Iranian Hit Squad Hid Bombs in Radios

Bangkok devices match those used in India, Georgia attacks
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 22, 2012 4:03 AM CST
Updated Feb 22, 2012 4:17 AM CST
Iranian Hit Squad Hid Bombs in Radios
This police surveillance camera photo shows Iranian Saeid Moradi carrying two radio bombs, one of which later took off his legs.   (AP Photo/Spokesman Office of National Thai Police)

The suspected Iranian hit squad busted in Bangkok last week made cheap portable radios into bombs that they intended to use against Israeli targets, authorities say. Experts say the bombs are nearly identical to those attached to vehicles in attacks in India and the republic of Georgia, ABC reports. After an explosion at a house in Bangkok, one of the three Iranians now in custody in Thailand hurled a radio bomb at police in an attempt to evade arrest, but it bounced back and shredded both his legs. Other bombs were found in the house.

The radio bombs contained ball bearings and magnets, indicating that they were going to be attached to vehicles as in the India and Georgia blasts. Thai authorities say the three suspects—who partied with prostitutes soon after arriving in the country—haven't revealed anything substantial under interrogation. Iran has denied any responsibility. While analysts suspect there may be a revenge link to the killing of Iranian nuclear scientists, many questions remain, notes AP, including: Were the assailants part of a global terror network, and if they were professional assassins, why were they so inept? (More Thailand stories.)

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