Fort Dix says security ‘stringent’ after terror plot

After authorities announced a foiled terror plot against Fort Dix soldiers, troops working the gates of the fort stepped up vehicle security checks and some schools in the surrounding communities kept the children indoors as a safety precaution.

Random searches of vehicles were increased at the fort's gates and many soldiers who ventured into Wrightstown, next to the fort, said they would be more vigilant.

At a nearby elementary school in Wrightstown, teachers said they were alerted to the plot and told to keep the children indoors during recess as an added precaution.

Across the borough and the adjacent Cookstown, next to McGuire Air Force Base, the news of the arrests of six suspects in the plot was the topic of every conversation - and blared from televisions and radios in restaurants and other businesses.

And news crews from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York - many of them equipped with their satellite dishes and video cameras - were camped out at various Fort Dix gates as well as at Super Mario's Pizza Ristorante in Cookstown. The owner's son, Serdar Tatar, was among the six arrested.

At Fort Dix, spokesman David Moore said, "Security at Fort Dix remains stringent in the wake of arrests of six men who were allegedly plotting a terrorist attack on the post. This alleged attack is a reminder that we are a nation at war, and that each of us must be vigilant and aware of our surroundings.

"On a positive note, the Fort Dix and McGuire AFB law enforcement community has partnered with the FBI and local communities during this lengthy investigation to ensure the safety of our joint installations.

"Mobilization and training continue as scheduled at Fort Dix, which has mobilized and demobilized more than 95,000 Soldiers since September 11.

"Those passing through checkpoints onto Fort Dix will notice more frequent vehicle searches and strict adherence to a 100 percent ID check, which may slow traffic."