The Iraqi Defense Ministry released today this photograph of wanted terror suspects Abbas al-Dobbi (groom) and Haider al-Bahadli ("bride"). The two men were caught at a military checkpoint 12 miles north of Baghdad — posing as newlyweds.

What does this have to do with aviation security? As I reported in October, more than your average cross-dresser might think.

Female suicide bombers "Dressed to Kill" have become a growing concern for the Department of Homeland Security. According to Office of Intelligence documents I have viewed, Federal Air Marshals are currently undergoing training so as to be on the lookout for female suicide bombers in U.S. airports. Why? “Most importantly,” states the Federal Air Marshal Service Office of Intelligence document, “females have the element of surprise.”

And now, in a developing terror-trend, male suicide bombers are disguising themselves as women. On October 1st, a male suicide bomber, dressed as a woman in a burqa, blew himself up at a checkpoint in Pakistan killing sixteen and wounding twenty-nine.

A blushing bride unwilling to lift her veil poses a surprising new security challenge for those on the front lines in the war against the terrorists. This photograph — that face, framed in that lace — makes it seem funny. Until the next batch of law enforcers are blown to bits. 

Mohammed Tawfeeq reports for CNN.

The soldiers became suspicious of the convoy because its members — save the "bride" — were all male and because one of the cars in the convoy did not heed orders to stop, the official said.

Also, soldiers said, the people in the car seemed nervous and the groom refused to lift his bride's veil when soldiers asked him to, according to the official.

Soldiers ordered everyone out of the car, the official said.

Upon inspecting the convoy, soldiers found a stubbly-faced man, Haider al-Bahadli, decked out in a white bride's dress and veil.

Bahadli was wanted on terror-related charges, as was his groom, Abbas al-Dobbi, the official said. 

Share This Article