'US is at war with Islamic fascists'

Warning that Americans 'still are not completely safe,' President George W Bush on Thursday said the foiled terrorist plot to blow up US-bound planes showed that the country was at war with 'Islamic fascists.'

In a statement issued from Green Bay, Wisconsin, Bush also thanked Britain for foiling the plot and informed travellers that they would face some inconvenience due to the hightened security after air travel was put on red alert.

'The recent arrests that our fellow citizens are now learning about are a stark reminder that this nation is at war with Islamic fascists who will use any means to destroy those of us who love freedom, to hurt our nation,' Bush said.

'I want to thank the government of Tony Blair and officials in the United Kingdom for their good work in busting this plot. I thank the officials in Washington, DC, and around our country who gather intelligence and who work to protect the American people,' the President added.

'This country is safer than it was prior to 9/11. We have taken a lot of measures to

protect the American people. But obviously we still aren't completely safe, because there are people that still plot and people who want to harm us for what we believe in,' he said.

'It is a mistake to believe there is no threat to the United States of America, and that is why we've given our officials the tools they need to protect our people,' Bush said, adding that the cooperation in uncovering the terror plot was 'excellent.'

'The cooperation on this venture was excellent. The cooperation between UK and US authorities and officials was solid. And the cooperation amongst agencies within our government was excellent,' the statement said.

Refering to the steps put in place by Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration, Bush said travelers are going to face inconveniences.

'I urge their patience and ask them to be vigilant. The inconvenience occurs because we will take the steps necessary to protect the American people... The American people need to know we live in a dangerous world, but our government will do everything we can to protect our people from those dangers,' Bush said.