Posted on 01/31/2007 1:20:48 AM PST by leadpenny
Police raids target 'terror plot'
The raids took place at 0400 GMT on Wednesday morning Eight people have been arrested under the Terrorism Act in Birmingham after a "significant" operation involving police and security service MI5.
A number of addresses in the city have been sealed off after morning raids.
Security sources have told the BBC the alleged plot would not have involved mass casualties but marked "a different approach to terrorism in the UK".
The six-month operation involved the Midlands counter terrorism unit, West Midlands Police and the Met Police.
At least four addresses in Birmingham were targeted as part of the 0400 GMT raids.
Two residential houses and a general store in the Alum Rock area were raided as well as a book store in the Sparkhill area.
Police have cordoned off roads around Jackson Road and Foxton Road, in Alum Rock, and Poplar Road and Stratford Road, in Sparkhill.
Police have not confirmed any of the raided addresses.
Public co-operation
The eight are suspected of "the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism".
The Home Office said Home Secretary John Reid had been fully briefed.
"This operation is a reminder of the real and serious nature of the terrorist threat we face," a spokeswoman said.
In a statement, West Midlands Police asked for the "continued support and co-operation of the public".
"Our message to people living in the West Midlands is to remain vigilant," the statement added.
The raided houses are now being searched by officers.
"It would be even more interesting to start the same strategy with them. Turnabout is fair play."
The Islamofacists love to cut people's heads off. Under your proposal we could sorta "cut them off at the pass" so to speak...lol
Bullies do not like it when they have to take their own medicine.
There is an extreme minority that are preaching hatred. At long last we are starting to fight back. Sadly the islamic community does itself no favours and is failing in its duty to report such individuals.
Britian is in more than one location living on a knifeedge. Tension between communities is high and especially in this location, Birmingham, it would almost certainly start havoc that would spread.
I do worry about this, but at the same time, we are a tolerant society, thus rightfully we will not victimize the islamic community.
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