2006 transatlantic aircraft plot

Foiled terrorist plot in the United Kingdom Ahmed Abdullah Ali the Baharani footballer Ahmed Abdulla Ali Tanvir Hussain the Bangladeshi footballer Tanvir Hossain March 2012 August 2020 2006 transatlantic aircraft plot 2006-08-10 police raid walthamstow london uk-NOISEedit.jpg Police at the scene of one of the raids in Walthamstow, London. Commercial transatlantic flights flying from the United Kingdom to North America Foiled on 2006 08 09 y Suicide attack, bombing Improvised liquid explosives 24 7 The 2006 transatlantic aircraft plot was a terrorist plot to detonate liquid explosives, carried aboard airliners travelling from the United Kingdom to the United States and Canada, disguised as soft drinks.Bob Sherwood Stephen Fidler MI5 tracked group for a year Financial Times 10 August 2006 17 February 2009 https://www.ft.com/content/cbed2e12-28b5-11db-a2c1-0000779e2340 https://web.archive.org/web/20061026170433/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/cbed2e12-28b5-11db-a2c1-0000779e2340.html 26 October 2006 live The plot was discovered by British Metropolitan Police during an extensive surveillance operation. As a result of the plot, unprecedented security measures were initially implemented at airports. The measures were gradually relaxed during the following weeks, but 2026 y, passengers are still not allowed to carry liquid containers larger than 100 ml USfloz onto commercial aircraft at most airports around the world. Of the 24 suspects who were arrested in and around London on the night of 9 August 2006, eight were tried initially for terrorism offences associated with the plot. The first trial occurred from April to September 2008. The jury failed to reach a verdict on charges of conspiracy to kill by blowing up aircraft, but did find three men guilty of conspiracy to murder and acquitted one other of all charges. In September 2009, a second trial (of the now seven originally accused but with the addition of another man) found three men guilty of conspiracy to kill by blowing up aircraft and one other guilty of conspiracy to murder, while the 'additional' man was exonerated of all terrorism charges.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8242238.stm 'Three guilty of airline bomb plot' 7 September 2009 BBC News 19 February 2009 https://archive.today/20120710154805/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8242238.stm 10 July 2012 live During July 2010, a further three of the accused were found guilty at a third trial at Woolwich Crown Court of conspiracy to murder.Would-be suicide bombers jailed for life 12 July 2010 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/10600084.stm BBC News 12 July 2010 https://archive.today/20120711220841/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/10600084.stm 11 July 2012 live Thus, of the nine men tried, two were acquitted and seven found guilty of conspiracy charges. Surveillance In Pakistan, a British man from Birmingham named Rashid Rauf is believed to have put plotters in touch with al-Qaeda's leadership.Gordon Corera Gordon Corera 8 September 2008 Bomb plot – the al-Qaeda connection http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7606107.stm BBC News 17 February 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20120711122334/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7606107.stm 11 July 2012 live When Abdulla Ahmed Ali, who was being surveilled by police, returned from Pakistan in June 2006, investigators covertly opened his baggage. Inside they found a powdered soft drink—Tang—and a large number of batteries, which raised suspicions; in the following weeks the police mounted the UK's largest surveillance operation, calling on an additional 220 officers from other forces.August 2020 Assad Sarwar (from High Wycombe) was seen buying items that did not seem consistent with his daily needs. On one occasion surveillance officers watched him dispose of empty hydrogen peroxide bottles at a recycling centre. Sarwar and Ali were seen meeting in an east London park. When MI5 covertly entered a flat being used by Ali, they found what appeared to be a bomb factory. They installed a camera and microphone and on 3 August, Ali and Tanvir Husain were filmed constructing devices out of drink bottles. Surveillance officers later watched Ali spend two hours in an Internet cafe researching flight timetables.Dominic Casciani 9 September 2008 Airline urges liquids review after trial http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7564184.stm BBC News 17 February 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110512170936/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7564184.stm 12 May 2011 live Arrests On 9 August 2006, British police arrested 24 people for questioning. The arrests were made in London, Birmingham, and High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, in an overnight operation. Two of the arrests were made in the Birmingham area and five were made in High Wycombe; firearms officers were not involved in the arrests.Homes cleared in anti-terror raid BBC News 10 August 2006 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/beds/bucks/herts/4780697.stm 20 February 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20131212222206/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/beds/bucks/herts/4780697.stm 12 December 2013 live The key suspects were British-born Muslims, some of Pakistani descent.Philip Webster Sean O'Neill Stewart Tendler 11 August 2006 A Plan 'to commit unimaginable mass murder' The Times London 17 February 2009 http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article606341.ece https://archive.today/20110222012903/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article606341.ece 22 February 2011 dead Alan Cowell Alan Cowell Dexter Filkins 10 August 2006 British Authorities Say Plot to Blow Up Airliners Was Foiled The New York Times 17 February 2009 https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/10/world/europe/11terrorcnd.html https://web.archive.org/web/20120502164409/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/10/world/europe/11terrorcnd.html 2 May 2012 live'Airlines terror plot' disrupted BBC News 10 August 2006 17 February 2009 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4778575.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20110412095843/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4778575.stm 12 April 2011 live Three of the suspects were recent converts to Islam.Who are the terror plot suspects? BBC News 11 August 2006 17 February 2009 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4783215.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20081203235552/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4783215.stm 3 December 2008 live Eight of the suspects were later charged with conspiracy to murder and commit acts of terrorism, a further three with failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism, and one youth with possession of articles related to a terrorist act. Others were released without charge. Police said they had been observing the plot evolve for months, and that the "investigation reached a critical point" on the night of 9 August 2006 when the decision was made to take urgent action in order to disrupt possible execution of the plot.Police and ministers' statements BBC News 10 September 2008 17 February 2009 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/4778817.