US and UK banning notebooks and tablets from some flights due to terrorist threats

Yes, my friends, it is not easy. The newspaper The Guardian reported yesterday that the United States and United Kingdom governments have decided to ban notebooks and tablets from hand luggage on some flights due to an attempt to use a fake iPad like bomb.

iPad on the plane

Sad to think that this type of distraction on several flights is no longer allowed. ?

The ban took effect over the weekend and affects some flights to / from several countries predominantly in the Middle East and Africa (North of the country). The US Department of Homeland Security had previously said that the ban was the result of terrorists looking for “innovative methods” to attack planes, but without specifying the exact reason – which we now know.

Not all details of this unsuccessful attack have been revealed. What is known is that there was a plan to take down a plane with explosives hidden in a fake iPad that was extremely similar to a real one. Details such as the date of the attempted attack, the country involved and the group behind it, however, remain secret.

Also according to the newspaper, the restrictions specifically target hand luggage as a terrorist could reserve a window seat, ensuring that the bomb is right next to the fuselage – thus having a greater chance of taking down the plane. The airports selected for the ban are based, in part, on assessing the quality of security controls – although inconsistencies between airports designated by the United States and the United Kingdom are causing some doubts, according to the newspaper.

A defense and intelligence expert cited by them was also surprised that other Western countries – many of whom have been suffering from terrorist attacks, it should be noted – apparently do not share these same concerns.

[via 9to5Mac]