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UK Threat level goes critical following a major plot to blow up passenger aircraft?
On the 10 August 2006, the United Kingdom Home Office has confirmed a major plot to blow up aircraft leaving British airports has been prevented, but warn that a terrorist attack is still believed to be imminent. It is believed that a group of suspects were planning to blow up several plans by using liquid explosives carried in water or soft-drink bottles, and detonators disguised as electronic equipment. No hand luggage will be allowed on aircraft from 10 August until the threat level is lowered. Security levels have been raised at all airports and passengers travelling to the US are being screened twice. Large business disruption is expected as security measures mean passengers face huge delays. British Airways said, "We expect severe congestion in and around all UK airports and possible delays to flights." By 0730 GMT Heathrow was closed to all incoming flights not already in the air. Airport operator BAA advised passengers not to travel to the airpoort unless their journey was essential.
The UK security services say that a terrorist attack is "imminent", having raised the threat level from Severe to Critical. The US Department of Homeland Security immediately raised the threat level to Red - Severe - for all incoming aircraft. Red is defined as "severe risk of terrorist attacks".
Police have raided a number of homes in London, Thames Valley and Birmingham following an operation believed to have lasted meany months. Police have made more than 20 arrests and were part of a joint pre-planned operation between the security services and the police. Intelligence sources say those arrested had gone some way towards getting materials together to carry out a bombing. The alleged plan could have involved three transatlantic aircraft - believed to by US airlines - being bombed in mid-air using explosives smuggled in with hand luggage. Some sources suggested a liquid explosive disguised within a drinks container.
The UK Home Secretary, Dr John Reid said, "Overnight, the police, with the full knowledge of Ministers, have carried out a major counter-terrorism operation to disrupt what we believe to be a major threat to the UK and international partners.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. The police believe the alleged plot was a very significant one indeed. At 2am this morning the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre raised the UK threat state to its highest level - "CRITICAL". This is a precautionary measure. We are doing everything possible to disrupt any further terrorist activity. This will mean major disruption at all UK airports from today. But as far as is possible we want people to go about their business as normal."
Despite the arrests, all passengers departing UK airports will have to place all baggage (apart from medicines and travel documents) into the hold. All passengers are being thoroughly checked and footwear is also being checked. The Civil Aviation Authority issued a warning to all UK airports calling for all hand luggage to be checked into the hold. There were chaotic scenes at Heathrow as bemused passengers queued in the terminals as the security measures slowed down check-ins. Stansted and Glasgow airports reported further chaotic scenes as passengers were forced to re-pack bags and go through hand-searching.
The UK Department of Transport issued the following statement:
"Following this morning's police action, security at all UK airports has been increased and additional security measures have been put in place for all flights. With immediate effect, the following arrangements apply to all passengers starting their journey at a UK airport and to those transferring between flights at a UK airport. All cabin baggage must be processed as hold baggage and carried in the hold of passenger aircraft departing UK airports. Passengers may take through the airport security search point, in a single (ideally transparent) plastic carrier bag, only the following items. Nothing may be carried in pockets:
- Pocket size wallets and pocket size purses plus contents (for example money, credit cards, identity cards etc (not handbags));
- Travel documents essential for the journey (for example passports and travel tickets);
- Prescription medicines and medical items sufficient and essential for the flight (eg diabetic kit), except in liquid form unless verified as authentic.
- Spectacles and sunglasses, without cases.
- Contact lens holders, without bottles of solution.
- For those travelling with an infant: baby food, milk (the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger) and sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight (nappies, wipes, creams and nappy disposal bags).
- Female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, if unboxed (eg tampons, pads, towels and wipes).
- Tissues (unboxed) and/or handkerchiefs
- Keys (but no electrical key fobs)
"All passengers must be hand searched, and their footwear and all the items they are carrying must be x-ray screened. Pushchairs and walking aids must be x-ray screened, and only airport-provided wheelchairs may pass through the screening point. In addition to the above, all passengers boarding flights to the USA and all the items they are carrying, including those acquired after the central screening point, must be subjected to secondary search at the boarding gate. Any liquids discovered must be removed from the passenger.
"Regrettably, significant delays at airports are inevitable. Passengers are being asked to allow themselves plenty of extra time and to ensure that other than the few permitted items listed above, all their belongings are placed in their hold baggage and checked in.
"These additional security measures will make travel more difficult for passengers, particularly at such a busy time of the year. But they are necessary and will continue to keep flights from UK airports properly secure. We hope that these measures, which are being kept under review by the Government, will need to be in place for a limited period only. In light of the threat to aviation and the need to respond to it, we are asking the travelling public to be patient and understanding and to cooperate fully with airport security staff and the police."
Level 1 - Low - an attack is unlikely
Level 2 - Moderate - an attack is possible but not likely
Level 3 - Substantial - strong possibility of an attack
Level 4 - Severe - an attack is highly likely
Level 5 - Critical - an attack is expected imminent
Within hours of the UK warning being put into effect, stock markets reacted by downgrading airlines and airport operators. Within minutes the London market opening, Easyjet lost 2.8%, MyTravel lost 5% and BAA's new owner, Ferrovial lost 3% in Madrid. British Airways dropped 3.5%. Meanwhile NAA's website crashed after thousands of people tried to log on for information.
Article written by KeepMeInBusiness.co.uk | Date added: August 10, 2006