TSA to swab airline passengers' hands in search for explosives - The Transportation Security Administration soon will begin randomly swabbing passengers' hands at checkpoints and airport gates to test them for traces of explosives. Previously, screeners swabbed some carry-on luggage and other objects as they searched for the needle in the security haystack -- components of terrorist bombs in an endless stream of luggage. But after the Christmas Day attempted bombing of Northwest Flight 253 over Detroit, Michigan, the TSA began a program of swabbing passengers' hands, which could be contaminated by explosive materials, experts say. The TSA will greatly expand the swabbing in the coming weeks, the agency said.

"The point is to make sure that the air environment is a safe environment," Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano told CNN. "We know that al Qaeda [and other] terrorists continue to think of aviation as a way to attack the United States. One way we keep it safe is by new technology [and] random use of different types of technology." Security experts consulted by CNN said swabbing hands is a good move, and privacy advocates said they support the new swabbing protocols, provided the agency tests only for security-related objects and does not discriminate when it selects people to be tested. It's a "very good idea," said security expert Tony Fainberg. TSA screeners currently swab luggage handles and parts of bags that are likely to be contaminated by human hands, he said, and swabbing a person's hands increases the chances of finding explosive materials.

"Looking at the hands means you will probably get a better dose," he said. Under the new protocols, tests will be conducted at various locations -- including in checkpoint lines, during the screening process and at gates. Newer, more portable machines make it easier to conduct tests away from fixed locations such as the checkpoint.

State Dept. Travel Warnings and Public Announcements

For the full announcements or further detail on Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, please see http://http://travel.state.gov/

Afghanistan - On February 11 the U.S. Embassy Kabul released the following Warden Message: "We remind U.S. citizens that the Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks and other violent actions against the Afghan public, as well as U.S. citizens and interests in Afghanistan. Explosions, shooting, demonstrations and rioting can occur with little or no warning. Current intelligence reports suggest that the Taliban, al-Qaida, and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against Afghan and international targets, including U.S. interests. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, and bombings."

Brazil - On February 18 heavy rains caused transportation disruptions in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Low visibility affected operations at Rio de Janeiro's Santos Dumont Domestic Airport, forcing at least four aircraft to divert to Rio de Janeiro International Airport. In Sao Paulo, the rains led to the temporary closing of Congonhas Domestic Airport (SBSP/CGH). Flooding also severely complicated traffic on major thoroughfares of Sao Paulo, including Rodovia dos Bandeirantes, Via Anhanguera, Rodovia Castello Branco, Presidente Dutra and Marginal Tiete. Flooding was reported in northern, central and southeastern portions of the city.

India - On February 14 the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi issued the following Warden Message: "American citizens are advised to be alert to the continued possibility of terrorist attacks in India. The February 13 terrorist bombing in a bakery frequented by Westerners in Pune, Maharashtra, serves as a reminder that terrorists and their sympathizers are capable of attacking targets where U.S. citizens or Westerners are known to congregate or visit. "U.S. citizens are urged to always practice good security, maintaining a heightened situational awareness and a low profile. Anyone noticing an unattended, suspicious package should not touch the package and immediately inform the police. Americans are advised to monitor local news reports, vary their routes and times in carrying out daily activities, and consider the level of security present when visiting public places, including religious sites, or choosing hotels, restaurants, entertainment and recreation venues."

Indonesia - - On February 18 heavy rain caused severe flooding in several areas of Indonesia, including in the capital city of Jakarta. The area most affected by the rains was East Jakarta, which is currently inundated with floodwaters; the heaviest flooding was reported in Kampung Pulo, where waters reached up to 10 ft/3 m. In addition to Jakarta, severe flooding was also reported in Indramayo in West Java after the Cimanuk River dam burst. The failed dam primarily affected residents in Jatibarang and Pilang Sari. Other areas, including in Bojonegoro in East Java, reported that high waters flooded four villages. ASI Comment: Jakarta and the surrounding areas experience annual floods. Transportation delays can be expected in the capital. Travelers should keep abreast of local media to determine the level of disruption the high water levels may cause.

Saudi Arabia - On February 18 the Department of State warns U.S. citizens about the security situation in Saudi Arabia and reminds U.S. citizens of recommended security precautions. The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to consider carefully the risks of traveling to Saudi Arabia. There is an ongoing security threat due to the continued presence of terrorist groups, some affiliated with al Qaida, who may target Western interests, housing compounds, hotels, shopping areas and other facilities where Westerners congregate. These terrorist groups may employ a wide variety of tactics and also may target Saudi Government facilities and economic/commercial targets within the Kingdom.

This updates and replaces the Travel Warning issued June 26, 2009, to note the authorized return of U.S. government dependents to the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh. The last major terrorist attack directed against the civilian population was an attack against French nationals in 2007. Significant improvements in the capacity and capability of Saudi security and intelligence forces have greatly improved the security environment. Although much improved, the improvements remain fragile and reversible. The Department of State has authorized the return of all family members to U.S. Embassy Riyadh. The U.S. Consulate General Jeddah remains an unaccompanied post.

While these changes reflect the continued improvement in the security climate in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Eastern Province and Riyadh, it is important to note that there remains an ongoing security threat due to the continued presence of terrorist groups, some affiliated with al Qaida, who may target Western interests, housing compounds, hotels, shopping areas and other facilities where Westerners congregate. These terrorist groups may employ a wide variety of tactics and also may target Saudi Government facilities and economic/commercial targets within the Kingdom. U.S. citizens who choose to visit Saudi Arabia are strongly urged to avoid staying in hotels or housing compounds that do not apply stringent security measures and also are advised to be aware of their surroundings when visiting commercial establishments frequented by Westerners.

U.S. citizens also are advised to keep a low profile, vary times and routes of travel, exercise caution while driving, entering or exiting vehicles, and ensure that travel documents and visas are current and valid. From time to time, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Saudi Arabia may restrict travel of official Americans or suspend public services for security reasons. Whenever threat information is specific, credible, and non-counterable, this threat information will be made available to the American public. In those instances, the Embassy and Consulates will keep the local American citizen community apprised through the Warden system and make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Warden messages can be found on the U.S. Embassy Riyadh website.