Flying to the U.S. from Europe or the Middle East? Prepare for 'enhanced security measures'

WASHINGTON, July 2 (UPI) -- U.S. officials have decided to enhance security for direct flights coming into the U.S. from airports in Europe and the Middle East.

U.S. Secretary for Homeland Security Jeh Johnson made the announcement Tuesday, but did not elaborate on the cause.

"DHS continually assesses the global threat environment and reevaluates the measures we take to promote aviation security. As part of this ongoing process, I have directed TSA to implement enhanced security measures in the coming days at certain overseas airports with direct flights to the United States."

According to a homeland security official who spoke with CNN, the focus will be on airports in Europe and the Middle East. Passengers may experience more thorough screening procedures.

There is new intelligence, the official said, that suggests terror groups are working to create improvised explosive devices that are more difficult to detect.

The DHS secretary underlined that the U.S. is sharing threat information with relevant parties, and taking appropriate steps to protect the public.

"We are sharing recent and relevant information with our foreign allies and are consulting the aviation industry. These communications are an important part of our commitment to providing our security partners with situational awareness about the current environment and protecting the traveling public."

The official added that the decision to enhance security was not made in made in response to a specific plot.