**The US was aware that “a Nigerian” in Yemen was being prepared for a terrorist attack - weeks before an attempted bombing on a US plane.**ABC News and the New York Times say there was intelligence to this effect, but its source is unclear.
Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab flew from Lagos to Amsterdam before changing planes for a flight to Detroit on which he allegedly tried to detonate a bomb.
President Barack Obama has said security failures were unacceptable.
He has said a systemic failure allowed Mr Abdulmutallab, a Nigerian, to fly to the US on 25 December despite family members warning officials in November that he had extremist views.
US FLIGHT ADVICE
- Only one item of hand luggage, including items bought airside
- BA and Virgin Atlantic not charging to check in extra hand luggage
- Check in wrapped presents
- Passengers subject to “pat-down” searches before boarding, on top of usual security checks
- Customers to remain seated during final hour of flight
- No access to hand luggage and a ban on leaving possessions or blankets on laps during this hour
Dutch press EU to adopt scanners
In pictures: Suspect’s journey
There were about 300 people on board the flight, and some passengers and crew tackled Mr Abdulmutallab in his seat about 20 minutes before landing.
Mr Abdulmutallab has reportedly told investigators that he trained in Yemen with al-Qaeda.
He was living in Yemen from August to early December, the foreign ministry said, according to an earlier report from the official Saba news agency.
He had a visa to study Arabic at an institute in the capital Sana’a.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has rejected suggestions that its airport security was lax in allowing Mr Abdulmutallab to begin his journey from Lagos.
Nigeria’s Information Minister Dora Akunyili told the BBC: “We are not disorganised and our airports are very safe.”
Ms Akunyili said CCTV footage from Lagos airport showed Mr Abdulmutallab from check-in through to boarding the plane.
UK Transport Secretary Lord Adonis said it would be irresponsible if Britain did not carefully review its airport security, but stressed that President Obama’s comments about flawed checks were directed at American security processes.