American officials have ordered some overseas airports with direct flights to the US to intensify screening of electronic devices.<\/p>\n
Transport officials\u00a0said in a statement\u00a0passengers could be asked to switch on devices, and equipment that does not power up would not be allowed on board.<\/p>\n
An official told the BBC that London’s Heathrow was among the airports.<\/p>\n
The US announced new security measures last week, apparently in response to a terror threat, but gave no details.<\/p>\n
Analysts say the changes appear to be in response to intelligence that Islamic militants in Syria and Yemen are developing bombs that could evade airport security.<\/p>\n
American officials said earlier that there was a “credible” threat, but did not link the security changes to any specific intelligence.<\/p>\n
Phones singled out<\/p>\n
The US does not directly control security at overseas airports.<\/p>\n
But airlines and airports are obliged to meet security standards set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in order to carry on operating non-stop flights.<\/p>\n
The TSA’s statement for the first time gave details of enhanced screening of electronic equipment.<\/p>\n
“During the security examination, officers may also ask that owners power up some devices, including cell phones,” it said.<\/p>\n
“Powerless devices will not be permitted on board the aircraft. The traveller may also undergo additional screening.”<\/p>\n
Reuters news agency reported that officials had singled out mobile phones made by Apple and Samsung for extra checks.<\/p>\n
The UK, France and Germany have all said they would comply with the American demands.<\/p>\n
But it is still not clear how many airports will be affected, or if passengers will be delayed.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Source: BBC<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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