A man attacked a pro-Israel rally in the United States using Molotov cocktails and a homemade flamethrower on Monday. Authorities called it a “targeted terror attack.” The suspect, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, injured six people. Most of them suffered burns. Police confirmed that Soliman, aged 45, was also hurt and taken to a hospital. Several videos on social media showed him holding fire-filled bottles. Flames burned on the ground near the protest site, causing panic and chaos.
What Is a Molotov Cocktail?
A Molotov cocktail is a homemade firebomb. It usually contains a glass bottle filled with gasoline or another flammable liquid. A cloth or rag is placed at the top, acting as a fuse. When someone lights the rag and throws the bottle, it shatters and bursts into flames. Because it is easy to make, many use this device during protests or riots. It is not a modern invention, but its use has caused serious harm for decades.
How Did the Name Originate?
The term “Molotov cocktail” dates back to 1939 during the Winter War between the Soviet Union and Finland. At the time, Soviet foreign minister Vyacheslav Molotov claimed Russian planes were dropping food to starving Finns. He said on Soviet radio that their bombing missions were actually “airborne food deliveries.”
The Finnish people mocked this false claim. They sarcastically called the bombs “Molotov bread baskets.” Later, when they created firebombs to fight back, they named them “Molotov cocktails” — a “drink” to go with the Soviet “food.”
How Finland Used These Firebombs
The Finns were outnumbered and lacked heavy weapons. However, they used Molotov cocktails to destroy Soviet tanks. These tanks used gasoline, which made them easy to ignite.
The rough terrain in Finland made it hard for tanks to escape. Finnish fighters used this to their advantage. To meet the demand, Finland’s state liquor company, Alko, stopped making vodka. Instead, it produced 500,000 Molotov cocktails by the end of 1939.
Why Molotov Cocktails Are Still Dangerous
Even today, people use these devices during riots and violent protests. Their simple design and low cost make them easy to build and hard to stop. Although crude, they can cause serious injuries and massive fires.
The recent attack at the pro-Israel rally shows the threat they still pose. FBI officials said they are investigating the case as an act of terrorism. As tensions rise over the Israel-Gaza conflict, such violent actions are increasing in the US.
