A Nigerian passenger, suspected to be an al-Qaeda operative, tried to ignite an incendiary device aboard a North West Airlines plane from Amsterdam to Detroit, a development termed as an "attempted act of terrorism" by the White House.
The Nigerian national identified as Abdul Mudallad, 23, tried to ignite a small explosive device as the plane began its approach for landing yesterday, officials said. The incident has prompted the FBI to issue a nationwide red alert.
The passenger suffered burns as the result of his attempt and two other passengers reported minor injuries, but the plane was able to land safely, the New York Times quoted an anti-terrorism official as saying.
FBI agents have started investigations into the incident on the suspicion that it was an attempted act of terrorism, the official said. The Nigerian national has been arrested and is being questioned. During preliminary investigation, he has conceded about his links with al-Qaeda.
US President Barack Obama, who is vacationing in Hawaii, was immediately notified.
"The President was notified of the incident by the President's military aide," White House spokesman Bill Burton said in a statement.
{{/usCountry}}"The President was notified of the incident by the President's military aide," White House spokesman Bill Burton said in a statement.
{{/usCountry}}Obama subsequently convened a secure conference call with John Brennan, his Homeland Security and Counter-terrorism Adviser, and Denis McDonough, NSS Chief of Staff.
"The president is actively monitoring the situation and receiving regular updates," the statement read. More PTI LKJ