DHS: Laptop ban put in place after explosive test destroyed airplane

Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly said Wednesday that the temporary ban on large electronics in carry-on luggage on U.S.-bound international flights announced in March was set into motion after a similar explosive destroyed an aircraft during a test.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced in March a temporary ban on large electronics in passenger cabins of nonstop international flights from certain airports into the U.S.

The ban included 10 airports in North African and Middle Eastern countries.

A U.S. intelligence official told CBS News that the new ban was put in place because of an intelligence report that found a terrorist plot seeking to use explosives hidden in a laptop to destroy a commercial flight.

{mosads}

Kelly said at a security conference that the TSA had tested two similar explosive devices concealed in large electronic devices.

The 10 airports targeted by the ban have since implemented the new security measures required since March by the U.S. ban, as verified by U.S. officials.

U.S.-bound travelers from about 300 international airports will now face increased security measures and may be required to present electronic for inspection.