It is now being announced that just like the attack earlier this week against the Israeli diplomatic mission in New Delhi, the bomb explosion occurring in Bangkok on Tuesday, 21 Shevat 5772 was a failed terror attack against Israeli diplomats. In addition, a bomb attached to the car of a member of the Israeli mission in Georgia was also discovered earlier in the week, almost at the same time of the New Delhi attack.

As a result of the New Delhi and Georgia bombs, security has been stepped up in Israeli diplomatic missions around the world. In addition, security has been stepped up for Jewish institutions in the United States and elsewhere, with a focus being placed on Chabad houses due to the increased Iranian effort to strike Israeli targets everywhere.

According to reports in Israel obtained from Thai police and authorities, an Iranian cell number six people was operating in Bangkok to perpetrate attacks against Israeli diplomatic targets.

A powerful explosion was heard in an apartment in Bangkok on Tuesday, which Thai police now state was a ‘work accident” in the terror cell’s bomb-making facility. Shortly after the blast two men were seen fleeing the scene, the daily HaMevaser reports. A third man, whose clothing was covered in blood, emerged a bit later. He tried to hail a cab, threw a grenade at the vehicle, injuring the driver and a few others.

As the third terrorist continued walking he encountered a number of policemen at which time he tossed another grenade. That second grenade hit a tree and came back at him. His legs were blown off as a result. At least one other terrorist was taken into custody at the airport, as he tried leaving the country.

Police found a bag belonging to the third terrorists near his body after the second grenade explosion. It contained an Iranian passport in the name of Said Morati, 50. The man arrested at the airport was carrying an Iranian passport in the name of Muhmad Haziban, 42. The third terrorist is believed to have fled to Malaysia. Police are continuing the manhunt for the remaining cell members.

“The three Iranian men are an assassination team and their targets were Israeli diplomats including the ambassador,” a senior Thai intelligence official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Israeli Ambassador to Thailand Yitzchak Shoham confirmed reports that officials have already found “similarities” in the explosives used in the bombing attacks, Thailand, Georgia and New Delhi.

Back in Jerusalem, senior cabinet ministers have already pointed the finger of blame and Iran, warning the international community of the increasing danger associated with Tehran’s nuclear program. Israel Foreign Ministry officials have placed diplomatic missions worldwide on high alert and in Israel, police have also raised the level of operational alert to a higher level, aware that as Hizbullah marks the fourth anniversary of the assassination of its deputy commander, Imad Mughniyeh, Iran and Hizbullah will be stepping up efforts to strike out at Israeli targets. Israeli security officials are also in touch with Chabad Shluchim in sensitive areas, seeking to assist them in maintaining appropriate security in light of the current terror threats.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)