The two packages containing explosives intercepted in a British airport yesterday after a tip from Saudi intelligence officials had “all the hallmarks of Al Qaeda, and in particular Al Qaeda A.P.,” Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano said this morning, referring to Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. The explosive devices, shipped from Yemen and addressed to synagogues in Chicago, reportedly contained the chemical PETN and detonating lead azide, attached to toner cartridges for computer printers. “The United States is not assuming that the attacks were disrupted, and is remaining vigilant,” said White House counter-terrorism chief John Brennan. The FBI has warned religious institutions in Chicago in particular to be on alert.
Plot Said to Have ‘Hallmarks of Al Qaeda’ [NYT]
Source: Explosives found in suspicious packages packed powerful punch [CNN]
Al Qaeda sends bomb packages to Jews in US [NYP]
Chicago synagogues warned to watch for suspicious packages [CNN]
Earlier: Suspicious Packages Were a ‘Credible Terrorist Threat’
