Phew, that was close.

Photo © 2012 TOPSHOTS/AFP/AAP/Saul LOEB

He may have led the operation that eliminated Osama bin Laden, but it seems US President Barack Obama could have more to fear from terrorists within his own military.

A militia of American soldiers plotted to assassinate US President Barack Obama and overthrow the US government, according to evidence heard in a US court today.

Three members of the militia, calling themselves FEAR (standing for Forever Enduring Always Ready) have been charged with the murder of a former soldier and his girlfriend, who were allegedly killed to keep the group’s existence secret.

Private Isaac Aguigui, identified as the founder and leader of FEAR, funded the militia using half a million dollars in insurance and benefits after the death of his pregnant wife.

The group spent $US87,000 ($83,922) on weapons and bought land in Washington state from which they intended to launch their attacks.

A fourth defendant in the case has admitted two counts of manslaughter and is co-operating with prosecutors in the hopes of avoiding a possible death sentence.

Obama’s presidency has been marked by a serious of spiteful and aggressive attacks. But then a lot of lies are being spread about the President – including from his opponent.

Mitt Romney’s latest ad campaign has been awarded four Pinocchios out of four by the Washington Post’s “Fact Checker” for its misrepresentation of Obama’s position on welfare.

But Romney pollster Neil Newhouse dismissed the criticism, saying “we’re not going to let our campaign be dictated by fact checkers”.

So any facts you see emanating from the Romney camp will be purely coincidental.