A state of emergency was declared at Cairo International Airport Sunday as Interpol issued a global security alert in response to the recent escape of prisoners in Iraq, Libya, and Pakistan, some of whom belong to Al-Qaeda, Al-Ahram reported. Security sources at the airport said precautionary measures have been taken in response to the Interpol’s warning, including the inspection of all passengers arriving from Iraq, Yemen, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Mauritania to prevent any “suspicious elements” from infiltrating Egypt and joining militant groups in Sinai. Interpol issued an international security warning urging airports to be on high alert in the wake of the prison breaks, between which it is investigating possible links. Prison breaks took place in Pakistan on July 31 in a Taliban-led operation, and in Iraq at the Abu Ghraib prison overnight on July 22. Some 500 convicts, among them senior Al-Qaeda operatives, escaped from Abu Ghraib, according to Reuters. The United States issued a travel alert warning of a potential attack by Al-Qaeda in August, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa. The alert prompted the US to close 21 embassies and consulates in Muslim countries.
Aug52013