March 22, 2017

There have been reports of shots being fired outside the Parliament in London. Police told the BBC someone has been shot.

BBC reports:

Shots are reported to have been fired close to the Houses of Parliament.

Politicians and journalists have tweeted about hearing loud crashes outside the buildings,

Witnesses said they saw people being treated for injuries and reported seeing a man with a knife in the palace grounds.

Staff inside Parliament were told to stay inside their offices. The BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg said police told her someone had been shot.

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March 22, 2017

Alert – Indonesia: 6.4 Earthquake Hits Bali

Early this morning Indonesia time, Bali was struck by a 6.4 earthquake.

According to News.Com.Au:

A STRONG earthquake has struck Bali, shaking the resort island but not triggering any tsunami alarms. Witnesses report feeling a strong shake lasting some 20 seconds. Many residents reportedly leapt from their beds and ran into the streets for safety.

The shock came shortly after 10am AEST, or 7am local Bali time. It is believed to have been centred off the coast of the Indonesian archipelago, with early data placing it about 26km south of Denpasar.

Many tourists reported feeling a small shaking followed by a larger tremor, lasting about 20 seconds which shook hotel rooms. Part of a temple gate at Kehan temple in Bangli collapsed but so far no major damage has been reported. In hotels across Bali tourists were reported to have run outside as buildings shook.

The violent quake was reportedly felt by up to three million inhabitants on and around the island. Preliminary measurements of its intensity vary, ranging from 6.4 (Indonesia’s BMKG bureau) through to 5.5 (the USGS earthquake centre). These figures are produced by automated systems, and its intensity, depth and epicentre are yet to be finalised. The US Geological Service’s automated assessment places the risk of fatalities and economic loss as being low.

Indonesia is part of the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’ and it regularly experiences earthquake and volcanic activity.

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March 21, 2017

Alert – U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Middle East/Africa Electronic Devices Rule (Update 2)

Yesterday, we reported on a CNN story on how the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is ordering airlines flying to the United States from certain countries in the Middle East and Africa to require passengers to place nearly all electronic devices larger than cellphones into checked luggage versus bringing it on board.

Today, we have the full DHS Fact Sheet followed by its Q&A:

Fact Sheet: Aviation Security Enhancements for Select Last Point of Departure Airports with Commercial Flights to the United States

Release Date:

March 21, 2017

Office of Public Affairs Contact: 202-282-8010

Overview: Change to international travel carry-on items

Evaluated intelligence indicates that terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation and are aggressively pursuing innovative methods to undertake their attacks, to include smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items. Based on this information, Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly and Transportation Security Administrator Acting Administrator Huban Gowadia have determined it is necessary to enhance security procedures for passengers at certain last point of departure airports to the United States.

These enhancements apply to 10 specific airports. The affected overseas airports are: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), Cairo International Airport (CAI), Ataturk International Airport (IST), King Abdul-Aziz International Airport (JED), King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Kuwait International Airport (KWI), Mohammed V Airport (CMN), Hamad International Airport (DOH), Dubai International Airport (DXB), and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH).

The aviation security enhancements will include requiring that all personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone or smart phone be placed in checked baggage at 10 airports where flights are departing for the United States.

Impacted International Flights Bound for the United States

These enhanced security measures will only affect flights from 10 of the more than 250 airports that serve as last points of departure to the United States. A small percentage of flights to the United States will be affected, and the exact number of flights will vary on a day to day basis. Airlines will know in advance which flights are affected by these measures

Large Electronic Devices

Electronic devices larger than a cell phone/smart phone will not be allowed to be carried onboard the aircraft in carry-on luggage or other accessible property. Electronic devices that exceed this size limit must be secured in checked luggage. Necessary medical devices will be allowed to remain in a passenger’s possession after they are screened.

