m Moving Category:Reactions to the 2022 Russian invasion of UkrainetoCategory:Reactions to the Russian invasion of Ukraine per Wikipedia:Categories for discussion/Log/2023 March 19#Category:2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine
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{{Short description|Series of letter bomb attacks}} |
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In late November and early December 2022, a number of [[letter bomb]]s were mailed to locations across Spain. Packages were received at high-profile individuals and locations, including the [[Prime Minister of Spain]]'s [[Moncloa Palace|Moncloa]] residence, the [[Embassy of Ukraine, Madrid|Ukrainian]] and [[Embassy of the United States, Madrid|U.S.]] embassies in [[Madrid]], [[Torrejón Air Base|Torrejon Air Base]], and the arms manufacturer [[Instalaza]]. One person |
In late November and early December 2022, a number of [[letter bomb]]s were mailed to locations across Spain. Packages were received at high-profile individuals and locations, including the [[Prime Minister of Spain]]'s [[Moncloa Palace|Moncloa]] residence, the [[Embassy of Ukraine, Madrid|Ukrainian]] and [[Embassy of the United States, Madrid|U.S.]] embassies in [[Madrid]], [[Torrejón Air Base|Torrejon Air Base]], and the arms manufacturer [[Instalaza]]. One person was injured in the attacks—a security officer at the Ukrainian embassy in Madrid. |
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==Timeline== |
==Timeline== |
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On 24 November 2022, a letter bomb, addressed to the [[Prime Minister of Spain]] [[Pedro Sánchez]], arrived at [[Moncloa Palace]] in Madrid, Spain. The bomb was destroyed in a controlled explosion, with no injuries reported.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=1 December 2022 |title=Spain's PM sent letter bomb similar to device that injured Ukraine embassy official |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/third-mail-bomb-found-spanish-air-force-base-el-mundo-reports-2022-12-01/ |access-date=2022-12-01}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Brennan |first= |
On 24 November 2022, a letter bomb, addressed to the [[Prime Minister of Spain]] [[Pedro Sánchez]], arrived at [[Moncloa Palace]] in Madrid, Spain. The bomb was destroyed in a controlled explosion, with no injuries reported.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Carreño |first=Belén |last2=Pinedo |first2=Emma |date=1 December 2022 |title=Spain's PM sent letter bomb similar to device that injured Ukraine embassy official |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/third-mail-bomb-found-spanish-air-force-base-el-mundo-reports-2022-12-01/ |url-status=live |url-access=registration |access-date=2022-12-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327202917/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/third-mail-bomb-found-spanish-air-force-base-el-mundo-reports-2022-12-01/ |archive-date=27 March 2023}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Brennan |first=Eve |last2=Goodman |first2=Al |last3=Mosquera |first3=Pau |date=1 December 2022 |title=Spain boosts security as prime minister targeted amid series of letter bombs |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/01/europe/spain-security-letter-bombs-intl/index.html |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> |
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On 30 November 2022, further letter bombs were mailed. The first was mailed to the [[Embassy of Ukraine, Madrid|Ukrainian embassy in Madrid]], exploding when a security officer opened it in the garden of the embassy, leaving a "very small wound" on one finger.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=30 November 2022 |title=Letter bomb sent to Ukraine's embassy in Madrid injures security officer |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-01/letter-bomb-addressed-to-ukraines-ambassador-madrid-explodes/101719824 |access-date=2022-12-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=30 November 2022 |title=Letter bomb explodes at Ukrainian embassy in Madrid |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/letter-bomb-explosion-ukraine-embassy-spain-madrid/ |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=POLITICO |language=en-US}}</ref> Arms manufacturer [[Instalaza]], in Zaragoza, received a similar package hours later.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=1 December 2022 |title=Ukraine embassy, Spanish arms company receive letter bombs -police |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spanish-police-say-blast-ukrainian-embassy-injured-one-employee-2022-11-30/ |access-date=2022-12-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | |