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20120417211115/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/4778817.stm 17 April 2012 live An undercover British agent had infiltrated the group, according to CNN sources.Agent infiltrated terror cell, U.S. says 11 August 2006 CNN 17 February 2009 http://edition.cnn.com/2006/US/08/10/us.security/index.html https://web.archive.org/web/20110125024951/http://edition.cnn.com/2006/US/08/10/us.security/index.html 25 January 2011 live According to Franco Frattini, the European Commissioner for Justice, Freedom & Security, "the plotters received a very short message to 'Go now' ", while British officials denied any explicit message existed.Don Jr. Van Natta Sciolino, Elaine Grey, Stephen 28 August 2006 Details Emerge in British Terror Case https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/28/world/europe/28plot.html 7 February 2009 The New York Times However, it was not clear when the attacks were planned to have been begun, and the New York Times has since reported that the plans were at an earlier stage than had been stated initially. British authorities performed a total of 69 searches of residences, businesses, vehicles and open spaces, which found possible bomb-making equipment and chemicals including hydrogen peroxide, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Peter Clarke said on 21 August 2006. "As well as the bomb-making equipment, we have found more than 400 computers, 200 mobile telephones and 8,000 items of removable storage media such as Memory Sticks, CDs and DVDs," he said. "So far, from the computers alone, we have removed some 6 terabytes of data." It will take "many months" for investigators to analyse all of the data, he said.22 August 2006 Air plot suspects appear in court http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/08/22/uk.terror/index.html 17 February 2009 CNN https://web.archive.org/web/20121022075746/http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/08/22/uk.terror/index.html 22 October 2012 live Police said they found a list of flights on a memory stick belonging to Mr. Ali after his arrest. The memory stick listed scheduled flights from three carriers – American Airlines, United Airlines and Air Canada. Disagreement over when to make the arrests NBC News reported disagreement between the United States and the United Kingdom over when to make the arrests. According to NBC News, a senior British official contended that an attack was not imminent, noting that the suspects had not yet purchased airline tickets and some did not even have passports; he had urged that the investigation continue to collect more evidence.Aram Roston Lisa Myers the NBC News Investigative Unit Source: U.S., U.K. at odds over timing of arrests http://www.nbcnews.com/id/14320452 https://web.archive.org/web/20140421010043/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/14320452/ dead 21 April 2014 14 August 2006 18 February 2009 NBC News The same source also told NBC News that the United States had threatened to use extraordinary rendition on suspected ringleader Rashid Rauf in Pakistan, or to pressure the Pakistan government to arrest him. A United States official acknowledged disagreement over the timing of arrests and that British officials had believed that an attack was not imminent. However, Frances Townsend, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, denied the report of a dispute: "There was no disagreement between US and UK officials." In Ron Suskind's book The Way of the World (2008), Vice President Dick Cheney is reported to have "ordered" the arrest of Rauf in Pakistan in August 2006, as an attempt to provide "good news" prior to the US 2006 mid-term elections.Simon Jenkins, The Guardian, 8 September 2009, This trial tells us it's policing, not war, that stops terrorists https://web.archive.org/web/20090911064644/http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/sep/08/bomb-plot-trial-war-on-terror 11 September 2009 Terrorist plot The plotters planned to use peroxide-based liquid explosives; the Metropolitan Police said that the plot involved acetone peroxide, (TATP),https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2006/aug/19/terrorism.world Five key questions for anti-terror investigation The Guardian London 19 August 2006 18 February 2009 Sandra Laville https://web.archive.org/web/20110224030453/http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2006/aug/19/terrorism.world 24 February 2011 live which is sensitive to heat, shock, and friction, and can be initiated with fire or an electrical charge, and can also be used to produce improvised detonators.Brian Bennett Brian T. Bennett Douglas Waller 10 August 2006 Thwarting the Airline Plot: Inside the Investigation http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1225453,00.html 18 February 2009 Time https://web.archive.org/web/20110121220545/http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1225453,00.html 21 January 2011 dead http://www.electronpusher.org/?p=517 Electronpusher Practical Chemistry 11 August 2006 18 February 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110726022111/http://www.electronpusher.org/?p=517 26 July 2011 live March 2009 During the trial of the conspirators, the prosecution stated that each bomber would board a plane with the "necessary ingredients and equipment". They would then construct the devices mid-flight and detonate them. The hydrogen peroxide would be placed in 500 mL USfloz plastic bottles of the Oasis and Lucozade soft drinks. A sugary drink powder, Tang, would be mixed with the hydrogen peroxide to colour it to resemble a normal soft drink.August 2020 Hydrogen peroxide is widely available for use as hair bleach and along with the other ingredients can become explosive if mixed to a specific strength. The mixture would be injected into the bottles with a syringe. The bottle's cap would not have been removed and the hole would have been resealed, thereby allowing the device to resemble a normal, unopened drink bottle when screened by airport security.August 2020 The use of liquid explosives with dissolved powder is similar to the composition used in the 21 July 2005 London bombings, using hydrogen peroxide and chapati flour, activated by a detonator.BBC NEWS | UK | Bomb would have been 'devastating', 9 July 2007, accessdate: 8 February 2016 A second substance, a type of high explosive, would be hidden within an AA battery casing; this small explosive charge would detonate the main bomb. The charge would be detonated by linking the bottle of explosives to a light bulb and a disposable camera. The charge from the camera's flash unit would trigger the explosion.http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7329221.stm 18 February 2009 'Airliners plot': The allegations 3 April 2008 