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| Britain |
| Same explosives link British terror cells |
| 2005-07-24 |
| Chemical traces found around the plughole of an old bath in a terraced house in Leeds provided the first firm link between the two Underground and bus terror cells that attacked London this month. The bath had been used to mix the compounds to make the explosives used by the first team of four bombers, who each carried about 4kg in the rucksacks they detonated to such devastating effect on July 7. The bombmaker or the bombers had tried to disguise the traces left behind in the bath by apparently cleaning it with bleach. But forensic work pinpointed many of the materials used. They matched the explosives found in all four of the bombs that failed to go off on the three trains and bus targeted by the second cell at lunchtime on Thursday. In each of the latest rucksack bombs a lesser quantity of explosives was used, but this time around they were packed with nails and bolts that were designed to maim as well as kill. Bomb-disposal experts believe the devices failed to go off because the sensitive ingredients had not been mixed properly. The home-made detonators went off in two instances but did not trigger the devices. Another possibility under examination is that the bombs for both cells were made at the same time but over the past fortnight the chemicals deteriorated. Reports have said the explosive used in the first wave of bombings was a favourite of al-Qaeda known as the "Mother of Satan". It was made of easily obtained chemicals, including drain cleaner and acetone. It is too early to say whether the same bombmaker made both sets of devices or whether someone he may have tutored was involved but did not have sufficient expertise. The terrorists' failure to explode the devices provided the greatest breakthrough so far for investigators. Described by one officer as "four treasure troves", not only did the the rucksacks contain the explosives, but also DNA, letters, notes and papers with names and addresses on. In one case, there was a mobile telephone containing dozens of numbers and text messages and a "chip" that could be traced. The bomb found in a Fitness First rucksack on the top deck of a No 26 bus in Hackney Road is a key piece of evidence. The bag was reportedly packed with nails, nuts and bolts, with the explosive protected by padding material including screwed-up paper, insulating foam and a pair of rolled-up socks. Lying alongside it was a 9-volt Duracell battery. Terror groups such as al-Qaeda are known to operate separate cells so that if one is caught it does not compromise another. However, there is likely to be a planner or mastermind. He knows the number of cells operating and their support networks but not always who all the individuals are. Lord John Stevens, the former Metropolitan police chief, has suggested that there are up to 3 000 British-born or British-based fanatics who trained in terror camps in Afghanistan, and that many have returned as "sleepers" waiting to be activated. At least 250 are monitored by the security services, but none appeared to be linked to the suicide bombings, underlining the fears that dozens of potential bombers may be at large. "If there are two cells, why not three or four, five or six - do they all have explosives, all have training?" said a senior investigator. |
| Posted by:Dan Darling |
| #1 the bombs for both cells were made at the same time but over the past fortnight the chemicals deteriorated. RB probably broke that piece of informed speculation. |
| Posted by: phil_b 2005-07-24 02:29 |