Al-Qaida hit list names Americans

WASHINGTON, June 17 (UPI) -- Al-Qaida has posted a suggested hit list of U.S. citizens on jihadi Web sites, calling for assassinations, the FBI said.

The document, dated June 8, included the names of 40 people, with photographs of 26 of the suggested targets, CNN reported.

The FBI said while "the information posted was detailed it appears aspirational in nature and it is unknown whether the threat will progress beyond discussion."

A law enforcement official told CNN it's unknown if any specific plots exist and he didn't know if all the potential targets on the list have been notified or given any recommendations on how to protect themselves.

The list includes the names of government employees and members of the media.

The FBI said the list was spurred by a June 3 video featuring U.S.-born al-Qaida propagandist Adam Gadahn "in which he encourages acts of individual jihad."

There has been an increase in postings on jihadi Web sites since U.S. Navy SEALs killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan May 2, the FBI said.