By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 11:48 PM on 24th December 2010
Last updated at 11:48 PM on 24th December 2010
Threat: U.S. authorities said drinks containers like Thermos flasks (above) could be used by terrorists on flights
American anti-terror chiefs have warned airlines to prepare for possible attacks involving Thermos flasks during the Christmas holiday.
They warned passengers to be extra vigilant if travelling during the festive period – although no specific details of the new tactics were revealed.
President Barack Obama, who is in Hawaii with his family, has also ordered U.S. security services to be on heightened alert.
It follows last year’s attempt to blow up a passenger jet by a terrorist who had sown an explosive powder into his underwear.
The timing of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab’s Christmas Eve effort on board the Northwest flight from Amsterdam to Detroit was reminder that holiday periods are ripe moments for attacks.
White House counterterrorism chief, John Brennan, held an inter-agency conference call yesterday to review steps the government is taking to ensure vigilance.
They include enhanced security measures and coordination with foreign partners such as Britain.
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and FBI Director Robert Mueller were among those on the call.
The Transportation Security Administration, which issued the flask warning, tries to keep airlines up to date with the latest threats.
Pentagon official Admiral James Winnefeld said the TSA is ‘always trying to think ahead.’
In a briefing at the White House before the president departed for his Hawaiian holiday, the administration said that they do not see a specific and credible threat this holiday season.
‘As far as something specific and credible, we don't see that,’ Mr Brennan said on Wednesday.
Warning: U.S. counterterrorism chief John Brennan (left) revealed the threat a year after the Christmas Eve bombing attempt by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab
‘There is a constant stream of reporting throughout the course of the year about Al Qaida's plans.
‘So sometimes we have that strategic warning. We're not going to wait for a tactical warning. We're going to be poised every day to respond.’
Mr Brennan said he is ‘absolutely confident’ that the ‘deficiencies’ that were identified in the system after the after-action review of the Abdulmutallab incident have been addressed.
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