Chronology of Significant Terrorist Incidents (2003)

Note: The incidents listed have met the U.S. Government’s Incident Review Panel criteria. An International Terrorist Incident is judged significant if it results in loss of life or serious injury to persons, major property damage, and/or is an act or attempted act that could reasonably be expected to create the conditions noted.

January

5 January

India
In Kulgam, Kashmir, a hand grenade exploded at a bus station injuring 40 persons: 36 private citizens and four security personnel, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility

5 January

Pakistan
In Peshawar, armed terrorists fired on the residence of an Afghan diplomat, injuring a guard, according to press reports. The diplomat was not in his residence at the time of the incident. No one claimed responsibility.

5 January

Israel
In Tel Aviv, two suicide bombers attacked simultaneously, killing 23 persons including: 15 Israelis, two Romanians, one Ghanaian, one Bulgarian, three Chinese, and one Ukrainian and wounding 107 others—nationalities not specified—according to press reports. The attack took place in the vicinity of the old central bus station where foreign national workers live. The detonations took place within seconds of each other and were approximately 600 feet apart, in a pedestrian mall and in front of a bus stop. The al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade was responsible.

12 January

Pakistan
In Hyderabad, authorities safely defused a bomb placed in a toilet of a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant, according to press reports. Two bomb explosions in Hyderabad in recent months have killed a total of four persons and injured 33 others, all Pakistanis. No one has claimed responsibility.

21 January

Kuwait
In Kuwait City, a gunman ambushed a vehicle at the intersection of al-Judayliyat and Adu Dhabi, killing one US citizen and wounding another US citizen. The victims were civilian contractors working for the US military. The incident took place close to Camp Doha, an installation housing approximately 17,000 US troops. On 23-24 January, a 20-year-old Kuwaiti civil servant, Sami al-Mutayri, was apprehended attempting to cross the border from Kuwait to Saudi Arabia. Al-Mutayri confessed to the attack and stated that he embraces al-Qaida ideology and implements Usama Bin Ladin’s instructions although there is no evidence of an organizational link. The assailant acted alone but had assistance in planning the ambush. No group has claimed responsibility.

22 January

Colombia
In Arauquita, military officials reported either the National Liberation Army (ELN) or the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) terrorists bombed a section of the Cano Limon-Covenas oil pipeline, causing an unknown amount of damage. The pipeline is owned by US and Colombian oil companies.

24 January

Colombia
In Tame, rebels kidnapped two journalists working for the Los Angeles Times, one was a British reporter and the other a US photographer. The ELN is responsible. The two journalists were released unharmed on 1 February 2003.

27 January

Afghanistan
In Nangarhar, two security officers escorting several United Nations vehicles were killed when armed terrorists attacked their convoy, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

31 January

India
In Srinagar, Kashmir, armed terrorists killed a local journalist when they entered his office, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility

February

1 February

Turkey
In Istanbul, press reports stated that a time bomb had been discovered in a McDonald’s restaurant. The cleaning man spotted the explosive device by identifying the timer and cables attached to the box located under a table. The authorities were notified immediately, and police experts defused it. No casualties were reported, and no one claimed responsibility.

5 February

Saudi Arabia
In Riyadh, television reports stated that three gunmen fired on a UK citizen as he was traveling from work to home. Five bullets were fired at the vehicle, but the employee of British Airways was not injured except for possible superficial wounds from broken glass. No one claimed responsibility.

6 February

Colombia
In Arauquita, military officials reported either ELN or FARC terrorists bombed a section of the Cano Limon-Covenas oil pipeline, causing an unknown amount of oil to spill. The pipeline is owned by US and Colombian oil companies

13 February

Colombia
In Bogota, a Southern Command–owned airplane carrying five crew and five passengers—four US citizens and one Colombian—crashed in the jungle. All five passengers survived the crash—two of the crewmembers were injured. Terrorists later killed a Colombian army officer and a US citizen, while three other US citizens are missing, according to press reports. FARC claims they are holding the three missing persons. On 31 March, press reports stated that the three missing US citizens were still captives of FARC. There are upward of 4,500 individuals involved in nonstop, US-financed search efforts. On 22 April, press reports identified the three missing US citizens: Keith Stansell, Marc D. Gonsalves, and Thomas R. Howes—civilians doing drug surveillance for the Department of Defense.

13 February

United Kingdom
In London, press reports stated that a person arriving on a British Airways flight was arrested for concealing a live hand grenade in his luggage. The man, a Venezuelan of Bangladeshi origin, was arrested under the Terrorism Act by officers from Sussex Police and later charged by authorities. The flight BA 2048 from Bogota, Colombia, with a stop in Caracas, Venezuela, landed at Gatwick Airport. The discovery caused the closure of the North Terminal for approximately two hours. No one claimed responsibility.

15 February

Colombia
In Saravena, military officials reported either ELN or FARC terrorists bombed a section of the Cano Limon-Covenas oil pipeline, causing an unknown amount of damage. The pipeline is owned by US and Colombian oil companies.

