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17 Aug 2018 | 08:34 PM UTC

Chile: Two men arrested August 16-17 following airplane bomb threats

Authorities arrest two men on August 16-17 after airplane bomb threats ground nine flights on August 16

Informational

Event

Chilean authorities have arrested two men after a series of bomb threats were made against airplanes on Thursday, August 16. Four planes were forced to make emergency landings, while nine more in Chile, Argentina, and Peru were grounded to facilitate bomb searches. One man was arrested in the city of Antofagasta (Antofagasta region) on the morning (local time) of Friday August 17. A second man was arrested at Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) in Santiago on Thursday. According to Chilean aviation authorities, a total of 11 threats were made on Thursday. No explosives were found by security officials. There did not immediately appear to be a link between the two men. Anticipate a heightened security presence in Chilean airports in the coming days.

Advice

Individuals in Chile are advised to remain vigilant, report any suspicious behavior or objects, and follow all instructions issued by the local authorities.