WASHINGTON — The United States on Thursday said it would step up airport security measures in response to renewed threats from Al-Qaeda in Yemen, in the wake of a failed Christmas Day bombing.

Passengers traveling to the United States will see more airport security screening and more armed air marshals on flights, Homeland Secretary Secretary Janet Napolitano said.“We must remain vigilant about the continued threat we face from Al-Qaeda,” Napolitano said. “We are taking an additional set of aviation security precautions to protect the American people.

“Some of these measures include enhanced random screening, additional federal air marshals on certain routes and adding individuals of concern to our terrorist watch list system.” Continue reading →