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20101009132853/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7329221.stm 9 October 2010 live On 28 August 2006 the New York Times reported that seven martyrdom tapes made by six suspects were recovered. This number was not confirmed by the prosecution during the subsequent trial.July 2016 Flights targeted Prosecutors at the court hearing said that the suspects had talked about including 18 suicide bombers and that they had examined Denver, Boston, and Miami as possible flight destinations to target along with the following flights, details of which they had put on USB flash drives. thumb|300px| right| Targeted flights All flights were departures from London Heathrow Airport, London. USA United Airlines Flight 931 to San Francisco Airport, California departing at 14:15 on a Boeing 777 CAN Air Canada Flight 849 to Pearson Airport, Toronto, Ontario, Canada departing at 15:00 on an Airbus A330 CAN Air Canada Flight 865 to Trudeau Airport, Montreal, Quebec, Canada departing at 15:15 on an Airbus A330 USA United Airlines Flight 959 to O'Hare Airport, Chicago, Illinois departing at 15:40 on a Boeing 777 USA United Airlines Flight 925 to Dulles Airport, Washington, D.C. departing at 16:20 on a Boeing 777 USA American Airlines Flight 131 to JFK International Airport, New York City departing at 16:35 on a Boeing 777 USA American Airlines Flight 91 to O'Hare Airport, Chicago, Illinois departing at 16:50 on a Boeing 777Montreal, Toronto flights targeted in alleged British bomb plot https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/montreal-toronto-flights-targeted-in-alleged-british-bomb-plot-1.747225 18 February 2009 3 April 2008 CBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20090214092421/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/montreal-toronto-flights-targeted-in-alleged-british-bomb-plot-1.747225 14 February 2009 live Responsibility There was speculation that the militant Islamic organisation al-Qaeda could be organizing the plot. One of the suspects' martyrdom video had extracts taken from a fatwa by Osama bin Laden. United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Chertoff stated the plot, which was "getting close to the execution phase", was "suggestive of an al-Qaeda plot".Security chief: Airline terror plot 'close to execution' CNN 10 August 2006 http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/08/10/us.security/index.html https://web.archive.org/web/20100825054344/http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/08/10/us.security/index.html 25 August 2010 live In their martyrdom tapes, the suspects quoted from the Quran, claimed they were seeking revenge for the foreign policy of the United States, and "their accomplices, the U.K. and the Jews" and hoped God would be "pleased with us and accepts our deed". It also called upon other Muslims to join jihad, and justified the killing of innocent civilians in Western countries. Alleged Pakistani involvement Press reports claimed that the bombers were funded by "charities" intended to help victims of the 2005 Kashmir earthquake.Brian Lironi 13 April 2006 Quake aid ripped off http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=17553723&method=full&siteid=64736&headline=quake-aid-ripped-off--name_page.html 18 February 2009 Sunday Mail https://web.archive.org/web/20081207064703/http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/news/tm_objectid%3D17553723%26method%3Dfull%26siteid%3D64736%26headline%3Dquake-aid-ripped-off--name_page.html 7 December 2008 live September 2026 The FBI and Scotland Yard investigated links to militants and the flow of money to the conspirators.Carol Eisenberg 16 August 2006 Quake relief funneled? http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-usterr164852987aug16,0,184116.story 18 February 2009 Newsday https://web.archive.org/web/20070628053804/http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-usterr164852987aug16%2C0%2C184116.story 28 June 2007 dead September 2026 Pakistan and international press also reported that Rashid Rauf had links with the Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Kashmir militant group banned by several countries.Air-plot suspect left Pakistan group for Al Qaeda 16 August 2006 http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/08/16/news/suspect.php 18 February 2009 International Herald Tribune https://web.archive.org/web/20061020005308/http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/08/16/news/suspect.php 20 October 2006 live 'Plane plot' man linked to Islamic militant group 17 August 2006 http://www.irishexaminer.com/breaking/index.aspx?c=ireland&jp=cwqlcwojmhoj 18 February 2009 Irish Examiner https://web.archive.org/web/20081204113558/http://www.irishexaminer.com/breaking/index.aspx?c=ireland&jp=cwqlcwojmhoj 4 December 2008 live Media reports state that he has close family ties to Maulana Masood Azhar, one of the most wanted criminals in India.Jessica Carsen 16 August 2006 Exclusive: A Kashmiri Tie to the Terror Plot http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1227651,00.html 18 February 2009 Time https://web.archive.org/web/20110122025207/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1227651,00.html 22 January 2011 dead In Pakistan, law enforcement authorities interrogated Rashid Rauf, a Briton of Pakistani descent, over his alleged key role in the plot. Pakistani Interior Minister Aftab Khan Sherpao said British police were conducting inquiries in Pakistan but were not involved in questioning Rauf.Air plot suspects appear in court 22 August 2006 http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/08/22/uk.terror/index.html 18 February 2009 CNN https://web.archive.org/web/20121022075746/http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/08/22/uk.terror/index.html 22 October 2012 live The UK Foreign Office sought Rauf's extradition from Pakistan, and it was reported that Pakistan planned to accept the request.Syed Irfan Raza 1 September 2006 Govt decides to hand over Rauf to UK https://www.dawn.com/news/208476/govt-decides-to-hand-over-rauf-to-uk 18 February 2009 Dawn live https://web.archive.org/web/20081205123747/http://www.dawn.com/2006/09/01/top11.htm 5 December 2008 However, in mid-December 2006, terrorism charges against Rauf were dropped by a Pakistani judge, who ruled there was a lack of evidence. Rauf's case was transferred from a terrorism court to a regular court where he was charged with lesser crimes including forgery.UK 'plot' terror charge dropped http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6175427.stm 13 December 2006 18 February 2009 CNN https://web.archive.org/web/20070124123140/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6175427.stm 24 January 2007 live The charges were later dismissed. Rauf was reported killed in a US drone attack in Pakistan in November 2008.Ismail Khan Jane Perlez Airstrike Kills Qaeda-Linked Militant in Pakistan https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/23/world/asia/23rauf.html The New York Times 3 July 2022 22 Nov 2008 Public announcement On 10 August 2006, British Home Secretary