Investigators focus on brothers in alleged bomb plot

Two brothers arrested in Pakistan and the U.K. have emerged as lead figures in the investigation of an alleged plot to blow up U.S.-bound jetliners, officials in Pakistan said Saturday.

In Britain,the terror threat level remained at its highest designation.

Rashid Rauf, who was arrested along the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan about a week ago,has been listed as a "key person" in the investigation, authorities with Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said.

Rauf's brother, Tayib Rauf, 22,was arrested in Britain, but police have refused to comment on reports that a third brother is among the 40 people who have been detained.

British authorities have detained 23 people while Pakistani intelligence agents are questioning at least 17. Most of the suspects are reported to be British-born Muslims.

Liquid explosives

The alleged bomb plot apparently targeted as many as 10 commercial flights, using liquid explosives smuggled in hand luggage.

A senior Pakistani security official told the Associated Press that when Rashid Rauf's arrest was found out by an accomplice, he made a telephone call to a suspect in Britain and urged him to proceed with the alleged plan.

"This telephone call intercept in Karachi and the arrest of Rashid Rauf helped a lot to foil the terror plan," the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told the news agency.

A second unnamed intelligence official confirmed the story, adding the accomplice who made the telephone call was "inexperienced."

Authorities in Pakistan also said that as many as three suspects remained at large, including Matiur Rahman, who is believed to have ties with al-Qaeda.

Suspect in killing

Rashid Rauf, who was born in Britain, reportedly left his family home for Pakistan following the 2002 fatal stabbing of his uncle Mohammed Saeed. Rauf was reportedly a suspect in the slaying.

British authorities are not releasing much information about the Rauf brothers or their larger investigation; there were no press briefings Saturday.

The British government asked the news media not to jeopardize the investigation by publishing details of the alleged plot.

British police late Friday released one of the 24 people originally arrested. No charges have been filed against the others.