20 February

India
In Varmul, Kashmir, a landmine planted near a busy marketplace exploded, killing six persons and injuring three others, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility

20 February

Algeria
In the Sahara Desert, four Swiss citizens went missing while touring in a small group without a guide, according to Swiss Embassy and press reports. The tourists were later confirmed kidnapped by terrorist members of the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC). From mid-February to mid-May, the GSPC kidnapped a total of 32 European tourists—17 of whom were freed by Algerian forces in a rescue operation on 13 May. The Swiss tourists are still being held hostage.

20 February

Saudi Arabia
In Riyadh, a gunman ambushed a car at a stoplight, killing one person—a UK citizen employed by British Aerospace Engineering, according to press reports. The gunman—a Yemen-born naturalized Saudi who had recently traveled to Pakistan and named his youngest son Osama—was arrested by Saudi police. No group claimed responsibility.

22 February

Algeria
In the Sahara Desert, four German citizens went missing while touring in a small group without a guide, according to German Embassy and press reporting. The tourists were later confirmed kidnapped by the GSPC. On 18 August in Gao, Mali, the last of the 14 hostages were released unharmed after German authorities paid $5 million ransom for their release to the GSPC leader.

22 February

Turkey
In Istanbul, press reports stated that two unidentified persons threw a bomb into a British Airways office shattering windows. No casualties were reported, and no one claimed responsibility.

25 February

Saudi Arabia
In al-Dammam, an incendiary bomb was thrown at a McDonald’s restaurant, according to press reports. Two persons in a car approached the business; the passenger got out and hurled the bomb, which failed to explode. The passenger attempted—without success—to re-ignite the canister before he fl ed. The police arrested a person whose clothes contained the same substance as in the bomb and who was later identified by witnesses. No group claimed responsibility.

25 February

Venezuela
In Caracas, two bombs exploded within minutes of each other, injuring four persons—one Colombian and three Venezuelans—and damaging the Spanish and Colombian Embassies and other buildings nearby. No one claimed responsibility.

March

2 March

Venezuela
In Maracaibo, a car bomb exploded damaging surrounding buildings, including a local office of the US oil company Chevron Texaco, according to press reports. The car bomb was composed of C-4 semtex, similar to that used in the detonations at the Spanish and Colombian Embassies the previous week. The explosion occurred outside the home of controversial cattle livestock producer, Antonio Melian. Mr. Melian is a leading activist in Zulia State, and he has been the center of opposition-government debate in the wake of the two-month nationwide labor-management stoppage that failed to bring down the Chavez Frias government. No one claimed responsibility.

4 March

Philippines
In Davao, a bomb hidden in a backpack exploded in a crowded airline terminal killing 21 persons—including one US citizen—and injuring 146 others (including three US citizens), according to press reports. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) claimed responsibility.

5 March

Israel
In Haifa, a suicide bomber boarded a bus on Moriya Boulevard in the Karmel neighborhood and detonated an explosive device, killing 15 persons—including one US citizen—and wounding 40 others, according to press and US Embassy reports. The Islamic Resistance Movement (HAMAS) claimed responsibility.

7 March

Israel
Two US citizens were killed when a Palestinian gunman opened fire on them as they were eating dinner in the settlement of Kiryat Arba.

9 March

India
In Doda District, Kashmir, armed terrorists kidnapped and killed a private citizen, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

9 March

India
In Sogam, Kashmir, a bomb injured a student, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

11 March

India
In Rajouri, Kashmir, a bomb exploded in a candy store, killing two persons and injuring four others, according to press reports. No group has claimed responsibility.

13 March

India
In Rajouri, Kashmir, a bomb exploded on a bus parked at a terminal, killing four persons, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

16 March

India
In Indh, Kashmir, armed terrorists attacked a police installation, killing nine police officers and two civilians and wounding eight police officers and one civilian, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

20 March

Greece
In Kholargos, terrorists placed four gas canisters at the entrance to the Citibank and then set them on fire, causing minor damage. No one claimed responsibility.

21 March

Norway
In Oslo, antiwar protesters threw a Molotov cocktail into a McDonald’s restaurant before opening time, causing limited damage. No one was hurt in the attack.

22 March

Greece
In Koropi, a makeshift incendiary device exploded in an ATM outside a Citibank branch. The explosion and subsequent fire caused severe damage to the ATM. No one claimed responsibility.

22 March

Iraq
In Sayed Sadiq, an Australian journalist/cameraman died instantly when a taxi raced up beside him and exploded. The journalist’s colleague, also an Australian on assignment for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, suffered shrapnel wounds. At least eight other persons were injured in the bombing. Ansar al-Islam is believed to be responsible.

23 March

Ecuador
In Guayaquil, a bomb exploded at the British Consulate. Although it did not cause serious damage or personal injury, the explosion left a hole in the ground, destroyed two windows and a bathroom, and damaged the building’s electrical control board. The People’s Revolutionary Militias group (MRP) sent an e-mail claiming responsibility for the attack.

