BBC Radio just reported an unsucessfull attempt to blow up Air Force One, but said they have no further details, anyone got any info on this?
Home | BBC Radio just reported an unsucessfull attempt to blow up Air Force One, but said they have no further details, anyone got any info on this?
Holy Moly!! I haven't heard anything, if I do, I'll get back to you!Originally posted by britishchap
BBC Radio just reported an unsucessfull attempt to blow up Air Force One, but said they have no further details, anyone got any info on this?
Merci, BG!
Ric!
The plot involved a British Indian arms dealer who tried to sell an Igla SAM to an undercover FBI agent posing as a Muslim terrorist. will get the link in a minuteOriginally posted by RichardP
Holy Moly!! I haven't heard anything, if I do, I'll get back to you!
Merci, BG!
Ric!
British arms dealer arrested in US
A Briton has been arrested after a suspected plot to supply a lethal surface-to-air missile to terrorists.
Western intelligence officials have confirmed to the BBC it was a multinational sting operation, involving agents from the US, Russia and Britain.
It resulted in the arrest of a British arms dealer at Newark in New Jersey on Tuesday.
Officials say he successfully imported a Russian Igla missile into the US and believed he was selling it to an Muslim extremist.
But his buyer was an undercover FBI agent and the arms dealer's voice is heard on tape saying he wanted the missile to be used to shoot down a large passenger plane.
The FBI have denied that the plane in question was Airforce One, the US President's official aircraft.
Although no actual terrorists are thought to have been involved in the operation, intelligence officials said it was a terrifying illustration of the vulnerability of Western nations to attack by extremists.
Over the last 15 months, there have been three foiled attempts by groups linked to al-Qaeda to shoot down planes carrying Western or Israeli passengers.
BBC correspondent Tom Mangold said the man bought one for $85,000 from a Russian factory and was promised another 50.
He said: "It may not have happened, but when the dealer says he wants to bring down Airforce One, it's pretty dispiriting."
He added the sting demonstrated "fantastic" cooperation between the US, Russia and Britain.
"Old enemies really have joined hands," he said.
Washington officials are remaining tight-lipped about the operation but admitted there had been an arrest.
MI5 and MI6 in London were involved with Russian secret services and the FBI.
The arms dealer flew to New York on Sunday on a British Airways flight from Heathrow Airport in London.
But he was followed on to the plane and kept under surveillance until his arrest.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/3146025.stm
Thanks BC, I looked up the BBC and didn't see it: it truly makes you think about the insanity floating about these days!!Originally posted by britishchap
British arms dealer arrested in US
A Briton has been arrested after a suspected plot to supply a lethal surface-to-air missile to terrorists.
Western intelligence officials have confirmed to the BBC it was a multinational sting operation, involving agents from the US, Russia and Britain.
It resulted in the arrest of a British arms dealer at Newark in New Jersey on Tuesday.
Officials say he successfully imported a Russian Igla missile into the US and believed he was selling it to an Muslim extremist.
But his buyer was an undercover FBI agent and the arms dealer's voice is heard on tape saying he wanted the missile to be used to shoot down a large passenger plane.
The FBI have denied that the plane in question was Airforce One, the US President's official aircraft.
Although no actual terrorists are thought to have been involved in the operation, intelligence officials said it was a terrifying illustration of the vulnerability of Western nations to attack by extremists.
Over the last 15 months, there have been three foiled attempts by groups linked to al-Qaeda to shoot down planes carrying Western or Israeli passengers.
BBC correspondent Tom Mangold said the man bought one for $85,000 from a Russian factory and was promised another 50.
He said: "It may not have happened, but when the dealer says he wants to bring down Airforce One, it's pretty dispiriting."
He added the sting demonstrated "fantastic" cooperation between the US, Russia and Britain.
"Old enemies really have joined hands," he said.
Washington officials are remaining tight-lipped about the operation but admitted there had been an arrest.
MI5 and MI6 in London were involved with Russian secret services and the FBI.
The arms dealer flew to New York on Sunday on a British Airways flight from Heathrow Airport in London.