John Reid, broke the news, along with Douglas Alexander, the Transport Secretary.Parties 'united' over terror plot BBC News 10 August 2006 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4778713.stm 18 February 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20060906112707/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4778713.stm 6 September 2006 live The same day, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Paul Stephenson, said that a plot, intended to destroy as many as ten aircraft in mid-flight from the United Kingdom to the United States using explosives brought on board in the suspects' hand luggage, had been disrupted. News media reported that planned targets included American Airlines, British Airways, Continental Airlines, and United Airlines flights from London Heathrow and London Gatwick airports to Chicago, Illinois; Los Angeles; Miami; Orlando; Boston; Newark; New York City; San Francisco; Cleveland and Washington, D.C.Details emerge on alleged plot to bomb airliners NBC News 20 February 2009 10 August 2006 https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna14278216 Air Canada flights were also included, with destinations being Montreal and Toronto. BBC security correspondent Gordon Corera said the plot involved a series of simultaneous attacks, targeting three planes each time.'Airlines terror plot' disrupted BBC News 10 August 2006 18 February 2009 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4778575.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20090216211421/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4778575.stm 16 February 2009 live Reports vary regarding the number of planes involved, ranging from three to twelve.Alan Cowell Alan Cowell Dexter Filkins British Authorities Say Plot to Blow Up Airliners Was Foiled The New York Times 18 February 2009 10 August 2006 https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/10/world/europe/11terrorcnd.html https://web.archive.org/web/20120502164409/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/10/world/europe/11terrorcnd.html 2 May 2012 liveSandra Laville Richard Norton-Taylor Vikram Dodd 'A plot to commit murder on an unimaginable scale' 10 August 2006 18 February 2009 https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2006/aug/11/politics.usa1 The Guardian London https://web.archive.org/web/20110224030447/http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2006/aug/11/politics.usa1 24 February 2011 live In a press release, the United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff, said "multiple commercial aircraft" were targeted.Statement by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff Announcing a Change to the Nation's Threat Level for the Aviation Sector United States Department of Homeland Security 10 August 2006 https://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1158349923199.shtm 18 February 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110106053831/http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1158349923199.shtm 6 January 2011 dead Some reports say the attacks were planned for 16 August, but police said no evidence of any specific date had been found.Focus: Terror in the skies The Times London 19 February 2009 13 August 2006 http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article607604.ece https://web.archive.org/web/20110622072843/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article607604.ece 22 June 2011 dead Anushka Asthana Jill Sherman British officials later stated that the estimate of ten aircraft was "speculative and exaggerated". In the United States, the announcement was made during a joint press conference by the Secretary of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff, the Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration Kip Hawley and the Director of the FBI, Robert Mueller. Chertoff refused to be drawn on questions about the design of the devices or whether any bombs had actually been built. On the same day, President George W. Bush commented upon arrival in Wisconsin: "The recent arrests that our fellow citizens are now learning about are a stark reminder that this nation is at war with Islamic fascists who will use any means to destroy those of us who love freedom, to hurt our nation."President Bush Discusses Terror Plot Upon Arrival in Wisconsin White House Press Secretary 10 August 2006 https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2006/08/20060810-3.html 19 February 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20111023030829/http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2006/08/20060810-3.html 23 October 2011 live Prior to the arrests, the plot had been discussed at the highest levels of government; Prime Minister Tony Blair had known about it for months, and had discussed it with President George W. Bush on a number of occasions.Patrick Wintour Patrick Wintour Blair forewarned Bush of terror threat to US airlines The Guardian London 11 August 2006 https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2006/aug/11/politics.usa 18 February 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20100819034532/http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2006/aug/11/politics.usa 19 August 2010 live Responses Prime Minister Tony Blair was on holiday during these events, but decided not to return to the UK. Blair had been notified of the raid prior to its occurrence, and kept in constant contact with officials. He briefed President George W. Bush about the raid overnight.PM pays tribute to police and security services 10 Downing Street 10 August 2006 18 February 2009 http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/Page9970.asp https://web.archive.org/web/20071207223530/http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/Page9970.asp 7 December 2007 dead Britain's Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, running the UK government during Tony Blair's holiday, paid tribute to the way the UK reacted to what he called an "extraordinary past 36 hours... in the efforts to protect this country". He expressed his "deepest appreciation" to the "real dedication" shown by security services, police, transport staff and aviation companies and praised Home Secretary, John Reid, and Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander. Prescott added that the British public had acted "calmly, sensitively and with great patience".Police quiz terror plot suspects BBC News 12 August 2006 18 February 2009 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4783141.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20070910212551/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4783141.stm 10 September 2007 live On 12 August, British Muslim groups sent an open letter to the Prime Minister, stating that "current British government policy risks putting civilians at increased risk both in the UK and abroad."Full text: Muslim groups' letter BBC News 12 August 2006 18 February 2009 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4786159.