Further Air travel Security Measures Implemented

On 14 January 2010 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implemented heightened air travel security measures in response to a “continued threat" that al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) is planning more attacks against the aviation sector. The new measures include random checks of passengers and their bags using explosives-detection devices at U.S. airports; passengers may be screened in airport areas outside of security checkpoints. More air marshals will also be assigned on certain unidentified international routes. There were earlier reports that DHS would further restrict passenger movements during flights, though no additional information regarding this measure is available. U.S. officials have not released any further details about the purported AQAP threat that prompted the latest security measures.