Now, US may ban carry-on laptops, electronic devices on all flights from Europe

The US Department of Homeland Security is considering to ban all carry-on laptops and other electronic devices in cabins of all flights from Europe to the United States for security purposes.

This rule change would represent an extension of previous regulations that were put in place in March this year, banning carry on laptops and tablets on flights from some Middle Eastern and African countries. This move is being considered after the United States recently issued a new terror alert in May for its citizens travelling to Europe in light of recent terror attacks in Britain , France and Sweden. It focused on the threat in Europe at winter holiday festivals, events and outdoor markets.

The ban was put in place after intelligence agencies reported that the Islamic State (IS) are now thinking of hiding improvised explosives or a small bomb in portable electronic devices. "No finals decisions have been made on expanding the restriction on large electronic devices in aircraft cabins," the Washington Post quoted Department of Homeland Security spokesman David Lapan, as saying.

Terror groups have adopted innovative techniques to carry out strikes and are now specially targeting transportation sites, including the bombing of an airliner in Egypt in October 2015. The rules have made it harder for travellers to enter the United States from Europe if they had dual citizenship in Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria.

The airports affected include those in Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morrroco, Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.