US Thwarts 'Dirty Bomb' Attack

An al-Qaeda suspect plotting to detonate a potentially devastating 'dirty' radioactive bomb in America has been arrested.

Such a bomb could kill or injure a large number of civilians.

Attorney General John Ashcroft said the suspect was held as he tried to enter the US.

"We have captured a known terrorist who was exploring a plan to build and explode a radiological dispersion device, or dirty bomb, in the United States," Ashcroft said in a televised announcement.

Ashcroft said Abdullah al Mujahir, also known as Jose Padilla, was detained on May 8 after flying into the Chicago O'Hare International Airport from Pakistan.

"On apprehending al Mujahir as he sought entry into the United States, we have disrupted an unfolding terrorist plot to attack the United States by exploding a radioactive dirty bomb," Ashcroft said.

Intelligence experts for several months now have feared terrorists could build a bomb using radioactive material bought on the black market.

It is thought radioactive material is readily available following the break-up of the Soviet Union.

A dirty bomb consists of conventional explosives wrapped in nuclear 'slurry'. Such a bomb would cause a large nuclear fallout as well as killing many people in immediate area.

The US government in recent weeks has come under increasing criticism for failing to prevent the September 11 attacks.

Last week the CIA and FBI were involved in a public slanging match over who was to blame.

They will be keen to restore their credibility and reassure Americans they are safe from future attack.

Ashcroft said the US government had "multiple, independent and corroborating sources" that al Mujahir was closely associated with al Qaeda and was "involved in planning future terrorist attacks on innocent American civilians in the United States."