A US drone strike in Yemen on Sunday, which led to he death of two people, has been revealed as part of a wider plot to intercept a second underwear bomb by the US House Homeland Security Committee.
The plot is believed to feature far more advanced version of the underwear bomb that failed to ignite over Detroit on Christmas Day in 2009.
The drone strike on Sunday is reported to have killed two Al Qaeda operatives, though it is unknown whether either was the intended target of the drone.
Speaking on CNN about the drone strike and Monday's announcement by the Obama administration, Representative Peter King said: "I was told by the White House that they are connected, that they are part of the same operation."
King said the bomb had no metal parts, suggesting it may have been able to pass through US Security checks, but added that the bomber and the device are no longer a threat to the US.
Speaking on Monday, Hillary Clinton condemned the plot, adding that it indicates that "the terrorist keep trying... to devise more perverse and terrible way to kill innocent people".
The secretary of state called it a "reminder of why we have to remain vigilant at home and abroad".
Open Image Modal
Pictures Of The Day: 8 May 2012
(01 of10)
Open Image Modal
A pedestrian is reflected on an election poster of Democratic Alliance party at a bus stop in Athens, Saturday May 5, 2012. Greeks head to the polls Sunday in their most critical and uncertain election in decades, with voters set to punish the two main parties that are being held responsible for the country's dire economic straits. (AP Photo/Kostas Tsironis)
(02 of10)
Open Image Modal
A Pakistani worker decorates a canal with artificial flowers, in Lahore, Pakistan, Monday, May 7, 2012. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)
(03 of10)
Open Image Modal
Donated kits on display as part of the LV= SOS Kit Aid celebrating and Aldwinians RUFC's 75th anniversary.
(04 of10)
Open Image Modal
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Blackburn Rovers v Wigan Athletic - Ewood Park -An chicken wearing a Blackburn Rovers cape interferes with the game (PA)
(05 of10)
Open Image Modal
Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Blackburn Rovers v Wigan Athletic - Ewood Park, A plane displays a banner from Burnley fans above Ewood Park before the game
(06 of10)
Open Image Modal
A South Korean worker attaches a devotee's name tag with their wishes on a lantern, in the preparation for the birthday celebration of Buddha, which falls on May 28, at Jogye temple in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, May 8, 2012. About one-third of South Korea's 48 million people are Buddhists. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
(07 of10)
Open Image Modal
Ronnie O' Sullivan in action during the SAGA Insurance Masters 2007 Final at Wembley Arena, London.Picture date: Sunday, January 21, 2007. Photo credit should read: Chris Young/PA Wire.
(08 of10)
Open Image Modal
A baby monkey clings to the leg of her mother in a park in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Monday, May 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
(09 of10)
Open Image Modal
A prisoner rests his arms in the wall of his cell during a Mass for prisoners in the courtyard of La Esperanza penal center in San Salvador, El Salvador, Monday, May 7, 2012. The prisoners asked for Monsignor Fabio Colindres to hold a Mass for them at the prison. (AP Photo/Luis Romero)
(10 of10)
Open Image Modal
A tall steel cross is refracted in rain drops on a window in Joplin, Mo., Monday, May 7, 2012. The cross is all that is left standing of St. Mary's Catholic Church, which was destroyed by an EF-5 tornado that tore through a large swath of the city and killed 161 people nearly a year ago. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)