http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2006/09/no_fbi_investig.htmlNo FBI Investigation Into U.S. Embassy Attack in Syria
September 15, 2006 6:47 PM
Kirit Radia Reports:
After the smoke cleared from Tuesday's terrorist attack on the U.S. Embassy in Damascus, Syria, the charred shell of one exploded vehicle used by the attackers lay near the Embassy entrance alongside the bodies of three attackers killed by Syrian forces responding to the assault, U.S. officials told ABC News. At another entrance to the embassy, the site of the second attack, another attacker had been shot in the leg by Syrian forces and taken into custody alive.
But within 90 minutes of the attack, U.S. officials report that Syrian authorities had cleared the crime scene of debris, including the destroyed vehicle and any forensic evidence which could have been used in an investigation. The Syrians also removed the bodies of the three attackers killed by security forces during the attack. All of this before any proper investigation could be conducted by the FBI into the details of the attack.
The FBI, which usually sends a team of investigators to the crime scene whenever US facilities are attacked, appears not have not done so this time. According to FBI Special Agent Richard Kolko: "The FBI had sent an assistant legal attaché to Damascus to advise the U.S. Embassy. This Agent has departed Syria. No other personnel were sent or requested." Kolko deferred to the State Department for additional information.
"The Syrians are leading the investigation and the RSO (Regional Security Officer) is coordinating with the Syrians," said a State Department official on Friday, declining to elaborate on the level of cooperation between Syrian and US officials or if the investigation has yielded any new information.........
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
