London is bracing itself for a potential terror attack on New Years with the Met Police deploying over 3,000 police officers in central London to secure revellers celebrating the start of 2011.
The current "threat levels" from terrorist attack has remained "severe" in the UK, with security services outlining that London is at risk from attacks from Al Qaida who may use shootings, kidnappings, chemical biological radiological devices(CBRs) to attack. In the run up to Christmas arrests were made of British Bangladeshis who according to reports from the police, conspired to bomb the Stock Exchange, Big Ben and other landmark targets in London.
Security services are particularly concerned that suicide bombers with automatic rifles could randomly fire at large crowds, which has lead to elite armed units of the Met Police manning roof tops in central London and patrolling roads in the capital during the festive season.
The recent attack in Stockholm by an Iraqi based in Luton has highlighted, security analysts assert, that the UK has become a training ground for Islamic fundamentalists to pursue campaigns of terror in Europe and beyond.
A large firework display at the London Eye will mark midnight and celebrations will take place in pubs and bars across the capital, with Londoners warned to be aware of any individuals they regard as suspicious.
Superintendent Julia Pendry, from the Metropolitan Police, said: "New Year's Eve in London is all about fun and celebration and we all want to have a great time. We'll be out on the streets helping to keep people safe and to ensure that those who attend to watch the fireworks have an enjoyable time.
The official guidance notes on security threats are below:
Shootings
Al Qaida have orchestrated a campaign of shootings and close quarter attacks targeted against Westerners in Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Most recently, on 6 December 2004, gunmen mounted an assault on the US consulate in the Saudi city of Jeddah, in which five of the consulate staff and four of the attackers were killed. Al Qaida claimed responsibility for this attack. In Europe, an extremist shot dead the Dutch film maker Theo van Gogh in Amsterdam in November 2004.
Kidnappings
There has been an increase in the number of kidnappings taking place, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan. The kidnapping of UK citizen Kenneth Bigley in Iraq in September 2004 resulted in his murder.
Surface to air missiles
An unsuccessful missile attack was attempted on an Israeli charter plane departing from Mombasa, Kenya, in November 2002. Similar attacks have been carried out in recent months against coalition aircraft in Iraq.
Chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) devices
To date, no such attacks have taken place in the UK. Alternative methods of attack, such as explosive devices, are more reliable, safer and easier for terrorists to acquire or use. Nevertheless, it is possible that Al Qaida and some other associated networks may seek to use chemical, biological or radiological material against the West. Usama bin Laden has referred to such devices on several occasions. In November 2001, he said that "if America used chemical or nuclear weapons against us, then we may retort with chemical and nuclear weapons. We have the weapons as a deterrent".
In a June 2002 article, Al Qaida spokesman Sulaiman Abu Gaith also said "it is our right to fight [the Americans] with chemical and biological weapons".
In April 2005, Kamel Bourgass, an Algerian with known links to Al Qaida, was convicted of plotting to manufacture and spread poisons, including ricin, in the UK.
Police advice on New Years Eve:
- Few simple tips to make sure that if you're coming into the Capital to celebrate everything goes as planned.
- If you have attended the event in previous years, access to the viewing areas, walking routes and station closures have changed for 2010, therefore please check the viewing area map before you set out.
Visit http://www.london.gov.uk/get-involved/festivals/newyearseve/viewing-fire works for more information.
- Consider walking to a tube station a bit further away as stations like Waterloo and Charing Cross may mean long waits.
- Road closures to facilitate the celebrations will be put in place from 16:00hrs and have been agreed with the event organisers.
- Public transport is the best way to get around the capital. Advice to motorists is to leave your vehicle at home.
(source:thelondondailynews.com)
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