The Intercept: Exclusive: TSA Issues Secret Warning on ‘Catastrophic’ Threat to Aviation
The Transportation Security Administration said it is unlikely to detect and unable to extinguish what an FBI report called “the greatest potential incendiary threat to aviation,” according to a classified document obtained by The Intercept. Yet despite that warning, sources said TSA is not adequately preparing to respond to the threat.
Thermite — a mixture of rust and aluminum powder — could be used against a commercial aircraft, TSA warned in a Dec. 2014 document, marked secret [PDF here]. “The ignition of a thermite-based incendiary device on an aircraft at altitude could result in catastrophic damage and the death of every person onboard,” the advisory said.
WNU Editor: The above video shows a thermite reaction. My brother who has a doctorate in chemistry mentioned this threat to me almost a decade ago .... it looks like someone decided to leak this story because .... I can only guess .... a terror group has finally figured this out.
More News On The FBI Report On The Dangers Of Thermite Devices On Airline Passenger Jets
TSA: incendiary device a 'catastrophic' threat to passenger planes -- FOX News
FBI calls thermite the greatest potential risk to aviation and the US TSA says it cannot be detected or extinguished -- News.com.au
FBI Report: Thermite 'Greatest Potential Incendiary Threat to Aviation' -- Travel Pulse
TSA Warns of Undetectable Explosive...Great. -- Yahoo Travel
I wouldn't be too worried. Thermite can be really difficult to ignite, though it is apparently impossible to put out (supposedly burning in a vacuum, and underwater).
ReplyDeleteHopefully the means of ignition would betray the rest of the device.
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ReplyDeleteIt'll take really dedicated terrorists to wear thermite undies.
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