WASHINGTON-The Department of Homeland Security last week said mobile phones and other small electronic devices could be used by terrorists in government buildings and other areas with security checkpoints, including airports.
“Most portable electronic equipment is ideal for concealment of improvised explosive devices. The internal component of portable electronic equipment can be integral to the functioning of the IED, as well as offer the terrorist the ability to mask the bomb’s components during x-ray inspection,” according to the DHS advisory. “This DHS advisory is being issued to re-emphasize the need for security screeners to scrutinize electronic equipment including cameras, cell phones, radios, keyless remotes and other electrical/electronic items.”
DHS sent the advisory encouraging further scrutiny of these devices to commercial airlines and law-enforcement officials. The advisory was a result of prototype devices found in an al-Qaida safe house.
Airports were ordered to meet with security personnel to review procedures for small electronic devices, Brian Turmail, spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration, told the Associated Press. Electronic devices must now go through the screening machine and should be removed from bags.
The advisory was issued prior to a hotel bombing in Jakarta, Indonesia, that killed at least 10 people and injured at least 150. The Associated Press reported that Major General Made Pastika said the bombing was similar to one in Bali last year. Both bombings were detonated using mobile phones.
The government warned late last month that terrorists might be planning airline highjackings.
