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.   News for Thur. 02 May & Fri. 03 May 2002


FBI Calls Midwest Mailbox Bombings Domestic Terrorism


VOA News
4 May 2002 00:40 UTC
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The FBI and U.S. postal inspectors are investigating a series of pipe bombs placed inside rural mailboxes in two midwestern states. The FBI calls the bombings a case of domestic terrorism. 

The blasts wounded five people in Illinois and Iowa Friday, including three mail carriers. None of the injuries are said to be life-threatening. Authorities say at least five bombs exploded and three others were found and defused. 

They say the pipe bombs were connected to nine-volt batteries and stuffed into clear plastic bags. 

They also say letters complaining about what the writer calls government control of citizens' lives were placed inside the mailboxes alongside the bombs. The letters warn that more "attention getters" are on the way. The officials say the bombs were not mailed, but put inside the boxes. 

Officials say the bombs are intended to explode when they are moved -- and they urge anyone finding a suspicious device to leave it alone and call police immediately. 

Some information for this report provided by Reuters and AP.

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