India – Independence Day Anniversary Prompts Terror Alert

The Indian Intelligence Bureau (IB) has announced a terror alert for seven major airports in India, warning that terror groups may attempt to hijack or attack aircraft in the lead-up to India’s Independence Day on Aug. 15. The IB also warned of a heightened risk of attacks against small airstrips throughout the country. Airport security will be heightened through Aug. 15 and could lead to significant travel delays, particularly at the airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Guwahati, and Bangalore. The July 21 alert is not indicative of a specific, imminent threat; similar alerts were issued in 2012 and 2011 as precautionary measures against the likelihood that militant groups would carry out high-profile attacks during Independence Day commemorations. Allow additional time for travel; carry identification documents, and be prepared to show them to security personnel.