An Intercept report alleging that US commercial airliners carry military-linked equipment has raised fears that civilian passengers could be turned into targets in a wider war.

• The worry is that putting military gear on civilian planes makes those flights legitimate targets for an enemy.
• United is singled out as the carrier passengers should avoid if the reporting holds up.
• A downed American jetliner would give Washington a powerful excuse to launch a ground invasion, most likely against Iran.
• The same fear is spreading abroad, after Zelensky warned that civilian aircraft over Russia could be treated as targets.
• The September 11 anniversary is sharpening suspicion that such an incident could be staged rather than accidental.

Outlook: Expect pressure on the companies involved to end the practice, and louder accusations of a setup if any civilian airliner is hit in the coming weeks.