'Al-Qaeda's fascination for planes still on'

The Times Of India ^ | 12-23-2003

[My Favorite Headache]

'Al-Qaeda's fascination for planes still on'

AP[ TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2003 12:57:55 PM ]

WASHINGTON: The US has information, including some that prompted this week's rise in the national terror threat level, that al-Qaeda continues to study potential weaknesses in America's revamped aviation security net looking for ways to strike again through the air, US officials familiar with recent intelligence say.

The information has been gleaned from sources as diverse as al-Qaeda mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and low-level terror network members in Saudi Arabia and has led US officials to quickly adapt security procedures several times in recent months, the officials said.

For instance, US officials have been discreetly working with their counterparts in Canada and Mexico on improved security measures after intelligence indicated al-Qaeda might attack an international airliner that simply passes over US soil, the officials said.

“The information clearly shows they care about getting a hold of airplanes with large fuel supplies in areas with lots of people, and to do it in a way that comes in below our radar screen,'' said one senior US official with access to intelligence, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Bush administration officials said an improving apparatus that directs credible threat information quickly from FBI and CIA agents in the field to intelligence analysts, and then to homeland security and transportation officials for action, has resulted in quick adaptations of the security net.

[My Favorite Headache]

Well looks like the pieces are coming together from all of the stories of the past 24 hrs. About Al Qaeda pilots working for foreign airliners. It appears the U.S. Govt believes it is gonna be coming in from Canada or Mexico.

[Prodigal Son]

I don't think it's going to work out the same for 'em this time if they do indeed try this.

[Squawk 8888]

Not likely from Canada- Canadian airlines rarely hire foreigners because there is a glut of qualified pilots here. More likely to be Latin America, far east or middle east where the airlines always hire foreign pilots (no training available at home).

[thesummerwind]

that al-Qaeda continues to study potential weaknesses

-- sorry, they are brain dead. Enjoy the season.