Britain Foils 'Plot To Blow Up Planes'

Britain Foils 'Plot To Blow Up Planes'

PRAGUE, August 10, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- The British authorities are in no doubt -- after an operation lasting several months, the security services have foiled an imminent terrorist attack.

British Home Secretary John Reid said the security services had raised the threat level from "severe" to "critical," the highest possible level, which, according to the website of MI5, the British Security Service, means an attack is expected soon.

"The police, with the full knowledge of ministers, have carried out a major counterterrorism operation to disrupt what we believe to be a major threat to the United Kingdom and international partners," Reid said today.

London Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Paul Stephenson said the plan had been to commit mass murder.

"We cannot stress too highly the severity that this plot represented," Stephenson said. "Put simply, this was intended to be mass murder on an unimaginable scale."

21 In Custody

Police said they have detained 21 people and believe that they have seized all the main suspects However, they said the reason for raising the threat level is the fear there may be a back-up plot of which the police are not aware.

"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," Reid explained. "The police believe the alleged plot was a very significant one indeed."

"There are 21 people who are in custody at this moment in time," Stephenson said. "The operation is ongoing. We've been very successful in arresting those we were targeting, but this is a lengthy operation, and no doubt there will be further developments."

The alert comes just 13 months after four British Islamist suicide bombers wreaked havoc on the London transport system, killing 52 people and injuring hundreds.

Speaking on the anniversary of those bombings, London police chief Sir Ian Blair warned of the liklihood of additional incidents.

"I fear that it is almost inevitable that there will be further attacks and almost inevitable that some of those attacks will get through," Blair said. "That is the new reality in which we are operating."

Reports That 20 Planes Were Targeted

The British television channel Sky News says that, according to their sources, the plot had targeted around 20 planes and would have caused massive loss of life if it had succeeded.

Britain's Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander outlined the security measures introduced today at British airports.

"All UK airports and all airlines operating into and out of the United Kingdom were asked to implement a heightened level of security," Alexander said. "This step has been taken to ensure maximum security on all flights so people can go ahead with their travel arrangements."

Passengers are being told they cannot carry hand luggage onto flights except for essential items placed in transparent bags. Milk for babies must be tasted by the accompanying passenger before it is allowed on board.

"All hand baggage will now have to be checked in with only a small number of essential items allowed through search controls," Alexander said. "Exceptions will be in place for those traveling with infants and for prescription medicines. Extra security arrangements will be in place for flights to the United States of America."

"We would ask all passengers not to come to the airport today unless it's absolutely necessary," said BAA spokesman Tony Douglas. "We would also advise those passengers who must travel today to consider using public transport and be prepared for long delays as a result of these measures."

Global Reaction

The security alert has caused chaos at British airports with massive queues at check-in and long tailbacks on the roads leading to airports.

Airlines around the world have stepped up security or cancelled flights to Britain. The measures were announced by airlines in Britain, France, the Netherlands, Australia, Belgium, and Germany. British airports operator BAA warned of severe delays at London's Heathrow airport and advised passengers to cancel their flights.

The U.S. government also raised its threat level to the highest level for commercial flights from Britain to the United States.

London's biggest hub, Heathrow, announced that it has temporarily banned all incoming flights.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list

Homeland Security

Britain Foils 'Plot To Blow Up Planes'