7/7 Terrorists Known to Authorities Prior to Attack

The Associated Press reports that details revealed during the trials of five jihadis (just sentenced to life terms) show that British investigators were aware of the 7/7 terrorists, but failed to connect the dots:

Details kept secret to ensure a fair trial showed that counterterrorism agents tracking the five men had also stumbled onto the transit plotters. And despite disturbing signs that the transit plot was in the works, the agents failed to piece them together in time to prevent the July 7, 2005 bombings that killed 52 people, testimony and official briefings during the trial showed.

Of course, the bits and pieces always fit together seamlessly after the fact.

And, also of course, the information will immediately be used for partisan purposes:

The revelations are at odds with statements by Tony Blair's government after the 2005 attack. Senior ministers, who a month earlier had lowered the country's alert status, said the 2005 attack was unexpected and the perpetrators unknown.