The approximate size of a commonly available smartphone is considered to be a guideline for passengers. Examples of large electronic devices that will not be allowed in the cabin on affected flights include, but are not limited to:

 Laptops

 Tablets

 E-Readers

 Cameras

 Portable DVD players

 Electronic game units larger than a smartphone

 Travel printers/scanners

There is no impact on domestic flights in the United States or flights departing the United States. Electronic devices will continue to be allowed on all flights originating in the United States.

Q&A: Aviation Security Enhancements for Select Last Point of Departure Airports with Commercial Flights to the United States

Release Date:

March 21, 2017

Q1: Why is the U.S. Government taking these steps now? Are these new policies in response to a specific terrorist threat or plot?

A1: The U.S. Government is concerned about terrorists’ ongoing interest in targeting commercial aviation, including transportation hubs over the past two years, as evidenced by the 2015 airliner downing in Egypt, the 2016 attempted airliner downing in Somalia, and the 2016 armed attacks against airports in Brussels and Istanbul. Evaluated intelligence indicates that terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation, to include smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items.

Based on this trend, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in consultation with relevant Departments and Agencies, has determined it is prudent to enhance security, to include airport security procedures for passengers at certain last point of departure airports to the United States. These enhancements include more stringent measures applied to 10 specific airports.

The enhancement in security will require that all personal electronic devices (PEDs) larger than a cell phone or smart phone be placed in checked baggage. These items will no longer be allowed to be carried onto aircraft at 10 select airports where flights are departing for the United States. Approved medical devices may be brought into the cabin after additional screening.

This security enhancement will be implemented through a Security Directive (SD)/Emergency Amendment (EA) process, which includes industry notification, to affected air carriers that will implement the requirements.

Q2: Why is DHS/TSA doing this now?

A2: The Department of Homeland Security, in close cooperation with our intelligence community partners, continuously assesses and evaluates the threat environment. While a number of existing security measures remain in place, others will be modified, as deemed necessary to protect travelers. DHS will Travel Leaders •3033 Campus Drive Ste W320 •Plymouth, MN 55441

continue to adjust its security measures to ensure thehighest levels of aviation security without unnecessary disruption to travelers.

Q3: Is there a specific or credible threat to aviation?

A3: We have reason to be concerned about attempts by terrorist groups to circumvent aviation security and terrorist groups continue to target aviation interests. Implementing additional security measures enhances our ability to mitigate further attempts against the overseas aviation industry.

Q4: Did new intelligence drive a decision to modify security procedures?

A4: Yes, intelligence is one aspect of every security-related decision. The record of terrorist attempts to destroy aircraft in flight is longstanding and well-known. We continually re-assess old intelligence and collect new intelligence.

Q5: How did you select these airports and which ones are affected?

A5: DHS, in close cooperation with our intelligence community partners, selected these airports based on the current threat picture. The affected overseas airports are: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), Cairo International Airport (CAI), Ataturk International Airport (IST), King Abdul-Aziz International Airport (JED), King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Kuwait International Airport (KWI), Mohammed V Airport (CMN), Hamad International Airport (DOH), Dubai International Airport (DXB), and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH).

Q6: Could more airports be added in the future, and might some of those be in the U.S.?

A6: As threats change, so too will TSA’s security requirements.

Q7: How long will these new procedures remain in place?

A7: The new procedures remain in place until the threat changes. These are risk-based decisions and TSA continuously assesses security risks and seeks to balance necessary security requirements with their operational impact on the industry.

Q8: Why won’t these procedures continue indefinitely, like the prohibition on bringing liquids through security screening?

A8: See above.

Q9: How are you defining, “larger than a smart phone?”

A9: The size and shape of smart phones varies by brand. Smartphones are commonly available around the world and their size is well understood by most passengers who fly internationally. Please check with your airline if you are not sure whether your smartphone is impacted.

Q10: Why does this only apply to large electronic devices? Why doesn’t this apply to mobile phones?