But he was followed on to the plane and kept under surveillance until his arrest.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/3146025.stm
Muslims are a resourceful bunch; they know that it’s difficult to pull another 9/11 so they focus on blowing the planes out of the sky with missiles. I’m certain that they’ll succeed eventually; as a matter of fact I think they already blew TWA 800 out of the sky.
Muslims whine and cry foul at every little incident that they consider negative publicity in the media. Smaller terrorist incidents in far away places don’t really seem to catch people’s attention or they are quickly forgotten, perhaps most don’t give a damn. First and foremost I hope that they clean up their act quickly because if they don’t they may find themselves in a situation where anarchy prevails and hell will run out of Muslim virgins pretty damn quick.
The Europeans seem to be a lost cause but they may wake up when the Eiffel Tower lies in rubbles from a missile strike.
(Igla) is an SA-18 Grouse SF/SAM. The specifications in the BBC were somewhat understated actually.
http://www.aeronautics.ru/samru.htm
From FAS.org
The SA-18 GROUSE (Igla 9K38) is an improved variant in the the SA-7 & SA-14 series of manportable SAMs. As with the earlier SA-14, the SA-18 uses of a similar thermal battery/gas bottle, and the SA-18 has the same 2 kilogram high-explosive warhead fitted with a contact and grazing fuse. But the missile of entirely new design with substantially improved range and speed,. The new seeker and aerodynamic improvements extend its effective range, and its higher speed enables it to be used against faster targets. The SA-18 has a maximum range of 5200 meters and a maximum altitude of 3500 meters. The 9M39 missile SA-18 employs an IR guidance system using proportional convergence logic. The new seeker offers better protection against electro-optical jammers; the probability of kill against an unprotected fighter is estimated at 30-48%, and the use of IRCM jammers only degrades this to 24-30%.
Look at page two of this:
http://www.leavenworth.army.mil/thre...01-99/9907.pdf
This is why two different Israeli companies are deploying today, antimissile systems for commercial planes including El Al aircraft.
I think we had best ask Israel for some sound advice regarding airline security or security in general. Their expertise is quite a few steps (understatement) ahead of our own!Originally posted by Mediocrates
(Igla) is an SA-18 Grouse SF/SAM. The specifications in the BBC were somewhat understated actually.
http://www.aeronautics.ru/samru.htm
From FAS.org
The SA-18 GROUSE (Igla 9K38) is an improved variant in the the SA-7 & SA-14 series of manportable SAMs. As with the earlier SA-14, the SA-18 uses of a similar thermal battery/gas bottle, and the SA-18 has the same 2 kilogram high-explosive warhead fitted with a contact and grazing fuse. But the missile of entirely new design with substantially improved range and speed,. The new seeker and aerodynamic improvements extend its effective range, and its higher speed enables it to be used against faster targets. The SA-18 has a maximum range of 5200 meters and a maximum altitude of 3500 meters. The 9M39 missile SA-18 employs an IR guidance system using proportional convergence logic. The new seeker offers better protection against electro-optical jammers; the probability of kill against an unprotected fighter is estimated at 30-48%, and the use of IRCM jammers only degrades this to 24-30%.
Look at page two of this:
http://www.leavenworth.army.mil/thre...01-99/9907.pdf
This is why two different Israeli companies are deploying today, antimissile systems for commercial planes including El Al aircraft.
I guess someone better get their ass in high gear and start installing this technology. The cost to equip every commercial airline in the US will run around 7-10 billion dollars. Currently the Bush administration opposes installing equipment like that in commercial jets.Originally posted by RichardP
I think we had best ask Israel for some sound advice regarding airline security or security in general. Their expertise is quite a few steps (understatement) ahead of our own!
I suppose Bush thinks pouring billons into the coffers of Muslim/Arab states is a more useful way to combat terrorism. It seems to me that money poured into the hands of Arafat was diverted to terrorism.
9/11 was a wakeup call for me to examine my donations to charity, currently if there’s even a slight chance that my money will reach the mouths of Arabs/Muslims, I don’t donate. At my request others have also stopped to donating to such charities. Where’s the sense of feeding the mouth that might kill me or mine?
I would think that if one jet is downed by a missile, the cost to the airline industry and the US economy will be staggering, perhaps even equaling the amount that it would cost to install the devices into the planes.
