‘Extremely sophisticated’ explosives passed through cargo screening
A breach in air security and the smuggling of explosives onto two cargo planes bound for the U.S. has raised concerns about the screening process of air-freight cargo. Two packages carrying explosives originating in Yemen made their through four countries on at least four different airplanes before being tracked down in Britain and Dubai. Empty printer cartridges were used to hide the bombs.
Officials are now admitting vulnerabilities in the screening of cargo flights that are being exploited by terror organizations like al-Qaida.
We discuss protocols in place when screening cargo packages with the director of the Homeland Security Management Institute at Long Island University, Professor Vincent Henry, to find out what needs to be addressed and fixed. Robert Worth, Beirut bureau chief for The New York Times, reports from the region.
The story you just read is available to read for free because thousands of listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Every day, the reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you: We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.
When you make a gift of $10 or more a month, we’ll invite you to a virtual behind-the-scenes tour of our newsroom to thank you for being with The World.