Urges Owners, Airports To Be Vigilant

Citing a message posted in Arabic on an Internet forum, the Transportation Security Administration warned owners of corporate jets and airport officials to be vigilant of dangers, and urged them to boost security.

"On April 13, 2006, a message posted in Arabic on an Internet forum explained how to identify private American jets and urged Muslims to destroy all such aircraft," the TSA said in an advisory issued on Thursday, and obtained by Reuters on Friday.

The TSA quoted the Arabic message as saying: "We call upon all Muslims to follow and identify private civilian American aircrafts in all airports of the world."

The message continues. "It is the duty of Muslims to destroy all types of private American aircraft that are of the types Gulfstream and Lear Jet and all small aircraft usually used by distinguished (people) and businessmen."

The TSA states the message also explained how terrorists can identify US corporate and private jets -- and also provided the tail number of a bizjet believed to be used by the CIA for prisoner movement and extradition.

"Be alert/aware of and report persons masquerading as pilots, security personnel, emergency medical technicians or other personnel using uniforms and/or vehicles as methods to gain access to aviation facilities or aircraft," the TSA advised owners and airport officials.

FMI: www.tsa.gov