PETN Explosives Seized, Terrorist Attacks Bound for Chicago

Multiple terrorist attacks, aimed at the United States were stopped by authorities on three continents. Seizure of two explosive packages, destination Chicago area synagogues, were aboard cargo jets and sent from Yemen. The explosives were seized with no injuries, yet causing fears that al-Qaida was launching a major new terror campaign.

One of the packages was found aboard a cargo plane in Dubai and the other in the UK. Both explosives were said to contain PETN, the same chemical used in the Christmas attack. The contents have not been confirmed yet initial reports indicate that PETN was part of each explosive. Cargo planes were searched up and down the Eastern Seaboard today and an Emirates Airlines passenger jet was escorted from Canada to New York by American fighter jets. No other explosives were found on the detained crafts, although investigations continue on at least two packages of interest.

President Obama called the attacks a “credible terrorist threat” and US officials were increasingly confident that al-Qaida’s Yemen branch was responsible. This same group was held responsible for the failed Detroit airliner bombing last Christmas. Shipments are being scanned carefully, with special attention to those from Yemen.

Fifteen packages were of concern, but only two so far have been known to contain explosives. The use of PETN in the explosives is the same as that found in the “Underwear Bomber” last Christmas. The President stated the terrorist efforts "underscore the necessity of remaining vigilant against terrorism." All investigations are preliminary.