Thursday, August 10, 2006

Foiled Terror Plot   [Kathryn Jean Lopez]

Wow

MORE:

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain raised its security threat level to "critical" on Thursday, which means it expects an attack imminently, after a police said they had foiled a plot to blow up aircraft.

Gov't Statements :

The police, acting with the Security Service MI5, are investigating an alleged plot to bring down a number of aircraft through mid-flight explosions, causing a considerable loss of life.

and

ensuring maximum security unfortunately will involve immediate and severe disruption for passengers, with significant delays likely at all UK airports.

What these changes mean in practice is that all hand baggage will now have to be checked in with only a small number of essential items allowed through search controls. Exceptions will be in place for those travelling with infants and for prescription medicines.

Extra security arrangements will be in place for flights to the USA.

and

Any liquids discovered must be removed from the passenger.

From the London Times:

Around 18 or 19 people in London and the Thames Valley were arrested last night in a major covert counter-terrorist operation that has lasted several months, although there was no official confirmation of the number from police.

It is believed that the attacks would have been particularly targeted at flights from the UK to the USA, with the aim to detonate explosive devices smuggled on board the aircraft in hand luggage.

US :

The U.S. government raised its threat level to the highest level for commercial flights from Britain to the United States early Thursday in response to a reported terror plot in London and also stepped up the general level for all flights within the U.S. or entering the country.

It should be said: Thank God for the people working thanklessly to foil such plots there and here .... because we are at war and there are people who want nothing more than to kill us.


4:15 UPDATE: Heathrow closed to incoming flights . U.S. Airports at CODE ORANGE, according to Chertoff .

08/10 03:13 AMShare