Terror Plot Foiled
Today will probably be a very interesting day for new watchers and a very bad day for airline travellers: initial news reports say that a terrorist plot to blow up a number of airliners departing from London and bound for the U.S. in mid-air was thwarted.
Some news sources:
“Liquid Explosives” is the New “Boxcutter”
Watch for it to be the phrase most used on TV and most Googled: the arrested people are accused of sneaking liquid explosives in their carry-on luggage.
According to Schneier on Security, the UK has issued a ban on all carry-on baggage with the following exceptions…
- Pocket size wallets and pocket size purses plus contents (for example money, credit cards, identity cards etc (not handbags);
- Travel documents essential for the journey (for example passports and travel tickets);
- Prescription medicines and medical items sufficient and essential for the flight (e.g. diabetic kit), except in liquid form unless verified as authentic;
- Spectacles and sunglasses, without cases;
- Contact lens holders, without bottles of solution;
- For those traveling with an infant: baby food, milk (the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger);
- Sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight (nappies, wipes, creams and nappy disposal bags);
- Female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, if unboxed (e.g. tampons, pads, towels and wipes) tissues (unboxed) and/or handkerchiefs;
- Keys (but no electrical key fobs)
…and the US Transportation Safety Administration has announced these new rules, summarized in this news story:
Passengers are not allowed to have gels or liquids of any kind at screening points or in the cabin of any airplane.
They said this includes beverages, food, suntan lotion, creams toothpaste, hair gel, or similar items. Those items must be packed into checked luggage. Beverages bought on the secure side of the checkpoint must be disposed of before boarding the plane.
There are several exceptions to the new rule. Baby formula, breast milk, or juice for small children, prescription medications where the name matched the name of a ticked passenger, as well as insulin and other essential health items may be brought onboard the plane.
Schneier writes:
Given how little we know of the extent of the plot, these don’t seem like ridiculous short-term measures. I’m sure glad I’m not flying anywhere this week.
I’m inclined to agree.
