Agence France Presse October 14, 2003
US warns airlines over bombs in cushions and toys
US security authorities have warned airlines that terrorists could use air cushions or innocent-looking stuffed animals to stage attacks, an FBI agent said Tuesday.
"This advisory was sent to the airlines by the Department of Homeland Security," the agent said, speaking on condition of anonymity and without providing further detail. Authorities had not released the warning.
According to The Washington Post, the homeland security department fears cushions and toys could be filled with a highly explosive chemical, nitrocellulose.
The explosive could be set off with a detonator hidden in a button on a piece of clothing, a watch strap or a zip, added the report.
The daily said US intelligence has determined Osama bin-Laden's al-Qaeda network was trying to master the technique to blow up commercial flights in mid-air.
The warning was addressed to US and foreign airlines in August.
"Everything is realistic at this point," said Patrick Garrett of the GlobalSecurity.org consultancy. "Al-Qaeda is today able to plan anything."
But he added "airports screeners are already looking for every explosive device possible."
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