FBI confirms leak probe on al Qaeda plot

Washington: FBI Director Robert Mueller said on Wednesday the bureau has started an investigation into who leaked information about an al Qaeda plot to place an explosive device aboard a US-bound airline flight.

In an appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Mueller said a leak like this one threatens continuing operations, "puts at risk the lives of sources, makes it much more difficult to recruit sources" and damages relationships with law enforcement partners from other countries.

The Associated Press and other news organisations revealed details of the plot this month. A double agent working with the CIA, Saudi intelligence agencies and the British intelligence agency MI6 turned the bomb over to the US government. Mueller's comment to the Senate Judiciary Committee was the first on-the-record confirmation that a Justice Department leak probe is under way.

Robert Mueller said that they have initiated an investigation into this leak and will investigate thoroughly.

"We have initiated an investigation into this leak" and "will investigate thoroughly," said Mueller.

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