Eight on trial for alleged bomb plot

LONDON, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Prosecutors in London say eight Islamic extremists should be found guilty of plotting to blow up airliners with bombs made from household items.

The eight, charged with conspiracy to murder, went on trial Monday in London's Woolwich Court for allegedly plotting suicide bombings aboard American Airlines, United Airlines and Air Canada flights headed for the United States 2 1/2 years ago, CNN reported Tuesday.

Prosecutors allege the men, led by Abdulla Ahmed Ali, 28, and Assad Sarwar, 28, planned to carry aboard batteries and explosive liquids in soda and water bottles and then assemble the bombs once the planes were in flight.

The alleged plot, discovered in August 2006, led to increased airport security measures worldwide restricting the amount of liquids passengers can take on a plane.

"What these men intended to bring about together and with others was a violent and deadly statement of intent that would have a truly global impact," said prosecutor Peter Wright.