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Threat Level raised for Airlines details...

http://www.emergencyemail.org/newsemergency/anmviewer.asp?a=125&z=1

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Posted by: kwflatbed

National Guard To Assist With Security At Logan

Officials Say Terrorists Planned To Blow Up U.S.-Bound Planes

Jamy Pombo,

Senior News Editor

BOSTON -- Gov. Mitt Romney activated the Massachusetts National Guard to assist with security at Logan International Airport after police in Great Britain broke up an alleged terror plot that was intended to cause "mass murder on an unimaginable scale."
Heightened security measures were put in place at Logan after British authorities said that the plan was to blow up planes headed to the United States in mid-flight using explosives smuggled in hand luggage. British Police said they have dozens of suspects in custody.
It's the first time since the Sept. 11 2001, terrorist attacks that the National Guard has been called to help at Logan.
Romney said.
"The measures that are being taken relate to visible deterrence as well as detection of visible devices that can be harmful,"


Romney said the National Guard would help with additional security screening stations being put in place at terminal gates inside the airport.

In Washington, two officials said the terrorists planned to target United, American and Continental airlines. Romney said that the "presumed targets" were not Logan-bound flights.

Officials in London said that extra security arrangements will be in place for flights headed to the U.S.

"The police acting with the security service MI-5 are investigating an alleged plot to bring down a number of aircraft through mid-flight explosions, causing a considerable loss of life," Britain's Home Secretary John Reid said.

The nation's threat level was raised to "severe" or red for all commercial flights originating in Great Britain and bound for the U.S. Within the U.S., the threat level is "high" or orange, and it applies to all commercial planes operating in or destined for the U.S.

"We believe that these arrests have significantly disrupted the threat, but we can not be sure that the threat has been entirely eliminated or the plot completely thwarted," U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said.

Passengers arriving at Logan on Thursday experienced long delays in the terminals. The delays were a result of the security screeners spending extra time looking for items now banned from planes.

Passengers and crew are not allowed to bring any liquids on board any flight. TSA officials said items must be in checked baggage, including all beverages, shampoo, sun tan lotion, creams, toothpaste and hair gel. Baby formula and medicines must be presented for inspection at the checkpoint.

At least one flight scheduled to leave Logan for Heathrow was canceled. American Airlines Flight 156 was due to leave Logan at 9 a.m.

Some travelers bound for Great Britain said that they were not that concerned about the alert.

"There are a lot of aircraft flying around, and when you think of how many millions of passengers there are at any one time, you know, the chances, hopefully, are relatively small that something is going to happen," one traveler said.


Copyright 2006 by TheBostonChannel.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Related To Story

PLOT FOILED
RESOURCES

Security Increased At Logan
Flights: Check Delays
Stuck In London?: Contact WCVB
Alerts: Sign Up For E-mail Alerts
Fact Sheet: New Security Measures
TSA Web Site: Threat Level Change Info
Check: Airport Delays

TRAVEL TIPS

BANNED ITEMS: No liquids or gels of any kind will be permitted in carry-on baggage.
Includes beverages, shampoo, sun tan lotion, creams, toothpaste and hair gel
EXCEPTIONS: Baby formula, breast milk, or juice if a baby or small child is traveling
EXCEPTIONS: Prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger's ticket
EXCEPTIONS: Insulin and essential other non-prescription medicines
Pack lightly, without clutter to facilitate easier screening.
Check with your air carrier well before your flight departs for arrival info.
Cooperate with TSA personnel at all checkpoints and gates.
TSA Security Officers will be checking carry-on baggage at the gate.
Be attentive and vigilant to any suspicious activity.

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