Posted on 08/11/2006 6:24:17 PM PDT by Cornpone
POLICE together with the Civil Aviation Authority have stepped up security at Entebbe International Airport following Thursday's thwarted terrorist plot in Britain.
"We have introduced more stringent measures at the airport," the deputy spokesman of CAA Mr Vianney Luggya told Daily Monitor on phone yesterday. "However, the measures will not inconvenience passengers at all."
He said it's the level of alertness that had been raised, "otherwise there is nothing special because security at Entebbe is always up-to-date 24 hours."
Uganda Police spokesman Mr Edward Ochom said the force has deployed extra officers at the airport to check lagguge and passengers coming in and leaving the airport. "This is intended to tighten security against terrorists, though we have not arrested any suspected terrorists so far," he said.
Ochom said police are telling all passengers at the airport to be vigilant. On Thursday, the British Police stopped a terrorist plot that would simultaneously blow up several aircraft heading to the US, using explosives smuggled in carry-on luggage. Officials raised security to its highest level and banned carry-on luggage on all trans-Atlantic flights.
The extreme measures at major international aviation hub sent ripple effects throughout the world. US officials said on Thursday that the terrorists had targeted United Airlines, American Airlines and Continental Airlines.
British Police say at least 21 people have been arrested in London, its suburbs and Birmingham as the crackdown on suspects progresses. CAA's Luggya said passengers leaving Entebbe are not barred from carrying luggage because the usual luggage screening is still effective. He said CAA was working hand in hand with airline companies to ensure security.
All I remember is doo-doo
Back in those days planes had no news other than what the captain relayed over the PA. The only news I remember hearing was that both Chis Evert and Jimmy Connors who were engaged at that time won the Wimbledon singles titles.
The plane left late due to a caterer's strike so we missed our connecting flight to IAH. We got a free hotel room and meal compliments of BOAC, so I didn't hear any news till late at night when my brother and I got back to our hotel room after dinner. As soon as we turned on the TV we heard about the successful Israeli raid of Entebbe airport and the rescue of the passengers. It was a great way to begin the Bicentenial July 4 celebration.
Interesting story! You would think the Muslims would realize the futility of their actions by now.
Amazing! Thanks. Times, they are a changin'.
Back in the 80's, I attended a National Guard convention. The keynote speaker was the commander who had conducted the Raid on Entebbe. His story was riveting, even to such a young new member of the military! I remember feeling so priveleged to be in the same room with such a hero.
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