FBI probe after suspicious bags found on two planes

THE FBI is investigating the discovery of three suspicious bags aboard two commercial aircraft in the United States that contained box cutters and at least one note questioning air safety, officials said yesterday.

Discovery of the bags late on Thursday night led to a government order yesterday that all US commercial flights be searched by security personnel within 24 hours, according to a senior law enforcement official speaking on condition of anonymity.

The items were found in bags aboard two Southwest Air Lines planes that are now on the ground in Houston and New Orleans, officials said. The bags were not found in suitcases or other luggage, but officials declined to describe the bags further.