Thai police still hunting terror suspect

16 Jan 2012

Police in Thailand are still looking for a suspected terrorist bomber who it is believed will be targeting places frequented by tourists. On Friday, police issued a description of the Lebanese national who they suspect will plant bombs in tourist districts such as Khao San Road.

Composite sketches show the man with a Middle Eastern appearance as being light complexioned with short hair and facial stubble. Police say the man is approximately 1.8m tall and have urged tourists and local residents to call the police emergency number on 191 if they spot him.

Acting on inside information the Royal Thai Police officers arrested the hunted man’s alleged accomplice on Thursday at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. The arrested man has been named as Lebanese born Swedish citizen Attiris Hussein.

Police say Hussein told them that the two had planned a terrorist attack, but called it off when they believed police had found out about it. Hussein is also said to have admitted to belonging to the Hezbollah Muslim group, but has insisted he is not part of its militant wing. Police say they cannot charge the arrested man with any crime as there is no clear proof he has committed one.

The arrest caused various foreign embassies including the US’s and Israel’s to issue travel alerts to their nationals. The US embassy stated that the threat was credible and would be aimed at a Bangkok location.

Thai police spokesperson Piya Ayutho said investigations had indicated that any terror attack would be a bomb. He added that people should be vigilant in foreign visitor hubs and report any cars parked for long periods of time.

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