Air travel anxieties rise again
Many items cost less than $20 and can be difficult to detect using airport screening devices, according to an FBI statement accompanying the 89-page catalog being circulated to airport screeners and law enforcement around the country.
The Homeland Security Department recently warned travelers to expect greater scrutiny of cameras, cell phones and other electronics because of evidence al-Qaida had experimented with using cameras to house stun guns or explosives.
The government has also tightened visa rules for international travelers passing through U.S. airports after warnings in late July that al-Qaida teams might try to hijack international flights.
The new FBI weapons list includes knives that can be concealed in belt buckles, hairbrushes and combs, working cigarette lighters, crucifixes, lipstick cases, canes, umbrellas, keychains, pens, mock credit cards and money clips. Many of the blades are small, but some are at least four inches long - or even sword-length.
Also on the list:
The FBI catalog is circulating at a time of increased security at airports based on intelligence collected from captured al-Qaida operatives and al-Qaida safe houses about plans for another attack using the nation's air travel system.
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