Plot To Blow Up Planes Foiled

August 9, 2006

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A terrorist plot to blow up planes in mid-flight from the UK to the US has been disrupted, Scotland Yard has said. It is thought the plan was to detonate explosive devices smuggled on aircraft in hand luggage. Police have arrested about 18 people in the London area after an anti-terrorist operation lasting several months.

Security at all airports in the UK has been tightened and delays are expected. MI5 says the current UK threat level is critical - the highest possible. Scotland Yard said in a statement: “We would like to reassure the public that this operation was carried out with public safety uppermost in our minds.

Update 12:30pm PST: Ringleaders indentified:

Three of the alleged ringleaders of the airline terror plot have been identified by Western intelligence agencies. Two are believed to have recently traveled to Pakistan and were later in receipt of money wired to them from Pakistan, reportedly to purchase tickets for the suicide bombers.

Sources identify the three, who are now in custody, as: Rashid Rauf, Mohammed al-Ghandra, Ahmed al Khan

Latest Updates At CNN

UK Goes On Critical Alert - Highest Level