Threat Level Raised for Aviation Sector
August
10, 2006 (2:40 a.m. EDT) – Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff
announced a targeted raise in the threat level in light of today’s
arrests in the United Kingdom. “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.”
"Currently, there is no
indication 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.”
"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."
Statement by Homeland Security
Secretary Michael Chertoff Announcing a Change to the Nation’s Threat
Level for the Aviation Sector
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
August 10, 2006
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.
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