Terror groups have come up with new ways to get explosives into electronic devices in ways that can get past airport security, CNN reported on Saturday.
U.S. intelligence reportedly believes terrorists acquired sophisticated airport security equipment that can be used to test methods of concealing explosive devices.
{mosads}After conducting several tests in the end on 2016, the FBI learned that laptop bombs will be more challenging to detect than previous types of explosive devices.
The testing reportedly focused on specific airport screening equipment that is used by the U.S. and around the world.
“As a matter of policy, we do not publicly discuss specific intelligence information. However, evaluated intelligence indicates that terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation, to include smuggling explosive devices in electronics,” the Department of Homeland Security told CNN.
“The U.S. government continually re-assesses existing intelligence and collects new intelligence. This allows DHS and TSA to constantly evaluate our aviation security processes and policies and make enhancements when they are deemed necessary to keep passengers safe. As always, all air travelers are subject to a robust security system that employs multiple layers of security, both seen and unseen.”
The new findings may end up broadening the ban on laptops and other large electronic devices that is currently applied to flights out of 10 airports in eight countries in the Middle East and Africa.
Three officials told CNN that the ban on laptops was instituted after accumulation of intercepted and “human” intelligence. One official labeled the intelligence as “hair-raising.”