Bangkok Bomb Plot Targeted Israeli Staffers

By JTA February 16, 2012

Thailand’s police chief said bombs that exploded in the capital earlier in the week were meant to target Israelis.

“I can tell you that the target was specific and aimed at Israeli diplomatic staff,” the national police chief, Gen. Prewpan Dhamapong, told a Thai television station late Wednesday, according to the Associated Press.

An accidental explosion took place Tuesday at a rented house in Bangkok being used by a group of Iranians. One of the Iranians later lost both of his legs when he detonated an explosive after being confronted by police.

Three Iranians have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Dhamapong said that the Iranians had explosive devices similar to ones placed the previous day on diplomatic vehicles associated with the Israeli embassies in India and Georgia.

One of the detained Iranians was brought before journalists Thursday, according to the Associated Press. Prewpan said the Iranian, Mohammad Kharzei, had “partially confessed,” the AP reported.

One of the Iranians was arrested in Malaysia; it is unclear whether he will be extradited to Thailand.

An Iranian woman who rented the house that exploded in the Thai capital fled the country for Tehran, according to reports.

The Iranians face criminal charges including possession of explosives, attempted murder, attempted murder of a policeman and causing property damage.

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