U.K. DISRUPTS TERROR PLOT
FBI Pursuing Possible Links to U.S.
08/11/06
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FBI
Director Muller at the Aug. 10 press
conference in Washington, D.C. In the
background is Kip Hawley, assistant
secretary for the Transportation Security
Administration. (AP Photo)
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On 8/10, Director Robert Mueller joined Department
of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff
and Attorney General Alberto Gonzales in a
press briefing on the arrest by British authorities
of 21 extremists believed to be actively planning
a terrorist attack on U.S. passenger aircraft
flights to this country.
"This
plot appears to have been well-planned and
well-advanced, with a significant number of
operatives," said Secretary Chertoff.
"The terrorists planned to carry the
components of the bombs, including liquid
explosive ingredients and detonating devices
disguised as beverages, electronic devices,
or other common objects. While this operation
was centered in Great Britain, it was sophisticated,
it had a lot of members, and it was international
in scope."
While
the FBI and its partners don't have specific
information indicating that an attack is planned
within the U.S., that possibility can't be
discounted. In response to the arrests, the
U.S. raised
the threat level for domestic and international
flights and issued its highest terrorism alert
for commercial flights from Britain to this
nation.
What's
the FBI's role in the continuing case?
Most importantly, to make sure no there are
no attacks or plots planned in the U.S. aligned
with the extremists.
To
that end: We're aggressively looking for
and pursuing potential connections to the
U.S. and U.S. persons, working closely with
British authorities and partners throughout
the national and international law enforcement
and intelligence community. Our more than
100 Joint Terrorism Task Forces nationwide
are operating at a heightened level, tracking
down every available lead and shred of intelligence
arising from the case.
We're
also sharing intelligence and working with
our partners here and overseas to track down
any possible connections from the plot to
known terrorist groups, cells, or individuals
in the U.K., U.S., or elsewhere. We have supported—and
will continue to support-the ongoing investigation
by British authorities.
Resources:
Department of
Homeland Security | FBI
National Security Branch | Help
Prevent Terrorist Attacks
