"This was a non-metal type bomb to kill Americans," according to Rep. Peter King.
The device was similar to one devised by Ibrahim Hassan al Isiri, the bomb maker for al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. He made the underwear bomb worn by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab on the Detroit-bound Christmas Day 2009 flight. It didn't work that day, because Abdulmutallab perspired so much and ruined the detonation system. Sources tell ABC News that this device was far more sophisticated with a "highly redefined detonation system."
Indeed, experts say al Qaeda is constantly coming up with new chemical combinations to make explosives and plans for delivery systems. Al Isiri also built the ink cartridge bombs that were on their way to the United States, but was caught because of a tip from Saudi intelligence.
"The bad guys will never stop trying," said Airport Security Expert William Fife.
.Peter King says this is just one plot among many to strike out against the US
"There are a number of threat streams - terrorism is not over," King added.
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