Early this morning, British law enforcement authorities arrested a number of individuals related to a terrorist plot seeking to potentially detonate explosives on multiple aircraft from the United Kingdom and destined to the United States. As a result, and coordinated with our international law enforcement partners, the Secretary of Homeland Security raised the Homeland Security Threat Condition level for all flights from the U.K. destined for the U.S. to Severe, or Red, and all other international and domestic U.S. flights to High, or Orange.

 While specific law enforcement actions have been taken to significantly disrupt and dismantle this specific terrorist threat, CBP has taken a number of heightened protective measures to ensure that all proactive efforts are taken to maintain the security of our air travel andentify other potential high-risk individuals.

 As part of the response to this heightened threat condition, CBP will perform intensive passenger screening, prior to departure from the gate, of all flights scheduled for departure from the U.K. and destined for the U.S, including the risk-based screening of manifest information. In addition, passengers on these flights and all other international flights will be subjected to heightened inspections upon arrival in the United States.

 Specifically, CBP will increase enforcement efforts in international arrival areas, using risk-based targeting and deploying special response teams including baggage and aircraft search teams, baggage x-ray equipment, specially trained canine units, and explosive detection technology. These efforts will complement domestic actions taken by the Transportation Security Administration.

 CBP understands that heightened security measures may create delays for passengers upon arrival, and CBP thanks all passengers in advance for their patience during this time. CBP will constantly evaluate its security measures and update them as circumstances warrant. CBP is firmly committed to maintaining the necessary level of security while continuing to facilitate legitimate travel for all passengers.

 The United States and the United Kingdom are fully united and resolute in this effort and in our ongoing efforts to secure our respective homelands.

 U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

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