US cranks-up security for cell phones at overseas airports

As part of ongoing efforts to beef up security amid fear of undetectable bomb, passengers boarding US-bound flights at selected international airports may be asked to switch on their electronic gadgets such as cell phones, tablets and computers during security screenings.

A new directive issued by the US Transportation Security Administration also noted that any devices running out of power will not be allowed on board the plane.

TSA said in a statement that last week, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson directed the agency to implement enhanced security measures at certain overseas airports with direct flights to the US.

Without disclosing any further details about the countries or airports hit with the new procedures, Johnson noted that the US still faces a substantial terrorism threat and the agency is tasked with anticipating the next attack, not simply react to the last one.

"In this instance, we felt that it was important to crank it up some at the last point of departure airports. And we’ll continually evaluate the situation," Johnson said on NBC’s "Meet the Press."

The latest efforts come in the wake of reports of an undetectable bomb being developed by militant group Al-Qaeda and TSA was directed to ‘implement enhanced security measures in the coming days’ at certain overseas airports.

British airports have also stepped up security in the wake of the US’ move to bolster security, while the Transport Canada noted that additional precautionary measures were being implemented.

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