Guyana beefs up security after U.S. flight threat warning

GEORGETOWN, Guyana -- International flights departed from Guyana under heavier than normal security on Monday following an unusual threat warning from the U.S.

Police and soldiers joined regular airport security at the main international airport in the South American country to conduct security screenings of all travelers, said Transport Minister Robeson Benn.

"We have really heightened the level of security in the face of the threat," Benn said.

Two Caribbean Airlines flights departed for New York on Monday without incident.

The U.S. Embassy said on its website Sunday it had received "unconfirmed threat information" relating to Caribbean Airlines flights bound for the U.S. It advised U.S. citizens to make alternate travel arrangements through Wednesday.

Earlier, a spokesman for Caribbean Airlines, which is based in Trinidad and Tobago, said the company had been aware of the reported threat since Friday and had increased security while maintaining normal operations.

Guyana is hosting international visitors this week for a meeting of the Heads of Islamic Cultural Centers and Associations in Latin America and the Caribbean. Benn said he did not know if there was a connection to the warning. The embassy declined comment.