Some hijackers trained as pilots in US

9.15 am update

WASHINGTON - Some of the hijackers who commandeered planes used in terror attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon yesterday were trained as pilots in the United States, says US Attorney General John Ashcroft.

"A number of the suspected hijackers were trained as pilots in United States," Ashcroft told reporters this morning.

"Four planes were hijacked by between three to six individuals per plane, using knives and box-cutters and in some cases making threats," Ashcroft said.

He said the attackers also targeted the White House and Air Force One. These targets were not hit but the World Trade Center towers in New York City were toppled and the Pentagon was gashed and set aflame. A fourth hijacked plane crashed in Pennsylvania.

At the same news conference, FBI Director Robert Mueller denied reports that arrests had been made in the case, but said a few people were being detained on questions about their immigration status.

Mr Mueller, said the FBI had "successfully identified many of the hijackers" and was following leads in three cities: Boston, where two of the four hijacked planes took off, Miami, and Providence, Rhode Island.

He said search warrants would be executed.

In Boston, heavily armed police and FBI agents swarmed a downtown hotel in what appeared to be a search following the attacks, while police in Providence, Rhode Island, removed three passengers from an Amtrak train for questioning.

- AGENCIES

The New Zealand Herald will publish another special edition this morning with extensive coverage of the terrorist attacks in the USA. Look for your copy on sale throughout the Herald circulation area at noon.

Full coverage: Terror in America

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United Airlines: 0168 1800 932 8555

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US Embassy in Wellington (recorded info): 04 472 2068

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