Mrs Clinton, the US Secretary of State, speaking in New Delhi, said: “It
is a reminder as to why we have to remain vigilant at home and abroad in
protecting our nation and in protecting friendly nations and peoples like
India and others.”
The FBI said it had recovered the explosive itself but it was not clear
whether the terrorist had been captured or killed.
Last night, FBI technicians were analysing the device and early indications
suggested it may have been the work of Ibrahim al-Asiri, al-Qaeda’s “master”
bomb maker.
The Saudi is believed to have made the bomb worn by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab
in his unsuccessful attempt to destroy a Northwest Airlines flight on
Christmas 2009.
He is also thought to have been responsible for two bombs planted in print
cartridges and put on US cargo planes in 2010. Both explosives were
discovered and safely removed at East Midlands Airport in Leicestershire.
The latest bomb did not contain any metal elements and is likely to have
passed unnoticed through a standard airport metal detector. However, it may
been picked up by newer body scanners common at American airports.
“Initial exploitation indicates that the device is very similar to
improvised explosive devices that have been used previously by al-Qaeda in
the Arabian Peninsula in attempted terrorist attacks,” the FBI said in
a statement.
President Obama was first informed of the latest plot in April, raising
questions as to why the US government had previously said there were no “specific
or credible” terror threats linked to the May 2 anniversary of the
al-Qaeda leader’s death.
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