Suspected explosive devices meant to be delivered to the homes of former US President Barack Obama and  former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have been intercepted by security agents. Also intercepted was a similar package dropped at the office of CNN.

This comes two days after a bomb was found at the home of liberal philanthropist and financier George Soros in the suburbs of New York City.The devices were discovered by technicians who screen mails sent to the former US officials.

CNN also says that it evacuated its newsroom over a suspicious package.

According to a statement from the US Secret Service, the first package was addressed to Mrs Clinton and was recovered late on October 23.

“Early this morning, October 24, 2018, a second package addressed to the residence of Former President Barack Obama was intercepted by Secret Service personnel in Washington, DC,” the statement said.

“Both packages were intercepted prior to being delivered to their intended location. The protectees did not receive the packages nor were they at risk of receiving them.”

Officials “proactively detonated” the device, and determined that it contained explosive powder and “had the components of a bomb”.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders has  condemned the “attempted violent attacks” against the public figures.

“These terrorising acts are despicable, and anyone responsible will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

“The United States Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies are investigating and will take all appropriate actions to protect anyone threatened by these cowards,” she said.