Australia: Authorities considering US-style airport security after foiled bomb plot

Australian government officials are considering implementing US-style airport security restrictions and procedures in the wake of the foiled terrorist plot to bring down an Etihad Airways flight originating from Sydney International Airport July 15. The Australian newspaper said that the country’s border protection, justice and transport ministers have met to discuss and prepare enhanced security measures for presentation to the Australian federal cabinet “within weeks.” New measures may include prohibitions on anyone passing through domestic security checkpoints without a valid boarding pass, reintroduction of liquid/gel limitations (which had been relaxed), implementation of biometric ID checks and full-body scans. The measures are being considered as the Australian Federal Police announced terrorism charges against two Australians Aug. 3, alleging the men were part of a plot to plant an IED-style device on an Etihad Airways jet. According to police, the device was disguised as a commercial meat mincer and was handed off to one of the suspect’s brothers, who was unaware the bag contained the explosive. At some point the bag was determined to be too heavy to take on board the aircraft, and the bag with the device was returned to the suspect who left the airport with it. Australian media and police reports indicate the device never reached a check-in counter. The device was apparently found in police raids conducted in Sydney July 29.<br/>