Authorities release one airline terror suspect

ABC / Jim Dolan | August 12 2006

We have learned that one of the suspects arrested by British authorities in the airline terror plot has just been released. Scotland Yard has not given any further details on which suspect or why they were let go.

Meanwhile, police continue their raids throughout England tonight, searching for the five remaining suspects who are still on the loose.

But we begin with the latest on the investigation into the terror plot. Eyewitness News reporter Jim Dolan has the latest.

Four words, four cryptic, frightening and alarming words intercepted by U.S. intelligence that set in motion the raids that have left 24 people in custody and five more on the run.

The cell was under 24 hour surveillance for seven months, and then last week, the intercepted message from handlers in Pakistan. Just four words: Do your attacks now.

British authorities continued to conduct raids in the homes of those arrested yesterday and to look for the five men still at large, five people who the United Kingdom believes are intent still, on killing Westerners.

John Reid, UK Home Secretary: "This is an ongoing operation and so the joint terrorism analysis center has advised that the threat level remain at critical, a precautionary measure to protect the public."

A wire transfer from Pakistan to leaders of the British cell that triggered alarm bells in the investigation. Today. the finances of nineteen of those arrested were frozen by the British government so that their assets could not be used by others to support terrorist activity.

The names released are of British citizens with Muslim names, many common in Pakistan. But as police patrolled in Pakistani neighborhoods outside of London, many here just didn't believe the story. But some are willing to wait for the evidence.

The men arrested yesterday were British, but sources say they had handlers from both Karachi and Lahour in Pakistan. As many as 10 people have been arrested there as facilitators of the plot, and when they were arrested late last week, others allegedly sent that message to great Britain: do your attacks now.

One of those arrested in Pakistan, Rashid Rauf, is believed to be the mastermind of this plot, a man with strong ties to Al Qaeda and who was found as he was headed to the border region between Pakistan and Afghanistan, where Osama bin Laden is believed to be hiding.

It was only when the arrests were made in Pakistan, the the order was sent to those in England to put the plot in motion.

Airport terror plot: Details of the deadly liquid explosive

The deadly liquid explosive the terrorists were planning to use aboard the planes is so lethal it's known as "Mother of Satan."

The material is called acetone peroxide - a deadly explosive. It is believed each terrorist would bring ingredients on board, and assemble them while on the plane.

Then someone would use a spark from a disposable camera's flash as the detonator. Law enforcement officials say they are fighting a losing battle as long as the hunt is for a bomb not the bomber.

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