24 March

India
In Nadi Marg, Kashmir, armed terrorists dressed in military uniforms entered a village and killed 24 persons, according to press reports. No group claimed responsibility.

25 March

Italy
During 25-26 March in Vicenza, terrorists firebombed three cars belonging to US service members. The Anti-Imperialist Territorial Nuclei (NTA), an extremist group believed to be close to the new Red Brigades, claimed responsibility for the attacks.

25 March

Lebanon
In Beirut, an explosive device weighing approximately 400 grams exploded on the US Embassy wall. No casualties were reported, but the building sustained light damage. No one claimed responsibility.

26 March

India
In Narwal, Kashmir, a bomb placed inside the engine of an empty oil tanker parked outside a fuel storage area exploded and caught fire, killing one person and injuring six others, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

27 March

Chile
In Santiago, antiwar protesters exploded a small bomb at a branch of the Usbased Bank of Boston. The bomb smashed windows, destroyed an ATM, and caused minor damage to two adjacent stores. Police found a pamphlet at the site that said “death to the empire,” which they took as a reference to the United States. No one claimed responsibility.

28 March

Afghanistan
In Tirin Kot, armed terrorists killed an El Salvadorian Red Cross worker while he was traveling with Afghan colleagues to check on water supplies, according to press reports. Although no one has claimed responsibility, the attack involved a group of 60-armed men, and the leader was instructed via telephone to kill only the Westerner in the captured group.

28 March

Italy
In Rome, unknown radicals firebombed a Ford-Jaguar dealership—the two brands taken as symbols of the US-UK Coalition that is fighting in Iraq. Approximately a dozen Fords were burned and another 10 damaged. A fivepointed star—a symbol of the Red Brigades, a group not known to plan firebomb attacks—was found at the site. No one has claimed responsibility.

29 March

Greece
In Athens, an unknown assailant threw a hand grenade at a McDonald’s restaurant, causing significant material damage. Police stated that it was a British “mills” hand grenade. No one has claimed responsibility.

30 March

Bosnia and Herzegovina
In Sarajevo, Islamic terrorists placed a hand grenade with an anti-US message near a local Coca-Cola company. No one claimed responsibility.

30 March

India
In Punch, Kashmir, a bomb exploded in a field where a cricket match was being played, killing one person and injuring two others, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

31 March

Cuba
In Havana, a man armed with two hand grenades hijacked a domestic airliner with 46 passengers and crew onboard in an attempt to reach the United States. After an emergency landing at Havana airport due to insufficient fuel, the plane remained on the runway all night. On 1 April, more than 20 passengers left the aircraft apparently unharmed. With at least 25 passengers on board, the hijacked plane departed Havana airport and safely landed in Key West, Florida.

31 March

Italy
In Bologna, IBM employees found an explosive device in a large bag and notified the police. The bomb squad found a “dangerous, though rudimentary” bomb. Antiterrorism investigators established a link between the modus operandi of this incident and an earlier bombing incident that took place in July 2001 in Bologna. An investigation is currently under way. No one has claimed responsibility.

31 March

Cyprus
In Nicosia, a 26-year-old man hurled a Molotov cocktail against the outside wall of the US Embassy. No damages were reported. Police arrested the man.

April

2 April

Philippines
In Davao, a bomb exploded on a crowded passenger wharf, killing 16 persons and injuring 55 others, according to press reports. The attack may have been carried out by two Indonesian members of Jemaah Islamiya (JI), a regional terrorist group with links to al-Qaida. Two individuals were arrested for this attack: Ismael Acmad (a.k.a. Toto), the alleged planner, and an accomplice, Tahome Urong (a.k.a. Sermin Tohami)—members of the MILF. They told investigators they also were involved in the Davao Airport bombing, and JI provided funds. The ammonium nitrate explosive used in the wharf attack is similar to that purchased by JI operative, Father Rohman Ghozi, and seized by police in January 2002 shortly after Ghozi’s arrest by Philippine police. Several Indonesian members of JI have been spotted in terrorist training camps on the southern island of Mindanao.

3 April

Turkey
In Istanbul, a “high pressure resonance bomb” detonated near a United Parcel Service (UPS) building, smashing the windows of a nearby pharmacy and olive-seller’s shop. The explosion caused minor damage to the wall surrounding the UPS building, as well as a transformer near the wall. No one claimed responsibility.

3 April

Turkey
In Istanbul, a bomb exploded at the British Consulate General causing considerable damage to the consulate and also blowing out windows of an adjacent hotel, leaving one Turkish hotel guest with minor cuts. Turkish police believe the bomb was a resonant device (sound bomb) of relatively crude construction. The terrorist group Marxist-Leninist Communist Party (MLK-P) is suspected although no one has claimed responsibility.

3 April

Algeria
In the Sahara Desert, eight Austrian tourists were kidnapped by terrorists while traveling in that region, according to press reports. The GSPC is probably responsible for the abduction. (See entry for 22 February for additional details.)

