'Torture jet' flies back to Scotland

"A CIA jet which takes terror suspects to countries where torture is routinely used during interrogation has again landed at Glasgow airport en route to Baghdad. The Boeing 737, which has changed its identity several times, landed in Glasgow at 6am on Monday and took off for Iraq at 8.39am.

"As it was a 'private' flight, no details of the purpose of the journey or the passengers and crew are available.

"The Herald has revealed how a Gulfstream jet, owned by a CIA front company, used Prestwick airport on numerous occasions in the wake of the September 11 attacks and refuelled there last summer. The Gulfstream visited Glasgow airport nine times in 2003 and on five occasions stayed for one or two nights.

"The Boeing 737 is also understood to be owned by a CIA front company. It has visited Glasgow on several occasions, sometimes staying overnight. The jet has also used RAF Northolt, where the Royal Flight is stationed.

"Both aircraft are understood to carry out rendition flights: transporting prisoners to countries where they may be tortured, against international law, for information to assist the battle against terrorism.

"The 737 is owned by a company called Keeler and Tate Management LLC of Reno, Nevada. Investigations in America suggest it is a CIA front company.

"The aircraft always depart from Washington and have flown to 50 destinations outside the US including the Guantanamo Bay camp in Cuba, as well as Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Morocco, Afghanistan and Libya. They have been nicknamed the Guantanamo Bay Express."

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