Press Release from US C&BP & DHS - August 10, 2006

CBP Alert - CBP Increases Security Posture
August 10, 2006

Early this morning, British law enforcement authorities arrested a number of individuals related to a terrorist plot seeking to potentially detonate explosives on multiple aircraft from the United Kingdom and destined to the United States. As a result, and coordinated with our international law enforcement partners, the Secretary of Homeland Security raised the Homeland Security Threat Condition level for all flights from the U.K. destined for the U.S. to Severe, or Red, and all other international and domestic U.S. flights to High, or Orange.

While specific law enforcement actions have been taken to significantly disrupt and dismantle this specific terrorist threat, CBP has taken a number of heightened protective measures to ensure that all proactive efforts are taken to maintain the security of our air travel and identify other potential high-risk individuals.

As part of the response to this heightened threat condition, CBP will perform intensive passenger screening, prior to departure from the gate, of all flights scheduled for departure from the U.K. and destined for the U.S, including the risk-based screening of manifest information. In addition, passengers on these flights and all other international flights will be subjected to heightened inspections upon arrival in the United States.

Specifically, CBP will increase enforcement efforts in international arrival areas, using risk-based targeting and deploying special response teams including baggage and aircraft search teams, baggage x-ray equipment, specially trained canine units, and explosive detection technology. These efforts will complement domestic actions taken by the Transportation Security Administration.

CBP understands that heightened security measures may create delays for passengers upon arrival, and CBP thanks all passengers in advance for their patience during this time. CBP will constantly evaluate its security measures and update them as circumstances warrant. CBP is firmly committed to maintaining the necessary level of security while continuing to facilitate legitimate travel for all passengers.

The United States and the United Kingdom are fully united and resolute in this effort and in our ongoing efforts to secure our respective homelands.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Contacts For This News Release:
Public Affairs
Phone: (619) 652-9966 Ext: 114

Statement By Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff Announcing A Change To The Nation's Threat Level For The Aviation Sector
August 10, 2006

Press Office
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security is taking immediate steps to increase security measures in the aviation sector in coordination with heightened security precautions in the United Kingdom. Over the last few hours, British authorities have arrested a significant number of extremists engaged in a substantial plot to destroy multiple passenger aircraft flying from the United Kingdom to the United States. Currently, there is no indication, however, of plotting within the United States. We believe that these arrests have significantly disrupted the threat, but we cannot be sure that the threat has been entirely eliminated or the plot completely thwarted.

For that reason, the United States Government has raised the nation's threat level to Severe, or Red, for commercial flights originating in the United Kingdom bound for the United States. This adjustment reflects the Critical, or highest, alert level that has been implemented in the United Kingdom. To defend further against any remaining threat from this plot, we will also raise the threat level to High, or Orange, for all commercial aviation operating in or destined for the United States. Consistent with these higher threat levels, the Transportation Security Administration is coordinating with federal partners, airport authorities and commercial airlines on expanding the intensity of existing security requirements. Due to the nature of the threat revealed by this investigation, we are prohibiting any liquids, including beverages, hair gels, and lotions from being carried on the airplane. This determination will be constantly evaluated and updated when  circumstances  warrant.
These changes will take effect at 4:00 AM local time across the country. Travelers should also anticipate additional security measures within the airport and at screening checkpoints.

These measures will continue to assure that our aviation system remains safe and secure. Travelers should go about their plans confidently, while maintaining vigilance in their surroundings and exercising patience with screening and security officials.

The United States and the United Kingdom are fully united and resolute in this effort and in our ongoing efforts to secure our respective homelands.

Contacts For This News Release:
DHS Public Affairs Office
Phone: (202) 282-8010