4 April

Algeria
In the Sahara Desert, terrorists kidnapped 11 German tourists traveling in small groups without guides, bringing the total number of Germans abducted (up to this point) to 15. GSPC is believed responsible. (See entry for 22 February for additional details.)

5 April

Lebanon
In Dowra, TNT placed in the trash receptacle of a McDonald’s restaurant men’s room exploded, wounding 10 persons and causing considerable damage to the restaurant, which is located 7 to 10 kilometers south of the US Embassy. Five to 10 seconds later, there was a minor explosion in a car adjacent to the restaurant building. The explosions were a partial detonation of a three-stage improvised explosive device of TNT, an unidentified quantity of C-4, and three gas-filled containers. No one claimed responsibility.

8 April

Algeria
In the Sahara Desert, one Swede and one Dutch citizen were kidnapped, according to press reports. The GSPC is responsible. (See entry for 22 February for additional details.)

8 April

Jordan
In Amman, a US official with the diplomatic corps was slightly wounded when terrorists fired at him, according to press reports. The official had exited his hotel to use his cell phone when a car carrying three persons fired a shot barely missing the official, leaving only a superficial wound. No one claimed responsibility.

8 April

Turkey
In Izmir, concussion hand grenades placed before the Bornova Court, Citibank, and the British Consulate exploded, causing material damage. No one was hurt in these attacks. The MLK-P was probably responsible for the attacks.

10 April

India
In Kashmir, a bomb exploded in the famous Mughal Garden causing no damage, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

10 April

Germany
In Hamburg, unknown perpetrators set fire to a party bus for children in the parking lot of a McDonald’s restaurant and then set fire to a McDonald’s billboard. At both sites, fliers of a leftwing extremist group were found. The extent of material damage is not known. An investigation is under way.

11 April

Algeria
In the Sahara Desert, two mountaineers disappeared, according to the Austrian Foreign Ministry. Approximately 30 individuals were abducted or disappeared in the same general area during a three-month period. The GSPC was believed responsible. Subsequently, everyone was released unharmed after a ransom was paid.

12 April

Venezuela
In Caracas, a bomb made of C-4 exploded in the Organization of American States office. No one was injured, although the basement was significantly damaged. No one has claimed responsibility.

12 April

India
In Kulgam, terrorists threw a hand grenade at a police patrol and missed, injuring two private citizens standing near by, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

12 April

India
In Qazigund, terrorists threw a hand grenade at an army patrol, injuring two soldiers and 21 private citizens standing near by, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

12 April

India
In Qazigund-Anantnag, Kashmir, terrorists threw a hand grenade into a bus station, killing one person and injuring 20 others, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

13 April

Philippines
In Siasi, armed terrorists kidnapped a Filipino-Chinese businesswoman on her way to the local mosque, according to press reports. She was last seen being taken to the island of Jolo, a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

13 April

Pakistan
Near Charman, armed terrorists shot and killed two relatives of the governor of Kandahar, Afghanistan, and wounded one other as they were traveling by car to a local bazaar, according to press reports. The attacker was later caught by authorities and identified as a member of Fazlur Rahman’s Jui (Jamiat Ulema-e Islami).

14 April

Afghanistan
In Yakatut, a missile fired at the US Embassy landed four kilometers away, failing to explode and causing no damage or injures, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

14 April

France
In Sergy, terrorists set fire to a car parked outside the rear entrance of a McDonald’s restaurant. The resulting fire partially destroyed the restaurant. No one has claimed responsibility.

15 April

Turkey
In Istanbul, terrorists bombed two McDonald’s restaurants, partially collapsing a wall that injured a pedestrian. The Revolutionary People’s Liberation Front (DHKP-C) later claimed responsibility.

16 April

Afghanistan
In Jalalabad, a bomb destroyed the UNICEF building, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

22 April

India
In Gulshanpora Batagund, Kashmir, a bomb exploded in a dairy yard, killing six persons, injuring 12 others, and killing several cows, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

22 April

Argentina
In Avellaneda, a homemade bomb exploded in front of a McDonald’s restaurant on Mitre Avenue and Berutti Street. Security officials found an iron tank about 30 centimeters long, as well as evidence of gunpowder. The explosion shattered the windows but did no interior damage. No injuries were reported, and no one claimed responsibility.

24 April

Israel
In Kefar Saba, a security guard—a dual Israeli-Russan citizen—was killed and 11 others wounded when a lone suicide bomber blew himself up at the entrance to a busy train station, according to press reports. The al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade claimed responsibility.

25 April

India
In Patan, Kashmir, a bomb exploded on the lawn of a courthouse, killing three persons and injuring 34 others, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

26 April

India
In Kashmir, a landmine exploded near a site being inspected by the Finance Minister, injuring 11 persons, according to press reports. The Finance Minister was not injured. No one claimed responsibility.

