Guardian [UK]

12/06/05

The full extent of British logistical support for the CIA's secret 'ghost flights' emerged yesterday as Condoleezza Rice, the US secretary of state, said the agency's operations were 'a vital tool' in the campaign against terrorism. The Guardian publishes for the first time today the details of more than 200 flights in and out of Britain of aircraft owned or controlled by the CIA. The agency has used almost 20 airports across the UK during the period when its agents have been snatching terror suspects and taking them to countries where they may be tortured. As well as enjoying access to a number of RAF bases, the agency has been flying in and out of civilian airports across the country. Its destinations include not only major airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick, but small airports at Bournemouth on the south coast and Wick in the north of Scotland. Last night MPs, who have formed a campaign group to challenge British support for the CIA's so-called extraordinary renditions programme, met for the first time and demanded that the government come clean about the use of UK facilities...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/terrorism/story/0,12780,1659057,00.html


Informant: Thomas L. Knapp