Terrorists again targeting airlines

Aug 5, 2003 12:00 PM

The Department of Homeland Security has advised airlines and law enforcement officials about possible terror attacks occurring this summer in the U.S. and Europe. The bulletin points to a specific plot involving five-man teams hijacking a commercial airliner shortly after takeoff or before landing.

Officials are looking into the credibility of the threats, which were based on intercepted phone calls and e-mails from known al Qaeda members and interrogation of detained suspects by the Saudi government. Airlines have been instructed to search common items, such as toys and cameras, clothing and insoles of shoes.

DHS has also issued a 60-day suspension of two travel programs considered a security risk because they allow undocumented citizens to enter the country as long as they board other flights upon arrival.

"While [suspending the programs is] aggressive, it is an appropriate response to the threat," Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said. "We know it will have an impact on international travelers."

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