US identifies 10 terrorists’ target airports

The United States Government on Wednesday announced its readiness to enhance security procedures for passengers at certain points of departure airports to the U. S.

The U. S. Department of State said in a statement that the enhancements would apply to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), Cairo International Airport (CAI), Ataturk International Airport (IST) and the King Abdul-Aziz International Airport(JED).

Others are: the King Khalid International Airport(RUH), Kuwait International Airport (KWI), Mohammed V Airport (CMC), Hamad International Airport (DOH), Dubai International Airport (DXB) and the Abu Dubai International Airport (AUH).

“Evaluated intelligence indicates that terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation and are aggressively pursuing innovative methods to undertake their attacks.

“Based on this information, Secretary of Homeland Security, John Kelly, and Transportation Security Administration Acting Administrator, Huban Gowadia, have determined it is necessary to enhance security procedures for passengers at certain last points of departure airports to the United States.

“These enhancements apply to 10 specific airports. The affected overseas airports are: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), Cairo International Airport (CAI), Ataturk International Airport (IST) and King Abdul-Aziz International Airport (JED).

“Others are: the King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Kuwait International Airport (KWI), Mohammed V Airport (CMN), Hamad International Airport (DOH), Dubai International Airport (DXB), and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH),’’ it said.

According to the statement, the aviation security enhancements will include requiring that all personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone or smart phone be placed in checked baggage at the 10 airports.

It said that the enhanced security measures would only affect flights from 10 of the more than 250 airports currently serving as last points of departure to the United States.

“A small percentage of flights to the United States will be affected, and the exact number of flights will vary on a day-to-day basis. Airlines will know in advance which flights are affected by these measures.

“Electronic devices larger than a cell phone/smart phone will not be allowed to be carried onboard the aircraft in carry-on luggage or other accessible property.

“Electronic devices that exceed this size limit must be secured in checked luggage. Necessary medical devices will be allowed to remain in a passenger’s possession after they are screened,’’ the statement added.