Aeromexico Flight Terror Suspect Detained under US No-Fly List
An Aeromexico passenger on a flight from Paris to Mexico City this weekend was detained in Canada after it was discovered that he was on the US no-fly list. The flight made an unscheduled stop in Montreal and authorities detained the passenger.
A terror warning had been issued on Abdirahman Ali Gaall, a 36-year-old Somali national, on the US-Mexico border, as it was believed that he would try to cross into the US while in Mexico. Homeland Security asked Houston officials to keep their eyes open for him, because he and other Al-Qaeda sympathizers may try to illegally enter the US. Ali Gaal apparently has a US residence status since his wife is a citizen.
The Aeromexico flight Ali Gaal was on was denied access into US airspace on its way to Mexico, and this is when they diverted to Canada. The rest of the Aeromexico passengers were evacuated from the plane while officials checked the aircraft and completed other safety procedures. Nearly 8 hours later the flight continued its journey to Mexico City without incident. The airline has thanked everyone for their cooperation.
The no-fly list is maintained by the Terrorist Screening Center. The organization is administered by the US Department of Justice, the FBI, departments of Homeland Security, Defense, State and Treasury, as well as the Central Intelligence Agency, which researches and attempts to keep the list up-to-date and accurate. Many of the suspects detained due to the list have been misidentified.
Homeland Security spokesman Matt Chandler said that Ali Gaal has been returned to the US. The Department of Homeland Security is currently questioning him, he added.
Find Cheap Flights!