This sounds like they have some specific intel about a threat.
Via Townhall:
President Donald Trump has implemented a ban of large electronic devices from flight cabins during passenger flights from eight countries in Africa and Southwest Asia.
As the technology evolves, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said enemies of the U.S. are creating “innovative methods” to create terror in the skies. Explosives can be disguised in laptops, tablets, cameras, and cell phones.
The Transportation Security Administration announced the measure at 3 a.m. ET Tuesday and foreign airports must comply within 96 hours.