Terrorist Plot to put Explosives Inside iPads Led to US-UK Device Travel Ban

The US Department of Homeland Security has quietly issued a device travel ban last week preventing users from bringing in electronic devices larger than smartphones such as laptops and tablets on their carry on luggage if they are flying in specifically from 10 airports from the Middle-East and North Africa. The UK followed suit, instituting a similar device travel ban although the list of countries did not match the US’ list entirely. Officials from both countries did not reveal why the ban was instituted although it was implied that there were credible intelligence reports that were considered before the decision.

Security sources in contact with The Guardian have revealed that the device travel ban was not the result of a single incident but a combination several factors, including an actual plot to use explosives hidden inside an iPad which is difficult to discern from the real Apple tablet. Much of the details about the plot including the country of origin, factions involved or specific suspects are reportedly still classified although the main idea from the terrorist plot seems to be is to blow a hole on the cabin-area via explosives stowed in the top luggage compartment.

The fact that checked-in items were not factored in to the ban suggests that these explosives still had to be manually set, most like by a short timer and not remotely detonated. The compact space of the iPad leaves little room for other mechanisms but a short fuse can easily be incorporated.

Officials from the US and UK have not stated when the travel ban will be lifted nor have they confirmed the plot and named suspects. The AFP however reports that Emirates airline has stated that they were told to enforce the security rules until October 14.