Overview
On Wednesday, July 18th, a bus carrying Israeli tourists was attacked in Burgas, Bulgaria killing 7 and injuring over 33. The attack was conducted by a male suicide bomber, possibly 36 years old. After an investigation of the attack, officials revealed the bomber was carrying a false Michigan State driver’s license which was confirmed by U.S. authorities. Surveillance videos captured footage of the attacker circling various tourist buses roughly an hour before the explosion. The footage showed him with long hair carrying a backpack, allowing him to blend in among the Israeli tourists as he remained undetected by on-site security. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack; however, Israeli officials accused the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Iranian officials immediately denied any involvement in the attack. Israel’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Avigdor Lieberman stated there is evidence Hezbollah was responsible for the attack, claiming, “the identity and the responsibility are completely clear.” President Obama condemned the terrorist attack without directing liability toward any state or non-state actors.
CBS Video of Bulgaria bombing suspect obtained from Christian Science Monitor:
Key Points
- The bombing occurred on the 18th anniversary of an attack on an Argentine Jewish cultural center in Buenos Aires which killed 85. Argentine officials recently commented, “There is evidence of participation by diplomats known to be affiliated with Iran’s embassy in our country.”
- Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu also accused Iran and Hezbollah of the bombing which occurred in India this February, targeting the wife of Israel’s defense attaché in Delhi. The attack occurred the same day as an attempted bombing targeting an Israeli embassy car in Georgia. The next day, another failed attack by Iranian nationals occurred in Bangkok.
- Nearly two weeks ago, on July 7th, a 24 year-old Lebanese man, with reported ties to Hezbollah, was arrested for plotting to attack Israeli tourists in Cyprus.
Implications
Recent incidents indicate that Iran or their proxy Hezbollah may be targeting Israeli interests abroad in an effort to carry out attacks where they are likely to succeed. Countries perceived as having less stringent security infrastructure may be attractive targets for terrorist planners. This may explain the recent attacks/plots against Israeli citizens in Kenya, Cyprus, Georgia, India and Thailand. Israeli officials are stating that their reaction to the attack will be diplomatic as well as operational and the debate continues over whether Israel will use military force to respond. The small-scale terrorist attacks may be an attempt by Iran to divert attention from their nuclear program or to cause Israel to overreact, allowing Iran to portray itself as a victim.