Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab underwear bomb: Mutallab underwear bomb (photo)

By Clarencia Cynrae on December 25th, 2009

Updated Dec 28 2009 – Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab underwear bomb photos are here. The plastic packet containing 80 g of PETN was sewn into the crotch of Mutallab’s briefs.

Dec 25 2009
Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab (earlier identified as Abdul Mudallad), a Nigerian, said he was from Al Qaeda (Al Qaida) after he ignited an explosion in Northwest Airlines flight 253. Abdulmutallab was trying to set off some explosives in the plane on Friday, Dec 25, 2009.

Northwest Airlines flight 253 was flying from Nigeria to Detroit, via Amsterdam. Abdulmutallab is accused of setting off an explosive device just as flight 253 was landing on American soil in Detroit.

Early reports said Abdulmutallab tried to ignite a powder and liquid mixture. It failed to detonate fully. The explosive device has not been identified. Very early reports mentioned it to be fire crackers because there was at least one popping sound. There was a smell of smoke and it was also seen. Other reports said Abdulmutallab was injured, along with a few others. Abdulmutallab allegedly sustained second degree burns.

A man on board flight 253 threw a blanket over Abdulmutallab’s legs to snuff out the fire.

Delta Airlines operated the Northwest flight 253. There were 278 passengers on board.

Initial investigations revealed the explosive was acquired in Yemen and there were instructions on how to use it.

President Barack Obama has been informed of the attempted attack. Obama called for increased security for air travel. The safety measures were immediately enforced.

The explosive device was allegedly similar to a binary explosive. Binary being a combination of a solid Powder and a liquid. The liquid is usually kept in a measured amount in a syringe. The suspect allegedly had a syringe on him. This binary bomb is very powerful. A tiny amount like the size of a matchstick head can vaporize an average sized watermelon.

Alhaji Umaru Mutallab is the father of the suspect. Mutallab Sr claimed he was aware of his son’s extreme religious views and warned the US and Nigerian embassies about 6 months ago.

Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab photo.