By Meena Kar
Detroit, Dec. 29, (THAINDIAN NEWS) The use of PETN explosive by the alleged Nigerian terrorist, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab has given rise to a common question. Why did he opt for this explosive? According to the reports, PETN, which has been in use, since the time of the First World War is known as one of the most powerful explosives and that might be the reason that makes the terrorists to use it for blasts.

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, who had boarded the aircraft with an intention of committing suicidal blast, might have used PETN to cause maximum damage to the craft and people in it. The reports of PETN explosive states that it can easily pass the strong security checks of the airports and this might be one of the reasons for using this explosive.

The alleged terrorist had successfully crossed all the security checks of the airport with the explosive attached with his inner garments. Though he had been successful in clearing all the security checks of the airport, he could not be successful in his attempt. The only fact that led down the terrorist was the ignition level of the explosive.

PETN is not known to be a highly inflammable explosive and need high temperature for ignition. It has been reported that Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was carrying a syringe filled with some solution that could have helped him for exploding PETN in the aircraft. However, he failed in his attempt as some passengers caught him while he was trying to set PETN on fire. The alleged terrorist has been arrested and the terrorist group Al-Qaeda, has reportedly claimed responsibility of the blast attempt.