Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

AP Photo/Erik S Lesser
homeland security

US warns of possible shoe bomb terror threat

The Department of Homeland Security has urged airlines to pay extra attention to flights from overseas into the US.

THE US HAS warned airlines of a new potential threat from shoebombers.

The Department of Homeland Security has urged airlines to pay extra attention to flights from overseas into the United States and to watch for explosives hidden in the shoes of passengers.

New intelligence has found that there is a credible threat of someone attacking a passenger plane using the method, officials told NBC News in the US last night.

Passengers flying into the US may notice increased security screenings as airports step up their scrutiny of incoming flights in a bid to avert any potential attack.

The Department of Homeland Security said the “very recent intelligence” did not specify any particular country, airline or time.

It said the warning had been issued due an “abundance of caution” rather than one specific plot.

Only one person has ever been convicted of attempting to use a bomb concealed in a shoe. British-born Richard Reid was sentenced to life in prison without parole after he tried to set off explosives on an American Airlines flight to Miami in December 2001.

Passengers have been required to take their shoes off as they go through airport security screenings ever since.

Read: New video shows only American soldier still held by Taliban is alive >

Read: US releases three ethnic Muslims from China held in Guantanamo Bay >

Your Voice
Readers Comments
37
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.