U.S. officials are beefing up security at overseas airports due to concerns terrorists might smuggle hi-tech bombs that avoid screening onto U.S.-bound flights.
Just to be clear, this does not effect U.S. domestic flights, and officials told NBC the boosted security has "nothing to do" with the holiday weekend.
Rather, it concerns defense "intelligence" that Syrian and Iraqi extremists might be in cohoots with Al Qaeda to get new explosives — some of which are non-metallic — that go undetected through airport screening. (Via ABC)
"It's not about domestic flights around the July 4th weekend. ... It is about these flights coming from international cities and about a continuing concern that these guys are constantly trying to update these explosive devices to get past current security." (Via CNN)
The ramped up security will reportedly affect international airports in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
According to an official who spoke to NBC, travelers boarding flights headed to the U.S. can expect "more random pat downs, more swabbing, more carry-on screening" and greater scrutiny for electronic devices. (Via Flickr / Wayan Vota)
CBS points to two attempts in recent years where bombs were creatively snuck through airport security undetected, though never set off.
"The underwear bomber on a Detroit-bound airplane in December of 2009 and there were explosives hidden inside printers on two cargo flights bound for the United States in October of 2010. "
Despite all the concerns, officials did not specify a particular group that's causing the heightened security.
