Quito Israeli Embassy bombing
On 26 November 1982, the Israeli embassy in Quito, Ecuador was bombed by unknown perpetrators, killing three people.
| Quito Israeli Embassy bombing | |
|---|---|
| Part of the South Lebanon conflict (1985–2000) | |
| Location | Israeli embassy in Quito, Ecuador |
| Date | 26 November 1982 |
| Weapon | time bomb |
| Deaths | 3 |
| Injured | 1 |
Attack
A youth with a suitcase was sighted entering the embassy by eyewitnesses early in the morning. Witnesses said that he began taking out sticks of dynamite and lighting them by the time he had reached the third floor, right below the embassy. Somebody rang the building's alarm device, alerting the Israelis into fleeing outside. The youth dropped his bomb and ran away.[1]
Police officers Manuel Jimenez and Vincente Jimenez were sent into the building for bomb disposal. The officers removed the bomb from its location and were 4.6 metres (15 ft) from the entrance when the device exploded.[1] Vincente Jimenez, who was carrying the bag in his hands, was killed almost immediately. Manuel was approaching his partner when the blast happened, seriously injuring him.[2] A nearby woman was tossed against the wall, but suffered minor injuries.[3] The explosion caused a woman in a neighbouring apartment to fall out her window from the second-floor, killing her.[2][4]
Manuel Jiminez was taken to his hospital for his injuries, where he had both his legs amputated. He died of his injuries soon after.[1]
Aftermath
The only group to claim responsibility was the left-wing ¡Alfaro Vive, Carajo!,[5] but authorities discounted their claim due to the bomb's structure, instead concluding that it was likely the act of a Middle Eastern group. It is generally agreed it was done in relation to the 1985–2000 South Lebanon conflict.[6]
The embassy was attacked again a few months later, but without any casualties or the level of damage the previous bombing had caused.[6]
References
- "Special to the JTA Israel Embassy in Quito Hit by Terrorist Bomb". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. 29 November 1982. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
- "Others Hurt in Quito Explosion". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
- "No leads in bombing at Israeli embassy building". UPI. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
- Relations, United States Congress Senate Committee on Foreign (1986). United States and United Kingdom Supplementary Extradition Treaty: Hearings Before the Committee on Foreign Relations, United States Senate, Ninety-ninth Congress, First Session, on Treaty Doc. 99-8, Supplementary Extradition Treaty Between the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, with Annex, August 1, September 18, and October 22, 1985. U.S. Government Printing Office.
- "Terrorist Group Profiles". Homeland Security Digital Library. United States. Office of the Vice President. 1 November 1988.
- Mark S. Steinitz. (July 2003). Middle East Terrorist Activity in Latin America csis