The US has announced that it will start banning uncharged iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, and other mobile phones on US-bound airplanes from selected airports in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

The new rule is part of an effort by the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to beef up surveillance and security after threats a terror plot to blow up an aircraft. In some airports, travelers may be asked to turn on their gadgets at checkpoints and devices that have no power will not be allowed on board, Daily Mail detailed.

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The new TSA rule is bound to cause chaos at some airports as travelers may also be asked to turn on their laptop computers at some checkpoints, according to an unnamed US source familiar with the situation. The change in the screening procedure stems from concerns that Yemen-based Al Qaeda and its Syrian affiliate Islamist Nusra Front could use electronic gadgets as an explosive device.

In 2009, Yemen-linked bomb-maker Ibrahim al-Asiri made an underwear bomb which was used in a foiled effort to blow up a plane bound for Detroit. Intelligence reports indicate that the Islamist Nusra Front is plotting to bring down an airliner.

Last week, it was reported that US-bound travelers at British airports went through extra checks on their mobile phones. Apple Inc's iPhones and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd's Galaxy phones were among those singled out in searches at European, African, and Middle Eastern airports.

According to US security officials, the Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) is believed to have figured out a way to turn iPhones and Galaxy phones into explosive devices without being detected. They also fear that terrorists could build bombs into shoes.

Airport operators and airlines that do not comply with the new TSA rule could risk being barred from entering the US, the officials added. Although the new procedure may cause some delays at checkpoints, passengers' trips will not be seriously hindered.

Last week, UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg warned people via his weekly radio program that travelers may have to start getting used to the new airport security checks.

TagsTSA, airport security, bomb thread, uncharged phones, Regulations