Terrorists Simulated Bomb Delivery Plot in September | Middle East | English

Officials: Terrorists Simulated Bomb Delivery Plot in September | Middle East | English: "U.S. intelligence officials say the shipment of three suspicious packages from Yemen to the U.S. in September was probably a test run for last week's terrorist plot of parcel bombs.

Officials disclosed that the packages sent in September were intercepted by intelligence agents before they reached their final destination of Chicago. They contained books, papers, compact discs and other materials.

Authorities said the Yemeni-based al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula used the shipments to plan the route and timing for two cartridges (or containers) of computer printer ink that were filled with explosives. The containers were intercepted last week in Britain and Dubai after being shipped from Yemen.

Intelligence officials said they already were aware of the terrorists' interest in attacking the aviation industry, and considered the possibility they would target cargo planes. Officials said the September incident prompted their quick response to last week's plot."