[A-List] UK state: strategy of tension

["Michael Keaney" <michael.keaney@xxxxxx>]

Heathrow named as al Qaeda target
IAN BRUCE
The Herald 14 November 2002

AL QAEDA has singled out Heathrow airport as a prime target for a "mass
casualty" terrorist bombing, according to information obtained from the most
senior of its agents captured so far in Europe.

Although British authorities have issued no direct alert to travellers to
avoid panic or a loss of public confidence in air travel, the CIA said
yesterday that Abu Qatadah had admitted under interrogation that the terror
network has the London air terminus in its sights.

Abu Qatadah, 40, alleged mastermind of al Qaeda's European organisation, is
a Palestinian militant whose real name is Umar Muhammed Umar Uthman. He was
arrested in London last month by MI5.

Security at Heathrow has been quietly stepped up since his initial
questioning. The specific mention of Heathrow bolstered intelligence gained
from Abu Zubaydah, the most senior al Qaeda agent in US captivity.

A senior lieutenant of Osama bin Laden, Zubaydah was taken prisoner in in
Pakistan in March. He is also said to have spoken of plans to attack major
European airline hubs such as Heathrow.

British intelligence sources refused to confirm Heathrow had been targeted
specifically, but said agencies responsible for security there were already
on a high state of alert. The Heathrow warning follows an alert for possible
terrorist activity on cross-Channel ferries.

US agencies also announced yesterday that they had detected surveillance by
terror suspects at oil terminals and refineries in Alaska, Texas, and
Pennsylvania.

Iraqi surveillance of US embassies and military facilities in Europe, Asia,
and the Middle East has also increased in recent weeks, leading to
speculation it might order terrorist-style attacks if invaded.