ANGRY CUSTOMER INJURES 13 IN DARWIN WITH IED

UNCLAS MELBOURNE 000010 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR CA/OCS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC PGOV AS SUBJECT: ANGRY CUSTOMER INJURES 13 IN DARWIN WITH IED Summary -------------- ¶1. (SBU) A disgruntled customer ignited an improvised explosive device (IED) at an insurance office in Darwin on February 3, injuring 13 people. Police confirm that the attack was not terrorist related and no U.S. citizens were injured. End Summary. Disgruntled Customer Attacks Insurance Office -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Thirteen people were injured when a man used an improvised explosive device to attack an insurance office in the Northern Territory's (NT) capital city of Darwin on February 3. According to NT police, the alleged perpetrator was a disgruntled customer of the Territory Insurance Office. There is no information suggesting that the attack was terrorist-related or directed against U.S. interests. ¶3. (SBU) A man wheeled a shopping cart laden with fireworks and gasoline through the front door of the Territory Insurance Offices at approximately 11:00 am on February 3, and ignited the device. According to police, there was no major structural damage to the building and none of the injuries appear to be life-threatening. Police have confirmed to post that the alleged perpetrator had previously directed threats to the Territory Insurance Office on February 2. Comment -------------- ¶4. (SBU) The February 3 attack appears to be a one-off event in this otherwise quiet tourist town. There is no history of terror-related threats against U.S. interest in Darwin. THURSTON