Threat Level Raised for Aviation Sector
August 10, 2006 (8:00 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:
* Threat Level Raised to Code Red or Severe for flights originating in
the United Kingdom bound for the United States
* Threat Level Raised to Code Orange or High for all commercial
aviation operating in or destined for the United States.
The adjustment to Red or Severe reflects the Critical, or highest, alert
level that has been implemented in the United Kingdom. “Further, as a
precaution
against any loose ends in the plot, and against any would-be copy-cats who
may be inspired to conduct similar attacks, we will also raise the threat level
to High, or Orange, for all domestic commercial aviation and for flights
arriving in the United States from overseas.” The rest of the country
remains
at Code Yellow or Elevated.
“We believe that the arrests in Britain have significantly disrupted this
threat. We cannot assume, however, that it has been completely thwarted, or
that we have fully identified and neutralized all members of this terrorist
network. While there is currently no indication of any plotting within the
United States, the federal government is taking immediate steps to increase
security measures in the aviation sector.
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."
(http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/press_release/press_release_0975.xml)

Copied directly from Homeland Security Homepage http://www.dhs.gov



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]