Bomb parts pass US airport screenings

Undercover agents carried bombing devices through security check

WASHINGTON: US undercover investigators successfully carried bomb-making material across security checkpoints during tests at 19 US airports earlier this year, a government report has said.

The Government Accountability Office report said agents were able to clear Transportation Security Administration checkpoints with components for making several improvised explosive devices (IED) or an improvised incendiary device (IID).

The two investigators concealed the materials in their carry-on luggage and on their persons.

“Our tests clearly demonstrate that a terrorist group, using publicly available information and few resources, could cause severe damage to an airplane and threaten the safety of passengers by bringing prohibited IED and IID components through security checkpoints,” the report said.

The investigators bought the components for the devices for less than $150 at local stores and over the Internet, the report said.

The GAO investigation was conducted to check for security gaps in TSA policies that were changed last year after British authorities foiled an alleged plot to blow up US-bound airliners using liquid explosives.

The report said that in most cases security officers followed TSA procedures and used technology appropriately.

“However, GAO uncovered weaknesses in TSA screening procedures and other vulnerabilities as a result of these tests,” it said. 

The GAO briefed TSA twice on its findings to help the agency take corrective measures, the report said.