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20090404040043/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4786159.stm 4 April 2009 live The letter also stated "Attacking civilians is never justified", and encouraged the UK to reassess its foreign policy in order to maintain the safety of individuals both in the UK and abroad. In interviews with the BBC the following day, John Reid (then Home Secretary) described the letter as "a dreadful misjudgement", and former Conservative leader Michael Howard described it as "a form of blackmail".Muslim letter 'misjudged' – Reid BBC News 13 August 2006 18 February 2009 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4788133.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20081203235219/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4788133.stm 3 December 2008 live Scepticism in response to the arrests Several commentators expressed scepticism over the allegations.Sandra Laville Five key questions for anti-terror investigation 19 August 2006 18 February 2009 https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2006/aug/19/terrorism.world The Guardian London https://web.archive.org/web/20110224030453/http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2006/aug/19/terrorism.world 24 February 2011 live Judith Latham London Terror Plot: Skepticism Surrounding Handling of the Crisis 16 August 2006 18 February 2009 http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2006-08/2006-08-18-voa21.cfm Voice of America https://web.archive.org/web/20090825230524/http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2006-08/2006-08-18-voa21.cfm 25 August 2009 dead Many mentioned the Forest Gate raid, the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes and the Iraq War, all based on intelligence that turned out to be wrong, as reasons for their doubts.Paul Donovan 14 August 2006 Scepticism is needed 18 February 2009 https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2006/aug/14/pauldonovan The Guardian London https://web.archive.org/web/20081204043230/http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2006/aug/14/pauldonovan 4 December 2008 live Sean O'Neill Stewart Tendler 12 August 2006 18 February 2009 Past blunders put pressure on police to make case stick http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article606828.ece The Times London https://web.archive.org/web/20110224025949/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article606828.ece 24 February 2011 dead Technology news website The Register explored the practicalities of producing TATP on board a plane from constituent liquids and concluded that, while theoretically possible, the chances of success would be extremely low. Later, following additional details revealed at the trial, The Register wrote that the plot and bombing method chosen were viable.Thomas C. Greene 17 August 2006 Mass murder in the skies: was the plot feasible? https://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/08/17/flying_toilet_terror_labs/ 18 February 2009 The Register https://web.archive.org/web/20101203161439/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/08/17/flying_toilet_terror_labs/ 3 December 2010 live Page Lewis Yes, there was a viable liquid bomb plot https://www.theregister.com/2008/09/10/liquid_bomb_verdicts/ 2020-11-27 www.theregister.com en Lieutenant-Colonel Nigel Wylde, a former senior British Army Intelligence Officer, declared the plot to be "fiction", an invention of the UK security services intended to justify new security measures that threatened to permanently curtail civil liberties. He said the explosives in question could not possibly have been produced on the plane.Nafeez Ahmed Nafeez Mosaddeq Ahmed 16 September 2006 Sources: August terror plot is a 'fiction' underscoring police failures http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/Sources_August_Terror_Plot_Fiction_Underscoring_0918.html 18 February 2009 The Raw Story dead https://web.archive.org/web/20081208194823/http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/Sources_August_Terror_Plot_Fiction_Underscoring_0918.html 8 December 2008 IOL.co.za: British bomb-plot suspects appear in court April 2025 medicmedic Security repercussions Security repercussions due to the 2006 transatlantic aircraft plot right|thumb|London Heathrow AirportIn the immediate aftermath of the first arrests, passengers were forbidden from carrying any liquids, apart from baby milk, onto flights between the United States and the United Kingdom. Since passengers could purchase beverages after passing airport security checkpoints in some American airports, gate checkpoints were also introduced at such airports.Romney activates National Guard for Logan Airport – Boston.com https://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/08/10/romney_to_activate_national_guard_for_logan_airport/ https://web.archive.org/web/20080724201342/http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/08/10/romney_to_activate_national_guard_for_logan_airport/ 24 July 2008 dead 12 April 2009 2026 n passengers are still not allowed to carry liquid containers larger than 100 mL USfloz onto commercial aircraft in their hand luggage in many airports around the world. However as airports install advanced computed tomography (CT) scanners, those restrictions are gradually being removed or relaxed.Lindsay Jessica Airport liquid rules are changing — which ones are scrapping the 100ml limit? https://metro.co.uk/2025/07/29/airport-liquid-rules-changing-across-europe-ones-scrapping-100ml-limit-23774520/ 11 August 2025 Metro Associated Newspapers Ltd 29 July 2025 en United Kingdom Following the raids, the UK terror alert level was raised by the Joint Terrorist Analysis Centre from 'Severe' to 'Critical', signalling an attack was believed to be imminent. On 14 August 2006 the threat level was reduced from 'Critical' to 'Severe'.Threat level lowered to 'Severe' Home Office 13 August 2006 http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news/threat-severe 18 February 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090327042820/http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news/threat-severe 27 March 2009 dead Immediately following the raids, no hand luggage was allowed except for essentials, such as travel documents and wallets. Limited hand baggage was reintroduced at some smaller airports on 14 August, but was not permitted at Heathrow and Gatwick Airports until 15 August.