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Police comb houses after airport attack
Police searched houses near Glasgow, Scotland's biggest city, on Sunday after what they said was a terrorist attack on its airport linked to two failed car bombings in London. The government raised the country's security level to "critical" -- meaning the risk of another attack was imminent -- following the airport incident, in which a fuel-filled, four-wheel-drive slammed into the entrance of the terminal and burst into flames.

We are dealing with a long-term threat. It is not going to go away in the next few weeks or months
"We are dealing with a long-term threat. It is not going to go away in the next few weeks or months," Prime Minister Gordon Brown, himself a Scot who took office only last Wednesday, said in a sombre appraisal of the terrorist threat facing the country.

Two men, one badly burned and in critical condition, were arrested after Saturday's attack, which took place on one of the busiest days for Scotland's main international airport. Two more people were arrested later in northern England. Five members of the public were slightly injured at the airport.

Wearing white plastic bodysuits and face masks, police in Glasgow combed several houses near the airport, in the town of Houston, about six miles (10 km) west of the city.

Neighbours said two Asian men had moved into one of the searched houses, a five minute drive from the airport, about a month ago but had kept very much to themselves.
Neighbours said two Asian men had moved into one of the searched houses, a five minute drive from the airport, about a month ago but had kept very much to themselves. "I don't remember seeing them at all," said Mae Gordon, 67. "They were the only people around here you would never see."

Britain has seen an increase in terrorism-related attacks since the Sept. 11 strikes on the United States and since it joined U.S. forces in invading Iraq in 2003. Some analysts believe the latest attacks may be designed to exert pressure on Britain to withdraw its troops from Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Irrespective of Iraq, irrespective of Afghanistan, irrespective of what is happening in different parts of the world, we have an international organisation trying to inflict the maximum damage on civilian life in pursuit of a terrorist cause that is totally unacceptable to most people," Brown said.
" Brown, who took over from Tony Blair on Wednesday, convened a meeting of the top security chiefs to discuss measures to handle the first big test of his leadership. In a short address, he urged the nation to be vigilant.

Appearing on BBC television on Sunday, Brown warned the fight against terrorism would be drawn out. "Irrespective of Iraq, irrespective of Afghanistan, irrespective of what is happening in different parts of the world, we have an international organisation trying to inflict the maximum damage on civilian life in pursuit of a terrorist cause that is totally unacceptable to most people," he said.

British Muslim groups condemned the series of incidents and urged Muslims to cooperate with the authorities.
British Muslim groups condemned the series of incidents and urged Muslims to cooperate with the authorities. "We are utterly appalled by this sinister plot and comment the professionalism of the security services in aborting it," the British Muslim Initiative said in a statement.
Posted by: lotp 2007-07-01
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=192217