Air Cargo From Yemen, Somalia Banned. No 'High-Risk' Cargo On Passenger Flights

The Department of Homeland Security appears to be attempting to clamp down on what it considers "high risk" cargo on airplanes following the exposure of a terrorist plot last week to conceal and ship explosive devices on board aircraft bound for the U.S.

In a statement released Monday, DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano (pictured) said some of the immediate steps that have been taken include adapting inbound cargo targeting rules to reflect the latest intelligence and ordering a ground halt on all cargo coming from Yemen. In addition, she said TSA Administrator John S. Pistole and a team of TSA inspectors have visited Yemen to meet with government security officials and to assist in enhancing Yemen’s security procedures, which are necessary to eventually lift the ground halt on cargo.

"Late last week, TSA directed industry carriers to begin implementing additional precautionary security measures for international flights inbound to the United States," Napolitano said. "These measures take effect today (Monday). Specifically, the ban on air cargo from Yemen will continue and has been extended to all air cargo from Somalia as well. In addition, no high risk cargo will be allowed on passenger aircraft. Toner and ink cartridges over 16 ounces will be prohibited on passenger aircraft in both carry-on bags and checked bags on domestic and international flights in-bound to the United States. This ban will also apply to certain inbound international air cargo shipments as well. Further, all cargo identified as high risk will go through additional and enhanced screening. These measures also impact inbound international mail packages, which must be screened individually and certified to have come from an established postal shipper."

Napolitano said the Administration is also working closely with industry and our international partners to expedite the receipt of cargo manifests for international flights to the United States prior to departure in order to identify and screen items based on risk and current intelligence. "We are also working with our international and private sector partners on the expansion of layered detections system including technology and other measures," she said.

The secretary reiterated that the safety and security of the American public is the agency's highest priority. "The threats of terrorism we face are serious and evolving, and these security measures reflect our commitment to using current intelligence to stay ahead of adversaries—working closely with our international, federal, state, local and private sector partners every step of the way. We encourage our partners, as well as our citizens, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement authorities."

FMI: www.dhs.gov, www.tsa.gov