'Plot to blow up planes' foiled [UK TERROR THREAT LEVEL RAISED TO IMMINENT{U.S.raised terror level)

BBC News ^ | Thursday, 10 August 2006, 05:06 GMT 06:06 UK | Unknown

[gary_b_UK]

A major terrorist plot to blow up planes in mid-flight has been disrupted by police, Scotland Yard says.

It is thought the plan was to detonate explosive devices smuggled on board aircraft in hand luggage.

During the night, police arrested a number of people in London after a counter-terrorist operation they said had lasted several months.

Police believe the attacks would have been particularly targeted at flights from the UK to the US.

The Department for Transport said security at all UK airports has been increased.

Passengers on all flights will not be allowed to take any hand luggage on to any flights in the UK.

Only the barest essentials - including passports and wallets - will be allowed to be carried on board in transparent plastic bags.

[Eurotwit]

I have noticed a pattern with that guy, since I watch Sky News a lot.

He should go work for Al Jazeera....or the BBC.

[nopardons]

BTTT

[dk88]

Or - the liquid threat is *not* an explosive.
Biological?

[Cindy]

I don't know.
Apparently aerosol cans are banned, too from what I heard and parents will have to taste the baby formula, which I have also heard.

[Irishguy]

i read it was 20 planes and some vague attempts at detonating over cities....

[GeronL]

SKY-TV anchors said that he didn't think the minister meant it when he said this was not the fault of UK foreign policies. Then an opposition MP said this would not end until the middle east situation was solved

[nopardons]

GOOD! He's going to be very busy today.

[TASMANIANRED]

I believe that was nitro.

[AmeriBrit]

Heathrow Airport has been closed to all incoming flights that are not already in the air, following a police anti-terror operation.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4778871.stm?ls

[Mo1]

Something doesn't make sense. Just blowing up 6 planes wouldn't be worse than 9/11. Most Trans-Atlantic planes don't seat more than 300 these days (especially those flying from Glasgow, Manchester and Edinburgh). 300 x 6 = 1,800. There has to be more to this story.

Possible ... there could be alot more to this

Over the Atlantic, wouldn't be bigger then 9/11

But over land .. like as in Lockerbie would be bigger

Though .. the media doesn't always get the story right in the beginning

For example 20 planes now down to 6

[NorthWoody]

Those guys look a lot like the 19 guys from 9/11. They bring Richard Reid (the shoe bomber) to mind as well. Not too smart-looking, some with misshapen heads, and a dark, angry look in the eyes. Number 11 looks like a guy I wouldn't turn my back on, even for money.

[onyx]

Fly Cayman Air -- they're government owned, but it's supposed to be a secret.

[mtbopfuyn]

Putting things together they're looking for a liquid explosive being hidden in kleenex or tampons and being detonated with cell phones? How do the glasses and contact lens fit in? Why ban glasses and contacts without their cases?

[onyx]

And yet, we are told now that only 6 planes were directly involved.....

[Fitzcarraldo]

The problem discovered in UK may be a small facet of a general attack, IMO.

[nopardons]

It was going to be far WORSE than 9/11.

[GeronL]

I heard the glasses are not banned, just their cases

[Allegra]

Two Arab channels have said that the terror threat level in the U.S. is at RED.

Please tell me they're just confusing orange with red.

[conservative in nyc]

Sky and Fox News is now reporting that it was 20 people (18 in custody; 2 still at large) who wanted to blow up 6 planes.

[djf]

Blue eyed blondes, every one...