Dirty-bomb threat
The week's news at a glance.
London
Eight British Muslims detained last week on suspicion of terrorism were planning to set off a dirty bomb, ABC News reported this week. The men apparently intended to acquire the toxic chemical osmium tetroxide, which is used in labs as a staining agent and can be easily bought over the Internet. If inhaled, osmium textroxide makes the lungs seize up, causing painful death by “dryland drowning.” It could kill hundreds if released in an enclosed space, such as an airport terminal or a subway. British authorities said the plot was coordinated from Pakistan by a suspected al Qaida agent. Police who had been tracking the suspected terrorist cell launched a raid last week when electronic intercepts picked up discussion of the chemical.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
5 arguably hilarious cartoons about the 2024 presidential debate
Cartoons Artists take on the candidates' age gap, sleepyheads, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes: a solid summer blockbuster
The Week Recommends The big-money movie might be 'a bit silly' but the effects are excellent
By The Week UK Published
-
Tall Tales: church dedicates service to Taylor Swift
Tall Tales The Week's round-up of the latest odd news
By Julia O'Driscoll, The Week UK Published