US fears more terrorist hijackings later this summer

Officials have learnt of credible threats of new terrorist hijackings. The possible scenarios are similar to the attacks of September 11, 2001, they say.

Officials in the United States have learnt of credible threats of new terrorist hijackings planned for later this summer.

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The possible scenarios are similar to the hijacking of four airliners in the attacks of September 11, 2001, Department of Homeland Security said on Tuesday based on information gathered in recent interviews of one or more high level Al-Qaeda captives and corroborated separately by other means, including electronic intercepts.

"The US intelligence community has received information related to Al-Qaeda's continued interest in using commercial aviation here in the United States and abroad to further their cause," Department spokesman Gordon Johndroe said. "The Department of Homeland Security issued an advisory regarding this information over the weekend to the appropriate airline and security personnel."

The State Department has also issued a new global terrorism warning to US citizens abroad, adding hijacking to the list of potential threats.

"Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations, hijackings, bombings or kidnappings," it said.