DHS RESPONDS TO UK TERRORIST PLOT; Raises Terror Threat Level
Jim Kouri, CPP
August 10, 2006
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, says Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.
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.
Chertoff said that currently there is no indication, however, of a terrorist plot 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," said Secretary Chertoff.
"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, the DHS also raised the threat level to High, or Orange, for all commercial aviation operating in or destined for the United States, according to DHS officials.
"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," said Chertoff.
"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, said DHS officials. These changes took effect at 4:00 AM local time across the country. They advised travelers to anticipate additional security measures within the airport and at screening checkpoints.
These measures will continue to assure that aviation system remains safe and secure, said TSA officials.
"Travelers should go about their plans confidently, while maintaining vigilance in their surroundings and exercising patience with screening and security officials," they said.
"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," said Secretary Chertoff.
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.
Chertoff said that currently there is no indication, however, of a terrorist plot 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," said Secretary Chertoff.
"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, the DHS also raised the threat level to High, or Orange, for all commercial aviation operating in or destined for the United States, according to DHS officials.
"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," said Chertoff.
"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, said DHS officials. These changes took effect at 4:00 AM local time across the country. They advised travelers to anticipate additional security measures within the airport and at screening checkpoints.
These measures will continue to assure that aviation system remains safe and secure, said TSA officials.
"Travelers should go about their plans confidently, while maintaining vigilance in their surroundings and exercising patience with screening and security officials," they said.
"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," said Secretary Chertoff.
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