'Body bomb' menace raises fear among Indian air travellers

New Delhi, Jul 8: With the security in airports across the world at an all-time high following terror threats that are a part and parcel of our lives, the recent piece of news have only led to heightened fears amongst all. US intelligence agencies have warned all international airports about the new ploy by terrorists of surgically implanting bomb into the human body.

India has taken the matter into serious consideration and has issued a high alert across airports in the country.

The challenge in such a scenario is that such bombs implanted in the body cannot be detected through airport scanners. With terrorists too resorting to new innovations, the US has raised its security measures especially for terrorists based out of Pakistan and Afghanistan. A senior US security official has been quoted as saying, “This is new intelligence about a possible technique that could be used, however there is nothing to indicate an imminent threat."

Following the threat, security has been beefed up in both the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi and Mumbai's Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport that has flights to the US directly. The US officials stated, “Such a threat is likely to come from overseas rather than domestically, but precautionary steps are being taken internationally and in the US."

The worrying factor was briefed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to all air carriers and foreign partners to take the matter in its due earnestness. TSA spokesman, Kawika Riley has been quoted as saying, “Due to the significant advances in global aviation security in recent years, terrorist groups have repeatedly and publicly indicated interest in pursuing ways to further conceal explosives. As a precaution, passengers flying from international locations to US destinations may notice additional security measures in place. These measures are designed to be unpredictable, so passengers should not expect to see the same activity at every international airport."

With the latest revelations, there is likely to be other screening methods like pat-downs and other tools and techniques in passenger-checks. Riley added, “We will continue to monitor information pertaining to threats against the United States and its interests, and as always, encourage the public and our partners in law enforcement and the private sector to remain vigilant in promptly reporting any suspicious activities."

OneIndia News