August 5, 2003
Airlines warned that cell phones could conceal bombs
The Homeland Security Department is advising the nation's airlines and airports. to pay extra attention to certain types of personal carry-on items, including cell phones. The concern follows the discovery of al-Qaida terrorists considering hiding explosives in particular models of cell phones, cameras, simple electronic devices and stuffed animal toys, according to MSNBC.
Not only can a cell phone conceal a bomb, but it can detonate one. cf Cell phones trigger bombs :
-- During the trials following the Sari Club bombing in Bali bombing which killed more 200 people, it was revealed that the terrorists used a cellphone to detonate the bomb planted in a mini bus.
-- the FBI confirmed that modified cell phones were found during searches in Saudi Arabia, following the May 12 bombing, and that they were rigged to detonate explosives by remote control.
-- A cell phone was found on one of the female suicide bombers that killed 14 people at the Krylya rock festival. Whether it helped dentonate a bomb was not confirmed, but its SIM card could provide clues as to whether the bombers coordinated the attack with accomplices.
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