UPDATE Greece:  Suspect Arrested for Sending IEDs

TRIPwire, 30 October 2017, 0830

On 28 October 2017, Greek authorities arrested a 29 year old man in central Athens on suspicion of sending parcel bombs to high rank European government and finance officials. The suspect allegedly mailed separate parcel bombs to the former Greek Premier Lucas Papademos and the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Paris office. The device mailed to the ex-Premier detonated and severely injured Papademos’ torso and thigh in May, while the device sent to the IMF injured one employee in March. When the suspect was apprehended, he was in possession of eight forged ID cards, two guns, ammunition and an improvised explosive device (IED) that contained a timer and gunpowder. Authorities stated that the suspect was transporting the items in three hold-alls, a plastic garbage bag and a fanny pack. The suspect was linked to the urban guerrilla group Conspiracy of the Cells of Fire, which previously claimed responsibility for a parcel bomb sent to German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble. During that period, eight other parcel bombs that were addressed to various European officials were intercepted by authorities. Media sources reported that the devices contained “gunpowder typically used in firecrackers”. An investigation is ongoing as police search for additional suspects.   

TRIPwire, 27 October 2017, 0700

On 17 October 2017 at 1422 hours local time, Chadron Police Department (CPD) officers executed a search of a home after authorities were notified that a resident was attempting to purchase potassium chloride for bomb making purposes. The bomb making material discovered at the scene included: 17 pressure cookers, assorted wires, a red button, a wire harness, a chemical recipe printout, multiple electronic devices (to include computers, tablets and phones), scales and four boxes of empty M-80 components. Chemicals seized included:  23 pounds of potassium perchlorate, 12 pounds of potassium chloride/chlorate, 20 pounds of ammonium nitrate porous pills, 12 pounds of ammonium perchloride, 5 pounds each of barium sulfate and barium nitrate, 2 pounds of pyrodex propellant, 3 pounds of gilsonite powder, packages of wood charcoal and charcoal mix, smokeless powder, black powder, potassium nitrate and bone meal plant phosphorous. Additionally, several “military-style weapons such as AR-15s, SKSs, and AK-47s” were discovered in the residence. An investigation is ongoing.

TRIPwire, 27 October 2017, 0800

On 27 October 2017, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated alongside train tracks in southwestern Pakistan, which damaged tracks, a passing train and temporarily halted service in the area. The damaged train was traveling from Quetta to Lahore and six of its passengers were wounded in the attack. No group claimed responsibility for the attack. However, several extremist and separatist groups operate in the area to include Baluchistan separatists, the Taliban, al-Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham-Khorasan (ISIS-K). The area is strategically important, as it borders Iran and Afghanistan, and is the intended hub for oil and gas distribution from western China.

TRIPwire, 27 October 2017, 0900

On 27 October 2017 at approximately 1315 hours local time, Russian police officers discovered an underground improvised explosive devices (IED) laboratory in a Balashikha apartment building. During the search the Federal Security Service (FSB) uncovered components to construct IEDs and explosive precursor chemicals. Investigators became suspicious of the apartment after a young man checked into a clinic with injuries consistent with the detonation of a small explosive device. During the operation, building number 7 residents of Rechnoy street were evacuated and law enforcement cordoned off the area. FSB, fire protection, and emergency medical personnel were on scene and are investigating the matter.