30 April

Israel
In Tel Aviv, two suicide bombers approached the entrance to a pub, Mike’s Place. One bomber successfully activated his bomb, killing three Israeli citizens and injuring 64 others—including one US citizen—according to press reports. The second bomber fled, unable to activate his bomb. His body was later found washed up on a Tel Aviv beach. The pub is located a few hundred yards from the US Embassy and is popular with foreigners. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade claimed responsibility.

May

4 May

Turkey
During the night in Adana, a series of five sound bombs exploded, resulting in minor material damage, but no casualties. A UPS office, Tommy Hilfiger store, local Turkish bank, the US Consulate, and the Nationalist Turkish Political Party headquarters were all targeted. No one claimed responsibility.

5 May

India
In Duderhama, Kashmir, terrorists threw a hand grenade at a National Conference leader’s car, injuring the leader, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

5 May

India
In Doda, Kashmir, a bomb exploded at a bus stand, killing one person and injuring 25 others, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

6 May

Colombia
German national Heiner Hansen was freed by his kidnappers—presumed to be FARC terrorists—according to press reports. Mr. Hansen was kidnapped near Buenaventura on 31 December 2002.

12 May

Algeria
In the Sahara Desert, terrorists kidnapped a German tourist—16 Germans have been abducted recently—according to press reports. The kidnapping possibly took place in April or early May. The GSPC is probably responsible for the abduction. (See entry for 22 February for additional details.)

12 May

Saudi Arabia
In Riyadh, suicide bombers driving cars boobytrapped with explosives drove into the guarded Vinnnell housing complex, killing eight US citizens and one Saudi, according to press reports. Al-Qaida is probably responsible.

12 May

Saudi Arabia
In Riyadh, suicide bombers driving cars boobytrapped with explosives drove into the Al-Hamra complex, killing one US citizen, two Jordanians, four Saudis, two Filipinos, one Lebanese, and one Swiss, and injuring 194 others, according to press reports. Al-Qaida is probably responsible.

12 May

Saudi Arabia
In Riyadh, suicide bombers driving cars boobytrapped with explosives drove into the guarded Jedawal compound housing international workers, killing two Saudis, according to press reports. Al-Qaida is probably responsible.

15 May

Pakistan
In Karachi, 19 small bombs exploded at Shell stations; an Anglo-Dutch–owned company; and at two Caltex petrol stations, a subsidiary of US giant Caltex, injuring seven persons, according to press reports. The small bombs—firecrackers fitted with timing devices—were packed into boxes placed in garbage bins and appeared aimed to scare. The group Muslim United Army claimed responsibility in a faxed letter to the newspaper, Dawn.

16 May

Morocco
In Casablanca, one of five near-simultaneous bombs exploded in the street outside the Belgium Consulate and next to a Jewish-owned restaurant, killing two police officers and injuring another, according to press reports. The restaurant, Positano, could have been the target. A Positano employee said a colleague stopped three suspects as they entered the restaurant. One of the suspects fled, and the other two died in the blasts. Belgian security cameras showed the bombers tried but failed to enter the restaurant. Belgian officials, including Foreign Minister Louis Michel, said the restaurant was probably the target. According to press reports, about 14 persons (ages 18-22) took part in the five attacks, killing a total of 42 persons and injuring at least 100. Several of those arrested were cooperating with police. According to press reports, the group al-Sirat al Mustaqim—with possible links to al-Qaida—is responsible.

16 May

Morocco
In Casablanca, one of five near-simultaneous bombs exploded at the Casa De Espana restaurant nightclub, killing approximately 42 persons, including three Spaniards and one Italian, according to press reports. (See above entry for details.)

19 May

India
In Rajauri, Kashmir, armed terrorists fired into a private residence, killing six persons, according to press reports. No group claimed responsibility.

19 May

India
In Srinagar, Kashmir, two bombs exploded at Kashmir’s busiest bus terminal, injuring 14 persons, according to press reports. No group claimed responsibility.

19 May

Israel
In the French Hill Intersection, Northern Jerusalem, a suicide bomber dressed as an Orthodox Jew and wearing a prayer shawl boarded a commuter bus, detonated the bombs attached to himself, and killed seven persons and injured 26 others, according to press reports. One of those injured was a US citizen. Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of HAMAS, claimed responsibility.

24 May

Afghanistan
In Haska Meyna, three persons working for a nongovernmental organization (NGO) were injured when their vehicle hit a remote-controlled landmine, according to press reports. No group claimed responsibility.

27 May

Colombia
In Guamalito, military officials reported either ELN or FARC terrorists bombed a section of the Cano Limon-Covenas oil pipeline, spilling 7,000 barrels of crude oil into the Cimitarra creek, a major source of drinking water for more than 5,000 people and causing extensive environmental damage. The pipeline is owned by Colombian and US oil companies.

30 May

Colombia
In Guamalito, terrorists attacked a section of the Cano Limon-Covenas oil pipeline, spilling nearly 7,000 barrels of crude oil and leaving about 4,700 families without drinking water. This pipeline is jointly owned by Ecopetrol of Colombia and a consortium of US and West European companies. No group claimed responsibility, although both FARC and ELN terrorists have attacked this pipeline previously.

