US finds no evidence of plot

2006-08-10 12:08

Washington - After putting US-bound passenger airplanes from Britain on the highest, or severe (red) threat alert, the US department of homeland security said on Thursday there was no evidence of plotting in the United States.

"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," the department said in a statement.

"Currently, there is no indication, however, of plotting within the United States," it added.

"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," the department said.

London and Washington, it added, "are fully united and resolute in this effort and in our ongoing efforts to secure our respective homelands".

The department put all US-bound flights from Britain on the highest "severe" threat alert, which is highlighted in red, and to the second-highest "high" threat alert all commercial flights inside or destined for the United States.

It additionally banned "any liquids, including beverages, hair gels, and lotions" from being carried on board passenger planes.

- AFP