because there is u.s. intelligence suggesting that terrorists have obtained sophisticated airport security equipment to test how well the bombs are concealed. cnn has learned this new intelligence was a significant part of the decision earlier this month to ban laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices from the passenger cabins of planes flying directly to the united states from ten middle eastern and north african airports. demanding instead that they be zord in checked luggage. >> elevated intelligence we're aware of indicates terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation and are aggressive in pursuing innovative methods to undertake their attacks to include smuggling an explosive device in various consumer objects. >> reporter: officials have told cnn there was credible and specific intelligence that isis would try to attack aviation assets and a hint from a top