U.S. law enforcement thwarted plots timed to July 4

Washington (CNN)U.S. law enforcement efforts thwarted a number of terror threats in the last two weeks, including plots timed to the July 4 holiday weekend, U.S. officials tell CNN on Thursday.

The thwarted plots included targets "coast to coast."

In fitting with calls by ISIS to attack in any way possible, the attempted plots were unsophisticated, including guns, knives and other weapons. Also fitting with recent patterns, investigators believe the plots, though not directed by overseas terror groups providing specific means of attack or specific targets, were "enabled" by actors abroad, including recruiting the suspects and encouraging them to carry out attacks on US soil.

No further details were immediately available about how the plots were thwarted.

The news is significant because of the increased security measures federal, state and local officials took in the days leading up to the holiday. The FBI, Department of Homeland Security and National Counterterrorism Center outlined in a memo several weeks ago that listed the holiday weekend and several upcoming Prophet Mohammed drawing events as possible targets for attacks.