US warning to airlines over surgically implanted bombs
Full-body scanners at airports may not be sufficient in detecting bombs that can be surgically implanted in passengers. Additional security measures may need to be put into place to detect these types of safety threats.
The U.S. has reportedly warned airlines that terrorists may try to blow up planes by surgically implanting bombs into people.
The idea is not new, according to the ABC, but officials report "fresh interest" in using the tactic of surgically implanted explosives.
According to a report in the LA Times, the new information could lead to additional screening procedures at the nation’s airports, as existing scanners — including controversial full-body scanners — may not detect bombs implanted under a person’s skin.
"[Screening] measures are designed to be unpredictable, so passengers should not expect to see the same activity at every international airport," said Nick Kimball, of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). "Measures may include interaction with passengers, in addition to the use of other screening methods such as pat-downs and the use of enhanced tools and technologies."
Information suggests that such a threat would come from overseas rather than domestic groups, but federal officials are ordering precautions in the U.S. and abroad, an official told the LA Times.
There is no intelligence pointing to a specific plot, officials said.
However, the TSA alerts carriers when the U.S. government receives information suggesting terror tactics that could threaten commercial aviation.
The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help. Make a gift today to help us raise $25,000 by the end of the month and keep The World going strong. Every gift will be matched 2:1!