International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar recently briefed the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) regarding combating global civil aviation terrorist threats.
The ICAO is a United Nations agency that helps 193 countries collaborate and share their skies for mutual benefit. Salazar detailed coordination established between the ICAO, the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT).
“Terrorism is still one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, civil aviation is still seen as an attractive target, and the COVID-19 pandemic has clearly highlighted both the critical importance and persisting vulnerabilities of the global aviation system,” Salazar said during a session in Montreal.
The recurrent threat of improvised explosive devices; increased concerns relating to insider threats; the misuse of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS); risks to civilian aircraft over or near conflict zones, and system vulnerabilities to cyber-attacks serve as priority aviation security risks identified in the ICAO’s Aviation Security Global Risk Context Statement.
The ICAO maintains UAS are becoming more advanced and accessible, with terrorist groups and organized crime demonstrating an increased consideration for deploying the devices in civilian environments.
During his briefing, Salazar cited two amendments to Annex 17 to aid in improving the global detection of explosives in airport screening operations; better address insider threats; and encourage a global aviation security culture, among other objectives.