Major Terrorist Threat in UK-US discovered

[MickeyLumbo]

0200, August 10, London

The terrorist threat has just been raised to its highest level, "Critical", in the United Kingdom and the highest levels of security now in place as a perceived serious threat of a major terror attack. \

CNN reports the Terror alert level CRITICAL means an attack is expected imminently.

A major plot was discovered that had plans for 20 UK and US flights between UK and American cities to be "blown-up" in mid-flight, creating an event on a larger scale than 9/11.

ALL flights in and out of the United Kingdom under extreme security measures, including NO carry-on items except essential items ID, cash, medicine, baby food - carried only in a clear plastic bag).

Stringent security guidelines in place, including the cancellation of flights.

Even liquid in baby bottles is suspect and an adult passenger must drink/ingest the liquid in front of authorities before clearance will be given to board.

a few hours ago, Counter-Terrorist authorities arrested 20 suspects involved in the planned attack on the Unied Kingdom and United States. The plot was to detonate carry-on luggage containing explosive / incendiary devices / substances.

Fox News reports the plot "might have been larger than 9/11". "The plot had been in the making for 9 months and all flights targeted were destined for the United States. The FBI will be issuing a statement shortly."

[MickeyLumbo]

Fox News now reporting: Scotland Yard says that only 6 aircraft were targeted... all flights, worldwide, into Heathrow are on a ground hold.

Liquid items of particular concern.

[Mousey Girl]

Please tell me this is some sort of joke...please.

[scaeagles]

Certainly no joke

Be careful out there today, everyone. Here's hoping no one had to fly today, because apparently it's going to be pretty ugly in terms of delays, and security is going to be ultra tight.

[Gemini Cricket]

Big doings in the news today. I also heard something about the plot involving hiding explosives in hair care product containers.

[Sub la Goon]

Wow. Paul Mitchell on the "No-Fly" list.

[Stan4dSteph]

A lot of details will be sketchy right now, but essentially it appears the plot was to detonate liquid explosives carried on in hand baggage. Therefore, nothing in liquid or gel form is being allowed in a carryon bag; the only exception is baby bottles, and apparently they are making the passenger taste the liquid before boarding.

If you're flying today, be prepared for a huge PITA at security. Basically, plan to check all toiletry items. Just seal them up in Ziploc and pack them in your bag. Electronics will also get extra scrutiny, so be prepared to be asked to turn on any device you might carry on with you.

[innerSpaceman]

Are we sure this isn't just some publicity stunt for that Oliver Stone picture opening today? Timing seems awfully suspicious.

I hear the studio has a dud on their hands, and could be desperate enough ...

[Nephythys]

^^ I wish that was a joke- but honest to God that's the kind of tinfoil stuff you would buy into isn't it- *sigh*


But on the topic-

What a mess and how scary.....

[Nephythys]

PETER CLARK, SCOTLAND YARD'S ANTI-TERRORISM CHIEF
I would like to give you some details about the counter terrorist operation, which took place overnight.

I shall focus purely on the criminal investigation. As always, I must preface my remarks with a request for restraint - and by that I mean restraint in the reporting of events so far as they relate to those who have been arrested.


We must all, please, be careful to say or do nothing that might prejudice the right of any individual to a fair trial.

The investigation has focused on intelligence, which suggested that a plot was in existence to blow up transatlantic passenger aircraft, in flight.

The intelligence suggested that this was to be achieved by means of concealed explosive devices smuggled onto the aircraft in hand baggage.


The intelligence suggested that the devices were to be constructed in the United Kingdom, and taken through British airports.

The number, destination and timing of the flights that might be attacked remain the subject of investigation. This has been, and continues to be, a fast-moving investigation.

Today marks the culmination of one phase of what is a major operation that has already lasted several months, and will undoubtedly last long into the future.

During the investigation an unprecedented level of surveillance has been undertaken and our objective is to gather intelligence and evidence in support of the investigation.

We have been looking at meetings, movements, travel, spending and the aspirations of a large group of people.

This has involved close co-operation, not only between agencies and police forces in the United Kingdom, but also internationally. As is so often the case in these investigations, the alleged plot has global dimensions.

The investigation reached a critical point last night when the decision was made to take urgent action in order to disrupt what we believe was being planned. As always in these cases, the safety of the public was our overriding concern.




Throughout the night a significant number of arrests were made.

All the arrests were made on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of Acts of terrorism under the Terrorism Act 2000.

The people arrested remain in custody in London, where officers will pursue the investigation from the Metropolitan Police Anti-Terrorist branch.

Searches are also under way at a number of business and residential premises in London and elsewhere. We anticipate that these will take some time to complete.

You will realise that this is a very early stage in what will be a meticulous, painstaking criminal investigation.

We will now be embarking on the next stage of the investigation, an investigation that will take us wherever the evidence leads.

As and when I am able to do so, I will give out information on the progress of the investigation. But please be aware that we will only release specific information when we are sure it is correct.

I am sure you will understand that at this very early stage it is not appropriate for me to answer questions. I will give you further information only when I am able and it is appropriate to do so.

At this point I must focus on the criminal investigation and any subsequent legal process, and refrain from speculation.

Link

Yup- I am sure Scotland Yard has nothing better to do than trump up a false terror plot in order to launch a movie.

Please.......