The United States government is stepping up its warnings about terrorist threats in light of new, non-specific intelligence gathered by security authorities.
Officials have warned airlines that some terrorists are considering surgically implanting explosives into humans to carry out attacks.
The United States shared its concerns last week with executives at domestic and international carriers.
People travelling to the United States from overseas may experience additional screening at airports because of the threat, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
Placing explosives and explosive components inside humans to hide bombs and evade security measures is not a new idea.
But there is new intelligence pointing to a fresh interest in using this tactic, a US security official said.
Federal intelligence authorities in the US are also meeting with hotel industry leaders in major US cities warning them to be even more vigilant in the wake of last month’s reports that Al Qaeda planned a terrorist attack on the Ritz-Carlton in London.
The government, in conjunction with private companies, has an “Eye on Awareness†programme geared toward all employees who may have contact with guests, including housekeeping, maintenance, front desk, guest services, food and beverage, transportation, and parking.
While most of the content is aimed at preventing incidents, the programme also instructs employees what do in an active terrorist situation, including how to stay alive and assist others.
