Tighter security for flights to US

This is plastered over western media. Let's give it the attention it deserves.

US embassy warned of ‘specific’ attack threat at Uganda airport tonight

The US has been warned by Ugandan police of a “specific threat” of an attack on Entebbe International Airport, 35 km from the African country’s capital Kampala, on Thursday night.

RT,

3 June, 2014

The US embassy in Uganda stated that it was handed information by the Uganda Police Force describing a “specific threat to attack Entebbe International Airport by an unknown terrorist group today, July 3rd, between the hours of 2100-2300 [1800-2000 GMT].”

Anybody with plans of passing through the airport should review their travel plans in accordance with the new information, the embassy said in the release published on its website.

The embassy went on to warn of “the continued threat of potential terrorist attacks in the country.” Among potential terrorist targets are “hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, shopping malls, diplomatic missions, transportation hubs, religious institutions, government offices, or public transportation.”

Uganda has been no stranger to terror threats this year. In May, the US issued a warning announcing a specific threat to churches, saying terrorists were “preparing to strike places of worship in [the capital of] Kampala… including some that may be frequented by expatriates.”

Image from maps.google.com

While the source of the threats is still to be identified, in the past fingers have been pointed at Somali-based terror group, Al-Shabaab. Uganda and Kenya are key contributors of troops to aid the African Union Mission in Somalia; Islamists have carried out revenge attacks in both countries.

The conflict has spilled into neighboring Kenya as a result of that country’s contribution to the African Union forces operating in Somalia. At least 50 people were killed during a raid on a coastal Kenyan town in mid-June, which Al-Shabaab took responsibility for.

It was revealed on Wednesday that American military advisers have been operating secretly in Somalia since around 2007. Somalia’s battle with Al Shabaab has been ongoing for the last seven years.

The threat evokes memories of counter-terrorist hostage-rescue mission Operation Entebbe almost exactly 38 years ago on 4th July 1976. A week before the operation, an Air France plane had been hijacked and flown to Entebbe airport. While some 47 non-Israeli passengers were released, over 100 Israeli and Jewish hostages were held.

An Israeli family reunion at Ben-Gurion Airport after the Israeli raid on a hijacked Air France plane that had been flown to Entebbe, Uganda in 1976. (Reuters)

After the week had passed, and plans were formulated, Israeli commandos rescued the majority of those who were being held by the hijackers at the airport after 200 elite troops were flown in 2,500 miles from Israel. The 35 minute standoff which ensued saw some 20 Ugandan soldiers die, along with all seven hijackers and three of the hostages.

From BBC

Tighter security for flights to US

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-28138526

Security is being tightened at airports with direct flights into the US - including some in the UK - in response to US warnings of a "credible threat".

UK Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said the measures were being taken to keep the public safe.

While he would not specify what steps would be involved, he ruled out "significant disruption" to passengers.

It comes amid US media reports that al-Qaeda affiliates in Syria and Yemen are developing bombs to smuggle on planes.

A US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official said the changes were a response to a "real time" and "credible" threat, but he could not comment on specific intelligence matters.

'Remain vigilant'

DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson said in a statement: "We are sharing recent and relevant information with our foreign allies and are consulting the aviation industry."

The changes are expected in the coming days.

Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton said she took the threat seriously, saying: "We have to remain vigilant."

Mr McLoughlin told the BBC that "very stringent" measures were already in place, but that the UK had to take action when given information and advice to do so.

It is thought the measures could include more thorough screening of passengers, checks of shoes and electronic devices.

At Manchester Airport, it is believed extra swab machines were sent to departure gates on transatlantic flights to allow staff to swab hand luggage immediately before boarding, as well as at security.

The prime minister's spokesman said people should continue to fly, but advised they allow "appropriate time" to go through the tighter security.....