A10: TSA seeks to balance risk with impacts to the traveling public and has determined that cell phones and smart phones will be allowed in accessible property at this time.

Q11: Is air travel safe?

A11: Yes. Today, all air travelers are subject to a robust security system that employs multiple layers of security, both seen and unseen, including:

 Intelligence gathering and analysis

 Cross-checking passenger manifests against watchlists

 Thorough screening at checkpoints

 Random canine team screening at airports

 Reinforced cockpit doors

 Federal air marshals

 Armed pilots

 A vigilant public

In combination, these layers provide enhanced security creating a much stronger and protected transportation system for the traveling public. TSA continually assesses and evaluates the current threat environment and adjusts security measures as necessary to ensure the highest levels of aviation security without unnecessary disruption to travelers.

Q12: How will TSA ensure foreign airports and air carriers are complying with the new procedures?

A12: TSA conducts assessments of foreign airports and inspections of airlines to ensure all U.S. regulations and International security standards are being met at last point of departures to the United States. TSA directly assesses the security posture of last points of departure airports under the Foreign Airport Assessment Program (FAAP) and evaluates the implementation of the internationally recognized International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. TSA also utilizes its regulatory authorities over the air carriers which serve the United States to implement enhanced security measures at foreign locations. As an element of each air carrier’s legally binding approval to operate to and from the United States, the airline agrees to meet all security requirements stipulated by TSA.

Q13: How does this affect the American public, either those traveling to/from these selected airports and those flying within the U.S.?

A13: All passengers flying through and from these locations will have to place electronic devices that are larger than a cell phone/smart phone in their checked bags regardless of the passenger’s citizenship.

Q14: Will the security procedures continue to apply to both international and domestic passengers?

A14: This applies to all passengers traveling from 10 specific airports overseas.

Q15: Why are you only implementing these measures overseas, could the same tactics be used domestically?

A15: Electronic devices will still be allowed on all flights originating in the United States. Security procedures, both seen and unseen, are in place to mitigate the risk to flights in the United States.

Q16: Does TSA have to hire additional officers, or transfer some to the affected airports, to ensure the new screening procedures are followed?

A16: No additional TSA personnel are needed because TSA does not conduct screening at airports outside the United Sates.

Q17: Are the security measures introduced on July 2, 2014 still in place?

A17: A number of those implemented security measures remain in place while others may be modified as deemed necessary to protect travelers. Since July 2, 2014, a number of foreign governments have themselves enhanced aviation security, buttressing and replacing our own measures at these airports when it became routine at overseas airports for security officials to ask some passengers to turn on their electronic devices, including cell phones, before boarding flights to the United States.

Q18: How many flights does this affect?

A18: This will only impact flights from 10 of the more than 250 airports that serve as last points of departure to the United States. This will only impact a small percentage of flights to the United States. The exact number of flights will vary on a day to day basis.

Q19: How many passengers will be affected? Travel Leaders •3033 Campus Drive Ste W320 •Plymouth, MN 55441

A19: These measures will apply to all passengers on flights from the 10 last points of departure airports, a small fraction of passengers travelling to the United States by air each day.

Q20: Will this affect passengers enrolled in trusted traveler programs?

A20: These measures will apply to all passengers on flights from certain locations regardless of trusted traveler status.

Q21: What do you recommend passengers do if they are flying out of one of the last point of departure airports?

A21: Passengers should pack large personal electronic devices in checked bags and contact their air carrier with additional questions.

Q22: How will this affect the screening process at the airport?

A22: Generally, passengers will be instructed to place large electronic devices in their checked bags when traveling from one of the last point of departure airports. We provided guidance to the airlines who will determine how to implement and inform their passengers.

Q23: How will this affect passengers with connections?

A23: TSA recommends passengers transferring at one of the 10 affected airports place any large personal electronic devices in their checked bags upon check-in at their originating airport.

