Washington, January 15: The United States stepped up airport security on Thursday as intelligence warned Al-Qaeda’s affiliate in Yemen was planning attacks.
Officials warned of “chatter” hinting at further strikes, as Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced US-bound passengers would see increased airport security screening and armed marshals on flights.
“We must remain vigilant about the continued threat we face from Al-Qaeda,” Napolitano said. “We are taking an additional set of aviation security precautions to protect the American people.
“Some of these measures include enhanced random screening, additional federal air marshals on certain routes and adding individuals of concern to our terrorist watch list system,” she said without giving details.
The measures follow a wide-ranging security review, ordered by President Barack Obama in the wake of Christmas Day attempt to bomb a trans-Atlantic jet.
The Obama administration has faced fierce criticism for intelligence failures that allowed a young Nigerian man, to board a Detroit-bound airliner, allegedly armed with explosives sewn into his underwear.
Yemen-trained Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab (UFA), 23, has been charged with attempted murder and trying to use a weapon of mass destruction on board the Northwest flight carrying 290 people from Amsterdam.
Administration officials, who asked not to be named, said Thursday’s measures responded to continued threats from Yemen-based operatives, despite a series US-backed strikes against senior militants based there.
“I am sure there will be more security measure announcements in the future as we constantly review all the information available to us,” an administration official said.
Earlier this week Canada put its airlines and airports on high alert after receiving “specific information” about new threats.
Meanwhile, Napolitano warned those visiting the United States of more airport delays. “Travelers should allot extra time when flying particularly into the United States from overseas,” she said.
Since the attack the United States had already ramped up security on flights from 14 countries, including Yemen.
There are lingering concerns that security related delays will cost already struggling airlines.
To address those concerns Napolitano is scheduled to meet airline executives next week in Geneva, at the headquarters of the International Air Transport Association, an official for the organization said.
The meeting will come as airlines report their forth quarter earnings, which are expected to reflect the full price of delays related to the thwarted bomb plot.
—Agencies