31 May

India
In Khudwani, Kashmir, a hand grenade exploded, injuring 11 persons and two police officers, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

June

1 June

India
In Jammu, Kashmir, terrorists set fi re to a private residence and exchanged gunfire with police while leaving the scene, killing four persons in the crossfire, according to press reports. The terrorists escaped. No one claimed responsibility.

1 June

Afghanistan
In Kandahar, a bomb exploded at a German NGO office, Deutsche Fuer Technische Zusammenarbeit, causing minor damage to the building, according to press reports. The building was closed on the weekend so there were no injuries. Al-Qaida possibly is responsible.

4 June

Belgium
In Brussels, letters containing the nerve agent adamsite were sent to the US, British, and Saudi Embassies; the government of Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt; the Court of Brussels; a Belgian ministry; the Oostende airport; and the Antwerp port authority, according to press reports. After exposure to the substance, at least two postal workers and five policemen were hospitalized with skin irritation, eye irritation, and breathing difficulty. In Oostende, three persons exposed to the tainted letter were hospitalized. Belgium police suspected a 45-year-old Iraqi political refugee opposed to the US war in Iraq. On 5 June, police searched his residence and confiscated a document and a plastic bag containing some powder. The antiterrorism investigators also suffered skin irritation, eye irritation, and breathing difficulty. The Iraqi was charged with premeditated assault.

7 June

Afghanistan
In Kabul, a taxi rigged with explosives rammed into a bus carrying German peacekeepers of the International Security Assistance Force, killing five German peacekeepers and injuring 29 others, according to press reports. The US-funded police school located about 300 feet from the explosion lost 13 windows. No one claimed responsibility, but authorities blame al-Qaida.

8 June

Somalia
In Mogadishu, an armed militia group fired on a car carrying a US freelance journalist, his driver, and his interpreter, slightly wounding the journalist, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

9 June

Peru
In Lima, approximately 60 Shining Path terrorists kidnapped 71 workers employed by Techint Group, an Argentine company building a natural gas pipeline in southeastern Peru. The kidnapped group consisted of 64 Peruvians, four Colombians, two Argentines, and a Chilean. A rescue operation freed all the hostages on 11 June, but the terrorists escaped.

11 June

Israel
Near Jerusalem, two US citizens were killed in a bus bombing near Klal Center on Jaffa Road.

11 June

Turkey
In Adana, 33-year-old Cumali Kizilgoca threw two hand grenades into the US Consulate garden and was detained. One of the hand grenades did not explode and was later detonated by the police. No one was injured. Kizilgoca attacked the consulate in retaliation for the recent assassination attempt by Israel on a HAMAS leader, according to press reports.

12 June

Greece
In Thessalonika, unidentified culprits entered the front lobby of the US-owned Citibank, doused the ATM in a flammable liquid, placed a gas canister in it, and set it on fire, according to press reports. The explosion destroyed the ATM and caused extensive damage to the lobby and office equipment.

17 June

Italy
In Rome, a bomb exploded in front of the Spanish school Cervantes, damaging the school and a few cars within a 20-meter radius. Authorities speculate that the device contained approximately 500 grams of chlorite- and nitrate-based explosives. No one claimed responsibility, but investigators believe whoever placed the device was experienced with explosives and was probably connected to an Italian anarchist group aligned with Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA). Similar devices have been used in past attacks and have been linked to Italian anarchists supporting the ETA.

17 June

India
In Shopian, Kashmir, a bomb exploded outside a store selling chickens, injuring five persons, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

17 June

India
In Kashmir, armed terrorists entered a private residence, killing the son of a Muslim politician, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

18 June

France
In Yvelines, members of the Corsican National Liberation Front activated explosive charges during the early morning hours, seriously damaging two French villas and a British housing company, according to press reports. The houses were unoccupied, and nobody was injured.

20 June

West Bank
One US citizen was killed in a shooting attack near the settlement of Ofra.

20 June

India
In Srinagar, Kashmir, a bomb exploded at a crowded market, injuring 16 persons, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

20 June

India
In Charar-i-Sharif, Kashmir, a hand grenade hurled at a police station injured two officers inside, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

23 June

India
In Pulwama, Kashmir, a hand grenade thrown at a military vehicle missed its intended target, killing two persons and wounding 48 others standing near by, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

27 June

Kenya
In Mandera, armed terrorists using hand grenades killed one person and seriously injured four others, including a doctor from the Netherlands working with “Doctors Without Frontiers,” according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

28 June

Gaza Strip
In Bayt Lahiyah, several bombs exploded near a US Embassy car, according to press reports. The bombs were apparently aimed at a diplomatic-plated vehicle belonging to the US Consulate since the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were not operating in the area.

30 June

Israel
In Yabed, Northern Israel, a Bulgarian construction worker was killed when his truck came under fire, according to press reports. The al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade claimed responsibility.

July

3 July

Colombia
In Caldono, armed terrorists kidnapped five persons, including a Swiss citizen working for the NGO, Hands of Colombia Foundation, according to press reports. FARC claimed responsibility.