On 30 November 2022, further letter bombs were mailed. The first was mailed to the [[Embassy of Ukraine, Madrid|Ukrainian embassy in Madrid]], exploding when a security officer opened it in the garden of the embassy, leaving a "very small wound" on one finger.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=30 November 2022 |title=Letter bomb sent to Ukraine's embassy in Madrid injures security officer |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-01/letter-bomb-addressed-to-ukraines-ambassador-madrid-explodes/101719824 |access-date=2022-12-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fiedler |first=Tristan |date=30 November 2022 |title=Letter bomb explodes at Ukrainian embassy in Madrid |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/letter-bomb-explosion-ukraine-embassy-spain-madrid/ |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=POLITICO |language=en-US}}</ref> Arms manufacturer [[Instalaza]], in Zaragoza, received a similar package hours later.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=1 December 2022 |title=Ukraine embassy, Spanish arms company receive letter bombs -police |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spanish-police-say-blast-ukrainian-embassy-injured-one-employee-2022-11-30/ |url-status=live |url-access=registration |access-date=2022-12-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520130112/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spanish-police-say-blast-ukrainian-embassy-injured-one-employee-2022-11-30/ |archive-date=20 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-01 |title=Spain: 2 new letter bombs detected after Ukraine blast |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/spain-ap-spanish-madrid-ukraine-b2236793.html |access-date=2023-07-09 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref> |
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On 1 December 2022, before dawn, another letter bomb was intercepted after being detected by a scanner, at the [[Torrejón Air Base|Torrejon Air Base]] near Madrid. The package was addressed to the [[European Union Satellite Centre]] at the base.<ref name=":1" /> On the same day, an additional letter bomb was received at the [[Ministry of Defence (Spain)|Defence Ministry]] |
On 1 December 2022, before dawn, another letter bomb was intercepted after being detected by a scanner, at the [[Torrejón Air Base|Torrejon Air Base]] near Madrid. The package was addressed to the [[European Union Satellite Centre]] at the base.<ref name=":1" /> On the same day, an additional letter bomb was received at the [[Ministry of Defence (Spain)|Defence Ministry]] and was defused.<ref name=":0" /> A sixth letter bomb was sent to the US embassy in Madrid and was intercepted at around 12.30 pm local time.<ref name="la sexta">{{Cite news |date=1 December 2022 |title=Detonan una sexta carta con material explosivo remitida a la embajada de EEUU en Madrid |language=ES |work=La Sexta |url=https://www.lasexta.com/noticias/nacional/detectan-sexta-carta-bomba-remitida-embajada-eeuu-madrid-acordonan-zona_202212016388aac928ddf800014cecc9.html |access-date=2022-12-01}}</ref> It was subsequently "safely detonated."<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Bautista |first1=José |last2=Kwai |first2=Isabella |last3=Ismay |first3=John |date=1 December 2022 |title=U.S. and Ukrainian Embassies Targeted by Letter Bombs in Spain |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/01/world/europe/spain-letter-bombs.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=2022-12-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203081146/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/01/world/europe/spain-letter-bombs.html |archive-date=3 February 2023 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> |
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==Investigation and responses== |
==Investigation and responses== |
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In response to the letter bomb attacks, Spanish authorities increased security measures at public and diplomatic buildings.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 December 2022 |title=Spain steps up security as Prime Minister's office targeted in spate of letter-bombs |url=https://arab.news/mek46 |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref> The [[Foreign Minister of Ukraine]] [[Dmytro Kuleba]] ordered that the security of all Ukrainian embassies be increased, and urged Spain to investigate the attack.<ref name=":2" /> Spain's High Court was reported to have opened an investigation for a possible case of terrorism.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 December 2022 |title=Spain PM got letter similar to one which exploded at Ukraine embassy |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20221201-spain-pm-got-letter-similar-to-one-which-exploded-at-ukraine-embassy |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=France 24 |language=en}}</ref> |