Q24: Can you provide any examples of recent terrorist plotting against the aviation sector? Please highlight the trend you’re concerned about.

A24: Although the U.S. has instituted robust aviation security measures since 9/11, our information indicates that terrorist groups’ efforts to execute an attack against the aviation sector are intensifying given that aviation attacks provide an opportunity to cause mass casualties and inflict significant economic damage, as well as generate overwhelming media coverage.

We note that disseminated propaganda from various terrorist groups is encouraging attacks on aviation, to include tactics to circumvent aviation security. Terrorist propaganda has highlighted the attacks against aircraft in Egypt with a soda can packed with explosives in October 2015, and in Somalia using an explosives-laden laptop in February 2016.

Terrorists have historically tried to hide explosives in shoes in 2001, use liquid explosives in 2006, and conceal explosives in printers in 2010 and suicide devices in underwear in 2009 and 2012. Within the last year, we have also seen attacks conducted at airports to include in Brussels and Istanbul.

Q25: How were these countries informed?

A25: USG officials coordinated with their foreign counterparts to inform them of the changing threat. TSA has a formal process for notifying airlines through the EA/SD process. This process was used to notify affected airlines of the needed changes.

Q26: How will this be implemented?

A26: The Airlines will have 96 hours to implement. The manner of an EA/SD is to tell an airline the end result required (no electronic devices larger than a cell phone allowed in the cabin) and allow them the flexibility to implement within their business model.

Q27: Will U.S. direct hires/diplomats posted in these countries be told to take other routes/airlines?

A27: No. U.S. government employees in the affected countries have the option, but are not required, to modify their travel routes. The new routes must comply with all U.S. government travel regulations.

Q28: Will this apply to flights departure to affected countries? Travel Leaders •3033 Campus Drive Ste W320 •Plymouth, MN 55441

A28: No. At this time, evaluated intelligence says that the threat exists at the 10 last point of departure airports.

Q29: Does this start tomorrow?

A29: Airlines were notified on March 21st at 8:00 a.m. EDT. They have 96 hours within which to comply.

Q30: How long will these enhanced security measures be in effect?

A30: These measures will be in effect indefinitely. However, DHS and TSA continue to evaluate our aviation security processes and policies based on the most recent intelligence.

Please contact the PR Team if you have any questions or concerns: TravelLeadersGroupPR@TravelLeaders.com.

March 20, 2017

Alert – U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Airlines Flying Certain Middle East/Africa Routes Must Require Passengers to Check Most Electronic Devices

According to a news report today from CNN, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is ordering airlines flying to the United States from certain countries in the Middle East and Africa to require passengers to place nearly all electronic devices larger than cellphones into checked luggage versus bringing it on board.

According to CNN:

Airlines that fly from certain countries in the Middle East and Africa to the U.S. must require passengers to check in almost all electronic devices rather than carry them into the cabin, said a U.S. official. The official told CNN that there is a security concern regarding passengers boarding non-stop flights to the U.S. from some specific countries. The directive is to ensure enhanced security measures at select airports for a limited duration.

The source said it will impact over a dozen airlines flying into the US. Another US administration official says this covers devices larger than a cellphone. In a written statement, the Department of Homeland Security said, “We have no comment on potential security precautions, but will provide any update as appropriate.”

A State Department officials says embassy officials have been notifying relevant countries and airlines.

An aviation official said U.S. carriers are not impacted because none flies directly from the countries in question to the U.S. Neither source would specify what airlines were impacted beyond Royal Jordanian Airlines, which tweeted Monday that it will ban most electronics from the cabins on its flights to and from its North American destinations.

The Amman, Jordan-based carrier said that starting Tuesday, March 21 it will only allow phones and medical devices to be carried in the cabin of its flights. All other electronics would be “strictly prohibited.” The airline cited “concerned U.S. departments” without offering additional explanation. The carrier said that laptops, tablets, DVD players and electronic games must be stored in checked baggage for its flights.

