U.S. Soldiers Returned from Iraq Spark Airport Scare
Thu Sep 25, 8:39 AM ET
PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Two U.S. soldiers returning from Iraq (news - web sites) were taken into custody at Philadelphia International Airport after a baggage handler saw what looked like a small arsenal of weapons in their carry-on bags, authorities said on Thursday.
The weapons, which shut down an airport concourse security checkpoint and brought out bomb-sniffing police dogs on Wednesday night, turned out to be a set of souvenirs, including ornamental knives from Iraq and cigarette lighters made to resemble a hand grenade and a semi-automatic handgun, authorities said.
"As the two individuals were passing through the checkpoint, screeners saw something in the bags and called the dogs. The dogs hit on the bags," said airport spokesman Mark Pesce.
The two soldiers were among a group of five trying to board a commercial flight to Kansas City after returning from Iraq through Spain. The pair was taken into custody by Philadelphia police and later turned over to Army police. Their three companions continued on their journey.
Authorities believe the bomb-sniffing dogs were drawn to the carry-on bags by munitions residue left over from the soldiers' duty tour in Iraq.
