Romania thwarts alleged terror attack

ISN SECURITY WATCH (Tuesday, 27 June 2006: 12.28 CET) – Romanian police and intelligence services say they have thwarted a terrorist attack in the city of Timisoara in western Romania.

ISN Security Watch's correspondent in Romania, Anca Paduraru, says police on Monday apprehended Romanian citizen Florin Les as he was reportedly on his way to blow up a car in a crowded area in Timisoara.

According to Romanian television reports, the car was loaded with four gas tanks set to explode by a homemade remote device.

Reports said Les had been under surveillance for over a year.

Two hours after his arrest, according to Romanian television, Les allegedly confessed, saying: "I wished to revenge my Islamic brethren." His lawyer was reportedly not present during the alleged confession.

Reports also said that Les had sent a videotape to the BBC and Al-Jazeera television, announcing his intent to commit a terrorist act. The tape, which was never aired by the two outlets, was sent to Romanian intelligence, who responded by apprehending Les.

It was the first allegedly attempted terrorist attack on Romanian soil.
(By ISN Security Watch staff, Romanian news agencies)