Global General

Namibia finds suspect bomb ahead of German flight

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-11-18 22:45

BERLIN - Baggage containing a suspected detonating device was removed from a Munich-bound plane at Windhoek airport in Namibia by local police Wednesday, German federal crime agency BKA said Thursday.

Planes of German airline Air Berlin stand at Munich's airport apron Nov 18, 2010. Namibian police found a suspect package in Windhoek airport during the loading of a German tourist flight to Munich, German police and Air Berlin said on Thursday. [Photo/Agencies]

The bag, which contained batteries with a detonator and a running clock, was about to be loaded on a charter flight with 296 passengers from Windhoek to Munich, operated by LTU/Air Berlin, the BKA said.

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All passengers and luggage on the flight were given an additional check after the discovery of the bag before it was cleared to proceed and landed safely that night in Munich, the agency said.

Police are investigating whether the luggage contained explosive material.

On Wednesday, the German government raised the security level, especially at airports and railway stations after receiving "concrete" evidence of possible terror attacks planned for the end of November.

Last month, two parcel bombs, disguised as ink printers, were intercepted by British and Dubai police on their way to US targets by air after originating in Yemen. One of the bombs went through the German western city of Cologne.

"Since the middle of 2010, authorities have noticed that terrorist organizations like Al-Qaeda are planning attacks in the United States and Europe, including Germany," German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere told reporters earlier.