CIA Took Down “Underwear Bomber” Last Week In Yemen

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) arrested a suspected al-Qaida affiliate last week when the man attempted to attach a bomb to his underwear and then wear the device onto a plane headed from Yemen to the United States.

In a press statement released by the White House officials say the “device did not pose a threat to the public. Another Obama aid reiterated to Yahoo News:

“We had no specific, credible information about active terrorist plots timed to coincide with the anniversary and reiterate that this device never represented a threat to the public.”

According to officials the device was an improved version of the weapon used in the failed Christmas 2009 attempt by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab (pictured above) to blow up a Detroit plane.

To elude officials the arrested bomber did not use any type of metal in the device to elude traditional airport security. In the meantime the FBI is examining the device to see if it can be spotted by new full-body scanners.

At this time the identity of the bomber has not been released and where he is being held is classified.

Authorities at the White House claim that President Obama knew about the plot since April while his top terrorism officials worked to closely monitor the situation leading to the terrorists arrest.

Deputy NSC Spokesperson Caitlin Hayden said of President Obama’s plans:

“While the President was assured that the device did not pose a threat to the public, he directed the Department of Homeland Security and law enforcement and intelligence agencies to take whatever steps necessary to guard against this type of attack.”

“The disruption of this IED plot underscores the necessity of remaining vigilant against terrorism here and abroad. The President thanks all intelligence and counterterrorism professionals involved for their outstanding work and for serving with the extraordinary skill and commitment that their enormous responsibilities demand.”

The arrest was made around the same time as the death of Osama bin Laden however there has been no evidence that the potential attack and anniversary date are tied together.