Sitra bombing suspects arrested

Manama, Aug. 13 (BNA):Bahrain’s Interior Ministry has confirmed that five individuals suspected of orchestrating a deadly bomb attack in Bahrain have been arrested. The bomb blast, which occurred in the Sitra area of Bahrain at the end of last month (28 July), killed two policemen and injured six others. In addition to those arrested, two further suspects and three individuals who received financing and training from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and Hezbollah’s branch in Iraq have been identified. Bahrain’s Chief of Police, Major-General Tariq Al Hasan said: “Police investigations have found that those arrested had connections to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, as well as Hezbollah, and have been linked to a number of terrorist incidents in Bahrain over recent years.” Mohammed Ebrahim Mulla Radhi Al Tooq (24), who is said to have planted and detonated the explosive device that killed the two police officers on 28 July, is known to have spent time in Iran following his role in a deadly terrorist attack in 2013 which killed a policeman. Al Tooq is also accused of receiving training at a camp operated by Hezbollah. The Chief of Police said: “Forensic tests of the Sitra bombsite indicate that high-grade explosives (C4) were used. This is similar to the substance seized during a foiled attempt by Iranian handlers to smuggle explosives into Bahrain on 15 July, and similar to the substance found at a warehouse in the Dar Kulaib village on 6 June. This is yet another disturbing incident in which Iranian actions are attempting to undermine security and stability within Bahrain.” This is also the first time that the Ministry of Interior has confirmed that other attempted attacks by Iranian-backed terrorists have been foiled by Bahraini authorities, including an attempted bombing. The Ministry reiterated that the protection of citizens’ safety is its number one priority and security agencies are making every effort to counter any terrorist threats. The Chief of Police confirmed that investigations into the July bombing in Sitra are still ongoing and efforts to identify others involved will continue. He said: “Statements provided by those arrested have already led to the discovery of various bombs and bomb making materials, including a ready-to-use bomb containing C4, remote controls, firearms, and other bomb making materials.”