Feds coming to hunt down TT bomber

The Feds are already in possession of preliminary forensic test results on three of the four bombings, and are awaiting the result from the last bombing at St James.

Clothing seized from Muslimeen Leader Yasin Abu Bakr and five teenagers detained after the St James bombing has been sent to the FBI lab for testing, as well as shrapnel collected from the scene.

The forensic report has already revealed that the same type of material was used in the first three bombings. All of the bombs were described as low-density homemade bombs. The Feds will join forces with officers of the Special Anti-crime Unit (SAUTT) on their arrival in the country. The officers will also provide expert advice on how to stem the tide of kidnappings in the country. The four highly trained officers will also team up with some FBI officers who are already in Trinidad, where they have set up an attache office.

The presence of the Feds is expected to assist with training, advice and the necessary tactics required to nab the person responsible for the bombings, and foil the activities of those involved in organised crime.

Yesterday, Federal Bureau of Investigations director Robert Mueller met with Prime Minister Patrick Manning and National Security Minister Martin Joseph at Whitehall.

At the end of the meeting, Mueller, who held a brief press conference, made it clear that a successful fight against crime in this country can only be achieved if the people provide the necessary information which could lead to arrests and convictions.

Mueller, who arrived in the country yesterday, said his discussions with the Prime Minister revolved around the four bombings and increasing kidnappings in the country.

According to Mueller, it is important to identify the people responsible for crime, so that they can be arrested and indicted. He also revealed that the FBI had already established an attache office in Trinidad since August. Mueller said he did not wish to divulge information on the status of the investigation into the bombings. He also refused to reveal if the bomber had already been profiled by the FBI but added that the FBI has no reason to believe that terrorist cells exist in this country.

Four bombings have taken place in Trinidad this year — on July 11, August 10, September 10 and October 14. The short-term assistance by the Feds will focus on identifying the bomber, and the use of strategies to prevent future explosions. The FBI will also be conducting an evaluation of the practices used by the Police Service to deal with bombings and terrorist acts, in addition to FBI technical advice and training.