Germany: Police arrest suspected letter bomber Feb. 19 following incidents in Baden-Wurttemburg and Bavaria

Event

German have arrested a suspect believed to have been behind a Feb. 16-17 series of letter bombs targeting three food retailers in the states of Bavaria and Baden-Wurttemburg. At least three people were wounded when one of the devices exploded at the headquarters of a major supermarket chain in Neckarsulm Feb. 17. The suspect, a 66-year old retiree, was detained in Ulm Feb. 19.

The motivation behind the incidents is unclear, authorities believe the individual acted alone, that further similar incidents are unlikely, and there is no ongoing elevated risk to retailers.

Context

There is a low threat from terrorism in Germany and related activity, as well short-duration security scares arising from heightened public sensitivity, have the potential to prompt significant disruptions at short notice.

Advice

Maintain flexibility in travel schedules to account for short-notice disruptions arising from security alerts. Ensure mailrooms have effective security screening procedures in place.