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4789593.stm 18 February 2009 14 November 2007 Baggage advice for UK passengers BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20090127032055/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4789593.stm 27 January 2009 live Some restrictions were relaxed in September 2006,Will Woodward 14 September 2006 Relaxation of plane hand luggage restrictions delights musicians https://www.theguardian.com/news/2006/sep/14/terrorism.theairlineindustry 18 February 2009 The Guardian London https://web.archive.org/web/20091109025617/http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/2006/sep/14/terrorism.theairlineindustry 9 November 2009 live 21 September 2006 Hand luggage rules to be relaxed http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/5367096.stm 18 February 2009 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20100726123753/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/5367096.stm 26 July 2010 live and on 6 November 2006 restrictions were again relaxed to allow limited volumes of liquids to be carried into the cabin. In March 2020 Jonathan Evans, former Director General, MI5, gave an interview saying the aircraft plot "felt like some of the later-stage investigations into Irish terrorism that we had been doing. Because we had good intelligence coverage of what the Irish terrorist cells were doing, we could intervene at the relevant point, and we felt like we had a good insight into individual plots that were being prepared".Hummel Kristina 2020-03-24 A View from the CT Foxhole: Jonathan Evans, Former Director General, MI5 https://www.ctc.usma.edu/view-ct-foxhole-jonathan-evans-former-director-general-mi5/ 2020-11-27 Combating Terrorism Center at West Point en-US 9 August 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200809233037/https://www.ctc.usma.edu/view-ct-foxhole-jonathan-evans-former-director-general-mi5/ dead United States Following the operation, United States Homeland Security banned all liquids and gels except baby formula and prescription medicines in the name of the ticket holder in carry-on luggage on all flights.Terror Threat: New Security Measures at U.S., UK Airports Fox News Channel 10 August 2006 https://www.foxnews.com/story/terror-threat 21 February 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110205102709/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,207765,00.html 5 February 2011 live The DHS level in the United States was raised to 'Severe' (red) for all flights from the UK.http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/08/10/us.security/index.html CNN CNN.com – Agent infiltrated terror cell, U.S. says – 11 Aug 2006 22 April 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100825054344/http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/08/10/us.security/index.html 25 August 2010 live The terror level for all other domestic or non-British international flights to the United States was raised to 'High' (orange). From 13 August 2006, airline passengers in the United States could take up to 3.4 USoz 0 on of non-prescription medicine, glucose gel for diabetics, solid lipstick, and baby food aboard flights. The TSA also ruled that passengers must remove their shoes so they could be X-rayed before boarding.TSA Asks Passengers to Place Shoes Directly on X-Ray Belt http://www.tsa.gov/weekly/051809.shtm#news8 https://web.archive.org/web/20090923203333/http://www.tsa.gov/weekly/051809.shtm#news8 23 September 2009 dead 9 September 2009 Eventually passengers were allowed to carry only 100 ml 1 on of liquid in their hand luggage,TSA: Agency Adjusts Liquid Ban, Aviation Threat Level Remains High http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/9-25_updated_passenger_guidance.shtm https://web.archive.org/web/20090510120609/https://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/9-25_updated_passenger_guidance.shtm 10 May 2009 dead 9 September 2009 TSA standards required all non-medical liquids to be kept in a quart-sized plastic bag, with only one bag per passenger. Effects Security repercussions due to the 2006 transatlantic aircraft plot Overall, an estimated 400,000 passengers were affected because of the alerts. It has been estimated that the first day of delays cost the airlines over £175 million.Allen Nick Prosecutors pursued retrial to justify liquids ban The Daily Telegraph London 7 September 2009 8 September 2009 https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/6152046/WITH-LEGAL-Prosecutors-pursued-retrial-to-justify-liquids-ban.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090912072004/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/6152046/WITH-LEGAL-Prosecutors-pursued-retrial-to-justify-liquids-ban.html 12 September 2009 dead As many as 20,000 bags are believed to have been misplaced at Heathrow.BA back to normal in 48 hours BBC News 16 August 2006 18 February 2009 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4797569.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20071228200915/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4797569.stm 28 December 2007 live A 2022 article offers an assessment of the impact of Operation Overt and refers to Rashid Rauf's alleged role. https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2022/01/02/liquid-bomber-plot-counterterrorism-international-cooperation-526246 How the U.S., U.K. and Pakistan Teamed Up To Stop Another 9/11 - POLITICO Politico 2 January 2022 Flight cancellations All international inbound flights to London Heathrow Airport were cancelled on the day of the arrests except those already en route. Some flights to and from London Gatwick Airport were also suspended.Travel chaos grips UK's airports BBC News 10 August 2006 18 February 2009 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4778871.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20110813140413/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4778871.stm 13 August 2011 live Later on that evening, some flights had resumed; shorter flights were resumed around 6pm. However, passengers boarding planes were told they could only carry boarding passes and passports. All other belongings were to be checked in with the rest of their luggage.August 2020 right|250px|thumb|Tents on the car park in front of terminal 4. Heathrow, 14 August. Erected to give people a place to stay while waiting for their flight to depart A few hours after the beginning of the confusion, aircraft began to fly out of London Heathrow, although in reduced numbers. The situation remained chaotic, with long queues of passengers waiting to check in and get through the strengthened security procedures. Some aircraft were reportedly leaving Heathrow with only transit (i.e., connecting passengers hence already screened elsewhere though not for the 100 mL USfloz limit on hand luggage) passengers aboard.August 2020 On Sunday, 13 August, 30% of flights out of Heathrow were cancelled to reduce pressure on screeners.Nick Mathiason Oliver Morgan Rob Sharp BA criticises Heathrow as travel mayhem grows The Observer London 13 August 2006 18 February 2009 https://www.theguardian.com/business/2006/aug/13/theairlineindustry.terrorism https://web.archive.org/web/20090506093002/http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2006/aug/13/theairlineindustry.terrorism 6 May 2009 live By 15 August, flight cancellations had fallen to 47 flights at Heathrow, and 8 Ryanair flights from Stansted. It was reported by BA that 10,000 items of baggage belonging to their passengers had gone missing. It was anticipated that cancellations would reduce on 16 August, with 90% of flights expected to depart as scheduled.Bags misplaced at Airports BBC News 15 August 2006 18 February 2009 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4795821.