CIA and MI6 Intelligence Sharing: Lessons from the Foiled 2006 Transatlantic Airline Bombing Plot

 

MISSION OF VENGEANCE: A Spy Thriller Inspired by the Real-Life Intelligence Sharing Between the CIA and MI6

On August 10, 2006, a joint operation between the CIA, FBI, and British intelligence MI6 thwarted a terrorist plot to blow up multiple transatlantic flights with liquid explosives. The attack would have been one of the deadliest in history, where thousands of innocent people would have been killed.

     The plan was discovered by MI6, which shared the information with the CIA and FBI. The terrorists, who were all British born, were arrested in raids in London and the surrounding areas. The arrests led to the discovery of a large stash of hydrogen peroxide, which the terrorists planned to mix with other chemicals to create a powerful explosive.

     The 2006 transatlantic airline bombing plot serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of intelligence sharing between U.S. and British intelligence. Yeah, I know, many complain about the restrictions on carrying liquids and gels on board airplanes. Passengers are allowed 3.4 ounces each, which must be placed in a clear, plastic, sealable bag. These bags must be taken out of carry-on luggage during security screening and presented separately for inspection.

     The irritating restrictions are in place to keep us safe. Just remember the thwarted terrorist plot to blow up transatlantic flights in 2006- U.S. intelligence is simply trying to prevent similar attacks from happening in the future. So, while it may be a pain to have to refill your shampoo or conditioner, contact lens solution, whatever, into tiny containers and place them into a clear plastic bag, it is a small price to pay to ensure our safety.

     Intelligence sharing between the CIA, FBI, and the British intelligence agency MI6 enabled counterintelligence teams to identify, track, and arrest members of the terrorist cell while the dreadful attack was still in the planning stage. The MISSION OF VENGEANCE spy thriller novel highlights the importance of intelligence sharing among different intelligence agencies worldwide. CIA spymaster Corey Pearson, the protagonist in the novel, plays a critical role in preventing a similar suicide bomber attack. While the events of the book are fictional, they draw on real-world scenarios and highlight the importance of the work done by cooperating intelligence agencies.

     I highlight the vital importance of intelligence sharing, specifically between the CIA and Britain’s MI6, often in my COREY PEARSON- CIA SPYMASTER series. But in real-life, it truly exists! MI6 and the CIA bonded together to investigate the 2005 London bombings, in which four Islamist extremists detonated bombs on London's public transport system, killing 52 people and injuring over 700. MI6 and the CIA worked closely to share intelligence on the suspects and their connections to other extremist groups. This collaboration led to the identification of key suspects and the disruption of several other planned attacks.

     Another example is the joint intelligence operation against Al-Qaeda in Yemen in 2010. The CIA and MI6 cooperated in sharing intelligence on the organization's activities in the country, including potential targets and operatives. This joint effort disrupted a plot to detonate bombs on cargo planes bound for the United States, which was uncovered when two packages containing explosives were found on planes in Dubai and the UK. The collaboration between the two agencies was essential in preventing this attack and tracking down those responsible. BTW, the cargo planes were scheduled to fly over a major U.S. city when the bombs detonated.

     In conclusion, the thwarting of the 2006 transatlantic airline bombing plot was a major success for the intelligence community and a testament to the importance of international cooperation and intelligence sharing.

     The ongoing threat of both global and domestic terrorism highlights the need for continued vigilance and preparedness, and the events of August 10, 2006, serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of inaction. The cooperation between the CIA, FBI, and MI6, and their dedication to protecting innocent lives, is essential in the ongoing fight against terrorism. 

Robert Morton is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and enjoys writing about the U.S. Intelligence Community. He authors the Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster series. Check out his latest spy thrillers: MISSION OF VENGEANCE.