NSA chief claims Obama administration 'overstated' counterterrorism success figures

The National Security Agency (NSA) chief, Gen. Keith B. Alexander has reportedly admitted that the government administration hugely overstated that agency's counterterrorism successes through the vast collection of Americans' phone records.

Gen. Alexander admitted that the number of terrorist plots foiled by the NSA's huge database of every phone call made in or to America was only one or perhaps two, far smaller than the 54 originally claimed by the administration.

According to the Washington Times, Sen. Patrick J. Leahy, Vermont Democrat and committee chairman, said that there was no evidence if the bulk phone records collection helped to thwart dozens or even several terrorist plots.

Leahy, who has been a chief critic of the NSA, asked Gen. Alexander to admit that only 13 of the 54 cases had any connection at all to the US.

The report added that Gen. Alexander and other intelligence chiefs have pleaded with lawmakers not to shut down the bulk collection of US phone records after the extensive leaks by whistleblower Edward Snowden revealed the government's overreach in the programme.