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WASHINGTON — FBI Director Kash Patel has placed the Bureau’s counterterrorism and counterintelligence teams on high alert nationwide following the launch of major U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iranian targets. The elevation in security posture comes as federal agencies brace for potential “asymmetric” retaliation on American soil.
In a statement issued Saturday, Director Patel confirmed he has instructed federal agents to mobilize all necessary security assets to monitor and thwart any emerging threats. “Last night, I instructed our Counterterrorism and intelligence teams to be on high alert,” Patel said, citing the ongoing military operations.
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Domestic “Sleeper Cell” Concerns
Intelligence officials and law enforcement partners are particularly focused on the threat of “sleeper cells”, clandestine networks potentially embedded within the U.S. that could be activated by Tehran or its proxies, such as Hezbollah.
Retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent Jason Pack noted that while the U.S. strikes, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury,” target military infrastructure abroad, the domestic threat environment rarely remains static during such conflicts.
“This is not reactive; it’s a proactive posture. The intelligence community works to understand these threats long before the first missile is fired,” Pack told reporters.
Coordination Across Federal Agencies
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed she is in “direct coordination” with federal law enforcement to safeguard the homeland. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is currently operating under a partial government shutdown, yet Noem emphasized that monitoring and thwarting potential threats remains a top priority.
In the nation’s capital, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has increased its vigilance. While local officials state there are “no known credible threats” to Washington, D.C. at this time, the public has been warned to expect an increased law enforcement presence around federal buildings, landmarks, and transit hubs.
The Global Context: “Operation Epic Fury”
The domestic alert follows a massive overnight offensive. According to U.S. Central Command, the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeted:
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Ballistic missile sites and storage facilities.
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Naval assets are used to destabilize international shipping lanes.
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Command and control centers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
President Donald Trump, in a video posted to Truth Social, characterized the operation as a defense of the American people against “imminent threats.” Unconfirmed reports have also circulated regarding the status of Iran’s Supreme Leader, following precision strikes in Tehran.
As the military campaign continues, the U.S. Secret Service and local police departments in major cities like New York and Los Angeles have also shifted to a heightened state of readiness, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.