TATP has been used in multiple terrorist attacks in the 21st Century
An explosion in a flat in the Groningen district of Beijum on May 1 was caused by the explosive substance TATP, reports the Dutch Public Prosecution Service (Openbaare Ministerie).
Interior walls were destroyed in the explosion and the front and rear facades were blown out of the house. Four houses in the flat on the Wibenaheerd were declared uninhabitable following the explosion, reports the GIC.
According to the Public Prosecution Service, more explosive substances were found in the home, such as 900 grams of ammonium nitrate (used in the Oklahoma City Bombing of 1995). The agents also found chemicals that can be used to make TATP, and also mouth masks and gloves.
A total of four suspects are involved in the case. These include the 27-year-old resident of the exploded apartment, a 20-year-old woman who was present in the house and their joint acquaintance, a 27-year-old man from Groningen.
The woman was released on May 20, but she is still a suspect in the case. In addition, a 53-year-old man from Veendam is being investigated: he is reportedly a supplier of hydrogen peroxide, a raw material for TATP. The female suspect and the 27-year-old acquaintance deny anything to do with the case. The occupant of the house has invoked his right to remain silent.
The resident and the female suspect are suspected by the Public Prosecution Service of triggering the explosion and the preparatory acts for it, preparatory acts for bomb-making and possession of explosives. The third suspect is suspected of preparatory acts for bombs.
TATP also been regularly used in terrorist attacks across Europe; up until fairly recently it was undetectable by explosives detectors due to it not containing any nitrogen. There are no indications of a terrorist motivation, and the substances do have other used: hydrogen peroxide as hair bleach, acetone as nail polish remover, and acetone peroxide (which is TATP) in the creation of polymers. Ammonium nitrate is a high-nitrogen fertiliser used in the agricultural industry.
The first pro forma hearing in the case will take place on July 30.
Image (which has no relation to the explosions on the Wijnabeheerd or the suspects in the case) via Flcikr user JPC24. License here.