GREEN BAY, Wis. — President Bush said Thursday that a plot to blow up multiple flights between Britain and the United States shows "this nation is at war with Islamic fascists."

"This country is safer than it was prior to 9-11," Bush said from the airport tarmac here where he was appearing at events focused on the economy. "We've taken a lot of measures to protect the American people but obviously we're not completely safe. ... It is a mistake to believe there is no threat to the United States of America."

The president laid the blame for the foiled attack squarely on al-Qaida-type terrorism.

"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," he said, his remarks carried live on television.

Bush's spokesman had earlier declared "it is safe to travel." The president urged Americans to be patient with the many inconveniences that will result from the increased threat level that the plot prompted him to approve.