“We will share any further information once shared with us,” a spokesperson for Royal Jordanian Airlines said. The airline serves New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, as well Montreal and Detroit.

In 2014, the Transportation Security Administration required some passengers to show their electronics could power up over concern explosives were hidden in the devices.

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March 20, 2017

The northern part of Peru is suffering severe flooding, leading to numerous deaths and injuries. Many popular tourist destinations in Peru, such as the Amazon, Cusco and Machu Picchu, have not been affected by flooding, and are safe to visit. Lima has been affected, and drinking water is in short supply.

The Washington Post says:

“The worst flooding in 30 years is scouring the arid landscape of coastal Peru. Exceptionally warm water in the Pacific Ocean is fueling torrential rain in western South America, which then comes pouring down out of the mountains. The extraordinary amount of water has overwhelmed surrounding towns.”

Accuweather.com notes:

“Current analysis shows water temperatures 4-5 C (7-9 F) above normal along much of Peru’s coastline, and this is unlikely to change for at least several weeks.

This abnormal ocean warmth could lead to additional rounds of flooding through April before the normally drier weather associated with Peru’s dry season begins to take hold in May and June.”

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has emergency teams in several Peruvian regions. They report that:

“According to Peru’s National Institute of Civil Defence (INDECI), 75 people have died and over 625,000 are affected, including more than 70,000 who have lost their homes. The flooding, which started four days ago, is the result of record downpours that have engorged rivers, triggered landslides and wiped away people, crops and buildings.”

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March 16, 2017

An explosive device was left in the New York Port Authority bus terminal on Wednesday evening, and a suspect was taken into custody today. There were no injuries or deaths.

The New York Post reports:

“A PAPD K-9 unit inspected the suitcase and brought it to a police substation within the bus terminal, sources said. When officers opened the bag, they saw what appeared to be an improvised explosive device along with a knife, bolt cutters and screwdrivers, police sources added.”

The New York Daily News notes:

“No explosive material was recovered, said sources, who described the item as a ‘flash bang grenade.’ The bomb had the power to surprise and temporarily blind people nearby, but not cause any serious harm.”

According to U.S. News & World Report:

“Arsenio Mason was charged Thursday with possession of a weapon and possession of a controlled substance. He was being held without bail on a separate criminal case in California… Police said they also found methamphetamine.”

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March 16, 2017

Today, Mount Etna erupted again, this time injuring 10 people. No fatalities were reported. Mount Etna, located on the Italian island of Sicily, is the largest active volcano in Europe.

According to NBC News:

“The blast was caused by a ‘phreatic eruption’ in which fast-moving lava moves over snow, creating high-pressure pockets of steam, Marco Neri, a volcanologist at Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology told NBC News.”

The Guardian reported:

“A BBC crew was among 10 people injured after a flow of lava triggered an explosion when it came into contact with snow on Mount Etna in Sicily on Thursday.

Six of the crew were taken to hospitals in Catania and nearby Acireale. Their injuries were not believed to be serious.”

The Associated Press noted:

“So far it [Mount Etna] has not disrupted traffic at the nearby Catania airport or created inconvenience for residents in the area.”

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March 16, 2017

Alert – France: Letter Bomb Explodes at Paris IMF Office

Earlier today, a letter bomb exploded in the face of a female employee at the International Monetary Fund’s Paris office. The employee was injured with burns on her face and arms, but her life is not in danger.

According to Reuters:

A female employee of the International Monetary Fund was injured in the face and arms on Thursday when a letter bomb posted to the world lender’s Paris office blew up as she opened it, police said. The explosion was caused by a homemade device, said the head of the French capital’s police force.

“It was something that was fairly homemade,” police chief Michel Cadot told reporters. Cadot said there had been some recent telephone threats but it was not clear if these were linked to the incident at the IMF’s offices.

A police source said the woman who opened the letter suffered burns on her face and arms but her life was not in danger.