In response to the letter bomb attacks, Spanish authorities increased security measures at public and diplomatic buildings.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=1 December 2022 |title=Spain steps up security as Prime Minister's office targeted in spate of letter-bombs |url=https://arab.news/mek46 |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref> The [[Foreign Minister of Ukraine]] [[Dmytro Kuleba]] ordered that the security of all Ukrainian embassies be increased, and urged Spain to investigate the attack.<ref name=":2" /> Spain's High Court was reported to have opened an investigation for a possible case of terrorism.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 December 2022 |title=Spain PM got letter similar to one which exploded at Ukraine embassy |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20221201-spain-pm-got-letter-similar-to-one-which-exploded-at-ukraine-embassy |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=France 24 |language=en}}</ref> |
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In December 2022, Spanish authorities disclosed they believed the letters were postmarked from the city of [[Valladolid]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spanish-police-say-origin-letter-bombs-was-city-valladolid-paper-2022-12-03/| |
In December 2022, Spanish authorities disclosed they believed the letters were postmarked from the city of [[Valladolid]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Keeley |first=Graham |last2=Carreno |first2=Belen |date=December 3, 2022 |editor-last=Daniel |editor-first=Frank Jack |title=Spanish police believe origin of letter bombs was city of Valladolid |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spanish-police-say-origin-letter-bombs-was-city-valladolid-paper-2022-12-03/ |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119114147/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/spanish-police-say-origin-letter-bombs-was-city-valladolid-paper-2022-12-03/ |archive-date=19 January 2023 |access-date=January 21, 2023 |work=Reuters}}</ref> |
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According to a January 2023 [[The New York Times|New York Times]] report citing unnamed U.S. officials, Spanish investigators and their Western foreign counterparts have come to believe that the letter bomb attacks were perpetrated by the [[Russian Imperial Movement]] acting on behalf of Russian intelligence.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Wong |first=Edward |last2=Barnes |first2=Julian E. |last3=Schmitt |first3=Eric |date=2023-01-22 |title=Russian Agents Suspected of Directing Far-Right Group to Mail Bombs in Spain |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/22/us/politics/russia-spain-letter-bombs.html |access-date=2023-01-22 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> U.S. officials had also suspected Russian military intelligence officers of directing associates of a white supremacist militant group to carry out the attacks.<ref name=":3" /> |
According to a January 2023 [[The New York Times|New York Times]] report citing unnamed U.S. officials, Spanish investigators and their Western foreign counterparts have come to believe that the letter bomb attacks were perpetrated by the [[Russian Imperial Movement]] acting on behalf of Russian intelligence.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Wong |first=Edward |last2=Barnes |first2=Julian E. |last3=Schmitt |first3=Eric |date=2023-01-22 |title=Russian Agents Suspected of Directing Far-Right Group to Mail Bombs in Spain |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/22/us/politics/russia-spain-letter-bombs.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=2023-01-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224110458/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/22/us/politics/russia-spain-letter-bombs.html |archive-date=24 February 2023 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> U.S. officials had also suspected Russian military intelligence officers of directing associates of a white supremacist militant group to carry out the attacks.<ref name=":3" /> |
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===Arrest of suspect=== |
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On 26 January 2023, 74-year-old Spanish citizen was arrested by Spanish police on |
On 26 January 2023,a 74-year-old Spanish citizen was arrested by Spanish police on suspicion of sending the letter bombs. The Spanish Interior Ministry reported that there were no indications of any association with far-right organizations or Russia. They stated that they believed the suspect was responsible for making and sending all six letter bombs himself, but that the possibility of "participation or influence of other people" was not ruled out.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Ward |first=Euan |last2=Bautista |first2=José |date=2023-01-25 |title=Spanish Police Arrest a Man in Letter Bomb Case |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/25/world/europe/spain-arrest-letter-bombs.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=2023-01-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511012533/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/25/world/europe/spain-arrest-letter-bombs.html |archive-date=11 May 2023 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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[[Category:Attacks on diplomatic missions of the United States]] |
