U.S. authorities are warning air travelers to expect greater scrutiny of thermoses and other insulated drink containers at security checkpoints after intelligence suggested they could be used to hide explosives.
A notice on the Transportation Security Administration's website warned about the possibility that explosives might be hidden inside the beverage containers and said the warning was "based on intelligence."
It said TSA "is carefully monitoring information related to terrorist tactics and working with our international partners to share information and security best practices."
Those carrying the containers can expect additional screening of them using procedures currently in place, including X-rays, physical inspection and the use of explosives detection technology, the notice posted Thursday said.
There is "no information related to any specific or imminent threat," Ann Davis, a spokeswoman for the Transportation Security Administration, told Reuters on Friday.
A top military official told The Associated Press that new warnings were an example of federal officials trying to anticipate terror tactics.
Adm. James Winnefeld said that the TSA is "always trying to think ahead."
Winnefeld said officials responsible for homeland security are always a bit more alert over the holiday season. He added that there had been a lot of chatter online about potential terror activity, but nothing specific.