UK Could Be Next Target

There are new warnings of terrorist attacks in Britain involving a hijacked aircraft being flown into a building, and Australia has been named as a potential terrorist target.

The London Sunday Telegraph reported that the FBI had uncovered intelligence that al-Qaeda was plotting to hijack an aircraft in Britain - probably at Heathrow or Gatwick airport - within the next two months and fly it into an important building. Australia, the United States and Italy were also named as possible targets by an FBI spokesman quoted in the report.

Earlier this month, the Prime Minister, John Howard, admitted that Qantas jets in London could be at risk. London was placed on the highest alert last month after the FBI warned British intelligence agencies that an al-Qaeda suicide bomb attack in London and other cities could be imminent.

Government officials in the US and Europe said the activities of at least six groups in the US suspected of links to al-Qaeda were being monitored. Most of those under surveillance are believed to be sympathizers of Osama bin Laden who may be engaged in low-level support activities for al-Qaeda, such as raising money, relaying messages and recruiting new members, officials said. They insisted there was no evidence that any of the suspects, living in 40 US states, were preparing an attack or posed any threat.

Pakistanis Arrested In Canada

In Canada, 19 Pakistani men have been arrested by security officials for possible ties to terrorism. The officials cited a "pattern of fraudulent document use to obtain or maintain immigrant status." The men, aged between 18 and 33, were detained 11 days ago after an investigation found that one of them was taking flying lessons at a school near a nuclear power plant in Ontario.

Officials, who gave few details of their investigations, said the four-page document drew a picture of a mysterious group of young men who lived in flats furnished only with computers and mattresses on the floors. They appeared interested in explosives and in Pickering Nuclear Generating Station outside Toronto. But a Canadian Government spokesmen played down any threat to security.

Some of the men are being held on immigration violations and others on no charges at all. A closed detention review hearing is expected to be held on Wednesday and Thursday.

FMI: www.cic.gc.ca/english