[[Category:Attacks on diplomatic missions of the United States]] |
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[[Category:Failed assassination attempts in Europe]] |
[[Category:Failed assassination attempts in Europe]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:21st-century terrorist incidents in Spain]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Letter and package bombings]] |
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[[Category:Reactions to the Russian invasion of Ukraine]] |
[[Category:Reactions to the Russian invasion of Ukraine]] |
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[[Category:Letter bomb]] |
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[[Category:Torrejón de Ardoz]] |
[[Category:Torrejón de Ardoz]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Military history of Zaragoza]] |
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[[Category:Spain–Ukraine relations]] |
[[Category:Spain–Ukraine relations]] |
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[[Category:Spain–United States relations]] |
[[Category:Spain–United States relations]] |
2022 Spain letter bomb attacks | |
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Location | Madrid and Zaragoza, Spain |
Date | 24 November 2022 (2022-11-24)- 1 December 2022 (2022-12-01) |
Target | Pedro Sánchez, Instalaza, Ukrainian and American embassies, Torrejón Air Base, Ministry of Defence |
Attack type | Letter bombing |
Deaths | 0 |
Injured | 1 |
Perpetrators | Unknown |
In late November and early December 2022, a number of letter bombs were mailed to locations across Spain. Packages were received at high-profile individuals and locations, including the Prime Minister of Spain's Moncloa residence, the Ukrainian and U.S. embassies in Madrid, Torrejon Air Base, and the arms manufacturer Instalaza. One person was injured in the attacks—a security officer at the Ukrainian embassy in Madrid.
On 24 November 2022, a letter bomb, addressed to the Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez, arrived at Moncloa Palace in Madrid, Spain. The bomb was destroyed in a controlled explosion, with no injuries reported.[1][2]
On 30 November 2022, further letter bombs were mailed. The first was mailed to the Ukrainian embassy in Madrid, exploding when a security officer opened it in the garden of the embassy, leaving a "very small wound" on one finger.[3][4] Arms manufacturer Instalaza, in Zaragoza, received a similar package hours later.[2][5][6]
On 1 December 2022, before dawn, another letter bomb was intercepted after being detected by a scanner, at the Torrejon Air Base near Madrid. The package was addressed to the European Union Satellite Centre at the base.[2] On the same day, an additional letter bomb was received at the Defence Ministry and was defused.[1] A sixth letter bomb was sent to the US embassy in Madrid and was intercepted at around 12.30 pm local time.[7] It was subsequently "safely detonated."[8][2]
Each of the letter bombs were reportedly similar, in brown envelopes addressed to the heads of each institution. The devices consisted of loose gunpowder with an electrical ignition mechanism, resulting in a burning, rather than exploding effect.[1]
An official, Rosa Serrano, told radio station SER that the packages sent to both the Ukrainian embassy and Instalaza had the same return address.[2]
In response to the letter bomb attacks, Spanish authorities increased security measures at public and diplomatic buildings.[1][9] The Foreign Minister of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba ordered that the security of all Ukrainian embassies be increased, and urged Spain to investigate the attack.[3] Spain's High Court was reported to have opened an investigation for a possible case of terrorism.[10]
In December 2022, Spanish authorities disclosed they believed the letters were postmarked from the city of Valladolid.[11]
According to a January 2023 New York Times report citing unnamed U.S. officials, Spanish investigators and their Western foreign counterparts have come to believe that the letter bomb attacks were perpetrated by the Russian Imperial Movement acting on behalf of Russian intelligence.[12] U.S. officials had also suspected Russian military intelligence officers of directing associates of a white supremacist militant group to carry out the attacks.[13]
On 26 January 2023, a 74-year-old Spanish citizen was arrested by Spanish police on suspicion of sending the letter bombs. The Spanish Interior Ministry reported that there were no indications of any association with far-right organizations or Russia. They stated that they believed the suspect was responsible for making and sending all six letter bombs himself, but that the possibility of "participation or influence of other people" was not ruled out.[13]
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