According to an internal memo from the Department of Homeland Security obtained by CBS News, the agency has been on the alert for bombs made from pressure cookers since 2004.
CBS reports that both a memo issued by the Department of Homeland Security in 2004 and a joint Homeland Security and FBI pamphlet from 2010 gave warning of bombs being made from pressure cookers. The memo from 2004 describes pressure cooker bombs as "a technique commonly taught in Afghan terrorist training camps."
The 2004 memo reads:
"Typically, these bombs are made by placing TNT or other explosives in a pressure cooker and attaching a blasting cap at the top of the pressure cooker. The size of the blast depends on the size of the pressure cooker and the amount of explosive placed inside. Pressure cooker bombs are made with readily available materials and can be as simple or as complex as the builder decides. These types of devices can be initiated using simple electronic components including, but not limited to, digital watches, garage door openers, cell phones or pagers. As a common cooking utensil, the pressure cooker is often overlooked when searching vehicles, residences or merchandise crossing the U.S. Borders."
CBS News reports that before the Boston Marathon bombings, that pressure cookers were used in multiple terror plots.
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