A U.S. official knowledgeable about Mr. al-Awlaki said that, in addition his growing role in terror operations, he continues as a "provocateur and propagandist trying to inspire would be jihadis worldwide, such as Faisal Shahzad," who tried to set off a car bomb in New York's Times Square.
"He has spoken publicly and proudly about his desire to kill American men, women and children, so there should be no doubt about his intentions," the official said. "He wears a terrorist coat of many colors, but mostly red."
Mr. Gates said in his statement that the lawsuit would require disclosure of classified information about U.S. military efforts against terrorists as well as communications used in tracking al Qaeda's activities in Yemen.
The defense secretary said that making public information about U.S. military planning overseas and the collection of intelligence on al Qaeda "could not only allow foreign terrorist organizations to adjust their plans based on the state of U.S. knowledge, but alter their communications and activities and thereby shield information that could prove critical to assessing the threat they pose to the United States and other nations."
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