Terrorism Dry Runs

On July 20, 2007, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued an unclassified alert to security officials warning of attempts to smuggle explosive components onto aircrafts by disguising them as ordinary items. The TSA, citing an assessment by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, warned that terrorists often conduct "dry runs" while attempting to compromise security.

Fast Facts

1. TSA seizures occurred in Milwaukee, San Diego, Houston, and Baltimore airports
2. Seized items:
   • Wires
   • Switches
   • Pipes
   • Tubes
   • Cell phone components
   • Dense clay-like substances
   • Block of cheese taped with wires
3. "Dry run" warning considered routine by TSA¹

No Imminent Threat

The TSA had issued 90 similar alerts prior to the "dry run" report.² Despite the four suspicious seizures at various airports, the TSA has stated that it has no reason to take recent events as evidence of a pending attack.¹

Categories