Posted on 08/10/2006 12:52:41 AM PDT by HAL9000
The Department of Homeland Security is taking immediate steps to increase security measures in the aviation sector in coordination with heightened security precautions in the United Kingdom. Over the last few hours, British authorities have arrested a significant number of extremists engaged in a substantial plot to destroy multiple passenger aircraft flying from the United Kingdom to the United States. Currently, there is no indication, however, of plotting within the United States. We believe that these arrests have significantly disrupted the threat, but we cannot be sure that the threat has been entirely eliminated or the plot completely thwarted.For that reason, the United States Government has raised the nation’s threat level to Severe, or Red, for commercial flights originating in the United Kingdom bound for the United States. This adjustment reflects the Critical, or highest, alert level that has been implemented in the United Kingdom. To defend further against any remaining threat from this plot, we will also raise the threat level to High, or Orange, for all commercial aviation operating in or destined for the United States. Consistent with these higher threat levels, the Transportation Security Administration is coordinating with federal partners, airport authorities and commercial airlines on expanding the intensity of existing security requirements. Due to the nature of the threat revealed by this investigation, we are prohibiting any liquids, including beverages, hair gels, and lotions from being carried on the airplane. This determination will be constantly evaluated and updated when circumstances warrant. These changes will take effect at 4:00 AM local time across the country. Travelers should also anticipate additional security measures within the airport and at screening checkpoints.
These measures will continue to assure that our aviation system remains safe and secure. Travelers should go about their plans confidently, while maintaining vigilance in their surroundings and exercising patience with screening and security officials.
The United States and the United Kingdom are fully united and resolute in this effort and in our ongoing efforts to secure our respective homelands.
Ping...
It's a scandal that this press release is not available at dhs.gov yet.
time to line up the ships and begin the mass deportations
Enough is enough
All passengers advised not to travel from Heathrow today.
BTTT
Thanks to Bermuda II, DFW, IAH, and ATL don't have non-stop flights to and from LHR.
So was it 4 planes or 20 planes? Other sources said 20, maybe that was in error?
I'll ping or Freepmail you when I have further. I've got some calls into our Chain of Command for clarification.
I'll share what I can when I can.
Take care,
L
Don't forget, three of the Egyptians who arrived in Montana were detained yesterday.
Can't wait to see the pic line up and names...
Does this mean I can't put my whisky bottle even in my checked baggage? It is inexcusable that they can't explain themselves clearly and unambiguously. Publik Skool training at work, no doubt.
FNC says as many as 50 people, 20 planes, flying out of four airports in England.
What????
Fox/BBC now saying six planes.
Another thread says Sky News reports 6 planes (not 20) were targeted.
Obviously the number is still very up in the air (no pun intended). We'll have to await developments.
They've scaled the number back -- when I first turned on the TV Fox reported "at least" 20.
News like this is fluid. We probably won't know most of the details until investigators beat it out of the suspects.
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