A possible terrorist threat is in the news today, and many of you are likely wondering what’s going on behind the scenes.
TSA recently briefed air carriers and foreign partners on intelligence involving concealed explosives. Unfortunately, intelligence has continued to indicate an interest in terrorists targeting aviation. Due to the global technological advancements in security, they are pursuing different ways to go undetected while concealing explosives.
Passengers flying from international locations to U.S. destinations may notice additional security measures in place. These measures are designed to be unpredictable and may differ from location to location. What kind of screening might passengers notice? Increased interaction with passengers, pat-downs, canines, and the use of different technologies such as explosive trace detection.
Because TSA does not conduct aviation security screening overseas, our air carrier and foreign government partners play a critical role in identifying and reporting suspicious activities and raising the awareness of U.S. counterterrorism officials. Airports with direct flights to the United States must ensure they meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) security standards as well as any additional measures required by TSA. As always, we urge federal, state and local law enforcement as well as the private sector to remain vigilant.
Domestically, TSA employs a layered approach to ensure the security of the traveling public from curb to cockpit and the Nation's transportation system. These layers include intelligence gathering and analysis, deployment of cutting edge technology, random canine team searches at airports, federal air marshals, federal flight deck officers and more security measures both visible and invisible to the public. Each one of these layers alone is capable of stopping a terrorist attack. In combination their security value is multiplied, creating a strong, formidable system.
Blogger Bob
TSA Blog Team