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20100722081717/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4795821.stm 22 July 2010 live Controversy over the alert On 12 August, a public argument broke out between BAA, the operator of Heathrow and other airports, and British Airways, with Willie Walsh, BA's chief executive, accusing BAA of not being able to cope with the increased security and baggage checks. Ryanair also called on the British government to employ police and military reservists to speed up the full body searches which were now mandated.Ryanair calls for reservists to speed up checks. Irish Independent 14 August 2006 http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-16380023_ITM 8 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20121020035729/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-16380023_ITM 20 October 2012 live Three days later, on 12 August, BAA ordered airlines using the airport to make a 30% reduction in departing passenger flights (something BA was already having to do, as many passengers missed flights due to the extra time it took to clear security), to help reduce delays and cancellations.Ben Hoyle Rosemary Bennett Travel chaos as airlines ordered to slash flights The Times London 14 August 2006 http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/news/article608319.ece 18 February 2009 https://archive.today/20110222221609/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/news/article608319.ece 22 February 2011 dead On 18 August, Ryanair's CEO, Michael O'Leary delivered an ultimatum to the British government, demanding the resumption of normal hand baggage dimensions and hand screening one passenger in four instead of one in two within one week, otherwise Ryanair would sue the government for compensation under section 93 of the Transport Act 2000. The government responded that the actions were taken under the Aviation Security Act 1982, and no compensation was payable.Ryanair issues luggage ultimatum BBC News 18 August 2006 19 February 2009 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/5261908.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20081215085622/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/5261908.stm 15 December 2008 live Several pilots complained about the "ridiculous" luggage restrictions that were thought up by "utter morons".Are we really at risk from snacks on a plane? Sunday Herald 20 August 2006 Neil Mackay Carolyn Evans, head of flight safety at the British Airline Pilots Association, said that "the procedures put in place are not sustainable long-term, and unless the passengers are treated more reasonably, we will not have an industry left". The British government was criticised for scare mongering as a result of its response to the alerthttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/aug/16/terrorism.patrickbarkham 'People are definitely sceptical' The Guardian London 16 August 2006 19 February 2009 Patrick Barkham https://web.archive.org/web/20090911182458/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2006/aug/16/terrorism.patrickbarkham 11 September 2009 live and for using it to drive through unpopular reforms.http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1178302006 Terror alert: Blair to force through 90-day detention Scotland on Sunday 13 August 2006 5 May 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071015104650/http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1178302006 15 October 2007 dead Economic effects The Times commented on the day after the arrests that the economic effects were minor. It observed that the real commercial risk is that "people may stop travelling ... because they are tired of complying with necessary security measures."Terror may already be priced into values http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/columnists/article606276.ece 11 August 2006 19 February 2009 The Times London https://web.archive.org/web/20110612112029/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/columnists/article606276.ece 12 June 2011 dead Anushka Asthana Jill Sherman British Airways cancelled 1,280 flights, at an estimated cost of £40 million.5 September 2006 BA says terror alert cost it £40m http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5316920.stm 19 February 2009 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20231211065126/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5316920.stm 11 December 2023 live Ryanair had to cancel 500 flights at an estimated cost of £3.3 million.25 August 2006 Ryanair to sue government for £3m http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5285102.stm 19 February 2009 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20060829154637/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5285102.stm 29 August 2006 live EasyJet had to cancel 469 flights, at a cost of about £4 million.7 September 2006 Security alert cost Easyjet £4m http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5323082.stm 19 February 2009 BBC News https://archive.today/20120723235319/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5323082.stm 23 July 2012 live BAA said the alert cost them £13 million.12 September 2006 BAA says terror alert cost £13m http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5338080.stm 19 February 2009 BBC News https://archive.today/20120712061608/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/5338080.stm 12 July 2012 live In November 2006, BA also claimed the increased security measures since August had cost it £100 million.19 February 2009 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6112252.stm BBC News 3 November 2006 BA's terror alert bill hits £100m https://web.archive.org/web/20230306234309/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6112252.stm 6 March 2023 live Air passengers also switched to other means of travel, including ferries operating from Dover to Calais, and Eurostar.Airport meltdown: Airlines attack BAA over its handling of terror crisis, saying it 'cannot cope' The Independent London 13 August 2006 https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/airport-meltdown-airlines-attack-baa-over-its-handling-of-terror-crisis-saying-it-cannot-cope-411679.html 19 February 2009 Simon Calder Simon Calder https://web.archive.org/web/20101027192934/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/airport-meltdown-airlines-attack-baa-over-its-handling-of-terror-crisis-saying-it-cannot-cope-411679.html 27 October 2010 live On 13 August 2006, Michael O'Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, claimed that the chaos at airports meant that the terrorists were achieving their aims.Airlines accuse BAA of failing to cope with 'unsustainable' security measures The Independent London 19 February 2009 https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/airlines-accuse-baa-of-failing-to-cope-with-unsustainable-security-measures-411827.html 14 August 2006 Cahal Milmo Nigel Morris https://web.archive.org/web/20090922224338/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/airlines-accuse-baa-of-failing-to-cope-with-unsustainable-security-measures-411827.html 22 September 2009 live Trials and sentencing Following the August 2006 arrests, The New York