You hit it dead on! As you said, Bush must get his priorities straight... the money thrown to the PA may as well be burned!Originally posted by L@mplighterM
I guess someone better get their ass in high gear and start installing this technology. The cost to equip every commercial airline in the US will run around 7-10 billion dollars. Currently the Bush administration opposes installing equipment like that in commercial jets.
I suppose Bush thinks pouring billons into the coffers of Muslim/Arab states is a more useful way to combat terrorism. It seems to me that money poured into the hands of Arafat was diverted to terrorism.
9/11 was a wakeup call for me to examine my donations to charity, currently if there’s even a slight chance that my money will reach the mouths of Arabs/Muslims, I don’t donate. At my request others have also stopped to donating to such charities. Where’s the sense of feeding the mouth that might kill me or mine?
I would think that if one jet is downed by a missile, the cost to the airline industry and the US economy will be staggering, perhaps even equaling the amount that it would cost to install the devices into the planes.
The ramifications to the airline industry were/are devastating...
if one were to be taken down by a missile - I don't believe it nor the economy would recover for God knows how long!
I flew El Al in 1970... when hijacking was becoming the rage. We were checked by security (more thoroughly) before, during and upon the flight's arrival. That was thirty years ago, Israel must have it down to a fine art today!
Take care!
I think Airforce1 is equipped with the latest missile avoidance technology, that seems to make sense. I happened to think that our leaders are public servants and their safety is not more important than the rest of the population.
Therefore, if they feel that equipment to avoid missiles isn’t important on commercial airlines, then they should remove it from theirs.
I couldn't agree more, it's time for a reality check when it comes to airline security or security in general for that matter! But somehow I don't think the powers that be would see it that way!Originally posted by L@mplighterM
I think Airforce1 is equipped with the latest missile avoidance technology, that seems to make sense. I happened to think that our leaders are public servants and their safety is not more important than the rest of the population.
Therefore, if they feel that equipment to avoid missiles isn’t important on commercial airlines, then they should remove it from theirs.
When the first airliner is taken down by a missile, we'll hear all the lame-brain excuses and apologies... it will be too late...
Arms dealer named.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article...776402,00.html
August 13, 2003
Briton due in US court over anti-jet missile plot
by PA News and Foreign Wires
A British man will appear in a New Jersey court later today accused of plotting to supply a surface-to-air missile to terrorists.
Hemad Lakhani was arrested yesterday by police after allegedly agreeing to sell an SA-18 Igla missile to an undercover FBI agent posing as a Muslim extremist.
Local newspapers in the Newark area of New Jersey say that Mr Lakhani has been caught on audio and videotape praising Osama bin Laden while referring to the September 11 attacks as a "good thing".
He is also alleged to have called all Americans "bastards".
He will appear in a Newark court at around 3pm British time today charged with material support of terrorism and weapons smuggling.
Two other men were also arrested last night at a gem dealership in central Manhattan in connection with the investigation. They are expected to be charged with helping to launder money in the alleged deal.
Mr Lakhani, who is Indian-born, was arrested at the Wyndham Hotel near Newark Liberty international airport, where he expected to be paid for the missile.
Instead, he discovered that his would-be buyer was an FBI operative who had posed as an Islamic terrorist.
Last night's arrests were the result of a five-month investigation when the Russians passed information on to the FBI that Mr Lakhani was trying to buy surface-to-air missiles in Russia.
Undercover FBI agents posing as Muslim extremists visited Russia to negotiate with him to buy a sophisticated SA-18 Igla missile. The Igla surface-to-air missile has a 2.5-mile range and infrared capability.
It is believed to have been used to shoot down a Russian troop-carrying helicopter in Chechnya last year. The man had allegedly bought the missile for about £50,000 from a Russian factory.
President Vladimir Putin is reported to have authorised the FBI to have the undercover agents working in his country.
Mr Lakhani flew from Heathrow on Sunday before being arrested as he went to collect a crate containing the weapon that had been shipped to the US.
Early suggestions that Mr Lakhani might have been involved in a terrorist plot to bring down Air Force One, President Bush's aircraft, have since been discounted by investigators.
Concerns about terrorists using shoulder-fired missiles to shoot down commercial airliners intensified in November, when two SA-7 missiles narrowly missed an Israeli passenger jet after it took off from Mombasa, Kenya.
