LIMA, PERU – The US is not liked for a whole bunch of reasons and this leads to some violent actions which are never resolved.
In some ways you have to feel for the US. Sure, they do dumb things like invade Iraq in 2003 but they do not always get credit for the good stuff too. They are the world’s #1 power – economically, politically and culturally – and, Donald Trump notwithstanding, are an essential player in the world.
As #1, however, they have a large target on their backs. Lots of actors from individuals to states like to take potshots at them and as a result Americans are on guard a lot. Trust me, if you have been anywhere near a US embassy anywhere, you know what I mean. They are more like fortresses than diplomatic representations!
Attacks on US embassies happen from time to time.
On this day in 2002
A car bomb exploded outside the one in Lima, Peru late in the night, killing at least eight people and injuring 30 more. The blast came three days ahead of a visit by US president George Bush. At least four bodies could be seen in the rubble, including a boy wearing roller skates.
I will not permit democracy to be undermined by terrorist attacks. We will not give one centimetre. I am going to apply a hard-line policy within the framework of the law.
Peruvian President Toldeo
No group claimed responsibility for the attack, including the well-known Peruvian terrorist groups Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path) and the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement, although Peruvian police suspected the former. The bottom line is that sometimes it never becomes clear who is behind such action.
Unfortunately, the US invites such attention – and innocent people die.
Read More Today in Terrorism
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On May 31, 1906 a Spanish anarchist threw a bomb hoping to hit King Alfonso XIII, killing 24 and wounding more than 100.
May 30, 2009: Anti-government group bombs TV station in Ecuador
On May 30, 2009 two pamphlet-bombs exploded outside an Ecuadorian TV station and ministry: no victims or significant damage ensued.
May 29, 2016: ISIS uses chlorine gas in terrorist attack
On May 29, 2016 35 civilians were wounded in an ISIS attack using rockets containing chlorine gas in Iraq’s Nineveh Province.
