Security forces probe packages on UPS and FedEx jets
UPS and FedEx have been at the center of a security threat today (Friday), with investigators searching for up to 20 suspicious packages originating in Yemen and shipped to the US.
Acting on tip-offs from US and British intelligence agencies, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has been checking cargo planes and vehicles in Philadelphia and Newark airports.
Other locations around the world have also been investigated, including Dubai and Chicago.
Two suspicious packages were found en route to the US earlier today. One was found during routine cargo screening at East Midlands airport in the UK, which appeared to be a printer toner cartridge or a device made to look like a toner cartridge.
Authorities have confirmed the device does not contain explosives, but that it was “too early” to make a full assessment of the item.
A second suspicious package was confiscated at the FedEx facility in Dubai, the company confirmed in a statement today.
FedEx said: “In cooperation with the FBI, local authorities have confiscated a suspicious package at the FedEx facility in Dubai. The shipment originated in Yemen and as an additional safety measure, FedEx has embargoed all shipments originating from Yemen.”
UPS issued a statement today confirming that it was also cooperating with security forces, including at the two East Coast airports where three aircraft were being screened on Friday afternoon.
The UPS statement said: “UPS is fully cooperating with authorities who are monitoring reports of potentially suspicious packages on board cargo flights. We can confirm that authorities have investigated two aircraft in Philadelphia and one in Newark. All of these aircraft have landed safely. Security is of the utmost importance to UPS.”
UPS trucks in the New York metropolitan area have also been subject to security checks, as security forces continued to act on the intelligence.
The US Department of Homeland Security said today: “The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is aware of and monitoring reports of potentially suspicious items onboard cargo flights that landed safely at Newark Liberty and Philadelphia International airports. Out of an abundance of caution the planes were moved to a remote location where they are being met by law enforcement officials and swept.”
