The Obama administration has ordered tighter security measures at certain overseas airports which have direct flights to the United States.
Making an announcement in this regard, Homeland Security Secretary, Jeh Johnson, did not list out such airports, but news reports said such a decision has been taken in view of the declaration of Islamic Caliphate by Islamic militants, who have gained control over parts of Syria and Iraq.
From India, New Delhi and Mumbai are the two airports having direct flights to the US.
“I have directed TSA (Transportation Security Administration) to implement enhanced security measures in the coming days at certain overseas airports with direct flights to the United States.
We will work to ensure these necessary steps pose as few disruptions to travellers as possible,” Johnson said.
The US is sharing recent and relevant information with its foreign allies and is consulting the aviation industry, the Secretary said.
“These communications are an important part of our commitment to providing our security partners with situational awareness about the current environment and protecting the travelling public,” Johnson said.
“Aviation security includes a number of measures, both seen and unseen, informed by an evolving environment.
As always, we will continue to adjust security measures to promote aviation security without unnecessary disruptions to the travelling public,” the Homeland Security Secretary said.
“The threat of foreign fighters is a concern that we share with many counterparts in the world, whether that is Europeans or others in the Western world, where we have seen an increase in foreign fighters who have travelled to Syria and other countries in the region and returning,” State Department Spokesperson, Jen Psaki, said.