The Russian Federation confirmed today that one of two Siberian airliners that crashed three minutes apart was blown out of the sky by terrorists. Russian FSB (the reformed KGB) confirmed that they found traces of explosives in the wreckage of one of the downed airliners. In addition, a Chechan web site linked to the separatist movement in Chechnya itself has claimed responsibility for the hijacking and destruction of both airliners.
So it was terrorism.
It should be noted that it’s the first coordinated terrorist attack on multiple civilian airliners since al-Qaeda struck New York City and Washington. Although there is no evidence that al-Qaeda itself was involved, al-Qaeda is believed to provide material and logistical support to the rebels, many of whom share Islamic ties with one another.
Though this terrorist act was against Russia and the elections that are due to be held any day in Chechnya (which the pro-Moscow candidates are expected to win), it points out weaknesses in airport security around the world and that many nations have a long ways to go before achieving mass-transit security.
It’s a very troubling situation.
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