Terrorist/Security Issues of 29th October

No one seems to have mentioned this.

The rolling news channels are going crazy currently with what seems like cargo and now passenger planes carrying suspect packages.

According Sky News the latest is:

[*] UPS flights landed at PHL and EWR with suspect packages
[*] Fedex flight at DXB found with suspect package
[*] UPS flight at East Midlands found with suspect package
[*] EK flight from DXB to JFK escorted by fighter jets into JFK with suspect package
[*] All West Coast bound flights from UK that are enroute now having manifests checked for packages from Yemen


It seems that all packages are from Yemen and being carried as cargo but crucially have not been explosives. It seems that the plan is to cause havoc rather than anything else.

Dept of Homeland Security has raised terrorist threat but Home Office has not raised threat level from critical.

All cargo flights from Yemen to the UK are now being canceled.

All rather ironic given yesterdays lead news about lowering security at UK airports.

Yes there are some people wetting their pants with excitement over this spouting loads of the usual 'expert' nonsense.

Am not sure the BA chairmans' comments are relevent - he was asking for the making of consistent security processes not lower security.

[buns]

It is a known fact that Terrorists will always seek out the weakest link - once security is increased in one area, another opportunity will be sought v(

The need for constant vigilance will never go away

buns

Cargo screening has been an area of concern for a while ... any changes here will only raise the cost of shipping.

Seems that these are testing the system ... or intended to cause havoc. Am watching the news in my hotel in New York before heading back home tonight on the VS10. Wonder how friendly and efficient security will be at JFK tonight and I hope that over reaction and havoc do no ensue.

Slinky

this was linked to via BBC News. Hope it helps !

DHS Statement on Increased Security Precautions

[mitchja]

There are security screening checks in place for all airline cargo, starting right from the point of origin.

Any company who sends air freight has to have certain security procedures in place.

Am not sure the BA chairmans' comments are relevent - he was asking for the making of consistent security processes not lower security.

Ok point taken however they are relevant to an extent, the issues of today just highlight how consistent processes have to be. At the moment it seems the package found at EMA actually passed through Cologne Airport undetected.



White House have now confirmed that these packages contained explosives and so this was not a 'dry run' as originally reported.

Agree with you Slinky that cargo has been a clear area of concern. However as with passengers, the US Authorities do have in place additional checks and paperwork that must be completed before shipping.