Letter bomb

Mailbomb

Robert Harley, 1st Earl of Oxford by Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt (2)

Tussauds story The Times Sat July 20 1889

Unabomber bomb

Michael Lapsley, March 2017

Suspicious-package-exterior-oct-2018

Letter bomb refers to a type of explosive device that is sent via postal services with the intention of causing injury or death to the recipient upon opening. This form of attack is considered a part of asymmetrical warfare and terrorism, as it targets individuals in a manner that avoids direct confrontation. Letter bombs have been used for political, personal, or ideological reasons, and their history dates back to the 18th century, though they became more widely recognized during the 20th century.

History

The use of mail to send explosive devices has a long history, with one of the earliest recorded instances occurring in the 18th century. However, the tactic became more prevalent in the 20th century, notably used by various political and ideological groups. The 1970s and 1980s saw a significant increase in the use of letter bombs, particularly by terrorist organizations seeking to intimidate, harm, or assassinate individuals for political reasons. One of the most infamous users of letter bombs was the Unabomber, Ted Kaczynski, who conducted a series of mail bombing campaigns over nearly two decades, targeting individuals involved with modern technology and industrialization.

Design and Detection

Letter bombs can vary significantly in design, ranging from simple homemade devices to sophisticated mechanisms intended to escape detection. Common components include a small amount of explosive material, a detonator, and a trigger mechanism that activates when the letter or package is opened. Advances in security and screening technologies, especially in postal and courier services, have led to the development of detection methods such as X-ray screening and explosive trace detection to identify and intercept these devices before they reach their intended targets.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The sending of letter bombs is a criminal act under the laws of most countries, classified under various offenses including attempted murder, terrorism, and the use of explosives. The ethical implications of targeting individuals with explosive devices through the mail are significant, raising questions about the morality of such acts, even in the context of political or ideological struggles. The use of letter bombs is widely condemned by the international community, and efforts to combat this threat involve cooperation between postal services, law enforcement agencies, and intelligence organizations worldwide.

Notable Incidents

Several high-profile incidents involving letter bombs have occurred over the years. These include the activities of the Unabomber in the United States, who killed three people and injured 23 others between 1978 and 1995. Other notable cases include the series of letter bombs sent to various embassies and institutions in the UK by an individual known as the "Mardi Gra Bomber" in the late 1990s, and the 2018 incidents where explosive devices were mailed to prominent political figures and critics of then-President Donald Trump.

Prevention and Response

Prevention of letter bomb incidents involves a combination of public awareness, vigilance, and advanced screening techniques. Postal workers and recipients are advised to be cautious of suspicious packages, especially those with excessive postage, no return address, or other unusual features. Training for postal workers and law enforcement personnel is also essential in recognizing and safely handling potential letter bombs. In the event of a suspected letter bomb, the recommended response is to avoid handling the item and immediately contact the authorities.