Separately, at least two people were injured in a shooting at a high school in the small southern French town of Grasse, a police source said.

France, which is in the middle of a presidential campaign ahead of elections in six weeks time, has been hit by attacks by Islamist groups in the last few years that have killed scores of people and the country is still in a state of emergency with army units patrolling the streets of Paris.

A militant Greek group, Conspiracy of Fire Cells, claimed responsibility for a parcel bomb mailed to German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble on Wednesday, but there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the Paris bomb.

The IMF has been involved in discussions between Greece and its international creditors on disbursing new loans to Athens under a bailout program.

President Francois Hollande said French authorities would do all they could to find those responsible.

IMF chief Christine Lagarde condemned the explosion as “a cowardly act of violence.”

“I … reaffirm the IMF’s resolve to continue our work in line with our mandate. We are working closely with the French authorities to investigate this incident and ensure the safety of our staff,” she said.

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March 15, 2017

Alert – Federal Judge Halts U.S. Travel Ban

A U.S. Federal Court Judge has ruled against the revised U.S. travel ban, effectively halting it. The travel ban, which included six Muslim-majority countries, was scheduled to go into effect tomorrow.

According to The Washington Post:

A federal judge in Hawaii on Wednesday issued a sweeping freeze of President Trump’s new executive order hours before it would have temporarily barred the issuance of new visas to citizens of six Muslim-majority countries and suspended the admission of new refugees.

In a blistering 43-page opinion, U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson pointed to Trump’s own comments and those of his close advisers as evidence that his order was meant to discriminate against Muslims and declared there was a “strong likelihood of success” that those suing would prove the directive violated the Constitution.

Watson was one of three federal judges to hear arguments Wednesday about the ban, though he was the first to issue an opinion. Federal judges in Washington state and Maryland said they would issue opinions soon.

Watson’s decision might not be the last word. He was considering only a request for a temporary restraining order, and while that required him to assess whether challengers of the ban would ultimately succeed, his ruling is not final on that question. The Justice Department could appeal the ruling or wage a longer-term court battle before the judge in Hawaii.

CNN reports:

The practical effect of the ruling — which applies nationwide — is that travelers from six Muslim-majority countries and refugees will be able to travel to the US.

While Watson signaled that this temporary freeze of the travel ban may not last forever, he nevertheless concluded that the changes made between the first and second versions of the travel ban weren’t enough.

“Here, it is not the case that the Administration’s past conduct must forever taint any effort by it to address the security concerns of the nation,” he wrote. “Based upon the current record available, however, the Court cannot find the actions taken during the interval between revoked Executive Order No. 13,769 and the new Executive Order to be ‘genuine changes in constitutionally significant conditions.'”

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March 13, 2017

Roughly 650 flights have already been canceled for today at Schönefeld and Tegel airports in Berlin, Germany, as workers continue to strike. Last Friday nearly 700 flights were cancelled.

According to UPI:

A strike at two of Berlin’s airports was extended to Wednesday, the striking union announced Monday, with nearly 650 flights already canceled.

Verdi, the airport service workers union, is demanding higher wages for its 2,000 baggage handlers and passenger service employees.

The two affected airports said in a joint statement that 448 flights were canceled at Tegel and 194 at Schoenfeld airports, with more cancellations expected.

The work stoppage has effectively grounded all passenger flights to and from Berlin.

Deutsche Welle reports:

Monday’s strike is a continuation from last Friday, when ground crews held a strike that led to nearly 700 cancelled flights, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. Ground crews include personnel checking in passengers, loading and unloading planes and directing airplanes on the tarmac.

Lufthansa’s website states:

The union Verdi has announced a strike of the ground handling personnel at Berlin Tegel airport on Monday 13 March and Tuesday 14 March 2017. Lufthansa therefore has to cancel flights between Munich to/from Berlin and Frankfurt to/from Berlin.

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