3 July

Iraq
In Baghdad, terrorists killed a British journalist outside the Iraq National Museum, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

4 July

India
In Larnu, Kashmir, terrorists killed two persons—a school teacher and a private citizen—and wounded 20 others, including the rural development minister of Jammu-Kashmir, two government officials, two police officers, and 15 others when they opened fired and threw several hand grenades into a meeting between the minister and health officials, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

8 July

Afghanistan
In Kabul, terrorists attacked the Pakistani Embassy, destroying computers and telephones, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

9 July

India
In Aram Mohalla Shopian, Kashmir, terrorists threw a hand grenade toward a security patrol party. The hand grenade missed its intended target and exploded on the roadside, injuring three persons, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

11 July

Greece
In Athens, authorities safely dismantled a bomb in an office building near a branch of the American Life Insurance Company, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility, but the device was similar to others produced by the Revolutionary Nuclei and Revolutionary People’s Struggle (ELA) terrorists groups.

13 July

Greece
In Athens, three Molotov cocktails were thrown at a branch office of the Eurobank, causing minor damage, according to US Embassy reporting. No one claimed responsibility.

14 July

Afghanistan
In Jalalabad, a bomb exploded near the offices of the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC), causing major damage to two buildings, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

16 July

Colombia
In La Pesquera, military officials reported either ELN or FARC terrorists bombed a section of the Cano Limon-Covenas oil pipeline at the KM 07 and 02N intersection, causing an unknown amount of damage. The pipeline is owned by US and Colombian oil companies.

16 July

Colombia
In La Pesquera, military officials reported either ELN or FARC terrorists bombed a section of the Cano Limon-Covenas oil pipeline at the KM 71 and 26 W intersection, causing an unknown amount of damage. The pipeline is owned by US and Colombian oil companies.

21 July

India
In Jammu, Kashmir, two hand grenades exploded at a crowded community kitchen, killing seven persons and injuring 42 others, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

23 July

Sri Lanka
In Valachchenai, terrorists stoned a vehicle carrying two Scandinavians working as truce monitors, according to press reports. The truce monitors were not injured, but the car was damaged. No one claimed responsibility.

August

2 August

Iraq
In Baghdad, a vehicle bomb exploded in front of the Jordanian Embassy, killing 19 persons, injuring 50 others, and damaging the outside facade of the embassy, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

4 August

India
In Mahore Tehsil, Kashmir, armed terrorists shot and killed an educator attending a marriage function, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility

5 August

India
In Katjidhok, Kashmir, armed terrorists shot and killed one person, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

5 August

Iraq
In Tikrit, a US contractor for Kellogg Brown and Root was killed when his car ran over an improvised explosive device, according to press reports. He was under military escort when the explosion occurred. No group claimed responsibility.

5 August

Indonesia
In Jakarta, a car bomb exploded in the front of the Marriott Hotel during lunchtime rush hour, killing 13 persons and injuring 149 others, according to press reports. The adjoining office block was set on fire, with several cars burning in the hotel’s front driveway and hotel windows shattered up to the 21st floor. Al-Qaida claimed responsibility.

10 August

Eritrea
In Adobha, armed terrorists attacked a vehicle carrying Eritrean passengers working for the US charity, Mercy Corps, killing two persons and injuring three others, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

13 August

India
In Bandipora, Kashmir, a bomb attached to a bicycle exploded outside the State Bank of India, injuring 31 persons, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

15 August

India
In Pakherpora, Kashimir, a hand grenade thrown at a police patrol missed its target, landing in a crowd of bystanders and exploded, injuring 18 persons, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

19 August

Iraq
In Baghdad, a truck entered the driveway of the Marriott Hotel, the headquarters of the UNHCR, and was stopped by a security guard. The truck exploded, killing 23 persons—including the director of the UNHCR and three US citizens—injuring 100 others, and badly damaging several stories of the Marriott Hotel and other buildings almost a mile away, according to press reports. The arrested suspects admitted that the bomb was to have been detonated in the hotel lobby by a suicide bomber where a meeting of US officials was taking place. Al-Qaida is probably responsible.

19 August

Israel
In Jerusalem, a suicide bomber riding a bus detonated his explosives, killing 20 persons—five of whom were US citizens—and injuring 140 others, according to press report. HAMAS claimed responsibility.

19 August

Serbia
In Bujanova, unidentifi ed persons threw two hand grenades into the courtyard of a house belonging to Ramiz Ramizi—an ethnic Albanian—wounding his 8-yearold grandson and four other members of his family, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

September

6 September

India
In Srinagar, Kashmir, a bomb exploded in a busy marketplace, killing six persons and injuring 37 others, including an Indian army officer, according to press reports. Police believe the intended target of the blast was the army officer. No one claimed responsibility

8 September

Afghanistan
Near Moqor, armed terrorists killed four Danish members working for the NGO Danish Committee For Aid To Afghan Refugees assisting local Afghanis on an irrigation project, according to press reports. The Taliban is probably responsible.

