Series of EmergencyNet News Reports Concerning A Rocket Attack on the Headquarters of British MI6 Intelligence Service -- 20 to 22 Sep 2000

INSTANT UPDATE: 14:00CDT - 22 Sep 2000

Soviet RPG-26, believed similar to the weapon used in London

According to CNN, London's Scotland Yard has today identified the weapon used in the recent attack on the MI6 HQ as a Russian "RPG-22 anti-tank weapon." The disposable weapon is similar to a U.S./NATO. M-72 Light Anti-Tank Weapon or LAW rocket.  Previous reports from London had indicated that the weapon used was an RPG-7 or other similar model.  If it is verified that the weapon used was a RPG-22, counter-terrorist experts say that this may be the first demonstration of even more dangerous weapons and tactics being used by terrorists.  

EmergencyNet News continues to monitor events in London and will provide additional updates as circumstances warrant...

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INSTANT UPDATE - 09:30CDT - 21 Sep 00

Investigation Continues In Attack on MI6

London, England (EmergencyNet News) -- Deputy Assistant Commissioner Alan Fry, head of Scotland Yard's anti-terrorist branch, told reporters this morning that the device used to launch the attack on the exterior of the British MI6 intelligence center last night was "possibly a rocket launcher." One ordinance expert told EmergencyNet News that the weapon used may have been "a rocket propelled grenade."

"There was no warning, nor have there been any claims of responsibility. Clearly the sort of weapon we believe was used in this attack is known to be in the hands of certain groups. They will be uppermost in our minds," Fry added. A complete examination of the scene of last night's attack was being made today by anti-terrorist investigators, causing major disruptions for London commuters.

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22:00CDT - 20 Sep 2000

Explosive Projectile Fired At British Intelligence HQ

Photo: Courtesy of the BBCLondon, England (EmergencyNet News) -- According to British police sources, some sort of explosive projectile was fired at the building that houses the British MI6 intelligence service, late on Wednesday. Police are calling the incident a "terrorist attack." 

Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Alan Fry, in charge of the Anti-Terrorist Branch, said that at about 22:00 BST, "an object was fired at Vauxhall Cross, which is the headquarters of the Secret Intelligence Service.''  Damage was done to the building, witnesses said, but no injuries were reported. 

No one has claimed responsibility for the incident, although speculation immediately began to focus on the possibility that dissident elements of the conflict in N. Ireland might be involved. Fry told the Associated Press that it was too early to say if Irish republican groups might be involved. "Clearly we have to keep in mind the capabilities of dissident Irish groups, but at this stage we will not be ruling out any group who might see the secret intelligence service as a target,'' Fry added. 

A major investigation has ensued at the time of this report. Anyone with any information about the attack is asked to contact the Anti-Terrorism Branch in London at 0800 789321.


© Copyright, EmergencyNet News Service, 2000. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced without permission of ERRI/EmergencyNet News.

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