Islamofascists Target Civilian Aircraft from London to America
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LONDON – Authorities in London thwarted a terrorist plot to blow up an aircraft in mid-flight between Britain and the U.S. using explosives smuggled in hand luggage, police said Thursday.
Police arrested a number of people overnight in London after a covert counter-terrorist operation lasting several months, police said in a statement.
Security at the country’s airports was increased and additional measures were put in place for all flights.
British Airways advised all passengers that they would not be permitted to carry any hand baggage on board any aircraft departing from any airport in the country.
Watching FoxNews on TV right now, Sky News reports terrorists were planning to smuggle bombs on board with carry-on luggage that would evade X-Ray equipment.
Sky News now reporting British security personnel found out at roughly 2 AM GMT and the Joint Terrorism Analysis Center raised threat level to Critical — the highest level in Great Britain.
Just a few minutes ago (roughly 7 AM GMT), British Home Secretary John Reid made a statement stating the Critical threat level is a precautionary measure.
UK officials are also using increased screening requirements for all person flying to the United States.
Police say they have disrupted a major plot to blow up a dozen planes over UK and US cities with explosive devices smuggled aboard as hand luggage.
Police are have arrested 20 people in London – the culmination of a covert counter-terrorist operation lasting several months.
Passengers trying to board international flights from the UK are not being allowed to carry on normal hand luggage.
Sky News’ Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt said there were concerns that certain explosives could evade x-ray screening of hand luggage.
Brunt said the threat was thought to be imminent and those arrested were mainly young, British-born Asian men.
He said the alleged plan involved people boarding flights and detonating explosives on planes over UK and US cities.
Worries over screening
The Home Secretary John Reid said the alleged plot was a “major threat” to bring down a number of planes.
The Home Office’s level of security – indicating public risk – has been raised from ’severe’ to ‘critical’.
The swoop followed a pre-planned intelligence led operation by the Met’s anti-terrorist branch and security service.
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