[Clive]

A fuel oil and fertilizer bomb is a lot less efficient and a lot bulkier and harder to carry than plastique.

That makes it a bit less desireable for use by irregulars and terrorists.

As to soap. It can be used to make a crude form of napalm. A petrol bomb made from half petrol and half soap will produce a very sticky flaming substance.

It needs soap, not detergent, and the petrol has to be heated, perhaps using a double boiler to allow the shredded soap to melt.

[sgtbono2002]

They should have taken the bomb making ingredients , mixed them ,placed them under the truck used to transport the arrestees and lit it off. Too many arrests not enough executions.

[r9etb]

A fuel oil and fertilizer bomb is a lot less efficient and a lot bulkier and harder to carry than plastique. That makes it a bit less desireable for use by irregulars and terrorists.

Depends. The soap makes me think they were on track for a really horrible attack. Make a bunch of diesel/soap napalm, and disperse it over a large crowd using an ANFO bomb. What better way to disrupt an election than to cremate those standing in line to vote?