UK News

Arrests in Britain spark fears of 'new terrorism' (3rd Roundup)

By Anna Tomforde Jan 31, 2007, 19:20 GMT

London - Nine men have been arrested in anti-terror raids in Britain linked to an alleged plot to stage an 'Iraq-style kidnap and video execution' of a serving soldier in the UK, police sources said. Scene of crime officers and a forensic expert at a home in Radstock Avenue, Birmingham, central England Wednesday January 31 2007 following the overnight raids by police in an anti-terrorism operation. Eight men were arrested. according to police sources the men were planning a 'Iraqi style kidnap and video execution' of a serving soldier in the UK EPA/Terry Lee

Scene of crime officers and a forensic expert at a home in Radstock Avenue, Birmingham, central England Wednesday January 31 2007 following the overnight raids by police in an anti-terrorism operation. Eight men were arrested. according to police sources the men were planning a 'Iraqi style kidnap and video execution' of a serving soldier in the UK EPA/Terry LeeThe Evening Standard newspaper reported that video footage of the kidnap victim would have been used to appeal to Prime Minister Tony Blair to pull British troops out of Iraq. The soldier, a Muslim man in his 20s, was now under police guard, the paper said, quoting security sources. 'It would have put the whole country on edge. The pressure on Blair would have been unimaginable,' it continued. Police said eight men were arrested in dawn raids in Birmingham, central Britain, and a ninth suspect was arrested on a motorway in the area Wednesday afternoon. But the policeman who led the operation, Birmingham Assistant Chief Constable David Shaw, Wednesday refused to comment on reports of an alleged kidnap plot, saying that some of the reports were 'bordering on the unhelpful' and could hamper the investigations. BBC police and security correspondents had said earlier that the arrests were linked to an alleged plot to kidnap a British soldier, possibly a Muslim, while on home leave, and kill him in a 'filmed execution.' Shaw said he was confident that his forces had 'taken the right action,' and stressed that the investigations could take 'days or weeks.' His forces had been fully aware of the 'sensitivities' surrounding the raids in Birmingham, a city of one million with a large Muslim population. Police and Home Office officials earlier described the arrests as part of a 'major nationwide operation' linked to a 'sort of terrorism that has never been seen in the UK before.' It would not have involved a bombing and was not aimed at causing 'mass casualties,' the BBC quoted police sources as saying. The Home Office said the arrests followed a six-month investigation involving local police, Scotland Yard and the MI5 intelligence service. 'This operation is a reminder of the real and serious nature of the terrorist threat we face,' said a Home Office spokeswoman. Police said the suspects were held 'on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.' The reported 'switch of tactics' by terror suspects had been 'worrying the police for some time,' security analyst Crispin Black said Wednesday. The hostage-taking and 'video-killing' of a soldier would have had a 'direct impact on the morale of the armed forces,' Black added. It would also rekindle memories of the horrible video-killings of British hostages Ken Bigley and Margaret Hassan in 2004. 'The best thing British intelligence services can do is to study the methods used in Iraq and prepare themselves to see them appearing here,' said Black. Meanwhile in Birmingham, a former industrial city in the British Midlands, local people were shocked by the morning raids on 12 locations in Muslim neighbourhoods. Labour member of parliament Khalid Mahmood, who grew up in Birmingham, said there was 'great concern' about the operation among the local Asian community. He urged people to 'come forward' with information and said that if it was confirmed that there was a 'new trend' in terrorism, this would be 'worrying.' A bookshop, an internet cafe, restaurants and grocery stores were among the premises searched following the arrests, witnesses reported. Mohamed Barber told the BBC his cousin was among those arrested. 'We can vouch for him he is innocent. He doesn't even have time to go to Friday prayers - that's how busy he is,' said Barber. Shabir Hussain, of the local Ludlow Road mosque, said: 'This is something new. I cannot believe that local boys are involved.' Hussain said that he, and other parents, were constantly watching over their children in front of computer screens and the TV. 'We are really stressed, we don't know what to do,' said Hussain, pointing to the danger of 'polarization' in the community. 'We are British. We work hard in this country. We are all victims.' But he warned that while British Muslims were prepared to cooperate with the police, they would also like the presumption of innocence to be respected until charges were brought. © 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur

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Thoi VanBuieFeb 1st, 2007 - 02:57:54

' arrests as part of a 'major nationwide operation' linked to a 'sort of terrorism that has never been seen in the UK before.' '

So , kidnaps and executions are new in the UK ? When i read a history book/newspaper/encyclopedia it says it is not new . Including photos and film from the executors . Of course the same thing happens in Superior Canada and all over the rest of the world .
What is ' new ' about it ?

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To Justin:Feb 1st, 2007 - 08:39:07

I think you are right. Muslims are sick, twisted people. We should get together and kick them out of america. We have this great nation where people of all races are accepted, but can any muslim nation say the same? I didn't think so. Muslims, I dare you to defend yourselves.

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RobertFeb 1st, 2007 - 10:37:54

thank you for your disgusting comment! you should be ashamed calling all muslims sick and twisted! people come from all walks of life and have goodness and wickedness within them. you seem to want to kick them out of your country...im sure the Indians thought the same thing about the white europeans when they came to the Americas (your ancestors no doubt). you talk about countries that accept others? what about Pakistan (christians and muslims living together), Morrocco, Turkey, Greece, Indonesia, Kuwait, Most of Africa, Malaysia, Dubai.. should i go on... even Iran has a large Jewish population that is protected by the state! oh im sorry you only believe what u see on CNN! there are wicked AND EVIL things that go on in society and we must stop it as one race and not remain divided...which it seems is what you want. you want to 'kick out evrybody'...wow...hitler took similar steps in the 1930's... so tell me what would ur next step be...do you have a FINAL SOLUTION?

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Pete TFeb 1st, 2007 - 23:30:19

' ...Muslims are sick, twisted people. We should get together and kick them out of america. We have this great nation where people of all races are accepted... '

Do I have to point this out?

(OK, Islam's a faith, not a race. But still...)

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