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Officials: Suicide airliner hijackings possible
Better clean your gun, capân, and keep it handy.The Department of Homeland Security is warning that Islamic extremists might be plotting suicide airliner hijackings to be carried out before the end of the summer, with possible targets including sites in Britain, Italy, Australia or the eastern United States. "As of mid-June, Islamic extremists may have been planning suicide hijackings to be executed by the end of Summer 2003," according to the document obtained Tuesday by CNN. "The plan may involve the use of five-man teams, each of which would attempt to seize control of a commercial aircraft either shortly after takeoff or shortly before landing at a chosen airport." Homeland Security sources said the credibility of the information is still being evaluated. One government official termed it "dubious." Intelligence leading to the advisory was developed during the past several weeks ... The Department of Homeland Security warning also says the hijackers might try to use everyday travel items, such as cameras, that have been modified into weapons. "The hijackers may try to calm passengers and make them believe they are on a hostage, not suicide, mission," it reads. Yeah. Fool me once... By doing this, one official said, the hijackers might be hoping to reduce the likelihood that passengers would take pre-emptive action, as those aboard United Airlines Flight 93 did September 11, 2001, after which the plane went down in a field in Pennsylvania. "Letâs roll..." Although the warning lays out specifics of the possible plot, it also says, "No equipment or operatives are known to have been deployed to conduct the operations." Homeland Security officials said there is no immediate plan to raise the nationâs threat level, but that the aviation sector has been encouraged to review security practices and implement new random measures. Posted by: Rafael 2003-07-29 |
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