54]: "It is still, I think, one of the most shocking things that happened, because it is basically an execution."

6. Investigations and Inquiries Following the Shooting

Official Inquiries and Public Outcry: The tragic shooting prompted independent inquiries and significant criticism of the Metropolitan Police's handling of the situation.

• David McCloskey [18:36]: "Where did that end up?"

Impact on Metropolitan Police: The incident left a lasting scar on the Metropolitan Police, leading to inquests, compensation settlements, and internal reflections on procedural flaws.

• Jonathan Evans [18:38]: "It's going to be something which kind of really haunts particularly the Metropolitan Police for years."

7. Unveiling the Plotters: Mukhtar Said Ibrahim and Rashid Rauf

Identifying the Ringleader: Mukhtar Said Ibrahim emerges as the leader of the July 21 plot. An Eritrean immigrant with prior interactions with authorities, he recruited others for the attack.

• Jonathan Evans [20:30]: "The key figure in, in 21 7, as it's known, is a guy called Mukhtar Said Ibrahim."

Connection to Rashid Rauf: Mukhtar's link to Rashid Rauf, an Al-Qaeda facilitator, highlights the broader network involved in orchestrating the attacks.

• David McCloskey [21:43]: "Rashid Rauf is the sort of Al Qaeda facilitator, middleman, the connector..."

Differences from the July 7 Plot: Unlike the 7/7 bombers, Mukhtar and his group faced operational challenges, such as the lack of communication with Rashid Rauf, contributing to the failure of their devices.

• Jonathan Evans [24:15]: "And Ralph has been giving the 77 plotters advice on how to make the bombs and get them to work properly. And he's not able to do that with the 217 plotters."

8. Intelligence Failures and Resource Constraints

Challenges in Upstream Intelligence: Evans reflects on MI5's limitations in penetrating Al-Qaeda's upper echelons, emphasizing the difficulty in obtaining actionable intelligence before attacks occur.

• Jonathan Evans [27:23]: "If you'd had penetration of Al Qaeda at that level in the camps, if you'd had a spy in the camps or you'd been in Rashid Ralph's comms or people around him to be able to see what he's doing..."

Resource Allocation and Prioritization: The discussion highlights MI5's struggle with resource allocation, prioritizing known threats over potential emerging plots due to limited manpower and intelligence resources.

• Jonathan Evans [29:35]: "I don't think there's a kind of simple miss here. It is a much more question about resources, prioritization..."

9. Legacy and Reforms Post-Attack

Structural Changes in MI5: In the wake of the attacks, MI5 implemented significant reforms, enhancing data analytics capabilities and revising surveillance procedures to better identify and prevent future threats.

• Jonathan Evans [32:34]: "There's some political controversy... because you've got agents who are offering themselves... from within the Muslim community."

Increased Focus on Community Engagement: The episode underscores MI5's pivot towards recruiting community insiders to gain better intelligence and prevent radicalization from within.

• Jonathan Evans [32:34]: "There's a lot of agents who are offering themselves, ... from within the Muslim community."

Personal Reflections and Motivations: Evans shares personal anecdotes, such as Andrew Parker's dedication to remembering the victims, symbolizing the profound impact the attacks had on MI5 personnel.

• Jonathan Evans [33:03]: "Andrew Parker... had pictures of all 52 victims of the 77 attack on his office wall."

10. Concluding Thoughts and Future Prospects

Ongoing Threats and Future Plots: The podcast touches upon Rashid Rauf's continued influence and ambitions, including the infamous 2006 liquid bombs plot, highlighting the persistent nature of terrorist threats.

• Jonathan Evans [25:20]: "Rashid Ralph is amazing because he's behind this plot, which is to use liquid explosives in drink bottles to blow up seven transatlantic flights midair..."

Final Reflections on Intelligence Efforts: The hosts discuss the complexities of thwarting terrorist plots, emphasizing the need for upstream intelligence and the inherent challenges MI5 faces in balancing resources and prioritization.

• Jonathan Evans [27:24]: "It is going to be a much more question about resources, prioritization, having a kind of structure to go back and look at people..."

Invitation to Bonus Content: The episode concludes by inviting listeners to join the Declassified Club for exclusive content, including a bonus episode featuring Eliza Manningham-Buller, former head of MI5.

• David McCloskey [34:19]: "For our declassified club members, we will have a very special bonus episode linked to the series where we'll be talking to Eliza Manningham-Buller..."

Notable Quotes:

• Jonathan Evans [03:03]: "What we are confronting here is an evil ideology. It is not a clash of civilizations."

• Jonathan Evans [14:57]: "So you go for the brainstem. So they haven't got time to actually press a button or do anything."

• David McCloskey [33:03]: "Right."

• Andrew Parker's Reflection [33:03]: "I have pictures of all 52 victims of the 77 attack on my office wall."

Key Takeaways:

• Operational Challenges: The July 21, 2005, attempted bombings highlighted significant gaps in MI5's intelligence and operational procedures, leading to tragic missteps like the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes.

• Intelligence Reforms: In response to these failures, MI5 undertook substantial reforms to enhance surveillance, data analysis, and community engagement to better anticipate and prevent future threats.

• Ongoing Threats: The persistent influence of figures like Rashid Rauf demonstrates the evolving nature of terrorist threats and the continuous need for adaptive intelligence strategies.

• Legacy and Remembrance: The attacks left a lasting impact on intelligence personnel, motivating ongoing vigilance and dedication to preventing further tragedies.

This episode of The Rest Is Classified provides a deep dive into the complexities of counterterrorism efforts in London post the 7/7 bombings, shedding light on the intricate balance between intelligence gathering, resource allocation, and the human cost of operational failures.