TRIPwire, 22 March 2021

On 19 March 2021, at approximately 0550 hours local time, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) deputies responded to the area around a local elementary school in the Sandra Heights neighborhood after a pipe bomb was discovered on a sidewalk by the school. SCSO Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians responded to assist, determined the pipe bomb was viable, and performed render safe procedures. Authorities reported that the IED could not have been functioned remotely but did not disclose any further device details. This is the second time in a month that a pipe bomb was discovered near the school, but authorities have yet to definitively link the two incidents. Both investigations are ongoing.

TRIPwire, 22 March 2021

On 22 March 2021, Security Service of Ukraine officers found three caches of military ordnance and explosives at separate locations in Luhansk. The first cache contained 12 RGD-5 and F-1 grenades and 7 “damaging agents” from a Smerch multiple rocket launcher, which contained almost 10 kg of RDX. The second cache contained 20 kg of TNT, a detonator, an RPG-22 grenade launcher, 5 unspecified grenades, 3 rocket-propelled grenades, and more than 200 “cartridges.” The third cache contained 6 RPG-26 anti-tank grenades; 9 TNT demolition blocks with a total weight of 2 kg; 3 MON-50 anti-personnel landmines; 43 RKG, RGD-5, and F-1 grenades with fuses; 1 package of a “Semtex-type” explosive; a detonator; and illuminating flares. Ukrainian authorities believe the explosive caches belonged to members of  “illegal armed formations” who conducted operations in 2014. The investigation is ongoing.

TRIPwire, 19 March 2021

On 18 March 2021, personnel with the Medford Police Department, Oregon State Police Explosives Unit, and ATF discovered bomb-making material (BMM), described as “numerous items relating to the manufacture of destructive devices,” in the Medford home of a 23-year-old man suspected of involvement in a series of early morning explosions across the Rogue Valley beginning in February 2021. At the scene of one explosion, authorities discovered remnants of an IED they described as a “cricket bomb” made from CO2 cartridges. No additional details were released on the BMM discovered. The suspect was arrested on 23 counts of manufacturing a destructive device and 9 counts of possessing a destructive device. The investigation is ongoing.

TRIPwire, 19 March 2021

On 9 March 2021, following an 8-month probe, Ontario Provincial Police officers seized 81 grenades, 2 grenade launchers, 3 explosive projectiles, and significant quantities of firearms and drugs during 11 counter-organized crime raids targeting 4 groups across southwestern Ontario. Canadian Forces National Investigation Service personnel responded to assist with the explosives. According to authorities, the grenades were likely designed to resemble military-grade grenades to increase their street value and did not originate with either the Canadian or U.S. militaries. Authorities charged at least 10 people for explosives, firearms, and drug trafficking. Personnel with the Barrie, Brantford, Hamilton, London, Stratford, and St. Thomas Police Services and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police participated in the raids and are assisting with the investigation.