One of the world's spiciest chilis is being weaponized for use in fighting terrorists. This, according to an article published by the Guardian newspaper.

The weaponized chilis known as Bhut Jolokia or "Ghost Chili" has been rated by the Guinness Book of World Records as one of the spiciest chilis in the world, more than 400 times hotter than Tabasco sauce. And as the Indian government is trying to prove, in a weaponized form, it can be an extremely effective counter-insurgency device.

Developed by the Indian government's Defense Research Lab in Assam, the paste of the chili has been converted into a tear gas and smoke grenade to be used to flush out terrorists hiding in caves in Northeast India. In its current form, the weaponized chilis are deployed and dispersed from grenade-like canisters. The smoke has even been used to obscure the sight of snipers using night vision goggles.

This new weapon is currently being used against 24 ethnic separatist groups in Northeast India, however, the government has already indicated that once it is implemented it may serve as a useful tool in a variety of settings—including counter-terrorism.

The BBC quotes an Indian scientist, who says the chili bombs are effective, but not deadly.

"Its pungent smell will force the target victim to throw up and the eyes will burn like hell, but all without any long-term damage."