Pak airports on high terror alert following foiled Al-Qaeda parcel bomb plot

ISLAMABAD - The Pakistan government has reportedly issued a ‘high terror alert’ at all international airports in the country after the alleged Al-Qaeda plot of parcel bombs on two United States-bound flights was foiled by intelligence agencies.

The packages, which were being shipped by air from Yemen to synagogues in Chicago, were discovered on last Friday at East Midlands Airport in Nottingham, and at a courier facility in Dubai.

“The only thing we can do is be more cautious and security on all the airports across Pakistan has already been tight due to prevailing law and order situation,” the Dawn quoted an official associated with aviation industry, as saying.

“We have a far better security at all the airports and international best practices are in place across all the international airports,” he added.

The official, however, refused to comment as to what security measures were in place at airports saying that the “matter is sensitive” and “security can be compromised”.

According to reports, the evil plot is believed to have been masterminded by Yemen-based American cleric Anwar al-Awlaki. Saudi Ibrahim Hassal al-Asiri is thought to have made the bombs.

Al-Asiri is also believed to have made the device involved in the failed Christmas Day bomb plot over Detroit last year.

The package found in the UK was on board a UPS cargo aircraft, while the other, in Dubai, was found in a FedEx sorting facility.

Authorities in Yemen are currently investigating another 24 suspect parcels.

The US’ postal services have temporarily stopped accepting inbound mail originating in Yemen. (ANI)