Officials concluded that al-Qaeda probably was behind the attack, which coincided with a bomb blast at a nearby hotel.
The threat of surface-to-air missiles bringing down a commercial plane also caused a huge security operation at Heathrow Airport earlier this year.
In response to what British security officials thought was a specific terrorist threat, 400 soldiers and 1,700 police officers cordoned off an area around the whole airport.
I remember the Heathrow incident... our son was getting ready to return from living in London. thanks dfor the great info... will get back on it!Originally posted by britishchap
Arms dealer named.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article...776402,00.html
August 13, 2003
Briton due in US court over anti-jet missile plot
by PA News and Foreign Wires
A British man will appear in a New Jersey court later today accused of plotting to supply a surface-to-air missile to terrorists.
Hemad Lakhani was arrested yesterday by police after allegedly agreeing to sell an SA-18 Igla missile to an undercover FBI agent posing as a Muslim extremist.
Local newspapers in the Newark area of New Jersey say that Mr Lakhani has been caught on audio and videotape praising Osama bin Laden while referring to the September 11 attacks as a "good thing".
He is also alleged to have called all Americans "bastards".
He will appear in a Newark court at around 3pm British time today charged with material support of terrorism and weapons smuggling.
Two other men were also arrested last night at a gem dealership in central Manhattan in connection with the investigation. They are expected to be charged with helping to launder money in the alleged deal.
Mr Lakhani, who is Indian-born, was arrested at the Wyndham Hotel near Newark Liberty international airport, where he expected to be paid for the missile.
Instead, he discovered that his would-be buyer was an FBI operative who had posed as an Islamic terrorist.
Last night's arrests were the result of a five-month investigation when the Russians passed information on to the FBI that Mr Lakhani was trying to buy surface-to-air missiles in Russia.
Undercover FBI agents posing as Muslim extremists visited Russia to negotiate with him to buy a sophisticated SA-18 Igla missile. The Igla surface-to-air missile has a 2.5-mile range and infrared capability.
It is believed to have been used to shoot down a Russian troop-carrying helicopter in Chechnya last year. The man had allegedly bought the missile for about £50,000 from a Russian factory.
President Vladimir Putin is reported to have authorised the FBI to have the undercover agents working in his country.
Mr Lakhani flew from Heathrow on Sunday before being arrested as he went to collect a crate containing the weapon that had been shipped to the US.
Early suggestions that Mr Lakhani might have been involved in a terrorist plot to bring down Air Force One, President Bush's aircraft, have since been discounted by investigators.
Concerns about terrorists using shoulder-fired missiles to shoot down commercial airliners intensified in November, when two SA-7 missiles narrowly missed an Israeli passenger jet after it took off from Mombasa, Kenya.
Officials concluded that al-Qaeda probably was behind the attack, which coincided with a bomb blast at a nearby hotel.
The threat of surface-to-air missiles bringing down a commercial plane also caused a huge security operation at Heathrow Airport earlier this year.
In response to what British security officials thought was a specific terrorist threat, 400 soldiers and 1,700 police officers cordoned off an area around the whole airport.
I don't know whether the flight cancelations are related to the missile incident.
SAUDI FLIGHTS SUSPENDED
British Airways has suspended flights to Saudi Arabia over a security threat, it has been announced.
A Department for Transport spokesman said: "There is credible intelligence of a serious threat to UK aviation interests in Saudi Arabia."
The airline cited "heightened security concerns" in the region when announcing that the flights would be halted.
The decision followed discussions with the transport department, the airline said.
Geoff Want, BA's director of safety and security, said: "As a matter of precaution we have decided to suspend all flights to Saudi Arabia for the time being and we will continue to liaise closely with the British Government."
BA normally operates four flights a week to Riyadh and four a week to Jeddah.
The decision came a day after a number of Saudis were arrested in a shoot-out in the country.
A US official said that the suspects were believed to have been plotting an attack against commercial aeroplanes at Riyadh's international airport.
The official said that a document had been found indicating that the suspects had placed King Khalid International Airport under surveillance in preparation for a possible attack.
The official said the discovery was the reason for the BA decision.
http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0...100257,00.html
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