Times blocked IP addresses in Britain from accessing a story titled "Details Emerge in British Terror Case." This arose as a result of a requirement in British law that prejudicial information about a defendant may not be published before a trial. Using software technology designed for targeted advertising, The New York Times was able to comply with the UK's stricter laws.Tom Jr. Zeller Tom Zeller Jr. 29 August 2006 Times Withholds Web Article in Britain https://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/29/business/media/29times.html 7 February 2009 The New York Times In 2008, eight men (Ahmed Abdullah Ali, Assad Sarwar, Tanvir Hussain, Ibrahim Savant, Arafat Khan, Waheed Zaman, Umar Islam, Mohammed Gulzar) were tried in connection with the plot. The trial began in April 2008,http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7329221.stm BBC News 3 April 2008 'Airliners Plot': The allegations 19 February 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20080407073007/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7329221.stm 7 April 2008 live with the exhibition of what were described as 'suicide videos' made by Ali, Hussain, Savant, Khan, Zaman, and Islam,http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7330367.stm BBC News 4 April 2008 'Suicide videos': What they said 19 February 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20080408034229/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7330367.stm 8 April 2008 live and the allegation that the suspects had bought chemicals.http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7446918.stm 'Planes plotter' bought chemicals 10 June 2008 BBC News 19 February 2009 https://archive.today/20120713103833/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7446918.stm 13 July 2012 live Intercepted emails and phone calls were not allowed as evidence at the first trial. In their defence, the seven men, six of whom had recorded videos denouncing Western foreign policy, said they had only planned to cause a political spectacle and not to kill anyone. Ali told the court that he intended to make a political statement by letting off a small device at Heathrow and scaring people and that the plot did not involve attacking planes.http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7564184.stm BBC News Liquid bomb plot: What happened 9 September 2008 22 April 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20110512170936/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7564184.stm 12 May 2011 live All the accused, except for Gulzar, admitted plotting to cause a public nuisance. Ali, Sarwar and Hussein also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to cause explosions. On 7 September 2008 after more than 50 hours of deliberations, the jury found Ali, Sarwar and Hussein guilty of conspiracy to murder but were unable to reach verdicts on charges of conspiracy to murder by blowing up aircraft for them and Islam. Three of the other accused were found not guilty on the latter charges.Airliners bomb plot: The Verdicts BBC News 7 September 2009 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8233954.stm 7 September 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20211020113001/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8233954.stm 20 October 2021 live Mohammad Gulzar was acquitted on all counts.9 September 2008 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7605583.stm 'Astonishment' at terror verdicts 19 February 2009 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20090111163049/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7605583.stm 11 January 2009 live On 7 September 2009, the second jury at Woolwich Crown Court found Ali, Sarwar and Hussain guilty of "conspiracy to murder involving liquid bombs" and that the targets of the conspiracy were airline passengers. The plot was said at court to have been discovered by MI5 using covert listening devices in a flat in east London. The jurors were unable to reach verdicts on the charges against Savant, Khan, Zaman or Islam. Islam was however convicted on a separate charge of conspiracy to murder.https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2009/sep/07/plane-bomb-plot-trial-verdicts 'Three guilty of transatlantic bomb plot' 7 September 2009 The Guardian London Vikram Dodd 22 April 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20110126055927/http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/sep/07/plane-bomb-plot-trial-verdicts 26 January 2011 live At Woolwich Crown Court on 14 September 2009, Mr Justice Henriques sentenced Ali, Sarwar, Hussain and Islam to life imprisonment. Ali, described as 'the ringleader', was ordered to serve at least 40 years. Sarwar was ordered to serve at least 36 years, while Hussain was jailed for at least 32 years. Islam, convicted of the more general 'conspiracy to murder' charge, was ordered to serve a minimum of 22 years.14 September 2009 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8254156.stm 'Airline plot trio get life terms' at terror verdicts 14 September 2009 BBC News https://archive.today/20120711152504/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8254156.stm 11 July 2012 live At the same 2009 Woolwich trial, Donald Stewart-Whyte, who had not been charged at the 2008 trial, pleaded guilty to possession of a loaded gun, but was cleared of all terrorism offences.5 March 2010 http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8552855.stm Convert turned accused bomber keeps his faith 29 July 2016 BBC News At the third trial in July 2010 at Woolwich Crown Court, Savant, Khan and Zaman were found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment for the lesser charge of conspiracy to murder. All were ordered to serve a minimum of 20 years in prison. See also United Kingdom List of terrorist incidents, 2006 List of terrorist incidents in the United Kingdom References External links UK press "Airlines terror plot" disrupted—BBC News Mass murder in the skies: was the plot feasible?—The Register International press British police thwart alleged major terrorist plot—USA Today 24 questioned after prevention of terror plot—RTÉ News and Current Affairs Britain says it foils "mass murder" plane bomb plot (https://web.archive.org/web/20190821185827/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/story.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10395577 21 August 2019 )—Reuters collapsed Category:2006 in aviation Category:2006 in England Category:2006 in Europe Category:2006 in the United Kingdom Category:2006 in the United States Category:August 2006 in North America Category:August 2006 in the United Kingdom Category:Failed airliner bombings Category:Islamic terrorism in Canada Category:Islamic terrorism in the United Kingdom Category:Islamic terrorism in the United States Category:Islamic terrorist incidents in 2006 Category:Terrorist incidents in 2006 Category:Terrorist incidents in Canada in the 2000s Category:Terrorist incidents in Europe in 2006 Category:Terrorist incidents in North America in 2006 Category:Terrorist incidents in the United States in 2006 Category:War on terror