Tip from Pakistan helped crack terror plot in Britain, Pakistani officials say

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan --Pakistan intelligence helped British security agencies crack the terrorist plot to blow up U.S.-bound aircraft, a government and an intelligence official said Thursday.

The intelligence official said an Islamic militant arrested near the Afghan-Pakistan border several weeks ago provided a lead that played a role in "unearthing the plot," that helped authorities arrest suspects in Britain.

A senior Pakistani government official also said Pakistan had helped thwart the plot and added the British government was fully aware of Islamabad's role.

Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.