Al-Qa'eda terrorists are planning attacks against British military bases, according to a classified intelligence document. The document, which is understood to have been produced jointly by MI5, Special Branch and military intelligence specialists, states that there is a "substantial" threat against military bases from international terrorist organisations. The report, entitled Security Update September 2004, adds that there is a "severe" threat - the second highest level - facing the Government Security Zone, which includes Horse Guards Parade, Wellington Barracks on Birdcage Walk, close to Buckingham Palace, and the Royal Guardrooms in Buckingham Palace itself.
The document, which has been distributed to all military garrisons in the United Kingdom and is marked "restricted", states: "Credible reporting continues to indicate that AQ [Al-Qa'eda] and associated terrorist groups, intend to attack Western targets globally. Targeting against UK and US interests, both at home and abroad, remains a priority for AQ . . . the UK remains a high priority for AQ planning for terrorist attacks and [AQ] will employ a variety of attack methods to breach physical security measures . . ." The document also warns service personnel that there is a "real" threat against identifiable servicemen and advises against the wearing of uniform in public "especially in the vicinity of home or while travelling on public transport". It adds that the risk to servicemen is even "more pertinent in London". |