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FAA restricts flights near World Series, nuclear plants

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Heeding the latest terrorist warning, the Federal Aviation Administration is temporarily restricting flights near the World Series games in New York and around nuclear sites.

The restrictions over New York City prohibit any aircraft operating under visual flight rules from flying within 30 nautical miles of John F. Kennedy International Airport during World Series games. The ban is in effect from 6:45 p.m. until 2 a.m. ET and lasts until midnight, November 6.

Restrictions were even tighter during President Bush's appearance at Tuesday's game.

All aircraft flying below 3,000 feet were prohibited from approaching within three nautical miles of JFK airport from 7:05 p.m. until 7:15 p.m. ET, and from 10:30 p.m. until 10:45 p.m. ET.

The nuclear sites ban, which affects 80 facilities such as power plants and Energy Department areas, restricts aircraft flying below 18,000 feet from coming within a radius of 10 nautical miles of each facility.

The restrictions underscore Attorney General John Ashcroft's announcement Monday of "credible reports" that another major terrorist attack may be possible within the week.

"The FAA realizes these restrictions inconvenience general aviation pilots and airports," said FAA Administrator Jane Garvey in a press release. "As the FAA and other federal agencies continuously review measures to ensure national security, we look for the understanding and cooperation of the general aviation community."

"Pilots must make every effort ... to avoid these sensitive areas," said Phil Boyer, president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

Elsewhere in Washington, officials said Tuesday that Bush's national security team wants the war in Afghanistan to continue during Ramadan, the Muslim holy period. Letting up on the assaults, said one official, would be interpreted "as a sign of flexibility in what the president himself has called a doctrine."

The president, officials said, would decide whether to press on during Ramadan, which begins about November 17.

The sentiment to continue strikes during Ramadan underscored Army Gen. Tommy Franks' assertion Tuesday that the allied coalition is committed "for as long as it takes" to oust the ruling Taliban and Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network.

After meeting with Uzbekistan's president, Franks, commander of the U.S. military campaign in Afghanistan, dismissed suggestions that the U.S.-led military operation has bogged down in its fourth week. (Full story)

U.S. airplanes launched another round of airstrikes early Tuesday on the Taliban stronghold of Kandahar, with low-flying jets pounding targets around the southern Afghan city and Taliban forces returning anti-aircraft fire.

CNN's Kamal Hyder reported Kandahar was quiet Tuesday night, but electricity was out to most of the city and there was no running water. (Full story)

Ashcroft warned Monday that there is a "credible" threat of new terrorist action in the United States in the coming days, and he told law enforcement agencies and the public to be on "highest alert."

The attorney general said intelligence sources had found nonspecific but "credible" information the nation could be the focus again for some sort of terrorist attack.

"We are dealing with an unknown; we are dealing without a lot of specific information," Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge told CNN on Tuesday. "But we also know since September 11 the environment is different, and America has to continue to be on guard."

Latest developments

VIDEO U.S. law enforcement is on high alert after officials warn of possible terrorist attacks. CNN's John King reports (October 30) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media) The Pentagon says progress is being made in the military campaign in Afghanistan. CNN's Jamie McIntyre reports (October 30) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)   QUICKVOTE Will Americans continue to take alerts seriously if attacks don't follow? Yes No View Results    CNN.COM SPECIAL REPORT  CNN NewsPass Video  Agencies reportedly got hijack tips in 1998  MORE STORIES Intelligence intercept led to Buffalo suspects Report cites warnings before 9/11  EXTRA INFORMATION Timeline: Who Knew What and When? Interactive: Terror Investigation Terror Warnings System Most wanted terrorists What looks suspicious? In-Depth: America Remembers In-Depth: Terror on Tape In-Depth: How prepared is your city?  RESOURCES On the Scene: Barbara Starr: Al Qaeda hunt expands? On the Scene: Peter Bergen: Getting al Qaeda to talk  Complete coverage

• Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge said Tuesday that the security alert issued Monday by Attorney General John Ashcroft was a "reiteration" of the October 11 alarm sent to law enforcement agencies. Ashcroft warned that there is a "credible" threat of new terrorist action in the United States in the coming days, and he told law enforcement agencies and the public to be on "highest alert."

• Despite the new threat of more terror attacks in the United States, President Bush plans to be at Yankee Stadium in New York on Tuesday night to throw out the first pitch in the third game of the World Series. (Full story)

• Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta announced Tuesday a new crackdown on security at U.S. airports, including more stringent passenger and bag searches. Mineta said there have been deficiencies in security screening since September 11, and the aviation industry must show improvement "right away." (Full story)

• American Airlines, the world's largest airline, announced Tuesday that it has secured the cockpits of its entire fleet of jet aircraft. American said the new locking devices prevent intruders from accessing the cockpit by securing it from the inside.

• Amid growing criticism of the U.S.-led military campaign, British Prime Minister Tony Blair appealed to the public Tuesday to remember the images of September 11. "Thousands of people were killed in cold blood in the worst terrorist attacks the world has ever seen," Blair said in a keynote speech. (Full story)

• An Egyptian-born man was charged Tuesday with conspiring with others to murder Northern Alliance leader Gen. Ahmad Shah Masood. The opposition leader was killed September 9 by suicide bombers posing as journalists. Yasser Al-Siri, who has lived in Britain for eight years, was charged under Britain's anti-terrorism act. (Full story)

• Iraqi President Saddam Hussein warns that the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan could spread. Calling it a spark that may set "the world on fire," he called Tuesday on other countries to help defeat the United States. (Full story)

• Vice President Dick Cheney on Tuesday was placed again at an undisclosed, secure location, administration officials told CNN. They said Cheney -- who made public appearances Monday in New York -- was returned to the higher level of security through at least next week in response to the latest warning that Ashcroft announced.

• The United Nations refugee agency said Tuesday that thousands of Afghans continue to cross into Pakistan through unofficial entry points. At a briefing in Geneva, Switzerland, a U.N. spokesman said that more than 5,000 people crossed into Pakistan's Northwest Frontier province last weekend.

• The U.N. special envoy to Afghanistan, Lakhdar Brahimi, was meeting Tuesday with Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf and met with other top Pakistani officials Monday as part of the U.N.'s role in shaping a post-Taliban Afghanistan. Brahimi said the United Nations is considering a proposal by the Taliban ambassador in Pakistan to discuss the situation in Afghanistan.