9 September

Israel
In Jerusalem, eight persons were killed—including two US citizens—and 30 others wounded when a suicide bomber blew himself up on the hitchhiking stop near the Asaf Harofe Hospital, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

9 September

India
In Sopat, Kashmir, armed terrorists shot and killed a former state forest minister, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

9 September

Iran
In Tehran, armed terrorists fired three to four shots at the British Embassy, causing no damage or injuries, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

11 September

India
In Srinagar, Kashmir, a hand grenade was thrown at a military bunker house, missing its target, killing one private citizen and injuring 14 others standing near by, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

14 September

Colombia
In Tayrona National Park, armed terrorists attacked several cabins, kidnapping eight foreign nationals—four Israelis, two Britons, a German, and a Spaniard—according to press reports. On 25 September, one of the two Britons escaped safely from the kidnappers. ELN has claimed responsibility for this attack. On 24 November, the German and Spanish nationals were released.

15 September

Iran
In Tehran, shots were fired at the British Embassy, causing no injuries, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

19 September

Afghanistan
In Ghazni, four rockets were fired at a facility housing Turkish road workers and equipment, causing no injuries or damage, according to press reports. The Taliban is probably responsible.

22 September

Iraq
In Baghdad, a vehicle bomb exploded near the UN Headquarters, killing a guard and injuring 18 others; the building was not damaged, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

25 September

Iraq
In Baghdad, a bomb exploded at the news bureau of US broadcaster NBC, killing one person and injuring one other, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

30 September

India
In Gagran, Kashmir, a hand grenade thrown at a police patrol exploded, injuring six police officers and 14 civilians, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

October

2 October

Malaysia
In Sabah, armed terrorists kidnapped six persons—three Indonesians, two Filipinos, and a Malaysian—from a resort area; one escaped and five were found executed on 29 October in Languyan, Philippines, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility. ASG is probably responsible.

5 October

Afghanistan
In Kabul, a bomb exploded next to the offices of the international aid agencies, Oxfam and Save the Children, causing no casualties, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

5 October

Somalia
In Borama, armed terrorists shot and killed an Italian missionary in her private residence, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

9 October

Iraq
In Baghdad, armed terrorists shot and killed a Spanish military attache at his private residence, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

14 October

Iraq
In Baghdad, a suicide car bomb detonated near the Turkish Embassy, wounding one Turkish and one Iraqi employee, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

15 October

India
In Lolab, Kashmir, a landmine triggered by rebels exploded in a forested area, injuring nine persons, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

15 October

Gaza Strip
In Gaza Strip, a US Embassy Tel Aviv motorcade was struck by an apparent roadside charge on Saladin Street, according to press reports. The blast destroyed the second car in the convoy, killing three persons and wounding one, all US citizens and contractors providing security for the United States in Israel and Middle East. The Palestinian Revolutionary Committee initially claimed responsibility but later recanted its statement.

20 October

India
In Doda, Kashmir, armed terrorists shot and killed two persons, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

20 October

India
In Anantnag, Kashmir, a hand grenade thrown at a security patrol missed its target and exploded in a busy market, killing one person and injuring seven others, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

26 October

India
In Gagal, Kashmir, armed terrorists dressed in army uniforms hijacked a car, killing two of the occupants and injuring four others, according to press reports. No one has claimed responsibility.

26 October

India
In Samba, Kashmir, a bomb exploded in the toilet of a coach car, causing no injuries but derailing five cars, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

26 October

India
In Bijbehara, Kashmir, a hand grenade thrown at a military convoy missed its target and exploded on the road, injuring 12 persons, including one police officer and an individual who worked in the office of the Indo-Tibetan border police, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

26 October

Iraq
In Baghdad, rockets were fired at the al-Rashid hotel housing the US and Coalition forces, killing one US citizen, injuring 15 persons, and damaging the hotel, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

27 October

Afghanistan
In Shkin, two US Government contract workers were killed in an ambush by armed terrorists, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

27 October

Iraq
In Baghdad, a car bomb exploded inside the compound of the International Committee of the Red Cross headquarters, killing 12 persons and injuring 22 others, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

28 October

India
In Lal Chowk, Kashmir, a bomb exploded at the customer billing counter in a telegraph office building, injuring 36 persons, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

29 October

India
In Anatnag, Kashmir, a hand grenade thrown at a police patrol missed its target and exploded in a busy market, injuring 13 persons, according to press reports. No one claimed responsibility.

November

11 November

Afghanistan
In Kandahar, a vehicle bomb exploded outside the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan offices, killing one person, injuring one other, and causing major material damage to the building, according to press reports. The Taliban or al-Qaida may be responsible.

11 November

Greece
In Athens, authorities neutralized an explosive device detected outside Athens Citibank Branch. An unidentified person phoned the Athens newspaper and announced a bomb was going to explode at the bank, according to press reports. The Organization Khristos Kassimis is probably responsible.