GA Terror Bulletin Issued

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The FBI and Department of Homeland Security issued a joint bulletin warning of a potential al-Qaida plot to use rented General Aviation (GA) aircraft filled with explosives for attacks on the 10th anniversary of 9/11.
  • Al-Qaida is reportedly recruiting Western operatives for flight training, planning to rent light single-engine aircraft to carry out these budget-conscious attacks.
  • Despite being described as "routine" with no specific threat mentioned, the bulletin advises that increased security and scrutiny should be expected at local airports.
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The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have issued a joint bulletin to law enforcement and transportation agencies warning al-Qaida may be hatching a plot to use GA aircraft filled with explosives in attacks on the tenth anniversary of 9/11. The agencies, who, according to Politico, are describing the bulletin as “routine,” say the terror organization has been recruiting Western operatives to take flight training. There is apparently no specific threat being mentioned.

Whatever plans may be afoot, the terrorists are apparently budget conscious. Rather than buying aircraft and modifying them at their leisure, the bulletin says they’re planning to rent the aircraft. That would also seem to limit the destructive power of any flying bombs that might be created since the vast majority of rental aircraft are light singles. Nevertheless, expect increased security and scrutiny at your local airport as next Sunday gets nearer.

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