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Advisory from the Department of Homeland Security
(CNN) -- Following is the text of the advisory issued by the Department of Homeland Security Tuesday: ATTENTION: Security managers, screeners, federal protective service and law enforcement officials OVERVIEW: Recent reporting indicates al Qaeda may attempt to modify common electronic items carried by air travelers, such as cameras, for use as weapons in order to circumvent improved security screening. It is also possible that these weapons could be designed for use against government buildings, and/or public venues having controlled access, and security screening checkpoints. DETAILS: Al Qaeda operatives have shown a special interest in converting a camera flash attachment into a stun gun type of weapon or improvised explosive device (IED). Another experiment focused on disguising a detonator and explosives inside a camera. Analysis of various bomb-making components and camera flash attachments acquired during a raid on an al Qaeda residence indicates the group is attempting to fabricate devices using photographic materials. The following list describes some of the materials terrorists might attempt to modify for use as a weapon: -- Remote, keyless, door or lock opener -- Auto camera flash attachments -- Cellular telephones -- Multi-band radios -- Dual-speaker radios Screeners should inspect these items or other similar equipment. COMMENT: Most portable electronic equipment is ideal for concealment of IEDs. The internal components of portable electronic equipment can be integral to the functioning of the IED, as well as offer the terrorists the ability to mask the bomb's components during X-ray inspection. Depending on location, placement and configuration of the device, the amount of explosives that could be contained within even the smallest camera could cause collateral damage. PROTECTIVE MEASURES: This DHS advisory is being issued to re-emphasize the need for security screeners to scrutinize electronic equipment including: cameras, cell phones, radios, keyless remotes (car key alarms) and other electrical/electronic items.
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