Homeland Security

DATE=3/31/2004

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BRITAIN / TERRORISM (L-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-314622

BYLINE=MICHAEL DRUDGE

DATELINE=LONDON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: British Muslim leaders are appealing for all the nation's mosques to be on high alert for any suspected terrorist activity in their congregations. The development comes as police question eight men believed to be Muslims who were arrested in a major anti-terrorist sweep. V-O-A's Michael Drudge has more from London.

TEXT: The appeal is contained in a letter from the Muslim Council of Britain that is being sent to more than one thousand prayer leaders at all of the country's mosques.

The council's secretary general, Iqbal Sacranie, says criminals are distorting Islamic teachings and trying to recruit Muslim youths, and the whole community must be alert to the threat.

///SACRANIE ACT///

It is important that our youth should be aware of it and they should not fall into that trap. But if there is any knowledge of such acts of criminality being committed then it is our duty as citizens of the country to report this to the police.

///END ACT///

Mr. Sacranie spoke as authorities interrogate eight men, identified as British Muslims of Pakistani origin, who were arrested by anti-terrorist police on Tuesday.

Police also confiscated half-a-ton of ammonium nitrate fertilizer they believe was going to be used as the fuel for a massive bomb. The same kind of fertilizer has been used in several high-profile bombings over the past decade, including terrorist attacks in the United States, Kenya, Turkey and Indonesia.

Police have released few details about the operation, but British media speculate the fertilizer was intended for use in a truck bomb intended to blow up a civilian target such as a shopping mall or a sports stadium.

Six of the eight suspects are 21 years of age or younger. Police can question them for up to two weeks without charges if a judge approves.

The arrests have fueled Britain's fears that it remains vulnerable to attack by Islamic militants who want to retaliate for Britain's strong support of the United States in the war on terrorism and the war in Iraq.

The home secretary, David Blunkett, said the arrests are a reminder that Britain remains a target and that it faces what he called "a real and serious threat." (Signed).

NEB/MWD/AWP