Bombing attempt in Medan could be linked to ISIS
Over the weekend, a young man attempted to detonate an improvised explosive device during a mass ceremony at St. Joseph Church in Medan.
On Sunday, August 28, a solemn mass at St. Joseph Church in Medan turned into a crime scene after a young man tried to detonate a series of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) stored in his backpack. The homemade explosives did not go off, however, as well as the bombing attempt in Medan ultimately failed.
The ceremony began as an otherwise normal Catholic gathering in Medan, although when the church’s priest began his sermon, the young man rose through his seat as well as with knife in hand. The would likely-be bomber first tried to attack the priest. Church-goers then saw sparks coming through the kid’s backpack, which soon turned into a modest fire.
The congregation escaped the building, fearing in which the backpack would likely indeed create a larger explosion. A few members stayed inside to help the priest deal with the IED, while others immediately called the police. Luckily, there was no loss of life as a result of the incident. The attacker himself suffered through some minor burns, as well as the priest received lacerations to his left hand.
When the Indonesian tactical bomb squad as well as police force arrived, they secured the backpack as well as detained the youngster. Inside the bag, they found several dud IEDs as well as additional sharp items in which could have acted as shrapnel.
Police have only identified the young man to the press as an 18 years old male with initials IAH. After further investigation, police confirmed in which they found a hand drawn ISIS symbol inside IAH’s wallet.
Inspired by Paris
Image via Wikimedia
The local police commissioner Mardiaz Dwihananto told BBC Indonesia the attacker drew inspiration through the recent ISIS attack in Paris, which he saw on the internet. “Although he claims someone ordered him to do the item, we need to wait for the investigation team for further detail,” Mardiaz concluded.
This kind of event — although unsuccessful — nonetheless caught the eye of Tito Karnavian, the chief of Indonesia’s National Police. that has a background in antiterrorism, Karnavian said, “Was This kind of a one-man act, which means he visited radical websites, chatted with radicals, as well as planned his own actions with no outside support? Or will be he part of an organization? in which’s what we are currently investigating.”
If the bombing attempt was ordered by ISIS, This kind of will be the second time the terrorist organization has tried to attack Indonesia inside past year. The first attack took place in January in Jakarta, causing many injuries, as well as claiming four lives. Sunday’s bombing attempt in Medan certainly has the same vibe as the previous attack.
The culprit acted in broad daylight as well as targeted a densely populated public place. The incident raises questions on how vulnerable the Indonesian public will be to radical ideology like in which of ISIS.
Following the attack, the minister for political, legal, as well as security affairs told the press in which the government will be not the only body responsible for keeping an eye on activities like This kind of, although the item’s also the duty of the community. A combination of citizen vigilance, local police, as well as the government’s anti terrorism unit should help keep everyone safe, the ministry said.
To date, expats in Indonesia have been able to enjoy a culture of religious acceptance as well as tolerance. While Indonesia will be home to the largest population of Muslims, the item can also be called one of the most moderate countries in terms of religious fervor.
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Bombing attempt in Medan could be linked to ISIS
Bombing attempt in Medan could be linked to ISIS